Beware Of Enemy Infiltration?

I like those Shepherd Neame Spitfire ads. Some people don't care for them, but I think that, at their best, they're clever and witty. Yes, I know it was all a long time ago. Anyway...

Saw this in the Cask & Glass in Victoria last week.

Clever and funny. See? The Germans drink lager. Hahahaha. But then I thought about it, and I wondered if it could mean something else.

I mean, Sheps have a reputation as a 'brown beer' brewer, which is becoming shorthand for 'traditional' or 'boring'. Not quite true, but then you'd have to find one of their pubs selling some of their paler seasonal beers to think otherwise. So I pondered, and I'm not sure it's always good to ponder on several pints. But I did, and it came to me that perhaps this could also be a warning to traditional ale lovers.

"Watch yourself" it says, "those new golden hoppy beers say they're just like us. They sound all reasonable and friendly like Michael Caine and Donald Sutherland in The Eagle Has Landed, but before you know it, some of them are cold and fizzy and all the kids are drinking them!"

The New Craft Keg. Beer's fifth column.

Badger Sett To Unveil 'Celebrity' Beer Bloggers

Badger Sett is Hall & Woodhouse's Beer Club. You need a secret password to join. I could tell you what it is, but then I'd have to kill you.

Anyway, they have written out to the Membership to tell them about their enlistment of 'Celebrity' Beer Bloggers. No names to spare embarrassment, but if your initials are Melissa Cole, Zak Avery, Adrian Tierney-Jones, Tim Hampson and jewel in the crown Pete Brown, then Badger are expecting you to

...bring insightful and amusing anecdotes from the world of beer.

I'm sure all concerned will be up for the challenge.

Badger have asked for suggestions for future celebrity invitees. I'm sure I don't know what one of those looks like - this 'Jordan' person seems to be the benchmark, sort of hard-eyed and soft-breasted (like former Newcastle striker Micky Adams). Aside from the obvious omission from their list (Young Dredge, who I'm sure could bring a "bitchin' bash-up" approach to their presentation) I'm going to propose Cooking Lager. I know he stops by here so, Cookie, it's for your own good. Celebrity beckons, it's your destiny, and I'd love to read your insightful and amusing anecdotes.

Let's have at it!