Finding one of Quinno's Top 200 Pubs
Amblecote - slightly north of Stourbridge and a rich seam of previously undiscovered Good Beer Guide Ticks around Brettell Lane. That many, I actually miss one.
A revisit will be no hardship.
First the walk. An easy, linear walk from the Stewponey at Stourton along the Stourbridge Canal. Navigation.... no problem, although the keen eyed will notice from the map that I got off the bus one stop too early. Always an embarrassment when the bus is stuck in traffic and you overtake it on foot.
 |
| The Stourbridge Canal |
 |
| A Proud Family from "The Junction" |
My guide book would like me to use a pub called the Moorings. Now renamed "The Old Wharf". I've walked past it a few times but never seen it open. Maybe I am just unlucky, as google suggests it has very reasonable opening times. One for another day, I'm walking up the hill.
The Red Lion is first up. Strategically positioned opposite a new bus route from Kidderminster. Yes, you heard correctly, something improving on public transport. Notes made for my return.
Partly owned by the Salopian Brewery although you wouldn't necessarily tell that from the range of sixish different brewery options on cask. I cannot recall all of them, but untappd reminded me that I had a Buxton Brewery Wangdoodle.
 |
| Trad Number 1 |
Nice comfy seating inside, even if a shade too brown. A glimpse of a lovely beer garden, that surely would have been used if it wasn't for the need to steal their 'leccy for a mobile phone that contains my all important bus ticket.
 |
| Everything's Gone Brown |
Better planned pub tickers would have been pre-armed with the knowledge that the Swan, a touch further uphill, is their sister pub and also in the Good Beer Guide. I ignored my on the ground instincts and marched on up the hill for the Starving Rascal.
There was always going to be a Black Country Ales pub. Whilst taking my Kinver Ale May Bug to the uniform tartan bench seating and another couple came in. Eavesdropping, it was easy to determine they were taking advantage of the extra weeks amnesty to tick off up to 25 of the chain's pubs to win (quite generous) prizes. Clothing and free beer.
This couple were hardcore. In the hope of getting a ticket to the golden ball - last year held at the Black Country Museum - they were going for a full coupon. I had to enquire if they didn't just find them all the same.
Yep, was their answer.
 |
| BCA - All the Way |
Functional, yet underwhelming, I turn the corner and use gravity to take me back to civilisation.
I had completed no research at all into the Robin Hood. But it didn't take me long to realise I was in the company of a stone cold classic.
 |
| Gravity was on my side |
I would say I am a veteran of around 4000 pub visits. Yet, I cannot think of a beer lineup that has forced me into a more tricky decision.
In Bridgnorth last month, I chose a Three Tuns over a Bathams. Mainly, for the novelty value of not having seen one of my favourite pints for a long time. The same decision needed to be made today.
But wait, there's also cask Jaipur on. Delightful, but Timbo has been spoiling me with unmatchable value £2.45 pints on Mondays and Wednesdays. A price that Thornbridge should probably be ashamed of allowing. Not that my conscious stopped me supping.
But there.... in the middle.... the lesser spotted but much loved Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild.
 |
| Mappiman is Mild in May |
What a joy! And a lot of love/agreement on my Twitter feed.
Robin Hood is Top 200 pub IMO
— Sir Quinno Says Bass 🔺️ (@SirQuinno) May 29, 2025
Now if Quinno ever gets around to publishing his top 200, I will start ticking them.
In the meantime, I am planning my return to Amblecote. Where I will tick off the Swan and probably spend the rest of the day in the Robin Hood.
Working my way, left to right, along the hand-pulls.
Walk Details
Distance - 6 Miles
Walk Inspiration - Best Pub Walks in The Black Country - Walk 22
Geocaches - 4
No comments:
Post a Comment