My favourite pub' when I was a student was The William Cobbett, in Farnham Surrey (above).
It was a popular evening haunt of art students; lunch times being spent in pubs within closer staggering distance, back to the college.
I have several memories of The Cobbett, some good, others rather shameful.
My friend S and I used to play a very naughty game over a few pints. We would discuss the merits of famous and obscure painters; occasionally throwing into the discussion an entirely fictional character just to see who would agree with our observations about him/her. It was surprising how often the bait was taken..... we never revealed the truth. Naughty boys.
One of my better memories was attending 'An Audience With' comedienne Fenella Fielding in an upstairs room. Lady Magnon was heavily pregnant at the time, and after laughing her way through the whole evening, went into hospital where our first son was subsequently born a couple of hours later. Thank you Ms Fielding; your assistance was appreciated.
I also remember that my favourite drink at the time was a mix of draught Guinness and Cider; something I would have difficulty drinking today.
A nice old pub.
p.s. In honour of the great man I bought (and read) Cobbett's 'Rural Rides'.... I wasn't terribly impressed.
Yes, draught Guinness and cider, called black velvet locally, a lethal mix.
ReplyDeleteThank you; I'd forgotten the name. A horrible drink, but I like both separately.
DeleteI remember it from my days as a barmaid. It took great skill to pour that drink.
DeleteAnd even more skill to drink it.
DeleteFenella Fielding. I wish I had seen her perform...
ReplyDeleteShe was hilarious; but it was rather sad to see her performing in a small room above a pub'.
DeleteOur student drinking hole was The Stag and Hound's which looked very similar to The William Cobbett ! My tipple of choice was vodka and lime or vodka and black ...... something that I haven't drunk since I was 19 ..... just as bad as a black velvet !! Am out to the pub { The King's Head } for Sunday lunch ...... a nice glass of red will accompany roast beef today ! XXXX
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your lunch; I can't remember the last time I had Roast Beef.
DeleteI don't eat beef very often ..... only when I go out for Sunday lunch .... I might have lamb !!
Delete..... I always loved Fenella Fielding. XXXX
Had to check on Google, I've been in error thinking that Black Velvet was Guinness & Champagne. With cider could be called poor man's B. V. or Snakebite. All in all I'd prefer them separate, but then I'm not a student or young anymore.
ReplyDeleteI can assure you that it's a disgusting drink. Much better separately; as you suggest.
DeleteA snake bite was a vile mix of cider and lager.
DeleteYes I liked that pub, but eventually settled in at the Coach and Horses for some reason, where I gained the reputation for downing bottles of Russian Stout without (outwardly) showing signs of staggering.
ReplyDeleteThere was a student who worked at the Coach and Horses who used to make me the most wonderful Beef Sandwiches. They were about an inch thick with Beef. I think she fancied me!!!
DeleteWhat was it that triggered this jaunt down memory lane?
ReplyDeleteFor unknown reasons, I feel as though you could be intimidating to women, especially in your younger days.
I don't know why I suddenly thought of it, other than the person 'S' (who I mentioned) is staying with us at the moment.
DeleteIsn't Guinness and cider called a Black Velvet?
ReplyDeleteA 'poor man's' Black velvet I think, as Potty states above.
DeleteAh I've got a post planned aboutyvfavourite student pub too. Great minds...xxx
ReplyDeleteI shall look forward to it.
DeleteSounds like as good a way as any to start in labour.
ReplyDeleteLaughter is good for a lot of things.
DeleteOh how I loved Fenella Fielding!
ReplyDeleteI do wish we had pubs like that in Canada. Guinness and cider sounds interesting!!
ReplyDelete