|
|
On returning from Greece we were at something of a loose end.
Elaine and Malc kindly gave us a roof over our heads until we sorted ourselves out, and we decided to become publicans (well, this too seemed like a good idea at the time).
For 2 years we did 'Relief' work in various pubs all over the south of England, one of which was the old Vine in Winchester, where we met Sly.
We were just about to give the whole thing up when we were offered the Lamb and Flag in Oxford, our old drinking haunt. The rest, as they say, is history.
We asked Sly to join us as Assistant Manager, and he became a legend, as did most of the staff (who are too numerous to mention - at the last count there were over 80 of them that had come and gone during our time there) and many of the customers. The staff Christmas parties went down in history (and should probably stay there - if you attended them you know what we mean).
Once again, as all good things come to end, so did our time in the Flag. St Johns wanted the building back and our future was very uncertain, so we thought that the grass would be greener elsewhere, and reluctantly left. It wasn't.