Saturday 31 October 2009

Scoff and cratch

We've found a little gem of a pub around these parts. We lived locally for seven years and have been on the boat for the last 18 months but last night was the first night that we have had a drink in the White Swan in Stoke Golding. I vaguely remember reading a blog from  others who found in before us and thought it was a scary local's pub. But the food is fantastic and the prices unbelievable. £3.50 for the biggest plate of faggots, peas and chips you can imagine. Not only that but all locally sourced and home cooked. Just our barra'. And right next to Duck Corner as well (you'll know where I mean when you arrive).

The other night we had an Indian meal at Simla Peppers in Market Bosworth and it was also fantastic although four times the price of the White Swan.

Today we were out and about and went to the local tent and caravan emporium. Jackson's of Arley is one of those shops that has expanded over the many years it has existed and sells all kinds of bits and bobs, nik-naks and widgets and wadgets related to camping. For the narrowboater it has many useful items including all the fasteners that hold a cratch cover in place all at a quarter of the price of a chandlery. We were looking for some cheap material to make a template cratch cover for our front deck. We bought the material from one of the small businesses associated with and co-located with Jackson's, Temple's Tent and Awning Repairs. Rob was very helpful and supplied us with what we were looking for and suggested the material for the finished item when we get around to making it even thought I broke one of his electrical connections.It looked brilliant and different from most other boats use. Just what we want.

Further to my last post, I've just spoken to Ian and Alison from the Gosty Hill coal boat and they has just fired up their newly installed Rayburn. They rave about it and sing it's praises with gusto. That is a relief. Another positive review.

6 comments:

Carl said...

A Rayburn in Gosty Hill? That must be a very toasty warm boat!

Pete said...

It's on their other boat, the one they live on. If it was on their working boat it certainly wolud be toasty and a little tight for space I should imagine.

Carl said...

Ah, that makes much more sense.

Andy Tidy said...

Ah - Jacksons of Old Arley (best said with a west country accent I think). Campers heaven. Absolutely fabulous place for the caravanney sort of stuff we need on our boats, but much cheaper than the chandlery, as you say.

Pete said...

Indeed it is Captain. If you can find it. We live here and get lost every time we go there.

Andy Tidy said...

And I thought it was just me! Elusive.