It was not yet twenty minutes to four on a dull Thursday afternoon last week and I was thinking of perhaps forgoing the café, the coffee, and the bit of consultancy work I had planned and instead heading directly to the pub.
I was on the way to Chatsworth Road for a look around. Having not been there in a couple of months and, at the rate it was gentrifying last time I was there in the summer, I wondered if Iâd even recognise it now.
This is London and a good pint is never more than an outstretched armâs reach away. It so happens that The Clapton Hart was conveniently located between me and the cafĂ© and I heard they have Hackney Brewery on tap. Maybe Iâll just flip a coin. Nah â even more diplomatic â Iâll continue on to Chatsworth Road as long as the last bit of sun hasnât gone beneath the horizon before I get to Lea Bridge Roundabout.
After an hour, yes, and hour on the 253 bus, travelling from Finsbury Park towards Hackney Central, I finally stepped off and started walking. Of course the sun was well down on its way and I figured, if anything deserved a pint, and hour on the fucking 253 did.
image credit:Â hackneybrewery.co.uk
So into the pub I went, asked if they had any Hackney Brewery on today. They didnât, but the jovial, bearded barman (who looked as if he would be a mighty opponent in a pub quiz) offered several good suggestions, eventually, we settled on Curious, a pale ale from none other than Magic Rock Brewing.
Playing clearly through the tiny JBL speakers as I ordered in the starkly empty pub was Locked by Four Tet. I commended them on their musical selections and knew Iâd made the right decision. Halfway through my first half pint, a short barmaid with curly auburn hair, wearing jeans and a grey jumper came by to put a vase on my large, otherwise vacant table. In it contained three freshly cut red roses. I might just stay here all night, provided the internet connection holds out.
An hour and another half pint later, and after considering staying here all evening, I decided it was time to venture home and get finally get started on that work. I elected to walk the entire way this time.
