That may seem like an obvious statement but just because the more discerning imbibers among us also like an occasional visit to a casino, it doesn’t mean those casinos are set up to provide us with the tipple of our choice.
You might surmise that this slightly unusual topic is based on real life experience and you would indeed be correct. On a recent visit to a northern (UK) location I was taken by some friends to a couple of the city centre casinos so we could spend a few hours spinning the roulette wheel, relaxing on the slots, playing some blackjack and cautiously bluffing at the poker table.
Of course, like everyone else, the first thing I do when I get inside a venue such as this is to head for the bar. What am I looking for? Nothing unusual – perhaps a guest ale from one of the local breweries of which there are many. Wharfebank, Ridgeside and the Kirkstall Brewery Company are just three of the popular choices in the area. What do I find? The usual array of tasteless lager on tap and a range of expensive, bottled pop. What do I end up with? A mediocre brown drink in a pint glass that, when it was a small regional brew, tasted good, now it’s just average. It’s from Manchester, you know the one I mean.
Too much to ask…..?
Anyway, after checking everything out the I get on with the poker. I enjoy my poker so the lack of any decent real ales is just a minor thing really. As usual I break even at the table but lose a bit of money playing roulette (those systems just don’t work). The slots just take my money with barely a nod of appreciation but that’s hardly unexpected either.
To get back on track though, would it really be that difficult to install a keg or two behind the bar to provide us real ale fans with something to drink. It might even persuade us to stay a bit longer and lose a bit more money at the tables.