A Guided Tour..

 The journey continues..              Stage2/8

THE CAR PARK ENTRANCE - progressing   further towards the back door

Ah, there's the back door - and the Well. Yes the Well is original - but no longer in use. Although partially filled-in, it's still some 20ft down, and so has a locked gate over the top to stop those who may suffer temporary, alcohol-induced insanity, from leaving by the wrong exit!

A few years ago, 'regular' - Jonathan Linthwhaite - otherwise known as 'Johnny Windows', braved some time down the Well - all in the good aid of charity! If I remember right, it was at least 24 hours, but it must have seemed a lot longer. Now Johnny generously displays the physical signs of an enthusiastic appetite - making conditions below ground-level, somewhat cramped. Anyway, he stuck it out - despite the odd showering of 'spilt' alcohol.

THE CELLAR

Just a quick look in here. We've just entered and will leave by the door in front.

As we stand with our backs towards the wall (that we have just been stood on the other side of) you will notice that within this section we are facing the large oak barrels containing the Draft Bitters.

THE LINEN PRESS ROOM

For want of a better description, this small open room lies between the main corridor and the Scullery. Incidentally, it has been suggested that the large wooden Press, that we are facing at one end of this room, could well have been a Linen Press - as it has large wooden draws beneath, which could have been used for linen storage. Anyone any ideas?

Anyway the Press still works. On one occasion in the name of historical science, I tested the operation of the Press on the nearest item - yes, my head! I had decided to conduct this experiment following another experiment associated with evaluating the residual effect of 'Old Brewery Bitter' on the brain - on an empty stomach. Conclusion: a pre-hangover headache - especially if you're not sure which way to turn the handle to release the pressure !!!