Having started with a pool of fifty country pubs – all within an approximate ten mile driving distance from the centre of Parwich – our four regional heats have whittled the number down to a final twelve. But which of these is Parwich’s favourite? We’re about to start finding out.
For our grand final, we’ve made a couple of changes to the voting system. Firstly, you will only be permitted to vote for ONE pub – so please choose carefully! Secondly, you won’t be able to view the results until we announce them on the blog – which will take place on Friday March 13th.
Finally, do please feel free to lobby for your favourite pub in the comments!
PARWICH.ORG 
For me, this came down to four pubs – each of which is my “favourite” at different points of the weekend, if I happen to fancy a short trip out of the village.
On Friday early evenings, it’s the Red Lion at Hognaston. A perfect pint of Pedigree, and delicious smells from the kitchen which often coax me to stay for their ginormous haddock and chips platters.
On Saturday nights, it’s The George at Alstonefield. Fine dining from an adventurous menu, in pleasant, smart-yet-relaxed surroundings.
On Sunday lunchtimes, it’s the Gate at Brassington. Just the right distance for a walk from Parwich, via the old church at Ballidon. A cosy place to warm up (in front of one of the old stoves), amidst traditional surroundings with great character.
On Sunday early evenings, it’s the Coach and Horses at Fenny Bentley. Comfortable, friendly and familiar; totally dependable; good food, swiftly and efficiently served; a place to relax and unwind, while pretending to yourself that it isn’t back to work the next day.
So… which one to vote for? That’s between me and the “ballot box”, but it was a VERY difficult decision…
Mike is right, it is a difficult decision. Have I got time to try them all out before voting closes!! Just a quick point – The Packhorse Inn at Crowdicote has changed hands, just before Christmas, so I don’t know if you have tried the food under the new managers. We had a starter there, it was very pleasant but the pub was very quiet.
Now that was a very difficult and interesting decision to make.
I was down to three, all of which I enjoy. The only way I could come to a final winner was to rate each one by (in no particular order), warmth of welcome, décor, ambience, quality of beer plus quality and consistency of the food. Obvious parameters, but quite a revealing process in itself.
I’m not going to say who I voted for though!
Very difficult choice. We are lucky that we have a number – and of course it should be remembered that both Parwich venues are not eligable for this vote.
I agree with Kevin on the parameters for the decision, and then will go for the ultimate scientific approach……………………………eeny meeny………
You need to point out that there is only one vote per household! I can’t vote because Nick already has – and I don’t agree with him (in the survey or when we go there!!)
Yes, the votes are indeed logged by household (or to be technical about it, they’re actually logged by IP address) – so if you do want to vote separately, I suggest doing it from work instead.
The Duke of York – Elton
Original village pub. No fancy frills and trappings and even has it’s own village idiot! (Try a Sunday Lunch visit)
I would have to agree with Cat B about the Duke of York at Elton. It is refreshing to go to a pub where you can just enjoy a quiet pint of cask ale without being pushed from pillar to post by people serving pub grub. The Barley Mow is also what i would regard as a ‘traditional’ pub but in my opinion is nudged into second by the friendly, warm atmosphere at The Duke of York.
It is unfortunate that pubs have had to diversify into serving food 24/7 to survive but it is important to strike a happy medium and maintain the original ‘pub’ atmosphere. In my opinion the Gate at Brassington has done this over the years but unfortunatly the current landlord could not run a bath, never mind a successful pub.
Voting update: with two days to go until the poll closes, a clear Top Three has begun to establish itself – and the pubs in question are examples of three very different styles. Our current leader is several points clear of the pack, with the second and third places dead level.
We’ll be announcing our Top Three, in reverse order, on Friday.
oops, I only got to ”only one vote per household” once I’d pressed the button! And really not sure if we will have voted the same…boys go for beer and all that…
POLLING CLOSES AT NOON TODAY (Friday).
This is your last chance to vote!