September 2026. Saxilby. Lincolnshire
Unsurprisingly, you might think, my only recollection of Saxilby was of the Mandarin Chinese takeaway I’d popped in after ticking the Anglers years ago. Long after I forget my name and whether I like Autovac beer I’ll be able to tell you what score I gave the crispy beef in the Mandarin.
Disappointingly, the highly regarded and snappily named Saxilby Fish & Chips had closed at 1:45, just as I arrived in town, which made the Anglers’ offer to eat their chips in the pub a bit moot. Why do chippies close so early ? And can something be a “bit” moot.
I’m rambling, as the village of 4,428 souls isn’t quite as exciting as ChatGPT would persuade you,
exhibit No. 1 being the medieval timber-framed building which should be the centrepiece of the High Street,
but with an hour to kill I captured every detail.
(Another) sunny day helps St Botolph look at its best. Unusual headstone here;
As you’d expect from a place once visited by a thousand anglers in a weekend, the Foss Dyke is the dominant feature,
and the conservation area that includes of Beer Guide newbie is a gem.
The Sun itself is delightfully beige,
bar a horse mounting block reminiscent of Piercebridge.
I like pubs like this which appeal to the Dad picking up the schoolchildren as well as the Old Boy at the bar,
and while some will think the beer range a bit beige as well,
it’s a GOOD (chewy !) pint of Bateman’s Gold.
Most of the locals are outside in the sun (again), popping in to ask for a top-up.
“Carling, Darling”. They can have that slogan for free.
Yes, a jolly soundtrack including The Four Tops, Love Unlimited and Michael Boone, who I would never have been able to identify in a pop quiz.
At the station, I examine my 90p bargains from Briony Arber the Butcher.
Wonder if the chip shop has finished off all the catch of all those 1000 anglers?
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There was a chippy close to you in Walkley, on Howard Rd near the church. It had tighter opening hours than a Guisborough micro, something like two lunchtimes (11.45-1.30) and two tea times (4.30-6.15) or some such. But good chips.
I asked why he didn’t open more hours, he said he prefers to go fishing !!!
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Sheffield is a, probably the, top pub city in the UK. And the Chinese food is as good as anywhere.
But curry and fish and chips aren’t its strongest point, at least not close to us.
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Surpassed by Liverpool surely?
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No, compared to West Yorkshires Fish and Chip scene, Sheffield was always a let down, despite the promise of a ‘greasy chip butty’ in the Blades anthem. Maybe its the packet of stuff and gallon of Magnet thats needed prior thats the right ‘hors d’ouvres’ to appreciate a Sheffield chippy??
7 Spices balti near the Fire Station museum and Shakespear was always good in the 90’s, thing Alvin Kallicharran owned it in those days, not sure nowadays
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Never expected to find a mention of Alvin Kallicharran in here. Good player. Now apparently bringing civilisation to a benighted nation by coaching cricket in North Carolina.
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Rocking Rich is a very cultured fellow.
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Ha, bloody hell !!
Re top pub cities.
My top 2 are York and Norwich.
Not done enough of Bristol to know, but it certainly was great on my last visit, but Edinburgh, Leeds Sheff and yes, London and maybe even Derby are all in with a shout for top 10
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Looked like your own “Beautiful Day” especially that 90p thingy.
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Something “a bit moot” if there is no one around to refuse to discuss it with you. Or even to discuss the pointlessness of engaging in a discussion with you.
I could go on.
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