Summer Sqwalk 2016

An Innspired Summer Brewery Sqwalk No 93 1st June 2016

Up for it were Yup, Jaycee, Keithee, Stubbee, Joseph, Danny, Jacko, Paul Hecky Thump, Nigel, DT and Zolette. Malc sadly had to cry off with food poisoning, which had him trotting for a couple of weeks, but I'm pleased to say he's now recovered..

After several months of discussing the finer details of the Summer Brewery Sqwalk, it had finally arrived. Wethers in Chesterfield had been taken over by us for a couple of nights, and Joseph had taken on the annual traumatic challenge of contacting the Brampton Brewery to arrange our visit on the first evening, and had a day's walk planned for the following day. The walk was intended to be 7-8 miles long but turned out to be a mere 5 miles on the day, but whose counting?

We met up at various times throughout the afternoon. Ali G had been there from one and had already sniffed out Jacksons, the s'pie're shop.

Back to the market and Yup bought a punnet of strawberries. Jacko bought a wrench to rip out Dianne's battery. Ali G bought some weeds for his garden. Keithee considered buying an extendable brush for his conservatory roof for around half a second. 'When it turns black I'll just get it replaced' he said. Jaycee bought a custard but subsequently dropped when getting out of the car. Hard Dave considered buying a camouflage jacket so he could look even harder but instead made a quick visit to the mouthwatering pie shop, which saw 2 Pie Hard Dave Semi-Colon emerging as 2 Pie 1 loaf Hard Dave Semi-Colon.

Yet another cracking Summer sqwalk, helped along by our very own Joseph. I would normally say 'here's to next year's Joe', but we may be heading to York with Pedro taking the reins. Phew ………..

Cheers

Yuppers

(enjoy yer spires)

The following morning, as the water was back up and running, we had to pay for our breakfasts. Standard breakfasts were chosen instead of the free mega grills we'd devoured the previous day, along with an endless supply of free coffee.

There was a street market on today and several chavs were seen walking past the window, which prompted Jaycee to admit he'd had a blue shell suit when he was in his prime. 'They sell them on the market', said Hard Dave, 'and camouflage suits too if you can see them.'

We took time to look around the market and explore the church and spire. Jaycee appeared slightly tired after suggesting he'd not slept too well for 2 nights due to someone snoring. Three pillows piled high over his head and earplugs hadn't helped, although the sight of him buried under the pillows had amused Yup.. Next time additional whiskies may well be on the agenda.

Sadly there were no spire tours until later in the day, but there was an Ali G look alike and a chatty elderly lady who was saddened after she's heard that the little café she frequented was going to be privatized; and that the prices were likely to rise.

Passing the twisted spire we went to the Indian Blues where the service was quicker than we'd been at any point of today's walk. At least we'd had smiles on our faces during the walk. The feedback on the food was mixed, as was the big splodge of a mark next to 2 Pie Hard's plate. 'It was the waiter', he insisted.

We came across the Royal Oak as we passed back through the center of town so we popped our heads in and were welcomed with open arms into what was probably the quietest pub in Chesterfield. Despite the stillness there was a fair ale selection available so we stayed for just the one.

Back in Wethers for a nightcap Keithee ordered whiskies, which were served in pint tumblers. 'I have one of these at home', said Keithee, 'I fill it with beer, drink it, then fill it with wine, then drink it and then finish with a pint of tea, all using the same glass. All tastes the same.. and saves washing up.'

Black clouds appeared as we arrived back at Chatsworth House but we remained dry as we waited for the taxis. The taxi return time had been originally confirmed as being 4.00 but had later been changed to 4-4.30 by Joe, unbeknown to anyone else of course. There seems to be a common theme appearing ………. So, Jaycee, Keithee, Jacko and Stubbee took the first taxi, which arrived at 4pm. Yup, Ali G and Jaycee slurped on ice creams as the second arrived at 4.25. It would have been rude not to try the Rose and Crown on the way back, especially as Ali G had been told of it's existence by the CAMRA guy, so we did.

The water, thankfully, was back on, although it was a mucky brown to begin with. After a quick shower we set off and found the The White Swan on the main street. 2 Pie took a dislike to the high stools but the dozen or so hand pulls including a Citra type ale made up for it.

The waitress had complained that we should have arrived at 12am and not 1pm. We could have put this slight discrepancy down to Joe but we wouldn't.

We had been allocated a separate room where delightful waitresses took our orders. As the prices were seemingly inflated most opted for sandwiches, which came with chips and side garnish; which was surprisingly wonderful; as was the ale.

The soup of the day was carrot and another ingredient which began with a letter 'C'. Forgetting what had been announced Zoe, with a flurry of possible guesses suggested cucumber, cardamom, cumin and every other possible option that came to mind. . Turned out to be Coriander.

Strangely, Joe said he was going to buy Yup a book on map reading, even though it was Joe's walk which he was supposedly be leading. Could this be Joe's swansong? Ali G quickly commented that he was going to buy Joe a book on clocks.

Keith and john joined hands and followed the shorter route along the river together to Beeley.

The rest of us headed upwards to the Hunting Tower and then past the Emperor and Swiss Lakes and south beyond Park Farm with wonderful panoramas surrounding us.

A route through a plantation area proved fruitless so we turned back and followed a wider stony track, which led us down to Beeley Lodge and a bridge over the Derwent. Following the river we soon entered Beeley and found the Devonshire Arms.

After a leisurely breakfast we booted up for the walk and waited for the taxis to arrive which Joseph had pre arranged from home. 'It should be £18 return', he confirmed. We should have known it's be £18 each way !!

Joe who was following separately with Danny in his car frantically called Yup 30 minutes later, asking where we were. A relieved Joe confirmed his wife, Karen, had received a phone call at home informing him that the taxis were ready, so he panicked and imagined them waiting outside his home address in Newcastle. Panic over he jumped in the car with Danny and set off, only half an hour behind us!!

DT was waiting for us as we arrived at the coach area car park. Perhaps it wasn't the best spot to stand and wait as we were asked politely to shift by the car park attendant, otherwise we'd be knocked down by the marauding hordes of coaches arriving by the dozen.

It was a mild dry morning with rain forecast on some web sites but not on Yup's. Nigel turned up surprisingly, as did a lone Hecky Thump as Wendy was suffering a migraine. Zoe also arrived in her campervan and finally Joseph and Danny.

Free pens were issued to anyone who was listening to the presentation, and who put their hands up. The glasses were also kept as mementos by a few as suggested.

Unable to empty the barrels we left and sped through the heavy rain heading back to Wethers and a warm, dry bed. The anticipation of a stop off at a local chippie kept us high in spirits but that was also dampened as it had shut its doors an hour earlier. All we could hear was Jaycee muttering 'oh shite, oh shite', as he repeatedly fell into deep rain puddles, and then 'oh shite' as the chippie was found to be closed.

The following morning, after a good nights kip (for most), we discovered there was no hot water. The boiler had sprung a leak !! Free breakfasts were offered which helped, (especially as we all chose the mega sized grill) and the promise that it'd be working for when we returned from the walk. Stubbee then confirmed that the kitchen had broken down but ten minutes later found it was all systems go again. Ali G then informed us that there were free breakfasts but that he'd eaten them all and there was only all bran left. Now there's a surprise. With no hot water available Keithee had visions of Jaycee pouring hot water from a kettle over Yuppy in the bath tub. Not a sight he wanted to linger on as he was just devouring a grilled sausage.

By 8.45pm when Chris arrived, Keithee declared he was seeing stars. Turned out he'd found a star tracker app on his phone.

Chris gave a lengthy and very informative talk about the history of the Brampton Brewery, followed by a short break and then a further talk on the brewing procedure. Stubbee couldn't understand why the tax on beer should be greater for a stronger percentage brew. He thought that it should be a flat rate for all. 'He's hop-ping mad', said Jaycee.

As agreed we met up at 6.40pm, ready for the stroll to the brewery. At 7pm, after a quick phone call, Joe and Dan came out to join us.

We eventually found the brewery and were informed that Chris the master brewer was running late and would arrive in an hour or so. There were no complaints as we were immediately asked to place our orders at the bar as we found some chairs and made ourselves comfortable. There were a couple of hand pulls available; Golden Bud and Brindley Bitter and also bottles of Wasp Nest and Stout.

After an hour or so we sauntered back to Wethers where 2 Pie Hard Dave, Joe and Dan had arrived, making 9 of us. Back to the rooms for a quick wash and brush up and we would be on our way to the brewery. Yup's back was giving him some jip. 'Oooooh that's much better', he said, as he lay on the bed. 'It must have slipped out but it feels better now it's pushed back in', he cried. God knows what the occupants in the neighboring rooms must have thought.

Gathering in the bar we made a move and strolled past the Chesterfield Ale House disguised that well that we walked right past it without noticing it. When we finally found it, it was very welcoming and a local CAMRA chappie soon got chatting to Ali G recommending several other places worth a visit including the Rose and Crown.

A visit to the tramway pub was suggested but Jaycee thought we might go off the rails. Jacko recollected the time his lopping shears went missing off his drive, prompted by the fact someone had nicked his pint off the table. In need of a second round he squeezed past the table and his 'big arse' (according to Jaycee) knocked the empty glasses and broke one.