Drinking
I’ve Bean Everywhere Man
I used to hate coffee. I thought it was Camp. It was on one of my visits to the USA where I figured that so many people drink coffee there must be something OK about [more…]
Drinking
Drinking
Life Not In The (Fridge &) Freezer
Introduction This is an occasional series with no set timing, as and when it makes sense to post an update. Could in fact be the only article. It is more an intellectual exercise than being [more…]
Arts
The Marisco Tavern
One or two Puffins may well be of a vintage where the adage “you’ll never forget where you were when it was announced that JF Kennedy was shot” rings true. SWMBO and I are fortunate [more…]
20th Century
Liquid Thoughts on Beer
I was gratified recently to find that my uncle, John Alldridge, occasionally took time off in the 1940s from reporting World War II and its aftermath to concentrate on more important matters, as can be [more…]
Democracy
A View From The Greenhouse: We’re All “Far Right” Now, Innit?
Two weeks ago, when I commenced to writing my last episode about the trials and tribulations of a lazy, often reluctant veg grower and half hearted forager, I had no idea there’d be a new [more…]
Drinking
The Geek’s Guide To Ageing Your Own Homemade Whisky
This is the final missive of my guide on home distillation using the Still Spirits equipment. The previous post is here: The Geek’s Guide To Distilling Commercial Grade Whisky For £8 A Litre Bottle In [more…]
19th Century
Sabrage, or how to show off at parties
You have all seen old Hollywood movies showing Napoleonic cavalry officers celebrating by cutting the tops off of champagne bottles. The name for this is sabrage. As with most things in movies there is some [more…]
Arts
Set in Stone
This tale begins, as so many tales do, on a dismal winter’s day. This particular day, a miserably chilly and grey February one, was a decidedly rubbish day. Not only had Mr S and I [more…]
Arts
Coffee – Five Manual Brewing Techniques
This article is about different coffee brewing techniques that don’t require plug-in machines. Many people swear by expensive espresso makers, pod machines, or electric percolators, but I prefer the simplicity of manual devices. These are [more…]