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Brewery Tour

Woodbridge went on their 2nd Brewery Tour on Tuesday 1st September, the previous one had been to Shepherd Neame in 1995, The numbers were disappointing but what we lacked in quantity was made up with quality.
 
Michael Bird and myself started at Woodford Station, picked up David Smith (Wanstead and Belgium tour) at South Woodford then went on to Mile End where we met up with Ron Chisholm (a Woodbridge original) and then our ex president Charlie Harding and three other gentlemen who know a good day out when they see one. After a long and tiring District Line journey we met up with the last member of our party Mark Murrell (Wanstead and Edinburgh tour).
 
We set off for a long walk to the Brewery but were heartened by the site of the Mawson Arms in the far distance.
Arriving about 15 minutes early, we availed ourselves of a pint of London Pride to give us extra energy for the tour.
Thinking ahead, as all god chess players do,  we also booked a table for lunch.
The tour progressed very well, first we had to don luminous jackets, presumably in case anyone fell into a vat. We learnt about the water used, the hops, the isingglass used to enliven the final product and after 1 hour 20 minutes we ere taken back to the Hock room to quaff and discuss the product. We were encouraged to try all 6 possible ales ranging from Discovery, via Seafarer, London Pride, HSB, ESB, porter etc. Suddenly it was the end of our two hour tour and we went back to the pub for lunch. Fish and Chips, Sausages and mash and meat pie with a choice of mash or chips were consumed together with a few more beers.
 
As it was a lovely day we decided to walk along the banks of the Thames past Hammersmith bridge, we had to stop for a break at a couple of hostelries on the way back, The Dove, a Fullers Pub, was just lovely, a great view of the river and right on the flight path to Heathrow.
 
One more stop at a pub on the way back before departing back to our respective homes.
 
I must mention that Mark Murrell did very well considering he was playing in a caterpillar tournament that evening, and David Smith was  opening the club.
 
One last thank you for London Transport as 7 of the 9 visitors used their free travel cards, making it a very inexpensive day out.

Richard Manning

 

 

 

 

 

 

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