And beer. The Better Half and I have been working long hours. So far, 2015, has been all work and not much fun. That was until last week. TBH had a chance to leave the office early and called to ask if I could play hooky. I jumped at the chance.
Our plan was to visit some pubs. First up was The Butchers Hook and Cleaver (love the name) . This is a massive pub. The staff was friendly and we split some fries and onion rings that were quite tasty. It’s not a cozy place, but it would be great for a work function.
Next up was the Fox and Anchor pub. This is more like the pubs I’m used to: dark, quiet, and quaint. Again the staff was friendly and since it was a cold afternoon, I appreciated how warm it was inside. Both of us commented right away that it felt nice to be warm.
And finally we ended up at The Smithfield Tavern . Now this is the type of place that both of us like. The leather couches were inviting. The staff was so laid back I hardly noticed them. And the beer was tasty. I can’t remember the name of the beer I sampled since the photo didn’t turn out. Anyone know?
The only problem was the temperature. I don’t think they had the heat on and the front door didn’t close properly. Halfway through my beer I gave TBH the look, the one that says, “We need to go.” And we did. Maybe I’ll go back when it’s warmer outside since I did like the feel, but I had zero desire to sit inside and freeze my but off.
Afterwards we went to sushi for dinner. All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon out and it was so nice to have some time together.
I wanted to post this last week, but my laptop decided to crash. It was a scary day since being an idiot, I didn’t have all of my files backed up, including two novels I’m working on. Luckily I was able to coax the laptop back to life and I saved everything I needed. I’m not sure how much longer my laptop will last since it’s dying a slow and painful death. My hope is that it lasts till late spring. If you don’t hear from me, that may be the reason. Or I may be at the pub.
50 Year Project 
Sounds very pleasant indeed.
It was, and much needed. Now if the weather would warm up, I can get out of the flat a bit more. I tend to hibernate in the winter.
love to hear your pub adventures–it seems like a world so far away from mine–a world I would love to visit
Come on over. We’ll pub hop.
I’m glad you were both able to grab such a well deserved break from your work, but three pubs in one day? You would have had to carry me home LOL!! By the way, I love the name of the first pub – it’s awesome!
How the hell did my comment end up here? LOL!! Oh well, I guess it’s because I wanted to say that I’m coming over too :).
Of course you’re coming over. It’ll be a blast.
plan on it as soon as I win the lottery–I would so love to pub hop with you
It is always good to have a break from working TB. Afterwards one has the energy to work a little more 🙂
Recharging the mind and body does so much good.
I am so glad to hear you again dear TBM, I love your pub series, Thank you, love, nia
Thanks, Nia. We fell in love with the pubs early on and I still enjoy finding a new gem.
Oh my! Those pubs look amazing and the laptop issues–ugh. I hate when stuff like that happens. I am still messing around with the new blog stuff and some of it has me stymied so I get the feeling when things don’t work right. Hang in there—hopefully your laptop will respond to some tender loving care till replacement time.
I’ve been pouring on the charm for my laptop. Just a few more months, please!
A nice variety of pubs. We have been checking out unique coffee shops here in Spain. Found some great ones. Also a few Irish pubs. Hope it warms up soon for you.
Coffee shops sound like a great find. The sun is actually out today and Miles and I had a delightful walk through the park today. Spring is coming.
Those pubs look cozy! And yep, sometimes we all just need a break! Take care!
I enjoy my work, but it’s nice to have some time away, even if only for an afternoon.
I think the pubs sound like fun. There’s not really anything similar here, and of the 3 bars that are within walking distance 1 is a sports bar and the others are restaurants. Your pubs sound like an entirely different vibe. I’d love to experience it 🙂
Welcome back and thanks for the taking us along to the pubs, but we didn’t get the beer. 😉 Good to have you back, … and just in time for me to be taking a break (very soon). Cheers to you for just taking some time for yourself!
Cheers to you! I hope you’re enjoying another pint as I type this. 🙂
I love pictures of your pub trips, since we really don’t have an equivalent here in the USA. And hooray for sushi!
Sounds like such a nice pub crawl! I love your pictures. Too bad technology has not advanced to the point where one can enjoy a sip via the Internet. It has been so cold on this side of the pond, I wish I could hibernate until April. My vintage MacBook has been showing signs of death off and on. I’m hoping that it will hang in there until spring, too.
Looks like you had a great time, except for the cold coming through the door. I don’t eat sushi. My daughters are always urging me to try it. Maybe one day soon😄 I have been adventurous with raw oysters, though! I am up to eating eight! Have a great balance of the week.
I’m glad you were able to get your documents from the failing laptop.
I feel ya — I need a break too. And a nice WARM cozy pub with a tall lager would be perfect.
Ahrgh! Computer problems 😦
It’s good sometimes to escape for a few hours! My laptop too is dying, and crashes are usually when we remember that w haven’t backed up for a long time 😦
Glad to hear you got a nice break. The Butchers Hook and Cleaver is indeed a great name!
Thank heaven you were able to retrieve all your stuff from the computer. Could have been a real nightmare.
I love reading about your pub crawls. My new SO have done a few of those round Manchester and Liverpool recently which is inspiring me to get back into blogging after a 2014 full of upheaval. Keep up the good work!
The second one did look cozier! I love that vibe where it’s a total Regal Beagle. But the first bar did have a killer name 🙂 glad you were able to finally cut loose and hang out.
I always love your pub crawls; feels like I’m there with you!
Terrifying to think of losing even one novel, but two! Glad you could save them!
Lovely pics, as usual. I love the architecture, those comfy couches, the pics inside the pub – I tried to get a better look at the photos on the wall, the ones of the two men in the first group pf pics you posted. Too far to see their faces but I was curious enough to try. 🙂
I hope March treats you better, less work and more time to play.