Pubs Plays and Pints

A 19-day adventure by Bevin Read more

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Trip start
October 4, 2017
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Day 2
Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 9:54 AM
☀️ 11 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Canada Elgin 49.069141, -122.80214749°4’9” N 122°48’8” W
Day before Decisions!
October 5, 2017 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
Whistler left behind after Board meeting. Noe ready for Mike and Britt’s “Once in a Lifetime” trip to London, Belgium and Luxembourg. All of us excited!

Oh the “how many pairs of Sox” do I really need? “Did I write down that other pub/museum we should go to?” ... pre-travel gitters”!! After all our travels, this scenario never changes 🤗.

One more cuddle with Zac and Josh, a morning workout tomorrow and we’ll be off!

Most of all, really looking forward to having two whole weeks with our Mikey and Britt!!Read more
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Day 4
Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 5:55 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 22 m
England Benjamin Franklin House 51.507027, -0.12488451°30’25” N 0°7’30” W
Arrived in Jolly Ol'
October 7, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Made it! Pretty easy overall - some of us slept, others not so much 😊. I binged out on “the Good Fight” which made time go quickly.

Great 2 bedroom apt on Trafalgar Square!! Upstairs/downstairs even!!

Hard to force ourselves up after deep naps but have to to get into this time zone.

Now off for a bit of exploring and The Coal Hole Pub - R’s fav! and maybe even the oldest wine bar stop @ Gordon’s Wine Bar.
OHHH THESE PUBS! so much fun with these two!!Read more
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Day 4
Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 10:44 PM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 21 m
England Benjamin Franklin House 51.507, -0.1247151°30’25” N 0°7’29” W
Great first day!
October 7, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Nightcaps @ the Princess of Wales Pub after a great "walk about" to ward off jet lag.
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Day 5
Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 3:51 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 15 m
England Cannon Street 51.507267, -0.09342551°30’26” N 0°5’36” W
Southbank!!
October 8, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Ummm..11 am and noon risings today so didn't get into first brew until 3:45 pm! Great ferry ride down the Thames to The Globe for first look. Will return for opening. Good start to the day! For a pub, lunch at The Anchor on Southbank was great! 3 had "pies" mine open faced, Mike had Favourites Platter full of yumminess. Across the Millennium pedestrian bridge to St. Paul's cathedral. Organ recital just ending - a tremendous "noise" by a visiting organist. Peaceful moment, candle lighting off down to Fleet Street for a peek into Cheshire Cheese Pub where Charles Dickens wrote - oldest Pub in London (1538). Strolled down to the astral and stopped for a quick 1/2 pint at The Wellington. Mike had a good chat with the brewer behind the bar. Found (finally!) the Nell Gwynn pub just up an alley of the Strand below Rules restaurant (an old fav of R's and mine) for another 1/2 pint and home with a quick fruit stop along the way.Read more
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Day 5
Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 10:48 PM
🌙 10 °C
Altitude: 22 m
England Benjamin Franklin House 51.507034, -0.12492151°30’25” N 0°7’30” W
Afternoon Stollin'
October 8, 2017 in England ⋅ 🌙 10 °C
These pics explain words in previous footprint. Southbank over bridge to St Paul's to The Wellington to Nell Gwynn's. Home to freshen up before dinner at Gordon's Wine Bar - oldest in London - seems to be the theme!!Read more
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Day 5
Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 11:08 PM
🌙 9 °C
Altitude: 22 m
England Benjamin Franklin House 51.507004, -0.12486651°30’25” N 0°7’30” W
First evening adventures
October 8, 2017 in England ⋅ 🌙 9 °C
Short "feet up" after a big 'walk about' day and off to Gordon’s Wine bar only to find it pretty hectic (albeit way cool as we were down in deep cellars and could have come up with food and wine from there to terrace). Tried our infamous sweet tapas bar only to find they had closed their kitchen for Sunday eve!

Finally found a Covent Garden Brasserie called Palm Court which was actually quite lovely! Great meal and home to apartment at 11 for “phone work” LOL!

Another great sleep for all for sure!!Read more
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Day 6
Monday, October 9, 2017 at 4:48 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 22 m
England Benjamin Franklin House 51.507027, -0.12491551°30’25” N 0°7’30” W
Awhh sweet Abbey!
October 9, 2017 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Up at 8:30!! We’re recovering well! Oatmeal brekky and we’re off to Westminster Abbey - short hop away. Spent a divine 2 1/2 hrs there then caught a Black cab to Portobello Road for lunch (The Duke of Wellington) and poking about - and of course a pic of 280 Portobello Road - check out (next footprint) my hilarious friend who said nothing, popped into my photo and strolled off!
Caught the tube back for Britt’s first time on the underground. Bevin sez “I never run for trains” and promptly hopped onto the next one leaving Mike, Britt and Rich back on the platform! So funny!!! still laughing! Hopped off, waited and then grabbed the next train, the one they were on.
Quick 1/2 pints etc at The Harp near us, a freshening up and off to our first Theater production!! Book of Mormon!Read more
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Day 6
Monday, October 9, 2017 at 5:01 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 21 m
England Benjamin Franklin House 51.506998, -0.12485851°30’25” N 0°7’29” W
Where's my family?
October 9, 2017 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
More pics of our time in Portobello as well as my "adventure" underground LOL.
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Day 6
Monday, October 9, 2017 at 5:06 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 22 m
England Benjamin Franklin House 51.507048, -0.124951°30’25” N 0°7’30” W
Knowing the "hood"!
October 9, 2017 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Stop for a quick one up the hill at The Harp before heading to the apartment to freshen for the eve.
Book of Morman production did not disappoint - was as funny as the first time! Fun to see Mike split a gut at the humour too.Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 4:34 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 21 m
England Benjamin Franklin House 51.506958, -0.12471651°30’25” N 0°7’29” W
Shirts day for the "Boys"
October 10, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Breakfast out today! At a darling cafe just across the street.

Unhappy knee had us grab a black cab instead of the Tube for our shopping destination of Charles Tywhitt - Rich's fav for over 20 years. Nice to introduce Mike to same.

Quick grab of a longer sweater for moi (didn't bring warm enough clothes!) Kids off to a craft brewery (see pics of their fun time on next entry), us to Courthauld for a gallery tour of some Impressionists, pre and post. Beautiful small gallery in the lovely setting of Somerset House. love the cafe there as well - great soup and artisan bread.

Back to apartment for knee resting and nap. Off for a Britt favourite show Matilda!Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 10:53 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 22 m
England Benjamin Franklin House 51.507027, -0.12490151°30’25” N 0°7’30” W
MATILDA!
October 10, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Found an amazing authentic Mexican restaurant for a pre-theater dinner: Cantina Laredo. Was soooo good as were the margaritas. Matilda had a phenom. cast, esp. the child actors. Longgg show! But very worth it. Off to bed with a quick pack-up.

Great time but 4 days of the busyness of London is ok for this trip.

Keen to travel new terrain!Read more
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Day 8
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 4:45 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 20 m
England Rye Railway Station 50.949886, 0.73141750°56’60” N 0°43’53” E
Travelling on..thro' Kent to East Sussex
October 11, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Each of us up and organized in good time. Lovely breakfast just across from hotel on Northumberland Street.

Everything flowing beautifully..car and driver arrived on time - friendly drive to Euro car. Great van which holds all our luggage easily and is comfy - our vehicle for the rest of the UK part of this trip. Rich able to manage quite well except a few bumps on back left corner LOL.

I found a brewery near Maidstone so we toddle off the M20 to stroll through meandering roads in Kent, Oast houses and all - oh no! Brewery not open!! But still got to see some great scenery AND found a fabulous country pub: Stilebridge Freehouse Pub even with a burning fire in fireplace!! In 7th heaven with fresh Kent still cider I didn't know existed - rhubarb flavour was incredible - in the Marden area -made from their own apples. And curried butternut squash soup to die for. Super friendly proprietor and staff! Just a delightful time here.

On to Rye via the backroads - made it in good time to Jeakes House - fun bedrooms, quaint and cozy - Poor Mike! who had to be our porter with our bags - up narrow winding stairs. Wind blowing - creepy!! There are ghosts about this town! No rain so far!!

Having fun with M and B - Mike's relieved me of navigator and driver assistant - Yay!!

Nice relax and cuppa - will explore this tiny town in a wee while...Read more
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Day 8
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 10:20 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 18 m
England Rye Railway Station 50.949852, 0.73129950°56’59” N 0°43’53” E
An evening in Rye!
October 11, 2017 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Beginning with a superb bar tender (our Mike!!) in our honesty bar, followed by drinks and crisps in the Mermaid Inn (spooooky haunted) then out the very low door to the “Standard Inn” for a phenom meal, drinks, and live music!!

This is the England we Love!!! So much fun!!!Read more
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Day 8
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 10:31 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 18 m
England Rye Railway Station 50.949825, 0.7313450°56’59” N 0°43’53” E
Rye...
October 11, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
A few more photos rounds out the story of the rest of our first eve in Rye...
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Day 9
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 6:05 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 20 m
England Rye Railway Station 50.950035, 0.73139850°57’0” N 0°43’53” E
Castle time!!
October 12, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
St Mary’s church and Ypres Tower castle and off to explore Rye!
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Day 9
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 9:38 PM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 20 m
England Rye Railway Station 50.949928, 0.73149750°56’60” N 0°43’53” E
More fun castle shots
October 12, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
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Day 9
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 9:45 PM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 18 m
England Rye Railway Station 50.949833, 0.7313250°56’59” N 0°43’53” E
Tea for two/toasties for the guys....
October 12, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Stopped for clotted cream, almond scone and a pot of fresh cherry jam. Homemade yumminess!

Then with Mike behind the wheel, off to find a new craft brewery: Three Legs.
3 delightful young men making a great product. Met some fun Brits who may indeed visit us in Whistler next summer - good fun. Mike connected with the 3 fellas, esp. Ben and had great conversation about a shared passion.

And then! how to get to Camber Castle?? Eventually the way was determined and we had a delightful 4 km amble to and from the ancient ruin. Oodles of sheep bleating away and scurrying out of our path.

Back for a short feet up, trio had drinks before dinner (I recovered a bit) then to the Old Bell - Ryes oldest pub for a brew and to see if we wanted to eat there - nope - the search was on!! Scrambled up and down the streets and finally landed at The Mermaid Inn again - across from our Jeakes House. Absolutely out of this world meal - especially the 'comped' starter soup - was like sipping lightly flavoured air!

In bed by 9:30!!! Poooooped!Read more
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Day 9
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 9:50 PM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 20 m
England Rye Railway Station 50.949885, 0.73141750°56’60” N 0°43’53” E
And last for the night
October 12, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
A wonderful meal and dining room to end the time in Rye.
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Day 10
Friday, October 13, 2017 at 5:33 PM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Belgium Het Brugse Ommeland 51.207598, 3.22685651°12’27” N 3°13’37” E
Chunnel to the Continent!
October 13, 2017 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Fascinating trip in a Euro Chunnel train cab! So speedy and we’re in France!!
Made a stop in Dunkirk and enjoyed lunch - a super Croque Monsieur!!
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Day 10
Friday, October 13, 2017 at 5:53 PM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Belgium Het Brugse Ommeland 51.207611, 3.22697451°12’27” N 3°13’37” E
Boooootiful Brugge!!
October 13, 2017 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
On the way to Brugge, stopped at a monastery which Mike was keen to taste their beer - Saint Sixtus Abbey. Alas it was closed however we had an amazing walk to a precious outdoor cave chapel.

Oh dear - the route into Brugge!! Construction plus!! Finally made it to our hotel however, had to drag our suitcases quite a way! Whew! Much navigating and patient driving.

Oh my how this town has grown!! We hardly recognize it however, I did find the hotel we often stayed in years ago.

Great first eve with an insanely priced “in the Square” few beer and mussels!

Many laughs with our second place and Bran the waiter and his mate - great beef stew!

Then!!! Oh my Omer beer!! Learned about it from Benny and his wife Eris sitting next to us. Another invite to Whistler! Great people - she works in social work in Ghent. Second marriage happiness. Thank goodness I didn’t have that second beer!!

Great first day in such a gorgeous town - rooms are right on canal, when I sit on the loo, I can watch the boats go by!! Hilarious!Read more
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Day 11
Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 9:37 PM
🌙 13 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Belgium Het Brugse Ommeland 51.207806, 3.22696751°12’28” N 3°13’37” E
Day 2 Brugge
October 14, 2017 in Belgium ⋅ 🌙 13 °C
Another marathon was happening in a city we are visiting! Starts tomorrow-we are hoping we can skirt most of it to still get outta town! Will do canal boat ride first tho’ and as we are near the starting line we think we can make it work - crazy! Last time we were in the UK it was the London marathon!

Oh dear that Omer beer last eve - sloooooww Bevin today. How these youngsters can drink it down and feel pretty good the next day?? - I dunno!!

Mike and Britt climbed the town square tower - all 366 steps! Learned a lot and had fun! Took us to a cool square they’d discovered we had lunch - charcuterie board with pairing beer for them. Veggie soup for me!

B and I off to Christmas shop, a waffle and postcards and a stroll back. Boys to the Beer Museum! All very fun times.

Drinks back at our private hotel patio and to dinner at the brasserie Mozarthaut for stone grilled meats for the guys, Britt had a potato feed and me Flemish meatballs and salad. Weary but tummy all better!

To bed early as we’ll be woken with marathon announcements no doubt and our Belgium momma getting our breakfasts together!!Read more
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Day 11
Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 9:48 PM
🌫 13 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Belgium Het Brugse Ommeland 51.207721, 3.22742551°12’28” N 3°13’39” E
Last Bruge pics
October 14, 2017 in Belgium ⋅ 🌫 13 °C
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Day 12
Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 7:52 PM
🌙 18 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Belgium Galeries royales 50.846195, 4.3546350°50’46” N 4°21’17” E
Westvleteren Trappist beer!
October 15, 2017 in Belgium ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
Up and ready to travel! Mike was so very keen to taste Westvleteren 12, we retraced our steps to return to the monastery we'd stopped by on way to Brugge - only 45 minutes or so and sure enough! The tap room next to the monastery was open! An absolutely stunning Sunday morning to enjoy a fabulous learning about this special (Holy Grail) beer.
Pictures tell the story.Read more
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Day 12
Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 8:00 PM
🌙 18 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Belgium Galeries royales 50.846199, 4.3546850°50’46” N 4°21’17” E
More on Westvleteren heaven
October 15, 2017 in Belgium ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
This beer does not get out of Belgium and is simply a divine flavour and everything about it is heavenly!!
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Day 12
Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 8:12 PM
🌙 18 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Belgium Galeries royales 50.846195, 4.35463350°50’46” N 4°21’17” E
Onwards to Brussels!
October 15, 2017 in Belgium ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
Good drive along great highways with a very small detour in navigating! With Mike's help and Britt finding our Agora Hotel at the last turn, we made it nicely into Brussels, into our hotel - receptionist even Canadian!

Mike and Britt's "Romantique" room just precious with exposed beams and top of the tower! Superb location! - just a step away from the Grande Place - on our own wee square.

Started exploring right away - off to Grande Place - stunning and wandered about to find a spot to sit in a very busy town! That's a pic of Mike with a Kwak beer.Read more
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