The Bass love-in continues apace, I’m pleased to see, but I’d hate to see Pedigree written off prematurely. Perhaps even more than Bass, it needs care, and a bit of time. So I’m going to plug good pints of Pedi wherever I find them. Even outside Derby and Staffs, which sounds like sacrilege. As the… Continue reading STILL LIFE IN PEDIGREE
“ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT A PINT ?”
The end of Mrs RM’s Melrose mission also meant an end to my mini-exploration of Peterborough, to which BRAPA will shortly turn his attention. Sadly, I didn’t have quite enough time to explore a Possible Posh Pre-emptive called the Frothblowers. Yes, of course that’s a micro. So a last chance to bring you a… Continue reading “ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT A PINT ?”
BLACKJACK ATTACK – ALTY COMES TO ANCOATS
About time I filled in the May gaps; Dick and Dave are shocked at my chronological laxity. While he’s suffering Cambridgeshire, I thought I’d cheer Simon up by showing him what he’s got to look forward to in GBG19 (just a hunch, I don’t bribe CAMRA branches for pre-emptive details). It might also remind… Continue reading BLACKJACK ATTACK – ALTY COMES TO ANCOATS
TOWER OF LONDON
It’s a well-known fact that Americans only like 3 types of music; Pure Prairie League, Dylan, and early ’80s post-punk. Mark Crilley will get the title reference. We headed for Tower Bridge aimlessly, debating whether Robert P. McCulloch would have been better buying the Royal Oak to rebuild under the (ahem) Arizona Sky than the… Continue reading TOWER OF LONDON
SE1. MOOR BEER. THEN MORE.
I’d have been quite happy to stay in the Royal Oak forever, but I’m always conscious of my role as an ambassador for “Weird England” in showing visitors the joys outside the tourist route. “We’re in your hands” said Dave, worryingly. so we took them to Bermondsey. to see some railway arches. Our route takes… Continue reading SE1. MOOR BEER. THEN MORE.
TOP 100 PUBS – ROYAL OAK, BOROUGH
Perhaps not the most surprising Top 100 choice (this is actually No. 3,171) but you’ll know my feelings on London soup, and it’s taken an overdue return to the Royal Oak yesterday to convince me. First time here I’m fairly sure I saw McGrath rip through the England 1st innings on Day 1 of the… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – ROYAL OAK, BOROUGH
SLIP SLIDING AWAY
I’m told my lack of chronological authenticity is a problem for some, so with that in mind here’s a report from 8.24pm tonight. 2.15pm to 8.23pm can go hang. Mrs RM and I spent the afternoon with the lovely Southworths, seemingly recovered from their evening with BRAPA, who seems tightlipped about the event. Dick… Continue reading SLIP SLIDING AWAY
MAY ’18 STOCKTAKE + JUNE PREVIEW
May was not only the hottest month since the Big Bang, but a great month for retiredmartin plc (sponsorship pending). And not just because Ian Thurman produced the world’s first Bass directory. 39 new GBG pubs is actually a bit below par, spread over the east coast it allowed me to finish off Northumberland, the… Continue reading MAY ’18 STOCKTAKE + JUNE PREVIEW
MEETING THE CAMPAIGN FOR EXCELLENT LAGER IN NORWICH
You’ll know that Norwich are doing some City of Beer thing this week because they shout about it a lot. Essentially a “my city’s got more pumps than yours” shout-out, to which Derby, Sheffield and (regrettably) Manchester respond like a seven year old child. Luckily Dick and Dave aren’t suckered in by this nonsense,… Continue reading MEETING THE CAMPAIGN FOR EXCELLENT LAGER IN NORWICH
STUFFED GEESE, FLUFFY OWLETS & PICKLED SIMONS – BRAPA IN CAMBS PART II
I can’t believe I haven’t brought these highlights from “BRAPA in Cambs” (better than “The Who Live in Leeds”) to you yet; blame Dick and Dave. Probably. You left Simon and me at the Green Man in Thriplow. That was a whole 3 weeks ago now. In 3 weeks time England will be out of… Continue reading STUFFED GEESE, FLUFFY OWLETS & PICKLED SIMONS – BRAPA IN CAMBS PART II