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Journalist Returns to Bar Work to Confront Past Shame

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Simon Hattenstone (journalist) recounts his disastrous first shift at the Friendship Inn in Prestwich during the mid-1980s.
He panicked while serving customers, made numerous mistakes, and broke glasses.
The manager let him go without pay, leaving him humiliated and unable to face friends or family.
Years later, he still feels shame.
He plans to work behind the bar at the Lincoln Arms in King’s Cross to overcome his past embarrassment.

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Story summary

Simon Hattenstone (journalist) recounts his disastrous first shift at the Friendship Inn in Prestwich during the mid-1980s.
He panicked while serving customers, made numerous mistakes, and broke glasses.
The manager let him go without pay, leaving him humiliated and unable to face friends or family.
Years later, he still feels shame.
He plans to work behind the bar at the Lincoln Arms in King’s Cross to overcome his past embarrassment.