Man to Head to Maiden by Man in a Hat.

So, following a couple of nights in Southport, it’s Maidenhead next up.

I know I didn’t send a report in about the Southport trip, but you’re not the boss of me - so there!

Nothing happened in Southport anyway. There was nothing to report. We didn’t get sent to bed early at the Scarisbrick Hotel, we didn’t spoil the karaoke for everyone in the Oast House Saturday night, and we certainly didn’t visit the Lawnmower Museum on Monday before heading back to Stockport! 

                                                           

There’s a First Time - for Everything!

Now, let’s see how many boxes Maidenhead ticks.

County have never played Maidenhead - tick.

County have never played at York Road - tick.

County’s first game ever in the 3^rd round of the FA Trophy - tick.

Ground slap-bang in the town centre - tick.

Good Beer Guide pub that does accommodation - tick.

Trains running past the ground as the game goes on - tick.

Hat wearing weather - tick.

I realise that you probably think Maidenhead means something else, but it actually derives from Middle English (c.1200), and means a woman of virtue.

Very apt considering how many firsts this trip represents for County.

But What of Maidenhead?

Maidenhead United, play at York Road, which is the oldest football ground in the world continuously used by the same team (since 1871). 

                                                       

Historians’ alert - I wonder where County appear on the list of longest continuous ground usage?

Another Maidenhead claim to fame is the UK record for the most rain to fall in an hour - 92mm in 1901! I’m definitely taking my hat, so get ready for a replay Tuesday night.

A further good omen is that there is a viaduct on Maidenhead’s badge. 

                                                        

 Or, it could be Maidenhead Bridge built in 1777. 

                                                  

Now for the Bad News

Firstly, there is an establishment mentioned in the Good Beer Guide which I have no intention of visiting, the local conservative club!

Although it serves 5 real ales and CAMRA Members are welcome, it won’t be open on Saturday anyway. As for Sunday, I’m loath to disturb Mrs May (yes, this is her constituency) on her only day off, as it looks like she needs a rest. 

                                                       

Worse still (for you lot), I’ve been chosen to help out Jon Keighren in the commentary box!

Naughty Hedgegrower?

I notice that hedgegrower has failed to mention where to get your lips around some real ale, so let me rectify that.

(Editors timely intervention : Er.....I beg your pardon.....the Bell was recommended by old hedgie, as was the Corner House and Hand & Flower....all dead close......keep up man...keep up! )

Unfortunately, the 2 pubs in the Good Beer Guide are both a 15 minute walk from the ground, and what’s more, in opposite directions.

The Grenfell Arms (22 Oldfield Road) serves 8 ales and the Crauford Arms (15 Gringer Hill), which is incidentally run as a co-operative, has 5 beers to choose from.

But, unless your staying over, ala Man in a Hat, your unlikely to get to these 2.

I don’t think there is any ale at the ground, so the nearest is probably the Bell (95 King Street) which should have a couple of ales on, together with food and TV football if that’s your thing.

If you fancy a short walk, head for the Maiden’s Head (34 High Street) which should have 4 hand-pulled beers available. Just down the road is Off The Tap (105 High Street) which has 3 real ales.

Both should have beers from Rebellion (a brewery just up the road in Marlow Bottom), food and greedy league on the telly.

If you prefer to go with what you know, the local Wetherspoons (the Bear) is also on High Street (no. 8).

As you know, you can find all of the pubs I mention on the excellent CAMRA website www.whatpub.com

                                  Man in a Hat.