It was 40 years ago today that a (very) young fresh-faced youth started work as a trainee stocktaker at Eldridge, Pope & Co, brewers of fine Dorchester Ales.
My “induction” consisted of a 2 day tour around the brewery with regular stops for a chat and a bottle of Green Top Pale Ale. It was indeed a different world, seemingly unchanged from the its Victorian beginnings. Being given the tenancy of a pub was the gift of a prosperous livelihood and the Brewery was home to an array of eclectic individuals with the common bond of frequent and free beer rations – 2 pints per day, often consumed for breakfast.
The contast with today is amazing but we’re optimistic that times will improve and the bars and restaurants that we love so much will be open again as soon as is safely possible.
Richard