July 2026. Monkseaston. Tyne & Wear.
Whitley Bay ticked, Spanish City gelato licked, I headed for the metro back to the Toon.
It’s a problematic map, every stop the gateway to a classic pub that distracts you from culture. I really should have popped back to the Tynemouth Lodge for Bass (patience !), but fell at the first hurdle, with 8 minutes between train and a GBG pub on the actual platform.
The Left Luggage Room at Monkseaton metro is not only wonderfully chaotic,
with a top range of cask,
(yes, Two by Two, obviously),
there’s also a significant sympathy factor as it’s been mysteriously* in and out of the Guide due to the embarassment of pub riches round about. Chris Dyson wrote similarly after his recent visit.
OK, I’m aware some of you aren’t yet converted to the joys of murk,
just as there are those yet to be converted to the musical delights of Jimmy Nail.
*No criticism of local CAMRA GBG selection. It’s just surprised me as beer has been so good on repeat visits
retiredmartin 
Are crocodile shoes to shoes what crocodile tears are to tears?
I never did understand that song.
You had a “not only”, but then didn’t have a “but also”, which left things hanging for me, Martin. (Well someone has to pick up where Russ left off, perhaps in despair…)
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