Blog After 5½ years Sneak has decided it is time to hang up his proverbial boots. Sneak would like to thank everyone who has contributed to his blog, especially those who have been 'poked'!
The Sneak Archive - you can still check out what has gone on before.
21st - To quote Mark Twain, "The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated". And Sneak is pleased to hear from Lynne of the Bull's Head in Goring who reports that the Bull's Head is "proudly open again!" In these days of reports of 39 pubs closing a week Sneak is happy to report something positive for a change.
17th - Homer has been in contact after the recent cold spell (it has been so cold that the Sneak's road has "blown" - Sneak is assured this is the correct technical term - and the pot holes are now twice the size). Anyway Homer reports a conversation with Adur Brewery brewer Andy whose brewery water supply froze. "You'll be pleased to learn he resisted the temptation to produce super-chilled beer or beer ice lollies and waited for the thaw like a sensible chap." Sneak is not sure as the Adur Brewery web site states that a new beer is on the way (Green Wheelbarrow) at a legendary 8%, and if Andy can get the yeast to work a Red Wheelbarrow at a staggering 11%. Sneak thinks a wheelbarrow might be needed for your friends to carry you home in!
9th - That was quick. 100o now reports the Ball Tree open for business!
6th - Another little missive from 100o who reports the Ball Tree as closed. But thankfully it will reopen soon when the new owners move in. It looks like it is going to be an interesting year for pubs. Sneak just hopes that none of the really good ones suffer!
3rd - Sneak has never been very fond of the local rag. However, this week the front cover was resplendent with three Worthing pubs that have closed in recent days. The Monty, the Egremonty (anyone see a pattern here ... anyone?). Ah I hear you say what about the Bull. Well Sneak says what about the bull ... Well if you want to see the report here it is.
2nd - Sneak is touched by all the concern for his well being while he was enjoying his two breaks. However of particular mention Sneak must mention Marvin's well wishes and who emailed Sneak to say "I am getting very concerned with Sneak. Does he not have any friends any more as no one seems to be writing to him." Well Sneak can assure 100o and fans of Sneak all over the world that he has now caught up with all the mail and passed it on to Herr Webmeister to upload. Anyway 100o also commented that he was so "concerned that all I can say is something I over heard the other day in a pub, the publican was telling someone that one of the hardest parts about being behind the bar is figuring out who is drunk and who is just stupid." Now if Sneak was a gambling man he'd have a fiver on who that was!
1st - Sneak's new year resolution was to not put any links to the Daily Telegraph on the 1st January. Especially as he just searched for "pubs closing" and realized how true Sneak's last comment of 2008 was.
31st - "It's official!" announced Homer from Shoreham. "Marinating your steak or chicken in beer before you fry or grill it substantially reduces the carcinogenic compounds created by the cooking process. Although marinating in wine can help, beer is far more effective. So order a few extra crates for your kitchen! The full article is here." Sneak can see where this is going and it is only the start of Homer email. "You may start worrying," Homer continues, "that consuming all this extra beer will make you put on weight, but the scientists have an answer for that too. They reckon that it's too much thinking which makes you fat! And working at the computer is worst of all! See the full text here." Sneak thinks Homer is about to offer some well earned Brownie points for the next help advice, "So once you've finished reading this [email], switch off the computer, put your brain into neutral and head for the pub. Make sure you choose the first beer you see at the bar, because trying to decide between several excellent real ales could undo all your good work!" Well Homer that is of course if you can find one still open!
21st - Sneak heard from an old friend who had ventured to the Bull Inn/Bulls Head after a trip to "foreign climes". She was "taking a wee, well-deserved break" and returned to have Sunday lunch at said establishment. Not aware that the Orchid Group had gone into administration. 'Closed for Christmas and New Year' she was told but 'we hope to re-open in the new year.' Sneak wonders what happened to all the Xmas parties and Xmas diners? Anyway at least the Bull will be back!
1st to 20th - Sneak was helping an other buddy out old Nick. This have not gone to plan.
1st to 30th - Sneak found himself with an old buddy - Lord Lucan - so has been having to stay out of the limelight.
