The joys of a few words over a pint

For the past few months, I have been working part-time behind the bar at The Collaboration in Bebington. It is a splendid little bar that evokes the spirit of those bars you stumble across while walking around European cities. A place serving fine beer and ales, while also having a pretty darn tootin' fine selection of wine.

People seem to like the place and it is great to be part of that.

The reason why I am working behind the bar? Well, the advent of A.I. has hit writers as well as artists. As I work in both of those fields, it has been a bit of a double whammy. Thankfully, The Collaboration opened at just the right time (you can read more on the rebirth of Bebington Village here). I will be okay.

That is also why words on here have not been as forthcoming as initially promised. It has taken some getting used to and inspiration, while still there, has been bouncing around my head looking for its colleague, motivation. Things are beginning to move within me and I hope creativity will flourish a little more.

I digress.

Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash

One of the joys of working behind the bar (apart from my dreams of being in Cheers) happens in those quieter moments earlier in the day.

Those times when one or two regulars are already in there, either sampling one of the new sours on offer or going for their regular bottle from the fridge. They sit, chat and a bit of banter is had. Then a few more people enter, and the conversation continues between me, the previous and then the newcomers join the conversation. Before you know it, they are discussing various beers, places they have visited and more. Strangers become friends over a glass of beer and shared experiences.

It truly is a wonderful thing to be a part of.

I suppose that has always been one of the draws of a public house through the ages. The warmth of not only a fireplace but of other people. That need for conversation and that we are not alone.

Beer is just one thing that draws us together and opens up memories of sitting at that bar in Amsterdam, Berlin, Stockholm or elsewhere and having a few minutes or hours with someone you may never see again, but who will stay with you forever.

Similar moments and conversations have happened to me in comic book shops and board game cafes.

A shared interest can break down barriers and show that “I am he as you are he as you are me. And we are all together.”

That magic, that spark of something uttered over a pint that makes another person recall another moment in time.

Words flow, laughter fills the air and new memories are made.

Cheers! Prost! Saúde! Kenpai! Salud! Skål! Cin! Cin! Sláinte! Şerefe! Santé! Saúde! Na Zdrowie!

Boat Drinks!