I commenced the day in Shildon, renowned as the Cradle of the Railways, where the world’s inaugural steam-powered public railway was established. My visit included a stop at George Samuel Brewery. Subsequently, I proceeded to Darlington, distinguished in the 18th century for its linen manufacturing and as the place where the first Quaker was granted a seat in Parliament. Throughout the day, I explored various establishments in the town dedicated to real ale and craft beer.
Tag Archives: beer
29/06/24 – Chesterfield
A day out in Chesterfield, home to the “Crooked Spire”. The lead tiles used to cover the spire’s timbers (Over 32 tonnes of lead tiles) created such a heavy weight that the timbers simply couldn’t bear the strain, and twisted alarmingly. Visited a number of Micropubs, Brewery Pubs and Independent pubs throughout the day.
22/06/24 – Poole and Dorchester
Started the day in Branksome visiting “The Barking Cat”, onto Ashley Cross for “Knight Life Tap Room”. From here I got the bus into Poole, known for its commercial fishing fleet and ship building endeavours and Europe’s largest natural harbour. Here I visited “Brewhouse and Kitchen”, “The Brewhouse” and “Slipway Cafe”. A short train journey onto Dorchester, a lovely historic market town, and famously associated with Thomas Hardy. A number of visits here starting with “Copper Street Brewery”, and onto “Brewhouse and Kitchen”, “Convivial Rabbit”, “Blue Raddle”, “Tom Browns” and finishing at “Pursuit of Poppiness”.
21/06/24 – Sandbanks, Wimborne and Bournemouth
A day heading out to the Sandbanks area of Poole to visit “Sandbanks Brewery” before heading into Wimborne to visit “The Butcher’s Dog”, “Taphouse” and “Eight Arch Brewing Co”. Finished the day in Bournemouth visiting “Silverback Alehouse”, “Micro Moose”, “Firkin Shed”, “All Hail Ale”, “Wight Bear”, “Brewhouse and Kitchen”, “Way Outback Brew Co” and “Saxon Bear”.
20/06/24 – New Forest and Southampton
Started out the day over in the New Forest visiting “Vibrant Forest Brewery”, before heading back to Southampton on the Hythe Ferry. Worked my way through a number of pubs near to the ferry terminals before heading further into town around Woolston, Bedford Place and Shirley. Also includes a visit to “Steel Tank Alehouse” in Chandlers Ford and “Steam Town Brew Co” at Eastleigh.
19/06/24 – Bridport and Weymouth
Started today in Bridport visiting “Palmers Brewery” for a tour around with their Sales Manager and Head Brewer before some tasters back at their Wine Store. Headed into Bridport itself after calling into “The Colmer”, “The Woodman”, “The Tiger Inn”, “The Pursuit of Hoppiness” and “The Ropemakers”. Headed over to Weymouth on the bus via the scenic Jurassic coast visiting “The Rock”, “The Dolphin Hotel” and “The Doghouse Micropub”. Called into New Milton on the train home to visit “The Hourglass” Micropub.
18/06/24 – Isle of Wight
A day out on the Isle of Wight. Started off getting the ferry from Southampton to East Cowes, visiting “Lifecraft” bottle shop. Headed over next to Newport on the bus to visit “Newport Ale House”. Another bus journey over to Brading and a short walk out to “Wight Knuckle Brewery”. Finished on the Island in Sandown at “The Castle”. A train journey back from here back into Ryde and over on the ferry to Portsmouth. Managed a call in Swanwick to “The Gate Craft Bar”
15/06/24 – Darton, Mapplewell and Barugh Green
A day out around Darton, Mapplewell and Barugh Green. Starting in Darton at “Nailmaker Brewing Co & Tap”, “Darton Tap” and “The Anvil Arms”, heading out to Mapplewell to “The Talbot Inn”, “The Old Bakery”, “Bottle & Co” and “Wentworth Arms”, and finishing in Barugh Green at the “Crown & Anchor”. A great day out featuring lots of independent pubs and some great beers along the way.
01/06/24 – Brampton Beer Mile
A day over in Chesterfield with “House of Ales” – Karl, Cheryl and Matthew taking part in one of the “Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour” run by Shaun. This one was The Brampton Mile, starting with the furthest out “The Star” and heading back towards Chesterfield finishing at “The Junction”, visiting 16 pubs on the way, which includes 14 pubs, 1 Brewery and 1 Micropub, a great range of places to visit.
25/05/24 – Three Counties Rail Ale Trail
An attempt today to do a “Three Counties Rail Ale Trail”, covering Cheshire, Derbyshire and Greater Manchester. A return ticket to New Mills (2 stations here) from the Manchester direction was my ticket for the day. Started out at Disley visiting “Malt Disley”, a short train journey to New Mills Newtown and a few minutes walk to “Torrside Brewing”. Headed into New Mills visiting “Torr Vale Tap”, “The Cheese Wheel” and “Beer Shed”. Next was onto Marple visiting “The Samuel Oldknow”, “Bevi”, “Dig Inn” and “Traders”. Romiley next to drop into “Hop Haus” and “The Crafty Vendor”, before (for completion) to Bredbury to visit “The Steelworks”.
Micropub Adventures 