04/06/22 – Stourbridge and Lye

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Got the train from Birmingham Moor Street up to Stourbridge Junction, had to change here for the shuttle train from Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town.

Kingsbridge

A 15 minute walk from Stourbridge to Wollaston up to the first bar “Kingsbridge”. Formerly a TV Shop this is now a modern and well decorated micropub. A great layout inside with the bar in the corner and seating around it.

4 cask ales to choose from here from Wye Valley, Bewdley and Two Towers. Also they serve a selection of 4 changing keg beers.

Royal Exchange

A walk back down the hill towards Stourbridge town centre, calling into Royal Exchange on the way. This pub is owned and run by Bathams Brewery based in Brierley Hill.

2 beers available here on cask, these being a bitter and a mild. Went for the bitter, a really enjoyable drink.

Haul Beer

A walk back into the town centre and head to Haul Beer. Advertised as a tap room and bottle shop with lots of seating inside and friendly staff and customers.

A good choice of 9 Keg beers and 3 ciders to choose from. Went with “Crushing the Waves by Nothing Bound”, a very refreshing pale ale at 5.3%.

Duke William

The Duke William is a locally listed Edwardian town centre pub and home of the Craddock’s Brewery. Really great well kept interior which is in keeping with the age of the building.

Seven cask ales available with 3 of them being from their own brewery. Went with one of their beers – Saxon Gold. A very pleasant Golden Ale.

The Hop Vault

A few minutes walk back down the high street brings me to The Hop Vault. A tap room and bottle shop in one.

Noticed a collaboration beer on here from Vault City and Brew York “Juice”, a lovely 8% Sour Smoothie.

Wagon & Horses

A bit of a walk up hill to the Wagon & Horses who are hosting a 5 day beer festival with a range of beers that are replaced when one runs out. Lovely freehouse with a great outside area at the back of the pub.

A choice of seven changing real ales on from breweries from all over the country. Started off with “DEYA – Best Foot Forward” followed by “Three Sods Brewery – Old Normal Pale Ale”

Red House Boutique

Heading back down towards Stourbridge Interchange to Red House Boutique. A large bar

A tap takeover from Marble Brewery in Manchester was on so most of the handpulls were taken over. Went with the Persephone – a tasty pale ale.

The Dog House Micropub

Last call before heading back on the train was to The Dog House Micropub, situated just over the road from the train station. A great one roomed pub, very friendly snd serving sandwiches and snacks.

2 hand pull cask ales available (the third had run off), both were from Woodcote Brewing Co, I went for the IPA.

Seven Stars

Back on the train from Stourbridge Town to Stourbridge Junction. Just down the road from the station is “Seven Stars”. Run by Black Country Ales this is a magnificent Edwardian Grade 11 listed building, look out for the ornate tiling and timber bar on the interior.

As usual with Black Country Ale pubs they have a great selection of cask ales on, here being around 13. Started with Bright Eyes GPA from Dhillons Brewery followed by Chain Ale by Black Country Ales.

Green Duck Brewery Tap

Another quick 10 minute walk to get to Green Duck Brewery Tap based in an industrial estate. A large venue inside with the brewery at the back, and a pizza stall at one side of the room.

A choice of seven real ales alongside several keg beers from Green Duck Brewery. Went with their Session IPA, just what I needed after the uphill walk to the brewery tap.

Windsor Castle

This was the former tap house for the family owned Sadler’s Ales since 2004 until the new Brewhouse opened, sadly now closed. It now has Printworks Brewery on site attached to the pub.

A choice of eight cask ales on here all from Printworks Brewery and a good range of styles. Decided to go for Jubilee Queen (a 4.5% Pale Ale)

Beat Brewery Tap

Last call of the day is to Beat Brewery Tap, located in an industrial estate next to Lye Train Station. A large industrial building with lots of seating, and the bar in the corner.

6 cask ales to choose from (5 of which are from Beat Brewery). The Raver was my choice, a great session IPA with a citrus aroma.