Regular readers will know one my missions in retirement is to promote the unsung, the downtrodden, the obscure towns of England. Step forward, Nuneaton. OK, sit down again. You’re now that good. But see here and here for some evidence of why North Warwickshire on a sunny day is worth your while. But today’s GBG… Continue reading WHAT AN ANKER !
Tag: Theakston
THREE HORSE SHOES
My return to pubbing has been a joy, but there’s slim pickings in terms of new GBG ticks within a 3 hour radius. The closest new Guide pub to me (York’s Gillygate) is actually yards from BRAPA Towers. And that was closed as well. On a whim, I stopped in Boroughbridge. A stately little place… Continue reading THREE HORSE SHOES
HAWES WEARS THE CROWN
After completing my two Hawes GBG ticks I had a break before a pre-emptive pint in the Crown. One consequence of the Covid compliance measures pubs have put in is that I no longer feel able to pop in for a quick half. No, once you’ve had the 20 minute lecture, entered your contact details… Continue reading HAWES WEARS THE CROWN
RORTY CRANKLE
More cutting-edge craft in North Yorkshire, or North Awesome as it’s now known. Thornton le Dale has more gentle folk visitors than residents, here for the chocolate factory and a vain attempt to uncover the meaning behind “Rorty Crankle”. There’s a pub of that name in Kent, if it helps. Chocolate and mystery aside, it’s… Continue reading RORTY CRANKLE
THEAKSTON TAP BRAINSTORMING
2 hours is a long time to kill in Masham, so I continued my aimless wander looking for pictures of sausages in French berets, and quirky old fashioned delis. My hopes were high for the Yorkshire ham sandwich at Reahs Deli, but wafer thin ham slices in a cheap brown roll just made me… Continue reading THEAKSTON TAP BRAINSTORMING
SMASHIN’ MASHAM
After Aberdeen I took a week off from pubs (“DryEarlyMarch”, anyone ?). I felt no better for it, mind. And I certainly wasn’t prepared for another lengthy bus trip to Masham. I can’t even blame Beeching for the lack of a railway station in Masham. I’d allowed myself an insane amount of time to rediscover… Continue reading SMASHIN’ MASHAM
PROPER PUBS IN CARLISLE
Next stop, Carlisle, which feels like New York after a week travelling round the Borders. Look ! The McVitie’s factory (sorry Mrs RM, I didn’t bring you back a discounted packet of digestives). Oh, look ! A Bass mirror (no Bass). Oh look ! An open pub. I’d forgotten what they look like. I… Continue reading PROPER PUBS IN CARLISLE
RUSHING KIDS, ROYAL CHILDREN
On Wednesday morning I got a text message from youngest son Matt. “Soz Dad, short notice. Can I go 2 We Came As Romans gig tonite plz.” “OK. Where ? “Nottingham. London date sold out” “OK” “Radddd” You can guess where he gets it from. So at 6.30pm we were back here, having made… Continue reading RUSHING KIDS, ROYAL CHILDREN
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
This blog celebrates publicans, not brewers, and my admiration for the vast majority of them grows by the year. Despite the odd gripe about opening times. I’m always impressed by landlords and staff who go the extra mile to promote their pub, like the Spoons bar manager who came over to ask how my Otter… Continue reading GOING THE EXTRA MILE
retiredmartin 