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| GH 'basking in the limelight of his dog' (BRAPA quote*) |
I sarted writing this post 10 months ago...
...it's had a long gestation period...
...I haven't blogged since before the pandemic...
...maybe I've just been useless at doing my blog...
...or it could even be 'bloggers block'.
I've now decided to change the blog title, by removing the '...To The Pub' bit, just in case I go somewhere else worth blogging about other than a pub (you never know!). I suppose the downside of this is that all my previous posts will also have the new heading, and look wrong (possibly).
Anyway back to the post. Consider it a compilation post as I've visited this place a number of times since it opened a couple of years ago (warning...there may be some continuity issues with the photos).
The Dusty Barrel, Pylewell Precinct, Hythe, Hants is the newest addition to Hythe's pub scene and the first real micropub. When I say 'real micropub' I'm not alluding to any CAMRA definition, simply that it occupies a retail premises, formerly the home of 'Goody Buys' discount goods store. So, while I can no longer buy a birthday card for under 50p, I can now buy a great range of cask and keg beers.
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| Proper mobility scooter outside. |
The Dusty Barrel is a two storey micropub, with bar (and some seating) downstairs and further seating upstairs. The stairs to the first floor are quite steep and it is best to bear this in mind and review your post-drinking stairs negotiation skills before deciding whether to sit up or downstairs.
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| Downstairs bar, WC on right and stairs round to left. |
Regardless of the risks - we went upstairs...
The pub has 4 cask ales and 8 keg beers available most (if not all) of the time, and the cask Barton Bitter from Steamtown Brewery was very good,
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| Barton Bitter - very good/ lager glass - average. |
The seating and tables are a functional tube and plank design, though the upstairs area also has retro chairs and a sofa, for additional nostalgia and comfort demanded by older customers. It is what the Dusty Barrel calls a 'stripped back industrial/retro setting' - nothing wrong with that!
On the rear wall are double DJ decks, (not in use at the time of our visit)....
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| Lime green retro and brewing diagrams for CAMRA members |
...however, when the DJ does arrive, the vinyl is handily attached to the wall...
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| Boney M, Jackson 5, Bruce S, Focus and other great sounds... |
Of course being upstairs, there isn't a bar, which is downstairs. For persons of a mature age this could pose problems as normally it is difficult to remember what day it is, never mind what the 4 cask, and 8 keg beers are. Fear not - The Dusty Barrel, has a beer menu, and thanks to the wonders of CCTV the bar staff will (hopefully) clock you looking at said menu and be up the stairs to serve you, before you can say...
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| Upstairs table service menu |
....I'll have a half of Mangolicious (Laine Brew Co) please (very good).
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| Mangolicious! |
One of the strangest things about The Dusty Barrel is the audio loop playing in the toilet, which, in an American drawl, bombards you with trivia facts on various themes, while you are answering your call of nature. Very educational - maybe schools and colleges will take it up!
Of course the WC is also a good place to study some additional brewing equipment diagrams, especially for the technically minded drinkers.
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| Toilet training - Important diagrams about brewing |
Hythe's first proper micropub is a winner, plenty of regularly changing beers, good atmosphere and about 15 minutes walk from my home - what's not to like!
Beermat moment...Laine Brew Co., Brighton
* Trivia Quiz - Name the title of the BRAPA post in which he used the quote.
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