WME Flickr Focus - September 2023

Oh look, it's monthly digest time again and it appears we've got some serious chewing to do as regards a wide smattering of photostream updates. Which galleries will lead the mastication league tables and which ones are feeling a little bit underfed? Grab your knife and fork, we're about to find out...

Gluttony is not a word we would usually associate with WME Solihull but - believe it or not - this is our surprise leader when the September standings are totted up. Knowle Locks have been the driving force for this remarkable revelation, aided by a chemists sign (again from Knowle) and a liking for Lyndon courtesy of a pub advertising board. Meriden meanwhile stakes a contentious claim to be at the geographical centre of England, or so the plaque accompanying its wayside cross would try to convince us...

Also displaying telltale signs of peckishness has been WME Warwickshire which has gorged itself on tasty offerings from Lapworth and Lowsonford. The Fleur de Lys pub probably takes star billing in the latter (and always registers highly in my affections for being one of my first pubs visited after the initial Covid lockdown period), whereas the former locality nibbles on the Navigation alongside a general field view - how pretty! My favourite pictures here however are of Lowsonford Lock on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, complete with its distinctive barrel-roofed keepers cottage.  

Starvation is not something that WME Staffordshire has had to worry about recently, a healthy diet of Lower Penn and Kidsgrove content having seen off any risk of hunger. The usual street art platters from the South Staffs Railway Walk are a regular menu item so we'll gloss over those in favour of acknowledging Kidsgrove's Victoria Hall council base and more porcelain pieces on display near the toilet block (oh the glamour). The Cross Inn at Kinver and Marsh Lock near Swindon ensure a plentiful portion too. 

No surprises that the ever-ravenous WME Wolverhampton has taken its place at the dining table. Legs Lane Playing Fields in Bushbury trade recipes with Leasowes Drive blossoms and hints of Mander Centre public artworks, while dessert is supplied in the form of Low Hill's ex-pub the Bushbury Arms House. Anyone after cheese and biscuits should hopefully be satisfied with a Lobos Wolves paste-up featuring more Premier League footballers.

And now for the batch of galleries which have found themselves fighting over the leftovers. WME Coventry's crumb is a Lythalls Lane Off Licence sign (vintage M&B branding) whereas WME Shropshire lands a look inside the Rose & Crown at Ludlow. WME Telford taste-tests the Bird in Hand in Ironbridge (sadly long-term closed) before picking out a Grainger Drive delicacy from Leegomery. Elsewhere, WME Walsall declares a longing for Leamore (the Railway's dartboard makes an appearance), WME Birmingham finds the Frank Allart factory in lovely Ladywood, and WME Sandwell laments the Royal Oak's closure in Langley. Cheers!

D9 does... Wordsley and Wollaston

It has been a couple of months since the Hub Marketing Board were last in exploration action, so the time is decidedly ripe for more marketing mayhem. July's refined Outer Bromsgrove surroundings have been traded for a less exotic Black Country remit as September's episode concentrates on Wordsley and Wollaston...

- Holy Trinity, Wordsley -

Trip Log: Friday 22nd September 2023 and board members are tasked with congregating in Wordsley by high noon. Naturally the Secretary aims to get there with time to spare, hence catching the number 16 bus and alighting by the Old Cat at twenty past eleven. Mr D9 is not as fortunate, getting held up by broken down vehicles and Brierley Hill congestion, so some initial photography helps pass the time while awaiting the Chairman's arrival. Holy Trinity is Wordsley's parish church and stands high on the hillside with its tall Gothic tower dominating the landscape. The church was consecrated in 1831 on land donated by the Earl of Dudley.

- George recommends Bathams Best Bitter -

After what sounds like an extremely convoluted bout of bus-hopping, Chairman D9 belatedly makes an appearance and we can convene in the hallowed setting of a Bathams pub. The New Inn faces down Wordsley High Street and is an ideal opening haunt for partaking of Best Bitter and prized cheese, onion and black pudding cobs - that'll do us for a belated breakfast! Mascot George gives his purr of approval to the brewery's branded glassware as we discuss plans for future trips and Mr D9's 'grande finale' scheduling commitments. It doesn't take long for the place to fill up with nattering regulars ensuring a healthy supply of banter. 

- The Lawnswood -

Two establishments we hadn't visited previously are high on our afternoon agenda, and to say they form quite a contrast from each other is something of an understatement. The first of these is the Lawnswood, a proper precinct pub with a roof so flat you've no need for a spirit level - all that's arguably missing is a barking Alsatian. It's actually a very presentable local boozer, tagged onto the end of a shopping parade that also includes a Spar supermarket and the Holbeache Travel shop. Owners Stonegate offer a CAMRA discount on cask ales so we sample the Wadworth 6X while noting a display of national flags representing participants in the Rugby World Cup; alas the Scottish barman fears his team might suffer from being in a Group of Death alongside South Africa and Ireland. 

- The Roe Deer -

From the sublime to the ridiculous next - or is it the other way around? - as we follow that humdrum piece of pub architecture with a building that looks very fancy indeed. Tiptoeing across the county boundary into South Staffordshire, we discover the Regency elegance of the Roe Deer, previously known as Lawnswood House when it was built for the Foley family in the early 19th century. Brunning & Price are the current custodians and offer a civilised dining experience amidst high ceilings and cultivated lawns. Chairman D9 feels underdressed for such a venue but is allowed to remain on the premises so as to quaff a Ludlow Blonde while the Secretary avoids riffraff expulsion by chancing the Titanic Steerage pale ale. Classy doesn't begin to cover it but the WME wallet is fearful of an extremely expensive round.

- Getting down with the cats! -

In fairness, the Roe Deer prices (circa £4.35 a pint) aren't that eye-watering in the current climate so any collateral budgetary damage is largely avoided. Exiting past a gate lodge, we take the lane back towards Wordsley before branching off via the Ashwood Park estate where some of the roads are named after royal palaces (Balmoral, Sandringham. Kensington etc). There once was a time when we would often encounter feline friends on our travels but the cat population has conspicuously kept its distance more recently, so we're almost out of practice when one inquisitive moggy demands we make a fuss of it. Duly stroked, said puss skulks off elsewhere leaving us free to proceed into Wollaston Farm care of a public footpath over the Stourbridge Canal at Bells Mill Bridge.

- Raspberry Ripple in the Kingsbridge -

With the famed 'Enville Street Run' pubcrawl sequence to go at, you're never short of drinking options in the Wollaston area. We won't be attempting the full set today but will nibble away at a few of the calling points, including the musty charms of the Foresters Arms furthest out on the Bridgnorth Road - cue Timmy Taylor's Landlord and a superb black pudding pork pie, very tasty indeed! Secretary WME is particularly keen to try the Kingsbridge, a microbar housed in a reclaimed television repair shop (although we speculate that the building might have been a pub historically). The interior has been stylishly kitted out with a very relaxed vibe, embracing coffee culture as well as offering a neat line in ciders. We test out the Snails Bank Raspberry Ripple with a side order of curry-infused Simmons Pork Crunch for more quality snackage.

- A Spin Cycle Bald Spot? -

The Kingsbridge certainly offers something different in terms of Wollaston variety, especially when you consider that the Unicorn (Bathams) and the Princess (Craft Union) are blokeish venues. Neither the Plough nor the Britannia appear to be trading - in fact the Plough has a skip outside which perhaps doesn't bode well - and Katie Fitzgeralds doesn't open until 7pm on Friday evenings, meaning the Queens Head (Black Country Ales) is probably our best bet for continuing our quest. It's an easy decision to stop by for a quick look and we're rewarded with a great glass of Titanic's coffee-laden Cappuccino Stout. As if all our ale antics aren't sufficient fun on their own, Mr D9 becomes besotted with a relic of a launderette shopfront complete with coin operated self service lettering. It's enough to put the bald spot in a spin!

- The Family Hub Photoshoot -

Our leader's excitement levels go even deeper into overdrive when we account for a photo opportunity at the Family Hub, a facility tucked away beside the Royal British Legion Club. Having performed the necessary poses, we aim to finish off in Stourbridge itself care of a nightcap half of something crafty in the Hop Vault; the shelves here are laden with tempting cans and it's clear that local beer aficionados have really embraced the bottle shop's ever-changing line-up. The Mitre meanwhile holds memories of Ken Dodd soundtracks and the Gurkha Bar serves up Nepalese cuisine in what used to be the Old Bank. For us though its the trusty number 16 which takes us homewards to Wolverhampton - cheers!

A Pint or Two in Penkridge

August seemed strangely autumnal where the weather was concerned, but no sooner has the calendar clicked over into September than we're suddenly blessed with sultry heatwave conditions. Keen to put the sunshine to good use, I stage a Staffs & Worcs canal walk in lovely Penkridge followed up with a couple of pub visits...

- Penkridge Market Entrance -

Friday 8th September 2023 then, and I say sunshine but it's actually fairly overcast, at least to begin with. The 10:26 Crewe London Northwestern train takes all of eight minutes to convey me north of Wolverhampton, reaching Penkridge on time at 10:34 and pitching me into repeat pictures of the Hatherton Hotel (which has a very grotty rear elevation) and the Monckton Rec rugby pitches. Penkridge Market doesn't trade on Fridays but still carries adverts for the D&R Meats van while Ken Price & Sons garage has a recovery car on standby for any breakdowns.

- Park Gate Lock Sign -

Passing the White Hart pub and the ever-busy Jasper's Bakery, I take Teddesley Road so as to track down the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. Woodbank Lane is where I access the towpath this time around, bearing north-easterly towards Acton Trussell. Longford Bridge declares itself just before the M6 Motorway crossing, and although you can hear the constant hum of traffic it isn't too much of an imposition. Teddesley Park Bridge (No. 89) then precedes Park Gate Lock, a sleepy location I remember passing on many a childhood family ride out. The small basin here plays host to Park Gate Leisure and Georgie's Cruises, complete with moorings, minor boat repair facilities and a chandlery. 

- Longford Lock -

Park Gate will be the outer limit of my northward navigation so I retrace my steps back into Penkridge Village, pausing to take in the scene at Longford Lock as guarded by Broom Bridge (No. 87). There are a number of narrowboats out on the cut today so there's plenty of scope for a friendly wave or a quick chat as they merrily chug along. Penkridge Lock is overlooked by the Boat, a canalside boozer I remember visiting with Dad many moons ago, while the mobile homes of Little Marsh Farm have a notable presence on the opposite bank.

- The Horse & Jockey -

As temptingly traditional as the Boat may be, I have other watering holes in mind and the first of those has to be the Horse & Jockey at the bottom end of Market Street. I'd only been here once previously and that was long before Black Country Ales took it over, hence I'm intrigued to see what they've done with the place. Tartan upholstery and a rambling interior make an immediate impression while I'm so besotted with the snacks cabinet that I almost forget to order my beer! Oakham's Chaos Engine is the pint in question (and very drinkable) but my huge cheese and onion cob is the star of the show, loaded with cheddar slices and further enhanced by a piquant dollop of piccalilli. A small pork pie with mustard adds to the feast as some knowledgeable regulars debate the fishing prospects at Stourport-on-Severn. 

- The Bridge House -

Even though I feel thoroughly well-fed, I'm at serious risk of succumbing to sausage rolls or samosas so I'd best move on for the sake of my own stomach! One Penkridge establishment I'd never sampled until now is the Bridge House on the main A449 (Stone Cross), close to the River Penk and opposite the aforementioned Price's Garage. Although more of a restaurant than an out-and-out drinking den, it does have a public bar with its fair share of workmen knocking off for an afternoon pint. Three handpulls give me a choice between Proper Job, Wainwright and Jaipur IPA so I throw caution to the wind by opting for the Thornbridge, a classic of its type and loaded with hoppy power at 5.9% abv. It's very relaxing to sit in a window recess, supping ale as the temperatures inch up to 29 degrees. - this is the life!

- A Penkridge Platform Sign -

Last but not least will be the Littleton Arms, a historic coaching inn below St Michael's Church. It continues to offer hotel accommodation as well as priding itself on locally sourced food; of their five cask contenders I lean towards the Ludlow Blonde for a very acceptable pale tipple. Davenport's sympathetically renovated the building relatively recently but it retains much C18th charm as befits its Grade II listed status, and I even catch glimpse of some practice shots being undertaken at the bowling club across the road. Come half past three it's time to head to the railway station, catch the 15:46 train home and bid farewell to sunny Staffordshire. Penkridge you've been a pleasure to visit - cheers!

Lost Pubs from the WME Archives #30

Local newspaper headlines have made grim reading for pubs recently, what with the shocking demise of the Crooked House in Himley becoming a major ongoing story and other closures also being reported. Some establishments still seem to be thriving so it isn't all doom and gloom, but I have been prompted to dip into my archives again and remember five more boozers that are no longer with us...

- The Wood Hayes -

Seen above when photographed in its Old China guise as an oriental restaurant, the Wood Hayes stood on the very edges of the Wolverhampton metropolitan boundary occupying the corner of Wood End Road and Blackhalve Lane (between Wednesfield and Essington). Built for M&B to serve the growing estates of Wood End and Long Knowle, it opened in 1957 but has since been demolished to make way for a Bromford Housing scheme which aims to support people living with mental health conditions. 

- The Prince of Wales -

Two of Woodsetton's much-missed watering holes are next for our consideration, beginning with the Prince of Wales on Tipton Road. A distinctive cottage-like Banks's number, it came complete with a paved side patio and golden lettering. Despite its traditional appearance, I never had the pleasure of drinking here and now rather regret not finding the time to stop off for a swift pint. My consolation is that I at least managed to get a picture before the building succumbed to the need for more housing. 

- The Summer House -

Our second Woodsetton selection is the Summer House which stood on Sedgley Road at the Swan Village end of things, just up the road from Holden's Brewery. This pub will always have a special place in my affections as being the setting for my first ever darts victory over Mr D9; I'm glad we called in on that September 2013 afternoon because only a few years later, the Summer House was consigned to history and replaced by a Co-op store. 

- The Red Lion -

Shopping habits are likewise to blame for the fate of the Red Lion at Wordsley Green, a basic box boozer perched next to the local precinct. Of the five establishments featured in this post, this is the only one that is technically still standing although it has spent the last ten years or so operating as a Sainsbury's store. I can't say I ever went in this one either, as I was normally distracted by the nearby prospects of the Old Cat or the New Inn instead. 

- The Wylde Green -

I wouldn't usually think of Hungry Horse chain diners as the kind of pubs most likely to expire, but if they sit on valuable land that's ripe for redevelopment then anything can happen. Sadly the Wylde Green near Sutton Coldfield proved unable to survive with the result that retirement apartments are now springing up in its A5127 Birmingham Road footprint. The pub's adjacent bowling green has also been sacrificed in the process - such a shame, but that's the way it is.

Warwick for a Bus Pass Birthday

The Chip Foundation are never ones to miss an excuse for a celebration and August is the time of year when a certain Nick is in line for the birthday bumps. His Highness has even more reason to mark the occasion this year for he now qualifies for his OAP bus pass, gleefully giving him the freedom of England's entire local bus network. Our trip in his honour takes us to the HRH home turf of Warwick...

- Arrival at Warwick Station -

Wednesday 30th August 2023 heralds Episode 78 of the Chip Foundation Chronicles as the Beardsmores, Ken and I congregate at Wolverhampton station, debating Warwickshire's One Day Cup semi final capitulation at the hands of Hampshire. Hopefully we'll be making happier memories than that today as we progress via Birmingham Moor Street to Warwick where our grinning royal host is waiting to meet us on the Leamington-bound platform. Works to install a new lift facility mean that the station is partially a building site and the underpass linking the two platforms is currently out of action, not that this inconveniences us too much.  

- The Lord Leycester Hospital -

Nick's initial plan is to take us on a gentle tour of Warwick town centre, starting with a Priory Park path beside the county records office. Barrack Street has an ancient gaol cell where we threaten to lock Mr B Senior up for the duration of the outing; alas he narrowly avoids such a custodial sentence and is therefore on hand to inspect the magnificent medieval frontage of the Lord Leycester Hospital, a Guilds building with over 700 years of history offering alms to deserving military personnel. The associated charity continues to support ex-servicemen and the hospital stands prominently next to West Gate and St James' Chapel at one end of the historic High Street. Throw in a Victorian pillar box and there's already much to see. 

- A Brace of Beardsmores at the Racehorse -

Nick has been given free rein to pick his preferred pubs today so it's no surprise that the Old Post Office is going to feature. This micropub has gained new owners since my last visit but still retains its comical booted foot protruding down from a hole in the ceiling. We can't blame any accident-prone Beardsmores for that particular pratfall but instead imbibe of Phipps IPA or Hopback Summer Lightning when sitting in a bench-pewed back room next to a small shrine to St Francis of Assisi. 'Ken Spielberg' practices his mobile filming techniques before we move along to the Racehorse on Stratford Road, a smart Everards townhouse seemingly overrun with grey-haired diners. We won't be eating here so a table out on the front patio will do us nicely, quaffing halves of Tiger while a spiky spider plant attempts to comb my hair. 

- Beware Brogan's Bar?! -

Nick knows better than to deprive Stephen of his gammon so our eating destination of choice will be the Thomas Lloyd Wetherspoons, invitingly located on Warwick's bunting-laden Market Place. The pub is named after a member of the Lloyd's banking family and is appropriately sited within one of their former branches; the food arrives with minimal fuss and quickly too, albeit our collective opinion decrees that the eggs are a tad overdone. Next for our attention is a HRH wildcard on the far side of the town's museum, namely Brogan's Irish Bar. This place only started operating last December in a shopfront which some years previously had been home to Wylie's Ironmongers shop. Much to our relief, the barman confirms we aren't rogue trespassers so he has no need to enforce any shotgun warnings. Happily spared, we safely partake of 3pm Guinness whilst admiring an interior boasting antique drawers, wooden cabinets and a pliers-shaped coat rack.

- Birthday Boy at Ronnie's Bar -

Brogan's was quite an experience - especially as we'd managed to gain access at the third time of asking - and the fun then arguably ramps up even further thanks to Ronnie's Bar on Jury Street. Nick first introduced me to this establishment during our 'Wonders of Warwick' tour last November and I was immediately enamoured by all the references to famous Rons and Ronalds from years gone by. Now it is the turn of Ken, Stephen and John to name their fair share of renowned Ronnies, including Messrs Atkinson, Reagan, Coleman and Moody. Drinks-wise there is more Guinness to be had although Mr May and I plump for the craftier charms of Beavertown's Neck Oil, served in a curious beaker receptacle with plenty of grapefruit zing. The beer garden here looks delightful with fishy art and trailing wisteria.

- East Gate -

Having duly inspected Nick's new bus pass - including scrutinising a photograph that makes him look far too young to be a venerable pensioner - we press on along Smith Street to see another of Warwick's medieval masterpieces. As with its western counterpart we saw earlier, East Gate is an impressive 14th century gateway representing part of the original town wall configurations. There used to be a North Gate too but that was apparently dismantled during the Tudor period, and Nick definitely isn't old enough to remember that! Smith Street is where you can find a variety of restaurants, a guitar shop and even a dog grooming parlour, not forgetting the Roebuck pub where once we saw some very suggestive leafage!

- Tonkoko at the Craftsman -

Our final port of call however is to be the Craftsman, a recently-launched beer cafe and bottle shop that offers up to 16 rotating draught taps. This place takes on the mantle from the former Warwick Real Ale off licence which used to be a few doors further down the street, but nudges things up a scale in terms of on-site drinking. It's all very stylish with high stools, barrel tables and an extensive menu designed to appeal to the craft connoisseur. Brew York's Tonkoko Milk Stout is always a winner as far as I'm concerned, although I gallantly trade my half of dark delight when Ken realises he's not so keen on his Watermelon Crush pink sour - the latter is very much in the category marked 'acquired taste'! A leisurely St John's stroll then returns us to the railway station with time in hand prior to the 18:04 Chiltern depature to Moor Street, and the whole day is deemed an undoubted success. Thanks to Nick for his Warwick wisdom!