About

Looking around the internet at various archery blogs, I noticed something.

They were all… Not to beat about the bush here… But I didn’t see the archery which I know in there. They were all super serious, endlessly promoting high end equipment for the advanced shooter or touting competitions in the mid-west of America… or Elk hunting.

Seriously… Elk Hunting!

All these blogs, I found, were intimidating and unwelcoming. They were for the die-hards who’ve been steeped in the sport for twenty years, and nobody else.

They were also homogenous, white, male, and middle aged- Which is never a good sign.

That’s not the sport I know.

 

The sport I know is a diverse, inviting, warm, relaxing thing.

For me, archery is not just about the target in front of you or the equipment you use.

It’s not about the competitions.

Archery is about that long uphill climb from novice newbie to master of the bow. It’s  (vomits a little inside, writing this) about the journey.

It’s the friends you make along the way… And the enemies.

It’s about giving your bow that personal touch by naming him after the killer in a crime novel you once wrote.

It’s about that weekly Sunday walk along the country lane, saying ‘hi’ to the sheep.

It’s the crushing disappointments, the highs, the lows, and the inexplicable times when ‘The Good The Bad And The Ugly’ goes through your head as you’re standing on the shooting line.

It’s about having fun, having a nice time. Having a laugh.

It’s not about shooting Elk!

 

So here is the remedy…

A cosy little pub to share the sport I know. A place for all, novice and grizzled longbowmen alike. Right by the fireplace is a knackered but comfortable old armchair we got from a second hand junk shop. This is a place for stories, for having a glass of ale after a shoot and for chatting. There’s no intimidation, no need for fancy, expensive equipment. Just come in, take a seat, and relax.

 

Welcome to the Archer’s Nook.

 

Anybody caught shooting an Elk will be barred for life.