I’ve had some less than glowing things to say about South Cambridgeshire recently, but I’m going to give it every chance this year. Shelford, Great and Little, is the first rail stop out of Cambridge, and therefore one of the main commuter villages in both directions. It’s also on the doorsteps of the Addenbrookes Hospital/Biomedical… Continue reading THE SHELFORD GROUP
CHICHESTER – PROS & CONS
My trip to the South Downs was in part prompted by Premier Inn, who rewarded my questionable brand loyalty with a free night in Chichester. Although this Inn is on the leisure park just off the A27, it’s actually only a 5 minute stroll into the centre, where the Chichester Cross presides over some impressive… Continue reading CHICHESTER – PROS & CONS
BIGGING UP BOGNOR – THE INGLENOOK
Last summer I revisited Bognor Regis and was astonished by the transformation of a Butlins I recall with horror from the Summer of ’79. The town itself was workaday, but at 8am it was redeemed by sunrise over the coast, and the memories of a classic Non-League ground. The town’s sole Beer Guide entry remains… Continue reading BIGGING UP BOGNOR – THE INGLENOOK
ANCHORED IN WORTHING
Much as I enjoyed Wisbech Museum, it’s good to be back in the hills of the South Downs. I’d hardly explored Worthing at all 5 years ago, but it’s now at least an annual trip, with the Downs providing as much of a draw as the annual new Beer Guide tick. Last year I camped… Continue reading ANCHORED IN WORTHING
MICRO HUNTING IN EAST KENT
As Simon Everitt discusses in his BRAPA blog, planning pub visits is half the fun. But while annotated A-Zs and WhatPub map functions are fine, there’s nothing as rewarding as tracking down a pub that doesn’t want to be found with just an out-of-date Ordnance Survey map. Take a bow, The Wrong Turn in Barfrestone in… Continue reading MICRO HUNTING IN EAST KENT
WISBECH & A FENLAND BEER DESERT
It’s snowdrop time, as you’ve probably noticed, and Dad wanted to buy some to plant. Wisbech in the Cambridgeshire fens is pretty much the centre of the horticultural world, famed for its splendidly old-fashioned plant auctions. The auction rooms were actually a real disappointment, but we had a great time exploring the majesty of the Fens. We took… Continue reading WISBECH & A FENLAND BEER DESERT
MILTON – PARADISE via WEST BERKSHIRE
Mrs RM wasn’t very impressed by my house-husbandry, so I’ve spent most of the day redoing the housework. This isn’t why I retired; life in a tent seems more appealing. By 2pm I was free to do a local walk, two miles or so along the Cam to Milton. The Cam is surprisingly flat, and the… Continue reading MILTON – PARADISE via WEST BERKSHIRE
MARGINAL GAINS IN CORBY
Pub Curmudgeon wrote a good piece about the need for quality and consistency in Beer Guide pubs here . I reckon 90%+ of pubs I visit are Beer Guide standard, which says a lot about the excellent job that CAMRA branches do. A fair number of pubs with duff pints seem to slip quietly out of… Continue reading MARGINAL GAINS IN CORBY
NOTTINGHAM – SPARKLE IN THE RAIN*
One other thing about Nottingham yesterday. There’s pretty much no GBG pubs in the centre, defining that as within the frenetic ring-roads of Maid Marian Way, Mansfield Road and Canal Road. Nottingham has great pubs, but they seem to be clustered on the outskirts of the centre now, particularly in Canning Circus to the west… Continue reading NOTTINGHAM – SPARKLE IN THE RAIN*
TWO STARS IN BEESTON
Half-term week was a good excuse to finally take my son to Game City in Nottingham. It’s a large centre for Video Games, old and new, developed in conjunction with the University. Not my thing at all, but highly recommended for fans of Tetris, Missile Control and Minecraft, or old computers. Craft beers in the café apparently,… Continue reading TWO STARS IN BEESTON
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