retiredmartin

Beer Guide safely back in hand, it’s time for some (increasingly rare) ticking action before GBG24 lands (ugh) and the whole charade resumes. “You’ll never finish” shouts someone.

20 minutes up the A303 from Longparish to The Edge of Basingstoke, which would have made a great Stevie Nicks song.

I’ve been campaigning on the Old Codger’s pub forum for a Proper Day Out in Basingstoke, with little interest. It’s because of the fear of excess Doom Bar. Or, perhaps, Andwell, whose brewery tap had, er, so entranced me last year.

This year’s new entry in Greater Baz, as the kidz call it, is in Mapledurwell (one p), which takes the Andwell Tap’s place without a struggle.

The Gamekeepers opens at 5:30 to sell its Pan Roasted Pigeon Breast. rare, puy lentils, celery, carrots, sherry vinegar, mash, crispy bacon, pickled grapes, port jus. Oh, and a £17 Scotch Egg.

That gives us half an hour to walk Mapledurwell (pop. 620). Twice.

Gorgeous little place, with little signs of the old brickworks, just some extremely handsome buildings.

I’m shocked to see the honey being sold for an ambitious £7 (£7.50 via Pay Pal), but as I haven’t bought honey since Winnie the Pooh was in shorts I’m probably off the pace.

We don’t pass a soul, but when we arrive back at the Gamekeepers bang on opening there’s already an Old Boy with handlebar moustache sipping a pint of Rothaus, which I’ve just remembered I saw a sign for up the road at the Andwell factory.

Yes, Rothaus, a pint that (as in the Ypres Castle) suggests a classier establishment.

And there’s nothing classier than a well in a pub (see : the Lamb), as long as you don’t drop your GBG down it.

“Have you booked ?” I’m asked, on entry.

No, not by that obligatory dog, though talking dogs are possibly a feature here.

A classy place, and two pumps seems plenty. I should have had the Andwell, the Crafty One was OK (2.5) but had a mild diacetyl touch that would have been a problem for me if it hadn’t been Mrs RM charged with responsibility for the scoring.

A pint and a lime and soda cost £8, so not much change left for an assertive Sooty.

But you can’t complain about prices when you’ve a choice of three (3) hand washes;

The rainbow fruit cocktail is a limited edition, you know.