Ed's London

Time to get to London

2012-01-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

I have made reservations to visit London this March. I had just visited this past December and one can not visit London too often I say. In looking over my flight times and layovers in Charlotte I was a bit stunned when the numbers added up for me. The overseas legs are typically 8 to 9 hours so seeing 17 flight hours was not a surprise. The jaunt from Pittsburgh to Charlotte is about 1.5 hours making a total of 3. I have the pleasure of laying over in Charlotte for about six hours. I love being in Charlotte but for about 3 hours each does not allow for any sight-seeing other than what is in Terminal B.

But when I totaled all the flight and layover times I was shaken by the 26 hours I will be in transit. My holiday is for 9 days and I will be using one day and two hours of the time NOT being in London. Still, I cannot wait t be in the air eastbound.

Off To London

2011-11-13T06:46:00.001-08:00

As many of my friends know, I have been going to London on an annual basis for many years. I came close to missing a trip this year but I recently found a deal. It also confused me, and my friends can tell you that is so easy to do. US Airways put out an e-saver list on Wednesday morning. They offer flights to selected cities at a discount. They recently had flights to London that were good (about $550RT, less taxes and fees) if you wanted to go within the short time period permitted. I chose not to take the saver and did what I always do. I waited them out. If you are flexible (I am 58 so not so much anymore) you can catch a real deal. As my work schedule is not very restrictive I can leave any time I desire. I plan months ahead and try not to get desperate. They placed some really low fares on their schedule but for a limited and select period of days. I am landing at Gatwick on 1 December for five days. My ticket is $448 and with taxes and fees it comes to $630. I paid $610 for my March 2010 trip.

Sorry to say that I was not able to go at the beginning of October or I would have been able to drink some of Matt Cole’s beer that he brewed at the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham, Kent. He is head brewer at the Fat Heads Brewery in Cleveland and a Pittsburgher. He also studied brewing in England some years ago. It would have been a blast to drink his beer that he made in England, in England.

It looks like I will miss out on drinking a Pittsburgh beer(s) in London during my trip. In a pleasant surprise I found out that East End Brewery (Scott Smith) sent Black Strap Stout and Big Hop IPA. Shelton Brothers recently sent a limited quantity over but looks as though it will be gone by the time I walk into the Cask Pub and Kitchen in Pimlico. Scott got positive feedback from London via Twitter so this may give him and the brothers reason to send more over. But lads, please check with my schedule first!

So yes, these are exciting days. Unexpected cheap flight to London with a chance to drink some local brews there. Ok, so the local beer will not happen. But who knows what I will find when I land? I will be blogging from my IPAD whenever I find a free wifi spot. So after December 1^st keep checking my blog every minute of every day for updates.

http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/

http://fatheadscleveland.com/

http://eastendbrewing.com/

http://www.caskpubandkitchen.com/

http://www.sheltonbrothers.com/

http://www.Good-London-Guide.com (my site)

Wenlock Arms Pub

2011-10-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Steve Barnes and Will Williams bought the pub in 1994 after securing a loan from A Brewing. They made money and repaid the loan to make the Wenlock Arms a free house. That enabled the to buy the beers they wanted and did a wonderful job of building a strong and loyal customer base. I would like to think that I was one of them. My annual London holiday would not be complete without a visit to one of London’s earliest real ale havens. I saw many pubs in London offering two or three real ales at best but the WA had a nice array early on. I was able to try exciting beers from across England and until recent years this was very rare for London.

Planning approval for five flats with commercial space one the ground floor. Times change and nothing lasts forever it seems. There is a movement on to save the pub but can this happen? Just have somebody buy it and run it for 17 years like Steve and Will have done. It’s that easy. Well, maybe not. Maybe that’s why it is for sale? And who should blame Steve and Will for wanting to retire with something to show for all that they have done for almost two decades of their lives? All the chatter on the web is about saving the Wenlock Arms. Ha sit occurred to anyone to give thanks?

I felt a loss when I first found out the Arms was closing but I took the time to reflect the good times I had there and the great beers available to me. It became one of my destination pubs and one that I told others to seek out. I may never see Will or Steve when I get back over but should I have the opportunity I would like to say two words to them: Thank You. Thank you for giving me years of memories and the chance to meet some interesting people. A pub with dogs aloud and Eddy the Fat Controller. Yes, I am happy that I was able to be a part of all that for all these years. Thank you Steve. Thank you Will.

http://www.wenlock-arms.co.uk/pub.html

Good Pub Guide

2011-09-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

It seems there is a good pub guide that may have good bad. Well, some people seem to be in disarray with a change in how entries are placed within the guide.

Pubs to be entered were anonymously inspected by the editor, deputy editor, or both prior to entry. My 1996 edition listed Alisdair Aird, editor; Fiona May, deputy editor, Robert Unsworth, research officer and Karen Fick, editorial research. Alisdair and Fiona are listed on the current cover but Fiona appears to be married now.

The article in the Daily Mail suggests that publicans can gain entry to the guide (new for the 2012 edition) by supplying cash. At most this could be misleading and appear to be unethical. It is not illegal. There are two ways to look at guides. I post a page on my pubnetwork.com site for bars in the South Side (of Pittsburgh, Pa.).

I note that it is not a review and only a directory. I do not accept advertizing or cash, although I have never been offered any. Perhaps it is a testament to the greatness of my post? All the work is mine and I write what I want. CAMRA puts out a Good Beer Guide that lists pubs that must adhere to one basic policy note that the Pub Guide does not require: serving of real ale is a must. Any publication can set its own rules as long as it makes them clear to the people buying the publication.

What the Good Pub Guide is doing is not advertizing. But is does seem to be moving away from its original goal of supplying first hand information about pubs. The 2012 issue will do what my site does; help you find a pub. It will no longer guarantee a “good” pub as a “good” pub that has not paid may be excluded but a “bad” pub will be included. As long as you know money has been given for entry, are you fine with the book? Would you buy it for its intended purpose implied by the title? What about the Good Movie Review or Good Food Restaurants? Has the guide’s credibility been tarnished? Only you can decide.

One more thing: if a pub is going to pay, should the pub have something to say about content? Do pubcos pay more for greater control of content and editorial criticisms? When does the guide loose all control? Having money coming in to this can be a game changer.

Links:

http://www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk/

Good Beer Guide from CAMRA

http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=192602

Good London Guide from me

http://www.good-london-guide.com/

Matured Cask Ale at Piper's Pub

2011-09-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

I popped into Piper’s Pub tonight (19 September 2011) for a bite to eat and the cask ales. Well, a bite to eat was almost secondary to the beer but it was a good drizzly night for Sheppard’s Pie. My last beer was my favorite: Rivertowne Brown Eyed Finley. This beer on cask tonight was the best example to define the difference between matured beer and off beer. A beer that is off has a sour taste, or flavors other than malt: butterscotch, cardboard, whatever. Finley was matured at Piper’s in the cask cellar and although as it was a bit sour it was not off.

As I took my first sip I was instantly stopped. What was this I was drinking? Was it bad? No! It was what English Brown Ale was meant to taste like. I told Hart, the bartender about my experience and he said: “you are an English Brown Ale drinker”. Decades of drinking in England paid off.

In reading what brown ale once was in England, I seldom found any to comply with the old descriptions: lactic sourness (unlike bitterness). This was not Newcastle. It had a pronounced, yet pleasant tang that gave the beer an exciting difference to ordinary bitter or IPA. It was a textbook example of authentic English Brown Ale of days far gone. The Finley did not start out this was but as it sat in a cask with a soft spile, it oxidized over time. This isi one reason caskbeer can’t sit forever like keg beer. A spile is a wood peg driven into cask to permit carbon dioxide gas to escape, or to stop it. As this beer matured over time it did have a slight, but noticeable tang to it. To be sure, this was not a bad flavor but one that should be relished, as I did tonight. It gave the beer a nice mouth feel and excited my taste buds. It was though my buds were having sex with beer.

Original porters (an off-shoot of brown ale) were matured in the same manner causing a lactic sourness to differentiate it from other beers of the day. As a young beer, brown would be void of any real flavor until it matured. Sadly, in today’s market the maturity would be short lived. The Finley sitting in a cask for nine days came to adulthood this night. I hope it comes back to Piper’s cellar, as the way it was conditioned was the prime example as how a beer should be handled. Thank you Drew and the cellar men (and to Hart) who know how to handle real beer. What a shining example of well-made beer handled properly by people who know proper beer.

London Bus Live Departure Times

2011-09-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

I updated this on my Good-London-Guide as follows:

Transport for London has a new (albeit beta version) page that allows one to see the arrival time of your next bus at ANY stop in London. It is located here: http://countdown.tfl.gov.uk/#/, and some stops may be inaccurate. It is to be officially released by TfL in the fall of 2011. The site also shows you recently viewed stop by you and allows you to add your favorites so you can see without re-entering locations each time.

Pot Plants - Not What You Think

2011-08-20T06:06:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise when I saw the headline in The Telegraph on 20 August 2011: Pot plants in firing line as Goldman Sachs cuts cost. Why would a company allow such a thing to happen? Isn’t this illegal? Would the Met Police strike force come charging in once phone hacking becomes old news? If you are wondering why my eyes are bulging out and my mouth is dropped open, please let me explain.

In the American vernacular, a pot plant is a “pot plant”, if you know what I mean. It is something to be cultivated, processed and then smoked, if you know what I mean. They are usually kept out of sight of law enforcement and prospective clients. Had the story appeared in American news it would have read: Potted plants in firing line as Goldman Sachs cuts cost. These are what we see as plants placed in pots to grow and brighten up rooms. Not something the Crown Prosecution would be concerned with.

It is interesting that we both use the same alphabet and yet assemble them into words that have different meanings applied. Some examples: cash resister – till, cookie – biscuit, elevator – lift, going drinking – gone down to the pub. You know what I mean!

Travel Writers & Bloggers

2011-07-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Just a note to all you other travel writers and bloggers out there. I have a small bone to pick with you guys. In as much as the Internet is replete with false information I have also noted that there is an abundance of misleading and omitted information. My day job, which pays my bar tab, requires me to keep accurate information. A key factor in this is the date stamp on all files, documents and printed matter. The month-day-year (or day-month-year to the Brits) is essential and always foremost in my daily routine. I see many websites that lack dates and the most disturbing omission is always the missing year. When I find information on trade shows, conferences or events, the lack of a full date confuses me (easily done) and I don't know if the event is past or up-coming. So please, all you writers out there, please ad a full date when posting something that has an expiration date.

St. Pancras Hotel London

2011-02-26T07:42:00.000-08:00

St. Pancras is set to reopen next month and BBC has presented this slide show that illustrates the beautiful restoration of the building. When thinking about how life was like in the old days it can be eye opening to read how things were done differently then. The lady's smoking room at St. Pancras is one such example. The fact that people were able to smoke in doors as a right is so foreign these days. Actually it was probably deem a privilege granted by men that women were able to smoke at all. See the show on the BBC site.

London Ambulance Concern

2011-01-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

The BBC reported on a London Ambulance crew that refused to take an ill woman to hospital. She died later that day. This should be a concern for all who live in London and I think a formal inquest should be considered. This is what I get as I interpret the story: A crew refused to take her because she soiled herself. She was stricken with sickle cell anemia and could not move. A second crew was called and took her to hospital.

Here are questions that need to be answered. Why was the first crew allowed to not take the woman? If you are seriously ill and can’t walk what procedures are in place by LAS that permits a crew to deny services? How did the second crew decide to transport? Where there changes in the woman’s condition? I have to think that all communications between the landlady who called and all radio transmissions are recorded. Are they to be made public? And what of the woman’s family? Do they not deserve to know why LAS preformed the way they did? At any time was a supervisor called or monitored the situation?

I find this entire situation upsetting and you should too. The government has put in place a program to protect the public. The police, fire and ambulance service are trained to respond to situations to prevent death and destruction. Should something go wrong, an investigation needs to be started. In this case one is by LAS but a person has died and an independent investigation may be in order. Maybe I am over reacting but this could have happed to anyone and everyone should believe that those working to protect are doing so.

London Parking Fines

2010-12-31T07:53:00.000-08:00

The BBC reports that overseas driver are not paying parking fees and when given a fine they simply ignore the fine and drive home. Westminster City Council reports that between July 2007 and October 2010, 45,437 tickets issued to foreign-registered vehicles had been written off because the driver could not be traced - with £3.2m still owed. That is £70.42 per ticket. Let me add my 2p.

This was reported after 20 UK councils and police forces responded to a Freedom of Information request. The BBC did not state clearly who requested the report, either the BBC or the Campaign group the Sparks Network. May I ask why this took a freedom of information request? Why is this a state secrete? Are councils afraid the public is going to think they are awash in cash and may demand lower taxes?

And may I ask the councils; what’s the bitch? Had those 45 thousand people just paid the meter what would have been the take? Subtract this from the outstanding fines and that is what councils really think they lost. The only money they lost was the fee, which is applied to control parking and giving shoppers a chance to park. This in itself generates taxes paid by merchants. Yes, the councils are entitled to the fines but only government sees not receiving money not directly due them as a loss. If everyone paid the parking fee and never got a fine, how much money is “lost”?

Apparently the UK cannot locate foreign owners under current EU regulations. As the European Union is attempting to behave like a United States of Europe it should be easy to locate registered cars. Here, when a car is stopped, the police know within minutes the owner name ad address along with outstanding warrants or suspensions. When I get a parking ticket the make and model of my car is printed on the ticket along with my license. The government keeps track of that and when you reach five outstanding tickets you car is located and booted. You are unable to dive it until the fines are paid. It is too bad that Brussels has so much control over London life but that is what happens when you sign your rights away. Still, I think innovative ways can be found to collect fines on foreign cars. It could be a money maker.

London Snow Disrupting Lives

2010-12-20T15:52:00.000-08:00

I see that the snow is causing a lot of problems for people trying to get from one place to another. They are focused on this and having no way of getting on they are greatly troubled and many are getting beyond the good manners they would normally have. May I say: get a grip.

With the snow disrupting everyone's lives and making travel next to impossible, has anyone asked how the elderly and disabled are doing? Are they able to get food and medicine? Can care givers get to them? Yes, at this time of the year it would be nice if we could all get out and exchange presents. Burt many cannot get out, even on a sunny day. Can we give them some thought. Isn't this the spirit of Christmas?

I am not trying to make light on people trying to travel to see family, but there are so many trying to stay warm, fed and use the toilet on a daily basis. Let us all see if we can give them a merry christmas too.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

London Underground Error

2010-12-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

This BBC news story tells how passengers were left off at a closed tube station during a strike action. The train came to a stop at Canada Water and the doors opened. No one got on but several passengers got off only to find no way out. One thing I find disturbing about this article is how confusing it was to read. It illustrated what had occurred on several dates and I was left confused as to what occurred on a specific date. I have other questions that should have been brought into the article.

Once the passengers exited the train and found the exits closed. Was there any indication that another train was coming soon? Was there no indication to the driver that the station was closed? As the passengers were probably away from the platform be this time probably not. Was no staff person viewing this on CCTV? Monitor stations are off site (I think) but somebody in security should have known.

Passengers had to exit by climbing out of a fire escape. Were there no alarms when the escape hatch was opened? It was reported that a member of staff did spot them and helped them. Did he help them out of the fire escape? Why did he not just open the doors? Did he have any way of communicating with the passengers? Maybe it's just me but a lot is missing in this story.

This could have been bad. What if a passenger got injured during the escape? What if a passenger was in a wheel chair? Do fire escapes handle wheel chairs? Did the fire escape have an Oyster touch pad? In my lame attempt to inject humor that comment does try to illustrate a point. London Underground has a vast arsenal of equipment and electronics to monitor its system to prevent theft, fire and loss of life. The inquest on the 7/7 bombings shows that the system can be improved but in this case the system should have been in place. I would hope that tube bosses do not just scoff this off as “driver error” but use it to learn that things can go wrong and look for ways to prevent it from happening again. This did happen on several occasions so maybe they are not making this a priority. Tube passengers need to know that if something goes wrong they will not be left on their own. As for the BBC I think they could have done a better job it reporting this.

Lost Souls of London

2010-10-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

For as long as I have been visiting London, I always had a rule to venture off to the side streets and back alleys. Many years ago I spotted a milk bottle that was delivered to a house that had a golden oak wood door with stone jambs. It was in posh neighborhood and what surprised me was that milk was still being hand delivered in central London. The bottle sitting on the stone step framed by the doorjamb made an excellent photo, too. Often the back streets will bring me to a nice local pub without all-those American tourist. I was searching for one last March in SE1 and got myself really lost. Well, you’re never lost with an Oyster Travel Card.

I started my last day with a tip to the V & A and then a pint at the Grapes. I took a bus to Victoria station and then a bus to Borough. The bus left me off near the Royal Oak but I walked to the Lord Clyde, having not been there in a few years. From there I walked to Union Street to find the Charles Dickens on Union Street. The Lord Clyde was not serving food on Sunday so I went to the Charles Dickens to see if it was open and doing food. Not being too sure of its location, I also ventured up to Southwark Street and having failed to fine the pub I decided that I was lost. I was walking down Redcross Way back to Marshalsea Road when I spotted a gate that was decorated with hand written notes and personal items. It was reminiscent of the Gate at Kensington Palace after Princess Diana’s tragic accident. My first thoughts were that somebody died or was killed here and people were leaving their remembrances expressing their grief. I did see two other men at the gate talking about gate and the yard behind it. It looked undeveloped and I did not want to intrude so I asked no questions of the men.

As it turned out this was a graveyard from the early 1800’s with the remains of 148 people. It was discovered during a 1992 dig, for what purpose I do not know. More than 45 of the remains were found to be between 22 weeks gestation and seven days after birth. Sixteen of those found where under one year old. The adults were mostly women in their thirties and older. This has to be a telling illustration of what life must have been like during the time of Charles Dickens. We can easily say the women had a choice in their lives but I doubt that they did. The innocent babies had no choice in their outcome. I do not know how they died but they must have suffered immensely.

Often I find pleasurable gems in out of the way places, sometime I do not. I was glad that I did not know what this place was when I walked by as my holiday would have ended at that moment. May the lost souls of London be at peace and have refuge from the lives that they must have endured. From the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11642938 and Kelvin Brown about Cross Bones Graveyard.

Gastro Pubs

2010-05-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

Gastro pubs have been around for many years and I have been to many of them. They serve delicious food and wonderful beer and wine. I just wish they would go away. There, that should solicit hate mail. So, what is it that I don’t like about gastro pubs? The concept. Regular pubs serve good, traditional food at a reasonable price. You tend to get a lot for your money and you never have to worry about which fork to use to stick your roast. High-end restaurants also serve good food albeit prepared for magazine covers and for people who think that micro portions make a better meal. I am sorry but a small bowl of carrot soup should not cost three times that of a pint. Gastro pubs try to marry the two and I don’t think they can. It you want to open a 5 star restaurant please do. But make sure your place looks the part. I can’t say that I enjoy paying a high price for food if I am sitting on second hand furniture. If you spend nothing on tables and chairs then why does the price have to be so high? What rule did I miss that says gastro pubs have to look like second hand shops?

Gastro pubs are good for the consumer, nonetheless. A young lad can impress his date and ladies can dine together away from the local. This can be done without dressing to the nines or studying cutlery placement. In as much as gastro pubs do not compete with the Savoy or the Dorchester in décor they should be nicer looking than a boozer. Many pubs are elegant and nicely appointed. They have good floors, undamaged furniture and attractive wall treatments. They can be better looking than some homes. Gastro pubs should be no less.

Help the Pirate Club

2010-04-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

The Pirate Club in north London is trying to build a narrow boat so that people who cannot easily get on board can experience the fun of a cannel trip. To help raise money for this Rosco White is setting out on foot and will run in the 2010 Virgin London Marathon. He is doing his best to help those who cannot walk and I think we should help him. We take so much of what we do in our daily life for granted that we forget that others have a difficult time with little things. Just try going to market in a wheel chair. Can I talk? Yes. I have an artificial leg and have been in wheel chairs several times. How you view the world changes forever. Good luck Mr. White and good going to the Pirate Club.

The Pirate Club is a Registered Charity, no. 308009, and is supported and regulated by the Charity Commission. They govern all UK Registered Charities, and hold details of the constitution of our organization.

Airport Security

2010-04-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

I went on my annual London holiday this past March, and always I had a wonderful trip. I got to see my old friends and made some new ones along the way. I think making new friends and meeting people is most important. Not everyone is friendly, I must say. Many people have resorted to being bad and that has led to more and more security measures in airports. During my recent holiday I ventured to Dusseldorf as well as London. Travelling from Pittsburgh to Charlotte and back I went thru security a total of seven times. Before I left I read in the news how things were being tightened up and people were going thru more rigorous scrutiny. From what I read I was expecting a strip search, cavity search, pat downs in areas that have never before been patted down, etc. What are my thoughts on this now that I am back? None of this was a big deal. I have an artificial leg so I am used to the metal detector going off. But I never had issues with the security people. They always acted professionally and I was never delayed for more than several minutes. Once I got to the lounge I still had to wait for my flight so the look-see they did on me was not a time delay. I once had my leg x-rayed. That was nice and I saved my medical co-pay too. At worst I was asked to have a private pat-down in London on my way to Germany. They took me to a private room where two men had their way with me. I would tell you about it but what happens in security stays in security. To anyone apprehensive about going thru security checks I say, allow for time, chill out and don’t worry.

New US Embassy in London

2010-02-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

The US Embassy in London is moving to a new location. If on schedule the embassy in Mayfair will relocate to Battersea in 2016. If will have a positive affect in many ways. The current location has just about become a fortress since the September 11 attacks in America in 2001. Streets have been closed and or relocated. Security is heightened and the natives are irritated to no end. They have been battling to have their area go back to normal. The London congestion charge also added to the headaches for the embassy. The staff, who work in the embassy must pay a fee to enter central London if they drive from outside the zone. The US has not paid that fee as it views it as a tax and embassies do not pay taxes. So the new HQ will be south of the Thames in a congestion free zone. This story continues in the Times.

Not trying to bring politics to my site I have to chastise the Drudge Report for their miss-leading and provocative headline: Obama plans $1 Billion Brit Embassy. Yes, the estimate for the new embassy is expected to be 1 billion. But the US sold the old building for the same amount so it’s not like my beer tax is going to go up over this. And, I don’t think Mr. Obama even cares about this. The planning for the new building was in the making long before he moved into the White House. I am sure that he is being briefed and has comments but a lot of this is out of his hands. It’s not like he or the wife get to pick out color chips and carpeting. Congress allocates the funds so ask them about all of this. Mr. Drudge’s headline implies that the cost and new building is Mr. Obama’s doing and that is miss-leading. The headline should have simply announced that the new design was selected and leave the true details within the story.

The new building will generate electric power and have a moat for security. A moat around a building in London. Where have I seen this before? No word yet what the drawbridge will look like. I can just see the US Marines standing watch with long bows. Oh well, the beer is kicking in so I should end this now. Looking forward to seeing you all there in 2016 for the pig roast and jousting competition

Underground Conspiracy

2010-02-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

I am not a conspiracy theorist but if I were I would think Transport for London was engaged in a cover-up. After all they are an underground movement. Ever year in January they would increase the fares and I would set my calendar by them. They would then publish a PDF copy of the rates and how they applied to the different modes of travel. I would know exactly what a one day or seven day travel card would cost. If you wanted a bus-only pass that cost was clearly shown. They no longer publish their PDF copy (here is the 2009 copy). Nor do they publish anything showing the cost of travel that is easy to find on their website. Why is that? Why can’t I go to TfL and see what they offer and for what price? One can use the Journey Planner to find the cost of a fare but I have yet to see the cost of passes. There is information on the web from the Mayor of London and that too was an odd read.

They also made a change to their bus route maps. I had a link to the main page, which has been changed in 2010. It took me a small effort to find the new page. They did this as they saw it as an improvement to better serve their customers. If you are a London resident it has but if you are a visitor like me it can be confusing.

Maybe it’s me? It usually is, but I think an organization offering a product for sale should be clear as to what the costs are. Perhaps TfL needs to consult the Plain English Campaign?

Try New Things

2010-02-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

The Times of London reported that the proliferation of English bars and eateries in Spanish coastal resorts is causing the British to stay away. Well, duh! Why would anyone spend good money to travel to some other country only to eat in the same type of pub that is walking distance from home? Well, me for one. But I had good reason. I popped into the Whole Foods in Kensington once. I did it to find it so I could tell others and they were serving Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I had a pint because I had to. But that doesn’t mean you must do the same. The joy of travel is to see and do things you can’t do at home. I love talking to the people I meet as they are as curious about America as I am of England. But I do see why the Brits are staying away. Years ago I noticed that the souvenirs I was looking at were the same Chinese crap that I saw in New York, albeit another name painted on. You should have seen the shock on my face when I first found out that London Fog was made in Baltimore. When I come to England (and Scotland, Wales and Ireland) I want goods made in that country buy the people in that country.

Readers of the Times story reminded other to travel further inland to enjoy the real essence of the country. One can stay in London and all you need to do is get out and explore the nooks and crannies of the city to find interesting places to eat. I always stay in Bloomsbury near Russell Square and it is a world apart from Oxford Street, which is not very far away. Walking up and off of Marchmont Street brings a nice selection of restaurants and pubs. China House is one of my favorite places. Ok, so it’s not English. The North Sea Restaurant may be what you desire as well as the Norfolk Arms or the Lamb sorry, you will have to Google this one). Prices tend to get a little less the further you move away the tourist centers. Use your travel card and head out to the outer zones for more treats, You can make excursions away from central London into day trips and find places like the Spaniards Inn. All for the cost of a bus ride.

Spaniards Inn Hampstead

2010-02-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

I am off to London this March (7 thru 22) and I have many plans. I have been to London many times in the past but each trip brings new excitement. I was unable to visit in 2009 and my last trip was in April of 2008. At time I first visited the Spaniard’s Inn in Hampstead. Located on Spaniards Road where Hampstead Lane meets at the tollgate, the road narrows to form a venture tube. Most interesting to watch the cars come to a near halt to get thru.

The first thing I noticed upon entering where the many people enjoying the cool but sunny Saturday afternoon. The Inn is surrounded on all sides by Hampstead Heath, which has miles of walking tails. Tow other items you will quickly see are walking boots and dogs. That Saturday I counted at least four. Dogs, that is. There were more boots than what is in Harrods. Dogs are so well behaved in pubs and they give the place a home good feel. There should be a law mandating all pubs have a dog or even a cat. The Spaniards knows how to take care of the dogs. Outside they can get their paws washed at a wash station and inside they can eat a meal of organic dog food. The owners just have to be nice people.

Turning my attention to more important matters I turned my head to scan the beers on display and found another first for me; Worthington White Shield. Having missed my bus stop I had to hoof it up Spaniards Road and was quite parched. This is such a lovely ale and very refreshing. This would make for an excellent nightcap at home before bed for you younger people. Some of us have late night issues requiring early sessions. But that’s another story. White Shield is a classic bottle-conditioned India Pale Ale that really brings tears to my eyes. For one, at some point I am going t have to leave the pub. And I can’t get it in the states.

See this Wikipedia article on the Inn.

Black Cabs

2009-09-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Times of London reported today on a man who was convicted of killing his wife. He did time but doctors had issues with his stability. He "convinced" then that he was all right. So, what does a woman killer do when he gets of of prison? He gets a job driving a Black Cab. Bull Crap! The authorities have no problem with this but the thousands of cab drivers in London do. They staged a traffic stoppage in protest. I have to support this. Cab drivers are good people and they don't need this. The Times said that they cannot name the person due to legal reasons. Bull Crap! Let me say this. Would you want your wife, sister, daughter or mother in a cab going about the city with a guy like this? We do many things to keep men who prey on children away from them but see nothing wrong with women killers being allowed to take women for a ride. To work in a job that does not put you in direct contact with women is one thing but this is placing women at risk. And the women are not allowed to know about this. I have always believed that females and children should not be harmed or put in dangerous circumstances. Am I that wacky for thinking this?

Bewildered

2009-07-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

One thing I do everyday is read the news out of London. I always find it interesting and, at times, amusing. Sometimes, like now, I find it bewildering. Take the story of the man in this news report. He is old enough to buy and drink alcohol but when he tried to buy a bottle of wine at a Sussex supermarket he was stopped. He was not doing anything illegal. He was not acting drunk or irrational. What was it that prevented staff from selling him a bottle of wine? He was buying it in the presence of his teenage daughter. The bastard.

The store is one of a growing number of outlets trying to prevent underage kids from obtaining alcohol. Golly good, I say. Bu he was an adult and her dad. Did that matter to the store? No. Did he have to prove he was the dad? No. What did the store require in order to let him buy the wine? SHE had to produce ID to show that SHE was of legal age.

Now I ask, what was going to happen to that bottle of wine at home? Would he be required under pending UN law that it be kept lock in a safe? If no safe is in the house would it need to be fitted with a cap lock? We all know how easy they can go off. And heaven forbid if would actually see the bottle at home. It could damage her for life.

Teens from 16 on up can have a drink in a pub if they are with their parents and they are at a table having a meal. This actually promotes responsible drinking for both the teens and the parents. It is suppose to be a life learning exercise. Is this going to be outlawed now? What will happen when a grand father is having a pint in the presence of his newborn grand child? Will the child have to show a driver’s license? I am amused!

Warm Beer

2009-06-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

There is a common misconception in America that the Brits drink warm beer. I know that is not true as Brits drink warm Ale. Well, that's not true either as British beer is only slightly warmer that what US brews are SUPPOSED to be. Thanks to some American national blands the beer we drink can make an ice cube feel warm. British beer is splendid the way it is and the flavor is what make the beer. Having said that, British beer does have a major problem: British Summer Time. Although unaffected by the turning of the hands of the clock it does not sit well in a cellar when the outside temperature is in three digits. I have been to London several times in August (I prefer spring or fall) and some beers were downright sour. Some pubs with air-conditioned cellars but those without were problematic. One never knew until it was too late.

I was overjoyed to attend the GBBF one summer but I paid a heavy price. My hotel does not have air-conditioning so I was never able to dry off. The tube to Olympia was stopped and so was the cooling. After ten minutes I would have sold my soul for an ice cold Coors. Yes, I was that desperate. But the hall was cool and none of the beers were bad. All in all I had a great time and made drinking buddies. We even sang a few on the train back. But it was still hot.

Over the past few years I was delighted to be able to attend and work the London Drinker Beer Festival. Not only is it walking distance to my hotel but is held in the civilized month of March. I do hope it will take place in 2010 as the hall may be sold. Good luck to North London branch of CAMRA. I will be having a cold one over here for you guys.

Kilts we Wear

2009-05-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Times of London reported on an unbelievable story coming out of Utah. A young high school lad was working on an art project and it required him to wear a kilt on occasion. A few key point need to be made first. He is ok with wearing the kilt as it was his idea and yes, he is Scottish. He probably got the ok from his teacher and there is no word that he got any guff from classmates. Myself, I would not give any guff to any man with balls to wear a kilt. Can I saw Black Watch? Apparently his principal doesn’t have any. Brains, that is. He told the lad not to wear the kilt because somebody could accuse him of cross dressing. To that I say bollocks. Somebody in administration apparently has some education and order the principal to apologize. He also needs to get an education on world culture and heritage. The lad’s family, McFarland, operates the Clan MacFarlane Heritage Center and Museum of Highland Life. This may be a good time for a class field trip. I think some need to get out more. No word yet if any of the girls tried to peek.

Take Pride

2009-05-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well, after my little note about Guinness 250 I do have a beer that I can take pride in drinking: London Pride. The pub, known to have pipers from time to time, (OK, it's Piper's Pub) has London Pride, London Porter and ESB. Fine beers from London's independent brewer, Fullers. I am thrilled to have the Pride but I have to say that the Porter is my favorite beer when I am in London. Fuller's brews it as a seasonal in the UK so I can't say how long it will be on tap here. The phrase, so many beers, so little time aptly here. Now I do enjoy a Guinness but side by side I think the Porter is a better brew. So let's do an experiment. Try a pint of each, side by side, or one after another and see what you think. The Porter just has so much more to offer, I think. The body is there (a bit deeper) and the malt comes through in the mouth (it lingers on). It is a tad colder than I prefer but I can let it warm up. And it goes great with any football match. I just wish it came on cask.

London Back Alleys

2009-05-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows London knows that it is a city for walking. We think of London as a big city but it really is a collection of villages and squares, each containing little nooks and crannies that most people don’t know about. One of my greatest joys when I visit is to walk the back alleys of “the town”. In my walks I have found Hen & Chicken Court (did Pepys live nearby?) and the Home of Sir Lawrence, just to name a few. A number of nice pubs can be found as well. Most people think of back Alleys as sinister places to avoid but they can yield wonderful finds. As for Back Alley, yes it does exist in London.

It was with delight that I found a website by Ivor Hoole entitled A Guide
to the alleys, courts, passages and yards of central London. These alleys have been here for centuries and they hold London’s history. Mr. Hoole writes eloquently about them and their history. His site should be required reading before any visit to London. He has taken the time to list over 400 alleys and yards and his passion for his work comes through. I have to say that it would be a pleasure to take a walk with Mr. Hoole. On your walks you will notice blue plaques on the front of homes. These show where famous people once lived. More information can be found at English Heritage and here is a map.

Oyster Card

2009-04-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

Why is Transport for London and and third party websites promoting the Oyster pay-as-you-go card for tourist? I think it is great and I have one. But as a pay as you go card I think that it is better for people working and commuting in London. The Travel Card is much better for tourist as it can be used for select period without the owner having to think about the value on the card. Yes, it can be placed on an Oyster Card as well as a buss pass, but this is rarely made clear by other writers. The Travel Card was made for visitors and works well. The fact that it can be used on an Oyster makes it better but some writers have made this very confusing. Or is it just me? I do know about the Visitor Pass and some of the others but the TRAVEL CARD should be explained clearly to incoming visitors. Yes yes, yes, I am aware that some visitors can save money if they know how little they will be using system but I think they are a rare breed. With a one day, three day and seven day card I think any combination will fit the needs of visitors. I am open to feedback on this but my rant is that the pay card is promoted too much over the Travel Card, which is downplayed. But, maybe it's me. I am often told so by so many.

Women Drinking Beer

2009-02-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

Old traditions seem to die hard in the UK. Back in the '70's a female friend of mine was at university in London. She was American. As they often do, she and some of her friends went to the pub for a pint. They sat at a table but she went to the bar to order a round. Upon taking the order the bartender, a man, walked away without saying anything. After a short while she came to realize that she was not being served. She asked him why and was sternly told that ladies do not drink pints. Another female friend was in London a few years back and did not experience this. But she was treated this way in Ireland. Most places would not serve a single woman at the bar and when she ordered a pint at a table (with a meal) she was still given looks. I have to ask if this still occurs today? I mean, I do see women crossing the street on their own.

Gitmo Cat

2009-02-21T02:30:00.000-08:00

A cat believed to have fallen off a lorry has been traced by his microchip to have come from France. Now, instead of being sent back the government has given him illegal immigrant status and placed him in quarantine for six months. Under British law he can be put down after one week. I thought only people could be immigrants? What about the birds and the bees? As he is been made an immigrant will he be given human rights? He's a cat. Send him back or place him for adoption. What about other illegal immigrants? Can they be put down after one week when placed in custody? On a sideline note, all children in the UK will have their DNA recorded. Will they also have microchips implanted? This could make it faster to get into the tube, but really. Talk about Monty Python meets Gitmo!

Borough Market, London

2009-02-19T01:46:00.000-08:00

Sad to say that London could be moving in the wrong direction. National Rail is to perform engineering work on the viaduct that passes above Borough Market SE1. That is good news for travelers getting into London. This may be bad news for those living in Southwark and visitors like me. Borough Market is under threat with the planned works. Parts of it and some of the merchants may be forced to move and speculation has it that it may be worst. The Wheatsheaf pub was to remain but it is being demolished to make way for the work. The Market Porter pub has been saved for now but who knows what will happen. I can understand the viaduct work but now Thameslink wants to build a terminal on Borough High Street. As always this may not be good for those who live and work here. The Market is a gem of a tourist site and provides quality food for people living in London. If the market is demolished another London landmark will be lost forever. Yes, these thing happen but how sad that what makes London what is is has to go in this way.

Piggy Back

2009-02-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have no shame. I attached myself to Stonch's blog to get myself out in the public eye. I have been reading Mr. Bell's blog for a long time and I enjoy it. Well, yes and no. I can't wait to come back to London and his blog makes me "homesick". I also want to visit his pub. I may not make it over in 2009 but 2010 should see an increase in London beer sales once I arrive.

My London Blog

2009-02-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is my first time writing a blog. I have no idea what I want to say right now but when I return from my drinking session I should have a lot to write. My main interest is in everything London. Well, so are women, drinking and more drinking, but writing about London should be safe. Cheers, for now.