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  • 15/04/24-20/04/24 – A Week in Kent
    A full week away in Kent sampling some of the amazing Micropubs which they have along with a few brewery taps. The list below is an index of each blog in one place to make viewing easier.
  • 17/04/24 and 20/04/24 Faversham, Sittingbourne and Queenborough
    Starting at Faversham well know for its historic churches, whilst here I visited “Furlongs Ale House” and “Creekers Tap”. A short train journey to Sittingbourne, famous for its brickworks and paper mill. 3 Micropubs visited here, “Yellow Stocks”, “Donnas Ale House” and “The Paper Mill”. Finally a train out towards Sheerness getting off at Queenborough, which has the only true concentric castle built in England. Visited “The Admirals Arms” here.
  • 18/04/24-20/04/24 Westgate-on-Sea, Birchington-on-Sea, Swalecliffe and Whitstable
    Starting the day at Westgate-on-Sea, a lovely Victorian town. Visited “Bake & Alehouse” here. Onto Birchington-on-Sea, with some lovely views across Minnis Bay. Here I visited “Old Bay Alehouse” and “Wheel Alehouse”. On the train to Chestfield & Swalecliffe, Swalecliffe being well known for its Brickworks, hence visiting “The Brickfield” here. Lastly onto Whitstable, famous for its Oysters. Whilst here I visited “The Handsome Sam” Micropub.
  • 17/04/24-20/04/24 – Minster, Ashford and Charing
    A visit to Minster, Ashford and Charing. Started off at Minster with a visit to “Hair of the Dog” Micropub in the town. Ashford I visit “Curious Brewing” located a short walk from Ashford International Station, before finishing in nearby Charing at “The Bookmakers Arms”.
  • 18/04/24-20/04/24 Rainham, Strood, Gravesend, Gillingham and Rochester
    Starting off in Rainham visiting “The Prince of Ales” Micropub, jumping on the train one station up to Gillingham for “Past and Present Alehouse”. Then heading up to Strood to visit “10:50 From Victoria”, onto Gravesend for a trio of Micropubs starting with “Three Pillars” and moving onto “The Mole Hole” and “Compass Alehouse”, and finishing at Rochester visiting “RAMS – 12 Degrees” Micropub.
  • 17/04/24 and 20/04/24 – Canterbury
    A visit to Canterbury. Canterbury is famed for its splendid cathedral and atmospheric medieval streets. 4 visits here, starting with “FLOC Brewing”, moving onto “The Thomas Tallis Alehouse”, “Foundry Brewpub” and “Pegasus”.
  • 18/04/24 – Broadstairs
    Today takes me to Broadstairs, known as the “Jewel in Thanet’s crown”. It is most famous for being one of Charles Dickens’ favourite places to escape to. Started here at “The Magnet” Micropub and heading up to “Sonbar”. A walk towards the Railway Station next brings me to “Mind the Gap” and “The Royston”, and finishing off in St Peter’s at “The Four Candles”.
  • 16/04/24 and 18/04/24 – Ramsgate
    Today takes me to Ramsgate, the only Royal Harbour in the United Kingdom. Because of its proximity to mainland Europe, Ramsgate was a chief embarkation point both during the Napoleonic Wars and for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. Visited 4 Micropubs here, 2 in the centre and 2 slightly out of Ramsgate. Started with “The Hovelling Boat Inn” and “The Pub”, before visiting “Alehouse in the Middle of our Street” and “Conquerers Alehouse”.
  • 17/04/24 – Walmer, Deal and Sandwich
    Started the day in Walmer, which is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Walmer has a long history of fishing, smuggling and rescuing sailors. Visited “The Freed Man” Micropub here. I headed up next to Deal, this was once the busiest port in England but now is a popular seaside resort. “Just Reproach” was the Micropub I visited here. The coast of France is approximately 25 miles from Deal and can be seen on a clear day. I finished off in Sandwich, which is home to nature reserves and two world-class golf courses, Royal St George’s and Prince’s. “Time & Tide Brewery” have a taproom here which I visited.
  • 16/04/24 – Margate
    Today takes me to Margate, what was once a small fishing village, was transformed into a popular seaside resort. I am visiting 6 different pubs whilst in Margate today. I started with “The Harbour Arms” on the pier head before moving onto “XYLO Brewery”, “Two Halves”, “The Fez” and “xxxx”. I finished with “Ales of the Unexpected” located the other side of the railway station.
  • 16/04/24 – Herne Bay
    Tuesday took me to Herne Bay. A lovely seaside town on the Kent coast. Herne Bay is home to the worlds first freestanding purpose-built Clock Tower which was built in 1837. And its pier in the late Victorian period through to 1978 was the second longest in the UK. Here I visited “Beer on the Pier”, followed by 4 Micropubs, these being “Parkerville”, “The Firkin Frog”, “The Pub” and “The Bouncing Barrel”.
  • 15/04/24 – Herne – The First Micropub
    Today takes me to the village of Herne in Kent. In this village is the first Micropub, opened by Martyn Hillier MBE in 2005.
  • 06/04/23 – Cleckheaton and Wakefield
    Started my day in Cleckheaton, a town in the Heavy Wollen region of West Yorkshire that became well known for it production of heavy woollen cloth. Started here by visiting Steve at Mill Valley Brewery before heading into town to visit 4 more pubs. A bus onto Wakefield, known for being the birthplace of world-renowned sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Also being well known for coal mining, rhubarb and its cathedral. Lots of great pubs were visited here working from one end to the other.
  • 28/03/24-31/03/24 – Staffordshire Easter Weekend
    A page which includes all 4 days of my long Easter Weekend trip to Staffordshire. Being based in Newcastle-Under-Lyme for the 4 days visiting different places each day and featuring some amazing Micropubs, Independent Pubs, Breweries and more!
  • 29/03/24-31/03/24 – Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Wolstanton
    For my 4 day trip around Staffordshire I was based at The Borough Arms in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Over 3 evenings I visited a number of micropubs, traditional pubs and craft bars in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Wolstanton. Newcastle-Under-Lyme features The Hopwater Cellar, Bridge Street Ale House, Ten Green Bottles, Mellards, Crossways, The Crows Nest, Boat & Horses, Castletown Distillery, Cask Bar & Kitchen, Hopinn and The Greyhound. Wolstanton features The Whippet Inn, 4 Candles and The Archer.
  • 29/03/24 and 31/03/24 – Tutbury & Hatton to Stoke-on-Trent by Train
    My day today takes me out to Tutbury & Hatton by train from Stoke/on-Trent and working back calling off at Uttoxeter, Blythe Bridge and Longton. Started the day at Stoke-On-Trent visiting “bod” which is located on the Railway Station. 3 pubs in Tutbury, “The Hourglass”, “Cask & Pottle” and “New Inn”. Uttoxeter started with visiting “Night Inn” run by Uttoxeter Brewery, and onto Micropub “Horse & Dove”. Onto Blythe Bridge to visit “Crossways Micropub”, the tap for Peakstone Rocks Brewery. Longton next to visit “The Strand” and a bus out to nearby Meir to visit “Swiftys”.
  • 30/03/24-31/03/24 – Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Hartshill and Etruria
    My first call of the day after jumping on the number 3 bus from Hanley Bus Station is to “The Bulls Head” in Burslem. This pub acts as Titanic Brewery’s Tap and was the first pub that they opened. The pub itself is thought to have been built around 1832, and Titanic Brewery running the pub for over 30 years. A great central bar with a room either side and a large outdoor seating area at the back of the pub.
  • 28/03/24 – Stafford and Stone
    The start of a 4 day trip to Staffordshire. I started today in Stafford, a stop on the West Coast Mainline from Glasgow to London Euston. Visited some traditional style pubs alongside a couple of new craft bars. I then got the train to Stone, a lovely canal town. Some more great bars here aswell as visiting “The Borehole”, home of Lymestone Brewery.
  • 23/03/24 – Rawtenstall and Burnley
    My day today takes me to Rawtenstall and Burnley. Meeting up with both “Bearded Biker on Beer” and Sean and Ruth from “Brid’s Cross Brewing”, and Kinsey joining us later on. After a train journey to Burnley Manchester a short bus ride to Rawtenstall, at the centre of the Rossendale Valley. Visiting 5 awesome Micropubs, Craft Bars and Brewery Taps in this town before heading slightly out to nearby Waterfoot to visit “Whitewell”. From here I took the short bus journey back into Burnley which was famous for its Mill-Engines and the Burnley Loom was recognised as one of the best in the world. Here I visited another 4 brilliant Micropubs and Craft Bars.
  • 16/03/24 – Halifax
    A fairly local trip today taking me to Halifax, West Yorkshire. Halifax was well known from the 15th Century onwards as being the centre of England’s woollen manufacture, being dealt through Halifax Piece Hall. I start today by heading out to Hipperholme to visit “Cock O’ The North”, home of Halifax Steam Brewing Company, before heading back into Halifax to visit a number of Micropubs, Craft Bars and Independent Pubs.
  • 09/03/24 – Cleethorpes and Grimsby
    My day today takes me first to Cleethorpes, which expanded into a town when the railway came in Victorian Times. I start my day at “Cleethorpes Tap House & Kitchen”, followed by “Willy’s Bar and Brewery”, “Nottingham House” and “Message in a Bottle”. and “The Old Vic”. I finished by Cleethorpes Railway Station visiting “No 1 Pub” and “No 2 Refreshment Room”. Then onto Grimsby next, which was once  the home port for the world’s largest fishing fleet around the mid-20th century. A short journey to Grimsby Docks to drop into “Docks Beers” with amazing food from Mockingbird. I finished the day in Grimsby visiting “The Barge” and “Vittles & Company”.
  • 02/03/24 – Middlesbrough and Redcar
    A day out booked with the Transpennine Rail Sale up to Middlesbrough and Redcar costing £1 each way. Started off heading out to Great Ayton, a picturesque village overlooking the Roseberry Topping mountain, visited “The Royal Oak” and “The Tannery” here. Headed back into Middlesbrough, well known for its Steel and Chemical industry. Visited 3 Micropubs here to start with, “Bottled Note”, “Twisted Lip” and “Infant Hercules”, before heading to the edge of town to visit “Play Brew Co” and “Chapel”. Last call of the day was to Redcar, visiting “The Cleveland”, home of Redscar Brewery and finishing with 2 micropubs, “Ritas Pantry” and “Gypsy Rover”.
  • 17/02/24 – Ilkeston, Heanor and Langley Mill
    A re-visit to the areas of Ilkeston, Heanor and Langley Mill in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Visited here at the start of November 2023 following near the same route with two extra pub additions. My day started with Ilkeston visiting Burnt Pig, Gladstonian, The Crafty One and Stanton Cask. Headed out next towards Heanor visiting Marlpool Ale House on the way with The Angry Bee, The Crafty Tap, Redemption Ale House, Hop Wright Inn and the new addition of Dead Man’s Tankard. Onto Loscoe to the Tip Inn and finishing in Langley Mill visiting Railway Tavern, The Bunny Hop and Inn the Middle. My blog covers the two new pubs visited today “Dead Man’s Tankard” and “Inn the Middle” with the previous blog linked below.
  • 08/02/24-10/02/24 – Scarborough
    Based in Scarborough for a few days with trips out to Whitby and Guisborough. Scarborough is rich in history with its castle perched high above the North and South Bays, and a town which is proud to be Britain’s first seaside resort. Visited Craft, Stumble Inn, North Riding Brewpub and Scholar’s Bar over the trip.
  • 10/02/24 – Guisborough
    Another bus journey from Scarborough taking me to Guisborough via Whitby. Guisborough is a historic market town with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It is also home to the Guisborough Priory ruins which are a popular tourist attraction. Started here with a visit to the Brass Monkey Beer Boutique on the high street, before heading out to Guisborough Brewery.
  • 09/02/24 – Whitby
    A Friday visit around Whitby heading out on the X93 bus from Scarborough taking around an hour. Whitby is well known for its picturesque harbour, cliff top views and its historic abbey ruins. It is famous for its association with Captain James Cook who served his apprenticeship in the town. As well as having both Dracula and Gothic connections. Whilst here I visited a number of Micropubs, Craft Bars, Independent Pubs alongside a Brewery Tap and a Brewpub. Lots of great quirky shops and streets to explore here.
  • 03/02/24 – Barnsley
    A local trip today over to Barnsley, best known for in the 1960s where there were 70 collieries within a 15 mile radius of the town centre. Today I visited a number of Micropubs around the town starting with “The Gawber Tap” in the Gawber Area, moving into town for “Nailmaker Tap 2” and “Jolly Tap on the Arcade”, heading out again for “Tarn End Tap” and “Heaven & Ale”, and finishing in Cudworth with “Kens Cask & Keg”. Dropped into “The Old Grocers” in Pontefract on the way home.
  • 27/01/24 – York
    A trip out to York today. York is one of England’s finest and most beautiful historic cities. With Roman roots and a Viking past, York offers an eclectic mix of culture and history – with hidden gems and unique experiences around every corner. There are lots of great pubs to visit in York, too many for one day so this first trip features 16 of them and they all vary widely and offer completely different choices and experiences.
  • 20/01/24 – Sheffield #2
    Turner’s Bottle & Tap and The Bear. Woodseats area next visiting The Boston Arms, Mesters Tap and Guzzle Micropub, before heading down to Ecclesall Road and visiting The Beer House, Ecclesall Ale Club, Craft & Berry and Portland House. Dropped into The Beer Engine, Rutland Arms and Sheffield Tap on my way back into Sheffield.
  • Top 10 of 2023
    As 2023 draws to a close, I thought I would sum up the year with featuring my Top 10 Blogs that have been read by you this year. A hugeContinue reading “Top 10 of 2023”
  • 29/12/23-30/12/23 – Blackpool
    A couple of visits while in Blackpool over the New Year weekend for the Fylde Tramway Society’s Christmas Tour. Visited Shickers and Backstage Bar Blackpool on the Friday, and Backstage Bar Cleveleys on Saturday. Shickers I have visited a number of times in the past alongside a large number of independent bars in Blackpool and along the coast (all linked below).
  • Merry Christmas
    Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you all have a great Christmas whoever you are spending it with! I have got another great year planned for next year featuring some more amazingContinue reading “Merry Christmas”
  • 11/11/23 – Hadrian’s Wall Railway Line
    A Saturday out along the railway line from Hexham to Newcastle which forms part of the “Hadrian’s Wall Line” from Carlisle to Newcastle, which follows the route of Hadrian’s Wall (even though the remains are not visible from the train). Calls into several places on the route including Hexham, Corbridge, Prudhoe, Wylam and Blaydon. I have included at least one call per stop on the train whether it be Micropub, Pub or Brewery.
  • 10/11/23 – Thornaby, Stockton, Norton, Billingham and Hartlepool
    A day out running alongside the rail route from Thornaby to Hartlepool. Starting out visiting “Little Acre Micropub”, moving onto Stockton visiting “Tipsy Turtle”, “Golden Smog” and “Kopper Keg”, a short ride out to Norton calling into “Hydes Bar”, and onto Billingham for the “Village Crossing Bar” and “Crafty Cock”. The last call of the day was in Hartlepool to “Rat Race Ale House”, the first Micropub in the area.
  • 09/11/23 – Durham
    A short trip down on the train from Newcastle to Durham, firstly visiting Durham Brewery slightly out of town, before heading the other side of Durham to visit “The Hop Knocker”, and finishing off in the centre visiting “The Holy GrAle”, “Station House” and “The Waiting Room”.
  • 08/11/23 – Edinburgh
    A trip out from Newcastle to Edinburgh. Well known for its literary heritage, cobbled streets and stunning architecture amongst other things. Started here with Vault City’s “Wee Vault”, before heading to Ryrie’s, Thomson’s Bar, Innis & Gunn, The Hanging Bat, Cold Town House, Jolly Judge and Halfway House. A selection of brewery pubs and ones with stunning insides and really interesting and unique.
  • 04/11/23 – Ilkeston, Heanor, Ripley and Langley Mill
    Another day out with a Northern £10 Newspaper offer ticket. Started at Ilkeston visiting The Burnt Pig, Gladstonian, Craft One and Stanton Cask, before heading up to the Marpool Ale House from Marpool Brewery, up to Heanor for Crafty Tap, Angry Bee, Redemption Ale House and Hop Wright Inn. The bus up again to The Tip Inn at Loscoe and Tom Said and Ripley’s Little Alehouse in Ripley. Final call of the day was to the reopening of The Bunny Hop in Langley Mill.
  • 28/10/23 – Bridlington, Driffield, Beverley, Cottingham and Goole
    A day out with Northern Rails £10 Ticket offer heading up along the East Yorkshire coastline. Starting at Bridlington with Bridbrewer & Taproom, Three B’s Micropub and Dockside. Next onto Driffield and into The Butchers Dog and The Crooked Tap. Third call into Beverley visiting Atom Brewery’s Tap, Chequers Micropub, Northmen Spirit/Bar Seven93 and The Monks Walk. My last two calls were in Cottingham to the Hugh Fitz Baldric and in Goole to Tom Pudding.
  • 22/10/23 – Manchester, Castleton and Rochdale
    A Sunday out around Manchester. Started the day visiting the amazing Castlefield Viaduct run by the National Trust before heading out firstly to Salford Quays to visit the recently opened “Hideaway Brewing Company” taproom. From here I headed to Piccadilly visiting “Sureshot Brewery Taproom” in the railway arches. Over to Victoria for the newly opened “Victoria Tap” on the station. Finished off with “Old Post Office Ale House” in Castleton and “D’Ale House” and “The Pint Pot”.
  • 21/10/23 – Liverpool and Ormskirk
    A day out in Liverpool, heading up to the top of the Radio City tower, before heading to “Liverpool Brewing Co” Tap Room, “St Lukes Bombed Out Church”, a bar set in the grounds of a bombed out church, heading out to Cains Brewery Village, with lots of different bars, markets and eating spots, and finishing in Ormskirk with “Tap Room No 12”.
  • 11/10/23-13/10/23 – Nottingham
    A few days in Nottingham visiting the Nottingham CAMRA Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival. Thursday I visited Micropubs from Langley Mill back into Nottingham and Friday to Hucknall and Bulwell. Over the 3 days I visited a number of pubs, micropubs and brewery taps in Nottingham so thought it would be easier to put them all into one post. So here is my selection of visited pubs.
  • 13/10/23 – Hucknall and Bulwell
    A Friday out on the tram from Nottingham to the end of the tram line at Hucknall. Starting here with The Station Inn owned and run by Lincoln Green Brewing Company, and into the town centre visiting 4 Micropubs – The Beer Shack, The Hideout, Byrons Rest and Baker & Bear. All unique in their own way serving great beer. A short hop on the tram down to Bulwell to try the Bulls Well Micropub on the way back into Nottingham.
  • 12/10/23 – Langley Mill, Eastwood, Giltbrook and Kimberley
    ollowing on from being at the Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival for a few hours in the morning, I headed out to Langley Mill and worked my way back into Nottingham via Eastwood, Giltbrook and Kimberley, calling at 9 Micropubs en route. All very welcoming and unique in their own way.
  • 11/10/23 – Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival
    I have attended the Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival for a number of years now starting with when it was at Nottingham Castle, onto Motorpoint Area and this being the third year it has been held at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. This year is the 47th such festival. A great venue which has lots of history around it and lots of different areas to explore, You can even sit in the stands overlooking the ground.
  • 07/10/23 – Hull and Brough
    A day out in Hull, located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, a famous port city which lies where the River Hull joins with the Humber Estuary. Tickets were bought during Northern Rails sale a month or so again with a ticket costing £1 each way from Leeds. Some great pubs visited with a number being very traditional with a few newer style pubs. Finished off with a visit to the Centurions Arms Micropub in Brough before heading back to Leeds.
  • 25/09/23 – Chorley and Adlington
    A Monday out around Chorley and Adlington. Starting in Chorley with “Bob Inn”, inside the indoor market before visiting some of the other pubs in the town including “Clarkes Sibin”, “Bens Tap and Bottle Shop”, “Pearsons”, “Flat Iron”, “Traders Taphouse” and finishing at “Malt N Hops”. A jump one stop up on the train next to Adlington, starting at “Retreat” (a converted Church), “Inn the Doghouse” Micropub and the brewery tap for Escape Brewery “The Old Post Office”.
  • 24/09/23 – St Annes and Lytham
    A Sunday afternoon out around St Annes and Lytham. An easy jump on the bus from Blackpool or train from Preston heading to Blackpool South. Visited some great independently owned MIcropubs, Pubs and Craft Bars in the area. Firstly “The Pier Inn” at St Annes, moving onto “Fifteens of St Annes”, “Keg N Cask” and “The Hop Shoppe”, before heading to Lytham to visit “The Craft House”.
  • 23/09/23 – Morecambe Coast
    A day out along the beautiful Morecambe Coastline, getting the train up to Lancaster (been based in Blackpool for the weekend), and using one of the Stagecoach Bus “Bay Rider” tickets which covers you on all Stagecoach Buses within the area I have done below for £5.50. Started at “Coffeys” in Morecambe, before heading up to Heysham for “The Bookmakers”, and returning back via Morecambe for “Little Bare” and “Torrisholme Taps”. Finished the day at “The Crossing” at Hest Bank. Some really excellent independent pubs as you’ll see in the blog.
  • 22/09/23 – Fylde Coast
    A Friday trip out visiting some Micropubs along the Flyde Coast, starting at “Cask” in Bispham, “Shipwreck Brewhouse” and “The Venue” in Cleveleys, “Beer Shed” in Fleetwood, along with 2 visits in Blackpool Centre to “No 13 Bonny Street” and “Cask & Tap”. An evening Ghost Walk and Victorian Séance with Stephen Mercer, an excellent walk if you get chance to book onto it. Finishing in “1887 The Brew Room”, home of West Coast Rock Brewery. All this is done using Blackpool Tramway and a day ticket.
  • 27/08/23 – Merseyside (Day 3)
    Started out the day visiting the Bow Legged Beagle and HOP in Bromborough, Handymans Supermarket Brewpub in Wavertree, Neptune Brewerys Beerhouse in Maghull and a number of venues in Southport – Beer Inn, The Guest House and Masons Arms.
  • 26/08/23 – Merseyside (Day 2)
    A pretty spread out day around Merseyside, starting at Hoylake for Micropub The Black Toad, Birkenhead for Glen Affric Brewery, Central Liverpool for Black Lodge Brewery and The Baltic Fleet and onto Bootle for Top Rope Brewery and North Park Tavern. Finished with Micropubs The Beer Station and The Grasshopper on the way back to Southport, finishing with a beer festival.
  • 25/08/23 – Merseyside (Day 1)
    A day out around Merseyside, 1 of 3. Starting off by visiting Southport Brewery and having a look at their brewery setup, followed by visiting Tap & Bottles in the town centre. Headed out to visit several Brewery Taps – Big Bog Brewing, Azvex Brewing and Carnival Brewery, and finishing off with 4 micropubs around the Waterloo area.
  • 24/08/23 – Bolton, Westhoughton and Southport
    Heading over to Merseyside for the Bank Holiday weekend, calling in at a number of pubs in Bolton en route, a Micropub and a Brewery Tap in Westhoughton and 3 Mixropubs in the Southport area.
  • 10/08/23-13/08/23 Blackpool, Bispham and Layton
    A long weekend staying with friends in Blackpool to see the yearly “Blackpool Air Show” on the seafront. Visited some old favourites pub wise with the addition of a few new pubs. Started with Albert’s Ale Micropub, onto No 10 Alehouse and finished at the Saddle Inn Thursday. Friday dropped into CASK Micropub in Layton. Saturday started with Abingdon Street Market for the Farm Yard Beers Bar, and onto Shickers Micropub. Sunday visited CASK Micropub in Bispham and Cask and Tap in the centre.
  • 11/08/23 – Preston
    A day out to Preston. A city packed full of great pubs and small bars so lots of choice. Preston itself is known for a couple of quirky features including being home to the tallest spire of any parish church in England to having the longest continuous row of red telephone boxes
  • 05/08/23-06/08/23 – London
    A few calls in London over a weekend whilst attending an event. Firstly a call into the Euston Tap, followed by Micropubs in Hanwell and Northfields, and two Brewery Taps, Hammersmith Brewery and Bullfinch Brewery.
  • 22/07/23 – Pontefract
    A local Saturday afternoon visit to Pontefract, a town well known for its castle, confectionery industry, coal mining, and horse racing. Not forgetting the famous liquorice sweets “Pontefract Cakes”. Two visits here today, the first being a Bottle Shop and Tasting Room inside Pontefract’s Indoor Market, followed by a visit to the towns Micropub (although the town is packed full of pubs and small bars).
  • 12/07/23 and 15/07/23 – Swindon
    A few days away before RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) at RAF Fairford on Saturday. The first day is spent around Swindon, a town made famous with the coming of the Great Western Railway in 1843, transforming the town from a small market town to one of the largest railway engineering complexes at its peak. Some great bars here including brewery taps, brewery pubs aswell as some great craft and cask bars. The bottom 2 breweries were visited on Saturday (but have included to keep it all together)
  • 14/07/23 – Bristol
    A trip over to Bristol to cover 11 breweries and a couple of really great beer pubs. Bristol is famous for its significance as a historical British Port. The cityContinue reading “14/07/23 – Bristol”
  • 13/07/23 – Bath and Chippenham
    A day out in the historic city of Bath, known for and named after its Roman built baths. The city became a World Heritage Site in 1987. Started off today with a brewery tour around “The Bath Brew House” before heading around a few pubs and brewery taps in Bath. Finished off the day with a few pub visits in Chippenham.
  • 08/07/23 – Rotherham
    A day out to Rotherham, a town named after the River Rother which is one of the two rivers to run through the town (The River Don being the second). The town has become well known for its Steel making industry. Today I visited several micropubs dotted around the outskirts of the town, alongside Chantry Brewery’s Taproom, and finishing with 2 pubs in the town centre.
  • 24/06/23 – Bournemouth
    Last down down this way of the country and headed out to Bournemouth. A bus route starting from Parkstone, and working through Branksome, Winton, Bournemouth, Southbourne and Christchurch areas visiting 11 Micropubs and Brewery Taps. A final call in Southampton to Unity Brewing Co and their relaunched tap room.
  • 23/06/23 – Eastleigh, Botley, Romsey and Chandlers Ford
    A day starting off at Steam Town Brew Co in Eastleigh with its unique reclaimed railway items making up areas of the pub, before heading over to Botley. Two brewery taps here for Botley Brewery and Cracklerock Brewery, Botley Brewery having a unique feature for paddle boarders. Romsey next for Flack Manor Brewery Tap and the Cocky Anchor Micropub and finishing in Chandlers Ford with the popular Steel Tank Alehouse Micropub.
  • 22/06/23 – Lymington, Brockenhurst and Southampton
    Started off the day in Lymington Town visiting the Monkey Brewhouse, alongside a couple of real ale pubs in the town. Headed up to Brockenhurst to walk to Pig Beer in its lovely secluded location, before finishing in the Shirley area of Southampton to visit The Witch’s Brew, Overdraft and Clockwork.​
  • 21/06/23 – Gosport, Portchester, Swanwick and Southampton
    A day out starting with a morning in Gosport with the amazing guys at Powder Monkey Brewing Co, dropping over to Seafire Tap in Lee-on-the-Solent, before heading to a few bars in Gosport. Headed back via Portchester and Swanwick to visit two Micropubs before finishing with Good Libations and Belgium & Blues in Southampton.​
  • 20/06/23 – Southampton and Hythe
    A day around Southampton starting off with the Dancing Man Brewery, over to Hythe on the ferry for the Dusty Barrel before finishing in Southampton with Olafs Tun, Butchers Hook, Bookshop Alehouse and lastly Beards & Boards.
  • 19/06/23 – Fareham, New Forest Border, Christchurch and Southampton
    Day one down in Hampshire after half a days journey south from West Yorkshire. 4 Micropubs visited in the afternoon/evening starting with “West Street Alehouse” in Fareham, “6 Barrels” in Totton, “The Hourglass Micropub” in New Milton and “Saxon Bar” in Christchurch. Finishing off the day with “London Road Brewhouse” in Southampton.
  • 17/06/23 – Leeds
    A local day out today heading over to Leeds, starting off with Wilde Child Brewery and one of their tap room open days at the Brewery, before a couple of great well known pubs on Water Lane – “Cross Keys” and “The Midnight Bell”, before finishing at Northern Monk Brewery with a tour around the brewery and some great food.
  • 02/06/23 – Normanton
    A local visit to Normanton, West Yorkshire to visit a new bottle shop that opened this week (alongside being able to drink in), aswell as a trip up to Tarn 51 Brew Pub “The Robin Hood” at Altofts.
  • 28/05/23 – Penistone Line Ale Trail
    An attempt at an Ale Trail on the Penistone Rail Line which runs between Barnsley and Huddersfield. The first part of the line opened in 1850 between Huddersfield and Penistone, with the other part following later. It is designated as a “Community Rail Line” and covers a 27 Mile Route (from Sheffield to Huddersfield).
  • 19/05/23 – Solihull, Dickens Heath, Knowle and Shirley
    A day out starting at Dickens Heath to visit the Ale Hub Micropub, moving onto their other Micropub in Shirley. Onto The Shaking Hand in Shirley, bus out to Knowle for the Ale Rooms and finishing back in Solihull at The Pup & Duckling. A day filled with Micropubs!
  • 18/05/23 – Stratford Upon Avon
    An evening out in Stratford Upon Avon, the birthplace and home of Shakespeare. Some great traditional pubs housed in historic buildings, alongside a fantastic micropub and a couple of craft bars.
  • 14/05/23 – Moorthorpe
    A Sunday afternoon drive out to visit the newly opened pub on Moorthorpe Railway Station “The Mallard” owned and run by Jolly Boys Brewery.
  • 13/05/23 – Ossett and Horbury
    A day out around West Yorkshire making use of the £4.50 bus ticket which allows travel anywhere in West Yorkshire. Started off in Ossett visiting a couple of Micropubs alongside Ossett Brewery and a couple of local pubs, before heading to Horbury and visiting a couple of brewpubs alongside a couple of local independent pubs.
  • 06/05/23 – Ilkley
    A day out over the Kings Coronation Bank Holiday weekend to Ilkley. The first half of the day was spent at Crafty Dogg’s Beer Festival held at King’s Hall, followed by a few independent pubs around Ilkley one of which having its own brewery on site, and a call into Burley-in-Wharfedale.
  • 30/04/23 – Harrogate, Starbeck and Kirkstall
    A day out over the first May Bank Holiday weekend. Visiting several Micropubs, Brewery Bars and Independent bars in Harrogate before heading up to Starbeck to Harrogate Brewing Co and The Office Micropub, and finishing at Hornbeam Park for Roosters Brewing Co Tap Room. Finishing off around Horsforth and Kirkstall.
  • 22/04/23 – Newark and Grantham
    A trip down the East Coast Mainline today firstly to Grantham to visit the Whistle Stop Micro Pub on the railway station followed by heading back to Newark to visit some real ale and craft ale pubs in the area.
  • 08/04/23 – Bingley and Saltaire
    A day out over Easter weekend up to the Aire Valley in West Yorkshire. Visited a selection of breweries, micropubs and independent pubs in Bingley, Saltaire and Shipley. All easily accessible by train (with a bus out to Wilsden for Bingley Brewery).
  • 26/03/23 – Camden and Kings Cross
    Heading back home today vis London. Had time to check out three brewery taps around Camden before dropping into Beer+Burger near Kings Cross. All 3 breweries offered different styles of beers and all really great friendly places.
  • 25/03/23 – Surrey, West Sussex and Brighton
    A bit of a trek all over today starting in Dorking to visit Cobbetts Micropub and Tap, onto Horsham to Horsham Brewery Tap, Micropubs in Billinghurst and Bognor Regis. Brewhouse project in Arundel and finishing with two brewery taps in Brighton.
  • 24/03/23 – Brighton and Lewes
    A day out around Brighton and Lewes. Lots of local brewery taps and great independent pubs in this area that are worth visiting. Ive picked a good selection to cover today.
  • 23/03/23 – Hastings, Rye, Bexhill and Eastbourne
    Headed to the Historic Town of Hastings today, starting off the day with a visit around the Smugglers Caves followed by visiting a couple of brewery tap pubs, Micropubs and bottle shops. Also headed to Micropubs in Rye and Bexhill before finishing at a couple of craft bars in Eastbourne.
  • 22/03/23 – Sussex Coast (Day 2)
    A second day out along the Sussex Coast today, a trip around Shoreham (Brighton City Airport), followed by pubs in Shoreham-by-the-Sea, Lancing and Worthing. Again lots of great micropubs and independent pubs to visit.
  • 21/03/23 – Sussex Coast (Day 1)
    A day out along the Sussex Coastline, starting at Hove and working up to Worthing and West Worthing via Portslade and Southwick. Lots of great micropubs along this coastline and all easily accessible by train.
  • 20/03/23 – Seaford and Eastbourne
    After a long journey down to Eastbourne, an evening visit around a brewery pub and bottle shop/taproom in Eastbourne following a bus ride out to Seaford to visit a MicropubContinue reading “20/03/23 – Seaford and Eastbourne”
  • 11/03/23 – Castleford
    A local visit today to the historic Roman town of Castleford. Several Craft Beer bars here, alongside a visit to one of the only pubs where all beers are served from wooden casks.
  • 04/03/23 – Sheffield
    A trip over to Sheffield today. May take a few visits to cover everything here but starting today in Hillsborough and working back towards the centre. Some great micropubs andContinue reading “04/03/23 – Sheffield”
  • 18/02/23 – Calder Valley Line
    A day out starting at Todmorden and working back towards Leeds calling at Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Sowerby Bridge. Includes some Micropubs, Bottle Shops, Brewery Taps and Brewery Bars and lots more. A great day out by train.
  • 11/02/23 – Lancaster and Carnforth
    A day out booked with Northern Rails ticket sale for £4.50 return to Lancaster. A visit to the new Tite & Locke bar on Lancaster Train Station followed by some of the many establishments in the city, followed by a call into Carnforth to visit The Snug and Taps on the Green Micropubs.
  • 04/02/23 – Leeds Breweries
    A day out around Leeds visiting some of the many breweries that have tap rooms open on a weekend. Starting off with North Brewing Co at their Springwell Brewery Site, moving onto Meanwood Brewery, Ridgeside Brewery and Tartarus Beers, before moving further out to Horsforth Brewery Tap in Horsforth and Amity Brewery near New Pudsey.
  • 28/01/23 – Wetherby
    A Saturday visit to the market town of Wetherby, West Yorkshire. Sampling a few of the local pubs aswell as heading to two brewery taps – Wetherby Brew Co and Bosuns Brewing.
  • 21/01/23 – Garforth (Quirky Ales)
    A Saturday afternoon visit to a local West Yorkshire brewery “Quirky Ales” based in Garforth, to try a few of the beers that they brew on site.
  • 14/01/23 – Clitheroe, Darwen, Blackburn and Burnley
    Starting in Clitheroe at Bowland Brewery tap along with a number of other pubs in Clitheroe, followed by Darwen for The Hopstar Brewery Tap and 12 Steps Brewery Pub, and finishing off with Micropubs in Blackburn and Burnley.
  • 19/11/22 – Hope Valley Rail Ale Trail
    A day out along the Hope Valley, starting at Edale and working back to Sheffield calling off at Hope, Bamford (Closed on the day), Hathersage and Grindleford. Some amazing scenery and excellent traditional pubs during the day.
  • 7/11/22 and 13/11/22- Newcastle and Jesmond
    This blog features a couple of Micropubs in the centre of Newcastle “The Split Chimp”, “Delta Lounge” and “The Wobbly Duck” along with a visit to Jesmond to visit “Carriage”, originally Jesmond Station.
  • 12/11/22 – Newcastle Brewery Bars
    Started out with a Brewery Tour around Full Circle Brewery, followed by drinks at a number of different breweries around the area, before finishing at The Free Trade Inn.
  • 11/11/22 – Sunderland, North Shields, South Shields and The Coast
    Day out starting at Vaux Brewery in Sunderland before heading along the coast to Whitburn, and heading onto North and South Shields and finishing the day with some micropubs around Monkseaton and Whitley Bay.
  • 9/11/22 – Gateshead and Newcastle
    An afternoon visiting several Micropubs and other bars in Gateshead, before dropping down to the River Tyne to By the River Brew Co, and finishing at The Heaton Tap.
  • 28/10/22 – Freckleton
    A ride out from Blackpool to Freckleton to visit a Micropub “The Vestry Taproom”. The village of Freckleton is near to BAE Warton Airfield and was victim to an air disaster in 1944.
  • 22/10/22 – Haworth and Keighley
    A day out on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway visiting Haworth, Oxenhope and Keighley. Lots of great pubs along the way and an enjoyable rides on heritage Diesel and Steam trains.