Lost Pubs from the WME Archives: Part 21

Twenty one is the point at which you should get the key to the door, or so the old saying goes, although these 'Lost Pubs' posts have already spent several months incrementally unlocking the WME archives. The series continues to come of age with this quickfire quintet from the Black Country boroughs...

- The Boat -

May's musings delve into Darlaston first off for a brush with the Boat, the name of which drops hints as to its canalside location on Bentley Road South. This watery setting was far from pretty though, surrounded by the ruins of abandoned factories that presumably cost the pub much of its doorstep trade when they closed. After several years of dereliction and fire damage, the building has been put out of its misery at the hands of the bulldozer. 

- The Bird in Hand -

You may remember that my March selection included the Mitre on Tettenhall's Lower Green, and a short distance away in Tettenhall Wood we can now ponder the plight of the Bird in Hand. This sizeable M&B establishment could be found on School Road at the end of the 501 bus route (a terminus now used by the plain number 1), and though the place still stands it has been transformed into an interior design showroom with a separate CUTE coffee lounge. 

- The Bridgewater -

Another Mitchells & Butlers example no longer in existence is the Bridgewater which served Little Bloxwich near the Lower Farm estate. Set back slightly from Stoney Lane, it would have been handy for the Wyrley & Essington Canal as Teece's Bridge was only a few yards away. A housing development now occupies the site although the neighbouring cottages and a Chinese takeaway hut remain part of the local scene. 

- The Saltbrook -

Next up is a homage to a Hayes Lane hostelry as I remember the Saltbrook, variously known over time as either the Dewfall Arms, Ye Olde Saltbrook Inn or even the Saltbrook End Tavern. It already looked doomed when I took this picture during my Cradley Circuit in early 2010 but the building clung on in this precarious state for a few more years. Latterly you'll find the land is now home to some industrial units owned by the Shipley Group. 

- The Timbertree -

We finish with the only one of these five that I've actually been in, namely the Timbertree near Cradley Heath. A notable landmark on the 243 bus route, the pub was positioned on Valley Road next to the local shopping parade. I rather enjoyed a Hub Marketing visit here in 2012, seeing some of the internal fittings that D9's Uncle Les might have recognised from his 1970s drinking days; alas the Timbertree has since been chopped down, making way for houses.

Wet Weather Wellington

The Hub Marketing Board have quite a tradition for undertaking rain-afflicted adventures, especially when our intended destination begins with a 'W' - think Warley, West Bromwich and Walsall Wood to name but three. That list now includes Wellington after an afternoon spent trying to avoid the worst of the Shropshire showers; thankfully being allowed inside pubs again helped us to stay as dry as possible...

- Bus Station Baldness -

It's Friday 21st May 2021 and a threatening weather forecast doesn't deter Messrs D9 and WME from staging their Telford-based tour. The Chairman's customary station sprint sees him arrive at Wolverhampton in readiness for the 12:19 train, and we touch down in Wellington just before 1pm. It's reasonably dry to start off with as we survey the neighbouring bus and rail facilities, the bald spot getting all excited about two rows of red shelters and a modern toilet block. Secretary WME remembers when the bus interchange used to be further along Victoria Road with staggered bays that were distinctly brown and dated.

- Perking up in the Plough -

There's already a hint of precipitation in the air so we seek refuge in the Plough, a pub that proudly supports military charities which explains the 'Lest We Forget' remembrance mural and a gallery of RAF fighter planes. John Smith's (otherwise known as Beardsmore bleach) is our opening tipple of the day, paired with a tangy cheese and onion cob and some Eurovision deliberations. Between us we manage to name most of the UK entries of the 60s, 70s and 80s although the 1977 song ('Rock Bottom') almost escaped our attention. I doubt this year's contender James Newman has much chance of victory in these post-Brexit times!

- Leegomery Pools -

Our Eurovision theme continues as we proceed to Leegomery, only this time we're focusing on memorable non-UK compositions such as 'Pomme Pomme Pomme' and 'Dschingis Khan' - we're not short of silly song nominations for this outing, that's for sure. Tracking down a footpath from College Lane to Grainger Drive, we emerge at Leegomery Pools as a kidney-shaped area of open water where elderly couples park up to enjoy the view. Leegate Avenue twists and turns past a BMX track as we gradually approach Hadley, noting how a distinctive concrete footbridge spans Britannia Way like a set of grey tentacles. 

- Hadley Shopping Parade -

That footbridge is one of the few defining Hadley features still remaining from when the Secretary first came here many moons ago. So much else has changed: the Cross Keys is now a Polish supermarket, the old precinct has been torn down and replaced with new units, and the shed-like former Elim Church building has been overhauled complete with its own Hub annexe. Even the Kings Head has had a makeover, transformed into the Hop & Vine for an emphasis on Indian cuisine. Purely out of curiosity, we pop in for a swift Carling and confirm that what had been a tired boozer now feels altogether more up-to-date. 

- The Chairman Reads All About It -

Braving the increasingly soggy conditions, we complete our Hadley hiatus with a nod to the village green (next to the Methodist Church) and then the local Community Centre. We would have sampled the Foresters Arms on Union Street had it been open, but instead we drip along Waterloo Road into Ketley where the Wrens Nest is another no avail (roof repairs seem to be underway as part of wider renovation so we don't know whether this will stay as a pub in the long run). A photocall outside the Shropshire Star offices gives Chairman D9 chance to recall one of his former bus colleagues who apparently hubbed most of the Telford network. 

- The Horseshoes Inn, Ketley -

Many watering holes are tentatively easing themselves out of lockdown-enforced hibernation so it was always going to be a lottery today seeing which ones were able to claim our custom. After a few near misses it's a relief to find a place that is actually open, the Horseshoes on Holyhead Road being a traditional tavern perched on a crest. Chairman D9 is so eager for refreshment that he's ordered our Carlings before the Secretary's spectacles have demisted, meaning poor WME is deprived of any cask ale possibilities. To be fair, the lager is decent as we sit by a couple of dartboards and enjoy the cut and thrust of proper pub banter again.

- Razor Back in the Raven -

The plan from Ketley is to catch the 4 (a thick blue line route in D9 terminology) back to Wellington, only for the buses to be conspicuously absent. It isn't too far to walk though so on we plod, pausing at the Swan Hotel en route; the Cock Hotel opposite is being done out by Joules Brewery hence it's temporarily out of commission. The Railway on Mill Bank earns high praise for the quality of its Butty Bach (the best beer of the day), and we finish in the Raven for some Ringwood Razor Back amidst a succession of hazard tape arrow markings. Sadly for the Secretary, Mr D9 seizes the 'Discount of the Day' award thanks to that last drink but such skulduggery does not detract from what has been a brilliant afternoon - cheers! 

Bloxwich with the Beardsmores

With both Mr D9 and Nick Turpin having returned to the West Midlands Exploration fold in recent weeks, it was now the turn of the Beardsmores (Stephen and John) to reclaim their rightful place as part of blog dispatches. A reunion outing is duly arranged and Bloxwich is braced for our collective attendance...

- A Fountain Fellow -

Friday 14th May 2021 is a momentous day in more ways than one as the morning sees me receiving my first dose of the Covid vaccine. Having thus been 'Pfizered' at Aldersley Leisure Village, I am clear to proceed to Bloxwich courtesy of the number 60 bus with the Beardsmore contingent boarding at Heath Town. The journey is a swift one via Bentley Bridge Retail Park, Wednesfield and New Invention, John immediately regaling us with fishing memories. Setting down at Park Road terminus just before 11:30, we admire the Pat Collins Memorial Clock and a gilded Victorian fountain (dating from 1891) as part of Bloxwich's Promenade Gardens.

- Beardsmores on the Wyrley Branch -

Our first real task of the trip is to track down the remains of the Wyrley Branch, an offshoot of the Wyrley & Essington Canal which used to link Sneyd Junction with Landywood and Great Wyrley. Abandoned in the 1950s, the line now forms a pleasant linear nature reserve out into South Staffordshire. We initially venture through the King George V Memorial Playing Fields and negotiate the golf course-inspired closes of the Turnberry Road estate in order to join the branch near Broad Lane. We can't vouch for the angling potential here even if John does predict there may be eels to be plundered in amongst the reeds. 

- Near Long Lane -

The Chase Line railway track keeps us company for a short while as the old canal meanders northwards, passing beside a lawn cemetery and allowing glimpses of the Wyrley Juniors football pitches. Much of the channel has been reclaimed by vegetation although there are pockets of open water, presumably not very deep. An industrial tube culvert carries the waterway below Long Lane before we reach Baker's Bridge as an intriguing surviving structure historically used by local farms. Rather than hike all the way to Cheslyn Hay, we decide to retrace our steps back to Long Lane for a look around Newtown instead. 

- The New Masons, Newtown -

Newtown is a small settlement that straddles the A34 just beyond the West Midlands county boundary. Despite its limited size, the village is home to two pubs and on this occasion the New Masons gets the nod over the Ivy House. Motivational mottoes adorn beer garden branches as we pick ourselves a table, and John then takes great care not to drench himself in IPA when the plastic glasses prove unexpectedly squeezable. Conversation turns to cruise memories (Cairo and Portugal), cricket - as ever with Stephen around - and football hooliganism of the 1970s, much to the bemusement of the unsuspecting barman.

- Wallington Heath Pool -

Next up we follow the A34 Stafford Road straight into Bloxwich town centre, passing a posh-looking Golf Club and the turnings into Lower Farm. Wallington Heath Pool is an attractive little beauty spot with ducks waddling about; it certainly has more aesthetic appeal than the boarded-over shell of the Royal Exchange. Stephen is in charge of selecting our afternoon snacks, hence nominating Allmarks Bakery for flaky sausage rolls which are awarded our considered seal of approval. Trying not to cover ourselves in pastry crumbs, we witness the Friday afternoon congestion along Bloxwich High Street as the schools finish for the day. 

- Mr B Junior at The Bell -

Our own conclusion requires a second pint somewhere and the Bell ultimately claims our custom, tempting us from the Lichfield Road/Bell Lane crossroads. This Banks's boozer has been part of Bloxwich life for generations, and ordinarily I'd love to explore the multi-roomed traditional interior again. The beer garden has to suffice this time around, sheltered under a white tarpaulin as the Banks's Mild hits the spot. Stephen models his blackcurrant and lemonade while John gives the poor barmaid a potted history of Portobello. Mr Beardsmore Senior pulls rank in demanding an extra pint (the Wainwrights is calling to him) but we still make it safely onto the 16:18 bus home - cheers!

A Wombourne Return

Covid has made it inevitable that certain locations are cropping up in my explorations more than they normally would, but there are still new angles to unveil and exciting discoveries to make in even the most familiar of places. Take Wombourne for example, partially covered during February's Trysull Trek and now back for more in May...

- Approaching Penn Halt -

Arguably my most regular haunt of the lot over the last year has been the Smestow Valley/ South Staffordshire Railway Walk which finds itself press-ganged into service yet again. Friday 7th May's outing therefore commences with the section from Castlecroft to Lower Penn, revisiting Penn Halt and generally appreciating the burgeoning greenery with leaves adorning the treetop canopy. Lower Penn itself seems tranquil enough in the sunshine and I can't resist getting a few village green shots near St Anne's Church and pretty Rose Cottage.

- Orton Grange -

By way of variety, I want to pick out a public footpath I last walked nearly fifteen years ago (June 2006, when my blog posts were minimal to say the least!); the turning is just after the church and takes me over the fields to Orton via various kissing gates, a set of wooden steps and a close encounter with some thankfully docile cows. Showell Lane and Flash Lane received the WME photo treatment last August so this time around I concentrate more on Orton Lane, passing several notable properties such as Orton Grange. 

- St Benedict Biscop School -

I reach the fringes of Wombourne much quicker than I'd expected although it takes me a little while to wend my way towards the village centre. Billy Buns Lane is served by the number 15 and 16 bus routes before Wood Lane leads me into a residential estate notable for shops on Bull Lane (the Golden Valley takeaway, a hair salon and a tanning parlour among them). I can hear children's laughter nearby so I'm not surprised to stumble upon St Benedict Biscop Primary School, the playground in full cry at mid-morning break time.

- A Smallbrook Farm Steed -

Wombourne has expanded significantly even in my lifetime so it's nice to get a sense of a previous way of life. Smallbrook Farm lends a more rural atmosphere with hay bales and inquisitive horses while Battlefield Hill is quietly screened from the A449 dual carriageway - the Red Lion here has always struck me as a particularly homely little pub. The reference to a battlefield is certainly intriguing, whereby it has been speculated that Wombourne may have featured during the 910AD campaign against the Vikings (associated perhaps with the Battle of Tettenhall, the exact location of which is subject to some conjecture).

- Wom Brook Nature Reserve -

There's less mystery about my next target as the Wom Brook Nature Reserve is a popular walking route snaking its way beside the banks of a babbling stream. I did some of the trail years back but hadn't covered the eastern end until now, hence Pool Dam makes for an excellent find near the local scout and girlguiding bases. The nature reserve in full links Rookery Road with the Poolhouse Estate via Lower End and Ham Meadow, intersecting at times with the railway walk and the canal. I branch off via Mill Lane for glimpses of St Benedict Biscop C of E Parish Church and yarnbombing creations at the United Reformed Chapel.

- Enville Ale at the Mount Tavern -

Isn't it great to be able to punctuate outings with the occasional pint again! The New Inn is my choice of Wombourne watering hole for this trip, sitting out the front with a Banks's Amber as the sun beams down, and I break my homeward journey on a spluttering 16 bus by alighting at Penn's Mount Tavern. This is a pub I hadn't been to since 2012 so it was high time for another look (even if it was recently frequented by a certain Boris Johnson MP). I wouldn't normally follow in the Prime Minister's footsteps but an exception is made in order to partake of the Enville Ale, perched on a planked table overlooking the Penn Road. Cheers!

D9 discovers the Anson Branch

Canals have been a favourite hunting ground during the Hub Marketing Board's most recent activities and, on the premise of 'if it isn't broke don't fix it', we are more than happy to retain the waterways theme for our end-of-April extravaganza. An interesting offshoot of the Walsall Canal requires closer investigation, plus (whisper it quietly) we're even hoping to sample a pub or two along the way...

- Mr D9 drives to Darlaston -

Friday 30th April 2021 and yes it's true, board members are plotting to pick up some pints for the first time since our Stafford spectacular last October. An ahead-of-schedule Bradley Lane rendezvous punctures any prospect of a cob penalty as the surprisingly punctual Chairman delivers a D9 driving dosage aboard the number 79 bus. Our initial destination is Darlaston, alighting opposite the Asda in order to grab pictures of the Conservative Club on Little Cross Street, tucked away behind a set of underwhelming backstreet garages.

- A riot of red at the Why Not -

Our first drink of the lockdown-easing era however comes at the Why Not just off Blockall. Branded as a Davenports establishment, this has variously been known as the Talk of the Town and the St Lawrence Tavern over the course of its existence, and a red car park tent offers a distinctive setting for sampling some Carling or Worthingtons. The bright scarlet  backdrop might play havoc with the Secretary's intended photos but Mr WME does have the not inconsiderable solace of securing a £5 round, easily the Discount of the Day.

- Rubery Owen Office Buildings -

Supping up, there is local history on our collective radar as we swoop upon a target we somehow contrived to avoid during December's Darlaston ruminations. Even though we specifically featured Rubery Owen on our pre-Christmas tour, we neglected to visit the firm's historic Booth Street head offices - how remiss of us! The building still stands and is currently home to the 'Innovation Works', seeking to inspire the next generation of local businesses. Queen Street and Willenhall Road then combine to take us to The Crescent where the Robin Hood has an impressive lawn and (even better!) a glorious glass of Stout Dwarf.

- The bald spot hunts the Anson Branch -

That Fownes elixir at the Robin Hood was the perfect prelude to the day's canal centrepiece, whereby Bughole Bridge begins our towpath trail on this occasion. The Walsall Canal is quite grim through here despite the presence of NHS-thanking street art and 'Jesus Loves You' declarations. We liven things up by selecting our silly songs - Shag Conners and the Carrot Crunchers meets a Margaret Thatcher impressionist - before Forster's Bridge acts as the gateway to the Anson Branch, a lost line of the BCN that was abandoned in 1961.

- Canal Clues near Bentley Mill Way -

The Anson used to provide a water supply to Birchills Power Station and had a junction with the defunct Bentley Canal; the Secretary has previous as regards exploring the route and it seems even more desolate and reed-choked than he remembers. The Chairman meanwhile is stunned to bump into one of his former neighbours, a chap called 'Mad Matthews' who is out walking his dog - he certainly seems to be quite a character! One extended chinwag later, we proceed to Bentley Mill Way before availing ourselves of a short 529 hop so as to avoid the worst of the Junction 10 bridge replacement works. 

- Reedswood Park Blossoms -

Pargeter Street is our prompt to leave the bus behind and plot a path through Reedswood, passing the little tent hire shop on the corner with Edward Street in the process. It's nearing home time at the local Primary Academy school so we dodge the parked-up parents by seeking further refreshment at the Alma. We could get used to this beer garden lark you know, especially with the sun beaming down and PopMaster on the BBC Sounds app; we score very respectably this time around (even getting the Boyzone 3 in 10). Our 'prize' is a peek into Reedswood Park, admiring the springtime blossoms looking out over Bentley Lane. 

- Carling Concentration in Birchills -

Birchills now awaits but neither the Four Ways (converted into a Premier convenience store) nor the Rose & Crown (presumably still closed due to Covid) can claim our custom today. We pitch up instead at the New Navigation, not exactly the prettiest of places despite its canalside location. The outhouse vibe on the back yard has the properly pubby atmosphere we've so craved during lockdown, particularly with whiffs of coal smoke and boat grease on the breeze. A Carling each is adequate refreshment as the Chairman reminisces about classic Hub dives. 

- Walsall Top Lock -

We're not being too ambitious with this trip and are aiming for an early evening finish, meaning we've just got the small matter of Walsall town centre to come. A steady look at the lock flight pays photographic dividends until we detour via Birchills Street and the Crown Wharf retail park. Our final calling point is Bar 10 (The Wharf) where a table beside the basin pontoons gives a good view of both the New Art Gallery and a 'Deep Water' buoyancy balloon. Closing Carlings in plastic glasses set the seal on our comeback crawl and we make our way back to Moxley satisfied with an excellent afternoon's work - cheers!