19th December 2022.
Having quickly acquired my new Bradford GBG tick* at Boar & Fable, I had to make a quick decision about how best to get value from my £14.40 Off-Peak return ticket, having missed cut-off for the Media Museum.
Another bar on North Parade ? There’s nine to choose from;
I’d been having some (unusually respectful and civilised) debate about the merits of Bradford on CAMRA Discourse that week, and to be fair I’d have characterised the pubs as “friendly, lively, inconsistent beer“.
But today the beer (OK, two samples) was immaculate. The Record Cafe is the local Pub of the Year, and seemed a changed beast since my visit in 2015 or thereabouts.
Ten drinkers my age, selecting from a carefully curated list on a beer board (North Riding NBSS 3.5/4), entertained by an Americana soundtrack.
Anywhere that plays Katy J Pearson’s “Willow’s Song” is OK by me.
OK, architecturally it’s still shop conversion (I guess) with record store upstairs, pump clips stretching to the ceiling, and tea lights.
But that’s exactly the sort of classy place Mrs RM likes, and on the tapas menu they have both octopus. AND squid. Blimey.
But of course you don’t come to Bratfud for squid. Not yet.
What else…
Sorry. I think you’ve missed the vintage bus tour of Bradford’s sewage history, but I’m sure they’ll put on another one.
*But am I REALLY going to attempt to complete GBG 23 ?
retiredmartin 
You don’t often get chance to see sewage powered steam engines for as little as £12.50
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The question isn’t “Am I going to attempt GB 23?”, it’s “Has Mrs RM got fed up with having me around all the time yet?”.
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Truth.
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Ale, cricket, food, sewage powered steam engines… how do I sign up for this?
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The Record Cafe looks more worn in and welcoming than when we visited a few years ago. Warmer looking in your photos. It felt a bit sterile to me the day we were there.
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I can’t remember my first visit with Mrs RM but sterile may be fair. It seemed a different place now.
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The octopus and squid both come in sardine like tins. They are tasty, though rather expensive for the amount you actually get. Definitely need to order a bread basket with them!
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