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...