Quiet night a the Dolphin

We popped down to the Dolphin hoping to see our friends, the 2 T’s, but they obviously had other things planned. I think Tim may be away and as he gives Trev a lift if he isn’t able to come then Trev can’t either.

Instead of siting i our usual place with them, on the right as you come in the door in what might be called the lounge, we sat in what we call the cross-benches. There were a couple of chaps sitting at the bar, deep in conversation, and a new barman… although when I chatted to him it turns out he used to work here a dozen or so years ago… I didn’t recognise him but he was a pleasant, friendly chap – the same as all the staff.

Through in the public bar we espied our friend Terry talking to some regulars whose names we don’t know. The conversation seemed to be about Rastas, as one of them was, and we were delighted they were playing a lot of reggae on the juke box.

We had plenty to chat about, the three of us, including, eels… I’ve only ever eaten eels a few times… and I have never tried jellied eels. The first time I had them we were in Suffolk and went to a beach-side cafe/restaurant. I remember rather nervously trying eels three ways, smoked, fried and Tartar… and really enjoyed them! Not at all how I imagined, nor how my dad had described the taste of them – which was probably the same thing! The second time, was locally to here, Curry Rivel in Somerset.

From talking about eels, we moved onto Curry Rivel which is near Taunton. The name is interesting, and unusual – the Curry part comes from the  Celtic word crwy, which means boundary, and Rivel we guessed correctly came from the name of  a Norman lord, Sir Richard Revel.

Beer drunk (Otter on fine form) we said cheerio to all and headed home.