Franconia Beer Message Board
OT: SamSmiths |
| Posted by Jason on 2015-09-09 03:02:20 |
| Nellies (aka The White Horse) in Beverley is possibly my favourite Sam Smiths pub, named after a previous fierce matriarch (the OBB was spot on, as was the service). FYI Sam Smiths don't sell their OBB to the free trade (very exceptionally to CAMRA for festivals). If you like Sam Smiths pubs, take a trip to the West Midlands, specifically the Black Country, home to some wonderful pubs. If you base yourself in Dudley (unremarkable but friendly place but with great bus connections) you can visit numerous historic gems and enjoy one of the best bitters in the world. A short trip down to Netherton will find the Old Swan (Ma Pardoes) home to a Victorian pub and brewery that is one of only 4 brew pubs listed by CAMRA in the 1970s that still exitsts (the others being the Blue Anchor, All Nations and the 3 Tuns). The owner is an eccentric character who still wears a Victorian waistcoat and tails - if you ask he would be delighted to show you round the fully functioning Victorian brewery. On another bus route one can visit the Beacon Hotel, another Victorian pub which houses the Sarah Hughes brewery in Sedgeley, famous for their 6% Victorian ruby mild, a lovely beer. The pub is really something, a time warp, yet fully functioning hub of the community. Not far from Sedgeley is Sallys (aka The Britannia), another Victorian gem, with a wonderful back room which is unchanged from the turn of the 19th century. The pub is owned by a brewery which holds the main reason for visiting this area, Daniel Bathams and Son. Bathams remain a family owned brewery with a moderate pub estate based in the West Midlands. They do not supply their beers outside of their estate as they wish to ensure optimum quality control. 3 beers are produced, a Best Bitter, Mild and Strong ale for Christmas. All the beers are very good, but the Best Bitter is wonderful, a true session beer, simplicity itself and packed with flavour - tasting notes don't so it justice. The prices are also very good. All of Bathams' pubs do the simple things very well. Their pubs are just that; no gimmicks, no fuss, just good beer and conversation. Their flagship pub and tap is the Bull and Bladder (aka the Vine) in Brierley Hill, yet another Victorian pub with all the Bathams trappings. The area is famous for the friendliness of its locals and this pub is the epitome, rarely have I been in without getting to know a few locals (whether I wanted a quiet pint or not). Whilst the West Midlands isn't top of everyone's list for tourism, for the beer enthusiast it is nirvana. These brewery owned pubs aside, there are multitude of freehouses in between which make bus/walking tours a doddle (invest in a copy of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide). Dudley sits on the door step of the Worcestershire plain, a beautiful part of England, with many interesting places to visit. The Severn Valley railway (heritage steam line) is not far away and one can stop off at beautiful Georgian Bewdley (which has some great pubs) or Bridgenorth, a lovely town with yet more excellent pubs to enjoy. The stations at both Kidderminster and Bridgenorth have railway refreshment room pubs, with a wide range of ales. Further north is Ironbridge, home to the famous Brunel bridge from whence it takes it's name. Gone off on a bit of a tangent but long story short, if any of this grabs you then try and visit, it's one of the few places i've been that matches Bamberg for the importance of the pub in it's community (you will have noticed all the pub nicknames). If you mention Bathams to anyone who has visitied the area you will know immediately; a far away look in their eye and an expression of utter contenment will give it away. Any more infomation please ask. |
| Followups: |
 OT: Black Country by Mark Andersen on 2015-09-09 05:55:56 |
| OT: Black Country by Jason on 2015-09-09 06:35:51 |
| OT: Black Country by barry on 2015-09-09 12:55:51 |
| OT: Black Country by JohnRatcliffe on 2015-09-10 01:36:23 |
| OT: Black Country by Jason on 2015-09-10 03:21:13 |