Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[Pt-Luso]

Today's arrival!

Congratulations Jeff, lovely stag Hartshead Barlow!

 

[Pt-Luso]

Apparently some have tempering test marks:

Great Lambsfoot Barry!!!

 

[Pt-Luso]

I've been meaning to tell you that I think you got a fantastic knife here! Definitely every bit as good as the one I have. I wasn't too keen on the Pere David stag at first, but it's grown on me. Love that file work!

Thank you Steve, I love Stag, especially the sambar (Père David not so much), but I really like this knife because it molds itself well by hand by having the almost symmetrical sides!

 

[Pt-Luso]

With my Hartshead Barlow arriving today, I did some comparison of RALF to the new kid on the block. Placing the two knives parallel, with the front of each bolster lined up, we can see that the two lamb foot blades are identical in size. The closed length of the Guardians' 2018 ebony is 3.60", while the Hartshead frame is 3.74" and thicker as well. With the longer bolster and more hand-filling frame, I would say the Hartshead is a slightly harder working version of the Guardians. I dig 'em both . . . many, many thanks, Jack!

Thanks for the explanation Jeff, but this stag color is fabulous!

 

[Pt-Luso]

I certainly dont think ill will... personally I love the mismatched, super thin to thick stag but to each their own! Here's one that would drive most people mad..... fits my hand perfectly!

Nice picture and good knife Steve.

 

[Half/Stop]

Thanks Ron, excellent appraisal, looking forward to seeing your pics

Thank you Jack!

I haven't liked some of the fat-cut Pere David stag I've had in the past, but with Sambar, I pretty much like it all ways, from the skillfully thin-cut old stag to the gnarly hand-filling stuff. I always like it, particularly with an old knife, where the stag almost melts into the liner, so thin that, at first, you think they cut it too thin, but then you look, and realise just how skilled the cutler was. It used to irritate me the way Wright's cut their stag too thick, and then ground half the bark off, Trevor Ablett sometimes did the same, but now I think they are getting better, and I'm very pleased with the stag models we've had from them. I just wish they could get more good Sambar, but worry what we've had may be the last of it

I love old Joseph Rodgers knives, and have quite a few of them, but I'm afraid I can't recommend the knives which currently carry that name, certainly if you have to order them sight-unseen. The last one I bought had terrible F&F, and I know other Guardians who have recently purchased their knives have been similarly disappointed. They get their knives made where they can, around the city, and seem to be struggling to get knives made. I also think they are overpriced, simply because they have the old Joseph Rodgers name attached to them. The same with Wostenholm, a name also owned by Eggington since they snapped them up in the mid-1980's. Historically, Eggington were not even a pocket-knife manufacturer. I wish that there were more Sheffield manufacturers to go to, that Rodgers and Taylor's Eye Witness, were still genuine traditional Sheffield pocket knife manufacturers. Sadly, Wright's, a tiny firm, who can be frustrating to deal with, are the last game in town in terms of traditional pocket-knives. It'd be great if that changed, but I don't see it happening, particularly since the UK has developed such an antagonistic attitude to pocket cutlery in recent years

Morning Guardians, I hope everyone has a great weekend ahead of them

Good morning Guardians! I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend with friends and family!

Thanks for the info on Rodgers and TEW Jack. I don’t own any old knives from these two firms. I have handled the two old TEW Lambsfoots that Harry owns. I will say they are beautiful and very well made. However they may be a century old or older even! I do have one newer production large pattern TEW that has a carbon blade. I don’t know as to the year of manufacture , but I will say this, it ain’t no Wright’s Lambsfoot.

I agree with you on the part about cutting off the bark. That never really makes any sense. If the stag is too thick they should remove the excess from the bone side and leave the bark intact. The bark is what makes the Stag unique, with no two being exactly the same. There’s no question that the skill level at Wright’s has been elevated. This is evident by all the beautiful knives that they have been producing for you and all of us lucky Guardians. Wright’s has some beautiful Sambar and it would be a shame if their supplies were to be depleted.

A great photo and a beautiful Stag Hartshead Barlow Jack!

I was finally able to get some photos of my Hartshead Barlow’s this morning. I don’t know if they really do these beauties justice. The skies were overcast this morning, so the light is what it is. I’m sure there will be many more photos in the future!

Thanks Jack! I do really appreciate you my friend!

 

[Hairy Clipper]

Thank you Jack!


Good morning Guardians! I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend with friends and family!

Thanks for the info on Rodgers and TEW Jack. I don’t own any old knives from these two firms. I have handled the two old TEW Lambsfoots that Harry owns. I will say they are beautiful and very well made. However they may be a century old or older even! I do have one newer production large pattern TEW that has a carbon blade. I don’t know as to the year of manufacture , but I will say this, it ain’t no Wright’s Lambsfoot.

My those are wonderful!
I agree with you on the part about cutting off the bark. That never really makes any sense. If the stag is too thick they should remove the excess from the bone side and leave the bark intact. The bark is what makes the Stag unique, with no two being exactly the same. There’s no question that the skill level at Wright’s has been elevated. This is evident by all the beautiful knives that they have been producing for you and all of us lucky Guardians. Wright’s has some beautiful Sambar and it would be a shame if their supplies were to be depleted.

A great photo and a beautiful Stag Hartshead Barlow Jack!

I was finally able to get some photos of my Hartshead Barlow’s this morning. I don’t know if they really do these beauties justice. The skies were overcast this morning, so the light is what it is. I’m sure there will be many more photos in the future!

Thanks Jack! I do really appreciate you my friend!

Thank you Jack!


Good morning Guardians! I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend with friends and family!

Thanks for the info on Rodgers and TEW Jack. I don’t own any old knives from these two firms. I have handled the two old TEW Lambsfoots that Harry owns. I will say they are beautiful and very well made. However they may be a century old or older even! I do have one newer production large pattern TEW that has a carbon blade. I don’t know as to the year of manufacture , but I will say this, it ain’t no Wright’s Lambsfoot.

I agree with you on the part about cutting off the bark. That never really makes any sense. If the stag is too thick they should remove the excess from the bone side and leave the bark intact. The bark is what makes the Stag unique, with no two being exactly the same. There’s no question that the skill level at Wright’s has been elevated. This is evident by all the beautiful knives that they have been producing for you and all of us lucky Guardians. Wright’s has some beautiful Sambar and it would be a shame if their supplies were to be depleted.

A great photo and a beautiful Stag Hartshead Barlow Jack!

I was finally able to get some photos of my Hartshead Barlow’s this morning. I don’t know if they really do these beauties justice. The skies were overcast this morning, so the light is what it is. I’m sure there will be many more photos in the future!

Thanks Jack! I do really appreciate you my friend!

My those are lovely!
Good Morning Guardians of the Lambsfoot. We have high overcast skies here in southern Minnesota with an occasional bit of blue peeking through. I need to get some photographs, too, and think I may wait a bit and see if the flat light goes away before the noon day sun arrives.

 

[JohnDF]

Good Morning Guardians
My desire to see my son compete is greater than my hatred of the Bay Area (sorry waverave ), so I have a road trip today. Headed down to Stanford this afternoon to watch the Drum Corps International competition, it should be an amazing show!!!

 

[5K Qs]

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View attachment 1148428

Amazing grain on your ironwood, Russell!!

Good Evening Guardians
It's your nightly grillin' edition.
Tonight we have Lamb cutting Lamb.

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I'm glad to see you're not just living on Jammie Dodgers John!
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Healthy observation, Jack.
John, that looks delicious, but does it make your lambsfoot a cannibal?

Good to hear that iconic call again. Thanks, Vince.
I wonder if the Guardians need an official "battlecry"?

Well, it came today.

Sorry about the lighting, but it's dark out. I will be posting more pictures soon.

This is my fourth lambsfoot. The first was Ashley's Choice, a wonderful little Sambar Stag knife that was my 2018 "Knife of the Year." Then the desert ironwood lambsfoot, which is a better size for my hands. Every ironwood lambsfoot I've seen here is extraordinary. What a beautiful knife! Then I was gifted a limited edition rosewood lambsfoot that @tmd_87 won in Jack's latest GAW. (Thanks again, Taylor!) Another special knife. Carried it today. This one I've had for a couple of hours, and it's already my favourite. When I first saw pictures of it, I knew I had to buy one, and I'm glad I did. I will be toting this one often. A great size for a pocket knife, and gorgeous fat stag, the way I like it. A work of art, and I love the history behind it. I love the pocket slip and the button, too.

Kudos to the cutler, and to you, Jack. What a great ambassador you are. I will drink a toast to you tonight with some English gin. Cheers!

Congrats on the Hartshead stag, Vince! I enjoyed reading your description of your current flock of lambs.

So walking in to work from the parking deck revealed damage from last nights storm. Loving the patina, and can’t keep this one out of my pocket!
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Your AC looks Awfully Capable in that fallen limb!

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Have a good Summer Solstice Friday, and an even better weekend
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Not the summer solstice already!! I'm not prepared to start losing daylight already!

Great picture, GT.
It makes me yearn for my favorite time of year. The weather is cooler, the trees are beautiful, it's prime fly fishing time, and prime four wheeling time. I spend a lot of time in the mountains in the Fall. I can't wait!!!

Thanks, John. Let's just hold off awhile on yearning for fall, OK?? I've been anticipating summer for about 8 months, and I'd be thrilled if the next 3 months lasted a loooong time!

Good Morning Guardians... Beep... Bop... Boop

John, you always have the best toys and tools!

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Thanks GT! Cracking photo of your Cracker Jack.
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Thanks, Greg.

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No GT. All you need for Texas chili is a STRAW.

Cracker Jack is a very special AC lamb.
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Have a great day y'allView attachment 1148565

Thanks for the Cracker Jack mention, Dwight.
Dignified ironwood lambsfoot! Isn't it amazing how they can take the circular stripes in a stump and straighten them out to make handles like yours??

Guess I should ignore the Texas jokes. Y'all's jealous, that's all!

Among the males with whom I grew up, giving someone a hard time was a sign of affection, Vince. The women in my life have never appreciated that.

Another photo of stag left hand and with decorated backspring!

Special knife you have, José!

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Only if they get tied in knots GT! Thanks buddy
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Nice pic GT
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Hope everyone is having a good day I walked into town, and after calling in at the post office, went for coffee and a blueberry croissant

Tied in knots
Thanks, Jack.
Your pic reminds me that I may have a wedge of pie somewhere around here.

...
I think I'll make a pot of chili con frijoles this Sunday. (You see, 5K Qs , Chili con carne is peppers with meat. Chili con carne con frijoles is peppers & meat with beans. So as a Texan, I can make chili the way I like it (with pinto beans) I just have to call it by the right nombre.

While waiting for my Barlow, I'll carry some horn:

Thanks for my latest chili lesson, Rachel.
You have some of the nicest horn on the 2017 Guardians, IMHO!

Thanks, everyone. And Good Morning, Guardians!

Love the reddish tints in your stag, Vince! Looks like the blade etch has what numismatists call a "double strike", I think. That probably makes your Hartshead Barlow even more valuable!

5K Qs Thank you GT. Cracker Looks especially nice in that image.
...

I appreciate your support, Harvey!

I'll reserve tables GT!!

Sorry, guys, it's not a Barlow yet, but it is a Real Lambsfoot.
View attachment 1148698

In fact, it's a Real EXQUISITE Lambsfoot, Dave!!

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Gary I sort of suspected that!

I got my package from Jack yesterday evening around 8pm when I finally got home from an unbelievably tough and long day helping my brother and niece. As usual Jack had taken the time to securely package the knives to ensure a safe arrival. Thanks Jack! I haven’t taken any glamour photos of my Barlow’s yet, but I did take this one quick photo. I have spent some time this morning flushing and inspecting. Maybe I’ll get some photos in the evening light. It appears that some of the Stag examples have nicely matched scales as to thickness. Congrats to all who have received their Barlow’s.

View attachment 1148715

Yeah, it's hard for me to hide, Ron.
Congrats on the arrival of your Hartshead models!! Looking forward to your always impeccable photos!

Oh Happy Day! Look what was waiting for me in my PO Box this morning:

Jack, you and Wright's have outdone yourselves, my friend! I've long wished for a Black-designed, Wright-produced Lambsfoot and this one does not disappoint. I'm delighted.

Thank you for your tireless hard work that made this a possibility. It came to fruition splendidly.

Congrats, Greg; looks like more resplendent rosewood!

Today's arrival!
...

Congrats to you, too, Jeff! That stag looks like it has some appealing flame to it!

And they're mine, ALL MINE!!!!!! EEeehhhaaahhhh…. (laughs maniacly)

Looks like you're about to become a very popular guy for a brief time, Barry!

Thanks, so true, Gary...I got about half done and had to stop. The wind was blowing to hard and I needed to change oil. The break-in period had gone by and I was over the hours the warranty wanted it hanged by.
...

I know what you mean, Preston. A lot of the tasks I have these days seem to take much more time than I planned for them!

Cracker Jack still in my RFP:


- GT

 

[JohnDF]

does it make your lambsfoot a cannibal?

Ever seen the movie, "Black Sheep".

John, you always have the best toys and tools!

Thanks to Jack.
I'm a kid at heart I guess.

 

[Prester John]

Good morning, Guardians!

 

[Half/Stop]

My those are lovely!
Good Morning Guardians of the Lambsfoot. We have high overcast skies here in southern Minnesota with an occasional bit of blue peeking through. I need to get some photographs, too, and think I may wait a bit and see if the flat light goes away before the noon day sun arrives.

Thanks for the compliment!

 

[Half/Stop]

Good Morning Guardians
My desire to see my son compete is greater than my hatred of the Bay Area (sorry waverave ), so I have a road trip today. Headed down to Stanford this afternoon to watch the Drum Corps International competition, it should be an amazing show!!!

Enjoy your day watching your son compete John! That beautiful Barlow should enjoy it’s first trip to the Bay Area!

Yeah, it's hard for me to hide, Ron.
Congrats on the arrival of your Hartshead models!! Looking forward to your always impeccable photos!

Cracker Jack still in my RFP:

Thank you so much for the compliments Gary! Your Cracker Jack has not only provided us with some great photos to look at this week, but has produced many side conversations from other members. I guess the savory popcorn snack has been a part of everyone’s life at some point in time!

Good morning, Guardians!

Good morning Vince! That’s a terrific way to start your morning my friend! A great cup of coffee and a beautiful Stag Barlow! Life is good!

 

[dc50]

I imagine it's always a surprise when overseas packages eventually turn up at your door Dave! Hope you get something in the mail soon buddy

Heck with our postal service it's a surprise to receive mail from Edmonton 200 miles North.

In fact, it's a Real EXQUISITE Lambsfoot, Dave!!

As I've said before GT and will say again, the ebony lambsfoot is the dark prince of Sheffield it's one classy knife.

 

[Hairy Clipper]

I may wrong, I frequently am since advancing age keeps sneaking up behind me, but it seems to me the folks at Cracker Jack are missing a marketing opportunity here. If they were to start slipping a Lambsfoot knife in every box just to stick with the tradition of a prize in every box or if not that, perhaps a Lambsfoot knife in 1 of every 500 boxes they ship might bring even more buyers. The downside is you may have to teach the recently fledged hatch of kids what a box of Cracker Jacks is.

What do you guys think?

 

[waverave]

Good Morning Guardians
My desire to see my son compete is greater than my hatred of the Bay Area (sorry waverave ), so I have a road trip today. Headed down to Stanford this afternoon to watch the Drum Corps International competition, it should be an amazing show!!!

No need to apologize John...I hate the Bay Area too If I was in town this morning I would be at Stanford playing some frisbee golf Enjoy!

 

[JohnDF]

Enjoy your day watching your son compete John!

Thank you, Ron.

No need to apologize John...I hate the Bay Area too

It's not the people, it's just that there's too many of them.
When I hear Jack talk about London, it reminds me of the Bay Area. Lol.

 

[Jack Black]

Thank you Steve, I love Stag, especially the sambar (Père David not so much), but I really like this knife because it molds itself well by hand by having the almost symmetrical sides!

Nice Jose

Thank you Jack!


Good morning Guardians! I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend with friends and family!

Thanks for the info on Rodgers and TEW Jack. I don’t own any old knives from these two firms. I have handled the two old TEW Lambsfoots that Harry owns. I will say they are beautiful and very well made. However they may be a century old or older even! I do have one newer production large pattern TEW that has a carbon blade. I don’t know as to the year of manufacture , but I will say this, it ain’t no Wright’s Lambsfoot.

I agree with you on the part about cutting off the bark. That never really makes any sense. If the stag is too thick they should remove the excess from the bone side and leave the bark intact. The bark is what makes the Stag unique, with no two being exactly the same. There’s no question that the skill level at Wright’s has been elevated. This is evident by all the beautiful knives that they have been producing for you and all of us lucky Guardians. Wright’s has some beautiful Sambar and it would be a shame if their supplies were to be depleted.

A great photo and a beautiful Stag Hartshead Barlow Jack!

I was finally able to get some photos of my Hartshead Barlow’s this morning. I don’t know if they really do these beauties justice. The skies were overcast this morning, so the light is what it is. I’m sure there will be many more photos in the future!

Thanks Jack! I do really appreciate you my friend!

I'm not sure how old Harry's knives are Ron, but TEW always made decent knives in my opinion. I can remember walking past their works on my way to work every day, and there would be scores of men going in all the different gates (more than a dozen of them I think). It is a shame they are now importing knives from China

Many years ago, Sheffield had numerous firms which specialised in cutting bone and stag, and the big firms had their own experts. Those guys knew what they were doing. Still, I've seen old knives with a similar 'lumpiness' to the handles. I'm not sure when the scales for these knives were cut, it could have been 30 years ago. I don't know if they'll be able to get anymore, which is why I was keen to get as many knives made with it as I could. The quality of their knives has come on a lot over these past few years, but it hasn't been an easy job for me, and I'm afraid there's only so much I can do.

Thanks Ron, those are great pics, the mark-side stag is terrific. If you dislike the handle, send me a PM, and I'll swap it for you my friend

Good Morning Guardians
My desire to see my son compete is greater than my hatred of the Bay Area (sorry waverave ), so I have a road trip today. Headed down to Stanford this afternoon to watch the Drum Corps International competition, it should be an amazing show!!!

Have a great day John

Healthy observation, Jack.
John, that looks delicious, but does it make your lambsfoot a cannibal?


Good to hear that iconic call again. Thanks, Vince.
I wonder if the Guardians need an official "battlecry"?


Congrats on the Hartshead stag, Vince! I enjoyed reading your description of your current flock of lambs.


Your AC looks Awfully Capable in that fallen limb!


Not the summer solstice already!! I'm not prepared to start losing daylight already!


Thanks, John. Let's just hold off awhile on yearning for fall, OK?? I've been anticipating summer for about 8 months, and I'd be thrilled if the next 3 months lasted a loooong time!


John, you always have the best toys and tools!


Thanks, Greg.



Thanks for the Cracker Jack mention, Dwight.
Dignified ironwood lambsfoot! Isn't it amazing how they can take the circular stripes in a stump and straighten them out to make handles like yours??


Among the males with whom I grew up, giving someone a hard time was a sign of affection, Vince. The women in my life have never appreciated that.


Special knife you have, José!


Tied in knots
Thanks, Jack.
Your pic reminds me that I may have a wedge of pie somewhere around here.


Thanks for my latest chili lesson, Rachel.
You have some of the nicest horn on the 2017 Guardians, IMHO!


Love the reddish tints in your stag, Vince! Looks like the blade etch has what numismatists call a "double strike", I think. That probably makes your Hartshead Barlow even more valuable!


I appreciate your support, Harvey!





In fact, it's a Real EXQUISITE Lambsfoot, Dave!!


Yeah, it's hard for me to hide, Ron.
Congrats on the arrival of your Hartshead models!! Looking forward to your always impeccable photos!


Congrats, Greg; looks like more resplendent rosewood!


Congrats to you, too, Jeff! That stag looks like it has some appealing flame to it!


Looks like you're about to become a very popular guy for a brief time, Barry!


I know what you mean, Preston. A lot of the tasks I have these days seem to take much more time than I planned for them!

Cracker Jack still in my RFP:
View attachment 1149137

- GT

I can't remember the last time I had a Jammie Dodger, probably when I was at a kid's party when I was about seven! I hope John isn't going to be too disappointed with them

Isn't our battle cry, 'Seize the day, seize the Lambsfoot!'? Or is that too long?!

A wedge of pie huh? That sounds very interesting GT, I was tempted to bring a pie home with me earlier, but managed to resist the temptation! I'm on my own this weekend, and I would certainly have eaten the lot!

Cracking pic of Cracker Jack my friend

Ever seen the movie, "Black Sheep".


Thanks to Jack.
I'm a kid at heart I guess.

Aren't we all John?

I saw some little 3D black sheep pins yesterday, and was tempted to buy one in in spite of a rather hefty price tag. However, when I had a good look, the sheep seemed to look more like a dog!

Good morning, Guardians!

Morning Vince, that looks great

Hope everyone is having a good day I was up very early this morning, and walked into town to go to the central post office, which is open on Saturdays. There was a time when I could get a decent breakfast in any number of cafes in the centre, but Leeds is the most pretentious and gentrified of northern cities, and the swish eateries don't seem to offer much I'd want to eat, let alone pay a small fortune for (eg £8 for "Smashed avo on toast") So I went for a blueberry croissant again. I asked for it warmed, and when it came the young waiter warned me not to burn my mouth. I left it to cool, only to find that it actually hadn't been heated up!

I ended up going for a savoury crepe after, and more coffee, and the crepe was actually pretty tasty

I even managed a mid-afternoon pint before walking back home again

 

[Jack Black]

When I hear Jack talk about London, it reminds me of the Bay Area. Lol.

 

[Ramrodmb]

Nice Jose



I'm not sure how old Harry's knives are Ron, but TEW always made decent knives in my opinion. I can remember walking past their works on my way to work every day, and there would be scores of men going in all the different gates (more than a dozen of them I think). It is a shame they are now importing knives from China

Many years ago, Sheffield had numerous firms which specialised in cutting bone and stag, and the big firms had their own experts. Those guys knew what they were doing. Still, I've seen old knives with a similar 'lumpiness' to the handles. I'm not sure when the scales for these knives were cut, it could have been 30 years ago. I don't know if they'll be able to get anymore, which is why I was keen to get as many knives made with it as I could. The quality of their knives has come on a lot over these past few years, but it hasn't been an easy job for me, and I'm afraid there's only so much I can do.

Thanks Ron, those are great pics, the mark-side stag is terrific. If you dislike the handle, send me a PM, and I'll swap it for you my friend



Have a great day John



I can't remember the last time I had a Jammie Dodger, probably when I was at a kid's party when I was about seven! I hope John isn't going to be too disappointed with them

Isn't our battle cry, 'Seize the day, seize the Lambsfoot!'? Or is that too long?!

A wedge of pie huh? That sounds very interesting GT, I was tempted to bring a pie home with me earlier, but managed to resist the temptation! I'm on my own this weekend, and I would certainly have eaten the lot!

Cracking pic of Cracker Jack my friend



Aren't we all John?

I saw some little 3D black sheep pins yesterday, and was tempted to buy one in in spite of a rather hefty price tag. However, when I had a good look, the sheep seemed to look more like a dog!



Morning Vince, that looks great

Hope everyone is having a good day I was up very early this morning, and walked into town to go to the central post office, which is open on Saturdays. There was a time when I could get a decent breakfast in any number of cafes in the centre, but Leeds is the most pretentious and gentrified of northern cities, and the swish eateries don't seem to offer much I'd want to eat, let alone pay a small fortune for (eg £8 for "Smashed avo on toast") So I went for a blueberry croissant again. I asked for it warmed, and when it came the young waiter warned me not to burn my mouth. I left it to cool, only to find that it actually hadn't been heated up!

I ended up going for a savoury crepe after, and more coffee, and the crepe was actually pretty tasty

I even managed a mid-afternoon pint before walking back home again

Have a great Saturday evening, Jack. Excellent Stag!