3: The Past and The Present
This week one article in particular got me thinking about what it is we love about pubs.
I know, how original.
But listen, right. Jessica Furseth is an excellent writer who focuses on culture and urbanism, and above all, her beloved changing city of London.
In her piece for Huck called, dramatically, "The Curse of the British Pub Refurbishment", she heavily laments the encroaching circular saw of 'progress' as it reaches her favourite pub, The Coach on Greek Street in Soho. Like most pub pieces it's full of heart and deep, emotional attachment, but there are some really interesting sections about how sympathetic development is eventually adopted (even if it's initially boycotted). Blue Posts is the case in point here.
Anyway, a question that stuck with me is: why do we (I) want to hang on to every single bit of history -- even the crap bits? Does a lick of paint change the molecular structure of a place? Why does cleaning the brass up or swapping out paintings of the hunt for prints by local artists bring about an achy sort of sadness?
For The Coach, things are different. It's being bought by Fullers, not an enthusiastic beer historian keen to retain its noble features. But even if it was, would that still mark the end of an era? And why?
Someone joked with me at the pub I sometimes work at that because I'd cleaned the toilets earlier that day, it counted as a renovation. He said "Everything's changing, don't change this place."
Bear in mind the pub I sometimes work at is no more than four years old.
Other things:
I really enjoyed this article on a huge toilet roll because a) the attention to detail is astonishing b) it's really funny c) haha toilet paper
I'm not the world's biggest Beatles fan, but I loved this on Yesterday.
I've been thinking a lot about veganism. This tells the story of the Impossible Burger, and how it went from odd futurefood to being accepted by chefs, then shops, then consumers.
I loved this about beer in Caballero country by Alex Duell. Read it now.
I was delighted to then find this listicle about cool, hipster craftspeople and artisans in Mexico City.
My things:
I promised a blog post this week but guess what, I haven't had the chance, what with Carnivale Brettanomyces (which was EXCELLENT) and everything. Expect at least one in time for next week's bulletin.
This restaurant review I wrote got a lot of "creative criticism". Apparently. I don't read the comments.
Charlie Papazian shared my piece on hops in the Orbigo Valley, which means he's read it, nbd.
If you're not already following me on Instagram, you can do so here. If you want.
Tom (my husband) has joined Twitter.
