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Stop 5 Gent. Trappistenhuis for draft Chimay Grand Reserve before the train from Dampoort to Brugge. Preferable to 'standard' Chimay. Really love this bar. Good beer selection, friendly and a little less touristy than the more central bars

A glass of Chimay with beer taps behind it and a large Chimay sign in wood

An interior view of the tables in trappistenhuis showing Belgian brewery signs on the wall

Exterior view of trappistenhuis in a dark red brick. Two storey high with loft windows

Entrance to gent-dampoort station with glass doorway and the Belgian railways B inside an oval border

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Stop 4 Gent. Trollekelder opting for Hedonis Ouwen Duiker American IPA which I've not had yet this trip. One of the best bars in town and always a friendly welcome from staff and locals

Wooden bar in Trollekelder with taps, fridges and a westmalle sign above

Three storey high exterior view of Trollekelder with some tables outside and Trollekelder in relief lettering. The building is mostly brick with large glass ground floor windows

A glass of Owen Duiker with tall beer fonts behind

A painting of slightly distorted people enjoying a drink

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Stop 3 Gent is Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant. A good selection including St Bernardus Abt but opted for an easy drinking Artevelde Gentse Leute

A glass of Artevelde beer with the beer taps behind it

An external photo of Bierhuis four storey high cream building. There are boats moored next to it and a speed boat going past

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Stop 2 Gent is Dulle Griet. St Bernardus Tripel draft is beer of choice. A few customers are having the 'yard of ale' 1.2l Kwak in the koetsiersglas (coachman's) glass and surrendering their shoe accordingly

Exterior view of three storey Dulle Griet with a large canopy and tables outside

Interior view of Dulle Griet showing benches and puppets hung from the ceiling and a wagon wheel and various tapestries and flags

A glass of saint Bernardus Tripel with beer taps behind it

A tapestry showing the large calibre Dulle Griet canon

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First stop in Ghent. Gruut taproom for the wheat beer. What a great job they've done in creating ambiance (like Kirkstall Brewery) and 'softening' the interior

Long wooden bar with beer taps and a large painting of people drinking behind it

Seating, a nice traditional ceiling light and black and white photos and a piano to the left

A view of the taproom showing beer tanks in the background and long tables in the foreground

A variety of different sized tables with sketches of gent on the wall behind

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Those new(ish) Ellezelloise Hercule Stout glass handled tankards in 't Brugs Beertje look superb.

A glass of Ellezelloise Hercule Stout dark beer with the tankard behind it

Exterior photo of 't Brugs Beertje with two large windows, central entrance and traditional Flemish brickwork

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Monday evening in Brugge is a little less hectic as you'd expect but we've still ended up upstairs at busy de Garre. The windows are open and the classic house Tripel is as enjoyable as ever

A bike and doorway in a cobbled alleyway leading to some steps up to de Garre bar

Open window showing the alleyway with cobbled stones and a couple of seats in the foreground,,

Two glasses of de Garre Tripel on a tray with a paper doyle and portion of cheese. The beer is highly carbonated with large heads

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Taking no chances at Cafe Rose Red, Bruges. Outside before opening. Lupus NEIPA excellent (as you'd expect from this brewery)

The closed door of cafe rose red. Three storey cream building with middle floor balckny

Glasses of beer on the bar of cafe rose red with inverted roses and chalked beers listed above the beer taps

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Another visit to new Den Toog, Middelkerke before the train to Bruges. Tap list conservative but plenty of bottles to choose from. Classic de Dolle Arabier strong blond. Nice photos of old Middelkerke on a large display board

A glass of Arabier with the bottle next to it and a portion of cheese and mini pretzels

A display of old Middelkerke including a windmill, beach carts and a lighthouse

Beer board at den Toog. Shaped like a hymn board

Bar of den Toog. Down lights and glasses on shelves

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Bruges beerfest was excellent but this palate cleansing Poperings Hommelbier at 't Beertje brown café before the train to Ostend really hits the spot.

Bruges Beertje external photo. Rain reflecting of cobbles and traditional Flemish brickwork

A glass of Hommelbier with a bear behind it

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Always good to see a member of our group making the most of Bruges Beer Festival and enjoying indigenous beer styles typical of The Belgian nation

A glass of beer that looks more like a chocolate desert with cream on top and a biscuit and straw

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A superb afternoon at 2026 Brugs Bier Festival. So many good breweries. Highlights included The Skøllman Black IPA's, Brasserie des Légendes Gouyasse Blonde, Van Steenberge Fourchette Grand Cru Sauvignon Blanc and Saison Dupont Cuvee Dry Hopped. Back tomorrow!

A glass of Légendes Gouyasse with the beer tap behind it and a beer festival programme in the bar

The van Steenberge brewery bar showing tall gulden draak taps and some bottles

A glass of Saison Dupont Cuvee dry hopped with the beer tap behind it

Exterior view of Bruges conference centre with canopies advertising breweries in front and people at the food franchises

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Surprised to see @daveratkins.bsky.social in Belgium. Must be some event on.....

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On a positive Ostends Cafe Meerman is open and the coffee is so good you have to queue out of the door. As well as coffee beans you can get yourself a pair of cafe Meerman socks. .

Four storey high cafe Meerman. A slightly non descriptive corner building with queues out of the door

Down light and Meerman sign painted on the wall with seating in front

Bags of coffee for sale in the window of meerman

6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I love stopping in Ostend & have a nice view of Art Deco Hotel & Café du Parc but on this occasion I've what's commonly known as totally 'f_cked up' & coincided my visit with holiday closure of superb café Botteltje. Oops

Chalk writing on door saying closed for holidays 02 to 16 september

Exterior view of cafe botteltje between three and four storeys high. Large windows and balconies. Art deco globe lights

Large white art deco corner building cafe du Parc / hotel du parc

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First visit to Staminee Toog, Middelkerke. Den Toogoloog's new sister bar across the road. Owner Jürgen says the select beers will remain at the original bar but there was more than enough to vindicate our visit including de Plukker All Inclusive & De Dolle Dulle Teve, Scheldebrouwerij & Struise...

A glass of vicaris generaal with a nice photo of locals in monochrome sitting at a table behind it

Glasses of de Plukker All inclusive and de Dolle Teve with the bottles next to them

A variety of mirrors in Staminee Toog including a Bass and an Ename mirror

Exterior view of den Toog with people sitting outside and two Belgian mounted police persons

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

What an excellent afternoon on a Middlekerke 'pub crawl' that basically involves crossing the road. First, the original Den Toogoloog. Outstanding as always. I opted for superb Vicaris Tripel Geuze, draft. My companion De Dolle Oerbier Special Reserva. New bar Den Toog viewable through the window

Exterior view of three storey high den Toogoloog bar on the Belgian coast. The brickwork is magnolia / light brown. A few outside tables. Middle floor has a bay window

The beer board at den Toogoloog. It's based on an ecclesiastical board you would see in churches that would show hymns and readings

A glass of vicaris Tripel and a glass of Oerbier Special Reserva with the bottle next to it

A photo of den Toog through the window of den Toogoloog. There are two mounted police in the photo

6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Draft Hommelbier to get proceedings underway at 't Brugs Beertje

Exterior view of bar showing it's traditional Flemish brickwork, crow stepped gable and central doorway. Warm interior lighting

A glass of Hommelbier with the handpump behind it

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Excellent, just made a coastal train I didn't think I'd connect with. Hotel check in and a short walk to Bernie's on the Vrijdagmarkt, Brugge. Brouwerij Romans spicy Adrian Tripel is on. Quality.

A glass of cloudy Tripel with the tap behind it

Tables and chairs with soft down lighting and an old wooden barrel upright on the right

The piano wall showing black and white photos of artists like David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Serge Gainsbourg

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Ostend / Brugge here we come....

The escalators at St Pancras heading to the Eurostar departure area. The classic single span arched glass and iron train shed roof in view and large clock in the background

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Across Leeds Bridge for a First visit to The Old Red Lion, Meadow Lane, Leeds since it reopened. No cask atm but The Extra Stout is available. V friendly welcome (external photos only) Pub featured in a couple of episodes of A Touch of Frost a-touch-of-frost-locations.fandom.com/wiki/A_Touch...

External photo of the old red lion. Three storey high central doorway with a red lion and clock above

Photo showing the side and front of the old red lion. Blue cloudy skies. Three storey cream building

Leeds bridge has lamp with civic owl and makers name in relief

Distant view of Leeds bridge across the river aire,

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

This Red Willow (Macclesfield) Amarillo Porter otb at Whitelocks is absolutely superb. One of the best beers I've had so far this year.

Half a red Willow porter with the handpump behind it

Exterior view of Whitelocks showing mirrored door and lantern plus palm trees

6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Happy 10th anniversary Elusive Brewing. Celebratory collaboration beer otb in Whitelocks. Rain provided at no extra cost for added ambiance......

Half an Anniversary beer by elusive brewing, brewed in collaboration with verdant and vessel beer shop. The handpump is behind it

Exterior photo through the window of Whitelocks showing luncheon bar sign inside and lower Turks head on the window. Established 1715 above the window

View of the Whitelocks ginnel. Globe lights, box light. Overhanging Whitelocks sign and open bar door to the left. Barrel tables

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Always a pleasure to arrive in town on the somewhat ironically named 'Yorkshire Flyer'. To be honest they may have cancelled HS2 from Birmingham, the tram system is in the long grass (again) but they are getting some ambitious new station steps as a consolation (eventually....)

Photo of a class 150 which is 1980's design and approaching end of life

The new station steps still under construction at Leeds city station

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Reposted by 6TownsMart

Rob Sterowski @robsterowski.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Shocked and saddened that the nearly 500 year old Brauerei Neder in Forchheim is threatened with closure. Something must be done.

A mug of Neder beer in their historic tavern in Forchheim

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Worth 30 miles of cycling through monsoon to witness Leek's ambitious new transport infrastructure. Not the reopening of the line to Macclesfield & Manchester. Track bed remains a supermarket, but their new pedestrian crossing. THEY HAVE BEEN LEVELLED UP!! A quick trip to The Mugge before home....👌

Strava map of a 30 mile return bike ride to leek

A view of the former station site from an old rail bridge. The site is occupied by a supermarket and builders merchant

A corner view of the blue mugge pub. Brick two storey high

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Well, if you're going to have a detour on the way home via Wakey (Capital of the West Riding) it's an opportunity to visit Lost Cause Brewing. Got a train to catch is very apt. You can't help but admire the eclectic architecture that's constitutes Wakefield

Exterior view of lost cause brewing. A single storey industrial estate building

Half a beer with the beer board behind it

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

I struggled with Economics at university so is there anyone out there who can help me understand why our economy is stagnating (A 59 mile journey Leeds > Stoke as the crow flies) in one of Europe's largest economies is so problematic, both routes (Sheffield or via Manchester simultaneously failing)

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

I've cycled past a lot but never called in. Finally, a visit to The Gaping Goose, Selby Rd, Garforth. What a great pub! The old photos, art deco style layout. Friendly welcome. Their August BH beer festival is for The Air Ambulance

Exterior view of the gaping goose two storeys high cream pub. Entrance slightly to the right. Hanging baskets and tables outside

The gaping goose in a mosaic on the floor as you walk in

A painting of the pub with black and white photos of locals from days gone by

A pint of Timothy Taylor's landlord with the handpump behind it

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A visit to Blind Jacks Knaresborough before the train to York. Looking 😍 with the floral displays. Bass unavailable (will be resupplied soon) but Theakston's Best Bitter is otb and Two Flints American Bitter. Both were 👌

Three storey red brick pub Blind Jacks with hanging baskets

Half a Theakstons beat bitter with the handpump behind it

Half a two flints American bitter with the handpump behind it

A York train about to depart knaresborough with a tunnel in the background

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Riverhead Brewery Sparth Mild. I don't have mild very often but this is excellent. Quite dry with subtle roast. Riverhead beers make a regular appearance at The v friendly Cross Keys Knaresborough and are always excellent.

Half a Sparth Mild with the handpump behind it

External photo of the cross keys. A brick two storey pub with tables outside

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A stop off in beautiful Knaresborough en route to York. Six Poor Følk has a favourite on. Anarchy Brew Co Blonde Star

Exterior view of six Poor folk. Two storey. Mid grey exterior but the exposed chimney stacks is white. It has a bay window and entrance to the left. It looks more like a shop than bar.

Half an anarchy Brew Co blonde star with the handpump behind it

Railway viaduct over the river Nidd gorge with boats on the river and housing on the right bank

Train in platform at Knaresborough station. The canopy to the right

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Enough time for a half before the slow train from Leeds to York (via Knaresborough). We had Thornbridge Ravenna (mosaic) yesterday and are so impressed we've called into The Bankers Cat for it again. Evidence of it's former purpose downstairs

View facing the wooden bar. Handpumps and down lighting

Half a Thornbridge Ravenna with the handpump behind it

The safe room with a large open steel door leading to the vault

Exterior view of four storey stone and brick building located on a corner with light blue cloudy sky

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Got here in the end. The worst train journey to Leeds since the last worst train journey to Leeds (why are we incapable of building new, faster, less congested rail lines?). The weekend begins with Bini Brew Co Blondie in Brew Soc.

Half a blondie with the handpump behind it. The clip is an approximation of Debbie harry getting out of a phone box

An exterior photo of four storey brick brew society bar with pale blue sky and a modern building to its left from a facing position. Entrance is on the corner mid position

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Picked up the 50th Anniversary polo shirts from the Blue Mugge, Leek lads.....nice pint of Bass in The Churchill Room....1976-2026.....

A pint of bass with a traditional short handled bar pump behind it

A pint of bass on the side bar of the blue mugge. They have a plastic blue mugge back light and greyed out bar

A pint of bass in the Churchill room of the blue mugge showing two portraits of Churchill behind the pint

A blue mugge polo shirt with the twin handled tankard showing their 50th anniversary

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

"Still not too late to visit the world famous Bass Museum" More than a hint of irony in this extant sign over the Trent & Mersey seen on this weekends towpath ride

Close up of sign over the Trent and Mersey canal promoting the Bass Museum

Distant view of sign promoting the Bass Museum

A strava map of a bike ride around burton

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

One day the Leeds > Bristol train will arrive in Derby in time to meet the Crewe train but until that time arrives tonight's missed connection pub of choice is The Alexandra. No missing the departure times here! Two by Two Citra, Simcoe, Ekuanot beer of choice

A photo taken through the open window of the Alexandra pub showing a large railway digital departure sign

Half a two by two hazy beer with the handpump behind it

Exterior view of three storey off white pub with central entrance

The front portion of a railway locomotive in the Alexandra pub beer garden

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Enough time for The Golden Slipper, Goodramgate, York before the train. After much reflection I opted for a Timothy Taylor's Blonde (N.B. they normally have a wider range of breweries, the TT takeover was for Yorkshire Day)

Exterior view of the golden slipper. Half is two storey red brick. The other half is three storey off white plaster exterior overhanging the pavement

Five Timothy Taylor's handpumps with a pint of blonde beer in front

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6TownsMart @6townsmart.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

The Goodmanham Arms nr Market Weighton, East Yorks. Superb! Thank you to Hull CAMRA members that recommended I visit. What ambiance. Hambleton Brewery Stallion on the bar. A quality traditional bitter. They also had Bass which was in great condition (X46 bus Hull > York + 1 mile walk)

Exterior view of two storey brick pub the Goodmanham Arms. Central entrance. Some tables outside

A view of the bar which is wood with traditional short handpulls

A table with the fireplace behind it and old portraits in the background and beer jugs hanging from the ceiling

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Stop 8 on The Scarborough > Hull return coastal rail journey & the final pub of the day 'Nellies' (The White Horse Inn) for Samuel Smiths Bitter . Minutes from historic Beverley's North Bar (capital of the East Riding). Superb ambiance.

Entrance to the White horse Inn with a white horse above it modelled in 3D

A pint of Samuel smiths bitter with mirror and fireplace behind it

A side room in the pub with a long table stools and traditional fireplace

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Stop 7 on the Scarborough > Hull Coastal journey. Chequers micro pub, Beverley for a North Riding US IPA. 5 years since my last visit. It looks like someone's opened a pub in half a bungalow but it's excellent, v friendly and beer quality is absolutely top notch

Exterior view of chequers microbar. Single storey brick end building.

A North Riding US session IPA with the handpump behind it

An old chequers pub sign mounted on the wall with two men, one is smoking a long clay pipe and wears a wig

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Stop 6 on the Scarborough > Hull coastal journey. Half a Great Newsome Sleck Dust at The Dog & Duck Coaching Inn. Somewhat nondescript exterior belies the welcoming staff

Exterior view of the dog and duck coaching inn. Red brick two storey high. Central doorway with some flower baskets

Half a great Newsome Sleck Dust with the handpump behind it

The train from Bridlington at Beverley station platform

Stop 5 on The Scarborough > Hull coastal rail journey. 3 B's micro pub, Bridlington (recently relocated). Trig Brewery (nr York) Nelson Sauvin Benchmark available and an obvious choice. The station has an informative display on the rediscovery of the N E Railway tiled map

Exterior view of 3 B's micro pub. Three storey including loft conversion. Red ground floor.

A pint of trig benchmark with the handpump behind it

Tiled map of the north eastern railway mounted on the wall of Bridlington railway station

A plaque explaining the history of the north eastern railway tiled map at Bridlington station. Re discovered at hull station

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Stop 4 on the Scarborough > Hull return coastal rail journey. Cobblers Arms micro, Filey. The barman recommended Three Brothers Brewery (Stockton on Tees) Cloudy Judgement which was excellent.

Half a three brothers cloudy Judgement with the handpump behind it,

Cobblers Arms micro. Two storey brick plus loft conversion. An end terraced building

Bales of hay in the fields next to the rail line (view from the train)

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Stop 3 Scarborough. The Stumble Inn. V convenient for the rail station before the train to Filey. V friendly welcome. Three Brothers Trad Bitter otb, nicely hopped. A favourite brewery

Exterior view of the stumble inn. End building, three storey high. What looks to be an old copper (green) canopy to the left

Three brothers bitter next to the handpump

A distant view of Scarborough rail station from a road bridge

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Stop 2 Scarborough. Scholars Bar. I nearly walked past, quite an austere exterior but I've lots of time before the train. Walking through Guiseley AFC former players tunnel there's a quality selection of cask beers. I love Hambleton beers but rarely see them so opted for the porter. Deservedly busy

Exterior view of scholars bar. Single storey brick bar on a slope. Some scaffolding to the right

Half a Hambleton Brewery Nightmare Porter

A selection of handpumps in scholars bar, scarborough

Guiseley AFC players tunnel forms the entrance to the pub

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