January Mystery Trip

17th January 2012

The weather was cold and frosty, so we were all looking forward to cosy pubs and good beer for this, our first trip of 2012.

Many members now have GPS apps on their phones, so they spent the journey following our route through the country lanes, while others tried in vain to read sign posts as we drove past. Such is the joy of mystery trips!

We headed West of the A444 for our first stop at the Black Horse at Sheepy Magna. The bar had a few customers enjoying a quiet drink before we arrived, and the restaurant was busy, with the bar staff helping out. Consequently there was some delay before we could slake our thirsts. Banks Fine Fettle was as described and Jennings Soggy Bottom went down well. Also on offer was Marstons Pedigree. We were into our second (or for some, third) when some very welcome dishes of chips made an appearance. By this time our number had increased to 19, so the chips soon got eaten. Thank you Justin and staff for your hospitality.

Next stop was the Market Tavern in Atherstone, just outside our Branch area. On the bar were six ales on handpump, three Warwickshire Beer Co. ales and three guest ales. All were in excellent form, and enjoyed by everyone. Theakston’s Masham Ale, at 6.5%, proved popular with at least one member of our party.

All too soon it was time to leave this wonderful pub and its barrel of groundnuts. Many thanks to Andy and staff.

We travelled back into our Branch area for the last stop of the night to the Gate at Ratcliffe Culey. Here, Emily and her partner made us welcome with Jennings Cumberland Ale, Marstons Pedigree and Marstons Single Hop. Once we had all been served Emily brought out plates of hot nibbles, sliced pork pie, a range of vegetarian dishes, chips and many other tasty snacks – just the job to finish off another excellent Branch survey trip. Many thanks Emily – sorry we were a tad later than planned.

Words by Robin
Photos by Chris