It was announced today the British playwright Tom Stoppard has died aged 88. I was a fan. I grimaced when I saw the Sky News headline “co writer of the film Indiana Jones and the last crusade dies” or something like that. I am sure I was not the only one who thought whoever wrote that was completely clueless and should perhaps rethink their writing career.
It made me think of the famous Tom Stoppard quote, actress Cynthia Nixon reminded me of today as she reminisced being cast in her first Stoppard play “The Real Thing” along side her stage parents Christine Baranski and Jeremy Irons. Aged 17. It made me think how social media and the snippets of information shared do indeed shape perspectives and change lives.
"Words are sacred. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little or make a poem which children will speak for you when you're dead." Tom Stoppard.
It was why I decided to join Poopsnoop in the first place when my friend, Shirley asked if I would muse periodically about the things I like and don’t. When something strikes you and you want to help or conversely when something winds you up. She said, just snap a few pictures. If people like it, vote it up, you’ll be rewarded she said. So I started snapping a few pictures and here we are. I didn’t take all these snaps at the same time. Like I said we go to the Nevill. We like it.
The truth is I go to the Nevill Arms quite a lot in Medbourne, not quite my local but not far to drive. I like propping up the bar. It’s a gorgeous old building. Anyone would appreciate the stone work outside, the small babling brook running outside and the bridge that crosses from the car park towards the front door.
You can definitely imagine days of old, horses and carriages pulling up and weary travellers taking refuge here.
The pub in the front is fantastic, the draft beer, or the ale as I’d imagine Tom calling it, delicious and the fires and chat available for anyone on their own. I take the family for lunch too particularly on a Sunday where the Fayre is hearty and filling. The portions are generous and home cooked food made with love, way better than your average carvery.
In the summer the courtyard outside is available for sunny afternoons spent boozing or hosting your event or party. The staff are wine and food buffs and the service is up there with the best gastro pubs in the area.
Main courses run between £15 and £24 depending on what you order, starters £6 to £10, desserts the same and the wine list whilst not extensive is well thought out and even a connoisseur which I am not I’ve been told can find something drinkable. I’ve taken a wine snob friend of mine and he said it was pretty good. In the week when I am grabbing a biscuit or cuppa soup in the staff room I am assured you can get a magnificent 2 course lunch for a mere £20 which if it’s anything like the portions they give you at the weekend it sounds like the deal of all deals. A joy to behold.
I also think you can stay there. You certainly used to be able to book rooms, but don’t quote me.
All in all a wonderful choice for lunch or dinner I would be happy to take Tom Stoppard had I had the occasion. Well thought out and delivering enjoyment with great skill and aplomb.
So in my love of a great playwright I raise a glass to my friends at the Nevill Arms and hope my words in this case nudge you all to book in and receive some holiday cheer from everyone who works hard to make this a special place.
See you in the bar. Mine’s a pint of bitter.