Day 5 of the Channel Islands Circuit, heading back to Jersey in the evening before the flight home. What to do with a free day with the ticks in the suitcase. Well, Mrs RM showed her own ticking streak by insisting we did the 20 minute crossing to Herm to complete the set of 5… Continue reading A WHIZZ ROUND HERM
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 CHANNEL ISLANDS HAVE FALLEN
Day 4 of the Channel Islands Charge, and it all comes down to St. Martin The posh bit of Guernsey, all pastel colours and roadside flowers. Mrs RM wasn’t walking the 2.7 miles, and neither was I, the roads lack pavements, but the bus fare is only £1.25. The Captain’s used to be the GBG… Continue reading THE CHANNEL ISLANDS HAVE FALLEN
A SARK CREAM TEA AND NBSS 3.5+ SPECIAL
I think I shot my bolt with that first Sark post. I also misspoke (lied) to you; it was 2013 not 2014 when I last visited. You can’t believe anything I write anymore, if you ever did. Anyway, lets explore the rest of the island, just in case we’ve missed a pub. You can walk… Continue reading A SARK CREAM TEA AND NBSS 3.5+ SPECIAL
MERMFEST
“How far is this pub, then ?” said Mrs RM, as we reached the bustling central square that comprises the Bel Air Tavern and a field. No cars on Sark, just hipsters on bikes and horses. But you knew that, “Two minutes” I guessed. Men, NEVER guess. Ignoring What Pub’s assertion it was closed on… Continue reading MERMFEST
SARK, STRANGENESS AND CHARM
Day 4 of the Great Channel Islands Tick Chase, another critical day in the completion of the Guide. Sark. The Southwold of France the south. Pashminas, man buns and loud braying voices essential. At least, that was my memory of my 2014 visit when the island was overrun by folkies attending a Seth Lakeman gig.… Continue reading SARK, STRANGENESS AND CHARM
TWO LIONS
TWO (2) Lion pubs for you tonight, because I’m feeling generous. SPOILET : Guernsey is the prettier town, but Jersey has the better pubs. The Golden Lion prompted me to write “Oh dear”. “A scruffy Smith & Jones”, I noted. Don’t think you’ll impress me with your three handpumps (and three flavoured ciders), mate. Note… Continue reading TWO LIONS
SLAUGHTERED IN ST PETER PORT
Day 3 of the Channel Island Circuit. Jersey ticked. Alderney ticked. Guernsey and Sark to go (and possibly Herm to be safe) in the next 2 days. We caught the bus from Guernsey Airport into St Peter Port (a flat £1.25 for any ride, anywhere), and Mrs RM decided she wanted to sleep. SLEEP !… Continue reading SLAUGHTERED IN ST PETER PORT
JUNE 2022 STOCKTAKE + JULY PREVIEW
Your short highlights package from last month. I ended the blog in May, telling you about pub cleaners in Pumpsaint persuaded to pour me a pint at the start of the month, and here I am at the end of June STILL writing about last month. But what a month June was. 114 different pubs,… Continue reading JUNE 2022 STOCKTAKE + JULY PREVIEW
PRE-EMPTIVE POSSIBILITIES IN ST ANNE
My tricky Alderney tick in the bag, I walked down to Braye beach to share the good news with Mrs RM. She was thrilled, as you’d expect, but turned down my offer of a Doom Bar in the Divers. “Don’t forget to take all your stuff” I called, shuffling off in search of a pre-emptive.… Continue reading PRE-EMPTIVE POSSIBILITIES IN ST ANNE
COVID STILL TAKEN SERIOUSLY IN THE DIVERS
My Alderney GBG target is an odd little thing, tucked amongst the coloured buildings of Braye Bay. Remarkably, John Wesley stayed in the Divers in 1787, one of only 3,729 places where Wesley preached. No 10am opening for the Divers, but at 11:49 I see commotion at the balcony entrance, and hare towards my target… Continue reading COVID STILL TAKEN SERIOUSLY IN THE DIVERS
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