The summer has passed too quickly but I did manage to attend both the Scottish Real Ale Festival at the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh and the Great British Beer Festival at Olympia in London. In between times, I had a few days break in the Lake District near Ulverston. Can you guess what it is famous for? If I said I enjoyed a pint of Another Fine Mess from Ulverston Brewery at GBG pub the Engine Inn at Cark would that be a clue? Yes, it is the birthplace of Stan Laurel. Unfortunately, the museum The Engine Inn was closed when I was there or I would have been watching Laurel and Hardy films all evening. We had a day out to Lake Windermere with the grandchildren, the same day as the Queen visited as it turned out so it was mobbed. Our journey started at Haverthwaite where we boarded the steam train to Lakeside with a family ticket which covered train, boat and parking for £43 which I thought was pretty good value. We had to wait offshore at Bowness while the Queen departed, waving as her launch passed on the way to Ambleside. On our return, we ate at the station café which offered good priced snacks. I sampled the Cumberland sausages made with local beer and the kid’s meals included a drink and icecream. This venue is well worth a visit if you are in the area and it includes a children’s play area where they can pass the time while you are waiting for the train. 22
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RAY’S ROUND UP by Ray Turpie
ROUND Y’S U A R
Once the kids had been returned to their parents, we retired to the GBG listed Pheasant Inn, Allithwaite where I settled down to savour a pint of Loweswater Gold from Hawkshead. Unfortunately, the wi-fi was not working so after my solitary pint we upped sticks and left. I suppose this is a sign of the times and I wonder how long it will be before a symbol is added to the GBG for free wi-fi.
The Pheasant Inn Internet connection was not a problem we had on another summer outing to Skye with Dodds of Troon. I had the pleasure of sampling a pint of both Red and Black Cuillin from Isle of Skye Brewery in Saucy Mary’s Lodge, Kyleakin. Mrs Roundup could have stayed there all night surfing but I had to drag her away. Our visit also took in Portree but it was too early to visit the Isles Inn and I had to settle for a walk round the harbour instead. Never mind, I might get back some other time.