Started the day in Walmer, which is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Walmer has a long history of fishing, smuggling and rescuing sailors. Visited “The Freed Man” Micropub here. I headed up next to Deal, this was once the busiest port in England but now is a popular seaside resort. “Just Reproach” was the Micropub I visited here. The coast of France is approximately 25 miles from Deal and can be seen on a clear day. I finished off in Sandwich, which is home to nature reserves and two world-class golf courses, Royal St George’s and Prince’s. “Time & Tide Brewery” have a taproom here which I visited.
Tag Archives: pubs
16/04/24 – Margate
Today takes me to Margate, what was once a small fishing village, was transformed into a popular seaside resort. I am visiting 6 different pubs whilst in Margate today. I started with “The Harbour Arms” on the pier head before moving onto “XYLO Brewery”, “Two Halves”, “The Fez” and “xxxx”. I finished with “Ales of the Unexpected” located the other side of the railway station.
16/04/24 – Herne Bay
Tuesday took me to Herne Bay. A lovely seaside town on the Kent coast. Herne Bay is home to the worlds first freestanding purpose-built Clock Tower which was built in 1837. And its pier in the late Victorian period through to 1978 was the second longest in the UK. Here I visited “Beer on the Pier”, followed by 4 Micropubs, these being “Parkerville”, “The Firkin Frog”, “The Pub” and “The Bouncing Barrel”.
15/04/24 – Herne – The First Micropub
Today takes me to the village of Herne in Kent. In this village is the first Micropub, opened by Martyn Hillier MBE in 2005.
06/04/23 – Cleckheaton and Wakefield
Started my day in Cleckheaton, a town in the Heavy Wollen region of West Yorkshire that became well known for it production of heavy woollen cloth. Started here by visiting Steve at Mill Valley Brewery before heading into town to visit 4 more pubs. A bus onto Wakefield, known for being the birthplace of world-renowned sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Also being well known for coal mining, rhubarb and its cathedral. Lots of great pubs were visited here working from one end to the other.
29/03/24-31/03/24 – Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Wolstanton
For my 4 day trip around Staffordshire I was based at The Borough Arms in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Over 3 evenings I visited a number of micropubs, traditional pubs and craft bars in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Wolstanton. Newcastle-Under-Lyme features The Hopwater Cellar, Bridge Street Ale House, Ten Green Bottles, Mellards, Crossways, The Crows Nest, Boat & Horses, Castletown Distillery, Cask Bar & Kitchen, Hopinn and The Greyhound. Wolstanton features The Whippet Inn, 4 Candles and The Archer.
29/03/24 and 31/03/24 – Tutbury & Hatton to Stoke-on-Trent by Train
My day today takes me out to Tutbury & Hatton by train from Stoke/on-Trent and working back calling off at Uttoxeter, Blythe Bridge and Longton. Started the day at Stoke-On-Trent visiting “bod” which is located on the Railway Station. 3 pubs in Tutbury, “The Hourglass”, “Cask & Pottle” and “New Inn”. Uttoxeter started with visiting “Night Inn” run by Uttoxeter Brewery, and onto Micropub “Horse & Dove”. Onto Blythe Bridge to visit “Crossways Micropub”, the tap for Peakstone Rocks Brewery. Longton next to visit “The Strand” and a bus out to nearby Meir to visit “Swiftys”.
23/03/24 – Rawtenstall and Burnley
My day today takes me to Rawtenstall and Burnley. Meeting up with both “Bearded Biker on Beer” and Sean and Ruth from “Brid’s Cross Brewing”, and Kinsey joining us later on. After a train journey to Burnley Manchester a short bus ride to Rawtenstall, at the centre of the Rossendale Valley. Visiting 5 awesome Micropubs, Craft Bars and Brewery Taps in this town before heading slightly out to nearby Waterfoot to visit “Whitewell”. From here I took the short bus journey back into Burnley which was famous for its Mill-Engines and the Burnley Loom was recognised as one of the best in the world. Here I visited another 4 brilliant Micropubs and Craft Bars.
17/02/24 – Ilkeston, Heanor and Langley Mill
A re-visit to the areas of Ilkeston, Heanor and Langley Mill in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Visited here at the start of November 2023 following near the same route with two extra pub additions. My day started with Ilkeston visiting Burnt Pig, Gladstonian, The Crafty One and Stanton Cask. Headed out next towards Heanor visiting Marlpool Ale House on the way with The Angry Bee, The Crafty Tap, Redemption Ale House, Hop Wright Inn and the new addition of Dead Man’s Tankard. Onto Loscoe to the Tip Inn and finishing in Langley Mill visiting Railway Tavern, The Bunny Hop and Inn the Middle. My blog covers the two new pubs visited today “Dead Man’s Tankard” and “Inn the Middle” with the previous blog linked below.
09/02/24 – Whitby
A Friday visit around Whitby heading out on the X93 bus from Scarborough taking around an hour. Whitby is well known for its picturesque harbour, cliff top views and its historic abbey ruins. It is famous for its association with Captain James Cook who served his apprenticeship in the town. As well as having both Dracula and Gothic connections. Whilst here I visited a number of Micropubs, Craft Bars, Independent Pubs alongside a Brewery Tap and a Brewpub. Lots of great quirky shops and streets to explore here.