I’m just back from celebrating the life of Peter Allen in his adopted and much loved home town of Birmingham. South Brum, importantly, not far from Cadbury World. Or the hills.
It really was a celebration of life, with friends from his fascinating career and hobbies providing memories of Pete’s work, quizzes, love for Carling, and ties. Especially the ties. I took one home and will wear it at our next Codgers trip. Pete would like that.
Before meeting Pete in 2017 I was aware of him through his excellent blog about canals and pubs, and got to know him well over the course of many an entertaining pub crawl across the Greater Midlands and even The North.
Here he is looking quizzical in Rugby, along with another lost friend of this blog.
And here’s his drink of choice on World Cup Semi Final Day in Digbeth a year later. Proper head, that.
Pete loved life, and pubs. We did regularly get Pete to drink that dreadful real ale stuff, but anyone who thinks pub crawls are about beer is missing the point.
You could talk to Pete about anything, he was great pub company. I’m not sure we actually agreed about anything important (football, politics or beer), but life is better when you can have conversations with people with a different perspective to you.
Pete will be missed by many. Thanks for the memories, mate.
retiredmartin 
Well said, Martin. Thanks for going to the funeral and representing pub men everywhere who met Pete and enjoyed his company.
There are hills? Why did no one tell me before.
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Lickey Hills (not allowed under Covid).
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Well said Martin.
And they’re needed for the Lickey Incline.
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A fine post. I only met Pete for the first time in Stockport but would be good to raise a glass in his memory on an outing soon. Can’t make Bath but maybe some Birmingham classics next time round?
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Sorry for the loss of your friend.
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Thanks Bill. It was a good send off.
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Nice words.
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Great words Martin and a lovely post. Thank you for representing the pub fraternity and this is a perfect send off
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It was good to see he had so many friends there from so many periods of his life, always a mark of a life well lived, though ended too soon.
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I still have a fridge magnet of the Crown in Digbeth to remember him by. Cheers, Peter 🤗 🍻
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T’other Mudgie,
And mine’s of the also sadly gone Eagle and Tun.
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A nice write-up Martin, and a lovely tribute to Pete. I want to echo what others have said here, and thank-you for attending his memorial service on behalf of all who appreciate proper pubs, decent beer and good company.
I only had the pleasure of Pete’s company on those three days out in Shifnal, Burton & Stockport, but found him affable, and knowledgeable across a wide range of subjects. It was a real pleasure to have known him, and to have shared a few pints with him.
ps. I will be looking out for you, in Bath on Friday, wearing that tie!
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I’ll be wearing it to tie myself to the bar if that weather forecast is accurate !
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Lovely post.
I followed the pubs then and now blog but didn’t recognise the name when you mentioned the other day.
Looks a real character and a fine bloke.
RIP x
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