September 2026. Shireoaks. Nottinghamshire. 10 minutes through the old colliery site to the GBG brewery tap, ten minutes back to the station, still feeling that ache at the back of my leg but keeping up with Google maps generous timings now. One of the most attractive approaches to a Beer Guide pub anywhere, I reckon.… Continue reading IGNORE THE CLOSED SIGN. THE HEWETT ARMS, SHIREOAKS
Tag: history
COVENTRY – BACK IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE (OF PUB CRAWLS)
August 2026. Coventry. A decent break from pubs between Frome and my next Big Trip Out, which I used dreaming up alternative blog titles to “Sent to Coventry“. I’ve been struggling with the relentless driving of the last few years (never mind the 30,000 a year of the previous 20), so it’s back to Platform… Continue reading COVENTRY – BACK IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE (OF PUB CRAWLS)
“Back to Crammy”
July 2026. Cramlington. Northumberland. When you say “Northumberland” these days you think Harry Potter, posh Cambridgeshire families at the beach, and a small island covered in bird muck. But there’s an awful lot of old mining towns before you get there, I can tell you. I spent ages getting ChatGPT to work out the best… Continue reading “Back to Crammy”
ST. ALKMUND’S CHURCH, WHITCHURCH (NCSS 4)
July 2026. Whitchurch. Shropshire. You can generate a mass of blog material in a 4 hour visit, even with 5 pubs and a 10 minute indecision about cheese purchase to interrupt your cultural exploration. As with pork pies, cheese is best heated up. Don’t @ me. I wondered what else the internet would reveal about… Continue reading ST. ALKMUND’S CHURCH, WHITCHURCH (NCSS 4)
SCOUSE
July 2026. Liverpool. Since we got back from all that foreign muck in Armenia you’ve had a string of classic UK pubs. The Harp, the Cock, the Rutland, the New Barrack, the KIT, the Tunbridge Wells Spoons…. And a trip to Liverpool on Thursday to see long-term RM favourite Julia Jacklin preview her upcoming 4th… Continue reading SCOUSE
IN SEARCH OF NOAH, IN SIGHT OF IRAN
June 2026. Armenia. I’ll be honest, by the 5th day of our Armenia trip last week I was knackered. Or specifically, my legs were. Sunday afternoon – 4 hours drive down to Waterbeach then Luton Airport. Monday – 5 hours in window seat on Wizz plane to Yerevan Tuesday – 3+ hours on packed train… Continue reading IN SEARCH OF NOAH, IN SIGHT OF IRAN
A LAST KISS BEFORE THE TOWER
May 2026. Târgu Mureș. Central Romania. An early night in Medias, before a 6am start on Wednesday morning . Only (great) coffee and ice cream on sale at the kiosk at the Autogare before the early bus to Târgu Mureș, where we arrive with early check-in at Pensiunea Select Central (£40) for reasons I can’t… Continue reading A LAST KISS BEFORE THE TOWER
MEDIAS. TRANSYLVANIA WITHOUT AN UNTAPPD CHECK-IN
May 2026. Medias. Transylvania. Our 7 night, 5 city trip round the heart of Romania had taken in a few of the less obvious stops, a bit like adding nights in Mansfield and Rotherham to your big Yorkshire tour. “Most people who visit Medias, Romania, come there by accident. Located right in the center of… Continue reading MEDIAS. TRANSYLVANIA WITHOUT AN UNTAPPD CHECK-IN
IN SHOREDITCH. I THINK.
April 2026. London. Staying overnight in Tunbridge Wells meant an easy rail journey the next morning; half-full Southeastern train to London Bridge, Northern Line to Old Street, 20 minute walk to the Museum of the Home next to Hoxton Station. We’re meeting the lovely Joan and Dave “US Dave” Southworth, who are staying near enough… Continue reading IN SHOREDITCH. I THINK.
Nicole in front of a washing machine, Bonn
March 2026. Bonn. Germany. More highlights from our half day in Bonn, which seems to have stolen the Pied Piper from Hamelin for its pedestrian crossing. Apart from schnitzel and a beer, the essential activity in Bonn is a visit to Haus der Geschichte Bonn, 10 minutes south of the station by tram or underground… Continue reading Nicole in front of a washing machine, Bonn
