Seventy (70) posts published in an month that was my second best for blog views ever, and I still end April a week and sixteen pubs adrift.
It didn’t seem an especially exciting month, the usual ploughing up and down that strip from Manchester to Tunbridge Wells via Waterbeach,
but there were fifty-six different pubs in that lot, which is almost BRAPA levels if not Sheffield Hatter.
Simon’s latest post contains the sort of humour this blog would never stoop to, and reminds us why, like Mark E Smith, he remains this nation’s saving grace.
I had a little spat with CAMRA members on Discourse, as Draught Bass (Beer of the Month, obvs) was relaunched with branded ash trays and cufflinks and condoms,
but because it’s not brewed by a hipster indie I’m supposed to tell my youngsters they should swerve it.
Talking of youngsters,
Matt joined me for a Holt Bitter in the Hare & Hounds, and I was reminded that having your children voluntarily meet up with their Boomer parents for a pint or a curry is something to treasure.
That thali in Sheffield’s House of Biryani was gorgeous, but the culinary discovery of April came in the freezer section of Home Bargains.
Pub of the Month came on a great evening in Bolton with Mrs RM and Blackpool Jane, the unheralded Sweet Green Tavern having that vital combination of comfy bench seating, free jukebox and cheap local beer.
I enjoyed the weirdly named Pub in Braintree, an Essex town with a startling bit of architecture.
I know you all love my music recommendations, especially Kentish Paul, so here’s your female empowerment anthem for 2025 from Rotherham Rebecca aka Self Esteem.
And so to May, where I hope to catch up with company as good as Paul and Andy, seen waiting impatiently outside Wolverhampton’s Stile for Proper Beer in Proper Pubs.
It’ll never catch on.
retiredmartin 
What an amazing day that was, and completely changed my opinion of Wolverhampton. Think the weather might have helped.
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The main street in Wolverhampton is really pretty. I had no expectations when we visited, but like you I came away very impressed.
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The sun always shines on the righteous, Andy 😉
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Good job you were there then 🙂
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“Braintree architecture” – Yes the seal is very impressive.
Thank you for the hint about calamari. I can buy it from Ocado as there isn’t a Home Bargains near me.
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Possibly not for £1.79 though, Jon 😉
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No it’s £5 although that is for 4 servings. I’ll give them a try i spite of the mixed reviews.
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I only managed forty-six pubs in April but from Paignton to Ingleton.
The Hare and Hounds was the highlight of my month.
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Paignton to Ingleton is almost an exact mirror image of my own travels, Paul.
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Yes, and yet somehow our paths only crossed in Wolverhampton.
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Er, that should of course be “…… only crossed in Wolverhampton and Hinckley”.
April was so busy that I’ve not taken it all in yet.
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I haven’t caught up with Hinckley either Paul !
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No, something went wrong that day.
Four pints of Bass was enough for me, yet I’ve been into town today with four pints ( Golden Glow, Pedigree, GK IPA, Bass ) from 11.30am to 1.30pm and, home now, could manage a few more.
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