“If I was young, I’d flee this town, I’d bury my dreams underground. As did I, we drink to die, we drink tonight….” “Elephant Gun” – Beirut

Love. It feels strange to me to talk about love in relation to beer. I’m careful with words. In the words of the mighty General Public, “… words, like conviction, can turn into a sentence…” But I am in love with something beery.

And that something is East West Fest.

It’s an event that stirs my soul. An event where I can get together with some truly lovely people. People who trusted me enough to travel from as far as Somerset. To a Red Shed. In Wakefield. To drink beer.

Wakefield Labour Club (aka The Red Shed) is – for me – the place where my fondest (non family) memories have been made. Laughs have been prolonged and from the depths of me. I’ve cried, both with laughter and otherwise. Some of the silliest, daftest memories.

Those memories are lodged. They’ll never fade. All because of a little beer event. And the friends I share it with. It’s always about who you share these things with. Beer without friends is just liquid. With friends it is so much more.

Myself and my dear friend Jaz have been coming to Wakefield since Year 1. In 2015. And year after year those memories keep stacking up.

Who said that drinking an “Anti Imperialist Double IPA” for 3 hours straight was clever? Nobody. But it was ludicrously good. And I never forgot that. Nor the year that my friends trusted me enough to come over for a night (ever since, they’ve stayed the whole weekend). For the beer, yes (more on that later), but – again – for the simple pleasures of drinking great beer. With friends. Beer that becomes greater – in the memory – because of experiencing it with those lovely people.

I digress…..

I’ve always been immensely flattered to remember Malcolm (the evil genius behind East West) saying that the first ISBF inspired him to start his own event. For charity. (Yes. ALL profits go to charity). To get beer from the best breweries from both East and West of the Pennines. In Cask. Abv no barrier. Just flavour.

East West has – I imagine – one of the higher average abv line ups. Malcolm likes it that way. The Yorkshire breweries come up with some belters. For Malcolm. I source the beers from the West. And we do get some quite bonkers things in Cask. (Pretty sure we had an Elderflower Imperial Blond one year from this side – can you guess who from?)

East West is fairly unique. Nobody else would DARE do what Malcolm does.

It’s where my beery heart lies. ISBF doesn’t come close. This is where I can let me be me. Let my “hair” down. No need to wear a certain t-shirt. No need to advertise. Just enjoying 3 days of bacchanalia.

This years event starts on Thursday 5th May. Next Thursday. My buddies and I booked our rooms the moment Malcolm said it was a goer (we *may*have nudged him a bit!)

There is a rather exceptional beer list.

And it’s all taking place in a little Red Shed.

Come and join us. Who knows. After 10pm – on any given night – I might spill some ISBF secrets. This one might get a little emotional….

Here’s the list.

East

Mallinsons – Dirty Electro – NEIPA – 5.5%

Five Towns – Its No Game Pt 1 – Centennial IPA – 6.7%

North Riding – Extra Special Mild – 6%

Blue Bee – US 5 Hop v53 – Pale – 4.3%

Turning Point – Thinking Through Soup – South Pacific Pale – 5.3%

Tigertops – Barley Wine – 10%

Fernandes – Memory of A Free Festival – Pale – 4.7%

Chin Chin – Stout – 4.5%

Revolutions – Fight The Power – Rye Altbier – 4.5%

Keg

Wilde Child – Flow Rider – Key Lime Cheesecake Sour – 4.9%

West

Marble x Brewsmith – Birthday Beer #1 – Oatmeal Pale – 4.3%

Redwillow – Double Heritage Porter (White Port Cask) – 8.8%

Black Jack – West Coast Pale       – WC Pale – 5.6%

Steelfish – TBC – Belgian BLOND – 7%

Torrside – Hogarth’s Junction – Botanical Imperial Stout – 9%

Pictish – El Dorado – Single Hop Pale – 4.4%

Tom’s Tap – Chevalier Victorian Mild – 5%

Runaway – Kolsch – Kolsch Style Lager – 4.8%

Neptune – Lorelei – German Pale – 3.5%

Keg

Rivington – Double Fog – DIPA – 8%

“Tell me what do you say (tell me what do you say)
Tell me what do you say, I tell you
Life begins at the hop, boys and girls….” XTC – Life Begins At The Hop

It must have been over 10 years ago, when the mighty Jaz introduced me to Mallinsons’ beers. Fresh, clean, hoppy, bitter. Hooked, I never wanted throwing back in the river.

My introduction to SMASH (Single Malt and Single Hop) beers. Before SMASH beers were a thing. Ahead of the curve. With beers that lured me like a Siren onto hoppy rocks. Beers that you could drink repeatedly and never want to stop.

Women in a (supposedly) “Man’s World”. Beating the men at their own game, setting new rules for flavour in Session beers. When most others were playing with twigs. I’m a fan. To put it mildly.

I can’t remember when I first met the ladies that I now call “The Cocktail Twins”, but they made an impression and no mistake. As did their beers.

Beers that could be used as a reference point for the flavours of the hops that they use. Using (mostly) a Pilsner Malt base, if you want to know what Centennial, Chinook, Citra hops are supposed to taste like, grab a pint – or a bottle – and buckle up while they take you on a trip to flavourville.

Whilst they do – occasionally – up the abv ante, sometimes e even venturing into the Dark Side, these superlative Pales generally land somewhere firmly in “Session Beer” territory. In that sweet spot between 3.7% and 4.2% abv. You want a “Crushable” Beer? Then look no further.

There’s a reason why they’ve had a beer on the bar at each and every ISBF. Because they’re bloody marvellous. Tara, Elaine & Nick make some of my favourite beers. Including the best Single Hop Centennial Pale I’ve had. My Catnip hop. Singing like a lupuloid soprano. Made in Huddersfield.. Here are some beers….

Citra – 3.9%abv

Pours beautifully. Light golden, almost straw coloured, nice head retention with aromas of mango prominent at first sniff.

At first taste, the mango is certainly up there front and centre, soon joined by tart grapefruit, both fruity flavours matching off against each other in the mouth, the sweet tropicality of the mango duelling with the tart astringency of the grapefruit.

At 3.9%, this incredibly sessionable beer is absolutely bang in the middle of what I call the Mallinsons sweet spot. Session beers between 3.7 to 4.2%.

Further mouthfuls highlight that duel fruitiness, with the balance slightly favouring the grapefruit as that slight tartness leads to a very dry finish with pronounced bitterness – another characteristic of these Huddersfield beers.

Again. An examplar of what Citra is. A reference beer, given its SMASH credentials, with a clean, Pilsner malt base overlaid with this most aromatic of US hops.

A beauty.

Motueka – 4%

Another beautiful pour, with medium carbonation providing an ensuring soft white head, initial aromas of citrus, with a light yet distinctive lemon sherbet, with maybe a little orange in there somewhere.

First mouthful, and that orangey note on the nose is replaced in the mouth by more of a lime citrus sharpness with just a little initial lemon on first taste. The light Pilsner malt provides a perfect canvas for the hops to paint their colours of yellow and green.

The mouthfuls get larger. This beautiful Session Pale just slides down too easily. Incredibly refreshing, the citrus fruitiness leading to a punchy dry bitter finish.

Yet another Mallinsons lesson in highlighting the hop.

So light. So refreshing.

Party On – 4.1%

Ramping up the abv to a huge 4.1%, I’m now on one of the Mallinsons multi hop beers. This one features new UK hop CF182 for the bitterness, with (my personal catnip hop) Centennial and Chinook for aroma and flavour.

Again, a beautiful pour. It’s characteristic of Mallinsons bottles to have exceptional condition.

First nose? Not sure about the Chinook, I only have a nose for Centennial and the characteristic lemon sherbet tingle is there in full effect. Yum.

That first mouthful brings moderate carbonation for a lovely smooth mouthfeel leading you to the hop punch, initial sharp lemon then a good touch of grapefruit from the Chinook, the dryness on the finish just makes my hand reach for the glass for more.

This is beautiful. The typical very light, slightly biscuity, malt base providing a perfect platform for the hops to do their thing, tart citrus loveliness from the C hops. That fruitiness leading to a typical Mallinsons dry and bitter finish. Leaving you wanting more.

Just classic pale ales. It’s what this trio of brewers do. And – for me – they are the best in the country in lowish abv Session Pales.

Beer that tastes of beer. And is all the better for it.

You can find Mallinsons beautiful beers in most of the best Independent beer shops. Me? I looked at their website and saw something that I’d never considered before. A subscription.

6 different beers. 2 of each. £32. Delivered.

Yes. You read that right. The website is here

However you get your Mallinsons, just go treat your tastebuds. It makes sense. (And you can thank me later!)

Hello WordPress. It’s been a while…..

It takes something to wake this blog from it’s regular hibernation. And today, I saw such a thing…

Closely followed by this body blow….

Shane Swindells. Engineer. Exceptional Brewer. Man of many opinions. All passionately held and expressed. To experience Shane in full flow is one of the Wonders of The Beer World. A man with whom no conversation was brief. As I’ll relate later.

I first met Shane at Manchester Beer and Cider Festival (I think). When it was located at the Velodrome – Possibly its first year there. I was introduced by young Mr Heggs, design genius. I grabbed myself a beer and – shy character that I am – prepared to haltingly talk to someone whose beers I had admired (and blogged about) for some time.

It is no exaggeration to say, that that conversation changed my world. Changed the way that I thought about myself. And the thing that I did – shambolically – as a hobby. Blogging about beer.

He said – I clearly recall – that he thought that had great tastebuds. That my descriptions nailed his beer’s flavours and aromas. I was shaken. That this – as I then knew – bear of a man, a man who had become a bit of a hero to this fledgling Blogger, say such complementary things about me..I struggle with people saying nice things to me. Never have coped with that. As anyone who has been nice to me at numerous ISBFs can testify.

That conversation gave me confidence to carry on. To blog more. Build a following. All of which – ultimately – led to The Independent Salford Beer Festival. And making so many friends, some of whom are now really close. And rather dear to me.

Back to Captain Haddock…. Shane is one of the best technical brewers I’ve met. And I’ve met a lot. Brewing a core range of beers – exceptionally well – for his local (Cheshire) market, whilst getting jiggy with hops and getting beers into Manchester. The Lupy As A Toucan series were an absolute delight. Balanced, sessionable beers, bursting with fruity hoppy flavours. Making Bitters like Engine Vein and Best Bitters like DBA (named after his beloved Draught Burton Ale – he used to work in Burton, engineering for Coors), consistent, full flavoured beers. Whilst The Crafterati were chasing the hype train, Shane was brewing classics. His Lindow Stout was to die for too.

And then. We get to Govinda.

A Heritage Beer. Before Heritage Beers seemed a thing. A big, bold English IPA. Before big, bold, English IPAs were trending on Beer Twitter. And an Absolute. Stone. Cold. Classic. So good, it was my #GoldenPints Beer of the Year in 2014. It rocked my slipper socks right off.

One seriously special beer. If you missed it, you weren’t listening to me in 2014. Nor to a certain Beer Writer of my acquaintance…. (the Sugar Pie Honeybunch that is) Melissa Cole wrote glowingly about Govinda. And demand soared! (Bloody influencers 🤣🤣🤣)

We could go on. Gibraltar Porter. Another classic “Heritage Beer”. Shane brewed some “Jimbo Catnip” which was his #VISBF beer (Amarillo DIPA…… Mmmmmmmmm…. Amarillo…. 🤤🤤🤤) Which tasted like a Paddington wet dream. All that spicy orange marmalade…… Astonishingly good.

I rocked up at the brewery in Congleton, before he created his brewery tap. And met this little fella. Jack.

He was much smaller then. A pup. And he was in the delivery van. But when I approached Shane, he went batshit! Launching himself at the window, the mini mauler tried to eat through the window. He made an impression alright. I certainly didn’t require the toilet for a while!

Like I said earlier, Shane is a man of strong opinions, passionately expressed. I particularly remember starting a phone call about packaging in can which started before I jumped the train home at Manchester Airport and finished as I got through the barrier at Bolton! It’s a given, you don’t have a “quick chat” with Shane!

Passionate. Opinionated. Generous. Kind. An absolute font of knowledge, freely shared. There’s a lot of good people in this here beer industry. And Shane is as good as any. Bizarrely, he’s been a bit of a secret. If you knew, you knew.

If he really is packing the game in, I – for one – am gonna miss him. And if you never got to try the likes of Govinda or Gibraltar Porter, you missed something special.

The beer industry will be all the poorer.

Back soon. Jx

With thanks to Boak & Bailey for the nudge (and allowing use of the image above), I’ve loosely based this list upon theirs – without the International beery aspect.

2021 has been another year where one took one’s beery pleasures where one could. There was the odd weekend trip, a number of pubs visited, but with my professional role being one where I couldn’t work from home, my trips out of an evening kind of ceased for long periods, public transport making me nervous of an evening – pre-outings LFT tests became a familiar ritual. Anyway. Here goes my best shot….

Beer of the Year (Draught) : Black IPA (Black Jack Beers) This award is spectacularly tricky. Like many, I haven’t drunk a vast amount in pubs. But one evening I had to wander out. I was going to my first concert (I’m old fashioned) since 2019. Caribou (as you’re asking). I stopped off in The Smithfield. For some cask Black Jack. And my eyes lit upon the Black IPA. It blew me away. Just rich enough. Superbly roasty. The hops were singing an aria. The bitterness was deliciously bracing. The beers coming from the kit that was installed earlier this year have been universally superb. I eagerly anticipated the new stuff. Look out for their beer in 2022, they’ll be going from strength to…. er…. strength.

Beer of the Year (Small Pack) : North Riding Brewery – Citra Pale. This award however, is anything but tricky. Straight outta Snainton (a small village just outside of Scarborough) come – for my money – some of the best beers in the UK. As good as the dark beers – brewed by the unassuming Stuart Neilson – are (You NEED Fudge Brownie Stout in your life), for me, it’s the Session Pales that bring me back, time and again. Mosaic & Cascade are both lovely things (award worthy themselves), but the Citra just….. I’m drooling just writing this. Sharp, beautifully citrussy and with a perfectly balanced bitterness. I adore Session Pales. And Stuart Neilson, quietly, is a bit of a master of them. (Divine on cask at the North Riding Brewpub this summer too!) [Try Also – Centennial – Mallinsons Brewery – Quite simply the most lovely demonstration of the lemony sherbet character of this most beautiful of hops. (Can’t get enough of it!)]

Pub of the Year : The Marble Arch – I’m not sure what can be said about “The Arch” that hasn’t already been said. Yes, it’s simply a beautiful edifice. Yes, there is beautiful beer within. Yes, the food is excellent (regular family Sunday Dinners…..). The staff are friendly. It just has everything I could possibly want in a pub. Apart from one minor detail. It isn’t next door to my house. Meeting my friends in The Arch is just the most natural thing in the world.

Brewery of the Year : Marble Brewery – This (as in every year other than last) comes down to whose beers have I drunk most. And that’s Marble. Great session Pales (Arm Bar was a revelation), the mighty Lagonda, Stout (which I have been much enamoured with this year) up to the magnificent Annual Releases (had a full 660ml bottle of delicious Decadence 2021 on Xmas eve – Sharing bottle my ass – simply beautiful beers. Consistently so. And rarely an adjunct in sight. (Runner Up – Black Jack Beers : Big things expected in 2022)

Best Taproom : Double Barrelled – Quite simply, just beautifully done, from conception to execution. Great beer, in great surroundings. And managed to get here with friends (2 for the first time – they loved it too). Mike & Luci should take a well deserved bow. Reading, when combined with visits to Elusive & Siren at Finchampstead – as we did – makes for a great beery weekend. Go try.

Best Collaboration Beer : Antigoon – Neepsend x Blue Bee Brewery – Possibly my favourite beer from #VISBF2. A beautifully rich, roasty and dry Farmhouse Stout, fermented with Saison yeast. I was determined to have both these breweries involved and was chuffed when they agreed to collaborate. This beer ticked all of my beer boxes. Simply outstanding. And not a grain of lactose in sight. Trust me, both breweries will be at #ISBF7 next year!

Er.. That’s it. Brief and to the point. And therefore so very unlike me.

Here’s looking forward to seeing some of you in pubs during 2022. And keep your eyes peeled for announcements re #ISBF7 and further #ISBFHeroes events – coming soon!

Be kind to one another. Jim x

This week, I’ve buried a colleague. I’ve also lost a friend. The latter to Covid. So I crave your forgiveness if I get a little emotional. But some things can not pass without comment.

Now then. We all have opinions. Mine are certainly no more valid than most. And I completely ‘get’ that his business depends on pubs staying open. And as ‘unrestricted’ as possible. I’m not unaware of the struggles of the hospitality sector. But – of all breweries in the North, Lees are hardly poverty stricken.

https://beersmanchester.co.uk/index.php/2018/04/03/the-vultures-are-circling/I might have a modicum of sympathy for Mr Lees if he wasn’t an active member of the SBDRC, looking to reduce the tax relief to small breweries, to reduce the competition by lobbying the Government via several interlinked cabals (SBDRC, BBPA etc). (Multiple blog posts on this site, here, here, here, here, here & here) Jesus may weep. But I won’t.

Posturing. Pandering to the burning torch ‘anti-everything’ brigade. By symbolically ‘barring’ people who will never appear within a hundred yards of a Lees pub. To amuse Lockdown sceptics. Covidiots. “Freedom” Warriors. It’s pathetic. Sickening. Gives succour to the mask dodgers. Legitimacy to habitual naysayers.

During. A. Public. Health. Crisis.

Are these the actions of a responsible man?

As a drinker, as an individual, if you deal with this company, I’m out.

Stay safe. Have a lovely festive season. Jx

“…..I’ve learnt today, while falling apart,
The most eloquent way, to speak or to pray,
Is straight from the heart.

Oh but to shine like Joan of Arc,
You must be prepared to burn.” Green Isaac – Prefab Sprout

I’ll be the first in line when it comes to criticising Breweries and Pubs with regard to their communication. Both with emails and social media. To be frank, the majority are quite, quite shit at it. I know. I “organise” a beer festival. And can wait weeks for a reply.

So. It’s refreshing when a hospitality business gets things right. In terms of clarity of message. Like below.

What this position does, is stepping ahead of – “fluid” and that’s being kind – Government policy. Which is not really anything. Pushing the responsibility onto Jo Public. Personal responsibility. Which, in light of the multiple violations of Lockdown by Government and their direct public servants – carry little weight.

So. The Marble Arch. One of the best pubs in the UK (IMO obviously). The management decided to revert to the policy they had following the last Lockdown. Face coverings on entry and when when moving about the pub. Reverting to – rather excellent – table service.

Cue the rabid “Freedom Warriors”. Many of whom didn’t even seem to be from the Manchester area. Ranting. Raging. Moaning.

Now. The good thing was that they were in the minority. The vast majority of the responses praised the actions of the pub. But some, a few…… I despair.

Now then. If you choose NOT to wear a face covering. If you don’t like that policy, you have the (precious) freedom to not frequent that venue. There are lots of pubs in Manchester. Many of which may not adopt such a policy. But, at a time when hiring staff in hospitality is – to put it mildly – difficult, I think that to protect your staff is, quite simply, responsible. It’s just COMMON SENSE. Especially if those staff are working their backs out. Stressed. Which brings me to the real kicker……

One of the staff put a post on her personal twitter account. That she was struggling. Potential nervous breakdown was mentioned. Echoing the feelings of many in hospitality. That they are struggling. Working under pressure. Not knowing if they are even going to be working soon – given Government indecision and toadying to their lunatic fringes.

Then a response was posted. I won’t publish the account. It would only give that “person” the oxygen of publicity (apologies for the Thatcher quote). But that post, referring to Mental Breakdown, commented “Hurry Up”.

Is this where we are at? That there are some sick bastards who think that the anonymity of a SM account means that they can say something so potentially harmful?

Not in my world. That’s simply beyond the pale.

I’m no shrinking violet. My hide is fairly tough. It has had to be over the last few years. I challenge this shit. And the strange thing is, they rarely come back. They are shithouses. Keyboard Warriors. Not a shred of empathy. Morally bankrupt.

And don’t get me started about Covidiots wanting a business to go bankrupt. (Yes. There was more than one of those.)

These people have families. Bills to pay. Feed themselves. Employees that depend upon them. The least they can ask is to not be subject to abuse. To be shouted at across the bar.

Grow up.

You have your politics. Your precious idea of “freedom”. Your whacked out opinions. With zero scientific basis. Keep them to yourself. Or your little closed circuit of mutual permanent disgruntlement.

The rest of us will continue to treat people with respect. Like decent humans do.

Empathy. Get some.

“Welcome to the garden of earthly delights.
Welcome to a billion Arabian Nights.
This is your life and you do what you want to do,
This is your life and you spend it all.
This is your life and you do what you want to do,
Just don’t hurt nobody,
And the big reward’s here,
In the garden of earthly delights. “XTC – “Garden of Earthly Delights” (For Les OG)

Foresight. Perseverance. Bravery. All qualities that I admire in people. Especially in the beer industry. In particular at the retail, “on sale” side of “the game”.

One of the things that has been most pleasing – personally – is the opening of micro bars outside of Manchester, within “easy” reach from my location. Think Bunbury’s, Northern Type, House of Hops & – most pertinently for this piece – The Nook & Cranny in Bromley Cross. All warm and welcoming. All with exceptionally good beer. All, very much, a community venue. Justly popular. Pulling in a devoted local following. Very much proof of the maxim “If you build it, they will come”.

It has been a delight to see these venues come through to the other side of Pandemic restrictions, flexing, doing what was necessary just to get by. And deepening their local ties, strengthening their connections to their local following.

What was a surprise to hear – confidentially – some months ago, was of a possibility of an addition to The Nook & Cranny outlet. The identification of a possible outlet in Harwood was exciting. And incredibly bold and brave from owners Craig & Jimmy. Faith in the concept of what they do. A classy little bar is The Nook.

I was also invested in this.

When asking for Beer & Cider Sponsors for #VISBF2, Jimmy floated the idea of Glassware Sponsorship. I was delighted. When you look at the lineage of sponsors of the Glassware since ISBF2 (Heaton Hops, The Brink, Torrside, Northern Type & House of Hops) the fit was obvious. And I loved the – for me – local link.

I was also thrilled that they wanted the Glassware for the new bar. Which told me – firmly – that this bar was going to happen. Just needed to get through the licensing application process. Not always that simple

I saw the above piece in the local paper. And messaged my congratulations via DM. I’ve been in regular communication with the fellas recently with regards to those pretty glasses. And was hugely looking forward to grab a draught beer in one! I was told opening was planned for 3rd December.

I was VERY pleasantly surprised to find myself and my dear friend (and Nook & Cranny devotee) Mike, outside the bar the night before. Having a little shufty. And a beer. Surrounded by family and friends of Craig & Jimmy. Just a little test run.

It’s safe to say that they have hit an absolute HOME RUN with this place.

It’s a much larger space that the original iteration of the Bromley Cross bar. A really decent space. A single room, cleverly sub divided into distinct areas with a variety of seating options. High seating, lower seating, bench seating in diagonally opposite corners.

It’s just…. So classy. In keeping with both the location and what Craig & Jimmy embody. What they themselves like. Comfortable, warm tones, good beer (initially 14 keg lines with three cask – and plenty of room to expand that offering as they move forward. A spacious “cellar” being evidence of that), REALLY friendly and welcoming staff too. And – I know this might sound weird – the loveliest pub toilets I’ve been in for YEARS!

The beers that I had were lovely. A Wily Fox Porter on cask was extremely well kept, in great condition and very tasty indeed. Personal highlights were Hibernation Pale Ale from Abbeydale and (same brewery) in particular the Salvation, Sea Salt & Caramel Stout on keg. Safe to say that I had more than one of that Stout. It was absolutely delicious. Rich, creamy, a lick of salt. It was like a liquidised Cadbury’s Caramel chocolate bar. Yum.

In no way does it surprise me that Craig & Jimmy have nailed this place. If you’ve ever been to its sister bar in Bromley Cross, you’d know what to expect. I’m just excited to see this bar develop. To witness the possibilities of this bigger space. (That elevated space with the Xmas Tree simply SCREAMS performing space)

The Nook coming to Harwood gives Harwood two or three places worthy of a visit. (The close by “House Without A Name” is a lovely pub itself.)

But – and it’s safe to say this – this bar is a major addition to the area. And is more than worth jumping the 273 or 507 bus from Bolton Interchange.

Fellas. You done good. Damn good. Take a bow.

I’ll be back. That’s for certain.

Back soon. Be nice to one another. Jx

The Britons Protection. Those who know it, get it. For those who don’t, it is – as a pub – one of the most beautiful I’ve ever entered.

It’s that special.

I’ve been going in there, periodically, for over 35 years now. It’s a thing of absolute beauty.

One of the oldest pubs in the city center, it bore witness to The notorious Peterloo Massacre of 1819 and is said to have been “used as a refuge by folk escaping the attentions of recruiters for the Napoleonic War” hence the name.

“…. has stood proudly I on the corner of Gt Bridgewater Street and Lower Mosley Street since 1806….”

But, if developers get their another edifice of concrete and glass may be on its way, stealing the light.

If planning is approved for this…. Please click and read.

Quote “…. We have been working with our leading Manchester-based team to design a scheme which will complement the neighbouring buildings – including the much-loved Briton’s Protection ……” I nearly choked on my beer! And the next absolute zinger?

“… Throughout the design process we’ve been focussed on designing an ambitious yet complementary scheme…..” Now I don’t know about you, but “complementary”? DOES THAT LOOK COMPLEMENTARY??? IT’S A PUB SANDWICH!!!

Not only is it YET another “monstrous carbuncle” (©Charles Windsor) on the face of this beautiful and historic city (and mere yards from The Hacienda of my distant youth) it’s a desecration of this historic area.

Every time I come into the city, it seems that there is something new blocking out someone’s sunlight, as the city increasingly sells off and loses its history. I’m truly not against progress. I’m not a against the city growing, prospering.

But not at any price. Not when the truly beautiful architecture and history of this city is dwarfed like so many Liliputian huts, surrounded by titanic expanses of glass and concrete.

I have absolutely no personal concept as to how they shoehorn THAT thing onto that corner and leave the pub on place. I just can’t see it. But what I can currently see is this….

This truly is one of Manchester’s most beautiful pubs. I can’t write much more, I’m trying to calm down from #VISBF2 and didn’t expect to get so pissed off. Please, please, PLEASE check out the consultation, object, push this idea back to the little corner of capital and concrete Hell from which it must have emanated.

This isn’t about improving or enhancing Manchester. It’s about naked greed. Greed that could lead to the wiping out of another piece of true Mancunian beauty, history and culture.

We can’t let that happen.

Back soon. Honest. Jx

Be kind to one another.

Sometimes, it’s nice not to organise something. To ride on someone’s coat tails. Just follow.

So, on Saturday, it was rather lovely for TLO and I to ride in the slipstream of Les (who isn’t called Les), Jock (who isn’t called Jock) and Steve (who, disappointingly for poetic continuity, is actually called Steve) 😁

The trip was going to take in my favourite brewery tap, everyone’s favourite beer man and one of my favourite pubs in the UK. And 4 hours of train. To Wokingham.

Where? I hear you ask! The closest town to Finchampstead. And…

Ahhhh…… Elusive. And “The Nicest Man in Beer ™” Mr Andrew Parker.

Now then, I’ve shovelled grain on a few occasions at this exceptional (and – topically – AWARD WINNING) brewery. But had never had a beer in the tap room. The joys of the Pandemic eh?

We made up for it.

You might as well not talk about the beer we drank. Other than Oregon Trail – natch.

Lots of breweries get reams of text spaffed on them in Fan Homage. Well, if you don’t think that Andy’s brewery isn’t up there, you don’t know beer. I’ll die on that hill. I’ve been ranting to anyone within Twitter reach about Oregon Trail. Simply the most delicious and drinkable West Coast IPA. And when people drink it, they get it.

And the same can be said for all of the Elusive beers I’ve had over the years. Other than T*t* Lyric quotes. That was a low point. (And he thought I wouldn’t notice….) Bless The Rains indeed……

Did I mention the complete power outage across the district? No?

Simply put, just magnificent beer. Even better service. Ruth is an absolute ⭐. The whole set up is small, but oh so perfectly formed. And they coped with that power outage amazingly well! You really ought to get here. We stayed till closing. And when Ruth and team were closing up, we nipped 50 yards across the road.

To Siren Tap.

Yes. You read right. Almost a triple jump away….

Again, superb beer. This taproom is a bit like a micropub built as an extension on to the old brewery. More delicious beer was drunk. Don’t ask for details, I was beyond recording & recall. But it’s a lovely spot, with plentiful greenery for the kids to have a play while you enjoy delicious brewery fresh beer.

Loads of space for seating indoors – should the elements conspire. We were lucky, twas a lovely day.

There may have been a couple of ill advised pints back in Wokingham. The Crispin – for one – was a lovely pub with a fine pint of cask and a lovely beer garden arrangement mere seconds from the hotel….

The next day, not quite bushy of tail, we headed into Reading for another double header that I was really looking forward to…

Now then. I’ve been to a few brewery taps. But this place grabbed me from the off the first time I went to Reading. One that will linger long in my memory if not Malcolm’s…. 🤣. To put it bluntly, Double Barreled is my favourite Brewtap. A quite magnificent space that was planned alongside the brewery build.

12 lines of direct draw. Cans in the “fridge, chilled direct from the cold store. All the details thought of, considered and done….

I’m a confirmed fan of DB beers. The Parka Pale was juicy and soft, full of flavour. The Ding Pilsner was crisp, light and refreshing. Both came with their own logoed glasses…..

I even enjoyed a Sorachi Pale (words that predictive text will NEVER connect on my sentences) and thought I would write that before one of the fellowship tried to “beer shame” me. A rare occurrence. Still believe that Sorachi belongs in Stouts though…. 😁

Luci & Mike have expanded operations considerably since my last visit and can be justifiably proud of what they have achieved.

I love this place. Grabbed some cans to reminisce with. Including the Punnet fruit sour which some of my co-travellers cooed over….

It’s not often that I spend five hours in a Brewtap, but was lovely seeing the Divine Mr Parker (even without “Supergran”) and ace talking with Luci & Mike. This is a brilliant space, just outside Reading centre.

Just go. And afterwards, follow our tracks…. To….

Weekends away. Something that we lost. Fresh sea air, laughter with friends you haven’t seen in person in over 2 years. Lockdowns can have that effect on your social life. But sometimes, opportunities arrive (and are inspired) at the strangest times.

This one was in the immediate aftermath of the #ISBFHeroes4 event. And a chat with my dear friends Mike & Jo. About the ISBF Heroes 4 playlist. It went something like…..

“Have you ever been to…….? No? Well then…..back in a few minutes…… What dates are you available?……

I know that I’ve said this before, but the North Riding Brewpub in Scarborough is one of my happy places. A place of some very special memories for both myself and TLO. Lovely evenings before our world inverted, evenings of healing afterwards. Healing, via the sweet balm of great beer and lovely, friendly people.

A combination of destination pub and Local. With the added bonus of a 2bbl brewery in the cellar. A cask range showcasing beers from both downstairs and the “Factory” (North Riding Brewery – for me, my favourite cask brewery). A keg range from some of the best in the country (including a dedicated Kernel line…..). The beer is exceptional. But – for me – as fabulous as that is, the attraction is the people.

And Karen & Stuart Neilson are good people.

TLO and I got to Scarbados via 4 trains. Owing to line works between Leeds & York we had to travel via Sheffield (Bolton to Mcr. Mcr to Sheffield. Sheffield to York. York to Scarbados.

The juice is always worth the squeeze.

The weather forecast was unspeakably shit.

What do forecasters know eh?

Walking into the pub, a masked figure wrapped TLO in a bear hug. Oh how we’ve missed Karen. Force of nature meets pub owner meets one of the best custodians of cask conditioned beer in the country. She’s a bit beyond description. She’s a sweetie.

Walking into the bar, John & Caroline (also over from God’s own county) were already in situ. Looking content. Beer was ordered. Fellow travellers Mike, Jo & Jock soon sat with us. And whilst it would be easy to extol the exceptional beer lists (the beers WERE fabulous – lists below), it’s always the people that make the evening.

Conversations had me in tears of laughter and joy. I’ll never think of Andy Williams in the same way again! All regulations were in place and adhered to. Some beautiful doggos visited. Chats with locals across tables. Service was fabulous and attentive (with Karen in charge, I never doubted). We polished off beers. The lists changed….

Next morning, an invigorating stroll along the length of the North Bay prom….

After a wander around town (Mike & Jo watched a pod of Dolphins and schlepped up to Scarborough Castle!) we headed back to the pub to plan food (a monstrous kebab delivery from the excellent La Unica) whilst I had another “appointment” with the rather gorgeous Barleywine……

The struggle to hire staff in hospitality was borne out by Karen having to run everything herself. Pour, serve, collect, clean. Having a chat with her later, I got a clear sense of frustration. Something that tallies with a lot that I’m hearing about hiring staff in the industry.

But she did a belting job. She always does.

More exceptional beers flowed. More Elusive / North Riding “Spin Wizard”. More Marble / North Riding “Silly Point”. The introduction of “Bitter Summat” by Five Towns went down well. As did the Peasholm Pale brewed in the cellar. There might have been more of that Kernel East India Porter…

But beer. It’s not everything is it?

This weekend was about being with friends. Walking. Talking. Listening. Laughing (occasionally uncontrollably – I’ll never think of Andy Williams in the same way again! Repeated for emphasis…) . Thank you Jock, Jo, Mike, Caroline & John. So much.

And also about being in one of my happiest of places. With two lovely people. Karen & Stuart.

In one of the best pubs in the country. The North Riding Brewpub. If you’ve never been, then you should.

You can thank me later.

Back soon. Jx