On the last day of 2014 I have two things to say:
1. I make good chilli
2. Chilli isn’t the same without beer
Monthly Archives: December 2014
Mr David
Craig David, in the Free Trade Inn.
If you’re skint …
… and on the dole, you’ll get a pint in The Metropole. Someone told me about that little rhyme soon after I moved to Gateshead; in The Traveller’s Rest I believe. The Metropole had a lot of history, including some nice (but battered) old Edwardian panelling.
The pub closed a few months ago, having being purchased by a chain. It’s now re-opened and it’s pretty much been gutted. The lovely old bar has gone and the ceiling lowered (extremely). But it’s better to have a modernised pub than no pub at all. And it’s now attracting a new, cleaner clientele.
While most of the panelling has been replaced, a tiny bit remains.
Mrs Doyle
I’m probably the last person on earth to recognise that Nick Cotton’s ex is actually Mrs Doyle.
Currently watching the Father Ted Christmas special.
Mr Oliver
In need of a starter for Christmas lunch, I stumbled across a recipe for mushroom rolls on the Jamie Oliver website. They were a bit of a faff to make, but I found the process quite enjoyable.
They were actually really nice. And the leftover wine was good too (I only needed 100ml, but I had a couple of bottles).
Avian decomposition
It’s that time of year again. You know, the time when people feel the need to educate vegetarians (and new vegans) in the benefits of consuming birds. For many years, I found this mildly irritating, although I could always feel smug inside knowing I was doing the right thing. Perhaps it’s an age thing, but it’s becoming moderately annoying.
I do, though, retain a clear conscience. Together with a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and several of the other benefits of eating birds.
Shopping
Christmas food shopping can be a real hassle. But at night, it’s relatively people pain free.
Winter welcome
I must recommend Samuel Smith’s 2014-15 Winter Welcome Ale. Not only does it taste amazing, it has a beautiful label too.
And, of course, it’s Vegan too.
Spectacles II
Fast delivery, arriving just before we set off for Peterborough, meant that I’d no time to appreciate my new purchase.
Unfortunately, I’ve not been able to locate my prescription, so I’m going to need an eye test.
Spectacles
My experiment with modern glasses frames hasn’t been much of a success. Well, they’re probably more acceptable for work, but I don’t find them very comfortable.
And so ….
