Mahinda’s Little World

Yesterday evening was meant to be another rest night.

Unfortunately, I got a call from Housemate Helen saying that there was a spare place on her works trip to the Robinson’s brewery, in Stockport, later that evening…and did I want to go?

I thought about it. For about a second.

So, I turned up at the gates of the Robinson’s brewery for the first time since November 1998. This time, though, I didn’t have to beg to be let in, even though it was the same woman who took us round.

Now, I’ve been on many brewery tours - this was one of the better ones, mainly due to the fact that Robbie’s uses a lot of old-fashioned kit. Strangely enough, we had to put on big white attractive boiler suits and hats. Apparently it’s because they now do some bottling work for Marks & Sparks, who are dead keen on that sort of thing. A bit silly for a brewery environment, to be honest.

Back to the bar afterwards for buffet and unlimited free beer. Well, an hour’s worth, anyway.

As usual, it was the Old Tom that was my downfall - felt distinctly groggy after that one.

Kicking out time at the brewery was 10 o’clock, so we headed over to the Baker’s Vaults for a swift pint after that, then back to the bus station and home.

All-in-all, another top evening, only spoilt when I awoke this morning to find the rain pouring down mightily…all over my washing. Bugger.