This is Sinclair’s Oyster Bar — oldest pub in Manchester, and also one of the most no-nonsense. Which is not to say it’s rough, because it’s not. But you get the drinks you’re given and you pay cash, and don’t expect plates of radicchio on the side. Best pub for Victoria station anyway — I know not only exactly how long it takes to walk from here, but how long it takes to specific platforms.
One reason I didn’t go out yesterday was because there’s always today. Start as you mean to go on? Perhaps. Happy New Year.
A very unexciting day today, not least because I had to work for much of it — but by this point, that is over, and there are only two more working days left for me until Christmas. Whether the break will get much more exciting than this, who knows; but as usual at this time of year, I couldn’t really care.
In Huddersfield, in the pub having lunch on the way to the football (2-1 win for Brighton, yay). This posse of guys on the next table started out as three, all in flat caps, which I decided was evidence of a new retro fashion trend among the guys of Yorkshire. Then at least four more turned up, also all in flat caps, and in the end I decided they were a fairly genteel stag party. I hope they had a good day, even if they were Huddersfield fans.
And so off I go to Germany for the second time this year, after Berlin in August. Munich was not my final destination, but I passed through this afternoon while changing from plane to train. It seemed appropriate that my best chance to take a representative picture came in this beer hall, for after all, that is probably the city’s most famous product. However, being honest, I don’t particularly like Munich — a couple of previous visits have suggested to me that the place is rather overrated, I just don’t find it a very interesting or exciting city. Anyway — that’s why I was just passing through.
Perhaps it was early to be in the pub but I was fed up with work by 4pm today. But perhaps not as doleful as this beer pump appears to be. An inanimate object with a secret inner life? Quite possibly.
Second photo in a row taken through glass: this lady was sat outside the pub as we enjoyed the usual Friday afternoon thing. A quiet weekend coming up, poor weather forecast although there was some sunshine coming in for this shot. A bit of oddness caused by the reflections but I still like the image.
First weekend of my summer break. I have no idea who this is, the picture is chosen for no other reason than I just think it makes him look good. Which is as much as we can ask from a portrait I think.
The Tour de France belied its name and came through Hebden Bridge (and past my front door) in 2014 if you recall, but here it gets seen in less direct and energetic form. The week comes to an end in the pub, instead. Well, this is what normally happens.
The sun shows no signs of going away, so rather than wonder when the hosepipe bans and drought orders will come in, let’s just enjoy it — albeit, under cover. Too hot to sit out in direct sunlight for long, even with a beer. Mr John Bailey makes at least his third appearance on the blog.
