Evo Boozy Scribbler

It was a bit damp on Saturday morning, and the rain postponed the chainsawing that I was going to do so instead I headed to town. I had to go to ASDA but as I had a bit of time to myself I had a wander around the town centre which I always enjoy doing.

As I made my way down the side of the bus station that green grocers was blasting out music which I’ve not known them do before. Annie Lennox’s No More I Love You’s. It was just starting so she was going through the do-be-do–be-do-do-do oh bits so I had to join in loudly. I bet the bloke in front was pleased that he was wearing headphones.

I got to ASDA and I’m not going to sound like a proper bloke here but I bloody love shopping. I’d do it more often if I had the money. I like marching down the aisles, hunting for bargains, glaring at people that leave fridge doors open and tutting at those who block the access to the reduced chilled section with their trolleys.

I need stuff for work so headed straight for the Rustler burger fridge, and the shelves were bare. Just sausage baps were available. I can only assume Mr Rustler was stuck in his lorry on a motorway somewhere. Mr Ginster got my custom instead.

I headed home as Craig was due round. It was the weekend before payday and I was not flush so I’d initially turned down his approach for a meet up but he offered to buy me booze and a curry and I can certainly deal on those terms so happily accepted.

The pre departure music was random even by my standards. Candy by Cameo was first up. At work in the week “3” a classic but largely forgotten 2009 Briney Spears song popped in my head even though I’d not heard it in years so I played that too. It’s a song about threesomes. I pointed out to Craig that he was still in the spare room on the night and I wasn’t planting the seed for a bit of late night action with an as of yet unknown lady. I think he was a bit disappointed.

We were going to meet Dave and Neil so it was off to The Lyndon House. I was asked recently when I last went in there and it really threw me. I want to say this year but I don’t think it is. Time is going so fast nowadays it could easily be last year. With the way time is flying I’m seriously considering not buying a 2024 calendar as it’ll feel like I’ll get 4 months use out of it.

Dave was already in the bar and had got the beer in so that was good. Ken Beckett the 1st person I met when I joined AMCS was in and he came over to say hello. “6 minutes” Dave exclaimed. “I wondered how long it would take you to see someone you know but six minutes?” I am quite well known to be fair.

Neil arrived and we moved onto The Black Country Arms. They had my favourite ale Lemon Dream on but I thought a 4.5% jobbie was a bit much for only my second pint so I opted for a 3.8% called Resplendent Perspective because I liked the name. Unfortunate that had just gone so had to choose again, I gave the wrong number in my panic and ended up with a 5.2% Enville stout. I don’t do stout but it was a good pint. I also had a pulled pork bap which was excellent.

We discussed The Wetherspoons Game which is a Facebook group where you announce the pub you’re in and which table number and then people send food and drinks to you. I can’t be doing with that to be fair as much as I love free food and drink. I do quite like the idea though of picking a random table in St Matts Hall and putting that out there and sitting back and observing as the freebies start to roll in and confusion arises.

We also discussed what our darts nicknames and walk out music would be. I lean towards the dark side of the force so said my name would be Darth Saddler although the lads thought I said Darts Saddler whilst appropriate but wouldn’t reflect my evil tendencies. I also stated my walk out music would be “How Can We Be Lovers?” by Michael Bolton as neither the crowd or my opponent would be expecting it.

We moved onto The Oak Inn and I settled at a reserved table. There is something nice about sitting at a table that is reserved for some one else. Craig commented “it;s reserved for the Mayor”. I’m not Mayor yet but I’ll take it.

We moved onto The Registry where my best friend Swill was, who was on a Quenn Mary’s School reunion event. My mate Martin was alkso there so it was good to see them.

From there we hit Katz as it is the usual end of night venue although when we got upstairs the retro gaming machine had gone. No games of Pleasure Goal. I deduced that The Pools Panel would award me a home win over Craig in light of our form from the last games. We rounded the night off with a curry in Gurka Bhojan which was really good.

Back at mine we did a music quiz featuring songs from 1990. The year I left my hell hole of a secondary school and got my first job. In those days I thought I had the world at my feet but it turned out I’d got the world at my arse instead which is a bit different.

Cracking Saturday though, and big thanks to Dave, Neil and Craig for the good times.

I think I’ve got a taste for this blogging lark again. I’ve also got a taste for takeaways so here we go again to quote Stakka Bo.

Taste Box, 8 Wisemore, Walsall.

Takeaway opposite Tesco that I have walked past thousands of times but never been in. It recently changed its name but I can’t think what it used to be called. A proper blogger would go on Google Maps and use the year selector to check, and yes I could have done that. But I also had the option to go on You Tube instead and pick Cathy Dennis videos. Which I did and I’m now enjoying. “Too many walls have been built in between us….”. Alright Cathy love, leave the negative stuff to me.

Anyway upon arrival I could’ve eaten southern fried scabby oss due to having my dinner at work an hour early and being in no hurry on my amble in the sun from the Manor along the canal into town. Inside it’s not as big as it looks from outside although a good portion of the place is hidden behind a wall of pizza boxes, which if any bigger it may have required planning permission. Actually I wonder if Cathy Dennis was standing behind it. She thinks too many walls…..

They do an all day collection only pizza offer, but and I’ll say this quietly because it will cause outrage but I didn’t fancy that particular dish. I opted for the fish burger and fries. “Do you want sauce?” “Do you have tartare?”. “No. Garlic mayo?” “Oh, go on”. This was £4, 50p dearer than on the menu but I couldn’t be arsed to argue. If anything it should have been cheaper than the menu as turned down the salad that came as standard. Food was ok. Standard really. Glad I finally ticked it off though.

Charleys. 93 Ablewell Street, Walsall.

Located in what was the long standing Rooster Hut just down from the Trough. I don’;’t usually like to take full frontal pictures of places in case the staff see me. On this occaion I was feeling brave and one did. A man came marching out. “Are you taking a picture?” he demanded. “Yes” I confirmed cheerfully. “It’s my first visit and I like to keep a record of where I’ve been”. Second time I’ve had to use that lie and I’m starting to get good at it.

I ordered the spicy chicken fillet burger (no salad, but mayo and cheese slice) meal which was £5. I studied the menu whilst waiting. One pizza is called fully loaded which is listed as “a bit of everything”. No thank you. I wouldn’t want my pizza to be that busy plus everything means good stuff but also baddies like mushrooms, pineapple and god forbid one of the staff has accidentally brought a cauliflower into work with them. No George, I just like pizza that I know in advance what’s on it. They also do donner meat. chips and cheese which I’ve never seen on a menu before. I’m having that one night on the way home.

My food was served in a cool paper bag by a friendly member of staff who confirmed my order then asked what drink I required. “Pepsi Max please”. “Pepsi?” he checked. “No, Pepsi Max”. He handed me a can of Pepsi. No use to me because of the sugar content. I again couldn’t be arsed. so I shoved it in my pocket.

The seating that was in Rooster Hut is no more so I ate whist leaning up against the wall of Flans, attracting envious glances from passengers on the 934 that stopped at the red light. Food was ok but I’m hoping for more from the cheesy donner next time. I left the unopened can of Pepsi on a table in Wetherspoons hoping it would find a good home.

Saleems, 8 West Bromwich Road, Walsall.

If you’re of a certain age this was the legendary Sang Kee or more commonly known as Mr Yip’s back in the day. Sorely missed by all who frequented it. It’s now just a generic takeaway doing all the standard fayre.

I’ve not used this place for ages. It used to be a port of call on the way home from the Walsall match either post Fullbrook or pre White Lion (occasionally both). With those now both closed I do my immediate post match drinking in the Bescot Bar then either taxi home or into town so I don’t pass it any more.

I perused the menu then went for large fish and chips with a scallop. It came to £5. Very reasonable. I didn’t realise I was getting 2 fish for my money. Absolute bargain. He asked if I wanted sauce. I hadn’t considered that but opted for curry sauce. “It’s not ready” he said “It’ll be 5 minutes”. This threw me. I’m used to having to wait for chips to be cooked but not curry sauce. England v Fiji in the Rugby World Cup wasn’t far off starting so I declined. Maybe when I’m Mayor of this great town I’ll have a bit more influence but at the moment I couldn’t foresee an announcement ringing out at the ground “we’ve had to delay kick off because a little bald twat in Walsall is waiting for curry sauce”.

The drink fridge was completely empty so no Pepsi mix up this time. Really good visit this, and it was nice to finally go there sober. If they start doing battered chips I’d become a regular and house prises in the vicinity would increase sharply

Dixy Chicken, 38 Freer Street, Walsall.

Opened in the last week of September, I’d been meaning to tick this off since but a combination of things including being a bit late for a train and Storm Babet had thwarted me but I finally went there, for Sunday dinner last week.

There were no other customers as I walked in and the lady serving was straight up “what can I get you?”. “Er, I’m not sure yet”. So I perused the screens, which had 25 meal options, sides and pizzas while she stared at me, which wasn’t at all unnerving. Thankfully another customer arrived which diverted her attention leaving me to continue looking. I was up to option 6 at this point.

Eventually I ordered the Chicken Supreme Burger with no lettuce, the latter vital point being confirmed. As it was Sunday dinner and I’d had a cheap weekend I opted for a side of bbq chicken wings. This came to £10.08.

Seating is available so I opted to eat in. There was no background music which I was happy enough with. The unit is bright and feels nice to sit in. I took a window seat so I could people watch the randoms walking up Freer Street.

The food arrived quickly. Sachet of mayo and a pot of sauce were included. Mayo went on fries and it was dive in time. There was an issue with the burger. It had no hash brown on it, not the end of the world. If they’d missed the chicken off I’d have had the place up but it did have lettuce on. I scrapped the lettuce off, which also cost me most of the mayo. Oh if only I still had that sachet. Yes I could have gone up the counter and asked for another one and I’m a big believer in if you don’t ask, you don’t get but on the flip side I’m firmly in the don’t ask camp as I’m not a fan of talking to people.

The chicken wings were great, smothered in bbq sauce gloriously messy to eat. The burger was nice to be fair. On the tray was a note thanking me for my purchase and support of a local business, which was a nice touch.

Nice visit this, and I’ll go back. The last Dixy Chicken in Walsall Town Centre on Bradford Street didn’t last long so I wish these all the best.

That’s it for this edition, I was going to review somewhere yesterday morning but rain and lethargy put paid to that. Thanks as always for reading.

I hadn’t seen Kev Paddock since Morecambe (a) in August so during a text exchange in the week we planned a meet up for food on Friday night. I suggested Sultans in Caldmore (a) as I wanted to review it (b) because curry is one of the best inventions ever and (c) because I figured all the pubs would be decked out in Halloween attire so a curry house would be a good place to avoid that malarkey.

The day was very busy. It felt like all the delivery drivers were dropping off every box on their wagons but it made the shift go quickly and at 4.30 I could escape and start to focus on those 3 little words that that mean so much to so many. Friday night curry.

I didn’t bother booking a table, A curry house isn’t gong to be busy at 8pm is it? To say I could write the gospel of schoolboy errors is an understatement and this was to be another entry. It was heaving. “What are all these people doing?” I asked Kev. “Don’t they know it’s the law that you don’t go to the curry house until the pubs close?”. Ok we were breaking that rule ourselves but as first time offenders I’d like to think we’d have got a lenient sentence if the judge was in a good mood.

The young waiter was perplexed at our request for a table for a two. He wandered around a bit and came up with nothing. A man sat at an empty table which seated 6 put his arms flat on the surface and gave us a look that more than reassured us that two of those spare chairs were not coming our way. Finally another waiter said we could have a table in 20 minutes which I turned down. Please understand I’m not an impatient man but I was very hungry and the sight of lots of people devouring food was not helping.

We headed back into the night. “Shall we go to The Bell?” asked Kev. “The Bell?” I queried thinking he meant the one on Birmingham Road, “Do they do curry?”. “No I mean The New Bell. Great Barr way”. Now my mate Andy Jones has longed raved about this place and has been on about taking me so I know it’s good so happily agreed. I felt a bit bad about sneaking off there behind his back but it was a desperate situation and hoped he’d understand.

We got there and the car park was full. You’d have struggled to get a Sinclair C5 on it. Street parking it is then. Hmmmm. Put it this way, if you’re a fan of double yellow line spotting you’re in for a treat round there, there’s miles of them. We drove around the block hoping a gap would appear on the car park but to no avail.

Critical times. Kev opened Google and asked for nearby curry houses, and it came up with Simla Spice. 4 minutes away. Yes please and thank you. As we approached Kev remarked that we’d been out for half an hour and not come close to seeing a naan bred. I said it would be just our luck to get there and a big banner would be above the door proclaiming “Tonight only. Free sex with every curry” and that the place would be rammed.

We walked in, there was just one other customer. Lots of tables. Both Kev and myself were very relieved and excited to see wood. We were given a corner table providing us both with our own radiators. This was welcome. It’s fair to say that the music was not the normal style that you get in a curry house. Jennifer Lopez was on as we walked in. This was followed by Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve. The Verve in a curry house? Amazing. Why have I not been coming here for years?

The lighting was subdued which I normally like but here I had to put the light on my phone to read the menu. Minutes latter I was ready to order Makani Chicken. I normally have 2 chapatis but I was still very excited so went for a cheese naan which I’ve never had before.

The food arrived quickly, and as per normal after just one spoon of it we were asked if it was ok? Why is it always before you’ve properly sampled it and just after you’ve shoved it in your gob? I was bought up not to speak with a full mouth so gave a couple of firm nods.

The place was nicely decked out with Kev commenting it looked like a beauty salon. I said it probably doubled up as one and they switched the sign at 5pm. This got my imagination going and before long I’d come up with the concept of a spa place with food called “Massage & Masala”. Please don’t nick this idea. Kev and me are taking it on Dragons Den. They’d all be fighting over it. Even Deborah “I’m out” Meaden would want in.

Livin’ la Vida Loca came on and I really had the urge to get up on one of the other tables, give it portions and gyrate around a bit but there was still food to eat and nobody wants to see that. The amazing AC/DC song “Back In Black” followed. I didn’t gyrate to that either.

“Losing My Religion” came on. I got emotional. “I’ve got great company, eating lovely curry and I’m listening to R.E.M. I’m so happy I could cry”. I followed this up with the inevitable “that’s me in the korma” line. It had to be done.

I needed the loo and I have this thing where I leave it to the last second to make my move but then have to scamper in a try not to piss myself move. I asked about the toilet to be pointed in the direction but informed that it was occupied. By whom we wondered. We were now the sole customers. Typical of me and my rubbish timing, I wanted the loo at the same time as the chef. Oh well, I made it.

The bill arrived which was very reasonable but as we mulled over it Red Hot Chillli Peppers came on. I’d just shoved an After Eight in my mouth so Kev was able to beat me to the “this is the apporiate band for in here line”.

So we ended up having a great evening. We learned that sometimes Plan C is better than Plan A, even if we didn’t get free sex with our curry.

Kev had work in the morning so he dropped me off at The Wheatsheaf. Daz and Colin were doing a dj set so I popped in to show my face. They were playing a remix of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”. I can;t stand Led Zeppelin and that is their worst song but fair play for someone trying to improve it. Daz assured me I’d like the next song which was Rhythm Of The Night and he was right. The Green Duck IPA was in god form but I only had one and headed home. A cheap and early night which was win win on both counts.

I’m very superstitious and have long wanted to try booking a Friday the 13th off work and just staying in bed all day to be safe. No chance of me doing it this time though as there was the small matter of seeing Hard-Fi in concert on the evening. I love this band and they are the group I have seen live the most and this 5th time would see them put daylight on the leader board between them and the 3 artists that I’ve seen 3 times that are in 2nd place.

It was a busy day at work but I was very giddy and it went quickly. At dinner on Twitter the band had announced the set times. Tom A Smith 8pm. Hard-Fi 9pm. I quoted the tweet putting Alcohol 6pm. The band liked this tweet which just added to my excitement. During a discussion with Carole on the afternoon about the evening I was so hyper I couldn’t get my words out. Leaving work and walking through the hospital I burst into a rendition of Hard To Beat, startling a couple of ladies coming out of ward 11.

I was wearing my Hard-Fi t-shirt which I’m delighted to say now fits me. If anything it’s a bit big but when I purchased it back on the first tour I didn’t try it on at the time, and when I got home it made me look like a pregnant lemon.

I headed to St Matthews Hall, Walsall Wetherspoons and waited for Woza. After a pleasant pint we headed for the railway station. The man in the ticket office was very helpful and jovial, offering the customer in front advice on how to get a cheaper journey. The customer replied “I don’t mind paying full price”. The man continued his advice to be shot down “I really can’t be bothered”. Fair play to him. Ticket office man wished us both a good evening but gave no advice on how to make our returns to Birmingham cheaper. Boooo.

I’d not been to the new Wetherspoons in New Street station before. The London & North Western was busy, had a good atmosphere and was reasonably priced for a station bar. £4 something for a Coors. Our mate Madels was already there so we had a quick pint and moved on.

We passed the Bull Ring Tavern which is usually a must visit when in that part of town but time was against us so couldn’t go in even though they were blasting out Baby Come Back by Pato Banton. I love that song and despite how much I hate UB40 I will accept that the Campbell’s did well on that.

We did visit The Big Bulls Head. It’s tradition to go there pre gig. It was busy and playing stuff like Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian. I ordered a Madri and was very pleasantly surprised to get a fiver in my change from a tenner. I went to the toilet, which took a while as people didn’t hear/ignored my polite “excuse me” requests. I also nearly walked into the kitchen. On the way back I walked out the pub and went the street way round figuring it would be quicker only to walk in and fins all the big group had left.

There was no queue outside the O2 Institute which was good as we were straight in but the room itself was rammed. I walked into a sizeable crowd of fellow Walsall fans on entry though. I wasn’t expecting a chant of “Evo Evo Evo” as I walked in so that was ace. There wasn’t much scope for moving forward so we just settled at the back. Woza came back from the bar with is beer and mentioned “it’s £7.50 a pint”. Jesus. I mean I’ve got some money to spend, living for the weekend but I’m not paying that. To quote Major Misunderstanding out of Viz “they’ll not be getting a penny out of me”. It’s a good job I didn’t put “alcohol 8.52 pm on that earlier tweet.

The backdrop lit up revealing the iconic CCTV camera logo and out came Hard-Fi. Despite being at the back I could make out the two guitarists and occasionally Richard Archer the singer when either he or the lad 3 rows in front that could have given a medium sized tree a run for it’s money moved around.

Opening with Middle Eastern Holiday which was epic with the first real big crowd pleaser being Tied Up Too Tight. Everyone seemed to put real feeling into Better Do Better suggesting a lot of bitterness to former partners was in the room. Cash Machine produced the first multiple camera phones in the air movement and the crowd a cappella rendition of the chorus at the end of that was immense.

Time was getting on. I started to wonder about Stars Of CCTV. Title track of the first album and my favourite Hard-Fi song by some distance. One of the best instrumental breaks which has to be air drummed to, along with great lyrics. Would they be doing this? It was only an album track and I was well aware that the 3 artists tied for second place on my viewed list all failed to perform my favourite song the last time I saw them. Belinda Carlisle (Runaway Horses), Maroon 5 (Must Get Out) and Boy Kill Boy (Ivy Parker) respectively.

An outstanding performance of Hard To Beat took us into the encore. Woza said “I want Move On Now”. He didn’t need to ask what I wanted. They came back on and launched into Move On Now. Happy Woza. Then came Stars Of CCTV. Happy me. Naturally I gave it portions and the flashing blue lights at the end was a good nod to the lyrics. The final song was Living For The Weekend and it rounded off a brilliant gig. I truly loved it as did Woza and Madels.

The advantage of not drinking was no mid gig piss, plus being at the back meant we were early in the queue for the somewhat limited toilet facilities post gig. Everyone was singing the chorus to Suburban Knights on the stairs on he way out which was ace.

Outside it was decision time. Madels had to go one way whilst us the other. We split the difference and I suggested Bullring Tavern. Motion carried. We got in just as last orders was called. I don’t often do good timing but this was one. Some of the other Walsall lads also came in. A quick fottie discussion with Rob led to him sorting my friend for a fiver ticket for yesterdays match against Gillingham. Cheers Rob. Top lad.

I checked the train app (thanks again Mase) and was surprised to see that the last train back to Walsall was 23.24. Nice. Bit more drinking time. When West Midlands Trains took over the franchise they did mention a later last train back from Birmingham. It’s only taken 7 years and it’s just 6 minutes later but it’s a start. (Please check train times before you travel in case this was a one off, although it wasn’t showing as delayed).

Back in Walsall we headed to the Tap & Tanner. Karaoke was on which was quite entertaining. Paradise By The Dashboard Light performed by a lad who kept running up and the steps and finally did a circuit of the pub whist singing was good. This was followed by a lady doing Whitney’s I Want To Dance With Somebody but she forgot the Ric Flair impression at the start. I didn’t though.

I’ve long wanted to do Divinyls “I Touch Myself” on the karaoke and considered putting this in but I was a bit knackered and still far too hyper from the gig. I’d have nailed it, made it all about me and probably touched myself a bit too much, even for the post encryption after Midnight slot.

It was a brilliant night. Throughly enjoyable. This superstitious guy would just like to say “Friday the 13th? You did good.”

I don’t see my mate Chris very often so when he text asking if I fancied visiting a micropub in Bilbrook then beers in his local Hail To The Ale in Claregate I eagerly agreed. We set a date of Friday and all was good.

There was a decent nod to Rishi Sunak to come with Chris messaging saying the plans were being scaled back as the Bilbrook part of the route was being axed. He asked if I minded which I really didn’t I just wanted a much needed catch up and didn’t mind where. But a government style u turn was to follow with Bilbrook being reinstated and also the option of an additional micro. Result.

I had a busy but enjoyable day at work and the bus from outside was bang on time. I meant to review a chip shop but McDonads Monopoly is currently on and as I still haven’t got Mayfair yet I opted to go there instead. I’m normally a regular at the home of Ronald during the Monopoly period but this was only my 3rd visit this time. Well 4th technically but one was a breakfast drive through mission with Craig and the Monopoly stickers are not available during that time which is probably for the best. If they were on sausage and egg McMuffins it would be the ruin of me, both financially and health wise.

So like I say my 3rd time of the promotion and I got Leicester Square for the 3rd time. That’s a set of some kind surely? Give me a free chicken nugget or something for that.

I got the 529 and headed towards junction 10. It was my first time of seeing this in daylight since it was completed. One lane was coned off despite no road works being performed. Surely defeated the object of building extra lanes.

We passed through Willenhall. The Prince Of Wales being converted was a depressing sight but the former Weetherspoons had an “under offer” sign which was intriguing.

I arrived in Wolverhampton and popped to the loo. The last time I used these facilities I was at the urinal in full flow when I heard “alright Mikee?” I turned and a lad that I honestly didn’t recognise was standing there beaming at me. It’s not often I get beamed at when I’ve got my willy out so was hoping for a repeat occurrence but there was no sign of him this time.

I headed towards Primark where Chris was parked and someone asked if I had a spare cigarette. I don’t smoke so his request was doomed to failure but I love it when I am asked this. If I did smoke I’d like to think that I would leave the house with enough of them to get me though the day so it always makes me happy to know that there are people even less organised than me out there.

Chris was parked by Primark but I know not what make/model/colour of car he drives. Even if I did know I wouldn’t have a clue. My ability to identify cars ended with the Renault 4 and 5 models. As a side note my dream if I ever become a famous rich writer is to own a white Renault 4. Plans are currently on hold as I don’t drive and the only money I have ever made from writing was in 2007 when someone in The Fitters gave me £20 (and bought me a pint) for writing a newspaper obituary for his Mother In Law.

Anyway it was now dusk and I picked the wrong car. Apologies to the bloke and his young lad who had me peering into his passenger door window. Chris was round the corner. I found him and we were off to The Keg And Comfort on Stafford Road.

First time here but I had heard good things about it. Big by micropub standards but it was busy. The bar was long and wide with several ales on along with a wide range of bottles, and randomly a plastic cup with Galaxy bars. There was a massive clock made up of bottles which I loved.

I love a toilet sign and one in here urged customers to clean up after themselves should they feel unwell. My twisted mind took this to mean the shits but realised afterwards they probably meant vomiting. Although both are feasible. Another sign on the hand drier said it wasn’t in use to save electricity which made me smile.

Next up was The Olde Vicarage in Bilbrook. We got a very friendly welcome and were given time to peruse the choice of 15 beers. A lady that came in after us was carrying a pizza box. The barman said she was allowed to bring it in but the barstaff had to be given a slice. I thought that this should be extended to first time visitors but then the lady said the pizza was horrible.

This blew my mind. How can pizza be horrible? Oh of course. It must have pineapple on it.

I explored and found a side room with a piano, guitars books and board games. There is also a crucifix on one of the walls. That priest from Father Ted who is obsessed with saying mass would love it in there, all the ingredients you need for a good service. There is bound to be something behind the bar that could pass as communion wine. I liked this place and we got cheerful goodbyes as we left and I said “thanks, see you soon” and I meant it. A must go back place.

Next up was Hail To The Ale. They had AJ’s Stuck In The Doghouse on and I always have Walsall ale when I see it outside the borough and it was in excellent nick.

This is an award winning micro pub, popular with humans and dogs, one of which gave me a big bark as I walked passed. I don’t mind dogs but am always slightly wary having been bitten on the shoulder by a Great Dane when I was 9. Both dogs in attendance seemed in a god mood so all was good. There was also a piano which had me racking my brains as the last time two consecutive pubs had this instrument. I’m still working that out.

Chris wanted to get home to watch the second half of the West Brom game so he ordered me a taxi which he paid for as he had done for the beers. What a bloke. The taxi came quicker than expected but we’d had a really good catch up and it was good to see him.

As it was early I opted to go to the Walsall Arms, George the driver was not messing around either and had the pedal to metal all the way and I was soon back.

The Arms had Lemon Dream on so I ordered that. Standard behaviour but a lady at the bar questioned why I wanted that and was it nice? She explained that she only drinks cider. Alison gave her a sample and she exclaimed how lovely it was. My work here is done etc. Karaoke was on which was good and ended a fine evening nicely.

It was time to get back on the food reviews. Opted to do a cafe blog this time for a couple of reasons. (1) sausage and egg sandwiches are cheaper than fish & chips and (2) I wanted to give a mention to the former Corner Cafe in Caldmore. The place had closed down but I was ever hopeful of it reopening. I then saw it had been turned into a vape shop. Apologies to Kev Paddock who witnessed my near breakdown at this. The last time I unravelled like this in front of someone was back in 2008 when my mate Madels saw my reaction to Walsall FC selling Scott Dann to Coventry. I guess times change and nothing lasts forever but it’s still sad. Thanks for everything Corner Cafe. Many a drunken Saturday adventure started within your walls.

As a side note, I read this week that singing sensation Jorja Smith has moved back to Walsall from London. The video for her single Blue Lights was filmed around Walsall including a quick shot in The Corner Cafe. I hope someone tipped her off that the place has closed before she took the plunge to move back home. Anyway onto the reviews….

Chuckery Cafe, 3 Selbourne Street, Walsall.

Only my second ever visit to this place but it’s much changed from the last time. Now decorated in the painted artwork style including a camper van, a cheerful looking donkey, happy young girl and a beaming chef. Most importantly with pride of place above the counter a sizeable nod to Walsall FC. As I photographed this, a lady at the next table commented “oh it’s nice to see someone else appreciating the Walsall work”. Absolutely. We had a quick chat on the usual lines “need a win today” etc etc. We did win, beating Colchester 1-0.

The service was friendly and the food came out very quickly, and it was delicious. I demolished it in seconds. Onlookers must have thought I hadn’t eaten for a week. I forgot to write down the price but I’m sure it was £3.50 for sandwich and cuppa. Either way it was a bargain.

A group of lads came in and one ordered breakfast without bacon, hash browns and black pudding. I totally understood the no hash browns policy but was baffled by the other two. His mate commented “bro, why even order a breakfast?” which caused amusement to everyone in the place.

Great visit this and as it’s walk-able from my house but also handy for the Walsall Arms,a dual visit must be on the cards.

I stepped outside and bumped into friend of the blog Colin which rounded off the trip nicely.

Bakers Sandwich Bar, 34A Birmingham Road, Walsall.

Cafe that opened in 2019 which made headlines months later by serving Christmas Day dinners to the homeless and lonely.

Despite being the closest cafe to my house I think this was only my 4th visit. Radio 2 was belting out Alison Moyet’s “That Ole Devil Called Love” as I entered. No menus on the tables and I couldn’t be arsed to read the one taped to the side of the counter so I just ordered and sat down.

There were newspapers dotted around which sated most political viewpoints of customers. I get my news now off LBC or Twitter so didn’t pick any of these up. Service was quick and the sausage and egg sandwich with a cup of tea,along with an Orange Club Bar which I hadn’t asked for come to £5.

Food was good although when I came to eat the Club a combination of the near 30 degree heat and leaving it resting against the cuppa too long had completely melted the chocolate. I decided it would be easiest to eat it straight off the wrapper but this left me with melted chocolate on my nose. Never a god look.

Nice little cafe this. Arty in its decor and the owner gave me a couple of pats on the shoulder and a “thanks buddy” on the way out. I like stuff like that.

Penguin Cafe, 511 Bloxwich Road, Leamore.

Cafe opposite The Railway pub that I’ve been past on the bus many times but never visited. With a day of missions that required a daysaver it was an ideal time to visit. As you’d expect it is decked out with penguins mostly in art form with the biggest on the toilet door but also some physical ones.

I ordered the sausage & egg sandwich with tea (£3.90) and was surprised that the drink was self serve with you filling the cup from a hot urn on the counter. This was a new one on me.

I sat at a table in front of the radio which was gently playing Heart FM and treating me to Katy Perry, Snow Patrol and Olly Murs. It was quite busy for a Monday morning along with some lads on the next table discussing their visit to Salford on the Saturday to see Walsall win.

Service was friendly and the food came out super quickly. I’d barely got into my Twitter feed when the phone was put down due to another type of feed incoming. The food was good and I really enjoyed this visit.

Lockside Cafe, Old BHS, 71-75 Park Street, Walsall.

I liked this place when it was BHS, especially the juddery lift but I’d only been in once since it was carved up into individual units and the cafe in there had closed down on that visit. However it reopened last Saturday (16th) by the lad who used to have The Wharf Bar, who incorporated the steakhouse of the same name in there.

Smooth Radio was on the television as I entered with George Michael performing “Freedom”, sadly his solo hit not the Wham song of the same name which is far better imo.

The sandwich orders in here are simple. No differing prices for bacon & egg or sausage and egg etc, it’s charged on the number of items contained. So my sausage and egg came in at £2.60 (£3.90 with the cuppa). I’m no Carol Vorderman but I quickly deduced that a 4 item sandwich of bacon, sausage, egg and black pudding would be £3.80. Something to consider after payday.

Food arrived quickly and it was good. The nice lady on Smooth dropped a pretty decent hint that “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding was coming on after the news, so I nursed my tea and was rewarded with that classic shortly afterwards. Another good visit and I hope this place does well.

Jack & Ada’s Cafe Restaurant, Units 3-4 St Pauls Buildings, 1 St Pauls Street, Walsall.

Situated at the main bus station, I’ve name checked this place in the blog many times as it’s my favourite cafe but I’ve never actually reviewed it per se. So here goes. I’d got the day off work, I woke up feeling peckish which isn’t unusual for me and I thought what the hell. Let’s get reviewing.

The usual friendly welcome was afforded me along with some footie chat as the owners are Walsall fans which is reflected in the pictures of Bescot Stadium and Fellows Park on the wall.

The cafe is split in to two levels and I got my favourite table (no 5) in the upper tier. I was ravenous so went for a side salad of a slice of fried bread to go with the sausage and egg sandwich and cup of tea which all came to £5.70.

The cafe is licensed and it was good to see that bottles of SPA and IPA from Walsall brewery AJ’s Ales were available. The menu is extensive, it’s the size of a broadsheet newspaper and double sided. They do a Walsall Omelette which contains 3 eggs, cheese, ham, bacon, onion, mushroom, tomato and peas. They really had me until I saw the last 4 ingredients. They also listed vegan pork scratchings which really confused me.

The music was 60’s which is the norm, the food arrived quickly and was delicious. Also the norm.

The place is nicely decked out. Paul and Sam have created a nice vibrant place to eat and meet. There is a exhibit from Walsall Illuminations on one wall and if you are a fan of The Fab 4 you can sit in Beatles Corner. If you hate The Fab 4, other seats are available.

I hadn’t been in for a little while so it was good to see the place is still on top form. Another good visit.

Thanks for reading everyone. I enjoyed the research for this one. While I’m on, here is another episode of The Long And Shot Of It featuring Sean and myself.

Apologies for the lack of blogs of late but I really don’t have the cash to go out on missions at the moment. However it was payday last Friday so I set myself a weekend budget, ensuring that some would be left for Sunday.

After good Friday and Saturday times, I was up for a lighter Sunday. Shopping first though. Savers for soap and vitamins, Heron for bread and Pot Noddles. The doctor has told me to eat more fruit and veg so to tick this box I no longer undertake the arduous task of removing the sweetcorn from Pot Noddles. I now feel like I’m getting full value for my purchase of them so win win.

I had no idea that Savers did Pot Noodles and at 30p cheaper than Heron I took advantage. I sacked Heron off and headed to the Co-Op instead for bread. As I approached the checkout a man appeared and broke into a brisk march in a bid to get there before me. Bloody hell George, if you’re in that much of a hurry, be my guest. I heard him ask for a number 18 scratchcard so I purchased one myself hoping he’d lose and I could take advantage.

I popped to St Matt’s Hall. They had Salopian “Lemon Dream” my favourite beer on. Motion carried. One of those please. I’ve just given up my CAMRA membership and pondered using a 50p off voucher (whilst still valid) which I never do but on the morning I really couldn’t be arsed to look for them. Still, at £2.55 it was bargain and tasted great. I got the scratchcard out and won £20. Best quid I’ve spent in a while.

Next up was Katz. I’d been in the day before and was intrigued by a beer called Fanny Ebbs. However the main purpose of that visit was for the pig roast which I was very excited about. So much so I panicked and just ordered my usual beer. The pork bap was amazing though.

On arriving at Katz I was disappointed to see that the beer had gone. Joe the barman explained that it had flew out the day before. Missing out on the fanny. Absolute story of my life.

I was peckish but although Katz and The Walsall Arms do amazing Sunday dinners, I wasn’t quite feeling one of those. To my surprise and delight, Jean the dinner cook came out with a big tray of free samosas, and insisted I had 2. Well I prefer even numbers so I kept her happy.

Earlier in the week it had occurred to me that I hadn’t been to a pub bbq or even heard of any this year. Appreciate that the weather has been pants this Summer so understood why they weren’t happening but then Jaz from The Walsall Arms posted they were having a Bank Holiday Sunday one so once the start time of it came I headed up.

Double delight as they had also got Lemon Dream on. Kerry the lovely barmaid was her usual welcoming self and she didn’t need to ask what I wanted. I think she was raising the glass to the Lemon Dream nozzle as soon as my mossiv head appeared turning the corner into the bar.

The bbq was on with the added bonus of the food being free but with the request for donations to the staff Christmas party fund. No problem there. The donation tin was by the karaoke booth and it felt a bit strange approaching that and not requesting a song to sing. A lot of people were watching Newcastle v Liverpool and I guessed they wouldn’t want me nailing “Shut Up And Dance” over the top of the commentary.

I’ve got to be honest, I stayed longer than I planned to. The songs between the karaoke were all classic disco songs, “Red Light Spells Danger” being the pick of these but the singers were good too. A very energetic rendition of 4 Non Blondes “What’s Up”? was entertaining.

Shortly afterwards another singer was due and the opening lyrics came up on the screen which was “mmm mmm mmm” leading me to believe we were getting some classic Crash Test Dummies action but then Mad Marie as she is known called up the singer and announcing she was doing Celine Dion. I didn’t pay much attention until near the end when I decided that I liked the song and wanted to hear it again. I just about managed to type the lyric “bless the day” into my notes and Google has just worked out that it’s called “I’m Alive”. So I’m listening to it now as I type this. I’m no Celine Dion expert by any means but this bought back memories of the time back in the 90’s when Paul Mitchell and I were arguing in The Fullbrook about who was the bigger fan of her. I won as he’d never heard of “Only One Road”. You had these type of conversations in The Fullbrook in those days whilst waiting for the next fight to watch.

Mase and Martin had arrived and the former quizzed me on my shopping. It felt a bit Generation Game as I listed what I’d purchased earlier. He was impressed at my soap choice of Imperial Leather. I explained that it’s the only bit of luxury that I get these days.

Anyway the pub was busy. it was a great atmosphere and I had a really good time. Thank God for the free food though else that 4.5% Lemon Dream would have kicked my arse on the walk home.

While I’m on apologies again for the lack of blogs but if you want more me content with some Sean action too here is another episode of The Long And Shot Of It, this one from Katz. This episode is different to the one I posted on Facebook and Twitter on Monday. All previous episodes are on the You Tube channel. Cheers.

Yesterday was the first day of the football season so it was an early rise again for a trip to Morecambe. I really couldn’t afford to go so massive thanks to my amazing friends and Niece Swill, Sarah, Kev, Morti, Mase, Beth, Josh, Amber, Alan and Mark who secretly had a whip round to pay for my match ticket, travel, hotel and refreshments. Much love and thanks to you all.

Kev picked me up and we hit the M6. First discussion was the likelihood of Storm Antoni affecting us. My made Comedy had already posted that it was hitting them on holiday in Wales. I’d checked the BBC Weather site for Morecambe and it had advised 0% chance of rain all night, until 6am when it jumped to 80% staying like that all day until 5pm when it dropped to 79%. I commented on looking forward to that 1% drop on the walk back to the pubs.

My bladder was in a good mood for once so it was some way up the M6 before we stopped which was at Charnock Richard. I still wasn’t exactly bursting upon getting there which was a good as I struggled to find the loos, traipsing mournfully through restaurants and doing u-turns before eventually finding them. My visit was peaceful unlike Kev’s. His cubicle door wouldn’t lock so had 4 men try and join him in there plus his sat nav was still active on his phone so he was getting instructions mid flow. Good job this wasn’t me as if I’d had someone saying turn left/right whilst peeing, the bloke at the next urinal would have had wet shoes. They had new Dyson hand driers which was very exciting, they look like handle bars. Not as good as the Airblade that you stick your hands in. Sorry James.

We departed as Radio X played “You Gotta Fight For Your Right To Party”. What a great song to depart a service station car park too. We wondered whether Charnock Richard was an actual place or named after a local legend. Kev liked the idea that that they were two blokes. “Love, I’m just off to the pub to meet Charnock and Richard.”

We got to Morecambe and on getting out of the car a local pub started blasting out Bring Me Sunshine. What a way to announce our arrival. We couldn’t check into the hotel until after the game so we had no choice but to go to the pub and The Kings Arms looked lively so we dived in there.

Marvellous Matt Stacky was in there and I’d barely got through the door and he was shouting “Evooooooo”. It’s always good to get the first “Evooooo” of the season in early doors so nice box ticked.

The pub was already doing a brisk trade, so brisk that I was put off from having a go at the balance a 20p coin on the lemon game on the bar. Soon there was a full on sing song going on and it was ace. Matty Lunt who was leading most f these then pointed at me and gave it the “Evo give us a song, Evo Evo give us a song”. I hadn’t had my vocal warm up though so politely declined. A short while later the young son of the delightful Shelley Large started a song. I was very impressed but also a bit jealous.

We’d dodged the torrential rain on the walk from car to pub yet within 20 minutes people were walking in soaked though. We somehow missed it again when moving onto Harrys Bar. This was a bit more sedate and provided good conversation time. I also took full advantage of the shop next door. Well you have to buy a stick of rock when at the seaside don’t you?

There were no taxi’s so we had to walk to the ground which was a jaunt. I thought I’d got my steps in for the day hunting for the toilets at the station of Mr Charnock and Mr Richard, but no. There was more. As I approached the turnstile people were being frisked. wondered if he would feel the stick of rock in my pocket. If he did, he didn’t comment.

Anyway the match was a bit poo. We went behind but equalised before half time. I’ve seen lots of Walsall goals but also missed plenty. This was the first one I’ve seen with a stick of rock in my gob.

Half time was really good chatting to lots of people. We really are a tight knit fan base. We don’t have massive crowds, Walsall FC have a strict quality over quantity policy when it comes to supporters and I’m chuffed to know so many of them.

Second half was much better but we managed to throw it away in true Walsall FC style. We headed back, the chances of rain at 5pm had thankfully receded by 79% and we checked into the Auckland Hotel. This is a modern but traditional feeling hotel. You don’t have to put a card in a slot to turn the lights on which is nice. The shower comes with a reflective knob which allows you to see yourself when sitting on the toilet. I like to think this is a key criteria for some when searching for somewhere to crash.

I made a coffee and checked the footie scrores including The F A Cup and there was exciting news. Not only is Charnock Richard an actual place but their team played in said competition beating Squires Gate 7-0. Walsall FC announce Charnock Richard (a) in the first round, especially as I now know where the toilets are at the services.

I met the lads in The Old Bank but before I’d got served Jay announced we were moving on and headed round the corner to Palatine. This is a great bar, the upstairs Manhunter Restaurant raised my interest. A very ignorant woman barged into me whist on her way for a piss and despite us being served I had to wait for my beer as the barmaid explained the good places to go in town.

It was a good vibe in here, there was a singer on although Rob was out performing him with his new Danny Johnson song. We were joined by more Saddlers like Derek and Thompo and it was a great couple of hours.

As we left I announced to Kev that I was going to grab a Chinese and go back to the hotel. He opted to join me which was good because as we walked in it became apparent that it was a restaurant not not a take away but before I knew it Kev was sat down asking for a menu. “Oh, were staying then?”. The waitress found us a nice table for two at the back. Kev commented “this suddenly fees like a date”. “Mate, I’ve not had a date in 10 years so I’m fine with that”. He even stuck a flower behind his ear for added effect.

The food came really quickly. Kev asked for a crash course in using chop sticks. I wasn’t that interested to be fair. I’d rather learn how to use drum sticks than the chop variety, but after finishing my divine curry which was rammed full of chicken I had a little go with the sticks. First attempt failed. 2nd go I got a chunk of rice in my mouth, 3rd attempt I got the rice up close before it all fell away. Those toy grabbing machines on the front would have nodded in appreciation at that.

We departed and were followed out by 3 blokes who we got chatting too. A Morecambe fan who admitted they didn’t deserve the win, a fellow Saddler and a bloke from Luton who supports them, MK and Man United. This blew mine and Kev’s minds. How can you support Luton, MK and Man U? I don’t get the whole second team thing, let alone 3rd teams. I find supporting 1 team is more than enough.

The Morecambe fan tried to get us to join them for more supping but we politely declined. We headed back and I was soon in my room listening to Nick Abbot on LBC and reflecting on a wonderful day.

Apologies for ending on a slightly maudlin tone but last month was the 10th anniversary of the death of my mom and one of my memories of her was her posing by the Eric Morcambe statue and I wanted to recreate this. It wen well to be fair and on the various social media platforms I saw many other Saddlers also doing this.

On Saturday I went on a trip to Halifax, a town I’ve only been to 3 times previously, all for football. Two dismal defeats and one splendid 4-0 victory. One of the former including an odd incident where the food van for the away end didn’t turn up so after much persuasion a steward opened the gate and let 10 of us out to leg it to a local petrol station for half time snackage. The latter included a joyous conga breaking out in the away which eventually also included two Gillingham fans who were there to cheer us on.

So my only drinking in Halifax had been at The Shay pub by the ground, a place that on the noticeboard had a list of all the currently barred people, for how long and why. More pubs should do this.

At the Friends Of Highgate Brewery AGM in February when a list of potential trips was being mooted I happily cast my vote for Halifax and was delighted when it won.

After a pleasant breakfast at Walsall Wetherspoons I headed for the coach and for once I wasn’t last. I’m never late but I really do tend to be the last to arrive but not this time.

The motorway service station was odd. The toilet only had cubicles which was strange (it wasn’t the women’s as I’d passed them on the way). The toilet itself didn’t have a straightforward lid and took some fathoming out before I discovered a latch underneath. It was like being on The Crystal Maze. Richard O’Brien should have been standing outside playing a harmonica rather than the delightful “Bulletproof” by LaRoux being played. Anyway it sounded like the bloke in the next cubicle was also having the same trouble given the banging and frustrated noises emanating from there.

Anyway everyone loves a motorway fact yeah? I know I do. The M62 at junction 32 is the highest point above sea level of the entire motorway network. To recognise this my ears popped. Nice. We made the Halifax junction speedily but then lost a vital 30 minutes drinking time because of roadworks all the way in.

First pub was The 3 Pigeons which was magnificent but I’ll chat about that anther time – read about it here. From there we got a taxi to Big 6. A marvellous heritage pub out of town and down a random side street, a proper you have to know it’s there venue. Despite it’s vintageness it was also doubling up as a 2020 theme pub as it had hand sanitiser stations and signage all round the pub and the toilet door still boasted a “one in one out sign”.

The beer in here was cheap and decent. One man in the group nearly fainted because his two halves only came to £3.80. My pint was £3.50. If he’d had that I may have had to summon colleagues from the Cardiac Department.

We headed back into the town and Victorian Craft Beer Cafe was next. It certainly did feel Victorian with old pictures, books and bric a brac dotted around and with a rather rustic looking bike outside. Despite it saying Craft Beer there was plenty of cask options but with the word cafe in the name there were no menus offering sausage and egg sandwiches which I could have done with at that point. The beer was good though and it was a great bar.

Bob and I broke from the group and switched to halves to get more pubs in. Next up was The Upper George. A traditional pub but with mod cons. The only pub of the day to feature a pool table. A couple were playing and every time he potted he got a snog off his missus. Bob commented “he’s going to need some more chalk on his cue in a minute”. I briefly pondered what his reward for potting the black would be.

The pub was slogan free apart from above the gents (the door to which saying gents was fully open and thus not visible from the bar). It said “Push it to the limit”. Like I say there was no other slogans like this around so I was wondering how it translated into blokes, below is where you go for a piss. Perhaps Ted Rogers from 3-2-1 was asked to provide the clue.

The locals were decent and the highlight for Bob was one of them querying a price by saying “are you out of your tits?” Naturally I missed this as I was busy pushing it to the limit.

Our next tick was The Grayston Unity micropub. Pub Of The Day this. Quirky place with a friendly barman, a ladder that goes nowhere, a random coathanger and various other talking points, of which the splendid beer was one. We sat on a church pew but round the corner were 3 cinema style seats. Good job I didn’t sit ther as instead of booze I’d have wanted an SRB hotdog whilst everyone in the vicinity sang the Pearl & Dean song. The toilet was just a plywood shack decorated with pages from a 70’s magazine. No, not that kind of magazine. I’ll have none of that on my blog. They are moving to a new bar in 4 weeks so I’m glad I got to tick this one off.

Penultimate place was Kobenhavn, a smart bar which was pleasant enough and another decent drink. Final beer was in Meandering Bear which was basically full of everyone off the coach getting one (or two in some cases) beers in. As soon as I saw several people getting there seconds in I necked mine and dashed to the chip shop next door.

The journey back was quick and I rounded the day off with another drink in Walsall Wetherspoons.

An epic day. Get Halifax back in The Football League please.

As you are aware I’ve spent most Sundays since March recording The Long & Shot Of It podcast with Sean and Sammy either in Walsall or Tamworth, alternating between the two for each episode. Tamworth involves the not exactly punctual 11.07 am train from Walsall with a very brief window to negotiate that bridge at Rugeley Trent Valley before catching the the train to Tamworth.

We recently finished series one so how did I spend my first Sunday off? Of course I was on the 11.07 train from Walsall, back on the Chase Line but this time only as far as Cannock. It was a late decision to go to Canock, my previous plans collapsed and when I saw that Tony, landlord of Newhall Arms had a cloudy sour lemonade IPA on I thought I need to try that. I summonsed my great mate “Comedy” Dave who lives that way and it was game on.

I went to Linford Arms first, the local Wetherspoons. Service was quick and friendly with plenty of seats available so all good so far. Comedy arrived and we had a really great chat, mostly about me which is one of my favourite topics for discussion.

We moved onto Newhall Arms. The music was good, ale excellent and barmaid friendly. More discussions, and I’m not sure how we got onto it but Dave asked if I’ve had passion fruit. I replied yes but apparently it doesn’t count when it is in cider form. The last pint here was the lemonade IPA which was really good. It was worth the trip over to sample it. After a very decent hour and half or so, a large amount of which it took me to eat a packet of crisps much to Comedy’s disgust we departed. Dave headed off and I went for a pre train pint in The Arcade.

Again there was a friendly welcome from the barman although he went down in my estimation a bit when asked who performed Common People which was playing and he didn’t know. There was no option for me to offer the answer like on Bullseye which was disappointing. There is a good range of beer in here but also Scotch Eggs, including a balti variety which I’ve never seen before. I wanted to try one but I was far too excited.

I took a seat, and Enola Gay by OMD came on. I pondered going back to the bar to see if the pop quiz was still on but I couldn’t be arsed. There is now a retro gaming machine in there and once vacant I started to check out the games on it. This was to prove a bit too distracting as the next time I checked my phone my train was in 6 minutes.

6 minutes? I can make that. I necked my drink and departed. Of course I hadn’t factored in that the train to Walsall is the other side of the bridge, plus there is that very long upward ramp to get to the platform. The train was pulling in. I had no choice. Run. I don’t run very often. The last time I think was about 3 years ago when I was chasing my then work colleague Giggsy round the office with a breakfast sandwich while singing “Gavin would you like some sausage?”. You will have needed to see the epic but somewhat bizarre comedy film Freddy Got Fingered to get that reference.

Anyway it felt like running up the travelator at the end of the assault course on 90’s tv show Gladiators. As I neared the top of the ramp a passing lady said “go on, you can do it”. I know not if she was offering genuine encouragement or taking the piss but if it was the latter I would have been disappointed that she didn’t go the whole hog and start humming the Chariots Of Fire theme. With all the people about it could have turned into a right rendition. Everyone loves a impromptu flash mob song.

Anyway I thanked her, took it as encouragement and made the train. Unlike at the top of the travelator there wasn’t a rope for me to swing onto the train. Shame as that would have looked cool. I’m so unfit and spent until the next station Landywood gasping for air. I had to alight here as the next port of call Andys’ Ale House in Great Wyrley was to be visited. I was here for its opening night but sad to say I’ve only been back once which is poor on my behalf. I struggled to find it initially which in a way was good as I’d got my breath back when I finally walked in.

Great micro pub is this, run I believe by two fellow Walsall FC fans both called Andy. Every Sunday they do a cheeseboard which I’ve really wanted to do and what timing as I got to sample Double Gloucester and something called Charcoal Cheddar for the first time. Both superb as was the beer.

I caught the next train and when back in Walsall I visited The Watering Trough and Walsall Arms to break up the arduous walk home.

Another cracking day.