I love reading LifeAfterFootball, (aka BritishBeerMat) who has done more than anyone since Alan Winfield to give the humble boozer the prominence it deserves.
Like the Quo, LAF stuck to the knitting; gorgeous photos of Proper Pubs retaining afternoon opening (Ed: are you sure ?) peppered with vignettes of pub life and obscure post-punk references, in places you’ve never heard of – Breaston , Locko Park, Sinfin etc etc.
In 2020 we got an upgraded LAF map service, which on occasion extended to bus routes.
But in the Autumn, just like the Quo, he “retired” (who does that ?). Always retire at the top (actually, wasn’t that Kajagoogoo ?). Lockdown and lethargy had taken its toll.
But then, possibly after a period of meditation and mind-blowing drugs (Greene King Abbot) in Minehead he returned, possibly to play the old hits for a while, but that’s fine with his army of fans.
Like Quo with their 3 chords, LAF plays his 3 main themes to perfection.
Old Blokes in jumpers
Lacings
Draught Bass
Oh, and leaning pubs (has he ever been to Himley ?).
Let’s hope Spring 2021 sees the return to pubs, and a chance for LAF to bring us more classic British pub signs like this one;
Keep Right On To The End Of The Road.
retiredmartin 
I see there was also “spicy ring ” on the snacks list.Hmm-scampi fries for me !
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Are spicy rings really onion rings ?
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Let’s hope so.
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I suppose that the alternative is an extremely niche type of pork scratching.
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Polo mints without the mint but with curry powder.
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Is that FISH N CHIPS for 85p ?
Surely not proper fish and chips.
You’ve reminded me what a pleasure it was eventually meeting up with LAF on our Proper Day Out in Burton last March.
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Life After Footie, the blog with pubs I’ve sometimes heard of. The nearest there is to a ‘local’ pub blog, so close I’ve sometimes touched them. As for retirement, Status Quo so apt, howmany farewell tours is it now?
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You’re too kind!!! I am hoping to be more Rick Parfitt than Francis Rossi and I reckon a Stranglers reunion tour gives me more street cred!!!
I reckon I’m still on my first farewell tour but I must have at least five or six in me!!!
Cheers Martin, I am expecting you to hit the Peak District far more now you’re Sheffield based and tick off some of those crackers whilst also hitting urban beauty such as Mansfield, Heanor and Ilkeston.
The Ikea Mile of Eastwood awaits….
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Thanks LAF. Yes, IKEA awaits. Actually, I hadn’t even looked at the rail journeys I can do from Sheffield. but apparently Burton in 44 minutes !
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And £6.50 return with a Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket ( even though neither are in Derbyshire ).
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Ah, that’s if you’re 60.
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That’s virtually on my doorstep!!! The Prince of Brewers awaits!!!
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“(aka BritishBeerMat) who has done more than anyone since Alan Winfield to give the humble boozer the prominence it deserves.”
My word! High praise indeed.
“Nickers to you, too”
And now you know where I get my (drinking) underpants in bulk. 🙂
“Lockdown and lethargy had taken its toll.”
Something we can ALL relate to.
“but that’s fine with his army of fans.”
(nods sagely)
“Old Blokes in jumpers”
I think he’s brings extras and asks folk to ‘pose’ with one. 😉
“Lacings”
(goes for a lie down)
“Draught Bass”
Now THAT’S lacings!
“Oh, and leaning pubs”
If that was a Si photo, I’d blame it on a wonky knee. 🙂
“and a chance for LAF to bring us more classic British pub signs like this one;”
Blimey. I’m thinking that’s a sort of evolution in action.
“Keep Right On To The End Of The Road.”
Preferably on the A514! 🙂
Cheers
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Hope to meet up with LAF at a cricket club in the glorious summer ahead (it will happen) , failing that a grotty pub in Digbeth.
A great blog, although there is a lack of Walsall coverage 😂
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There’s a real lack of Walsall (Aldridge and Bloxwich apart) on my blog, too. I’ve an excuse (no new GBG pubs for years); LAF is definitely missing out.
He’d love the White Lion near the cricket ground, I think.
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Isn’t there a couple of new ones in this year.? Or are they just returning after a break and you’ve already visited?
Think the magnificent Walsall Arms is back.
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You’re right Neil, just returners these days (Pretty Bricks also in and out recently). BUT I haven’t been to the Walsall Arms for YEARS, don’t remember it, must organise a return. Where can I park my campervan overnight ?
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Oh I’m sure there will be many offers for you to park up.
The Walsall Arms had a massive renovation about 6 or 7 years so if you haven’t been in since then you’ll be in for a treat.
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