Update #35 - Is Summer Finally Here?! ☀
Hello from a warm and sunny Highams Park (I've been waiting MANY months to say that)!
It's been a while since the last update as we've been busy being a micropub again! There's not been too much of interest to report since the last update, although I'm sure I can come up with some thoughts to share -
The Re-Opening So Far
Since the last update we've settled into the new guidance and been having patrons back inside the pub. I reckon we've done a really good job organising the space allowing for as many people whilst providing a good distance between tables. The weather over May was not what anyone expected, so being able to have patrons indoors to avoid the elements has been very helpful.
It's been great to start seeing familiar (and when appropriate face mask wearing) faces again, plus we've had lots of new people pop by who have moved to the area during lockdown and have been patiently waiting for us to open.
What's On (Drinks Line-Up)
As always, we've got some great cask ale on at the moment, and some really exciting ones lined up for the coming weeks.
We're kicking off the week with a double whammy of Thornbridge in the form of Lord Marples Bitter and Jaipur IPA on cask. Complimented my the ever sessionable London Tap from New River Brewery. For those hop-heads we've got Citra T-90 from Oakham next on too.
On draught, we've got Newbarns Oat Lager, and in the next day or two this'll be joined by a rather delicious Duration beer...
We've also got ciders, seltzers, canned and bottled beer and all sorts in the fridge!
I have to admit there's always something satisfying about overhearing the excitement in someone's voice when they spot one of their favourite beers on the menu. Which leads me to the "Dark Ale Dilemma"... I'd always planned in having a dark beer on cask throughout the year, be it a stout, porter etc. I, like many of you, am more than happy to drink a porter in the heart of Summer! However, especially in warmer times, there's a noticable slowing down of dark beers being drunk, and given the lifespan of cask, we do end up pouring a lot of it away, which is heart-breaking. To make up for this though we have plenty of gorgeous dark beers in can and bottle available from the fridge. Hopefully when we get to fully re-open to full capacity we can afford to get that dark ale on cask!
Future Plans
One thing we're yet to experience in our short time of being open is an actual normal day of trade. Later this month we'll find out if and when we might see further relaxations. Not only does this make things easier for us in general operations, but it also will let us have more events at the bar, Meet the Brewer evenings, guest interviews, tap takeovers etc. That's when the fun will really start!
Finally, a hugely deserved congratulations to Matt and team at Vino-Tap / Vinoramica for their opening of Vino-Tap! It's exciting to see new places open up and add to the growing community at HP. I managed to finally pop by on Sunday for a glass of French white and shared a cheese board which was thoroughly enjoyable.
Until next time!
Cheers,
Rob & The Stag & Lantern Team
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4-10pm
Thursday: 4-10pm
Friday: 2-10pm
Saturday: 12-10pm
Sunday: 12-6pm