All's Right...

 ...not with the world, obviously, but certainly with the Barley Mow.

We did a weird coming late train journey on Thursday because I had an appointment with a flu jab in the afternoon. We thought that travelling on Thursday evening would mean that if I had a bit of reaction overnight, at least we wouldn't have to travel suffering it.

It was a good plan.

It feels odd arriving at the flat at close to 10pm but we had a 30min chill out, and then hit the bed.

Friday we went to Moor Tap which, as ever, is a delight.  A delicious Mild on cask barely touched the sides and we were further entertained by the group of lads who were clearly enjoying the Hoppers self-guided tour they'd booked.  Evidently novices on the subject of craft beer, they were treated to an informative chat with the bar staff who also persuaded them to try a tiny shot of Cantillion (with fruit, I think).  There was a loud squeal of horror but then a discussion about sour beers and their relative merits.

The guys' enjoyment of the experience was evident and they then headed (so we overheard) to the Barley Mow.

We finished on a couple of dark beers (me Freddy, him Badass Sour Stout) and tried a takeaway which promised it was open - but didn't really seem to be (sigh).

On Saturday we did something we seldom do: we went to the Barley Mow (we often go there...but not on a Saturday).  It was busy because Rugby was on and we toyed with finding somewhere else but then the boy found a table to stand by (no chairs, but you can't have everything) and then shortly after, a table WITH chairs became available.

We settled in and watched our favourite pub.  There were two guest casks on (the first time we've seen that for ages) and a full board of keg beers.

It was noisy and buzzing, but never unpleasant.  People came and went and after the rugby finished it thinned out a little - but remained lively.

For the first time since dratted plague hit, the BM felt normal - all was indeed right with it.