Two new GBG ticks in Exmouth in July, there were two new ones last time I was here, too. I like that churn, makes the completion of the Guide harder for the other tickers. There’s a bit of the Bridlington about Exmouth. Unpretentious seaside town with a lot of old buildings and a sense of… Continue reading WHAT IS IT ABOUT HAWAII SHIRTS AND EXMOUTH ?
YOUR EXMOUTH HOTEL TIP
I’ll get no commission for plugging Ashton Court in Exmouth, unlike my lucrative deal with Pipers and Stabilo Boss (must compare notes with Si; does he get more for the green marker than the pink). But I know how keen you’ll be to stay in the same places as me when you complete the Official… Continue reading YOUR EXMOUTH HOTEL TIP
A PROPER JOB
This is a diary, of sorts, NOT a beer blog, as I’ve still no idea what beer is made out of. But for the sake of completeness, and because it makes a nice photo, here’s two pubs selling some of the best beer in Devon. 20 years ago trips to this part of Devon around… Continue reading A PROPER JOB
PAIGNTON PUB POP PICKS
What music do they play in American pubs bars ? Admittedly, there may be more than one type of US bar, just as there’s at least six distinct UK licensed premise. But I have no recollection of what tunes they played in America on recent trips to New York, New York or L.A. In England,… Continue reading PAIGNTON PUB POP PICKS
TOP 100 PUBS (No. 407) – THE CHERUB, DARTMOUTH
More July ticking, and a second tick in Dartmouth, and another “famous” pub that I distinctly recall walking past in 1995 when Mum and Dad (I’d forgotten they came down to Devon) were impressed by the floral display but not impressed enough to go in. Beautiful pub, rather off-putting alley (and steps if you’re 82).… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS (No. 407) – THE CHERUB, DARTMOUTH
TICKING THE SEVEN STARS, DARTMOUTH – EASIER THAN YOU’D THINK
The small band of hardy GBG tickers are the jolliest people you’ll ever meet, cheerful even when spending a day travelling to New Mills for a brewery tap (only open Monday and Tuesday evenings) that’s unexpectedly closed. Our WhatsApp group is full of helpful tips on how to cadge a pint when your target pub… Continue reading TICKING THE SEVEN STARS, DARTMOUTH – EASIER THAN YOU’D THINK
27 YEARS ON, A RETURN TO KINGSBRIDGE
Someone askedme when I started “ticking” and I reckon that, bar some Cambridge favourites like the Free Press, it really started just after I married Mrs RM (I really did) at which point I was teetotal. My first GBG was the 1994 edition, a design classic, but for a year or so we only did… Continue reading 27 YEARS ON, A RETURN TO KINGSBRIDGE
TURNING AWAY TOURISTS FROM THE FRONT DOOR OF THE FERRY INN
My July Devon Dawdle had got off to an inauspicious start with Salcombe’s flagship Ferry Inn unexpectedly closed at the promised 11am, but at least the Fortescue had (eventually) given me a foothold in the county, and I followed up with the obligatory pasty from the Bakehouse (NCPSS 3). I wasn’t looking forward to planning… Continue reading TURNING AWAY TOURISTS FROM THE FRONT DOOR OF THE FERRY INN
PUBS SURPRISED THAT THEY’RE OPEN VOL 1. – SALCOMBE
The week of July saw my raid on the South-West reach Devon. When GBG22 landed (ugh) on 12 November 2021 (my copy was late) I needed 48 Devonian ticks, having rather neglected the county over 28 years on account of the hedges and my aversion to scones. A summer of Devon heaven starts in Salcombe,… Continue reading PUBS SURPRISED THAT THEY’RE OPEN VOL 1. – SALCOMBE
AM I STILL (IN) IL(MINSTER)
Completing the Good Beer Guide is hardly worthy of congratulations. All that’s required is stupidity, a pink marker pen, and an ability to plan ticking trips with the skill of Captain Scott (Duncan is Amundsen). Oh, and a vast private fortune to fund the accommodation costs in Guernsey and the Hebrides. July saw repeated raids… Continue reading AM I STILL (IN) IL(MINSTER)
retiredmartin 