Monday, May 25, 2026

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Eighty Five - TEMPLE GRAFTON

For Bus Pass Travels No. 85 the Bandit is back in his native Warwickshire, setting off from the village of Binton west of Stratford.

St Peter's Church in Binton.

The Scott Window inside is in memory of Captain Scott, who had local connections, and died on the expedition to the South Pole in 1912.

Onwards to The Piston Club at The Stag at Redhill.

The interior is inspired by classic cars and racing. A refreshing pint of Hobsons Town Crier on a hot day.

The next stop is The Blue Boar Inn at Temple Grafton.

The beer here is Brakspear Gravity.

St Andrew's Church in Temple Grafton is where William Shakespeare is believed to have married Anne Hathaway in 1582.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Eighty Four - JEWELLERY QUARTER

Fresh from his walking tour of North Wales, the Bus Pass Bandit returns a little closer to home with an evening in the Jewellery Quarter...

First up for this Birmingham-based tale comes a rendezvous at the Good Intent in the Great Western Arcade.

A Hearth Mild from the local Attic Brewery to start.

Time for food as we head to Maneki Ramen on Ludgate Hill.

A Katsu chicken curry with sticky rice, accompanied by a Lucky Cat lager.

The 18th century St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter.

On Warstone Lane is the Rose Villa Tavern.

A nice Theakston XB while admiring the ornate interior.

The famous Chamberlain Clock in the Jewellery Quarter.

Onwards to The Church on Great Hampton Street.

Ingot is another beer from the Attic Brewery.

And finally a return visit to the Indian Brewery, conveniently close to Snow Hill Station.

The beer is Tropical Truck IPA.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Eighty Three - LLANDUDNO

Broadening his horizons beyond the mere realms of Warwickshire again, the Bus Pass Bandit packs his suitcase and sets off to North Wales for a weekend in Llandudno...

A general view of Llandudno Seafront with a hint of beach!

A view over Llandudno from the Great Orme.

The Great Orme Tramway first opened in 1902.

The pier at Llandudno is the longest in all of Wales.

The ancient Church of St Tudno was founded in the 6th century.

The Palladium on Gloddaeth Street is a popular Wetherspoon pub converted from a 1920's theatre and cinema.

The Brains SA is a legendary Welsh beer.

Behind the Palladium is the Cottage Loaf, a traditional country style pub.

The Welsh cider is Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon.

Another good venue is the TAPPS Micropub for a pint of Welsh Pride from the Conway Brewery.