- Brewery Baldness -
A mid-afternoon rendezvous means there isn't much time for an in-depth investigation along the lines of our usual morning ferrets, but we make sure to visit the historic Highgate Brewery where the future of the site is still sadly uncertain. It remains to be seen whether brewing will ever recommence here but at least we can christen the place with the first bald spot photo of 2015.
- The Walsall Arms -
Our opening ale of the day (and indeed the year) comes courtesy of the Walsall Arms, a former Marston's pub that is now an independent free house tucked away on Bank Street in the shadow of the Walsall Box Factory. The interior has been done out since I last visited but is still welcoming and comfortable while the Enville Ale was enjoyable, although sadly we didn't get chance to test out the skittle alley.
- Discount Distress -
Continuing towards the town centre, I recall visiting the Watering Trough when it was the Rising Sun, the former Highgate tap with a liking for heavy rock now back using a previous name. The Victoria (a.k.a. the Katz) on Lower Rushall Street is our next port of call, although the 1970s shop signs of the neighbouring Chinese takeaway distract D9 from spotting serious discount potential - it is therefore WME who claims the spoils with £1.70 Backyard Bitter, a price that could be hard to beat in the months ahead.
- Anyone for Dominoes? -
The upstairs games room in the Katz was the setting for a darting duel that saw the Secretary emerge in the lead despite Chairman D9's initial double top checkout. The pub games continue in the Fountain where we attempt to play dominoes while sampling the January S'Ale. The act of knocking on the table when unable to lay a domino evokes wistful D9 memories of the Yew Tree Social Club.
- Drive of the Day -
Onwards to the Old Square Shopping Centre where D9 gets in a bonus drive by the Debenhams escalators, his flower power choice of vehicle being a departure from the usual buses. St Matthews Church is lit up proudly surveying the top end of the market hill while the Black Country Arms is always worth a visit for those of a real ale persuasion.
- Crafty Concentration -
Time ticks on as the 34 bus gives us a handy lift towards Darlaston and Moxley where we close out proceedings with nightcap halves in the Forge Tavern and the Red Lion. The Secretary takes the games honours by clinically dispatching the requisite darts checkouts, and a fiery curry collection on the way home precedes a Bradley Lane farewell. A thoroughly enjoyable way to start the year!
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