Brexit Hub Marketing: West Brom and Wordsley

Friday 31st January 2020 will forever go down in British history as the day the United Kingdom finally left the European Union. The ramifications of this decision - for better or worse - may not become clear for a number of years, generations even, but the Hub Marketing Board are on hand to mark the occasion anyway. Yes, leave or remain we'd be combining West Bromwich with Wordsley via a little bit of Stourbridge and Oldswinford...

- A Canal Character -

Chairman D9 issues instructions for a 12:30 meet-up so the Secretary is free to indulge in some morning exploration. Top of the WME wishlist is a snoop around Smethwick, beginning with some waterways heritage on Brasshouse Lane. One piece of commemorative metalwork carries the words of John Freeth in reference to the growth of Birmingham's canals: 'Then revel in gladness, let harmony flow, from the district of Bordsley to Paradise Row, for true feelings of joy must be wrought when coals under 5 pence per hundred are bought'.

- Too close for comfort? -

Halfords Lane then bears down upon The Hawthorns - home ground of West Bromwich Albion of course -where Mr WME feels rather nervous being a Wolves fan in enemy territory. Some furtive photos near the Smethwick End are evidence enough of a fleeting visit and the Secretary soon feels safer tracking down the driveway entrance to West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club. Situated close to junction one of the M5 motorway, the club play in the Birmingham League and there's a pronounced spicy fragrance in the air thanks to the nearby East End food factory. 

- Raising a Glass to 'Wincy' Willis -

Getting down to hub business proper, the Chairman clocks in at the allotted time and an opening pint is called for at the Clock House, a Desi-styled cocktail bar and grill close to Carters Green Clock. Mr D9 wants to pay tribute to one of our bus driving personalities who recently passed away so a toast is raised to Wincy Willis (presumably nicknamed after the former TV-am and Treasure Hunt presenter). A tram from Dartmouth Street means Mr WME is subjected to a few more Hawthorns-related jitters but a favourable train connection quickly has us bound for Stourbridge where our second pub of the day awaits...

- Follically challenged in Oldswinford -

The Seven Stars can be found on Brook Road directly opposite one of the driveways into Stourbridge Junction railway station, and has latterly been given a new lease of life under the ownership of Black Country Ales. The building has some exquisite features including staircase tiles and lovely etched windows, not to mention some Mitchells & Butlers stained glass. The beer isn't bad either, 4T's Busman's Pale slipping down a treat while we sit in the refined surroundings of the snug. Supping up, we navigate the alleyways and cul-de-sacs of Oldswinford with a certain bald spot leading the way. 

- A Classic Black Country Lunch -

Our Oldswinford mission is to revisit the Bird in Hand, for many years a Banks's boozer until Bathams added it to their exalted portfolio of tied houses last autumn. There are few finer pleasures than a pristine pint of Best Bitter accompanied by a substantial cheese, onion and black pudding cob - pub heaven right there! We have a date with Wordsley still to come although the Chairman is permitted to nominate a Stourbridge stop en route - his resultant choice of Barbridge leaves him out of pocket when the Blueberry Lu Milk Stout costs £5.50 for two halves (it's very nice though)!

- The Bird in Hand, Wordsley -

Mr D9 claws back some of his Barbridge outlay by grabbing free pieces of pork pie and then threatens a darting whitewash in the Garibaldi, a backstreet Banks's number squirreled away in the Old Quarter. Our attendance in Wordsley cannot be delayed a moment longer although the Audnam traffic does its best to throw a spanner in the works; luckily the Secretary knows a shortcut past Brook Primary School so the Bird in Hand can be fully appraised. Top quality Town Crier from Hobson's Brewery is suitable reward for our persistence, this John Street corner local being abuzz with community banter - we really are being spoiled pub-wise today.

- Judge D9 drives the 16 -

The fat lady is warming up her tonsils so nightcap matters are taken care of by Wordsley's Rose & Crown (where WME Whirlwind at least gets one leg on the darts scoreboard) and the Glasscutters Arms (more Town Crier as it happens). Finally, renditions of Sucu Sucu keep us entertained aboard the 16 ride home as the Chairman dons his paper periwig especially for the occasion. We'll just have to sit tight and see whether Brexit is going to be smooth or bumpy as the UK enters a brave new dawn, and in the meantime... cheers!