I have found myself having to interrupt my ride through the Australian Bush yet again. Unfortunately it is not due to having to attend a job interview, still no luck on that front. I have to return to Sydney to attend to matters related to my property settlement.
This return to Sydney will enable me enjoy a Friday Night Beer at the GPO Bar, 1 Martin Place. I have been having a Friday Night Beer ever since I was legally able to drink coming up to 40 years ago. This milestone has led me to reflect on some those locations and the importance of the great institution which is the Friday Night Beer.
The most used venue for my Friday Beers in recent times has been the GPO Bar at 1 Martin Place in Sydney. As the name suggests the bar is in what was the General Post Office. The building is classic sandstone structure that was completed in 1891. It was converted into a hotel in 1996. Unlike many ‘façade’ developments, this one is really well done.
The GPO Bar is ideal for old coots like me and my fellow Friday Night Drinkers. It doesn’t get too crowded, the music (if played) is low in volume, and the food in the adjacent food court is good quality. It also has TV screens showing the ruby union and league in autumn and winter and the cricket in summer. It also attracts the younger crowd, resulting plenty of eye candy.
My drinking mates are drawn from a tight demographic; former Australian National Audit Office staff, their school mates and bloke I went to pre-school with. With the exception my Balmain host, we are all about the same age. My Balmain host is very old, but (despite broken neck and back injuries) is increasing active.
Notwithstanding the venue has been known and accepted by all for over a decade, it has to be discussed every Friday afternoon. This is now done via e mail. Usually around 2.00 p.m. an e mail is sent by someone to confirm that a “beer is on”. A chain of e mails then discusses if it should be at the GPO or an alternative location (say to the Opera Bar on the harbour). This communication goes on until around 6.00 p.m. In 98% of occasions it is agreed that the GPO Bar will be the venue. For reasons no one knows, a key member of the group can only arrive at 6.15 p.m., not minute before. I think we all agree, WTF, was all the e mailing about.
The conversations over the beers rarely stray from the following subjects: sport, politics, economics, the state on certain members love (in the broadest sense of the word) life, and when the remaining working members of the group will retire.
A key issue of discussion is; who of the young, and not so young, female patrons should be given the Best in Bar award? Towards the end of the evening this very important decision is usually an issue of serious debate. On many occasions it is necessary to award winners in various categories.
Usually at around 9.00 p.m. we all head off. Most go straight home, some don’t go straight home.
I think we all agree that Friday Night Drinks are an essential component of a happy life.
billrider2013 