Ale Afoot in Warwick and Birmingham

Two trips in four days makes for a feast of February exploration, although there's quite a contrast to be had between Warwick's aged timbers versus Birmingham's brutalist core. A beer festival in the most memorable of surroundings and a Second City crawl are on the agenda so let's see what occurred...

- HRH's Spiritual Corner -

To Warwick, whereby Friday 20th February saw Jane and I joining His Royal Highness Nick in a county town that never lacks a compelling sense of history. The preamble to this outing had actually seen Miss Woolf and I starting off in soggy Tipton, devouring Pie Factory pastry-lidded dishes with great gusto - for once I rebuffed the chance of suet scrumptiousness in favour of a 'Posh & Becks' Steak and Stilton treat infused with undeniable blue cheese flavour, although Jane still made sure to get a bonus flake with her pudding. A brief encounter with the Flying Scotsman at Birmingham Moor Street precedes us meeting Nick and predictably calling in on our royal's favourite Warwick hostelry, the Old Post Office on West Street. Original owner Tom has recently passed away but his legacy is a special little place with excellent beer and cider, plus a Sacred Heart shrine corner with the Magnificat listed on the resident Psalms board.

- King James's Seat -

Not much can upstage the Old Post Office in truth but there is a beer festival to attend and my what a setting we have. The Lord Leycester Hospital is one of Britain's most intact medieval buildings, comprising a half-timbered complex of lodgings, storerooms, a Master's House and a banqueting hall which have stood the test of time. The site was used by the United Guilds of Warwick as their headquarters before Robert Dudley (the Earl of Leicester) set up a charitable community to meet the needs of injured soldiers in 1571. This function has been upheld right through to the present day, hence the presence of the Master and several Brethren who wear ceremonial attire. As such, the beer festival is a fundraising event held annually in the Great Hall; Nick has attended many times in recent years and has a particular affection for a famous chair where King James I and his specially padded trousers apparently sat in 1617.

- A Perry Pair -

The drinks are almost secondary to the location here but we imbibe most eagerly, perching atop tables that have been pushed to the edges of the hall. Nick and Jane are both of a cidery persuasion, taste-testing the likes of Thistly Cross, Gwynt y Ddraig's Happy Daze and Buck Medium before collectively concluding on the 6.8% goodness of Lilley's Bee Sting perry, ever a joint favourite among my esteemed accomplices. I am therefore left to maintain the ale side of the equation, a duty I perform most admirably courtesy of North Cotswold Morerum Mild (with a snatch of the sailor's tipple about it), Church End Archangel (a 6% heavweight pale) and Green Duck's Space Lord (loaded with grapefruit and tangerine notes). My pick of the lot has to be Byatt's Rye Stout but you know I'm a sucker for the darker brews anyway, then we just have time for a Ronnie's Bar nightcap trying to recognise Rons and Ronalds from the worlds of entertainment and politics - Reagan, Corbett, Barker etc. Excellent fun all round!

- Crossword Concentration -

Trip Two takes place on Monday 23rd February and has the Chip Foundation converging upon Brum for Episode 93 of our ongoing chronicles. Nick has given us a pub collecting remit once we've met within the shadows of bull Ozzy's snarling snout, and a Southside shuffle pitches us promptly onto Hurst Street close to both Chinatown and the Gay Village. One top HRH target - the Sly Old Fox - has been partially sacrificed to become a restaurant and the remaining bar half isn't open anyway, meaning the adjacent Dragon JD Wetherspoons steps nimbly into the breach. Red paper lanterns celebrating Chinese New Year hang across the woodwork as we obtain suitable refreshment, but only after we've figured out which of the many entrance doors actually lets us inside. Titanic's Raspberry Pale fruity ale means that for once His Majesty and I have drinks that rival the Beardsmore lemonade and blackcurrant for pinkness, then Ken has us all racking our brains when completing the JDW magazine's crossword - it’s a tricky puzzle in fairness, requiring expert knowledge of Indonesian Prime Ministers, Californian oil localities and obscure Walter Scott novels so we might have resorted to Google for added assistance.

- Apt for any Chip Foundation outing -

Pressing on, Bromsgrove Street is our means of reaching our next port of call, a wildcard pick from yours truly in the guise of Birmingham's other 'Welly'. While the Black Country Ales place on Bennetts Hill is secure in our avowed affections, its near-namesake the Wellington Hotel is nevertheless worthy of our custom. We've passed this Bristol Street landmark so many times en route to the cricket that we were bound to do it eventually, especially because the building dates from 1890 and is considered a good example of James and Lister Lea’s much-admired public house architecture. Indeed, the upper floors have bow-fronted Regency aspects and the whole premises is Grade II listed even if the historic charm fades a little inside due to the combined intrusions of sports bar and Indian restaurant trappings. Ken at least is approving of their Dennis Amiss signed cricket bat and a framed Blues shirt before conversation turns to coach holidays, the Winter Olympics and general political observations. The Enter Chaos paintwork on nearby Henstead Street suddenly seems highly appropriate!

- The Victoria -

Two establishments within the loose vicinity of John Bright Street now require our scrutiny. The Victoria has a quirky Gin Palace air about it, standing three storeys tall and mostly deep green with gilded embellishments. A comedy evening begins at half past seven which explains why most of the punters suddenly disappear upstairs (it wasn't something Stephen said, honest!) then I shock everyone by having a low alcohol beer, namely Bristol Beer Factory's Clear Head. Sailor-inspired illustrations adorn the inner snug walls - think loveheart tattoos and mermaids - which is in contrast to the continental cafe vibe on show at nearby Cherry Reds. Homemade cakes and gourmet coffees mark this out as being far removed from your average boozer but the beer is good, Pale Brummie and Green Duck Space Lord meeting with our approval.

- Studious Scribbling in the Purecraft Bar -

Our Chip conclusion is the Purecraft Bar & Kitchen in the heart of town, within sight of the Floozy in the Jacuzzi. Purity’s Waterloo Street flagship seems almost deserted at first glance until we realise everybody is downstairs playing Warhammer (or whichever dice-based battle strategy game it happens to be) so initial appearances can be deceptive. I remember this bar launching as a high end concept from the environmentally-conscious Alcester based brewery, and Nick is always keen to support Warwickshire enterprises. Their core range is on full show from Gold to UBU to Mad Goose and the lesser-seen Jimbo, a pint of the latter getting the nod in this case. Notes are jotted, sporting deeds discussed and there's even a closing word from our Royal about a certain disgraced ex-prince, and with that we head home. Cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - February 2026

Valentine's cards may have been sent and plenty of pancakes flipped over the last few weeks but for the West Midlands Exploration photostream February has been a month of steady simple progress. No pink hearts or sprinklings of lemon and sugar here, just a routine supply of new camera-created content...

If we were to declare a romantic interest, WME Dudley probably retains its leading role from January but you'll have to make your own minds up whether you adore my pictures of Gornal pub signs or the Halesowen Bus Station clock. Over in Stourbridge the Green Duck Brewery tap promises "really nice cobs", and if that isn't enough to turn your head we have a wavy-roofed Tecton turnstile at Dudley Zoo, one for any admirers of Modernist municipal architecture.

If Dudley doesn't dazzle you, maybe WME Staffordshire can tug at your heartstrings instead. I'm certainly a fan of Hanley's Golden Cup pub, and even if its Bass lantern isn't sufficient on its own to make me totally weak at the knees, once you sneak in some street signage (Pall Mall) and a couple of Potteries Museum exhibits I could be yours for an oatcake! A Furnace Grange flurry from Trescott is admittedly more mundane material unless you happen to appreciate farm driveways and temporary road surfaces.

To WME Wolverhampton which has been busily lusting after a Dunstall double act - I give you a Trading Estate unit and the Tabernacle Baptist Church - whilst also flirting with Finchfield (where the Chestnut Tree tries to lure us with its breakfast promotions). Fox's Lane Bridge and Fowlers Park trade teasing insults whereas Graiseley gobbles up the likes of Clayton Close, Ablow Street and the Broyce Control works. 

Usually avoiding the dating scene due to long-term shyness, WME Worcestershire pokes its head above the parapet with a helping of Hagley. The King Arthur is bostin' Bathams at their best, and while Park Road isn't especially exciting, there are two Worcester Stands Tall giraffes to take your fancy. The question here is do you wish to meet 'Deco' at the Royal Worcester porcelain museum or 'Arthur the Giraffa in Banana Pyjamas' at the Cornmarket?

Getting swiped left rather too much for their liking this month are WME Birmingham (despite a burst of Erdington energy courtesy of Summer Road, Silver Birch Road and some Go Go Go hoardings) and that erstwhile singleton WME Sandwell with its only offering of Old Factory Bridge in Tipton. WME Shropshire smooches through a couple of Shrewsbury - or rather Harlescott - street sign kisses, and with that the shortest month is done. With love, enjoy the pictures and see you in March for an early spring selection...

Ludlow and Tenbury Wells

Rising in mid Wales a little to the south of Newtown, the River Teme flows eastwards through Powys, Shropshire and eventually into Worcestershire where it meets the River Severn below Worcester. Two of the towns it visits along the way form the focus of a February getaway with Bookworm Bygrave, so here are selected highlights from our investigations of Ludlow and Tenbury Wells...

- Ludlow Castle Looms Above -

Let's start in Shropshire and lovely Ludlow which always rewards the intrepid traveller with its fascinating array of historic buildings combining to create an enchanting mixture of medieval and Georgian architecture. The town's castle originally commenced construction circa 1085/86 and its ruins contain features from the Norman and Tudor periods; to this day it dominates the area, standing boldly on its crest above the riverbank and commanding views across both the Welsh Marches and the immediate Salopian countryside. We briefly have a nose inside the gift shop (with Emily nervously making the acquaintance of a gleaming suit of armour) before strolling below the towers on a perimeter path that offers fine vistas over Linney and Dinham.

- Bookworm Bygrave beside the Teme -

Dinham - with its 25% downhill gradient in places - is our route to the water's edge, noting that Millennium Green has benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery. An adjacent building (now partially housing a coffee shop) was formerly a water-powered corn mill while Dinham Bridge itself dates from the 19th century and boasts four stone arches spanning the Teme in sturdy fashion. Alongside our general sightseeing, there is scope for Bookworm Bygrave to live up to her nickname by perusing the shelves of Oxfam and the Castle Bookshop, striking lucky in the second of those for a Sylvia Plath purchase. Price's Bakery meanwhile serves up luxurious hot chocolate and gorgeous traybake cakes, whereby we can attest to the quality of their flapjacks and millionaire's shortbread. Artisan sourdough loaves seem popular here.

- The Dog Hangs Well -

Time for a pubby paragraph and it's not an exaggeration to say Ludlow has so many tempting taverns it's a struggle to pick which ones to try. Top of the WME wishlist are two classic parlour pubs that are rightly recognised for the quality of their conversion from other uses: the Blood Bay used to be a retail premises that has been lovingly restored to give a sense of authentic Victorian escapism, while the Dog Hangs Well on Corve Street is a hidden gem operating restricted opening hours - if the lantern is lit outside that's your clue it is open. Mobile phone use is banned in both establishments because they seek to conjure a sense of a bygone age, while the ale is excellent as Titanic Plum Porter meets Night Owl's Moonbather Stout. Further quality - this time of the gastronomic variety - is on offer at the Blue Boar, a coaching inn near the castle which kindly squeezes us in for a cracking meal, then a Black Country Ales nightcap in the Unicorn has us fussing the resident dogs before braving an unexpected blizzard!

- Teme Bridge, Tenbury Wells -

Thankfully we've thawed out in time for our tickle around Tenbury Wells, although the sight of my frozen hair getting encrusted with white snowflakes will be the source of ongoing Bygrave amusement I suspect. It must be around thirty years since I last came to Tenbury - my Nan and Grandad used to have a caravan in Stourport which provided a base for a few family adventures so it'll be interesting to see how much I remember. The answer is not a fat lot, although one instantly recognisable feature is the Teme Bridge as rebuilt in 1908. The river effectively forms the county boundary here, with the Burford side coming under Shropshire whereas the town centre is firmly within Worcestershire. We park up by the swimming baths and stage an initial recce, noting Tenbury Wells Library and some independent local shops. Banfield & Son's ironmongers has an interesting old frontage bearing stickers for Silent Refrigerators whilst proudly declaring 'We Stock Wolf'.

- Tenbury Round Market -

Two Tenbury heritage landmarks I am particularly keen to track down and photograph are the Round Market and the Pump Rooms. The first of these is a small but elaborate oval building which offers stallholders an undercover space from which to sell their produce; having first opened in 1858, it continues to trade five days a week. The Pump Rooms meanwhile share the same designer (James Cranston) as the market hall and were commissioned in order to develop Tenbury's spa town status. Built in 1862, the rooms form a highly distinctive ensemble in the Chinese Gothic style and nowadays serve as the Town Clerk's office and a meeting space that can host civil ceremonies. 

- Bullseye Bygrave wins again! -

After a most enjoyable brunch in Mr Thom's Cafe and Grill (a late breakfast for yours truly and a gooey bacon, brie and cranberry ciabatta for Miss B respectively), we have the difficult task of choosing which Tenbury pubs to sample. The Pembroke House gets the nod on account of its general wonkiness, black and white beams with a welcoming sense of cosiness. Robinsons Flagon Cider is produced nearby in Little Hereford - their orchards go back generations - so a pint of that is a must, and we take refuge in the far games room as the heavens open. Emily proves masterful on the darts (well she won, put it that way) whereas I display better prowess on the pool table. Once the weather improves, we decamp to the Market Tavern for another dose of Black Country Ales hospitality, earwigging on the Wales v France Six Nations rugby over a devilishly dark glass of Beowulf Finns Hall Porter. Two terrific towns on the Teme!

Hub Hoovering in Bearwood and Smethwick

When we said we wanted to do some mopping up around Bearwood, Smethwick and Oldbury, I don't think either D9 or myself expected there to be quite so much water about. Nevertheless we can cope with the week-long deluge during our second Hub Marketing happening of 2026...

- A Great Western Breakfast -

Trip Log: Friday 6th February 2026 and we're back on the hunt for places we haven't hubbed previously. There's no denying it's another wet morning in a month where the sun has barely shone but a bit of persistent drizzle won't deter us from getting out and about. A Bradley Lane rendezvous is scheduled for half past ten but a work-related phonecall makes the Chairman late, meaning he has a penalty to pay off once the tram drops us in West Bromwich. Based in a former pub premises on the High Street, the Great Western Cafe enables Mr D9 to settle his dues courtesy of a £4 small breakfast drizzled in brown sauce. As greasy spoons go, this one is doing a very brisk trade given that it has space for plenty of tables and is very good value.

- The Malcolm X Mural -

 The 80 bus at midday is overrun with students but we sit downstairs for a Spon Lane short hop, navigating a set of pesky roadworks to jump off near Mallin Street. The Ivy Bush awaits at the top of the road and was a Holden's tied house many moons ago but has long been a Desi-type pub and a very smart one at that. It hasn't long opened for the day when we troop inside for preliminary halves of Carling, hence the landlord is still going about his usual routine of checking the pipes and putting cash in the till. A plum leather perch has us monitoring bus tracking apps for news of route 49 progress, but my favourite aspect here is actually a large scale mural painted to celebrate the milestone moment when activist Malcolm X visited nearby Marshall Street in 1965, a seminal point in the quest for racial equality. The artwork references the Indian Workers Association so Mr D9 poses next to their 'United We Stand' slogan.

- Saphari, Causeway Green -

The 49E is on the scene much as the app had indicated, meaning the Secretary can aim for his Causeway Green wildcard to be included. The former Hen & Chickens pub on the traffic lights at Wolverhampton Road has been through various guises and is currently trading as the Saphari buffet restaurant, specialising in a wide range of worldwide cuisines. Importantly for us, they have retained a dedicated drinking area so we can partake of Poretti Italian-styled lager (nowadays owned and brewed by Carlsberg) without stuffing our faces on curries, stews or pizza. The decor veers from exotic birds to surreal moustaches and most things in between while a mellow soundtrack features covers of 80s classics 'Africa' and 'Forever Young'.

- Bentley Bear at Lightwoods Park -

Getting back on track with the Chairman's Bearwood itinerary, we next account for the Miller & Carter followed closely by the Dog, two Hagley Road haunts that needed doing for completion purposes. The first of these was historically known as the Cock & Magpies and serves up an expensive WME round of Beavertown Neck Oil whereas the latter is an Ember Inns effort oft frequented by Mr D9 and his ex-dragon back in the day. A swift Timothy Taylor's Landlord in there ensues we don't steal Sharon's reserved table any longer than absolutely necessary, then we nibble into nearby Lightwoods Park where the pathways look damp and the playing pitches are totally waterlogged. The resident Big Sleuth bear Bentley doesn't seem to be too bothered by the weather though, stoically coping with the gusting breeze. 

- A Gridlocked Bald Spot -

Besides such ursine connections, the park has another ace up its sleeve in the form of a bar within the magnificently restored Lightwoods House. 1000 Trades first came to prominence in the Jewellery Quarter and have now branched out into this second offering based within such impressive surroundings. The resurrected park building is a marvel especially as it was under threat - Mr D9 remembers it being derelict in the 1990s and I know from my own early outings that it was closed for a considerable period, so to have it returned to working use as a coffee shop cum pub is a revelation. Salopian Brainstorm is our atomic blonde ale pick here and the interior is a beguiling mixture of green throne armchairs, wooden benches and throstle scatter cushions. Heading back out into the rain, we quickly realise that Bearwood High Street is one long traffic jam and that our intended 82 helping hand bus is going nowhere fast.

- Smiling Secretary in the Woodlands Club -

No matter, we simply walk it to the Windsor Lounge which makes a welcome Hub Marketing reappearance nine years since we last saw it. An impressive refit has occurred since 2017 although its snooker club heritage is still apparent. Several tables are available for hire plus a dartboard in one corner and a separate room is kitted out as a multi-lane bowling alley. The Chairman thinks he is quids in when nabbing a Happy Hour £3.30 discount on our Caffreys pints only for the Secretary to strike gold when we relocate t'other side of Cape Hill to check out the Woodlands Club. We both loved this unspoiled backstreet social club affair nestled on Woodlands Street in tones of battleship grey; some of the fixtures and fittings probably haven't changed in decades and I'm very smitten with the vintage adverts for Bacardi or Guinness.

- Mixed Grill Moments at Amritsari Tarka -

Noting the Nash's Coaches depot on Raglan Road - we briefly get chatting to one of their drivers - we shuffle on into Smethwick to see what has become of the Park Hotel, a Victorian era terracotta boozer which stands on a busy High Street gyratory opposite the local park. It has been a purveyor of Punjabi cuisine for quite a while and is currently linked to the Amritsari Tarka restaurant. We admire an ornamental motorbike in the foyer then pair Kingfisher lager with a very tasty mixed grill comprising lamb, fish and chicken delicacies - yum! Worsening rain prevents us attempting a grand Oldbury finale so our old friend the Blue Gates gets the nod instead, wallowing in a 1970s Melanie soundtrack over our closing glasses of Carling. Smethwick has served us so well over the years as a Hub Marketing heartland and long may that trend continue; we've defied the weather and had a wonderful time as always. Cheers!