WME Flickr Focus - December 2024

Drum roll please! The overall photostream results for 2024 are in, and I can exclusively reveal that the not insignificant total of 682 photographs have been added to the West Midlands Exploration Flickr site over the course of the calendar year. December's contribution swelled the account to the tune of 44 images so let's see what landed as the year drew to a close...

Like two prized fighters slugging it out in the boxing ring, December was dominated by the heavyweight clash between WME Wolverhampton and WME Staffordshire. Staffordshire took this particular round by a score of 23-17 but across the whole of 2024, Wolverhampton was to emerge victorious by 149 pictures to 145. An honourable mention goes to Exploration Extra which comfortably grabbed third place on the annual podium with 131 despite not being updated since April. Birmingham and Dudley scored well lower down the card but it was a quieter year for the likes of Walsall and Sandwell - they need to up their game come 2025.

WME Staffordshire's December successes were forged from the South Staffordshire settlements of Oaken and Pattingham which between them hoovered up literally every new addition going. Oaken's speciality was green council street signs and country lane scenery, mixed with the occasional sprinkling of flowers, whereas Pattingham concentrated on St Chad's Parish Church, the Pigot Arms and verdant views along Westbeech Road.

As for WME Wolverhampton, it took a slightly more scattergun approach in amassing content from Whitmore Reans (the Newhampton Arts Centre's terracotta school lettering), Northycote Farm (a repeat tractor airing) and Bradmore (Oxbarn Avenue's springtime pink petals). Added in for extra festive flavour are three nutcracker soldiers - Spencer, George and Simon - while the very final arrivals of 2024 were a couple of beermat specimens from my own collection.

Very little happened on any of my other galleries. WME Sandwell stopped off at Old Hill for a glimpse of Court Street; WME Birmingham picked up some Paradise Circus construction art; and last but probably least, WME Coventry championed the New Craven Street Club over in Chapelfields. All of this jostling and brawling brings us to a sum total of 7,360 published pictures with hopefully many more to be added next year. Until then, enjoy the photos!

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!

WME Flickr Focus - November 2024

Oh look, Wham and Mariah are climbing up the charts yet again which must mean Christmas is around the corner (although the whole shebang definitely seems to start earlier with every passing year). Before I succumb to the perils of festive shopping, let's take a moment to remind ourselves that it is still only November, and that there has been photostream progress of the non-seasonal variety...

Putting any Grinch-like tendencies aside, let's begin with WME Wolverhampton which happily bounces back to top billing after being quieter than usual in October. Much of its recent prowess stems via artistic additions from the Mander Centre, combining a couple of murals (one for the Arena Theatre, the other a Covid key worker tribute) with various assorted shapes and patterns. Merry Hill pumpkins and Wychbury Road blossoms mean the Mander malls don't completely dominate proceedings.

Also riding high this month has been WME Dudley, powered by a generous sprinkling of new Lye materials. In amongst the expected scatter of street signs, I note extracts from the Shovel Inn (a classic boozer established in 1836 or so the evidence says) along with Lye Cross 1960s precinct lettering plus a Green Lane foxy flourish. Bache Brothers Cycles has been going a good few years in its own right, as has C. Beech & Sons on the Waterside Trading Estate down in Netherton. Dudley did not disappoint...

... and neither does our good friend WME Staffordshire which has its own vulpine visitor care of the Lower Penn street art on the South Staffordshire Railway Walk (although perhaps the James Bond/Daniel Craig depiction is more your thing). Green Belt protestations give way to more Lichfield largesse in the form of Walkabout, Cappers Lane and the Duke of Wellington, the latter promoting itself as a purveyor of fine ales - I wholeheartedly concur!

Elsewhere, any wider updates have had to battle hard for my attention but there have been splutterings from the likes of WME Telford & Wrekin (a Station Road sign in Madeley), WME Worcestershire (a suitably car-themed piece of Wye Valley pub promotion from the Morgan in Great Malvern) and WME Warwickshire (a dusky reference to Lillington Youth Centre). Last and certainly not least comes WME Birmingham and its solitary sharing of the Bulls Head at Moseley, and now I'd best crack on with some proper Christmas preparations - wish me luck everybody and see you in December...

The Coventry Caper 2024

Few explorational rules are set firmer in stone than my autumnal visits to Coventry, whereby the Sky Blue city usually registers one October or November trip on an annual basis. Over the last ten years, these have been in the guise of a Hub Marketing blast but Mr D9's current spell of recuperation means I'm going solo this time...

- Tile Hill Station Sign -

Alas there won't be any daft quiffs or Rock & Roll singalongs this year (sorry!) but I am still intending on good solid exploration with a pint or two thrown in. To that end, I make my way via Birmingham International to Tile Hill railway station as my nominated starting point; I first came here back in 2004 when the level crossing was still in situ instead of the current road overbridge. The little ticket office hasn't changed much, except maybe for a lack of Thomas the Tank Engine colouring sheets, while the housing enclave of Penruddock Drive and Alan Higgs Way is firmly bedded-in on the site of the former Midlands Sports Centre.

- Tanyard Farm Terminus -

The opening leg of my walk basically involves reacquainting myself with a couple of turning circle termini I remember fondly from documenting previous Coventry bus network reviews. Torrington Avenue corner retains its lay-by stop at the junction with Station Avenue (the 2/A and 18/A being the routes calling here nowadays), then on Goodman Way is where the 6/A lands up on the Tanyard Farm estate. Elsewhere, I note that the Bell pub is now calling itself the Auction House and boasting that it has the best beer garden in Coventry - quite a claim!

- Tile Hill Wood -

Emerging onto Banner Lane, I proceed towards Eastern Green by passing the light industry of Wickmans Drive. There has been a lot of activity in this area since I last visited, including the creation of a sprawling new housing estate; indeed, Wain Homes are currently putting the final touches to their Hillwood Gardens plots with showhomes trying to entice would-be purchasers. Tile Hill Wood meanwhile is declared a Local Nature Reserve covering circa 70 acres mainly composed of deciduous and coniferous woodland with spruce, larch and hazel species to the fore. It is one of four such preserved green spaces locally, the others being Pig Wood and Plants Hill Wood (both off Tile Hill Lane), plus Limbrick Wood (south off Jardine Crescent).

- The Penny Farthing -

Further along Banner Lane, I reach the heart of what has become known as Bannerbrook Park, that cluster of modern residential living arranged around Astoria Drive, Jefferson Way and Monticello Way. All of this land used to be part of the Massey Ferguson tractor works, which itself had started out as a shadow factory built during the Second World War for the manufacture of Bristol Hercules aircraft engines. The modern setting presents a shopping parade (Spar, Subway, pharmacy, chip shop) next to which is the Penny Farthing pub, a Marston's offering under their Generous George stable. A quick check inside confirms they serve a decent pint of Pedigree (£4.45) and have growing demand for Christmas bookings.

- Eastern Green Cottages -

The Penny Farthing might not be the most exciting pub in the world (or even in Coventry) but it seems to fit the brief of satisfying its target catchment well enough, so I hope the pensioners enjoy their festive lunches in due course. I progress along Broad Lane into Eastern Green, an area I always associate with Metrobus rides on the old 10 and 11 routes. The map suggests the suburb is split into Upper and Lower segments although I've tended to think of it as one combined place really. Anyway, the Unicorn falls under the 'Upper' bit and is a Greene King Hungry Horse establishment that keeps itself slightly detached from the adjacent lane. I can't see any cask ale at first glance so a Strongbow suffices whilst watching the ATP tennis finals.

- The Newlands -

Retracing my steps along Eastern Green Road with hints of Unicorn Lane cottages, I rejoin Broad Lane as it closes in on the centre of Coventry. Several of the streets around here have arboreal names including Beech Tree Avenue where many of the semi-detached properties have distinctive pebbledash-effect frontages. This is quintessential West Midlands suburbia now, gritty in appearance with blocks of shops that would not win many beauty contests. Up ahead, the Newlands (Hotel) is part of the Sizzling chain and seemingly rammed on a Friday afternoon even if part of the attraction is lost on me. Admittedly I can admire some 1930s architectural flourishes, especially the barley twist brickwork columns either side of the main entrance, and it has proper roadhouse credentials; it just didn't stand out as particularly organised and the Thornbridge Jaipur was on the insipid side so I'll reserve judgement. 

- A Canley Station Conclusion -

Tile Hill Lane has me circumnavigating a busy retail park to intercept Herald Avenue, home to the Standard Triumph Recreation Club as an extra nod to the city's automotive pedigree. I spy Carlsberg branding and a Standard Bowls arrow but don't investigate further on this occasion; my train is imminent at nearby Canley railway station and I need to negotiate Dolomite Avenue and a wide-tentacled passenger footbridge to safely reach the Birmingham-bound platform. Thus ends my Coventry Caper for this year, hopefully Mr D9 will be back on duty in 2025!

Four Do Four in Birmingham

It's been a quieter patch of late for the Chip Foundation with nothing much to report since the Beardsmore Senior Tribute outing in July. Something approaching normal service is however resumed when the four of us - Nick, Ken, Stephen and myself - sample four of Birmingham's finest hostelries on a mid-November Monday evening...

- Bass Lamp at The Woodman -

Our first port of call is the Woodman down by Millennium Point, a pub which has become a familiar friend to us over the years so we were delighted to hear it had recently reopened after a worrying spell of closure. Its close proximity to Millennium Point and the Birmingham City University campus should work in its favour but there has been a lot of disruption in Eastside due to HS2 and Midland Metro developments which had undoubtedly impacted passing trade. The good news is that the place appears to be as good as ever with all its heritage charms intact, including the Smoke Room tilework and frosted vestibule windows. I'm particularly pleased to see that Draught Bass is now permanently on sale here, with accompanying lanterns to match - an opening pint of that goes down very smoothly while we discuss Presidential happenings in America and Nick's recovery from a broken elbow.

- Polygon Publications at the Eagle & Ball -

The Woodman might be close to the BCU facilities but the Eagle & Ball is entirely engulfed by educational buildings, to the extent that it is physically attached to the main Curzon Library (a trend I'd be happy to see recreated at other institutions, every academic library should have its own on-site boozer). Our resident royal gets very nostalgic when reminded about his studying days back when BCU was known as Birmingham Polytechnic and based at Perry Barr; framed covers of Polygon, the in-house student magazine during the 1970s, line the walls and make for a fascinating snapshot of social history. 

- Did someone mention free crisps? -

I first remember encountering the Eagle & Ball when it was an abandoned Banks's number called Moby Dicks, standing in splendid isolation whilst everything else around it had been cleared for redevelopment. The changes in the vicinity of Gopsal Street, Penn Street and Cardigan Street have been dramatic but the pub has survived to become an integral part of campus life, operated by the current BCU Students Union. We have a thorough snoop both upstairs and down before finding a table to continue our political ruminations, Ken pondering his initial impressions of the Labour Government since the General Election. One unexpected bonus is being presented with complimentary crisps, Beavertown having produced the 'Open Up' free snacks in conjunction with the Campaign Against Living Miserably as an initiative to help new students talk about their stresses. Stephen might not be miserable but the cheddar and jalapeno flavour isn't his favourite, hence several scrunched-up facial expressions.

- Woodcock Street Swimming Mural -

Two down, two to go and next up we'll be switching campuses to assess the evening offer over on the Aston University side of Jennens Road. Getting there involves a short walk via Woodcock Street, noting a classic roadworks typo about not continuing "beyond this pint - how appropriate!! - then passing the Sir Doug Ellis Sports Centre. This facility began life as Woodcock Street Baths, one of the oldest operating pools in Britain, and has been under Aston's stewardship since 1980. Alongside the swimming possibilities, there is sauna and steam room provision all housed in an impressive Edwardian edifice dating from 1902. 

- The Sacks of Potatoes -

As for our third pub, the Sacks of Potatoes is twinkling on the Gosta Green horizon where it faces out across the landscaped piazza towards Aston Business School and the Reception buildings. Promoting itself as a traditional free house, I'm intrigued to see three Lilley's Ciders on draught whereby Nick and I both opt for the rum-tinged concoction - it's rather nice! A menu majoring on loaded fries is subjected to our usual brand of scrutiny, Ken unconvinced as to whether anything called 'Cheesus Christ' would be a delicacy or not. Leaded windows and a sepia gallery of archive scenes ensure that my heritage-seeking boxes are suitably ticked, and there's a steady murmuring of custom to give this place enough Monday atmosphere. 

- Two Towers Mild in an M&B glass -

Our final landing point awaits in the Gun Quarter so we skirt around the edges of Lancaster Circus in the shadow of the former Central Fire Station. The Gunmakers Arms is a venue we know quite well, being the Two Towers Brewery tap and with something of an artistic streak. Hockley Gold, Complete Muppetry and a Mild are the three cask wares available this evening, the latter of those looking most appealing when dispensed into a vintage M&B Brew XI glass - it even has the word 'Secretary' on it in honour of my Hub Marketing status! We conclude our current affairs discussion with further Donald Trump-focused insights - there are interesting times ahead shall we say - but as long as we have good pubs and good company I would hope there will still be things to look forward to. Cheers!

The Kidderminster Beer Festival 2024

The Beer Festival bandwagon has taken a while to get moving in 2024 but is steadily gaining momentum courtesy of visits to Hereford and Wolverhampton during the summer, followed by the trio of Tamworth, Shrewsbury and Codsall once autumn leaves started to fall. Next up is a repeat visit to the Kidderminster event held once again in the shadows of the Aggborough football stadium...

- Kidderminster Station Frontage -

Trip Log: Saturday 9th November 2024 and a persistent blanket of anticyclonic gloom (not a weather term I'd heard of until this last week) has camped across the West Midlands skies for what seems like an age. Things may be very grey but at least it's dry as I make my way over to Kidderminster via Smethwick Galton Bridge. I know I'll be struggling to get decent pictures because of the overcast conditions but that won't stop me trying a few snapshots of Kiddy's twin stations, i.e. the mainline stop and the adjacent Severn Valley Railway terminus. 

- GWR Clock in the Severn Valley Booking Hall -

Talking of all things Severn Valley, they aren't running a timetable today but the concourse and museum are open to visitors so I can scout around in the booking hall looking for interesting artefacts. One GWR-era clock is a good start and some memorial wreaths have been laid out too, whilst three large bags of glittery tinsel suggest their Christmas decorations will be going up imminently. Period advertisements for Lloyd's News and Webb's Seeds (the latter being perfect for growing prized potatoes apparently) add to the bygone charm while volunteers in oily overalls cheerfully bid me good morning en route to their locomotive preserving activities.

- The East Terrace -

After a few years at the Town Hall, Kidderminster Beer Festival switched venues in 2023 to be hosted at the Kidderminster Harriers Social & Supporters Club; I was impressed with the set-up twelve months ago hence being keen to return today. Hoo Road soon has me homing in on Aggborough where preparations are underway for the match against Farsley Celtic later this afternoon (Harriers would win that 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ben Beresford). I'm here for the beer of course although a picture or two of the ground won't hurt, especially with the East Terrace having a rusty corrugated throwback appearance. 

- The Festival Kit -

As was the case last year, the festival admission package costs £15 and the ale action is mainly focused upon the large function room once I've been assigned a green wristband. My opening half is of Green Duck's 'Sitting Duck', a quality golden ale from Stourbridge's finest. Some of the darker stouts and porters have already sold out - those are the perils of attending these things on the Saturday session - so I progress through RCH's 'East Street Cream' (a 5% premium bitter with chestnut tones) followed by Bewdley's 'Sunshine'. The last of those means I have now seen some sunshine today after all, and proves a nice 3.8% zingy session beer.

- Cob and Reading Material -

The stage is being set for a Morris dancing demonstration of some description as I shift my focus onto the cider offering. 21 tipples of an apple or pear persuasion are available which is plenty to be going at; I just try two of them, namely Heck's 'Slack-Ma-Girdle' and Barbourne's 'Major Jane'. Both of these are listed as dry ciders and they have a certain tartness that tests out my tongue's powers of resilience but I find myself growing to like them with every passing sip. A cheese and onion cob for lunch is accompanied by reading matter in the form of Pint Taken, the Worcestershire CAMRA newsletter which I always enjoy perusing.

- The Land Oak -

With five halves quaffed and all tokens spent, I do my usual trick of seeking out a previously unvisited local establishment to round off the afternoon. My choice this year is the Land Oak on Birmingham Road, a corporate Marston's roadhouse I must have passed countless times during caravan rides to Stourport or cricketing journeys towards Worcester. It's a longstanding landmark, built in the 1930s I believe when the Chester Road was widened, and is serving a fairly standard combination of Wainwright, Hobgoblin and Banks's Amber. Although done out inside, I quite like the zigzagging chimney breast and dedicated games area, plus it seems popular enough with local families. With that I hustle on back to Kidderminster Station, ears primed for Molineux goalflashes as Wolves secure their first Premier League victory of the season against Southampton. Three points, a pub tick and a fun festival = a great few hours!

A Scarborough Story

The bracing breezes of the North Yorkshire coast are murmuring to us as Stephen and I spend a few days in Scarborough. Mr Beardsmore will be celebrating a big birthday over the coming days so we've booked a coach holiday getaway in order to celebrate...

- Scarborough Cricket Club -

Our story begins on Monday 28th October 2024 with the journey north, being picked up from Wolverhampton's Faulkland Street coach station at half past ten. Daish's Coaches are our company of choice for this particular holiday and their Yorkshire offering is the Esplanade Hotel in Scarborough's South Cliff district, perched high on the headland overlooking the seafront gardens and the town centre. After a steady journey up via the M18 and A614, we arrive circa half past four with time to spare before our evening meal. One Scarborough location we're keen to see above all others is the local cricket club on North Marine Road; Warwickshire were due to play there in 2020 but the Covid pandemic put paid to that, so we hope that the fixture list will give us another festival billing here before too long.

- St Mary's at Dusk -

Evidence of Scarborough's rich and varied history is very much apparent, from the craggy ruins of its medieval castle to its importance as a fishing port and subsequent growth as a Victorian seaside resort. Although darkness is setting in rapidly now that the clocks have been put back, we navigate our way around North Bay to find St Mary's Church and then inspect the quayside, a curious mixture of penny arcades, hot dog models and moored up trawlers. Mealtime at the Esplanade allows us to make the acquaintance of our fellow guests before we pick out a couple of evening drinking options courtesy of the Lord Rosebery (Scarborough's Wetherspoons as named after a former Prime Minister and serving £1.99 discount ales on a Monday) followed by the Cask Inn (a community pub and jazz venue under threat of closure). 

- Blands Cliff Mural -

To Tuesday 29th October 2024 and our first full day of North Yorkshire investigations. I'm up bright and early to see more of Scarborough's seafront attractions, chief among which is the cast iron elegance of the Cliff Bridge as erected in 1827. Its duck egg blue railings lead neatly on towards the Grand Hotel and an intriguing Victorian tramway operation which comes in handy given the amount of steps one would otherwise need to climb. I then spy an artistic treat on Blands Cliff in the form of an extended set of murals all along the length of a steep cobbled slope. Apparently these were painted by various groups of local creatives between 2001 and 2004 as part of a regeneration initiative. 

- Class 170 train at Bridlington -

Mr B and I have nominated Bridlington as our preferred Tuesday destination hence - after a decent Daish's breakfast - we make use of Northern Rail's 'Duo' deal which gives discounted tickets for two people travelling together. The train ride to Brid passes through Seamer, Filey and Hunmanby, taking just shy of forty minutes. I'd not been to Bridlington for the best part of thirty years but it remains a perennial East Riding favourite for holiday-goers and daytrippers. The railway station retains buffet signage and chiselled booking office lettering, while there are sprawling beaches either side of the main harbour.

- Meeting a Bridlington Puffin -

Our seafront stroll takes us firstly out by the local leisure centre and then back along the pier, finding the 'Gansey Girl' sculpture paying tribute to the local knitting tradition undertaken by families of fishermen who would craft thick sweaters to keep their men warm out at sea. Two contrasting drinking establishments are next for our attention, although sadly my preferred pick - the Three B's micropub, in the running for CAMRA's National Pub of the Year award - doesn't open on Tuesdays. The Moon steps into the breach instead, serving up a liquorice tinged nice pint of Aitcheson's Endike Black before we test out the Bridbrewer & Taproom bar which brews all of its own ales on the premises - I can vouch for the Trick or Treacle porter!

- The Cobbler's Arms -

An ongoing police incident has decimated the afternoon timetable on the Scarborough to Sheffield branch line although we do drop reasonably lucky (given the wider disruption) in catching a train back to Filey. Knowing that I once spent a family holiday at the Crows Nest caravan park, I had anticipated forgotten Filey memories suddenly flooding my mind but in truth not much seemed familiar apart from Cargate Hill as the main approach route to the beach. Stephen is pleased to get acquainted with an 8ft tall trawlerman whilst I'm equally as excited to track down the Cobbler's Arms, a dog-friendly micropub based in a former shoe shop on Union Street. Here I get sniffed out by a docile whippet when partaking of Wantsum Imperium, a solid Best Bitter brewed using Kentish hops.  

- X93 to Whitby -

With the train service still heavily impacted by delays, we end up catching the bus back to our hotel and the same mode of transport also comes up trumps for our Whitby Wednesday. The 30th October is Stephen's actual birthday so it seems highly appropriate to go all gothic for the occasion, although we do resist any instruction to wear black clothing. The X93 route is a long distance service linking Scarborough with Middlesbrough via Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby and Guisborough; operators Arriva are applying the capped £2 single fares so we settle on the top deck for a scenic journey which contains more than its fair share of hilly bits with tight twists and turns. We can see Whitby Abbey on the horizon as we near the town's bus station.

- The view from Whitby's West Pier -

Given Whitby's literary links to Dracula and its longstanding support for goth culture, the town really comes into its own at this time of year. The lead up to Halloween and the town's Goth Weekend in early November mean there is an extra spookiness in the air, which explains the plethora of spiders, witches and pumpkins at almost every turn. We nip our way along East Terrace to see Captain Cook's Memorial Statue (unceremoniously topped with a very brazen seagull) then promenade along the West Pier in all its planked glory. We've been enjoying a fine week weather wise but the overcast conditions only add to the effect here, ensuring we are seeing Whitby's unique rugged charm without the sugarcoating sunshine can bring.

- St Mary's, Whitby -

No visit to Whitby is ever complete with a look around the eastern half of the town where the harbour is equally as beguiling on the far side of the River Esk estuary. One particular act of pilgrimage we must make is to ascend the famous 199 Steps up to St Mary's Church and the mournful remains of Whitby Abbey, even if we're far from being the only ones making the notorious climb. My long legs cope with the exertion reasonably easily but Stephen doesn't enjoy the return walk down the cobbled lane much at all - he is getting older though so I must show some sympathy!!! On the pubs front we're spoiled for choice really but I'm more than happy to try out the Plough (a Samuel Smith's oasis of calm on Baxtergate wherein I sample the 3.4% Dark Mild) and the Waiting Room, a compact bar housed within the railway station.

- Scarborough Spa -

The week is whizzing by at a rate of knots and Thursday 31st October is now upon us with the promise of Pickering. The morning light across Scarborough Bay is utterly gorgeous so I'm out early with my camera again trying to do the place justice, focusing on The Spa conferencing and entertainment venue as designed by the architect Sir Joseph Paxton. I can well imagine how it would have been highly fashionable to drink the spa waters here; apparently the Prince of Wales would have been a frequent guest during its Victorian heyday. The accompanying South Cliff Gardens zigzag their way across the piece and I enjoy getting zooms of the multicoloured beach huts further out towards White Nab.

- Pickering, St Peter & St Paul -

And so to Pickering we proceed, making use of the number 128 bus service as run by East Yorkshire. The full route continues to Helmsley but the hour-long bit we get to savour is an all time classic ride taking in several stunning villages such as Snainton and Hutton Buscel. On his part, Stephen gets excited about Thornton-le-Dale because Mathewson's car auctions is based here (as seen on the Bangers and Cash television series). Alighting on Eastgate, our initial Pickering perambulations cover Smiddy Head, the Market Place and the Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul. I have fond memories of staying in the town twenty years ago and it hasn't changed all that much, a nice skip down family holiday memory lane. 

- Departure time at Pickering -

Pickering serves as the inland eastern terminus of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a preserved heritage line which gained added popularity due to appearing on 'Heartbeat' for many years. Originally opening in 1836, the railway became a victim of the Beeching Cuts in the mid 1960s before commencing its current charitable status in the 1970s; more recently it has been possible to extend services beyond Grosmont to terminate once again at Whitby. I loved Pickering Station in 2004 and it's equally as enchanting now with the scent of coal smoke on the breeze and a guard's whistle pre-empting the next locomotive's departure. 

- Anne Bronte's Grave -

Two Pickering watering holes take our fancy whilst we're here, namely the White Swan (a food-focused coaching inn serving Black Sheep Bitter) and the Bay Horse (a bulge-fronted Market Place mainstay where I try the Bradfield Farmer's Blonde). The 128 shows up early for our return ride to Scarborough, meaning we're well placed to track down Anne Bronte's Grave within St Mary's Churchyard - the youngest member of the Bronte family, Anne died aged 29 but her legacy lives on in the novels Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Our final Scarborough evening allows time for a couple more pints, one at the Frigate micropub as it nears its second birthday - only the twelve(!) Lilley's ciders available here - and the other at the Leeds Arms tucked away in the Old Town with its gallery of fishing memorabilia. Come Friday 1st November we're homeward bound for the West Midlands once more but it has been a lovely few days away with many happy returns to Mr Beardsmore. Cheers!