Best of the Black Country (Meet Up 5th October 2012)

[Andy Ven]

If we secured enough bodies (double figures) and agreed on one of the cooler months of the year I'd do it (these places are great when it's a bit cold outside).

The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley is a must, and I'd be a little spolit for choice in Upper and Lower Gornal

[rpadam]

Maybe one day I'll organise another Black Country tour but for the PG regulars - say, pick up at the Wellington in Brum and drop off at the Great Western behind the train station in Wolverhampton, taking in Halesowen, Stourbridge, Netherton, Gornal and Sedgley along the way. I'm drooling already!
Silly question perhaps, but could one incorporate a walk through the (in)famous Netherton Tunnel as part of such a trip (only for the brave or foolish, perhaps)?

[gillhalfpint]

We would be up for it. Tunnel too. Is that the one where you walk a narrowboat through a tunnel using your feet on the tunnel roof?

[Bucking Fastard]

Silly question perhaps, but could one incorporate a walk through the (in)famous Netherton Tunnel as part of such a trip (only for the brave or foolish, perhaps)?

The southern portal is not too far from the Olde Swan but after walking through the 3027 yards ,I dont think there are many pubs in the immediate area.Andy may be more aware of public transport availability at the Tividale end .It's quite an experience:eek:

[Bucking Fastard]

We would be up for it. Tunnel too. Is that the one where you walk a narrowboat through a tunnel using your feet on the tunnel roof?

No that's Dudley Tunnel which is parallel to Netherton but 2 miles to the west.

[rpadam]

No that's Dudley Tunnel which is parallel to Netherton but 2 miles to the west.
Netherton has a towpath on either side, although I think the western one is spposed to closed due to its poor condition. The tunnel itself is some 3,027 yards (2,768 metres long) so in the middle you are nearly a mile away from daylight...

[Wittenden]

Interesting read:it reminded me of my only visit to the Black Country in the late 1970's, when we managed to try beers from Bathams, Holdens and the late lamented Simpkiss (JPS?), as well as Ma Pardoe, both in the famous pub and a modernish one also belonging to her. A good weekend; I also remember going to the Barton Arms in Aston, and having trouble with buses and television sets.



Admin: I have copied this post back to the original thread about The History of Batham's Brewery (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?9846-The-History-of-Batham-s-Black-Country-Brewers).

[Andy Ven]

We would be up for it. Tunnel too. Is that the one where you walk a narrowboat through a tunnel using your feet on the tunnel roof?

I think that's at the Black Country museum. The Netherton tunnel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherton_Tunnel_Branch_Canal)is about 1.75 miles long. A long walk through the tunnel would be at the expense of spending time in some top Black Country pubs so I would be inclined to visit Ma Pardoe's and move on, especially since the demise of the Little Dry Dock.


Interesting read:it reminded me of my only visit to the Black Country in the late 1970's, when we managed to try beers from Bathams, Holdens and the late lamented Simpkiss (JPS?), as well as Ma Pardoe, both in the famous pub and a modernish one also belonging to her. A good weekend; I also remember going to the Barton Arms in Aston, and having trouble with buses and television sets.

Enville Ales now brew Simpkiss Bitter (http://www.envilleales.com/ourales.htm).


I said one day I could arrange a minibus tour of the Black Country but I didn't say it was imminent. After consulting with my diary co-ordinator I have come up with a date. How does Friday 5th October sound?

[gillhalfpint]

At the moment we look free for 5 Oct.

Little Dry Dock that yoiu mentioned. Was that the Mad O'Rourkes pub that had a narrowboat for a bar?

[Andy Ven]

At the moment we look free for 5 Oct.

Little Dry Dock that yoiu mentioned. Was that the Mad O'Rourkes pub that had a narrowboat for a bar?

Yes. I asked about stopping there when I did a Black Country booze cruise bus for my stag do just over 2 years ago. The bus company told me that they had a lot of bother from local kids when the bus was parked outside there. As it's now closed it's no longer an option.

[oldboots]

I said one day I could arrange a minibus tour of the Black Country but I didn't say it was imminent. After consulting with my diary co-ordinator I have come up with a date. How does Friday 5th October sound?

I could make that as I usually spend a week somewhere in the land of my ancestors once a year.

[Bucking Fastard]

Andy the 5th October is fine with me and I've stuck it in the diary,looking forward to a really interesting day.

[Andy Ven]

I should say at this point that the minibus should be around £15 per head to pick us up from the first pub (at about 1.00pm) and to ferry us around to wherever we ask him to go (until around 7pm) - the best of the Black Country. Not bad considering he has to sit and watch us drink Pardoe's, Batham's, Holden's, Sarah Hughes, Enville etc.

I suggest finishing at the Great Western in Wolverhampton because it's next to the train station and there are 4 Virgin trains per hour going to Birmingham, taking about 20 minutes, (plus local services) so it should be easy for people to get home.

[gillhalfpint]

Sounds like a good plan Andy. No problem. Time for a few in Birmingham too if there's room.

[Oggwyn Trench]

I should be able to make this , its about 20 years since i last had a proper wander around the Black Country even though its virtually on my doorstep

[Andy Ven]

I have provisionally booked the minibus. I need to pay at deposit at the end of the month (if you promise me you'll come, if you've said you are coming, that's enough - as long as we're in double figures I won't lose out financially). Richard said £15 per head without any food being laid on (he also does tours with food but I thought we would have enough opportunity to pick up cheese and onion cobs, pork pies and pork scratchings).

He has a 15 seater, a 16 seater, a 25 seater and a coach so I'll need to give him numbers nearer the time so he knows which one to bring - we'd be stuffed if, say, 12 of us say yes and 20 turn up and try to squeeze into a 16 seater! I'll ask for definites in September.

[Strongers]

I've run this past the misses and I've got a pass for Friday 5th Oct and an overnight stay so that I can take in some of the delights of Birmingham on Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to meeting some of you and sampling some decent boozers.

[Real Ale Ray]

Andy that sounds brill! Especially when i've never done the Black Country. So can you count me and my secretary in for that, cheers mate. I'll square up with u in L,pool if that's ok.

[Andy Ven]

Andy that sounds brill! Especially when i've never done the Black Country. So can you count me and my secretary in for that, cheers mate. I'll square up with u in L,pool if that's ok.

Welcome aboard. Don't worry about the money until the day. As I've said, as long as we're in double figures I'll cover the minimum hire cost.

[Oggwyn Trench]

Baring any last minute hitches i am in , got the day off booked up :drinkup:

[Soup Dragon]

I am up for it - but have a sneaky suspicion i am booked for a talk that night, will check all 87 odd diaries to see

[Dave M]

Well I can't see any reason why I wouldn't be free in October so put me down for this too, sounds like fun!

[runningdog]

.......... will check all 87 odd diaries to see

If you've got 87 odd diaries, Soups, how many ordinary ones have you got......OK, don't panic, I'll get me hat, see meself out...........

Seriously though, I'd love to join in, but there's no way I could make it.........

[Andy Ven]

The good thing about finishing at the Great Western, behind Wolverhampton train station, is that there are direct trains from there to Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, London Euston, Southampton, Aberystwyth and Stoke.

If you fancy staying overnight with Lenny Henry there's a Premier Inn (everything's premier but the price) virtually next door to the pub.

If you're feeling adventurous you can get the bus to Bloxwich ..... or Wednesfield or Walsall. The West Midlands is your lobster!

[Strongers]

Where would the pick up point be?

[Oggwyn Trench]

Where would the pick up point be?

If i am not mistaken , i think young Mr Ven suggested http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubreviews/37946/ for the meet up (before the thread was split) only 16 pulls to go at !!!!

[Strongers]

If i am not mistaken , i think young Mr Ven suggested http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubreviews/37946/ for the meet up (before the thread was split) only 16 pulls to go at !!!!

Looks like a good choice to me.:drinkup:

[Andy Ven]

I did indeed suggest we meet up in the Wellington (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubreviews/37946/).

OK it's in Birmingham, which is not in the Black Country, but it's a central meeting point (much more so than Rowley Regis), it opens at 10.00am (Black Country Ales Pig on the Wall,BFG and Fireside are £1.90 per pint up to 1pm) ..... and Richard is OK with picking up from there.



Note to self for headcount purposes: PSM is a definite maybe

[gillhalfpint]

It looks as though we will be coming to this trip from Sheffield rather than from home. I have run through the posts and it looks as though the pick up is planned from the Wellington, Birmingham at 1pm.

I will be staying in Wales near Sheffield and the bus to Sheffield then train to Birmingham would get me to New Street for 12.07 so if a 1pm start that would be perfect.

Just wanted confirmation really.

[Andy Ven]

Hello Gill,

I have drawn up a timetable involving a pick up from the Wellington at 12.30, 50 minutes in each of the next 6 pubs (after travel time) and then arriving at the Great Western at 7.30pm. If your train comes in on time you should be able to get to the Welly for 12.30, in time for a quick half if you wanted one?

Andy

[gillhalfpint]

Hi Andy,

That sounds good to me.

Gill

[Delboy20]

Hello Gill,

I have drawn up a timetable involving a pick up from the Wellington at 12.30, 50 minutes in each of the next 6 pubs (after travel time) and then arriving at the Great Western at 7.30pm. If your train comes in on time you should be able to get to the Welly for 12.30, in time for a quick half if you wanted one?

Andy

Hi Andy,

Which 6 pubs are on the cards mate? - hoping to make this one. I am due to be on call that week but might be able to sort out some cover.

Don't worry if you are keeping the plans as a surprise for people - I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone !

Cheers,

Del.

[Andy Ven]

No big surprise - I just wanted to work out a line of best fit so that we didn't spend too much time travelling rather than enjoying the pubs. I also had to be sure of opening hours at the pubs on the list. It was a difficult choice because there are some corkers to choose from but hopefully I have covered some good ones, especially for first time vistiors to this part of the world.

The date of the crawl is Friday 5th October. Pick up will be at 12.30 from The Wellington (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37946/) in Birmingham (which clearly isn't the Black Country but it's a central starting point and it is a Black Country Ales (http://www.blackcountryales.co.uk/ourdrinks.html)establishment). The minibus is a flat rate of £15 per head.

After a very welcoming experience on my visit the week before last our first Black Country pub will be The Waterfall (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/38289/) in Cradley Heath - a Holden's (http://www.holdensbrewery.co.uk/index.asp?loc=productlist) pub. A choice of cobs are on offer on the bar but they might do us some bowls of chips and curry sauce if I ask nicely.

Next on the list is the Windsor Castle (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/65583/)in Lye, home of Sadler's Al (http://www.sadlersales.co.uk/)es.

How can I do the Black Country without a Batham's (http://www.bathams.co.uk/our-brews/) pub? I am spoilt for choice so I have opted for the Brewery Tap, the Vine (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/38031/) (aka Bull and Bladder) in Brierley Hill. Pork pies are available at the bar.

Up to Netherton to Ma Pardoe's (http://allgatesbrewery.com/allgates-brewery-blog/2010/09/my-favourite-pubs-the-seventh-of-a-few-the-old-swan-netherton/) Old Swan (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/53681/), another classic brewery tap.

I was considering cheekily asking for permission (via a mate of mine) to access the Bottle and Glass (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/67258/)in the Black Country Living Museum but we might lose people so I think I'll have to drop that idea in favour of a free house, The Fountain (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/38320/), in Lower Gornal - they do the largest cheese cobs I've ever had in a pub.

I aim to arrive at the Beacon Hotel (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/38292/)in Sedgley in time for afternoon opening at 5.30pm where everyone can indulge in a pint of 6% Sarah Hughes (http://www.sarahhughesbrewery.co.uk/regular_ales.html)Dark Ruby, brewed on the premises.

Last up is the Great Western (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/39188/)in Wolverhampton which is another cracking pub, next to the station and the Premier Inn. I aim to arrive there at about 6.45 which would allow people time to have a pint before catching their train back to wherever they need to get to.

[gillhalfpint]

Andy, that sounds like a cracking plan. Well done.

[Delboy20]

Not bad Andy - for once I can proudly say I have been to all of your choices - not bad for a lager lout !!

Waterfall - used to be on a regular pub crawl of mine 20 years ago

Windsor Castle - had a short brewery tour there a couple of months ago

Bull and Bladder - used to be my uncle's local. Lost count of my visits over the years.

Pardoe's - Another much visited local of mine years ago.

Fountain - only been a couple of times.

Beacon - again only a couple of visits.

Great Western - only ever been once.

Which pubs will be virgin visits for your more remote attendee's ?? I'll lay money that Soupy and Gill have done them all before

Del.

[gillhalfpint]

Waterfall - a pub I haven't been to.

Windsor Castle - been 2 or 3 times. Was shown round the brewery on an open day once.

Bull & Bladder - Can't believe I haven't been here, but it is not down in my recoeds so presume another new one.

Pardoes - Fountain - Beacon - Great Western. love 'em.

Gill

[Andy Ven]

So many I had to discount on the basis of inconvenient opening hours, too much of a detour but all iconic in some way: Shovel in Lye; Waggon and Horses in Halesowen; Hawne Tavern in Halesowen; Duke William in Stourbridge; Bulls Head in Lower Gornal; Court House in Dudley; Mad O'Rourkes Pie Factory in Tipton; Jolly Crispin in Upper Gornal; any number of Batham's pubs; The Crooked House in Himley; the Mount Pleasant (Stump) in Sedgley; Park Inn in Woodsetton etc.

Given the quality/status among the ones above not making the final cut it should be a good day out!

[Quinno]

Good news - I have just been (very swiftly!) seconded to another part of the University so my original busy period in October might well have been consigned to history.

In short, I hope to join you. Will confirm in a few days. :cheers:

[gillhalfpint]

How are you fixed for places as a friend from Cornwall is interested in joining us on the trip as he will be in Nantwich and can make it from there.

[Andy Ven]

How are you fixed for places as a friend from Cornwall is interested in joining us on the trip as he will be in Nantwich and can make it from there.

There's still room for more at the moment. I have a list of people who have said yes so far but I will need to know definite numbers at some point because if we go over 16 (which we may well do) then they will need to bring the 25 seater.

My list at the moment is :

Me + 2
Gill and Mr Halfpint and Graham
Old Boots
Bucking Fastard
Oggwyn Trench
Strongers
Real Ale Ray and Real Ale Fiona
Dave M
Soup Dragon
Sheffield Hatter+1
Quinno
Roger B
Rpadam
Del Boy joining us in Cradley Heath


Not all of these are definites so, like I say, I will need to get some confirmation

[oldboots]

Not all of these are definites so, like I say, I will need to get some confirmation


I'm a definite yes

[gillhalfpint]

I am a definite yes for me and Ray, and will let you know whether our friend would like a seat ASAP.

[Bucking Fastard]

It's a great list Andy and I am a definite YES.

[Real Ale Ray]

An absolute YES from me and Mrs Ale :cheers:

[Oggwyn Trench]

Yes from me :drinkup:

[Andy Ven]

Thanks to those who have confirmed.

Just to reiterate a few other details:

The minibus is a flat rate of £15 per head.
The Wellington opens at 10.00am. Black Country Ales are £1.90 per pint before 1pm.
The Great Western is next to Wolverhampton Railway station and Premier Inn Wolverhampton City Centre so it's easy to get home by rail or stay over if you want to extend your stay.

If anyone needs directions to the Wellington from New Street Station:

If you arrive on platforms 2 to 11, walk to the 'b' end of the platform and take the staircase up to the bridge that spans the platforms. Turn left and follow the corridor up some more steps (past ticket inspection, if they are there) and out onto the street. Cross the road in front of you using the pedestrian crossing (the road is currently closed to traffic because of construction work but this could change) and turn right when you reach the other side. After 25 yards, cross the road just before Ladbrokes and walk up the paved Lower Temple Street with the Shakespeare (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55025/) pub on your left. You will see Tesco ahead of you. Turn left along paved New Street until you reach Bella Italia on your left. Turn right and walk up Bennett's Hill (past the Sun on the Hill (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54986/), Briar Rose (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54984/), and Bennett's (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54983/)), crossing Waterloo Street. The Wellington is just a little further up on your right.

PM me if you're arriving via a different station

[Dave M]

You can add me to the 'yes' list, sounding like a good day out! :)

Now I just need to work out whether to stay in the midlands and pop over to Leicester the following day to watch some football.

[Strongers]

Count me in.

[Andy Ven]

Count me in.

Great. It will be nice to meet a new face

[Soup Dragon]

I just need to book day off and re-arrange the saturday if i am due to work. So fingers crossed, i should be there

[Andy Ven]

I just need to book day off and re-arrange the saturday if i am due to work. So fingers crossed, i should be there

It could be a triple birthday celebration (albeit one week early) if you and Del come as well

[Delboy20]

It could be a triple birthday celebration (albeit one week early) if you and Del come as well

If I remember right, Soupy's birthday is the same as mine ( although I suspect he has seen a few more than me !!! )

[Andy Ven]

If I remember right, Soupy's birthday is the same as mine ( although I suspect he has seen a few more than me !!! )

His and mine are the day after yours. There is even spacing between us in terms of birth years.

[Real Ale Ray]

Can't believe all these birthdays around the same time, as mine is actually on the 5th October! Will just have to work out who is the eldest, as they can get the beers in :drinkup:

[Oggwyn Trench]

Beer and Cakes ........ could get messy :D

[Delboy20]

Can't believe all these birthdays around the same time, as mine is actually on the 5th October! Will just have to work out who is the eldest, as they can get the beers in :drinkup:

I'd go along with that !!

[Andy Ven]

Can't believe all these birthdays around the same time, as mine is actually on the 5th October! Will just have to work out who is the eldest, as they can get the beers in :drinkup:

Well I know that criteria excuses me and Del so the idea gets my vote

[Soup Dragon]

Well I know that criteria excuses me and Del so the idea gets my vote

I was just about to say i had booked the day off and count me in.........

[Andy Ven]

I was just about to say i had booked the day off and count me in.........

Maybe Ray will just pip you to it :)

[Soup Dragon]

Mmmmmm - not convinced, but count me in. You do realise that you will have to text me all the train times and bus details to get home? It will be good to catch-up with OB, the Captain, RAR and meet a few new faces!

[Real Ale Ray]

To narrow things down on the age front...I remember watching the first Apollo moon landing (and I was at the age where I could walk!!).

Also, I can remember the images of the sexy women on the cans of Watneys (when my Dad was drinking them, of course).

Even Spoons weren't invented then!!

I haven't helped myself with the above, so looks like I'm getting the beer in :eek:

[Andy Ven]

Mmmmmm - not convinced, but count me in. You do realise that you will have to text me all the train times and bus details to get home? It will be good to catch-up with OB, the Captain, RAR and meet a few new faces!

You can get the 89 back to Bloxwich with me and then either walk or get the train a few stops


I haven't helped myself with the above, so looks like I'm getting the beer in :eek:

You're too kind, Ray!

[sheffield hatter]

Please count me in - I've booked the day off work and I'm waiting for the Cross Country trains booking horizon so that I can get some reasonably priced tickets. A pub crawling companion from Sheffield may want to join us too, if that's OK. Does this get you into the realms of the 25-seater?

[Andy Ven]

Were you tempted by Ray's offer to buy you a drink if you can prove your birthday is in early to mid-October? I'm sure that there are plenty of websites from where you could obtain fake ID ;)

We're up to 12 confirmed and I'm going to check with one or two of my mates this weekend. I don't mind if we take the 25 seater. My main concern was that if people just turned up and there wasn't enough room on the minibus and also if we need the larger vehicle then it would be helpful if I let our driver know asap so that he can reserve it for us. I did forewarn him that we might need it but I said I would confirm it with him.

[gillhalfpint]

Our friend Graham is a definite, so we are 3. He will come on the train from Sheffield with us to New St.

Gill

[Andy Ven]

Our friend Graham is a definite, so we are 3. He will come on the train from Sheffield with us to New St.

Gill

Thanks Gill. That makes 15 definites and several possibles

[sheffield hatter]

That makes 15 definites and several possibles

My possible companion from Sheffield will be a no show, due to his mother's 91st birthday being the same day. A poor excuse, except that she lives in Inverness...

[Andy Ven]

My possible companion from Sheffield will be a no show, due to his mother's 91st birthday being the same day. A poor excuse, except that she lives in Inverness...

OK. Thanks for confirming that (and a belated happy birthday to you) :)

[Strongers]

Trains are booked!
I managed to keep the costs down to £28.50 for a return from Eastbourne to Birmingham New Street.
Four hours travelling, eight hours drinking, four hours travelling!

[Andy Ven]

Trains are booked!
I managed to keep the costs down to £28.50 for a return from Eastbourne to Birmingham New Street.
Four hours travelling, eight hours drinking, four hours travelling!

Good stuff! Set the alarm on your phone for when you get near to home ;)

You did note that we finish next to Wolverhampton train station? (Easy to get back to Brum from there though)

[Strongers]

Good stuff! Set the alarm on your phone for when you get near to home ;)

You did note that we finish next to Wolverhampton train station? (Easy to get back to Brum from there though)

I’m on the 20:10 train back to London so I thought I’d have enough time for a pint before getting the train back to New Street.

[Quinno]

My lovely new job has let me have the (previously unattainable) 5th off, so I will be joining you all! Will investigate train times tomorrow :cheers:

[Real Ale Ray]

My lovely new job has let me have the (previously unattainable) 5th off, so I will be joining you all! Will investigate train times tomorrow :cheers:

Well done Quinno! should be a good one. Am looking forward to sinking quite a few Bathams beers and meeting up with everyone again.

[Andy Ven]

My lovely new job has let me have the (previously unattainable) 5th off, so I will be joining you all! Will investigate train times tomorrow :cheers:

Good stuff. That makes 16 of us at my last count.

[rpadam]

Good stuff. That makes 16 of us at my last count.
It now looks like I'll be able to make it too - will confirm a.s.a.p...

[Andy Ven]

It now looks like I'll be able to make it too - will confirm a.s.a.p...

Looks like I will need to ask for the 25 seater! :)

[rpadam]

Looks like I will need to ask for the 25 seater! :)
Trains now booked...

[RogerB]

I've been a bit out of the loop with this one as it was initially a bit of an awkward weekend but circumstances have now conspired to free up the Friday and Saturday so I'm looking at getting in on the action. Will hopefully make this an overnighter and do a bit of groundhopping/pubbing on the Saturday somewhere.

[RogerB]

Now booked up. Dep Euston 9.03 Fri, arr Brum 10.27. Staying at Holiday Inn. Dep Brum 21.10 on the Sat. Now just got to find some Saturday afternoon footy entertainment!

[Quinno]

Due to the mysterious monetary void of the Banbury break-point, I have managed to blag a fairly good rate of £29.20. This does mean a weird combo:

Outward:
Depart Reading 09:11, arr Banbury 09:53 then stay on the same train and get my 09:54 Banbury-BNS ticket out. Arrive BNS 10:48.

Return:
Depart Wolves 20:43, arr Banbury 21:54 then stay on the same train and get my Banbury-Reading ticket out for the 21:55. Arrive Reading 22:41

Might see you in the Spoons for breakfast, Roger!:D

[Pubsignman]

Now just got to find some Saturday afternoon footy entertainment!

I'm going to the Coventry vs Bournemouth match on the Saturday, so let me know if that takes your fancy. Annoyingly, it looks like I'm going to miss out on the crawl as I can't get the time off work.

[Quinno]

Annoyingly, it looks like I'm going to miss out on the crawl as I can't get the time off work.

Get a new job, worked for me :p

[Andy Ven]

Trains now booked...


Now booked up. Dep Euston 9.03 Fri, arr Brum 10.27. Staying at Holiday Inn. Dep Brum 21.10 on the Sat. Now just got to find some Saturday afternoon footy entertainment!

That takes us up to 18. Woo hoo! Fixtures on 6th October can be found on Soccerbase (http://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2012-10-06). In the West Midlands you have a choice of West Brom v QPR, Birmingham v Huddersfield, Coventry v Bournemouth or the Mighty Saddlers v Carlisle. I know which one I would go for..... ;)


I'm going to the Coventry vs Bournemouth match on the Saturday, so let me know if that takes your fancy. Annoyingly, it looks like I'm going to miss out on the crawl as I can't get the time off work.

Sorry you can't make it, PSM. Hope we can catch up another time.

[RogerB]

I'd be looking to do a new ground. Burton Albion is the only realistic new league ground I could get to but they are away to Morecambe that day. That means I'm left with non-league but as it's an FA Cup date (3rd qual Round) I don't yet know who's playing anywhere.

[trainman]

Hi Andy, do your current numbers take you up to the next size vehicle? I'm still unsure whether this one would be possible for me but, if so, could/would you accommodate a seat or 2 for tm?
Ps. Are you forwarning target pubs to expect a large group hitting the bar at once?

[Andy Ven]

Hi Andy, do your current numbers take you up to the next size vehicle? I'm still unsure whether this one would be possible for me but, if so, could/would you accommodate a seat or 2 for tm?
Ps. Are you forwarning target pubs to expect a large group hitting the bar at once?

Sorry TM, I've only just picked up your post. I can accommodate another half dozen now that we've stepped up to the 25 seater midi-coach.

I will contact the pubs beforehand but Richard the driver tends to do that anyway.

[trainman]

Thanks Andy but, sadly, circumstances won't allow my participation.
I trust a few of the group will be sampling, among many, some Sarah Hughes etc on my behalf.
Have a top top day, and I look forward to reports of derring-do in the aftermath...

[Andy Ven]

Thanks Andy but, sadly, circumstances won't allow my participation.
I trust a few of the group will be sampling, among many, some Sarah Hughes etc on my behalf.
Have a top top day, and I look forward to reports of derring-do in the aftermath...

Thanks for letting me know, mate.

At my last count there were 18 of us. :)

[Andy Ven]

Look forward to seeing you all next Friday.

Just a reminder that the minibus leaves the Wellington (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37946/) at 12.30. :)

[Real Ale Ray]

Look forward to seeing you all next Friday.

Just a reminder that the minibus leaves the Wellington (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37946/) at 12.30. :)

Good one Andy, looking forward to sinking a few Bathams :drinkup:

[Bucking Fastard]

Look forward to seeing you all next Friday.

Just a reminder that the minibus leaves the Wellington (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37946/) at 12.30. :)

My train arrives in New Street at 12.08,so should be able to get a swift one in,see you all on Friday:)

[RogerB]

I'll be arriving around 10.30 on the Friday and will no doubt head for my customary 'Spoons brekky somewhere. Looking to get to the Welly around Midday. I think I've sussed out my Saturday entertainment - Stourbridge v Chesham. Looks like a few decent pubs in town as well so that should keep me quiet for the day!

[Quinno]

I'm getting in around the same time Mr B is so I might be joining him for traditional mega-brekky! There was a Spoons by the Wellington if I remember right.

[RogerB]

That would be the Brair Rose. I may however try the Dragon Inn (http://997/) so I can at least get a new tick on a few lists! It's only afew minutes walk in the other direction.

[Oggwyn Trench]

I should hit Brum at either 10.55 or 11.25 , depends if i brave the Thomas Bottfield for breakfast or wait till i get to Brum

[Delboy20]

As I predicted I am on 24 hour call out this week but that finishes on Friday morning ! As it stands all leave is on hold for the month - we are changing the whole computer system in a couple of weeks and although I know nothing about computers of any use it is "all hands on deck"
Having said that I have managed to blag a day off on Friday and without any disasters I am hoping to make it. The only downside is that I have to work all day Saturday instead.
If I can make it I am looking at a late call on Friday morning and it would be a lot easier to meet at the Waterfall. Is that still the first stop after Brum Andy ?? If so I assume you will be there at about 1.

Fingers crossed !!

[oldboots]

I should be in Wolverhampton on Thursday afternoon and so will be in the Wellington for 12, maybe earlier depending on what time I drag my sorry arse out of bed and get a train into New St. All this is dependant on not having some sort of liver failure before.

[gillhalfpint]

Us 3 will be getting into New Street from Sheffield at 12.07 so should be up to the Welly ok in time for the bus and hopefully a drink.

Gill

[sheffield hatter]

Us 3 will be getting into New Street from Sheffield at 12.07 so should be up to the Welly ok in time for the bus and hopefully a drink.

Arriving by an earlier train but will be at the Wellington about the same time as Gill & Co because there are a couple of "new to me" pubs that I want to get in and I'm not particularly bothered if I don't have time for a drink in the Welly.

[rpadam]

Due to arrive Moor Street at 11:54, then a brisk walk up to the Welly (hopefully in time for a quick half...)

[Dave M]

I should be arriving by coach in Birmingham in the late morning. Will probably go in search of food before making my way to the Welly by midday, possibly a bit earlier if my transport runs to time.

[Andy Ven]

If I can make it I am looking at a late call on Friday morning and it would be a lot easier to meet at the Waterfall. Is that still the first stop after Brum Andy ?? If so I assume you will be there at about 1.

I have taken an extract from the timetable I gave to the coach company. Hopefully it is easy to follow:

Wellington 37 Bennett's Hill, Birmingham B2 5SN Leave at 12.30
Waterfall 132 Waterfall Lane, Cradley Heath B64 6RG Arrive 12:50:00
Windsor Castle 7 Stourbridge Road, Lye DY9 7DG Arrive 13:50:00
Vine 10 Delph Road, Brierley Hill DY5 2TN Arrive 14:45:00
Old Swan 89 Halesowen Road, Netherton DY2 9PY Arrive 15:45:00
Fountain 8 Temple Street, Lower Gornal DY3 2PE Arrive 16:45:00
Beacon Hotel 129 Bilston Street, Sedgley DY3 1JE Arrive 17:40:00
Great Western Sun Street, Wolverhampton WV10 0DJ Arrive 18:40:00

The 25 seat midi coach is 'poorly' at the moment so Richard the coach company owner is sending a full size coach instead because there are too many of us for a minibus. Richard also advised me today that the cost is £16 per head. Hope that's OK with everyone.

If anyone wants my mobile number just in case then just PM me.

[RogerB]

Hope that's OK with everyone.

Sounds good to me. Do we make our own way back to Brum from the last pub in Wolverhampton or does the coach take us back? It's only £2 and about 15 mins on the train so it's no big deal either way.

[Andy Ven]

Sounds good to me. Do we make our own way back to Brum from the last pub in Wolverhampton or does the coach take us back? It's only £2 and about 15 mins on the train so it's no big deal either way.

The coach just drops us off at the Great Western (which is next to the railway station) and then he goes so you're free to spend as long as you like there.

[Millay]

I spotted the itinerary on Roger's Facebook page and am feeling a bit sorry that i didn't sign up for this one. It's probably for the best though as i am still recovering from a horrible cold.

Hope it's a great day and that everyone negotiates it safely if not soberly !!

[Andy Ven]

Millay, Black Country ale has medicinal properties.

Just a reminder to Real Ale Ray, Del Boy and Soup Dragon that on page 6 of this thread Soup Dragon promised to buy beers for the birthday boys (that's anyone with a birthday within 7 days of the event) :)

[oldboots]

Millay, Black Country ale has medicinal properties.

Just a reminder to Real Ale Ray, Del Boy and Soup Dragon that on page 6 of this thread Soup Dragon promised to buy beers for the birthday boys (that's anyone with a birthday within 7 days of the event) :)

I've just noticed a terrible error on my birth certificate, it says September when it should say October, would you believe it?

[Andy Ven]

I've just noticed a terrible error on my birth certificate, it says September when it should say October, would you believe it?

Yes. I can tell you're also a Libra. You're a well balanced sort.

If you re-read the post though it says that the eldest one of the birthday boys has to buy the beer. Should your birth certificate also say 1968?

[oldboots]

Yes. I can tell you're also a Libra. You're a well balanced sort.

If you re-read the post though it says that the eldest one of the birthday boys has to buy the beer. Should your birth certificate also say 1968?

no 1987, I've got one of them pictures in the attic but it's all gone a bit wrong:D

[Delboy20]

I have taken an extract from the timetable I gave to the coach company. Hopefully it is easy to follow:

Wellington 37 Bennett's Hill, Birmingham B2 5SN Leave at 12.30
Waterfall 132 Waterfall Lane, Cradley Heath B64 6RG Arrive 12:50:00
Windsor Castle 7 Stourbridge Road, Lye DY9 7DG Arrive 13:50:00
Vine 10 Delph Road, Brierley Hill DY5 2TN Arrive 14:45:00
Old Swan 89 Halesowen Road, Netherton DY2 9PY Arrive 15:45:00
Fountain 8 Temple Street, Lower Gornal DY3 2PE Arrive 16:45:00
Beacon Hotel 129 Bilston Street, Sedgley DY3 1JE Arrive 17:40:00
Great Western Sun Street, Wolverhampton WV10 0DJ Arrive 18:40:00

The 25 seat midi coach is 'poorly' at the moment so Richard the coach company owner is sending a full size coach instead because there are too many of us for a minibus. Richard also advised me today that the cost is £16 per head. Hope that's OK with everyone.

If anyone wants my mobile number just in case then just PM me.

PM sent mate.

[trainman]

Good timing for the Beacon; we arrived at that time on a Saturday and had to wait for opening.
Hoping to use the time constructively we sought out the famous local 'orange chips', from nearby chippy but, alas, that was closed too. I'm sure you'll fair better!
Good luck PuGers, one & all, for landmark tour. If only we'd managed to get 'beercam' beyond the 'what a brilliant idea!' stage... :)

[Soup Dragon]

i believe RAR has offered to get the beers in, young Venster.

I am looking forward to this - and longing to get back to reviewing again - have about 60 reports to write-up

[RogerB]

and longing to get back to reviewing again - have about 60 reports to write-up

So am I - just a small backlog of 780 at the moment!

[Quinno]

So am I - just a small backlog of 780 at the moment!

After my up hill and down dale adventures in August, I have about 200 waiting in total now. Not done a review for two months or so...busy!!

[aleandhearty]

Hope it's a great day and that everyone negotiates it safely if not soberly !!

Seconded. Somebody have a pint of Sarah Hughes for me.

[oldboots]

Seconded. Somebody have a pint of Sarah Hughes for me.

Consider it done, you can pay me when you see me next :D

[aleandhearty]

Consider it done, you can pay me when you see me next :D

:D I guessed it might be you. Cheers mate, you're all heart. Just hope your liver lasts the day after this week's efforts.

[Andy Ven]

The coach just drops us off at the Great Western (which is next to the railway station) and then he goes so you're free to spend as long as you like there.

There are 10 trains per hour in the evening between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street. An off peak single costs £2. The journey takes between 16 and 25 minutes, depending upon which service you catch (local or Virgin).

[trainman]

An off peak single costs £2. The journey takes between 16 and 25 minutes, depending upon which service you catch (local or Virgin).
Careful, I don't think the cheapest tickets are valid on Virgin trains. I know our plusbus tkts weren't but, after a gallon plus, we jibbed it anyway.

[Quinno]

Just pulled out of Reading BR, bleary eyed but on time. Faintly hungover. Hopefully catch Roger for some Spoons brekky in Brum...

[Dave M]

On my way up the M5, that spoons breakfast is sounding kind of appealing so may well catch up with Roger and Quinno

[Quinno]

Dave just PM'd my no.

[Delboy20]

As I predicted I am on 24 hour call out this week but that finishes on Friday morning ! As it stands all leave is on hold for the month - we are changing the whole computer system in a couple of weeks and although I know nothing about computers of any use it is "all hands on deck"
Having said that I have managed to blag a day off on Friday and without any disasters I am hoping to make it. The only downside is that I have to work all day Saturday instead.
If I can make it I am looking at a late call on Friday morning and it would be a lot easier to meet at the Waterfall. Is that still the first stop after Brum Andy ?? If so I assume you will be there at about 1.

Fingers crossed !!

Had another emergency call out last night. I left work at 04.45 this morning !

I am having the day off and I will see you all in the Waterfall.

:drinkup::drinkup:

[Strongers]

Fantastic meet up boys and girls... looking forward to the next beano.

Cheers Andy, your Black Country hospitality is second to none.

[Quinno]

Fantastic meet up boys and girls... looking forward to the next beano.

Cheers Andy, your Black Country hospitality is second to none.

Umm how the hell did I manage to miss you? Concerned I am losing my marbles! Nurse!

[oldboots]

You think you're losing your marbles, I know 19 of us were counted on and off the coach everytime after the Waterfall but I can only remember 18 names or half names in the case of Andy's "ringers". Didn't Strongers arrive with the Captain at the Welly, my memory gets a bit fuzzy before the Beacon and it's not too good on the details at the Great Western. However, all in all a great day out as usual, Ray's Yam-Yam fiasco will go down in history.

[sheffield hatter]

Well done for organising this one, Andy. An excellent day out: superb pubs, great beer and of course the best company.

[Oggwyn Trench]

Great day out , good to catch up with everyone and meet a few new faces , well done to Andy for organising it all .
Feeling a bit fragile this morning , being woken up by my son at 6.30 not helping :( , legs had started to go by the time we got to the Great Western:nishelypished:
Notes on beer drunk gets a bit silly anybody know what odsvbdy w4tk is:confused: i have no idea but i had a pint of it .

Will Ray ever live down the Yam Yam incident:love: Will he ever be allowed to forget it :D

[gillhalfpint]

Thanks ever so much Andy for organising a fantastic day out. We 3 had a brilliant time with you all. Good pubs with good beer in good company.

Cheers.

Gill

[rpadam]

Well done for organising this one, Andy. An excellent day out: superb pubs, great beer and of course the best company.
Couldn't have put it better...

[Bucking Fastard]

Thanks Andy for organising a great day.:cheers:The large bags of scratchings and pork crunch on the coach was a very nice touch.Good to see so many old faces and some new ones.Delboy's advice on the correct pronounciation of Quarry Bank ( Bonk:D ) was most welcome.

Rather fragile this morning and horrified to discover that I managed to consume pints of Oakham Citra,Bathams Bitter and Mild,Sadler's Thin Ice,Olde Swan Original,Blue Monkey BG Sips and Ape Ale,Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild together with sneaky halves of Bathams Bitter and Olde Swan Dark Swan.:nishelypished:Every beer was on top form,great company always helps .

Hope everyone got back home safely. Looking forward to the next one.........

[Quinno]

Well done for organising this one, Andy. An excellent day out: superb pubs, great beer and of course the best company.

Thirded! It was a brilliant day out and all but one of the ales I had was in tip-top condition.

That yam-yam incident will be forever rolled out. Poor Ray!

I also discovered that Soupy in an acid-tongued jouster - some of the mutual ribbing at the Beacon was getting pretty fruity.

I have recovered remarkably quickly given the amount of ale I shoved down my gullet yesterday (that bottle of water sure helps). I even briefly contemplated popping into the Nags on my alighting at Reading BR last night but I am clearly becoming more sensible as I decided to go home instead :confused:

I am still puzzling as to how I managed to completely miss Strongers. Given he's one of the few PuG regulars I've yet to meet I am doubly-annoyed. I hope I didn't shove past you at the bar Steve! :o

[aleandhearty]

Ray's Yam-Yam fiasco will go down in history.


Will Ray ever live down the Yam Yam incident:love: Will he ever be allowed to forget it :D


That yam-yam incident will be forever rolled out. Poor Ray!

Glad you all had a good day out. However, enough with all the teasing...Out with it!

[oldboots]

...Out with it!

That might have been part of what Ray said.....

:eek:

[Andy Ven]

Thank you to everyone for coming along yesterday. It's great when you organise something and everyone who says they will come actually turns up .... and on time. Hope you all got home OK. Hope also that Real Ale Ray had a good birthday and that he was up for another session in Worcester today.

It was good to see some familiar faces and to just pick up where we last left and also to see a new face - hope Strongers and DelBoy the Salmon (he's a lager boy so he swims against the Cradley Heath waterfall) can both come along to another one some time.

I went home happy, weary and not too worse for wear. That last cheese and onion cob in the Great Western finished me off. I'm now just finishing the last bag of scratchings before I go into detox.

[Delboy20]

770

Swim against the stream !!!!

[hopwas]

I'd be looking to do a new ground. Burton Albion is the only realistic new league ground I could get to but they are away to Morecambe that day. That means I'm left with non-league but as it's an FA Cup date (3rd qual Round) I don't yet know who's playing anywhere.

You should have gone to The Lamb, home of mighty Tamworth. We lost to leaders to Newport County.. Cracking match.

[Real Ale Ray]

Cheers Andy, myself and Mrs A had a fantastic day, couldn't have been better. A big thanks also goes to Richard, navigating us hooligans from pub to pub. It was great to start the day in the Waterfall with a nice beef ruby murray and chips. I enjoyed all the Black Country beers and the choice of pubs was brill.

Unfortunately, we gave Worcester a miss the next day - far too fragile. We went to the Post Office Vaults for a dust Settler then on to the Welly. Then caught a tram up to the Black Eagle, from there visited the Sack of Potatoes, the Costa Green. Next popped into the Gunmakers Arms on Bath st, the Bull,The Malt house and Penny Blacks.

As for the Yam Yam incident Mrs A is still laughin about it. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to ask one of the locals in the gents toilet "give us a bit of Yam Yam mate" I only wanted him to speak a bit of yam yam.Obviously I won't live this down.:eek:

Great to meet everyone again and some new faces too

[Andy Ven]

we gave Worcester a miss the next day - far too fragile. We went to the Post Office Vaults for a dust Settler then on to the Welly. Then caught a tram up to the Black Eagle, from there visited the Sack of Potatoes, the Costa Green. Next popped into the Gunmakers Arms on Bath st, the Bull,The Malt house and Penny Blacks.

Too fragile for Worcester so stayed in Brum and went to 9 pubs instead. Nice one :)


As for the Yam Yam incident Mrs A is still laughin about it. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to ask one of the locals in the gents toilet "give us a bit of Yam Yam mate" I only wanted him to speak a bit of yam yam.Obviously I won't live this down.:eek:

It could have been worse. You could have asked to try his Bumblehole ;)

[RogerB]

First chance to comment on the weekend. What an amazing couple of days. Did another 3 in Brum after I left the Gt Western (Bennets, Bacchus & the Post Office vaults) making 12 pubs for me on the Friday (14 pints). Saturday's customary 'Spoons brekky in the Square Peg was a little more subdued than normal but I gained pace once I got to Stourbridge where the Plough & Harrow, David Murphys, Mitre, Chequers, Royal Exchange, Katie Fitzgeralds, Edward Rutland and Duke William were all duly ticked off. Managed to take in Stourbridge v Chesham Utd (a 5-0 drubbing) before getting back to Brum for the 10th pub (and pint) of the day at the Old Fox and still managed to get home in one piece. Don't think I've ever had such an unhealthy diet over 2 days with pork scratchings, curry and the amazing orange chips at Sedgley. Well done Andy for sorting it all out and everone else for turning up. Can't wait for whatever is in store for the next one.

[RogerB]

You should have gone to The Lamb, home of mighty Tamworth. We lost to leaders to Newport County.. Cracking match.

Now we're in the same league I can do the ground with Dartford so going there on Saturday wasn't an option. I am toying with Tamworth v Dartford on 1 Dec, especially as we are away to Nuneaton the following Tuesday so could make it an extended weekender and get in a double header.

[Bucking Fastard]

especially as we are away to Nuneaton the following Tuesday so could make it an extended weekender and get in a double header.

You could be busy in Nuneaton only four pubs reviewed and only five photographed out of the 18 in town.

[hopwas]

Nuneaton is really poor for decent pubs. Only pubs I can think which are decent are The Fox, The Railway and 2 JDW.

[hopwas]

Now we're in the same league I can do the ground with Dartford so going there on Saturday wasn't an option. I am toying with Tamworth v Dartford on 1 Dec, especially as we are away to Nuneaton the following Tuesday so could make it an extended weekender and get in a double header.

:D

I am season ticket holder at TFC. Have you been to Tamworth before? If not I can draw up a list of pubs if you want.

[RogerB]

:D

I am season ticket holder at TFC. Have you been to Tamworth before? If not I can draw up a list of pubs if you want.

No - never been. Not sure if I'll be going yet so hold fire on any pub lists. I'm doing Barrow away this weekend I'm so that's my priority at the moment.