On our only trip back to England (country of my birth) six years ago, after
an absence of 36 years (I was a child when we left), we did find a "special
spot".
We were driving up to Bath (which I was admonished for not pronouncing as
Baath, but as a North American tub) from Devon, when we passed a wayside inn
called "The Titfield Thunderbolt". The name rang a bell, for back in the
'50s there was a movie (film) made by the same name, about a small village
trying to save its rail line from being closed. I decided we would stop
there on our way back from Bath. We later found out that the film was shot
in the local village, resulting in a name change for the local inn.
After a lovely day in Bath, we were returning to Devon. A short way from
Bath, we pulled in to the parking lot of the Titfield Thunderbolt. Upon
entering, we were greeted by a publican with gorgeous grey side whiskers.
"Can Oy help you sorr?" he enquired.
"Yes please," said I, "I would like a pint of your best local ale, and a
half pint of cider for my wife."
"Arr, that would be this one sorr, The Bishop's Tipple. But Oy'm afraid Oy
can't sarve it to ya, sorr."
"Why not?"
"'Cause it be 13% alcohol sorr, and would put you way over the limit ta
droive. But Oy can sarve you this one, sorr, its only 3.9%, and its be from
the same brewery."
Reluctantly I accepted his sage advice, and purchased a pint of the lower
alcohol product. As I left the bar with our beverages, he called me back.
Reaching for a small wine glass, he pulled about an ounce of Bishop's
Tipple, and passed it to me.
"Just so's you know what you're missin', sorr."
That day, I resolved to return to the Titfield Thunderbolt someday, and rent
a room for the night, so that I can indulge in a pint (or two) of that
heavenly nectar!
Regards,
Stuart Hellis
Edmonton, CANADA
'77 MGB - Bumble
'90 Miata - Tabasco
'97 Intrepid Sport
-----Original Message-----
From: bradleys <bradleys@vdn.com>
To: MgList CARS <mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: 1998-January-17 12:07 PM
Subject: Beer Pilgrimage (off topic)
>Dear Mg Listers, Chris Nevard (the other CAMRA Member), and all of you
>lovers of British Ale,
>
<SNIP>
>If any of you gentlemen or ladies have a suggestion for a
>not-to-be-missed favorite spot of yours, drop a line, please.
>
>
>Neil "Sure I'll have another" Bradley
>The only CAMRA member in Northern California
|