Mad Cow Issue 71

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

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Chair’s Welcome

st Welcome Welcome to to this this 71 71st edition edition of of Mad Mad Cow… Cow…

and and II hope hope that that you you all all had had a a good good Easter Easter break. break.

For those those of of you you who who do do not not already already know, know, itit is is with with sadness For sadness that that II report report that that Rodger Rodger Fox, Fox, our our good good friend friend and and former former Membership Membership Secretary, Secretary, recently recently passed passed away away as as a a result result of of a a stroke. stroke. Page Page 14 14 is dedicated to Rodger, as a personal remembrance from is dedicated to Rodger, as a personal remembrance from me. me. II would would also also like like to to thank thank the the Outhouse Outhouse Brewery, Brewery, Wokingham Wokingham for for hosting hosting a a life life celecelebration event in memory of Rodger (and for putting on a great spread of food!) bration event in memory of Rodger (and for putting on a great spread of food!)

On On a a more more positive positive note, note, our our branch branch recently recently voted voted the the Newtown Newtown Pippin, Pippin, Bracknell Bracknell as our Branch Pub of the Year, 2023.

Very well done to Simon, as our Branch Pub of the Year, 2023. Very well done to Simon, Vicki Vicki and and their their team for all the hard work they have put in over the last two years to make team for all the hard work they have put in over the last two years to make this this pub pub a a real real hub hub of of the the community, community, as as well well as as consistently consistently selling selling good good real real ales, ales, see see the the following following page page for for more more details. details.

Kevin Kevin Lenton Lenton Branch Branch Chair Chair

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

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

Issue Issue 71, 71, Summer Summer 2023 2023

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© South East CAMRA 2023 © Berkshire Berkshire South East CAMRA 2023 Mad Mad Cow Cow Circulation: Circulation: 2,300 2,300 Copies Copies

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Newtown Newtown Pippin, Pippin, Bracknell Bracknell

The The Berkshire Berkshire South-East South-East CAMRA CAMRA Branch Branch are are delighted delighted to to announce announce that that the the 2023 2023 CAMRA CAMRA Branch Branch Pub Pub of of the the Year Year has has been been awarded awarded to to Newtown Newtown Pippin, Pippin, Bracknell.

Bracknell.

This This prestigious prestigious award award is is highly highly coveted coveted by by the 100+ pubs that operate within the 100+ pubs that operate within our our WoWokingham kingham // Bracknell Bracknell // N N Ascot Ascot district. district. The The annual award, not only recognises annual award, not only recognises the the sellselling ing of of top-quality top-quality real real ale, ale, but but places places great great emphasis upon the pub’s community emphasis upon the pub’s community focus, focus, service service and and offering, offering, cleanliness cleanliness and and hyhygiene, and overall impression and value. giene, and overall impression and value.

The The Newtown Newtown Pippin Pippin is is a a deserved deserved winner, winner, beating the very strong competition beating the very strong competition with with its its particular emphasis on the community particular emphasis on the community and and families. families. A A family family friendly friendly pub, pub, which which has has been transformed in last two years been transformed in last two years by by the the new new owners owners Simon Simon & & Vicki Vicki Powell, Powell, turning turning what what was was once once a a dilapidated, dilapidated, unwelcoming unwelcoming pub with no real ale, pub with no real ale, to to the the vibrant vibrant pub pub itit is is today.

In 2022, The Newtown Pippin today. In 2022, The Newtown Pippin had had its its inaugural inaugural listing listing in in the the acclaimed acclaimed 2023 2023

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Good Good Beer Beer Guide, Guide, and and also also received received the the CAMRA CAMRA Branch Branch Most Most Improved Improved Pub Pub award. award.

The The presentation presentation was was made made by

by CAMRA CAMRA Branch Branch Chair, Chair, Kevin Kevin Lenton Lenton and and CAMRA CAMRA Branch Branch Pub Pub of of the the Year Year Coordinator, Coordinator, Mike Mike Tickner, Tickner, to to Simon Simon and and Vicki Vicki in in front front of of a a large audience attending their weekly large audience attending their weekly pub pub quiz. quiz.

CAMRA CAMRA GBG GBG Coordinator, Coordinator, Mike Mike Tickner, Tickner, who is also a local resident stated who is also a local resident stated ‘the ‘the transtransformation formation of of this this pub pub has has been been truly truly remarkremarkable, able, and and the the award award is is a a true true reflection reflection of of the the all all the the hard hard work, work, dedication dedication and and vision vision that that Simon Simon & & Vicki Vicki have have bought’. bought’. On On behalf behalf of of all all their their costumers, costumers, he he thanked thanked Vicki, Vicki, Simon Simon and and the the Pippin Pippin team team for for the the journey journey which which he and fellow customers had he and fellow customers had undergone undergone to to where where we we are are now. now.

Vicki, Vicki, Simon Simon and and the the team team were were overjoyed, overjoyed, with Vicki saying ‘this is truly with Vicki saying ‘this is truly amazing, amazing, II am am lost lost for for words, words, but but much much thanks thanks must must go go to to all all our our customers customers who who have have supported supported us us so so marvellously marvellously in in the the last last two two years’ years’ The Newtown Pippin is now The Newtown Pippin is now closed closed on on MonMondays except for Bank Holiday Mondays. days except for Bank Holiday Mondays.

Cricketers, Cricketers, Warfield Warfield

The The Cricketers, Cricketers, Warfield Warfield now now has has live live music music on on Friday Friday evenings. evenings. A A fully fully refurbished refurbished and and extended extended early early 19th 19th century century public public house, house, the the Cricketers Cricketers is is a a country country pub pub and and dining dining rooms with a large beer garden and rooms with a large beer garden and outdoor outdoor patio patio dining dining in in the the summer. summer.

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Bell, Waltham St Lawrence

Picture courtesy of Brian Jones, Reading & Mid Berks

The Bell at Waltham St Lawrence was presented with last year’s Regional Pub of the Year (POTY) award for 2022 on Saturday 15th April, following a long delay due to unforeseen circumstances. This fine pub has been judged by CAMRA members to be the best real ale pub in the whole of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Although the quality of the beer is paramount, it’s not the only factor taken into account by the judges, who also consider other elements such as the quality of service, whether a full measure was given, its community focus, general atmosphere, the condition of its furnishings and cleanliness.

Reading & Mid Berkshire branch’s Cider Pub of the Year award for 2023 was presented at the same time. The certificates were presented by Quinten Taylor of Reading branch to publican Scott Ganson, Bar

Issue 71, Summer 2023

Manager Chris Darby and the staff at the Bell. Members from five CAMRA branches were in attendance.

The Bell is a classic half-timbered 14th Century pub. It was bequeathed to the village in 1608 by Sir Ralph Newbury. Promoting real ales from small independent breweries, it serves up to five real ales from handpumps on the bar. It also offers up to eight real ciders and perries served straight from the cellar. The Bell doubles as the village local and a quality restaurant, producing exceptionally good food from fresh, seasonal ingredients. You'll find log fires in the winter and there’s a good-sized beer garden for sunny summer days.

Please note that this Pub of the Year award for the Bell relates to POTY 2022 and not the current round of judging for 2023 which has just ended at branch level. The winner within our own branch for 2023 was the Newtown Pippin, Bracknell and arrangements for judging in the regional semi-finals will be announced very soon.

Cover Picture (courtesy of Mike Smith): Bar Manager, Chris Darby (Left); Publican, Scott Ganson (Right)

Thanks for having us!

CAMRA BSE offers thanks to the following for hosting their recent branch meetings: Old Manor in Bracknell Wheelwrights Arms in Hurst White Horse in Wokingham

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Who’d a Thot It

By Kevin Lenton

The unusual name, first recorded in 1861, is said to have originated in a remark by the Duke of Wellington. The story goes that travelling in the forest one day and feeling very thirsty he suddenly came across the pub. His exclamation ’Who’d a thot it' became the name of the pub.

It is an unlikely story since there are several other pubs by the same name in other parts of the country and the pub wasn't open when Windsor Forest existed in the area of St. Sebastian’s, Wokingham Without.

According to the historian Bryant Lillywhite, the name is thought to have been taken from the suggestion of a wag that the motto to the coat of arms of a certain baronetbrewer should be: Who'd a thought it?

Hops had bought it.

The pub was originally a wooden shack frequented by a group of “Broom Dashers” who eked out a living by making besoms (brooms) from twigs collected in the depths of Windsor Forest. The pub was built in the latter half of the eighteenth century and remained little changed before being demolished in 2003.

Over the bar used to hang two swords, one of which was reputed to have belonged to the Duke of Wellington.

In 1971, when the old pub sign needed replacing, a new one was hung portraying two astronauts on the moon, rounding a pile of rocks only to see a huge bottle of Morland‘s Beer.

The above is based on scrapbooks compiled by members of the Berkshire Federation of Women’ Institutes, 1976.

Picture source: Phil Bird

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Issue 71, Summer 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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Brewing a Brighter Future Ruth Mitchell Mitchell Ruth

Elusive Brewing Brewing Managing Managing Director Director Elusive

The past past few few years years have have certainly certainly been been The challenging ones ones for for the the brewing brewing and and challenging wider hospitality hospitality industry. industry. Although Although wider many things things remain remain uncertain uncertain some some many breweries across the UK are taking steps breweries across the UK are taking steps to use use their their beers beers and and influence influence to to help help to bring about positive change, including bring about positive change, including several in in our our local local area. area. several To celebrate celebrate their their 10th 10th anniversary, anniversary, FinFinTo champstead’s Siren Siren Craft Craft Brew Brew have have made made champstead’s a commitment commitment to to support support (at (at least) least) 10 10 charchara itable causes causes in in 2023.

2023. To To kick kick things things off, off, at at itable the end end of of March March Siren Siren highlighted highlighted World World the Autism Acceptance Acceptance Week Week with with 10p 10p for for every every Autism pound spent spent on on their their website website over over that that week week pound donated to the National Autistic Society and donated to the National Autistic Society and Siren matching matching the the total total with with their their own own dodoSiren nation. nation.

In January, January, Elusive Elusive Brewing, Brewing, based based just just In over the the road road from from Siren, Siren, became became one one of of 19 19 over breweries in in the the UK UK to to brew brew a a beer beer in in supsupbreweries port of of Brave Brave Noise, Noise, a a global global collaborative collaborative port effort to to provide provide inclusive inclusive and and safe safe environenvironeffort ments for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ ments for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ throughout the the beer beer industry. industry. Proceeds Proceeds throughout from the the beer, beer, along along with with 30% 30% of of sales sales from from from the beers launch event at Maidenhead’s A the beers launch event at Maidenhead’s A Hoppy Place, Place, went went to to support support The The Coven, Coven, Hoppy an organisation organisation who who are are working working to to make make an

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beer festivals festivals safer safer for for all. all. The The Coven Coven have have beer also benefitted benefitted from from support support from from Reading’s Reading’s also Double-Barrelled Brewery Brewery who who donated donated Double-Barrelled 10% of of the the profits profits from from one one of of their their InternaInterna10% tional Women’s Day beers, Couplers, to the the tional Women’s Day beers, Couplers, to cause. cause.

Looking further further afield afield there there are are now now 9 9 BBLooking Corp certified certified breweries breweries in in the the UK UK along along Corp with 15 15 distilleries distilleries and and over over 40 40 other other drinks drinks with producers. Certified Certified B B Corporations Corporations are are producers. leaders in the global movement for an incluleaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable equitable and and regenerative regenerative economy economy sive, and must go through a rigorous process to and must go through a rigorous process to gain their their certification. certification. Several Several B-Corp B-Corp cercergain tified breweries breweries in in the the UK UK donate donate a a percentpercenttified age of their sales to charity, including Small age of their sales to charity, including Small Beer, a a London London based based lower lower alcohol alcohol brewer brewer Beer, who donate donate 1% 1% of of their their income income to to the the HornHornwho iman Aquarium’s Aquarium’s Project Project Coral.

Coral. Another Another BBiman Corp, Toast Toast Ale, Ale, are are a a sustainable sustainable craft craft beer beer Corp, brand who who use use surplus surplus bread bread in in their their brewbrewbrand ing process process to to cut cut down down on on their their environenvironing mental impact impact and and donate donate all all their their profits profits to to mental charity to to fund fund systematic systematic change change to to help help fix fix charity the food food system. system. Since Since their their inception inception they they the have donated donated over over 46,000 46,000 meals. meals. have Breweries no no longer longer only only want want to to make make Breweries great beer; beer; they they are are taking taking steps steps to to help help great make a positive difference to their commumake a positive difference to their communities and and the the wider wider world world and and as as drinkers drinkers nities we can can help help them. them. Through Through choosing choosing to to we support breweries breweries who who are are making making a a differdiffersupport ence we we not not only only help help to to support support their their ence cause, but we also demonstrate that what cause, but we also demonstrate that what they are are doing doing is is important important to to us, us, and and hopehopethey fully encourage encourage others others to to do do the the same. same. fully Ruth Mitchell Mitchell is is a a qualified qualified Beer Beer Sommelier Sommelier Ruth and Certified Certified Cicerone.

Cicerone. She She is is Managing Managing and Director of Elusive Brewing and has worked Director of Elusive Brewing and has worked in the the beer beer industry industry for for over over 13 13 years. years. in

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ADVERT

Issue 71, Summer 2023

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Brewer’s Witter By

By Barry Barry Fenton Fenton

This This is is usually usually an an interview interview with with aa landlord from a local pub, but today landlord from a local pub, but today II welcome welcome Dean Dean Bond, Bond, who who describes describes himself himself as as Owner, Owner, Head Head Brewer, Brewer, Chief Chief Bottle Bottle Washer, Washer, Sales Sales Manager Manager and and Delivery Delivery Driver Driver of of Bond Bond Brews.

Brews. His His Brewery Brewery is is on on Heathlands Heathlands Road, Road, Wokingham, Wokingham, RG40 RG40 3AS. 3AS. Q. Q. How How long long have have you you been been brewing brewing and and what what were were you you doing doing before? before?

A. A. Brewing Brewing for for 18 18 years, years, 10 10 years years at at home home for for myself, myself, friends friends and and family family and and now now eight eight years years at at Bond Bond Brews.

Brews. Earlier Earlier II was was aa draughtsman draughtsman and and then then did did 20 20 years years in in IT. IT. It’s amazing how many other brewers come It’s amazing how many other brewers come from from an an IT IT background. background. IT IT must must drive drive you you to to drink! drink!

Q. Q. What What motivated motivated you you to to start? start?

A. A. II had had enjoyed enjoyed brewing brewing and and experimenting experimenting with with brews brews at at home home as as aa hobby. hobby. II visited visited aa Twyford Beer Festival and got talking Twyford Beer Festival and got talking to to aa local local brewer brewer and and he he offered offered me me aa day day at at his his brewery brewery to to show show me me what what is is involved, involved, warts warts and and all. all. II liked liked it; it; II saw saw the the light light and and II started started to to think think about about my my own own operation. operation. ItIt took took two two years years to to plan plan and and to to cost, cost, II took took an an intensive intensive course course on on the the brewing brewing industry, industry, II visited visited other breweries, spoke other breweries, spoke to to Licencees, Licencees, II looked looked at at 12 12 different different sites. sites. II needed needed to to go go into into this this with with my my eyes eyes wide wide open. open. II wanted wanted to to be be local, local, working working near near where where II live, live, and and to to supply supply outlets outlets in in the the Wokingham Wokingham area. area.

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Q. Q. What What is is the the capacity capacity of of your your Brewery?

Brewery?

A. It’s a six-barrel plant.

That’s A. It’s a six-barrel plant. That’s 24 24 firkins firkins (216 (216 gallons) gallons) per per brew. brew. Prior Prior to to COVID COVID 85% 85% of of this this was was going going to to pubs, pubs, now now it’s it’s down down to to 70%.

70%.

Q. Q. Where Where do do you you sell sell your your ales? ales?

A. A. In In an an ideal ideal world world II would would be be selling selling locally locally in in Wokingham, Wokingham, however however 80% 80% of of the the pubs pubs are are tied tied to to aa brewery brewery or or pub pub company company and and are are not not allowed allowed to to buy buy from from me. me. My My delivery delivery area area has has expanded expanded to to include include Windsor, Windsor, Newbury, Newbury, High High Wycombe Wycombe and and Basingstoke.

Basingstoke.

II usually usually do do one one delivery delivery day day aa week week and and cover cover over over 200 200 miles. miles. II sell sell to to free free houses, houses, off off licences, licences, shops, shops, farm farm shops, shops, clubs, clubs, beer beer festivals and of course my shop here festivals and of course my shop here at at the the brewery and online. (shop.bondbrewery and online. (shop.bondbrews.co.uk) brews.co.uk) II sell sell my my beers beers from from here here in in polypins polypins and and bottles. bottles. We We also also sell sell our our branded branded merchandise. merchandise.

Q. Q. What What beers beers do do you you have have on on sale sale today today and and how how will will that that change? change?

A. A. II have have four four core core beers beers always always on on sale. sale.

Goldihops Goldihops Pale Pale Ale Ale 3.9% 3.9% abv, abv, Best Best of of British British Bitter Bitter 4.0%, 4.0%, Bengal Bengal Tiger Tiger IPA IPA 4.3% 4.3% and and Railway Railway Porter Porter 4.5%.

4.5%. II brew brew seasonals, seasonals, like like aa dark dark Mild, Mild, Mellow Mellow Velo Velo 3.8% 3.8% and and WheatWheatA-Bier A-Bier 4.4% 4.4% and and then then one one offs offs for for special special events.

My Coronation beer is a good events. My Coronation beer is a good examexample, ple, King King Slaker Slaker Pale Pale Ale Ale 4.3%.

4.3%. II like like my my sports, sports, so so specials specials feature feature regularly regularly to to celecelebrate brate major major events. events.

Q. What Q. What do do you you wish wish you you had had known known when when you you started started brewing brewing that that you you know know now? now?

A. A. That That cleaning cleaning accounts accounts for for about about 90% 90% of of my my time. time. II was was warned, warned, but but it’s it’s aa lot lot of of time! time!

I’m I’m on on my my own own aa lot, lot, which which can can be be lonely. lonely.

Listening Listening to to Planet Planet Rock Rock radio radio keeps keeps me me relrelatively atively sane. sane.

Q. Q. Have Have inflation inflation and and energy energy costs costs made made life difficult? life difficult?

A. A. Yes, Yes, very. very. Three Three key key costs. costs. Electricity Electricity quadrupled in two years.

Malt quadrupled in two years. Malt increased increased by by 50% 50% and and fuel fuel for for my my deliveries deliveries all all put put

Issue Issue 71, 71, Summer Summer 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk pressure on my prices. If I pass it all on to my customers, who have their own pressures, there’s a problem. I am aware of many breweries going under, but being a relatively small operation, I can quickly adjust my brewing to reflect sales. Slightly larger operations with higher fixed overheads find it more difficult to adapt.

I am determined to survive - if I got through COVID I can get through anything.

Q. We have other breweries in the area.

How do you all get on?

A. There are 16 in Berkshire. We get on well together, meet regularly and help each other out. We produce different beers; some go for cask, others cask and/or keg. Generally, it’s a nice business to be in.

Q. You do a lot of events here at the brewery. What’s coming up?

A. On 22nd April we restart our monthly Tap Yard events, outside the brewery where you can enjoy any of up to six of our ales, also local ciders, Pimms, Prosecco, soft drinks and a different food vendor each month. On 17th June we have our annual beer festival, this year to celebrate our eighth anniversary, with live music.

I’m doing customer experiences and tours.

You can spend time with me, help with a brew, and take home a nine-pint souvenir.

Visit our website for details. (www.bondbrews.co.uk) Q. What do you think that the future holds for Real Ales?

A. It’s been a bad March; all that rain.

COVID hurt real ales, people were drinking at home, ordering online rather than supporting local pubs etc. The trend has continued.

I must adapt to go with this. There are a lot of local beer festivals coming up, I will be there and have a stall at other upcoming events. You can follow us on social media for up-to-date details.

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Q. What are your thoughts on the success of Craft Beer?

A. I handcraft my own beers; it’s just me, I have total control of the beer and delivery. I regard myself as a traditional brewer rather than a craft. I enjoy keeping alive and producing the old traditional styles and experimenting with different varieties of hops.

Q. What is your impression of CAMRA in the area?

A. I love it. I go to beer festivals, and I agree with their concept of supporting pubs and breweries. I’m well supported locally by CAMRA. Q. What would you like to get over to our readers to encourage them to drink your beers and/or visit your brewery?

A. Get out to local pubs more often, to support a variety of local ales. Remember if you don’t use it, you will lose it. It has recently been reported that 150 pubs closed for good in the first three months of 2023.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our Tap Yard Events soon.

Q. What wrong would you most like to put right in the beer and pub trades?

A. The beer tie is my biggest problem. Free up the landlord to be able to take my beer. I would love to be able to supply pubs just in the Wokingham area. That was my vision when I set up the business.

Q. What celebrity would you like to work with in your operations?

A. Some breweries have celebrity rock stars in a collaboration brew. I’d like to produce a beer with Pink Floyd with my Planet Rock hat on.

A great chat, Dean. Thanks, and all the best for the future. I look forward to seeing you at one of your events this summer. Let’s hope that it’s a hot one for all those beer sales.

Cheers, Barry Fenton.

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Brewery numbers are holding on

By Timothy Hampson

UK brewery numbers remain “relatively stable” despite industry challenges, though Scotland has recorded a small decline, new industry figures reveal.

The SIBA UK Brewery Tracker, produced by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), tracks new brewery openings and closures across the UK to give net numbers both regionally and nationally.

Covering the period from the start of January to the end of March, the latest tracker shows some regions increasing their net brewery number, and overall, the UK figure is down by just four on the start of 2023. South-west and north-east England each had a decline in their overall brewery numbers of two, with Scotland registering a decline of one.

There are now 1,824 breweries in the UK, according to the report.

SIBA chief executive Andy Slee said: “It is very positive to see some areas of the UK now in growth and a national figure which has beaten the odds to remain relatively stable, despite the challenges faced by brewers. With rising raw material and utility costs, alongside existing market access issues, far too many small breweries are closing but the figures paint a much better picture than many predicted.

“Small breweries have a hugely positive impact on their local community, providing jobs, raising money for charity, supporting local initiatives and providing access to the freshly-brewed local beers that are now in such demand across the UK. All small independent breweries deserve your support.”

The SIBA Craft Beer Report revealed that 40 per cent of independent craft breweries now have a taproom (up 10 percentage points on 2022) and that, on average, 27 per cent of an independent brewery’s income now comes from sales direct to consumers via their taprooms, brewery shop or web shop - a big increase for an industry historically heavily reliant on pub sales.

According to the latest tracker figures, Wales leads the UK in terms of brewery growth, with their net number rising by five, while the west of England saw the needle swing in the opposite direction, with figures falling by four overall. This was mirrored in south-east England, an area which has seen a huge growth in breweries in recent years, who also registered a decline of four in the first quarter.

Issue 71, Summer 2023

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Rodger Fox – A Personal Memory By

By Kevin Kevin Lenton Lenton

For For aa long long time, time, Rodger Rodger and and II used used to to meet every Monday at Noon in the meet every Monday at Noon in the CrisCrispin pin pub pub in in Wokingham Wokingham for for aa beer beer or or two. two.

We would always sit at a window We would always sit at a window seat, seat, Rodger Rodger strategically strategically positioned positioned so so that that he he could could watch watch Kylie Kylie Minogue Minogue ifif she she came came on on the the Music Music Channel.

Channel. Football, Football, pubs, pubs, beer, beer, and and food food were were our our main main topics for conversation.

We also topics for conversation. We also had had aa common common interest interest in in Family Family History History and and II will be for ever be grateful will be for ever be grateful to to Rodger Rodger for for introducing introducing me me to to the the availability availability of of DNA DNA testing. testing. As As aa direct direct result result of of this this II was was able able to to get get in in touch touch with with others others havhaving ing aa good good match match to to mine mine and and ended ended up up going going back back ten ten generations. generations.

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During During the the height height of of the the Pandemic Pandemic when pubs were shut, we when pubs were shut, we would would sit sit on on aa park bench with beer in coffee park bench with beer in coffee cups cups until until we we got got too too cold. cold. No, No, we we did did not not have brown paper bags! have brown paper bags!

During During his his time time living living in in Wokingham, Wokingham, before he moved back before he moved back to to Nottingham, Nottingham, he he made made the the most most of of his his hobbies. hobbies. He He was was the the CAMRA CAMRA Branch Branch Membership Membership Secretary, Secretary, distributed distributed our our quarterly quarterly magazine in Wokingham magazine in Wokingham and and led led the the U3A U3A Beer Beer Appreciation Appreciation Society.

Society. He He was was also also aa season season ticket ticket holder holder at at London London Irish.

Irish.

As As an an aside, aside, when when he he got got rid rid of of his his car, car, he gave me his de-icer and scraper. he gave me his de-icer and scraper. A A small small token token but but aa reflection reflection of of Rodger’s Rodger’s thoughtfulness. thoughtfulness.

We We held held aa “Cel“Celebration ebration of of his his life” life” at at the the OutOuthouse house Brewery, Brewery, Wokingham, Wokingham, so so many many thanks thanks for for the the team team there there for for hosting hosting the the event and event and providing providing excelexcellent refreshlent refreshments. ments. Peter Peter Rhodes, Rhodes, owner owner of of the the Outhouse Outhouse bought bought aa Nottingham Nottingham Forest Forest scarf scarf to to put put on on the the table table that that Rodger Rodger always always used, used, Rodger Rodger being being aa lifelong lifelong fan. fan. A A great great gesture gesture given that Peter is a fan of given that Peter is a fan of their their greatest greatest rivals, rivals, Derby Derby County.

County. We We raised raised aa glass to someone who lived his glass to someone who lived his life life to to the full. the full.

Thanks Thanks for for the the memories memories Rodger.

Rodger.

Issue Issue 71, 71, Summer Summer 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk

BREWERY NEWS Siren Craft Brew On the 18th of March, Siren Craft Brew welcomed their extended Siren family to their brewery to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

With a fine selection of special birthday craft beers, classic Siren favourites, and limited revivals including Liquid Mistress in cask! There were even some dark temptations from their infamous barrel store’s secret stash. Add to the mix some fantastic guest beers, and you get one hell of a party - and naturally, there was cake!

Siren have got their eyes set to the warmer months ahead, with a slew of festivals building up. “We Are Beer” and “Hopsters

Issue 71, Summer 2023

Beach Street” being two of the big ones that we are looking forward to. Keep an eye out for more news coming soon at the Sire Craft Brew website.

Elusive Brewing Finchampstead's Elusive Brewing turns 7 this May, and will be celebrating with events throughout the month including a party at their brewery on Saturday May 27th. They will also be brewing a collaboration beer with neighbour Siren on the anniversary of their first ever brew day.

Elusive are also expanding their packaging capacity in May with the arrival of a new canning line which will allow them to package their beers more efficiently and give them more time to dedicate to production.

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The Outhouse Brewery

The Outhouse Brewery, Southgate House, Alexandra Court, Wokingham, RG40 2SL

We are really excited to inform you that the Outhouse Micro-Brewery and MicroTap Room, has now expanded into the unit next door, greatly increasing the amount of seating. All seats in the new area are low and comfortable, and there is also a second toilet facility!

Opening Hours: Monday / Tuesday Closed Wednesday / Thursday 4:30pm to 10:00pm Friday / Saturday 12:00pm to10:00pm Sunday 1:00pm to 8:00pm

Additional beer taps have been installed, bringing the to tal to ten. Guest beers will continue to feature.

A weeky pub quiz commences on Wednesday 3rd May. This will be at 7.30pm each Wednesday with a £1 entry fee and lots of prizes!

See theouthousebrewery.com for further details.

Bracknell Brewery

The very first records of the Bracknell Brewery date back to 1866 although the brewery was already in existence and it was situated next to the Market Inn (at the time The Station Hotel, a Thomas Kenward pub) and close to the gas works along what was Station Road but is now part of The Ring. The brewery had its own well for water and was run by a father and son team called Robert and Frank Raxworthy until 1876 when it was taken over by Henry Vincent. Henry was keen to increase production and installed a steam engine and employed a cooper to look after the casks for the brewery, which was a significant step up for a brewery in such a small town. The chimney for the steam engine could be seen from some distance and became something of a local landmark.

By 1887 the brewery was sold to the Bickerton brothers from Oxford and they started bottling their beers adding two bottled bitters and a bottled stout to the impressive eleven different cask ales. The brewery expanded and included agents in Reading and Oxford, 3 pubs together with a new line in wines and spirits. This over extended the finances of the brewery and in 1901 the brewery was

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Issue 71, Summer 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk sold to Alexander Sellon who operated as A L S Sellon & Co although it only survived for a further five years until it was swallowed up

by Fuller, Story & Co of Maidenhead who promptly shut the brewery and moved all activities to Maidenhead leaving the site as a mere depot. The buildings survived for another seventy years only being demolished in the 1980s with the development of the New Town.

Anthony Springall

Bond Brews The outdoor Tap Yard events are back for another season.

Each Tap Yard will have up to six ales on draught plus local cider, Prosecco, soft drinks and, of course, food from a variety of local caterers. Table service has proved to be very popular with customers and will be provided again this year. The dates for 2023 are all on Saturdays and are as follows:

Bond Brews Beer News To celebrate King Charles’ Coronation in May, a new beer has just been brewed.

Called ‘King Slaker’ (with a nod to Game of Thrones), this 4.3% Golden Ale is described with some heavy royal references as being a majestic combination of British malts, crowned with El-Dorado, Azacca, Citra, Mosaic and Ekuanot hops, serving a complex aroma of pine and mango.

It’s first appearance will be at the Farnham Beerex from 20th to 23rd April.

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.

22nd April - 12-6pm with Hog Roast from Great Big Pig. 13th May - 12-6pm with Lebanese Wraps from Mysk.

This is a Coronation Week Celebration and will include music and a specially-brewed beer (see below) 17th June - 12-8pm with Pie & Chips from the Rural Pie Company.

Bond Brews 8th Anniversary Beer Festival with live music from up to 10 acts

ADVERT BOND BREWS QUARTER PAGE

8th July - 12-6pm with Burgers and a Hog Roast from A Bit Of A Do. 12th August - 12-6pm with Pizza from TT Catering.

9th September - 12-6pm with Asian (tbc)

Issue 71, Summer 2023

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

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 st 29 29th April April –– 11st May May 2023: 2023: Crispin Crispin Wokingham Wokingham Beer Beer Festival Festival facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055749044057 facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055749044057 th Angie Angie & & Aid Aid are are celebrating celebrating their their 66th anniversary anniversary running running this this fabulous fabulous ale-drinkers ale-drinkers pub pub by by holding holding their their first first beer beer festival. festival. Expected Expected to to feature feature around around 10 10 beers beers across across bar bar and and stillage, stillage, plus plus 55 boxed boxed ciders. ciders. Mexican Mexican street street food food on on Sunday Sunday & & Monday.

Monday. Live Live music music on on Sunday Sunday afternoon. afternoon. th 66th th – 7 th May 2023: Castle Hurst Beer Festival – 7 May 2023: Castle Hurst Beer Festival facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063443456634 facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063443456634 This This beautiful beautiful country country pub pub are are celebrating celebrating the the King’s King’s Coronation Coronation weekweekend with a beer festival.

Awaiting details of the beers, end with a beer festival. Awaiting details of the beers, but but there there will will be be live live music music on on the the Saturday Saturday afternoon afternoon and and “chilled” “chilled” DJ DJ music music on on the the Sunday afternoon.

Sunday afternoon. th th 11 11th–– 13 13th May May 2023: 2023: SPBW SPBW Woodfest Woodfest spbw.beer/woodfest-2023 spbw.beer/woodfest-2023 A A festival festival of of beers beers all all served served from from wooden wooden casks, casks, organised organised by by the the SoSociety ciety for for the the Preservation Preservation of of Beers Beers from from the the Wood Wood (SPBW).

(SPBW). Relocated Relocated to to Egham Egham United United Services Services Club Club due due to to an an event event clash clash at at their their originally originally planned planned venue. venue. Over Over 30 30 different different beers beers are are advertised. advertised. th th 18 18th–– 20 20th May May 2023: 2023: Kingston Kingston Beer Beer & & Cider Cider Festival Festival kandl.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=169172 kandl.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=169172 A A very very enjoyable enjoyable beer beer festival festival organised organised by

by Kingston Kingston & & Leatherhead Leatherhead CAMRA. CAMRA. ItIt is is accessible accessible by by train train from from our our area area (changing (changing at at TwickenTwickenham).

70 ales are promised, plus 10 ciders and perries. ham). 70 ales are promised, plus 10 ciders and perries. Reduced Reduced enentry try for for CAMRA CAMRA members. members. th th 24 24th –– 28 28th May May 2023: 2023: Happy Happy Man Man Englefield Englefield Green Green Beer Beer Festival Festival thehappyman.co.uk thehappyman.co.uk This CAMRA-friendly pub close to Royal Holloway college put This CAMRA-friendly pub close to Royal Holloway college put on on reguregular lar beer beer festivals. festivals. The The pub pub is is walkable walkable from from Egham Egham station station (on (on the the WaWaterloo terloo line line from from our our area). area). Expect Expect around around 14 14 ales ales and and some some boxed boxed ciciders. ders. 50p 50p off off aa pint pint for for CAMRA CAMRA members members on on the the Wednesday.

Wednesday. th th 26 26th–– 29 29th May May 2023: 2023: Queen’s Queen’s Head Head Wokingham Wokingham Beer Beer Festival Festival facebook.com/queenshead.wokingham.12 facebook.com/queenshead.wokingham.12 The The traditional traditional Bank Bank Holiday Holiday beer beer festival festival from from Carol Carol and and the the Queen’s Queen’s Head Head team. team. Expect Expect around around 6-8 6-8 ales ales on on stillage stillage on on the the delightful delightful back back patio, patio, plus plus 66 on on the the bar. bar. Some Some real real cider cider is is expected expected too. too.

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Issue Issue 71, 71, Summer Summer 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk 26th– 29th May 2023: White Horse Hedgerley Beer Festival facebook.com/whitehorsehedgerley A very large beer festival for a country village pub, this is expected to feature 70+ rare and unusual ales over the course of the weekend.

Also ciders, perries and foreign beers.

28th May 2023: Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival bracknellalefestival.co.uk The annual Bank Holiday beer festival at Bracknell Rugby Club. Expect around 60 ales and 10 ciders. Thames Valley buses put on a shuttle service from Bracknell station to make getting there and back easier. Discounted entry for CAMRA members.

2nd– 3rd June 2023: Marlow Beerfest marlowbeerfest.co.uk Another beer festival at the Oak Tree Road football ground, a short walk from Marlow station (branch line from Maidenhead). It advertises over 30 beers and ciders. Will be showing the FA Cup Final on the Saturday.

9th– 10th June 2023: Twyford Beer Festival twyfordbeerfest.co.uk This community beer and music festival is located very close to Twyford station. It is run in aid of the male cancer charity “Orchid”.

Expect around 50 real ales (including KeyKeg) and 20 ciders.

9th– 11th June 2023: Perseverance Wraysbury Beer Festival the-perseverance.co.uk Nick and Sarah at the “Percy” put on several excellent beer festivals each year. This friendly local is easily accessible from Wraysbury station (change at Staines on the Waterloo line from our area). Expect around 10 real ales at a time.

17th June 2023: Bond Brews Beer Festival facebook.com/events/586488009510798 Dean at Bond Brews is holding a beer festival to celebrate the 8th anniversary of this popular local brewery. Expect a selection of their own ales including some rarely seen ones. Local ciders also available. Live music throughout the day, and pies to soak-up the beer.

24th June 2023: Marlow RBL Armed Forces Day Beer Festival rblclubmarlow.co.uk A beer festival to celebrate Armed Forces Day at Marlow Royal British Legion. Located right next to Marlow station. Expect around 12 ales (some local, some sourced from Derbyshire) and 6 ciders. For those that can't make it on the day, some of the beers are likely to be available from about 7pm the evening before.

1st – 2nd July 2023: Old London Apprentice Beer Festival facebook.com/OldLondonApprenticeNewbury A Summer beer festival at this community local near Newbury Racecourse station. Expect around 6 real ales on stillage, in addition to those on the handpulls inside. Also, around 6 boxed ciders. Live music on the Saturday afternoon.

Issue 71, Summer 2023

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seberks.camra.org.uk seberks.camra.org.uk th th 7 7th – –8 8th July July 2023: 2023: Maidenhead Maidenhead Beer Beer & & Cider Cider Festival Festival mbcf.camra.org.uk mbcf.camra.org.uk This hugely popular Summer festival is organised by our our friends friends in in This hugely popular Summer festival is organised by Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead CAMRA. Once again located at the Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead CAMRA. Once again located at the NMCC Bar Bar to to the the north north of of town, town, about about a a 10 10 minute minute walk walk from from Furze Furze NMCC Platt station. station. Expect Expect around around 60 60 carefully carefully selected selected real real ales ales plus plus about about Platt 25 ciders ciders & & perries. perries. Discounted Discounted entry entry for for CAMRA CAMRA members. members.

25 th th 12 12th – – 15 15th July July 2023: 2023: Ealing Ealing Beer Beer Festival Festival ebf.camra.org.uk ebf.camra.org.uk This is is an an excellent excellent festival festival organised organised by

by West West Middlesex Middlesex CAMRA. CAMRA. This Located a a short short walk walk from from Ealing Ealing Broadway Broadway station station which which is is on on the the Located Elizabeth line from Reading.

It advertises over 320 real ales, ciders, Elizabeth line from Reading. It advertises over 320 real ales, ciders, perries, wines wines and and imported imported beers. beers. There There is is usually usually reduced reduced admisadmisperries, sion prices prices for for CAMRA CAMRA members. members. sion st nd 21 21st – – 22 22nd July July 2023: 2023: Guildford Guildford Beer Beer Festival Festival guildfordbeerfestival.co.uk guildfordbeerfestival.co.uk Guildford Cricket Cricket Club’s Club’s festival festival is is organised organised with with the the aid aid of of our our Guildford friends in in Surrey Surrey Hants Hants Borders Borders CAMRA. CAMRA. Entry Entry is is by by advance advance ticket. ticket. friends Expect around around 90 90 cask cask and and keykeg keykeg beers beers sourced sourced from from within within 30 30 Expect miles of of the the venue, venue, plus plus around around 20 20 ciders/perries. ciders/perries. miles th th 27 27th – – 29 29th July July 2023: 2023: Egham Egham Beer Beer Festival Festival eghambeerfestival.co.uk eghambeerfestival.co.uk The charity charity beer beer festivals festivals at at Egham Egham United United Services Services Club Club have have bebeThe come renown renown amongst amongst the the beer beer “scooping” “scooping” community community for for showcasshowcascome ing brand brand new new breweries breweries and and beers. beers. Expect Expect around around 50 50 ales, ales, plus plus a a ing good selection selection of of ciders ciders & & perries. perries. Reduced Reduced entry entry for for CAMRA CAMRA memmemgood bers. A A short short walk walk from from Egham Egham station. station. bers. th th 28 28th – – 29 29th July July 2023: 2023: Craft Craft Theory Theory Beer Beer Festival Festival crafttheoryfestival.co.uk crafttheoryfestival.co.uk A craft beer and music festival, organised in A craft beer and music festival, organised in the the European European style style of of ininvited breweries running their own bar stand.

Expect around a dozen vited breweries running their own bar stand. Expect around a dozen brewery brewery stands, stands, some some local local and and others others from from further further afield. afield.

st th 1 1st – –5 5th August August 2023: 2023: Great Great British British Beer Beer Festival Festival gbbf.org.uk gbbf.org.uk The CAMRA beer festival held at Kensington Olympia continues continues to to be be The CAMRA beer festival held at Kensington Olympia the highlight of the beer festival calendar.

Expect a remarkable 900 the highlight of the beer festival calendar. Expect a remarkable 900 real ales, ales, craft craft beers, beers, ciders ciders and and perries. perries. Reduced Reduced admission admission prices prices for for real CAMRA members. members.

CAMRA th 5 5th August August 2023: 2023: Fleet Fleet Beerfest Beerfest fleetlions.org.uk/beerfest fleetlions.org.uk/beerfest This beer festival is run by the Fleet Fleet Lions Lions in in aid aid of of local local charitable charitable This beer festival is run by the causes.

Over 40 real ales and 10 ciders are advertised both local causes. Over 40 real ales and 10 ciders are advertised both local and from from afar. afar. In In an an environmental environmental initiative, initiative, customers customers are are asked asked to to and bring their their own own lined lined drinking drinking glass. glass. bring

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Issue Issue 71, 71, Summer Summer 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk

A Market Dominated by One Producer

By Anthony Springall

If I was to say that an alcoholic drink maker had a 65% market share you may scratch your heads and think who could it be but for CAMRA the answer is easy, it is Bulmers.

First founded in 1887 by the son of the local rector, Percy Bulmer took his mother's advice to go into business involving food or drink as everyone always needs to eat or drink. Initially using apples from his father's garden and using the cider mill on an adjoining orchard at Credenhill, Herefordshire he was soon joined by his brother Frank in the enterprise. Frank had graduated from Cambridge University and the brothers started to commercially produce cider.

With a loan of £1760 from their father the brothers bought an 8 acre field and built their first cider mill. At the time cider-making was a hit or miss affair as it relied on the wild yeasts on the skins of the apples and whilst some yeasts were beneficial others were definitely detrimental. Cider was always a locally produced regional drink, often made on farms as part of a labourers wages it did not lend itself to the industrialisation found in the brewing industry. In the 1890s a friend of Fred Bulmer, Dr Herbert Durham isolated a wild yeast to create the first purpose bred cider yeast which prevented spoilage and ensured consistent fermentations and was the start of large scale commercial cider making.

the partnership but retained the rights to the Bulmers name in Ireland. When they later wanted to export their cider to the UK and elsewhere they used their own name of Magners and became Bulmers largest competitors.

In 2003 the company was bought by Scottish & Newcastle Brewery who were subsequently swallowed up by Heineken and Bulmers remains a subsidiary of the global behemoth. In terms of volumes HP Bulmers produces 65% of the UK's five hundred million litres of cider sold annually and make up the bulk of the UK's cider exports. Since 2019 it uses only British apples and takes over 90% of the apples grown in Herefordshire to its 75 acre site for cider production. By law, cider must contain 35% apple juice but Bulmers do not disclose the percentage used and unfortunately by CAMRA definition none of its output is considered “real cider”.

The company grew and was granted it's first Royal Warrant in 1911 and still boasts being cider maker to her late majesty The Queen.

In 1937 Bulmers entered a commercial partnership with William Magners of Clonmel, Ireland and they were allowed to sell their ciders under the Bulmers brand however in 1949 Magners withdrew from

Issue 71, Summer 2023

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

Unlike real real ale ale production, production, which which can can happen happen at at any any time time of of the the year, year, real real cider cider and and Unlike perry is generally a seasonal product and can only be made when the fruit is ripe. perry is generally a seasonal product and can only be made when the fruit is ripe.

Production is is tied tied to to a a natural natural cycle cycle of of the the apple apple and and perry perry pear pear trees trees found found in in Production orchards around around the the country. country. orchards The month month of of May May was was chosen chosen because because itit is is when when the the orchards orchards come come into into bloom bloom and and fruit fruit The begins to to set. set. Cider Cider and and perry perry production production from from the the previous previous year year reaches reaches maturity maturity in in May May begins and can can start start being being enjoyed enjoyed so so it’s it’s also also a a time time for for celebration celebration of of the the fruits fruits of of cider cider maker’s maker’s and labour. Below Below is is a a list list of of local local Real Real Cider Cider Producers: Producers: labour.

Name Name BumbleBee Cider Cider BumbleBee

Ciderniks Ciderniks Gospel Green Green Cyder Cyder Gospel Company Company Green Shed Shed Cider Cider Green JARS Cider Cider JARS

Mr. Whitehead's Whitehead's CiCiMr. der Company Company LimLimder ited ited Pang Valley Valley Cider Cider Pang Seven Trees Trees Cider Cider Seven Tutts Clump Clump Cider Cider Tutts

Town Town Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Berkshire Berkshire Hampshire Hampshire

Postcode Postcode RG8 0DU 0DU RG8 RG17 9TJ 9TJ RG17

Website Website

https://bumblebeecider.co.uk/ https://bumblebeecider.co.uk/ https://ciderniks.com/ https://ciderniks.com/

GU33 6BS 6BS GU33

https://www.gospelgreen.co.uk/ https://www.gospelgreen.co.uk/

Berkshire Berkshire Berkshire Berkshire

RG14 5AA 5AA RG14 RG41 4DQ 4DQ RG41

https://greenshedcider.co.uk/ https://greenshedcider.co.uk/

Hampshire Hampshire

GU34 3PY 3PY GU34

http://www.mr-whiteheads-cider.co.uk/ http://www.mr-whiteheads-cider.co.uk/

Berkshire Berkshire Berkshire Berkshire

RG18 9JH 9JH RG18 RG1 1QH 1QH RG1

https://pangvalleycider.co.uk/ https://pangvalleycider.co.uk/

Berkshire Berkshire

RG7 6JH 6JH RG7

https://jarscider.co.uk/ https://jarscider.co.uk/

https://www.instahttps://www.instagram.com/seven_trees_cider/?hl=en gram.com/seven_trees_cider/?hl=en https://www.tuttsclumpcider.co.uk/ https://www.tuttsclumpcider.co.uk/

Look out out for for these these Real Real Ciders Ciders at at Pubs Pubs and and Beer Beer & & Cider Cider Festivals Festivals in in this this area. area.

Look Mike Lee Lee – – CAMRA CAMRA Cider Cider Rep Rep -- Berkshire Berkshire South South East East -- cider@seberks.camra.org.uk cider@seberks.camra.org.uk Mike Page 22 22 Page

Issue 71, 71, Summer Summer 2023 2023 Issue

The Crispin

45 DENMARK ST. WOKINGHAM

Quality Cask Ales Proud to serve from locAles, including:

A well-respected free-of-tietraditional pub in the heart of Wokingham.

➢ Monthly charity quiz night; ➢ Jukebox; ➢ Dog friendly; ➢ Bring Your Own Food, settle down with a takeaway (china etc. provided) ➢ BT Sport - great place to watch rugby union and the Champions League. Other sports shown; ➢ Large beer garden.

➢ Hogsback ➢ Rebellion ➢ Loddon ➢ White Horse ➢ Ascot ➢ Palmers Beer Festival Weekend May Bank Holiday (29 Apr Sat – Mon 1 May) th

st

Upto 10 cask ales & 5 ciders available Sun pm LIVE MUSIC from “Gas Trick Band” Sun & Mon Mexican Street Food by Con Salsita

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

Drinking Drinking on on the the NHS NHS A A personal personal reflection reflection by

by Stuart Stuart Farrer Farrer Please Please don’t don’t rush rush to to ring ring your your GP GP to to get a prescription for beer on get a prescription for beer on the the system! system!

II was was just just 15 15 years years old. old. My My mates mates and and II were eventually exposed by one of were eventually exposed by one of our our dads, dads, who who caught caught us us in in a a pub pub and and gave gave the the landlord landlord a a stern stern talking talking to to for for allowing allowing us us to to drink drink there. there. In In the the years years from from 1959 1959 to to 1965 1965 II acquired acquired a a liking liking for for real real ale, ale, often often enjoying enjoying a pint of Massey’s or Thwaite’s a pint of Massey’s or Thwaite’s prior prior to to a a “dodgy” “dodgy” curry curry on on the the walk walk back back from from our our local local Mecca Mecca dance-hall dance-hall in in town. town.

My My first first move move was was to to Oldham, Oldham, where where between between 1965 1965 and and 1967 1967 II had had my my first first of of many many lovely lovely Boddington Boddington tipples. tipples.

In In 1967 1967 II moved moved to to Yorkshire, Yorkshire, firstly firstly to to Harrogate, then Wakefield.

I travelled Harrogate, then Wakefield. I travelled the the Dales Dales performing performing internal internal audits audits and and often often enjoyed a pint of Tetley’s, Timothy enjoyed a pint of Tetley’s, Timothy Taylor’s, Taylor’s, Robinson’s, Robinson’s, Theakston’s, Theakston’s, John John Smith’s Smith’s or or Samuel Smith’s.

Whilst living in Tadcaster, Samuel Smith’s. Whilst living in Tadcaster, II enjoyed enjoyed beer beer at at the the John John Smith’s Smith’s Brewery Brewery Tap, Tap, where where my my brother-in-law brother-in-law was was chief chief accountant accountant (it (it was was help help yourself!). yourself!).

There There was was a a time, time, you you may may know, know, when when hospitals had their own brewing hospitals had their own brewing facilities facilities and and beer beer was was part part of of the the daily daily intake intake if if you were hospitalised.

Regrettably, you were hospitalised. Regrettably, for for some, some, this this is is no no longer longer the the case. case.

II worked worked at at one one long long standing standing infirmary, infirmary, which in times past, had which in times past, had its its own own brewing brewing facility. facility. II spent spent 32 32 years years working working for for the the NHS NHS as as a a trainee, trainee, then then later later as as a a manager, manager, in in hospitals hospitals and and other other health health facilities facilities in in various various parts parts of of England.

England. During During this this time, time, II was was enjoying enjoying pints pints wherever wherever II happened happened to to be. be. That’s That’s not not to to say say drinking drinking beer beer was was part part of of my my job job description, description, or or an an aid aid to to doing doing my my job, but rather, as a social pursuit. job, but rather, as a social pursuit.

Like Like most most lads lads at at that that time, time, my my interest interest in in beer beer began began long long before before II joined joined the the NHS NHS in in Burnley, Burnley, my my home home town, town, in in fact fact itit was was when when

Page Page 24 24

In In 1972 1972 II moved moved to to Bristol Bristol for for three three years, years, where where II met met and and married married my my wife wife and and enjoyed enjoyed drinking drinking lots lots of of Davenport’s, Davenport’s, and and Courage Courage ales, ales, Director’s Director’s being being a a particularly particularly favourite favourite tipple tipple of of mine. mine.

In In 1975 1975 II moved moved back back to to Preston Preston Hospital Hospital to to work for three years and drank work for three years and drank lots lots more more Boddington’s, Boddington’s, which which also also happened happened to to be be a a favourite brew of the two mortuary favourite brew of the two mortuary attendants. attendants. They They had had very very difficult difficult jobs jobs and and occasionally occasionally II had had to to persuade persuade them them back back to to work work from from the the local local pub pub after after their their lunch lunch break, break, to to release release bodies bodies from from the the public public mortuary on the site! mortuary on the site!

In In 1978 1978 II moved moved to to to to John John Radcliffe Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for a period Hospital in Oxford for a period of of four four years years where where II particularly particularly enjoyed enjoyed drinking drinking Brakspear’s Brakspear’s and and Hook Hook Norton Norton ales. ales.

Issue Issue 71, 71, Summer Summer 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk In 1983 I moved to Burton upon Trent for six years, where I first experienced its famous Burton Union system, drinking beers from Ind Coope, Bass, Marstons, and Everards.

I took my children to the Bass Museum to see the shire horses, whilst I enjoyed the very best draught Bass in the brewery-tap.

Everywhere in the town there was an aroma of beer brewing and also Marmite and Bovril two other famous brewing byproducts from Burton.

I recall the Burton Bridge Brewery, which was established and run by two ex Ind Coope staff, at the start of the boom in micro breweries. There was a great skittles alley at the Burton Bridge Inn, with regular matches held between hospital staff groups, such as junior doctors versus the porters.

From 1985 onwards, whilst still resident in Burton, I worked nationally across the NHS, and from a Birmingham University base, enjoyed midland brews including Mitchell’s

Issue 71, Summer 2023

& Butler’s, Bank’s and Holden’s, as well as Adnam’s, Greene King and Tolly Cobbold in East Anglia.

In 1989 I moved to Bath, working in Bristol for six years, nationally and then regionally enjoying Fuller’s, Young’s, Courage Davenport’s, Bath Ale’s, Wadsworth’s, Pitchfork, Butcombe, Doombar, as well as Brakspears!

I retired from the NHS in 1995 and was then self-employed as a trainer working in Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. I continued to enjoy the local ales and after becoming a teacher in Bristol I eventually retired in 2010.

So to conclude, although not necessarily health-giving, beer has kept me socially sane and enabled me to enjoy good company wherever I’ve been with fellow tipplers – always in moderation of course!

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

In Nitro We Trust?

By

By Laura Laura Hadland Hadland

II was was surprised surprised to to learn learn that that Guinness Guinness is is now now the the most most popular popular pint pint pulled pulled in in British British pubs. pubs.

Outstripping the value Outstripping the value of of sales sales of of Carling Carling for for the the first first time time (although (although not not the the volume), volume), the the Daily Daily Mail Mail attributed the dry Irish attributed the dry Irish stout’s stout’s success success to to aa boost boost in in sales sales enjoyed enjoyed during during the the World World Cup. Cup. I’m I’m probably probably not not alone alone in in having having Guinness as my ‘stand-by’ pint Guinness as my ‘stand-by’ pint when when II find find myself myself trapped trapped behind behind enemy enemy lines, lines, in in aa pub pub with with no no cask cask ale ale or or decent decent craft craft beer. beer. It’s It’s aa known known quantity quantity with with consistency consistency on on its its side side -- although although there there are are enough enough #BadGuinness #BadGuinness posts posts on on Instagram to warn against Instagram to warn against aa lackadaisical lackadaisical pour. pour.

Dark beer is Dark beer is enjoying enjoying aa renaissance. renaissance.

Drinkers in the Drinkers in the capital capital looking looking for for an an independently and locally brewed independently and locally brewed alternative alternative are are turning turning to to Anspach Anspach & & Hobday’s London Black.

Hobday’s London Black. The The nitro nitro porter porter is is served served at at more more than than 100 100 outlets outlets in in London London and and is is the the brewery's brewery's most most popular popular beer, beer, accounting accounting for for 65 65 per per cent cent of of its its production. production.

Meanwhile, Meanwhile, Melton Melton Mowbray’s Mowbray’s Round Round Corner Corner Brewing Brewing has has experienced experienced unprecedented unprecedented success success with with Reverend Reverend Hooker Hooker nitro nitro stout. stout. ItIt was was first first brewed brewed as as aa seasonal, seasonal, but but after after becoming becoming one one of of its its top top three three best best sellers, sellers, the the Reverend Reverend now now has has aa spot spot in in the the core core range. range.

Guinness Guinness hired hired mathematician-turnedmathematician-turnedbrewer Michael brewer Michael Ash Ash to to investigate investigate ways ways

Page Page 26 26

of of improving improving the the quality quality of of its its beer. beer. Ash Ash experimented experimented with with different different methods methods of of dispense, dispense, heading heading up up the the team team of of scientists scientists that that innovated innovated with with nitrogen nitrogen gas in 1959. gas in 1959.

Using Using nitrogen nitrogen at at the the point point of of dispense dispense gives gives aa smoother, smoother, creamier creamier mouthfeel. mouthfeel.

The The gas gas is is less less soluble soluble in in liquid liquid than than carbon dioxide and creates carbon dioxide and creates smaller smaller bubbles. bubbles. The The texture texture of of the the nitrogennitrogeninfused stout set Guinness infused stout set Guinness apart apart from from other other breweries. breweries.

In In the the 1980s, 1980s, Guinness Guinness was was one one of of the the first to replicate the experience first to replicate the experience of of drinking drinking its its draught draught product product in in aa can. can.

Widgets Widgets release release nitrogen nitrogen gas gas when when the the can can is is opened. opened. The The surge surge of of bubbles bubbles mixes mixes with with the the beer beer to to create create the the signature signature creamy creamy texture. texture.

There There is is nothing nothing quite quite like like the the theatre theatre of of ordering ordering aa pint pint of of dark dark nitro nitro beer. beer. The The small small nitrogen nitrogen bubbles bubbles rush rush downwards downwards and and ultimately ultimately escape escape up up the the side side of of the the glass, creating a beautiful cascade glass, creating a beautiful cascade effect. effect. Guinness, Guinness, the the masters masters of of brainbraininvading branding, call it the “surge invading branding, call it the “surge and and settle settle effect”. effect”. A A double double pour pour is is used used to to release release more more nitrogen, nitrogen, enhancing enhancing the the creaminess creaminess of of the the head. head. Pouring Pouring the the beer beer in in two two stages stages also also heightens heightens your your anticipation. anticipation. Good Good things things come come to to those those who wait, or so we are told. who wait, or so we are told.

But But does does itit really really make make aa difference, difference, or or is is the the double double pour pour just just smoke smoke and and mirrors? mirrors? II wait wait impatiently impatiently for for my my pint pint of of Reverend Hooker nitro stout to settle Reverend Hooker nitro stout to settle at at

Issue Issue 71, 71, Summer Summer 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk

the jovial Round Corner Brewing taproom.

“The two-part pour is used to better control the appearance of the foam, creating a smoother, creamier head that is just the right size,” lead brewer Lara Lopes tells me. “If poured incorrectly, you can get larger, glassier bubbles and/or a head that is too big or too small.”

In 2013 it was a gutsy move for Anspach & Hobday to launch its brewery with a brown ale and a porter headlining. While the marketplace was awash with hoppy pales, Paul and Jack bet the farm on a modern approach to historical styles, wrapped in a distinctly local story. Just like the London brewers of old, they capitalised on the composition of the water to create unforgettable dark beers.

Over lockdown, they perfected a sessionable nitro version of their original porter using modern technology to elevate the distinguished heritage style and “make keg porter pour smooth like cask draught” according to cofounder Jack Hobday. London Black (below) was born.

Packaged in branding as smooth as the beer itself, London Black has found its niche. Anspach & Hobday is the first contemporary brewer to put a London porter out as its lead brand. It enjoys a permanent home in nearly 200 pubs and restaurants nationwide, more than half in London.

“We believe drinkers really care about provenance and are moving away from the world of global macro brands,” Jack

Issue 71, Summer 2023

tells me. “We’re not trying to supplant Guinness or any other beer, we’re simply offering a genuine London choice that celebrates our shared history.”

The recent launch of CAMRA’s Good Beer Yearbook was held at the Arch House, the Anspach & Hobday brewery and tap on the Bermondsey Beer Mile.

I watched some of the country’s most celebrated beer writers file up to the bar and all, independently, order London Black. No one was immune to its twicepoured charms. Industry leaders like Emma Inch, Pete Brown and Roger Protz all raised a swirling glass of chocolatey porter to the new publication.

“London Black represents a certain level of maturity I feel has been lacking within the new wave of British brewing,” says Matthew Curtis, author of Modern British Beer. “It is very delicious, but not too complex or overbearing, striking the perfect balance between flavour and

refreshment.”

Laura Hadland - Food & drink writer – small business advocate – pub lover – author of the Best Beer Book in the World 2022

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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 th Thursday Thursday 15 15th th Thursday 4th

Thursday 4

MAY MAY

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Open Open Meeting Meeting – – Newtown Newtown Pippin, Pippin, Ralphs Ride, Ride, Bracknell.

Ralphs Bracknell. RG12 RG12 9LR. 9LR. Meet Meet from from 8pm.

8pm. th Thursday Thursday 11 11th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Tutored Tutored Beer Beer Tasting Tasting Social Social – – The The Hive Hive Craft Craft Beer Beer and and Coffee Coffee Shop, Shop, 208-210 208-210 Duke’s Duke’s Ride, Ride, Crowthorne.

Crowthorne. RG45 RG45 6DS. 6DS. Meet Meet from from 6:45pm.

6:45pm. th Friday Friday 12 12th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – SPBW SPBW Woodfest, Woodfest, Egham Egham Real Real Ale Ale & & Cider Cider Festival, Festival, 111 111 Spring Spring Rise, Rise, Egham.

Egham. TW20 TW20 9PE. Meet Meet from 9PE. from 6pm.

6pm. th Thursday Thursday 18 18th

Afternoon Afternoon Social Social with with the the U3A U3A Beer Beer Appreciation Appreciation Group Group – – Oakingham Oakingham Belle, Belle, Oak Oak Avenue, Avenue, WokingWokingham. ham. RG40 RG40 1LH. 1LH. Meet Meet from from 1pm.

1pm.

Afternoon Afternoon Social Social with with the the U3A U3A Beer Beer Appreciation Appreciation Group Group – – The The Station Station Tap, Tap, 59 59 Station Station Road, Road, WokingWokingham.

RG40 2AD. Meet from 1pm. ham. RG40 2AD. Meet from 1pm. th Saturday Saturday 17 17th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – Bond Bond Brews Brews 8th 8th Anniversary Anniversary Beer Festival, Festival, 3-4 Beer 3-4 South South Barn Barn Gardeners Gardeners Green Green Farm, Farm, Heathlands Heathlands Road, Road, Wokingham.

Wokingham. RG40 RG40 3AS. 3AS. Meet Meet from from 12 12 noon. noon.

nd Thursday Thursday 22 22nd

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – The The Nag’s Nag’s Head, Head, 28 28 High High Street, Street, Sunningdale.

Sunningdale. SL5 SL5 0NG. 0NG. (Will (Will also also be be visiting visiting the Broomhill Broomhill Hutt).

Hutt). Meet Meet from from 7:30pm.

7:30pm. the th Monday Monday 26 26th

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.

RG12 1PB. Meet from 12 noon. nell. RG12 1PB. Meet from 12 noon.

th Friday Friday 19 19th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – Kingston Kingston Beer Beer Festival Festival – – Workmen’s Workmen’s Club Club and and Institute, Institute, 25 25 Old Old London London Road, Road, Kingston upon upon Thames.

Thames. Meet Meet from from 12 12 noon. noon.

Kingston nd Monday 22nd

Monday 22

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.

RG12 1PB. Meet from 12 noon. nell. RG12 1PB. Meet from 12 noon. th Saturday Saturday 27 27th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – Queen’s Queen’s Head Head Wokingham Wokingham Beer Beer Festival, Festival, 23 23 Terrace, Terrace, Wokingham, Wokingham, RG40 RG40 1BP. 1BP. Meet from from 12 12 noon. noon.

Meet th Saturday Saturday 27 27th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – Elusive Elusive Brewing Brewing 7th 7th Birthday, Birthday, Unit Unit 5 5 Mariono Mariono Way, Way, Hogwood Hogwood Industrial Industrial Estate, Estate, WoWokingham.

RG40 4RF. Meet from 3pm. kingham. RG40 4RF. Meet from 3pm. th Sunday Sunday 28 28th

Afternoon Afternoon Social Social with with the the BRATS BRATS (Bracknell (Bracknell Real Real Ale Ale Tipplers) Bracknell Tipplers) Bracknell Ale Ale & & Cider Cider Festival.

Festival. Bracknell Bracknell Rugby Club, Club, RG12 RG12 2UG. 2UG. Meet Meet from from 12 12 noon. noon.

Rugby th Thursday 8th

Thursday 8

JUNE JUNE

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – White White Swan, Swan, 10 10 Swan Swan Lane, Lane, Sandhurst.

Sandhurst. GU47 GU47 9DN. 9DN. (Will (Will also also be be visiting visiting the the VilVillage lage Inn Inn and and Rose Rose & & Crown).

Crown). Meet Meet from from 7:30pm.

7:30pm. th Saturday 10th

Saturday 10

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social – – Twyford Twyford Beer Beer Festival Festival – – StanStanlake lake Meadow, Meadow, Twyford.

Twyford. Meet Meet from from 12 12 noon. noon.

Page Page 28 28

th Thursday Thursday 6 6th

JULY JULY

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Open Open Meeting Meeting – – The The White White Horse, Horse, Easthampstead Easthampstead Road, Road, Wokingham, Wokingham, RG40 RG40 3AF. 3AF. Meet from 8pm.

Meet from 8pm. th th Friday Friday 7 7th and and Saturday Saturday 8 8th

10th 10th Maidenhead Maidenhead Beer Beer and and Cider Cider Festival Festival – – NMCC NMCC Sports Sports Bar Bar Summerleaze Summerleaze Park, Park, Maidenhead.

Maidenhead. SL6 SL6 8SP. 8SP. Meet Meet from from 12 12 noon noon (BRATS (BRATS on on Friday).

Friday). th Thursday Thursday 13 13th

CAMRA CAMRA BSE BSE Social Social -- The The Victoria Victoria Arms, Arms, Terrace Terrace Road Road North, North, Binfield.

Binfield. RG42 RG42 5JA. 5JA. Meet Meet from from 7:30pm 7:30pm th Thursday Thursday 20 20th

Afternoon Afternoon Social Social with with the the U3A U3A Beer Beer Appreciation Appreciation Group – –A A walk Group walk to to Jolly Jolly Farmer, Farmer, Wheelwrights Wheelwrights Arms Arms and and maybe maybe the the Pheasant..

Pheasant.. Meet Meet from from 1pm.

1pm. nd Saturday Saturday 22 22nd

Pubs Pubs by

by Bus Bus Route Route 3 3 -- Visiting Visiting Broad Broad Street Street Tavern, Tavern, Ye Ye Olde Olde Leathern Leathern Bottel, Bottel, The The Bull, Bull, Barkham, Barkham, Elusive Elusive Brewing and Siren Craft Brew.

Details TBA. Brewing and Siren Craft Brew. Details TBA.

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 -- 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.

Issue Issue 71, 71, Summer Summer 2023 2023

seberks.camra.org.uk

Fresh Start for Cask Beer Campaign

By Timothy Hampson

Writer and consultant Pete Brown, who took over the coordination of the campaign from co-founder Katie Wiles last month, said: “For years, all the research on cask ale shows that few people totally reject it – they just don’t have a reason to choose it more often than they currently do when there are so many choices at the bar.

A cross-industry campaign to literally refresh the image of cask ale has recently launched in selected pubs.

Drink Cask Fresh seeks to make real ale more relevant and attractive to younger drinkers by positioning it as the freshest drink on the bar.

Younger drinkers, who are currently less likely to drink cask, claim freshness is important when choosing what to drink. But they’re less likely to associate freshness with cask than with almost any other drink. In fact, well-kept cask ale is only on the bar for a maximum of four days.

Campaign kits developed by agency Ape Creative include bright wraps for hand pumps (pictured), branded glassware and bar runners, and beer mats with different messages about cask ale that link to www.drinkcaskfresh.co.uk.

Here, drinkers can learn more about how cask ale is not only the freshest beer on the bar, but also has a variety of flavours, is skilfully brewed and kept and has strong sustainability stories.

Issue 71, Summer 2023

“We know what discerning young drinkers want when they go to the pub. This pilot study will show that when we make cask more visible and relevant to younger drinkers, they’ll start drinking more of it.”

SIBA head of communications Neil Walker and co-founder of the Drink Cask Fresh campaign said: “Well-kept, fresh cask beer really is a world-class drink and yet many younger people have never tried it.

“This campaign is about raising the visibility of cask, empowering pubs and bars to champion it, and ultimately getting more people to not only try it for the first time, but realise just how delicious it is. Cask beer is delivered fresh, often from a local independent brewery, and is only on sale for a limited period of time – so Drink Cask Fresh today.”

The pilot campaign runs for 10 weeks until 8 May, with the intention of winning more backing from the beer and pub industry for a national roll-out later in the year.

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

National Beer Scoring System

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

Guide?

Scoring beer really easy! easy!

Scoring beer in in pubs pubs is is really

The scale for for judging The National National Beer Beer Scoring Scoring System System (NBSS) (NBSS) is is a a 0–5-point 0–5-point scale 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 and assist CAMRA branches in selecting pubs for the Good Beer Guide and also monitor also 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 to to tell tell us us about about the the quality quality of of If you you are are a a CAMRA CAMRA member, member, we we want want you beer in in the the pubs pubs you you visit. visit. If beer If you you are are not not a a member, member, why why not not join join Europe's Europe's most consumer organisation?

As an an incentive, incentive, when when you you score score most successful successful consumer organisation? As 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 home or or if if you you have have a a smart smart phone phone in in the the pub! pub!

You can can score score your your beer beer online online at at home To To submit submit your your scores scores just just visit visit whatpub.com. whatpub.com.

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 Log terms and terms 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.

You You can can find find out out more more here here whatpub.com/beerscoring whatpub.com/beerscoring

What do II need need to to record? record?

What do

•• The pub The location location and and name name of of the the 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, but but once once you you have have registered registered these these number, are recorded recorded automatically automatically in are in WhatPub WhatPub

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

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

1. Poor Poor

Beer is anything anything from from Beer that that is 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 for seek out the beer beer again. again. out the

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. seasoned likely find. A A seasoned drinker will award award this this score score drinker will very very rarely. rarely.

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

Once CAMRA branches branches can can download download them to Once beer beer scores scores have have been been submitted submitted online, online, CAMRA them and and use use them them 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 71, 71, Summer Summer 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) Hedgedog 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) 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 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 71, Summer 2023

Page 31

The Newtown Pippin harmans water

Homecooked Food

We are a family run pub in Harmans Water.

We took on the rather sad and failing Pippin during lockdown in March 2021 and decided to put every last penny we had into turning it around.

Two years on and what changes we have made, In October of last year we landed ourselves the CAMRA Newcomer award which for a pub that "will never sell ale" was quite an achievement and now 5 months on we have Branch Pub Of The Year!

Last weekend we had our third "Pippinfest" with an array of real ales and a Sunday packed full of music.

We are now the main hive in our community with weekly quiz nights, fortnightly acoustic cafe music nights, charity events, raffles, parties, christenings, wakes, anniversarys, baby showers, Wi meetings and many many more events.

We are currently undertaking major work on our patio and extending into our carpark. We are very fortunate that the "brutalist architect" that designed our pub designed it facing the sun all day!!

In addition to the above we do some amazing homecooked food, you may need to wait a while but it's definitely worth it and we will always have new ales to try to keep you occupied.

Lastly don't forget we are dog friendly!

And be warned, our pub dog Alfie can't control his licker!!