Jim’s mates Phil and Dan came down to take part in the Lower Flat ‘Experience’ last friday. Perhaps it was rather foolish that Phil came down just after lunch o’clock only to be taken by Jim to a number of ale houses (and a certain Vodka bar). Rolling in at about 5pm to watch Richard and Judy followed by Neighbours, Rich (of the LowerFlat not the one with Judy) then joined us to start off the evening’s proceedings in the local pub where a number of pints of beer, and even more strangely that new Strongbow Sirrus stuff were consumed.

Around 7ish Dan (aka Dave) wandered past the window and was promptly pulled in for a swift pint, before we headed back home… Dan being hungry opted to visit the ‘Kebab Centre’ and grab a kebab - and all credit goes to him for actually managing to stomach one when sober.

Whilst sitting in the lounge of the Upper/Lower Flats indulging in some of the cider that Jim remembered leaving outside the back door some days before, Gubbs rang to say he was in the Vodka bar. Oh crap. Seems that in the haze that was the afternoon Jim had somehow forgotten the agreement to meet Gubbs in the Vodka bar at 8. The distinct lack of taxi meant moving out of the house and down into central Southsea pretty quickly to the chosen venue, HKC’s Vodka Bar - of course.

Meeting Gubbs we were shortly after joined by another acquaintance of Jim, Dan and Phil’s - Jonathan. Moving downstairs in HKC’s and commandeering a couple of tables the drinking continued with such Vodka delights in flavours including Milky Bar, Pear Drop, Rhubarb and Custard and Refreshers.

A change in taste dictated the move to Apsley house for a few pints of Addlestone’s - Dan lightweighting out onto the Stella, whilst Phil lightweighted out even more and proceeded to experience an encore of his previous consumptions into the toilet - before returning to the table and continuing to drink his pint, which by now contained a rather dubious amount of Cigarette ash… not that he noticed.

It became time to move on once more, Ross and Gubbs opting for the Union, the rest of us for the City Bar in search of a Midori Illusion, although they refused to serve those so we had to stick with the beers instead. Sometime after 11, Jonathan had to dive off and catch a train home and the rest of us feeling a little worse for wear decided to head back home. Walking to the Taxi Rank on Guildhall Walk there was the sudden desire to run up the steps of the Guildhall itself and joining in the chants of ‘Blue Army’ - though it had to be explained to Dan it wasn’t his native Birmingham City Blue Army we were in support of.

Rich dived off to Megabite, whilst Jim grabbed a passing Policeman to have his photo taken with, and Dan provided the camera man services - for some reason pretending to be foreign. One Mr Munchies had obtained his chips, cheese and beans it was time for a taxi home where the rest of us could order some pizza before passing out to sleep….

Well, aside from the phone call from Gubbs to let us know Ross had been kicked out of the Student Union (let’s not go into why…)… and in the case of Rich, being awoken for the half hour it apparently took Ross to get in the front door.

And who said alcohol’s bad for you?