Batham & Son toasts first XI
Snifter is pleased to report that at a time of closures and administrations all is not doom and gloom for one brewery. Swimming against the tide is Daniel Batham & Son from Brierley Hill, which has just increased its estate by 10% — it's bought another pub, the New Inn, Wordsley. At the grand opening of the New Inn co-directors Matthew and Tim Batham welcomed the guests with a complimentary pint or two. "Was father and patriarch Arthur away?" Snifter enquired. No, he was sat in the corner with a glass of mild. Arthur, one of the most respected Black Country businessmen of his generation, was quick to point out that whilst Bathams had not given anything away in the first 130 years of their history, it was this sound fiscal approach that had led them to being able to indulge in this generosity!
Apple pie goes pear-shaped
A behind-the-scenes kitchen drama involving 50 portions of apple pie threatened to undo brewer Timothy Taylor's well-laid plans for the launch of its 150th anniversary celebrations. A substitute dessert course on the luncheon menu instigated by brewery managing director Charles Dent went unnoticed at the Dog & Gun, Malsis, West Yorkshire, until horrified staff discovered the change an hour before the meal was due to start. "We had prepared sticky toffee pudding in line with the original instructions only to discover apple pie had been substituted," revealed licensee and head chef Ross Walker. Walker and his staff at the Taylor's tenanted pub went into overdrive to produce the apple pie which made it to the dining tables with just minutes to spare. "It was a useful test for us," conceded Walker. After copious quantities of the premium strength beer had been consumed, few were in the mood to decide which dessert they might have wanted anyway!
Honourable name-calling
How will MPs cope with the latest European directive that outlaws classic pub banter on the grounds of sexual harassment? Brian Binley, the Tory MP for Northampton South, offered an insight to the "batty" rules during a debate in Parliament. He said: "It places pub landlords in jeopardy
if customers call the
staff 'love' or 'darling'.
I personally use 'angel'." Business minister Pat McFadden retorted:
"There are certain rules about language in the House, but out with those; the honourable gentleman is entitled to call me anything he wishes and I assure him that I will not take offence."
