THE BEST SEAT IN THE KELHAM ISLAND TAVERN

March 2026. Sheffield.

Back home (they’ll be thinking of us) I managed a day’s housework before succumbing to the lure of Kelham on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon. Oh well, the KIT, then.

Earlier this month I treated our 2 Chicago visitors to practically perfect beer (NBSS 5) in the Tavern.

“At this stage you’re basically drinking condition” I rather gushingly told Dave, the way a cricket enthusiast would describe a Tavare leave to someone with no interest in the sport.

The only downside that Sunday was being confined to the lesser conservatory BECAUSE NO-ONE MADE A DASH FOR THE TABLES.

Everyone knows beer tastes better when you’re sitting with your back on the bench in the bar, staring at pub life.

Actually, this was (only) a 4.5, perhaps just too intense.

Will, who may have drunk all 87 iterations of the local Blue Bee 5 Hop series will have a posh word for “intense”.

I got up to give my table to a lady  I recognised as regular. She was SO grateful SHE wouldn’t be relegated to the Hieronymous Bosch.

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Published by retiredmartin

Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.

21 thoughts on “THE BEST SEAT IN THE KELHAM ISLAND TAVERN”

  2. I needed a “get table” assignment going in. Actually the other member of Team Chicago should have shouldered that responsibility, I was on a cultural tour and had to maintain my focus.

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  4. I seem to recall Baddiel & Skinner would pre-record themselves singing both guests’ names or segment bits to the tune of “Back Home” in their Fantasy Football League TV show (1994–1996). I think that’s how I’m going to read your blog post titles from now on.

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    1. The BBC R4 show “I’m sorry I haven’t a clue” featured – perhaps still does – a section where the members have to sing the words of one song to the tune they another. I remember Graeme Garden making a good stab at “How much is that doggie in the window” to the tune of “Blowin in the wind” and in a good Dylan voice too. I’m not sure what tune might suit Martin’s titles, but I think that “I wish it could be Christmas every day” would be worth a try.

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      1. You could have a foray at singing “The Jolly Green Giant” by the Kingsmen to the tune of “Big Boy Pete” by the Olympics, or “Sidewalk Surfin” by Jan & Dean to “Catch A Wave” by the Beach Boys. 🎶

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