The Wharf, September 2000

Decided one summer evening to cycle from Birmingham to Lichfield following the National Cycle Network Route 5 which was in the process of being marked out at the time. It follows the Birmingham to Wolverhapton canal and then later passes through the Sandwell Valley Country Park before entering Walsall where the route becomes somewhat hard to follow through the centre of the town. Andy and I at this point were feeling a bit worse for wear and decided that as darkness was rapidly approaching that we should seek shelter and liquid refreshment in the Wharf and then catch the train home. Not having been to walsall before the Wharf was remarkably easy to find, being situated beside the Walsall Art Gallery and as the name of the pub suggests, it's right by a canal that they've 'de-shopping trolleyed' and generally 'done-up.'

The Wharf hasn't been around that long and was awarded a Pub Design Award by CAMRA and English Heritage soon after it opened in 1998. As the photo shows, it doesn't particularly look like a pub but within there's no doubt as the bar is a clear dominant feature of the pleasant very modern interior. It's open plan with plenty of seating and large windows for those that wish to see the goings on outside along with slightly more intimate areas for those who are there for a quiet chat. On warm days you'll find chairs and tables outside if you fancy enjoying a pint of Highgate real ale, a coffee and perhaps even some food from their interesting bistro-style menu available during the day though I don't think that they serve food during the evening. The pub is owned by the Highgate and Walsall Brewing Company and a selection of their excellent beers is always available.

For those that enjoy live music, they often have bands in towards the end of the week.

Andy with flyer, September 2000