Veteran journalist John Ware who hung up his pen last year, recounts some of the more memorable stories he covered during 60 years on the Teignbridge beat for locals and nationals.
KIM the alsatian used to drink any old beer – until he discovered real ale.
Now he will not touch anything else, and it is making life a little more expensive and awkward for his owners, Teignmouth fishmonger David Day.
Every time he pops into his local, the harbourside Ship Inn for his nightly couple of pints, David always takes his five-year-old pet.
The dog also enjoys a drink after a hard day, and has his own ‘mug’ – a special bowl provided by landlord Bill Harvey.
For years Kim was never fussy about his beer – keg bitter, lager, mild or even just the slops – he was grateful for any half pint.
But a few weeks ago Bull introduced draught Bass to the pub, and gave some to the dog.
He was an immediate convert to the real ale cause and now turns his nose up to any other type of beer.
‘It is quite amazing really because he just stands with his paws on the counter licking his lips waiting for the draught beer,’ said Bill.
David says he is quite happy to provide the new drink, but admits it is costing him a little bit more each week.
‘Also, it can be somewhat awkward if I go into other pubs which do not carry the brand.
‘I had to start buying Kim his own beer because he would start drinking other people’s when he came into the pub with me. It was getting too embarrassing apologising to people, and also expensive to keep replacing the beer he had taken.
‘He certainly looks forward to it and goes right to the bar as soon as we come in.
‘I will say one thing for Kim – he can certainly hold his beer. He knows when to stop and has never been even the slightest bit tipsy.’