Kissing With Confidence

Much, much better weather today. The sun was out and it was a lot warmer. So my workmate and I had another wander to the Winter Wonderland in the Old Market Square, to see if there were more people about, and some skating on the rink, so he could have another go with my big lens.

When he gave it me back, I just had to take a shot of these two having a romantic kiss by the skating rink. Sadly there was no mistletoe around. So they had to make do with their pints of beer.

A Few Pottles And A Lot Of Blues

Beeston micropub A Pottle of Blues held it's first music night tonight, and of course I went along to support it.

Ralph the landlord is a blues guitarist and entertained us for around two hours with a wide range of blues songs. Darren the barman played bass on a song or two. He was a bit nervous, as he hadn't picked one up in a while. But he needn't have worried, as he was very good, and the audience enjoyed every note.

The pub has been opened about a month now  They've recently added a few more music themed artefacts, and with a regular change of beers, the pub has become quite a favourite amongst the locals. And so may it continue.

No Blues In The Pottle

Beeston welcomed it's first new pub in a long, long time today, and what makes A Pottle of Blues extra special, is the fact that it is a micro pub. It opened at lunchtime today, and I believe I was the first paying customer, with someone I know quite well being the second.

The pub is a based in a former shop, just of the high road, and I have been following it's progress, both on line, and in person, when I've been on my way to Sainsbury's. Being a micro pub, it's if course not that big, but has some quirky features, like the bar being made out of an old piano.

I found out that a pottle is a container that is big enough to hold half a gallon of liquid. It is also the maiden name of the co-owner Jen, while her husband Ralph plays in a blues band. Hence the unusual name and the musical theme.

I took Gail along tonight to show her what it was like, and to see how busy they were. The place was really buzzing when we got there. Someone we know called Matt was sitting with a drink, so we sat with him and chatted about the pub and how good it is for Beeston, especially as so many pubs are currently closing around the country.

They have a small selection of real ales, fruit ciders and wines. We stayed for a while longer, then went to a local pizza place called Poppa's Pizzas and bought a couple of 8 inches to take home and enjoy whilst surfing the net.

The Italian Job

A great little Italian cafe called L'Oliva, opened in Beeston around a year ago. It has gone fro strength to strength, as owner Marco (left) has been given his licence to sell alcohol by the local council.

So to publicise this, he had a wine and beer tasting evening. Italian of course.

There were around six beers on off and were very nice too. Italy isn't really renowned for beer, so it was a surprise to find some on offer that I actually liked.

The evening turned out to be very popular with locals, and there were a few people there that I knew.

Full Of Christmas Cheer

I met up with some of the other writers that contribute to The Beestonian magazine that I am involved with.

We all got together at a local pub to celebrate Christmas and how successful the local, almost monthly magazine has become this year.

I usually get an article plus some photos in every month. The latest issue contains my report on the trip to Tuscany that we went on in October.

Whilst we were chatting and drinking, a load of people piled into the White Lion, all dressed up, some in fancy costumes, all with a Christmas theme.

There were a couple of guys dressed as turkeys, a Christmas cake, some Santa's, Joseph and the star of Bethlehem.

But I was drawn to this guy in his bespoke snowman suit. He looks a bit of a joker, with his toothy grin and Christmas stocking.

Black Friday

I've been rather busy at work today. So when I got home, Gail suggested that we have fish and chips for dinner. Our end of the working week treat, even though we have only done three days this week.

The big story today is of course "Black Friday". The day when there are meant to be so many special offers on as a way to tempt people into parting with their money. I had a cursory look, but nothing caught my eye. I think it is just an excuse for shops to get rid of their old stock, or stuff that isn't selling very well.
But the only real black Friday that I have any interest in, is having a pint of beer with my dinner. Tonight's was very nice, from a brewer that I'd not come across before, but will certainly be buying some more.

A Blinding Success

One of my photographic concoctions taken from the inspiration of a bottle of beer that I bought the other day.

For those that don't know, a 'Peaky Blinder' was a member of a gang of violent criminals and thugs that lived in Birmingham  in the late 19th & early 20th century.

The BBC made a drama series a while ago that illustrated their violent exploits around the city.

I've not tried the beer yet, but I just hope it doesn't turn me into a monster!

Jones The Hops

I picked up a couple of new beers at the weekend from one of the local stores that I visit.

The labels intrigued me at first; especially the Organ Morgan one, as I remember how pronounced Richard Burton spoke the name, in the play for voices; Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas of course. And yes they are Welsh beers, brewed in Cardiff no less.

The Organ beer was very tasty, and I am looking forward to savouring 'Jack Black', as I am quite partial to the darker beers.

One Step Beyond

Many of you may remember the ska influenced pop band Madness who had many hits in the 1980s like House of Fun, Baggy Trousers and Night Boat to Cairo.

Well they have turned their talents to brewing beer, with this little real ale called Gladness.

I haven't tried it yet, as I am saving it for when I am in a particularly nutty mood!

Beer Drinkers United

A photo assignment this morning for my folk musician friend Dave Mitchell, who was playing at the Robin Hood Beer Festival at Nottingham Castle, and he wanted me to record the event for posterity.

Dave played for about an hour in the bandstand, while I took some photos of him in action. I was surprised to learn that the sound equipment was being controlled by the engineer on an iPad. No more knobs and dials to fiddle with, just a movement of ones finger on the screen.

Dave enjoyed his gig, but was clearly relieved when it was over, so he could enjoy one or two beers that were available at the festival, from the half pint glass that had been given to him.

I was also given a glass by one of the organisers, and so I decided to christen it by trying the re-introduced Shipstones ale, that has started to be brewed again after some twenty years. I wrote about it earlier this year. Here is the LINK to the story.

Here's a shot of the hand pumps that were dishing out the amber nectar. Although I must admit it wasn't as tasty as I had hoped it would be, and probably won't be buying it again, as I prefer more darker beers.

Cold Black Gold

Well today has been really sunny and warm. It was predicted by the weather people, but how many times have they been correct in the past. But for once they got it right.

So after a shorter, but still seemed longer week, I thought I would enjoy a pint of real ale, brewed by a local brewery called Castle Rock, no less.

I've not had Black Gold before, but it was a very tasty beer and certainly one that I will drink again. I like to try different beers, and am always attracted to its name; some of which are quite humorous.

If you want to know more about Castle Rock and its beers, here's a LINK to their website.

Fair's Please

This afternoon, I popped along to a vintage and book fair at the former Barton's bus depot in Chilwell. Alas none of their vintage vehicles were on show, so here's a shot I took last week, whilst the street party was going on. And yes, that is snow you can see, rather than dust on my camera lens.

I didn't buy any books at the fair, as I have far too many as it is, but I did get some locally made sausages for Gail, which I cooked for her dinner, and I bought myself a real ale called Pica Boo from a local company;  Magpie Brewery, which I will probably have tomorrow night with my meal.

I'm Only Here For The Beer

Some of you may remember that slogan from the early 1970's, for a pint of Double Diamond. 30 years on and according to this empty beer glass, the slogan is Chill Out. I took this photo, because I liked the letters appearing in the glass's shadow and also the way that the froth had dried.