August 2023. Somewhere near Andover. It’s End of the Road day. The campervan is packed with tents and chairs and salami; we’re off to see weird folkies in a field near Salisbury for 4 days. We drive three and a half hours straight (aren’t they’re rules on this ?) and stop for lunch at the… Continue reading BEER GUIDE DISASTER IN LONGPARISH
THE ORGREAVE CARVERY
August 2023. Waverley, Rotherham. One last little slice of Sheffield before we head into deepest Dorset for a slice of musical bliss under the sun to see in September. Actually, the new development of Waverley, just off J33 of the M1, is technically Rotherham, though I suspect the residents of these “exciting” Sky Houses next… Continue reading THE ORGREAVE CARVERY
STANDING ON THE SKYE’S EDGE
August 2023. Park Hill, Sheffield. Mrs RM is determined to get her 10-15k steps a day in, and in Sheffield’s hilly streets a step is worth twice as much as a step in Waterbeach. The climb up to the Park Hill estate immortalised in a Richard Hawley soundtracked musical is always a joy, and after… Continue reading STANDING ON THE SKYE’S EDGE
Where were YOU at 18:32 on the 8th September 2022 ?
“Never look back” is a good motto for life, but I’m sure you’ll want to commemorate with me the first anniversary of my GBG completion in a couple of days time. The 8th September 2022 was also a momentous day. My Dad had come out of ITU on the Monday, and following a miraculous recovery… Continue reading Where were YOU at 18:32 on the 8th September 2022 ?
AUGUST 2023 STOCKTAKE + SEPTEMBER PREVIEW (Better Late Than Never Edition)
Google normally send me a nice map showing my monthly travels, but I’ve had to do this on myself; Looks a busy month, even slipped into Wales for an Americano, which is appropriate since Wrexham is now officially the 51st state of the USA. With all thoughts of completing the GBG for a record-breaking second… Continue reading AUGUST 2023 STOCKTAKE + SEPTEMBER PREVIEW (Better Late Than Never Edition)
ON THE WAGON
August 2023. Kelham Island, Sheffield. I rather overdid it that Friday. “I can tell you’re pissed, you sneak a Chinese takeaway upstairs and then fall asleep” said Mrs RM the next morning. But she still wanted to go out that Sunday, and have lunch at the Fat Cat. I never wanted to see another alcoholic… Continue reading ON THE WAGON
RECONSTRUCTING A LOST AFTERNOON
August 2023. Sheffield. After our pleasant, sensible, hour in the Kelham Island Tavern Will left me on the corner of the Wellington, which in retrospect seems a bit untypically cruel but that’s what Premier League status does to you. I should have kept walking up this hill, but these days the Welly is too inviting,… Continue reading RECONSTRUCTING A LOST AFTERNOON
NEVER BETTERED…
August 2023. Kelham, Sheffield. I realise that I’m the Pollyanna of pub blogging and my relentless positivity must be crushed, but it must be said; beer quality this year is the best I’ve ever had. Take August. Average NBSS score of 3.43, with 3 the normal minimum for GBG entry. Obviously when CAMRA branches do… Continue reading NEVER BETTERED…
EVERYTHING CHANGES. EVEN THE BLIND MONKEY.
August 2023. Sheffield. As you’ll know the Blind Monkey in Walkley is our local, and a significant reason for our house choice back in 2020. If anything, since we moved it’s only got better, the cask quality getting it in this year’s GBG, prompting a string of celebrity pub tickers (and BRAPA) up one of… Continue reading EVERYTHING CHANGES. EVEN THE BLIND MONKEY.
TOP 100 PUBS – THE BILLI TAP, BILLINGSWORTH
August 2023. Billingshurst. I know I owe you an August highlights post. Be patient, be patient. The last week of Summer (before it arrived on the 2nd of September) brought some of the best beer I’ve ever (ever) drank. Some in Sheffield, obviously, but also in Billingshurst. Our decision to set up camp 100 yards… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – THE BILLI TAP, BILLINGSWORTH