Springtime Essentials

March has been an exceedingly busy month and it hasn't finished yet. I need to bring you bang up to date not just with any old outings but with two of the trips that are nailed-on certainties at this time of year. My annual Stafford Spectacular has been successfully staged, followed closely by that Chip Foundation imperative of a jaunt to mark the anniversary of Nick's retirement. Hold onto your hats!

- Highfield Manor -

Firstly we have Stafford on Saturday 28th March where I'm intending on gaining another two stamps towards the Black Country Ales trail. Before any pub-going comes the small matter of some local exploring, beginning as ever with Victoria Park and the statutory sculptural sighting of W G Grace - you'd think after all these years he'd have actually bowled his shot by now! A little mooch along Rowley Avenue brings back fond memories of the Blessed William Howard School, host venue for the Heart of Staffordshire Beer Festival on several occasions, where Nick and I might frequent buddy benches whilst eating oatcakes. The area around Rowley Park Hospital is private property and I don't want to incur the wrath of any security patrols, hence I head the longer way round by passing the gateposts for Highfield Manor.

- Things Turning Desperate? -

The Highfields estate was last mentioned in WME despatches back in 2020 when I braved the Oxleathers for a pint and also noted other local amenities, especially around Western Downs. The area is now ripe for a revisit and this time my focus will be on more of West Way, spotting a family butchers shop, a pharmacy and a Spar store. One open patch of land offers a mural based on comic characters from Desperate Dan to Popeye and Garfield by way of Dennis the Menace and Gnasher. Averill Road presents downbeat flats leading towards the Rowley Park Stadium and then Highfield Grove feels more approachable, revealing 1930s bungalows and the local primary school. Many of the roads are named after famous poets (think Swinburne Close and Coleridge Drive) which reminds me of The Scotlands in Wolverhampton.

- Hawkshead Dry Stone Stout -

Arcing back to Stafford town centre, I make sure to visit that pair of pubs I'd been promising myself. The Bird in Hand has always seemed very busy on my previous encounters there so an early doors sampling makes sense. Oakham's 'The Hare and the Hedgehog' Light Bitter is pleasingly refreshing as I sit in the front bar, chatting to a group of chaps who've headed down from Sandbach for the day - perhaps Black Country Ales need an outlet in Crewe? Their other Stafford contender then beckons in the form of the Shrewsbury Arms on Eastgate Street which can furnish me with Hawkshead's Dry Stone stout, conjuring up visions of Lake District walls. A cheeky Hobson's Pale in the Pickled Pig is an excellent bonus; the Bank House prior to this had been a Thai restaurant and a coffee shop so to see it turned into a rustic ale bar last year is a most agreeable development indeed - I'm impressed!

- A Blustery Beacon Walk -

If Stafford is one March mainstay, the other essential excursion when spring has sprung is the Chip Foundation's Eastertime gathering to mark another year of happy retirement for Nick. In 2026 the allotted date falls on Monday 30th March with Episode 94 of our ongoing chronicles commencing with a Sedgley summoning. Twelve years of leisure is something that needs to be marked so the gang are instructed to gather at the Beacon Hotel circa midday, although those of us who are of an energetic persuasion have the option of a bracing walk beforehand. It's very breezy to say the least but our selected climb soon has us in position to enjoy the wide panorama atop Sedgley Beacon's covered reservoir, whereby you can easily see Birmingham’s skyline in one direction and the Shropshire Hills in the other.

- Deep in Discussion -

That gusty chunk of sightseeing ensures we reach beer heaven at the allotted hour, just after 12 o'clock. Nick’s love of the Beacon Hotel stretches back to his ‘Woodcross Years’ when he was based nearby for work so we've made it our mission to return here at least once a year ever since. Ken has arrived in advance and commandeered the front left snug on our behalf; this is an evocative room of William Morris-styled wallpaper and a black varnished piano, just perfect for respective pints of Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild and the Purple Peril Beardsmore equivalent. Monday lunchtime is one of the quietest sessions here so we can happily chat about Cornish holidays and the US-Iran Conflict uninterrupted. When the world seems to be going mad, it’s reassuring to have a timeless escape, great company and excellent beer to help reset one’s equilibrium. Things don’t necessarily stand still here though: last time we came we had the pleasure of sitting in the plain parlour after that was opened up for public access, and the conservatory has since been given a reboot to provide additional seating. Clearly the place is so popular they need ever more capacity to meet demand!

- Swanning about with a Town Crier -

Sedgley has a number of enticing pub possibilities and it would be rude not to include more of its Good Beer Guide contingent. The Bulls Head therefore supplies Holdens hospitality with a bovine streak, Stephen previewing the forthcoming cricket season as wafts of Thai ingredients permeate through from the associated restaurant. The Swan is a new one on Nick, although I had been a couple of times previously. The grey fire door off Ettymore Road is their preferred means of access at the moment, somewhat offputting until you step inside and realise it's a genuinely comfortable old boozer. Plum Chesterfield seating and Hobsons Town Crier make for a highly satisfactory call, speculating about whether HRH will be as active in his 80s.

- Chip Contentment -

Operated by Carolean (an independent bus company I can't recall ever riding on), the 224 bus conveys us to Bilston via Ettingshall Park Farm and Lanesfield. Upon alighting, we collectively swoop upon Chaplins for that avowed local delicacy, battered chips. These have a particuarly pronounced orange hue but hit the spot nicely - chief taster Stephen certainly approves - and with that staple requirement sorted we relocate to the Trumpet in order to catch up with Musti, Lynne and Diane. Holden’s Mild to the strains of Nat King Cole and Gregory Porter is hard to beat, sitting among the displays of saxophones, record covers and the legendary drum kit. If we weren't intent on finishing at the Great Western I could have stayed all evening, but Sun Street awaits (via a 530 Banga bus journey through Rough Hills), and the Chip Foundation's spiritual home can rightfully close proceedings. Holden's '5' Black Country Stout is a fitting finale and - with a bit of luck - we'll be back to do it all over again in 2027. Cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - March 2026

Sprouting daffodils, bounding lambs, increased birdsong, butterflies on the breeze - spring is truly upon us and so are your March additions to the WME Flickr photostream. We have street signs (quelle surprise), comic book brains, tinsel-clad mannequins and much more besides - here's what has been occurring...

Refusing to break the habit of a 2026 lifetime, WME Dudley retains its top billing for the third month in a row. This time around its lofty status has been forged on pictures from lovely Lye (Polypipe advertising, the Lye Cross Clock, railway station signage) and Lapal (where I must declare a fondness for the old Co-op frontage on Manor Lane). Kingswinford hasn't been slacking either, bringing forth Beefeater branding and Swan pub pluckings, then Stourbridge has the curious sight of a stretching decorator in street art form adorning the brickwork at Katie Fitzgeralds.

Although not able to match Dudley for a near-deluge of arrivals, WME Staffordshire has been steadily accumulating a healthy batch of its own. Leek has announced itself with a promising selection of Moorlands morsels, the first time that this corner of the county has gained itself a photostream foothold. Fish and Chips, Mandy's Greengrocers, the Cattle Market boozer and the predictable assortment of street names give me something to build on. Other than that, Lower Penn provides Peaky Blinder portraits, Kidsgrove Station a helping of handprints. 

What about WME Birmingham you may well ask? Jewellery Quarter correspondence brings news of Bernard Lowe typefaces and Hockley Street homages, not to mention a remnant of the Swatkins Group's collection and delivery service for their prized trophies. William West & Sons join Shipton & Co Ltd in representing the district's jewel-making roots, then elsewhere in the Second City we find a smiling sun mosaic brightening up Lea Hall's railway environs.

It's not very often that WME Wolverhampton gets overshadowed with repeated regularity but it has taken this demotion from chief contributor with considerable grace (all while probably plotting a return to the top spot). It rumbles along regardless courtesy of Horseley Fields engineering enterprises, Heath Town Working Men's Club and Loxdale's Lester Street. WME Telford meanwhile is of an Ironbridge persuasion for riverside views and a glimpse of the Chez Maw restaurant whereas neighbouring WME Shropshire homes in on Heathgates lettering out among the Shrewsbury suburbs.

The Malvern area can be delightful at this time of year although whether glances at Graham Road quite deliver natural glory is up for discussion; WME Worcestershire weaves in Malvern Link murals and the Retired Soldier pub by way of added persuasion. All of which leaves us with WME Warwickshire for an eclectic mixture containing the previously mentioned brain character (a table reservation card at Leamington's Drawing Board) alongside the Apehangers mannequin in Santa hat and green frock. Until April, enjoy the pictures!

Burton Beer Festival 2026

Hot on the heels of Chelmsley Clubbing with Mr D9 comes this East Staffordshire excursion to sample ales at the home of brewing. Burton Town Hall and its Wurlitzer organ await for me and Miss Woolf...

- A Town Hall Taster -

Surviving a crazily busy sardines ordeal on the 10:49 Nottingham departure from New Street (during which we are 'treated' to a chorus of Madonna's 'Into the Groove' by a carriage full of Cheltenham Town supporters), Jane and I arrive at Burton intent on an initial wander. Borough Road presents an underwhelming railway station frontage straight out of the 1960s before old favourites the Coopers Arms and the Devonshire earn my photographic admiration. Off to the main event we then go, joining the growing expectant throng outside the Town Hall in catching a few warming rays of sunshine. We start queuing up circa 11:45 so we're in a good spot for when the doors open at midday, and there's quite a snake of similarly eager folk stretching along King Edward Place behind us. 

- The Wurlitzer Wonder -

The layout is familiar from previous editions whereby ciders and local beers are in the Lingen Room, the main hall is organised alphabetically by brewery and (most importantly) the mighty Wurlitzer organ is present and correct. Plunging straight into our task, Jane tries something distressingly pink in the form of Hunt's Raspberry whereas I opt for Tollgate’s Old Rasputin, a richly dark stout with the promise of a thick creamy head. We gravitate to the balcony where I always love to sit for the best views of the Victorian interior, perfect for peoplewatching in that we're on the lookout for impressive beards, very sparkly dresses and outrageous mullets. Miss Woolf chances upon Farmer Jim's Rhubarb Bob for her second selection while I tackle a pale ale prospect in the guise of Nene Valley's Release the Chimps. No apes were harmed in the drinking of this brew, and we're delighted when organist Steve starts tinkling the ivories for a lunchtime recital comprising ‘Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye’ and ‘Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs Of Dover'. 

- Purple Haze -

Broadoak's Purple Haze continues Jane's full spectrum of fruity hues, followed in her case by the same company's traditional perry which is a definite hit. I go very local for a slurp of Ale to the King as produced by Tower right here in Burton, venturing next onto Vulcan Bitter which hails from the Neepsend Brewery. The Wurlitzer soundtrack keeps us entertained for most of the afternoon, other classic tunes being played include 'Babyface' and 'Strangers in the Night'. It is however Steve's Phantom of the Opera medley which really brings a smile to the Woolf face, that and the presence of an 8.4% cidery force to be reckoned with called The General. My personal finale is Peasants Revolt, threatening to unleash my revolutionary urges as the whole room sings along to 'Delilah' and 'Sweet Caroline', reliable crowdpleasers every time.

- Brother Rabbit at Inn-Uendos -

Our final festival drinks duly downed, we vacate the balcony and return our glasses - let's see about getting some pubs shall we? First up comes Burton's Black Country Ales establishment for my seventh stamping towards the 2026 Ale Trail; at the Dog, Jane samples Purbeck's Katy Perry for an apple and pear blended cider - the punning name is fun - whereas I try Enville's Old Porter, a top quality pint with very smooth notes of chocolate. Inn-Uendos beckons with its seaside postcard take on saucy humour (think Carry On wordplay with a smutty side) and supplies respective halves of Thornbridge Brother Rabbit versus Lilley's Rhubarb. This means we sidestep tongue-in-cheek cocktails (Penis Colada is probably best avoided), and once the football fans filter through we finish off at the Arches, Outwoods Brewery's taphouse being under the railway bridge. The corrugated steel shell here is reminiscent of an air raid shelter and it's very popular too with most seats taken inside and out; we just about find room for a closing combination of Dancing Duck's Dark Drake and Lilley's Mango prior to our train. 

Chelmsley Clubbing with the Hub Marketing Board

The month is March and that means the Hub Marketing Board like to aim for East Birmingham on a date as close to St Patrick's Day as possible, with the Chairman keen to recall his legendary colleague Pattie Hughes of the Old Coventry Road. This year the calendar has fallen nicely for us, so strap yourselves in for a full-on blast during which we'll go clubbing in Chelmsley Wood...

- Pattie drives the X12 -

Trip Log: Friday 20th March 2026 and the day commences with Midland Metro tram action from Bradley Lane. Driver familiarisation training is underway ready for more new stops to open as the network is set to expand in the near future; change is also afoot down by Priory Queensway due to the demolition of The Square shopping precinct, meaning sections of Bull Street and Dale End are cordoned off for safety reasons. It takes us a while to work out where the X12 bus now departs from but once aboard we can settle in for a speedy grunt along the Aston Expressway and through Spaghetti Junction - those interlocking concrete ribbons are quite a sight when seen from the top deck of a National Express bus!

- Bromford Hub Business -

Alighting on Bromford Lane, we get down to the main business of the day. Decorative mural panels at the gateway to the Bromford Bridge estate include a reference to 'The Hub' so the Chairman is deployed to apply his trusty seal of approval. The Heart of Birmingham Vocational College nearby has its own separate hub facility - giving us two spottings in swift succession - plus there is chance to recall the days when Drews Lane played host to the Wolseley Motors factory (latterly LDV before the site was cleared). Sadly our top greasy spoon target of 'Come Dine With Us' on the corner of Fairholme Road is shut, so we need a replacement option...

- Silly Sausage, Stechford -

A nifty bit of Googling therefore has us jumping onto the 11C Outer Circle for the short ride via Ward End to Stechford so that we can seek out Silly Sausage on Flaxley Road. Part of a run of small business units that otherwise includes The Bed Centre and Flaxley Tyres, this takes care of our breakfasting needs through the deliverance of bacon, sausages, eggs and fried bread. Mr D9 stoically munches his meal down despite the considerable risk of gourmet gas, then has to suffer a secretarial silly song in the guise of Ken Dodd's Nikky Nakky Noo (with a chorus of high-pitched diddymen). The 14 route has us on one of Pattie's old patches, passing Lea Hall Garage and covering Kitts Green to deposit us at the Meadway Lidl by Mackadown Lane. There aren't all that many drinking options left in this part of Brum but we have an idea...

- The Banbury Club -

Guided once again by Google, we navigate to Granby Avenue in the industrial portions of Garretts Green. The Club is a sports bar majoring on pool, snooker and darts; membership is required for using the games equipment but we are welcome to climb the stairwell and partake of £4 Carling in the dimly-lit dartboard corner. We've unwittingly set our theme for the day now because we'll subsequently undertake a tour of similarly constituted establishments over the course of the afternoon. A heritage-styled double decker on the 72 survives Tile Cross to link us to Chelmsley Wood where we successfully plot our way through the shopping centre when tracking down the Banbury Club. This building seemingly has no windows but is surprisingly luxurious inside; we savour M&B Mild in the lounge while the function room bingo is packed. The amount of mobility scooters stationed outside is a testament to how popular this place is, and we exit to the strains of Pick of the Hub Pops with guest presenter Pattie counting down the charts from 2025, complete with Cilla Black, Lester the Lobster and missing gnomes.

- Rumours Bar & Grill -

If you'd said beforehand we'd spend the day 'clubbing' in Chelmsley Wood I'd have raised a concerned WME eyebrow but the brief has been set and we're game for the challenge. Next up, we ferret across to Fordbridge by way of Chelmsley Road to see what has become of the former Fordbridge Social. After a bit of sprucing up (externally at least) it is now calling itself Rumours Bar & Grill so a crafty Carling will suit us while a broken-down building supplies lorry causes utter gridlock outside. The Chairman loves his flat-roofers so this is right up his alley, as indeed is the C's Bar over on Bosworth Drive where we pass the security check to gain access (Mr D9 must have been smiling appropriately). The staff are busy preparing for a 40th birthday party but we're fine to stay for a quick drink, the premises seemingly being closely linked to the St Anne's Catholic Church next door. We could get used to this clubbing lark!

- Cast Iron Closet Inspections -

Setting aside any pretensions of covering Coleshill today, we figure that our St Patrick's Day trip should probably dabble a little with Digbeth. The 97 can get us there even if the Bordesley Green traffic tries its best to detain us, then the sight of an intact cast iron urinal on Great Barr Street definitely attracts much D9 excitement (and a certain bald spot for good measure). Over the road is the Son Caney Cuba Bar which some people might recall being the Forge Tavern for many years; we've never done it in either guise so a first ever look is a must. It's quiet but we can admire some of the original bar fittings as well as getting into a Latin American spirit - fun, friendly, and something that little bit different from the norm.

- An Irish Coffee -

Digbeth seems to specialise in the unusual these days so you never really know what might lurk around the next corner. Low Places bills itself as a Dive Bar inspired by US honky tonk haunts so we don't need much persuading to try out the Pabst Blue Ribbon lager amidst a wall of truck registration plates. It's relaxed, it's quirky and it has a comic cover for Thor in the gents toilets. Knowing Digbeth's long links with the Emerald Isle, it makes sense that we round off with a couple of modern takes on Irish hospitality hence Hennessey's and Norton's both get a whirl - the first of those is an impressive bar-cum-function suite with a penchant for Guinness toucans, the second is housed in the vast units of a former hydraulics works and serves up a cracking drop of Church End's Irish Coffee stout. There's just time to sample Subside (a rock and alternative music emporium which stocks real ale) before Scruffy Murphys memorably brings the curtain down with its own rock-leaning tastes. What an exceptional crawl!