We were swapping pub stories over Christmas lunch and Chris suggested we visit “The Flower Pot” in a village called Aston! (Suzy’s family name). According to Google Earth; “Aston is a hamlet near the Berkshire bank of the River Thames . There is a charming old fashioned pub called 'The Flower Pot Hotel' in Ferry Lane which has a slightly unnerving collection of stuffed & mounted prize freshwater fish caught locally in the River (sic)” With a recommendation and a write up like that, we decided to drive over and have a drink or three and spot of lunch.
However, we arrived at the same time as a load of Ramblers ( ie elderly people dressed in anoraks & big boots often found hiking the walking paths or sitting in pubs and known for their militancy) who charged in and immediately lined up single file at the bar; the line stretching out the front door. With only one barman taking drinks & food orders; it was a thirsty time for me waiting in line to have our order taken. When in
Food was classic pub food at London New Forest . The standard lagers were available: Guinness, Stella, San Miguel, Fosters, Gold cider, Carling.
Plenty of stuffed animals and fish on the walls including a can of Tuna in a glass case; presumable not stuffed. We thought this was just there so some unsuspecting tourists like us would ask the publican why they had a can of tuna in a glass case on the wall; but we didn’t. We did manage to find a live specie of animal in the Pub but it didn’t look particularly happy; perhaps it could see its future, up on the wall. There was a proper fire place burning proper logs the size of tree trunks.
The “Flower Pot” has a large beer garden where on a sunny summer Saturday afternoon would be heaving with people. Fire up that GT6 Chris, when we get a sunny day and we’ll meet you there! The river is just down the road and the pub has a wharf that may just fit “Antiope”; although it would be a disappointed person that was balloted for the essential anchor watch.
