April 2025. Tonbridge. I’m not used to this late night drinking. Arrive in Tonbridge at 9 on a Saturday night, quick pint of Harvey’s, then next door to the craft bar. Oh dear, Fuggles has a Huyghe tap takeover. You remember Huyghe… To be honest, I thought it was Danish for cosy blankets, not the… Continue reading FUGGLED (I) – TONBRIDGE
HARVEY’S DRINKING WELL AT THE IVY HOUSE
April 2025. Tonbridge. Another weekend down in Kent with the in-laws. They’re better company now than they were in 1992 when they almost didn’t show up at our wedding (Catholic stuff, don’t ask). Arriving at 9pm we parked the campervan up by the castle, near the shop with Dylan vinyl (£15 !), and hit the… Continue reading HARVEY’S DRINKING WELL AT THE IVY HOUSE
BRAINTREE REDISCOVERED
April 2025. Braintree. Essex. Yes, that medieval Flemish influenced town was Braintree, yet another reason to visit Essex for you summer holidays now Florida is ruled out. 20 minutes from Stansted, written off by me as one of those dull Essex towns. Unfairly. I mean, you’ll still know you’re in London overflow lane, but the… Continue reading BRAINTREE REDISCOVERED
WHERE AM I ?
April 2025. Somewhere. Just noticed I’ve made 33 successive posts about pubs; one more probably triggers another Blue Sky ban. So let’s see if our American readers can recognise this historic European city from my pictures (no reverse imagery, cheats). An attractive medieval town with Flemish influence, though its main contribution to history rests on… Continue reading WHERE AM I ?
IS BASS EXEMPT FROM THE CAMRA “BUY INDIE” LAW ?
April 2025. Sheffield. That title comes from reader Stu; usual prize, Stu. Well, I was very excited leaving Alder that Friday Thursday, rushing to tell the new keeper of the Bass Directory (“Custodia Bassista”) the Good News. Joy too, at the Great Stuff This Bass Facebook group, who all wanted to know “But is it… Continue reading IS BASS EXEMPT FROM THE CAMRA “BUY INDIE” LAW ?
A GOOD FRIDAY FOR SHEFFIELD BASS FANS
April 2025. Sheffield. A Good Friday 10,000 steps around Kelham but definitely not a pub, oh no. Hang on that’s Ireland that’s dry today (once arrived in Kilkenny on that day, not fun). Oh, hang on, Alder, haven’t been there for ages. A whole year, in fact; I was bemoaning the loss of the keg… Continue reading A GOOD FRIDAY FOR SHEFFIELD BASS FANS
OH, GO ON, THEN…
April 2025. Sheffield. After the Raven, it becomes difficult contemplating not stopping in the Blind Monkey on the arduous 5 minute slog back to Retired Martin Towers, particularly when Mrs RM weighs up the relative appeal of a third reheating of Tuesday’s veg stew against the Monkey’s artisanal pizza. And as CAMRA life members (“leeches”),… Continue reading OH, GO ON, THEN…
“EVERYTHING IS LEGAL IN A DRESSING GOWN”
April 2025. Sheffield. We’ve actually been spending a bit of time at home in Sheffield of late; grief, I even mowed the lawn last month. It’s been worth my while to power up the Naim SBLs and play a bit of music on Tidal, and Mrs RM has turned on the slow cooker. Of course,… Continue reading “EVERYTHING IS LEGAL IN A DRESSING GOWN”
A SEARCH FOR ABBOT IN ELY
April 2025. Ely. Weekly trips down to Waterbeach to see Dad in his care home, finding a cosy place to park up the campervan and give Tumble, Ginger Tom and Buzzy Bee a break from the monotony of Sheffield life. Buzzy Bee had spent (we think) two decades hidden in the back of Mum’s cupboard… Continue reading A SEARCH FOR ABBOT IN ELY
THE NEW FACE OF HOLT BITTER
April 2025. Manchester. On the way back from the Etihad to town after City’s unexpected comeback against Palace, Mrs RM calls me. “Fancy meeting Matt and me at a pub ?“. Mrs RM asks the daftest questions. “I’m at the Hare and Hounds. Do you know it ? Lovely White Rat ?” Do I know… Continue reading THE NEW FACE OF HOLT BITTER
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