November 2024. Bath.
The word on the cobbled street was that the second new GBG entry had dropped off the pace a bit, something that seems to plague new Guide pubs disproportiontely.
But you can’t put pink marker on a page without popping in,
and the Ring O’ Bells takes you to the picturesque little enclave of Widcombe, 5 minutes from the station.
Nice array of pale buildings, dull sign.
What redeemed a dull looking one roomer was the breadth of custom in a community local.
Which made it a shame the Bass (which you have to try) was a bit warm and indistinct.
Shoulda had the Otter.
Tellingly, all the trade was Estrella and wine, though the chap having his two (2) pints brought to his table had Bass AND Thatchers, which sounds like a hangover in a glass.
Filling up by 6 on a Tuesday in November, with laughing man Van your soundtrack.
Mrs RM and I crossed to the Bright Side of the Road, where Paul, Jon and Will were about to ignore my advice to skip the Ring O’ Bells and do BrewDog instead.
Kentish Paul was stocking up on train beers, I believe.
retiredmartin 
Faces as ruddy as a Bass triangle – the sure sign of a Proper Day Out.
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Oi ! That’s my atmospheric photography !
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That sad wave from Stafford Paul. I love the wave. Miss that man.
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Yes Dave, sadly there always has to be a last pint of the day.
But have you decided the dates of your 2025 UK tours, something to look forward to during these dark winter months ?
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From 1 January to 31 December, they’re going to do all the pubs in the Good Beer Guide.
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I think winter in the US is going to be a bit longer than a few months this time. More like four years.
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It might take 4 years to complete the GBG, but I’m sure the monitoring committee could stretch the rules to allow completion by November 2028.
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It looks like a gloomy four years… Maybe doing the GBG is a good I idea. Not a bad way to while away the time.
Paul, Joan wanted to do a tropical visit somewhere this winter to avoid snow. This comment was made prior to having multiple things to avoid. I suggested the south of England. She said yes. We are visiting all of February. Bath (3 nights), Chichester (14 nights – Hunston cottage), Salisbury (6 nights) and Bath (4 nights). I read these posts with great anticipation. Your crawl is pretty much my pub highlight tour in Bath. My shorts are packed already.
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Thanks Dave.
I have nothing at all yet in my diary for February so hope to catch up with you in Chichester, which I don’t know, and / or Salisbury, where I’ve not stayed since 1997.
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I shot you an email at the address you gave us. Actually three emails. Two kicked back. Let me know if the third was actually delivered. I can get you the specific dates at each location. Nice of RM to run this trip planning application. You’d think the subscription would cost more.
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It would cost more, Dave, but your new President banned inflation.
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Inflation will be offset by our tariffs. Sound of hand slapping forehead.
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Not if you only eat US cheese, drink US beer and wear US shoes, Dave.
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You call that living?
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