Darlaston Clubbing with Mr D9

After an enforced gap in April because of family commitments, Chairman D9 declares himself in need of a Hub Marketing session. Donning our thinking caps, we settle on a Darlaston Doorstep arrangement which should account for a couple of interesting club-type venues. Here comes the tale of the trip...

- The Fiery Grill -

Trip Log: Tuesday 19th May 2026 and our starting point is a very familiar one. Admittedly the Fiery Grill (previously the Fiery Holes prior to its Desi-style makeover) usually serves us as a nightcap location, but its proximity to Bradley Lane Metro stop makes it the ideal place for the Secretary to await Mr D9's arrival. A bar side perch amidst hexagonal patterned fabrics works well enough when armed with £4 pints of Carling, and the pub seems to be doing a brisk trade in curry orders whilst still having a steady supply of early evening regulars. The Chairman's appearance brings news of driver wakes and missed buffets with the bald one lamenting not being able to attend a celebration of life at Smethwick Labour Club.

- Studious Steering on the 79 -

Venturing deeper into the housing estates of Moxley, Charnwood Close and Queen Street combine so that we can intercept the 79 on the A41. We're not on board very long, the bus serving as a helping hand to get us into Darlaston where we will alight opposite the Asda, but there is time enough to showcase a certain someone's famed steering technique. Memories of the Stowlawn Gobbler and D9's bus-hopping youth come flooding back before attentions turn once again to matters of beer. We mustn't dilly dally as there's a lot to squeeze in and the Chairman is insistent that dead mileage is not an option - to the next haunt we must go...

- Cheerful in the Con Club -

The said second port of call is the Con Club on Little Cross Street, a venue we chickened out of sampling last October so there's added determination to include it tonight. Two large rooms give a choice of plush bar or an entertainment lounge with us picking the latter, obtaining more Carling in the process. Whenever we do anything with a Tory bias there's always a worry that one or other of us will burst into flames through political disgruntlement but there's no risk of spontaneous combustion here; in fact, you wouldn't really know it was a Conservative Club at all these days and any mention of Mrs Thatcher is thankfully kept to a minimum. Groceries and toys are piled high on the stage, perhaps through some kind of food bank operation unless an extremely well-stocked raffle is imminent. 

- The Green House Effect? -

Picking our way over wobbly Con Club car park steps past colourfully-painted planters made out of old tyres, we shuffle across to Blockall where some conveniently positioned temporary traffic lights delay the number 37 bus enough for us to reach the stop. Another short ride soon has us bearing down upon Willenhall Road, eyeing up the former Garringtons offices which now function as a sauna suite. We're not keen on the idea of disrobing in a steamy room with lots of strangers although the building's frontage does distract the bald spot momentarily. We would however like to try Garro's Pool Hall next door but it isn't open yet, despite a growing throng of potential punters congregating outside wanting to put their cues to good use.

- Beard Close Indignation -

The amount of derelict factories in the vicinity is an unmistakable sign of Darlaston's industrial decline, and with the prospect that Garro's might still be gettable later, we head to the Robin Hood on The Crescent to fill the gap. This Black Country Ales establishment is very dangerous as far as the Chairman is concerned - he has been known to have extended sessions here in the company of old scheduling colleagues - so the Secretary has to be very strict about this being a one pint only visit. BFG and Mallinsons Columbus are the tipples in question and the quality of both the beer and the pub as a whole really shines through. Returning to Darlaston, we declare our silly songs - a brace of Joan Sims novelties, 'Oh Not Again Ken' and 'Hurry Up Gran' - then pose for photocalls at both the Bargain Hub and Beard Close, with the latter seemingly eliciting a certain degree of D9 mock grumpiness.

- Grappling with Garro's -

There's still no joy at Garro's, although we are told that the staff are on their way, so a further contingency call is required. We first sampled the Nags Head at Darlaston Green on a Myvod Moments trip in April 2015 and it doesn't appear to have altered much - a down-to-earth vibe punctuated by shelves full of sporting trophies, plus window art promoting their satellite sport subscriptions. One swift Carling there precedes it being third time lucky back at Garro's which has now belatedly opened. It has a basic set-up very much focused around a multitude of pool tables and the lager here is very frothy, meaning Mr D9 gets given some extra dregs free of charge. A friendly place with a huge dog bouncing around for added fun factor, we're very glad we put the effort in trying to include it. With that, time is fast running out but an obliging 79 connection means we can make it a Fiery Grill double before the curtain falls. Cheers!

Station Surveillance with Towpath Turpin

Artemis II might have cast glances upon the far side of the moon but if you want edgy exploration what you really need is hardcore Black Country business with our resident royal. News that two local railway stations have reopened after a 60 year gap impelled us to take to the tracks...

These are exciting times for West Midlands transport developments. The Camp Hill Line has been reinstated for passenger services after an 80 year hiatus (we hope to report on Moseley, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road happenings in due course) while the Midland Metro tram network is being expanded in both Birmingham and Dudley. This particular trip is however dedicated to another key achievement in that two Walsall area stations are fully operational again. Darlaston and Willenhall lost their provision under the Beeching Cuts in 1965 and so finally in 2026 their rightful spots on the railway system have been resurrected.

- Darlaston Station -

Both of these new Black Country halts are currently being covered by an hourly frequency on the Shrewsbury to Birmingham via Tame Bridge Parkway service (admitting that at this stage there isn't a direct link into Walsall itself). Nick and I board the 10:55 Wolverhampton departure for an 11 minute journey into Darlaston, noting Heath Town, Deans Road and the Noose Lane level crossing along the way. Alighting on time at 11:06, we're immediately impressed by the scale of the facilities that have been built; Darlaston Station is a substantial affair above and beyond the basic halt we might have expected. Two platforms can each handle four carriage sets and a fully accessible liftshaft-cum-footbridge has been installed, plus there is ample car parking. Principal access is via Cemetery Road (off Bentley Mill Way) with a pedestrian gap onto Kendrick Road should you need it. 

- Steelworks Clues -

It is worth stating that the station is positioned at James Bridge, very close to the location of the original Victorian-era halt which functioned from 1837 to 1965. This does mean it is a fair distance from the town centre so a bus ride or a good walk might be required. Nick and I have beer matters in mind as usual, meaning our target is the Chestnut Tree on Axletree Way, part of the Junction 9 retail park complex beside the M6 motorway in Wednesbury. Much of the land hereabouts used to be part of the FH Lloyd steel foundry, the company being a major employer until succumbing to rationalisation of the industry in the 1980s. Two ornamental gates offer a nod to the past while the pub is nothing to write home about, a corporate Marstons carvery affair with a penchant for serving extra crispy roast potatoes.

- Charles Richards Imperial Works -

I have higher hopes for our second port of call although getting there involves seeing more of Darlaston's industrial underbelly. Given that HRH is used to the refined airs of Warwickshire these days, derelict factories and backstreet lock-ups can come as a culture shock with Heath Road entirely lacking in any kind of glamour. That's not to say there aren't items of interest here, most prominently the Imperial Works where Charles Richards & Sons were nut and bolt manufacturers of some renown. The firm was another casualty of the 1980s I'm afraid since when the factory has effectively lain empty, its ominous frontage still dominating this portion of Darlaston Green complete with some rather fine lettering. 

- A Crusty Cob -

 To The Crescent we next trot for the Robin Hood, easily our favourite pub of the day and my 11th stamp towards the 2026 Black Country Ales trail. An archery session is underway on an adjacent field so Nick wonders whether the participants improve their aim once they've had a pint or two - if it's anything like my darts, a calming ale could be a very good thing! Speaking of which, my Mallinsons Taiheke is a rather nice 3.8%er accompanied by a tiger bap cheese and onion cob - I like the burnt crusty cheesy pieces on top of the roll. A minibus tour sweeps in just after us and commandeers the inkpad so I have to slink back afterwards and hope the barmaid remembers my face - thankfully she does and my passport is duly decorated.

- James Bridge Aqueduct -

I've promised Nick a waterways segment so that he can reprise his role as Towpath Turpin, although if he's expecting improving vistas he'll be sorely disappointed. We cover a Walsall Canal segment from Bughole Bridge to James Bridge Aqueduct, passing under ramshackle works bridges that have been declared unsafe to deter would-be climbers. COVID microbe art is still detectable in places before I explain the significance of Forster Bridge as the gateway to the Anson Branch (which sadly looks that little bit more overgrown every time I see it). Both of us approve of the aqueduct's venerable heritage, carrying the canal over road and river, in this case the Tame. The best view is from Bentley Mill Way for a full appreciation of its twin arches and a Roman numeral date inscription for the year 1797. 

- A Willenhall Station Welcome -

Skipping back past James Bridge Cemetery and its pretty cherry blossoms, we linger again at Darlaston Station awaiting the 14:46 train. Willenhall is merely three minutes away so it isn't even worth sitting down, and we can soon survey our second new transport tick of the day. I must say this facility is a delight to visit, what with lock artwork giving it an additional edge aesthetically; Ideas, Growth and Innovation wording promotes positivity with lightbulb motifs very noticeable. Passengers have a choice of steps or a zigzag ramp onto Bilston Street, and again there are substantial liftshafts. Nick meanwhile is very excited by a British Railways-era running in board which might have been salvaged from the original station many moons ago; even if it is a faithful reproduction it certainly looks the part!

- Grinning in Gilbert's -

Willenhall's pub prospects have taken quite a battering in recent years with its Wetherspoons (The Malthouse) shutting and that real ale stalwart the Falcon also falling by the wayside. I'll therefore need to be creative to find us some interesting watering holes, beginning with the wildest of wildcards known as Gilbert's. Positioned on Field Street, it presumably must have been a members club of some description but is nowadays open to all and seems a friendly place. Dartboards are very much part of the attraction - they have at least four - and ITV's Grand National coverage from Aintree has many of the regulars transfixed. We partake of Weston's Vintage Cider and sit by the trophy shelf admiring movie star illustrations and motorbike diagrams. I sense Mr D9 would absolutely love it here...

- Who Wears The Crown? -

Elsewhere in Willenhall are a trio of previous Paul haunts each earning another airing. The Three Crowns is very much in horse racing mode, packed out with punters who aren't shy of having a flutter on the geegees. So full is it inside that we take our respective glasses of New Zealand Pale and Ossett White Rat out onto the rear patio, listening in as 'I Am Maximus' wins the famous old steeplechase. I should mention that the ale here is top drawer as befits entry in the 2026 Good Beer Guide. A trio of regal headpieces is not enough for our Nick so a separate call into the Crown on Cheapside tops up the coronet contingent, albeit much of the apparent draught offer is out of stock. We settle for Guinness and Marstons Smooth for the sake of admiring an unspoiled interior (the less said about the throwback outhouse gents loos the better), and the final say goes to a very busy Royal George for Golden Glow and Backyard Blonde overlooking the 529 bus stop. HRH's carriage home then awaits (a.k.a. the 18:03 to Birmingham New Street), and those two railway arrivals can consider themselves christened!

D9's Darlaston Doorstep: The Evening Edition

A matter of four days after their Wet Wombourne Workout, the Hub Marketing Board reassemble for an extraordinary evening meeting during which they will dutifully delve into Darlaston. Thankfully the weather is drier - if saddled with autumnal greyness - and there is an all-time classic sleeve surprise in the offing...

- Pop Art Patterns -

A Tuesday tour of one of the Black Country's most unheralded towns is on the agenda, but not before Mr WME has paid one of his periodic visits to Wolverhampton Art Gallery. The Pop Art is always worth a look, especially with a memorable model of King Kong taking pride of place, while the pieces on display are rotated so as to showcase the breadth of the collection over time. Andy Warhol is represented alongside the likes of Richard Hamilton and Pauline Boty, with prints, sculptures and collages to really capture the impact of the Pop Art movement. 

- A Threat of Something Foxy -

Culturally replenished, the Secretary can then count down to a Loxdale rendezvous at circa half past four. A grinning Chairman is waiting on the Midland Metro platform and is clearly up to something, although there is momentary alarm when Mr D9's apparent intentions have us approaching the Foxy Lady Adult Cinema on Oxford Street. Hub Marketing is a wholesome pursuit first and foremost so the bald one is only teasing, and his real target is the Midlands Sports Bar tucked away deeper into the Bilston Key Industrial Estate. Even so, it is very unnerving passing mounds of rubble, abandoned skips and discarded tyres to get there.

- Stunned Secretary in the Midlands Sports Bar -

Previously the Midland Snooker Club but latterly expanding into more general Bar & Grill-type operations, the Midlands Sports Bar is quite a revelation (particularly as it had totally escaped the otherwise-extensive WME radar for such things). A blackened frontage gives way to an interior that seems to be partway through refurbishment, with pool tables stretching back as far as the eye can see. A couple of Carlings get the day's drinking underway, watching the Women's World Cup cricket as England hold their nerve in a run chase against Bangladesh. Several cue-wielding gentlemen are taking their potting most seriously while it's the darts section which seems to be the focus of much of the upgrading redecorating activity.

- More Carling? Why Not! -

After that startling starter, we turn-up-and-go with both the 79 (driven by 'The Wig') and the 37 (where one of the Chairman's Walsall Garage associates is behind the wheel). Darlaston now demands our concentration whereby it's nice to actually set foot inside the Why Not for the first time ever. We'd done it before, but that was during that weird period immediately after Covid when all drinking had to be done in the open air to continue combatting the risk of infection. Things are more relaxed on this occasion so we can happily park ourselves on one of the booth tables, partaking of Happy Hour £2.80 lager discounts and watching resident pooch Rufus trying gamely to get into a bag of Pork Crunch. A salt of the earth local this one!

- Dusky Darlaston Baldness -

In fairness, the salt of the earth desciption could apply to any of Darlaston's boozers as we receive the best of Black Country welcomes in every one we sample. The Green Dragon on Church Street is a properly old-fashioned M&B affair where the weekly karaoke slot is quite an attraction. Sue's rendition of 'Build Me Up Buttercup' is the stuff of nightmares quite frankly but it's a lot of fun to pop in for a Butty Bach, noting that warm soup is dispensed to one snoozing old gent. Relieved that the Chairman hasn't treated all and sundry to his best crooning attempt at 'Spanish Eyes', we proceed into Victoria Road as the bald spot eyes up the local precinct.

- The Spice Hub Photoshoot -

There's a lot to admire architecturally in the vicinity of Victoria Road - the old Council House, the Post Office, and (further round on Crescent Road), the disused Police Station too. Also worthy of appreciation is the Swan, nestled in amongst these reminders of Darlaston's civic past, so we make sure to call in there for a cracking pint of Ludlow Gold. We can well imagine the days of Rubery Owen workers piling into these places at the end of their shifts, and a few remnants of those times still seem to survive. Our final port of call - via two Hub photoshoots - is the Horse & Jockey on Walsall Road which is serving Wye Valley HPA rather than Banks's these days, once we've snuck in through the side gate. So there you have it, a Darlaston dash on a dusky October evening, and what a fine time we had. Cheers!