From Herefordshire (leaving one straggler in Luston to complete the county) we headed over the border into Gloucestershire. The border is the dashed line, painted by drunk Victorian workers in 1857. Why can’t we have straight county/state boundary lines like the Americans ? I was last in Newent the week before lockdown, behaving like nothing… Continue reading NOTHING POSH ABOUT NEWENT
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.
ROSS-ON-WHY ?
I wanted to us (D)ross-on-Wye, I really did, but that would be unfair and as you know I reserve my unfairness for a certain Berkshire Thames-side town. And besides I used it before, in 2017. We took the much longer route (1 minute more) through the Vale of Leadon and Much Marcle, passing a giant… Continue reading ROSS-ON-WHY ?
Ledbury, but not THAT pub
Mrs RM is determined to help me get the Beer Guide ticked, and 10 days ago we set off on another campervan adventure to conquer Gloucestershire and around, a tricky county to get an away win on a damp Friday in May. 2:28 hours to our Ledbury diversion, as we oddly find that Herefordshire is… Continue reading Ledbury, but not THAT pub
HIGH TABLES AT THE HOLT HALT, LOW AT MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL
Last Wednesday’s day on the Holt’s had ground to a halt, but perked up briefly as I met Matt after work for a pre gig pint at the rather overlooked Crown & Anchor in the shadow of Cathedral Square. I’d actually come here in 2015 before a Low gig at the cathedral. Who says I’m… Continue reading HIGH TABLES AT THE HOLT HALT, LOW AT MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL
MORE MANCUNIAN CURRY TIPS FOR OUR AMERICAN VISITORS
Three Manchester pubs by 4pm; time for a curry. I bet you think I always go to This & That, but no, Manchester is awash with cheap eats, and this is one for the Southworth’s list when they make it to God’s Own Pub & Curry Country again. From the Angel, head through the street… Continue reading MORE MANCUNIAN CURRY TIPS FOR OUR AMERICAN VISITORS
PIANO MAN
Manchester looks gorgeous on3D Google Maps, doesn’t it ? Suit yourself. Stepping out of the Lower Turk’s Head the obvious next halt on my Holt trail was the Hare & Hounds, one of the most proper of Proper Pubs, with added art on the wall, but you know by now I never stick to a… Continue reading PIANO MAN
BUT HOW CAN YOU LEAVE A PUB WHEN IT’S STARTED PLAYING “THE WAR SONG” ?
My average time in a pub is 18.36 minutes. Well (too) shy of BRAPA and his 27.5, but rather more than the professional ticking of the professionals. I once saw Maltmeister nip in and out of a Manx pub in 45 seconds, and he thought that was slacking. When Mrs RM joins me the average… Continue reading BUT HOW CAN YOU LEAVE A PUB WHEN IT’S STARTED PLAYING “THE WAR SONG” ?
HOLT GOES CHERRY MILD CRAZY
In 1987 the New Musical Express that The Jesus & Mary Chain were now so old that they couldn’t do their famed fifteen (15) minute sets anymore, as they drifted towards an hour of Darklands dirge. In 2022 the top bloggers bring you SIX (6) or even SEVEN (7) pubs in one blog. I still… Continue reading HOLT GOES CHERRY MILD CRAZY
I MAY BE BIG BUT I AM FIERCE
Blimey, a blog post from last Wednesday, only a week ago. I’ve had enough for football, it’s gig day, Low in Manchester, and I’ve decided it’s going to be a Holt day. But first, Fierce, everyone’s favourite Aberdeen craft brewery. Manchester looks lovely, I’ve brought the sunshine with me. The previous Saturday I’d tried for… Continue reading I MAY BE BIG BUT I AM FIERCE
OH, MANCHESTER etc etc
Mrs RM didn’t recognise Frank Sidebottom. She’s not a TRUE Manc like what I am. Bet she didn’t recognise this bloke, either, a headliner at Simon’s upcoming Blackpool “punk” festival with his disco covers of Joy Division classics. After a night of curry in Lymm we were back in Manchester for another of those annoying… Continue reading OH, MANCHESTER etc etc
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