nathan bentley's personal playground...

I’ve been bloody terrible about updating my blog of reason, and by way of lame excuse, here’s why…

After 2 1/2 long years at Pod1, I’ve decided to move on. Aside from the general craziness caused by my resignation, I also thought it best to make sure that the information about my departure was disseminated in an official capacity before I blurted it out online for all to read. Thankfully, that time has come…

In a little over 3 weeks I’ll be donning a new cap for Publicis Modem (of the world-wide Publicis Groupe). It’s a big move, and I’ll be flexing my technical muscles for one of the biggest agencies in the world - hopefully in a way that will assist their growth in the digital market.

Of course, my decision to leave Pod1 wasn’t an easy one - having spent 2 1/2 years eating, sleeping and breathing Pod1 (I kid you not, the sofa’s are damned comfortable), I was reluctant to leave its comfortable bosom. I’ll also be leaving a great number of friends behind - although thankfully I’m only a 15 minute tube ride away, so will no doubt be back on a Friday night.

At this point, I’ll leave with the email I wrote come the official announcement of my departure - hopefully supplying some insight to my daily workings…

A few things you may not know about me and my time spent at the pod:

• I moved to London to work at Pod1 on the sole merit that Fadi made me a cracking cup of tea (a first… and last?).
• I’ll have been at pod1 for 926 days (79945200 seconds!) when I finally get booted out the door.
• In that time, I’ve written over 100,000 lines of code.
• My longest working week was a whopping 122 hours, my shortest just a measly 4h.
• I’ve managed to go 24 hours without leaving the second floor of the building, and 36 hours without leaving the studios.
• I’ve discovered that the red sofas make awesome beds. Conversely, the old designers couch (which I believe has now left the pod) is way too small for me, and covered in spray mount - not a good sleeping experience.
• By rough calculation, I’ve drunk around 1,400 pints of flat Japanese lager, Guinness and mojitos from the bar downstairs (OK, maybe from the surrounding pubs too).
• By rough calculation, I’ve drunk a ludicrous 4,820 cups of tea. (Milk and two sugars please)
• I’ve “broken” 6 contractors - including the “ginger magician” and “moon-thunder river” (his real name, I kid you not.)
• I’ve helped in the launch of over 25 sites, and had my sticky fingers in dozens more.
• I’ve made many good friends in my time here, and thankfully, not lost any.

Bye for now…

Roughly six months ago I decided to buy my girlfriend an afternoon of tea, champagne and finger sandwiches from the gorgeous Tea Palace on Westbourne Grove. This weekend, I finally got to sample its delights!

After making our way towards Notting Hill, and pottering around the antiques stalls on Portobello road, we finally sat ourselves down at the Tea Palace, somewhat unsure of what to expect. After looking through the list of exciting and exotic teas from around the world, we made our selections of “1st Flush Thurbo 2008″ (Kate) and “Russian Caravan” (Me), and eagerly tucked into the tiny, yet filling selection of finger sandwiches, scones (with clotted cream and jam) and cakes. Whilst our teas were being carefully brewed to order, we enjoyed a chilled glass of pink champagne - definately the best way to enjoy a non-hungover Sunday afternoon.

After much swapping of cups, we decided that Kate enjoyed the Russian Caravan (smokey, similar to Lapsang Souchong) and I prefered the Thurbo (a light fruity Darjeeling). Needless to say, my love of tea was rekindled, and before leaving I purchased a tin of both the 2008 Thurbo and the Earl Grey with Blue flowers (refreshing, and pretty with the fragrant blue tips!).

If you’ve got an afternoon free, and want to try something a little different, I’d highly recommend a visit - just be sure to book in advance as it fills up quickly! Also, if you’re like me, I’d skip breakfast - the scones and cakes are incredibly rich and filling!