The small band of hardy GBG tickers are the jolliest people you’ll ever meet, cheerful even when spending a day travelling to New Mills for a brewery tap (only open Monday and Tuesday evenings) that’s unexpectedly closed. Our WhatsApp group is full of helpful tips on how to cadge a pint when your target pub… Continue reading TICKING THE SEVEN STARS, DARTMOUTH – EASIER THAN YOU’D THINK
Month: September 2022
27 YEARS ON, A RETURN TO KINGSBRIDGE
Someone askedme when I started “ticking” and I reckon that, bar some Cambridge favourites like the Free Press, it really started just after I married Mrs RM (I really did) at which point I was teetotal. My first GBG was the 1994 edition, a design classic, but for a year or so we only did… Continue reading 27 YEARS ON, A RETURN TO KINGSBRIDGE
TURNING AWAY TOURISTS FROM THE FRONT DOOR OF THE FERRY INN
My July Devon Dawdle had got off to an inauspicious start with Salcombe’s flagship Ferry Inn unexpectedly closed at the promised 11am, but at least the Fortescue had (eventually) given me a foothold in the county, and I followed up with the obligatory pasty from the Bakehouse (NCPSS 3). I wasn’t looking forward to planning… Continue reading TURNING AWAY TOURISTS FROM THE FRONT DOOR OF THE FERRY INN
PUBS SURPRISED THAT THEY’RE OPEN VOL 1. – SALCOMBE
The week of July saw my raid on the South-West reach Devon. When GBG22 landed (ugh) on 12 November 2021 (my copy was late) I needed 48 Devonian ticks, having rather neglected the county over 28 years on account of the hedges and my aversion to scones. A summer of Devon heaven starts in Salcombe,… Continue reading PUBS SURPRISED THAT THEY’RE OPEN VOL 1. – SALCOMBE
AM I STILL (IN) IL(MINSTER)
Completing the Good Beer Guide is hardly worthy of congratulations. All that’s required is stupidity, a pink marker pen, and an ability to plan ticking trips with the skill of Captain Scott (Duncan is Amundsen). Oh, and a vast private fortune to fund the accommodation costs in Guernsey and the Hebrides. July saw repeated raids… Continue reading AM I STILL (IN) IL(MINSTER)
IN SOUTH SOMERSET, SUNDAY SUPPING STOPS SUDDENLY
I’m back home in Waterbeach Sheffield, Mrs RM is delighted with the number of Facebook “likes” she’s got from our GBG completion, and I’ve been told in no uncertain terms that my priority is now “the garden“. I’ve checked our marriage contract and there’s no mention of gardens. Looking at my blog views this morning,… Continue reading IN SOUTH SOMERSET, SUNDAY SUPPING STOPS SUDDENLY
MEANWHILE, BACK IN JULY, THE MUDDLED MAN MARVELS
Right, I’ve milked Saturday’s triumph at the World GBG Ticking Championships for all its worth, the completed Guide lies in repose in our living room for inspection for 10 days, and it’s time to try and catch up with the blog. I left you in bell-ringing Wiltshire in early July, and return to the task… Continue reading MEANWHILE, BACK IN JULY, THE MUDDLED MAN MARVELS
A SPECIAL END TO TICKING IN SCOTLAND
Dave Halliwell, our Manx correspondent, summed up the appeal of travel guided by the GBG here; I started the blog to write about travel and will press on till I can’t after completing the Guide. I understand there may be some great pubs outside the GBG. It’s taken me 57 years to reach Orkney, and… Continue reading A SPECIAL END TO TICKING IN SCOTLAND
NO MORE WORLDS LEFT TO CONQUER
Thank you for all your good wishes on completing the Beer Guide at lunchtime in Rousay. It was an emotional morning, a mix of worry, joy and panic. And calories. This was breakfast at the West End Guest House in Orkney, where a Canadian septuagenarian regaled us with tales of the Peterborough Petes ice hockey… Continue reading NO MORE WORLDS LEFT TO CONQUER
GOOD BEER GUIDE ? DONE IT, MATE
Well, I’m there. The Taversoe, Rousay (pop.200). Tick 4,501 of 4,501. The GBG complete. And Mrs RM is with me. Sorry, black and white photo as it’s Scotland. Actually, she’s the only other person here, though the tables are all booked. The beer is good, the Cullen Skink is sensational, the staff are cheery, the… Continue reading GOOD BEER GUIDE ? DONE IT, MATE
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