Staff at one Dunstable pub are flushed with success after winning acclaim in a national contest – for its top toilets.
I got to the bottom of this and learned that The Gary Cooper has earned a gold star rating from inspectors in the Loo Of The Year Awards 2012.
The Court Drive pub has earned success in the annual contest before, of course.
So you might say that it isn’t just a flash in the pan.
The awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of “away from home” toilet facilities across the UK.
Authorised inspectors make unannounced visits to hundreds of toilets at sites across the UK.
In other words, they trek all over the country to look into loos.
Criteria includes decor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand-washing and drying equipment and overall management.
Mark Gale is the manager of the Dunstable pub, part of the Wetherspoon chain.
He said: “I am delighted with the award.
“Staff at the pub work hard to ensure the toilets are in first-class condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors.”
Mike Bone, managing director of the awards scheme, said: “The toilets at The Gary Cooper have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well-maintained.
“The pub richly deserves its gold award.”
I couldn’t resist the chance to indulge in some toilet humour.
Hope it didn’t drive you round the bend!
Drivers have been telling me they’re finding revamped Court Drive a motoring maze at the moment.
Wittiest comment so far came from Facebook user Tracey ‘Coys’ Scott.
Tracey commented that “as no-one knows whose right of way any of it is”, the area has been given a new name – He Who Dares Wins!
Boo! I hear that Dunstable’s trained town guides are setting out for a jittery journey to the other side again soon.
They will be leading “ghost walks” around the town, including one scary stroll on Sunday, December 16.
Join them to hear ghostly tales of knights, slaves and a headless soldier, all told on a walk on a dark night (but hopefully not a dark AND stormy night!). Spooky stuff.
The December 16 walk starts at 5pm from the car park next to the Priory Church and will last for about an hour.
Tickets are £5 and must be bought in advance from the reception area at Priory House tourism and heritage centre, High Street South.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and each adult should supervise only one child.
The minimum age for children on this walk is nine.
Don’t forget to wear warm clothing and flat shoes and take a torch.
Just to be clear, it was me who wrote the above – it wasn’t a ghost writer...