Yep, that's me

Bird's Eye View: A Woman's place is.....down the pub?

So there I was.  All on my own.  Sitting in the corner of my local.  No, I wasn’t Billy-no-mates (not on this occasion); I was waiting for The Chap to arrive.  So I played with my phone whilst supping a pint; texting mates, catching up with Facebook, bidding for some shoes on ebay (sad I know), anything to avoid catching someone’s eye.  Actually that’s not quite true.  This is one pub where I’d be happy to sit on my own.  Perhaps with a book.  Or the Sunday papers.  In fact Norwich has lots of really lovely, friendly pubs.  Granted, there are still a few that are unwelcoming, and some that are downright intimidating for women.  But on the whole we are blessed in this city.  It got me thinking about women…..and pubs.   

Although pubs have traditionally been the preserve of men, it was women who did most of the brewing back in the day, usually for their immediate families. The First World War transformed female drinking habits.  Whilst the men were away fighting, women took on the work they had left behind.   Women suddenly found themselves with disposable income, and by all accounts many dashed to the pub and started drinking; and drinking alcohol in greater quantities than ever before!  This prompted moral outrage in some quarters, with calls on the government to take action to keep women out of pubs.                                                        

The Aberdeen Journal in 1914 discussed the “evil” of an “increase in the consumption of alcoholic liquor by women”, authorities in Warrington were concerned about “the army of women crowding the public houses”, and clerics in Dundee called for an outright ban on women in pubs.  The Manchester Evening News even reported that a magistrate, Theophilus Simpson, had conducted an inquiry into the local ‘underworld’ and that during his research, he had been shocked to count “26 women enter a licensed house in ten minutes, with 16 coming out who he had not seen enter”!  He concluded his report saying that soldiers would return at the end of the war to “find their wives dishonoured and drunkards”. 

Thankfully there were no laws or measures introduced that specifically targeted women, despite the fact that there did seem to be a genuine fear that changes in society would lead to a decline in women’s standards; fears not only of drinking, but also smoking and wearing trousers.

Well I don’t smoke, but I do drink and wear trousers, often at the same time.  So I’m raising a glass to those early ladettes.  Cheers girls!

The Beer Bird

(This article first appeared in Norfolk Nips June 2016)

Bird's Eye View: Turned to the Dark Side

My dad liked his beer; he was an ale man.  My mum liked beer; her favourite tipple was a Makeson.  My first husband was a lager drinker; clearly that marriage wasn’t destined to go the distance. Husband number two (the Chap), I can safely say, appreciates real beer.

I love my beer.  To those who say that it is full of carbs and calories I say “It’s not a beer belly darling, it’s the fuel tank for this love machine!”  I once read somewhere that certain vitamins in beer can regenerate the skin and have a positive impact on pigmentation. Your skin becomes smoother and suppler. I’m not sure if that is true but after my third pint I want to believe! 

I guess a lot of us started on cider, before moving on to maybe a shandy or a lager-top.  I was no exception but it didn’t take me long to get a taste of beer, with Ruddles being an early favourite. 

These days I’m particularly partial to golden ales but I’ll try pretty much anything (within reason!).  But dark beers?  I don’t know why but they never really appealed.  I always imagined those dark intimidating brews being very bitter, and they looked so heavy and hard to drink.  Then a few months back the Chap suggested I try Titanic Plum Porter.  Yes, there was a bitter finish, but a calm, gentle bitterness.  And that sweet plumy fruitiness and aroma….I was hooked.  Another instant hit was Damson Stout from Burton Bridge, and on recent trip to The Chap’s home county of Sussex I tasted what is surely nectar of the gods; Dark Star’s Crème Brulee.  

So to all those girls out there who are afraid of what is lurking in the dark, I say be bold.  If you enjoy dark fruits, and rich and intense coffee and chocolate (don’t we all?), then I’m sure you can find a beer that you’ll adore.

I’m off now for a pint of Plum Porter and a cheese roll in the Fat Cat.  Heaven.  See you there.

The Beer Bird

(This article first appeared in Norfolk Nips March 2016)

                                             

        Dark Fruits!