retiredmartin

July 2024. Stafford.

“Don’t get too drunk with Paul and Will“. Mrs RM’s loving last words as I left for Stafford.

She needn’t have worried. This was a CAMRA approved artisanal exploration led by an experienced group leaders. It was possible we’d only be sipping thirds, though oddly my notes say “Not had a half pint since 74“. No idea who said that.

But, just to be sure, I set a reminder to myself that activated at 4pm. “Stop drinking“. You can buy the app in my Patronised store. It’s best to have a plan to limit yourself.

It beeped just as we entered the Waggon and Horses, which was pointless as I surveyed the bar and spotted you-know-what.

I mean, who could skip Bass ? And more to the point, who drinks Bass in halves ?

And who could resist the understated charms of a back street pub with proper bench seating, with ’80s decor that may have not been entirely to Mrs RM’s taste, but again the custom was almost entirely Old Boy.

Another great soundtrack.

One of my favourites from 1982, a year when my vinyl purchases stretched from Crass to Saxon to Dionne. The banter was less sophisticated;

“I knew the wife’s mother, but not in a biblical sense”. Context is everything, but I can offer you none.

Another round of Bass, another NBSS 3+, perhaps even better presented than the last.

Someone asked me about the fascination of Bass, and the beauty of the beer in that branded glass is certainly part of the appeal.

Almost as beautiful as Will’s notes.