Well, not technically a town yet, but (Cambridge’s) Cambourne has that feel already. Best known for hosting the only Morrisons for miles (and therefore having the best cakes), it’s a curates egg of a place. 10,000 people, 1 chippy, 1 Indian restaurant, 1 supermarket, 1 large church and 1 “pub”. And no train station… Continue reading CAMBOURNE – NEW TOWN, OLD PROBLEMS
PARENTS’ EVENING
Hopefully you’ve read my youngest son’s views this morning and can see what an emerging PubMan we have under development. “I know that Cambridge is boring and micro pubs (read:bottle shops) are for trendy hipsters.” But that doesn’t mean I’m not glad he’s off with his College for trips to the Italian Alps and Barcelona… Continue reading PARENTS’ EVENING
TICKING ALONG – BEER GUIDE PROGRESS CHECK
A quick update on progress towards completing the Beer Guide for anyone who cares (to be fair my 16 year old son seems most interested). The top photo shows the GBG counties I’ve now completed, beautifully coloured in pink. Finishing Tyne & Wear on Saturday at least meant that the shape on my map… Continue reading TICKING ALONG – BEER GUIDE PROGRESS CHECK
NEWCASTLE Life – CRAFTWORK, METALCORE
I finished our latest trip to Newcastle “on a crafty tip”. Mrs RM had been doing the cultural thing, shopping for clothes in chain stores, and needed a quick drink after her effort to save the Tyneside economy single-handed. We had 28 minutes before the next train, so I generously picked the closest Beer Guide… Continue reading NEWCASTLE Life – CRAFTWORK, METALCORE
SITTING ON THE EDGE OF THE (WHITLEY) BAY
And so it came down to Whitley Bay to provide my final two Tyne & Wear GBG ticks for 2018. It’s not as impressive a feat as it sounds; Tyneside is a doddle to get round on the metro (Washington apart) and the pubs seem weirdly keen to be open during the day. It’ll never… Continue reading SITTING ON THE EDGE OF THE (WHITLEY) BAY
TOP 100 PUBS – TYNEMOUTH LODGE HOTEL, TYNE & WEAR
A long overdue return to my Hot 100, and a follow-up visit to the Tynemouth Lodge Hotel prompted by a snowman; Even snowmen drink #Bass at the #tynemouth Lodge Hotel! @oldmudgie @NHS_Martin @StymieSi #BeastFromTheEast @hughieprice pic.twitter.com/bc4V2hZ8iQ — ElectricPics (@ElectricPics) February 28, 2018 These brilliant photos from Electric Pics (Adrian) deserve a close-up. Most of Adrian’s… Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – TYNEMOUTH LODGE HOTEL, TYNE & WEAR
NORTH SHIELDS TAKES THE ROCKY ROAD TO RECOVERY
The ferry from South to North Shields isn’t quite free, but is included in the cost of an all-zones Metro ticket. So it made no sense to swim across the Tyne to my next pub. And at least you don’t get “Ferry Cross the Mersey” assailing you on the trip. A fairly functional 5 minute… Continue reading NORTH SHIELDS TAKES THE ROCKY ROAD TO RECOVERY
SHARKS IN SOUTH SHIELDS
Next step, sunny South Shields. Or rather, back to Pelaw to wait for a connection to Shields. A chance to admire a Tyneside station in the snow. I know nothing about Pelaw, beyond an industrial history based entirely on Co-Op patronage and as the birthplace of Chris Waddle, one of the Top 3 players… Continue reading SHARKS IN SOUTH SHIELDS
MACKEMS
Saturday morning saw two of our three family members unwilling to stir from their Novotel slumber, so I left them the emergency supplies (mainly cinnamon bagels) I’d packed for the hazardous northward journey, and set off on the metro to finish Tyne & Wear GBG. 5 ticks, all in places on this stylish extract. It… Continue reading MACKEMS
THAT INADVISABLE 4th PINT
I’m delighted that regular commenter Mark Crilley is receiving recognition for his enthusiasm for proper pubs. Notably in the latest column from Roger Protz (here). Of particular interest is the news that Mark is planning a story whereby an America teenager on holiday in England sets out to sabotage BRAPA pub visits* Mark is… Continue reading THAT INADVISABLE 4th PINT
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