literally another aussie in london

subsidised drinking

Recently I was meeting a friend who works in the Houses of Parliament.

I asked what pub we should meet at, but instead he told me to meet him at Westminster station. I did that, after accidentally going to Waterloo.

It was the first time I have been to Westminster station, it is quite different to the other stations, a bit like how a german film director would have made a sci-fi version of what the London underground in the 30s.

It is a welcome change, except that in many places it smells like piss.

I was still waiting to be taken to a pub when I was dragged into the house of commons, had to take out off all my bomb related materials, was patted down and had my photo taken.

Eventually I asked just the hell we were drinking, it turns out we were drinking at one of many pubs inside the houses of parliament.

It wasn’t the prettiest pub i’ve ever drunk in, the service was a bit shabby, their weren’t many beers to choose from, but it had one advantage, the beer was cheap.

That is someone’s taxes hard at work.

From memory, and it is a little shady, the price was about 2.10 a pot, which for inner London is robbery.

If you are an actual politician it is less they tell me.

So here i was in inner London, drinking with a view of Westminster Abbey, and drinking beer at 1972 prices on the taxpayers dime.

Seems fair.

I have given so much to the world, not sure the politicians can claim the same.

I wonder if this system stops at drinks though, surely there is a brothel, a shoemaker, and a post office all subsidised in those hallow walls.

Thinking of politicians having to pay full price for something makes me sad.

My new Ashes book.

December 16, 2009 Posted by Jrod | living in london | beer, politicians, pubs, tax | 2 Comments