January 2025. Cambridge. So, I failed to buy a funeral suit in Cambridge. Do I need one, anyway ? That Bass Star t-shirt is fine, surely ? Instead, I drift to the market place and the Pint Shop, drawn by the certainty that a post with a £17 pint is always a winner with my… Continue reading CAMBRIDGE CONTRASTS. FROM THE PINT SHOP TO THE REGAL
Month: January 2025
STEALING THE PRINCE OF CAMBRIDGE’S SEAT IN THE FORT ST. GEORGE (IN ENGLAND)
January 2025. Cambridge. The route from Cambridge North station past Haymakers and along the Cam (until you’re stopped by Rowing Club “Keep Out” signs) to the home of the May Beer Festival is a tranquil pleasure, and the view across to the Fort St George (in England) from the footbridge at Peterhouse RC one of… Continue reading STEALING THE PRINCE OF CAMBRIDGE’S SEAT IN THE FORT ST. GEORGE (IN ENGLAND)
NO-ONE SHOULD WALK PAST THE HAYMAKERS 3 TIMES
January 2025. Cambridge. Or Chesterton, if we’re being pedantic. In the morning I’d had to be very pedantic as I attended the Cambridge registry office to record my mum’s death correctly, without misspellings and errors that might muck up the nasty financial stuff later. I am so thankful no-one in my immediate family is burdened… Continue reading NO-ONE SHOULD WALK PAST THE HAYMAKERS 3 TIMES
CURRY IN CAMBRIDGE. THE TIFFIN TRUCK, ORCHARD PARK
January 2025. Cambridge. Back in Waterbeach for another day of searching through Mum’s endless treasure trove of photos and every card received in 30 years, we collapsed on Sunday evening and looked for an early tea. Surprisingly, Mrs RM turned down my offer of driving her to the Haymakers for a pint of 7.5% Marcus… Continue reading CURRY IN CAMBRIDGE. THE TIFFIN TRUCK, ORCHARD PARK
A BURNING SKY IN WALKLEY BEER CO.
January 2025. Walkley. Sheffield. Bonus mini post, highlighting just how good Sheffield is outside the GBG. 2 minutes walk up Walkley’s main drag on a rare Friday night at home. The eponymous off -licence with a communal drinking table was my first real introduction to Walkley back in James’s fresher year at Sheffield Uni. A… Continue reading A BURNING SKY IN WALKLEY BEER CO.
WALKLEY’S WOBBLY DAGGER – SLIGHT RETURN
January 2025. Walkley. Sheffield. It’s good to be back in Sheffield for a few days, even if most of the time is spent planning Mum’s funeral, apologising to folk for not letting them know earlier, and “activating” powers of attorney for Dad. And it’s good to have a Friday night out in our local suburb… Continue reading WALKLEY’S WOBBLY DAGGER – SLIGHT RETURN
ChatGPT recommends Sophie Jamieson. As do I.
January 2025. Leeds. I caught the No. 39 from Meanwood back to central Leeds and suddenly felt a bit woozy, which is a bit lightweight after 3 pints, though, one of them was murk (M = 1.5*C). So, even though the pus deposited me outside BRAPA’s favourite L***s pub*, the completely “reimagined” Stick & Twist,… Continue reading ChatGPT recommends Sophie Jamieson. As do I.
MURKY IN MEANWOOD
January 2025. Meanwood. Leeds. Right, an actual new GBG pub. If I was still attempting to complete the Guide, rather than being a Grand Master (Retd.) it would take me 3,255 years to finish, and I’d almost be into middle-age by then. The Terminus isn’t going to compete for the Old Codger pound when they… Continue reading MURKY IN MEANWOOD
PREEMPTIVE LEEDS – THE BOOT & RALLY, MEANWOOD
January 2025. Meanwood. Leeds. Mrs RM went off in search of “culture” on our afternoon in Leeds, I tool the bus to the pubs of Meanwood. “The bus, RM, you’re going soft !“. Yes, could have walked it in 45 minutes but it was wet, and you get to see Leeds’ northern suburbs from the… Continue reading PREEMPTIVE LEEDS – THE BOOT & RALLY, MEANWOOD
A JAIPUR IN L***S
January 2025. Leeds. After a Wednesday spent driving 6 hours from Tunbridge Wells to Sheffield, battling A14 closures and football crowds, punctuated by long calls to the Medical Examiner and Coroner, we needed a break on the Thursday. Why on earth did we choose Leeds ? Well, it was the first train leaving Sheffield station,… Continue reading A JAIPUR IN L***S