April 2023. You left after me after an ill-advised couple of pints in Pelican (ex-Beatnikz), Squawk’s new bar in the heart of Mancunia. 100 yards away Matt and James were dropping a bag off at Matt’s flat and asked me where we should eat. Why do I still get to decide ? At least the… Continue reading GRAVY BOAT, ABEL HEYWOOD
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.
TOP CASK UNDER £4. IN MANCHESTER !
April 2023. Wednesday nights are Manchester nights. Except this week; I’m letting Matt have my season ticket for the City v Arsenal game, too scared to go to games these days. 11 days ago I’d popped in to Helvete for an overdue cut (pics of haircut for Patronised readers only) after that Hyde hop. While… Continue reading TOP CASK UNDER £4. IN MANCHESTER !
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE GREAT, AREN’T THEY ?
April 2023. Another midweek trip to Manchester for haircut and pub tick, with a twist. I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but it was actually cheaper to go to Hyde via Piccadilly than just go to Piccadilly. Honestly, they paid me £9.90 (nearly a tenner !) to extend my trip beyond Manchester’s main terminus. How… Continue reading YOUNG PEOPLE ARE GREAT, AREN’T THEY ?
GHOST SHIPS & MYSTERY SURPRISES IN SAPCOTE
April 2023. Another day, another county falls; Leicestershire took longer than usual to complete due to the 5pm opening at Sapcote Club. “Sapcote ?” you ask. “Never heard of it“. Another of those unsung Leics/Staffs/Warwicks border style* places with much to be unsung about. But, as with Warton last month, I will do my best… Continue reading GHOST SHIPS & MYSTERY SURPRISES IN SAPCOTE
STONY STRATFORD – A COCK & BULL STORY
April 2023. It’s traditional in these posts to give you a nice map extract which shows where you the place I’m rambling on about is in relation to other major cities, so you can rearrange your road trip accordingly. Stony Stratford, half way from Heathrow to Leek, if that helps. The Beer Guide determinedly plonks… Continue reading STONY STRATFORD – A COCK & BULL STORY
JUMPING THE SHARK
April 2023. Yes, a flood (slew ?) of mini-posts for you this week, even though Mrs “Jen the IT Manager” RM broke the internet* at the weekend and I’m (checks instruction) using a tethering device. Still in Oxford, over to Headington, once home to one of the Football League’s most characterful grounds. I used to… Continue reading JUMPING THE SHARK
SPURIOUS THOMAS HARDY REFERENCES AND A DRENCHING IN NORTH OXFORD
April 2023. Panini and flat white – tick. World class museum – tick. Parking drama – tick. Oxford complete, bar the pub. I decided to walk across Port Meadow to Guide newbie the White Hart in Wolvercote. About half an hour from Jude the Obscure said the map. A gorgeous crisp day, a setting Far… Continue reading SPURIOUS THOMAS HARDY REFERENCES AND A DRENCHING IN NORTH OXFORD
IN PRAISE OF OXFORD (BUT NOT ITS PARKING CHARGES)
April 2023. Getting to what we tickers call “the Home Counties clearances” now. Oxfordshire is probably listed under North-West Region in the new GBG though. A couple in Oxford to finish, and a chance to re-evaluate Cambridge’s historic rival. Mum tells me my home town just won the boaty race (never knew it was on),… Continue reading IN PRAISE OF OXFORD (BUT NOT ITS PARKING CHARGES)
WOKY IN WOKINGHAM
April 2023. Americans landing at Heathrow and heading straight down the M4 will encounter those well-known honeypots of Windsor, Cookham, and the estate pubs of bucolic Bracknell (honest). And of course Maidenhead. Folk who have never been to Maidenhead would be astonished at the contrast between it and Wokingham a few miles south, what with… Continue reading WOKY IN WOKINGHAM
A MAIDENHEAD REDEMPTION ?
April 2023. Well, possibly. Is it possible to redeem Maidenhead ? Just as importantly, is it possible to redeem Wagner ? Mumsnet is in meltdown tonight; Go straight to the foot of the page to hear the latest. The 25 minutes walk from Maidenhead Station to GBG newbie the North Star is as terrifying as… Continue reading A MAIDENHEAD REDEMPTION ?
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