Tag: Chester Road

May 14th – It’s been eight months now since I recorded the closure of the Mango Tree restaurant on the Chester Road in Aldridge. Soon after that, it was reported the building had been bought, and a new venue was to open there. Well, when I cycled past at 4pm today, it seemed that Voujon is now ready to reopen, if it hasn’t done so already. Looking smart, and totally refurbished, it’s nice to see the building back in use again. There’s a long history of eating establishments of this site – from transport cafes to a Little Chef. I wish the new proprietors well in their venture.

October 19th – Another moron who can’t wait a couple of seconds, causing me to brake to make allowance for his impetuosity. There’s really no need for this – he didn’t save any time, and just pissed me off. Is there a gene that makes some folk like this, or is it a hormone thing?

For fans of the ride videos, they’re difficult right now because of the sun angle at the time I got to work. Hence this one is a bit dingy. Hoping the situation will improve soon.

September 5th – I’ve only just noticed that the former Mango Tree Indian Restaurant, near Stonnall on the Chester Road, has closed. It’s clearly been shut for quite a while. I’ve never found it anything other than average and nobody ever seemed to rave about it. Once this building was a transport cafe, open 24 hours, then a Little Chef. Nothing ever seems to prosper here. Wonder what will become of it?

August 30th – The Chester Road between Shire Oak and Stonnall forms quite a steep hill. The sandy soil on this side of the ridge, coupled with the presence of an open demolition site and a landfill access way on the brow of the hill mean that when it rains, sand and detritus is washed into the local drain gullies, most of which are permanently blocked as a result. This one has been in this state for several years, and I think is now beyond recovery. It’s worrying because when it rains, surface water flows down this road like a river as a result, lowering traction, reducing braking and soaking the determined cyclist….