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Category: UK

Norwich – Bar Billiards Singles Tournament Round 3

It all came to a head on Saturday at 12:00 at the VR rooms in Norwich…. Oscar and I had both won two games, my first at the White Lion and then my second at the King’s Head. This surprised and delighted me since I’ve hardly played in four months, although, to be fair, I’m not sure I’m any better after playing more anyway as I play solely with muscle memory and pure delusion.

It was my first time in the VR rooms, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Here’s the table, which is on free play, but you just buy drinks from the bar instead. I very much liked the table, it was slower off the back than I expected which meant I fell short on a few shots, but it was a bit wider than the King’s Head table which I liked. The pegs are very delicate indeed though, they blow over easily.

I don’t think that Oscar will mind me saying, but he turned up looking dead to the world as if from some zombie movie and I was secretly very pleased about that as I hoped he’d fall over or similar to distract himself from the game. However, at heart, I know that Oscar is a master at performing even when feeling terrible, so I wasn’t very confident.

We had some VR action behind us, but in the excitement of our game, I mostly forgot about them as I was locked into my own tragedy. As an aside, we had no scorer, so we had to do the adding up ourselves which was challenging as Oscar kept scoring large breaks. The first two games were relatively close, but Oscar won them both, so that was the end of that for my amazing run in the competition. I also lost the third frame, but by more, but I had rather lost the killer instinct by then….. And, let’s face it, Oscar is a very good player.

Anyway, that’s that now, I’ll just have to watch the other games to see who wins in this fine competition. And, maybe I might even get to reach the hallowed quarter finals next year. But I might need to practice more and also hope that I don’t meet Oscar in the 2027 competition.

For anyone concerned about his well-being, I’m pleased to note that Oscar was in good shape again in the pub in the evening, but I ignored his comments about victory because it’s not about the winning, it’s about the taking part. Unless I win, then I upload videos and blog posts all over the place. And, I confess, if I’d won, half of Norwich wouldn’t be able to open a social media app without seeing a slow-motion montage of my genius.

And, also, lovely people at the VR rooms, I hope to be able to play some games there in the future, a really nice set-up.

February 22, 2026
Wizz Air (London Luton to Timișoara)

There’s my friend Liam departing after kindly dropping me off at Luton Airport and it’s always a delight being back here. Well, it isn’t, but travel is about being positive.

I decided to just stay at the airport overnight, it’s not worth the faffing about leaving the hotel early to get here. And, it’s a more thrifty option. Here’s the airside area shortly after it opened.

My usual visit to Big Smoke with my Priority Pass card and it’s not often that I’m here early enough for the breakfast menu. The £18 allowance doesn’t allow a huge amount of decadence here with prices ever rising.

The poached eggs on avocado with sourdough bread served alongside a pineapple juice was a suitable breakfast for 04:00. It’s half-term this week and the airport was very busy, with Big Smoke being at capacity for much of the time that I was there.

Orange juice, latte and granola at Nolito, where I merrily waited until I got an alert on my phone with the gate number.

Coffee acquired. I’m not sure why the Wizz Air app mentioned the gate number before it was announced, as it led to several customers arriving to see no gate information and then asking staff members for help. It’s handy to get extra time to arrive at the gate though.

With the gate now announced I managed to be the first to queue up, with boarding commencing nearly immediately. This was one of the flights where Wizz Air had mentioned that there might be €100 in Wizz Air credits for volunteering not to fly. I have little interest in this, it would deny me getting any UK261 compensation if they were planning to refuse me.

There’s the aircraft positively glimmering in the morning sun.

The turnaround on these flights is something to behold, we were boarding within fifteen minutes of these passengers disembarking.

Boarding the aircraft, which was registration HA-LWQ, an Airbus A320 which Wizz Air have had in their fleet since 2012 and that I don’t think I’ve been on before.

This is one of the older aircraft in the fleet and these are the old fashioned seats that I haven’t seen in some time. I was pleased that the seating Gods had allocated me an aisle seat as the flight was just about full.

The aircraft was clean, but it felt a little rickety in places, as is perhaps evident with those yellow pieces of tape indicating the damaged overhead lockers. As for the flight, it all seemed well managed, although I was asleep for most of it so all manner of havoc could have been happening and I wouldn’t have known. I hope that I didn’t miss out on any drama though….

And safely at Timișoara Airport, a little earlier than expected. It took only around twenty minutes to get through border control, there were few British people on board and they delayed matters slightly because of the EES.

February 16, 2026
Norwich – Bar Billiards Video….

And thanks to Pete for videoing the conclusion of the final game of this match…..

February 10, 2026
Norwich – Bar Billiards Singles Tournament Round 2

After the first round a few weeks ago, it was time for the second round of the Norwich bar billiards cup singles last night, with Oscar playing his game before it was time for my second round game. After three games, which were very well refereed I thought, Oscar was triumphant but there was a lot of surprising and delighting going on.

Then for my three games….. The first one went well for me, despite my struggling somewhat with this table as it’s narrower than the White Lion table. Quite a high scoring game, it’s positive to get the first game in.

The second game went to the final ball part of the proceedings, played differently in Norwich to some other areas. This one involves going off the side cushion into the 200 hole and I promptly missed it…. I didn’t get a second chance, so that was 1-1 on frames.

I slid behind by quite a margin on the third game and it looked all a bit forlorn. To cut a long story short, some fortune and a decision to play the second final ball concluding game quickly meant that I managed to win the final frame.

It was a really close game, so many thanks to Rufus, although it was all a bit tense for my liking, especially when there were about 12 people watching. I know that it’s not exactly the San Siro stadium with its 80,000 seats, but it felt a bit like that at times.

My third round game is against Oscar at the VR rooms….. Whatever happens now, I’ve got further than I expected. The results will go on https://www.norwichbarbilliards.co.uk/Singles at some point.

February 10, 2026
Turkey Trip 2026 : Day 1 (Hove to Gatwick Airport)

After safely switching platforms during the three minute connection time, I was safely at Hove railway station. To be fair, this isn’t going to be the most complex piece of transportation during this trip, but I was pleased that there were no delays here.

The original Hove railway station opened in 1840, but this was closed in 1880 and the railway station at this site opened in 1865 and was originally known as Cliftonville. It was renamed West Brighton in 1879, then renamed to Hove & West Brighton in 1894 before taking its current name of Hove in 1895.

Here the Southern Railways Thunderbolt rolling into the platform. It was a relatively busy train and an announcement was made that it was stopping additionally at Three Bridges to assist passengers having difficulty with the cancelled services between Brighton and London Gatwick.

We arrived on time into Gatwick Airport railway station which was rebuilt in 1958 from the former Gatwick Racecourse station. As an aside there was also a railway station at Tinsley Green, renamed Gatwick Airport in 1936 (one of the first airport railway stations), but this was later demolished (to make way for the 1958 station) and this was a little further along the line towards Three Bridges.

As an update, Jonathan had already arrived at Gatwick about 45 minutes before, so this meant that we were now both safely at the airport ready for the flight. It was good to arrive on time given we didn’t have a lot of time to spare and it was then promptly announced that our flight was delayed.

And with that, the trip began…..

January 21, 2026
Turkey Trip 2026 : Day 1 (Brighton to Hove)

The morning of our first day started with my walking from the bargain priced Travelodge Brighton Seafront to Jonathan’s more decadent hotel.

A free breakfast courtesy of Jonathan’s accommodation arrangement. Jonathan was going to Gatwick via Flixbus on a bargain priced service which goes from the centre of Brighton. The journey was absolutely perfect in many ways other than they cancelled it, part of the reason that I didn’t book it in the first place.

Jonathan decided to get the train, although his options were somewhat reduced at that point. I had got a £4 rail ticket as part of the national rail sale, but that went from Brighton station to Hove station before connecting to another service. This station opened in 1840 and is mostly still there, but it’s hard to see the original building because of later extensions.

Mine was the 10:13 service and I was pleased that it was operating as usual as a number of services had been cancelled due to over-running engineering works. Jonathan had already departed on the first service he could, better to be safe than sorry when getting to an airport.

They announce the platforms around ten minutes before the train departs with this one departing from platform two. There are eight platforms at the station and some very careful gate line staff who were carefully checking all the tickets, something which took a few minutes as the barriers were rejecting a fair number of tickets, including mine.

My Southern Railways train sweeping in. I had cut this whole arrangement quite tight (well, tight for me), arriving just a couple of hours before my flight departed, due to wanting to get the £4 fare.

I got settled in for the four minute rail journey. There were power outlets and I must have charged my device by around 2% during the extensive journey. The train was relatively clean and organised, with plenty of free seats.

And safely into Hove railway station, where I had a connecting train to Gatwick Airport which departed just three minutes after my train from Brighton got in. A few others were doing the same connection and it feels too tight to me for those who aren’t easily able to navigate the subway between the platforms.

Anyway, that was the first part of the journey done….

January 21, 2026
Turkey Trip 2026 : Day 0 (Brighton – Mad Dog Brewery Taproom)

So many bars in Brighton that I haven’t been to, but unfortunately, so little time. Mad Dog is a brewery based in Cardiff, although they have taprooms in not only Cardiff and Brighton, but also Tunbridge Wells and Cheltenham. This venue has been open for around one year, so it’s a relatively new arrival to Brighton.

The beer list, although unfortunately the McStout Face wasn’t available. I opted for the three 1/3 pint beer flight that they offer, all beers from the brewery themselves. The welcome was friendly and so that gave a positive first impression.

The bar is located on the ground floor and that has nearly no seating, but there are seating areas on the first and second floors. It’s a slightly odd set-up, which makes accessibility nearly impossible, but it’s otherwise a clean and tidy arrangement.

They had Cards Against Humanity which brought me some amusement as I’m easily pleased. My first beer was the Marmalade IPA from Mad Dog, this had a gentle orange flavour and was crisp and clean.

Next was the Apollo Galaxy from Mad Dog, a punchy 5.5% (although the board gives a higher ABV) beer which had a taste of citrus from the hops and a bit of sweetness.

And finally the Now in a Minute from Mad Dog, this had a malty edge and a pleasant taste, but it was a bit thin.

The venue wasn’t overly busy when I was there, but the atmosphere was comfortable, informal and inviting. All really rather lovely and it was good to try three different beers from the brewery and I’ll likely visit their Cardiff taproom if I’m back in sunny Wales.

January 20, 2026
Turkey Trip 2026 : Day 0 (Travelodge Brighton)

After a quick visit to the Rook Taproom, I popped to Brighton Travelodge Seafront to check-in and I was already pre-pleased with the arrangement as the room cost £22 per night which surprised and delighted me. There was a friendly welcome at reception and the receptionist mentioned that the bar was 24 hours, which is certainly handy.

For the money, I was very impressed with the value as the room was clean, tidy and well presented. The hotel looked a bit knocked about in places, but it’s obviously heavily used. There was a heater in the room and the window actually opened, so the whole range of options as far as I’m concerned.

I had a look at the online reviews and they’re not particularly good, but they’re not a disaster.

“DO NOT GO HERE -Needs redecorating and NOT value for money paid over the top for a scummy room and toilet .Not enough coffee and milk for two people complained to reception . I don’t normally give feed back but do not use Third party websites as you will be over charged and not willing to help.Travel Lodge think before you sell your booking slots…”

There’s a heap of tea and coffee at reception, as much as you could ever want. Definitely don’t buy a Travelodge room via a third party site though….

“I booked a night on the quieter floor but the music from the Pub across the street was unbearable, even with the window closed.”

I can imagine a lot of people don’t like the noise, but it’s probably best not to book a hotel in the centre of Brighton….

“Worst hotel ever! Stains all over the floor, bedding and walls. Kept awake all night by club across the road and the hotels response is well it’s not our hotel is it!”

It’s an honest answer to be fair…

“Yes this hotel is not too expensive and in a great location.
However room was infested with bed bugs causing over 40 bites on the body and then when moved room woke up with more. Was told they can’t offer refunds or compensation as the bites weren’t evidence enough so pest control have to confirm it. Rang 28 times and no one has answered to give a follow up and check If they have even rang pest control to avoid happening to other people.”

I like the reviewer’s precision of 40 bites and 28 calls.

“We paid over £200 for a 1-night stay. They don’t tell you that the hotel is right next to a nightclub that is open until 3am”

I think I would have considered paying £200 for a room as a bit sub-optimal, so they have my sympathy. Anyway, I digress.

And leaving the hotel the following morning. There was a lot of external noise during the night of crashing glasses and shouting people, but I like that kind of constant disruption and I slept through pretty much all of it. Overall, I was very pleased with the whole arrangement and if a room is under £25, then definitely go for it….

January 19, 2026
Turkey Trip 2026 : Day 0 (Rook Taproom in Brighton)

As I was in Brighton for the evening, I thought I’d tick off a couple of craft beer bars that I hadn’t visited before. This is the Rook Taproom, formerly the Prince Arthur pub which was reopened in 2023.

The beer list, all rather extensive and there were numerous options that I would have liked to try, but I limited myself to two half pints.

The bar looked modern and on-trend with the service being friendly and engaging. It had a nice inviting feel atmosphere and was relatively busy when I was there, with a main bar and a separate room at the rear.

Some of the extensive cans list.

The Even Rooks Need Beer from Moon Brewery, a smooth, hazy, hoppy and quirky beer with a decent mouthfeel.

The Respectable Mystery from Howling Hops, a slight taste of marmalade and hops, certainly not unpleasant.

It’d be unlikely that a customer couldn’t find something that they liked as there are 22 craft beer taps and over 150 cans, which should surprise and delight a fair number of people. The online reviews are very positive and they’ve actually yet to pick a review of fewer than four stars, so that’s some impressive work.

I imagine that this can get quite busy at times, but it’s certainly worth a visit. The prices were middle of the road, the service was friendly and the surroundings were comfortable. It’s only a short walk from the central area of Brighton and it was clean internally, so definitely recommended.

January 19, 2026
Turkey Trip 2026 : Day 0 (Corby to Brighton)

My journey started at Corby railway station when Richard dropped me off before he went onto something quite specialist. This is definitely rail progress for the town, there was a station built here in 1879, but that was closed in 1966. This was clearly a ludicrous decision and it left Corby without a rail link (one of the biggest towns in the country with no railway station), until wiser heads prevailed and this station was opened in 2009, bringing the railways back to the town.

Although not the most decadent of railway stations, and there’s only one platform, the train I needed to get me into St. Pancras arrived on time.

The East Midlands Railways train isn’t the most exciting, there are no power points and they’ve shoved five seats across which really doesn’t work. The guard made an announcement that due to train cancellations this service would be very busy towards London, but, fortunately, it wasn’t too bad at all.

We arrived into St. Pancras on time, although it was all a bit chaotic on the platform as they had passengers waiting for two trains and it took over five minutes to get to the ticket barrier.

One quick underground journey on the Victoria Line between King’s Cross St Pancras and Victoria. Fortunately, this service was operating as usual, although the Piccadilly Line was closed.

This is the Southern Railways train to Gatwick Airport, which despite being 12 coaches long was packed by the time we left London. There are some bus replacement services on the other line into Gatwick, so sensible passengers switched to this route. As a positive point, there were at least power points on this train.

There was an incident on the train when a passenger pressed an emergency alarm in the toilet and the driver made three announcements calling for the guard before announcing he would stop the train if the situation wasn’t resolved. It was unclear to me what the guard was doing, but the train was split into separate units so if the guard was in the bit at the back, it might have been rather more challenging to resolve the situation.

After a quick change at Gatwick Airport, I boarded another service to Brighton. The efficiency of the services meant, to my slight disappointment, that there was no Delay Repay…..

Into Brighton railway station and it’s all happening now….

January 19, 2026