Not every CAMRA event needs to be a pub crawl. In Kingston and Leatherhead branch, a quieter alternative has been gaining ground: the Quiet Pint. The idea is simple; we meet in one pub, stay put and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of conversation and good beer without the timetable, cost or pace of a traditional tour. It is normally held from 2pm to 5pm but people are, of course, free to come and go as they want.
The concept came from Keith Richardson, our branch membership secretary, who reflects that many organised crawls, while popular, can feel a bit regimented and sometimes expensive. He notes, “On a five-pub trip you might easily spend £25 or more, plus travel. I thought why not just meet somewhere and stay there?” There was also another motivation. Sitting alone in a pub, Keith wondered how many others might appreciate a sociable but low-key gathering, particularly those free during the day or newer members unsure about joining a larger group.
The first Quiet Pint was held at the Coronation Hall in Surbiton. It attracted around sixteen people, including visitors who had spotted the listing in London Drinker. Some went on to explore other local pubs afterwards, an added benefit for the wider trade.
Since then, the format has proved quietly successful. Events are held three or four times a year, drawing a mix of regulars and newcomers. Recent gatherings have moved beyond Wetherspoon venues (initially chosen for their affordability) to include a broader range of pubs offering a warm welcome and reasonably priced daytime pints. Around twenty people attended the most recent event, at the Watchman in New Malden. The atmosphere was easy-going; no schedules, no pressure, just conversation at its own pace. A small group of card players settled in unobtrusively, while others took the opportunity for longer, more relaxed chats than are often possible on the move.
For the branch, the appeal lies in its inclusivity. Quiet Pint sessions are, in short, CAMRA at its simplest: good beer, good company and time to enjoy both.
Happily, the idea is spreading and both North London and West London Branch regularly hold similar events. Look out for others in the Branch Diaries column.
Dave Butler
Editor’s note: this should not be confused with an April Fool’s joke that the Morning Advertiser ran this year. They reported that in a bid to encourage ‘mindfulness’, the Government was to introduce a ‘quiet hour’ to pubs every evening. During this period there would be no music, no TVs turned on and no noisy snacks such as crisps and pork scratchings sold. Customers would have to speak at library volume.