Dispensing with any pretext of glamour: Yes, our sometimes glory-slick lives are often bogged down with menial concerns, and sometimes, if you really want to know, caked in shit. Nowhere is this more literally true than backstage.
āBackstageā is a word almost synonymous with exclusivity. Itās where the Artists go, and you canāt. And while thatās literally true, the reality is that you shouldnāt want to go there. Rodeo spectators arenāt allowed to hang out with the bull in his pen, either.
Weāll get into the physical space of the backstage in a future post (and the liquid layer/medicine cabinet). Right now letās talk about food:
Here are those gastropubs we mentioned, importantly located near major UK arteries of traffic. Please, in the name of whatever god or de-personified ideal you worship: if you have spots to add to this register, drop them in the comments.
The Prae Wood Arms, St. Albans: Beautiful back yard with play ground, child and dog-friendly, great steak sandwich, fish & chips, vegetarian options, and a solid gin menu. Be sure to visit the oversize restrooms, which must have originally served as ā¦
Sutton Hall, Macclesfield: Former manor and convent. Distinguished fish & chips and Sunday roast. Quirky layout. Beautiful floral arrangement. Near an area of natural beauty (western door of the Peak District).
The Boars, Wymondham: Sunny yard, some bees; food better than it needs to be. Coffee takes a while, so maybe call ahead with your drink order.
The King William IV, Dorking: Lovely stone path leads to an ivy-covered pub with valley views. Decent pies.
The Rose & Crown, Nympsfield: Fire place, scotch egg and baked camembert, delightful surroundings.
Well-fed (for tonight),
Double-Keith and C-Pain
If all these comments arenāt about how thick that cucumber has been sliced then the world aināt right no more.
The Seven Stars, Stroud (near Petersfield): nestled deep in Hampshire countryside and part of the Hall & Woodhouse family of gastropubs. A firm favourite for many years. Absolutely delicious food and ale and the views around of the countryside are fantastic.