New local update

How is it going, the search for a new local? Well, we seem to be settling on Checkpoint Charlie.

For the last six months our little gang has been going there pretty much every Saturday. Who's there on any given weekend varies quite a bit. Me and Will are often off on the other side of the world. And Mikey is sometimes too knacked after working. But most weekends at least some of us make it.

Steamed up window of Checkpoint Charlie

We haven't really started to interact with other customers. Not being as intimate as Butcher's Tears, contact with other punters isn't as easy. And it doesn't seem to have the same number of Saturday regulars. Perhaps the drinkers here are in more self-contained groups, too.

At least the bar staff seem to be getting to know us. Probably because Lucas is such a social bloke.

What do I miss most from Butcher's Tears? The beer.Being able to reply, when asked what I'd like to drink "A pint of Mild, please." Having the choice of multiple beers I would like to drink. Not just Mild, but also a full-strength Stout. Or an Old Ale.

On the beer front, Checkpoint Charlie just can't compete. There is a guest tap, which sometimes has something to tempt me. Otherwise, there's just 't Ij Zatte amongst the draught offerings that I might opt for. Otherwise, I have to delve into the bottled selection for a Tripel Karmeliet.

On the upside, they do have a drinkable jenever - Zuidan Korenwijn - at a decent price. Something I take advantage of later in the session.

It's starting to feel more like home. Not the same as Butcher's Tears. And without some of that's features. But still a new home. For now.