August 2026. Coventry.
When I suggested a route for the Cov Crawl a month ago I’d used the Beer Guide as my starting point, but skipped the newish micropub in favour of an extra trad pub out west.
Will gently chided me for this omission, and 3 years ago I’d noted of Hops D’Amour the cheery drinkers, lovely staff and quality beer. What was I thinking of ?
Possibly just nervous about being led astray on strong imperial stouts. So I had the non-alcholic fruited IPA (can’t believe Stafford Paul skipped this one) and cursed my judgement (again) as the rest of our group approved of the cask.
But….despite the beer, and staff, and Coventry memorabilia being as good as ever, that’s not what made Hops D’Amour such a great experience.
Just to my right on the benches an Old Boy was quietly sipping a pint of murk, so I asked him what it was. 20 minutes later I knew more about 91 year old Jim than I do about myself on a good day.
A joy to chat to, Jim had moved to Coventry from Dublin in the 50s, lived with his wife round the corner, and came to the pub every day for a pint and a half. He knew about the Fairfax Club, and every other pub in the city, and was getting on with life, planning a trip to Thornbridge brewery.
When you meet folk like Jim you’re a bit in awe of their life well lived, and glad pubs play the social role they do, and just the tiniest bit sad my own 91 year old dad doesn’t get out anymore.
But no time for reflection, it’s time to hit the underpass.
It’s more edgy than it looks.
retiredmartin 