May 2026. Sheffield. While I was in zen mode back in 2022, focused only on completing the Beer Guide before family disaster/pandemic/ash cloud struck again, I’d have got irritated with anyone wanting to pop over to Sheffield to spend a Saturday revisiting good pubs. But now I’m delighted to entertain visitors, as long as they… Continue reading I AM JIM B’s TAXI
Tag: writing
YE OLDE VIC
May 2026. Stockport. Having a son living in Stockport presents a challenge; will I impose on him to put me up in his spare room after a night out in Manchester ? In honesty, I’m grateful our two lads still seem to want to meet their ancient parents so often and I wouldn’t want to… Continue reading YE OLDE VIC
STONES IN THE STAND. THE JOY OF WOMENS FOOTBALL
May 2026. Sheffield. I’m no glory-hunter. Not for me the trip to Crewe Alex to see Cambridge United promoted. I couldn’t get a ticket. I chose the last Saturday of the grass roots season to watch “Proper Football”. Bramall Lane, home of legends like, er, Eddie Colquhoun, where the modern day stars drive normal cars.… Continue reading STONES IN THE STAND. THE JOY OF WOMENS FOOTBALL
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.
EYE OF THE TIGER
April 2026. Easington. North Yorkshire. Mrs RM declined my offer of a night in a a campervan in a Cleveland car park, her loss. Two hours later I’m at the coast, “I can see the seaside !“, and planning blog titles for the Tiger in tiny Easington (pop. 400). I’m expecting it to be full… Continue reading EYE OF THE TIGER
WOBBLY BOB OR OLD PECULIER ? BIG DECISONS AT THE START OF THE NEW SPOONS VOUCHER YEAR
April 2026. Sheffield. Walking back from the Botanical last Saturday I had a lot of worries on my mind. The chance of Dad’s house sale falling through at the last moment (it didn’t), Mrs RM’s blog getting more views than mine (it might) the prospect of another year of not using my full Spoons voucher… Continue reading WOBBLY BOB OR OLD PECULIER ? BIG DECISONS AT THE START OF THE NEW SPOONS VOUCHER YEAR
AN UNUSUAL EXCUSE FOR A DIVERSION TO A PUB
April 2026. Sheffield. Some good news today. Sunnyside is finally sold, to a lovely couple with two toddlers. Mum would be delighted. A week ago I was waiting for something to go wrong with exchange/completion/WW3, and persuading Mrs RM to get out of the house on a Friday night for some exercise, but definitely no… Continue reading AN UNUSUAL EXCUSE FOR A DIVERSION TO A PUB
BOYS, BOYS, BOYS IN THE ATTIC (TAP)
I know it’s an Aerosmith tune, but I played the R.E.M. version a lot, so… April 2026. Stirchley. Birmingham. Arriving “home” from Waterbeach last Thursday afternoon I let Mrs RM the front door, grabbed a charger, and half an hour later was on the Cross Country to Birmingham. And half an hour later, Bournville. I… Continue reading BOYS, BOYS, BOYS IN THE ATTIC (TAP)
VIKRAM SETH AND CRICKET
April 2026. Barkisland. West Yorkshire. As you’ll observe, I don’t tend to suffer from writer’s block, unless I stupidly follow pints of Old Peculier with pints of Wobbly Bob and suffer the consequences. Vikram Seth is still struggling with his follow-up to the epic “A Suitable Boy“, a novel so good I took two days… Continue reading VIKRAM SETH AND CRICKET
DRIZZLE NEAR KEIGHLEY
April 2026. Steeton. West Yorkshire. I shouldn’t be jealous of anyone, really, jealousy gets you nowhere. But I do look at Simon’s blog and wish I was travelling round the country doing seven pints a day again. While BRAPA was finding half a dozen new pubs in Oxon I was scrambling around for a single… Continue reading DRIZZLE NEAR KEIGHLEY
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