Fenman has managed to get out and about of late, searching out pubs and beers afar.

In July he took to the tracks and along with his sons sought out The Pit at Newstead. The aptly named micro pub stands on the land that once housed Newstead Colliery and the winding wheel has been set up nearby. Across from Newstead Station is a barren space where just a few years ago stood the Station Hotel, a mecca for excellent Barnsley Bitter and Mild from the Oakwell brewery – tasty beer at a price to compete with any ‘Spoons establishment. However The Pit was the present place to be and the beers on offer and welcome received did not disappoint. Blue Monkey, Beermats, Beartown were just a few of the breweries having a presence and there is always a stout, porter or mild on. The food, so called Light Bites, are excellent value and a meal in themselves. A quick trip, on the return, into Beer Headz at Nottingham Station provided Brewsters Marquis and Phoenix pale Ale.

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A couple of months later Fenman ventured North – well North East and to be precise to Bridlington to meet up with fellow Ramblers, some even cask ale afficianados ! After promenading down the front and taking in the sea air a brisk stroll to the Old Town to seek out the Old Ship Inn and sample Auckland Pale Ale along with CAMRA discount. In addition the superb Bridgehouse Porter was a must. Later on at a meet up with Ramblers in the local ‘Spoons it was a delight to see and sample again the BP.

Following the next day’s ramble round the Flamborough cliffs a visit back to the Old Town and this time into the dimly lit Board Inn. A step back in time where the multi roomed pub with its dark wood panelling gave an erie feeling. However there was nothing erie about the warm welcome and the quality of beer from the vintage handpumps. The Rev James, Proper job and Yorkshire Pale Ale were all in top form. Unfortunately Fenman’s phone camera flash failed to function so no pics of quality. The Old Town has a grand range of pubs so another visit is a must.

Back in Brid, Fenman discovered a wealth of micro pubs that just had to be investigated. The first in fact was a micro brewer / pub, the Bridbrewer and Taproom where the brewer was keen to show off his brewing equipment. Two beers were on in the bar, a pale ale and an oyster stout. On then to the Yorkshire Tap, a micro with many local brews. The Bridlington Brewery was closed.

On the other hand, and just across the way, the Three B’s Micropub was a revelation. Three thirds encouraged the whole range of beers on offer to be sampled. Mild Thing (3.7%), Deckchair Days (4.1%) both from Chin Chin Brewery, Amarillo (4.2%) from Mallinsons, and Saltaire Best (4.4%) were all in tip top condition.

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A train trip to York in October with the boys and a couple of hours at the National Railway Museum before exploring the hostelries. Not a good start when the first two (GBG listed) pubs had changed to fizzy all smoke and mirrors. Our lunch venue, the Tank and Paddle in Bridge Street proved excellent with 2 Osset beers, including Butterley, and Bradgate Farmers. The Duke of York was very welcoming as was their range of Leeds brewery beers, Pale, Golden and Best. The landlord kindly directed us to the best way to enter The Shambles (via the market place) to avoid the tourists crowd thronging the Shambles Lane.

The Shambles provided 3 thirds of the Rudgate Best, Mild, and Bitter. Across the way the Market Cat, an impressive 3 storey building with its own brewery on the third floor which provided views over the market square. 8 beers were on handpump including Brother Rabbit, Beacon, and Thornbridge.

The Valhalla, a pub made for Halloween, had two of their named beers, Odin’s Judgement, a dark ruby ale, and a Pale Ale, plus Cascade from Half Moon. The Nirvana pub had Market Porter, Old Forge from Half Moon, Head Less, and a strawberry Thistly Cross. The next pub (of which Fenman has no real recollection !) had Guzzler from York and Chaos Theory from Turning Point. It was then time to make for York railway station via the buffet bar with its multi handpumps in cream and brass. Buckeye, Bolas, Black Band, Market Porter, Orkney Best, Toha, and Salcome. A swift half and then a dash to the station platform and train.

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Closer to home Fenman and Fenland friends met up at St Wulfrum’s Church, Grantham, in November to sample the range of 80 beers of the Land of Hops and Glory beer festival. Plenty of local brewery beers on offer as well as many from neighbouring counties. Pale ales, bitters, stouts and porters were all quoffed with aplomb, with tasting notes shared and compared.

Another grand day out amongst friends.

DJM Nov 2021