Grimsby: Rain, Regret, and Really Bad Coffee
okay, so, grimsby. seriously? i wasn’t expecting much. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 1022 pressure, 87 humidity - feels like stepping into a damp wool blanket. it’s kinda beautiful, in a bleak, industrial sort of way. i’m pretty sure the air tastes like coal dust and disappointment.
I landed here on a whim, mostly because my flight was cheapest from…well, let’s not talk about that. my phone’s already dying, which is a solid start to the trip, honestly. i’m staying in this place called ‘The Rusty Cog’ - it’s basically a converted warehouse with mismatched furniture and a surprisingly aggressive collection of taxidermied badgers.
Spent the morning wandering around the docks. it’s…grey. a lot of grey. and a lot of boats. mostly fishing boats. i tried to get some shots, but the light is just ugh. i need a new lens, or maybe just a new hobby. i did, however, overhear some interesting things.
Someone told me that the best fish and chips are at ‘Old Man Fitzwilliam’s,’ but they only take cash and he’s a grumpy bastard. Also, apparently, the local pub, ‘The Salty Siren,’ has a surprisingly decent selection of craft beers. Don’t tell anyone I told you that.
Seriously, the vibe here is…heavy. Like, emotionally heavy. I’m starting to think i should have gone to barcelona. But, you know, spontaneity and all that. I’m trying to embrace the gloom, but my brain is screaming for sunshine and avocado toast.
Here’s the gear I brought (because, you know, a professional needs to document everything, even the misery):
Camera: Canon R6 - still feels kinda fancy, tbh.
*Lenses: 35mm, 50mm, and a ridiculously expensive 85mm. Don’t judge.
*Notebook & Pen: For capturing all the profound thoughts I’m having (or not having, mostly).
*Portable Charger: Because my phone is currently staging a rebellion.
*Rain Jacket: Duh.
*Thermos: For coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Speaking of coffee…the coffee here is…an experience. Let’s just say it’s aggressively dark and tastes vaguely of burnt rubber. I found a place called ‘Blackheart Brew’ - it’s run by a guy named Silas who looks like he hasn’t slept in a decade. He offered me a shot of something called ‘Dragon’s Breath’ and I politely declined. I’m pretty sure it would have set my soul on fire. Check out their menu here: https://www.blackheartbrew.com
I stumbled across this little street art alleyway - it’s actually pretty cool, considering the whole town feels like it’s slowly decaying. Lots of murals of seagulls and industrial machinery. It’s a nice contrast to the grey skies.
I heard that the best place to get a decent meal is ‘The Mariner’s Catch’ - apparently, they have some surprisingly good seafood. I’m skeptical, but desperate. I’m also checking out TripAdvisor for other recommendations. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g186353-Grimsby_Lincolnshire_England.html
I’m meeting a guy named Finn tonight. He’s a local musician - plays a bit of blues and a lot of regret, apparently. He said he knows a good spot for a drink and a cigarette. I’m hoping he can provide some much-needed distraction from the pervasive melancholy.
Someone else mentioned that the local museum, ‘The Grimsby Maritime Archive,’ is surprisingly interesting, especially if you’re into shipbuilding and the history of…well, shipping. It’s a bit dusty, but they have some fascinating artifacts. Don’t expect a lot of flashing lights.
Seriously, if you’re looking for a vibrant, sunny getaway, Grimsby is not* it. But if you’re into atmospheric grey, slightly depressing vibes, and a healthy dose of caffeine-fueled introspection, then maybe…maybe it’s worth a look. I’m going to check Yelp for some more local haunts. https://www.yelp.com/directory/grimby-restaurants
Okay, I’m officially running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. Time to find a pub and contemplate the meaning of life (or at least, the meaning of this trip). If you get bored, [Lincoln] are just a short drive away.
