I beg to differ on the Northern beer front, I’ll agree Masham (Black Sheep) do some lovely beer but that’s a given. What the North lacks is independent pubs that sell real beer instead of John Smiths piss
The Bell in R’ogae is the only place for miles and miles that sells a range of local small Brewers ale, the rest of the pubs are Theakston owned and sell water with one hop in it.
And yes, I’ve scoured the Dales looking for real beer.
The weather is, and normally is,10C colder, wetter and cloudier. It stays Winter for 6 months of the year, you get a day of sunshine and a whole world of rolled up t-shirt, white socks, jeans and either “best” black shoes or freshly washed white trainer wearing brigade hang around looking either solemn or down their noses at normal people.
You also have some of the most selfish and arrogant drivers.
The countrysides nice though, you’ve got some of the most pleasant landscapes found anywhere on the planet.
Edit, you know I ride around the North York Dales (Harrogate etc) so I’m only picking on this bit because I know it so well.