Village life comes with every pint

As they say, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. . .”

Here in Langtoft, that would be the Waggon & Horses, our village pub. It’s where the locals go to unwind and nurse a pint with friends. They come from all walks of life and there’s no generation gap when it comes to good times and laughter. And though everybody knows your name, they still call you “luv" or "mate.”

Paul and Chris

While living in England, we’ve realized that it takes donkey’s years to be recognized as a local, so Dan and I were surprised to be accepted into the fold so quickly. We arrived in stonewashed jeans and tennis shoes, talked funny, and even worse didn’t know a “lager” from an “ale.” Yet, we were embraced in the friendly atmosphere of a village pub. Best of all, it’s within staggering-home distance! One of our greatest pleasures is spending time with our mates while having a pint. And it’s always served with a genuine slice of English life, a slice thick enough to transport us to simpler times when day-to-day living revolved around the village, a village we’ve grown to love.

Our village pub

One of the first things we noticed about the pub is that it has a real sense of class and so do its patrons. Even though we’ve all been known to lose a bit of composure after a few pints, we’re still expected to be civilized. That means making ourselves comfortable, but not to the point of slouching in our seats or putting our feet on the chairs. I dare say, we don’t raise our voices or use profanity. It's a strict code of etiquette that Paul enforces simply with the disapproving glare of a parent.

The pub was built in the 1800s and has retained its charm and character with exposed timbers on the ceiling. Horse brass hangs above the bar and fireplace -- remnants of the times when folks decorated harnesses with brass and often left them at pubs as a token of appreciation for hospitality shown. Year around, Chris keeps a fresh bouquet of flowers on the bar to add a colorful, homey touch. And paintings by local artist Maureen Montgomery grace the walls, bringing familiar village scenes to life.

On a typical night, the regulars start coming in around 8 p.m. Some stay for a pint or two, others might extend their visit until the “last call” bell rings at 11 p.m., especially on weekends. Conversations are lighthearted, sometimes playful, and often punctuated with laughter. But at times we’ll venture into serious topics, "setting the world to right over a pint," as the locals say.

Barry, a village institution

Just seeing Barry pop through the door wearing his blue wooly cap brings a smile to my face. In the summer, he often comes in with an armful of fresh garden vegetables to share with his mates. Paul says, “Everybody knows Barry, and everybody loves him. He’s hard working, permanently cheerful and pure enjoyment. He’s always on about his family or his garden, and he has a real passion for Guinness.” 

Our mates playing doms

In the summer, we’ve watched “Norman Rockwell” Sunday afternoons unfold as families walk or ride their bicycles to the pub. They gather in the garden, a little paradise surrounded by ivy-clad stone walls and flowers. While parents share a pint with friends, the children drink lemonade and play boules on the lawn.

Families ride bikes to the pub on Sunday.

Our mates

This feature appeared in part in The Daily Journal, Accent on Travel, Kankakee, IL

Dan in training