Tuesday 20 May 2008

Victor Sylvester's

The behaviour of the pub landlady described in my last article reminded me of another eccentric publican I met over 20 years ago. This chap ran the Cowshill Inn, at the head of Weardale. He objected so strongly to anyone entering his bar wearing wet clothing, muddy boots or even working apparel, that his establishment became known as "Victor Sylvester's" among locals! I wonder if anyone else remembers him?

3 comments:

Lew Bryson said...

Pity an ignorant Yank: "Victor Sylvester's"? What's the joke?

Greatly enjoying the read, by the way!

papastonch said...

Hello Lew,
"Victor Sylvester's" was a dance club for the top-hat-and-tails set. Imagine the dress mode of Fred Astaire!
Thanks for your interest.

Lew Bryson said...

Ah! Thanks. I've only ever been to Scotland in the UK -- had some great real ale there -- and this is the kind of thing I'd like to dive into headfirst.