I can lump Barrowford in with Barnoldswick, but Colne stands alone. The last stop at the end of the M65, a million miles from posh Skipton but a world way from “difficult-to-love” Nelson, whose only Beer Guide pub in recent memory was a (very good) Hungry Horse. Colne, like Darwen, is an undiscovered gem. Steep… Continue reading A COLNE COLOSSUS
Tag: micropubs
STUCK INSIDE OF WHYTELEAFE WITH THOSE MICRO BLUES AGAIN
There is one thing to be said in favour of Whyteleafe. No, two. At least. There’s a decent Travelodge there for £39, and more railway stations than pubs. That’s actually true; apart from the new micro, the sole tavern offers Pride or Bombardier. So don’t go complaining about your own drinking scene. It’s pleasantly hilly, and… Continue reading STUCK INSIDE OF WHYTELEAFE WITH THOSE MICRO BLUES AGAIN
CHORLEY – BOB, BISCUITS & BASS MIRRORS
We stopped in Chorley Market for Chorley cakes, as you do. They’re not as good as Eccles cakes, if I’m honest, but I didn’t say that while I was there. Don’t get me wrong. The baked goods are reason enough to dodge the endless amateur cyclists on the road from Euxton. The lady here sold me… Continue reading CHORLEY – BOB, BISCUITS & BASS MIRRORS
NOW, EVEN HORNSEA GETS CRAFT
The insidious invasion by micropubs continues apace, knocking perfectly good locals serving Jennings Bitter out of the Guide as it goes. It was inevitable that small towns that had lost their “York National Bank ” or “Everitt the Butcher” would end up giving a recently retired couple the chance to serve beer like this, to a room… Continue reading NOW, EVEN HORNSEA GETS CRAFT
DRIFFIELD – LOSE AN EAGLE, GAIN A BUTCHER’S DOG
“A man who is bored of modest East Riding market towns lacks the willpower to finish the GBG” Driffield is one of the more handsome of those towns, but that doesn’t explain just how busy it gets mid-week. Busy enough to support a dozen pubs, so let’s not complain. But it doesn’t even have its… Continue reading DRIFFIELD – LOSE AN EAGLE, GAIN A BUTCHER’S DOG
MELBOURNE 1 v DONINGTON 1
South Derbyshire isn’t much fun in the rain, unless you’re watching thousands of old blokes with Sabbath T-Shirts drowning in the mud. The countryside around the mudbath, airport and racetrack is unexpectedly hilly and attractive, though obviously with special appeal for fans of power stations. Last year’s rare visit to Castle Donington found the micropub… Continue reading MELBOURNE 1 v DONINGTON 1
ANOTHER DOVER MICRO, ANOTHER WINNER
Alan’s reflections on his honeymoon yesterday made me laugh (sorry Alan), until I realised my own wedding night was spent in a pub on the edge of Dunstable, and followed by a tour of Southsea’s finest hostelries. It all went downhill when we got to Brittany… The other excursion from Folkestone is, of course, to… Continue reading ANOTHER DOVER MICRO, ANOTHER WINNER
HAIR OF THE DOG
Another day with a “y” in it, another Kent micro, another request to photograph pickled onions and pump clips met with bemusement. Welcome to Minster. Apart from Mrs RM’s short spell there as a Benedictine Nun following her expulsion from Royal Tunbridge Wells in the early ’80s, this is a village best known for its… Continue reading HAIR OF THE DOG
A PARMO-FREE SUNDAY NIGHT IN MIDDLESBROUGH
The offer was there, but Mrs RM rejected my invite to a weekend in Middlesbrough, due no doubt to a prior commitment to reorganise the airing cupboard (whatever that is). She missed a top trip to the UK’s capital of cheap fun. My clean and simple room at the Gresham (not as posh as it… Continue reading A PARMO-FREE SUNDAY NIGHT IN MIDDLESBROUGH
UP THE ELTHAM
I had an hour to waste before Eltham’s micro-pub opened, which gave me just enough time to get lost in Eltham Park, which in itself is quite a feat. With a better camera I’d have taken a nice shot for you showing the majesty of the London skyline. Use your imagination. This is a corner of our… Continue reading UP THE ELTHAM
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