retiredmartin

A few days recovery, then back on the chain gang, as someone once sang. This is that time of year, with the odd pub in Durham, Tyne & Wear and North Yorkshire to visit, that I feel like just moving up to Scotch Corner and being done with it. The micro in Barnard Castle had… Continue reading FINDING FIRKIN ALLEY

My last GBG pub in Plymouth (and there’s thirteen of them this year) was the one that sounded most interesting in the Guide, “mixed clientele and University staff” and all. And it’s certainly the most (mildly) gentrified of the Guide pubs, in a way that’ll be familiar to anyone who’s been to the other Bread… Continue reading SKIFFLE/VESSEL

  Closing in on the end of the Devon trip now, you’ll be delighted to hear. Two last pubs in studentville on Saturday, and the answer to the eternal question; “Is Armada Way the ugliest main shopping street in England” Possibly, though Durham High Street runs it close. That photo was taking at 9.35am on… Continue reading USE IT OR LOSE IT

Thank you to all of you who answered my question; “Should I go to the Great British Beer Festival ?” 100% of you who responded said “NO” If only I’d known what I’d be missing today…. It’s all kicking off in @gbbf Discovery Zone with @Harveys1790 Miles Jenner & @CharlesFaram & @CrispMalt pic.twitter.com/91EZcCtqR8 — Alex… Continue reading BEST BASS IN PLYMOUTH ?

  How exciting. A free chain ferry (for foot passengers) across the Tamar to Torpoint, and a rare Cornwall GBG tick. I might only manage one new bit of Kernow pinking this Guide year ((15/9 – ?/9) but it’s all progress, and I like to do at least one tick in every GBG chapter annually.… Continue reading A TORPOINT SORE POINT

Cornwall looks so close as you walk down from St Budeaux toward the Ferry House on the banks of the Tamar. If there’d been a little ferry boat I may have been tempted to make a return visit to the distinctive pub across the water, despite my strong aversion to all flags.  See if you… Continue reading A VIEW TO THE UNION

Saturday was my big “Greater Plymouth” exploration day. A walk to St Budeaux, a train to Bere Ferrers, a ferry to Wilcove and a hop round Plymouth suburbs to make some serious (pink) dents into Page 116 of the Guide. So what of St Budeaux, I hear you ask ? Not a lot.  Quite floral,… Continue reading A TRAIN ACROSS THE TAVY

Back to Plymouth from Totnes in time for a nightcap and Chinese takeaway from Lee’s (NCTSS 3.5) on a baking Thursday night. First a little stroll up Notte Street and the vast University District, which seems to be doing a grand job of preserving double entendre and fun pubs. I think I walked past four… Continue reading PLYMOUTH PUBS ON THE HO HO HOE

  One left in Totnes, and at last a pub I’d feel comfortable taking Stafford Paul in. Despite the hanging baskets. There must be some normal people in Totnes, I thought. Sadly, they were all in the Seven Stars paying £4.35 a pint, and missing out on the traditional values of the Albert, whose custom… Continue reading ALBERT

I walked down Totnes High Street sulking about sour beer and shoddy service. “Be More Kind” said the voice in my head. Well, it is a lovely town. And the Royal Seven Stars is a stunner. Rather different from the Seven Stars of basic pub legend, or even the Falmouth Bass Haven. Not a seat… Continue reading £4.35 A PINT. £4.35!