The contractually obligated Highlights post for April, a month dominated by lambs,
snooker (go on Stuart !),
unpronounceable Bulgarian food,
and the astonishing new Lizzy McAlpine album.
My only actual gig was Korngold’s Violin Concerto in Sofia, which probably gets me maximum cultural points.
That Bulgarian trip added another pin to Mrs RM’s European tickathon,
she’ll probably tick more countries than I tick new Guide pubs this year.
(Only) 42 pubs, all different, in April, and just nine new Guide entries in that bunch in a month’s travel with a rather similar pattern.
You’ll notice there’s no Dundee trip; sadly parental demands meant a night on Greene King IPA in Waterbeach.
But there were great pubs in April;
Pub of the Month – Dead Poets, Holbrook
Finally, finally, I made it back to the Poets, and that Bass by the fire was a spiritual experience,
though if I’m honest, the Bass in Oldham’s Fox & Pine was even better, in an absolute classic pub.
Beer of the Month – Lilley’s Cheeky Pig Cider & Perry mix at the Globe, Sheffield
OK it’s not beer, and it’s not even real cider, but do I care ?
Perhaps the top drink this month was the green Cappy apple juice in Plovdiv;
I’ll stick to the Julius Meinl espresso, thanks.
Song of the Month – Certified Freak, Yuqi (PRESS PLAY)
MAY PREVIEW
With the cancellation of shows at the Co-op I’m hopeful that Olivia Rodrigo will take up my kind offer to perform on the Etihad centre circle at half-time today. Failing that I’m sure that Gullivers will give her a slot.
Hopefully May will bring sunshine, and some time to actually venture into Scotland and Wales. It’s already seen nine new Guide ticks, including this classic.
Anyone know where it is ?
retiredmartin 
“42 pubs“
I used 56 pubs during April but wasn’t distracted by Bulgaria.
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You win, Paul. I managed a dozen bars in Bulgaria but I think you’d only have considered one of them a pub !
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No, you definitely win – for effort rather than attainment.
I only got out on seventeen days, and only eight of those were beyond Stafford – four in Scotland and one each for the East Midlands ( Atherstone, Barwell, Ibstock, Ticknall, Burton ), Brewood, Codsall and Stone.
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Oops, only 16 pubs (28 different beers) for me in April. Down from from 28 (48 different beers) in March.
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