13) The Queen’s Arms – Cowden Pound, Kent
A very overdue visit to one of Mr Coe’s basic, unspoilt pubs,
which I now understand never made the Beer Guide because the landlady didn’t want pub tourists like me there. The village, and the doggie at the top, made me as welcome as you could hope. A micro pub in proper pub clothing, in fact.
14) The Platform Tavern, Southampton
This was the south coast trip where I met the man I called Tom, and a couple of other ne’er do wells.
I was still recovering that night when I returned to the Platform. For the third time, I fell for the loo joke.
Rarely will you find such a joyous pub (they’d just got a Nil-Nil against Hull), and the beer was nectar. Even that unpasteurised keg London Pride.
15) Volunteer Arms (Staggs) – Musselburgh
Another famed pub I’d never been to, and another contender for Pub of the Year.
A “Proper Pub” not a “CAMRA Pub”, if you know what I mean. I said “A Scottish Cooper’s Tavern” and “A Symphony in Brown” as well.
Sampling the Jarl here should be on every bucket list.
If I had to pick a “moment” from the year, it would be Robbie Williams singing “Angels” at the Manchester One Love concert back in June. while I was in Burslem.
I was in pieces, but this sublime pint of Plum Porter at the Titanic Tap did me right.
17) – Geordie’s Byre, Newton-on-Ayr
A second Scottish classic I finally got to visit, and a second exemplar pint of Jarl.
“One for fans of dark brown, bench seating, tasteful wall photos and beer mats” I said. And old school Landlords who know how to keep a cellar.
My beer scores say this was as good as it got in 2017. How could Edinburgh Castle taste this good (it was rubbish in Bucks last year. Ah, there’s my answer).
Recommended to me by the Pubmeister, a man who knows beer quality, and served in a Glasgow bar at it’s early evening height. Absolute magic.
It also gave me the chance to revive the spirit of Brad. And Archie,
I’m a bit worried by how many magic pubs I’ve given you already. I’ll try and exercise more quality control tomorrow.
retiredmartin 
Love the photo of Tom. Really, why does he allow himself to be associated with those ne’er do wells?
“A “Proper Pub” not a “CAMRA Pub”, if you know what I mean” –I find this fascinating. What are the key differences? Or is it something that’s hard to put into words?
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I know what Martin means, but it’s hard to put into words. You know one when you see one. A pub where, no matter how good the beer is, most of the customers are there for the atmosphere or the company, not just the beer.
Edinburgh Castle, when well-kept, is IMV one of the great unsung beers of Britain, and one that, like Draught Bass, always “jumps out at me” from a row of handpumps.
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The Kent pub does indeed look a classic.
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The Queen’s Arms certainly is a classic, Alan. Following the sad passing of long-serving landlady Elsie Maynard, the pub was acquired by new owners, who are keen to keep it as it was back in Elsie’s day.
As the new owners both have full time jobs, the pub’s opening hours are somewhat limited, but it is well worth a visit, if you get the chance.
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“The Queen’s Arms certainly is a classic,”
It definitely looks that way… even though Martin calls it the Queen’s Head in this post. 🙂
Cheers
Russ
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Mudgie beat you to that one at the time ! Pub renaming all the rage here, Russ.
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In fact I made that same mistake twice 😱
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“In fact I made that same mistake twice 😱”
It’s all that desert air. 🙂
Cheers
Russ
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Is that Bon Accord of 0-36 v Arbroath fame?
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Probably the pub team playing after a ten pint session 😉.
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I reckon you’re right! Always wondered where that was!!!
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Apparently they were from Aberdeen, works team for Trumps golf course.
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Is that true???
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Fake news.
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Ha! In true Trump fashion! You did suck me in there though…good work 👍
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Jarl is as good as it gets.
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