Britain and the Sea

Gargleblaster

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 Dec 2003
Messages
1,261
Location
Medway, Gillingham Reach
Visit site
Just watched Part 4 /4 of David Dimbleby's adventure in his Gaff Cutter 'Rocket'. Covered the East Coast from Great Yarmouth to Greenwich. It was probably a repeat shown some years ago, as everything this time of year is a repeat. But I hadn't seen it before and really enjoyed it. I was surprised that Canvey Island was such a tourist destination between the two world wars. Some major omissions such as the Deben and the Crouch.
If you haven't seen it, it would be worth catching on BBC Iplayer.
 
I have his enjoyed other parts of this series when I have managed to catch them, I don't usually like Dimbleby much. My wife watched this one and announced that he sat at the same table we had used at the Butt and Oyster recently. I can only hope he enjoyed the experience more than we did.

His researchers certainly uncover some interesting facts, I didn't realize that Arthur Ransome's boat was moored at Pinmill..... I take it, no longer?
 
I have his enjoyed other parts of this series when I have managed to catch them, I don't usually like Dimbleby much. My wife watched this one and announced that he sat at the same table we had used at the Butt and Oyster recently. I can only hope he enjoyed the experience more than we did.

His researchers certainly uncover some interesting facts, I didn't realize that Arthur Ransome's boat was moored at Pinmill..... I take it, no longer?
The Nancy Blackett is owned i believe by a trust, i think they have 3 or 4 boats there in Pin Mill
 
I have his enjoyed other parts of this series when I have managed to catch them, I don't usually like Dimbleby much. My wife watched this one and announced that he sat at the same table we had used at the Butt and Oyster recently. I can only hope he enjoyed the experience more than we did.

His researchers certainly uncover some interesting facts, I didn't realize that Arthur Ransome's boat was moored at Pinmill..... I take it, no longer?

My wife remarked the same - it is clearly a popular table :very_drunk:

IMG_0888-XL.jpg
 
I was of the same opinion of DD, but as has already been mentioned I also thought it was a pretty good series, but missed out some of the more interesting haunts. As for the Butt and Oyster, yep a chain pub, a step up from a 'spoons' and they like to charge for the privilege! The beer I've had at their pubs has all been good though, and that is most important!
 
I was of the same opinion of DD, but as has already been mentioned I also thought it was a pretty good series, but missed out some of the more interesting haunts. As for the Butt and Oyster, yep a chain pub, a step up from a 'spoons' and they like to charge for the privilege! The beer I've had at their pubs has all been good though, and that is most important!

Except now the beer is keg beer masquerading as real ale. The four ferkins behind the bar are hollow. Look carefully at the taps and you notice they are not spigotts but the same as bar top dispensers. I was ordering a pint when one of the bar staff was cleaning the lines. Tney even had a small sign to warn staff not to serve a pint of cleaning fluid.

It is a real shame as the Buttvused to be a lovely pub. Now it is no more than a very expensive spoon.
 
It is a real shame as the Buttvused to be a lovely pub. Now it is no more than a very expensive spoon.

We only visited the B&O only once in over a decade on the Orwell.
Was distinctly unimpressed withe quality/price of the offerings (food or drink).

OTOH, last week we revisited The Ship in Levington and it was a pleasant surprise:
- The food was to die for (and I am a notoriously fussy eater)
- Drinks were better than 'OK'
- Staff very friendly and helpful.

We now intend to make the place our 'local' and revisit much more frequently :encouragement:
Oh, and when you've got a dog, you're made to feel welcome and not a pariah.
 
David Dimbleby has a house in Dittisham on the Dart. He moored his boat on the outside of the Town jetty in Sartmouth while we we there and although he walked past several times, he never looked in our direction. I suppose celebrities have to preserve their privacy, but I'd rather have met his late father.
 
We only visited the B&O only once in over a decade on the Orwell.
Was distinctly unimpressed withe quality/price of the offerings (food or drink).

OTOH, last week we revisited The Ship in Levington and it was a pleasant surprise:
- The food was to die for (and I am a notoriously fussy eater)
- Drinks were better than 'OK'
- Staff very friendly and helpful.

We now intend to make the place our 'local' and revisit much more frequently :encouragement:
Oh, and when you've got a dog, you're made to feel welcome and not a pariah.

+1
 
Top