BREATHLESS IN BETHESDA

Nearly all CAMRA branches have parts of the patch it’s difficult to get to.  Even in Stockport, actually getting to Wythenshawe in one piece has its challenges. Bethesda* on the “historic” A5, seemingly built personally by Thomas Telford, isn’t hard to get to, but Y Sior is an awfully steep climb from the High Street. Mrs… Continue reading BREATHLESS IN BETHESDA

CLASSIC BRISTOL PUB CATS IN THE LIME KILN

  Some decent pubs, great street art, and scary hills in Bristol on our trip.  But it was the casual dining that’s really impressed. After those Lebanese tapas and Bus burritos, we had some very cheap Vietnamese grub in Tuk Tuck. Getting lost in Leonard Lane on the way was a bonus. Never make Mrs RM walk… Continue reading CLASSIC BRISTOL PUB CATS IN THE LIME KILN

USING THE SPOONS APP IN TAUNTON

  Entertaining two teenagers in Taunton is one of life’s great challenges, somewhere alongside an appreciation of Donnington BB, or the removal of the breweries section of the GBG to make it less bulky. Last time out I found the award-winning Somerset museum closed on Sunday, now it was Monday in the school holidays. Luckily… Continue reading USING THE SPOONS APP IN TAUNTON

NO DAWDLING IN THE DALES

With “ambitious” accommodation costs and “challenging” bus timetables, the Yorkshire Dales contribute to making North Yorkshire one of the toughest chapters to complete in the whole GBG.  Even if you live there, like our hero Si. You need to see my trusty Philip Navigator to appreciate the emptiness of Nidderdale, with GBG enclaves at top (Aysgarth) and… Continue reading NO DAWDLING IN THE DALES

SANDWICH, SUNSETS, GREENE KING

Since I’m in Kent, here’s my last Guide 17 tick for the county, and look how lovely the GBG looks now against the backdrop of my Bristol Premier Inn. Whatever chaos is going on elsewhere in the Guide’s new entries (micros, social clubs and Spoons), you can always rely on Sandwich to come up with a proper pub.… Continue reading SANDWICH, SUNSETS, GREENE KING

TALES OF THE TAYLOR OF GLOUCESTER

Hardly a year goes by without a disappointing trip to Gloucester. Why, oh why can’t it be like other modest Cathedral cities ?  Never mind Salisbury, even Rochester has more GBG entries, and more to detain you. Like Peterborough, the cathedral is the star, an absolute gem, even without the Potter trappings. I tipped up… Continue reading TALES OF THE TAYLOR OF GLOUCESTER

CRANHAM – CIDER WITH YANKEES

Into Gloucestershire, and a rare chance to show you an incomplete page from the Beer Guide. I think you’ll agree it looks much more impressive in bright pink than the dull green used by one of my GBG completist enemies chums. On our family trip toward Somerset this Sunday I should be able to clear the… Continue reading CRANHAM – CIDER WITH YANKEES

PERSHORE – IT’S A MYSTERY

Back on the road again, and a first trip to Pershore since a night in the very odd Wood Norton  conference facilities (£25 if I recall, an all-time bargain). The Vale of Evesham, a bit like the Vale of Pewsey, gets short shrift from tourists. Apart from Pub Curmudgeon and me, who had mixed feelings… Continue reading PERSHORE – IT’S A MYSTERY