- A Riverside Scene -
Mr Beardsmore Senior and Ken are joining Stephen, Nick and myself for such an exalted occasion and we collectively board the number 9 bus departing Wolverhampton at 10:45. The route replaced the 890 in providing through connections beyond Bridgnorth to Ironbridge and Telford, although we have the familiar sights of Trescott, Shipley and Rudge Heath to keep us occupied along the A454 complete with country smells and several garden centres. We alight on Bridge Street for a Low Town lurk, seeking out a Severnside path with High Town atop the opposite bank.
- Anyone for ice cream? -
The Beardsmore clan scan the Severn for fishing potential as we cross the old stone bridge then head up the Cartway hoping for our opening tipple. A giant ice cream model proves but a momentary distraction before the Black Boy claims our custom - the inn is said to take its name after King Charles II's swarthy complexion, and although I behave myself with a half of Rowton's Galaxy, Nick and Ken insist on manhandling a couple of Spikey Blondes.
- Cliff Railway Carriage -
An engineering chat during which Mr B Senior declares his love of welding precedes a ride on the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway, said to be the oldest and steepest inland funicular in the country. Two single carriages counterbalance each other, one going up and one going down in perfect synchronicity. The ride is short but atmospheric with the compact booking offices at either end very much contributing to the charm.
- A Severn Valley Snippet -
From the Cliff Railway to the Severn Valley Railway next, making our way via Castle Walk and Cannon Steps with more river vistas to enjoy. The SVR station is photographic gold especially with a steam locomotive arriving right on cue to add to the fun - the 'Still Going Strong' badge on the engine could apply equally well to our venerable birthday boy and not just the restored heritage operation (the railway celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015). Lest Nick should get overexcited, we take the precaution of calling into the Railwayman's Arms for our second supping stop, availing ourselves of either Batham's Best Bitter or Bewdley's Station Porter; the refreshment room setting is a treasure trove of totem signs and other assorted rail-related artefacts.
- A feline friend -
Our quest for lunch sees us troop uphill into the main town centre where we find a chip shop on Waterloo Terrace. A bench overlooking the Cliff Railway is a nice perch to watch the world go by, although we do attract the attentions of a brazenly curious cat who seems more partial to mini-fish than faggots or battered roe. Strangely enough Puss soon scarpers once all the chips have been eaten, no doubt intent on finding other gullible kindhearted day-trippers willing to offer a free feed.
- Chivalric Chums in the Old Castle -
The pubcrawl continues with two West Castle Street establishments in close proximity. The Old Castle almost tries to conceal its identity behind a riot of hanging baskets, then has a suit of armour waiting to greet us in the entrance lobby so that two historic relics can pose next to each other! Further evidence of the pub's green-fingered credentials can be found in the beer garden where pretty pot plants and Hobsons jumbrellas form a perfect backdrop to a chat about our earliest memories. Thwaites' Lancaster Bomber and Wye Valley HPA act as our ale choices here.
- Porter Pose with the Seaside Special -
A few doorsteps along is the White Lion, tempting taphouse of the Hop & Stagger brewery who are based in a converted cowshed just a few miles away. The delectable Bridgnorth Porter demands urgent inspection (I really like it) although others of our party are inclined to take a Golden Wander; not Stephen though as he has some unexpected lime to tickle his teetotal tastebuds! Besides the liquid considerations, the pub's most memorable feature is a Seaside Special railway mural, prompting Mr B Senior to prepare for an imminent coach trip by parking himself in Llandudno corner.
- Homeward Bound on the 9 -
This just leaves us one final curtain call with the Kings Head on Whitburn Street getting the nod for combinations of Hobsons Champion Mild and Town Crier. The building boasts an impressive timber-framed frontage along with flagstone floors and original oak beams. Things get even better when I spot a surprise in the rear courtyard - another pub! The Stables Bar has set up base here as a showcase for the Bridgnorth Brewery, a joint Sadler's/Craddock's collaboration with wares concocted in one of the outhouses - a swift Monarchs Way is therefore a must before the 16:53 number 9 home. Cheers, and Happy Birthday Nick!!
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