18th February 2023. Suddenly, EVERYONE is heading to Stockton-on-Tees, Blackpool Jane, Mark the Sutton Fan, and Leon from the Wirral, who rather spoils the surprise of my next post with this one; But I was first, ME ME ME. Don’t forget that, Stockton. Mrs RM hadn’t been for ages, and I’d convinced her that Stockton… Continue reading IT’S A STOCKTON SATURDAY
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.
POSH MIDDLESBROUGH
18th February 2023. A quick diversion off the A19 to Stokesley, one of those beguilingly “nice” North Yorkshire small towns for people who are too frit to live in Middlesbrough (see also : Yarm, Guisborough, Great Ayton). Stokesley is best known as the home of “Quorn”, but if they’ve a tasting rooms I couldn’t find… Continue reading POSH MIDDLESBROUGH
LONGHORN, SHORTHORN
18th February 2023. Everyone is going to Teesside in 2023, so why not us ? On Saturday morning we picked a proper caravan site for our campervan between Stockton and Middlesbrough, the micropub capitals of the North, and headed up the M1. Mrs RM has resigned herself to the fact that while I’m not actually… Continue reading LONGHORN, SHORTHORN
THEY CAME FROM THE HUMBER
16th February 2023. I’m always delighted to receive visitors to our little bit of Sheffield next to the Blind Monkey, as long as a) They give Mrs RM 3 months notice in writing if they want to inspect our loos and b) sign the disclaimer that says they climb the hill at their own risk.… Continue reading THEY CAME FROM THE HUMBER
THE BEST THINGS ABOUT ALTRINCHAM
13th February 2023. I see a number of folk on CAMRA Discourse moaning about pubs in Burton-upon-Trent not being open till 4pm or gone last week, despite the Winter Beer Festival being one. I’m afraid that’s the way of the world folks, 4pm openers are the norm, and you’re lucky if your chosen micro opens… Continue reading THE BEST THINGS ABOUT ALTRINCHAM
BAO BUNS OFF OXFORD ROAD
13th February 2023. I’d only been back from Manchester 12 hours and I was back again, along with James, for the Weyes Blood gig at the Ritz. Whether you can pronounce Weyes correctly* determines which century you live in, musically. Sheffield may have all the best pubs, but Manchester still gets the top gigs, and… Continue reading BAO BUNS OFF OXFORD ROAD
A QUICK GETAWAY FROM NEWTON HEATH
12th February 2023. With the weekly rail strikes putting paid to the train to Manchester (AGAIN !) and a gig back in Sheffield last Sunday evening, I found myself needing a safe parking space for a quick getaway after the City v Villa match (helpfully rearranged to 16:30). I picked somewhere just off Oldham Road… Continue reading A QUICK GETAWAY FROM NEWTON HEATH
TELL ME SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ORRELL
12th February 2023. A few interesting new Guide entries in “Greater Manchester” this year, including Prestwich, Radcliffe, Lowton and Orrell. Now, I know where Orrell physically is, tucked between sumptuous Skelmersdale and wonderful Wigan with the M6 roaring past. But I know next to nothing about it. And I HATE not knowing more than you… Continue reading TELL ME SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ORRELL
ALL TABLES SET FOR DINERS IN ORMSKIRK
12th February 2023. After seven (7) Lancashire micropubs in a row on Saturday, a Proper Pub on Sunday as I head to Ormskirk, whose new MP I’d just heard speaking on the local politics show. Ashley Dalton’s first job will surely be to ensure some geographical consistency to Ormskirk’s Beer Guide entries. I thought I… Continue reading ALL TABLES SET FOR DINERS IN ORMSKIRK
AM I BECOMING A CREATURE OF HABIT ?
11th February 2023. Last month I wrote on Pub Curmudgeon’s blog; “I’d rather visit a 100 different pubs and drink Holt than stay in one pub and have 100 different beers, however good.” Which is true, but after seven very similar Lancashire micropubs I can honestly say I’d rather have drunk 7 pints of Plum… Continue reading AM I BECOMING A CREATURE OF HABIT ?
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