Pipped at the post - or the lows of beer ticking

Just a quick post to record my annoyance recently, at missing out of beers that have almost acquire cult status. The most recent example being a Harvey’s seasonal beer brewed to celebrate Bonfire Night and November 5^th. The beers must have been on less than a day, earlier last week, leaving this beer enthusiast. Here’s what Copilot has to say about it.

One of the frustrations of the modern cask ale scene is that some seasonal beers achieve almost cult status. Beers such as Harvey's Bonfire Boy can disappear within hours of reaching the bar, leaving many drinkers unaware that they were ever available. The result is that the regulars, beer tickers and social media followers get in first, while more casual customers miss out entirely.

From a drinker's perspective, it might seem obvious that landlords should simply order extra casks. However, the reality is more complicated. Cask ale is a perishable product with a limited shelf life once tapped, and an unsold cask represents a significant cost to the pub. Licensees have to balance demand for a sought-after seasonal beer against the risk of ending up with stale beer that must be discounted or thrown away. Many would rather sell out quickly than be left with half a cask at the end of the week.

There is also the issue of supply. Breweries often produce limited volumes of seasonal beers, and pubs may be restricted in how much they can buy. Even if a landlord wanted three casks of Bonfire Boy, they may only be allocated one. The rapid sell-outs can therefore be a sign not only of popularity, but also of scarcity. For enthusiasts, that exclusivity adds to the beer's appeal, although it can be frustrating for those who arrive a day late and find the pump clip already turned around.

It looks like I have missed the boat on this one, and the pub in question was the Nelson Arms, in Tonbridge.

A new continent beckons

Next week, Mrs PBT's and I are off on yet another cruise. That makes three this year, which perhaps sounds a little indulgent, even though the reality is that we're making the most of the opportunity while we can.  As I've already mentioned, next year I shall be saying farewell to full-time work, and at the moment that's pencilled in for some time during March. However, whether the final date proves to be the beginning or the end of the month remains to be seen.

I've even started doing some of the more boring retirement-related calculations, and have also been checking pension values, looking at what lump sums I might be entitled to and, most importantly, trying to work out how to avoid handing too much over in tax. As one reader on the blog has already reminded me, that's something worth paying attention to. Having looked at the figures, I think we'll be fairly comfortable, particularly when savings are taken account of, as well.

Anyway, that's not really the purpose, or indeed subject of this post, because the main focus is on our upcoming cruise. Also, in what will be a first for both of us, we'll finally be visiting a completely new continent. Between us, we've covered a fair bit of Europe and we've both travelled in North America, namely to the United States and Canada. I've also been fortunate enough to visit both Japan and China, giving me at least a small taste of Asia. Next week, however, we'll be setting foot in Africa for the very first time, and it’s something we're both very much looking forward to.

Our destination is Morocco, situated on the north-western edge of the vast continent of Africa. Although we will only be visiting a single country, we shall be calling at three different ports along its coastline. Our first stop will be Agadir, a city about which I know virtually nothing – although thanks to the Internet, I’m catching up fast. From there we'll continue north to Casablanca before finishing in Tangier.

En route to Morocco, we’ll be enjoying three days at sea before stopping off at Madeira, Tenerife and Lanzarote. Both Eileen and I have visited Madeira before, while I've previously been to Lanzarote, albeit many years ago. Tenerife, however, will be a completely new Canary Island for both of us. On our return journey we'll make a brief call into Lisbon (let’s wish for better weather this time), before heading back to Southampton.

This voyage also marks our return to Cunard after a two-cruise dalliance with Ambassador. We actually booked this trip around 18 months ago, and it's been paid for in instalments over several months. We've found that to be the easiest and most cost-effective way of managing cruise payments, particularly as Cunard doesn't charge any interest for doing so. In fact, we booked the voyage whilst on board Queen Victoria back in 2025.

Booking on board brings a number of advantages. Not only do you often secure a better fare, but there are usually a few extra incentives thrown in as well. On this particular cruise we've both received a generous amount of onboard credit, and it's the sort of thing that feels wasted if you don't spend it – literally, as any unused balance can’t be rolled over. Realistically, that means excursions, as unless you're buying drinks or accumulating an impressive collection of souvenirs, there aren't too many other ways of using it. Trinkets have never really been my thing, so I suspect most of our “on-board spending money” will disappear on shore excursions.

As for Morocco itself, I'm not quite sure what to expect. I've done a little reading about the country and, as it happens, the company I work for has, for many years, conducted a fair amount of business there, so I at least have some background knowledge of the place. Being a predominantly Muslim country, I'm curious to see what the local drinking culture is like – if it exists at all. I rather suspect we won't be enjoying a few drinks in Rick's Café, whilst in Casablanca, but you never know!

More than anything, we're looking forward to experiencing a culture that we've both read about but never encountered first-hand. That's one of the great pleasures of travel: seeing places for yourself rather than simply reading about them in books or watching them on television. We'll also be returning to the good old Queen Victoria, fresh from a refit. Ours will be only the ship's second voyage since re-entering service, so it'll be interesting to see what changes have been made. A full report will undoubtedly follow in due course, but not until we return to the UK – see reasons, below.

There probably won't be much blogging whilst we're away, as I've learnt my lesson when it comes to battling unreliable, and expensive shipboard internet connections. Trying to upload a post from halfway across the Atlantic, whilst having to change yet another password, is more trouble than it’s worth, and only causes additional problems when I’m finally back home. Instead, I'll revert to the old-fashioned method: a notebook, a pen and plenty of scribbled observations.

Once I'm home, I'll dictate everything straight onto my computer hard drive, tidy it up and turn it into something vaguely readable. I might even ask AI to lend a hand; not because I'm short of ideas, but because sometimes it's useful to smooth out the rough edges, correcting the odd dictation error and turning a collection of notes into something more coherent.

Before all that, though, I've got one more day at work, but agreeing to that final day helped secure this extended sixteen-day break, so I can't really complain. One aspect of the trip I'm particularly looking forward to is escaping the ever-increasing Christmas build-up. Being in countries where Christmas isn't celebrated in quite the same way, or where it occupies a far less prominent place in public life, should make for a refreshing change.

Like many people, I've already begun to notice the relentless appearance of Christmas merchandise in the shops and the annual repetition of the same festive songs on the radio. It won’t be long before the constant bombardment starts to feel rather overwhelming, which is why it will be good, escaping from it. So, until I return, that's me signing off. If anyone happens to know of any particularly good bars, cafés or other must-visit spots in Agadir, Casablanca or Tangier, recommendations would be very welcome.

 

The opening of a new chapter, for Shepherd Neame

It seems strange that barely three weeks after my visit to Faversham, that leading Kent brewer, Shepherd Neame would unveil ambitious plans to secure the future of brewing in the town. The announcement was accompanied, by news of a £15 million investment in a new, modern brewery that will reshape the company’s historic operations while retaining brewing at the heart of the town. The proposal represents one of the most significant changes in Shepherd Neame’s recent history and reflects how Britain's oldest brewer is adapting to a rapidly changing beer market.

Rather than constructing a brewery on a new site, Shepherd Neame intends to convert its existing bottling hall into a state-of-the-art brewing facility. The bottling operation is expected to close in 2027, with the new brewery completed by the end of 2029. Brewing will continue in the current plant while construction and conversion work takes place. The new brewery will not only be smaller than the existing operation but also far more efficient. Company executives have emphasised that the project is designed to improve quality, sustainability and operational flexibility, enabling the brewer to respond more effectively to changing consumer tastes and develop new products. The new plant will continue to use some existing infrastructure, including the famous artesian well that has supplied water to the brewery for generations.

A key element of the strategy is a renewed focus on Shepherd Neame's own beers. The company plans to move away from the large-scale contract brewing, which has been the backbone of the business over recent decades, and to concentrate production on its own core brands such as Spitfire, Bishops Finger and Whitstable Bay. One example of this is the termination of Shepherd Neame’s long-standing licence to brew and distribute Singha Lager in the UK, which will come to an end in April 2027. Originating in Thailand, Singha is an important lager brand in the lucrative Asian restaurant market, but one where volume has become the driving factor. Other contract brands in this category include Kingfisher, Samuel Adams and Hürlimann's, although the latter was for many years, Shepherd Neame’s premium pager brand.

The brewery project forms part of a wider ten-year vision for the historic Faversham site, where Shepherd Neame intends to reduce its footprint to a "Heritage Core" centred on the brewery's most historic buildings behind Court Street. Plans include enhanced visitor facilities, hospitality and event spaces, retail outlets, a new pub, offices and the creation of a public open area known as Brewery Square. The aim is to create what the company describes as a unique "brand home" that celebrates its brewing heritage while attracting more visitors to the town.

For beer enthusiasts and local residents alike, the announcement is significant. While the scheme acknowledges the challenges facing the brewing industry, including declining beer volumes and rising costs, it also demonstrates Shepherd Neame's commitment to keeping brewing in Faversham for generations to come. This is an important factor when viewed against some of the rumours circulating a month or so ago, which claimed that the company was looking at abandoning brewing altogether. So, after more than three centuries after brewing began on the site, the company is betting that a leaner, more modern brewery will ensure that Kent's most famous brewer remains rooted in its historic home well into the future.

This is definitely good news as far as local jobs and businesses are concerned, although from my own, personal point of view it ought to come with a caveat attached. The later would take the form of the company altering the recipes, especially those of its cask ales. I know that I am not the only Kentish drinker to think so, but whilst this family brewery has a fine range of attractive and traditional pubs, beers such as Master Brew, Spitfire, and Late Red really lend themselves as open to improvement.

I’ve written on the blandness of many of the company’s cask beers, ad nauseam, and I can categorically confirm this was NOT the case 40 years or so, ago! Some drinkers claim that the beers are over attenuated, in so much that any residual malt sugar remaining in the finished pint, has been attacked by the house yeast, and turned into alcohol and CO2. In other words, the beers are fermented right out, leaving them lacking balance, body and above all flavour. With a new, and leaner brewing plant in the offing, surely now is the time to revamp the tired old recipes and give Kentish drinkers the beers they truly deserve, and can be realy proud of?

 

The Man of Kent at Little Mill

As hinted at in the previous post, I notched up another “unique” pub for my collection, last Friday. The pub in question was the Man of Kent, at Little Mill, East Peckham, which reopened a couple of months ago, following a period of closure, that began at the start of this year. The Man of Kent was a pub that I’d been meaning to revisit for some time and would have done so earlier if other things hadn’t got in the way.

Dating back to the late 16^th century, the Man of Kent occupies a picturesque setting beside the River Bourne at Little Mill, a small settlement on the edge of East Peckham. With its low oak beams, roaring fireplace and waterside terraces, it remains one of the most attractive traditional pubs in the Tonbridge & Malling area. Described as a charming old free house with a cosy atmosphere and a good reputation for both cask ale and food.

For many years the pub has been the venue chosen by Mrs PBT’s and a group of her girly friends, for their annual, pre-Christmas get together. Unfortunately, the group were left feeling disappointed when the Man of Kent closed on 23 February 2026, following the departure of long-serving licensees, Neil and Shelly, after 18 years running the pub. The
pub then remained closed for almost four months before reopening under new publicans Jamie Rogers and Millie Jenkins on 18th June this year.

According to the local press, the reopening of the Man of Kent, has been warmly welcomed by locals and visitors alike, restoring one of the area's most cherished village pubs to its rightful place at the heart of the community. The new licensees have spoken of their desire to build on the pub's long-standing reputation as a welcoming community hub. In addition, they have pledged to maintain the character that made the pub so popular. They also want to re-establish the Man of Kent as a focal point for village life, with ambitions for live music, beer festivals and support for local produce and Kent breweries.

For many residents, the reopening represents far more than the return of a pub; it marks the revival of a much-loved meeting place that has been serving travellers, locals and visitors for decades, if not centuries. With this in mind, how could I not make that long planned return visit to the Man of Kent? The 208 Go Bus service operates at hourly intervals between Henwood Green, a small village close to Pembury, and East Peckham, conveniently running through Tonbridge on both the outward and homeward journeys. However, the fact that the midday service from Tonbridge Castle, wasn’t exactly the best start to my trip.

I persevered, and eventually the us turned up, albeit with no explanation from the driver. It is an approximate 17-minute journey from Tonbridge to Little Mill, a 17^th century mill house on the edge of the large, sprawling village of  East Peckham. It had been a while since my last visit, but after stepping off the bus and walking the short distance to the pub, it seemed that thankfully, little had changed internally.  There was around half dozen or so cars parked outside, and whilst the two bars weren’t exactly packed out, they weren’t empty either.

One thing about the Man of Kent that even short arses like me have to look out for, are the incredibly low ceilings. Despite being aware of this, I still managed to knock my head a couple of times. Were people really shorter in stature 400 years ago, or did they just scrimp on building materials? The lack of headroom at the Man of Kent, is a feature that Mrs PBT’s really isn’t keen on, and she’s not exactly that much taller than me.  The other aspect that is immediately apparent upon stepping inside, is the large, open fireplace dividing the front part of the main bar, with just about sufficient space to squeeze by either side.

There were three cask ales on offer, Taylor’s Landlord, the ubiquitous Harvey’s Best, plus a beer from Tonbridge Brewery. I opted for the Landlord, which was drinking well. I waited until I was back in Tonbridge, as the food available in the bar was a little on the dear side. As regular readers will know, the price of bar food in this part of the south-east, is a regular gripe of mine, but the cost didn’t seem to put off the two parties that were eating in the pub.

And that’s about it really, apart from saying there was only a 10-minute wait for the bus back, rather than a 20 minute one. The journey itself, takes you though some very pleasant rural countryside, as well as the village of Golden Green, home to the Bell, public house, an establishment that seems to be getting some good, online reviews, and a place that I’ve bookmarked for a future trip out on the 208 bus.

November and already, the clock is ticking

I’m slacking somewhat in my quest to break my record of visiting as many “unique” pubs as possible, especially after hitting the magic 100 at the middle of last month. Some might accuse me of “resting on my laurels”, although in self-defence, I’ve had several other distractions that I’ve had to attach more importance to.

The first of these is my impending retirement which, after 50 years of being a wage slave, can’t come quick enough. I mentioned previously how, after a few, ill-conceived changes within the company, has managed to completely change the dynamics of the organisation. The end result being, the place is no longer somewhere that I enjoy attending, and whilst with the benefit of that wonderful thing called “hindsight”, it would have been sensible two years ago, when I was approaching that biblical milepost of  “three-score years, and ten”, but it was not to be.

Life is full of “should have done” and “ought to have done”, but I didn’t, and it’s been quite a sharp learning curve getting myself up to speed with the world of company pensions. This is really practical stuff that ought to be taught at school, but of course it isn’t. So, after immersing myself in the world of annuities, pension drawdowns, deferment, and more that a bit of crystal ball-gazing, I’m finally seeing some clarity.

I’ve set a provisional retirement date of the start of March 2027, and whilst I’ve dropped a few hints to a few of my more trustworthy colleagues, I haven’t yet handed in my notice. This brings me on to the other distraction, which is our upcoming cruise, the third one of the year, and also the longest. I won’t go into too much detail here, although I expect I shall upon our return. Suffice to say I shall only be taking one suitcase, as opposed to my wife’s three.

We shall probably need to cut our cloth accordingly, once I do depart from the world of work, but like this forthcoming voyage, which has been paid off on a monthly basis, the same applies to the sailing booked for next June. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to taking more short breaks closer to home, and the freedom and mobility afforded by not being tied to a particular employer, the UK will be our oyster, alongside the more occasional trip overseas.

This was meant to be the lead into a post concerning a relatively nearby pub that reopened, a few months ago, following a period of closure. It’s a heartening tale of renewal and coming back from the dead, so to speak, and it’s also a story of resilience that proves the resilience of the pub trade, despite all the pitfalls, barriers and restraints imposed on it, by modern Britain. Until next time then, where there’s something a little more in keeping with the spirit and the usual ethos of this blog.

Five more books at bedtime

We return to the “Book at Bedtime” themed series which, is now in its eighth incarnation. Reading a few pages, or perhaps even a whole chapter, of a book is a great way to relax and unwind, especiallyafter a busy day, and where better to come back to earth after a hectic day, than lying in bed.

This edition features a couple of biographies, two action packed, and rather violent thrillers of the type I wouldn’t normally be interested in, plus an old favourite author in the guise of Ernest Hemingway. The books aren’t reviewed in chronological order of me reading them and actually begin with the one that I’ve just finished.

First up is "Stalin's Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess". Written and meticulously researched by Andrew Lownie, this fascinating biography of Guy Burgess, examines the extraordinary and contradictory life of a person, best described as deeply flawed individual, became one of the Soviet Union's most damaging Cold War spies. This was, despite, or perhaps because of him being a member of Britain's elite. Drawing on extensive research, newly available files, and interviews with people who knew him, Lownie portrays Burgess as a brilliant, charming, and charismatic figure who rose through Cambridge University, the BBC, the Foreign Office, and British intelligence while secretly working for the Soviet Union.

Guy Burgess has the dubious honour of being one of the most notorious members of the Cambridge spy ring, and Lownie’s detailed work explores how this deeply flawed figure used his intelligence, social connections, and personal charisma to gain access to highly sensitive information, passing thousands of secret documents to his Soviet handlers. The work also examines Burgess’s chaotic private life, marked by heavy drinking, scandalous behaviour, and complex personal relationships, and asks why he chose to betray his country and what impact his actions had on the Cold War. Far from depicting Burgess as a minor player among the "Cambridge Five", Lownie argues that he was one of the most influential and effective Soviet agents ever to operate within the British establishment.

I would go further and say that as well as being a traitor, Guy Burgess was an absolute shit, who seemingly drifted through life, following the route offered to the well-to-do by English high society, with an education at Eton and then Cambridge, taking full advantage of the privileges and perks offered by such an upbringing. After betraying his country, Burgess fled to the Soviet Union in 1953, along with fellow traitor and spy, Donald Maclean. He died there, 10 years later, as a result of his unhealthy lifestyle.

We then move on to a work that is a little lighter, but no less interesting, and it is another biography. This time we follow the story of Denys Finch Hatton, a complex figure, who was an adventurer, aristocrat, big-game hunter, pilot, and restless seeker of freedom, who is best remembered today through his relationship with Karen Blixen, author of "Out of Africa".

"Too Close to the Sun", by Sara Wheeler, is a compelling and well-researched biography which presents Finch Hatton as a complex and often contradictory figure, who had far more to offer the world beyond his romantic attachment to Danish settler, plantation owner and novelist, Ms Blixen. Drawing on extensive archival research, Wheeler paints a vivid picture of colonial East Africa and the social world in which Finch Hatton moved. She is careful not to romanticise either the man or the era, exploring both the glamour and the darker realities of colonial society.

The result is a portrait of a charismatic individual whose life was marked by privilege, risk-taking, and an inability to settle. Elegantly written and rich in historical detail, "Too Close to the Sun" is an absorbing read for anyone interested in African history, biography, or the real story behind "Out of Africa". Wheeler succeeds in bringing Finch Hatton out from the shadow of myth and revealing the fascinating, flawed individual beneath.

Next up is the modern thriller series, that is the Jack Reacher novels, written by prolific English author, Lee Child, and centred on the character of a former US Army Military Police major who owns little more than the clothes he is wearing, travels without a fixed home, and answers to no one. Free from the constraints of ordinary life, he can drift into trouble anywhere and confront it on his own terms. In essence, the series succeeds because Jack Reacher embodies a rare literary hero: a modern-day knight-errant, wandering from town to town, righting wrongs and moving on before the dust has settled.

Reacher’s combination of intelligence and physical strength makes him a formidable fighter, who wins as many battles through observation, logic and determination as through force. Each novel places him in a new location, facing a fresh mystery or injustice, creating a satisfying blend of detective story, action thriller and moral crusade. The books are surprisingly accessible, and their fast-paced plots, sharp dialogue and clear prose make them easy to pick up, and difficult to put down, even though they weren’t the type of novels I would normally read.

I’ve a work colleague to thank for this, as we ended up swapping books over the summer, with me lending her the set of Philip Pullman books that together make up the "Book of Dust", trilogy, in exchange for two of the Jack Reacher novels. I did, however, find one of the novels – "The Visitor", particularly disturbing, although if you really want to know why, then I suggest you get yourself a copy. In fairness though, Reacher’s unwavering sense of justice and his willingness to stand up to bullies, criminals and corrupt authorities offer a powerful wish-fulfilment fantasy that resonates with readers around the world.

Finally, "The Sun Also Rises", the first major novel by one of my favourite authors, Ernest Hemingway, and one of the defining works of the so-called, "Lost Generation" - young
men and women disillusioned by the First World War. The story follows Jake Barnes, an American journalist living in Paris after the First World War. He is in love with the glamorous but unattainable Lady Brett Ashley. Along with a group of expatriate friends, they travel to Pamplona in Spain, where love, jealousy and disillusionment come to a head during the famous bullfighting festival.  On the surface, the novel is a story about travel, friendship and romance. Beneath this, Hemingway explores themes of disillusionment, lost ideals, masculinity, love, and the search for meaning in a world transformed by war. His spare, understated prose style became highly influential in twentieth-century literature.

The novel ends on a bittersweet note. Jake and Brett acknowledge the happiness they might have shared under different circumstances but recognise that their love can never be fully realised. The closing lines encapsulate the novel's mixture of longing, regret and acceptance. In essence, "The Sun Also Rises" is both a vivid portrait of a generation adrift after the First World War and a compelling story of love, friendship and personal loss.

Footnote: with another cruise holiday, looming on the horizon, I've got a couple more books to keep me occupied, whilst lounging out on the sundeck, or for last thing at night, before nodding off. Details to follow, once I've read them, along with a few more. As ever though, all recommendations and suggestions will be gratefully received, and carefully considered.