Technology and me - we don't agree!

There’s something about me and technology which means we quite often don’t get on well together. Regular readers will probably recall the trouble I had with my Smartwatch, a few months ago, when this time piece stopped recording the number of steps I’d walked, followed by a period when I was virtually locked out of my Google account. Fortunately, I was able to rectify these errors without too much trouble, even though there was a fair amount of soul-searching, on social media. I felt especially proud of solving the issue affecting the step counter, which in the end turned out to be a matter of trial and error.

This might seem a little fluffy, if that's the right word, but a week or so ago another tech problem reared its head, and this time it was a problem with my Smartphone. I appreciate that not all readers possess such a device, although I’m assuming that the majority of followers do, and even if, like one of my colleagues, your mobile phone is exactly that – a device for making and receiving calls, whilst on the move, or from different locations, you will appreciate what I am talking about.

So, the other week I noticed my Smartphone was advising that it could make or receive emergency calls only. Given the rural location of my workplace, I wasn’t overly surprised, as reception on mobile networks locally, are patchy at best, and non-existent at worst, but when the on-screen message persisted, when I arrived home, I began to suspect that something was up.

Everything else though, associated with the phone was working, so I could send and receive emails, listen to music downloads, take photos as well as surfing the net. In fact, my phone could do everything except make and receive phone calls – proof that the humble mobile phone, the device the Germans refer to as a “Handy”, has evolved far beyond its original purpose. I asked a work colleague who is far more “tech savvy” than me to take a look, and after accessing the device’s self-diagnostic features, told me that the SIM card wasn’t working.

A SIM card is a small plastic card with a computer chip that slots into your phone. It holds information, including your phone number, and allows you to connect with your network. SIM cards are assigned a unique identification number that stores information about your phone plan (type of plan, available data, voice minutes, and text messages.) Carriers then use this information to verify your account status and charge you accordingly on your monthly bill.

Everything else that isn't your phone number will still be on your phone after you remove the SIM card, although you won't be able to call or text those contacts without a phone number. Also, some apps may not work without a network connection. My colleague tried removing the SIM and then cleaning it (wiping it on a piece of clean cloth), before re-inserting it, but this made no difference.

Long story short, I contacted O2, my contract provider, using a landline, explained the problem, and after correctly answering the various security questions associated with my account, O2 agreed to post a replacement SIM to my home address. The latter duly arrived a few days later (a Saturday), and that afternoon I followed the instructions to swap the existing SIM for the new one. So far, so good, except it still didn’t work, and the new SIM was displaying a “Number Unknown” message.

This was where Mrs PBT’s stepped in, especially as she considers herself to be far more tech savvy than me. Despite this, the card stubbornly refused to connect to the network, which led her to advise that “SIMs can sometimes take a while to do this”. Despite my skepticism I checked online, and saw the same message, but one that seemed to contradict the instructions supplied with the new SIM. “Leave it until the morning”, was her sage advice, but come Sunday morning, my phone still had no network connection, which is when I decided to seek outside assistance.

There used to be an O2 shop in Tonbridge, but that closed several years ago, so just before midday, I headed over to the group’s Tunbridge Wells outlet. My bus pass allowed me a free return journey, even though services aren’t quite as frequent on a Sunday. I made my way to the O2 shop, and as it wasn’t too busy, a helpful young lady dealt with my enquiry straight away. After a series of checks, on both the phone and me, photo-ID driving license, bank card, plus verification of my mother’s maiden name (standard ID question), she informed me that despite having just replaced the SIM, it too was faulty. “I shall install another new SIM card”, she said, and joy of joy, the replacement, “New one” worked! After thanking her profusely, it was time for a celebration pint or two, but first I had one more shop to visit. M&S, everyone’s favourite retailer, and the store I was directed to by the staff in outdoor clothing retailer, Trespass.

I was after a pair of thermal undergarments aka,“long johns”. Norway is still  quite cold in mid-March, especially beyond the Arctic Circle, and that’s the destination where Mrs PBT’s and I are heading to in a couple of weeks’ time. Norway to be precise, and what Trespass were unable to deliver Marks & Sparks had the said garments in various sizes, including one that would fit me, and keep out the Arctic chill, when I’m wandering the streets of Tromsø or Narvik.

Finally, it was time for a pint, and my plan was to head away from the shopping area of Tunbridge Wells, and choose a couple of hostelries, close to the route of the bus home. I headed up towards Mount Ephraim, and the area opposite the old Tunbridge Wells Hospital. The former Kent & Sussex, usually referred to as the “Kent & Snuffit”, is no more and a mixed development of expensive looking apartments and town houses has taken its place, but directly opposite is Sankey’s.

I wrote about this family-run pub and brasserie a few months ago, but as it had been quite a few months since I actually set foot in the place, I was keen to find out what was occurring. Sankey’s offers a wide range of mainly keg beers, from various Kent and Sussex microbrewes, supposedly alongside a couple of cask ales. I saw no evidence of the latter, but perhaps they were available downstairs, as Sankey’s is spread over two levels. Keen to get a beer, I opted for a glass of Silver Lake, a pilsner-style beer from Lakedown Brewery. The latter is based at Who front-man, Roger Daltrey’s family estate and fishing lakes, close to the Sussex village of Burwash. The company’s beers are a regular find in many pubs in this part of the world and have acquired a good reputation. My pilsner-style beer certainly slid down well, especially after I managed to find a seat. 

I’ve actually got one of the bar staff to thank for that, as with the pub absolutely rammed, mainly with people dining it was Sunday lunchtime, after all, seats were at a premium. The very pleasant young lady who’d served me a short while before suggested I park myself down at one of the stools in front of the fireplace. Fortunately, the fire wasn’t lit so I didn’t roast and instead had a good vantage point over what was going on.  Apart from people watching, the walls and ceilings of Sankey’s are well worth a look, as they are festooned with what must be one of the most comprehensive collections of enamelled metal advertising signs in existence. Most of this memorabilia relates to long lost, but not forgotten local breweries, so if brewery history floats your boat, take a look the next time you are in Tunbridge Wells.

It was time to move on, and it wasn’t far to the George, a pub I last visited back in the summer. Like the previous pub, the George was heaving, and after elbowing my place to the bar, and ordering a pint of Fonthill Best – one of several beers brewed onsite, in an old stable building. In 1739, the George was a coaching inn for those travelling between Tunbridge Wells and London, and with its graceful exterior, plus an interior full of exposed beams, brickwork, fireplaces, and oak floorboards, the building still exudes warmth and nostalgia from every corner.

I managed to find a stool, set with its back to the window, where I could sit in full view of the punters, enjoying their Sunday lunches. With hindsight, it hadn’t been the best time to be in either pub, but circumstances being what they were, and the fact I managed to get my phone sorted out, were compensation enough. What was encouraging and heartening, was seeing both establishments not just thriving, but buzzing with it.

I’d timed my walk to the nearest bus stop, just right, so didn’t have long to wait for the next bus back to Tonbridge. Unfortunately, there was a lengthy wait, until the next service, so I had to hike back up the hill to Bailey Towers. Sunday services are limited, so I ended up walking home, after mission accomplished. Phone sorted, plus thermal leggings, ahead of our forthcoming Arctic holiday.

 

 

Jaipur goes from strength to strength

Since its founding in 2005 Thornbridge Brewery, who are located in the heart of the Peak District, have been dedicated to producing high-quality beer. Their best-known brand is Jaipur, a beer that was one of the first beers produced by the company, and one that requires little in the way of introduction to UK beer lovers. Available in cask, keg, bottle, and can formats, Jaipur is widely regarded as the country’s first craft IPA, and since its launch, it has earned more than 100 awards. More importantly, to real ale afficionados like me, the beer is widely regarded as one of the UK's top modern cask beers.

In addition to brewing Jaipur, Thornbridge produces a diverse selection of cask beers and houses the world’s last working Burton Union system. This traditional brewing equipment enhances their offerings, allowing the brewery to create distinctive, classic beers and collaborate with famous brewers worldwide. Recent figures show that Jaipur is now ranked as the ninth best-selling cask beer in Britain—a notable accomplishment for this flagship IPA. Its success highlights not only the strength of the Jaipur brand, but also the increasing popularity of contemporary, hop-forward beers across the country.

In 2025, Thornbridge had its most successful year ever, with over 3.5 million pints of Jaipur contributing to this success. The beer was chosen for Wetherspoon’s "Class Act" promotion, an event that features premium brands from around the UK and introduces Jaipur to new drinkers. In addition, Jaipur has been made available nationally by major pub and hospitality chains such as Mitchells & Butlers, Molson Coors, and Stonegate.

Support from the all-important Free Trade sector, remains crucial to the category’s continued success, especially given its ongoing dedication to high-quality cask beer. Thornbridge now distributes its products throughout the UK and exports to over 40 countries globally, having received more than 350 international awards. Looking forward, the brewery is positive about the future. With Jaipur leading the way and renewed interest in cask beer, Thornbridge aim to build on this success and continue promoting modern cask beers for years to come.

Final word from Simon Webster, the Co-Founder and CEO of Thornbridge Brewery. “After several challenging years within the industry, the brewery is pleased to announce a return to profitability, representing a pivotal milestone for long-term sustainability. This progress is the result of prudent management, a sustained commitment to quality and consistency, and renewed confidence in the future prospects of cask beer.”

After reading that, I have a real craving for a pint of Jaipur, preferably although not necessarily, essentially in cask form. The nearest outlet to Bailey Towers, where I am likely to find Jaipur, is my local Wetherspoons, although I have not seen the beer on sale recently, at either of their two local outlets - Humphrey Bean (Tonbridge) or Opera House (Tunbridge Wells). Tonbridge drinkers were spoiled last year, by the welcome appearance of a batch of Jaipur, brewed using Thornbridge’s then recently acquired, Burton Union set, mentioned above. A repeat of that experimental brew is eagerly awaited by West Kent drinkers, so how about it, Thornbridge?

 

Lewes - renewing my acquaintance with two classic pubs, and experiencing two unfamiliar ones

Right, we’ve covered the travel details, we’ve admired the pretty pictures as well, so now it’s time to take a look at the four Lewes pubs that I visited last Friday afternoon. Having worked in the town for a three-year period, I know the town quite well, and even though the time I spent there was over 30 years ago, I still retain much affection for the Sussex county town. During those three years, I visited a fair number of Lewes’s many pubs, but it’s important to remember that I was based in the town for business reasons, rather than ones of pleasure, and whilst there were no real restrictions against the occasional lunchtime pint, it wasn’t something that I indulged in that often.

There were two reasons for this, one of which was shortage of cash, whist the other was one of road safety. I wasn’t terribly well-off back in 1992. I’d recently become a father, and with Mrs PBT’s swapping the workplace for domesticity, we’d changed from a reasonably well-off, two wage-earning household, to one that was having to rely on just the one wage. Furthermore, my travel costs had increased significantly, changing from a short car journey of around 5 miles to a return, cross-country drive of just under 60 miles. Quite a difference, especially when it came to putting fuel in the tank, and an added expense I had to be aware of. This is where the road safety bit comes in, as that 30-mile journey to and from work each day, meant keeping my wits about me behind the wheel, so any lunchtimes drinking, if it occurred, had to be kept to a minimum.

Despite these restraints, I still manage the odd lunchtime pint, although most likely my regular walks into Lewes, served a different purpose, because two or three times a week, I would call in at the Harvey’s Shop, in Cliffe High Street, to fill up my 4-pint, carry-keg with draught beer. Cask, of course, and not always Best Bitter either, because the shop normally had a cask of whichever seasonal brew was on sale at the time, so XXXX Old Ale in winter, Porter for January-February time, Tom Paine in July, and Armada Ale most of the time, as an alternative to the Best. I was a regular customer at the shop, and always addressed properly as Mister Bailey, and never as Paul.

My walks into town took me along South Street, a quiet side street these days, following the construction of the Cuilfail Tunnel. Opened in 1980, the tunnel allows the busy A26 to bypass Lewes to the east of the town, thereby removing much of the through traffic that used to clog the narrow streets of the county town. Close to the northern end of the tunnel, is the Snowdrop Inn, a welcoming and friendly free house, nestling under the cliffs on the outskirts of Lewes.  Offering a range of beers from local Sussex breweries, the pub has quite a quirky feel to it, a feature I recall from the time when I worked in the town. Seeing as that was 30+ years ago, I decided to check out the Snowdrop, to see whether anything had changed at the pub.

My choice of the Snowdrop was in line with the plan that I hatched earlier, of avoiding some of Lewes’s better-known pubs, in favour of some that I was less familiar with. It was quiet as I walked along South Street, and when I eventually reached the pub, it did seem as though little had changed. There was a handful of people, scattered around the bar, plus a large, husky type dog, splayed out in front of the side entrance. I noticed Harvey’s Old on sale, but to begin with I opted for a coffee. My rather rushed train journey from Tonbridge (see previous article), had left little time for non-alcoholic refreshment, and I was missing my mid-morning caffeine fix, so a flat white, prior to the XXXX Old, was just the thing to set me up for the day.

Both drinks were good, and also very welcome, as I positioned myself at a table that gave me a good look at the proceedings. Several customers had ordered, and the food I saw being brought out, looked very good. I noticed on the pub website, that the pub has an additional, upstairs seating area, a facility I’d completely forgotten about. Eileen’s niece and her husband, who live in nearby Uckfield, have a fondness for the Snowdrop, so I must let them know about my visit.  That aside, it was good to renew my acquaintance with this welcoming, but slightly offbeat pub, so I’m pleased to have made the effort to call in.

Departing the Snowdrop and managing to get out of the door without stepping on the hound, I retraced my steps, back towards the Cliffe area of Lewes, for the next pub on my list. For many years, the Dorset was the nearest Harvey’s pub to the brewery, and whilst that distinction has now passed to the John Harvey Tavern, the former still gives the impression of its position in the local pecking order, reinforced by it being the home of the Cliffe Bonfire Society - the largest of the Lewes bonfire societies.   

The Dorset was refurbished in 2006, which is probably why the interior looked completely different, from what I remember. There are several drinking and dining areas, a large patio affording views back towards the brewery, plus six reasonably priced en-suite bedrooms. There are at least four Harvey’s ales on hand-pump, plus an extensive menu featuring traditional home-cooked dishes along with a seafood menu, using freshly caught fish from nearby Newhaven. 

There were two pleasant and helpful girls working behind the bar and looking after customers’ food requirements. With the time and place being just right, I ordered a bowl pf potato and leek soup, served with thick-cut, crusty bread. It was the perfect accompaniment to the excellent Old Ale. As with the previous pub there was a good mix of customers, that included an extended family in the room on the other side of the bar. The Dorset was definitely worth visiting, even though there was little that I recognised from three decades ago.

It was quite a hike up to pub No.3, and this was an establishment I wasn’t 100 percent sure about. Situated in Lewes High Street, at the top of School Hill, and a short distance from the town’s famous law courts, the "Rights of Man" takes its name from American revolutionary, Thomas Paine’s best known works. Paine lived in Lewes for a while, and to commemorate this fact, Harvey’s produce a strong pale ale in his honour, which is a available in cask form on and around the 4^th July.  

United States Independence Day, of course, so
the wrong time of year for cask Tom Paine to be available but made up for by some rather good Armada Ale. The latter is available all year round, but in my experience isn’t seen on the bar as often as it should be. I said that I wasn’t sure about the Rights of Man, and CAMRA’s local pub pages for Lewes, have since confirmed that the pub only opened under this name, in 2012.  

Conclusion, this was definitely my first visit to this bar, which extends back a fair way, as if it is making up for the rather narrow frontage. The style of décor at the pub is of cosy old-fashioned booths, etched glass and wood panelling, all adding to the rather upmarket feel of the place. The toilets are at the top of a rather steep staircase that isn’t that easy to navigate after a few beers. It is worth persevering in summer though, as there is an external roof terrace, that is almost hidden away. After that hike up from the River Ouse, it was another route march to the fourth and final pub of the day, and this time it wasn’t a Harvey’s pub. 

It was further to the Pelham Arms than I thought, although not quite as far as the Black Horse – a pub which back in the day, offered rather basic bed & breakfast accommodation. Eric and I discovered this on our South Downs Way hike, after traipsing along the banks of the River Ouse, in the pouring rain. I digress, although I must have walked past the Pelham on several past occasions, but never recognised the Pelham as a Hall & Woodhouse pub. 

It’s a large, white painted building, dating back to 1640, with plenty of original oak beams, an inglenook fireplace, plus a courtyard garden, and is full of age-old charm. The pub was the original home of the Abyss microbrewery which was housed in the pub's cellar but has now moved to larger premises elsewhere in the town. 

This leaves Badger Tanglefoot and Fursty Ferret, as the offerings for cask devotees, and I’m pleased to report that, after the bar manager pulled the line through for me, the Tanglefoot was in first class condition. As I said earlier, I must have walked passed the Pelham on a number of occasions, without noticing the owning brewery – I must be slipping, as I am normally aware of such things, so I’m assuming the pub is a fairly recent addition to the Badger stable. It’s certainly unusual to find an H&W pub this far east, and away from the brewery's Dorset home, but it’s well worth taking the trouble to visit.

The Pelham has a good reputation for its food, and even has its own smokery – get, you! It’s a bit of a hike up from the town centre, but there are regular buses, which include the No. 29 Brighton & Hove service, that operates between Brighton and Tunbridge Wells on a half-hourly basis (hourly on Sundays). There wasn’t time for me to linger though, so I made my way back along the High Street, before turning right into Station Road, and the train home. 

As reported in the previous post about Lewes, my homeward journey passed surprisingly smoothly, even if it did involve an additional change of train at Gatwick. It still took two hours which, when you consider that until 1969, there was a direct rail service between Tonbridge and Brighton (via Lewes), is proof that things have gone backwards in this country. Vested interests, corrupt politicians and a general lack of joined up thinking, have a lot to answer for, but that’s another story.  

 

 

 

 

Pre-loading in Tunbridge Wells, prior to dinner with the directors

I was in Tunbridge Wells on Friday night, for what can best described as a “Works Do.”  Technically, it was a meal out with a group of directors from our Japanese parent company, who had flown over for a board meeting. This visit is an annual event, although this time it was beefed up by the presence of the group president, in what was his first visit to our company. The dinner took place to wrap up the two-day visit, and as a member of the senior management team, I was invited to join the group for an evening meal. 

This was despite Friday being a “non-working day” for me. It might come across as a little mercenary of me to show up for a “free meal”, but there were some genuine reasons for me to attend, not least of which was the opportunity to meet up with those Japanese visitors who I knew from previous visits to the UK. These visits were rather more than fleeting business trips, because it is head office policy to second one of their employees to come and work as a “researcher” at our company, normally for an extended three period of three or more years. Providing they can manage being away from their home country for that length of time, it’s an ideal position to be offered, because the chosen individual will be allowed to bring their spouse over with them, along with any children they might have. They are able to choose a suitable flat, or apartment, which will be provided at a nominal rent, for the duration of their stay. 

They are also given a car, to enable them to drive into work and back, each day. The final perk is the hours they are required to work, as whilst they are in line with our normal working times, they are invariably considerably less than the insanely long attendance times that are common in Japan. Two former “interns”, were amongst Friday’s group, and they have done pretty well for themselves, with both appointed as company directors for the UK business. 

 

 It was therefore good to catch up with them, that evening, at a rather nice  Mediterranean restaurant called, Rocca,  situated at the bottom end of Tunbridge Wells High Street. I didn’t carry out a headcount, but our combined groups occupied a couple of tables, on the first floor of this imposing building. The food was top notch, and the company equally good. The beer wasn’t really up to much, but that was to be expected, and the couple of pints of Estrella Damm I consumed were still a good match for the rich and spicy Mediterranean food.

Prior to meeting up with the joint UK-Japanese group, I took the opportunity to call in at a couple of local pubs, located in the Pantiles area of the town. The outlet I want to make special mention of is the Mad Dog Brewery Taproom, which opened recently, in the premises formerly occupied by the Pantiles Tap.

I wrote about this impending overcharge in November last year, but having now has the chance of visiting the place I can report that the Tap is ticking over nicely. Located partially underground in the old cellar/kitchen of what was the first pub on the Pantiles, the Tap’s interior provides a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, with a rustic wooden décor, and communal tables that encourages visitors to linger over a pint or two.

I had an informative chat with the friendly and knowledgeable girl behind the bar, who has been at the pub since it reopened under its new owners. She told me that whilst things were understandably quiet in mid-January, they had enjoyed a good Christmas that was preceded by an equally good December. The pub needed quite a bit of work, following the departure of the previous owners, and one thing the new management were determined about, was not to let the clutter that had accumulated, to build up again. This was a reference to, but not a criticism of, the previous owners. I didn’t count the number of beers on sale, but Mad Dog produce a range of 14 vegan-friendly and preservative free beers, with five of them being gluten free, as well.

I said to the bar manager, that I found it strange to be opening a pub that is so remote from Mad Dog’s Cardiff home, but she told me that the brewery owner lives relatively close to Tunbridge Wells, and with a further outlet in Brighton, plus one in Cheltenham, perhaps this is part of a gradual expansion strategy. I couldn’t stay too long, although I did explain I was a lapsed CAMRA member who still kept in touch with the local branch. She mentioned one, well-known character, who lives nearby, although I won't embarrass him by revealing his name. As with the previous owners, no cask is available at the Tap, but that could change in the future.

Before saying goodbye, I enjoyed a glass of Mad Dog’s oatmeal stout which, despite its daft name – Stouty McStout Face, was rather good. So, the Tap is well worth a visit, next time you are in the area, and whilst no cask is currently available, what is on sale still provides a welcome addition to the local drinking scene. Guests can expect a rotating selection of seasonal specials and experimental brews exclusive to the taproom, so watch this space. Final note on this post, I also called in at the Fuller's-owned, Duke of York which, although not full to capacity, wasn't far off it. This was followed by a very swift half, at the Ragged Trousers, which seemed popular that evening with "loved-up" couples, and their canine companions. 

 

The Year in Beer - a beery look back at 2025

It’s that time of the year again, when bloggers take a look-back at the past 12 months, with particular reference to all things beery, and in my case with a little travel and personal stuff thrown in for good measure. In previous years, I’ve written reviews, either under the banner of “The Year in Beer,” or that of “Golden Pints”. For several years I’ve considered the latter as rather naff and even sparked off a brief discussion on Ed Wray’s site, about the origin of the term. (For the record, does anyone know who Andy Mogg is?)  

The Year in Beer it is then, and we kick off with:

Best beer on home turf

A difficult one, as it would be far too easy to say Harvey’s Best Bitter – an excellent beer by any stretch of the imagination, and one that is a must stock brand in the vast majority of local pubs. So, primarily because it’s so widely available, I’m opting for something different, and nowhere near as easy to come by.

Instead, I’m going to say Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild, which was a guest beer at the Nelson Arms in Tonbridge, and one which brought back fond memories of a visit I’d made the previous year, to the beer’s home - Sedgley’s Beacon Hotel. 

The latter establishment is where Dark Ruby Mild is brewed, and back in 2023, I made a flying visit to the pub with Stafford Paul and Retired Martin. I’m not sure how the beer managed to make an appearance at the Nelson, but regardless of the means, it was well received by the me and the pub’s regulars. 

  Best beers abroad  

An easy one here. A perfectly poured pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout, enjoyed in the packed, and characterful surroundings of the Mauretania Bar. This traditional Irish bar is located close to the waterfront at Cobh, the port for nearby Cork, and this deep-water anchorage was where our cruise ship berthed on what was the final port on last year’s Round Britain Cruise. 

 

Even Mrs PBT’s enjoyed this lively bar, despite having to scale the steep and narrow staircase, leading to the Ladies. As for the beer,  Murphy's knocked the heavily-hyped and over-promoted Guinness into the proverbial cocked hat.

 

Speersort Hofbräu – despite being housed in a rather anonymous looking building, in central Hamburg, this typical Bavarian beer hall would not have looked out of place in central Munich. Matthew and I enjoyed half litres each of both Hofbräu Original plus the strong, seasonal Maibock. It was certainly a most welcome find on a cold and rain-swept Sunday in Hamburg, a day when the majority of shops and bars in central Hamburg were closed for religious reasons.

 

Best Locations to Enjoy a Beer (UK) 

There are several contenders here, but the Starbank Inn, at Newhaven, overlooking the Firth of Forth, a few miles to the west of Edinburgh, tops the list. The pub had that immediate “wow” factor, that screamed out this place is going to be a good, a feeling that was enhanced by the friendly greeting I received from the landlady. A pint of Lost in Mosaic, from Loch Lomond Brewery, plus a chicken and bacon ciabatta, from the “lite bites” selection, made the perfect lunchtime stop on the aforementioned Round Britain cruise.

The Bridge Tavern, a classic waterside pub, situated at Portsmouth’s Camber Dock, on the opposite quayside to the Isle of Wight car ferry terminal. The nautical theme of this characterful Fuller's house extended into the pub’s interior, with an impressive bar counter, set towards rear of the building and a number of alcoves leading off either side. With Stafford Paul and Dave Southworth for company, the three of us sat, putting the world to rights, close to the window, from where we had an excellent view of the nautical scene outside.

Best Locations to Enjoy a Beer Abroad

Funchal, Madeira. With lunchtime visits on two consecutive days, and two quite different restaurants/bars in which to enjoy a local beer, with a meal, the Madeiran capital ticked al the right boxes. But then, how could this bustling and charming town, with its vistas out towards the Atlantic, fail to charm visitors like us. Local brew Coral provided the beers on both occasions – Coral White (lager) and Coral Stout being the perfect accompaniment for two completely different but well satisfying al fresco lunches.

Best pub finds

There are two, contrasting entries here. First, the strangely named Sonder, a modern shop conversion in Broadstairs. The name apparently comes from a word meaning "the acknowledging of others and having feelings of empathy for them". I’m not a massive fan of modern pubs, especially those repurposed from something else, but everything clicked with this spacious and welcoming corner pub.

 Fitted out in the style of the arts and crafts movement, with a wood panelled ceiling and friendly staff, Sonder had a bright, and airy seaside feel about it. In my view, it was the best pub of a day spent with a couple CAMRA pals, whilst on a pub crawl around the lovely old seaside town of Broadstairs.

Bridge Inn, Topsham. A legendary pub that I had been wanting to visit, ever since reading about it in,  “A Pub For All Seasons”, by veteran beer writer Adrian Tierney-Jones. Topsham, which occupies a coastal location near Exeter, was a long way to travel for a pint, but I picked the perfect day weather-wise. Despite having to abandon my homeward bound train at Taunton (due to engine failure), I still made it back to Tonbridge before midnight. 

This historic and cosy 16^th century inn overlooks the nearby River Clyst and has been run by five generations of the same family since 1897. There are several different rooms in which to sit and enjoy the gravity dispensed beers, plus the more solid fayre of homemade pasties, soup and crusty bread. Topsham itself also has a good selection of pubs, even if the town is all “pashminas and posh pooches” in places.

Best Beer City  

This would be Portsmouth & Southsea, although it’s difficult to know where the boundary between the two towns lies. Back in February, I spent a day with Stafford Paul and Dave Southworth, wandering around a selection of the local pubs. I’ve already mentioned the Fuller’s owned, Bridge Tavern, and whilst we missed out on the famous Sally Port Inn, due to its late opening, the nearby Pembroke came up trumps with some excellent Draught Bass and cheese cobs, for those still hungry!

Beer festivals

I’d been planning to attend the Great British Beer Festival at Birmingham’s NEC but left planning my trip until the last minute. Consequently, I missed out on any cut-price rail tickets. As things turned out, I’m glad that I didn’t, as the event wasn’t a success and ended up losing CAMRA a staggering amount of money. Sadly, there almost certainly won’t be another UK event of this magnitude, for a very long time, if ever!

Instead, I attended the laid-back beer festival held in the expansive pub garden, of the Halfway House at Brenchley. Now in its 22^nd year, and offering an impressive lineup of 60, gravity served beers, racked up in the outside barn, plus an additional 10 in the pub. Cask drinkers are certainly spoiled for choice at this event, which for many, including myself, provides an ideal conclusion to summer.

Best days out

A “curated pub crawl” of the Hampshire towns of Alton & Farnham, involving a dozen or so participants, including Citra Mick, Nick C, plus Retired Martin. The majority of the group were local CAMRA members, most of whom were described to me as members of "CAMRA Discourse".  They seemed a decent enough crowd, and our full-on itinerary allowed us to visit a good selection of pubs, within the two towns.

A saunter around Chichester, with Stafford Paul + Dave & Joan Southworth. An enjoyable day spent exploring a selection of Chichester’s finest pubs, including a number that I’d visited the previous year, with son Matthew.

Best beer book 

A pub book, rather than a beer book, but none the worse for that. A Pub for All Seasons, is a yearlong journey in search of the perfect British local. Researched and written by Adrian Tierney Jones, this highly personal reflection on a selection of some of his favourite pubs, is the sort of book you can dip in and out of, without losing the thread.

Adrian states that during a lifetime of dedicated pub going, he’s come to believe there is a pub for every season, and it is this seasonal effect that is the main theme of the book.   There’s a reasonable percentage of pubs in this book that I have visited, just as there are quite a few others that I would like to set foot in, given half the chance. One of these pubs is the Bridge Inn at Topsham, mentioned above, and I have Adrian to thank for first inspiring me to visit it.

Much missed Pub Man & Blogger

Dedicated pub-man, and fellow blogger, Peter Edwardson, sadly and quite unexpectedly, passed away in early December. Writing under the name of Pub Curmudgeon, both on his own well-informed blog, and also as a long-standing contributor to various CAMRA magazines and newsletters, Peter could be particularly scathing of the big brewers and Pubco’s. He was also equally critical of those “left of centre” politicians who he regarded as responsible for the “nanny state,” the smoking ban and any other legislation brought in to control the population and stop them from having “fun.”

I had the pleasure of meeting Peter a few times, including the fleeting visit he made to Tunbridge Wells, 10 or so years ago, but more recently on the various pub crawls I joined him on. These events included visits to Burton, Shifnal, Stockport and Macclesfield. He came across as a rather private individual, who was often. very matter of fact, but under the right circumstances -invariably in a decent pub, with equally decent beer, he would be good company. The last time I saw him was just prior to Christmas 2023, on a pub crawl of Macclesfield which, I believe, he had a hand in organising. Like on the other occasions, he was excellent company, which makes it all the more sadder that we won’t be seeing him again.

Photo of Peter Edwardson - courtesy of Retired Martin