"Nothing makes the future look so rosy as to contemplate it through a glass of Chambertin." Napoleon Bonaparte

Scenic drinking is a fine and admirable vocation, a constant search for the optimal views, and the perfect drink (although usually in the plural form) to accompany such delicious panoramas. It is a pilgrimage that seeks out happiness in drinking and the enjoyment of the charming company and conversation that defines it.

Over the coming months I will search for the utmost in scenic drinking experiences, and this space is made to provide detailed depictions of the events that unfold and to rate the experiences accordingly based upon the location and the beverages themselves . Whilst I am suppressed by the obligations of student life, I will endeavour to find the best scenic drinking spots in Durham, if not the North East of England. In the months that follow I will also venture to London, Belgium, France and the Netherlands in search for these splendiferous spots. 

You as a well meaning but somewhat annoyingly curious chap or chapette may be asking yourself why I choose to create such a space? Well, oh inquisitive one, I shall grant you this one insight into the inner workings of my mind. I arrived in Brussels two years ago with little knowledge of anything outside of my own, very small, very Welsh bubble. There I made the most fantastic of friends, (all of whom I know to be much 'cooler' than myself),  who showed me what it was to be happy and what life could be like if you only seek it out. A part of this life-altering experience was 'Scenic Drinking', an activity which involved anything from political debates with complete strangers in the middle of The Grand Place, a 50c Tall Boy of 'Cara Pils' (more on this later) in hand, to swigging prosecco on the coastal tram with disapproving looks from fellow passengers. Scenic Drinking is convivial, an activity that calls on friends and strangers to sit down, wherever you may be and talk, and ultimately have fun together. 

 Since arriving in Durham to begin university a year ago, I have sought to continue this tradition and to introduce it to my new friends there, with some success. I wanted now to share the experiences I have and let others know of fantastic places to go to pursue this activity. I hope you enjoy the months to come...