Good grief, a (very) good Thwaites pub. I quite like the idea of Thwaites, but the execution of their beers often seems a little underwhelming. A bit like Everards. It may turn out to have been a bit over-generous to give the Red Lion in Stockton Heath a coveted Top 100 place, but I’d… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – RED LION, STOCKTON HEATH
Month: April 2017
FLIXTON CONSERVATIVE CLUB
If you were designing a Beer Guide entry from hell, a Conservative Club close to the Manchester United training ground in the beer desert that is Trafford would be a good effort. Proximity to the Trafford Centre would seal the deal. Not many Bentleys in Flixton, just a pleasant suburb rejoicing in it’s first… Continue reading FLIXTON CONSERVATIVE CLUB
PICKING WINNERS IN WIDNES
I suspect I’m not going to be getting the honorarium as Widnes Tourism Officer after this post. But I can do better than those quoted in Wikipedia; In 1888 the town was described as “the dirtiest, ugliest and most depressing town in England”[22] and in 1905 as a “poisonous hell-town“. It really isn’t that bad.… Continue reading PICKING WINNERS IN WIDNES
THE WONDERS OF WHITCHURCH
If you’re getting bored of Shropshire, a) Don’t worry, I’ve nearly finished (just an isolated pub at Onibury to tick) b) Try living in the Fens for a month. Onward to Whitchurch, which is a cracker. Forget your Maldives and Maidenhead, this was the place to be on the hottest day of the year so far.… Continue reading THE WONDERS OF WHITCHURCH
A PROPER BOOZER IN GINGERBREAD MAN LAND
I’ve been brought to book by the blog police for shameless use of pub cat imagery as clickbait, which is spot on. Of course, I could just walk past the little kittens and resist the urge to snap them for you; think about that. Let’s hope no-one complains about today’s headline image from the King’s Arms… Continue reading A PROPER BOOZER IN GINGERBREAD MAN LAND
CLASSIC CATS & CLAPPED-OUT CARS IN HODNET
I’m afraid there’s quite a few posts to come in a hurry as I aim to get up to date, so probably just as well Mrs RM has me chained to the kitchen this weekend. Another journey into lesser-known Shropshire, though my parents seem more familiar than me with the area due to visits… Continue reading CLASSIC CATS & CLAPPED-OUT CARS IN HODNET
PUB PHILOSOPHY IN EVERARDS COUNTRY
First of all, I send my best wishes to Simon Everitt as he attempts the Everest of pub-going that is Aylesbury. Should he not survive, I’d like to register a pre-emptive claim on his marker pens. Safer ground for me east of Leicester, which sounds like a Michael Palin play waiting to be written. … Continue reading PUB PHILOSOPHY IN EVERARDS COUNTRY
BLANKED IN LONG CLAWSON
Following the freak discovery of my lost notes on parchments preserved in the reed beds of Rutland Water last week, I’m able to bring you “jottings from Belvoir“. They’re so old, some record banners on pub walls saying “Leycester Cittie – ye Premyr Champione”. Belvoir doesn’t help the photographer much, but it is a pleasant place to explore,… Continue reading BLANKED IN LONG CLAWSON
IN COOKLEY, ON CLUBS IN THE BEER GUIDE
Another Working Men’s Club in Knott End last week (they’re actually always full of retirees, tickers and children, but never mind), and now a Village Hall and Sports Social Club in Cookley, which will mean more to some of you than others. So here it is, near Kidderminster; Not that anyone knows where Kidderminster (small town full of… Continue reading IN COOKLEY, ON CLUBS IN THE BEER GUIDE
YARMOUTH – IT’S GREAT
I’ve an affection for Great Yarmouth that I don’t have for many other East Anglian resorts. I have particularly fond memories of an early career training event in the Imperial Hotel that culminated in a session on snakebite*. If anyone around then is still alive, I can only apologise. And for the string vest incident in Ritzy’s.… Continue reading YARMOUTH – IT’S GREAT
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