Darlington Drinker N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E D A R L I N G T O N C A M PA I G N F O R R E A L A L E
E! FRasE e take Ple a copy
ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
TOWN CRIER HAILS CAMRA VIRGIN’S FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
IN THIS ISSUE... • TEESDALE N’EWES • ACV’S - OUR PROGRESS • A ‘PIDGE’ FLIGHT • A CAMRA VIRGIN’S FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE Plus Much More....
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Darlington Drinker
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DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
Darlington Drinker
FROM THE EDITOR W
elcome to Issue 197 of the Darlington Drinker. Firstly may I thank everyone who has taken the trouble to write articles for this magazine together with some great photos, however there must be some ‘wanna-be’ journalists who are dying to get something into print. This magazine is your chance as long as it is connected with Real Ale and CAMRA’s aims and objectives. In this issue contributions have been few and far between, and so the publication date has been delayed until December. I apologise to all those businesses that have placed adverts for November. The essence of the matter is that the magazine should reflect all members of Darlington CAMRA and attracting new people to joining CAMRA, and not just the opinions of the few. The Regional Pub of the Year has been chosen. The Steamboat, South Shields was elected winner, with the John Bull, Alnwick in 2nd place and our own The Quakerhouse in third. I was pleased in my capacity as Chairman to attend the presentation of the Award by Dave Brazier, Regional Chairman, with three others from our Branch – good beer and an excellent curry only added to the enjoyment of the occasion. Darlington Snooker Club won the Regional Club of the Year and we can only applaud Peter Everett for the continued high quality of beer, atmosphere, value for money and welcoming that he and his staff provide, and we wish him well in the next round of National consideration. This issue will include links to Sports Clubs with Real Ale, our progress in selecting Assets of Community Value to support and information on our next Real Ale Festival. This magazine does get distributed all over Britain, either by swopping and pubs and festivals, or on organised tours. It gets Darlington CAMRA known. In combination with the GBG it provides tourists with up to date information on where to enjoy the best that this area can offer. A big thanks to all contributors, sponsors and most of all our readers.
Garry Hewitt Chairman and Guest Editor, Darlington Drinker
ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
CONTACT DARLINGTON CAMRA Website: www.darlo.camra.org.uk Twitter: @darloCAMRA Facebook: DarloCamra
OTHER CONTACTS Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St. Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW t: 01727 867 201 • e: camra@camra.org.uk • www.camra.org.uk Trading Standards t: 01325 388799 • e: tradingstandards@darlington.gov.uk
PUBLISHED BY Capital Media Midlands Limited First Floor, Central Buildings, Middlegate, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1AG. t: 01636 302 302 • e: hello@choose.capital www.choose.capital Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors and are not necessarily the views of the Darlington Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Darlington CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by Darlington CAMRA. © 2015 Capital Media Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be transmitted, reproduced, recorded, photocopied or otherwise without the express written permission of the copyright holder.
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DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
COVER STORY
- A CAMRA VIRGIN’S FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE by Denise Hewitt
W
e departed from Darlington Railway Station at 9.53am. There we were: seven Members of Darlington CAMRA and me – the token female, shamefacedly, at that particular time, a non-CAMRA member. Our trusty steed and two carriages manfully trundled its way to Saltburn. As we bounced along, watching the delightful aspect of desolate slagheaps and quietened steel furnaces, and the strange allure of Redcar South, I wondered why two stations? We reached our destination only to be greeted by an embracing coastal breeze (I jest – it was bloody freezing). Taking place at The Community and Arts Centre, a mere 100 yds from the centre, the proceedings was opened by a Lady Town Crier. She listed and acknowledged the sponsors of the festival and declared the Festival open in the name of Her Majesty the Queen. The panel discusses and makes judgement on Raspberry & Rose Petal wine.
BRANCH WHO’S WHO? Chairman: Garry Hewitt e: garry.hewitt1@ntlworld.com Secretary: Judith Betts e: judithandtom@virginmedia.com Membership Secretary: Fred Lawton e: lawtonfred@aol.com Treasurer: Dave Till e: d.till@ntlworld.com
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The Centre itself had previously been a Primitive Methodist Chapel ( all that was missing were the mammoths and loin clothes – though some came close). On one side of the main hall were 36 casks of Real Ale, with 4 Real Ciders. I saw the light and completed my Membership form for CAMRA, but letting the side down, I was lured by the attraction of a robust Raspberry and Rose Petal bottle and proceeded to quaff. I expected to be burnt at the stake, sipping my wine as the wood was piled beneath my feet, but redeemed myself later by enjoying two halves of Cleveland Porter and Half Moons ‘Dark Masquerade’. Glancing at the walls in the back room of the hall, my eyes were drawn to two posters about the Centre in the past. The Foundation stone was laid in April 1909 and detailed architectural plans are still displayed, despite the Methodist Chapel closing in 1969, and subsequently becoming a Community Centre. As an ex-teacher, another poster advertised vacancies at the Bobby Shaftoe Nursery School at 25p per session (paid in advance) – bargain! The Centre is not big but Cleveland CAMRA do extremely well to fit seating in to cater for all. In my view it is well run, friendly and welcoming and I am certain I will enjoy the next one. D.D. Editor (this edition): Garry Hewitt e: garry.hewitt1@ntlworld.com Social Secretary, Pubs Officer & Cider Officer: Pete Fenwick t: 01325 374817, 07889 167128 e: mithril58@btinternet.com Website Admin: Dave Till & Andy Grainger e: d.till@ntlworld.com & andrew.grainger@ ntlworld.com www.darlocamra.org.uk Twitter: @darloCAMRA Facebook: DarloCAMRA
ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
Darlington Drinker
GOOD BEER GUIDE 2016...AVAILABLE NOW! DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) best-selling beer and pub guide is back for 2016. Fully updated with the input of CAMRA’s 170,000 plus members, the Guide is indispensable for beer and pub lovers young and old. Buying the book directly from CAMRA helps us campaign to support and protect real ale, real cider & real perry, and pubs & pub-goers. HOW TO ORDER Post: Complete the form on this page and send to: CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 4LW Phone: To order by credit card please phone 01727 867201 during office hours* Online: Please visit www.camra.org.uk/shop* Your details (please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS) I wish to buy the 2016 Good Beer Guide for £11 (CAMRA Members only) plus p&p I wish to buy the 2016 Good Beer Guide for £15.99 plus p&p
Postal Charges† UK £2.50 EU £7.50 Rest of the World £10.00
Name Address Postcode Phone Number
CAMRA Membership Number
I wish to pay by cheque (payable to CAMRA). Please remember to add postal charges to all orders Please charge my Credit/Debit card. Please note that we are unable to accept payment via American Express. Card Number Expiry Date
CSV Number (last 3 numbers on reverse of card)
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Signature
*Further discounts available by phone or visit www.camra.org.uk/gbg †Please note postal charges stated apply to orders for one copy of the Good Beer Guide 2016 only. Full details available at ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015 www.darlo.camra.org.uk | 5 www.camra.org.uk/shop
Darlington Drinker
DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
The Old Well Inn
Darlington CAMRA’s ‘Teesdale Pub of the Season Winner 2011, 2012, 2014 & 2015’
Drink well, eat well, sleep well...
Welcoming bar and lounge, private diningg room room, airy conservatory & a lovely enclosed beer garden. 10 en-suite bedrooms are beautifully and individually furnished with character and charm. Well behaved dogs & children welcome
5 Cask Ales always kept in tip top condition
• Open Mic Night - Thursdays from 8.30pm • Quiz night - Tuesdays from 8.30pm • Real Ale & Music Festival - Every Easter & Late October
The Old Well Inn | 21 The Bank | Barnard Castle | DL12 8PH | 01833 690130
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ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
Darlington Drinker
PIDGE -
A VALIANT FLIGHT INTO THE UNKNOWN by Dave Till
I
n early November , the Crafty Pint Brewery in Darlington (Half Moon), produced a special beer to celebrate the 33,333rd beer ticked off by a Darlington Camra member, Pidge. Since then he has clocked up a few more and at the time of writing (24/11) he now has ticked an astonishing 33,375. However this is not his first special beer, his 10,000 beer was one from Oldershaws Brewery in Grantham , with the clip being presented at the Cask and Cutler in Sheffield .Peter , for that his his real name, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of what his has drunk and where. For instance his 1,000 beer was drunk in the Minerva in Hull and was Old Faithful,on the 29/02/92 a leap day! So when did it all start and why. Peter was a lager / keg fan who ‘discovered real ale, a Sam Smiths beer in the Trafalgar Bay in York back in Dec 1986. He was taken by the flavour and range of beers available as real ale and hasn’t touched a drop of the ‘other’ stuff since. His conversion was helped by the fact his local in Long Newton, the Londonderry Arms,installed a handpull selling McEwans 80/- in Dec 1986.His journeys into Darlington found him in the original Tap & Spile, which further added to his full scale conversion. However the ‘recording’ of beers didn’t start until the 2nd Jan 1987, with a John Smiths bitter in the Old Dun Cow in Darlington. He had resisted recording beers as he originally thought ‘it was a crazy thing to do’, but obviously his resolve weakened leading to where we are now.
ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
When asked what his worst beer was it was Garlic Frog Off from a now defunct brewery on the South Coast which was partaken in the Spread Eagle in Leeds. His best? Nut Brown from the original Whitby brewery, in fact so good Peter drank pints instead of halves it was so nice. Another of his top beers is Millstone Breweries ‘True Grit’, which ticks all my boxes as it is a 5% pale hoppy beer. Sadly Peter doesn’t score beers on the CAMRA system as he is not on the internet, but his memory of all the ones he has drank serves him well. Because the range of real ale is more accessible these days he can just ‘wander about’ and pick up new beers locally, whereas in the past he would take a fortnights holiday and travel the length and breadth of the country by train. It was because of these train trips, meeting likeminded folk with whom information was shared, that he acquired his nickname Pidge. It was given to him by a Darlington member, Gary Brown, who saw him flapping about to avoid missing train connections and told him to ‘stop flapping about like a pigeon’. He then became more widely known across the country as the Darlington Pigeon, which eventually became shortened to Pidge. Which is where we came in. Good on ya pidge, here’s hoping you get a good ‘crop’of beers in the future and become further feathers in your cap. Coo, what an achievement.
REACH 6000+ REAL ALE DRINKERS & PUBGOERS FULL PAGE £225.00 +vat HALF PAGE: £125.00 +vat QUARTER PAGE: 65.00 +vat Book 4 editions & receive 10% discount. Free design. To book call Capital Media on 01636 302 302
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DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
A CHESS PLAYERS TOUR CONTINUES... by Garry Hewitt
A
s well as an enjoyment of real ale, I also enjoy walking. Combining the two is a real joy. In my view there are not many things better than relaxing with several beers after an enjoyable walk in the British countryside. The winter issue last year gave a summation of my time at Barmouth, North Wales as I played in the British Chess Championships at Aberystwyth. This year the event took place at Warwick University and indeed it was very fortunate that we were able stay at my son’s house in Warwick and spend some precious time with our twin grandsons. Warwick is of great historical value, having a castle maintained gloriously and featured many times on T.V, a cathedral, a racecourse and one building, The Lord Leycester Hospital was used in an episode of Dr.Who ( the answer as to which episode it was will be available next issue). Warwick University campus is a fantastic venue for the Chess Championships and only 15 mins away from my son’s house. However it wasn’t until Wednesday that I ventured on my own into Warwick centre itself. I have naturally been having a few beers there before but never on my own. May I just state that every pub in Warwick sells Real Ale, and quite a prominent proportion are locally produced ales.
The Vine Inn, Warwick and Church End Brewery’s Poachers Pocket. 8
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My first port of call was The Tudor Inn opposite one of the entrances to the Castle. I didn’t stop as disappointingly they only had Ruddles County on. However, immediately next door was The Vine Inn. Amongst three real ales available I chose Church End’s Poachers Pocket, a 3.5% mild full of flavour a good start to my walkabout. Walking about 150 yds towards the centre I came across one of the new additions to Warwick’s stock of real ale pubs The Old Post Office. Now this converted, surprisingly, old post office is small, quaint and on two levels. Having a total of 8 ales available; 4 on hand pull and 4 on gravity feed, I was content in having Salopian Gold which was spot on. The only issue I had with the place was the weird opening hours, closing at 9pm during the week. Please check that they are open it is certainly worth visiting. Continuing my climb towards the centre with Wetherspoon vouchers to hand I entered the Market Place, and behold The Thomas Lloyd. The first thing you notice is that drinking gets more expensive the closer to the centre you get, a bit like Venice except without the canals to cross. At £2.30 a pint i.e. 31p dearer than up here, though cheaper than any other available throughout the night. I chose the Duck Soup of, a Warwickshire Brewery production, initially for the students of Warwick University, at 4.2%, a malty combination which was quite enjoyable but like any soup you could only drink so much before you needed a bread bun to dunk. Immediately next door is The Tilted Wig, a more, how shall I say it?... up market. With Purity’s Ubu at £3.40 a pint you needed to be having something to eat to mask the cost. Directly across the Market Place was my next port of call – The Rose & Crown. Arguably ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
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DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
the most expensive beer of the night, at £3.48 a pint but it did at least give me the opportunity to taste Church Farm Brewery beers. The pump clips adjacent gave two quaffable beers at 4.2% and 4.0% but I wasn’t impressed with the clarity of Harry’s Heifer. On the same street as The Rose & Crown and only a matter of 50 yds away was perhaps for me the best pub atmosphere wise The Globe. Formally the Lazy Cow and now Marston’s owned, the bar manager (right of picture) was very keen on promoting CAMRA within the pub. The beer though still a tad on the dear side was the best of the night. A Church Farm IPA at 5%, with citra and crystal hops, uniquely satisfying. It was time to make my way back towards my son’s house but not before dropping in for one at The Zetland, opposite St.Mary’s Church. Previously a bakery, I got hold of a pint of Old Pie
BRANCH DIARY For further updates of events please visit www.darlocamra.org.uk DECEMBER Tues 8th - BRANCH MEETING - We will venture out to The Turbinia, Newton Aycliffe at 7.30pm. Transport will be available. Sat 12th - Society for the Preservation of Beers in the Wood - Branch Meeting Darlington Snooker Club noon followed by Christmas wander around Darlington and stop off in Durham, more details to follow. Weds 30th - Darlington CAMRA Christmas Social at Darlington Snooker Club. With Free Buffet, Malcolm’s Famous Quiz & at least 8 Real Ales. 7.30pm start. JANUARY 2016 Tues 13th - BRANCH MEETING – at 7.30pm in The Hole in the Wall, Market Place, Darlington. Please try and attend and give a
Factory Cask Bitter at 3.9% for £3.00, and very nice it was too. You may think that I had a little difficulty getting home that night but actually the above was split to Friday night where my son kept me company. He did take me to a pub I had never been in before – The Foresters Arms near the Racecourse. There is a very impressive mural on the side of the pub, unfortunately I cannot find any images of it. Oh how did the chess go? I won three games out of five and came equal sixth in a field of 29, better than last year. Next year we have two weeks in Bournemouth, any recommendations before we go?
The Globe and the Old Post Office, Warwick.
little time in getting to know fellow members and a little input into how the Branch be shaped for the future.. Fri 15th - 1st North Yorkshire Surveying Trip Smallways, Barningham, Kirby Hill, Ravensworth & Gilling West x 2. 7pm from Dolphin Centre, 7.15pm from Aldbrough. FEBRUARY Fri 12th - 2nd North Yorkshire Surveying Trip - Aldbrough, Piercebridge, Manfield, Stapleton, Barton & Melsonby. 7pm from Dolphin Centre, 7.15pm from Aldbrough. MARCH Fri 11th - 3rd North Yorkshire Surveying Trip - Middleton Tyas to Dalton on Tees. 7pm from Dolphin Centre, 7.15pm from Aldbrough. All trips: Leave from round the corner from The Dolphin Centre & return there and pick up from Aldbrough St John (by the church) and return there. Open to members new and old, visitors & non members - all made welcome. If you need to cancel, remember if it’s within 48 hours of the Trip then you will still have to pay for your seats in full.
For details of all trips please call Pete Fenwick on 01325 374817 or 07889 167128
ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
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BREWERY NEWS MITHRIL ALES Mithril Ales has had a Great year. I saw no real drop in the usual quiet months of October & November. Here’s my beers for the next 2 months: • 147 Gold 3.7% - golden for the UK Snooker Championships • Panto Pale 4.0% - pale for the Pantomime Season • Naughty 4.1% - brown fruity beer – my 1st Christmas beer. • Nice 4.0% - light amber - my 2nd Christmas beer. • Santa & the Elves 3.8% – golden - my 3rd Christmas beer, tied in with Richmond Roundtable. • New Year Nectar 3.9% - pale to see the New Year in. • Sweet 16 4.0% - chestnut coloured beer the start 2016 • Try January 3.7% - amber to combat the dry January
PUB NEWS
T
here have been changes of landlords in two of our pubs. Peter & Karen from The Crown Inn at Manfield have retired. Taking over the reins are two well known people to Darlington CAMRA, Carly and Colin from The Britannia. Initial visits have given the impression they will continue to maintain the highest quality of great selection of beer. At our last Branch Meeting at The Britannia, we were introduced to Amy and Lou. They openly admitted they had limited experience with Real Ale, running a Sam Smith’s pub in Norton previously, but appear very keen to learn and maintain links with Darlington CAMRA.
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• Haggis Hunter 3.9% - golden for Burns Night • Monkey Magic 3.8% - straw coloured beer for Chinese New Year – Year of the Monkey. THE CRAFTY PINT BREWERY Has increased in size from a “Nano Brewery”. At the moment they are brewing once every 2 weeks down in the cellar at The Half Moon, Darlington. They brew 4 casks, 2 going to John at The Half Moon and 2 going to Brian at The Quakerhouse (who owns the kit). So if you want to try these beers, you’ll have to try and catch them at 1 of those 2 excellent pubs. NUMBER 22 BREWERY We understand that there is a new brew being readied for Christmas, unfortunately we don’t have any more details than that. OTHER BREWERIES There is little change to the rest of the breweries who continue to produce and distribute some very good products.
Gary Soakell from The Turbinia says that after the very successful Autumn Beer Festival, The Turbinia, Newton Aycliffe, is now Installing new cellar and dispensing equipment, so we will always have a minimum of 3 ales on the bar ( 4 on peak times ) Choice of ales will reflect the pub policy of a 50/50 split of locals and nationals, constantly changing, and mainly craft. Work will be completed by the end of November.” Great news. Here’s a thought (suggested by John Holland from Tyneside), No.10 Crown Street is owned by Camerons but doesn’t serve real ale. Having a chequered past in terms of business turnover (changing names a few times), its location would be ideal for conversion to their sub-trade ‘Head of Steam’ style premises.
ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
Darlington Drinker
The Quakerhouse
DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
REAL ALE & MUSIC BAR - LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEK ACOUSTIC MONDAYS (Open Mic) 21st Dec - Christmas Open Mic/Quiz with Dave Cadman & Phil the Pipe (8pm bar)
r 24th CHRISTMAS EVE - Thu Bar closes at midnight 25th CHRISTMAS DAY - Fri CLOSED ALL DAY
28th Dec - Auld Man's Baccie (8pm bar) 18th Jan & 15th Feb - Dave Cadman & Friends (8pm)
BOXING DAY - Sat 26th Open 6pm to midnight
4th Jan, 1st Feb, 29th Feb - Paul Dannett & Friends (8pm)
TUESDAYS 22nd Dec - Russ Tippins Solo (Bar 8pm)
We are proud to be the Darlington CAMRA Town and Overall Pub of the Year 2015! We are also honoured to have been awarded CAMRA North East Pub of the Year 2013. We pride ourselves in the beer, the service and our music. Check out the events page on our website for further info. • Acoustic Night - Mondays open mic. • Rock Night - Wednesdays (NO COVER CHARGE! FREE ENTRY). • Busk-It - Monthly open mic style with a back-line & in house band on a Tuesday - come & sing, play or just enjoy a listen. • Folk Sessions - Last Thursday of the month (wih members of Steam Radio). • Blues Lounge Sessions - Monthly blues open mic night on a Thursday (hosted by Alex Fawcett & Danny Wragg). • Laid Back Sundays - Guest slots from 5pm. • Bluegrass/Skiffle Night - Last Sunday every month (with Willow Creek). Open 7 Days a Week - from 11am. Closing Times Vary - M - 11:30pm / Tu, Th & Su - 11pm / W, F & Sa - Midnight
The-Quakerhouse @TheQuakerhouse
WWW.QUAKERHOUSE.CO.UK
(Bar 8pm)
ROCK WEDNESDAYS JAN DEC
Fosters, Thatchers Gold, Budweiser Budvar, Marstons Oyster Stout, Westons ‘Old Rosie Cider’ plus a selection of bottled ciders and lagers also available. Wines and spirits also on offer.
(£1pp entry, Bar 8pm)
16th 23rd
Prognosis *Final Farewell Gig* The Lewis Hamilton Band
6th 13th
Sundance Eric & the Vikings
20th 27th
Mojo Roller The Sugar B's
FEB
A rotating selection from all around the country.
5th Jan, 2nd Feb - Phil the PipeÊs Musical IntroÊs Quiz
3rd 10th
Tin Pan Alley The Flying V's
17th 24th
Fizzy Fish The Whole Hog
30th Cissy Strut
THURSDAYS 17th Dec, 21st Jan, 18th Feb
The Blues Lounge Session hosted by Alex Fawcett & guests (upstairs 8pm)
28th Jan, 25th Feb
Folk session with members of Steam Radio (Bar 8pm)
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS Sat 19th Dec
DJ Shagalicious - Party night (8pm bar)
Fri 1st Jan
NEW YEARS DAY - OPEN AT 6pm
Sat 16th Jan
The Alex Fawcett Band
Fri 12th Feb
Deep Purple in Rock (Bar 8pm)
LAID BACK SUNDAYS DEC
10 hand pulls - 10 real ales & 1 real cider.
29th Dec, 26th Jan, 23rd Feb - Busk It! Open mic with full back line & house band (Bar 8pm)
20th Christmas Jazz Session - Fundraiser for the aQoustic Lounge (Bar 6pm) 27th Ol' Glory (Bar 5pm); Willow Creek (Bar 8pm)
JAN
SCAN ME!
31st Revolver (Bar 8pm)
FEB
7th Al Hughes (Bar 5pm) 21st Johnny Campbell (Bar 8pm) 28th Willow Creek (Bar 8pm) Darlington Jazz Club TBC (£TBC, upstairs 6pm) 10th Jan, 24th Jan, 14th Feb & 28th Feb
NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATIONS Thurs 31st Dec - Rachel & Alex in the bar from 8pm, complementary buffet & drink to see in the New Year ISSUE 1972| Mechanics WINTER 2015
Yard | Darlington | DL3 7QF | e: info@quakerhouse.co.uk www.darlo.camra.org.uk
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Darlington Drinker
CHAIRSPEAK GET ON BOARD THE ACV TRAIN by Garry Hewitt
A
s mentioned in the last issue, effective from the 6th April this year all, pubs listed as Assets of Community Value (England only) will require planning permission to be demolished or changed to ANY OTHER USE. So as long as the pub is on the local authorities list, existing permitted development rights will be removed. On a local level, Darlington CAMRA led by the tireless work of Ross Chisholm, two members have offered their services as Pub Database Officers, Libby Mills and John Reed and will assist in identifying those premises that may be in danger of closure within the planning area. Subsequently it is hoped that once any applications made to the Planning Department to change a pubs use will have to consider there being an ACV. However every CAMRA member will have received an ACV application form accompanying their What’s Brewing magazine. As a member of CAMRA you are fully entitled to nominate your local as an ACV.As mentioned in DD 194 there are many reasons why a pub closes, the main one often quoted as “economically unsustainable” always points to lack of turnover, lack of a consistent customer base or simply creating an atmosphere that is alien to the local community e.g. sports themed pubs where not appropriate to the existing clientele. In these instances any argument for inclusion as an ACV is hampered by the fact that the local community does not support the pub. By nominating a pub you regularly attend you are demonstrating local feeling. All we would ask is that you forward your nomination via Darlington CAMRA. There are over 175 pubs in the Darlington CAMRA area, and as a nominating body we are keen to involve as many members as possible into nominating their local as an ACV. One local authority has decided to include all premises in their list, and whilst this is a simple reaction, it does mean that all applications for change of use will have to be considered, including those premises which would have been unsustainable in any event. They would have closed anyway. 12
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DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
We have been active in supporting local communities in objecting to changes in use:The Travellers Rest, Skeeby. Closed since 2008 the purchaser of these premises has sought to convert this village pub for residential purposes, making two planning applications - the latest being this year. On each occasion the local community has objected successfully, and has the view to buying the premises returning it to their village pub. They face a difficult negotiation on the purchase price, as we understand the original bar and fittings have been gutted. The Kings Arm’s, Great Stainton. Whilst we understand that the economic viability of any premises is utmost in any owners mind, to convert, what has reputedly been a very good restaurant attached to the pub, for residential purposes seems a step too far. Objections have been made and upheld by the planning department by the simple fact that any new residents taking up possession of the defunct restaurant would be disturbed by activities in and outside the pub. The Buck Inn, Sadberge. It may be a coincidence but we understand that the same person who owns The King’s Arms above, also, owns The Buck Inn. There is a planning application to take over a substantial part of the rear car park, and build residences. There is little or no parking available to the front. We are monitoring the situation. Two premises within Darlington have closed. One, The Central Borough, Hopetown Lane has been close for some considerable time. We understand that a planning application is going to be submitted to turn into flats. Unless there is local objection, it may well be that The Builders Arms will be the only pub left in that area. The other, a more recent closure, is The Coachman Hotel, Victoria Road (adjacent to the Railway Station). We can only surmise that it is on economic viability terms that it has closed whether it is to do with a downturn in its accommodation levels pending competition to the upcoming ‘Premier Inn’ at the other end of Victoria Rd. Albeit all fittings have been sold already at auction. If you hear anything please get in touch with Judith Betts (Secretary), Ross Chisholm or via the website/facebook pages and bring those places you hold so dear to our attention.
ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
Darlington Drinker
DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
Langdon Beck Hotel
GREENBANK HOTEL
Forest-in-Teesdale | Co. Durham | DL12 0XP (On the B6277) Tel: 01833 622267
A FINE SELECTION OF REAL ALES DELICIOUS HOMEMADE MEALS Lunch 12-2pm, Dinner 7-9pm
Accommodation from ÂŁ40
WWW.GREENBANKHOTEL.CO.UK
O PE N AL L DAY, E V E RYDAY Stunning Views Over The Fells
A family run Hotel/B&B, based only 5 mins stroll from the historic town centre. We have 27 very comfortable bedrooms with some superior themed rooms. A welcoming atmosphere awaits. Enjoy an amazing display of militaria whilst relaxing in our well stocked bar.
the
Recommended in the Good Beer Guide from 2007-2015
90 Greenbank Rd Darlington DL3 6EL
Middleton - 7 miles, High Force & Cauldron Snout waterfalls - 3 miles
t: 01325 462624
w w w .lan g d o n b e c k hote l .c om
QUAYS
LIVE MUSIC
5 tubwell row
& ENTERTAINMENT
s ld beer r o w , es ne win i f , s e l od real a oked fo
7 days a week n e p o ISSUE 197 | WINTER 2015
o home c s u o i c i l de
o ubdarl quaysp spub om/the y c . a k u o q o e th faceb om r.com/ twitte yspub.c thequa
www.darlo.camra.org.uk
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Darlington Drinker
TEESD‘ALE’ N‘EWES’ by Sandra Wilkinson
A
fter many a bleak winter... and indeed summer up here in the dale, occasions to get together are often seem few and far between. Visitors come braced for the bad weather in their woolly socks and thermal vests but cask ale always greets those prepared to make the journey. This Year in Teesdale, we have had the great honour of holding a CAMRA Darlington meeting here in the Golden Lion and managed to persuade some of the local members to make the journey here on a wet Saturday morning. Even the press turned out for the occasion. We had the idea of spawning a side group to support the Teesdale members of Darlington Branch, having 4 clubs and the 35 pubs in the area, all for the greater aim... Good Beer. With support from the branch we are hoping to run quarterly bus trips across the branch area if the members wish. On this page will be our own take on what’s happening up and down the dale and any info you guys might find interesting.
QUAKER TOURS END... It is sad to announce that Gordon Pentland and John Reed have decided to give The Quaker Tours a break. Though originating from an idea of visiting various towns and festivals with likeminded Quakerhouse customers, that process has grown to the extent that it involves a great number of Darlington CAMRA members. Indeed every embodiment of the visits included exchanges of this magazine, as well as experiencing new places, new beers and breweries, and most of all new friends. I’d like to express our deep thanks on behalf of Darlington CAMRA to Gordon and John for their sterling efforts in making each trip enjoyable to all.
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DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
In 2015 there has been many successful beer festivals, Here at the Golden Lion, The Old Well, Glaxo Sports & Social Club, Langdon Beck, Strathmore Arms, Cafe 1816 and the Scarth Hall all having a go at getting Teesdale on the map for ale, and a town Beer festival here in Barney. News from the dale includes: Barnard Castle WMC is having its first handpull installed as we type this article, and is rumoured to be stocking Timothy Taylors. The committee are hoping this is the first of many and seem enthusiastic. The Moody Baker has also started to stock a great selection of bottles ale from Regional breweries. So if your are in town pop in, he sells an fantastic award winning Wolf pie (steak and Allendale’s Wolf Ale) We will be compiling our own calender from the dale so if you know the date of your beer festival or have something worth shouting about get in touch. Along with all of this going on we should mention 4 Cask Marque pubs throughout Teesdale, Langdon Beck Hotel, Teesdale Hotel, The Golden Lion and the Wheatsheaf Inn. So if any of you are out and about these are worth a look Just in time for this article are the result of Teesdale pub of the Season • 1st Old Well Inn Barnard Castle • 2nd Strathmore Arms Holwick • 3rd Golden Lion Barnard Castle. Why not let us know your reviews of pubs in the dale. Drop us a line Sandrajane.wilkinson@hotmail. com or pop in and see us at the Golden lion and we will voice your opinions
It may be possible that future tours may be organised through Darlington CAMRA but that depends on whether there is the will to take on visits to such festivals as Derby, Nottingham, Preston, Manchester etc. I am reassured that both Gordon and John will assist through their contacts and organisational skills. I personally believe, as in other branches throughout Britain, that these opportunities should not be dismissed out of hand, but be part of what Branch activities are about.
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Darlington Drinker
BARNARD CASTLE CRICKET CLUB By Sandra & Dave Wilkinson
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hile we all know that the Good Beer Guide is an excellent way to find a spot for a quiet pint, limited space means that there isn’t room for all. I’m sure we all pick up each new edition and say things like “I can’t believe such and such isn’t in” or “How the hell has that got in”. Well we all have our opinions, but the truth is there will always be great places that just miss out. Every issue we plan to bring you a quick rundown of some of the places you might miss. We’ll open the batting (apologies for an awful pun!) with Barnard Castle Cricket club. A great venue tucked away down a side street just off Newgate. It’s easy to miss, but its well worth the short walk up from The Cricketers. The clubhouse itself is welcoming to all, and in our experience attracts a mixed crowd of young and old, cricket players and fans, groups of friends and families. But what is most important is the beer, and BCCC offers two guest ales which change frequently. The management seem to think it through, and rarely does the club have two beers of a similar style or strength. We have never had a reason to doubt the quality of the ales either, offering great beer at great value.
FESTIVAL NEWS The dates for Darlington CAMRA’s third festival at THE FORUM, Borough Rd has been chosen. The festival will take place between Thursday 14th April to late on Saturday 16th April 2016. Food is available from The Forum. On Friday night Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash will be performing, tickets at £13 will also gain free entry to the Festival. The same conditions will apply to Saturday nights entertainment ‘Hey Beatles’ at £10 per ticket. Full details will be in the next issue, and on posters, flyers and the website closer to the date.
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Indeed in August they led their own Ashes Test Series, unfortunately we don’t know the result but no doubt there would have been a hard contest between beer and any Australian style of lager. The club is also one of very few places offering Sky Sports. Given that this is a rarity in the pubs of Barnard Castle, it’s worth knowing for televised sport. Pub games such as pool, darts and dominos seem popular. Families are welcomed even offering a little tuck shop for the kids (and adults). There is good disabled access, which again can be a problem in the older venues of the town. In winter, the clubhouse is a cosy place to be for a quiet beer, but on a summers day... what beats the sound of leather on willow and a fine cask ale . It must be the towns biggest and best beer garden, with a nice terrace and an abundance of outside tables. To summarise -If you are in Barnard Castle, call in for a beer. And tell them we sent you. Darlington Rugby Club The Club are set for their second festival on February 26th – 27th 2016 at their Blackwell Meadows site. The Turbinia, Newton Aycliffe. Gary Soakell , from The Turbinia has given us advanced notice of their festival, it will be held on Thurs April 28th till Mon May 1st. - 18 Craft Beers + 2 Craft Ciders - Free Entry - Free Live Entertainment Fri / Sat / Sunday . This advert will be repeated next issue.
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Darlington Drinker
DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
REAL ALE & LIVE SPORT by Garry Hewitt
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here is an ever increasing number of sporting venues that are providing the audiences and participants with the elixir of life. In this year’s judging of the CAMRA Regional Club of the Year, as well as our winner Darlington Snooker Club, we were fortunate to visit Ashbrooke, Sunderland, home to Sunderland Cricket, Hockey and Rugby Clubs; Newcastle Cricket Club and Chester Le Street Cricket Club. In Darlington CAMRA area there are sporting venues that do provide Real Ale, so I will try and deal with those sports we know and love first. CRICKET With the success of our Ashes team and the current series with Pakistan and over Christmas South Africa, interest in playing cricket at all levels. Let’s face it Test matches wouldn’t be the same without the Beer Glass Snakes being passed meticulously along the crowd at Headingly or Old Trafford, but at our level we are content to watch a sedate game of cricket from the comfort of the pavilion with pint in hand.
Darlington Cricket Club - A long time in existence at their ground at Feethams, Darlington Cricket Club have for a good while now, provided Real Ale to its members. Indeed during the back end of November, they have organised their first real Ale Festival with 16 ales available. They also have facilities to accommodate meetings such as our AGM. This shows a commitment to promoting Real Ale and provides the opportunity to attract members to CAMRA. Barnard Castle Cricket Club - In Vere Road, Barnard Castle regularly runs a Real Ale Festival and boasts two regular hand pumps available to members and welcomes CAMRA guests. A delightful location and often receives guest speakers (including a certain Mr. Geoffrey Boycott some years ago). Whilst there are many more cricket sides that meet after the game in various pubs throughout the area, I am not aware of any Real Ale being available at Moor Lane Sports Club, Newton Aycliffe – I 16
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may be wrong, but there is rugby and football being played. RUGBY New Zealand hops have long been a feature of some of the lighter ales, with such names as Motueka, Kohatu and Cascade being the front runners. With the Rugby World Cup on our doorstep and the All Blacks training at Mowden Park’s arena, I was disappointed that there weren’t any beers derived from NZ hops at either Rugby venue in the town. Mowden Park R.F.C. - Inheriting the football arena and many bars from ex-Darlington Football Club (why don’t they name one of the bars - White Elephant) Mowden Park R.F.C. became the location of the 2013 Darlington CAMRA beer festival. I have no information to hand as to whether they serve Real Ale (not listed in What Pub and there was no information on their website). Darlington Cricket Club - Though negotiations are still ongoing to bring back Darlington FC (now 1883 FC) and locate it at Blackwell Meadows alongside Darlington Rugby Club, there are very complicated difficulties – not least in considering expansion and the adding of seated capacity. However I can confirm that for some time now the Club has offered two regular Real Ales and of decent quality. Additionally they are going to run their second Beer Festival in February next year (exact dates to be fixed so as not to clash with the Ale & Arty Festival at Stockton). It is only a coincidence that this upturn in Real Ale interest may have something to do with the current Club Captain, Danny Miller, who happens to be a Senior Brewer at Theakstons. Barnard Castle and Newton Aycliffe have their clubhouses, but unfortunately I have no information re- Real Ale provision.
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FOOTBALL As mentioned above Darlington 1883 FC play their home games at Bishop Auckland for the immediate future and possibly beyond. I do recall prior to “the situation”, that there was a hard core Darlington Real Ale Supporters Fan Club. Meeting at The Quakerhouse prior to all games, they would choose which hostelries they would visit at the away locations. It appears that many Football Clubs have the same - indeed on a visit to Lincoln, one very cold weekend in February in The Witch & Wardrobe (I think), we were besieged by regrets that Lincoln no longer played against darlington and thus missed out on all the great pubs on their visits to Feethams. I did approach some of the current Darlington supporters and hope that in future editions we will receive an update of their visits and the progress of Darlington’s fixture list. So what about the more unusual sports? How about QUOITS? QUOITS An ancient game and in the more rural parts of our CAMRA area there is a very strong League competition. There is Darlington Quoits Club (just off Duke Street) who do serve Real Ale, however it is a Members only club, how strict they are on visitors I cannot assist. It is of historical note that it is the oldest Quoit Club in the country. Taking steady aim and chucking a 6lb ring of iron at an iron pin embedded in oily clay some 18 yards away is thirsty work, and it is no coincidence that most current teams are within crawling distance or attached to a Real Ale Pub e.g. The Wheatsheaf at Staindrop, The Black Bull at Melsonby. However the popularity of the game has waned over the years and pitches have been dug up and not used e.g. The Fox Hole at Piercebridge, The Oak Tee at Hutton Magna and the Fouralls at Ovington. It is a great social sport...and yes IT IS A SPORT, have a look out sometime in the summer.
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Darlington Drinker
DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
PUB, CIDER PUB & CLUB OF THE YEAR by Garry Hewitt
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ach year CAMRA organises it’s pub/club of the year, and at branch level premises are voted on by members for their own personal choice. Last year, The Quakerhouse was voted overall winner, with The Crown Inn at Manfield voted in as Country Pub of the Year. Darlington Snooker Club won Darlington CAMRA’s award for Club of the Year, whilst Bernice at The Old Vic got the cider award. Shortly over the next few months Pete Fenwick (Pubs Officer) will be sending out voting forms in all categories – please don’t ignore them. Voting can be done by returning e-mail to Peter or by voting on the website (above). Each winner then goes onto Regional Judging and any volunteers to visit other branch winners
are most welcome. The above picture shows the presentation of the Regional Pub of the Year to The Steamboat at South Shields. There was representation from all branches and indeed enjoyed great beers and a superb curry. We are proud to announce that Peter Everett and Darlington Snooker Club won the Regional Club of the Year, and the presentation for that award will take place on a date in the New Year to be announced. Next step is the National Competition and I understand that judging is ongoing as we speak.
Real Ales - We have a range of guest ales from breweries around the country.
Perfectly situated on the beautiful village green of Aycliffe Village we serve great fresh food and real ales in a friendly, relaxed environment.
We serve great food with only the freshest ingredients, locally sourced when possible. Our menus capture our local suppliers superb range of seasonal produce. Each of our seven luxury, individually designed rooms include en-suite facilities, comfy thick duvets, fluffy towels, toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity and flat-screen TVs.
Tel: 01325 312273
Aycliffe Village, Co. Durham, DL5 6LX
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Neil, Helen & Staff welcome you to
Country Pub of the Year 2015 - 2nd Place Overall Pub of the Year 2015 - 3rd Place Aldbrough St John • Tel: 01325 374258 • FISH & CHIP TAKE OUT - Wednesdays 5.30pm - 8pm • PIE THURSDAY - Serving our homemade pies lunch & evening, alongside normal menu
• SUNDAY ROAST BAGUETTES - served 2pm - 5pm in bar SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MENUS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Our Festive Menu commences 1st December
NEW YEARS EVE - Serving our full menu, prices p to suit all budgets Follow us on Twitter or Find us on Facebook Serving Food Tuesday to Sunday • Lunch: Tue - Sat, 12 - 2pm • Dinner: Tue - Fri, 5.30pm - 9.00pm & Sat, 6.30pm - 9.30pm • Sunday Lunch served all day 12 -5pm
www.thestanwick.co.uk
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Darlington Drinker
WHATPUB?, BEER SCORING & THE GOOD BEER GUIDE
Y
ou are probably aware of the ‘Good Beer Guide’, CAMRA’s flagship publication which lists the best pubs in the UK. However, what you may not know is how those pubs are selected to appear in the Guide. The answer is that it is largely via beer scores submitted by CAMRA members from all over the country. So if you are a CAMRA member you can send in beer scores. If you’ve ever wondered why your favourite pub isn’t in the Guide, this may well be because you, and others, haven’t entered scores rating the quality of beer there. By beer scoring, you can contribute to the process of selection of pubs that go in the Good Beer Guide.
So How Do I Score The Quality Of The Beer? You don’t have to be an ‘expert’ to begin scoring your beer. However, it is not about your personal favourite beer receiving the highest scores! You may try a beer that isn’t to your normal taste but what you need to consider is the quality of that beer, how well the pub has kept it and served it, and score it according to the general guide below. It is a simple system of a ten point range from 0 to 5, with half points being used if your opinion of the beer falls between two categories. 0. No cask ale available. 1. Poor. Beer is anything from barely drinkable to drinkable with considerable resentment. 2. Average. Competently kept, drinkable pint but doesn’t inspire in any way, not worth moving to another pub but you drink the beer without really noticing. 3. Good. Good beer in good form. You may cancel plans to move to the next pub. You want to stay for another pint and may seek out the beer again. 4. Very Good. Excellent beer in excellent condition. You stay put! 5. Perfect. Probably the best you are ever likely to find. A seasoned drinker will award this score very rarely. 20
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How Do I Submit My Scores? Visit CAMRA’s online pub guide www. whatpub.com either on a computer or by smart phone. Here you will find a list of over 35,800 real ale pubs from all over the UK; these are not all Good Beer Guide pubs, merely pubs that serve real ale. In order to start submitting scores via WhatPub? you need to:1. LOGIN. To do this you need your membership number and your CAMRA password. 2. You can then search for your pub by name. Be careful here as there are many pubs in the country which share the same name. The advice is to search by the pub name and the town. The What Pub smart phone web page also gives you the option to search for real ale pubs nearby, very useful if you are in an unfamiliar town. 3. Once you have found your pub a ‘Submit Beer Scores’ box will appear on the left hand side of the screen (or on the tab bar underneath the pub photo if you are using a smart phone). 4. Simply fill in the date and your score then as you begin typing the brewery name should automatically appear underneath were you are typing. You do not have to enter the name of the beer your are drinking but if you wish to do so once you have entered the brewery name you should be able to click on the arrow in the Beer box and a drop down list of that brewery’s beers should appear. In some cases the beer you are drinking may be new or a one off by the Brewery so may not appear on the list, if this is the case you can simply type in the beer name. Select the correct one click ‘submit score’ and your score will be entered into the database. It is as simple as that. An added bonus is that it will keep a record of your scores so you can look back to see what beers you have had and how you rated them if you want. So come on take part in supporting and championing your favourite local, whenever you pay a visit to the pub give the what pub website a go and start rating our pubs. WhatPub? can also be used as a search tool to find where rated pubs are within the designated area. www.whatpub.com
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Darlington Drinker
DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
AND FINALLY... by Dave Till
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e generally don’t concern ourselves with the plight of the poor lager drinker, but a recent YouGov survey throws up some interesting data on class / income distribution of the various attitudes and habits associated with the big brands. They surveyed which of the national lager brands were drunk by the AB social groups ( ie posh folk with brass ). Titled ‘Class in a glass: the poshest beers (sic) revealed’, it shows that Peroni tops the list of lagers beloved by the upper and middle classes. These data are for lagers drunk in a pub, which usually have their own glasses so probably this is a very big factor affecting choice ie being seen to drink a particular brand. Stella used to market itself as ‘reassuringly expensive’ and go to great lengths to ensure bar staff know exactly how to pour it into their posh goblet glasses with the final flourish of a little plastic knife. So the results show that 50% of Peroni’s customers being in the AB social group , with Heineken 2nd with 45%. Struggling along in the 2nd tier of between 36-39% are Kronenburg, Becks , Bud and Stella. Bringing up the rear with 35% Grolsch, 33% Fosters, and Carling and ‘ probably
WWW.DARLO.CAMRA.ORG.UK
We are into our second year since standardising the Darlington CAMRA website. We can see that interest in the site is increasing month by month due to the dynamic development and management by Dave Till & Myself (Andy Grainger). Our aim is to give CAMRA & Web Site Visitors as much information about the pleasures of real ale in Darlington & surrounding areas, whether it be Breweries, CAMRA Meetings, pubs, Beer Festivals, Days Out or what beers are available etc, but that information must be kept up to date. It would impact adversely on Darlington CAMRA if any misinformation resulted in disappointment to any visitor. So please feed us as often as you can.
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the best lager in the world’ Carlsberg managing 31% each. So what does this say about real ale then. Well there are no fancy adverts to push up prices and target particular groups with more money than sense. Your fellow drinkers don’t know what choice you have made, apart from the colour! There is a huge choice available and all served, usually, out of similar glasses so no bar side fancy glass snobbery there then. I would hazard a guess that there is very little to choose between the flavour and taste of these brands in a blind tasting, so branding, advertising and Point of Sale initiatives like a bonny glass and barista style theatricals in the ‘pour’ are probably more important to lager drinkers. So next time you order a cracking pint of real ale be thankful there is nothing sinister or contrived about your choice, just taste and pleasure.
There is a secure member’s area where members can read up on the minutes from all meetings that are held within the branch. If there is anything you feel needs commenting on contact either Dave or myself (as Committee members) so that we can bring attention to it at Branch meetings or better still attend and introduce yourself. We are also keen to hear from anyone with information relating to CAMRA, Real ale, local beer festivals, news about pubs etc. Thanks, Andy G Dave & Andy can be contacted at d.till@ntlworld.com and andrew.grainger@ntlworld.com
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