THE British pub is a world-class institution, beaten only by the Greek taverna which has longer hours with full food and drink menu.
And most British pubs offer real ales although too many struggle to keep it well.
There is nothing more dispiriting than reaching for a well-earned pint to find yourself looking at a glass of sludge you could stand a spoon in.
That said, the pub is a wonderful thing – part bar, social club and community centre. My one quibble is nibbles.
The standard fair of crisps and scratchings is pretty foul. In many foreign watering holes it’s normal to eat as you drink.
Traditional Greek tavernas offer snacks such as olives with beverages. Dutch bars have mini-menus of liver sausage or cheeses.
I can’t see it catching on here, too much effort, not enough profit. But it’s something to chew over.
I’VE read some great books lately. Stay Alive is another of Simon Kernick’s breathless pursuit thrillers that risks you tearing pages as you turn them.
And Emlyn Rees’s hard-as-nails hero Danny Shanklin makes a fast fighting come-back on his quest for revenge in Wanted, sequel to the best-selling Hunted.
MY own Danny Lancaster has been attracting interest in the United States. One reviewer said: “The Wreck Of The Margherita is a fine introduction to a new series set in Britain. I look forward to reading more of Danny’s exploits.”
I am teetering on the edge of Danny5. It’s a turbulent time – the need for the adrenalin rush of a new book versus the fear of nine months of all-consuming work that dominates long days and nights.
And it’s a good moment. Danny is a wounded Afghanistan veteran and last week saw the first Invictus Games in London – a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how courage can battle disability.
Organiser Prince Harry has taken some flak in the past, especially for the kit-off Vegas strip billiards outing, but Invictus has proved a triumph for him and for all those who took part.
www.facebook.com/DannyLancasterInvestigates
@williamjtodd
Remembering Barbara – www.barbaragubbins.co.uk
GUNNER: Diary of an ordinary soldier – all proceeds to a military charity
UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LGSZQTU – only 77p
US: www.amazon.com/dp/B00LGSZQTU – only $1.26