February 2025. Stalybridge. Right, here’s that new Stalybridge entry, a third micro within two minutes joining Bridge Beers and Cracking Pint, which was called Crafty Pint before CAMRA banned craft following the incredibly successful “Revitalisation Review”. These charming micros have successfully revitalised Stalybridge, in part, and Ol’s is a friendly all-rounder of a neighbourhood bar-cum-offie… Continue reading MICROPUB LOO SPECIAL AWARD – OL’S BIER, STALYBRIDGE
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.
STALYVEGAS
February 2025. Stalyvegas. The new Good Beer Guide is a joy. Trips to Mansfield, Uxbridge and now Stalybridge for the avid ticker. And folk who want to see how the eastern suburbs of Greater Manchester are looking post-COVID. Some smart central flats above Gladstone’s barber shop-cum-bistro, and some promising street art, almost suggest some modest… Continue reading STALYVEGAS
WATERLOO SUNSET
February 2025. Waterloo. London. A week ago I was finally doing the (delayed) 60th birthday treat Retired Martin deserves, getting to the heart of Hillingdon and Uxbridge. What did you expect from an RM milestone ? Mrs RM and I had our Silver Wedding anniversary in Letchworth Spoons during a police raid. Talking of Mrs… Continue reading WATERLOO SUNSET
THE LAST PUB IN HILLINGDON VILLAGE
February 2025. Hillingdon Village. I don’t get as hung up as some folk about historical counties, boundary lines and the truth, but I have been exercised by the existence, or otherwise, of an actual Hillingdon. Not the Borough, which includes Uxbridge and gives the football club its name, but Hillingdon Village, with pretty cottages, vegan… Continue reading THE LAST PUB IN HILLINGDON VILLAGE
THE RED LION ON HILLINGDON HILL
February 2025. Hillingdon Hill. Only a pub ticker, or a very weird human, could have been excited as I was heading to the Red Lion on Hillingdon Hill. My photos capture the drama of the 10 minute bus trip from Uxbridge. Never mind “And did those feet, in ancient times…“, did BRAPA drop that soft… Continue reading THE RED LION ON HILLINGDON HILL
PRIDE DRINKING WELL ON THE (DELAYED) BIG RETIRED MARTIN 60th BIRTHDAY TRIP TO UXBRIDGE.
February 2025. Uxbridge. You’ll remember the trauma of my significant birthday (22 December, but you knew that), as plans to mark the day with a fancy trip to Uxbridge were scuppered by my mum, bless her, staging a sit down protest. Last Wednesday I finally took that pilgrimage to the end of the Metropolitan line.… Continue reading PRIDE DRINKING WELL ON THE (DELAYED) BIG RETIRED MARTIN 60th BIRTHDAY TRIP TO UXBRIDGE.
CONCESSIONARY YORK
February 2025. York. Last musings from our mini break in York, which proved the UK tourist industry is in rude health in 2025, folk desperate to bask in our tropical temperatures and pay a tenner to see a load of reconstituted timber. 14th century Barley Hall was “rediscovered” in the 1980s by the York Architectural… Continue reading CONCESSIONARY YORK
VAN DE GRAAF GENERATOR IN YORK’S HOUSE OF THE TREMBLING MADNESS
February 2025. York. Monday morning in York. Almond croissant – tick. Big church – tick. Shop selling relics of famed War of the Roses protagonist Oliver Bonas, No, give that a miss. Mrs RM, having decided the queue in the Minster too long, needed a comfort break, and I reckoned the (original, Stonegate) House of… Continue reading VAN DE GRAAF GENERATOR IN YORK’S HOUSE OF THE TREMBLING MADNESS
YORK MINSTER – NCSS 3.5
February 2025. York. Another dreich morning greeted us last Monday, but at least we’d only spent £32.99 on our Travelodge. It’s £133.99 in April. Do the math. La Bottega provided the gooey almond croissant and Americano combo you want to start a morning of tourism, and despite it charging £20 each we couldn’t really pretend… Continue reading YORK MINSTER – NCSS 3.5
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