retiredmartin

February 2026. Letchworth Garden City.

I write my posts almost entirely chronologically (rather than thematically), because, oddly, that’s how my life tends to work.

So, from the Arena to the Cinema, Letchworth’s Art Deco gem,

“now showing Billy Goats Gruff“, who I presume to be a Biffy Clyro tribute band. North Herts is an emo hotbed.

The town has lost most of its indie restaurants (including the Spanish place at the Broadway) but gained a host of Lounges and Prezzos. Lose some, lose some.

But David’s book and vinyl shop remain. I spent £387 on OS maps alone in there.

And my namesake continues to flog carpets and beds on Leys Avenue. Look ! There’s a sale on !

No change at the kebab shop next to our block of flats,

though I don’t remember the artisanal gelaterie.

The microbrewery has been there a decade now, as the “We’re in it again !” suggests.

I’d been impressed with the Garden City tap back in 2017, in part due to its GBG collection,

and tonight the beer (Raven Song Stout NBSS 4) was the star, along with a young barman who couldn’t quite tempt me to the sausage roll,

but proved a wealth of knowledge on the town’s famous black squirrel after which Letchworth’s roughest pub was named.

But what’s that on his right ear.