Last night we stayed in Maryport, and I was reminded how thrilling it is to visit a town for the first time (except THAT one). So imagine my deep joy on arriving in Ashington, home of a new GBG micro, mining heritage and birthplace of several sporting legends (including my hard-but fair tackling namesake). So… Continue reading A HOP (77) INTO ASHINGTON
THE TICKER’S LAMENT – AN AMBLE FUMBLE
On towards Amble, which I hadn’t been to for years. Loads of day-trippers to the Northumberland coast that weekend, including a fair few recovering from the Great North Run with a pint and chips. I did the pre-chip exercise along the bay, through the Marina, and wondered how I’d avoided amiable Amble for so long.… Continue reading THE TICKER’S LAMENT – AN AMBLE FUMBLE
POTTER-ING AROUND ALNWICK
Yes, a mere week after BRAPA conquered Harry Potter Land, I turned up to survey the wreckage. This was my first trip since I took my Dad to see the magic gardens (the magic is they fleece you £6 for a cup of tea and cake) on his 80th birthday and I wondered if they’d… Continue reading POTTER-ING AROUND ALNWICK
MRS RM NABS THE BEST SEAT IN THE TAP
Life is returning to Sheffield. The studentz were dropped off last week, their parents then clogging up the A61 as they drove them to Argos and IKEA to buy the kettles, blankets and pot plants they forgot to bring up from Ilchester and Ipswich. But even before that, the previous week saw hordes at the… Continue reading MRS RM NABS THE BEST SEAT IN THE TAP
MOONSHINE AND MAGIC IN THE MILLOWNERS ARMS
One last pint with Mick before he hit the Doom Bar in Sheffield’s iconic Wetherspoons, and one that wasn’t on his map. The Millowners Rest Arms, the pub for the wonderful (and free) Kelham Island Industrial Museum, was off my radar too. But once you’ve done the Fat Cat and the KIT it’s worth popping… Continue reading MOONSHINE AND MAGIC IN THE MILLOWNERS ARMS
HOW WE DIDDLIN’ ?
Just in case you hadn’t realised, BRAPA did make the Ale House eventually, determinedly coming back 5 days later to do it and not trusting my help this time #hurt. Back to my other visitors, and for all I know Mick wanted to be alone on his trip to Sheffield, But you’ll know we don’t… Continue reading HOW WE DIDDLIN’ ?
THE TAXI FOR BRAPA TAKES A WRONG TURN
Before I give you the taxi driver’s account of BRAPA’s mission to Sheffield the other week, here’s your latest selection from MumsNet. Remember, the poster is asking “AM I BEING UNREASONABLE ?“ I’m reluctant to offer advice on such weighty matters, but you’ll want to know that the answer to fixing the world’s problems is… Continue reading THE TAXI FOR BRAPA TAKES A WRONG TURN
THERE WAS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR
I was just preparing to do some gardening when there was a knock at the door. Imagine my horror to find Citra and Sheffield Hatter at the door, on the way to a pub. “Can retiredmartin come out to play ?” asked Will. “Only if I can come too” replied Mrs RM. It was only… Continue reading THERE WAS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR
TOP 100 PUBS – HARLEQUIN, SHEFFIELD
When I can’t find anything that rhymes with a pub, I just lump it in the Top 100 pubs. SURELY you know that by now. The Harlequin, one of 57 excellent free houses within stumbling distance of Citra’s luxurious hotel in Sheffield, had been calling me since pubs re-opened, but I’d been saving it for… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – HARLEQUIN, SHEFFIELD
CITRA MEETS SHAKESPEARE
This post is brought to you from the (unofficial) car park at Aysgarth Falls. I’ve checked, and there isn’t a micropub at the bottom. Last week Citra came to Sheffield. About time too. If he’d given more notice he could have kipped in our new garden shed; same offer I made the in-laws. 15 minutes… Continue reading CITRA MEETS SHAKESPEARE
