In early February 1998, a decision was made to fit new carpet throughout the main areas of the Inn. The previous one had given sterling service for many years, but the constant trodden-in pasty crumbs, spilt beer, and hoovering had taken their toll. Any of you who are familiar with the establishment will know that this was a major step, and after much wringing of hands, a fine new red carpet was purchased and laid. Much jollity ensued, with accusations of the expectation of Royalty visiting being well to the fore.

Meanwhile preparations were well in hand for celebrating the 101st anniversary of the inn being in our family, a special ale had been commissioned from the Branscombe Vale Brewery. Commemorative labels had been designed and were being printed. Bottles and barrels were being prepared for a the celebrations.

Caroline received a confidential phone call, requesting that the Queen would like to visit. Initially we treated it as a joke on account of all the ragging about the new red carpet. It soon became apparent that this was not the case, and very shortly, all manner of folks with clipboards descended on sleepy Topsham.

It was a busy three weeks before the visit. The city council decided to come and patch the road.  The cobbles were scrubbed. The pub sign was painted for the first time in 20 years. The beer production was brought forward to produce some bottles of "101" to present to Her Majesty. And the cobbles were scrubbed again. The guests received instruction on how to behave when presented to The Queen.

Everyone had an early start on the day of the visit and all you could hear was the sound of birds singing and crush barriers being erected. The first enthusiasts arrived around 10am, and by noon, 15 mins before the appointed hour, Bridge Hill resembled The Mall for the Trooping of the Colours, the Express & Echo the local newspaper had distributed large numbers of Union Jack flags,

The motorcade swept to a halt outside the inn, and there was Queen Elizabeth II coming to visit our little inn. It was at this moment that you realised that this was for real, and not some strange dream.

Her Majesty was wearing a cornflower blue ensemble, and was accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant. Inside the pub, she was introduced to various members of the Cheffers family, friends and staff, and shown around the building.

She was particularly interested in flags which were originally flown in the Inn for Edward VII’s Coronation. Her Majesty was presented with a case of "101" ale from Branscombe Vale, and commented that Prince Philip would enjoy it at The Palace. We later had a letter to say that he enjoyed it at. Windsor.

And then all too soon, it was over, and she was into her limo and sweeping off to her next appointment down the road. The press descended en masse and wanted to know what she said and what she drank. (For the record, she drank nothing.) Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, ties were loosened, champagne popped, and it was as if we had all been part of a film. Out in the car park the 16th century charm of the building was dwarfed by the 20th Century reality of satellite TV links.

A wonderful day that shall forever be an incredibly special part of the inn’s history.