The Three Guineas, Reading and the merits, or otherwise of the handled pint mug.

[whole diary]

[Bmblbzzz]

I'm curious about the second part of the thread title; but not so curious that I'm going to read back through the previous five pages of posts. The handled pint mug seems to be unusual in England and getting more so. Sleevers have the advantage, for bar staff, of stacking. I'm not really fussed about it either way, but curious as to other people's views. 

[bobm]

This discussion is almost lost in the mists of time.

Around six years ago the Three Guineas used to serve its pints in a handled glass.  Move on two years and they had largely disappeared much to mine, and others, disappointment.  Then in the last 18 months Fullers took over the place and the handled glass made a return.

As to the debate regarding the handled mug compared to a straight glass - in my case my preference is determined by a weakness in my drinking hand.  I find it easier to hold a handled glass than a smooth straight one.  Others contend the design of the dimpled mug keeps the beer at a better temperature while there is a school of thought that the handled version provides a better weapon on a drunken Saturday night and hence advocate it being banned.

Having said all that do go back and read the previous posts - probably more informing than my summary.

[TaplowGreen]

This discussion is almost lost in the mists of time.

Around six years ago the Three Guineas used to serve its pints in a handled glass.  Move on two years and they had largely disappeared much to mine, and others, disappointment.  Then in the last 18 months Fullers took over the place and the handled glass made a return.

As to the debate regarding the handled mug compared to a straight glass - in my case my preference is determined by a weakness in my drinking hand.  I find it easier to hold a handled glass than a smooth straight one.  Others contend the design of the dimpled mug keeps the beer at a better temperature while there is a school of thought that the handled version provides a better weapon on a drunken Saturday night and hence advocate it being banned.

Having said all that do go back and read the previous posts - probably more informing than my summary.

"Handles" don't get cleaned properly in automatic glass cleaners, hence the preference for "sleeves", but I too much prefer the former.

[JayMac]

Modern commercial glasswashers, properly maintained, should have no problems cleaning beer mugs.

Hidden from customer view, this is one piece of equipment that landlords and pub managers often neglect. Glass washers often aren't (and are not required to be) checked during FSA visits, especially if they aren't in a food preparation area.

It's poor maintenance of glass washers rather than glass type that is the likely cause of handle beer mugs not being cleaned properly.

[TaplowGreen]

Modern commercial glasswashers, properly maintained, should have no problems cleaning beer mugs.

Hidden from customer view, this is one piece of equipment that landlords and pub managers often neglect. Glass washers often aren't (and are not required to be) checked during FSA visits, especially if they aren't in a food preparation area.

It's poor maintenance of glass washers rather than glass type that is the likely cause of handle beer mugs not being cleaned properly.

I had the same conversation with the Bar Manager at my rugby club who has spent a lifetime in the licensed trade, oftentimes they have to wash them two or three times. It isn't (always) a case of neglect (especially if there are a lot of Guinness drinkers in town!)

There is always the consideration too as others have pointed out that they make handy projectiles, tend to be much heavier than sleeves and take up more storage space...............ahhh for the days of pewter tankards hanging behind the bar!!! 

[Bmblbzzz]

As it happens, on Sunday I was in a pub (the Crown at Churchill) which had a pewter tankard on the table we were sitting at. It was being used to hold cutlery. The curious thing was that it had an inscription saying it had been presented to someone as a retirement present, with a date (1930s IIRC^▸ (if I recall/remember/read correctly)) and the legend "Second City". How it got from Birmingham (assuming it does refer to Birmingham) to a pub not quite in a village in Somerset is left as an exercise for the reader (I'd suggest auction of pubby stuff, but it isn't really that kind of pub, so more likely someone retired to Churchill).

[Chris from Nailsea]

The Crown in Churchill is an excellent traditional village pub. 

I know: I've been there, several times, over many years.  One time, I even forgot my pewter tankard.

[Bmblbzzz]

And you've been looking it for since 1937? 

[Jason]

On a slightly related subject, work on the Three Guineas has now moved to downstairs and the bar itself. The heavier work before Christmas was on the structure and the lantern, no doubt to help the poor old thing get over having the rest of the station demolished and rebuilt around it.

The exterior area has now been revealed and it's looking rather splendid. Opening on the 30th according to a sign in the window on P7.

[bobm]

Took a look around the refurbished Three Guineas today.  Obviously a fair bit of money has been spent by Fullers on the job and first impressions are good.  Among other things there are plenty of power sockets if you want to charge your phone or use your laptop.



I remember when the building was the booking office for the station and I used to go in to buy my 3p child single from Reading to Reading West, and there's a nod to its past at the front of the building.



Inside the former bar area has been divided into two with a bar and a coffee shop area.  A good selection of beers on tap - only seen Bengal Lancer in bottles before.



However I question the date on the clock.. 1860?



The cellar has been opened up and is now a slightly more cosy area than upstairs





A pretty good looking food menu, although I didn't sample any of it.  The one thing missing, ironically, a handled pint mug!  Apparently they are on their way.

[Fourbee]

Had a look round and agree with bobm, I reckon a fair wedge of money was spent on it. Still no sign of handled pint mugs though!

Was the cellar previously used as some sort of storage when the building was in use as a booking office I wonder?

Apparently The Monk's Retreat has been bought by Stonegate pub company (ex-JD Wetherspoon, not far from Reading station). For now, not a lot looks to have changed. Pint of Tribute was £2.55, so fortunately neither have the prices.

[bobm]

We will have to send TaplowGreen in - he'll get some handled mugs to go with his Seafarers....

[TaplowGreen]

We will have to send TaplowGreen in - he'll get some handled mugs to go with his Seafarers....

I can assure you that despite my Plymothian heritage I do not hang around in pubs with sailors