I’ll really feel a sense of loss when (if) I finish these Northampton posts. Onto the Albion, a.k.a. the Phipps Brewery Tap. Minus at least three of our number who had decided to stick to the Fosters in the Drum (possibly).
First, the bad news from the five minute stroll from the Drum. Shipmans remains shut, its National Inventory treasures (Big D peanuts dispenser, Mansfield beer mats etc) hidden forever. If it re-emerges as a micro I shall cry.
The good news is that Northampton looked stunning in early evening, with golden stone,
and the unique “Tracey Ullman Quarter”
The Albion was heaving, even compared to my first visit.
We’d arrived at the launch of the Straight Allies campaign,
and found the Mayor in fine form.
In Winchester (imagine me hissing that word) the whole pub would be closed if a private function like this was on. As we’ve seen, Northampton is a welcoming place that made space for us. Mudgie didn’t try the hat on.
It’s unlikely a pub as packed as this is ever going to impress as much as one where you get the last table and get to stroke the pub cat, but it was hard to argue with the buzz or the beer (Cobblers, NBSS 4, my beer of the night).
Not great lacings, but look at this scummy head.
Only two to go, unless I’ve forgot one.
retiredmartin 
Almost there. Do it for your readers.
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Just realised how many I still have to do from Northumberland before you come and distract me. This pubgoing is such hard work (awaits sympathy).
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You realise we only read this while we wait for you to get a round in, don’t you?
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I’m against “rounds” on principle. You only get to see the true theatre of a pub if you buy your own half having dithered for 30 seconds and asked for samplers of Doom Bar and Abbot.
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You go in bars with more than 1 beer?
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Only under sufferance as I use the “Good (Choice of) Beer Guide”
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You’re just waiting for the Good Sam’s Guide
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It’s a tough gig but someone has to do it 😀🍻
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I know after a week of this pub going I am pretty tired out. It isn’t for the weak.
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But you do tend to do it in concentrated short bursts 😄🍻
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The mayoral chain looks a bit parsimonious.
Almost as though he borrowed it from that ageing punk a few posts ago.
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Good Vibe and undoubtedly the best beer in this pub – The Golden Mild wasn’t a mild but it was quite a progressive hoppy sort of a brew that I would return for.
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“and the unique “Tracey Ullman Quarter””
Her TV show in the US is how the Simpsons got started.
“Mudgie didn’t try the hat on.”
The hat band appears to have Chinese dragons on it.
“the beer (Cobblers, NBSS 4, my beer of the night).”
I quite liked the link Richard provided for the history of Phipps NBC. (thumbs up)
Cheers
PS – “Onto the Albion,”
Pretty sure that should be on to.
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Oh, I dunno. “Onto” works for me. Perhaps I’ll start a Twitter poll about it.
(Love ya really).
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