Went round the pub last night. Our 'local' may be geographically convenient, but it looks like the sort of place I would normally avoid. It's a road pub with a big car park, on a junction, and I think it may have been a Beefeater before it was a Harvester. Although it's only about two-thirds of a mile away and within easy walking distance I think we lived here for 14 years before we ever bothered going in. However, I think it has changed hands again in the last couple of years, has been re-done quite nicely and has quite a nice atmosphere. It's now a Marston's Tavern, food is 2-for-1 and there are always 2 guest ales at £2.35/pint. Last night, 2 rounds of drinks, a meal for four and change from forty quid. We're not exactly 'regulars' but must go there at least once a month now.
The guest ales at the moment are Jennings Yan T'yan Tethera and Wychwood Wild One, with Marston's Ashes Ale and Ringwood Boondoggle in reserve.
It seems that Wychwood Wild One (4.8%) is an OAT Ale - what's this about, anyone made one?
Virtualgirl asked about getting bottles from pubs, well on my 2nd visit to the bar, someone clearing outside tables had put a couple of Bulmer's bottles with the empty glasses so I said "oh, could I have those please, and have you got any more behind the bar?" I returned to our table with a small rubbish sack (pedal bin size) of empty cider and wine bottles. Mrs. Mole finds this practice embarrassing in a public place and muttered to me "next table are watching you". Sure enough, I looked over to the next table and their expressions said WTF? so I told them I make my own and had just been collecting empties from the bar. They were quite happy with that explanation, nodded their assent and returned to their meals. Who else embarrasses their family in public?
Pubs are usually glad to get rid of bottles, but on my way to work I pass a convenient Bottle Bank with lift-the-lid type bins (as opposed to push-'em-through-a-hole). A few times I have stopped there to deposit our empty jars but withdraw Magner's bottles. What's the legality on that? Are these bottles now a Local Council revenue source or more of a nuisance to them?
Some labels (such as Magner's) just float off in hot water, but others seem determined to leave all their stickiness on the bottles. I'd rather not use solvents, is there any easier way with those?
I think that's more than enough for now.
The guest ales at the moment are Jennings Yan T'yan Tethera and Wychwood Wild One, with Marston's Ashes Ale and Ringwood Boondoggle in reserve.
It seems that Wychwood Wild One (4.8%) is an OAT Ale - what's this about, anyone made one?
Virtualgirl asked about getting bottles from pubs, well on my 2nd visit to the bar, someone clearing outside tables had put a couple of Bulmer's bottles with the empty glasses so I said "oh, could I have those please, and have you got any more behind the bar?" I returned to our table with a small rubbish sack (pedal bin size) of empty cider and wine bottles. Mrs. Mole finds this practice embarrassing in a public place and muttered to me "next table are watching you". Sure enough, I looked over to the next table and their expressions said WTF? so I told them I make my own and had just been collecting empties from the bar. They were quite happy with that explanation, nodded their assent and returned to their meals. Who else embarrasses their family in public?
Pubs are usually glad to get rid of bottles, but on my way to work I pass a convenient Bottle Bank with lift-the-lid type bins (as opposed to push-'em-through-a-hole). A few times I have stopped there to deposit our empty jars but withdraw Magner's bottles. What's the legality on that? Are these bottles now a Local Council revenue source or more of a nuisance to them?
Some labels (such as Magner's) just float off in hot water, but others seem determined to leave all their stickiness on the bottles. I'd rather not use solvents, is there any easier way with those?
I think that's more than enough for now.
