NO SWANNING AROUND AT THE START OF THE GREAT MR & MRS RM NORTHERN TICKATHON

Of course, the question is “What’s that Swan wearing on his/her/their head ?”

Post 1 from the Grand Tour comes from Wighill, dangerously close to BRAPA and Emma’s parents, so I’d better be kind.

The late Richard Coldwell, who lived almost next door, never mentioned the White Swan which says a lot.

The highlight is, obviously, the journey over the mythical Tadcaster bridge, but Wighill itself offers only a tree-lined avenue which theoretically leads to our second pub. But I don’t advise that journey.

Mrs RM and I were just discussing our ability to tell what county we’re in just by looking at the buildings (OK, the pubs). The White Swan could only be in North Yorkshire (OK, possibly Wetherby at a push).

Sunday afternoon, the gravy-smeared plates collected, the Swan is bursting with village life.

A lad attempts to lift his toddler up and drag him out of the bar to play hide and seek, and I fear the worst as the dogs run amok round his feet.

It’s brilliant. Perhaps 14:30 is the golden hour for village pubs.

At the bar I debate the probability of rain (“low”), and decide on the Theakston.

Mrs RM tosses a metaphorical coin and gets to drive me, which fills me with momentary dread, (joking).

With our next pub threatening early closure, it’s a quick half.

I can tell which county I’m in by looking at the exterior; you guess the NBSS.

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Published by retiredmartin

Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.

7 thoughts on “NO SWANNING AROUND AT THE START OF THE GREAT MR & MRS RM NORTHERN TICKATHON”

    2. I can’t remember ever having a Theakstons Best Bitter as good as 2.5 NBSS. It’s usually a good deal worse than that. But then I don’t (knowingly) go drinking in GBG pubs, so perhaps a 3 is possible. Maybe it’s that special “bacteria” that helps it improve in the sun? (Please see my review here: https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/58560/ if you’ve no idea what I’m talking about.)

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  3. Interesting route. And I like the tree-lined avenue.

    I’ve never been to the Manor House at Oxen Park, but I note from WhatPub that they offer “free overnight parking to campervans with access to toilets and electric hook up.” Helps to make up for not opening until 5pm. Looking forward to reading your report.

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