Author Archives: scottspencer001

17/05/24 – Hinckley, Earl Shilton and Nuneaton

My day today takes me to Hinckley, Earl Shilton and Nuneaton. Firstly is to Hinckley, well known for its famous award winning market starting in 1311. I first visited “The Crafty Baron”, onto “Elbow Cask & Craft” before finishing at “Pestle & Mortar”. A short bus ride to nearby Earl Shilton to visit “The Shilton Vaults”, and finishing in Nuneaton, well know as being the birthplace of the Victorian novelist George Eliot. Visited “The Lord Hop”. These can all be done on the bus route 148/158 between Leicester and Nuneaton.

17/05/24 – Tamworth and Lichfield

Started in Tamworth, a popular market town in Staffordshire. The town takes its name from the River Tame, which flows through it. Started here with “The King’s Ditch” Micropub before heading over to “The Tamworth Tap”, CAMRA National Pub of the Year for 2 years running. Over to Lichfield next, known for its medieval 3 spire cathedral, the only one in the UK. Here I started at “The Whippet Inn” Micropub, onto “Beerbohm” and out of town for “Trinity Brew Co”. Finished with “The Bittersuite”, “Brewhouse and Kitchen” and “bod – Lichfield”.

16/05/24 – Wellingborough and Market Harborough

Started off the day getting the train down to Wellingborough. Originally named “Wendelingburgh” which was the stronghold of Wendel’s People. This weekend coming is the “Waendel Walk”. Started off here visiting “The Litrle Ale House”, and heading back to the Railway Station to visit “The Little R’Ale House”. Headed next to Market Harborough to visit “Beerhouse”.

15/05/24 – Leicester

Today takes me to Leicester, famous for its hosiery and footwear industries, and being where Richard III is buried. Here I visited a number of local Micropubs as well as Real Ale and Craft Beer pubs and bars. Check out this blog to explore some of the best Real Ale and Craft Beer pubs that Leicester City Centre has to offer.

11/05/24 – Nottingham (Outskirts)

My day today takes me over to Nottingham to visit some out of town Micropubs that I have not managed to visit in the past. Started the day in the Basford area of Nottingham visiting “Black Iris Brewery” for a look around the brewery and a drink in their taproom, and heading next door to “The Lion”. Over to Sherwood next to visit “Doctor’s Orders” and “Kraft Werks”. Onto Mapperley to visit “Blues Dawg”, Daybrook for “The Abdication”, Bestwood for “The Butchers Pencil” and finishing at “Brew Tavern” next to Nottingham Railway Station.

05/05/24 – Preston – Ashton-on-Ribble and Penwortham

Headed out to Preston today but instead of the centre I went onto the outskirts visiting the Ashton-on-Ribble and Penwortham areas. Started in the Ashton-on-Ribble area, home of Tulketh Mill which was an Edwardian former cotton-spinning mill. Started here with “The Tap End”. I then headed over to Penwortham, with a long street of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. Started here visiting “1260 Craft & Crust”, and onto “Tap & Vine”, “No 16 on the Hill” and “GINjarALE”

03/05/24-04/05/24 – Blackpool and Cleveleys

Another trip over to the Fylde Coast, starting with Blackpool visiting “Shickers Tavern”, a new opening for this year and “Thirsty? Alehouse”, which has reopened with new owners after a period of closure. Saturday takes me up to Cleveleys for another new opening “Wobblinn”.

04/05/24 – Beer and Buses – Stalmine, Knott End and Preesall

A Saturday evening out with the “Fylde Tramway Society” heading out from Blackpool further out to visit pubs at 3 different villages, these being Stalmine, Knott End and Preesall. The bus used is owned by “Fylde Transport Trust”, Blackpool Corporation 529. A Leyland PD3 which entered service in 1968 and was withdrawn in 1980. A beautifully restored bus which returned to the road in 2008.

27/04/24 – Retford, Worksop and Woodhouse

A day out by train heading out first to Retford, an attractive market town, one of the oldest English market towns having been granted its first charter in 1105. Visited 3 pubs here, starting with the “Idle Valley Tap”, before moving onto “Beer Under the Clock” and “Brew Shed”, home of Harrisons Brewery. A short train journey to Worksop, known as the “Gateway to the Dukeries” to visit “The Station Hotel”, “Fuggle’s Chapter One” and “The Mallard” who were hosting their St George’s Beer Festival. Finished off in Woodhouse with a short walk to “The Oxbow”.