The Vernon Arms, Sudbury....

I apologise, my postings have become a little erratic of late - probably because I'm spending as much time as possible actually riding!

Anyway, last Wednesday (13th) I went out with the Mercia Club to Sudbury, which is quite a ride from where I live, almost in Ashbourne! - It was a reasonable evening weather-wise, not as good as the week before, but despite a forecast of rain it remained dry if a little cool. We met in Burton on Trent as usual and were soon travelling through quiet country lanes on our way. It's a good pub The Vernon Arms, they serve draught bass plus a couple of 'specials' for your enjoyment. There's a cosy, friendly atmosphere which makes this pub ideal for a bike ride.  I noticed they were busy serving meals as well, plenty of people dining so they must be doing something right.

The pub is an old building, crammed with character. The open fire makes an idyllic scene when accompanied by a pint for those winter nights.  Built as a coaching inn in 1671 the stables were through the archway at the side of the building. You can still see the marks in the stonewall, worn away by the leather breeches of the Ostler’s boy (stable boy at the inn) who sat on the stone ledge waiting for the ‘Red Rover’, the coach from Lichfield.

The Vernon Arms crest is just above the main entrance. Across the road there is Sudbury Hall built in the second half of the 17th century. Many of the existing buildings in Sudbury date from this time. Sudbury Hall is now owned by the National Trust, The main hall is well known for its beautiful staircase, featured in the BBC’s 'Pride and Prejudice'. Next to the hall, but partly hidden, stands the church of All Saints. The church was recorded in Doomsday but has been extensively restored in later years. Sudbury Village has changed very little since the 19th century.

On the way back we stopped off at the most excellent 'Hilton Fish Bar' - by now it was dark and I'd been riding since 5.00pm and no supper! - A bag of chips eaten outside really hit the spot! - I got home after midnight - 65 miles for a Wednesday evening!