Well June has started and that means i'm into my last month, ever, living in London. Unlike most Australians, moving to the UK for their two-year stint I expected rubbish weather and am proud to say have never complained once about it being too cold. Actually that's a dirty lie. I'd like to think I have however, embraced England for everything it is great for. (More of that in a future, soppier blog), but most of all for it's best - and worst - alcoholic beverages. So here it is. My guide to what I have been drinking whilst living in London.
5. 'K' Cider. When you first land in the UK getting drunk becomes a priority. A poor Australian dollar to English Pound rate also means you need to do it on the cheap. There are a number of highly alcoholic ciders and beers in the local 'offie' but none are as lethal and economical as this one. 500ml - 8.5% - 4.2 Standard drinks for £1! This is not a session drink by the way. I prescribe 1 can to get things rolling for your Shepards Bush to Oxford Street tube journey on a night out.
4. Wray & Nephew and Ting' The local off license is a treasure chest of drinking possibilities. With all those bright colors and shiny cans of fizzy pop in the fridge it can be somewhat daunting to try and choose a mixer for your bottle of £20 overproof Jamaican spirit. Well look no further once your eyes hit the green and gold packaging that is Ting' grapefruit soda. When mixed together it feels like a 'flavour-rasta' grabbed you by the dreads and pulled you onto 'flavour-island'. All hail the 'Ting-Wray'.
3. Timothy Taylor Landlord Although still delicious from a bottle, one should never pass up the opportunity to put one of these in their faces when stumbled upon, on tap. A pale ale that's been around for over 150 years its truly delicious and one of the best ales i've ever had the privilege to drinktheshitoutof. Yes, i'm Australian, and I know full well beer should be cold. But there's an exception to every rule..
2. Nyetimber is an English sparkling wine grown and bottled down in Hampshire. It's been around for over twenty years. They do an inexpensive brut and a vintage that's not so inexpensive. I have a penchant for all Chardonnay sparklings and was given a bottle of their Blanc de Blanc as a xmas gift from a Milk & Honey member. It was really good, and stands out for me as the best wine I have tried from Great Britain. They deserve a mention, so here it is.
1. Cider I know I have already mentioned 'K'(iller), but now it's time to give a tip of the hat to the quality ciders i've been quaffing whilst over here. Cider, i'm sure will already have picked up a lot of popularity for when i return to my homeland but i'm sure the quality and selection will not yet have caught up to English standards. From the 4 for £5 Willam Gaymer's Old English, Draught favourite Thatcher's Gold, to the slightly homosexual Aspall Suffolk cider's Blush expression. All of these are excellent and put Bulmer's and Magners to shame.
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