St. Patrick’s (never to be called Paddy) Day is near! A day for song, food and drink approaches. While we were googling some useful Gaelic sentences we learned a bunch of facts about this day that can come in handy as conversation starters in your local pub:
Guinness’ Favourite Day
Despite the popularity of green beer in the States, stout is the absolute main act on St. Patrick’s, and the king of stouts, Guinness, gets a powerful boost in sales every 17th of March. More than 13 million pints of tan are consumed on this day every year!
You can get a couple of them at The Green Room, on the doorstep of the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, and enjoy their pre-theatre menu or explore their other local ales and craft beers.
Not Irish, But Welsh
A Welshman, not an Irishman, was the one who got rid of all the snakes in Eire! Since we’re at it, the whole snake thing didn’t really have anything to do with him, and by the way, the name wasn’t Patrick, but Maewyn.
Oh, well, legends are important after all. We’ll drink to his at The King’s Castle, located in Maewyn’s homeland and full of old-fashion charm.
It Used To By A Dry Holiday
Some of you might know this fact and are shaking your heads at our celebratory pints. It’s true, St. Patrick’s used to be deemed too solemn and the pubs closed on the day. For those who feel like taking the abstinent road, Down To Earth Organic Kitchen is Scotland’s first 100% organic restaurant, and a shrine to healthy eating.
On this day, more than ever, go green or go home!
Shamrock, Paper, Scissors
St. Patrick used the three leaves of the humble shamrock to teach about the Holy Trinity, and that’s how it eventually became one of the national symbols! We’re not going to ask you to go looking for a four-leave one, instead grab a matcha Bubble Tea at Amanzi Tea, which is just as green, fresh and earthy. Surely that’s enough luck?
I’m Blue, Da Ba Dee, Da Ba Daa
Sorry to debunk this particular myth, but turns out St. Patrick’s colour was light blue, not green! Sky blue was always the shade for his Order, until green became the national hue, since it was less associated with the British Rule.
Well, you can make peace with that with a visit to any of the White Brasserie gastro-pubs, where you can combine Irish and British dishes and add a twist of French cuisine for flare.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the trivia and the recommendations! Apart from the amazing atmosphere, you can get loads of complimentary dishes and drinks at these venues with the ENTERTAINER UK app. Have a great weekend, everybody! Raise your glass/fork and repeat after me: “slainte“!
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