Tuesday, 10 December 2013
7th December 2013 - Burton upon Trent
At the Old Cottage tonight for a skittles evening. Beers sampled were Goffs White Knight and Old Cottage Winter Warmer.
Thursday, 5 December 2013
29th November 2013 - Tamworth
Friday night outing with RG in Tamworth tonight.
We opted to meet as usual at the Globe and decided to stay for several whilst watching the Gloucester v Leicester rugby match which provided some excellent entertainment to accompany the beers which included Wadworth The Bishops Tipple and Holdens Mild.
Round to the Silk Kite next where I had one the American clone beers they had on offer, specifically Stone Brewing San Diago Session IPA.
Finally to the other Wetherspoon, The Bolebridge where there was Greene King's Abbott Reserve (6.5%) to make a good end to a nice evening.
We opted to meet as usual at the Globe and decided to stay for several whilst watching the Gloucester v Leicester rugby match which provided some excellent entertainment to accompany the beers which included Wadworth The Bishops Tipple and Holdens Mild.
Round to the Silk Kite next where I had one the American clone beers they had on offer, specifically Stone Brewing San Diago Session IPA.
Finally to the other Wetherspoon, The Bolebridge where there was Greene King's Abbott Reserve (6.5%) to make a good end to a nice evening.
1st November 2013 - Burton upon Trent
Friday night outing with RG for which we decide that the short train ride to Burton would be the order of the day.
On arrival we head first to the Devonshire for some Burton Bridge beers which for me would be Golden Delicious and then Bridge Bitter.
Further into town next to the JD Wetherspoon The Lord Burton where we decided to have food. Friday is now fish night so we opted for come excellent fish and chips accompanied by Tuborg Lager (one of the options available as part of the deal.) After this I went for one of the beer from the festival that had recently finished namely Caledonian Poltergeist Porter.
Next port of call was the National Brewery Centre's bar for Worthington Red Shield.
At this point I got a message from PD confirming he was in town if we wanted to join him at the Coopers. Not a difficulty decision so shortly after we found our way there with time for a pint before the train home. Joules Double Hop for me.
On arrival we head first to the Devonshire for some Burton Bridge beers which for me would be Golden Delicious and then Bridge Bitter.
Further into town next to the JD Wetherspoon The Lord Burton where we decided to have food. Friday is now fish night so we opted for come excellent fish and chips accompanied by Tuborg Lager (one of the options available as part of the deal.) After this I went for one of the beer from the festival that had recently finished namely Caledonian Poltergeist Porter.
Next port of call was the National Brewery Centre's bar for Worthington Red Shield.
At this point I got a message from PD confirming he was in town if we wanted to join him at the Coopers. Not a difficulty decision so shortly after we found our way there with time for a pint before the train home. Joules Double Hop for me.
Friday, 11 October 2013
9th October 2013 - Burton upon Trent
Regular brewing meeting tonight at the Old Cottage with commercial beers sampled including (from the bar) Grafters Wobble Gob and Old Cottage Oak Ale.
Later a talk I gave on Scottish beers included Innis and Gunn's Rum finish and Williams Brothers Brewing Faroch Heather Ale.
Later a talk I gave on Scottish beers included Innis and Gunn's Rum finish and Williams Brothers Brewing Faroch Heather Ale.
Friday 4th October 2013 - Stoke-on-Trent
Various people leaving work today find me in Stoke.
First outing is at lunchtime to the Glebe after partaking of fish, chips and mushy peas at a chippie on Hill Street (the peas were excellent.)
I sampled the various Joules beers available including Double Hop, Pale Ale and lastly Slumbering Monk.
The second get together was in the White Star and there I had a guest beer to start with in the shape of Lytham Epic, and thence two of the Titanic beers namely Plum Porter and Iceberg.
To Ian, Sean, Ray and Ben, cheers chaps.
First outing is at lunchtime to the Glebe after partaking of fish, chips and mushy peas at a chippie on Hill Street (the peas were excellent.)
I sampled the various Joules beers available including Double Hop, Pale Ale and lastly Slumbering Monk.
The second get together was in the White Star and there I had a guest beer to start with in the shape of Lytham Epic, and thence two of the Titanic beers namely Plum Porter and Iceberg.
To Ian, Sean, Ray and Ben, cheers chaps.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
27th September 2013 - Sedgley
Our meeting point for this outing is in fact in central Birmingham where I chose the Brier Rose for the first drink. TH, BJ and DP were already there so I joinerd them after obtaining a pint of Adnams Broadside. Soon after we were wondering where JF was so DP sent him a txt and soon after got a "Behind you" type reply. To be fair, we had just seen him but he was so focused he had gone straight past us and was heading for the bar.
We thence got the train to Wolverhampton after overcoming the recently introduced queueing system at the ticket office (come in number 281 your turn is soon.)
At Wolverhampton we went straight to the bus stop for the number 1 and soon after found ourselves in Sedgley. Although there was a beer festival in the town we opted for the pubs instead on the basis they'd be quiet (not the case.) To be fair if we hadn't learned about the beer festival beforehand we would heave been none the wiser. Anyway a short stroll takes us to the next pub, the Beacon. This time I went for Sarah Hughes Amber. We asked what the pub over the road was like and informed it was nice "but rammed."
Not to be put off we went over to the White Lion anyway and found it was actually farily quiet except for the dining area which was full. A good choice of beers and I went for Dark Star American Pale Ale and thence Buntingford Twitchell.
Retracing our stes brings us to the Bulls Head, which has holdens beers available. I went for the Mild.
Back to the bus and to Wolverhampton and the Moon Under Water for the last drink of the evening in the shape of a pint of Blackwater Brewery's Hair of the Dog.
We thence got the train to Wolverhampton after overcoming the recently introduced queueing system at the ticket office (come in number 281 your turn is soon.)
At Wolverhampton we went straight to the bus stop for the number 1 and soon after found ourselves in Sedgley. Although there was a beer festival in the town we opted for the pubs instead on the basis they'd be quiet (not the case.) To be fair if we hadn't learned about the beer festival beforehand we would heave been none the wiser. Anyway a short stroll takes us to the next pub, the Beacon. This time I went for Sarah Hughes Amber. We asked what the pub over the road was like and informed it was nice "but rammed."
Not to be put off we went over to the White Lion anyway and found it was actually farily quiet except for the dining area which was full. A good choice of beers and I went for Dark Star American Pale Ale and thence Buntingford Twitchell.
Retracing our stes brings us to the Bulls Head, which has holdens beers available. I went for the Mild.
Back to the bus and to Wolverhampton and the Moon Under Water for the last drink of the evening in the shape of a pint of Blackwater Brewery's Hair of the Dog.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
20th September 2013 - Loughborough and Beeston
Annual trip with RG to Loughborough today to the 2013 Great Central Railway beer festival. Some 50 or so beers available at the main station site plus offshoots at various other facilities they own - we how stuck to the main offering.
Beers tasted in order were :
Time for tea so we headed over to Beeston and firstly the Last Post (Wetherspoons) - Burton Bridge Porter and finally the Victoria and Castle Rock Lincoln Red.
Beers tasted in order were :
- Allgates California (3.8%)
- Lytham Berry Blonde (4.1%)
- Nottingham Ruby (4%?) - last 9 gallon barrel from their local Camra branch 40th anniversary.
- Wicked Hathern GCR Bitter (4.2%)
- Wentworth WPA (4%)
- Rat Lab Rat (4.5%)
- Holdens XB (4.1%)
- Two Trees Summer Berry Perry (6.5%) - dangerous stuff!
- Jack Ratt Scrumpy (6%)
- Nottingham Rock Mild (3.8%)
Time for tea so we headed over to Beeston and firstly the Last Post (Wetherspoons) - Burton Bridge Porter and finally the Victoria and Castle Rock Lincoln Red.
6th September 2013 - Tamworth
Out with RG this evening finds us firstly at the Globe watching the England World Cup qualifier ("Great seats - shame they're not easy at our age to get out of!")
Beers sampled there were Brains British Summer followed by Tomos Watkins Cwrw Haf and finally Holdens Mild.
Moved onto the Market Vaults and trying to use the loyalty card from last time get informed they don't use those now. Oh well, it didn't detract from the quality of Joules Slumbering Monk and lastly Joules Pale Ale.
Beers sampled there were Brains British Summer followed by Tomos Watkins Cwrw Haf and finally Holdens Mild.
Moved onto the Market Vaults and trying to use the loyalty card from last time get informed they don't use those now. Oh well, it didn't detract from the quality of Joules Slumbering Monk and lastly Joules Pale Ale.
14th August 2013 - Burton upon Trent
In Burton this evening for a meeting at the Old Cottage. Commercial beer sampled was Gates Reservoir Premium.
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
10th August 2013 - Pubs near the West Midlands Metro **
This crawl was originally planned a few weeks earlier but I had cancelled it due to a demo in central Birmingham but with this being a free Saturday it seemed appropriate to reschedule for today.
First port of call was in Birmingham at the Wellington for some food (actually purchased from a bagette shop near New Street.)
With RG in tow, PD from Burton joined us and my first beer of the day was from Empire, a Huddlesfield brewery, in the shape of their Blowers Best (beer name from memory however.)
We then headed off to the Metro and the Black Eagle (Sogo Benson Road stop.) The garden here is is an oasis in an industrial area but at this time of year the roses weere past their best. I opted for Wye Valley Summertime, part of their Dorothy Goodbody's heroes range, described on their web site as follows - Just as our Summer arrived, so did Dorothy Goodbody’s Summertime Ale. This 4.2% pale amber beer is brewed with local Fuggles hops to give it a prominent bitter character. Dorothy Goodbody’s Summertime Ale is an old favourite and is now available in pubs throughout the region.
Off next to the Trumpet at Bilston (Bilston Central) which whislt we had expected would only be opened till 2pm was still in full swing when we left. Being a Holden's pub I opted firstly for the Special and thence for the Bitter. Whilst there we enjoyed an impromptu rehersal from a group called the Bandits.
Up the road to the Olde White Rose and RG spied Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby so we opted for that. I must say tnat summer is not the best time for strong beers like this and it was clearly past its best, not bad enough not to be drinkable but approaching it.
Back to the Metro and towards Birmingham to Dartmouth Street Guns Village and towards the Wheatsheaf (passing an argument en route) - beer chosen here was Black Hole Brewery Milky Way ('A 6% pale wheat beer. Honey and banana nose advises the sweet taste but not the sweet, dry spicy finish from this wheat beer.')
Back towards the Metro, passing another argument for the Old Hop Pole and Enville Enville Ale ('Based on a 19th century recipe, this traditional beekeepers ale is light in colour with fruity notes and a hint of sweetness to compliment the dry hoppy taste. Brewed using our own natural spring water, 100% Maris Otter floor malted barley, top fermenting ale yeast, specially selected honeys and pure English hops, it is no surprise that our flagship Enville Ale has been a consistent CAMRA and beer festival winner and collected twenty four awards since we began in 1993. ')
Getting peckish, then the must visit pub is the Vine at Kenrick Park and specifcially the indoor Indian BBQ (Chicken Tikka and Garlic Naan Bread. As for beers, they now have two real ales, both being sampled and which were Ilkley Gold (3.9% and hopped with Cascade and Dana) and thence Ludlow Gold (4.2%)
We headed back towards Birmingham with the intention of visiting the Brown Lion. We arrived to find another party asking where the ral ale had gone to and were told aboutn a change of ownership. We about turned and walked back into Birmingham for the Post Office Vaults. First beer was By The Horns Hopslinger (a 5.5% single hopped beer using Columbus hops) and finally Beowulf Folded Cross (a 4.3% mid-amber ale inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard.)
First port of call was in Birmingham at the Wellington for some food (actually purchased from a bagette shop near New Street.)
With RG in tow, PD from Burton joined us and my first beer of the day was from Empire, a Huddlesfield brewery, in the shape of their Blowers Best (beer name from memory however.)
We then headed off to the Metro and the Black Eagle (Sogo Benson Road stop.) The garden here is is an oasis in an industrial area but at this time of year the roses weere past their best. I opted for Wye Valley Summertime, part of their Dorothy Goodbody's heroes range, described on their web site as follows - Just as our Summer arrived, so did Dorothy Goodbody’s Summertime Ale. This 4.2% pale amber beer is brewed with local Fuggles hops to give it a prominent bitter character. Dorothy Goodbody’s Summertime Ale is an old favourite and is now available in pubs throughout the region.
Off next to the Trumpet at Bilston (Bilston Central) which whislt we had expected would only be opened till 2pm was still in full swing when we left. Being a Holden's pub I opted firstly for the Special and thence for the Bitter. Whilst there we enjoyed an impromptu rehersal from a group called the Bandits.
Up the road to the Olde White Rose and RG spied Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby so we opted for that. I must say tnat summer is not the best time for strong beers like this and it was clearly past its best, not bad enough not to be drinkable but approaching it.
Back to the Metro and towards Birmingham to Dartmouth Street Guns Village and towards the Wheatsheaf (passing an argument en route) - beer chosen here was Black Hole Brewery Milky Way ('A 6% pale wheat beer. Honey and banana nose advises the sweet taste but not the sweet, dry spicy finish from this wheat beer.')
Back towards the Metro, passing another argument for the Old Hop Pole and Enville Enville Ale ('Based on a 19th century recipe, this traditional beekeepers ale is light in colour with fruity notes and a hint of sweetness to compliment the dry hoppy taste. Brewed using our own natural spring water, 100% Maris Otter floor malted barley, top fermenting ale yeast, specially selected honeys and pure English hops, it is no surprise that our flagship Enville Ale has been a consistent CAMRA and beer festival winner and collected twenty four awards since we began in 1993. ')
Getting peckish, then the must visit pub is the Vine at Kenrick Park and specifcially the indoor Indian BBQ (Chicken Tikka and Garlic Naan Bread. As for beers, they now have two real ales, both being sampled and which were Ilkley Gold (3.9% and hopped with Cascade and Dana) and thence Ludlow Gold (4.2%)
We headed back towards Birmingham with the intention of visiting the Brown Lion. We arrived to find another party asking where the ral ale had gone to and were told aboutn a change of ownership. We about turned and walked back into Birmingham for the Post Office Vaults. First beer was By The Horns Hopslinger (a 5.5% single hopped beer using Columbus hops) and finally Beowulf Folded Cross (a 4.3% mid-amber ale inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard.)
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
11th July 2013 - Derby Beer Festival
What beet way to spend a Thursday afternoon than at a beer festival? Derby to be exact.
Spread over a large area we opted to the Darwin room. In no particular order other than alphabetical, beers sampled were :
There was also a Mead bar where i sampled the wares.
En route back to the station we called in at the Smithfield (Salamander Dawn Chorus) and thence the Alex (Castle Rock Slow Worm.)
Spread over a large area we opted to the Darwin room. In no particular order other than alphabetical, beers sampled were :
- 8 Sail - Damson Porter
- Grainstore - Rutland Beast and The Nip
- Muirhouse - Hat Trick IPA
- Navigation Stout
- Sarah Hughes - Challenger
- Spire - Sgt Pepper Stout
- Titanic - Chocolate and Vanilla Stout
There was also a Mead bar where i sampled the wares.
En route back to the station we called in at the Smithfield (Salamander Dawn Chorus) and thence the Alex (Castle Rock Slow Worm.)
6th July 2013 - Black Country brewery Taps
I was planning on Hereford for an outing today but various cancellations dictated against that leaving just me and RG. Quick bit of thinking therefore results in a change of plan and a trip round the main brewery taps in the Black country by train and bus. Planning the various buses showed this was perhaps easier going north to south.
Arriving at New Street, the first issue was buying the day ticket which took longer than usual due to the recent changes at the station. After 10 minutes, maybe longer, we had the ticket and headed off to catch the train to Wolverhampton for a quick visit to the Great Western.
Whilst not a brewery tap, the Holden's beers are excellent here so a chance to sample more than would have been the case had we stuck to the brewery taps. Black Country Bitter and Bush's Brew were my choices (the latter being one of their special range covering world leaders.)
We now headed off to the bus stop for the number 9 bus to take us to Sedgley where we walked to the Beacon hotel, home of Sarah Hughes brewery. Amber was my first choice, followed by a guest, Oakham's Green Devil (6.0%) and no trip there would be complete without the Dark Ruby. We didn't have time for a drink in the white horse opposite but noted this for a future visit as the choice of ales there looks interesting. Instead we caught the 229 bus and soon arrived at the next pub, the Park Inn (Holden's brewery.)
This time I went for their Mild and thence another of their leader series,. Belusconi's Beam which we sampled in the garden.
Leaving we noticed the bus fast approaching so I raced to the bus stop whilst RG strolled across the zebra crossing next to the bus stop meaning we caught the 81 bus which will take us on to Netherton.
At Netherton we had a short stroll to the Old Swan (Ma Pardoe's - Allgates Brewery)) where I had the Pardoe's Dark Swan and then the Alchemist (4.9%.)
Rejoining bus 81 we headed next to Merry Hill bus staion and eventually found our way to the Vine (Bull and Bladder) in Delph Road. A rather noisy party obviously towards the end of their own Black Country Beer bus trip (double decker was parked outside) but we managed to find a quiet spot for one of their pork pies (very tasty) and Batham's Mild.
We then walked to get the 276 bus down the Lye for the Windsor Castle (Sadler's Brewery.) There was time for 3 beers here namely Dr Hardwicke's Double IPA (8.5% - didn't taste it), Thin Ice (4.4%) and finally Mellow Yellow (4.1%) before the short stroll to Lye train station and journey home.
Arriving at New Street, the first issue was buying the day ticket which took longer than usual due to the recent changes at the station. After 10 minutes, maybe longer, we had the ticket and headed off to catch the train to Wolverhampton for a quick visit to the Great Western.
Whilst not a brewery tap, the Holden's beers are excellent here so a chance to sample more than would have been the case had we stuck to the brewery taps. Black Country Bitter and Bush's Brew were my choices (the latter being one of their special range covering world leaders.)
We now headed off to the bus stop for the number 9 bus to take us to Sedgley where we walked to the Beacon hotel, home of Sarah Hughes brewery. Amber was my first choice, followed by a guest, Oakham's Green Devil (6.0%) and no trip there would be complete without the Dark Ruby. We didn't have time for a drink in the white horse opposite but noted this for a future visit as the choice of ales there looks interesting. Instead we caught the 229 bus and soon arrived at the next pub, the Park Inn (Holden's brewery.)
This time I went for their Mild and thence another of their leader series,. Belusconi's Beam which we sampled in the garden.
Leaving we noticed the bus fast approaching so I raced to the bus stop whilst RG strolled across the zebra crossing next to the bus stop meaning we caught the 81 bus which will take us on to Netherton.
At Netherton we had a short stroll to the Old Swan (Ma Pardoe's - Allgates Brewery)) where I had the Pardoe's Dark Swan and then the Alchemist (4.9%.)
Rejoining bus 81 we headed next to Merry Hill bus staion and eventually found our way to the Vine (Bull and Bladder) in Delph Road. A rather noisy party obviously towards the end of their own Black Country Beer bus trip (double decker was parked outside) but we managed to find a quiet spot for one of their pork pies (very tasty) and Batham's Mild.
We then walked to get the 276 bus down the Lye for the Windsor Castle (Sadler's Brewery.) There was time for 3 beers here namely Dr Hardwicke's Double IPA (8.5% - didn't taste it), Thin Ice (4.4%) and finally Mellow Yellow (4.1%) before the short stroll to Lye train station and journey home.
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
12th June 2013 - Burton-on-Trent
At the Old Cottage tonight, beers sampled were Bank's and Taylor SPA and Old Cottage's Oak Ale.
Monday, 24 June 2013
31st May 2013 - Hopwas Beer Festival
We are again, off to the privately run beer festival and the Coton and Hopwas Social club near Tamworth. As always a nice if small collection of ales, and ciders, available.
Meeting point however was at the Globe in Tamworth town centre where I sampled Thwaites Nutty Black and then Holdens Mild (May is Mild month in many pubs hence the number of milds available this time.)
Off by taxi to the festival narrowly avoiding another car en route. We arrived to find video of wheeltapers and Shunters on the big screen later being replaced by a band whose name escapes me. Beers tasted in the all too short time we had available were :
Meeting point however was at the Globe in Tamworth town centre where I sampled Thwaites Nutty Black and then Holdens Mild (May is Mild month in many pubs hence the number of milds available this time.)
Off by taxi to the festival narrowly avoiding another car en route. We arrived to find video of wheeltapers and Shunters on the big screen later being replaced by a band whose name escapes me. Beers tasted in the all too short time we had available were :
- Morgan's ale - Bring Me Sunshine
- Wentworth - Tempestuous
- Wye Valley - Hopwas Pale Ale
- Tollgate - Billy's Best
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
3rd May 2013 - Tamworth
Out with RG tonight. Pubs visited were
- Globe - Bass;
- Sir Robert Peel - Salopian Lemon Dream (straight from the barrel)
- Silk Kite - Titanic Mild
- Bole Bridge - Ringwood Old Thumper and Zywiac Premium Lager
27th April 2013 - Lichfield
The second pub fest in two days finds me in Lichfield to meet some of the others from Burton. Starting at the Duke of York where the Beer Festival was being held. Still plenty of choice considering it was the last day so we decided to have a couple there, then see what other places had to offer and finish here later.
Golden Duck Nosey Parker and then Gates Reservoir Premium were my choices.
We then headed off and first to the Pig and Truffle (Sharps Doombar), the Acorn (RCH Wheat) and finally the Horse and Jockey (Gower Gower Gold.)
Returning to the Duke of York we found out that there was very liitle beer left from the festival so moved into the bar where I had Enville Ginger.
Golden Duck Nosey Parker and then Gates Reservoir Premium were my choices.
We then headed off and first to the Pig and Truffle (Sharps Doombar), the Acorn (RCH Wheat) and finally the Horse and Jockey (Gower Gower Gold.)
Returning to the Duke of York we found out that there was very liitle beer left from the festival so moved into the bar where I had Enville Ginger.
26th April 2013 - Burton
In Burton tonight (with instructions to take a decent coat "cause it will rain" - "no - be OK"!) primarily to attend the 8th Beer Festival with Bangers at the Burton Bridge. Although fairly quiet when i arrived it soon became quite busy. the festival was housed in a small marquee at the rear and although the normal beers were available in the bars I decided to remain in the festival itself. As the name suggests there were also sausages available and the Beef and Horseradish make an excellent accomplishment.
Beers samples here were:
Finally over to the Devonshire for Burton Bridge Damson Porter
Beers samples here were:
- Cheddar Ales - George Best
- Peakstones Rock - Black Hole (a dark bitter brewed with chocolate malt)
- Dancing Duck - Amberillo (Amerillo hops I guess - best beer of the evening for me!)
- Church End - Shreddies
- Sarah Hughes - Dark Ruby (which had about run out)
- Titanic - Cappuchino Stout
- Middle Earth - Fellowship
Finally over to the Devonshire for Burton Bridge Damson Porter
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
10th April 2013 - Burton
In Burton tonight for a meeting.
Alfred - Burton Bridge Stairway to Heaven (possibly sitting too close to the dart board.)
Old Cottage -
Alfred - Burton Bridge Stairway to Heaven (possibly sitting too close to the dart board.)
Old Cottage -
- Coastal Eden Gold
- Liverpool Organic Brewery - Josephine Butler elderflower Ale.
Friday, 5 April 2013
30th March 2013 - Tamworth - RG's 50th
RG had invited us out this evening for a meal to celebrate him turning 50.
Enroute stopped off at the Bolebridge for a swift pint of Wychwood Hobgoblin.
Enroute stopped off at the Bolebridge for a swift pint of Wychwood Hobgoblin.
29th March 2013 - Stafford
Leaving do for a colleague, Sue, who is retiring from work. Having known Sue for 25 or so years it was appropriate to take an evening out for her celebrations. Knowing I would be getting to Stafford earlier then required I'd also taken the opportunity to arrange a drink with another ex-collague, Mark who I met at the Sun.
We caugt up and remembered the old days on Allgates Mosaic, Titanic Iceberg and Titanic Anchor.
Moving on to the Swan for the retirement do a number of past and current colleagues were already present. I think the beer choice is much improved here since last time with several real ales available. For me, I sampled Brakspear Bitter and Lymestone Stone Cutter.
We caugt up and remembered the old days on Allgates Mosaic, Titanic Iceberg and Titanic Anchor.
Moving on to the Swan for the retirement do a number of past and current colleagues were already present. I think the beer choice is much improved here since last time with several real ales available. For me, I sampled Brakspear Bitter and Lymestone Stone Cutter.
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
15th March 2015 - Sutton Coldfield
Regular monthly outing with DP deciding that Sutton Coldfield was worth another visit. Meeting the others at Sutton station we headed off for our first port of call, The Duke. We had time for a couple here so I went first for Theakstons Lightfoot (a regular beer they produce named after a brewery they acquired) and then Youngs Bitter. Foer some reason we talked about Dacia cars - wonder if TH will be getting one later this year?
From here we headed to the Bottle of Sack - the choice was limited meaning Courage Directors was chosen.
Back towards the station and three pubs in the area next, firstly The Royal which at the time we were there was very guiet, only us and a band getting ready for their performance later that evening which proably would mean the place would get busier later. We joked that just as they struck up the first proper note we would leave (actually we left well before then!) We admired the range of LP covered that were framed on the wall, everything from Sex Pistols to Michael Jackson it appeared. The move to CD a few myears ago was more convenient in terms of carrying them home from the shops no doubt but to do lose something in terms or art. Marstons EPA was my choice here.
The busier Red Lion next and a good range of Thwaites beers available here - my choice being Lacaster Bomber.
Finally the Station and my last drink of the evening - Holdens Golden Glow.
From here we headed to the Bottle of Sack - the choice was limited meaning Courage Directors was chosen.
Back towards the station and three pubs in the area next, firstly The Royal which at the time we were there was very guiet, only us and a band getting ready for their performance later that evening which proably would mean the place would get busier later. We joked that just as they struck up the first proper note we would leave (actually we left well before then!) We admired the range of LP covered that were framed on the wall, everything from Sex Pistols to Michael Jackson it appeared. The move to CD a few myears ago was more convenient in terms of carrying them home from the shops no doubt but to do lose something in terms or art. Marstons EPA was my choice here.
The busier Red Lion next and a good range of Thwaites beers available here - my choice being Lacaster Bomber.
Finally the Station and my last drink of the evening - Holdens Golden Glow.
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
22nd February 2013 - Tamworth
Out with RG tonight - as we hadn't been in Tamworth for sometime we decided it might be sensible.
Globe - Batemans XXXB
Sir Robert Peel - Elland Tomahawk, Oakham JHB & Bishops Farewell
Bolebridgen - Erdinger Weisse Bier
Globe - Batemans XXXB
Sir Robert Peel - Elland Tomahawk, Oakham JHB & Bishops Farewell
Bolebridgen - Erdinger Weisse Bier
15th February 2013 - Leicester
Leicester tonight with GP and the others, JF actually organizing. Two packed trains, the first far more so than the second best describes the journey across (I knew it would be busy.)
Pubs and beers tonight were
The Pub : Oakham Inferno;
Kings Head :Plain Ales Incognito (a port stout);
Swan and Rushes : Rat Brewery Rattus Rattus (a wheat beer);
The Font : Meantime Wheat Beer;
The Tap : Liefmans Fruit Beer;
The Salmon : Raw Anubis Porter
Pubs and beers tonight were
The Pub : Oakham Inferno;
Kings Head :Plain Ales Incognito (a port stout);
Swan and Rushes : Rat Brewery Rattus Rattus (a wheat beer);
The Font : Meantime Wheat Beer;
The Tap : Liefmans Fruit Beer;
The Salmon : Raw Anubis Porter
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
7th - 9th January 2013 - Durham
Up in Durham for a work's conference for the early part of this week. Good opportunity to revisit some previous pubs. traidfion has it however that I should start and end at the hotel and tconsume an Indian on the first night and Italian on the last night, the middle night being reserved for the conference dinner and drinks in the Undercroft Bar of Durham Castle (only lager available so not recorded.)
Beers consumed were :
Monday 7th January
Beers consumed were :
Monday 7th January
- Durham Premier InnCity Centre - S&N Newcastle Brown
- Bishops Mill - Mordue Radgie Gadgie
- Capital Indian - Cobra
- Old House - Caledonian Flying Scotsman and Deuchers IPA
- John Duck Ale House - Durham Brewery John Duck (House beer)
- Victoria - Big Lamp Big Lamp Bitter
- Dun Cow - Copper Dragon Golden Pippin
- Head of Steam - Harvistoun Bitter and Twisted
- Water House - Northumberland Fuggles Gold
- Bishops Mills - Mordue Radgie Gadgie and Erdinger Weissebier
- Durham Premier Inn City Centre - S&N Newcastle Brown
19th December 2012 - Burton upon Trent
In Burton tonight for the beer circle meeting.
Commercial beers were firstly from Cottage namely their Full Steam Ahead and then the local Old Cottage and their Stout.
Commercial beers were firstly from Cottage namely their Full Steam Ahead and then the local Old Cottage and their Stout.
17th December 2012 - Work's Christmas Outing - Stoke
The annual Christmas lunchtime outing with the rest of the team from work.
We had booked into a local catering college and the food was of a good quality even if our waiter hadn't quite got to grips with laying out the cutterly as yet, and that they had a plethora of beetroot. Beer was in the shape of a bottle of Marston's Pedigree.
Afterwards some of us decamped to the Glebe during which time Helen tried her hands on the honky tonk piano. Joules Slumbering Monk came to the rescue.
We had booked into a local catering college and the food was of a good quality even if our waiter hadn't quite got to grips with laying out the cutterly as yet, and that they had a plethora of beetroot. Beer was in the shape of a bottle of Marston's Pedigree.
Afterwards some of us decamped to the Glebe during which time Helen tried her hands on the honky tonk piano. Joules Slumbering Monk came to the rescue.
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Birmingham - 15th December 2012
In Birmingham city centre today for a crawl organized by Paul, an acquaintance from the Burton Beer Circle. The plan had been to visit pubs in the centre but in fact we started off in the Digbeth part of the city taking in some regular Good Beer guide pubs.
After a somewhat curvacious vying on the industrial type route (or so it felt) we found ourselves at the Anchor. A number of Chritmas brews were available and my choice was Wreck the Halls from Plain Ales.
From there we headed awaty from the city to the White Swan. Ringwood Forty Niner was accompanied by an excellent ham salad cob.
The LampTavern was next. This is the only pub in Birmingham that sells Stanney Bitter from the Stanway Brewery so that had to be my selection here.
We now headed back toward the centre calling at the Old Fox where I had Wentworth Treacle & Oats Stout (would have been moreish had we had time! Some interesting old theatre posters on display here (being close the to hippodrome) including one with Morecambe and Wise before they were top of the bill.)
The Victoria next which despite an excellent (for future reference) selection of spirits, I stayed on beer in the shape of Dark Star's Old Chestnut.
A new pub next, the Brewdog Bar (in john bright Street) offering a selection of their own craft beers. Hoppy Christmas was my choice but the Cocoa Psycho I sampled was also interesting. Whilst expensive maybe, I did remark that the beers herer would last longer than in most other pubs so in a way not really that dear.
We then headed away for a while to go round the German Christmas Market and also to acquire more food before rejoining the others at the post Office Vaults. I looked through the beer menu before opting for the final beer of the day, Delirium Christmas , a 10% Belgium at which point I decided Christmas could now start..
After a somewhat curvacious vying on the industrial type route (or so it felt) we found ourselves at the Anchor. A number of Chritmas brews were available and my choice was Wreck the Halls from Plain Ales.
From there we headed awaty from the city to the White Swan. Ringwood Forty Niner was accompanied by an excellent ham salad cob.
The LampTavern was next. This is the only pub in Birmingham that sells Stanney Bitter from the Stanway Brewery so that had to be my selection here.
We now headed back toward the centre calling at the Old Fox where I had Wentworth Treacle & Oats Stout (would have been moreish had we had time! Some interesting old theatre posters on display here (being close the to hippodrome) including one with Morecambe and Wise before they were top of the bill.)
The Victoria next which despite an excellent (for future reference) selection of spirits, I stayed on beer in the shape of Dark Star's Old Chestnut.
A new pub next, the Brewdog Bar (in john bright Street) offering a selection of their own craft beers. Hoppy Christmas was my choice but the Cocoa Psycho I sampled was also interesting. Whilst expensive maybe, I did remark that the beers herer would last longer than in most other pubs so in a way not really that dear.
We then headed away for a while to go round the German Christmas Market and also to acquire more food before rejoining the others at the post Office Vaults. I looked through the beer menu before opting for the final beer of the day, Delirium Christmas , a 10% Belgium at which point I decided Christmas could now start..
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