In a week when the purpose of CAMRA is under discussion (again), I should say that the quality of beer in a succession of Beer Guide pubs has been fantastic recently. Yes, even in (South-East) London. If all CAMRA does is provide a structure for pubs to be assessed for beer quality and recommended in an annual… Continue reading CORFE CASTLE’S ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
LAST 5 STANDING -SQUARE AND COMPASS, WORTH MATRAVERS
Of the last five pubs to have been in every Good Beer Guide, Dorset’s Square and Compass was the one I was most looking forward to revisiting, as much for the glorious coastal views from the garden as the pub itself. So far London’s Star and Buckingham Arms have been better than I remembered, while Newton’s Queen… Continue reading LAST 5 STANDING -SQUARE AND COMPASS, WORTH MATRAVERS
THE BROMWIC – TAKING CRAFT BEER TO THE BAGGIES
I’ve wrote about my exciting evenings out with auditors in the Black Country before. Wolverhampton last month was an unexpected joy, and Walsall never disappoints (please don’t tell me Walsall isn’t Black Country, they sell faggots on the market). The breakthrough of craft beer in these traditional homes of boring brown bitter and mild was very… Continue reading THE BROMWIC – TAKING CRAFT BEER TO THE BAGGIES
MARCH STOCKTAKE
After the humiliation of being out-pubbed by BRAPA last month, March saw 43 new Beer Guide pubs in 16 different counties, finishing off East Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, and getting close to clearing Somerset. No trip to Stockport in March, clearly an oversight. The Offerton Stagger in May looks unmissable; as you will know I love… Continue reading MARCH STOCKTAKE
SCOTTISH STORES, KING’S CROSS
I don’t make the train journey to Kings Cross anything like I used to have to, so I really appreciate a more leisurely exploration of ever-changing WC1. My pre-journey drink always used to be the Chinese tea in Chop Chop Noodles across the road, as Craft Islington and the Queen’s Head were a few minutes too far.… Continue reading SCOTTISH STORES, KING’S CROSS
PEELING PAINT AND PALE ALE IN PECKHAM
Taylor’s Independent Testing Service made its annual trip to the mystic lands between SE15 and SE12 yesterday, the Super Off-Peak rates winning against the deterrent of Storm Katie. Luckily kick-off at the New Den was put back too, those Burton fans are scary. I will admit to still getting my Peckhams, Deptfords and Catfords a… Continue reading PEELING PAINT AND PALE ALE IN PECKHAM
SOUTH WITHAM’S BLUE COW – AN A1 STOP
Middlesbrough is only a three hour drive from Cambridge. Speaking to folk here you’d think it was a different country or something. It takes two hours to get to Blakeney on the Norfolk coast. Some members of our family can’t last three hours though, and need a stop on the A1. I wrote last year… Continue reading SOUTH WITHAM’S BLUE COW – AN A1 STOP
SEATON CAREW AND A YEARNING FOR WORKIE TICKET
When we were in Glossop last year I confused Seaton Carew with Seaton Sluice, and proclaimed the former one of the UK’s great beauty spots. The chap who originated from Carew was bewildered, and I promised I’d visit his hometown and write about it. The Sluice (below) wins this contest, but Carew is a pretty… Continue reading SEATON CAREW AND A YEARNING FOR WORKIE TICKET
MIDDLESBROUGH – THANET WITH PARMOS
From nowhere, Middlesbrough is a major pub destination. It’s not just Mrs RM and I who can attest to this extraordinary transformation; read Simon’s report here first. The town has a challenging reputation nationally, although frankly I’ve never noticed the famous smog or the late night anti-social behaviour. This won’t be a popular view but… Continue reading MIDDLESBROUGH – THANET WITH PARMOS
REDCAR – NOT A DYING EMBER
Redcar hasn’t had the best of times lately with the closure of Teesside Steel and other sad news this week. It’s also been some way down the list as far as visitors to the North Yorkshire coast are concerned. It has numerous merits though. The beach is wonderful, the walks into the foothills of the… Continue reading REDCAR – NOT A DYING EMBER
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