No, Russ, not a spelling mistake (for once).
Bang-up to date, an irritating little tick in Farnborough, a place famous for having more Harvesters and Beefeaters than people (2011 census).
The OS map makes this look an extraordinary bit of the world; airports, museums, “Danger Areas“, the home of darts, rifle ranges and even a famous CAMRA favourite in there somewhere.
My private jet was waiting to whisk me off to my next exciting destination after a quick half in the Swan, which didn’t do much right.
It’s an inauspicious start; a dull, generic pub sign and advert for rugby.
And you immediately know you’ve walked into a modern gastro-restaurant, with high tables, bright lights and dominating TV screen.
And that beer range. I’ve never heard of any of them ! Have I ?
Anyway, never try a beer called “Try Me“, especially during Oval Ball season.
And whatever you do, don’t serve me a beer in one of those thin glasses.
Oh dear !
Or charge me £2.05 for a half of 2.8% beer brewed specifically to take advantage of lower duty.
Or say “No worries !” when I say “Thank you“.
In fact the only thing it did do right was sell me the best beer I’ve had all month. As good as the 2.8% Edge that Brew Dog made in the days before they moved into cans and hotels.
As Roger Protz himself says, one of 300 Beers to try before you die. Sadly, it didn’t make the walk back to the airfield look any more inviting.
retiredmartin 
As you always say, beer quality comes first in the GBG 😛
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Long may that continue !
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“Danger Areas“
Yep, saw that part was full of hills (Spur Hill, Scarp Hill, etc.). Was going to try and make some sort of joke about my wife’s ‘hills’ being a danger area but decided against it. 😉
“My private jet was waiting to whisk me off ”
Best way to travel during the “Beast from the East”. Heck, even if it never gets off the ground and just trundles along the road those rockets would be great for clearing a path ahead. 🙂
“And you immediately know you’ve walked into a modern gastro-restaurant, with high tables, bright lights and dominating TV screen.”
It’s funny. It looks a bit like the Station Tavern but doesn’t pull off the same atmosphere.
“In fact the only thing it did do right was sell me the best beer I’ve had all month.”
Just goes to show. Whoda thunk it? 🙂
As for that 300 Beers book, I might consider getting that myself. 🙂
“Sadly, it didn’t make the walk back to the airfield look any more inviting.”
I think I would’ve stayed for another round.
Cheers
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I’m so glad you decided against it 😉
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Up until you dropped the hammer down, I was really wondering why anyone would want to go to this pub.
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I was genuinely stunned by the quality (irrespective of strength). Can see why Mr Protz picked it for his book.
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I have to say I reckon the beer in the Stamford and Warrington in Coalville is better…I don’t base this on any other fact apart from gut feeling!
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Always the best way !
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Very rarely do I see a 2.8% beer brewed specifically to take advantage of lower duty, the last one being from Hook Norton.
I would have thought that Welton’s was small enough for Small Brewers Duty and I don’t think brewers benefit from both that and the 2.8% duty cut.
I read somewhere that their PrideNJoy has been in the local Horsham Wetherspoons whatever it’s called.
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Hi Martin
Was that a Lightening, the stuff of my boyhood dreams?
Now I’ve joined the ranks of the retired, give me a shout if you’re ticking or revisiting in my part of Suffolk. I’d like to catch up and buy you a pint.
Steve
Sent from my iPad whilst mobile so apologies for brevity and any typos!
>
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I’m sure it is. I’d have bought you one from the Farnborough Air Museum if I’d known.
I forget where you live, Steve. Send me an email on martin@taylormail.plus.com and let me know and I’ll arrange a trip out to the wilds !
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Dam and blast you visit my lifelong home town and I’m sailing the South Atlantic visiting dull places like St Helena and the Ascension Island and reading all about you in Beer. Unfortunately our branch area has a vast amount of PubCo pubs so I am really pleased that beer quality came to the fore.
Another interesting thing re our branch, Surrey Hants Borders by the way, is that it has NO micropubs so you should be pleased with that.
One day I’m sure our paths will cross for the love of pubs and beer.
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