Market Drayton

Hasn't the weather been glorious of late? Unbroken sunshine seemingly for days on end to herald the start of the new cricket season, although rather than Edgbaston I'm inclined to spend the day in Shropshire. A long overdue return to Market Drayton is on the cards, if the transport gods allow...

- C. R. Birch & Son -

It's Friday 4th April 2025 and my trip is at risk of unravelling before its begun when train crew shortages are affecting services between Birmingham and Shrewsbury. The Welsh trains are thankfully running normally so I'm soon scouting around Shropshire's county town looking for prime photographic finds, such as the C.R. Birch & Son hardware premises on Roushill - the company traded for 105 years before closing down in 2015. Elsewhere in Shrewsbury, I spy the timber-framed Rowley's House Museum as the historic residence of a wool merchant. 

- The 64 at Market Drayton Bus Station -

Raven Meadows Bus Station is where I can catch the number 64 bus as operated by Arriva, providing an hourly link to Market Drayton with onward connections to Newcastle under Lyme and Hanley. Once you get up past Harlescott and the Battlefield Retail Parks it makes for a lovely ride, settling back and enjoying the rolling field views through Shawbury and Hodnet. One interesting kink takes us briefly along the A41 to visit the Buntingsdale Estate within Tern Hill military barracks, performing a reversing manoeuvre outside one of the hangars. The Stormy Petrel pub as was has been demolished, then the final approaches into Market Drayton give glimpses of the large Muller Dairy plant for yoghurt manufacturing. 

- Rogers & Son Flour and Corn Mills -

I haven't set foot in this particular corner of Shropshire for the best part of twelve years, my only previous encounter being a Hub Marketing adventure back in June 2013. Cheshire Street gets my reacquaintance mission underway with the hulking presence of the Rogers & Son Mill building backing onto the Abbey Removals depot. The local Wetherspoons occupies a piece of cinematic history in the form of The Hippodrome, which entertained filmgoers between 1927 and 1966 before having a later life as a bingo hall and supermarket. 

- The Buttercross -

Market Drayton was granted its Royal Charter by King Henry II in 1245 and has effectively held a weekly Wednesday market for centuries. There are many attractive architectural gems dotted around the town centre, including the Tudor House Hotel and the Buttercross - the latter being erected in 1824 as a covered area for the selling of dairy produce. Another standout is the Crown Inn pub which reputedly hosted Charles I during the English Civil War - if it's good enough for royalty it'll do just grand for my first pint of the day, a decent Marston's Pedigree with a whiff of the Burton Snatch about it. 

- St Mary's Church -

Continuing to reclaim some bearings, I'm drawn towards St Mary's Parish Church where the graveyard is a riot of sprouting daffodils - I do love springtime when the flowers come into full bloom again. The church's surroundings offer attractive vistas out towards the River Tern, a watercourse which hugs the southern edges of the built up area, while I also detect mentions of gingerbread in that Market Drayton can trace its association with the spiced baked delicacy back as far as 1793 if not even earlier. I could be rather partial to a sweet treat right about now but instead I'll focus on finding the Shropshire Union Canal...

- Berrisford Aqueduct -

Stafford Street does the trick in taking me to the towpath, passing the Job Centre and Grove School in the process. I'll only be covering a very short section of the Shropshire Union today but the portion I've picked is certainly very intriguing, presenting a sunkissed stretch of visitor moorings to the south of Bridge 62. One curiosity is the Berrisford Aqueduct as engineered in sandstone by Thomas Telford and Alexander Easton circa 1830; it carries the cut above a quiet country lane close to Broomhall Grange. The steps alongside the structure are a little haphazard but I suppose they would be after years of being worn away by boaters' feet.

- Talbot Wharf -

Heading beyond Bridge 62 in the other direction reveals the rustic appeal of Talbot Wharf, albeit the namesake landmark Marston's pub that stood nearby is now a private home. Diesel pumps and boat repairs seem to be the order of the day here, flanked by corrugated tin shack warehouses as if time stood still. Calor Gas supplies and chandlery services are also part of the provision before I exit the canal at Betton Road by some sports pitches. Reckoning I'm due for more refreshment, I give the Salopian Star a whirl on account of its slightly shabby beamed charms. A trio of New Brew ales are on dispense so I happily partake of the 4.7% Plum Porter (highly drinkable) and the 5.5% New India; the beer is made on the edges of Newport.

- The Red Lion -

Pleased with that unexpected brush with Shropshire-made tipples, I can now stage an entirely anticipated meeting with more local brews. Historically hailing from Stone in Staffordshire, the reincarnated Joules Brewery have based themselves in Market Drayton since 2010 whereby the Red Lion is their taphouse. It is naturally incumbent upon me to investigate, especially given the prospect of sampling their Calcutta 1757 Pale Ale, while the Mouse Room offers a treasure hunt for fans of carved rodents. The adjacent Stags Head is being renovated as part of the Joules estate so it looks like I'll have a further excuse to return to Market Drayton before long; in the meantime the next 64 bus awaits. Cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - March 2025

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that I tend to publish my pictures in alphabetical batches, in which case I've recently become heavily embroiled with the letter W. Being a proud Wulfrunian, there's no escaping the fact that I take far more photographs around Wolverhampton than anywhere else on the planet, so my monthly photostream summary is going to be even more predictable than usual...

Yes I'm leading with WME Wolverhampton again which has easily been the biggest recipient of W-related material. The city's Art Gallery alone has supplied several items from decorative frieze figures to paintings of highly-inquisitive chickens, while West Park tantalises us with flowerbeds, foliage and a neat line in purple petals. Wednesfield and Whitmore Reans are definitely part of the W contingent, weaving in Sainsbury's artworks or ceramic signs for our contemplation, not forgetting appearances for the West End Club in the backstreets of Merridale and a couple more 'Wolves in Wolves' archive sculptural additions.

The W prefix isn't reserved merely for Wolverhampton items, no sir. It just as rightly applies to the likes of West Bromwich and Wednesbury which nimbly brings WME Sandwell into play, aided by references to George Galloway's General Election campaigning or Wednesbury Parkway car park markings. Wednesbury town centre proved active in compiling snapshots of Churchill's restaurant, Park Inn wallpaper and the William Archer pub, plus there's arguably a rogue 'O' in the form of a Wheelie Thirsty cob lunch from Old Hill.

Beyond Wolverhampton and Sandwell, pickings admittedly get a whole lot slimmer. WME Telford held its own, largely on account of four Wellington street signs (Orleton Lane and Hollies Road among them), then its neighbour WME Shropshire can lay claim to Whitchurch progress courtesy of a Walker's Bakery shopfront and the White Bear pub. I ought to mention WME Warwickshire at this point too, landing Warwick hostelry happenings via the Tilted Wig and the Lord Nelson - they all count you know!

Back in the West Midlands county, I can report a brace apiece for WME Walsall (a cenotaph wreath and a vinyl fair advert) and WME Dudley (Wollescote Road with hints of Stevens Park trees). This just leaves me with WME Birmingham and its solitary contribution of a Wensley Road street sign from those residential roads between Yardley and Sheldon. Looking ahead, I expect the Wolverhampton domination to continue but that's a tale to bring you in April...

More March Moments (2025)

Hold onto your hats folks, I’m in for a busy few days as March nears its denouement. First up is an evening dose of Hub Marketing in my old North Wolverhampton stomping ground, followed by the potential for more Chip Foundation Birmingham-based antics exploring the nightlife epicentre that is Broad Street...

- Jovial in the Junction -

Monday 24th March sets the ball rolling with Chairman D9 declared fit enough to attend a Hub Marketing soiree along the A449 Stafford Road. Secretary WME lived in Bushbury for the best part of thirty years so knows this corner of Wolverhampton very well indeed, although changes are afoot affecting some of the landmarks he grew up around. For example, the Railway Club on Bushbury Lane is now calling itself The Junction and is open to all, complete with snazzy cream rendering to liven up its plain slab frontage. Our opening pint has us checking out the main bar, perched on a barrel table while an excitable pug nervously sniffs at our ankles.

- New Estate at Northwood Park -

Mr WME remembers attending many family gatherings in the Railway Club's function room so its good to see the place continuing to serve the local community in its updated form. The 33 bus does sterling legwork for getting us to Northwood Park where we alight at the Alton Close terminus to see what has become of the Northicote School site. Housing developments have been springing up here over the last three years, centred upon the likes of Blackthorn Drive and Juniper Avenue, but it does feel strange to think that the school has vanished.

- Feeling Bullish in the Moseley Park? -

Continuing along Cromwell Road before cutting through onto Blackbrook Way, we subject the Moseley Parklands to our silly song selections. Puncturing the otherwise peaceful air are The Barron Knights with their Heatwave parody 'Boozy Nights' followed by Louis Armstrong's take on the classic 'Yes We Have No Bananas'. The local residents will no doubt be delighted their eardrums can be spared further abuse once we pitch into the Moseley Park at Broadlands; this is a typical Beefeater chain pub, mostly focused on steakhouse food but mellow enough as a setting to allow for a quick Carling and admiration of mounted Highland bull crockery.

- Making Moreton Memories -

The Hub Marketing rulebook dictates that whenever we're in the Fordhouses vicinity we are behoven to call into the Moreton Arms, mainly so that the Chairman can re-enact a favourite skirt-related homage to bus driving characters from years gone by. It's a shame there are no Banks's ales on during this visit - a sad reflection of the brewery's impending closure - so we make do with Wainwright and Tetleys, downed in double quick time once we realise the next 3 is imminent. Our speedy supping allows scope for a swift splash and dash at the Harrowby, another Marston's boozer which serves the Wobaston estate by Chetton Green flats.

- D9 drives the Stafford Road Hub -

Our ultimate landing point will be Oxley, once Mr D9 has determinedly demonstrated that his steering prowess remains undimmed despite recent lack of practice. The Gatehouse beckons as a Greene King (Hungry Horse) affair down by where the Goodyears tyre factory used to be, hence the winged tyre depiction on the pub sign, while the Island House overlooks Bushbury Lane roundabout and incorporates a chip shop plus a Grill-It restaurant. Alas the Chairman's wallet recoils in horror at the thought of £5+ prices for Shipyard IPA, so Secretary WME is a clear winner in the discount stakes after cheekily taking advantage of a Moreton Happy Hour.

- A Gentleman? Or a Scholar? -

If we're talking about expensive drinks, the real price pain is reserved for the Chip Foundation in Birmingham on Tuesday 25th March. Our Broad Street brief takes us into the very heart of Brum's nightlife, provided we've said hello to Ozzy the Bull at Grand Central first. There are yet more cranes on the Second City skyline as we proceed via Paradise Circus and Centenary Square, Nick pointing out The Octagon as one of Europe's tallest residential skyscrapers. The Gentleman & Scholar awaits with refined surroundings as part of the Hyatt Regency Hotel complex - £7.75 for Guinness and £4 for a small Coca Cola means you pay for that finery.

- Getting a little hazy perhaps? -

Having debated which amongst us counts as a gentleman (Ken) and which would be the scholar (Mr B), we move pretty much next door into the Solomon Cutler Wetherspoons where the monetary outlay required is altogether more acceptable. The tail end of the recent JDW Ale Festival means Nick can sample EVA with me on the Hey Pal, albeit the resultant glass contains a turgid brown liquid flatter than the proverbial pancake. Better prospects lie ahead courtesy of O'Neill's where the Hazy Jane is much more palatable in its own branded beaker.

- A Fan Zone Flourish -

O'Neill's is an upbeat party pub with Irish leanings and a digital darts gangway, whatever that entails. His Majesty regales us with tales of Melrose holidays while Ken anticipates his coming Cromer getaway as well as reminiscing about the Tow Rope Café, a greasy spoon that used to be popular with those doing all-night drinking sessions in the 1970s. We won't be attempting anything quite so adventurous ourselves, hence we'll finish off in respectable fashion over at Walkabout, part of a national string of Australian-themed bars complete with koala bear mural.

- An Australian Beer Aversion? -

It's a rare sight for me to be drinking lager which originally hails from Down Under although this Fosters is much more likely to be of a Manchester rather than Melbourne persuasion. We count at least sixteen separate sports screens covering baseball, tennis and the Wales v North Macedonia World Cup qualifier, plus Nick and Stephen make sure to acquaint themselves with the dedicated Fan Zone flags. Our closing conversations cover a certain US President, the Ukraine War and Mr Beardsmore's car window travails, then it's time to head home. Cheers!

The Stafford Saturday Spectacular 2025

Rickerscote, Doxey, Highfields and Parkside... the Oxleathers, Wildwood, Luck Penny and Staffordshire Bull... such is the litany of places and pubs that have formed the backbone of my annual Stafford sessions every March. With much fanfare, it is now time to see what 2025 can add into the mix...

- Glasshouse Greenery -

It's Saturday 15th March 2025 and I'm all set for what will be the seventh in my now-traditional springtime Stafford series. The 10:19 Manchester train from Wolverhampton gets things off to a steady start with a ten minute journey amongst football fans before Victoria Park claims its customary catch-up to get the photos flowing; WG Grace is present and correct as always but some of the flowerbeds haven't fully been planted as yet. I do enjoy a quick mooch around the park's glasshouses, noting tropically large leaf varieties and various spiky specimens.

- Pickups Electrical -

Continuing via Mill Street and then Mill Bank, I note a couple of old-fashioned shopfronts representing local independent businesses. Henry Burton's is a cycle store whereas Pickups Electricals specialises in household appliances, complete with vintage Hitachi logos. My first drinks stop of the day is a bit of a departure from my usual 'old man pub' remit, the Yard being a trendy craft/cocktail bar on the side of the River Sow. A glass of Brixton Reliance Pale Ale is a pleasant palate cleanser, hitting enough sharp citrus notes to clear any tastebud cobwebs away while the overall vibe is a relaxing one - a solid start!

- A Perkins Picture -

Picking out a portion of Stafford I've never photographed before gets trickier each passing year but one corridor which comes to mind is Tixall Road, heading due east from the town centre. Weston Road is my initial gateway before I bear right at the Metropolitan fork, spotting the likes of Dartmouth Street and Harrowby Street in the process. I remember riding through here on the Uttoxeter bus once whereby one standout feature was the Perkins factory; it's still there, manufacturing engines much as it has done for many years. The firm is actually based in Peterborough and has sites worldwide.

- Bayswater Square -

Evidence of Stafford's edge-of-town expansion is apparent further along Tixall Road where what used to be a country lane through farmers fields has been transformed by a sprawling housing estate. Hydrant Way corner has a sunken balancing pond earthwork then Bayswater Square forms the centrepiece of another section, revealing a public open space surrounded by three-storey properties. The new builds stretch as far as the Baswich Lane crossroads and mean that Stafford Crematorium no longer stands in splendid isolation. Clumps of daffodils line the edge of the burial ground as I take the Blackheath Lane turn. 

- The Knot & Plough -

Another arrival over the last ten to fifteen years has been the Beacon Business Park which sits beside the busy A518. One of the first pieces of the jigsaw here was the provision of the Knot & Plough pub (very much a modern Marston's effort with a carvery focus), latterly joined by a shopping precinct containing a Co-op store, Subway and a couple of takeaways. As you might expect, I pause for a pint of Pedigree and take in the scene. Construction work along Gell Way and Brereton Way suggests that more units are being lined up in future.

- Meeting a Slumbering Monk -

Weston Road returns me the two or so miles to Stafford town centre where Joules's Ye Olde Rose & Crown will form the meat between a Black Country Ales sandwich. I'd like to complete BCA's Ale Trail this year if possible, in which case the Shrewsbury Arms and Bird in Hand are duly stamped in my passport booklet - the former supplies Hobson's Plum Porter (lovely stuff), the latter a Backyard Rucker with a heavenly ham and cheese cob. The intermediary filling so to speak is a Slumbering Monk of the aforementioned Joules persuasion, pondering hints of Shakespearean wordplay courtesy of As You Like It and Much Ado About Nothing references to the Market Drayton brewing process. I wonder what Stafford will supply me with in 2026?

March Moments (2025)

Following on from February's fragments, I bring you musings from further potted perambulations at the beginning of March - one from Birmingham and one across Walsall way...

- St Paul's Church -

I'll commence with Tuesday 4th March when a bit of library buddying means I'm back in the Jewellery Quarter once again admiring St Paul's Church, admittedly looking enchanting in the sunshine and being used as a filming location with lots of production equipment dotted about. It's lovely to catch up with Emily in the School of Jewellery, talking about library life over a hot chocolate, while bonus pictures are obtained of Farmers Bridge Locks on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal between Old Snow Hill and Ludgate Hill. Fans of street art won't struggle for inspiration along that stretch, a 'Heart of the Waterways' creation being a standout item.

- Old? Maybe. Contemptible? Definitely! -

Tuesday evening has me meeting up with Nick and frequenting a few more watering holes in the centre of Birmingham. Our first port of call is the Old Contemptibles on Livery Street, part of the Nicholson's brand with a penchant for pendulous tassels. The pub takes its title from the nickname given to the British Expeditionary Force, a noted army unit deployed in France and Belgium during the First World War. Purity UBU and Fuller's London Pride are the tipples here as we watch BBC News analysis of Donald Trump's approach to the Ukraine War.

- Sarah the Botanist Chicken -

One haunt that Nick and I had never sampled was the Botanist on Temple Street so we set about correcting that over a Happy Hour pint of Cornish Orchards cider. The chain hit financial difficulties earlier in the year but appears to have got back on its feet again now (albeit with some closures), and their Birmingham outlet is certainly memorable thanks to floral-themed decor and an ironwork chicken called Sarah. They specialise in botanical cocktails but have quite a range of wines and craft beers, not to mention a popular restaurant facility.

- The Royal in The Royal -

Two boozers of a regal persuasion are next on the agenda. The Royal on Church Street appears to have dropped its 'Old' prefix, depriving me of the chance to mock Nick's age, although our resident monarch gleefully grabs half a Guinness whilst sitting upstairs in a rather stately dining room. Ignoring any Aston Villa Champions League football excitement, attentions switch to the Queens Arms on Newhall Street for a Theakstons XB Ruby Ale in similarly agreeably refined surroundings. The evening's curtain call is then the Shakespeare (the Summer Row version), bookending our rendezvous with another Nicholson's affair and lapping up the Bard's quotations when quaffing a fine drop of Old Peculier.

- Stephen taking his daily steps -

The Walsall segment of this summary involves a Pelsall canals circuit on Friday 7th March, in which case Mr Beardsmore was my willing accomplice over three and three quarter miles. We catch the number 9 bus from Heath Town to Pelsall Wood then set forth along the Cannock Extension branch, deviating across part of Pelsall North Common where marker stumps plot out the route of the Timberland Trail. Stephen almost comes a cropper in one muddy puddle but manages to escape the perils of squelch suction with his trainers still intact.

- Canal Remains at Wyrley Common -

Exiting the towpath just north of Wyrley Grove Bridge, we take steps up to Lime Lane by a couple of isolated cottages before joining a woodland track which skirts the lower edges of Wyrley Common. Felled silver birch logs and craters of gloopy mud need to be hurdled on occasion but we proceed mostly without incident, crossing above a disused canal bridge not far from Engine Lane. A former railway line connects us to The Slough so that we can join the towpath of the Wyrley & Essington Canal, whereby bridge names such as Yorks Foundry help recall the days when the area was a hotbed of mining, collieries and industry.

- A Paul Pint in Pelsall -

Zigzagging beneath the A4124, we come full circle back to Pelsall Junction noting the bridge widening/replacement works underway on Norton Road (Yorks Bridge). The Fingerpost pub has always eluded me previously but happily the lights are on so we can partake of a pint, even though the general kitchen is closed on account of preparing for a large wake later. Timothy Taylor's Landlord drinks well as we recover from our exertions, Stephen reporting a welcome lack of aching, and prepare for evening quizzing duties in Tettenhall. Alas despite a very strong showing, Team Bears would only finish third after a knowledge shortfall about moth infested mansions trips us up in the final wipeout round. Two great outings - cheers!!

The Bartons Arms with a Digbeth Dash

March = Spring = Longer Days = Brighter Weather (we can but hope). The seasons change as they always must, and the first day of the new month is put to good use with a Birmingham-based adventure. Nick and Jane are willing accomplices as we sample Bartons Arms opulence and the delights of Digbeth...

- Birmingham Cathedral -

Trip Log: Saturday 1st March 2025 and there are bright West Midlands skies to cheer us all the way to the Second City. A brief snoop around by St Philip's Cathedral cranks the camera into gear, noting the statue dedicated to Charles Gore who was the first Anglican Bishop of Birmingham (serving between 1905 and 1911). Colmore Row's architecture shimmers in the sunshine whereby the Chatwin Building carries medallions of Benvenuto Cellini and Lorenzo Ghiberti, two noted Italian sculptors. Pictures pocketed, we declare it close enough to 11am for it to be Pub O'Clock...

- A Wellington Appetiser -

Our designated meeting point will be the Wellington, with Jane and I arriving first and then keeping watch for our resident royal to appear along Bennetts Hill. A longstanding purveyor of excellent ales, the Welly is doing a roaring morning trade no doubt boosted by the early kick off at St Andrews later. We find a free table among the Bluenoses and peruse the pub's many CAMRA certificates, recognition of the esteem in which the place is held. Black Country Ales are the operators here and are launching their annual Ale Trail, requiring participants to visit 25 of their 53 pubs for the chance to win a polo shirt and case of beer. Rowton's Meteorite or Rooster's London Thunder ensures we get our passports stamped, just 24 more to go!

- Bartons Arms Tiling -

Finding the correct Moor Street bus stop among a mass of tram-related roadworks is no mean achievement but eventually we board the number 51 north into Newtown. The Bartons Arms is no stranger to the WME blog so we were concerned to hear that it had suddenly closed last year. Thankfully this turned out to be a temporary issue and normal service resumed in August with all the late Victorian splendour we know and love intact. I could wax lyrical about Minton tiles and wooden snob screens but you really have to see it for yourself to appreciate just how magnificent the interior truly is. Green Duck's Babylon and Black Sheep Bitter were the ales on show this time around, and we even snuck up the grand carpeted staircase for a cheeky peek inside the Palace of Varieties function suite. Spectacular doesn't do it justice!

- Yo Birmingham! -

From the Bartons Arms we head back across town so as to spend the afternoon in Digbeth, that melting pot district just beyond the Bull Ring which seems to set Birmingham's cultural heartbeat. You're never short of pub options - or street art - in this neck of the woods so we land in the Rainbow on the corner with Adderley Street, enticed by a lively Beavertown mural featuring a series of skeleton-like characters. Inch's Cider slips down nicely in a velvety back room noted for embossed gilded wallpaper, all rather refined. Sports screens show the football match with promotion-seeking Blues closing out a narrow victory over Wycombe Wanderers. 

- The Spotted Dog -

Knowing that hordes of fans will be descending imminently eager to celebrate said 1-0 result, we hotfoot it over to Alcester Street and the Irish mainstay that is the Spotted Dog. Our timing is impeccable, for no sooner have we armed ourselves with Holden's Mild and Aspalls than the place goes from virtually empty to packed out within the space of five minutes. Musician portraits and bottle candleholders caked in layers of wax are part of the charm, sitting in the side snug munching tasty salad cobs. I could literally have stayed in here all day but switch we must to the Old Crown on Deritend, reputedly one of Brum's most historic buildings. The timber frame is worthy of note, even if the 1368 date might be dubious; either way, this is equally as busy so it's standing room only joining the throng by the back yard cocktail van.

- Beware Woolfs with Big Balls -

Much of Digbeth's artistic sparkle centres around the Custard Factory, which probably feels a far cry from the days when Alfred Bird & Sons were manufacturing their prized yellow powder. Independent cafes, bars and workshops are to the fore, including Chance & Counters wherein you can sample craft beers and ciders whilst picking from an extensive range of board games; it's too full for us to get a table indoors but we can sit outside and partake of appley goodness. Birdies is similarly lively - we encounter Sharp's Cold River cider here in what appears to be a portakabin setting - before the fun and games go up a notch at the Roxy Lanes bowling alley. Let's just say Jane knows her way around a bowling ball!

- HRH shows how it's done -

Making ourselves at home on Lane 8 (with guardrail bumpers up due to our novice status), we progress through two competitive games of ten pin bowling. The first one sees The Woolf all triumphant, beating His Majesty and 'Ano Paul' with relatively ease having scored a strike with her very first attempt. The second game is a Paul versus Jane grudge match which Mr WME takes on the final frame, suddenly finding unerring accuracy that had otherwise been absent! Somersby Cider is selected from the bank of craft taps in ensuring we won't go thirsty, and besides the bowling they also offer shuffleboard, American Pool or 'Beer Pong' activities.

- Ruined in The Ruin? Not Quite! -

Darting beneath viaduct arches, we make the Ruin on Floodgate Street our final port of call for an apparent taste of European dive bar sensibilities. I can't comment on whether it replicates accurately the type of haunts you might find in Budapest or Prague but there's a mysterious shabbiness at play which makes for a nice contrast. Orchard Pig cider is detected, winning our vote ahead of the Purity UBU and Gold offerings, while scuffed furniture and courtyard murals add to the overall effect. All in all it's been a memorable day mixing old favourites with newer discoveries, dodging football fans and generally enjoying the Second City sunshine. Cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - February 2025

A few weeks ago I went on record as saying January had been the month with a little bit of everything, and it seems that February has taken that observation to heart by also endeavouring to spread its update wings across as many of my galleries as possible. There's quite a lot to get through...

... starting with the steadfast consistency of WME Staffordshire. Never one to shirk away from gaining new additions, Staffs is now the proud recipient of several Stafford snippets (Hop Pole pub signage, a Pat Collins funfair inflatable and some gleaming Railway Inn lettering), not to mention Stoke offerings in the form of Floyd Street with a railway station stop valve. Anyone yearning for the early days of spring might appreciate Victoria Park's colourful flowerbeds in shades of deep blue and primrose yellow.

Our other majestic mainstay is of course WME Wolverhampton which admirably keeps its own standards resolutely high. This time around it has focused upon Springfield and Tettenhall so if you are fans of St Michael & All Angels Church or Facebook-thumbed Banks's branding you are in for a treat! Time Trial markers at West Park hark back to the 2022 Commonwealth Games while a Bilston cheese platter recalls happy memories of jazz nights at the Trumpet.

Neck and neck for third place in the rankings are WME Birmingham and WME Dudley, locked together after nine neat arrivals each. Brum mostly swooped upon Stirchley, hence Plymouth Road and Wildcat beer arrows, although there was room for St Paul's Square and two Sommar Brewing references; Dudley meanwhile danced its way along the Stourbridge Sixteen lock flight with recourse to pause at the Bonded Warehouse for good measure. 

In other months, gaining seven new pictures would be enough to earn top billing and yet both WME Sandwell and WME Shropshire find themselves consigned to mid-table in February's bumper bounty. Sandwell consoles itself with Spon Lane Locks and a Haden Hill House Big Sleuth bear sculpture (remember those?) whereas Shropshire snuck along the Shrewsbury Canal for gunged-up reeds and an initial understanding as regards Uffington - cue Mill Lane and a vintage traffic sign indicating the way to Ellesmere and Whitchurch.

Trailing even further behind but with cause to be proud of their efforts come WME Solihull and WME Walsall. Solihull had been January's only missing link so it makes up for that irritating omission by selecting Shirley snapshots (think Longmore Road and the Shaking Hand micropub) and an Usk Way street sign from Smiths Wood. Walsall mostly concerned itself with town centre titbits, should you be interested in Tower Street or the Town Hall. 

Definitely among the stragglers we belatedly give a shout out to WME Telford and its quartet of Sutton Hill contributions, including the flat roofed church and the Hub on the Hill artwork. WME Worcestershire wangled a couple of Stourport pub pickings (hello to the Wheatsheaf and the Angel), leaving a slightly sheepish WME Coventry bringing up the rear with a single Stivichall Croft donation - every little helps! Until March, enjoy the photos.

Attingham Park

Situated approximately five miles south-east of Shrewsbury, Attingham Park was the Shropshire stately seat of the Hill family (several generations of which had the title of Lord Berwick) and comprises a Regency era mansion set within extensive parklands. Feeling in need of a National Trust fix, it proved the ideal place to while away a sunny Saturday afternoon...

- The Big House -

Trip Log: Saturday 22nd February 2025 and I'll be making the most of a free family day pass which Mother WME won in a recent competition. Judging by how full the car park is, we're not the only ones eager to maximise what feels like a rare day of sunshine, although not all of the visitors will be mooching around the mansion. Having successfully been zapped through at reception, we pass a busy stable block courtyard to approach the main house in all its 1780s finery. Designed by George Steuart, this is undoubtedly an imposing sight constructed from ashlar sandstone with curved colonnade wings and flanking pavilions. 

- Pass the Port please -

The interior of the mansion is used to tell an Upstairs Downstairs-style story of noble life over the centuries. The Ground Floor showrooms convey a distinct sense of opulence associated with grand living and society entertaining, from dining halls with elaborate dessert feasts to an inner library where valuable books are stored inside locked lattice bookcases. Collections of Regency furniture, exquisite silver and precious porcelain represent the tastes and fancies of the Hill family; we particular admire an agriculturally-themed gallery dedicated to the Hereford breed of cattle, or square cows as Jane likes to call them!

- Ringing Requests in the Servants Quarters -

Continuing below into the basement, we can form an impression of what conditions would have been like for Attingham's team of servants. A bell system indicates where in the house someone's attention might be required, and we can inspect the precision of any linen storage or try to avoid bothering the cook in the kitchen. It is intriguing to think just how many roles were involved in keeping everything running, and of the hierarchies these may have entailed. Dinnerplates record the names and duties of various grooms, scullery maids, butlers and footmen, although I think I'd have probably been the 'Odd Man' if in service myself!

- Attingham Park Architecture -

Taking the opportunity to try on hats of differing persuasions, we note a larder stocked high with chutney jars and manage not to get press-ganged into any washing chores. Back outside, the service yard is a feast for the eyes in its own right and it's only proper to pause for a cake courtesy of Lord Berwick's Tearooms - the scones are virtually sold out so I placate myself with a date and pecan flapjack as a tasty treat. The wider grounds encompass woodland walks, riverside pasture and landscaped parklands, plus at this time of year there is a spectacular snowdrop trail to follow through the trees. 

- Forcing Rhubarb in the Walled Garden -

It might be the tail end of winter but that won't preclude us from wandering around the Walled Garden, lovingly restored as a provider of home-grown fruit and vegetables after a period when the facility had become almost abandoned. You don't expect much to be growing in February yet there are hints of life among the furrowed beds while the ceramic pots used to force rhubarb are all lined up in a neat little row. Helpful notices advise us as to which plants propagate best on south- or west-facing walls as a dragonfly sculpture takes pride of place.

- Garden Glasshouse -

Later in the year, we are led to understand that fruit will be trained across the brickwork albeit one quarter of the garden is retained as standard lawn which gets mowed once per annum. An inviting doorway leads then into the glasshouse section which offers fledgling plants extra protection from the elements; the gardeners bothy is occasionally open and boasts displays pertaining to all things horticultural. An adjacent orchard is a pretty spot, covering two acres and said to contain as many as 37 different varieties of apple. 

- River Tern Scenery -

In terms of its topographical positioning, Attingham Park is set on the banks of the River Tern just north of its confluence with the River Severn at Atcham. It's a delight to simply roam the woodland trails even if I am keeping half an eye on the Wolves score (playing Bournemouth away in a crucial Premier League fixture). Doubling back past the big house, we briefly cross into the Deer Park to see part of the 130-strong herd of fallow deer from a suitably respectful distance - they seemed quite calm considering there was a Woolf in their enclosure! The herd was established in 1798 by Thomas, the second Lord Berwick, and is nowadays managed by a team of rangers under the guidance of the National Trust.

- A Mytton & Mermaid pint -

Our Attingham appraisals concluded, we switch to pub matters in which case the obvious place for refreshment is the Mytton & Mermaid, a Brunning and Price affair on the B4380 directly opposite the park's gatehouse entrance and its Qui Uti Scit Ei Bona inscribed arch. Knowing in advance this was likely to be expensive, I am nevertheless pleased to see a fine range of local cask ales and ciders while there's no denying this is a high end establishment with refined dining settings. Long Mynd Cider and Holden's Mild are duly sampled, sitting in the picturesque beer garden taking in gorgeous views of Atcham Bridge and the River Severn basking in the sunlight. News of a rare Wolves win brightens the mood still further, making for a pretty perfect afternoon all round. Cheers!

February Fragments

Exploration can be a funny old business. Some months have obvious headline trips that steal the show whereas others are more a process of accumulation, squirreling away bits and pieces of activity when the weather allows. February 2025 has thus far fallen into the latter camp although my camera has been chipping away from time to time, and there are prized pints to report too...

- Truth and Art -

Let's start with Tuesday 18th February 2025 and a lunchtime walk around Wolverhampton City Centre. I quite often nip into the Art Gallery on Lichfield Street to peruse their latest exhibitions but this time around I focus on the decorative frieze that adorns the building's Grade II*-listed exterior. Classical figures from a variety of arts and crafts are depicted, representing pursuits including pottery, painting, architecture and metalworking with much detail to admire. 

- Shut the Box -

The Great Western on Sun Street has been a perennial pub favourite of mine for years, and a regular meeting point for the Chip Foundation since our days in public library employment. I'm very much a fan of their railwayana displays so close to the former Low Level Station, not to mention the lovely Holden's cask ales. This much-anticipated first visit of 2025 sees Nick and I partaking of Toffee Porter whilst Stephen ponders Heath Town housing renovations and Ken wonders if Birmingham City will be Wembley-bound in the Football League Trophy. On the games front, we have a bash at Shut the Box as a dice-based distraction in the conservatory although my victory was definitely more by luck than judgement. 

- His Majesty joins the Wolfpack at the Starting Gate -

After the Great Western, our Tuesday evening plan is to go to Penn Fields albeit the Bruford Arms isn't open tonight, depriving Nick of the chance to revisit one of his 1980s beer haunts. Thankfully the Starting Gate micropub on Birches Barn Road is on hand to claim our custom instead, and what's more they have Sting Spiced Cider at a mere £2 a pint - what a bargain! Wolfpack glassware and a store of metallic firkins add to the fun as we congregate in the back room of what used to be a branch of HSBC - you can still get a feel for the reinforced doors and security measures required during its banking days. 

- Trysull Village Hall -

Fast forward now to Friday 21st February which is grim and gusty to say the least. A bout of blusteriness can't put me off attempting a canal walk though, gritting my teeth through bitter raindrops to reach Trysull via Ebstree Lock and Awbridge. All Saints Church appears to be undergoing some significant renovation works at the moment and I still lament the loss of the Plough, an ex-Banks's pub that got converted into private housing a few years ago. My circuit of the village includes the little green patch opposite the local school while the Village Hall potentially counts as a new discovery near where Crockington Lane meets Feiashill Road. 

- A Holden's Hurrah at The Bell -

I don't know what it is about this time of year that makes me hanker after the Bell but Trysull's surviving boozer is in line for yet another February visit, following calls in 2017 and 2019; I'd have probably paused for a pint here in 2021 too had lockdown restrictions not intervened. I'm pleased to report that the place is as good as ever, from the beguiling bar with its oh so cosy main fireplace, to the more modern lounge area with Hoptimist stencilling. The beer is on point too, a fact confirmed when I pair Golden Glow and Bathams Bitter with quality scratchings!

- Cheers & Beers - 

Finally from Friday 21st comes a return to the Firs, a roadhouse pub serving the Castlecroft portion of westernmost Wolverhampton. Marston's disposed of this one last year, after which it has taken on a new lease of life as a Desi establishment although the layout and general feel of the place hasn't changed that much. A 'Cheers & Beers' strobe orange effect accompanies me to my chosen table for a steady supping of Worthingtons before I walk the short distance home, satisfied that the persistent drizzle hasn't prevented an enjoyable afternoon. Cheers!