On the first morning of a predicted run of warm, sunny, weather, we took a drive into the forest.
This car that wound up in a ditch on Lymore Lane had probably been driven by someone pulling over to let someone pass on the other side without realising that the verge would drop.
Roadworks holding up Traffic on Christchurch Road enabled me to photograph buttercups, dandelions, their clocks, and cow parsley on the verges.
Cattle occupied the moorland at one end of Beaulieu Station Road; thereafter ponies roamed among the gorse until they suddenly took off in the direction of Lyndhurst.
We stopped at the dappled Balmer Lawn where I kept a diplomatic distance from the couple on the ground, and discretely focussed on
the now receded rippling Highland Water.
This afternoon I published
We had been regulars at The Wheel Inn, Pennington, when It had been a community pub; Covid lockdowns destroyed it. This evening we visited The New Wheel Inn under its new management.
We had been somewhat disconcerted when we couldn’t find a spot in the car park which was packed with vehicles. I entered the bar to investigate and found, when I was greeted most warmly that most of the cars belonged to people who had just popped in for a drink. Very soon their cars departed, leaving space for Jackie. We were given a choice of tables and I was engaged in conversation with a very friendly couple while Jackie scanned the menu and ordered her glass of San Miguel.
My chosen beverage was an excellent Merlot served at the right temperature.
As usual in such locations Jackie photographed the interior ambience including various menus and an Only Fools and Horses poster signed by Sir David Jason.
The Assistant Photographer thoroughly enjoyed her chicken Katsu curry, rice, and a poppadom, as did I
my well filled chicken and ham pie with chunky chips in a basket, seasonal vegetables, and tasty gravy.
It is clearly still a very friendly pub with first rate food, delightful service, and no piped music. We are pleased to have returned.
A great variety of evocative photos today. The restaurant seems to have a wide and eclectic menu. Those “chunky chips” seem to be just that. They’re probably what we call steak fries here.
Thanks very much, Merril
You two collected some beautiful photos today! I feel bad for the driver that landed off the road a bit, ouch. I read the menu, I would LOVE to try the different dishes the new Inn has. Gravy, I looove gravy! ????????❤️
Thank you very much from each of us, John.
You’re welcome, guys. ☺️☺️
Ouch to that poor car. and loved the horses Derrick and wow that is one delicious plate of food 🙂
Thank you very much, Sue X
No piped music makes any pub more attractive. Loved the water shots.
Agreed about the music. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Lovely photos, Jackie and Derrick!
But…Aw. (sad face) Poor little car in the ditch.
That’s a lot of recedin’ ripplin’ water! Such beautiful bovine and engaging equine! And so nice to see pups and people enjoying life!
What a fun place to dine and chat…wonderful atmosphere, decor, menu and food!
Ha! I love the Basket Menu “titles”!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you very much from each of us, Carolyn XX
I take it that perspective played some part in making your meal seem fit for a giant. 🙂
That disappearing verge must have been a surprise for the driver.
Thank you very much, Quercus
🙂
A beautiful day that ended well with a hearty meal at The New Wheel Inn 🙂
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
I’m glad the new Wheel Inn worked out well for you. The Sunday roast meal looks really good.
Thanks very much, Liz. It does.
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Looks like a lovely day. I hope whoever was in the car is okay. Yikes! The Mistress of Husaby looks intriguing. I’ll go have a look!
Thank you very much, JoAnna
The first picture of the post is stunning. A good looking meal.
Derrick, I’m glad your pub is reborn and remains a warm, welcoming, and tasty place to dine. It took me a moment to realize that what I thought was a person with a backpack was instead a couple. It’s spring, alright. 😉
I’m glad you are finally enjoying warmer weather, and now you can see everything in greater detail as well.
Thank you so much, Alys. I forgot to take my temporary cobbled reading specs, so I couldn’t see my food properly 🙂
Oh no! I hope the new specs arrive soon.
I have to wait until nearly the end of May to have the eyes tested again. Never mind – I’m managing
I’m glad you have a temporary solution. It seems like a long wait.
All looking very perky after so much rain!
Thanks a lot, Geoff
It’s always good to find somewhere that’s been rejuvenated
Thanks very much, Sheree
I love the menus and I’m sure I would enjoy eating at the Wheel. Thank you for this one, Derrick 🙂
Much appreciated, Sue
Great photos of your day out! I feel sorry for the guy whose car landed in the ditch!
Thanks very much, Aletta. I hope those in. the car were OK
I found the photos of your day out really beautiful!
I have to say I feel sorry for the person whose car ended up in the ditch!
Thank you very much, Luisa
It’s always a pleasure to read your posts and enjoy your beautiful photos
Enjoying the sun again!
Yes. Thank you very much, GP
Enjoyable post. The food looks good too. It is a courtesy to blur license plates if possible.
Thanks very much, Sherry. I must learn how to do that
We have a few too many narrow lanes that when they get overgrown, drivers just don’t see the ditches just off the tarmac.
Same here, Gary. Thanks very much
When I lived in the Fens driving into a dyke was considered a ‘right of passage’.
We often saw cars in them. Thanks very much, Andrew.
What a lovely day, ended with a delicious food 🙂
Thank you very much, Riba
Another great day out. Lovely photos and the food looks yummy.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
It looks like a beautiful spring day in your area, complete with ponies and rippling, shimmering streams, ending with a good meal out. A check in the plus column!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
It looks like a great place. The food looks good.
Thank you very much, Robbie