Evo Boozy Scribbler

About a month ago, Mel from Katz shared a post saying that Chris Moyles was doing a “Daytime Disco” at a club in Birmingham. I wanted in. Anyone who knows me will testify that I don’t do television, I’m a radio geek and Moyles is one of my heroes. I’ve got (and read) both of his books, was with him for the playing of Love Machine on his first day at Radio X. Hell, I’m that on brand I had a housemate nicknamed Comedy Dave. So I couldn’t turn this down, especially with vip tickets at £17.

Cooking breakfast on the morning and it was bacon on naan bread – a rare treat but absolutely amazing and the concept of which was introduced to the nation by Chris’s former producer James.

Cooking tunes were “Nothing Matters” by The Last Dinner Party, a couple of Blossoms tracks plus a curveball “Goodbye Stranger” by Supertramp. A song I’d heard numerous times, liked but didn’t know what it was until Moyles played it and explained that folk might not know it. It’s been on my YouTube list ever since.

I met Mel and Jase at Walsall railway station and soon we were in Birmingham. The standard New Street hilarity of making people walk up the escalator was in full force again.

I was in a Paolo Nutini mood as two of his song lyrics were shaping things. “Hey, I put some new shoes on and suddenly everything’s right” and “I’m out and about, so I’m in with a shout.” I’d bought new shoes for a date but it got cancelled. Today seemed like a good time to give them their debut.

At Brindley Place I got caught in the tram door as I tried to alight. My Sliding Doors moment. Mrs Right could have been waiting on the platform at the next stop had I been stuck on the tram.

Once I’d freed myself we assessed options Jase refused Wetherspoons so we headed to The Brasshouse via the Ozzy Osborne bench. A nice man offered to take a pic. He was only in town as his son had been bitten by a dog the day before and was up to offer moral support.

In The Brasshouse Mel asked the barman to send Moyles round to us should he pop in. We headed outside and found a pleasant seat overlooking Brindley Place. Mel presented me with a cheese straw which was random, and pleasant in equal measures. The bloke on the next table didn’t hang around. He soon scarpered. I suspect because he didn’t get offered a cheese straw.

At Rosies, walking in I spotted a sign saying all drinks on a Saturday were £2 between 9pm and Midnight. I hoped this was in place during the day.

We were refused entrance to the back area despite having VIP tickets. I didn’t ask questions.

Tunes were already belting out with Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl” being the first arm raiser. I was loving it. At the start of this year I never thought that just after my 52nd birthday I’d be in a club on a Saturday afternoon dancing to Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha. I was however disappointed to be the only one in the place doing the lasooing to Gangnam Style.

There were dancefloor spillages – not by me I hasten to add. They were being quickly mopped up. Times have clearly changed. This would not have happened in Harleys during the 90s

I needed to send out some single and available man vibes – they kinda come as standard with me and losing the can of Coke Zero was also required. I wasn’t pulling a lovely lady with that in my hand.

First song that got me up the front dancing? “Cha Cha Slide.” Enjoyed it but the lass in front didn’t know her left from right which had me doubting myself. Also having to clutch my glasses case in my shirt pocket during the “5 hops this time” bit wasn’t a great look.

I got a round in. Yeah, the drinks were not £2 each.

Chris Moyles came on and opened with a dancey version of a Coldplay hit. His opening lines were “What a lovely day to be inside. It’s normally pissing down.” Initially I couldn’t see him due to a pillar. It was like being at Bescot Stadium when it first opened. Soon I had the great idea of moving slightly.

I tried to get some photos. I’m no David Bailey. Looking back at them on the night and it’s fair to say that there are pictures of the Loch Ness Monster that are clearer and less grainy.

I loved his “I’m gonna play a song you won’t have heard in years. You may have brought it on vinyl or cassette single.” I knew it straight away from the first note as did many other. “Get Up (Before The Night Is Over).” Technotronic featuring Ya Kid K. Yes I owned this single and the album on cassette. Arms in the air straight away. Fun fact, Ya Kid K also sang “Pump Up The Jam” even though it was credited as featuring Felly.

I was back by the bar for “Do you think I’m sexy?”  I eventually moved up top more in hope than expectation. Yeah, nobody thought I was.

On the way back from the toilets I was asked the question I get the most “are you a Walsall fan?” A bloke had recognised me and introduced himself. Bobby from Blakenall – nice to meet you.

Towards the end the day took a a slight downer when a couple of lads tried to take the piss out of me. I just gave them a “yeah alright mate” and walked away.

Towards the end he played “Sit Down.” Some did. I certainly didn’t. I’d have still been getting up at the end of the night.

Last song was CeeLo Green “Forget You”. I knew what F U actually meant but had never heard the non radio friendly version. Superb set and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great patter from Chris throughout. Big thanks to Mel and Jase for letting mecrag along.

Apparently the trains had been playing up a bit but were starting to behave themselves when I got to New Street with one due with just enough time for me to tick off the new Greggs. Trying to get wallet out, remove day ticket and get through barrier whilst holding a large latte with a pack of popcorn chicken balanced on top was a challenge.

Back in Walsall and I opted to retick The Oak Inn on Green Lane which reopened the night before. I’d forgotten about the football but walked in just in time for the penalties. What an Earth was that run up about for the first missed Arsenal penalty?

Anyway the pub has new windows and carpets and looks great. There were a few in although a lot of these drifted away after the penalties. A dj took over and it’s moving away from the rock feel of the previous regime. The door to the toilet was closed which hasn’t happened in years. Nice to be able to wash my hands without the barstaff and punters being able to watch. Burnt cobs were available too. Nice to see the place back open and I wish them well.

On the way out I tried to get a picture of the place but there were people outside. I loitered across the road to see if they went in but they were having none of it. Next time. Maybe.

I headed to Katz and bumped into Adrian. First meet up since the epic Clinton Baptiste night. The band were doing a Beatles v Rolling Stones set. I didn’t hold out much hope for “She’s A Rainbow”, my favourite Stones but my fave “Beatles” one “Twist And Shout” did figure.

Adrian and I headed to the Walsall Arms. Even Clinton Baptiste couldn’t see that coming. Carla was on singing and started off with the Tina Turner version of “Proud Mary” which was epic. Adrian tried to buy me a drink but the card machine wouldn’t take the payment. Trying to buy me a non alcoholic drink must have flagged up as “suspicious activity.”

I got home about 11.45, knackered but happy. Cheers all for a great day.

Saturday 2nd of May. Last day of the football season for millions of fans. I’d have loved to have been at Bromley but despite nothing to play for, Walsall had sold out the away end and I couldn’t get a ticket. So I decided to get an all transport modes day ticket and go mooching about.

First though, McDonald’s. I needed a sausage and egg muffin with a toffee latte chaser. A strange thing happened within. They played “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil. A song I detest and the bane of ny life as a kid. It’s probably why I still hate being called Mick or Mickey to this day. However, since November 2023 I’ve started to become happier and slightly more positive in my outlook on life. And I started to sing along. I shocked myself. It was a shame that the women on the next table didn’t join in as it could have looked like that scene from Wayne’s World. Turned out she was saving her vocals for the next song “Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This” which she joined in loudly. I didn’t.

In the Saddlers Centre, I got my first look at the new 3 Men In A Boat display. It looks good but that clock needs tearing down by an angry mob and replacing with one that displays 4 correctly – IV.

I got my day pass and hit the bus towards Darlaston. I wanted to tick off the new railway station. Other West Midlands social media content creators had visited straight away when it opened. Naturally I’m more relaxed about things like this.

When this station was proposed, along with the other newbie up the line at Willenhall, it was going to be on the reinstated Walsall to Wolverhampton service. However our transport overlords had a wobble, decided against reinstating said service and instead put these stations on the Birmingham to Shrewsbury line service to much disbelief and hilarity on social media.

I’m not too distraught. When Walsall to Wolvo was axed in 2008, I was a regular visitor to Wolvo, but now I go probably once a year. I do feel for people that use the 529 regularly though. The axing of the X529 express service was what made me finally leave SciChem after 22 years.

However when we play Shrewsbury (a) next season there should be a few drinking in The Globe on Darlaston Road then strolling to James Bridge for the train.

I hadn’t looked at timetables and as I approached, a train was pulling out in the direction I was hoping to travel. Oh well, time to mooch. The car park is massive. Very ambitious. Can’t see it ever being full. The lifts worked and didn’t stink of piss. I’m sure they will soon be brought in line with other West Midlands station lifts. The next train to Willenhall was an hour away. Bollocks to that. Would have been quicker to walk to Bentley and get the 529. Maybe. But the way I walk? Alright, no then.

A train to Birmingham however, was in 10 minutes. Ok. I’ll do the day in reverse.

At New Street, a tram came in straight away. I’d seen on Facebook that The Black Eagle in Hockley was closing on May 10th so opted to make one last visit.

On entry the barmaid was mid tirade about paying Council Tax. ” They want payment for the whole year up front. I aint doing that, I could be dead in July.” A level of pessimism I could certainly get on board with.

In the back room, much to my surprise and delight there was a cement mixer. I, like most folk would rather play with that than the pool table. There was a big hole at the front to put your 50p in. I didn’t have any change though.

I so must have looked like a doomed pub tourist. None  regular, clutching a bottle of Diet Coke and taking pictures. It was only my third visit. First time on pub Challenge 3 and second time when I was spotting birds through the medium of pub names (blog here). I know it’s a legendary pub and many will mourn its closing.

Back at Soho Benson Road, the tram came straight away. With a bit of thought most unlike me, rather than go back to the stop near Snow Hill and walking round to it, I jumped off at Jewellery Quarter and headed for the train to Stourbridge. It is my mission to meet George the Stourbridge Junction cat, and today seemed as good a day as any. He wasn’t about.

I jumped on Europe’s shortest branch line, with that amazing little people carrier train thing and was soon in actual Stourbridge. Previous missions here have been with Blackpool Jane but this was my first solo trip. Find a pub? Go on then. Jane was always in charge of directions so I didn’t know where I was going, couldn’t see a sign saying Town Centre so picked a road and started to walk.

I started to think I was going the wrong way but then a nice family with a pram stopped to let me pass. I thanked them but felt compelled to carry on walking so I did. 10 minutes later I looked around, there was no sign of them so I went into reverse and headed back whence I’d came.

Back at the bus station I saw a sign saying Town Centre stuck on the side of a bus stop so finally headed the right way.

I was pondering food in Wetherspoons but I saw Greggs first. At this juncture I must point out that I eat sensibly during the week. Yes I used the word sensibly rather than healthily on purpose. However on a Saturday, I let my albeit limited hair down and pig out. Into Greggs I headed.

The lass serving was great. Friendly and helpful. I grabbed chicken goujons and went for double cock action with the new chicken roll. Food in Greggs can be very hit and miss regarding temperature but the nice lady said the chicken rolls were just out of the oven. She offered dips for the goujons so I opted for mayo. She said I ought to have 2 as one wouldn’t be enough. She also said I should get the Greggs app. I promised I would. As,I write this 3 weeks later, I still haven’t and I probably won’t. Things in life that I have no need for number 1,267,087 – the Greggs app.

Food was great. Chicken roll was ace. I did only need the one mayo so I stuck the other in my pocket. I cannot waste mayo. My Belgian forefathers would never forgive me. Before I left I clocked something not seen before. A food waste bin in a takeaway. I absolutely do not waste food. Things I have no need for number 1,267,088.

Time was getting on so I decided to start heading back. Stourbridge Junction was rammed this time. I hoped they were all there to see George the cat and equality disappointed as me at his none appearance.

Rather than go back to Snow Hill, I opted to alight at Smethwick Galton Bridge in search of a New Street train as I still wanted to tick off Willenhall railway station.

Galton Bridge is odd. 4 platforms split over 2 levels. I’m easily confused and I think the architect had me in mind when designing it. A sign said platform 4 was offering a train to New Street. I couldn’t find it and ended up at platform 1. There I saw saw a train to Wolvo was arriving  at platform 3 so  dashed to that only to find it cancelled upon arrival.

I eventually found platform 4, got to New Street and was looking for a train to Wolvo then saw the one to Shrewsbury via Willenhall was in 4 minutes.

I dashed to the red zone passing a little kid who was singing “if you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.” He applied the claps too. I took it he didn’t know the Walsall score – we’d lost.

Willenhall railway station seemed very familiar. Reminded me of another one but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

I had a pleasant wander around Willenhall and earmarked a couple of places for a review then popped to The Crown.

A couple of the drink fonts had post it notes on them saying out of stock. More pubs should do this. As I walked from the bar, the new song by sombr “12 to 12” came on. The line “in a room full of people, I look for you”was a bit odd as at that point I was the sole customer but as a great pub I knew I’d have fellow punters soon and so it proved. Two guys that sat at the next table greeted me like old friends.

I headed home, totally getting caught in a rainstorm. I changed, grabbed a cuppa and on the night headed to the Walsall Arms. My old pal Wayne Swift was performing. I’ve only seen him sing once before, a few years ago and it’s fair to say I was twatted that night so it was nice to be seeing him, in a state where I’d be able to remember it.

I’d missed the first half, it’s not just Walsall games where I do this.  Wayne was on good form. Highlights were “Losing My Religion” – the song that changed my musical path in life and also “Town Called Malice”, “Baggy Trousers” and Erasure’s classic “Stop.” Great set Wayne and I promise I won’t leave it so long to see you next time.

Great day. I think I got value out of my day ticket and I want to use the close football season to have more adventures.

Three Sugars. 57 Liskeard Road, Park Hall, Walsall, WS5 3EY. Reviewed 23/04/26.

It was St George’s Day, and I was buoyant having finally dropped below the 11 stone weight level earlier in the week. Sounded like a cause for double celebration. It’s now tradition that I shout breakfast for Josh on St George’s Day, and left it down to him, to pick the venue. He found this place online, I’d never heard of it so it was motion carried.

Most unlike me, I’d tried to find a menu online but failed. I’d even tried two different search engines – check me being down with the technology. Josh thought it seemed more coffee shop but had seen breakfast mentioned. I was just hoping I could pay by card – which I normally don’t like to do. I had planned to use the cashpoint on the way to the gym the night before but this had hit a major snag when I sacked off the gym after work.

Our entrance was delayed by a discussion about SDS drills. I’m not really a manly man so he was shocked that I knew what one was. My 10 years at Corroy Products certainly were not wasted.

We ventured in. I fannied around taking a picture while he marched off to ask the important questions, “do you do breakfasts and do you take card?” Yes on both counts.

We ordered, the lady seemed slightly confused at Josh saying I could have his egg and me saying he could have my tomatoes but we got there. Josh grabbed the Frustration game and began to set it up. I’d played it as a kid but that was like centuries ago. It seemed a bit more complex now with the addition of a genie. Josh was like “come on Evo, we can do this. It’s aimed at 5 year olds.”

For a kids game it got surprisingly competitive. He called me a “petulant child” and the c bomb during the proceedings. Doubt I’d win a slander case as there would be a plethora of people willing to testify that he was being totally factual on both counts. Josh won the game, but we won’t go too in-depth into that. You came here for a food review, not a Radio 5 Live style match report. Oh yeah, the food review? Let’s crack on.

Josh poured the tea. Nice of him to be mom – well he is the parent out of the two of us. I asked “are you going to have Three Sugars to be corporate?” He gave a very flat no. In the car afterwards he admitted he hadn’t clocked the reference.

The food, with an English Breakfast Tea each (Josh said he’d never heard of this) came to £20. It really winds Josh up how I eat my food and this was to be no exception, as I cut into the last remaining plated item, one of the eggs with the bowl of beans still intact he said “oh no, you’re not going to eat the beans on their own?” Yep. I had the beans last, picking the bowl up and eating them with a fork. He said “I can just about cope with how you eat things in order but this? I don’t think our friendship can survive this.” Bit dramatic. That’s normally my job.

Anyway the food was good although I think they had one eye on the electricity bill as the toaster appeared to have been used for the bare minimum of time. Josh enjoyed the food and said the English Breakfast Tea was “alright.” He should have perked it up with 3 sugars.

I didn’t clock the radio station that was on but we had “High Hopes” by Panic At The Disco, an absolute classic and also “Pink Pony Club” earning Chappell Roan yet another mention in this blog. I think she owes me everything.

Anyway, a decent visit. Josh doesn’t know this yet but we are playing Monopoly next time. That will give them a chance to cook the toast properly.

***UPATE!! The Three Sugars closed down this week, due to the end of their lease.***

Field Road Fish Bar – 112 Field Road, Bloxwich, WS3 3JB. Reviewed 09/05/26.

So the friendship between Josh and I had just about survived the beans incident at 3 Sugars and one day in May he had very kindly been driving me around Blakenall and Bloxwich so I could take old pub pictures for this former boozer blog. As a thank you I offered to buy chippy takeaway for him and his family. We had proposed George’s but when we saw this place he mentioned that it’s Mrs Josh’s favourite chippy. I suggested we go there instead as I’ve been past it millions of times but never been in.

He ventured in while I ambled across the road to take pictures. As I entered, the guy serving was straight away asking what I wanted. I panicked, glanced up at the menu and just went for large fish and chips. 

Josh, now stood against the back wall said he’d sorted his and Lyndsey’s food but could I sort the kids. No probs. So I was in the gap between him and the counter, he said chips so I asked for size and number of bags etc and relayed this to the man serving. It reminded me of playing Chinese Whispers at school. A game I was shit at. It was lucky the kids didn’t end up with just a roe and a roll of lino.

With the food ordered I could finally peruse the surroundings. The counter has a big plastic screen with two small gaps in for ordering chips, roe or rolls of lino. Not sure if they couldn’t be arsed to take the screen down after Covid or they are being super prepared for any upcoming Hantavirus pandemic.

The menu then. You can have a salad tray for £2.50 which I was delighted to have missed out on. They do a battered beef burger. I’d have been all over that, the battered mushrooms less so. I probably would have had the mixed meat naan at £8.90 given the chance to ponder.  

The other customer in the shop moved revealing a hand written sign offering spicy hot wings, tucked away on a door. That may have been a goer.  

Back at Josh’s I gave him most of the chips and some to his extremely mad dog Max, who it’s fair to say is my bezzie mate in the animal kingdom.

The chips were ok, I wasn’t too sure about them. I didn’t sample any before delegating them in Josh’s direction. The fish was massive though and really good. 

Did Josh and the family enjoy their food? Dunno. Didn’t ask because I’m a nob. 

Decent enough visit though.

Blondies Cafe – 33 The Precinct, Lucknow Road, Short Heath, Willenhall WV12 4PZ.

It was my birthday. I’d offered to shout breakfast for Josh if he’d drive me somewhere. I’d never heard of Blondies until Robert Stanley shared one of their Facebook posts where you could win a breakfast for sharing it. Fair play to him. He won it. I considered sharing it myself but thought it would look rubbish winning a breakfast at a cafe I’d never set foot in while regulars missed out. Imagine if that surfaces when I become Mayor.

I had a peruse of their Facebook posts before departure. They sign off most of them with “love ya, bye.” Not sure if they were fans of Scott Mills before his sacking but as we don’t get to hear him say that anymore, it made me smile to see it there.

We found it easily enough. I was reluctant to vacate the car as my 2nd favourite Ellie Goulding song “Love Me Like You Do” had just come on the radio. Had it been “The Writer” I would have sat it out. Fortunately, upon getting inside, they’d got the same station on so I got some Ellie goodness whilst perusing the menu.

There was a friendly welcome and the orders were being input into a computer which was a new one on me. Josh ordered large breakfast and was asked  if he wanted swaps. He asked if he could swap his eggs for a sausage. This was declined. He negotiated a hash brown and extra beans instead. He later called the sausage request a “computer says no” moment. He says that Swill and I look like David Walliams and Matt Lucas so never misses the chance to make a Little Britain reference.

I also went large with no tomatoes or mushrooms. I was asked about swaps but I’m crap at haggling so didn’t enter negotiations. Shades of Life Of Brian “this bloke won’t haggle.” It came to £20.60 for two large breakfasts with teas included.

We moved into the back room. There was an array of colouring books and pencils. Nice to consider if the usual laddie conversation between us dried up.

I gave the menu another study. They do The 666 Breakfast Challenge which is £25 (no details of contents). Free if completed in 25 minutes. They way I eat I’d probably be on the first or second item at full time, or still taking pictures of it. Josh however, who eats like he thinks it’s going to be taken off him shortly would have it demolished in 5 minutes and have time to complete two of the colouring books.

The teas came first and Josh said his “hit the spot.” There was a little nod to us not being regulars though as our teas were served in plain white mugs while the lads on the next table got Blondies branded ones. However with white being my favourite colour, I was fine with this.

Josh gave me his black pudding which was thoroughly decent of him and I got an unexpected extra pot of beans as I didn’t have tomatoes which was nice. They made it out of the pots so not repeat of beansgate from 3 Sugars.

The breakfasts were great. We both really enjoyed them. Well worth every penny. Proper filling. You come out of some cafes wondering when dinnertime is but here I was thinking ‘I don’t need to eat till tonight.’ I shall be sharing any future “win a breakfast” Facebook posts.

The setting was great, the atmosphere cheerful and lively and the toilet was clean with complimentary hygiene products provided. Plus a square toilet. I love a square toilet.

Music was standard Heart FM fayre. Slightly disappointed we didn’t get any songs by Blondie to go with the cafes name. “Maria” would have gone down a storm, so I played it when I got home.

Great visit this, cheers Rob for bringing the place to my attention. Blondies – love ya bye. Be back soon.

Bank Holiday weekend got off to an unusual start. Asps and I were going to see B*Witched in Worcester Cathedral. I wasn’t initially sure when he first asked. Had I been on Popmaster and Ken Bruce asked me for 3 in 10 from B*Witched, I’d have smashed it. I’d have shown off and got 5 but that’s it. But 5 is 3 more songs than I knew when I saw The Twang for the first time and it’ll be the 4th time for them later this year, and it’s always good to do something different so I agreed. I took straight to YouTube to watch the “Jesse Hold On” video as that’s my favourite.

I saw a message from Asps at dinnertime with event info. It said “we will be operating a strict dress code of smart casual. Effort is required.” I’ve never known dress restrictions for a gig before and I”d got my change of clothes with me so was committed to it. I’d been on a 15 pub crawl of Worcester back in 2011, so I knew that there was plenty of options should I be refused entry.

Asps had decided on a more wacky theme for his outfit and had brought hats too. A Mexican one and a cow girl. I got to choose. I went Mexican. I’ve walked past the boxes of Old El Paso in supermarkets so I think I qualify.

Asps had purchased a B*Witched cd previously and listened to it. He’d done his home work. Me, like so often in my school days – hadn’t. We had it on in the car and it was a pleasant drive down the M5 and we were soon in Worcester. Asps had a Wetherspoons in mind for tea but as we passed a place I spotted a Space Invaders machine in the window and a glance in revealed more goodness. We entered Retroids Arcade Bar excitedly.

There was a row of pinball machines and much to my surprise and delight my favourite The Addams Family was there. Motion carried. Not played it in about 3 years, so I was a bit rusty with the first ball but the second? My God I hit everything. Two extra balls, jackpot, reply and points galore. Roger Daltrey would have been very impressed.

Downstais I found Pac-Man and gave that a blast. It’s the only time I eat fruit to be fair. The joystick was bit stiff so I only got to sample cherry and strawberry this time but it was still great playing.

We headed to Wetherspoons but en route we spotted a sign in a window declaring “stunning chicken” or something like that so we headed in there. I spotted on the B*Witched message from earlier that we had to be in the cathedral by 7.45, and it was now 7.15. Asps went up to order and we both had the Levant Legend burger and there was a choice of sauce. Asps just picked something at random. If I’d had to choose we would have missed the show.

With time against us I couldn’t fanny about removing stuff off the burger but it was bloody great. Probably the best chicken burger I’ve ever had. Asps had some sort of cauliflower side which he offered me some of, which I was more than happy to decline. I didn’t write down the name of the place OTTO but remembered it by thinking of The Simpsons character. Cracking visit and the lady serving/waitressing was great too.

Whilst awaiting the food, Asps had got talking to some ladies outside, also in hats, also going to the gig. He told them he was with a Mexican and came back in to summons me to join them. We had a group photo. Asps asked what the main ladies name was “Carlin” she replied. “What like the beer?” He asked. I’d thought Carlin out of the film Scum. Different levels eh.

We approached the cathedral just after the curfew so missed the queues but were spotting by the B*Witched social media creator who asked if he could film us walking in. We absolutely agreed and I gave my ticket a wave ala Wayne & Garth in Wayne’s World when they get to meet Alice Cooper.

It was surreal walking in. I’d been to see Clinton Baptiste at Walsall Arena the night before but straight away this was a different vibe. Never been to a gig in a religious premises before. We were shown to our seats, I was slightly disappointing the lady didn’t say “take a pew.” The support act was on. Natalie Abel. This was another first, seeing the support. She was really good. Asps described her as looking like Pixie Lott and singing like Duffy. Good comparisons on both counts. She held this one note so well, I started to fear for the stained glass windows.

With her set nearly up we went to explore and found the bar. Loads of women about and they had heeded the warning of making an effort with the outfits. I had the occasional lustful thought. I could have done with finding the confessional booth, although had I done so, my list of sins would have had to be unfurled like a parchment.

The bar was a pop up jobbie. Canon Taylor at St Mary’s The Mount in Walsall missed a trick here. He could have had one in church and sold Communion Wine. He’d have made a killing and not needed to pass the collection plate round. Anyway, I had planned to bring a bottle of water in with me to see if anyone was about that could turn it into wine, but that lunch time message from Asps had stated no outside drinks to be brought in.

As the interval came to end, I nipped to the loo. This was some distance from our seats and took longer than I expected to make the round trip. Asps enquired where I’d been. “I thought the vicar had got hold of you” he followed up with.

I made the start and they opened with “Rollercoaster.” Great song and within the first 4 songs we’d had three of the 5 I know the others being “Jesse Hold On” and “Blame It On The Weatherman” There were some random covers thrown in like Wilson Phillips “Hold On”, Carly Simon’s “Coming Around Again” and the theme tune from Friends. Never watched a second of that show, but I did by the cd single when The Rembrandts released it as I love the song. There were new songs too. Given the surroundings though, they could have thrown in a hymn or two. “Colours Of Day” would have gone down an absolute storm.

I think this was the first gig I’ve been to that didn’t have alcohol being thrown around although the Sophie B. Hawkins one (detailed here) may also have been like this.

Towards the end we had “To You I Belong” my second favourite, and at 9.50, with the show due to finish at 10 I decided to run for the loo, so I could be back for the finale. Despite knowing the way back, I decided to follow a bloke who didn’t. Plus my timing was off again. The were well into C’est La Vie their biggest hit when I returned. I’d even missed them mixing it up with a bit of Ed Sheeran in the middle apparently but they extended it and I got to hear a good section of it. No encore so we were outside by 9.56 and heading for the car park.

As we hadn’t hung around we were second off the car park, as hoards were just getting back. We were slightly delayed as the bloke in the car in front was in no hurry earning him a “come on George” from me.

We thought the journey home would be plain sailing. Not quite. Our transport overlords had other ideas. They’d shut the M5 at Junction 4. Now I don’t know much about the M5 bar basic destinations, but as a kid Beacon Radio’s travel man was obsessed with M5 junctions 4 & 5, so I remember them being Lydiate Ash and Droitwich respectively. Never thought I’d ever get off at one of them though. So we had a pleasant drive through south Birmingham. This gave Asps the chance top introduce me to the album of Ava Max. I’d never heard of her but liked it. Anyone with a song called “Sweet But Psycho” is alright in my book.

We saw some right dodgy driving though. I used to watch Road Wars on Sky 3 of a Friday night, and some of the manoeuvres we saw would not have looked out of place on that show. To think I failed my two driving tests for very flimsy reasons, but I could (and probably still can) drive a lot better than some of the folk out and about that evening.

There was more travel bosses hilarity to come though as we came through the city centre to find the Aston Expressway also closed. I was glad I’d had that cheeky toilet before we left.

Cracking night. Asps classed it as my birthday present so paid for the tickets, food and drink et al. Cheers Asps. As I type this, it’s pissing down outside. I’ll Blame It On The Weatherman.

As I may have mentioned occasionally, my favourite Duran Duran song is New Moon On Monday. When Walsall played Crawley away in October my mate and owner of the superb Eclipse Records in The Crossing At St Paul’s by the bus station in Walsall, the mega cool Pete Holland checked into a pub there called The New Moon. This gave me an idea. It took all of two seconds for me to be Googleing pubs called New Moon. Nearest one is in Tottenham. Fine. I just needed a Monday. Easter Monday would suffice.

This was my second trip to London of the Easter break. I’d missed 3 hours of the previous jaunt – The Back To The Future show blog visit, so I thought I’d throw in the trip to Camden that I’d had to miss that day due to the trains, and also get some more Monopoly properties ticked off too. An action packed day.

I decided to go by coach to make it cheaper. Good job as unbeknown to me at the time of booking, Euston was closed as they like to cause maximum bank holiday inconvenience. Departure time was early so I hoped MaccieD’s would be open at 7am so I could get in. I remembered May bank holiday last year and Walsall FC going to Wembley and the “24 hour” Maccies by Tesco being closed before I got the train so I prayed for a better result this time but did pop a sandwich into my man bag in case of emergency.

Thankfully the Park Street store was open and I was the first customer. It was nice to see order number 001 on the screen. Not often I have 1st against my name so I’ll take that. Bit of an odd visit with an impatient customer getting fed up, going behind the counter to helped himself and then walking out. My food was delicious and as Lent was over I had my first toffee latte in a good while. Was it worth the wait? Not really being truthful but the double sausage and egg McMuffin – which had not been given up for Lent I can assure you, was amazing.

On my Eastcote to Theydon Bois day last year (blog here) the coach had stopped at Golders Green. I asked the driver if this one would and he confirmed it would. I asked if I could jump off there instead of Victoria and he said “of course you can, I wont hold you hostage.” I laughed and said “nobody would pay the ransom.” I like to get a bit of negativity out there before midday.

This was my first time of catching the coach in Walsall and it’s a God send. Cuts out out a bit of fannying around and I got the choice of unreserved seats. At Birmingham the coach filled. It was practically full but nobody wanted to sit by me. I was fine with this. At Golders Green I jumped off the coach, sought the driver who was unloading cases, thanked him and shook his hand. I then stepped into the sun. This was epic. I think vampires see the sun more than me. It was such a good feeling that Brothers In Rhythm would have been jealous.

Last time I alighted at Golders Green, I spotted Bar Linda. I was intrigued but had pressed on. This time though, I was venturing in. It’s not a “proper” bar as there didn’t appear to be booze on sale, but I only needed a latte anyway. Syrups for the coffee were available but not offered. The staff at The Light Cinema would not have missed this opportunity. It was friendly enough and I was impressed with the lady behind me who bought one samosa and paid by card. I grabbed my drink and sat in the back to remind myself of my route for plan b.

Plan b was Northern Line to Moorgate. As per usual I was beaming on my way to the platform. Within minutes I was on my way. Now, I try not to swear on this blog, like the approach I have to day to day life, but I’ve got to say Moorgate is fucking odd. Long sprawling walkways, lifts with diagrams and on the platform there was only maps of the whole lines, rather than just where you were and what stations were next from the platform like you get at other stations. The directions were dealing in East and West but when doing my Circle Line research it had been all about the clockwise and anti.

A train pulled in so I decided to hop on. I normally like a good half hour to make a decision but I had a minute here. I had a 50/50 chance. I was only going one station anyway, be it correctly to Liverpool Street or incorrectly to Barbican. The doors closed “Next station is Barbican.” Mildly irritating but not too much of a bother. Fortunately Barbican had its shit together and I knew straight away which platform went where in that place.

At Liverpool Street I needed a ticket for the train. I went to use the machine. It said if I’d already travelled by TFL that day it might be cheaper to just tap in and out through the barriers so I opted to do that. What a top machine. When the war against the machines starts, I might ask Sarah Connor if we can spare that one.

I had to get the Weaver Line, one of the ones that was renamed earlier this decade. I know not where the name comes from but I’d like to think it is named after Jackie Weaver. “You have no authority on this train Jackie Weaver.”

Soon I was at Bruce Grove and walking towards Tottenham. I’d put a red shirt on that morning then remembered where I was going. Tottenham play in white, my favourite colour so I made the last minute decision to iron my white shirt. And I was still the first customer in MaccieD’s.

I found Lordship Lane (what a great name) easily enough and was soon in The New Moon. Eminem “Lose Yourself” was playing which gave way to Righteous Brothers “Unchained Melody”, a segway I’ve not encountered before. As I sat there enjoying the music (they didn’t play New Moon On Monday. Must have missed it), I’d had a bit of a mission just for a bottle of Diet Coke but the blog title box had been ticked and I was happy with that.

To speed things up I caught the bus back to Bruce Grove. Another box ticked. First trip on a red London bus. I was in a queue at the stop and saw a bus at the junction down the road. Everyone in the queue got up and shuffled forwards and I did likewise. Then the bus turned left. I turned into Nessa from Gavin & Stacey and gave a loud “oh!” This prompted everyone in the queue to turn around and look at me. Fair play to the lad in front who tried to explain. “It’s doing the 123” he said. Whilst I appreciated him trying to clarify things, he might as well have sang “Vienna” as this meant nothing to me. At this point can I crack my favourite Midge Ure joke? I’m playing Scrabble with Midge Ure. I’ve got 4 letters left but they mean nothing to me O V N R.

Back at Liverpool Street I needed my Monopoly board signing. I’d brought a pen along specially for this but as I reached into my bag, having to rummage past the empty latte cup from Linda’s and equally empty Tesco sandwich packet, two books and the board itself, I found the mass of pens at the bottom. But couldn’t find the one I’d earmarked for signing. I started to flap and dropped pens on the concourse. Then the nice lady I asked at the tourist information desk refused to sign gesturing that he colleague would, and he did. As I walked away I found the pen in my coat pocket. On the Underground I noticed on the front of the man bag some slots for pens to go in that I could have used. I’ve only had the bag since 2009, not long enough to notice these sort of things.

Onto Camden then. Camden is such a thriving and cool place. I felt the vibe as soon as I left the station.

There was music, people filming interviews, and a kind of band in the middle of the road. I didn’t ask if they’d paid the congestion charge. I’d done Camden before with Mase and Sean in 2018 but that visit was before Baby Reindeer became a thing. The Hawley Arms, Amy Winehouse’s local was busy. I was looking around and really should have had a neon sign on my head saying “tourist.” Actually, I didn’t need that it must have been obvious.

The plan was to grab a coke and sit at the bar like Martha (the character who stalks the barman) in the show but a bloke had already got that nailed down and the other spare stool was right next to him. I sat at a table and perused the menu. As a starter they do a pint of chips for £6. Brings a different meaning to the phrase “going out for a few pints?”

I couldn’t see any reference to Baby Reindeer in there and a Google search since revealed that the staff are fed up of people going in asking about it. Glad I didn’t. I did peruse to to see who I thought Martha might be, but nobody fitted what I had in mind as what she looked like. Shame that the main man from the show wasn’t there. I’d have asked for some tips on becoming a stand up comedian. I am about to start writing my “difficult” second stand up show after the first one went down well. I won’t use the Midge Ure joke that night.

I had one drink and headed to The Worlds End. This place made my top 10 list on Pub Challenge 3 (blog here) so I was eager for a revisit. The building was covered in scaffolding so I couldn’t get a picture and had me wondering if it was closed but I found the entrance. Card only in here which sparked a discussion with a fellow customer – my only one of the day. He agreed that cash is king.

Music wasn’t to my taste in either pub but it was two good visits. I’d love to have a proper day in Camden, amble around a bit, visit the market and my mate Chris Kelly says that the TV AM egg cups that appeared at the end of the show are still located in Camden so it would be cool to see those. That’s for another day though as time was pressing on and I still had another mission.

On the tube when we got to Mornington Crescent, a lad suddenly got up and bolted to the doors but had left it too late and they shut as he got to them. Very Sliding Doors. He skulked back to his seat as I gave him the nickname Gwyneth Paltrow.

I alighted at Green Park Underground station via the wrong exit and was greeted by the sight of a park which it’s fair t say was green. Still no idea how the station got its name though. I walked around the front and hit Piccadilly. I saw The Ritz with my own eyes for the first time. Now whilst doing this Monopoly mission, it is my aim to stay at a hotel on one of the properties – not in the jail.

I mentioned this to my work colleague Tom a couple of days later and wondered if a room at The Ritz might be about £200. He checked. More like a grand and half. Hmmmm to stay there I would need to set up a crowd fund page, an only fans and get to level 7 genius on Booking.com. I could ask if I could sleep in a store cupboard but I’m guessing that any stay there would be in the smallest room and I probably won’t be accommodating a bevvy of beauties that night. I could mention that I’m a lightly regarded Walsall blogger and offer them some very limited exposure for a free room. I do have a reputation for staying in cheap hotels so this would be a shock for my friends.

I passed a restaurant called Sexy Fish. I often refer to my food as sexy so this appealed to me. I guess I might have to start checking my lottery tickets though before I think about going there.

Back in 2017 I had an odd incident that saw me wandering aimlessly around London all night and at about 3am I saw The Coach & Horses, London’s narrowest pub. I vowed at that point that I would visit it one day. Only taken me 9 years to get round to it. Things don’t happen quickly in my life. A bottle of Diet Coke was only £4.95. I say “only” but I was expecting much worse for Mayfair. Even my debit card didn’t believe it and had to be presented twice. The nice barmaid was happy to sign my board and it was a good visit. I didn’t go to the loo though which is still bugging me. Probably gold plated taps and a man in a top hat and tails offering after shave sprays.

I had meant to tick off Park Lane but time was pressing on, and thinking how long it took me to find the coach station from the tube at Victoria last time I headed back. I’m far too cautious for my own good, and outside the tube a nice lady in a hat directed me so i was at the coach station an hour early.

So that day I only got two ticks in and I’d wanted 4 and I’m now 5 down on where I wanted to be. I’ll just have to keep going back. I had planned to go this Friday but there is a tube strike which has proper pissed on my bonfire and my cornflakes. There is many things in life that there is no need for and piss on your cornflakes is one of them. I’ll just boost the Walsdall economy instead that day. I’ve not done enough of that of late.

Coach was empty on the way back. Nobody in my half of the coach which was a bit eerie. Toilet was out of action too which made for an anxious uncomfortable last hour. Back in Walsall and I saw my favourite taxi driver by the bus station. We were glad to see each other. I accepted his offer and I was glad to be home.

London, you were a blast. It only cost £20 for all that tube travel, two train and a bus journey – can’t argue at that. See you soon.

Thanks for reading as always. Blog us going on hiatus for a month or so now so speak soon yeah.

On March 28th, Blackpool Jane made a pilgrimage down to Walsall so a catch and a wander had to be done.

Strolling into town and yet again I had strange thoughts in my head. This time I was pondering if the band Texas ever played in said state and I wondered what the biggest country that Big Country gigged in. The gale force wind was bringing a chill with it that was cutting me in half so I needed something to take my mind off it. As I type this just over a week later, I still haven’t found out either answer, and being totally honest, I probably won’t look into it.

I know I tend to leave things to the last minute, or even later if I can and I was up to it again here. Jane’s train was due in at 9.57. I got down to the platform and the sign said it was 9.56.13. I had over half a minute to spare. Tut tut. I could have walked ever so slightly slower Anyway the train came in straight away and off we set.

We had to negotiate the carnage that is Walsall Council’s latest scheme with the top half of the Saddlers Centre now closed off along with shops on Park Street fenced off for demolition. As a result access to Jack & Ada’s is restricted and has been for a couple of months despite not a single brick being removed in the demolition process. Had it been a popular pub they’d have probably started flattening it while the last customer was finishing his pint. Or her pint obviously.

So we finally made it to Jack & Ada’s going through the bus station. We’d certainly got our steps in for the day and worked up an appetite. Paul was on his usual good form and welcoming. I couldn’t move in there for people I know with Beth & Mase, Claire Hendy and Phil and also Steve Winsper who was en route to Coventry Beer Festival. A fest that Jane and I attended back in the day along with Craig and we reminisced about playing Human Jukebox there. Where one of us picked a song and who the jukebox was gong to be to perform it. That person then got to pick the next song and singer. Needless to say I came up with this game after several hours on the booze.

Music was excellent which is standard for there. Baby I Love You by The Ramones and “let’s hang on, to what we got, don’t let go girl we got a lot” – I know not the artist or actual title of that one but they were the songs of the visit. We discussed theatre shows. We’ve so change. Don’t think this has ever cropped up in our conversations before. We’ve become cultured She’s going to see Avenue Q in London and I am so jealous. When I saw it I laughed so loudly, people at the front were turning round.

Food was great. Jane had requested a poached egg and commented that it looked like a tissue. As a male, I don’t need food looking like a tissue so I’m glad I stuck with fried.

We headed to The Pretty Bricks, Kev of BCA fame was serving and declared he was in a Human League mood and we got some classics.

I needed to put lottery on as it was a “must win” draw and I only play it nowadays when it’s one of those. I asked Jane to pick a number and she came up with 49 and asked if she would get a sixth of the winnings which I happily agreed to. I did warn her though that it takes me around 6 months to check my tickets. I like them to relax a bit before I check them but did advise she could be in for an unexpected windfall in November, just in time for a boost to the Bonfire Night budget.

I also bought a pack of Wine Gums. Don’t know why but I don’t like going into a shop and just buying a lottery tickets. Feels like I’m wasting the staffs time. She thought I was buying them to smuggle them into the cinema later but I always keep a pack of them at home and sometimes have a couple as a little treat when I’ve had a goof session of writing. Which is why my previous packet lasted decades.

We headed to the BCA. We sat upstairs and I got some very welcome Sun on my shoulder whilst getting to watch the sign swinging in the wind which was quite relaxing to observe out the corner of my eye. We talked all sorts in here. A good chunk being Walsall of old from when she used to live here and recalled fondly those nudey spot the difference games that you had on machines in The Fitters and The Trough. I don’t think they’d be allowed in today’s society.

Jane said she liked my glasses case. Bit left field but I don’t get many compliments so I gobbled this one up.

We moved on. We marvelled at a man at the top of Goodall Street that ignored the no entry and one way street signs/road markings and roared down it the wrong way. I don’t mind a bit of low level civil disobedience although ignoring the “hot chocolate is no longer allowed on the free refills” sign in Wetherspoons is abut my limit. I’ve only done this once Mr Martin if you’re reading.

At Katz Jane decided to try the no alcohol Guinness and for a laugh I decided to join her. I’ve only been given non alcoholic beer once before and that was in London in 2009 when someone accidentally gave me a Becks “blue”. This was quickly returned. I got Woza to change it as I don’t like to complain. Katz also had an array of burnt top cobs so I dived on a cheese and black pudding for later. I didn’t really get the burn cob thing to start with but now appreciate they are good.

I’d asked Jane in the week if she knew of any decent tourist attractions on any of the Monopoly board properties that I could visit. Unfortunately Jane doesn’t know the board. She found a London CAMRA magazine and started calling out suggestions of bars to see if they were on the board. It became like a London version of Monty Python’s Cheese Shop sketch. “Edgeware Road?” “No.” “Great Portland Street?” “No.” “Portobello Road?” “No.” Finally she hit upon Bow Street and as I didn’t manage to visit said street on Back To The Future day (read all about it here) as I’d planned, I still have that info on my phone.

I didn’t quite know what to make of the Guinness 0.0. Jane split the G without realising. My attempt didn’t quite work. Guess I’m not making it as a TikTok star doing that then.

We’d had 60/70’s music in the cafe, 80’s in The Bricks and now we were in the 90’s and Jase had a class playlist on the go with Sleeper’s Sale Of The century being just pushed out by McAlmont & Butler’s Yes as “Song Of The Visit”. I’m only mentioning these songs as I tend to play them as I type these blogs.

Upon leaving Katz and walking down Intown Row, Jane was in front and walking in the road. I said to get on the pavement and she pointed out it was a one way street with it coming our way so she could see if anything came. Good job our friend from Goodall Street wasn’t in the vicinity.

The wind wasn’t letting down and turning the corner by Tesco we suddenly had the gale at our backs and it nearly blew me into the curry house, which wouldn’t have been the worst result.

I’d suggested Royal Punjab as it opens earlier than the others. We got a warm welcome and were shown to a table. We asked for 3 poppadoms and got 5. Glad it’s not just me that is shit at counting. They weren’t messing around with the food though. Our curries were out before I’d had a couple of nibbles of the second poppadom.

There were two big groups of ladies and there was birthday celebrations in one group. They sang Happy Birthday so of course I joined in. I pushed on and started to sing the “go out and get drunk” second verse till I realised I was on my own and quickly stopped. Two of the ladies in the other group turned round and laughed when I sneezed loudly twice in quick succession.

Food was great. Quickly demolished. Despite the extra poppadoms Jane stuck to just having the one she’d ordered so I tried to plough through the rest but had to admit defeat. Great visit though. 3rd time here and always good. I first reviewed it back in 2022 and you can read that here.

There was still a bit of time before Jane’s train so we went to The Red Lion. Back to the 80s for the music (Happy Hour, Echo Beach and Prince Charming amongst others) and it was busy. Always a good visit, I just wish they’d open the upstairs again. I miss going up that spiral staircase and people watching down on the street below.

A man came up alongside and asked if I wanted any “mens perfume.” I didn’t know they did perfume for men so I politely declined.

Train time and I made my clompiest walk down the stairs ever. So noisy. I blamed the weight of the cob from Katz which was still in my pocket. Everyone must have thought I’d got heavy boots on, but no just my normal shoes.

With Jane safely on the train I headed to The Light Cinema to watch “They Will Kill You.” Up The Junction by Squeeze was playing as I walked in. It had truly been an outstanding afternoon of music.

Anyway, to try and get full use of my Light Cinema monthly membership I’m trying to go 26 times in 2026, and this was visit 20 despite not going once in January. – Late edit, It’s visit 23 tonight for Undertone and 24 tomorrow for California Schemin’ .

Film was ok but once over I headed home. I was going to go Walsall Arms for the retro disco but it had been a long day and I opted to get out of the wind. Cheers Jane for a great day. My turn to head north next time.

Happy Easter Sunday. I’d grab your Mini Eggs Easter Egg and grab a cuppa, then settle down and read another 3 of my Walsall food reviews.

Youngs Cafe, 120 The Green, Darlaston, WS10 8JP. Reviewed 14/02/26.

Valentines Day didn’t get off to a great start. I slipped on ice, flying off my doorstep and landing on my back on the path. It must have looked a bit like Marty McFly at the start of Back To The Future, without the guitar and amp though. Craig, who had stopped at mine after a mini Walsall pub crawl the night before was disappointed to have only seen the landing. Had he seen the whole performance, I reckon he would have scored it highly like a judge at the then ongoing Winter Olympics. We’d just won our first God medal there and I think this flying performance with it’s technical elements would have been in podium contention.

I can only assume my postman also slipped on the ice and had to run off to A&E before he had chance to deliver all of my Valentines Day cards. I then tried to get in the wrong car. Someone had parked where Craig usually parks when he stays, so it wasn’t my fault.

Anyway you came here for food reviews. The plan that day had been to visit a cafe in Willenhall. I’d offered to pay for Craig’s breakfast if he came with me. Basically I wanted to go Willenhall without using the 529 bus. We got there about 12.20, started to peruse the menu only to be told they’d closed at 12. I didn’t check the opening times beforehand, I just assumed it would be open.

Back in the car and we needed a plan b. Craig didn’t want to go back the way we’d come due to some temporary traffic lights so we headed towards Portobello island. I knew there was a cafe on Pinfold Street in Darlaston which used to get mentioned regularly on Beacon Radio. I didn’t know it’s name so took advantage of another traffic delay to hit Google. Up came a cafe on The Green In Darlaston, which was showing as open until 1.30. We bombed it down The Keyway, and other than trying to direct Craig onto the Tesco carpark, it was a successful jaunt and we were soon strolling into Youngs Cafe.

New tick on me this one, didn’t know it was there but my coach to the hellhole that was St Thomas More School back in the 80’s went past this everyday so it was nice to make a visit.

Menu was expansive. Biggest meal was called The Hangover Breakfast. They also do a sharebox breakfast for £20 which works out with more toast and black pudding along with chips than two hangovers for just a quid more so we pondered this. I had 3 concerns. (1) chips don’t belong on a full English. (2) would the tomato be solid or the sloppy sort which miht contaminate my half of the box. (3) chips don’t belong on a full English. Appreciate I’ve said that one twice but it’s worth reiterating. We went for 2 Hangovers at £9.50 each. Neither of us were hungover but I loved the name, so bring it on.

Service was friendly, with the cutlery being handed to us with the line “here’s your tools”, which I loved.

Food came quickly and was really good. The salt and pepper pots had handles which was novel. I’m still on the black pepper fad as previously mentioned. Loved my food. Craig’s favourite was the fried bread and said the eggs could have been a bit more yolky but it was hearty and he didn’t have to eat for the rest of the day. (I did and it came in the form of Tesco Finest Butter Chicken and a bit of cake I’d been given at work the previous day – cheers Kerrie).

Music was provided by Smooth Radio with Heart’s “Alone” being my pick and “The Way It is” by Bruce Hornsby and his actual Range being Craig’s.

My mind is always drifting off to Randomland and during munching I wondered who had won the most events in Wacky Races. I raised this and Craig got on the case, so look away now if you don’t want spoilers. The Ant Hill Mob, Peter Perfect, Penelope Pitstop and Lazy Luke & Blubber Bear all got 4 wins, whilst The Slag Brothers in The Boulder Mobile got the most podium finishes which I commented must have got them the constructors title.

Bill came to £20 which was two breakfasts, tea and a can of Orange Tango. Craig thought I’d been undercharged. Great visit this, and we departed at 1.26, 4 minutes before closing. It’s open 7 days a week and it’s worth a visit. No toilet that I could see though.

Dine & Wine Buffet Restaurant, Townend Street, Walsall, WS2 8LP. Reviewed 28/02/26.

Situated in what was Watsons Wines back in the 1980’s and my god was I a regular there. I delivered the Walsall Advertiser. I wasn’t on the plonk just yet.

It was Kiddisave and a furniture shop before becoming Dine and Wine in 2019. I went once, loved it. Said “I’m coming here regularly”, going once more before Covid and then not at all since. I needed a revisit.

I’d had an early morning visit to The Light Cinema to watch Scream 7 (despite having not watched Scream’s 2- 6) and I tell what, watching some people get killed doesn’t half give you an appetite. Chris timed his drive to Walsall perfectly and he picked me up outside Asda Living and off for some munching we headed.

It’s cheaper to dine of an afternoon so we marched in, paid up and were escorted to a table. It was already busy which was good to see. We started marauding. Got to be honest, I was nearly full from the starters. Chris flagged up the curry section, tucked away round the back and asked if I’d be going there. I confirmed that I intended to work the whole room having not done so on the previous two visits. .

The battered fish was epic, I could have cleared the tray of that (like I did once at Fiesta World Buffet which I’m still ashamed about). Chris caught me sifting the onion out of the Chinese Chicken curry and I confirmed that this was exactly what I was doing.

Music was good although it was interrupted by a loud and very long blasting of Happy Birthday To You. Brought back Covid memories and Boris saying that you had to wash your hands while singing that song.

I nearly chocked on honey roast pork when Chris showed me that Walsall were winning at Shrewsbury, a scoreline that I wasn’t expecting.

After a couple of visits to the main food station I went around the back. The chicken tikka had a bit of a kick which had me reaching post haste for the Pepsi Max, and I also had a bit of Sushi as I’m a bit of a ponce.

Bit of lemon cheesecake with a successful use of the chocolate fountain, although a previous user hadn’t been quite as adapt with it and had got chocolate over a good portion of the surface. I totally missed the ice cream machine until I saw someone walk past with a bowl so I made a beeline for that. Even shaking my hips in a gyrating motion to match the swirl of the ice cream. My hips don’t lie. Actually they do, they talk absolute bollocks.

There is a vip room upstairs which I hadn’t noticed before. I shall certainly be booking that either when I’m a famous writer or Mayor of Walsall. Which ever comes first.

Decent visit this. Think it was £18.60 for the lunchtime buffet and a Pepsi Max (refillable). It is licensed but we were both on pop. I need to go more often but be waned, it’s cash only.

Caffe 41, Unit 41 Pleck Road Walsall WS2 9XX. Reviewed 25/03/26.

New cafe which recently replaced Manor Cafe in the same unit. Opposite The Manor Hospital where I work so will be handy if I ever forget my lunch. My colleague Carole and I decided to make a dinner time visit. Someone at work said they had ordered from there and we awaited her feedback. She reported it as “bostin”. Turned out it was fake news as she’d actually got her food from Premier Diner on Queen Street, which I’ve already reviewed here.

Carole and I headed over. We’d already had some excitement that day in the form of a fire drill, so this visit was just sending those levels in me through the roof.

Caffe 41, named I assume after the number of the unit it resides in, although I was hoping it was something more exotic like all the staff are massive fans of the band Sum 41 or something like that.

A sign on the door advised 10% discount for NHS staff. These guys clearly know their target market. First impressions, well it’s been totally done out from the Manor Cafe era. Carole commented on how clean it was, the nice ambience (first time I’ve used that word in a review I think) and that they clearly had a vision when designing the place. The ceiling had a variety of different lampshades, identical to what they did in The Three Wishes in Pinner. See here for that blog if you want a picture.

Now, I really don’t like taking pictures when I do reviews. Even exterior ones in case I get seen. It scares me. Carole however had no such qualms and got to work snapping away like one of Fleet Street’s finest paparazzi. I need to hire her for more reviews.

There are two bookshelves. My mind drifted to the day I’ll be able to leave The Manor due to one of my novels sitting on that shelf.

I asked about breakfast and was told it finished at 12. They followed up with that not being strictly set in stone but I missed that vital caveat as I switched off after the first part and was now looking round for material. Good job Carole heard it and relayed.

I went for a chicken and stuffing baguette. This comes with 3 salad options, which I turned down quite quickly. I also went for an English Breakfast Tea, glad that didn’t stop at 12. Carole went for a cheese toastie. We got loyalty cards for the drinks, after a quick check with the 4th official to see if my tea qualified for one.

We took a seat. Smooth Radio was playing and a television was showing Sky News which was reporting on some deaths. Standard.

Food came quickly and the baguette was well filled and with actual chicken not the processed slices you get in some places. Carole said her cheese toastie was “lovely.”

I was reflecting on a successful visit and ready to return when Carole played a blinder and asked if I wanted cake. Oh go on then. So she shouted us both some. I went for lemon cake and she had lemon and blueberry blondie. She described her cake as “gorgeous” and mine was amazing. I tucked in whilst watching a sudden hail storm and peoples responses to it..

Song of the visit was going to be Nik Kershaw “Wouldn’t It Be Good” until it was usurped at the last second by “Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You.”

The time went so quickly and suddenly we realised we had something like 11 minutes to get back to work. We’d come out the back way and walked along Pleck Road on the way in but I suggested we go in the front way this time then if we were late we couldn’t be sacked as we were “on company property.” We made it back on time.

Great visit this. You know what? I might just pop there again and hold them to that after noon breakfast claim. Friendly staff, clearly had hospitality training in Carole’s view and it made for a very pleasant dinner break. Right, I gotta go. I need to find my loyalty card for when I’m back at work on Wednesday.

I’ve never seen a show in London. In truth I’ve not seen many in the West Midlands either having come into the theatre life at a late stage. It never bothered me, the London thing per se and it wasn’t on my bucket list, but then I started to get adverts for Back To The Future The Musical on my Facebook feed, and it just had to be done. It was at The Adelphi Theatre on The Strand. This got me thinking.

If you know me you will know me and some friends attempted the London Monopoly Pub Crawl in 2009 which you can read about here. We failed it but had a great weekend. I’ve always wanted to do it again, and one of the last things my mom bought me before she died was a brand new board to get ticked off. It’s sat in my cupboard for 13 years since, but maybe I could do the crawl again, not in one go and not just pubs. The Adelphi Theatre could be a great tick for The Strand. I got to work.

I booked time off work (April 1st – first day of new annual leave allowance), a decent hotel just 9 minutes walk from Euston and a first class train ticket. I really can’t afford show tickets and first class trains but at the time it was Council Tax and Water bill free months so thought ‘what the hell.’ Plus, in the very unlikely event that someone in the theatre would strike up conversation – it would have to be them, it’d never be me, and they asked “how did you get here?” I liked the idea of being able to say “first class train sweetie. Fabulous darling.” Oh, I’m turning in Edina Monsoon.

On the day (Wednesday just gone) I took full advantage of the first class lounge at New Street, with plans to do the same at Euston. I appeared to be the only person to use the full allocated 2 hours, by some distance. As soon as I got on the train I was presented with coffee and shortbread. As departure time hit, there were only two other people in the carriage. Perfect. A nice, quick peaceful journey was incoming. As I perused the menu for the complimentary food, an announcement rang out. “Signal issue at Watford. We can’t set off and there is no further update at the moment.” Not quite how they worded it. It’s a god job the train at the end of Back To The Future 3 wasn’t subject to signal issues.

50 minutes later, with no sign of any staff during that period – another announcement rang out. Basically train cancelled, get off the train. Go to Moor Street and Chiltern Railways will get you to Marylebone. ‘Euston we have a problem’ I thought. Same day that NASA launched Artemis II.

Clearly not the April Fools prank I had started to think it was, I departed. Pocketing the shortbread I’d been given. I love Moor Street, it’s up there with Walsall and Duddeston as my favourite railway stations but being totally honest, I wasn’t feeling seeing it at this moment.

I made it to Moor Street, just in time to see a train departing. Next one was an hour. Chiltern had also suffered disruption that morning with trespassers on the line. A course of action that I never understand. Yes we live on a small island, but there is plenty of room to trespass. You don’t need to do it on the railway.

I was grateful that someone had left a copy of The Metro on the train from Walsall and the minutes passed. Although I did go to the loo twice to kill some time. Train arrived and I got a great seat, a lone one at the back of the carriage. I didn’t think i’d be keeping it long though with hoards heading from New Street also seeking alternative travel. A bloke got on with a huge suitcase which he put on the seat next to him. ‘Good luck with that’ I thought. However, much to my surprise, there was no call for either mine or that blokes suitcase seat as we departed. At Dorridge – or it could have been Solihull, I wasn’t paying attention as I was buried in the Ben Aitken book Dear Bill Bryson, a couple got on. The suitcase went up above and the man sat down with his wife insisting he needed the now available seat more. In my world, a lady doesn’t strand while I am sitting so I offered my seat up. She initially said she was alright but I insisted. They were both very grateful. I only had to stand as far as Leamington Spa then a seat became available which I pounced on.

I arrived at Marylebone nearly 3 hours later than I should have got into Euston. I could certainly have made use of a car based time machine. Believe me I’m not moaning. I was grateful to Chiltern for getting me to London and I took to Twitter to thank them yesterday. There was a scrum as lots of people with QR codes for the barriers at Euston, tried to use the counterparts at Marylebone. Good job I hadn’t booked the matinee performance.

Marylebone is on the Monopoly board and it’s one of the properties we missed in 2009 so it was getting ticked off this time. I was planning to train into it in the Summer, but now here it was being promoted to first tick. I found a bar and paid £4 for half a Diet Coke – London prices but I channelled my inner Jessie J and forgot about the price tag. Foot note, not heard that song in decades then it came on in my hotel room the following morning courtesy of Heart FM. Bloke behind the bar was happy if not a little surprised to be asked to sign the board. He did so while Chappell Roan sang “Pink Pony Club.” I’d have joined in loudly had it been “Subway.”

I needed food so headed to Burger King. My order number was 1990 which made me think of that Guru Josh song “Infinity -1990’s Time For Guru” Not today Josh. 1990’s time for double flame grilled cheeseburger. The couple off the train were there so I asked them to take pics. I should have asked them to sign the middle of the board as I want signatures of people I meet but didn’t think to ask that. I’ll learn. My great mate Woza would have asked everyone in the vicinity. He’s good at it. I’m not.

I’d Googled how to get to Euston and didn’t have to wait more than a couple of minutes for any train, it’s just a brilliant network. Although some fellow commuters were quite impatient and barging past on the escalators. One lass did a cracking re-enactment of Richard Ashcroft in The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” video nearly knocking me over from behind. I was stood to the right as well like instructed. The plan had been to go to Camden Town, and I did think I’d booked my hotel there only to find out I’d booked in the borough rather than the town.

Coming out of Euston and I took a wrong turn. Only turning round when I got to Great Portland Street tube, a station that brought back memories of last seasons play off final as we used it when getting to the pub during the “good”part of the day.

I turned round and eventually found the hotel. It only cost me a bit of time. It could have been worse. I saw a film once when a group of teens took a wrong turn and most of them got killed.

The man at the hotel was very welcoming and lamenting that I was only staying one night. He took my card details as “a precaution” in case I stole the tele or broke a window. I pointed out that I don’t watch tv so the chances of me stealing one were remote and that I don’t really smash hotel things. He was fine with this.

Back outside and I discovered tennis courts across the road. I must buy some tennis gear for my next visit in the Summer. Never played it in my life but always wanted to recreate that 1970’s poster with the tennis lass with her arse out.

Back on the Underground. Minimal fannying about and I was soon at Charing Cross, then wandering down The Strand. I did wonder if I’d get in with my Monopoly board. The theatre had sent an email the day before listing prohibited items and Monopoly boards were not amongst them. Security didn’t even ask what it was. I found a quiet bar and asked a nice lady serving to sign it. She was very happy to and remarked it was great what I was doing.

I made it to my seat with 9 minutes to spare, some cut it finer. Others wandered in after the start. I cared not. I was in the zone as soon as the band started playing that iconic theme tune. The show? Well it was stunning. Cast were magnificent. Marty and Doc will get the plaudits but they were all great with George McFly and Mayor Goldie Wilson having blinders too.

The set was stunning, special effects great and whilst the script relied heavily on the film there was some deviations with Doc commenting “I went to 2026. It was great, no traffic but they eat this green thing called Kale.”

The techies, lighting and sound guys all done well too, and the staff were friendly. At half time there were ladies with trays in the upper circle selling refreshments which I haven’t seen since the days of the ABC cinema in Walsall.

Biggest cheers of the night were Doc’s speech detailing the plan which ends with”sending you back to the future”, Biff getting flattened by George, the first kiss (I shed a tear at this) and when the car goes back to 1985 and leaves the flames trail on the stage.

The acting was great, as were the songs and dances. Musical Director and Choreographer must have been proud along with all of the production team. The audience bloody loved it. Loads of kids there, I’d go as far to say at least half the audience were not about when the film came out in 1985.

At the end when the DeLorean rose with the destination set for 7.30pm 01/04/26 it was magical. Probably the most stunningly visual show I’ve seen in a theatre.

Show finished at 22.09. and despite it being late I still only had to wait 2 minutes for a tube train at Charing Cross and was back at Euston at 22.30. Marvellous service.

What a day, well evening anyway. Best April Fools Day ever. I only got two ticks on the board, I was targeting all of the red set and Bow Street but they’ll keep.

To summarise. Show? Fabulous darling. First class train. Not so. I believe when this run at The Adelphi finishes on April 12th, the DeLorean is heading up the M1 and M6. You need to see this show. Do it. Even if it involves driving at 88 miles per hour.

I like curry. I may have eluded to this in the past, but I certainly didn’t inherit this from my parents. So it was time to get out there and get some more curry house reviews and spicy goodness, under my belt. Here are 3 excellent curry house visits.

Laboni, 10 Anchor Road, Aldridge, WS9 8QP. Reviewed 26/02/26.

Only been in his place twice before. Once around 12 years ago with the writing buddies and also after performing in the AMCS show Smokey Joe’s Cafe at Aldridge Youth Theatre in 2017. Both of those with my mate Nick Brick so it was only right to invite him on this jaunt along with his wife Michelle. I hadn’t seen them since their wedding day so there was much to catch up on.

Nick had asked if I’d booked and I happily confirmed that I hadn’t. Didn’t think I’d need to. It was a Thursday evening, with other curry options close to hand and it was pissing down for the 563rd day on the bounce. However, despite all of this it was busy and I was relieved that we got a table.

It’s not licensed but you can take your own alcoholic drinks which as I’ve mentioned before I refuse to do. Without looking at the drinks menu I opted for Pepsi Max. Then saw that they do” floater coffee” and I wanted in.

The poppadoms came quickly along with the biggest gravy boat of mint dip that I have ever seen. More than enough for all of us but other places could learn a lot from this place.

They do Nargis Kebabs so that was the main box to be ticked. On the table was an additional sheet of paper advertising their new range of starters including Cauliflower Pakora. Cauliflower is one of the most evil inventions ever so I wish them luck in shifting those.

The description for the chicken tikka massala advised the sauce as “elusive” which intrigued me. So I went for that along with the Nargis as standard. Naturally I had a gob full of poppadom when the waiter asked me for my order. I don’t do uncouth very often but when I do I proper go for it. I also broke poppadom in the mint dip which is standard for me.

I nipped upstairs to the loo and the starters were on the table as I returned. Very Pulp Fiction. Mia Wallace would have been impressed. The Nargis was excellent. We didn’t have to wait long for the mains. The sauce was not at all elusive, lots of it but then I clocked that I was a chapatti missing. I was horrified but never one to complain. Fortunately Michelle said she’d got one extra and saved the day. I could have done with one more the sauce was that un elusive. Food was delicious. Nick said his garlic mushrooms were “lovely and very filing” whilst his chicken tikka main was one of the best he’d had. He liked the nice atmosphere and excellent service too.

We got a chocolate with the bill which always earns bonus points and we split the bill 3 ways costing us each £22. Not having booze doesn’t half bring the bill down.

Great visit with top company. Thursday is normally gym day for me, so I thoroughly enjoyed this substitution.

Desi Fusion, 49 Anchor Road, Aldridge, WS9 8PT. Reviewed 11/03/26.

I’m currently on a mission to review all the curry houses in Aldridge town centre. I offered the lads the choice of 4. I’d had Butter Chicken on my mind since Scott Mills had been on about it on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show the previous Friday and I was having this regardless. The night before I was perusing the websites and saw this place did a great looking mixed grill. I wanted in and I knew that dangling the mixed grill carrot in front of Comedy Dave would get his vote. Please not the mixed grill does not include carrot.

I don’t think Desi Fusion has been there long. It certainly wasn’t a thing when I was still going to AMCS rehearsals and I only spotted it for the first time when John and I went to review Regards (which you can read here). Late edit, I checked the date thing on Google Maps Streetview and it opened between 2023 and 2024.

We met in Wetherspoons and after a vote Desi Fusion was selected. To be fair, I was prepared to go all despot world leader and rig the election if need be. I didn’t think it was licensed and upon entry this was confirmed but you can take our own. Sean was going to go and get bottles from The Turtles Head but when I said I wasn’t drinking he gave that a miss.

It was empty when we got there but soon started to fill up.

Comedy and I both went for the large mixed grill (£20) with me citing it’s tradition. “A good tradition” Comedy agreed. Such a good tradition that Tanita Tikaram could sing about it. Sean went for the boneless mixed grill at £24. Poppadoms first though and I went for an English Breakfast Tea which is a first in a curry house for me. Alcohol free beers like Peroni were available but you know, I like a cuppa.

The poppadoms came as like a basket of assorted sizes with 3 dips. I usually only go for the mint dip but had all three this time and all good. The red one had a kick, causing my nose to run. A good sign.

The food came quickly and I gave quite a camp “ooooh” causing Comedy to call me Kenneth Williams and as I inspected the salad picking a bit up he commented “It’s cucumber.” I think I’ve heard of that. Put it on your eyes to make them look amazing yeah? Sean studied his saying it was going to be like playing Jenga. He produced a king prawn asking “where the hell do they catch these?” I don’t know if king prawns have to go to the doctors for BMI checks, but the readings for these bad boys would have been off the scale.

Mid meal a lady appeared behind the counter who was really happy that we were on our first visit. “Welcome to Desi Fusion” she proclaimed. Nice touch that.

Music had a bit of an urban feel with fans of Rihanna being particularly well catered for. My favourite of hers, the one about chains and whips didn’t feature.

My mate Swill has a thing about curry houses where you can hear the music in the toilets so you can have a dance, and he knocks points off if you can’t. Delighted to say that hear you can here and it was my favourite Nelly song “Just A Dream” so I had a little dance as a nod to him and even took my first ever mirror selfie as I liked the mirror with built in light.

Sean and Dave both headbutted the lamp when standing up. Sadly I would have only managed this had I borrowed Noddy Holder’s platform shoes.

Back to the food then and we were all full and struggling. Yep, doggie bags were called for. When trying to do the transfer, I turned into like a shit Crystal Maze contestant and really struggled with this basic task. Shovel food into my big mouth? Easy safe. Try and transfer it in to a 9 and half inch square (I know this because I’m sad and have got no life so measured it when I got home) foil tray and it’s a shambles. I got onion all over my phone. “Why do you insist on making everything so hard for yourself?” asked Comedy. He knows me well. In the kerfuffle I forgot to put the cucumber in. My eyes will have to wait a bit longer to look amazing.

Great visit this. When looking at the menu, I thought ‘I could eat all of this, and I’d still like to so definitely will be going again. It opens for breakfast so may be all over that one day. Sean said it was great value for money and his mixed grill could have easily filled two people.

Jubilee House – Off Forge Road, Sandbeds Road, Willenhall, WV12 4HB. Reviewed 18/03/26.

Situated in what looks like a converted industrial unit, in a gotta know it’s there location – Jubilee House has been mooted by Josh as a “need to visit” for a while. So we did it for Pez’s birthday, albeit a week late.

Pez was already there when Josh and I arrived. They got down to watching highlights of the previous evenings Walsall match against Cambridge, which – totally unlike me, I hadn’t missed a second of live so I studied the menu. I was then caught eyeing up the array of pork scratchings behind the bar.

We moved into the main room. There was a big screen one end and a smaller one at the other, both showing Champions League. I sat with my back to the bigger one prompting to Pez to ask if I’d rather see the bigger screen, “Only if they were showing Television X” I replied.

Menus came out. Josh asked if a point was being knocked ff due to the lack of Nargis Kebab. I nodded. I opted for the large mixed grill. Standard. At the till, we all got a 15% discount which was as unexpected as it was pleasant. Deducted point duly reinstated, and added too.

Two lads came over and asked if we wanted any any specific match on the screens. I was asked my opinion and wondered if there were any games on in the Vauxhall Conference (I still call it that) they could show as that is more my interest level.

Food came quickly and it was great. Knowing how slowly I eat I think the lads were worried about telling their missus’s how late home they were going to be. But I got to work and finished in a respectable time. Loved it. Could have eaten it again. Good visit. Pez said it was quick, fairly priced with a good beer selection and it was like an Indian Working Men’s Club. Fair assessment. Great place. Liked it a lot.

You’ve got to love Fawlty Towers haven’t you? Loved the tv show and inherited the VHS box set from my parents. When I heard there was a stage show, I wanted in. I mentioned it to my colleague Carole who said she was going to see it that Saturday afternoon, having bought the tickets a year earlier. She came back saying it was hilarious and that she could have easily watched it again on the evening.

So I mentioned this to Swill and he got to work and sorted us tickets for The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. Epic.

I love the show. The daft, farcical humour really hits with me and back in 2013 I stayed in a pub in Bewdley with b&b facilities purely because the reviews said that the landlord was a love or hate him figure with some likening him to Basil Fawlty.

The day at work was a good one. My manager David is a big fan of the show and was coming out with catchphrases all day which got me in the mood. Next time I drop a bollock I might give a Manuel style “I know nothing” to see if that gets me off the hook.

I was meeting Swill on the train as he was getting on at Bloxwich (or Bloxwich Normal as it was called by the lady in the ticket office once as she was trying to deduce if I wanted a ticket to the town one or Bloxwich North. I’ve taken to calling it Bloxwich Normal since.)

I had time for refreshment so popped to Greggs and jumped on board the train with my large latte. “Where’s your sausage roll?” Swill demanded. “You can’t go to Greggs and not have a sausage roll.” I denied all knowledge for a minute or so then produced the empty sausage roll wrapper from my coat pocket. He knows me well.

Swill had planned food in Birmingham. I’d have been happy with a Waldorf Salad and a bottle of wine that was corked to get me feeling like a guest of Basil but he had Indian in mind. I had no issue with this.

En route to the restaurant we passed a couple of lads and as I had my headphones round my neck, one of them asked me “are you a dj?” “I wish” was my reply and it’s so true. My dream job since I was a kid, radio though rather than behind the decks of a super club.

I had no previous knowledge of Tamatanga on Navigation Street but Swill said it was decent and that was good enough for me. There was very friendly welcomes upon arrival and our waitress was great. Swill went for a proper meal (tandori chick-chicken – two chicken breasts with a side curry) while I just went for a couple of starters. Amritsari Fish Fry and Prawn Tempura. I was intrigued though by dishes called things like Luscious Lamb and First Class Lamb Chops and wanted to see if the food matched the titles claims but the starters I stuck with. I do however want to go and see Single White Female at The Alexandra in May, so I might do double lamb goodness then.

Whilst waiting for food we heard a commotion outside. Shouting, chanting and drums. There was a procession of Lille fans on their way to Villa park. Some banged on the windows and others pulled faces. I shouted “you were lucky in the 6 Nations.” They probably didn’t hear me but it needed saying.

Despite being busy, the food came quickly (quicker for Swill we noticed) and the metal cutlery came in it’s own packet which I really liked. Food was excellent. In hindsight I should have had an extra small plate but that would have been an odd number and I wouldn’t have been able to cope with that. As a nod to Monty Python I should have gone all Mr Creosote, absolutely stuffed myself and seen if one of the French people in town would offer me a wafer thin mint. I’m sure John Cleese would have appreciated that. Swill said his food was “amazing.”

Food devoured and enjoyed we paid up and departed. I’ve never been to The Alexandra Theatre before so it was good to tick it off. It was very busy inside as you’d expect. Swill headed for the bar and I rushed to the hot drink stall grabbing an English Breakfast Tea for £2.60 which was less than I thought it would be. We couldn’t see a programme seller though which was disappointing as I really wanted one.

We headed down to the stalls. Swill had played a blinder and got us 5th row tickets, although we walked to the wrong side of the theatre and had to scarper to the other side right in front of the stage. What a feeling. Carole in her review had commented about how much the cast looked like the originals in the television show and she was bang on. Polly was the first to appear and yes, she was like a replica.

The show is basically a merger of 3 or 4 of the tv episodes. So I knew a lot of the of the dialogue and despite this, it was still hilarious. My favourite bit was the exchange about the view out of a Torquay hotel window. Absolute genius. Swill’s report was the guy playing Basil was class and the exchange about the winning of the bet with Manuel and The Major was his favourite part. He would have liked a bit more of Manuel being hit with the spoon though.

Odd incident at half time. We left our seats as Swill was bursting for the loo so he dashed off while I fannied around checking that I’d got my glasses still in my coat pocket. I noticed him disappear into a side passage whilst I was doing my checks and when done I went to wait for him. The passage led to a little room with a disabled toilet. I waited and then two ladies arrived. “Are you waiting for the toilet?” one asked. “No, I’m waiting for my mate.” After what seemed a long time the door opened and an old lady with a walking stick came out. The two ladies waiting gave me a funny look as if to say, “that’s your friend?” Swill had seen the disabled toilet and dashed off upstairs looking for another one.

The second act just disappeared. The Germans showed up, which I think everyone was waiting for. The final scene and the total chaos of the fire drill was brilliant and I didn’t expect The Major to fire his gun. I’ve known some bizarre fire drills over the years so could totally relate to this.

The bows were epic. The cast were clearly loving it, applauding each other as they came out with Basil getting the biggest cheer followed by Manuel. All the cast were phenomenal though. It’s still on tour so I suggest you see this show. It’s superb.

Bit of drama at the end when Swill lost his phone. Swill and I are both partial to losing things although he is much better at it. With him it’s umbrellas and me it’s beanie hats so a mobile phone was a new one on both of us. Fortunately with the help of the light on my phone we found it under the seat. All good.

Walking out there were smiles all round. Sign of a good show.

We headed back to New Street and I took Swill in the London & North Western, the Wetherspoons on the station as he hadn’t ticked it off before. Not much to report in there, just people drinking and waiting for trains. Both in one or two cases I suspected.

On the train we got a table seat, sat opposite and had a proper in depth chat. Swill likened it to how Smith and Jones used to do it on the tele. At Walsall I bailed. Outside of the station there was a taxi. I had no desire to contribute to the current oil shortage fears so I marched past it and walked home smiling to myself from memories of the night. In hindsight, I should have taken the taxi just in the hope that it broke down. I could then have grabbed a branch, and in the words of Basil himself, given it “a damn good thrashing.”