The Bell Inn is one of three local pubs which lays claim to being the oldest in Britain. The property it is on was first obtained by a group of Carmelite Friars who arrived in Nottingham in 1276. During the 16th century reign of Henry VIII, it was converted to a secular alehouse, named the Angelus Bell.I joined the public at their house this afternoon for a (half) pint. How embarrassing, I still can’t manage a full glass. I am a converting, however, from the grape to the hops, and need to begin someplace.
I ordered a Strongbow. From previous samplings, I know this British brew is a sweet cider that goes down like a glass of wine. I am also a sucker for a label and am drawn to its association with the archer. This is Robin Hood County, after all.
I noticed a number of patrons on the patio this afternoon drinking what appeared to be a red ale.
Curious, I asked the waiter.
“It’s a Snakebite,” he replied, as though this was common knowledge, “black current and lager.”
“Any kind of lager?” I asked.
“Whatever you want.” He smiled.
If you look back to my entry on July 18th, this is not the Snakebite I know.
Since I had already exposed my ignorance about the topic, I continued on with the questions for the sake of clearing my confusion.
“So what do you call Guiness and lager?”
“That’s a “Beggar’s Black Velvet…”
Now the guy is certain I’m a budget traveller.
“…And a proper Black Velvet is Guiness with champagne.”
That sounds lovely.
Here is a chance to boast my own bartending knowledge. I bet he doesn’t know about the Canadian-created Red Eye, a 50-50 combination of lager with clamato.
I pause and consider how even this is more lowly than the Beggar’s Black Velvet, and humble myself.
