It’s Good To Be Back…Drinking In A Pub #2020

I’m so glad I had a fantastic day in the boozer today but why wouldn’t I? Honestly, some of the dross I read on Twitter from people sneering/judging/looking down on people who enjoy visiting a pub is unbelievable.

If my blog wasn’t linked then I really wouldn’t use it as it is just a stream of judgemental bile.

A bit like the modern day version of the football phone in on local radio back in the 80s/90s I guess.

Arguably some of the biggest offenders are beer snobs who would rather drink cans of 8% Cloudwater (no different to Special Brew back in the day) in their living room if they are honest than mix with the general public.

Crack on I say and let the rest of us enjoy the fact pubs have reopened and the world hasn’t ended.

In fact, I was feeling so decadent that I even managed to visit a new pub with a Leicestershire postcode.

It’s sandwiched between Ticknall in Derbyshire and Ashby De La Zouch in Leicestershire in some glorious countryside…of course it’s bound to be in the GBG next year so it’s not on a bus route just to warn BRAPA

Well, I say a new pub, but you know that this pub blogging lark means someone; usually Martin, Paul WME, Stirchley Pete or Duncan, has been to the pub before you.

Visiting the Tollgate Brewery Tap 556 – The Milking Parlour LE65 1RG one hour after it opened would normally be a safe bet.

However, Derby beer guru Colston Crawford wrote a top-notch piece for the local rag only yesterday so I can confirm he is always one step ahead of the game – read it here.

A 2.8 mile stroll from Ticknall High Street to Southwood House Farm on the Calke (Abbey) estate brings you to one of Leicestershire’s most picturesque settings for a pub.

Its name emanates from the fact it was a working farm with milking bays (see below),

which have now been transformed into an indoor drinking area.

Quite sensibly, this wasn’t in use when I rocked up with Mrs BB and two of the kids on Saturday and it was the beer courtyard that was in use, but what a terrific place to drink.

With plans afoot for food via a barbecue style area and working with the National Trust to use old buildings, I can’t believe this hasn’t been done before.

Tollgate are always looking to expand and this place, the first one of their four boozers to allow kids and dogs, has found a massive niche in the market.

(barman surprised at soft drinks option)

I know from experience just how full the roads are around Calke Abbey of a weekend as walkers/cyclists and day trippers clog up many of the local roads and they were out in force at The Milking Parlour.

However, it is very civilised and people queued appropriately, waited their turn to go to the bar but chatted with the barman and other families/friends across tables – just like a proper pub should be.

The staff were wearing full visors and seemed happy whilst there was an abundance of hand sanitiser, as well as rules that everyone followed.

(Follow the arrows)

The beer was terrific and I had a pint of Ashby Pale…

… and Spring Bock

that were both top class (Mrs BB was behind the wheel) and a good hour was had by all.

(the perfect view)

Looking at the clientele and the potential market

then I think this place is going to be an absolute goldmine.

Anyway a near 6 mile country walk accompanied by cows…

…some impressive fungus..

and a pint ensured all of the clan were happy and actually planning their next visit to this pub.

(Hi viz jacket man definitely not reading Twitter)

What’s the problem with that!!! It’s good to be back..