Ales of the Unexpected

Picture via The Bearwood Blog...via Google maps...

If you're on Facebook, Twitter or read The Bearwood Blog you'll probably already know that an application has been made to rescue the magnificent former Midland Bank on the High Street (currently lying empty after a brief spell as a pawn shop) and transform it into a real ale pub. This is very good news indeed. Any inward investment is welcome right now of course and this would undoubtedly bring new people into the area, especially as it's going to be run by the team behind The Wellington, one of the UK's best real ale pubs. Happily the vast majority of the local population seems to be 100% behind the idea but if you want to show your support you can write to the planning department via http://webcaps.sandwell.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=MYOHBHNR00L00

If you're in any doubt about the kind of place this new pub would be just pop into The Wellington some time for a pint or two of Vicar's Todger. Real Ale fans will travel considerable distances for the good stuff and it's not hard to see this new pub becoming a real attraction. A rejection of this application would, quite frankly, be a travesty so let's hope this one sails through eh?

Whilst we're on the subject of pubs and bars it's important to keep supporting those we've already got of course. Use 'em or lose 'em...it's as simple as that. Cheers!