The Volunteer
While on the south side of the island, in Ventnor, Bob and I snuck away from the ladyfolk for just enough time to slide into The Volunteer, which is officially the smallest pub on the Isle of Wight. Although small in size, this diminutive drinking establishment has been a previously CAMRA honored pub.
Now when I say, small, I mean small. In the picture below, my back is against the front wall. What you see is what you get. The entire guest area is probably just around 200 square feet. You come to the Volunteer for one reason, and one reason alone: beer.
When Bob and I swung in, we started up conversation with the only two other patrons present. Turns out these guys take every Friday to explore different pubs around the island. Both retired over a year ago, and use their Friday togethers to search out Real Ale. As one said, if there is nothing on cask, they head right back out the door.
We enjoyed discussing beer for sometime before our ladyfolk stopped in to "retrieve us". As they did, one of the retirees piped up, "that's why we leave ours at home".
Now when I say, small, I mean small. In the picture below, my back is against the front wall. What you see is what you get. The entire guest area is probably just around 200 square feet. You come to the Volunteer for one reason, and one reason alone: beer.
When Bob and I swung in, we started up conversation with the only two other patrons present. Turns out these guys take every Friday to explore different pubs around the island. Both retired over a year ago, and use their Friday togethers to search out Real Ale. As one said, if there is nothing on cask, they head right back out the door.
We enjoyed discussing beer for sometime before our ladyfolk stopped in to "retrieve us". As they did, one of the retirees piped up, "that's why we leave ours at home".
Mike Lang
