retiredmartin

Always tell the truth.  Well, obviously, don’t.  That would be daft.

But when it comes to pubs, say what’s good and what’s not*.  Otherwise you’re left with rubbish pubs in the Beer Guide just making up the allocation, and no-one wants that.

Equally, always acknowledge that the beer or welcome on your visit might be a one-off, caused by end off barrel/yeast infection/defeat in the Play-Offs etc.

A first ever visit to Scawby Brook, a one street hamlet which looks like it’s in Brigg to me.

There’s a power station at Scawby Brook, but it proved elusive. So here’s a tree.

If you have a time machine you may still be able to hear Howard Boyd talk about Her Majesty’s Royal Gold State Coach last month.

I arrived at 11.58, and found a pub with open door and “open” sign.

It’s a dining pub, as it has to be with such a small catchment.

That also means you get clean toilet facilities, you’ll be pleased to know. You may be horrified to hear there were no urinals, perhaps uniquely. Paul Mudge will know.

“Yes ?”

“Er, can I get a drink yet ?”

“I’m still setting up“.

I thought this was gruff Humberside charm, but the long-serving Landlord cheered up remarkably as he told me he was off out to enjoy the afternoon sunshine (yes, it was THAT Thursday).

I was envisaging him joining me in Cleethorpes or Immingham, but it turned out he was travelling the 0.9 miles to the market in central Brigg. It’s a good market.

I have no idea where Hancocks HB is brewed now. Someone will tell me.  Two minutes on the internet attributes it to Cardiff, Burton and Narborough.

“The locals like it” apparently, and so did I, twenty years ago in Tintern. The HB here was OK, but lacking a bit of sparkle. Too embarrassed to take a half-full glass back, I treated the daffodils. It seemed strangely appropriate.

Anyway. Spot the sexism in beer here.

*unless they’re pubs in your branch and you’d lose the discount.