June 2002 Issue No 8

R

emember Nishad’s Balti Restaurant at Christmas, Titanic Ales at the Stafford Arms? Feels like a life time ago. A most memorable night out and one to savour and return to in the future.

Since Christmas, nights out have included the Rose of Kashmir in Stoke, excellent grub and highly recommended. The India Cottage in Burslem, preceded by Titanic Ales at the Bulls Head, was also cool.

The trip in March to Stone’s Casa Loco was sadly yet again postponed (perhaps this Christmas?) replaced by a tasteless night out overlooking the back yard of the Aneesa at Castle, (a rarity however), a night which began with such high expectations following the scrumptious Timothy Taylors landlord at the Hogs Head.

Making the most of a ‘2 for 1’ we revisited the Sonar Goan at Castle, full of Totty!. (However, Phil and Stubby couldn’t take to fishing in the oil slick!). Eventually, in May ‘An expensive Taste of Raj’ in Congleton was sampled, preceded by tasty Beartown brews at the ‘Tap and Stile’ hosted by local expert Keith J.

Some of us were fortunate enough to be treated to the delicacies of a scrumptious Rochdale balti, or were we? Now who could forget that night? Recently, following a successful night at the ladies night at Uttoxeter Racecourse, several of us landed on Planet Bollywood in Stoke. Plenty of fresh water supplies but lacking in life. A fair start to the year!!

So, time to revisit a favourite in DG’s neck of the woods.

at Hardingswood, Kidsgrove. (CAMRA pub of the year in 1999, 2000 and 2001).

(smooth- flow only available across the opposite side of the canal).

Wed 3^rd July at around 7pm, followed by the Arena an hour or two later. PTO

Suggestions for further nights out include Naseebs (lads night out), Llandudno (still high on the reserve list), Birmingham (Sparkbrook), Bradford, Forsbrook and Crewe. Crewe offers ‘The Monkey’ pub in West St serving Top Totty (Slaters ales) followed by a visit to the Limelight Music Bar and a local Indian.

Contact Yup on ext. 2164. to confirm if you can make Kidsgrove.

PS Date for your diaries - 22^nd Beer Fest in Stoke – Oct 17^th to 19^th returning to the Town Hall venue !!!!!! Watch out for the Townhouse brewery of Audley. I see a trip hopefully in the future….Tony??????