Where is Stechford ? A mile east of famed boxing Brum boxing arena St. Andrews, apparently. And just below Ward End, home of the Midland’s most idiosyncratic Spoons. And what’s happened to the “t” in Stetchford ? After all, there’s a “t” in snitch (top). I blame the Villa. Stechford is the nearest station to… Continue reading A STECHFORD STRETCH
MORE CHESHIRE GASTRO PUB “FUN”
Yes, enough of the “better-than-expected” trendy café bars; it’s back to what makes Cheshire famous. Ancient gastropubs for retired gentlefolk in the middle of nowhere (well, far enough away from Crewe for comfort, anyway). Before the Cheshire mafia start their abuse, Cheshire is an attractive county and if I was legally compelled to take my… Continue reading MORE CHESHIRE GASTRO PUB “FUN”
NORTHWICH – REBIRTH OF THE SALT
I’ve done all the easy counties now. Time for the remote ones (West Wales, Devon), the ones with micro heaven/hell (Hants, Lancs) and the one with gastro dreadfulness. Yes, a return to Cheshire, so much less since they lopped off Stockport and gave it to the Mancs. I start at the place which can console… Continue reading NORTHWICH – REBIRTH OF THE SALT
BULLS HEAD – BULLSEYE
It can never be said too often; Manchester is a great night out. Particularly when it starts in a £25 budget hotel in the “dodgy part of Eccles” (Source: Quosh) and includes a home win against the Hammers (sorry Mr Protz). It must have been a glorious evening. Even the bit of Salford near Old… Continue reading BULLS HEAD – BULLSEYE
PENNY LANE, GBG GAIN
Onward and upward to my last “Merseyside” tick in what the GBG calls Wavertree*, but you might think of McCartneyville as you approach the myriad delights of Penny Lane. This is practically heaven for me, entering a part of the UK I’ve never been to before, about to tick the last pub in a GBG… Continue reading PENNY LANE, GBG GAIN
ALLERTON, TAKE OFF YOUR PARTY DRESS
Well, well. As they say in Liverpool (and possibly Cambridge). Ten days after conspicuous failure to finish Merseyside from my Bootle base, I was back in Allerton having another go. Again I did a little circuit from the mysterious Wavertree Technology Park (they made Jurgen Klopp’s smile there), and this time it worked perfectly. … Continue reading ALLERTON, TAKE OFF YOUR PARTY DRESS
NOTTINGHAM – THE PUBLICS, THE PROUD PARENTS
Back in central Nottingham I had two hours to kill, with Matt typically getting out of gigs last having sold on future pocket money entitlements to fund the purchase of band hoodies. That’s a long time to walk around looking for Bass and Home Ales memorabilia. Or even following the William Booth trail (see also:… Continue reading NOTTINGHAM – THE PUBLICS, THE PROUD PARENTS
TOP 100 PUBS – DEWDROP, ILKESTON
Two instant bits of feedback on the Ilkeston post have revealed that a) The Prince of Wales used to be The Poacher, which I’d already been to. b) Ilkeston Station is so new (April 2017) I may have been the first paying customer to use it ! Thanks to Mark and Anonymous, my new favourite… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – DEWDROP, ILKESTON
WHILE SHE SLEEPS, ILKESTON JOGS ON
Another Matt-inspired night out in Notts for you. “Are you doing anything Tuesday night? Can you take me to Nottingham to see Sleeps?” Young people today. eh ?. Whatever hppnd to txt spk ? “Sleeps” is “While She Sleeps”, of course, in the way that “Oblivion” is “Better Oblivion Community Center”. Or something. Anyway, this… Continue reading WHILE SHE SLEEPS, ILKESTON JOGS ON
BRAMBER CASTLE
More undiscovered England for you. Though no doubt Dick and Dave have been here. They’ve been everywhere. If you look closely the main surviving structure at Bramber Castle resembles BRAPA. I believe the Normans knocked down the rest to avoid it being turned into a micro pub by rampaging Kentish men. A peaceful site with… Continue reading BRAMBER CASTLE
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