A whistle-stop tour of the Black Country’s finest pubs

Alan Grainger — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 12:49:00 +0000

A fantastic Black Country Pub Tour

Worcester CAMRA Social Trip

On Saturday the 19th of March at 11.30 am on a beautiful sunny day,16 intrepid members of Worcester CAMRA set off for a visit to half a dozen of the most amazing pubs to be found anywhere in the country – I am talking, of course about the classic Black Country hostelries to the north west of Birmingham.

The first stop was the Beacon Hotel in Sedgley, home of the Sarah Hughes brewery. It was necessary to visit here first as it closes between 3 and 6 pm. The interior of this magnificent pub has been totally unchanged for as long as I have known it, but why change excellence?
The brewery had 3 of their beers on the pumps, of which I had the Ruby Mild – a 6% dark ale with a unique flavour. There were also 2 guest beers from the Bristol Beer factory – highly unusual to see these in our part of the country.

The next stop was only a few minute’s drive away – the Jolly Crispin at Upper Gornal. This is a fantastic locals pub with a massive choice of beer – 9 on handpump ranging from pale ales to 6% IPA. I had the Titanic Stout on key keg, which was in good condition and full of roast malt flavour.
The staff at the Crispin are very friendly and welcomed us warmly, as did all the pubs we visited.

The Bulls had a fine selection of their own beers and guests, of which the Titanic Cappuccino stout took my fancy (it may be becoming clear that I am fond of dark beers!). The beer was accompanied by very large rolls, which went down well with all who bought them. Again not far away in Lower Gornal are two more classics – the Old Bull’s Head, brewery tap for the Black Country brewery, and the Fountain, which is just 200 yards up the same road.

The Fountain is another permanent beer festival in a pub with 10 handpumps, giving an extensive range of beer styles and ABVs.

Last but by no means least was the Vine at Brierley Hill, generally known as the ‘Bull and Bladder’ for reasons unknown to me! This is Batham’s brewery tap, and the dark mild was in excellent condition as one would expect.

A brilliant day out to be thoroughly recommended to anyone who hasn’t been to the area (or to those who have but just want to repeat the experience!)

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A most agreeable Worcester CAMRA Survey trip

Alan Grainger — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:11:32 +0000

Worcester CAMRA Social Events

Worcester CAMRA survey trip on 12th January 2019

The Worcester branch of CAMRA held a survey trip to visit some of the less well-frequented pubs to the west of the city, showing some support for our rural outlets.The Mini-bus left Worcester with 15 on board and headed off to Suckley where we hoped to visit the Nelson. We were frustrated, however as we pulled up at 12.10 to see the opening time listed as 12.30 despite the website giving a 12.00 start.

Oh well, onward we went to the Fox & Hounds at Lulsley. This is a lovely big pub with four real ales and a good-looking menu. The Swan brewery ‘Ruffled Feathers’ went down well and I made a note to visit their upcoming beer festival on the 24th to 26th May.

We couldn’t pass the Talbot at Knightwick without a visit to this classic brewpub and the Teme Valley porter was splendid. On to Admiral Rodney next – a pub which had changed hands quite recently and has had a very grand make-over. Very much a food-oriented pub they nevertheless had 3 ales of which the Woods Born & Bred was in good nick.

Another recently renovated pub was next – the New Inn at Clifton-on-Teme, which is sited just outside the village up a small track. Smart and comfortable inside with a friendly welcome and beers from Wye Valley made it a great addition to the trip. For anyone visiting the area, it is well worth finding the New Inn and giving it a try.

Into the village centre and the Lion which is a traditional pub with 3 beers of which I had Hobson’s Best accompanied by a very tasty Scotch egg..

Over to Stanford Bridge and the Bridge Hotel which I have to say is rather a shadow of its former magnificent self! The Ludlow Best was fine but the beer choice was considerably reduced from my last visit – ah, well – times change.

The Fox at Hanley Broadheath has also changed since the JHS brewery is no longer in operation. The pub itself, however, is still a traditional country pub with a lovely pint of Bathams for sale.

Just down the road from the Fox is the Tally Ho – a large roadhouse of a pub with splendid views over the countryside and a good selection of beers. The Ludlow Gold was excellent but my favourite was the hard-to-find Greene King Abbot Reserve.

Last on our trip was another Fox – the one at Monkwood Green. This is another unspoiled gem of a pub with local ales and more than enough character. The Malvern Hills Feelgood rounded our day off nicely.

In short, there are great rural pubs in Worcestershire just waiting to welcome you so go out and support them when you can – definitely worth the effort.