February (yeh !) 2024. Halstead One benefit of a week with the parents in Waterbeach; it’s a useful base to conquer the East Anglian counties, and as February brought some crisp sunshine so the Colne Valley (not Burnley’s Colne) looked enticing. This is the Colne Valley of steam railways with CAMRA beer festivals (ugh) and… Continue reading INTO THE (COLNE) VALLEY – A HALSTEAD HOP
BRIGHTER DAYS, DARKER BEERS
January 2024. Waterbeach. I spent Monday to Friday down with my parents, occasionally getting Dad out of the house as the weather gradually improves. It won’t be long before it’s summer and I can take him to pub gardens again. In the meantime, I was going slightly mad sitting in a living room heated to… Continue reading BRIGHTER DAYS, DARKER BEERS
CARAMEL, COCONUT AND ALMOND CANDY STOUT
January 2024. Kelham Island. The problem with “a quick pint” in Kelham is that it turns into two, and then tea at a pub. You’d think that Sheffield’s pubs were pretty much beer only, but the Rutland, Fat Cat, and Dog & Partridge have fantastic, cheapish, food. Mrs RM fancied Bao Buns at SALT. It’s… Continue reading CARAMEL, COCONUT AND ALMOND CANDY STOUT
HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY GBG COUNTY. No. 41 – SUFFOLK
After my last “Half A Dozen” from Staffs Andy was excitedly anticipating the next post; So I dutifully knocked out Surrey. But it wasn’t next, was it ? SUF definitely comes before SUR. I think. How does this happen ? Which of you is responsible for checking my alphabet ? I blame CAMRA for changing… Continue reading HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY GBG COUNTY. No. 41 – SUFFOLK
BLUES AT THE GARDENERS REST
January 2024. Kelham Island. Sheffield. Mrs RM wanted me to join her and some neighbours for some Sunday blues at the Gardeners Rest. Frankly, I wanted a day off the beer, but I owed Mrs RM big time after Preston, and I’ll try my best to be sociable, and the Gardeners is a great community… Continue reading BLUES AT THE GARDENERS REST
JANUARY ’24 STOCKTAKE + FEBRUARY PREVIEW
A difficult start to the year, spending longer at the parents/in-laws than in Sheffield, and cancelling a trip to Jordan (vibrant Draught Bass scene, apparently) due to “events, dear boy”. But the travel map for January isn’t that bad, though you’ll notice I’ve yet to even graze Wales, Scotland and whatever it is beyond the… Continue reading JANUARY ’24 STOCKTAKE + FEBRUARY PREVIEW
GREAT PUBS REVISITED No. 3 – THE HUNGRY HORSE, NELSON
January 2024. Nelson. I realise that nominating a Greene King ping food family pub as a “Great Pub” for my revisits series may undermine the whole “Great Pubs” brand, but wait till you hear the context. The ONLY real ale pub in Nelson (pop. ), as evidence by What Pub. “So, Retired Martin, you’re telling… Continue reading GREAT PUBS REVISITED No. 3 – THE HUNGRY HORSE, NELSON
THE LAST SEAT IN THE PUB IN BARROWFORD
January 2024. Barrowford. Having completed Lancashire’s GBG24 chapter by 6pm I suddenly found myself in a one street town with no plans on a Saturday night. Except, obviously, a Chinese takeaway later on. Barrowford’s New Man Lee, possibly my 555th CT and even if it isn’t you’ll never know, looked a stunner on Google. Posh… Continue reading THE LAST SEAT IN THE PUB IN BARROWFORD
HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY GBG COUNTY. No. 40 – SURREY
Surrey, eh ? What even IS Surrey ? Middlesex has Russell Grant to fight its corner. Who will fight for Surrey ? Alec Stewart ? Graham Roope ? Where would you direct the bloke landing at Heathrow from Chicago or Michigan if he said “I MUST go to Surrey ?”. I do like a challenge. But… Continue reading HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY GBG COUNTY. No. 40 – SURREY
LANCASHIRE HAS FALLEN
January 2024. Barrowford. Lancashire’s GBG24 entries (well, the dozen newbies) were completed in the beautiful Forest of Pendle, depending on your perspective in Greater Burnley or Lesser Clitheroe. I parked the campervan opposite the Pendle Heritage Site, a museum that explains why 17th century women who drank schooners of sour beer were tried as witches.… Continue reading LANCASHIRE HAS FALLEN
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