People talk about Damacene conversions. Like Saul of Tarsus, and Pete Allen ditching Carling for Bass, and Chukka joining the Greens next week. A real Damascene conversion will be me seeing the light and telling you “Maidenhead is magic” . It’s not. It’s a dump that exists only to make Slough look good, which it… Continue reading ESCAPING MAIDENHEAD INTACT
DOOM BAR RULES IN BANBURY
At times on this site I feel like the nation’s only advocate for Doom Bar, a bit like the only person pleased with the sacking of Gary Monk. But despite two rave reviews for our No. 1 beer last year (Sawbridgeworth and Winchester, fact fans), it’s normally a dull old thing, even in GBG pubs.… Continue reading DOOM BAR RULES IN BANBURY
ON THE ALE IN TIVIDALE
Another night in the exciting suburbs of Dudley, another chance to discover the hidden charms of pre-emptive Black Country pubs. Not this one, sadly. Or this one. And what looked like a Rowley Regis Guide cert with its giraffe and guardsmen theme turns out to be a children’s play area with Carling. No, the possible… Continue reading ON THE ALE IN TIVIDALE
WELSHPOOL WAKES UP. FINALLY.
Mid Wales is a nightmare for the pub ticker. Expensive B&Bs, sheep crossing events at Llangurig that last longer than a Tom Jones gig, and opening hours that make micropubs seem like Wetherspoons. Not too bad in Welshpool, where the Pheasant promises all day opening from 1pm to allow the owners to watch Bargain Hunt… Continue reading WELSHPOOL WAKES UP. FINALLY.
CHURCHSTOKE – OPEN ALL HOURS
Back into Wales for the fifth time this year, and the mysterious village of Churchstoke. I thought it sounded familiar, but I’d never been before, so I looked up those population stats that Duncan loves so much. I think we should be told more about the statistically improbable male/female balance. In fact, Churchstoke is familiar… Continue reading CHURCHSTOKE – OPEN ALL HOURS
LUDLOW – A JOULE WITHIN A JEWEL
Definitely one for Pub Curmudgeon next, as I dive into Ludlow, Queen of the Marches and default daytrip for the Kidderminster pashmina set. I arrived in the drizzle, which tends to get pashminas wet, so the town wasn’t quite as hectic as on previous visits, though of course older Dads will insist on dragging… Continue reading LUDLOW – A JOULE WITHIN A JEWEL
PONTFAEN’S DYFFRYN ARMS STANDS DEFIANT
Just back from Cardigan with many tales to tell, but for now I’ll just answer Dave’s question about the Dyffryn Arms, one of our classic, basic, unspoilt pubs. YES, it’s (just) back open after the fire this year, Dave. And as great as ever. My first visit since that 33rd birthday trip I mentioned recently.… Continue reading PONTFAEN’S DYFFRYN ARMS STANDS DEFIANT
A HEADS UP
No post for a whole day?! I must be dead? Or bored of blogging? No, merely tied up on a world tour of West Wales with Duncan, the Pubmeister. Drinking gin at midnight in Bangor like a Fiddler’s Dram roadie. And my mouse batteries have died. Anyway, here’s some things to look forward to in… Continue reading A HEADS UP
BRITANNIA (2)
You left me at the Spoons in Blackheath, contemplating my next step. A quick look at WhatPub revealed a second Britannia, this one the local Cider Pub of the Year. AND in Rowley Regis, where I’d never been before. Two Britannias 12 minutes apart in the same town (virtually). Now there’s an opportunity for… Continue reading BRITANNIA (2)
THE GREAT SPOONS TABLE MOVERS OF BLACKHEATH
No, not that Blackheath. The one in the West Midlands with the identity crisis. Blackheath is a town in Rowley Regis area of Sandwell, says Wiki. Got big capital letters and all, so it must be a proper place. Bet the residents support West Brom. I’ve been to a couple of pubs on the A4034… Continue reading THE GREAT SPOONS TABLE MOVERS OF BLACKHEATH
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