Lost Pubs from the WME Archives #36

As much as I enjoy putting together my Lost Pubs postings, they always carry an air of melancholy that the establishments concerned aren't still pulling pints and dispensing good honest hospitality. This next selection have all been plucked from the loose assemblage of areas we know as Sandwell...

- Royal Oak, Greets Green -

We'll get started on Whitehall Road between Great Bridge and Greets Green from whence the Royal Oak used to grace us with its presence. Very much a West Bromwich Albion stronghold, the pub had a pleasing cottagey appearance with hints of thin beams and a community local emphasis. It sadly suffered an ignominious ending involving fire damage and partial demolition until the remainder of the building was ultimately flattened along with the adjoining property.

- Hawthorn Tavern, Harvills Hawthorn -

Next up is the Hawthorn Tavern which was positioned towards the top end of Dial Line serving the residents of Harvills Hawthorn and Hill Top. Mr D9 and I paid this a Hub Marketing visit back in August 2011 when it felt like it was already on its last legs; any boozer which has to serve cans rather than draught beer never lasts much longer in our experience. The building still stands having seemingly been converted into private accommodation.

- Olde Bulls Head, Oldbury -

Our third terminated tavern takes us into the centre of Oldbury for a mention of Ye Olde Bulls Head, a Birmingham Street boozer next to the Market Place alleyway. I can't remember much about this one other than it often seemed to be promoting some kind of happy hour discount; since closing the premises were taken over by Bairstow Eves Estate Agents, more recently changing its name to Innovate but still in the business of selling houses. 

- Old Furnace, Old Hill -

Some pubs look very inviting and others seem best avoided, whereby I'd probably put Old Hill's Old Furnace in the latter of those two categories. I'm sure it was a handsome enough place in its heyday but I can't recall it ever having an appealing appearance as far as I was concerned, which may explain why the Waterfall further up the hill always got my custom instead. There has been talk of clearing the site for development - shops or residential - although nothing seems to have transpired as yet and the place is becoming an eyesore.

- George Inn, Ryders Green -

Last but not least comes this bygone boozer from the back end of West Bromwich, namely the George Inn on Phoenix Street (kind of mid-way between Ryders Green and Swan Village). As with the Old Furnace, this was one I was always intent on swerving even though it might have served up a record-busting cheap pint for the Hub Marketing spreadsheets. Situated near the Robinson Brothers chemical works, it is now a house with a car wash on the side. 

The Stoke Sojourn 2024

We've reached that time of year when I attempt to plug any holes in my annual trip compendium by targeting areas as yet unvisited. One of 2024's most glaring gaps is The Potteries so I've got my eyes firmly fixed on Stoke, the city that always delivers special adventures. Will the day be able to match the high standards set by Penkhull, Hartshill, Burslem et al?

- Glebe Street Bridge -

Stoke on Trent railway station is my starting point, noting that the road outside is being dug up amidst a mass of one-way restrictions while the North Stafford Hotel opposite is in the process of being renovated. Picking my way past the ongoing Goods Yard development - a Capital & Centric scheme which uses Levelling Up funding - I scurry down the steps onto the canalside to commence my Trent & Mersey mission. Bridge 113 seems familiar on the side of Grindeys Solicitors (within shouting distance of Stoke Civic Centre) but anything beyond that counts as completely fresh towpath territory...

- Trent & Mersey Scenery -

An immediate discovery is Jones & Shufflebottom's plumbing and bathroom works in all their corrugated glory; the firm is known as Jones & Shuffs for short and they have neighbouring plants both boasting white block lettering. There is then a ramshackle moorings base near Whieldon Road as I flirt with the fringes of Fenton - 'Rock and Roll Lady' is one of the boats residing here. The bridges descend numerically and there are hints of street art, some of the tags and characters being recognisable from Wolverhampton. Bridge 109 is a blue-railinged tunnel beside a huge waste incinerator plant with its beige concrete chimney towering above. Just a short distance further and I'm in prime position to exit for the footballing feature I've been promising myself, Bridge 108a leading directly onto Stoke City FC’s hinterlands. 

- The Bet365 Stadium -

Given that I'd previously been to Vale Park with Mr D9 back in 2015, this visit ensures I've achieved Stoke sporting parity by checking out the home of The Potters. It's an impressive arena, purpose built in a self contained site near Trentham Lakes that's probably a far cry from the old Victoria Ground. Some of the access gates are only in use on matchdays but I can use the main driveway off the A50 to eye up the stands, ticket office and club shop. I recall this being known as the Britannia Stadium when it originally opened in the 1990s but the Coates family association ensures the links to betting sponsorship nowadays.

- Gordon Banks Statue -

A general wander along nearby approach roads reveals a tribute to Gordon Banks with 1966 trophy aloft and goalkeeping gloves in hand; as resemblances go this is a very good likeness, focusing on his proud England achievements rather than anything at club level (he served Stoke with distinction between 1967 and 1973). Had I done my research properly, I would also have sought out the Stanley Matthews Memorial Statue further around the stadium perimeter but I'll have to save that for a future treat. I do however manage to get pictures of the adjacent Trentham Lakes Harvester restaurant by way of consolation.

- A Michelin Marker -

Delighted with that stadium recce, I retrace my steps back over the Trent & Mersey Canal and continue on towards Stoke Town. Signs for Sideway accompany me across the busy arterial roads and around Michelin Roundabout, where mini Michelin Man figurines are a telltale clue that I'm outside the global tyre company's main UK headquarters. The River Trent is similarly present and correct with its own associated footpath so I make a mental note to investigate that for its future walking potential.

- The Plough Motel, Boothen -

Campbell Road is my route into Boothen, one of those Stoke suburbs that resonates with footballing history. The Plough Motel is still standing but apparently disused - a nice 1920s building with an ornamental name cartouche - while the Home Cooking chip shop opposite would've been right up my street were I not eating later. The Plough might have expired but there is a hostelry close at hand with plenty of life to it, the Gardeners Retreat being a bikers oasis with lots of leathers among the bearded clientele. This is a Marston's boozer of the best kind - friendly, local and utterly unpretentious - with quality Pedigree too. Further excellent hospitality is provided by the Wellington on London Road, an authentic corner local serving Draught Bass and where everyone is called 'duck'.

- Spode Art -

Talking of authenticity, how's about an unscripted ferret around the old Spode Works for a classic interlude? I'd done some of it with Mr D9 a few years ago but this is on a different level, having free rein to roam the industrial remains to my heart's content. The arch entry has been done out to resemble the famous Willow pattern plates with blue and white porcelain finery painted across the tarmac while a three-sided plinth adds extra lustre via depictions of bottle kilns, narrowboats and skilled illustrators. Beyond that I'm let loose among the outbuildings, capturing disused fire exits and safety notices aplenty. Partial regeneration appears to be underway here with boutique workshops and the British Ceramics Biennial exhibition.

- A Glebe Conclusion -

 I need a classy finale and they don't come much more prestigious than the Glebe, an elegant taphouse which effectively abuts the aforementioned Civic Centre. Mr D9 and I splashed and dashed this once upon a time so it's nice to linger slightly longer; Joules are midway through a refurb (hence the external scaffolding) but that doesn't detract from a beguiling interior of dark wood and heraldic crests, truly befitting an establishment slap bang next to the seat of local government. This councillors' bolthole is more than acceptable for me, spotting stained glass and a carved Stoke coat of arms. A pint of Pale drinks nicely sitting below a Six Towns etched barrel and effect woodwork promoting draught ale - it's just a shame I need to get a move on to catch my train home. Stoke you've been stellar yet again, cheers!

A Second September Selection

September has seen me busy with many explorational bits and pieces, all broadly bound together by beer festivals and the tail end of the 2024 cricket season. After Tamworth, Worcester and Moseley there are now tales from Shrewsbury and Nottingham to bring you - read on to find out more...

- Bring On The Beer! -

Shrewsbury's Beer, Cider & Perry Festival has easily established itself as one of my personal favourite events over recent years, even if it hasn't quite managed to displace Dudley Winter Ales Fayre in my ultimate ale affections. A big part of its appeal is the stunning setting of St Mary's Church, barely five minutes wander up the hill from the railway station, so when the designated date rolled around again Jane and I made sure to investigate. Admission was £9 for CAMRA members (£12 otherwise) so we trotted along on the opening Wednesday to see which tempting tipples were being showcased this time around. Pentrich's 'Soul Doughnut' certainly proved an alluring aperitif, billed as a caramel custard milk stout with all of the sweet indulgent notes I could have wished for!

- St Mary's Stained Glass -

Also very much in my sights were 'Walnut Porter' (a North Riding concoction which was as decadently nutty as it sounds), Pig & Porter's 'Apparition' (complete with its suitably spectral creamy stout head), and the bizarrely-named 'Sharks With Laser Beams', a hazy Tiny Rebel IPA that resembled murky grapefruit juice but tasted terrific! Equally as joyous is the stained glass for which St Mary's is deservedly renowned, the collection containing several English and continental pieces installed during the 19th century when William Gorsuch Rowland would have been the incumbent minister. 

- Contemplating Ciders and Pondering Perries -

Jane is a fan of traditionally-produced ciders and perries so she soon acquainted herself with that particular corner of the stillage serveries. Although she mainly prefers the classic taste of apples and pears without embellishment, she's not averse to trying out slightly more unusual flavourings (purely in the name of research you understand) and declared herself partial to the floral flourishes of Gwatkin's Elderflower. 'Sweet Anita' and 'Panting Partridge' likewise get her seal of approval although she sadly emerged empty handed on the charity tombola. All of the luck came my way instead, although my winning of a 'Naked Ladies' pumpclip raised more eyebrows than the accompanying Mild In May Wenlock Pottery mug.

- Cocktail Time at The Alb -

Whilst in Shrewsbury we sought out a couple of post-festival libations, starting with the Henry Tudor Inn on Wyle Cop. Joules have done a spectacular job breathing new life into one of the town's most historic properties; it is said that the future King Henry VII stayed in the building en route to the Battle of Bosworth Field so if it was good enough for him it'll do us nicely too. Slumbering Monk and Aspalls Cider were duly sampled among cigar, taxidermy and mounted fish displays before we relocated to the Alb (previously the Albert) next to Raven Meadows Bus Station. Jane enjoys the occasional cocktail within reason so a Bramble apiece crowned the day while I puzzled over the pink bicycle hung on the wall. Chin chin!

- The Radcliffe Road End -

To cricketing matters where Warwickshire's capitulation at the hands of Essex last week had left them still needing a handful of points to ensure Championship Division One safety. Trent Bridge played host to the Bears' final fixture of the season with Stephen and I heading across to Nottingham to see the third day unfold. Notts had amassed a healthy 324/6 during a rain-interrupted first couple of days and had yet to guarantee their own survival, although much would depend on how Lancashire got on in their match at Worcester. Hopeful but perhaps a little apprehensive, Mr B and I took up a perch in the Hound Road Upper Tier to watch on...

- The Lunchtime Score -

Despite a couple of welcome wickets for part time off spinner Rob Yates, Nottinghamshire had the better of the morning session in reaching 440/9 aided by their South African wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne's imperious unbeaten century. Nottingham Forest were due to play Fulham at home later that afternoon so the Trent Bridge Inn and other surroundings pubs were heaving come lunchtime, and the queue outside the chip shop would have required untold levels of patience too. The afternoon action saw Notts progress to 487 all out (Verreynne 148 not out) before the Warwickshire openers were dismissed cheaply. At 6/2 the alarm bells were ringing!

- Hain Holds Firm -

Thankfully the combination of Will Rhodes and Sam Hain rode to the rescue, quietening the jitters as news filtered through that Lancashire were struggling over at New Road. Even when young Farhan Ahmed started to weave his magic - accounting for Rhodes (37) and Mousley (a duck) within the same over - we suspected that Warwickshire were going to be clear of the relegation mire, if only by the skins of their teeth. The strains of Mull of Kintyre emanating from the City Ground informed us that the Forest match was underway, Fulham going on to win that thanks to a Raul Jimenez penalty kick.

- Cheers to Championship Survival -

After a belated meal in the Trent Bridge Inn once the football fans had dispersed, we settled in the Radcliffe Road Stand to watch what for us would be our last session of live 2024 cricket. The 'Hain Train' was latterly joined by Ed Barnard for a relatively serene partnership in the late afternoon sunshine, meaning Warwickshire were poised on 143/4 when stumps was declared circa quarter to six. In terms of this particular match that meant a deficit of nearly 350 runs, but confirmation of Lancashire's relegation had us breathing huge sighs of relief all the way home to Wolverhampton. Let's hope the 2025 season will bring more Warwickshire wins - Cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - September 2024

As the very last vestiges of summer disappear and any cricketing equipment goes into hibernation until next spring, I shall raise a metaphorical bat in recognition of my own September half century. Not of runs in this case but rather photographs, as fifty new pictorial arrivals swell the West Midlands Exploration photostream ranks to a current cumulative total of 7,200 images...

I hate to be predictable but there are certain galleries you just know will always be topping the scoring charts. WME Wolverhampton leads the batting averages year on year - this is hardly surprising being as I live there - although this month's contributions don't bring you Finchfield blossoms nor Compton cul-de-sacs for a change. Instead I offer Graiseley grabbings (CVH Fabrications and a delve into Drayton Street), flanked by Heath Town's almshouse doorways and two racetrack-related street signs from the Goodyears estate in Oxley - I like the way the road names reference autosport heritage there.

Also a reliable run-getter is WME Staffordshire which has nudged and nurdled its way to another sizeable innings. The Potteries possibilities of Hanley Art Gallery and Heron Cross make for attractive strokeplay whilst Huddlesford has unfurled some aesthetically pleasing cover drives courtesy of the Coventry Canal and Huddlesford Lane (even if a railway gantry is admittedly far less attractive). Gospel End signage and Hednesford pub lettering for the Plough & Harrow ensure a healthy haul is duly recorded. 

Our middle order power hitters this time around are WME Worcestershire and WME Dudley, news which marks a welcome return to form for Worcs after a barren run at the crease. The main beneficiary here has been Honeybourne with supplementary snapshots of both the village (Fancutts Garage) and the railway station; as for Dudley, it maintains the steady form it's been showing all year by supplying Fixed Wheel Brewery fragments and a sneaky sighting of Fountain Arcade. There's even a guest appearance from Santa at Gornal's Jolly Crispin!

September's tailenders are a tireless trio not averse to bludgeoning the occasional boundary. WME Birmingham takes something of a liking to the Highbury pub and Gosta Green whilst pausing to remember the short-lived Halton Turner Brewery under Digbeth's railway arches; WME Sandwell sprints a couple of quick singles involving the Fox & Goose at Greets Green and the Metro sign at Dudley Street (Guns Village), then the coup-de-grace is applied by WME Coventry with the Craven Street pairing of Guinness and M&B branding from the Hearsall Inn and neighbouring Coombe Abbey. Innings over until October...