The Weekend Read – Football, Curry, Beer and the Seaside

Football, Spice, Beer… and a Trip to the Coast

Introduction

This weekend is bringing some of my favourite things together.

As discussed in Wednesday’s post, for the next three weeks we are embarking on a travel adventure, searching out new coastal gems, hotels, pubs, and restaurants—no plans set in stone.

First stop on Thursday was family time and new baby cuddles in Hampshire.

Now, it’s a scenic drive to Sharon’s sister’s lodge in Essex for a week of relaxation and time to write some informative and enjoyable PDFs and e-books.

My Weekend Questions

• Can England finally win the World Cup, and why are there suddenly so many experts?
• Why do beer, football, and curry go together?
• Why is turmeric good for us?
• We all know smiling is good for us… but what if you can’t get out of your bad mood?
• And why is the coast so good for my soul?

Because of the late kick-off, we are going to watch the football at the lodge.

The fridge has been stocked, the curry menu is already being debated, and somehow my wife—who barely watches football the rest of the year—has become the nation’s newest football pundit. Apparently, every referee decision is obvious… after the fifth replay!

But perhaps that’s one of the things I enjoy most about tournament football. It brings everyone together, whether they’re lifelong supporters or experts for just a few weeks every two years.

⚽ Football Conversation

Why does every England tournament create so many football experts?

My wife only watches major tournaments, yet somehow she instantly knows:

• who should be substituted
• why the manager got it wrong
• whether it was definitely a penalty.

I’m sure many households are exactly the same.

Question for readers: Who is the part-time football expert in your family and are England finally going to win the World Cup again, my wife says they will?

🌶️ Food Conversation

Why do football, curry, and beer seem to go together?

It’s become almost a tradition now. Wherever we watch England, at home or in a pub somewhere, we nearly always end up with beer, football, and a curry.

Sometimes it’s in a restaurant, and sometimes—as will be the case this Saturday—it’s a well-deserved takeaway. It’s not obligatory, and any takeaway can work, but my preference is always for curry.

Saturday football. A pint. And a curry.

Perhaps it’s because curries are perfect for sharing with family and friends while watching sport. The spices, aromas, and variety make every meal feel like an occasion.

My Top Five Curries:

1. Chicken Jalfrezi
2. Lamb Rogan Josh
3. Chicken Tikka Masala
4. Madras
5. Balti

There are so many to choose from, but these are just some of my favourites.

Question for readers: What’s your favourite curry?

🟡 Health Conversation

Why is turmeric considered so good for us?

Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural compound that research suggests has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Scientists continue to study its potential role in:

• reducing inflammation
• supporting joint health
• helping recovery after exercise
• supporting brain health as we age.

It isn’t a miracle spice—but it’s certainly one ingredient many healthy diets include.

😊 Mindset Conversation

We all know smiling is good for us… but what do you do when you simply can’t smile?

Some days just don’t go to plan. We’ve all had those mornings when nothing seems right. I’ve learnt not to force happiness. Instead, I try something simple.

Maybe it’s:

• going for a walk
• making a coffee
• putting some music on
• watching an old comedy
• chatting to someone
• or simply changing my surroundings.

Sometimes the smallest change is enough to shift your mood.

Question for readers: What helps lift your mood when you’re having one of those days?

🌊 Looking Ahead

Why I can’t wait to get back to the coast

This week I’ll finally be spending a few days by the sea. I’ve always found there’s something calming about the coast.

The sound of the waves. The smell of the sea air. Fish and chips eaten outside.

A long walk without looking at the clock. For me, it’s one of the few places where life naturally slows down.

Perhaps it’s because the sea reminds us that some things are far bigger than the emails, meetings, and worries we carry around.

After a couple of days by the coast, I always return feeling lighter. I’m already looking forward to it.

Question for readers: If you could disappear anywhere for a few days, where would you go?

Final Thoughts

Football. Friends. A good curry. Maybe a cold beer. A laugh with family. And a walk beside the sea.

Sometimes the best weekends are built from life’s simplest pleasures.

Have a wonderful week.

Steve