WME Flickr Focus - December 2022

Christmas was the usual festive whirlwind of utter mayhem and I've now got a little bit of routine administration to attend to before we can say hello to 2023. Consulting my trusty abacus, the numbers reveal that the West Midlands Exploration photostream received exactly 600 photo arrivals over the course of 2022, thus bringing the grand total to a not insubstantial 6,078 published pictures...

December's contribution focused almost exclusively upon one particular gallery, except for a minor outburst from WME Staffordshire (a footpath mileage marker near Whiston, but we don't need to get excited about that). No, apart from that single item, Exploration Extra absolutely dominated proceedings as if on a mission to banish the slumbers that had kept it devoid of additions until November.

Encouragingly, many of EE's fresh items see me dipping into my 2021 archives with May and June of that year making especially useful inroads. For example, the Rail Rover 2021 album has been boosted by the presence of Barrow upon Soar (notably featuring Deep Lock on the Grand Union Canal), then there are extractions from my Kendal family holiday with a focus on castle ruins, mysterious yards and River Kent wildlife. Still with 2021, the Derby Rams Trail registers strongly thanks to the likes of 'Bee Happy', 'Captain Strong' and 'Rambo'.

There have been prized pluckings from earlier in my back catalogue too: I've raided Edinburgh 2017 for David Hume's statue plus Iona Bar branding, whereas the same year's Chelmsford cricket escape provides County Ground vistas and a trio of pub signs (the United Brethren, the Plough and the Riverside). The first ever Warwickshire-watching getaway Stephen and I joined forces for was at Chester-le-Street in 2010 so I'm pleased that Durham's Shakespeare pub has taken its rightful photostream place, and my oldest upload of the whole year is a 2006 sighting of preserved Daimler BON 474C at BaMMoT.

I can therefore consider 2022 a job well done in terms of the Flickr side of things so in 2023 I'll simply aim to keep chipping away as best I can whenever the chance arises. I've been taking digital photos for over 20 years now - my 2002 equivalent self would never have believed that! - and though I'm still very much an amateur with a point-and-click approach I've nevertheless relished documenting the West Midlands in my own peculiar way over that time. Here's hoping there is plenty more to come...

Ho Ho Hubs: Bilston and Blackheath

After illness robbed us of our intended Redditch Rumble two weeks ago, Chairman D9 has regained full fitness in readiness for the Hub Marketing Board Pre-Christmas Party. Normally December would herald our Awards Gala but the Hub calendar is still at the printers and the noble Charles Pemberton Rowbotham III can't be exhumed due to a gravediggers strike in Market Drayton. Nevertheless there is still much fun to be had in the realms of Rowley Regis...

- Wintry Hickman Park -

Like most of the country, the West Midlands has experienced a cold snap of late and there is much slippery stuff to contend with underfoot come Friday 16th December. Chairman D9 has stipulated an afternoon Bradley rendezvous so the Secretary has a free morning to utilise - how about some Bilston pictures then? A Midland Metro tram ride to The Crescent is followed by a slither around Hickman Park, a flagship area of open space gifted to the town as a tribute to the industrialist and MP Sir Alfred Hickman after his death in 1910. The park's facilities include an open air stage (which sadly has suffered a spate of vandalism), a sporting arena, wildflower meadows, and a restored original shelter dating back to the park's 1911 launch. 

- Bilston Town Hall -

Picking his way carefully across ice-capped pavements, the Secretary next tackles Bilston High Street which is pleasingly busy with festive shoppers. Bilston will never be the most glamorous of locations but it does seem to inspire fierce loyalty among the locals, and the market always seems to be bustling with activity. Major's has queues of folk flocking to partake of their legendary orange battered chips but it's the nearby Town Hall that attracts WME attention; built in 1873, it was the seat of local government activities until the County Borough of Wolverhampton was established in 1966.

- A Bulls Head Beginning -

Mr D9 advises of his impending Bradley Lane arrival and the tram soon whisks us off towards West Bromwich where we can catch a 3A bus bound for Blackheath - the route covers the Lion Farm estate and Newbury Lane. Alighting on Throne Road, we make a beeline for the Bulls Head at Whiteheath, a former Marston's boozer that's become a Bar & Grill affair with 1980s tunes on the big screen music channels. A swift pint of Carling each provides solid if unspectacular lubrication but our main concern is previewing the Hub Awards nominations, deciding which greasy spoons, bald spots and dives should be in the running when the winners are announced on a future bash.

- A Moore Mural -

Ideally we'd like a helping hand TUAG link into Blackheath but the curse of D9's timetables strikes again and there isn't a bus in sight. No matter, the walk gives us chance to play the day's silly songs, whereby 'What Are We Gonna Get 'Er Indoors' by Dennis Waterman and George Cole gets upstaged by Larry Grayson's 1975 ditty 'Who's Stuffing Your Turkey This Christmas?' - festive classics both we're sure you'll agree! Our first pub target in Blackheath itself is the Knights Quest (historically known as the George & Dragon) where the lunchtime carvery is being packed away at the end of service. A nice tartan-patterned bay window seat helps us warm back up again before we relocate to the Little Beech on Halesowen Street; this one is the Beech Tree under a slightly reworked moniker and has a Covid Heroes mural that features a depiction of Captain Tom Moore. 

- Santa Steering on the 4H -

Also on Halesowen Street is the Cyder & Cobb micropub as visited by the Secretary and our royal correspondent after the Dudley Winter Ales Fayre last month. A second sampling isn't out of the question albeit the place is packed full with a works do, meaning our best option for sitting down involves risking frostbite by occupying the pavement tables outside. We wouldn't ordinarily recommend al fresco drinking in subzero December temperatures but Vocation's Naughty & Nice Chocolate Stout is not to be missed - liquid heaven! Being out here has other advantages too, namely that we can keep abreast of any bus comings and goings, thus we make a sprint for the 4H as soon as it comes around the corner. 'Santa' willingly obliges for a driving demo as we descend Gorsty Hill Road into Coombeswood.

- Christmas Cheer in the Lighthouse -

At Mr D9's request, we've come this way so as to look in on the Lighthouse, literally shining out like a beacon in the encroaching evening darkness. Secretary WME forges ahead to get the round while the Chairman is distracted by clay post bus stops, but the resultant glasses of pristine Enville Ale meet with universal approval. Gary Woo the marketing mascot makes his Hub Christmas debut as we savour the good-natured atmosphere and Black Country banter. The pub is effectively perched on the hill above the Dudley No. 2 Canal's Gosty Hill Tunnel with a pathway opposite leading down to the south-eastern tunnel portal. 

- And the 2022 Pub Games Champion is... -

We don't fancy towpath trekking in the dark so the return 4H nips us back up to Blackheath for a darting decider in the Three Diamonds Bar off Horner Way. A studious glance at the maths suggests D9 Destroyer and WME Whirlwind are tied level on 17 legs apiece across the whole year so whoever wins this contest will be crowned our 2022 champion. Fuelled by Carling, it is Destroyer who ultimately finds the oche more to his liking on this occasion with Whirlwind struggling to unleash any devious checkouts. Four unanswered legs ensure that the balding one conclusively takes the title - well done sir!

- A Four Ways Finale -

Solace for the Secretary is served up care of a definitive Desi experience at the Four Ways, our closing port of call for the day. The pub has a rather quirky sense of humour as evidenced by the barrel-clutching figure on the car park or a parade of model zoo animals in the kiddies play area. Our primary concern is food and the £15 Mixed Grill sharing platter is ideal for our appetites, comprising chicken tikka, hariyali tikka, lamb kebab and wings, plus mint yoghurt and other relishes - very tasty indeed! All that then remains is for us to head homewards with assistance from the 4 and a tram so I'll finish by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

The Festive Forage 2022

Ding Dong Merrily On High! It's that time of year when Santa finalises his lists of who's been naughty and who's been nice, when reindeers go into training for their round-the-world flight, and elves work overtime on the toy production line. December also of course means that Nick and I must stage a Festive Forage, our annual yuletide pub spectacular which this year will focus upon Birmingham...

- Percy the Party Penguin -

Nick and I have both been very well behaved indeed during 2022 so we're permitted to meet up on Saturday 10th December for some festive fun. A Grand Central rendezvous means we can confirm the precise location of Birmingham's brand new Wetherspoons (the London and North Western) on New Street's station concourse; it's predictably packed so we'll save it for a future trip and instead focus on Smallbrook Queensway street art and the Penguin Parade sculpture trail. 'Pullover Penguin' awaits us on Hurst Street outside the Hippodrome and looks warmly wrapped up in her woolly jumper. We then have the challenge of negotiating shopping malls and escalators in order to find 'Percy the Party Penguin' on Primark's top floor; his dapper snowflake-themed attire makes the hunt worthwhile. 

- It's Penguinning To Look A Lot Like Christmas -

Prior to Percy we'd also had the pleasure of navigating/getting totally lost in Selfridge's trying to track down 'Buddy the Elf Penguin' near the toy department - admittedly we were somewhat distracted by giant teddy bears, yellow bull models and inflatable Father Christmases. Buddy eventually does receive his photocall and we complete the set courtesy of 'It's Penguinning To Look A Lot Like Christmas' in Rotunda Square (note the colourful folk-flavoured patterns as inspired by Matryoshka dolls). The Frankfurt Christmas Market is getting into full swing along New Street so we decide to dodge the growing crowds by catching the Midland Metro along its Westside Extension via Broad Street and Five Ways. 

- Edgbaston Village Tram Terminus -

Metro operations through to Edgbaston Village actually began back in July albeit this was my first opportunity to see it for myself; I'm particularly impressed with how the tunnel beneath Five Ways roundabout has been made a tram-only space. We alight alongside the Hagley Road and have a brisk walk around the block, checking out Highfield Road and The Oratory Church - the latter was founded by Saint John Henry Newman and has served the Catholic community since the 1850s. An opening drink would be nice but the Ivy Bush (on Monument Road junction) doesn't necessarily appeal to those of us with regal standards to uphold. No matter, we simply rejoin the tram to the Library stop and nip into the ever-reliable Prince of Wales for some Korvak's Verdict dry stout and a munchies-busting cob. 

- "What is this curious concoction?" -

The Prince of Wales is a long-time favourite of ours anyway although we are impressed by its Black Country Ales makeover which has created a lovely relaxing bolthole nestled away from the festive throng. We do briefly brave the Christmas Market hurly-burly once more en route to Piccadilly Arcade where I'm keen to introduce His Majesty to the Dig Brew Beer Club, a craft bar that proved an absolute revelation on a recent Hub Marketing adventure. The rudimentary upstairs seating area makes for quite a culture shock after the relative comfort of our opening haunt, while the 23-19 kettle sour similarly takes some getting used to with its raspberry, vanilla and pink salt tartness - Nick has never drunk anything remotely like it previously.

- Springwell Pils in the North Taproom -

With the tram on hand to funnel us through the shopping hordes, we quickly decamp to Snow Hill Queensway where the North Brewing Company launched their new taproom at the tail end of November; setting up in Birmingham marks a first foray away from their Yorkshire roots and the result is a distinctly modern drinking experience amidst sleekly glazed office-type surroundings with the tram tracks passing right outside the front door. A cooling fault means some of the craft lines are temporarily out of action but we're more than happy to partake of Springwell Pils and park ourselves on a bench end for half hour or so. Culinary enthusiasts may be interested in the resident Little Bao Boy street food concession, busy with orders for temptingly-filled steamed buns. 

- Balloon Dog, Birmingham Children's Hospital -

A typical Festive Forage is nothing if not a day of contrasts, so we follow the contemporary almost clinical nature of North with the Davenports-derived reboot that has brought new life to the Queens Head on Steelhouse Lane. We remember coming here when it was known as the Jekyll & Hyde (which placed much emphasis on gin parlour glamour) so it's intriguing to see how reverting to the pub's historic name has melded with that sense of paying homage to a famous Birmingham brewing institution. The current Davenports brand certainly seems keen to maximise such provenance and we're very willing to see how their Vanilla Porter stacks up; an enjoyable half ensues, sitting in a covered courtyard admiring plastic lemons as you do! Our penguin exertions from earlier prove fine preparation for further sculptural discoveries down by the Children's Hospital, where a giant red balloon dog has joined The Big Hoot's 'Florence Nighting-Owl' and 'The Bear That Cares' from The Big Sleuth.

- Beaming Broadly in The Bull -

Mindful that we don't want to miss the World Cup quarter final football match later in the evening, we finish off at a couple of Gun Quarter mainstays we always hold in high esteem. The Bull on Price Street is the reigning Birmingham CAMRA Pub of the Year no less and I'm delighted to see it retains an extensive crockery collection timelessly hung above the bar counter. Ale-wise it has to be Church End's Gravediggers Mild in superb condition, moreishly smooth with a nice roasted edge. Just around the corner lies the Gunmakers Arms, taphouse for the Two Towers Brewery which means we have a tricky choice between Hockley Gold, Complete Muppetry and Jewellery Porter - naturally the darker brew gets the nod. The pub does much to celebrate local artists and photographers plus has a regular programme of live music, what's not to like? Dusk has descended upon Bath Street as we take our leave and that's another Festive Forage filed for posterity - cheers!

Willenhall Whereabouts

Friday 2nd December 2022 had been reserved for Hub Marketing action in Redditch only for the Chairman to submit a last gasp sicknote that means our Worcestershire plans must be postponed until the new year. In Mr D9's illness-enforced absence, the Secretary is left to his own Black Country devices...

- The Locksmith's House -

Ably stepping into the breach is Willenhall, a market town that has long been associated with the manufacture of locks and keys thanks to firms such as Yale, Chubb, Legge and Squire's. Historically this important trade began as a cottage industry during the 19th century and the Locksmiths House on New Road still offers an insight as to the original tools and equipment utilised by the Hodson family circa 1904; the museum only opens occasionally these days, mainly for pre-booked tours or special events, and is overseen by the Black Country Living Museum as their sister site. 

- Willenhall Lock Workers Memorial -

Further evidence of Willenhall's proud industrial past can be found near the Dale roundabout. First installed in 2015, the Willenhall Lock Workers Memorial has a central black granite tablet accompanied by individual bricks bearing the names of those being commemorated; the wider garden here looks out towards the Royal George while the Malthouse nearby has been put up for sale by pub chain Wetherspoons. My curiosity next takes me to Bath Street so as to see what has become of the former Willenhall Leisure Centre - the answer is that it is now an events venue and function suite called The Willows, looking rather smart it is too!

- Roy Birch DIY -

Willenhall Market Place evokes many fond memories for me of childhood Saturday morning shopping excursions, albeit the number of stalls has dwindled somewhat in recent years. The Bell Inn (no longer a pub) and the Memorial Clock continue to be familiar features, the latter having been unveiled in 1892 as a tribute to local doctor Joseph Tonks. Lower Lichfield Street reminds me of another mainstay, namely Roy Birch DIY's and General Hardware which alas is hosting its Grand Retirement Sale. The shop has been a fixture here since the mid 1960s so it'll be strange to think of it passing into history.

- The United Kingdom -

The morning skies remain resolutely grey as I proceed via Temple Bar, passing the Mount Olive Apostolic Church in the process - the chapel resonates as a landmark from formative rides on the 525 bus. Monmer Lane, Lucknow Road and a brief portion of Wyrley & Essington Canal towpath combine as my approach route into Lane Head where I have a choice between two pubs, decisions decisions! The cottagey appeal of the United Kingdom beats the Bridge on this occasion and I'm rewarded with a pristine pint of Wye Valley HPA (even though this is badged as a Marston's establishment). Draped England flags and windows painted up with footballer illustrations ensure the World Cup theme is very pronounced although Santa Claus and the Grinch do offer a nod to the forthcoming yuletide festivities.

- Church Road, Short Heath -

I can't quite believe it's been nearly ten years since I last set foot inside the United Kingdom so I'm pleased to see the bar area feels largely unchanged with a nicely traditional feel. HPA supped, Short Heath then awaits for glimpses of Holy Trinity Church, the Royal British Legion Club and the various terraced houses of Coltham Road. Wesley Road bend is home to the local Methodist Church while the Ezekiel Lane junction is guarded by the Swan pub and a building supplies yard (Graingers I think). I've known this area most of my life and it's great being back seeing some of my old haunts round by where my aunt used to live. 

- Rucker and Cob -

One prime target I'm definitely keen to revisit is the Duke of Cambridge, an atmospherically creaky Black Country Ales boozer further along Coltham Road. The lounge is a lovely setting for a well-earned pint, admiring a sepia gallery of Willenhall places of worship down the ages. Backyard's Rucker is a tasty tawny bitter that offers plenty of rugby-inspired bite, just ideal for pairing with an ever-essential cheese and onion cob. Shafts of sunlight break through the clouds as I while away a happy hour or so of quiet contentment, adding in a Derby Brewing Mercia IPA for good measure. The 41 and 69 buses see me safely homeward, and even though it wasn't the anticipated Redditch runout I still made the most of the day - cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - November 2022

Is FIFA World Cup 2022 fever sweeping the nation yet? I'm not entirely sure about that but have managed to distract myself from the Qatar-based football showpiece long enough to bring you my statutory monthly digest - yes folks, please do contain your excitement...

If the WME photostream were a sports tournament then Exploration Extra has snuck in via the back door with a very late bid for qualification. We've heard nothing from the gallery all year and then suddenly come November it springs back to life as if it has never been away. Amongst a dozen fresh arrivals I'm pleased to see more items from Arnside (2010 family holiday memories of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks plus the village's railway station) and Alsager, which gets my Rail Rover 2021 album underway thanks to the local war memorial. A batch of bus pictures includes the 2C at Ruabon, the 25a at Oxford and a vintage BCT Daimler visiting Acocks Green Garage.

Any photostream competition would automatically have WME Wolverhampton installed as the heavy favourite, and it maintains the usual rate of progress with a handful of additions. Tettenhall and Tettenhall Wood have both been among the scorers, expertly assisted by Woodcote Road, whereas Woodcross stakes its claim upon the Horse & Jockey public house on Robert Wynd. A Bushbury street sign representing Wood Lane probably ranks as my least exciting offering of the month but even this isn't quite as boring as that 0-0 stalemate vs the USA. 

As well as WME Wolves has performed, it is upstaged on this occasion by a stellar showing from WME Dudley. Wordsley has emerged as our star striker, setting its sights on the Golden Boot by powering home goals involving Rectory Street, the New Inn and the former Wordsley Hospital grounds. Stourbridge Locks have maintained a steady supply of ammunition too (numbers 3, 7 and 8 especially) plus there's a second welcome appearance from the X96 bus at Wollaston. 

The other competitors have been suspiciously quiet and are presumably saving their energies ready for a full tilt at glory. WME Staffordshire and WME Worcestershire have at least got in on the action, providing Wombourne nativity characters and Stourport canal locks respectively,  and that just leaves WME Birmingham scoring a solitary consolation goal in the form of the Woodman's dartboard; sadly the pub has closed down recently, a casualty of the cost of living crisis and ongoing HS2 development. What sporting drama might unfold in December? 

Dudley Winter Ales Fayre 2022

No year of visiting beer festivals is ever complete until I've been to the Dudley Winter Ales Fayre, an unmissable celebration of stronger seasonal brews that takes place in late November. It's fair to say I've been looking forward to the event for months and months, as has Nick who will also be eager to sample the wares...

- St James Church, Eve Hill -

Friday 25th November 2022 brings with it the promise of cracking beer and decent sunshine, so I put the blue skies to good use by grabbing some pictures en route to Dudley. Given that the Town Hall's address is St James's Road, I'm keen to visit the church after which the road is named hence I hop off the number 1 bus at Eve Hill to investigate. Designed in the Early English style, the building dates from the 1840s and is an imposing Wolverhampton Street feature when heading towards the town centre. A few snapshots from the churchyard are followed by a steady stroll passing S.T. Records and the old Burgin's newsagents shop. 

- Dudley Library Architecture -

Further architectural flourishes can be detected on St James's Road itself, where the Grade II-listed Dudley Library boasts Edwardian Baroque stylings and effectively adjoins the Town Hall. Nick and I have arranged to meet up at the Courthouse, a Black Country Ales pub reprising its role as our traditional festival curtain-raiser as we seem to rendezvous here most years. Very crusty cobs go well alongside our contrasting halves of Byatt's Extra Foreign Stout and Derby Brewing Company's Buckeye Brown. The jovial young landlord is stoking a lovely real fire and laments having to put up his Christmas decorations when it isn't even December yet, while Wales concede two very late goals to lose to Iran in their crucial World Cup fixture. 

- Plum Porter Grand Reserve -

And so to the main event as we hand over the necessary £20 admission and are furnished with DWAF 2022 commemorative glasses, programmes and the all-important beer tokens at the Town Hall box office. My opening tipple is Holden's Santa Scores, brewed especially for the World Cup period, whereas Nick avails himself of a Robust Porter (Humper Doucy) which lives up to its sturdy billing. Taking residence in the Tommy Mundon Lounge - named in tribute to a popular Black Country comedian - we progress through the likes of Goacher's Crown Imperial Stout, Davenport's Vanilla Porter and Kinver's Raspberry Ram. A special mention must however go to Titanic's Plum Porter Grand Reserve, stronger and even more plummy than their fruity bestseller - we like that a lot!

- Ticking off those tokens -

Part of the joy of Dudley Winter Ales Fayre is getting to taste beers that are only brewed at this time of year, those winter warmers that appear in the lead up to Christmas. Sarah Hughes Snowflake and Bathams XXX are thus present and correct while Green Jack's Baltic Trader is a 10.5% heavyweight that needs to be approached with caution. Another of our joint favourites has to be the Gurt's Coconut Rum Stout from Cerne Abbas, a real throat tickler to savour. It's great seeing old faces again too and the atmosphere is one of genial contentment as the Friday afternoon hours simply fly by. All too soon we're spending out with Penzance's Prussian Gold and thoughts turn to where we might go next...

- Cyder & Cobb, Blackheath -

The answer to that will be Blackheath, courtesy of the X8 bus through Rowley Village. We're hoping to track down a micropub that's earned a spot in the 2023 Good Beer Guide, and sure enough Halesowen Street presents us with Cyder & Cobb in a shopfront unit. The £5.50 meal deal offer catches our eye, comprising pint, cob and crisps/scratchings - we duly partake of Dancing Duck's Dark Drake and a well-fired cob each, and are just happily minding our own business when a group of Nick's Heart of Warwickshire contacts arrive. They're on a tight schedule to squeeze in five post-festival pub stops on their way home but there's more than enough time for Nick to get enthusiastically hugged by social secretary Julie. 

- Nutcracker Soldier, Queen Square -

As the Warwick crew troop back off to their minibus, Nick and I make the Swan on Long Lane our final port of call. It's nearing kick off time for the England v USA Group B match but we manage to find a spare table at which to quaff the mysteriously-titled Woolly Bugger, another of the Izaak Walton Brewhouse's fishing-themed creations (apparently it's a fly for catching trout). Discussions about the Black Country Ales trail mingle with the only-to-be-expected football chat, and we keep up with the score whilst catching our respective X8s home. A 0-0 bore draw suggests we didn't miss very much, and Adam the nutcracker soldier greets me in Wolverhampton by providing one last photo opportunity to round off an excellent day. Cheers!

Coventry Quiffs 2022: Coundon Calling!

P-P-P-Pick up a Penguin! Welcome to the Hub Marketing Board's annual Coventry jolly, which this year should dovetail nicely with some Brum-based penguin spotting. All of your favourite features should be on the agenda - quiffs, rock and roll singalongs, general daftness - so let the fun commence... 

- The Road To Giverny -

It's Trip Log: Friday 18th November 2022 as the Chairman and the Secretary meet in Brum where - following on from last year's successful Snowman-themed event - a new festive art trail has recently been installed, this time presenting a parade of penguins. 15 such sculptures have been dotted around the city centre so we quickly make the acquaintance of 'Tiffany' (in New Street Station), 'In the Bleak Midwinter' (along Piccadilly Arcade) and 'The Road to Giverny' (on Corporation Street). The latter design takes inspiration from the 1885 Monet painting of the same name by presenting a classic winterscape of bare-twigged branches. 

- Kevin the Kinguin -

More penguins await at Cathedral Square (for the fairground fun of 'Helter Skelter'), Church Street ('The Forest at Christmas', complete with a reindeer face) and inside the elegant Great Western Arcade, the chosen home of 'Kevin the Kinguin' with his blue kingfisher plumage. The Frankfurt Christmas Market is getting into full swing over by the Council House so we weave our way through the bratwurst-wielding kiosks to find 'Santa Paws', featuring an array of pets dressed up in yuletide attire - let's just say the cat elves look distinctly unimpressed by their given costumes. Victoria Square also features a traditional nativity scene although Chairman D9's attempt to disguise himself as Mrs Claus quickly gets rumbled!

- Spotted in the Hill Street Subway -

Pleased with our attempts at Penguin Patrol, we catch the 10:33 London Northwestern train bound for Euston and reach Coventry by 11 o'clock. First up here is a Ring Road rummage detecting elements of 1960s town planning; Coventry has done much to bring itself into the 21st century in recent years but there are still fragments of the post-war rebuild for Mr D9 to get excited about, especially Hill Street subway with its brightly-coloured mosaic tiles. Our ferret then covers a stretch of Coundon Road, passing Bablake School and the former site of a railway station which closed under the Beeching Cuts - the associated signal box survived until 2014 and the level crossing barriers are now automated. 

- Rialto Plaza -

Coundon originally started out as a small Warwickshire village which got swallowed up by Coventry's suburban expansion during the 1930s, although it is still an area with plenty of photographic interest. A clutch of shops are arranged around the junction of Barker Butts Lane and Moseley Avenue while the Rialto Plaza complex currently operates as a function suite but previously served as a bingo hall and cinema. Nearby, Crampers Field supplies our breakfast location when Joy's Cafe delivers everything we could wish for in terms of a greasy spoon. Friendly service, vintage coffee mugs and absolutely stonking fried bread - yes please!

- Coundon Community Hub -

£6.99 for a Joy's regular breakfast was money well spent and we're all set up for the rest of the day. A quick peek at Coundon Library (a branch that continues to look resolutely shed-like) precedes a photocall at the local community hub - Chairman D9 always takes his promotional duties most seriously indeed, as you well know. More of Moseley Avenue leads directly to our first tipple of the trip which arrives courtesy of the Holyhead, an Ember Inns establishment on the main A4114 Holyhead Road. Being mindful not to stoke up any gourmet gas, we stick to halves of St Austell's Proper Job and perch by the quiz machines during the lunchtime dining rush - the pensioners are out in force it seems, keeping the barstaff constantly occupied. 

- Quiffed Darts in the New Spires -

Our visit to the Holyhead is bookended by the day's silly song selection, which pitches D9's choice of 'Fat' by Weird Al Yankovic (parodying Michael Jackson's 'Bad') against Tommy Bruce and the tongue-in-cheek 'Buttons and Bows'. Heading towards Chapelfields, the Chairman chooses Allesley Old Road as the setting for unveiling his 2022 quiff masterpiece, a hefty item of headgear fashioned from crumpled black paper - the residents are aghast at his Eddie Cochran impressions with one old dear instantly closing her curtains in protest! Luckily the quiff gets a warmer reception at the New Spires on Grayswood Avenue and we can take to the oche watched on by an Eric Bristow mural. WME Whirlwind channels the Crafty Cockney's presence en route to a 3-2 victory, once he'd found his scoring range that is...

- Secretary WME blends in with the blinds -

Our afternoon agenda is dedicated to Allesley Park, a sprawling estate to the west of the city centre. The number 8 bus connects us to Winsford Avenue, noting the Westmede shopping precinct and a modern neighbourhood centre (doctors, pharmacy, community library, that kind of thing). The Secretary's prior planning pays off when a shortcut brings us to the Minstrel Boy bang on 4pm, albeit the pub's opening hours have increased so we could have come earlier all along. The barmaid seems delighted to recognise our Black Country accents - definitely not Brummie!! - and we partake of refreshing Carlings in a refurbished lounge where the decor matches the colour of Mr WME's fleece. We do love our run-of-the-mill box boozers and the Minstrel Boy was well worth seeking out.

- Something Sour in the Dig Brew Beer Club -

Evening entails a Coventry conclusion back across Coundon way, Flannelly's Irish bar on the Holyhead Road being a happy accident of a discovery that wasn't really on our radar. The Guinness is good and our Gary Wood mascot tries the quiff for size and almost vanishes. At the Secretary's request, there's a Hops d'Amour micropub pit stop to sample delectable cask ale (in this case Brew York's Tonkoko Milk Stout, divine stuff), and the curtain comes down with a Birmingham nightcap within very close range of New Street Station. Dig Brew have set up a Beer Club outlet in one of the Piccadilly Arcade units, hence we round off with a sour special that looks something akin to souped-up tomato juice. Cheers!

Lost Pubs from the WME Archives - Part 27

Can I have something beginning with B, please? Why of course you can - and let's not stop at just the one shall we? Here are five bygone boozers all from places that start with our chosen letter as the WME archives get another airing...

- The Angel -

We'd best crack on before the WME blog descends too much into a Blockbusters or Sesame Street parody. I've cheated ever so slightly in that our first 'B' place actually provides three of this post's quintet, meaning that Bewdley must have lost a significant chunk of its pub stock in relatively recent times. The Angel stood on Load Street, next door to Merchants chip shop and just up from the landmark three-arch bridge over the River Severn. Hints of Brewers Tudor couldn't save this one and it became a Tesco Express store, albeit the writing had been on the wall when Woody, Andy and I visited in January 2010 only to discover they'd got no beer at all!

- The Woodcolliers -

I might not lament the loss of the Angel all that much but the Woodcolliers is a different matter entirely, being an establishment which was highly regarded for the quality of its ale. Perched on Welch Gate at the base of Sandy Bank, the building is Grade II listed and gives a sense that three adjoining properties had been combined together over the years. Alas such a fine reputation was not enough to prevent closure in late 2015/early 2016, and subsequent conversion for residential usage was its ultimate fate.. 

- The Red Lion -

The last of our Bewdley trilogy takes us over to the other side of town where the Red Lion keeps a close watch on the Kidderminster Road railway bridge. I can't actually remember this one ever being open, such is the long-term nature of its demise, but it would have been handy for the Severn Valley Railway station with a Rope Walk alleyway on hand by way of a shortcut. The frontage retains its nameboards (admittedly looking ever more worse for wear) and a West Country Ales 'Best in the West' ceramic plaque. 

- The Royal Oak -

After B for Bewdley we now have B for Brownhills and a fondly remembered ex-Ansells affair in the form of the Royal Oak. Otherwise known as the 'Middle Oak', this Chester Road boozer boasted a gem of a 1930s-styled Art Deco interior and certainly charmed the Chip Foundation when we visited in February 2013 - I especially recall an antique phonograph cabinet that was said to be in full working order. Knowing what the place used to be like only makes me even more despairing of its current condition, boarded up and disused for several years. 

- The Dock & Iron -

Our final B for this particular post is Brierley Hill where it's hard to get more Black Country than the famous Delph run. Bathams' Vine (a.k.a. the Bull & Bladder) is the star of the show whenever I'm in the area but I must declare a soft spot for the Dock & Iron, a cottagey Banks's tied house further down the hill towards the canal locks. My main memories of this one involve playing pool with Rog way back in 2007; fast forward a few years and many of the pub's walls had been unceremoniously stripped away leaving just a bereft facade. A sad ending indeed!

Chip Foundation Chronicles: HANLEY

Coventry for Ken, Tamworth for Mr B Senior, Stratford for Nick and Malvern for yours truly: that just leaves one Chip Foundation member still awaiting their celebrational birthday outing. Stephen's turn has arrived at last and we're all set for Staffordshire where we can party in the Potteries...

- The Birthday Boy lands a Whopper -

Mr Beardsmore Junior's big day actually fell at the end of October but it isn't until Friday 4th November that the gang is able to assemble and mark the occasion. Despite ongoing strikes affecting local West Midlands railway services, the Avanti Cross Country connection towards Manchester behaves itself so we reach Stoke-on-Trent Station just before 11am and jump aboard a waiting 25 to Hanley Bus Station. Our first target is the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery on Bethesda Street, which as you might expect houses an outstanding collection of ceramic wares as well as a selection of paintings by L.S. Lowry. Stephen however is most impressed by the wall of mounted fish, the likes of which he's never caught himself!

- Mock Chips in the Potteries Museum -

Elsewhere inside the Museum there is a Spitfire Gallery featuring Mark XVI Spitfire RW388 - its presence reflects the fact that aircraft designer Reginald Mitchell was born and brought up in North Staffordshire. Another gallery displays prized artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard, including warrior equipment and sword fragments, but perhaps our favourite section is the Local History area for recreated High Street scenes complete with mock pub, chip shop and scullery. Stephen refrains from helping himself to plastic chips while Ken and Mr B Senior recall days of washhouse mangles and chalk slates. 

- Arnold Bennett's Statue -

Hanley effectively acts as the city centre for the wider Stoke-on-Trent confederation of six historic towns, and has long been the commercial hub for the region. Having completed our mooch around the museum, we say hello to Arnold Bennett's statue - this prolific local author brought the Potteries to life in his novels and has a smoked haddock omelette named after him. A gentle stroll through the main streets then offers sightings of Piccadilly (where we spot the Regent Theatre) and Market Square, passing Brassington's old-fashioned cobblers shop and a branch of Lloyds Bank. 

- The Woodman -

The sun is over the yardarm so it's time to claim our opening drink of the day, for which I've picked out the Woodman on Goodson Street as an example of a high quality restoration; the chaps are relieved that the nearby Franky's Bar isn't my intended destination, even though it has graffiti declaring a distinct dislike for Jacob Rees Mogg. No, the Woodman proves ideal for a relaxing natter over respective halves of Burton Bridge Bramble Stout, Guinness, lemonade and blackcurrant or Wincle's Straight Furrow. Radiogram shelving and the lovely walnut finish of the woodwork adds to the sense of enchantment as we debate the cost of living crisis. 

- His Majesty in the Golden Cup -

We can't fault the Woodman in the slightest and it's a wrench to leave, albeit any sorrows are tempered by the knowledge that there are more classic pubs to come. As a case in point, we wend our way via terraced backstreets to goggle at the Golden Cup, itself happily rejuvenated after an extended period of closure. I've admired the gorgeous 'Bass Only' glazed frontage previously so I'm keen to see what the interior is like and boy is it a feast for the eyes, what with busy floral wallpaper battling the heavily-patterned carpet. Our chosen snug perch feels very luxurious as we speculate as to the likely electricity bills with so many lightbulbs on full beam. Ale-wise it has to be Draught Bass, the pristineness of the beer matched by the spotless appearance of polished copper tabletops. A treat in more ways that one!

- The Coachmakers Arms -

Luncheon beckons as we decamp to Hanley's Wetherspoons, named after Mr Mitchell the aforementioned Spitfire creator and based in the former Tontines meat market building. We've timed our attendance to be after 2pm so as to partake of the Afternoon Deal offers, meaning cheaper meals in these times when we all have to watch the pennies. All Day Brunches, Fishy Fridays and Wiltshire hammings duly digested, we carry on down to the Coachmakers Arms for more pub perfection. This Lichfield Street hostelry has earned many a Good Beer Guide listing and is recognised for having a now-rare multiroomed layout branching off its central passageway. Draught Bass again is on cracking form as discussion focuses on Stephen's advancing age and our prospects for covering other Potteries locations for future trips.

- Money-Saving Musings in bod -

There's life left in this particular outing yet and things don't get much more exuberant than the Albion Hotel, chosen because of its close proximity to the bus station. Before we know it we've gatecrashed a 1960s disco and are singing along to selected highlights from 'Jesamine' to 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds'; everybody is so friendly and we're even allowed to raid the cob platters - that's Mr B Senior's supper sorted! A brisk ride on the 23 back to Stoke Station ensues and we've allotted ourselves enough of a window to bother 'bod', Titanic's cafe-bar on the southbound platform. Here Ken continues to espouse Martin Lewis's sage money-saving advice while Nick and I gleefully taste test the Plum Porter. Cheers!

The Wonders of Warwick

Since the lifting of lockdown, Warwick has had to play second fiddle to neighbouring Leamington Spa whenever Nick and I have staged a Warwickshire outing. All that is about to change however when - tapping into Nick's local expertise - we endeavour to give the county town the attention it deserves... 

- Guys Cliffe House -

It's Saturday 29th October 2022 and the wonders of Warwick await as we rendezvous at Leamington Station and catch the number 1 bus heading up from South Farm. Our initial ride takes us along Greville Road to the edges of the Woodloes Park estate where we alight so as to investigate the hamlet of Guys Cliffe. Passing the Knights of Middle England and a Riding School, Nick regales me with tales of the legendary Guy of Warwick, a Romance hero said to have slain dragons, wild boars, giants and the Dun Cow before seeing out his days here as a hermit beside the River Avon. Guys Cliffe House is a ruined property that nevertheless looks very commanding perched high above the riverbank near the site of the supposed hermitage.

- St James the Great Church, Old Milverton -

Our first refreshment stop of the day is at the Saxon Mill, a historic water-powered mill which was converted into a pub/restaurant during the 1950s; you can still see the old water wheel and grindstones as a public footpath leads to a weir behind the main building. A solid half of Timothy Taylor's Landlord in refined dining surroundings sets us up well for the onward stroll to Old Milverton, crossing crop fields and homing in on St James the Great Church with its distinctive mid-Victorian tower. Elsewhere in the village, a 17th century barn carries a stern warning that there are 'man traps and spring guns on these premises'; we take care not to trigger any such devices and note that the nearby Parish Rooms hosts regular meetings. 

- Halloween Happenings in the Elephant & Castle -

From St James's churchyard, Nick plots a course that generally follows the Avon towards Rock Mill Lane and thence Warwick. We hadn't visited the Elephant & Castle on Emscote Road previously so a call there is deemed a necessity; the pub has certainly embraced the Halloween spirit with a gallery of zombie-like portraits plus an array of skulls, skeletons and spiders - they even have a talking Uncle Fester-like model offering to stable Nick's horses, it clearly knows how to recognise royalty. Wadworth 6X is our cask tipple here and goes down well as we join an identity parade line-up of ghoulish characters. 

- John Smith's? Surely not! -

Our intention is to mop up a selection of Warwick watering holes that had eluded us until now, which does mean sampling places that don't serve real ale. Another quick ride on the 1 - via Deansway, Cape Road and St Michael's Hospital - conveys us to Saltisford where we admire the octagonal towers of an early gasworks. The Black Horse has a panel paying homage to the highwayman Bendigo Mitchell (hanged in 1776) and his horse Skater, while inside comes the shock sight of Nick drinking John Smith's Smoothpour - don't let the Staropramen glass fool you, this really is His Majesty partaking of the Beardsmore bleach!!

- Warwick Racecourse -

Next on the agenda is a walk alongside Warwick Racecourse, an open expanse which has been hosting meetings since 1707; the town as a whole can trace its horse-racing history back to 1694 apparently. Spotting the intriguingly named Bread & Meat Close - which in turn provides access to Hill Close Gardens for Victorian garden plots restored to their former glory - we venture along Crompton Street. Here the sports-oriented Foresters Arms seems largely deserted and forms a contrast to the Fourpenny Shop Hotel, a favourite of ours from earlier outings which we're sacrificing today because of focusing on less familiar haunts. 

- Francophile Flourishes in the Castle Inn -

Talking of which, the Castle Inn needs to be done even though we recognise it from when it was known as the Vine. A startling makeover has created a mock-Parisian effect from opulent chaise lounges and corsetry to a pronounced liking for feathers; amidst all the Frenchness we're pleased to partake of local beer, namely Purity's Mad Goose, although Nick is enjoying the chance to recline extravagantly rather more than befits a man of his exalted status! Next door, the Tudor House Inn looks closed but does have a portrait of King Henry VIII to accompany its impressive medieval timbered frontage. 

- West Gate -

Indeed, West Street is a charming thoroughfare with much architectural interest in general, rising past the Old Post Office micropub (still boasting a multitude of mounted animal heads and a comedy boot sticking out of the ceiling) to reach West Gate and Lord Leycester's Hospital. Our tour of the town centre then takes us to the Blue Note Bar for Slaughterhouse Sorachi in jazzy surroundings, and to the Warwick Real Ale shop on Smith Street. The latter establishment has an enviable selection of cans and bottles to delight any beer aficionado, plus it serves a few craft lines for on-site consumption. It seems only right and proper that we stop by for a glass of Brew by Numbers Citra Mosaic, sitting in the front window with a backdrop of Beano comic wallpaper. 

- A Plethora of Ronnies -

Nick always likes to have an unexpected Warwickshire wildcard up his sleeve and this trip will be no different. I've got my doubts as to whether he can find anything quite as mesmerising as Apehanger's or the Cellar Club but I should have known better - cue Ronnie's Bar, a slice of London cocktail culture here in the Midlands. The rambling interior extends into a variety of memorable spaces with water features, a covered courtyard and a liberal smattering of fake cobwebs, not to mention references to many famous Ronnies including Messrs Biggs, Kray, Barker, Corbett and Wood. It really is a visual spectacle and the Angry Orchards Hard Cider hits the spot too - Nick has really come up trumps yet again! All that remains is a swift half in the Wild Boar for old time's sake and wondrous Warwick has been just grand. Cheers!