May 2023. We only had the company of the Southworths for a lunchtime beer and curry on their UK trip, but what a beer and curry it was. Bradford, you never let us down. We started off at the Waterstones, searching in vain for the 1975 Good Beer Guide. Perhaps the most gorgeous book shop… Continue reading THE SOUTHWORTHS DO BRADFORD, PROPERLY
WELCOME TO BRADFORD
6th May 2023. We’d planned to meet the Southworths on their latest UK trip (tour T-shirts from the usual sites), and figured that rather than go back to Sheffield from Manchester we might as well take the train to Bradford and do a giant loop. For a start, it was cheaper, and we found Bradford… Continue reading WELCOME TO BRADFORD
PORK PIE & DUCHESSE DE BORGOGNE – ARTISANAL FOOD MATCHING AT CASK ANCOATS
6 May 2023. Should have mentioned “Reg”. On the way down from Platform 14 that morning a handsome chap tapped me on the shoulder and said “You are Retired Martin and I claim my pint of Doom Bar“. I had to chase him half way down the steps before he admitted his name. I knew… Continue reading PORK PIE & DUCHESSE DE BORGOGNE – ARTISANAL FOOD MATCHING AT CASK ANCOATS
CASK IS KING AT THE CROWN & KETTLE
6th May 2023. Coronation Day. I’d made a bid mistake, huge, and left myself with three hours before kick-off in Manchester. What on earth can you do in Manchester for three hours before a nervy fixture against Dirty Leeds ? Loads of things, but none you want to read about, so let’s pop in the… Continue reading CASK IS KING AT THE CROWN & KETTLE
CORONATION DAY
5/6th May 2023. Our good friends the Southworths had arrived in Lil’ Ol England ahead of the Coronation, but despite a frantic search we were unable to secure them tickets for the main event via Twickets so they had to make do with a day eating oatcakes and scoring beer, which sounds a good second… Continue reading CORONATION DAY
“When brewery tap opening hours ruin your day, Remember…, Be Strong, Because all will be Okay”
May 2023. Let’s finish Essex for another year. Mid-Essex has some corkers, both in the county town and salty Maldon. A brewery tap to finish ? Not ideal but at least it’s open Thursday, not like some places I could mention that open the first Saturday of the month or close for Winter and Spring.… Continue reading “When brewery tap opening hours ruin your day, Remember…, Be Strong, Because all will be Okay”
CRAFTY CASKS, RAYLEIGH
May 2023. An Essex special to start the week, though I fear these three (3) posts will disappoint those of you (Hi, Dave) looking for photos of church naves and castle mounds. Plenty of those in Rayleigh, but on another flying visit you only get pics of upside down Union Jacks, and a modern beer… Continue reading CRAFTY CASKS, RAYLEIGH
REHABILITATING GRAYS
May 2023. Thee only way to finish the eastern part of the GBG is Essex. BRAPA’s adventures in getting from King’s Cross to Thurrock on a rail replacement bus and back in time for an unwise ESB at the Parcel Yard would make classic reality TV. Excitingly, one of my new Essex ticks is in… Continue reading REHABILITATING GRAYS
SUNSHINE OVER THE ETIHAD
3rd May 2023. I’ve let Matt use my season ticket for City’s title party, his first time seeing the League trophy lifted. Getting a bit boring now. A fortnight ago I had two games in a week, and after the walk back from Lowton on the Wednesday I fell asleep in Cathedral Gardens, a sure… Continue reading SUNSHINE OVER THE ETIHAD
LOWTON ADDS YET ANOTHER CLASSIC BOOZER TO GBG23
May 2023. You left me in prime Woolyback country, between Newton-le-Willows and Golborne (what ? where ? asks 99% of the population), pondering on the connection between Shakin’ Stevens and Carol Decker. Congratulations to Mr Paul Bailey from Tonbridge, who correctly worked out Shaky beat Carol on the TV show, Hit Me, Baby, One More… Continue reading LOWTON ADDS YET ANOTHER CLASSIC BOOZER TO GBG23
