* The Robin Hood - after a stop-start ride on the 529 bus, we alight at The Crescent where we can investigate the Robin Hood. The pub has recently become another of the growing Black Country Inns portfolio, and the place looks immaculate from it's refurbishment. The full range of Black Country Ales is here (along with the brewery's own beermats), although Nick and I are tempted by the Morton's Essington Blonde as our first tipple of the day. The place did seem quiet, even allowing for 3:30ish being a generally sluggish time for pubs anyway, and for us it hadn't quite established it's own personality yet. Given time, I hope the pub proves to be a successful venture offering real ales for many years to come.
* Willenhall Walk - a little stroll back up into the town centre, giving me the chance to exercise the camera a little. Amongst my photo targets are the Old Oak, the Acorn and the Three Tuns (what's that cladding all about?!!), then Nick meets the Prince of Wales and we hurriedly avoid Willenhall Library (too much like work). The market was winding down for the day and it was quite a solemn experience to see the traders packing up their produce as the stalls gradually emptied, leaving only a trail of cardboard boxes.
* The Falcon - according to the Good Beer Guide, this is Willenhall's flagship real ale pub, and it takes a little bit of finding hidden away up Gomer Street West. It's well worth seeking out though as the pub offers a proper Black Country drinking experience - not the most refined setting perhaps but there's plenty of character (and characters) to give the place a well-loved community atmosphere. The bar room is lively with conversation as the barladies clearly know their regulars, whilst the smoke room is a little more luxurious if somewhat weathered. The beer is clearly the star here and I was very impressed by my pint of the Cairngorms Brewery's Sheepshagger - how could I resist a name like that?! Having supped up we were given a friendly send off by the locals, setting the seal on a good honest old-fashioned treat.
- Mr B in the Falcon -* 369 - from Willenhall town it's onwards to Short Heath as I am reacquainted with the 369 bus. The route now includes an anti-clockwise loop around Coppice Farm and gives Nick the chance to get slightly confused about his bearings in New Invention.
* Duke of Cambridge - the Falcon was a hard act to follow but the Duke of Cambridge came up to the mark nicely. Here we have a very homely, village type pub situated on Coltham Road not far from Short Heath Church and the old post office. The lounge is particularly appealing with a proper fire, comfy seats and an array of cottagey teapots - a fine backdrop for some Cheers photos. Beerwise I take a punt on some Prima Donna whilst Nick goes for Pig on the Wall (the Duke also being a Black Country Ales house since re-opening following the sad death of the previous landlord). Further indulgence arrives courtesy of some Simmonds' scratchings, which Stephen agreed were very moreish and nicely digestable.
* Into the evening now as darkness starts to fall. We go via the alleyways through to New Invention Square where we wait in vain for a non-existent 908 bus. Eventually we give up and slog it up the Lichfield Road towards Wednesfield, then dash to catch the oncoming 559 outside Ashmore Park Bingo.
* The Vine - now here's a personal favourite of mine that has become a semi-regular haunt for Sunday evening drinks with Dad. The pub is evocative of 1930's inter-war austerity and it certainly feels more minimalistic than the others we've visited today, sitting on the wooden bench seats in the period brown bar room. The beer is up to scratch as usual, Nick tackling Wetheroak's Victoria Works with me opting for Forest Gold from the Milestone Brewery based near Newark. Stephen of course is on his lemonade and blackcurrant and is stoically riding out any resultant sugar rushes in a most determined fashion.
* The evening has but one final call as we conclude matters in the Royal Tiger, Wednesfield's Good Beer Guide accredited local branch of Wetherspoon's. I was pleased to find some Sadler's Celtic Trap on offer as we joined other friends and acquaintances in bidding Louise a happy birthday - many happy returns! A nice way to finish what had been another successful day of Black Country exploring, pontificating and a bit of boozing...
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