May 2025. Mirfield.
The longest journey starts with the smallest step.
In my case, a 24 minute rail leg from Hebden Bridge to Mirfield to avoid the chaos of Leeds station.
Ooh, 16:39 to 16:48, that’s 9 minutes. What’s the nearest pub ?
3 minutes walk each way ? That’s 3 minutes in the Navigation, Mirfield’s GBG perennial.
Actually, that 3 minutes was already in doubt as the train pulled in 5 minutes late to a station covered in scaffolding, but the next leg was delayed a bit and who wants to stand on a platform talking to folk about rail delays or dispensing career advice ?
Scaffolding everywhere, in fact.
My GBG ticking visit in this solid Kirklees town was at least 15 years back, and What Pub warns “recently refurbished“.
I’d say that’s an understatement.
The sort of Robinson’s style refurbishment that Pub Curmudgeon is so keen on,
it’s left at least 3 different styles of pub room, with the Sports TV the most uncomfortable looking.
But somehow offering different pub experiences works, and there’s a wide cross-section of town life in at 5pm.
Perhaps too many beers (six) on in what no longer feels like a destination cask pub,
but the Vocation stock beer is cool and tasty (NBSS 3.5) and what do I know ?
I’ve been in the pub less than three minutes, the train to Wakefield leaves in two.
Run !
retiredmartin 
Slow down, Martin. I know I’m a decade older than you, but you’re making me dizzy just reading about your manic dashing around, trying to beat the clock.
There’s always another train, and running is never a good idea, especially on a belly full of beer. 🏃♂️
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It’s the sitting still that kills you, Paul !
You’re actually a lot more active than a lot of men half your age 😉
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I’ve heard that before, Martin, strangely enough from a former colleague, who never seemed to move far from her desk!
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Mrs RM would agree with you though. 😉
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Just spent 14 minutes waiting at Keighley station, taking Paul’s advice. Could have had 2 pints in the Boltmakers Arms if I’d run.
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That first photo had me musing which I disliked more in a pub, high table seating or sofas. But those pallet conversions in the telly room are so bad I’ve come over all nostalgic for scaffolding and kitchen bar stools…
(The Real) Mark
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