December 2023. Macclesfield. One of the inevitabilities of an Old Codger’s Day Out is that at some point we’ll see a schism between trad men and crafties, and only two pubs into Macclesfield we saw a break from the Official Itinerary. Actually, that schedule had assumed a split due to the competing luncheon attractions of… Continue reading MACC, MACC WILL TEAR US APART, AGAIN
Month: December 2023
SHEFFIELD HATTER PUTS A COAT OVER THE SPEAKER IN THE CASTLE
December 2023. Macclesfield. A busy schedule for the Old Codgers trip to Macclesfield, so a good job for some that all the pubs were next door to each other. Actually, that was one of my minor issues with the day, no real chance to stretch the legs and visit the feral suburbs of Cheshire’s silk… Continue reading SHEFFIELD HATTER PUTS A COAT OVER THE SPEAKER IN THE CASTLE
I’D RATHER MACC…
December 2023. Macclesfield. The Beer and Pubs Forum arranged a Big Day Out in Macclesfield, in part to allow Stafford Paul to attempt a world record of Old Tom pints in a day or something. I’d have liked to go, but Mum had something that required my presence on that Tuesday. And then, magically, I… Continue reading I’D RATHER MACC…
THE VIEW FROM THE BLAKE
December 2023. Sheffield. Winter came early to Walkley, a layer of snow on Sunday scuppering any exciting travel plans we might have had (though oddly Manchester had escaped). The snow, which never seems to last long here (good), was clearing on Monday before I could emulate the Tynemouth Lodge’s Bass Snowman. By 4pm I’d done… Continue reading THE VIEW FROM THE BLAKE
£21 A PINT ! AND WORTH EVERY PENNY.
December 2023. Sheffield. The Rutland is a singular pub, whatever that means, celebrating the start of Whamageddon by replacing the lyrics of “L*** C********” with Band Aid. And giving Sheffield a US keg takeover anchored by their most expensive beer yet. Just so Beer Twitter can say “How Much !!!” and “You don’t drink it… Continue reading £21 A PINT ! AND WORTH EVERY PENNY.
A SEAT IN THE RUTLAND ARMS
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… Continue reading A SEAT IN THE RUTLAND ARMS
BASS IN FAGAN’S – A THING OF BEAUTY
December 2023. Sheffield. On Saturday afternoon we had a guest from Bristol. Just for a change they weren’t visiting the Blind Monkey. I suggested a half in the Old Shoe, a very Bristol sort of bar. It ended up with a min-crawl round a hotch potch of central Sheffield that I rather enjoyed, though the… Continue reading BASS IN FAGAN’S – A THING OF BEAUTY
HANG IT IN THE LOUVVVVV-RE
Before I get on to my own Bass encounter the other night, I can’t let Simon’s photo of the year go unnoticed. Any visit to the Sun in Stockton is worthy of celebration, but the look on Colin’s face as he savours that banker is a joy. All it’s missing is the flake. BRAPA ….… Continue reading HANG IT IN THE LOUVVVVV-RE
THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF GOOD BEER GUIDE TICKING – A WORKED EXAMPLE FROM HULL (20 MARKS)
The ultimate clickbait; a picture of a pub I haven’t actually been to yet. A week since my last tick, and I can’t even use the excuse of being in the Balkans again, just rotating between Waterbeach and Sheffield. Monday is a good time to travel; there’s a better than 5% chance your Northern train… Continue reading THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF GOOD BEER GUIDE TICKING – A WORKED EXAMPLE FROM HULL (20 MARKS)
Belgian Blue signals the TRUE start of Christmas in Sheffield
December 2023. Walkley. Sheffield. The first day of December, in fact. Our plumber (Pro Property of Hillsborough) had been in the loft all morning so I took the opportunity to bring the Christmas decorations down, because I know how much Mrs RM loves putting them up each year because “tradition”. See here to remind yourselves… Continue reading Belgian Blue signals the TRUE start of Christmas in Sheffield
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