I missed the Walsall v Mansfield match last Saturday, partially because I thought we’d get dicked and because I have a run of busy Saturdays coming up but I wanted to get another Brownhills visit in.

I took a leisurely stroll into town, making a slight diversion to take in Tower Street. I’ve recently joined the gym at the Gala Baths and I know that the exercise bikes in there look out onto the street so I make a point of walking past when in town even if I’m not going in. I like to think that this gives my gym buddies on the bikes something to admire while they are peddling furiously.

I was listening to Emily Dean on Absolute Radio, a lady whose voice I could listen to all day, this wasn’t an option though as she finished at 11 the same time as the number 10 to Brownhills which I made easily.

First up was Morgan’s Coffee Shop for breakfast. I visited this place last February and have been wanting to come back ever since. It was busy but there was a seat at the window. I needed the largest breakfast and mug of tea going and with both ordered I sat down and enjoyed watching the world go by.

There was a good mixture of people in and whilst I’m no eavesdropper there was some hood conversations going on which added to the ambience. The breakfast came quickly and was really enjoyable. It was another successful visit though I had to drag myself away at the end as the home made cakes looked amazing.

I strolled round to The Swan. Great pub but I’ve not been since the pre opening night jolly. As I’ve said before I’m a disciple to Salopian Brewery and they had a new beer of theirs on Broken Promise. Now I’ve received tons of broken promises in my life but this was a first in booze form. I surveyed the pub it was already busy but there was a section that was completely customer free. Perfect. I knew where I was heading. The beer was good and I enjoyed gathering my thoughts after a busy week.

Next up was The Jiggers Whistle. Another reason for today’s mission was to apologise to Colin and Teresa here for dropping out of the recent CAMRA Branch Meeting that they hosted, at the last minute. I grabbed a Green Duck ale and settled down. The music was superb in here, a real cross section of stuff and I liked it all. the highlight was The Housemartins “Happy Hour”.What an absolute tune.

There are no fruit machines in The Jiggers, I don’t play them anyway but I had a go on another type, put a quid in and won a tub of BBQ Pringles. Epic. The Jiggers appears to have the Walsall CAMRA Cider Pub Of The Year award bolted to the place and I always have a pint of cider to reflect this, but this time a curve ball arrived. A man walked in and ordered the Wye Valley 1985 lager, which I’ve not had since Jase had it on in Katz. It’s a beautiful drink, some friends of mine had been to see Bowling For Soup the night before and my favourite song of theirs is 1985, so I took this as beings God’s way of telling me to have a pint of it. So I did. And it was ace.

Shoulder Of Mutton was next. A pub I was scared in on my first visit, but on the second I was befriended by a local before I’d even got through the door and he gave me the nickname Noddy. I enjoyed that and every subsequent visit and this was no exception. Very busy so I perched on a stool at the end of the bar. No football scores show in here. The big televisions were showing either horse racing or the big Rugby Union M5 Derby between Exeter and Gloucester. At this point can I jst mention that I hate the M5? It’s shit.

I checked the Walsall score for the first time and yeah that match we were going to get dicked in? We were winning. The usual Walsalll FC way. Very enjoyable pint in here. atmos was good and there was a women in that reminded me of a lass I’m very keen on. Music was a bit random though and the only song I knew was Sultans Of Swing by Dire Straits which is ace.

I got a message. Josh was driving back from Hednesford through Brownhills and did I want a lift? I asked how long he’d be. He said 20 minutes. 20 minutes? Long enough for two pints. I supped up and dashed out in to the rain that wasn’t happening when I walked in.

The Jack Jigger Taylor is run by the same company as The Tap & Tanner in town so I didn’t need to check the beer range. I got served straight away and Inch’s was in order. Josh messaged to say he was outside. The 20 minutes had turned into about 7. I started necking so it was only a quick visit but long enough for Alex, nephew of the late great Clive Welch to come over to say hello. I’ve not seen him since the funeral so it was good to have a quick chat with him. Highlight of the day.

I met up with Josh, he dropped me off outside Katz and I had a couple of pleasant beers and some Walsall FC chat before heading home a very happy boy.