Ale Cry 127

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Chorley Chatter Riley’s Rambles Central Lancs CAMRA and …

Pub of the Season

16 18 20 23

Historic Preston Pubs: Part 9 Branch Awards Preston Parade Walking With A Purpose

25 GBG 2022 26 Cider 28 South Ribble Scene 30 Drink Greener

CENTRAL LANCASHIRE BRANCH

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Ale

FIGHTING FOR DRINKERS’ RIGHTS IN THE HEART OF LANCASHIRE SINCE 1973

Chairman’s Welcome

Branch Contacts Chairman ADRIAN SMITH t: 07495 448555 e: chairman@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Membership Secretary POST VACANT e: membership@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Treasurer DAVE WOOLCOCK e: treasurer@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Secretary & Webmaster GORDON SMALL t: 01772 746118 e: secretary@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Pubs Officer RICHARD LANGFORD t: 07974 799224 e: pubsofficer@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Pub Protection Officer POST VACANT e: pubprotection@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Cider Officer EDD FLETCHER e: cider@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

“A

week is a long time in politics” is a quote famously attributed to Harold Wilson. I’m sure it is, but I can tell you that 21 months is a very long time in the life of a CAMRA branch – and that is the length of time that has elapsed between Ale Cry issues 126 and 127.

I don’t intend to dwell on the pandemic for any length here, although the impact it has had on all of us as individuals has been profound. Even greater has been the impact it has had on our beloved pubs and the people who are running them – only the people directly involved really appreciate their difficulties, and we will touch on this elsewhere in the magazine. As far as Ale Cry is concerned, there is a lot of catching up to do, with a surprising number of new pubs having opened since we last went to press and a gratifyingly small number of closures.

So this issue is intended to be a celebration of the English pub – and especially those in our branch area.

Yesterday was budget day and there was some encouraging news from the chancellor. The way alcohol is taxed will be changed with a lower rate of duty charged on draught beer and cider served in pubs and clubs. This establishes an important principle in the taxation system for the first time: that pubs are a force for good in our communities and should be better supported to help them survive, thrive and compete with the likes of supermarkets. We have campaigned for years for this change, although at the moment the new, lower draught duty rate is proposed to apply only to containers over 40 litres – which will exclude a lot of small brewery beers that are commonly sold in smaller casks and kegs. That’s why we will be campaigning in

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the coming months to reduce the threshold to #MakeIt20 litres when the details of how to implement this new, lower draught duty rate are decided.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor Dave Bell, who served as Chairman from 2015–2020. Having taken early retirement from his day job, Dave and Carol have moved to live on Rhodes – where they have swapped rain and real ale for forest fires and ouzo (I know which I would rather have). Dave discharged his duties as branch chair with good humour and enthusiasm, and he will be much missed.

As ever, if you have any thoughts, comments or feedback, please get in touch with us via email, you will find a contact list in this magazine, or better still, come along to one of our forthcoming meetings or events.

Please also remember to visit our website www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk for all the latest information and local news and if you are on Facebook, please search for CAMRA Central Lancs and like our page. In addition, you can now follow us on Twitter, search for CAMRA Central Lancs.

We also produce a monthly newsletter which is emailed to Branch members on the 1st of each month. If you are not receiving this, it might be because we do not have an up to date email address for you or perhaps because your membership options need changing. Please go to https://camra.org.uk log in and go to edit membership details/marketing preferences in the members area to amend your details and options.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kind Regards ADRIAN SMITH

Branch Chairman

Social Media Officer STEWART GRIEVE e: socialmedia@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Ale Cry Editor ADRIAN SMITH t: 07495 448555 e: editor@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Social Secretary ALEX CALDERBANK t: 07401 020754 e: social@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Young Members EDD FLETCHER e: youngmembers@centrallancs.camra.org.uk www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk @CAMRA_CentLancs CAMRA Central Lancashire Branch camra_central.lancs All material copyright © Central Lancs CAMRA No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor, Branch Committee or CAMRA nationally. Central Lancs CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to any advertisement or article and recommends the reader make their own enquiries. It should also be noted that inclusion of an advertisement in this magazine should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by Central Lancs CAMRA. Design & Layout: Stewart Grieve Design Ltd e: stew@stewartgrieve.co.uk www.stewartgrieve.co.uk Printed by: Printplus, Cocker Avenue, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 8JU t: 01253 299620 www.printplusgroup.com

CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE 2022

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Shepherds’ Hall Ale House, Chorley The award winning Micropub is expanding.

We already have 5 cask lines, 10 keg lines, extensive whisky, cider, wine and gin menus BUT we need more…

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CHORLEY CHATTER

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lot has happened in the 21 months since the last Ale Cry hit the pubs, and despite the general air of gloom that has enveloped the hospitality sector of late, most of it is positive. There has been much activity in the town centre and this is where we will start this issue’s round-up.

Chorley is not renowned as a brewing town, so the opening of a new brewery is a major event. Ben Haydock was running an office furniture business in the Yarrow Business Centre and had the urge to start a brewery at the premises. Obviously stuck for a name, he decided to call it BEN’S BREWERY, with his father and son (both called Keith) being involved in the business.

Although only running since the spring,

there is a cracking range of beers: The Duke, a 4.5% traditional bitter, Blighty, a 4.5% citrus infused IPA, Proper Grafter, a 5.7% stout with a chocolatey aftertaste, Light Brigade, a 4.0% pale ale, Walter, a 4.2% malty golden ale and Wellington, a 3.8% NZPA. The beers are available in bottles from the brewery and are starting to appear in free trade outlets in the local area. There is a small taproom within the brewery, but this is only open for special events and they are looking to open a bar in Chorley town centre.

Withnell’s Brewery moved to Chorley in 2019, with plans to open a tap room in the brewery as soon as possible. This eventually happened in the summer of 2021, and the ARTISAN ALE HOUSE is a fine addition to the Chorley scene, with seven handpumps

dispensing a range of their own beers plus a couple of guests and a cider. In addition there are a further 9 keg taps serving a mixture of craft ales and lagers. This is a comfortable bar, which is open from Thursday – Sunday only and is proving deservedly popular. Just round the corner, the ALE STATION has added some extra

lines, so there are now 9 handpumps on the bar. Not all of these are in use at present, but the capacity is there when demand increases. There has also been some minor changes to the layout, enabling the drinking area to be extended a little at the rear.

On the subject of increased capacity, the SHEPHERDS’ HALL ALE HOUSE has grown significantly with the acquisition of the adjacent unit (formerly a hairdressing salon). At the time of writing, building work is still ongoing, but we expect it to be fully open by the time you read this. In a similar vein, the SHED has added the adjacent unit, which is known as the GARDEN and has more of a cafe bar feel to it. I haven’t managed to visit yet, but the reports are favourable.

There are currently three new ventures in the pipeline in the town centre – all within a few yards of each other. An empty unit on Market Place (almost opposite the Bob Inn) is earmarked for the home of BEN’S BREWERY TAP (see above), while just round the corner on Cleveland Street is the proposed home of RILEY’S TAPROOM & WINE BAR. Both of these are at the planning and licence application stage, so we should have more news next time round.

The third new outlet is CLARKE’S SIBIN, which will be in the former Age Concern shop at the bottom end of Chapel Street.

Work is further ahead on this one, with the bar built and a couple of handpumps installed. Hopefully there will be more concrete news in the next issue.

While on the subject of the market, we need to mention “1498 @ the Markets”.

This is Chorley Council’s masterplan for a foodhall within the covered market, with an indoor seating area which can be used by all the food and drink stalls. While this is a great idea on paper, there is plenty of uncertainty over what this will actually involve. The BOB INN is part of the plan, but so far they have been faced with a (proposed) massive increase in rent and the possibility of having to relocate within the building (with the cost and upheaval that this would entail). Given the disruption to trading over the last 18 months, this is the last thing they need. Initially scheduled to be completed this autumn, the plans have been postponed while further discussions with traders take place.

There are two new bars that have opened on Market Street in the past year. NO. 61 CRAFT CASK PIZZA is a bar/restaurant serving pizza and selling a range of ales, mainly craft but with one or two cask ales available. A short distance away is PANCHE LOUNGE, a cocktail bar and lounge, which sadly does not serve any real ale. I’m not sure just how many pubs and bars a small town like Chorley can support. Unless they

are able to attract more customers into town, then they are going to be fighting each other for their share of the trade.

Meanwhile we can only hope that this drives quality upwards and enjoy the situation while it lasts.

Finally, we have an established pub with a new name. Trader Jacks has morphed into TRADERS TAPHOUSE, following an extensive makeover and a change of licensee. This is a pub that has flirted with real ale in recent years, without ever being able to make it work. On opening night, there were three handpumps in action and the quality was good even if the selection of ales on offer was not particularly exciting.

Sadly, on a visit a few months later, there was only one pump in use – which just goes to highlight how difficult it is to introduce real ale into a pub that doesn’t have an existing customer base who drink the

stuff, and where there are limits on what can be sold. It would be a shame if real ale is withdrawn here, as the refurbishment has produced a smart pub, with plenty of potential and friendly faces behind the bar.

Moving out of Chorley into the surrounding villages, we come to two pubs that have had their struggles of late and have been taken over by the same individual. Paul Bowker initially took on the EUXTON MILLS and revived it’s fortunes.

Next in line was the ALISON ARMS out beyond Coppull. There had been rumours that the car park here had been sold off for housing, but these appear unfounded and the pub has reopened. As far as the beers available are concerned, both pubs sell Timothy Taylor’s Landlord supplemented by one or two guest ales, usually from major breweries. For a short period, the TOP LOCK at Heapey was also added to the portfolio.

This was once one of the finest real ale pubs in the branch, but of late has been very much a food venue. However, we have just learned that the pub has once again closed, due to a combination of reduced trade and unsustainable rent and other costs.

We can only hope that someone else takes an interest here, as given its location, this should be a thriving pub. www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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There has been a change of licensee at the BLACK HORSE at Limbrick. This fine old pub was closed for a while, and given its rather remote location, there were fears that it might not reopen. However a recent driveby revealed building work going on and I’m happy to report that it has now reopened.

Some sad news from the RED HERRING in Coppull. Long term licensee Big Ste has been forced to retire after some serious health problems, although the pub will continue to be run by his wife and daughter.

For many years this pub was the main real ale outlet in Coppull, all down to Ste’s enthusiasm and efforts. We wish him well.

In Adlington, we have exciting news of another micropub that should be open by the time you read this. The OLD POST OFFICE is situated on the top road, on the opposite side to the former Ridgeway pub (now Tescos) and building work is

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already well underway. We understand this is a joint venture between the MV Pub Group (who already have JR’s Ale House on the bottom road) and Escape Brewery of Westhoughton. Their Facebook page promises 6 handpumps serving Escape Brewery beers and occasional guest ales as well as a selection of craft beers.

There was a change of licensee in the short gap between the first and second lockdown at the RED LION in Wheelton village. The new man behind the bar is Richard Roberts, and although this is his first venture in the trade, he has taken to it like the proverbial duck to water. Not that his initiation has been a straightforward one as shortly after taking over, the pub was flooded. They were quickly back in business although the first evening with candlelight,

beer from jugs and an honesty box was a novel experience. During the second lockdown, some much needed work was done on the pub, with a full redecoration inside, and new windows, signage and paintwork outside. The stone lion above the roof line is now painted a glorious red (what else?) and looks quite magnificent.

These improvements, coupled with the hard work and enthusiasm of Richard and his team has turned this pub into a vibrant local, and it is good to see the villagers using the pub in greater numbers than they have done for years.

It’s not all good news of course and there have been a few casualties over the last 18 months, all in Chorley. The EAGLE on the A6 was already closed when lockdown happened, and has now been turned into flats. The CUCKOO’S NEST on Market Street was already on its third incarnation, but either due to being just too small or being in the wrong location, this also closed and has been converted into a nail bar. The LITTLE INN ON THE PARK in Astley Village was a short-lived micropub experiment (without real ale) that didn’t last. Finally, on Eaves Lane, the BRETHERTON ARMS has been closed for some months following a disturbance and complaints from the police. The pub is boarded up and it would be a brave man who placed a bet on it reopening.

ADRIAN SMITH

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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THE

OLD VIC SUNDAY NIGHT QUIZ WITH CASH JACKPOT

Serving breakfasts, lunchtime specials and all traditional pub food. Also sandwiches, salads and delicious home made pies.

Private area available for Parties and Functions • 7 Handpumps revolving up to 25 cask ales including many local brewers each week • Sky/BT showing all major sporting events

• New enlarged covered and heated outdoor area with large screen TV • Live music – 1st Saturday of the month • Real fire

Fishergate, Preston Opposite Preston Railway Station 01772 828519

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• Included in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide • Upto 20 gins on our new gin menu • Live train arrival and departure times shown

RILEY’S RAMBLES: Brighouse

I

t seems so long ago that we had our first jaunt around Brighouse in Yorkshire at Christmas 2019. I wrote the original article with the expectation that it would appear in the March 2020 Ale Cry. For editorial reasons it didn’t appear, and of course there has been a long interval since then. It is a different world we are living in now and I had the thought that some of the pubs we visited might no longer exist or be open. However, I hoped that some (or with luck all) of them were still going and could still make this an interesting place to visit, and that we would still be able to get there on the train. To make sure, I revisited Brighouse recently and found a few changes, so I have updated my article to bring you the latest information.

I know a lot of you were looking forward to finding out where to visit in this charming market town on the River Calder, so here goes. First, let’s set the scene. Mostly known for the famous Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, who got to second in the charts in 1977 with The Floral Dance, it was originally a mill town. These mills have undergone an extensive programme of renovation and are now loft style apartments. The town has a fairly compact centre and the pubs are all easily within walking distance of the railway station, which only reopened in 2000. This is where our ramble begins.

Leave the station by the steps and you immediately come to our first pub, the COMMERCIAL RAILWAY. With it being so close to the station, you could leave it until last while you wait for your train, or do what our little band of Christmas revellers did and both start and finish here. Entering, you find the bar on your right in the main room where there is seating and a fire, plus, to your left, a lounge at the front and a games

room to the rear. Five real ales are usually available, with Tetley Bitter and Copper Dragon Golden Pippin as regulars, plus guests, which on our visit included Elland Blonde (4%). The average price was £1.60 for a half. Interestingly, it still uses that grand Yorkshire institution for getting a thick, creamy head on the beer, the autovac, or beer economiser. It opens at noon all days until 10pm or later.

From here, walk downhill, over the river, and turn left at the lights. After about 100 yards, turn right and find our next pub, the MILLERS. Reopened in 2014 after an extensive refurbishment, it has a pleasant environment with plenty of seating round the bar, where home-made meals and bar snacks are served, and there is also an upstairs restaurant. Seven real ales are served, with Stod Fold Yorkshire Blonde and Timothy Taylors Landlord as regulars, plus guests. There is normally at least one dark

beer on sale. Again, an autovac is used. The pub is adjacent to the canal and its beer garden takes advantage of this location.

It opens at 11am all days except Sunday when it is noon, until at least midnight, (1am Fri, Sat).

Turning right on leaving, go over the canal and turn left down Owler Ings Rd. where you quickly will find what used to be Ventures, a micropub in what was once a bus repair garage. It is now a cafe bar called MAMIL, which stands for Middle Aged Men In Lycra. It is a cycle themed bar with a bicycle workshop to the rear. The bar is on the right and cask beer is dispensed from free flow taps on the back wall. On this visit only one cask beer was on sale. There is a small outside drinking area at the front and a few seats at the back. It opens at 9.30 (10 Sun) until 11pm except Mon, Tue & Sun when it closes at 8pm.

Retrace your steps on leaving and go over the crossing and up Ship St, past the market to reach the MARKET TAVERN, a small, cosy hostelry well known for the quality of its beer and its friendliness. Selling up to six real ales, the pub has a traditional bar area and a ‘lounge’ area to the rear,

plus a beer garden overlooking the market stalls. On our visit the range stretched from Settle Mainline (3.8% at £1.55 a half) to Stod Fold Russian Imperial Stout (7.5% at £1.80 a half), with four others in between. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, it opens 2–10 Wed/ Thurs and Fri–Sun it is open noon till 10pm.

Opposite the pub is Blakeleys Fish and Chip shop, where several of us sampled the goods and declared them to be top class.

Go up Canal St. the short distance to Bethel St and you can turn right to reach the local Wetherspoon pub, the RICHARD OASTLER. Converted from a Methodist chapel that dates from 1878, the interior still displays the organ pipes and pews from its days as a chapel and two chandeliers dangling from its high ceiling. The pub has all the things one expects from a Wetherspoon pub and this one has up to 10 different real ales on sale (including the regulars) with the guests www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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averaging £1.05 a half. It is open 8am – midnight all days (till 1am Fri/Sat) and is named after the 19th century ‘Tory Radical’ who campaigned to reduce the working hours of women and children in industry.

Opposite is an entrance to the CALDER, a Stonegate pub selling five real ales; two permanents in Black Sheep Best Bitter and Elland Calder Pale and three guests from such as Ossett, Acorn and Bradfield at £1.50 a half. A large modern one-roomed pub, it has some boothed seating areas as well as standard seating for both dining and drinking. Opening at 9am (10 Sun) it stays open until 11pm (12 Thur, 1am Fri/Sat).

To reach our next pub, go back along Bethel St. to Park Street on your right and go up to Commercial St. passing a new bar restaurant called the OFFICE in the old post office which is supposed to sell up to three real ales. More like a restaurant than a bar but you can pop in just for a drink. Closed Monday, it opens at noon till 10pm (12 Fri, Sat). We carried on to Commercial St. where you will find the CRAFTY FOX on the far side of the road to your right. The Crafty Fox was a newly opened micro in 2019 with benches and tables in the bar area and an upstairs room. Six real ales are now on

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sale. These are ever changing. It was fairly busy and looked like a worthy addition to the local scene. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, it opens at 2–10 Wed, Thur, Fri, and noon till 10 Sat and Sun. To reach the last pub of our tour of Brighouse, exiting the Fox, turn left to reach Bradford Rd. go right towards Sainsburys, and head left across their car park to reach JEREMY’S, an upmarket establishment in the old boathouse of the canal basin. With a modern interior, it serves a wide range of food and two changing real ales which were both from Saltaire Brewery on our visit (Blonde at 4% and Titus at 3.9% both at £1.80/ half). From the rear of the building you can look out over the wharf of the canal basin. It is open at 11am all days until 11pm except Fri/Sat when it is midnight. At weekends from 9pm it becomes a popular showcase live music venue.

Coming out, you will see across the car park the front entrance of the Calder pub. Head that way and turn left and go up to the railway station where you can catch a train back (or have another one in the Commercial if the train is late). On our visit at Christmas 2019 we caught the train back to Sowerby Bridge and went in the JUBILEE REFRESHMENT ROOMS, the justly renowned real ale bar on the station there. There was always something interesting to drink there, but because it was Christmas, we caught the tail end of the ‘Beer from the Wood’ festival, where all the beers are in traditional wooden barrels as opposed to the modern aluminium ones.

We did not know this was on, but were pleasantly surprised by it. On our visit in September 2021, it was found to be closed and there was no indication of it ever reopening. Let us hope that it does for it was a fine place to end a grand day out in Yorkshire.

I usually give you details of train times at the end of a ramble, but who knows what they are at the time of writing.

Suffice to say that it involves heading to Hebden Bridge and changing trains for Brighouse there. We complicated it by stopping off at Sowerby Bridge to visit the Jubilee (twice).

It was good to see that all the pubs in Brighouse survived the pandemic. As human beings we need to socialise and going to the British pub is the best way to socialise. There is such a thing as Society!

PAU L R I L E Y

THE POTTERS ARMS BROOK STREET, CHORLEY

Black Sheep Doff Cocker & Guest Beer Central Lancs Community Pub of the Year 2019

FREE

TUESDAY IS CASK ALE DAY ALL AT £1.99 A real pub with darts, dominoes, and a real fire

Comedy @ The Potters Monday 27th December Featuring: Patrick Monahan Steve Harris & full support

Tickets on sale at the bar www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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CAMRA CENTRAL LANCS BRANCH AND ...

THWAITES IN PRESTON

W

here have all the Thwaites pubs gone?

It may be hard to believe, but at one time it was quite easy to find Thwaites pubs and their beers in Preston.

These days there is only one Thwaites tied house in the whole of central Preston.

Unlike Matthew Brown, which was a Preston brewery temporarily residing in Blackburn, Thwaites could always be considered a brewery with its roots firmly established in Blackburn. However times change. Matthew Brown is long gone, while Thwaites has now re-located much nearer to Preston at Mellor Brook. Yet despite being just 7 miles from Preston, Thwaites pubs and their beers have all but vanished from the city centre.

Admittedly it may now be considered a historical document, but ahead of the 1992 Preston Guild, Thwaites Brewery were able to produce a Preston Guild Pub Guide to publicise their bottled Guild Ale as well as their many pubs in the Preston area. The guide listed 22 pubs, of which 10 were actually in Preston, with the other 12 pubs being located in the surrounding areas.

Looking at the 10 Preston pubs, it makes quite depressing reading to consider what has happened to them in the intervening years.

SPINDLEMAKERS ARMS (Lancaster Road North) This was the first of the 10 pubs to close. The end came in 1994, and in the following years the former pub premises were to fall into a terrible state of disrepair. Amazingly the building is still standing in 2021.

The New Inn was the next Thwaites pub to go. Last orders were called in 1997, and soon after this occurred the pub was demolished.

The land has since been used for car parking.

Located in an area which once had a high concentration of street corner pubs. One by one most of these pubs have closed, with the Windsor Castle going through a particularly sad decline before its demise in 2001. Still standing, the building has been renovated to provide residential accommodation.

GEORGE (Church Street)

GUILD TAVERN (Tithebarn Street)

Thwaites sold this pub to Mitchells in 1998, and later that year it was re-named the Shepherd’s Arms. It soon became apparent that Mitchells did not really want any pubs in Preston, and in 2001 the pub was closed, being sold to become an extension to Ted Carter’s Fishing Tackle shop.

This was the Thwaites pub most centrally located to attract Preston’s weekend drinkers. It was a pub that had its ups and downs, eventually being re-named Lionel’s, and ceasing to be a real ale pub. It closed in 2006, being converted into private accommodation, although the Guild Tavern name continues to be associated with the building.

NEW INN (Queen Street)

NORTH STAR (Hawkins Street) A little bizarrely, this pub was described in the Thwaites guide as being ‘in the heart of Preston’. Like the George, this was a Thwaites pub sold to Mitchells in 1998, and similarly this was a pub that closed in 2001. For many years it retained the appearance of being a pub, but more recently it has been extended to create the Mason House apartment building.

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MOORBROOK (North Road) In 2014 the Moorbrook looked set for demolition, with it being auctioned off by Thwaites and acquired by a property developing company. Fortunately this deal fell through, and the second highest bidders Sue Woods and Gary Culshaw were able to take ownership,

with the pub subsequently re-opening as a free house. No longer a Thwaites pub, but still going strong, it was CAMRA Central Lancashire branch’s Pub of the Year in 2019.

LAMB & PACKET (Friargate) When the Thwaites Guide was produced this was an extremely popular pub, famous as much for its food as it was for its beer.

Although not the pub it had once been, when the 2012 Preston Guild took place, it was chosen as the branch’s Pub of the Season. Over the years trade dwindled, and in 2017 it was closed, having been bought by the University of Central Lancashire. No longer a pub, but it still holds a prominent position looking across to the university campus.

NEW WELCOME (Cambridge Walk) The most recent of Preston’s Thwaites’s pubs to close, the end coming in December 2017 with the retirement of a long-standing landlord. Currently it’s no welcome at the New Welcome, with the former pub having its doors and windows boarded up, assumedly this being in readiness for work to be carried out to convert it for residential use.

SUN (Friargate) The good news – this is the one surviving Thwaites pub in the centre of Preston. The not so good news – it is not actually selling any Thwaites brewed cask beers. Writing this article, I thought it an appropriate time to pay a visit to the Sun. Unfortunately the only real ale available was Wainwright, a beer inevitably still associated

with Thwaites, even though it is now produced by Marston’s, having been acquired by the brewing giant in March 2015 in a deal reported to be worth £25.1 million pounds.

Despite this steady decline of the Thwaites presence in Preston, it must be acknowledged that their pubs have played a significant role in the history of CAMRA Central Lancashire branch. As many people will know, the branch was founded at the MOORBROOK in 1973, the legendary George Lee then being the landlord. The Moorbrook remained the venue for most early CAMRA meetings, but when the branch began to venture a little further afield, the George, the Spindlemakers Arms, and the Windsor Castle, were all often frequented.

Several of Preston’s Thwaites pubs were regularly rewarded with a place in the Good Beer Guide. In 1992, the year that Thwaites produced their Pub Guide, there were actually four of their Preston pubs that were Good Beer Guide entries – the GEORGE, the LAMB & PACKET, the NEW INN, and the SUN. Which reminds me – in early editions of the Good Beer Guide there used to be a comment ‘All Boddingtons and Thwaites pubs in Preston serve real ale’. I suppose that this statement is still true, even though it applies to just the one pub. G O R D O N S M A L L

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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of Pub season WINTER 2021 the

Lostock Ale LOSTOCK HALL

T

he opening of Lostock Hall’s first micropub in January 2020 was exciting news and has proved to be a great addition to the real ale scene in the village. For landlord, Ray McLaughlin this was a fresh venture, and no-one could have predicted just how challenging it would be, as months later we saw the arrival of the pandemic and first lockdown.

The opportunity to run his own pub was not something he’d necessarily had much time to think about over the years, as by day he’d worked as a gas engineer and by night, a doorman in Preston’s city centre.

He did the latter for over 20 years, and it was through his contacts there that he was offered his first opportunity to run a pub, Barney’s Piano Bar on Church Street.

In his own words, this was a “baptism of fire”, as he’d never worked behind a bar or even collected glasses before, but undeterred he decided to give it a go and no doubt learned a huge amount along the way. However, Barney’s had never played a significant role in the real ale scene in Preston and maybe this was a contributory factor in Ray returning to his day job… as a life-long fan of real ale there was clearly something more exciting around the corner!

This is Following retirement a few years later it was his son who suggested he consider great, thank running his own micropub. Unlike taking over you! What a traditional pub there’s no real “blueprint” in place and a whole host of things to consider a great not least the location/venue, planning accolade to applications and timing, but when the unit on Hope Terrace in the heart of Lostock Hall came receive. This available in 2019 this proved to be too good gives me the an opportunity to miss and the business of enthusiasm setting up Lostock Ale began.

From first opening it was clear that this to raise the was a genuine free house with a landlord who bar in my wanted to give his customers a social venue where they could sample some great ales from quest for around the country, particularly from northexcellence. west breweries and with six handpumps across the bar there was something to cater for all tastes. This started out as a single-roomed Ray McLaughlin pub, but space was limited particularly at the are anything to go by Ray is setting about redefining the word weekends so despite several lockdowns, business was going well “micropub” and his drive to develop the business is clear for all to and a pavement license was successfully applied for, expanding the see, as is the charitable nature of the customers, the pub having venue. However, not one to stop there, later in 2021 Ray successfully already raised £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support through a coffee took over the unit next door, previously the home of Age Concern, providing a large room that can be used either as a function room or morning and £300 for Derian House Children’s Hospice through donations from Santa’s grotto. for additional customer seating at busier times, with a raised stage Despite challenging times Lostock Ale continues to go from area also planned to accommodate live music events. strength to strength and is a truly deserving recipient of the This is a real community-focused pub at the heart of the village, Central Lancs CAMRA Pub of the Season Award for Winter 2021. and the function room is already attracting interest from a wide We wish Ray and the staff all the very best for the future and range of local organisations including guide dogs training, a group look forward to formally presenting the award in the New Year. for deaf and hard of hearing (following the closing of Deafway) and local councillors, to name just a few. If the last 18 months RICHARD LANGFORD

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Ale Cry

15

HISTORIC PRESTON PUBS

PART 9 Deepdale

I

n the latest instalment of our look-back on the closed pubs of Preston in the Ribbleton Lane area heading out towards Deepdale. These pubs would have provided slim pickings for the real ale enthusiast, as most of them did not sell any real ale for a number of years before they finally closed their doors.

We start our tour this issue outside the prison and head out of town along Ribbleton Lane. In the 1950s, this road would have provided a pub crawl to challenge the most dedicated ale drinker. Before we reach the first of our featured pubs, there are 6 that closed in the early 1960s – in order the OLD OAK, FORESTERS ARMS (later known as the THIRD DUKE OF LANCASTER’S OWN), the ANCHOR’S WEIGHED INN, the ALBERT HOTEL, and finally the NEW SUN and BIRCHALLS ARMS (which were opposite each other). 4 of these pubs sold the ubiquitous Matthew Brown ales, the other choices being Tetley and Chesters. All these buildings have been swept away and replaced with modern industrial units. Despite all these missing pubs, it is only a short walk until on the right hand side we find our first featured closed pub – the FOX & GRAPES, which was situated just opposite the junction for Deepdale Mill Street. A former Chesters’ pub, it had come into the ownership of Whitbread by the time

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our photo was taken. There was once a bowling green behind the pub, which would have had wonderful scenic views of the old gas works that were beyond. The pub closed in 2013 and remains empty and boarded up.

At this point we will leave Ribbleton Lane and head up Deepdale Mill Street. Just before the railway bridge, on the corner of Peel Hall Street stood our next pub, the DUKE OF EDINBURGH. A completely unremarkable Matthew Brown pub of pretty standard design, this pub was serving three

real ales as late as 1989. According to the branch’s Preston Real Ale Guide of that year, you could get Matthew Brown Mild and Bitter and Theakston Best Bitter on handpump.

However the pub closed the following year and has subsequently been demolished (interestingly this is the only one of the 7 pubs in this issue that is no longer standing).

Further up this road at the junction with St. Georges Road was our next pub, the DEEPDALE HOTEL. A Matthew Brown pub, it was by some distance the closest

pub to to the Deepdale Stadium and used this fact heavily in its advertising. Between 1913 and 1917, the landlord was Peter McBride, who had been a goalkeeper with Preston North End, playing 443 games for the club up to his retirement in 1912. It appears he had a reputation as being ‘quite aggressive’, and it is reported

that during one match, when the opposition’s striker scored his third goal, McBride raced out of his penalty area and shook him by the throat. The pub had long since ceased serving real ale when it closed in 2013. The building still stands and it is understood that it to be converted into an Islamic teaching centre.

Back on Ribbleton Lane, just a few yards further along from the Fox & Grapes and on the same side of the road was the DERBY INN. Another of our Matthew Brown pubs, it stood on the corner of Geoffrey Street.

It was a small pub with a narrow frontage and nothing notable seems to have happened there. Real ale had been withdrawn by the late 1980s and there is no evidence that it was ever reinstated before final closure in 2010. On the opposite side of the road was the BOLD VENTURE, another of the casualties from the early 1960s.

Here we take a short detour and turn right down Geoffrey Street and then left into Cemetery Road.

A few yards along, on the corner of Wilbraham Street stood another Lion pub, the CEMETERY ROAD HOTEL. In common with most of the pubs from this brewery, real ale had long been discontinued when it closed in 2000 and was converted into a private house.

If we head back to Ribbleton Lane and turn right, it is a short walk to the traffic lights where our next pub, the SKEFFINGTON ARMS

could be found at the junction with Skeffington Road. The unusual name is thought to have been in honour of Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge, a naval commander who died in 1814.

(By a strange coincidence, Lutwidge lived at Holmrook in West Cumbria – which is only a few miles from the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway which features in another article in this magazine.) This was yet another Matthew Brown pub and according to our records had not served real ale for many years when it closed in 2013. The hanging sign and lettering still adorn the pub, which now has a rather dilapidated air about it.

Continuing our walk along Ribbleton Lane, we eventually come to the OLD ENGLAND HOTEL. This was a large detached building comprising a fairly basic tworoomed pub with a beer garden.

It was purpose-built in 1853 by its first licensee James Walmsley, who advertised it locally as a ‘baiting house’ for people travelling to Longridge, Chipping or Clitheroe.

Baiting was a nineteenth-century word indicating the provision of food or rest for people or animals.

Like many of the local pubs it had once sold beer brewed on the premises, but at some time the pub had come under the ownership of Boddingtons and in our guide to the 1992 Preston Guild it was still selling real ale in the form of their bitter.

The pub closed in 1999 and sits empty, although there was at one time plans to turn the site into a car park.

ADRIAN SMITH All the excellent photographs used to illustrate this series of articles come from the Jim Holderness collection, and we gratefully acknowledge this and being able to use them. In part 10 we will be looking at the North Road area and would welcome any contributions from readers who frequented any of the closed pubs in this area.

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Ale Cry

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BRANCH AWARDS

I

n normal times, there is a regular pattern to branch awards. However, over the last 2 years, this has been thrown into disarray, so this article is a good place to catch up on what has happened and look to the future.

The 2020 Pub of the Year competition was featured in Ale Cry 125, although the result of the vote came too late to be included in 126. It was disappointing to note how few of our members actually voted, but in a close fought contest, the GUILD ALE HOUSE came out slightly ahead of the BLACK HORSE to win for the second time in three years.

The 2020 Club of the Year award went to the LONGTON VM CLUB, with the 2020 Cider Pub of the Year award going to the BOB INN. Due to restrictions, we were unable to make any formal presentations of these awards, but we did manage to hand over the certificates and Pub of the Year shield during the summer opening period. With the pubs being closed over last winter, none of these competitions were held in 2021, but things will return to normal for 2022.

It has become customary to decide the George Lee Memorial Trophy winner at the branch Christmas Social meeting. In 2019, the BLACK HORSE in Preston won the trophy, and it was suggested at the time that they would be the last winners as the shield was full and we now had a Pub of the Year award. We have subsequently decided that it is time the trophy was retired, which of course raised the question of what we should do with it. It has been agreed that it would be nice to display the trophy at the MOORBROOK – which is the spiritual home of the branch, being the pub where we held our first meeting all those years ago and where George Lee served such great beer for so many years, and licensee Richard has agreed that we can do this.

The last time we made a Pub of the Season award was back in Spring 2020, with the RED LION in Wheelton being chosen.

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Almost immediately, all the pubs closed, and by the time we were able to present the award, over a year had passed. So we changed it to Autumn 2021 and handed the certificate over in October. The Winter 2021/2 award has been decided and you can read about that on page 14.

A couple of years ago it was decided that we would make a special award to any pub that appeared for 10 consecutive years in the Good Beer Guide. It is quite an achievement to manage this, as competition from new outlets or changes of licensee frequently force us to omit a great pub for one year. Every award needs a name, and it was agreed there was no more fitting a name that the Dave Linley Award, after our friend who sadly died in 2019. Dave was a great contributor to the branch’s GBG selection and an enthusiastic traveller and visitor to new GBG outlets around the country and it seems appropriate that this award should bear his name. In 2019, the ANCHOR in Lostock Hall was given the award and in 2020, the CONTINENTAL and the BLACK BULL in Penwortham reached the milestone.

It is a rare event for one of the branch pubs to win a national award, in fact I don’t think it has ever happened before. Back in February 2020 we were delighted to learn that the PLAU in Preston has won CAMRA’s National Design Award in the conversion to pub use category. In the words of Andrew Davison, chair of CAMRA’s Pub Design Award judging panel: “Jeremy Rowlands and architects/designers Loe Design have turned a disused and run-down building into a highly attractive pub, its refurbishment informed both by the known history of the building and by features uncovered during the work. It uses the long narrow plan and the height of the building to the full, from the vaults in the cellar – with its reopened medieval well – to the split-level ground-floor bar, with a more secluded

room behind, and the dining room on the upper floor, with its open roof-trusses and boarded roof lining.

All has been done with great care, and with quality materials. The result is striking – a traditional pub re-imagined for the 21st century!” As so often happened in 2020, the ‘presentation’ was a virtual one and it was not until late 2021 that we finally managed to get the certificate to Jeremy for display in the pub.

We are now looking to select the branch Pub of the Year for 2022. When we opened up voting for this competition to all branch members back in 2018, we had hoped that many of our members would contribute to the decision making process. However, very few members have actually voted and the decision has been made this year to change the way we select our branch winner. The committee has drawn up a shortlist of six, with pubs being selected taking into account the criteria applied to the national competition. Pubs are judged on the following points: • Quality and condition of product • Promotion and knowledge of product • Cleanliness and staff hygiene • Service, welcome and offering • Style, Decor and Furnishing • Community Focus and Atmosphere • Sympathy with CAMRA aims • Overall Impression and Value During November and December the committee members will be visiting the pubs that have been selected and scoring them against the above criteria. The six pubs that have been chosen for the shortlist are: BLACK HORSE (Preston), DOLPHIN (Longton), MARKET ALE HOUSE (Leyland), MASONS ARMS (Chorley), PLAU (Preston) and RED LION (Wheelton). We will be announcing the overall winner early in 2022 and there will be a full write up in Ale Cry 128.

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Ale Cry

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PRESTON PARADE

I

t has been a long time since we last had a chance to let you know what has been going on in Preston. The last Ale Cry came out in March 2020, so what have we gained and what have we lost in that time? Well, we seem to have survived the pandemic quite well, with relatively few pubs permanently closed, and quite a few new bars opening.

FISHERS, on Church Street seems to have gone, it never reopened after lockdown ended and while it had not sold real ale for a while, it is another one lost. Apart from that, nothing else has closed completely in the centre, but there are pubs and bars where real ale was once available, who seemingly have given up and it will not feature. YATES, near Fishers is being refurbished yet again and will reopen as a “Slug and Lettuce”, a brand that does not usually bother with real ale. What is more surprising is what has happened to the ADELPHI pub, slap bang in the centre

of the “University” district. It has had a massive makeover, with £350,000 spent on it, yet there is no place for real ale. Painted in a blue hue with a mural on one wall, they must imagine students will be attracted to it. Real ale drinkers need not despair, for there is plenty to attract them to this area, both in existing pubs and new micropubs that have and will appear in proximity to the Uni. Besides the VINYL TAP, just up Adelphi St. and the GUILD pub on Fylde road, both of which sell a changing range of guest beers, there is, on the corner of Moor Lane a former bank that, if all things go to plan will open as a new bar, BIER BOX. This will be a sister pub to

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Beer Box in Bamber Bridge, with a more continental feel, and when it comes to fruition, it will hopefully show the Adelphi what they are missing out on.

Not a hundred yards away, up Friargate is the latest addition to the real ale scene in Preston, the FRIARGATE TAP ROOM. Opened by the same people who have the Tulketh Tap Room (more of which later), it is under the supervision of bar manager Alys, who knows her stuff and is keen on real ale.

Three cask beers are on sale and they are ever changing. Alys wants to have a variety of different beers appearing. The micropub has a modern feel and is open 2–11 Mon– Wed. Other days it opens at noon, closing at 11.30 on Thurs, 10pm Sun and 1am Fri and Sat. No food is served, but you are welcome to bring your own food in. Dog friendly, there is ample seating and even a small outside drinking area to the rear. Sky Sports live football is shown on unobtrusive TV’s.

In our last issue 18 months ago we mentioned three microbars that were then in the planning stages and where we had little idea what they would be like. They have all now opened, so we have had a chance to go and investigate.

The TULKETH TAP ROOM, at the junction at Lane Ends, sells four changing cask ales, has outside decking to the front and a beer garden to the rear. Inside is a

mixture of upholstered and high chairs.

Mon–Wed it is open 2–11, otherwise it opens at midday till eleven and 10 on Sundays. It can get busy at times. The other micro in this area is the TAP END, on Blackpool Rd. just along from the Lane Ends pub. This is a more low key bar where the aura is one of conversation, deliberately so, making it a good meeting place for locals and strangers alike. Dark wood and metal with subdued lighting adds to the overall effect. Currently with 3 handpumps dispensing a variety of ales, this could increase as business builds after the pandemic is over. It opens at 4pm Mon–Fri, Midday at weekends, closing at 9 Mon–Thurs, 10pm Fri–Sat, and 9 Sun. The third micro we told you about finally opened in July 2020. It is the CRAFTY BEGGARS, up Garstang Road, almost opposite the Black

Bull. Its aim was to provide a traditional small pub atmosphere, selling mainly cask ales from the north west area, plus craft ales and fine wines. There are four changing guest ales on sale and with a capacity for 50 people, it is one of the branch’s larger micros. It opens 2–11 Mon through Thurs, also Sunday, and at noon–11pm Fri and Sat. Good news at the BLACK HORSE in town, where Landlord Dan has negotiated a deal with Robinsons that means he can now source his guest beers from wherever he wants and is no longer tied to the Titanic list. He will still be getting the ever popular Plum Porter, but you should see a wider range of guests on the bar, which means you could have a choice of nine real ales on sale, including the regular Robinsons’ beers.

A blackboard listing the beers on sale and

prices is now displayed on the wall where the stairs go up. As always, this pub is well worth the visit.

The latest on the PLUNGINGTON HOTEL on Lytham Rd. is that Admiral Taverns, having lost Jeremy from the Continental as leaseholder, have been at a loss to know what to do with the pub, but locals, fearing the worst, have set up the Plungy Community action group. They have successfully applied to the council to get the premises listed as an asset of community value with the aim of making it a community owned pub. If you are interested in investing in this project or joining their steering committee, please contact Luke Breen on lbreen85@gmail.com Another new bar has recently opened on Friargate, next to The Greyfriar. LUTHERS is set over three floors with a restaurant and radio station planned.

Initial news is that no real ale is on sale. Two other ‘new’ bars that opened during our absence are SMASHED in Miller Arcade and NIKO on Guildhall Street. Neither of these serve any cask ale, although the latter has a decent selection of craft beers and some real cider, and is proving so popular that they have applied to extend into the first floor of the premises.

We understand that Chainhouse Brewery intend to open a tap on Market Street close to the Market Street Social that operates from the rear of the Plau on Friargate. More good news is that there is work going on at a premises opposite the Miller Arcade on Church Street with the intention of opening as HOPWOOD’S TAP HOUSE, possibly before Christmas. Handpumps have been seen being installed, and early pictures suggest a sizeable cellar and/or underground seating. Something else to look forward to and we will let you have a full report in the next issue.

Just prior to going to press, we heard of a change of tenant at the WELLINGTON (Glovers Court), after former boss Andy Macdonald finally gave up his fight with Preston Council after a spate of complaints about noise. Apparently most complaints came from residents of a newly opened flats’ development opposite who were surprised to find that noise is generated in a busy pub that has been there for over 100 years. You would think that anyone investing in a new flat would check out the local area before parting with any money. Jordan Ebbs is the new man in charge and he plans to reopen during November as a restaurant during the day and a pub by night. Let’s hope it goes well but that he doesn’t forget that the pub bit is important as well.

So all in all, we look to have have come out of it on the plus side. PAU L R I L E Y

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Brewery Tap and Shop open Friday & Saturday 12pm-9pm

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17E & 17F Boxer Place, Leyland, Lancs PR26 7QL enquiries@crankshaftbrewery.co.uk 07415 816107 Crankshaft Brewery

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@CrankshaftBrew

Walking with a Purpose

Rivington’s Hidden Gems

I

n the south-east corner of the Central Lancashire CAMRA area lie the parishes of Anglezarke and Rivington, both popular outdoor destinations with striking scenery around their respective reservoirs, which were built in the 1850s to supply the local area and there’s certainly no shortage of things to do. Many people plan a walk or ride over Rivington Pike, search for old archaeological sites, do some rock climbing at Lester Mill quarry or turn their hand to water sports but for me, this walk ticks all the boxes and allows you to just relax, enjoy the picturesque landscape and while away a few hours discovering three of Rivington’s hidden gems.

The last 18 months has proved to be a difficult time for everyone and for many, a time we’d rather forget, but the opportunity to get out and breathe in some fresh air in the countryside was still an option and a welcome tonic.

Thankfully, we are now able to embrace the resumption of some semblance of normality and to walk outdoors with a real sense of purpose. This is a rural area but we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sample three real ale pubs along the way, each quite different but outstanding in their own right and all of whom have recently been awarded Good Beer Guide status in the latest 2021 edition. Food is available at all three pubs.

The walk itself is suitable for all ages and abilities and can be started from either Knowsley Lane on the south end of Anglezarke reservoir or from Horrobin Lane, which dissects Upper and Lower Rivington reservoirs. In either case there is generally ample free parking along the road.

For the purposes of this article, we make our way to Knowsley Lane, 100 yards past the Yew Tree Inn. Having parked up walk eastwards to

a sharp left bend in the road across which you’ll find a gate leading onto a footpath that makes its way uphill along the side of the overflow from the Yarrow Reservoir above. This is the only significant uphill section on the walk and is relatively short-lived.

At the top you meet a stony track and turn right, making your way gently downhill between the raised embankments of the reservoir and Street Wood but will soon find yourself walking out of the wood with fields either side where the views really start to open up. A few hundred yards down the track you’ll approach a metal gate.

At the junction bear to the right and work your way down to Horrobin Lane and then, it’s decision time!

Immediately on your left is THE RIVINGTON, which is a tearoom and bar attached to the Rivington Bowling Club on the site of the old Black-a-Moor’s Head (demolished in 1903 so I’m told). It has a full pub licence; non-members are welcome and there’s a single room with a bar serving two real ales; Abbeydale Deception and another from Abbeydale (or occasionally one from another regional brewery).

Whilst Abbeydale brewery is based over the border in Yorkshire, real ale

aficionados will appreciate this isn’t always a bad thing, and in this case, the landlord is showcasing a brewery that produces consistently fine ales predominantly of the pale and hoppy variety. In this respect it differs from our other two pubs who are dedicated to championing local beers and provides some great variety along the way. There is seating indoors and outside around the bowling green, as well as a beer garden in an elevated position overlooking the reservoir.

The walk then takes us across the reservoir along Horrobin Lane and as the road starts to rise, an old lodge called Horrobin Cottage can be found on the right alongside a narrow road known as “The Street”, which is your next turning.

However, before doing so it would be wise to walk a further 100 yards

Useful Information Distance: approx. 2 ¾ miles OS Map: Explorer 287 West Pennine Moors – Blackburn Darwen and Accrington

YARROW RESERVOIR

YEW TREE INN

UPPER RIVINGTON RESERVOIR THE RIVINGTON

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RIVINGTON TAP

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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or so up the hill where you’ll find the entrance to the Rivington Brewery Company.

A short distance along the access road walking past the campsite brings you out in front of the farm. THE RIVINGTON BREWERY COMPANY TAP is one of the area’s more recent additions to the pub scene and occupies a magnificent location on the banks of Lower Rivington Reservoir, offering spectacular views across to the Pigeon Tower and Rivington Pike (in fine weather!).

The brewery itself, based behind the tap room at Home Farm was formed in 2014 and has gone from strength to strength over recent years; a craft brewery that focuses on more modern beer styles. Cask and keg beers are always available and whilst you’re unlikely to find a crystal-clear pint, what you can

expect are innovative beers packed with huge flavour and character.

There is limited seating in the tap itself but plenty outside both covered and open to the elements.

Returning to the lodge our walk takes us along the banks of the reservoir, past the filter beds and farms to the left before entering a wooded area that soon opens up to the right to reveal a magnificent residence known as, “The Street”. The building dates from 1850, but there’s been a house on the site for centuries, its name derived from the family who owned the estate, as far back as the 13th century. It was converted into several individual luxury residences some years ago but remains a hugely impressive building nonetheless and is probably the most striking landmark on the shores of Rivington.

The road continues past several estate buildings including a Coachman’s and Gardener’s cottage and eventually brings you back out onto Knowsley Lane alongside another lodge house. Your car should be parked to the right but turn left and after a short stroll you’ll find the rather idyllic YEW TREE INN, a grocer’s shop in the 1800s but very much a thriving country inn today.

The Inn, with its fabulous views across the reservoir to Rivington Pike and commitment to championing

local produce has long been a favoured destination in this area and is a supporter of local awardwinning brewery Blackedge, who are based in Horwich just a few miles down the road. You’re sure to receive a warm welcome whether dining or just stopping for a quick drink. Dogs are welcome too and expect to find a selection of well-kept cask ales often including the aptly named Pike or Anglezarke on handpump.

For those in need of further refreshment the Bay Horse at the top of Babylon Lane, Lucianos at the Millstone at Anderton or the Black Horse at Limbrick are all just a few minutes’ drive away.

This will be a rewarding walk whichever pubs you choose to visit along the way and whilst not the longest, it will undoubtedly be thirsty work and brings to mind the wise words of the writer and philosopher, Gilbert Keith Chesterton, “Let a man walk ten miles steadily on a hot summer’s day along a dusty English road, and he will soon discover why beer was invented.”

Fingers crossed for the weather then. Cheers!

RICHARD LANGFORD

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GOOD BEER GUIDE 2022

T

he coming of Autumn is always a special time in CAMRA, as we await the issue of a new Good Beer Guide. This year sees us up to issue 49, and with around 4,500 of the best pubs in the country nestled within its pages, this is a must have book for the discerning real ale drinker.

The pubs in the guide have been chosen after a rigorous selection process, visits by branch members to check the quality of the beer and much arguing at meetings. It has been particularly difficult this year due to extended periods of closure and limited time available to us to make our selections. The guide is out a bit later than usual to give us as much time as possible to get things right.

While we don’t provide a list of our local pubs that are in the guide, I can tell you that our area will have the usual mix – with old favourites extending their stay in the guide, pubs appearing for the very first time and some making a welcome return. As always of course, there are casualties. Pubs drop out of the guide for a variety of reasons; sometimes due to quality issues at the pub, but often due to changes of licensee. Sometimes there is uncertainty over the pubs future and rather than include a pub that may well see a change of landlord, we will tend to leave it out and replace with a pub where the future seems more certain.

For many years, we have witnessed the closure of traditional pubs, so the selection process became slightly easier each year

with less candidates to chose from. However, in the last few years we have seen the rise of the micropub, and while they will not be everybody’s venue of choice, they almost always serve excellent cask ale, with the owner being passionate about this side of things.

This puts pressure on the branch to balance things out, we need a good geographical spread of entries and types of pub.

To give you a taster of what to expect in the new guide, some statistics. 28 of the entries are the same as last year. Of the 6 new entries, 5 are appearing in the GBG for the very first time. While some of the new entries are indeed new pubs, some of them are long established traditional pubs that have never really featured on the real ale drinker’s radar. This is really encouraging – while pubs remain open there is always the possibility of a change of ownership or licensee to turn round their fortunes – and as a Campaign, we must continue to fight to save pubs whenever we can.

In addition to details of where you can find the best quality real ale, there is also an extensive brewery section with details of the beers they brew and accompanying tasting notes. The 2022 Good Beer Guide was launched on the 12th November and is on sale at all good booksellers and direct from CAMRA. The list price is £15.99, with a significant discount for members. With Christmas just around the corner, this would make an ideal stocking filler for the beer lover in your life (or just buy one for yourself). A D R I A N S M I T H

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Ale Cry

25

CIDER IN THE NORTH

C

AMRA was formed in 1971 to campaign against the growing mass-production of beer and homogenisation of British brewing at the time. I think it’s safe to say that we’ve been successful in these aims and although there is still plenty of work to do, the future of British real ale is secured.

CAMRA’s aim to secure the long term future of real cider and perry however is a little more precarious, with a lot of work still to be done to protect these ancient British tipples.

Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Edd, your CAMRA Central Lancs Cider Officer, a position I’ve held for a little over two years now, over which time I’ve been learning about how cider is made, visiting the cider-selling pubs of Central Lancashire and dabbling in making cider and perry of my own. I took on the position of Cider Officer because I love drinking great cider (having studied at the University of Gloucestershire I was rather spoilt for choice), I’m fascinated by the history of cider making and most of all because I wanted to learn whatever I could about cider.

One of my biggest passions, and one of the things I find most frustrating about the northsouth divide of cider drinking, is what I perceive to be a vicious cycle of not enough Northerners appreciating and enjoying good cider because not enough northern pubs serve good cider or a varied range of cider. There are certainly many exceptions to this rule, with our Cumbrian neighbour Phil at the New Union in Kendal showing that the adage of ‘if you build it,

they will come’ can certainly come true when it comes to cider.

Having won CAMRAs National Cider Pub of the Year 2019 the New Union has built a community of cider lovers around their excellent pub. The Manchester Cider Club, which meets monthly at the Crown and Kettle, is also a great example of how much love there is out there for cider as long as there’s places to enjoy a wide range of ciders and perrys.

Excellent cider is really very easy to stock, needing no special equipment for bag-in-box, bottles or cans, all of which don’t diminish the quality of the drink, it has a relatively long shelf life (especially when compared to real ale) and is quick and easy to pour and serve. Cider is generally broken down into three flavour categories; sweet, medium and dry, but the reality is the range of complex flavours and styles varies as much as in real ale.

I think one of the main reason many people don’t acquire a taste for cider is that when they started out drinking they probably only had a choice of a few frankly terrible mass-produced ciders, products that are often not much more than the minimum legal requirement of 35% apple juice. Imagine starting out drinking real ale and all that you could find locally was a lacklustre boring mass-produced product, it’s hardly an appealing prospect is it? Living in the south-west made it clear to me that real cider can be hugely popular provided an infrastructure exists, like with real ale, for people to find the styles they enjoy and try new things. I wholeheartedly believe that a few pubs championing excellent real cider in Lancashire could kick-start a local movement as exciting as we have seen with the revival of interest in real ale since the formation of CAMRA. The CAMRA campaign for real cider does somewhat suffer from the difficulty for pub-goers to identify what ‘counts’ as real cider under CAMRA’s definition. Identifying real ale is mostly as simple as figuring out whether a beer is cask or not, real cider however is defined as a cider made without concentrate and without chaptalisation (i.e. sugar added after pressing), making it essentially impossible to work out whether or not a cider is real without researching it or having a list of real cider producers. Although I appreciate that CAMRA has set these definitions to try to protect traditional ways of cider production I think in practice the definition is totally unworkable for the average casual cider drinker (including myself). I would support anyone drinking any kind of cider beyond the big mass-produced giants, I think the most important thing for us to do as CAMRA is to support people trying something new and celebrating British cider rather than creating a confusing and exclusionary atmosphere for people trying to find good cider to drink.

For all my doom and gloom and general venting of my spleen I do honestly believe that the cider and perry world is in the strongest position it’s been in a long time. The popularity of ‘craft beer’ has increased drinkers and landlords adventurousness towards trying new things and has created lots of bars that have fridge space for bottles and cans of great cider to sit alongside craft beers as well as creating a drive for pubs and bars to have more extensive drinks menus. I’m sure many CAMRA members would debate the benefits of the popularity of craft beer on the beer world but I would certainly celebrate the positive impact it’s had on cider.

Another relatively recent change that I think has helped push forward the popularity of cider is the marketing of some ciders as a product closer to wine than to beer. These ‘fine ciders’, often sold in 75cl bottles with artfully designed labels and drunk from smaller glasses, have made cider a desirable product for many people whose previous impression of cider was as big jugs drunk

real cider & perry

Pubs serving real cider Bamber Bridge: Bamber Bridge FC, Beer Box, Brig N Barrel, Hospital, Olde Original Withy Trees, Walton Fox, Withy Arms.

Broughton: Broughton Inn. Chorley: Ale Station, Artisan Ale House, Bob Inn, Malt n Hops, Shepherds’ Hall Ale House, Sir Henry Tate.

Clayton-le-Woods: Beaumont.

Croston: Black Horse, Crown.

Euxton: Bay Horse.

Goosnargh: Tap & T’Ales.

Haighton: Haighton Manor.

Heath Charnock: Bay Horse.

Higher Walton: Mill Tavern.

Hoghton: Royal Oak. Leyland: Golden Tap, Leyland Lion, Market Ale House.

Longridge: Hoppy Days Real Ale Room, Tap & Vent.

Longton: Dolphin, Longton VM Club.

Penwortham: Tap & Vine, Preston: Ancient Oak (Cottam), Angel, Baker Street, Black Horse, Continental, Eldon, Ferret, Grey Friar, Guild Ale House, Niko, Orchard, Plau, Plug & Taps, Roper Hall, Wellington (Ashton), Winedown, Wings & Beer.

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by farmers in the west country or plastic bottles drunk by people on the street. The process of producing cider is far closer to wine than beer, with many techniques of wine production used in cider making. Perhaps it will help new drinkers to think of cider as apple wine and to compare its flavours to the depth and character you find in different wines.

I hope this, my first article written for Ale Cry, hasn’t been too much of a rant, I’m just passionate about cider and what we can do as CAMRA members to support this ancient British tradition.

My request for you, reader, is that if you find yourself in a pub that stocks a cider other than the mass-produced giants, and if the mood takes you, give it a try, talk to the landlord about their interest in cider, and open yourself up to the world of cider. I promise you there is great stuff out there and most people could find something to their liking. I would love to hear from anyone who finds a great cider in their local or tries cider for the first time and has any kind of opinion on it. I’m still relatively new to this Cider Officer position and I’m keen to be a voice for cider in our area so please do let me know if you have any thoughts at cider@centrallancs.camra.org.uk.

E D D F L E T C H E R Editors comment: Perhaps part of the problem is that most CAMRA members joined because they drink real ale. Many of us rarely or never drink cider and so we don’t talk about it. Without that engagement with licensees, how are we going to see a marked change in the availability or choice of real cider? There are 48 outlets in our branch area listed on WhatPub that are recorded as selling real cider. We suspect in a number of cases they offer more mainstream products by the likes of Weston’s or Lilleys (which do not qualify as real cider under CAMRA’s new definition, but are far removed from the ‘lack-lustre, boring, mass-produced products’ – Edd’s words not mine), and it would be really helpful if our cider drinking readers could let us know what is going on in these and other pubs around the branch.

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10 craft beers and lagers 3 cask ales and real cider Select Gins & quality spirits Fine wines Outdoor German style seating Free Wifi Background music

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CAMRA Members’ Weekend

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warm welcome awaits you on the East Sussex coast!

CAMRA Members’ Weekend, AGM & Conference will be hosted by our Sussex branches at the WINTER GARDEN IN EASTBOURNE 8–10 APRIL 2022.

After two years without a physical event, hundreds of members have already registered to attend – to see what Sussex has to offer by way of great beer, cider and perry. The weekend is a chance to meet friends, make new ones, go on organised brewery trips and take part in activities.

It’s free to attend and open to all CAMRA members.

The weekend is staffed by volunteers – with a range of opportunities to help on offer.

All the information is on the event page – where you can register to attend / sign up to help – go to www.camra.org.uk/membersweekend-agm-conference Or email membersweekend@camra.org.uk www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Ale Cry

27

SOUTH RIBBLE SCENE

T

his being the first Ale Cry since Spring 2020, there is a lot of ground to cover in this South Ribble Scene as we look back over the past 18 months.

During this time South Ribble has seen the appearance of some new bars, the demise of some once popular old pubs, while there have also been extended periods of closure for other pubs and bars in the area.

First the newcomers. By my estimate South Ribble has gained five new drinking establishments since the last Ale Cry was produced. All five can probably be described as micropubs, and all are housed in premises that were previously used for other purposes.

In the last Ale Cry I heralded the opening of NO. 16 – ON THE HILL, the third of three new bars in close proximity in Penwortham.

Located at the corner of Liverpool Road and Priory Lane, the No. 16 opened in March 2020, in premises that were previously occupied by the now re-located Bread & Butter people.

Unfortunately within a week of the official

opening, the No. 16 was obliged to close as the first Covid lockdown was enforced. During the Summer of 2020 it did get to re-open for a few more weeks, but it is only since April this year that it has been able to enjoy a prolonged period of opening. The bar has three handpumps, with beers from Cross Bay and Farm Yard Ales being available on a recent visit.

In August 2020 Leyland got a new bar with the NO. 55 opening on Hough Lane, in premises that were previously occupied by the Leyland Historical Society. Described as a ‘wine and beer bar’, unfortunately it has not been selling any cask conditioned beers. Into 2021, and in April, shortly after the easing of restrictions after the second lockdown, Leyland got another new bar, with the ROUNDABOUT BAR opening at the bottom of Chapel Brow. Housed in a former

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gentlemen’s barber shop, again this would appear to be a bar of little interest for real ale drinkers.

The following month saw two new bars open in Bamber Bridge. Both on Station Road, these were BROOKLYN’S AMERICAN BAR & DINER (in the former TSB Bank premises) and the CASUAL SIXTYNINE LOUNGE (a cocktail bar, in former charity shop premises).

Again nothing in either of these bars for the real ale drinker.

As I write, there is news of another new bar soon to be opening on Station Road in Bamber Bridge. Housed in the former Lancs & Yorks pub premises, more recently occupied by Skye Aesthetics, it is understood that this bar will be open by the time this Ale Cry is produced and that it will be selling real ale.

While it is good to see that new bars have been opening, on the flip side there are a number of long established traditional pubs that may have closed their doors for the very last time. As I write I am aware of four pubs that have failed to re-open in 2021.

TH’OWD SEVEN STARS in Leyland was saved from possible demolition by the Holt Pub Company in 2018, and in the Spring 2020

Ale Cry I actually described it as ‘another busy pub’. I must have been there on one of its better days, as later in 2020 it was announced to have closed for good. In May 2021 came reports that it was to be converted into a Chinese takeaway.

THE PETERS BAR at Bamber Bridge was effectively finished as a pub with the death of popular landlord Peter Mullen in April 2020. Apparently the premises have since fallen into a state of disrepair, and it is considered as being no longer viable to run as a pub. In October 2021 there was an application submitted that it be converted into six separate apartments.

The other two pubs which have so far failed to re-open in 2021 are the SIR ROBERT PEEL at Walton-le-Dale, and the OLD LEYLAND GATES at Leyland. The Sir Robert Peel has long been a pub with an uncertain future, while the Old Leyland Gates has been the subject of rumour as to its possible future use (Ed: and given that it is owned by Greene King and occupies a large site, I don’t think there would

be much surprise if it were scheduled for redevelopment as something other than a pub).

More recently there was an announcement that the ANCHOR at Hutton would be closing at the end of October. This is a pub that in its heyday was extremely busy, benefiting by being close to the Lancashire police headquarters and being a stop-off point for coach parties. In 2020 there were plans

that it would be selling beers brewed by Penwortham-based Bishop’s Crook, but with the Covid restrictions this failed to happen. A statement has been made that the pub is to be re-developed and converted to an alternate use (possibly becoming an American diner).

Although pubs have been able to re-open since April, the months since then have not been without their problems for some. The BLACK BULL in Penwortham was badly affected by floods after a downpour on July 12th. With considerable internal damage it was closed for two months, and when it did eventually re-open in September it was under new management.

A number of micropubs have also been closed for lengthy periods only to belatedly make a comeback. The GOLDEN TAP ALE HOUSE in Leyland closed in March 2020, and for over a year showed no signs of re-opening.

It was good news in July 2021 when it was back in business, but since then it has had a couple more short spells of enforced closure.

As most pubs re-opened in April, the TAPS & WINE BAR in Walton-le-Dale remained closed. The pub received a boost with an application for outdoor drinking space being approved, but it was not until August that it was able to re-open. It has since had an Oktoberfest promotion, and has hosted fundraising events for Derian House.

WILKINS & PYE in Longton was to miss out on being open during the Summer months of 2021. Earlier in the year it was reported as being up for sale, but in October it did eventually re-open with a greater capacity for outdoor drinking. The BARREL & BEAN CO in Penwortham has been another to remain closed for almost the whole of 2021. With no official announcements many people thought that it may not be re-opening, but at the beginning of November it was once again back up and running. G O R D O N S M A L L

Great beer.

Honest food. winckleyale.co.uk winckley st, preston www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Ale Cry

29

DRINK GREENER

E

nvironmental issues are becoming increasingly high priority for governments throughout the UK, particularly in the run up to the COP26 summit.

In response to this, CAMRA has formed an Environmental Working Group, to look at which aspects of our campaigning are already environmentally friendly, as well as create and launch new campaigning with a green focus. The Group will also encourage CAMRA as an organisation to become more environmentally responsible.

We’ll be highlighting and promoting the environmental benefits of enjoying live beer and pubs using the slogan ‘Drink Greener’ on CAMRA social media, as well as using #DrinkGreener. As a local branch we will be covering this on our Social media platforms and highlighting local businesses that are making a difference. Drink Greener is a positive campaign – it’s about highlighting best practice, innovative new ideas, and existing campaigning with an environmental aspect aiming to help consumers become more environmentally conscious drinkers and pub goers. The great news is that one of the most environmentally friendly ways to drink is by enjoying cask beer or cider from a local producer at the pub!

In addition to the social benefits, there are also loads of environmental ones associated with the pubs, clubs, brewers, and cider makers we are campaigning for. Drinking local beer, rather than imported, is better for the environment – you can save up to 65g of CO2 for every pint! Beer served on draught has even more benefits as the materials used in every step of the supply chain can be reused. This means no waste is created. Brewers across the UK have already produced innovative technological breakthroughs designed to save water and

energy and reduce emissions and waste. The CAMRA LocAle scheme has been promoting pubs that serve local beer since 2007. The LocAle initiative promotes pubs stocking locally brewed real ale in order to reduce the number of ‘beer miles’ from brewery to pub cellar. It is based on growing consumer demand for quality local produce and increasing awareness of environmental issues.

Some of the benefits of stocking locally produced real ale in pubs includes: • pubs can attract more visitors through their doors, including tourists • consumers can enjoy greater beer choice and diversity • local brewers are supported with increased sales • local economy is supported as more money is generated and spent locally • fewer beer miles means less impact on the environment.

Traditional cider and perry are usually made close to the orchard where the fruit was harvested and often sold to local consumers, which reduces transport emissions. The orchards that produce fruit for cider and perry absorb carbon and contribute to biodiversity, and while Lancashire is a long way from the traditional cider making areas, drinking cider made by a small producer is likely to be more environmentally friendly than one from one of the big boys.

Look out for more information about this Campaign on our website and social media accounts and in future issues of Ale Cry.

Branch Diary Monday 6th December

Committee Meeting (via Zoom)

Thursday 16th December

Advertising With a print run of 5,000 and magazines available in pubs and clubs across the area and beyond, an advert in Ale Cry is probably the best value targeted advertising around.

Christmas Social at Black Horse, Preston

Monday 10th January

Committee Meeting at Shepherds’ Hall Ale House, Chorley

Thursday 20th January

Winter POTS Presentation at Lostock Ale, Lostock Hall

Monday 7th February

Committee Meeting (via Zoom)

Thursday 10th February

Pub of the Year Presentation – venue TBA

Thursday 24th February

Chorley Pub Crawl. Starts at Ale Station

Monday 7th March

Committee Meeting at Plug & Taps, Preston (8.00)

If you are interested in advertising in Ale Cry, please contact editor@centrallancs.camra.org.uk for further details.

Publication Dates The next issue of Ale Cry will be published on 1st March 2022. Deadline for copy and advert submission is 1st February 2022.

Ale Cry online Digital versions of this and previous Ale Crys are available at: https://issuu.com/clcamra

Thursday 24th March

Bamber Bridge Pub Crawl. Starts at Beer Box All meetings start at 7.30 unless otherwise stated.

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Branch meetings may be subject to last minute change. Updates will be posted on the branch website, and our social media channels.

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