The 32nd TOFC Meeting, a return to Havant

For the March meeting of The Old Fart’s Club, we returned to the The Old House at Home in Havant.  Our last visit was September 2011 – the time seems to have zoomed by – so this was another worthwhile repeat journey!  Since then our numbers have grown significantly and I was expecting a large turn out, which made it important that we inform the pub owner and book a table.  As it turned out we booked for 16 and 15 turned up, so quite a good situation.

As I mentioned in my last blog about this pub, this is a wonderful location in a really old, traditional place dating back to the 16th century.  We were seated just around from this end of the bar, in a corner under thick oak beams, which was comfortable and spacious enough for us; although, we were spread across three tables, one of which was separated from the main group (the early arrivees).  Despite this  everyone seemed happy with the location and the atmosphere in the pub is both friendly and welcoming.

The food was very good, but is quite expensive for a lunch.  However, as well as the main menu, there is also a sandwich menu, which may suit others better.  After a short wait (not surprisingly for the numbers being served) the food arrived quickly and everyone seemed to get their meal (there may have been a slight delay for one person).  The beers were typical gales brewery ales (HSB in my case) that are now available in all Fullers pubs and they were well-kept, once again.

There was much discussion of what I had done to my thumb when  first arrived, so just to keep everyone up to date, I had a mucosal cyst removed on Thursday last and my thumb is out of action for a few weeks – it developed above an arthritic joint and kept getting infected, so I was keen to get rid of it.  There was some concern after the operation when the nurse said I couldn’t drink for 24 hours, but it was only 10:30 in the morning so I was alright for TOFC!
Everyone seemed to have a good time, with conversation ranging from the beef/horse saga to the fact it was St. David’s day!  So another success for the group and contacts seem to be encouraged by these events.  I look forward to the next one!