Pubs Galore - the UK pub guide

As expected slim pickens this last week.. Flowerpots Perridge Pale Taylors Boltmaker Taylors Knowle Spring 3 Piers West Coast Blonde Navigation Rebel Heritage Charringtons Oatmeal Stout All beers were in good shape, the Navigation Rebel wins by a nose from the West Coast Blonde and Oatmeal Stout. Not a lot of action expected in the coming week either.

[QUOTE=oldboots;103466]Not exactly a news story but an interesting take on Spoons [url]http://benviveur.blogspot.com/2019/10/wetherspoons-life-just-beginning.html[/url][/QUOTE] I tend to agree with Aqualung except his closures are spot on, apart from listing Suburbiton as well as Hook (William Stanley/Grid/Lady St Helier/Windmill/Tigers Head were the ones you queried). A lot of closures stemmed from the rip-off leases set up by his (allegedly) crooked one-time associate, but they do seem to have been a bit too 'shut it down' recently, although could this be after dear Tim moved away from direct personal control? My local Spoons luckily switched to Stonegate without much difference apart from added music, but you have to wonder where the obligatory collection of morning drinkers went when they closed somewhere like Thornton Heath. One key objection to the article however is that, if the author is only 'a couple of years' older than 40 himself, how on earth can he remember what they were like in the 1980s? Which is possibly why he missed the important point that JDW set new standards in serving food all day (after the passing of the 1988 Act) and were frequently the only place you could find to eat at, especially in provincial towns.

A very enjoyable day, despite the occasional bit of weather, and good to see everybody of course. Of particular note is that, despite going for local ales for preference, I managed to have a different brew in every pub (15), so quite happy with Shrewsbury. Shame I couldn't stay for the last couple but, with the assistance of a handy bus, I made my train with sufficient time to pop in one opposite the station! A few random pictures: [ATTACH]1863[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]1864[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]1865[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]1866[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]1867[/ATTACH]

Well done on getting there first, BF - I'll have you soon!!

The Roscoe Head was deserted last Saturday afternoon i was in too. I really hope it’s doing okay as it needs to.