Lost Pubs from the WME Archives #32

What can this be gathering dust under the WME Blog's metaphorical Christmas tree? Why it's only a selection box of perished pub pictures awaiting our consumption, and not a chocolate bar in sight...

- The London Apprentice -

Our Episode 32 starter comes from Smethwick where the London Apprentice kept watch over the roundabout where Windmill Lane meets Soho Way and Cranford Street. This was an M&B box boozer back in the day, serving thirsty local factory workers and not to be confused with the London Works Tavern which used to be nearby (in fact, another lost pub in the shape of the Moilliet Arms was also close at hand). After ceasing trading, the building became a place of worship for the Bethel Apostolic Church of Praise congregation. 

- The Windmill Inn -

Further along Windmill Lane towards Cape Hill, we find this corner property which bears the distinctive hallmarks of pubbiness and - sure enough - research confirms that it once was the Windmill Inn, although it's been many a long year since it last served a pint. Perched on the junction with Ballot Street opposite the Jamia Masjid Temple, it now appears to be a private residence but once upon a time would have been a lively community watering hole.

- New Spread Eagle -

From Smethwick we'll switch our attentions to Woodcross - not far from the boundary between Wolverhampton and Dudley - in order to recall the New Spread Eagle. Meadow Lane was the address for this one, just off the ever busy A4123 Birmingham New Road, and the pub acted as a marker whenever I'd visit Mary Pointon branch library and the adjacent Special Needs Unit. For a while this place seemed to do carveries along with a possible sideline as a hand car wash but it was demolished circa 2011 to make way for a care home.

- The Woodman Inn -

Into Staffordshire we'll sorrowfully swoop to remember a terminated tavern from Cheslyn Hay. Hidden away somewhat in the Littlewood part of the village, the Woodman Inn could be found on Woodman Lane (off Brook Road) if you knew where to look. I never personally had the pleasure of sampling a drink here but am led to believe it was an old-fashioned establishment with a public bar that transported you straight to the 1970s. Houses now occupy the site. 

- The Rollers Arms -

The Coseley area has the dubious distinction of being well represented in the Lost Pubs Series and here's another mournful addition from the said locality. Tucked away on Foundry Street close to the railway station, the Rollers Arms was a typical no-nonsense Black Country affair incongruously surrounded by offputting scrapyards and industrial units. Mr D9 and I memorably called by for a pint and a cob in September 2013 but it has latterly fallen by the wayside - I'm not sure if the closure is permanent but I'd be surprised if it ever came back, especially with the grim setting counting against it. Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

WME Flickr Focus - December 2023

Seasons Greetings to you, how has your Christmas been going? I've unwrapped all of my presents, gorged myself on turkey and mince pies, watched classic movies and nodded off more times than I'd care to mention but it's been a nice relaxed time with family for which I feel very lucky. The West Midlands Exploration clan of Flickr albums hasn't been forgotten either so lets see which gifts they had bestowed upon them in December...

Teddy bears must have been the in-vogue present this year, at least as far as my pictures are concerned. This is because the Big Sleuth sculpture trail of 2017 has made its presence felt on not one, not two but three of my galleries, starting with WME Solihull where Grandpa Bear graces Solihull High Street (complete with checked shirt, braces and bifocals). Resorts World gets in on the act by playing host to Helarctos Malavanus - the scientific name for the sun bear species - and Chillin' In Paradise. 

WME Birmingham has likewise benefited from some big bear attention, welcoming Goldie (by St Philip's Cathedral), Bearmingham (outside St Martin's in the Bullring), Bearhug (inside New Street Station) and the bee-themed Buzz (watching over the University of Birmingham's main campus library). The trail also included a selection of smaller bear cub statuettes from which I've plucked out Sutton Coldfield's example about saving the rainforests; a Somerville Road street sign from Small Heath seems almost incidental by comparison. 

Still with the Big Sleuth, let's give a shout out to WME Sandwell which has pocketed Picnic Time For Teddy Bears as its newest recruit - I particularly approve of the childlike design of this bear. Elsewhere, Smethwick Locks supply more autumnal extras from my Galton Valley walk of 2016 and there are further sightings of the since-demolished New Navigation pub which used to stand on Lewisham Road. 

WME Shropshire can't claim any bears but it nevertheless dabbles in the realms of public art with thanks to Severn Valley Country Park. Bird carvings and fishy shads accompany generic views of streams and hewn footbridges whilst over in Shrewsbury I can report an encounter with a Bull's Head, the pub just up the hill from the town's railway station. Given that Salop had received next to no additions all year, this late burst just edges us into double figures. 

One gallery which never struggles for material is WME Wolverhampton although it has had a relatively quiet month, merely mustering two Smestow Valley arty litterbug specimens plus a Homezone shopfront from The Scotlands. WME Walsall has had a very solid 2023, latterly boosted by the Bloxwich (Lower Farm) bonus that is the Saddlers Arms pub; WME Dudley sneaks in with some Sedgley stuff, most notably a splash of greenery from Turls Hill Road; and last word honours happen to fall to WME Warwickshire with its Shrewley speculations amounting to the Durham Ox and a village hall viewpoint. Until 2024, enjoy the pictures!

The Earlswood Festive Forage

Having brought up the WME blog chiliad with my last post, I'll thrust headlong into the next thousand entries via another tale of December derring-do. Festive Forages with a certain Nick Turpin have become a staple of my wintertime wanderings each year, and for the 2023 edition we've earmarked a prime dose of Earlswood exploration...

- 'Ginger' -

It's the morning of Friday 15th December 2023 as Nick and I convene under Ozzy the Bull's watchful gaze at Birmingham New Street station; the iconic Commonwealth Games beast is currently adorned with seasonal accoutrements including Pat Butcher-style bauble earrings. Keeping with the theme of public art, the first stage of our foraging brief involves a Snowdog search starting in Hurst Street to see 'Ginger' outside the Hippodrome. This particular pooch has been decorated like a gingerbread cookie with candy cane ears and tail.

- 'Bark The Herald Angels Sing' -

Our quest to find further canine characters takes us next to The Mailbox to discover 'Sparkle' (glossy white with a silvery snout) and thence to the Bull Ring where 'Bark The Herald Angels Sing' awaits, complete with depictions of cherubic carol singers. Unavailability of train crews is causing some disruption on the line to Stratford-upon-Avon via Shirley so our Earlswood ideas need to be put on hold momentarily. We can however catch a train as far as Whitlocks End and set about covering our planned Wythall walk as a workaround solution.

- Hooray for Hollywood? -

I say Wythall but I suppose we actually cover the neighbouring communities of Hollywood and Drakes Cross instead, although they kind of all blend into one mass anyway. It has to be said that Worcestershire's version of Hollywood is nowhere near as glamorous as its Los Angeles namesake and although Nick has something of a royal resemblance he wouldn't really pass for an A-list celebrity. May Lane seems to be where some of the local amenities are based (a pharmacy, a fish bar and Lacey's craft butchers for example) although Shawhurst Lane is where you'll find Coppice Primary School, Woodrush High School and a community hub.

- Dabbling with Drakes Cross -

There aren't any pubs particularly close to Wythall railway station so the two we try out are both at least a mile away at Alcester Road intervals. The Packhorse might have a coaching inn pedigree but these days is a fairly standard Sizzling effort, admittedly lively enough with a steady stream of regulars, whereas the White Swan at Drakes Cross is a Stonehouse carvery attracting peckish pensioners. We have a half of Guinness in each establishment just to say we've been while Nick's mind boggles over the prospect of ordering either a Hot Mess or a Dirty Dawg off the Packhorse menu, never mind the invitation to pimp a brownie. Our wider Drakes Cross sightseeing then incorporates a small war memorial obelisk, a vintage granite mileage marker and a shopping parade - all useful finds!

- A Santa Smile in the Red Lion -

The earlier train staffing issues have now rectified themselves and the 14:02 departure is on schedule, meaning we can proceed to Earlswood as intended. It's only a two minute journey on from Wythall - not even long enough to devour a pack of Mini Cheddars - and we're soon proceeding along Wood Lane to reach the Red Lion on Lady Lane. Compared to the previous two pubs this is a step up in class, hence Nick feels very much at home parading around in his knitted swan pullover and worryingly-erect Santa hat. We position ourselves by a well-stocked bookcase so as to partake of Timmy Taylor's Landlord, dodging diners haranguing the poor waitresses about a lack of barbecue sauce. 

- The Bull's Head -

Lady Lane lends itself to a towpath interlude whereby it's always good to sample some of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. The stretch from Bridges 16 to 19 has us hurdling muddy puddles in places but we make it to the Blue Bell Cider House at Warings Green undaunted; it perhaps isn't quite as rustic as we remember here but still well worth visiting and the Weatheroak Bees Knees ale is in excellent condition. After that, a short Lime Kiln Lane scurry conveys us to the Bull's Head for a spot of Thwaites hospitality. Earlswood may be a fair distance removed from the Ribble Valley yet the Yule Love It seasonal ale is on song and we're very impressed by the sturdy outdoor marquee which keeps us surprisingly warm.

- The Lakes at Dusk -

Had the Reservoir still been trading we'd likely have tried that for a finale but it's being readied for a 2024 Hickory's Smokehouse relaunch so that'll be that. We do have the not insignificant pleasure of seeing Earlswood Lakes at dusk though, Malt House Lane bisecting Windmill Pool and Engine Pool just as the last vestiges of daylight drop below the horizon. Together with Terry's Pool, these bodies of water were constructed as canal feeders and continue to act as suppliers to the Stratford Canal as well as important wildlife habitats. Last but not least, we pitch up at The Lakes railway station for our homeward connections; facilities are minimal and the platforms are short but the station is no longer treated as a request stop following the May 2023 timetable changes. All that remains is for Nick and I to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

The Hub Marketing Board's Stafford Santa Special

I'd never have guessed back in May 2006 that I would still be wittering away with my blog ramblings over 17 years later but here I am about to submit post number 1,000 - yes, really! Such a landmark total deserves a truly memorable trip so what better than the Hub Marketing Board's Christmas bash for 2023 which sees Mr D9 and myself sampling a few beers over in Stafford...

- The Bald Spot Assesses the River Sow -

It's Friday 8th December 2023 and the weather is dull verging on dreary as Board members congregate at Wolverhampton railway station, the Chairman insisting on sprinting into position even though the extended Midland Metro tram now drops him right outside. The 12:26 Crewe departure is the train we need, and ten minutes later we are surveying Stafford's Victoria Park where the River Sow has burst its banks - either that or some of the incumbent park benches have taken it up themselves to indulge in an inexplicable spot of paddling!

- George meets WG Grace -

Tradition dictates that whenever we're in the vicinity of Victoria Park we must go and say hello to a certain bearded sculpture over by the bowling green. This time around WG Grace has to contend with the attentions of George our fluffy feline mascot, although the cricketing legend seems to take it all very ably in his hirsute stride. Nearby, Mill Bank takes us past the remains of a medieval watermill to reach the Coach & Horses which is poised to be our first pubbing port of call; as a Craft Union establishment we are expecting this to be relatively cheap and relatively cheerful so it meets our predictions on both counts. £2.95 Carling and a soundtrack drawn from The Who and ELO, that'll get us up and running properly enough. 

- WME Whirlwind Regains His Crown -

We had earmarked either the 828 (to Lichfield) or 841 (to Uttoxeter) for onward bus progress but in the end we decide to walk it along Weston Road instead. In fairness, it isn't all that far to the Metropolitan anyway although the poor old Chairman might wish he'd never set foot in the place. Don't get us wrong, we like the pub and the beer (in this case JW Lees's Plum Pudding, appropriately fruity) but it's the fateful decision to play darts that will have Mr D9 looking back with regret. Our battle for oche supremacy had been a close run thing all year, D9 Destroyer taking an early lead in West Bromwich and Tipton only for WME Whirlwind to steadily claw his way back into contention. It all boils down to a nailbiting decider which the Secretary clinically snatches by four legs to nil, thus reclaiming the title he held with a vicelike grip until 2020.  

- Mr D9's Duvet Dilemma -

Elsewhere on the Weston Road, we pause to account for the Prince of Wales which registers as a homely local boozer merely a few doors up from the Metropolitan. The cosy lounge here is our cue for a quick Carling whilst grappling with the Hub Nominations spreadsheet, expertly sellotaped together by our illustrious Chairman but with font so tiny that neither of us are able to read it!! Keith Hill's bookmakers shop (presumably long closed?) stands next to the Coin-op Launderette where Mr D9 laments not bringing his duvet along and we threaten to put George through a spin cycle by way of road-testing the washing machines. Just the standard silliness!

- The Morris Man -

Inching our way further out of town, we reach the area known as Kingston Hill and eagerly anticipate a visit to the Morris Man as situated off Alliss Close beside a Premier convenience store. Anyone who's read a fair few of my previous 999 blog posts will know that Mr D9 has a declared liking for estate box boozers and this one really ticks all of his boxes, from the simple two room layout to the 1970s/1980s-type architecture. The kitchen specialises in Nepalese cuisine but we concentrate on unveiling the 2024 Hub Marketing calendar, always a highlight of any year. As ever there are quiffs, bald spots and plenty of daft poses although I suspect a royal salute from Hartshill in April may just have stolen the show!

- The Ship Aground -

Venturing back into Stafford town centre, we'll round things off with a few hostelries that had yet to receive their hub call to arms. The Grapes is another Craft Union offering which boasts a distinctively rounded frontage at the bottom end of Bridge Street; Secretary WME lands a cheap round here even though the Chairman insists on sampling the Beavertown Neck Oil. We then decamp to the Ship Aground craft bar literally just across Newport Road, treating ourselves to a delectable drop of 'Fairytale of Brew York' - billed as a stroopwafel milk stout, this is deep and rich with compelling hints of caramel and cinnamon. Utterly moreish!

- Cheers from the Chairman -

Maintaining the microbar remit, we mustn't ignore the Devil's Taphouse (the Floodgate Ale House under new ownership) where the liquid delights keep right on a-coming. Being a firm fan of Tiny Rebel's Stay Puft marshmellow porter, I can't resist trying their Sleigh Puft festive chocolatey variation with added notes of nougat - we're literally being spoiled in one small corner of Stafford! The Bird in Hand then proves bustlingly inviting for a Black Country Ales finale as we gorge on beef and onion cobs in readiness for the train home. So concludes another epic Hub Marketing year, and we'll aim to be back in 2024 for more such antics!

Brrrrrr...andhall

You can certainly tell we're into the winter months now given that the start of December has coincided with plummeting temperatures. Wrapping up warm, I brave the chill for a Saturday Study around Brandhall - here comes the tale of the trip...

- 'Rupert' in Waterstones -

Before I get started on the Sandwell segments, let me first tell you about the festive fun on offer in Wolverhampton. After successful previous iterations involving nutcracker soldiers, jungle animals and dinosaurs, the Enjoy Wolverhampton team have devised a trail involving gingerbread characters as part of the city's Christmas festivities. Ten such specimens have been dotted at locations around the main centre, including 'Rupert' who has the honour of guarding the bookshelves in the Waterstones store on Victoria Street. 

- With 'Lucille' at the Central Library -

Keen to track down more of the gingerbread folk, Stephen and I spent a good hour on Friday morning seeing how many we could find. We managed six in total, from 'Goldie' the dog in Compton Care to 'Ed' in the Art Gallery (craftily hidden behind their Christmas tree). 'Lucille' proved a particular favourite, taking us back to our old Central Library stomping ground where she holds court by the Adult Lending counter. Each character is decorated with mock icing and cute little buttons; you've got until January 2024 to find them all should you so desire. 

- Royal Ruminations at Rowley Regis? -

To Saturday 2nd December and my Brandhall brief requires me to set forth from Rowley Regis railway station, a regular stop on the line between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stourbridge. The bridge beneath the booking hall has been brightened up no end thanks to the creation of two colourful murals; the one on the Stourbridge-bound platform features King Henry VIII and the Black Country chain flag, while its counterpart on the Birmingham side depicts horses, flowers and a Class 170 DMU train. 

- Brandhall Golf Club -

Cakemore Road inches me over the M5 motorway then I venture through the estates either side of Grafton Road. Causeway Green Primary School has a separate alleyway leading to its caretaker's house while the Grafton Lodge Resource Centre has shut down due to asbestos concerns. Brook Road has a rudimentary block of shops comprising a Costcutter store, the Angel Garden takeaway and the Friary Fish Bar, but the most interesting discovery (in my opinion) awaits on nearby Heron Road where the sad remains of Brandhall Golf Club require inspection. 116 years worth of golfing history here have unfortunately drawn to a close after Sandwell Council chose to cease operating the club as a municipal facility. 

- Brandhall Golf Course -

Having surveyed the fenced-off club house with its hints of 1970s lettering, I nip through onto the golf course proper which continues to act as a popular area of public open space. It's very frosty underfoot as I crunch my way over towards Queensway, pausing for occasional vistas of statuesque trees and abandoned tee positions. A dog walking gathering is underway, hence the presence of several excitable hounds, while the freezing fog of early morning is gradually burning away to give icily bright cloudless skies. Proposals to build 190 homes and a new school here have met with considerable opposition but the scheme is expected to go ahead. 

- Brandhall Library -

Emerging onto Queensway, I tentatively proceed into the centre of Brandhall as marked by the provision of several amenities along Tame Road. A Co-op supermarket overlooks two Foley Drive bus stops while the Oak Tree Centre is part of the Kings Community Church. Elsewhere, the neighbouring branch library and Labour Club are seemingly engaged in their own private battle, trying to outdo each other in terms of flat-roofed architectural appeal. The latter serves as the constituency office for John Spellar, Labour MP for Warley since 1992. 

- The Old Bush Revived -

Those Brandhall endeavours have primed me for a pint, in which case the Swan on Long Lane isn't too far away (once I've nimbly plotted a course through Hurst Green that is). Happy as Larry from Heritage Brewing is my opening tipple - aided and abetted by a huge ham salad cob - as some West Brom fans congregate to watch the lunchtime kickoff against Leicester. Never one to subject myself to too much Albion spectatorship, I wisely seek out additional Black Country Ales hospitality courtesy of the Old Bush Revived on Powke Lane, Blackheath. This place was a Banks's free house for many years but I do like what BCA have done with it, retaining the inherent cosiness when applying their usual stylings. 

- Holden's Hopster at the Waterfall -

WME law dictates that a visit to the Old Bush Revived goes hand-in-hand with a call at The Waterfall just down the hill, and I'm not about to break the habit of a lifetime today. Holden's Hopster rewards the descent, sitting in the French-flavoured front lounge from whence I can watch the sun slowly setting over Old Hill. I'm not in any particular rush to get home so a Fixed Wheel finale care of Wheelie Thirsty works well, finishing off on a Mount Olympus Pale Ale (Burning Soul) as the December evening really draws in. Once again I've had a superb day out and about in the Black Country, you just can't beat it - cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - November 2023

Hello readers! In the words of Perry Como - or Michael Buble if you're of a more recent persuasion - it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Snowdogs have appeared on the streets of Birmingham, likewise gingerbread characters have formed a festive trail here in Wolverhampton, and big production seasonal advert juggernauts are punctuating every single commercial break on television. We're still a few weeks away from the big day itself though so we'll concentrate on November's photostream deliveries for now...

Opening up their presents ahead of schedule are WME Coventry and WME Solihull; given the paucity of updates both galleries usually have to endure, they can be forgiven for getting a tad overexcited. Coventry has raided Radford for a Catesby Road bus stop and a very faded pub sign representative from the Pilot, whereas Solihull became overly occupied with Olton again thanks to Highwood Avenue, the Olton Tavern and the Wharf canalside trading estate.

By contrast, WME Wolverhampton is almost never short of incoming gifts and has stockpiled significantly over the last few weeks. Penn has been particularly productive, picking out the local cricket and bowling clubs plus a peek at Paris Flooring, while Parkfield provides two archive snapshots of Teddy's Cafe (a.k.a. the former Parkfield Tavern). Pinfold Grove's pretty blossoms are another notable new arrival from our well-stuffed sack of Wulfrunian treats.

Elsewhere among the West Midlands metropolitan boroughs, WME Walsall rummages about Reedswood when accounting for the Alma pub, Reedswood Lane and Rowland Street; WME Dudley potters over to Park Head Locks on the Dudley No. 1 Canal with a side order of the adjacent railway viaduct; WME Sandwell targets a Princes End ex-railway path and rambles along Ryders Green Locks; and WME Birmingham admires the planting at Perry Hall Park. 

The wider shires haven't been completely omitted from Santa's draft naughty-or-nice list but which category their behaviour falls under is open to debate. WME Staffordshire pockets a Pool Hall log whilst also ordering up an Orton Lodge snippet, then the final word for November goes to WME Warwickshire with its Packwood Avenue treescape and an ecclesiastical entry from Rowington Church. The countdown to Christmas will now continue into December whereby I hope to bring glad tidings of even more exciting updates...

Dudley Winter Ales Fayre 2023

You know you're on the countdown to Christmas when the Dudley Winter Ales Fayre rolls around again, and each year I always earmark the last weekend in November for attending arguably my favourite beer festival. Nick and I certainly aren't about to miss out on the 2023 running, held once more at Dudley Town Hall - let's see what's what...

- Tettenhall Green -

It's Friday 24th November 2023 and my day begins in Tettenhall from whence I can catch the number 1 bus direct into Dudley via Wolverhampton City Centre and Sedgley. It's one of those crisp bright autumnal mornings and it's never any hardship to have a mooch around Tettenhall Green, especially with the trees in all of their golden splendour. The paddling pool has been drained of its water now we're headed for the winter months but the Upper Green Clock still chimes for all its worth - it was originally installed to mark King George V's coronation. 

- Coronation Gardens -

That aforementioned 1 performs its connecting duties with minimal fuss and I reach Dudley at about quarter past eleven. Being in a photographic mood, I contemplate a circuit of the town's bustling Market Place (complete with ceremonial drinking fountain gifted by the Earl of Dudley back in 1867) followed by Coronation Gardens. The local cenotaph takes centre stage here, bedecked in memorial poppy wreaths with a poignant soldier silhouette also on show. The gardens are situated opposite the Council House and boast a sculpture of Apollo as well as acting as the focus of remembrance activities. 

- Hippodrome Hoardings -

To Castle Hill next where tram tracks have been laid in readiness for the proposed Midland Metro extension; all being well, passenger services should be operational between Dudley and Wednesbury sometime in 2024, with a further leg out to Brierley Hill to follow. Sadly any such trams will no longer be able to pass outside the Dudley Hippodrome building because the former entertainments venue has been controversially demolished despite a campaign to ensure its preservation. The theatre had been built in the late 1930s, hosting variety shows and later becoming a Gala bingo, so we now wait to see what happens to the site. 

- A Collective Taste of Zanzibar -

It's almost festival time so Nick and I convene over a Court House half of Flipside's Dusty Penny porter (starting with the dark stuff as we mean to go on!) before proceeding to the hallowed venue that is Dudley Town Hall. There's a Crooked House theme to the event this year after the famously tilted Himley hostelry was unceremoniously flattened following a mystery fire in August. Collecting our glasses, programmes and tokens, we pitch straight in with Angel Ales and their 'Zanzibar Dark Ginger', a heady combination of spicy ginger and molasses which soon gets us settled for the afternoon.

- Killer Stout... with Bread Pudding! -

The beauty of DWAF is that you get to try some of the stronger seasonal brews that only appear briefly in the lead-up to the festive period, with Bathams XXX and Sarah Hughes Snowflake always selling out very quickly. Kinver's Wonky goes down a storm, as does the Green Duck Bostin' Mild XXL, although I'm particularly partial to Beowulf's Killer Stout at a mere 7.3% abv. Luckily I have a bargain slab of bread pudding on standby to soak up such superstrong samplers but when drinking a third at a time you're still being sensible really! For his part, Nick tackles Windmill Hill's Weissbier, Moor's Old Freddie Walker (no relation as far as we're aware) and the Enville Gothic; it's great to see some familiar CAMRA faces including Mac and Janet, or Dave Rosling from Coventry, and we even noted a fleeting appearance by Andy Street the West Midlands Metropolitan Mayor. 

- Beer Bank -

The volunteers of Dudley & South Staffordshire CAMRA branch have done a sterling job as ever, and we reluctantly bid farewell in search of additional Black Country hospitality. The Old Swan (affectionately known as Ma Pardoe's) needs no introduction from me - the Bumblehole Bitter there is like seeing an old friend again - then we round off in Quarry Bank by frequenting a couple of relatively recent pub arrivals. The Beer Bank is a very new micropub having first started trading in September; it's one to watch if the quality of Fixed Wheel's Cookie Stout is anything to go by, though a free mince pie might have helped persuade us of its charms. The Old Liberal meanwhile is the free house guise of what used to be Quarry Bank Liberal Club, and you can still see some of their old minute books on display. A generous glug of Holden's Golden Glow earns our praise while standing at the bar - the place is packed out, great to see - and we've had a mighty fine day of ale appreciation. Cheers!

Coventry Quiffs 2023: Bell Green and Walsgrave

Hold onto your hairpieces folks, it's that time of year again when the Hub Marketing Board go gaga over Lady Godiva. Our annual Coventry Caper is always a highlight without exception, so what will this 11th installment bring our way... 

- 'Starry Night' -

Trip Log: Friday 17th November 2023 and it is indeed time once more for Hub Marketing members to conquer Coventry. In more recent years, we've tended to include some Brum-based sculpture spotting as part of our Coventry itinerary and this edition will maintain that very custom by seeking out some of the Snowdogs that have been dotted around the city centre in the lead-up to Christmas. Inspired by the Raymond Briggs canine character, ten such specimens await discovery including 'Starry Night' by the Centenary Square ice rink.

- 'Elf' -

Part of our Snowdog hunt takes us through the site of the Frankfurt Christmas Market, albeit most of the stalls are barricaded off until opening time later in the day. 'Ru-dog' has a suitably crimson red nose in the shadows of the Council House while 'Roodle' offers a bristly fibreglass texture over in Piccadilly Arcade. A quick scout around by St Philip's Cathedral reveals 'Elf' all dressed up in the green and red uniform associated with Santa's little helpers, then for an added bonus we find a pullover-wearing polar bear standing sentry outside The Ivy. 

- Covert Car Park Surveillance -

That was certainly a lot of fun but let's crack on with the main event shall we? The 10:36 Euston train conveys us to Coventry by quarter past eleven, and our first task thereafter is to inspect a closed multistorey car park that Mr D9 has had his eye on for years. New Union Street is the location for this classic piece of 1960s concrete construction, and though the facility was taken out of public use in 2021, the Chairman can still get very excited about its yellow and white tiles, rounded P symbols and disused public conveniences. 

- Route 7 at Bell Green Terminus -

With the Secretary in charge of our agenda, we proceed to Bell Green with assistance from the number 7 bus (the route runs cross-city from Brownshill Green, partly replacing what used to be the 10). Our journey takes us from Gosford Street to Roseberry Avenue via Ball Hill, Clay Lane, Barras Heath and Wyken Croft, not forgetting a full loop of Henley Green for good measure. As is essential whenever we're in Coventry, we unleash a Rock and Roll singalong in honour of former bus driver Rocking Ron West which means the top deck is soon subjected to tunes such as 'Blue Moon', 'Poetry in Motion' and 'Who Put The Bomp'.

- Riley Square -

We'd been to Bell Green previously (in 2014 to be exact) so we know what to expect in terms of Riley Square and its dubious charms - think high rise tower blocks, offputting flats and a miserably ugly shopping precinct for starters. A fortified bunker of a post office adds to the flavour whilst other local amenities include a community library, a Farmfoods store and the Trojan gym. Our priority however is Bell Green Working Mens Club where we had hoped to pause for a belated Full English breakfast; alas they stopped serving food here a couple of years ago but we can nevertheless relish the timewarp qualities of the original club interior. Tetley's, Carling and a soundtrack of 'Come on Eileen' mean we could literally be back in 1982, and the red ceiling tiles look like they could pop out at any moment.

- George admires the Trump Quiff -

If the WMC made a favourable impression, we're nowhere near as enamoured with the Rose & Crown on Hall Green Road. It's a standard council estate boozer really, a little rough around the edges, with the Racing Channel on the go and a couple of banners paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. A quick Carling each is sufficient to say we've been, and it's quite a relief to get safely onto the 7 for our onward connection back to Ball Hill. A critical component of any Coventry trip is the ceremonial unveiling of the latest quiff, and it's fair to say that the Chairman has excelled himself this year - may we introduce you to the Trump Quiff, lovingly crafted out of beige parcel paper complete with all the sideburns anyone could wish for!

- Red Lion, Walsgrave -

A Blackberry Lane pit stop pays dividends for the Hungry Elephant (previously the Kings Banqueting Suite), a flat-roofed box which has been refreshed with modern decor and an Indian menu to match. The Old Ball Hotel on the main Walsgrave Road feels like a faded coaching inn and helps us momentarily escape from the Friday afternoon traffic, then we intercept an incoming number 8 for the grind down to Walsgrave. St Mary's Parish Church beckons in the dusky gloom, and practically next door to that is the Red Lion, an Ember establishment serving a decent half of Titanic's Plum Porter. Our quest for completion demands we try out the Mount Pleasant too for a helping of Hungry Horse hospitality.

- Bequiffed Darts at the New Pippin -

Neither the Red Lion nor the Mount Pleasant excited us to any degree but the New Pippin is more to our liking, and its dartboard is unoccupied too. Possibly weighed down by wearing the Trump Quiff, D9 Destroyer struggles to hit the scoring heights whereas WME Whirlwind has found his clinical groove; three genuine double finishes in a row is practically unheard of in the annals of Hub Marketing darts duels and yet the Secretary conjures up a stunning sequence when powering his way to a 4-3 victory. I still can scarcely believe it!!

- Guzzling Guinness in Rosie Malone's -

Drinking halves has given us scope to conclude matters over a couple of Central Coventry nightcaps. Rosie Malone's on Jordan Well suits us fine for a glug of Guinness in amongst the toucan touches, then we finish off at a newly-established microbrewery bar situated within the student apartments of Parkside. The Triumph Brewhouse started trading in August and is very handy for the railway station so it's definitely worth seeking out; we partake of their standard stout and an 8% wowsers of an imperial peanut butter concoction that is absolutely gorgeous! The 19:16 train runs to schedule and that'll be that, Coventry conquered for another year.

A Kidderminster Festival Foray

I haven't been to all that many beer festivals this year but those I did grace with my presence (namely Burton, Stratford and Shrewsbury) have been routinely excellent - can Kidderminster's offering maintain such high standards?

- Hitting the Headlines at the Severn Valley Station -

Trip Log: Saturday 11th November 2023 - Armistice Day in fact - whereby I'm all bound for sunny Worcestershire courtesy of the 10:26 train down from Smethwick Galton Bridge. The beer festival opens its doors at noon so I've an hour or so beforehand to indulge in a spot of photography. There aren't any prizes for guessing that Kidderminster's Severn Valley Railway station will be among my top targets, even though there aren't any heritage steam services in operation today. The main concourse and the museum are however welcoming visitors, hence I can ponder the various 1930s headlines on display at the W H Smith news stand.

- Preserved Bristol 314 PFM -

Making sure to pay my respects as part of the nationwide two minute silence at 11 o'clock - We Will Remember Them - I survey additional SVR terminus features such as the Wrangaton Signal Box which has been dismantled and rebuilt from its original Devon location. As luck would have it, a preserved Bristol Lodekka bus just happens to be minding its own business on the far car park; 314 PFM is the vehicle in question, presumably resting up after wedding duties. During its working life it saw active service with Crosville and Western National.

- Kidderminster Harriers Social & Supporters Club -

Aside from Severn Valley matters, my explorational instincts take me on a loop of George Street and Offmore Road for pictures of the Golden Lion, Offmore Stores and a local garage. Hoo Road is then press-ganged into action for my approach towards Aggborough Stadium, home of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club (who have been plying their trade at the top of the non-league pyramid again this season after a well-earned promotion). The adjacent Social & Supporters Club is the festival's host venue and has the kind of flat-roofed appearance a certain Mr D9 would no doubt be drooling about. 

- The Festival Necessaries -

Joining an expectant queue as the clock ticks around to midday, I can soon hand over the £15 readies in exchange for glass, programme and tokens. The beery action awaits in the function room, a large space with stage and dancefloor (although nobody needs to see me busting a groove, ever). Some of the ales have already sold out although there's plenty still pouring to keep me satisfied, starting with 'South Pointing Fish' from Copper Beech, a hazy pale from a local nanobrewery I can't say I'd heard of until now. The hoppy bite of my opening half means I'll certainly be keeping an eye out for their wares in future!

- Plum Pig -

You all know I love my darker beers and the programme comes up trumps with a couple of absolute crackers: 'Anvil Porter' from the Nailmaker Brewery based somewhere near Barnsley (chocolate malts to the fore with this one), followed by Brothers of Ale's 'VVD Oatmeal Stout' served chilled via the craft keg racks. In between times, I can't resist the fruity prospects of Black Country Ales 'Plum Pig', a variation on their Pig On The Wall Mild - I've had this a few times previously but it never disappoints! Keeping half an eye on the Wolves v Spurs score from Molineux, I spend up with a satisfying half of 'Gornal Gold' whilst digesting news that Tottenham have taken an early lead - oh dear!

- The Chester Tavern -

As is customary whenever I'm in a beer festival frame of mind, I like to pair the main event with some studious sampling of nearby watering holes. Two Kidderminster contenders I'd yet to frequent are the Viaduct (sited in the shadows of the famous Hoobrook railway structure) and the Chester Tavern; the first of those is merely an average Marston's establishment plying its trade in family dining and sports screens, whereas the latter seriously impresses me with attentive service and excellent cask quality. Bewdley's 'Red Hill' is amber nectar of the highest order when accompanied by a cheese and onion cob, and the Fixed Wheel 'Mild Concussion' to follow was of a similar level of eminence. Just when you think life can't get any better, Wolves score two very late goals to grab victory and it's been a perfect afternoon. Cheers!

Ashmore Park and Essington

November's first submission to the West Midlands Exploration trip collection is a gentle little outing with Stephen that covered the neighbouring localities of Ashmore Park and Essington - one a large Wednesfield housing estate within the bounds of Wolverhampton, the other a South Staffordshire mining village...

- Autumnal Ashmore Park -

Trip Log: Friday 3rd November 2023 and - after a business breakfast courtesy of the Bluebrick (near Wolverhampton's former Low Level railway station) - Stephen and I aim for the allure of Ashmore Park. Mr B does some of his grocery errands here every week and knows the local shops very well, especially the Butchers where we natter with the proprietors about England's dismal Cricket World Cup campaign. Once all required foodstuffs have duly been purchased, we take a stroll through the park itself to admire the gorgeous colours of autumn. The outdoor facilities here include a cycle speedway track, BMX humps and bumps plus a bowling green. 

- Griffiths Drive -

Ashmore Park was first established as a housing estate by Wednesfield Urban District Council in the 1950s before transferring to the Metropolitan Borough of Wolverhampton in 1966. Key to the layout is Griffiths Drive as the road off which all others seem to radiate, and the number 59 bus uses this to perform a full clockwise circuit at frequent intervals. Having gathered our pictures of the park, we explore Ashmore Avenue and Acorn Road before I go into street sign overdrive accounting for the likes of Thornley Road, Barnard Road and Phillips Avenue. 

- Ashmore Park Bottom Shops -

Ashmore Park effectively has two sets of shops - the 'top' shops by Higgs Road, and the more extensive 'bottom' shops on the southwestern-most corner of Griffiths Drive. The latter spot is also where you'll find the remains of a moated farm which apparently can trace its history back to the time of Lady Wulfruna; grassy earthworks are all you can see nowadays though. Our tour then takes in the Ashmore Park Community Hub where library services are now based following the closure of a previous standalone branch due to council cutbacks. The Hub also comprises a sports hall, meeting rooms and a popular cafe serving light refreshments. 

- Essington Water Tower -

Satisfied with our endeavours thus far, we proceed the short distance to Essington by crossing the county boundary into Staffordshire. As somewhere I've known since childhood rides to my Nan's old house, Essington has long intrigued me with agricultural-sounding road names; in fact, the likes of Bognop, Bursnips and Hobnock could surely pass for Roald Dahl characters! Hawthorne Road seems less exotic by comparison but does offer glimpses of a Severn Trent water tower complete with flaking paintwork - I assume it is no longer in active use?

- All Age Worship at St John's -

Other notable Essington landmarks would be Brownshore Lakes (a pair of pools that show how old mine workings have been reclaimed by nature over time), and the Church of St John the Evangelist (complete with banner promoting All Age Worship). A handful of shops on Hill Street ensure the village retains some post office provision, while over on High Hill you can find the local Working Men's Club and a rugby ground. The B4156 is the main route through, linking Blackhalve Lane, Wolverhampton Road and Hobnock Road towards Essington Wood.

- The Minerva -

How remiss of me not to have mentioned any pubs as yet but it was always our intention to sample the Minerva at some point. Named after the Roman goddess of war, justice and crafts (among other things), this establishment has not long started trading again after the death of the preceding landlady. I've had my eye on this place for years without ever managing to stop by for a drink, so a welcome pint of John Smith's secures my overdue custom. A spluttering log fire accompanies bar room chat with a Baggies fan while Stephen again dissects more of England's cricketing failures as part of a classic pub conversation - cheers!