The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

Having not been to the Wenlock for about 6 years (used to visit about 4/5 times a year) and getting wind of the fact that it was in trouble I went there yesterday afternoon between 3.00 and 3.30
I couldn't believe my eyes when I walked in. There were two customers in the pub and they both left after about 5 mins. That just left the landlord? and the two ladies who are connected with the pub. Every time I used to visit--usually around the same time of day-- there would have been 15/20 people in there and a general hubbub going on.
I had just left the still lively Old Fountain and the difference was staggering. It must have been that way all lunchtime since the landlord made a gallows humour reference to getting off the stool and serving a paying customer. Whilst not filthy as some posters say the place came as a shock to my memory. The bottles and beer clips around the top of the bar were covered in thick dust which could be rectified with just a bit of soap and water. The whole place had the feel of somewhere just waiting for the end to come.
The most important part- the beer- was as good as ever. My pint of Windsor&Eton Guardsman was excellent and I can only assume the others were as good.
I only had the one though as it made me want to cry to be there.
Nostalgia aint what it used to be.

12 Nov 2010 18:59