The EER Collective somehow happened to meet in the same place again last night, despite our freewheeling style.
This week's venue was, as far as I am aware, a new one but a good one; Ye Olde Albion in Rowhedge.
As the closest person to the pub, I was, of course, the last to arrive. On arrival I was pleased to see both halves of Jemango and Leading Seaman Goldstein warming themselves by the fire.
The Albion is a proper pub with no fancy flooring or furniture and no Farrow & Ball paintwork but it was busy for the whole evening and, best of all, they have 4 real ale pumps with a constant guest ale policy. The barman told us that they had served 484 different beers over the last 12 months. Last night they had 6 different beers on just during the time we were there. They also arranged bike storage for us in their side alley. It is a fine winter bolthole for the EER Collective (Goldstein would prefer something a bit closer to Serial Killer Hall but he'll manage) and would be a perfect spot for some riverside beers in the spring.
The ad hoc committee (I had to co-opt Jemango to avoid any potential issues with our child protection policies if Goldstein was involved) sampled Jenny Morgan by Green Jack, Crafty One by Crafty and Benchmark by Bedlam and members also went off piste with White Adder by Mauldons. Jenny Morgan was the clear winner of the Quaffers' Choice, we even had another one just to make sure.
We discussed the rugby, whether Goldstein is really Welsh or just adopting an accent to seem exotic and the correct torque for chainring bolts (where is Hotblack with his slide projector and laser pen when you need him ?).
Having despatched Goldstein a bit earlier for his train assist, I watched from behind as the speeding steeds of Jemango disappeared up Rectory Road before turning into the wind for home. As I struggled my way offshore, I consoled myself with the thought that EER had saved me from 2.5 hours of headwind back from Dunmow. Beating the streetlights works for me at this time of year.