Chris Maclean: Epsom salts

Derby Day.

There can be few better examples of the British pub working at its best than the spectacle that is the annual day out to Epsom for the Derby.

Purists can argue the benefits of the Wednesday meeting over the Saturday meeting but for the first Saturday in June, the Derby is the major activity for hundreds of pubs throughout the land.

For most pubs the process started weeks ago.

The poster goes up inviting people to join in. The bus is booked. The parking organised. For many pubs, there will be entertainment, music, food and, inevitably, beer. The Derby becomes an extension of the pub.

Early on the Saturday morning the group assembles outside the pub, the bus arrives and the group divides into two unequal sides. Those who get onto the bus, and those who load the bus with beer, food, chairs and tables and so forth. This latter group, usually with the landlord, will be grafting for the rest of the day.

On arrival at Epsom the bus will join the hundreds of others on the Hill, the passengers will pour out and the grafters will set up the barbecue, bar, music, shelter and entertainment. The day really takes off from here. As you walk around the merriment from the buses is plain to see. Some bring full discos and are dancing from the moment they arrive. I am convinced there are many who never leave the confines of the area around the bus and I am certain some people never see a horse.

To me the Derby is the embodiment of all that is good in a pub. The selfless endeavours to give the customers a good time, the provision of all that they could wish, the undeniable sense of community entails.

Our pubs here in Faversham did themselves proud. There is absolutely no sense of rivalry. Each of the busses I visited made me more than welcome. So a big thank you to all at the Bull, the Market and the Tuns. Your effort was huge. It was a delight. The weather was perfect and I had three winners!