Weekly Update #4 - Reviews from the Past and the Future
In 1946 for the Evening Standard, George Orwell wrote an article about his favourite pub “The Moon Under Water” in London.
I somehow discovered and read this essay around 2012 and many elements stuck with me and planted a seed in my head that went on to inspire me to open a micropub. Incredibly, despite being over 70 years old, many of the notable qualities of this pub are still the same things many people look for today (although somehow remain as elusive as ever):
No drunks and rowdies (even on a Saturday night)
The atmosphere of the pub comes first
The quality of the beer comes a close second
Always quiet enough to talk
Bar staff know their regulars by first name
Of course there are a few dated parts; the decor, selling tobacco behind the bar, the ever-so-slight hint towards mysogony that was understandably just standard fair back then, but if this place existed today I’d absolutely want to visit it (and sample a soft, creamy stout in a pewter mug).
Unfortunately though, as revealed at the end of the article, The Moon Under Water never existed, it was simply Orwell’s simulacrum of a perfect pub.
Back in early 2018, when the idea of opening a Micropub in Highams Park began to properly form, I decided to do a thought exercise and write a review of my dream micropub from the point of view of a complete stranger. I did this to help focus the experience I wanted people to have and solidify what I wanted myself.
I even did two parts to the review - the first part was a patron’s first experience, the second part was written as a “One Year Later” update. Reading through it again this morning for the first time in over a year, many of the elements still ring true and still gives a great representation of what I want The Stag & Lantern to be.
So I’ve decided to share it on here:
YEAR 1
A couple of friends had told me about The Stag and Lantern; the new micropub that had recently opened up in Highams Park. They had visited last week on a Saturday afternoon for a quick pint and found themselves staying there for 3 more. The beer was in incredible condition and they found themselves a comfy corner where neither of them wanted to leave. As a fan of the micropubs I've visited before I had to give this one a shot, plus I'm all for supporting local businesses!
Luckily it's only a couple of minutes walk from the station, so I organised an evening during the week to visit with the girlfriend, as it's not too out of the way. As my girlfriend doesn't drink beer I had a bit of convincing to do to get her to come. Luckily she saw someone drinking wine on a picture on the Facebook page and agreed to come along.
We arrived just gone 7pm and whilst walking through the door were immediately greeted by someone's super friendly dog (I think the owner said it was a spaniel of some sort). The bar area was cozy and small - a bit larger than a living room. Nice subdued lighting that wasn't too bright and wasn't too dark. All the tables had candles, and a couple had flowers on too. There was quite a nice mix of age groups, some older people were in a group on one table and a mid-20s couple sat on the next table along.
After waiting for a minute whilst the gf fussed over the dog we went up to the bar. The large chalkboard listed 5 beers on cask and a few more ciders. Each had a description, abv. and price - all of which were relatively decent.
Behind the bar was a glass window showing all the beers in the cool room - a very nice touch that I always appreciate.
Being the indecisive sort I ordered wine for the missus whilst umming and arring. The barman asked if I had any ideas and offered a taster. After trying 3 of them I finally settled with the Porter.
Luckily there were a few tables free so we easily found a place to sit. The first thing that struck me was how easy it was to talk. No loud music, no TV and no shouting over others. I finished my pint before my better half had got halfway through her wine so decided to order another beer.
A little bit later I was on to my third beer and the girlfriend on her second wine. Out of nowhere the last order bell rings and we realise it's already nearly 10pm.
We left soon after and whilst walking to the station she says "We should go back there again soon". I reckon we will!
YEAR 2
I should put a disclaimer at the start of this review by saying that The Stag & Lantern has become my local over the last year since my first review - so it’s possible i’m biased. However, I feel that there's been some nice changes that require a bit of sharing!
Most of what I said in my previous email remains the same. It's a dog friendly, chilled out, welcoming micropub that has a great range of well kept beer.
It's become more busy than when I first started visiting but not overly so. If anything I feel a bit of pride seeing somewhere I frequent become successful.
First up, they now have draft beer on tap as well as cask. Whilst some might think that's a small thing and something all pubs should do, the little twist here is that all the draft beers are available to take away in a growler. It's a smart move and has me popping by often to get a growler filled up (whilst having a cheeky half).
Secondly, they've increased their food offering. With a selection of sausage rolls, pork pies and scotch eggs available from a hot food counter. All of which are locally sourced.
As the pub has become more established in the local community they've started putting on a few events with occasional acoustic music nights on weekends - which can get very busy. It's also become a hub for local community groups to meet, it's quite regularly used by cycling groups as a drinking hole.
Another thing that has started happening is tasting nights. With cheese and beer pairings and "meet the brewer" evenings.
Finally, I've been speaking with the owner quite a bit and he's been talking about their plans to start brewing their own beer too - which would be amazing. Fingers crossed it works out!
Hopefully this resonates with a lot of you! Because the above is what we’re aiming for.
Cheers,
Rob