Oxford, 5/31/08

Don June 6th, 2008

Some of us went out to the Trout Inn for lunch today.

SAY IT AIN’T SO!

The Trout was an old inn that you walk to past the ruins of Godstowe Abbey on the Thames River Path.  Except for the addtion of electric lights, it seemed unchanged since the 17th century. You almost expected to see Isaac Walton walk in with a mess of trout right out of The Complete Angler. And then they would serve them to you on the patio by the river, with swans and houseboats floating by and peacocks wandering through the tables looking for handouts. The peacefulness and charm of the place was indescribable. The Inklings used to love to walk out there for dinner. You had to have been there. And now you can never know what it was like.

THEY HAVE MODERNIZED IT!

Sometime since 2005, some Business Major with a mind full of numbers and metal gears, some despicable descendant of Ted Sandyman, some vile agent of Sharkey, has ripped out the heavy dark wood and old plaster of the interior and replaced it with metal, plastic, and glass. The patio by the river with its peacocks remains, but the tables and chairs have all
been replaced with modern looking things that do not fit or harmonize with or belong in such a setting.  The hike is still worth taking, and the outside of the inn is as rustic and picturesque as ever. But don’t spend your 10-15 pounds for dinner. Just shake your fist, sigh, turn around, and head back.

No taunting today, folks; no snide remarks about envy.  I am in high dudgeon and serious mourning over here.   Sic transit gloria mundi. Ubi sunt? Sigh.

From the dreaming spires,

Don

Comments are closed.