A Proper beer blogger would have called this “An Ale In Swale“. But I’m not. The last of the Kent mini-series, which no doubt you’ll be pleased about. Hopefully I can meet up with Paul Bailey in Tonbridge and do karaoke again*. At least the Sun in Bredgar is a Proper Pub, to a point.… Continue reading ANNIE LENNOX IS FOLLOWING ME ROUND KENT
MICROPUB MERRY-GO-ROUND IN BIRCHINGTON-ON-SEA
One more round of “Micro Pub Spot The Difference” for you tonight. I certainly failed to distinguish the Old Bay Alehouse from three dozen others in Thanet and Lancashire. Perhaps they should call it something distinctive like Jug & Firkin, Ale Corner or Malt ‘n’ Hops. Still, Birchington is my last tick in West… Continue reading MICROPUB MERRY-GO-ROUND IN BIRCHINGTON-ON-SEA
BELTINGE FIRE
Another short post for people whose heads are too full of words. For folk who like stats, which may just be Duncan, this is a summary showing how I’m going all slacker these days. At this rate it’ll just be “Woke up. Thanet. Micro. Pashmina. Singapore noodles. Missed train” in a few years. Here’s the… Continue reading BELTINGE FIRE
HERNE BAY HEY-DAY
I guess this post is 2001 AD (Anywherebutcambridgewill Do). A lovely day to be beside the seaside at Herne Bay. Note how lesser blogs merely make pubs look like they’re leaning; I make the whole of the North Kent coast slope. Now, Herne Bay is a rather overlooked little resort, the Clacton or Filey of… Continue reading HERNE BAY HEY-DAY
LET’S ALL MEET UP AT THE POST 2,000
Yes, WordPress just reminded me this will be my 2,000th post. It’ll be 2,500 once I’ve written up BRAPA’s visit to the Angel in Ramsey. As you know I’m a big advocate of tradition, and tradition dictates a landmark post is exciting, topical and memorable. Luckily, the Tyler’s Kiln a mile north of Kent University… Continue reading LET’S ALL MEET UP AT THE POST 2,000
“ARE YOU STILL WANTING THIS PIG, THEN ?” – A LUNCHTIME IN WELNEY
BRAPA was here in the Fens yesterday. His reports will keep you entertained for weeks. In preparation, I popped over the “Six-fingered border” on Tuesday to see how the locals were gearing up for his visit. A couple of stealth jets flew overhead on their way back to RAF Lakenheath, possibly more defence than strictly… Continue reading “ARE YOU STILL WANTING THIS PIG, THEN ?” – A LUNCHTIME IN WELNEY
WHEN I DREAM, I DREAM ABOUT TAMWORTH MICROPUBS
Yes, when in Tamworth, it is obligatory to reference Julian Cope, whose views on micro pubs are eagerly anticipated. Last time here I celebrated the joys of the parish church in an Emergency Guide to Tamworth that is still handed out to all UK visitors on arrival at Dover. This time I bring the alternate… Continue reading WHEN I DREAM, I DREAM ABOUT TAMWORTH MICROPUBS
HOPWAS – WORTH THE HOP
Tonight, dear readers, I’m staying in lovely Chesterfield at Flags Lodge. The recent GBG pub across the road is bustling, and offers Draught Bass and Hartington IPA. Somehow, I have resisted. But a week ago I couldn’t resist the Hopwas Social Club, 2 miles walk from my Lichfield Premier Inn. Such is the life of… Continue reading HOPWAS – WORTH THE HOP
PUTTING ZIP IN THE LACINGS IN ASHBY-DE-LA ZOUCH
Stick in there, some Draught Bass coming up soon. But first, a rare trip to the hitherto near GBG-free zone of Ashby De La Zouch, a town named after Brian De La Zouch, one of several top footballers (see also : Petrescu, Bart-Williams, Clarkson) who’ve frequented the area in search of “fun”. Talking of football,… Continue reading PUTTING ZIP IN THE LACINGS IN ASHBY-DE-LA ZOUCH
BAR-BOUR LAND
While BeerMat presses on with west Leicestershire and its old coal mining town boozers, I get gastro pubs in the land of Barbour and Branston pickle. It’s about time the Saddle got into the Guide; it’s a virtual Beer guide desert in the famous A607/A606/A47 triangle. Quite hilly around John O’ Gaunt, and I gave… Continue reading BAR-BOUR LAND
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