Peterborough, The Home of Oakham Ales

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Hector

What sort of person would have a Weekend in Cambridge and not visit the Sights?

Some may call it late morning, for Hector it was still quite early when we marched into the Centre of Cambridge. Petty Cury, well one side of it thanks to The Planners, the Market, Christ’s College and The Cam. Marg and I retraced our steps from the last visit but were determined to try a new Coffee House.

Benet’s Coffee and Crepes supplied Hector with his first ever Smoothie – Mango Tango. Being a variation on the title of my Favourite Album of All Time (by Can) I had to have it. Minutes later it was sent back. Mango? It looked disgusting too. It was replaced but was no better. So much for Smoothies.

Clive and Maggie arrived at Cambridge Station in plenty of time for the train to Peterborough. Who was panicking? Just under the hour across the Fenland on the Direct Train. A Group Ticket only available if we go all around the houses. Why does the UK have such a ridiculous Transport System?

What sort of person would spend the day in Peterborough and not visit the Sights?

The tortuous path from the station was abandoned and we entered the Old Town via Cowgate. The Market Town origins of Peterborough are most apparent. As it boasts a Cathedral, we now have a City.

The official photos were taken then some unexpected business was conducted. Maggie did not manage to get a hole punched in her Bag Strap, Hector did find a pair of shoes suitable for his purposes after a search lasting months. And they were a bargain!  This is important.

We approached Charters from the Bow-side along the River Nene. People were sitting out on the banks of the river, this would suit Marg, she would not enjoy sitting indoors on the Bottom of a Canal Barge.

Last time the Ale here was nothing Spectacular, however Oakham Ales have become Spectacular since my last visit to Peterborough. Scarlet Macaw (4.4%) for kick-off and Bishops Farewell (4.6%) to continue. Green Devil was planned for later, AT SOURCE!

Supping Ale on a Sunday Afternoon is alien to Hector. That it is a very English Custom is most apparent given the number of folk sitting at adjacent tables. This was relaxation at its finest, and with a lovely Oakham Ales Umbrella to shade us from the Sun, a perfect location. Two Chaps even performed on the Stage, but not intrusively. We consulted other Oakham Pubs on The List but they were all too far out of the Town Centre. Maybe we have to come and stay here, and have an Peterborough Weekend? Had there been no other agenda, we could easily have stayed here longer. Marg purchased some Chinese Food from the Barge, she was being amused. Meanwhile the rest of the Cambridge Weekend Chaps were in Norwich. There was absolutely no sense of Competition regarding who had the Best Bier…

The Drapers Arms is a Wetherspoons, for the record it is also the location of where Hector first ever used a Wetherspoons Token. There was nothing outstanding available and so I went into Nostalgia Mode – Directors (Wells and Young, Bedford, Bedfordshire) at 4.8%, brewed by Courage? – No… This was one of the first Real Ales ever consumed by Hector in the mid 1970s in a pub on Great Western Rd, Glasgow. Neil will remember the name, he may have told me already. As far removed from the Hops favoured today as one can imagine. It was fine, but not what one currently desires, and after Bishops Farewell very ordinary.

The Brewery Tap

Inferno at 4.0% was the Ale of choice on the last visit. There has been an Ale Revolution in this Brewery in recent times. The Green Devil was not on – Your Friends drank it on Friday – Mein Host assured us. I spent considerable time at the bar chatting with Mein Host who showed me new Ales – Coming Soon – but not in the misleading Wetherspoons use of this term. What was Seasonal may well become Permanent. Jester’s Ferret at 3.6% may have charm, however Helter Skelter at 5.0% will Hop-fully be another Belter!

The Brewery Tap is a Spacious Room, the Largest Micro-Brewery in Europe I read elsewhere. Some Micro-Brewery. Again, one could just have sat there enjoying the Ale, the Ambience, and risk someone mentioning Thai Food. Hector had other plans. The Royal Spice turned out to be a Highlight of The Weekend, yes it was time for Curry-Heute.

The plan was to take the train back in time for more Hanssens Kriek at the Cambridge Blue. Jonathan informed us that all Cambridge Pubs would be shut at 22.30 on a Sunday, what a ridiculous scenario. So much for Tourism. What sort of age does the UK live in? This meant decanting to the Ostrich Inn and settling for JHB (Oakham, Peterborough) at 3.8%. Now with The Brewery Tap along Westgate, and having to pass it en route to Station, here lay madness. Still, it was the only new Pub in Peterborough I visited today.

Meanwhile back in Cambridge

The Norwich Chaps apparently went to bed. With the new route from the Station to the Travelodge nearly complete, we passed the Earl of Derby. The lights were on, Morlands Old Speckled Hen (Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk) was available, more Nostalgia. Now this Ale used to be one of the most easily identifiable Ales in the country. It is still available at 5.2% in Bottles, it may still have The Taste. The Cask version at 4.5% simply does not trigger the memories on the Tastebuds.

Courtesy of a Social Media Application, Jonathan managed to find us. He too witnessed a flag on the ceiling and heard the songs being sung. This is not the sort of venue Hector feels comfortable in. I shall not be back.

There was a Full Moon.  Where Wolf?  

The Pubs and Brewery Tap visited today:

Charters – Town Bridge, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 1FP

The Drapers Arms – 29-31 Cowgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 1LZ

The Brewery Tap – 80 Westgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 2AA

Ostrich Inn – 17 North St, Peterborough PE1 2RA

Earl of Derby – 129 Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 1PG

Posted in Peterborough, Cambridge | 3 Comments

Some Bier and Ale in Cambridge

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Hector

Arrival

This weekend is a tribute to Dr. Stan who will be 65 in a few days. Hector was set the task of suggesting a venue and setting things in motion. A weekend in Cambridge was conceived, but for the majority more time was spent in Peterborough. Even Dr. Stan was misled.

Marg and Hector arrived at Stansted at 21.05, only a few minutes later than the advertised time which was something of an achievement. A BA flight to Oslo from Heathrow had to make an emergency landing which resulted in BA grounding all Airbus 319s. A PIA flight to Manchester was redirected to Stansted after some naughty Chaps caused a fracas on board. Our easyJet Flight was an Airbus 319 and Stansted bound. No Volcanic Over-reactions this time.

Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley were also Cambridge bound by car and so collected us at Stansted in their brand new Four Door White Mercedes Benz. By this time Dr. Stan and Neil were the last Men Standing and were desperately trying to last the course until our arrival. By the time we checked in at the Travelodge and walked the necessary distance, it was 23.00 before we arrived at The Kingston Arms.

Crouch Vale’s (Essex) Brewers Gold at a modest 4% was the recommended Ale to kick things off. Needless to say the first intake of Ale in six days rarely touches the sides. It was OK, but after the joy of The Staggs (Musselburgh) last Saturday and the Best of Oakham Ales (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire) it could not be described as outstanding. Dr. Stan and Neil has spent the day in Peterborough.. no more need be said.

Taylor’s Landlord (Keighley, Yorkshire) at a better 4.3% did not feel like a typical Friday Night Bier either, however was up to its usual standard. Although not in our now preferred style of Hop and Citrus overload, this Ale still has much to offer.

People were fading, Hector was in the mood, Bells were ringing, Time Please.

Just to set the standard for the remainder of The Weekend, Hector was last out of The Kingston arms.

It was agreed, we would all spend Saturday in Cambridge

Marg was watching Hector enjoy Curry at the impressive Prana when Yvonne texted to say – They were all at the Beer Festival and as Andechs Spezial Hell (Andechs, Herrsching, Bayern) was the only impressive Bier on offer, They would not be staying long.

Hector would not be hurried. Having sated the Curry Appetite we wandered towards the town centre and with the aid of Google Maps took the bearing for Jesus Green.

Now CAMRA Members gain access to this Festival for free. The last time I attended it was not that wonderful and so we did not stay that long. Marg was happy to go for coffee in the the centre of Cambridge. What would it cost to get her in?

Explaining that Marg didn’t drink Bier and only intended to say- Hello – then depart, she was intermediately given the status of Designated Driver. This gave Marg Free Entry also and tokens for Soft Drinks. Now there’s a practice that many Festivals could adopt.

The Foreign Bar was the obvious place to head for. Had there been any Ales of note the Jungle Drums would have beaten loudly. Although Olaf was nowhere to be seen, these were clearly the Biers from the Schellenberg Mercedes Van. Nobody else does this range. Edelstoff (Augustiner, München, Bayern) was going through a cooler something I first witnessed at the Bradford Beer Festival earlier this year. The Andechs Spezial Hell may well have been the Choice of Champions, however the Trunk (Vierzehnheiligen, Bad Staffelstein, Bayern) Silberbock was on. At a surprisingly drinkable 6.8% this is one of the finest Helles Biers there is. The Server was struggling to pour a Pint and so I asked for a half. A Generous Half was presented. Marg fetched her Soft Drink from an adjacent stall and we headed outside the Marquee to find The Chaps.

Once the Silberbock announcement was made, nobody was going anywhere

Dr. Stan was given his Birthday present, he has wanted a Kindle for sixty of his sixty five years, allegedly.

Schlenkerla Märzen (Heller, Bamberg, Bayern) and a Bottle of Füchsen Alt (Düsseldorf, NRW) had to be sampled also. One cannot survive on Silberbock alone, especially when sitting in the Sun.

The Schlenkerla Märzen at 5.4% is the major Rauchbier produced in the fine City of Bamberg. Hector and Steve will return in July. No October trip planned as yet for the Urbock. The Füchsen Alt was a way of coming off the Mountain. At a more modest 4.5% this is a novelty on our shores, how often does one taste Altbier in the UK? My third favourite Altbier. Finishing on a Bottled Bier!

Craig took little persuasion to do on the Silberbock. George, The Duke of Hamilton, followed on. Yvonne stayed on the Andechs Spezial Hell. Had Howard been with us he too would have been in Hog Heaven. Clive was trying English Ale then realised nothing would compete with Olaf’s finest choice of Deutsche Bier. Meanwhile Marg had Lemonade and Coffee.

As various members headed off towards the town centre we were joined by locals. One Chap pointed in the exact direction of our next port of call, The Maypole. Well done that Chap.

The Maypole had two Bars and a lot of Bier. Whilst the majority went Domestic including 14 gravity dispensed, Hector spotted Franziskaner (Spaten, München, Bayern) vom Fass. It is nearing the end of May and Hector has not set foot in Deutschland since November. Unglaublich! Franziskaner is part of the Staple Diet. Who knows what Marg paid but as she and Maggie had decided that it was lunchtime, dinner time, what time was it?

Jonathan and Dr. Stan, remember him?, texted from St. Radegund to say they had found the Best Bier of The Day, so far... the 6.2% UK, NZ and USA Hopped – Flava Bona Pretiosior Est Rubinibus from the Milton Brewery. (Cambridge). As everyone knows – A Good Blond is more Precious than Rubies.

The Duchess had now joined The Duke.

How Jonathan managed to text was a mystery. In previous visits the use of Mobile Phones in any form was strictly Verboten. The Ale was decidedly warm after the Cool Delight that was Deutsche Bier. The Flava was initially Sweet too but settled on the Palate. Hector was just getting used to this when Clive announced it was time to go to Inder’s Kitchen. Yes, Dear Reader, time for another Curry-Heute!

A certain Football Match at Wembley was just finishing when we rejoined the rest of the Company who were by now at Hector’s Favourite Cambridge Pub – Cambridge Blue.  The German Team won.

The Ale that first drew our attention to the mighty Oakham Brewery (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire) Inferno at a now seemingly weak 4.0% was the best on offer. A new Oakham Ale, Sock Monkey ta 5.0% went off before I could have any.

The Fridge had to be studied, and there it was, one of my Mostest Favouritest Biers – Hanssens Oude Kriek! There is not a Cherry Bier known to Hector as Sour as this. This is it, the Most Cheek Sucking Cherry Bier on The Planet. At 6.0% a careful session can be had.

Alas time ran out before a Session could be contemplated. Cambridge Blue shuts at 23.00. There’s always tomorrow. Ah, but, the Kingston Arms is just around the corner.

Those who hadn’t had a break had all gone home by closing time. Robin and Mags have not rated a mention. I cannot keep notes on everyone else. The Brothers were left at The Maypole, they are residing in Peterborough. I thought this was a Cambridge Weekend?

Jonathan replaced Dr. Stan to keep the same six as last night, but what to have? A British Ale wouldn’t work, nor would a German…and so Farmhouse Perry (Ross on Wye, Herefordshire) again at 6.0% was the Nightcap. This had the Body and total lack of Sweetness to be palatable.

The Pubs and Festival Visited:

The Kingston Arms – 33 Kingston St, Cambridge, CB1 2NU

The Cambridge Beer Festival 2013 – Jesus Green, Cambridge

The Maypole – 20A Portugal St, Cambridge CB5 8AF

St. Radegund – 129 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LD

Cambridge Blue – 85-87 Gwydir St, Cambridge CB1 2LG

Posted in Cambridge | 2 Comments

Four Days and Nights on Orkney

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Hector

Arriving in Orkney by ‘plane, the best way for Hector and thanks to FlyBe Points, a cost effective way. This could well be a once in a lifetime visit. Four nights in the splendid Hildeval B&B on the eastern outskirts of the main town Kirkwall, on the Orkney Mainland.

With the Sun beating down for the first two days of the trip the photographic opperchancities were superb.  St. Magnus Cathedral and the adjacent Earl’s Palace in Kirkwall provided the backdrop to the first Coffee and Cake of the trip in Judith Glue’s Cafe.

It is just as well we did the main sights in the first two days, thereafter the clouds were low. However, the temperature remained unseasonably low also throughout our visit.

With two Breweries and a Distillery on the Orkney Mainland, there should be no shortage of interest from the Bier perspective. The noted Pubs of Kirkwall were located on the first afternoon and the first Ale of the trip Scapa Special a 4.2% (Highland Brewing Company, Swannay, Orkney Islands) is a near amber gold ale. Found to be cool and refreshing it was well within acceptable parameters. First sampled at Helgi’s one assumed that Hector would move around the various Pubs and Hotel Bars to sample many more locally brewed ales, alas this was not to be. It was only after the young waitress poured the second Scapa Special at Helgi’s that she revealed that the other pump without a clip was in fact selling The Duke IPA. This was more like it, and so we left.

The Bothy Bar, part of the Albert Hotel had three handpumps but only one was on, in fact only one was on throughout our four day stay. They advertise a range of Local Ales on the board outside, yet they believe Bottles legitimise this. And so it was more Scapa Special for Hector before turning in on the first night.

Easter Monday saw us complete the main tourist attractions, Skara Brae justifies any trip to Orkney, it is a fundamental part of our Scottish Heritage. Dating back some 5000 years, this is the genuine Stone Age relic.

The Broch of Gurness is one of a few more recently ancient sites that Orkney possesses, again well worth the visit.

However Readers will be more interest in the Ale, perhaps. Stromness had been taken in and the Stromness Hotel Bar, The Flattie, checked out. One Ale was available, something called Scapa Special.

There was a stop at the Highland Brewery on the north coast of the Mainland at Swannay. A newer operation than its much more famous Big Brother, there was no Visitor Centre. This did not prevent Hector and Marg walking boldly into the plant and hollering a – Hello. Rob Hill, the Brewer, replied, we were in and made most welcome. Hector did not leave empty handed, two bottles of Highland IPA in hand, what no Scapa Special?

Two nights in Orkney, it was time for Curry-Heute at Dil Se before retiring once more to Helgi’s. The Coal Fire attracted Marg, The Moth to The Flame.

The third day saw Marg and Hector drive south across the famous Churchill Barriers to the lesser islands south of Orkney Mainland. The Italian Chapel built by the inmates of the WWII POW Camp was worth the short stop. The adjacent Wine/Cheese/Everything Shop offered free samples, declined, too early.

The Tomb of The Eagles was the main destination in the drive to South Ronaldsay. Entry to the main sites is not cheap. There is an offer from Historic Scotland which we found out abut too late to make it worth our while. The Tomb of The Eagles was a private concern, another £7.00 each.

With two Historical Features on offer and an excellent talk on each before the Mile Long Walk towards the cliffs, this was all worth it in the end. Entry to the Tomb itself would have made Richard Attenborough a happy man, queue the music…

The Highland Park Distillery was visited on the return journey. Declining the chance to pay £5.00 each to do the tour, I could recite the script… we were invited to join the last tour of the day and watch the Intro Movie before withdrawing to gaze upon the most expensive Bottle of Scotch I have ever seen. Paul can dream of stocking this in the Bon Accord.

The evening saw us back at Helgi’s where the Duke IPA at 5.2% was what the Hector ordered. From the local Highland Brewing Company, this Golden Ale ticks the boxes and was a Session Ale at the Staggs, Musslelburgh last July.

Standing Stones are located across the British Isles, no Stonehenge is not here, but from the same era are the Standing Stones of Stenness (they do what it says on the tin) and the more impressive Ring of Brodgar, both free! Both are as old as Skara Brae but were weathered by the elements in the intervening millennia rather than having been protected. Sadly, with dark skies, Hector was in atmospheric mode and switched to black and white.

All this a preamble to the inevitable visit to The Orkney Island Brewery at Quoyloo, just passed the Appie Tea Room. The Crab Soup at the Appie Tea Room was on the watery side, the Atlas Blonde at 5% felt even more-so. It did nothing for Hector whatsoever. Thinner than the abv commands, and with no bite of Citrus, Hops, or anything than a straightforward Ale Flavour, well… I decided not to try the Dark Island at Source, or buy the t-shirt. Give me Orkney Blast over Skull Splitter any-time. Rob at Highland Brewing deserves to have his Ale feature in every Ale House in Kirkwall.

The final evening saw an incredibly poor Curry-Heute at the Indian Garden followed a final couple of pints at Helgi’s. Was it still The Duke they were selling or had it transformed into Deuchars? Still no Pump Clip.

Posted in Quoyloo, Kirkwall, Swannay | 1 Comment

The BBC in Lancaster

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Hector

Consummate Professionals do not consume Alcohol on Sundays, Bank Holiday Mondays excepting. However, there is this piece of English Culture called the Sunday Lunch, which apparently has to be consumed in a … Pub.  The Bad Boys’ Club (BBC) was on Tour, so…

Taking full advantage of The Travelodge Non Check-out Policy, Hector did not join Les Autres for a repeat of The Wetherspoons Breakfast. This meant I was first at the Water Witch.

Iceberg at an undemanding 4.1% (Titanic Brewery, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire) kept me company until the rest trooped in. Not surprisingly the majority ordered the same. We were now minus Dr. Stan who had headed off to Brussel en route to München and some Starkbierfest or other. Jonathan had plans to drive there too but a Paraffin Budgie would speed him there from Manchester in the morning. Sister Kirstie and Simon joined us accordingly.

Fun with Cheese

By now Hector had been watching an adjacent couple tackle the Cheeseboard from Hell. I went to investigate. For £7.95, the choice of three substantial Cheese Portions from six, plus Loadsa’ Bread, Pickled Onions and Chutney. Let us not overlook the small, but perfectly arranged, Salad n the corner. Everyone watched, the Wetherspoons Breakfast may have been half the price, but this was more than twice the fun. In the end I was defeated and waved the Yellow Napkin. The leftovers, about a third of the starting volume, disappeared in seconds.

And so we moved along the Towpath to the White Cross. For the first time in three visits I found an Ale I wanted to drink. Timothy Taylor’s Landlord (Keighley, Yorkshire) at more suitable 4.3% is Mags’ Favourite Ale. She did not spot it was on such was the large array on offer. Oh how I enjoyed my Pint. Both the Water Witch and the White Cross gave CAMRA discounts. Simon told us that The Borough would give us £1.00 off an Ale on production of the CAMRA Membership Card. Craig and Yvonne were off, followed by Jonathan, Howard and Tracey.

Robin, Mags, Simon and Hector arrived at leisure passing some Lancaster Landmarks en route. The Borough was like sitting in someone’s Sitting Room. There was a bit of a wait to get served but at least a seat awaited at the large table adjacent to the bar.

Golden Sheep (Black Sheep, Masham, Yorkshire) at the lesser 3.9% had to be tried. Theakstons used to be wonderful, it was Old Peculier that got me into drinking Ale…. that well known light, hoppy… That the spin-off brewery Black Sheep were finally making a Blond Ale, well,, it had to be tried. It lacked the hoped for Hops, but was very Light and Refreshing. Simon enthused even more than Hector.

Craig and Yvonne were on the move again, ever closer to the Station. They reported back from The Tap House that Dark Star’s Revelation (Dark Star, Partridge Green, West Sussex) was available. Having warmed up somewhat, we were all now in the mood for something at 5.7%.

For £9.00, Craig and Yvonne obtained a Cheese Board which included Pate as well as a range of Cheeses. I was feeling hungry again, but had other plans for later, which did not include Curry-Heute, a first?

The Incident

Howard, Tracey and Hector were on the first of three trains back to Glasgow. Howard bought something for the journey. Tracey dropped it on the floor. Calm! Calm! The Glorious Liquid formed an ever expanding puddle on the floor – Is that the Cask Marque? – I had to ask…

The Pubs visited today:

 Water Witch – Canal tow path, Aldcliffe Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1SU

White Cross – Quarry Rd, Lancaster, LA1 4XT

The Borough – 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1PP

The Tap House – 2 Gage Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1UH

Posted in Lancaster | Comments Off on The BBC in Lancaster

Hector’s First Trip to the Hawkshead Beer Festival

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Hector

A Wetherspoons Breakfast at 09.30, on a Saturday? Yvonne had also texted to confirm the 11.01 from Lancaster to Staveley. This would get us to the Hawkshead Beer Festival before the Noon opening.

Yvonne had a strategy, she had to get the Stammtisch, the seat occupied by all those who had been on previous Trips. This was Hector’s first Trip to Staveley, he would follow the flow.

Jonathan and Robin had taken the Bus due to the lack of accessibility at Staveley Train Station. This left Seven of Nine to travel by Train. At Staveley one of the Barmen recognised Craig and took us a short-cut past the Graveyard. We were first to arrive and stood outside in the rain.

The doors opened at Noon, Yvonne was straight in and up the facing stairs, mission accomplished, now for an Ale, or two.

Tracey had consumed nothing but Ossett yesterday, the highly recommended Admiral IPA (Ossett, Yorkshire WF5 8ND) at 4.8% should be a gentle start to a long day. It was in our favoured Blond style, was indeed Dry, and then, Gosh! The Ale was becoming more Cheek Suckingly Dry by the Sip. This was just the job. But this is a Hawkshead Beer Festival.

Last Saturday, Glasgow CAMRA voted Hawkshead NZPA as best Beer of the Year. Craig was already demolishing it. Mags was worried they may run out and so grabbed some too. At least we were not returning from the Bar with Double Rounds as we are prone to do when the supply is at a premium.

I went downstairs to the Bar where the entire array of Hawkshead Ale was on sale. The NZPA was liberated. The Beer at Source! Dr. Stan appeared beside me, before I knew it we were in conversation with one of the Brewers. We informed him of his pending Award. He complained that it is hard for anyone else to get NZPA, most of it has apparently been sent North, to Glasgow! I wonder who drank it all?

By now I was familiar with the layout of the Venue.  Two Bars with long Corridors and Stairs separating them.  The Brewery Equipment was around us.  There was a Wi-Fi signal, but it was so poor the Handy Samsung was switched off for most of the day.  I was never here.

Back upstairs the Ale was thoroughly enjoyed, it ticked every box. Even after the Ossett, this had everything, Body, Flavour, exactly the Dry Hopped Ales we seek.

It would have been suicidal, or even worse, anti-social to stick with the Perfect Pint. Bitter Kiwi at a more able 5% (Bristol Brewing Company, Avon) was again a recommendation. It took a few moments after the NZPA, but this again was in the right style and was certainly worth investigating. It also had the bonus of being sold in the Upstairs Bar. This had nothing with me sticking to the same Brewery and following on the the American Hopped version, Independence at a lesser 4.6%. New Zealand Hops followed by American Hops, Hector was now in his element.

Our full complement of Nine was supplemented by the two Day Trippers. The Duke of Hamilton plus Alan arrived around 13.00. We were by now indeed having a Party. The Bristol Beer was enjoyed so much, plans were put in place for a Trip to Bristol (and Bath) later this year. It was also taken as read that we would be returning to Staveley for the Summer Festival in July. This year Hector’s Summer Vacation does not preclude a visit.

[Stan.TB] was back!

Howard was in Full Flow, Fun with Puns!, Tracey even departed from the Ossett. Robin breathed a sigh of relief when the Amsterdam Vase was NOT set before him. The Duke kept us entertained, how does he get away with it?

The afternoon merged into evening. Some decided that a train back to Lancaster was in order. Leaving the Day Trippers to fend for themselves. I persuaded Dr. Stan to stay on another couple of hours. This did not take much persuasion. Seven of Eleven had now left, we budged up and welcomed the New Company. Andrea and Co. would prove to be delightful. We were rejuvenated, just as well because the Final Ale of the visit would be a Doozy.

The NZPA was off!  There was no more!  Who drank it?

The Yakima Valley American IPA (Arbor Ales, Yakima, Washington, USA) at a mighty 7.0% was the Nightcap. Again perfectly Hopped, and American Hops of course. After the recent trip to NYC, I have acquired a great appreciation for the USA brand of Hops. Will I grow out of Hallertau?

Back to Lancaster

We had to change at Oxenholme, what a busy place. People going in all directions. It was only Dr. Stan and Hector left standing, or so we thought. People were reported at The Tap House, a new venue for us. Mag, Craig and Yvonne were tantalising themselves with Belgian Kriek.

Dr. Stan provided the final Pint of the Day. It was more Hawkshead, the Brodie’s Prime at 4.9%. This was the complete Antithesis, or even Antidote, to everything consumed today.

A Dark, almost Porter style Beer with no Hops whatsoever. It changed the Palate, but it also put me in the mood for Something Spicy .

Somehow, Hector was the last man standing, I tottered out The Tap House alone, picked a random direction and headed for Curry-Heute. Mognies was the destination.

The Brewery and Pub visited today:

Hawkshead Brewery Ltd – Mill Yard, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9LR

The Tap House – 2 Gage Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1UH

Posted in Staveley, Lancaster | 1 Comment

A First Friday Night in Lancaster

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Hector

Today The Friends of Hector had negotiated the time off in order to attend the Friday session at the Staveley Beer Festival. Hawkshead Brewery’s NZPA was voted Best Beer at the Glasgow CAMRA AGM last Saturday. From early afternoon the announcements of their pleasure were being made on a certain social media website. Hector was still at work, no Stavely for him, today. Instead the plan was to rendezvous with the Walking Wounded in Lancaster this evening. But before Bier there would have to be Curry-Heute.

Dr. Stan arrived in Lancaster as I was finishing my Curry, Jonathan had texted to state that he and Kirstie and Simon would be headed to the Water Witch after they too had Curry, but at a different Venue. How did we ever cope in the days before Mobile Phones?

The Water Witch was quite busy, perhaps busiest in the eating area. Two Chaps were finishing just as Dr. Stan and I nearly gave up hope of a seat. I ended up in the same Spot as on my last visit.

Pheasant Plucker (Fuzzy Duck, Lancashire) at 4.6%. The Ale is on the Amber side of Gold but had no distinctive Flavour. Usually first Bier in a week has best chance of impressing, sadly this did not. So Yorkshire Terrier (York Brewery, York, Yorkshire) at a lesser 4.2% was up next. Gold and Creamy is how the Pump Clip advertises the Ale. At this ABV it make s a good Session Bier. Slowly the Citrus element came to the Palate, this was much better. Hector famously went to the Pub of the same name in York a couple of years back. Guess which Ale they had run out of, unbelievable.

Kirstie, Jonathan and Simon joined us at the Water Witch. Only Jonathan, of these three, had the stamina to stay out longer. Dr. Stan and Hector were just getting into the mood. It was mooted that we move along the Canal Bank to the White Cross, so we did.

Dr. Stan held the Outer Door open and let Hector and a Stranger through. Hector held the Inner Door open and let the Stranger through. Thank you – he said. Fine – I answered, – It’s your round!

Another splendid pub but on our last visit there was nothing really wonderful to drink despite their superb array of Taps. Tonight was no different in terms of Ale, but Old Rosie was calling. Having imbibed so little, a 7% Real Cider felt appropriate.

There was a call for an early night. With tomorrow may lie madness.

The Pubs visited today:

Water Witch – Canal tow path, Aldcliffe Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1SU

White Cross – Quarry Rd, Lancaster, LA1 4XT

Posted in Lancaster | 1 Comment

The Crown Inn is located in Cheshire – ‘Across The Mersey’

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Hector

On my previous January Weekend Trips to Manchester I have departed on fairly early trains back to Glasgow. Today’s deal would keep me here until after 18.00, I was now at the mercy of The Others. The extra time finally permitted Curry-Heute at Kabana, Manchester best rated Curry Cafe. Saying Farewell to Howard and Tracey, my Fellow Diners, I made the rendezvous at Piccadilly for a train to Stockport. Mags, Craig and Yvonne were Train Ticketed. Dr. Stan, Jonathan and Robin made their own way.

Ten minutes later Craig was leading the way down under the spectacular Viaduct to the Crown Inn. We counted the Bricks. This is one of Craig’s favourite Pubs, initial impressions were very positive.

Supporting the Local Brewers, choice of the day was Blue Moon at 6% (Pictish Brewing Company, Rochdale, Greater Manchester), a thoroughly pleasant Blond Ale, great for a stress-free Sunday afternoon.

Taking over much of the room at the rear, we enjoyed the coal fire which lasted the afternoon despite Marg not being present to offer her expertise.

Musicians arrived, were we in Their Spot? They assembled in the smaller room at the front and the Diddley-Diddley was under-way.

 Glass – Bottle – Bottle – Glass

Yvonne was first to move away from Domestic, Robin and I soon followed. Bachus Kriek (Van Honsebrouck, Ingelmunster, Belgium) at 5.8% has sufficient body, but is not as Dry as say Cantillon, or as Cinnamon Flavoured as Hanssens.

The time passed quickly, Dr, Stan was staying on, the rest of us headed back to Manchester and Home. A Sunday afternoon in Stockport, The Crown Inn will be revisited.



The Pub visited today:

The Crown Inn – 154 Heaton Lane, Stockport, Cheshire, SK4 1AR

Posted in Stockport | 1 Comment

A Day out in Liverpool, and a Manchester Nightcap

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Hector

Hector’s First Bier in Liverpool, and the Second…

Breakfast was the now customary Curry-Heute – Shorba at Al Faisal. This meant I was an hour behind those who took the train before noon to Liverpool. The Manchester to Liverpool Railway was the first Inter-City Railway built in the UK. Hector is a font of all knowledge having watched Dan Snow’s interesting account of the history of British Rail Construction. When I say interesting, the story is, how he manages to put the emphasis on all the wrong things, who knows? Is it his speech pattern or the script writer? Oh, he probably writes the script. At least he is not wearing a Pink Jacket as does the other Railway enthusiast.  No, Craig does not own a Pink Jacket.

So, the Straightest Line imaginable between Two Cities? It took no time at all to travel the forty minute journey to Lime St. 1960-ish was my last visit to Liverpool. Father’s Ship – Glenpark? – was docked in Birkenhead. I remember going through the Mersey Tunnel and being intrigued by Traffic Lights. A Courtroom remains in the Memory Banks, one of the Crew must have been naughty. If he found the Range of Ales we found today then he had a good day out.

A Study of Google Maps was required to discover the layout of Liverpool. Renshaw Street became part of my Familiar Vocabulary for the first time. It is frustrating how poor the Streets of Liverpool were signed around Lime Street Station. Using Dead Reckoning, I was a few Blocks along Renshaw before I could confirm I was going the right way. I missed the turn off up to the Philharmonic where the Chaps were assembled. What a Building, yes even the Gents was worth the visit.

The magnificence of the Exterior was matched by the preserved Ornate Interior. I surveyed the Ales on offer – Nothing! I then found the Chaps who were nearing the end of their First Pint. Hector had timed it to perfection, we left.

Next stop was just around the corner and down hill – The Fly in The Loaf. This was another impressive Pub in terms of Fittings and Sense of Space. The Oktoberfest Bier from Hofbräu (München, Bayern) was a ridiculous way to start the day, Howard joined me.

One cannot go wrong with anything brewed by this wonderful Brewery. Finally I had the chance to sit and catch up with the Adventures of the Last Two Days, but not yet. There was a raised seating area to the rear that would have accommodated our Group comfortably, but it was blocked off with two chairs. I asked if we could sit up there and was told – No! That area is reserved for a Group coming this Evening.

But we are here now, and are only staying an hour. Things got worse. Tracey asked for a Taster Sample of what took her fancy. Denied. Jonathan in his own reserved but no nonsense manner quoted what I assume came from The Good Beer Guide re their Welcoming Attitude. Howard went on to Twitter and we left Appropriate Comments. The Wee Girlies and Wee Boy behind the Bar have no idea how to treat customers. We had to move a Table and Chairs to get the Nine of us together. We drank our Bier, Tracey hated hers. We left. We shall never return.

It was another short walk to the Roscoe Head, one of the few Pubs to have been in every edition of The Good Beer Guide. This was a splendid, cosy Pub, with Mature Female Staff who did not have to look at the reverse of the Pump Clips to see what they were pouring. Hector spotted a new Kelham Island (Sheffield, Yorkshire) Beer – Goody Two Shoes at 4.1%. This was an Amber Ale, at least it was Dry but did little for the Palate. What a great pity this Brewery is not what it was. Sheffield used to be a Regular Destination in The Life of Hector, and Ale was not the only attraction. The nine of us took over one of the three small rooms. Sitting around the Perimeter we could all finally see each other. Time to catch up with Yvonne who is just back from New York.  Tracey secured an Array of Tasters.

Hector for once was taking the Back Seat, Dr. Stan knows Liverpool from his Undergraduate Days. Craig had a Peace (sic) of Paper provided by Ronnie from The Three Judges. Just like Christopher Columbus, he knew exactly where we were going next.

The Dispensary I had passed en route to The Philharmonic. Renshaw Street, I know it well. A one Room Pub, not the largest establishment, but by procuring the large Bench and Table we managed to get very comfortable. There was a choice of Ale, three in fact. Hop Twister at 4.5% (Salopian, Shropshire) would be the first Golden, Hoppy Ale of the day. This was more like it.

I stood for a fair part of the stay here which meant rubbing shoulders with the Locals. Good Guys. The Football was on TV, what was intriguing was The Chaps presenting: one Andrew Gray and one Richard Keys, erstwhile of Sky Sports. Now with Mr Souness also on the Panel, this looked very much like a BSkyB Broadcast. Al Jezeera may have been the Channel, but come on. Anyway, Live Football at 15.00 on a Saturday afternoon, superb. Gray and Keys back on The Box, magnificent!

I asked if we were staying for a second pint and was promptly put down. Then Craig, Howard and Jonathan all appeared with a second pint. Ya Dobber!

Dobber at 5.9% (Marble, Manchester), why have I not had this before? This ticked all The Boxes. Full Bodied, Golden, Dry, Hoppy, a true Session Bier!

Our next venue was down nearer The Mersey. Robin and Jonathan went to find a Bus. Dr. Stan knew the way on Foot. Mags, Craig, Yvonne and Hector flagged a Taxi. Howard and Tracey stayed – Ya Dobber! The Baltic Fleet looked interesting from the outside, a Gushet. The place was quite busy, almost full. With one person serving there was a queue at The Bar. Doris was doing her best but was getting slaughtered. Why was she on her own? We found a seat near the Point of the Building. The room was cold, uninviting, unwelcoming, tired. The Décor was not Retro, it was simply Knackered. This is a run down establishment. Perhaps this is what they are trying to maintain. As ever Dr. Stan arrived at the same time as those who took Mechanical Transport, he had not remembered the place to be in such poor condition.

Damson Stout, 5% (Baltic Ales, Wapping, Merseyside) at Source! Not my style of Ale at all but I had to have something that would at least try to have an impact on the Taste-buds after the splendour that was Dobber. Let’s just say the Damson Stout was not wonderful.

Four Pubs visited – Two Ticked, Two Struck Off.

We contacted Howard and Tracey and suggested they head to the next on The List, the Ship and Mitre. Arriving before we departed, they could not get a seat and were not positive. The Taxi Four went for Curry-Heute, the rest joined Howard and Tracey.

Renshaw Street

Apart from now being the only Street in Liverpool I could recognise, it is blessed with an excellent Pub and a not too shabby Curry House. That they are within a Block of each other made up our minds. After The Curry we had to return to The Dispensary. By now the Staff recognised that we were part of a Large-ish Group on a day out. Mein Host came over for a chat. We congratulated him on running such a welcoming House, not just in terms of the Ale but the Clientèle also. A group of Locals joined the Table, we felt at home.

A Middle-Aged, Middle-Class Couple held up our train back to Manchester by some twenty odd minutes. They claimed to have been insulted by a member of staff for getting on the train when it came into the station. Clearly a crime. He insisted the Chaps with The Helmets be called, She said very little.

Dr. Stan and Jonathan were waiting for Hector at 57 Thomas Street.

Lagonda, Gravity Poured and 5% (Marble, Manchester) is a classic Ale in the Style we crave. Howard was dragged by Text message from his Place of Repose for an Ale with his Chums. The other two departed, can’t pace themselves. The Night Cap was Edelstoff (Augustiner, München, Bayern). I ended the day how it began on Thomas St, no more Curry-Heute.  Last out?  Of course!

 

The Pubs visited today:

The Philharmonic – 36 Hope St, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 9BX

The Dispensary – 87 Renshaw St, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 2SP

Fly in The Loaf – 13 Hardman St, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 9AS

Roscoe Head – 24 Roscoe St, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 2SX

Baltic Fleet – 33A Wapping, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 8DQ

57 Thomas Street – 57 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NA

Posted in Liverpool, Manchester | 2 Comments

Missing the Manchester Beer Festival

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Hector

 The Chaps get to take time off work whenever they choose. We, The Professionals, have our holidays allocated, how we suffer. For the third successive year Hector finds himself arriving late on the Friday Evening in Manchester. The Chaps have done the Winter Ale Fest on Thursday and the Pubs of Manchester today.

Arriving at the New Oxford just after 21.00, Dr. Stan and Jonathan were the Last Men Standing. A Pint of 5.5% Ale awaited – Sheriff (Lincoln Green, Nottingham) disappeared in record time. This is very late to be having the first Bier of The Week. The second Pint was savoured, a very fine Blond Ale, some of which was poured over me thanks to some Locals who could just about stand up. Fortunately the Bar-staff were happy to top up the couple of inches knocked off.

This was the second visit to this outstanding Pub. The range of Ale was sufficient to guarantee something Light and Hoppy. The Foreign Bier on Draught did not set the heather on fire, but the Bottled Range was substantial but Pricey.

Jonathan took a Taxi to his Hotel. Dr. Stan and I were staying at the same place and so headed out into the sleet. It was only a fifteen minute walk back to the Centre of Manchester so why did my Taxi take ten en route?

Hector had Curry-Heute in mind, alas it was not to be.

Pub visited today:

New Oxford  –  11 Bexley Square  Salford, M3 6D, Manchester

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Happy New Year from Mirfield and Todmorden!

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Hector

Mirfield, the only place to be on Ne’er Day.

Hector had suggested, semi-seriously some time back that we look at this West Yorkshire Railway Junction as a possible venue for Hogmanay. Alas there are not enough beds available in what is little more than a Village to accommodate the Group, so Huddersfield it was. Mirfield is but eight minutes by train away.

There was a rendezvous time at the Train Station, what was not anticipated that we all end up having Breakfast at Wetherspoons, nothing else was open. Is is a Holiday, or something?

Craig spent the duration of Breakfast promising to go to bed early next Hogmanay. Midnight, and after, is way past his bedtime. Full English Breakfast for Hector, even the Sausages were edible. Coffee Accompaniment of course, Hector cannot stand Tea cooked in English Water.

Arriving at one Platform in Mirfield, I asked the Guard to confirm that our planned departure some fifty five minutes hence would be from the platform –  Lying Yonda in da Distance..

Then began one of today’s objectives. Hector stripped off the warm outer garments, down to the T-shirt bearing the face of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, erstwhile Captain of the Starship Enterprise ‘D’. Patrick Stewart was born in Mirfield, everyone knows that.

The Navigation Tavern is just outside the Station, my second visit. The Canal runs past, Marg went exploring, the rest went in for Ale.

The Locals were hogging the Bar and the service. Eventually we all had an Ale. Sneck Dust at 3.8% (Great Newsome Brewery, Winestead, East Yorkshire) was Blond but lacking in everything. There was nothing else attractive in what was a decent array of hand pumps. This is the problem of being an Ale drinker, one faces the ordinary, or even less than ordinary too often. If the Ale was disappointing, the atmosphere deteriorated rapidly. From the Proclaimers the music went Irish, we had the lot, Eurovision song winning Presidents, a song sung at football grounds, Craig was in agony, few were comfortable. We should have stayed another hour.

Todmorden

Todmorden is some forty minutes from Mirfield. The Bare Arts was the attraction. Marg went for Coffee in a Café with interesting things on the wall. The Faster Walkers arrived first, Dr. Stan and Hector. Clive and Maggie were not far behind. Dr. Stan and Marg have been before, they know. The expression on everyone’s face was a joy as they walked into the worst colour scheme of any House-Brewery in England. Even the floor…

There was a private function being held in the big room so the place was stowed. This apparently was how they could guarantee being open today. The arrival of ten Scots plus two was another bonus for them.

Hector was recommending the Cascade at 6.4%. Mein Host offered it at 4.4% and 8.4% too. The rest found their choice but most ended up on the Cascade … at 6.4% This Ale only comes in half-litre bottles as do all the Ales at Bare Arts. In winter the temperature is fine, as noting is chilled, avoid this place on hot days. The Cascade has everything, Strength, Hops, Body, and a Magnificent Dry and Hopped Flavour, did I mention Hops? It has to be treated with respect.

Mein Host took the time to talk to us. He lost thousands of bottles in last year’s floods. At the prices he charges it should not take too long to recoup the losses. The Ale here is not cheap. Why Micro-breweries charge premium prices has always escaped me. The Customer pays to visit The Source, the Bier does not have to Travel.

When Tracey walked into the Bare Arts she hated it instantly. Yet when some decided to play safe and retire to the Polished Knob she stayed on to drink the 8.4% Cascade, The Lady had changed her mind – Big Time. Having had the thumbs up from Dr. Stan last year I knew the Bare Arts would go down well. Todmorden is now on the map.

The Polished Knob, where Ricky, Richard (no, not that one) and Hector had a misunderstanding over local eating customs a couple of years back… had nothing special on offer. Bland was not an option, Hop Chocolate Stout at 4.8% (Raw, Chesterfield, Derbyshire) was Dark as anticipated, nothing special at first, then surprised.

Howard, Robin, Marg, Dr. Stan and Hector sat adjacent to the Table of Tantrum. The walk back up the hill to the Station had me worried for some, on arrival. The walk from the Station to Bare Arts and the steepness of the hill appear to shrink with every visit.

Back in Huddersfield

Jonathan had had the day off. He was waiting at our new Huddersfield local, The Rat and Ratchet with John and Judith. The King Rat at 5% (Rat Brewery, Huddersfield, Yorkshire) was once again the Ale of choice, though I did end the evening on Franziskaner (Spaten, München, Bayern), my first Deutsche Bier of 2013.

We were tired. John remarked at how quiet the assembled company had become. Fortunately in this Couple’s Company the conversation always flows.

Hopefully they will make it to Musselburgh on May 18.

For the third and last time, Marg and Hector walked back to the Travelodge. This Trip is not over, unless one answers to the name Howard, Tracey, Clive and Maggie. The rest of us move on to Bradford tomorrow, for reasons unfathomable…

The Pubs visited today:

Navigation Tavern – 6 Station Rd., Mirfield, West Yorkshire, WF14 8NL

Bare Arts – 110 Rochdale Rd., Todmorden, West Yorkshire, OL14 7LP

The Polished Knob – 31 Burnley Rd., Todmorden, West Yorkshire, Ol14 7BU

The Rat and Ratchet – 40 Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Hd1 3EB

 

Posted in Todmorden, Huddersfield, Mirfield | Comments Off on Happy New Year from Mirfield and Todmorden!