March 2025. Loughborough. A day without plans in an unsung Leicestershire town, bar a Spoons breakfast and “culture”; makes a change from a CAMRA-approved “pub research trip” with strict timings and no time to nip in the nearest museum or Brew Dog or pause to take photos of dead pubs. The only “must” on my… Continue reading A WHIGFIELD REVELATION IN THE SWAN IN THE RUSHES
Tag: Leicestershire
CULTURE IN CHARNWOOD
March 2025. Loughborough. I’d been hoping to catch up with Quinno for a few years, but he’s rarely sober and used to live in a dangerous part of the UK. But now he’s oop North in Leicester, the new custodian* of the sacred Bass list, it’s time to talk matters Red Triangle and NBSS with… Continue reading CULTURE IN CHARNWOOD
WHY LOUGHBOROUGH ?
March 2025. Loughborough. “You gone ? Where you off to ?” texts Mrs RM, waking up to a cold cup of coffee and sourdough with marmite an hour after I’d left for the tram. “Lutterworth. Meeting Quinno. I did tell you“. I probably didn’t tell her, but she wouldn’t have come anyway, knowing she’d “only… Continue reading WHY LOUGHBOROUGH ?
Now THAT’S how to do a cheese and onion cob !
October 2024. Leicester. And this is the problem/joy of having completed the Guide. Before completion, you break a journey in Leicester, have a rushed weakest half in the new GBG tick, run back to the next train, plan how you’re going to do all four (4) West Midlands newbies before your gig when none (0)… Continue reading Now THAT’S how to do a cheese and onion cob !
HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY COUNTY. No. 20 – LEICESTERSHIRE
Clickbait ! I thought Leicestershire would be a tough county to pick five sure fire winners in, but it was a doddle, even if you might find them surprisingly similar in style. Well, one of them doesn’t sell Bass. Whitwick (Greater Coalville) – Three Horseshoes (Polly’s) But Polly’s does, and on my visit with Life… Continue reading HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY COUNTY. No. 20 – LEICESTERSHIRE
TO CALVARY
December 2023. Coalville. Yes, you’re still in Coalville, apparently. Bit of a change in tone now, as I take you from the Rock Bar with DIY keg wall to Calvary (not Cavalry, that’s a Jona Lewie hit). Ah, Calvary.”There is a green hill far away, without a city wall” in the words of Cecil Frances… Continue reading TO CALVARY
COALVILLE – A ROCK AND A WALL
December 2023. Coalville. Well, who’d have thought it. A new GBG pub in Coalville. Sadly, it comes in the same year that the landlord of the Stamford and Warrington, sulphurous Pedi and all, leaves us for good. The Rock Bar ? I was convinced this was the bikers pub that graced the Guide to Britain’s… Continue reading COALVILLE – A ROCK AND A WALL
EAST OF COALVILLE
November 2023. Rothley. Leicestershire. The word “Coalville” is clickbait. Sorry. You were expecting to see an unwoke boozer craft beer bar on the A511; instead you get a dining pub just off the A46. Technically, Rothley is not far east of Coalville, but it might as well be in a different continent. I’ve grown to… Continue reading EAST OF COALVILLE
EVERARDS TAP – IT’S…..OK
November 2023. Enderby. Leicester. After that great pint of Tiger it was inevitable the GBG would next take me to the very home of Everards, whose giant Beer Hall graces the great nothingness below iconic Leicester Forest East Services. I’m not, at present, able to offer a self guided tour between the service station and… Continue reading EVERARDS TAP – IT’S…..OK
GHOST SHIPS & MYSTERY SURPRISES IN SAPCOTE
April 2023. Another day, another county falls; Leicestershire took longer than usual to complete due to the 5pm opening at Sapcote Club. “Sapcote ?” you ask. “Never heard of it“. Another of those unsung Leics/Staffs/Warwicks border style* places with much to be unsung about. But, as with Warton last month, I will do my best… Continue reading GHOST SHIPS & MYSTERY SURPRISES IN SAPCOTE
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