Last Saturday I had a little tour of Sedgley for beers and a catch up with Amanda Hignett who I’d not seen since our wander around Wednesfield in 2022. If you missed that blog you can catch up on it here. The Tupperware line on it is still one of my favourite comments on this blog.

First up was a trip to Jack and Ada’s in Walsall town which was welcoming and epic as normal, then it was the 34 bus to Bilston. I worked for SciChem in Bilston for 21 years until they closed our office and moved it to the other side of Wolverhampton so it’s always nice to go back. Last time I went it was for an emergency trouser purchase ahead of my job interview at The Manor Hospital. I find Peacocks the best shop for trousers but they closed the one in Walsall to make way for an epic bowling alley so I headed to the one in Bilston. Typically they didn’t have my size or any deemed as close. I just chose the best option, meaning turning up for the interview in ill fitting trousers. They must have thought I used the same tailor as Rishi Sunak.

The 11.10 229 didn’t show so for old times sake I used Bilston bus station toilets to kill a few seconds. This brought back memories of the time I hopped off the bus one morning, needing a cheeky toilet. So I put my coin in the slot and yanked the door open. To be greeted by the sight of a man sat there having a good clear out. I don’t know who was more horrified. It comes to something when you are that desperate for a dump that you forget to lock the door. I closed up but of course I didn’t have another 10p coin so had to stop at McDonald’s. I had a sausage and egg McMuffin though while I was there.

The next bus turned up on time. The driver said it was his first time on the route and didn’t know where The Beacon Hotel was. Poo. I was a brave boy and asked people. Fortunately someone was going there so I followed him off and was in the pub just after midday. Amanda was already there so I nipped up the bar. Now I’m never likely to win any Mr Tall competitions but I had to crouch down to look through the serving hatch which was a novelty. I got a 4.0% golden ale (I forget the name) for £3.60, served in a proper jug style glass. And it was good.

We had a good catch up. I told Amanda some of my hopes, dreams, projects and general thoughts and it was a great chat. We were joined by Tony, Amanda’s ex husband but still good friend and the discussions continued.

The Beacon Hotel is a classic pub. Completely unspoiled and a must visit on any trip to Sedgley. Good beer at decent prices but what struck me most was how polite everyone was. Everyone that I stopped to let pass said “thank you” or “Cheers”. Cracking place.

We crossed the road to The White Lion Inn where a very pleasant pint of Salopian Hop Twister was served by an equally pleasant barmaid. We then ambled down to The Bulls Head. It was a pleasant stroll in the sun whilst Tony and Amanda gave me Halloween dressing up anecdotes but also pointed out buildings and gave facts about them. Pretty much like I do with visitors to Walsall. They are clearly as proud of their town as I am of mine and it’s great to see.

The Bulls Head is a Holden’s pub. The beer was crystal clear and in excellent nick. The barmaid is an Aldridge lass which gave us a conversation opportunity. The music was provided by Smooth Radio. I’d seen a post on Twitter in the week claiming “you know you’re old when you realise that Smooth Radio is banger after banger” and it was certainly the case. Huey Lewis “Stuck With You” and The Foundations “Baby Now That I’ve Found You” being the highlights.

Amanda told of her dad and how he likes to present “diabolical quizzes” which I really love the sound of, although anyone that ever attend any of my quiz nights at The Fitters Arms would probably say I’ve hosted some of those myself.

At the back of the pub is a Thai restaurant, complete with fish tank which brought back memories of the sadly missed Planet Spice in Walsall. Naturally I perused the menu.

Next up was The Red Lion. When I was doing the 147 snooker challenge using pubs with the colours in the names, this was one of my 15 reds. It was nice to revisit as this is probably the most me pub in town. It was fully decked out in England flags which I approved of. A local group of lads and lasses were having entertaining banter and the Thatchers Gold was immense.

We got talking about musical theatre and I mentioned that the favourite song that I’ve discovered since being in AMCS is Facade out of Jekyll And Hyde. A wonderful song with great lyrics and it helped that when we did it, I got a solo line right at the start. I would love to perform this song in full at some point. This was a good visit and I even got a high five off a very friendly Border Collie. I refuse to high five with people but it was cool getting one off a dog.

The Clifton is Sedgley’s Wetherspoons and that was next. A £2.36 pint of Butcombe “Gold” (4.4%) was my ale and I got a choice of glass which I’ve never known offered in Wetherspoons before. I went for handled jug again. We sat at a table with Amanda’s friends and had a laugh.

We had a pint in The Swan and moved onto The White Horse. This was very busy and according to Amanda boasting the only twin barmaids in town. This was another good pub and it had been a great day but it was time to start thinking about home. I had budgeted £30 for a taxi thinking I would be twatted after all the pubs but I fancied my chances on the bus, especially as it would only cost me 50p to cover a daysaver, having already tapped on two West Midlands Travel buses earlier in the day.

I left in time to get the no 1 to Wolverhampton and upon arrival a 529 to Walsall was in. Almost military style precision. Coming through Willenhall I had a text from my old mate Steve Stuart asking if I was about. Steve doesn’t live close by now so I don’t see him much nowadays but he did come to my Anecdotes Night in April. He said he was in The Registry so I headed there.

Inside was Steve but also Chris Garratt who I’ve not seen since we went to see Jerry Sadowitz in stand up in 2017. Also there was Leighton Williams who I haven’t seen since the late 90’s. It was a brief but enjoyable reunion, but they had to shoot off so I went home via Danny’s Chicken on Pool Street. I was in bed in time for Nick Abbott on LBC at 10pm, although I’ve got to be honest I may have nodded off during the news.

A great day. Cheers to all involved.