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!)
Recent Comments