Swigging the blues in Bath
The St Christopher's Bar & Hostel in Bath has a unique following for blue Aftershock among some of its regulars, reports CGA Stategy. Apparently, the bar has two older gentlemen customers who come into the venue around noon most days, order double blue Aftershocks in tall glasses, and sip the drinks instead of having them as shots. They stay for an hour, then head off for lunch, and come back in the afternoon and can sometimes go through a bottle on their own in a day.
Upping the steaks at Spirit
Don't worry if you were seeing double in Spirit's Two for One brand this week. The brand is launching a new menu based around the nation's best quality steak at the best value prices. The new offer allows any cut of 28-day matured steak to be cooked and presented with accompaniments such as scampi, eggs or a variety of sauces for only £1 per person extra. To celebrate the menu launch, Two For One was hosting "Free Twin Tuesday", when identical twins can eat for free in any Two For One outlet.
Starry cast at Shine awards
Punch Shine awards were held in the historic environs of Hampton Court Palace last week. Punch's best retailers from across the county were introduced by regional operations directors. Among the outstanding Punch retailers was at least one well-known face — Coronation Street's Liz Dawn, who owns a stake in the Old Grapes pub in Manchester.
Paternal pints at Orchid
An outbreak of dad drinking — as opposed to dad dancing — has broken out at managed operator Orchid Group. The company asked 100 dads to taste test its cask-ale range to reveal their favourite pint in time for Father's Day (15 June). Old Speckled Hen, a rich, fruity ale with malty undertones came out top, with Adnams Broadside and Bombardier coming a close second and third respectively. To encourage everyone to try the Dad's Top Tipple, the Orchid Group will donate 10p from the sale of every pint of Old Speckled Hen throughout June to local male charities.
In the war zone of Norfolk
Spotted at the White Horse in Brancaster, north Norfolk, at the weekend: BBC foreign editor John Simpson who was tucking into a upmarket pub meal as a well-deserved break from his usual exploits like liberating Kabul single-handedly.
Heineken keeps it real in Staines
These are "interesting" times for Heineken UK following the takeover of Scottish & Newcastle. One major bone of contention is the HQ move from its plush leafy pad in upmarket Wimbledon to S&N's place in the less-glamorous Staines. "It will be a bit of a culture shock," said one. "Isn't Staines only famous for being the home of Ali G?"
Well, Snifter would personally like to big up the Heineken Massive for a great do at last Saturday's Heineken Cup final. 'Nuff respect! Booyakasha.
