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

 

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Holmfirth, and a New Find in Huddersfield on Hogmanay

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Hector

A £19 per night per room Travelodge comes without breakfast – very poor. Marg and Hector walked into the centre of Huddersfield in search of a suitable venue. Marg spotted a shop which appeared to be more in the business of selling Tea but there was an upstairs. Reluctantly I agreed to enter. An elderly couple sat alone, however, by the time we left a good dozen people has passed through. Soup and a Panini was the best on offer, I really wanted a Bacon Roll. The place was ok.

Wandering back down to the covered market the rain once again became an issue. Marg bought Fruit, this would be her midday snacks, Hector had Bier on his mind, but it was still quite a bit before the 13.00 rendezvous at Huddersfield Bus Station. Avoiding the rain meant Coffee in another establishment I found strange. There was definitely no table service.

Dr. Stan was waiting at the Bus Station, Ricky was due in from Bradford soon. A Day Roamer at a reasonable price was the order of the day. Not that we would get full value, Ricky warned us that the buses would start to disappear around 18.00. We were now a group of twelve.

Holmfirth was the destination, a town Hector associates with Prog Rock given that the old cinema, The Picturedrome, is now on the Rock Gig Circuit. The Ladies, well Marg and Maggie, were excited about visiting the locus where Last of The Summer Wine was filmed. The Summer Wine Brewery was on the mind of The Chaps but there is no dedicated Tap in Holmfirth, allegedly. The bus journey took us along roads a Double Decker had no business on travelling. The adverse camber at one point had us worried. Yvonne was glad she was not sitting upstairs at the point where we all leaned in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, most of us were upstairs!

The Nook was where Ricky was taking us. A large poster did give away its position, arriving other wise it could have been difficult to spot it through the back lane. Sky Blue Blond (Nook, Holmfirth, Yorkshire) at 4.5% at Source would start the very long day. Golden and Hoppy but not particularly outstanding was Hector’s verdict. Another was consumed just to make sure.

The Nook itself was a fine pub. Three rooms in all, we were tucked into the rear. Marg and Maggie went off in search of Nora Batty, Dr. Stan had an ample plate of Bangers and Mash, Ricky as ever kept us amused.

Worried about becoming stranded, we were dragged back to the outskirts of Huddersfield Town Centre to alight right outside the Rat and Ratchet. Howard (and Tracey) had been before courtesy of John and Judith insisting they go a year or so back. This was our second Brewery Tap today, in keeping with our fundamental philosophy. This was another great discovery (?), a large open area at the Bar would provide plenty of Standing Room as required. A large room to the rear complemented two raised alcoves street side. We squeezed ourselves into the lower tier.

King Rat at 5% (Rat Brewery, Huddersfield, Yorkshire) seriously Hoppy, again Golden but Outstanding! Especially drinking it at Source. Little did we know it but this would most certainly be the Ale of The Trip, it ticked all the Boxes, Strong with the now expected Citrus after-taste.

It was no surprise that Robin, Craig, Mags, Jonathan and Yvonne stayed on with Ricky. Offers to keep Ricky out and chip in for a middle of the night New Year’s Day Taxi back to Bradford were mooted. Clive, Maggie, Howard, Marg and Hector took a Bus back to the Town Centre, aren’t’ Bus Apps great? We had plans for Nandos.

Black Flag Half Chicken, Garlic Bread and Spicy Rice, mu Usual. A good way to have one’s final meal of 2012. Curry-Heute was not really an option, yesterday was wonderful in Bradford, a City we were due to return to soon.

Yvonne had arranged the booking of a table at The Grove, she was now perturbed that so few were occupying the seats. The five of us were now after the rendezvous time. Dr. Stan, Robin, Jonathan and Mags had by now disappeared to find something to eat. Ricky had just disappeared, or gone home whilst he could. There would be no more buses until January 2nd, yet unlike Scotland, the trains would be running. I like this.

By 20.00 most of us were at The Grove. Taking it easy was the name of the game, Craig had not read the script. The Magic Rock (Huddersfield, Yorkshire) Highwire at 5.5% was not really doing its job. What was most raved about Ale of 2012 was a Pale Shadow of its former glory. The King Rat may have taken the throne I spent the evening trying alternatives nothing new. Nothing really was hitting the spot, not even Kriek. The good stuff, Cantillon was way over-priced.

Tracey arrived around 22.00, the group was now complete, Craig re-joined the sentient and uttered the Bombshell.

Yvonne and I are to be Married in May, 2013!

The Spanish Inquisition was expected more than this announcement. What was to blame? Fyne Ales – Superior IPA or a broken wrist both featured in the night of The Proposal. It was also proposed that none of tonight’s assembled company would be invited to The Wedding. The Staggs, Musselburgh, on May 18this the Place to be.  We are all invited, allegedly…

Happy New Year

 The Appropriate Headgear was sported by the Willing Few. Auld Land Syne was led by us who were in the majority in the back room. Yvonne gave me my Calendar, I had Calendars ordered for Everyone present, but Pixum had cocked up the offer. I had nothing.

 The Grove put on absolutely nothing tonight. Mein Host and his Lady were visible but made no attempt to welcome anyone or interact with our group who had travelled afar to be on these premises at New Year. Marg had the Party Poppers, enough to go round others outwith our group. This was disappointing. We have been visiting The Grove for years yet none of the staff know us. We were strangers, needlessly.

The Pubs visited today:

The Nook – 3A Victoria St., Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 2DN

The Rat and Ratchet – 40 Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3EB

The Grove – 2 Spring Grove Street, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 4BP

 

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Huddersfield, where else for New Year?

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Hector

What would turn out to be the last Curry-Heute of 2012 was consumed at the Sheesh Mahal, Bradford. Eight of Nine checked into the Huddersfield Travelodge, Dr. Stan as ever did his own thing. It was chucking it down as it did on this very day last year. The walk to The Grove in the wind and rain was not so pleasant, that it took some thirty minutes did not do down well with some who resorted to a taxi.

The Grove has been a stand-out venue in the last couple of years. With a large range of Draught Ales and an extensive range of Bottled Foreign Bier to complement the Draught, everything we could hope for Bier-wise. The Grove was selected back in February as our Hogmanay venue, the deal we secured at the Travelodge set us up perfectly.

Magic Rock’s (Huddersfield, Yorkshire) Highwire at 5.5% has been a great attraction this year. Cheek-suckingly Dry with Citrus, the perfect pint. Then in recent months it went Hazy. In The Grove it was better than has been served in Scotland in recent times but after a couple it was time for a change. Gads at 6% (De Molen, Nederland) was as Howard described, full of Apples, weird. One was enough, time to return to the tried and tested, Schlenkerla Marzen (Schlenkerla, Bamberg, Bayern) was the tipple for the remainder. The Smoked-Bier is good, had the Urbock been available it would have been even better.

Nine becomes Thirteen

John and Judith joined us just after 19.00, the Locals we now consider Friends were discovered on our first Grove visit. John was able to identify Mein Host as he emerged from his private door. He did not engage us. The Staff were new to us and struggled at times to keep up with the demand. It was a pity that none of the previous Staff were still employed, here we were in a Pub we hold in the highest regard, visit as often as we can, and we felt like strangers.

Throughout the evening we were updated by the progress of Lord Clive and Lady Maggie speeding up the M1. Leicester, Derby, Chesterfield, Sheffield and eventually Huddersfield. Rather tan waste VDT, they too took a taxi up from the Tavelodge.

This was a night made by The Company.

The Pub visited today:

The Grove – 2 Spring Grove Street, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 4BP

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5 Oakham Ales at The Counting House

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Hector

Bier-Traveller rarely reports on domestic consumption, this evening is clearly an exception.  That this report is a favourable one about a branch of Wetherspoons is almost unbelievable.

The Counting House was Glasgow’s first Wetherspoons opening in the late 1990s. The splendid building was once a branch of the Bank of Scotland.  This type of conversion has happened to many banks since the invasion of ATMs,  Such premises are hard to take as Pubs given the annoying habits that are obviously company policy.  Available Soon is an anathema to those who do frequent this chain regularly. Basically it is a dishonest policy as I remarked to the manager of the Helensburgh branch some weeks ago when he admitted there was not a (full) cask of the advertised Ale in the cellar at all.  Getting served is annoyingly difficult hence it is now customary to order double rounds.

This evening the staff were plentiful, I was asked twice at the bar if I required serving, a first.  Neil had picked up that Oakham (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire) Green Devil would be on this afternoon.  This was its first appearance in a Glasgow Pub. At 6% this ticks all the boxes, Full Bodied, Dry and Hoppy it is the finest of our favourite style of Golden Ales.  This is the Ale of the moment.

Sandy, the Manager, came over to take his well deserved bow.  He has worked wonders in the Glasgow Ale scene  since his arrival at Henglers Circus a couple of years back.  We knew the Citra at 4.2% and the Inferno at 4% were also available, we had not picked up that five Oakham Ales were available.  They are by far The Brewers at this time. with Hawkshead, Magic Rock and Fyne Ales bringing up the rear.

The Citra was tried too as light relief, its Citrus flavours being lighter on the palate.  The Inferno was also in fine form, much better than the last time I had it ironically at another Wetherspoons in Brighouse.

A great evening was had by all, preceded of course by a Curry-Heute.

The Pub visited today:

The Counting House – 2 St Vincent Place, Glasgow, G1 2DH

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München and Rosenheim too…

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Hector

The plan for today was to go somewhere different, Rosenheim would be that place. The Bier also had to be good as I would be getting bombarded with Communiques from The Staggs (Musselburgh) who are having their Remembrance Day Festival today – and tomorrow… The Breakfast at The Royal is one of the main attractions, today they had added Nuts to their Fare, a good touch.

The Bayern Ticket (for two) took us to Rosenheim in 45 mins, the drizzle was stopping. The Auer Bräuerei was located just along from the Station – keep this for later. Approaching the edge of the Marktplatz I spotted a sign for an exhibition – Tiefsee. The Poster had an Octopus, Marg would like this – Kultur? Fish! Sadly the exhibition stopped last week, but wait it had been extended! We spent a few minutes locating the Flöltzinger Bräuerei then off we went.

Now the Poster had an Octopus, we expected Fish, Sea Creatures, not an exhibit about the technology of Deep Sea Exploration. We saw some Diving Bells and Jacques Cousteau’s Red Benny Hat! I did learn something about the movement of Ocean Currents that had escaped me so far – the Equatorial Counter Current at the surface of the Pacific and Indian Oceans is part of the Thermohaline Conveyor.

There was a Movie, just as well. It lasted only ten minutes, even better. I suppose if they brought these Creatures to the Surface they would explode. Gosh they were ugly, not since the Sky Sports Cameras panned around the Stands at a certain East End Football Ground have I seen such unfortunate looking Species. Time for Lunch.

We wandered through the Marktplatz which was empty. A pleasant enough Square, is this all Rosenheim has to offer? Café Elizabeth offered us Soup for €2.90. Expecting a modest bowl the portion turned out to be huge and included pieces of Frankfurter – superb. Bier O’clock!

The Flöltzinger Bräuerei boasts winning an Award for brewing the Best Helles in the World. Now who wins Awards, and who takes Awards seriously?

The Flöltzinger Hell was indeed superb. It was not totally Dry in taste but there was no hint of Sweetness. The Body was full, definitely over 5% also suggested by the richness of the Golden hew. The Chaps would love this! Marg had Gluhwein, Help ma Boab!

The plans for later evening permtited only a modest afternoon intake was required. I tore myself away, more would have gone down very well, the Auer Bräuerei was calling. Without a map I took us straight there. We found what looked like the Ausschank, closed. An integral Spanish sounding restaurant also said Ruhetag… No more Bier, time for Ice-Cream!

The Cafe La Perla is directly outside the Bahnhof, well, we are on Holiday…

Augustiner Ausschank

We took the Tram up the road to the Augustiner Brewery Tap where New Years were brought in prior to the Ulverston Days. How can they sell Edelstoff for so little? At €2.60 per 0.5l this is delightful, even allowing for the short-measure. I thought the Burgermeister of München had decreed in the late 1990’s that all Bier will be poured to the Line? We sat opposite a mature Russian/Polish Couple but more importantly, facing The Band who were at the end of our table. Marg applauded everything, the Lead Trumpet began to acknowledge Marg. Photos were taken, lots of photos.

We had to eat, again

The Bratenpfanderl is a Pan served dish with four pieces of Meat, three Pork all cooked differently, and a quarter Duck. A Dumpling and side of Red Cabbage maintains the Healthy Option. All this for €11.90, how? It was Marg’s turn to order the Wiener Schnitzel. More Edelstoff.

The R/P Couple were not so Happy, well Doris certainly wasn’t, Bert kept buying her more Radler. We think she wanted to leave. They were with us until near enough the bitter end. Meanwhile three Malaysian Chaps sat at the end of our table blocking my view of The Band, it’s OK, I could still hear them… Marg was in, two Michaels and a Kim. Marg will write their Biographies next week after this Week’s Reports are written.

Our Waiter knew that Edelstoff was the Bier of choice, the measures even became acceptable, so was his Tip.

Rod and Frankie

The Sports Bar, or Café Schiller as it is more correctly called is a few metres from the Hotel Royal, one cannot have a Trip to München and not have the Night Cap here. The eccentric Rod Stewart Clone was not on duty, his more more intense colleague would serve us. A short measure of Franziskaner appeared very quickly and a Baileys for Marg. Now I know that the Bier at this venue is poured from Metered Fonts, so how is s short-measure possible?

… Something is afoot in the City of München…

 

The Brewery Taps and Cafes visited today:

Cafe Elizabeth  –  Ludwigsplatz 22, 83022, Rosenheim, Bayern

Flöltzinger Bräustuberl  –  Samerstrasse 17,83022,  Rosenheim, Bayern

Eiscafe La Perla  –  Bahnhofstraße 12,  83022, Rosenheim, Bayern

Augustiner Bräustuben, Landsberger Str. 19, 80339, München

Sport-Café Schiller – Schillerstrasse 3, D-80336, München

 

 

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A Saturday in München

Posted on November 10, 2012 by Hector

We arrived at the Hotel Royal at 10.00 far too early to check-in. Herr Kharazi, Mein Host, greeted us by name and invited us to have Coffee and settle into life in München. We soon wandered towards town entering the Kaufhof at Stachus, the place where Hector had his first ever München Bier back in 1976, it was Löwenbräu Helles, still rated. Marg wanted to shop – ah praise the No Liquid Rule! The Saturn shop was bypassed, later. We had missed the 11.00 Glockenspiel, it was now afternoon, time for Marg to be indulged. The Cafe Piemonte is located behind Marienplatz en route to the Viktualienmarkt. It is not just the Coffee, it is the sheer indulgence of Cake served here. The portion of Walnut Cake set before Marg was obscene, and this is stated by the Man who was about to commence the Hot Orgasm as it has come to be called – Hot White Drinking Chocolate – my week’s Chocolate allocation all at once.

There are a couple of stalls in the Viktualienmarkt which Marg cannot resist, the Shopping resumed. This was also a good time to book a table for dinner at the adjacent Pschorr Bräuereiausschank. Time for Curry-Heute!

It was after 16.00 before the day was resumed, Saturn gave up a fairly new Eloy CD, Hector has bought nothing from Mr. Bornemann for many years. Time for Bier!

The Augustiner Grossgastätte is the first Big Bierhalle one encounters now that the Mathäser has long since gone. We joined a couple who acknowledged us  but did not communicate further. The Waiter struggled to comprehend Zitronenlimonade, Edelstoff he coped with. However I had issue with the measure – it would settle well below the line. Still, given the crowd it would take an age to sort, … FC Bayern were playing at home today, the place began to fill up with the aftermath of an afternoon at the Allianz Arena. A good time to move.

Andechs am Dom does not sell Andechs (Kloster Andechs, Herrsching, Bayern) Spezial Hell except on alternate Tuesdays when there is a Z in the month. Today was no exception. The short-measured Hell tasted entirely different from the Edelstoff which had preceded it. Is Dr. Stan right? Is Edelstoff sweet? Today’s palate thought so.

The Andechs Weizen, even when sold as a short-measure is one of the two finest there is, Gutmann (Titting, Bayern) being the other. Marg ordered White Wine and received Weinschorle – OK. By now we were comfortable, had a decent seat and the Football Chaps were more outside than in. Time for Dinner!

The Pschorr Bräuereiausschank

We have visited these premises for our first München evening meal as a matter of course for some years now. The food is always good and they sell Pschorr Hell vom Holzfass – Gravity Poured and from the Wood. The Chap who took our reservation at Noon was still n duty. There was a queue which did not appear to be dissipating, we were called forward, and with English Menus in hand were taken up to the Balcony. What Cleavage?

It could only be the Wiener Schnitzel for Hector – Death by Veal in Breadcrumbs. It comes with Bratkartoffelen, fortunately these are minimal. Marg had the small-portion of Veal Meatballs – Small?

We were well looked after, even when I decided I had had enough of short-measures and demanded a Top-Up. Time to leave.

In München Steht ein Hofbräuhaus

The noise from the Hard Rock Café was immense, why do people go there? Time was when getting a seat at 22.00 in the Hofbräuhaus would have been impossible at the weekend. We sat in exactly the same spot as last November, and people think I am boring and predictable? The Band were three tables away playing the Traditional Musik that is now customary.

Gone are the days of Pop Music and Standing on the Benches… Once upon a time I would have stated the visit here with a Dunkels, then there were the years of the Weissbier Party – Münchener Kindl remains a remarkable Weizen – but no, the Traditional Hell was ordered. Tea for Marg.

The People at the table left and were soon replaced by some young Chaps who did not take us on. The best nights in the Hofbräuhaus are when a table of Strangers become Lifelong Buddies. Marg was fading, time to go.

The Brewery Taps, Cafe and Bar visited today:

Caffe Piemonte  –  Petersplatz 9, 80331, München, Bayern

Zum Augustiner – Neuhauserstr. 27 – 80331 München

Andescher am Dom – Weinstraße 7, 80333, München

Der Pschorr München Wirtshaus – Viktualienmarkt 15, 80331, München

Hofbräuhaus – Platzl 9, 80331, München

 

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Partridge Green – The Source of Dark Star!

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Hector

It was moments after 06.00, the 06.25 flight from Gatwick to München was about to Board. You’re from Edinburgh? said Doris in front of us in the queue. No, Glasgow, I replied. Your Boarding Card says Edinburgh. So it did, where was my Gatwick-München Ausweis? I looked in my pockets, nothing, I opened my bag, nothing, I left the queue. I did not even have the return Boarding Cards to Edinburgh, wtf?

Last evening was all so different

We reached Edinburgh Airport in good time by driving via Stirling and not taking the normally congested M8. Our flight to Gatwick was early, Clive and Maggie were waiting for us in their new Mercedes, why did they not send their Driver to collect us?

Clive put forward a suggestion – There is Dark Star (Partridge Green, West Sussex) Smoked Porter on in a Pub just a twenty five minute drive from here. I had tasted this two weeks prior at the Three Judges (Partick, Glasgow) and had been impressed by how similar it was in flavour to Spezial (Bamberg, Bayern). I had told Clive to keep an eye out for it as it must appear in his neck of the woods soon. Why drive twenty five minutes for a Bier when one still has to drive ten minutes to Crawley, dump one’s bags and walk to and from The Swan? Surely a waste of VDT?

Maggie was up for the drive, Clive was still not selling me the deal, but as we were headed south east beyond Crawley it was now written. The Sat-Nav did not give away the destination, the road-signs eventually did – Are we heading to Partridge Green? I asked. This was by now rhetorical. The home of Evening Star, our favourite Brewery in these parts (some may argue that Harveys holds its own), we were going to The Partridge, the Brewery Tap. The location of the Brewery itself was pointed out just before we parked at this much sought after venue. Only The Brothers have been here before! Clive assured me. I was a Great Big Happy Old Hector and I had not even had the Bier. A BIG THANKS to Maggie for indulging us. Partridge Green! Leith no more!

Maggie permitted herself a half, Clive and Hector got tore in. Marg even had her favourite Caribbean Tipple. This Ale is everything I remembered and it was late of an evening when I first had it. Not as severe as Schlenkerla, it has the distinctive Smoked Flavours, but remains Mellow.

There’s More!

The American Pale Ale also from Dark Star had to be tried also. Another Fine Ale, but after the comparative onslaught on the palate of its predecessor it did lose out. One of the Locals propping up the bar took us on, he did not believe that I had come all this way and so briefly to drink Dark Star Ale at Source, why not?

Back to Crawley

Maggie dropped Clive and Hector at The Swan, she and Marg headed back to the Mansion.

Niall was in situ, Dave arrived shortly afterwards. One is starting to feel like a Local, and what’s-more there was no Hophead. Amarillo (Crouch Vale, Essex) a Blond at 5% was deemed to be only second of choice to the Dark Star’s American PA at the last Larbert Ale Festival. Tonight it was flat, lifeless, tasteless, a major disappointment. Time to switch to the Cider, but no Old Rosie…the Black Rat.

We were sensible Chaps and went home long before closing time. Clive had washing machines to move, Hector had a flight at 06.25. The Taxi was ordered the Alarm set.

The Trusty HTC?

Lesson #1, don’t switch off the phone and expect the Alarm to ring. The bladder woke me at a time I thought was early. We had missed the Alarm and the Taxi. A new Taxi would arrive in minutes, we were at Gatwick twenty minutes after the original plan and were through security in no time.

But where was my Boarding Pass?

Marg had taken the München-Edinburgh passes from me. It was pointed out that I must have had the correct Pass to get through Security.

The Wrong Pocket

It was early, I was definitely harassed, all was well and we even managed to get the extra leg-room seats. München here we come…

The Brewery Tap and Pub visited today:

The Partridge  –  Church Road, Partridge Green, West Sussex, RH13 8JS

The Swan – 1 Horsham Road, West Green, Crawley, RH11 7AY

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A Trip to Koblenz

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Hector

We were all up in time for breakfast despite the attempt at late night madness. The Radlers announced that their plans had altered due to a domestic problem, they would be cutting their trip short and would not be stopping off at Koblenz tomorrow. Bidding fond farewells it was decided to restore our trip to Koblenz to today as originally planned.

The train from Traben took us to Bullay where we had no choice but to take an RB down the Mosel to Koblenz. We stopped at every Bahnhof, yawn. At least the return would be an RE and stop only a couple of times.

A Taxi took us out to the Brauerei Königsbacher, well so I thought. The tall tower revealed a re-branding had occurred, the Brewery is now called Koblenzer. Would the Bier be the same?

The Zischke has always been the main attraction. This Unfiltered Helles has a sharp almost Citrus flavour, very sharp indeed. The large Brewery Tap was relatively empty on this Wednesday lunchtime except for the tables overlooking the Rhein. We were still able to watch the traffic on the river and gaze across to the Maximillian Brauhaus at Niederlahnstein. Relaxation.

Doris brought the Menu, what? As well as the Ziske, Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier (Munchen, Bayern) was available vom Fass and, wait for it – Andechs Bergbock Hell! Hector cannot remember having had Bergbock on draught before, and if he has the lack of memory would be obvious.

The Zischke had to be sampled first out of respect for where we were, it was everything I remembered. Steve was happy to follow the lead, Anthony and Ian had em, other beverages. A the late night taking its toll?

Soup was ordered, a very impressive, Spicy, Goulash Soup – recommended!

Then it was time for the Andechs, gosh! I could have stayed here all day, Steve may well have warmed to this too, however there was a shifting of feet across the table. No Oktoberfest Bier for Hector.

Doris called us a Taxi – altogether – You’re a Taxi… Hector the Tour Guide suggested we take the Taxi all the way to Deutches Eck, it saved a needless walk across the city.

The Sun was brilliant, it was approaching Warm, what a fine place to be, the confluence of Das Rhein and Das Mosel. A new Cable Car connects the Peninsula to the fortifications across the river. Enough Kultur.

We wandered back up the Mosel and cut up into the Altstadt. The Altes Brauhaus is usually approached from the City, not the river. It took a double back or two in the Altstadt to finally locate the venue. How long is it since I last had a Bier in Koblenz? Maggie would know. Steve had been at the Altes Brauhaus more recently than me. This place had been shut for some time but is now back in full swing. Bei Berndt was our local some ten years ago, this venue must be the best in town presently.

Königsbacher is still very much the Logo that is visible but the Big Six of Munchen were represented by Spaten and of course Paulaner. Bring on the Festbier! Steve partook, the ladies stuck to their tea and coffee.

There was Wi-fi but our new Doris refused to supply the code, eh? The Tip was small. An optimum train took us back up to Bullay for the connection to Traben-Trarbach, time to finally visit the Brückenschenke. Ian and Anthony would now partake.

Franziskaner (Spaten, Munchen, Bayern) was meant to be Hector’s first Bier of this Trip, finally. Once again Steve took the opportunity to enjoy what has become a rare treat in recent times. To think we used to be in Traben-Trarbach on virtually a monthly basis, and for ridiculously small quantities of money. For the record the Others had Kölsch, Gaffel Kölsch.  For the second time today we did not secure an optimum seat at the window, however, our party was now  in full swing, what did we care?

Grapes

We had to eat at the Stadt-Mühle, en route we heard activity of an industrial nature. With the Grape Harvest in, The Chaps were performing the modern version of Trampling The Grapes. A grinding machine, was in top gear, I was permitted to take a few photos of The Chaps in action. So, the starting process of making Wine has finally been witnessed. Nine more months until Wolf.

Stadt-Mühle

Eating at the Goldene Traube was always a pleasure, expectations were high. The Mosel-Menu no longer exists and so a few more Euros would have to be spent. The Rumpsteak mit Krauterbutter is an old favourite, for a start it isn’t Pork!

Getting Steak cooked through – durch – can be difficult, tonight was no exception. It had to be sent back for another blast. I did send a Steak back three times one evening at the Reissdorf Brauhaus (Köln, Nordrhein Westphalen). The Salad Bar is a new development for The Allmachers, once it was refilled it proved to be well worth the wait. Washed down with a Bottle of Franziskaner this meal was a delight. Now to consider how aggressive I can make my campaign to get decent Draught Bier served at these premises.

Ian ordered the Fish.  This meant that Richard had to come to the Mill Stream which runs under the restaurant beside us and catch one.  Much amusement all round.

Steve and Ian felt like a night off and so the four of us put the World to Rights.  Though they had written a Set List by the time we left.

Nightcap

We could not pass Hami’s, the man was there himself. A Swift Half of Altbier saw Ian and Anthony take time to have a game of darts. This was followed by an Old Timer coming over to salute us, for why?

The Brewery, Restaurant and Bars visited today:

Altstadt-Cafe – Mittelstraße 12, 56841, Traben-Trarbach

Brauerei Königsbacher / Koblenzer – An der Königsbach 8, 56075, Koblenz

Altes Brauhaus – Braugasse 4, 56068, Koblenz

Brückenschenke – Brückenstraße 33, 56841 Traben-Trarbach

Historische Stadt-Mühle – Weihertorplatz 1 56841 Traben-Trarbach

Hami’s Pils Stübchen – Weiherstrasse, 56841, Traben-Trarbach

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Ten Years After…

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Hector

In 2002 we were Nine, this year we were Five until the day before, and then there were Four.

Anthony, Ian, Steve and Hector made the rendezvous for the Tuesday flight to Hahn. Mr O’Leary now only offers three flights a week and all from Edinburgh, so much for the halcyon days of daily flights from Prestwick, wherever that is.

Our first ever Taxi Driver, Herr Nils Bucke was once again our Driver for the short €35 hop down from the Hunsrück to the Mosel Tal where lies Traben-Trarbach. Between four this affordable. We could have waited twenty hours for a bus.

Frank, Mein Host at the infamous Altstadt Café installed us in our rooms,

Bier O’clock

Our first collective Bier in 2002 was at the Brückentor, the Gatehouse Cafe to Tarbach which features on the Header Banner on this very Website. By the time we departed mid evening in October 2002 there were eight new converts to the splendour of Traben-Trabach. Hector is a sucker for the Romance of the Return Visit, the first Bier had to be there. Alas, Dienstag ist Ruhetag, and so we crossed the bridge to our other regular haunt, the Station Bar, properly known as the Türmchen. It felt like three weeks since I had last set foot in these premises, it was.

Once again Mein Host declined to let us sit at the large table, the only table, Reserviert, varum? The Weizen Bier was still the Bog Standard Erdinger so this was eschewed in favour of the first of many Kölsch of the trip. Gaffel was the Kölsch on offer. It was also the first attack on the lungs. Two very small Biers later and we were back across the Mosel.

Doris at the Brückenstubchen (formerly Rolf’s) was much more welcoming. The Kölsch was now Reissdorf, Hector’s favourite. The Young Chap who had also served us made an appearance too. Their photos from the last visit for the Wolf Strassenfest amused them. The day was kicking off. Somebody felt hungry, it had to be Caspari’s. With the Golden Traube now out of favour since the departure of the Allmachers, this would provide sufficient food at affordable prices, the Wine would also be enticing.    More Wine.

The Portions of Pork were not excessive, the quantity of Weissburgunder being consumed may have become so. Ian was loving it, Anthony was in full flow, Steve and Hector watched in amusement. The décor has been upgraded, a wee bit. The seating featured fewer benches, however, this remains a totally unpretentious eatery and always value for the Shekel. Anthony was so impressed he bought the T-Shirt. 

Where next?

’Twas a bit early to go back to the Altstadt Café despite Frank warning us that due to a staff shortage he would be closing early. He had to do the Breakfasts too. Hami’s was a possibility, then Steve suggested we have a look at the Stadt-Mühle where he was convinced he had spotted Richard Allmacher on his last trip here in August. The Stadt-Mühle was last visited at Easter 2006 when Hector and 20+ Colleagues took over Traben-Trabach in celebration of Twenty Five Years at a certain establishment. The place has been closed for some time since. Tonight it was open and there at the Bar was Richard Allmacher.

The Hands of Hector embraced the Shoulders of Richard. Marilies was behind the Bar with Son, Felix. We were all reunited once again. This is how it should be. The place was full but we had timed our arrival to perfection and soon had a table at the far wall. Richard put the Acoustic Guitar in my hands knowing that I would not be playing it, but he knew a man who could. A Piano was wheeled out from under the Balcony – time for the Steve and Ian show.

There was a sense of modesty as they considered what to play, inevitably Steve got stuck into his standards, Ian kept up ably, he is The Musician! The Locals loved it. A table of Mature Ladies stayed an hour longer than they intended. A group of German Chaps were clearly loving it, we ended up in conversation, they were from the North-West near Münster. Hector and Marg went to Münster once, it was all a ruse to get to Gronau where the Rock’n’Pop Museum is located – and the Can Studio has been reassembled. Münster turned out to be well worth a visit, and one day it will be written up.

Richard appeared on Violin and his usual repertoire was unveiled to the public once more.  Traben-Trarbach needs the Allmachers.

Richard came over and sat with Anthony and I. He related the entire saga of how he and Marilies ended their short retirement. In early August they re-opened the Stadt-Mühle, business appeared to be booming. This was a Tuesday night in October, the end of the season. People were flocking from all over to celebrate their continuation. I had to question how they could be permitted to open a rival operation one hundred metres from their long established venue. I was not surprised to hear that the Golden Traube is not doing so well, could it be on the market again soon? And would the Allmachers go back? With Felix now on board there is little reason not to. But why have to get up for Breakfast everyday when one can party every night?

This is a Bier Blog

 

Bottled Weissbier is all the Allmachers have ever served, the draught Pils will not rate further mention.

The first Bottle turned out to be Erdinger but was soon followed by a much better Franziskaner Dunkel. Anthony still insists that the Kristal remains his favourite, a very strange perspective. Ian and Steve were bought Bier by their German Audience from Münster and also by the House. Somehow Anthony and Hector benefited from all this too, we were the Road-crew!

Back to Frank’s

Steve and Ian played a good hour before it was decreed time to depart. It was getting early, the German Chaps were staying at the Altstadt Café too, where else? With our new found colleagues we headed down Mittelstrasse and for once entered through the front door. The Kölsch was Reissdorf, Cards were exchanged, a rendezvous at Königsbacher Brauerei in Koblenz was arranged for Thursday. They were Radlers and would be cycling back that way after a day’s stopoff at Cochem.

There’s More

Such is the madness of the first night of a trip, when the Children went to bed, Steve, Anthony and Hector considered a final Bier at Hami’s was called for. It was Gisele who was on duty, we were welcomed back with a glass of Gaffel Kölsch.

Restaurant and bars visited today:

Altstadt-Cafe – Mittelstraße 12, 56841, Traben-Trarbach

Türmchen – Bahnstraße 49 56841 Traben-Trarbach

Brückenstubchen – Brückenstraße 33, 56841 Traben-Trarbach

Weingut Caspari – Weiherstraße 18 56841 Traben-Trarbach

Historische Stadt-Mühle – Weihertorplatz 1 56841 Traben-Trarbach

Hami’s Pils Stübchen – Weiherstrasse, 56841, Traben-Trarbach

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