A day and a night in Musselburgh
We take our Bier seriously. The title of this Blog should be sufficient a give-away to the fact that we will travel within reason, and within acceptable economic parameters, to consume the best we can find. The Tempest (Scottish Borders) Long White Cloud is currently (IOHP) the finest Ale brewed in our fair country. In the last week Robin and Howard have done their research, Craig is part of the story somewhere too. We have learned two things: Tempest only brew this Ale sporadically, the Staggs in Musselburgh recently had two Casks delivered.
The resolve to return after two short weeks was not a difficult one to make, especially when it was revealed that there were in fact three Casks of Long White Cloud in the cellar. The Friends of Hector should surely command one on a Saturday afternoon? Howard had contacted Nigel (why there is no award for most obliging Host?), all was in order.
Marg is renowned for her general disinterest in alcoholic beverages. Sweetie drinks are her favourite when she does imbibe, though do check out her consumption of Hofbrau at Source! That we are due to fly out of Edinburgh tomorrow lunchtime planted a seed in Hector’s mind – would a day in Musselburgh appeal to the Dear Lady? The holiday extension concept was approved, a night at the local Travelodge was secured, a Race Meeting made rooms difficult to find.
Located at the very eastern end of the Edinburgh Bypass, the Travelodge should have been very easy to find. Should have been. Jedburgh, Leith (wrong direction, surely?), and many Border towns flashed up before us on the road signs. There was no mention of Musselburgh. We actually came off the Bypass to re-check our navigation, had the mysterious eastenders built another road to accommodate the minority population? Only on rejoining the Bypass two junctions from the end did the name Musselburgh finally appear on a road sign. Perhaps I should really end this Blog now , not spill the beans, and this maintain the mystery of this fine attraction?
An early check-in had been arranged, we were out of the room by 13.00, the others should be there already.
Walking past Monktonhall the history of Scottish Industry came flooding back, coal mining. How much coal remains under our feet as we walked down the Valley off the Esk, or Eskdale? I was soon on familiar territory passing Yaadgar, a name which has been mentioned in the partner Blog, but Curry was for later.
Nigel greeted us as we walked in to The Staggs. He verified the order and did not bat an eyelid when a Fresh Orange and Lemonade was the accompaniment. Robin, Craig, Yvonne, Mags, Howard, Dr Rick, Alan, Mr Boyd and John S were first pint as we squeezed in beside them.
And we’re off
The Long White Cloud was once again described as Excellent by Craig, so it must be. ‘The Budgie is back.’ is how Yvonne described her Beau. Robin was sporting a black eye but had no recollection as to how it had been acquired, worrying. Mr Boyd was only in his usual raconteur mode intermittently, indeed in the second half of the afternoon he stood up and announced his early departure. These seventy year olds, no stamina. John and I spoke Curry for a good while. Howard, Alan and Mags were too isolated initially. Marg went for a walk as is her custom, down to the harbour, to see the wildlife, she was amused. She returned and was straight into the Bacardi and Coke. I was determined to enjoy the Long White Cloud, John moved on to Kipling (Bakewell, Derbyshire), Avalanche (Fyne Ales, Cairndow, Argyll and Bute) and finally Jarl also out of Fyne Ales. I do not recall hearing Craig mention Kipling but he could not have resisted. Robin switched to Jarl, a sensible man. There is no other pub in the land serving this range of Ale. That Mein Host loves his light, hoppy Ale too is a distinct advantage in our favour. Our young barman was permitted a time-out and joined us for one. His name and details will no doubt become more apparent in Future Days.
And now for the best bit
The time came for all and sundry to depart. It was approaching 20.00. Cheerio cheerio, cheerio. Marg and Hector were left, sitting with the locals, how it should be. It was definitely time to eat, the meal at the Halimah is dutifully recorded, but this is not the end of this saga.
After a surprisingly fine Curry-Heute, we returned and sat in the inner room. The Avalanche was the Ale of choice now. It is worrying that an Ale I have enjoyed so much in the last year felt less. There was no more, a taxi from the adjacent rank took us up the hill. Tomorrow is another day.
The pub visited today:
The Staggs Bar – 81 North High Street, Musselburgh, EH21 6JE
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