- Tanked Up at the Duck in the Pond -
Yes, the May Day Bank Holiday each year sees the six pubs in the village of Long Itchington join forces for a collaborative celebration of beer, sunshine and general Englishness. Catching the bus from Leamington, we ride out via Radford Semele, Ufton and Southam to arrive in plenty of time for the day's festivities. Our dastardly hero Nick Turpin may be more used to highway carriages but is still happy to make the acquaintance of a modern tank before locking lips with a Dizzy Blonde. I was more of a Coiled Spring myself, enjoying seeing the falcons and owls displayed in the beer garden.
- Dancers Aplenty at the Buck & Bell -
Our first halves safely supped, we are intrigued by the jingling of bells, shouting and many murmurings of merriment emanating from the other side of the duckpond. The Buck & Bell has been besieged by Morris dancers congregating on the narrow steps beside the pub - this we had to witness. Floral hats and tankards aplenty ensured we were fully initiated into the spirit of Long Itchington.
- Buffalo Burger -
Next up we have the Harvester, savouring meaty mouthfuls of buffalo burger while swigging some Bristol Milk Stout, quickly followed by the Green Man where crowing cockerels by the campsite add to the celebratory air. We then cross fields and stiles down towards the canal, pitching up at the Two Boats for a taste of the Dark Side (from the local Long Itch brewery) before swapping banks to the Cuttle Inn opposite where a Marc Bolan-themed 20th Century brew tickles our tastebuds.
- A Talbot Tipple -
The Long Itchington sextet had served us well and the village had been delightful, blessed with brilliant sunshine. We were keen to make the most of the weather so a tour of Leamington was required, Nick Turpin thus hailing another Stagecoach by way of our return steed. The terraced backways between the canal and Radford Road include Rushmore Street, home to the Talbot with its eyecatching end wall mural. Some Byatt's XK Strong accompanies the news that Wolves are beating Carlisle 3-0.
- The Somerville Arms -
Other Leamington establishments include the New Inn (with clocks and Ren's Pride) and the Woodland Tavern (where even a dandy like Nick felt underdressed compared to some chaps sporting bow ties and dinner jackets). Our favourite however was the Somerville Arms, an atmospheric homage to walnut-toned bench seating where some Everard's Beacon hit the spot nicely.
- New Bowling Green -
Nick's newly-retired status meant there was no holding the horses and the evening saw us taking Warwick by storm, blazing a trail around the local hostelries in search of further beer bullion. The Wild Boar by the station is always handy for a porcine perspective to its ale although it was the Oak that relinquished its home-cooked scotch eggs. We are also confirmed admirers of the expansive lawned garden at the New Bowling Green complete with outdoor skittles and a Harry's Heifer.
- Turpin Topiary -
Things turned somewhat surreal in the Roebuck amidst French illustrations, topiary balls and other suggestive leafage - Nick could barely contain his excitement at the thought of it all. We recovered our composure courtesy of the Zetland Arms and the Punchbowl before departing the scene with a Chiltern Railways cavalry charge. Soon enough Warwick Parkway hove into view and Nick Turpin disappeared into the night, no doubt already anticipating future plunder out on the highways of Warwickshire. A glorious day!
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