Charters Bar, Peterborough

I have been here a lot over the past year, as meet with a group of Peterborough United fans/friends pre-match (amiable away fans welcome too - and very family friendly).

A great range of ales and the Thai food (made in the restaurant upstairs) is very flavourful, if you fancy it.

The interior is unique and there is a huge seated garden area (along with a smaller beer bar) for when the weather's nice.

Some complain about it getting too busy on match days - but if you call in early enough to ensconce, this really isn't a problem.

There is nothing overtly 'sport fan' about it to the average eye, so it is definitely recommended for all types of people at any time of the day or week - save 17.30-19.30 on some Tuesdays and 12.30-14.30 on some Saturdays during the footy season!

21 Mar 2010 11:11

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham

Called in here when spending a Saturday afternoon in Nottingham for football and to visit the city.

Very cramped inside when heaving with people, but charming and cavernous - with a good patio area - so enough space for weekend lunch if you squeeze yourself in.

I had a dark ale from Nottingham Brewery which I liked, but not sure what it was called. The food was good-sized portions, and my rating of 9 may well be solely to one of the most inventive dishes I've ever had: a roast beef yorkie wrap. I thought it would be a toad in the hole type thing, but it really is a wrap (as if tortilla) but out of yorkie pud! Excellent! My companions had the Hunter Chicken and Beef and Ale pie (which is more of a pasty than pie), respectively, and were both happy enough. They each had 2 or 3 pints of the Nottingham Pale Ale, so happy with that too.

I didn't have enough time to visit the castle above, but recommend visitors do that and call in here!

21 Mar 2010 11:02

The Phoenix, Hitchin

One for the love-to-hate or hate-to-love file. It's true it's rather down and out, but having been here a few times it's not the worst place to go in town.

The best thing about it is the black cat who must live there and always comes out to greet passers-by on the pavement. If it's sunny, he'll roll around a bit for you. Positively minutes of fun...

23 Dec 2008 15:13