Real ale fans are just like train-spotters, only drunk.

This might be too much like half-forgotten schoolwork for comfort and, as in all first episodes, there was a lot of indigestible introduction.

Filled with mingled cream and amber I will drain that glass again. Such hilarious visions clamber Through the chambers of my brain -- Quaintest thoughts -- queerest fancies Come to life and fade away; Who cares how time advances? I am drinking ale today.

Merrily taking twopenny ale and cheese with a pocket knife; / But these were luxuries not for him who went for the Simple Life.

Or merry swains, who quaff the nut-brown ale, and sing enamoured of the nut-brown maid.

Ale, man, ale's the stuff to drink for fellows whom it hurts to think.