March 2020 My last pubs before the self-imposed ban came in Bewdley, where I finished the Worcestershire chapter of the GBG in style. Bewdley is a wonderful town, especially when the Spoons hotel is £39 a night (“How much ?” says Paul). The new Travelodge seems to be a work-in-progress; It was still recovering from… Continue reading 5p OUT IN BEWDLEY
EXPLORING THE A10 – STRETHAM
March 2020 Day 2 without pubs, though with a few posts still to bring you from last week with (Parental Advisory) a consoling pub visit in them. There’ll be quite a few trips up the A10 in the next few weeks, as I attempt to find you something attractive about the Fens. Five minutes up… Continue reading EXPLORING THE A10 – STRETHAM
HI-VIS MUNTJAC ATTACKS IN BURY ST EDMUNDS
A few trips out before my current hiatus from pubs, all depressingly local and none giving me a tick to improve my GBG completion. Bury St Edmunds is decent for walks and has a great little record shop where I hoped to buy the new Soccer Mommy album. Why buy vinyl in Cambridge when you… Continue reading HI-VIS MUNTJAC ATTACKS IN BURY ST EDMUNDS
A TOUGH DECISION. AN EASY DECISION
A short note on the virus, sparing you any theories/philosophy/fears/consolations. I’ve stopped visiting pubs for the time being. It was hell walking past this one just now. I’ll be exercising social distancing, being responsible, limiting the risk of infection to Old Boys and Gals. The decision might have been taken out of my hands soon,… Continue reading A TOUGH DECISION. AN EASY DECISION
DAFFODILS, DYMOCK & DAFT retiredmartin
March 2020 I realise that this blog is becoming less relevant by the day, but equally it becomes even more important that I keep writing. See Blackpool Jane’s marvellous blog for a similar perspective (warning : contains beans). What you need today are the first signs of Spring, a Proper Pub, and retiredmartin cocking up… Continue reading DAFFODILS, DYMOCK & DAFT retiredmartin
NEWENT – NICE DAY FOR A PINK TICK
March 2020 You’ve missed the Billy Idol tribute. I’m really sorry. In fact, you might struggle to get to the Kings Arms in Newent if the lockdown comes. I’ll have something to say about that when I can face it. Newent was very cheery, presumbly still celebrating only a second GBG entry since 1875. 4… Continue reading NEWENT – NICE DAY FOR A PINK TICK
LISTEN TO THE LYON – WESTBURY-ON-SEVERN OPENS UP
March 2020 I was a bit disappointed at the lack of new Forest of Dean entries in the new GBG; a man who is scared of Cinderford is a man who’s actually been there. Westbury-on-Severn is close, but it still feels like a dormitory village for Gloucester. The floods hitting the northerly Severn towns seem… Continue reading LISTEN TO THE LYON – WESTBURY-ON-SEVERN OPENS UP
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL
More holiday snaps. Perhaps the last I’ll be taking for a while. I realise I’ve been remarkably generous to Gloucester these last few posts, but the camera and my NBSS scores never lie. The full Gloucestershire breakfast at the Spalite was as average as you can get, but I know Americans love seeing pics of… Continue reading GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL
FREEWILL
9th March 2020 You can choose from phantom fears And kindness that can kill I will choose a path that’s clear I will choose free will RUSH – FREEWILL, 1980 So, one Gloucester GBG newbie ticked, one unexpectedly shut, and one joyous pint of Bass. Time for one more ? Sam Smiths always appeals, the… Continue reading FREEWILL
THE ONLY BASS IN GLOUCESTER
9th March 2020 National Bass Day coming up on 11 April; I’ve no doubt you’ve all got your orders in to Samlesbury already. Upset a CAMRA, support Draught Bass. In the Turks Head I had a lively conversation about Bass and Pedi with a lovely bloke who assured me the Imperial always had it on.… Continue reading THE ONLY BASS IN GLOUCESTER
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