Only fair that I continue my journey to Manchester via a quick stop in Todmorden, the sane older brother of Hebden. Where HB assaults you with weird smells and key keg seats, in Tod you get kindness. Plenty to admire on the OS extract, particularly for folk with minds as puerile as Russ. Despite the… Continue reading KINDNESS IN TODMORDEN
HIP HOP HEBDEN
After a few posts basking in the reflected glory of toping with BRAPA, I feel a bit guilty about bringing you a few more where nothing happens except for me asking for a drink, it being poured and me drinking it. Sorry. But at least you get some nice pictures of Hebden Bridge, a… Continue reading HIP HOP HEBDEN
A QUIET NIGHT IN BRADFORD
You left me in St Neots, making sure young Si was heading in the right direction over the bridge. Two and a bit hours later I was in the curry capital of the world. No, I didn’t start at the Punjab Sweet House and then top up my curry at the Fighting Cock. That way… Continue reading A QUIET NIGHT IN BRADFORD
“HE WAS ALRIGHT WHEN I LEFT HIM”
On to my final taxi duties with the BRAPA Bladder Bender from 3 November (yes, I’m that far behind) and only right I start with the Gents at the White Hart in Great Staughton. I’ve had the front seat of my Aygo forensically examined and can confirm the great man did make it, just, to… Continue reading “HE WAS ALRIGHT WHEN I LEFT HIM”
LITTLE GRANSDEN’S CHEQUERS – THE GUIDED TOUR
Pub No.2 on the BRAPA bender (for him, not me) was a bit special. Unexpectedly so, despite the Chequers’ 437 years in the Beer Guide, the legendary Fish & Chip Fridays and the announcement of its place in the CAMRA Pub of the Year finals. I’d been a couple of times and thought it was… Continue reading LITTLE GRANSDEN’S CHEQUERS – THE GUIDED TOUR
SEVEN PINTS LATER – BRAPA IN ST. NEOTS Part 1
Ain’t he cute ? Seven pints later, he looked like this; If that doesn’t put you off real ale, nothing will. Now you know the truth. I only give BRAPA lifts so I can plough the rich seam of blog material he leaves us. Not that I looked any more fresh-faced after two diet lemonades… Continue reading SEVEN PINTS LATER – BRAPA IN ST. NEOTS Part 1
NORTH WALSHAM – TWICE BITTERN
And so to North Walsham, to finally put Norfolk to bed. Isn’t pink marker the only true colour ? A rare chance to enjoy the delights of the Bittern Line, admiring the dramatic landscapes and graceful architecture of Roys of Wroxham. North Walsham is one of those places you only go to if you live… Continue reading NORTH WALSHAM – TWICE BITTERN
NOTHING RHYMES WITH IBIZA
Two posts to go to get shot of Norfolk for another year, the first of them the inevitable Broads gastro. At least there’s nothing near that Dereham hell-hole this time. The worst thing about the Broads is finding something to rhyme with the Bowie line that you’re legally obliged to reference. So here, relatively straight,… Continue reading NOTHING RHYMES WITH IBIZA
YOUR PUB TICKING HERO BRAVES BURNHAM
I couldn’t put it off any longer; Norfolk needed to be nipped in the bud (there’s a pun on local CAMRA there somewhere). Yes, I feel the same way about the North Norfolk coast as I do about France. The locals are fine but the (mainly North London) visitors are generally ghastly. Think of my… Continue reading YOUR PUB TICKING HERO BRAVES BURNHAM
BALHAM TO OSLO
London Pub No.6; by this stage BRAPA would have been on the floor arguing about Hull City fullbacks and being escorted to the door by angry locals. But I was taking things more moderately, and mixing the halves with the half-marathon (14 miles walked on this Tuesday, including some proper London back street strolling.… Continue reading BALHAM TO OSLO