Unlike Ilkeston, Chesterfield does have a decently placed railway station. The new Guide pubs, Chesterfield Ale House apart, are on the edge of town though. In fact, they’re now listed under the suburbs of Brampton and Whittington Moor, the sort of movement which tends to confuse GBG completists like me. That’s my big issue for the Revitalisation… Continue reading SUBURBAN CHESTERFIELD
BELPER STICKS TO THE KNITTING
On to Belper, where I was devastated to have just missed the knitting festival, as a tree’s right to wear clothes is one of my main concerns. I found out from the cheerful barista in Costa that every week in Belper has some sort of weird activity most weeks these days. It’s almost as if… Continue reading BELPER STICKS TO THE KNITTING
ON ILKESTON’S MORES, M’DUCK
The mining towns of east Derbyshire have had a hard time, but the reclaimed countryside makes great walking, and a relatively high demand for real ale helps maintain some excellent pubs. Ilkeston, despite it’s proximity to the M1, has always felt particularly cut-off from the world, and being the largest town in Britain without a… Continue reading ON ILKESTON’S MORES, M’DUCK
DENGIE’S NOT DINGY
We’re taking our campervan for some short breaks in Britain’s top destinations – Newark, Bury St Edmunds and the Dengie peninsula. Mrs RM did a robust business case before spending our children’s inheritance on what’s effectively a portable Travelodge, but even at assumed post-Brexit discount rates of more than 50% p.a. we need to use… Continue reading DENGIE’S NOT DINGY
WALKS BY THE CAM – A WARNING
The quality of our printed media continues to deteriorate into click-bait and rehashed Twitter, but I don’t care. If I need to know what’s happening I just pay attention to what Mrs RM is saying for a few minutes. She’s alerted me to some garbage in the Guardian recommending people walk (nearly) past our house. It’s… Continue reading WALKS BY THE CAM – A WARNING
THE JOY OF 6X
Wiltshire is a great county, particularly if you have the strength of character to appreciate Swindon. Despite having an Ember Inn and a Yates in the Guide, the pubs aren’t that bad. 20 years ago Wadworth 6X was one of the revered beers in CAMRA circles, as common in Beer Guide pubs as Adnams, Pride, and Castle Eden. … Continue reading THE JOY OF 6X
POST-GLASTO SHEPTON MALLET
Since GBG16 came out I’ve been to 32 new pubs in Somerset; only Cornwall (34) has seen more pubs ticked since September. I wouldn’t say Somerset has the best beer, but the county is now a real favourite for its walking and proper pubs. All I need now is to get to see cricket in… Continue reading POST-GLASTO SHEPTON MALLET
THE BLUE PETER AT POLPERRO
I didn’t have any inherently bad beer in Cornwall while I was there, just a bit too much showing the effects of warmer cellars, low turnover or too many handpumps. The only pub I took exception to was the Falmouth Packet near Prussia Cove. WhatPub shows every possible symbol against the pub, but just one indicating a restaurant… Continue reading THE BLUE PETER AT POLPERRO
SURVIVING ST IVES
Whatever I say about beer quality in Cornwall, it’s a wonderful county when you avoid the crowds. Gurnard’s Head gave us the coastline all to ourselves, but the walk from Carbis Bay to St Ives five miles east was clearly the designated ambling route for unfit Britons. There were some compensating views; The coast walk… Continue reading SURVIVING ST IVES
AT GURNARD’S HEAD
I’m visiting my sister in the “up and coming” bit of Falmouth. Penryn has the character and history, if not the craft beer yet. She’s living next to the pub, which is nice. We made a trip round west Cornwall (near St Ives) to the remaining Beer Guide pubs, a varied bunch. It’s what sisters are for. … Continue reading AT GURNARD’S HEAD
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