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Self and wife paid our first, much anticipated, visit to the Brewery Tap early this evening. Up the steps we went and, attempting to gain access, found it necessary to give way to a couple of middle aged gents attempting to leave at the same time. It rapidly became apparent that this jolly duo had obviously made a day of it and were very much the worse for wear, to the degree that they were experiencing considerable difficulty leaving, insisting as they did upon both attempting to negotiate the narrow doorway at the same time. Having eventually managed it, one of them proceeded forwards and damn near went over the low parapet - quite a long drop to the street below (perhaps the management need to think about this!)
Comedy cabaret over, in we went and - wow! What a place. I'd seen the wonderful interior previously of course, under different circumstances, but Spitting Feathers have really excelled themselves, allowing this magnificent 17th century space to show itself at its simplest and best. It struck me as little short of miraculous that the enormously high space of this former Jacobean great hall had managed to survive the centuries so well. We were immediately impressed too by the calm of the place - no musak, no sports TV - thanks be - just the buzz of good conversation. The lighting seems quite dim at first but one soon finds it just right.
So - to the beer! Blackboards high on the wall told us the splendid range of ales available, their strengths and prices. Decisions, decisions. Philippa, the driver, didn't want anything too strong so, taking the helpful barmaid's advice, had a half of 'Thirst Quencher'. I went for the 'Old Wavertonian' stout. We sampled each other's and declared them excellent. The high point, however, came when I moved on to the Spitting Feathers' 'Basket Case' which I can honestly say is one of the most delicious drops I have ever experienced. Utterly yummy.
Thus we passed the time harmoniously, people watching - a fascinating cross section of humanity (I liked watching the 'oos' new arrivals inevitably made when they first entered the building) and checking out the impressive menu. We didn't eat on this occasion but eyeballed a number of passing meals which appeared excellently presented.
I also enjoyed looking at the interesting selection of historic pictures hanging in the smaller second room, which illustrate Gamul House through the ages and also Old Coach Row, that once stood opposite where the deeply ugly, inappropriately-sited and now empty and boarded-up car showroom is now. (Knock this eyesore down now - please!!)
The toilets were immaculate, incidentally.
All too soon our brief first visit was over - the chauffeur getting restless by now - but we already felt that we'd found our new 'home from home' in the city centre.
Well done on this one, Spitting Feathers. In these days of pub closures and woe, it's great to see a new one opening, especially when it's a cracker!
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