Hub Marketing 2026: STOURBRIDGE

Evening commitments with the Woolfs at a Wombourne barn dance mean the Secretary is (mostly) on his best behaviour for this latest Hub Marketing excursion. Stourbridge and its pubs hold a lot of happy memories for Mr WME but there are a few gaps in the Chairman's collection that need plugging...

- Serious Steering on the 16 -

It's Friday 4th September and a 10:30am Wolverhampton rendezvous has been agreed, the Chairman arriving off his tram in relatively punctual order. We're still awaiting news of when the Midland Metro extension to Dudley might open with the launch date delayed again until later in 2026 or possibly early 2027. Stourbridge is in our sights today however hence we board the number 16 bus for the familiar journey along the A449 Penn Road and into the South Staffordshire villages of Wombourne, Swindon and Hinksford, Mr D9 saving his best scowling steering poses for extracting us around the endless Darlington Street roadworks.

- A Tea4Two Coffee Call -

Keeping a beady eye out for breakfasting opportunities, a few greasy spoon candidates could enter the equation although the Chairman draws the line at having lettuce and cucumber as part of his fry up. Tea4Two in Wall Heath looks a good bet and is partly a building site due to the cafe being extended into the gaming shop next door. Black polythene sheets protect the walls as we line our stomachs with a sensible portion of bacon, egg, sausage and black pud, all washed down with mugs of tea or coffee. They have one menu item called the Tea4Two Challenge which has a monstrous amount of stuff on it, presumably as a sharing platter.

- Wollaston's Bike Hub -

The bus stop outside Wall Heath Church is as good a setting as any for divulging this trip's silly song selections. 'I Like Birds' by Terry Scott was in line to be a future secretarial pick but the Chairman beats WME to it, although the "Valerie, Valerie" chorus of Richard Stillgoe's 'Suffering from Inflation' could well be a long-term earworm. The 16 combines with the 8 at Stourbridge Interchange to project us beyond Wollaston Farm, alighting on Bridle Road for a glimpse of the Bike Hub combining bicycle repairs with an associated coffee outlet. Next door is the Plough, one of the mainstays of the Enville Street pubcrawl route. It used to be an M&B establishment and we can see the results of a stylish makeover while supping Hop Shed's Crowd Surfer malty ale, our halves proving very agreeable to the D9 tastebuds.

- D9 Destroyer in Bisto Mode -

One pub above all others is central to the Chairman's aims this afternoon - he's absolutely insistent that we cover the Gigmill, a Marston's estate boozer between Wollaston and Norton. The number 7 bus gives us a helping hand past Stourbridge Crematorium, hopping off on The Broadway and venturing straight up to the bar. Spying an unoccupied dartboard, we settle in for a few legs of Carling-fuelled arrows, albeit WME Whirlwind has gone completely off the boil when it comes to hitting those all-important checkouts. D9 Destroyer is in inspired form, some might almost call it clinical: the result is a 6-1 thrashing that puts the bald one in pole position to win the 2026 Pub Games Champion Award. Very 'Bisto' (or should that be Bristow) indeed!

- The Waggon & Horses -

Despite a few closures, Stourbridge still seems to be stacked with a good proportion of inviting alehouses. The New Inn (on Cherry Street) and the Longlands Tavern (on Western Road) are both still going strong in the sidestreets off South Road, then we arrive on Worcester Street for a classic pairing of the highest quality. The Plough & Harrow used to be a Holt, Plant & Deakin (Holt's) tied house which retains some of the former Langley-based brewery's insignia; these days it is owned by Craddocks so we try to tame a glass each of Crazy Sheep. Back towards the town centre, the Waggon & Horses has long had a reputation for good beer and lives up to that promise again today. 'Dunk' is a collaboration involving Tiny Rebel and Titanic who have combined to craft a biscuit ale with a tinge of tea-tones about it, I'm most impressed!

- A Sociable Secretary -

There are enough pub possibilities within the confines of Stourbridge Ring Road to keep most people occupied should they so wish, in which case the Hop Vault and the Crafty Jar would be worth seeking out if you favour the more refined style of surroundings. The latter serves up a tasty Easy Tiger (Green Duck Brewery) and has surprisingly spacious toilets if like Mr D9 you notice these kind of things. Although our remit is to target places the Chairman hasn't covered before, there's always room for a WME wildcard and the Stourbridge Social will be that venue this time around. Situated within a River Rooms industrial unit below Domino's Pizza, it has a vast courtyard appearance lined on one side with padded booths, and even features a large blown-up photo of the 1977 incident when a train smashed through the wall at Stourbridge Town Station and was left dangling over the road. Hobson's Town Crier is a cask bonus here.

- White Horse, Amblecote -

We're nearing the end of our pub collecting expedition but there's still time to tickle the Old Wharf (close to the Bonded Warehouse) for a classy half of Mallinson's Wiggle Room, enticed by the psychedelic wavy lilac pumpclip. This is quite an upmarket haunt, far removed from the days when the Moorings Tavern was on its last legs so the owners have done well to breathe new life into the place. I need the 16 for my critical dancing link to Wombourne so we stroll the short distance up to Amblecote where the Chairman is deposited in the White Horse with his Boddington's nightcap. Readers might know this one better as the Maverick - complete with carved chieftain - but it has reverted to its historic name and lost a few of the Country and Western touches which made it more distinctive; still a solid pub though. Cheers!

Chip Foundation Chronicles: WORCESTER

The Chip Foundation's Birthday Wheel of Fortune has rolled Nick's way once more, whereby our resident royal has a longstanding affection for Worcester, the 'Faithful City' which stayed loyal to the Crown during the English Civil War. His Majesty has put together an extensive listing of favourite hostelries he wishes to sample again so let's see how the day unfolds...

- Mr Beardsmore's Pigeon Pose -

Trip Log: Wednesday 2nd September 2026 and believe it or not, this is Episode 98 of the Chip Foundation Chronicles - yep, there really have been that many. Our instructions are to meet at Birmingham New Street where the 10:50 Hereford train departs from Platform 10b; our usual quorum is present and correct, with Ken and Nick comparing coach holiday notes about Great Yarmouth and Torquay while Stephen checks who has won the toss between Hampshire and Warwickshire at Southampton. Upon arrival at Worcester Foregate Street, Mr B is put to work posing with the artworks adorning the railway arches. One mural features a cricket bat and ball alongside Edward Elgar, another has a cartoon ensemble of slightly startled pigeons.

- The Saracen's Head -

This outing is primarily a pubcrawl so we set forth along The Tything with the express intention of making the Dragon our first port of call. Alas its 4 o'clock opening hours mean a return look will be required later on, although Nick has now noticed the Black Country Ales insignia of the nearby Saracens Head. This might not be on his master list but he's intrigued enough to make this our curtain-raiser, claiming Jubilee IPA whereas I dangerously dabble with a Hartlebury Hooker. For an outwardly narrow property the building stretches back a long way, culminating in a newly-relaid skittle alley where Ken and I briefly send the pins a-scattering. Conversation (as it often does) turns to politics with some reflection on Andy Burnham's early days in office.

- Gerry Anderson Annuals -

The weather forecast has been iffy all morning and though we're not expecting any prolonged drenchings, there is a high chance of a pesky shower. Sure enough one such squall blows in as we exit the Saracens and a sheltering stop in Worcester's Museum & Art Gallery is deemed desirable. We'd probably have nipped in regardless of what was on display yet an exhibition dedicated to the Supermarionation creations of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson proves well worth seeing. Their puppet-led shows such as Captain Scarlet, Thunderbirds, Joe 90 and Space 1999 captivated TV audiences during the 1960s, 1970s and beyond, creating a wonderful sense of nostalgia. Nick even had a pink Lady Penelope dinky car when he was younger, hence we have a fun half hour perusing the toys, marionettes and original merchandise.

- Half Centurion in the Cocky Anchor -

On with the tippling task and there are still a few too many raindrops in the air for our liking. Nick might know Worcester well but he'd not heard of the Cocky Anchor so I request it as a WME wildcard, knowing full well it would meet with royal approval. Broad Street is where we find this quiet little oasis, serving up a very nice drop of Kinver's Half Centurion; I like the pub enough on its downstairs micro merits but it's the Victorian Parlour on the first floor which truly makes it shine - what a setting! Carriage clocks, spindle-backed chairs, wicker basket plants and a murmur of learned conversation make this very special indeed so go if you can. The Crown Wetherspoons over the road has its own charms too but mainly serves as a lunching location today, supplying a combination of all day brunches, ham egg and chips, fishy deals and my Cheese Meltdown burger. Our primary topic of conversation here concerns dietary preferences, HRH eating less meat nowadays whereas Stephen is a devout pork disciple.

- A Stout Fellow is King Charles -

I make that three pubs covered already of which none had been on the HRH hitlist so it's high time we tried one of his chosen taverns. Nick has long held a fascination for the English Civil War which means the King Charles House on New Street is an absolute must to visit. This building played a crucial role in aiding the future king's escape following defeat at the 1651 Battle of Worcester. Nowadays it is an inviting public house with many interesting features, including a deep well and even a dungeon! The thought of banishing Stephen down below is quite tempting but the Warwickshire score is such that Mr B is in a good mood. Beerwise we account for Blackheath Stout and Hobson's Champion Mild, both in very good condition.

- Plough Pals -

Ideally we would have followed the King Charles by calling into its next door neighbour, the Swan with Two Nicks. The name alone meant our very own Nick always held this one in the highest regard, but it seems to have had a rebrand, dropped the Nicks entirely and has joined the craze for battleship grey paintwork. Its opening hours preclude a visit this time around so we troop off to Fish Street where the Plough remains as timeless as ever. I have very happy memories of quietly quaffing quality ales here with cricket commentary on the radio, and our latest encounter yields the Mighty Oak combination of Captain Rog Amber Ale and The Old Man and The Sea Stout. We commandeer a table theoretically reserved for a backgammon team, Ken reading about Worcestershire's cricketing move from Boughton Park to New Road.

- Weavers of Worcester -

Pleased with the unchanging pleasures of the Plough, we finish off by retracing our earlier Tything footsteps. The Dragon Inn has gladly opened its doors and is dispensing the full range of Church End wares, from Goats Milk to Fallen Angel to What the Fox's Hat. Nick has got the taste for the dark stuff again so Stout Coffin is his predictable pick whereas I'm leaning more towards Judge Fudge with its traces of sweetness. Ken and Stephen are content to linger a little longer in the Dragon's embrace so Nick and I form a splinter group to squeeze Weavers in before the train. Part of a family-owned small chain of micropubs, this bar showcases beer from the Fownd Brewery (now based in Kidderminster) and is extremely convenient for railway travellers being directly opposite one of Foregate Street station's exit doors. Orbital Abyss is labelled as a 4% Breakfast Stout and slips down a treat in readiness for the 17:24 departure. What a fine way to celebrate Nick's recent birthday, Worcester never disappoints. Cheers!

Highlights from Hereford and Hay

For the August Bank Holiday weekend, Bookworm Bygrave and I escaped to pretty Herefordshire in order to celebrate Emily's recent completion of her epic dissertation. The centrepiece of our three day stay would be a trip across the border into Powys to sample the world renowned book town of Hay on Wye, but there will also be chance to visit some beautiful black and white villages...

- The Tipsy Toad -

This highlights reel begins on Saturday 29th August when we break our drizzly drive down to Hereford with a pit stop in Bromyard. I'd probably not set foot in this unheralded market town since I was a teenager and couldn't remember very much about it, but there is a nice High Street populated by independent businesses and in kinder weather I'd imagine the views across the River Frome valley would be quite something. Dodging the raindrops, we enjoy deluxe hot chocolates and cake courtesy of Brew (a busy little coffee shop) then turn our attention to the Tipsy Toad bar. They definitely run with the toad theme for all that its worth here but it all adds to the fun, especially when you can pose with a cute toadstool toy while supping a pint of Flagon Cider as produced by Robinsons of Tenbury Wells.

- The Ascension Window -

Continuing into Hereford city centre, we hit heavy football traffic passing Edgar Street stadium but thankfully still find a space in a multistorey car park. Our immediate aim is to get around a couple of bookstores before they close for the day, with Emily's prime prey being Oxfam on Broad Street followed by Rossiter's (a really nice shop). A couple of initial literary purchases are made, paving the way for us to savour the spectacle of Hereford Cathedral. This really is one of England's great places of worship and I love the modern St Thomas tapestry, delving into the spooky crypt or marvelling at the Ascension Window. The latter was crafted in striking multicoloured shafts for a mesmeric wave-like effect in tribute to the Special Air Service (SAS).

- The Orange Tree -

Having checked into our accommodation, Saturday evening is spent back in Hereford's main centre grabbing a bite to eat before revisiting a couple of the city's best pubs. The food angle is covered by Leaven, a restaurant specialising in sourdough pizza - we partake of the Tutti al Carni and Capricciosa dishes respectively. The Orange Tree is a homely Black Country Ales establishment on King Street, alive with the sound of multiple conversations although we do find ourselves a quieter corner, then its over to Eign Street for the Beer in Hand. Local cider and perry is well represented including several offerings from Oliver's of Ocle Pychard; I try the Traditional Perry while Emily is on puppy watch, there being a few cute canines about.

- Hay-on-Wye Booksellers -

Sunday is arguably the day the Bookworm has most been looking forward to, when we drive over the Welsh border into Hay on Wye (although a car soundtrack containing 'My Name Is Potato' isn't something Emily would have been expecting). We park up on Oxford Road by the town library and pitch straight into a succession of bookshops - they're absolutely everywhere. Addeyman's Annexe is first up, higgledy-piggledy with hazard tape marking out any carpet trip hazards; apparently this shop is secondary to their main outlet on Lion Street but is stuffed to the ginnels in its own right. It is followed in turn by North Books, Hay Booksellers (sited below the castle with hints of bleached timbers), the sci-fi theme of Bookshop 451 and then a store dedicated to all things Alice in Wonderland.

- The River Wye -

Broad Street has its moments, leaving me completely gobsmacked by the presence of Alan R. Powell's carpentry and joinery workshop, based in a rotting green garage that probably hasn't been painted for the best part of 30 years. The Broad Street Book Centre swiftly presents a whole literary emporium, seemingly with railway titles at every turn, while Emily had spoken glowingly about one specific store beforehand. I can soon see why she rates Richard Booth's Bookshop so highly - it really is a legendary place with creaking staircases and works across three floors, such a joy to rummage around. In between times we indulge in a little wander to look out upon the River Wye, seemingly popular with canoeists when seen from Bridge Street.

- Draught Bass at Kilverts -

Our Hay exertions are also punctuated by amazing ice creams courtesy of Shepherds, where we push the boat out for luxurious double scoop cones topped with sprinkles; the marmalade stracciatella flavour has a tasty citrus tang infused by flecks of dark chocolate. Pubs naturally feature too, in which case we account for three of the town's taverns. The Old Black Lion is slightly away from the main cut and thrust, offering accommodation and serving up huge Yorkshire puddings on its Sunday roasts (not that we were eating). I like the rustic sense presented by the Three Tuns, all flagstones and gnarled beams with a nice pint of Best, whereas Kilvert's delivers decent Draught Bass as we avoid the worst of a nasty shower.

- Weobley Church Sundial -

It would be rude of me to tell you exactly how many books Emily might have bought in Hay but common consensus is that she stayed within her self-imposed limits. Bank Holiday Monday is then dedicated to doing some of the Black & White Villages trail, investigating a succession of gorgeous settlements between Hereford and Leominster. The first of these is Weobley (note to self: it is pronounced 'Web-ley' as if pertaining to spidery thread), where we park by the Old Grammar School and undertake a full circuit of centuries old streets. The Portland Garage has three vintage petrol pumps dispensing gallons of DERV then the Wonky Badger is a charming timbered teashop. A churchyard stroll enables us to admire the sunkissed sundial of St Peter & St Paul's before the Old Salutation has holiday lunchtime trading hours to permit a glass of Weston's Vintage Cider inside its rambling quaint lounge bar.

- Pembridge Sheep? -

Dilwyn awaits next via twisting country lanes where we happen upon a badger carved from an old treetrunk. St Mary the Virgin Church has an associated C of E primary school, and Emily proves an adept sign spotter when detecting a 'Lemster' mileage marker I otherwise wouldn't have noticed myself. The local pub in Dilwyn is the community-owned Crown, a pleasant spot for imbibing of Hop Shed's Sebright Golden Ale. The trail then moves on to Pembridge which straddles the Rhayader-bound A44. My architectural eye is drawn towards Brion Duppa's old almshouses, a charitable relic from the one-time Bishop of Winchester, while another church of St Mary has a detached belfry arrangement plus a curious set of three sculpted sheep.

- The White Swan, Eardisland -

Having photographed that Pembridge flock, we pop into the Red Lion for more refreshment just below the church - framed old gold shirts and signed footballs suggest an unexpected Wolverhampton Wanderers allegiance here so I feel right at home. Last but not least is the nearby village of Eardisland which remarkably Emily starts to recognise as somewhere she'd once stayed at for a friend's stag party. The White Swan counts as a revisit for the Bookworm but a new haunt for me, although we're the only customers to interrupt the landlord's Tipping Point watching brief. The River Arrow burbles past and the churchyard is pretty with drooping trees and mossy headstones. Sadly it's then time to drive home but what a three days we had!

WME Flickr Focus - August 2026

Parched landscapes seem to have been the meteorological theme of the summer, with the unrelenting dryness an inevitable consequence of heatwave conditions. Thankfully the West Midlands Exploration photostream has avoided suffering its own form of drought, meaning I've been able to keep the update tap fully turned on...

There isn't a trickle nor have we a downpour, just a nice steady flow of new arrivals. Gushing forth therefore is Exploration Extra in a "remember me!" kind of fashion, although it is usually the case that my gallery of farther flung photos only ever operates in periodic bursts. It's been a few months since it last saw any action but EE's turn has rolled around again, helped chiefly by a series of snapshots from my 2023 Bognor Regis holiday. Bognor itself weighed in with a David Bowie mural, seafront pebbles and Reynolds & Co furniture depositories, assisted in number by cheerful Chichester for Bishop's Garden flora and a smattering of pub signs.

My stay in Bognor also yielded an intriguing set of Brighton items, including arty depictions of Jimi Hendrix and Amy Winehouse; I also glugged down the Great Eastern pub in North Laine, although one of those pictures dates from the Hove cricketing getaway of 2012. Elsewhere from the Exploration Extra hosepipe comes a cute crab in Bridlington, two Brylaine buses in Boston (Lincolnshire), a trio of Beaumaris titbits covering castle walls and the Bulkeley Hotel, then a 2019 'Nottingtram' Basford brace featuring Watts Van Hire with the Rose & Crown.

Exploration Extra wasn't the only gallery wielding its watering can, although it did dominate much of the monthly action. WME Wolverhampton encountered R2D2 getting clamped by an overzealous traffic warden before adhering to its standard rules about street sign accumulation (courtesy of Westbury Street, Thornley Street and Stafford Street this time around). University buildings offer selected architectural details, Zak the 'Wild in Wolves' Zebra crops up yet again and the Castle pub on Wood End Road ensures we do briefly get away from the city centre.

Beyond Wolverhampton however, there's very little to report at all. My only other pocket of activity comes from WME Worcestershire with three former landmarks that are no longer trading - Richardson's Newsagents at St John's, the Garibaldi pub on Bromyard Road (now flats), and the Cricketers on Angel Street. Admittedly the last of those could come back, and I very much hope it does as I was rather fond of the collection of sporting memorabilia there, but it goes to show how rapidly things can change. See you in September!