Bus Pass Bandit: Part Forty One - LEAMINGTON

For a pre-Christmas treat, the Bandit and his accomplice arrive in Leamington to explore the Old Town south of the river - 'a walk on the wild side'.

The day begins with a return visit to the Micro Pug on Clemens Street where an opening half of Guinness is dutifully consumed.

A walk eastwards along the Grand Union Canal leads to the Fusilier on Sydenham Drive, next to the local shops.

Guinness will be the recurring drink of the day, hence another half.

An example of Leamington canalside architecture, complete with graffiti.

Leaving the canal for the backstreets, our explorers encounter The Green Man ...

... where - you've guessed it - there's scope for another Guinness. An Only Fools and Horses mural in the back yard is a fun find here. 

Nearby is The Joiners Arms, close to the Brunswick Hub.

Yes, yet more Guinness (with pool table accompaniment)

And also The Jet

Naturally it had to be Guinness again in The Jet.

Interesting developments beneath the old railway arches include the Windmill Hill Brewery and Taproom.

A nice Pale Ale from the Brewery means the Guinness is spared for a change, and the Bandit can savour the industrial setting among the fermenting vessels.

Next is the Southbound Cafe-Bar, confirming they are open despite the shutters keeping out the cold!

Here is an intriguing Jubel Peach Lager and an excellent selection of cheeses.

A further discovery is the Brubl Brewery (as guarded by an inflatable Father Christmas)

A sample of their Czech Mate Pilsner in a Brubl-branded beaker.

Finally a couple of stops on the way back to the Station. Firstly the Railway Inn.

We're back to the Guinness with pool table scenery again it seems.

And lastly Kelsey's Bar.

The last Guinness of the day has a table football setting, albeit with legless defenders. Merry Christmas!

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.