Category Archives: Pubs

Progress

I’ve visited the Leigh Arms, in Newton le Willows, three times and almost a fourth. The fourth didn’t happen because I was at the station due to rail disruption and, although the pub was visible from the platform, I was uncertain as to how much time I had. Plenty, it turned out. 

The fourth time was technically the first, so the first now becomes the second. I hope that makes sense. Anyway, the second time I visited Newton le Willows, and the first time I had a beer in the Leigh Arms, was around 13 years ago. This was also due to train issues, but there was enough time to call in the pub. It wasn’t the best of experiences, but that was because it had generally been a rubbish day. 

Neither of my other visits were planned, rather spur of the moment things when in Manchester and Liverpool for work. I went to meet up with a mate and we could both get to Newton le Willows. This would have been six-ish years ago, but there are some similarities between one of my last visits and today. 

With time on my hands today, I decided I’d rather have a beer than do last minute Christmas shopping. Since it’s only a short train ride from Manchester, I bought a return ticket. Only then to find that there were no trains due to engineering works. While this did bring back memories of my last but one visit, when trains were cancelled and I feared I’d be stranded, I was assured the there was a good replacement bus service. 

And, so, I made my fifth visit to Newton le Willows. 

Sadly, my fourth time in the Leigh Arms didn’t happen. A man told me it’s been closed for years and is being converted to flats. In a way, that turned out to be a good thing. The place had clearly fallen on hard times and probably wouldn’t have been the best of pubs in its last days.

Back to Manchester then. 

Mr Head

Since my second in command is away, I decided to occupy myself with a walk. I’d already done a little (pitifully so) work in the house, so a nice walk felt right. 

The light was fading already, so the path through the graveyard was a bit creepy. Not that I’m a believer in the afterlife, but it’s still a spooky place in the dark. 

Spooky, but nice. Anyway, I had a pleasant, four mile-ish walk and am now having a rest in the Schooner, with a relaxing pint of Jakehead. 

There’s a roaring fire and an old Beat album is playing. This is truly a great pub, we simply don’t visit often enough and I’m sorely tempted to stay. I shan’t though, I need to continue my exercise after my Jakehead. The Tyne Bar next I think. 

Oh, a bit of Bad Manners  now.

Station East

Station East, formerly the Station Hotel, reopened a couple of days ago. It used to be a pretty nasty pub, but it always had potential. The refurbishment was delayed by faults found in the railway bridge, into which it’s built. But the end result is impressive. 

Peter and Matt

A few weeks ago, my mate Peter asked if I’d go to the Ship (tonight) because Matt would be DJ-ing. At the time, I declined because we’d be in Peterborough. 

He hinted again this morning, but we couldn’t make it. 

We’d cancelled Peterborough, but had kept the Ship in mind. Well, you never know. 

So, on leaving North Shields, I asked if Peter would be in Ouseburn. There was no response, so, being the gentleman that I am, I headed to the Ship. A Metro and a cab. 

And was he here? Of course not. 

Matt, however, is doing a very good job. He’s playing Tainted Love right now, but played Augustines’ Cruel City a few minutes ago. 

Off to town now for food. 

Mr Smith is/has Stout

I love proper English, like. Mr Smith’s Stout. 

We’re in the Prince of Wales, in North Shields. I have Sam Smith’s stout and my second in command has strawberry beer.

The Maggie Bank

I came to North Shields this morning in search of beaded skirting board. And I was very pleased to find a close match to the 1800s skirting in the house. 

The timber yard was very busy, a Saturday morning thing I guess. A man helped me find the right skirting; they have a huge range. He asked me how much I needed and i said around 2.5 metres (knowing the limits of public transport). 

He went off to find a piece and returned a few minutes later. Apparently, it only comes in four metre lengths, which is actually great, but he’d cut off a metre and a half to match the size I wanted. He had to sell me the whole length, but it’s good to have spare. He said he’d left it outside for me, so I paid then went to collect the wood. 

The wood is currently with beer kegs out back at the Magnesia Bank. I realised that, even reduced in length, I’d not be able to transport it on the Metro. And, so, I needed to find somewhere to wait for a lift home. The Maggie Bank was an obvious choice. 

It’s six years since I’ve been here; I came for a pint with Ellen before a pretty cool wedding. Well, the pub’s just round the corner to the register office. 

It’s not a bad place to wait with a piece of skirting board. 

Skirting

I came to Ouseburn this morning, led by a web page, to attempt to find a match for some old skirting board. Unfortunately, the wood product vendor no longer copies old mouldings. It seems that the internet cannot always be trusted. 

It hasn’t been a wasted trip though. I’m now sitting round the corner, in the Free Trade Inn, in front of a fire, with a delicious pint of Box Social Porter. It tastes very chocolatey. 

They seem to have standard torus skirting here, so shouldn’t have any problem if they ever decide to remove a doorway. 

An early Kings of Leon album is playing and Craig David is asleep on a barrel. I’m quite content. 

It’s now raining, so I shall stay for another pint of Porter.