And as a fun aside - one of my local Sam Smith's is the only place (during the pandemic) that I ever got told to take off my mask when I walked in. Make of that what you will...

Humphrey’s world: how the Samuel Smith beer baron built Britain’s strangest pub chain Since the 1970s, Humphrey Smith has acquired scores of pubs and historic properties around the UK. But time after time, he has left the buildings empty. Why has he allowed his empire to moulder?

Unbelievable commitment to being northern here: "It is said that he [Humphrey Smith] once walked the seven miles from York station to his home rather than pay for a £20 taxi. "

www.theguardian.com/news/2024/de...

Feels very quiet on here! As a quick hello / intro, I'm a journalist at Channel 4 Dispatches based in London (though most definitely a northerner!). Always keen to hear any investigation tip-offs or link up with other journalists for potential collabs! Email in bio.