May 2026. Leeds. 3 hours between train in Leeds, time for the Freedom breakfast in Spoons (Becketts Bank), the culture, and a pint in a re-opened classic. Oh, they’ve got rid of the “Family” in the title. Sign of the times. Anyway, the Victoria, one of the Leeds gems, refurbished by the ubiquitous Kirkstall Brewery,… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – THE VICTORIA FAMILY & COMMERCIAL, LEEDS
LEEDS IS GOLDEN
May 2026. Leeds. A night in Bradford, then a descent through the ornate passageway in the Midland Hotel to Forster Square station, from which you take the Kirkstall route back to Leeds, not the most scenic. But Leeds is scrubbing up well, and that endless renovation of the station entrance may well be a cracker,… Continue reading LEEDS IS GOLDEN
JACOBS WELL
May 2026. Bradford. Time flies. Five years ago I was sitting outside the Jacobs Well (aka Beer House aka Jacobs etc etc), waiting for BRAPA to be vaccinated. Simon was able to confirm that beer actually boosts the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine, or was it Sputnik ? I was BRAPA’s DES that momentous day,… Continue reading JACOBS WELL
A PREEMPTIVE BRATFUD CURRY
May 2026. Bradford. You can always trust a person who likes Bradford, or Blackpool, or is torn on the virtues of Maidenhead. The Southworths always seem impressed by Bradford’s centenary square; the city hall, the fountains, the Wetherspoons, the view across to the Alhambra and the wonderfully revitalised Science and Media Museum, where we joined… Continue reading A PREEMPTIVE BRATFUD CURRY
TINNED FISH. THE RECORD CAFE, BRADFORD
May 2026. Bradford. We’ve been stalking the Southworths on their 2026 UK (well, mainly Yorkshire) Tour, which inevitably reached Bradford last Sunday. I’m sure Dave really comes for the marvellous street art, recently enhanced by the addition of Greggs wrappers, but in truth it’s the curry that brings the boys to the door. Mrs RM… Continue reading TINNED FISH. THE RECORD CAFE, BRADFORD
STONES IN THE STAND. THE JOY OF WOMENS FOOTBALL
May 2026. Sheffield. I’m no glory-hunter. Not for me the trip to Crewe Alex to see Cambridge United promoted. I couldn’t get a ticket. I chose the last Saturday of the grass roots season to watch “Proper Football”. Bramall Lane, home of legends like, er, Eddie Colquhoun, where the modern day stars drive normal cars.… Continue reading STONES IN THE STAND. THE JOY OF WOMENS FOOTBALL
HEINEKEN 0.0 – YOUR SOBER CHOICE ON MATCHDAY
May 2026. Sheffield. A rare Saturday in Sheffield, and a designated “dry” day, which is quite an effort in my hometown. On a whim, I thought “about time I went to Bramall Lane“, and was a bit miffed to see the Cricketers Arms opposite the ground closed on match day. I took an aimless stroll… Continue reading HEINEKEN 0.0 – YOUR SOBER CHOICE ON MATCHDAY
£5.20 PINTS IN THE PELT TRADER
April 2026. Cannon Street. London. I’m always interested in The Honest View on Beer Quality. Chris Dyson and Paul Bailey always give their beers scores; folk on the “We love Bass, us” Facebook page seem reluctant to admit Bass can sometimes be less than perfect (though it always seems to photograph well). Our American visitors… Continue reading £5.20 PINTS IN THE PELT TRADER
(STILL) THE PRIDE OF SPITALFIELDS
April 2026. Spitalfields. London. I had a sneaking suspicion that Dave had picked the King’s Arms for his post-museum pint as it provided a direct route to the Pride of Spitalfields, one of the London classics on his Pub Bucket List. The walk down Brick Lane is as exhilarating as ever, with the old Truman’s… Continue reading (STILL) THE PRIDE OF SPITALFIELDS
AUGUSTINER IN THE KING’S ARMS
April 2026. Bethnal Green. London. An afternoon in east London with Joan and Dave, barely mentioning the T***p at all; just culture and cask and the Columbia Road. It helps as a tourist, UK or American, if you like a bit of scruff with your charm, which is why Bethnal Green is such a joy.… Continue reading AUGUSTINER IN THE KING’S ARMS
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