Pubs - 5
Geocaches - 2
I'm not sure what is the biggest surprise. West Bromwich having a grand total of 5 entries in the Good Beer Guide or actually how big West Bromwich is.
From A to E on Shanks, Tram and Bus |
As a Baggies fan, pub number 1 needs no introduction.
The Vine, 152 Roebuck Street, Bath Ales Prophecy
The Vine - Traditional, yet tarids-like |
Should have checked before leaving |
Bath Ales Prophecy |
Parking not seen this side of Rome |
The tram whisks me off to where, as a Baggies Fan, I really should have been having my pre-match pint. I admit, I checked Google Street View before leaving and had slight reservations but one thing ticking from the bible has taught me is never judge a book by its cover.
Why I convinced Mrs M tonight's adventure was not for her |
Perfect Furnishings |
Cracking Pint |
I do have a complaint. I start in the bar, where the TV is blaring Bradley Walsh on the Chase. I come out the house to the pub to avoid Bradley Walsh on the Chase. I manoeuvre myself to the side room around the back. Another TV. Same Bradley Walsh.
A theme develops in West Bromwich. Boozers cannot sit in quiet contemplation.
The Crown and Cushion, 2 Lloyd Street, Castle Rock Harvest Pale
No easy public transport, so set off for a 1.3 mile walk that takes in light industrial units, a pub that even I wouldn't be brave enough to set foot in (I would tell you its name but the only letters that remain are "TH_ _LD _______") and a huge Tescos.
I arrive at the C&C and feel there must be a mistake. A mock tudor estate pub that must have "Sizzling" adorned somewhere on the signage.
Best Photo I have... doesn't show the mock tudor beams |
I admit to thinking I have misplanned but all is revealed when I take my sip of my £2.90 Castle Rock Harvest Pale. Nearly pint of the night.
Tonight is an education, if nothing else.
Google maps tells me the 40 bus is 1 minute early, so I am in and out in rather a rapid fashion.
The Royal Oak, 14 Newtown Street, Timothy Taylor Landlord
Oh, how I love Google Maps. Plot in public transport and it keeps you informed of how many stops before you need to alight. No longer the fear of getting off a stop too early and having to walk alongside a bus stuck in traffic to the next stop, while the driver and all his passengers gently flick you the V's.
Down a side street and the Royal Oak reveals itself in its perfect pubby form.
The Good Beer Guide, cooking on Gas |
The TV is quiet. The commercial radio is not.
Cracking Pub and Pint |
The last tick is the most earned. No easy public transport. Google suggests calling an Uber. Mrs M is berating me for catching buses, so I set off for a 1.6 mile walk along Church Lane.
The Sow and Pigs proudly shows its refurb both inside and out, having been taken over by two crafty brewers who I presume have beards. It's traditional pub that has had full hipster make over.
Non Beards Welcome |
Interior Niceness |
Its all red velour, bowler hat light fittings and stencils everywhere. The beer (as has been the theme for tonight) was absolutely perfect but something is wrong. The locals are not buying into this immaculate boozer at all. Yes, it's a Tuesday but for 30 minutes from 8:45pm I am the only punter in the place.
And the reason for the lack of patronage is revealed when I make use of the facilities before heading for Black Lake Tram.
The horror of barrel urinals |
My old stamping ground,being a Smethwickian. Need to take the old man there,never give West Brom pubs a thought.You have sold it to me, thanks.
ReplyDelete:-) Jewellery Quarter has changed a lot too - some cracking Good Beer Guide pubs there.
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