Awful news

There was going to be a post about politics here, but i’ll do that another day. That’s not the awful news. In fact, you might think that not having to endure a post about politics here might actually be good news.

Sadly, the awful news is that there is awful news displacing that post about politics.

Fireman’s Arms burned down last night.

Usually, I’d find some sort of humour in the irony of the situation, but I’m just sad. Fireman’s is a great pub. Friendly people, amazing vibe, decent beer. And then last night at around 3am, this happened:

The good news is that it appears that while the beer garden may be no more, the rest of the building looks ok – given the situation. And apparently the pub cat survived unscathed. Thanks be to Bastet.

Conspiracy theories about insurance claims were quick to surface, but why, when the pub is going from strength the strength and business is booming? And if it was (which it wasn’t), why do it just before your busiest time of year? (Although that’s obviously exactly what they’d want you to think). And then there was this from yesterday afternoon:

…which may will point to as a likely cause of the blaze. (Although that’s obviously exactly what they’d want you to think).

I’m just sad. I hope that Kevin and Dean can get things sorted and get open again as soon as possible. I know that the regulars will do everything they can to make it work again.

 

UPDATE: Great News!

“Like”

Foam

It’s been a bright, blustery day in Agulhas today. It’s also been calm and sunny, and then at times it was also wild, wet and windy as well. A mixed bag then.

image

After an early morning bike ride with the boy, I set off around the corner from Suiderstrand. It’s a walk we’ve often done, but then turned around and come back. This time, free from the responsibilities of kids and beagle (and wide, I suppose) I walked for about 8 km along the coast, almost as far as Brandfontein. Of course, I then had to walk back too, and with that cycle ride and that weather playing its part, I’m pretty tired this evening. (Photos to follow via Cape Town ADSL.)

The foam, above, was spotted on the way back from Struisbaai later in the day, where we had just been turned away from a restaurant, as it was closed – a status that the waitress greeting us had to check with her boss. How could you not know if the business you’re working at is open or not?

Anyway, we ended up at the mees Suidelike pub van Afrika as an alternative, and not only were they open, they also served beer as well.
A double bonus to end the day.