Where to get a sneaky beer when you're supposed to be in the office
08 Dec 2016

Where is the worst place you can possibly be at 4pm on a weekday in the middle of summer? Your office of course. Let’s face it, it’s December, so no one is doing work anyway – we’re all shopping online for Christmas presents and envisioning the moment we can make our escape and guzzle down a beer. But getting out early requires secret plotting, devious subterfuge and complicated planning – and a fearless attitude towards the potential wrath of your boss.
Here’s how to get out of the confines of your office and score yourself at least an extra hour of time (two if you’re game) to spend at a bar with no one asking, ‘Hey, where did *insert name* go?’ Option 1: Carefully arrange a few personal belongings (jacket, water bottle, an old wallet) on your desk, then wander off to the bathroom with anything you actually need stuffed under your shirt – everyone will think you’re still there while you’ve actually snuck out the fire escape. Option 2: The late afternoon ‘doctor’s appointment. This requires a loud fake phone call with a fake doctor whose only available booking is 3pm – and obviously you’ll do your best to get back to the office before 5pm. Not.
Once you’ve mastered your escape plan, here’s where to spend those extra precious hours of summer.