We now know that the Three Wise Men didn’t make it to Bethlehem until about April because the star they were following couldn’t have been seen over Bethlehem until then, and at the Blackfriars Tavern, we have been saving the Starry Night Stout for the right time.
So, on to the story of the Three Wise Men and the Starry night Stout:
Once upon a time, many years ago, there were three wise men who were traveling from the East to see the newborn king, Jesus. They had been following a bright star that shone in the sky, leading them to their destination. As they traveled through unfamiliar lands, they grew weary and longed for a moment of respite.
One day, as they journeyed through the land of England, they came across a quaint sea-side town called Great Yarmouth. They were drawn to a cozy pub on the outskirts of town, and the sign above the door caught their eye – “The Blackfriars Tavern.” Intrigued, they ventured inside to find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with some visitors gathered around the bar chatting with locals and other visitors playing Jenga or one of the other table games.
The Three Wise Men took a seat at the bar and ordered a pint of the local famous brew – Starry Night Stout from Tindall Ales Brewery. As they drank, they marvelled at the rich, velvety taste of the beer and the delicate lacing down the partially emptied glass. They could not help but feel a sense of wonder and awe, as if the stars were speaking to them.
As they finished their drinks and prepared to continue on their journey, the wise men could not help but feel that there was something special about the Blackfriars Tavern. They left the pub feeling refreshed and renewed, ready to continue their quest to see the newborn king.
Years later, as they retold the story of their journey to see Jesus, the Three Wise Men fondly remembered their brief stop in Great Yarmouth and the pint of Starry Night Stout that had rejuvenated their spirits. They felt that perhaps the stars had led them to the Blackfriars Tavern for a reason, and that the warmth and hospitality they experienced there had been a small glimpse of the divine.
Of course, we all know that the truth of the matter is that occasionally you may find one wise man in Great Yarmouth, but seldom do you find three wise men together.
Starry Night Stout, available now at The Blackfriars Tavern. See you soon.