Graeme Elmore at The Queen's Arms, Corton Denham, Somerset
One of the joys of beautiful Somerset (this great County of ours) is the fantastic array of superb pubs - one of my favourites being the Queen's Arms at Corton Denham - about a 15 minute drive from home here in Ilchester and the other side of Queen Camel. Not only is it a delightful hotel and place to stay; the restaurant is not only a really delightful setting with a great menu, excellent wine list and fine cuisine, but the bar is just a wonderful place to enjoy excellent draft beers, delicious home made pork pies (with a mouthwatering home made chutney) and to relax for an hour or so with the newspaper in front of the big log fire. It's a pleasure to visit - and today that's where we'll be having lunch ( I haven't even had breakfast yet, and already looking forward to lunch!)
The autumn sunshine on the golds and reds and browns of the trees at this time of year is to be seen to be believed - stunningly lovely. And so much of Somerset remains unspoilt and to be discovered by the casual traveller through the county. The early morning mist rising above the Somerset Levels is uniquely beautiful and has the edge of mystique and mystery in the Isle of Avalon with Glastonbury Tor towering above the surrounding countryside. It is an ancient landscape and speaks to the struggling poet that I wish was me!
Other joys to look forward to this weekend - are a visit from my good chum and former colleague Fr Andrew Callon; and - believe it or not - a visit to my wonderful butchers (The Natural Meat Company) in Somerton for tomorrow's Sunday roast joint; and of course the 0900 mass in Somerton on Sunday morning.
And so our weekends pass here in the West Country - where the cider apples grow.