Devon was a test of the pub ticker’s art. Hours spent on Facebook, Bing Maps and National Rail, confirming opening hours, the existence of bridges over rivers, and the local line from Exeter to Barnstaple. If you’re prepared to walk uphill in 30 degrees you can reach some of the more remote GBG pubs from… Continue reading NO STANDING AT THE BAR
NO BOOKING REQUIRED IN GEORGE NYMPTON
I know some of us are more naturally positive about the return of pubs than others, just as our views on Covid risks vary. BeerMat is always hopeful, and his latest piece is evidence that things are returning to some sort of normality; Note, however, that the scene above shows blokes drinking Carling. You might… Continue reading NO BOOKING REQUIRED IN GEORGE NYMPTON
CHITTLEHAMPTON HI-VIS
Before we restart, what’s this ? Two more days to make further inroads into Devon, armed with a coffee soaked list of pubs. In 2020, it’s all questions marks and reminders to book first. But, to be honest, it was easier than I’d expected. Harder spelling the place names correctly. A typical inland Devon village… Continue reading CHITTLEHAMPTON HI-VIS
BYE BYE BIDEFORD
No, there’s no railway line out of Bideford. In 2009 the Association of Train Operating Companies costed reopening the Barnstaple to Bideford route at £80 million, which is about half BRAPA’s beer budget for completing the Surrey GBG entries. This chap, closed the line in 1965, presumably in response to my birth, and the trains… Continue reading BYE BYE BIDEFORD
BARNSTORMING BARNSTAPLE
I only managed 25 ticks in Devon and Cornwall but I feel like I’ll be blogging ’till Christmas. And I need to get out again this week or all last week’s good work will be wasted as I strive to get 97% completion before the new GBG is out. The bus pulled into Barnstaple, but… Continue reading BARNSTORMING BARNSTAPLE
THE TARKA TRAIL
I really didn’t want to write about the White Lion in Braunton. Think of it as contractual obligations, like a 1978 Steve Hackett album. It’s certainly an hour between buses back to Barnstaple I’ll not get back. But at least it gave me a tick, and the vital information that the Tarka Trail is a… Continue reading THE TARKA TRAIL
LEAVING THE BIG ISSUE IN THE WELLINGTON
Still in Ilfracombe. The Quay was TOO busy; the Old Town deserted. Cheered, I bought Big Issue for £3, Jarvis Cocker making his 317th appearance on the cover of that highly readable paper. For the first time, closed shops and pubs outnumbered the open ones. A shame, as Fore Street is marvellous, and I’m sure… Continue reading LEAVING THE BIG ISSUE IN THE WELLINGTON
ILFRACOMBE TOURIST BOOM
After my Ilfracombe cream tea I walked up Hillsborough, the hard way (straight up, not the zig zag path). It’s not as well-pubbed as the area round the Sheffield Wednesday ground, but it raises the heart rate and the view are better than from the Leppings Lane stand. With its tremendous calf-stretching ascent and wondrous… Continue reading ILFRACOMBE TOURIST BOOM
A CREAM TEA TICK IN ILFRACOMBE
Thursday, 8am. Bideford let you lie in till 10 with the overnight ticket, so I did, before deciding to stay another day, just like in the East 17 Christmas Number 1 (not US). Who wouldn’t like to wake to views like this ? I made myself a coffee and remembered not to spray the campervan… Continue reading A CREAM TEA TICK IN ILFRACOMBE
BRINGING THE LONDON PLAGUE TO EX39
Bideford Town FC looked gorgeous as I arrived back at my campervan. One last pint ? Steer clear of Spoons, till the last night at least. Lacey’s Ale & Cider House sounds like a Beer Guide place, doesn’t it ? It even doesn’t sell Doom Bar, which is always popular. “Pint of Old Appledore please”… Continue reading BRINGING THE LONDON PLAGUE TO EX39
