“And it’s been noted how many people are very lonely and how many people are missing people, and this is what we do on a daily basis, we introduce people together.”   Andrew Ford is the landlord of my local pub, the Hand in Hand, on Wimbledon Common, South West London. It’s my sanctuary when London becomes too much for me, as stepping through its doors you enter a cosy country-style pub dating back to 1835. But more importantly, you’re greeted with a smile and a decent pint of beer.   On one level I have mixed feelings broadcasting about the pub, as I feel it’s one of London’s best-kept secrets – after all, there aren’t too many “village” pubs in London! However, the Hand in Hand and Andrew are full of stories; and stories should be shared.   So last month, I caught up with Andrew for a pint of ale, and we had a fine chat and a laugh. Our topics of conversation ranged from the history of the pub, which started life as a bakery; the pub as a community; the mental health effects of the lockdown on the staff as well as the regulars; the pub’s customers including Oliver Reed’s drinking shenanigans; serving a decent pint of ale; to working as a husband and wife team – Andrew’s wife Elzbieta runs the kitchen.   The Hand in Hand is the perfect example of why pubs are the heart and soul of a community. Pour yourself a drink and enjoy…   PEOPLE AND PLACES MENTIONED The Hand in Hand: https://www.thehandinhandwimbledon.co.uk Instagram: handinhandwimbledon Wimbledon Common: https://www.wpcc.org.uk Wimbledon Village: https://www.wimbledon-village.com CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale): https://camra.org.uk A history of Young’s & Co Brewery: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young%27s Oliver Reed’s Wimbledon 8-pub crawl: https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/food-drink-news/wimbledon-8-pub-crawl-legendary-20491430   ABOUT MARRIOTT'S SIDE TRIPS An overview and further information on Stephen Marriott can be found at the show's website: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com A quick way to find the latest episodes: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com/podcast Marriott shares images and videos from his travels, but rarely sunset shots, at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenrmarriott Author’s Website and Free book: https://stephenrmarriott.com If you have any questions or comments, Marriott always loves to hear from his listeners. You can reach him at: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts   The show’s theme music is by Hanna and Julius, thank you. Thank you to Andrew and the Hand in Hand for hosting the episode on 22/06/2021.