A Quorate Group of The Friends of Hector had arranged a trip to Stavely today, Hector felt that He and Marg had travelled enough for the moment. Stavely, next time – definitely! But then there was a reconsideration. Robin was texted last night with an invitation to be ready to roll at 14.00. He was warned it would remain a Mystery Tour but the direction would not be South and no Bucket and Spade would be required.
Robin guessed it would be The Staggs in Musselburgh or Fyne Ales, The Source. As Hector drove East, Robin was well engrossed in conversation with Marg. We were well along the M8 before he was sure of the destination. Robin was at The Staggs last week as part of his 65th Birthday Bash. The real celebration starts shortly when Hector’s Heroic Homecoming – incorporating Robin’s Random Ramble kicks off. Indeed, for [Stan.TB] and Jonathan this Trip has begun, hence Stavely today.
Exterior photographic rituals completed, we entered to be greeted by Katie, Nigel’s Charming Daughter – What are you doing through here on a Friday? Normally we go through Mob Handed on a Saturday and Howard has arranged Something Special to be on offer. We had come through today on speck, a Pub of This Quality would always have something worth coming for, sadly unlike the majority of the Pubs in Glasgow. When Hector writes – majority – he realises that this is an understatement. The range of Ales on offer in Glasgow is typically not outstanding – only one of flavour, character and strength may be on offer. At The Staggs there will always be an Ale featuring all three.
Moor’s Revival (Pitney, Somerset) at 3.8% was a gentle start to the day. A Light, Hoppy, Pale Ale, just as we like them. It got the day going but was not outstanding. Beeston’s Worth The Wait (Beeston, Norfolk) at 4.2% was a step up the ladder. One has to wonder if the name was apt, there was not a lot happening in this Ale.
It was time to stop messing about, The Duke IPA (Highland, Orkney) at a much more attractive 5.2% was right on the button. Now we had something to rave about, we could contact The Chaps in Stavely and not get blown out of the water.
Strangely, there were no tasting notes made for this Ale, we were too busy enjoying it.
All’s fair in love and…
Hector and Marg like to share the driving. I drive to the venue, Marg drives home. The joy of a Wife who is knowledgeable about Bier and has been to more Sources than the typical lady, but has no interest in consuming the produce. Marg was kept amused by Robin and Hector’s increasing enthusiasm for the Ale. One of The Locals, I really should record more names, engaged Marg in conversation before she finally went out for a walk and a Coffee. Meanwhile There was time for a Father and Daughter Reunion, they were moving on somewhere Special hence the Posh Togs.
We were set to head home when one of the finest Ales on The Planet made its appearance. Oakham’s Bishops Farewell (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire) at 4.6% is packed full of Hops. Light, Pale and Hoppy, everything we love, there was one more.
Robin appeared not to know if we were coming or going as we left and headed off into the sunset.