So finally I reach Northampton, and the rabid Beer & Pubs Forum posse get to see how incriminating my photos of them are. If you can’t face my posts, take a look at Pub Curmudgeon and Richard Coldwell now. But be warned, THEY didn’t drink a pint of Fosters in the Rifle Drum. Mrs… Continue reading IT WAS 20 YEARS AGO TODAY
A TOURIST IN NOTTINGHAM LOOKING FOR BASS
A photographic special for Alan Winfield today. Some more tourist shots from Nottingham, worryingly quiet on a Wednesday evening. I can only assume the residents were all enjoying bracing walks in Mansfield Woodhouse or something. A few Japanese tourists were heading towards this place, having giving up finding a GBG pub in the centre.… Continue reading A TOURIST IN NOTTINGHAM LOOKING FOR BASS
RUSHING KIDS, ROYAL CHILDREN
On Wednesday morning I got a text message from youngest son Matt. “Soz Dad, short notice. Can I go 2 We Came As Romans gig tonite plz.” “OK. Where ? “Nottingham. London date sold out” “OK” “Radddd” You can guess where he gets it from. So at 6.30pm we were back here, having made… Continue reading RUSHING KIDS, ROYAL CHILDREN
WATERLOO, COULDN’T FINISH MY HALF IF I WANTED TO
Jumping on the bandwagons of Eurovision and warm beer in the same post, I’m off to the sand dune capital of the UK. I’d hoped the micro pub at Waterloo would be my last tick on Merseyside, but minor issues such as not actually visiting all the pubs conspired against me, even when Simon had… Continue reading WATERLOO, COULDN’T FINISH MY HALF IF I WANTED TO
BRUNNING & PRICE KEEP FORMBY’S GARDENERS EMPLOYED
I finally left Southport after a Spoons breakfast enlivened by an Old Boy singing “I’ve had the time of my life” loudly to the barmaid. No problem with his rendition, but I resisted the beer. Breakfast decisions to be made in Southport Spoons. pic.twitter.com/9QxFN5nOAe — Martin Taylor (@NHS_Martin) April 30, 2018 If you study… Continue reading BRUNNING & PRICE KEEP FORMBY’S GARDENERS EMPLOYED
“THE SMALLEST PUB IN BRITAIN”
There really was no earthly reason to finish my Southport night at the Lakeside Inn, but at sunset the lake looked magical. I’ve included Bog Hole and The Bog Breast on the OS map for the enjoyment of Russ, who this blog is missing a lot. There was no reason to visit the Inn. I’ve… Continue reading “THE SMALLEST PUB IN BRITAIN”
BARGAINS IN BARON’S BAR
A proper collection of Beer Guide stickers for you on the front door of Baron’s Bar at the Scarisbrick, Southport’s longstanding Beer Guide regular. I arrived here via the excellent Tin Tin Chinese takeaway, leaving my crispy beef and noodles by the front door in Scarisbrick Avenue. Baron’s Bar is a smartish pubby place, but… Continue reading BARGAINS IN BARON’S BAR
THREE MERSEY MICROS IN THIRTY-SEVEN MINUTES
After a short Ya Ya break, I return to Sunday’s epic Southport saunter. If you think I’ve chosen a dull photo to head up the micropub reviews, you should see the ones I haven’t used. On the positive side, it was three new GBG pubs in 37 minutes walking and drinking, which is not to… Continue reading THREE MERSEY MICROS IN THIRTY-SEVEN MINUTES
YA YA LAND
When I booked my ticket for Manchester City v Brighton months ago I thought it might be the title clincher. Instead we’re 20 points clear with a game to go, which even City will struggle to muck up (25 point deduction for playing Queen on Sunday, perhaps ?). Last night we get Ya Ya Toure‘s… Continue reading YA YA LAND
HARD TIMES & MISERY ON MERSEYSIDE
Time cannot dull the frisson of excitement you get arriving in Liverpool Central, and emerging to a city determined to drink the place dry. The folk here should do a house swap with Newbury and contrast their Sunday nights. There’s a majestic quality to the place, only partly dimmed by the chain shop horrors… Continue reading HARD TIMES & MISERY ON MERSEYSIDE