The last time I wrote about the Chantry Inn at Handsworth someone was more intrigued by the Edward VII post box than my fascinating piece on a community local on consecrated ground. Will had wanted to visit since the Chantry “landed” (ugh) in the Guide, and I was delighted to accompany him; it’s always best… Continue reading EDWARD VII
Month: November 2021
PURE PEDIGREE
Several of you have expressed concern about my exposing young Matt to Proper Pubs in Oldham. Well, he seems unscathed, and tonight sent me this pic from the Manchester Craft Beer Tour, which sounds legit. My own tour last Monday with Sheffield Hatter was a more trad affair, though Will kindly allowed me to see… Continue reading PURE PEDIGREE
Matt gets introduced to the joys of Oldham
Matt could have made his way back to Manchester from Rochdale on the fast train, but opted to join me on the slow tram that stopped at Oldham. Youngsters are odd. I’ve no idea why I picked up a beer mat showing you the Rochdale ale trail; maybe Dick & Dave will do it if… Continue reading Matt gets introduced to the joys of Oldham
A CURRY IN ROCHDALE
A routine 3-0 victory over the Toffees last Sunday, the highlight of which was the view over our greatest city from the spiral staircase at the Etihad. On the way down Matt texted me and suggested we meet up, as Emma was doing something satanic called “Christmas Shopping”. I suggested curry in Rochdale, which used… Continue reading A CURRY IN ROCHDALE
HULME IS WHERE THE ART IS
Sunday took me back to Manchester, where City have resumed playing more traditional kick-off times after a brief failed experiment with 3pm on Saturday. A 2pm start gave me time for one new GBG tick before Everton, and perhaps a couple after if Mrs RM didn’t want me back home putting up Christmas decorations (wisely,… Continue reading HULME IS WHERE THE ART IS
TOP 100 PUBS – ALPINE BAR, SHEFFIELD CHRISTMAS MARKET
“I do hope you’re not undermining the integrity of the retiredmartin Top 100 with frivolous entries” writes Mark Crilley of Michigan. As if I would. We’re approaching a year into our Sheffield adventure, always the time to move on, and getting into the spirit of things by spending an afternoon at Sheffield’s immensely popular Christmas… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – ALPINE BAR, SHEFFIELD CHRISTMAS MARKET
17:02 – PLENTY OF TIME FOR A PINT IN THE ALEX
Homeward now, with only a 23 minute connection at Derby for the train back to Sheffield. Oh, plenty of time for a pint in the Alex. Jeff was less certain of my sanity timings, no doubt calculating that as the Alex was a good 6 minutes walk once you’d negotiated the steps, barriers and inevitable… Continue reading 17:02 – PLENTY OF TIME FOR A PINT IN THE ALEX
BYE BYE BELPER
One more for me in Belper, as I had to get back to Sheffield before nightfall or I turn into a pumpkin and Mrs RM makes in to soup (mixing metaphors here). Ain’t Belper lovely ? As I’ve said before, a bit quiet on the streets, but the pubs are busy enough, boosted by high… Continue reading BYE BYE BELPER
MARKET SQUARE HEROES
Our Thursday in Belper reaches its crescendo now, like in Sibelius 5th, as we approach the gorgeous market place at dusk. Some opted for the (excellent) Angels micro pub, some stuck to the Marston’s Proper Pubs, but we all seemed to regroup and compare NBSS scores in the Nag’s Head, the very definition of “solid”.… Continue reading MARKET SQUARE HEROES
THE OLD KING’S HEAD – DEBATING SIBELIUS
I really should lump some of these Belper pubs together but I can’t be bothered and I’d only bore myself. And although the Old King’s Head might be pretty indistinguishable from the Nag’s Head to some, every pub deserves it’s own place in retiredmartin’s sun. A very Pedi pub, though some of our group went… Continue reading THE OLD KING’S HEAD – DEBATING SIBELIUS