The Italian Job

2/7/15

A couple of films with the same name, similar story but one a classic British film

With probably Michael Caine's much quoted scene.

But why am I telling you this?

Well, a couple of weeks ago (13/2/15) a little bar opened in Chiswick, West London and it is called The Italian Job. The UK's first Italian craft beer pub apparently.

I decided it would be worth a visit as it is not too far from home.

The clock reveals a former name

The A-board outside

And the bar itself

I was the only customer when I arrived just after opening at 5 o'clock, hence the empty bar. Custom soon picked up though.

12 beers were available on draught, 2 on handpump, 10 on tap.

The pub's website is here

2 handpumps:

and the 5 taps next to it

were all from the Ducato brewery,

the other 5 taps had guest beers

As you might expect, it costs a bit more than your usual beer but averaged about £3 a half on the ones I had.

Will I go back? Yes but at the end of the day I still prefer my British ales.

First brewpub visit for 2015

3/1/15

Only 3 days into the year and another brewpub has opened in London.

The Temple Brewhouse on Essex Street (opposite Royal Courts of Justice near Aldwych)

The brewery:

The pub:

Two of their beers were available and consumed:

First one of 2015

4/1/15

2015 and time for a quick look back at last year.

Some of my favourite photos all with captions

Portsmouth Guildhall

Good pub in Pompey

another side

Huddersfield station front

Best pub in Huddersfield

Peterborough

Beer festival choice in shed

part of the interior of H and H

Chris Green

His book

and my copy was signed

view of Swanage from my hotel bedroom

awaiting departure

big nose

inside the Laurieston pub in Glasgow

Wemyss Bay station

Tickets for my week in Glasgow

Forth Rail Bridge

view from Dalmeny station

Edinburgh tram

Thumper

East Kent Railway

Shunter traction at EKR

Class 24 at MHR Alton

A happy Ops Mgr

MHR Alton platform 3 on Diesel Gala

A happy brewer getting ready for his next brew

Its nearly Christmas

21/12/14

So its been over 2 months since my last blog. Time to wish all my readers a Happy Christmas and all that goes with it.

What would I like for Christmas. Simple, a quiet couple of days with some family. I don't do family things much but this time of year I make time for them. Although my Dad is off to warmer climes for a couple of weeks it will be January before I make my annual pilgrimage as he calls it.

So down to the south coast to stay with Mum. Boxing Day meet with sister and her 3 adorable children including my Godson who is now 16 and taller than me.

Through the joys of social media this video clip has been mentioned a few times and I share it with you.

I might have to watch the Father Ted Xmas special on DVD later.

Also seen was this image which currently my facebook profile picture

I hope you all enjoy yourself whatever you do. I finish work on 23rd December and back on 2nd January 2015.  To those of you working during this period and I know some of you will be, make sure you find time for Christmas.

Now to wrap those bloody presents.

Ian.