retiredmartin

Research has shown that a picture of Stafford Paul or Sheffield Hatter will boost your blog views by 13.7%, so here’s both. Only a pub cat or a pint of Bass (in branded glass) work better, 15.2% and 14.1% respectively.

My own blog views dipped a bit as I spent the first half of the month telling you about our week in the Balkans,

but I don’t regret that as Belgrade,

Tuzla,

Sarajevo,

and Mostar were wonderful.

In Tuzla I started a new tradition with Mrs RM of inviting ourselves into random people’s houses and asking for craft beer, something we’ll definitely try next time we’re in Maidenhead.

Back in the UK the new Good Beer Guide-inspired travels continued, and blog views rose again.

The most read was the post on the “Parliamentary” train service to little Brigg,

and similar trips to unsung English towns have been a highlight of 2023.

Wem punched above its weight,

and November will bring visits to Stone, which promises some Plum Porter at least.

October brought Bass back, a particularly fine version at Matlock’s Thorn Tree being my Beer of the Month.

The fact this was under a brand new licensee after the departure of a longstanding Bass supporter made it even more impressive.

Bass in Newcastle centre as well, and once again the Toon marvelled on many levels.

A return to the Bridge Hotel, my Pub of the Month, was a joy I was regretting a few hours later.

A beautiful building, but pubs are about people, and in October I got to meet lots of great Pub Men and Women. And cauliflowers.

Simon, John Clarke, the Tand and E, Matthew Thompson, Fried Coleslaw, Blackpool Jane, Big Steve, Citra Mick, Sheffield Hatter and Stafford Paul. All great company.

And Mrs RM was great company, too. At least till she started scoring beers on Untappd.