retiredmartin

July 2024. Stafford.

Penkridge is your ideal campervan overnighter. Free parking, Wednesday and Saturday market with artisan deli, a choice of pubs, and a seven minute connection to That Stafford (£5).

Stafford is home to the man who’s had more letters published in What’s Brewing than any other CAMRA member, but I’ve found the town a bit of a mixed bag on numerous recent visits.

With two (2) hours till our Official CAMRA Pub Crawl of the Stafford Northern Quarter, under blueish skies, I thought I could do justice.

Park, church, ancient house, artisan coffee(NOT bod), a bit of music before the beer. #culture

Victoria Park is your splendid introduction to the county town. Ignore the thatched bowling pavilion,

and the flower beds,

and head to the greenhouses, where on my visit I stumbled across a couple of underdressed “Instagram influencers” taking glamour photos amongst the exotica. I CANNOT guarantee that for all visitors.

But I CAN guarantee that St. Mary will still be there on your visit,

and provided you escape the enthusiastic “greeters” a gem of a parish church awaits.

I promised to come back at 1pm for the hardcore Bach gig.

One for the quiltwork enthusiast,

as well as fans of giant organs

and vandalised tombstone.

An unsung gem,

a definite NCSS 4,

with bonus philosophy.

As good as Lichfield with its “look at me” 3 spires, in fact.