Today’s blog title comes to you (indirectly) courtesy of Dire Straits, a cult band from the early ’80s now ripe for re-evaluation, I feel*. One of the joys of Britainbeermat’s new blog lifeafterfootball839 is the way he delves into corners of east Brum most of us would rather not go. I have a suspicion that 839… Continue reading GONNA LIVE, ALUM ROCK
Month: September 2017
SUPER SUSSEX IN ST. ALBANS
I feel a con writing about St Albans when Alec has that gig covered, but this was my last tick in Hertfordshire and a goodie. To be fair to CAMRA-HQ, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a bad Beer Guide pub in the city, though the homebrew at the Farmer’s Boy was always a… Continue reading SUPER SUSSEX IN ST. ALBANS
FIRKIN’ WATFORD
Well, the committee that makes up my blog titles went into overdrive on this one. Nothing rhymes with Watford, a place I can’t love, but whose brightly-shirted team of unpronounceable players kindly let my beloved City trample all over them at regular intervals these days. And then leaves their calling cards in pub toilets.… Continue reading FIRKIN’ WATFORD
A HIGH FIVE FOR HENDON
You may need to be seated for this one. In fact, a stiff drink would help, except that drinking at home is a mortal sin that kills pub. In the immortal words of I, Ludicrous “I had a beer I rated NBSS 5 in North West London” (Response): Now then, now then ! “In an… Continue reading A HIGH FIVE FOR HENDON
RED TRIANGLE, RED MUSHROOMS
A bit of a stunner to come tomorrow, but I drop my chronology to bring you today’s Draught Bass Report from Etwall. The villages between Derby and Burton off the A38 are a treasure chest for disciples of Pedi and Bass, as readers of BritishBeerMat’s blog will know by now. Disciples of Buddha from… Continue reading RED TRIANGLE, RED MUSHROOMS
PUTTING A DAMPER ON FRESHERS WEEK
I was too dopey to go to University, so I’ve no idea if my Mum and Dad would have visited me (probably by tractor) a week after I moved into Fresher’s accommodation. Mrs RM and I haven’t actually broken down in tears, as is the fashion among the middle classes when their children leave home,.… Continue reading PUTTING A DAMPER ON FRESHERS WEEK
WARMING UP FOR INDYMAN
Only four more sleeps ! I’m sure that, like me and Pub Curmudgeon, you’re counting down to IndyManBeerFest, the beer event of the year. Mrs RM and I will be there on Friday lunchtime, being tight old gits with time on our hands. Look for us maximising the ABV per £ by sticking to beer… Continue reading WARMING UP FOR INDYMAN
A JOUSTER IN ALCESTER
The pub blogging market is getting as crowded as the home micro-brew one these days, what with Pubmeister and now BritishBeerMat starting blogs this year to entertain us with tales from Littleover and Lund. To stand out from the crowd you therefore need random pub cats (even shy ones), or the stirring of a hornet’s… Continue reading A JOUSTER IN ALCESTER
A WELCOME IN WELLAND FOR SMOKERS & GOURMANDS
On to the Marlbank in Welland in the foothills of the Malvern Hills, though without much sense of being in them. Pub sign experts can confirm if this is an old Banks’s house. An average dining pub that I’d have left unmentioned for all time*, but for some of the highest quality banter of the year so far, and… Continue reading A WELCOME IN WELLAND FOR SMOKERS & GOURMANDS
1972 AND ALL THAT
Ultimate proof that everything cost a shilling in 1972, including beer, just like everything cost a penny in 1952, and a groat in 1852. Today’s post celebrates the ticking prowess of Pubmeister, who seems to have the same zest for football grounds as pubs. Are you doing a programme? — Duncan Mackay (@mackay_duncan) September 23,… Continue reading 1972 AND ALL THAT