For so many years now, more than I care to admit, it has been necessary to walk or ride all the way to Michel Delving to enjoy a drink or chat at an inn - the Bird and Baby. It is true: Barleywick has never had an inn of its own! Well, it has never had one in my time, at least. But now, after all these parched years, one has finally opened!
A fellow named Gusgo Berrybell arrived in the village some time ago and began to talk of building an inn. In truth, many of us were skeptical at first. He seemed only to talk of the matter, and did not seem to act on said words. I believe Gusgo is a Bucklander, for I remember the name 'Berrybell' from Newbury. Some others in the village, however, claim he is from Bree! Whatever the case may be, he proved our skepticism wrong. He purchased 3 Wending Way, a small and rather neglected hole found in the Square. In a matter of weeks the place was looking as good as new once again. And so Barleywick's first inn - The Oak and Bell - opened today!
After supper, I decided to head down to the inn for a quick drink. It was certainly refreshing to be but a short stroll away from it, and not many miles as had been the case with the Bird and Baby. It seemed that almost all the village was crammed into the little building! All drinking and chatting, in an atmosphere of merriment and community.
