Blog Tracker
01-06-2022, 21:09
Visit The BRAPA site (http://brapa-4500.blogspot.com/2022/06/brapa-month-end-review-may-2022.html)
May started with a peculiar interloper at the Ramsbottom British Legion asking if I'd tried Banana Bread or Brewndoggle beers, and it ended with me walking around in an aimless circular tour of the bar at Birmingham's Head of Steam taking selfies with a cuddly cauliflower..
Such are the contrasting atmospheres which make GBG pub ticking the most rewarding of hobbies.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxqybbhX9w5OVMtZWvgQEg5GpQT0f200U1wZv4_ZZcg pHfRENzrvxFcVuuRhVqfGBiqMiYCJwe0D-66U0Wc2joe3nHy-MYnHcJ03eBehKr-9nabBvrmwctz5pKEWhHG3hLehEDUG6g0KyR8LyOH-cO8tSuaunb4M8PyuXXVlYGOIVYWH8P3pcYnAMCg/s320/IMG_9484.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxqybbhX9w5OVMtZWvgQEg5GpQT0f200U1wZv4_ZZcg pHfRENzrvxFcVuuRhVqfGBiqMiYCJwe0D-66U0Wc2joe3nHy-MYnHcJ03eBehKr-9nabBvrmwctz5pKEWhHG3hLehEDUG6g0KyR8LyOH-cO8tSuaunb4M8PyuXXVlYGOIVYWH8P3pcYnAMCg/s3352/IMG_9484.HEIC)
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-XlNlRU9RBSE6FxtgHDWHChWjJ1p4xvbpHvwTRNvRhWdqaCeYQy yAmAmMCl01uci6EMR8VkPxTnoWeTrl-Nhj_S46YSM-zdurR02vuSIOdLfC1igJ8j11sTIt4sU8AzrmzwnUoHyQpnYj2y zyvPCK83httpbVOZ1dgx2gdLbNWJqxuPwQiWGj-0Ffw/s320/IMG_9873.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-XlNlRU9RBSE6FxtgHDWHChWjJ1p4xvbpHvwTRNvRhWdqaCeYQy yAmAmMCl01uci6EMR8VkPxTnoWeTrl-Nhj_S46YSM-zdurR02vuSIOdLfC1igJ8j11sTIt4sU8AzrmzwnUoHyQpnYj2y zyvPCK83httpbVOZ1dgx2gdLbNWJqxuPwQiWGj-0Ffw/s3088/IMG_9873.HEIC)
44 new GBG pub ticks (plus 2 pre-emptives), this is the first time this year that I haven't broken my monthly record. I did 55 in May 2021.
But I'm not too concerned by that, quite relieved actually, because since about mid April, somewhere 'twixt epic Berkshire catch up and Manchester Punk Festival, I decided (in conjunction with bank balance and tummy) that I'd gone in a bit too hard on 2022 ticking, and reining it in a bit seemed wise.
Finishing North Yorkshire, Durham and Hertfordshire have been the main achievements. We've seen significant gains in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, and the Staffordshire 'green dream' is still alive after a couple of long overdue, morale boosting visits.
Here's the match highlights .....
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXuL5lbXd2KpEHLg9xwQlYqqBNJpRyoRVTTi3uiEm3K W4k240kTllH-aj7l1iY3FiBjPUPzFYF4euKmPLZk1zzdQQPhBgSz4-KJdUe7NTi0OQaJPk8Lbn0vAxdbjbDyiNX8xdlddRN53MywjQcS mtfT3efrTXIULZ59iFMAO3jGOO_Rv5R6AjFKpiWw/s320/IMG_9768.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXuL5lbXd2KpEHLg9xwQlYqqBNJpRyoRVTTi3uiEm3K W4k240kTllH-aj7l1iY3FiBjPUPzFYF4euKmPLZk1zzdQQPhBgSz4-KJdUe7NTi0OQaJPk8Lbn0vAxdbjbDyiNX8xdlddRN53MywjQcS mtfT3efrTXIULZ59iFMAO3jGOO_Rv5R6AjFKpiWw/s4032/IMG_9768.HEIC)
'Colin, plays it to Dewhurst ... 1-0. It's there! Herts completed. Liquid football from BRAPA F.C.'
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMVdUQlfdlcMhcsbNlvvyrev2h2MmKBS_FhSjDOkVGm DLymMX_k4fpFQ0LCjJ_PxqW9gKZHtRNGCB2RIeP24jOaN2vHYH elVVymAt6gWuGbL7fMj_OV9rFZP6xj5Lvo4ScdBEP-uktRvNLpzx40PyRfKGiI3_4Fry60so9kDb_OIQU71zrKG7Niv6 Pg/s320/IMG_9780.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMVdUQlfdlcMhcsbNlvvyrev2h2MmKBS_FhSjDOkVGm DLymMX_k4fpFQ0LCjJ_PxqW9gKZHtRNGCB2RIeP24jOaN2vHYH elVVymAt6gWuGbL7fMj_OV9rFZP6xj5Lvo4ScdBEP-uktRvNLpzx40PyRfKGiI3_4Fry60so9kDb_OIQU71zrKG7Niv6 Pg/s4032/IMG_9780.HEIC)
'Played inside to Daddy BRAPA! He's only gone and grabbed a second. North Yorks down'
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0ot7Td2Vu_bqP8b3LiNWHwaB7l4PzqBdHzjX419F5Q j0XqVhSjEPev2ze9MpkPSi-nix3t8xpGct74QPal6myYjjHzinpuNk_Aw7k39d-yW6HIvdFMDLPolS-8VyQE3V2KinrUPtFaci5f-3FpjTGRa7BO4-Ibpx0KzJslkJ7n2nBX9VxiiuN-FeLw/s320/IMG_9787.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0ot7Td2Vu_bqP8b3LiNWHwaB7l4PzqBdHzjX419F5Q j0XqVhSjEPev2ze9MpkPSi-nix3t8xpGct74QPal6myYjjHzinpuNk_Aw7k39d-yW6HIvdFMDLPolS-8VyQE3V2KinrUPtFaci5f-3FpjTGRa7BO4-Ibpx0KzJslkJ7n2nBX9VxiiuN-FeLw/s4032/IMG_9787.HEIC)
'Colin ... good lofted through ball, Brecon the Sheep, on his debut ... GOOOALLL, 3-0, Durham beaten'
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzamz7tdnTeAap721RxN1Av5PDvi4Rtz6CCj2Sb2Xe74 IVhFbLoYVOrwb6J9dSpaVzq9zXuuQKSiWfICgQ-CWUmI7tRfgZbetJSl95M96hndibFYJUEC9I0urd4QbWuMlU6Dy USVMP_NKDk8S3KGXkSelIiFtkFU4Lnl-4gigzMBDGMQxUTf0x1Ps3JQ/s320/IMG_9881.PNG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzamz7tdnTeAap721RxN1Av5PDvi4Rtz6CCj2Sb2Xe74 IVhFbLoYVOrwb6J9dSpaVzq9zXuuQKSiWfICgQ-CWUmI7tRfgZbetJSl95M96hndibFYJUEC9I0urd4QbWuMlU6Dy USVMP_NKDk8S3KGXkSelIiFtkFU4Lnl-4gigzMBDGMQxUTf0x1Ps3JQ/s746/IMG_9881.PNG)
Keane Lewis Otter, through on goal ..... but Lancashire denies him from making it 4!
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUFNX7Qauik0z8ItOGe3tYLNxgKm32Vdg-CNHpY2pVReIWTAKR6fzzbeUfp4I4rEmUXX_D5cyNqZTjJvZxUU 1O8TAZLzmkVg96A9ljykEjq3w73vmDX5Ua52YC_6A-_cFSLH7sHHxJM87NgfCrs9OKJKmpwNAx9y7MCkmszGZpM7mNnj 42sp1-Llipcg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUFNX7Qauik0z8ItOGe3tYLNxgKm32Vdg-CNHpY2pVReIWTAKR6fzzbeUfp4I4rEmUXX_D5cyNqZTjJvZxUU 1O8TAZLzmkVg96A9ljykEjq3w73vmDX5Ua52YC_6A-_cFSLH7sHHxJM87NgfCrs9OKJKmpwNAx9y7MCkmszGZpM7mNnj 42sp1-Llipcg)
'Everitt, in space .... but Greater Manchester keeps him out yet again'
Happy to report a sharp upturn in beer quality in May, and the pubs were on the whole solid if often unspectacular. Here are the ones being put forward for BRAPA pub of the year contention on 31/12/22.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxsqI3o62BtsA_tsvpXsbyy3defaWnNeVfDz51ZZXKa-hQUWfBCtDbmLDUKPhA17fSBpUzjnitGczDgAe_LWNU9mY6pQCX Bj1ObpsogZesdIAiwAIfPhQgHN8hiqcJ6ubivk0QWRH3KpTHeh ezB6Eoh-NDtcyJfiy7jPEGH87TTqmi4LjAbp8hNQ8Pw/s320/IMG_9509.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxsqI3o62BtsA_tsvpXsbyy3defaWnNeVfDz51ZZXKa-hQUWfBCtDbmLDUKPhA17fSBpUzjnitGczDgAe_LWNU9mY6pQCX Bj1ObpsogZesdIAiwAIfPhQgHN8hiqcJ6ubivk0QWRH3KpTHeh ezB6Eoh-NDtcyJfiy7jPEGH87TTqmi4LjAbp8hNQ8Pw/s4032/IMG_9509.HEIC)
Canine Club, Accrington
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSruY9z0DuqCaQiakWje9R6VrjNBNf8IPmRF34KwNC1 OnF-86GaAstcNoz8eCabPpnsKDwj9ka8yW7I6JOS9TsoIjT9JuY_Hj fYM3CZHtqIXAvu_VnfUKdtiOld6tfRuXWJ-J99a2-YqkcBmnntyD83TkywbuCnK_G4BrE15IQ5M_fj9eSw8vEZIb5Q/s320/IMG_9527.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSruY9z0DuqCaQiakWje9R6VrjNBNf8IPmRF34KwNC1 OnF-86GaAstcNoz8eCabPpnsKDwj9ka8yW7I6JOS9TsoIjT9JuY_Hj fYM3CZHtqIXAvu_VnfUKdtiOld6tfRuXWJ-J99a2-YqkcBmnntyD83TkywbuCnK_G4BrE15IQ5M_fj9eSw8vEZIb5Q/s4032/IMG_9527.HEIC)
Robin Hood Inn, Helmshore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUDliuq1oH6dA3uY9oqYa19B_dkOWGDtgq81ID3XDrn IVwOIcO3_mVANgwxEFRtfX9VG4_ZpjjrhMmXEg0J_sIM8gS8JR mWdPKo9C4U7VopM9f3rsqzMh_sINDi3Re6xFHrbdf-v958_Tf4gyGGHqNaeHk99jH8vlTCnOfymEOU70UNHI4Xxyii_r nQ/s320/IMG_9581.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUDliuq1oH6dA3uY9oqYa19B_dkOWGDtgq81ID3XDrn IVwOIcO3_mVANgwxEFRtfX9VG4_ZpjjrhMmXEg0J_sIM8gS8JR mWdPKo9C4U7VopM9f3rsqzMh_sINDi3Re6xFHrbdf-v958_Tf4gyGGHqNaeHk99jH8vlTCnOfymEOU70UNHI4Xxyii_r nQ/s4032/IMG_9581.HEIC)
Bird in Hand, Cheadle
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fIXdgxqzxnR8sZyBZRV-hhnmDvINWbljZwlF_BiteAYpQ_xHoMfLSYF4TXwM9BbrpOIKrm hSiHn1mrtyHPTz6cH10g9toOBKYcr6FFVYOM_OpJH1CrIOnUpV U5r1z5GMiwwvuMsiRwDbVoG8X1r-abIQVCjo7kGQuPAHZ9IwL9TPxUTmUrD9k7mzjQ/s320/IMG_9717.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fIXdgxqzxnR8sZyBZRV-hhnmDvINWbljZwlF_BiteAYpQ_xHoMfLSYF4TXwM9BbrpOIKrm hSiHn1mrtyHPTz6cH10g9toOBKYcr6FFVYOM_OpJH1CrIOnUpV U5r1z5GMiwwvuMsiRwDbVoG8X1r-abIQVCjo7kGQuPAHZ9IwL9TPxUTmUrD9k7mzjQ/s4032/IMG_9717.HEIC)
John o' Gaunt, Lancaster
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHicbqouU9LptrxaIMSQeS5JBwmiEh1qCtwFuMYoQKna SQnVCc8l7q6-xjk6eYKvihVj4h2E6wtuMTTCJOc97_jgGIMgbn3HzfHFlm8ZX-n8YmnLmV30vsNq96nIgg083YjdS86wHwHy410Owz0f2FFDvemc 3ozhMeTSbOECXjcswH6EgDqzvdZiOaRw/s320/IMG_9741.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHicbqouU9LptrxaIMSQeS5JBwmiEh1qCtwFuMYoQKna SQnVCc8l7q6-xjk6eYKvihVj4h2E6wtuMTTCJOc97_jgGIMgbn3HzfHFlm8ZX-n8YmnLmV30vsNq96nIgg083YjdS86wHwHy410Owz0f2FFDvemc 3ozhMeTSbOECXjcswH6EgDqzvdZiOaRw/s3381/IMG_9741.HEIC)
Chequers, Wareside
And plenty of others could've easily made the top five, like Red Lion in Cotherstone, Lord Nelson in Appleton Wiske, Cross Keys Hotel in Hednesford, Crown in Elford and Brown Bear, Braughing.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZjbvs_yPA-8GSPdVZebiR7bhtRwb37b_BbBIYCpjM_HwPUe32Es0NIxfTb1L KgfTSBDwhB1Fh1szCmAODKk_1jagKZrGY7eXGCvaiX0gM3PoXg KrGpcVna6dL8vtKp34VYds9zEJZt3qsfQrUwBO_1v165Ljmsza binVH5ysCoRe_uo8r40iziDe9A/s320/IMG_9857.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZjbvs_yPA-8GSPdVZebiR7bhtRwb37b_BbBIYCpjM_HwPUe32Es0NIxfTb1L KgfTSBDwhB1Fh1szCmAODKk_1jagKZrGY7eXGCvaiX0gM3PoXg KrGpcVna6dL8vtKp34VYds9zEJZt3qsfQrUwBO_1v165Ljmsza binVH5ysCoRe_uo8r40iziDe9A/s4032/IMG_9857.HEIC)
Crown Inn, Elford
Quite a few dull 'what's the point?' kind of ticks this month, but at least they generally had someone with a winning smile serving ale worthy of GBG inclusion.
The ale at Barking Dog, Urmston was good too, but that's my worst pub of the month because it just offended the sensibilities on just about every single level .....
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFVPvKFvD9vfhc8DlvHnFf4OckdhGXXxNvglhS7E7wK v7GeKC8aU3H43XqLa4Axu7OgWK9CoMfLu6BM01CNFZu0eNRLS2 FnhQjQVzOKd4Sw-eZ4IF8d9NzpWGklRKKRRhMH4odN71OOHJ6yDLD9wc8EYSm4HiV JKlBx49J0V-t19xQum1HwIYe64lsQ/s320/IMG_9501.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFVPvKFvD9vfhc8DlvHnFf4OckdhGXXxNvglhS7E7wK v7GeKC8aU3H43XqLa4Axu7OgWK9CoMfLu6BM01CNFZu0eNRLS2 FnhQjQVzOKd4Sw-eZ4IF8d9NzpWGklRKKRRhMH4odN71OOHJ6yDLD9wc8EYSm4HiV JKlBx49J0V-t19xQum1HwIYe64lsQ/s4032/IMG_9501.HEIC)
JUNE!
Onto June then. I was going to report that my first tick wouldn't be until 11th June. But when I saw a pub I've been struggling to tick off opening all day specially for Bank Holiday weekend, well I just had to book a little impromptu Jubilee trip out.
But yes, the first half of June will be quiet, what with two beer festivals, a wedding evening and then work spoiling my #ThirstyThursday fun by making me do Business Loans cos that's what they think I was put on this planet for. I might squeeze out the odd #WWWSI (Wine Westerns Wotsits Staying In) to give myself a little light relief so look out for that on my other Twitter page if you are that way inclined.
June should pick up in the latter stages and end with a bit of a flourish so not all's lost, but I'm predicting a lower tally than 44 overall.
LANDMARK!
I'm on 2232 current GBG pubs as we speak. And you know what 2250 is don't you? Yes, half way point in the GBG.
Trying to predict where and when it will be is tricky. Looks like either being at the beginning of my summer hols, but it could just as likely be a non descript micropub on the outskirts of Preston with an Otter and a Lizard on a random Thursday afternoon.
WINTER BREAK!
I'm not saying Lockdown Nostalgia is a 'thing', but there are times when I think back with fondness to wine, westerns and wotsits, to sci-fi, pies and scampi fries. Simpler cheaper times. As frustrating as pubs being closed for ages was, adapting to a new routine, long pointless walks around bits of York I didn't know existed, you know, there were times I sort of enjoyed it.
The need for an occasional reset, to revive my appetite for pub ticking got me thinking of having a month off.
And when I started thinking of the best time of year to do this, it was quite obvious. Christmas.
I've long since hated ticking in the build up to Christmas, when the Twumpers (people in pubs who wear Christmas jumpers and are also twats) are out in force. Pubs are packed, getting served is a hassle. My C*lmore experience last December was the final straw.
New Year's is rubbish too, for different reasons, especially around NYD (Sheffield two years back was one of the most dispiriting BRAPA days ever). And as for that first two weeks in January, pubs love to go on holiday and shut up shop without telling anyone. "This is the time when pubs most need you!" goes the cry when idiots do 'Dryanuary', but sod that for a game of soldiers cos half the UK's publicans are sunning themselves in Torre-bloody-molinos.
So, after I complete my final tick on Sat 10th December until Thursday 5th Jan (if anything is open!), I'm downing BRAPA tools. I've got my whole life to complete this bloody book, I'm not in any rush, as one famous man once said 'the best hobbies are those you never quite complete' (even though, eventually, on my death bed in a West Wales outpost, I do want to do my 4,500th tick. No fanfare, just a bonus Welsh ESB.
So there we have it, all up to date. Let the quest to complete Lancs, Staffs and a mystery southern county all begin, June is here!
Si
More... (http://brapa-4500.blogspot.com/2022/06/brapa-month-end-review-may-2022.html)
May started with a peculiar interloper at the Ramsbottom British Legion asking if I'd tried Banana Bread or Brewndoggle beers, and it ended with me walking around in an aimless circular tour of the bar at Birmingham's Head of Steam taking selfies with a cuddly cauliflower..
Such are the contrasting atmospheres which make GBG pub ticking the most rewarding of hobbies.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxqybbhX9w5OVMtZWvgQEg5GpQT0f200U1wZv4_ZZcg pHfRENzrvxFcVuuRhVqfGBiqMiYCJwe0D-66U0Wc2joe3nHy-MYnHcJ03eBehKr-9nabBvrmwctz5pKEWhHG3hLehEDUG6g0KyR8LyOH-cO8tSuaunb4M8PyuXXVlYGOIVYWH8P3pcYnAMCg/s320/IMG_9484.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxqybbhX9w5OVMtZWvgQEg5GpQT0f200U1wZv4_ZZcg pHfRENzrvxFcVuuRhVqfGBiqMiYCJwe0D-66U0Wc2joe3nHy-MYnHcJ03eBehKr-9nabBvrmwctz5pKEWhHG3hLehEDUG6g0KyR8LyOH-cO8tSuaunb4M8PyuXXVlYGOIVYWH8P3pcYnAMCg/s3352/IMG_9484.HEIC)
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-XlNlRU9RBSE6FxtgHDWHChWjJ1p4xvbpHvwTRNvRhWdqaCeYQy yAmAmMCl01uci6EMR8VkPxTnoWeTrl-Nhj_S46YSM-zdurR02vuSIOdLfC1igJ8j11sTIt4sU8AzrmzwnUoHyQpnYj2y zyvPCK83httpbVOZ1dgx2gdLbNWJqxuPwQiWGj-0Ffw/s320/IMG_9873.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-XlNlRU9RBSE6FxtgHDWHChWjJ1p4xvbpHvwTRNvRhWdqaCeYQy yAmAmMCl01uci6EMR8VkPxTnoWeTrl-Nhj_S46YSM-zdurR02vuSIOdLfC1igJ8j11sTIt4sU8AzrmzwnUoHyQpnYj2y zyvPCK83httpbVOZ1dgx2gdLbNWJqxuPwQiWGj-0Ffw/s3088/IMG_9873.HEIC)
44 new GBG pub ticks (plus 2 pre-emptives), this is the first time this year that I haven't broken my monthly record. I did 55 in May 2021.
But I'm not too concerned by that, quite relieved actually, because since about mid April, somewhere 'twixt epic Berkshire catch up and Manchester Punk Festival, I decided (in conjunction with bank balance and tummy) that I'd gone in a bit too hard on 2022 ticking, and reining it in a bit seemed wise.
Finishing North Yorkshire, Durham and Hertfordshire have been the main achievements. We've seen significant gains in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, and the Staffordshire 'green dream' is still alive after a couple of long overdue, morale boosting visits.
Here's the match highlights .....
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXuL5lbXd2KpEHLg9xwQlYqqBNJpRyoRVTTi3uiEm3K W4k240kTllH-aj7l1iY3FiBjPUPzFYF4euKmPLZk1zzdQQPhBgSz4-KJdUe7NTi0OQaJPk8Lbn0vAxdbjbDyiNX8xdlddRN53MywjQcS mtfT3efrTXIULZ59iFMAO3jGOO_Rv5R6AjFKpiWw/s320/IMG_9768.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXuL5lbXd2KpEHLg9xwQlYqqBNJpRyoRVTTi3uiEm3K W4k240kTllH-aj7l1iY3FiBjPUPzFYF4euKmPLZk1zzdQQPhBgSz4-KJdUe7NTi0OQaJPk8Lbn0vAxdbjbDyiNX8xdlddRN53MywjQcS mtfT3efrTXIULZ59iFMAO3jGOO_Rv5R6AjFKpiWw/s4032/IMG_9768.HEIC)
'Colin, plays it to Dewhurst ... 1-0. It's there! Herts completed. Liquid football from BRAPA F.C.'
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMVdUQlfdlcMhcsbNlvvyrev2h2MmKBS_FhSjDOkVGm DLymMX_k4fpFQ0LCjJ_PxqW9gKZHtRNGCB2RIeP24jOaN2vHYH elVVymAt6gWuGbL7fMj_OV9rFZP6xj5Lvo4ScdBEP-uktRvNLpzx40PyRfKGiI3_4Fry60so9kDb_OIQU71zrKG7Niv6 Pg/s320/IMG_9780.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMVdUQlfdlcMhcsbNlvvyrev2h2MmKBS_FhSjDOkVGm DLymMX_k4fpFQ0LCjJ_PxqW9gKZHtRNGCB2RIeP24jOaN2vHYH elVVymAt6gWuGbL7fMj_OV9rFZP6xj5Lvo4ScdBEP-uktRvNLpzx40PyRfKGiI3_4Fry60so9kDb_OIQU71zrKG7Niv6 Pg/s4032/IMG_9780.HEIC)
'Played inside to Daddy BRAPA! He's only gone and grabbed a second. North Yorks down'
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0ot7Td2Vu_bqP8b3LiNWHwaB7l4PzqBdHzjX419F5Q j0XqVhSjEPev2ze9MpkPSi-nix3t8xpGct74QPal6myYjjHzinpuNk_Aw7k39d-yW6HIvdFMDLPolS-8VyQE3V2KinrUPtFaci5f-3FpjTGRa7BO4-Ibpx0KzJslkJ7n2nBX9VxiiuN-FeLw/s320/IMG_9787.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0ot7Td2Vu_bqP8b3LiNWHwaB7l4PzqBdHzjX419F5Q j0XqVhSjEPev2ze9MpkPSi-nix3t8xpGct74QPal6myYjjHzinpuNk_Aw7k39d-yW6HIvdFMDLPolS-8VyQE3V2KinrUPtFaci5f-3FpjTGRa7BO4-Ibpx0KzJslkJ7n2nBX9VxiiuN-FeLw/s4032/IMG_9787.HEIC)
'Colin ... good lofted through ball, Brecon the Sheep, on his debut ... GOOOALLL, 3-0, Durham beaten'
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzamz7tdnTeAap721RxN1Av5PDvi4Rtz6CCj2Sb2Xe74 IVhFbLoYVOrwb6J9dSpaVzq9zXuuQKSiWfICgQ-CWUmI7tRfgZbetJSl95M96hndibFYJUEC9I0urd4QbWuMlU6Dy USVMP_NKDk8S3KGXkSelIiFtkFU4Lnl-4gigzMBDGMQxUTf0x1Ps3JQ/s320/IMG_9881.PNG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzamz7tdnTeAap721RxN1Av5PDvi4Rtz6CCj2Sb2Xe74 IVhFbLoYVOrwb6J9dSpaVzq9zXuuQKSiWfICgQ-CWUmI7tRfgZbetJSl95M96hndibFYJUEC9I0urd4QbWuMlU6Dy USVMP_NKDk8S3KGXkSelIiFtkFU4Lnl-4gigzMBDGMQxUTf0x1Ps3JQ/s746/IMG_9881.PNG)
Keane Lewis Otter, through on goal ..... but Lancashire denies him from making it 4!
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUFNX7Qauik0z8ItOGe3tYLNxgKm32Vdg-CNHpY2pVReIWTAKR6fzzbeUfp4I4rEmUXX_D5cyNqZTjJvZxUU 1O8TAZLzmkVg96A9ljykEjq3w73vmDX5Ua52YC_6A-_cFSLH7sHHxJM87NgfCrs9OKJKmpwNAx9y7MCkmszGZpM7mNnj 42sp1-Llipcg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUFNX7Qauik0z8ItOGe3tYLNxgKm32Vdg-CNHpY2pVReIWTAKR6fzzbeUfp4I4rEmUXX_D5cyNqZTjJvZxUU 1O8TAZLzmkVg96A9ljykEjq3w73vmDX5Ua52YC_6A-_cFSLH7sHHxJM87NgfCrs9OKJKmpwNAx9y7MCkmszGZpM7mNnj 42sp1-Llipcg)
'Everitt, in space .... but Greater Manchester keeps him out yet again'
Happy to report a sharp upturn in beer quality in May, and the pubs were on the whole solid if often unspectacular. Here are the ones being put forward for BRAPA pub of the year contention on 31/12/22.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxsqI3o62BtsA_tsvpXsbyy3defaWnNeVfDz51ZZXKa-hQUWfBCtDbmLDUKPhA17fSBpUzjnitGczDgAe_LWNU9mY6pQCX Bj1ObpsogZesdIAiwAIfPhQgHN8hiqcJ6ubivk0QWRH3KpTHeh ezB6Eoh-NDtcyJfiy7jPEGH87TTqmi4LjAbp8hNQ8Pw/s320/IMG_9509.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxsqI3o62BtsA_tsvpXsbyy3defaWnNeVfDz51ZZXKa-hQUWfBCtDbmLDUKPhA17fSBpUzjnitGczDgAe_LWNU9mY6pQCX Bj1ObpsogZesdIAiwAIfPhQgHN8hiqcJ6ubivk0QWRH3KpTHeh ezB6Eoh-NDtcyJfiy7jPEGH87TTqmi4LjAbp8hNQ8Pw/s4032/IMG_9509.HEIC)
Canine Club, Accrington
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSruY9z0DuqCaQiakWje9R6VrjNBNf8IPmRF34KwNC1 OnF-86GaAstcNoz8eCabPpnsKDwj9ka8yW7I6JOS9TsoIjT9JuY_Hj fYM3CZHtqIXAvu_VnfUKdtiOld6tfRuXWJ-J99a2-YqkcBmnntyD83TkywbuCnK_G4BrE15IQ5M_fj9eSw8vEZIb5Q/s320/IMG_9527.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSruY9z0DuqCaQiakWje9R6VrjNBNf8IPmRF34KwNC1 OnF-86GaAstcNoz8eCabPpnsKDwj9ka8yW7I6JOS9TsoIjT9JuY_Hj fYM3CZHtqIXAvu_VnfUKdtiOld6tfRuXWJ-J99a2-YqkcBmnntyD83TkywbuCnK_G4BrE15IQ5M_fj9eSw8vEZIb5Q/s4032/IMG_9527.HEIC)
Robin Hood Inn, Helmshore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUDliuq1oH6dA3uY9oqYa19B_dkOWGDtgq81ID3XDrn IVwOIcO3_mVANgwxEFRtfX9VG4_ZpjjrhMmXEg0J_sIM8gS8JR mWdPKo9C4U7VopM9f3rsqzMh_sINDi3Re6xFHrbdf-v958_Tf4gyGGHqNaeHk99jH8vlTCnOfymEOU70UNHI4Xxyii_r nQ/s320/IMG_9581.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUDliuq1oH6dA3uY9oqYa19B_dkOWGDtgq81ID3XDrn IVwOIcO3_mVANgwxEFRtfX9VG4_ZpjjrhMmXEg0J_sIM8gS8JR mWdPKo9C4U7VopM9f3rsqzMh_sINDi3Re6xFHrbdf-v958_Tf4gyGGHqNaeHk99jH8vlTCnOfymEOU70UNHI4Xxyii_r nQ/s4032/IMG_9581.HEIC)
Bird in Hand, Cheadle
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fIXdgxqzxnR8sZyBZRV-hhnmDvINWbljZwlF_BiteAYpQ_xHoMfLSYF4TXwM9BbrpOIKrm hSiHn1mrtyHPTz6cH10g9toOBKYcr6FFVYOM_OpJH1CrIOnUpV U5r1z5GMiwwvuMsiRwDbVoG8X1r-abIQVCjo7kGQuPAHZ9IwL9TPxUTmUrD9k7mzjQ/s320/IMG_9717.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fIXdgxqzxnR8sZyBZRV-hhnmDvINWbljZwlF_BiteAYpQ_xHoMfLSYF4TXwM9BbrpOIKrm hSiHn1mrtyHPTz6cH10g9toOBKYcr6FFVYOM_OpJH1CrIOnUpV U5r1z5GMiwwvuMsiRwDbVoG8X1r-abIQVCjo7kGQuPAHZ9IwL9TPxUTmUrD9k7mzjQ/s4032/IMG_9717.HEIC)
John o' Gaunt, Lancaster
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHicbqouU9LptrxaIMSQeS5JBwmiEh1qCtwFuMYoQKna SQnVCc8l7q6-xjk6eYKvihVj4h2E6wtuMTTCJOc97_jgGIMgbn3HzfHFlm8ZX-n8YmnLmV30vsNq96nIgg083YjdS86wHwHy410Owz0f2FFDvemc 3ozhMeTSbOECXjcswH6EgDqzvdZiOaRw/s320/IMG_9741.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHicbqouU9LptrxaIMSQeS5JBwmiEh1qCtwFuMYoQKna SQnVCc8l7q6-xjk6eYKvihVj4h2E6wtuMTTCJOc97_jgGIMgbn3HzfHFlm8ZX-n8YmnLmV30vsNq96nIgg083YjdS86wHwHy410Owz0f2FFDvemc 3ozhMeTSbOECXjcswH6EgDqzvdZiOaRw/s3381/IMG_9741.HEIC)
Chequers, Wareside
And plenty of others could've easily made the top five, like Red Lion in Cotherstone, Lord Nelson in Appleton Wiske, Cross Keys Hotel in Hednesford, Crown in Elford and Brown Bear, Braughing.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZjbvs_yPA-8GSPdVZebiR7bhtRwb37b_BbBIYCpjM_HwPUe32Es0NIxfTb1L KgfTSBDwhB1Fh1szCmAODKk_1jagKZrGY7eXGCvaiX0gM3PoXg KrGpcVna6dL8vtKp34VYds9zEJZt3qsfQrUwBO_1v165Ljmsza binVH5ysCoRe_uo8r40iziDe9A/s320/IMG_9857.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZjbvs_yPA-8GSPdVZebiR7bhtRwb37b_BbBIYCpjM_HwPUe32Es0NIxfTb1L KgfTSBDwhB1Fh1szCmAODKk_1jagKZrGY7eXGCvaiX0gM3PoXg KrGpcVna6dL8vtKp34VYds9zEJZt3qsfQrUwBO_1v165Ljmsza binVH5ysCoRe_uo8r40iziDe9A/s4032/IMG_9857.HEIC)
Crown Inn, Elford
Quite a few dull 'what's the point?' kind of ticks this month, but at least they generally had someone with a winning smile serving ale worthy of GBG inclusion.
The ale at Barking Dog, Urmston was good too, but that's my worst pub of the month because it just offended the sensibilities on just about every single level .....
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFVPvKFvD9vfhc8DlvHnFf4OckdhGXXxNvglhS7E7wK v7GeKC8aU3H43XqLa4Axu7OgWK9CoMfLu6BM01CNFZu0eNRLS2 FnhQjQVzOKd4Sw-eZ4IF8d9NzpWGklRKKRRhMH4odN71OOHJ6yDLD9wc8EYSm4HiV JKlBx49J0V-t19xQum1HwIYe64lsQ/s320/IMG_9501.HEIC (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFVPvKFvD9vfhc8DlvHnFf4OckdhGXXxNvglhS7E7wK v7GeKC8aU3H43XqLa4Axu7OgWK9CoMfLu6BM01CNFZu0eNRLS2 FnhQjQVzOKd4Sw-eZ4IF8d9NzpWGklRKKRRhMH4odN71OOHJ6yDLD9wc8EYSm4HiV JKlBx49J0V-t19xQum1HwIYe64lsQ/s4032/IMG_9501.HEIC)
JUNE!
Onto June then. I was going to report that my first tick wouldn't be until 11th June. But when I saw a pub I've been struggling to tick off opening all day specially for Bank Holiday weekend, well I just had to book a little impromptu Jubilee trip out.
But yes, the first half of June will be quiet, what with two beer festivals, a wedding evening and then work spoiling my #ThirstyThursday fun by making me do Business Loans cos that's what they think I was put on this planet for. I might squeeze out the odd #WWWSI (Wine Westerns Wotsits Staying In) to give myself a little light relief so look out for that on my other Twitter page if you are that way inclined.
June should pick up in the latter stages and end with a bit of a flourish so not all's lost, but I'm predicting a lower tally than 44 overall.
LANDMARK!
I'm on 2232 current GBG pubs as we speak. And you know what 2250 is don't you? Yes, half way point in the GBG.
Trying to predict where and when it will be is tricky. Looks like either being at the beginning of my summer hols, but it could just as likely be a non descript micropub on the outskirts of Preston with an Otter and a Lizard on a random Thursday afternoon.
WINTER BREAK!
I'm not saying Lockdown Nostalgia is a 'thing', but there are times when I think back with fondness to wine, westerns and wotsits, to sci-fi, pies and scampi fries. Simpler cheaper times. As frustrating as pubs being closed for ages was, adapting to a new routine, long pointless walks around bits of York I didn't know existed, you know, there were times I sort of enjoyed it.
The need for an occasional reset, to revive my appetite for pub ticking got me thinking of having a month off.
And when I started thinking of the best time of year to do this, it was quite obvious. Christmas.
I've long since hated ticking in the build up to Christmas, when the Twumpers (people in pubs who wear Christmas jumpers and are also twats) are out in force. Pubs are packed, getting served is a hassle. My C*lmore experience last December was the final straw.
New Year's is rubbish too, for different reasons, especially around NYD (Sheffield two years back was one of the most dispiriting BRAPA days ever). And as for that first two weeks in January, pubs love to go on holiday and shut up shop without telling anyone. "This is the time when pubs most need you!" goes the cry when idiots do 'Dryanuary', but sod that for a game of soldiers cos half the UK's publicans are sunning themselves in Torre-bloody-molinos.
So, after I complete my final tick on Sat 10th December until Thursday 5th Jan (if anything is open!), I'm downing BRAPA tools. I've got my whole life to complete this bloody book, I'm not in any rush, as one famous man once said 'the best hobbies are those you never quite complete' (even though, eventually, on my death bed in a West Wales outpost, I do want to do my 4,500th tick. No fanfare, just a bonus Welsh ESB.
So there we have it, all up to date. Let the quest to complete Lancs, Staffs and a mystery southern county all begin, June is here!
Si
More... (http://brapa-4500.blogspot.com/2022/06/brapa-month-end-review-may-2022.html)