Mad Cow Issue 69

Berkshire South East Campaign for Real Ale

Free

to their cosy English pub and restaurant in the heart of Winkfield.

Just 4 miles from Windsor Castle and 3 miles from Ascot Racecourse.

Jean and Phil Lacey welcome you to their cosy English pub and restaurant in the heart of Winkfield.

Just 4 miles from Windsor Castle and 3 miles from Ascot Racecourse.

Large welcoming bar and separate restaurant area.

Excellent Lunch and Evening menu, £9 for Fish and Chips on Fridays.

Beautiful outdoor eating area and garden.

Read a free newspaper over a coffee, or gather round a table and play one of the many games available.

Real log fire when it is cold outside.

Children very welcome with a special menu available for them.

The White Hart, Church Road, Winkfield, Near Ascot & Windsor, SL4 4SE

Call - 01344 882415 Email - thewhitehartwinkfield@outlook.com

seberks.camra.org.uk

Chair’s Welcome

Welcome to this 69th edition of Mad Cow…

We take this opportunity to pay our tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and wish our new monarch, His Majesty King Charles III all the very best during his tenure. We are privileged to have received a glowing endorsement from the former Prince for our latest edition of the Good Beer Guide (see page 26).

Locally, our key event during the last quarter has been the Ascot Beer Festival, which once again was so well organised and delivered. I thank all the volunteers, both within our branch and our neighbours for the time and effort that they put in to make it a success. It was also fitting that we had earlier recognised the immense contribution that Mike Smith has made to this event over the years (see page 13).

Merry Christmas!

Kevin Lenton Branch Chair

The views expressed in Mad Cow are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Campaign for Real Ale.

CAMRA Berkshire South East Branch Contacts BRANCH CHAIR Kevin Lenton chair@seberks.camra.org.uk BRANCH CONTACT David Richards contact@seberks.camra.org.uk MAD COW EDITOR Mike Rathge madcow@seberks.camra.org.uk MAD COW DISTRIBUTION Kevin Lenton madcow@seberks.camra.org.uk PUB PROTECTION OFFICER Peter Lucey pubprotection@seberks.camra.org.uk SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACT Mike Dixon socialmedia@seberks.camra.org.uk

Issue 69, Winter 2022

WEBSITE seberks.camra.org.uk

@CamraBSE @Ascot_Beer_Fest Berkshire South-East CAMRA Trading Standards Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133 citizensadvice.org.uk

© Berkshire South East CAMRA 2022 Mad Cow Circulation: 2,500 Copies

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Village Inn, Sandhurst

Hope & Anchor, Wokingham

A A planning planning application application to to convert convert the the annex annex at at the the Hope Hope and and Anchor Anchor in in the the town town centre centre into into flats flats has has been been approved approved by

by Wokingham Wokingham Council.

Council. No No date date to to start start the the work work has has been been given, given, but but we we understand understand they they can can now now proprogress gress the the conversion conversion at at their their convenience. convenience.

New Leathern Bottle

II received received a a very very warm warm welcome welcome from from NaNathan than and and his his team team when when II delivered delivered the the last last issue issue of of the the Mad Mad Cow Cow to to the the Village Village Inn Inn last last August, August, so so much much so so that that itit caused caused me me to to want want to to remind remind our our readers readers about about this this wonwonderful derful community community pub pub in in the the heart heart of of SandSandhurst hurst Village.

Village. Originally Originally called called the the New New Inn Inn and and dating dating back back to to when when the the railway railway arrived arrived in in Sandhurst, Sandhurst, itit has has three three handpumps handpumps situsituated ated on on the the small small bar bar with with two two permanent permanent beers beers and and a a changing changing guest guest sourced sourced from from various various national national breweries. breweries. In In addition addition to to the the real real ales, ales, real real cider cider is is also also available. available.

Outside Outside is is a a separate separate area area with with a a converted converted barn barn which which offers offers a a cocktail cocktail bar bar at at the the weekweekend end and and for for events. events. Multiple Multiple entertainment entertainment is is offered offered during during the the week week including including karaoke karaoke on on Thursdays, Thursdays, a a meat meat raffle raffle on on Fridays, Fridays, live live music music on on Saturdays Saturdays and and a a quiz quiz night night on on Sundays.

Sundays. The The licensees licensees are are previous previous Pub Pub of of the the Year Year winners winners in in a a neighbouring neighbouring branch branch and and have have brought brought their their passion passion for for keeping keeping good good beer beer to to this this hostelry. hostelry. Well Well behaved behaved children children and and dogs dogs are are welcome. welcome. Editor.

Editor.

Thanks for having us!

The The planning planning application application for for this this idyllic idyllic Grade Grade II II listed listed pub pub continues continues to to be be refused refused by by the the local local authorities. authorities. The The pub pub remains remains up up for for sale sale at at an an attractive attractive price price with with a a couple couple of of contract contract clauses clauses which which any any prospective prospective buyer buyer will will need need to to consider consider carefully. carefully. Let’s Let’s hope hope the the future future of of this this pub pub is is positive. positive.

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CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE offers offers thanks thanks to to the the following following for for hosting hosting their their recent recent branch branch meetings: meetings: Old Old Manor Manor in in Bracknell Bracknell Newtown Newtown Pippin Pippin in in Bracknell Bracknell The The White White Hart Hart in in Winkfield Winkfield

Issue Issue 69, 69, Winter Winter 2022 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk

Ascot Beer Festival Helper’s Trip

By Anthony Springall

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.

Happy drinkers at the Stardust Brewery

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.

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THE BELVEDERE ARMS A Premium Country Pub for relaxed drinking & dining, nestled right on the doorstep of Virginia Water Lake & Windsor Great Park.

Dog friendly, serving food and drinks all day, every day.

Book your table at: https://www.belvederearms.co.uk/tablebooking#/

The Belvedere Arms, London Rd, Sunninghill, Ascot SL5 7SB Call: 01344 870931 Website: www.belvederearms.co.uk

seberks.camra.org.uk

Ascot Beer Festival 2022

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.

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Rising Costs Put Pubs at Risk By

By Roger Roger Protz Protz

were were staying staying away away from from her her pub pub as as a a result of high beer prices. result of high beer prices.

“The “The pub pub is is their their only only social social life,” life,” she she pointed out.

This is a societal pointed out. This is a societal problem problem highlighted highlighted by by a a number number of of surveys surveys in in recent years.

They found that recent years. They found that many many older older people, people, especially especially those those living living alone, go to the pub not just alone, go to the pub not just to to drink drink but but to to combat combat loneliness. loneliness.

Twin Twin crises crises are are endangering endangering pubs pubs and breweries.

Pubs and breweries. Pubs face face escalating escalating costs costs that that send send the the price price of of beer beer rocketing and lead to a loss rocketing and lead to a loss of of customers. customers.

The The problem problem and and its its impact impact were were explained explained succinctly succinctly by

by Emma Emma Tarbard, Tarbard, the the landlady landlady of of the the Florists Florists Arms Arms in in Bethnal Green in London’s East Bethnal Green in London’s East End. End. She She was was speaking speaking to to BBC BBC London London late late last month and she said the last month and she said the price price of of a a pint pint of of real real ale ale in in her her pub pub had had gone gone up up in in a a few few months months from from £3.25 £3.25 to to £5. £5.

“It’s “It’s too too dear dear for for a a lot lot of of my my clientele,” clientele,” she said.

Bethnal Green she said. Bethnal Green is is an an area area of of London where many people are London where many people are on on low low incomes incomes and and Emma Emma had had noticed noticed her her customer numbers fall away customer numbers fall away at at the the end end of of the the month month while while they they are are waiting waiting for for pay cheques or pension pay cheques or pension payments. payments.

Even Even weekend weekend trade trade was was no no longer longer strong, strong, she she added. added.

She She said said she she was was concerned concerned about about her her older customers, in particular, older customers, in particular, who who

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Publicans Publicans like like Emma Emma do do their their best best to to keep prices down, but they are faced keep prices down, but they are faced by by a a tsunami tsunami of of soaring soaring costs costs for for electricity electricity and gas along with punitive and gas along with punitive business business rates rates and and VAT. VAT. Breweries Breweries have have to to combat combat not not only only high high energy energy costs costs but but also also the the price price of of raw raw materials materials going going through through the the roof. roof.

Charlene Charlene Lyons, Lyons, the the chief chief executive executive of of Black Sheep Brewery in Yorkshire, Black Sheep Brewery in Yorkshire, said said she she was was paying paying more more for for malt malt and and hops hops along with an eye-watering amount along with an eye-watering amount of of excise excise duty. duty.

Black Black Sheep Sheep brews brews 50,000 50,000 barrels barrels a a year and doesn’t qualify for year and doesn’t qualify for Small Small Brewers Brewers Relief.

Relief.

“In “In 2020 2020 we we paid paid £6m £6m in in excise excise duty duty – – that was when pubs were shut because that was when pubs were shut because of of Covid,” Covid,” Charlene Charlene says. says. “In “In 2022, 2022, so so far far we’ve we’ve paid paid £3m £3m from from January January to to July.”

July.”

II asked asked her her how how much much a a pint pint of of Black Black Sheep Best Bitter costs in Sheep Best Bitter costs in York.

York. “£4.50,” “£4.50,” she she said. said. That’s That’s almost almost as as much much as as in in London.

London. Is Is that that what’s what’s meant meant by by levelling levelling up? up?

Issue Issue 69, 69, Winter Winter 2022 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk

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.

Issue 69, Winter 2022

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.

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The Victoria Arms

Traditional English Pub Award-winning Fuller's real ales with 10% discount for CAMRA members Traditional home cooked food Live Sky and BT sports shown Comfortable surroundings and friendly atmosphere

Fun & Entertainment

Sunday night quiz and Regular live music Monday club - 15% off all drinks between 5pm & 7pm

A Warm Welcome

Large garden with heated huts Large heated marquee, free of charge for functions Dog friendly!

seberks.camra.org.uk

Landlord’s Witter

By Barry Fenton

community pub and it’s their pub. I’m here for them.

Q. And the least?

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.

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.

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?

Q. What do you most like about the pub trade?

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.

A. People. Having been a teacher, I’m very much a people person. This is a

Q. What plans have you got for your pub in the next year?

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A. A. More More of of the the same, same, looking looking after after the the people and the products and people and the products and doing doing them them both both justices. justices.

Q. Q. What What would would you you like like to to get get over over to to our readers to encourage them our readers to encourage them to to come come into into your your pub? pub?

A. A. A A safe, safe, relaxed relaxed and and welcoming welcoming envienvironment.

Three darts boards ronment. Three darts boards with with two two teams teams and and aa pool pool table. table. We We have have reguregular lar live live music, music, events, events, street street food food and and two screens where we can show two screens where we can show two two different different events events at at the the same same time. time. See See our our Facebook Facebook page page for for details details on on “the“thecanniemanbracknell”. canniemanbracknell”.

Q. Q. How How has has Covid Covid and and the the last last two two years years affected affected your your business business and and the the drinking drinking habits habits of of your your customers? customers?

A. A. It’s It’s difficult difficult to to believe believe now now that that we we lived with the ever-changing rules lived with the ever-changing rules that that applied. applied. Some, Some, like like cleaning cleaning regimes regimes are are retained, retained, so so that’s that’s good. good. Working Working from from home home has has encouraged encouraged some some peopeople ple to to move move away away and and we we are are seeing seeing others others replacing replacing those those that that we we have have lost.

Some have got used to drinking lost. Some have got used to drinking at at home home and and have have lost lost the the art art of of socialissocialising. ing. II have have to to say say that that our our community community was was exceptional exceptional with with their their support support durduring ing these these hard hard times times and and as as such such we we managed managed to to keep keep everybody everybody safe. safe. ItIt was was aa pleasure pleasure to to maintain maintain the the “heart “heart of of the community.”

My job is to the community.” My job is to demondemonstrate strate how how welcoming welcoming we we are. are.

Q. Q. What What about about the the economic economic proprospects spects this this winter? winter? How How will will this this imimpact pact your your pub pub and and your your customers’ customers’ spending?? spending??

A. A. Everybody’s Everybody’s outgoings outgoings are are going going up. up.

This This time time of of year year can can be be depressing depressing with with the the clocks clocks going going back, back, shorter shorter days days

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and and colder colder weather. weather. This This year year it’s it’s more more so because of all the talk about so because of all the talk about how how tough tough life life might might become! become! II hope hope that that people people will will realise realise that that coming coming to to the the pub pub is is good good for for our our physical, physical, social social and and mental mental health. health.

I’m I’m keeping keeping an an eye eye on on all all my my costs costs to to minimize minimize the the impact impact on on customers. customers. I’m I’m conscious conscious of of energy energy costs costs and and have have done done much much to to reduce reduce the the bills. bills.

Q. Q. What What is is the the price price now now of of aa pint pint of of Real Real Ale Ale and and what what do do you you think think that that itit might might be be in in 12 12 months? months?

A. A. £4.00 £4.00 now. now. II would would usually usually hope hope to to restrict the increase to 10p, but restrict the increase to 10p, but II sussuspect pect 25p 25p to to be be more more realistic. realistic. Who Who knows knows –– it’s it’s aa rollercoaster, rollercoaster, some some are are predicting predicting aa 50p 50p rise. rise.

Q. Q. What What wrong wrong would would you you most most like like to to put put right right in in the the pub pub trade? trade?

A. A. Pricing; Pricing; should should be be relatable relatable to to supersupermarkets.

Pubs are regulated markets. Pubs are regulated for for reresponsible sponsible drinking drinking and and so so should should supersupermarkets. markets. There There are are regulations regulations around around volumes volumes of, of, for for example, example, paracetamol, paracetamol, and and there there should should be be aa similar similar system system for for alcohol alcohol quantity quantity and and pricing. pricing. II believe believe that that pubs pubs and and their their social social space space actuactually promote health: much ally promote health: much better better than than sitting sitting indoors indoors without without measures measures and and company. company.

Q. Q. Which Which celebrity celebrity would would you you most most like to work behind your like to work behind your bar bar and and why? why?

A. A. My My customers customers are are my my celebrities, celebrities, they they are are epic epic in in their their own own right. right. IfIf II need need help, help, I’ll I’ll ask ask one one of of them them to to step step behind behind the the bar. bar.

Cheers, Cheers, Barry Barry Fenton.

Fenton.

Issue Issue 69, 69, Winter Winter 2022 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk

Special Award For Mike Smith (Cover Story)

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.

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.

CHEERS MIKE !!

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,

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The Crispin

45 DENMARK ST. WOKINGHAM

Quality Cask Ales Proud to serve from LocAles, including:

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.

    

Hogsback Rebellion Loddon White Horse Ascot

Large Beer Garden

seberks.camra.org.uk

Desert Island Beers

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.

Worthington White Shield 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.

Bullmastiff Legless Eleven 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.

Oakham Citra 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!

Dark Star Hophead 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.

Triple Karmeliet 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.

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seberks.camra.org.uk seberks.camra.org.uk Whitbread Whitbread Gold Gold Label Label Originally from the Originally from the Tennants Tennants Brewery, Brewery, Sheffield Sheffield and and subsequently subsequently taken taken over over by

by Whitbread Whitbread this this is is the the archetypical archetypical barley barley wine wine to to enjoy enjoy as as aa night night cap cap before before bed. bed. Once Once advertised advertised as as “Strong “Strong as as aa double double scotch scotch less less than than half half the the price” price” itit is is aa golden golden orange orange beer beer with with aa malty malty aroma aroma originally originally brewed brewed at at 10.6% 10.6% but but now now sold sold in in cans cans at at aa more more modest modest 7.5%.

7.5%. Possibly Possibly the the most most controversial controversial beer beer on on the the list, list, itit is is included included because because II like like it! it!

Marstons Marstons Owd Owd Rodger Rodger First brewed First brewed for for The The Royal Royal Standard Standard of of England England at at Forty Forty Green Green where where itit was was originally originally found found on cask, this is now brewed by Marstons at 7.4%.

The perfect winter warmer on cask, this is now brewed by Marstons at 7.4%. The perfect winter warmer itit is is dark, dark, rich rich and and luscious luscious like like liquid liquid Christmas Christmas pudding pudding with with aa dry dry bittersweet bittersweet finish. finish.

Theakstons Theakstons Old Old Peculier Peculier Full bodied and Full bodied and fruity fruity with with hints hints of of black black cherry cherry and and banana banana itit is is still still brewed brewed by by the the independently independently proud proud Theakstons Theakstons of of Masham, Masham, the the brewery brewery having having been been bought bought back back by by the the family family from from the the clutches clutches of of Scottish Scottish & & Newcastle.

Newcastle.

The The brewery brewery is is one one of of the the very very few few to to employ employ aa cooper cooper and and aa pint pint of of Old Old Peculier Peculier from from aa wooden wooden cask cask is is aa very very tempting tempting prospect. prospect.

This This has has been been aa very very difficult difficult choice choice with with some some worthy worthy beers beers being being considered considered such such as as Draught Draught Bass Bass (should (should II choose choose itit rather rather than than Legless Legless Eleven?), Eleven?), Downton Downton Chimera Chimera IPA, IPA, WethWethereds ereds Winter Winter Royal, Royal, Gales Gales Prize Prize Old Old Ale, Ale, Leffe Leffe Blond, Blond, Robinsons Robinsons Old Old Tom Tom and and Eldridge Eldridge Pope Pope Thomas Thomas Hardy Hardy Ale, Ale, all all truly truly brilliant brilliant beers beers but but II would would need need many many more more spaces spaces to to include. include. And And now now for for the the very very difficult difficult decision decision as as to to which which one one to to save save from from the the waves waves ie ie my my favourite favourite beer beer and and this this might might change change in in the the future future but but now now itit would would be be the the Triple Triple Karmeliet, Karmeliet, wheat, wheat, malt malt and and oats oats blended blended to to aa beery beery perfection! perfection!

Remembering John…

By

By Peter Peter Lucey Lucey

Mad Mad Cow Cow readers readers may may remember remember David David Richards’ Richards’ tribute tribute to to longstanding longstanding CAMRA CAMRA member member John John Winkley, Winkley, who who sadly passed away this summer. sadly passed away this summer. In In July July members members of of CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE attended attended his his wake, wake, with with his his numerous numerous family family and and friends, friends, at at the the Queen’s Queen’s Head, Head, WokingWokingham. ham. Note Note the the pint pint of of Abbot!

Abbot!

His His favourite favourite beer beer also also featured featured at at the the recent recent Ascot Ascot Beer Beer Festival.

Festival.

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Issue Issue 69, 69, Winter Winter 2022 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk

BREWERY NEWS Elusive Brewing 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

Issue 69, Winter 2022

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 Lenton

Page 17

seberks.camra.org.uk seberks.camra.org.uk

Bond Brews

Awards Awards

Dean Dean Bond Bond was was extremely extremely pleased pleased to to learn learn that that his his American-style beer, American-style beer, Stars Stars & & Stripes Stripes had had won won Beer Beer of of the the Festival Festival at at the the Wokingham Wokingham Festival Festival in in August.

August. The The beer beer tent tent and and the the judging judging had had been been organised organised by by the the same same people people who who run run Twyford Twyford Beer Beer Festival.

Festival.

Tap Tap Yard Yard Events Events

Bond Bond Brews Brews has has continued continued with with its its outdoor outdoor Tap Yard events, which have been Tap Yard events, which have been held held monthly monthly throughout throughout the the spring spring and and summer, summer, with with the the final final event event for for this this year year having having been been held held on on Saturday Saturday 15th 15th October.

October. As As well well as as the the brewery’s brewery’s own own range range of of draught draught ales, ales, plus plus local local cider, cider, Pimm’s, Pimm’s, Prosecco Prosecco and and soft soft drinks, drinks, each each Tap Tap Yard Yard featured featured food food from from aa different different local local caterer caterer and and included included food food from from Nepal, Nepal, Lebanon, Lebanon, wood-fired wood-fired pizzas pizzas and and aa traditional traditional British British hog hog roast. roast.

Beer Beer News News

In In early early October, October, Dean Dean brewed aa special brewed special blackberry-infused blackberry-infused version version of of Wheat-A-Bier Wheat-A-Bier (4.4% (4.4% ABV) ABV) to to mark mark the the autumn autumn season. season. The The blackberries blackberries add add aa rustic, rustic, earthy, earthy, fruity fruity note note to to the the typical typical herbal herbal and and pine pine flavours flavours of of aa classic classic German-style German-style wheat wheat beer. beer. ItIt was was first first launched launched at at the the October October Tap Tap Yard Yard event. event.

This This year's year's batch batch of of Night Screamer Night Screamer (4.2% (4.2% ABV) ABV) has has also also been been brewed.

This brewed. This is is aa classic classic Dry Dry Stout Stout for for the the Halloween Halloween and and Guy Guy Fawkes Fawkes firework firework season. season.

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In In November, November, Dean Dean will will be be brewing brewing aa new new batch batch of of Wild Wild Tiger Tiger (4.3% (4.3% ABV), ABV), which which is is aa variant variant of of Bengal Bengal Tiger Tiger with with the the addition addition of of locallylocallyharvested wild harvested wild hedgerow hops.

This gives it extra hedgerow hops.

This gives it extra dimensions dimensions of of earthy earthy aromas aromas and and fresh, fresh, fruity fruity hoppiness hoppiness on on top top of of the the already already complex complex IPA IPA style, style, making making itit aa very very tasty tasty and and enjoyable enjoyable beer. beer.

Moore Moore Beer Beer (4.0% (4.0% ABV) ABV) will make a return will make a return for for the the World World Cup Cup at at the the end end of of November.

November. This This is is aa traditional traditional English English Best Best Bitter.

Bitter. Golden Golden amber amber in in colour, colour, itit has has aa rich rich malty malty and and wheaty wheaty flavour, flavour, with with aa hoppy hoppy aroma aroma and and dare dare II say, say, aa ‘Moor(e)ish’ ‘Moor(e)ish’ subtle subtle bitterness bitterness throughout. throughout.

For For further further details details and and current current beer beer availability, availability, visit visit www.bondbrews.co.uk www.bondbrews.co.uk

Hogs Back Brewery

Home Home Harvest Harvest Ale Ale is is the the only only beer beer Hogs Hogs Back Back Brewery Brewery sell sell that that is is brewed brewed with with 100% 100% home home grown grown hops. hops. It's It's brewed brewed with Fuggles and with Fuggles and English Cascade hops harvested from their English Cascade hops harvested from their own own hop hop garden garden at at the the brewery, brewery, as as well well as as the the classic classic Farnham Farnham White White Bine Bine variety, variety, grown grown exclusively exclusively by

by Hogs Hogs Back Back Brewery.

Brewery.

Fuggles, Farnham Fuggles, Farnham White White Bine Bine and and English English Cascade Cascade were were all all added added into into the the copper, copper, with with Fuggles and Fuggles and English English Cascade Cascade being being dry dry hopped hopped at at the the end. end. The The result result

Issue Issue 69, 69, Winter Winter 2022 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk 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 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

Issue 69, Winter 2022

you want. The yard is open from 10am throughout the week for coffees as well.

Renegade Brewery West Berkshire Brewery is proud to reveal their rebrand as Renegade Brewery this October.

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.

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seberks.camra.org.uk seberks.camra.org.uk Renegade Renegade Brewery Brewery Beers Beers Renegade Brewery have Renegade Brewery have announced announced some some new new beers beers to to their their line-up: 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 These new new beers beers will will join join classics classics such such as as Good Old Boy and Renegade Lager Good Old Boy and Renegade Lager as as well well as as launching launching aa new new calendar calendar of of limitedlimitededition, one-off brews. edition, one-off brews.

Two Two Flints Flints Brewery Brewery

We We are are looking looking forward forward to to the the opening opening of of the the Two Two Flints Flints Brewery Brewery and and Taproom Taproom at at 25-26 25-26 The The Arches, Arches, on Alma Road, Windsor. on Alma Road, Windsor.

South South Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Brewery Brewery

We We have have some some more more exciting exciting news news from from the the region region with with the the opening opening of of aa new new tap tap room. room.

South Oxfordshire brewery have South Oxfordshire brewery have announced the opening a tap room announced the opening a tap room in in Ipsden Ipsden (between (between Reading Reading and and Wallingford) Wallingford) th on 2022. on the the weekend weekend of of November November 12/13 12/13th2022.

The The brewery, brewery, which which was was established established in in 2020, has raised funds for the 2020, has raised funds for the new new SOX SOX Tap Tap Room Room by by holding holding aa crowdfunder crowdfunder event event in in October 2022, just prior to this publication.

October 2022, just prior to this publication.

From From their their website, website, we we understand understand that that the the new new brewery brewery hopes hopes to to feature feature aa rotating rotating tap tap list list focusing focusing on on modern, modern, fresh fresh and and seasonal seasonal beer beer aims aims to to provide provide aa diverse diverse range range of of tastes and experiences, fostering tastes and experiences, fostering their their belief belief that that “there “there is is aa beer beer for for everyone”. everyone”.

Located Located next next to to Windsor Windsor and and Eton Eton Central Central station, station, Two Two Flints Flints Brewery Brewery and and Taproom Taproom will will offer offer aa range range of of the the freshest freshest beers, beers, natural natural and and bio-dynamic bio-dynamic wine wine and and aa range range of of non-alcoholic non-alcoholic options options ..

ADVERT ADVERT BOND BOND BREWS BREWS QUARTER QUARTER PAGE PAGE

We We also also understand understand that that they they are are fully fully committed committed to to minimising minimising their their carbon carbon footprint, footprint, and and they they are are donating donating 1% 1% of of their their gross annual sales to environmental gross annual sales to environmental nonnonprofits profits through through their their membership membership with with 1% 1% for for the Planet. the Planet.

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Issue Issue 69, 69, Winter Winter 2022 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk

Burton MP Steps in to Fight for Nation’s Brewing Heritage

By Timothy Hampson 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.”

Pictured: National Brewery Heritage Trust chairman Harry White and Burton MP Kate Kniveton.

Issue 69, Winter 2022

Page 21

A historic pub in Wokingham, The Ship Inn is a wonderful grade-II-listed coaching inn dating back 400 years. It might be old, but it’s never been left behind - and a respectful refurbishment in 2015 means the pub feels every bit as fresh as the fabulous food and beer it serves.

Open for Walk In or Pre Book a table

Berkshire South East CAMRA Pub of the year 2020

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 Ship Inn, 104 Peach Street, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1XH 01189 780389 E: shipinn.wokingham@fullers.co.uk Facebook & Twitter

seberks.camra.org.uk

Ascot Cider of the Festival 2022

By Mike Lee

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 supports 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 environment 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.”

Issue 69, Winter 2022

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seberks.camra.org.uk seberks.camra.org.uk

Young’s Brewery By

By Kevin Kevin Lenton Lenton

It It was was aa bleak, bleak, cold cold frosty frosty day day back back in in 1968 when I was putting on my Crombie 1968 when I was putting on my Crombie coat coat and and found found aa horseshoe horseshoe in in my my pocket, “what the ****!”

Then a memory pocket, “what the ****!” Then a memory came came like like aa lightning lightning bolt bolt through through my my hangover hangover haze. haze. The The previous previous day day II had had been been on on aa trip trip to to the the Young’s Young’s Ram Ram BrewBrewery ery in in Wandsworth, Wandsworth, London.

London.

Young’s Young’s was was founded founded as as aa brewery brewery in in 1831 1831 by

by Charles Charles Young Young and and Anthony Anthony Bainbridge Bainbridge when when they they purchased purchased the the Ram Ram Brewery Brewery in in Wandsworth.

Wandsworth. A A Ram Ram pub pub on on Young's Young's brewbrewery ery site site was was recorded recorded from from aa survey survey around around 1550.

1550.

On On moving moving to to London London after after being being at at UniverUniversity, sity, II was was introduced introduced to to Youngs’ Youngs’ Ordinary Ordinary bitter. bitter. On On aa Friday Friday night night II would would empty empty my my jam jar of change and go to jam jar of change and go to my my local local Youngs’ Youngs’ pub pub for for aa single single pint pint (times (times were were hard!).

It was a typical London hard!). It was a typical London back back street street pub pub with with an an old old boy boy in in the the corner corner with with aa peak peak cap and a cigarette hanging out cap and a cigarette hanging out of of the the corcorner ner of of his his mouth mouth and and bashing bashing out out aa tune tune on on the the piano. piano. Locals Locals singing singing “my “my old old man man said said follow follow the the van”, van”, anyhow anyhow II fell fell in in love love with with the the beer. beer.

So, So, moving moving forward, forward, years years later, later, some some colcolleagues leagues and and II visited visited the the brewery, brewery, but but first first starting starting at at the the Grade Grade IIII listed listed Brewery Brewery Tap Tap

Page Page 24 24

outside outside the the brewery, brewery, which which is is now now the the Ram Ram Inn. The brewery tour included a visit Inn. The brewery tour included a visit to to the the stables, stables, hence hence the the horseshoe. horseshoe. II have have no no idea idea how how II came came to to obtain obtain itit but but am am pretty pretty sure sure that that II did did not not remove remove itit from from the the beast. beast.

II do do remember remember however however there there being being the the ram ram mascot mascot and and cats cats to to catch catch mice. mice. The The cats cats had had the the same same black black colour colour with with white white “socks” as the horses.

In the 1870s “socks” as the horses. In the 1870s Young’s Young’s had had aa fleet fleet of of 27 27 dray dray horses. horses.

Until the closure of the Until the closure of the brewery brewery in in 2006, 2006, the the horses horses and and were were still still used used for for local local deliverdeliveries ies of of beer beer to to locations locations within within aa mile mile of of the the brewery. brewery.

Young’s Young’s also also had had an an influence influence on on my my first first marriage as I booked the reception marriage as I booked the reception at at the the Youngs Youngs pub, pub, the the White White Hart Hart on on the the Thames Thames at at Barnes, Barnes, ordering ordering aa barrel barrel of of Ordinary Ordinary bebefore fore ordering ordering the the cake! cake!

In In 2006, 2006, Young’s, Young’s, much much to to the the shock shock of, of, parparticularly ticularly Londoners Londoners decided decided to to sell sell the the brewbrewery ery to to Eagle Eagle brewery brewery located located in in Bedford Bedford and and owned owned by by the the Charlie Charlie Wells Wells family. family. John John Young, Young, chairman chairman and and the the great-greatgreat-greatgrandson of the founder died grandson of the founder died days days before before the the closure closure of of the the brewery, brewery, whilst whilst the the final final brew brew was was being being run run at at the the Ram Ram Brewery.

Brewery.

Beer Beer from from the the last last brew brew was was served served at at his his funeral The Eagle brewery brews a version funeral The Eagle brewery brews a version of of Young’s Young’s Ordinary Ordinary and and Special.

Special. The The brewbrewery ery at at the the time time of of its its closure. closure.

Issue Issue 69, 69, Winter Winter 2022 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk 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”.

A Christmas Gift…

Issue 69, Winter 2022

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seberks.camra.org.uk seberks.camra.org.uk

The Good Good Beer Beer Guide Guide gets gets Royal Royal approval pproval The

Photograph Photograph courtesy courtesy of of Getty Getty Images Images

Charles Charles champions champions local local pubs pubs in in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, becoming becoming the the first first Royal Royal to to write write the the book's book's introduction. introduction.

A A one-page one-page foreword foreword to to the the special special 50th 50th edition edition was was written, written, by by the the then then Prince, Prince, prior prior to to the the death death of of his his mother, mother, and and highlights highlights the the need need to to support support pubs pubs after after the the Covid Covid pandemic. pandemic.

Around Around 2,000 2,000 pubs pubs closed closed permanently permanently during during the the first first year year of of lockdown, lockdown, and and HRH HRH the the Prince Prince of of Wales Wales chose chose to to champion champion the the important important role role of of the the great great British British Pub Pub to to the the country's country's culture culture and and history history in in CAMRA’s CAMRA’s Good Good Beer Beer Guide.

Guide.

Charles, who is known to enjoy Charles, who is known to enjoy aa pint, pint, will will be be the the first first member member of of the the Royal Royal Family Family to to write write the the introduction introduction to to the the Good Good Beer Beer Guide, Guide, published published in in October October 2022.

2022.

Page Page 26 26

In In his his one-page one-page foreword foreword to to the the special special 50th 50th edition, edition, His His Royal Royal Highness Highness highlights highlights the the unprecedented unprecedented difficulties difficulties and and challenges challenges that that pubs pubs have have suffered suffered as as aa result result of of Covid Covid and and the the need need for for the the public public to to support support them. them.

The The Good Good Beer Beer Guide Guide has has evolved evolved and and developed developed over over the the last last 50 50 years years and and this this edition edition is is another another step step in in its its evolution. evolution.

This This year year CAMRA CAMRA have have made made the the Guide Guide much much more more user-friendly user-friendly and and accessible, accessible, featuring featuring regional regional entries entries introduced introduced by by the the award-winning award-winning writer writer of of 50 50 Years Years of of CAMRA, CAMRA, Laura Laura Hadland, Hadland, and and bringing bringing together together pub pub and and brewery brewery information information for for the the first first time, time, making making itit easier easier to to find find your your new new favourite favourite local local ale. ale.

Issue Issue 69, 69, Winter Winter 2022 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk

Branch Social Diary

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 3

rd

NOVEMBER

Thursday 8th

DECEMBER

CAMRA BSE Branch Committee Meeting – Venue to be confirmed. Meet from 8pm.

CAMRA BSE Social – Details TBA. Meet from 8pm.

Saturday 5th

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.

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.

Thursday 10th

CAMRA BSE Social – Queen’s Head, 23 The Terrace, Wokingham. RG40 1BP. Meet from 8pm.

Saturday 10th

Thursday 15th

Lunchtime Social with the U3A Beer Appreciation Group – Broad Street Tavern, 29 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU. Meet from 1pm.

JANUARY...

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.

Issue 69, Winter 2022

Mad Cow Advertising Rates Quarter page Half page Full page Full page premium

£45 £70 £140 £160

Next Edition Deadline No 70 (Feb–Apr ’23 Edition) 6th Jan 2023

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seberks.camra.org.uk seberks.camra.org.uk

The Age-old Language of Beer & Brewing By

By Anthony Anthony Springall Springall

Like Like any any craft craft or or busibusiness, ness, brewing brewing has has its its own own language language which, which, to to the the outsider outsider may may seem seem completely completely inincomprehensible. comprehensible. This This article article tries tries to to throw throw light light upon upon some some of of the more obscure brewing terms the more obscure brewing terms and and II hope hope it it helps helps the the next next time time you you encounencounter an unfamiliar phrase or term. ter an unfamiliar phrase or term.

Adjunct Adjunct -- This This is is the the addition addition of of any any brewing brewing ingredient other than malt or hops ingredient other than malt or hops such such as as herbs, herbs, flaked flaked maize, maize, rice, rice, wheat, wheat, sugars sugars etc etc to to make make up up the the brew brew with with cheaper cheaper ingrediingredients ents or or give give special special flavours. flavours.

Attenuation Attenuation –– The The reduction reduction in in specific specific gravity gravity of of the the wort wort (qv) (qv) as as sugars sugars are are conconverted verted to to alcohol. alcohol.

Blow Blow off off –– A A tube tube from from the the ferfermenter menter which which leads leads to to aa bucket bucket of of water water to to remove remove excess excess carbon carbon didioxide oxide and and fermentation fermentation materials. materials.

Fining Fining –– The The clearing clearing of of aa beer beer using using isinisinglass glass or or other other substance substance to to precipitate precipitate any any loose loose yeast yeast cells cells or or other other detritus detritus in in the the beer beer to to leave leave itit clear. clear.

Hopback Hopback –– A A device device to to strain strain the the hop hop waste waste from from the the wort. wort.

Krausen Krausen –– The The white white foam foam on on top top of of the the ferfermentation vessel of surplus yeast cells, mentation vessel of surplus yeast cells, wort wort proteins proteins and and hop hop matter matter which which becomes becomes aa brown sticky mess if not cleared brown sticky mess if not cleared away. away.

Lees Lees –– The The sediment sediment at at the the bottom bottom of of aa cask cask or or naturally naturally conditioned conditioned beer beer bottle bottle consisting consisting of of dead dead yeast yeast cells, cells, proteins proteins and and bits bits of of hop. hop.

Liquor Liquor –– The The water water used used in in brewing. brewing.

Mashing Mashing –– The The process process of of combining combining crushed crushed malt malt grains grains with with hot hot water water in in order order to extract the fermentable sugars from to extract the fermentable sugars from the the grain grain starches. starches.

Pitching Pitching –– The The process process of of adding adding yeast yeast to to the wort. the wort.

Racking Racking –– Transferring Transferring the the beer beer from from the the primary fermenter to the secondary primary fermenter to the secondary ferfermenter menter to to leave leave behind behind waste waste yeast. yeast.

Sparging Sparging –– Rinsing Rinsing the the grains grains with with aa mist mist of of hot water to extract the maximum amount hot water to extract the maximum amount of of soluble soluble sugars. sugars.

Trub Trub –– A A mix mix of of coagulated coagulated proteins proteins and and ororganic ganic matter matter left left behind behind in in the the boil boil kettle kettle which which ifif not not removed removed could could impart impart off off flaflavours vours to to the the beer. beer.

Vorlauf Vorlauf –– A A process process of of recirculating recirculating the the wort wort over the spent grain bed to clarify the over the spent grain bed to clarify the solusolution. tion.

Whirlpool Whirlpool –– Stirring Stirring the the wort wort at at the the end end of of the the boil boil to to draw draw all all the the impurities impurities (trub) (trub) to to the the bottom bottom of of the the kettle. kettle.

Krausening Krausening –– The The addition addition of of aa vigorously vigorously fermenting batch of beer to green fermenting batch of beer to green beer beer prior prior to to casking casking to to induce induce fresh fresh fermentation fermentation and and create create life life in in the the cask. cask.

Lautering Lautering –– The The process process of of separating separating the the sweet sweet wort wort from from the the malt malt grains. grains.

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Issue Issue 69, 69, Winter Winter 2022 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk

National Beer Scoring System

Have you ever wondered how pubs are selected for the CAMRA Good Beer Guide?

Scoring beer in pubs is really easy!

The National Beer Scoring System (NBSS) is a 0–5-point scale for judging beer quality in pubs. It is an easy-to-use system that has been designed to assist CAMRA branches in selecting pubs for the Good Beer Guide and also monitor beer quality by encouraging CAMRA members from any part of the world to report beer quality on any pub in the UK. If you are a CAMRA member, we want you to tell us about the quality of beer in the pubs you visit. If you are not a member, why not join Europe's most successful consumer organisation? As an incentive, when you score a beer you get entered into a prize draw to win free CAMRA books!

How do I score my beer?

You can score your beer online at home or if you have a smart phone in the pub!

To submit your scores just visit whatpub.com.

Log into the site using your CAMRA membership number and password. Once you have agreed to the terms and conditions and found a pub on the site, you can start scoring.

You can find out more here whatpub.com/beerscoring

What do I need to record?

• The location and name of the pub (WhatPub mobile can work this out).

• The date you visited the pub • A score out of 5 • The name of the beer • We will also need your name and membership number, but once you have registered these are recorded automatically in WhatPub

What do the scores mean?

0. No cask ale available 1. Poor

Beer that is anything from barely drinkable to drinkable with considerable resentment.

2. Average

Competently kept, drinkable pint but doesn't inspire in any way, not worth moving to another pub but you drink the beer without really noticing.

3. Good

Good beer in good form. You may cancel plans to move to the next pub. You want to stay for another pint and may seek out the beer again.

What if I can't decide on a score?

The NBSS allows you to enter half scores

How do I edit my scores?

To edit your scores, go to data.beerscoring.org.uk.

4. Very Good Excellent beer in excellent condition.

5. Perfect

Probably the best you are ever likely to find. A seasoned drinker will award this score very rarely.

How is the information being collated?

Once beer scores have been submitted online, CAMRA branches can download them and use them to help in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide selection process.

For more information, CAMRA members can go to: members.camra.org.uk/group/branch-nbss-coordinator/dashboard

Issue 69, Winter 2022

Page 29

seberks.camra.org.uk

Closed Pubs of Wokingham – The Rising Sun

By Kevin Lenton

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.

Acknowledgements: The Inns and Public Houses of Wokingham by Dennis Ayres and Judith Hunter.

Closedpubs.co.uk

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Page 30

Issue 69, Winter 2022

seberks.camra.org.uk 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 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.

Accredited LocAle Outlets Ascot Barkham Binfield Bracknell Eversley Finchampstead Sandhurst Winkfield Wokingham

Royal Foresters Thatched Tavern Bull Stag & Hounds Cannie Man Newtown Pippin Old Manor Tally Ho Elusive Brewing Tap White Swan White Hart Crispin Emmbrook Inn Hope and Anchor Lord Raglan The Outhouse Brewery * Queen’s Head Rifle Volunteer Station Tap Ye Olde Leathern Bottel

LocAle Breweries

(Within 25 miles of Bracknell)

Andwell (Andwell, Hampshire) Ascot Brewing (Camberley, Surrey) Big Smoke Brew Co. (Esher, Surrey) Bond Brews (Wokingham, Berks) Brightwater (Claygate, Surrey) Craft Brews (Frensham, Surrey) Elusive Brewing (Finchampstead) Hedgehog Brewing (Stroude) Hogs Back (Tongham, Surrey) Little London (Tadley, Hampshire) Loddon (Dunsden Green, Oxon) Longdog (Basingstoke, Hants) Malt the Brewery (Prestwood, Bucks) MoogBrew (Taplow, Bucks) The Outhouse Brewery (Wokingham) * New Wharf (Maidenhead, Berks) Park Brewery (Kingston Upon Thames) Phantom Brewing (Reading, Berks) * Rebellion Beer (Marlow, Bucks) Sherfield Village (Sherfield, Hants) Siren Craft (Finchampstead, Berks) South Oxfordshire Brewery (Ipsden) Stardust Brewery (White Waltham) Thames Side Brewery (Staines, Middx) Thurstons Brewery (Horsell, Surrey) Tillingbourne Brewery (Shere, Surrey) Twickenham Fine Ales (Twickenham) Renegade Brewery (Yattendon) Wild Weather (Aldermaston, Berks) Windsor & Eton (Windsor, Berks) Zero Degrees (Reading, Berks)

19 9 20 5 22 20 9 10 16 21 13 25 22 10 6 13 22 13 15 19 9 22 6 12 12 21 21 24 19 10 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.

Issue 69, Winter 2022

Page 31

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