Train drinkers - are you one of these?

[jonesey]

Over the years commuting via train, I've always had an irrational loathing for those guys who open their breifcases on the 6:30 to reveal a perfectly stacked row of Stellas (or equivalent)

I'm currently sitting opposite a guy who is ploughing into his 3rd tin of magners in 20 mins and it got me wondering this-

Are all train drinkers raving alchoholics? Is it just the need to "unwind" on the train? Why can't the train drinkers wait untill they get home?

In the search for understanding , I open it up to the floor.

Edited by jonesey on Wednesday 7th July 18:59

[Justayellowbadge]

I thought it had been outlawed within the boundaries of the civilized world.

Probably still happens in hellholes like Scotland or Kent though, but anyone sentient knows to avoid ever going there.

[peterbredde]

I often have to travel to London on business by train. I will admit to enjoying the odd Stella or cider to while away the journey home. Can't see what's wrong with that to be honest.

[carreauchompeur]

peterbredde said:

I often have to travel to London on business by train. I will admit to enjoying the odd Stella or cider to while away the journey home. Can't see what's wrong with that to be honest.

Quite. It's one of the main benefits of travelling by train, enjoying a cool glass of something whilst watching the countryside speed by. I appreciate this may only be confined to the Bristol-London stretch!

[jamiebae]

I used to occasionally have a beer on the train home when I worked in London. In my (partial) defence I never left the office until at least 6.15 so wouldn't be on a train until almost 7 and had a journey of just over 1 hour. Sinking 3 cans in a trip is a bit much though, I wonder how many of them get off the train and drive home.

[anonymous-user]

Can you buy alcohol at any time of the day on a train? Sure I've seen people drinking on trains at 9ish in the am. I think its a way to pass the time for people who can't read or afford technology.

[birdcage]

Surely this topic is based on observation, therefore the OP picked the perfect place for it to start with.

He is not going through a detailed review of the different 'beverages' on offer on he train, merely striking conversation about the motivation of those who drink on the train, they could be using a calculator.

Would we then create a separate calculator forum? or maybe it should be in the trains forum?

[jonesey]

I must admit that sometimes I could do with a drink on the train, but I just can't get away from the thought of it being a bit desperate- don' t know why I think that.

You have a point those JYB I am journeying back down to kent!

T'was more out of curiosity really, why not just wait untill you are home?

[peterbredde]

birdcage said:

Surely this topic is based on observation, therefore the OP picked the perfect place for it to start with.

He is not going through a detailed review of the different 'beverages' on offer on he train, merely striking conversation about the motivation of those who drink on the train, they could be using a calculator.

Would we then create a separate calculator forum? or maybe it should be in the trains forum?

Motivation for drinking on a train = to enjoy a drink on a train. Or have I missed something?

[2L8]

As long as the individual isnt getting wasted and abusive towards other passengers I faile to see an issue with drinking on trains, it is certainly more socially acceptable then cracking open a tin sat behind the wheel on the drive home.

[road_rager]

Yep it grips my st too, not sure why.

Quite often see middle aged guys in a suits drinking 2-3 cans of beer on the way home, seems all a bit sad, and not to say low rent.

Still each to his own I guess

[Justayellowbadge]

jonesey said:

You have a point though JYB I am journeying back down to kent!

Please accept my apologies, I had no idea.

If I have any further comment on this thread, I shall have a Monk come to your hovel and read it from parchment.

I understand how frightening words appearing as if by witchcraft on the magic lightning box can seem to those still in the dark ages.

[toast boy]

I've been known to have a couple of drinks on a long journey, mainly because I hate being on trains and it helps to numb the experience. Can't say I ever had a drink on the commute home from work though, that might be pushing it a bit.

[Pipster1969]

I've seen a 'suit' drinking on the way in to work once, i'd say he was in his 50s and didn't seem to be bothered about what people thought.

[baughany]

Edited. Way off topic.

Blame the Stellas on the train home.

Edited by baughany on Wednesday 7th July 20:02

Edited by baughany on Wednesday 7th July 20:04

Edited by baughany on Wednesday 7th July 20:26

[rpguk]

Obnoxious drunks on the train

Someone knocking them back - a sad indication on their life but no harming anyone else. Pity more then anything.

Someone who's had a long day at work, supping a beer to wind down on the journey home to see the family - rather then sitting in The Flying Scotsman dropping pounds into bucket

[Beyond Rational]

Drinking on train = seen as antisocial = greater chance of space to oneself.

[Slaav]

Bit different but was coming back from lunch in Brussells once (work ish thing) and was for some reason in standard class and couldnt face sitting there without a glass of red.

Took my paper into buffet car and stood there all the way home! Think it was 3 or 4 small bottles of red.... oops - and cab at this end obviously!

Does that count as sad or a commute?

[miniman]

Beyond Rational said:

Drinking on train = seen as antisocial = greater chance of space to oneself.

Replacing "large diet coke" portion of Maccy D's gutbuster meal with 3 ciders can easily net 4 seats round a table

I often have a can on the way home. Often I will be away to London at 6:25 for a packed day so by the time the 18:30 train home comes around, a cool cider is very welcome.

Interestingly, 2 blokes + 4 ciders + lengthy delay at Reading + hastily constructed quiz = amused co-travellers

[condor]

I don't see a problem with drinking beer in the morning...