retiredmartin

November 2024. Eastbourne.

From the Lamb to Ninkaci,

the Mesopotamian goddess of beer named after CAMRA’s deeply misguided attempt to appeal to women before it was discovered that What Women Want is the right to be served a pint without being asked “Are you sure love ?“.

What were they thinking ?

And what is the thinking with the inclusion of bars without real ale in the Beer Guide this last few years. OK, the GBG description says “Ask which beers might be Key Keg” or “Fridge may include RIAB but check first“.

Don’t get me wrong, I love keg and canned beer, and since finishing the Guide would often go strong craft (don’t go there) rather than the lone dull hand pump that looks a bit of an afterthought.

But it’s still bewildering to see a place whose entire Untappd check-ins are cans.

This is the beer list;

Actually, what’s Bock Geipel ? I missed that, couldn’t actually read that board, and just picked No.2 (the Hawkstone).

Nincaci, clearly the classier aunt to Ninkasi, is tucked away in the smart little retail unit behind the station.

and feels more late night venue than day time bar.

“No Riff Raff” says the sign. Too late !.

Oddly, despite my “But is it real ale” rant and the high tables, I quite liked it (honest). Glitter, expensive cigars, older couples out on the p***, George Benson on the stereo, boutiques across the alley. You could have been in Brentwood. In 1989.

The Hawkstone was served super-chilled, so I can’t really score it for you. I can’t believe Stafford Paul didn’t end up here doing karaoke at the 2022 CAMRA AGM after party.