December 2023. Sheffield.
Our guest from Bristol had to leave us after a second Bass in Fagans, but at the bus stop seemed to suddenly decide that in fact there was time for a quick half in the Rutland.
What impeccable judgement.
Impeccable judgement, and improbable luck as the table closest to the bar suddenly became available.
I pounced.
Less than two days earlier we’d been stood where that greyhound (?) now stood, and now we were the subject of intense jealousy nursing our Beaks and North Ridings and Liquid Lights (4).
It’s somehow easier to ignore the stares of folk eyeing up your table when you’re engrossed in conversation about US hops Scandinavian finance systems.
The diverse crowd, strong beer and unfussy pub grub were in danger of pushing the Rutland up from No.18 to No.7 on my Top 100 pubs list.
Our guest decided they had to go; Christmas Carols and Sam Smiths I think.
“I’m not moving” said Mrs RM. “Let’s have an early tea“.
While the chip cobs emerging from the kitchen seemed to sum up the Rutland philosophy pretty well, the hake and aubergine dishes were what Mrs RM fancied,
after a week of Chung Hwa and pizza.
Somewhere behind that mirror ball, a chap is about to be evicted for attempting to put “Fairytale of New York” on the jukebox.
Blimey, what a day.
retiredmartin 
Enjoying the cloak of anonymity around the mystery guest from Bristol so can only assume it’s Banksy and the title picture is one of his less heralded works.
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It was Tricky, the Bristol rapper. Mrs RM is joining his backing band on his forthcoming European tour.
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Well deserved with her back catalogue.
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“I’m not moving”. Wise words not heard often enough. Hat tip to Mrs RM.
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I am in Town next Thursday (14/12) to take my Sheffield team out for a Christmas drink. Is this the pub I should take them to?
Cheers
Robin
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Yes, but often packed from early evening. How big is your team ?
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I can probably get 4 or 5 of them there, I was thinking 2pm to 4pm, then heading to Sheffield Tap before heading back to Leeds on the train
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Worth a try. Failing that the Tap may be quieter at that time.
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Martin, it turned out to be the Taps as recommended. The Jaipur was superb. The pub was buzzing. Great afternoon
Cheers
Roby
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Great to hear. The Tap is great if you can find a table, particularly the room with the brewery in.
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I shared a table, overlooking Platform 1, with Roger Protz and Geoff Strawbridge for my most recent two pints there.
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Esteemed company. Never met Geoff.
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Best known as an excellent London Region Director for many years.
I had last spoken to him, very briefly, on Clapham Junction railway station in 2014.
His son has the Downton Brewery near Salisbury.
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The mystery guest from Bristol is revealed in another blog post https://boakandbailey.com/2023/12/fairytale-of-sheffield-the-annual-check-in/
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Indeed!
Thanks RM and Mrs RM for a splendid afternoon.
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