Women of the beerosphere: Melissa Cole
(Melissa blames an overflowing inbox for missing my original invitation. After looking at my own e-mail I can certainly sympathize.)
Melissa Cole
What is your name?
Melissa Cole
What is your location?
London, UK
What is your blog?
www.girlsguidetobeer.blogspot.com
Do you have a favorite style of beer? What is it?
I don’t have one specific favourite style of beer and I’m always open to trying new ones!
How did you come to write a blog about beer?
I’m a professional journalist and a lot of my livelihood is writing about beer; the blog came out of a desire to express more opinions on the subject of beer and the issues surrounding it.
What prejudices have you had to overcome?
Very few, the brewing industry is a delightful place to work. Sadly, the attitude I find most depressing is that of bar staff or licensees when I send back a bad pint (always very, very politely) and then try and argue with me, often snapping a variation on ‘what do you know?’ making it clear that I’m just a ‘bird’ and therefore not entitled to an opinion on beer! I now rarely argue, I just walk out. I’m pleased to say this is less frequent now but it still infuriates me on the rare occasions it happens.
Any other passions?
I play cricket and love fishing, it’s the most relaxing pastime in the world!
Any parting thoughts?
Try anything once, never close your mind and drink more, and better, beer!
Melissa is a freelance food and drink writer and committee member of the British Guild of Beer Writers, as well as the author of A Girl’s Guide to Beer (RSS feed)
