January 2026. Waterbeach.
Thursday brought the threat of snow to Sheffield, so after one night shivering (broken boiler) I was pleased to catch the first train back to Waterbeach to see Dad (not at his best), and do my bit in the fight against Dryanuary.
I head right to the lounge.
“It’s warmer to the left, the fire’s on” says Gary, the new landlord, and I know better than to argue, though in truth I prefer the seating in the lounge.
But the public is chatty, and friendly, and we discuss the weather, cause that’s what we do. Someone sings along to “Fairground” by Simply Red (their only No. 1), which is something you don’t hear every day.
Oh, and we compare our abstinence during the cruellest month. “Oh, f**k it, it’s been nine (9) days“. It’s the spirit of the Blitz.
Gary has replaced the Pedigree with Tim Taylor, which I have mixed feeling about. But I’d never tell a landlord what to stock, and to be honest if he can keep beer as well as this Golden Best (top) and Landlord (below), both NBSS 4, I thing I’ll have the Hobgoblin next time.
The new guy’s doing well, and it’s like a sauna in that ice box of an outside gents since he put the heater in, so that’s a bonus.
As night follows day, Chung Hwa follows the Sun.
retiredmartin 
Never one for Dry January, although have had a bit of a break from December’s Festive heavy binging, with no alcohol since NYD. Broke my duck today with a meeting in London giving me the (post) opportunity to reduce my 50p ‘Martin Markdowns’ further, before the Camras send me the next batch in early Feb.
If this year’s Dry January has giving us anything though, then at least it’s seen a return to form from Welsh rappers Goldie Lookin Chain, with their “Dry Jan” single, which has made me smile, for one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blimey that return to form has been a long time coming !
LikeLike
You’d prefer Hobgoblin to something from T Taylor’s, or have I misunderstood?
LikeLike
I have absolutely no preference. I’d give anything a go.
LikeLike