So, the Boozley family were off to Penrith – Well, a little village near Penrith called Gamblesby to be precise, but nevertheless it was still Cumbria, and Cumbria was Jennings country, which meant one thing… Snecklifter!

Our cottage for the week just happened to be owned by a couple who ran a pub in the next village. So where better to start than a pub lunch and a pint or two at the Shepherd’s Inn, Melmerby. With perfect timing we arrived at the Shepherd’s just as they were opening for lunch the time session… Let’s get stuck in!

Was the first pint of the holiday going to be Snecklifter? Er… no, but it was Jennings Cumberland Ale which was in fine form, and sat there along side it was Black Sheep Riggwelter which was also in tip-top condition.

"It’s strong is that one, you know" said the landlord obligingly. "Yes, I know – I’ll have another" I replied with a grin! Mrs. Boozley, although not a real ale fanatic, is very partial to Budweiser Budvar and her little mince pies lit up when she saw draught Budvar was available. So it was a good start to the holiday, but no Snecklifter today. "Never mind" said Mrs. Boozley, "There’s always tomorrow".

Sunday dawned and it was decided that a venture a little deeper into Jennings country was called for, so we boarded the ‘Boozley bus’ and drove to a little Lake District village called Near Sawrey – Where? I hear some of you ask! Well , if you are a fan of Beatrix Potter, you’ll know that she once lived in the village at Hill Top. But if your literary expertise doesn’t stretch any further than the Good Beer Guide, you’ll probably be more interested in the smashing little village pub called the Tower Bank Arms.

Looking at the photographs on the pub walls it was obviously a popular location for films and T.V. shows. Unfortunately, on the day the Boozleys arrived ‘on location’ (autographs later) the ‘star’ we were looking for – The Snecklifter – was missing from the line-up of handpumps on the bar. Not to worry, the pint of Jennings ‘New Season’ ale was a most acceptable alternative. After a touristy visit to Lake Windermere we returned to the Shepherds at Melmerby for a consolation pint or two of Riggwelter. By heck! ….it’s a hard life being a ‘beer punter’!

MONDAY - Drastic action was needed. We were going to have to go all the way... Cockermouth! "Steady on, Bob" suggested Mrs. Boozley. "We don't want the editor to censor our article". "No, I mean we will just have to go where the Snecklifter is brewed, and that's at Cockermouth in Cumbria", I replied. "Oh! That's alright", said Mrs B.

So the Boozley bus arrived at Jennings' brewery. Too early for a brewery tour, but the brewery shop was open and well worth a visit. The purchase of a few bottles of Snecklifter was some compensation, but it’s just not the same as having your Snecklifter handpulled! "You’re doing it again", said Mrs. B!

But it was now time for the most important decision of the day – where to have a pint. Obviously it had to be a Jennings pub and after consulting the ‘Bible’ (G.B.G.), we selected the Lake Road Inn at Keswick, a fine choice as it turned out.

As we entered the compact, but very pleasant hostelry, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was it a trick of the light? Was I dreaming? No, there in front of me was a handpump which said ‘Snecklifter’ on its pump clip – Oh joyous day! "I’m sorry, sir"’ said the barkeep, "The Snecklifter has just gone off. Would you like something else?". Not really, I thought. But if I must "I’ll have a pint of Cocker Hoop, please" I replied grudgingly.

Although I wasn’t particularly cocker-hoop about missing out on the Snecklifter, it nevertheless went down extremely well and after another pint I was feeling a lot happier. So with the keys to the Boozley bus in the capable hands of Mrs. B, it was back to the cottage to sample a bottle or two of the Snecklifter.

"Don’t worry, dear", said Mrs. Boozley. "I’m sure we’ll find some draught Snecklifter before the end of the week". I wasn’t so sure..

T.B.C..

Feb. '98