Barton Arms Experience March 27th 09
Up for it were
Yup, Richee-Lionel, Granpop Bill, Dasher, Craigee 50/50, Ax / Wilton, Mr Tahoohigh, Mid Week Tone, Downsized Dave, Triglett and Dasher
The Barton Arm’s experience had been on the cards for some time, and finally, Joe’s agonising wait had come to an end. A short trip by train to Brum and we sauntered out into the west mids sunshine into New Street. The sun was so bright that it dazzled Pedro who almost became the first casualty of the day, crossing the road on red, oblivious to the requirements of the green cross code.
Just a few minutes from the station, our first stop was The Wellington, a real ale pub with a difference. The Wellington is a specialist real ale pub with 15 handpulls, which include regular beers Wye Valley H.P.A., Purity Mad Goose and Black Country Ales B.F.G, Pig on the Wall and Fireside. The other pumps have constantly changing guest beers from independent and micro breweries and all are displayed on a computer screen at the end of the bar. Another thumbs up for them is that they promote the use of their facilities for eating your own food in the bar and using their condiments etc.
The Wye Valley HPA, was no 1 and was certainly a no 1 extra blond favourite. Dasher, requested a Pig on the wall at no 15, with a dash. If looks could kill. We were so lucky not to get thrown out. Ax shrugged his shoulders, exclaiming that it was not a pub for the ordinary man, as there was no lager or smooth flow.
After just a couple of drinks our thoughts turned to food as we spotted a group of young business chappies devouring giant Cornish pasties. Bill, had already eaten, but was not to be caught out and eagerly agreed to join the rest of us on a sortie to find the Cornish Pastie shop near St Phillips Cathedral.
Sitting in the glorious sunshine in the cathedrals grounds we opted to return to the Wellington for more of the same, before the long hike to the Barton Arms. We were all ready for the off with no delays. It was remarked that perhaps it was because JayCee wasn’t with us. Downsized Dave confirmed it was the best no 15 he’d ever had, but had no recollection of its name. I suspect it may have been the B.F.G.
As
expected the walk was to take half an hour along the A34 to Mr Tahoohigh’s Holy
Grail. His dream of visiting a local Oakham’s ale house had finally
materialised and the long walk had been worth every step, even the ones taken to
pace footway widths, in the interest of his career development. The pub is one
of the finest examples of Victorian pub architecture, built in 1901 and one of
the most beautiful pub interiors in the country. The exterior wasn’t too
inspiring but the interior, excluding the worse for wear wastrels slumped
near the entrance, was the personification of Victorian decorative grandeur,
with rich mahogany wood, stained and engraved windows and mirrors, and wall to
wall Minton-Hollins tiles, from shiny-glazed decorative patterns to huge painted
scenes.
Lord Tahoohigh stood against the roaring fire with his ale in hand and a huge grin. He was in Heaven. But then so were all of us, with the choice of several Oakhams ales at hand, including Bishops Farewell and Asylum, and the sweet aroma of thai food filling the rooms. Upsettingly, an attempt to order a small selection failed as last food orders stopped at 2.30. Nuts !! Yes they were the only alternative as we waited patiently for Richee and Graigee to appear, who had made a belated start from Stoke. Oh, and there was a detour incorporated to visit Craigee’s financial advisor in the City Centre to review his portfolio. Luckily we had several barrels available to empty. Pedro was seen supping Bishops Farewell in a straight glass, and was elevated to the ranks of the enlightened. Joe was either in, or on, ecstasy and was gleefully inspecting every aspect of the building, taking photos at every opportunity.
Finally, Rich and Craigee arrived so we forced ourselves to sup another one before inviting the barmaid to take a group picture of the gang on the sweeping wrought-iron staircase.
Axe’s taxis arrived (well done Axe) to take us to the Anchor in Digbeth, which we’d visited only a couple of years ago. Despite the varied selection of ales, most were awful and Trig was yawning. A resounding vote to depart quickly was taken. A photo opportunity arose at the Bull ring with Axe attempting to be born again.
The
route to the indian in Broad Street, took us past the grade two listed Old Joint
Stock, a Fuller’s pub, so
it would have been
inconsiderate of us not to call in. Like the Barton Arms, as you step inside
the huge front doors you step back in time to Victorian splendour. Above the
pub, I’ve just discovered, is an 80-seater studio theatre which hosts music
nights, comedy nights, one-off evenings and a whole range of plays. We had a
comedy sketch of our own though to watch at the bar as the juggling glass of Mr
Tahoohigh magically swung to and fro without spilling a drop until the drum roll
and Dasher was baptised from head to foot.
The waiters at the Barajee Indian were happy to see us stumble in and showed us to a discrete table in the far distant corner out of harms way; or so they thought.
A couple of bottles of house wine were ordered whilst Trig perused the wine list and ordered some top plonk. A few Cobras appeared along with excellent food and a surplus collection for the bill provided an opportunity to order a selection of either sambuccas or brandies. It was Trigglet’s first ever sambucca. To celebrate Tone christened the table with his beer and Arsonist Axe decided to light the table with his sambucca in the absence of candles. The waiters ran over to join in the fun.
Yes, oh what fun !! It was time to move on and return to the station, led by Dasher, after what had been a truly memorable day. There were fire engines everywhere. Craigee began humming his Chelsea building society motto ‘TLC, tender loving care not plc’ on the train back. How does it go again?? And ‘respect for tiling’ was proposed by Mid Week Tone which was widely supported.
Amidst the euphoria, Dasher and Mid Week Tone announced their suggestion of a mysterious mystery night which they would put together later in the year. Would it include an Indian, would it include real ale? Maybe not. We’ll have to wait and see ………………
There was just time to visit the White Star and absorb the day’s events, before getting a taxi home.
CLICK ON JOE OR RICH FOR MORE PHOTOS
Cheers, me dears
Yuppers (enjoy yer baltis)