Two (2) weeks ago I completed Wales AND England and suddenly only had 22 to complete the Beer Guide and follow in the shadow of the Pubmeister. Twenty two ? Piece of ****, surely ? Well, first I had what we’ll call family drama, meaning a week spent at “home”, and then this week the… Continue reading THE FINAL COUNTDOWN – 22 BECOMES 21
Month: August 2022
WOOHA ! – THE GRAMPIANS HAVE FALLEN
The last week of June saw the Aberdeen & Grampian chapter of the GBG completed in the picturesque setting of Findhorn Bay on the Moray Firth, from where you can see all my 22 remaining Guide pubs. Threatening clowds, mud and sand, weatherbeaten pubs, pashminas and campervans; a lovely place. Best seen from the Google… Continue reading WOOHA ! – THE GRAMPIANS HAVE FALLEN
CRAFT BEER IN ELLON. A BREWDOG FREE ZONE
Ellon (pop. 10,070) is one of the most populous UK towns I’d never visited before this mammoth ticking year, which is odd when you think of its reputation as the birthplace of woke craft beer. I would have visited in 2019 but I was so sick after the bus trip to Oldmeldrum I gave it… Continue reading CRAFT BEER IN ELLON. A BREWDOG FREE ZONE
WHAT’S THE STORY, TWO TICK BANCHORY ?
Deeside and the approach to the Cairngorms is gorgeous; if I ever finish the Guide I’ll come back and do it properly for you. For now it’s all about relentless ticking, as we head to Banchory, a mini Helensburgh. Two ticks, starting with the Douglas Arms, a heritage pub whose heritage charms I rather missed,… Continue reading WHAT’S THE STORY, TWO TICK BANCHORY ?
DRIZZLE OVER BALLATER – “Mustn’t grumble”
I know BRAPA has done a bit of Aberdeen, this a typically #PubMan comment in one of hisearly posts; “The barman was a friendly chap who really knew his stuff, offering me tasters but I said I believed in committing yourself to a beer so I went for a “Deaf Mermaid”, at 5.4% one of… Continue reading DRIZZLE OVER BALLATER – “Mustn’t grumble”
LIGHTS ON AT THE BLUE LAMP
I can’t believe I forgot the Blue Lamp when I told you I had three (3) new GBG ticks in Aberdeen. Four (4) new (to me, anyway) Guide entries in an evening are riches indeed, only pipped by Kirkwall; I may yet do that ferry to Kirkwall (see the map) one way or the other.… Continue reading LIGHTS ON AT THE BLUE LAMP
TIME FOR A NETTLE PORTER & PORK SCRATCHINGS IN FIERCE
Aberdeen is one of the top 10 great pub cities in the UK. No, really. I had four (not three) new GBG entries to visit since my pre Covid trip, and other Temptations (not those ones) lay on every corner. The Grampians are home to one of the UK’s top craft breweries, and I interrupted… Continue reading TIME FOR A NETTLE PORTER & PORK SCRATCHINGS IN FIERCE
THE GRANITE CITY
A third new GBG pub in Aberdeen in an hour (and I’ve just remembered there was a fourth so I’ve already lied to you), as I reach the network of bars around Golden Square. Aberdeen was looking splendid early evening, if a bit quieter than pre-Covid. Back to the craft trail (I wasn’t collecting stickers,… Continue reading THE GRANITE CITY
UPMARKET ABERDEEN
A night in Aberdeen, or possibly Bridge of Dee, for £35 at Holburn Guest House. Tonight, you’ll struggle to get a double room anywhere in Scotland for less than £150, but the cheapest Travelodge in Aberdeen is half the price (£45.99) it is anywhere else. Historically the Granite City was one of the most expensive… Continue reading UPMARKET ABERDEEN
THE UNEXPECTED THRILL OF NEWTONHILL
Onto Aberdeenshire, home to long-distance Blackpool fans and one of my most rabid commentators. I’m sure Karen and Scott are both thrilled that Aberdeen is now the world centre of craft. I did three of those that day, just the new GBG ticks, starting in Newtonhill. A gorgeous dormitory town with a bay full of… Continue reading THE UNEXPECTED THRILL OF NEWTONHILL
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