I see I’ve almost used this title before, but so what ? There’s not much that rhymes with Hanley. Or Stoke. Before the pedants start, Hanley isn’t Stoke, but it is the “entertainment” centre for the Potteries, apparently. For a start you’ve got the Reardon Club (aka Victoria) with its Wheeltappers vibe and Bass. And… Continue reading WHIPPIN’ PICCADILLY (HANLEY)
Month: January 2019
DERBY – 17 HAND PUMPS AND THE BEER’S STILL GOOD
I’d been hoping for a Proper Night Out in Derby with Charles; the curry must be OK there. But it hasn’t happened and I need to finish Derbyshire off so I can start on the more challenging counties. Like Fife. The Standing Order has been irritating me. I’m sure I’ve been to more Spoons… Continue reading DERBY – 17 HAND PUMPS AND THE BEER’S STILL GOOD
retiredmartin’s DAY OFF IN TONBRIDGE
My last Kent Guide pub, in lovely Tonbridge. I would have done this on Christmas Day but apparently it’s not the Done Thing to leave the table before the Christmas pudding to tick a pub. #PoliteSociety. Five minutes walk from Tonbridge station, the Foresters is a rare tick in what is becoming quite a pubby… Continue reading retiredmartin’s DAY OFF IN TONBRIDGE
MICRO PUB MEN, POCAHONTAS AND ME – BACK TO GRAVESEND
Manchester Beer Fest day. If you’re there, buy me a low alcohol German beer. That’s me in the corner, whining about the lack of seating. Duncan will be there, showing off his knees and his GBG. I bet he’s done Kent, even though it’s 300 miles away from him and virtually next door to me.… Continue reading MICRO PUB MEN, POCAHONTAS AND ME – BACK TO GRAVESEND
HAIL THE VALE OF LEADON
On the Saturday morning I walked off the cobwebs in Cardiff Bay. One of these days I’ll revisit the last surviving boozers in Bute before they close for good, replaced by chain pizzeria. Some impressive cider based art on display near the Parliament. One quick stop on the way back, in the tangle of villages… Continue reading HAIL THE VALE OF LEADON
IS IT WORTH SUFFERING “SUMMER OF 69” FOR A £1.93 PINT OF BRAINS ?
THAT is the question. Last post from Cardiff, on the first Friday I’ve had there in decades. Quite quiet, I thought. Perhaps they were all watching the egg-chasers at the Arms Park. The City Arms is always packed though, isn’t it ? Actually I couldn’t remember it at all, even though it’s the… Continue reading IS IT WORTH SUFFERING “SUMMER OF 69” FOR A £1.93 PINT OF BRAINS ?
STEAMIN’ AHEAD
Back in Cardiff with an hour ’till Architects finished destroying my son’s ears, and no new GBG pubs to chase down, as the aforementioned Aberdare was a bit out of reach. A quick look at WhatPub and it jumped out at me; a Head of Steam pre-emptive. They’ve made the Guide immediately in Sunderland, York,… Continue reading STEAMIN’ AHEAD
COGAN’S RUN
Yes, it’s hazy photo time. Half an hour from Llantwit to Cogan, Gateway to Penarth. Half an hour in which to enjoy a lively atmosphere as Bridgenders head in to Cardiff for their nights at Pryzm and Liquid. Except that they all got out at Penarth. No idea why you’d go there, except ticking the… Continue reading COGAN’S RUN
A VAIN SEARCH FOR WELSH BEER
You left me in Llantwit Major in the drizzle, you sods, in the glow of a sublime pint of Doom Bar. Talking of which, I see one of our top beer writers has finally seen the light. This might be an after effect of my abstinence, but I’m drinking my first pint of Doom Bar… Continue reading A VAIN SEARCH FOR WELSH BEER
SLOW TRAIN TO LLANTWIT MAJOR
Three more days at home, then I broke for the border, in this case demarked by the Severn Crossing into Wales. How pleasing to report that the tolls have gone*, meaning you can make Newport in 3 hours from Cambridge. Shame the M4 grinds to a halt at Caerleon. I was bringing Matt to… Continue reading SLOW TRAIN TO LLANTWIT MAJOR
retiredmartin 