retiredmartin

November 2023. Willington. Derby.

I like the fact the newbie Guide entries are so unpredictable; just like the Spanish Inquisition no-one (except Life After Football) would have predicted the Dragon in Willington.

LAF even suggested a week’s holiday in your first stop south of Derby, but a night in a campervan in the station car park was enough, and somewhat cheaper than the Ibis Budget.

“Colin” and others had highlighted the minor downside of spending a night next to the Willington station,

but that just shows you should never trust anyone called “Colin”, unless they’re a cauliflower.

Mere seconds from my stop lies the Dragon, new GBG entry and Bass shrine.

Lesser beers were available.

But what’s this ? End of barrel ? It’s a conspiracy.

“The new barrel is on in 20 minutes” says the landlady.

My train goes in 30; all is well.

Teasingly, the last pint out of the old barrel stares at me, deserted by its owner. Actually, escaping the end of the barrel may be a win.

The substitute Pedi is decent enough, but lacks the crispness you want. The pub, meanwhile, is heaving at 3pm on a Thursday afternoon, presumable all escapees from the dangerous ‘hood that is Repton. It’s a bit chintzy for a bloke, pleasingly chintzy for a lady, I guess (#casualsexism)

80% female, 80% diners, 10% ladies with laptops, the biggest growth market in pubs. Loads of dogs too, but you’d guessed that.

Due to the Wickingman and Beermat the second fastest growing segment in the pub sector is, of course, Bass outlets, and 10 minutes after taking ownership of the Pedi I’m back for Burton’s finest (after Carling).

If the landlady is surprised at my haste she gives nothing away, but then you can’t sip beer.

It’s marvellous; cool, crisp and chewy (the three “c” s of cask), an easy 4.

Two pints in 20 minutes before a train. Oh dear, let’s hope there’s a working toilet.

When did YOU last find a working toilet on a train though.