Only a third venture into Dumfries & Galloway, ever, but a second stop in Moffat. The rain they hadn’t mentioned at the Visit Scotland website was arriving horizontally, but I bravely visited Station Park to capture this shot of Nessie, who entertained our two boys on our last visit to Swan Boat Lake a decade ago. … Continue reading MOFFAT – TINSELTOWN IN THE RAIN
CARLISLE (PART 2) – A CROWN, A SPINNER & A FAT GADGIE
I left the bustling centre to the youth, noting only for the record that the Moo Bar had closed before I had a chance to visit. I made a mental note to return to explore its replacement when I was past the point of no return, before heading north. Carlisle Castle is a disappointment, at least… Continue reading CARLISLE (PART 2) – A CROWN, A SPINNER & A FAT GADGIE
A SUNDAY NIGHT IN CARLISLE (PART 1)
When you’re visiting Beer Guide pubs, what you really look for is a town with at least four new “ticks”, a bit of non-pubby interest, and a dirt cheap B&B. This year towns like that are few and far between; so come in Plymouth and Carlisle. Cumbria’s jewel made a perfect stop on the way to Rutherglen,… Continue reading A SUNDAY NIGHT IN CARLISLE (PART 1)
A “MOMENT” WITH ROBBIE & PLUM PORTER
Greetings from Burslem, where I’ve taken a break from a colossal write-up of Carlisle to bring you my reflections on tonight’s events at Old Trafford, which isn’t something you’ll hear me say very often. I was actually in the newish Bursley Ale House when Robbie Williams started “Angels” tonight, enjoying a decent Falstaff Mild while… Continue reading A “MOMENT” WITH ROBBIE & PLUM PORTER
AN A1 BLACK SHEEP OFF THE A66
You’ll be delighted to know I’m firmly back in chronological order now on the blog, though if those 1997 pictures of the giant pumpkin turn up in the garage I might throw in a 20th Anniversary Three Horseshoes in Boroughbridge post. After Risby, I left Mrs RM and the boys alone with six tubs of Sainsbury’s… Continue reading AN A1 BLACK SHEEP OFF THE A66
MAY ’17 STOCKTAKE
I’ve a big batch of posts coming up from The North (the real one) that will get me up to date, but before that here’s a quick review of Manic May (not a political reference). Despite ten straight dry days in the middle, it seems I racked up 59 new Good Beer Guide pubs in May, across 17… Continue reading MAY ’17 STOCKTAKE
GUFF, GORILLAS & GRAVITY – CAMPERVANNING IN RISBY
Our campervan is getting some decent use, but being a tight ol’ git I’m focused on free parking places, rather than campsites that charge us £20 to use a bit of grass and a portaloo. When we stay over we don’t need electricity or water; you’ll have to ask Mrs RM for the technical details… Continue reading GUFF, GORILLAS & GRAVITY – CAMPERVANNING IN RISBY
LUSCIOUS LEWES
Five points if you recognise the chap above. Three points if you can explain why East Sussex gets it’s own chapter in the Beer Guide when, say, east Manchester doesn’t. Never mind, it’s good to complete another chapter, even if it is months after Pubmeister. The highlight of East Sussex is, of course, Hailsham, where I… Continue reading LUSCIOUS LEWES
THE SUSSEX COAST ALE TRAIL
Regular reader Tom will know about the wonders of breaking your rail journey; I always assume this is a standard condition of travel but no doubt it’s not available in Maidenhead. My return from Hove to Worthing needed three stops on the legendary Brighton-Bognor line. You’ll recall I needed to be back at my B… Continue reading THE SUSSEX COAST ALE TRAIL
BOOZIN’ IN BRIGHTON, HOPPIN’ THRU’ HOVE
A reminder of the targets for my sizzling Sussex saunter. The first three of those have to wait till I get my “easts” and “wests” sorted. As Pub Curmudgeon will know, that may take some time. Having waved John off at the train back to Chichester, I had a plan to conquer the lands to the east… Continue reading BOOZIN’ IN BRIGHTON, HOPPIN’ THRU’ HOVE
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