retiredmartin

16th February 2023.

I’m always delighted to receive visitors to our little bit of Sheffield next to the Blind Monkey, as long as a) They give Mrs RM 3 months notice in writing if they want to inspect our loos and b) sign the disclaimer that says they climb the hill at their own risk.

We’re getting a few visitors now that the Blind Monkey is in the Beer Guide, and it was a thrill to finally meet Christine Andrew, her lovely hubby, and Tom Irvin’s parents on their Proper Day out in Sheffield. Christine is the one on the right on her Twitter pic.

Somehow, she know Simon AND Duncan, and now me, and if I understood how I’d draw you a diagram.

We met outside the Monkey at 3pm, where our visitors were apparently relying on Facebook as a guide to opening hours, which shows you just how trusting folk from (Greater) Humberside* are.

So we had an excellent half in the Raven (“It’s only five minutes“) I lied, and returned half an hour later to find the door open.

The problem with going to the pub with company, as Simon will know, is that you don’t observe as much as you do when solo, but frankly when you’ve got great company like the Irvins and Andrews it doesn’t matter.

And I like it when other folk praise our local, and everyone seemed to reckon the dark beers from Don Valley were lovely. The photo doesn’t lie.

Christine had bought me a present, a GBG tea towel that Mrs RM is going to frame and never use, but I was just as happy with the Barton upon Humber wrapping paper.

I’ve already identified the little spot (the orange blob) where we can park free and do Barton properly, once the Doom Bar supplies are confirmed.

Our visitors rushed for the train, we stayed for the pizza and more beer, I’m afraid.

We are SO lucky.

*Well, Tom’s parents are from Wilberfoss, which sounds Humberish to me.