I woke to the sound of birds urging me westwards into the mysterious lands of East (or is it West, forgot my compass) Devon on an 8th day of South-West ticking this crazy summer. Mrs RM wanted me home to mow the lawn before another of those infernal house viewings, but this was BUSINESS. Baa… Continue reading HAWAIIAN SHIRTS BY THE OTTER
Tag: Devon
GEORGIE THE DEVON PUB CAT ESCAPES FROM THE FRIDGE
“Is he STILL writing about Devon ?!” Not much more, then I can return to a Holt’s pub in Manchester and street art in Hartlepool (honest), which I expect you’ll prefer. Devon can be a bit samey, but like Essex quality was pretty consistent, and the welcome genuine (with one exception). None more so than… Continue reading GEORGIE THE DEVON PUB CAT ESCAPES FROM THE FRIDGE
“DO YOU KNOW THE FEZ ?”
Just for Mark, our resident pub games expert, here’s the billiards table in the Globe at Beaford. That map will be of no use to you unless you know where Great Torrington is, of course. What you REALLY need to know is that it’s hilly round here. This is my exercise record for the half… Continue reading “DO YOU KNOW THE FEZ ?”
NO STANDING AT THE BAR
Devon was a test of the pub ticker’s art. Hours spent on Facebook, Bing Maps and National Rail, confirming opening hours, the existence of bridges over rivers, and the local line from Exeter to Barnstaple. If you’re prepared to walk uphill in 30 degrees you can reach some of the more remote GBG pubs from… Continue reading NO STANDING AT THE BAR
NO BOOKING REQUIRED IN GEORGE NYMPTON
I know some of us are more naturally positive about the return of pubs than others, just as our views on Covid risks vary. BeerMat is always hopeful, and his latest piece is evidence that things are returning to some sort of normality; Note, however, that the scene above shows blokes drinking Carling. You might… Continue reading NO BOOKING REQUIRED IN GEORGE NYMPTON
CHITTLEHAMPTON HI-VIS
Before we restart, what’s this ? Two more days to make further inroads into Devon, armed with a coffee soaked list of pubs. In 2020, it’s all questions marks and reminders to book first. But, to be honest, it was easier than I’d expected. Harder spelling the place names correctly. A typical inland Devon village… Continue reading CHITTLEHAMPTON HI-VIS
BARNSTORMING BARNSTAPLE
I only managed 25 ticks in Devon and Cornwall but I feel like I’ll be blogging ’till Christmas. And I need to get out again this week or all last week’s good work will be wasted as I strive to get 97% completion before the new GBG is out. The bus pulled into Barnstaple, but… Continue reading BARNSTORMING BARNSTAPLE
THE TARKA TRAIL
I really didn’t want to write about the White Lion in Braunton. Think of it as contractual obligations, like a 1978 Steve Hackett album. It’s certainly an hour between buses back to Barnstaple I’ll not get back. But at least it gave me a tick, and the vital information that the Tarka Trail is a… Continue reading THE TARKA TRAIL
LEAVING THE BIG ISSUE IN THE WELLINGTON
Still in Ilfracombe. The Quay was TOO busy; the Old Town deserted. Cheered, I bought Big Issue for £3, Jarvis Cocker making his 317th appearance on the cover of that highly readable paper. For the first time, closed shops and pubs outnumbered the open ones. A shame, as Fore Street is marvellous, and I’m sure… Continue reading LEAVING THE BIG ISSUE IN THE WELLINGTON
ILFRACOMBE TOURIST BOOM
After my Ilfracombe cream tea I walked up Hillsborough, the hard way (straight up, not the zig zag path). It’s not as well-pubbed as the area round the Sheffield Wednesday ground, but it raises the heart rate and the view are better than from the Leppings Lane stand. With its tremendous calf-stretching ascent and wondrous… Continue reading ILFRACOMBE TOURIST BOOM
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