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The Guardian
14-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Last orders at 9.30pm? Yes, that's if you catch the publican on a good night
There was a time when I never left a pub before last orders. Whether or not I was enjoying myself – and on reflection I often wasn't – I'd be in there until the bitter end. I think this is because, having spent most of my teenage years desperately seeking pubs prepared to serve me, once I was in there, even after I'd turned 18, I was going to make the most of it. A while ago, an old friend was back in the area. We met at our teenage haunt – the Station Inn, West Hagley, since you ask. It was great to see him. But come 9.30pm there was a general feeling it was time to call it a night, and off we went. And I realised I couldn't remember the last time I'd stayed out late enough to hear last orders called. I took this to be a sad, if not unhealthy, sign of my advancing years. But I'm starting to wonder if it's not just me. Once upon a time a pub wasn't really a pub if it didn't stay open until 11pm. These days, many a pub calls it a night an hour or two earlier if trade is quiet. Last Thursday, to mark VE Day, pubs were allowed to stay open until 1am. Announcing the move last month, our prime minister said, 'Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home.' Back in the day, I'd have been bang up for this. As it was, not only did I know I'd not be taking part, neither could I imagine many pubs or their patrons doing so either. Yes, I know lots of people don't go in to work on Fridays, making Thursday the new Friday etc, but I still couldn't see it. Something has changed. It was almost as if the PM had made a nice-sounding announcement that, in practice, would have little or no impact. I asked around the pubs near me and was met with shrugs and shakes of heads. I didn't find one that opened late last week. In my local they didn't even know it had been an option. I cast around for a landlord elsewhere and remembered a lost Saturday afternoon in a pub in Brighton, back in the deep midwinter of January. The Station Hotel – another 'Station'; weird that – is next to Preston Park station. It's worth a visit if you're in the area because a) it's a really nice place and b) for added interest Steve the landlord also works as a professional John Terry lookalike, which is exactly the kind of randomly intriguing stuff you come across having random conversations in random pubs. It's what pubs are for. I called him up and asked him if he'd stayed open late on Thursday. He hadn't. Had he even considered it? He hadn't. He said there would have been no point – no demand for it any more. I asked him what had changed. 'Covid, mate,' said Steve. 'Everything changed during Covid.' His view is that many pub-goers stopped going to pubs, and younger people don't drink like they used to. And then there's his rising overheads, employment costs, the NI increase and so on. He'll be fine, I'm sure. He's tackling these challenges with the determination of, well, John Terry at his best. I called up my old haunt, the Station Inn, West Hagley. Did they open late last Thursday? 'Nah, mate.' Did anyone else round there? 'Don't think so.' No bad thing, I suppose, as long it's not a sign, a portent of doom, that pubs' days are numbered. To do my bit, I'm going back there soon, determined to make it all the way to closing time. As long as I get a nap in first, I think I'll be fine. There's life in the old dog yet. Adrian Chiles is a broadcaster, writer and Guardian columnist
Agriland
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Agriland
Donegal singer's Nashville pilgrimage to air on TG4
An hour-long documentary capturing how Diane Cannon from Mín Lárach in the Donegal Gaeltacht, a singer with a lifelong love of country music, made a musical pilgrimage to Nashville, can be seen on TG4 this week. Cannon was joined on her trip to the cultural capital of country music by her father, John, and daughter, Kelly, who is also a singer. Speaking to Agriland ahead of the documentary, which airs on TG4 on Thursday, May 8 at 9:30p.m.,Cannon explained that her family has always been immersed in farming. She said: 'I come from strong farming stock on my father's side, rooted in Meenacreeve at the foot of Errigal mountain, one of the most beautiful places on earth. 'Farming has run through the generations, from my granny's hens and ducks to my grandad's cattle and sheep' The Donegal singer outlined which members of her family have taken up the farming mantel over the years. 'My father and his brother Tommy were well-known locally as successful sheep farmers, and Tommy's daughter, Brid and son, Daniel now hold the reins in safe and capable hands, while my uncle Hughie looked after the cattle. 'My uncle Michael took a different but equally skilled path, training sheepdogs to international standard, with his dogs and himself recently competing at the World Sheepdog Trials in Scotland. 'Though music took me in a different direction, that deep rural heritage has always been part of who I am and I'm proud to be bringing a bit of Donegal spirit to Nashville in both my new single 'Don't Touch Me' and the upcoming TG4 programme,' Cannon said. Diane Cannon. Source: TG4. Along her Nashville journey, Cannon meets Grammy-nominated Woman's Heart singer, Maura O'Connell, in the institution that is the Station Inn. Cannon also records an Irish language version of 'Don't Let Me Cross Over' in John Mock's studio, where John has produced, among others, James Taylor, the Dixie Chicks, and Randy Travis. In addition, Cannon meets fellow Donegal woman Bernadette Tinney, better known as 'Irish Bernadette', who has made a life for herself in the music city. The Donegal woman packs in a visit to the iconic Ryman Theatre – the site of the original Grand Ole Opry – meets the legendary Steve Earle, and talks about the perfect songwriting recipe with Irish-Australian singer/songwriter Isabella Kearney. Irish singers who have made Nashville their home give Cannon the lowdown on life in the country music capital, while the Country Music Association festival offers the Donegal woman the ideal opportunity to see established stars like Dolly Parton and meet emerging artists like Blanco Brown, Allie Colleen, Tayler Holder, and Kelsey Hart.
The Independent
18-04-2025
- The Independent
UK pub walks for the Easter weekend, from leisurely countryside rambles to refreshing coastal strolls
The UK is blessed with more than 140,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways, meaning that you're never very far from a wonderful walk through our green and pleasant land. A ramble is a fine thing in itself, providing untold health benefits for both body and mind. But many would argue that a really good walk requires a good pub at the end of it. What could be better than a table by a fireplace, a good meal and a stiff drink after a lengthy stroll through the countryside? With that in mind, here are 12 top routes for a stroll across the UK countryside, from Sussex to Scotland, and, of course, where to stop for a quick pick-me-up before heading home. Seven Sisters circular walk from Birling Gap, Sussex Duration: 3-4 hours There are few sights as quintessentially 'English' as the Seven Sisters – the undulating succession of chalk cliffs facing out into the Channel. Start at Birling Gap then take the coast path west, passing across the clifftops before turning inland to follow the winding River Cuckmere. Turn right again at Westdean and follow the public footpaths towards Friston and East Dean. Be sure to stop at the latter for a drink at the Tiger Inn, a 15th-century tavern serving real ales and hearty grub, before walking the last mile back to the starting point. Ribblehead Viaduct Whernside circular walk, Yorkshire Dales Duration: 4 hours Starting from Ribblehead train station, follow the trackside footpath northwest – almost immediately, you'll see the elegant arches of the Ribblehead Viaduct on your left. Keep going until the path eventually crosses the railway line. A short way beyond the crossing, you'll come to Force Gill waterfall. The route then wends its way around Whernside before turning sharply uphill for the summit – one of the highest in the Dales. It's a steep climb but worth it for the sweeping views. Descend back towards the starting point, with a short detour to the Station Inn for a restorative pint. Thames Path from Battersea Park to Kew Gardens, London Duration: 3 hours There's no need to leave London to find fine views and fresh(ish) air. The Thames Path is a rich and rewarding journey through the heart of the capital. The section along the southern bank from Battersea Park to Kew Gardens is undoubtedly one of the prettier stretches, passing through inner-city woodlands and wetlands, past parks and boat clubs, cricket pitches and tennis courts while the river slips by. Upon reaching Kew, it's just a short hop down to The Botanist, a smart gastropub with a metropolitan menu and a strong selection of wines, beers and cocktails. Blakeney Point wildlife walk, Norfolk Duration: 3 hours This brisk and breezy walk on the north Norfolk coast can be challenging underfoot, since much of it is shingle. But those who persevere may well be rewarded with an up-close view of the UK 's largest seal colony. From the National Trust car park at Cley, follow the beach west for two miles, then turn left when you come to the grassy dunes. Follow this path until you reach the Old Lifeboat House, then turn right along the boardwalk. From here at other times of the year, you may be able to spot the seals – they come here to breed between late October and mid-January. Be sure to keep a safe distance and keep dogs tightly leashed. Retrace your footsteps to the car park, then make the short trip into Cley, where you'll find good gastropub fare and a convivial atmosphere at The George & Dragon. Cheddar Gorge loop, Somerset Duration: 3 hours This four-mile National Trust circuit follows a craggy route along the sides of the largest gorge in England. Head up Cufic Lane, opposite the visitor information centre, then turn right onto the footpath. The route is well-signposted with waymarkers, so it should be easy to follow. Continue along the northern clifftop – there are views of the Somerset Levels and Glastonbury Tor on a clear day – until you reach the road at Black Rock Nature Reserve. Cross over, and follow the arrows along the gorge's southern flank back towards Cheddar. From the visitor centre, it's a 10-minute walk into the town centre, where you'll find the Riverside Inn, a gastropub beside the Cheddar Yeo river. Port Eynon to Oxwich, Gower Peninsula, Wales Duration: 3-4 hours The Gower Peninsula is sorely underrated outside of South Wales. It was the UK's first AONB, and any stretch of its 39-mile coastline is worthy of exploration. One of the best bits is the path from Port Eynon to Oxwich as it's beautiful and relatively easygoing. Walk through the nature reserve into Oxwich village, then head back to where you started via the inland route, passing the impressive castle (really just a grand house with military pretensions, and also sadly closed this time of year). Once in Port Eynon again, grab a table at the Ship Inn, an old smugglers' haunt with strong local ales on tap. Bourton-on-the-Water circular walk, via Lower Slaughter, Cotswolds Duration: 4 hours This rambling loop through the Cotswolds starts in the honeypot village of Bourton-on-the-Water. From there, follow the River Windrush through gently rolling hills towards Naunton (pause to admire the wonderful 17th-century dovecote) before turning east towards the River Eye. Turn right at the river and follow it down through Upper Slaughter and onward to Lower Slaughter. From there, it's another half-hour walk back to Bourton, where you'll find the Kingsbridge, a warm and welcoming venue offering cask ales and strong cider alongside a menu of pub classics. Bamburgh Castle to Waren Mill, Northumberland Duration 2-3 hours From the gates of Bamburgh 's imposing Norman fortress, head down to the coast path and turn left, going past the lighthouse and the Newtown Gun Emplacement, with the Farne Islands visible out to sea. Skirt the edge of Budle Bay until you reach the pretty little hamlet of Waren Mill. You can then return the way you came, or cut inland, passing the Grace Darling Museum as you head back into Bamburgh. Stop in at the Lord Crewe before heading for home – it's been providing bed and board to weary travellers for more than 850 years. Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Duration: 2 hours Making the lung-busting ascent up Arthur's Seat is not for the faint-hearted – it's a steep 251m climb to the summit. Still, for many in Edinburgh it offers a favourite outdoor jaunt in the heart of the city. The best place to start is the entrance near Holyrood Palace. Go past St Margaret's Well and bear left at the fork. Follow the path to the hill's peak, admire the views, then descend via the zig-zagging steps. If you can, it's worth making a detour down towards Duddingston, where you'll find the Sheep Heid Inn at the foot of the slope. It's an inviting country-style pub with a convivial atmosphere and, most unusually, its very own skittle alley. Castle Ward shoreline circuit, Northern Ireland Duration: 1-2 hours This trail partly follows the southern shoreline of Strangford Lough, the largest sea inlet in the British Isles and a good place for birdwatching. Start at the Shore Car Park and follow the path, keeping the water to your right. Almost immediately, you'll pass Old Castle Ward, which fans of HBO's Game of Thrones may recognise as Winterfell Castle. The path curves inland shortly after passing another historic monument, Audley's Castle. Follow it past the ornamental canal, then either cut across the parkland back to the car park or continue following the boundary path to extend the walk. For a glass of something medicinal, and perhaps a bite to eat, head into nearby Strangford and grab a table in The Cuan. Porthdinllaen marine trail, Llŷn Peninsula, Wales Duration: 1-2 hours This two-and-a-half-mile National Trust trail treads through a Welsh wildlife haven from Mora Nefyn car park. Head down onto the sand to follow the beach past unfinished sea defences and sand martin nests until you reach the hamlet of Porthdinllaen. Here, walkers can reward themselves with a local brew mid-coastal stroll at the Tŷ Coch Inn – accessible only via foot for non-residents. Carry on around the seagrass-studded headland past the lifeboat station onto the golf course for views across the bay before you loop back to the car park. Kinloch Hourn to the Old Forge, Inverie, Scotland Duration: 1-2 days Clocking in at 15.5 miles long, this trail to the most remote pub on mainland Britain is one for the serious steppers and ultimate pub enthusiasts. The route from Kinloch Hourn to The Old Forge, Inverie, is a one-way hike on the edge of the Knoydart Peninsula that committed pint sinkers can complete over one or two days. Climb the gravel path past Loch Hourn to Barrisdale Bay with views of Ladhar Bheinn mountain and pitch up for a deserved picnic before ascending to Mam Barrisdale. Finally, follow the Highland cows down to Loch an Dubh Lochain and keep plodding until you reach the village of Inverie and the legendary Old Forge for a frosty ale.
