Yes, Oxford. No, not the Bullingdon Club with the pig “menu”. But close enough. First time in our second University city since last year, music not pubs this time. No new pubs, and nothing new in a city centre still clinging to the 1500s. You were hoping I’d go back to the Lamb & Flag,… Continue reading THE BULLINGDON CLUB
KING OF THE MANOR (PARK) – MY FIRST E12 GBG TICK
All-day gigs test your patience, don’t they ? I managed the lovely Winnie Raedler and Stoner at the Roundhouse before deciding I needed a walk and a tick. Or two. Let’s finish East London, shall we ? Overground to Stratford, past the craft enclave of Hackney Wick, then underground to Leyton. The Hammers are playing… Continue reading KING OF THE MANOR (PARK) – MY FIRST E12 GBG TICK
TOP SERVICE IN LONDON GBG DESERTS
One for my craft readers now (Hi Derek), as I tip up at Chalk Farm with an hour to kill before a Mirrors All Dayer at the Roundhouse starring all your favourite alt-indie-alt stars. As always, the GBG App is your friend, highlighting with a big red marker the recommended places in the giant swathe… Continue reading TOP SERVICE IN LONDON GBG DESERTS
SWING LOW, SWEET CLAPHAM
Autumn brings falling leaves, an England defeat in that interminable rugger tournament, and the necessity to visit South West London if I’m going to complete the GBG for the capital by Christmas. The first Saturday in November gave me an all-day gig in Camden, with just enough time to brave Clapham. Or £10.45 for a… Continue reading SWING LOW, SWEET CLAPHAM
WATERBEACH CONTEMPLATES THE HEAD ON THE BEER
It’s a shame the Southworths missed the chance to visit my local on their visit last year. When they, inevitably come back they’ll find Waterbeach a beery boom town village. Not only is The Sun deservedly back in the Guide and selling “interesting” beer, the Brewery Tap was serving Landlord this week, the White… Continue reading WATERBEACH CONTEMPLATES THE HEAD ON THE BEER
MAGICAL CHANGES IN DEBENHAM
Debenham, not Debenhams, though there was a House of Fraser in the GBG in Darlington once. Odd GBG history in Darlo. This is the Debenham that sits uneasily at the heart of Mid Suffolk, a mere five miles from Ed Sheeran-owned Framlingham. Fears that Ed has given up his burgeoning musical career to retire to… Continue reading MAGICAL CHANGES IN DEBENHAM
BATTERED BEERMATS IN RICHMOND (THE REAL ONE)
A couple of years ago Pub Curmudgeon ran a poll to decide the UK’s best town, unexpectedly won by Mansfield after a VAR review. Richmond (the real one) scored well, which surprised me a bit as I’d never really got it, till a spring trip to the Holly Hill which provided some staggering views from… Continue reading BATTERED BEERMATS IN RICHMOND (THE REAL ONE)
STATE MANAGEMENT SURVIVORS
Now Dick and Dave have had their craft fix I can bring you the Proper Pubs in Carlisle. Ten minutes walk up Warwick Road to the Beehive, and a reminder of Carlisle’s leafy charms on the way to Brunton Park. Pubs look great early evening, don’t they ? Shame I rarely go out after dusk… Continue reading STATE MANAGEMENT SURVIVORS
THE GREAT CARLISLE BREW DOG v SPOONS MONDAY NIGHT SHOOTOUT
Do keep up, Russ. The Super Scottish Saunter was coming to an end now as I crossed Hadrian’s Wall the border and entered Carlisle. The city was in a sombre mood when I arrived, a chap sadly presishing after being stuck at the top of Dixons chimney. My Guest House was the Corner House just… Continue reading THE GREAT CARLISLE BREW DOG v SPOONS MONDAY NIGHT SHOOTOUT
ECCLEFECHAN TART (BUT NO REAL ALE)
This blog likes to bring you the pick of UK culinary hotspots, so here’s Ecclefechan. Effectively your first service station escaping “BRAPA in Cumbria” on the way to Glasgow, or your chance to stock up on the eponymous tart for your Scottish friend wife. It’s a bustling place. You can see the legendary Premier Stores… Continue reading ECCLEFECHAN TART (BUT NO REAL ALE)
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