Evo Boozy Scribbler

Saturday saw the closure of long standing Walsall drinking venue Rock Steady Eddies. Opened in 1996 by Eddie and Emma, it wasn’t until 2003 when I became friends with Woza and he introduced me to the Stafford Street scene that I started going.

Chris had tipped me off about closing night so I decided one last visit had to be done as it’s a place I’ve always enjoyed drinking in. My visits went through the roof when I moved round the corner to Lewis Street in 2010. They become sporadic when I moved back this side of town in 2016, limited mainly to when Craig came up from Coventry as he liked the presence of a quiz machine and the very reasonable happy hour beer price before 6pm. One day I was late getting out of work at Cardboard Boxes 2 Go and got there just after 6. He’d stocked up before the deadline and 4 pints of Strongbow Dark Fruit were waiting for me. I like a drink but 4 pints in pub 1 of a crawl is a bit much even for me. I begged him to help me with them. These visits dried up when they got rid of the quiz machine.

So last Saturday then. My shirt ironing song choice was random even for me. Little Jackie – The World Should Revolve Around Me. It’s a great song and I love the lyric “what came first the chicken nugget or the Egg McMuffin?” I’ve actually researched this. It’s the latter.

I got to Eddies not long after 7. Chris and James were already there. along with a lot of other folk including some I haven’t seen for many years so it was nice to be back. The Carling had already run out so it was Stella. Not my usual choice at all but needs must so a pint was quickly ordered.

Chris is an absolute regular here along with James and he is proper distraught at its closure. He was pointing people out who don’t live near the place and saying where they are from and it’s their local. Like when I lived in Darlaston and I’d walk to The Fitters by The Arboretum and back. When you find your favourite drinking venue it matters not if it’s not your nearest pub.

One of the last times that I was in with Craig, someone had locked the jukebox down with UB40 songs (we lasted for 3 before giving up on life and fleeing hastily). This time the jukebox was off and a dj was performing, and he was going through some 60’s classics.

They’d put a buffet on. The samosas and onion bhajis were amazing. Tunes continued and Chris was on good form. He always has a silly joke to hand and my favoruite of tonight was “I tried that new Cricket curry. It gave me the runs.”

The DJ then played 2 UB40 songs in a row. Was it the same person who had locked down the jukebox that time? It got me thinking though. I’ve only dj-d in pubs 3 times (Fitters x 2 and Hatherton Arms x 1) and I’d love to do it again. Next time I might just play Kelly Clarkson all night. It’s what the fans want.

We had a cameo appearance from Josh as he had never been in the place and wanted to tick it off. As always it was ace to see him. The dj played “We’ll Meet Again” which seemed appropriate, Red Light Spells Danger and then the National Anthem at 10.25. It went a bit more random after that with Bob The Builder and Fast Food Song by The Fast Food Rockers. For some reason I did the dance to The Birdie Son during that one.

Josh offered me a lift to the Walsall Arms so I said some goodbyes, to the customers, staff and the building itself. It mus have been a tough night for Chris as it was the first time I’ve ever known him to not eat a bag of crisps. I’ll miss Eddies. I have only good memories of the place. Some more fuzzy than others. I think given its prime location on a main road into Walsall with a car park and bus stop right outside it won’t be empty long. A desi pub with the barely used back room knocked into one is my guess.

The Walsalll Arms was class, with a male/female combo singing. John Heighway, Kimob and Mrs Kimbo (Kirsty) were in. I’d not met Kirsty before so that was good.

A man who I’d not seen there before decided that I look like like Michael van Gerwen and kept going on about me losing the darts the night before. I get this a lot. It’s my new like a like thing. I do miss the days when strangers would shout Matt Lucas catchphrases at me in the street.

I had a couple then left the others in there. Got home, fell asleep on the settee and woke up at 3am. What a great night.

I had no plans to blog about last Sunday. It didn’t pan out. It was Walsall v Newport and I was buzzing for it but thought there wouldn’t be much to write about.

The t-shirt ironing tune was a bit off my usual cool indie music vibe. Not thinking I’d be reporting this I went for Feels So Good by Mel B. Hadn’t heard it in decades but it had popped in my head the night before and as it’s my favourite song by solo Spice Girl I thought why the hell not? I know I’m going to get pelters for that opinion but I care not. Why not share this blog far and wide so I can get more good natured abuse? I don”t mind if it gets me new readers.

I had to pop for a family visit on the way and my cousin Lorraine gave me a lift down. We were dropped at Matalan on the retail park at 2.35. Far too early to go in the ground yeah? So I popped to McDonald’s. I know what you’re thinking. ‘Hang on Evo, in last Sunday’s blog you said you were trying to not spend money and now you’re running off to MaccieD’s, you fat fuck.’

Well there are mitigating circumstances. Due to illness I’d got home from work on the Friday and not left the house until now so a good bit of budget was still in my wallet. Secondly I was craving a Toffee Latte as I don’t go to said fat food restaurant much nowadays and. Finally I suspected the coffee machine in the Bescot Bar would be having one of its “out of service days.”

As I stated last week I love a bargain so opted for an extra value meal. I couldn’t go in McDonald’s and just order a coffee could I? I mean I know you can but had I, every member of staff along with all fellow customers would have pointed and tutted. Thy’d have been perfectly entitled too as well.

I got my food and fannied around on Facebook and Twitter. I got in the ground at 3.15. Opps.

Block 6 was rammed which was good to see. I couldn’t get near my season ticket seat, which to be fair is normal. I don’t even know where it is., never sat in it. It’s the back row but I usually can’t get near that line and go one or two in front. This time I stood next to Asps and had a good natter. At half time the Bescot Bar coffee machine was out of service but they were showing the game on a screen. It was packed in the bar and although it was only extended a couple of years ago it’s already getting to full capacity most games. Despite not drinking I opted to stay in the in there for “a bit.”

I finally ventured out at the 85th minute just as folk were starting to congregate along the pitch side wall. It was 1-0 as we headed into stoppage time. This is where we normally go to shit. Try and defend and throw it away. Different animals this season. With about a minute of added time left a perfectly weighted ball over the top from Taylor Allen was chested down by Nathan Lowe. We expected him to run into the corner. Instead he just banged it home for 2-0. Joyous scenes.

Through the illness my voice was wrecked but I was still joining in the full time chants especially the Lowe and Adomah ones. Then it was straight to The Locker.

Yet again it was pitch black in there. Not sure if this is trendy or what? I know dimly lit pubs are all the rage now but this has no lighting at all except on the dj decks and some flashing fairy lights around the bar. We can’t see where our friends are or if any slippery booze has been spilled but can see the bar. If Walsall fans know one thing, it’s where the bar is.

If they are going to persist with this perhaps they could start selling Walsall FC branded miners helmets. They’d flog millions though I bet some fans would soon be on Facebook stating their size is out of stock.

Needless to say it was ace in there. I was soon offered a lift with Badge (I honestly don’t know his real name) and he agreed to drop me by the Walsall Arms. Epic.

The Arms was busy and I was soon joined by John Heighway, Kimbo and Coxy. Spooky seeing Coxy as he’d popped in my head the day before as I thought I hadn’t seen him since he unexpectedly joined me at the urinal when I didn’t even know he was in the building after the Switzerland match in the Summer. “Alright Evo” he started “not seen you since you had your knob out. I’m glad he remembers it as fondly as I do.

He then asked why I haven’t been going to the games. I said I had been going to home games, though I failed to mention that I missed 3 on the bounce in Charlton, Notts County and Reading. I figured if the prosecution doesn’t know this, I’m not offering it. I finally showed him my season ticket. He then asked would he be mentioned in the blog.

“I’m not blogging about today Coxy”. “Oh go on, I want a mention.” “I don’t have any material>” “Just do a small one.” Me do a small blog? Perish the thought. I promised I’d try and rustle one up as he had caught me in a very rare good mood.

The karaoke was in full flow and was very jovial. Coxy asked me to do a song with him, no idea what but just as he asking the lady announced no more as she probably had enough requests to last until 2026.

Fellow Saddler Scooby went up, declaring “we are 12 points clear” then instigating a chant of “we are top of the league”. He then nailed “Never Forget” by Take That. Quite apt. I’ve not been away this season but I will never forget this season all being well. It’s been memorable so far.

I got a message from Laura asking if the darts was on. I replied yes. She asked if I was still there so I replied with a picture of my freshly pulled pint of HPA. A picture says a thousands words or something like that yeah? And you know I don’t like a word count.

We were soon joined by her, Pezza, my Niece Amber and her chap JB. Amber grew up by the pub but hadn’t been in since my birthday bash in 2012 when it was still a 2 room bar. It was good to see her back in there and she was on good form as per usual.

They had a couple and then Pez must have used his phone magic as suddenly all parties were brandishing bags of chicken from Danny’s round the corner to take home. I don’t do envy, it’s one of the Deadly Sins that I don’t dabble with but on this occasion a little.

They departed and I headed back inside. Coxy managed to do a song California Dreaming which is an absolute classic. He did a good job and I wish my voice would have let me join in, even if just the backing vocals (leaves am brown, skies am grey etc). It also had me craving a pint of Carling Premier.

I was surprised and also blown away by two ladies belting out some classic Limp Biizkit. The karaoke finished and I think I had one more beer before heading off for an early night as I had work the next day.

Magnificent day. Cheers to everyone involved.

Last Saturday was the shortest day in England. The least amount of daylight in the year. It was also the annual homecoming gig for Birmingham band The Twang. They do this gig just before Christmas each year and Josh has being going since 2012. Last year Pezza and myself got our first call ups for this event. Josh named an unchanged team for this year and it was nice for us to keep our places.

I didn’t blog about last years night. There was plenty of events though. During the song “You On My Shoulders”, Josh unexpectedly stuck his head between my legs and lifted me up. I was surprised somewhat and also worried. Not doubting Josh’s strength but in Boxing terms I’m no Flyweight. Possibly Super Middle or Light Heavyweight. I suddenly had visions of me falling backwards off his shoulder and smashing my head on the ground. I must have made a commotion as people in front looked round and Pezza commented that they looked very concerned.

Post gig we went back to New Street for the last train. Before it came in someone had an altercation with a member of staff on the platform, shoved him over and then bolted across the tracks when back up was called for. The guy reached an adjacent platform just as high viz bods appeared and he ran off down the tracks and into a tunnel. This delayed the trains departure.

On board we were joined by a random guy who befriended the group of ladies behind us, finding out that one was called Colette and he then spent the next 10 minutes singing “Colette, the best a man can get” as if he was in a Gillette advert.

The train showed no sign of moving and then an announcement came through that it would depart shortly but would only go to Hednesford not it’s full route to Rugeley. This caused a fight between two groups of passengers. You know on the films Airplane and Airplane 2 when there are announcements and everyone starts fighting? It reminded me of that.

We had to wait for the police to come. We were joined by Becki Floyd who came along the carriage looking for calmness, she found us. Finally we were put on a different train and the full route was reinstated. We departed an hour late, getting back in to The Registry just after 1am. Josh then made me stay until 4am.

So what did this years event have in store? Josh and Pez met up in the afternoon but I wasn’t down with that. I’d barely been out since the Pelsall day on November 24th so was a bit out of practice at the old drinking lark plus I’m currently under self imposed austerity measures and trying to limit my spending till March so I wanted a cheap day.

I finally left the house at 6, stopping at the Greggs at the bottom of the market for train food. It’s well documented that I don’t drink booze on trains but I’m happy to eat on them. I’d barely been in a Greggs since the pre Saturday overtime stone cold sausage, cheese and bean melt atrocity in 2022. It wasn’t this branch though and I was pleased to see it still open at this time of the day.

Last Christmas by Wham came on as I entered. I’d crashed out of Whamageddon on day 10 with a double Whamming so I was okay with this. I grabbed a baguette and headed to the counter. The friendly lass said I could have a coffee with it for an extra 30p. I didn’t want a coffee but I can’t resist a bargain and you have to look for value during austerity so I agreed. We discussed Christmas shopping while she prepared the drink and it was a nice visit. I left and got a message form Josh. They were catching a later train and summonsed me to The Met Bar. Train coffee quickly became gulped Park Street coffee.

It was busy on arrival. An indie version of Last Christmas came on. I couldn’t place it. Certainly not the Manic Street Preachers or Jimmy Eat World version the latter of which is my favourite.

This gave way to Warm This Winter by Gabriella Cilmi which is an absolute classic. We marvelled at Walsall being top of League 2 on the tv screens and it was a pleasant pint but soon it was chuff chuff time.

On board it took Josh all of seconds to comment on me not drinking on trains but producing a baguette. It was good though. In Birmingham it was straight in to Bachus Bar which is underneath a hotel opposite New Street. It was a new one for me and Josh although I remember me and Woza trying to tick it off on Pub 365 Challenge volume 1 in 2011 but it was either rammed or we were turned away. Possibly both.

It was rammed with some stunning ladies in delightful outfits. From there we headed to the venue which had changed from the previous year. It was now at the O2 Academy which I couldn’t place, Josh had said it was “by New Street” which threw me as it really wasn’t but as we approached I remembered it. This was to be my 4th visit having been before to see Idlewild with Chris & Laura, Shed Seven with Woza, Sarah and Gareth. This was the time I nearly pulled a really nice lady. Woza still insists it was an actual pull and that she was really keen but I am rubbish at reading the signals from ladies. I need them in flashing neon lights.

I also went to see James there with Tim Gwillam where we got to have a q & a with lead singer Tim Booth on the afternoon. Tim (my mate, not the singer) then took me for food in The Mailbox and a couple of pints before we headed back. So it was nice to be making a 4th visit with another set of people.

We were soon inside. I always have someone tall in front of me at gigs and this time it was a Peter Crouch wannabe. I didn’t want to see anyway which was good especially as he soon had his phone aloft above his head.

I can’t profess to being a big fan of The Twang but I know 3 or 4 of their tracks and I remembered some from last year. We moved out of Peter Crouch’s slipstream and I ended up behind a lady in a Santa hat. She moved back and I couldn’t retreat so then every time she moved her head her hat rubbed against my nose. It’s a good job I don’t have a raging Cocaine habit or the sniffer dogs of Birmingham would have had a field day on that hat upon her departure.

The “Shoulder” song came on. Pez and Josh had a quick committee meeting about whether a repeat of last year was occurring but they opted against it. I am noticeably heavier than last year which may have swung it. Crouchy didn’t put anyone on his shoulders either.

It was a cracking gig. Their big hit Either Way went down a storm and it was a great night. Listening to live music, with you and your best mate with your arms around each others shoulders is class.

Afterwards was another new place TOCA Social. Which 3 floors up was reached by 6 flights of stairs and needless to say I was the last of our group to reach the summit. Someone coming up behind me asked if I was ok. I replied “I will be when I get some Oxygen.” It reassured me that Sir Edmund Hillary I certainly am not. We were there to watch the Tyson Fury fight. We arrived during round 4 but I still think we saw more of it than the judges. Usyk must have battered Fury during the 3 and half rounds that we didn’t see as he didn’t do much during the rest of the fight bar round 11. When the result was announced the room was stunned. We slumped out and jumped in an Uber. We didn’t fancy the late night train antics again. I did see on Twitter the next day a couple of Tweets offering articles to explain how Usyk won but as a biased sports fan those didn’t fit my narrative so I didn’t read.

We got to Walsall and The Registry was mentioned. I’d only had two pints all evening so it was a yes from me. It was busy with lots of ladies in Santa outfits. Josh had one and went so me and Pez drank up and headed to The Watering Trough for “a last one”. There were a few in and the DJ was playing Slade and Meatloaf so all good. Pez announced he was getting a Wishbone takeaway. I pondered one more in Flans. Pez said he’d join me in Flans and order his food while in there. All sounded very new fangled but fine with me.

Flans only opens on Friday and Saturday nights nowadays so I don’t get to go in really. Don’t think I’ve been in all year. It was very busy though which was good to see. I got served straight away. A nice lady commented on the big head on my Carling. She then took a lick of it. I didn’t mind. It’s been a long time since a lady licked my head. Just a shame it was on a pint of Carling.

She was a good laugh though. Next she was rubbing the top of my actual head like a superstar DJ scratching on the hottest new white label vinyl in his collection. Then she was pulling her dress down and flashing her red bra at someone across the bar. Red is my 2nd favourite colour after white so I was fine with this.

Pez ordered his food and left at 2. Just as I was finishing my pint the DJ announced that he was going to play for an extra half an hour so I stayed for one more. He was on excellent form. He played The Love I Lost by West End featuring Sybil which is one of the best songs ever. This was followed by Red Light Spells Danger by Billy Ocean, which well what can I say? It’s one of the best songs ever.

Final song was Starship’s Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now which is a Walsall FC anthem and we’ve been pretty unstoppable of late and long may it continue.

I got home at 3am. Earlier than expected and well under budget. Exceptional day. One of my things for 2025 is more live music. And judging by those last two pints, more Flan O’Briens.

The Prince Of Wales Theatre in Cannock is earmarked for closure and I gather a consultation period is underway. Although I’m not from Cannock I know what a great venue it is, not only for the locals but also for drama groups across the region. A nod also to ale drinkers as Cannock Chase CAMRA have their wonderful beer festival there, something I have attended both as a drinker and a worker.

I joined AMCS (Aldridge Musical Comedy Society) in 2014 and 9 of the 13 shows I’ve been in have occurred on that Prince Of Wales stage. So here I look back over those shows and try and explain why this venue means so much to theatre goers and performers alike.

I’d never shown any interest in being a stage performer. Yes I enjoyed being in primary school shows but didn’t join any drama groups at secondary school. My first show with AMCS was Jesus Christ Superstar. May as well jump straight into the deep end eh? My mate Nick Britt got me into it, eventually after I ran out of excuses not too.

Me and Nick went to The Prince Of Wales to see a show called Our House. Although I’d been in the venue before this was my first time as a theatre goer, with the seats down and I looked over to the stage and it hit me that I’d be performing on it in a few weeks in front of capacity crowds. I just stood there dumbstruck with my mouth open for a good minute or two. Nick had to look back to see where I was. I’d proper gone into stand by mode. It was a great show though. We also went to see Brownhills Goes To Broadway by Brownhills Musical Theatre Company, another excellent show.

I was overweight. I decided in a bid to shed some timber in time for the show I’d give up the booze for 2 months, ending this at The Cannock Beer Festival. I hate watching myself back and rarely do, but I recently saw a clip from JCS and I was waddling around the stage like a fat penguin. It was like I’d tuned into Cringe FM. Note to self, don’t give up booze. It’s pointless.

Anyway the shows went well, I sold loads of tickets and having my mates chanting “Evo Evo Evo” as I walked out for the bows will live with me forever.

I only planned to do one show but was eventually talked into doing the next one Heroes & Sweethearts. Emma Wallage is very persuasive. This was a show for the 70th anniversary of VE Day put together and directed by the lovely Jools. A combination of wartime songs and traditional English anthems. My favourite part of this was a Dads Army style sketch performed by the 7 blokes in the show and written by Nick. My character had a very weak bladder and had to go for a piss about 4 times during the 5 minute sketch and the audience loved it. The other highlight was I got to be the only person on stage singing the opening verse of the show as a soloist in the song This Is The Amy, Mr. Jones.

One of the songs was I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts and during the line “some as big as your head” someone behind me would remove my hat and I’d point to my mossiv cranium. This earned me the nickname Coconut from a lovely lady in the club afterwards. I didn’t mind. I’ve been called much worse.

Although only my second show with the society I was already developing a taste for being the last cast member off the stage and on the final night I was keeping up with this when I doubled back and gave the audience a cheeky salute before the curtains closed. On the back of this my mate Mase said I had to the same but with a Ric Flair impression. I can’t remember the show but I did it. This was an epic show and remains one of my favourites.

Musical Memories was performed at Rugeley Rose Theatre but in May 2016 we were back at P.O.W for Thoroughly Modern Millie. On the Sunday of show week, we were in the theatre for band call and if you’ve been you’ll know the corridor which leads to the auditorium where refreshments and programmes are sold. We were in there with a 14 piece orchestra. It was my big day so they played Happy Birthday while everyone sang along. Marvellous moment.

On the back of this show I considered changing my Twitter name to Thoroughly Modern Mikee but that would have been utter cobblers. Nowt modern about me and my friends will happily testify to that. I’m not materialistic and don’t do gadgets or new technology. The most modern stuff in my house is food and some of that is out of date.

The magnificent panto Once Upon A Time was performed at Great Wyrley High School (they have a prper theatre set up, we weren’t in the assembly hall) but in May 2017 we were back in Cannock for Fabulous At 50, a concert to celebrate 5 decades of AMCS. Me and the delightful Sarah Carter who had teamed up to be Mary and Bert from Mary Poppins in Musical Memories were reunited twice in this one. Firstly in One Day More from Les Mis as the Thernardiers but also in a chaotic restaurant scene, the brain work of Nick. Sarah in this basically passed out and I had to show concern whilst trying to summon the waiter for another drink and shuffling off stage repeatedly for a piss. Can’t help but feel I’m a bit typecast in that respect but it was great fun.

Talking of One Day More on one occasion I was in the loo when the first notes started and I had to dash down the stairs with my scarf caught in my zip. This was a superb show and the one song with just the blokes “There Is Nothing Like A Dame” was phenomenal. On the last night the stage hands provided pizzas which was ace.

Smokey Joe’s Cafe was performed at Aldridge Youth Theatre but in May 2018 it was back to our spiritual home for West Side Story. I immediately ruled myself out thinking there wasn’t a role for me but was talked into going for Officer Krupke. Main memory of this show was my squeaky truncheon. There is one scene where Krupke is pushed over and during one rehearsal the squeak went off upon impact on the stage. The sound travelled in the empty auditorium but it got a big laugh. We disable the squeak in the dressing room afterwards.

We were back in Great Wyrley for Sleeping Beauty but May 2019 saw a return to Cannock for Me & My Girl with me playing deaf old man Sir Jasper Tring. Absolutely no method acting needed there. Tough show this one but the audiences loved it and I was just pleased to get through the Lambeth Walk dance without dropping a clanger although I will confess I shed no tears when finding out that I didn’t have to join this one until quite late in the proceedings.

November’s show was Magic Of Menken, a tribute to composer Alan Menken. This one caused some anxiety as during one song (Mine Mine Mine I think but willing to be wrong) the blokes had to launch actual spades. I was paired up with Nick for this and I was terrified that I was going to damage either him or the famous Prince Of Wales stage. Early practices of this were done on the car park outside our rehearsal studio. This was in full view of an old folks home. God knows what they thought.

Covid stopped everything but we were back in Cannock in November 2021 for a panto, Cinderella. Written and directed by Nick. Early rehearsals for this were held on an outdoor netball court which was strange.

I love panto. Getting to be silly on stage is just so me. I was Baron Hardup in this, Cinderella’s somewhat henpecked father. I had a great time playing opposite his wife Madame Waitrose played superbly by Sarah Hinkley.

My favourite part of this show was in The Palace Ballroom. Everyone was instructed to take their places for the formal dance. Hardup and Waitrose marched stage front and centre and stood there looking dignified. Then The Macarena started playing. I especially liked this as Sarah Beckett our Choreographer had told me I could get this wrong for comedic effect and believe me she never says this. So I got positioning wrong and even threw in other dances with a bit of YMCA action for good measure.

Too many good performances in this one to mention but Rich Beckett as Dandini, newcomer Bethany as Chardonnay and my stage wife Chante (real life wife of one of my besties Swill) as Buttons were all brilliant. Also big nods to Michael Mannion who stepped in half way through rehearsals to replace the original Prince Charming.

This was the toughest of all the show weeks as I couldn’t get any time off work and we’d just relocated to the other side of Wolverhampton. So it was up at 6am, work all day then straight to Cannock and get home around 11pm. All week. Gruelling but the audience response and the reviews made it all worthwhile.

Sister Act was next but I thought there wasn’t many roles for men in that so I sat it out and my God it was strange being in the audience at the P.O.W rather than being on stage. I’d been in every show since joining the society so it was weird. I did do front of house duties selling programmes with the lovely Christine.

My last show with AMCS was also in Cannock in November 2022 called Musicals That Rock. Including songs from Meatloaf and Green Day so it was right up my street. I can’t remember why but the wonderful Lucy Pountain flicking the v’s at me from up above during the last dress rehearsal at P.O.W was an amusing part of show week. Post how it was agreed that we rocked the ‘nock.

After this show I did front of house again for Dick Whittington The Secret Of Skull Island and Stages Through The Ages, two excellent shows. I love doing FOH especially when audience members that I don’t know say things like “oh, aren’t you in this one?”. One lady even pointed to her friend and said “you’re her favourite person in these shows” which I loved. Some people don’t like compliments but I lap them up, especially as I don’t get many. An unexpected development stopped me attending So This Is Christmas last month. It would normally take wild horses to stop me attending but this couldn’t be avoided. With things as they are that could be the last time AMCS perform at this wonderful venue.

So we need to save the place. Not just for performers and audiences but also the staff. I’ve got to know the stage hands, lighting and sound techies and of course the bar staff. There is a Save The Prince Of Wales Facebook group so feel free to join that.

I’m not finished with AMCS and I’d dearly love to tread the boards in Cannock with them once more.

So to summarise, I love the Prince Of Wales Theatre. Had great times on stage, so many laughs in the dressing room and post show beers when that bar in the pictures opens. It’s by the gents dressing room which is a result. My only regret is that I didn’t get to run across the empty Prince Of Wales stage in an inflatable pig costume like I had the pleasure to do in Great Wyrley. It got big laughs every show. And yes I’m mentioning this just so I can show the picture.

First job last Sunday was to see if my fence had survived the overnight 45mph winds from Storm Bert. Must be the 50 year old in me that as first thing in the morning I’m checking if my wood is still erect.

T-shirt ironing song on this occasion was The Zutons Why Won’t You Give Me Your Love? No explanation needed other than it is magnificent.

The number 10 bus was 15 minutes late and then went on a diversion throuigh Coalpool but soon I was in Shelfield ready to meet Chris and James. We’d arranged this sup up a month earlier and I’d duly booked the Monday off work but then numerous events conspired and I had to cancel that day. I asked, then pleaded with Chris for a much earlier start so I’d be home in good time to sleep the booze off and a reduction in the number of venues. Well, I got the early start and at 12.25 I was walking into The Four Crosses.

Chris and James were already there having also had a diversion to their walk when they discovered Harden Road flooded and they had to take an alternative route. Chris was quick to point out the first controversy of the day. His pack of Walkers Ready Salted crisps were out of a multi pack and not to be sold individually. I said pubs should sell complete multi packs. Imagine that, being able to buy a pack of 6 bags of Beef Space Raiders to go with your booze. This would boost the nighttime economy I tell thee.

Next up was St Francis Club. I thought I’d been in most of the licensed premesis in the borough pf Walsall but had no prior knowledge of this until Chris sent his route over in the week. Chris went in first and gave me the choice of doors left or right. I cracked my usual tedious jibe of never getting to go left on a plane so go that way. He stuch his head in and retreated. “There’s a party going on in there” so we went right.

James commented that the 3 pints and pack of scratchings came to £16. Fair play to Chris as he went up the bar and queried it. Turns out it is cheaper beer for members which is fair enough.

I had a ham cob which was priced at £1.55 and was ace. Chris commented afterwards that the blue bag it came in “looked like a dog poo bag.” He has such a way with words. I;m glad he told me this after I’d eaten though. It did get me thinking though, instead of hanging bags of shit on trees like some folk do, but instead hung ham cobs wouldn’t the world be a better place?

It was busy in our room but Chris mentioned that the other one was full of women. “So what are we doing in here?” I asked. We also talked crisps. It’s one of Chris’s favourite subjects. Although it was far too early to be festive as it was still mid November I did enthuse about the possibility of the Golden Wonder turkey and stuffing flavour that used to come out at Christmas coming back this year. I then told the anecdote about at a Northern January away game (I forget where) they were selling off cheap said crisps in the pub pre match. I had a pack then but after the game had the whole stock which was commented on heartily in the minibus. I think they lasted until March.

After a short while Chris announced the 2 minutes warning as he does ahead of every departure time. I asked for toilet directions and was provided with them. “How about if I take a wrong turn, end up in the room full of women and they make me stay?” I asked. “You never know” Chris replied “they might be waiting for a stripogram”. God imagine that. Actually don’t. I wouldn’t want to put that image in your head before breakfast of a Sunday morning. If I had done it though it would have put everyone heading to the buffet off the cocktail sausages. I didn’t take the wrong turn.

We walked to Pelsall. Storm Bert was still with us but his wind had calmed down to just the 16mph. Pelsall Cricket Club was next and I hadn’t even got through the door and I was being greeted by Helen Baker, one of the finest of my fellow Walsall FC fans. There was a Christmas Fayre going on with an outside Bavarian Bar and reindeer had just arrived. It was such a shame that the weather was absolute poo with wind and rain. Absolutely not Cricket weather.

I’d not been in The Railway since the long standing former gaffer (Tom?) left. It has nice new furniture and has had a lick of paint. All I Want For Christmas Is You was playing as we entered. Good job I was still feeling festive from the Cricket Club.

Chris had been on about beef and onion crisps all day and asking if I’d like some. I’d commented that it was highly unlikely as they’d been discontinued in 1980 (actually 1988 James found out). He then produced a pack from Ireland. I commented that you can’t smuggle your own crisps into pubs and that I wanted nothing to do with it for fear of being barred from everywhere in the vicinity under the Pelsall Pub Crisp Watch. I relented eventually.

Conversation in here was random from Chris claiming that the disproportionate amount of the different coloured sweets in Opal Fruits (as he and I still call them) is a scam through to James telling of a colleague that counts his Scampi Fries as he says he gets different amounts which James says is impossible due to them being sold by weight. Chris wondered how many Bacon Fries you got in a pack and I immediately thought he’ll have done a count somewhere by the next meet up.

The Queens is definitely the me pub of Pelsall. As I took the initial picture I didn’t notice the group in the doorway and the nice lady asked why I’d taken it. I told a complete lie and said I forget where I’ve been due to the booze and I like to keep a record. I don’t know why I just don’t like people to know I’m blogging. I really need more readers of this yet I don’t tell folk about it because I’m a nob. Imagine “oh you’re writing about a Pelsall pub crawl? I’d love to read that.” No, none of that ever happens. Bloody shyness. It was busy inside and free chicken drumsticks were on the bar which was very welcome. Music was good too. I’m sure Belinda Carlisle featured which is always welcome..

I mentioned about The Retro Realm (new arcade by Wharf Bar in Walsall Town Centre) opening on 6th of December and that I probably couldn’t go that weekend. This sparked a chat about retro games and we all agree that Paperboy is just the best game ever. I hope they have it in there complete with the handle bars like the old days.

Old House At Home was busy with diners so we sat in that little section next to the door which I’ve not been in before and we ended up at The Fingerpost. There was a dog sat at the bar which I fussed but it didn’t even look at me. I’m used to being ignored by the ladies but not dogs. Discussion in here was of retro sweets and my odd comment that I always buy white Bon Bons as it’s my favourite colour even though I prefer the yellow ones.

The day was rounded off with a visit to The Little Chippy which I’ve always wanted to tick off. Chris didn’t want his gravy so I wa given it. I know gravy on fish is frowned upon in some quarters but it’s sooo good and this was an excellent visit. Good food, friendly staff. Very easy on the pocket too as Chris paid. Top man.

Chris ordered an Uber and we were soon back in Walsall. They tried to get me to join them in the Wetherspoons but I was being good and ventured home, getting the early night I wanted to sleep the booze off.

Absolutely class day. This was my last blow out for a while so I’m glad it was a good un. Lots of busy places, friendly bar staff and as is the usual with Chris, crisps. Cheers James and Chris for a great day.

Maxy Tasty. 9 Bradford Street, Walsall. Reviewed 22/10/24.

It was post work on a Tuesday. I need to snack before starting the pre Walsall v Carlisle match drinking. I picked this place as I could amble down from work then head up Wednesbury Road to The Railway Club.

This has been open a while but I’d not been in. When I worked at Cardboard Boxes 2 Go on Queen Street, a colleague came here every dinnertime for chicken and chips so I sussed it was alright.

Service was friendly and quick. I went for a fish burger as I love a bit of cod. The meal deal came to £5 which was decent. There were a few other customers coming in and out and I didn’t know if this was due to proximity of bus stops or repeat customers. My food came quickly and I was heading upstairs.

The burger was really good. There was no music which I was fine with just the sounds of a busy venue. Place was clean too, emphasised by someone leaving adjacent to me and within 30 seconds a lad was up spraying and wiping the table and soon came back to sweep up.

Decent visit this and I can see why Ade was such a fan. I will come back and try the chicken one day soon. Although as I write this a month later, I haven’t.

Tiffany’s. 47 Albion Road, Willenhall. Reviewed 02/11/24.

There is a tradition in our family that dates back centuries that is on F.A Cup 1st round day you have to go out for a full English breakfast. I always keep this going. I’ve got to be honest, I’d never heard of this place until a saw a post on the Brownhills Bob Facebook group and the USP is that you can create your own breakfast from a a long list of options. As soon as I saw this I knew it was getting done, but it still took a couple of months to get around to it.

I find the 529 bus slightly more tolerable now that I don’t have to catch it at 6.40 every weekday morning to go to work and it was fine this time and I was soon in Willenhall.

I’m not sure why but I was slightly tentative as I asked “could I have the 10 item breakfast please?.” The lady serving was very friendly though and handed me a slip of paper and a pen for me to make my choices from the list of options on the note. It felt like I was voting in a kind of breakfast referendum. There should have been a wooden booth for me to go in to put my votes down.

I’d had the list up on my phone heading over. A few things were disregarded right away. Chips? I love chips but they don’t belong on a breakfast. Fried onions? I don’t have these on a hot dog so it’s not happening on breakfast. Smiley faces? No. Had they been miserable faces I may have been tempted as they would have been more in keeping with my general demeanour.

I made my choices and was almost apologetic upon heading over to the counter. “I’ve only got 9 items. Is that frowned upon?” “No, not at all” she replied “have an extra one of something you’ve already picked”. “Oh right. Another sausage then please.”. The breakfast was £9 and with a cup of tea it came to £10.20.

The cafe was doing a good trade. Every table was soon occupied. Background music was provided by Radio 1, a station I’ve not listened to since Scott Mills was moved off Drivetime in 2012. The only song I knew was Pon De Replay by Rihanna. Bit harsh playing a song about replays on F A Cup day now that they have been scrapped from the tournament.

The breakfast came quickly and it was magnificent. I only have scrambled eggs at home and I’m shit at making them but here they were divine. I was nervous about the battered black pudding and would it work but oh my God, yes it did.

This was a great visit. Food good, numerous members of staff emerged from the Kitchen and were friendly. The best compliment I can say about this place is it’s a good job I don’t live closer. My Doctor and Bank Manager would be fuming.

P.s you may have noticed I haven’t cracked the obvious Breakfast At Tiffany’s gag. 2 reasons for this. (1) I’ve not seen the film. (2) I absolutely hate the song. Cheers.

Pleck Balti. 303 Wednesbury Road, Pleck, Walsall. Reviewed 06/11/24

Josh and I had been on about going here for a while. I’d not been since the late 90’s and he’s been once or twice with his wife Lyndsey. We pass it regularly when we are on missions so it was about time we finally ventured in.

On the the morning at work I’d had a flashback to a recent trip to Shabab in Cannock and that was it. I was craving curry. Josh messaged at dinner time. “Pleck Balti tonight?” I swear that lad can read my mind.

I told my colleague Alex on the afternoon where I was going and he asked what I was having. I said “I don’t know but I’m just hoping they do a cheese naan.” “Not a Keema naan?” “I’ve never had one of those.” He was taken aback but said “it’s like fireworks in your mouth.” Well the day after Bonfire Night seemed like a good time for this to happen so it was motion carried.

I didn’t want to hang around for curry so we made it an early evening jobbie and arranged to meet there. As I left my house I asked if it might be worth asking our mate Asps as his office is in Wednesbury and he usually finishes around the time we were meeting. Josh posed the question and came back just as I was power marching down Corporation Street. I’m generally not a quick walker but this changes when beer or food is involved.

Josh came back saying Asps was up for it but not for another hour or so. He agreed to pick me up on Wednesbury Road and that we’d go and kill time somewhere.

I was just approaching the Pelican Crossing on Wednesbury Road when Josh drove past and he turned into Tasker Street. I crossed and was immediately joined by a prostitute. “Are you looking for business?” she asked. “no, I;m going for curry.” “Going for curry now?” “Nowish”. “Do you want business before your curry?” “It’s all about curry business tonight love.” I actually cringed as I said this. I’d now reached Tasker Street. Josh had turned round and parked up. A prostitute on the adjacent corner had clocked this and must have thought she was getting a fare. The look on her face as I strolled across the road and got in the car was something. We must have looked like a right pair of rent boys. Not many folk can make jumping into a bezzie mates car look so seedy. We left the ladies to go about their business and we roared off as quickly as the 20mph speed limit would allow.

Anyway, I digress. Asps was already there on arrival. Pleck Balti is not licensed. Regular readers will know that this is a big bug bear of mine but for once I wasn’t bothered. In all honesty I wanted a cup of tea having not had time for one upon getting home from work. I still maintain that I will never take my own booze but this time Josh popped to a local shop and grabbed a couple of Madri and handed me one.

They do a chicken tikka naan. Never heard of this so pounced on that along with a butter chicken main. Poppadoms were ordered but Asps only wanted one which I really couldn’t cope with. There was much catching up to be done and we had a great laugh and the food soon came out.

The butter chicken was great. The chicken tikka naan was ok. Not quite what I was expecting but all parts of the meal were demolished. The bill came and we went £15 each. Complimentary chocolates were provided which always earns extra points.

The lads enjoyed the visit. Josh’s feedback was “great food, amazing company” while Asps went for “great food, cheap as chips.” If you’re intrigued into what they had well I can’t help. I didn’t think to ask. I’m so rubbish at this reviewing lark. Jay Rayner I certainly am not.

Decent visit and we were all back home at a reasonable time. I had that cup of tea eventually.

Royal Lion, 22 Wallows Lane, Walsall. Reviewed 10/11/24

As mentioned in last Sunday’s blog, my mate Paul recently crashed at mine and during our discussions beforehand he asked about Sunday morning breakfast. I asked would he come and review somewhere sexy? and he replied saying he likes sexy, so I earmarked this place.

Royal Lion is situated in what was the King George V pub by Fellows Park (Mozza’s if you were born after the 1980s). It opens at 8am everyday even Sunday which was handy as Paul had a train back up North to catch.

The layout is exactly the same as when it was the pub. When sitting I pointed out where The Crystal Maze machine used to be. Paul commented that I had a look of Richard O’Brien about me. Man if I had just an ounce of that bloke’s creativity I’d be delighted.

I’d shown Paul the breakfast menu the day before and we both knew what we wanted. Royal Full English no tomato or mushroom for me and a Mozart Omelette for Paul. His omelette contains ham, garlic, spinach and cheese served with homemade Focaccia. See I can do details occasionally but it helps that I still have a picture of the menu on my phone.

It didn’t take long for the food to come out, but long enough for me to crack a “your omelette must be taking some composing” gag. I did try my hardest not to say this but it had been eating away at me since he announced his choice the day before.

Food came and the items I didn’t want had been swapped for additional goodness of the other items. My toast was not cut in half which earned bonus points. Any work colleague who has seen me at dinner time over the past 34 years will testify that I do not cut sandwiches in half so it was good to find somewhere with the same principles.

We also got a free bottle of water. I waited and waited for Paul to crack it open but no. It had one of those bottle tops that you get (used to get?) with Grolsch. I clearly am,not a drinker of this and it showed. It felt like I was on The Crystal Maze and Paul should have started whistling the theme to set the scene. He helped me open it in the end. I don’t do technology, even fancy bottle tops.

My breakfast was ace. Loved it. Paul said his omelette was well composed and hit the right notes. It was a good visit. No music but two tv screens had Sky Sports News on.

You can tell it was the George although the decor has had a complete transformation. There was excitement in the toilet as the mirror has a sensor that you can touch to light up the surround. I did this three or four times. Sometimes I do do technology.

The bill puzzled me as it seemed cheap but the waiter explained that hot drinks are free with breakfast which was nice. Friendly place, excellent food and I might do it again before a Saturday home game.

About a month ago my mate Gareth from Newport (the Welsh one) arranged a visit to Walsall. I hadn’t seen him for a couple of years so was well up for the meet which we scheduled for last Saturday after the Walsall v Gillingham match. Because we are so damn good at the moment we had a few international call ups so the match was called off which mean I could meet up earlier.

There was the added bonus of Gareth bringing his new lady Tina who I’d not met before. My first interaction with Tina was the Monday before on a video call, except because I’m an old man I didn’t initially realise it was a video call and put the phone to the side of my head. Only when Gareth said “what am I looking at?” that I realised. It’s a good job I keep my ears scrupulously clear of hairs.

On the morning I started with breakfast at The Walsall Arms. I don’t want to say I was gagging for this but I was already outside when the door opened at 10. It was served quickly and as I started to tuck in, Jodi appeared behind the bar brandishing a remote control and asking if there was anything I wanted to watch. I immediately thought that I need to finish watching series 2 of True Blood but this may not have been suitable viewing for the two children in the vicinity plus I had neither the time nor the budget for sitting in there for 8 hours watching the antics of Sookie Stackhouse so I just said “anything is fine.”

Breakfast was bang on again, Wayne the chef just nails it. He gets the bacon right every time. I can cook a mean English breakfast but never get the bacon right. I asked Jodi if Wayne, her husband is available to do home visit bacon cooking. There could be a money making app in this.

Back home and today’s shirt ironing song was Do You Know? by Enrique. I’m not just about the cook Indie music. I genuinely love this song and the line “do you know how it feels like to be the last one to know the lock on the door has changed?” always reminds me of my last job at Cardboard Boxes 2 Go. In my current job at The Manor Hospital I generally arrive 20 minutes before I start but at the last place I’d always be rocking up with just a minute or so to spare to clock in. One day I couldn’t get in and I was the only person that they hadn’t told that the combination on the front door had changed. I eventually got in but I should have gone home on full pay.

The weather was absolute poo so upon departing I gave a debut to the coat Asps gave me for my birthday. I should have got a picture of me in it for your delectation but I was too excited. Anyway we were meeting up in The Registry and I strolled up to the bar. Someone came up alongside me and asked “are you going to the match?” I had a split second moment of panic. Had I got the date wrong? I said “no, it’s off today.” “Because of the rain?” “No, international call ups.” “Oh, of course yeah I forgot.” Phew.

Gareth and Tina were already in so I found them and we were quickly joined by Swill as well. He was sporting an umbrella so I immediately opened a sweepstake as to when he would lose this as he is renowned for getting through umbrellas. Sadly for Swill homing umbrellas aren’t a thing yet.

The conversation opened and within minutes Swill had steered us onto poo anecdotes. One of his favourite topics. Much hilarity ensued.

We were soon joined by Dan (Morty) and after a short while we headed to The Tap & Tanner. My round and I got served quickly. I asked around and Gareth and Tina both wanted Inch’s so naturally I had a smirk on my face when asking the barmaid for 2 Inch’s. Swill chipped in “Evo likes 2 inches.” The round came to £24 which I was shocked at. Normally I let things slide but for once I queried. She’d charged me for an additional Amstel so knocked £4 off which made me happy. I also had a £2 ham and salad cob, commenting that the salad was putting me off. “Oh it’s easy to get rid of it, it’s not touching the meat”. I’m easily confused and this did me. Turned out it was wrapped separately at the top which surprised me when unwrapping but the ham was good.

Discussions in here included would you do….for£xx? type questions. Turns out I have a low threshold for this kind of thing. I’m a poor man, generally always short of cash so I’d do most things for cash, legally of course. The other discussion was where o go next. Swill said “we could go next door, it’s like a Wetherspoons.” “Like a Wetherspoons?” queried Gareth “so it’s a Wetherspoons?” “Er yeah.”None of us have an issue with Wetherspoons so off to St Matthews Hall it was.

We sat in the Library section. I noted the Managers Special leaflet on the table which was offering Maple Bacon Salad, as it had been on the Monday when I was in for the Friends Of Highgate Brewery monthly meet up. Walsall is clearly not a hotbad of salad as I’ demonstrated in The Tap. If Wayne from the Walsall Arms had been cooking the bacon they might have shifted a few more bowls of it.

It was soon decision time again. Stay for one more or head to Katz. Discussions didn’t really solve it so I proposed a secret ballot. We all covered our eyes and raised our hands to which option we preferred. Obviously as it was done in secret we had no idea of the result so we just headed to Katz.

En route we mentioned The Hippo to Tina, and as it was her first visit to Walsall she had to be introduced. I explained when it was unveiled and where it used to be and how back in the day it was were you’d meet your mates. Like most Walsall folks though I couldn’t answer the question “why have you got a concrete hippo?”

We made it to Katz, there was a band on so we sat outside as the bar area was full. I noticed Swill still had his umbrella. It had made it to pub number 4. Surely a personal best. We were joined by Goughy and Harriet along with Whelan and Beth. Morty was the first to disappear, followed shortly afterwards by Gareth and Tine who were staying at The Lyndon but Gareth needed a Wishbone takeaway like he used to when he lived up here.

I lasted until about 10. To look cool I said I was going to Walsall Arms to break up the joourney home but in truth I’d had enough to drink and just went home.

Great day with top company. Swill’s umbrella didn’t make it home.

Last Saturday it was Walsall v Crewe at Bescot. A match that always sticks out to Saddlers of a certain age and to mark this my old mate Paul Mitchell came down from Bingley to drink beer, watch footie and the great band 5th Chapter then crash at my house. He is my 5th longest standing friend having got chatting to him outside the club shop at Doncaster (a) in 1992. Myself, him and his now wife Cara shared a flat in Hawes Close back in the 90’s before they moved up north but this would be the first time he’d set foot in one of my gaffs since going solo.

He turned up bang on time but I’d forgotten to tell him the bell doesn’t work so eventually he knocked and got in. His first comment was he could tell the house was mine as it’s “very Walsall.” I’ll take that.

We headed to Walsall Arms. Asps was already there having gone early to take advantage of the full English breakfast and pint for £10 deal. We timed our run superbly arriving just as he was up the bar. He got himself an ale along with Oakham “Citra” (me) and Titanic “Plum Porter” (Paul) then we were seated.

Those pints went down well and it was my turn to purchase and just as I approached the bar on came Everlasting Love by Love Affair. I was trying to save my singing voice for the match and live music on the night but this is just one of the best songs ever and I had to give it portions. When I finally meet Mrs Right, that is going to be our song.

Before departing we all visited the loo. Paul commented that it looked a bit suspicious and it probably didn’t help that the capacity of the toilets in there is 3. Two standing and one seated but we had to go.

Next up was Katz and this was busy with fellow Saddlers including Tomo and Sue, Micky Lees, Neil Adams and Marvellous Matt Stacky. It was ace but after a short while there was an exodus to go to Railway Club in Pleck but me and Paul opted to stay put. Asps grabbed a sausage roll and also bought one for me and Paul to share which was unexpected but went down a storm with both of us.

Upon departure Matt gave both of us a Cadbury’s Chocolate Eclair sweet. I eventually popped mine in my mouth just as Paul was looking at Ubers. Suddenly he said the Uber was 2 minutes away. I had to neck a third of a pint with the sweet still in mouth which was a strange beery and chocolate experience. Then I had to say goodbyes and run upstairs to the loo. I eventually got in the car. I still had the Eclair in my mouth. They certainly don’t diminish quickly.

I had a rant in Palfrey at a house with a big Father Christmas outside (it was 9th of November so totally justified) but soon we were on Bescot Crescent. At the retail park the traffic was stationary so Paul told the driver that we would get out there so he could turn round. We got out, he didn’t turn round. Instead he sped off down the now clear road in front of him while we started the additional 10,000 steps that had now been added to our day.

The crowd at the match was just over 8000 which I think is the biggest for a league game in years. The ref was shit and bought into all of their coffee house tricks of the opposition. I think if one of our players had farted in a Crewe players direction he would have awarded them a free kick and reached for a card. They took the lead. Don’t ask for a description I was still in the bar even though I wasn’t drinking. Well, I say that but I’d have had a coffee had the vending machine been working.

I was in the stand for our equaliser. We could have nicked it, the ref must have been on a promise as he didn’t add on any additional time despite numerous stoppages during injury time. The draw was probably a fair result but it was nice to see the ground so busy and I got nowhere near my season ticket seat. Saying that though I don’t get near it when the crowd is low, and I don’t even know which seat it is. I know the row so I’m awarding myself a point for that.

I headed to The Locker to meet Paul who had been in the upper tier in the ground. For some reason there was only 3 lights on, at the other end of the room to where we were and we could hardly see a bloody thing. Guys we’ve just had a big crowd you can afford to put more lights on. Paul spotted that I somehow had an ant on my head, which he blew off. Crack your own jokes, I’m not that puerile.

The DJ was in excellent form and it was a good atmosphere. The DJ who took mine and Liam’s picture in The Crown for the recent Willenhall blog was in and he came to say hello. Chuffed that he remembered me after that one off meeting and recognised me amongst the gloom.

It was soon Uber time again. Paul found one that wanted to pick us up on the Broadway – quite the stroll from where we were. “Say it doesn’t work like George” was my response. True though, it would have been far quicker for him to drive down as the traffic was now clearing, unless he wanted to charge a waiting fee. We declined him and found one who would pick us up from outside. Things you have to be grateful for nowadays eh?

We went back to mine so Paul could change then walked to Walsall Arms with me getting a drive by “Evoooooo” on Pool Street from Laura and Pezza who had just had a successful mission at Danny’s Chicken.

We met Kay and Simon in there, had a couple of beers then made our own visit to Danny’s. Paul was not happy that paying by card isn’t an option in there. The line “cash is King” is not in Paul’s vocabulary as it is with most people. He proper grumbled at having to use the in store cash point. Pez and Laura had done a job. They must had cleaned the place out as we had to wait for food but we didn’t mind. I had a chicken burger which was epic and one piece of chicken. It’s such a good place this.

We ambled down to The Watering Trough. Landlady Angie was on and declared that she loves me as I walked up the bar. Nice welcome. She then told me to try the Mild. I’m not really a Mild drinker but it was a decent pint.

We were there to watch the band 5th Chapter featuring fellow Walsall FC fan Martin Key on bass guitar. I’ve seen them twice before, never sober and I wasn’t exactly that at this juncture either but for once I was going to see the whole set having got there late the other two times.

A few other Walsall fans were in so it was another good crowd. 5th Chapter do covers of great songs and lead guitarist and singer Ellie nails them. We had classics like All The Small Things, I Predict A Riot, Teenage Kicks, Naive and Are You Gonna Be My Girl?

During the interval I nipped to the loo and was was joined at the urinals by a lad who struck up conversation saying he’s from Birmingham and that Walsall is amazing. Naturally I agreed post haste. There was some context as to how he had come to this conclusion but I cannot remember it for the life of me. Sorry. I don’t minute everything that goes on during my days.

Set 2 began with 20th Century Boy, a song which I always thought began with the line “Wednesday’s fine, Wednesday’s good.” Fortunately I recently heard the Placebo version and clocked what it actually is. It was nice to sing it correctly or everyone in the pub would have pointed and stared.

More goodness followed in the form of Not 19 Forever, and one of my favourite Beatles songs Twist & Shout. The encore was held up by the drummer disappearing with someone shouting “he’s gone for a shit”. He returned, Ellie declared “he’s finished his shit” which got a big cheer. Final song was Chelsea Dagger, which is an epic way to round off any night.

Cracking evening, band was ace, Ellie was on good form interacting withe audience including telling Paul to “fuck off back to Bradford” when he gave banter. Song of the night was a magnificent rendition of Basket Case.

Class day, with great people.

Last Saturday there was a Friends Of Highgate Brewery coach trip to Preston. I’d not been there since 2014 so wanted in. On that occasion it was Mark Cassell’s stag do. Walsall were away there and beer flowed. It was already 1-1 in the match when we eventually left the nearby pub. After the match the plan was to have a couple of pints then head back to Blackpool where our hotel rooms were booked. However instead we stopped at every pub between Deepdale and the railway station. The rule that you cannot pass a pub certainly came into play that day and it was magnificent. We finally made it to Blackpool just before midnight and I nearly pulled in one of the two pubs that we manged there. It was a superb day so when this coach trip was announced it was a straight case of take my money.

First job upon stepping off the coach was to clear out my coat pocket of losing McDonald’s Monopoly stickers after I’d sorted them from the instant win ones in my wallet. If anyone in the Preston area needs a Park Lane to win £100k, there are 4 of them in the bin by The Twelve Tellers.

We’d been given maps and pub guides on the way up and the only must visit for me was Vinyl Tap described as a music themed pub with 5 real ales, food and live entertainment. Win win win. However upon checking the map it looked the furthest out of town so I disregarded it. More on that later.

First pub was Black Horse. I’d mentioned to legendary blogger Blackpool Jane about the trip, she came to meet us and was waiting in here. You can catch her excellent blog here. This pub is grade II listed and has numerous rooms. I ordered Robinson’s Amarillo Pale Ale which was described as zesty and vibrant. The friendly barmaid explained it was a bit lively. I joked that it did say vibrant in the bio. She game me a bit more in a separate glass to make up for the head which was very decent of her. Naturally I explored all the rooms and it was easy to see why this is the local CAMRA branche’s Pub Of The Year twice on the bounce.

The sizeable group in there became a smaller faction of Bob, Steve Jane and I and next up was Plau which is a bar on one level and Tapas House on the other. I explored again finding a dining room at the back and a very Victorian style toilet cubicle upstairs which looked very ornate. I didn’t check out the tapas area as I’d already got my steps in for the day and there was beer to drank. The barman was very friendly but the till is up a set of stairs from the bar which I’ve never seen before. I wouldn’t last a shift with that set up. We found out afterwards that there is also a “Gay Cellar” but I missed that when I was exploring. Shame as I’ve been playing Oh L’amour by Erasure a lot of late and I’d have certainly asked for that.

Stop 3 was Chain House, a pub with it’s own brewery in house. Discussions in here included Steve asking if we remembered a famous beef burger advert, which turned out to be the Accrington Stanley milk one.

There were two toilets, both with descriptions on the door as to what lay behind. The first door said one accessible toilet. I quite liked the thought of the other door having an inaccessible toilet that maybe you have to climb over a wall or something to get to. One man opened this door, clearly didn’t like the content so opted for the other. I later checked this out and it had a proper toilet right next to a urinal, with no dividing column. A bit like The R1 Bar in Walsall used to have. So you can have a dump while your mate has a piss and catch up on some gossip while in there.

Jane asked if I had any must do pub today and I just mentioned Vinyl Tap. She deduced that it was only five minutes walk away but as we reached this place we’d bumped into a group who had just been and reported it as closed. Eventually we found out online that it opened at 2. It was now 1.30. Steve kept ringing the number to check but had no joy. He opted not to risk it as we set off at 2 and he stayed put for another.

On the way we came across an erect ladder. Bob and Jane just marched under it but I hesitated. There were vans parked up so it would have meant walking into the road to get around. I decided that I’d had plenty of bad luck in my life so a bit more wouldn’t hurt so I walked beneath. Soon after we met another couple of lads who had also waited until 2 for the Vinyl Tap but had said it was still closed. I blamed myself for the ladder.

We headed back more central. Jane ventured into Plau to check out the gay cellar but quickly came back saying that she couldn’t even see the beer pulls as it was just a sea of men. Next up was Plug & Taps. Acquiesce my favourite Oasis song came on just as I entered which was nice. We timed our run to get here perfectly as we got served straight away but soon the queue was back to the door. The music was good throughout as Happy Mondays and Supergrass also featured. However the highlight here was the sign in the unisex toilet. I was still beaming at it when I came out, and Jane asked why. She’d missed it on her visit but went back in to check it out and it was worth her while.

We needed to head to the the market place next. On a bench are statues of Wallace and Gromit. Naturally I had to pose for a picture with them and recreated the walk from The Wrong Trousers as I left. I didn’t know that their creator was from Preston which I assume is why the naughty dog in A Close Shave has that name.

Penultimate port of call was Orchard. This is small and was very busy but we found the sole available table and got round it. Steve was the star of the show in here with hilarious anecdotes from his past.

Last up was Guild Ale House. We grabbed beers and I enquired about crisps and the barman relayed several flavours but black pudding jumped out at me. Not had that flavour before. Turns out they were black pudding and mustard and the m word was not referenced at the point of purchase, and this was the strong flavour but they were still good. Despite being English with a French granddad I don’t do mustard. I might have to start.

We headed upstairs and joined Dennis and Keith but before long it was departure time. We said goodbye to Jane (isn’t that a Slade song?) who was heading back to Blackpool but it was so good to see her. I boarded the coach and immediately checked the Walsall score to find out that we were 3-0 up at Grimsby. The coach was late departing and by the time it did we had won 4-1. Happy days to quote my great mate Josh.

As is tradition we stopped at The Holy Inadequate in Stoke on the way back. Apologies for the lack of pub exterior photo but last time I was fannying around taking shots and then of course was back of the queue with everyone off the coach. There was also a load of passing rugby fans in there along with the locals. This time I was third through the door and served straight away. By the time the queue died down I reckoned I could get another pint in before departure and threw in a pork pie too to make it worth paying by card.

We were soon back in Walsall. There was a great band on in Katz that I’ve seen twice before but opted not to go as I’m doing go sober for October. If you’re not familiar with this it’s a challenge and you’re not allowed to get drunk this month. I figured a few more pints would have me edging towards that kind of level so I opted to be a good boy and I was home in time for the Consumer Hour on LBC. Marvellous day.

When the Walsall v Bromley match on October 12th was called off due to international call ups, I thought I’d use that now free time very wisely. Let’s go on a pub crawl of Willenhall as I’ve not done this in a few years. I messaged my mate and former SciChem colleague Liam who lives that way and he said he could only do the Friday. No probs there, Friday night it is.

I thought I’d experiment with a short cut leaving work. I turned left at the end of the West Wing and exited the building opposite the new A&E. I’ve not used this exit before so it was very exciting.

I must say the pavement heading away is shocking but I didn’t clock this until I nearly went over on my ankle. Thankfully I didn’t need a closer look at A&E and quickly continued. I headed down Forrester Street and it brought me out by the 529 bus stop. For once a plan had worked. I was en route and it was only 4.42pm. I then remembered that I wasn’t meeting Liam until 7. I should have taken a long cut instead.

To kill time I went in McDonalds on the edge of Willenhall. Routine visit but my Mozzarella Dippers didn’t have the two Monopoly stickers on that they should have done. This could have been my Mayfair getting moment. I was going to have the place up but I had Mozzarella Dippers to eat so just sat down and shut up.

I walked from there into Wilenhall. I didn’t know that The Oak had closed, but was aware The Prince Of Wales had and that looked a sorry sight. I still had plenty of time so decided to go exploring the back streets, mainly as I wanted to check where Ring O Bells is as despite having gone there before I wasn’t too sure.

Then I got a message off Liam, he was somewhat early. 40 minutes so to be precise. He was 5 minutes away so I quit the exploring and soon we were in The County, the first of 6 pubs on the to do list.

I’ve not had beer with Liam since September 2021 which looking back was the start time of my big 6 month downer which took over my life. I did mention this but quickly pointed out that supping with him didn’t cause the downer. First discussion was the usual “who are you still in touch with from SciChem?” Nobody really on his part where I’ve still got a few pals from there.

The pub was busy, there was a DJ deck set up in there which I’ve not known in this pub before. Music was mixed but generally ok. We weren’t there long and as we departed people were jumping into our graves before I’d finished pushing my chair in. Good to see the place so busy.

The Royal George was next. This had the biggest Madri banner I’d ever seen outside. It was mossiv. Inside Liam got the round and I had Madri. The advertising had clearly done a job. Another busy pub and it was absolute standing room only. I’ve seen a few things on Twitter on how the pub scene is dying but the first two boozers were offering plenty to the contrary.

Next up was The Three Crowns. A pub I’ve been in before but up the top of the market so usually missed off on pub crawls. It roared back onto my radar when we had a Friends pf Highgate Brewery social there for the first time in August. The beer was great, dtaff and locals were friendly and they even put a buffet on for us. I had a nice chat with the landlords mom as I was leaving and I promised I’d be back and I like to think I keep my promises. Only took 2 months too, much quicker than my usual return visits.

This was a new one on Liam. He’s walked past it lots but never fancied it but he hadn’t even got through the door and he spotted Forged Irish Stout on the bar, he was sold immediately. I went for Yorkshire Pale Ale, but I didn’t note the brewery. It was served in a glass with finger groves built in. I only know of these previously from very short lived Bud Silver bottles around 2006.

The beer was so good on both of our parts and they didn’t last long. We had finished our pints in pub no 3 and it was only 7.43. Needless to say a motion to stay for a second was quickly proposed, seconded and passed unanimously.

The music was really good. On came one of my all time faves, Set You Free by N-Trance. I immediately sounded the “Song Of The Night” award klaxon. Next up was Vengabus by Vengaboys. Liam called this for the award. I countered that we couldn’t both have a song for this and that we needed an absolute banger to unify the titles. I half expected Eddie Hearn to walk in at this point as he loves a unification bout.

Next up was The Workers Rest. I was worried that this had closed as it hadn’t come up on my Pubs Galore search on the dinner break. Liam said it was now called The Loft and was just two minutes away and he was not lying on either count.

I love this pub. Probably the most me pub in Willenhall. It was busy and karaoke was on. We sat where we could see the performers and I told Liam of my internet based search for a lady, including e-harmony which has been a failure so far and then Facebook Dating which has been somewhat more interesting. I still think I need to grow a pair and actually chat up a lass in a pub. I need a night on the pull as I we used to say back in the 90’s.

Ring O Bells was next, Liam guided us there but it was in darkness and we just stood there looking it at for a few seconds. Then I heard a noise. It sounded like the door was being unlocked. Was this a new kind of pub which looks closed but they are observing from inside and let you in if they like the look of you?

The door opened and a man appeared. “Are you open?” asked Liam. “No, we’re closed.” “Permanently?” I asked. I’m not one for joining in conversations but this was desperate times. “No, just for tonight. Back open tomorrow.” He shut the door behind him and wandered off down the street. The Crown then.

The Crown is a great pub. Nice corner building and usually my last or penultimate pub due to its closeness to the 529 stop. It was karaoke in here too but the in between music was 80’s. On came Candy by Cameo. I yelled “this is our unification song of the night.” Liam claimed that he didn’t know it. To try and swing it I even joined in with the line “I toss and turn in my bed in the morning when I think about you” although I was at pains to point out that I was singing this at him and not to him. He made a further claim that he’d never heard it before. Bloody youngsters. We didn’t manage to unify the titles.

We had a couple of beers and obligatory photos in here. We asked the karaoke man to take the one shot and he said my bald heads was affecting the lighting. This brought back memories of when I appeared on the ITV Sport Channel quiz Do I Not Know That? back in 2001. On that occasion the floor manager strode over and put make up on my head citing that it was causing a glare in the lights.

Liam crashed us both a pack of pork scratchings (most of which were eaten on the way to The Walsall Arms for breakfast the following morning) with the last round, and I then got a taxi home. Epic night, and I thinkwe’ll do it again, even if it’s just Ring O Bells. We aint leaving it 3 years again though Liam.