Fred Garratt-Stanley
@fred-gs.bsky.social
Freelance writer published in The Guardian, NME, GQ, Pellicle, Ferment, Time Out etc. | #ncfc fan, music lover, pub & beer enthusiast | blog: http://stanchion.me
https://linktr.ee/fredgarrattstanley
https://linktr.ee/fredgarrattstanley
Pinned
Cinque Ports — How Medieval Law Shaped the Pubs of Rye, East Sussex — Pellicle
In 1744, The Mermaid Inn was teeming with open secrets. Bands of rowdy, weather-beaten, sea-faring men would tumble in late at night, rest their pistols on the table, and wait for their tankards to be...
www.pelliclemag.com
There's a reason why Rye, a picturesque town on the Sussex coast, became a haven for smugglers.
In this @pelliclemag.com feature, I dive into the dark history of this medieval port & explore how this past still shapes its pub scene today. It's a journey...
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/3/...
In this @pelliclemag.com feature, I dive into the dark history of this medieval port & explore how this past still shapes its pub scene today. It's a journey...
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/3/...
The Fat Cat, Norwich, is a special pub. I’ve pulled many pints and made many memories there, so it was a pleasure telling its story for @pelliclemag.com
Thanks to the Pellicle team & @seanislegend.com for the beautiful photos (as per). I hope you enjoy reading 🍺
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/11...
Thanks to the Pellicle team & @seanislegend.com for the beautiful photos (as per). I hope you enjoy reading 🍺
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/11...
Cool for Cats — The Fat Cat in Norwich, Norfolk — Pellicle
Night has fallen over The Fat Cat in Norwich, and I’ve been here long enough to watch the clientele change. I saw the post-work crowd rush in; now, as it thins, I head to the bar to order a pint of Ti...
www.pelliclemag.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:29 AM
The Fat Cat, Norwich, is a special pub. I’ve pulled many pints and made many memories there, so it was a pleasure telling its story for @pelliclemag.com
Thanks to the Pellicle team & @seanislegend.com for the beautiful photos (as per). I hope you enjoy reading 🍺
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/11...
Thanks to the Pellicle team & @seanislegend.com for the beautiful photos (as per). I hope you enjoy reading 🍺
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/11...
Beautiful, vivid piece of work from Sean on the 2025 hop harvest. It’s made me very thirsty indeed
From Bine to Glass: A behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 hop harvest, following fresh green hops from Hukins Hops in Kent to breweries like Five Points and Beak as they brew with them within hours of picking. www.seanislegend.com/green-hop-beer
November 18, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Beautiful, vivid piece of work from Sean on the 2025 hop harvest. It’s made me very thirsty indeed
I’m currently travelling around beautiful Japan and recently visited the country’s original Onsen (hot spring) town, Beppu 🇯🇵
It’s a magic place built on steam, and a prime example of the human drive to exploit places of natural beauty for profit…
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
It’s a magic place built on steam, and a prime example of the human drive to exploit places of natural beauty for profit…
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
A Head of Steam
Japan’s original Onsen town is a captivating case study of human interaction with the natural world
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:37 AM
I’m currently travelling around beautiful Japan and recently visited the country’s original Onsen (hot spring) town, Beppu 🇯🇵
It’s a magic place built on steam, and a prime example of the human drive to exploit places of natural beauty for profit…
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
It’s a magic place built on steam, and a prime example of the human drive to exploit places of natural beauty for profit…
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
Really honoured to have been shortlisted for this year’s @britbeerwriters.bsky.social Best Communication about Beer and Travel award for my @pelliclemag.com long read on the pubs of Rye & the rich history that shaped them 🍻
You can read it here!
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/3/...
You can read it here!
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/3/...
November 7, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Really honoured to have been shortlisted for this year’s @britbeerwriters.bsky.social Best Communication about Beer and Travel award for my @pelliclemag.com long read on the pubs of Rye & the rich history that shaped them 🍻
You can read it here!
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/3/...
You can read it here!
www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/3/...
It's been great contributing regularly to Ferment (one of the world's leading beer magazines) throughout 2025.
I've covered craft beer and non-league football, honey ale, the politics of tapas, and cask beer in Italy. Plus a series of travel pieces on the way that I'm really excited about... 🍻
I've covered craft beer and non-league football, honey ale, the politics of tapas, and cask beer in Italy. Plus a series of travel pieces on the way that I'm really excited about... 🍻
October 15, 2025 at 2:34 PM
It's been great contributing regularly to Ferment (one of the world's leading beer magazines) throughout 2025.
I've covered craft beer and non-league football, honey ale, the politics of tapas, and cask beer in Italy. Plus a series of travel pieces on the way that I'm really excited about... 🍻
I've covered craft beer and non-league football, honey ale, the politics of tapas, and cask beer in Italy. Plus a series of travel pieces on the way that I'm really excited about... 🍻
London's cabmen's shelters are an iconic but often overlooked landmark.
Now, they're facing more challenges than ever - from the rise of Uber & decline of the black cab, to a strangely controlling & hostile fund chairman...
I reported for @huckmag.com
www.huckmag.com/article/lond...
Now, they're facing more challenges than ever - from the rise of Uber & decline of the black cab, to a strangely controlling & hostile fund chairman...
I reported for @huckmag.com
www.huckmag.com/article/lond...
What does the future hold for London’s historic cabmen’s shelters?
For London’s taxi drivers, the green huts offer refuge and a place to refuel. But in the city’s changing landscape, they could become collateral damage.
www.huckmag.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:30 PM
London's cabmen's shelters are an iconic but often overlooked landmark.
Now, they're facing more challenges than ever - from the rise of Uber & decline of the black cab, to a strangely controlling & hostile fund chairman...
I reported for @huckmag.com
www.huckmag.com/article/lond...
Now, they're facing more challenges than ever - from the rise of Uber & decline of the black cab, to a strangely controlling & hostile fund chairman...
I reported for @huckmag.com
www.huckmag.com/article/lond...
Great story about a pub that has evolved enormously even in the 8-ish years I've been drinking there - from a quiet backstreet boozer where I'd read English Lit texts with a solo pint, to a spot that is literally always heaving. Real success story
I’ve written for @pelliclemag.com about the Dog and Bell, a unique pub whose evolution over the past 40 years nevertheless illustrates the story of modern London pubs. It’s here: www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/9/...
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out — The Dog and Bell in Deptford, London — Pellicle
On a Friday night in early December, Deptford’s Dog and Bell is Christmas as imagined by a Haribo-addled toddler. A huge resin Santa, grinning merrily in his sleigh, squats in Prince Street out...
www.pelliclemag.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Great story about a pub that has evolved enormously even in the 8-ish years I've been drinking there - from a quiet backstreet boozer where I'd read English Lit texts with a solo pint, to a spot that is literally always heaving. Real success story
Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
Earlier this year @fred-gs.bsky.social went to find out why faith is being lost in Great Yarmouth, and speak to the people trying to turn it around
national.thelead.uk/p/a-suspende...
national.thelead.uk/p/a-suspende...
A suspended Reform MP, malaise and discontent on the English seaside
Great Yarmouth and other eastern coastal towns went light blue last summer. With Rupert Lowe now suspended, we ask what the future holds....
national.thelead.uk
September 25, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Earlier this year @fred-gs.bsky.social went to find out why faith is being lost in Great Yarmouth, and speak to the people trying to turn it around
national.thelead.uk/p/a-suspende...
national.thelead.uk/p/a-suspende...
The Ballon d'Or is more valuable than ever, and plenty of PR work goes on behind the scenes in the run-up to the event
For @gqmagazine.bsky.social I spoke to @jonlegossip.bsky.social & others about the fight for football's most prestigious individual award
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/the-...
For @gqmagazine.bsky.social I spoke to @jonlegossip.bsky.social & others about the fight for football's most prestigious individual award
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/the-...
The murky PR fight for the Ballon d'Or, explained
After a marketing agency contacted a journalist offering money in exchange for positive social media posts about a nominee, we explore what actually goes on behind-the-scenes in the battle for the Bal...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk
September 22, 2025 at 3:58 PM
The Ballon d'Or is more valuable than ever, and plenty of PR work goes on behind the scenes in the run-up to the event
For @gqmagazine.bsky.social I spoke to @jonlegossip.bsky.social & others about the fight for football's most prestigious individual award
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/the-...
For @gqmagazine.bsky.social I spoke to @jonlegossip.bsky.social & others about the fight for football's most prestigious individual award
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/the-...
Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
As part of a new series, our Marketing & Events Exec, Kimberley is interviewing our members so we can all get to know them a whole lot better.
In the first instalment, Kimberley
interviews beer writer, @fred-gs.bsky.social
youtu.be/AUiDSaIpytc?...
In the first instalment, Kimberley
interviews beer writer, @fred-gs.bsky.social
youtu.be/AUiDSaIpytc?...
An interview with Beer Writer, Fred Garratt-Stanley
YouTube video by Craft Beer Pinup
youtu.be
September 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Was great chatting to Kimberley about beer, pubs, and freelance writing for this Guild members interview 🍺 @britbeerwriters.bsky.social
As part of a new series, our Marketing & Events Exec, Kimberley is interviewing our members so we can all get to know them a whole lot better.
In the first instalment, Kimberley
interviews beer writer, @fred-gs.bsky.social
youtu.be/AUiDSaIpytc?...
In the first instalment, Kimberley
interviews beer writer, @fred-gs.bsky.social
youtu.be/AUiDSaIpytc?...
An interview with Beer Writer, Fred Garratt-Stanley
YouTube video by Craft Beer Pinup
youtu.be
September 17, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Was great chatting to Kimberley about beer, pubs, and freelance writing for this Guild members interview 🍺 @britbeerwriters.bsky.social
Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
"This is a place where the players know your name"
I've loved following @whitehawkfc.bsky.social in the last few years. My latest Substack is a deep dive into the club & its unique vision of Football For All
Please read!
#nonleague #nonleaguefootball #brighton
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
I've loved following @whitehawkfc.bsky.social in the last few years. My latest Substack is a deep dive into the club & its unique vision of Football For All
Please read!
#nonleague #nonleaguefootball #brighton
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
Inside the Evolution of Whitehawk FC
Galvanised by a passionate and politicised fanbase, the East Brighton outfit are showing how non-league clubs can plot an alternative future for football
open.substack.com
September 4, 2025 at 9:39 AM
"This is a place where the players know your name"
I've loved following @whitehawkfc.bsky.social in the last few years. My latest Substack is a deep dive into the club & its unique vision of Football For All
Please read!
#nonleague #nonleaguefootball #brighton
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
I've loved following @whitehawkfc.bsky.social in the last few years. My latest Substack is a deep dive into the club & its unique vision of Football For All
Please read!
#nonleague #nonleaguefootball #brighton
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
"We keep getting drawn to Rome because it keeps changing in front of us," says historian & broadcaster @gregjenner.bsky.social
For US Observer, I spoke to Greg & museum curator Jill Birrel about a new exhibition that offers fresh interpretations of Roman Britain 🏛️
observer.com/2025/09/hist...
For US Observer, I spoke to Greg & museum curator Jill Birrel about a new exhibition that offers fresh interpretations of Roman Britain 🏛️
observer.com/2025/09/hist...
This Traveling Exhibition in the U.K. Recasts Gladiators as More Than Sacrificial Lambs
The artifacts and artworks on display paint a refreshingly broad picture of Roman life in the northern reaches of the Empire.
observer.com
September 11, 2025 at 9:48 AM
"We keep getting drawn to Rome because it keeps changing in front of us," says historian & broadcaster @gregjenner.bsky.social
For US Observer, I spoke to Greg & museum curator Jill Birrel about a new exhibition that offers fresh interpretations of Roman Britain 🏛️
observer.com/2025/09/hist...
For US Observer, I spoke to Greg & museum curator Jill Birrel about a new exhibition that offers fresh interpretations of Roman Britain 🏛️
observer.com/2025/09/hist...
"This is a place where the players know your name"
I've loved following @whitehawkfc.bsky.social in the last few years. My latest Substack is a deep dive into the club & its unique vision of Football For All
Please read!
#nonleague #nonleaguefootball #brighton
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
I've loved following @whitehawkfc.bsky.social in the last few years. My latest Substack is a deep dive into the club & its unique vision of Football For All
Please read!
#nonleague #nonleaguefootball #brighton
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
Inside the Evolution of Whitehawk FC
Galvanised by a passionate and politicised fanbase, the East Brighton outfit are showing how non-league clubs can plot an alternative future for football
open.substack.com
September 4, 2025 at 9:39 AM
"This is a place where the players know your name"
I've loved following @whitehawkfc.bsky.social in the last few years. My latest Substack is a deep dive into the club & its unique vision of Football For All
Please read!
#nonleague #nonleaguefootball #brighton
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
I've loved following @whitehawkfc.bsky.social in the last few years. My latest Substack is a deep dive into the club & its unique vision of Football For All
Please read!
#nonleague #nonleaguefootball #brighton
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
With venue closures soaring and purse strings tightening, UK nightlife is in crisis.
For @theleaduk.bsky.social I sampled the scenes in two cities — Brighton and Leicester — at opposite ends of the spectrum, asking: what is the future of UK nightlife?
national.thelead.uk/p/from-brigh...
For @theleaduk.bsky.social I sampled the scenes in two cities — Brighton and Leicester — at opposite ends of the spectrum, asking: what is the future of UK nightlife?
national.thelead.uk/p/from-brigh...
From Brighton to Leicester: Where do people go for a good night out these days?
With venue closures soaring and purse strings tightening, UK nightlife is in crisis. Fred Garratt-Stanley samples two nightlife cities to see if the 'big night out' still exists.
national.thelead.uk
September 1, 2025 at 11:27 AM
With venue closures soaring and purse strings tightening, UK nightlife is in crisis.
For @theleaduk.bsky.social I sampled the scenes in two cities — Brighton and Leicester — at opposite ends of the spectrum, asking: what is the future of UK nightlife?
national.thelead.uk/p/from-brigh...
For @theleaduk.bsky.social I sampled the scenes in two cities — Brighton and Leicester — at opposite ends of the spectrum, asking: what is the future of UK nightlife?
national.thelead.uk/p/from-brigh...
Beer people, if you love/have strong opinions about honey ale, I'd love to hear from you for a piece I'm writing. Message me if you're interested!
September 1, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Beer people, if you love/have strong opinions about honey ale, I'd love to hear from you for a piece I'm writing. Message me if you're interested!
In recent years, important strides have been taken to make British football refereeing more diverse. But to level the playing field, there's still serious work to do.
As the Premier League returns, I report on the state of play for @theleaduk.bsky.social✍️
national.thelead.uk/p/level-the-...
As the Premier League returns, I report on the state of play for @theleaduk.bsky.social✍️
national.thelead.uk/p/level-the-...
Level the playing field: Why are there still so few Black referees?
As the Premier League kicks off this weekend you're unlikely to see a non-white official on the pitch. With so many initiatives to improve diversity in football – why is refereeing lagging behind?
national.thelead.uk
August 19, 2025 at 1:16 PM
In recent years, important strides have been taken to make British football refereeing more diverse. But to level the playing field, there's still serious work to do.
As the Premier League returns, I report on the state of play for @theleaduk.bsky.social✍️
national.thelead.uk/p/level-the-...
As the Premier League returns, I report on the state of play for @theleaduk.bsky.social✍️
national.thelead.uk/p/level-the-...
Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
Despite the impact of the late Uriah Rennie - the first person of colour to referee a top-flight English football match - there are still very few non-white referees in football. But things are changing.
✍️ @fred-gs.bsky.social reports
national.thelead.uk/p/level-the-...
✍️ @fred-gs.bsky.social reports
national.thelead.uk/p/level-the-...
Level the playing field: Why are there still so few Black referees?
As the Premier League kicks off this weekend you're unlikely to see a non-white official on the pitch. With so many initiatives to improve diversity in football – why is refereeing lagging behind?
national.thelead.uk
August 19, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Despite the impact of the late Uriah Rennie - the first person of colour to referee a top-flight English football match - there are still very few non-white referees in football. But things are changing.
✍️ @fred-gs.bsky.social reports
national.thelead.uk/p/level-the-...
✍️ @fred-gs.bsky.social reports
national.thelead.uk/p/level-the-...
The Premier League returns today, and with it, Fantasy Football.
But the proliferation of FPL gurus & stats nerds means it’s harder for casual players to compete than ever. For @gqmagazine.bsky.social I asked: is it worth the hassle?
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/how-...
But the proliferation of FPL gurus & stats nerds means it’s harder for casual players to compete than ever. For @gqmagazine.bsky.social I asked: is it worth the hassle?
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/how-...
How the nerds killed Fantasy Football
What was once a fun pastime for the everyfan has become a ruthless cottage industry of stat-obsessed influencers, BBC-backed experts and now – AI. Is it time to finally pack it in?
www.gq-magazine.co.uk
August 15, 2025 at 9:14 AM
The Premier League returns today, and with it, Fantasy Football.
But the proliferation of FPL gurus & stats nerds means it’s harder for casual players to compete than ever. For @gqmagazine.bsky.social I asked: is it worth the hassle?
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/how-...
But the proliferation of FPL gurus & stats nerds means it’s harder for casual players to compete than ever. For @gqmagazine.bsky.social I asked: is it worth the hassle?
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/how-...
Still looking to speak to people for this article - if you've got strong opinions on FPL, I'd love to hear from you! (whatever those opinions may be)
Are you a casual #FPL player who struggles to compete with friends who follow FPL pros/stats gurus?
If so I’d love to speak to you for a piece I’m working on, please message me if you’re interested #FPLCommunity #journorequest
If so I’d love to speak to you for a piece I’m working on, please message me if you’re interested #FPLCommunity #journorequest
August 13, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Still looking to speak to people for this article - if you've got strong opinions on FPL, I'd love to hear from you! (whatever those opinions may be)
Are you a casual #FPL player who struggles to compete with friends who follow FPL pros/stats gurus?
If so I’d love to speak to you for a piece I’m working on, please message me if you’re interested #FPLCommunity #journorequest
If so I’d love to speak to you for a piece I’m working on, please message me if you’re interested #FPLCommunity #journorequest
August 12, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Are you a casual #FPL player who struggles to compete with friends who follow FPL pros/stats gurus?
If so I’d love to speak to you for a piece I’m working on, please message me if you’re interested #FPLCommunity #journorequest
If so I’d love to speak to you for a piece I’m working on, please message me if you’re interested #FPLCommunity #journorequest
Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
With coastal villages like Happisburgh crumbling into the sea, Norfolk is on the frontline of the UK’s battle to cope with climate change.
I reported on the key issues facing the county for @theleaduk.bsky.social
substack.com/@edwalkerlea...
I reported on the key issues facing the county for @theleaduk.bsky.social
substack.com/@edwalkerlea...
The Lead Editors (@edwalkerleadnorth)
Entire East Anglian villages could be lost by 2050 – bolder environmental action is desperately needed from the government. @Fred Garratt-Stanley reports in the latest edition of @The Lead
substack.com
August 2, 2025 at 4:50 PM
With coastal villages like Happisburgh crumbling into the sea, Norfolk is on the frontline of the UK’s battle to cope with climate change.
I reported on the key issues facing the county for @theleaduk.bsky.social
substack.com/@edwalkerlea...
I reported on the key issues facing the county for @theleaduk.bsky.social
substack.com/@edwalkerlea...
If you’ve ditched Spotify recently due to Daniel Ek funding genocide, please drop me a message! It’s for a story I’m working on #journorequest
Honestly guys if you're still paying for Spotify it's time to move on. You're literally paying for AI warfare:
Spotify's Daniel Ek leads €600 million investment in AI military "defence" company share.google/8QTP4eriOoxd...
Spotify's Daniel Ek leads €600 million investment in AI military "defence" company share.google/8QTP4eriOoxd...
Spotify's Daniel Ek leads €600 million investment in AI military defence company
Ek told The Financial Times that "AI, mass and autonomy" are "driving the new battlefield"
share.google
August 5, 2025 at 10:42 AM
If you’ve ditched Spotify recently due to Daniel Ek funding genocide, please drop me a message! It’s for a story I’m working on #journorequest
With coastal villages like Happisburgh crumbling into the sea, Norfolk is on the frontline of the UK’s battle to cope with climate change.
I reported on the key issues facing the county for @theleaduk.bsky.social
substack.com/@edwalkerlea...
I reported on the key issues facing the county for @theleaduk.bsky.social
substack.com/@edwalkerlea...
The Lead Editors (@edwalkerleadnorth)
Entire East Anglian villages could be lost by 2050 – bolder environmental action is desperately needed from the government. @Fred Garratt-Stanley reports in the latest edition of @The Lead
substack.com
August 2, 2025 at 4:50 PM
With coastal villages like Happisburgh crumbling into the sea, Norfolk is on the frontline of the UK’s battle to cope with climate change.
I reported on the key issues facing the county for @theleaduk.bsky.social
substack.com/@edwalkerlea...
I reported on the key issues facing the county for @theleaduk.bsky.social
substack.com/@edwalkerlea...
Reposted by Fred Garratt-Stanley
Epping is a warning ⚠️
My latest Substack focuses on the recent anti-asylum seeker protests in Essex. I spoke to locals & considered whether a repeat of last summer’s racist riots could be around the corner. Please read & subscribe 👊
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
My latest Substack focuses on the recent anti-asylum seeker protests in Essex. I spoke to locals & considered whether a repeat of last summer’s racist riots could be around the corner. Please read & subscribe 👊
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
Epping is a Warning
As anti-asylum seeker protests erupt in suburban Essex, it's clear that a repeat of last year's racist riots could be around the corner
open.substack.com
July 30, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Epping is a warning ⚠️
My latest Substack focuses on the recent anti-asylum seeker protests in Essex. I spoke to locals & considered whether a repeat of last summer’s racist riots could be around the corner. Please read & subscribe 👊
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...
My latest Substack focuses on the recent anti-asylum seeker protests in Essex. I spoke to locals & considered whether a repeat of last summer’s racist riots could be around the corner. Please read & subscribe 👊
open.substack.com/pub/fredgarr...