In an unassuming corner of the village of Ewall there is a small community of Hobbits. Like the Hobbits of the Shire they keep themselves to themselves and try to avoid any fuss or unrest and like the Hobbits of the Shire they also enjoy music, dancing, gossip, good food and ale and the company of other Hobbits.
With no Inns in the area, the Hobbits acquired a small property and set about turning it into a proper Hobbity Inn to meet gossip, eat, drink and discuss community matters.
So “The Shire Oak” was established at No.3 Chestnut Street Ewall. The Inn itself had been converted from a small cottage. The once overgrown garden was now an open lawn with large tables to accommodate customers and a neat row of Apple Trees that produced just enough fruit to make a few bottles of homemade cider. Inside, the Inn consisted of two small parlors each with a large fireplace. Most of the furniture had been brought in from the Shire so once inside it was just like being back in The Shire. An ample cellar lay beneath the Inn and it was now full to the brim with the provisions Naima, the Inn Keeper of “The Shire Oak”, had brought with her from The Shire.
Naima had already swept the floor and placed a number of Ale mugs out on the bar ready for the first customers. She did not have long to wait, old Grimoald was first through the door quickly followed by Merofleda. Soon most of the residents of Chestnut Street were laughing, talking and dancing whilst a minstrel played a few Shire tunes. By the end of the evening, with tummies full of food, the Hobbits rested their feet and sat back with a pipe or two and told stories well into the night.
It was around one in the morning before the Hobbits started to return to their burrows, Popski the Night Watchman was on hand with a bright lamp to help folk back to their homes and for his trouble Naima treated him to a mug of ale and some of the left over sausages and pie.
It had been a very pleasant evening and Naima was already looking forward to tomorrow as her head hit the pillow.
