Right, let’s finish That Worcestershire. Look very closely and you’ll see the splodge covering Kidderminster is a lighter shade of pink (Procul Harum Outtakes, 1969) than the rest; that’s because the Bear & Wolf was the ONLY new GBG entry in this lovely county. That’s the sort of churn that has given us GBG tickers… Continue reading “I Don’t Like Citra” – A TWANG IN KIDDERMINSTER
CHEPSTOW BOOKED
The end of the Welsh Wander, on a gorgeous day that started with avocado smash at the wonderful Parc Pantry in Malpas. I bet you didn’t think you could even get avocado smash in suburban Newport, did you, let alone that it looked like this; Chepstow is practically England, but it never feels quite as… Continue reading CHEPSTOW BOOKED
Well, could YOU walk past the Murenger ?
Not the first time I’ve been in Ye Olde Murenger House, and hopefully not the last, but I always say that about the Dead Poets and the Coopers Arms. The Murenger, of course, was built to Sir Humphrey’s exact specifications, unlike all those Rochdale pubs he snapped up on the cheap, and is a gem.… Continue reading Well, could YOU walk past the Murenger ?
FOUND IT !
Back into town on the Number 28, with me feeling slightly guilty about taking it all the way back to the Newport bus station, would my sins catch up with me ?, till I realises the £4.40 bought one of those Day Riders. I should have taken a ride out to the Transporter Bridge; still… Continue reading FOUND IT !
ON THE (NEWPORT) BUSES
The last night of January’s Great Welsh Tickathon started at the Ibis (stylised ibis) budget in Newport. Highly recommended, particularly now they’ve added a kettle to the rooms. Tell them I sent you. For your £34 you get a bloke who advises you to not make a chicken run across the M4, but rather start… Continue reading ON THE (NEWPORT) BUSES
MY BEAVERTOWN TUMBLER RUNNETH OVER
One more from Glamorgan before I hit Newport (Newport), always a life highlight. The GBG says Llanharry. Google says Llanhari. Sort it out before the next Guide, will ya ? There is little in life that can beat a pub at dusk. Unless it’s empty, which is the modal outcome for pubs in 2022. But… Continue reading MY BEAVERTOWN TUMBLER RUNNETH OVER
COWBRIDGE GOES CRAFT
Onward and (slowly) upward to the pashmina and prosecco capital of Wales, its Wilmslow, its Saffron Walden. Actually, Cowbridge isn’t THAT bad. Unllike Monmouth, where the schoolchildren are immaculate, in Cowbridge all the tied are undone and worn loose round the collar à la Cottenham 1977. The long High Streets appeals to mums and toddlers… Continue reading COWBRIDGE GOES CRAFT
NO DOOM BAR IN LLANTWIT MAJOR. THIS TIME.
The journey deep into the Vale of Glamorgan continues, as I renew my acquaintance with Llantwit Major. There IS no Llantwit Minor, something that Sue Gray will be investigating later. I feel like I’ve been to all the traditionally named Llantwit pubs now, and I’m not sure I could tell them apart under forensic questioning.… Continue reading NO DOOM BAR IN LLANTWIT MAJOR. THIS TIME.
THE BLUE ANCHOR (T’OTHER ONE)
A big thanks to Vale of Glamorgan CAMRA for sticking their GBG pubs so close to train stations; much appreciated. Even the Blue Anchor in East Aberthaw was a short hop from the airport station, though it seemed the most remote pub in the world. Except for the holiday park, lime works, cement works and… Continue reading THE BLUE ANCHOR (T’OTHER ONE)
“Better stop dreaming of the quiet life”. In a town called Barry.
A real gem next, and a big thumbs up for Barry of Gavin and Stacey fame. A short hop on the train from Cardiff Central, Barry should be benefitting from the Staycation (ugh) boost, but most folks are too snobby to enjoy a simple UK seaside resort these days (see also : Blackpool, Cleethorpes). Perhaps… Continue reading “Better stop dreaming of the quiet life”. In a town called Barry.
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