Its nearly Christmas

21/12/14

So its been over 2 months since my last blog. Time to wish all my readers a Happy Christmas and all that goes with it.

What would I like for Christmas. Simple, a quiet couple of days with some family. I don't do family things much but this time of year I make time for them. Although my Dad is off to warmer climes for a couple of weeks it will be January before I make my annual pilgrimage as he calls it.

So down to the south coast to stay with Mum. Boxing Day meet with sister and her 3 adorable children including my Godson who is now 16 and taller than me.

Through the joys of social media this video clip has been mentioned a few times and I share it with you.

I might have to watch the Father Ted Xmas special on DVD later.

Also seen was this image which currently my facebook profile picture

I hope you all enjoy yourself whatever you do. I finish work on 23rd December and back on 2nd January 2015.  To those of you working during this period and I know some of you will be, make sure you find time for Christmas.

Now to wrap those bloody presents.

Ian.

Another 2 new brewpubs in London

7/10/14

First one here is the Brewhouse & Kitchen at Angel. As if Islington needed another alehouse!

In the same chain as the one in Portsmouth which I visited in February (see here )

Just around the corner from Angel tube station.

2 pics of the interior

Beers available on my visit. Chaplin and Spandau B were only ones brewed on site, rest at Portsmouth. There is a third pub in the chain at Dorchester.
I had Chaplin, Spandau B and Black Swan which were all good.

And the brewery itself.

I think this may be worth visiting on a regular basis.



12/10/14

The Antelope in Surbiton opened about 8 months ago with the promise of a brewery in converted stables at the rear of the pub. My blog about the pub is here.

The brewery is called the Big Smoke brewery

The brewery started brewing about 6 weeks ago. 2 of their beers were on today.

Both very good beers, the Amber had a zingy taste combination of hops brewed using German malts I found out later and the Porter was full bodied yet very smooth for the style.

I asked to take some photos in brewery and here are the results

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and some photos of the cold store

Both welcome additions to ever expanding London brewer and pub scene

Hop & Berry - Islington

9/9/14

Another new pub for me. Formerley called the Barnsbury it is located at 209-211 Liverpool Road in Islington.

So what makes this pub different.

Looks ordinary enough from the outside

Nothing yet but this photo gives you a clue

All beers are from London. The 5 handpumps yesterday had these on:

And this was the keg selection telling you how the brewery is from the pub.

This is a great idea as there are loads of small London brewerys. I heard someone mention 71!

Some views of the rest of the pub.

I hope this venture proves popular. Its just off the trendy Upper Street in Islington.

East Kent Railway Diesel Gala

26/7/14

My first visit to the East Kent Railway coincided with some firsts for the Railway.

• first public run of Thumper 1101
• first public run of newly arrived class 108 DMU from the National Collection.
• first public run of 2 DMUs together

the timetable

My ticket. £8 for all day.

I got on the 1030 Shepherdswell to Eythorne formed of the 101 and 108 DMU.

At Eythorne I declined a brake van ride

Views at Eythorne

Back at Shepherdswell for the 1125 departure, the stock was shunted out of the platform for the loco attachment so got pics of the EPB and loco's.

Units with loco attached

More views at Eythorne

On the way back into Shepherdswell got a glimpse of my final train of the day

A history of the line at Sheperdswell station

Then travelled on the 1230 to Eythorne

Last views from Eythorne

Inside 1101

final views at Shepherdswell

Then a couple of pints from the the real ale tent were imbibed. Forgot to take photos.

A shot of the disused signalbox at Shepherdswell

Back home then. A great day out. Met a friend from Maidstone who I haven;t seen for years. Also 2 of the MHR Thumper support crew.

Only about 2 miles of line but there is plenty to do here. The all day ticket for £8 was excellent value even though I only did 3 round trips.