Mad Cow Issue 70

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 70th edition of Mad Cow… Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2023.

We are all acutely aware of the challenging times ahead as we emerge from the winter of discontent and realize the full extent of the financial impact on everybody, in particular the hospitality trade.

The sad news is that more than 32 pubs disappeared from communities in England and Wales each month in 2022 as rocketing energy bills and staffing pressures forced businesses to shut for the final time, and this is not yet showing any signs of slowing down. New analysis of official government data by real estate adviser Altus group found the overall number of pubs slid by 386 during the year. So, CAMRA’s key message is that support of our pubs in 2023 is vital.

Your local pub can be the heart of your community, and once it is gone it can be devastating for many of those who live and work in close proximity. We encourage you to keep visiting even if it is just for a quick pint, it can really make a difference.

Cheers!

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 70, Spring 2023

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 2023 Mad Cow Circulation: 2,500 Copies

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Foundry Bell, Wokingham

Prince, Crowthorne

II made made a a couple couple of of visits visits to to the the Prince Prince in in Crowthorne Crowthorne over over the the Christmas Christmas and and New New Year Year period, period, and and was was pleasantly pleasantly surprised surprised by by the the very very high high standard standard of of the the real real ales ales on on offer. offer. On On my my first first visit, visit, a a fresh fresh cask cask of of Abbot Abbot Reserve Reserve was was being being served, served, which which tasted tasted glorious. glorious. II expressed expressed my my satisfaction satisfaction to to the the landlord landlord and and he he informed informed me me itit was was given given a a 5 5 out out of of 5 5 score score by by the the Cask Cask Marque Marque InspecInspector tor just just that that morning. morning. A A week week later later II popped popped in in again again and and sampled sampled a a pint pint of of Hardys Hardys & & Hansons Hansons Olde Olde Trip, Trip, which which was was in in equally equally susuperb perb condition. condition.

The The Prince Prince is is a a Greene Greene King King house, house, previpreviously named the Prince Alfred ously named the Prince Alfred after after the the secsecond ond son son of of Queen Queen Victoria, Victoria, who who visited visited the the area area as as a a 12 12 year year old old in in 1856.

1856. Offering Offering up up to to six six cask cask beers, beers, the the staff staff and and regular regular customcustomers ers give give visitors visitors a a friendly friendly welcome. welcome. The The spacious interior has various spacious interior has various different different areas areas in in which which to to sit sit and and relax. relax.

In In other other positive positive Greene Greene King King news, news, the the Rose Rose and and Thistle Thistle in in Reading Reading has has recently recently reopened. reopened. This This pub pub was was closed closed ‘until ‘until further further notice’ notice’ by

by Greene Greene King King in in 2020 2020 due due to to the the pandemic, pandemic, sparking sparking a a 900-strong 900-strong petition petition to to save save the the Argyle Argyle Road Road venue. venue. Editor.

Editor.

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Following Following a a major major three-month three-month renovation renovation project, project, Wokingham’s Wokingham’s newest newest pub pub officially officially opened opened its its doors doors to to customers customers just just before before Christmas.

Christmas.

100 100 years years since since the the opening opening of of the the original original public public house, house, The The Foundry Foundry Bell Bell located located on on London London Road Road has has taken taken over over the the site site of of the the former former Loch Loch Fyne.

Fyne.

Mason Gray, Mason Gray, General General Manager Manager at at The The Foundry Foundry Bell, Bell, said: said: “After “After months months of of renovarenovation, tion, the the whole whole team team look look forward forward to to welwelcoming coming locals locals dropping dropping in in for for a a pint pint by by the the fireplace, fireplace, friends friends getting getting together together or or families families hosting hosting celebrations celebrations in in our our new new pub. pub.

“We’ve considered every “We’ve considered every detail, detail, from from our our beautiful new interior and exterior, beautiful new interior and exterior, to to our our hand-picked hand-picked local local suppliers, suppliers, everything everything is is in in place place to to make make sure sure we we can can give give guests guests a a memorable memorable experience.” experience.”

New New interiors interiors include include a a brand-new brand-new bar, bar, wine wine room room housing housing over over 95 95 bottles bottles of of world world wines, wines, 14-seat 14-seat private private dining dining room room and and an an outdoor outdoor heated heated snug snug and and seating. seating.

Focussing Focussing on on championing championing seasonal, seasonal, local local produce produce and and suppliers, suppliers, and and seating seating up up to to 250 250 guests guests at at any any one one time, time, the the new new layout layout accommodates accommodates all all dining dining and and drinking drinking occaoccasions, sions, including including cosy cosy nooks nooks and and armchairs armchairs by by the the original original working working fireplaces fireplaces to to banquet banquet areas areas for for dining dining parties. parties.

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Jack O’Newbury, Binfield

include the erection of single storey front and rear extension and a two-storey side extension, in addition to changing of use of land to form additional car parking area.

Perhaps this is good news if they intend to keep the property for commercial use.

Fingers crossed!

Peter Lucey, Pub Protection Officer

The future of one of our favourite traditional pubs in Binfield, the Jack O’Newbury remains in the balance. The original planning application includes a provision for a licenced premises, so we remain optimistic, but the pub is currently shuttered, and an “All Enquiries” sign exists for the entire plot.

A new application has been submitted to vary the conditions of the approved plans to

Thanks for having us!

Issue 70, Spring 2023

CAMRA BSE offers thanks to the following for hosting their recent branch meetings: Bull in Bracknell Queens Oak in Finchampstead Old Manor in Bracknell

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10 Fun Facts about Beer

By Anthony Springall

Are you tired of boring facts found in Christmas crackers, if so, please find below some 10 amazing facts concerning your favourite drink. I hope the following trivia will settle a few arguments.

1. Around 160,000 pints of Guinness are wasted annually, caught on facial hair.

2. Carlsberg Special Brew was first produced in 1950 to celebrate a visit to the brewery by Winston Churchill.

3. The most expensive bottle of beer ever sold for $503,300 being an 1875 bottle of Allsopps Arctic Ale produced for the expedition to the Antarctic led

by Sir George Nares.

4. Carrying on the theme of expensive beers, the most expensive city to drink beer is Doha, Qatar at a staggering £11.37 per pint. No wonder there was so little trouble at the World Cup. 5. The country with the biggest thirst is the Czech Republic where they drink 142.6 litres per person. The UK comes a modest 27th at 67.7 litres per person.

6. The strongest beer in the world (as at Dec 2022) is Snake Venom at a mind blowing 67.5% ABV, brewed by Brewmeister in Keith, Scotland.

7. The biggest brewer in the world is Anheuser-Busch InBev who produce a staggering 581.7 million hectolitres or to put it a different way around 102 billion pints annually.

8. The oldest brewery in the world is Weihenstephan Brewery in Bavaria, Germany that has been in continuous production since 1040. The oldest commercial brewery in the UK is Shepherd Neame who have been producing beer since 1698.

9. Only five pubs have featured in every CAMRA Good Beer Guide, they are 1) The Queens Head, Newton, Cambs, 2) The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset, 3) Star Tavern, Belgravia, London, 4) Buckingham Arms, Westminster, London & 5) Roscoe Head, Liverpool, Merseyside.

10. The first brewery to use brown bottles to prevent harmful UV light spoiling the beer inside was the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1912.

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Issue 70, Spring 2023

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

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Brewers of the British Isles 1890 to 2021 By

By Anthony Anthony Springall Springall

Anyone Anyone with with even even aa passing passing interest interest in brewers history will find this in brewers history will find this new new edition edition absolutely absolutely fascinating. fascinating. It It lists lists every known British brewery for every known British brewery for the the last last 130 130 years years (over (over 10,000) 10,000) and and builds builds upon upon previous previous editions editions proproduced by the Brewery History Sociduced by the Brewery History Society ety and and created created by

by Norman Norman Barber.

Barber.

It It is is aa weighty weighty tome tome of of almost almost 400 400 pages and covers commercial brewpages and covers commercial brewers ers with with aa small small potted potted history history on on each each brewer brewer such such as as date date founded, founded, public public houses houses owned, owned, brewery brewery taketakeovers etc.

The scale of overs etc. The scale of research research to to produce produce such such aa comprehensive comprehensive recrecord ord cannot cannot be be underestimated underestimated and and will be the bible will be the bible for for researchers researchers for for many many years years to to come come in in aa similar similar way way to to its its predecessors. predecessors. This This is is not not aa book to be read cover to cover book to be read cover to cover but but instead to be delved into for information and fact finding.

In the Berkshire South instead to be delved into for information and fact finding. In the Berkshire South East East branch branch of of CAMRA CAMRA we we have have four four current current brewers brewers listed listed being being Bond Bond Brews, Brews, Siren Siren Craft, Craft, Outhouse Outhouse and and Elusive.

Elusive. Historically Historically such such brewers brewers as as Headington Headington and and Sons & Baker Powell both of Wokingham and ALS Sellons of Bracknell are rememSons & Baker Powell both of Wokingham and ALS Sellons of Bracknell are remembered. bered. The The Brewery Brewery History History Society Society have have produced produced the the definitive definitive reference reference book book on on the the subject subject and and are are to to be be thanked thanked for for their their hard hard work. work. Priced Priced at at £19.95 £19.95 ++ p&p. p&p. .. ..

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Searching for Prized Old Ale

By Roger Protz

An American friend, Julie Johnson, once told me the difference between our two countries is that the US has a past, but Britain has history. As she writes about beer and lived and worked here for several years, she’s well aware that beer has played an important part in our island’s story.

I have been attempting to untangle one element of that story since last autumn when the Dark Star brewery in Sussex launched a new batch of Gale’s Prize Old Ale (POA). The 9 per cent beer had been brewed by Gale’s in Horndean, Hampshire since the 1920s and was a blend of aged ale and a fresh young one.

The recipe for POA was brought to Gale’s by a brewer from Yorkshire and it raises the intriguing question: is it a type of beer known in the north as Yorkshire stingo? It’s a beer with a long pedigree and it has also travelled widely.

Between the 18th and 20th centuries, a large pub with its own brewery in

Issue 70, Spring 2023

London’s Marylebone district was called the Yorkshire Stingo. Ex-patriate Yorkshire people, along with locals, would gather in large numbers – often as many as 20,000 – to play games in the pub’s garden and drink stingo. The name is thought to come from the sting or kick that strong alcohol gives.

The brewery was bought by the Church Army in 1900 and turned into workshops, and the pub was demolished in 1964 to make way for the Marylebone flyover. The brewery’s recipes have disappeared, but if Gale’s POA is descended from stingo then we can gain an impression of what the original may have tasted like.

Fuller’s in West London bought Gale’s in 2005 and closed the brewery a year later. The final 80-barrel batch of POA was moved to the Chiswick plant and stored in a tank. From time to time, head brewer John Keeling would make a new edition by blending 10 per cent of the old beer with a fresh brew.

John says the aged beer was fermented in vessels made from pine and it was impossible to remove all the yeast and natural bacteria trapped in the wood. As a result, the blended beer had an acidic and slightly musty aroma that brewers call “horse blanket”.

The beer brewed by Dark Star is made with the best pale malt, torrefied wheat (similar to popcorn) and black malt. The hops are traditional English Fuggles and Goldings. It has a musty aroma with dates, raisins and sultana fruit. It’s

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acidic acidic on on the the palate, palate, with with rich rich fruit fruit and and peppery and spicy hops.

The peppery and spicy hops. The finish finish is is long long and and fruity fruity with with some some sweetness sweetness that that challenges challenges the the acidic acidic notes. notes.

Yorkshire stingo has made Yorkshire stingo has made aa comeback comeback in in its its native native region. region. Christian Christian Horton, Horton, head head brewer brewer at at Samuel Samuel Smith’s Smith’s in in Tadcaster, Tadcaster, has has brewed brewed an an 88 per per cent cent interpretation interpretation of of the the style style since since 2006.

2006.

He He thinks thinks itit may may have have fallen fallen from from favour favour during during World World War War One One when when brewers brewers couldn’t couldn’t afford afford to to make make strong strong beers beers as as aa result result of of punitive punitive levels levels of of duty duty imposed imposed by by the the government government to to help help finance the armaments industry. finance the armaments industry.

His His version version is is not not aa blend blend but but is is aged aged for for aa year year in in oak oak vessels, vessels, some some of of which which are are more more than than 100 100 years years old. old. It’s It’s brewed with best British ale malt brewed with best British ale malt and and darker darker Munich Munich malt malt that that adds adds both both colour and a touch of sweetness. colour and a touch of sweetness. The The hops hops are are Fuggles, Fuggles, Goldings, Goldings, Phoenix Phoenix and and Styrian Styrian Goldings.

Goldings. It’s It’s the the brewery’s brewery’s only only bottle-conditioned bottle-conditioned beer beer and and has has delicious delicious aromas aromas and and flavours flavours of of oak, oak, vanilla, vanilla, butterscotch, butterscotch, raisin raisin fruit fruit and and spicy hops. spicy hops.

Stingo Stingo travelled travelled south. south. Two Two breweries breweries in Northampton, Phipps in Northampton, Phipps and and NBC, NBC, both both brewed brewed the the style. style. They They had had the the misfortune misfortune to to be be bought bought and and closed closed by by the the London London brewer brewer Watney Watney Mann, Mann, but but their their beers beers have have been been revived revived by by the the Albion brewery that makes a 9.5 Albion brewery that makes a 9.5 per per cent cent stingo. stingo. The The beer beer is is aged aged in in whisky whisky casks for a year – one version casks for a year – one version was was aged aged for for five five years. years.

Did Did stingo stingo journey journey as as far far as as Cornwall?

Cornwall?

The Blue Anchor brew pub The Blue Anchor brew pub in in Helston Helston brews brews beers beers called called Spingo Spingo and and it’s it’s tempting tempting to to think think it’s it’s aa corruption corruption of of the the Yorkshire Yorkshire name. name.

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The The owners owners claim claim their their Spingo Spingo ales ales are are 600 years old when the inn started 600 years old when the inn started life life as as aa hospice hospice for for monks monks who who brewed brewed on on the the premises premises but but in in fact fact the the first first Spingo Spingo was was brewed brewed in in the the 1920s 1920s to to welcome welcome soldiers soldiers returning returning from from the the Great Great War. War. The two regular Spingo ales are Middle The two regular Spingo ales are Middle (5 (5 per per cent) cent) and and Special Special (6.6 (6.6 per per cent). cent).

While only pale malt is used, the While only pale malt is used, the beers beers have have aa tawny tawny colour colour as as aa result result of of aa long long copper copper boil boil with with Goldings Goldings hops hops during during which which time time some some of of the the malt malt sugars sugars turn turn to to caramel. caramel. The The beers beers are are notably notably fruity fruity and and vinous. vinous.

They They are are available available in in bottle-conditioned bottle-conditioned format format as as well well as as on on draught. draught. Special Special versions versions for for Easter Easter and and Christmas Christmas are are blends blends of of the the regular regular beers. beers.

Stingo, Stingo, Spingo, Spingo, Prize Prize Old Old Ale Ale –– beers beers that are part of the rich that are part of the rich tapestry tapestry of of historic historic ales ales brewed brewed in in Britain.

Britain.

Dark Dark Star Star and and Fuller’s Fuller’s breweries breweries are are now now owned owned by

by Asahi.

Asahi. Last Last November November the the Japanese Japanese group group announced announced itit would close Dark Star would close Dark Star and and move move its its beers to Chiswick.

But it assures beers to Chiswick. But it assures me me POA POA will will continue continue to to be be brewed.? brewed.?

Issue Issue 70, 70, Spring Spring 2023 2023

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!

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Landlord’s Landlord’s Witter Witter By

By Barry Barry Fenton Fenton

An An Interview Interview with with aa landlord landlord from from aa local local pub. pub. This This time time we we welcome welcome Rick Rick Haynes, Haynes, Manager Manager of of the the Emmbrook Emmbrook Inn, Inn, 51 51 Emmbrook Emmbrook Road, Road,Wokingham, Wokingham,(Yes, (Yes,that’s that’shim him on the front cover!) on the front cover!)

Q. Q. How How did did you you get get into into pub pub busibusiness ness and and how how long long have have you you been been at at the the Emmbrook?

Emmbrook?

A. A. I’ve I’ve been been at at the the Emmbrook Emmbrook for for two two years. years. I’ve I’ve done done many many things things before before this. this. II started started in in engineering engineering in in the the MidMidlands, I had my own garage, joined lands, I had my own garage, joined the the Fire Fire Service Service for for 12 12 years years and and had had two two fishing fishing tackle tackle shops shops and and aa Chinese Chinese takeaway.

I then went takeaway. I then went to to Thailand Thailand where where II met met my my wife wife and and became became an an English teacher.

We returned English teacher. We returned to to EngEngland, land, to to look look after after my my Mum. Mum. II worked worked in in aacare carehome homeand andin inthe thescaffolding scaffoldingbusibusiness. ness.Then ThenCOVID COVIDhit hitand andIIcame cameto tothe the Emmbrook, initially to prepare for Emmbrook, initially to prepare for reoreopening. pening.

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

A. A.Interaction Interactionwith withcustomers, customers,the thesocial social element, meeting characters who element, meeting characters who have have been been using using the the pub pub for for years years and and servserving ing them them well well so so that that they they come come back back for more. for more.

Q. Q. And And the the least? least?

A. A. Having Having to to deal deal with with customers customers who who overdo overdo itit and and can can become become aggressive. aggressive.

I’ve I’vemanaged managedto todeal dealwith withthis, this,and andpeopeople know when they’re not wanted. ple know when they’re not wanted.

Q. Q. What What real real ales ales are are you you selling selling totoday day and and how how does does this this change? change?

A. A. St StAustell, Austell,Tribute Tribute(4.2%), (4.2%),Rebellion, Rebellion, Roasted Nuts (4.6%), Roasted Nuts (4.6%), Rebellion, Rebellion, IPA IPA (3.7%), (3.7%), and and Timothy Timothy Taylor, Taylor, Landlord Landlord (4.3%).

(4.3%).

The The Roasted Roasted Nuts Nuts is is this this month’s month’s spespecial.

Next month I will get a cial. Next month I will get a new new special special suggested suggestedby bymy mysupplier, supplier,but butIIcan canand and do do sometimes sometimes override override this. this.

Q. Q. How How important important are are real real ales ales to to your Pub? your Pub? A. A. Very.

Very. II wish wish that that II could could do do more, more, but but space on the bar and in the cellar space on the bar and in the cellaris islimlimited. ited. Many Many people people come come in in just just for for my my real ales. real ales.

Q. Q. What What are are your your impressions impressions of of CAMRA in the area?

CAMRA in the area?

A. A.The TheGood GoodBeer BeerGuide Guideis isan anexcellent excellent tool for promoting real ales, tool for promoting real ales, but but memmembers bers need need to to be be more more proactive proactive in in visitvisiting ing aa wider wider range range of of pubs pubs to to obtain obtain aa better better understanding understanding of of what’s what’s out out there. there.

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

A. We’re moving the bar to create a more efficient space to dispense drinks and provide a larger seating area. I have the necessary approvals and hope to do the work early in 2023. I am also in negotiations with Wokingham Council to open a better external drinking and dining area.

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

A. Obviously the quality of our real ales and a warm welcome for a mix of drinkers and diners. We are dog friendly. We are particularly proud of our authentic Thai food, cooked by experienced Thai chefs, with an option of pub classics and Sunday roasts. We have a hotel with 12 rooms, so we do breakfasts from 8 – 11, which must be prebooked.

Also, we have a wide selection of wines, lagers, cocktails and coffee.

Q. What about the economic prospects this winter? How will this impact your pub and your customers’ spending??

A. Energy costs have had a huge impact on the survival of pubs and hotels, as well as the effect on our customers’ money to spend.

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

A. A pint of IPA is now £4.30. I have seen the way others are going and increased suppliers’ prices in the pipeline, so I reckon £6. I hope to be proven wrong.

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

A. The continued relaxing of tied trade.

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

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

A. Peter Kay, because he’s an entertainer, a people person.

A. It has been a total disaster for the hospitality industry. We did takeaways, and, when permitted, outside only drinking, then main meals only, then in small groups. Terrible. It has changed customer habits, some forever. Working from home has impacted hard.

Thanks, Rick. All the best for the future, which we know won’t be easy!

Issue 70, Spring 2023

Cheers, Barry Fenton.

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Search on for Best Brewers’ Tattoo The The beer beer industry industry has has awards awards for for many many things things and and now now there there is is one one for for brewers’ tattoos. brewers’ tattoos.

The The American American Craft Craft Beer Marketing Beer Marketing Awards Awards (CBMAS) (CBMAS) has has announced announced aa new new category category at at its its annual awards annual awards for for the the brewer brewer with with the the best best beer-related beer-related tattoo. tattoo.

The The CBMAS CBMAS has has opened opened entries entries for for its its fourth annual competition and the inspifourth annual competition and the inspiration ration for for the the new new award award was was the the popupopularity of tattoos in the industry. larity of tattoos in the industry.

CBMAS CBMAS co-founder co-founder Jim Jim McCune McCune said said tattoos and craft beer were tattoos and craft beer were “synony“synonymous” mous” with with brewing. brewing.

“Tattoos are “Tattoos are empowering, empowering, they they look look awesome and they just make awesome and they just make life life cooler.” cooler.” he he said. said. “The “The CBMAS CBMAS brand brand is is covered covered in in ink ink –– from from our our judges judges to to our our graphics, graphics, and and Crushie Crushie trophy.” trophy.”

All All of of the the proceeds proceeds from from its its new new catecategory (Best Beer/Brewing-related gory (Best Beer/Brewing-related

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Tattoo) Tattoo) will will be be donated donated to to The The Michael Michael James Jackson Foundation James Jackson Foundation (MJF), (MJF), an an organisation organisation which which funds funds scholarship scholarship awards awards to to Black, Black, indigenous, indigenous, and and peopeople ple of of colour colour within within the the brewing brewing and and disdistilling tilling trades trades for for aa more more just, just, equitable, equitable, and and dynamic dynamic future. future.

“We “We are are helping helping literally literally change change the the face face of of American American brewing,” brewing,” said said Garrett Garrett Oliver, Oliver, founder founder and and chair chair of of MJF MJF and and brewmaster at the Brooklyn brewery. brewmaster at the Brooklyn brewery.

For For more more information information visit visit https://crafthttps://craftbeermarketingawards.com/ beermarketingawards.com/

Issue Issue 70, 70, Spring Spring 2023 2023

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The The Queen’s Queen’s Oak Oak and and Bar Bar Billiards Billiards By

By Kevin Kevin Lenton Lenton

The The18th 18thcentury centuryQueen’s Queen’sOak Oakpub, pub, in in Finchampstead Finchampstead is is famous famous for for two two reasons, reasons, firstly firstly itit is is the the only only pub pub of of that that name name in in England England and and secondly it was where secondly it was whereII first first played played bar bar billiards! billiards!

As As aa teenager teenager II lived lived in in FinFinchampstead champstead(not (notthe theposh poshbit!) bit!)and andlolocals cals told told me me that that the the White White Horse Horse Lane Lane that that runs runs alongside alongside of of the the pub pub was was haunted haunted by by aa woman woman on on aa white white horse, horse, but but II think think that that copious copious amounts amounts of of Breakspear’s Breakspear’s beer beer may may have have been been an an influence. influence.

There There were were other other paranormal paranormal reported reported activities activities including including customers customers seeing seeing dark dark shadowy shadowy figures, figures, and and loud loud unexplained unexplained banging banging sounds. sounds. The The ghost ghost of of aa female female has has been been blamed blamed for for this this and and itit isis said said that that she she was was aa regular regular at at the the pub pub who who lived lived locally locally and and liked liked the the pub pub so so much much that that she she still still visits visits after after her her death. death.

This This historic historic pub pub was was originally originally called called The The White White Horse, Horse, but but was was renamed renamed after after Queen Queen VicVictoria planted an oak tree opposite the pub. toria planted an oak tree opposite the pub.

The The game game of of bar bar billiards billiards developed developed originally originally from from the French billiard, which due to the expensive the French billiard, which due to the expensive tables tables in inthe thefifteenth fifteenthcentury centurywas wasplayed playedonly onlyby bythe theFrench French monarchy monarchy and and the the very very rich. rich. The The game game was was transtransformed formed into into Billiard Billiard Russe Russe during during the the 16th 16th century century for for the the Russian Russian Tsars Tsars and and aa derivative derivative of of Bagatelle Bagatelle played played by

by French French royalty. royalty.

Bar billiards was first Bar billiards was first imported imported into into the the UK UK during during the the early early 1930s 1930s by by aa David David Gill.

Gill. The The game game was was very very poppopular, ular, particularly particularly in in Berkshire Berkshire but but II do do not not know know of of ananywhere in Berkshire where it still can be played. ywhere in Berkshire where it still can be played.

ItIt was was played played on on aa unique unique table table with with no no side side or or corner corner pockets pockets but but with with nine nine holes holes in in the the playing playing surface surface which which are are assigned assigned various various point point values values ranging ranging from from 10 10 to to 200.

200. There There are are eight eight balls balls in in all, all, seven seven white white and and one one red. red. Potting Potting the the red red ball ball in in any any hole hole scores scores double double points. points. On On the the playfield playfield are are normally normally placed placed three three pegs pegs or or mushrooms. mushrooms. There There are are two two white white pegs pegs one one either either side side of of the the ‘100’ ‘100’ hole, hole, with with one one black black peg peg in in front front of of the the ‘200’ ‘200’ hole. hole.

IfIfaawhite whitepeg pegisisknocked knockedover overthen thenthe theplayer's player'sbreak breakisisended endedand andall allscore scoreacquired acquiredduring during that that break break isis discarded. discarded. Knocking Knocking down down the the black black peg peg ends ends the the player's player's break break and and all all points points are are lost. lost. The The rules rules are are more more complex complex than than that that but but II will will not not bore bore you you with with all all the the details. details.

II remember remember once once playing playing in in the the Queen’s Queen’s Oak Oak and and one one of of the the pins pins had had gone gone missing missing and and aa pepper pepper pot pot was was used used instead. instead.

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Issue Issue 70, 70, Spring Spring 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk

BREWERY NEWS Hogs Back Brewery On Saturday November 19th a few friends and I took a trip to the Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham, Surrey, to attend a brewery tour.

Hogs Back is of course a well-known Real Ale brewery, famed for many beers including its award-winning Traditional English Ale (TEA) - sold in The Crispin among other pubs.

I’d done the tour a couple of times prior to lockdown, and was keen to see how Hogs Back were doing. To my untutored eye, very well indeed! We took the early 10:30 tour – all others were sold out. The nearest station, Ash, is a direct train from Wokingham. I’d advise a taxi from the station to the Brewery – it’s a longish walk, and by main roads, so not that pleasant. (But you could pop in to The Cricketers if thirsty half-way through.)

The tours are always informative and fun, Bruce, our guide, was an excellent host.

Beers are supplied generously throughout the tour: new was a video introduction. Then the brewery itself, then to the new and extended taproom estate. We took in the busy shop, and the ample outdoor seating (more of a summer thing than November!) with views up the hill to the Hogs Back itself.

Issue 70, Spring 2023

The celebrated hop field on the east side of the road (“The St.”) has been sold (by the farmer, from whom it was rented) for a new housing development. I think that was always a possibility. However Hogs Back have transplanted their hops to a field on the western side of their estate, where it can be seen from the outdoor area and the Taproom. When I say Taproom, it’s more a major bar, with lots of room for drinking fresh beer and eating their excellent woodfired pizzas. There is also an adjoining huge seating area called the Hangar Bar - note the screen for that afternoon’s Rugby International. As we took an early tour, we didn’t stay for the 16:00 kick off. But the place was filling up, with many enjoying the varied beers, of course direct from the brewery. The bar is open till 11pm Thursday to Saturday, and on Sunday till 6pm: it is in the Good Beer Guide.

We had a great time, and the trip was excellent value. I have added to my collection of Hogs Back glasses (supplied with the tour, of course – I upgraded to the pint this time). My only regret was not having bought a house on the old hop field estate. A very short stroll to the Taproom and also not far to the Cricketers in Tongham village.

Peter Lucey – Pub Protection Officer

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Elusive Elusive Brewing Brewing

The The Brewer Brewer of of the the Year Year title, title, sponsored sponsored by

by SIBA, SIBA, was was presented presented to to Andy Andy Parker, Parker, founder founder and and head head brewer brewer at at Elusive Elusive Brewing, Brewing, who who won won the the highest highest number number of of votes votes in in aa poll poll of of Guild Guild members. members.

Presenting Presenting the the Award, Award, Guild Guild Chair Chair Emma Emma Inch Inch said: said: “Andy’s “Andy’s passion passion for for brewing brewing shows shows in in every every beer beer he he produces, produces, and and what what ends ends up up in in the the glass glass is is always always aa shining shining example example of of its its style. style. He He hasn’t hasn’t forgotten forgotten his his homebrew roots, running homebrew roots, running an an annual annual competition competition that that gives gives the the winner winner aa platform platform to brew their own beer, and to brew their own beer, and benefit benefit from from his his time time and and knowledge knowledge as as aa mentor.” mentor.”

In In other other Elusive Elusive news… news…

Its Its flagship flagship beer beer Oregon Oregon Trail Trail West West Coast Coast IPA IPA features features in in CAMRA’s CAMRA’s new new book, book, World’s World’s Greatest Greatest Beers Beers which which showcases showcases 250 250 of of the the best best beers beers from from around around the the world world and and was was compiled by eight compiled by eight award-winning award-winning authors. authors.

Page Page 18 18

Also, Also, Elusive’s Elusive’s taproom taproom is is officially officially in in the the CAMRA CAMRA Good Good Beer Beer Guide Guide for for the the first first time. time.

Elusive’s Elusive’s I’m I’m Gonne Gonne Bee Bee Imperial Imperial Honey Honey Stout, Stout, has has been been awarded awarded Best Best In In Show Show at at the the National National Honey Honey Show.

Show.

Another Another prestigious prestigious CAMRA CAMRA award award was was recently presented to Andy, to recently presented to Andy, to recognise recognise Overdrive Overdrive Lap Lap 28 28 as as the the Beer Beer of of the the Festival Festival at at last last October’s October’s Ascot Ascot Beer Beer Festival.

Festival. Organiser, Organiser, Mike Mike Smith Smith made made the the presentation. presentation.

Elusive Elusive Brewing’s Brewing’s Overdrive Overdrive Lap28 Lap28 is is “a classic American Pale described as Ale with with described as “a classic American Pale Ale

aa malt malt base, base, boosted boosted by by crystal crystal malt, malt, providing providing the the track track on on which which high high octane octane US US hops hops are are unleashed unleashed to to provide provide aa beer beer that’s that’s as as dry dry as as asphalt, asphalt, powerfully powerfully aromatic aromatic and and as as bitter bitter as as being overtaken on the last bend.” being overtaken on the last bend.”

Issue Issue 70, 70, Spring Spring 2023 2023

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The Outhouse Brewery Wokingham’s only brewpub, The Outhouse Microbrewery and Micropub/Tap Room has become very popular and is now taking the opportunity to expand into the premises next door. The work will be carried out with minimum disruption to the opening hours of the current unit, and the extended tap room is intended to open in early Spring. Those who are regular customers will be delighted to hear there will be a second loo!

All the Outhouse’s own beers are unfiltered, unpasteurised and dispensed via key keg and so meet CAMRA’s definition of real ale.

If you haven’t already paid the Outhouse a visit, do give it a try. Enthusiastic Bar Manager Annie will be happy to talk you through the beers available. You can of course try a paddle board - your choice of three one third glasses of any of the beers on tap.

There are drinks other than beer available, including a range of ciders from Berkshire producer Tutts Clump.

Opening Hours: Monday / Tuesday Closed Wednesday / Thursday 4:30pm to 10:00pm Friday / Saturday 12:00pm to10:00pm Sunday 1:00pm to 8:00pm See theouthousebrewery.com for further details.

Each Bond Brews Tap Yard event will have up to six ales on draught plus local cider, Prosecco, soft drinks and, of course, food from a variety of local caterers, who will be there in rotation. As before, table service will remain, as will payment by credit card.

For the rugby Six Nations Championship in February, Scrum Five will return for another year.

For St. George's Day (23rd April), Thirst Slayer will be back. This is a Best Bitter, brewed using five types of malted barley and wheat and five hop varieties for bitterness and a fruity aroma.

Throughout the year, the shop at the brewery and the online shop will be open to take orders.

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

ADVERT BOND BREWS

QUARTER PAGE

Bond Brews The Bond Brews outdoor tap yard events had a good run in 2022 and will be back for another season this year. The first will be held in April, but at the time of writing, the dates are yet to be announced.

Issue 70, Spring 2023

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The Beer Festival Guide By

By Simon Simon Grist Grist

Updates Updates on on our our website. website. Go Go to to bit.ly/MCbeerfests bit.ly/MCbeerfests th th 17 17th – – 18 18th February February 2023: 2023: Old Old Windsor Windsor BeerFest BeerFest owbeerfest.co.uk owbeerfest.co.uk A A second second beer beer festival festival organised organised by by this this community community group, group, now now extended to include a Friday evening session.

Last year extended to include a Friday evening session. Last year feafeatured tured 12 12 ales ales and and 4 4 draught draught beers beers from from local local breweries breweries plus plus 4 4 ciders.

Located on the Number 8 bus route between Egham ciders. Located on the Number 8 bus route between Egham and and Slough.

Slough. th th 15 15th – – 19 19th March March 2023: 2023: Happy Happy Man Man Englefield Englefield Green Green Beer Beer Festival Festival thehappyman.co.uk thehappyman.co.uk rd The The 3 3rd week week in in March March is is famous famous for for 2 2 things: things: the the Cheltenham Cheltenham Festival of horseracing and the Happy Man Spring Festival of horseracing and the Happy Man Spring Beer Beer FestiFestival! val! Once Once again again they they coincide. coincide. Expect Expect around around 14 14 real real ales ales over over the the festival, festival, plus plus a a few few ciders. ciders.

17 17th – – 18 18th March March 2023: 2023: Wantage Wantage Beer Beer Festival Festival whitehorse.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=179556 whitehorse.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=179556 Information Information is is in in short short supply supply at at the the time time of of going going to to press, press, but but itit appears appears that that White White Horse Horse branch branch of of CAMRA CAMRA will will be be resumresuming ing their their beer beer festival festival at at the the Beacon Beacon Wantage Wantage after after a a CovidCovidenforced enforced break. break. Previous Previous runnings runnings have have featured featured around around 28 28 real real ales ales and and 6 6 ciders/perries. ciders/perries. th

th

th th 6 6th – –8 8th April April 2023: 2023: Egham Egham Beer Beer Festival Festival eghambeerfestival.co.uk eghambeerfestival.co.uk The The charity charity beer beer festivals festivals at at Egham Egham United United Services Services Club Club have become renown amongst the beer “scooping” have become renown amongst the beer “scooping” commucommunity nity for for showcasing showcasing brand brand new new breweries breweries and and beers. beers. Expect Expect around 50 ales, plus a good selection of ciders around 50 ales, plus a good selection of ciders & & perries. perries. ReReduced entry entry for for CAMRA CAMRA members. members. A A short short walk walk from from Egham Egham duced station. station. th nd 20 20th – – 22 22nd April April 2023: 2023: Farnham Farnham BeerEx BeerEx farnhambeerex.org.uk farnhambeerex.org.uk First First established established in in 1977, 1977, BeerEx BeerEx is is run run jointly jointly by by the the Farnham Farnham Lions and Surrey Hants Borders branch of CAMRA Lions and Surrey Hants Borders branch of CAMRA at at FarnFarnham ham Maltings.

Maltings. This This year, year, they they advertise advertise 60 60 real real ales, ales, 30 30 ciders ciders & & perries, perries, and and for for the the first first time time a a “craft” “craft” bar. bar.

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Issue Issue 70, 70, Spring Spring 2023 2023

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 num-

ber 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 seberks.camra.org.uk

The Language of Cider By

By Anthony Anthony Springall Springall

In last edition edition of of Mad Mad Cow Cow we we In the the last looked looked at at the the special special language language of of beer beer and and brewing brewing but but it it will will come come as as no no surprise surprise that that cider cider and and cider cider making making have have their their own own unique unique terms. terms. These These may may be be unfathomable unfathomable to to the the outsider outsider but but hopefully hopefully the the following following summary summary may may remove remove some of the some of the mystique. mystique.

Back Back Sweetening Sweetening – – This This is is the the process process of of adding adding apple apple juice juice to to the the cider cider after after fermentation fermentation is complete to sweeten the final product. is complete to sweeten the final product.

Bittersharp Bittersharp – – An An apple apple with with more more than than 0.45% 0.45% acid acid and and 0.2% 0.2% tannins. tannins.

Bittersweet Bittersweet – – An An apple apple with with less less than than 0.45% 0.45% acid acid and and more more than0.2% than0.2% tannins. tannins.

Bright – A clear cider which may be natural or through filtration.

Bright – A clear cider which may be natural or through filtration.

Chapeau Chapeau brun brun – –A A French French term term describing describing the the brown brown cap cap found found on on cider cider during during keeving keeving (qv), also known as Flying Lees. (qv), also known as Flying Lees.

Chaptalisation Chaptalisation – – This This is is where where additional additional sugar sugar is is added added to to the the juice juice once once itit has has been been pressed, pressed, so so that that when when itit ferments ferments itit achieves achieves a a much much higher higher alcohol alcohol content. content. The The resulting resulting cider cider is is stored stored and and then then watered watered down down to to the the desired desired abv. abv.

Cheese Cheese – – The The layers layers of of apple apple pomace pomace (qv) (qv) wrapped wrapped in in cloth cloth ready ready for for pressing. pressing.

Cuvage – The practice of leaving the pomace for a day to alter the Cuvage – The practice of leaving the pomace for a day to alter the levels levels of of pectin pectin and and tannins, tannins, aka aka Maceration.

Maceration.

Hair Hair – –A A single single layer layer of of pomace pomace in in the the Cheese.

Cheese.

Keeving – A traditional technique Keeving – A traditional technique for for producing producing a a sweeter sweeter cider cider by by stopping stopping fermentation fermentation part way through. part way through.

Lees Lees – – Dead Dead yeast yeast cells cells and and other other solids solids which which sink sink to to the the bottom bottom of of the the vessel vessel during during fermentation. fermentation.

Malic Malic Acid Acid – – The The principle principle acid acid in in cider cider being being around around 90% 90% of of the the acid acid content. content.

Mill Mill – –A A device device for for chopping chopping apples apples into into smaller smaller pieces pieces ready ready for for pressing, pressing, aka aka a a Scratter.

Scratter.

Pomace – The chopped apples which are then ready for pressing.

It also describes Pomace – The chopped apples which are then ready for pressing. It also describes the the waste waste at at the the end end of of pressing pressing which which is is relished relished as as an an animal animal feed. feed.

Press Press – – The The mechanical mechanical device device used used to to press press the the juice juice from from the the apples. apples.

Scrumpy – A rough, strong cider from the West Country.

Scrumpy – A rough, strong cider from the West Country.

Sharps Sharps – – An An apple apple with with more more than than 0.45% 0.45% acid acid but but less less than than 0.2% 0.2% tannins. tannins.

Small Small Cider Cider – – Cider Cider with with a a weak weak alcoholic alcoholic content, content, typically typically less less than than 4.5% 4.5% which which often often comes comes from from the the second second pressing pressing of of the the pomace, pomace, aka aka Ciderkins.

Ciderkins.

Sweets Sweets – – An An apple apple with with not not more more than than 0.45% 0.45% acid acid and and less less than than 0.2% 0.2% tannins. tannins.

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Issue Issue 70, 70, Spring Spring 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk

Low Alcohol Treats

By Christian Gott

If you visit any fancy restaurant you will be swamped with the choices available from the wine list, from the house white to bottles costing a king's ransom but isn't it amazing that you are rarely if ever offered the beer list. Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in the world but the art of pairing food with a beer is not common. Why have a Chablis with fish or a Cabernet Sauvignon with beef when there are some great alternatives in the brewers repetoire.

Like most people I look to kickstart a bit of a detox after the festive season. Who can forget all those epic Christmas ales with their punchy ABVs? So, this got me thinking a little bit about the range of free from beers now available. These are suitable not only if you are looking at low or no alcohol but can also be gluten free and vegan friendly. Alcohol free used to be a nightmare but now there are some excellent brews.

If your palate is a bit jaded after all the Christmas excesses, then beers with plenty of dryhopping and refreshing carbonisation are going to be the number one choice. My first is Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5%. Multiple reviews describe this filtered beer as virtually indistinguishable from the full-fat version and, when you pour it, it certainly looks the part.

There are citrus and sweet tropical fruit aromas from the hopping and plenty of body which is often lacking in reduced alcohol beers and a pleasant dry finish. This is a great beer to drink with a curry and as it’s vegan friendly you can partner it with a good lentil dahl with lots of ginger, coriander and chilli. The hoppy notes will really help bring out these flavours and the dahl is vegan and gluten-free like the beer.

While Adnams uses a clever bit of kit to remove the alcohol from a conventionally brewed beer, my next choice is made by a brewery set up to brew low and no-alcohol beer. The Big Drop Brewing Company from Ipswich, Suffolk produces a full range of styles with a naturally low ABV. This means there is no need to remove the alcohol and potentially reduce the flavour of the finished product. Its Uptime Lager is full flavoured but lighter in its use of hops than Ghost Ship. Light floral aromas are followed by an almost biscuity maltiness and a hint of spice, caramel, and orange. It is gluten-free, vegan and get this, it’s around a third the calories of a full alcohol lager. This is a great session beer and perfect with pretty much any

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seberks.camra.org.uk food, but the malty flavours go brilliantly with caramelised food, so I think it would be fantastic with authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with maybe some woodland mushrooms.

My last choice is if you crave something sweet to eat. It’s a classic pairing of chocolate fudge cake, brownie or anything that’s really chocolatey with a low-alcohol milk stout. One of the secrets of early low-alcohol beers was brewers used lactose sugar to replace the body associated with alcohol. Lactose is derived from milk, so this is now often replaced so the finished beer is suitable for vegans. Lactose is however an essential ingredient in one style of beer, milk stout, giving the drink a distinctive mouth feel.

Ilkley brewery’s Nowt Mary (0.5 per cent) is such a beer – dark, bitter, easy to drink and packed with coffee aromas and flavours backed up with blackberries and cinnamon. This screams for something sweet and made with lots of dark chocolate. The combination of bitter and sweet develops the characteristics of each. In fact, I have a great recipe for a dark chocolate and stout cake – it’s that good. Nowt Mary is suitable for vegetarians.

Food and drink writer Christian Gott is a full-time chef and one-time pub manager. He’s lived on six islands, working in probably just about every type of hospitality business. From beachside burger joints to famous pizza and jazz bars, and in more than a few really good food pubs, historic country inns, and a former RAC Blue Ribbon UK Hotel of the Year. His work appears on the current CAMRA podcast.

He writes about drink at https://the-cask-away.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anislandchef/ Twitter https://twitter.com/islandchristian

United Kingdom of Beer There is a thirst for good beer on these islands, a thirst for beer that satisfies the soul, quenches the thirst and leaves the drinker glowing with satisfaction. You might be in the mood for a muscular Best Bitter, or a brooding, midnight-black Imperial Stout as you cosy up with a loved one on a cold winter’s night, or perhaps you fancy a crisp and briskly amiable lager while hanging out with friends on a sunny afternoon.

Whatever avenue your desire takes you down, whatever the occasion, be assured that there is a beer for you and acclaimed beer writer Adrian Tierney-Jones will help you make the right choice with his selection of 250 of the very best beers in bottle and can from around these islands.

If you want more froth and less fluff buy Adrian Tierney-Jones’ brilliant new book matching great brews to your moods.

Shop1.camra.org.uk

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Issue 70, Spring 2023

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There is a beer for that! (or pairing food with beer) If you visit any fancy restaurant you will be swamped with the choices available from the wine list, from the house white to bottles costing a king's ransom but isn't it amazing that you are rarely if ever offered the beer list. Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in the world but the art of pairing food with a beer is not common. Why have a Chablis with fish or a Cabernet Sauvignon with beef when there are some great alternatives in the brewers repetoire.

or light? High carbonation or low? You’ll see in a moment why this is so important.

It’s easy to get caught up in individual flavours, but take a step back and think about the overall balance of the beer. What ingredient dominates? Hops, malt, yeast, or some specialty ingredient?

2. Find common ground Beer is more like food than you might realize. Because there are over 100 beer styles, almost every flavour you can find in food you can also find in beer. Tropical fruit, smokey, salt, bread – beer has it all. It’s really the all purpose beverage.

Look for flavours that complement one another, like the chocolate flavours in a vanilla stout (Binghams ?) with those in a piece of chocolate cake. Or the citrus flavours in smoked salmon with those in a US West Coast style pale ale (Oakham's Citra ?).

There are a number of simple rules to apply and you can then enjoy a wide variety of beers with different foods from the starter, through the mains and onto desserts and the cheese board.

1. Use your senses It’s hard to pair when you don’t know what your beer tastes like. Start out by taking a couple short sniffs of your beer. What do you smell? Fruit? Roast? Grass? Your nose is actually a better tool than your palate when it comes to picking up ingredients.

When you’re done getting a feel for the aroma, go ahead and take a sip. When your goal is food pairings, pay special attention to the mouthfeel of the beer. Is it full-bodied

Issue 70, Spring 2023

3. Don’t let one dominate Intensity is crucial in pairing beer with food.

Think “delicate food, delicate beer” and “bold food, bold beer”. Here’s an example of doing it wrong. Pair smoked ribs drenched in BBQ sauce with a light session golden ale and the poor, delicate ale doesn’t stand a chance.

Intensely flavoured food will cover up lighter beers, and intensely flavoured beers will cover up lighter foods. You want to achieve a harmony. The alcohol percentage is a good guideline because the higher the alcohol, the stronger the flavours need to be to balance it out. If a beer is above 6%, don’t pair it with lighter foods like fish, salad, and eggs.

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4. It’s It’s aa balancing balancing act act When When you you have have food food with with aa dominant dominant flavour galloping off in one flavour galloping off in one direction, direction, the the right right beer beer will will rein rein itit in. in. A A perfect perfect example example is is with with hot hot foods foods –– the the kind kind that that make make your your eyes eyes water, water, like like chilli chilli hot hot wings wings or or aa vindaloo vindaloo curry. curry. Drinking Drinking aa beer beer that that is is high high in in alcohol alcohol is is like like throwing throwing fuel fuel on on the the fire. fire. IfIf you you have have masochist masochist tendencies tendencies you you might might enjoy enjoy that that sort sort of of thing, thing, but but the the rest rest of of us us should should choose choose aa beer beer that that will will douse douse the the fire. fire. This This does does not not mean mean you you have have to to drink drink aa mock mock indian indian beer beer brewed brewed in in the the UK UK but but instead instead choose choose aa lower lower alcohol alcohol cask cask ale ale ifif available, available, as as alcohol alcohol accentuates accentuates heat. heat. The The sweet sweet malt malt flavours flavours will will temper temper the the heat heat and and the the low low alcohol alcohol won’t won’t accentuate accentuate it. it.

swig. swig. The The bubbles bubbles actually actually act act to to clean clean your your palate, palate, scrubbing scrubbing itit clean clean of of whatever whatever your your last last bite bite left left behind. behind. When When their their work work is is done, done, you’re you’re ready ready for for the the next next bite. bite. This This is is especially especially important important in in fatty fatty foods foods that that coat coat your your palate. palate. When When you you come come across across one one of of these these dishes, dishes, reach reach for for the the beer. beer.

Now Now for for some some suggestions, suggestions, these these are are based based on beer styles rather than named brands on beer styles rather than named brands as as the the current current brewing brewing scene scene means means that that individual individual beers beers come come and and go go but but the the style style remains. remains.

Type Type of of Food Food Burgers Burgers Mexican Mexican Salad Salad

Seafood Seafood & & fish fish BBQ BBQ Steak Steak Chicken Chicken

Pork Pork Chops Chops Pasta Pasta in in aa tomato tomato sauce sauce Another Another example example is is aa rich rich and and creamy creamy sauce, sauce, like like Spaghetti Spaghetti Carbonara.

Carbonara. You’ll You’ll want want something something bitter bitter that that can can cut cut through through the the sauce, sauce, and and an an India India Pale Pale Ale Ale is is perfect perfect for for the the job. job. You You can can even even play play to to the the herbs herbs in in the the dish dish by by choosing choosing an an IPA IPA with with herbal herbal tasting tasting hops. hops.

5.

Bubbles, 5. Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles, bubbles bubbles When people When people ask ask me me why why beer beer is is better better at at pairing pairing with with food food than than wine, wine, itit is is aa long long speech speech that that begins begins with with aa single single word word –– “bubbles”. “bubbles”.

Beer’s Beer’s secret secret weapon weapon is is its its carbonation, carbonation, which which wine wine does does not not have have (Ok (Ok Champagne Champagne or or Prosecco Prosecco does, does, but but their their food food pairing pairing abilities abilities are are limited). limited). Carbonation Carbonation is is refreshing refreshing on on the the palate, palate, and and it’s it’s responsible responsible for for the the customary customary “Ahhhhh” “Ahhhhh” after after aa good good

Page Page 26 26

Chinese Chinese Indian Indian Chocolate Chocolate desserts desserts Mild Mild Cheese Cheese Blue Blue Cheese Cheese

Beer Beer Amber Amber or or Red Red Ale Ale Imperial IPA Imperial IPA Golden Golden Ale Ale Wheat Beer Wheat Beer Vienna Vienna style style or or Abbey Abbey Old Ale, Strong Old Ale, Strong Bitter Bitter Blond Blond Ale Ale or or aa Pilsner Pilsner Brown Brown Ale Ale Pale Pale Ale Ale Sweet Sweet or or Oatmeal Oatmeal Stout Stout (really) (really)

Indian Indian Pale Pale Ale Ale (of (of course) course) Stout Stout or or porter, porter, Cherry Cherry beer beer (Kriek) (Kriek) Hefeweizen Hefeweizen Barley Barley Wine Wine

II hope hope this this has has given given you you aa few few ideas ideas and and there are no right or wrong answers there are no right or wrong answers but but the the next next time time you you hold hold aa BBQ BBQ please please don't don't buy buy aa cheap cheap ersatz ersatz lager lager but but go go for for something something aa liitle liitle more more interesting. interesting.

Grateful Grateful acknowledgements acknowledgements to to the the American American Brewers Brewers Association Association and and Primer Primer Magazine Magazine for for help help in in writing writing this this article, article, first first published published in in 2017.

2017.

Issue Issue 70, 70, Spring Spring 2023 2023

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

Branch Social Diary

Visit Visit our our branch branch website website for for the the latest latest diary diary updates. updates. We We welcome welcome your your suggestions suggestions for for a a future future social social visit. Contact social@seberks.camra.org.uk visit.

Contact our our social social secretary, secretary, Clive Clive Doran Doran at: at: social@seberks.camra.org.uk

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY

st Wednesday Wednesday 1 1st

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Branch Branch Open Open Meeting Meeting + + GBG GBG Final Final SeSelection lection and and POTY POTY Shortlisting, Shortlisting, Old Old Manor, Manor, Grenville Grenville Place, Place, Bracknell.

Bracknell. RG12 RG12 1PB. 1PB. Meet Meet from from 8pm.

8pm. th Thursday Thursday 9 9th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – Ship Ship Inn, Inn, 104 104 Peach Peach Street, Street, Wokingham.

Wokingham. RG40 RG40 1XH. 1XH. Meet Meet from from 7:30pm.

7:30pm. th Thursday Thursday 16 16th

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

1pm. th Friday Friday 25 25th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Afternoon Afternoon Social Social -- Pubs Pubs by

by Route Route 194 194 visiting visiting the the following following pubs: pubs: Prince, Prince, Crowthorne Crowthorne Inn, Inn, Golden Retriever, Golden Farmer etc.

More details Golden Retriever, Golden Farmer etc. More details to follow. follow. to th Monday Monday 27 27th

Lunchtime Lunchtime Social Social with with the the BRATS BRATS (Bracknell (Bracknell Real Real Ale Ale Tipplers) Tipplers) at at Old Old Manor, Manor, Grenville Grenville Place, Place, BrackBracknell. nell. RG12 RG12 1PB. 1PB. Meet Meet from from 12 12 noon. noon.

nd Thursday Thursday 2 2nd

MARCH MARCH

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Branch Branch Open Open Meeting.

Meeting. Wheelwright’s Wheelwright’s Arms, Arms, Davis Davis Way, Way, St St Nicholas, Nicholas, Hurst.

Hurst. RG10 RG10 0TR. 0TR. Meet from from 8pm.

8pm.

Meet

th Thursday 6th

Thursday 6

APRIL APRIL

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Branch Branch Committee Committee Meeting.

Meeting. Venue Venue to to be be confirmed. confirmed. Meet Meet from from 8pm.

8pm. th Friday Friday 7 7th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE/SWM BSE/SWM Joint Joint Social Social – – Egham Egham Real Real Ale Ale & & Cider Cider Festival, Festival, 111 111 Spring Spring Rise, Rise, Egham.

Egham. TW20 TW20 9PE. 9PE. Meet from 1pm.

Meet from 1pm. th Thursday Thursday 13 13th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social -- Cannie Cannie Man, Man, 1,2, 1,2, Bywood, Bywood, Bracknell. RG12 Bracknell.

RG12 7RF. 7RF. Meet Meet from from 7:30pm 7:30pm th Thursday Thursday 20 20th

Lunchtime Lunchtime Social Social with with the the U3A U3A Beer Beer Appreciation Appreciation Group Group – – The The Crispin, Crispin, 45 45 Denmark Denmark Street, Street, WokingWokingham.

RG40 2AY. Meet from 1pm. ham. RG40 2AY. Meet from 1pm. th Monday Monday 24 24th

Lunchtime Lunchtime Social Social with with the the BRATS BRATS (Bracknell (Bracknell Real Real Ale Tipplers) Tipplers) at Ale at Old Old Manor, Manor, Grenville Grenville Place, Place, BrackBracknell. nell. RG12 RG12 1PB. 1PB. Meet Meet from from 12 12 noon. noon. th Friday Friday 28 28th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social -- Pubs Pubs by

by Bus Bus Route Route 108, 108, 4, 4, X4 X4 visiting visiting the the following following pubs: pubs: Green Green Man, Man, Peacock Peacock Farm, Oakingham Belle, Foundry Bell (ex Loch Farm, Oakingham Belle, Foundry Bell (ex Loch Fyne), Three Three Frogs, Frogs, The The Ship Ship etc. etc. More More details details to to Fyne), follow. follow.

th Thursday Thursday 9 9th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – Newtown Newtown Pippin, Pippin, Ralphs Ralphs Ride, Ride, Bracknell.

Bracknell. RG12 RG12 9LR. 9LR. Meet Meet from from 7:30pm.

7:30pm. th Thursday Thursday 16 16th

Lunchtime Lunchtime Social Social with with the the U3A U3A Beer Beer Appreciation Appreciation Group Group – – Ship Ship Inn, Inn, 104 104 Peach Peach Street, Street, Wokingham.

Wokingham.

RG40 1XH. 1XH. Meet Meet from from 1pm.

1pm.

RG40 th Monday 27th

Monday 27

Lunchtime Lunchtime Social Social with with the the BRATS BRATS (Bracknell (Bracknell Real Real Ale Ale Tipplers) Tipplers) at at Old Old Manor, Manor, Grenville Grenville Place, Place, BrackBracknell. nell. RG12 RG12 1PB. 1PB. Meet Meet from from 12 12 noon. noon. st Friday Friday 31 31st

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social -- Fish Fish & & Chip Chip Friday Friday – – White White Hart, Hart, Church Church Road, Road, Winkfield.

Winkfield. SL4 SL4 4SE. 4SE. Meet Meet from from 7:30pm.

7:30pm.

Page Page 28 28

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

£45 £45 £70 £70 £140 £140 £160 £160

Next Next Edition Edition Deadline Deadline st No 71 No 71 (May–Jul (May–Jul ’23 ’23 Edition) Edition) 31 31st Mar Mar 2023 2023

Issue Issue 70, 70, Spring Spring 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk

Oktoberfest – Plan Early!

By Anthony Springall

Anyone who enjoys beer cannot have failed to know about Oktoberfest, held annually in the city of Munich, Germany where huge quantities of beer are consumed accompanied by Oompah bands, Bratwurst sausages and comely waitresses in traditional costume. It runs from mid September till the first Sunday in October and is between 16 to 18 days long. In that period around 10+ million pints of beer will be served (the record in 2014 was 13.6 million pints) and all the beer will have come from local Munich brewers.

The first Oktoberfest was in 1811 as an agricultural show with horse racing, a funfair and it slowly grew until the late 19th century when it became the show piece we would

Issue 70, Spring 2023

recognise today. On the centenary in 1910 the total beer consumed was a modest 210,000 pints and a tradition was already in place that Oktoberfest beers would be stronger than the normal offering at around 6% ABV. The beers themselves are either a darker Marzen style or the lighter Festbier but these will have been brewed by one of the six breweries represented at the festival.

The breweries are: • Augustiner-Brau • Hacker-Pschorr-Brau • Lowenbrau • Paulaner • Spatenbrau • Hofbrau-Munchen Each brewery has a number of tents of varying sizes where its beers will be served in the traditional litre steins. The larger tents can accommodate up to 7000 guests seated plus a further 4000 outside whilst even the small tents will generally hold around 400 guests. Around 6 million guests will visit during the festival with the vast majority coming from Bavaria whilst around 15% will have come from abroad. Prices for a litre of beer are high at around 13 Euro and these do not vary much between tents.

Page 29

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

National Beer Scoring System

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

Guide?

Scoring beer beer in in pubs pubs is is really really easy! easy!

Scoring

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

How How do do II score score my my beer? beer?

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

To To submit submit your your scores scores just just visit visit whatpub.com. whatpub.com.

Log Log into into the the site site using using your your CAMRA CAMRA membership membership number number and and password. password. Once Once you you have have agreed agreed to to the the terms and and conditions conditions and and found found a a pub pub on on the the site, site, you you can can start start scoring. scoring. terms You You can can find find out out more more here here whatpub.com/beerscoring whatpub.com/beerscoring

What What do do II need need to to record? record?

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

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

What What do do the the scores scores mean? mean?

0.

0. No No real real ale ale available available 1.

1. Poor Poor

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

2.

2. Average Average

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

3.

3. Good Good

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

What What if if II can't can't decide decide on on a a score? score?

The The NBSS NBSS allows allows you you to to enter enter half half scores scores

How How do do II edit edit my my scores? scores?

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

4.

4. Very Very Good Good Excellent Excellent beer beer in in excellent excellent condition. condition.

5.

5. Perfect Perfect

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

How How is is the the information information being being collated? collated?

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

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

Page Page 30 30

Issue Issue 70, 70, Spring Spring 2023 2023

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) Renegade Brewery (Yattendon) 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) 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 24 19 9 22 6 12 12 21 21 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 70, Spring 2023

Page 31

Lo e ? r e e b Lo e ? s b u p

Discover why we joined. camra.org.uk/ 10reasons

From as little as

£28.50*

a year. That’s less than a pint Includes a month! £30†

Real Ale Cider & Perry Vouchers

Join CAMRA today Join us, and together we can protect the traditions of great British pubs and everything that goes with them.

Become part of the CAMRA community today – enjoy discounted entry to beer festivals and exclusive member offers. Learn about brewing and beer and join like-minded people supporting our campaigns to save pubs, clubs, your pint and more.

Join the campaign today at

camra.org.uk/joinup *Price for paying by Direct Debit and correct at 1 July 2021. Concessionary rates available. Please visit camra.org.uk/membership-rates †Joint members receive £40 worth of vouchers.

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07/06/2021 12:41