Spice of India, The Cut, Waterloo (16th February 2011) by Tim Beard

In a break with our normal custom the February ROT was held on Wednesday 16th which by happy coincidence was also the GRN’s 50th birthday. Zippy assured us that he was on a pink ticket on account that he had entertained Nikki to a fine lunch at the Festival Hall. He was quick to point out that the passing of his first half century on the planet had indeed been a joyous one blessed with merriment and debauchery in equal measures.

The Barge Captain produced a fine tankard and Captain Grumpy a suitable photograph depicting the GRN in a signature semi Nazi style pose on a bench somewhere in Belgium.  Meanwhile Pymmy was rudely watching a program on the pub TV. The preceding week had been cold, however the weather took a turn for the better tonight and Jimmy elected to leave his trademark top-coat at home and came in something lighter and more fashionable. There was encouraging news on the employment front too. Newtsey had just been for a promising interview as had Basky.  Both reported that the job market seemed more buoyant.  I had also just started a new job with Sungard whose offices were 200 yards from our designation pub, The Rose and Crown in Paris Gardens.

This was a new destination and seemed to be met with positive comments. A pleasant atmosphere and a good selection of Shepherd Neame ales to sample. The GRN worked his way down the line and back again. Spitfire, Master Brew, Late Red, Kent’s Best and Jack. We all followed his example. The only slight draw back was that the lighting in the pub was a little bright.

Onto the “Spice of India” in the Cut. The Popadums were warm and the relishes adequate.