January 2026. Tulse Hill. London. Leaving Streatham Spoons I became aware of something big happening in the FA Cup. Macclesfield (no longer Robbie Savage’s Macc) of the 6th division had just taken a 2-nil lead against the Cup holders, cheating Crystal Palace. And I was definitely heading into Palace territory as I walked the backstreets… Continue reading PALACE MELTDOWN IN TULSE HILL
Author: 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.
ANOTHER HOBGOBLIN IN STREATHAM
January 2026. Streatham. London Dad got the full ambulance treatment on Friday night, but made such a miraculous recovery overnight that I felt confident about trekking back to Rye the next morning. 90 year olds have incredible bouncebackability. Time for a couple of London pubs ? Half an hour and £8 from St Pancras brings… Continue reading ANOTHER HOBGOBLIN IN STREATHAM
TIM TAYLOR TAKEOVER AT THE SUN
January 2026. Waterbeach. Thursday brought the threat of snow to Sheffield, so after one night shivering (broken boiler) I was pleased to catch the first train back to Waterbeach to see Dad (not at his best), and do my bit in the fight against Dryanuary. I head right to the lounge. “It’s warmer to the… Continue reading TIM TAYLOR TAKEOVER AT THE SUN
PORT STREET, TONY’S PIES AND A POINT
January 2026. Manchester. A “dry” night in Manchester isn’t complete without a second pint on the way to the match, Port Street Beer House getting its annual visit on the basis you can see it from the Head of Steam. I really should like PSBH more; it’s quirky, friendly, encourages a mixed crowd, and the… Continue reading PORT STREET, TONY’S PIES AND A POINT
NEW IN MANCHESTER. THE HEAD OF STEAM
January 2025. Manchester. Wednesday brings a train from Rye to Ashford, and then to St Pancras (no pub stop), on to Sheffield (where the boiler has frozen), and off to Manchester for City v Brighton, whose fans have had a similar journey. I’m also here for an overdue cut from Matt in Chinatown’s Helvete, during… Continue reading NEW IN MANCHESTER. THE HEAD OF STEAM
YOUR FRIEND IN DIFFICULT TIMES
An excellent read, as always, from Boak and Bailey about the state of the pub this week. I recommend reading this BlueSky thread; The comments reflect on the vital role of the pub as a social space, something very much on my mind this morning. I didn’t really talk about “life” in my 2025 reviews,… Continue reading YOUR FRIEND IN DIFFICULT TIMES
TENTATIVELY INTO TENTERDEN
January 2026. Tenterden. I remembered it’s 2026 this time, after labelling the last one December ’25. Good job we don’t write cheques anymore. Mrs RM is busy “refining” her blog, but I did get her out from Rye (we’re attending to in-laws again) to explore posh Tenterden, half an hour north and 50 years into… Continue reading TENTATIVELY INTO TENTERDEN
TAKING DOWN THE TREE
January 2026. Rye. Obligatory video, from the best Christmas album. I‘ve used this one, and the title before, (twice !) which is sort of self-plagiarism, no ? No decorations for us again this year, in Sheffield or Waterbeach or Rye. Mumsnet would be outraged. But, in keeping with the need of the country to honour… Continue reading TAKING DOWN THE TREE
THE JENNY LIND SAYS “DO ONE, DRYANUARY”
I’m very pleased with that pic above, touch of Dylan album cover I reckon. If Bob had recorded his sophomore album in Hastings 60 years later. January 2025. Hastings. The three pubs on gorgeous All Saints Street in the bag (though not in the GBG), we reached the eponymous church, and the actual hotel that… Continue reading THE JENNY LIND SAYS “DO ONE, DRYANUARY”
PROPER PUBS SIGN ALERT. THE STAG, HASTINGS.
January 2026. Hastings. A third pub on All Saints Street in an hour, and a second Heritage entry in quick succession at the Stag. We left the Cinque Ports just as dusk was about to weave its magic. I reckon a real architectural enthusiast could spend a good hour in this quarter mile stretch. Virtually… Continue reading PROPER PUBS SIGN ALERT. THE STAG, HASTINGS.
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