For our 65th Session, our host, Nate Southwood writes about more than just beer at his Booze, Beats & Bites. In addition to music and food, his triple crown includes beer, of course, and the topic he’s chosen is “So Lonely,” meaning going to the pub to have a beer alone. Here’s how he describes what he means:
Speaking of fun, going to the pub with a bunch of mates is great… you have a few beers and a laugh, generally a fun time and all.
I love going to the pub with mates but sometimes I go to a pub alone and I enjoy it.
Other people say I’m weird for this as there seems to be a stigma attached to being in the pub alone — alcoholism.
There are many reasons why I go to the pub alone.
- Sometimes I just want to spend some quality time alone that isn’t at home.
- Sometimes I’m walking home and fancy a pit-stop.
- Sometimes my mates are all busy with their girlfriends/wives/children and I want a pint.
- Sometimes I just fancy going to the pub and observing the bizarre people around me.
- Sometimes I want to sit down and write blogs on my tableaux while having a pint.
- Sometimes I just want to play angry birds while having a pint.
- Sometimes I just want to prop myself at the bar and discuss beer with the bartender.
- Sometimes I want to explore pubs that I’ve never been to before but my mates don’t want to.
- Sometimes I’m just a miserable bastard and don’t want to socialise but want a nice pint.
The way I see it is that I love beer and pubs and I don’t see why I should only go to the pub when I’m with other people.
Am I weird for going to the pub alone?
How do you feel about going to the pub alone? Do you feel it’s necessary to be around friends to spend time in a pub?
So that’s “So Lonely.” It’s funny that given the obvious connection to the Police song So Lonely, both Stan and I both instead thought of George Thorogood’s I Drink Alone and its quintessential philosophy “You know when I drink alone, I prefer to be by myself.”
So that sounds like an interesting, albeit lonely, task. Besides, given that it’s two days after July 4, you’ll probably be craving some “alone time.” Just remember not to drunk type your blog post on July 6 when you share your isolated drinking experiences.
I frequently go alone.
1. My closest friends are not as passionate as I am about craft beer.
2. It encourages meeting and talking to other craft beer fans. If you go in a group of friends, you are not likely to expand your craft beer circle.
That’s a good start. Why don’t join us by writing a blog post expanding that discussion on Friday July 6?
I can’t join the blog party on Fri because I’ll be sans internet connection, so here’s mine via the usual feedback route:
I agree 100% w/Mr. Callender, & I have a convenient “local” (Elevation 66) where I’ve been a regular since day 2. The proprietors know me, & there’s a wealth of good conversation at the bar most of the time.
I’m lifetime-single, & I’ve done a lot of traveling solo & going to brewpubs (& bars/restaurants) alone. I’m a big fan of bartenders & will converse with anyone who picks up on my vibe; if I judge someone in the adjacent seat to be friendly, I’ll often start a conversation with him/her.
When I’ve been in brewpubs during slow times, I’ve had great times chatting w/the brewers & barkeepers, & occasionally have lucked into free impromptu tastings. My attitude forever when drinking &/or eating solo outside my house has been to be friendly to the help & whoever happens to be sitting nearby. I’ve never have a bad time, & most often, I’ve learned something useful wherever I’ve been.
“Loners” in bars are obvious. They look sideways or backward only when they want another drink & the bartender isn’t directly in front of them; they talk only to the bartender. If they wanna chat with other customers, they’ll make the 1st move.
Bottom line: It’s all about the human psyche.
Thanks for the comments, guys. I will include them in my round-up on 6th July!