Inspired by @thestymaster and the #100pubs challenge in 2015 ( http://www.piglet-net.net/pigblog/?p=3012 )
It got me wondering just how many pubs I visit in a year. So here we are. Will I get to 100?
I'll post an update each month with every new (first visit of the year) pub and a short write up.
They won't just be pubs, they may be clubs, wine bars or anything with an alcohol license really.
December 2016 ( 11, 176 )
Tis the season to be Jolly (well pissed) - Ah Christmas, it's dark all the time, the pubs are full of once a year punters and office party's. What's not to love...
December 8th
The Crown (Forget me not club) - Birmingham (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forget-Me-Not-Ex-Servicemens-Club/158584777497391)
Large club on the Tyburn road. The scene of an annual reunion.
It's a nice club with an excellent function room that can seat quite a few and I can imagine has some decent acts on.
Excellent snooker & pool facilities
Greene King boozer so no real ale, but the Stella 4 was ok.
December 9th
Christmas shopping in a packed Birmingham - I managed to avoid the market which is always positive
After an excellent Bloody Mary breakfast in Bills it was time to get on the tram and head to the Jewellery Quarter.
The Red Lion (http://theredlionbirmingham.com/)
Part of the Urban art group and sister pub to the excellent Lord Clifden.
Ales, lagers, And 3 monster munch flavours. Couple of rooms with a jukebox and Sky sports
Quality pub but then you'd expect that.
The Pig & Tail (http://www.thepigandtail.co.uk/)
A couple of years ago I stumbled across the Pickled Piglet on Gas Street (http://www.thepickledpiglet.co.uk/) and had a most delicious Sunday lunch.
So when I heard they were opening another bar in the Jewellery Quarter I knew I had to visit.
They have done up an old pub called the George and Dragon and have made a great job of it.
A unique & quirky interior with craft beers, cocktail and a small plates menu.
1000 Trades (http://1000trades.org.uk/)
Another new bar, they are popping up everywhere in the JQ.
This ones tag line is Craft beer and natural wine. (I had the Gods's Twisted sister)
A small bar and larger eating area, they look to have a lot of interesting events going on here.
The Button factory (http://thebuttonfactorybirmingham.co.uk/)
Large bar and a roof garden (but it wasn't the weather for that)
Ales, lagers (you know the drill by now) - this felt a bit hipster but was still perfectly pleasant and the beer was very good.
The Rose Villa Tavern (http://www.therosevillatavern.co.uk/)
The pub that's closest to the train station so no excuse not to pop in.
I hadn't actually been in for about 10 years and it has changed beyond recognition. It has now become a bit of a vodka bar, but they still have ales and lagers (I had the bunny hop)
It had a very young vibe, but I wouldn't say hipster. Just rather cool.
We got the tram back into town and attempted to go in the Botanist and then the Shakespeare but they were far too busy.
The Jewellery quarter is less busy with better bars, but sshhh, not everyone knows that yet.
December 26th
Wetherspoons - Birmingham Airport (https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/eating-and-drinking/wetherspoon/)
Airport Bar, Airport prices. Disappointing choice of ales so a pricey pint of San Miguel
Jack's Bar & Grill - Dubai Airport T3 (http://www.emiratesleisureretail.com/Brands/Jack-Bar-Grill.aspx)
It's been 7 years since I'd been in Dubai, I don't recall this place before so had to try it.
American themed bar selling Budweiser on draught (and Heineken I think) and of course lots of JD.
Great Pool table, showing the football too. Good place to kill an hour whilst connecting.
However at £10 a pint you'll only be sipping slowly.
December 30th
Beldon Tavern - Beldon (http://www.beldontavern.com.au/)
Pubs in Australia are very different to back home. In the suburbs you often find them in shopping precincts and serve not only as Bars but as eateries.
This one like many was split into a lounge and a sports bar, where you can bet on the TAB.
Sports, Beer & Betting what's not to like?
A pint of Carlton Draught for a reasonable $8 a pint
Sovereign Arms - Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City (http://thesovereign.com.au/contactUs.php)
I was looking forward to visiting here, A new British pub in a city that has a large British population.
They may have English Ale??
However, I had thongs on (that's flip flops to us) - and they are a no go area after 7pm.
No thongs in Australia, My gast was flabbered
Craigie Tavern - Craigie (https://www.facebook.com/TheCraigieTavern/)
So it was back to the local. Similar set up to the Beldon with a lounge bar (that I wasn't allowed to get in to) and a sports bar. Different to the Beldon though as they had a greater range of beers and a pool table
I had the local brew (Swan Draught) and a rather fine pint of Fat Yak which is rather close to an ale (think IPA)
Prices creeping up though, the Fat Yak was $10
December 31st
Woodvale Tavern - Woodvale (http://thewoodvale.com.au/)
NYE in Oz, so obviously it was spent at a British pub.
The night started early with a two course meal, there was rather excellent band and a bar packed with beer choices to choose from.
An absolutely cracking pub, with large areas a good bar and a rather charming outside area
So that's the year in pub crawling over and done with. I've had lots of fun and tried lots of new places.
Hope you've enjoyed reading and have maybe tried 1 or 2 new places that I've raved about
There will be a full write up of the Oz trip in the coming weeks.....
November 2016 (6 , 165 )
This November has been really quiet. The quick change from Autumn to winter has made be hibernate a bit. so just a short blog for November. But there are a couple of gems.
November 4th
Bartons Arms - Aston (http://thebartonsarms.com/)
On the outskirt of Brum lies this wonderful old pub. I'd been past it a thousand times on the 51 but have never gone in. It's been recommended by many, many people.
So instead of eating in Birmingham on this Friday evening we decided to finally eat here.
The bar is a large traditional bar serving excellent real ale (mainly Oakham Ales) and they also have a Thai restaurant.
Being from Walsall we don't have a lot of Thai so you always have to travel. This place is well worth a visit both for it's beer and it's food. And it's only a short ride into Birmingham afterwards
Marmalade at Birmingham Rep (http://www.marmaladebirmingham.co.uk/)
Pleasant theatre bar serving Shipyard and Heineken.
Symphony Hall Foyer Bar (https://www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit/eating-drinking)
Not a bad bar for a venue. Serving Amstel and Purity ale in bottles
The Solomon Cutler (https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/west-midlands/the-soloman-cutler-birmingham)
Thirsty after the gig, we went to the nearest pub. A Lloyds version of a Wetherspoons. It was late a Friday night, it was packed, there was very little ale and the DJ was playing unlistenable loud modern music.
Horrific
November 18th
The Malthouse - Willenhall (https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/west-midlands/the-malthouse-willenhall)
Willenhall's Wetherspoons, Dark, dingy and generally not very inviting, Unless your after very cheap beer (They had some ales at £1.49) I'd look elsewhere for a pint in Willenhall... like..
Royal George (http://www.royalgeorgepub.com/)
Right by the 529 stop to Walsall is this recently renovated Donovan Inns pub, it's had a lot of money spent on it, completely gutted, extended and modernised.
Serving 4 or 5 real ales (I had an excellent Broughs Pale Ale) and Peroni with all the sport and a pool table.
An excellent pub in a struggling market town.
So that's it for November. Just the 6 pubs. A poor effort. December and (Christmas) should see activity increase rapidly.
October 2016 ( 16 , 159 )
October 13th
Toorak Hotel - Conway Bar Torquay (https://www.tlh.co.uk/where-to-stay/tlh-toorak/food-and-drink/bars/conway-bar)
Pleasant hotel bar with a Piano and a nice outside area.
No ale (only in bottles) Nice selection of Malts
October 14th
The Cider Press - (https://www.facebook.com/The-Cider-Press-172798229401751/)
Couple of decent local ales (Bays) but of course this about the cider and mainly Cornish Rattler.
Small bar with a pool table and sky sports
The Bull and Bush (http://www.bullbushpub.co.uk/)
A Marstons in Torquay but it's an excellent one and lots better than many of the ones around here.
A real cracking local with good choice of ales, pool table, All the sports and decent food
October 15th
The Drum Inn - Cockington (http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/south-west/thedruminncockington)
The stunning village of Cockington just outside Torquay is a must visit in this part of the world, the local is a vintage inn, so you know what you are going to get. I always find vintage inn's rather decent and the Otter ale was a lovely drop. Strange Bar snacks though
The Devon Arms (http://www.thedevonarms.co.uk/)
Hidden away up a rather steep hill in Torquay harbour is this absolute gem of a local pub, it was quiet on this Sunday afternoon, serving a couple of ales and an ice cold refreshing Thatchers cider.
Music in the evenings and a rather decent looking Sunday lunch, Well worth the diversion
The London Inn (https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/devon/the-london-inn-torquay)
A quick pint in Torquay's Wetherspoons to see what the real ale festival had to offer (RCH's Return from the Ashes) - A traditional Wetherspoons that could be in any town centre. I'm glad they put more effort into the new ones they open.
October 20th
Rushall Labour Club (http://www.itsallaboutgoingout.com/venues/1704/Rushall-Labour-Club-Walsall)
Fairly decent working men's club (Not the scratter though) - Good sized bar, no ale but they do serve the old favourite Caffreys
Royal Oak (https://www.facebook.com/TheRoyalOakRushall/)
Now I normally wouldn't include Indian restaurants but this place used to be a pub and has kept it's separate lounge so I thought it qualified.
Also you can't take your own which is a rarity these days. They serve the fairly priced Mongoose (and Carling) on draught.
October 21st
Wyrley Jrs Football Club Function Room
Function room with a decent bar but no ales - Marstons Pedigree & Smooth
October 28th
The Pretty Bricks (http://www.blackcountryales.co.uk/the-pubs/the-pretty-bricks/)
A Black country ales pub that I think is actually called the New Inn?
Small, cosy bar serving 8 ales and ciders, and on this Friday afternoon a couple of pints of the wonderfully named Spitting Feathers Thirst Quencher went down an absolute treat.
Like Walsall's other real ale pubs I'm sure a few hours spent in here would be time well spent.
October 29th
Walsall Football Club - Bonser Suite (http://www.wfcthevenue.co.uk/conferencing/rooms-suites/the-bonser-suite/)
If you're gonna watch a Saddlers match this is the way to do it. No Ale on the bar (Banks' , Stella 4 & San Miguel) but with an excellent carvery you'll be washing it down with Red Wine anyhow.
October 30th
The Red Lion - Walsall (https://www.facebook.com/redlionwalsall/)
Historic pub at the top of Walsall's park street. A rather different place by day than it is at night!
A quick pint on a quiet Sunday afternoon whilst waiting for the Rattler to Brum, Carling, no ale
Birmingham
The Post Office Vaults (http://postofficevaults.co.uk/)
Ales, Ciders & Whiskies in a pub that even has it's on directory. If you didn't know this place existed you'd struggle to find it. But here's a tip, if you are going to the German market, slip in here for a quiet pint. You won't regret it.
The Old Fox (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Fox/109343189125061)
Tired old theatre bar on the edge of the Arcardian Centre. Plenty of characters in there. Imagine it was absolutely great "back in the day"
The Green Room (http://www.thegreenroomcafebar.co.uk/)
Another theatre bar, although this one is much changed. It's been modernised. No ale so a £4.75 pint of Estrella. Didn't this place used to have a big board full of signatures of loads of actors. Now it's a modern tapas bar. Shame
The Glee Club (https://www.glee.co.uk/venues/birmingham/)
Concert venue in the Arcadian centre, mainly comedy but we were here for music. Very intimate venue with top notch sound. Shipyard & Hobgoblin on draught.
Well the clocks have gone back, how will that affect the pub crawling....200 is just possible.
September 2016 ( 30 , 143 )
September 2nd
The Bloxwich Showman (https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/west-midlands/the-bloxwich-showman-bloxwich)
A Wetherspoons yes, but this is a rather good one. On the high street, next to THE ASDA so a perfect stop of for thirsty shoppers. Lots of ale choice including craft on draft and a decent beer garden
September 3rd
The Barn @ Lichfield (http://www.thebarnatlichfield.co.uk/)
A country pub and kitchen on the outskirts of Lichfield, they must have spent a fortune on this at it seems to have being under construction for a couple of years now.
Previously an Indian restaurant but before that the Three Tuns it's now I believe what they call a gastro pub. Lots of space with a huge outdoor area.
Unfortunately the Backyard Hoard was off, other ales were Greene King's own so I had a £4 pint of San Miguel
The Swan - Brownhills (https://www.facebook.com/theswanbrownhills/)
In my underage years I mostly frequented 2 pubs, the much missed Swan in Pelsall and the other Swan just down past Clayhanger, spending many hours playing pool and feeding the jukebox in both of them. The Swan in Brownhills probably had the edge on the one in Pelsall due to the fact the gaffer never shut the place (you could roll out at 5am on a Sunday morning)
Over the years I visited less and less and you never knew when or if it was gonna be open.
However in 2011 (http://www.piglet-net.net/pigblog/?m=201110) new owners took over and since then the pub has gone from strength to strength winning the pub of the year in 2014.
2 rooms, all the sport and ever changing ales (Honey Bunny this time, Golden Glow is a constant) , it's the kind of place you could spend all day in on a winters afternoon, forgetting all about whatever is happening outside.
A MUST VISIT
September 9th
Frizzenti - Grand Central Birmingham (http://frizzenti.com/frizzenti-opens-bar-in-birmingham-grand-central/)
Birmingham's new shiny train station has a Prosecco bar, always handy for a quick Peroni before you board a train
London
The Jack Horner - Tottenham Court Rd (http://www.jackhornerpub.co.uk/)
A Fullers Ale & Pie house, a few ales to choose from - I went for the Yeastie Boys at just the £4.45 a pint. Oh yes Welcome to the West End.
Duke of York - Fitzrovia (http://www.fancyapint.com/Pub/london/duke-of-york/5)
Quick stop diving in from the rain, a small dingy bar on the corner. A pint of Nelsons revenge. Pub or beer not recommended. Miserable staff
Marquis of Granby - Rathbone Street (https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/london/themarquisofgranbyrathbonestreetlondon)
Now this was a lot more welcoming, Bright and airy with smiling bar staff looking happy to serve the afternoon crowds
A Nicholsons pub with an excellent ale choice. they had a Salopian hop twister on but I went for the Stray Dog by New Order (yes that New Order) a beer they've cooked up with the help of Moorhouses of Burnley
The Bricklayers Arms - Greese St (http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/88/880/Bricklayers_Arms/Fitzrovia)
A Sammy Smiths pub in the beating heart of the West of London? Well not quite the beating heart as to find this excellent pub you need to take a small diversion down a side street or two. But it's well worth doing.
Sammy Smiths beer, an interesting pub with a few different rooms and of course snacks.
In the main bar there are just 5 tables.
Dickie Fitz- Newman St (http://dickiefitz.co.uk/)
An Australian bistro but with a lovely bar area where you can have one of the Aussie ales (bottled) or a cocktail of their extensive list
We ate and the food was rather splendid. (Including the Kangaroo Tartare)
The Ship - Wardour St (http://www.shipsoho.co.uk/)
Any Jam fan has to have a pint on Wardour Street when in London, on the edge of Soho this Fullers pub was heaving on this Friday night. Not a great ale choice so I went for the Frontier lager
The 100 Club - Oxford St (http://www.the100club.co.uk/)
The legendary 100 club on Oxford Street, where it all began for the Sex Pistols 40 years ago. I was very surprised by how small it was, With all the people that claim to be at THAT gig I expected it to be the size of Wembley Stadium.
The venue holds about 400 and is a very good place to see a band. Couple of bars but no ale so I was on the Camden lager.
Saturday 10th September
Dragged to Harrods on the understanding we took in a few pubs in one of the poshest parts of the world, so posh your not even allowed to walk through the "communal gardens" unless you've got a key.
The Star Tavern - Belgravia (http://www.star-tavern-belgravia.co.uk/)
Legend has it that the Great train robbery was planned here, but unexpectedly for this part of town the prices weren't daylight robbery. Quite but lovely Fullers pub with a good choice of ales and bar snacks.
The Nags Head - Kinnerton Street (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Nags-Head/159583700731196)
Now this is a little off the beaten track (meaning you won't be overrun with tourists) in the residential area behind Knightsbridge this takes some finding, but boy is it well worth finding.
A charming bar that's almost on the floor, it's and independent house but most the beer is Adnams, they do ciders too and Smoked Salmon sarnies, there are a couple of rooms that are full of photo's and memorabilia. You could spend quite a while here, they do Jazz on Sundays too.
The Bunch Of Grapes - Brompton St (http://www.bunchofgrapes-knightsbridge.co.uk/)
Closest pub to Harrods and boy do you need a drink after suffering half hour in there, especially when visiting the Christmas shop in SEPTEMBER.
Unspectacular Greene King pub that is full of tourists and average ale
The Liquor Station - Wembley (http://www.theliquorstation.co.uk/)
Close to Wembley central tube station the 1st choice of pubs for refreshment's are this or a Wetherspoons.
We plumped for this place as it had TV's, and it was the 1st pub of the weekend that had a TV.
Selling mostly European lagers, this is a big pub that is clearly used to crowds as they had loads of staff on, all smiling and willing to sell you beer. And the hottest wasabi peas I've ever tasted
Club Wembley - Wembley Stadium (https://clubwembley.wembleystadium.com/ClubWembley/WhatIsClubWembley)
It'll set you back a bit, but if your favourite act (or team) are playing Wembley stadium then try Club Wembley just once in your life. Dining in style with the best seats in the house.
It's a shame that they have a partnership with Carlsberg as that is the only lager on offfer, but there is plenty of other choice.
Sunday 11th September
What a great day to be alive. A scorching late summers day with not a cloud in the sky on the banks of the River Thames, so yeah only natural that the 1st pub choice was a slightly dingy place with not a single seat outside...
The Princess Of Wales - Villiers Street (https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/london/theprincessofwalescharingcrosslondon)
A Nicholsons bar near to Charing Cross, it's actually a nice room but it's not a pub for a hot day. Poor ale choice so Peroni
The Morpeth Arms - Millbank (http://www.morpetharms.com/)
Traditional Youngs pub with a great view of the Thames and MI6.
Excellent choice of ales, the Cowcatcher was particularly good and a very good fish & chips
Outside seating for leisurely Sunday afternoon swilling and chomping
Dirty Martini - Bishopsgate (http://dirtymartini.uk.com/bars/bishopsgate/)
Cocktail bar in the heart of the city, extensive choice and fairly priced, especially during happy hour
The Volunteer - Baker St (https://www.thevolunteernw1.co.uk/)
Sherlock's local on the edge of Regents park. A nice bar with good outside seating but a lot of the ale was off, So I had the Meantime London Pale Ale
The Argyll Arms - Oxford Circus (http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/london/theargyllarmsoxfordcircuslondon)
Now this was amazing, all of the ale was off and frustratingly there were quite a few to choose from
A nice pub with a couple of rooms in the bustling west end.
The Rum Kitchen - (http://carnaby.therumkitchen.com/)
Bottled ales but it really is all about Rum, whether it's cocktails or just straight rum.
On Kingly court just of Carnaby Street is the Rum Kitchen which no Rum lover can afford to miss.
Brilliant barman too who has happy to talk all things Rum and even offer a frew freebies (hic)
The Tav Bar - (https://www.imperialhotels.co.uk/en/restaurants-and-bars/tav-bar)
Ending the day at the hotel bar, which unusually had a couple of decent ale choices. A nice pint of Wainwrights to end a whistle stop tour of the smoke.
Monday 11th
All Bar One, Euston Station (http://www.allbarone.co.uk/national-search/london/all-bar-one-euston-station)
All Bar one for breakfast and a pint of Estrella.
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY........
I'd been tipped off about the Euston tap ages ago, but I forgot all about it. Going for a quick stroll before the train came I stumbled upon it. 28 beers to try and about 28 seconds to try them in. Tragic.
This will have to wait until next time, when I will be going here before anywhere else.
Friday 16th - Lichfield
Back on the Lichfield real ale trail, time to take in some places that I couldn't get too last month
The Angel (http://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/pubs/pub_details.php?id=29)
An excellent Joules house on Market street.
Everything you'd expect, ales, world beers and also big on Gin.
There's even a pub dog.
The Scales (http://www.thescaleslichfield.co.uk/)
Been at least 10 years since I was last in here, and it's certainly had a lick of paint. It's now very well done out and it looks absolutely huge.
But here's the problem, you'll pay for it. the beer is expensive and with so many others to choose from why come in here?
Good ale choice and another Gin Parlour
The Whippet Inn (http://whippetinnmicro.co.uk/)
A Micro pub and a very good one at that, 4 real ales, 2 ciders & wines (No spirits which is a shame)
And at £2.80 a pint, truly excellent value
Beerbohm Bar (http://www.beerbohm.co.uk/)
Next door to the Whippet is this gem, Ales, world beers, and you guessed it GIN.
A lot going on here, Quite strange they don't open on Sunday's as you'd think this is a perfect place to catch up with the papers over a pint or Dandy Bitter
George & Dragon (http://www.perfectpint.co.uk/pubs/george-and-dragon-lichfield)
Marstons pub at the back of the cathedral. 2 small rooms and Marstons ale
Winner of the 2010 Tuesday pub of the year award (whatever that is...)
Horse and Jockey (http://www.visitlichfield.co.uk/content/horse-jockey)
8pm on a Friday evening this place was absolutely heaving, 6 ales and standing room earlier. Also showing the football
I hear they do a cheese board but I was full of Thai food so had no room to try it out.
August 2016 (14 ,113 )
August 4th
The Lamp Tavern, Bloxwich (http://www.holdenslamptavernbloxwich.co.uk/index)
The 100th pub and the first of August.
This used to be a Holden's house but has recently changed hands, we came here to visit the Indian restaurant that's now situated at the back of the pub (Panka Walla)
But first a refreshment in the pub, a pint of decent tribute for £2 (which then ran out) was the only ale, before moving onto the lager (Tuborg) to drink with the curry.
The pub is tired, I'm not sure who it's trying to cater to (loud dance music at 6pm in the evening) and will turn people off the excellent Indian. I just wonder if the Indian will take over the pub eventually, it's probably the only thing that will save it
August 6th
Ye Olde Windmill, Gentleshaw (http://www.yeoldewindmill.co.uk/)
A cracking country pub that's renowned for it's steaks, plenty of ale choices (Top totty & Blythes Staffie on this occasion) and a bowling green.
The Drill Inn, Burntwood (http://www.drillinnburntwood.co.uk/)
Another country pub, family run that is getting really good reviews. Massive beer garden for a lovely summers day, Ale choices including Backyard Navvy and Goats (not on the menu though :-( )
August 20th, Birmingham
A tootle around Brum on a wet & wild "summers" day.
We met at the Arcadian centre where you really need good weather to enjoy the expensive, up market cocktail bars. We however did try a few..
Sobar - (http://www.sobar.co.uk/)
Missoula (http://www.missoulabirmingham.co.uk/)
Las Iguanas (http://www.iguanas.co.uk/locations/birmingham)
All much of a muchness, no ale at all. Different lagers and cocktail offers.
The Dragon Inn (https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/west-midlands/the-dragon-inn-birmingham)
On exiting the Arcadian, you get a real ropey Wetherspoons. However it's a chance for ale, although on this occasion the choice was limited. They seem to have decided to join the Gin revolution instead
The Victoria (http://www.thevictoriabirmingham.co.uk/)
For years this has been my favourite city centre pub, the place that I will always head to first. It's still great but of course they have much more competition these days. They seem to be going away from the real ale a little and only had a couple on. Getting heavier into the cocktails and still have an extensive spirit selection.
Chilled out vibe and after dark, great DJ's
Cherry Reds (http://www.cherryreds.com/food.html)
A quaint cafe bar on the way to the Mailbox (opposite Turtle Bay)
They had Backyard Rio, which was better than anything you will find over the way at Brewdog
Penny Blacks (http://www.pennyblacksbar.com/)
At one time the Mailbox's home of real ale, but there seems to be less and less choice upon every visit
Ice cold Heineken at £4.80 a pint.
The Craven Arms (http://www.blackcountryales.co.uk/the-pubs/the-craven-arms/)
Real ale at Mailbox prices, they have some gems in here but you will pay through the nose for them.
A black country ales pub that was quiet for a Saturday night, I guess it's not really a Saturday night kind of place.
August 27th
A trip over to Lichfield and the wonderful food festival. My first visit here and one I will definitely be returning to. Lots to sample, and in good weather it's a great location for this kind of event.
A couple of pit stops
George IV (https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeIVLichfield/)
An excellent city centre pub. Good selection of ales (Shropshire gold is always a winner) - Choice of lagers with a courtyard area and a back room where they have live music and on this Saturday afternoon a record fayre. Ale and Vinyl. Everyone's a winner
The Malt Bar (http://themaltbarlichfield.co.uk/)
Now this was a real find, close to Lichfield Garrick this is a family run bar with an excellent selection of ales (Hip Hop Hooray) a good choice of lagers but strangely not an extensive choice of Malt (not on show anyhow)
Showing the football (rare in Lichfield) but at a very low level so Saturday afternoon drinkers can enjoy each others company.
Lovely place, A return visit for their Steak night (free bottle of wine) is in order.
August 29th
Tays Bar (Pelsall boat festival)
A beautiful bank holiday Monday in God's country. The last day of it's bi annual canal festival.
The real ale bar was incredibly busy and I'd expected it to have run out, but there was plenty of choice left. A good selection of Backyard Beer and a rather nice 5.5% IPA called Moxee Valley, Anything named after an Auf Wiedersehen pet legend has to be good.
Caution though a few pints of it in the midday sun can leave you feeling woozy.
A note on the Fingerpost too, they did a good job this weekend, the ale was good, there was an outside bar and I'm hearing good things about their new menu. I hope they make it.
July 2016 (13 , 99 )
July, the height of summer. This consisted of intense heat, reunion gigs, carnivals, rain & beer
July 2nd
The Old House at Home - Pelsall (http://www.oldhouseathomepub.co.uk/)
Pelsall's much loved Old House at Home, where the beer is excellent, the staff attentive and the food top notch (said no one ever) - however on Pelsall carnival day it's the best place to watch the procession.
They are trying, they had an ale, shipyard (which wasn't great) and of course Pedigree. However it's overpriced and unfortunately on Carnival day served in plastic glasses.
It's undergoing yet another change of management in August so I'll re-visit and hopefully have better things to say.
July 8th - Walsall
The Wheatsheaf (http://www.wheatsheafwalsall.com/)
One of Walsall's real gems. Loads of ales (On this visit AJ Ales SPA & Dorothys golden ale)
The Watering Trough (https://www.facebook.com/TheWateringTrough/)
The Trough - Walsall's bikers pub and it's Friday night rock disco. Full of characters, but a recent change of owner has seen an introduction to ale, Decent Sharp's atlantic.
Flan O Briens (https://www.facebook.com/flanobriens/)
Walsall's "Irish" Bar, which to the naked eye has nothing Irish about it. On Friday nights it's full of Karaoke singers (is that an Irish thing)
No ales, but I assume the Guinness is decent. Went for the lager and a fair bit of Tequila.
July 15th - Birmingham & Moseley
The Wellington (http://www.thewellingtonrealale.co.uk/)
Now being an ale lover it's hard to believe that I'd never been in the Wellington before. People have raved about this place to me for years, but I've always found somewhere else to sup.
However on this day I'd got to Birmingham rather early and had half hour to kill.
16 ales to choose from and a lovely rooftop terrace on a summer's afternoon. I've had worse half hours.
The Prince Of Wales (http://www.theprincemoseley.co.uk/)
Onwards to Moseley, which seemed to take an age in the rush hour traffic.
Another place I've never been too, The Prince of Wales has had a great reputation for years.
A small front bar (but very excellently showing the cricket) and a few ales, but with a big beer garden so they could pack the punters in.
However the outside bar wasn't open and there was only 3 staff on the bar, building up huge queues. Bizarre.
One Trick Pony Club (https://www.onetrickponyclub.co.uk/)
Now this was much better for staff numbers, but what? NO ALE. Ended up on £5 pints of Sierra Nevada.
Cracking atmosphere though, really getting people in the mood for...
Moseley Park (http://www.moseleypark.co.uk/)
Ocean Colour Scene, and the 20th anniversary of seminal album Moseley Shoals.
What better setting the beautiful Moseley park.
They were a bit short on bars, but when you did get there you had the choice of a couple of Purity's finest ales. Fairly priced as well for these types of events.
If a band you like are playing at Moseley Park - GO.
July 22nd - Wolverhampton
The Sunbeam (http://www.hungryhorse.co.uk/locations/sunbeam)
Another new Hungry Horse, having never been in one in my life, I've now been in 3 in 2 months.
Very handy for the Wolverhampton bus station this is similar to the new one in Walsall. Old Speckled Hen & Abbot Ale, but it was a warm summers evening so I went for a cool Bira Moretti
The Hogshead (http://www.hogsheadwolverhampton.co.uk/)
Wolverhampton's meeting place. It's always incredibly busy early doors.
Lots of ales and all the sports live on various TV's, probably the worst beer garden in the world though
Slaters (https://www.facebook.com/Slaters-Wolverhampton-744262669017716/)
A new real ale bar opposite the man on the horse (formerly a Costa Coffee)
Opened by Stafford brewery Slaters, this place is bright but warm and welcoming. With a choice of 20 different ales, you could spend quite a while in here.
Giffard Arms (http://www.thegiffardarms.co.uk/)
Wolverhampton's Trough. Another rock bar, but this one is a bit more genuine. Look they even have the furniture.
30th July
Pelsall Community Centre (http://www.pelsallcommunitycentre.co.uk/)
Down the old Communo for a 40th. Many a happy day spent playing tennis here as a 'yoof
It's a large function room with the smallest bar, perhaps the people who use it these days are tea totallers?
So that was July, onto 99* now. Early August will see me raise my bat. But what hostelry will get that high honour?
June 2016 ( 15 , 86 )
June, the start of summer. Long days, short nights. Lots of opportunity for getting about. Or getting abroad in my case. June took me to Ibiza..
But 1st a wedding...
2nd June
The Barns - Huntingdon (http://www.thebarnshotel.co.uk/)
An 18th century farmhouse just outside Cannock. I'd been here few a meal many years ago and was rather impressed, the bar is quite rustic with lots of areas to sit or even stand.
A good selection of ales and also Carling Premier, it also been years since I'd drank this. Served completely chilled it's still a rather nice drop.
There was a small bar by the function room with nowhere near the same selection (Carling/Coors) so it was a walk to the main bar every time refreshments were called for.
A nice place for a wedding with a medium sized function room in nice surroundings
4th June
King Street Progressive Club & Institute - Walsall Wood (http://www.kingstreetclub.co.uk/)
My first visit to this club in Walsall Wood. I get the impression they wouldn't like me calling it a working men's club?
The occasion was a 50th birthday, a decent sized room that is perfect for parties, there was no ale on in this room but I'm led to believe there is in the members only bar.
10th June
Key Master - Bentley (https://www.facebook.com/TheKeyMasterHungryHorse/)
The old red lion on the way to Junction 10 from Willenhall, 10-15 years ago this used to be a very busy pub. Most Saturday nights there was a singer on and it was heaving, a separate bar too for the traditionalists.
However filling such a huge space over the years proved difficult and despite changing hands a few times, no-one could make it work.
A couple of years ago it became a Hungry horse and is now doing well.
This was my first visit - a quick pint of San Miguel (couple of ales) after work on a Friday afternoon. The Pub side was busy with workers troughing full Englishes.
The staff were busy putting up the bunting for the upcoming football. Some people may scoff at chains but if they keep a community pub going then surely they can only be good?
11th June
Giraffe - Birmingham Airport (https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/eating-and-drinking/giraffe/)
A breakfast and a 4.30 am pint of Red Stripe be flying out.
 |
| Fuel |
A week in Ibiza, I won't describe every place (In Ibiza you can get a drink with breakfast in the cafe)
Just the ones that are close to being bars/pubs
Nice Cocktail Bar - Sal Rossa (http://salrossa.com/)
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| NICE |
The Cocktail bar at our apartments - I couldn't recommend this place high enough (well we keep going back)
Essentially the place to meet and have a few quiet drinks. They do food all day, have an extensive cocktail list and Estrella, Ice cold Heineken & Carling (!) on draught. And a view to die for.
The Beach House - (http://beachouseibiza.com/)
Cocktail bar at the end of the playa den bossa strip - €8 for an ice cold Heineken - Great food
Dunes - (http://www.dunesibiza.com/en/)
American Bar/Diner on the playa den bossa strip - decent food, showing all the sport.
Draught list but I went for bottled Ibizan lager
Sports Cafe - (http://sportscafebossa.com/)
England in the Euros - time for an English sports bar. There aren't many in Playa den bossa (In fact I think this is the only one) - Thatchers & Peroni whilst watching a very frustrating 1-1 draw.
Forty Fives (http://www.forty-fives.com/index6.php)
Down the end of the Playa Den Bossa strip by the jetty is the gem of a place. Overlooking the sea where you can watch the world go by and take in the breeze. Peroni & San Miguel on draught but the key ingredients are a friendly host and a record player, playing acid jazz originals. I could spend every Sunday here.
They also do good food and a classic Sunday roast - although it was a little hot for that.
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| Acid Jazz Sunday's - Are there any other? |
Irish themed bar in Ryan's apartments (Ibiza Weekender Fame) - Large screens for the football, but overpriced beer
Kioska Pirata Illetes - (https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187461-d1128470-Reviews-Kiosko_Pirata-Formentera_Balearic_Islands.html)
Beach Bar on Ibiza's sister Island of Formentera - 1 tap beer and expensive cocktails, but when you have a view like this I guess you can charge what you want. There will be no shortage of punters
The Ships Tavern - Jet Apartments (http://www.jetibiza.com/apartments/jet-premium-vip-apartments)
New for this summer the Jet apartments, have an English bar. With no English beer. Peroni on tap but they had none of that either. Very quite, there is absolutely nothing going for it.
Swami Cocktail Bar - Ibiza Town (https://www.seeibiza.com/bars/swami-ibiza-ibiza-town-684051)
Ibiza town is a hive of activity, bustling with tourists, people looking for a bargain or just roaming looking at the history. There are many places to drink and have a quick San Miguel but this is one of the quaintest and quirkiest - away from the harbour so a little less frantic.
Father Jacks - (https://www.facebook.com/Fatherjacks/)
Irish bar down the road in Figureates - Pretty authentic, Guinness and all the things you'd expect from an Irish bar abroad.
The Ship Inn (https://www.facebook.com/ship.inn.ibiza/)
On the edge of San Antonio's notorious West End (It's no worse than any other main strip in the party towns of Europe) is this English pub, with a pool table and a few beers on draught, you can enjoy a quieter pint here than in many of the nearby bars.
The Ninth Ibiza (https://www.facebook.com/theninthibiza/)
At the top of the Hard Rock hotel in Playa den bossa is the ninth. Quite simply if you spend any time in Playa den bossa you have to have an hour here.
A cocktail bar with Ice cold Heineken (there's a theme this summer in Ibiza) and just the most stunning views. You can almost touch the aeroplanes.
May 2016 (18,71 )
Onto May, Bank Holiday's Birthday's, The Cricket season, better weather & lots of opportunity to visit pubs. Where did May take me?
2nd May - May Bank Holiday
A wet, dreary damp Bank Holiday (is there any other) - what to do. Well with the promise of better weather we headed out - oop North (well North for me)
The Yorkshireman - Rugeley (http://www.wine-dine.co.uk/the-yorkshireman/)
You can't go far without stopping, a quick pit stop in Rugeley at this corner pub. Very busy for a bank holiday, mainly for food although they did do ale. A Blythe brewery pub with Bagots Bitter
Seemed to be a horse racing theme and I noticed they had a derby day special on - Interesting
The Bagot Arms - Abbots Bromley (https://www.facebook.com/The-Bagot-Arms-341707419194294/)
A Marstons pub that specialised in Pizza, restaurant area and a small bar. Very quite for a bank holiday with an empty (but nice beer garden)
Couple of ales - Wainwrights and a nice pint of Ringwood Razor back
The Coach & Horses - Abbots Bromley (http://www.coachandhorsesabbotsbromley.co.uk/)
Now this was a find. a lovely bar with a spacious (separate) restaurant. Well done out, bright with the sun beaming through. Could do with more ale choices (Tribute, Doom Bar) but the menu looked excellent and well worthy of more than a short stop off.
Deodorant in the toilets
The Bank House - Hixon (https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g5597942-d5824302-Reviews-The_Bank_House_Inn-Hixon_Stafford_Staffordshire_England.html)
Ah spring in England, is there anything better, By now we had clear blue skies and the smell of the fields. Time for another village. Hixon - A new one on me.
This was a charming little pub, A Joules pub with a few areas, however I couldn't find now Joules Beer... odd.
The Green Man - Hixon (http://thehixongreenman.co.uk/)
Now what did I say about odd, this is the oddest pub I've been in this year (if not ever) - couple of rooms, we ventured in the bar first. Every pair of eyes were set on us. We moved into the lounge, their must be 1,000 beer jugs on the ceiling.
Abbot Ale & Betty Stogs on tap, stale jalapeno scratchings behind the bar. A quick pint and then time to be on our way.
4th May
The Beacon Way - Lower Farm, Bloxwich (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beacon-Way-Pub/139585189429497?fref=ts)
The Beacon Way is a bit of a local of mine, a regular haunt over the last 10 years. Formerly The Nags head where kids too young to drink, drank and played pool
It was done up and renamed about 15 years ago by a cockney with grand ideas of producing a gastro pub - it thrived for a while as a bit of a novelty but soon became a pub again.
Regularly changing hands in recent years it seems to have settled down now and has a good gaffer who is happy to just run a pub.
They've tried ale but it hasn't really taken off, on this visit they only had Butty Bach. So on what was a lovely evening I settled for a nice few pints of San Miguel @ a more than pleasant £3 a point
14th May - Uttoxeter
My first trip to Uttoxeter races and even norther than I usually venture - We had an hour to kill so naturally we attempted to drink in every pub
The Steeplechase (https://www.facebook.com/The-steeplechase-123662867682228/)
This seemed appropriate for the first stop, very well done out with a courtyard. But No ale.. Hmmm
The Old Star (https://www.facebook.com/The-Old-Star-209416029085472/)
After walking past the Wetherspoons (absolutely heaving) we stumbled upon this small pub, although small inside it had a very large and packed beer garden. Which made the decision to have two staff on a race day very odd indeed.
However it didn't take too long to get served. Quick pint of Directors. Again not much ale choice
Ye Olde Talbot (http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/86/8668/Ye_Olde_Talbot/Uttoxeter)
Now this was a cracking little pub, very low ceilings (watch your head) however despite advertising craft ales, they were all in bottles. What is it with Uttoxeter and ale?
The Vaults (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vaults/209267035768502)
A huge selection of Malts, but it wasn't the time to be trying those,
No I wanted ale, they had 5 (FIVE) Bass pulls, I tried a pint and it was ok.
But what is it with Uttoxeter and Ale?
Uttoxeter racecourse (http://www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk/)
So on to the races, a very short walk to the course from the town centre. Uttoxeter is a really nice place to go racing. We were there mainly for the Human League, the sun was shining the place was heaving and even local celebrity folk were in attendance (well Roy Wood)
However the search for ale continued. They had none.
Despite the lack of ale, I'd more than recommend an evening at Uttoxeter races. It really is a splendid setting.
20th May - Walsall
The Tap & Tanner - (https://www.facebook.com/TheTapAndTanner/?rf=201566353339194)
I used to find the Varsity a dark and dingy quite soulless pub and so was pleased when it changed hands an had quite the makeover. The Tap & Tanner have added light and a courtyard and it's actually quite a nice area now, they show all the sport and do serve ale (CAMRA now recognise it) - I had a nice pint of Enraged Musician whilst watching half hours cricket.
It does seem to have got itself a bit of a reputation but on this Friday afternoon it just seemed to be full of people enjoying a pint and a natter.
The Lyndon House Hotel (http://www.lyndonhousehotel.co.uk/index.php?view=our-bar)
Ah, the Lyndon. A place that I've always assumed likes to think it's a cut above. Certainly some of the clientele do. But it's a lovely bar so don't let them put you off.
On this occasion it was fairly quiet and I stopped for a couple, The traditional Bathams and a Czech Mate.
It produced the reply of the day from the Irish barmaid. When asking if they had any Cranberry the reply came "No, I've only got the one cob" - I've a thick Walsall accent but I'll never know how she got to that answer.
21st May
The Wine House - Lichfield (http://www.thewinehouselichfield.co.uk/index/)
A ride out to Lichfield for a pre cup final meal. A couple of pints of Estrella to accompany a smashing Wagyu burger.
This place is very well done out, but it's a bit dark for a nice spring afternoon.
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| Might have to consider Rehab |
26th May - Walsall
The Waterfront (http://www.hungryhorse.co.uk/locations/waterfront-1)
Walsall has another new (chain) pub - I'd never been in a Hungry Horse. Many people are bemoaning all these chains opening, but hey they offer employment, choice and a decent place for families to dine out.
A quick glass of fizz to celebrate a birthday. I shall come here again though it's on the canal and in the upcoming heatwave it seems a nice place to sup in the sunshine, Seemed to be plenty of choice at the bar too.
TGI Fridays (https://www.tgifridays.co.uk/walsall/)
Onwards to the birthday meal. Walsall now has a TGI's too. Now these places wherever you go are always packed and this was no different. 6.30 in the evening and choc a bloc.
American diner's are not quite my think, but you know what your going to get. Everything in a Jack Daniels gaze.
A very decent and not too overpriced burger washed down with a couple of pints of Sammy Adams (£4.80)
Brewers Fayre (https://www.brewersfayre.co.uk/pub-restaurant/West-Midlands/Walsall-Walsall.html)
The Brewers Fayre was the first chain to come to the Wharf about 4 years ago. Attached to a premier inn.
It's fairly decent as chain pubs go, plenty of room and quite bright and also on the canal. However beer choice was limited (Doom Bar) - so a glass of red it was instead
28th May
The Turtles Head - Aldridge (http://theturtleshead.co.uk/)
Last year I visited a wonderful Micro pub/Tap room in Southport - The Tap & Bottles (https://www.facebook.com/tapandbottles/) - I spent far too long in there and what was a short weekend. It struck me as a fantastic idea and probably the future for pubs.
So I was very pleased to hear on return that one would be opening just down the road in Aldridge.
I'm not sure what this place was before but now it's just a pub, 1 room with a a few tables and a small bar, but that's full of friendly punters and lots of choice of ale and cider. On this afternoon the sun was beaming through and it was just a pleasure to be there.
These are the future, now just where can we open in Pelsall?
So that was May, Where will June take us. To the seaside, that's where....
April 2016 (17,53 )
A third of the year gone already? What, how? Where did April take me?
1st April
The Green Room, The Light Cinema - Walsall (http://walsall.lightcinemas.co.uk/green-room)
Walsall has a new cinema, situated on the Wharf at the top of the town this will be a great addition to the town centre, no more trekking down to the showcase to see the latest blockbuster.
Inside the cinema there is a cafe/bar, that sells alcohol and also lets you take it with you when you go to watch the film, we treat people like adults in Walsall.
Not a great range of draught beer, but it was a decent pint of Heineken. I hope this place thrives, Walsall needs it.
Bradford Arms/Champys - Walsall (https://www.facebook.com/Champys-Bradford-Arms-Pleck-326330137211/)
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| FEAST |
A pub and an Indian restaraunt what more could you want?
The food was top notch, A mixed grill of Pakora, chops, chicken tikka, chicken wings & shish kebab, we even had a carry out of goat!
The place was packed and there was a good atmosphere in the bar too where I sampled a few cobras to help wash the food down.
A slight negative, no ale - a regular told me it didn't sell. Ale with curry is the perfect match, someone needs to tell the people of Pleck.
2nd April
The Longhorn - Walsall (http://www.emberinns.co.uk/nationalsearch/eastandwestmidlands/the-longhorn-walsall)
10 years ago I was a regular here going at least once a week, it's just out of town and quite nice in the summer. Only been a handul of times in the last few years but the place doesn't really change (it's still got the same gaffer, which for a chain is remarkable)
Good selection of ale, although rather pricey. It's still a nice pub, always busy and obviously doing something right.
The Whitehouse - Aldridge (http://www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk/findapub/eastandwestmidlands/thewhitehousewalsall)
It's been few years since I've been here too, the place has had a lick of paint.
A sizzling pub so focus on the food, but they had a couple of ales (Doom Bar, Greene King IPA) - I went for the Ice cold Heineken on what was probably the warmest day of the year to that point.
With a pool table and Sky tv, this pub probably makes a good local. Quite cheap too.
The Fingerpost - Pelsall (https://www.facebook.com/The-Fingerpost-Pelsall-452952478241871/)
The fingerpost, my local back in the days of the Royal Oak, a pub that's had more of it's fair share of trials and tribulations over the last 15 years.
It's under new management again and this was my first visit, it was very quiet and on such a lovely afternoon that is a crime. But they are just starting up and hopefully the long hot summer we are going to have will encourage business.
They have a small menu but people are saying good things about it, and a few ales (old golden hen on this occasion) but on a summers day what could be better than a nice pint by the cut?
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| GODS COUNTRY |
The Bulls Head - Shenstone (http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/content/vintage-inn/en/restaurants/midlands/thebullsheadshenstone)
A vintage inn, so you know what you're getting here. Few ales, a range of lagers and other drinks and decent food. I wanted a lunchtime burger so headed here, A good burger washed down with a couple of pints of Estrella
The Old Swan - Stonnall (https://www.facebook.com/theoldswanstonnall/)
Pit stop on the way back, a pub that looks like it needs an upgrade. They had a few ales on but I went for the Peroni. A few regulars having a bit of banter in the bar but otherwise quiet.
24th April
The Turf - Norton Canes (http://www.tobycarvery.co.uk/restaurants/midlands/nortoncanescannock)
The Turf used to always be an old haunt of mine back in the day, Sunday nights in particular were very lively but a few years ago it turned into a Toby Carvery and I'm not sure it's even called the Turf anymore.
We had a visitor over and it was also a family birthday so we needed somwhere local that could cater for a large party. We headed for the great British carvery.
Food was decent, beer was decent. But we did have a long wait for our table (45 minutes) - The management were very apologetic and gave us a nice discount.
Another busy food pub, where if you want a quick feed at a decent price you're in luck.
25th April - A Monday afternoon birthday crawl around Brum
Brew Dog - Birmingham (https://www.brewdog.com/bars/uk/birmingham)
The craft ale phenomenon comes to Birmingham and well... it leaves me a little flat.
Just outside the new Grand Central is the revitalised John Bright Street and BrewDog has been there for a few years now and is ready for the regeneration.
Except it is a little dingy, expensive beer (I had a pint of the Vagabond, a hoppy little number) and a stripped back decor. They may get left behind. There are much better options for great beer in the big city and with the Victoria just around the corner there's much better options in the vicinity.
Turtle Bay - Birmingham (http://www.turtlebay.co.uk/locations/birmingham/)
The birthday girl wanted a cocktail and where better than the home of the 2 for 1 cocktails.
Turtle bay is a Jamaican cocktail bar/restaurant that is always good value. A big bar in the middle which gives you a little sense of being on holiday even on a dreary Monday afternoon.
Cocktails & Red Stripe.. Irie
The Village - Birmingham (http://www.villagebirmingham.co.uk/)
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| I think we all know a few Gobby cows. |
At the start of Birmingham's gay village is the Village in, just after the rather large Wetherspoons at the end of the Acardian centre.
Our overseas visitor was intrigued and so we popped in for a quick drink.
No ale, so a pint of Carling.
Some very interesting decor and theme nights, It's also open till 6 in the morning!!
Gas Street Social - Birmingham (http://www.gasstreetsocial.co.uk/)
We moved on to the mailbox, and the intended destination was Bar Epernay for a Champagne cocktail, but it was closed and looks like it's gone for good. Which is a great shame.
So we went next door for cocktails and Sharps Cornish Pilsner.
Gas Street Social is the new kid on the block, it's well done out, very artisan and has a good range of drinks. An open kitchen too.
Expensive as you'd expect for it's location but a very nice place to spend an hour in.
Bar Estilo - Birmingham (http://www.mailboxlife.com/brand/bar-estilo/)
Time for food and the choice was tapas.
Bar Estilo has been a good few years now, and has a good range of Tapas. Always a nice place to eat and it isn't overly pricey. European lager on tap and a range of wines and spirits,
Canalside Cafe - Birmingham (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canalside-Cafe/155035107862336)
I always stop of for a quick pint here when I'm in this part of Brum, A quirky little venue with a small bar that as the name suggests is right on the canal. They have ales but as it was a lager day I went back on the Cornish Pilsner. The day hat got really murky by now so the real fire was very welcoming
I was shocked to read last year that this place received a poor hygiene rating last year. Hopefully they can overcome this as a unique venue like this needs saving.
Walkabout - Birmingham (http://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/birmingham)
Our visitor and the birthday girl is an Aussie, so we had to visit here.
Been many a year since I'd visted and it's far better now. A lot brighter and with a cleaner decor.
A bottle of Fat Yak before we made our way back to Walsall & the fountain (See March)
29th April
The Wharf - Walsall (https://www.facebook.com/thewharfwalsall/)
Now this place has undergone a few changes over the years and I'm pleasantly surprised it's still going as for the last few years whenever I've been in it's normally empty.
However on this Friday afternoon there was a few punters in, hopefully they can benefit from the cinema and the new development and start to thrive again.
They host band nights and student nights so there's plenty going on.
I had a few pints of Davenports Red Barron, an excellent beer with a strong flavour.
30th April
The Walsall Arms - Walsall (https://www.facebook.com/TheWalsallArms2016/?rf=181071498688376)
Now what a gem of a place this is, in the heart of Walsall (Bank Street) a traditional boozer with a skittle alley, they have regular entertainment (The Sunday afternoon DJ is ex Walsall boxer Peter Till), Sky sports and on this Saturday afternoon they were even showing the racing.
Plenty of ales to choose from - I had the Ludlow Gold & the Bishops Farewell and some of the best Pork Scratchings I've ever tasted (Ray Gray's from Rugeley)
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| Mmmm, Scratchings |
On we roll to May, and the beginning of the Long Hot Summer (BELIEVE)
March 2016 (18,36)
I love March, lighter evenings. Slightly warmer weather and always a busy month for me (Birthdays, Cheltenham, and this year Easter) - the year really gets going
4th March
St Matthews Hall - Walsall ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Matthews-Hall-Wetherspoons/136817843069475?fref=ts)
At the time of visiting Walsall had 2 'spoons, But suddenly in mid March the imperial closed leaving St Matthews on it's own.
I hadn't been in the Imperial for years, it was dark and quite dingy and fuelled my dislike of 'spoons pubs for a few years. However in recent years they've changed and St Matthews is a great example of how. It's bright and airy, has a nice outside area and doesn't rely on selling cheap carling. They have regularly changing ales and on this day the Haka was going down very nicely. If you're in central Walsall on a Friday afternoon and fancy a quick after work pint. This is the number one destination.
6th March
Colebatches - Leamore (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colebatches-Club/225291334156466?fref=ts)
A working mens club that needs a lot of money spending on it. Unfortunately I'm a snob when it comes to Working mens clubs and judge everything by the standards the Scratter sets (see pub 1, January 1st)
They serve Guinness in a can and only have standard ale, so I went for a couple of pints of (decent) Stella 4%
At least it's open I suppose as a lot aren't
8th March
Walkabout - Lichfield (http://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/lichfield)
First visit to Lichfield for a couple of years, this used to be the rather snobby Apres, but now it's turned to into Australian theme pub Walkabout. As chain pubs go Walkabouts are ok, they tend to care about ale and of course if you're a sport lover they show it all.
I had a quick pint of Brewdog Dead pony club before moving on to the excellent Thai Rainbow for lunch (I won't count that as it doesn't have a bar)
The Kings Head (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kings-Head/159729214039943?fref=ts)
A few steps down from Thai Rainbow is the Kings Head, supposedly the oldest pub in Lichfield. It was Tuesday afternoon and very empty but this place does a roaring trade normally with good beer and live music.
After lots of Thai food I was rather full and couldn't face the ale, so I went for a pint of Kingstar Lager from the Wychwood brewey. A very nice drop it was too
11th March
The Fountain - Walsall (https://www.facebook.com/thefountainwalsall/?fref=ts)
Any beer lover from Walsall must know the fountain by now. It's Walsall's gem, A backyard pub and Backyard ale is ace, but they have regular guests too. European lagers, ciders and a good selection of spirits.
A great gaffer, pork pie, occasional food (Pork baps have been known)
A film night, different theme nights on Saturdays. This pub is rightly thriving.
This particular visit was a Friday afternoon and the place was busy which is always lovely to see.
A return visit on a Monday in late April and it's film night, quite a few people being quite watching the lady in the van - in a pub, in Walsall - How very arty!!
Walsall Beer Festival (http://www.walsallcamra.org/)
An event that seems to get more popular with each passing year, it's superbly organised with over 80 beer, lots of ciders and a world bottle bar.
There's even live entertainment.
The beers I tried were;
Firehouse red, Woddle it be, Dizzy Blonde, Ostara, Scrumdown, Beermonster, Smythe, Roaring Meg, Two crafty brewers IPA
If you're an ale lover you simply can't miss this annual event
12th March
Mad 'o' Rourkes - Tipton (http://www.madorourkes.com/)
A place I'd wanted to visit for years, It was national pie week so it seemed the perfect time.
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| COW PIE!! |
The Manor Arms - Rushall (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Manor-Arms/161782027194093?fref=ts)
Now what's this. It was mentioned in passing so I just had to visit. There's no bar, very quaint with lost of ale (I had the cocker hoop) - It's quite pricey but I imagine it does well in the summer.
14th March
Black Country Arms - Walsall (http://www.blackcountryarms.co.uk/)
A week of work for Cheltenham, so before the storm, the calm of Walsall on a Monday afternoon.
A quick pint of Hog Ore in Walsall's pub of the year, The BCA was quite busy for a Monday afternoon and people were eating too. There is more to this place than it's extensive range of ales.
A huge pub with lots of space to fill, I don't get here that often due to it being at the top of the town but it's well worth a visit, especially in the daytime
18th March
Just the one day at Cheltenham this year and with the weather not being kind it wasn't much of a crawl either, Following the brisk/cold walk from the train station the 1st pub is always welcoming.
The Bayshill Inn - Cheltenham (http://www.the-bayshill-inn.co.uk/)
It's 10.15 am on Gold cup day and most pubs are hectic, The Bayshill is packed with people eating buffet breakfasts and drinking large volumes of Guinness.
It's a Wadworth House so a good selection of ales,
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| Is it a real Jockey? |
The Tavern - Cheltenham (http://thetaverncheltenham.com/)
The Tavern has become the traditional stop off for breakfast now, however the Fillet Steak & Scrambled Eggs option has been downgraded to Rump, so that's a little disappointing - the full English is as good as you'll find (I suppose at £10 it needs to be)
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| Arnold Bennett, Bloody Mary & the £10 full English |
The Cheltenham Festival - Cheltenham Racecourse (http://www.thefestival2016.co.uk/#aUVVCvL3Wu7uxy1Z.97)
The races, the best race of the year. A visit to the Guinness village & the Istabraq bar, but it's not really the place for drinking. 70,000 people tend to bring a lot of queues
Copa of Cheltenham - (http://www.copa-cheltenham.co.uk/)
One of the better wine bars in the town, quick pint of peroni on the walk back to the train station
20th March - Stafford
A Sunday morning in Stafford supporting a friend who was running the Stafford half marathon,
The Butlers Bell - Stafford (https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/staffordshire/the-butlers-bell-stafford)
It's 10am, the race has just started. It's a bit nippy, our breakfast isn't booked until 11am. What to do?
Oh look there's a Wetherspoons. It just happens to be one of the poshest ones I've ever soon. Very well done out and actually very nice.
They were having their own beer festival so I had a pint of Yakima ale which was a bit heavy before breakfast.
The Bear Grill - Stafford (http://www.thebeargrill.co.uk/)
Breakfast - A lot of money has been spent on this place and it is very swish. Breakfast was lovely and not too expensive, There wasn't much ale (Shipyard & Pedigree)
I may have to revisit as they are "renowned" for their burgers
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| Not for tall bears |
Ye Olde Rose & Crown - Stafford (http://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/pubs/pub_details.php?id=25)
A Joules brewery house - the 1st one I'd ever visited. Lots of ale, I intended on sampling a few but unfortunately children aren't allowed in so the runners went back to the Wetherspoons, so just a quick pint No. 37)
25th March - Good Friday
Blake Barn - Sutton Coldfield (http://www.blakebarnpub.co.uk/)
A quick pit stop (pint of Heineken) - A marstons 2 for 1 pub so all about the food, they did have Pedigree. Large & spacious pub full of families eating on a Good Friday evening
The Butlers Arms - Sutton Coldfield (http://butlersarms.co.uk/)
I'd seen a review for this place and it looked right up my street, so we decided to try the place out for a meal. The pub is split into two halves, A bar full of drinkers and the restaurant part. We had an hour in the bar 1st which was lively. 4 ale options - I plumped for the Mad hatters tea party and Theakstons old peculiar, both excellent drops.
We then moved onto our table. A fish specials board (it was good Friday) and a varied main menu. The food was very good and everyone was pleased.
The gaffer is a bit of a wine buff and prides himself on an eclectic list and decent prices.
So if you are into your wine it's also a reason to visit.
Ales, grub, wine with a light twist. This place is a MUST visit.
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| Maggie never made it to Sutton |
36 places visited so far. No real aim but it'll be interesting to see if I get to 150.
What will April hold
February 2016 (8, 18)
6th Feb
The Avion - Aldridge (https://www.facebook.com/The-Avion-Aldridge-JD-Wetherspoon-198212740326598/?fref=ts)
A wetherspoons, loads of ale, loads of people, lots of noise.
A very busy pub in the middle of Aldridge, ideal for a quick pint on the way to one of their many excellent curry houses.
Not a great lover of Wetherspoons in general, they are for people who don't like pubs, but as they go this isn't bad, at least it's bright unlike a lot of them.
20th Feb
The Trooper - Wall (https://www.facebook.com/thetrooperwall/?fref=ts)
Just down from Muckley Corner, the village of Wall (is it a village) is the home of The Trooper, it's been a fabulous restaurant over the years, it fell into bad hands but about 5 years ago was taken over and it's now thriving.
We popped in for lunch, and their was a good selection of sandwiches that came with Beef dripping chips. Enough to sell any pub.
They had 4 ales on including the excellent Darwins origin from Salopian breweries.
Well Worth a visit
27th Feb - Hockley ale trail
It;s been some years (at least 5) since I had a drink around Hockley, the every expanding pub scene in the centre of Brum has meant there's been no need to go that 10 minutes out of town.
However we had booked a table at Andersons and so decided to spend a few hours in Hockley.
I came across the Hockley ale trail (http://www.jewelleryquarter.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/JQBID-Ale-Trail-Flyer-July-2015.pdf) - and decided to try a few listed here.
Firstly -
The Jewellers Arms (https://www.facebook.com/TheJewellersArms/?fref=ts)
After a brief look in the shops we decided it was far to cold for shopping and so we dived in here, the only ale was off, so I just had a very decent pint of Guinness, needs a lick of paint, but there's a pool table and the kitchen was busy cooking breakfasts so clearly popular.
The Lord Clifden (http://thelordclifden.com/)
Now this place has everything, A bar with all the sport, a lounge free of sport, a heated beer garden with outside bars.
Ciders, Ales, Cocktails, Bar snacks which include Faggot Sausage Rolls and Brummie Toast ( Beef dripping, Worcester sauce, cracked black pepper, salt) A fantastic jukebox and Vedett on draft, could have stayed here for hours but there were other places to try.
The Church (http://www.churchjq.co.uk/)
Just down the road from the Clifden on the corner of Great Hampton street is this gem.
Specialising in soul food from the deep south (America not Weymouth) it was full of diners having a lunchtime snack with a difference.
However you can just have a drink and there were 4 ales to choose from, and also a huge amount of spirits to choose from (the Eldorado rum was very warming on a freezing day)
I had a tight head (is the Rugby on?) a dark and mooreish ale, although it was very chilly in here (keeping up the Church theme) it's another one must not to be missed.
The Rectory (http://www.rectorybar.co.uk/)
An aborted visit to the closed Actress & Bishop, took us to the Rectory in St Pauls Square. Nicely done out but you'll certainly pay for it, £4.10 for a pint of decent HPA (the only ale) and £5 for a bottle of cider. This Gastropub is certainly one for those with deep pockets.
Andersons (http://www.andersonsbarandgrill.co.uk/)
All that walking (& drinking) had made us hungry so it was time to eat.
This used to be a pub, The Bucklemakers but is now a steakhouse - and it' well worth a visit (http://paulfulford.co.uk/2015/11/18/andersons-bar-grill-lands-midlands-title/)
A quick pint of Shipyard before being seated, this is a place for meat lovers, Bone Marrow to start and a superb Steak, washed down with a bottle of Madfish. If you like meat, this is the place for you.
The Queens Arms (http://www.queensarmsbar.co.uk/)
And so it was time to head back home, but there was time for a quick pit stop in here, the place was heaving, full of revellers watching the Rugby.
Always a good ale selection in here and I had a quick pint of the superbly named Piffle Snonker.
However it was standing room only so it was a quick pint before heading home.
Overall a quiet February, but it's taken the total to 18 places visited. and things should get busy from here.
March will include the Walsall beer festival and the Cheltenham festival.
Cheers
January 2016 (10)
1st Jan
Pelsall Social Club - Pelsall (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pelsall-Social-Club-The-Scratter/449466728425379)
Commonly known as the Scratter, this is my local. A place where you can spend hours in a small bar talking nonsense, drinking good (cheapish) beer and watch all the sport.
Normally 2 ales, 3 lagers and other draught drinks. Good selection of bottled drink, spirits and normally Cobs. With function room and a lounge. What's not to like?
9th Jan
The Railway - Pelsall (https://www.facebook.com/groups/403972426330606/?fref=ts)
The posh pub in Pelsall, it's certainly priced that way. I came here for their (hopefully regular) vinyl night (https://www.facebook.com/sheafvinylnite/?fref=ts) which is an excellent way to spend your Saturday evening. Take your records and play them.
Couple of very good guest ales , + Abbot Ale which is a fixture, Usual lagers & ciders. Not a great selection of bottled drinks though.
A good summer pub overlooking the common and a great gaffer.
The posh pub in Pelsall, it's certainly priced that way. I came here for their (hopefully regular) vinyl night (https://www.facebook.com/sheafvinylnite/?fref=ts) which is an excellent way to spend your Saturday evening. Take your records and play them.
Couple of very good guest ales , + Abbot Ale which is a fixture, Usual lagers & ciders. Not a great selection of bottled drinks though.
A good summer pub overlooking the common and a great gaffer.
15th Jan
The Broadway - New Invention (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Broadway-FAYRE-SQUARE-Willenhall/214653038552152?fref=ts)
Chain pub, in it for the meals. An expensive pint of San Miguel. There were some ales on offer.
Quick stop off on the way to better things
The Great Western - Wolverhampton (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Great-Western/140482749329918?fref=ts)
Now this is a pub, the best in Wolverhampton - Probably
Now this is a pub, the best in Wolverhampton - Probably
Regular changing ales (although the Golden Glow seems a regular) - Food, Pork Pie, a fire.
This place really is a gem, it's a wonder the people of Wolverhampton get their post delivered.
The Lych Gate Tavern - Wolverhampton (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lych-Gate-Tavern/352750374802640?fref=ts)
A real ale lovers dream. Regular changing selection of about 10 ales. Part of the Black Country Ales group.
I should love this place, but I can't really take to it. Beer is fine, they have cobs, they even had a cheese night last year, but I think it's the layout. I never get settled, you can't stand at the bar and in the back room you're on top of each other. If you're in Wolvo it's a must try, but not a place for a session.
Dog & Doublet - Wolverhampton (https://www.facebook.com/thedoganddoublet/?fref=ts)
This is pretty much the only place to end a night in Wolvo. Blast off (the legendary Indie disco) in a pub, a good pub at that. Real ales (The Ludlow gold is a must), special ciders and Freedom lager. And it's real gem, a wide selection of Malt Whiskies, and a roaring fire, just don't be too drunk to enjoy them ;-)
20th Jan
This is pretty much the only place to end a night in Wolvo. Blast off (the legendary Indie disco) in a pub, a good pub at that. Real ales (The Ludlow gold is a must), special ciders and Freedom lager. And it's real gem, a wide selection of Malt Whiskies, and a roaring fire, just don't be too drunk to enjoy them ;-)
20th Jan
Bentley Green - Bentley (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bentley-Green-Table-Table-Pub/148245935212650?fref=ts )
Chain pub (Table, Table) - They were selling off an ale at £1.60 (a Christmas one, so I left it alone)
Chain pub (Table, Table) - They were selling off an ale at £1.60 (a Christmas one, so I left it alone)
Otherwise expensive but decent San Miguel and reasonable pub grub.
Impressively busy for a freezing cold Wednesday in January.
22nd Jan
Impressively busy for a freezing cold Wednesday in January.
22nd Jan
The Queens - Pelsall (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Queens/397288743679588?fref=ts)
Pelsall's drinking/fun pub. Entertainment at weekends, they must be top sellers of Carling, it sells like it's going out of fashion. Hobgoblin for the ale lovers.
Pelsall's drinking/fun pub. Entertainment at weekends, they must be top sellers of Carling, it sells like it's going out of fashion. Hobgoblin for the ale lovers.
Next door to my favourite little curry house (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moghul-Palace/140069519386338?fref=ts)
23rd Jan
The Star - Great Wyrley (https://www.facebook.com/The-Star-Great-Wyrley-792032150885369/?fref=ts)
23rd Jan
The Star - Great Wyrley (https://www.facebook.com/The-Star-Great-Wyrley-792032150885369/?fref=ts)
Re-opened last year after a massive investment. (http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/03/02/great-wyrley-pub-star-attraction-after-350k-revamp/)
An excellent pub, Ale, regularly changing. I had the lovely Shropshire Gold. Sport, Tunes and a separate eating area. A decent menu (although they shouldn't really call their Burger a Star (it's anything but) but the Cottage pie was nice and the Malbec that washed it down was very good.
Well worth a visit even if you have to take a taxi to get there,
30th Jan
The Bell - Bloxwich (https://www.facebook.com/The-Bell-Inn-Bloxwich-1551936465059157/?fref=ts)
I'd heard great things about this place, re-furbed recently and building a reputation for real ale, however I arrived today and there was only Marstons New World & Banks. They did have some cider though.
This a proper pub, 3 small rooms, with completely different clientele, The room we chose was full of characters and they had the racing on (always a bonus).
Overall I think we caught it on a bad day, there was even no scratchings. So I'll have to try again.
So that was #tryanuary - What does February hold?
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