Thoughts on pubs

David Nobbs's (comedy writer who wrote, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin) description of the ideal British pub, written 10 years before Brexit and something I passionately agree with. It's sad that pubs are closing down at a rate of knots in our towns and villages, and the ones that are left (with a few exceptions) aren't the convivial places they once were in my opinion. I generally don't go to the pub to watch TV, drink industrial products or eat microwaved souffles, for me it's about people, community and beer but the direction seems to be in favor of the former rather than the latter these days.

The only chink of light on the horizon for me is the craft beer scene. It alone seems to be slowly pumping life back into the tradition of going somewhere to meet people, play games, chat and drink beer. It's not a scene for everyone of course, many people (and I know quite a few) can't get their heads around beer that's not totally transparent or beer that actually tastes of something rather than fizzy corn-husks or jammy dishwater. Many can't stomach the higher prices of craft beer over industrially produced beer, of course, if you're unlucky enough to be on a zero-hours contract and only clear a few quid a week then you probably have a very good point. Surprisingly, many of the folk I know who whine about the cost difference wouldn't be seen dead in a Ford Focus or a Premier Inn and will happily drone on endlessly about the latest gizmo's in their Mercedes or the exquisite food they experienced in an exclusive Indian Ocean resort etc. I guess for some an appreciation of innovation, expertise and the best ingredients possible doesn't always extend to what you put into your mouth ?

But, things are changing, for example, in my own hometown we've gone from 5 years ago having to travel to London to try any kind of variety of craft beer, to now when we we're surrounded by an embarrassment of crafty riches. Just in my own town (pop. 46,000) there's a dedicated craft beer bar, two other bars with one or two taps and a pub where you can get craft in cans. Nearby (within a 5 mile radius) there are 9 craft breweries, most with tap rooms where you can sample a bewildering array of brews. I even learned yesterday that a London based craft brewery has bought one of our declining (scruffy, big-screen TV) town centre pubs and is renovating it to become a full-blown craft beer establishment selling a continually rotating selection of beers from all over the country. This regeneration of industry and community is very encouraging, long may it continue!

Update: A brand new cinema just opened in our town, apparently you can get craft beers delivered to your seat, jus livin the dream :)