Yes, WordPress just reminded me this will be my 2,000th post. It’ll be 2,500 once I’ve written up BRAPA’s visit to the Angel in Ramsey. As you know I’m a big advocate of tradition, and tradition dictates a landmark post is exciting, topical and memorable. Luckily, the Tyler’s Kiln a mile north of Kent University… Continue reading LET’S ALL MEET UP AT THE POST 2,000
Month: January 2019
“ARE YOU STILL WANTING THIS PIG, THEN ?” – A LUNCHTIME IN WELNEY
BRAPA was here in the Fens yesterday. His reports will keep you entertained for weeks. In preparation, I popped over the “Six-fingered border” on Tuesday to see how the locals were gearing up for his visit. A couple of stealth jets flew overhead on their way back to RAF Lakenheath, possibly more defence than strictly… Continue reading “ARE YOU STILL WANTING THIS PIG, THEN ?” – A LUNCHTIME IN WELNEY
WHEN I DREAM, I DREAM ABOUT TAMWORTH MICROPUBS
Yes, when in Tamworth, it is obligatory to reference Julian Cope, whose views on micro pubs are eagerly anticipated. Last time here I celebrated the joys of the parish church in an Emergency Guide to Tamworth that is still handed out to all UK visitors on arrival at Dover. This time I bring the alternate… Continue reading WHEN I DREAM, I DREAM ABOUT TAMWORTH MICROPUBS
HOPWAS – WORTH THE HOP
Tonight, dear readers, I’m staying in lovely Chesterfield at Flags Lodge. The recent GBG pub across the road is bustling, and offers Draught Bass and Hartington IPA. Somehow, I have resisted. But a week ago I couldn’t resist the Hopwas Social Club, 2 miles walk from my Lichfield Premier Inn. Such is the life of… Continue reading HOPWAS – WORTH THE HOP
PUTTING ZIP IN THE LACINGS IN ASHBY-DE-LA ZOUCH
Stick in there, some Draught Bass coming up soon. But first, a rare trip to the hitherto near GBG-free zone of Ashby De La Zouch, a town named after Brian De La Zouch, one of several top footballers (see also : Petrescu, Bart-Williams, Clarkson) who’ve frequented the area in search of “fun”. Talking of football,… Continue reading PUTTING ZIP IN THE LACINGS IN ASHBY-DE-LA ZOUCH
BAR-BOUR LAND
While BeerMat presses on with west Leicestershire and its old coal mining town boozers, I get gastro pubs in the land of Barbour and Branston pickle. It’s about time the Saddle got into the Guide; it’s a virtual Beer guide desert in the famous A607/A606/A47 triangle. Quite hilly around John O’ Gaunt, and I gave… Continue reading BAR-BOUR LAND
OLIVES IN A TEA CUP IN KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD
Last stop on the Mini Midlands Micro tour was in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, the “edgy” bit of Mansfield and a regular stop for GBG visits over two decades. Sadly, George’s Tradition chippy seemed to have given way to an inferior copy, though you can’t complain at £3.70 for fish and huge pile of chips to last you… Continue reading OLIVES IN A TEA CUP IN KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD
HUCKNALL – BEER & SKITTLES
I’m driving BRAPA round the hard-to-reach pubs of the Cambridgeshire Fens on Saturday; “Whittlesey, little to see” is my suggested blog title. I’ll probably leave Si to his own devices this time, rather than distracting him from pub hubbub by pointing out how difficult West Oxon ticking is going to be. I can always count… Continue reading HUCKNALL – BEER & SKITTLES
WOMEN IN LOVE (WITH MICRO MURK)
The posts keep coming, but the beer dried up for me. After the usual IKEA drama (dropped cushion cover or something), I bravely volunteered to let Mrs RM do the tasting while I did the note-taking. Being a self-taught beer smellier, I know how to score a beer purely by sniffing it. The next… Continue reading WOMEN IN LOVE (WITH MICRO MURK)
HARDY & HANDSOME – KIMBERLEY KICKS ON
I’m afraid the title is the best thing about this post from a frustrating afternoon in industrial Notts. Alan Winfield would have appreciated it, albeit horrified by the unfettered growth in micros. After Manchester I spent 3 days throwing things away while Mrs RM did company accounts and tax returns. She was ready for an… Continue reading HARDY & HANDSOME – KIMBERLEY KICKS ON
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