After the high of Roger Protz introducing Bad Kitty at Manchester Beer Festival, there’s nowhere else to go. Except Wigan. 30 minutes from Manchester Deansgate, and a few years ago it would have been 30 years back in time. But not these days. “Wigan is Really Great” as they probably say. Now Duncan had set… Continue reading A WOBBLE IN WIGAN
FULLERS TAKE THE BRASS, BRASS CASTLE TAKE THE PLAUDITS AT MANC FEST ’19
I’m no great fan of beer festivals, and not just because they take people out of pubs (I know, I know). And writing about them is much harder than writing about pubs. But Manchester Fest is always great fun, the beer is cool (in both senses), and being Northern people sometimes speak to you rather… Continue reading FULLERS TAKE THE BRASS, BRASS CASTLE TAKE THE PLAUDITS AT MANC FEST ’19
A STYLISH STOCKPORT START TO MANCHESTER BEER FEST 2019
PUBMAN WARNING: PUB-FREE POST I woke on Friday at Trivelles Mayfair (actually Heaton Chapel) relatively refreshed, determined to survive the Roger Protz beer tasting session at Manchester’s epic fest. A bracing walk down to Stockport cleared the head, if not the calories from Thursday’s crispy beef at Wing Lee (NCTSS 3.5). The walk takes in… Continue reading A STYLISH STOCKPORT START TO MANCHESTER BEER FEST 2019
IN PRAISE OF A BASIC SALFORD HOLT’S PUB
Yes, proper lacings, a sign of fresh beer. In a pub I’m going to have to anonymise as they were very publicity-shy. Telling you it’s a Holt’s pub in Salford hardly narrows it down, does it ? It’s in a village that sounds like it’s owned by a City legend whose first name is shared… Continue reading IN PRAISE OF A BASIC SALFORD HOLT’S PUB
CHEER UP, LEIGH
Oh, joy. A trip out to lovely Leigh. Something always happens there, even if it is just the birds hovering overhead waiting for a carcass. Normally mine. Last time here was New Year’s Day 2017, when an improbable Greene King diner was making its GBG debut. Pleasingly, the traditional George & Dragon has survived… Continue reading CHEER UP, LEIGH
BOARD GAMES (IN HOLMES CHAPEL)
Yes, another rejected song title from Lana Del Ray (but who knows ?), as we enter Cheshire for the second time in GBG19, always a scary prospect. I predict that Simon will have “issues” with the Beer Emporium Bottle Bank, which is uber-Cheshire posh micro. But first, admire the classic exterior. In fairness, the dreadful… Continue reading BOARD GAMES (IN HOLMES CHAPEL)
WHIPPIN’ PICCADILLY (HANLEY)
I see I’ve almost used this title before, but so what ? There’s not much that rhymes with Hanley. Or Stoke. Before the pedants start, Hanley isn’t Stoke, but it is the “entertainment” centre for the Potteries, apparently. For a start you’ve got the Reardon Club (aka Victoria) with its Wheeltappers vibe and Bass. And… Continue reading WHIPPIN’ PICCADILLY (HANLEY)
DERBY – 17 HAND PUMPS AND THE BEER’S STILL GOOD
I’d been hoping for a Proper Night Out in Derby with Charles; the curry must be OK there. But it hasn’t happened and I need to finish Derbyshire off so I can start on the more challenging counties. Like Fife. The Standing Order has been irritating me. I’m sure I’ve been to more Spoons… Continue reading DERBY – 17 HAND PUMPS AND THE BEER’S STILL GOOD
retiredmartin’s DAY OFF IN TONBRIDGE
My last Kent Guide pub, in lovely Tonbridge. I would have done this on Christmas Day but apparently it’s not the Done Thing to leave the table before the Christmas pudding to tick a pub. #PoliteSociety. Five minutes walk from Tonbridge station, the Foresters is a rare tick in what is becoming quite a pubby… Continue reading retiredmartin’s DAY OFF IN TONBRIDGE
MICRO PUB MEN, POCAHONTAS AND ME – BACK TO GRAVESEND
Manchester Beer Fest day. If you’re there, buy me a low alcohol German beer. That’s me in the corner, whining about the lack of seating. Duncan will be there, showing off his knees and his GBG. I bet he’s done Kent, even though it’s 300 miles away from him and virtually next door to me.… Continue reading MICRO PUB MEN, POCAHONTAS AND ME – BACK TO GRAVESEND
retiredmartin 