180 Peterborough & District Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale December 2014 / January 2015
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers!
PUB AWARDS
FOLLOW THE BEAR
Merit Award presentations and Pub Of the Year nominees inside
Celebrate this old Fenland plough custom in Whittlesey this January.
ALSO INSIDE PUB & BREWERY NEWS
GOTTA HAND IT TO ‘EM Bram and Sue from the Hand and Heart win Gold Award
DIARY DATES
JOIN CAMRA
Both pubs are in the CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE 2015!
PETERBOROUGH CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2014 & 2011 CAMRA Gold award 2013
Ten Real Ales from £2.00 a pint Live Sky Sports • Live Entertainment
Happy Hour Monday - Friday 5-7pm
PETERBOROUGH CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2014 Runner Up
CAMRA Gold award 2013
Six Real Ales from £2.50 a pint Live Sky Sports • Live Entertainment
Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 5-7pm Cash Quiz every Sunday from 8pm
Price: £10 per ticket. Pre-purchase only, not available on the door. Please buy from the venue. Ask at the bar for more details. The Ploughman Staniland Way, Werrington Centre Tel: 01733 327696
The Dragon Hodgson Centre, Hodgson Ave PE4 5EG Tel: 01733 578088
Editor’s ramblings | 3
A pub is for life not just for Christmas! Greetings! Can’t believe it’s nearly that time of year again! The Festive Season! (I like to think all seasons are festive, but is that just wishful thinking?) At least it’s an excuse, if one is needed, to meet up with friends/family in your local or meet them at theirs. The dark nights can be offputting, and it’s easy to convince yourself not to venture out, but your local needs you! I came across an article the other day in November’s edition of CAMRA’s What’s Brewing, entitled “Drinking Beer is the Healthy Option”. The article says “drinking beer is good for you and that’s official. Supping a pint of beer a day helps you live longer, cuts the chance of heart attack by a third and it’s not going to make you fat, experts at the European Beer and Health Symposium in Brussels have found.” They go on to say that moderate beer consumption can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Food for thought! Think I’ll go out for a pint even though it is dark and damp, and mull it over. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. Cheers. JB
Editor: Jane Brown bae-editor@real-ale.org.uk
Published by: Peterborough & District Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.
Produced on behalf of CAMRA by: Orchard House Media Ltd 9a South Street, Crowland, PE6 0AH Tel: 01733 211933
Magazine Design & Production: Daniel Speed daniel.speed@orchardhousemedia.co.uk
Advertising Sales Manager: Jane Michelson jane@orchardhousemedia.co.uk Tel: 01733 211410
IN THIS ISSUE Welcome from the editor 3 Chairman’s corner 5 Coalies in Newark 7 Pub of the Year nominees 8–9 Pub news 10–13 Brewery news 14–17 Follow the bear 18–21 Disappearing boozers of Stamford 23–25 A big hand 26 Telford ale trail 29–31 Gig guide 33 Diary dates 35 CAMRA Christmas party 36 Top tips 37 Contacts 38
Are you missing out? Get Beer Around Ere delivered to your door! For a year (6 issues) send £3.48 for second class or £4.02 for 1st Class or multiples thereof for multiple years. Please send a cheque/PO payable to “Peterborough CAMRA” and your address to:- Daryl Ling, 19 Lidgate Close, Peterborough PE2 7ZA
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Circulation: 7,000 copies distributed to pubs, clubs and members throughout the Peterborough and District CAMRA Branch area. A digital version of this magazine is available to view and download at issuu.com
Main Cover Image: John Moore
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Beer Around ‘Ere is published by the Peterborough & District Branch of CAMRA Copyright © 2014, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Views or comments expressed in this publication may not necessarily be those of the Editor or of CAMRA. The next issue of Beer Around ‘Ere will be available on the 29th January. We must have your stories, news and advertisements by 6th January. Please send your stories and other copy to the editor, Jane Brown.
DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 | BEER AROUND ERE
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Huntingdonshire CAMRA Rural Pub of the Year 2014 Two Beer Gardens (one V.I.P!)
Opening Times Mon - Thurs: 11am-3pm & 5-11pm Fri - Sun: Open all day
Food Served All day Sunday
BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015
Childrens Bouncy Castle every Sunday throughout the summer Refurbished Restaurant
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Chairman’s corner |5
Chairman’s Corner
Darker nights have descended on us with the inevitable reduction in the number of people going to the pub. It’s a seasonal thing it seems! In the last few years the weeks leading up to the ‘silly season’, Christmas, have been somewhat slack for the pub trade. A few with some enterprising skills do ride the period by enticing customers through their doors, in various ways, whether it is a charity night as recently put on at The Heron in Stanground or, a winter ales beer festival. The point I’m trying to make is for licensees to make a greater effort and do something to get customers through the doors, rather than just sit and moan about the lack of drinkers.
As the year draws to an end we can take stock of how many more pubs we have lost this year. For example, if you were to go on a pub crawl starting in Woodston/ Fletton heading towards Stanground, on leaving The Coalheavers in Park St. the next pub you would come across would be over a mile and a half away, in Stanground. This scene is repeated in many parts of the city, where you have to trek well over a mile between pubs. It‘s still unbelievable that, in many areas of our city, people do not have a pub within a ten or fifteen minute walk from their homes. A situation that was unheard of a few years ago. Our new Pubs Officer John Temple has been making a vigorous effort in checking out many of these past and present pubs. A survey by Dr Ignazio Cabras of Newcastle Business School has come up with several facts that show pubs (in particular rural ones), can have a high level of complementarity between pubs and social events and activities within the community. They are deemed to be more effective in promoting community events such as sports matches, charity events and social clubs than other places such as village halls. Nevertheless the most powerful solution for avoiding pub closures would still rely on us as it’s a simple case of use it or lose it, maybe for good. All our local branch members should have received a letter and voting form to cast their votes Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
for our Pub of The Year (POTY) and to list their choices for inclusion in the 2016 Good Beer Guide. As we have seven contenders this year for POTY we expect a good return of votes and a close competition. Your nominations for pubs to be considered as GBG entries are also of great importance. Please note the change of address to return voting forms and the deadline date. It would be advisable to send them in before the Xmas post rush, or you may prefer to send them by email. Only present CAMRA members can cast votes and please only list pubs within our branch area. We would also like to see as many members as possible to our AGM on the 10th December at The Brewery Tap. Prior to that and one not to forget, our social night on the 6th December at The Ploughman, Werrington. It just remains for me to wish you all the very best compliments of the forthcoming season and to look forward to a healthy and happy New Year. Cheers David Murray Branch Chairman
Award Presentations
On 19th October a minibus of CAMRA stalwarts visited Ramsey and Whittlesey to present Jolly Sailor and Letter B with Merit Awards.
Bruce receiving his award from Dave Murray our branch chairman.
Landlord and Landlady, Paul and Louise Crawford with Dave Murray DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 | BEER AROUND ERE
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BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015
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Coalheavers’ Gang off to Newark |7
Coalies in Newark Coalheavers mini trip part one A very small group of us headed off to Newark recently. None of us had been before, it`s not too far away and we had heard good things about it. The only down side to the trip was the cost. We thought it would be about £15 so didn`t bother getting advance tickets and we were stung for £20.20 each for a half hour journey. Newark had better be good after paying that amount!! Luckily it did not disappoint. Pub number one was The Fox and Crown owned by Castle Rock. Around 10 beers were available here though all were from Castle Rock or Tower. This was not really a problem as we all quite like Castle Rock beers. We arrived there about 11.30 and the place was full, and it’s a fair sized place. There was a coffee morning going on and we were offered coffee and cake but we didn`t need any, we had beer.
Beer range in the Flying Circus, Newark
Pub number two was the recently opened Organ Grinder, owned by the Blue Monkey Brewery. The pub is very similar to The Organ Grinder in Nottingham. Seven beers were on sale, all from Blue Monkey, but with beers as good as theirs you don`t really need any guest beers. They did say that they would be having guest beers in the future. Very quiet when we were there but I`m sure it gets busier later. Definitely one to visit. So good we stayed for a second pint.
Next pub was another recently opened one and based on a Monty Python theme. The Flying Circus only had 3 beers on and one was a Milestone. There was a Brewster’s beer and one made especially for them and called Norwegian Blue, after the famous dead parrot sketch. The pub is full of Monty Python things, pictures and quotes, plus an outside mural depicting the “Romans go home” sketch. Beer was ok, but if you like Monty Python you must go. They actually sell cans of spam! On now to The Castle which was pretty good too, with half a dozen beers to choose from, a couple of local beers, one from Oldershaw’s and even an Oakham beer. This is quite a large pub and was quite busy while we were there. Worth a visit. Just over the road from The Flying Circus is the superb Just Beer. It does exactly what it says on the label, it only sells cask conditioned ale. No lager, no wine, no spirits and no bottles. It`s a very small place and I imagine if you timed it wrongly you may not get in. Luckily for us it was fairly quiet. There were at least eight beers available and I had only heard of three of them, but the stout I had was superb. In the four years they have been open they have gone through about 2700 beers, 2400 of which were different beers. Quite impressive I think. If you go to Newark, you must visit here. Final pub of the day was the fantastic looking Prince Rupert, owned by the Thurlby estate and a sister pub to Stamford`s Tobie Norris. There were 6 beers on but we spent most of the time just looking around the little rooms, nooks and crannies. A really great looking pub that is bigger on the inside than it looks. Another must visit. All in all Newark was really worth going to but I will book my train tickets in advance next time. Dave Botton
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DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 | BEER AROUND ERE
Peterborough & District CAMRA Now is the time for all good drinkers to come to the aid of our classic locals. CAMRA members it’s your time to vote for Peterborough Pub of the Year. All of the pubs listed below have been selected because they have promoted real ale, continued to serve beer in excellent condition, expanded their customer base and reached out to the community.
The winner will be put forward to Cambridgeshire Pub of the Year and possibly Champion of the Eastern Region and National Pub of the Year. So why not go and see why they have been nominated and vote with your throats? Mike Blakesley
THE CROWN 8 Duck Street, Elton. PE8 6RQ Listed building on the village green that is pre1700. Rebuilt in 1985 after a major fire in stone with thatched roof. Large comfortable bar with beamed ceiling and inglenook fireplace. Separate snug and Orangery restaurant. Four to six real ales normally available. The house beer, Golden Crown Ale, is supplied by Tydd Steam Brewery.
BLUE BELL 39 High Street, Maxey. PE6 9EE This 19th century pub was originally a barn with dark wooden beams and flagstone floors. Large bar with beamed ceiling immediately inside the front door. A smaller room can be found to the left which is decorated with stuffed animals and birds and fishing photographs. The nine real ales available via hand pump always include a beer from Oakham Ales and either Abbeydale Absolution or Fuller’s ESB.
VINE INN 19 Church Street, Market Deeping. PE6 8AN Small, two-roomed pub which used to be a Victorian school house. An old limestone building featuring oak beams and stone floors. Undercover patio area at rear. ys. Quiz night and open darts board on alternate Sunda in d Close le. possib are Functions for up to 120 November 2010. Reopened as a freehouse April 8th 2011 with five handpumps serving beers that often include Hopshackle.
All information from whatpub.com, The Campaign for Real Ale's online pub guide
Pub of the Year 2015 nominees |9
Pub of the Year 2015 Nominees JOLLY SAILOR 43 Great Whyte, Ramsey. PE26 1HH Grade II listed building that has been a pub for 400 years. The three linked rooms have wooden beams from various stages of time, as the pub was increased in size over the years. Pictures and paintings of old Ramsey adorn the walls. Crib, dominoes and darts played. Five real ales on offer.
LETTER B 53-57 Church Street, Whittlesey. PE7 1DE Two hundred year old local community pub near town centre with a warm welcome to all visitors. Was called the Bee for a while; now back to the Letter B. so Said to be named the Letter B because there were s. name of out ran they that lesey Whitt in pubs many Four C. There once was a Letter A and a Letter regular real ales are always available. COALHEAVERS ARMS 5 Park Street Woodston, Peterborough. PE2 9BH Small, friendly one roomed back street gem of a local, dating back to the 1850s. Eight hand pumps serving a mix of Milton Brewery beers, including a mild, and regularly changing guests. Real cider and a craft British lager also sold. The only Peterborough pub to be bombed in WWII and exclusive Bomber’s Drop used to be a regular house beer. The large garden is popular in summer and is used for the spring and autumn beer festivals.
HAND & HEART 12 Highbury Street Peterborough. PE1 3BE Essentially intact since built in 1938, this back street Pubs. community local is one of Britain’s Real Heritage its Art with bar public the A “drinking” corridor connects The . hatch a by served room rear the Deco fittings and darts public bar features a war memorial and real fire. Crib, of day Thurs last and dominoes played. Cheese club meets one, es includ s alway which the month. At least five real ales often two, house beers from Brewster’s.
Pub News
First the bad news. I, John Temple, am taking over this column. In so doing, I am acutely aware of the esteemed literati that have preceded me. So don’t expect too much. Now the good news. There are still some pubs open inside this branch. So equipped with my bus pass I shall endeavor to scour the remotest regions and report back to you. Of course it is a huge area. So please bear with me and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you think you are being left out. Country matters After nearly twenty years, I thought it was time to check out Stilton. This delightful little village still has four licensed premises. How does this happen? Is it prosperity or tourism? I was soon to find out. My first stop was the Stilton Cheese, a listed nineteenth century building with a central drinking area flanked either side by restaurant facilities. The pub boasts an enticing fresh fish menu with a distinct Portuguese tinge to it: crevettes in garlic and piri piri, Cataplana, Vinho Verde. I was severely tempted, but holding steadfastly to my principle of never eating on an empty stomach I thought it wise to drink some beer first. The choice here was Adnams Lighthouse and Tim Taylor’s Landlord. Further along the road to the sumptuous surroundings of the Bell Hotel. Most readers will be familiar with this food orientated establishment and I was pleased to note the four real ales, two of them local: Digfield Fools Nook and Bishop’s Farewell. I feel obliged to say, however, that as a dyed-in-the-wool working class lad I felt a bit uncomfortable here, if one knows what one means. It was therefore with some trepidation that I approached the Stilton Country Club opposite but I needn’t have worried. To begin with there was a board at the front gate announcing that non – members were welcome and there was no problem of getting signed in. The club has a very friendly atmosphere with a policy of welcoming new members. So I joined. Viewed from the front it is easy to discern the structure of this magnificent old coaching inn. BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015
I believe it dates back to 1741 and was originally called the Angel. The original inn has been converted into an Indian restaurant and the bar is now through the old courtyard and in the rear of the premises in what clearly were once the stables. It is a long, brick built building with the original oak beams. In fact the only thing that appears to have been structurally altered is the skylight halfway along the bar. A pool table and dart board are conveniently tucked away in their own area, and there is a full size snooker table further to the back of the premises. The club also boasts a mysterious underground tunnel which was recently investigated by a local psychic who unfortunately failed to make contact with anyone. Surely she should have known this. Licensee Roy Baines clearly has discovered the right formula, with a real ale selection comprising on this occasion Blue Monkey BG Sips, Tydd Steam Stargazer and Castor Stilton United. I noticed that a sparkler was placed on the plinth supporting the hand pumps. I asked if it was house policy to ask for the sparkler to be attached to the nozzle rather than for it to be removed, which indeed was the case. This was also the practice in the Talbot Inn and the Stilton Cheese. It seems that we have arrived at a new enlightenment. And finally to the Talbot Inn. This is the oldest pub in the village with records going back to 1530 and the second oldest building after the church. Another former a coaching inn, John and Jess Curran have been running it for four years. John told me that when he took over real ale sales were nonexistent. Now he has three hand pumps offering Bombardier, Young’s bitter (his biggest seller) and a guest ale, on this occasion from Beer Studio. All of the beer was in top condition. I was delighted to hear that John has noticed an increasing number of customers in the 18 -25 age group turning to real ale so they are obviously doing something right. The pub is decidedly biker friendly as it also plays host to Peterborough Branch Triumph Owners Club.
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Pub news |11
John Clare The previous issue of Beer Around ‘Ere carried the news that George Sakkalli, landlord of the Golden Pheasant has applied for a licence for the Exeter Arms in Helpston. I am pleased to be able to confirm that this has now been granted and I met George recently to discuss his plans. He is basing his business plan on that which has been so successful at the Golden Pheasant so the reopening of the pub will provide a major asset to the village. It has been acquired from Enterprise Inns by the John Clare Trust and George will take full management of the business sharing the revenues with the Trust. This is a fitting tribute to the great man as I learned from George that Clare’s body was actually laid to rest in the adjoining barn before being buried in St Botolph’s church. George plans to turn the barn into a kiddie’s club featuring amongst other things Saturday morning pictures. He also plans to incorporate a library, and there is even more good news for the villagers as he will export the Pheasant’s exquisite cuisine to the pub using the same chef. George has taken the astute decision to write a news letter to local residents to allay their fears. The text is available from George@the goldenpheasant.net. The pub will open before Christmas with six hand pumps and will also feature some craft beers. The Decoy at Milking Nook is now open as the Decoy bar & Indian Restaurant, featuring two Oakham ales. Local news Despite the For Sale sign outside the Golden Lion (anybody with over £350,000 to spare?) things are certainly looking up in Stanground. Major investment is going into the Fenman in what is not so much a refurb as a major overhaul. The cellar has already been radically improved and work is currently underway to complete a new kitchen and to convert the saloon bar into a restaurant. The place is starting to look really classy, and the whole transformation is taking place whilst the pub stays open all day every day. I was disappointed that there was no real ale, but there are four hand pumps intact, and I understand that the new proprietor intends to reintroduce it in the future. Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
Up to 4 Real Ales available • Friendly village pub with riverside mooring • Large garden • Dogs welcome
Food served: Tues to Sun 12 - 2.30pm, Mon to Sat 6pm - 8pm
LIVE MUSIC
every Sunday 4pm til 7pm with a traditional Irish session band. Instrumental and songs. Instruments include fiddle, mandolin, guitar, flute and lots more. Rob and Meri are continuing their excellent stewardship of the Heron and are “chuffed” at the way things are going. Plans for the future include a new kitchen, a complete overhaul of the cellar including a dedicated python for real ale temperature control, and a new plinth on the bar to tidy up the hand pump array. They will continue to concentrate on LocAle beers. On November 1st the pub had a charity music and beerfest with one off brews being supplied by Bexar, Xtreme, Elland, Mile Tree, and Star amongst others, all in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK. Meri did tell me which bands were on but I seem to have forgotten. Jamie Brown at the Whittle (formerly the Whittle Way) is making strenuous efforts to promote his real ale policy with a Monday loyalty card system which offers a free pint for every six consumed. He has only been there for fifteen months and the pub went through a major refurb last October. He has expanded the real ales available from two to four and he tells me that
F
DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 | BEER AROUND ERE
12 | Pub news - continued
his custom has increased by about 200%, which seems to me to be about the right equation. The beers available on my visit were a Dark Horse beer from north of the border, Red Squirrel Red Dawn Mild, for which I was thankful, Jennings Cumberland, for which I was equally thankful, and Tim Taylor’s Landlord, for which I was truly thankful. Children are welcome in the bar until about 8.30pm.
After a tasteful refurb, the Carpenters Arms is now under the management of Georgina Springthorpe. Born and bred in Stanground, Georgina was previously licensee at the Golden Lion, so she has the perfect pedigree. Which is indeed one of the rotating beers, along with Bombardier, JHB, Spitfire and Tim Taylor’s Landlord. The pub boasts four pool teams, two football teams, pub games, Tuesday night quiz and live Sky Sports. I would like to wish her good luck but I really don’t think she needs it. Stamford trek Walking through Stamford is like walking through the corridors of time. Just to get to the Jolly Brewer you have to pass the mound of the medieval castle, now the bus station. Then past the 17th century canted bays of St Peter’s Street until arriving at Rutland Terrace, a Regency development designed to deliver the wealthy from the “squalor” of the Sheepmarket. And finally past the Bastion, the only remaining section of the original town wall. A millennium covered in a five minute walk. I was amongst the multitude that flocked to Dean’s autumn beer festival, which again was highly successful. No news yet on Dean’s proposed brewery, but this is definitely going ahead albeit in a remote location. Dean has promised to update us as soon as he has anything concrete. Whilst on this visit I picked up the ugly rumour that the Danish Invader was on the point of being razed to the ground. Now I suspect that this was just a typical piece of stereotyping. What else would you expect a Danish Invader to do? But given the level of pub closures the only way to find out was to visit the place. Imagine then my joy when I arrived at a pub that was not only still standing but actually busy and full of activity. And BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2014-15
this was two o’clock on a Wednesday afternoon. Imagine then my further elation when landlord, Chris Needham, informed me that not only was the rumour completely untrue, but that Enterprise Inns had only just rejected an offer of £1.4 million for the site. I found this a very welcoming family orientated business. Three hand pumps featuring Old Speck, John Smith’s Rough and Doombar. It was the best Doombar I had drunk since one o’clock. Not so good news on the Punchbowl which was closed and clearly faces an uncertain future. Any news on this pub would be appreciated. Just as well that the Green Man is just a few yards away under the enterprising management of Stamford man James Pallash who has turned the pub into a ticker’s paradise. James gets his beer from a distributor who deals directly with the brewers. Beers from Hopcraft, Artisan, Buxton, Anarchy and Scarborough were among the esoteric delights available on my visit. Getting back to the “squalor” of the Sheepmarket I felt it mandatory to visit the new Wetherspoons, the Stamford Post. The Post has twelve hand pumps, each with a small jar in front of it containing a small quantity of beer. The bar staff told me that this was to indicate to the customers the colour of the beer being dispensed from each pump. But I wasn’t going to buy that. It is clearly a strategy to deter scoopers by attracting their natural predators. It is good to see a new pub opening in an area where licensed premises are pretty thin on the ground. Within a sixty yard radius I counted only five: (Stamford Post, Cosy Club, Golden Fleece, London Inn, Millstone). And little more than a stone’s throw away just another four: (Melbourne’s, Crown Hotel, Periwig, St. Mary’s Vaults). How on earth do the denizens of this darkness manage any social life? Fenland update Being possessed of only five digits on each hand I am always reluctant to risk venturing into fenland. Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
But the lure of Whittlesey was too strong, and I am glad that it was because the Black Bull was selling Pedigree and Spitfire at £2.20 a pint. Manager Rose Black also runs the delightful New Crown at the end of the Causeway where the beer is served straight from the cask, and is keeping the Bricklayers open at least until the Straw Bear Festival. I noticed that the leasehold for the Ram is up for offers in early January, a peculiar time for it to change hands since this will also coincide with the Straw Bear. I regret that my principles do not allow me to comment on this pagan event, but my friend and colleague Mick Slaughter has agreed to shoulder the burden for me (see page 18). My next visit to the town was on the occasion of the long overdue presentation of a Merit Award to Bruce and Denise at the Letter B. Local micro brewer Xtreme was represented amongst the choice of beers, and I was pleased to observe that the entire contingent of the brewery workforce had taken the trouble to attend the event. Checking out the adjoining pubs, I was sorry to see that the Hero of Aliwal was still closed. I suspect that this pub needs to discover a niche market in order to survive between the Letter B and the Boat Inn where landlord Phil is maintaining his commitment to offering real ale to a high standard. I hope to have more positive information on the future of Whittlesey pubs in the next issue. There has been some welcome renaming in March. The Little London Inn has reverted to its former name the Men of March. And the men of March have prevailed again in Stars where the misguided plan to convert the pub into a bistro has been abandoned and it is now back to its original name, the Seven Stars, with a policy of beer first rather than food first. I was alarmed on my way into town that the inn sign for the Coachmakers was still missing but relieved to find that the pub had reopened in July. It was offering Green King IPA, Abbot, and St. Austell Tribute at between £2.20 and £2.50 a pint and they are in the process of restoring the sign. Whilst a debate raged in this bar concerning the Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
Pub news - continued|13
oldest pub in March, I attempted to resolve the matter by visiting the Ship Inn. With records going back to 1682 and the oak beams allegedly having been recovered from an old galleon, I assume that this august title is now beyond issue. The pub has been free of tie for the last four years and it is now offering up to five real ales and two ciders. Serious issues The George in Ramsey Four Foot is under threat with the owners seeking planning permission to convert the pub into flats. This is the only pub in the village and is clearly a candidate for an ACV. My esteemed predecessor, Neil Holmes, carried an article in the Issue 176 outlining the value of ACVs and I think it is worth reinforcing his message. He says: “Under the Localism Act 2011, people living in England can nominate a pub to be listed as an Asset of Community Value. Listing your local as an ACV provides communities with the power to postpone the sale for up to six months, earning valuable time to explore options for saving the pub.”
We know of at least two occasions when we were informed too late to stop the change of use. So if you think your local is in danger, please let us know. If we don’t know about it there is nothing we can do. John Temple Pubs Officer
Other News
The Bluebell in Helpston now has it’s own bitter “10 Woodgate” brewed by Star Brewery in Market Deeping. Originally known as The Bell Inn, the Ancient Order of Foresters (Court Forester’s Star) was founded there in 1841.
Send us your news! Calling all landlords and landladies! Had a refurb? Got a great event on? Started selling a new range of ales or cider? Let us know and we will add your news to these pages. Just email John Temple at pubs-officer@real-ale.org.uk DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 | BEER AROUND ERE
Brewery News Blue Bell Emma is very positive about the future of bottling at Blue Bell. Bespoke sales to the corporate bottling market for special events and occasions are increasing and sales to the Co-operative are remaining steady. The only beer being bottled is Old Honesty and this will remain the case for the foreseeable future. Cask sales are static. Castor Ales It has been a delicate balancing act recently trying to keep the local outlets supplied whilst supplying pubs and beer festivals all over the country. Hopping Toad appeared at the Rook and Gaskill in York, up against a range of Yorkshire’s finest ales. It then headed down south to Farnborough, and then to the deepest west to Falmouth for the Cornwall (Kernow) Beer Festival. Beer is the perfect complement to good causes and Castor Ales were very pleased to support the Heron beer festival in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK and Crystal Charity Ball in Spalding in aid of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Hopping Toad of course, is forever associated with the Kelly Simmonds Fund raising money for the Respiratory Sleep Study Unit at Papworth Hospital. Look out for new brews as winter’s grip tightens and the December festivities take hold. Merry Christmas and a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year to all. Cheers! Digfield Ales Digfield Ales were delighted with their Bronze award for Chiffchaff at the Peterborough Beer Festival. The 3.9% amber-gold bitter has been very well received everywhere including the Nottingham and Falmouth beer festivals. Digfield’s Xmas ale, Merry Monk 4.8% was brewed back in September, leaving time for the dark malty bitter to develop its full character in the cask before the season begins. Digfield ales will again be available in polypins during December. BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015
Elgoods North Brink Porter will be available for November and will be followed by Reinbeer for the festive season. The recent Elgoods/SIBA competition and beer festival was well attended and considered a success by the brewery. Elgoods gained success in the competition with Apple & Vanilla Wheat, Black Eagle, Golden Newt and Warrior gaining awards in their various classes. On the pubs front, The Blue Bell, Werrington will reopen on 12th December with new landlady Helen Wearby at the helm. Ales on sale will include Cambridge, Golden Newt, a seasonal and London Pride. Will be open all day and for breakfasts. Hopshackle Brewery New beer Midas 5.2% is now available and is a golden, malty, fruity beer with a dry finish. Hopshackle Christmas beer Jingle 5.2% is also available. A very dark spiced beer which went extremely well last Christmas. Hopshackle’s new brewery will be installed the first week in March 2015. It is a replica of the existing brewery, to match the retained fermenter and to keep the feel of the old brewery and its sense of tradition and history. All the new vessels will be clad in pine with an antique finish. The existing mezzanine floor is being retained and the larger mash tun will gravity feed the copper. It will have a maximum brewing capacity of 13 barrels (468 gallons) compared to the existing 4.2 barrels (151.2 gallons) Nigel has designed it so that he can brew anything from five barrels up to the maximum of 13. Retaining one of the existing fermenters will allow ‘one-off ’ seasonals and specials like Restoration 9.5% and Imperial Stout 9.3%. The existing brewery kit is to be sold and there will be no disruption in the supply of beer as stocks will be built up. Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
Brewery news continued |15
Kings Cliffe Brewery (KCB) KCB ales are following on from their success at the Peterborough Beer Festival with regular appearances at pubs in and around Peterborough, plus appearances at Nottingham and St Ives Festivals. Throughout December KCB will be supplying their two regular ales 5C and No 10 at a local near you. Acting on the customer feedback the KCB Pump Clip will be modified with the brewery name in full. OBT has now been discontinued and in its place is 66 Degrees a sweet and floral 4.6% ale, using Fuggles, Challenger and East Kent Goldings hops. Mile Tree Brewery In late September Mile Tree were very proud to be presented with SIBA Eastern Region bronze award for their 1850 Porter 5.3%. Their bottle label now sports a bronze medal! October saw two brewery tours, the first on 22nd October by Ramsey Young Farmers who sampled a selection of bottled beers. Good fun was had by all! The second on 28th October by Peterborough Conservative Club. There was a good turn out and the visitors sampled Harvest Ale, Autumn Ale, plus a selection of bottled beers, and a BBQ. A very enjoyable evening! In December they will be taking their 'Travellin’ Tavern’ or gazebo to the following events, where customers will be able to buy individual/ Christmas gift wrapped bottles of ale. 6th Dec - Sacrewell Farm and Activity Centre 7th Dec - March Christmas Market 13th Dec - Ferry Meadows Christmas Fayre 14th Dec - Sacrewell Farm and Activity Centre 15th Dec - Wisbech Christmas Market 20th Dec - Sacrewell Farm and Activity Centre 21st Dec - Sacrewell Farm and Activity Centre Not ones to rest on their laurels they are now looking to extend their customer supply area further afield.
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Nene Valley Brewery Brewery Liaison Officer, Bob Melville made a trip out to the brewery in mid-October to present Dick and Paul with the certificates for Bible Black from the 2014 Peterborough Beer Festival. They were very pleased to receive them and that the trip had been made. The certificates now take pride of place in the Brewery Shop. The first batch of Lone Star, a 3.7% amber/red ale, is now out in pubs and another brew will soon be ready for the Christmas trade. The brew uses Caramalt and there is an orange flavour from the hops. Bible Black will no longer be brewed in two strengths but will only be available at 6.5%. Like the Double JIP reported previously, Bible Black and Fenland Farmhouse Saison (7.2%) will be available in the Brewery Shop in 330 ml bottles. At the Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, Nene Valley were runners-up in the New Local Drink of the Year category with Big Bang Theory. The team were disappointed not to win but, since the winner was a cider, they are, technically, the best new beer in the category. This week the brewery are trialling one-way kegging of their beers to ensure the quality when transported to some of the far-flung parts of the UK. The beers will still be unfiltered when put into the kegs. Things are definitely gearing up for the opening of the Tap & Kitchen on November 24th, so hopefully trading will be in full swing by the time you read this article. Oakham Ales Oakham Ales won a gold and silver medal in the recent SIBA East (Society of Independent Brewers) Beer Competition. Black Hole Porter won
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the top prize in the Porters, Stouts, Old Ales and Strong Milds category and Bishops Farwell picked up the silver medal in Premium Bitters. These two beers were nominated by sixty-nine judges and selected from over 150 cask ales entered into the competition. Black Hole Porter will now go through to the SIBA national finals which take place at ‘Beer X’ in Sheffield in March 2015. Black Hole Porter 5.5% is one of the popular beers within Oakham Ales aged and vintage range, with big, dark malt flavours and looks almost black in colour. It has a sweet, fruity hop taste that makes this strong porter easy to drink for its comparatively high strength. Bishops Farewell 4.6% is available all year round and is a strong premium beer dominated by elaborate fruity hop notes with a grainy background and dry finish. Adrian Posnett, managing director of Oakham Ales says: “With so many different cask ales to choose from, it’s fantastic to win a gold and silver medal at this highly competitive regional beer competition. We now have the chance to compete again, at the national finals next year with our Black Hole Porter.” The last Oakadamy beer for 2014 will be Forty Two 4.2%, featuring 42 different hops. See if you can spot them all! Finally 2015 will see the expansion of the brewery and offices, plus changes to the Oakademy and vintage beer ranges. Watch this space! Star Brewing Company Star’s latest brew is a traditional stout Dark Matter 4.4%. They have recently been distributing Simcoe locally, which is one of their “Solus” range of single hop speciality beers. Also planned in this range are single hopped beers using Amarillo and Mount Hood respectively. Black Hole 4.4%, a traditional stout was a “one off ” special brew for the recent Knightfest charity beer and music festival.
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Brewery news continued |17
Tydd Steam Dr Fox's Cunning Linctus 4.4% and Golden Kiwi 4.1% are currently available. The autumn seasonal is The Leveller 4.7%, a dark winter beer. Sales to beer festivals are strong at the moment with the beers going to Bedford, Norwich, Nottingham and Falmouth. Sales of Barn Ale to the local free trade are robust and the brewery is working at capacity. Xtreme Ales The new 2.5 Barrel brewing equipment has been safely transferred and installed with test brewing scheduled for mid to late November. In the meantime the small kit is still running at full capacity with Mike and Neil trying to keep up with the ever-growing demand. Nottingham Beer Fest was a great success for the brewery, all three beers selling out. Beers have been on sale locally at The Vine, Coates, which held a War Memorial Charity Weekend which featured Plum Mild. They have also sold Squab Beer and will have more on soon. The Letter B at Whittlesey had Evil Pigeon during their Merit Award Presentation, it went so well it could become a regular! The Dragon in Werrington had Chocolate Plums on at their annual Halloween Beer Festival. The Ploughman, Werrington had a special beer to celebrate Tracy McLennan’s Birthday (pictured right). They were proud to support the first ever Knightfest at the Heron in Stanground. Xtreme Ales, with the help of organiser Jayne Paul, ran a competition to name the festival special beer. The winner was Philippa Millard with MusicAle and this was the first beer to run out at the festival.
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The Bear Many of you will no doubt be looking forward to what is arguably the first beer festival in 2015 Whittlesey Straw Bear Day on Saturday 10th January where in the town’s pubs you will find over 50 different real ales on sale. You will also be able to sample at least 3 real ales brewed specially for the Straw Bear Festival – Elgoods Straw Beer; Oakham Straw Bear Ale and Tydd Steam Beartown. If you haven’t discovered the delights of Straw Bear Day I hope the following will persuade you to put the date in your diary. 36th Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival The Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival celebrates the old Fenland plough custom of parading straw bears around the town every January and the activities cover three days. There is also a concert on the evening of Friday 9th January at the Ivy Leaf Club, a Barn Dance on Saturday evening at Sir Harry Smith Community College, and at the same venue on Sunday between 12 noon and 2.30 is the Burning of the Bear. Straw Bear Saturday On Saturday a procession of at least 250 colourful dancers and musicians from all over the country led by Straw Bears – both adult and junior – sets off at 10.30am from the Manor Leisure Centre and arrives in the Market Place at 10.45am. Between 10.45 and 12 noon the crowds of people who fill the Market Place and Market Street (closed to traffic all morning) are entertained by nearly 40 teams of Morris Dancers, Molly Dancers, Sword Dancers (Rapper and Longsword), Appalachian Dancers, Clog Dancers and even a Mummers Play. A programme is available for a donation and gives an approximate time when and where different dance teams are performing. It is available on the day or in pubs like the Letter B in the days beforehand. The BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015
Dance Schedule and more information about the event can be found on www.strawbear.org.uk. Between 12 and 12.30 the procession moves from the Market Place down High Causeway to the Ivy Leaf Club. Between 1.30 and 3pm the procession can be found in the Church Street / Ramsey Road area and dancers perform both inside and outside pubs like the Boat, Falcon, Hero of Aliwal and Letter B. Between 3 and 3.30 the procession arrives in the Market Place for the ‘Grand Finale’ With the relaxation of the order banning the consumption of alcohol in the street between 10am and 5pm on Straw Bear Day drinkers can walk around the town with a pint in their hands (plastic glasses of course but you can bring your own solid plastic one such as those issued by York Beer Festival; your pewter tankard is also OK). Where to find Real Ales A number of pubs set up stillages of real ales inside and outside the pub including: Boat, 2 Ramsey Road – up to 10 real ales from Elgoods and guests outside Falcon Hotel, London Street – up to 16 real ales outside Hero of Aliwal, Church Street – up to 6 real ales inside Hubs Place, 12 Market Place – up to 10 real ales outside Ivy Leaf Club, Gracious Street – up to 8 real ales from casks on the bar
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Letter B, 53 Church Street – up to 25 real ales predominately from local micro-breweries and 10 ciders/perries inside New Crown, High Causeway – up to 15 real ales inside and outside Quinn’s Bar, 24 Market Street – up to 6 real ales inside Railway Inn, 139 Station Road (near Railway Station i.e. 15 minutes walk from town centre) – up to 8 real ales outside Straw Bear pub, 103 Drybread Road - up to 12 real ales and 6 ciders/perries Other pubs in Whittlesey likely to sell Straw Bear beers and/or extra real ales on Straw Bear Day include: - Black Bull, 18 Market Street; Bricklayers Arms, Station Road; Childers Club, 1a Station Road; George, 10 Market Place; and Ram, 16 Delph. Tips for Real Ale Drinkers 1. The George gets very full for most of the day so arrive in Whittlesey early and make this your first or second visit. 2. Beers on stillages can run out by mid afternoon particularly at Hubs Place and New Crown so visit them early in the day. 3. The Letter B gets very full from 4pm and the door may be closed so don’t turn up at 5pm and expect to get in! Food in Pubs on Straw Bear Day The Railway Inn is selling full English breakfasts from 7am; The Straw Bear pub is selling buffet breakfasts from 7.30am to 12 noon, then basket meals etc. until 7pm; Ivy Leaf Club has bacon rolls etc. from 7.30am; The George sells food from
Straw Bear festival - continued |21
9am but has a restricted menu (and many tables are taken away to get more customers in!); The Grasmere Farm catering trailer will be in the car park of The Boat all day; Letter B has a Hog Roast by Fenland Roaster; other pubs will be selling rolls, snacks, soup etc. The Dog in a Doublet, situated 1½ miles north of the town, is a pub that does have a full menu all day. Whittlesey by Public Transport BUS From Peterborough Stagecoach bus 31/33 leaves Queensgate every half hour (05 and 35 mins past the hour) – returning to Peterborough half hourly at 06 and 36 from Whittlesey Market Place with the last two buses at 17.36 and 18.36. Stagecoach Peterborough Day Rider is valid on this route. Judds Bus 701 hourly from 9.30 to 17.30 - last buses back to Peterborough at 16.30 and 17.30. From March: Stagecoach bus 33 every 2 hours at 09.25, 11.25 & 13.25 with last bus back to March at 19.00
From Ramsey: Stagecoach bus 31 every 2 hours at 09.01, 11.04 and 13.01 with the last bus back to Ramsey at 18.30.
TRAIN* From Peterborough: Every 2 hours at 09.50 and 11.50 etc, with last trains back to Peterborough at 19.28 and 21.28. From Ely (& March): Every 2 hours at 08.58 (09.17); 10.58 (11.17) etc. with the last trains back to March & Ely at 19.58 and 21.53. *Please note the railway station is 15 to 20 mins walk from the Market Place. Don’t Miss This Unique Event A ‘Must Do’ for real ale drinkers. Aim to get to Whittlesey by 10.30am to see the whole event and don’t forget the last buses leave the town at half past six! Mick Slaughter
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Join us and spend some time at our exclusive members bar. We have several activities available including Darts, Snooker, Bingo and our in-house disco. We also provide a packed events calendar, see our website ivyleafclub.pboro.co.uk for more details Our large function room is available to hire and can host all types of events. Call 01733 202579 for membership or hire information.
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Matt and Emma welcome you to the Tel: 01778 560238 Barholm, Stamford, Lincs PE9 4RA A Traditional Ale House with an open fire
Six Real Ales with four on rotation freshly Ciders • 2 Lagers • Fine Wine & Spirits made pizzas 3 large beer garden • Pool room
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Christmas Opening Times 22nd and 23rd Dec 3-11pm, Christmas Eve: 12-11pm, Christmas Day: 12-2pm, Boxing Day: 12-11pm
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Disappearing Boozers of Stamford |23
Disappearing Boozers of Stamford
Often, when I mention in conversation that I live in Stamford, people enthuse “Oh yes, all those great pubs!” Indeed the town has always been known for its many watering holes, but sadly the national rate of closures (up from 16 to 18 a week, I read recently) has affected Stamford just as badly as anywhere else. In the south-western quarter of the town alone we have lost no fewer than ten pubs or clubs in the last couple of decades with a mere two opening to replace them. Admittedly the two are the Tobie Norris and Mama Liz;s, both recent winners of this branch’s Pub Of The Year award (so it’s not, quite, all doom and gloom) but my point is that nine community drinking establishments (if you don’t count the RAFA club which metamorphosed into the Norris) have been lost, probably forever, and from a personal point of view the saddest thing is that I can remember drinking in all of them at one time or another... The Victoria on Ryhall Road has been a private house since the 1990s. I went in there one Thursday night as the vanguard on a stag night (in the days when such events were held a mere two days before the wedding) and asked for seventeen pints of bitter (probably Sam Smith’s Old Brewery given that the Vic was a Melbourn's house). The landlord gave me a look and asked “Is it a stag night?” Resisting the temptation to reply “No, they’re all for me but I’m extremely thirsty so can you start pouring please” I dully said “Yes”. The O’Brien’s Arms at the top of Brazenose Lane was about ten seconds’ walk from my girlfriend's house in the mid-80s, but apart from one function it never got my custom. Even in those faroff days the words Watney Mann meant I kept walking. The pub is now Stamford School's medical centre. The Daniel Lambert (St Leonard’s Street) was a thriving boozer in the 90s and early 2000s under former Met police officer and opera buff Tom Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
The Victoria on Ryhall Road, now a private dwelling
Auchterlonie but sadly his wife Anne’s illness meant they had to move on. The pub never recovered and is now a beauty salon. In its earlier life as the Reindeer this was the pub that taught me not to drink Ruddles County at lunchtime. Younger readers should be aware that County then was one of the premier strong ales in the country, uniquely twice winner of the prestigious International Brewex Award, and not the thin, Suffolk-brewed imitation foisted upon us today. The General Gordon in Wharf Road, run for what seemed like decades by the Jakes family during the 60s and 70s, finally fell from grace in the early 90s. My football team drank in there post-match and you could never be sure from one week to the next just who the licensees would be. Eventually it closed (rumour had it that a single cellar beam was holding the entire building up) only to reopen briefly in the mid-90s as Fat Boys' Bar. Finally it was demolished and flats now adorn the site. Cummins (formerly Newage) Social Club, a few doors down from the Gordon, closed its doors earlier this year and is to become an IT hub. Although no real ale was offered in latter years, there were two handpumps in use previously and the ale was always worth drinking. Just across the town bridge, the Anchor closed in 2001. Much of its trade at one time came from lorry drivers overnighting on the nearby cattle market but when that facility closed the pub suffered. The landlord and landlady (his domain was the kitchen while she kept the ale in topnotch condition) moved on, as I recall, to the
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Disappearing Boozers of Stamford continued
White Swan at Harringworth. The classic Anchor building now wears its Pizza Express logo with a faint air of embarrassment.
Round the corner the George Tap is now part of the George Business Centre to the rear of the eponymous hotel. I recall it being popular with RAF personnel from Wittering going on leave who would buy their tickets from the nearby railway station before repairing to the Tap for a pint or two of Newcastle Exhibition whilst waiting for the train. The Morgado family ran the pub before moving on to greater things at the Bull and Swan and the Royal Oak, Duddington. Back across the river, the Dolphin in East Street, which only closed at the end of last year, never really recovered in my opinion from the departure of entrepreneurial landlord Mik Maksimovic and his wife Tina at the end of the 90s. It will almost certainly become a residential property. The Half Moon in Star Lane was briefly busy in the early 90s when Bert and Eileen Murray ran it in tandem with the Bull at Deeping, but it had been a Chinese restaurant for a number of years before Domino's Pizza took it over last Christmas. In the 1990s I lived in St Paul's Street with the Moon, Dolphin and Lord Burghley all within a minute’s walk from my door. Happy daze. Also in St Paul’s Street was the RAFA Club, now the Tobie Norris as mentioned earlier. A quirk of the law, involving an agreement between the exforces association, the police and the licensing authority, meant that as long as a member was on the premises then the bar could be open. A work colleague of mine was a member and, well, you can guess the rest. Well-known beer writer Pete Brown calls the pub “the primordial cell of British life” and “the backbone of social history”. Fine, bold words, but how many vertebrae can a backbone lose before it buckles completely? Alun Thomas Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
MONDAYS: REAL ALE AND CIDER CLUB TUESDAYS: PIE & PINT NIGHT WEDNESDAYS: MIDWEEK MADNESS FRIDAYS: BIG COVER BANDS SATURDAYS: ANYTHING GOES SUNDAYS: ACOUSTIC AFTERNOON + QUIZ NIGHT
DECEMBER DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - A different offer each day! Friday 5th Dec - Rock Out The best rock tribute show Thursday 11th Dec - Open Mic Night - Christmas party version Friday 12th Dec - Johnny Cash Tribute Free Johny Cash tribute show Saturday 13th Dec- Dr Busker Party sing-a-long and much more Tuesday 16th Dec- School Choir Local school Christmas carol concert Wednesday 24th Dec Christmas Eve Free Party, open to all
JANUARY NEW YEAR – NEW DRINKS A new drink on offer every day! Wednesday 7th Jan Midweek Madness Mega Quiz Saturday 10th Jan 60’s Night of music and fancy dress Wednesday 28th Meet the (cider) Brewers – come and chat and taste Rockin Weekender 30th - 31st Including live music from Porky Pig and Children Of The Revolution
749 Lincoln Rd, New England PE1 3HD
thecrownonline
26 |The Hand and Heart
A Big Hand for Perfect Beers!
Paul and Sue Brammer (centre) receiving the Gold award for the Hand and Heart.
Late September, nights are drawing in and leaves falling - but there was still a good crowd in the beer garden at the Hand and Heart in Highbury Street, Millfield, Peterborough, when a special presentation was made to the landlords. The CAMRA Gold Award was handed to Paul Brammer and his wife Susan by two of their nominators, Mrs Sally Hooton and Dr Graham Simms. The presentation was held on the first night of the pub’s autumn beer festival – which, as ever, drew the crowds to enjoy the bounties of the garden beer shed! On the stage, handing over the coveted award, nominator Sally Hooton said: “Chris and I voted for The Hand and Heart because it was long overdue recognition – it has excellent real ale and, as we are former publicans ourselves, we know how much effort goes into not just putting the brown stuff into those glasses, but into making it perfect every time. And it IS perfect every time here at The Hand, thanks to Bram. BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2014-15
We also voted for it because it is a REAL pub, with REAL people both behind the bar and in front of it – the place is full of characters; Bram is just the loudest of them! Some of those marvellous characters built this beer shed – proving they are a valuable part of a truly good old-fashioned community. The Hand is also a worthy awardwinner because it has such a pleasant garden – thanks to the landlady – which is perfect for events such as this. Good for you, Sue.”
But The Hand is not just a beacon for discerning beer drinkers, it is also a part of our heritage. Little has changed since the 1930s, apart from the name over the door and the range of ales on offer. Long may it last! Please drink a toast to The Hand, to Bram and Sue and to their valiant efforts to keep the doors of this heritage pub open. Sally Hooton
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• Food Served Daily • 12-3pm Monday - Sunday 6-9pm Friday & Saturday Sky HD and BT showing Football and Rugby t. 01780 755141 w. jollybrewer.com Foundry Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2PP Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
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3 real ales, 1 real cider and 6 draught beers Game room, Sky & BT sport Freshly prepared food Tuesday to Sunday. Our garden, bars and restaurants are available for your Wedding, office or birthday party.
Christmas Menu now available running 1st - 24th December. Further information available at www.thebluebellpub.com 9 High Street, Easton on the Hill, PE9 3LR. Tel: 01780 763003 Email: info@thebluebellpub.com Find us on Facebook: The Blue Bell
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Telford Rail Ale Trail Saturday 17th May was another great Mick Slaughter Ale Trip. This time we went to Shropshire for the Telford Rail Ale Trail, which included, if you wanted, a visit to one of Britain’s Best Real Heritage Pubs, The Bulls Head in Wrockwardine Wood, Telford.
White Hart, Shifnal
Must also add that the ladies toilets were so clean, and smelt so sweet, a nice change from some that we visit.
Codsall Station Our first port of call on a hot sunny Saturday (for a change) was Codsall Station. The train pulled in we got off, and the bar was open, what more could you ask for? Some took a stroll into the village to visit The Bull Hotel, a Marston’s pub, and the Crown which sells two guest beers but as the sun was out and the beer cold, we stayed put. Holden’s Mild 3.7% drank well and was part of the Shropshire CAMRA, Mild in May, for which you were given a passport plus a stamp for every pint of beer you bought and at the end of the month post it in with the chance to win a T-Shirt. Got the passport and the stamps, but not sure if enough to send in! Other beers available at Codsall Station were, Wood’s Pot of Gold 4.4%, (had one of those as well, very nice), Peerless Viking Gold 4.6% (my friend Ann had that one). Also available was Holden’s Bitter 3.9%, Holden’s Special Bitter 5.1% and Holden’s Golden Glow 4.4%. All beers were on hand pumps, well-kept and if only the trip had stayed there I would have tried them all. Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
With a heavy heart we caught the next train onwards to Shifnal, where we could visit three pubs and have lunch at The White Hart. First port of call was Odfellows Wine Bar (don’t be put off by the name), Market Street, Shifnal, turn left out of the station and it’s 20 yards along the road. There I had Best Odley Bitter BOB 3.8%, again a great beer brewed at The Bell & Talbot, Bridgnorth. They have a notice about “BOB” beer as follows: Have you met BOB? Best Odley Bitter is our own real ale, brewed in tiny batches with great care and increasing level of competence at our little pub in Bridgnorth, the legendary Bell & Talbot. Weighing in at a quaffable 3.8% it’s on the bar now at just £2.40 a pint so why not give it a whirl. Well worth the money. Out of the pub and turn right back past the station where you will come across The White Hart, where we had booked to have lunch. Mick, as usual, had phoned the orders through and as got our beers, the food arrived. There were no complaints just empty plates. This is a nice pub with lots of small rooms, which you have to go through to get outside. Perhaps help is needed if you have had one over the eight. Another Holden’s Mild and another stamp for the passport. The
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30 | Telford rail ale trail - continued
included Oakham Citra, Inferno and Bishops Farewell and that they would be having a beer festival with the pub next door, Old Fighting Cocks. The pub has lots of pictures of train memorabilia and a notice to say you cannot smoke E-cigarettes at the bar. We left here (some of us) via a taxi to go to The Bulls Head at Wrockwardine Wood, a Heritage Pub. As we pulled up outside the top of the windows had been boarded up and there was no-one in the bar. For a moment we thought it was closed, but we found the side door open and Kelly the landlady/licensee was very welcoming.
Station Hotel, Oakengates
landlord had a small problem as he had just put the Mild on and the hand pump dropped to bits and he had to do running repairs before they could serve any beer. He managed admirably! Next visit was into The Plough back towards the station, logically thought out to visiton the way back to the train. Here I found Kelham Island 20th Century Boy 4.8%, and the pump clip was a picture of Marc Bolan. For girls of that era ohhhhhh! Also available were Three Tuns Mild 3.4% and seven others, that after seeing Marc, I could not remember, but the pub is well worth a visit as it is a 17th century Grade II listed building with exposed beams and tiled floors. Have to add here that again the ladies toilet was so clean with pictures by Beryl Cook on the walls. Then a quick six minute walk back to the station, but it is a long, steep, slow slog to get over the bridge to catch the train, please take a little longer than the six minutes especially after lunch and beer! Train again onto Oakengates, where you will find the golden triangle of three Good Beer Guide pubs – Crown Inn, Old Fighting Cocks and Station Hotel - also the Duke of York, all within 10 yards of one another. I visited The Station Hotel, and had Pictish Brewing Company Summer 4.5%, also available was Bathams Best Bitter 4.3% plus eight others all between 3.8% and 5.2% and cider. They had a sign up of forthcoming beers, which BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015
The Bull’s Head, Wrockwardine Wood
Kelly has been there since 2013 and is trying to get the front bar up and running after the windows had bricks thrown through them. This has not deterred her and the front bar is magnificent with it’s beautiful tiles. This is an old Victorian pub and had a door at the front to the left that the ladies would use to enter the pub, where they had their own small room. Again the tiles around the door Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
Telford rail ale trail - continued |31
Tiled interior and Ceramic exterior of The Posada, Wolverhampton
entrance outside and the floor tiles were just stunning. Kelly did not have a landline fitted in the pub but she did pass her number to Mick, so contact can be made for future visits. I would advise anyone in the area to go and see this gem. The beer we drank was Shropshire Gold, others were on in the back bar. Our next stop was the Cock Hotel, Wellington, again a West Midlands Real Heritage Pub and you can see why. The fixtures and fittings are well reported in the guide but I was fascinated by a picture on the wall which states that the first record of a pub on this site is 1820, and that previous landlords had all died between the age of 50 and 52, not a good trade then. In July 1901 you could stay here and stable your horses for £26-05-00d a night. Now run by Peter Neal and Jane Elizabeth Holland Aider since 1999. Another great pub, with lots of character and worth a stop if in the area. From here we went via a taxi to Pheasant on Market Street, our taxi driver had no idea where it was and drove past it ……. but we got there. This is an Everards Project William Pub, and only opened in May 2014 after refurbishment as the Ironbridge Brewery Tap, so is still very new and nice.
Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
Along the road is a Weatherspoon’s, The William Withering on New Street. I didn’t get time to visit though some of the group did. Another train to Wolverhampton, and then we visited The Posada, again a great little old real heritage pub with a wonderful frontage, I liked this one – it has a rare set of snob screens on the bar back and tiled walls. My last pint of the day was Marston’s EPA 3.6%, a good pint, and Ann’s was Lancaster Blonde 4.1%. Other beers available were Backyard Brewhouse Spring 3.6%, Castle Rock Harvest Pale 3.8%, Adnams Southwold Bitter 3.7% and Punk IPA 5.6% in bottles. Some of the group went onto the Lynch Gate Tavern just up the road, a pub created by Black Country Ales in former offices, but I chose to stay put and watch the end of the F.A. Cup Final. The next train was back to Birmingham and then to Peterborough and a good day was had by all. Thanks again Mick for all your input and knowledge, it was a great day out. All photos by Mick Slaughter. Roz Fountain
DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 | BEER AROUND ERE
32 | Please support our advertisers
The Ramblewood Inn ‘The pub in the woods’ The all day venue – Open for meals and snacks 12pm to 9pm daily A conservatory restaurant with food served all day, nooks and crannies in the old stables, outdoor seating and extensive parking, plus a selection of Real Ales.
Real food, Real ales, Real pub BEST WESTERN PLUS Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, PE2 7DN Tel: 01733 391111
50% OFF
All food purchased when you spend £25 or more
Name Email Postcode Terms and Conditions - Coupon valid only when £25 or more is spent on food, cannot be exchanged for cash, does not apply to spend on drinks cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, not valid for parties in excess of 8 people. Valid until Thursday 29th January 2015. Excluding 19th - 26th Dec, 31st Dec 2014 and 1st January 2015. If you do not wish to receive further promotions please tick here.
For special offers, news and travel directions visit www.traditionalinns.co.uk
BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2014-15
Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
Live music in a pub near you |33
Gig guide December Mon 1st Unplugged Charters Fri 5th Lenny G Conservative Club Sat 6th Mark Steele Conservative Club Phoenix Straw Bear, Whittlesey Overdubs Dragon, Werrington The High Rollers Charters Fri 12th Eric Cloud Conservative Club Rocket Dogs Dragon, Werrington Children of the Revolution Charters Sat 13th In The Red Conservative Club Arc Nation Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor The Guards Dragon, Werrington Groove Cartel Charters Fri 19th Hi Definition Conservative Club Chuck Norris Experience Charters Children of the Revolution Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor
Sat 20th The Business Conservative Club Velocity Straw Bear, Whittlesey Elvis Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor Hooker Dragon, Werrington Sun 21st Savoy Jazz Conservative Club Wed 24th Mike Nelson Conservative Club Boobonyx Straw Bear, Whittlesey Sat 27th Dale Andrews Conservative Club The Guards Straw Bear, Whittlesey The 707 Dragon, Werrington Ultimate Unplugged Charters Wed 31st League of Mentalmen (Ticket Only) Dragon, Werrington
Grounded (Ticket Only) Charters
January Fri 9th
One Bloke One Mandolin
BREAKING NEWS! Promotion for Jessica Loock the General Manager of the Brewery Tap.
Congratulations are in order for Brewery Tap Manager Jessica Loock. Jess, a familiar individual and supporter of real ale in the city, has been promoted to Business Performance Manager for the Oaka Group. We wish her every success.
Santas needed for Charity event!
The Brewery Tap and Charters Bar have joined forces with Grasshopper Productions to raise funds for Sue Ryder’s Thorpe Hall Hospice Appeal. They are looking for 200 Santas to join them on their Santa Crawl. The Santa Crawl, taking place on Saturday 13th December, will kick off at 3:30pm from the Brewery Tap in Westgate, with promotional offers, live music and fun games along the way, the Santas will move around the city centre visiting several venues before reaching Charters Bar where music will be provided by Groove Cartel. Tickets are £10 per person which will see a proportion going directly to the Sue Ryder Hospice Appeal. Each attendee will be provided with a Santa Costume. Ring 01733 315766 for more details.
The Bluebell Inn Helpston Are we the only pub to have two different images on our pub sign?
We’re like to think we’re different for other reasons too – we’re a proper village local with a really warm welcome to all. We serve great local cask conditioned ales(always a choice of 4 including “10 Woodgate” which is specially brewed just for us.)
Straw Bear, Whittlesey
Sat 10th Pennyless Straw Bear, Whittlesey Sat 17th James Edmonds Straw Bear, Whittlesey Sat 31sh Psych-o-bombs Straw Bear, Whittlesey
Serving fresh, seasonal, locally sourced produce, our menu offers something for everyone. We hope you’ll visit soon. The Bluebell, Woodgate, Helpston, Peterborough PE6 7ED Tel: 01733 252394 Email: hello@bluebellhelpston.pub
Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 | BEER AROUND ERE
Events and beer festivals |35
Diary dates December
Saturday 6th CAMRA Christmas Party, The Ploughman, Werrington, PE4 6NA. Wednesday 10th at 8.30pm Peterborough Branch AGM, Brewery Tap, Peterborough, PE1 2AA. All members welcome, please bring membership card.
CAMRA meetings and socials
Saturday 13th Christmas in the City Crawl. We will be holding our traditional pub crawl of Peterborough pubs starting at The Ploughman, Werrington, PE4 6NA at 10am for breakfast. If you require breakfast at £5.50, please contact Social Secretary John Hunt. We will then follow the No
Beer Festivals December
Tues 2nd -Sat 6th. 31st Pigs Ear Beer and Cider Festival, Round Chapel, 1d Glenarm Road Hackney E5 0PU. 400+ beers. Magnificent English Heritage restored venue with seated gallery area.
1 bus route into town, taking in various hostelries en route.
January
Monday 12th at 8.30pm Branch Committee Meeting, The Solstice, Northminster, Peterborough, PE1 1YN. All members welcome, please bring membership card.
CAMRA and other beer festivals in the coming months
Wed 3rd – Sat 6th 13th Harwich and Dovercourt Bay Winter Ale Festival, Kingsway Hall, Dovercourt. 50+ real ales, emphasis on dark and seasonal brews as well as cider, draught and bottled continental beers.
January
Wed 21st - Sat 24th Manchester Beer & Cider Festival. With over 500 beers, ciders and perries on offer. For more info please visit: manchesterbeerfestival.org.uk.
The Jolly Sailor, 43 Great Whyte, Ramsey PE26 1HH Tel 01487 813388
OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY FROM 11am Five Real Ales on permanently
FOOD SERVED DAILY Monday to Friday: 12 to 2.30, 6 to 9pm Saturday: 12 to 9pm Sunday: 12 to 4pm
FESTIVE MENU’S Menus available for Christmas parties and Christmas Day Booking now being taken! Sunday 7th December 8pm Karaoke
36 | Come to our Christmas party!
CAMRA Christmas Party Saturday 6th December 2014 at The Ploughman, Werrington. Tickets are £5 per person. The Nuggets will be performing in the adjoining lounge bar, playing a selection of 60's hits from the Kinks to Jimi Hendrix. The legendary Christmas Buffet will once again be available and as always a good selection of ales. This event is for CAMRA Members ONLY To apply for tickets, send your membership no. and a SAE DL size please with a cheque (made out to ‘Peterborough CAMRA’), to 205 High Street, Old Fletton, Peterborough. PE2 8DY. We are hoping to provide a low-cost minibus or coach for those on the south side of the Nene or in that direction.
Missing the Party? Not a CAMRA Member?
Why not consider membership of CAMRA (The Campaign For Real Ale). The Peterborough & District Branch is one of the largest in CAMRA with over 2,500 members. We are also a very active in our Campaign to support Local Pubs, Breweries and Campaigning for drinker’s rights. We also have a very active social calendar and the Peterborough Beer
The
Festival is our crowning glory each August on the Embankment.
How much does it cost?
Membership of CAMRA is £15.50 (direct debit) for under 26 and over 60, £23 (direct debit) for Full Single and £28 (direct debit) for Full Joint Membership. For non-direct debit payments add £2. Rates increase from January 2015.
What are the Benefits?
Well, in Peterborough & District, attendance at the excellent Christmas Party for starters. We also have the social events throughout the year. There are also free/reduced entrance to not only the Peterborough beer festival but all CAMRA Beer festivals. You want more! How about £20 worth of JD Wetherspoon's vouchers, plus further discounts. What are you waiting for? Visit www.camra.org.uk. Happy New Year and I look forward to meeting you in 2015. Cheers
Blue Bell
Mike Blakesley Press Officer
at Maxey Traditional Free House
• CAMRA Gold Award Winners 2005 • CAMRA Pub of the Year 2006 • Cambs Pub of the Year 2007 •
Now with NINE Real Ales including Fullers ESB and London Pride, at least one Oakham Ale and SIX ever-changing quality guest ales Club & special event buffets on request Real fires in winter, always a friendly welcome!
MERRY XMAS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS!
High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9EE Tel: 01778 348182
Top Tips |37
TOP TIPS Pooper Scooper Put a new angle on scooping.
Fed up with short measures? Why not use your pooper scooper? You will find that this sophisticated instrument is perfectly calibrated for the twenty ounce glass. Simply wrap the open claws of the scooper around the glass and you will instantly see if you have the right quantity of beer. Recent models even have a beveled edge to accommodate the government’s unholy insistence that a pint is now only 19.5 fluid ounces. Enjoy the look of confusion and anxiety on the faces of the bar staff as you start making notes. A word of warning. If you happen to have a dog, keep a spare scooper in your pocket to avoid unnecessary incrustation. Ossie Ander
other Do any e any s hav reader r hints fo useful e th g in enhanc g drinkin ? ce n ie exper
Over 20 LocAles at Local Beer and Music Fest
The last weekend in September produced a wonderful beer and music festival at the historic Hand & Heart in Highbury Street. The event commenced on the Thursday evening with the presentation of a CAMRA Gold Award for the consistent good quality of beer served. Being the branch LocAle rep, I was more than delighted to find over 20 locally brewed cask ales of absolutely stunning quality. I visited the event twice, once on the Thursday evening and again on the Sunday afternoon, and I can honestly say that I didn’t taste one beer that I disliked. The LocAle Campaign is obviously gathering pace as more and more breweries are springing up in our area. Which in turn leads to more and more outlets stocking a LocAle. This is all wonderful news to real ale lovers and CAMRA supporters alike. Having so many local ales at one independent festival is, I believe, a first in our area, and can only be good for us all and the local economy. Licensee and Landlord Bram did a commendable job gathVisit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
ering over 20 under one roof and serving them all in such good condition. I just wish it could be a more regular occurrence but unfortunately it only happens twice yearly at present. The highlight for me was, Castor Ales Afterburner, a light hoppy beer with the addition of Scotch Bonnet chilli peppers. There was also an excellent showing from Xtreme Brewery of Turves, one of their 3 offerings a delicious Plum Mild at 4.5%. All of the 3 sold out Xtremely fast, pardon the pun. The only downside is the “Hand” doesn’t always get the support it deserves, those ale-lovers who cannot venture north of the river without an oxygen mask are truly missing out on some of the best kept beer in the area. Which leads us on to the first and foremost campaign, “Use it or lose it!”
The landlord may be like Marmite, but the beer is great. 10/10 for effort and attention to detail. Dave McLennan LocAle Officer DECEMBER / JANUARY 2014-15 | BEER AROUND ERE
38 | CAMRA Contacts Branch Committee Secretary: Dickie Bird 4 Cissbury Ring,Werrington Peterborough, PE4 6QH 01733 574226 (tel & fax) 07731 993896 info@real-ale.org.uk
Chairman: David Murray 01733 560453 chairman@real-ale.org.uk
Treasurer: Paul Beecham 01733 311981 07710 008693 treasurer@real-ale.org.uk
Vice Chair: Matthew Mace 07809 629241 vice-chair@real-ale.org.uk Social Sec: John Hunt 07923 489917 social-sec@real-ale.org.uk
Pubs Officer: John Temple 07905 051 312 pubs-officer@real-ale.org.uk
Press Officer: Mike Blakesley 01733 390828 (h) 07747 617527 (m) press-officer@real-ale.org.uk
Young Members: Kara Williams young-members@real-ale.org.uk
Membership: Bob Melville 07941 246693 membership@real-ale.org.uk
Festival Org: Mike Lane 07850 334203 festival-organiser@real-ale.org.uk
LocAle Officer: Dave McLennan 01733 346059 (h) 07854 642773 (m) locale@real-ale.org.uk Webmaster: Harry Morten webmaster@real-ale.org.uk
Brewery Liaison Officers Blue Bell: John Hunt 07923 489917 Bexar County Brewery & Mile Tree Brewery: Steve Williams 07756 066503 Castor Ales: Mike Lane 07850 334203 Digfield: Dave Waller 07821 912605
Elgoods: John Hunt 07923 489917
Hopshackle: Noel Ryland 07944 869656
Kings Cliffe Brewery: Mike Blakesley 07747 617527 Melbourn: Vacant
Nene Valley: Bob Melville 07941 246693
Oakham Ales: Dave Allett 07966 344417 Tydd Steam: John Hunt 07923 489917
Star Brewing Company: Dave McLennan 07854 642773. Xtreme Ales: Matt Mace 07809 629241
Trading Standards
08545 040506 www.consumerdirect.gov.uk Check out our website at: www.real-ale.org.uk
Pub Merit Awards & Gold Awards Does your local pub have excellent beer, friendly staff, a great atmosphere/ community spirit, or have they introduced additional hand pumps? If so nominate them for Gold or Merit Award. The new Merit Award is for pubs that are continuously outstanding, so if you know of a deserving pub within the branch area, please complete the form below indicating Gold or Merit Award and post to the secretary or email nominations to info@real-ale.org.uk. Pub name: Pub address/town/village: Reason for award: Your name: Your phone number or e-mail address: Your membership number:
BEER AROUND ERE | DECEMBER / JANUARY 2014-15
Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk
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More than just a Carvery! A great welcome awaits you at The Farmers, Yaxley. We are famous for our fresh vegetables and great carvery meats, succulent and served with all the trimmings, then finished off with a tantalising hot or cold dessert!
Open Every Day 10am - 5.30pm All Day Menu & Coffee Midday - 2:30pm Carvery & Specials Menu 5:30pm - LATE Carvery & Grill Menu Sunday Open From 12 Noon - 9pm All Day Carvery
Check out our lunch-time grill menus and our everchanging specials boards. Put it all together with three fine cask ales and you have the perfect place to enjoy dinner with friends or a family celebration. We have a self -contained function suite which is ideal for parties, weddings and all of life’s celebrations. So if you’ve not been before give us a try and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Planning a wedding or special family event? We have lots of packages available including our new Green Room facility. Please call for further details. 200 Broadway, Yaxley Tel: 01733 244885 Email: thefarmers@btconnect.com
www.thefarmersyaxley.co.uk