And finally. Erdinger’s back in the Central.

Heaven.

Can I just say; the Bridge Hotel now has Erdinger Urweisse on draught. Or draft, if you’re across the Atlantic. It’s rather beautiful.

While in Lady Grey’s this evening, I noticed their salvaged industrial lights. I may want one of these for the kitchen when we next redecorate. And the landing. And maybe in the (new-old) bathroom when I get round to it.

I’ve been frequenting a bar in Whitley Bay for several years now. Peter has always referred to it as the Fat Ox. I’d never noticed the name of the pub, but had assumed that the Fat Oxwas a Peter-made-up-name. Usually, I’ll leave this venue at short notice (when someone notices the last Metro is due). But, this evening, I kept a close on the time and left before the last but one Metro. As I left the pub, I looked up.

And saw that Peter hadn’t invented the pub’s name.

I couldn’t dwell on it, though, because chips were needed. They were very nice. I used to buy food from the very same premises when I stayed in a B&B here a few years ago (it was unplanned and was a precursor to divorce). I’d recommend the place if I could recall its name.

Anyway, upon reaching the Metro station, I felt an urge to take up cycling again.

And, after only a couple of minutes, the Metro arrived.

I’m currently at ‘South Goss-forth‘. According to the recorded Metro voice. While I’m pleased I’ve made it this far, I’m considering whether I can make it to Gateshead without having to disembark.

I shall stop now. I need to concentrate.

I’m currently in room 301 in the Travelodge in Preston. I had the same room a couple of months ago, which is a bit weird. The view’s slightly different. Well, marginally.

My team are moaning a bit because I’ve been cost conscious in terms of accommodation. But we’re very central.

And very close to a pub of character.

With a nice old floor.

The Black Horse. There are others; most notable, the Olde Blue Bell. An old Sam Smith’s pub. It smells a little I admit, but it’s pretty unique.

(My old mate Rich introduced me to this pub)

I’m sat in the Central right now. In the back room. With the big old bar. And a most gorgeous pint of why kick a moo cow. It’s hoppy, fishless and very nice.

In the Isis now. It’s empty. Which it would be since the doors only just opened.

I’ve so earned this pint of beer.

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago. I quite like it. Believe it or not, it’s not altered in any way, but exactly as it was taken. Really.

There were lights and stuff in the bar, and I did take a lot of rubbish pictures before this one, but I can claim this to be untouched (albeit fuzzy).

My second in command and I discovered a bar with potential a year and a bit ago. In reality, it was a bit of a gamble since we were the only people in there that night. Apart from the barman. But we knew that one day it’d be great.

And now it is. Erdinger too.