Summer of Pimm’s 2011, Coming Soon, But Not Too Soon
It is from deep in the frozen depths of mid-February that we write this; our first missive of 2011. While there are still many weeks until we find ourselves ensconced in more favorable temperatures, the question on everyone’s lips is, “When may we start drinking Pimm’s Cups again?” Well, it is certainly acceptable to drink Pimm’s year-round. I do say! The enjoyment of an apertif of such venerable reputation can hardly be relegated to a few short months. Oh no no NO! Pimm’s N0. 3 “Winter Cup” makes a delightful warm beverage with which to warm one’s self, or loved one; fortifying the spirit and soul against the bleak late winter months. However, it is Pimm’s No. 1 which remains the crown jewel of James Pimm’s legacy. And, as with the lovely crocuses of Victoria Park, its return signals the return of spring, favorable weather, and the exciting eventuality of summer! Oh ho!
Exciting as it can be to count down the final few weeks until the return of spring, we must remain dignified and refrain from the drinking of Pimm’s No.1. Not only as a simple showing of reverence for tradition, which, I might add, is the reason we’ve all come together. Oh no, there is a much more prudent reason, for that we are not drunkards! First, let it be said that it is not our wish to compare anyone to the over-consuming denizens of bowery halls and public houses, for whom the ability to call an end to a night’s drinking is as foreign as the knowledge of the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow. Far from it, for we shall not be the first to cast such aspersions as we quite enjoy the view from our little glass house. Oh no, it is not those who cannot control the ending of their drinking that we call into question, but those who cannot control the beginning of their drinking. Those that arrive at social engagements having already engaged quite heavily with the bottle. Those that greet their friends face to faced, rather than allowing them the courtesy of getting faced together! It is these people who cannot control themselves at the mere prospect of spirits that we wish not to imitate. So, it is for this very reason that we should not partake in the enjoyment of a Pimm’s Cup until a suitable hour upon the day of March 21st.
Somewhat coincidentally there has always been a bit of row as to when spring ‘officially’ starts. Traditionally it has been held that the day of March 21st marks the beginning of spring. Although lately some people have taken it upon themselves to declare the 1st of March the first day of spring. While we believe this to be an indulgent disregard for tradition, we are also not alone. Stuart Bell, Labour party MP for Middlesborough states, “Spring starts on March 20/21, and if people are not aware of this simple fact, it reflects a casual approach to facts, which is all too inherent today.” Well said, I do say!
