Sean M in England

Living vicariously through another is not always all it's cracked up to be. My friend and fellow aspiring Bier God, Sean M, was off again on yet another business trip but this time to England. I've never been to the UK. I knew that he was there for work, away from his family and probably tired from jetlag, travelling and strange surroundings. However it's difficult surpress a feeling of jealousy that was bubbling up in my beer sole. Didn't you just get back from Boston not too long ago?! Some people seem to have the jobs with the best fringe benefits. Anyhow, putting my petty feelings aside, this is what he had to say about the beer experiences he had:


Been in London since Monday and this is the second bar that is all Samuel Smith. Tried the Extra Stout and let me tell you is way better than the bottled stuff. Fresh light and creamy, it's where you want to be. Also had their Wheat Beer as well also very good. Other good beers included all of the Fullers stuff like London Pride, and Spitfire Ale. Even the Kronenberg 1664 tastes better over here! Cheers!


Had Steak and Kidney pie and the wheat Samuel Smith. Heated by coal fireplaces of course! Note the date of the renovations.


Had the London Pride pulled here, no carbonation for the ales of course!


As for the beers, although you don’t want to hear it, there are not a lot of “traditional” old school pubs in London specializing in big heavy ales and stouts. Don’t get me wrong there are more than enough but most Londoners have opted for lighter food and drink as they have a very modern outlook on things. E.g. I have the steak and kidney pie followed by heavy dessert, they would more often eat a salad or light café food (Scottish smoked salmon on rye bread with capers, salad with rocket) and maybe a lager. I did find another pub with all of the Samuel Smith offerings, mostly on tap which was great. I had the Extra Stout and it was so fresh, creamy and light, even though it was full bodied. We also had Fuller’s products here and there, and some other more commercial European brews. Other brews that you mentioned would more likely be found up north as England ’s pubs are very regionalized. May be next time!