May 2025. Stockport. All journeys lead to Stockport, or at least involve a change from Platform 1 to 3. As you’ll know, the timetables for Cross Country and Northern Rail are curated so that a fit #PubMan can fit in a pint before the next train to Congleton for an ultra-rare GBG tick. I arrive… Continue reading A DASH FOR THE BASS
HOW DO SPOONS DO IT ?
Samuel Pepys wouldn’t have skipped writing up visits to the local Wetherspoons for a burger and beer, so why should I ? Spoons remains divisive. I still read a fair few comments on Blue Moon that insist the beer is cheap because it’s nearly out-of-date, always swiftly debunked nowadays. In truth, JDW’s cask is in… Continue reading HOW DO SPOONS DO IT ?
FOLLOW THE SIGN OF THE DRIPPING PUMP
May 2026. Elsecar. Barnsley. There’s a lot more to Elsecar than an industrial heritage site, a chippy and a classic pub. “The village now attracts over 500,000 visitors each year, to its heritage centre, historic sites and award-winning park.[according to whom?] ” notes Wikipedia, which at the end seems to express doubt on that half… Continue reading FOLLOW THE SIGN OF THE DRIPPING PUMP
HEAVEN IS A PUB IN ELSECAR
May 2026. Elsecar. Barnsley. An aimless lunchtime in rural Barnsley, but now with a tummy full of fish, chips and curry sauce; what to do ? Elsecar is a pretty village, exemplified by the Long Row of late 18th century* miners cottages commissioned by the Earls Fitzwilliam, whose name dominates the area. 20 years ago… Continue reading HEAVEN IS A PUB IN ELSECAR
KING STREET FISHERIES, HOYLAND
May 2026. Elsecar. Barnsley. Whenever I get bored of being at home, generally after being in the house more than 3 hours, I’ll walk down t’station and hop on the first train stopping somewhere I haven’t been for a year or two. Inevitably, that Cross Country service will be late so I’ll catch a different… Continue reading KING STREET FISHERIES, HOYLAND
YE OLDE VIC
May 2026. Stockport. Having a son living in Stockport presents a challenge; will I impose on him to put me up in his spare room after a night out in Manchester ? In honesty, I’m grateful our two lads still seem to want to meet their ancient parents so often and I wouldn’t want to… Continue reading YE OLDE VIC
HELLO STOCKPORT, GOODBYE PEP
May 2026. Stockport. Back from Romania, we dashed off to Stockport the next morning to help Matt and Emma with their move from central Manchester (Emma’s Dad had already done the hard yards) to Heaton Norris. Just look at the stress on Matt’s face on the Magnet’s balcony; Yes, we turned up just in time… Continue reading HELLO STOCKPORT, GOODBYE PEP
A HUB OF TRANSYLVANIAN CRAFT ? I HAVEN’T GOT A CLUJ
May 2026. Cluj. Romania. I could write far more about Cluj’s architecture, but you’ve got the idea by now. How about the bars ? All the attractive looking cafes in the cobbles off the main square seem to have a craft beer in a can; I really liked Opium by Cluj’s Hophead Brewery in Brasseria… Continue reading A HUB OF TRANSYLVANIAN CRAFT ? I HAVEN’T GOT A CLUJ
SALINA TURDA
May 2026. Turda. Romania. I’ve enjoyed spending time seeing unsung Romania, away from Dracula and the bears and the brewery taps. The cities are colourful, spotless and efficient, though of course efficient isn’t always a good thing in itself. By far the biggest “tourist attraction” round here are the old salt mines of Turdu, half… Continue reading SALINA TURDA
CLUJ DAYS 2026
May 2026. Cluj. Transylvania. Another nervy wait for a mini-bus at Targu Mures bus station, regretting that morning craft beer/coffee combo before a 2 hour trip to Cluj to complete our Romanian road trip. It’s not so much that the buses don’t turn up (eventually); it’s not knowing when they’ll turn up, and where there’ll… Continue reading CLUJ DAYS 2026
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