I couldn’t leave Leek without some more culinary highlights, starting with breakfast at the Green Man.
It really is staggering how readily Dick and Dave follow my lead; next year I’ll order a Phal (hot) in a Manchester curry house, washed down with conker milk DIPA.
Over cheese and ham oatcakes from Leek Oatcakes round the corner (“It’s legendary” said host Paul), we debated black pudding and Eccles cakes. Who says this blog is all about beer ?
I took a stroll round town before setting off for Ashbourne, admiring the WilliamMorris house and library.

and bought Mrs RM some meringues and Bakewell tart from Pronto Deli. I presume they were good.



Quinno seemed surprised by my reports of classic pubs.
It’s a bit like Bridgnorth, cut-off by lack of a mainline train station.
So I was thrilled to read the headline from the Leek Post, reporting the first 201 metre of track being laid down to reconnect the town with the modern world (well, Stoke).

On current projections, Stafford Paul will be able to get there on the train by 2071, by which time we can hope some more 10am Stonegate pubs will have joined the Spoons in offering 6% beers to the breakfast imbibers.

It’s a wonderful town, though there’s a worrying number of places up for sale in St. Edward St and beyond, including this Marston pub which provided a rare disappointing pint for our visitors.

The number of new crafts bars suggests there’s a bit of life left in the old gal yet though.
“Stafford Paul will be able to get there on the train by 2071” – I’ve got to get through 2021 first !
“a worrying number of places up for sale in St. Edward St and beyond” possibly including the ex Pound Pub / ex Lymestone pub.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes I remember the Lymestone now.
LikeLike
Your lead is often an interesting one. Loved those cakes. Best breakfast of the trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“It really is staggering how readily Dick and Dave follow my lead”
A lot of us follow your lead. You’re like what’s his face in Guardians of the Galaxy; the one they call Starlord. 🙂
“Pink ones cost 20p more, subtle racism”
Nah. It’s all the extra food colouring.
““Drink all 3 in an hour and die in a ditch by 10am””
I did something similar visiting my brother one time in northern France. Went to a bar around 9am and had 3 bottles of Chimay Blue in about an hour. Didn’t die in a ditch but I was definitely intoxicated. 🙂
“The number of new crafts bars suggests there’s a bit of life left in the old gal yet though.”
Would the Butter Market by one? 😉
Cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Definitely intoxicated” !!!!!
LikeLike
So Leek station might be open by the time of a BRAPA visit (2043). Sounds quite appropriate somehow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am a bit curious about the fabled Leek Oatcakes. Is the typical version sweet or savory? What sorts of things are they served with?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dick and Dave had quite a conversation about that with the B & B chap!
You can add anything to them, Nutella, jam, peanut butter. I guess they’re the English crepe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
To me those Leek Oatcakes look just like the North Staffordshire Oatcakes so often found in the Potteries.
LikeLike
Oh no there’s a world of difference.!
LikeLike
So I shall go and investigate – once they’re reopened Leek railway station.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Give it a week or two.
LikeLike
Surely there’s got to be an oatcake infused IPA on the market?
LikeLike
Probably in the village you’re just moving to now 😉
LikeLike