September 2025. Sale.
What a joyous thing the Beer Guide is for alternative UK tourism. BRAPA in Rochdale tonight, and me in Sale a fortnight ago. I thought I was struggling keeping the blog up-to-date till I saw Simon is still in August.
All I wanted was a rare new tick in Sale, and some blog content, before curry with Blackpool Jane in Stockport. Would Mrs RM regret her decision to follow me into Trafford, rather than shopping for bags in the Trafford Arndale centre ?
“What’s Sale got going for itself, then ?”
I really didn’t know, and neither did ChatGPT, helplessly recommending lakes and canals that blatantly weren’t in walking distance.
If in doubt, start at the Town Hall.
“Quite a nice civic building” says ChatGPT. When A.I. has mastered damning with faint praise, you know you’re doomed.
“Fancy a coffee ?“.
That’s Caldo Lounge, one of several unconvincing chain diners down by the canal.
You’ve almost certainly seen a Lounge, 260 of them popping up from nowhere in a decade, filling that gap left by…I’m not sure.
They seem to have the “mums and grannies who are tired of scruffy Costas” market cornered; pop to Ely or Rotherham for evidence.
I think they’re good. Strong coffee, clean tables, nice staff, colourful décor, and even a milk stout.
I’m sure there’s worse pubs in Poynton.
Yes, we shared that beer. And the cake.
retiredmartin 
“260 of them popping up from nowhere in a decade” – yes, but whose job was it to think up 260 words that don’t really mean anything ?
The larger ones in larger towns were designated Cosy Club and usually had proper beer.
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Bonzo Lounge in Keynsham does sort of mean something.
It relates to the album “Keynsham” by The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (originally conceived – more informatively – as Dada Band.)
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ETU, “Bonzo” was also the nickname of the late, great John Bonham, legendary drummer of the equally legendary, Led Zeppelin.
However, I agree with your point about the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, and their album, “Keynsham”. A young whipper-snapper like Martin, probably wouldn’t know that.
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“LOUNGE-ING AROUND”
(looks at pic above)
You have no idea how hard it is to keep from commenting on the “Bristol” Beer Factory selling… a “milk” beer!
“September 2025. Sale.”
(looks at pic above)
Is that a current poster?
“till I saw Simon is still in August.”
I think Si’s age has caught up to him. 😎
“When A.I. has mastered damning with faint praise, you know you’re doomed.”
Indeed. I can get that from my darling wife any time!
“That’s Caldo Lounge, one of several unconvincing chain diners down by the canal.”
Bleh.
“You’ve almost certainly seen a Lounge, 260 of them popping up from nowhere in a decade, filling that gap left by…I’m not sure.”
Blimey! I thought you were kidding! I just looked them up and they do indeed have almost 260 through the UK. (shudder)
“I think they’re good. Strong coffee, clean tables, nice staff, colourful décor, and even a milk stout.”
Phew! At least they sell beer, and not just tea and coffee.
“I’m sure there’s worse pubs in Poynton.”
Damning with faint praise? 😏
“Yes, we shared that beer. And the cake.”
Thanks for… sharing. 😊
Cheers
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I’ve never been to Poynton despite, or perhaps because, one of my uncles was a member of the town’s golf club. For golf, read “good walk spoiled” (Mark Twain/Oscar Wilde).
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And my uncle was a member. It’s a small world.
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It’s something that seems to have sneaked up under the radar without getting much attention. There’s one in Stockport called Berretto Lounge, but I’ve never been in it. They seem to inhabit a half-way-house between bar with food and casual dining restaurant, but I suppose the young folks aren’t bothered with such distinctions.
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Mudge, Lounge have definitely sneaked up under the radar, as I was totally unaware of this “chain” until I’d read this post.
The nearest outlets to me, appear to be East Grinstead or Tenterden, but after looking at their offer, I’m not in a rush to visit either.
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Isn’t there an empty pub opposite Tonbridge Castle where that dreadful pub used to be. Be a good spot for a Lounge. Mrs Bailey might like it.
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There’s one in Stafford called Verso Lounge, but I’ve never been in it.
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I assumed those lounges were prompted by someone buying a load of unsold lampshades when Woolworths went bust. Or Wilkinsons. Or Debenhams.
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“I’m free!”
“You certainly are mate.”
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