retiredmartin

Rules of Blogging No. 377 – If you can’t find a good picture of a shopping centre, use a lost cat.

The alternatives were these photos;

I’m still finishing my forensic analysis of the new Beer Guide (I haven’t started yet), but the arrival of a new Hatfield entry will surely be one of the big surprises, as shocking as Norwich stealing even a corner against the champions.

To be honest I’d have been less surprised by a craft bar in the University of Hatfield or Faldo’s Fine Ales @ Welwyn Golf Course. The area east of St Albans has been a bit of a GBG desert since Mrs RM and I worked nearby in the ’90s.

Nothing in the Guide for Welwyn Garden City, and just the occasional coaching inn on the Old Great North Road.

“Hatfield railway and bus stations are nearby using ‘blood and guts alley”. says What Pub of the Horse & Groom. I’m fairly sure Matt uses that alley to go a hardcore metal festival called Bloodstock.

Talking of alleys, this is the state of the underpass between the Galleria and the complex of offices, health and fitness centres (aaagh!) and University buildings hosting Harpsfield Hall.

I can’t say I was scared; there were people walking through with M&S bags.  But it’s not what you expect in the heart of Hertfordshire, is it ?

The outside of the new Spoons is so dull I’ll spare you it and bring you instead a nice photo of young people enjoying Sol in the sun.

It’s very quiet for a lunchtime. Clearly very few folk leave the comfort of Nando’s and Prezzo in the Galleria food court, and having seen that subway I can’t blame them.

Even some “fun” retro booths and deluxe power sockets aren’t enough.

But at least its accessibility makes it popular with our favourite type of customer.

The by now predictable Spoons range, so I ask which one goes quickest.

“The Golden” I’m told, unconvincingly.

But the barman is right, it’s a bit cloudy but the right temperature, which counts for at least 2.5 of my NBSS 3.

Two sudents come to the bar and ask for an explanation of the cask and keg beers, before wisely settling on Moretti. No doubt they’ll be drinking proper beer within a year or two.