Bus Pass Bandit: Part Forty - BIRMINGHAM

The Bus Pass Bandit has been keeping a low profile lately but normal service looks like gradually being resumed with this sampling of Second City staging posts...

The Bandit returns to Birmingham and meets his co-conspirators in the Woodman, a pub recently reopened next to ongoing work on HS2 in Eastside.

Sitting comfortably in the Woodman's Smoke Room with a fruity pint of Titanic Plum Porter.

Next stop is the Eagle and Ball, a Birmingham City University student pub with illustrations from the old Polytechnic 'Polygon' magazine on display.

The Bandit recalls reading these publications during his own days as a student.

Half a Guinness and a complimentary bag of crisps will do nicely here.

We have to negotiate a construction site on our way to the next pint, but at least this warning sign seemed to be aware of our intentions!!

The Sacks of Potatoes in Gosta Green is another student pub, this time on the Aston University campus.

The Lilley's Rum Cider is an unexpected (but rather tasty) offering.

Our final stop is the Gunmakers Arms, taphouse for the Two Towers Brewery.

And a taste of their Hockley Gold to finish.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Thirty Nine - SOUTHAM

The Bus Pass Bandit reports for duty yet once more, this time with a brief to seize more prized Warwickshire plunder in the vicinity of Southam. What beer-related bounties lie in wait?

Here we go with Bus Pass Travels #39 whereby today the Bandit sets off aboard his trusty 665 Stagecoach steed from Leamington to Southam.

The Holy Well at Southam is said to be over a thousand years old and was noted historically for the cleanliness of its natural spring water.

The first pub of the day is the Fox & Hen at Bascote.

Enjoying a pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord watched by three cows - they look a bit grumpy so let's hope they approve of Yorkshire-brewed ale!

Back in Southam and a visit to the Olde Mint. This Early 16th century building has links with the English Civil War and was once used as a Royal Mint.

Perhaps King Charles I drank in here before the Battle of Edgehill in 1642? The first official skirmish of the Civil War was at Southam. Today the beer is Shagweaver from the North Cotswold Brewery.

Onwards to the Bowling Green.

And some Wye Valley HPA.

St James Church in Southam is constructed out of Lias limestone and red sandstone.

The final stop is at the Black Dog, next door to the dry cleaners.

Hobgoblin Gold from the Wychwood Brewery brings the curtain down nicely.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Thirty Eight - HATTON & ROWINGTON

Thirty eight episodes in and the Bus Pass Bandit shows no signs of stopping. Let's see where he's been off to for this September contribution...

To begin with, the Bandit heads back to an old favourite - The Case is Altered, off Five Ways Road in Hatton.

The Case Bitter is now brewed by the North Cotswold Brewery.

Next a chance to explore the Wroxall Estate complete with fishpond scenery.

The main house is now a luxury hotel, while the Church of St Leonard is on the site of a former Priory.

Onwards towards Rowington and a welcome stop at the Rowington Club.

Delighted to find they have Cheddar Valley cider!

Tom O' The Wood in Rowington is well situated by the Grand Union Canal.

The Tom O' The Wood poses obligingly...

... and has some nice Rosie's Pig cloudy cider.

A walk up the canal leads to Lapworth and on to the train station.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Thirty Seven - LLANGOLLEN

Every so often, the Bus Pass Bandit likes to spread his wings away from Warwickshire and the West Midlands by seeking out sightseeing opportunities further afield. This trip is another such example...

For this next offering in his series of occasional awaydays, the Bandit heads to Llangollen and a trip on the Heritage Railway from Corwen.

A view of Llangollen Station over the glorious River Dee, which the train follows for most of the journey.

Heading over the bridge into Llangollen town centre.

The first stop is at the Corn Mill.

And a rather nice North Star Porter.

A climb up to Llangollen Wharf gives a chance to explore the canal.

St Collen's Church in Llangollen.

The next stop is at the Liberty Tavern and Wine Bar.

And some Hobsons Town Crier (resisting the Staropramen branding).

It is time to take the return train back to Corwen.

The ticket office at Corwen.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Thirty Six - KNOWLE

An early autumnal extract from the Bus Pass Bandit's repertoire now as our towpath-traipsing hero takes the Grand Union Canal north to Knowle...

The Bandit's starting point on this occasion is the Navigation Inn at Lapworth.

Some Seafarers English Ale is a fine way to commence one's journey.

A swan enjoying the peace of the canal.

The next pub up the canal is the Black Boy, a nickname generally given to King Charles II.

St Austell Tribute is the tipple here.

A little further on is the Kings Arms at Knowle.

And some UBU from Purity Brewery.

There is a very impressive flight of locks at Knowle.

In the centre of Knowle is St John's Church.

And nearby The Vaults Real Ale Bar, an old favourite.

The Nelson Sauvin hop beer is from Mallinsons Brewery.