May 2023. You left me in prime Woolyback country, between Newton-le-Willows and Golborne (what ? where ? asks 99% of the population), pondering on the connection between Shakin’ Stevens and Carol Decker. Congratulations to Mr Paul Bailey from Tonbridge, who correctly worked out Shaky beat Carol on the TV show, Hit Me, Baby, One More… Continue reading LOWTON ADDS YET ANOTHER CLASSIC BOOZER TO GBG23
Tag: Greater Manchester
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SHAKIN’ STEVENS AND CAROL DECKER ?
May 2023. My last Greater Manchester GBG tick didn’t come till May, which is poor form. But at least it gave me a rare trip into Woolyback country, and a chance to admire the flashy new Newton-le-Willows station. When you live in the scary lands between Warrington and Wigan you get your excitement from new… Continue reading WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SHAKIN’ STEVENS AND CAROL DECKER ?
FALLING BACK IN LOVE WITH MILD, AND ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE
15th April 2023. Yes, a fortnight behind with the blog. And it’ll only get worse as I report back blow-by-blow on the CAMRA AGM in Sheffield last week, paper clip debates and all. Two weeks ago I was dreading a trip to Manchester a day after the Big Brum Booze-up, but I felt fine after… Continue reading FALLING BACK IN LOVE WITH MILD, AND ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE
DRIVEN TO THE PUB BY MY SON FOR THE FIRST TIME
22nd March 2023. Quite a significant date, this. The first day my son James drove me to a pub. #ProudParent #23YearsWellSpent etc. etc. If he’d passed his test a year earlier he could have driven me to Claddach Kirkibost. I’d sat quietly in the passenger seat when he drove his car (a blue one) home… Continue reading DRIVEN TO THE PUB BY MY SON FOR THE FIRST TIME
THE BEST THINGS ABOUT ALTRINCHAM
13th February 2023. I see a number of folk on CAMRA Discourse moaning about pubs in Burton-upon-Trent not being open till 4pm or gone last week, despite the Winter Beer Festival being one. I’m afraid that’s the way of the world folks, 4pm openers are the norm, and you’re lucky if your chosen micro opens… Continue reading THE BEST THINGS ABOUT ALTRINCHAM
TELL ME SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ORRELL
12th February 2023. A few interesting new Guide entries in “Greater Manchester” this year, including Prestwich, Radcliffe, Lowton and Orrell. Now, I know where Orrell physically is, tucked between sumptuous Skelmersdale and wonderful Wigan with the M6 roaring past. But I know next to nothing about it. And I HATE not knowing more than you… Continue reading TELL ME SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ORRELL
CONFESSIONS OF A ROCHDALE SAMPLE DRINKER
Well, TWO confessions really in this mini-post, as I hurtle towards Rochdale from Manchester for a lightning tick and fail to invite Tandleman, the King of this wonderful area for pubs. To be honest, Rochdale deserves a return visit, with good curry and four (4) Guide pubs in the centre, a centre that’s being merrily… Continue reading CONFESSIONS OF A ROCHDALE SAMPLE DRINKER
A MARPLE MYSTERY
21st December 2022. James has been doing his unfathomable IT job for nearly two years now, has started having “team meetings” in scary Leigh, and seems to have adapted to working life (from home) extremely well after the Covid horrors of 2020. He’d accumulated quite a bit of holiday, and asked, uninvited, to join me… Continue reading A MARPLE MYSTERY
THE BEST BEER, IN THE WORST SEATING, WITH THE MOST ECLECTIC SOUNDTRACK
Nearly missed this one, tucked away in the grim shopping centre in Prestwich. Keg, Cask Bottle was my third (3rd) Prestwich newbie, a bit of a contrast to the Holt and Hyde’s on the previous stop. It looked oddly familiar, but it wasn’t till I reached the bar I realised “I’ve been here before“. Only… Continue reading THE BEST BEER, IN THE WORST SEATING, WITH THE MOST ECLECTIC SOUNDTRACK
WHITE RAT AND WOTSITS AT RADCLIFFE’S NEW INN
Definitely a Cream track off Disraeli Gears, I think. 5th December 2022. I walked the B6292 from central Radcliffe to the New Inn. I really did. Look ! Here’s proof. Handsome church, stately town hall, weird statues that look like they belong in Bromsgrove. and after 20 minutes the New Inn, the very definition of… Continue reading WHITE RAT AND WOTSITS AT RADCLIFFE’S NEW INN
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