Inner City PsychoGeography to a must visit Micro Pub
A journey on foot from Rowley Regis to Halesowen from the Slow Ways movement. The second walk completed, both excellent..... well plotted, with unexpected surprises. This time, a WW1 memorial naming the area Shell Corner. Proper country walking on the Monarchs Way - a King's escape route. Dudley Canal number 2 - half dry, half navigable leading to town centre civilisation.
 |
| Entering Shell Corner along a rare urban section |
 |
| WW1 Memorial - a painted shell |
 |
| Good views over Clent as we enter Mucklow Hill to pick up the Monarch's Way |
 |
| Which runs along the part derelict Dudley Number 2 Canal |
Only complaint - too short. After 3.5 miles, I am delivered to a new town at 10:15am.
Breakfast at 'spoons it is. Making it last until my real reason for coming to Halesowen opens.
105 minutes to learn that in a cost of living crisis, JDW holds the keys to the future. Theakston's Old Peculiar for £2.67. A breakfast with add-ons for around a fiver. Hand delivered to my table via app ordering and paypal payment. Air conditioned bliss on the warmest day of the year so far.
A magazine, that once past the covid tin hat theories, was a surprisingly interesting read. There are JDW tickers - and at least three of them having their profile detailed in print. One man (of course it was a man) making it to every single one in the land, with the exception of those behind air-side security. He wouldn't like the prices there. Or the way they queue.
 |
| The William Shenstone - Not going to win architecture awards - the man buried in the churchyard over the road |
Midday and Roberto's Bar opens up. This is a micro-pub that I have wanted to visit when it was in Digbeth. The everlasting roadworks there eventually forcing a relocation to a place that I've never had cause to visit before.
The glassware gives a better indication of what to expect. Etched onto the side is the full name of the joint. "Robertos Bar and Tasting Club". Their Twitter bio goes further;
A world-class destination for the best beer the universe has to offer. Local excellence & Belgian specials!
No arguments from me - A Torrside Franconia smoked Rauchbier and yes, I know I am late on the bandwagon, an Anspach and Hobday London Black.
If only I was on Insta.
All this enjoyed on plush Chesterfields, listening to the locals talk of great nights out in Rum Runners and Barbarellas with teary glints in their eyes.
 |
| Won't be my last visit to Halesowen |
Has to be a pre-emptive Good Beer Guide Tick - and whilst in town, I might as well visit the two current entries.
The King Edward VII is a nick-nack filled traditional pub. Quiet on a Saturday afternoon, offering a decent Oakham Citra.
 |
| A quiet afternoon in the King Edward VII |
This leaves a good 25 minute walk to the Crafty Pint. Another micro, run by passionate and friendly people. But what's with all the signs? People come to the pub to enjoy their freedom, not to be told off in advance for crimes uncommitted.
Dogs off the furniture! Don't get banned for swearing! and quite frankly, they've gone overboard in the gents.
 |
| They've got a laminator and they are going to use it. |
 |
| OK..... |
Not the worse way to spend a sunny Saturday but where the Slow Ways deliver me next? Could be Stourbridge.... could be Longbridge.
I'll see what pubs need ticking.
Walk Details
Distance - 3 Miles
Geocaches - 1
Pubs - 3 (Good Beer Guide Ticks #842 and #843)
Walk Inspiration - Slow Ways
Previous Slows Ways - Birmingham to Blackheath
No comments:
Post a Comment