Dear subscribers and lost souls,
Apologies for the long delay in our latest post, but the Ataraxian club was abroad this past week sampling the bittersweet ciders of West Somerset at the kind bequest and hospitality of Old Tweedy in his wonderfully ramshackle farmhouse.
So what did we drink? I hear you murmur from your armchair?
Well through the haze of time and memory I shall endeavor to deliver a report on what was the highlight of the weekend, The Seymour Arms.
A public house as all other public houses should be. A disused train station converted into the ideal village local.
Spartan it may appear ascetically with it's original wallpaper and p.e lesson benches it lacks no warmth in company. You could not be surrounded by a more welcoming regulars (e.g Homer, a near indecipherable cripple who complains of his bowel problems to anyone that will listen).
Pass the billiards table the 'renovated' old ticket counter a sixty-something barmaid divides what must be to her blasphemous metric currencies into the separate draws of a battered Victorian cabinet. And change she will need at £1.60 for a pint of the house Cider (The 'medium-dry' being our choice of tipple- excellent clean taste) a price from a lost age forgotten by VAT.
In the center of the waiting room besides a roaring Edwardian fire, a table laden with local cheese brought to be shared amongst the locals, no catch, no promotion just an act of common courtesy towards fellow men. After Five pints (£8?!) it was with a heavy heart and a lack of general coordination that we stepped back over the threshold.
It almost seems a mistake to tell the wider world about it..
For those who dined in the nylon halls of The Ataraxian's at Latitude Festival 2010, you may be familiar with the produce of one Fat Cat Brewery, Norwich.It provided the warm, flavoursome beer which was much passed round among the young people by the dwindling fireside (turns out recycling bins only provide so much cardboard).
It is which such whimsical memories in mind that I heartily endorse the Fat Cat's Marmalade Cat ale as this weeks Tipple.
A classic mid-brown coloured strong bitter, with a markedly bitter finish from the generous use of Styrian hops. Flavoursome English pale malt adds balance and a smooth finish, which lasts and lasts. Full-bodied, yet with an ease of drinking which belies its strength.
For those of not in the vicinity of Norwhich Fat Cat beer is currently available by the Firkin (72 Pints) on the Fat Cat Website (Polypins are also available at at cheaper rate) This should at least keep you merry until next week's tipple.
This week's liquid courage comes courtesy of The Hawksmoor Restaurant, Seven Dials. Well known for serving the best Roast Dinner in London, it also serves a cracking cocktail. The 'Shaky Pete' is a rather masculine concoction of Gin,Ginger and Ale bringing together two of the great staples of British Alcoholism into one finely spiced drink.
Please enjoy irresponsibly
Ingredients
35ml Sipsmith's Gin
35ml Ginger Syrup
50ml Lemon Juice
London Pride
Method:
Blend gin, ginger and lemon with ice, strain into half pint mug and top with ale.
Whilst being treated to a much appreciated dinner at the excellent Riddle & Finn's, I immensely enjoyed the sublimely light and refreshing Little Creature Pale Ale, brewed on an old crocodile farm in the habour in Freemantle , this great little brewery takes great pains to escape the shadow of Australia's considerable contribution to brewed horseshit.
With high citrus overtones it serves as a perfect morning beer settling you in for the throws of the oncoming day. Excellent with fish.
Available in the UK (RRP £1.94 - 330ml) here
