Not that “Bass”, unless Sir Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple, has a secret stash across the water from North Berwick. My Dad had been to North Berwick to play golf, so he was one up on me. He never told me about the other “tourist attraction” in town. I’ve no idea what beer they store under the “Law”.… Continue reading BASS ROCK
Month: May 2018
EAST LINTON – DON’T GO CHASING WATERFALLS
I’m really getting into dangerous territory here, criticising beer quality in Scotland. But I’m not alone. And while local branches feel (understandably) unable to comment on quality, instead counting the pumps*, I have no such restrictions. Next stop, East Linton’s Steakhouse, providing a rare relief from the beer desert along the A1 into Edinburgh. Another… Continue reading EAST LINTON – DON’T GO CHASING WATERFALLS
HADDINGTON HANDWASH HORROR
Six days spent in Melrose over the last two weeks with the estimable Mrs RM has proved just enough to finish the Scottish Borders and Lothians, my first “foreign” GBG counties. More than that, it’s enabled me to visit places I’d only read about excitedly in books (well, the GBG). Like Prestonpans. And Haddington. But… Continue reading HADDINGTON HANDWASH HORROR
PUBS NEAR LOW NEWTON-BY-THE-SEA THAT AREN’T THE SHIP
Not a lot to say about the next two Northumberland pubs, Mrs RM quaffing a quick half and letting me sip the dregs, washed down by a soda water*. Frankly, I sense the OS extract will keep Russ going for weeks, anyway. When “Football Hole” and “Jenny Bells Carr” aren’t even the best of it,… Continue reading PUBS NEAR LOW NEWTON-BY-THE-SEA THAT AREN’T THE SHIP
KIPPERED IN CRASTER
No, nothing to do with B****t. A post with no pub visit in it brought to you in the interest of historical completeness as Mrs RM gamely sought to provide us with fish and chips on the Northumberland coast*. In Alnmouth we found the glories of the eponymous bay, and some pretty houses, but no… Continue reading KIPPERED IN CRASTER
MURKY & MAGNIFICENT IN MORPETH
A journey of 937 miles starts with a single 45 minute hold-up on the A14, and a mammoth series of posts on the North-East* starts at unheralded Morpeth. I’m not suggesting Mrs RM is only useful in supporting my pub going, but her six month stint at Scottish Borders Council has been instrumental in… Continue reading MURKY & MAGNIFICENT IN MORPETH
CAMBRIDGE BEER FEST – KEVIN, WAYNE & DAVE
It’s that time of year again, when I drag myself away from Proper Pubs and to a big tent on a big field to drink big beers. But first, Cambridge. Resplendent in a heatwave that’s gone already. And a new Antony Gormley exhibition at Kettle’s Yard. Yes, I’ve seen that one somewhere before, too. And… Continue reading CAMBRIDGE BEER FEST – KEVIN, WAYNE & DAVE
HOW CAN YOU BE CLOSED ?
It’s a mystery (like Toyah) pub tonight. A mystery how I retained grace under pressure (little Rush reference there) having made a five hour round trip on Saturday for a half I didn’t get. Plot spoiler – it’s a micro pub. So you pay a Private Investigator (like the Dire Straits song) to compare evidence… Continue reading HOW CAN YOU BE CLOSED ?
NORTHAMPTON – FARM FESTS & WEDDING RECEPTIONS
The last leg of Northampton 2018 now, with two pubs and a chicken dhansak to finish. On to the Malt Shovel, or “the pub by Morrisons” as I know it. I’d guess this is the Magnet or Cambridge Blue of Northampton, the “CAMRA” pub if you like. It was certainly full of people who looked… Continue reading NORTHAMPTON – FARM FESTS & WEDDING RECEPTIONS
MEETING THE MAYOR OF NORTHAMPTON
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… Continue reading MEETING THE MAYOR OF NORTHAMPTON
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