Live and Let Live   

Bath Road
Blagdon
Bristol
BS40 7RW

Telephone : 01761462403
Fax : 01761463495 

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SLC date: 

Undecided...I thought it was Feb 2000 (Caroline's diary), Matt G thinks t'was - he may be right 1999

We were accompanied by a TV newsreader on this trip - not to film the inaugural event, but as a guest of Matt G. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/england/southeasttoday/presenter_thompson.shtml

The menu for this included the famous Brocooli and Tagleli (Broccoli and tagliatelli for the culinary maters amongst you). Review awaited from Matt?

Blathwayt Arms 

Lansdown Hill 

Bath 

BA1 9BT 

Phone: 01225 421995 

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SLC date: 12 March 2000

Another early SLC venue, was chosen as a result of turning up at the Rose and Crown at Wick 

to find that all the tables had been allocated/taken. Note you cannot book tables at the 

Rose and Crown. Nevertheless, we were joined on this occasion by a 3 other school friends

Mike Piggott, Rich Nicholls and Andy Hicks. Food consisted of large steak n ribs type meals.

Interesting event: Saw Cathy's mum and dad walking their dog on the Racecourse at Lansdown.

Carpenters Arms

Stanton Wick
Nr Pensford
Somerset
BS39 4BX

Tel: 01761 490202

Website: http://www.buccaneer.co.uk/carpentersarms/index.htm

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SLC date: 9 April 2000

This was not in April 00 - it must have been nearer December 99

Interesting Fact: Matt and Donna came back here for the following New Year's Eve party.  

Given that it was a leap year, Donna proposed to Matt and they wed the same year!

Old Station Inn

Wells Road

Hallatrow

Bristol

BS39 6EN

Telephone : 01761452228

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SLC date: 30 April 2000

SLC date: 18 June 200

The New Battleaxes
Bristol Road, 
Wraxall, Bristol. 
BS48 1LQ
X: 349600m Y: 171400m

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SLC date: 30 July 2000

Tel:01454218227 
Fax:01454 218865 

Website: www.theoldhouseathome.co.uk

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SLC date: 29 October 2000

Eds House

SLC date: 17 December 2000

A big turn out for this most first yuletide event ensured that a fine time was had by one and all!

Ed had triumphed with his Christmas decorations but we were perplexed as to why the poor carousel was sadly stuck in reverse for eternity.

So, with the log fire blazing and filled with festive cheer and Ed's savoury nibbles, we settled down to a sumptuous feast.

We started with lashings of Caroline's soups which this year were curried parsnip followed by carrot and coriander. It was noted however that owing to reduced kitchen space, the soup pans had to be stored on the kitchen floor thus ensuring sufficient space was left on top of the freezer in order for Ed to fix large gin and tonics without feeling encumbered.

What did we have to eat... I cannot remember!

When we were all finally able to move without fear of food seeping from our ears, we commenced some board game playing which kicked off with a few rounds of 'Consequences'. The resulting tales prompted a good many laughs and featured heavily of a certain absent friend's mother and another absent friend who is well known for his juice drinking exploits!

And finally, with great sadness and with the room spinning for many, the day came to an end. We returned to our chariots and bid our gracious host farewell, safe in the knowledge that Ed had triumphed once again and the rest of us had too as he had been left with all the washing up.

Or was the evening really over? For some maybe but for others it had only just begun. It is said that Ed accompanied by a few die-hard others was witnessed attending the Chewton Keynsham Church Carol Service. Full of enthusiasm and 2 bottles of Merlot, Ed proceeded to appoint himself as the lead voice of the congregation and belted out a few favourites leaving the others to watch in awe as he sang solo, accompanied only by the church choir!

Thanks go to Ed for a fantastic feast, and also not forgetting his Grandmother, who kindly washed up place setting from a 4 course meal for 8 people - and the pots 'n pans.

Website: http://www.compass-inn.co.uk

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SLC date: 28 January 2001

This venue, chosen by Caroline, was a bit bizarre. what should have been a really nice pub turned out like dining in an elderly carer's house. the Salvation Army were having a 'do' there and we were seated in the Orangery - basically a patio areas with a plastic roof. I cant remember what we all had so it was pretty average. 

Matt's Fact: the Mazda MX5 owners club meet here once a month.

Telephone : 01454313145
Fax : 01454313145 

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SLC date: 25 February 2001

The SLC trip to the Codrington Arms started with a beer and wine in front of the open log 
fire, sat in the comfy chairs provided. we ordered our food which arrived after a short delay.
This may have had something to do with the staff who answer the telephone, "Hello, Argos Yate."
I cannot remember what we all had, except to say that it was good food and probably better 
quality that standard pub fayre. There was a hoo-haa about Matt G wanting bubble and squeak - He was told it was off, 

but then someone else got it with their food!! Funny eh!

The hand dryer in the men's toilet appear unable to switch off - although it could have been as a 

result of the female members of the party using this room when the restaurant got quieter - 

with the lady's toilet at the far end of the bar.

Interesting culinary delight: the desserts come with Crème Anglais and not custard.

T : 01179 564755 
F : 01179 564644 

Website:http://www.beefeater.co.uk/details.jsp?establishmentID=100051&qasSearchFileType=Beefeater&expr=bs16+7as

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SLC date: 4 March 2001

This SLC was an impromptu venue chosen as Mike and Cathy were travelling to London Gatwick for holidays that afternoon.  The venue is located near their home and was hence easy to get to. Food consisted of typical Beefeater fare.

Interesting event: Try the Chocolate Mountain - its big enough to go to school!

Telephone: 01373 834224 
Fax: 01373 834861 

Website: http://www.thegeorgeinn-nsp.co.uk/

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SLC date: 13 May 2001

Ed's choice for this summer outing at a venue not misplaced from the jolly cucumber sandwich and Pimms tea party crowd.
We sat outside overlooking the cricket and greenery of the Bath countryside. If memory serve me correct we had a carvery 
which was excellent - if a little light on portions. The pub itself has a stone courtyard and is a fantastic old building.

Interesting Fact: This claims t be the oldest pub in Britain - but I am sure I have heard that elsewhere. 

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SLC date: 17 June 2001

It was a hot summer Sunday so we cancelled the prearranged venue - sorry, cant tell
as it may be used another time - and took upon the idea of a picnic in the grounds of 
Ashton Court estate. We went to Sainsbury's to buy the nibbles and drinks, packed the 
cool bags and toys and set off. We picnic'd on the slope overlooking the house - where the grass
boarders live. Much fun was had rolling in the grass. We also played swingball, football, catch, 
frisbee and boomerang.

Memorable moment: when one of the Matt's threw the boomerang into a large tree. We then spent 
the next hour searching for it - which was eventually located in long grass somewhere.

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SLC date: 5 August 2001

Windmill Inn 
Nore Rd
Portishead, 
Bristol, 
BS20 6JZ 

tel: 01275 843677 

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SLC date: 2 September 2001

The New Inn,
Badminton Road
Mayshill
Frampton Cotterell
Bristol
BS36 2NT

Telephone : 01454773161
Fax : 01454773161 

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SLC date: 14 October 2001

This pub is a listed building. The SLC took place on a rainy Sunday. the pub feels like an
old salvation army venue, with the dining room furnished with horrible nic-nacs. Not much on the menu
except from a few roasts. Certainly not the best venue.

Interesting fact: Cathy's mum used to live here as a child.

Tel: 01666 840871
Fax: 01666 840871

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SLC date: 28 October 2001

This SLC took place after an autumn visit to the Westonbirt Arboretum -delightful at that time of year.
The pub is located down some narrow country lanes - but well worth a visit. We particularly liked the 'nobby'
beer glasses. Food was also of reasonable standard.

Interesting fact: 1 week after this SLC, the press was full of stories about HRH Prince Harry reportedly taking drugs 
and drinking under age at this pub near his home in Tetbury.

SLC16 December 2001

As ever, a big turn out for this most popular annual yuletide event ensured that a fine time was had by one and all!

Ed had triumphed yet again with his Christmas decorations with some old favourites making a comeback such as the skiing tin snowman, the nodding woodpecker and his show stopper - the magnificent mechanical carousel, sadly stuck in reverse for eternity.

So, with the log fire blazing and filled with festive cheer and Ed's savoury nibbles, we settled down to a sumptuous feast pausing only briefly to wack our knees on the table legs whilst taking our places.

We started with lashings of Caroline's soups which this year were curried parsnip followed by carrot and coriander. It was noted however that owing to reduced kitchen space, the soup pans had to be stored on the kitchen floor thus ensuring sufficient space was left on top of the freezer in order for Ed to fix large gin and tonics without feeling encumbered.

This hearty starter was followed by a beautiful pork loin fillet that had been stuffed senseless with port soaked prunes before being wrapped snugly in streaky bacon. Despite a mis-hap in Ed's kitchen whereby the cooker blew up and the pork had to be finished off in Bett's oven, it was cooked to perfection and savoured by all. Another Michelin star for Ed's bistro!

Following puddings and cheeses we rounded off the meal with coffees and liquors which saw Ed's homemade sloe gin take a good hiding from Matt H.

When we were all finally able to move without fear of food seeping from our ears, we commenced our traditional game playing which kicked off with a few rounds of 'Consequences'. The resulting tales prompted a good many laughs and featured heavily of a certain absent friend's mother and another absent friend who is well known for his juice drinking exploits!  This was followed by a boys against girls game of 'Articulate' and finally by another word-play game similar to that of 'Call my bluff' fame.

And finally, with great sadness and with the room spinning for many, the day came to an end. We returned to our chariots and bid our gracious host farewell, safe in the knowledge that Ed had triumphed once again and the rest of us had too as he had been left with all the washing up.

SLC date: 10 February 2002

Bear and Swan

South Parade, 
Chew Magna, 
Bristol, 
BS40 8SL

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SLC date: 24 March 2002

Bath Rd

Farmborough, 

Bath, 

Somerset 

BA2 0EG 

tel: 01761 470350 

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SLC date: 14 April 2002

A beautifully sunny day was the setting for this meeting.

After congregating at Ed's, Matt and Donna led the convoy to this large family run pub which as well as having an extensive large portioned menu, offers a traditional Sunday lunch as well.

Most selected a roast which to be honest was only of adequate quality and for some (Donna!) was lacking in the roast spuds department!! Still, runny gravy or not, it provided the opportunity for the gang to meet up and share a few laughs, or in Matt H's case, to share a few spuds with Donna.

Interesting Happening: Claire's first SLC

Tel: +44 (0) 1373 830936
Fax: +44 (0) 1373 831366
http://www.thefullmoon.co.uk/home.htm

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SLC date: 12 May 2001

The pub is a moderate distance from Bath, but well worth a visit on Sunday. The carvery style
lunches served are amazing, with large portions and a return permitted. the pub gets busy
and it is advisable to book. We would definitely return here.

Non Interesting fact: Cathy and Mike went to this pub the week before, on the way to Salisbury to collect
her parents new Retriever puppy.

Phone: 01225 425579 

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SLC date: 9 June 2001

tel: 01179 372332

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SLC date: 17 July 2002

Shoots Floating Restaurant
Hotwells Road, 
Bristol City Docks, 
Bristol. BS1 5HH 

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SLC date: 11 August 2002

SLC date: 15 December 2002

Tel: 01749-343658 

http://www.bullterrierpub.co.uk/

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SLC date: 2 March 2003

As recommended by the multi-visiting parents of Cathy, this venue was chosen for an SLC.
Whilst on the bounds of our allocated travel time, the pub is well worth a visit. The landlord, 
Barry from Barnet, had taken a phone booking, although denied we had a table reserved on arrival
(he did recall the booking but forgot to action it). Food was good and we can recommend the 
Chicken Maryland and Bull Terrier Special for dessert.

Useless Fact: Eds Nan lives at the back of the pub - not in the back, but in a house next 
the road that passes along the back of the pub.

The Wheatsheaf
Combe Hay, 
Bath 
BA2 7EG

Tel:/Fax: 01225 833504 

Website: http://www.english-inns.co.uk/wheatsheaf/

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SLC date: 6 April 2003

Review = Ed

The Spring Gardens

188 Hotwell Road

Hotwells

Bristol

BS8 4RP

Tel: (0117) 927 7112
Fax: (0117) 927 7112

Website: www.spring-gardens.co.uk

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SLC date: 6 July 2003

The choice at an unobvious venue turned out to be a hit. the soft sofas whilst waiting for the table 
were pleasant enough, although Mike had the hangover from hell after way too much champagne at a 
party the night before. 

The food was served promptly and at a reasonable price. Not much to say really - I didn't take notes and the 
review was written 2 months after it should have been!

Uninteresting Fact: the two pub pets were a Jack Russell called Doris and an albino German Shepard whose name I never caught.

The Slab House Inn 
West Horrington, 

Nr Wells, 
Somerset BA5 3EQ 

Tel: 01749 840310 
Fax: 01749 840358 
website: www.slabhouseinn.co.uk 

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SLC date: 5 October 2003

Matt's choice sparked debate over the rules regarding travel time and distances to SLC venues. 
If you check out the RULES page, you will see that the official rules state a maximum travel 
time of 30 minutes from the start point -which must be between members homes - 
which the Little Chef at Farrington Gurney was.

Anyway, a splendid venue. Ed decreed this 'the best SLC for a long time'. The pub was warm and cosy, 
with no signs of the offering left for the plague victims of Wells "on the slab". We even took a 
commemorative photo of us all outside - to mark Adrian's first SLC accompanying Caroline.

Some started with venison pate whilst others had leek and potato soup.
Five of us had the roast lamb - covered in a delicious gravy flavoured with rosemary. 
There was also a pork tenderloin, and a roast beef. Desserts we huge - Caroline's chocolate 
fudge cake taking 4 members to finish it off. Mike found that the apple and forest fruits 
crumble did contain blackcurrants - so he opted for the bramley apple pie and ice cream.

Almost embarrassing moment: When we were discussing the sighting of Mrs Allez, our former cookery teacher, 
in the gym and some describing her as needing to go more often - then to hear the table behind us discussing
Wellsway school too - luckily, she was not part of the group dining!

The Langley Arms

Guest Avenue

Emersons Green

Bristol

BS16 7GA

Tel: (0117) 957 3512
website

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SLC date: 2 November 2003

The choice of Caroline and Adrian was the Carvery at the Langley Arms.  

Whilst in walking distance for the meeting place we all drove the 400 yards to this venue - 

a converted farm in the middle of the new residential estate.  The carvery choice was lamb, 

pork or beef, with a good selection of veg - including swede, and deep fried (uncooked) parsnips.  

Desserts consisted of Apple pie and custard and some ice-magic covered profiteroles.  

The Langley Arms lived up to its reputation for great food with awful service - the wait for the 

dessert menu taking over 30 minutes.  

Shocking Fact: lime and sodas cost £1.40 each in this venue - when billed as lemonade  -watch out.

SLC date:  December 2003

Review awaited

The Bungalow Inn

Winford Lane
Redhill
Bristol

BS40 5TP

Tel: 01275 472 386

website

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SLC date: 1 February 2004

The choice of Mike ('s Father in Law) was this out-of the way tavern near Bristol Airport.

Whilst not cooking in the week, the Bungalow offers and non-menued selection of a Sunday, 

with a whopping 2-course offering for only £5.75 - bargain.  The team were spoilt for choice 

between roast Lamb, Pork or Beef...I think it was 1 pork, 2 beefs and 4 lambs in the end.  

All agreed that the food was of good quality, hot and tasty, and Cathy particularly enjoyed the 

mashed swede.  Desserts comprised apple crumble and runny custard and black forest gateaux.

With Buttcombe and IPA on tap - what more could the SLC want?

Toilet Teaser: the men's lav at the back of The Bungalow only houses a urinal.  some members 

of the party had to seek out other accommodation in the main bar.

The New Inn

The Green, 

Priddy, Wells, 

BA5 3BB

Tel: 01749 676465

website

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SLC date: 18 April 2004

Another of Matt's long distant SLC venues although a very nice one at that (he always does us proud). A traditional walkers pub with lots of beer and good cheer. It was raining outside so we sat in the large conservatory to watch the clouds pass by - luckily there were electric plug in heaters that we turned on to keep ourselves warm.  I cant recall what we had - think is was some roast things and something like a casserole. The food was good and everyone enjoyed their trip.

Interesting Fact: The annual Priddy sheep fair takes place in the middle of August, when up to 1200 sheep change hands. This event dates back some 600 years.

The White Hart

The Village, 

Littleton-upon-Severn, 

Gloucestershire, 

BS35 1NR

Tel: 01454 412 275

Fax: 01454 417 172

website

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SLC date: 15 June 2004

Caroline's choice for this summer occasion - and it was a glorious day. We sat outside, having to get there early to get a table in the sun - so early in fact we had to wait for the pub to open! a Young's pub - serving real ale with a fair few pints of Waggledance downed during the lunch. Some of the girlies had salad but most had a decent roast dinner. I recall there was some confusion over some of the orders, with one missing and something else odd happening. the pub was small inside but of the traditional type, with stone floors and that lovely old musty smell.

SLC Trivia: this was the first ever SLC that we took the motorway to get to.

The Kendleshire Golf Club

Henfield Road

Coalpit Heath

Bristol

BS36 2UY

Tel: 0117 956 7000

Fax: 0117 957 3433

website

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SLC date: 8 November 2004

something different for this outing of the SLC. A prestigious golf course set in the heart of the countryside, but only a short distance from the bust M4. The group was promptly shown to their table by a waitress in fish net stockings. All agreed she should do something about her hair.  the restaurant was empty, apart from us, at 12:24 but filled up quickly thereafter. At £12.50 for 2 course and £15 for 3, those 5 members in attendance (not the best representation we've had) devoured breaded mushrooms and soup for starters, with free crusty bread on the table. Main courses were from a carvery, offering turkey and beef - and I think we did all have both.  Dessert was only ordered by Mike and Aid, who both tucked in to apple pie and ice cream. This SLC venue is a BYO for wine - so that was supplied by Cathy and thus there was not drinks bill!

Uninteresting Fact: Aid has played golf on this course - but hopefully better than the amateur slicing and dicing from the green along the drive as we entered the grounds!

SLC date: December 2004

Review awaited