- Bass Lamp at The Woodman -
Our first port of call is the Woodman down by Millennium Point, a pub which has become a familiar friend to us over the years so we were delighted to hear it had recently reopened after a worrying spell of closure. Its close proximity to Millennium Point and the Birmingham City University campus should work in its favour but there has been a lot of disruption in Eastside due to HS2 and Midland Metro developments which had undoubtedly impacted passing trade. The good news is that the place appears to be as good as ever with all its heritage charms intact, including the Smoke Room tilework and frosted vestibule windows. I'm particularly pleased to see that Draught Bass is now permanently on sale here, with accompanying lanterns to match - an opening pint of that goes down very smoothly while we discuss Presidential happenings in America and Nick's recovery from a broken elbow.
- Polygon Publications at the Eagle & Ball -
The Woodman might be close to the BCU facilities but the Eagle & Ball is entirely engulfed by educational buildings, to the extent that it is physically attached to the main Curzon Library (a trend I'd be happy to see recreated at other institutions, every academic library should have its own on-site boozer). Our resident royal gets very nostalgic when reminded about his studying days back when BCU was known as Birmingham Polytechnic and based at Perry Barr; framed covers of Polygon, the in-house student magazine during the 1970s, line the walls and make for a fascinating snapshot of social history.
- Did someone mention free crisps? -
I first remember encountering the Eagle & Ball when it was an abandoned Banks's number called Moby Dicks, standing in splendid isolation whilst everything else around it had been cleared for redevelopment. The changes in the vicinity of Gopsal Street, Penn Street and Cardigan Street have been dramatic but the pub has survived to become an integral part of campus life, operated by the current BCU Students Union. We have a thorough snoop both upstairs and down before finding a table to continue our political ruminations, Ken pondering his initial impressions of the Labour Government since the General Election. One unexpected bonus is being presented with complimentary crisps, Beavertown having produced the 'Open Up' free snacks in conjunction with the Campaign Against Living Miserably as an initiative to help new students talk about their stresses. Stephen might not be miserable but the cheddar and jalapeno flavour isn't his favourite, hence several scrunched-up facial expressions.
- Woodcock Street Swimming Mural -
Two down, two to go and next up we'll be switching campuses to assess the evening offer over on the Aston University side of Jennens Road. Getting there involves a short walk via Woodcock Street, noting a classic roadworks typo about not continuing "beyond this pint - how appropriate!! - then passing the Sir Doug Ellis Sports Centre. This facility began life as Woodcock Street Baths, one of the oldest operating pools in Britain, and has been under Aston's stewardship since 1980. Alongside the swimming possibilities, there is sauna and steam room provision all housed in an impressive Edwardian edifice dating from 1902.
- The Sacks of Potatoes -
As for our third pub, the Sacks of Potatoes is twinkling on the Gosta Green horizon where it faces out across the landscaped piazza towards Aston Business School and the Reception buildings. Promoting itself as a traditional free house, I'm intrigued to see three Lilley's Ciders on draught whereby Nick and I both opt for the rum-tinged concoction - it's rather nice! A menu majoring on loaded fries is subjected to our usual brand of scrutiny, Ken unconvinced as to whether anything called 'Cheesus Christ' would be a delicacy or not. Leaded windows and a sepia gallery of archive scenes ensure that my heritage-seeking boxes are suitably ticked, and there's a steady murmuring of custom to give this place enough Monday atmosphere.
- Two Towers Mild in an M&B glass -
Our final landing point awaits in the Gun Quarter so we skirt around the edges of Lancaster Circus in the shadow of the former Central Fire Station. The Gunmakers Arms is a venue we know quite well, being the Two Towers Brewery tap and with something of an artistic streak. Hockley Gold, Complete Muppetry and a Mild are the three cask wares available this evening, the latter of those looking most appealing when dispensed into a vintage M&B Brew XI glass - it even has the word 'Secretary' on it in honour of my Hub Marketing status! We conclude our current affairs discussion with further Donald Trump-focused insights - there are interesting times ahead shall we say - but as long as we have good pubs and good company I would hope there will still be things to look forward to. Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment