Bus Pass Bandit: Part Seventy Four - KENILWORTH

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and - as we head deeper into December - the Bus Pass Bandit is primed to report from the confines of Kenilworth...

Yes, this is Bus Pass Travels 74 whereby the Bandit and his accomplice alight at Kenilworth Station on the 'Elephant & Bear Line'.

The day commences with a walk to Leyes Lane to investigate the old school buildings, with a stop at The Tiltyard.

And a very enjoyable half of Bass Beer.

A sprightly walk via Kenilworth Common then takes us to The Engine.

And some suitably festive Wychwood Bah Humbug.

Nearby is the interestingly named Wyandotte Inn, the Wyandotte being a Native American tribe or a sociable breed of chicken.

The beer in here is Wainwright Gold.

Next is The Royal Oak for some Wye Valley Butty Bach.

The Cross combines a pub with Michelin-starred food.

Here we partake of the Genesis Bedford Stout.

The Old Bakery on the High Street is also a hotel.

And serves the excellent Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild.

Our next stop is The Clarendon Arms on Castle Hill.

Some Wye Valley Christmas Cracker helps to get us in the festive mood.

There follows an unscheduled walk through side streets to The Gauntlet ...

Where some Abbot Ale and crisps can be found.

After a stop at the Dictum of Kenilworth for food, our final destination is The Station House.

And a St Austell Proper Job to finish.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Seventy Three - STRATFORD UPON AVON & WELFORD ON AVON

The Bus Pass Bandit is keeping himself busy in the lead-up to Christmas by staging a December dalliance over Stratford-upon-Avon way. Where has he inspected for your delectation on this crisp but chilly occasion?

Indeed, the Bandit is back in Stratford for an early start at the Pen & Parchment at Bridge Foot.

An opening half of North Cotswold Winter Solstice before following Shakespeare's Avon Way towards Bidford on Avon.

A view of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from the Tramway Bridge.

Stannels Bridge once carried the railway line from Stratford to Cheltenham, and is now part of the Stratford Greenway.

All Saints' Church at Weston on Avon.

The Bandit arrives at Welford on Avon and heads first for The Shakespeare Inn.

And a festive half of Brains Santa's Ale.

Next is The Bell Inn, an attractive 17th century Inn.

For some refreshing Purity Gold.

The Four Alls is situated by Binton Bridge.

And has Fuller's London Pride.

St Peter's Church at Welford on Avon.

Continuing along Shakespeare's Avon Way, the grand finale is a stop at The Cottage of Content at Barton.

And a Wye Valley HPA to finish.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Seventy Two - STRATFORD UPON AVON

For the first of his December 2025 excursions, the Bus Pass Bandit takes a winter excursion to Stratford upon Avon...

The first stop is The Garrick Inn  on the High Street.

And the first beer, suitably enough, is Shakespeare Bitter.

Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried.

Nearby in the side streets is The Bull.

A visit is rewarded by a half of Saxby's Mulled Cider.

The next stop is The Windmill Inn on Church Street.

And some Timothy Taylor's Landlord.

The Old Thatch Tavern is on Greenhill Street.

And provides suitably festive surroundings to enjoy some Dark Star Hophead.

Leaving Stratford, the final stop is The Crown at Tiddington.

And a Wye Valley HPA to finish.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Seventy One - LEAMINGTON (continued)

Hear ye, hear ye! On a cold and sunny November morning the Bandit takes a bus ride out to Leamington...

The first stop is The Royal Pug on Regent Street.

Colossus is a strong beer from Green Duck Brewery which goes down very well.

Then onwards to Cubbington and a stop at the Rugby Tavern.

A half of Old Golden Hen in here.

Back on the Parade in Leamington is the Salino Lounge.

An excellent place to enjoy some Henry Westons Vintage cider. Just look at that tasselled lampshade (although the Bandit might feel the Book Swap reminds him of work too much).

The final Pug of the day is The Fat Pug on Guy's Cliffe Road.

And a Purity Bunny Hop to finish.