9/10/24-10/10/24 – Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival

The Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, now in its 48th year, has moved through several locations before settling at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. This historic venue, the world’s third oldest test ground, enhances the festival’s charm, offering guided tours to explore its rich history. This year’s layout boasts significant improvements, featuring multiple bar sections with a diverse range of UK and US beers, including a special focus on breweries with female participation. Attendees can enjoy various food options, live music, and a dedicated cider area. Overall, the festival creates a vibrant atmosphere for beer enthusiasts to reconnect and explore new brews.

03/10/24-04/10/24 – Dublin

The Ultimate Dublin Pub Crawl: History, Beer, and Atmosphere Upon arriving in Dublin, I explored numerous pubs, starting with the iconic Temple Bar, known for its live Irish music and excellent Guinness. I also visited J.R Mahon’s, a historic venue with an extensive beer selection, including in-house brews. Tapped Late Bar impressed with its modernContinue reading “03/10/24-04/10/24 – Dublin”

26/09/24-29/09/24 – Fylde Coast

The three-day exploration of the Fylde Coast included visits to various breweries, micropubs, and pubs in locations such as Cleveleys, Blackpool, and Lytham. Highlighted establishments featured diverse selections of cask and keg beers, showcasing unique flavours and atmospheres.

27/09/24 – Lake District

Today I headed to The Lake District, I visited several unique pubs and breweries, starting with The Crafty Baa in Windermere, known for its eclectic décor and impressive drink selection. Next, I explored The Watermill Inn in Ings, home to Windermere Brewing Company, offering a delightful variety of ales. In Kendal, I discovered Lakes Brew Co, Bowness Bay Brewing, The Factory Tap, Indie Craft Beer, Handsome Snuff Bar, The New Union, and Fell Bar. Each venue showcased distinct atmospheres and exceptional beers, including pale ales and IPAs, making for a rich and enjoyable experience in the local brewing scene.

14/09/24 – Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour

Today, I find myself returning to Chesterfield to participate in the Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour organised by Shaun. Renowned as both “The Heart of Industrial England” and “The Gateway to the Peak District”, Chesterfield originated as a Roman fort at the fringes of the Roman Empire, benefiting from excellent transport connections that facilitated its development into a thriving market town during the Middle Ages. The tour will guide me through several pubs, including one that is currently closed, each rich in history and narratives. It promises to be an exceptional experience that I wholeheartedly recommend if the opportunity arises.

07/09/24 – Louth

Today, my journey leads me to Louth, a charming Georgian market town commonly known as the “Capital of the Woods.” This town is located at the foot of the Wolds, where they meet the Lincolnshire Marsh. The River Lud meanders softly through the town, and the Greenwich Meridian line is indicated on Eastgate. During my visit, I had the opportunity to explore four breweries and brewery taps, in addition to a variety of scenic and historic pubs. I concluded my day in Grimsby with a visit to “Docks Beers.”

31/08/24 – Huddersfield and Brighouse

The day commenced in Huddersfield, the birthplace of British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, where a statue commemorating him stands prominently at the Railway Station. This town is also renowned for its pivotal role in the establishment of Rugby League in 1895 and its significant textile industry. Today, I participated in the “Huddopoly” event, which highlights independent venues across Huddersfield, and I explored a few additional locations. On my return journey, I made a stop in Brighouse, celebrated for the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, one of the most distinguished brass bands in the United Kingdom. During my visit, I explored four venues, enjoying a diverse array of pubs, taprooms, café bars, and micropubs throughout the day.

24/08/24 – Abergele and Rhyl

My journey commenced in Abergele, a town located just inland, characterized by its hills adorned with Iron Age forts and its historical significance as a Roman trading hub and marketplace. During my visit, I explored “The Hoptomist” Micropub. Subsequently, I proceeded to Rhyl, a well-known seaside destination celebrated for its sandy beaches. My exploration in Rhyl began with “Tafarn Fach” Micropub, followed by a visit to “Cob & Pen” pub, conveniently situated a short distance from the bus station.

24/08/24 – Wrexham

A Saturday evening trip over to Wrexham, known for its football team, Wrexham Football Club. Founded in 1864, the club is one of the oldest professional teams in the world. Whilst here I visited three places starting with “Magic Dragon Brewery Tap”, onto “The Drunk Monk” and lastly newly opened “Rough Hands Tap”.

23/08/24-24/08/24 – Llandudno and Conwy

I started the day in Llandudno on the North Wales coast. It is known for its 19th Century Pier and the cliffs of Great Orme headland with the 1902 tramway that travels to the summit. There is a great selection of Micropubs alongside a brewery tap here. Onto nearby Conwy, a walled market town. A complete castle stands here and is home to Britain’s smallest house. 4 visits here ranging from a converted bank, Micropub, traditional ale house and wine shop.