On With The Plan
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Previously, I made it as far as Black Lake. Leaving a 3 station gap, I resume at Lodge Road.
| Number | Station | AI Recommendation | Actual Nearest |
| 5 | Lodge Road | The Red Lion | The Billiard Hall |
The Red Lion is entirely a fabrication by AI. The actual nearest is a fine looking building that strangely, Wetherspoons had given up on. The locals were not happy in 2023, when Timbo put the Billiard Hall up for sale.
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| The Billiard Hall |
It didn't take long for new owners to take it on. To be honest, you'd really have to look carefully to see it's no longer a 'spoons. The furniture must have been included in the sale. There are clues, if you really look. Keen pricing but no cask ale available. Televisions on but the volume audible. An unusual mix of Kylie Minogue music videos and golf shared screens equally.
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| Clean, Tidy, Full of People, Stella for £4.20 |
| Number | Station | AI Recommendation | Actual Nearest |
| 6 | Kendrick Park | The Old Hop Pole | The Vine |
The next pub needs no introduction to Championship (and occasional Premier League) football fans.
The Vine is one of the country's great away day pubs. Fans from less Desi-Pub populated parts of the country enjoying good beer and a mixed grill.
Of course, I've been many times but I have to ask: "When did it get so expensive?" When I start ticking off David Jesudason's book (signed copy on my shelf), I will see if anywhere else charges £15 for a small mixed.
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| Goes back a long, long way. |
A good job the beer was so cheap at my first and final destination.
| Number | Station | AI Recommendation | Actual Nearest |
| 7 | Winson Green | The Red Lion | The Soho Foundry Tavern |
A proper bit of history, that links rather nicely with my morning walk around Handsworth. The Soho Foundry Tavern might be the most functionally named pub ever, directly opposite the gates of the Foundry.
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| Unexpected C18th Works |
The Soho Foundry, established in 1795 by Matthew Boulton, James Watt, and their sons in Smethwick near Birmingham, was the world’s first purpose-built steam engine factory and a pioneering site of the Industrial Revolution. It introduced groundbreaking innovations in industrial management, including standardized parts, division of labor, and early welfare schemes. Located by the Birmingham Canal for ease of transport, it produced steam engines and later became part of the Avery weighing machine business. Today, the site is partly still in industrial use by Avery Weigh-Tronix, though much of it is derelict and listed as at risk. Restoration plans are underway to revive it as a heritage and community site.
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| Proper Looking Pub |
I had this saved in my Google Maps - presumably for its architectural looks but maybe as a potential pre-Baggies Pint.
Whereas in history, it probably served pints of mild to re-hydrate the foundry workers, it now sells keg to (what appeared on my visit to be) thirsty delivery drivers.
A £4.40 Guinness taken into an extensive back garden, but not before a quick photo of the interior.
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| Inside the Soho Foundry Tavern |
Google maps suggesting that my route home should start at Handsworth Booth Street.
Maybe I'll be brave enough to tackle the Observatory on that visit.
Walk Details
Previous Metro Pub Walks - Part 1
Pubs - 3
Total Number of Metro Station Pubs - 7
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