Only one GBG newbie in Rutland this year, and it doesn’t even look like it’s in Rutland. Walkable (just) from Stamford station, the Crown in Great Casterton is virtually on the Rutland/Lincs border, with Peterborough postcode. For the usual prize, what actually forms that Rutland/Lincs border ? I estimate conservatively that I’ve passed with a… Continue reading RUTLAND WEEKEND BASS VISION
FELIZ NAVIDAD (AND A BELGIAN BLUE)
On Wednesday I swallowed half a tooth. Not only is that expensive, my immediate thought was “I’m going to choke to death and miss the next lockdown“. “HELP !” I called to Mrs RM, trying to bring up the tooth (sorry if you’re eating your tea). “Shhh. I’m working” said Mrs RM. Luckily my dentist… Continue reading FELIZ NAVIDAD (AND A BELGIAN BLUE)
A YEAR IN THE NORTH
A year ago today Mrs RM and I said goodbye to Waterbeach and headed for the North. The stressful move followed a month of trauma made worse by the sudden closure of pubs. We arrived in Sheffield to find ourselves in Tier 3, not even able to search out whippet bhajis as “substantial meals” to… Continue reading A YEAR IN THE NORTH
KINDER-SCOUTING FOR GBG TICKS
In Easter 1997, around the time Chesterfield were reaching the FA Cup semi-final, we stayed in an old railway carriage in Rowarth, about as far as you can get into the Dark Peak without reaching Manchester. Our explorations told us that New Mills was a bit run-down, but Hayfield (pop. 2,709) the base from which… Continue reading KINDER-SCOUTING FOR GBG TICKS
SOLVING BUXTON’S GBG MYSTERIES
The first month of the new GBG ticking season is one of high excitement for the Maltmeisters, BRAPAs and that Scottish chap. Is that new entry in Harrogate the same as the Old Tap & Spile ? What’s happened to all the micros in Burton ? And are there really TWO new entries in the… Continue reading SOLVING BUXTON’S GBG MYSTERIES
BETWEEN BABYLON AND VENICE
Think of this as a short bonus post on a day when other news may take your attention from my blog. (Congratulations Carrie and Boris). On Sunday I became the first person ever (ever) to visit Cheadle, Staffs four (4) times in a calendar year. Even Mrs RM said “Cheadle? Not again !” and she… Continue reading BETWEEN BABYLON AND VENICE
DESTROYING CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN ANSTEY
I didn’t actually know where Anstey was, but of course I would never admit that to Mrs RM, being a bloke. Here it is, excitingly placed east of edgy Coalville ,north of the dull bit of Leicester and close to Charnwood Forest where in the ’70s footballers would run country pubs post-retirement at 35. It… Continue reading DESTROYING CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN ANSTEY
RIPLEY TALES
Mrs RM was keen to join me on these ticking trips; I think she thinks it’s all like BRAPA. To disabuse her of the notion GBG ticking is exciting, I let her accompany me to Ripley. Ripley (pop. 20,807) is one of the many old mining towns in the Amber Valley that no-one visits because… Continue reading RIPLEY TALES
MORE PRE-TRAIN DIVERSIONS IN BURTON
One left in Burton. As Matt says; there’s plenty of good pubs here, including The Dog. Not sure about the appeal of 11 handpulls, mind. I only saw one Pedi pump on the bars at the Leopard and the Anchor. Once I’m sure that Life After Football has been in I’ll do those next visit.… Continue reading MORE PRE-TRAIN DIVERSIONS IN BURTON
READ ALL ABOUT IT, BREWS OF THE WORLD
I still had 20 minutes till my second and final Burton GBG tick opened, 17 minutes before the train left for home, and you should NEVER walk past a new pub recommended by Life After Football. Particularly one like Brews of the World that bothers to be open, look inviting, and be full of Bass… Continue reading READ ALL ABOUT IT, BREWS OF THE WORLD
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