I had a really enjoyable day exploring Maidstone and West Malling, starting at Craft Brewed where it was great to finally meet Peter and Don from Maidstone CAMRA. Over a couple of drinks and a chat, it felt like the perfect way to begin the trip. From there I headed around a brilliant mix of pubs, each with their own character, from the relaxed atmosphere at The Flower Pot to the cosy feel of The Malling Jug. The Cellars Alehouse was another highlight, full of character beneath the old brewery arches, before finishing in the wonderfully traditional Rifle Volunteers. Plenty of good beer, friendly faces and fascinating local brewing history throughout the day.
Tag Archives: beer
09/05/26 – Halifax
I headed over to Halifax for a full day exploring some of the town’s brilliant pubs and bars, each with its own bit of history and character. From the grand setting of The Piece Hall at Hop Yard to the cosy corners of places like Three Pigeons and Ring O’ Bells, every stop felt welcoming in its own way. I enjoyed chatting with staff and other drinkers along the way, with plenty of great cask ales and craft beers to choose from throughout the day. Halifax really impressed me with how its historic buildings and modern beer scene sit so comfortably side by side, making it a fantastic place to spend time wandering between pubs.
02/05/26 – Fylde Coast Beer & Buses – Kirkham and Freckleton
I had a fantastic evening out with The Fylde Tramway Society, enjoying a lovely run around Kirkham and Freckleton. It was one of those trips where everything just felt easy and enjoyable, with plenty of good company along the way. The bus, kindly provided by Best Bus In Town, was spot on for the trip and made the journey all the more pleasant. Big thanks to Gary and Bradley as well for looking after us on board – they really helped make it such a warm and relaxed evening.
25/04/26 – Lancashire Beer and Buses
I had a fantastic day out on the Lancashire Beer and Buses trip, setting off on the feeder bus from Preston and calling at a great mix of pubs along the way. The sunshine made it even better, and the whole day had a lovely, easygoing feel. I spent it with Jenny and Kenny from Real Ale Finder, along with Mark, Paul, Jackie, Oliver and Alistair, and it was great catching up with Tony, Deb, Ian and Dawn at The Vestry. Along the route we visited a blend of historic inns and micropubs, each with its own character, friendly atmosphere and a good range of cask ales, making it a thoroughly enjoyable day exploring Lancashire.
24/04/26 – Clitheroe
I spent the day in Clitheroe, starting at The New Inn, a historic pub full of character, before heading to The Emporium, a converted chapel with a relaxed, multi-level layout. At Holmes Mill, the vast Beer Hall blended industrial heritage with a huge beer selection. The Horseshoe Inn felt like a proper local, while The Beer Shack offered a compact micropub experience. The Ale House stood out for its lively feel and friendly chat, and I finished at The Brown Cow, a traditional spot that rounded off a varied and memorable visit.
18/04/26 – Durham
I spent a day exploring Durham, starting at The Waiting Room on the station platform, then moving between a mix of historic pubs and newer micropubs across the city. Each place had its own character, from centuries-old buildings like Ye Old Elm Tree and The Dun Cow to more recent additions like The Holy GrAle and Fram Ferment. Along the way, I enjoyed a range of well-kept ales and friendly welcomes. Whether tucked into quiet corners, lively bars or hidden spots by the river, every stop offered something different, making it a varied and enjoyable crawl through Durham’s rich pub scene.
17/04/26 – Lost Cause Brewing Co (Wakefield)
I visited Lost Cause Brewing Co’s new Wakefield taproom opening and it felt like a significant step forward for a brewery that’s grown quickly over the past year. What began as an idea in Whitwood became reality in 2024, with a focus on modern, flavour-led beers. The new space, fully integrated with the brewery, brings a lively atmosphere with tanks and kegs all around. The beer range is varied and confident, showing real progress. Chatting with the founders made it clear how much effort has gone in. It feels busy, welcoming, and marks an exciting new chapter for Lost Cause Brewing Co.
11/04/26 – Saltaire and Shipley
I spent the day exploring Saltaire and Shipley with friends and members of Bradford CAMRA, visiting a mix of historic pubs and newer bars. Each place had its own story, from converted village buildings to modern taprooms, reflecting how the area has evolved over time. I enjoyed a wide range of beers, from hazy IPAs to traditional cask ales, while taking in the different interiors, from cosy rooms to open industrial spaces. The day was as much about the character of each venue as the drinks themselves, with a warm welcome everywhere and plenty of opportunities to settle in, chat, and enjoy the surroundings at a relaxed pace.
05/04/26 – Norwich
I travelled from Cambridge to Norwich on Easter Sunday, starting at The Coach & Horses and working my way through a brilliant mix of historic pubs and newer spots. Each place offered something different, from riverside views to brewpubs with beer made on site, and I enjoyed trying a wide range of cask ales throughout the day. A real highlight was meeting up with Lucy from Norwich & District CAMRA at The Leopard, and it was great exploring several pubs together, chatting and sharing recommendations. The day finished at The Fat Cat & Canary, rounding off a busy and thoroughly enjoyable pub crawl.
03/04/26-04/04/26 – Cambridge
I spent two days exploring Cambridge’s pubs, starting at the Kingston Arms and working my way through a wide mix of historic and characterful venues. It was great to meet CAMRA members Alistair, Will and Ingvar along the way. Each stop offered something different, from railway heritage at the Old Ticket Office to revived locals like the Royal Standard and Devonshire Arms. I also visited The Bank Micropub, a cosy former bank focused on good ale and conversation. I enjoyed a strong range of cask ales, ciders and keg beers throughout, with day two adding brewpubs, taprooms and a trip out to Northstowe.
Micropub Adventures 