Chip Foundation Christmas Chronicles

December is here and the countdown to Christmas continues as the Chip Foundation set out on their annual yuletide bash. Gornal and goulash have been among the ghosts of Christmas past, with 2014’s spirit summoning up a seasonal Halesowen selection to keep us out of the cold…

- Rowley Regis Cycle Hub -

It’s a squally old morning as Stephen and I make our way to Smethwick in the hope of meeting Nick on a Stourbridge-bound train. Unfortunately we just missed our connection, meaning the Royal one had to do an emergency about turn at Cradley Heath. Normal service is resumed once the gang are reunited at Rowley Regis, where we grit our teeth in the drizzle and gaze in wonder at the Centro-inspired Cycle Hub near the station car park.

- Russian Rouble in The Swan -

Our first pub target of the day is the Swan on Long Lane, a place taken under the Black Country Ales wing earlier this year. A stroll via Nimmings Road and Shell Corner ensures we get there just on opening time, and we eagerly enter in search of warmth and hospitality. A pretty white Christmas tree immediately unleashes some festive flavour as we enjoy studying various vintage local photos – one sepia shot shows a very leafy Long Lane complete with the Swan as an Atkinson’s tied house. We were very impressed with the standard of the refurbishment, creating a real sense of cosiness that was just perfect for savouring some Russian Rouble – Nickolenko is back!

- The Royal Oak, Manor Lane -

Onwards dear fellows, and the walk to our second port of call takes us quickly through Quinton where I’m saddened to see the former Waggon & Horses (Long Lane) being seemingly dismantled. The Stag & Three Horseshoes gets a photographic nod before Kent Road leads us to the Royal Oak, an Ember Inns establishment where we just about find a seat in among the office parties. Nickolenko is now in full winter regalia while Mr Beardsmore proudly displays his Bears allegiance.

- Jenga Concentration -

Lunchtime sees us in Halesowen town centre, calling into the William Shenstone Wetherspoons for a bite to eat – in the process I am subjected to a Headmaster’s Christmas Sermon, a pleasurable experience despite my initial apprehension! The combination of the Waggon & Horses (Stourbridge Road) and the King Edward VII ensures that the beer standards are kept very high, Indian Empire being our first taste of the Newbridge microbrewery in Wolverhampton. The Hawne Tavern then is the setting for a jolly bout of Jenga, Nick revealing his destructive side by sending the precarious pile tumbling asunder.

- Christmas Cheers -

A final stop beckons as we endure the chill while awaiting the number 9 bus, Nick and I gallantly relieving Stephen of some unwanted salad even though one rogue lettuce leaf defiantly hid among Mr B’s ham roll. Lured thence to Lye, we alight for the Sadlers brewery tap – given Nick’s regal resemblance it was only right and proper to sample the Windsor Castle, especially given the added attraction of Mud City Stout. Red baubles are an appropriate festive flourish for a Cheers photo before we catch our trains home.
Merry Christmas from the Chip Foundation!