Pints and pétanque prove big hit in Derbyshire village
Residents of Spinkhill are dusting off their boules as they prepare for the village’s pétanque league to start in earnest.
The league is hosted by the Angel & Harlequin Bistro, an establishment that has stood at the heart of the village since 2014, when residents famously came together to save the pub from redevelopment and secured it as one of the first Assets of Community Value in North East Derbyshire.
However, it is the bistro’s new pétanque league that now has everyone talking.
What started as a simple idea from local residents quickly became a village-wide effort, with people donating materials, sourcing equipment and volunteering their time to build the playing area, known as a piste.
The inaugural league was won by Spinkhill’s parish priest, Fr Peter McGuire, and his playing partner John McNeil, and the village is just about to commence its second season.
Chef-proprietor Chris Norfolk says initiatives like this are not just a lovely addition to community life, but an essential part of keeping community assets alive and flourishing.
“It used to be that providing top-class food and drink with a smile was enough to ensure a business like ours could thrive. However, times are tough in the hospitality industry, which is why we have to ensure we are doing all we can to put the Bistro at the heart of village life.”
Chris added: “If you fancy a game of boules when you call in for a drink in our garden, all are welcome. Pétanque is growing rapidly in the UK, with a 30% increase in players since Covid, and we would love for our Bistro to become the local home of the sport.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Angel & Harlequin Bistro’s pétanque league, or its Sunday lunches, should pop in or visit angelandharlequinbistro.co.uk.