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Posts tagged ‘book’

Oct 1

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Sittin’ in a bar, drinkin’ a jar in London (with Charley Patton, no less)…

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  • Beer: Abott Ale 
  • Bar: The Zetland Arms, South Kensington 
  • Book: ”Delta Blues” by Ted Gioia 

This is an EXCELLENT book if you are a fan of prewar blues. I am learning so much. Ted’s writing is a rhythmic and knowing prose. I feel like there is dirt under my feet and train whistles are blowing in the distance when I am reading this. I just bought this Charley Patton record (seen in the photo). It is my beer, bar, book talisman for this session. 

(As I write this “Green Onions” by Booker T. & The Memphis Group just came on the radio. Great music knows no geographical boundaries. Shit, I love those guys. I saw Booker T, Steve “Never Played a Bum Note In His LIfe” Cropper and Duck Dunn in Sydney last year.  Al Jackson RIP).

Sep 13

Bar, Beer, Book: South Kensington Check-In (13:35 12/09/2009)

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Bar: The Queen’s Arms
Beer: Pint of London Pride Ale 
Book: “Delta Blues” – Ted Gioia 

Walking through the winding streets of South Kensington, I cam across this little pub tucked away in a nook and cranny alleyway.   It was early afternoon when I walked through the door and not too many people there. The variety of beers on tap were a bit overwhelming.  I don’t have a go-to local fave yet.  I went for the safe bet and ordered a pint of London Pride.  I need to go back during a peak hour, but otherwise this was a great place for an afternoon pint (or three) and a few chapters of the stellar book on the heroes and legends of the Delta Blues.

Yelp Reviews

This bar is actually a converted Mews.  Not sure what a “Mews” is?  Neither was I until I moved here:

(from Wikipedia): Mews is a chiefly British term formerly describing a row of stables, usually with carriage houses below and living quarters above, built around a paved yard or court, or along a street, behind large London houses of the 17th and 18th centuries. The word may also refer to the lane, alley or back street onto which such stables open. It is sometimes applied to rows or groups of garages or, more broadly, to a narrow passage or a confined place. Today most mews stables have been converted into dwellings, some greatly modernized and considered highly desirable residences.