It seems an eternity since the Hub Marketing Board last staged one of our exploring sessions, what with the Waddle of Worcester back in early August being our most recent meeting. The Chairman has been laid up recovering from an operation - hence the gap in outings - but declares himself fighting fit for a Christmas summit, in which case we're all bound for Birmingham...
- Zimmer Frame at the ready -
It's great to see Mr D9 again after his spell of recuperation as a Bradley Lane rendezvous has us in position for a tram ride across to Winson Green Outer Circle. Nineveh Road presents a succession of terraced houses and discarded furniture, although even with his health travails we wouldn't think the Chairman is in need of a walking frame just yet. Ignoring the abandoned wardrobes and dressing tables, we cast a glance at one of our favourite old shopfronts in the guise of J. Houghton Ltd's television repair unit - it's been shut for many a long year but still retains Grundig and Blaupunkt stickers on its windows.
- The Hub Calendar 2025 is unveiled -
Just over the road is the Hockley Brook, a Desi Bar and Grill which takes its name from the adjacent water course. Formerly the Handsworth Central Club, this impressive establishment features a large restaurant/function suite and a smaller lobby bar. We settle in with an opening pint of Carling each to complete the ceremonial handing-over of the Hub Marketing calendar. The 2025 edition features Combermere closet trees, Louis Armstrong portraits and a few penguin poses, not to mention guest appearances from mascots Gary Woo and George.
- Grinchlike Driving on the 101 -
Talking of George, our resident fluffy feline toy joins the party when we board the number 101 bus for a trundle into the heart of Birmingham. Secretary WME hadn't been on this route for years so he rather relishes getting the chance to see Lodge Road and the Jewellery Quarter again, even if the back end of Winson Green Prison is hardly the most inviting of settings. We haven't had a D9 drive for a while so the Chairman dons his 'Bah Humbug' black Santa hat whilst doing the necessary steering demonstrations.
- 'Donner' at Cathedral Square -
Alighting on Colmore Row, we pitch headlong into some festive sightseeing courtesy of the latest sculptural trail to hit the centre of Brum. The Birmingham BID Business Improvement District has once again come up trumps with this year's theme being reindeer (as opposed to any snowmen, snowdogs or penguins). 'Donner' duly awaits inspection at Cathedral Square, boasting a gift-box design with plum pudding eyes and candy cane swirls among the sausage shacks. There are nine deer to find in total and they stay on display until 6th January.
- The Pigeon in the Park -
As you might expect, the office Christmas party season is in full swing with many of the pubs in and around Colmore Row absolutely packed to the rafters. We manage to squeeze into the Roebuck and the Old Royal without too much difficulty, the latter having horse racing on the big screens and table reservations for the mysterious Natalie. One novelty drinking haunt we thought we'd try is the Pigeon in the Park, a pop-up bar next to the Cathedral. It's not cheap, even for plastic glass halves of Carling and Blue Moon, but it is fun sitting up top watching all the festive fun taking place around you, plus D9 gets a bonus orange segment to chew on.
- The Secretary meets 'Cupid' -
Our second reindeer discovery requests our presence in the Great Western Arcade, hence 'Cupid' is on hand to greet us with his suitably romantic disposition (having a heart-shaped nose is a nice touch alongside a full quiver of arrows). Whilst in the vicinity, we can't resist checking out the Good Intent as set up by Craddocks Brewery as a not-for-profit concern. Even without the charitable emphasis this is a special place, perfect for getting away from those shopping throngs by supping Cast Iron Stout in the upstairs recesses.
- Canned contemplation in the Belle Vue -
No Hub Marketing Birmingham Bash would be complete without an inner-city discovery or two, so we round off our reunion with a ride on the 82 towards Edgbaston Reservoir. Icknield Port Road is home to the Belle Vue, an ex-Ansells boozer just across the road from a Science of Spirituality Meditation Centre. In this instance, the Chairman's contemplative tendencies are reserved for pondering a can of Carling in disco vibe surroundings, the pub being one of that dying breed of no-nonsense locals you simply don't come across as often these days. Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment