York - The Chickens are Restless

We are in the Zone


The start of the October break saw Hector and Marg driving down to York for the biennial trip with Graeme and Marion. Yorkshire is Hector’s favourite county for Bier in England. Bradford would feature eventually for a Curry-Heute.
It became apparent very early in the trip that this would be about visiting pubs rather than finding the best Bier. The pubs were generally good, the Bier decidedly average.
On the Friday night we ate at the Coach House Inn where were staying (two ales) then decanted next door to the Minster Inn (a range) where a stout was the order of the day.

Saturday afternoon was the highlight of the trip





On the Saturday, a visit to the York Brewery was interesting from the perspective that Graeme was sure that we should never have been served given that we were not on the tour.
Ed Alleyne-Johnson was heard and then seen busking on the streets of York. His sonic virtuoso violin playing drew Marg and I close before I realised who was playing. A CD was bought from the man himself.
Saturday night was Curry-Heute night. Sadly this meant Hector was full and could not physically get much more Bier in. The Yorkshire Terrier did not have the Bier after which it was named available. Hector ended up drinking a Yorkshire Bier at 3.6%. We stayed until our welcome had expired.

There was a Bier or two on Sunday afternoon once Graeme and I shook off the ladies and let them ‘shop’. The Three Nuns provided Bier and lunch.
Sunday evening began with Marion having the Yorkshire Pudding from hell at The Hole in the Wall.


The Three Legged Mare had Phoenix Double Gold which was at least getting close to a Hector preferred Bier. The saga of one Richard Turpin, Highwayman and general cad, was on display around the pub. The title of the pub refers to the device from which such undesirables were hung.

We moved on to Pivni where a large range of European and UK Biers are usually available. They were not, so we left, immediately. It was The Last Drop Inn where we stayed despite a DJ playing reggae. Who on Earth likes reggae?


Monday morning was spent at the nearby Air Museum at Elvington. An impressive array of ‘planes through the ages were on display permitting Hector his first sight of a Mosquito in the flesh.

There was an indoor display featuring famous designers from yesteryear. Barnes Wallis was commemorated with one of his bouncing bombs – Upkeep – suspended from the ceiling. We walked the walls of York with Colin and Mags, a coincidence that they were here too, and then went on to meet Mr Holden for the ritual that is Bradford.

The Curry was followed by a drive to Brighouse: ‘pubs which had to be seen’. The Prince of Wales (fine exterior) and the Richard Oastler (a most impressive interior) were Mr Holden’s choice.


This was halfway to Huddersfield..what was going on?