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).

254 Wed 22/11/17: The White House, Luton

Beer: Titanic Plum Porter 4.9%

Hoorah - back in Luton. After fruitless visit to gym (forgot shorts and/or t-shirt), I’m back into the JDWWH, and Titanic Plum Porter.

On returning from foreign climes my notes tend to take on the tone Mr Benn was wont to employ when finding himself, post adventure, back in Festive Road: they’ll suggest at contentment at being back at home and then get sentimental over a souvenir found in my pocket. In this case, back in Luton, the Polish family to my right are chatting away quite happily – while the group of lads over the way are talking football, generally genially but swearing away oblivious to the families sat around them.

And, from my pocket, a token procured from U Pinkasů in the centre of Prague: made up to resemble a 1 Kreuzer coin, dated 1843 – the year the pub opened (presumably); and not, as would’ve been handier at the bar back in Blighty, a £2 coin.

The White House has gone into Christmas overkill mode already, with more than a month to go.

Beer is excellent – and excellent without being Pilsner Urquell, which is lovely.