retiredmartin

A start to North Yorkshire, one of the last of the GBG counties I completed a first time (if you see what I mean) in 2018.

Since then it’s plodded on with its usual dozen new entries, all in irritating places like Bishopthorpe, just south or York. BRAPA HQ is marked on the map below thus;

A return visit to Bishopthorpe came as a shock, as I was sure I’d been to all the entries, from the (closed) Sam Smiths classic,

and the “pubbier Ember” style Mercia,

and that excellent Sports & Social Club from 2021.

How, oh how, had I (and Simon, to be fair) missed the Woodman, plonked right in the middle of all the Beer Guide joy.

Well, when you’re a focused, pro ticker you often miss what’s in front of your nose. Or set back half a mile from the main road as here.

So, what had promoted the Woodman to GBG glory ?

Oh, yes, unusual beers. Well, not that unusual if you ever leave Bishopthorpe, but of course most people only leave the village to visit the retail park over the A64 or cheer on the Minster Men.

Being a contrarian, I’d ignored the fancy guests picked the Landlord, my bellwether pint.

It was cool and crisp, but a bit sharp, if truth be told.

But the pub was really cheery, I think they had a wake on.

Hang on. I think they really did have a wake on, with a vegan sandwich buffet. Perhaps I should have helped myself to a vegan sandwich to blend in. Never mind.

Whatever, the pub was packed; it was great to see.

That may be my last ever trip to Bishopthorpe, but I always thought that about Richmond (NY), and they keep finding a newbie on an annual basis. In cahoots with the local Tourist Office, I guess.

Keep your eye on the palace;

it would make a perfect Brunning & Price.