I’m now desperate to catch up on the blog, but clearly not desperate enough to actually stop visiting pubs to stop the backlog increasing. TWO (2) pubs on 25 December, the best of times, the worst of times. Back to My Birthday Eve, and a real Bucket List moment as I finally tick the trio… Continue reading FIRST FOOTING IN HELENSBURGH SPOONS
MIXING CASK AND KEG IN MILNGAVIE
The Scottish Tickathon heads west now, towards Glasgow and one of those places that Scots pronounce wrongly to humiliate visiting English pub men. Milngavie is clearly pronounced “Miln-gar-vey” like the Elbow frontman, but oh no, it’s “Mul-guy” apparently, like the the Elbow frontman. There’s two identical Premier Inns a few yards apart a mile south… Continue reading MIXING CASK AND KEG IN MILNGAVIE
THE WATER OF LEITH
Before I move into the big city, and in response to unprecedented demand, here’s a picture of my breakfast at the Old Town Hall in Innerleithen. Of course, ruined by the full Scottish breakfast that followed it, but such is life. No pain, no gain. I needed a long walk to burn off the calories… Continue reading THE WATER OF LEITH
NBSS 3.5 BEER IN SCOTLAND. IN SCOTLAND !
My 25 December lunch comprised 3 pints and an (out-of-date) packet of crisps, so the second post from Innerleithen may not be my best. But this Monday evening was; from the welcome from Pam (who I keep calling Pat) at the Old Town Hall to the mint with the curry. It’s just a shame the… Continue reading NBSS 3.5 BEER IN SCOTLAND. IN SCOTLAND !
CHRISTMAS IN THE TRAQUAIR
He’s been ! Yes, Retired Martin has delivered a new post for your 25 December, another day that will be exactly as good as you make it. Today I shall mostly be driving home from the in-laws in Tunbridge Wells after “doing my duty”. If you can see a good pub stop on either of… Continue reading CHRISTMAS IN THE TRAQUAIR
THE HORSESHOE
My first base in Scotland on the Birthday Tickathon was Innerleithen, with a secret “v” in the pronunciation of course. This affluent looking Borders town on the southern tip of the Pencuiks gave me easy access to three (3) Guide ticks, about as good value as I’ll get anywhere at this stage in GBG completion.… Continue reading THE HORSESHOE
THE HOME OF JIM CLARK AND THE MICHAEL BUBLE CHRISTMAS
“Booking is strongly advised, even if just going for a drink” says What Pub of the Allanton Inn, in the eponymous one street just outside Duns in the vast wilderness of the eastern Scottish Borders. So I phoned ahead, and asked if they could squeeze me in for a half, preferably next to a plant… Continue reading THE HOME OF JIM CLARK AND THE MICHAEL BUBLE CHRISTMAS
TWICE OVER THE TWEED
Only a fourth visit to Berwick, and a flying one this time to tick a first new entry since Leicester won the league and I had to endure their defining win at City in the Barrels. Despite sticking the Barrels in my Top 100 it’s dropped out the Guide, replaced by a couple of micros.… Continue reading TWICE OVER THE TWEED
THE VENERABLE BEADNELL
Mrs RM, James and I are off to see the parents/in-laws and other family members I can’t remember cause I don’t do family trees. James asked if I’m up to date with the blog, which is the equivalent to asking about the weather in our family. Well, I’m delighted to say I’m now up to… Continue reading THE VENERABLE BEADNELL
RAVISHING RIVINGTON RESERVOIR
Yesterday I managed to see a fair bit of Ayrshire and the Rosneath peninsula on my birthday (22/12), but us tickers are often treated to unexpected beauty in our pursuit of tisks. To soften the disappointment of my birthday having ended (extend it NOW !) I bring you TWO (2) ticks five minutes walk apart… Continue reading RAVISHING RIVINGTON RESERVOIR
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