ALL THE PUBS IN THE MANCHESTER BEER BOOK – THE OLD MONKEY

May 2024. Manchester. There’s a parade in Manchester for City this evening, to celebrate the Blues brave performance in defeat at Wembley yesterday. 25 years ago we could only dream of going the distance with United in a cup final. I won’t be there tonight, I’m no glory hunter, oh no. But I did pop… Continue reading ALL THE PUBS IN THE MANCHESTER BEER BOOK – THE OLD MONKEY

A HOLT IN THE VICTORIA TAP

January 2024. Victoria Station. Manchester. Some Universities teach pointless subjects, like philosophy, and French, and football studies. The very best of them run courses on Pub Blog titles, where I learnt you can substitute halt for Holt when you order a pint of Cheetham Hill’s finest. After than disastrous Saturday afternoon in Preston (never mind… Continue reading A HOLT IN THE VICTORIA TAP

A.O.R. AFTERNOON IN MACCLESFIELD QUEENS

December 2023. Macclesfield. Part of the Old Codgers Proper Day Out in Macclesfield (I’m their youthful chaperone) and a return to the trad family boozers that codgers treasure. The Queens Hotel has that stately look that Holt pubs often impart; it’s the first building you come across leaving the station though frankly I can only… Continue reading A.O.R. AFTERNOON IN MACCLESFIELD QUEENS

HIGH TABLES AT THE HOLT HALT, LOW AT MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL

Last Wednesday’s day on the Holt’s had ground to a halt, but perked up briefly as I met Matt after work for a pre gig pint at the rather overlooked Crown & Anchor in the shadow of Cathedral Square. I’d actually come here in 2015 before a Low gig at the cathedral. Who says I’m… Continue reading HIGH TABLES AT THE HOLT HALT, LOW AT MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL