The Cunning Man doesn’t impress us at Burghfield
Today, Moored Burghfield Bridge near Reading
Yesterday, Sulhamstead Swing Bridge to Burghfield Bridge, 4 miles 4 locks
“We don’t allow dogs anywhere in our pub”. It was the barman. I sat said girls and Vic outside in the garden and went back in, having to climb a fence as the door to the garden was locked, to order a couple of pints then something to eat.. “Where are you sitting?” It was him again. “In the garden because you won’t let the dogs in!” ”We don’t serve food in the garden”. 
I offered to come back in and collect it, and suggested that he phoned me when it was ready! “I will shout out when it is ready” says he.. Charming service I’m sure!
It was sunny yesterday after a bit of wet stuff in the morning, and I was feeling so much better.. We would move a bit we both agreed..
Locks along this stretch are tough, the gates are not well balanced and very heavy. I had to help Vic to open one of the bottom gates to which NP had crept forward herself in the lock looking to make an early solo exit, and as I swung the gate I just caught the francis lamp on the front on the walkway on the lock. I walked back to pull the keen NP back when “You have broken the glass!”.. I was devastated! Sir finished opening the gate and I had walked back to climb aboard to exit the lock.
Where on earth would I find a new piece of glass for my beloved lamp?..
It was at the turf sided Garston Lock that I took a look at the damage.. Not a mark on the lamp glass, it was the cratch glass that was cracked! I think the bracket holding the light got a thud and twisted the whole cratch front stressing the glass frame that did it. Easy enough to replace hopefully!
In a hurry they were. Practicing for the Devizes to Westminster canoe race which takes place each year at Easter. It is mammoth. A non stop race with over 50 miles on the K&A and over 50 miles on the Thames with 77 portages and the tidal river to contend with. The finish is at the Houses of Parliament. Not for the feint hearted me thinks!
Lucy and Meg really enjoyed running the towpath together yesterday in the sunshine, and they are very experienced at doing that too. Turnover bridges are no problem to them…
There they go, crossing to the other side of the canal. Lucy will always stop on the other side and check that we are actually coming. You can see her looking out between the undergrowth!
Not much further to the moorings at Burghfield Bridge which were empty for a change. Well there are very few boats on the move at the moment on this canal due to lock closures still to the west of Thatcham, British Waterways having found big problems at a couple of the locks leading to a much longer stoppage time.
An unusual sighting.. hey a boat is coming!
Today has been really wet with some snow this afternoon as well, so we have enjoyed a quiet day aboard together looking forward to tomorrow when we will hopefully be poking NP’s nose out on to the Thames and turn left towards Oxford and freedom!
Oh, and by the way, a young girl emerged from the locked door in the garden yesterday with our lunch and a smile.. Well done her. 
Sue
Updated 24th April 2012
March 4th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Sad to hear that you had such a bad experience int he Cunning Man – we ate there a few years ago and yes, we were relegated to the garden, but I thought the food/service was ok – will go into my archives and check now!
Sue, nb Indigo Dream
ps. two bits of exciting news – we’re in the jubilee pageant and we have two new foster greyhounds!
March 5th, 2012 at 8:08 am
Hi Sue shocking service you should have put the hogs on him.
Sue just to let you know Shobnall boats services have re-opened under new management
Take care
Norwyn
March 5th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
Hi Sue
Great photos of the girls
John
March 5th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
Richard,
I don’t mind if these places are not dog friendly if they have a garden and it is a decent day. I like to sit outside anyway, it is quieter. Just they should leave the bloody door unlocked so we can get in and out and not have to resort to climbing fences! The guy behind the bar was so put out!
Many congrats on getting on the paegent, well deserved indeed!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Norwyn,
Yes shocking way to treat customers! Thanks for the update, do you know if they are selling diesel and if so are they allowing self declaration?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
John,
Always nice to hear a comment about a pic from you.. Hopefully sometime this year we will be in your area, be nice if you would join us for a short trip?
March 6th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Hi Sue they are selling diesel and my understanding is they are allowing self declaration
March 6th, 2012 at 11:54 pm
That Pub sounds like a typical big chain outfit. After reading your blog I looked up the online reviews for the establishment. There are a few on the google map page but many more on tripadvisor – very poor all round. They must just expect customers to turn up due to the location but how many return ?
March 7th, 2012 at 11:45 pm
Norwyn,
Many thanks, I’ll update the page shortly..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Andrew,
Yes I also looked at some reviews and also posted on their facebook page. They came back with some feble excuse that the staff were changing over so weren’t serving in the garden for half hour or so.. that was a load of rubbish!
March 11th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Hi Sue
I can understand if a pub does not allow dogs inside but to be grumpy and unhelpful is certainly NOT necessary. I hope that you published your comments on Trip Adviser. A few years ago whilst moored at Market Drayton I left my dogs outside Weatherspoons in a large courtyard area, went in to order breakfast and was asked to leave as they did not even allow dogs in the courtyard area. When visiting Market Drayton the following year I noticed that it had shut down! (Not sure if no dogs allowed outside is the policiy of Weatherspoons or just of the particular landlord)
March 12th, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Val,
I don’t mind if pubs don’t allow dogs. Most that serve food don’t allow them which is quite right in some circumstances.
I did write on their facebook page and they came back to me with some feeble excuse, and when I replied saying their feeble excuse was rubbish they didn’t bother coming back to me.
I think I will write on Trip Advisor just saying not to expect to use the garden with dogs out of season.
I do know that Weatherspoons has a blanket ban on dogs anywhere in their premises. Pity