The Dew Drop Inn, Hurley

Delightful, tucked-away setting and a warm welcome this evening on my first visit for several months. Spectacular fish and chips but steak was less good quality. Efficiently and courteously served. Enjoyed an hilarious and surreal conversation with the quick-witted landlord and one of the regulars. Pythonesque conversation about whether I had come early or from Hurley or perhaps from Earley. And I learned that the pub is not in Hurley, nor in Burchetts Green as I had supposed, but in Batts Green - which cannot be found on any map and is certainly not marked on any road sign. It is, so the regular informed me, the only property in Batts Green but had originally been three separate woodmen's cottages. "Do you get any mail addressed to Batts Green?" I asked. "Only from him," replied the landlord, pointing at the regular.

With no possibility of any passing trade, the Dewdrop with its regular clientele might at first glance seem daunting to the first-time visitor. But that would be a misconception. Newcomers are very warmly welcomed by staff and by the regulars. Just don't bother keying Batts Green into your Sat-Nav.

10 Jun 2010 01:37