Hop, Clip, & Pump

Moving on from Stardust , we arrive at something even more curious,  Jelly Dolly . At first glance, the name suggests something playful, perhaps even nostalgic. Sweets, childhood, a touch of harmless indulgence. But, as with many things in the world of craft brewing, there’s a darker thread woven beneath the surface. A Film Few Have Seen Jelly Dolly takes its name from a 2004 arthouse horror film ,  and not the kind that enjoyed wide release or mainstream attention. This is the obscure, unsettling variety: the sort of film that lingers more in tone and atmosphere than in plot. The story centres on Audrey, a woman unravelling under the strain of a failing relationship and a creeping psychological disturbance. What begins as quiet dissatisfaction spirals into something far stranger: distorted dreams, intrusive thoughts, and a surreal physical mutation that blurs the line between body horror and metaphor. It’s a narrative about disconnection, anxiety, and the fragility of ...

I’ll admit it, I didn’t get the connection at first. Standing at the bar, pint in hand, turning the name over in my mind,  Stardust Stout . It felt evocative, certainly. Suggestive of something magical, perhaps even whimsical. But what did it actually mean ? It turns out, as is often the case, the answer lies somewhere slightly unexpected, in this instance, a film. Salamander Brewing Co.: A Northern Curiosity Tucked away in the north of England, Salamander Brewing Co. has built a quiet but distinctive reputation among real ale drinkers for doing things just a little differently. Known for its imaginative beer names and a willingness to experiment with flavour while still respecting traditional brewing methods, the brewery occupies that intriguing middle ground between classic British cask ale and more adventurous craft influences. Drawing on quality ingredients and a strong sense of identity, Salamander’s beers often reflect both their regional roots and a slightly eccentric...