Another year, another new GBG entry in Knutsford. How do they do it ? And why do all the new entries only ever last a single year in the Guide. (30 marks, show workings). Every time I revisit a town to tick a new pub, I get a new perspective. And this year it was… Continue reading BACK ONCE AGAIN TO THE KNUTSFORD GASTRO
CHEADLE – FLAT CAPS, FLAT WHITES, FOAMY BEER
Next stop, Cheadle. No, no, not THAT Cheadle. The one Stockport owns. And seamlessly from one Hulme to another one; W. Hulme Farm Produce is still boarded up. Information welcome. Bar the Church of St Mary’s, it’s the architectural highlight of a village that’s little more than a main road from Stockport to the A34… Continue reading CHEADLE – FLAT CAPS, FLAT WHITES, FOAMY BEER
SALUTE THE SALUTATION
Sunday saw an epic fail in my attempt to tick the Salutation in Manchester studentville, but 3 days later I got another chance to make some inroads into Manchester GBG-land. After an 11am haircut from Matt, and an admiring glance at the never-ending developments in the southern heart of the city, I stood patiently outside… Continue reading SALUTE THE SALUTATION
£6.34 ! HOW DO THEY DO IT ?
The buses in Sheffield are pretty smooth, at least compared to the Isle of Wight. I might use them again when the Hungry Horse at Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre gets in the Guide. Back in town, Sheffield Hatter abandoned me in Castle Square. Will has boycotted Spoons, presumably because their low pricing puts at risk… Continue reading £6.34 ! HOW DO THEY DO IT ?
EDWARD VII
The last time I wrote about the Chantry Inn at Handsworth someone was more intrigued by the Edward VII post box than my fascinating piece on a community local on consecrated ground. Will had wanted to visit since the Chantry “landed” (ugh) in the Guide, and I was delighted to accompany him; it’s always best… Continue reading EDWARD VII
PURE PEDIGREE
Several of you have expressed concern about my exposing young Matt to Proper Pubs in Oldham. Well, he seems unscathed, and tonight sent me this pic from the Manchester Craft Beer Tour, which sounds legit. My own tour last Monday with Sheffield Hatter was a more trad affair, though Will kindly allowed me to see… Continue reading PURE PEDIGREE
Matt gets introduced to the joys of Oldham
Matt could have made his way back to Manchester from Rochdale on the fast train, but opted to join me on the slow tram that stopped at Oldham. Youngsters are odd. I’ve no idea why I picked up a beer mat showing you the Rochdale ale trail; maybe Dick & Dave will do it if… Continue reading Matt gets introduced to the joys of Oldham
A CURRY IN ROCHDALE
A routine 3-0 victory over the Toffees last Sunday, the highlight of which was the view over our greatest city from the spiral staircase at the Etihad. On the way down Matt texted me and suggested we meet up, as Emma was doing something satanic called “Christmas Shopping”. I suggested curry in Rochdale, which used… Continue reading A CURRY IN ROCHDALE
HULME IS WHERE THE ART IS
Sunday took me back to Manchester, where City have resumed playing more traditional kick-off times after a brief failed experiment with 3pm on Saturday. A 2pm start gave me time for one new GBG tick before Everton, and perhaps a couple after if Mrs RM didn’t want me back home putting up Christmas decorations (wisely,… Continue reading HULME IS WHERE THE ART IS
TOP 100 PUBS – ALPINE BAR, SHEFFIELD CHRISTMAS MARKET
“I do hope you’re not undermining the integrity of the retiredmartin Top 100 with frivolous entries” writes Mark Crilley of Michigan. As if I would. We’re approaching a year into our Sheffield adventure, always the time to move on, and getting into the spirit of things by spending an afternoon at Sheffield’s immensely popular Christmas… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – ALPINE BAR, SHEFFIELD CHRISTMAS MARKET
