* We alight on the Birmingham New Road at the stop opposite the New Inn only to find that my pre-planned itinery has let us down - the pub doesn’t open until 4pm, oops!! Disaster is averted thanks to a swift juggling of the batting order and the Park Inn becomes our replacement opener. Stephen and I therefore act as Nick’s royal bodyguard as we head to Woodsetton, a task that is easier said than done given his highness’s liking for walking in the middle of Vicarage Road.
* The Park Inn - first pub of the day then and for me it provides a welcome return to the Holden’s Brewery Tap. I was hoping to try one of Holden’s monthly special brews and November’s offering is Fogger, a name that presumably fits in with the erstwhile trend for naming the ales after industrial jobs (Shaftspragger, Wind Blower, Burton Runner etc). We take up residence in the games room where Nick demonstrates his considerable prowess at table football.
- The Park Inn, Woodsetton -* The Painters Arms - heading through Swan Village with photos of the Swan Inn and the Summerhouse, we make our way back through Roseville and on to our second Holden's of the day. The Painters Arms on Avenue Road has a very local feel with plenty of interesting characters about. Our beer choice here is Hobgoblin as we sit in the back lounge by the pool table. Being up against stiff competition, it wasn't my favourite call of the day but still seemed a decent pub.
* The New Inn - having safely now got past 4pm, we return to the now open New Inn to savour it's homely ambience, which seems to be even more accentuated on a cold November evening when it’s getting dark outside. Nick and I get in our Golden Glows and admire the fishtank by the bar, then we decamp to an inviting corner table where the walls are adorned with cheeky brass mottoes and a mounted vintage handpump. Classic stuff!
* The Horse & Jockey - a nifty ride on the 581 bus leads us to Woodcross and this local on the corner of Robert Wynd. The building didn’t especially appeal to me as it seems to be half hidden in a dip but much work has been done here to attract a real ale clientele; whilst the pub lacks the age and heritage character of my favourite watering holes, I can still commend the place for making a concerted effort to care about its beer. There is a healthy range of guests from which we select Hobson’s Town Crier to hit the spot very nicely.
* The Beacon - from one new pub experience to an old favourite as we walk the back way through the estate to the Beacon. Yes, yet again we are drawn back to this Sedgley classic, we just can’t keep away. I decided to steer clear of the Ruby Mild on this occasion, plumping instead for the Amber at 4%, although the Thornbridge guest beer weighed in at a potent 7.7%! We find our way into the snug where there’s plenty of space to ponder England's prospects in the Ashes and to peruse the latest copy of Ales and Tales.
- Nick gets Stumped -
* The Mount Pleasant (The Stump) - following on from the Beacon is no easy task, but one quick skip through Sedgley later, we arrive in the Stump and immediately feel at home. The back lounge areas are pretty full so we find a seat in the front bar and finish the evening with a closing pint. Nick selects Enville’s Ginger Gothic whilst I try some Wye Valley Big Bang (had a fruity quality I thought, perhaps a hint of cherries) and I also stock up on the all-important pork scratchings.
* With the pubs concluded for another outing, its back homeward as Nick bids farewell whilst Stephen and I head back to the Beardsmore residence for the opening gambit from the Ashes. Once again the Black Country had done us proud with some fine local inns, with Coseley making its own imprint on our evergrowing list of favourite pubs...
- Nick gets Stumped -* The Mount Pleasant (The Stump) - following on from the Beacon is no easy task, but one quick skip through Sedgley later, we arrive in the Stump and immediately feel at home. The back lounge areas are pretty full so we find a seat in the front bar and finish the evening with a closing pint. Nick selects Enville’s Ginger Gothic whilst I try some Wye Valley Big Bang (had a fruity quality I thought, perhaps a hint of cherries) and I also stock up on the all-important pork scratchings.
* With the pubs concluded for another outing, its back homeward as Nick bids farewell whilst Stephen and I head back to the Beardsmore residence for the opening gambit from the Ashes. Once again the Black Country had done us proud with some fine local inns, with Coseley making its own imprint on our evergrowing list of favourite pubs...
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