Having heard that Paul & June had moved on from The Red Lion in the heart of Milford on Sea High Street, it seemed only neighbourly to pop in to meet the new landlords. A warming welcome was immediate from our new mien-hosts, Stuart & Jayne Grieves.
As we chatted, I explained that I whiled away a few hours by doing some local web stuff in the village, fortunately this did not stop them from continuing our friendly chat.
I discovered the Stuart & Jayne were originally from Watford, and had previously lived in New Milton, Stuart working in kitchen fitting and Jayne in the motor trade. However, Jayne had always fancied running a B&B, and Stuart a pub. Watching how they welcomed the customers coming into the pub, it was obvious that they enjoyed the company of people, so the perfect new career was having their own pub with rooms.
I discovered the Stuart & Jayne were originally from Watford, and had previously lived in New Milton, Stuart working in kitchen fitting and Jayne in the motor trade. However, Jayne had always fancied running a B&B, and Stuart a pub. Watching how they welcomed the customers coming into the pub, it was obvious that they enjoyed the company of people, so the perfect new career was having their own pub with rooms.
Jayne explained that they loved a pub to be traditional, as well as a place to eat, so they wanted people to be able to simply enjoy a drink around a welcoming bar. Being a dog friendly pub, it makes it easy for anyone wishing to slip out for a sneaky pint, simply to pretend they need some exercise and take the dog for a walk to the pub. If you don't have a dog, perhaps you could borrow one from a neighbour for an hour or so?
As we all know our village is blessed with places to eat, from top class restaurants, cafés and of course the other village pubs, The Smugglers, The White Horse and The Gun Inn. The Red Lion has become know for wholesome homemade 'pub grub' at a great price, and Stuart & Jayne intend to continue to offer great value and tasty dishes. Everyday there is a changing 'daily special' for £6 and the Sunday roasts are well worth a try at only £10 for two courses.
Over Jayne's shoulder I noticed a bottle of beer. Not surprising in a pub I guess, but this particular bottle was a Benskins beer brewed to commemorate Watford FC's appearance in the 1984 FA Cup Final.
The significance of this will mean little to most, but it was evident to me that I was in the company fellow of Watford Supporters. Stuart and I were soon talking of our experiences following The Hornets, and that our children had even been born in the same hospital right next to the Vicarage Road Stadium. Having spent many years as a season ticket holder and following the boy's in yellow around the country, my memories were stirred. Normally my Watford FC stories fall on deaf ears, but Stuart was attentive to my recollections of the many exciting away trips my wife & I had enjoyed, my day's out with the Watford legend Luther Blissett, the glorious day at the old Wembley watching Watford return to The Premiership in the Play Off Final, and even the freezing Tuesday evening I spent at Hull, when I was one of only 14 Watford supporters at the game.
Back to the pub. Stuart & Jayne are planning to keep people in the village well entertained. Only last night they held a successful Charity Quiz Night with a full house having a good time, a bingo evening is also being planned, and Live Music is going to take place every few weeks. The events below are already booked, so why not put them in your diary, or pop in before that to say hello.
Saturday 27th April: The Elastic Party Band - www.theelasticpartyband.com
Saturday 25th May: Dog Ruff
Saturday 25th May: Dog Ruff
These events along with other things happening in the village can be found at: www.milfordonsecalendar.org
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