Bus Pass Bandit: Part Ten - WALSALL

It had been a busy few days for the Bus Pass Bandit but the prospect of a bostin' Black Country evening in Walsall with his henchman was enough to entice him out again on Wednesday 21st February...

First a cultural visit to the Art Gallery to see the drawing 'Sorrow' by Van Gogh.

Next to the Black Country Arms, a pub which is always on the Bandit's radar whenever he's in this neck of the woods.

Sitting comfortably in the Black Country Arms with Dark Intentions, as you do!

Then on to the very comfortable Wheatsheaf for some Enville Old Porter.

The fire here was on particularly good smouldering form, just what you need on a chilly February evening in Walsall.

Next is The Victoria (Katz) for some Woodforde Nog - the steak night seems popular with many regulars in attendance.

It is getting dark upon arrival at the Fountain for some intriguing Choco-Mint Fandango (Green Duck Brewery) - and we thought the Bandit wasn't much of a dancer!

And a final stop at the Registry (previously Yates's) for some Hobgoblin Gold.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Nine - WELLESBOURNE

After his Kinver and Caunsall incursion the previous weekend, our Bus Pass Bandit hero was closer to his home turf again when plundering the wilds of Wellesbourne on Tuesday 20th February 2024...

First stop of the day is The White Swan, Kineton (a little village in south-east Warwickshire between Wellesbourne and Banbury).

Timothy Taylor's Landlord in the White Swan with hints of Bob Dylan.

St Peter's Church, Kineton looks glorious in the sunshine...

...and is followed by the outstanding Stags Head in Chestnut Square, Wellesbourne (one of the Bandit's perennial favourites).

Some Rosie's Pig cloudy cider goes down very well at the Stags Head.

And finally another Wellesbourne hostelry, the Kings Head...

... complete with a nice pub sign...

... and a half of Titanic's Plum Porter

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Eight - KINVER

The Bus Pass Bandit swapped his usual Warwickshire remit for a combination of Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands for this eighth episode from his travels...

The Bandit took a train to Stourbridge to meet his accomplice, then caught the 242 bus to Kinver where they joined the Staffs & Worcs Canal at Kinver Lock (next to the Vine pub).

A scenic walk to Caunsall is rewarded with a much-anticipated pint at the Anchor...

Traditional Worcestershire scrumpy cider and a legendary cob - just look at all that salad!

Cookley Tunnel was a highlight, followed by a swift half in the Bulls Head

Back to Kinver and the excellent Constitutional Club to sample some beer from the Kinver Brewery...

... hence a very 'Noble' pint indeed!

A further stop at Wollaston for the Unicorn (Bathams) and the Kingsbridge Bar

Then back to Stourbridge for the lively Crafty Jar and a final call at the Duke William (Craddocks Brewery).

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Seven - STRATFORD

Weekend wandering was on the agenda when the Bus Pass Bandit swooped upon Stratford (and surroundings) in search of transport history on Saturday 10th February 2024...

One of the Bandit's calling points was the Ferry in Alveston, a small village beside the River Avon

An interior view from the Ferry in Alveston, showing the bar promoting local cask ales and Fish Friday meals

Also from the Ferry, a warming fire and a half of Shagweaver (North Cotswold Brewery)

The Bandit also found time for a lunchtime tipple at the Old Tramway in Stratford-upon-Avon itself, noting the log pile and dartboard

An exterior shot of the Old Tramway, Stratford-upon-Avon. The Stratford and Moreton Tramway was a 16 mile long horse-drawn wagonway between Stratford canal basin and Moreton-in-Marsh, opened in 1826, with a later branch line to Shipston-on-Stour.

The Tramway Bridge over a flooded River Avon

And here's a surviving wagon from the old tramway, complete with reference to Thomas Hutchings of the Newbold Limeworks

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Six - KENILWORTH

For his sixth excursion, the Bus Pass Bandit took a short ride to historic Kenilworth on Wednesday 31st January...

His first tipple of the day was Obsidian Stout in the Virgins & Castle. This pub is a must-visit whenever the Bandit is in the Kenilworth vicinity.

Kenilworth Castle looks imposing even on a grey and overcast winter's day

A final drink and a very friendly welcome in the Ale Rooms, Kenilworth (they also have a sister establishment in Knowle).

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Five - ALCESTER

Southwest Warwickshire was on the agenda when the Bus Pass Bandit staged his fifth raid upon the region's bus network. Alcester with its Roman charms beckoned on Wednesday 24th January 2024...

First up was the Holly Bush on Henley Street, always worth a look

An exterior shot of the Holly Bush in Alcester, operated by Everards

The Turks Head on Alcester High Street did not escape the Bandit's clutches

An external sighting of the Turks Head, a building which operated as an antiques shop for several years prior to becoming a pub again

The Church of St Nicholas is another Alcester highlight

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Four - EVESHAM

Monday 15th January 2024 saw the Bus Pass bandit out on his travels again, this time exploring the 28 bus route between Stratford-upon-Avon and Evesham...

A most inviting scene in the Red Lion, Evesham: a pint of cider, a roaring fire and some Uley Brewery beermats. Wish you were here?

An exterior view of the Red Lion, Evesham. The pub is situated on the town's Market Place.

The return journey was punctuated by a stop at the Bulls Head, Bidford on Avon.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Three - BANBURY

The Bus Pass Bandit was determined to make the most of the better weather at the start of January, hence a ride out to Banbury on Monday 8th was very much in order. Naturally there was one particular pub firmly in his sights for a pint pit stop...

- Hook Norton Happiness -

Yes it had to be Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn on Parsons Street, stopping by for a Hook Norton Porter amid the timeless coaching inn surroundings. The Bandit is always particularly partial to anywhere with links to the English Civil War.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Two - RUGBY

For his second jaunt, the Bus Pass Bandit was at large on 6th January 2024 visiting one of his very favourite establishments - the Merchants Inn in Rugby where the ale selection is always excellent...

- A perfect pub scene? -

What could be better than Caramel and Chocolate Shortbread Stout sitting in a cosy armchair by the fire? The Bass enamel advertising merely adds to the allure!

Bus Pass Bandit: Part One - SHIPSTON ON STOUR

For the opening leg of his travels, the Bus Pass Bandit visited Shipston-on-Stour on 4th January 2024...

- Enjoying a pint in the Black Horse -

- The quaint frontage of the Black Horse -

Bus Pass Bandit: Introduction

Welcome to the adventures of the Bus Pass Bandit, the collected tales of a retired library cataloguer as he explores the bus routes - and pubs - of Warwickshire and surrounding counties. Prepare yourself for pint pictures and cosy interiors as he navigates the network in search of the best beer...