If you’re as irritated as I am by GBG county maps with a lone entry unticked, head to the bottom of the page NOW. Otherwise, let me tell you about my last tick, the “Shut on Mondays” Nightjar, in Hebden,which turned out to be worth the wait. That’s it being closed, by the way. It… Continue reading NIGHT NIGHT TO WEST YORKSHIRE AT THE NIGHTJAR
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.
BABY-FACED ASSASSIN
Yes, it was Hebden Bridge we were headed for, only 3 days after my ticking fail at Nightjar. Tickers never quit. What a lovely station. And what stunning urban art in the skate park for which the town is no doubt renowned. The Nightjar wasn’t open till 3. Should we book ? No, it surely… Continue reading BABY-FACED ASSASSIN
CASK IS BACK
On the Thursday Mrs RM and I did an exciting train journey into the next county. I’ll leave you guessing where we headed, but it cost c.£16. With 17 minutes till the train to Leeds (red herring) and being on the same platform as the station entrance, there was no excuse for not popping into… Continue reading CASK IS BACK
WARWICKSHIRE HAS FALLEN
One last push to finish the GBG’s most unassuming county, rarely bothering you with daft opening times or short notice closure but rarely enflaming the passions or gracing my Top 100 pubs. Norton Lindsey’s New Inn didn’t buck the trend. Americans are desperate to get over here and stare at the history in these walls.… Continue reading WARWICKSHIRE HAS FALLEN
KENILWORTH CASTLE
For a dormitory town of 22,000 Kenilworth is (or was) well-pubbed. I’ve now managed eleven (11) Guide pubs including this latest couple, all of them decent, some crackers. But you’re bored of pubs, you want to see wattle and daub and castle ruins now. So did I. And Dave loved the little animals you get… Continue reading KENILWORTH CASTLE
THE KENILWORTH PLAYLIST
It’s time to tick off the Midlands. I’m in Birmingham at this very moment, writing about finishing Warwickshire. It’s never been a difficult county to complete, spared the ravages of micro fever that make Lancashire such a challenge. And the four newbies this year were all a doddle to do once they re-opened. One in… Continue reading THE KENILWORTH PLAYLIST
BAD KITTY, ITCHY PIG
A Tuesday without a new GBG tick, felt like a Tuesday wasted. And who know how many more Tuesdays we have, eh ? I went for a long aimless walk through Crookes cemetery and unexpectedly found myself outside a GBG pub just as the showers started. Simon hasn’t made the Itchy Pig yet, so treat… Continue reading BAD KITTY, ITCHY PIG
HEAVEN AND HELL IN HEBDEN
Before I start, can I direct your attention to this wonderful photo in BRAPA’s latest post. That’s the sort of picture you don’t get in Hebden Bridge, where the pubs are full of beardy hipsters and/or Pashmina Paulines and the lager louts have to take a minibus to drink in Burnley. What a jewel Hebden… Continue reading HEAVEN AND HELL IN HEBDEN
THE SINGULAR CHARM OF LEIGH, MANCHESTER
I took James for his second Covid vaccination this morning; he could have walked the mile to the west of Sheffield but he seemed particularly keen to be back in time for work. Such dedication to a job, particularly one done entirely from home, is surely to be commended, and contrasts sharply from my own… Continue reading THE SINGULAR CHARM OF LEIGH, MANCHESTER
“MOST IMPROVED PUB”
On Sunday morning we headed off to the in-laws, after the traditional small English breakfast at Hitchin Spoons. Truly, there is nothing sadder than a Spoons before John Smiths Smooth can be served. The biggest obstacle to the 90 minute trip round the M25 and down the A21 to Southborough is remembering the top-up of… Continue reading “MOST IMPROVED PUB”
