We couldn’t miss the luminous green light emanating from The Claddagh Ring as we trotted round the corner – what a beautiful sight. It must be commended for its complete disregard for the current cost of living crisis and ever-increasing electricity bills – must set the owner back an absolute packet.
They certainly haven’t scrimped on the execution here. Quite incredible how ornate and well-presented it is inside. Wood panelling everywhere, a vast array of TV screens (including one the biggest we’d ever seen playing some horse racing in the Middle East) and a selection of knick-knacks of former patrons and famous local heroes. Apparently Herbert Chapman (legendary Arsenal manager) is buried in the church yard next door. May he rest in peace. Just like Arsenal’s title challenge this year.
Our discussion then quickly turned to fines. To ensure that scores for the pubs we visit are being logged in good time after visitation (rather than reviewing all 50+ pubs in late-November with little/no memory of anything), we'd decided to enforce draconian spreadsheet laws starting from last month. If you don’t fill out your scores from the previous month before next Sessions, you’re punished with a shot. Head in hands moment for Ed and Glendo who had fell foul to these new stringent regulations. Justice was served.
28 Feb 2025