The Grafton Inn Added

During a family function last week, we took time out to review the Grafton Inn on the southern outskirts of Hereford. As well as the official HMPG review there are also two reviews from other guests; just click on the names below to read the full reviews:

HMPG, Bev Brock, Psycho

We have also received a review of the Wye Inn, on Holme Lacy Road, from Mr and Mrs Pink. Click here to see what they think.

Drinking Quotes

This is one of many quotes about the drinking condition. Below are several more which serve to provide insights into the human mind. Read, enjoy and think about it!!!

• The sway of alcohol over mankind is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical faculties of human nature, usually crushed to earth by the cold facts and dry criticisms of the sober hour. Sobriety diminishes, discriminates, and says no; drunkenness expands, unites, and says yes. Not through mere perversity do men run after it- William James
• One reason I don't drink is that I want to know when I am having a good time- Nancy Astor
• There is nothing wrong in sobriety in moderation- John Ciardi
• I drink to much. The last time I gave a urine sample it had an olive in it- Rodney Dangerfield
• I love to sing, and I love to drink scotch. Most people would rather hear me drink scotch- George Burns
  
• I saw a notice which said 'Drink Canada Dry' and I've just started- Brendan Behan
• Actually, it only takes one drink to get me loaded. Trouble is, I can't remember if it's the thirteenth or fourteenth- George Burns
• You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on- Dean Martin
• My favourite drink is a cocktail of carrot juice and whiskey. I am always drunk but I can see for miles- Roy 'Chubby' Brown
• No married man is genuinely happy if he has to drink worse whiskey than he used to drink when he was single- H. L. Mencken
  
• If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt- Dean Martin
• Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut- Ernest Hemingway

Quotations will tell the full measure of meaning, if you have enough of them.
- James Murray Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary 1879-1915

Radfords at Edgar Street

If you are down at Edgar Street this season we can hearilty recommend a trip to Radford's for a pre or post-match drink. We checked it out before the Port Vale game the other week and were amazed how much it has changed from the Legends days.

We found a modern and stylish bar with a nice variety of drinks and great service. Its worth checking out just for the mural at the end of the bar alone capturing the most famous moment in Hereford United history.

Also worth noting is that they are now open for away games with piped through commentary of the match via BBC Hereford and Worcester. All in all its a great bar and even if things don't improve on the pitch anytime soon you can drown your sorrows there in style!

You can check out the full review here

Book Review: "THE PUBS OF HEREFORD CITY"

"The Pubs of Hereford City" by Ron Shoesmith and John Eisel.

This is a fascinating read for anyone who has an interest in the history of pubs in Hereford. There is a danger that a book like this could easily descend into a list of pubs, landlords and dates; however, the authors incorporate an interesting narrative throughout, and the stories of each and every pub is well researched and presented.
This is the third fully revised edition of this book, and as a result there are plenty of photographs and illustrations throughout- although they are all in black and white. Having been published in 2004, certain areas of the book are slightly out of date now, but this does not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Starting in Roman Times the first chapter gives a summary of the expansion of the market town and the associated alehouses, taverns and Inns. Chapter two then details the history of brewing and breweries in the city. The remaining 15 chapters each take a section of the city and describe the changes that have taken place up to recent times.
This book is thoroughly interesting and useful read, and I recommend it to anyone who believes that there is more to a pub than just drinking.

New Watercress Harry's Review (plus 9 others)

Last week saw the re-opening of a well known Hereford pub- Watercress Harry's (pictured above). This establishment has had a troubled time over the last year or so: it has morphed from the original Watercress Harry's into Venue Watercress, this then closed and re-opened under the name of Zombies, which also closed only to be re-imagined as H20; however, this closed after a few short weeks. We only hope that in it's new guise it will remain open for the foreseeable future.

We have also received several other reviews, which include: The Barrels, The Hop Pole and The Rose and Crown (all pictured below). One other venue that has been reviewed is Radfords- which replaces Legends Bar at the home of Hereford United FC at Edgar Street.
A big thank you to everyone who has sent in a review, but special mention must go to Andrew Bryne and Khriss Smith who between them sent in 7 reviews- keep up the good work!To see the newly added reviews just click on the relevant name below:

• Watercress Harry's- HMPG, Andrew Bryne, Khriss Smith
• Radfords (formerly Legends)- HMPG
• The Barrels- Lady W, Khriss Smith
• The Hop Pole- Andrew Bryne, Khriss Smith
• The Rose and Crown- Andrew Bryne, Khriss Smith

In total there are now 119 official HMPG reviews and 137 reviews sent in by our avid readers- as ever we look forward to reading your views and opinions.

A Closer Look at THE WYE INN

The Wye Inn,

Holme Lacy Road,
Hereford HR2 6BQ
Tel: 01432 270627 -- To get directions to The Wye Inn click here.

The Wye Inn is a welcoming, child friendly public house on the southern outskirts of Hereford. There has been a change of landlord recently and the service and overall atmosphere has improved immensely.As the pictures show it has several features, including:

• A large dining area with adjacent bar.
• An indoor play area for children, which includes a ball pit.
• A large beer garden with enclosed play area suitable for under 9's.
• Ample car parking.
• Free Wi-Fi.

At the time of writing there are several offers available, which include:

• Happy Hour at the bar where most pints cost £2.10 between 5 and 7pm.
• All day food- although there was not that many vegetarian meals on the menu they were more than happy to try to accommodate our needs, and even made us an omelette!
• Children's meals for 99p when bought with an adult meal.

As well as the official HMPG review we have received two other reviews- to read these just click on the appropriate name: HMPG, Zoe W, Jo.