Peterborough turned out to be a brilliant day for pubs and beer, with a really varied mix of places along the way. From drinking inside an old railway engine shed and aboard a historic Dutch barge, to traditional locals, micropubs and newer craft beer bars, there was plenty of character throughout the day. The Peterborough Beer Festival was a big highlight too, with a huge choice to work through. I enjoyed some excellent cask and keg beers, met plenty of friendly people and finished the evening out in Werrington. A long day, but definitely one of my favourite pub trips this year.
Monthly Archives: August 2026
22/08/26 – Southport
I headed over to Southport for a brilliant day exploring some of the town’s pubs, joined along the way by David and Pete from Southport and District CAMRA. I worked my way through nine venues, from newer places like The Bugle Tap to proper historic gems including The Guest House, Windmill and Bold Hotel. There was a great mix of traditional pubs, independent beer bars and plenty of local character, with a good choice of cask and keg beer throughout. Finishing beside the Marine Lake at the tiny, Grade II listed Lakeside Inn was a lovely way to round off the day.
15/08/26 – Otley
I had a brilliant day exploring the pubs and bars of Otley, starting at Curious Hop Bière Café before meeting up with Gareth from Roaming the Ridings. From cosy old pubs like the Junction Inn, Cross Pipes and Black Horse to newer places such as North Bar Social and The Rookery, there was loads of variety along the way. We were joined by a few familiar faces during the day, which made it even more enjoyable. There was plenty of good cask and craft beer to try, with some lovely historic buildings too. I finished the day at Shadow Brewing, rounding off a fantastic wander around Otley.
08/08/26 – Leith and Edinburgh
I spent the day exploring Leith and Edinburgh, starting with some brilliant pubs around The Shore before working my way through brewery taprooms, traditional locals and a couple of extra stops along the way. Leith had a great mix of old maritime character and modern independent brewing, with plenty of excellent cask and craft beer to try. I also called into Shore Distillery and Beets before heading across to Bellfield and Otherworld. Back in central Edinburgh, I finished at two real classics, the Guildford Arms and Café Royal. A cracking final day and a great way to end my Scotland trip.
06/08/26-07/08/26 – Milngavie, Paisley and Dumbarton
I explored a great mix of pubs and brewery taps around Milngavie, Paisley, Renton and Dumbarton. I started in Milngavie with visits to Jaw Brew, The Talbot Arms and Jack O’Beers, where it was great to meet Mike and hear about his plans for the future. From there I headed to Paisley for the historic Bull Inn and Two Towns Down Brewing, before travelling on to Loch Lomond Brewery Tap in Renton. I finished in Dumbarton at No Limits Brewing, meeting Henry and Andy, chatting with locals Martin and Lolin, and even joining them for the general knowledge quiz.
05/08/26 and 07/08/26- Dunblane, Stirling, Larbert, Falkirk and Linlithgow
I explored a few different places by train, starting in Dunblane before heading through Stirling, Larbert, Falkirk and finally Linlithgow. Along the way I visited some cracking traditional pubs, each with plenty of history and character. Highlights included the cosy Settle Inn, the historic Wheatsheaf, the welcoming Woodside Inn and Platform 3 with its railway theme. I enjoyed a good mix of cask ales throughout the day, with beers from breweries including Orkney, Cromarty, Fyne Ales and Stewart Brewing. It was a lovely day combining train travel, historic towns, interesting pubs and some excellent beer.
03/08/26-06/08/26 – Glasgow
Over a few brilliant days in Glasgow, I explored a fantastic mix of traditional pubs, modern craft beer bars and breweries across the city. I made good use of the Subway, jumping on and off to discover places in the city centre, Merchant City, West End and beyond. Highlights included historic gems like The Laurieston and Old Toll Bar, alongside WEST, Drygate, Three Judges, Inn Deep and plenty more. There was a great mix of Scottish cask and keg beer along the way, with some really friendly welcomes too. I eventually rounded everything off at Grunting Growler after a fantastic few days exploring Glasgow.
06/08/26 – Glasgow Real Ale Festival
I spent a cracking Thursday afternoon at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival, held inside the impressive Briggait. It was a brilliant chance to sample beers from breweries across Scotland, including a few I don’t often come across back home. As always, though, the people really made the day. It was great meeting Emily, Alex and Will, catching up with Jenny and Kenny, and chatting with plenty of other friendly faces along the way. Senga the giraffe certainly stood out too! With a fantastic historic setting, plenty of good beer and lots of laughs, G-RAF was a great afternoon.
02/08/26 – Carlisle
Sunday saw me head up the historic Settle and Carlisle Railway for a day exploring Carlisle and some of its pubs. I started at Scott & Brassey, where I caught up with friends Alistair, Michael and Jess, before moving on to the Thin White Duke. From there I visited West Walls Brewing Co, The King’s Head and the Milbourne Arms, enjoying a good mix of historic pubs and newer places along the way. I finished the day at The Spinners Arms in Cummersdale, where it was fantastic to meet Alison from Carlisle Brewing Co. A really enjoyable day exploring Carlisle and its pubs.
01/08/26 – Chesterfield
I had a brilliant day exploring Chesterfield and some of the surrounding villages, joined by Niall from From Sheffield with Pubs and Chris from Chesterfield Pubs Past & Present. Starting at the Arkwright Arms, we worked our way through New Whittington and Whittington Moor before heading into Chesterfield itself. Along the way it was great to bump into Shaun and Suzie from Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tours too. There was plenty of history, some fantastic independent pubs and a great variety of beers throughout the day. Another really enjoyable day discovering more of what Chesterfield’s pub scene has to offer.
Micropub Adventures 