The pub blogging market is getting as crowded as the home micro-brew one these days, what with Pubmeister and now BritishBeerMat starting blogs this year to entertain us with tales from Littleover and Lund. To stand out from the crowd you therefore need random pub cats (even shy ones), or the stirring of a hornet’s… Continue reading A JOUSTER IN ALCESTER
A WELCOME IN WELLAND FOR SMOKERS & GOURMANDS
On to the Marlbank in Welland in the foothills of the Malvern Hills, though without much sense of being in them. Pub sign experts can confirm if this is an old Banks’s house. An average dining pub that I’d have left unmentioned for all time*, but for some of the highest quality banter of the year so far, and… Continue reading A WELCOME IN WELLAND FOR SMOKERS & GOURMANDS
1972 AND ALL THAT
Ultimate proof that everything cost a shilling in 1972, including beer, just like everything cost a penny in 1952, and a groat in 1852. Today’s post celebrates the ticking prowess of Pubmeister, who seems to have the same zest for football grounds as pubs. Are you doing a programme? — Duncan Mackay (@mackay_duncan) September 23,… Continue reading 1972 AND ALL THAT
A SALTY KISS IN SCRUMPYLAND
Just in case anyone from Ross-on-Wye is still reading, I have good from the M50/A49. The Yew Tree in Peterstow is a bit of a classic, particularly for those of us who like pubs with cider presses (home of Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry Co) and camp sites out the back, and a complete lack of pretension… Continue reading A SALTY KISS IN SCRUMPYLAND
DROSS-ON-WYE
Having told you last week what a wonderful publication the new Beer Guide is, I have to report some more very average (at best) beer in recent new GBG entries. Which is disappointing, but at least it gives me the chance today to use a post title I’ve had in mind for years. And an… Continue reading DROSS-ON-WYE
BRISTOL – SCARY CRAFT BLACKBOARDS, A TAME OTTER
A couple of contrasting boozers to finish off Leg 1 of the Great Bristol Beer Guide Tick Off. One more saunter from Brislington (wherever that is) to Clifton should do it. Those 5 in the Forest of Dean look a bit harder. I nearly didn’t make it to the Volunteer, as a cyclist jumped a… Continue reading BRISTOL – SCARY CRAFT BLACKBOARDS, A TAME OTTER
BRISTOL’S OXFORD – THE STORY OF THE BLUES
Just back from West Brom v City last night, heartened by the amount of real ale drunk by Mancunians. Five points for identifying the pub; The journey back was the worst of the year so far, with stranded vehicles on the M6, lane closures on the M42, diversions up the M69, and closures of… Continue reading BRISTOL’S OXFORD – THE STORY OF THE BLUES
NEWPORT (STICKY) ROCK
If this feels like the fourth post from Newport in a year, that’s because it is. And with a fourth stay in the Ibis Budget, I now officially own the place. Another successful ticking trip, tinged with a devastating discovery; There is an underpass (not shown on Google Maps) between the Ibis and Malpas Road, so I… Continue reading NEWPORT (STICKY) ROCK
RUN OVER BY STUDENTS IN CAERLEON
Back off to Newport to continue my solo attempt to boost a tourist trade still hanging on to the glories of the 2010 Ryder Cup, at which I subjected my Dad to a day of torrential rain and Rory McIlroy hitting practice shots. He enjoyed the Spoons in Newport (my Dad, not Rory). If you… Continue reading RUN OVER BY STUDENTS IN CAERLEON
CAMBRIDGE ESTATE PUB MINI-CRAWL
According to my photos, which is the best chronological record I’ve got, my next trip out was to meet Cambridgeshire pubbing legend Pint and Pubs. An exciting walk from the station that manages to miss out all of historic Cambridge (apart from my old NHS offices on Union Lane); Only a week ago, apparently, but… Continue reading CAMBRIDGE ESTATE PUB MINI-CRAWL
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