All readers – not just CAMRA members – are invited to submit letters for publication to London Drinker but please remember that the letters column is intended for debate and constructive criticism. The editor reserves the right not to print any contributions that are otherwise. Please e-mail letters. Please state ‘letter for publication’ so as to avoid any misunderstandings.
These letters were all received before the ‘lockdown’ came into effect.
CRYSTAL PALACE CRAWL
I read with great interest Charlie Mackie’s article about Crystal Palace. I’m very familiar with this crawl as I do it every three or four weeks and have done for about five years. However from about three years ago I have made a vital addition. I begin at Gipsy Hill station, the stop before Crystal Palace, as this allows me to start at the Bullfinch brewery pub, they having taken over from Beer Rebellion in the last year. From there I take a walk up Gipsy Hill, not forgetting to turn round and take in one of the finest views of London, and take a left to visit the Railway Bell, a Ram pub (Young’s). It’s a cosy back street pub which are quite hard to find in London. It is always busy whenever I visit. Then it’s up the hill to the Sparrowhawk and carry on as Charlie mentioned with a final stop at the Douglas Fir before catching the train home.
Also I notice mention was made of the Grape and Grain known locally as Tim Martin’s folly. It’s good to hear it will return soon.
Richard Maughan
NAME CHANGE
I have read the letters suggesting a name change for the magazine and the submissions of alternatives. Please do not change the name from London Drinker, especially as this can now no longer be confused with the defunct London Drinker Beer Festival that was organised by CAMRA North London Branch. London Drinker is an entirely appropriate name and I am sure that the Editor and CAMRA do not wish to now embark on the time, cost, relaunch and inevitable inconvenience in changing the name as well as possibly losing a readership that may not recognise it as the same excellent magazine.
Tony Bell
THE PROVERBIAL IN A BREWERY
Recently, on the way back from Brighton, I called into the taproom and shop of a microbrewery hoping to sample and buy some beer from keg. They only had one barrel of IPA on (not my taste at all!) despite their website saying that they had a full range ready for the public. I’d checked before setting out. This is so typical of some (not all) small microbreweries who are totally disorganised when it comes to selling their product and dealing with the public. I’ve visited so many microbreweries who either haven’t had beer available (despite advertising to the contrary) or are unwilling to open kegs and/or bottles. It would be a crying shame to see independent brewers go out of business but it wouldn’t surprise me as these guys haven’t a clue about business.
Rhod Davies