Thought it might be an idea to have a separate thread for a possible Derby RB Meet.
Normally on these sorts of trips, I visit 8-10 pubs have one drink (1/2 pint usually) in each. I start around midday (most pubs don’t open until then) and take lunch in on the way. In Derby I usually take the bus out ot the furthest decent pub, and work my way back to the station. I get there when I get there – once it took me and a friend 2 hours to get from the Alexandra back to the station !
I think it’s probably not a good idea to combine it with a tasting / swap session, for the following reasons
Time spent tasting in one venue means less time to visit other places – and there are far too many for one day already.
Social distancing means less space available – pubs will want to prioritise people who will drink THEIR beer !
Although I can think of places that might accommodate us, they either aren’t in a convenient location, or I don’t have contacts with the management, or aren’t worth visiting otherwise.
Assuming lockdown restrictions are eased in a similar manner to last time, there will probably initially be limitations of the number of people in a group / bubble. Some places may also not reopen straightaway – maybe some not at all. [ Though almost everywhere did reopen last time ]
I will post in this thread again once it looks like a trip is becoming possible. Suggestions of itineraries (either places or breweries you want to track down) are welcome. It will almost certainly have to be a Saturday. Some (major) places aren’t open weekday daytimes, and there are no trains from Crewe to Derby on Sundays.
In the meantime, I have noted that the following peoplle have expressed an interest
Please put me down as a maybe, It’ll be nice to meet some of the users from these ol’ forums.
I knew Derby was was going to be do-able by train but its actually only 1hr 15 mins from house to centre of Derby which is a nice surprise.
If there are number restrictions then I’m fine to drop out if needed. I’d rather that than you guys having to wait several more months until restrictions are eased further. No doubt there will be other meets.
it’s a maybe from me - I really should do Derby more seeing as it’s only half hour away (though an eye-watering £12 for such a short journey). Subject to actually being able to do anything meaningful i.e. not have to book into pubs, not being banned from sitting with our own shadow, etc
Lets hope for easing up of restrictions (not sure that will come easily to this government though). I’m certainly up for it but it will be very much date dependent, the caravan will be loaded up and ready to go when restrictions are lifted. I’m good for just a pub crawl. It’s around a 2 hour trip for me from here, so last train home might come into play.
You never quite know with this shambolic government, but I’d guess if pubs are open to the extent people are allowed to meet in them then hotels will be open too
Extra expressions of interest noted. I won’t be doing anything until any requirement for a “substantial meal” is dropped. Though having said that the Alexandra used to do a large rnage of scotch eggs !
I think pub crawls are out while there’s the meal requirements, for practical and financial reasons. Which TBF is kinda the point of the requirement, misguided as it may be
Looking at it, I might stay somewhere on the route anyways based on the rules and when it happens. Didn’t care about price of tickets right now since it was quick search. If there some thing MrsSHIG wants to see in that area I might drive/stay. It will all be based on when this ends up happening.
I’m expecting mine in about 2023 seeing as I’m young and healthy (stop sniggering)
