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.