Date: January 2024
Happy Dry January to all of those taking part. I myself am participating in damp January, which means I am virtue signalling only when the occasion suits.
I have only been to the pub three times this year so far and imbibed on just one occasion so it’s been more like light moisture January as opposed to the kind of liquid ingress that will give you second thoughts about buying a property.
My trip to The Benton Ale House was actually my first pub visit of the year. It was a Thursday evening in the first week of January. A time for true pub lovers (or pub others) to cling desperately on to the merriment of the festive period (or avoid whatever is going on at home).
The pub was surprisingly lively given the time of year and the activities among the clientele were varied. In one corner there was a serious looking pool tournament, in another a group of people playing what I was told is a Chinese board game, and on the telly there was a FA Cup game between Crystal Palace and Everton.
The decor was also somewhat eclectic. The pub has Newcastle United flags on the walls as well as old school booths. The bar extends around both sides of the pub. It feels a bit like stepping back in time but in a good way. This is a proper pub for all sorts.
Possessing the resolve of a person in their first week of dry January, I resisted the temptation to get a beer and ordered a lime and soda before joining my group. My trepidation at passing up the opportunity to sample an ale at the Ale House was soon put at ease by a very friendly bartender who did something I have never before witnessed and doubt I shall witness again in all my years of reviewing the nation’s favourite: she offered to top up my lime cordial no questions asked, if I found it was too weak. What hospitality!
Appearance: It came in a soft drink glass (Pepsi, I think), one with the curves. Still a pint though. No fresh lime, this isn’t that kind of place. It looked green enough and the colour was much improved by a stir with a straw, as recommended by the friendly bartender, demonstrating her knowledge of the game.
Taste: It was a little lacking in flavour initially so after I’d had a couple of sips over some light conversation, I went back to the bar to ask for the no lime no fee top up. Turns out it was a legit offer and the friendly bartender duly obliged and added extra cordial without hesitation.
Price: £1.65. I thought this was a little pricey given this has the feel of a no nonsense boozer but given January, inflation and the added top up, I’d say that’s a fair price for a lime and soda in 2024.
As I enjoyed my refreshingly refreshed lime and soda, I reflected on the year ahead over an attempt at understanding the rules to the Chinese board game (“Go” for those interested: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(game)). I’m hoping to continue this blog throughout the year and write reviews from new places, not just in London and the North East but also other cities in the UK. Maybe I’ll expand on the more creative writing element of this that I threatened in the late summer but rest assured, I won’t forget my roots (or limes)!
I hope your year has started well and you’re winning so far (much like I was at the board game I didn’t understand). Here’s to a good year of good pub times, strong cordial and plenty of free top ups when needed.
Here’s to a great 2024!
