retiredmartin

October 2023. Penistone.

Just like Warden Norton in “Shawshank Redemption”, I had been suffering an unsettled night after the visit of BRAPA to conclude South Yorkshire GBG24.

I’d already claimed my home county “complete”, but something was nagging me…

Mrs RM joined me on Sunday lunchtime to confirm my suspicions.

I’d had definitely visited the Penistone Beer Shop, declaring our trip a “pre-emptive” cert back then despite the minor crime of only buying a takeaway can or two.

But I knew there was also a tap nearby, and floundered helplessly around looking for it before Mrs RM said helpfully

“It’s in there, idiot” or words to that effect.

And so it was, about 10 steps away (22 for Mrs RM).

Packed on a Sunday lunchtime, but my wife will always find a way to bag a table that isn’t there.

Cool, clean, beer from Woodlands tasted like Jolly Boys, a buzz of chat, lovely NBSS 3.5 lacings,

the whole (WHOLE) of Adele’s Greatest Hits album.

A pub for Penistone not just Untappd folk (Mrs RM forgot to do a check-in and was devastated), the next customer straight on to the whisky. “Any ice or water ?” . “Oh NO NO“.

Great way to finish South Yorkshire legally, though sadly a day too late to enjoy the All Day Breakfast in the net curtained cafe.

So I enjoyed the churchyard of St John’s,

including this carving of Simon humming his BRAPA theme tune in 4/4 time a fortnight ago.

I still don’t get Penistone, which looks very under-pubbed for a town of 22,909.

And I don’t know what these are, either,

but one of you will do.