Friday 27th May - Monthly Chaps Outing - Birmingham and Penkridge

I know Penkridge quite well for non beer reasons so the chance to visit some of its pubs was eagerly anticipated.

Met up with the gang (at least those who were on time) at the Shakespheare for Brain's Milkwood before getting the train to Penkridge.

We started at the Littleton Arms where there was due to be a Japenese themed food night meaning it would apparantly get busy later on. For me the beer choice was Backyard's The Hoard (brewed after the Saxon Discovery near the brewery.)

Next to the Star where we sat outside (in the shade!) sampling Ringwood Forty-Niner and then Jennings Cockerhoop.

Boat next (my suggestion) but little choice so for me it was Blacksheep.

Last pub in Penridge was the Horse and Jockey where I went for Banks's Mild.

At this point train timing meant I had to depart earlier than the others so left with GP back to Birmingham. We tried to get into the Brier rose but it was too busy so I ventured up to the wellington for Keltek 4K Mild and then Merry Miner Going Underground.

Back at New Street station I spotted a poster for a forthcoming musi festival and amonst the various acts in the smaller type face I noted one band that were new to me - must have been the inclusion of food in their name, so without further ado this blog's new must listen to group - Bowling for Soup.

Saturday 21st May Burton - Beer Circle Social

The emails definitely said 4pm at The Cottage so where is everyone? Eventually our party forms up! Three beers tasted here included:

1. Northern Brewing One-Der-Ful Wheat
2. Darkstar Golden Gate
3. Cottage's Stout

Alfred next and the Burton Bridge Porter was sadly off so it was Bridge Bitter for me.

Finally the Coopers where there were a number of Oakham beers from which I selected and then AttillaBlack Hole Porter before finishing on Broadoak's Perry (<-- OK its not a beer so for completeness.)

20th May 2011 - Hopwas Beer Festival

On our recent trip round Tamworth, RG noted an advery for the forthcoming Hopwas Beer Festival (their second) and remembering what an excellent event it was last time then who was I to refuse!.

We met at the Globe for a swift Holden's Mild before wandering round to the bus station. "We've got 20 minutes" I ventured and so we quickened along to the White Lion for a swifter Blythe Palmer's Poison.

Out to the Scoial Club at Hopwas for the following:

1. Oakham Citra
2. Two Towers Jewellery Porter
3. Black Country Ales Essington Supreme
4. Church end Howas Ale (a house beer it appears)
5. Wye Valley Butty Bach

Back to Tamworth and the Sir Robery Peel for Tirrel's Academy Ale and finally Sharps' Doombar.

28th April 2011 - Round Tamworth

RG wanted to thank me for pointing him at a new job he'ed just gained so offered to treat me to a Wetherspoon's curry. Gratefully accepted I went for their Madras accompanied by Ruddles Bitter and also Pheonix Wobbley Bob.

We thence to the Sir Robert Peel firstly for Blonde Bombshell from Old Mill Brewery followed by Cat Nap from Barngates whilst watching a tribute to Bobby Charlton which even without the sound was worth watching.

Finally to the Globe where I went for Bass.