Erst: Between Old and New Ancoats
I have an instinct England’s World Cup hopes
will end in shattered dreams again. If they do,
I’ll watch it in a pub somewhere in the city.
I’m walking down New Islington Marina,
or Ancoats Marina — it all depends —
but this is where the Cardroom Estate used to be.
I fancy a change from Cask and Finders Keepers.
I cross Redhill Street and there’s always a gaff
that catches my roving eye.
Erst.
Every time I walk past, the folk seem quite well to do.
Suits. Fine long dresses. Smiles and large glasses
of NV Marie Courtin or Pinot Noir.
It’s quiet in there, so I grab the chance to pop in.
I pick up the menu, buy a Track Arosa Helles Lager
and start reading.
Some are eating beyond the small bar,
smiling, chatting, and it’s no surprise
I never see brothers and sisters in here.
What is Porthilly oyster with fermented
tomato, mignonette, lemon? Or whipped beef
fat and Urfa chilli? Charcuterie?
Cantabrian anchovies?
Then there’s fazzoletti, courgette, pecorino
and hazelnut pangrattato. Or you can try the
sea bream, sauce vierge and saffron aioli.
I furrow my brow, pick up my lager
and continue reading. It’s fascinating
to discover these new words.
I call to the waiter. He’s attentive.
I tell him I love the bubbles in this beer.
He tells me it’s brewed locally down the road.
Next time I’ll try the chocolate and almond torte
with crème fraîche,
then wash it down with a Negroni.
In the meantime, bring me another Helles.
He smiles.
I leave the dark interior and sit outside,
another Helles in my hand,
wondering which city pub
will host England’s shattered dreams.
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