Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Tuesday 6 November 2012

6 November 2012

Sorry it's late. Middle-Aged Diary is being made to work by his employers today, something that Phil Jevons rarely used to have to say. Given that tonight we visit Hyde, the current beneficiaries of his services, you can guess the tenor of the pre-match coverage on the Telegraph site.

The really important question before an away trip is often, of course, "Where can I get a decent pint?" so let me hand the rest of this diary over to Mighty Mariner's pub tips.

"Well, it's arrived: the most eagerly anticipated ale trip with regards to the new members of this nightmare of a league this season... oh, wait a minute. All the fun of Manchester City centre has been denied to us because it's on a Tuesday night [especially with Man City and Ajax fans kicking about]. I am sure the fixture computer decrees (do they have one in non-League or is it some old boy with an abacus?) that any decent ale away day for GTFC is midweek.

"Don't despair, though, as there is a true gem of a pub a mere 0.3 miles from Hyde FC, which equates to a six-minute walk. So even the most obese of Mariners should have time for a swift half pre-match. It's the Sportsman (57 Mottram Road, SK14 2NN). For once beer isn't the main attraction. It's home to a genuine Cuban restaurant as well. Hands up if you live in NE Lincs and have ever dabbled with anything Cuban other than a cigar? Thought not. Well, I am going to break the mould and immerse myself in the local Hyde culture by indulging in a pre-match Cuban tapas! More details here!

"The beer on the taps isn't from Cuba though as it's a Rossendale Brewery tied house. To be honest - rather bizarrely given my penchant for tracking down ales - I don't think I have ever sampled any of their fare, but when in Hyde... as the locals say.

"Further afield but on the doorstep of Hyde Central station is the Cheshire Ring (72 Manchester Road, SK14 2BJ). By all accounts this looks a bit dodgy from the outside but inside it's an ale Mecca - just think the Albion (now sadly closed) down Cleethorpe Road. They sell the full range of Beartown Brewery ales and promise a selection of continental beers... perhaps a delicious Belgian number or two. Fill yer boots!"