Meet in the Old Contemptibles around 6.00pm
7.30pm - somewhere to exceed the Government guidelines on Binge drinking !!!!!!
Chap and Simber's headed for the OC's in desperate need of ale following Villa's 'exciting' 0 - 0 draw with Fulham!!. At least the choice of ale in the OC's proved to be rather more spectacular than the earlier football we had viewed. Shortly after 6.00 pm a 'blast' from the past arrived, yes the return of Sponge, whose last outing was four years ago to the session. Beer was consumed whilst waiting for the arrival of the remaining chaps Steve, Ian, Rog & Phil. Following general discussions of old times, etc the merry mob decided to move on from the OC's.
As has been the usual tradition on Chap's birthday bash, a trip to the German Market was in order. Upon arrival we a had a quick wonder round but decided due to the 'credit-crunch' (well it gets blamed for everything these days!!) not to opt for the hot pork baps at £5 a go, or the beer at £3.50 a jar + £3 deposit on the glass!!. A suggestion was made to visit the new Wetherspoons pub down Hurst street (the Old O'Neill's place) so off we set.
On the way we decided to pay a nostalgic visit to the Old Sam Weller's (now the Bright House). As on previous visits nothing has changed in the 20 years since the chaps used to frequent the place. Only problem here was there was no suitable draft ale to be had, so apart from a visit to the bogs we decided to move on.
Arriving at the Wetherspoons pub we again had the same problem, no draft ale being available. Despite the best efforts of the gaffer trying to sort something out, no beer flowed so we headed for the Old Fox next door. Here, there was the usual plentiful supply of ale so the chaps spent time drinking, reminiscing, cigar smoking and that age old tradition of pork scratching munching - Ian and Rog showing the way!!. Rumour also has it that Ian was complaining bitterly about the quality of a foot-pump he had brought from Asda (or somewhere like that) for £3.50 that had blown up after 5 minutes use.
Sim and Ian headed for their last trains home leaving the rest of the merry band to head to the Royal for a curry. The usual fine fair demolished by the hungry chaps. We finally headed home around 1.30 am.
Final foot-note.
Sponge survived without barfing the next day, but it will take a couple of visits in 2009 before he can be considered for removal from the WATN file.