for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt where the given word is Yard, and the limit, 83 words.
For the uninitiated, Yard of Ale glasses have been around since the 1700’s and were originally used for handing beer up to stagecoach drivers, and also for making ceremonial toasts.
Nowadays the Yard of Ale Contest is played in pubs all over England. You have to drink the entire yard, 2.5 pints in the quickest possible time. Due to the shape of the glass, the beer can’t escape the bottom of the bowl until the glass is tipped right up which can be fairly perilous!
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Welcome to the Yard of Ale Contest!
First up, it’s George.
Glug-glug-glug-glug … sigh!
Thirty-five seconds, congratulations!
Next, Fred.
Slop-slop-slop-slop … phew!
Twenty-nine seconds, great!
Now for Benedict.
Sip-sip-sip-sip … mmmm!
Three minutes, forty. How gentlemanly!
It’s your turn, Molly.
Whooooosh … yea!
Fourteen seconds, incredible!
Where’s Keith?
Me? Noooo!
You, yes!
No!
Yes!
Okay then, here goes.
Splish-splash-splish-splash-splosh … gasp!
Sorry mate, you spilt more than you swallowed. Disqualified.
At least I tried. I got drenched, but I tell you what, it’s done wonders for my hair!
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Back in 2017 I wrote about such a contest when a competitor managed to get his false teeth stuck in the yard glass! If you’re interested, it’s HERE!
I learned something new. I’ve heard of a ‘yard of ale’, but never knew what is was. I never drink beer because I am allergic. One bad reaction was more than enough for me.
I can imagine it was! The only bad reaction I get is to a pint too many. Cheers Denise
Interesting history. I’m trying to imagine a stagecoach driver drinking his ale from one of these while jerking over bumpy country roads and cobblestone streets.
That’s an interesting image! They would have been used when stopping at coaching inns, far easier to handle when standing still!
I bought a half yard of ale for ex partner as a novelty Christmas gift one year, though he preferred lager. The first half he got wet, the second and every one thereafter he didn’t spill a drop. I lost count after 10.
I’m impressed! There’s definitely an art to it. I had a couple when I ran my pub and now wish I’d taken one when I left!
Maybe I should add he was a alcoholic and as long as his mates were paying, he would drink ’em.
A true pro then.
Good hair is better than winning!
It’s never been as glossy! Cheers, Sadje.
Cool.
My hat is off to anyone who can drink a yard!
Hat off now Mimi – I’ve done a few times!
Hi Keith – creatively wet … well done … fun story – and good to pass on our ancient ways. Happy sunny sunday – cheers Hilary
Thank you, it is indeed Hilary. Right now the sun is tempting me to wander along the seafront!
We had the same idea – But yours was in 83 words unlike mine!
It seems we did! It’s a great tradition and enormous fun!
“Oh those quirky Brits.” I’m sure there’s an American equivalent! Just can’t imagine John Wayne downing one in Doge City! (nudge, nudge, wink, wink).
Now that I would love to see!!! Cheers Lorraine.!
Maybe it’s happening in an alternative reality/universe. You never know . . .
Great story. That would be me, spilling more than I drank!
Now that I’d love to see! Thanks Tessa.
That is how I eat LOL! Spilling more than I eat.
Again and again, you never fail to entertain us. The whole thing. Great!
You say the nicest thinks Bill, I can’t thank you enough!
Well done Molly, that’s some impressive glugging…
Oh yes!!!