A quick look at December before the big Awards issue.
An eventful month;
2,636 miles says Bing Maps, but unfortunately it’s a bit more than that as I had to spend a few days at home in between the trips. Average hotel/B & B price : £29.71.
THE STATS
Seventy-one posts, eighty (80) new Beer Guide pubs. Yes, 80. I think that’s a record. Mark Crilley reads this blog, he’ll know.
80 (eighty) was enough to finish off Berks, Bucks, South-West London, South-East London, Tyne & Wear, Derbyshire and Merseyside GBG chapters. A bumper month.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
The A14 Huntingdon bypass. Hurrah !
On a personal level I was thrilled when Matt started work, barbering at Maclure in central Manchester. The fact he was working directly opposite the Hidden Gem where Tony Wilson’s funeral took place brought a tear to my eye on Christmas Eve.
Hadrian’s Wall looked gorgeous as I drove it from Wall to Haltwhistle, but taking photos while driving is tricky illegal.
Workington looked great in the morning on my return after 39 years, though the council ought to sort that rain out.
Julia Jacklin singing “Head Alone” and “Pressure to Party” in Manchester was as good as life gets, unless those Scousers blow a 14 point lead (i’d love it, love it).
But the moment of the month came on my birthday (22 December, make a note), in Stanley’s Cask. Johnny Mathis and uninhibited dancing and great cask.
NEW GBG PUB OF THE MONTH – GOYT INN, WHALEY BRIDGE
The Goyt not only completed Derbyshire, it gave me Bass, Christmas jumpers and an excuse for missing the Stockport Stagger.
OLD PUB OF THE MONTH – THE ALBERT EDWARD, ECCLES
Welcome back.
BEST BEER – DIZZY BLONDE IN LYTHAM (report to come)
JANUARY PREVIEW
I haven’t a clue, though I’ll probably do that irritating Cleethorpes outdoor bar that only opens at weekends, Manc Beer Fest and Halifax on 24/25th, and I’ll definitely head to Devon if the wather holds, which it probably won’t.
And yes, Duncan, I will show you my spreadsheet soon.
retiredmartin 
2,636 miles in a month is much more than many people I know do in a year – and some don’t even venture beyond their home town.
We will quite understand if you nominate yourself as Pub Man of 2019.
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It’s not me. I’m not even sure the Pubman of 2019 will be very happy about it 🙄
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It’s Humphrey, isn’t it?
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Scott,
Humphrey as Pub Man 2020 is a brilliant idea.
Then he’ll have to come along to one of our Proper Days Out early in 2021 to accept his award from Martin.
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Employed as a barber, young and hanging about in Manchester. “But to be young was very heaven.”
You should give the award to yourself. Paul couldn’t be more right.
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I’ve already nominated you as Pubman of the Year but they seem to have disregarded my submission for new year honours (either that or you turned it down). A magnificent December – congratulations. Looking forward to the spreadsheet.
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I suspect you share my views on honours, titles and letters.
Mr M. Tayloe Esq., NBSS3.5, OBD (order of Bass drinkers)
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It sounds very fitting (and I like the nobleman change of surname spelling)
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Tayloe is my ancestral name, rhymes with Southoe.
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