I may have abandoned Cambridgeshire, but it’s still the first county I look at in the new Good Beer Guide, a bit like I’ll always look to see if Cambridge United have attempted a shot on goal this week (A : No). Three (3) new entries in the GBG this year; the Fen Ditton gastropub… Continue reading A FATAL CONFUSION OF BLACK BOX AND BLACK LACE IN GODMANCHESTER COMRADES CLUB
FEN DRAYTON CHEERS A BELATED GBG ARRIVAL
Blimey. A new Guide entry on the same page of the map as Waterbeach. That’s the first in a while. I was convinced I’d been to the Three Tuns in Fen Drayton before, and I know I have, but in 2018 when I visited the RSPB site it was closed and it’s not on my… Continue reading FEN DRAYTON CHEERS A BELATED GBG ARRIVAL
THE GEORGE IV, SAWBRIDGEWORTH – “THE SORT OF PUB THAT DOESN’T GET IN THE BEER GUIDE ANYMORE”
“Is your life today what you pictured a year ago ?” prompts Word Press this morning. Well, a year ago I was in Sheffield Waitrose, no doubt buying provisions for an arduous journey up north for my birthday (22/12). I can’t say I pictured my life much beyond 57. Sorry, self-reflection isn’t my style. 20… Continue reading THE GEORGE IV, SAWBRIDGEWORTH – “THE SORT OF PUB THAT DOESN’T GET IN THE BEER GUIDE ANYMORE”
TAXI FOR BRAPA (Vol. 376)
Time for one more tonight ? 12th November 2022. The sun shines on the righteous. And the ticker who’s headed for his fourth pub of the day and gets an unexpected lift from Maidstone station. And I assure you, it was pure fate that brought us together in the tight alley leading to Maidstone East… Continue reading TAXI FOR BRAPA (Vol. 376)
DON’T PUT BABY IN THE CORNER (OF THE MAIDSTONE GASTROPUB)
12th November 2022. Mrs RM arranged to meet an old work colleague who’d been left with childminding duties in the fair town of Maidstone. Well, Bearsted, which is probably the posh quarter. Pauline will confirm. Overlooking the attractive green, the White Horse looked dreadful, in a faux Brunning & Price way. AND we had to… Continue reading DON’T PUT BABY IN THE CORNER (OF THE MAIDSTONE GASTROPUB)
“mind your head”. Too late, Man of Kent.
One of the “bonuses” of the caravan in Rye is we get to visit the in-laws, about 30 miles up the A21 near Tonbridge/Royal Tunbridge Wells. 11th November 2022. The most challenging aspect of visits to the Spencers used to be actually getting out of the house, as the key to the locked door was… Continue reading “mind your head”. Too late, Man of Kent.
THE MERITS OF REVISITING A RYE MICRO PUB
Spending a week or two down in Rye presents some challenges for the GBG completist. There’s a couple of dozen new Guide entries easily accessible by train, exciting places like Broadstairs and Hove. But I don’t want to do those too soon, so I’m also revisiting a few places I wasn’t sure about first tick… Continue reading THE MERITS OF REVISITING A RYE MICRO PUB
THE STAR IN THE EAST (OF SUSSEX)
“What skills or lessons have you learned recently?” asks Word Press this morning, as an unwanted prompt for a blogger with writer’s block. The only lesson you need ever learn is “Don’t take the A57 in the snow“. The other lesson is, of course, NEVER believe a micropub’s opening times. The Hidden Treasure in Dymchurch… Continue reading THE STAR IN THE EAST (OF SUSSEX)
IN THE HORSE & GROOM, CONTEMPLATING THAT SOPHOMORE GBG COMPETION
This post is a prime example of the difficulties of the Sophomore* GBG completion. In the year you first complete, your maniacal focus is entirely on getting counties ticked off. There’s no time (or bladder) for sentimental revisits, pre-emptive micros or pints of Prosecco. But once you’re a completist, your rail journey to tick that… Continue reading IN THE HORSE & GROOM, CONTEMPLATING THAT SOPHOMORE GBG COMPETION
THE REJUVENATION OF ST. LEONARDS
Before I start, a reminder to make a note of the most magical day of the year. NO! not Ed Balls Day, my birthday, once again on 22nd December. Last year it was a Scottish cracker as I singlehandedly cheered St Mirren to a point against Celtic and finally ticked the Kilmarnock Spoons. Where will… Continue reading THE REJUVENATION OF ST. LEONARDS
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