Friday 12th June - Warwick

Friday night outing with GP and co (for co read DL this time as the rest were otherwise engaged.) Oriiganally there had been talk of going to Solihull but DL thought better of it and so after a bit of research have declared a change for Warwick and an excellent choice it was as well.

Anyway, we met at the Joint Stock (here) by Birmingham Cathedral. I used to like this place but the £3.10 a pint, combnined with the slightly heath robinson serving arrangments whilst their cellar was being seen to makes me wonder if that's still sound judgement. There was a reduced choice this time as a result and it was either London Pride or my choice Seafarers Ale which although having George Gale on the pump clip is actually produced by Fullers'. GP pointed out the cost for a 3.6% beer and made me wonder as above but later research (see here) made me feel a little better as I had in a small way been charitable (I reckon 4.03p headed the charity's way as a result of my purchase.)

Off to Snow Hill for the train, well I headed over there as I had to buy my ticket, GP and DL had already got their's and so headed for a swift half to the Old Contemptables.

I hung around the concourse for a while then DL showed and we waited and waited and assumed that GP had been for a quick jimmy riddle (see previous posting as to why this isn't actually possible in the Old Comtemps) and eventually he appeared via the lift - several seconds leg pulling about use of the lift followed by which time we found ourselves spread out on the nearly full Londion service.

Eventually we arrived at Warwick and set off for The Bowling Green (here) a rather pleasant Charles Well pub which whilst in the town centre had a cosy village pub feel to it. We could have had Eagle, or Bombidier but I chose Waggledance. A pleasant conversation on book shops, beer festival trips and the like followed in the garden which featured a Boules area.

Next we stode out in the approaching but not quite there yet dusk, past a council workman trying to get a paving slab flat with the biggest rubber mallet I've seen for some time and eventaully ended up on the far side of town at the one pub I've previous experience of in Warwick, The Old Four Penny Shop (here). A reasonable choice with RCH Pitchfork, Deuchers IPA, Warwickshire Market Beer, Archers Special and Brains SA was to be had whilst we continued the conservation in the garden (see picture on above web site), As you'll see, its not actually a garden it tables and chairs around the car park and what appears to be recently added accommodation area which makes it feel more of a motel than a hotel, still a pleasant evening so can't complain.

Onwards to The Zetland Arms. As seen on TV, whoops Youtube, here they offer Black Shep, Pedigree or my choice Adnams Broadside.

Final stop was atthe Great Western (see here). Enroute past the council workmen just packing up. As can be seen on the photos on that web site, it looks as though as some stage the surrounding ground was higher than today. Limited choice but its close to the station and whilst I could have had Curage Directors, I opted for some San Miguel (well you sometimes have to remind yourself how poor the world would be without real ale.)

Back on the station in good time for the return journey, getting off at Moor Street for several in the Anchor in Digbeth (web site here). As always a good choice and mine were Rudgate Ruby Mild and Kelham Island Park Life. Other choices that night were Acher's Golden, Everards Old Original, O'Hanlons Storm Stay, Westerham Summer Perle, Holts Mild, Dent Golden Fleece, Everards Sunchaser, Acorn Quantum, Newmans Mount Snowden PA andMilestones Coach and Horses.

Time to go, don't worry, we'll take the rear entrance to new street said GP, no we won't its shut so up the next rear entrance (don't come this way at night alone warns GP) but anyway back in good time for the train homeward.