I took the train from Newtown to Machynlleth, officially the slowest journey in the UK. I could probably have jumped off the train as it trundled past Cemaes, nipped in the Dovey Valley for my half, and hopped back on as it slowed for the bend. Back in Mach (future blog title) only a month… Continue reading NO CASK DEATH IN MACHYNLLETH
A QUICK BASS IN THE RAILWAY
Not much photographic evidence of the Railway in Newtown , but with the very best pubs you rarely stop for photos. I checked in at Newtown’s Gro Guest House, the best of the year. And not just for the teddies. Yes, a teddy bear fanatic. 21 minutes to the station, 21 minutes till the train,… Continue reading A QUICK BASS IN THE RAILWAY
ARRIVING IN LLANWRTYD WELLS TOO SOON FOR THE BOG SNORKELLING
Three days in Mid Wales and I still couldn’t quite finish the GBG chapter. It’s possibly the most challenging “county” after Rutland, which just doesn’t open at all, with weird opening times, aggressive sheep and occasional trains. But I did make it to Llanwrtyd Wells (pronounced clan-weir-tid), some 22 years after last driving past it… Continue reading ARRIVING IN LLANWRTYD WELLS TOO SOON FOR THE BOG SNORKELLING
BEGUILED BY BEGUILDY
My favourite part of BRAPA is when he says things like, “Lydgate. You’ve never heard of it, don’t pretend you have. It is like Dukinfield. But only because you’ve never heard of that either.” and I can go, “Oooh, I have, I have, Pick me.” The GBG is the most educational book in the pub… Continue reading BEGUILED BY BEGUILDY
CLOUDS OVER FOXTON
Yes, a literal blog title, but what rhymes with Foxton ? Hoxton ? Quite what you’ve done to deserve a post on an unheralded village pub (never graced the GBG in my lifetime) in an unheralded South Cambs village I’ve no idea. All Foxton has is a railway station that surprisingly survived Beeching, and the… Continue reading CLOUDS OVER FOXTON
NO SLEEP ‘TILL NORTHUMBERLAND PINKED
I know how some of you only live to see maps of Beer Guide counties covered in pink (rather than green), so here’s Northumberland. And here’s what my rather battered GBG looks like with two/three/four/? weeks till GBG20 arrives in pristine condition. Elsdon is in the remotest bit of the county, making Rothbury look like… Continue reading NO SLEEP ‘TILL NORTHUMBERLAND PINKED
ROTHBURY – STOUT, PYGMY GOATS & THE DEFENCE OF RORKES DRIFT
Coming to the close of Northumberland GBG now, and an overdue return to Rothbury, home of the great National Trust property (Cragside) and down the road from one of our Basic, Unspoilt gems. A shame the Star is open 5.5 hours a week these days, and my visit was on one of the 162.5 hours… Continue reading ROTHBURY – STOUT, PYGMY GOATS & THE DEFENCE OF RORKES DRIFT
“GOT NEE JOHN SMITHS LIKE”
That’s right, take the mick (they probably are called Dick) out of John Smiths drinkers to promote your artisan micro pub in Amble. Worked for me, although my first thought was “definite pre-emptive tick“. Tiny place, bustling with a mixed crowd, reminded me immediately of the Angel in Belper. The first thing you’ll notice is… Continue reading “GOT NEE JOHN SMITHS LIKE”
LOST IN AMBLE
Back up the A1 for some more Northumberland GBG action The day after the hottest day ever (EVER) in Cambridge, I arrived in Amble in a T-Shirt to find everyone in jumpers and raincoats. Improbably, I’d never been to Amble, just like in the Charlene song. You’ll know that Seahouses is now Islington-on-Sea (Part IV)… Continue reading LOST IN AMBLE
CRAFT HITS THE LYNN
Yes, two posts from King’s Lynn, neither of them in the Beer Guide. I’m losing it. But 400-odd words is my absolute limit now I’m old, and also I need to bring you some more holiday snaps. Actually, describing a 3 hour trip with 3 pints and scampi and chips as a holiday may be… Continue reading CRAFT HITS THE LYNN
