Most people know I don’t bother with birthdays. I haven’t done in decades.
But, with my birthday falling on a Monday this year (and the fact I’ve worked the past two years on this date), I really wanted to have a day somewhere with the dog.
So, I made plans for next Monday. I was really looking forward to it.
And then my beloved broke her wrist.
I might reschedule. Back to 70 hour weeks for a bit then.
We made a trip to Leeds the other day, for a gig; Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.
Unfortunately, the gig was cancelled at short notice due to illness.
With train tickets and a booked hotel, we decided that beer in Leeds was the best option. And at least that meant we didn’t need a dog sitter.
While we didn’t get to a gig, the evening was most pleasant. We even found a bar with a campervan.
The dog had a good time too.
In the Crown, Belfast.
Some dog pictures from pubs in Newcastle the other night. She’s possibly the cutest dog ever.
I didn’t really want a dog, but once persuaded, I wanted a pub dog. I couldn’t have asked a better pub dog; or a better dog. Life wouldn’t be the same without her.
We did the family stuff in Peterborough last night/today. Obviously that involved some favourite pubs. Here’s the dog with a glass of wine in one.
This evening has been spent in Kings Lynn. We particularly enjoyed the Nip and Growler.
Where the dog enjoyed a great pint of black IPA and a decent pilsner.
Kings Lynn; a very pretty place. Well worth a visit, although it’s a bit sparse on good pubs with proper beer.
After hearing about a new micropub in Durham, we had to take a look. The Holy GrAle is definitely worth a visit; a really decent range of cask and keg.
And a pretty lovely Marble imperial stout, 10.5%.
Since we were in the area, we also called in the rather excellent Station House.
And the Waiting Room.
Unfortunately, the dog experienced her first delayed train (waiting for an ambulance).
After her ordeal, she needed gin in Newcastle.
After meeting a bunch of nice people one night at Northern Kin festival, we promised we’d try out the buskers’ night at the Gin and Ale House (previously, the Albion) in Jarrow.
We’d stopped off at the pub a couple of times in the past, but only for a quick pint in passing.
After a delay of a few weeks, we finally made time for a longer visit last night. For some reason, we decided to walk. With a walk of almost two hours, we stopped off half way for a break at the Cricketers in Bill Quay.
That meant that we arrived a little later than intended, but it was definitely worth the walk. It was more of a traditional buskers’ night, with a more natural feel than the buskers’ nights I was accustomed to in the Schooner. We’ll be back next Thursday, although we might set off earlier.
Sadly, while we did meet up with festival acquaintances, the dog’s festival friend wasn’t there last night. Apparently she’ll be there next week though.
Last night also allowed us to test the challenge of the dog’s visibility in the dark.
A proper pub dog deserves proper bar service.
Me and the hound had a day off today.
The sky may have looked very blue, but it was a pretty cold day.
Probably an insane thing to do right now, but we have somewhat vague plans for a Micropub.
Our interim thoughts are of a July opening; however there are obvious dependencies.