Slowly, throughout the 18
th century, the Barn developed a reputation as an airy place to dine, as a stop on out-of-town excursions, where the likes of Irish playwright Oliver Goldsmith, the Templars, and the Highbury Society Dissenters gathered for good conversation, food and drink. Goldsmith often referred to these rambles as his Shoemaker’s Holiday, sometimes designed so he would not be at home when the rent man called.
Vocals: Tim Lowe, Richard Cowhig and Richard Rhys O’Brien
Keyboards: Richard Rhys O’Brien
Lyrics
Cream cakes and ale, cream cakes and ale
Come with me to the farm at the top of Highbury Vale
Renowned for its dairy, they come from far and near
Cakes from the oven and I recommend the beer
Cream cakes and ale, cream cakes and ale
Come with me to the farm at the top of Highbury Vale
“They make a very good ordinary”, said Mr Goldsmith’s friend
“Two dishes and a pastry, tenpence a head”
“A penny for the waiter, just over ten percent”
Maybe when he’s famous, he can also pay the rent
Cream cakes and ale, cream cakes and ale
Come with me to the farm at the top of Highbury Vale
Sometimes you’ll see some Templars, we’re hard by St John’s Wood
Come enjoy the clean fresh air, and the walk will do you good
Shoemaker’s holiday, meet some literary men
Or The Highbury Society, they’re the ones that just dissent
Cream cakes and ale, cream cakes and ale
Come with me to the farm at the top of Highbury Vale
