Geocaches - 6
Pub 1 - The Midland, Bearwood, Wickwar Falling Star
Pub 2 - The Arthur Robertson, Perry Barr, Doombar
First Stage
If Stage 1 was "Leafy", this is going to have to be described as "Earthy". I am on an urban safari, where you know you are in trouble when Bearwood is the highlight.
Starts off well enough. In Selly Oak, in the glorious evening sunshine, dodging the CCTV cameras to find Geocaching Treasure in a Sainsbury's car park. Views of the Queen Elizabeth hospital and university clock tower dominating the skyline.
Yes, that is a Number 11a |
Grove Park Greenery - Most Welcome |
There is one consistent motif on this walk and that is the number of dead pubs. I pass the Old Smithy (A Gibbs Mew Pub Anyone?), The Acorn and a number of others that cannot be identified due to their disheveled state. For wanton destruction though, the Huntsman at Harborne wins. Destroyed by fire in 2013. Blocking Harborne highstreet everytime another bit of it falls off ever since.
Proper Dead Pub |
I'm stopping off in Bearwood. My research has shown that the owners of my local (Black Country Ales) have made their most recent purchase Bearwood's former Midland Bank.
And it's an absolute boster.
13 hand pulled beers with a large notice board showing whats what. I was going to try for a Wickwar Cotswold Way (having had it before) but selection is futile. The landlord offers you a sup of his pint (I tried to decline, but when in Rome) and my selection was modified to an equally fine Wickwar Falling Star.
Further investigation of the pub found the door to the old Strongroom, complete with a viewing window, where they now keep the barrels for dispensing. An interesting diversion, but I for one, don't want the magic to be ruined.
A crowd that can only be described as "eclectic" made a passing stranger feel welcome. I will be back one day.
Post HSBC - The rebirth of the High Street |
I wished upon a Wickwar Falling Star |
Half way through the walk, fortified by fine Ale, I hit the mean streets of Birmingham. The arrow straight City Road will offer no memories apart from taking me into the increasing bad lands of Winson Green, Handsworth and ultimately, the worse of the lot, Perry Barr.
Winson Green is famous for the prison. This was the safest I felt, as all the bad guys are neatly locked up.
Now HMP Birmingham |
Perry Barr is where it ends. Refreshment is provided by a Wetherspoons that won't be bothering CAMRA's Heritage Pubs of the Midlands book anytime soon, regardless of how they have made it look like a Gentlemen's drinking club on the inside.
Cask Marquee and in a Shopping Centre |
The one thing I will object to is chance to read the "Facts about the Referendum, from both sides". My Dad told me never to argue Politics or Religion in pubs. If an aging, mulleted man came up to me at a bar spouting his views, I would quickly move on. So therefore, I don't think it is right that I should be bombarded with beer mats telling me Brexit is the way forward.
Sloganeering |
We are drinking wine, alfresco.
We must be Europeans.
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