Walking. Gossip. Travel.

Category: Good Beer Guide

Coventry – Hops D’Amour Micropub

Richard and I had time for one more Coventry pub and so it seemed sensible to visit another venue, a micro-pub no less, listed in the Good Beer Guide, in my never ending quest to try and visit every pub in the book. Hops D’Amour was the first micro-pub in Coventry having been opened in May 2021 by a local couple, Gregg and Vyx Spencer.

The beer list at Hops D’Amour and this had a range of beer styles and types, with a mix of cask and keg alongside a fair number of ciders. I was eyeing up the Birthday Cake from Vocation, but that had just run out when they were serving the previous customer. The pub has won numerous CAMRA awards over the last couple of years, including being the local cider pub of the year.

The back bar and they were very apologetic when my replacement choice of Banoffee Pie from Yonder Brewing ran out. Not that they needed to apologise, especially when it was clear there was enough left of the beer for me to at least try. The team members were polite and helpful, having an excellent beer knowledge and I felt that the recommendations were appropriate.

And there’s what they had left, with the beer being punchy in its banoffee flavours. There was a taste of caramel, banana and a fair chunk of biscuit as well, decent.

I told Richard that he kept looking miserable in the photos, so he looked more cheerful in this one. His diet seems to have given him a resting angry face, but I didn’t tell him that as I only want to encourage people. The beer from Yonder was the Peanut Butter and Jelly and it had a jam tasting finish, being sweet with plenty of chocolate and jelly flavours, although not much peanut butter.

The interior of the venue which remained busy throughout our visit. The Singer (of sewing machine fame) sign on the wall is a throwback to the previous occupant of this shop, with Singer having had a long presence here over the last couple of decades. There’s also an external area, which seemed to be primarily used by smokers, which was also busy during the time that we were there. There was no music playing and no television screens, which is exactly the ambience that I would have expected from a micro-pub.

Some of the previous pump clips were being used as decoration and there are some decent brewers there, not least Castle Rock, DEYA, Thornbridge and Yonder.

The pub is open every day of the week, but they don’t go for late closing hours and that seems a very sensible decision, there’s inevitably always a challenge from late night drinkers and this isn’t the sort of venue that needs that trade. I very much liked it here, the atmosphere was welcoming, there was an excellent beer choice, the service was friendly, the prices were reasonable and so another excellent recommendation from the Good Beer Guide.

April 28, 2025
Coventry – Gatehouse Tavern

After an NEC evening meal, my friend Richard demanded that we go to a pub in Coventry city centre and so I decided I would be helpful in accompanying them. The Gatehouse Tavern is a Good Beer Guide listed pub and has appeared regularly in the book. The building was formerly the gate house to the Leigh Mills, a worsted and cotton manufacturer (or whatever the right word is there) and it was turned into a pub in the 1980s, although with some significant modifications.

A map from the 1870s, the pub is just about the second ‘T’ on Hill Street.

The beer selection with around seven real ales available. The service was friendly and warm, it felt a welcoming pub to visit.

The interior is atmospheric and comfortable. I didn’t investigate, but there’s also a large beer garden and judging by the on-line reviews they seem to do keenly priced food at lunchtimes.

Stuff that’s on in the next few weeks, there’s regular live music here.

The first beer, the Waves from Twisted Barrel which was a lemony and sessionable pale ale, pleasant but a little thin. Incidentally, Richard was happier than the photo suggests.

The second beer, the Mild from Silhill Brewery which had roasted flavours and a slight creaminess to it. Both beers were well-kept, at the appropriate temperature and the glasses were clean.

This is a rather lovely pub and it’s another one of those venues that I might have walked by if it wasn’t listed in the Good Beer Guide, but I’m glad to have visited.

April 28, 2025
Maldon – Rose and Crown Pub (JD Wetherspoon)

As Liam and I were coming back from London we did our usual thing of visiting a pub from the JD Wetherspoon chain which I haven’t visited before. The Rose and Crown, located on the town’s main road of the High Street has the bonus of being a Good Beer Guide listed pub to add to my little collection.

The pub was operated by Punch Taverns until 2013, but was taken over by JD Wetherspoon in 2014 (opening in June 2015 after they had spent £1.6 million on the redevelopment) and they did an extensive amount of archaeological work and they’ve put a lot of that on-line, once again one of the few pub companies that takes the heritage of their venues very seriously. The structural heart of the building is from the sixteenth century, but it was extensively remodelled in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It has been a licensed premises since around the 1780s, although there’s not a vast amount of information I can find about its history over recent decades.

Part of the beer selection, there were a choice of six different ales when I visited, although there were no darker beers. I liked they must have got bored when putting the little jars with colour samples of the beer in front of the taps.

The rest of the bar and advertising that from this week they’re selling 1664 and Poretti, although it’s unlikely I could taste these riveting lagers from each other. Anyway, there’s something for everyone….

A taster of the Midnight Bell beer from Leeds Brewery which I’ve had before a few times, a dark and malty ale which is rather agreeable.

Half a pint of the Copper Cascade from Stewart Brewing, which I haven’t had before, but was clean, malty, refreshing and it had a slight taste of toffee.

The side of the pub and there’s a beer garden at the rear. The staircase to the toilets is quite narrow and relatively steep, I suspect they must have found it quite a challenge to insert that sensitively into the historic building and there are numerous low ceilings dotted around the place that taller customers need to be careful of.

Since this is a JD Wetherspoon venue, I thought I’d see if there were any reviews that would surprise and delight me. The pub is rated towards the higher end of the spectrum for pubs in the chain and I got a positive vibe about the arrangements. It wasn’t spotlessly clean, but the team members were friendly and engaging.

“Used to be good, I do believe it’s a case of which manager is on, my order was taken correctly then on two occasions it’s came out wrong , had to watch my friends eat , 25 mins later mine comes out. I didn’t eat it as i felt awkward and stressed because of service. No refund given, shame”

I wouldn’t have felt awkward….

“the pub not very comfortable Atmospheric should really be sold on to a freeholders that runs a grate pub with brilliant food and can attract the best out of people not the worst catal grid experience roll on new owners good bye nice but dim tim the present owner”

Hmmmm.

“Staff are dreadful. One of them is a complete liar & behaves inappropiateley. Dreadful place.”

I wish people would give more information when they post reviews like this, a bit of drama is always exciting.

“Rubbish beer, rubbish service by surly children. There are far better pubs in Maldon, spend a bit more and enjoy those instead of this place.”

Rubbish beer? Hmmmm.

“I had to take the seal of the source”

I don’t know how some people manage to be so brave.

“Full of men”

Occasionally this happens in any pub….

“Didn’t go there”

Very helpful.

“My partner food had aluminium foil stuck on the bottom of it, do your staff know how dangerous Ingestion of aluminium foil is !!!!!!! Perhaps Tim Martin would like to reply”

Tim Martin didn’t reply and there was a photo of the foil which was an absolutely tiny piece. And it’s not dangerous at all, it’s non-toxic.

Anyway, I digress once again. I liked this pub, it had a sense of history to it, the team members were friendly and the beers were well-kept. We didn’t have a need to eat on this occasion, but the food coming out look well presented and everything felt well managed.

April 13, 2025
Norwich – Coach and Horses – Thorpe Road (Two Julians)

The fourth pub in our perambulation for the evening was the Coach and Horses on Thorpe Road, which also happened to be the third Good Beer Guide pub we visited in a row. We do like to treat ourselves, but that’s not to say that being this thorough in our pub visiting is easy. Before beginning on the history of the pub, these outside canopies have been the end result of some controversy with the council not liking the previous marquee arrangement that the owners put into place.

The building was constructed in 1811 and it became a pub soon afterwards, being operated by brewers including Youngs, Bullards and Watney Mann, before it became free trade. From the middle of the nineteenth century, the pub had the advantage of finding itself near the city’s new railway station, and later on it found itself near Norwich City’s ground, the Nest, until it moved to Carrow Road in 1935. All of this exciting trade must have been positive as the pub advertised for “a respectable boy for after school hours” in the local press in 1907. A news report noted in 1873:

“Before J. BETTS, E. K. HARVEY, and F. BROWN, Esqs. Henry Brewster, smith, Chalk Hill, was summoned for assaulting Detective Wigley, on the 3rd of May.-Mr. Stanley defended.-For the complainant it was stated that on the day in question there was a disturbance at the Coach and Horses, Thorpe-road, and the defendant, who was creating it, was taken into custody by Wigley and handed over to Police-constable Thurston, from whom he managed to escape. In the course of the row, the defendant declared that none of the party should be taken, and struck Wigley with his elbow and kicked him in the leg. Both defendant and his brother also threatened, when at their father’s house, to which they had been pursued, to knock Wigley’s brains out with a linen prop. For the defence it was alleged that the disturbance, which arose over a game of skittles, was not of so great a character as had been stated, and that the complainant’s son was as bad as anybody, and that the complainant was not justified in taking the defendant into custody. The blow and the kick were both denied.-Defendant was sent to gaol for a month, and in default of paying 15s. costs, to be further imprisoned for fourteen days’ hard labour.”

Well, that’s sub-optimal, threatening to knock someone’s brains out with a linen prop. And, it arose over a game of skittles, I’m just glad that bar billiards doesn’t cause such upset and anger. In 1866, there was some counterfeit money doing the rounds:

“Henry Goff, lodging at the Wild Man, St. Andrew’s, commission-man, was charged with attempting to pass a counterfeit shilling at the Coach and Horses public-house, Thorpe-road. It appeared that the prisoner went into the Coach and Horses on Friday afternoon for a pint of beer, and tendered a counterfeit shilling in payment. Mrs. Catermole told him it was a bad one, and he then handed prosecutor a good fourpenny piece. Prosecutor marked the shilling and returned it, and subsequently sent for Detective Wigley, during which time a man, who had entered the house with the prisoner, left. Detective Wigley produced the coin which he had received from the prosecutor, and another counterfeit shilling which he found upon the prisoner when he apprehended him. The coins were similar, but of of the same date, as those found last week, in the process of manufacture. Prisoner told Wigley that he did not know how he became possessed of the money. The room in which the prisoner lodged was searched, but nothing further found. The case was adjourned till Friday, in order that a communication may be made with the Mint authorities.”

And then just weeks later:

“Henry Croft (35), machine maker, was indicted for tendering and uttering to James Cattermole, a counterfeit coin, viz., one shilling, knowing the same to be false and counterfeit, and that he at the same time had in his possession another counterfeit shilling, on the 8th day of June, 1866.—Mr. Cooper prosecuted, and Mr. Mayd defended the prisoner. It was stated in evidence that the prisoner called at the Coach and Horses public-house, kept by the prosecutor, at Thorpe, and tendered a bad shilling in payment for a pint of beer which he ordered. Prosecutor said that the shilling was a bad one, and told the prisoner so. Prisoner said he had no more money with him, but afterwards said he thought he could find a fourpenny piece. Prosecutor took the shilling, which he did not return to the prisoner, to police-constable Wigley, after having put a mark upon it. No surprise was expressed by the prisoner when he was informed that the shilling was a bad one. Wigley soon came to the Coach and Horses, and saw the prisoner, whom he searched, when he found another counterfeit shilling. He then took the prisoner, who said he did not know how the money came into his possession, into custody, and afterwards searched his lodgings, but found nothing suspicious. The spurious coins were taken to Mr. Ralfs’, silversmith, who immediately pronounced them to be base. Mr. Mayd put it to the jury whether the statement of the prisoner, that he did not know how the coins came into his possession, was not true, contending that his conduct was perfectly compatible with its having come into his hands in the ordinary course. He remarked upon the fact that the prisoner had not been found to be dealing with spurious coins elsewhere, and that when searched no silver paper in which bad money was usually wrapped to keep it bright, was found upon him. Mr. Mayd also pointed out to the jury that the dates upon the shillings were “1860,” and “1865,” this being a-other circumstance in his favour; but the Recorder, in summing up, put a different construction upon them. He observed that the coins, although purporting to be made in different years, were remarkably alike in every other respect, the foil upon that dated “1860” being as clearly defined as upon that dated “1865.” That fact weighed heavily against the prisoner. Again, if a man like the prisoner, having but little money, were told that the shilling he was tendering was a bad one, he would have expressed some surprise at the circumstance, and as to how it came into his possession; but the prisoner said nothing at all respecting it. The prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to twelve calendar months’ imprisonment.”

In 1878, the brewery Youngs decided they wanted to build a rather lovely new building on the corner of Foundry Bridge (now known as Thorpe Road in this section) and Rosary Road and they were willing to forfeit the licence at the Coach and Horses which was nearly next door to their proposed site. It caused something of a scene locally and the newspaper reported in some detail about the matter:

“The proposed house would not be close up to the corner. Whether this application was acceded to or not, Mr. Young intended to build on the land in question. As there was a want of dwellings for artizans in the neighborhood Mr. Youngs intended, if the application were not granted, to build cottages of 10l. rental from the point to the Coach and Horses, and also beyond the public-house, which would still remain. On the other hand, if the application were granted, the cottages would be built between the new public-house and the site of the tea gardens, which would be abolished. Mr. Reeve asked whether if the license were granted, 10l. cottages would be built; and Mr. Burton, the architect, replied that a better class would, in that case, be erected. Mr. Chittock said the question was whether a better public-house should be erected at the corner, or the present inconvenient house should remain. Mr. Bolingbroke asked whether there would be any gardens attached to the new house, and Mr. Chittock replied that there would be none. He then called Mr. Burton, architect, who put in plans of the proposed alterations, and Mr. C. H. Capon, who said that the proposed alteration would be an improvement upon the present condition of the property. Mr. G. A. Stevens opposed the application on behalf of the vicar and churchwardens of St. Matthew, and the principal inhabitants of Thorpe Hamlet, who had placed a memorial in his hands for presentation to the Licensing Justices. The memorial was signed by 63 persons, nearly all residing in the hamlet, representing the rateable value of 3500l., and a gross value of between 70,000l. and 80,000l. The memorialists affirmed that there was no necessity for additional public-house accommodation in the hamlet, and that the proposed transfer of the existing license from the Coach and Horses to a new building on the triangular piece of land would be most objectionable, and seriously depreciate the value of all property in that locality.

The present licensed houses, with the adjacent gardens, were now a considerable nuisance to the neighbourhood, especially on Sunday evenings and general holidays; and if the license was granted to the prominent site proposed, the memorialists urged that the nuisance and annoyance would be increased ten-fold. The Mayor supposed that the memorialists were aware that it was intended to abolish the tea gardens. Mr. Stevens replied in the affirmative, and then backed up his memorial by reading letters from the Revs. G. W. Pierpoint, W. H. Cooke, and G. S. Barrett. The Rev. W. H. Cooke wrote that the chief motive for the alteration must be to entice the frequenters of the road into the proposed public-house. As the road was now almost unfit to traverse on Sunday evenings in consequence of the disgraceful language and rough conduct of many walkers thereon, it might be easily imagined what would be the effect of offering to the public greater temptations for selling refreshments. The Rev. G. S. Barrett submitted that the transfer was unnecessary, and would be prejudicial to the value of the property near the proposed site. Moreover, the present position of the house met all reasonable requirements, and any change would very likely add to the inconvenience and disorders to which the inhabitants of Thorpe were subject on Sunday evenings. Another letter in a similar strain from Mr. S. S. Hill was also read. Mr. Stevens denied that what was asked for was a public improvement. There had not been shown to be any desire on the part of the neighbourhood for any better accommodation than that which existed. Mr. Youngs some time ago bought the public-house and gardens, and afterwards the strip of land at the point. That point had been a great advantage to the neighbourhood, and to the citizens generally because of the beauty of the clump of trees. Of course Mr. Youngs could not be expected to allow the property to remain untouched; but to say that it would be an improvement to have a public-house in lieu of the trees was to state that which was absurd. The object of the transfer was to have a large flaunting public-house at the apex of the triangle, with a convenient plain in front of it, where, beneath the trees, which they were told were to remain, people would sit on holidays and perhaps during Sunday evenings. Such a house he contended would increase the number of people who now swarmed up the Prince of Wales’-road and Foundry-road on Sunday evenings, require the attention of extra policemen, and tend to create more of the annoyance of which complaint bad from time to time been made. In conclusion, he said the people of the hamlet would prefer the cottages to the big public-house Mr. Chittock replied to the long address of Mr. Stevens by stating that even Mr. Youngs would agree with the memorialists that there was no need for further public-houses, and that the tea gardens were a nuisance, for he did not ask for further accommodation, and he proposed to do away with the gardens. As to Mr. Stevens’ picture of the parties under the trees in front of the house, Mr. Youngs would permit nothing of the kind.”

The plan didn’t work out, although I was amused by the “disgraceful language and rough conduct” of the locals. And people swarming up Prince of Wales Road, so this isn’t just a new thing in the evening.

Back to today though, it was busy inside but it was good to see Matt and he mentioned that a large number of people were there as part of a leaving do. Although it was busy, we were served promptly and the team member seemed knowledgeable and engaging. We were also fortunate to see one empty table, so that made matters a little more comfortable than trying to prop ourselves up at the bar. This venue seems to get something of a mix of customers, from those seeking real ale, locals, those planning to get a drink before catching their train or tourists who have just arrived in the city.

The beer board isn’t necessarily the easiest to see, but it is up there. There is a brewery on-site, the Chalk Hill Brewery, which was formed in 1993 so has been going for some time and the landlord, David and Rosemary Blake, have been here for the same period of time. There was a decent selection of five beers from the on-site brewery and there were a couple of guests as well, with cask and keg options available. They have numerous events here including quizzes and live music, with sports being shown on large screens which are located both inside and outside.

I can’t remember ever eating here so I can’t comment on that, but there is food served during lunchtimes and in the evening. The on-line reviews of the food seem positive, so it all seems entirely agreeable.

I went for the Ruby Spiced which is brewed by Chalk Hill Brewery and it was a better red ale than I had been anticipating. I like a bit of cinnamon in a beer and it felt like it was Christmas again with the additional flavour of cloves. Julian went for the Chalk Hill Brewery’s CHB session bitter which he seemed satisfied with.

The pub was welcoming and comfortable, with the beer prices being reasonable and the selection of drinks being broad. The service was friendly, the surroundings were laid-back and I’d say that this is a rather good addition to the Good Beer Guide.

March 17, 2025
Norwich – Fat Cat and Canary (Two Julians)

The Fat Cat and Canary, the third in our perambulation of the evening and this pub is also listed in the Good Beer Guide. The pub was opened as the East End Retreat (and there is a West End Retreat) in around 1850, but renamed the Mustard Pot in 1966 and then renamed the Fat Cat and Canary in 2012. The pub was operated by Lacons Brewery from the beginning of the twentieth century and then taken over by Whitbread when they purchased Lacons. Adnams bought the pub in 1995 and then it was purchased by Colin Keatley, of Fat Cat fame, in 2012. The first operators of the pub were Seaman, Grimmer & Co who were wine merchants and they advertised for a tenant in 1857.

What’s perhaps more than a little sad is that the earliest reference I can find to the pub in newspapers is from the Norwich Mercury of 1854:

“On Saturday, an inquest was held by Mr. Wilde, city coroner, at the East End Retreat, Thorpe, on the body of a female full-grown infant. The body was found on Friday morning in the Wensum, nearly opposite the East End Retreat public house. It was tied up in a piece of stuff, and was very decomposed, having apparently been in the water for some time. As no further information could be obtained, the jury returned a verdict of “Found drowned.””

The landlord in 1907 seems quite a rogue, the local press reported:

“George Green, landlord of the East End Retreat public-house, Thorpe-road, was summoned by his wife, Maria Green, of 11, Salisbury Road, who alleged desertion and applied for a separation order. Mr. E. A. Bracey appeared for complainant, who, he said, was married to defendant 42 years ago. Recently he had turned her out of doors no less than ten times. On the last occasion she was serving in the bar when he came home in a drunken state in the evening, after having been out all day, and when his wife remonstrated with him he struck her on the head and told her to leave the house or he would murder her. She went out on to the plain in front of the house, and defendant again threatened to murder her if she returned to it. In consequence of these threats and his ill-treatment she had gone to live with her daughter in Salisbury Road. – Complainant was called in support of Mr. Bracey’s statement, and eventually the case was adjourned for a week with the object of the parties coming to a private arrangement.”

George Green was only at the pub for a couple of years, which was probably for the best. The next landlord, Stephen Bowen, had the unfortunate situation soon after taking over that the till was robbed by a 22 year old called Charles Horsfall, who lived in London and stole over £1.

It was reported by the local press in 1917 that:

“Henry Johnson, licensed victualler, East End Retreat, Thorpe Road, was summoned for supplying Ellen Druary with intoxicating liquor which had not been ordered and paid for by her, on the 6th inst., and Stephen Druary, Thorpe St. Andrew, was summoned for paying for the intoxicating liquor, for consumption by Ellen Druary on the same date.–Both defendants pleaded guilty.–Johnson was fined 10s. and Druary 5s.”

Quite a hard punishment perhaps, but there was something of a tough policy on this during a time when they were trying to cut the number of pubs.

I also saw that there was a bagatelle board for sale at the pub in July 1870, it had a slate bottom and was priced at £5 which sounds rather pricey to me. There are a few pubs with these tables today, but the delight that is bar billiards has somewhat taken over now in this fine city.

Incidentally, I will note here for the sake of completion that the last time I came here the sole member of bar staff had in my view risked looking like that they had lost control of the venue, the only time I’ve experienced that in Norwich and so a friend and I just left. On the positive side, it was mentioned to me at the time by some other people that the incident that occurred was entirely out of character for the venue, and that certainly seems to be the case which is most fortunate as I’ve always rather liked this pub. I think I’d say that they were a little unfortunate with the group of customers that came in who seemed to be rather enthusiastic in terms of their enjoyment expectations. Either which way, it’s certainly a perfectly well run pub again, which is most reassuring. The pub is relatively near to Norwich City’s ground and it’s popular on football days and the mural on the side is something of a hint to this sporting connection.

Half of the beer board and there’s a fine choice of primarily real ale, but there are some interesting keg options as well. The prices were verging towards the lower end of the scale, so there’s value for money offered.

The other half of the board which contains the cider options. There’s plenty of character to the pub, with a seating area at the front near the bar and then a longer section towards the rear of the venue which has some more seating.

I go for Titanic just about every time I see it and this has the new branding from my favourite British brewery. The service was friendly, efficient and engaging, with everyone being served in turn.

I went for the Plum Porter which was well kept and it was suitably delicious, fruitiness from the plum and nicely rounded. When we visited on a Friday evening, there was only one table free and that had a coat and helmet on, but Julian wisely sat there and he correctly predicted that someone had just left it and was unlikely to be sitting there. He’s a proper pub professional is Julian, his sixty years drinking in pubs have really paid off. The pub was busy, but the atmosphere was relaxed, informal and comfortable, with everything feeling clean and organised. Definitely another solid choice for the Good Beer Guide and the beer selection was a delight.

March 17, 2025
Norwich – Jubilee (Two Julians)

This was the second on our latest perambulation around Norwich pubs and it’s the Jubilee, which opened in 1887 making it a traditional Victorian corner pub. During its time it has been a Bullards, Watney Mann and Courage pub. Named after the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887, although rather oddly, the pub was renamed Hanover House between 1982 and 1987. I didn’t give it much attention until looking at it in this photo, but I rather like the plaque above the door which mentions numerous countries which were under the influence (to give it a drinking phrase) at the time, including Malta, Cyprus, Egypt, Canada, Australia and numerous others.

Back in 1897, the pub was advertising their bowling green (visible in this 1880s map), although that has long since gone and there are now houses on the site.

The beer list, with some interesting keg and cask options and a fair number from Beartown. The pub has quite a modern feel to it in terms of the beer selection and it’s also listed in the Good Beer Guide. There’s a long L-shaped bar, with this bit at the end being where we ordered. At the rear of the pub there’s also a large conservatory and small garden area. The service was friendly, immediate and polite, with the pub feeling busy although rather less, er, vibrant than the King William IV that we had just visited. It’s evident that these two pubs have different customer bases, although it surprised me just how few pubs there are in this area given some recent closures.

I went for the 4.7% ABV Bobby Dazzler from Beartown, stone fruit flavours and a depth of taste, rather decent. Julian went for the Lit from Beartown which he noted on Untappd as “a nice fresh bitter, with distinctive hippiness” which seems reasonable.

What I assume was the pub dog merrily jumping around the place and having a look at what was going on.

I like pubs that offer this willingly when they don’t serve hot food of their own.

I haven’t taken much to this pub on a couple of past visits, but they were some time ago and I thought it was all rather pleasant on this visit with friendly staff, a clean environment and a decent selection of beers. I’m sure that there will be another perambulation this way in the not too distant future and it seems to me a very worthwhile entry into the Good Beer Guide.

March 15, 2025
Paignton – Henry’s Bar

Ross wanted to relive his youth or something similar, so we bravely walked to Paignton (and back again) from Torquay and I hadn’t given much thought to the lunch options. I had a look at Google Reviews and Henry’s Bar was very well reviewed and I was craving fish and chips, so I opted for that. I was surprised and delighted to discover that it’s the only pub in Paignton which is listed in the Good Beer Guide, so that’s another one ticked off.

It’s not a new venue, the Torbay Express wrote an article about the new venue in November 1984:

“The cheerful bright red of Henry’s Bar heralds a new type of place to eat and drink in Torbay.

This upmarket combination of wine bar plus traditional beer-selling free house is the idea of Mr Ray Shermon.

“It is a really nice place for people to meet friends,” says Mr Shermon of his bar in Paignton’s Torbay Road.

Henry’s Bar, with its wide variety of food and drink, is certainly family-fun. Mr Shermon’s wife, Gerry, daughter Maxine, 18, and James, 14, are all involved in the business.

Even the name – Henry’s Bar, has family connotations. Henry was the name of Mrs Shermon’s late father.

Mr Shermon is not new to the food and drink trade. He bought Henry’s Bar, then La Taverna, having sold The Patio Restaurant across the road.

He and his wife have run La Taverna since July, but, after a total refurbishment taking three weeks, the old restaurant is unrecognisable.

The colour, inside and out, is a welcoming red, with red cushioned seating round the walls and padded stools of various heights.

There is a curving bar, a traditional style of carpet and attractive touches such as old-style lighting, a fan and mirrors, not to mention modern central heating.

This, combined with unusual arches, makes for a smart but comfortable atmosphere in a bar which would be ideal as a starting place for a late night outing.

Mr Shermon, who opens in normal pub hours, is aiming for an all-year and not just seasonal trade, and Henry’s Bar should attract people not only in the evening, but also at lunchtimes.

“It is a place not only for youngsters, but for everybody,” says Mr Shermon.

Henry’s Bar serves a good range of drinks, beers, a variety of wines and spirits. Mr Shermon also has a number of coolers to offer, including peach, cherry and apricot flavours.

Food is served until half-an-hour from closing time, and there is certainly something for everyone on the menu.

There are basket meals including chicken, pot meals ranging from curry to beef stew, and Sunday lunchtimes would be a good time to visit Henry’s Bar.”

There was another article in 1987 which mentioned that Tetley’s Bitter was 60p a pint and Castlemaine 4X was 70p a pint, although they were special prices as there had been a refurbishment. Steak & kidney pie was available for £1.95, pizzas were from £1.75 and a jacket potato was 75p.

Later that year there the venue was put up for sale at an asking price of £395,000 which seems high to me, I’m not sure that they’d get much more than that now, nearly 40 years later.

The interior which I felt had plenty of character and atmosphere. It was relatively quiet when we visited, but I can imagine that this gets very busy during the warmer summer months. There seemed to be some party of dog owners when we visited, but the pub does welcome dogs but has some sensible rules about they shouldn’t bark, they shouldn’t be on seats and they shouldn’t disturb other customers, which is all very reasonable. Not that this stops some customers complaining when they’re told not to let their dog on the seating, which is a selfish thing to do in any regard in my view, but the venue responded professionally:

“I can only apologise for the way that this situation was handled. We do love the dogs visiting us, but you must appreciate, that not everyone does. That, coupled with the fact that we have just been re-upholstered, has made us request that all dogs “paws stay on the floors”. This signage is scattered throughout the pub, but obviously not on the front doors, as you have highlighted . I have arranged for a new sign to be placed here too.”

This is part of the reason why companies such as JD Wetherspoon just ban dogs entirely….

The beer selection, I’m not much of a fan of Doom Bar from Sharp’s Brewery, but it is a sort of local beer given that it’s from Cornwall. I went for the Sea Dog from Teignmouth Brewery, it was malty and smooth, rather agreeable. There’s normally a wider range than just two real ales, but it felt sufficient for a quiet weekday afternoon in February. The service was efficient, polite and prompt, so I felt that we were made welcome.

The fish and chips which was served with mushy peas, all nicely presented and at the appropriate temperature. The chips were firm on the exterior and fluffy on the interior, with the tartare sauce portion being generous (this is important to me, I have a slight obsession with tartare sauce and I can’t be doing with silly little pots). The batter was crispy and had a depth of flavour and the fish itself was of a reasonable quality, so all good.

I was very pleased with the whole arrangement given that the beer choice was reasonable, the food was rather lovely, the service was friendly and the environment was comfortable. And that was 100% of all Good Beer Guide pubs in Paignton visited in one go.

February 26, 2025
Torquay – Hole in the Wall

These photos from the dying days of my last phone really are terrible, but there we go….. This pub has received some national attention recently as it’s Good Beer Guide listed, but as things stand, it’s going to close in a few weeks. We were told by a customer in the previous pub that this was its last night of opening, but that appears to have rather jumped the gun somewhat as it doesn’t close until April. They put on Facebook:

“As many of you are already aware, the pub has been going through some financial difficulties recently, putting us at serious risk of closure. We have been given until mid April to get our affairs in order so we will hopefully, at the very least, be trading as normal until then. Many thanks for your patience and understanding, we hope to see you soon!”

One of the issues perhaps linked to that is that the venue can only take cash payments at the moment, but they helpfully alerted us to that on the front door which led to a trek around Torquay looking for cash machines. Unfortunately, the big bank buildings we walked by to return to the main street have mostly closed which made this into more of an expedition than we had anticipated.

Some of the offers are visible and this is a large venue with a separate restaurant and bar area. Although the Devon Arms next door has a different opinion, it’s thought that this is the oldest pub in Torquay and it’s in the heart of the old harbour area. The pub give themselves an opening date of around 1540, although there’s not any factual evidence to prove this exact date, but it is definitely quite old.

In June 1905, the Torquay Times noted:

“In Exeter, within living memory, there was a public house called “The Hole in the Wall” as we have here in Torquay. Our local inn, bearing this quaint name, dates from a very ancient time, as did the one at Exeter, and Torquay people know its position, on the left of the steps running to Park Street from the Queen’s Hotel. It is evident that there were other taverns dignified with the same title, and how a tavern received such a peculiar sign-board, may be gathered from a quotation from Bishop’s “Brighton in the Olden Time,” with reference to an old inn which was called “The King and Queen.” a peculiarity of which was, that it possessed a “hole in the wall.” Bishop, in the work just quoted, says: “The King and Queen” was never a soldiers’ house; but it is probable that in the early part of the century it took more money from soldiers than any other house in the town. ‘Stolen kisses’ are said to be the sweetest, and, on the same principle, the connection between soldiery and ‘The King and Queen’ being a secret, libations were, probably, the more indulged in. The fact is, there was a small “hole in the wall” which separated the barracks yard (formerly at the bottom of Church Street) from the back of the ‘King and Queen!’ and though this, on a given signal, liquor used to be passed in any quantity. The hole had been there from time immemorial. It was about ten inches square, and on ‘The King and Queen’ side was covered by an iron door, and is said to be seen, even now (1902), in the present pantry of the hotel, which was formerly the ‘tap’ cellar. The hole doubtless owed its origin to some thirsty inventive genius. There was only a wall between him and his beer, and, happy thought! if he could not get the latter over the wall, he, at least, might get some through it! But ‘the best laid schemes o’ mice and men gang aft angley.’ Whether the secret was “blown,” or other causes militated against the hole in the wall, at least on the barracks side, was effectually closed some time previous to the barracks being removed.”

Even in 1905 they thought that the name was quaint.

The front yard, no doubt a pleasant seating area in the warmer summer months.

The service was friendly and immediate, with the team member alerting us in advance that they were only accepting cash, although their signage was evident to minimise any issues. There were three real ales available, the Ferryman from Exeter Brewery and the Dartmoor IPA and Jail Ale from Dartmoor Brewery. There were also pickled onions on the bar, something which should be more commonplace in pubs.

Vaping, not dancing…. As can be noted from this video, there was some live music going on when we were there and although that doesn’t normally excite me, it seems to be in keeping with the pub’s character and atmosphere. The pub was busy when we visited and we were lucky to slide into this table, and slide was what I had to do to get in. There was plenty of decoration on the walls, including some guns, as is visible in the above photo. There are tales of smugglers using this pub over the centuries and it had that feel of a traditional coaching inn where exactly that sort of behaviour would have taken place.

Ross went for Staropramen, which was one of his more sensible decisions, and I went for the Dartmoor IPA from Dartmoor Brewery. This was a rather decent beer, smooth and full bodied, with a depth of flavour.

The menu and the prices were reasonable given the location that we were in.

I liked this pub with its cobbled floors and it had the most traditional feel of any of the pubs that we visited, the only one which actually felt like an authentic coastal pub as some of the other venues were just generic sports bars that could have been located anywhere. Its presence in the Good Beer Guide seems most justified to me and it’s concerning for the residents of Torquay, and indeed on a much wider basis, that this pub might be closing soon.

February 24, 2025
Torquay – TQ Beerworks Taphouse

This is the best pub in Torquay. End of discussion as far as I’m concerned, but I suppose I should justify this. The beer list surprised and delighted me, but going back to the start, the welcome was warm, immediate and friendly. Mind you, the signs for this were positive as it’s not only listed in the Good Beer Guide, but it’s also Untappd verified and that combination is a joy to behold.

Looking beautiful to me and Ross had two decent lagers to choose from and he loved it so much he insisted that we stay for a quite a while. Bearing in mind it was pouring down outside, this was quite an easy decision to make.

The Yakima from Wilful Beer, a hoppy, tropical beer with some grapefruit flavours and not too much twig.

The pub’s beer list, and my check-ins, on display. On reflection, I should have probably tried one of the TQ Beerworks beers, but they only had one real ale from their brewery. However, they did list all of the Wilful Beers as their own which confused me, but they must be some tie-up with them.

The Budgie Smuggler from Bullhouse Brew Co, which was quite tart but it was smooth with lingering fruit flavours.

The Tetra from Wilful Beer, which was punchy, dry, hoppy and fluffy.

And to end the evening, the Cascadian from Wilful Beer. Lots of flavours of dark chocolate, some coffee, a bit of treacle and some hedge.

The beer fridge with its numerous tempting options, although I managed to avoid any take-off temptation. There is another floor to the venue where they hold events, but the downstairs is relatively spacious in itself. There’s an on-trend feel to the arrangements and the service throughout the visit was personable and warm. The on-line reviews are broadly very positive and the venue is clean, comfortable and had a warm atmosphere. It’s listing in the Good Beer Guide seems more than justified to me.

February 22, 2025
Sheffield – Shakespeares Ale & Cider House

Back on my little expedition around Good Beer Guide listed pubs, I have visited this one before with friends back on 2 November 2019 when I was suitably impressed by the Milky Joe milk stout from Ridgeside Brewing Co, which sadly closed last year. The pub was built as a coaching inn in the 1830s, but Punch acquired it and then managed to have it closed down before it reopened under independent owners in 2011.

The team member was writing this up when I went in, so this might not be entirely complete. There’s a mostly cask option, but numerous craft keg beers to choose from as well.

Quirky and atmospheric and my first beer was the Crimes in Riwaka from Pentrich Brewing Co (Riwaka are a hop from New Zealand) which was punchy and dank, with stonefruit and zestiness to it. It’s not the brightest of pubs in terms of the decor, but I suspect that it would have felt rather more charismatic when customers started to come in. The pub feels old fashioned, but that’s what it’s meant to do, this is a traditional pub with a well curated selection of beers.

The second half pint was the Espresso Stout from Cross Borders Brewing Co, a pleasant tasting stout with a roast coffee flavour, although it was a little thin for the 5.3% ABV.

There are hundreds of beer mats decorating the venue and it’s won numerous awards over the years, both from organisations such as CAMRA and direct from the denizens of Sheffield.

How lovely. It wasn’t very busy when I got there, but it was a wet weekday afternoon and they’d just opened for the day, but the welcome was friendly and personable. A nice pub, although I think matters could be improved with a bar billiards table. Although, I think that, I suspect it’s me thinking about my playing in the World Championships in Sudbury (I mean, where else?) in late March…..

January 28, 2025