Mild, an old mans drink?
August 21st, 2009
Mansfield Mild
It occurred to us recently while doing some essential research at the bar of a large pub in town, that something was missing on the bar. Amongst the huge array of dripping towers of extra cold this and super cooled lagers, smooth flow this and creamy pour extra the other, there was a glaring omission. Well to me there was, or should I say to someone of my generation, the point is there was no Mild to be seen on the bar.
Is this another milestone marking the collapse of civilisation. Lovely old Mild for years the tipple of choice for generations of British blokes has disappeared, not just in my local but seemingly everywhere. I know it is still being Brewed, Theakstons, Mansfield and Tetley Dark and Light to name a few, but the uptake by landlords and owners must be very small.
Every pub large or small used to have at least one tap of mild on the bar, be it cask mild or keg mild. Mild used to be the perfect drink for the swift pint at dinner hour, or a swift half on the way home from work, not too strong session beer, with no ill affects.
It seems fashion, and the desire for more potent tipples has condemned Mild to history. So along with the traditional icons of British pub life cribbage, dominoes, ash trays, snugs, back parlours, men only bars, pickled eggs, to name but a few that have disappeared , it appears Mild may be about to join them.
Does this mean I cannot look forward to becoming the old chap who always sat in the same seat night after night, smelly old dog under his chair, pipe in one hand and a glass of lovely old Mild in the other……oh well.
[POLLIN 8]
