The gamekeeper at the Surrey farm where I keep my horses has been banned from his local pub for looking too scruffy. Like the two farm workers in Berkshire who made headlines when they were turfed out of their local a few weeks ago, the gamekeeper has been left in no doubt that his muddy face no longer fits. Apparently, customers complained about his ancient shooting jacket, mud-splattered wellies and cloth cap.
These customers are not from the country, you see. They are townies who bought their dream house in prime commuter-belt countryside and now frequent the newly renovated gastropub in Armani jeans and Ralph Lauren sweaters.
The landlord is sorry but what can he do? Since he refurbished the place to include stripped oak floors, vaulted ceilings, designer sofas and a display unit featuring locally sourced organic produce, his profits have soared. Before the revamp, the gamekeeper sat at the bar nursing a pint.
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