retiredmartin

September 2024. Sheffield.

A half hour walk round Walkley is worth 2 hours in the flats of the Fens,

and Mrs RM’s 10k steps takes in some art (from Peachzz),

and grandeur,

but I sense she senses I’m looking for a pub stop.

Matt and Emma are on their way back from Berlin

so I consider Berlin Calling, but it’s closed, and the Hallamshire Hotel might have their beer from the Union, but it might not,

and we just dither, until Mrs RM says “It’s the Blake, then“.

Well, nice pic for her Instagram reel,

and it’s a classic, innit ?

“A pint of Blue Bee and…what you having Mrs RM ?“

Mrs RM looks across the row for the strongest.

“…pint of Big 3“.

“A half ?“

“No, a pint“.

The cheery barman pours mine, moved to Mrs RM whim (someone has to).

“It was a half, wasn’t it ?“

“No a pint !“.

My request for a pint was rejected twice with 'half'. Had to ask barman if he was judging me! Yes it's a stronger beer but same as Jaipur and if I'm only going to have one pint I'll make It a good one. Beer sexism is real! #casualsexism

— Christine (@christinet50) September 13, 2024

Barman backtracks, explains the Big 3 is a bit strong, then complies. I scuttle to safety.

Mrs RM watches as the next bloke at the bar orders the same beer, served without question.

I’d seen the exact same scenario play out in Peterborough’s Oakham Tap a few years back, a female customer interrogated as to whether she was sure she wanted a 6% Green Devil a minute after I was sold a pint without question.

Grief, it’s only 5.9%, same strength as Jaipur. What is this new puritanism ?

NB For the record, this intriguing Whim venture into the modern beer market was a 4, beer of the month