Wednesday 1 July 2009

Focus on...

Second in our regular series of articles each focusing on one of the Open Life islands landmarks is...

The Open Arms has rapidly become a focal point for residents and visitors alike. LOL! editor Eshala selflessly volunteered to spend an afternoon in the pub to check out it’s features.

The pub is situated in the heart of Open Life Village, looking out over the village green, making it an ideal meeting point for the locals. The grounds of the pub are bordered by a gleaming white low wall and numerous pretty flowers, plants and shrubs. In the grounds themselves stands a flowing fountain to the right of the pub, while at the front there are several tables and chairs for thirsty residents to sit at and enjoy the views across the island. The sounds of birds tweeting in the background makes it a relaxing and atmospheric place to be.


The interior of the Open Arms is cosy and welcoming. A roaring log fire on the right-hand side provides welcome warmth on cold, dark, nights while comfy chairs and sofas make it the perfect place to sit back and catch up with friends over a drink or three. Above the mantelpiece is a bookcase though no-one has managed to persuade it to hand over so much as a Mr. Men book as yet. The bar is tantalisingly well-stocked with an array of wines and spirits on show. Sadly there are no barmen/barmaids awaiting your order as it’s self-service but beer, orange juice and espresso are all available.


Adorning the walls are pictures of OU parties, gatherings and general silliness that have taken place over the months on the OU islands. Food can be found in the form of a plate full of sandwiches - bacon, dried tomato or my own favourite, salmon. Surprisingly the sandwiches seem perfectly edible even after being sat on the table uncovered for a considerable length of time now. For that special occasion a magnum of champagne sits on one of the tables ready to be uncorked.

Most nights some of the locals can be found putting the world to rights in the beer garden so do pop along and say hello!

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