The West Midlands - and indeed much of the country - has endured a cold snap of late but that hasn't stopped the Hub Marketing Board from staging our first full trip of 2023. West Bromwich awaits where we shall undertake a circuit of selected watering holes, remembering one of the Chairman's former bus driving colleagues in the process...
- Did someone mention Orange Chips? -
It's Friday 10th March 2023 and this trip is partially dedicated to Wincy Willis who passed away a few years ago and was a well-known character at West Bromwich Bus Garage. For starters, the Secretary begins in Bilston eyeing up artistic hoardings near the old Pipe Hall - the mural mentions local trades, women's emancipation and that prized delicacy, battered orange chips! A linger around Loxdale proves productive for pictures of Station Road and Lester Street before it's time to catch up with the Chairman at Bradley Lane tram stop.
- Introducing George -
Mr D9 has arrived with something of an entourage, for not only is our regular mascot Gary Woo in attendance, we also have a new member of the team: met George the cuddly cat, so named in honour of Stourbridge Junction's famous feline. Our version of George undergoes his initiation ceremony once we get to West Bromwich where thankfully the morning snow is melting away amidst bright afternoon sunshine. The Bromford Lane corridor has lost a few of its boozers in recent years (the Prince Albert, Royal Exchange and Rising Sun to name three) so it is pleasing to hear that the White Swan has been resurrected as an Indian bar and grill. Opening pints of Carling get our main crawl underway in comfortable surroundings as we ponder 1980s tunes by Kraftwerk, Madonna and Jason Donovan.
- The bald spot leads on... -
The Chairman is in charge of today's itinerary and insists upon a mandatory visit to the Soho Oak; indeed, so keen is he to wallow in nostalgia for what used to be the Oakdale Social, he marches along Cambridge Street with his bald spot on full display! This trip will have a distinct Desi undercurrent and the Soho Oak hits the mark nicely with foaming Carling that looks like it ought to come with a flake. The bus depot is literally over the road, hence why Mr D9 has so many memories of this place stretching back over the years, recalling charabanc seaside and pantomime jollies with people such as Stan Barnes or Violet and Aggie the garage cleaners.
- A Sulking Secretary -
A veritable Dartmouth Street stone's throw from the Soho Oak is the Vine, notable for blue window blinds, peeling M&B paintwork and much affection for the Baggies. To a backdrop of David Dickinson getting very excitable on daytime telly, we take our pick of the two dartboards and commence the 2023 Pub Games Championship. Secretary WME never does very well in pubs that have West Bromwich Albion allegiances, and despite some unusually impressive scoring, is soundly defeated with D9 Destroyer earning victory by four legs to one. Allowing for some mock sulking, this is what Friday afternoons are all about - having a laugh and relaxing.
- The Wheatsheaf, Carters Green -
Talking of which, the fun continues over on Carters Green High Street where we can choose between the Clock House (another Desi-type establishment), the Old Hop Pole (a traditional boozer with Holt Plant & Deakin flourishes) and the Wheatsheaf. Naturally the promise of Holden's hospitality means that the latter gets a go - the resultant XB is duly excellent - and I've long admired its classic frontage of black and white leaded windows. The Hop Pole merits a quick visit too so we partake of Robinson's Dizzy Blonde while listening to more 1980s hits.
- A princely platter at the King Arthur -
Music-related matters mean that Guns Lane is soon subjected to the customary silly song selection, and we may have excelled ourselves on this occasion. 'Bristol City Streaker' by Shag Connor's Carrot Crunchers is suitably daft, likewise 'We All Love Tiny Tim' by Peter Pan & Wendy as dredged up from the depths of Youtube. Noting the Railway as a backstreet local perched high above the Midland Metro line, we intercept the number 43 bus on Oak Lane and trundle the short distance into Greets Green. Our food stop here comes courtesy of the King Arthur on Whitehall Road, a place we'd previously frequented when it was known simply as the Greets Green Social Club. Taking advantage of the half price deals, we tuck into mixed grill heaven with a special shout out for the fish pakoras - divine!
- A Waggon & Horses finale -
We hope that Wincy would have approved of our tribute tour and we bring proceedings to a close at the Waggon & Horses in Toll End, that erstwhile stalwart of the Tipton and Ocker Hill scene. With George acting as an impromptu ice-breaker, we get chatting to the regulars about local history over respective pints of Dark Drake (Dancing Duck) and Town Crier (Hobsons), enjoying the banter and Black Country humour to be had in the lounge. What a fine way to round off a most excellent winter expedition - cheers!
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