The Heart and Hand
In my experience, if something is underwhelming, just give it another minute. It'll all slowly fall into place. Look around you: sleeping dogs and skinny old rockers mumbling in corners, pretty red-lipped girls and resolutely beer-bellied men leaning in over tables, bartenders that are too drunk or awkward to be properly hip. The dark wood and lulling patterned fabrics of a true Old Man pub, the 60s garage, motown and soul of a music lover's jukebox, the enforced intimacy of a small and well-lit room shared by many bodies. You might not catch on at first, but sit down with a pint and get comfortable. Then you'll see.
Alice Harman

