Olde World Wines in Cinque Ports Street is a well known bolthole for discerning wine drinkers in our town. Run by the irrepressible and likeable Danny, his knowledge and range of unusual (and some more usual) wines is a great addition to our other rather run of the mill supermarket offerings: but poetry in wine bars? Yes I had to be convinced.
The afternoon slot (4:30- 7pm), started in April by regular Steve Wilson to showcase and launch local poet Lawrence Wilson’s book “The April Poems”, was well attended by locals who want to perform (or just listen) to original work, or share poems that have a special meaning to them. We were treated to both the hilarious and profound, and also to some fine original songs from local songwriters Steve Stone and Stephen East.
One of the things that I found particularly different about the afternoon was the audience – respectful and quiet, which really gave the performers a chance to communicate (oh and of course the excellent wines). Long may this event continue and if you are an aspiring writer, or just want to drink wine and listen on a Sunday afternoon come along to the next one: a friendly, welcoming and respectful audience guaranteed.
Photo: Phil Law