A new road named beer fest

 Afternoon yall. Long time no read eh?

Later am going to the West Bar Triangle beer festival - but 3 or 4 weeks ago I went to the Abbeydale Road beer festival - here]'s what I encounteerd.

The day before I had met a chap in S.M.o.t.D whose name I have forgotyten - he said he may be interested in going to the Abbeydale Road beer festival, and despite my concerns that it was all Sheffield beers (not all of them are good lets not fiorget) I opted to start at about 1400 - at the Beer Engine. Which is not on Abbeydale Road. As ever the beer was ace - a Black IPA at 6.7% from Phantom brewing, which I enjoye sat in the sushine in the garden.

From there I snaked my way along the back streets before coming out accross from the Cremorne - not been in for a few years and I had an excellent half of track on Cftp. And then I started - sort of. Jabarwocky (AKA Jabeerwocky) is right at the end of London Road. Sat in the beer garden you can see the Abvbeydale Road Sign - and talking to Chris the licensee - they weren't invited. So I got a whole pint of Kernel IPA at 7.1% on keg from the future and sat in the beer garden with Peter Hudson - who had just finished the Abbeydale Road Beer Festival.I have to say we were both gobsmacked that this wasn't part of the same. Cracking pub.

I officially started just over the road at the Bear. It was packed. I queued to get in, and saw the drunkest lass I think have ever seen. Its important to point out that I too get drunk sometimes - there's a reason why am called the Beefdozer - but having watched her clamber the stairs from the back room with 6 glasses on her hands and arms, half of whivich she dropped, one of hwhich the barman saved), I felt I had to ask her who she was and where she had been.

she was a Sheffield lass called Sarah who had spent a long time at school and uni in Lancaster. She claimed to have done the who;e festivel and to be heading home soon. A man from the saaaaarf joined us and she quickly stole his half and downed it and fell out of the door. I said " I think that lass has gone" He said " I reckon she already was gone!". I supped and left shortly after this - in all the excitement I sadly forget what I had but there was a pint of it - maybe Loxley?

Next to the equally rammed Dead Donkey - in here am certain I was on BbNo and had a pint of their session IPA also on kftf. I got the last seat inside and watched the crowds of drinkers outside.

I avoided Tap & Snap because it looked like an 18-30 bar in Menorca and instead popped into Turners. Inside they had a good range of S.M.o.t.D on and I saw the fabulous Kieron Turney who had come in with some former pupils (now in their early 20's!). It was great to catch up with Mr Turney whilst enjoying what may have been the excellent Laska Pils, and it's such a long time since I last went in there I have to mention how much it has changed!

Next to a new pub to mme - The Barrow Boy. In here I received my first stamped card, and had a pint of Heist from kftf. I also got a table and sat in the melee in relative calm! My first trip wa much appreciated.

Next was the most disapointing venue - the Picture House Social. It was so dark when I got in that I walked carefully and slowly to the bar - and then couldn't see what was on. When the lass told me I asked her which brewery they were (they may have all been Thornbridge?) she didn't know but once aware I bought a half and slithered aimlesly towards what I hoped was a seat. Mr H later said that there was a festival bar on the left in a brightl;ylit room - but obvs, I couldn't see it!

Penultimate stop was Two Thirds - which was also busy. I got a pint of Triple Point and what was Sheffield Brewery People's Republic of IPA - initially I had to stand at the last available table but when the guy came to collect the glasses I asked him for a chair and he got me one straight away!

Having missed the Little Critters at Gin Bar as I assumed they would all be in bottle, which they weren't) I finished in the Broadfield, where I had an excellent pint of Abbeydale Voyager IPA on keg from the future!

I went straight home from, there and then on the Tuesday was discussing it with a chap who worked at the Broadfield - he said he appreciated the funds but was dissapointed to find it was mainly all Sheffield beers - not least becuase they are very prevalent in Sheffield. We discussed the suggestion of a whole West Bar beer festivalm - and that is wehere am going in an hour!

Cheers!

Wee Befy

Derbyshire, Cheshire and a touch of Staffordshire.....

 Evening all!

         on Sunday I was collected by my great friend Mr G for our next crawl around the best pubs in Derbyshire (and beyond). Having failed last time to adequately check out the George ta Alstonefield (lost to food and no beer) I was determined to get this right. I googled the Crag Inn at Wildboarclough and found that it had doubled up as still a pub but mainly as a water bar - having found a spring on the property. According to Whatpub it was still a pub and served two real ales. I decided to go.

After an hour and twenty minutes we arrived in the glen like Wildboarclough and turned into the Crag Inn car park. We spotted folks sat outside with beers so assumed everything was fine - and got in and found they no longer sell drauught beer, or any other draught drinks. They did however sell bottles from Nearby Wincle brewery, although, not from the fridge, and we sat down with a bottle each of Wandering Wallaby and chatted. Whilst there about 20 people came in asked what they sold on draught - qall were told the answer was none. Having passed through a room end and corrridor of bottled water I visited the loo - finding handwash but only a single wet towel to dry my hands on. Whilst Mr G went to the same I asked the guy behind the lit, blue bar, what the deal was re it being a pub - he said they hadn't been a pub for two years, and now no longer sold real ale. Sound familiar?

Back in the car I recalled this to Mr G and he said - we could have paid £15 each for a mineral water e3xperience. But who would?

Driving into Wincle we lost connection to the Sat Nav and for some reason my phone so we asked a couple sat outside the Ship if they knew where Wincle Brewery was - luckily it was just down the road on the right in Danebridge! Soon there they had a tasting room selling a large number of bottles and three handpulled beers - I went on a pint of Wincle Hen Cloud andf a half of Straight Furrowand Mr G a half of Hen Cloud and we basked in the sunshine outside. An excellent stop.

Next we drove into Macclesfield and quickly found and parked accross from the excellent Red Willow Tap. Three real ales and about 14 kegs saw Mr G on alcohol free lager and myself on a pint of their 6.7% IPA! lovely place, and selling excellent Black pudding and mustard crisps, after a half of the sadly disappointing  Kernel Porter, we used Mr G's phone to walk up to the Park Tavern on Park Road about 5 minutes away.

This is a pub ran by Bollington Breweryu and they had about 8 of their beers on, including on Keg. I went for a pint of their Eastern nights with Mr G on a soft drink before heading back to the car. One thing I will say about the Park Tavern is that it was drearily dark sinside - yet on the way out down a passage behind the bar there was a lovely, bright - yet empty - room, at the front.

Our last stop was the pub of the night - the excellent Three Stags Heads at Wardlow Mires. First visit for may years and sadly I was unable to see Pat after the sad passing of Geoff on Good Friday. The range is similar but two Abbeydale and two guests - I started on the Black Lurcher (obvs) and Mr G a half of Deception. Was absolutely fabulous to catch up with former Barman/or/Landlord Robin, whom I had a good chat with!

Just one note btw - as I always remember - the pub is cash only - just for info!

Mr G dropped me in town and I got a tram to the Welly for a pint of Kernel and then went to Tesco for scran and ended up in Shakespeares, where I saw the lovely Abbeydale couple of Jim and Laura.

Anoother fabulous and enjoyable day out with my mate.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Alstonefield to Bargate crawl

Afternoon there,

      as is a regular occurrence, have been out with Mr G for an evening drive in Derbyshire and Staffordshire again - sadly Mr G got stuck in traffic travelling from Manchester so  did not pick me up until about 1800 but using his ever reliable sat nav we trailed through the peaks to our first stop at the George, Alstonfield.

I have to admit that I only glanced at the Whatpub page of the same so knew it would be open when we arrived - sadly, not as a pub, instead a restaurant. Stumbling in through the darkness we went through the door to the bar to be asked if we had booked a table - whilst viewing the cloth covered handpumps I explained we had come for a pint - and was told they hadn't been a pub for two years! We were told to head for the Watts Russel at the top of Hopedale which is where we were headed anyway. By now Mr G was ready for a drink....

Soon we pulled up at the Watts Russel - for only my second visit. They had Thornbridge Jaipur and Lord Marples on cftp along with a guest, so Mr G had a half of the Lord Marples and myself two pints of Jaipur - I was thirsty by that stage too! The pub was filled mainly with diners but we got a seat each and enjoyed our refreshments.

Next we used the Sat Nav to take us to the nearby Old Dog at Thorpe - a pub I have tried to go in twice previously, both times finding it closed. Sadly, nothing has changed it seems - the sign stated "temporarily closed". We carried on it to Ilam and headed out to Ashbourne to refuel. We didn't find a petrol station but we did make it to the Queens Vaults.

Two pints on cask (from the past ) and a few national keg brands and I had a pint of each with Mr G on soft drinks. King George's bitter at 4% from littleover Brewery and a pint of Peakstones Rock Wayman's Milk Stout at 5.4% were enjoyed whilst observing the quiter Thursday city centre shenanigans in Ashbourne!

Into Belper next to refuel, and a first ever visit to Angels Micropub off the market square. In here Mr G was back onto soft drinks and I had a pint of Nice Weather from Dancing Duck, whilst we enjoyed a pork pie each and fussed a lovely dog sat next to us.

Our final stop was not far away - the White Hart at Bargate. Only my second visit here and I had one pint - in two halves - of Shiny DIPA, - perhaps called Praise the Sun? Delicious at 8% on keg from the future, although am a little disappointed to have to have it it two halves!

Once more Mr G was very efficient at reaching all the pubs - including those closed - and even though it took him so long to drive to pick me up am glad to say that he got home in good time and a good state! Its grim new about the George, I have to admit, but sadly a kot changed in the loackdowns and this is another example. The Old Dog appeared to sell a good range but hopefully that will reopen again soon - and I may make my first ever visit!

The very best of health

Wee Beefy  

Hops

 Evening readers - long time no see, I admit....

But am here now so.....

Hops eh kids? What are they? Like the future, it seems, some people, will never know.....

     last night I was in the Bar Stewards micropub and bottle shop in Sheffield for a CAMRA pub of the month. I got chatting to a bloke have known for well over 25 years, and described to him that I really liked the Gibraltar Triangle - on being asked I confirmed that this was Shakespeares, The Stewards and The Crow.

" you like the Crow then do you ?" he asked. I confirmed. He said he had only been in once and didn't like it as he couldn't find anything he wanted to drink. I assured him that they sold four cask ales as well as kegs and cans just like here - I pointed to the bar and he said " I don't like Abbeydale Heathen - its vile". A bit surprised I asked why. " well its an American style pale" I told him that I had enjoyed the Grizzly grains for three pints and he said it wasn't bad because he hadn't expected to like it because it had Citra hops in it, which he didn't like. He hates Citra Hops. He suggested it was maybe due to Azacca - a hop he had never heard of which sounded Spanish or Mexican......

He also advised he didn't try anything with Mosaic hops in - as he hated them - a trifle surprised at his dislike of one of the original foreign hop brands, as well as his dislike of one of the popular newer hop types I asked him if he liked any Sheffield beers - admittedly a bit of an over-reaction on my part!

He admitted he liked their Moonshine - although that surely has hops init? I asked him what he thought of Abbeydale's 8.5% Rye DIPA in cans and he said "oh no I wouldn't know about that". I found it strange that his principal hatred of any beers featuring Citra or Mosaic and likely also in cans or keg, was based on a lack of tolerance - and perhaps knowledge, of hops.

I worry of course that this maybe my age as am a child like 48, the type of people I go drinking with whom all love hoppy beers or sours ( I din't even bother asking about that !) or whether perhaps my preferences subdued the sensibility of my reaction. But - even though he admitted to being "an old fuddy-duddy about beer" - I couldn't avoid the old fashioned reaction to modern beers.

As I may have told you previously - having met at least three separate CAMRA member reactions to my purchase of " Evil keg" I have received some frankly ridiculous reactions to my buying keg with my own money which is my right - including having blokes I had never met chanting " Evil keg, Evil Keg" at me at an IPA Tap Takeover in Shakespeares,  and being told by a man I had never met at the Bath Hotel on finding out my beer was Keg that he had tasted keg in the seventies and had refused to try it ever again. It was 2016.....

Am not suggesting that my mate or these (and many other keg haters) represent fully the outlook of all  CAMRA members,  but I realise that one of the criticisms agsint them is not only that they appear stuck in the  past, but also that they are full of exclusively old people. The youngest man there was probably about the same age as me. The average age must have been 60. Seems a trifle - predictable?

Even when a man in his late 60s did the description of the pub he only described their 4 excellent cask ales - and then said he wasn't willing to get into an argument about the keg and cans they also sold. What is there to argue about? Surely just list the different reasons people like it? Pretending that a product doesn't exist is not a viable attack on the seemingly ghastly threat of keg on traditional beer is it.....

Sheffield CAMRA of course have a keg bar at their annual beer festival - a brilliant and in terms of previous incumbents groundbreaking change of availability which respected the likes and opinions of every single visitor whilst not in any way undermining the high sale of traditional cask. Of course the team received lots of written abuse from anonymous persons who considered it heresy to invite the vile sewage of future drinks into their glorious beer festival, but hey.......

Despite this odd approach to describing and praising a venue I should say a very well done anyway to the Stewards for their second pub of the month award.

Many congratulations!

Your kindest regards

Wee Beefy

Two new bars ( to me )

 Long time no see readers!

             I wanted to quickly update you on two new places have visited in Sheffield recently. As you may all be well aware there are a number of new venues in Sheffield - some of which have still not bothered visiting - but last month myself and Wee Keefy went out on a Friday night starting at the Beer engine on London road.

Its not a regular place for me to visit recently alas but I got a pint of Buxton IPA on kftf and WK a pint of beer on cask from the past - and we supped these sat in the garden. From here we went to Jabeerwocky for pints and lovely food ( WK was on their excellent fries with Goulash and that was immense!) before heading over tyhe road for my first visit to Bear on Abbeydale Road.

I think in the past this was called Shipyard Books or similar - it was certainly a book shop for many years - and now its a small two roomed bar serving about 5 beers on Keg, along with a fairly excellent range of beers including a stout wall, containing some excellent brews.

As we were on a crawl we only stopped for the one in here but I went for a pint of Verdant Even Sharks need water, which was cloudy and delicious. We sat at a small table looking out of the window at the restaurant on the other side of the road and I had a quick search of the beers on offer to take out - I ended up with a can of " Bring me the head of John the accountant" from Sureshot brewing - a DIPA which currently lives in my fridge. Am thinking that I may try it tonight, along with other delights.

The room behind the bar is small and comfortable and there is - crucially - a loo - I was in it whilst two people walked in and asked to use it - and had to leave! We finished off our pints quite quickly before heading off to our final stop at the Dead Donkey - definitely a place I will pop into again.

The second place is on the first floor of the Krynkle building at Shalesmoor. I remember that years ago there was a roof top bar - it was fairly dreadful if am honest - so have not been in again since apart from back in February where myself and my friend Hal tried to find the very same venue as I went to at the beginning of April.

The Cider Hole has been open - and brewing Cider - for what is possibly a year or nine months now - its a fascinating place which when I was told about it's existence I was warned about its restricted opening hours and difficulties to find it open. I popped into the Beer Stop at Dronfield the next day having found the website - " is the Cider Hole Open". It turns out that Luke the owner there helped set up that website and possibly the bar - such as it is - last year.

Interestingly I had looked at that site when planning to visit on a Saturday when they open at 1400 - and then visited on a Friday, arriving at 1430 - two and a half hours before they open!

After a few pints of cask (from the past) in Shakespeares I got back at 1705 and found a sign outside Krynkle - I was their first customer of the day. There was a guy called Ben working behind the tiny bar with two or three barrels of freshly made cider next to it. I know that Cider can have an effect on me - I had just a half pint of Cheddar Valley in the Orchard in Bristol and was quite "discussive" en route back to the hotel. Having already had three pints I opted to try a tasting slate of a third each of the three Sheffield ciders brewed using donated Apples found in Sheffield including (possibly) Crookes and Walkley.

I tried a third each of the Exemption Cider House Cool Neighbours, a 5.5% dry cider, their Ask Albert Dry cider at 6.5% and also their Too many apples, a 5.9% dry blend with notes of tanginess and very refreshing. The apples in the Ask Albert were proivided by Ross on  Wye Cider and was possibly the most traditional of the three tastes.

Having got chatting to a young couple visiting from Nottingham I finished on a bottle of Zapiain Gure Sagardoa Gorenak - a 6.7% still and dry cider from  Astigarraga in the Basque country - and very tasty - if a little tart - it was too. I also got some Oliver's Cider Pomona Blend and a can of Columbian Cider which I hope to share with Hal when I next see her!

Lastly I should mention a chap possibly called Wayne - although, as you may be aware - he could have had one of many thousands of himan male names. I met him in the Crow last week and he told me he was the owner of the bar on Worksop station - the Mallard. I did have to admit that I hadn't been for about ten years - simply because have not been to Worksop for about ten years! I was however pleased to hear that he appreciated my blog! I will hopefully see you soon mate.

So overall, both were excellent venues - I would however advise you that if you are planning on visiting the Cider Hole you check out their website istheciderholeopen before you go since it opens at 1400 on a Saturday and 1700 on Thursday and Friday.  

Your very best of health

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

New three counties Tour - with 2

 Evening!

    long time no see....

One of the joys of language is that the title this time reflects the fact that there is only in fact 2 counties in which the pubs are, and also that this is the second tour with just two of us - amazing! Etc....

On Saturday my chum Mr G suggested he came over to Sheffield - as it was pissing it down most of the day I suggested that rather than meet up in town and walk around, he might wish to drive over, pick me up, and go on a tour of Unspoilt pubs, other oubs, and roads. Thankfully he agreed.

I should point out that we had al---ready done a similar undertaking back in January. We started first off in the Black Bulls Head in Openwoodgate - although we got stuck in traffic on the motorway so came off at the Clay Cross tiurning and made our way from there.

Remembering their excellent range of boohars I got Mr G a half and myself A pint of Oakham Green Devil, and we shared a pork pie. In fairness I would also have stopped for a half of DIPA on keg but sadly, sat in the front, a table of youts were busy spouting their inaccuarte antivax nonsense - including hating everyone who worked for the NHS, hating everyone from Manchester and Derby with their diseases, and also the overeaction of everyone wearing a mask. They finished by, when wished goodbye by an elderly couple, b telling them to "fuck off". Impressive. Just the one pint then.....

Next we headed down towards Wirksworth and headed up Wood Lane outside Idridgehay and soon ended up in the Barley Mow at Kirk Ireton - as always an absolute gem, and I had 2 and a half pints of the excellent Whim Hartington IPA.

Next we used the unusually effieicnt Sat Nav to get to the Barley Mow at Bonsall - sadly although it was only 2100 the pub was cleasrly closed so we headed up through Bonsall and Brightgate to the Miners Standard at Winster - a pint of Aldwarke ales for me and a box of eggs followed, before we hedaed home.

On Saturday I decided to start our tour at Axe Edge and head down Dowel Dale past the Buxton Raceway via High Edge. Surprised to see a COVIT HORX scribbling on a sign in an isolated field, and also a lot of rubbish, but as soon as we saw Chrome hill our hearts lifed. Despite some thick mud and water enroute down the dale the road was fine and we came out at Glutton Bridge. Turning into Earl Sterndale we passed the now sadly sorry looking closed Quiet Woman and headed left to Crowdecote and popped in the Pack horse. Sadly ity shut at 1500 ( and it was 1545) so we headed off up to High Needham and then right and right again to Pilsbury Castle and into hartington, ending up at the Manifold Inn at Hulme End.

Its a long time since my last visit, but despite it being primarily a restaurant they still had 4 national real ales on - I had a pint of Pedigree and Mr G a glass of coke. There was only seats just below the telly so we did not hang around long - and given the late time we headed straught to Cauldon for the Yew Tree using Sat Nav.

I have to say that for no specific reason I felt really nervous about asking about the health of Alan East (?) the former landlord? I therefore cannot confirm if he is well. The layout remains the same ( but the room on the far away right is currently closed), and they have also dropped down to a single beer - that said, the 2 pints I had of the Burton Bridge bitter were excellent, and am happy to say that the pork pie I took away was excellent!

Next we headed back into Ashbourbe and wquickly up to Bonsall - this time the Barley Mow was very much open! Having established that we could set up a tab if we had more than one, I chose a pint of Abbeydale pale ale and Mr G a half of the same and we sat in the far corner near the fire. I also had a whole pint of BH brewery ( possibly Black Hole?) pale before we headed off in the dark to get to Elton. 

We arrived at 1930 and found the pub losed - but to be fair I don't think they open until 2030 or 2100? So we headed back out and pulled up round the back of the pub in the centre of Winster where I had a pint and a half of Abbeydale and Mr G a slowly supped glass of coke.

The fact that we managed to get to so many pubs over the two visits was a celebration in itself - although it was sad to miss out on the excellent Duke of York, and equally to see the state of the quiet Woman.

Looking forward to another trip out that way soon!

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Craftworks Micropub Mosborough

 Evening all!

     on the 12th of this month I ventured out from luffly Handsworth on the 30a to Mosborough - it was "only" 20 minutes late and it quickly transpired that the driver was partially deaf. This became apparent when he missed a stop mid route, and then when we headed up what may be called Plumbley Lane towards Plumbley as the bus only stops on the way out of Mosborough - as he drove straight past the only stop near the High Street.....

Ten minutes later I was at the Craftworks micropub, just about opposite the Admiral chippy - and I was gobsmacked - not by way of it's size, but mainly because of it's popularity - I had to stand up for the first 2 of my pints! Perhaps I should provide some background.....

I first went drinking in Mosborough in 1992. Back then, almost every pub sold cask from the past. But this trend sadly dwindled, as did the number of pubs staying open in nearby Eckington. The last time I went out in Mosborough I went to firm favourite the Alma which sells one or two real ales - but that was our only stop. I was therefore very happy to see the range of excellence available in the Craftworks.

From a range of 8 or so kegs along with 4 cask ales I started on a pint of Fierce IPA on keg - I was warned how much it would cost, but being keg at less than a pound a percent I was fine with the price - and this is likely the first time have had Fierce on draught anywhere!

I stood near the bar and listened in on the conversations of the locals - and there were many - a quick and thorough check confirmed there was literally nowhere to sit! Sadly the Fierce IPA did not last long so I went back to the Bar to order a half of the Three Hills Fudge Brownie imperial pastry stout, also on keg, and spotted a table whilst I was waiting. Just as this happened a lass came in with her mother so I let them sit down whilst slowly supping the fabulous Three Hills - but eventually asked if I could squeeze on with them - and that was fine.

They said they were regulars - the youngest from Killamarsh and the Mum from Mosborough itself - I didn't chat long with them but once they had gone I grabbed another ale - this time 2 thirds, but am not sure which it was as I did not photograph the beers board alas! By the this time a guy was sat near the stairs playing guitar and the number of guests did not dwindle - I checked the time of the next bus into town and having left at 1715 I was in town before 1800!

So far this remains my only visit - but I will definitely be going back!

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Social to the Royal Cottage.

 Hello all,

            Apologies for the length of time with no blog posts - stuff, never mind things - have happened. Nothing bad I should point out, but still stuff. Not to mention....things.

So using the joy of language, in naming this post as I have I have created an expectation that I organised a trip out to the Royal Cottage. Except I didn't. It's initially quite believable though isn't it?

So on the 19th I was supposed to be meeting up with the wonderful Tash about 1515 for a walk - sadly, this did not happen due to events. So we agreed she would get a bath and head into town later, and meet me there. At this point my lovely new phone had once again stopped recharging, so I headed into town with my old phone, knowing I could use it on Wi-Fi. 

The Social on Snig Hill was my starting place - I had a pint of Serious Bodaceia on cask from the past, along with a pack or two of crisps. When ordering my next at the Bar I asked if they had any WiFi - they said they did, but did not have a password - this explained why , when I checked, neither Tash or Matt had received my messages. After a third of Hophurst DIPA I headed up to High Street, and could not find them.

I thought about popping into the Three Tuns for one but half of it was closed off for a celebration so I headed to my chums at Bar Stewards where I can get onto the WiFi. Here I had a pint of Liquid Light pale - or any other beer, and found I had missed a call from WK. I said he could call me and he suggested that despite it's late notice we could go to the Packhorse at Crowdecote. Having asked Matt and Tash, she was sadly not up to it so WK picked me up after 1800 in his new car, and  hour ten minutes later we were at Crowdecote!

Having ordered food we had a choice of 4 real ales and I went on to two pintts of Storm Milk of Amnesia and a pint of Eyam Golden ale, with Keith on a half of the same. The meal was very enjoyable, although sadly we didn't meet up with the guy who knew my Dad - primarily to confirm his recent passing.

From here we drove up into Longnor - now seemingly supporting just a single pub - and headed across the moors past the mermaid's pool and ahead spotted a light in the difference - stopping soon after we found the unsigned road which leads down the side of the Royal Cottage and to our delight the front light was on!

I will never forget how happy it made us both - the smiles on both our faces - and we parked up directly outside before letting ourselves in. When me and Keith and Carlos had been in the funeral car back in January I had said we ought to pop back to see Cliffe - if nothing else as he would possibly say " a thot tha'd deed". On this occasion,l after saying hello, he simply said " a notice thus only two f yer - whes yer Dad - as ee not med it?". I should point out, that nothing that Cliffe says is ever insulting. It's brusque, yes, but reflective of his location and life. We calmly told him that Wee Fath had been found dead at Christmas.

We only stopped for one in here - a bottle of Old Speckled Hen for me and a bottle of Manns Brown ale for WK. Whilst I was in the loo Cliffe told WK all about his thoughts about the passing of Ken at the Quiet Woman and also how he felt things were progressing at Carl's, the Butcher's at Reapsmoor. Always full of info ais Clifffe, and usually reasonably reliable.

On reflection, its an increasingly sad story re local pubs - two have changed hands and four local hostelries have closed permanently in the last ten years. Thankfully the Ner Inn at Flash and the Packhorse at Crowdecote seem to remain strong, but there's less certainty regarding the Butcjhers and especially the Quiet Woman.

We drove straight home from Cliffe's, arriving back about 22:50 for me, with WK hoping to grab a last drink on Crookes in the Two Sheds. Despite the intention of referencing WF's sad passing, I have to say that this was a very enjoyable night out/

Your very best of health

Wee Beefy

Emmanuales - eh?

Orw waaaaarh. 

You may be thinking. 

              I know I was - I thought that Emmanuales had closed down? Do you not remember that number of slightly grim bottles without the leter K that they produced a few years ago? I did!  So it was with a certain amount of surprise that I saw 2 or 3 of their brews advertised at Beer Central back in August. And, purely on a research basis, I went for two - their Black IPA which was about 6.9% if memory serves (and it doesn't) along with their 10000 Saisons, described at the front of the can as a "Rustic saison". What would it be like? And who and where are they these days? 

Well, perhaps to my surprise - both were excellent. I tried their black IPA first, which had a name and everything, and it was fab! Quite an old time flavour if am honest - but not in a bad way. It was actually the perfect blend of bitter hopiness, fruit/citra and dark smokey malt. I loved it.

And what of their Saison? Well, to start with, it was a marvelous 7.8%. One of the things I very much appreciated about the Emmanuales bottles back in the day was that they were always strong - and in this case, not afraid to breach the 7.4% barrier that many brewers currently and understandably stay away from. So I was very pleased - and admittedly not surprised - to find that this saison was simultaneously strong as well as very refreshing!

There was also thankfully a lot of yeast left in the can - one thing that disappoints me a little about...um....modern cans...is the lack, irrespective of the cloudiness, of yeast in any substance, or possibly other adjuncts(?) left in the bottom of a can? Not least because I like to ensure that I get a good drop of each brew so am usually willing to wash out the bottom of the can or bottle in order to add more murk or depth to each taste, and of course' slightly prolong it's consumption. This ticked every box.

So - where are they based these days I hear me ask? Because I distinctly recall the brewer/founder being interviewed on Look Norfff about 5  years or so ago showing him selling, and presumably brewing, his bears at a Sheffield Brewery tap - am thinking perhaps at Sheffield Brew Company? Or I may have misremembered one of those facts....

I know that Neepsend had to move last year or  similar, and there's nothing preventing Sheffield Brew Company doing the same. But I wasn't actually sure whether firstly that would see him leave, or whether the issues with the brewing or bottling previously caused him to at best postpone production.

Now the can says they are based on Cromwell Street in S6. As a can it rather unsurprisingly doesn't name the brewer, but I have no reason to presume it has changed hands or indeed brewers. Either way both of the beers tried were more well balanced and perhaps more accomplished than the brewery's previous offerings. Alas, having as yet not carried out any internet searches - where everything is true - on the same, am unsure of whom it is brews there, and what happened to their previous undertaking or location.

I am however sure that they are now producing fabulous and very quaffable brews here in fine, sunny, Sheffield - go give them a try!

Cheers

Wee Beefy

A few drops in sunny Ayrshire.

,  Afternoon all,

      when myself and Wee Keefy traveled up to Ayr, Portpatrick and then finally the isle of Whithorn in September  2019, our showing the pics to Mumraah persuaded her that she fancied a last trip up to Ayrshire, where her and my Dad used to live, and where myself and Keith were born. Initially we booked rooms at the Chestnuts Hotel in Ayr for April or May 2020. So that didn't happen. We thought about rearranging it for March this year but restrictions did not lift in time and we eventually agreed to go up this month. As sadly Wee Fatha passed away at Christmas, we found in his funeral details that he wanted his ashes scattered on the headland at Maidens, where my Grandad's are. So on the 3rd of September we drove up.

Arriving about 1630 at the Chestnuts, we got settled into our rooms before eating at 1830. I headed downstairs around 1745 to see what beers they had on in the bar. There were 3 ales on cask from the past, and to be honest am not sure what they all were - not least because firm favourite Fyne Ales Jarl was on. So I had a pint of that sat outside in the sunny Garden before I came in to eat. The Jarl was in excellent condition so I had another 2 pints.

We were planning on walking to town and back - but en route we popped in the Glen Park Hotel, the Ayr Brewing tap. I was on a pint of Summer Mittens, a cloudy session pale at about 4%, and Wee Keefy was on their bitter Jolly Beggars. After a couple of pints of these I finished on a pint of their Leezy Lundie Pale ale, before we headed back to the hotel. This showed us something that we hadn't previously realised - I knew that staffing levels were low in the licensed trade, but many pubs and bars now shut at 21:00.

The next day we drove to Maidens via Maybole - where none of us could remember where we used to live! Having stopped off at a castellated farmhouse just outside we turned right at Kirkoswald and soon parked up in Maidens. Myself and Martin walked carrying Wee Fatha's box of ashes along the lane and through the woods to the headland - whereas WK took Mumraah and himself to park in Culzean Castle, at about £457, and they walked from the swan pond to meet us.

To be fair the scattering of Dad's ashes wasn't as stressful or upsetting as we had worried. And once that was done we walked back to the swan pond for a cuppa each before we returned to the car and went for lunch from K's Kitchen in Maidens before visiting the harbour.

Once we had dropped Mumraah back at the hotel, WK, Martin and myself went to Dalmillington and then to some nearby waterfalls for a short walk and some pics. We then drove over the hills to Straiton and onwards into Kirkmichael. Here we went into the Kirckmichael Arms, where I had a pint of Kelburn Jaguar, Martin a glass of orange juice and WK a half of the Kelburn. On our last visit they had served a cloudy Ayr Brewing pale and it was ace - this visit did not disappoint.

 After tea we walked into Ayr town centre and having looked at some un suggested options, we ended up in the Smoking Goat downstairs from a side street near the bridge. Jarl was once again on here, and at £3.70 a pint was cheaper than the hotel, but they also sold another beer from Williams brewery which  Keith had. I had a "slotter" before we shared a bottle of Williams Bros 7 Giraffes IPA to finish our first visit to this loud but busy and friendly bar. Must revisit!

We next went to Wellingtons bar, under a building in Wellington square. When we got there it was quite busy but despite their opening until midnight it quickly quietened down. Here they had two beers on cask - Loch Lomond brewery summer clouds or similar for myself and Kelburn Pivo for WK - we had a few rounds in here before walking through the park by the sea in complete darkness, and finishing for a last one in the hotel bar - Jarl once again. 

Sunday we visited Girvan and Pinmoor and then drove to Glentrool. We grabbed scran from the cafe there before driving up a single track lane to park up for the Robert the Bruce memorial where we had our nosh. We drove the long way back over mountain roads to Straiton and back the same way as the day before, and having dropped both Mumraah and Martin off myself and Keith drove to park up near the Failford Inn to walk up the Great Ayr Gorge and to Peden's cove further up.

The weather was fantastic with bright sunshine and the path was easy to follow - although the usual route along the side of the water had sadly slipped away due to a landslide so it was initially uphill and back down again. Having let WK climb the steps and walk along a thin cutting into the rocks above Peden's cove to get pics, we walked back out and quickly popped in the Failford Inn.

The last time I had gone here they had the Windie Goat brewery. A quick check on the tinterweb suggests they brewed from 2006 until 2010 only so that must have been when we were last there. They had two real ales that night along with excellent food - but this time the range was Tennents or John Smiths Extra Smooth. Luckily WK spotted some bottles of Williams Bros the birds and the bees IPA so we shared a bottle of that, sat outside in the back garden with small birds whizzing over us throughout.

That night we once again headed into town - after having a couple of pints of fab Jarl - and only went into one bar - back into Wellingtons. Its worth pointing out that they were very kind to WF when we had gone in 2019 - helping him back up the stairs and bringing a chair outside to sit on whilst we awaited a taxi back to the Chestnuts. That. along with 2 real ales and excellent music made this an easy choice for our last night sup.

I remember asking the barmaid if I could look at the pumpclip in order to recall the name of the Loch Lomond beer - and I promised that after a couple of pints I would forget the name. It worked. It may have been summer weather - or any one of thousands of other Scottish beer names......

This time I switched to Kelburn Pivo for 2 of my 4 pints but the main memory I had was of how quiet it was in there - 3 people were in when we arrived along with the lass behind the bar and 3 other members of bar staff. The pub was cosy and freindly but although Sunday is oft a quiet night in many such places, we were very surprised at how quiet it was. We were the only customers for a while. We left about 2100 I think as the hotel locks it's door at 2200 on a Sunday - and making it in good time we also got caught in our first - and only - rain of the trip!

On our way home the next day we stopped twice - once at the Cairn Lodge services near Douglas - where I got 2 cans of Black Isle, and finally at the Tebay Services near Penrith - where I got my 3 bottles of Keith Brewery.

Despite the sad reasons for our trip I have to say that I enjoyed everwhere that we stopped off for drinks, and the beers they served in all of them.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy