The Festive Forage 2022

Ding Dong Merrily On High! It's that time of year when Santa finalises his lists of who's been naughty and who's been nice, when reindeers go into training for their round-the-world flight, and elves work overtime on the toy production line. December also of course means that Nick and I must stage a Festive Forage, our annual yuletide pub spectacular which this year will focus upon Birmingham...

- Percy the Party Penguin -

Nick and I have both been very well behaved indeed during 2022 so we're permitted to meet up on Saturday 10th December for some festive fun. A Grand Central rendezvous means we can confirm the precise location of Birmingham's brand new Wetherspoons (the London and North Western) on New Street's station concourse; it's predictably packed so we'll save it for a future trip and instead focus on Smallbrook Queensway street art and the Penguin Parade sculpture trail. 'Pullover Penguin' awaits us on Hurst Street outside the Hippodrome and looks warmly wrapped up in her woolly jumper. We then have the challenge of negotiating shopping malls and escalators in order to find 'Percy the Party Penguin' on Primark's top floor; his dapper snowflake-themed attire makes the hunt worthwhile. 

- It's Penguinning To Look A Lot Like Christmas -

Prior to Percy we'd also had the pleasure of navigating/getting totally lost in Selfridge's trying to track down 'Buddy the Elf Penguin' near the toy department - admittedly we were somewhat distracted by giant teddy bears, yellow bull models and inflatable Father Christmases. Buddy eventually does receive his photocall and we complete the set courtesy of 'It's Penguinning To Look A Lot Like Christmas' in Rotunda Square (note the colourful folk-flavoured patterns as inspired by Matryoshka dolls). The Frankfurt Christmas Market is getting into full swing along New Street so we decide to dodge the growing crowds by catching the Midland Metro along its Westside Extension via Broad Street and Five Ways. 

- Edgbaston Village Tram Terminus -

Metro operations through to Edgbaston Village actually began back in July albeit this was my first opportunity to see it for myself; I'm particularly impressed with how the tunnel beneath Five Ways roundabout has been made a tram-only space. We alight alongside the Hagley Road and have a brisk walk around the block, checking out Highfield Road and The Oratory Church - the latter was founded by Saint John Henry Newman and has served the Catholic community since the 1850s. An opening drink would be nice but the Ivy Bush (on Monument Road junction) doesn't necessarily appeal to those of us with regal standards to uphold. No matter, we simply rejoin the tram to the Library stop and nip into the ever-reliable Prince of Wales for some Korvak's Verdict dry stout and a munchies-busting cob. 

- "What is this curious concoction?" -

The Prince of Wales is a long-time favourite of ours anyway although we are impressed by its Black Country Ales makeover which has created a lovely relaxing bolthole nestled away from the festive throng. We do briefly brave the Christmas Market hurly-burly once more en route to Piccadilly Arcade where I'm keen to introduce His Majesty to the Dig Brew Beer Club, a craft bar that proved an absolute revelation on a recent Hub Marketing adventure. The rudimentary upstairs seating area makes for quite a culture shock after the relative comfort of our opening haunt, while the 23-19 kettle sour similarly takes some getting used to with its raspberry, vanilla and pink salt tartness - Nick has never drunk anything remotely like it previously.

- Springwell Pils in the North Taproom -

With the tram on hand to funnel us through the shopping hordes, we quickly decamp to Snow Hill Queensway where the North Brewing Company launched their new taproom at the tail end of November; setting up in Birmingham marks a first foray away from their Yorkshire roots and the result is a distinctly modern drinking experience amidst sleekly glazed office-type surroundings with the tram tracks passing right outside the front door. A cooling fault means some of the craft lines are temporarily out of action but we're more than happy to partake of Springwell Pils and park ourselves on a bench end for half hour or so. Culinary enthusiasts may be interested in the resident Little Bao Boy street food concession, busy with orders for temptingly-filled steamed buns. 

- Balloon Dog, Birmingham Children's Hospital -

A typical Festive Forage is nothing if not a day of contrasts, so we follow the contemporary almost clinical nature of North with the Davenports-derived reboot that has brought new life to the Queens Head on Steelhouse Lane. We remember coming here when it was known as the Jekyll & Hyde (which placed much emphasis on gin parlour glamour) so it's intriguing to see how reverting to the pub's historic name has melded with that sense of paying homage to a famous Birmingham brewing institution. The current Davenports brand certainly seems keen to maximise such provenance and we're very willing to see how their Vanilla Porter stacks up; an enjoyable half ensues, sitting in a covered courtyard admiring plastic lemons as you do! Our penguin exertions from earlier prove fine preparation for further sculptural discoveries down by the Children's Hospital, where a giant red balloon dog has joined The Big Hoot's 'Florence Nighting-Owl' and 'The Bear That Cares' from The Big Sleuth.

- Beaming Broadly in The Bull -

Mindful that we don't want to miss the World Cup quarter final football match later in the evening, we finish off at a couple of Gun Quarter mainstays we always hold in high esteem. The Bull on Price Street is the reigning Birmingham CAMRA Pub of the Year no less and I'm delighted to see it retains an extensive crockery collection timelessly hung above the bar counter. Ale-wise it has to be Church End's Gravediggers Mild in superb condition, moreishly smooth with a nice roasted edge. Just around the corner lies the Gunmakers Arms, taphouse for the Two Towers Brewery which means we have a tricky choice between Hockley Gold, Complete Muppetry and Jewellery Porter - naturally the darker brew gets the nod. The pub does much to celebrate local artists and photographers plus has a regular programme of live music, what's not to like? Dusk has descended upon Bath Street as we take our leave and that's another Festive Forage filed for posterity - cheers!

Willenhall Whereabouts

Friday 2nd December 2022 had been reserved for Hub Marketing action in Redditch only for the Chairman to submit a last gasp sicknote that means our Worcestershire plans must be postponed until the new year. In Mr D9's illness-enforced absence, the Secretary is left to his own Black Country devices...

- The Locksmith's House -

Ably stepping into the breach is Willenhall, a market town that has long been associated with the manufacture of locks and keys thanks to firms such as Yale, Chubb, Legge and Squire's. Historically this important trade began as a cottage industry during the 19th century and the Locksmiths House on New Road still offers an insight as to the original tools and equipment utilised by the Hodson family circa 1904; the museum only opens occasionally these days, mainly for pre-booked tours or special events, and is overseen by the Black Country Living Museum as their sister site. 

- Willenhall Lock Workers Memorial -

Further evidence of Willenhall's proud industrial past can be found near the Dale roundabout. First installed in 2015, the Willenhall Lock Workers Memorial has a central black granite tablet accompanied by individual bricks bearing the names of those being commemorated; the wider garden here looks out towards the Royal George while the Malthouse nearby has been put up for sale by pub chain Wetherspoons. My curiosity next takes me to Bath Street so as to see what has become of the former Willenhall Leisure Centre - the answer is that it is now an events venue and function suite called The Willows, looking rather smart it is too!

- Roy Birch DIY -

Willenhall Market Place evokes many fond memories for me of childhood Saturday morning shopping excursions, albeit the number of stalls has dwindled somewhat in recent years. The Bell Inn (no longer a pub) and the Memorial Clock continue to be familiar features, the latter having been unveiled in 1892 as a tribute to local doctor Joseph Tonks. Lower Lichfield Street reminds me of another mainstay, namely Roy Birch DIY's and General Hardware which alas is hosting its Grand Retirement Sale. The shop has been a fixture here since the mid 1960s so it'll be strange to think of it passing into history.

- The United Kingdom -

The morning skies remain resolutely grey as I proceed via Temple Bar, passing the Mount Olive Apostolic Church in the process - the chapel resonates as a landmark from formative rides on the 525 bus. Monmer Lane, Lucknow Road and a brief portion of Wyrley & Essington Canal towpath combine as my approach route into Lane Head where I have a choice between two pubs, decisions decisions! The cottagey appeal of the United Kingdom beats the Bridge on this occasion and I'm rewarded with a pristine pint of Wye Valley HPA (even though this is badged as a Marston's establishment). Draped England flags and windows painted up with footballer illustrations ensure the World Cup theme is very pronounced although Santa Claus and the Grinch do offer a nod to the forthcoming yuletide festivities.

- Church Road, Short Heath -

I can't quite believe it's been nearly ten years since I last set foot inside the United Kingdom so I'm pleased to see the bar area feels largely unchanged with a nicely traditional feel. HPA supped, Short Heath then awaits for glimpses of Holy Trinity Church, the Royal British Legion Club and the various terraced houses of Coltham Road. Wesley Road bend is home to the local Methodist Church while the Ezekiel Lane junction is guarded by the Swan pub and a building supplies yard (Graingers I think). I've known this area most of my life and it's great being back seeing some of my old haunts round by where my aunt used to live. 

- Rucker and Cob -

One prime target I'm definitely keen to revisit is the Duke of Cambridge, an atmospherically creaky Black Country Ales boozer further along Coltham Road. The lounge is a lovely setting for a well-earned pint, admiring a sepia gallery of Willenhall places of worship down the ages. Backyard's Rucker is a tasty tawny bitter that offers plenty of rugby-inspired bite, just ideal for pairing with an ever-essential cheese and onion cob. Shafts of sunlight break through the clouds as I while away a happy hour or so of quiet contentment, adding in a Derby Brewing Mercia IPA for good measure. The 41 and 69 buses see me safely homeward, and even though it wasn't the anticipated Redditch runout I still made the most of the day - cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - November 2022

Is FIFA World Cup 2022 fever sweeping the nation yet? I'm not entirely sure about that but have managed to distract myself from the Qatar-based football showpiece long enough to bring you my statutory monthly digest - yes folks, please do contain your excitement...

If the WME photostream were a sports tournament then Exploration Extra has snuck in via the back door with a very late bid for qualification. We've heard nothing from the gallery all year and then suddenly come November it springs back to life as if it has never been away. Amongst a dozen fresh arrivals I'm pleased to see more items from Arnside (2010 family holiday memories of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks plus the village's railway station) and Alsager, which gets my Rail Rover 2021 album underway thanks to the local war memorial. A batch of bus pictures includes the 2C at Ruabon, the 25a at Oxford and a vintage BCT Daimler visiting Acocks Green Garage.

Any photostream competition would automatically have WME Wolverhampton installed as the heavy favourite, and it maintains the usual rate of progress with a handful of additions. Tettenhall and Tettenhall Wood have both been among the scorers, expertly assisted by Woodcote Road, whereas Woodcross stakes its claim upon the Horse & Jockey public house on Robert Wynd. A Bushbury street sign representing Wood Lane probably ranks as my least exciting offering of the month but even this isn't quite as boring as that 0-0 stalemate vs the USA. 

As well as WME Wolves has performed, it is upstaged on this occasion by a stellar showing from WME Dudley. Wordsley has emerged as our star striker, setting its sights on the Golden Boot by powering home goals involving Rectory Street, the New Inn and the former Wordsley Hospital grounds. Stourbridge Locks have maintained a steady supply of ammunition too (numbers 3, 7 and 8 especially) plus there's a second welcome appearance from the X96 bus at Wollaston. 

The other competitors have been suspiciously quiet and are presumably saving their energies ready for a full tilt at glory. WME Staffordshire and WME Worcestershire have at least got in on the action, providing Wombourne nativity characters and Stourport canal locks respectively,  and that just leaves WME Birmingham scoring a solitary consolation goal in the form of the Woodman's dartboard; sadly the pub has closed down recently, a casualty of the cost of living crisis and ongoing HS2 development. What sporting drama might unfold in December? 

Dudley Winter Ales Fayre 2022

No year of visiting beer festivals is ever complete until I've been to the Dudley Winter Ales Fayre, an unmissable celebration of stronger seasonal brews that takes place in late November. It's fair to say I've been looking forward to the event for months and months, as has Nick who will also be eager to sample the wares...

- St James Church, Eve Hill -

Friday 25th November 2022 brings with it the promise of cracking beer and decent sunshine, so I put the blue skies to good use by grabbing some pictures en route to Dudley. Given that the Town Hall's address is St James's Road, I'm keen to visit the church after which the road is named hence I hop off the number 1 bus at Eve Hill to investigate. Designed in the Early English style, the building dates from the 1840s and is an imposing Wolverhampton Street feature when heading towards the town centre. A few snapshots from the churchyard are followed by a steady stroll passing S.T. Records and the old Burgin's newsagents shop. 

- Dudley Library Architecture -

Further architectural flourishes can be detected on St James's Road itself, where the Grade II-listed Dudley Library boasts Edwardian Baroque stylings and effectively adjoins the Town Hall. Nick and I have arranged to meet up at the Courthouse, a Black Country Ales pub reprising its role as our traditional festival curtain-raiser as we seem to rendezvous here most years. Very crusty cobs go well alongside our contrasting halves of Byatt's Extra Foreign Stout and Derby Brewing Company's Buckeye Brown. The jovial young landlord is stoking a lovely real fire and laments having to put up his Christmas decorations when it isn't even December yet, while Wales concede two very late goals to lose to Iran in their crucial World Cup fixture. 

- Plum Porter Grand Reserve -

And so to the main event as we hand over the necessary £20 admission and are furnished with DWAF 2022 commemorative glasses, programmes and the all-important beer tokens at the Town Hall box office. My opening tipple is Holden's Santa Scores, brewed especially for the World Cup period, whereas Nick avails himself of a Robust Porter (Humper Doucy) which lives up to its sturdy billing. Taking residence in the Tommy Mundon Lounge - named in tribute to a popular Black Country comedian - we progress through the likes of Goacher's Crown Imperial Stout, Davenport's Vanilla Porter and Kinver's Raspberry Ram. A special mention must however go to Titanic's Plum Porter Grand Reserve, stronger and even more plummy than their fruity bestseller - we like that a lot!

- Ticking off those tokens -

Part of the joy of Dudley Winter Ales Fayre is getting to taste beers that are only brewed at this time of year, those winter warmers that appear in the lead up to Christmas. Sarah Hughes Snowflake and Bathams XXX are thus present and correct while Green Jack's Baltic Trader is a 10.5% heavyweight that needs to be approached with caution. Another of our joint favourites has to be the Gurt's Coconut Rum Stout from Cerne Abbas, a real throat tickler to savour. It's great seeing old faces again too and the atmosphere is one of genial contentment as the Friday afternoon hours simply fly by. All too soon we're spending out with Penzance's Prussian Gold and thoughts turn to where we might go next...

- Cyder & Cobb, Blackheath -

The answer to that will be Blackheath, courtesy of the X8 bus through Rowley Village. We're hoping to track down a micropub that's earned a spot in the 2023 Good Beer Guide, and sure enough Halesowen Street presents us with Cyder & Cobb in a shopfront unit. The £5.50 meal deal offer catches our eye, comprising pint, cob and crisps/scratchings - we duly partake of Dancing Duck's Dark Drake and a well-fired cob each, and are just happily minding our own business when a group of Nick's Heart of Warwickshire contacts arrive. They're on a tight schedule to squeeze in five post-festival pub stops on their way home but there's more than enough time for Nick to get enthusiastically hugged by social secretary Julie. 

- Nutcracker Soldier, Queen Square -

As the Warwick crew troop back off to their minibus, Nick and I make the Swan on Long Lane our final port of call. It's nearing kick off time for the England v USA Group B match but we manage to find a spare table at which to quaff the mysteriously-titled Woolly Bugger, another of the Izaak Walton Brewhouse's fishing-themed creations (apparently it's a fly for catching trout). Discussions about the Black Country Ales trail mingle with the only-to-be-expected football chat, and we keep up with the score whilst catching our respective X8s home. A 0-0 bore draw suggests we didn't miss very much, and Adam the nutcracker soldier greets me in Wolverhampton by providing one last photo opportunity to round off an excellent day. Cheers!