Last Sunday I went out for a pub lunch and made a great discovery – Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer. It has just the right level of gingeriness to make it a real treat, and a nice kick thanks to the alcohol. A perfect drink for both Summer and Winter, I reckon. Not too far in flavour from Blandford Fly, another very gingery drink, but this time a real ale. If you like one you’ll almost certainly like the other. And the good news is that you can get it in supermarkets, so no hunting around for it.
Beer
Great Little Pub
I went out for a few beers with a friend last night. One of the pubs we went into was the Bell, and we loved it. It’s small, with very friendly bar staff and great beer. The room upstairs was comfortable and empty, which meant we could chat undisturbed by loud music or drunken idiots. At one point the barman very helpfully set up the next drinks while I went to the toilet, which I thought most helpful. I shall be going back there again, I reckon.
Great British Beer Festival
After work yesterday I went to the Great British Beer Festival at Earl’s Court. I’d pre-booked my ticket but I needn’t have bothered as the usual massive queue was conspicuous by its absence. I bought a book at the CAMRA stall, met up with friends, listened to a rather crappy band, talked bollocks and (surprise, surprise) drank plenty of different beers.
It was a very enjoyable way to spend the evening although I can’t help thinking that simply going to the pub with the same group of friends would have been equally pleasurable. Still, I’m not compaining. A good time is a good time.
Beer Festival
Last night, after work, I went to the Great British Beer Festival at Earls Court. It was a great deal easier to get into this year; last year I had to join a massive queue but this year there wasn’t one. Anyway, I had a good wander around, tried some very nice beers, including a very pleasant banana beer from somewhere or other, met and chatted with some nice people and left reasonably early because, to be honest, I was very tired and traipsing around made it all too apparent that I wasn’t going to last.
I’m glad I went although I think it would have been better if I hadn’t had a long day at work first. Maybe next year I’ll do the sensible thing and just take the day off.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
On Friday night I met up with some friends for a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, followed by beer and then kebabs at Leicester Square. It proved to be an extremely good way to finish off a pretty trying week. I love my job but there are times when I could do with a little less stress.
Yesterday I availed myself of Lidl‘s regular sale of cheap motorcycle gear and bought myself a new magnetic tank bag for a tenner. It has a useful detachable side pocket and can be unzipped from the magnetic base, which stays on the bike. The act of doing this reveals straps that allow the bag to be worn as a rucksack. All very clever. To be honest, I’m a sucker for anything that has lots of zips and pockets and stuff.
Today I intend to laze around in front of the TV, watching the German Motorcycle Grand Prix and drinking beer, specifically Badger Golden Glory, a lovely summery ale containing extract of peach blossom, which gives it a light, fruity flavour I really enjoy.