Phil Mellows
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philmellows.bsky.social
Phil Mellows
@philmellows.bsky.social
710 followers 500 following 810 posts
Freelance journalist and co-author of Beer Breaks in Britain: www.philmellows.com, @BeerBreaks.bsky.social, @drinkingstudies.bsky.social, @britbeerwriters.bsky.social
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philmellows.bsky.social
We are all in the gutter. But some of us are looking at the pub.
January 28, 2026 at 5:43 PM
philmellows.bsky.social
Microbus, Gateshead, where the tap wall is the front of a bus and the beer list is amazing!
A small bar counter with lots going on including six handpumps a tap wall built out of the front of a red bus and a screen beer list.
January 28, 2026 at 5:41 PM
philmellows.bsky.social
Thanks to a cancelled appointment in Newcastle I’ve hopped into Gateshead for a look at the Central, a classic wedge-shaped pub that’s owned by Tony Brookes, the man who founded Head of Steam in the 1980s. He doesn’t operate it himself but it retains a familiar beer ethos.
Twilight. A tall narrow building, the thin end of the wedge, with ‘The Central’ in large letters above the door. Guest beer chalkboard listing local ales and lambics among others. Hazy pint of Two By Two Session Pale with a bar in the background.
January 28, 2026 at 4:46 PM
philmellows.bsky.social
Details of a £100m government support package for pubs expected later today | Morning Advertiser www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026...
Government lines up £100m support package for pubs
The Treasury is set to unveil a £100m annual support package for pubs after widespread backlash over soaring business rates. The move marks a major shift in policy, with new relief expected to help of...
www.morningadvertiser.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
dinfontay.com
"In June 2025, the company closed its Cincinnati taproom after nearly six years amid broader shifts in its U.S. footprint."
BrewDog permanently shutters 2 Columbus taprooms
The Scottish brewery bases its U.S. operations in central Ohio. But its footprint continues to shrink.
www.dispatch.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:11 PM
philmellows.bsky.social
Oh no! That's terrible. Only a few weeks ago he was collecting Martyn's Lifetime Achievement Award @britbeerwriters.bsky.social dinner.
rogerprotz.bsky.social Roger Protz @rogerprotz.bsky.social · 2d
Shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden & unexpected passing, on Friday, of Dave Cornell, owner/brewer of Poppyland Brewery in Cromer. Dave played a key role in the Norfolk/Belgian Brewers Collab. A kind and lovely man, brother of beer historian Martyn. Deepest condolences to Mandy.
RIP Dave.
January 26, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
drinkingstudies.bsky.social
Latest NIQ stats for managed hospitality in December. Pubs performed well, bars and restaurants less so.
NIQ/RSM Hospitality Business Tracker, Dec 25 vs Dec 24 All outlets +6.2%, LFL +2.9% Pubs +7.3%, LFL +5.1% Restaurants +3.8%, LFL +0.8% Bars +1.5%, LFL -1.7%
January 26, 2026 at 11:34 AM
philmellows.bsky.social
Popped into the Bull on my way to meeting a mate in Brum. Lovely pub and the Neepsend Rehua in perfect nick.
A pint of pale ale leaving attractive lacing in a pint glass in the foreground, traditional pub browns and golds in the background.
January 24, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
watsonsbrewery.bsky.social
Apropos of last post viz forthcoming break @philmellows.bsky.social and Kate Simon's Beer Breaks in Britain opens with York, which is handy. We've been to Leeds and Sheffield recently so that will be 3 of the 4 entries in The North section ticked off.
Book open on pages detailing york's beery offerings
January 23, 2026 at 5:25 PM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
beertoday.bsky.social
The Tamworth Tap has been named CAMRA’s national Pub of the Year 2025, taking the title for a unprecedented third time beertoday.co.uk/2026/01/23/t... #pub #pubnews #pubaward @camraofficial.bsky.social
Pub of the Year is a three-time winner - Beer Today
The Tamworth Tap has been named CAMRA’s national Pub of the Year 2025, taking the title for a unprecedented third time
beertoday.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 9:18 AM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
pamplemoussepam.bsky.social
Lovely blog about our Think While You Drink public events on beer, drinking, and drinking places in pubs last year if anyone is interested in how they worked and what we did:
humsimpact.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/2026/01/05/b...

Starting to plan for this year so watch this space or sign up to our list
Being Human & Think While You Drink – Tasting Notes – School of Humanities: Impact and Engagement
humsimpact.blogs.bristol.ac.uk
January 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM
philmellows.bsky.social
'New law could see vaping banned in all pubs across England' | Manchester Evening News via @drugwise.bsky.social www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news...
New law could see vaping banned in all pubs across England
A ban on the selling of single-use vapes came into effect last summer
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 11:47 AM
philmellows.bsky.social
Latest from the Propel archives - me on those darned perpendicular queues at the bar: www.philmellows.com/PhilMellows_...
The chalked sign at Zapato.
January 20, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
sashasimic.bsky.social
Happy Birthday #TomBaker...
Jeffrye Barnard speaks to Tom in the very boozy days of 1977.
January 20, 2026 at 10:02 AM
philmellows.bsky.social
Interesting. There are pubs in the UK that advertise they welcome everyone and also that racist, sexist, discriminatory language and behaviour is not welcome. Tensions are high in the US, but they're growing here, too, and I don't see why a business wouldn't attract people who support such policies.
dinfontay.com Dave Infante @dinfontay.com · 9d
Via a Facebook group for craft brewery owners, a snapshot into the tension of running a hospitality business that wants "to be a welcoming place for all" when some are encouraging or actively waging state violence upon others:
Hi everyone, I'm dealing with something I think a lot of us may be dealing with in the current state of affairs. One of our bartenders wants us to post signage stating that immigrants are welcome and/or something deterring ICE agents from entering. While I do agree with the sentiment, I don't see any positive results from doing so. I think it would only spark negative commentary from folks who disagree (which the bartenders would get the brunt of), or result in negative reviews or even deter customers from coming in. Some may argue there is nobility in taking a firm stance, making it known, and dealing with these consequences, and I understand that. However, while business is consistent, we're not exactly killing it and, frankly, aren't in a position to turn business away. Does that mean we're selling out? I don't think so. Politics have never been part of our model, mission, etc. We have always strived to be a welcoming place for all to come have a beer and have good conversation, as long as things stay civil. This bartender is arguing that most of our clientele is like-minded in how we feel, but I think they are underestimating how vocal people can be and how quickly a small business can be damaged by turning off a large chunk of their potential clientele. I would love to post the signage they are proposing, but again, think it would only deter business rather than gain it, as opposed to not posting anything at all. Any suggestions? Maybe some kind of all inclusive signage that hints at being a safe space? We are going to have a meeting with staff with how to interact with ICE agents if they do happen to come in. I don't want to seem like a coward to my staff, but damn, I don't want to lose business either.
January 19, 2026 at 4:29 PM
philmellows.bsky.social
Rasing a pint to the lately departed - Mike Goldwater on memorial beers: beer-mike.blogspot.com/2026/01/memo...
Memorial Beers
Back in November, Vale Brewery released their latest product Into the Void (4.1%) , in tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne who died last July....
beer-mike.blogspot.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
totalcurtis.bsky.social
I've got a brand new @pelliclemag.com podcast out today, which features a long chat with @yakimachief.bsky.social, Beak Brewery and Pomona Island about new hop varieties and how they're using them. Listen to it here, or wherever you stream your podcasts.

www.pelliclemag.com/home/2026/1/...
The Pellicle Podcast Ep84 — Getting Hands On With New Hop Varieties — Pellicle
Hops have dominated the beer conversation for decades. Modern beer culture has been built on their vast trellises, the majority of which are located in Yakima, in the Pacific Northwest of the United S...
www.pelliclemag.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
beerfoodtravel.bsky.social
My kind of bars. I would love to see one in this country ...
Tokyo listening bars—what are they and where to find them
The phenomenon of listening bars originated in Japan — and in frenetic Tokyo they offer a unique way to switch off, wind down and find inner peace.
www.nationalgeographic.com
January 18, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
boakandbailey.bsky.social
BLOG POST: Do you mind sharing your pub table with strangers? Or is it your worst nightmare? 🍻🍺

boakandbailey.com/2026/01/of-c...
Of course you can sit at our pub table (terms and conditions apply)
British people can be oddly reluctant to share pub tables. Maybe it’s time to get over that and get better at asking “Are these seats free?”
boakandbailey.com
January 18, 2026 at 7:50 AM
philmellows.bsky.social
Just clocked the new paint job at the Battle of Trafalgar #Brighton. I like it.
Front of a pub painted a sort of darkish sage green with sort of peachy orange steps to an unused door in the middle. The date 1805 is in large numerals above the name Battle of Trafalgar.
January 17, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
teamdb.bsky.social
Almost half of Britain’s pubs have reduced opening hours following higher taxes and costs introduced in recent budgets. Industry leaders warn the measures are hurting jobs, communities and high streets despite strong trading.
UK pubs cut hours after budget tax and rates rises
Almost half of Britain’s pubs have reduced opening hours following higher taxes and costs introduced in recent budgets. Industry leaders warn the measures are hurting jobs, communities and high street...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:57 PM
philmellows.bsky.social
'Villagers hit pub purchase goal in just four weeks'. Brig Inn at Brydekirk, Annan, set to reopen after six years closed | BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Brydekirk villagers hit pub purchase goal in just four weeks
Residents of Brydekirk hope to buy the Brig Inn and restore it for use as a pub and village shop.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 3:03 PM
philmellows.bsky.social
If you've only got one day for that beer trip, here's the answer.
beerbreaks.bsky.social Beer Breaks @beerbreaks.bsky.social · 15d
For 2026 we've got a new series of newsletters that will return to a destination in the book and pick out a compact circuit of drinking places and things to see and do along the way - which you can complete on a day trip. We begin with Chester: britishbeerbreaks.substack.com/p/chester-wh...
The Rows is a unique network of medieval open walkways that run along the first-floor level of the four main streets at Chester’s historic heart. One corner is pictured with half-timbered two and three-storey buildings with shops on the ground floor and red roofs, towers and chimneys above.
January 13, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
retiredmartinpubs.bsky.social
The pub as the third place.
With thanks to @boakandbailey.bsky.social
retiredmartin.com/2026/01/13/y...
YOUR FRIEND IN DIFFICULT TIMES
An excellent read, as always, from Boak and Bailey about the state of the pub this week. I recommend reading this BlueSky thread; The comments reflect on the vital role of the pub as a social space…
retiredmartin.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Reposted by Phil Mellows
beervana.bsky.social
As the beer industry hits a rough patch, one brand stands apart as a huge success story, with healthy sales and its own social media craze. How do Guinness do it?
Why is Guinness so Popular? — Beervana
As the beer industry hits a rough patch, one brand stands apart as a huge success story, with healthy sales and its own social media craze. How do Guinness do it?
www.beervanablog.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:11 PM