Schooner Scorer: the inside joke that became an international movement
What began as a private joke among friends and family – sharing a laugh through an Instagram account meant for my closest pals – has taken me on a journey I could hardly have imagined. Under the handle @schoonerscorer, my original plan was to keep things light-hearted and low-key, scoring 425ml beers (schooners) in pubs with a candid, unpolished approach. But, as I shared my 60-second, unscripted reviews on TikTok slightly more than a year ago, the account jumped from private fun to public movement.
Today, with the Schooner Scorer community spanning millions of views and 300k schooner-scoring fans (that I’m incredibly grateful for), my mission remains the same: to find the elusive ‘10/10 schooner’ and share the experience as honestly as possible. However, my journey has never been solely about the drink itself. As I’ve travelled from London to vibrant beer halls in New York, Montreal, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Barcelona and beyond, I’ve come to realise that it’s the culture, the venue and the people that make each schooner worth remembering.
Images: Ewan Macallan-Harvey
These travels have become notable reminders of why I began this journey. My trip to New York City, for instance, was an unexpectedly enriching chapter. I’d planned to take in the Big Apple at a steady pace, but Manhattan had other ideas. I started my first evening at Rudy’s, a storied bar with a certain raw charm, where a local artist sketched New York’s iconic skyline on my back with a near-sacred reverence. Later that evening, I found myself at the New York Athletic Club, invited by someone who’d seen my story from Rudy’s.
From the club’s rooftop, I took in the glittering Central Park under evening lights, as a quiet drink turned into a night of introductions and schooner scoring with fascinating personalities, Olympians among them. The next four days followed suit, with constant invitations, new faces and vibrant interactions.
By the end of my trip, I had more than memories: I’d made new friends, each one adding to the portrait of a city that never stops giving. These moments, unplanned and genuine, reflect what Schooner Scorer is all about: celebrating the connections sparked by a shared drink, laughter, and a touch of camaraderie.
What I do isn’t about industry jargon or niche exclusivity; it’s about inclusivity. With humour, a touch of storytelling and a spontaneous, single-take style, I bring everyone along for the ride, beer aficionados or not. My hope is to break down the distance social media can sometimes create. This ethos is now blossoming into real-world meetups through ‘Schooner Social’, an initiative to bring our shared love for good beer and good company offline. It’s even taken on its own unique identity as “a drinking club with a fitness problem,” which channels my own passion for balance. I’ve always believed in finding harmony between a well-lived social life and a healthy lifestyle – I recently ran a 2:57 marathon – and Schooner Social reflects that.
This journey remains deeply personal and humbling. I still maintain a full-time career in an entirely different field, which keeps me rooted in reality even as Schooner Scorer connects me with celebrities, national radio stations and industry leaders. Yet, despite these experiences, I know this is only the beginning. Ultimately, I hope my journey can contribute in a small way to redefining social media, making it less about filtered ideals and more about shared experiences and authentic sociability.
Schooner Scorer’s Top Five London Pub Picks
While my preferred haunts may evolve with time, these establishments (in no particular order) offer a joyous experience of character, charm and culinary finesse…
The Holly Bush (Hampstead): A character-rich haven with roaring fireplaces and historic charm, it’s perfect for those seeking a quintessentially British pub experience
Mc & Sons (Borough): A warm, lively Irish pub offering that rare mix of authentic atmosphere, live music, top-tier Guinness and outstanding Thai cuisine
The Hero (Maida Vale): An airy north-west London retreat exuding timeless elegance, which is teamed with an inventive menu and unmarked beer taps that evoke a refined, nostalgic charm
The Surprise (Chelsea): A distinct gem on a quiet street, blending British charm with impeccable service and a menu that elevates seasonal, classic fare
The Guinea Grill (Mayfair): Tucked away on a peaceful mews-like setting, this Mayfair institution is celebrated for its awesome Guinness, great steaks, and timeless sophistication with an intimate atmosphere
This feature was taken from our Winter 2024 issue. Read more about it here.
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