retiredmartin

December 2024. Bradford.

After a new Bratfud tick and an old classic, surely it’s time for a curry ?

The route back into town from the Fighting Cock is an urban classic.

That art installation, prepared for the UK City of Culture bid, is entitled “Tyres“.

Now, you won’t believe this, but my chosen curry house the Sheesh Mahal was CLOSED until 5pm (typical micro hours), so I swapped this,

for this;

Chris “Mr Halifax” Dyson has just published his Best of 2025 and named the Record Café in his top pubs,

and although the Sparrow (RIP) got there first the Café now stands out as the best modern beer bar in Bradford. Or anywhere.

Chris highlights Two by Two as a great modern UK brewer; I’d add Mancunians Big Trip to his list, their beers always seen in places that know how to serve cask.

“Where the wild things are” is rich and chewy with a northern head, another NBSS 3.5/4 in December, the month when CAMRA members go into hiding and miss out on the best beer,

and blokes dressed up as, well, Bantams, I think.

We’re in the closest Guide pub to Valley Parade, and this chap has already left the soccer (US : football) at half time (while 1-0 up) in favour of beer. I should have done the same at the Etihad on Sunday.

We talk football, and pubs, and curry, while I eat tinned Galacian* octopus and sourdough from the charcuterie menu. Very Bradford City of Culture.

Very Bradford lacings, too.

And an eclectic soundtrack.

What a gorgeous place, must take Mrs RM, she’d love it.

Though perhaps not Pastore of Waterbeach’s smoothie sour, beautifully decanted into a pint glass (top).

Right, home, but I’ll be back for the culture in 2025.