November 2025. Tonbridge. A day attending to the in-laws of Royal Tunbridge Wells, where it transpires all Michael wants is a front row seat at the Assembly Hall, listening to a sombre piece about Anne Frank performed by his own choral society. It’s less fun than Rosie, I’ll say that. While the in-laws stay at… Continue reading GATECRASHING A 60th BIRTHDAY IN TONBRIDGE
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.
THE UBIQUITOUS HARVEY’S
November 2025. Rye. I’d almost overdone it on that first visit to the Ypres on my return to Rye (not the only one, apparently), and it was unfortunate that I had exactly 32 minutes till the bus back to our caravan park, which is exactly the time needed for a last pint. Yes, yes, I… Continue reading THE UBIQUITOUS HARVEY’S
BACK IN RYE, STRAIGHT TO THE YPRES CASTLE
November 2025. Rye. First time at our caravan down in Rye Harbour for a year; it’s been on let almost continuously in an attempt to recoup the site fees. It all feels worth it as you take the A2070 from Ashford past Snargate and Romney Marsh, and the bus into Rye from the nature reserve… Continue reading BACK IN RYE, STRAIGHT TO THE YPRES CASTLE
LURCHERS AND CHESTERFIELDS. THE BLACK HORSE, THURNHAM
November 2025. Thurnham. Maidstone. Into posh Kent and the North Downs we go, for a night in Rye before opera with the in-laws. There may be something in that last sentence to make you a tad jealous. I’m betting it’s not opera. A smattering of new Guide entries for Kent in GBG26, but our first… Continue reading LURCHERS AND CHESTERFIELDS. THE BLACK HORSE, THURNHAM
WOBBLY DAGGER REVISITED
November 2025. Antifascist Walkley. Sheffield. Back from London to Cambridge (eventually, someone pulled the emergency cord at Stevenage), then a slight return to Sheffield for a couple of nights before bringing Mrs RM down to Kent and the in-laws. It never stops. Mrs RM had her haircut, presumably especially for the opera we’ve just been… Continue reading WOBBLY DAGGER REVISITED
ROSIE AT THE GRACE
November 2025. Highbury. London. A big (for RM) gig in London, a new venue for me just outside Highbury Station and just below the Arsenal ground, and I find myself with 2 hours to kill before doors. I know it’s imperative I get the largest size Rosie T-shirt before they sell-out, but 2 hours is… Continue reading ROSIE AT THE GRACE
PUB DOGS OF HAMPSTEAD HEATH
November 2025. Hampstead. London. I’m timing my trips down to see Dad to coincide with the nostalgia music afternoons at his care home (Dave from Chatteris, it’s always a Dave, sings Beatles and Neil Diamond) and my rather less nostalgic gigs in London. Last Tuesday saw my Gig of the Year, if not Decade, as… Continue reading PUB DOGS OF HAMPSTEAD HEATH
LADYBARN SOCIAL CLUB
October 2025. Ladybarn. Manchester. That’s my view from a £17 a match season ticket at Manchester City a week ago, for one of the most exciting games I’ve seen at the Etihad. Staying over near Stockport meant I had time to join the 15% of the crowd who stay to the final whistle to applaud… Continue reading LADYBARN SOCIAL CLUB
“BRING YOUR OWN VINYL”. THE STATION HOP, LEVENSHULME
November 2025. Levenshulme. It’s been a slow start to ticking the new cohort of Greater Manchester Guide pubs. If you’re approaching middle age like it’s wise not to drink too much before a match or a gig, but a pint in Levenshulme gives me time to admire the red brick, the panda art, the High… Continue reading “BRING YOUR OWN VINYL”. THE STATION HOP, LEVENSHULME
STATION TO STATION. HEATON CHAPEL TO LEVENSHULME
October 2025. Heaton Chapel to Levenshulme. I’m no fan of night driving these days, it’s almost like I’m approaching middle-age or something. And with my usual cheap option for train to Manchester scuppered (no service to Hyde) it suddenly made sense to stay over in Great(er) Stockport for City’s glamour game with Bournemouth, particularly with… Continue reading STATION TO STATION. HEATON CHAPEL TO LEVENSHULME
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