In the true tradition of Rant Friday, I am going to highlight something entirely trivial that really gets my goat!

Unfortunately the subject of today’s topic will only have been experienced by those who have a sweet tooth and who have been to The Emirates …. the rest of you will have to empathise 🙂

I find watching Arsenal an energy sapping experience and so come half time I’m in need of an energy boost and something to warm the cockles, so I queue up for pretty much the whole 15 minutes to get a drink.

I’m talking about that lip-burningly hot, insipid watery barely flavoured, overpriced excuse for Hot Chocolate they serve up inside the stadium.

I’ve learned that when one of the staff (who do a good impression of someone who only started the job 5 minutes ago without any training) presents you with what they offer as hot chocolate, it is in no condition to drink as the little cocoa powder  (I estimate about a third of that required to produce a decent drink) is solidified at the bottom of the cup.

So next you have to push through the crowd to a side area where there are thin wooden sticks long enough to reach the bottom of the cup.

Give them their due, the cup is full to the brim, so you are pretty much guaranteed to give yourself third degree burns removing the lid. After stirring your faux hot chocolate, it now resembles dirty dishwater and has the faintest hint of chocolate flavouring.

I’m ashamed to say that I was dragged kicking and screaming to watch some small time club under 18  game at lowly Stevenage town the other evening and decided to sample their hot chocolate at half time. It was a revelation and put the Arsenal catering to shame. It was £1 cheaper, just the right temperature to drink, didn’t require stirring  and most importantly tasted of chocolate!!

So Stevenage Borough from Division 2 outclass the mighty Arsenal in the hot chocolate stakes ….. a travesty ……

I’m guessing other who visit The Emirates may have further views on the quality of drinks and food available … feel free to vent your frustration today ….

Rasp