Saturday 20th August saw 45 CAMRA members board the coach for a grand day out as thanks for helping at the 2021 Ascot Beer Festival. The destination was the Stardust Brewery at White Waltham, Maidenhead and on arrival the beers flowed on a warm summer’s afternoon. Thanks to the generosity of the Branch Treasurer and Festival Organiser (more on him later) we were supplied with tokens for three pints of excellent beer and a group photo was arranged to show how much we were enjoying ourselves.
The opportunity was taken to present Mike Smith (Branch Treasurer and Festival Organiser) with an engraved tankard to acknowledge the tremendous amount of hard work entailed in organising such an event for the past 16 years. The helper’s trip was delayed from the traditional time in the spring as it was surprisingly difficult to find a brewery willing to accommodate the visit by 45 thirsty beer lovers, but our Social Secretary, Clive Doran came up trumps with the venue as well as the subsequent visit to the many pubs in Windsor before the happy trippers boarded the coach to wend their way home.
By Mike Smith
Another fantastic Ascot Beer Festival took place in late September showcasing 148 Real Ales and 26 Real Ciders and Perries at the racecourse’s penultimate flat race meeting. I am pleased to report that Elusive Brewing’s Overdrive (lap 28) was judged as Beer of the Festival and Tutts Clump’s Royal Berkshire as Cider of the Festival.
Over fifty CAMRA volunteers served an appreciative racing crowd, and we are most grateful to them for giving up their weekend to run the festival and overcoming the logistical challenge of the train strike.
By Roger Protz
By Roger Protz
Twin crises are endangering pubs and breweries. Pubs face escalating costs that send the price of beer rocketing and lead to a loss of customers.
Twin crises are endangering pubs and breweries. Pubs face escalating costs that send the price of beer rocketing and lead to a loss of customers.
The problem and its impact were explained succinctly by Emma Tarbard, the landlady of the Florists Arms in Bethnal Green in London’s East End. She was speaking to BBC London late last month and she said the price of a pint of real ale in her pub had gone up in a few months from £3.25 to £5.
The problem and its impact were explained succinctly by Emma Tarbard, the landlady of the Florists Arms in Bethnal Green in London’s East End. She was speaking to BBC London late last month and she said the price of a pint of real ale in her pub had gone up in a few months from £3.25 to £5.
“It’s too dear for a lot of my clientele,” she said. Bethnal Green is an area of London where many people are on low incomes and Emma had noticed her customer numbers fall away at the end of the month while they are waiting for pay cheques or pension payments. Even weekend trade was no longer strong, she added. She said she was concerned about her older customers, in particular, who
“It’s too dear for a lot of my clientele,” she said. Bethnal Green is an area of London where many people are on low incomes and Emma had noticed her customer numbers fall away at the end of the month while they are waiting for pay cheques or pension payments. Even weekend trade was no longer strong, she added. She said she was concerned about her older customers, in particular, who
were staying away from her pub as a result of high beer prices.
were staying away from her pub as a result of high beer prices.
“The pub is their only social life,” she pointed out. This is a societal problem highlighted by a number of surveys in recent years. They found that many older people, especially those living alone, go to the pub not just to drink but to combat loneliness.
“The pub is their only social life,” she pointed out. This is a societal problem highlighted by a number of surveys in recent years. They found that many older people, especially those living alone, go to the pub not just to drink but to combat loneliness.
Publicans like Emma do their best to keep prices down, but they are faced by a tsunami of soaring costs for electricity and gas along with punitive business rates and VAT.
Publicans like Emma do their best to keep prices down, but they are faced by a tsunami of soaring costs for electricity and gas along with punitive business rates and VAT.
Breweries have to combat not only high energy costs but also the price of raw materials going through the roof. Charlene Lyons, the chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery in Yorkshire, said she was paying more for malt and hops along with an eye watering amount of excise duty.
Breweries have to combat not only high energy costs but also the price of raw materials going through the roof. Charlene Lyons, the chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery in Yorkshire, said she was paying more for malt and hops along with an eye watering amount of excise duty.
Black Sheep brews 50,000 barrels a year and doesn’t qualify for Small Brewers Relief.
Black Sheep brews 50,000 barrels a year and doesn’t qualify for Small Brewers Relief.
“In 2020 we paid £6m in excise duty –that was when pubs were shut because of Covid,” Charlene says. “In 2022, so far we’ve paid £3m from January to July.”
“In 2020 we paid £6m in excise duty –that was when pubs were shut because of Covid,” Charlene says. “In 2022, so far we’ve paid £3m from January to July.”
I asked her how much a pint of Black Sheep Best Bitter costs in York. “£4.50,” she said. That’s almost as much as in London. Is that what’s meant by levelling up?
I asked her how much a pint of Black Sheep Best Bitter costs in York. “£4.50,” she said. That’s almost as much as in London. Is that what’s meant by levelling up?
The mounting price of ingredients has hit one brewery especially hard. Oakham Ales in Peterborough has a wide portfolio of beers but is best known for its Citra golden ale.
Oakham was the first British brewery to use Citra. In 2009 the then head brewer John Bryan was touring hop farms in the Pacific North west of America when he was shown a new experimental hop “which blew my mind.”
He bought a bale and rushed home to make a new beer with it. Citra was a sensation. It quickly became Oakham’s main brand and many other breweries rushed to use it with its rich and ripe citrus aroma and palate.
But it comes with a hefty price tag. Oakham’s MD Adrian Posnett says he imports 24 tonnes of Citra a year. He can’t use a hop merchant but has to buy direct from American farmers, paying in dollars. With the pound hovering around parity with the dollar, he is worried about the cost of buying Citra, but he can’t run the risk of changing the character of his main beer.
He also pays £1,000 a tonne for Maris Otter. It’s considered by most artisan brewers to be the finest malting barley, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
Switching to different and cheaper malt can cause problems for brewers. Yeast strains that are used to working in harmony with Maris Otter can struggle to ferment beer when they’re confronted by a different variety of malt.
Brewers can cut their costs by using British rather than imported hops. The British Hop Association has busily expanded the number of varieties grown in this country.
There are now 34 British hops and new varieties, such as Harlequin and Olicana, offer some of the citrus notes that brewers are looking for.
In other words, it’s best to stay at home. Given the state of the pound, that’s sound advice.
An Interview with a landlord from a local pub. This time we welcome Amanda Axten-Jones from the Cannie Man in Bywood, Bracknell.
Q. How did you get into pub business and how long have you been at the Cannie Man?
A. My parents followed their dreams and went into the pub trade once my sisters and I had grown up. I gained my initial knowledge from them. I became a teacher, bringing up my three boys in Surrey. Having grown up in Bracknell with family still here I became aware that the Cannie Man was available and with the help of my family took it on in February 2010. While initially still teaching I finally moved in and gave up teaching in 2011. I have been happily here since then and the rest is history.
Q. What do you most like about the pub trade?
A. People. Having been a teacher, I’m very much a people person. This is a
community pub and it’s their pub. I’m here for them.
A. Probably the flipside of the above. This is a way of life, it’s constant. You have to be so many things to so many people it would be nice to have some “me” time.
Q. What real ales are you selling today and how does this change?
Doom Bar 4.0%, Dartmoor Legend 4.4% and West Berkshire’s Good Old Boy 4.0% Doom Bar is a constant.
I will always have a LocAle, which might be Good Old Boy, Rebellion Roasted Nuts, Hogs Back TEA or others as available or requested. My guest will change constantly. Due next is Spitfire. I have had numerous guests over the years and you will find an amazing array of pump clips displayed above my bar
Q. How important are real ales to your Pub?
A. Very important, especially to me as I love looking after them, giving the customers what they want and ensuring the condition. It’s a challenge but I find it most enjoyable.
Q. What are your impressions of CAMRA in the area?
A. I love them. I encourage them to visit and they are always really supportive and appreciate my efforts with the beer. I also enjoy the conversations as most members are very knowledgeable
Q. What plans have you got for your pub in the next year?
During the Ascot Beer Festival Helpers Trip to Stardust brewery, our CAMRA branch Chair Kevin Lenton presented a Special Award to one of our hardest working branch members - Mike Smith.
Mike is a long-standing CAMRA member who has fulfilled various roles in CAMRA branches including Branch Chairman, Magazine Editor, LOCALE Co-ordinator, Treasurer and for the past 16 years has been the Festival Organiser for the Ascot Beer and Cider Festival.
The Ascot Beer Festival was first suggested by the late Colin Lanham who worked with Ascot Racecourse in the early stages of the first festival. Tragically, some months before the festival date, Colin died unexpectedly,
and without hesitation Mike stepped into the breach. The festival has been a great success ever since.
This has been achieved as a result of Mike’s management, especially working with the Ascot Racecourse management, attention to detail, enthusiasm and the way that he provides guidance when needed but also lets those who know what they are doing get on with it. His start of the day briefing sessions ensures that all volunteers know exactly what is expected of them, health and safety is paramount, and always includes an obligatory joke.
Unbeknown to him, Mike was nominated for CAMRA's national Campaigner of the Year award last year. CAMRA HQ did not choose to recognise Mike’s achievements for that award, so the branch presented him with a certificate and an engraved tankard to demonstrate our appreciation of all that he does for CAMRA.
A well-respected, free-of-tie, traditional pub in the heart of Wokingham .
Christmas is coming – real fire, mulled wine and cider, best decorated pub in Town;
Monthly charity quiz night;
Jukebox;
Dog friendly;
Bring Your Own Food, settle down with a takeaway (plates & cutlery provided);
BT Sport - great place to watch rugby union (Premiership & 6 Nations);
Football shown, incl Champions League and the World Cup in November.
By Anthony Springall
Anyone who listens to the BBC Radio 4 programme “Desert Island Discs” will be aware of the format of choosing 8 records to take to a desert island and then choosing their favourite as the one to save from the waves. This idea is adapted here to choose eight beers to take to a desert island and then to choose a favourite. This list has changed over the years in my case but it is a fun game to play with friends and can lead to hours of friendly debate.
In the beer desert of the 1970's this was the “go to” beer when confronted by endless keg taps in the pub. The last true India Pale Ale it reflected a beer style long out of date with a character that could withstand the long journey to the sub continent. Part of the ritual of pouring the beer was to get the maximum amount of clear beer before any yeast entered the glass, then at the end, the decision whether to sup the yeasty goodness full of vitamin B12.
I am sure everyone must have tasted a beer once which they never come across again and this is the case with this beer. My one and only time of tasting it was at a Reading Beer Festival and it weighed in at a mighty 11% (hence the name). I only consumed two pints and after that everything became rather hazy but it was magnificent, not tasting like so many strong beers of just alcohol but instead the malt and hops were to the fore.
One of the real benefits of modern hop breeding has been the number of new varieties emerging and from the West Coast of the USA came Citra. Oakham have taken the hop and produced a zesty, citrus flavoured golden session beer at 4.2%. It is described as a modern IPA but whatever you call it, the beer is enormously thirst quenching on a hot summer’s day!
Very modest in alcohol at only 3.8%, it makes up for this with the delicious hit of elderflower and the floral hoppy aroma derived from the Cascade hops. A great golden session beer it emerged from the myriad of brewery start ups of the 1990's and notwithstanding the sale of the brewery to Fullers and then Asahi it still remains a very firm favourite.
First encountered when brought back from Belgium by my dad as a present for me it became a sensory overload on opening with the hints of spice, vanilla and citrus. The first taste gave a smooth, creamy mouth feel due to the three grains of wheat, barley and oats used and the spicy character continued to the bottom of the glass. The only foreign beer in the list but what a beer to include.
seberks.camra.org.uk
seberks.camra.org.uk
Originally from the Tennants Brewery, Sheffield and subsequently taken over by Whitbread this is the archetypical barley wine to enjoy as a night cap before bed. Once advertised as “Strong as a double scotch less than half the price” it is a golden orange beer with a malty aroma originally brewed at 10.6% but now sold in cans at a more modest 7.5%. Possibly the most controversial beer on the list, it is included because I like it!
Originally from the Tennants Brewery, Sheffield and subsequently taken over by Whitbread this is the archetypical barley wine to enjoy as a night cap before bed. Once advertised as “Strong as a double scotch less than half the price” it is a golden orange beer with a malty aroma originally brewed at 10.6% but now sold in cans at a more modest 7.5%. Possibly the most controversial beer on the list, it is included because I like it!
First brewed for The Royal Standard of England at Forty Green where it was originally found on cask, this is now brewed by Marstons at 7.4%. The perfect winter warmer it is dark, rich and luscious like liquid Christmas pudding with a dry bittersweet finish.
First brewed for The Royal Standard of England at Forty Green where it was originally found on cask, this is now brewed by Marstons at 7.4%. The perfect winter warmer it is dark, rich and luscious like liquid Christmas pudding with a dry bittersweet finish.
Full bodied and fruity with hints of black cherry and banana it is still brewed by the independently proud Theakstons of Masham, the brewery having been bought back by the family from the clutches of Scottish & Newcastle. The brewery is one of the very few to employ a cooper and a pint of Old Peculier from a wooden cask is a very tempting prospect.
Full bodied and fruity with hints of black cherry and banana it is still brewed by the independently proud Theakstons of Masham, the brewery having been bought back by the family from the clutches of Scottish & Newcastle. The brewery is one of the very few to employ a cooper and a pint of Old Peculier from a wooden cask is a very tempting prospect.
This has been a very difficult choice with some worthy beers being considered such as Draught Bass (should I choose it rather than Legless Eleven?), Downton Chimera IPA, Wethereds Winter Royal, Gales Prize Old Ale, Leffe Blond, Robinsons Old Tom and Eldridge Pope Thomas Hardy Ale, all truly brilliant beers but I would need many more spaces to include. And now for the very difficult decision as to which one to save from the waves ie my favourite beer and this might change in the future but now it would be the Triple Karmeliet, wheat, malt and oats blended to a beery perfection!
This has been a very difficult choice with some worthy beers being considered such as Draught Bass (should I choose it rather than Legless Eleven?), Downton Chimera IPA, Wethereds Winter Royal, Gales Prize Old Ale, Leffe Blond, Robinsons Old Tom and Eldridge Pope Thomas Hardy Ale, all truly brilliant beers but I would need many more spaces to include. And now for the very difficult decision as to which one to save from the waves ie my favourite beer and this might change in the future but now it would be the Triple Karmeliet, wheat, malt and oats blended to a beery perfection!
Mad Cow readers may remember David Richards’ tribute to longstanding CAMRA member John Winkley, who sadly passed away this summer. In July members of CAMRA BSE attended his wake, with his numerous family and friends, at the Queen’s Head, Wokingham. Note the pint of Abbot!
Mad Cow readers may remember David Richards’ tribute to longstanding CAMRA member John Winkley, who sadly passed away this summer. In July members of CAMRA BSE attended his wake, with his numerous family and friends, at the Queen’s Head, Wokingham. Note the pint of Abbot!
His favourite beer also featured at the recent Ascot Beer Festival.
His favourite beer also featured at the recent Ascot Beer Festival
Ruth Mitchell has been appointed as Managing Director of Elusive Brewing, with full responsibility for the leadership and development of Elusive Brewing’s business, and will play a key role in taking the company forward into its next phase.
With over 12 years of industry experience Ruth has a proven track record of delivering sales growth through sustainable business development. Former roles at Adnams, West Berkshire Brewery and Utopian Brewing have seen her work across many key areas of the industry, enabling her to build a deep and formidable skillset.
Commenting on the appointment, founder Andy Parker said: “I’m absolutely delighted to make this appointment and step down from the role, allowing me to focus on product development and quality. Since joining us last year, Ruth has delivered consistent sales growth and demonstrated strong leadership skills whilst increasing our operational efficiency across all areas of the business in her former role of Operations Director. It feels like a natural progression to hand the day to day running of the business over to such an experienced individual and I’m excited to give Ruth the freedom to execute her vision for the brewery’s next
phase. We’re also working to put into place an EMI Share Scheme so we can move towards employee ownership.”
Ruth Mitchell added: “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to shape the future of a business I care a huge amount about. I am incredibly proud of what our small team has achieved over the past few years - we are not afraid to do things our own way and will continue to do so. Andy has always said that he doesn't want Elusive to be big, he wants it to be good, a statement I wholeheartedly agree with and one that I will ensure will continue to be at the heart of our business as we develop.”
Elusive Brewing’s Overdrive Lap28 was judged as the best beer of the Ascot Beer Festival. Elusive describe the beer as “a classic American Pale Ale with a malt base, boosted by crystal malt, providing the track on which high octane US hops are unleashed to provide a beer that’s as dry as asphalt, powerfully aromatic and as bitter as being overtaken on the last bend.”
This version of Overdrive, Lap 28 has Talus & Amarillo hops.
Kevin Lentonseberks.camra.org.uk
Dean Bond was extremely pleased to learn that his American-style beer, Stars & Stripes had won Beer of the Festival at the Wokingham Festival in August. The beer tent and the judging had been organised by the same people who run Twyford Beer Festival.
Dean Bond was extremely pleased to learn that his American style beer, Stars & Stripes had won Beer of the Festival at the Wokingham Festival in August. The beer tent and the judging had been organised by the same people who run Twyford Beer Festival.
Bond Brews has continued with its outdoor Tap Yard events, which have been held monthly throughout the spring and summer, with the final event for this year having been held on Saturday 15th October. As well as the brewery’s own range of draught ales, plus local cider, Pimm’s, Prosecco and soft drinks, each Tap Yard featured food from a different local caterer and included food from Nepal, Lebanon, wood fired pizzas and a traditional British hog roast.
Bond Brews has continued with its outdoor Tap Yard events, which have been held monthly throughout the spring and summer, with the final event for this year having been held on Saturday 15th October. As well as the brewery’s own range of draught ales, plus local cider, Pimm’s, Prosecco and soft drinks, each Tap Yard featured food from a different local caterer and included food from Nepal, Lebanon, wood fired pizzas and a traditional British hog roast.
In early October, Dean brewed a special blackberry infused version of Wheat-A-Bier (4.4% ABV) to mark the autumn season. The blackberries add a rustic, earthy, fruity note to the typical herbal and pine flavours of a classic German-style wheat beer. It was first launched at the October Tap Yard event.
In early October, Dean brewed a special blackberry infused version of Wheat-A-Bier (4.4% ABV) to mark the autumn season. The blackberries add a rustic, earthy, fruity note to the typical herbal and pine flavours of a classic German-style wheat beer. It was first launched at the October Tap Yard event.
This year's batch of Night Screamer (4.2% ABV) has also been brewed. This is a classic Dry Stout for the Halloween and Guy Fawkes firework season.
This year's batch of Night Screamer (4.2% ABV) has also been brewed. This is a classic Dry Stout for the Halloween and Guy Fawkes firework season.
In November, Dean will be brewing a new batch of Wild Tiger (4.3% ABV), which is a variant of Bengal Tiger with the addition of locally harvested wild hedgerow hops. This gives it extra dimensions of earthy aromas and fresh, fruity hoppiness on top of the already complex IPA style, making it a very tasty and enjoyable beer.
In November, Dean will be brewing a new batch of Wild Tiger (4.3% ABV), which is a variant of Bengal Tiger with the addition of locally harvested wild hedgerow hops. This gives it extra dimensions of earthy aromas and fresh, fruity hoppiness on top of the already complex IPA style, making it a very tasty and enjoyable beer.
Moore Beer (4.0% ABV) will make a return for the World Cup at the end of November. This is a traditional English Best Bitter. Golden amber in colour, it has a rich malty and wheaty flavour, with a hoppy aroma and dare I say, a ‘Moor(e)ish’ subtle bitterness throughout.
Moore Beer (4.0% ABV) will make a return for the World Cup at the end of November. This is a traditional English Best Bitter. Golden amber in colour, it has a rich malty and wheaty flavour, with a hoppy aroma and dare I say, a ‘Moor(e)ish’ subtle bitterness throughout.
For further details and current beer availability, visit www.bondbrews.co.uk
For further details and current beer availability, visit www.bondbrews.co.uk
Home Harvest Ale is the only beer Hogs Back Brewery sell that is brewed with 100% home grown hops. It's brewed with Fuggles and English Cascade hops harvested from their own hop garden at the brewery, as well as the classic Farnham White Bine variety, grown exclusively by Hogs Back Brewery.
Fuggles, Farnham White Bine and English Cascade were all added into the copper, with Fuggles and English Cascade being dry hopped at the end. The result
Home Harvest Ale is the only beer Hogs Back Brewery sell that is brewed with 100% home grown hops. It's brewed with Fuggles and English Cascade hops harvested from their own hop garden at the brewery, as well as the classic Farnham White Bine variety, grown exclusively by Hogs Back Brewery Fuggles, Farnham White Bine and English Cascade were all added into the copper, with Fuggles and English Cascade being dry hopped at the end. The result
is a 4.0% ABV golden cask ale brewed in the traditional Hogs Back house style, with Speciality English Malt and wheat, and a citrus aroma and flavour.
There are limited quantities of their Home Harvest Ale available in their shop. It is the only beer brewed with all home grown hops so you'll want to grab it whilst you can.
Siren Craft Brew continue to go from strength to strength and have recently announced some big changes happening at both the Tap Yard and their country pub, The George and Dragon.
The George is having its first major refurbishment, with the installation of a brand new kitchen. It's an exciting development for the pub and Siren have said that it will allow them to tweak and improve the menus once more. While the kitchen is being fitted and the chefs work from a temporary kitchen space, there will be a reduced menu.
Siren will be releasing their Christmas party menu in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on their website. Look out on the George & Dragon Facebook or Instagram page for additional updates.
As for new menus, the Tap Yard is also getting an upgrade. The Pizza menu will have four permanent options, and a weekly special. These will be joined by some new loaded fries and a few dessert options.
Lastly, from the 10th October the Tap Yard is open 7 DAYS A WEEK so you can swing by to collect orders, buy takeaways or sit in for some beers and a bite to eat whenever
you want. The yard is open from 10am throughout the week for coffees as well.
The launch of Renegade comes with more than just a name change for the formerly known WBB. Creators of local favourite 'Good Old Boy', Renegade Brewery delves into the craft beer market with a fresh new range, whilst still honouring their 'good old' classics.
The rebrand comes after Yattendon Group acquired the brewery in December 2021, appointing Ian Rogers, founder of Wychwood Brewery and the iconic Hobgoblin brand, as its new Managing Director.
Ian said: “Renegade Brewery represented by our new ouroboros serpent logo is the embodiment of eternal cyclic renewal and rebirth and represents the perfect metaphor for my connection and appointment to the company. The old West Berkshire Brewery was great at producing exceptional cask ale and premium bottled ales. Beer today is at the vanguard of popular culture and is now more popular than ever with all its amazing complex styles. Renegade will celebrate its roots in traditional ale but will also be at the forefront of Craft beer and over the next twelve months will introduce new beers that burst with aroma and flavour”.
Renegade have informed us that they are dedicated to being a passionate, imaginative, and inclusive brand, delivering great quality beer.
West Berkshire Brewery is proud to reveal their rebrand as Renegade Brewery this October.
seberks.camra.org.uk
seberks.camra.org.uk
Renegade Brewery have announced some new beers to their line up:
Renegade Brewery have announced some new beers to their line up:
• Queensbury Jack, Session IPA - 4.8%
• Queensbury Jack, Session IPA - 4.8%
• Renegade Master, Lager - 5.1%
• Renegade Master, Lager - 5.1%
• Brewski, Peach Lager - 4.1%
• Brewski, Peach Lager - 4.1%
These new beers will join classics such as Good Old Boy and Renegade Lager as well as launching a new calendar of limited edition, one-off brews.
These new beers will join classics such as Good Old Boy and Renegade Lager as well as launching a new calendar of limited edition, one-off brews.
We are looking forward to the opening of the Two Flints Brewery and Taproom at 25-26 The Arches, on Alma Road, Windsor.
We are looking forward to the opening of the Two Flints Brewery and Taproom at 25-26 The Arches, on Alma Road, Windsor.
From their website, we understand that the new brewery hopes to feature a rotating tap list focusing on modern, fresh and seasonal beer aims to provide a diverse range of tastes and experiences, fostering their belief that “there is a beer for everyone” .
From their website, we understand that the new brewery hopes to feature a rotating tap list focusing on modern, fresh and seasonal beer aims to provide a diverse range of tastes and experiences, fostering their belief that “there is a beer for everyone” .
Located next to Windsor and Eton Central station, Two Flints Brewery and Taproom will offer a range of the freshest beers, natural and bio dynamic wine and a range of non alcoholic options .
Located next to Windsor and Eton Central station, Two Flints Brewery and Taproom will offer a range of the freshest beers, natural and bio dynamic wine and a range of non alcoholic options .
We also understand that they are fully committed to minimising their carbon footprint, and they are donating 1% of their gross annual sales to environmental non profits through their membership with 1% for the Planet
We also understand that they are fully committed to minimising their carbon footprint, and they are donating 1% of their gross annual sales to environmental non profits through their membership with 1% for the Planet
South Oxfordshire brewery have announced the opening a tap room in Ipsden (between Reading and Wallingford) on the weekend of November 12/13th 2022.
South Oxfordshire brewery have announced the opening a tap room in Ipsden (between Reading and Wallingford) on the weekend of November 12/13th 2022.
The brewery, which was established in 2020, has raised funds for the new SOX Tap Room by holding a crowdfunder event in October 2022, just prior to this publication.
The brewery, which was established in 2020, has raised funds for the new SOX Tap Room by holding a crowdfunder event in October 2022, just prior to this publication.
We have some more exciting news from the region with the opening of a new tap room.
We have some more exciting news from the region with the opening of a new tap room.
Burton MP Kate Kniveton has joined calls for more to be done to preserve the nation’s brewing heritage once the National Brewery Centre closes in October.
Kniveton said: “I have received many emails from constituents who are concerned about the proposals by Molson Coors and what this means for the collections currently held at the National Brewery Centre.
“No one wants to see these lost and, while I am grateful for the commitment by Molson Coors and ESBC [East Staffordshire Borough Council] to display these elsewhere, we urgently need to know more details about these plans.
“It is right that these discussions about Burton’s heritage are held publicly, so all those with an interest have a chance to input and share their own ideas about the future of the collection.
“We all care about protecting Burton’s brewing history for future generations and ensuring we retain a focal point for the exhibitions to attract visitors to our town.
“I have invited Molson Coors to attend a public meeting and address some of these questions and concerns. I understand it is considering this, and I have today extended the invitation to ESBC so it too can share their views on how they can help to protect these valuable historic assets.”
• A large, very popular venue for all age groups, a number of eating and drinking areas.
• Full range of Fullers Real & Craft Ales along with a wide range of other drinks.
• Live sport shown on large screens (Volume turned down)
The 15th CAMRA Ascot Beer Festival took place on 30th September and 1st October this year.
Apart from the many casks (and KeyKegs) of real ales, this event always offers a good opportunity to sample a broad selection of real ciders and perries. This year we had apple cider, perry (pear cider) and fruit cider (apples and other fruit mixes). We featured cider from eleven cider makers, five of them locally produced and a total of twenty-six different ciders.
For the first time we had a blind tasting of five apple ciders to decide the Cider of the Festival. This years’ winner was…. Royal Berkshire made by Tutts Clump near Bradfield in West Berkshire. We will be presenting the CAMRA Cider of the Festival Certificate to Tim Wale who runs Tutts Clump, later in the year.
The Campaign has been championing orchards during October this year with its biannual cider and perry month celebration as this season’s harvests are gathered.
CAMRA wants to see more apples being used in cider production – not imported, concentrated juice.
Despite the UK being self-sufficient in cider apples, many of the largest manufacturers use only the legal minimum amount of freshly pressed juice required or import cheaper concentrates from abroad, leaving traditional orchards to decline.
Ahead of the government’s review of the definition of cider for duty purposes, the Campaign is taking consumers back to where cider begins and celebrating high-quality, real cider made from fresh juice.
This follows CAMRA research from YouGov showing 93 per cent of survey takers rated the preservation of traditional orchards as important. Some 87 per cent said raising the minimum juice content of cider to help halt the loss of orchards was also important.
CAMRA’s real ale, cider and perry campaigns director Gillian Hough said: “It’s fantastic news that government will review the definition of cider for duty purposes. The sector is undergoing a renaissance with producers new and old alike creating high quality, high juice content ciders and perries.
“Seeing government respond to this with a commitment to ensure the tax system reflects and suppor ts the industry is a timely and welcome step and we’d like to see this review guarantee that cider must contain at least 50 per cent freshly pressed juice for duty purposes.
“CAMRA has long been concerned that the current system incentivises some of the largest manufacturers to make ciders with more water than juice, which in turn drives the loss of our traditional orchards.
“We know that orchards are of benefit to the enviro nment and our mental health, so I’d urge all consumers to join the October Cider and Perry Month celebrations this harvest season and go explore and experience local orchards, ciders and perries.”
It was a bleak, cold frosty day back in 1968 when I was putting on my Crombie coat and found a horseshoe in my pocket, “what the ****!” Then a memory came like a lightning bolt through my hangover haze. The previous day I had been on a trip to the Young’s Ram Brewery in Wandsworth, London.
It was a bleak, cold frosty day back in 1968 when I was putting on my Crombie coat and found a horseshoe in my pocket, “what the ****!” Then a memory came like a lightning bolt through my hangover haze. The previous day I had been on a trip to the Young’s Ram Brewery in Wandsworth, London.
Young’s was founded as a brewery in 1831 by Charles Young and Anthony Bainbridge when they purchased the Ram Brewery in Wandsworth. A Ram pub on Young's brewery site was recorded from a survey around 1550.
Young’s was founded as a brewery in 1831 by Charles Young and Anthony Bainbridge when they purchased the Ram Brewery in Wandsworth. A Ram pub on Young's brewery site was recorded from a survey around 1550.
On moving to London after being at University, I was introduced to Youngs’ Ordinary bitter. On a Friday night I would empty my jam jar of change and go to my local Youngs’ pub for a single pint (times were hard!). It was a typical London back street pub with an old boy in the corner with a peak cap and a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth and bashing out a tune on the piano. Locals singing “my old man said follow the van”, anyhow I fell in love with the beer.
On moving to London after being at University, I was introduced to Youngs’ Ordinary bitter. On a Friday night I would empty my jam jar of change and go to my local Youngs’ pub for a single pint (times were hard!). It was a typical London back street pub with an old boy in the corner with a peak cap and a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth and bashing out a tune on the piano. Locals singing “my old man said follow the van”, anyhow I fell in love with the beer.
So, moving forward, years later, some colleagues and I visited the brewery, but first starting at the Grade II listed Brewery Tap
So, moving forward, years later, some colleagues and I visited the brewery, but first starting at the Grade II listed Brewery Tap
outside the brewery, which is now the Ram Inn. The brewery tour included a visit to the stables, hence the horseshoe. I have no idea how I came to obtain it but am pretty sure that I did not remove it from the beast. I do remember however there being the ram mascot and cats to catch mice. The cats had the same black colour with white “socks” as the horses. In the 1870s Young’s had a fleet of 27 dray horses. Until the closure of the brewery in 2006, the horses and were still used for local deliveries of beer to locations within a mile of the brewery.
outside the brewery, which is now the Ram Inn. The brewery tour included a visit to the stables, hence the horseshoe. I have no idea how I came to obtain it but am pretty sure that I did not remove it from the beast. I do remember however there being the ram mascot and cats to catch mice. The cats had the same black colour with white “socks” as the horses. In the 1870s Young’s had a fleet of 27 dray horses.
Until the closure of the brewery in 2006, the horses and were still used for local deliveries of beer to locations within a mile of the brewery.
Young’s also had an influence on my first marriage as I booked the reception at the Youngs pub, the White Hart on the Thames at Barnes, ordering a barrel of Ordinary before ordering the cake!
Young’s also had an influence on my first marriage as I booked the reception at the Youngs pub, the White Hart on the Thames at Barnes, ordering a barrel of Ordinary before ordering the cake!
In 2006, Young’s, much to the shock of, particularly Londoners decided to sell the brewery to Eagle brewery located in Bedford and owned by the Charlie Wells family. John Young, chairman and the great great grandson of the founder died days before the closure of the brewery, whilst the final brew was being run at the Ram Brewery. Beer from the last brew was served at his funeral The Eagle brewery brews a version of Young’s Ordinary and Special. The brewery at the time of its closure
In 2006, Young’s, much to the shock of, particularly Londoners decided to sell the brewery to Eagle brewery located in Bedford and owned by the Charlie Wells family. John Young, chairman and the great great grandson of the founder died days before the closure of the brewery, whilst the final brew was being run at the Ram Brewery. Beer from the last brew was served at his funeral The Eagle brewery brews a version of Young’s Ordinary and Special. The brewery at the time of its closure
In July 2013, the redevelopment of the site was announced, to provide new residential and commercial properties alongside shops, bars, restaurants and public open spaces. As part of the redevelopment, historic buildings on the site were to be retained and restored and also house a new micro brewery and a museum of brewing history.
In 2017 Eagle brewery was acquired by Marston’s and is now part of the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Co.
In November 2020 Sambrook’s Brewery, formerly of Battersea took a 25 year lease on the site to build the new microbrewery and taproom. The brewery became operational in March 2021 and is now the main hub of Sambrook's brewing operation and includes a visitors’ centre
In 2021, Young’s sold the bulk of its tenanted pubs to Punch Taverns. We do not know what the future looks like but “Franchised” Young’s is still available as can be seen at the Bull at Bracknell, although now branded as Young’s Gravity.
A little-known fact is that the Ram Brewery was home to the Master Chef kitchen between 2011 and 2014.
So, maybe we could have a social pub crawl of Wandsworth taking in the new microbrewery and visitors centre, as long as we do not “dilly, dally on the way”
seberks.camra.org.uk
seberks.camra.org.uk
Charles champions local pubs in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, becoming the first Royal to write the book's introduction.
A one page foreword to the special 50th edition was written, by the then Prince, prior to the death of his mother, and highlights the need to support pubs after the Covid pandemic.
A one page foreword to the special 50th edition was written, by the then Prince, prior to the death of his mother, and highlights the need to support pubs after the Covid pandemic.
Around 2,000 pubs closed permanently during the first year of lockdown, and HRH the Prince of Wales chose to champion the important role of the great British Pub to the country's culture and history in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide
Around 2,000 pubs closed permanently during the first year of lockdown, and HRH the Prince of Wales chose to champion the important role of the great British Pub to the country's culture and history in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.
Charles, who is known to enjoy a pint, will be the first member of the Royal Family to write the introduction to the Good Beer Guide, published in October 2022
Charles, who is known to enjoy a pint, will be the first member of the Royal Family to write the introduction to the Good Beer Guide, published in October 2022.
In his one page foreword to the special 50th edition, His Royal Highness highlights the unprecedented difficulties and challenges that pubs have suffered as a result of Covid and the need for the public to support them.
In his one page foreword to the special 50th edition, His Royal Highness highlights the unprecedented difficulties and challenges that pubs have suffered as a result of Covid and the need for the public to support them.
The Good Beer Guide has evolved and developed over the last 50 years and this edition is another step in its evolution.
The Good Beer Guide has evolved and developed over the last 50 years and this edition is another step in its evolution.
This year CAMRA have made the Guide much more user friendly and accessible, featuring regional entries introduced by the award winning writer of 50 Years of CAMRA, Laura Hadland, and bringing together pub and brewery information for the first time, making it easier to find your new favourite local ale.
This year CAMRA have made the Guide much more user-friendly and accessible, featuring regional entries introduced by the award winning writer of 50 Years of CAMRA, Laura Hadland, and bringing together pub and brewery information for the first time, making it easier to find your new favourite local ale.
Charles champions local pubs in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, becoming the first Royal to write the book's introduction.
seberks.camra.org.uk
Visit our branch website for the latest diary updates. We welcome your suggestions for a future social visit. Contact our social secretary, Clive Doran at: social@seberks.camra.org.uk
Thursday 3rd
CAMRA BSE Branch Committee Meeting – Venue to be confirmed. Meet from 8pm.
Saturday 5th
CAMRA BSE and SWM Social – Egham United Services Club Beer Festival, 111 Spring Rise, Egham, TW20 9PE. Meet from 1pm.
Wednesday 9th
CAMRA SHB Social – Wokingham Micropub Tour Visiting Outhouse and Sit & Sip. This is organized by SHB CAMRA, Les Murrell and Dave Taylor More details can be found at https://shb.camra.org.uk/diary. Meet from 8pm.
CAMRA BSE Social – Queen’s Head, 23 The Terrace, Wokingham. RG40 1BP. Meet from 8pm.
Saturday 12th
CAMRA BSE Social – Presentation of Beer of the Ascot Beer Festival. Elusive Brewing, Unit 5 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane, Hogwood Industrial Estate Wokingham. RG40 4RF. Meet from 12 Noon.
Thursday 17th
Lunchtime Social with the U3A Beer Appreciation Group – Crispin, 45 Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2AY Meet from 1pm.
Saturday 19th
CAMRA SWM Social – The Nag’s Head, 5 Russell Street, Reading. RG1 7XD This is organized by SWM CAMRA – Paul. More details can be found at swm.camra.org.uk. Meet from 2pm.
Thursday 24th
CAMRA BSE Social Duke of Edinburgh, Woodside Road, Woodside, Ascot. SL4 2DP. Also, we will be visiting The Rose & Crown, Woodside Road Woodside, Ascot. SL4 2DP. Meet from 8pm
Monday 28th
Lunchtime Social with the BRATS (Bracknell Real Ale Tipplers) at Old Manor, Grenville Place, Bracknell. RG12 1PB. Meet from 12 noon.
Wednesday 30th
CAMRA BSE Social - Branch Open Meeting. Venue to be confirmed. Meet from 8pm.
Thursday 8th
CAMRA BSE Social – Details TBA. Meet from 8pm.
Saturday 10th
CAMRA SWM Branch Christmas Walk – The Swan in Clewer, 9 Mill Lane, Windsor, SL4 5JG. Meet from 12 Noon. This is organized by SWM CAMRA – Steve More details can be found at swm.camra.org.uk
Thursday 15th
Lunchtime Social with the U3A Beer Appreciation Group – Broad Street Tavern, 29 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU Meet from 1pm.
Like any craft or business, brewing has its own language which, to the outsider may seem completely incomprehensible. This article tries to throw light upon some of the more obscure brewing terms and I hope it helps the next time you encounter an unfamiliar phrase or term.
Like any craft or business, brewing has its own language which, to the outsider may seem completely incomprehensible. This article tries to throw light upon some of the more obscure brewing terms and I hope it helps the next time you encounter an unfamiliar phrase or term.
Adjunct - This is the addition of any brewing ingredient other than malt or hops such as herbs, flaked maize, rice, wheat, sugars etc to make up the brew with cheaper ingredients or give special flavours.
Adjunct - This is the addition of any brewing ingredient other than malt or hops such as herbs, flaked maize, rice, wheat, sugars etc to make up the brew with cheaper ingredients or give special flavours.
Attenuation – The reduction in specific gravity of the wort (qv) as sugars are converted to alcohol.
Attenuation – The reduction in specific gravity of the wort (qv) as sugars are converted to alcohol.
Blow off – A tube from the fermenter which leads to a bucket of water to remove excess carbon dioxide and fermentation materials.
Blow off – A tube from the fermenter which leads to a bucket of water to remove excess carbon dioxide and fermentation materials.
Fining – The clearing of a beer using isinglass or other substance to precipitate any loose yeast cells or other detritus in the beer to leave it clear.
Fining – The clearing of a beer using isinglass or other substance to precipitate any loose yeast cells or other detritus in the beer to leave it clear.
Hopback – A device to strain the hop waste from the wort.
Hopback – A device to strain the hop waste from the wort.
Krausen – The white foam on top of the fermentation vessel of surplus yeast cells, wort proteins and hop matter which becomes a brown sticky mess if not cleared away.
Krausen – The white foam on top of the fermentation vessel of surplus yeast cells, wort proteins and hop matter which becomes a brown sticky mess if not cleared away.
Krausening – The addition of a vigorously fermenting batch of beer to green beer prior to casking to induce fresh fermentation and create life in the cask.
Krausening – The addition of a vigorously fermenting batch of beer to green beer prior to casking to induce fresh fermentation and create life in the cask.
Lautering – The process of separating the sweet wort from the malt grains.
Lautering – The process of separating the sweet wort from the malt grains.
Lees – The sediment at the bottom of a cask or naturally conditioned beer bottle consisting of dead yeast cells, proteins and bits of hop.
Lees – The sediment at the bottom of a cask or naturally conditioned beer bottle consisting of dead yeast cells, proteins and bits of hop.
Liquor – The water used in brewing.
Liquor – The water used in brewing.
Mashing – The process of combining crushed malt grains with hot water in order to extract the fermentable sugars from the grain starches.
Mashing – The process of combining crushed malt grains with hot water in order to extract the fermentable sugars from the grain starches.
Pitching – The process of adding yeast to the wort.
Pitching – The process of adding yeast to the wort.
Racking – Transferring the beer from the primary fermenter to the secondary fermenter to leave behind waste yeast.
Racking – Transferring the beer from the primary fermenter to the secondary fermenter to leave behind waste yeast.
Sparging – Rinsing the grains with a mist of hot water to extract the maximum amount of soluble sugars.
Sparging – Rinsing the grains with a mist of hot water to extract the maximum amount of soluble sugars.
Trub – A mix of coagulated proteins and organic matter left behind in the boil kettle which if not removed could impart off flavours to the beer.
Trub – A mix of coagulated proteins and organic matter left behind in the boil kettle which if not removed could impart off flavours to the beer.
Vorlauf – A process of recirculating the wort over the spent grain bed to clarify the solution.
Vorlauf – A process of recirculating the wort over the spent grain bed to clarify the solution.
Whirlpool – Stirring the wort at the end of the boil to draw all the impurities (trub) to the bottom of the kettle
Whirlpool – Stirring the wort at the end of the boil to draw all the impurities (trub) to the bottom of the kettle.
The Rising Sun was situated at 18 Oxford Road, Wokingham and is now a private house. Here is a rather poor image of the pub when it was in use. The pub was originally called the Havelock Arms and this pub name is still etched over the door of the building. I do not know when the pub changed its name, nor do I know when the pub opened, but it was in the era 1840 1900, following the completion of the railway line from London to Reading in 1840. In 1864 we know that the pub was owned by the Dunning family who also owned the Wellington Brewery in Wokingham. The Wellington Brewery and associated pubs were sold to Frank Headington and his cousin Richard Webster in 1877. The 1904 Licensing Act was passed to enable magistrates to close pubs that had problems. The Rising Sun did not have any problems but pubs were given an annual compensation as part of the Act, in their case this was £ 17 10s.
H & G Simonds Ltd obtained the pub from Ashbys Brewery of Staines in 1927. H & G Simonds Ltd was a brewery founded in Reading, Berkshire, England in 1785 by William Blackall Simonds. The company amalgamated with Courage & Barclay in 1960 and dropped the Simonds name after ten years.
In the photograph of the house today you can see, that, to the right, is the post which once carried the pub sign, which I am told was the Hop Leaf logo used by Simonds and which is perhaps what can be seen in the photograph of the pub. The pub sadly closed in 1962.
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• Closedpubs.co.uk
LocAle is a nationwide CAMRA campaign to encourage pubs to stock at least one locallybrewed real ale, of acceptable quality. Here in Berkshire South East, we have a number of breweries which, although not right on our doorstep, we can easily classify as local. For our branch purposes, we have defined “local” to mean within 25 miles driving distance from the centre of our branch in Bracknell. We now have an increasing number of pubs in our area regularly selling beers from these local brewers. But there are still plenty more yet to participate in the LocAle campaign.
Ascot Royal Foresters Thatched Tavern Barkham Bull Binfield Stag & Hounds Bracknell Cannie Man Newtown Pippin Old Manor Eversley Tally Ho Finchampstead Elusive Brewing Tap Sandhurst White Swan Winkfield White Hart Wokingham Crispin Emmbrook Inn Hope and Anchor Lord Raglan
The Outhouse Brewery * Queen’s Head Rifle Volunteer Station Tap Ye Olde Leathern Bottel
Your CAMRA Branch would love to receive your comments about the pubs you visit either by email to: madcow@seberks.camra.org.uk alternatively submit an update at: www.whatpub.com
(Within 25 miles of Bracknell)
Andwell (Andwell, Hampshire) 19
Ascot Brewing (Camberley, Surrey) 9 Big Smoke Brew Co. (Esher, Surrey) 20
Bond Brews (Wokingham, Berks) 5
Brightwater (Claygate, Surrey) 22
Craft Brews (Frensham, Surrey) 20
Elusive Brewing (Finchampstead) 9
Hedgehog Brewing (Stroude) 10
Hogs Back (Tongham, Surrey) 16
Little London (Tadley, Hampshire) 21
Loddon (Dunsden Green, Oxon) 13
Longdog (Basingstoke, Hants) 25
Malt the Brewery (Prestwood, Bucks) 22
MoogBrew (Taplow, Bucks) 10
The Outhouse Brewery (Wokingham) * 6
New Wharf (Maidenhead, Berks) 13
Park Brewery (Kingston Upon Thames) 22
Phantom Brewing (Reading, Berks) * 13
Rebellion Beer (Marlow, Bucks) 15
Sherfield Village (Sherfield, Hants) 19
Siren Craft (Finchampstead, Berks) 9
South Oxfordshire Brewery (Ipsden) 22
Stardust Brewery (White Waltham) 6
Thames Side Brewery (Staines, Middx) 12
Thurstons Brewery (Horsell, Surrey) 12
Tillingbourne Brewery (Shere, Surrey) 21
Twickenham Fine Ales (Twickenham) 21
Renegade Brewery (Yattendon) 24
Wild Weather (Aldermaston, Berks) 19
Windsor & Eton (Windsor, Berks) 10
Zero Degrees (Reading, Berks) 13
* Supplied in Key Keg Only
We wish to accredit more pubs under the LocAle scheme that are selling locally brewed beers, of good quality. We want to help promote LocAle, by campaigning for pubs to stock a local beer, and to provide point of sale material in support of this.
But it is also down to you, the drinker, to make your voice known about local beers. Ask the licensee at your local to try and obtain a beer from one of the breweries listed on this page – many will be very pleased to supply if they are allowed! And, if your local pub DOES put one of these fine ales on, please let us know. The best way to do this is to contact the Branch LocAle Coordinator. We can then publicise it on our website and in this branch magazine
