How odd a feeling it is sometimes to walk where your ancestors once walked - on the very cobblestones, no less. When I moved to England years ago I just happened to move only six odd miles from where my Grandfather was born - something I really didn't know about as I always thought he was from Derbyshire as the family moved to Sheffield in the early 1900's to work on the railways.
But his grandparents lived out their days in Norton St Phillip. Both had come from nearby villages and he was a labourer and she a laundress. The story goes that he used to drink at the George and once he was drunk enough, they'd load him on his horse, slap it's rump and it'd take him home to his wife.
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Of course, he has just been one man of many to drink at the George. This pub has the fame of being the longest serving pub in England - since 1397!
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Today it's a popular spot for drinkers and foodies alike. The decor is so beautifully done and sensitive to the history of the pub, rather than a mishmash of pastoral scenes and hanging mugs and horse brasses like some pubs. To do anything else would be a travesty in any other historic building, I suppose!
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The inn had been used as part of the the stage coach route between London and South West England and there was a beautiful clock on the wall we learnt was used so that travellers could set their watches. Apparently the noted diarist Samuel Pepys, with his wife and servants, passed through Norton St Philip on their way to Bath from Salisbury - and there is much more history here too over the centuries. It was used as the headquarters of Monmouth's army as he retreated from Bath during the Rebellion of 1685. In the aftermath of the failed rebellion it was used as a courtroom and the judge ordered 12 executions on the common.
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It's been used as the set of various films such as Persuasion as well. It really is an extroardinary place and well worth visiting if you are anywhere near Bath. We are lucky to have it only a 15 minute drive from us and we were there to enjoy dinner for Jamie's late birthday present from his Mum. It's definitely not cheap but the food was next level.
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For entree the boys had olives and puffed pork crackling. We got a delicious botton of Malbec whilst we were waiting for the mains. It took us ages to decide as there were so many amazing things on the menu!
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There were also a lot of vegan and vegetarian options which was great - my mother in law had a kind of Spanish style bread salad with vegan mozzarella. Jamie had the award winning haddock and smoked cod pie with leeks, potatoes and samphire, and a butter sauce which was totally mind blowing! His mum's boyfriend and I had a smaller starter of trout with asian, miso and orange flavours and a side of what I'd call dirty fries. They were made 'dirty' with British pecorino, truffle and chives and were freaking amazing. I'd go back just for the fries!
I was quite pleased Jamie's Mum was paying for it as it was quite expensive, though well worth it and definitely a place I'd revisit on special occasions or if I had some spare cash for such extravagances!
For desert there was quite a selection, from sticky date pudding to an apple cake with brandy sauce and icecream, and icecream with expresso and biscuits. There really was something for everyone. The boys had a whisky and a sherry afterwards - doubles - without thinking about the cost. Again, that's something you might want to keep an eye on if you're on a budget!
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Wow! Nice food friend.
I'm looking for a picture of your fries!! I always enjoy reading your blog posts! Even if I rarely comment. Your adventures look wonderful!!
Thanks so much.
You're welcome.
Congratulations @riverflows! You received a sweet smile from TravelFeed. We love your work so keep up the good job. 😊
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