Yes,
many unlamented pubs were unpleasant, unwelcoming and typified by the state
of their lavatories but the Walton Ale Stores on Walton Street in Jericho
district of Oxford was not one of these. Situated opposite the Victoria Arms
(the "Vicky Arms") ,it was oft referred to as "The Three Merry Eunuchs",
after it's sign depicting a trio of large and relaxed monks, or as "Simon's
Place", after renowned landlord Simon Garner (who subsequently ran another
proper pub in Wolvercote).
I
can still summon up the sensation of an early morning pint of good cider
there; the negotiation of the discount purchase of Weights cigarettes
(filter tipped no less); the SAS-like approach up the Oxford canal towpath
from school in Summertown; the toasted sandwiches with brown sauce; the
strong tobacco and the late Saturday night political pontificating. Bliss.
Simon's place was downmarket but raffish. A place where postman and their
wives, solitary academics, earnest underage public schoolboys; craftsmen and
punters; drinkers and lurkers; lonely ladies; and the totality of old
Jericho could mix and become rosy and comfy for a few hours, sometimes a
little longer than the law allowed, if Simon was in the mood. A place where
newspapers and magazines (oh, troublesome Private Eye) were read and
discussed and Simon kept an avuncular eye on the youngsters.
It
may have been a little unprepossessing but it had a heart of gold, did the
"Merry Eunuchs".
