This story begins a couple of years back in Hengler’s Circus (Sauchiehall St. Glasgow) where a Young Bearded Chap called Sandy took this branch of Wetherspoons by storm. Giving the Customers what they want, an adage best understood by Nigel at The Staggs (Musselburgh). Within the constraints of Wetherspoons Suppliers of Ale, Sandy managed to Source most of the Hawkshead (Staveley, Cumbria) range of Ales just as they were becoming irresistible, NZPA in particular. When we met the Hawkshead Brewery Chaps earlier this year, they remarked that most of the NZPA brewed goes to Glasgow, guess where?
Settled at Hengler’s Circus Sandy was moved on to The Counting House (George Square, Glasgow). Not a Fan of Wetherspoons, Hector was motivated to write an article in praise of how much both the Quality of Ale on offer here, and more surprisingly, the Service, had become. Five Oakham Ales on Simultaneously! Just as we were becoming comfortable in the Counting House, Sandy moved back to Hengler’s Circus, enough already.
Today, The Usual Suspects, Twelve Plus One, made the trip South to Carlisle. Three Taxis sped us the four Kilometres west to the Drovers Rest Inn (Monkhill, Burgh-by-Sands, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA5 6DB), Sandy’s latest venture. This would be Special, Sandy is no longer The Charge Hand, he is The Landlord. (Accompanied by his Lady Sarah and her Parents.)
Arriving shortly after Opening Time, we were not surprised to be the First Customers of the day. Time to look around.
As the name suggests, this venue goes back in time, a Traditional English Pub. With a Main Seated area and Alcove-like Side to choose from, we took the Side Area. As Yvonne noted, we arranged ourselves around the tables replicating our choice of seat at The Staggs. Here we sat, the conversation began, the Ale was supped.
A Games Room lies to the Rear with Darts and Pool. Another separate room is the dedicated Dining Room. Sandy, himself, is The Chef too. Food is generally available until 14.00 and then again from 17.00.
There are four Ale Taps, three are typically on. Sandy had secured a Cask of 5 Hops (Hawkshead, Staveley, Cumbria). At 5% this is bang on. Pale, Hoppy and with the Desired Citrus Bite, enough to travel down from Scotland to consume. And so we did.
The Food Order was brought to our tables, Cumberland Sausages, Lasagne, Fish and Chips, and Soup du Jour. Curry-Heute would be later.
Craig wanted to play Pool, to Yvonne’s surprise he won. Craig kept winning until Cool Hand Howard took to the Baize. Alan went for Walks, I believe. Pool and Darts amused those who did not stay in the Chosen seat.
Sandy & Co. have a very Fine Pub. That they are outwith Carlisle means passing trade may well be motorised. It cost us £3 a head each way, surely The Locals can arrange a way of getting out here and home too? This Pub sells Quality Ale in a Pleasant and Relaxed Atmosphere. In the Carlisle area this should not be taken for granted.
There was never any doubt that we would make The Trip. When Sandy (and Sarah) wishes us to return, he knows what Ales to put on. Mac may be glad to see us too, especially if Yvonne takes more Nürnberg Sausages…
By 18.00 we had to arrange Taxis to take us back to Carlisle Station. One hour by Virgin Train and we were back in The Metropolis. Now it was time for Curry-Heute – The Wee Curry Shop.
The Final Pint
Dr. Stan had not been with us today, there was a rendezvous at the 3 Judges (Dumbarton Rd., Glasgow). They had one outstanding Ale on offer – Hawkshead 5 Hops!
Pingback: #2 Visit to The Wee Curry Shop – Buccleuch St. | curry-heute.com