The Festive Forage 2024

Hark is that the sound of herald angels we hear, or the clinking of Guinness-laden glasses? The Festive Forage is an annual tradition dating back to December 2015, whereby Nick and I pick out a chosen destination in order to explore its pub potential. This year we're targeting lovely Leamington once again with Chief Tour Guide Nick plotting out a memorable crawl south of the river...

- The Micro Pug -

It's Saturday 21st December 2024 as I eagerly board the 09:39 Bournemouth-bound train at Wolverhampton, giving me my direct link to Royal Leamington Spa. Nick is ready and waiting on the platform to greet me so Operation Forage can begin in earnest, although today we're eschewing the town's Regency splendours in favour of the grittier surroundings of Old Town and beyond. Being as its nearly Christmas, we're allowed a morning tipple so Clemens Street guides us via the Creative Quarter to the Micro Pug, a place forever etched into our minds when it was known as Apehangers Bar (with a Smeg fridge for an entrance). Now part of the small Pug group of local venues, it has a coffee shop upstairs and tasteful bar down below. Opening halves of Guinness set a trend we'll be maintaining for much of the day, albeit the Jurassic Park pinball machine is spared our attentions.

- Canalside Street Art -

The towpath of the Grand Union Canal awaits, acting as an unofficial art gallery with much participation from the Leamington Mural Festival. Every available wall or bridge structure has seemingly been given its own street art makeover, offering me much photographic inspiration in the form of grinning alligators, potion-wielding wizards plus cat and mouse interactions. The festival ran from April to October and attracted plenty of social media attention or so I'm told. Passing the likes of Althorpe Street, Rushmore Street and St Mary's Road, we home in on the Sydenham estate which effectively forms the southeastern edges of Leamington's town span.

- The Fusilier -

Situated on the opposite canal bank just after Bridge 37, the Fusilier will be our second port of call and is a typical flat-roofed suburban boozer (of the type that would have a certain Mr D9 performing ecstatic cartwheels at the very thought of it). The pub name proudly references Warwickshire's contribution to the Fusiliers, an infantry regiment within the British Army, while the place serves as a community local showing live sport and hosting occasional events. We nip in for a swift half, finding a secluded booth adorned with historical pictures, although most of the regulars are fully engrossed in the Portsmouth vs Coventry football fixture. The adjacent precinct meanwhile comprises Pete's Plaice chip shop, a chemists and a William Hill bookies along with a mini Morrisons store which doubles up as the neighbourhood post office. 

- Rodney and a Reliant Robin -

Nick's expert navigation leads us back along the canal to Bridge 39 from whence a mysterious path proceeds into the Eagle Recreation Ground, a pocket of a park I'd not come across until now. The surrounding terraced houses provide the backdrop to the Green Man, a Tachbrook Street boozer which acted as a filming location in Lenny Henry's 'Three Little Birds' television series. After a doorstep chat with the cheerful gaffer, we call inside for yet more Guinness and an update on the Aston Villa vs Manchester City lunchtime kick-off; let's just say we soon hear about it when Villa double their lead. Aside from the footballing roars, there is further fun to be had outside courtesy of an Only Fools and Horses artwork depicting Del Boy, Rodney, Uncle Albert, Trigger and Boycie complete with their well-known catchphrases - lovely jubbly!

- Jubilant about the Jet? -

Our Guinness-guzzling antics next require a couple of revisits to establishments either side of Brunswick Street. The Joiners Arms retains its Portuguese flavour and flags as our fourth half of the day is duly drained; the pubs in this area of Leamington always feel very down to earth and are definitely pulling in the punters so close to Christmas. Never for the faint hearted, the Jet lives down to our rudimentary expectations but does have a loyal following which merits us popping in briefly for the sake of completion. A simple spartan interior with a beer garden to match doesn't detract from our enjoyment; I understand that this one was known as the Jet & Whittle when first built in the late 1950s/early 1960s, possibly a nod to jet engine inventor Sir Frank who lived locally during his school years.

- Windmill Hill Taproom -

Every time we come to Leamington, Nick makes it his personal mission to unearth a surprise find or two - let's be fair, he's conjured up some absolute crackers over the years. Can he do it again? You bet he can and he's really excelled himself this time around, revealing not one, not two but THREE stunning gems all clustered under the railway arches off Neilston Street. First up is the Windmill Hill Brewing Company's on-site taproom, currently operating on Friday and Saturday evenings albeit with plans to expand those hours in 2025. A range of draught beers are accompanied by a fridge full of tempting craft bottles and cans; I opt for the Porter (giving 4% supreme smoothness) whereas our resident royal chances a Pale, making a change from all the Guinness. Basic benches amidst the fermenting vessels help us settle in.

- Antlers Away in Southbound -

Hot on the heels of Windmill Hill comes Southbound, literally just an arch or two away and not a place I'd ever heard of. Billing themselves as a cafe bar, we're initially unsure whether they are open but the shutters are merely down in order to keep out any early evening chills. Jubel Peach lager is a new one on me but hits the spot nicely with refreshing fruity notes that aren't overpowering. Preparations are underway for a live gig starting in a couple of hours, in which case this would make for a very intimate performance space. Gourmet pork pies and some serious French cheese wedges are available for those of a foodie persuasion, the only slight downside is having my tinsel antlers upstaged by someone else wearing flashing LED ones.

- Czech Mate -

Knowing when I've been out-Christmassed, we decamp to the third of our railway arch trinity and see what Brubl has to offer. A glowing inflatable Santa Claus merrily beckons us inside where Gary the brewery dog seems keen on sniffing all and sundry. We think they're gearing up for a staff party but we're welcome to stay and partake of the Czech Mate pilsner, one of six Brubl concoctions pouring tonight (Napton Ciders are also well represented). The arches together form the Victoria Business Centre with a set of shared toilets behind multicoloured railings; I can say with some confidence that we will return. In the meantime, we round off our 2024 Forage with a Railway Inn reprise (back on the Guinness) and a cheeky last look inside Kelsey's Bar, mainly to see if their table football is in working condition - it possibly is although legless defenders wouldn't bode well. Cheers - and Merry Christmas!!

The Hub Marketing Christmas 2024

It seems an eternity since the Hub Marketing Board last staged one of our exploring sessions, what with the Waddle of Worcester back in early August being our most recent meeting. The Chairman has been laid up recovering from an operation - hence the gap in outings - but declares himself fighting fit for a Christmas summit, in which case we're all bound for Birmingham...

- Zimmer Frame at the ready -

It's great to see Mr D9 again after his spell of recuperation as a Bradley Lane rendezvous has us in position for a tram ride across to Winson Green Outer Circle. Nineveh Road presents a succession of terraced houses and discarded furniture, although even with his health travails we wouldn't think the Chairman is in need of a walking frame just yet. Ignoring the abandoned wardrobes and dressing tables, we cast a glance at one of our favourite old shopfronts in the guise of J. Houghton Ltd's television repair unit - it's been shut for many a long year but still retains Grundig and Blaupunkt stickers on its windows.

- The Hub Calendar 2025 is unveiled -

Just over the road is the Hockley Brook, a Desi Bar and Grill which takes its name from the adjacent water course. Formerly the Handsworth Central Club, this impressive establishment features a large restaurant/function suite and a smaller lobby bar. We settle in with an opening pint of Carling each to complete the ceremonial handing-over of the Hub Marketing calendar. The 2025 edition features Combermere closet trees, Louis Armstrong portraits and a few penguin poses, not to mention guest appearances from mascots Gary Woo and George.

- Grinchlike Driving on the 101 -

Talking of George, our resident fluffy feline toy joins the party when we board the number 101 bus for a trundle into the heart of Birmingham. Secretary WME hadn't been on this route for years so he rather relishes getting the chance to see Lodge Road and the Jewellery Quarter again, even if the back end of Winson Green Prison is hardly the most inviting of settings. We haven't had a D9 drive for a while so the Chairman dons his 'Bah Humbug' black Santa hat whilst doing the necessary steering demonstrations. 

- 'Donner' at Cathedral Square -

Alighting on Colmore Row, we pitch headlong into some festive sightseeing courtesy of the latest sculptural trail to hit the centre of Brum. The Birmingham BID Business Improvement District has once again come up trumps with this year's theme being reindeer (as opposed to any snowmen, snowdogs or penguins). 'Donner' duly awaits inspection at Cathedral Square, boasting a gift-box design with plum pudding eyes and candy cane swirls among the sausage shacks. There are nine deer to find in total and they stay on display until 6th January.

- The Pigeon in the Park -

As you might expect, the office Christmas party season is in full swing with many of the pubs in and around Colmore Row absolutely packed to the rafters. We manage to squeeze into the Roebuck and the Old Royal without too much difficulty, the latter having horse racing on the big screens and table reservations for the mysterious Natalie. One novelty drinking haunt we thought we'd try is the Pigeon in the Park, a pop-up bar next to the Cathedral. It's not cheap, even for plastic glass halves of Carling and Blue Moon, but it is fun sitting up top watching all the festive fun taking place around you, plus D9 gets a bonus orange segment to chew on.

- The Secretary meets 'Cupid' -

Our second reindeer discovery requests our presence in the Great Western Arcade, hence 'Cupid' is on hand to greet us with his suitably romantic disposition (having a heart-shaped nose is a nice touch alongside a full quiver of arrows). Whilst in the vicinity, we can't resist checking out the Good Intent as set up by Craddocks Brewery as a not-for-profit concern. Even without the charitable emphasis this is a special place, perfect for getting away from those shopping throngs by supping Cast Iron Stout in the upstairs recesses.

- Canned contemplation in the Belle Vue -

No Hub Marketing Birmingham Bash would be complete without an inner-city discovery or two, so we round off our reunion with a ride on the 82 towards Edgbaston Reservoir. Icknield Port Road is home to the Belle Vue, an ex-Ansells boozer just across the road from a Science of Spirituality Meditation Centre. In this instance, the Chairman's contemplative tendencies are reserved for pondering a can of Carling in disco vibe surroundings, the pub being one of that dying breed of no-nonsense locals you simply don't come across as often these days. Cheers!

Lost Pubs from the WME Archives #37

With Storm Darragh wreaking much damage across the country with high winds and torrential rain, it's probably wise to stay at home in the warmth rather than risking any unnecessary December explorations. Instead I can bring further news of a longer-term form of destruction, i.e. that enacted upon pubs in the West Midlands...

- The Crown & Cushion -

We'll begin in Bradley, that locality due south of Bilston which always feels like a bona fide bit of the Black Country. This series has already accounted for the loss of the Britannia on Hall Green Street and now I acknowledge the Crown & Cushion, a Bank Street box boozer which stood opposite the block of flats which contains a small shopping parade. The pub had spells under both Holts and Ansells ownership but by 2012 its days were numbered; after demolition, the land remained derelict for several years although houses have now sprung up on the site.

- The Crown & Anchor -

From the Crown & Cushion to the Crown & Anchor as we weave our way to Walsall, or should I say Caldmore to be precise. Situated on West Bromwich Street with Little London's high rise flats for close company, this place always struck me as having an elegant appearance in what is an increasingly multicultural area. It's one-time handsome looks weren't enough to save it from closure though and the building has since become the PharmaCare chemists store.

- The Foresters Arms -

The Crown & Anchor suffered a prolonged period of closure before finding a new use and a similar fate is still afflicting the Foresters Arms on the edges of Wolverhampton city centre; in fact, I struggle to remember a time when it was actually trading, so long has it been stuck on the sidelines watching the world go by without serving any beer. Nevertheless it remains a familiar feature where Birmingham Road meets the Grove Street gyratory (just across from what used to be a West Midlands Police base). Rumours suggest it could become a Desi establishment but this would require some serious investment so we'll wait and see...

- The Jug of Ale -

After Birmingham Road comes a Birmingham suburb in the form of Moseley, wherein we find the Jug of Ale as seen awaiting demolition in 2011. Highly regarded for hosting live music, the Jug could boast performances from the likes of Oasis, Blur and Kasabian to name just a few, helping set those acts on the road to stardom. Long before any Britpop influence, the pub had been called the Regent but nowadays the premises operates as the Tipu Sultan restaurant.

- The Leathern Bottle -

And now for a Cresswell Crescent conclusion on the Mossley estate near Bloxwich. The pub stock here has been totally decimated due to the collective demise of the Sneyd, the Eagle and this one - the Leathern Bottle - which could formerly be found next to the shops. An M&B affair, this always looked grim whenever I used to go past during childhood trips visiting family nearby; the bulldozers put it out of its misery circa 2015/16 but the eyesore hoardings that replaced it do nothing to improve the area's aesthetic appeal.  

Dudley Winter Ales Fayre 2024

When it comes to beer festivals, one date above all others always gets circled in my calendar as being absolutely essential - yes, every autumn the end of November must mean that the Dudley Winter Ales Fayre is imminent. 2024 is no different so off to the Town Hall we go, eager to see which ales and ciders are being showcased this year...

- Coroners Court -

It's Friday 29th November 2024 and the annual pilgrimage is on, catching the number 1 bus across from Tettenhall Wood to the temporary Tower Street terminus, anticipation building with every mile for the treasure of tipples that lies in wait. I could probably navigate to St James's Road in my sleep, so familiar has the walk now become, and at just after 11 o'clock we join an expectant throng queuing outside the Town Hall box office. Here I can admire original lettering recalling the provision of a coroners court and Brooke Robinson Memorial Museum. The hall complex is Grade II* listed having been designed by Harvey and Wicks, first opening in 1928. 

- Primed for Bread Pudding -

Once inside and replete with orange token cards, we can launch into the carefully curated range of casked temptations. Bathams XXX is a famed winter warmer which always sells out quickly so I make sure to get a third of that under my belt pronto. Nick encounters an Enville Old Porter followed by a Wilde Childe Brownie Hunter, whereas I progress via my own taste of liquid heaven in the form of Jolly Boys Chocolate Fudge Porter - you literally can have your cake and drink it! The Little Devils food concession seems equally as popular as the main bars, dispensing grey peas and bacon, faggots with mash, huge cobs or hand-raised pork pies, not to mention hefty slabs of bread pudding - ideal stodge for soaking up all the beer.

- Cuckoo Penny Cider -

There is plenty to keep our cider correspondent Jane occupied too. I'm reliably informed that the Pornstar Martini infused one has a pronounced passionfruit flavour, while the Celtic Tiger also scores highly albeit perhaps upstaged by Cuckoo Penny for its rhubarb tartness. Mulled offerings involving gingerbread and sugar plums are duly accounted for, then back on the beer front I can wholeheartedly commend Fixed Wheel's Grand Reserve, a specially ramped-up take on their Blackheath Stout as created to celebrate the brewery's tenth anniversary. It's always good to go out with a bang, hence we respectively avail ourselves of Sarah Hughes Snowflake, Broadoak Premium Perry and Davenport's Top Brew Deluxe, the latter of those being the 7.2% weakling from a powerhouse of a trio!

- Bathams XXX -

Any sadness that our tokens are all spent is offset by the pub possibilities to come elsewhere in Dudley town centre. The Lamp Tavern on Blowers Green Road is a perennial favourite, one of twelve Bathams tied houses so you know you're going to be in for a treat, especially once I realise that the XXX is on here too - a very potent 6.3%. The former Queens Cross brewhouse to the rear has been converted into a function suite which hosts a regular blues club, although we settle in the cosy lounge chatting about classic Star Trek characters. Nick is educated that Spock's correct title is Mr rather than Dr, and some furry wolf ears may have made an appearance - more of those shortly...

- Dudley? It's Bostin! -

Backtracking along the High Street, we pass the site of the old Hanson's Brewery next door to the Three Crowns (an Asda supermarket is in situ nowadays) then note the ever-reassuring presence of 'Top Church' as dedicated to St Thomas - this is the counterpart to St Edmund's a.k.a. 'Bottom Church' which stands near the junction with Castle Hill. Bostin banners give further encouragement as we nip through an increasingly dusky Market Place with Duncan Edwards's statue watching on. The stalls have most packed away for the evening but there are some Christmas lights to add a certain twinkle to proceedings.

- Ear all about it in the Courthouse -

Two Tower Street taverns will form our Dudley denouement, one either end of the road. First up is the Courthouse, a Black Country Ales establishment which usually muscles it way into our festival itinerary; Elgoods Blackberry Porter is full of fruity goodness and the £3 cobs have some serious wedges of cheddar - yum! The Malt Shovel is thirty seconds stroll away and is part of the Rojo Pub Group (along with the likes of the Tame Bridge, Red House Boutique and Sedgley's Swan). Kinver Khyber meets Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild as we nab a table by the rounded hearth, modelling the aforementioned wolf ears for all that they are worth. A pit stop at the Mount Pleasant (Stump) during the ride home is much too close for cricketing comfort as far as Jane is concerned but the beer is routinely excellent there too. Cheers!