A weekend in Newbury
We are in Newbury! An endless mecca to high street consumerism where the streets are paved with big name brands and small individual shops struggle to exist and add character. It’s not my kind of place - but we’re here for 4 days whilst we wait for an anchor and my Mother who is coming to visit!
Coming into Newbury the Kennet & Avon takes you right beneath the high street under a pretty venetian like bridge before the town turns its back on it, and the canal side buildings are a collection of impossibly ugly 70’s office extensions and barbed wire - a Costa Coffee has put a few plastic chairs out next to the bins and further up a Youth Centre wins the most aesthetically depressingly shit award for the whole town and a brown bridge carries a roaring road through the town.
My advice is to aim to moor down by Greenham Bridge (No 56). Though the park looks like a handsome place to stop up for a bit, there is a reason why there aren’t any other boats there and it’s mainly to do with the unusually high number of bored looking teenage boys wandering around drinking hootch and kicking pigeons. Greenham bridge is busy and just opposite the neat and tidy Newbury Marina.
Ma’s visit to the boat was a success. I wasn’t nervous about having her over because she’s my Ma - but I wasn’t sure how it would work having someone else in such a small space for a whole day and an evening. Sure I live aboard with Chris but that’s different somehow. She came round and we went out and talked and laughed and drank until late. The following morning after yacking over breakfast and clearing our hangovers from the night before (brandy) we went out for a ‘mooch’ around the dispiriting high street.
Upon the recommendation of a local friend, we decided to refuel at The Secret Tea Room, hidden within the town hall, behind the desk of a yoga studio. We sat and spoke with the host - a graphic designer and part owner of the yoga studio and tea room with his wife. He was an avid collector of toys and memorabilia, which lined the walls (Captain Scarlet, Thunderbirds, and a lego millennium falcon) his attire was a celebration of The Mod - slicked mid length blonde hair carefully styled to sit close to the face, a pinstripe suit and flowery shirt. Whilst at the table he asked who’s birthday it was as Ma was presenting me with house warming gift, ‘oh none of ours! just a housewarming’ Ma replied. Later he approached us with an extra slice of cake for Chris ‘As it’s your Birthday’. Our Britishness stopped us from telling him any different. We sat and spoke about Newbury with him. He told us how difficult it was to be an independent shop owner here and now that the rates have gone up again it is almost impossible. This is a sad tale - and I left the bonkers tea room feeling like though it was a bit strange and made us giggle, it was the only place with any character that we found. Newbury needs to encourage people to open more of these special places where they can be themselves and flourish in their own businesses.
Perhaps some people might think I’m slating this town unnecessarily. Newbury Council got it wrong in my opinion, but you can shop locally in the market and eat out and indie restaurants with a little effort and it gives the place a much needed boost of character. These places need your support.
Best Restaurant > Lusso (Italian - great Pizza)
Best Coffee/ Tea > The Secret Tea Room No coffee just tea but quirky enough and needs your support
Laundry > The Laundry Basket £4 machine wash all laundry facilities offered and walking distance from Greenham bridge.
Best Shop> The Inn at Home offers a wide range of beers, wines and spirits - though they are pricey it is varied. Staff let you get on with it but are on hand if needed.
Best Tip> Avoid mooring at ‘Viccie Park’ and make use of free recycling facilities at Sainsburys.
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| Laundry Day in Newbury/ My new meditation |
Coming into Newbury the Kennet & Avon takes you right beneath the high street under a pretty venetian like bridge before the town turns its back on it, and the canal side buildings are a collection of impossibly ugly 70’s office extensions and barbed wire - a Costa Coffee has put a few plastic chairs out next to the bins and further up a Youth Centre wins the most aesthetically depressingly shit award for the whole town and a brown bridge carries a roaring road through the town.
My advice is to aim to moor down by Greenham Bridge (No 56). Though the park looks like a handsome place to stop up for a bit, there is a reason why there aren’t any other boats there and it’s mainly to do with the unusually high number of bored looking teenage boys wandering around drinking hootch and kicking pigeons. Greenham bridge is busy and just opposite the neat and tidy Newbury Marina.
Ma’s visit to the boat was a success. I wasn’t nervous about having her over because she’s my Ma - but I wasn’t sure how it would work having someone else in such a small space for a whole day and an evening. Sure I live aboard with Chris but that’s different somehow. She came round and we went out and talked and laughed and drank until late. The following morning after yacking over breakfast and clearing our hangovers from the night before (brandy) we went out for a ‘mooch’ around the dispiriting high street.
Upon the recommendation of a local friend, we decided to refuel at The Secret Tea Room, hidden within the town hall, behind the desk of a yoga studio. We sat and spoke with the host - a graphic designer and part owner of the yoga studio and tea room with his wife. He was an avid collector of toys and memorabilia, which lined the walls (Captain Scarlet, Thunderbirds, and a lego millennium falcon) his attire was a celebration of The Mod - slicked mid length blonde hair carefully styled to sit close to the face, a pinstripe suit and flowery shirt. Whilst at the table he asked who’s birthday it was as Ma was presenting me with house warming gift, ‘oh none of ours! just a housewarming’ Ma replied. Later he approached us with an extra slice of cake for Chris ‘As it’s your Birthday’. Our Britishness stopped us from telling him any different. We sat and spoke about Newbury with him. He told us how difficult it was to be an independent shop owner here and now that the rates have gone up again it is almost impossible. This is a sad tale - and I left the bonkers tea room feeling like though it was a bit strange and made us giggle, it was the only place with any character that we found. Newbury needs to encourage people to open more of these special places where they can be themselves and flourish in their own businesses.
Perhaps some people might think I’m slating this town unnecessarily. Newbury Council got it wrong in my opinion, but you can shop locally in the market and eat out and indie restaurants with a little effort and it gives the place a much needed boost of character. These places need your support.
Best Restaurant > Lusso (Italian - great Pizza)
Best Coffee/ Tea > The Secret Tea Room No coffee just tea but quirky enough and needs your support
Laundry > The Laundry Basket £4 machine wash all laundry facilities offered and walking distance from Greenham bridge.
Best Shop> The Inn at Home offers a wide range of beers, wines and spirits - though they are pricey it is varied. Staff let you get on with it but are on hand if needed.
Best Tip> Avoid mooring at ‘Viccie Park’ and make use of free recycling facilities at Sainsburys.
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