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From the
https://www.newsshopper.co.uk By PubSpy, 10 February 2009.
Two Doves, Oakley Road, Keston.
PubSpy braves the snow only to get an icy reception at "Two Doves,"
Keston. But the well-kept beers and friendly staff keep him warm.
A lot of column inches have been taken up in recent days with talk
about how Britain failed to cope with last week’s snow. Schools did
close, public transport stalled and the roads were icy — yet none of
these problems could stop me from going to the pub.
There would have had to have been six feet of snow rather than six
inches to prevent my journey to this week’s venue, The Two Doves near
Keston Mark.
Others clearly felt the same because after the regulars had finished
giving me the once over I noticed most of them were wearing Wellington
boots.
Their distrustful gaze did not make me feel at all welcome so it is
lucky the barman was friendly, otherwise I might have turned around and
left.
This would have meant I would not have sampled a selection of very
well-kept beers and missed out on an otherwise enjoyable wintery
evening.
First up was Young’s Special (£2.90) which managed to be fruity with
a touch of sweetness while still being hoppy and I would have been happy
drinking it all night.
But I quickly changed my order when I saw the Two Doves also had St
Austell’s Tribute (£2.90) which is always a welcome guest wherever I
visit.
Without wanting to sound too much like a wine connoisseur, it had a
really fruity and almost biscuity flavour.
I don’t know why, but drinking it made me think of Scotland rather
than Cornwall, where the pale amber ale is brewed.
Both were well worth the trek through the snow, as was the Young’s
Bitter (£2.80) which slipped down my throat very nicely.
If the sign outside is to be believed and the garden is
award-winning, then I will be back in the summer for more drinks and to
see if I can win over the regulars. |
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