26/03/23 - The Anchor, Oldbury on Severn

 Pub Manifesto - A comedian stands up for pubs

Inspiration for today's walk came from a book. In 2018, Comedian James Dowdeswell lamented the decline of pubs, which were then closing at a rate of 18 a day. I cannot help but think we will be looking back on these times as the golden age. (Much) worse was to follow.

Inspiration for a walk

Using George Orwell's essay "the moon under water" he lists what he thinks makes a modern pub. His qualification?  His father is a publican and the book is a love letter to him. Michael Dowdeswell name is still above the door and in many ways, he seemed a visionary. Running a freehouse, so he would have control on the beers sold. From the signage, I would say he is a Bass fan. He also launched a range of whiskies from Gloucestershire - Sheep Dip and Pig's Nose. I saw no evidence of these for sale, but his son's beer - Lazy IPA - was spotted in cans behind the bar.

An entertaining read, emphasising the importance of the Local. Even one as remote as this has its stories. Steven Spielberg had a film idea pitched to him here. The inventor of Dr Who's K9 was a regular. 

Freehouse championing the Bass

The walk was a simple affair, head down Oldbury Pill to the Severn Estuary. Clamber up on the earth banks for an arrow straight walk downriver. Views of the Severn Bridge ahead, Oldbury power station behind.

Heading down to Severn Bridge

Rushden Lane takes me in-land through Littleton-upon-Severn. A small village that still has its pub, the White Hart. Unusually for this area, a Youngs house.

A muddy slop-fest through the fields to Cowhill, with Oldbury's Church the beacon. Standing proudly on a rare bit of raised ground.

Back into Oldbury-on-Severn

Post walk refreshment at the Anchor.... a decent selection of local ales and the last free table for a Sunday Lunch.  Like the full English, its the unexpected little extras that delight.  

Roast parsnips and cauliflower cheese. 

I went top right.  It must have been the external advertising

Walk Details

Walk Inspiration - 100 Walks in Somerset and Avon, Walk 81

Distance - 5.5 Miles

Geocaches - 6