We thought we’d stub out our year-long series on collectibles with a look at the weird and wonderful world of ashtrays
As this is the last in the current series on collectibles, it seemed appropriate to turn our attention to a part of the beerdrinking culture which is also coming to an end.
Smoking is banned in the world’s bars in many places including Ireland, parts of the United States and Scotland, and is set to...
Collector's corner
from Issue 9 published on 22/11/2006
No visit to Munich could ever be complete without a trip to Europe’s first public park – the Englische Garten in Munich. Andrew Burnyeat reports
The beer flows almost as quickly as the river which runs through the centre of Munich’s Englische Garten.
Despite being one of Europe’s biggest public parks, you could visit Munich without realising it’s there, surrounded as it is by thousands of trees and several rather unattractive arterial roads...
Spotlight
from Issue 8 published on 27/09/2006
The love of pub darts is being kept alive by two collectors named Patrick. Andrew Burnyeat reports
When the King and Queen dropped in on Slough Community Centre for a game of darts in 1937, the event made the front pages of many of the national dailies.
More importantly, darts had taken off as a national pastime.
Many people assume that, because darts is such a simple game, it has been around f...
Collector's corner
from Issue 8 published on 27/09/2006
Although the big brewers still dominate, new regional brewers are springing up all the time, reports Andrew Burnyeat
The growing popularity of beer and football is spreading peace and harmony across the world.
Not since fish and chips have two cultural pillars so perfectly complemented one another.
At the recent World Cup in Germany, Japan supporters could be seen in the streets of Munich highfiving with Ivory C...
International Focus
from Issue 7 published on 28/07/2006
British farmers’ markets and home delivered box schemes have become increasingly popular, but it’s a legal grey area. Andrew Burnyeat reports
Farmers’ markets are great. Rosycheeked, Wellington-shod shoppers arrive home brimming with satisfaction and unload their recyclable bags onto their oakwood kitchen table and admire their newlyacquired radiantly colourful fruit and gloriously muddy vegetables.
Later that same day they will prepare ...
Spotlight
from Issue 6 published on 18/05/2006
Brewery pin badges are in big demand. Andrew Burnyeat reports
Patrick Keogh has been a collector all his life. Indeed his mother once told him: “If there’s more than one of anything, you’ll collect it.” He started off as a boy scout, collecting the kind of badges boy scouts have to earn, rather than buy.
(Never mind loans for peerages – just imagine the scand...
Collecting Beer
from Issue 6 published on 18/05/2006
Andrew Burnyeat visits the Running Horse in Hampshire, England
The Running Horse in Hampshire, England, is a prime example of a former country pub enjoying a new lease of life as a restaurant.
Who do we blame for the decline of the good old British rural pub? - greedy property developers, stuck-in-the-mud publicans or lazy customers who loved the idea of a loc...
Spotlight
from Issue 6 published on 18/05/2006
The history of the British beer can is being kept alive by a small group of enthusiasts. Andrew Burnyeat reports
Almost all breweries – either by luck or design – have a can collection of some sort. When they close, as they so often do these days, the cans all too often die with them.
Why does it matter? Well, to some, it may not, but a lot of the artwork, symbolism and sheer financial value is lost when a pa...
Collecting Beer
from Issue 5 published on 24/03/2006
The Bavarian Beerhouse is bringing a touch of Germany to the centre of London, says Andrew Burnyeat. The perfect place to head during the World Cup?
If you’ve ever been to a Munich beer hall, as a beer lover you’ve had a glimpse inside heaven.
The beer is among the world’s best, the décor and design are gothically outstanding or traditionally Bavarian and the atmosphere, thanks to the sociable long tables and merry musical accompaniments, is ju...
Spotlight
from Issue 5 published on 24/03/2006
Juliette Banner is the partner of world-music loving disc jockey Andy Kershaw, and her cosmopolitan choice of food and drink suggests so. Andrew Burnyeat reports
It’s grim up north London, as the brief walk from Highgate tube to Banner’s restaurant reveals.
Looking at the big cars behind the prohibitive iron gates protecting even bigger houses and flats, you start to wonder whether you’re walking if not through the corridors of power, then past the homes of...
Spotlight
from Issue 4 published on 27/01/2006
Relaxing with a few beers – oh, and maybe a chicken – is part of the Bavarian way of life for men and women, young and old. Andrew Burnyeat reports
Imagine a public park filled with row upon row of tables and benches. Now imagine those benches heaving under the weight of the collective backside of the local populace.
The weather is bright and sunny, everyone has a two-litre jug of beer and is chatting quietly to the people around them. Away fr...
Beer Journeys
from Issue 3 published on 12/01/2006
Some global brands have their own following – and Guinness is among them. It even has its own collectors’ club. Andrew Burnyeat reports
Guinness is possibly the best known beer brand across the world. And it’s by far the most distinctive-looking pint.
Its Irish heritage and a long history of smash hit advertising have helped to create one of the most loyal brand followings there is. The fact that the Irish have travelled far and wi...
Collecting Beer
from Issue 3 published on 12/01/2006
Corsica’s an unlikely place to find a beer boom, so why’s it happening? Andrew Burnyeat accepts an offer he can’t refuse
Ten years ago on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica, beer wasn’t really part of the hospitality picture.
Today, beer is sold in nearly every restaurant; chefs cook with it and islanders regard themselves as discerning beer drinkers.
Why?
Simple really. Corsicans are a loyal and proud p...
Beer Trends
from Issue 2 published on 16/11/2005
Historically significant pub signs are in serious demand. Andrew Burnyeat takes a look at what’s on offer
Ever played British pub sign cricket on a long car journey?
It’s not so much a game for the motorist but for the passengers, who score as many runs as there are legs on each pub sign they spot, but are deemed to be ‘out’ when they come across any sign with a royal reference. Signs with no legs scor...
Collecting Beer
from Issue 2 published on 16/11/2005
East Anglia has emerged from the shadow of one large brewer and is producing some of Britain’s most exciting beers. Andrew Burnyeat reports
You could have counted breweries in East Anglia on the fingers of one hand in the 1960s. Dozens of small breweries closed as Watney’s Red Barrel ruled the brewing waves.
But since the 1980s there has been a marked revival, and there are now almost 50 breweries in the region, from the regional colos...
Regional Focus
from Issue 1 published on 26/08/2005
The phrase 'continental culture' is becoming commonplace. Is there a continental style, or do Europeans all approach beer in different ways? Andrew Burnyeat reports
London Lord Mayor Ken Livingstone would love it. If he were French, closing time would be a matter for him.
When he’s finished his drink, that’s it, everybody goes home. (Not really – but the Mayor does have a big say over late licence extensions and when nightclubs can close.) Bars generally close...
Beer Trends
from Issue 1 published on 26/08/2005
Belgium’s Cantillon Brewery makes stunning beer using 6,000 year old technology. It’s an acquired taste worth acquiring says Andy Burnyeat
Mice?!!” As my order at a Brussels bar was repeated by the gentleman standing next to me, I thought I had met the real Arthur Dent.
My fellow customer seemed just as dumbfounded by the concept of ordering mice in a bar as was Hitchhikers Guide hero Arthur when Slartibartfast casually informed him t...
International Brewery
from Issue 1 published on 26/08/2005
The collecting of beer memorabilia has become highly popular. In each issue we’ll have a look at some of the trends. Andrew Burnyeat reports
Some of the most expensive beer cans in the world are being bought and sold on the internet every day.
The law of supply and demand operates with the same force in this market as it does in most others – the rarer an item is, the more someone will pay to get it. A can of Fitzgerald’s Burgomaster be...
Collecting Beer
from Issue 1 published on 26/08/2005
