New pub visits 2020

[Delboy20]

New decade starts tomorrow.

Good luck to all with their targets / challenges.

After falling short this year I am aiming for a new pub every 2 days on average - 183 is the target. (It gets harder every year!)

I will join the 1000 club for reviews. I'll try to get to around 1250 if possible.

1259 pubs photographed. I'll try to get to 1500 this year.

429 open pubs added so far. I'd love to get that up to 500 but I can't really control that!

Here we go again …….

[Pangolin]

Chasing straight numbers is becoming unchallenging, so I shall start with a target of visiting 100 reviewless pubs and 100 pictureless pubs (or indeed, both) and see how that goes.

On a general basis, get some of the trailing counties up the table - there are too many below 40% reviews, and that's ignoring the new offshore ones.

And on a personal basis, achieve 50% reviewed in at least one county, hopefully two (and I won't cheat by going to Sark and Herm!)

[Aqualung]

On a general basis, get some of the trailing counties up the table - there are too many below 40% reviews, and that's ignoring the new offshore ones.


Essex looks a good bet for whacking over 50%, a day out in the Braintree area would crack it.

Is Ulster in your sights? I would be surprised if the data is even complete for places like Armagh and Tyrone. Ulster really needs someone residing there. When I was doing the JDWs the ferry to Belfast was 8 hours as opposed to 4 to Dublin.

[Pangolin]

Is Ulster in your sights? I would be surprised if the data is even complete for places like Armagh and Tyrone. Ulster really needs someone residing there. When I was doing the JDWs the ferry to Belfast was 8 hours as opposed to 4 to Dublin.

Somewhere on the 'list' but not a great priority at present. 12 hours plus by train/boat is not attractive; cheap flights a possibility except Stansted is dire to get to for me. One day perhaps.

[ROBCamra]

Collecting new pubs in York is getting increasingly difficult as it's very well trodden ground.

However during 2 days there I managed to net 5 new ones to start off the new year.:cheers:

[Spinko]

Collecting new pubs in York is getting increasingly difficult as it's very well trodden ground.

However during 2 days there I managed to net 5 new ones to start off the new year.:cheers:

I'm looking forward to visiting the Brew York place at weekend, that's if I can make it past York Tap :D

[ROBCamra]

I'm looking forward to visiting the Brew York place at weekend, that's if I can make it past York Tap :D

Had a couple of pints in Brew York on Sunday and a pint in York Tap on Monday!

[RealAleRobUK]

11 new places for me in January, which is better than I was expecting. I'm not going to set any specific targets for the year, but I do find it interesting to keep track.

[oldboots]

Amazingly I'm on 34, probably due to Northern Fail doing a 10p each way ticket, still gift horse and all that. Off to Lincoln and Nottingham over the next fortnight on some more of their largesse and should clock up a few more pubs.

BTW Quinno, did Tadcaster and bagged a good few Sam's pubs :D actually all bar the one that doesn't open Tuesdays

[Pangolin]

38 added, and on the special personal target front have achieved 22 out of 369 = 6%. Not a bad start.
A trip up the Valleys planned for February, to get some Glamorgans off.

[Bucking Fastard]

A very slow start from me,just 4 new pub visits in January.

Being in very familiar boating territory doesn't help but a reunion event in Liverpool may add to the puny total so far.

[ETA]

A flying start thanks to a return to Cambridge - 32.

[Delboy20]

On 24 for January, which is more than I expected to be honest. This will be a slow month though...

[Mobyduck]

Only managed one in January, but managed five new amongst the regular must do's today in Brighton, so six to date but have set no targets this year, what will be will be.

[Wittenden]

None for me yet, though one lined up for next weekend.

[ROBCamra]

Zero new pub visits in January. My worst start to the year ever! :eek:

Finally managed to score last Friday with 4 new bars in Manchester that I'll probably never visit again.

One new one in Blackpool on the way back from Fleetwood beer festival and one new one in Liverpool put me on a paltry 6. :cheers:

[Tris39]

Seven for me so far this year and all visited yesterday!

[ROBCamra]

7 new pubs in the nether reaches of Clayton & Beswick and a couple more new bars in Manchester put me on 15.

That's a bit better. :cheers:

[ROBCamra]

Two new ones in Huddersfield drag me up to 17. :cheers:

[Delboy20]

On 24 for January, which is more than I expected to be honest. This will be a slow month though...

As predicted very slow month with only 2 added. A week on call didn't help!

Off to Wembley for a humiliation on Sunday so I hope to add a few.

[ETA]

Flying start has continued: 53.

[Brainypool]

Fairly slow start, 26 so far

[Bucking Fastard]

A very slow start from me,just 4 new pub visits in January.

Being in very familiar boating territory doesn't help but a reunion event in Liverpool may add to the puny total so far.

February was much more productive and now on 26.

[ROBCamra]

A new opening in Rochdale means I'm now on 18.:cheers:

[Mobyduck]

Only managed one in January, but managed five new amongst the regular must do's today in Brighton, so six to date but have set no targets this year, what will be will be.

Only added another 2 since Brighton, so a rather pathetic 8 to date.

[Pangolin]

Managed a good exploration up the South Wales valleys before they got flooded, but relatively quiet after that with a total of 33 new reviews for the month. Personal target now 58/369 =16%. At least the evenings are starting to be light past opening time - now bring on some dry weather!

[Delboy20]

As predicted very slow month with only 2 added. A week on call didn't help!

Off to Wembley for a humiliation on Sunday so I hope to add a few.

Managed to tick off 7 over the weekend so now up to 33.

[Mobyduck]

Only added another 2 since Brighton, so a rather pathetic 8 to date.

11 today in Bath, so now 19.

[RealAleRobUK]

A further 10 for me in February brings my total to 21. Most of these were thanks to a trip to Chorlton during Storm Dennis. I've already got a couple in the bag this month so off to a reasonable start for March.

[Wittenden]

I'm on a roll:finally visited my second new pub of the year.Doubt if we will revisit either.

[Brainypool]

Fairly slow start, 26 so far

Up to 49... and now on hold for obvious reasons

[Mobyduck]

11 today in Bath, so now 19.

Been halted at just 20, I very much hope I can expand on this lowly figure at some point.

[RealAleRobUK]

A further 9 for me in March, bringing my 2020 total to a nice round 30.

I was originally due to be out in Stockport tonight, and that would have added another couple of previously unvisited pubs, but sadly it's not to be.

[oldboots]

Now stuck on 95 for the foreseeable future, I should have been in Kendal today and got into three figures. :moremad:

[ROBCamra]

Now stuck on 95 for the foreseeable future, I should have been in Kendal today and got into three figures. :moremad:

Stuck on a paltry 18. Should have been in Llandudno tomorrow for a couple of days :mad:

[Bucking Fastard]

Halted at 26 :(,but when this is all over :pray: I will be doing everything to make up for lost time.

[ETA]

How annoying - a flying start this year largely due to long visits to Cambridge and London, but now halted in my tracks at 97.

[sheffield hatter]

Got to 92 new pub visits this year with the Hatters playing at Wigan two weekends ago, before everything ground to a halt.

I was hoping to reach my 10,000th pub photographed this year, my tenth year of contributing to this website (first photo submitted 13/09/2010), with trips planned to Glasgow, Northern Ireland, Glamorgan and other parts of Wales, plus Stoke on Trent, Leicester, Derby, Chesterfield and Lincolnshire - mostly mopping up some unphotographed ones in outskirts and villages. I have 655 still to do, which is going to be difficult with train services being cut back and the non-essential use of public transport in general being reduced from hero to zero in the blink of an eye. I can probably do the Chesterfield villages by bike from home (until cycling gets banned), but I'll need a drastic relaxation of the present shutdown to get anywhere near my target.

[Wittenden]

Got to 92 new pub visits.

90 more than me!

[Mobyduck]

Been halted at just 20, I very much hope I can expand on this lowly figure at some point.

A visit to The Ten Tun Taphouse (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/88988/) yesterday sees me surge onward to 21. :rolleyes:

[bcfczuluarmy]

I'm on the heady heights of 19 after going to Strood to buy a new car which happened to have a pub next door to it.

[Blackthorn]

I'm on the heady heights of 19 after going to Strood to buy a new car which happened to have a pub next door to it.

19? You normally do that in a week! What were you doing before lockdown?

[bcfczuluarmy]

19? You normally do that in a week! What were you doing before lockdown?

Not a lot as drinking partner was working weekends then went skiing. Then Lockdown.

[ETA]

The year got off to an excellent start, but due to lockdown, stalled. 111, but it won't get much higher than that.

[Pangolin]

Managed 2 new visits in July. Well, that's 2 more than April, May and June anyway...

[oldboots]

Managed 2 new visits in July. Well, that's 2 more than April, May and June anyway...

Twice as many as I managed in July.

[Mobyduck]

Three in July, so 23 to date.

[Bucking Fastard]

Also 3 new pub visits in July bringing the year to date total to 29.

Boat painting now complete ,so I will be navigating with the aim of ticking off Langley Mill and then as far upsteam as possible on the Warwickshire Avon ,a route that might produce a few new pub ticks but no spectacular totals over August and September.

[Al Bundy]

Managed 2 new visits in July. Well, that's 2 more than April, May and June anyway...
Hopefully those 3 girls will get out more.

[Delboy20]

Managed to tick off 7 over the weekend so now up to 33.

I'm back in the game - sort of!

Chalked up 5 new pubs last week to get me to 38.

[ROBCamra]

Woohoo! Been in a new pub.

The newly opened Hogarths in The Dale.

Would have been in Knaresborough on Monday, but OB advised that a couple of the pubs we wanted to visit, were still closed, despite their websites etc.

Now on 19. :cheers:

[oldboots]

Would have been in Knaresborough on Monday, but OB advised that a couple of the pubs we wanted to visit, were still closed, despite their websites etc.


However soon there should be a couple of new ones, one is currently a wine bar but will reopen with cask from Turning Point, the other is a planning application for a micropub in the station, right next to the Mitre (which should reopen this weekend).

[ROBCamra]

A couple of nights in Nottingham yielded 7 new pubs, despite it being well trodden ground.

It would have been more if some places had actually been open when their "up to date" social media said they were.

Was also refused entry to a pub for the first time since I was 17.

This was because we didn't have a smartphone. As I pointed out to the arsehole, this is discrimination. We offered to supply the required details manually
like almost all other Nottingham pubs seemed to be doing, but they said they didn't have paper or a pen.

Hang your head in shame Bell Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/30823/) :muppet:

[Tris39]

A couple of nights in Nottingham yielded 7 new pubs, despite it being well trodden ground.

It would have been more if some places had actually been open when their "up to date" social media said they were.

Was also refused entry to a pub for the first time since I was 17.

This was because we didn't have a smartphone. As I pointed out to the arsehole, this is discrimination. We offered to supply the required details manually
like almost all other Nottingham pubs seemed to be doing, but they said they didn't have paper or a pen.

Hang your head in shame Bell Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/30823/) :muppet:

So a final trip to the Bell Inn? Perhaps it should be renamed the Bell End.

I don't understand why you needed a smartphone? Any scanning can surely be done by forsaking a smartphone's QR scanner and using an ordinary phone to send an old-fashioned text instead, which yields the same result.

[Mobyduck]

So a final trip to the Bell Inn? Perhaps it should be renamed the Bell End.

I don't understand why you needed a smartphone? Any scanning can surely be done by forsaking a smartphone's QR scanner and using an ordinary phone to send an old-fashioned text instead, which yields the same result.

Just had to do the QR thing, takes five minutes standing at the bar like a dickhead filling the bloody thing out before you can get a beer, most sensible pubs want name and number, takes 30 seconds.

[ETA]

So a final trip to the Bell Inn? Perhaps it should be renamed the Bell End.



I had a similar load of nonsense here: The Bell Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/16285/) Must be something about the name.

[Tris39]

Just had to do the QR thing, takes five minutes standing at the bar like a dickhead filling the bloody thing out before you can get a beer, most sensible pubs want name and number, takes 30 seconds.

I think the Southampton Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23788/) has a QR code scan at the door but also an SMS number for older phones. Either way, I still haven't been able to get an evening seat yet...:(

Had a pint in the - almost empty at 9.00 on a Saturday - The Bull & Gate (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23770/) and they want oral information which is logged on a hotel-like laptop at the entrance, so a Mr. Shergar Lucan may get a call in the near future...;)


I had a similar load of nonsense here: The Bell Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/16285/) Must be something about the name.

Loved your comment: 'It feels a bit like a UN compound in Somalia, but without the warm night air.'

[trainman]

This was because we didn't have a smartphone. As I pointed out to the arsehole, this is discrimination. We offered to supply the required details manually
like almost all other Nottingham pubs seemed to be doing, but they said they didn't have paper or a pen.

Disgraceful. I expected similar at the Canalhouse in Nottingham last weekend and would have walked but for one of the guys doing the barcode thing. Then he had to order all our drinks from an app, and pay the round, it's a f.in nonsense. I've a smartphone (android) but not very techy and I now read I would probably need a scanning app to use this QR stuff, I'd rather move on...

[ROBCamra]

Disgraceful. I expected similar at the Canalhouse in Nottingham last weekend and would have walked but for one of the guys doing the barcode thing. Then he had to order all our drinks from an app, and pay the round, it's a f.in nonsense. I've a smartphone (android) but not very techy and I now read I would probably need a scanning app to use this QR stuff, I'd rather move on...

No problem at The Canalhouse, they had a manual backup system for both T&T and for ordering drinks.

[Mobyduck]

Three in July, so 23 to date.

Managed another 6 this month so 29 to date planning to get a good few under my belt in September over 4 days exploring the south east coast beyond Brighton.

[ETA]

122, which is 38 less than this time last year. And after such a good start as well.

[Brainypool]

Up to 49... and now on hold for obvious reasons

30 new ticks since end of lockdown, so up to 79

[Wittenden]

Still on the pre-lockdown 2. Can't see many new ones in the near future.

[Bucking Fastard]

Just another 3 in August bringing me up to a puny 32 for the year to date.

However September means revisiting the Erewash Canal after a long absence,plus a short break in Ludlow so with luck I should improve my tardy performance on the new pub visit front.

[Tris39]

1 new pub since August - last year. :(

[Mobyduck]

Managed 7 new ones in August so up to 30.

[Pangolin]

My first post-lockdown pub bash took me to the Isle of Wight and helped me get 11 new entries in August. I have now made 21% of my original year's target - with best part of 6 months out of action I am minded to halve it, although September is looking more promising: off to Yorkshire next week.

[RealAleRobUK]

A further 9 for me in March, bringing my 2020 total to a nice round 30.

I was originally due to be out in Stockport tonight, and that would have added another couple of previously unvisited pubs, but sadly it's not to be.

Just two new pubs since lockdown, both on a short trip to London, bringing my year to date up to 32.

Also done a few revisits to familiar pubs to get the lay of the land post lockdown, so feeling a bit more confident now and hopefully will be improving on that 32 over the coming months.

[trainman]

My first post-lockdown pub bash took me to the Isle of Wight and helped me get 11 new entries in August. .
Hi Pangolin, and any other IOWers, a mate is going next week and is keen to hear of any pub tips... any must dos from your list..?
Many thanks,jim

[ETA]

Hi Pangolin, and any other IOWers, a mate is going next week and is keen to hear of any pub tips... any must dos from your list..?
Many thanks,jim

Cowes Ale House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/82892/) is the best bet in Cowes, or The Bugle Coaching Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/15447/) in Yarmouth.

[Pangolin]

Hi Pangolin, and any other IOWers, a mate is going next week and is keen to hear of any pub tips... any must dos from your list..?
Many thanks,jim I don't know how well the multiple beer pubs are doing beerwise in CV19 days, but the usual suspects also include the Railway in Ryde, The Newport Ale House, Castle in Sandown, Sportsmans Rest in Porchfield and Joe's Bar in Niton, which I believe are all open. Not sure if the Volunteer in Ventnor is yet and several of the micros seem to be moribund. On the plus side, most of the island pubs seem to have at least one local ale on.

[rpadam]

I don't know how well the multiple beer pubs are doing beerwise in CV19 days, but the usual suspects also include the Railway in Ryde, The Newport Ale House, Castle in Sandown, Sportsmans Rest in Porchfield and Joe's Bar in Niton, which I believe are all open. Not sure if the Volunteer in Ventnor is yet and several of the micros seem to be moribund. On the plus side, most of the island pubs seem to have at least one local ale on.
The Spyglass (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/15430/) in Ventnor, for the view, and a decent pint.

[Mobyduck]

15 new East Sussex pubs brings me to 45.

[oldboots]

A short visit to Carlisle puts me into three figures at last, now on 107.

[Delboy20]

I'm back in the game - sort of!

Chalked up 5 new pubs last week to get me to 38.

Now on 40 - I'll struggle to get past 50 this year!

[sheffield hatter]

Finally reached three figures (101), but it's tough these days, especially in tourist areas at busy times. I'm just back from a week away - two days in the Lakes, five in Scotland. The pub I wanted to do in Dumfries (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/48405/) was still closed, with a notice on the door saying they'll reopen on 3 November. I didn't see a "maybe", but it must be implied.

And then in Drymen (in the Lomond/Trossachs national park) I couldn't get into this one (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/77949/) on Saturday afternoon. The dining room was totally empty, but my pleas to be let in fell on deaf ears, or at least the ears of the people who would have to disinfect the table afterwards. The public bar was "full" (the new full), with five regulars occupying six high chairs at the bar counter - which was totally surrounded with perspex. But not allowed to use the only free chair at the bar because of distancing, and not allowed to move any of the free chairs at the half dozen tables.

So, only 10 pub visits while away, and only three of them to pubs not previously visited by me. This disease will put paid to pub ticking, if it doesn't see off the whole pub industry.

[Mobyduck]

So, only 10 pub visits while away, and only three of them to pubs not previously visited by me. This disease will put paid to pub ticking, if it doesn't see off the whole pub industry.

Managed 15 new pub visits on my 4 days on the SE coast last week having originally planed on 30+, after bland/poor beer in my first two attempts (Shepherd Neame) I decided to abandon a Winfield style attack and settled for longer stays of quality (beer). Even if the pub looks good it's not as if your allowed to wander round the place to check it out.

[Bucking Fastard]

Even if the pub looks good it's not as if your allowed to wander round the place to check it out.

That's a very good point and does make doing a full review tricky if the pub has multiple rooms and nooks & crannies.

[rpadam]

That's a very good point and does make doing a full review tricky if the pub has multiple rooms and nooks & crannies.
Just 'accidentally' take a circuitous route to the toilets!

[bcfczuluarmy]

Just 'accidentally' take a circuitous route to the toilets!

I had to do that last Sunday, officially, after exiting toilet out into the garden at rear round to the side and back through front door to get to my seat by the bar. Normal route a 5m walk, new route probably about 60m or more.

As for visits up to 60 new ones and 50 revisits. Doing more of South Wales has been scuppered somewhat.

[Mobyduck]

Just 'accidentally' take a circuitous route to the toilets!

And don't forget the mask. :moremad:

[Pangolin]

Doing more of South Wales has been scuppered somewhat.
Indeed, has somewhat buggered my intention of upping the Glamorgan totals further. I did manage one bash in February though - that seems like a lifetime ago!!

And yes, I also have been far more doing fewer pubs and more pints than halves on 'crawls', if you can call them that. And equally yes, some of the one-way systems round pubs are both ludicrous and pointless. As are the peculiar arrangements for limiting the number of people in the toilets. A major hazard on the 'flick a sign to engaged on the way in' method is when some pillock doesn't reverse it on the way out. leaving a queue of cross-legged punters waiting for no-one to come out!

[oldboots]

I...A major hazard on the 'flick a sign to engaged on the way in' method is when some pillock doesn't reverse it on the way out. leaving a queue of cross-legged punters waiting for no-one to come out!

They need a system like trains with automatic lights showing occupation, the Cap & Collar (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubreviews/82582/) in Saltaire has one. While they're at it they should reinstate the bell pushes for table service.

A trip round Nottingham brings me up to 125.

[sheffield hatter]

Just 'accidentally' take a circuitous route to the toilets!

Are you advocating the violation of the one-way system? Shame on you!

[sheffield hatter]

... the peculiar arrangements for limiting the number of people in the toilets. A major hazard on the 'flick a sign to engaged on the way in' method is when some pillock doesn't reverse it on the way out. leaving a queue of cross-legged punters waiting for no-one to come out!

I have been, on occasions, both that pillock and one of the potentially cross-legged punters. Another hazard that may be actually on such signs is of course the virus itself, depending on how vigorous previous cutomers' ablutions have been.

[Al Bundy]

Seems to be a massive invitation to use the jigger round the back or over the road to me. Or possibly the farmers field depending on if its urban or rural.

[Tris39]

While they're at it they should reinstate the bell pushes for table service.

Flight Club (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23679/) has push button service. You'd love it!:)

[oldboots]

sounds good apart from the beer and darts, the Arden Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/53487/) in Stockport has a working mechanical bell built into a table in the little snug.

[Tris39]

sounds good apart from the beer and darts, the Arden Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/53487/) in Stockport has a working mechanical bell built into a table in the little snug.

Sounds wonderful. The problem with table service, is that pubs appear to be adding 12.5% service charge. I can't be sure as I make a contactless payment and waive the plaguey receipt; I don't begrudge it though.

[ETA]

Now at 135. Working from home means I don't get out much, just the three pubs in walking distance mainly. I now look forwards to going to the dentist because I can visit a new pub on the way home. A couple to do in Bridgwater, then I'll have done every open pub within 15 miles of home.

[Tris39]

Now at 135. Working from home means I don't get out much, just the three pubs in walking distance mainly. I now look forwards to going to the dentist because I can visit a new pub on the way home. A couple to do in Bridgwater, then I'll have done every open pub within 15 miles of home.

A lot of people would give their eye teeth to be in your position.;)

[Pangolin]

Probably the only good month with a holiday and a couple of trips - 48 new reviews giving me 162 for the year to date. Closures and lock-downs not boding well for remainder of year though.

[Brainypool]

30 new ticks since end of lockdown, so up to 79

Just one this month, The Denbigh Castle (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56520/), taking me to 80.

[Bucking Fastard]

However September means revisiting the Erewash Canal after a long absence,plus a short break in Ludlow so with luck I should improve my tardy performance on the new pub visit front.


And so it proved ,with the year to date total moving to 50.


October should see some new ticks in Digbeth and possibly Stratford on Avon but progress will be slow.

[Wittenden]

A visit to The Green Man (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/2855/) takes me to three, and the first since Lockdown.

[Tris39]

A visit to The Green Man (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/2855/) takes me to three, and the first since Lockdown.

And was the head on your pint as enormous as the ones shown on the website?

[Wittenden]

And was the head on your pint as enormous as the ones shown on the website?

No, quite acceptable,if a bit on the cold side.

[Tris39]

No, quite acceptable,if a bit on the cold side.

And were the customers as young as shown on the homepage then Quiz dates & Upcoming Events, their cocktails held aloft?;)

[Wittenden]

And were the customers as young as shown on the homepage then Quiz dates & Upcoming Events, their cocktails held aloft?;)

No,the bright young things were noticeable by their abscence.

[Tris39]

No,the bright young things were noticeable by their abscence.

I think a lot of these pub websites go through modelling agencies to get pretty young things in, in a bid to attract similar. I've been to places where the customers certainly don't match the crowds on the websites! But I suppose there aren't many agencies which specialise in models who look like Jack Hargreaves or Shaun Rider.

[Wittenden]

But I suppose there aren't many agencies which specialise in models who look like Jack Hargreaves or Shaun Rider.

A pub populated by Jack Hargreaves,now that's a thought!

[gillhalfpint]

We were locked in March for over 50 days, but trying t make up for it now, and new total this year up to 49. Not addingmany as we are supporting locals, and visit mainly favourites when we have our away days.

Gill

[Delboy20]

Now on 40 - I'll struggle to get past 50 this year!

Up to 47 after a short break in Porlock.

[Brainypool]

Living in a Tier 3 area now, I’m not going to visit a gastropub for a meal on my own, and most places I would want to visit have closed anyway. So who knows when I’ll drink in a pub again. Have a sinking feeling that it won’t be this year.

[oldboots]

Living in a Tier 3 area now, I’m not going to visit a gastropub for a meal on my own, and most places I would want to visit have closed anyway. So who knows when I’ll drink in a pub again. Have a sinking feeling that it won’t be this year.

You could visit a T1 or T2 area, except Glossop apparently,

https://themanc.com/news/glossop-pubs-ban-greater-manchester-residents-as-region-moves-to-tier-3/

[sheffield hatter]

You could visit a T1 or T2 area

Well, you can, but it's against government advice: "you should try to avoid travelling outside the very high alert level area you are in (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae)".

OK, it's a "should" rather than a "must", but in a 'splainer published in Friday's Guardian (and presumably in other newspapers), it says that you "essentially take the level you live in with you, and all the rules of the level where you live apply even if you go into a lower level".

So, supposing you have a genuine reason to travel to a lower level, you can't, while you're there, just pop into the pub for a quick pint if that would not be possible where you live. At least, I think that's what it means.

But apparently travelling to Barnard Castle for an eye test still is still OK. If your first name happens to be Dominic.

[oldboots]

Well, you can, but it's against government advice: "you should try to avoid travelling outside the very high alert level area you are in (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae)".

OK, it's a "should" rather than a "must", but in a 'splainer published in Friday's Guardian (and presumably in other newspapers), it says that you "essentially take the level you live in with you, and all the rules of the level where you live apply even if you go into a lower level".

So, supposing you have a genuine reason to travel to a lower level, you can't, while you're there, just pop into the pub for a quick pint if that would not be possible where you live. At least, I think that's what it means.

But apparently travelling to Barnard Castle for an eye test still is still OK. If your first name happens to be Dominic.



Not for the first time the Grauniad is talking drivel as a moments thought would show, taking the rules with you only (almost) works if you go from a higher risk area to a lower risk area not vice versa. Like so much of the Covid stuff it's made up as they, (politicians, journos, bloggers etc), go along. An alleged expert repeated the same take the rules with you nonsense on the Today programme on, I think, Friday, she was politely but firmly disabused of the notion by a second expert.


The Government advice (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-very-high) is silent about "taking rules with you" - it does say

"In addition, we are advising people not to travel into or out of an area if it has been categorised as a very high alert level area. This is part of wider measures to help manage the risk of transmission. You can continue to travel into or out of very high alert level areas if you need to for work, education, to access youth services or because of caring responsibilities."

Going to new pubs is part of my education :evilgrin: Of course the Government advice contradicts itself all the time.


Apparently you can avoid back council tax as well if you're pulling the strings of an advisor to Boris.

[Tris39]

"In addition, we are advising people not to travel into or out of an area if it has been categorised as a very high alert level area. This is part of wider measures to help manage the risk of transmission. You can continue to travel into or out of very high alert level areas if you need to for work, education, to access youth services or because of caring responsibilities."

I don't see how it's beneficial either way. If a person lives in a High risk area and they move to a lower risk area, all they do is increase the risk to those living in that area. If a person moves to a higher tier area, all they do is increase the risk to themselves and their loved ones.

[sheffield hatter]

Not for the first time the Grauniad is talking drivel as a moments thought would show, taking the rules with you only (almost) works if you go from a higher risk area to a lower risk area not vice versa.

This was a Government information piece, and not written by anyone working at the Guardian. Sorry if I didn't make this as clear as I thought I had.

But you are quite correct, what the Government's communications officer should have written was not that you "essentially take the level you live in with you, and all the rules of the level where you live apply even if you go into a lower level", but ..."only if you go into a lower level, and not when you go to a higher one".

[ROBCamra]

But you are quite correct, what the Government's communications officer should have written was not that you "essentially take the level you live in with you, and all the rules of the level where you live apply even if you go into a lower level", but ..."only if you go into a lower level, and not when you go to a higher one".

Best of luck taking your T3 rules to a T1 and insisting that the micropub you're in supplies you with the required "substantial meal". :evilgrin:

It is of course complete bollocks as usual.

[sheffield hatter]

It is of course complete bollocks as usual.

First grade cods-wallop.

[oldboots]

Best of luck taking your T3 rules to a T1 and insisting that the micropub you're in supplies you with the required "substantial meal". :evilgrin:

It is of course complete bollocks as usual.


First grade cods-wallop.

My point exactly.


Roll on the time when they finally admit defeat, probably after six or so lock-down cycles, by which time the economy will be long dead.

[Tris39]

But apparently travelling to Barnard Castle for an eye test still is still OK. If your first name happens to be Dominic.

Speaking of which, I was walking along here (https://www.google.com/maps/@51.5438767,-0.0896265,3a,15y,233.55h,106.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJHy4QkOOPPnxE8hnMNH_Bg!2e0!7i1 6384!8i8192) yesterday evening, the road name triggering a partial recollection, then remembered that the big C lives here.

[Delboy20]

Up to 47 after a short break in Porlock.

Added 2 more to get to 49.

[Mobyduck]

Only managing to pick up the odd newbie here and there at the moment, another 5 brings me up to the half century.

[ETA]

A quick zip around the Isles of Scilly brings me up to 158, 53 down from this time last year. Not sure I'm going to manage many in the next 4 days though.

[Bucking Fastard]

And so it proved ,with the year to date total moving to 50.


October should see some new ticks in Digbeth and possibly Stratford on Avon but progress will be slow.

October was productive and pushed the year to date total to 58.

I suspect November won't add to the total :whistle: so it will all be about December to improve on this very modest record.I normally get close to 200 in a year.:(

[gillhalfpint]

Not a lot of new ones for me but did manage a couple in Oxford on Friday, and loved Teardrop in the covered market. Mainly Church Hanbrewery and Heavy Water, one cask and around 6 keggy. Pub total this year 52 and don't expect to get new ones in York tomorrow, unless anyone knows of a new one worth visiting.

Gill

[Pangolin]

October was not great for new reviews with just 6, largely due to concentrating on near locals so only a few gaps filled in. November will be worse with just the one added today, prior to lockdown.

[Tris39]

October was not great for new reviews with just 6, largely due to concentrating on near locals so only a few gaps filled in. November will be worse with just the one added today, prior to lockdown.

A very good 20 new pubs last month but just the two this month. Perhaps we should put up the POTW November thread now, given that there won't be any new visits until 2nd December.:mad:

[Pangolin]

Perhaps we should put up the POTW November thread now, given that there won't be any new visits until 2nd December.

I believe that pubs are open on the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, however travel to is barred (except for 'essential reasons') and there is a 14 day quarantine, so I doubt we'll see any reviews!

[Delboy20]

Added 2 more to get to 49.

Managed 1 more to raise my bat for a half century!

That may be it for this year.....

[RealAleRobUK]

Another two brand new (to me) venues in September bringing my total to a rather poor 34 for the year so far. Also visited a previously experienced venue that has since changed hands - tempted to award myself half a point for that!

[Delboy20]

Another two brand new (to me) venues in September bringing my total to a rather poor 34 for the year so far. Also visited a previously experienced venue that has since changed hands - tempted to award myself half a point for that!

Don't do it - you are only cheating yourself!

[RealAleRobUK]

Don't do it - you are only cheating yourself!

:D:D:D

[ETA]

159, 53 fewer than this time last year. Lockdown, WFH and an ever-widening 'completed' radius mean I won't be doing too many more.

[Tris39]

159, 53 fewer than this time last year. Lockdown, WFH and an ever-widening 'completed' radius mean I won't be doing too many more.

Just 27 this year and all since 4th July with just 34.5 pints of real ale in the process. I've had to substantially expand my radius to fit them in, largely because I typically walk home from the pub, no more than 90 minutes but now expanded typically to three hours or more.

[ETA]

Just 27 this year and all since 4th July with just 34.5 pints of real ale in the process. I've had to substantially expand my radius to fit them in, largely because I typically walk home from the pub, no more than 90 minutes but now expanded typically to three hours or more.

I found a bicycle expanded my radius by several miles, which works ok in a rural area. Now though I rely on the increasingly rare trips out.

[Pangolin]

I found a bicycle expanded my radius by several miles.

That's funny - NOT using a bicycle (or much else by way of exercise) has expanded my 'radius' considerably over the last year...

[Tris39]

These pubs (https://metro.co.uk/2015/05/01/12-uk-pub-names-that-are-all-kinds-of-wrong-5177116/) are a must-visit for 2021.

[Brainypool]

These pubs (https://metro.co.uk/2015/05/01/12-uk-pub-names-that-are-all-kinds-of-wrong-5177116/) are a must-visit for 2021.

Any pub will be a must-visit after this year!

[Pangolin]

Hooray! I've visited a new pub (and it's still 2020)...

[Pangolin]

...and one more, before Tier 4 set in.

Which brings my year's total up to 161, very unlikely to change now. Also managed to get in 32% of my specific targets. So I suppose it's now sit back and relax with my bottle cellar and Big Smoke deliveries until some point next year, hoping that there will still be some pubs left to visit.

[Brainypool]

Just one this month, The Denbigh Castle (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56520/), taking me to 80.

Two more takes me to 82. Almost certainly done for the year now.

[ETA]

And the year ends on 160, down from last year's total of 240.

[Mobyduck]

Just the 50 for me.

[ROBCamra]

A paltry 26, the lowest for years (maybe ever) and the latest one was in August. :mad:

Do I get a prize for being in lockdown the longest?

[Delboy20]

Managed 1 more to raise my bat for a half century!

That may be it for this year.....

Didn't get any further than 50. It is my worst year since records began back in 2009.

This year will live long in the memory for the wrong reasons.

[Pubsignman]

I finished on 106 this year which is a disappointing total compared to last year's 191, but pretty good going considering I was only on 34 when all the pubs shut in March.

[Tris39]

I finished on 106 this year which is a disappointing total compared to last year's 191, but pretty good going considering I was only on 34 when all the pubs shut in March.

A pathetic 27, but interestingly, all after 4th July. I decided to try and pull off some of the ones that are something of a must-visit, but in the end had to make do with whatever I could get as a first visit, so some pointless clunkers included, but around five quite memorable visits.

[Bucking Fastard]

A total of 60 for the year compared with a more normal tally of around 200 :(

A few gems however,so quality rather than quantity.

[oldboots]

125 new pubs.

Going through my records I surprised myself finding I had managed trips to Edinburgh, Selby, Castleford/Pontefract, Tadcaster, Redcar, Barnsley, Nottingham, Carlisle, Durham and Manchester as well as my more local drinking in North Yorkshire and the West Yorkshire conurbation. I haven't been in a pub since 4th November though.

[Wittenden]

Four for the year.

[sheffield hatter]

Four for the year.

So it's not you that's been spreading the contagion throughout the south-east then!

[Komakino]

Managed a mere 14 new visits in 2020 :(

[Tris39]

33.

[gillhalfpint]

52

Gill