May 2026. Whitby.
A stunning walk along the Whitby coast,
arriving back in town to discover Eddi hadn’t been yet. I can’t get my head round gigs 6 months in the future for artists and audience as old as we are. Planning 6 days ahead is my limit.
The smart hotels on the cliff top include the Royal,
whose bar is rebranded as a Fat Badger, a smart pub for well-dressed people. They have them in Harrogate and York as well, which says all you need about Whitby these days.
Too many beers ?
You might think that. I couldn’t possibly comment. But, despite being served in Guinness glasses, the Ossett White Rat was a superbly cool and chewy NBSS 4, and you’ll know I only lie about beer quality in return for bribes.
Some people had managed to nab a comfy sofa,
we were relegated to the high table, which isn’t what you want as you approach middle age.
So despite the quality of the company for Joan and Co, I didn’t linger, heading for the bus back to Loftus via the bargain quiche counter at Botham’s.
Half an hour wait, but another glorious trip round the coast,
and back in Loftus, a vital GBG tick at Ibo’s at the second time of asking.
Except there wasn’t, unfortunately some illness at Ibo’s so a third trip to Loftus is one the cards,
though now that Mad Alice (living next door to Ibo as the Smokie song goes) has given me a loyalty card and got the cask working it wasn’t a completely wasted overnighter.
retiredmartin 
I must admit, that Fat Badger have done a great job of turning a rather dreary keg only (on my visit ages ago) hotel bar into a fully stocked real ale pub.
I avoid their Harrogate and York ones, the Hgate one is especially disappointing, despite having 6 cask beers on, there is rarely if ever a stout or porter. Plus a ready supply of pink shirted rugger types braying away loudly…..
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