Struth!! Theres a bloody sheila on sessions! Two for that matter and a young boy, who will be entrusted with carrying on this pointless tradition long past the days the sessions originals will exist on this scorched earth. It was a beautiful day, most of us arrived at Barking station after work and navigated a treacherous terrain, crossing the A13 via the EL2 bus or a Voi bike to the edges of a little known hamlet called Creekmouth. To ensure a menial task like childcare would not make him late for sessions, Andy had conjured up the perfect plan. He'd spent the afternoon in Barking and brought the kids with him to the first pub.
The Lighterman, originally opened in the 50s, is now part of the starpubs group, though faced closure in 2022 before local residents Lorraine and David Smith took the helm and guided her through a fabulous refurb. It looked very pretty on this sun-kissed evening.
The garden, like much of the UK has been through the hottest summer on record though the yellowed grass added to the ambience. Very friendly barlady and crowd around the bar, though given the weather we sat outside and missed much of the interior and atmosphere. A fella was sat with a solo pint, head in hands in the garden as we arrived, though soon arose when joined by two friends.
Lynsey became the first female to grace the sessions alumni, and about bloody time I say, its 2026 fellas. She was escorted off the premises after one drink, to drive the kids home and we thanked her, for her service.
Though in seriousness, a great place for kids during the summer hols, as they offer £1 meals for upto two kids per adult main. Now theres an excuse if I ever needed one for some pints.
We had a few more places to visit so stepped out into the evening to continue our exploration.
Barking born and bred, @billybraggofficial accompanies the post, one wonders if he ever frequented The Lighterman in his youth.
11 Aug 2026