Bus Pass Bandit: Part Forty Eight - KNOWLE & DORRIDGE

Wishing to make the most of some rare February sunshine, the Bus Pass Bandit sets his sights upon Solihull Borough by picking out four prime pubs around Knowle and Dorridge...

A scenic view from the centre of Knowle with hints of the Parish Church in the background.

The first drinking stop is the Red Lion on the High Street, operated by Ember Inns.

A good setting for an opening half of Purity UBU.

Also in Knowle is the Ale Rooms micropub.

Here we have shiny leather chairs and a very tasty Holden's Toffee Porter.

Onwards to Dorridge next where the Forest Hotel can be found opposite the railway station.

Time to enjoy some Fuller's Grand Slam in the garden.

The Railway Inn, however, is nowhere near the station...

.. but does have 'Side Pocket for a Toad' from Tring Brewery.

After that amphibious encounter, the Bandit retires back to Dorridge Station for his train home.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Forty Seven - WARWICK (yet again!)

Proving that he must be a glutton for punishment, the Bus Pass Bandit has made it a hat trick of Warwick Winter Walkabouts. Here is what he got up to in the third of his February trilogy...

The Craftsman on Smith Street seems like a suitable starting point this time around.

The choice here is Deya 'Steady Rolling Man'. The selection of bottled beers is very good too.

The Thomas Lloyd Wetherspoon is a convenient place for lunch, overlooking the Market Place.

A Korean fried chicken bowl is accompanied by Theakstons Old Peculier.

Also in Warwick Square is the Tilted Wig.

And a taste of Timothy Taylor's Boltmaker.

Situated opposite is the Rose & Crown.

Where Harry's Heifer from the local Church Farm Brewery is available.

Nearby in Theatre Street is the Globe.

And some Hophead from the Dark Star Brewery

And finally on to Ronnie's Bar on Jury Street, a memorable place which celebrates Ronnies of various persuasions!

The last drink involves Ronnie's Cider accompanied by just a few of the Ronnies who are honoured here.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Forty Six - WARWICK (again!)

The Bus Pass Bandit must have gotten quite a taste for Warwick Winter Walkabouts, for here comes his second such outing in as many days...

Picking up where he left off previously, the Bandit starts at the Eagle which can be found on The Holloway.

The Eagle offers a unique cellar atmosphere and some hoppy Ampersand Cascade.

Next on the list is the nearby Old Coffee Tavern.

The Twelfth Night is from Goffs Brewery - note the fancy cutlery holder!

The Old Fourpenny Shop in Crompton Street is an old favourite.

Some Pale Ale from the local Church Farm Brewery will do nicely.

In West Street is the Castle Inn.

And comfortable surroundings in which to enjoy half a Backyard Blonde.

A return visit to the Old Post Office cannot be resisted.

Froth Blowers Riverside Stout makes a good finale.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Forty Five - WARWICK

For his first February helping of highwayman activities, the Bus Pass Bandit undertakes a Warwick Winter Walkabout on a cold and frosty morning...

The first stop is the New Bowling Green on St Nicholas Church Street.

A warming fire and refreshing Brewpoint Anchorman awaits.

Next up is the Wild Boar on Lakin Road, very convenient for Warwick Station and a place the Bandit has frequented a few times over the years. The pub is a Project William collaboration between the Everards and Slaughterhouse breweries.

The Bandit opts for a Slaughterhouse specimen on this occasion, hence a tipple called 'Alright, Alright, Alright!' which is billed as a laid back amber bitter.

Nearby is the Oak Inn in Coton End, a long narrow pub with a simple frontage.

St Austell's Conversion suggests a Six Nations Rugby theme.

This illustration is a reminder of the horse drawn tramway which once ran between Warwick and Leamington.

On the same road is the Black Pug (formerly the Millwright Arms) with its distinctive black and white facade.

Time for some Wye Valley HPA.

Now on to the Elephant & Castle.

A good place to enjoy some Guinness and cricket - the Bandit's watching presence did not bring England any luck, sadly.

And a final stop at the Roebuck on Smith Street

Theakstons Old Peculier always goes down well.