I mentioned I had two pubs left to do in Norwich. Actually, only one, as a bit more detective work revealed that the Lord Rosebery was merely the newly ennobled but still wonderful Rosebery. So, just the Golden Star to visit and I could wobble back to Cambridge, hopefully remembering to change at Ely, as… Continue reading “YOU RECOMMEND ONE”
TER DOLEN IN MADDERMARKET
It’s important on these “Professional Ticking Days” to stick firmly to the itinerary. Stick to halves, arrive at pubs at the designated 13:03 and leave at 13:27, stick to halves, don’t get sidetracked by possible pre-emptives, stick to halves, don’t dawdle to admire the endless winding streets of Norwich, almost inevitably ending at the St… Continue reading TER DOLEN IN MADDERMARKET
LOUIS, LOUIS (MARCHESI)
As you’ll imagine, the early part of the new season is full of shocks for the professional pub ticker. A bit like the Premiership, then. Two minutes after sharing my excitement at FOUR new ticks in Norwich, Duncan had responded from his Moldovan craft beer bar, telling me that Louis Marchesi was actually the new… Continue reading LOUIS, LOUIS (MARCHESI)
CANARIES
There’s not many towns with as many as four new Beer Guide pubs this year. Arise, Sir Norwich, a fine city apparently. Loads of pubs in Norwich, though some get a bit annoyed when they’re edged out of the Guide for forgetting to do up their top button. Be warned, CAMRA, leave a pub out… Continue reading CANARIES
STAIRWAY TO HERTFORD
Pub Curmudgeon has compiled an excellent alternative list of pashmina and prosecco pubs for Paulines and Phillips to visit on days out from London Village. I’m always reluctant to add my two pennorth to calls for lists of “Top Pubs“, given my recollections might predate the internet, but it’s good to see the Woodman in… Continue reading STAIRWAY TO HERTFORD
AN UNEXPECTED HOUR IN HATFIELD GALLERIA
Rules of Blogging No. 377 – If you can’t find a good picture of a shopping centre, use a lost cat. The alternatives were these photos; I’m still finishing my forensic analysis of the new Beer Guide (I haven’t started yet), but the arrival of a new Hatfield entry will surely be one of the… Continue reading AN UNEXPECTED HOUR IN HATFIELD GALLERIA
COLCHESTER – PURE AND SIMPLE
My eldest son James has been serving pizza on his break from Sheffield Uni. Barring a lads trip to Rugby (don’t laugh) to play computer games, and that walk up the tower he hasn’t left the house other than to do his 8 hour shifts at Pizza Hut. Not that the deep crust Marinara isn’t… Continue reading COLCHESTER – PURE AND SIMPLE
WHAT YOU NEED MY SON, IS A HOLIDAY IN WHITTLESEA
I can take the mick (he’s my Uncle) out of Fenland; I was born there. Less than a year after my taxi service took BRAPA to Whittlesey, I was back. The rail journey from Waterbeach to Whittlesey(/a) give you either 35 minutes or 2 hrs 35 minutes in town, so take a book. Really,… Continue reading WHAT YOU NEED MY SON, IS A HOLIDAY IN WHITTLESEA
TAYTOS IN CHICKSANDS
Yes, I’m missing the Last Night of the Proms just so I can bring you another new GBG pub from the Heart (i.e. the dull bit) of Britain. I actually hoped I’d visited all the pubs in Bedfordshire already, and it seems a county to have largely avoided the curse of Taps and micropubs (mainly… Continue reading TAYTOS IN CHICKSANDS
BALDOCK ? ARE YOU SURE ?
The first week of September sees Duncan, Simon and myself comparing the entries in the new Good Beer Guide to the massive spreadsheet/rolls of papyrus containing previous ticks. By and large it’s the same entries year after year, despite retirements, rebranding and the plague (Maidenhead). The entries for North Hertfordshire are pretty much the same… Continue reading BALDOCK ? ARE YOU SURE ?
