Defying forecasts, the weather stayed dreary but dry today, obliging Mrs RM to join me on a 10 mile walk somewhere, anywhere. From a shortlist of Jaywick, Colindale, Holbeach and Leicester, Mrs RM chose to revisit coastal Essex and see how the much maligned holiday village had progressed since 2010. Jaywick has had a hard… Continue reading JAYWICK REBORN
TOP 100 PUBS – XANDER BAR, BRESCIA
I was thrilled to read about the fast walking lane proposed for Liverpool; if rolled out nationally it will certainly improve my retirement immensely. One place where fast lanes aren’t necessary in Brescia, a Cambridge-sized city close to Lake Garda. When I visited, a year ago, I was struck by how smart and brisk all it’s residents were. … Continue reading TOP 100 PUBS – XANDER BAR, BRESCIA
BEERS OF EUROPE
I rarely drink at home, but know someone who does, so felt obliged to bring her back a bottle from Beers of Europe, the self-styled biggest beer shop in the UK. It’s a good job that it’s worth a visit, as there’s nothing else to see around it’s home of Setchey near King’s Lynn unless you like… Continue reading BEERS OF EUROPE
UP IN DOWNHAM MARKET
A few quieter days while I recharge ahead of trips to Purbeck, Mansfield, Brighton and others later this month, and there’s few quieter places than Norfolk’s Downham Market. I’ve giving it short shrift over the years, but it’s only 40 minutes away on the train and worthy of reevaluation, even if it is a bit of a desert pub… Continue reading UP IN DOWNHAM MARKET
LAST 5 STANDING – THE QUEEN’S HEAD AT NEWTON
Back in the hazy summer days of late October I wrote about the last five pubs ever present in the Good Beer Guide – and a return visit to the Buckingham Arms, which is certainly doing a good job of being an exemplar tourist pub. Another of the five, the Queen’s Head in Newton, is… Continue reading LAST 5 STANDING – THE QUEEN’S HEAD AT NEWTON
LAST PUB IN THE VILLAGE
Pub Curmudgeon alerted me to the campaign by locals to save the Horse and Groom in the Hanover district of Brighton. This is an attractive area, with steep streets and Victorian buildings, and increasingly gentrified in recent years. It’s handy for The Level, Brighton’s best park, and borders the even livelier Kemptown, with it’s craft keg… Continue reading LAST PUB IN THE VILLAGE
SUNNY SKIPTON
I caught Skipton at it’s best on Sunday, with the freak sunshine bringing tourists from as far away as Keighley and Colne. It’s a typically handsome North Yorkshire market town, but it’s own visitor attractions (castle, canal, chips) and proximity to the Dales enable it to punch well above it’s weight. I’d compare it to… Continue reading SUNNY SKIPTON
LEEDS & THE BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB
Some of the best weather ever yesterday lunchtime made my walk up to the Bronte Waterfall a joy. The fact that this was in November made it scarcely believable. Predictably thick fog descended on the A660 into Leeds, but didn’t stop me completing a 19 mile day. In the evening I saw the welcome return to… Continue reading LEEDS & THE BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB
SHIPLEY PRIDE
Recovering from a heart stressing afternoon at the Etihad, I spent Saturday night in Bradford. The Ibis Budget is a poor sub for Travelodge, but cheap and central. This must have been my first trip to Bradford without a curry; I’d overdosed on Spinach & Beef at This & That in Manchester, and even the… Continue reading SHIPLEY PRIDE
PUB MIRRORS I HAVE LOVED
While my heart recovers from today’s exertions at the Etihad, here is a more gentle post prompted by this week’s Somerset survey. Back to reality, or at least to Wigan, tomorrow. If Mrs RM is reading this, here are a few Christmas present suggestions. All would look good in my man cave garage, and can… Continue reading PUB MIRRORS I HAVE LOVED
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