Ale lovers can lap up latest news

Real ale lovers can now get their hands on the latest stories from some of the Black Country's most popular watering holes thanks to a new pamphlet.

The new edition of the Ales & Tales booklet is a joint project by the Stourbridge and Dudley branches of Campaign for Real Ale. It includes a glimpse at the colourful past of The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley, which has won the coveted title of West Midlands Pub of the Year. The earliest mention of the Beacon, which is home to Sarah Hughes Brewery, was in a directory of 1870.

Abraham Carter was described as a beer retailer of Bilston Street.

It later passed to John Hughes, who set to work on restoring the pub and the adjoining brewery, which ceased work in 1958.

Almost 30 years later, it started once again selling Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild. There are also details of the other West Midlands Pub of the Year finals, which include the Waggon & Horses in Halesowen and the Pyle Cock, Wednesfield.

The booklet includes a preview of Camra's cider and perry month taking place in October and details of other events in the year.

Chairman of the Dudley and South Staffordshire branch, Stan Stephens, said: "The coverage will now extend to most of the Black Country and enable greater interaction between Camra and the drinking public."

The newsletter is available from real ale pubs in Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen and South Staffordshire. Log on to www.stourbridgecamra .org.uk