Today was warm and wet; for most of the time the leaden, overcast, weather didn’t even have the decency to be dramatic. Leaving Becky and Ian at Downton, Jackie drove us to The Ship Inn at Upavon where we met sister-in-law Frances, niece Fiona, her husband Paul, and great nephew, James, for lunch.
Upavon is fifty miles into Wiltshire, and is so named because it is further up the River Avon than Netheravon, through which we drove on the way.
As we settled into the pub, the wind did gust enough to threaten to tear the alfresco Christmas tree from its moorings.
That may be why the superb model sailing ship inside the dining room appeared to be ‘tempest-toss’. On the other hand it could be that I had to tilt the camera to get the whole vessel in the frame, without it being obscured by the table and chairs.
One of the attractions of our old hostelries is the open log fire. This one is not original to the building, but either a reclaimed Victorian example, or a comparatively modern original. The same may be said of the horse brasses hanging on either side. We suspect that the carpet is classic pub seventies fare. This particular grate would originally have been intended for coal.
The logs are piled up in a niche in the wall.
James is in the foreground of these two photographs featuring his parents and grandmother. In eating his food, he follows a time-honoured tradition of leaving the best till last. Chips first; then fish fingers; followed by peas. A somewhat surprising order for a little chap.
He was given a real digital camera for Christmas, and is enjoying following in his father’s footsteps. Paul is an excellent photographer.
My meal consisted of a succulent rib-eye steak cooked to perfection, excellent chips, and a superb salad; followed by gingerbread pudding and custard laced with brandy. My drink was Wadworth’s 6X. The service was very good, and very friendly without being intrusive.
The rain was heavy on our way home, and, later this evening, fried egg on toast was just the job.
You, like Paul, are an excellent photographer.
Many thanks, Ann
Oh, how I love that ship. Such a charming place. And…I’m on board with James’ food sequence. ☺
Thank you, Van
Such a cozy spot, and with all of the firewood, they’ll certainly keep everyone warm. The fish and chips look yummy!
Thank you, Jill
I like the jigsaw puzzle pattern that the logs made. It must be meditative to pile them on, one by one. 🙂
Yes. Thank you, Mary.
I have always found peas the most abominable of vegetables. Chips first? Surprising indeedy!
about peas….I second that emotion
Best kept off the agenda then?
It is certainly a surprising order, Susanne. Thanks
Peas are number two favourites – after parsnips.
Brussels and Cauliflower for me
I will eat anything except tripe and junket (not even together!)
I ADORE parsnips especially roasted with oil, balsamic vinegar and time – divine!
When I was young, us kids were allowed to have one food that we didn’t have to eat. Mine, of course, was peas. 🙂 On the photo of the ship, would a wide-angle lens make a difference?
Possibly a wide-angle would have done the trick, but I’ve never used one, Johnna. Thanks.
Now you’ve had me, O Modred, investigating The Grand Old Duke of York… Was he nether or neither up nor down?
That gave me a good laugh when I came downstairs and got the site up this morning, Bruce. Thank you.
But the cricket, Derrick, what about the cricket?
Thank you, Geoff. It was certainly a quick Finnish
Yep that was Hurricane Frank. It is going to make us very wet over the New Year http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35197629 I went to The Ship Inn once. I spent lots of weekends visiting Netheravon too.
Life is full of overlaps, Sol. Thank you.
Great post all – shipshape and Bristol Fashion.
Eating peas last is one of 100 things that pirates do according to the book. 😀
Thank you for that, Joseph
Sounds like an outstanding day, Derrick. Enjoy!!
Thank you, GP
Your meal sounds scrumptious and company as always nice. I have a James Matthew who we call Jamie and friends call, Moose. I liked the,details in the fireplace, Derrick. 🙂 ♡ Happy New Year’s Eve and the following new beginnings to you and yours!
Many thanks, Robin
I have to say, as a non-daily reader, having read your blogs in the order of ‘latest first’, that I assumed the skewiff picture of the ship was due to your being past caring what anyone else drank!
🙂 Great comment, Paul
The open log fire is so attractive. One wants to sit by it.
Thank you, Micheline. So true