A Beery Adventure

 

Another week, another opportunity to go somewhere and drink some lovely lovely beer. But this time around I was leaving my home far behind to set off on a long distance beery adventure.

This time around, I was setting off deepest darkest Birmingham to attend the "Summer Sesh", a meetup for any and all who enjoy the Beer O Clock Show Podcast. If you don't listen to it, and you have an interest in beer, then you really should give it a listen, especially if you want to know what's going on in the UK's Beer scene. 

I'd been an avid listener of the podcast for years now, and it's slowly become part of my commute to work. So when I discovered that the Summer Sesh was in Birmingham, my old stomping grounds, as well as the fact I had a day off.. the decision was made. Especially when I learned that my friends Bob and Sarah were going too, because if all else failed, I'd get to see them.

So the Friday arrived and I set off, back to whence I came. Two hours later I found myself in a place familiar but not, as the train station had been renovated. However me and Bob found each other quite easily thanks to the magic of phones and then we were off to the Colmore.

The Colmore.

The Colmore is a Thornbridge pub, the second I've been to over the years. Like the train station, it served to show me that a lot had changed in Brum since I left years ago. It's decor is similar to the other one I'd been to, The Market Cat in York, which meant lots of glass and bright wood. Here we opted for halves just to get things rolling. Bob went for Thornbridge's seminal classic Jaipur, whilst I decided to go for a half of Stingray, a tasty little collab with Neon Raptor.

If you're of a certain age you're probably humming a cetain tune when you see this beer on..

 

After nabbing a bite to eat, it was time for the main event, which was being held at the Glasshouse Brewery in Stirchley. Thankfully Bob and Sarah knew where it was, because it was so buried in an industrial estate I don't think I would have found it. 

Once there, introductions were made and we ventured in. Given the name of the event, my first beer was a nice little refreshing number called "Bringing Seshy Back". After trying a few I had landed on the one I'd stick with while I was there- a cracking Raspbery Ale simply called "Julie". I laughed with Bob about how all these beers would make my regulars turn up their nose, as they were all hazy. Generally when I see a hazy beer at my place, it's the end of the cask. It didn't matter to me that my beer was hazy and pink, it was the perfect brew for the glorious summer day we were sat in.

Julie.

 The converstaions began to flow along with the beer and the folks sat next to us had a ponderous look on their faces. Apparantly they knew me from somewhere. I recognised them too, but could not quite place it myself either. I asked if it might have been from one of the pubs I worked in when I lived in Brum, and the penny finally dropped- many years ago, I had been their Barman, at the start of their journey into beer! 

 After a little while Bob and Sarah had to go, but there was still more beer to be had. I spent some time saying hello to people, putting faces to Twitter handles and avatars. The sky seemed to change and we all thought it might be an idea to go inside- a wise move as it started to chuck it down. 

The rain didn't stay for long, and soon the hosts Steve and Martin announced it was time for the second venue on the itinerary- Attic Brew Co., which was a short walk away. Or it might not have been, but I'd had a few by then. Led by our guide Rob we soon arrived at the second of our venues, where I fancied a palate cleanser from all the raspberry and opted for a pint of lager, although the name of it escapes me. I probably went with my tried and tested method of chosing a new beer- pick the one with the silliest name.

At this point I don't really remember which beers I had in Attic as I was now a fair bit wobbly, but I can say I finished them all. I switched to halves again to find a winner, but alas, I had noticed it would soon be time for me to go. However just before I went, I heard a cry of "Barley Wine!" and suddenly I'd got some in my hand. 

I don't remember taking this.

 

My, what a fantastic day. I met some amazing people and got to try some really good beer. Thanks to Martin, Steve and Rob for setting this all up, I had an absolute blast. Plus I finally got to meet some folks I'd chatted with on Twitter, namely Rob and Johnny. I think next time I'll book the two days off because one didn't do it justice. All during my hungover Saturday shift I was wishing I was still there for round two, especially since I knew some of the pubs on the list that I would have loved to have visited again.

As for my journey home.. well that is a whole other tale that reads like a comedy sketch. Let's just say I missed my train and leave it at that for now. But as crap as that all was, The Summer Sesh was so much fun with such great people that's not the part I'll remember in the years to come. Beer People are good folks. There's only one way to sign off on this post I think.

Cheers!