It’s been quite a few years since we last visited Shaun and Carol and it’s clear they’ve been really busy with all of the home improvement projects and lovely garden work since then. Especially cool are the tree carvings. Good fun to see the progress – very nice!
Over the next few days we get an exclusive ‘Maldon & Nearby’ tour led by our hosts. They know their audience as local pubs are a main feature.
On Saturday we took a road trip out to Bishop Stortford, a market town in Hardfordshire on the border with Essex and visit ‘The Belgian Brewer’. This guy is making or pouring the traditional Belgian style beers. The wonderful Kriek Boon was on tap (!) along with a full range of the brewer’s stuff. Carol has graciously taken on the role of DD.
On the scenic drive through the Essex countryside Carol stops at the ‘Green Man’ pub in Toppesfield. The Green Man is an outlet for the community owned ‘Pump House Brewery’ next door. The brewery is closed for the day but Shaun convinces the bartender to call one of the staff who opens up for us to buy some samples.
After returning to Maldon we took a short walk to the Maldon fire and ambulance station where the local horticulture group (that would be mostly Shaun and Carol) planted and maintain flower gardens to recognize the crews. Very nice.
Carol is doing her best to fatten us up with another lovely homecooked meal to round out the day.
