Pub Walk: the White Lion in Thakeham

Met some friendly locals in Thakeham

Hands down best pub in the Ashington area is the White Lion in Thakeham. It's hard to get to, but the food is amazing so it's popular with locals and visiting foodies alike. One of our neighbors tipped us off to it - getting there involves a short drive up a very narrow lane with numerous blind curves, barely wide enough for our Mini, then parking outside tiny medieval Warminghurst church and walking the rest of the way (about a half mile) on a private dirt road with public footpath access. Along this path are two lovely fields used as pasture for cows. On the north are the Holsteins (dairy) and to the south are future prime rib roasts. They are all very friendly and will insist on giving any exposed skin a thorough licking. Did you know cow tongues are really, really raspy? Velcro hooks or high grit sandpaper come to mind. We couldn't help stopping every time we made the trip. No matter where the cows were in the huge pasture, when they saw us stop at the fence they would come walking slowly over, usually with No. 12, the BossLady cow, in the lead. One time we had just finished some excellent burgers at the pub, and forgot -- let's just say the cows were not pleased. We were terribly embarrassed for our ghastly behavior. At least they forgave us the next time.