Cotes du Ventoux 2007 - # 27/10

I'm not a fan of this sort of artifice via software, but it does make the wine look true to its appearance, and stand out, which is my point.  This was a very acceptable example that went well with the slow-roasted shoulder of lamb. 

Double espresso - # 26/10

Attracted to the light the RuTDP Bar Fly drowned in the double espresso. 

The Bar-Fly goes cultural - pine staircase c1902 - # 25/10

Yes, indeed! This is another in the much applauded RuTDP occasional Bar fly series.  It's about pleasing shapes and arrangements (in the bar or pub); so let's admire this lovingly restored pine staircase - an example of the period around 1902 when the so-called "arts and crafts" movement was active in British architecture.  The Dysart Arms pub in Petersham is a good example of this style.

Camera: Olympus E3.  Lens: Olympus 14-35mm (28-70) f2.0. 

Fleurie! - # 08/281

I was allowed out last night.

Blue mood (another in the occasional R u T Bar Fly series)- # 08/05

.........it's Saturday, and the Bar Fly sits alone. But my dinner was excellent.

Camera: Olympus E3. (blown-out highlight, the third bottle not quite rightly placed, the B&W version even worse, but a good try.)

Cogitating - # 260

Oh, hallo. Yes, sit down: chat. Nothing's happening here, just now.

You know, yesterday, Isabella and that Blogwatcher bloke made some interesting points.

The Dysart was built in 1902 as a "real English pub", and now it's moved into being a stylish destination for good "Real Ale" fine wine, food and excellent music. But what it's really done is follow the demographic and economic transformation of the area.

100 years ago Ham and Petersham was an out the way bend in the river: home to market gardeners, cottage dwellers and a remarkable collection of mansions built for first rate early 18th C gentry. By the 1930-40's it was home to a cutting edge aircraft factory building advanced military aircraft, and a secret anti-aircraft radar research establishment hiding in a mock church tower. Now, the village is home to music and media millionaires, leading academics and captains of industry, all living cheek by jowel with a good selection of "ordinary folk".

In it's own funny way the transformation of the Dysart Arms from "English pub" to "music venue" charts the rise of economic and social fortune.

In good company - # 259

Here's my "bar fly" shot for this week end. No dramatic deep contrast with moody b&w treatment. No ambiguity or existential inferences. Just a nice drink and a good chat after a job well done.

The Dysart Arms (an "Arts and Crafts" English style pub crafted in 1902) has been refurbished, preserving and enhancing the best of the "Arts and Crafts" features and combining them with a very clean minimalist 21st C uncluttered decor.

The music programme is now extensive and nightly, with excellent musicians in jazz and classical styles, vocal and instrumental. The sound system is top notch. (Yes, I do know the owner, but that is incidental).