Firstly I offer you news of our meeting in July, during which we sampled the delights of Hail to the Ale in Claregate, Wolverhampton. This Morton Brewery micropub has been voted CAMRA's Pub of the Year for the entire West Midlands region, no mean achievement when you consider the quality of the competition right across Birmingham and the Black Country. Morton's own Jelly Roll and some Titanic Stout were the ales of choice here as we savoured the relaxed community atmosphere and admired the canine-themed pets gallery.
- Clockwatching in Compton -
Other July calling points included the Claregate (which had recently campaigned successfully to avoid closure) followed by two WME favourites. The Swan at Compton is an old inn at the bottom of The Holloway; Roger timed how long it took us to walk there with my prediction proving surprisingly accurate! Then came the Chindit on Merridale Road, an end-of-terrace former off licence where we attempted to play pool while supping from the selection of blonde and golden beers. A nice afternoon on WME's home patch.
- Improved Interchange -
Fast forward a few months and the story is brought right up to date courtesy of a Cradley Heath visit last Saturday. For me this meant a first experience of Cradley Heath's refurbished transport interchange, which at first glance isn't hugely different from how I remember it looking before although the improved facility does boast a higher specification of bus-detecting doors, shiny silvery stands and better protection from the elements.
- Chainmakers Commemorated -
While waiting for Roger to arrive I strolled the short distance to Mary McArthur Gardens, a park and open space named in honour of a prominent women's rights campaigner from the early twentieth century. The gardens include a sculptural memorial to the female chainmakers of Cradley Heath who successfully staged a strike in 1910 as part of their struggle to gain a minimum wage.
- Nectar in the Plough & Harrow -
With Mr SBI in attendance we had a wander along Cradley Heath High Street, strangely devoid of traffic due to works digging up the gas mains. Corngreaves Road leads us to the Plough & Harrow, a former Banks's boozer now operating under the auspices of the Worcestershire Brewing Company whose Nectar Bitter proved very aptly named.
- The Bull Terrier gets castrated?! -
Our next intended port of call was to be the Bull Terrier on Surfeit Hill Road but alas it has been converted into a Family Shopper convenience store, a shame as I rather liked the pub when I visited it with D9. The number 53 bus just happens to be passing though so we catch that for a short hop down to Old Hill before watching the F1 Russian Grand Prix qualifying in the Riddins Tavern.
- Waggon & Horses -
With Nico Rosberg confirmed on pole position, we had clearance to continue through to Reddal Hill Road for a look at the Waggon & Horses, which is now back open as the sister Ostlers Alehouses pub to the White Horse in Harborne. We were rather impressed with the resulting 'urban ale venue' effect, partaking of some Green Duck All American Blonde and a tasty cob each.
- Where's Frankie Vaughan when you need him -
Now then, what to do by way of a fitting finale? Well, checking in on two relatively recent brewery developments certainly seemed to fit the bill, starting with Sadler's Bar literally a stone's throw from Lye Station. This is a welcome companion to the nearby Windsor Castle and we eagerly availed ourselves of some Yoricks Skull while enjoying views of the mash tuns. Next up comes the Badelynge Bar, the public face of the Green Duck Brewery as accessed by a bright green door off Rufford Road - thankfully we didn't need any secret handshakes or whispered passcodes to gain entry! With duck-themed ales obtained we pulled up a pew for some World Cup rugby action and made the acquaintance of Diesel, a very handsome husky dog who liked the occasional howl. A Gigmill nightcap and a meeting with Roger's very own canine chum (hello Alfie) set the seal on a highly enjoyable outing - cheers!
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