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

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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

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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

 

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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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