Hi. It feels somewhat sensible that I’ve written most of this while sat contemplating in the Nags Head (Berkshire’s second-best pub).
Since I last wrote, things have changed a bit. I’m unemployed after a shade over 17 years with the same company. It was a surprise, but if everyone’s comments to me come to pass, then the only way is up.
I always intended this to be a fortnightly newsletter about Beer In Berkshire, and I am hoping now, with a bit more free time I can really make that happen. It’s always hard around May and the subsequent months to commit to anything with Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival looming - and I’ll probably talk a bit more about that in the coming weeks as there’s always a lot to unpack from it.
So here we are. I mentioned I’ve stopped by the Nags Head for some refreshment and to write this, which is timely because I’m going to do my best Gregg Wallace impression and go behind the scenes of some of Berkshire’s best-loved beery institutions, including this fine establishment where I’m going to do a shift or two.
There are a few other spots up my sleeve but if you’ve any suggestions do leave them in the comments below.
The garden bar lives
Massively annoyed by the shadow in the photo but you can see at least I’ve not been wasting my time off.
And yes, those are working pumps!
If anyone is interested, I can write a little more about how this all came together. A big thanks to Mysterious Brewing for the use of their barrels.