105. Tue 30/5/17: The Bear Club, Luton

Beer: Leighton Buzzard Smokin’ Angel Porter 5%, Leighton Buzzard Black Buzzard 5.8%

At The Bear at the invitation of my brother, who has a cameo role in the British Independent film The Same Circles directed by Mark Garvey, written produced and starring Simon Cleary.

Simon is a friend of the KOs/Clod Mag, a Quiet Night (Slow Night - ed) regular and a fascinating, fantastic and wonderfully creative fellow. AJKingston’s part is to ride up on a bike, inform Cleary’s revengeful character that he doesn’t know of the man he is looking for – and ride off. Simon Cleary does almost everything else – with tremendous gusto. I’m not sure what to make of the film, apart from being full of bemused admiration for Simon – and being impressed with some very nice individual shots.

It’s good to see a screening at The Bear, what with Justin’s Filmstock background, and the room is full – albeit of folk who either have bit parts in the film, or know them that do.

104 Sun 28/5/17: Bree Louise, London

Beer: Titanic Plum Porter 4.9%

Had the Town reached the Play-off Final at Wembley, we’d no doubt have made a beeline for this pub (it’s near to Euston Square for the Jubilee Line). We’d have made a tower out of boaters, drunks lots of beer and then have our football team ruin a good day out. As it is, we take the opportunity to take a trip to London – primarily to spend the £10 Paxton and Whitfield’s (posh cheese emporium) gift voucher that me brother bought for my birthday last year.

We do that. It’s an excellent shop, but too pricey. Cheese (it transpires) is nice though… but Epoisses was significantly cheaper in Fortnum and Masons (where I also stock up on Gentlemen’s Relish).

We schlep back to the pub. It’s a great place… but a bit smelly. Outside is heaving, and too hot to boot, but there’s plenty of room inside. Titanic Plum Porter is an excellent beer– a bit heavy to be on for very long, but I manage a couple (probably three).

106. Tue 30/5/17: The White House, Luton

Beer: Bowman Quiver Bitter 4.5%

I’d suggested that, having seen The Same Circles (motion picture) at The Bear – it would be best to discuss out somewhere else, away from both the director, producer and star of the film. My brother also had a bit part role, but I had to confess that I didn’t really like the film DESPITE some very good cinematography. Meanwhile Simon Cleary, as always, is a huge and fantastic presence… though, just maybe, not a screen one. I like him lots, and hugely admire his chutzpah. I didn’t like his debut movie feature very much.

The White House is near empty. There are rumours that a planned renovation of this JDW, which was so impressive when it opened – but has been looking bedraggled for a decade or more, will reduce the size. Other than pre-football matches, when it is still apparently wedged, this would seem a reasonable idea.