Latest news with #BlackCountry
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Five Dudley Borough pubs named among top 500 in England
FIVE pubs from across the borough have featured in the top 500 pubs in England, according to a guide published in a national newspaper. The Telegraph has published its list of the 500 best pubs in England, with five of them hailing from Dudley. Expert Will Hawkes curated the list based on their charming character, welcoming staff, history and award-winning beer, The Telegraph says. With drinking holes from Sedgley, Dudley, Brierley Hill and Stourbridge featured, Dudley boozers counted for one per cent of all the pubs in the list – quite a feat when considering the size of the borough compared to England as a country. One of the five was The Robin Hood in Amblecote, described by Hawkes as 'probably the best of the town's pubs in terms of atmosphere and beer, which is invariably in peak condition.' He said: 'The Black Country can be a bit confusing, geography-wise, but things are simple when it comes to pubs. 'They tend to be good, and they're particularly good in Amblecote.' A stone's throw away lies The Unicorn in Wollaston, which also features on the list. Highlighted for being a 'small and cosy' spot, Hawkes said visitors to The Unicorn should expect 'robust and often entertaining conversation, filled cobs (roast pork on Saturdays), and a deep sense of contentment'. The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley is perhaps one of the most well-known in the whole Black Country, so it is unsurprising that it too featured in the top 500 guide. Home of the award winning Sarah Huges Brewery, this historic drinking hole was described as 'a Black Country pub that doesn't feel like it's changed much since the Victorian era', creating an atmosphere like not many others. From being crowned the Best Pub in the West Midlands by The Telegraph earlier this year to winning the CAMRA Dudley Pub of the Year for 2025, The Bull and Bladder (or as it is known to the rest of the country officially, The Vine), has been basking in well deserved success this year, so it was to be expected for it to feature in the list. Hawkes said: 'The Black Country has more high-quality pubs than pretty much any other bit of Britain. 'The Vine Inn (known locally as the Bull and Bladder) is perhaps the best because it's handsome, good value, and, most importantly, is attached to one of England's great old breweries, Batham's.' The fifth and final local boozer to make the cut was the historic Old Swan Inn in Netherton, known for its beer brewed on site and its beautiful, ornate enamel ceiling. In his description, Hawkes called it an 'unmissable' pub which has a charm that 'feels more authentically Victorian than any other you'll find in England'. To view the full list of pubs, visit
BBC News
2 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Wolverhampton volunteers test water quality at nature reserve
Volunteers at a nature reserve in Wolverhampton have carried out a water quality check by surveying the number of aquatic invertebrates in the Valley Local Nature Reserve volunteers carry out several of these checks a year in the Smestow latest check was carried out by Kate Tobin of the Friends of Smestow Valley volunteer group, Waterside Care, and the reserve's conservation surveys look at a variety of aquatic invertebrates such as freshwater shrimp, water hog louse, blackfly larvae and leeches, which volunteers said were "all important biological indicators of the brook's ecological health". The volunteers carried out the invertebrate survey by conducting a manual kick sampling survey across a five-metre stretch of the brook, collecting three representative samples - using Environment Agency sample was analysed and used to indicate the quality of the water."These surveys are vital for tracking the long-term health of our freshwater ecosystems and ensuring the continued biodiversity of Smestow Brook," a spokesperson for the volunteer group Valley and rail network is a 4.5km (2.7miles) long site, which forms part of the Black Country UNESCO global creatures spotted at the reserve over the years include a beaver, as well as badgers, foxes, and muntjac deer. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Car found with wheel hanging off and dodgy insurance - but that wasn't worst part
This was the aftermath of a crash in the Black Country which left a road blocked off. A single-vehicle collision involving a blue Skoda took place on Baptist End Road in the Netherton area of Dudley. The vehicle was left with one of its front wheels hanging off following the crash. READ MORE: Man with 'distinctive tattoos' sought after doorbell camera and car smashed up Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join West Midlands Police officers discovered the car had a fraudulent insurance policy. But that wasn't the worst past - as a large knife was discovered inside the vehicle. The driver ran from the scene and enquiries were ongoing to trace him. The Skoda was seized as part of police enquiries. Taking to X, Brierley Hill Police wrote yesterday evening, July 25: "We have attended a single vehicle collision where the driver had ran off. "The car with a fraudulent insurance policy has been seized along with the large knife located inside. Man seriously injured after Handsworth stabbing as attackers still on run Police warning sent to protestors ahead of village's latest demonstration "Enquiries are on going to trace the driver."
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
School holiday park football sessions offered by Wolves charity
Free football-based activities are being offered to young people by Wolverhampton Wanderers' charity across eight parks in the city during the school holidays. Participants aged eight to 18 are welcome at the weekly Kicks in the Park sessions starting from Monday, the Wolves Foundation said. The sessions are in addition to the regular Premier League Kicks ones it holds during school holidays, "offering young people the chance to meet up and enjoy football in a safe and secure environment".All sessions are completely free but places need to be pre-booked, said the charitable foundation. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Wolverhampton children in care get ready for adult life on course
A summer programme to help 14 and 15-year-olds in care develop essential independent living skills has been launched. The course set up by the City of Wolverhampton Council will cover a range of topics that include healthy eating, food hygiene, cooking, budgeting, savvy shopping and taking part will also have access to young persons's advisers and supported accommodation providers to learn more about what support is available to them as they get programme will be delivered by the Wolverhampton House Project, a council-backed initiative that helps to provide homes for care leavers. Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for children, young people and education, said: "As young people in care approach adulthood, it's important they feel prepared, informed, and empowered to take on greater independence."This programme will help bridge the gap between care and adult life by providing hands-on experiences in key life skills and at a pace that works for each individual."She added: "This programme is all about giving young people the tools and confidence to thrive as they move towards greater independence. "It will be a positive, empowering experience that will set a strong foundation for the future." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
