Tag: Greater Manchester

SO, WHAT’S THIS YEAR’S NEW RAMSBOTTOM BEER GUIDE ENTRY, THEN ?

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December 2023. Ramsbottom. I’m always surprised to see Ramsbottom in the Greater Manchester section of the Guide; but I suppose I could never paint it as a posh Rawtenstall, could I ? GBG22 – Bare boards and barrels brewery bar, Northern Whisper. GBG20 – Royal British Legion Club selling mini Ploughmans GBG18 – Cheery station… Continue reading SO, WHAT’S THIS YEAR’S NEW RAMSBOTTOM BEER GUIDE ENTRY, THEN ?

JAM JAR JOY IN STRETFORD’S LONGFORD TAP

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September 2023. Stretford. Enough of The Smiths heritage, let’s head back to Stretford’s heritage mall. I thought there might be a tourist office to explain the history of the “Stretford Giants“, but sadly not. Feeling inspired by those “Meat Is Murder” quotations on the Iron Bridge I had brunch in the Stretford Canteen, as good… Continue reading JAM JAR JOY IN STRETFORD’S LONGFORD TAP

BACK TO THE IRON BRIDGE

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Public Decency Warning : Contains Morrissey September 2023. Stretford. NOT Manchester. I let Manc legend Quosh know I was venturing into Trafford and would need some advice. Not only did he say he’s bike across town to say hello, he sent me some tourist info. What a guy. Stretford is only really on the tourist… Continue reading BACK TO THE IRON BRIDGE

LOWTON ADDS YET ANOTHER CLASSIC BOOZER TO GBG23

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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

WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SHAKIN’ STEVENS AND CAROL DECKER ?

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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

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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

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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

TELL ME SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ORRELL

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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

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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