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Post by jno on Oct 18, 2023 3:53:09 GMT
What's your favourite munchy down ye olde boozer? Bacon Fries, Scampi Fries or do you prefer a healthier alternative pork scratching? A peanut maybe, but is that salted or dry roasted? As always, minder.org are asking the questions that everyone wants to know! If you could only pick one what would it be? PICK ONE ONLY! |
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Post by ontheslate on Oct 18, 2023 4:03:23 GMT
I went with pork scratchings, although I love scampi and bacon fries the bags are too small and ridiculously expensive in pubs, only buy them in Poundland.
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Post by barrythebook on Oct 18, 2023 8:13:18 GMT
I went for Pork Scratchings because they seem to go well with Cider, Pork and Apple.
In my younger days myself and some mates used to spend Sunday lunchtimes at a local pub, The Angarrack, where there was always bowls of roast potatoes, pickled onions, nuts and cheese on the bar which was well appreciated.
After a Saturday night on the lash the bar food was good for the hangover along with a few pints of Guinness and Lucozade.
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Post by yoyopickles on Oct 18, 2023 8:53:44 GMT
Bloody tough one this!
After lots of pondering,I settled on smokey bacon crisps....
As I may have mentioned before,the landlord of my old local was a right arthur daley and very tight. Other pubs has walkers and golden wonder crisps, he had the cheapest brand, bensons crisps and charged the price of golden wonder!
Other pubs has Smirnoff Ice alchy pops,he has Chekhov ice!
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Post by ontheslate on Oct 18, 2023 10:23:52 GMT
I went for Pork Scratchings because they seem to go well with Cider, Pork and Apple. In my younger days myself and some mates used to spend Sunday lunchtimes at a local pub, The Angarrack, where there was always bowls of roast potatoes, pickled onions, nuts and cheese on the bar which was well appreciated. After a Saturday night on the lash the bar food was good for the hangover along with a few pints of Guinness and Lucozade. The potatoes and pickled onions and cheese used to very common especially on a Sunday afternoon obviously as a drinker you appreciated it and being normally food what made you drink more the landlord would appreciate a few pound spent on free snacks would mean more money spent on drink. |
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Post by ontheslate on Oct 18, 2023 10:25:31 GMT
Bloody tough one this! After lots of pondering,I settled on smokey bacon crisps.... As I may have mentioned before,the landlord of my old local was a right arthur daley and very tight. Other pubs has walkers and golden wonder crisps, he had the cheapest brand, bensons crisps and charged the price of golden wonder! Other pubs has Smirnoff Ice alchy pops,he has Chekhov ice! For years the pubs near me never had the likes of golden wonder or walkers it was normally Bensons,Tavern snacks or O’Malleys only ever saw them in pubs no where else |
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Post by kelotoph on Oct 18, 2023 10:27:04 GMT
Pork scratchings, definitely. There were many grades, though, with some brands being nothing more than seasoned sawdust with a few lumps in that may or may not have been pork-derived. The best ones tended to be locally-produced, and I recall getting a bag of such local fodder in a pub in the Peak District. The scratchings themselves were huge, thick, had a decent amount of fat on them and one or two still had porcine hairs on them! Nature's bounty, a food that would surely tempt the most zealous non pork-eating vegetarian  |
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Post by bodiesstuntdouble on Oct 18, 2023 12:14:29 GMT
Pork Scratchings, but it has to be the older style of greasier and saltier than many newcomers to the market ! Some Johnnie-come-latelies I've had recently are so dry and airy they're more like quavers.
Alternatively, I used to pop into an old school boozer behind Waterloo station that did a nice salt beef sandwich
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Post by AlanH on Oct 18, 2023 14:31:11 GMT
Scampi Fries, though I have a soft spot for Twiglets and Dry Roasted Peanuts...
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Post by Arch Stanton on Oct 18, 2023 16:16:55 GMT
This is my kinda death match!
Anyone who doesn’t choose pork scratchings here has something wrong with them.
The only time I wouldn’t choose pork scratchings is if I had a medical reason or if it was because I was having to share the snack with others - I get very territorial over pork scratchings and things can turn sour if I have to share my scratchings with anyone but Bummers (my dog), and even then I suck some of the salt and flavourings off because otherwise they are too salty and no good for her.
She loves pork scratchings too.
My lady friend, C, does not like pork scratchings. She would opt for scampi fries off that list, 100% - but that just brings me back to my original point, being that: “Anyone who doesn’t choose pork scratchings here has something wrong with them.” and she’s a girl, so enough said.
BSD raises the issue of “puffy scratchings”, please note these are not ‘traditional pork scratchings’ and instead are often called ‘pork crackles/crackling or puffs’.
If some idiot behind a bar doesn’t know the difference, then you need to leave the pub immediately, as it’s a wrong un.
I have been writing reviews for different packets of pork scratchings in the snacks thread.
Were scratchings not available I would purchase scampi fries, salt and vinegar crisps or dry roasted peanuts.
One day my teeth won’t be strong enough to eat pork scratchings, and god help the world when that day comes.
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Post by billymedhurst on Oct 18, 2023 17:16:02 GMT
Well, yes pork scratching, but I think I would have to go for one of those curly cheese and tomato sandwiches. You know the ones; they would sit under a see-through plastic dome for a week. Often seen in the Sweeney, or in a British Rail buffet car (remember them!)
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Post by barrythebook on Oct 18, 2023 17:57:19 GMT
I would have to go for one of those curly cheese and tomato sandwiches. You know the ones; they would sit under a see-through plastic dome for a week. Often seen in the Sweeney, or in a British Rail buffet car (remember them!) I know the ones you're talking about billy, the bread almost crunches like toast when you bite into it and the cheese has gone salty - awesome. |
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Post by barrythebook on Oct 18, 2023 17:58:20 GMT
a nice salt beef sandwich Now you're talking |
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Post by jno on Oct 19, 2023 2:16:24 GMT
This is my kinda death match! Anyone who doesn’t choose pork scratchings here has something wrong with them. One day my teeth won’t be strong enough to eat pork scratchings, and god help the world when that day comes. I am charlie no chums again then as I genuinely can't stand pork scratchings (unlike) mrs jno who loves 'em. I just find em a pretty disgusting form of fat which brings nothing to my pint. I also find them a tough bite through so maybe I am approaching denturable age.  For me it has to be Bacon Fries, just ahead of Scampi Fries. All that said, every day I pray to the (land)Lord himself begging that they bring Cheese Moments back, as they'd get my vote. Why they stopped them I'll never know, the best pub snack by country mile I reckon:  |
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Post by billymedhurst on Oct 19, 2023 2:54:19 GMT
I'm surprised there are no votes for peanuts; back in the day, they would be stuck to a card hanging behind the bar, and as they were sold, a picture of a dollybird would be revealed !! Anyone remember them ?
Totally non-PC nowadays ofcourse !
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Post by Arch Stanton on Oct 19, 2023 5:41:05 GMT
This is my kinda death match! Anyone who doesn’t choose pork scratchings here has something wrong with them. One day my teeth won’t be strong enough to eat pork scratchings, and god help the world when that day comes. I am charlie no chums again then as I genuinely can't stand pork scratchings (unlike) mrs jno who loves 'em. I just find em a pretty disgusting form of fat which brings nothing to my pint. I also find them a tough bite through so maybe I am approaching denturable age. For me it has to be Bacon Fries, just ahead of Scampi Fries. All that said, every day I pray to the (land)Lord himself begging that they bring Cheese Moments back, as they'd get my vote. Why they stopped them I'll never know, the best pub snack by country mile I reckon: Cheese moments were vile. That’s why they stopped making them. IIRC they were like plain scampi fries but had some scrapings from in between a tramp’s toes in the middle of them, which gave them a sort of rancid moist texture. Hideous. |
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Post by ontheslate on Oct 19, 2023 6:27:03 GMT
I'm surprised there are no votes for peanuts; back in the day, they would be stuck to a card hanging behind the bar, and as they were sold, a picture of a dollybird would be revealed !! Anyone remember them ? Totally non-PC nowadays ofcourse ! They always changed the card before you could see anything anyway I’m sure they done on purpose to get blokes buying more peanuts |
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Post by jno on Oct 31, 2023 19:12:16 GMT
Pork Scratchings the clear winner here then!
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Post by daz on Nov 4, 2023 8:01:22 GMT
Never seen pork scratchings in a pub up my way.
Scotch pies used to be popular up here in pubs.
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Post by Arch Stanton on Nov 5, 2023 9:55:22 GMT
Never seen pork scratchings in a pub up my way. Scotch pies used to be popular up here in pubs. I wonder if this could be the causation of all the arrested development up there Daz? It’s not scratchings but I suppose I could slum it and stretch to a Scotch Pie if I had to. Surely they serve Scotch Eggs as a substitute as well? |
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Post by daz on Nov 11, 2023 7:15:33 GMT
Never seen pork scratchings in a pub up my way. Scotch pies used to be popular up here in pubs. I wonder if this could be the causation of all the arrested development up there Daz? It’s not scratchings but I suppose I could slum it and stretch to a Scotch Pie if I had to. Surely they serve Scotch Eggs as a substitute as well? Maybe the cause of pub violence up here. Still a few places love a battle with their bevvy. Never seen Scotch eggs up here either. |
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Post by Arch Stanton on Nov 11, 2023 7:25:20 GMT
I wonder if this could be the causation of all the arrested development up there Daz? It’s not scratchings but I suppose I could slum it and stretch to a Scotch Pie if I had to. Surely they serve Scotch Eggs as a substitute as well? Maybe the cause of pub violence up here. Still a few places love a battle with their bevvy. Never seen Scotch eggs up here either. What!!  But you’re from Scotland. What’s the point of going there if not to pick fresh scotch eggs, straight from the Sauschick Tree? If scotch eggs aren’t harvested in Scotland where are they harvested then? I think you’re having me on now. |
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Post by daz on Nov 11, 2023 8:12:01 GMT
Maybe the cause of pub violence up here. Still a few places love a battle with their bevvy. Never seen Scotch eggs up here either. What!! But you’re from Scotland. What’s the point of going there if not to pick fresh scotch eggs, straight from the Sauschick Tree? If scotch eggs aren’t harvested in Scotland where are they harvested then? I think you’re having me on now. We chopped down the egg trees and replaced them with the battered mars bar tree instead. Better for the environment I believe. |
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Post by Arch Stanton on Nov 11, 2023 8:35:52 GMT
What!! But you’re from Scotland. What’s the point of going there if not to pick fresh scotch eggs, straight from the Sauschick Tree? If scotch eggs aren’t harvested in Scotland where are they harvested then? I think you’re having me on now. We chopped down the egg trees and replaced them with the battered mars bar tree instead. Better for the environment I believe. Heathens! |
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Post by jjmolloy on Nov 11, 2023 16:54:11 GMT
Pork thingys are totally unheard of here. We get the Bacon Fries though, which are ace. Crisps - If you've never had Tayto cheese & onion then you haven't lived. jno will know, as he visits here often.
Pubs. Brewery pubs are unknown here, even Guinness never had any, apart from one or two by the brewery. Irish pubs and bars are owner/family operated, handing down through generations. 'Landlords', as known in the UK simply don't exist. Chain pubs are also unknown. An Irish pub, even in a small town is generally well turned out, decor, furnishings etc.
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Post by jno on Nov 12, 2023 5:58:01 GMT
Pork thingys are totally unheard of here. We get the Bacon Fries though, which are ace. Crisps - If you've never had Tayto cheese & onion then you haven't lived. jno will know, as he visits here often. Pubs. Brewery pubs are unknown here, even Guinness never had any, apart from one or two by the brewery. Irish pubs and bars are owner/family operated, handing down through generations. 'Landlords', as known in the UK simply don't exist. Chain pubs are also unknown. An Irish pub, even in a small town is generally well turned out, decor, furnishings etc.I was agreeing with all of this jj (especially the Tayto bit), then I read the last sentence, and remembered sticky old wooden tables. Generally speaking though you're bang on the money, there are many nicely furnished places I've been to in Dublin and the fact Ireland doesn't have Table Table, Beefeater, Brewers Fayre etc., isn't such a bad thing. Pubs stay less commercial and less like McDonald's with areas for kids to run around and play on climbing frames. Premier Inn are in Norn Iron and there's also one in Swords in ROI with a restaurant attached (know that place very well) right next to Ryan Air HQ, so you've not escaped it completely. It's a different sort of pub experience in Ireland that's for sure and of course, ye Guinness is authentic, albeit it ain't cheap. One thing about Euro(s) you know what you're charged at home and comparing Dublin to say Vienna, the latter usually works out cheaper depending on where you go. Vienna doesn't hsve the "aye diddly aye" factor though. That said, GB might not do Tayto Cheese & Onion, Kimberley biscuits and red lemonade but what Ireland is missing from GB in return is Dandelion & Burdock which is a tragedy, and there's a distinct lack of pasties in Ireland also. Swings and roundabouts and everywhere has its own pros and cons. Also, let's not talk about those other two abbreviations for ye border dwellers: VRT and NHS. |
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Post by ontheslate on Nov 12, 2023 9:49:15 GMT
As someone who spent a lot of time in pubs in the Republic, and the North of Ireland and many parts of Britain I would say the British pubs beat the Irish on snacks and beer choices but Irish pubs generally win on atmosphere although almost every Irish pub has almost exactly the same beer choice.
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Post by ontheslate on Nov 12, 2023 9:51:55 GMT
In reference to jno , some British supermarkets now stock red lemonade Ulster Tayto and Kimberley biscuits but at high prices a 1.5 litre bottle of Cidona or Nash’s lemonade is the best part of three quid.
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Post by Arch Stanton on Nov 12, 2023 10:27:06 GMT
Pork thingys are totally unheard of here. We get the Bacon Fries though, which are ace. Crisps - If you've never had Tayto cheese & onion then you haven't lived. jno will know, as he visits here often. Pubs. Brewery pubs are unknown here, even Guinness never had any, apart from one or two by the brewery. Irish pubs and bars are owner/family operated, handing down through generations. 'Landlords', as known in the UK simply don't exist. Chain pubs are also unknown. An Irish pub, even in a small town is generally well turned out, decor, furnishings etc.I was agreeing with all of this jj (especially the Tayto bit), then I read the last sentence, and remembered sticky old wooden tables. Generally speaking though you're bang on the money, there are many nicely furnished places I've been to in Dublin and the fact Ireland doesn't have Table Table, Beefeater, Brewers Fayre etc., isn't such a bad thing. Pubs stay less commercial and less like McDonald's with areas for kids to run around and play on climbing frames. Premier Inn are in Norn Iron and there's also one in Swords in ROI with a restaurant attached (know that place very well) right next to Ryan Air HQ, so you've not escaped it completely. It's a different sort of pub experience in Ireland that's for sure and of course, ye Guinness is authentic, albeit it ain't cheap. One thing about Euro(s) you know what you're charged at home and comparing Dublin to say Vienna, the latter usually works out cheaper depending on where you go. Vienna doesn't hsve the "aye diddly aye" factor though. That said, GB might not do Tayto Cheese & Onion, Kimberley biscuits and red lemonade but what Ireland is missing from GB in return is Dandelion & Burdock which is a tragedy, and there's a distinct lack of pasties in Ireland also. Swings and roundabouts and everywhere has its own pros and cons. Also, let's not talk about those other two abbreviations for ye border dwellers: VRT and NHS. With regard pub chains. Not all pubs are chains in the U.K., there’s loads of free houses. In fact chains are in the minority down here I’d say in Cornwall. Well at least the ones I go in are. Chain pubs have their uses though. Here’s a list of absolute bare minimum snacks pubs should have as part of a bar selection - not food like sandwiches or pies, to me they begin to fall into other categories, I’m talking bar snacks that come in packets or jars or vendors of some description. Pork scratchings. Salt and vinegar crisps. Cheese and onion crisps (even though I don’t like them). Plain/ready salted crisps. Salted peanuts. Dry Roasted peanuts. Bacon fries. Scampi fries. Jar of pickled eggs. Jars of cockles. Minimum. |
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Post by hollandpark on Nov 15, 2023 13:45:59 GMT
Scampi fries are amazing ! . Only problem is the packs are too small. They would make a killing if they did a 140g size I think.
My honorary mention goes to nice and spicy Nik Naks ( The Orange pack)
BTW today for lunch I had some Guinness Rich Chilli crisps, they are made by Burts.
The idea is a good one, alas they don't seem chilli at all, and the Guinness flavour is fairly muted. Hopefully they bump up the flavour a bit more and I would be buying them all the time.
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