The Horse and Cart pub in Peasmarsh took on an Orange theme last Saturday (April 28) when its new owner, Dutchman Theo Engerkamp together with his son Mike, celebrated King’s Day – or Koningsdag, a Dutch festival celebrating King Willem-Alexander’s crowning in 2013 – and their takeover of this country pub in School Lane.
The Orange theme (after the Dutch royal family) was taken up by many customers in orange clothes and men with orange beards. Every April 27 (or thereabouts) the whole of the Netherlands, is painted orange and the streets, canals and parks overflow with lively crowds. King’s Day is the biggest day of the year and a public holiday. Amsterdam is turned into one enormous festival with live music and special events, all to mark the arrival of King Willem-Alexander. And before him there was a Queen’s Day as the Dutch, like Britain, had a very long-serving Queen.
The band Entertaining Mr Stone (shown right) played for the customers, the musicians being Steve Stone (vocal/guitar), Phil Law (keyboard) and Paul Brasington on violin, who was a great addition to the line-up. Steve and Phil have been playing together for some time in Rye and around.
Recent customer comments credit the pub’s atmosphere, friendly staff and environment under a new team,which includes a Polish chef who is introducing regular menu changes. The food is home-made and local produce is being used.
Comments included: “Lovely, welcoming cosy pub with nice food. Very pleasant to spend an evening,” and “Staff helpful and friendly.”
For further information or to book a table call 01797 230034.
Photos : Heidi Foster