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Wolverhampton
Continuing the series of guides/suggestions for things to do on trips if you don’t want to get bladdered before the match, we now come to the first away game of the season, in the lovely picturesque town of Wolverhampton. Actually, you’ve probably got a fair idea that Wolverhampton isn’t really that picturesque at all. In truth it’s a typical West Midlands industrial town, whose wealth was principally founded on engineering and related trades. These days it’s getting smartened up a bit, though I think it’s fair to say it will probably never rival Stratford upon Avon as a tourist draw.
Given our record against Wolves, there is something to be said for having lots of alcohol pre-match, to numb the pain of the inevitable Clarets capitulation. Our last victory at Molineux was in 1986, thanks to a solitary strike from Neil Grewcock, but a lot of goals have hit the back of the Clarets’ net in the fixtures between the two sides since then. However, if you really do want to watch the match sober, here are a few tips for places to go, courtesy of our research bureau.
The town centre, where most of the attractions (!) are located, is but a short walk from the railway station. From the main exit of the station, go up the hill (the bus station is on your left hand side) and go straight down Victoria Street. At the crossroads of Lichfield Street and Stafford Street, go straight across. The High Street is the next left. The football ground is just north of the ringroad. From the station, follow the ringroad anticlockwise. From the centre, aim for the Stafford road (A449) and you’ll see the ground.
Eating/drinking
Unfortunately the Wolverhampton tourist office's link to places to eat and drink wasn’t very informative. Fortunately I have a work colleague who hails from Wolverhampton, who was able to give me the following tips.
- The ubiquitous Wetherspoons – ‘The Moon under Water’ is on Victoria Street, and will doubtless be offering the usual food and drink and variable standard of service.
- There are various places to eat in the ‘Mander’ and ‘Wulfrun’ shopping centres – see below for further details.
- There are also various coffee shops at the top of the High Street. Apparently the one next to the Wolves Supporters Club shop does a nice piece of cake!
- Various cafés and bars on the way from the station to the centre, especially near the High Street.
- A sportsbar called ‘Heroes’ – lots of TVs showing sport. You can get a coffee or an alcoholic drink here, but it might well be full of local heroes, i.e. Wolves fans, so discretion is probably advised (i.e. keep colours out of sight). It is located just outside the bus station.
- Near the crossroads where Lichfield Street and Stafford Street meet, there is a curry-house that comes highly recommended – ‘The Dilshad’. Go left at the crossroads (if you’re coming from the direction of the station) and then take the 1st left again.
Cultural stuff/other
- The Art Gallery on Lichfield Street (in the centre) is recommended. It has collections of 18th and 19th century art, and also exhibitions of 20th century popular and contemporary art. If you’re not feeling that cultural, however, then the ‘Mander’ and ‘Wulfrun’ shopping centres are in the centre. They are pedestrianised and have various places to eat. The Mander shopping centre in particular has been recommended to me as having some decent shops.
- It's also possible to visit Banks’ brewery, and even to go on an organised tour, time permitting. The brewery is about 15 minutes walk from the train station, in the Chapel Ash area.
More information
The Tourist Office is found at 18 Queen Square, and they can be contacted on 01902 556110 if you want any information. Their website is at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/tic. You can obtain a map from www.wolverhamptontheplace.co.uk.
Joanne Pilkington
Last updated August 2002
Please note that the information above is our own opinion and is supplied as a guide only. The London Clarets cannot accept any responsibility for the quality/availability of any of the facilities mentioned. We suggest that if you intend to visit a particular establishment, you contact it directly beforehand to confirm opening times, prices, etc.
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