Banking on Birmingham

There's something of a financial focus to the Chip Foundation's first meeting of 2025 when a selection of former Birmingham banking establishments provide the thrust of our January rendezvous...

- A Theatrical Starting Point -

Episode 84 of the Chip Foundation Chronicles takes place on the evening of Monday 13th January whereby we congregate at Grand Central under Ozzy's watching gaze. Our first port of call is Theatrix on the corner of Colmore Row and Waterloo Street, allowing fine views over Victoria Square. Normally a venue such as this wouldn't be on our radar but its architectural appeal wins us over, the building having been originally built as the headquarters for Alliance Assurance. High ceilings and fancy downlighters add to the sense of glamour.

- Too Much Monkey Business? -

Settling in with respective glasses of Guinness, blackcurrant and lemonade or Attic Pale Ale, we commandeer a semi-circular booth composed of floral green fabric. Discussions about the Women's Ashes series, FA Cup performances and Nick's liking for table football abound but it's the wider interior which truly captures my imagination. A sumptuous snug has a stunning marble fireplace and apparently there is a rooftop terrace, although January might not be the best month for testing that out! A trek downstairs to the gents reveals a spiral staircase, tiled vault passages and two stuffed monkeys guarding what presumably used to be the safe - we respectfully heed the warning not the feed the animals but they already have champagne.

- Fudge Brownie Stout -

Continuing to explore the corridors of monetary power, our next stop will be the Colmore Tap as located in Victoria House. Operated by Thornbridge Brewery in conjunction with Pivovar, this used to be a branch of Lloyds Bank and has some spectacular features such as Pondera lettering and much mirrored panelling. The full range of Thornbridge ales is being showcased (including Lord Marples, Brother Rabbit and Nick's beloved Jaipur) but once we'd spotted North Riding's Fudge Brownie Stout there is no going back - a mere trifle at 7.4% abv!

- HRH with ESB in the OJS -

Not wishing to depart from our banking remit just yet, we relocate to the Old Joint Stock on Temple Row which is presented as a Fuller's Ale & Pie House. There are Lloyds connections here too although the building was initially designed by Julius Alfred Chatwin to be a library before the Birmingham Joint Stock Bank took ownership. A magnificent wooden bar surround is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of standout features, and we enjoy sitting upstairs among classical busts and bodices. ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is the tipple of choice as we discuss Ken's forthcoming coach holidays and Stephen's plans for the 2025 cricket season; the on-site theatre hosts regular performances and open mic sessions while the Chatwin Room is an elegantly decorated private function space. 

- Doggy Dart Fashions in Flight Club -

Having cashed in our ex-bank trinity, we seek a final watering hole with which to round off the evening in appropriate style. Our intended nightcap option of the Botanist doesn't appear to be open but stepping into the breach is the Flight Club halfway down Temple Street. Bold claims about bringing darts into the 21st century need to be investigated, and this is certainly a world away from smoky working men's clubs or backstreet boozers. Several bookable oche playing areas are available, each furnished with dart-tracking technology while cameras replay any clinical checkouts. Given it's a cold Monday evening in January, there are plenty of takers.

- Mr B meets Elena -

True, Flight Club can't match the out-and-out opulence of the three preceding bars but there's more than enough quirkiness to make it memorable in its own right. Red velvet curtains hint at luxury while Elena the carousel horse seems to enjoy jumping over Nick's half of Guinness. Not having booked in advance, we resist the urge to take to the oche ourselves although I'd not rule out a return visit purely out of curiosity; instead we chat some more about politics (previewing the forthcoming presidential inauguration) and sport before variously heading to Snow Hill or New Street for our respective trains home. You can always bank on Brum!

Waterways Walks: A Frozen Friday in Hanley

Arctic chills aren't to be unexpected in January and the temperatures are certainly on the cool side as I stage my first Friday Foray of 2025. I've picked out the Potteries again with the intention of discovering a pub or two whilst adding to my Waterways Walks repertoire - what can the Caldon Canal tempt me with?

- Stoke Locks Sign -

It's Friday 10th January 2025 and a sharp frost in Wolverhampton is nothing compared to the compacted snow that awaits me when I arrive in an otherwise sunny Stoke-on-Trent. I'm well wrapped up for temperatures predicted to get no higher than minus five, and the towpath of the Trent & Mersey Canal has a hushed vibe as I commence my walk from Osborn Bridge (No. 113B). Stoke Locks will be my first point of interest as I reacquaint myself with numbers 36 up to 40, each one carrying a crisp covering of icy white stuff. Toadstool mooring pegs and a Unity mural bemoaning the perils of plastic pollution are other points of note. 

- Etruria Canal Warehouse -

Etruria Junction is where I can join the Caldon Canal, a navigation that runs for roughly 18 miles via Stockton Brook and Cheddleton to reach Froghall Basin; a branch to Leek has been partially retained while historically there was a connection on to Uttoxeter too. There is initial drama when I almost come a cropper with an alarming skid by the Etruria Wharf Warehouse. Luckily I manage to catch hold of the railings and prevent a disaster, latterly recovering some poise with pictures of Etruria Forge lettering and a glimpse of the 'Lady Fiona' narrowboat; the adjacent Industrial Museum meanwhile is watched over by a statue of canal engineer James Brindley. The split between the two waterways is marked by arrow indicators and the wharf compound is part of the wider attraction along with the Etruscan Bone Mill.

- Bedford Street Staircase Locks -

Onwards up the Caldon I go with a revisit to Bedford Street Staircase Locks, one side of which is an absolute ice rink. Two conjoined chambers make for a neat feat of engineering although I advance with tentative trepidation given my near-tumble earlier. Keeping my wits about me, I encounter Bedford Street Bridge (No. 2) where Harry Ramjams is detected as an abandoned boozer which has had its water supply switched off. Planet Lock then awaits in the vicinity of Norfolk Street, offering faint flashbacks to another backstreet pub I recall getting photos of years ago but the Norfolk Inn now appears to be a pharmacy.

- Hanley Park Scenery -

Next up, I gingerly reach Hanley Park where the historic bandstand and pavilion look most delightful as framed by the terracotta brickwork of the terraced gardens. The canal slices a swathe right through the heart of the park, passing below Bridges 5 (College Road), 5A, 5B and 6 (Ridgway Road) in quick succession. Covering around sixty acres, the park is a late Victorian masterpiece having first opened to the public back in June 1897 - more recently it attracted community funding to support heritage restoration work in 2015.

- Bridgewater Pottery possibilities -

The section beyond Ridgway Road is completely new to me so I ready myself for discoveries aplenty. Flanked by the assorted remnants of old industry, I'm utterly fascinated by Hanley's hinterlands. Lichfield Street soon presents the Emma Bridgewater Pottery factory complete with flaking painted signage, not far at all from Oggy's Sports Bar where a yellow mounted Reliant Robin hints at Only Fools and Horses fandom. I'm similarly delighted to discover the Johnson Brothers (Hanley) Sanitary Works as erected in 1896; it keeps a primary academy school company these days but the edifice is still a very imposing Eastwood Road landmark.

- Ivy House Lift Bridge -

That item of earthenware extraction can be found just down the street from Bridge No. 9, after which I ponder the Norville Drive modern development of box houses and retained bottle kiln features. Bridge 10 has grand blue railings at Botteslow Street then No. 11 is the electrically-operated Ivy House Lift Bridge on the side of the Goodwin International castings factory. Stern STOP instructions appear on the bridge barriers in a setup reminiscent of Shirley Drawbridge. Atmospherically derelict hovels might have had a ceramic production pedigree but are mainly the preserve of pigeons and magpies nowadays; zooms of ramshackle window frames prove very satisfying in the sunshine.

- Botany Bay Bridge -

Bridge 12 passes beneath the Bucknall Road dual carriageway (with references to the J and G Meakin Cricket Club), preceding No. 13 for Cromer Road as paired with a council licensing depot. I continue as far as Botany Bay Bridge (No. 14), a lovely traditional stone humpback, but I daren't make use of the top path because it is so slippery. Instead I backtrack to Cromer Road for safety and tiptoe my way into Northwood, a distinct district of Hanley with much to note of photographic interest. The parish hall for example hosts weekly 'Lighthouse' Christian worship sessions while a traditional corner fryer emanates tempting chip shop smells, not forgetting Rose Street with the promise of an 1872 Wesleyan Chapel.

- The Cat Inn, Northwood -

Northwood boasts its fair share of boozers and I'm going to try two of them, the Wheatsheaf Stores and Cat Inn being within spitting distance of each other on Keelings Road. The first of these is a lovely little local that provides welcome respite from the cold; several cask ales are what I like to see but it has to be Draught Bass, an impeccable pint when supped in dartboard corner admiring Players Please tobacco boxes and 1930s period glass lamps. The Sheaf is followed ably by the Cat for Italian football highlights and a bout of Beardsmore Bleach over by the pool table. It seems quieter in here but it's a good solid boozer nevertheless. 

- Bring on the Bass! -

In less challenging underfoot conditions, I'd likely have sought out the Northwood Inn and/or the Cross Guns to complete my Northwood set but I'll be sensible and keep to the properly gritted main pavements. I won't be missing out on good beer that's for sure, not with two Hanley classics on the agenda. The Golden Cup on Old Town Road has been lavishly and lovingly resurrected with heavily patterned wallpaper and Bass Only tiling to the fore; I could literally spend all day in here, it's such a spectacular setting, but the lure of the Coachmakers down by the bus station is too much to resist. More perfect Bass beckons, this time sitting in the timeless front snug chatting to the landlord about the demise of Banks's Brewery. Cheers!

Reindeer Reconnaissance, then Harborne

For my first significant slice of 2025 exploration, let's track down more of Birmingham's festive reindeer trail and throw in a trio of Harborne watering holes just to be sociable...

- Blitzen -

It's Saturday 4th January 2025 and the West Midlands is preparing itself for heavy snowfall, albeit the forecast suggests the white stuff won't arrive until evening so Stephen and I should be all clear for a bracing bout of Birmingham beforehand. Our immediate mission is to locate more of the 'Reindeer Rescue' sculptures which collectively are aiming to raise money for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity. Upon arrival at New Street railway station, we head straight up the Grand Central escalators to meet Blitzen in tones of sky blue and yellow.

- Mr B meets Paddington -

Venturing into the Bull Ring shopping malls (which are surprisingly quiet given the promise of January sales), we scour around Selfridges hoping to garner further reindeer reinforcements. Rudolph is lurking by a returns desk and boasts a particularly glittery red nose, although he is perhaps upstaged by the presence of a certain Paddington Bear sitting on a bench munching marmalade sandwiches. Birmingham's bear arrival is one of 23 that have cropped up across the length and breadth of the country, part of a promotional campaign marking the release of the Paddington in Peru movie last November.

- Vixen -

Back to the reindeer and next up is Vixen, keeping out of the cold by lurking inside the Cass Fine Art shop on Corporation Street. Multicoloured floral patternings make for a very vibrant design and it seems sensible to position the sculptures indoors if possible so as to offset any damage from the vagaries of wintry weather. The Frankfurt Christmas Market has packed away for another year so New Street is much calmer than it was in December. 

- Comet -

Piccadilly Arcade is often chosen as a suitable sculptural setting and for this iteration it plays host to Comet, an all-over blue reindeer with two cheeky cartoon elves plus a rocket-powered Santa Claus. Prancer was positioned on Victoria Square but we think has relocated into the Town Hall Foyer, meaning Dasher at Centenary Square is our final find keeping watch over the temporary skating rink and big wheel attractions. 

- Gloucester Gold in the Bell -

Happy with that reindeer haul, we hustle into Harborne care of the number 23 bus via Broad Street, Five Ways and Westbourne Road. Alighting by the still-charred remains of the Royalty Bingo - a building I'd love to see being restored but I fear the damage is too great - we make a beeline along St Peter's Road and reacquaint ourselves with the Bell. It must have been ten years or more since I last set foot inside this one but it has lost none of its timeless charm, memorably standing cheek-by-jowel next to the parish church. With three cask ales and a bowling green out the back, there's a lot to like; I sample some Gloucester Gold from the confines of the snug whilst comparing Christmas television notes with Stephen.

- The White Horse -

Following the churchyard path which bisects two cricket pitches, we join Vivian Road in order to check out the New Inn. Previously owned by M&B and then Banks's, this longserving pub was purchased by Joules last year and might be in line for one of their makeovers at some point. As it is, it's a nice enough place to natter away over a pint of Old Acquaintance Winter Warmer, although we are the only customers when we first arrive. The same can not be said as regards the White Horse on York Road, an Ostler's Urban Ale Venue which is packed out with Saturday topers watching Spurs losing to Newcastle. Church End's Stout Coffin is an excellent note on which to round off a successful January excursion. Cheers!

December's Final Treats

Before I commence waffling about any early explorations 2025 might care to bring my way, I need to achieve blog closure as regards 2024. Like a tangerine stuck in the toe end of a Christmas stocking, there are a couple of happenings to place on record from that curious time we call 'Twixmas'...

- Baby Jesus (allegedly) -

Persistent fog rather ruined the chances of any prime photography during Christmas Week itself, although there is a certain atmospheric quality to having everything shrouded in layers of mist. I didn't venture too far but a gentle local walk out to Perton included a sighting of the Windmill Church's nativity scene on Henwood Road (outside what used to be the Compton Youth Club building). Judge for yourself their depiction of an angelic Baby Jesus...

- Joseph -

... and here's Joseph for good measure. I should for the sake of balance mention that Mary was also part of the installation, and there were hobby horse camels lined up by the railings. Perton meanwhile offered cul-de-sacs (it's easy to get confused about which turning you need when approaching Richmond Drive across fields in poor visibility) and lakeside strolls, plus a chance to watch Encanto for uplifting animated Disney fun. Just don't talk about Bruno!

- King Henry VIII at Rowley Regis Station -

We then move onto a solo Saturday session spent around Rowley Regis on 28th December. The station has a couple of platform murals courtesy of Halesowen BID as painted below the ticket office overbridge; one side seems to reference King Henry VIII with the Black Country chain flag, the other has horses and a selection of flowers. I didn't know this at the time but it was Henry who granted the Rowley Regis area its Royal Charter in 1528, hence the link.

- Jubilee Ale at The Swan -

After a rather drab circuit involving Belle Vue Road, Bell End (no sniggering) and Beeches Road, I made it to the Swan on Long Lane in time for midday opening. An expectant throng had gathered outside waiting for the door to be unbolted - always a sign of a good pub - and the Black Country Ales beers were on point here as standard. I sampled the Jubilee Ale as brewed to mark the company's 25th anniversary (and very drinkable it was too), although everyone was mightily relieved when the cobs were delivered come half past twelve.

- Bostin Decorations at the Britannia -

One cheese and onion roll later, I continued on my merry way into Blackheath town centre in order to check out a new micropub arrival. The Last Jar on Beet Street is based in a former barbers shop and had only been trading since the middle of December, despite which it has quickly established a local following. Of the four cask ales I plumped for a pint of Green Duck Sentinel over two Wye Valley offerings and an Abbeydale Moonshine. First impressions are certainly favourable so I plan on a return visit, and managed to squeeze in a quick look at the Britannia up at Rowley Village for an Tiny Rebel encounter involving Elves with Attitude! 

- A Snoopy Swansong -

E.W.A. incidentally was Tiny Rebel's festive take on a Milk & Cookies porter, packing the usual flavour hit I have come to expect from the makers of Stay Puft and other beery delights. An X8 bus got me homeward to Wolverhampton that afternoon before I landed up on Trysull Road in Bradmore to admire a festive window display care of the Geo. Davies Electricals shop. Every year this independent family business does something for Christmas and their 2024 approach involved pictures of Santa Claus, snowmen, gingerbread men and Snoopy, all very festive!