01/12/25 - Temple Pub Crawl

Four Pubs - 90 Seconds Apart

YouTube is really rather excellent these days. I read an article on the weekend by someone who had cancelled all other streaming services for a single YouTube subscription.

I haven't quite gone that far - happy to use the adverts to take notes. This pub crawl coming courtesy of the ever entertaining Tweedy - who manages to use a stop watch to take 90 seconds to walk between four pubs, two of which are in the Good Beer Guide.

And some people don't like London.

Armed with things to look out for, I recreate his steps.

The Devereux

The Deveraux

Tweedy has done my research for me - a former coffee house known as the Grecian - and a regular was my name-sake, and some would say look-alike - Sally Mapp. 

Sally Mapp, famously nicknamed “Crazy Sally,” was an 18th‑century bonesetter who became a minor celebrity in London for her fearless and unconventional treatments of dislocations and fractures. Operating out of the Grecian Coffee House in Devereux Court, she treated everyone from ordinary Londoners to upper‑class clients, often performing manipulations in public spaces. She was as flamboyant as she was skilled: she reportedly drove herself around town in a chariot, turning heads wherever she went.

There's a definite resemblance

The pub is nicely comfortable, with a vague Irish theme - presented in the crisps, a nice little partitioned booths for added privacy and stopping pub bloggers from getting material.

Half a London Pride and Taytos

The George

Moments away - with a rear entrance that saves you braving the chaos of Fleet Street - is the George, dating from 1723. I would have missed the fine external carvings if it hadn't have been for Tweedy. I didn't miss the Cask Marque certificate, which needed staff intervention to scan as it was located bar-side.

Carvings in Gold Leaf

I also didn't miss an extensive line up of cask. You've got to laugh at Londoners naming a beer "Headless Cavalier". I'm going to start an export firm dealing in sparklers. That'll fix it.

Goodnight Pete - from Park Brewery - selected

The Cheshire Cheese

No, not that one. One tucked away in Little Essex Street.

1928 - Not ancient

The History

Tweedy Points out the lead glass and Saloon labelling

I am the only punter - and as it's a Shepherd's Neame House - hardly helping to keep the lights on. Shuddering at the thought of early days of the Saxon Shore Way, when I converted to cider, it's a half of Guinness for me.

At least the uncomfortable silence is soon broken by four American tourists bursting through the side door. Taking loads of photos and asking questions about the age of the building, the barman at least has the grace to let them know they need the other Cheshire Cheese.

Maybe this is how they make their money? Picking up the scraps of the unprepared pub tourist.

The Edgar Wallace

At last, I am through the door of this weekday-opening-only Good Beer Guide regular.

Last attempt, a Saturday

So much history

A pub to feel instantly at home in but will leave you with a desire to take up smoking. I'be seen pub paraphernalia before. Usually drinks related but sometimes tobacco. Here, they have even nailed cigarette packets to the walls.

Wall, and ceiling, real estate in short supply

Easily pub of the day - not least, as it has Harvey's Sussex Best on.

01/12/25 - London's Inns of Court

The City within a City Oasis

My walk takes me to all four of London's Inns of Court - Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn, Middle Temple and Inner Temple. History at every turn - with Ian Nairn saving his praise for the hidden city within the City;

"This oasis, which most cities would give its eyes for..... as memorable as anything in Oxford or Cambridge"

Royal Courts of Justice, as we leave the sanctuary of Temple

Obligatory Dickens reference 

Temple calmness

Temple Church - London's Notre Dame - is the obvious architectural highlight. I was told to visit during last week's Worcester Cathedral visit, where my guide told me the only other effigy with an unsheathed sword was interred here. She may have got that wrong.... all swords appear to be sheathed. Regardless - an unexpected £5 entrance fee - but what does that buy you in the Smoke? Just over a half of beer, as I determine on the pub crawl later.

Temple Church, founded by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, is a rare medieval survivor hidden within London’s legal quarter. Its round nave echoes the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and the church has long served as the ceremonial heart of the Inner and Middle Temple. Inside, carved knightly effigies and remarkable acoustics give the place a serene, time-slipped atmosphere.

 As Nairn points out - along with the rest of Temple, it's incredible how much of this (and surrounding buildings) were meticulously rebuilt from photograph images after the WWII.  "The best new townscape in London is neo-Georgian".

Temple Church

The Views you get for £5

Sword Sheathed

Onto the Pubs - for the shortest Pub Crawl in London.

Walk Details

Distance - 2 Miles

Walk Inspiration - Andrew Duncan's Favourite London Walks

Geocaches - 13 

01/12/25 - Brentford

Waterways at the County Town of Middlesex

Ian Nairn describes Brentford as "A tragic, traffic-laden" place and moves rather quickly on to describe the merits of the Beehive Pub, the home of the Bees.

This is a morning walk - so no pubs involved, but I do find the pretty parts (the Butts), a pub laden high streets and plenty of water.

The Brent - running for 17 miles from Harrow Weald, to where it meets the Thames here. The Grand Union Canal offering the possibility to take me 137 miles home to Birmingham. A busy, pub-laden high street.

It's here I find the Brentford monument, informing the rambler about the extensive history.  A lot happened here;

The Brentford Monument marks four key moments from the town’s long, strategic history: Julius Caesar’s reported Thames crossing in 54 BC, King Offa’s church council of AD 781, Edmund Ironside’s clash with Cnut’s forces in 1016, and the 1642 Civil War battle fought in its streets.

A story told in photos;

Starting at Boston Manor Tube, made sense to visit the house and extensive grounds

Life under the M4

Been reading about Edward Hopper this month - now I recognise his work in the street

London's largest boat works

The Grand Union Canal and the bridge that takes into Boston Manor Park

Walk Details

Distance - 4.5 Miles

Geocaches - 12

Walk Inspiration - Walking Village London, Walk 1

28/11/25 - Bromsgrove Bar Trek

"Mostly Older Pubs in Bromsgrove Centre"

The nearest activity to me in the excellent Bar Trek App is Bromsgrove. I wasn't really aware that Bromsgrove had enough pubs to warrant a crawl but they are there, when you look. Or have them pointed out to you by a fellow enthusiast.

All lined up and ready to be discovered

On a wet Friday afternoon, what will I find? What will I eavesdrop? Solo entertainment in retirement has come to this.

Olde Black Cross

The first pub I have entered, where the TV Screen is tuned to GB News. I cannot spend too long, else I get radicalised.

Dating from 1640, the unmanned front bar gives the history.

Grade II Coaching House, Jail, Blacksmiths - you name it

First Charles II, now Mappiman

A sprawling pub, it's a case of find someone to serve you. The rear bar also unmanned but some-one leaves the afternoon creche to come and serve. No cask, so half a Guinness.

Golden Cross Hotel

No real reason to re-visit this Good Beer Guide stalwart. And it isn't the first 'Spoons I visited today. The 52 bus to Bromsgrove goes to Redditch, so the Royal Enfield, a GBG newbie, has been ticked.

Double 'Spoons

Unlike the Royal Standard, I have never been able to get comfortable here. It's always too manic and tables are at a premium. Today, I do better than usual, getting a four seater table. Now I don't mind people joining me but there are rules. Do not have your phone on speaker, hold it to your ear and then had a nonsense conversation about Xmas presents, whilst your husband fetches two pints of Coors.

I try and entertain myself by looking at who else is in. Usual workies in high viz, shoppers who know where the bargain inexhaustible coffees are and pensioner dinner parties. 

I cannot complain about the beer though. A whole smorgasbord of festive beers on - which could have warranted a proper taste-off all afternoon. Although I am unsure what makes Holbeck Santa Baby a festive beer. It's an IPA. But it was in fine condition and the price was more than right.

The Red Lion

A previously unnoticed Marston's Single Roomer along the high street, where a first pleasant greeting is received and comfortable chairs are available to sit on. Hobgoblin or Banks Bitter on the pumps clips warranting a conversation about whether it is now known as Amber. I find out that on weekdays, it's £2.40 a pint. And Friday is no longer a weekday.

Pub real estate sold off to a shoe shop

A 3.4% shadow of its former self. Random A E Houseman portrait

All the other punters are solo men. Most know each other. One bloke looks like he lives in here. No judgement from me on any lifestyle choices but I am not sure the bar staff should be serving two pints at a time.

The Old Post Office

Another newbie to me, slightly further up the road. No prizes for its history, but I can tell you it was converted into a pub in 2019 by Amber Taverns. It's cavernous inside, with posters advertising how many bombs you can get for a set amount of cash.

Post box as a pub sign

Two Wye Valley Cask on - HPA and Butty Bach. A cursory look around and of course, everyone is on lout. Should I risk it? Despite every bone in my body screaming "Don't Do It", I plunge in and order - without asking for a sample - a Butty Bach.

Would you believe me if I told you it was as good as my local Wye Valley GBG Tied house? The world is always full of surprises and sometimes they are pleasant.

I pick a quiet spot in an alcove all to myself and a second surprise when two ladies, who have the entire pub to themselves, choose to sit as close as humanely possible to me. 

After a few minutes talking conspiratorially to themselves, they turn to me and ask "Excuse me, do you know who the Prime Minister is?"

I immediately have many potential responses. Am I being chatted up? How do they not know? Eventually, I settle on the fact that they are probably inquiring about my own mental cognitive abilities.

Kier Starmer, I reply.

No, not him, the one before they respond.  

I furnish them with Rishi - and they say the fellow on the TV Screen looks just like him. If anything, he looks like Sajid Javid, rather than he of the too short trousers.

Alas, Diamond Bus Timetables thwart how this unusual pub quiz may have progressed. 

The pub crawl cut short, as the Crabmill doesn't open until 4pm.  Even on a weekend Friday.

Thoughts on Bromsgrove? A lot of hidden in plain sight pubs. A lot of afternoon boozers.

24/11/25 - On the Trail of...... Sir Edward Elgar

Worcestershire's Favourite Son

It's a podcast that provides the inspiration for today's walk. You cannot move in Worcestershire without tripping over Elgar references. Today, I concentrate on his life. I may well come back for one of his works and his final resting place. And maybe his London home.

The Lad Himself

Edward Elgar (1857–1934) was one of Britain’s most celebrated composers, renowned for works such as the "Enigma Variations" and the "Pomp and Circumstance Marches," which helped define the sound of English music in the early twentieth century. Born and raised in the village of Broadheath near Worcester, Elgar’s lifelong connection to Worcestershire profoundly shaped his musical inspiration; the county’s landscapes, particularly the Malvern Hills, featured prominently in his imagination and creative process.

One of the more interesting topics of the podcast is how he felt an outsider to high society throughout his life. Resentment setting in from being forced to use the tradesmen's entrance when accompanying his father on piano tuning exploits. Regardless of the praise he received, along with his wife he constantly petitioned for bigger and better honours. Right up to his knighthood. The Beckhams for the Edwardian Age.

Public transport options dictate that the walking starts at Hallow. 

The Malverns - his inspiration - visible through the early morning mist.

Possible cloud inversion on high?

The Firs, Lower Broadheath

I am aiming for his first home. Now a National Trust property, open at weekends. He didn't have far to go for a pint, a pleasure now denied as the Plough crumbles to the ground.

Dead Pub at the Plough

The Firs - Elgar's Birthplace

St George's Catholic Church

Into the City, across the river and to the Church where Edward succeeded his father as Church organist.

Memorial on the bottom left

Doors open at 10am and there is a good reason for this. There is a gig on. Exploration thwarted at the inner door.

Sure they could live without an inquisitive rambler bursting through the door

The Statue

Words not required

The Cathedral

A prominent venue for performances of his work. He is now honoured with his very own window.

The story of a spirit rising to the lord

More Monuments

I paid (and donated, cheeky chuggers) for a guided tour. Mrs M demanding I spend less time in pubs. I learned plenty about Elgar, King John and Prince Arthur until my allocated 1 hour ran out. A slightly awkward hour, as I was the only punter. Still, that didn't stop my host legging it with the words "you really mustn't miss the crypt" ringing in my ears.

Made sure I got my money's worth

His Worcester Home

2 Cathedral Precincts. The man was practically WFH before WFH annoyed the Daily Mail.

Told you he was everywhere

I may also visit 51 Avonmore Road, West Kensington, London, W14 8RT

The Family Music Shop

At the top of the High Street, knocked down and replaced with an architecturally insignificant H&M.

A glimpse of bloomers through the shop window

And his Pubs

A google search suggests he was a regular of the Lamb and Flag. A more substantiated report showed closer links to the Crown. Here he formed the Glee Club, an early Open Mic night to collaborate, perform and lead recitals to the annoyance of those that wanted to pop in for a quiet pint.

With 2 hours for the next bus, I was never going to miss the opportunity for cask Jaipur at £2.25 a pint.

It was only by being inquisitive that I found that this 'spoons has its very own Elgar room. A fact that I will remember, as this is where the comfy seats are located.

Timed for Cask Club Monday

The man guards the condiments

Walk Details

Distance - 6.25 Miles

Geocaches - 4

Walk Inspiration - Self designed walk, following History West Midlands Podcast

21/11/25 - Stourbridge Canals

Glass Making and Award Winning Pubs

All the interest in this lengthy walk comes at the end. Unless you are a fan of canals.

The Stourbridge Canal picked up at the bonded warehouse, a short section of woodland at Friars Gorse before picking up the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal at Gothersley Bridge. The cold snap scaring off other walkers and mercifully, most of the Lycra clad cycling dingers-of-bells.

Stourbridge Bonded Warehouse

Canal Dreams

Woodland in Winter

Best part of 10 miles completed, before arriving at the fringes of town. A quick explore of Stourbridge's Glass making history. Well, the museum is free of charge.

Stourbridge has been one of the world’s great centres of glassmaking since the early 17th century, when skilled Huguenot glassworkers settled in the area and took advantage of the region’s rich fireclay and coal. Today, the Stourbridge Glass Museum—opened in 2022 in the restored former Stuart Crystal site at Wordsley—celebrates this heritage through over four centuries of glass, live hot-glass demonstrations, and exhibitions that explore both the craft’s history and its ongoing innovation.

Museum Piece

Inside the Cone

With today's first award winning pub, the Bird in Hand, around the corner.

From three years ago

Community local

It's a simple two roomer, pleasantly full on a Friday lunchtime. A central bar connects the drinking spaces, complete with a sign that says "No Swearing". Ignored by the loud local, who bursts in after a hospital visit and announces to the vaguely interested locals about his firestick viewing habits. Triple profanity showing that Aussies aren't popular in Wordsley.

Jaipur, Butty Bach, Town Crier and a chosen £3.80 Holden's Golden Glow, which I have to say was perfect.

No Effing Swearing

Back to the bonded warehouse and the Old Wharf, a pub that I always think is closed. It always seems to be in darkness. It needed investigating, as it was 33rd best pub in the land by people who know nothing about pubs. To be fair, this was The Good Food Guide. And they might be on to something. The pork scratchings were less than £2.

It's a gastro-pub, and also packed. They like their hospitality in this part of the world. Despite being the only punter not dining, I was provided a warm welcome. Four cask ales on and I have no complaints about my chosen Vale Brewery No. 4615.

Even if it failed the "Clarity" test

Walk Details

Distance - 11 Miles 

Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, May 2025, Walk 12

Geocaches - 2