'On the weekend it's like a big party' - We explored a small village near Wolverhampton with a thriving pub scene

The quaint South Staffordshire village is just a short drive from Telford and an even shorter train ride from Wolverhampton. 

If it’s your first time in the area, you may be surprised - like I was - by how many places there are for a tipple.

There are four boozers only a stone’s throw from each other, including Shropshire’s very own Joule’s Brewery, as well as longstanding pub The Bull, which features a lovely courtyard and even a play area for kids. 

We caught up with Jae Fitzpatrick, the bar supervisor of Joule's taphouse The Crown in Wood Road, to find out what drew him to the village - and why plenty of people make the trip out. 

 Jae joked: “I actually live in Oldbury so I travel 30 minutes every day - it can't be too bad!”

The 25-year-old, who has worked at the pub since July 2023, added: “It's a nice, quiet little village. It's quite a close-knit community. You see a lot of the same locals come in every single day.

“It's a beautiful place to visit. 

“This pub in particular, [things are] starting to really pick up now. 

“A lot of people are traveling to Codsall, because we host a lot of big events, especially in this pub, word-of-mouth events, things like that. 

“It can get really busy on the weekends, but also during the week. We have a selection of food so if you're looking for something more quiet, come in the week!

“On the weekend, it picks up - it's like a big party.”

Jae would recommend people visiting Codsall to explore the other boozers too - Love & Liquor, The Bull and Codsall Station. 

He added: “There's a big park just where Birches Bridge is, and they always have a big fair on so there's plenty to do.” 

In the same pub, which is beautifully decked out like all Joule’s pubs are, we bumped into Peter and Carol Woodifield of Kent enjoying a few pints. 

As longtime Wolves fans, they’ve made the trip to the West Midlands a number of times and said they’ve come into Codsall for the day to explore. 

Peter said: “We're in Wolverhampton for a few days, since Sunday's match [against Brentford].

“Codsall has always been one of the places on our list so that's why we decided to come here today for a couple of hours... really just a relaxing few days at the end of the football season.” 

While they’ve been in neighbouring areas and explored parts of Shropshire on their many travels, too, this is the first time the couple have stepped foot in Codsall - and Peter said they’ll most definitely be back. 

“It's a nice, quiet area as well. There are very friendly people up here.

“What we've seen so far, it's really a very nice place to live. We’ll definitely come back.

"We came up with a train from Wolverhampton. It's only less than 10 minutes from Wolverhampton centre so it's quite easy to get to as well - I would definitely be visiting again.” 

Pints aside, Codsall is home to many other brilliant independent businesses. One that may surprise explorers is Cue and Dart World, based in Station Road. 

The business, which stocks darts, pool and snooker essentials, boasts an impressive five-star rating on Google from 160 reviews, proving to be a hit among locals and tourists in the two years it's been open in this location. 

Staff member Ollie Wordley, who used to live in Codsall too, said: “It's a very peaceful village. It's really nice. 

“A few nice little cafes and restaurants and things like that. I think Codsall has pretty much got everything.” 

Ollie named Medicine Kitchen and Bakery, just a few doors down the road, as one of the best businesses around - and one visitors should definitely pop into when in this part of the world. 

Despite the poor weather, the bakery was filled with people enjoying coffees, cakes and sweet treats. 

Staff member Dylan Johnson was happy to share his experience of the village. 

The 18-year-old, who has lived in Codsall for the last two years but joined the bakery last November, said: “It's quiet. It's a nice little good sense of community in the village. And [Medicine] is a nice place to work. 

“The area is lovely, especially when it's nice and sunny. 

“We've got nice places to eat, like Medicine. We've got more than one pub in the village.”

What locals would like to see more of

The teenager would like to see Codsall grow a little further, with a fast food chain like McDonald’s added to the offering. 

While Ollie said the village has got “pretty much everything,” he’s inclined to agree - and would like to see the Greggs open on a Sunday, too. 

Jae would also love to see more for the youth. 

He explained: “I'd say we're the only sort of bar that has a big night life. 

“There's quiet spots here and there, but maybe something for the younger kids to come in and maybe enjoy themselves a little bit more [would be nice].”