Hastings Fat Tuesday Tour 4th March 2025

Tomorrow evening, Tuesday the 4th of March is the day, Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday, whatever you want to call it, and Hastings hosts the biggest Mardi Gras festival in Britain: For the Fat Tuesday Tour 24 acts will be playing at 3 venues each from the following 12, from the Carlisle in the west/town centre to the Dolphin Inn in the east/old town, and all free, but don't forget to drink!😉

Albion, 33 George Street TN34 3EA;

Hastings and St Leonards Angling Association, Marine Parade TN34 3AG;

Carlisle, 24 Pelham Street TN34 1PE;

Dolphin Inn, 11-12 Rock-a-Nore Road TN34 3DW;

Dragon Bar, 71 George Street TN34 3EE;

First In Last Out, 14-15 High Street TN34 3EY;

Jenny Lind Inn, 69 High Street TN34 3EW;

London Trader, 4-7 East Beach Street TN34 3AR;

Lord Nelson, 1 East Bourne Street TN34 3DP;

Porters Wine Bar, 56 High Street TN34 3EN;

Pump House, 64 George Street TN34 3EE;

Royal Standard, East Beach Street TN34 3DW.

Each of the 24 acts will play 20 minutes sets in 3 of the venues, and each venue will have 6 acts, from 8.00 pm until 11.00/11.30 pm; please go to the Hastings Fat Tuesday website for greater detail for each act and each venue. In addition, from 8.00 pm until 1.00 am, opposite the Lifeboat Station at East Hastings Sea Angling Association, The Stade TN34 3FJ, will be the Reggae Room.

If you want to play it by ear, just walk around the Old Town and don't be surprised by the quality of free live music available, have fun and party. However, I recommend people consider their favourite venues and what they sell drinks-wise, consider who they'd like to see, then decide on getting to one venue early, and stay there, it will be busy!

For full details of all events (there is more!) go to the website.

If you haven't already read it, I wrote more about Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras and the history of Mardi Gras in last Thursday's blog.  

Enjoy free live music and party folks!

Hastings Pier Open Again -ish...

YES, I got onto Hastings Pier this morning too! Hence this nice view looking westwards towards Marine Court from by the Pavilion.

And the Pier's facebook page is providing information regarding the build up to more being open and available on it, for example, that Mackay's Amusements will be returning from the 16th of March... 

And, what must have contributed to the sad closure last year, much too soon after its opening, of the Deck Building and La Belle Vue (blog), which translates as 'Beautiful View' and who's view was definitely not so good with the obstructions that arrived with the live music later last year! Anyway, as you can see in the photograph above, the end of the pier is again blocked off as preparations are again made for live music from the Easter weekend (facebook), so the Pier is definitely opening up again!

Hastings Fat Tuesday Tour 13th of February 2024

Tomorrow evening, Tuesday the 13th of February is the day, Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday, whatever you want to call it, and Hastings hosts the biggest Mardi Gras festival in Britain: For the Fat Tuesday Tour 24 acts will be playing at 3 venues each from the following 12, from the Carlisle in the west/town centre to the Dolphin Inn in the east/old town, and all free, but don't forget to drink!😉

Albion, 33 George Street TN34 3EA;

Hastings and St Leonards Angling Association, Marine Parade TN34 3AG;

Carlisle, 24 Pelham Street TN34 1PE;

Dolphin Inn, 11-12 Rock-a-Nore Road TN34 3DW;

Dragon Bar, 71 George Street TN34 3EE;

First In Last Out, 14-15 High Street TN34 3EY;

Jenny Lind Inn, 69 High Street TN34 3EW;

London Trader, 4-7 East Beach Street TN34 3AR;

Lord Nelson, 1 East Bourne Street TN34 3DP;

Porters Wine Bar, 56 High Street TN34 3EN;

Pumphouse, 64 George Street TN34 3EE;

Royal Standard, East Beach Street TN34 3DW.

Each of the 24 acts will play 20 minutes sets in 3 of the venues, and each venue will have 6 acts, from 8.00 pm until 11.00/11.30 pm; please go to the Hastings Fat Tuesday website for greater detail for each act and each venue. In addition, from 8.00 pm until 1.00 am, opposite the Lifeboat Station at East Hastings Sea Angling Association, The Stade TN34 3FJ, will be the Reggae Room.

If you want to play it by ear, just walk around the Old Town and don't be surprised by the quality of free live music available, have fun and party. However, I recommend people consider their favourite venues and what they sell drinks-wise, consider who they'd like to see, then decide on getting to one venue early, and stay there, it will be busy!

For full details of all events (there is more!) go to the website.

If you haven't already read it, I wrote more about Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras and the history of Mardi Gras in last Wednesday's blog.  

Enjoy free live music and party folks!

Seafood & Wine and Beer Festivals this weekend!

It's that time of year, meaning Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2023 is this weekend, 16-17 September, at The Stade in Hastings old town (visit1066country). As usual, wine, fish and music, including Lianne Carroll's Jazz Breakfast on Sunday morning. For details, and how to get tickets, go to the visit1066country website.

Also, starting at noon today, and until Sunday, is this years Brickmaker's Alehouse Autumn Beer & Cider Festival 2023 in Bexhill, 27 Sea Road TN40 1EE. Website and facebook. Enjoy your weekend folks!

And not forgetting the Coastal Currents Arts Festival! (blog) 👌

May Bank Holiday Weekend.

In Hastings there's plenty happening over the weekend and into Bank Holiday Monday (hastingssussex), of course, and not just plenty of live music at your favourite venues, Pier, bars and pubs, but on Sunday (28th) there will be a book fair at the Observer Building, 53 Cambridge Road TN34 1DT, from 11.00 to 16.00. There will be book readings, meet writers, illustrators and publishers, book stalls, stationary, book signings, and a book cover competition for children (alleventsin).

Happy Holiday! 

This Weekend in Hastings 16/18 December

My apologies for not writing recently, I've been visiting friends and family while the trains were still running, but the winter certainly seems to have hit us this last week, with snow falling on Sunday, not to mention live rails being frozen whilst travelling. Okay, the photograph above is originally from a previous blog of mine some time ago in February 2018, but you get the gist. It's been cold, and it snowed, and more so a little further inland from the seafront and town centre.

However, all this hasn't stopped the 'holiday season' fun and festivities developing, and this weekend certainly has plenty to offer in addition to the always thriving town that is Hastings. From activities to keep children happy whilst you're shopping at Priory Meadow, to live music and carols, to eating and drinking, to fancy dress and Burlesque, and to theatre and pantomime, there is something for most of us!

Indeed, so much is on that I am adding links to various sites, or just use google 😉

• Visit 1066 Country 
• Hastings Flyer 
• All Events In 
• Skiddle 
• Event Brite 

It's staying bright and sunny, so no snow but chilly over the next couple of days, but warming up from late Sunday, though wet then and on Monday too, but with the temperature getting into double figures during next week (Met Office). 🌞⛆🌂⛅

Whatever you do, whether shopping, going out, or just chilling out, have an excellent weekend, and stay safe folks! 🎄

Oh yes, and there's cricket in Pakistan to watch or listen to... 

Seafood & Wine Festival & Beer Festival Weekend!

What can I say, are you a lover of good food and drink? Then you've a great weekend ahead of you! Starting tomorrow is the annual Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival at The Stade Open Space, opposite the RNLI Lifeboat Station in Hastings Old Town: 11-18.00 Saturday and Sunday. Food and drink, obviously, and live music, cooking demonstrations, and activities for children too; Tickets cost £4 in advance from the Visitor Information Centre by Hastings railway station/bus terminus, £5 on the gate, under 18s free. Go to visit1066country for full information. 🐟🍷

In addition, and already started today, the Brickmaker's Alehouse in Bexhill, 27 Sea Road, TN40 1EE, is holding a Beer and Cider Festival all weekend, with the refreshments coming from breweries they've never had ales from before. Indeed, last week Martin thought I was pressing him for an idea of what may be served up, but he was steadfast in his resolve not to divulge any information!  Anyway, over 20 new ales and 8 ciders ordered for the festival, starting off with 12 ales and 6 ciders available from today. If you'd like more information, and what will be available over the weekend, go to either facebook or twitter, cheers! 🍻

Fire Station Open Day, RNLI Vacancy, plus more this Weekend

On Sunday, the 21st of August, the Bohemia Road Community Fire Station, strangely enough up Bohemia Road, TN34 1EX, on the right as you go uphill, is having an Open Day. Doors will be open and visitors will be welcome between 11.00am and 4.00pm, with "fun for all the family" 🚒 and I know the son of a certain friend will be absolutely delighted to attend! 

"Crews will be showcasing their new Aerial Ladder Platform" and activities will be "going on throughout the day, including a Breathing Apparatus drill and Chip pan fire demonstration" and "firefighters will also be providing advice on road, water and home safety" (Hastings in East Sussex Town Guide).

And while we're talking about Emergency Services, you could always visit Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Station at The Stade TN34 3AR (facebook page). Indeed, I noticed that they are looking for a volunteer to join them in the role of Deputy Launching Authority. The closing date for applications is the 2nd of October 2022, and the role description and further details can be found at the website. 

Of course there is always plenty to do in Hastings, museums, art galleries, amusement arcades, crazy golf courses, parks, the beach and promenade, restaurants, cafes and pubs, and, of course, fish & chips, but beware of the gulls swooping down to pinch any food you may have, chips, ice cream, whatever, just look up and they're like vultures! 

Also, there is the award winning Hastings Pier too, great to extend your promenading on, but also with music from this evening until Sunday, see their facebook page for details. There's plenty more music around town too, always worth a wander around the Old Town any evening, certainly over the weekend/Sunday afternoon, including live music at St Mary in the Castle this evening and tomorrow, music at The Carlisle tomorrow evening and Sunday afternoon, local band Cushty playing at the Dolphin Inn on Saturday evening (it will be busy!), and the Martin Blackman Band will be playing at the Lord Nelson pub on Sunday from 5.00pm, but look out for more music elsewhere!

The weather should be okay over the weekend (Met Office), enjoy!

Hastings Beer & Music Festival 2022 on now!

I nearly missed this, yet it's in my diary for this weekend, but it began yesterday apparently, oops! The 2022 Hastings Beer and Music Festival (29 June to 2 July - website) is being held at The Oval, Bohemia Road TN34 1EU (Hastings Borough Council website), and tickets can be bought from this page of the website, however, they state it is sold out for this evening (Thursday). The Festival is organised by Hastings Round Table, thus all profits go to charity, indeed, "Film, DJs and Live Music all raising money for local good causes."

The Oval

The Festival has been running since 1981, when it was situated in Alexandra Park, but as it grew in size it had to move to a larger venue, hence from 2017 it has been held at The Oval. It is entirely staffed by volunteers, which means more money going to charities. Oh yes, BEER! They have a large Real Ale Tent supplied by many local breweries, also local ciders and wines, lagers, and 'high quality' local food...

What more do you want? oh yes, and live music! Their facebook page appears to be the best place to find out what's on at the Festival, enjoy!

Hastings Midsummer Fish Festival Returns this Weekend!

This weekend sees the return of the Hastings Midsummer Fish Festival (25-26 June 2022) at the Stade Open Space down near the seafront/Lifeboat Station in the Old Town (visit1066country); 11.00am to 6.00pm both days, weekend wristbands cost £2 in advance from Hastings Visitor Information Centre in front of Hastings Railway Station/by the College, Station Approach (website), or £3 on the gate, under 18s free. The Visitor Information Centre is open 10.00am to 12.30pm and 1.15pm to 4.00pm today and tomorrow, 10.00am to 2.00pm at the weekend.

There will be locally sourced fish (of course!), food, wines and beers, live music (11.30am to 6.00pm), children's activities (11.30am to 5.00pm), and cooking and preparation of seafood demonstrations in the Stade Hall Classroom on the Coast (from noon). For more details please go to website.

Welcome back to our festivals, and enjoy! 

Live Music on the Pier, not after today (if you have a ticket!) sadly...

Setting up earlier today

So, the gratefully appreciated live music on Hastings Pier (eg blog) has lasted a couple of months, sadly ending before the current management's lease expires on the 4th of October (Rye & Battle Observer). I'd heard a rumour about a video doing the rounds regarding 'over excitable dancing' and 'social distance rules ignoring' at an event last week, but I haven't seen it myself, although I have some friends who told me they have (didn't send link to me though, tut tut!). Anyway, together with the recorded incidence of Covid-19 increasing in Sussex (Bexhill Observer), this has meant that live music planned for this weekend, and the next 2 weekends, has been cancelled, except that...

Queer on the Pier (facebook) is going ahead, hosted by The Fountain Pub on Queens Road, Hastings Pride and Hastings Pier, today from 2.00pm to 10.00pm, with an excellent looking line up, sadly, if you don't have a ticket already, tickets are sold out, with no paying 'on the door' (which looks to be about halfway down the Pier, so the half closest to land looks to be still open to everyone else). Obviously, numbers are limited to help ensure 'social distancing' rules are met, together with a large number of 'stewards' present. To those going, please do enjoy yourselves, and stay safe!

The current management do remind us that the 'bier garden' and other facilities will remain open up to the 4th of October, so please do carry on supporting them, and the best of luck to them, and here's hoping that they may continue to run the Pier following the end of their lease, I'd hate to see the Pier closed yet again...

And yet more filming going on in Hastings as I write (blog).

By the way, Blogger has a new format to work with, not quite as easy to use, and a few things not helpful at all, I'll try to carry on making my blogs readable, and many thanks to all who do read my blog, cheers! 

Footway Widening and Music on the Pier

Silly me! There was me thinking that the Government had provided funds to East Sussex County Council to widen the footpath (blog last week), oh no they haven't, and oh no the pavement doesn't look like it's being widened... Nope, it appears that this scheme, to go on until the 1st of December, allows pedestrians to walk in a part of the road, as there are ramps at the end of each widening length, presumably to allow people in wheelchairs, and prams and pushchairs, to go down into the part of the road usually reserved for pay & display parking. No wonder there wasn't anything to find on the County Council website, not much to show off about! So now they have provided for pedestrians to walk in the road to avoid cyclists riding on the footpath... 

You couldn't make it up!

And not to forget that music continues on Hastings Pier at weekends, at least until early October (see my earlier blog); go to their facebook page for details of what is on this, and future, weekends, Covid-19 Crisis allowing.

AND! It looks like a great week coming weather-wise, another 'Indian Summer' (Met Office), enjoy it while you can folks!

Hastings Pier: Enjoy it whilst you can!

Yes, fingers crossed it can go on, but Mr G has only leased the Pier to the present management until the 4th of October, let's hope the lease can be extended, because...

The present management have ensured there are things to do for everyone on Hastings Pier (facebook)) including rides for children, LIVE MUSIC, fishing from the end of the Pier, food and drink from 08.00 hours, indeed, the Pier is now open from 08.00 until 23.00 hours, which means it can be enjoyed for 15 hours a day, every day, which is more than was available under Mr G's management!

OK, it looks empty because I took these photographs at about 08.30 this morning, but food & drink was already available, there were about 10 people fishing from the end of the Pier, and I took all these photographs then, including the one above that shows the extent of what is the largest 'beer garden' that I have ever seen!

There has been live music on Hastings Pier from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening most weekends since the lease was granted to people who appear to know how to entertain us, weather permitting, indeed this weekend starting with Live & Unlocked on Hastings Pier from 16.00 hours until 23.45 hours (facebook).

Fingers crossed the present management do get a lease extension, I've missed walking, drinking, enjoying the views, and the lad I spoke to seemed a decent lad...

Good luck for that extension!

Wee Weekend & Weather Blog

I do like an alliteration! 😉

The weather has certainly already effected the weekend and things to do, for example, Live & Unlocked on Hastings Pier was postponed yesterday (facebook) thanks to the rain and strong winds (and little chance of setting up due to the weather); I don't believe there is any live music today, but it is still worth a visit these days, great views, and more businesses getting on board regularly. Tomorrow (Sunday 23rd) there will be DJs and Pier Pressure from 13.00 to 18.00 (facebook), it looks to be a wee bit windy still, with sunshine and maybe showers (Met Office), so be prepared! By the way, the Pier now opens from 08.00 to 23.00 (way to run a pier - are you watching Mr G?!?).

And why the photograph looking down on the local fishing industry quarter early doors? First of all, I was sure I'd written a blog about the history of the local fishing industry in the past, but looking back I don't seem to have, although I have written quite often about the contemporary local fishing industry, eg the blog about when Greenpeace came to town. Hmmm, must have written about it somewhere else! 

Anyway, I know it was the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe when I started writing my blogs (many thanks to Jimmy Toller - R.I.P. - for information I was given many years ago now), but, since I started writing my blogs it looks like there are about 10 fewer boats actively going out to fish from the beach (and thanks to Jack for information here too, cheers!). Which is why the photograph is published above as it was taken by me a couple of days ago when the weather meant the working boats were not launched that morning, so I counted the numbers, about 15 still working/licensed to fish.

But back to this weekend and, whatever you do, please do still be careful, and enjoy yourself! (Cue music) 👍

Musicians and Coastal Currents, and LIVE MUSIC!

I'm a wee bit behind the times (only just saw this on facebook), but:  

Sussex musicians, Coastal Currents want to pay you! They "know times are tough with performances being cancelled and the creative economy struggling. But Coastal Currents raised money from the Arts Council England to be able to give you a space online to stream your live gigs! We support you during COVID and plan to continue supporting you. SO - If you want an hour of live streaming for you, your band, an experiment, to launch a track... to build an online audience - our online stream, gets around 3k watches - get in touch at info@coastalcurrents.org.uk and we can arrange a time for your live stream AND PAY YOU FOR IT! We can also facilitate it to stream to your page too!"  

I hope this information can help local musicians, and, by the way, live music is available on Hastings Pier at weekends, as I mentioned in my blog last week, and a small cover charge of £4 to see the music on the second half of the pier was brought in yesterday for LIVE & UNLOCKED (facebook); the front half of the Pier remained free to enter. Apparently there will NOT be a charge for Saturdays and Sundays (I have just read), but if you want to check on this weekend and future gigs, and see film of previous gigs, please go to the Hastings Flyer facebook page. By the way, tomorrow's music includes Kingsize Slim + Rufus Stone, and Dr Savage, have fun!

OK, Hastings Old Town Carnival Week (website) this year has mostly been a 'virtual' event, but I thought I'd include a photograph from 2 years ago, the last year the lifeboat could take part in the Carnival Parade (blog), sadly no parade this year... 😥

I have missed opportunities to walk along the middle of the road as well 😉

Weekend Out & New Covid-19 Guidelines for Face Covering

Some things are getting back to normal, and the new stewardship of Hastings Pier appear to be using their grey matter, at last! Anyway, they have a large seating area, with a capacity of 600, on the far side of the Deck building in the middle of the pier and calling it a bier garden, thus for eating and drinking at. On Fridays there will be free live music on the pier with Live & Unlocked from 4-11.45pm (facebook). Also, on Saturdays they will be providing free live music at this outdoors venue, tomorrow (25th July) Funk Jam will mean live music from 2pm to midnight! (facebook). Last week saw the 'inaugural' pier gig with local act Sam Calver playing, and you can see many photographs at flickr showing just how many people were enjoying the day!

It does look a bit damp tomorrow, so be dressed appropriately (Met Office).

And the pubs and restaurants keep reopening, for example, yesterday saw the reopening of The Crown, 64-66 All Saints Street (corner with Crown Lane) TN34 3BN (website). They are open 10am-10pm, with food served 12-5pm and 6-9pm. There is table service, like for most places now, and on the website they state there will be a limit to numbers and recommend to book tables required from noon, which can be booked online. You do not need to wear a face covering at any of Hastings pubs, bars or restaurants, but from today there are new Government guidelines for elsewhere...

As I write we are a little over 7 hours into the new guidelines about wearing face coverings in public in England, following the already well publicized guidelines that we must wear face coverings on public transport. This now includes, with some exceptions for health conditions and age, we must wear face coverings when travelling on public transport, and in shops, supermarkets, shopping centres, banks, building societies, post offices, and transport hubs (indoor train stations and terminals, airports, maritime ports, and indoor bus and coach stations or terminals).

We must also wear face coverings when visiting takeaway food businesses, unless we are going to sit down to eat on the premises, in which case we are allowed to take off our face coverings once we are sitting down, but we must put a face covering back on once we leave the seating area. I trust that is clear... 

For more details go to the Government website.

Whatever, do please be careful folks, and enjoy your weekend!

Another Weekend & More Open!

Good to see The Albion, 33 George Street (and opposite the Minigolf) TN34 3EA, back open again (facebook). As with Guidance, seating throughout and table service only for now. The large Scottish Bar, George Street side, is now used solely as a restaurant, and in the Seafront Bar and the outside area you may sit and just enjoy a few drinks, or eat there as well of course; tables can be booked at their website.

The Jolly Fisherman, 3 East Beach Street TN34 3AR (website) is now open for takeaway drinks, Thursday 6-8pm, Friday/Saturday 3-7pm, Sunday 1-5pm, plus they are now making deliveries on Thursday afternoons. They are open for table service too, Thursday to Sunday I believe, but you need to book a table, their website tells you how.

The Ferris Wheel has been in action for a while, and Flamingo Park (facebook), East Beach Street (opposite the Jolly Fisherman) has reopened too. It looks like all the amusement arcades are open as well, and the children's playground in-between Hastings Adventure Golf and the beach is open again, and not to forget the minigolf has been going for a few weeks now, so a bit more for children to do again!

Hastings Pier, 1-10 White Rock TN34 1JY, is open again (apologies for older photograph, but I've not visited for a while now, but I do need to get there very soon, maybe this weekend!) and under new management; the structure is still owned by the dodgy bloke from Eastbourne, however, the business is apparently now run by an operating consortium led by James & Mustapha/Music First (facebook), and very friendly to all locals again! Also, there is now a HUGE beer garden area, or Bier Garden (what they call it), and open air live music... I have to visit!

And am I still maintaining my daily walking exercise? Well most days anyway, this was a photograph I took from Fairlight this morning, looking back across Warren Glen.

Whatever you do, have a good weekend, but remember to maintain social distancing etc, as it's not over yet, be careful folks!

It's February and Music Festival Time in Hastings!

Well, around this time of year, as in building up to Easter, and Hastings enjoys its own version of Mardi Gras, as in the Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival 2020, which this year runs from Friday 21st to Tuesday 25th of February, and is in its eleventh year, I believe. Starting with the Launch Party and Un-Convention; Saturday Unplugged at many venues, Sonics and Le Grand Mardi Gras Ball; Umbrella Parade, Preservation Sunday, Under the Radar and Sonics again; Slim Monday; the musical extravaganza that is the Fat Tuesday Tour itself, again with numerous acts playing at many venues, and the After Party (website).

But the music doesn't stop there, as can be seen from the poster I spotted above, because on the very next day begins the inaugural Hastings International Piano Festival (26th February to 8th March 2020). Go to the website for further details.

Of course it's Music Month (14th February to 17th March), and Hastings is certainly the place to live for eclectic live music and partying!

Hastings Herring Fair 23-24 November 2019

Once again, the Hastings Herring Fair organisers invite you to celebrate the 'silver darlings of the sea' at this free fish, food, drink and music festival at the Stade Open Space this weekend; 11am to 4pm both days. Meet the fishermen and learn traditional skills. With many food and drink traders, a bar run by Lewes brewery Harvey's, live music (see at bottom of blog), cooking demonstrations, and plenty of entertainment for children, indeed there's plenty for everyone. See visit1066country website.

Herring are small tasty silver coloured fish that can be fried, smoked or cured, and they are full of healthy oils and, because they have existed in abundance, they were so named; the word herring comes from the Old German for “multitude”. The Atlantic Herring (Clupea Harengus), is caught around the British coast, though in the biggest numbers in the North Sea, and can reach up to 16 inches in length, but we usually see them at about 8 inches. There is locally caught herring in Hastings this year, so nice and fresh from our local fishing industry, nice one.

The Weekend Music

The Fair is free, so do visit The Stade Open Space in Hastings 'old town' and sample the local fare, not to mention wine, cider and beer, and much local music too, enjoy!

Midsummer Fish Festival 2019

The Hastings Midsummer Fish Festival 2019 will be starting tomorrow at 11.00am, 22-23 June 2019, at The Stade (website). As always, food, drink and music all day, both days, with admission in advance from the Tourist Information Centre, Breeds Place, for £1.50 the whole weekend; at the 'gate' £3.00, and under 18s free. There will be a bar with crafty keg beers, and Harveys Brewery (website) will have a real ale bar (no FILO this year), if you would prefer ales from local microbreweries, try the Jolly Fisherman or the Dolphin Inn, the nearest free houses.