When we looked forward to 2024 we'd figured our brewing process and that gave us cause for optimism.

But after a road bump with faulty equipment we've run into our economic recession, now worse than the GFC.

We've not just seen but felt that squeeze on consumer spend. Weekly regulars who only come every 3 or 4 weeks, or just have 1 instead of 2-3 drinks. True fans who explain their absence on household expense (food and fuel), debt (mortgage), or overheads ("two teenage boys").

This combined with rising costs of our own means we often question what we're doing, and why we continue. Worse, we forget that it makes a difference.

Because good food and drink, whether round the corner from home or halfway across the world, is best enjoyed with others.

Whether striking up conversation over a beer or sharing a slice of pizza with Tank, these connections are what makes it memorable.

So we take heart from Neil, who's run his car dealership for 30 years, when he tells us his motto is "Keep turning up."

To be a part of something, you must show up.

Paul & Karen