The Route 1 Pubcrawl: D9 at the Double

The storm season has arrived with a vengeance as Austen and Boelo have wreaked their collective might upon the West Midlands. The Hub Marketing Board were due to meet for a Shropshire session but scaled back our plans in favour of a local pubcrawl aboard the number 1 bus between Dudley and Tettenhall - the idea proved so tempting, we completed it across two separate outings...

- Our driver is in position -

Part One of our twofold tale takes place on the afternoon of Friday 23rd October 2026 when soggy Shrewsbury gets jettisoned in favour of Upper Gornal and Sedgley. The Board are no strangers to wet weather contingencies although the elements have thrown up particularly unpleasant conditions, hence our Pipers Row rendezvous being accompanied by an almighty downpour. Splashing our way to St George's Parade, we intercept the trusty 1 for a TUAG (Turn Up and Go) rumble into Gornal where the Britannia can provide solace from the storm. Bathams Best Bitter in Sally's Parlour is always hard to beat, munching our way through the pub's latest cob delivery while old boys chat about the poor beer quality at their Golf Club.

- The Bald Spot spies a Stripey Oss -

The Secretary doesn't need much persuading to revisit Gornal, knowing that he can cash in a sleeve surprise if the cards fall right. The Stripey Oss on Kent Street's 1960s shopping parade had its shutters down at the first time of asking but obligingly opens up after 1pm; the zebra theme is good fun but our darting exploits become a trial of back room endurance. For once, WME Whirlwind is hitting the board regularly but he lacks the clinical edge for those crucial checkouts. D9 Destroyer by contrast is hitting trebles all over the shop (albeit mostly going bust as a result) and takes a 5-1 lead to the Jolly Crispin. The scoring there is tighter, a 3-3 draw being powered by Neepsend's 6% Typhon pale ale, meaning the Chairman ends up 8-4 in credit. Some Whirlwind consolation is gained from a crafty 101 outshot and the ale is great.

- Rebel Rosie's -

One Upper Gornal pub we won't be able to sample is the Spills Meadow, which is currently all boarded up with skips outside. With that crossed off our agenda, the number 1 briskly powers us into Sedgley for a sampling of Sanzibar (partaking of Draught Bass and Three Tuns Cleric's Cure) followed by the White Horse, the latter a bastion of Carling and avid horse racing on this evidence. Friday's Silly Songs are duly traded: 'Statutory Right of Entry' by Richard Stilgoe from the WME playlist, then the Mrs Mills piano-peddling version of 'Second Hand Rose' - she's no Barbra Streisand is Gladys! Another bus ride brings us back into Wolverhampton, alighting on Snow Hill to check out The Bricks which turns out to put much more emphasis on the kitchen than the bar in terms of its 'Kitchen Bar' operations. Rebel Rosie's is interesting, occupying industrial buildings which were once part of Express & Star news production.

- The Secretary takes a DIVE -

The Chairman takes quite a shine to Rebel Rosie's actually, and we could envisage returning sometime to test ourselves on their glitzy darts lanes or shuffleboards. It is pitched at students and sport lovers so could get lively when a big match is on, but we found it likeable enough. Mr WME's sleeves then start twitching again: we all know that D9 loves his dives but a venue actually called DIVE is a new one on us, and can be found above the ex-Exchange pub (or De Fusion in modern parlance) via three flights of dimly lit stairs. Worries that we are about to enter a Sinderella's strip club are thankfully allayed by the sight of a drinking den with its own vintage pinball games room. Tall glasses of Freedom lager help us to feel at home, then the Secretary makes a sharpish exit to attend to quizzing matters in Tettenhall. A Team Bears debut for Bookworm Bygrave results (or coincides) with a long overdue victory - hurrah!

- Back aboard the number 1 -

Speaking of Tettenhall, that end of the #1 route must not escape hub scrutiny so the Board reconvenes on Monday 26th October for an evening blast. Little has changed since Friday in fairness - the weather is still awful, the Secretary is still wearing his red tent anorak and the Chairman's hair hasn't miraculously grown back. Flagging down our steed on Lichfield Street opposite the Art Gallery, we make speedy progress out to the Newbridge as an A41 roadhouse landmark operated by the Stonehouse group. Daily carveries are the stock-in trade here but we swerve the roast dinners in deference to glasses of Carling, Mr D9 digesting bombshell news regarding the imminent works departure of Head Hub.

- On yer bike, Chairman? -

From this point on, the pubs are all reasonably close together - certainly within easy walking distance - although this doesn't stop the Chairman from contemplating using one of those Lime e-bikes that seem to be everywhere now. The Swan on Lower Street is another Carling contender and has been opened out more since we last saw it (which admittedly was the best part of twelve and a half years ago). 1970s Wolverhampton Wanderers programme covers are the Secretary's kind of decor and sports fans are well catered for thanks to numerous screens. Old Hill has us rapidly revising my assessment about 'easy' walking distance; it's actually quite a steep climb to reach the Two Greens, an establishment some readers may remember better as being called the Rock Hotel. Greene King ales and comfortable surroundings are the result, albeit perhaps upstaged by a Ronnie Barker silly song - 'There's A Lot Of It About' you know!

- The Carpenters Arms -

There are two further taverns to complete our Tettenhall Village set, Mr WME taking pity on D9 by not insisting on revisiting the Crown at Wergs (scene of an all-time expensive round). The Chairman instead finds himself in line for a nifty discount courtesy of the Dog & Gun over on Wrottesley Road, £3.50 each for good quality Plum Porter and Jaipur isn't bad going these days. We can then finish at Tettenhall's newest addition, the Carpenters Arms as based in a High Street premises which used to be the Chill Wine Bar, and a dressmaking shop before that. The refit seems very tasteful, creating a vibe which feels very much like a traditional alehouse with extra capacity via a lounge room upstairs. The beer is on top form tonight, Hobson's Town Crier and Purple Moose's Dark Side of the Moose both meeting with our esteemed approval while the cobs are massive. What a lovely landing point - cheers!

Glugging Around Gornal: A January Jaunt

Foundation Assemble! Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to raid the pubs and taverns of deepest Gornal in search of ale, cobs and merriment. Will you be up to the task? There's only one way to find out...

- The Jolly Crispin -

The first Chip Foundation outing of 2026 stands to be a wet one. His Majesty has requested an extended Glugging Around Gornal session as a follow up to December's calendar unveiling affair, during which we spotted a Stripey Oss among other things. Several of our old favourites are in line to be revisited in the rain, starting with the Jolly Crispin on Clarence Street. Indeed, Nick has forged ahead to claim a prime table in the rustic old bar and is happily clutching his Ossett White Rat by the time Stephen, Ken and I pitch up off the number 1 bus. Promising a festival of beer everyday, this used to be the Fownes Brewery tap but now functions as a free house that - if the date on the paintwork is to be believed - first got going circa 1820.

- Britannia Buddies -

Conversation about Eastbourne holidays, Beardsmore tenants and the recent snowy weather prepares us for a stroll down the road to collect that other Upper Gornal mainstay, namely the Britannia. Some of us were only here last month but it's always a joy to return, especially if there is Batham's Best Bitter in the offing. HRH goes rogue by sampling the Mild - which he rates very highly - and we find ourselves budging in amongst the regulars in the main bar due to Sally's Parlour room being used for interviews. One of the barmaids is working wonders in getting a roaring fire fully stoked up, just what you need on a chilly grey day in January. We mostly gloss over our Ashes cricket reflections (probably too traumatic for poor Stephen to contemplate) and instead debate Greenland developments plus the general rate of inflation.

- Cheers from the Chapel House -

Gornal can be a hilly challenge so we're wisely going down into Lower Gornal rather than attempting any mountaineering in the other direction. Holloway Street and Ruiton Street thus bring us safely to the Chapel House, an establishment we last frequented together way back in December 2010. It was called the Miners Arms at that point but has reverted to an earlier name as well as having its external render removed to showcase the underlying sandstone; Holden's have owned the place since around 1949 hence their range of Bitter, Special and Golden Glow is on hand to tempt us. The locals are playing darts (complete with electronic voiceover) at the front of the pub so we sit near the back, Ken being quizmaster in finding us various BBC football questions to answer based on rounds in Richard Osman's House of Games, Only Connect and Mastermind. Getting 'Trent Alexander Arnoldham' as an Answer Smash might be my finest moment of the day!

- The Fountain Inn -

The next couple of watering holes shouldn't require too much of an introduction, both having been recorded in the annals of my blogdom several times over the years. Passing the edges of St James's Churchyard - where most of the graves look very well cared for - we reach the Fountain as positioned in a sloping formation halfway along Temple Street. For many editions this was a Good Beer Guide shoo-in and we're pleased to report that the quality and breadth of the ale range is hitting the heights still. His Majesty considers himself to be a Fallen Angel (no comment) whereas I simply can't resist the Abbeydale Irish Cream Stout which tastes like a heavenly mixture of Baileys and Guinness. Stephen by this stage is so replete with Pepsi that he can't face another half and prefers to concentrate on munching a much appreciated sausage roll. A comfortable lounge table beckons for Bridge of Lies as the daytime diet of endless quiz shows gets into full swing.

- The Old Bull's Head -

Leaving Ross Kemp to his brooding hosting duties, we switch straight across the road into the Old Bull's Head which also happens to be the Black Country Ales flagship. The company has gone from strength to strength since being founded in 1999 and now owns over 50 taphouses with more being added to the estate each year. Gornal however is their spiritual home so it's always a pleasure to pop by and pick from whichever beers they have on show, which today includes their standard BFG, Fireside and Pig on the Wall plus several guests. I personally partake of Oakham's Hell Bent Coffee Porter which has a pronounced roasted bitterness to match well with some bargain vegetable samosas. The front two rooms have been knocked into one but its an inviting space, decorated in the company's house style and lending itself to deep conversation with a background hint of Smooth Radio. 

- Bush Brethren -

From the Old Bull's Head, we continue our descent past Gornal Wood Bus Station to reach the third of the Gornal communities (Upper, Lower and Wood). The Woodman doesn't look open and has a planning notice sellotaped up by the front door so we hope this isn't terminal; thankfully the Bush Inn on Summit Place is very much alive and kicking. This is a cottagey number that can go under the radar a little compared to the cask ale heavyweights nearby although it's definitely worth seeking out. A tight cask range gives us a choice between St Austell Proper Job or Exmoor Gold - South West beers in the heart of the Black Country - before we park ourselves in the little front snug surrounded by heavily blackened beams. Having settled in, Ken gives us the back story to his new coat purchase and we deliberate over what might become of Wolverhampton Wanderers once relegation is confirmed.

- Milk Stout Moments in PACK -

I make that six Gornal stopping points duly accounted for, a glorious half dozen that covered three local breweries and some excellent independent houses. The 27A bus collects us from Gornal Wood Bus Station at 17:13 for a ride via The Straits (the Longfellow Road variation), Sedgley, the Northway estate and Goldthorn Park. Back in Wolverhampton by 6pm, we finish off at PACK to see what the chaps make of the city centre's latest bar arrival. As with Mr D9 last week, impressions are very favourable with Nick's eyes predictably lighting up at the sight of the table football machine upstairs. Bristol Beer Factory's Milk Stout is the perfect smooth finale to a day of high class beer, and the first floor soft sofa area also scores highly. Cheers!

The Chip Foundation Calendar Crawl

The festive season is all about traditions - Christmas trees, crackers, roast turkey, sprouts - and one of my personal favourite customs is the annual presentation of Chip Foundation calendars at the Great Western, my way of saying thank you to Stephen and Nick for putting up with my photo requests over the preceding twelve months. As has been the case in the last few years, we make a little trip out of the occasion so here's a quick summary of what we got up to...

Mr B and I meet at midday for the number 1 bus across to Sedgley where Nick is already warmly ensconced within the bosom of the Beacon Hotel having maintained his preferred trick of being there bang on opening time. A couple of things have changed since we last came in April, namely that the conservatory has been refitted into more of a drinking zone, and a small room off the main corridor has likewise been brought into public use having previously always been a staff quarters - I guess the pub has become so popular now they need all the space they can muster. The famed Dark Ruby Mild is as good as ever, washed down with an essential and highly drinkable 8% Sarah Hughes half of Snowflake which definitely warms the back of one’s throat! His Majesty meanwhile gallantly does battle with a huge cheese and onion cob so big it takes him ages to eat until it succumbs to inevitable consumption eventually. Stephen is still traumatised by the latest Ashes and Wolves defeats so we avoid sporting topics in favour of more cheerful discussions about political ineptitude and the prospects of war.

- Beacon Hotel Sign -

Onwards and we’ve business in mind in Upper Gornal where a new micropub (the Stripey Oss) has recently opened on Kent Street precinct, just across the road from the Spills Meadow. A willing 1 gets us there easily enough and we locate the arcade unit which used to be a painting and decorating supplies store. The name alone is a novelty - referencing the Black Country dialect's description for a zebra - so some of the incumbent artwork references said animal, as do posters seeking to set up darts and poker teams. They’ve not been going all that long (I think it first launched in mid-October) so there’s a whiff of fresh paint and DIY to contend with. Cask ales mainly get delivered in readiness for the weekend so although they have an Ickle Brewery clip on show we have to make do with the craft keg stuff this time around, Salt’s Alpacalypse being an amusing take on a sessionable pale ale.

- The Stripey Oss -

A few doors up the road is our old friend the Britannia, purveyor of Bathams beers which means Nick and I might get chance to sample the special XXX beer that eluded us at the Lamp Tavern recently. The longed-for dark bull pumpclip is indeed on display so we linger for a relaxed half, recalling fond memories of our first joint Christmas trip back in 2010 when we took up station in the Games Room. Fifteen whole years on, we’re back once more only this time around we prefer to sit in Sally’s Parlour, a classic unspoiled realm of mottled green leather, framed family portraits and antique cash registers. A sprinkling of festive decorations - an elf on a shelf, a toy workshop, tinsel around the carriage clock - gives a yuletide flavour to make the setting seem even more special.

- Pork Crunch in the Parlour -

Catching the bus back to Wolverhampton, I’m keen to pay an inaugural visit to PACK on Queen Square but it isn't open (their trading hours will apparently settle down once more staff are recruited). The Lych Gate Tavern thus gets summoned from the substitutes bench to fill the void. It’s never a hardship coming here regardless, Nick being eager to give it a whirl especially when we realise the dark ales have Saltaire’s Montezuma Triple Choc Stout among their number. A downstairs seat among the tartan upholstery over on the left works well, it not being overly busy although there are a few folks about. Mr Beardsmore leads us on a Review of the Year, reflecting back on notable events and happenings, including his season-long commitment to watching Warwickshire here there and everywhere.

- Holden's Old Ale -

And finally to the Great Western main event, once I’ve snuck into work to retrieve the all-important calendars from my locker. Ken has been in touch and is joining us after playing whist in Harborne - he certainly gets around does our Mr May - so we find him at the kitchen hatch table just inside the conservatory extension. Following on from Snowflake and the Bathams XXX, I complete the Holy Trinity of local heavy hitters by procuring a pint of treacly deep Holden’s Old Ale (£4.95 a pint and worth every penny) - we’re so lucky to have such notable yuletide brews produced on our doorstep. Various Christmas cards are exchanged and now comes the big moment itself. Stephen first had one of my calendars in 2010 with Nick getting one the year after, so the handover has been a seminal gathering for well over a decade. The 2026 editions feature Mr B flanked by Hove deckchairs, red-nosed Rudolphs and recreating his Friar Tuck role at White Ladies Priory whereas His Highness has Jane frickles, Kenilworth sword poses and bits of bellringing to adorn his wall next year. Cheers!