BAE 147

June/ July 2009

FREE, PLEASE TAKE ONE

Heroes

See centre pages for details

CAMPAIGNING

Budget Reaction Peterborough and District branch of CAMRA

CAMRA Gold Award Winners 2008

Pub Of The Year 2009

Real Ales always available Real Cider Locally sourced food served every day Opening hours: 11am-midnight Monday-Saturday 12-11.30 Sunday

Foundry Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2PP

Telephone 01780 755141

Cambridge Bitter 3.8%

Gold Award Champion Bitter of Britain 2006 Available all year round:

SEASONAL ALES Thin Ice 4.7% Jan/Feb Old Wagg 4.0% March/April Double Swan 4.5% May/June Mad Dog 4.4% July/Aug Barleymead 4.8% Sept/Oct Old Black Shuck 4.5% Nov Snickalmas 5.0% Wenceslas Winter Warmer 7.5% Dec

North Brink Brewery, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire 2

Tel: 01945 583160 info@real-ale.org.uk

T

his has been a bad month for pubs, small brewers and drinkers as our darling Chancellor increased alcohol duty by a further 2% and there seems to be no let up on the recession.

Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive, said

"It is disappointing that the Chancellor has ignored widespread public concern about the plight of Britain's pubs and decided to press ahead with an increase which will result in yet more valued community pubs closing down.

Well-run community pubs are already struggling as a result of last year's 18% increase in beer duty and the recession. This further beer duty increase will push more valued pubs over the edge resulting in job losses, reduced Government tax revenue and many more deprived of their favourite local pub."

"Well-run pubs provide an enjoyable and affordable night out in a safe and supervised environment and this duty increase will simply fuel irresponsible drinking of cheap discount alcohol in people's homes, public parks and on the streets."

The point about increased duty reducing income for the government is one that CAMRA has raised for some years and we are not alone: UK beer sales dropped by 8.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2009, compared to the same quarter in 2008, according to the latest UK Quarterly Beer Barometer, published by the British Beer & Pub Association.

The fall represents 1.7 million fewer pints drunk every day from January to March, than in the same period in 2008. Beer sales in pubs were down 6.3 per cent, equivalent to three quarters of a million fewer pints every day.

www.real-ale.org.uk

And these falling sales are reducing government duty revenues. Tax income from duty in January and February was down £17 million on the same period in 2008, despite the 18 per cent tax increase during the same period.

Jonathan Mail, CAMRA Head of Public Affairs, said: “It is now clear that ever-higher rates of beer tax are simply penalising responsible drinkers without raising any extra money for the Government. A pint of beer sold in the pub generates over 90 pence in tax and by standing idly by while 6 pubs a day close the Government are losing much needed tax revenues.

Tax on beer sold in pubs has risen by 20% since the start of last year and the Government must now take urgent action to give well run community pubs a break.”

3

CAMPAIGNING

Budget Reaction Peterborough and District branch of CAMRA

CAMRA Gold Award Winners 2008

Pub Of The Year 2009

Real Ales always available Real Cider Locally sourced food served every day Opening hours: 11am-midnight Monday-Saturday 12-11.30 Sunday

Foundry Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2PP

Telephone 01780 755141

Cambridge Bitter 3.8%

Gold Award Champion Bitter of Britain 2006 Available all year round:

SEASONAL ALES Thin Ice 4.7% Jan/Feb Old Wagg 4.0% March/April Double Swan 4.5% May/June Mad Dog 4.4% July/Aug Barleymead 4.8% Sept/Oct Old Black Shuck 4.5% Nov Snickalmas 5.0% Wenceslas Winter Warmer 7.5% Dec

North Brink Brewery, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire 2

Tel: 01945 583160 info@real-ale.org.uk

T

his has been a bad month for pubs, small brewers and drinkers as our darling Chancellor increased alcohol duty by a further 2% and there seems to be no let up on the recession.

Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive, said

"It is disappointing that the Chancellor has ignored widespread public concern about the plight of Britain's pubs and decided to press ahead with an increase which will result in yet more valued community pubs closing down.

Well-run community pubs are already struggling as a result of last year's 18% increase in beer duty and the recession. This further beer duty increase will push more valued pubs over the edge resulting in job losses, reduced Government tax revenue and many more deprived of their favourite local pub."

"Well-run pubs provide an enjoyable and affordable night out in a safe and supervised environment and this duty increase will simply fuel irresponsible drinking of cheap discount alcohol in people's homes, public parks and on the streets."

The point about increased duty reducing income for the government is one that CAMRA has raised for some years and we are not alone: UK beer sales dropped by 8.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2009, compared to the same quarter in 2008, according to the latest UK Quarterly Beer Barometer, published by the British Beer & Pub Association.

The fall represents 1.7 million fewer pints drunk every day from January to March, than in the same period in 2008. Beer sales in pubs were down 6.3 per cent, equivalent to three quarters of a million fewer pints every day.

www.real-ale.org.uk

And these falling sales are reducing government duty revenues. Tax income from duty in January and February was down £17 million on the same period in 2008, despite the 18 per cent tax increase during the same period.

Jonathan Mail, CAMRA Head of Public Affairs, said: “It is now clear that ever-higher rates of beer tax are simply penalising responsible drinkers without raising any extra money for the Government. A pint of beer sold in the pub generates over 90 pence in tax and by standing idly by while 6 pubs a day close the Government are losing much needed tax revenues.

Tax on beer sold in pubs has risen by 20% since the start of last year and the Government must now take urgent action to give well run community pubs a break.”

3

3rd Annual Beer Festival ‘The Country Pub in Town’ Award Winning, Multi-roomed, Family Friendly Real Ale Pub 6 Handpumps on at all times Ufford Ales, White Hart, Nirvana & London Pride + 3 Rotating Guest Beers Addlestones Real Cider Now Served Breakfasts and Food Served Lunchtimes (Mon - Thurs Evenings from late June) Open for Breakfast from 8am-11am (9-11 Sunday) Large Beer Garden + Grassed Play Area for Children

Thursday 9th July Sunday 12th July

30+ Lakeland & Northern Beers + Local Selection Live Bands • Barbecue Hog Roast

25 North Street, Bourne Tel: 01778 426819 smithsofbourne@hotmail.co.uk

Chairman’s Corner

D

ue to my departure from these shores for most of April, I’m still playing catch-up with our local activities and pub scene. One feature of my travels only yet again confirmed that this country has the best and the most diverse range of beer on the entire planet. What I would have given for a pint of Oakham Inferno or Bishops Farewell.

As it was Tiger Lager was the norm from an otherwise nonexistent choice.

It was no surprise to discover on my first day home that our ‘Darling’ had again increased the duty tax on beer, in spite of our efforts and requests not to do so. I also received a reply from my MP who forwarded the reply he had received from the Government Treasury. It states that the Government recognises many of our concerns that face the pub industry but in a nutshell, don’t intend to do much about rectifying any of the problems. Well at least he took the trouble to reply!

The good news that our last issue revealed about the resurrection of Bogart’s in the city centre has now moved onwards and, building work is at this time taking place on a major refurbishment. The pub will revert back to its previous name The Ostrich. Speaking to the new owners at the end of March, I and another Camra officer were shown the plans in full detail. We were informed that the new venue would be run as non-tied free house, with hopefully a leased licensee. Sometime in July was mentioned as the target date for opening.

During my absence our Branch launched the Locale campaign in two gatherings in Peterborough and Stamford, with one more to follow in Wisbech in May. A report of events can be found on the centre pages of this edition.

As this issue is published I draw your attention to only one more being produced before our grand Peterborough Beer Festival in August.

4

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

With this in mind now is the time to set dates aside if you’re going to be one of our volunteers that help build, and run the festival. We are always very grateful for any help that you can give us, whether it is only a few hours or the entire week. So make a note of the dates. Fence build – Sunday 16th August, Main build – Thursday 20th, Festival opens Tuesday 25th – Saturday 29th. Come along and be part of our energetic team – you could enjoy it!

Readers may have noticed that we have had a bit of a revamp to the structure of the newsletter?

Part of this is due to our new advertising promoter Chris Shilling, and this is the first issue he has been involved in. I would ask all advertisers to give him their full support and welcome him on board.

That’s all for now folks.

Cheers.

David Murray Branch Chairman

ARE YOU MISSING OUT? Only the beer-stained copy left?

Get

delivered to your door!

For a year (6 issues) send a £2.10 cheque/PO payable to “Peterborough CAMRA” and your address to:Daryl Ling 19 Lidgate Close, Orton Longueville Peterborough PE2 7ZA 5

3rd Annual Beer Festival ‘The Country Pub in Town’ Award Winning, Multi-roomed, Family Friendly Real Ale Pub 6 Handpumps on at all times Ufford Ales, White Hart, Nirvana & London Pride + 3 Rotating Guest Beers Addlestones Real Cider Now Served Breakfasts and Food Served Lunchtimes (Mon - Thurs Evenings from late June) Open for Breakfast from 8am-11am (9-11 Sunday) Large Beer Garden + Grassed Play Area for Children

Thursday 9th July Sunday 12th July

30+ Lakeland & Northern Beers + Local Selection Live Bands • Barbecue Hog Roast

25 North Street, Bourne Tel: 01778 426819 smithsofbourne@hotmail.co.uk

Chairman’s Corner

D

ue to my departure from these shores for most of April, I’m still playing catch-up with our local activities and pub scene. One feature of my travels only yet again confirmed that this country has the best and the most diverse range of beer on the entire planet. What I would have given for a pint of Oakham Inferno or Bishops Farewell.

As it was Tiger Lager was the norm from an otherwise nonexistent choice.

It was no surprise to discover on my first day home that our ‘Darling’ had again increased the duty tax on beer, in spite of our efforts and requests not to do so. I also received a reply from my MP who forwarded the reply he had received from the Government Treasury. It states that the Government recognises many of our concerns that face the pub industry but in a nutshell, don’t intend to do much about rectifying any of the problems. Well at least he took the trouble to reply!

The good news that our last issue revealed about the resurrection of Bogart’s in the city centre has now moved onwards and, building work is at this time taking place on a major refurbishment. The pub will revert back to its previous name The Ostrich. Speaking to the new owners at the end of March, I and another Camra officer were shown the plans in full detail. We were informed that the new venue would be run as non-tied free house, with hopefully a leased licensee. Sometime in July was mentioned as the target date for opening.

During my absence our Branch launched the Locale campaign in two gatherings in Peterborough and Stamford, with one more to follow in Wisbech in May. A report of events can be found on the centre pages of this edition.

As this issue is published I draw your attention to only one more being produced before our grand Peterborough Beer Festival in August.

4

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

With this in mind now is the time to set dates aside if you’re going to be one of our volunteers that help build, and run the festival. We are always very grateful for any help that you can give us, whether it is only a few hours or the entire week. So make a note of the dates. Fence build – Sunday 16th August, Main build – Thursday 20th, Festival opens Tuesday 25th – Saturday 29th. Come along and be part of our energetic team – you could enjoy it!

Readers may have noticed that we have had a bit of a revamp to the structure of the newsletter?

Part of this is due to our new advertising promoter Chris Shilling, and this is the first issue he has been involved in. I would ask all advertisers to give him their full support and welcome him on board.

That’s all for now folks.

Cheers.

David Murray Branch Chairman

ARE YOU MISSING OUT? Only the beer-stained copy left?

Get

delivered to your door!

For a year (6 issues) send a £2.10 cheque/PO payable to “Peterborough CAMRA” and your address to:Daryl Ling 19 Lidgate Close, Orton Longueville Peterborough PE2 7ZA 5

DIARY DATES

BEER FESTIVAL DIARY

Diary Dates

Selected Beer Festival (CAMRA events are shown in bold) MAY

MAY Fri 22nd Working Party Trip to Cambridge Beer Festival, bus departs Brewery tap 6.30pm, returning for 12.30am. The bus is free to all volunteers (who will receive preference), or £5 to others.

JUNE Sat 6th Mystery Tour by bus, depart Brewery Tap 11.00am, returning by 8.00pm, price of £12 to include meal.

Mon 8th PBF2009 Open Meeting, Draper’s Arms, 8.30pm. Come along and share your ideas, and also collect publicity material to distribute.

Wed 17th Branch Committee Meeting, Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe 8.30pm

Good Selection Of Real Ales Beer Garden With Childrens Play Area Open All Day Friday Saturday Sunday

JUNE

Good Food Available - Regular BBQ’S Separate Lounge & Bar Area, Snug Room Pool Table Juke Box Darts SKY TV Quiz Machine In Bar

Sat 6th & Sun 7th Bourne District Round Table Beer Festival, Wellhead, Bourne. Approx 50 beers.

Thu 11th - Mon 15th Festival of Beer & Brewing, Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket. Approx 60 ales, check www.ipswichcamra.com for further details

6 Foot Large Screen, Large Car Park Regular Live Music Saturday Evenings

JULY

Fri 12th & Sat 13th 7th Elysian Beer Festival, Ely City FC, Downham Rd, Ely. Approx 50 ales, check www.elycamra.org.uk or the advert in this issue for further details

AUGUST Tue 4th – Sat 8th Great British Beer Festival, Earl’s Court, London. Approx 750 ales, ciders & perries, check www.gbbf.org.uk for further details.

Fri 7th – Sun 9th Rigby’s 2nd Beer Festival, Market Place, Market Deeping. Over 20 ales.

Thu 13th – Sun 16th Grantham Beer Festival, Railway Club, Huntingtower Road, Grantham. Approx 40 ales & ciders, check www.granthamcamra.org.uk for further details.

Tue 25th – Sat 29th 32nd Peterborough Beer Festival – The Biggest, The Brightest & The Best!

Fri 12th – Sun 14th 7th Welland Valley Beer Festival. Check www.thetalbotinngretton.co.uk/wvbf for further details

Wed 1st HOP Award Presentation, Plough, Holbeach St Johns. Bus departs Brewery Tap 7.30pm, returning by 11pm, £5

Sat 20th & Sun 21st 11th Wilburton Beer Festival, Recreation Ground, Wilburton,Ely. Approx 30 ales, check www.wilburton.org.uk/BeerFestival

Sat 11th Annual Cycle Rally. Meet Cathedral Square for usual 6.00pm start.

Tue 14th Branch Committee Meeting, Brewery Tap, 8.30pm

Fri 26th – Sun 28th Hand & Heart Beer Festival, Highbury Street, Millfield. Approx 20 ales.

Thu 16th Elgoods Brewery visit & BBQ. Bus departs Brewery Tap 6.oopm, returning by 11.00pm, £5

JULY

Sat 25th Historical Pub Tour of Stamford by Steve Williams. Meet Stamford Railway Station at noon. (Contact Steve for further details)

Sat 4th Stamford Riverside Festival, live music and beer tent with over 50 ales.

Please contact John Hunt for bookings or further details, except where stated otherwise

6

Thu 28th - Sat 30th 3rd Northants Beer Festival, Delapre Abbey, London Road. Over 200 ales.

Wed 8th – Sun 12th 32nd Derby Summer Beer Festival, Assembly Rooms, Derby.

Approx 110 ales, ciders & perries, check www.derbycamra.org.uk

Wed 8th – Sat 11th 20th Ealing Beer Festival, Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5. Over 150 ales, check www.ealingbeerfestival.org.uk for further details.

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

PLEASE BOOK EARLY FOR TRIPS TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Mick Slaughter is on 01733 390598 John Hunt is on 01406 330453 Paul Brammer is on 07922 604988 Full details of all meetings and socials are posted on our website as soon as details are known. It’s the best way to ensure that you do not miss out.

7

DIARY DATES

BEER FESTIVAL DIARY

Diary Dates

Selected Beer Festival (CAMRA events are shown in bold) MAY

MAY Fri 22nd Working Party Trip to Cambridge Beer Festival, bus departs Brewery tap 6.30pm, returning for 12.30am. The bus is free to all volunteers (who will receive preference), or £5 to others.

JUNE Sat 6th Mystery Tour by bus, depart Brewery Tap 11.00am, returning by 8.00pm, price of £12 to include meal.

Mon 8th PBF2009 Open Meeting, Draper’s Arms, 8.30pm. Come along and share your ideas, and also collect publicity material to distribute.

Wed 17th Branch Committee Meeting, Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe 8.30pm

Good Selection Of Real Ales Beer Garden With Childrens Play Area Open All Day Friday Saturday Sunday

JUNE

Good Food Available - Regular BBQ’S Separate Lounge & Bar Area, Snug Room Pool Table Juke Box Darts SKY TV Quiz Machine In Bar

Sat 6th & Sun 7th Bourne District Round Table Beer Festival, Wellhead, Bourne. Approx 50 beers.

Thu 11th - Mon 15th Festival of Beer & Brewing, Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket. Approx 60 ales, check www.ipswichcamra.com for further details

6 Foot Large Screen, Large Car Park Regular Live Music Saturday Evenings

JULY

Fri 12th & Sat 13th 7th Elysian Beer Festival, Ely City FC, Downham Rd, Ely. Approx 50 ales, check www.elycamra.org.uk or the advert in this issue for further details

AUGUST Tue 4th – Sat 8th Great British Beer Festival, Earl’s Court, London. Approx 750 ales, ciders & perries, check www.gbbf.org.uk for further details.

Fri 7th – Sun 9th Rigby’s 2nd Beer Festival, Market Place, Market Deeping. Over 20 ales.

Thu 13th – Sun 16th Grantham Beer Festival, Railway Club, Huntingtower Road, Grantham. Approx 40 ales & ciders, check www.granthamcamra.org.uk for further details.

Tue 25th – Sat 29th 32nd Peterborough Beer Festival – The Biggest, The Brightest & The Best!

Fri 12th – Sun 14th 7th Welland Valley Beer Festival. Check www.thetalbotinngretton.co.uk/wvbf for further details

Wed 1st HOP Award Presentation, Plough, Holbeach St Johns. Bus departs Brewery Tap 7.30pm, returning by 11pm, £5

Sat 20th & Sun 21st 11th Wilburton Beer Festival, Recreation Ground, Wilburton,Ely. Approx 30 ales, check www.wilburton.org.uk/BeerFestival

Sat 11th Annual Cycle Rally. Meet Cathedral Square for usual 6.00pm start.

Tue 14th Branch Committee Meeting, Brewery Tap, 8.30pm

Fri 26th – Sun 28th Hand & Heart Beer Festival, Highbury Street, Millfield. Approx 20 ales.

Thu 16th Elgoods Brewery visit & BBQ. Bus departs Brewery Tap 6.oopm, returning by 11.00pm, £5

JULY

Sat 25th Historical Pub Tour of Stamford by Steve Williams. Meet Stamford Railway Station at noon. (Contact Steve for further details)

Sat 4th Stamford Riverside Festival, live music and beer tent with over 50 ales.

Please contact John Hunt for bookings or further details, except where stated otherwise

6

Thu 28th - Sat 30th 3rd Northants Beer Festival, Delapre Abbey, London Road. Over 200 ales.

Wed 8th – Sun 12th 32nd Derby Summer Beer Festival, Assembly Rooms, Derby.

Approx 110 ales, ciders & perries, check www.derbycamra.org.uk

Wed 8th – Sat 11th 20th Ealing Beer Festival, Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5. Over 150 ales, check www.ealingbeerfestival.org.uk for further details.

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

PLEASE BOOK EARLY FOR TRIPS TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Mick Slaughter is on 01733 390598 John Hunt is on 01406 330453 Paul Brammer is on 07922 604988 Full details of all meetings and socials are posted on our website as soon as details are known. It’s the best way to ensure that you do not miss out.

7

EDITOR’S RANT

EDITOR’S RANT

Move Over Darling “And when they’ve given you their all, some stagger and fall, after all it’s not easy, banging your heart against some mad bugger’s wall.”

P

ub licensees reacted with anger to the latest budget announcement, as our troubled Chancellor chose to ignore the advice of his peers and industry leaders alike, by continuing with his planned duty hikes on the nation’s favourite tipple. The Treasury now claims more than 50 times as much from each pint as is made by the brewer who crafted it, so is it any wonder that pubs are now closing at an unacceptably alarming rate as they lose even more of their trade to the supermarkets!

So there you have it, in a nutshell. This government doesn’t give a damn about our brewing industry. All that heritage counts for nothing as our man desperately struggles to balance his books, in the manner of an errant schoolchild hurriedly trying to amend their exam paper at the last minute after copping a glimpse of someone else’s answers. Darling justified the latest 2% increase (bringing the total rise to 20% in just 13 months), by saying “that it would help raise over £6bn by 2012 to secure Britain’s economic future and to provide help for people when they need it most.”

Balderdash! It is well proven that in the long term, any increase in taxation actually has a negative effect, resulting in even less money flooding into the Treasury coffers. But are Gord and Alistair really interested in the long term, or are they simply trying to cook the books in time for next year’s obligatory General Election? After spending billions of 8

pounds of public money to prop up the nation’s banking sector (the very people responsible for the onset of the current recession), Darling promised financial measures for all businesses to help them recover during these austere times. The car industry was singled out for special treatment of course, but while they and others were receiving a supporting hand, the brewing industry was once again singled out for punitive action.

Strange isn’t it? Our dynamic duo were both elected as MP’s by people living north of the border and who are served by a different government, so the actions of this pair have little effect on the lives of the voters who actually empowered them. How incredulous is that? Can you imagine having financial control of a company that you didn’t even hold a single share in?

As I have mentioned in this column before, pubs are at the heart of every community.

When run by responsible licensees, they promote responsible drinking; they provide safe havens in which to enjoy a quiet pint or two after work; to socialise with friends in the evenings; a meeting place for lost souls and in many cases a place of entertainment, with Sky TV for the big match or a live band kicking ass in the back room. Pubs help to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds annually for worthwhile local charities, and before Sat-Nav came along, were the signposts of many a travelling stranger. They act as function rooms for hatches, matches & dispatches, or conference centres for local campaigning groups to hold meetings. They even become public toilets when the occasional passer-by gets caught short and needs to spend a penny!

The supermarkets of course, are laughing all the way to the bank, as there are neither restrictions in place or intended legislation, to prevent them from continuing to sell cheap alcohol irresponsibly as a loss leader. The really big brewers, the global giants, could of course stand up and be counted. If the big boys refused to bow to the demands of Tesco et al, and sold them their products at the same wholesale prices charged to the on trade, then maybe it would result in a more level playing field?

So Darling, I say no to you and your misguided duty escalator. Direct taxation is not the answer to solving the nation’s financial plight.

Resign yourself to this fact and there are two things that you could do to help matters.

Firstly, persuade all of your cronies to give up their ridiculous expense claims, as that should save the country a few million quid OK? I wonder just what you lot do actually spend your inflated salaries on anyway, as you seem to claim for everything?

Many in the trade now feel that their relationship with the current government is well beyond repair, with thousands of pubs and tens of thousands of industry jobs likely to disappear during the next year. Nobody is asking for a hand-out here, just to be treated in the same manner as other struggling businesses during the worst global recession since before the war.

So, while I’m now resigned to paying £3 or more a pint for my favourite beverage, I hope you feel comfortable swigging your single malt paid for by Joe Public, and contemplate the second possible course of action. Quite simply, resign.

info@real-ale.org.uk

Cheers Bram

www.real-ale.org.uk

9

EDITOR’S RANT

EDITOR’S RANT

Move Over Darling “And when they’ve given you their all, some stagger and fall, after all it’s not easy, banging your heart against some mad bugger’s wall.”

P

ub licensees reacted with anger to the latest budget announcement, as our troubled Chancellor chose to ignore the advice of his peers and industry leaders alike, by continuing with his planned duty hikes on the nation’s favourite tipple. The Treasury now claims more than 50 times as much from each pint as is made by the brewer who crafted it, so is it any wonder that pubs are now closing at an unacceptably alarming rate as they lose even more of their trade to the supermarkets!

So there you have it, in a nutshell. This government doesn’t give a damn about our brewing industry. All that heritage counts for nothing as our man desperately struggles to balance his books, in the manner of an errant schoolchild hurriedly trying to amend their exam paper at the last minute after copping a glimpse of someone else’s answers. Darling justified the latest 2% increase (bringing the total rise to 20% in just 13 months), by saying “that it would help raise over £6bn by 2012 to secure Britain’s economic future and to provide help for people when they need it most.”

Balderdash! It is well proven that in the long term, any increase in taxation actually has a negative effect, resulting in even less money flooding into the Treasury coffers. But are Gord and Alistair really interested in the long term, or are they simply trying to cook the books in time for next year’s obligatory General Election? After spending billions of 8

pounds of public money to prop up the nation’s banking sector (the very people responsible for the onset of the current recession), Darling promised financial measures for all businesses to help them recover during these austere times. The car industry was singled out for special treatment of course, but while they and others were receiving a supporting hand, the brewing industry was once again singled out for punitive action.

Strange isn’t it? Our dynamic duo were both elected as MP’s by people living north of the border and who are served by a different government, so the actions of this pair have little effect on the lives of the voters who actually empowered them. How incredulous is that? Can you imagine having financial control of a company that you didn’t even hold a single share in?

As I have mentioned in this column before, pubs are at the heart of every community.

When run by responsible licensees, they promote responsible drinking; they provide safe havens in which to enjoy a quiet pint or two after work; to socialise with friends in the evenings; a meeting place for lost souls and in many cases a place of entertainment, with Sky TV for the big match or a live band kicking ass in the back room. Pubs help to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds annually for worthwhile local charities, and before Sat-Nav came along, were the signposts of many a travelling stranger. They act as function rooms for hatches, matches & dispatches, or conference centres for local campaigning groups to hold meetings. They even become public toilets when the occasional passer-by gets caught short and needs to spend a penny!

The supermarkets of course, are laughing all the way to the bank, as there are neither restrictions in place or intended legislation, to prevent them from continuing to sell cheap alcohol irresponsibly as a loss leader. The really big brewers, the global giants, could of course stand up and be counted. If the big boys refused to bow to the demands of Tesco et al, and sold them their products at the same wholesale prices charged to the on trade, then maybe it would result in a more level playing field?

So Darling, I say no to you and your misguided duty escalator. Direct taxation is not the answer to solving the nation’s financial plight.

Resign yourself to this fact and there are two things that you could do to help matters.

Firstly, persuade all of your cronies to give up their ridiculous expense claims, as that should save the country a few million quid OK? I wonder just what you lot do actually spend your inflated salaries on anyway, as you seem to claim for everything?

Many in the trade now feel that their relationship with the current government is well beyond repair, with thousands of pubs and tens of thousands of industry jobs likely to disappear during the next year. Nobody is asking for a hand-out here, just to be treated in the same manner as other struggling businesses during the worst global recession since before the war.

So, while I’m now resigned to paying £3 or more a pint for my favourite beverage, I hope you feel comfortable swigging your single malt paid for by Joe Public, and contemplate the second possible course of action. Quite simply, resign.

info@real-ale.org.uk

Cheers Bram

www.real-ale.org.uk

9

PUB NEWS

New Advertising Manager at BAE

132 Great Whyte Ramsey PE26 1HS Keith and Jenny offer a warm welcome to all old and new customers.

Serving a selection of Real Ales: Abbot Ale, Wells Bombardier, Black Sheep Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin Live Music Large Beer Garden

01487 812597 The Cambridge Blue (Real Ale Paradise) 85-87 Gwydir St Cambridge CB4 2BY 01223 471680 www.the-Cambridgeblue.co.uk Different ld Real Ales so .07 until from 17.10 = 30.04.09

A

dvertising sales in BAE and the Peterborough Beer Festival Programme are now being handled by Chris Shilling.

Based in Bourne, Chris may be familiar to some through his ongoing involvement in The Cambridge Beer Festival programme and Camra's quarterly 'Norfolk Nips' magazine.

'I've thoroughly enjoyed my time working on various CAMRA publications, but to get the 'BAE' job is a real thrill as i'm in regular contact with licencees and brewers on my own local patch, many of whom i've known for a number of years.'

Chris can be contacted on 01778 421550 or 07736 635916, or by email: chris@shillingmedia.co.uk

902

Real cider straight from the cask, Belgian beers on draught, chilled beers of the world and up to 17 real ales including mild always available. Over 100 bottled beers from around the world.

B

efore I go into my usual twitterings about all things pub-like, I'd just like to mention the photos that accompany my pages in our little magazine. It would appear that our Editor (may God bless his topering) enjoys nothing more that obtaining pictures that are less than flattering to an aging borderline turps swiller such as yours truly. It is for this reason that I have supplied our man of the words with a selection of likenesses that will make me look less like the overweight, balding old codger that I am. I have also suggested that he should occasionally include a photo that will emphasise characteristics of my alter ego, so don't be surprised if your Pubs Officer takes on the guise of Spiderman, Errol Flynn or Johnny Depp.

Hard times and soft porn OK, so times are hard, and landlords are having to resort to all types of ingenuity to bring in a quid or two, so it was only a matter of time before things were going to get a bit extreme.

Pamela Samson of the Decoy has intimated that she wouldn’t be averse to offering entertainment from the ‘Adult only top shelf’ category. You know the sort of thing, pole dancers and Ann Summers parties.

You can’t blame a girl for trying but is it going to be a winner? Your guess is as good as mine.

A pub so POSH The Beehive on Bourges Boulevard is a pub that has been coming and going for years now.

Never knowing if it’s quite open or closed can be a bit of a turn off for the casual drinker, so news that it is properly open is very welcome.

Any pub that can attract a loyal band of regulars has an added advantage in the success stakes and it looks like such a group have descended upon the Beehive. For those who

STIVAL BEER FE R E M M U 2009 2nd S 8th June 2 to e n u - 23rd J rs

100+ BeSet Street Party 7th Gwydir e!

All welcom

Saturday 2 10

Pub News

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

follow the POSH the pub may become a haven of blue and white as the regulars set about making the place their own. Discussions are ongoing with the management as to whether the pub can sport a themed interior.

Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?

Pubs Opening It was a sad day in March when Steve and Gemma threw in the towel at the Elmtree Tavern in Dogsthorpe due to an increase in rent. The pub had done a good food trade and the beers were excellent but in the current climate it wasn’t enough. I had assumed that the pub would remain closed for an eon, but local man Trevor Moy has taken over the reins and carried on the business after a brief hiatus, albeit with a slightly different tone. There is now more live entertainment and the menu has had a bit of a change. Real ale is still on and trade looks to be good. Trevor also runs the Blue Bell not a few hundred yards away.

When it was good it was very good and when it was bad it was very bad. A description of Bogart’s in North Street over the last 20 years if ever I heard it! The prospect of someone buying the pub and doing something good

with it seemed a far off pipe dream until Graham Finding and his associates came on the scene. Their idea of restoring the pub back to what it was when it was known by the sign of the Ostrich is an ambitious one but guaranteed to work in my opinion. Not being tied to any brewery they will be free to buy their beer

Continued Overleaf 11

PUB NEWS

New Advertising Manager at BAE

132 Great Whyte Ramsey PE26 1HS Keith and Jenny offer a warm welcome to all old and new customers.

Serving a selection of Real Ales: Abbot Ale, Wells Bombardier, Black Sheep Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin Live Music Large Beer Garden

01487 812597 The Cambridge Blue (Real Ale Paradise) 85-87 Gwydir St Cambridge CB4 2BY 01223 471680 www.the-Cambridgeblue.co.uk Different ld Real Ales so .07 until from 17.10 = 30.04.09

A

dvertising sales in BAE and the Peterborough Beer Festival Programme are now being handled by Chris Shilling.

Based in Bourne, Chris may be familiar to some through his ongoing involvement in The Cambridge Beer Festival programme and Camra's quarterly 'Norfolk Nips' magazine.

'I've thoroughly enjoyed my time working on various CAMRA publications, but to get the 'BAE' job is a real thrill as i'm in regular contact with licencees and brewers on my own local patch, many of whom i've known for a number of years.'

Chris can be contacted on 01778 421550 or 07736 635916, or by email: chris@shillingmedia.co.uk

902

Real cider straight from the cask, Belgian beers on draught, chilled beers of the world and up to 17 real ales including mild always available. Over 100 bottled beers from around the world.

B

efore I go into my usual twitterings about all things pub-like, I'd just like to mention the photos that accompany my pages in our little magazine. It would appear that our Editor (may God bless his topering) enjoys nothing more that obtaining pictures that are less than flattering to an aging borderline turps swiller such as yours truly. It is for this reason that I have supplied our man of the words with a selection of likenesses that will make me look less like the overweight, balding old codger that I am. I have also suggested that he should occasionally include a photo that will emphasise characteristics of my alter ego, so don't be surprised if your Pubs Officer takes on the guise of Spiderman, Errol Flynn or Johnny Depp.

Hard times and soft porn OK, so times are hard, and landlords are having to resort to all types of ingenuity to bring in a quid or two, so it was only a matter of time before things were going to get a bit extreme.

Pamela Samson of the Decoy has intimated that she wouldn’t be averse to offering entertainment from the ‘Adult only top shelf’ category. You know the sort of thing, pole dancers and Ann Summers parties.

You can’t blame a girl for trying but is it going to be a winner? Your guess is as good as mine.

A pub so POSH The Beehive on Bourges Boulevard is a pub that has been coming and going for years now.

Never knowing if it’s quite open or closed can be a bit of a turn off for the casual drinker, so news that it is properly open is very welcome.

Any pub that can attract a loyal band of regulars has an added advantage in the success stakes and it looks like such a group have descended upon the Beehive. For those who

STIVAL BEER FE R E M M U 2009 2nd S 8th June 2 to e n u - 23rd J rs

100+ BeSet Street Party 7th Gwydir e!

All welcom

Saturday 2 10

Pub News

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

follow the POSH the pub may become a haven of blue and white as the regulars set about making the place their own. Discussions are ongoing with the management as to whether the pub can sport a themed interior.

Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?

Pubs Opening It was a sad day in March when Steve and Gemma threw in the towel at the Elmtree Tavern in Dogsthorpe due to an increase in rent. The pub had done a good food trade and the beers were excellent but in the current climate it wasn’t enough. I had assumed that the pub would remain closed for an eon, but local man Trevor Moy has taken over the reins and carried on the business after a brief hiatus, albeit with a slightly different tone. There is now more live entertainment and the menu has had a bit of a change. Real ale is still on and trade looks to be good. Trevor also runs the Blue Bell not a few hundred yards away.

When it was good it was very good and when it was bad it was very bad. A description of Bogart’s in North Street over the last 20 years if ever I heard it! The prospect of someone buying the pub and doing something good

with it seemed a far off pipe dream until Graham Finding and his associates came on the scene. Their idea of restoring the pub back to what it was when it was known by the sign of the Ostrich is an ambitious one but guaranteed to work in my opinion. Not being tied to any brewery they will be free to buy their beer

Continued Overleaf 11

PUB NEWS

where they want, ensuring a choice of independent beers we would hope. They have a rare opportunity in that they have a blank canvass on which to paint their ideals. If they get it right and employ a good bod to run it, it will be an excellent addition to the already super pubs we have in the city. Get it wrong and opt for a deal with Greene King or some other Superpower and plonk a plonker behind the bar and we’re destined for mediocrity and a downward spiral of indifference. We at CAMRA Towers wish them all the best and look forward to seeing the finished product.

My apologies to all concerned regarding my unguarded words about the Cock in March.

It is currently trading.

While in March you should also look in on the George which has new people behind the bar and are doing well. The Acre also appears to be selling a selection of ales and don’t forget the Cromwell Hotel which specialises in local brews. The King William is also selling Tim Taylors in excellent condition.

The Rose at Frognall now has new people behind the bar and their inaugural opening occurred during the May Bank Holiday weekend. We look forward to hearing more.

As my duties of an unofficial estate agent for the local pub trade continue I was pleased to hear that the Old John Clare in Paston has reopened. Way back in a previous issue I said that the head lease of the pub was up for grabs for a song and a half. The prospect of ‘owning’ a free house for the next 50 years appealed to Simon King who has now snapped the place up. I probably can’t take the credit for this but it does give me a warm glow when it all comes together. I must also offer my apologies to a couple of the regulars who took offence when I said the place was at one time plagued by unsavoury characters! I can safely assume that the characters from now on will only be of the warm, kind and nice types. The pub appears to be trading nicely with two handpumps in use, 12

PUB NEWS

one with London Pride and the other with Tim Taylors Landlord, the latter being superb on my visit. The place could do with a bit of a makeover but it is early days. We wish him all the best and look forward to a third handpump in the future.

Doing well and thriving Talking of a third handpump - It was nice to see that Daron and Lynne of the Walnut Tree in Deeping St James have applied for their third pump. I gave them a mention in the last issue saying that the pub has reopened and is doing extremely well with the two existing beers selling like the proverbial hot cakes.

The pub had been closed since November last year and now the place is under expert supervision the ex-regulars are no longer ex.

The Woolpack in North Street Stanground is a great little pub. It’s now even better now landlady Linda Marks has replaced the Greene King dishwater with Woodfordes Wherry.

The pub always seems to be busy and considering the choice and quality of the beers it’s no surprise.

The Hand & Heart in Highbury Street is doing rather well thanks to Alan & Mary who took over a while back. They’ve got into the swing of things and are now supporting 2 darts teams, 2 crib teams as well as a domino team. The beer garden is now being given the Titchmarsh and Dimock treatment to provide a quiet haven of tranquillity, which may be disturbed when the forthcoming beer festival is in full swing from June 26th to 28th. All in all a well run and thriving boozer.

Closing time The Silver Jubilee in Bretton looks like it’s been sold to a property developer but details are vague at the moment. If planning permission is being sought for change of use we will be opposing it strongly. The same applies if the White Hart in Fletton is sold for other uses as mentioned in the local press a few weeks back. If the White Hart is closed then there are no pubs between Stanground and the Peacock in Town

info@real-ale.org.uk

or the Woodston. The pub is currently open and selling a Theakstons beer.

The Daniel Lambert in Stamford is up for sale. This is a freehold sale so the price will be as steep as the north face of the Eiger I suspect. The Dog in a Doublet is still boarded up as is the Oatsheaf in Whittlesey.

In March the Hammer & Anvil is firmly closed as is the Exchange in the town centre.

Landlord gets a pizza the action In the last issue I mentioned that Dick & Fiona Morgan of Ye Olde Dun Cow in Cowbit were broadening their normal pub business by providing a takeaway service to customers. Following on from this Harry Dickinson of the Royal Arms in Newark was hot on my heels pointing out that he’s been selling takeaway pizzas for six months now and probably giving Dominoes a run for their money too! The Royal as we know probably does the best carvery in town (arguments on a postcard please) but Harry’s move into the pizza game is proving just as popular. As Harry has worked in most of Italy in bakeries and restaurants he probably knows how the whole pizza thing works quite well. He even goes to the trouble of making his own dough and sauces so he’s quite the expert I suspect but you’ll have to try one of his pizzas to find out. It would also be a nice opportunity to try his Cambridge Bitter while you're waiting, something you definitely won't find at Dominoes!

A pint at the Zimmer Frame and Surgical Stocking Peterborough’s newest bar is open and doing well, serving beers to the discerning clientele of the Astoria Park Nursing Home in Park Crescent. It looks like residents of the home have had a pub installed to refresh those parts that normal nursing homes fail to reach. Not to be outdone by other pubs they have also stocked a supply of traditional pub games. Sounds like a good place to

www.real-ale.org.uk

Graham Guest House 296 Oundle Rd, The

Peterborough, Cambs PE2 9QA Tel: 01733 567824 Email: grahamguesthouse@btinternet.com

Friendly, family run guest house

ROOMS AVAILABLE from £25.00 a night including full english breakfast!

Large Car Park 10 minutes walk from the Peterborough Beer Festival site. Within walking distance of several real ale pubs including Palmerston Arms, Cherry Tree, Windmill Tavern and The Boltolph Arms.

10u% nt for

Disco CAMRA ers memb

party on down with your Dr Scholl sandals but if your name isn’t on the list you ain’t coming in!

Great Northern Hotel It came as a bit of a surprise when I heard that Peterborough Council had put a bid in to buy the hotel to save it from developers.

The bid wasn’t successful and the new owner will continue to keep the hotel open. If the council has a spare £2.6 million lying loose in its pockets perhaps it could buy up a couple of local pubs to keep them as community locals. Both Punch and Enterprise have said that most of their pubs are up for grabs for the right price and I think there will be a fair amount of bargains out there in the next year or so. It could also make financial sense for our council with the pubs rented at reasonable rates and no restrictive beer tie. This way the pubs would be assured of a more stable future resulting

Continued Overleaf 13

PUB NEWS

where they want, ensuring a choice of independent beers we would hope. They have a rare opportunity in that they have a blank canvass on which to paint their ideals. If they get it right and employ a good bod to run it, it will be an excellent addition to the already super pubs we have in the city. Get it wrong and opt for a deal with Greene King or some other Superpower and plonk a plonker behind the bar and we’re destined for mediocrity and a downward spiral of indifference. We at CAMRA Towers wish them all the best and look forward to seeing the finished product.

My apologies to all concerned regarding my unguarded words about the Cock in March.

It is currently trading.

While in March you should also look in on the George which has new people behind the bar and are doing well. The Acre also appears to be selling a selection of ales and don’t forget the Cromwell Hotel which specialises in local brews. The King William is also selling Tim Taylors in excellent condition.

The Rose at Frognall now has new people behind the bar and their inaugural opening occurred during the May Bank Holiday weekend. We look forward to hearing more.

As my duties of an unofficial estate agent for the local pub trade continue I was pleased to hear that the Old John Clare in Paston has reopened. Way back in a previous issue I said that the head lease of the pub was up for grabs for a song and a half. The prospect of ‘owning’ a free house for the next 50 years appealed to Simon King who has now snapped the place up. I probably can’t take the credit for this but it does give me a warm glow when it all comes together. I must also offer my apologies to a couple of the regulars who took offence when I said the place was at one time plagued by unsavoury characters! I can safely assume that the characters from now on will only be of the warm, kind and nice types. The pub appears to be trading nicely with two handpumps in use, 12

PUB NEWS

one with London Pride and the other with Tim Taylors Landlord, the latter being superb on my visit. The place could do with a bit of a makeover but it is early days. We wish him all the best and look forward to a third handpump in the future.

Doing well and thriving Talking of a third handpump - It was nice to see that Daron and Lynne of the Walnut Tree in Deeping St James have applied for their third pump. I gave them a mention in the last issue saying that the pub has reopened and is doing extremely well with the two existing beers selling like the proverbial hot cakes.

The pub had been closed since November last year and now the place is under expert supervision the ex-regulars are no longer ex.

The Woolpack in North Street Stanground is a great little pub. It’s now even better now landlady Linda Marks has replaced the Greene King dishwater with Woodfordes Wherry.

The pub always seems to be busy and considering the choice and quality of the beers it’s no surprise.

The Hand & Heart in Highbury Street is doing rather well thanks to Alan & Mary who took over a while back. They’ve got into the swing of things and are now supporting 2 darts teams, 2 crib teams as well as a domino team. The beer garden is now being given the Titchmarsh and Dimock treatment to provide a quiet haven of tranquillity, which may be disturbed when the forthcoming beer festival is in full swing from June 26th to 28th. All in all a well run and thriving boozer.

Closing time The Silver Jubilee in Bretton looks like it’s been sold to a property developer but details are vague at the moment. If planning permission is being sought for change of use we will be opposing it strongly. The same applies if the White Hart in Fletton is sold for other uses as mentioned in the local press a few weeks back. If the White Hart is closed then there are no pubs between Stanground and the Peacock in Town

info@real-ale.org.uk

or the Woodston. The pub is currently open and selling a Theakstons beer.

The Daniel Lambert in Stamford is up for sale. This is a freehold sale so the price will be as steep as the north face of the Eiger I suspect. The Dog in a Doublet is still boarded up as is the Oatsheaf in Whittlesey.

In March the Hammer & Anvil is firmly closed as is the Exchange in the town centre.

Landlord gets a pizza the action In the last issue I mentioned that Dick & Fiona Morgan of Ye Olde Dun Cow in Cowbit were broadening their normal pub business by providing a takeaway service to customers. Following on from this Harry Dickinson of the Royal Arms in Newark was hot on my heels pointing out that he’s been selling takeaway pizzas for six months now and probably giving Dominoes a run for their money too! The Royal as we know probably does the best carvery in town (arguments on a postcard please) but Harry’s move into the pizza game is proving just as popular. As Harry has worked in most of Italy in bakeries and restaurants he probably knows how the whole pizza thing works quite well. He even goes to the trouble of making his own dough and sauces so he’s quite the expert I suspect but you’ll have to try one of his pizzas to find out. It would also be a nice opportunity to try his Cambridge Bitter while you're waiting, something you definitely won't find at Dominoes!

A pint at the Zimmer Frame and Surgical Stocking Peterborough’s newest bar is open and doing well, serving beers to the discerning clientele of the Astoria Park Nursing Home in Park Crescent. It looks like residents of the home have had a pub installed to refresh those parts that normal nursing homes fail to reach. Not to be outdone by other pubs they have also stocked a supply of traditional pub games. Sounds like a good place to

www.real-ale.org.uk

Graham Guest House 296 Oundle Rd, The

Peterborough, Cambs PE2 9QA Tel: 01733 567824 Email: grahamguesthouse@btinternet.com

Friendly, family run guest house

ROOMS AVAILABLE from £25.00 a night including full english breakfast!

Large Car Park 10 minutes walk from the Peterborough Beer Festival site. Within walking distance of several real ale pubs including Palmerston Arms, Cherry Tree, Windmill Tavern and The Boltolph Arms.

10u% nt for

Disco CAMRA ers memb

party on down with your Dr Scholl sandals but if your name isn’t on the list you ain’t coming in!

Great Northern Hotel It came as a bit of a surprise when I heard that Peterborough Council had put a bid in to buy the hotel to save it from developers.

The bid wasn’t successful and the new owner will continue to keep the hotel open. If the council has a spare £2.6 million lying loose in its pockets perhaps it could buy up a couple of local pubs to keep them as community locals. Both Punch and Enterprise have said that most of their pubs are up for grabs for the right price and I think there will be a fair amount of bargains out there in the next year or so. It could also make financial sense for our council with the pubs rented at reasonable rates and no restrictive beer tie. This way the pubs would be assured of a more stable future resulting

Continued Overleaf 13

PUB NEWS

in a regular income towards the city’s coffers. A nice example would be the White Hart in Fletton. At a price of £250,000 the council could buy it up and rent it out at £20,000. This would be equivalent to 8% interest in the bank, which you'd be hard pressed to find in the current meltdown! Your comments Mr Peach, are always welcomed.

Beer Garden weather As the weather looks to be improving we need to set our sights on alfresco tippling at our local pubs. No doubt we all have our favourite sun traps but a pub beer garden is unique, where else can you drink real ale with friends while catching a few rays. Here is a quick run down of my top ten choices for outdoor pint shifting:1. The Coalheavers is an obvious choice.

2. Charters. Large outdoor area with a marquee for slightly inclement weather.

3. Bluebell in Dogsthorpe. Super little garden with a covered area. Where better to enjoy some of Elgoods finest.

Landlord/Landlady Wanted

4. Botolph Arms, Oundle Rd. Huge garden sited next to a kids play area. Virtually a country setting!

The Ostrich Inn North Street, Peterborough (formerly Bogart’s)

5. Woolpack in Stanground. Large rear garden with ample seats and a big tree. You can even arrive by boat should you have one.

We are an established local company, determined to preserve a full of character Peterborough Pub, which dates back to 1837. We are carrying out refurbishment and extension works, with a planned re-opening of July this year. Major improvements are being made to both the pub and the two bed room flat above, including new kitchen and toilet facilities, complete redecoration, and extensive landscaping to the sun-trap beer garden.

6. Black Swan in Farcet. With a garden the size of a football pitch the pub is an ideal stopping off point on the Green Wheel.

7. Golden Pheasant in Etton. Large garden overlooking nothing but fields, a superb rural setting.

We intend to lease the pub to a landlord or Landlady who is experienced in the licensed trade, and keen on the idea of running a completely free of tie traditional city centre pub, with an emphasis on wet trade, particularly the supply of locally brewed real ales.

8. Hand & Heart, Highbury St. Nice rear garden currently undergoing a bit of a makeover, so by the time you read this you will be able to enjoy the finely manicured lawn.

We are willing to be flexible with lease terms in order to attract the right person to make this happen. If that could be you, then in the first instance please email graham@baxterandking.co.uk including details of your relevant experience, and how you would like to take this opportunity forward. All contacts will be treated in the strictest confidence.

9. Cherry Tree, Oundle Rd. Big back garden, good food and a decent pint, lovely....

10. Admiral Wells, Holme. Big big garden.

14

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

Lovely beer and close enough to the railway to look at the trains.

I really need some more ideas. Help make a definitive guide to local beer gardens by letting me know your Top Ten. A bit of a do Not strictly pub news but it'll do no harm to give a couple of festivals a mention with a severe Stamford bias.

Every year the Stamford Arts Centre holds a Blues festival and included with all this music will hopefully be a little ale festival. If you’re not doing anything specific on the 5th -7th June you could do worse than visit Stamford.

Enquire at the Arts Centre for more details.

The biggy in Stamford is the Riverside Festival.

This is a one day event on the meadow with stages, an acoustic tent and a beer tent selling local ales at two and a half quid a pint. More details can be found on the internet, just type in Riverside Festival Stamford and you will find all. The music starts at 1pm on Saturday 4th July. Why not support a couple of local pubs while in town.

Miserable old buggers In the last issue I mentioned that the Hit or Miss in Stamford has founded a Victor Meldrew Appreciation Society. Not too far away from there is the Periwig, home to the Grumpy Old Mens Club, which has been acquiring a disparate group of souls since 2007. They even have a membership card complete with Mr Meldrew's photo! Andrew Haigh, who appears to be Chief Grumpy says that even though the name of the club supposes they are miserable they are in fact more of a Men behaving badly/Last of the summer wine hybrid. There is a very strict admission policy to the club as they don't particularly want anyone exerting a happy go lucky influence upon them!

Carry on sending in the pub news Steve Williams - Pubs Officer

15

PUB NEWS

in a regular income towards the city’s coffers. A nice example would be the White Hart in Fletton. At a price of £250,000 the council could buy it up and rent it out at £20,000. This would be equivalent to 8% interest in the bank, which you'd be hard pressed to find in the current meltdown! Your comments Mr Peach, are always welcomed.

Beer Garden weather As the weather looks to be improving we need to set our sights on alfresco tippling at our local pubs. No doubt we all have our favourite sun traps but a pub beer garden is unique, where else can you drink real ale with friends while catching a few rays. Here is a quick run down of my top ten choices for outdoor pint shifting:1. The Coalheavers is an obvious choice.

2. Charters. Large outdoor area with a marquee for slightly inclement weather.

3. Bluebell in Dogsthorpe. Super little garden with a covered area. Where better to enjoy some of Elgoods finest.

Landlord/Landlady Wanted

4. Botolph Arms, Oundle Rd. Huge garden sited next to a kids play area. Virtually a country setting!

The Ostrich Inn North Street, Peterborough (formerly Bogart’s)

5. Woolpack in Stanground. Large rear garden with ample seats and a big tree. You can even arrive by boat should you have one.

We are an established local company, determined to preserve a full of character Peterborough Pub, which dates back to 1837. We are carrying out refurbishment and extension works, with a planned re-opening of July this year. Major improvements are being made to both the pub and the two bed room flat above, including new kitchen and toilet facilities, complete redecoration, and extensive landscaping to the sun-trap beer garden.

6. Black Swan in Farcet. With a garden the size of a football pitch the pub is an ideal stopping off point on the Green Wheel.

7. Golden Pheasant in Etton. Large garden overlooking nothing but fields, a superb rural setting.

We intend to lease the pub to a landlord or Landlady who is experienced in the licensed trade, and keen on the idea of running a completely free of tie traditional city centre pub, with an emphasis on wet trade, particularly the supply of locally brewed real ales.

8. Hand & Heart, Highbury St. Nice rear garden currently undergoing a bit of a makeover, so by the time you read this you will be able to enjoy the finely manicured lawn.

We are willing to be flexible with lease terms in order to attract the right person to make this happen. If that could be you, then in the first instance please email graham@baxterandking.co.uk including details of your relevant experience, and how you would like to take this opportunity forward. All contacts will be treated in the strictest confidence.

9. Cherry Tree, Oundle Rd. Big back garden, good food and a decent pint, lovely....

10. Admiral Wells, Holme. Big big garden.

14

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

Lovely beer and close enough to the railway to look at the trains.

I really need some more ideas. Help make a definitive guide to local beer gardens by letting me know your Top Ten. A bit of a do Not strictly pub news but it'll do no harm to give a couple of festivals a mention with a severe Stamford bias.

Every year the Stamford Arts Centre holds a Blues festival and included with all this music will hopefully be a little ale festival. If you’re not doing anything specific on the 5th -7th June you could do worse than visit Stamford.

Enquire at the Arts Centre for more details.

The biggy in Stamford is the Riverside Festival.

This is a one day event on the meadow with stages, an acoustic tent and a beer tent selling local ales at two and a half quid a pint. More details can be found on the internet, just type in Riverside Festival Stamford and you will find all. The music starts at 1pm on Saturday 4th July. Why not support a couple of local pubs while in town.

Miserable old buggers In the last issue I mentioned that the Hit or Miss in Stamford has founded a Victor Meldrew Appreciation Society. Not too far away from there is the Periwig, home to the Grumpy Old Mens Club, which has been acquiring a disparate group of souls since 2007. They even have a membership card complete with Mr Meldrew's photo! Andrew Haigh, who appears to be Chief Grumpy says that even though the name of the club supposes they are miserable they are in fact more of a Men behaving badly/Last of the summer wine hybrid. There is a very strict admission policy to the club as they don't particularly want anyone exerting a happy go lucky influence upon them!

Carry on sending in the pub news Steve Williams - Pubs Officer

15

BAE GONES

BAE Gones

Celebration of Summer Ales

20 Years Ago We were preparing for a July 4th Independents Day crawl to Stamford visiting thirteen pubs selling beers from independent breweries. As July 4th is a Saturday this year, it could be interesting to try the same crawl to see how it compares.

The Monopolies and Mergers Commission had reported recommending that brewers be limited to 2,000 pubs and that tenants should be allowed a guest beer of their choice. We were still waiting to hear if plans to close Westgate Arcade would be approved making the Still a daytime only pub.

Ramblewood Inn June 19th-21st 6 local Summer Ales + BBQ Sunday

15 Years Ago As the European Elections were due (as they are now), we reminded potential MEPs of some of CAMRA’s aims. We wanted ingredients labelling and place of brewing to be stated on labels or the point of dispense and we wanted a lower rate of duty to give real ale a fair chance. Nothing has changed and we are still waiting.

Contact: John Marten, The Ramblewood Inn, The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough PE2 Tel: 01733 391111

We also wanted to retain the pint for beer and cider and we wanted a lower duty rate for small brewers so at least a few things changed.

16

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

17

BAE GONES

BAE Gones

Celebration of Summer Ales

20 Years Ago We were preparing for a July 4th Independents Day crawl to Stamford visiting thirteen pubs selling beers from independent breweries. As July 4th is a Saturday this year, it could be interesting to try the same crawl to see how it compares.

The Monopolies and Mergers Commission had reported recommending that brewers be limited to 2,000 pubs and that tenants should be allowed a guest beer of their choice. We were still waiting to hear if plans to close Westgate Arcade would be approved making the Still a daytime only pub.

Ramblewood Inn June 19th-21st 6 local Summer Ales + BBQ Sunday

15 Years Ago As the European Elections were due (as they are now), we reminded potential MEPs of some of CAMRA’s aims. We wanted ingredients labelling and place of brewing to be stated on labels or the point of dispense and we wanted a lower rate of duty to give real ale a fair chance. Nothing has changed and we are still waiting.

Contact: John Marten, The Ramblewood Inn, The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough PE2 Tel: 01733 391111

We also wanted to retain the pint for beer and cider and we wanted a lower duty rate for small brewers so at least a few things changed.

16

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

17

LOCALE

LOCALE

UPDATE

Photographs of both events held so far are shown, and a report of the Stamford Crawl follows overleaf. The following pubs are now signed up to the LocAle scheme and you should be able to find a beer brewed within thirty miles of the pub when you visit them.

Please let us know if this is not the case.

C

AMRA’s LocAle accreditation scheme aims to promote pubs that sell locallybrewed real ale, reducing the number of beer miles and supporting local breweries.

The scheme was launched locally in Peterborough at the Brewery Tap on April 9th and in Stamford on April 23rd. The next phase will take in many of the pubs owned by Elgoods brewery and will take place at the Three Tuns in Wisbech on May 20th.

The LOCALE presentations in and around Peterborough and Stamford

LocAle Hall of Fame Admiral Wells, Holme Angel, Wisbech Bell Inn, Murrow Black Hart, Thorney Black Swan, Farcet Blue Bell, Helpston Blue Bell, Maxey Blue Bell, Werrington BlueBell, Dogsthorpe Boat, Whittlesey Brewery Tap, Peterborough Charters, Peterborough Chequers, Friday Bridge Chequers, Tholomas Drove Cherry Tree, Peterborough Cock Inn, March College Arms, Peterborough Crown Hotel, Stamford

18

Deeping Stage, Market Deeping Drapers Arms, Peterborough Dun Cow, Christchurch Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Kings Cliffe Firkin Ale, Bourne Five Horseshoes, Barholm George, Doddington Goat, Frognall Green Man, Stamford Hand & Heart, Peterborough Hare & Hounds, Wisbech Jolly Brewer, Stamford Jubilee, Bourne Letter B, Whittlesey Old Coach House, Deeping Oliver Cromwell, March Otters Pocket, Stamford

Periwig, Stamford Plough, Farcet Fen Plough, Holbeach St Johns Red Lion, Gedney Hill Red Lion, West Deeping Red Lion, Wisbech Rigbys, Market Deeping Rising Sun, Leverington Rose & Crown, March Rose Inn, Frognall Royal Arms, Peterborough Smiths, Bourne Swan, Parsons Drove Three Tuns, Wisbech Tobie Norris, Stamford Wheel Inn, Wisbech St Mary White Hart, Ufford

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

19

LOCALE

LOCALE

UPDATE

Photographs of both events held so far are shown, and a report of the Stamford Crawl follows overleaf. The following pubs are now signed up to the LocAle scheme and you should be able to find a beer brewed within thirty miles of the pub when you visit them.

Please let us know if this is not the case.

C

AMRA’s LocAle accreditation scheme aims to promote pubs that sell locallybrewed real ale, reducing the number of beer miles and supporting local breweries.

The scheme was launched locally in Peterborough at the Brewery Tap on April 9th and in Stamford on April 23rd. The next phase will take in many of the pubs owned by Elgoods brewery and will take place at the Three Tuns in Wisbech on May 20th.

The LOCALE presentations in and around Peterborough and Stamford

LocAle Hall of Fame Admiral Wells, Holme Angel, Wisbech Bell Inn, Murrow Black Hart, Thorney Black Swan, Farcet Blue Bell, Helpston Blue Bell, Maxey Blue Bell, Werrington BlueBell, Dogsthorpe Boat, Whittlesey Brewery Tap, Peterborough Charters, Peterborough Chequers, Friday Bridge Chequers, Tholomas Drove Cherry Tree, Peterborough Cock Inn, March College Arms, Peterborough Crown Hotel, Stamford

18

Deeping Stage, Market Deeping Drapers Arms, Peterborough Dun Cow, Christchurch Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Kings Cliffe Firkin Ale, Bourne Five Horseshoes, Barholm George, Doddington Goat, Frognall Green Man, Stamford Hand & Heart, Peterborough Hare & Hounds, Wisbech Jolly Brewer, Stamford Jubilee, Bourne Letter B, Whittlesey Old Coach House, Deeping Oliver Cromwell, March Otters Pocket, Stamford

Periwig, Stamford Plough, Farcet Fen Plough, Holbeach St Johns Red Lion, Gedney Hill Red Lion, West Deeping Red Lion, Wisbech Rigbys, Market Deeping Rising Sun, Leverington Rose & Crown, March Rose Inn, Frognall Royal Arms, Peterborough Smiths, Bourne Swan, Parsons Drove Three Tuns, Wisbech Tobie Norris, Stamford Wheel Inn, Wisbech St Mary White Hart, Ufford

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

19

STAMFORD TRIP

Stamford LocAle Crawl

A

pub crawl in Stamford is always a pleasure as there are enough good pubs to make visiting them all a dangerous if not impossible task. On the LocAle crawl we were only visiting those establishments offering a beer brewed within thirty miles Stamford.

Rigby’s Beer Fest 20 PLUS Beers outside plus

At the Crown the JHB had just run out and the next cask wasn’t ready. This will sometimes be the case at a LocAle pub, but no worry, we slipped next door to the Periwig where the Adnams bitter was complemented by Ufford Ales White Hart.

Above: The Green Man, Stamford and Right: Poggy and Wayno

We called at the Green Man earlier than intended and missed the boss, Tony Shilling, but with seven real ales to choose from including Oakham Ales Two Tanners, everyone left happy. Our next stop, which should have been our first, was the Jolly Brewer with four beers and a traditional cider, the LocAle offerings being Oakham JHB and Great Oakley “Fly the Flag”. It was here that we met Poggy and Wayno from Tipton, West Midlands. They assured me that they had visited all of the pubs in Stamford in the last nine months and that the Jolly Brewer had the best company and friendship.

Market Deeping

usuals on bar, ciders and country wines.

Final stop was the Tobie Norris and they had a beer festival at the time. As a result of trying several beers, I can’t remember exactly what beers were available, though there would have been offerings from Ufford Ales.

Jolly Brewer LocAle Beer Festival If ever a pub thoroughly deserved the title ‘Pub of the Year’, then this is surely it. Dean & Gill at the Jolly Brewer followed their POTY predecessors by holding their beer festival a week later so it coincided with the Bank Holiday weekend.

Quick to support the LocAle scheme, their entire range of festival beers came from eleven breweries, all either local or just fractionally outside the 30 mile limit.

rigbys

FRI 7TH - SUN 9TH AUGUST 2009 9am - Late, Fri & Sat, Pub open 10am Sun but festival opens 12noon - Late.

Food available.

Market Place, Market Deeping, Peterborough 01778 344993

Many other pubs in our branch are holding their annual festival during the forthcoming summer months, so maybe they could take up the idea to further promote LocAle beers?

The Otter’s Pocket had five real ales on offer including JHB and Bishops Farewell and was busy with a group of people celebrating St George’s Day.

20

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

21

STAMFORD TRIP

Stamford LocAle Crawl

A

pub crawl in Stamford is always a pleasure as there are enough good pubs to make visiting them all a dangerous if not impossible task. On the LocAle crawl we were only visiting those establishments offering a beer brewed within thirty miles Stamford.

Rigby’s Beer Fest 20 PLUS Beers outside plus

At the Crown the JHB had just run out and the next cask wasn’t ready. This will sometimes be the case at a LocAle pub, but no worry, we slipped next door to the Periwig where the Adnams bitter was complemented by Ufford Ales White Hart.

Above: The Green Man, Stamford and Right: Poggy and Wayno

We called at the Green Man earlier than intended and missed the boss, Tony Shilling, but with seven real ales to choose from including Oakham Ales Two Tanners, everyone left happy. Our next stop, which should have been our first, was the Jolly Brewer with four beers and a traditional cider, the LocAle offerings being Oakham JHB and Great Oakley “Fly the Flag”. It was here that we met Poggy and Wayno from Tipton, West Midlands. They assured me that they had visited all of the pubs in Stamford in the last nine months and that the Jolly Brewer had the best company and friendship.

Market Deeping

usuals on bar, ciders and country wines.

Final stop was the Tobie Norris and they had a beer festival at the time. As a result of trying several beers, I can’t remember exactly what beers were available, though there would have been offerings from Ufford Ales.

Jolly Brewer LocAle Beer Festival If ever a pub thoroughly deserved the title ‘Pub of the Year’, then this is surely it. Dean & Gill at the Jolly Brewer followed their POTY predecessors by holding their beer festival a week later so it coincided with the Bank Holiday weekend.

Quick to support the LocAle scheme, their entire range of festival beers came from eleven breweries, all either local or just fractionally outside the 30 mile limit.

rigbys

FRI 7TH - SUN 9TH AUGUST 2009 9am - Late, Fri & Sat, Pub open 10am Sun but festival opens 12noon - Late.

Food available.

Market Place, Market Deeping, Peterborough 01778 344993

Many other pubs in our branch are holding their annual festival during the forthcoming summer months, so maybe they could take up the idea to further promote LocAle beers?

The Otter’s Pocket had five real ales on offer including JHB and Bishops Farewell and was busy with a group of people celebrating St George’s Day.

20

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

21

OAKHAM ALES

OAKADEMY

Oakham Ales – A Bit Of Give & Take does not want its beers sold anywhere in poor condition, and this is a way of recognising and rewarding those achieving the highest standards.

T

he last couple of months have been a busy time for Oakham Ales, as they have not only received another clutch of worthy awards, but have also launched their own Oakademy, and have presented their own awards to regular outlets of their fine ales kept in excellent condition.

Photo by Marcus Sims

Attila Oakham Ales has received its plaque for winning the Champion Winter Beer of Britain title. CAMRA vice-chairman Bob Stukins, centre, presented the award to head brewer John Bryan and director Paul Hook. The award was won for Attila, the well known strong and superbly dangerous barley wine. This award means that Attila will automatically be entered into the final for Overall Champion Beer of Britain.

This and all of the other awards from the Winter Ales Festival were presented in the Brewery Tap on 31st March.

SIBA Oakham Ales picks up 3 more awards at the SIBA National Beer Competition 2009 !

Three more prestigious awards were recently given to the already multi-award winning brewery, who are located in Woodston, Peterborough and at the Brewery Tap. The 22

A member of CAMRA visits the pubs with someone from the brewery to taste each of the Oakham Ales beers available and mark them for temperature, taste, etc. Only those achieving the highest scores are then awarded the certificate.

ever popular Bishops Farewell came 3rd overall in the competition after winning its category of Champion Premium Bitter in the finals, which was held at the SIBA national conference in Stratford-on-Avon. Oakham’s newest permanent ale Inferno also picked up a bronze award in its category of Champion Bitters & Pale Ales.

(The picture shows Senior Partner Paul Hook collecting one of the 3 certificates at the conference.)

The 2 beers were put forward after their success in the SIBA East Region Competition in which Bishops Farewell again both won its category and was then named overall winner.

Inferno was also nominated for overall champion of the competition, but came a very respectable 3rd.The winners of the national finals were selected last month at a judging day at the Canalhouse pub in Nottingham, where the panel tasted the 55 finalist cask and seven bottled beers, served in perfect conditionBoth Bishops Farewell and Inferno can be found on many a bar locally, including the home of Oakham Ales smaller brewery the Brewery Tap and the Dutch barge/real ale emporium Charters.

These pubs will also be the first ones to be offered the monthly special brews produced on the micro-plant at the Brewery Tap (and, no doubt, any spare casks of festival specials).

The first award ceremony took place in the new meeting room in the Brewery Tap on 31st March, and a selection of photographs accompany this feature.

NB. While we are on the subject of beer quality, we need all of you to undergo a painful and unpleasant task – yes, we want you to taste beer when you are next in the pub – and then, the simple part, log on to our website, www.real-ale.org.uk and tell us what you thought. The process is easy, you just score the beer from utterly disgusting to absolutely superb quality, having selected the pub from a drop down list.

The reason we need these scores is to ensure that only pubs selling top quality real ale are entered into the Good Beer Guide and to bring to our notice those pubs that sell excellent real ale but are missed from the GBG.

The Oakademy of Excellence The Oakademy of Excellence has been set up

by Oakham Ales to recognize those pubs that sell their ales in excellent condition. A brewery that has won as many awards as Oakham Ales

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

23

OAKHAM ALES

OAKADEMY

Oakham Ales – A Bit Of Give & Take does not want its beers sold anywhere in poor condition, and this is a way of recognising and rewarding those achieving the highest standards.

T

he last couple of months have been a busy time for Oakham Ales, as they have not only received another clutch of worthy awards, but have also launched their own Oakademy, and have presented their own awards to regular outlets of their fine ales kept in excellent condition.

Photo by Marcus Sims

Attila Oakham Ales has received its plaque for winning the Champion Winter Beer of Britain title. CAMRA vice-chairman Bob Stukins, centre, presented the award to head brewer John Bryan and director Paul Hook. The award was won for Attila, the well known strong and superbly dangerous barley wine. This award means that Attila will automatically be entered into the final for Overall Champion Beer of Britain.

This and all of the other awards from the Winter Ales Festival were presented in the Brewery Tap on 31st March.

SIBA Oakham Ales picks up 3 more awards at the SIBA National Beer Competition 2009 !

Three more prestigious awards were recently given to the already multi-award winning brewery, who are located in Woodston, Peterborough and at the Brewery Tap. The 22

A member of CAMRA visits the pubs with someone from the brewery to taste each of the Oakham Ales beers available and mark them for temperature, taste, etc. Only those achieving the highest scores are then awarded the certificate.

ever popular Bishops Farewell came 3rd overall in the competition after winning its category of Champion Premium Bitter in the finals, which was held at the SIBA national conference in Stratford-on-Avon. Oakham’s newest permanent ale Inferno also picked up a bronze award in its category of Champion Bitters & Pale Ales.

(The picture shows Senior Partner Paul Hook collecting one of the 3 certificates at the conference.)

The 2 beers were put forward after their success in the SIBA East Region Competition in which Bishops Farewell again both won its category and was then named overall winner.

Inferno was also nominated for overall champion of the competition, but came a very respectable 3rd.The winners of the national finals were selected last month at a judging day at the Canalhouse pub in Nottingham, where the panel tasted the 55 finalist cask and seven bottled beers, served in perfect conditionBoth Bishops Farewell and Inferno can be found on many a bar locally, including the home of Oakham Ales smaller brewery the Brewery Tap and the Dutch barge/real ale emporium Charters.

These pubs will also be the first ones to be offered the monthly special brews produced on the micro-plant at the Brewery Tap (and, no doubt, any spare casks of festival specials).

The first award ceremony took place in the new meeting room in the Brewery Tap on 31st March, and a selection of photographs accompany this feature.

NB. While we are on the subject of beer quality, we need all of you to undergo a painful and unpleasant task – yes, we want you to taste beer when you are next in the pub – and then, the simple part, log on to our website, www.real-ale.org.uk and tell us what you thought. The process is easy, you just score the beer from utterly disgusting to absolutely superb quality, having selected the pub from a drop down list.

The reason we need these scores is to ensure that only pubs selling top quality real ale are entered into the Good Beer Guide and to bring to our notice those pubs that sell excellent real ale but are missed from the GBG.

The Oakademy of Excellence The Oakademy of Excellence has been set up

by Oakham Ales to recognize those pubs that sell their ales in excellent condition. A brewery that has won as many awards as Oakham Ales

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

23

OTHER NEWS

The GOLDEN

Pheasant

Open Daily: Mon – Thurs 12-3pm (Food 12-2pm) and 6-11pm (food 6-9pm) Fri/Sat 12-11pm ( food 12-2pm and 6-9pm) Sun 12-11pm (food 12-6pm)

3 Real Ales including Abbot, IPA and constantly changing Guest Beer.

Ciders including Westons Organic, Old Rosie and Aspell’s Huge Beer garden and Children’s play area in beautiful rural setting Large Function suite for Parties, Weddings, Christenings and Exhibitions Food served daily offering a range of menus including Lunchtime Specials, ‘Early Bird’ menu, Bar Snacks and A la Carte 1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough PE6 7DA Tel 01733 252387 Email kateshinkins@hotmail.com Web www.thegoldenpheasant.net

Live Entertainment every Real Ales regularly on sale Friday Evening Hancocks 3.6% Everards Tiger 4.2%, Open Mondays for lunch and Evening meals Coming soon - Weekly Bingo Meat Raffle Every Friday

Opening Times Mon - Sat 12noon - 3pm & 6pm onwards Food Served 12noon - 2pm & 6pm - 8.45pm

Oakham JHB 3.8% Regular guest beers are: Absolution - Abbeydale Crazy Daze - Pot Belly No 1 Bitter - Hopshackle Bitter and Broadside - Adnams 1050 - Grainstore Bishops Farewell - Oakham HMS Warrior & Marie Celeste - Newby Wyke Abbot & IPA - Green King

Sunday 12noon - 11.30pm Food Served Until 7.45pm

01778 347190

Function room available for hire

48 King Street, West Deeping

24

info@real-ale.org.uk

Other Brewery News Ufford Ales The brewery expansion to a 10 barrel plant was completed in late March. Three beers, Golden Drop, White Hart Bitter and Nirvana have been brewed in the new plant with varying results.

Due to the new plant Nirvana is now brewed at 5.4% instead of the 5.7% as previously.

There are plans to sell beers to pubs not associated with the brewery and its owner, but thanks to Adnams purchasing 54 firkins for their tied houses there has been no spare beer to sell as yet.

Simon Raines, the brewer, has shelved plans to produce a new beer every two months until he has got used to brewing on the new plant. He does however expect to be brewing a special for the Peterborough Beer Festival, at which he hopes to win an award for the third year in a row.

The old brewing plant has been sold to a new brewery in Castor who hope to officially launch their beer at the Peterborough Beer Festival.

Grainstore Brewery They are currently brewing for five days per week to keep up with demand. In its first month of production Phipps sold over 70,000 pints and now takes up 25% of the breweries production. The last head brewer of Phipps, Dusty Miller, worked with Tony Davies at Ruddles. A new brew for the Phipps line is Red Star, at 3.8%. It is named after the company’s logo, a red star of David. The launch was at the Ruston Cavalcade over the May Day Holiday.

Melbourn Brewery After going through a poor period last year they are now back to normal production (for this brewery). The still only produce the three fruit beers, which are pasteurised and therefore not real ales.

The brewer comes down from Sam Smiths and

www.real-ale.org.uk

produces eight batches per year, which are taken away four times per year for bottling.

Tours of the brewery started up again last month. They are each weekend, but some can be organised during the week if the tour guide is available. He is an official guide and works for Burghley House just outside Stamford.

Digfield Ales This popular brewery continues to go from strength to strength, with 5 of their core range beers now having won many awards at Peterborough & Leicester CAMRA Beer festivals among others. If you want to know which pubs regular sell their ales, or if you are interested in buying some for your own pub, then check out their website at www.digfield-ales.co.uk

Pub Merit Awards & Gold Awards The committee feel that pubs outside of Peterborough are missing out on Gold Awards and so they have introduced a new Merit Award for pubs that are continuously outstanding. If you know of a pub in our area that deserves a Merit Award or Gold Award then please complete the following form and send it to our Secretary.

Pub name: Pub address/town/village: Reason for award:

Your name: Your phone number or e-mail address: Your membership number:

25

OTHER NEWS

The GOLDEN

Pheasant

Open Daily: Mon – Thurs 12-3pm (Food 12-2pm) and 6-11pm (food 6-9pm) Fri/Sat 12-11pm ( food 12-2pm and 6-9pm) Sun 12-11pm (food 12-6pm)

3 Real Ales including Abbot, IPA and constantly changing Guest Beer.

Ciders including Westons Organic, Old Rosie and Aspell’s Huge Beer garden and Children’s play area in beautiful rural setting Large Function suite for Parties, Weddings, Christenings and Exhibitions Food served daily offering a range of menus including Lunchtime Specials, ‘Early Bird’ menu, Bar Snacks and A la Carte 1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough PE6 7DA Tel 01733 252387 Email kateshinkins@hotmail.com Web www.thegoldenpheasant.net

Live Entertainment every Real Ales regularly on sale Friday Evening Hancocks 3.6% Everards Tiger 4.2%, Open Mondays for lunch and Evening meals Coming soon - Weekly Bingo Meat Raffle Every Friday

Opening Times Mon - Sat 12noon - 3pm & 6pm onwards Food Served 12noon - 2pm & 6pm - 8.45pm

Oakham JHB 3.8% Regular guest beers are: Absolution - Abbeydale Crazy Daze - Pot Belly No 1 Bitter - Hopshackle Bitter and Broadside - Adnams 1050 - Grainstore Bishops Farewell - Oakham HMS Warrior & Marie Celeste - Newby Wyke Abbot & IPA - Green King

Sunday 12noon - 11.30pm Food Served Until 7.45pm

01778 347190

Function room available for hire

48 King Street, West Deeping

24

info@real-ale.org.uk

Other Brewery News Ufford Ales The brewery expansion to a 10 barrel plant was completed in late March. Three beers, Golden Drop, White Hart Bitter and Nirvana have been brewed in the new plant with varying results.

Due to the new plant Nirvana is now brewed at 5.4% instead of the 5.7% as previously.

There are plans to sell beers to pubs not associated with the brewery and its owner, but thanks to Adnams purchasing 54 firkins for their tied houses there has been no spare beer to sell as yet.

Simon Raines, the brewer, has shelved plans to produce a new beer every two months until he has got used to brewing on the new plant. He does however expect to be brewing a special for the Peterborough Beer Festival, at which he hopes to win an award for the third year in a row.

The old brewing plant has been sold to a new brewery in Castor who hope to officially launch their beer at the Peterborough Beer Festival.

Grainstore Brewery They are currently brewing for five days per week to keep up with demand. In its first month of production Phipps sold over 70,000 pints and now takes up 25% of the breweries production. The last head brewer of Phipps, Dusty Miller, worked with Tony Davies at Ruddles. A new brew for the Phipps line is Red Star, at 3.8%. It is named after the company’s logo, a red star of David. The launch was at the Ruston Cavalcade over the May Day Holiday.

Melbourn Brewery After going through a poor period last year they are now back to normal production (for this brewery). The still only produce the three fruit beers, which are pasteurised and therefore not real ales.

The brewer comes down from Sam Smiths and

www.real-ale.org.uk

produces eight batches per year, which are taken away four times per year for bottling.

Tours of the brewery started up again last month. They are each weekend, but some can be organised during the week if the tour guide is available. He is an official guide and works for Burghley House just outside Stamford.

Digfield Ales This popular brewery continues to go from strength to strength, with 5 of their core range beers now having won many awards at Peterborough & Leicester CAMRA Beer festivals among others. If you want to know which pubs regular sell their ales, or if you are interested in buying some for your own pub, then check out their website at www.digfield-ales.co.uk

Pub Merit Awards & Gold Awards The committee feel that pubs outside of Peterborough are missing out on Gold Awards and so they have introduced a new Merit Award for pubs that are continuously outstanding. If you know of a pub in our area that deserves a Merit Award or Gold Award then please complete the following form and send it to our Secretary.

Pub name: Pub address/town/village: Reason for award:

Your name: Your phone number or e-mail address: Your membership number:

25

CIDER AND PERRY AWARDS 2009

CIDER AND PERRY AWARDS 2009

CAMRA National Cider and Perry Awards 2009 Herefordshire cider and Somerset perry strike gold at National Championships

C

AMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is delighted to announce that Gwatkin’s Yarlington Mill cider of Abbey Dore, Herefordshire, and Broadoak Perry of Clutton, Somerset, won Gold medals at CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Championships 2009, held at the Reading Beer and Cider Festival over the May bank holiday weekend.

CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Championships 2009 featured 24 ciders and 20 perries, selected from different regions throughout the country, and assessed on aroma, flavour, finish and personal enjoyment

by a judging panel including award-winning producers and publicans.

In the National cider category, Gwatkin of Herefordshire won the Gold for Yarlington Mill, which judges described as ‘a smooth and rich cider with a spirit aroma and taste that resonates with the taste buds to surprise and delight.’ Gwatkin are a family firm, which have been producing cider and perry for generations but began selling commercially in 1991.

The fruit used in their winning products is produced locally, with their apples coming from a neighbouring farm.

THE GREEN MAN 29 Scotgate, Stamford 01780 753598

Established in 1796 as one of the ORIGINAL Stamford Ale Houses - Providing Accommodation, Lunch Time Meals,

The Championships proved a doubly special occasion for Gwatkin cider, after also picking up the Bronze medal in the perry category for their Blakeney Red perry.

On hearing the news of this success, Denis Gwatkin of Gwatkin cider, said: ‘I am over the moon to hear that both my cider and perry have won CAMRA awards.

The fact that I planted the trees and have seen them come to fruition makes it even more special. Thanks to everyone for their support.’

In the National perry category, Broadoak Perry of Somerset won Gold for what the judges described as ‘a lovely, drinkable perry with a true pear aroma that starts with a medium sweet taste and is followed by a dry finish.’

Brian Brunt, Broadoak’s producer, started making cider and perry as a hobby 30 years ago. Brian moved to his present location in Clutton Farm, in Clutton, Somerset , after popular interest in his products helped turn the Original Cider Company business into one of the country’s biggest independent producers.

Seven Real Ales and Seven Real Ciders A delighted Brian, receiving the good news whilst on vacation, said:

Real Ales from mainly small microbrewers and independents, a range of European beers and twenty Belgian bottled beers.

PERRY GOLD – Broadoak, Perry (Clutton, Somerset) (Contact 01275 333154) SILVER – Seidr Dai, Painted Lady Perry (Cardiff , Glamorgan) (Contact 029 2075 8193) BRONZE – Gwatkin, Blakeney Red (Abbey Dore,Herefordshire) (Contact 01981 550258) Speaking of the high standard of entries in this year’s Championships, Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Committee, said: ‘The winners of the competition, like many producers of real cider and perry, are not large businesses and are helping keep the tradition of cider and perry production alive in Britain.

They also demonstrate the diversity of tastes in these drinks, so if you see real cider or perry on offer why not give it a try?’

‘I’m simply over the moon as this is an award I simply was not expecting to win. I’ve been perfecting this perry for the last 30 years and I’d like to dedicate this award to the late Geoff Williams, formerly of the Long Ashton Research Institute, for teaching me the methods I have since used to produce cider and perry. He was a great friend, and one of the greatest figures in the world of cider-making.’

Lunchtime food 12.00 - 2.30pm Monday, Friday, Saturday sandwiches available Tuesday to Thursday

FOURTEEN YEARS IN THE GOOD

BEER GUIDE! 26

CIDER GOLD – Gwatkin, Yarlington Mill (Abbey Dore, Herefordshire) Contact 01981 550258) SILVER (Joint) – Orchards, Wye Cider (Brockweir, Gloucestershire) (Contact 01291 689536) SILVER (Joint) – Rosie’s, Triple D Cider (Llandegla, Denbighshire) (Contact 01978 790222)

The full results of the CAMRA National Cider and Perry Championships are:

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

27

CIDER AND PERRY AWARDS 2009

CIDER AND PERRY AWARDS 2009

CAMRA National Cider and Perry Awards 2009 Herefordshire cider and Somerset perry strike gold at National Championships

C

AMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is delighted to announce that Gwatkin’s Yarlington Mill cider of Abbey Dore, Herefordshire, and Broadoak Perry of Clutton, Somerset, won Gold medals at CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Championships 2009, held at the Reading Beer and Cider Festival over the May bank holiday weekend.

CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Championships 2009 featured 24 ciders and 20 perries, selected from different regions throughout the country, and assessed on aroma, flavour, finish and personal enjoyment

by a judging panel including award-winning producers and publicans.

In the National cider category, Gwatkin of Herefordshire won the Gold for Yarlington Mill, which judges described as ‘a smooth and rich cider with a spirit aroma and taste that resonates with the taste buds to surprise and delight.’ Gwatkin are a family firm, which have been producing cider and perry for generations but began selling commercially in 1991.

The fruit used in their winning products is produced locally, with their apples coming from a neighbouring farm.

THE GREEN MAN 29 Scotgate, Stamford 01780 753598

Established in 1796 as one of the ORIGINAL Stamford Ale Houses - Providing Accommodation, Lunch Time Meals,

The Championships proved a doubly special occasion for Gwatkin cider, after also picking up the Bronze medal in the perry category for their Blakeney Red perry.

On hearing the news of this success, Denis Gwatkin of Gwatkin cider, said: ‘I am over the moon to hear that both my cider and perry have won CAMRA awards.

The fact that I planted the trees and have seen them come to fruition makes it even more special. Thanks to everyone for their support.’

In the National perry category, Broadoak Perry of Somerset won Gold for what the judges described as ‘a lovely, drinkable perry with a true pear aroma that starts with a medium sweet taste and is followed by a dry finish.’

Brian Brunt, Broadoak’s producer, started making cider and perry as a hobby 30 years ago. Brian moved to his present location in Clutton Farm, in Clutton, Somerset , after popular interest in his products helped turn the Original Cider Company business into one of the country’s biggest independent producers.

Seven Real Ales and Seven Real Ciders A delighted Brian, receiving the good news whilst on vacation, said:

Real Ales from mainly small microbrewers and independents, a range of European beers and twenty Belgian bottled beers.

PERRY GOLD – Broadoak, Perry (Clutton, Somerset) (Contact 01275 333154) SILVER – Seidr Dai, Painted Lady Perry (Cardiff , Glamorgan) (Contact 029 2075 8193) BRONZE – Gwatkin, Blakeney Red (Abbey Dore,Herefordshire) (Contact 01981 550258) Speaking of the high standard of entries in this year’s Championships, Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Committee, said: ‘The winners of the competition, like many producers of real cider and perry, are not large businesses and are helping keep the tradition of cider and perry production alive in Britain.

They also demonstrate the diversity of tastes in these drinks, so if you see real cider or perry on offer why not give it a try?’

‘I’m simply over the moon as this is an award I simply was not expecting to win. I’ve been perfecting this perry for the last 30 years and I’d like to dedicate this award to the late Geoff Williams, formerly of the Long Ashton Research Institute, for teaching me the methods I have since used to produce cider and perry. He was a great friend, and one of the greatest figures in the world of cider-making.’

Lunchtime food 12.00 - 2.30pm Monday, Friday, Saturday sandwiches available Tuesday to Thursday

FOURTEEN YEARS IN THE GOOD

BEER GUIDE! 26

CIDER GOLD – Gwatkin, Yarlington Mill (Abbey Dore, Herefordshire) Contact 01981 550258) SILVER (Joint) – Orchards, Wye Cider (Brockweir, Gloucestershire) (Contact 01291 689536) SILVER (Joint) – Rosie’s, Triple D Cider (Llandegla, Denbighshire) (Contact 01978 790222)

The full results of the CAMRA National Cider and Perry Championships are:

info@real-ale.org.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

27

JOIN CAMRA

Hand & Heart

12 Highbury Street, Peterborough PE1 3BE

01733 564653

A REAL ALE PUB WITH SIX TO EIGHT REAL ALES WEEKLY nspoilt 1930’s community local with original Warwick brewery windows and rare intact “Jug and Bottle”.

U

Both rooms accessed by a black and white tiled "drinking" corridor with its own servery. The public bar features a war memorial and real fire. Large beer garden. Crib, darts and dominoes played. Cheese club meets last Thursday of the month. Ample Free Parking.

Listed in the CAMRA inventory and a consistent

Good Beer Guide Entry.

i n i M

r e e B 2

l ist va e Fe n Ju h 8t IC

2 MUS D O E 6th LIV ND FO A

JOIN CAMRA

Hand & Heart

12 Highbury Street, Peterborough PE1 3BE

01733 564653

A REAL ALE PUB WITH SIX TO EIGHT REAL ALES WEEKLY nspoilt 1930’s community local with original Warwick brewery windows and rare intact “Jug and Bottle”.

U

Both rooms accessed by a black and white tiled "drinking" corridor with its own servery. The public bar features a war memorial and real fire. Large beer garden. Crib, darts and dominoes played. Cheese club meets last Thursday of the month. Ample Free Parking.

Listed in the CAMRA inventory and a consistent

Good Beer Guide Entry.

i n i M

r e e B 2

l ist va e Fe n Ju h 8t IC

2 MUS D O E 6th LIV ND FO A

SMALL BEER

SMALL BEER

an obvious passion and depth of interest.

The book serves both as a historical record and a warm celebration of a much-missed Grimsby institution.”

Small Beer Foot & Mouth Strikes Again Fortunately in this instance, not the terrible disease that blights the nation’s sheep & cattle, but that untimely act of putting one’s foot in it by opening ones mouth without realising the effect of what one is saying.

was close on 16,000 (up 6% on last year); More than 61,200 pints of real ale sold (up 10%); 12,800 pints of cider & perry (up 21%); and almost 3000 litres of bottled beers (up 4%). And not a single case of swine flu reported at all.

Stephen Oliver, MD for Marstons (and no stranger to scandal), recently launched a tirade of abuse aimed at CAMRA members in an article penned for trade newspaper, The Morning Advertiser, entitled ‘It’s hard to keep the gobby hobbits happy’. Describing our membership with phrases such as ‘beardy weirdies’ and ‘sandal-clad, whisker-stroking stormtroopers’.

Our man Roger Protz duly responded in the next edition demanding an apology from Mr Oliver for his offensive remarks, in particular to the ladies in our professional organisation, and realising his ‘heat of the moment’ faux pas, he meekly obliged.

Hewitt’s Brewery Graham Larn, the Chairman of Grimsby and North Lincolnshire CAMRA, has written a book, “Beer, Hope and Charity”, detailing the history of Hewitt’s Brewery. Only 1000 copies of the book have been produced and all profits are being donated to St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby. You can obtain a copy for £9 post paid from the author at 185 Rutland Street, Grimsby, DN32 7ND.

Personally, I find it incredulous that someone of his status should choose to insult those very people who helped to place him there by supporting his company’s products for many years, but then again, not much surprises me these days. You may have already noticed some letters appearing in What’s Brewing, but if you want to read Mr Oliver’s full rant, then go to http://morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/arti cle/82346 A Remedy for Swine Flu? Whether by accident or design, attendees of the recent Reading Beer & Cider Festival were given a bit of a giggle when they discovered that the popular traditional Hog Roast stall had been positioned directly adjacent to the Mexican Food stand!

The festival itself was a tremendous success, and a pleasure to be involved with. Attendance 30

The following review by Steve Richards is taken from the Grimsby Telegraph: “It has often been said that if you got a good pint of Hewitt's ale it was nectar but if you got a bad one it was best given a wide berth. But whatever the merits or otherwise of the brew it still evokes lively conversations in pubs around the area.

For Hewitt’s was not just about the beer but about a company which provided employment for many over the years and, in its early days at least, was a kindly benefactor to the area as a whole.

And so a new book about the brewery is very welcome indeed. And though Graham’ Larn’s Beer, Hope and Charity is a fairly short tome it is nonetheless crammed with fascinating information about the Hewitt family and about the rise and eventual fall of the company.

From the first involvement of the Hewitt’s back in the 1870s, the remarkable growth of the business until it had a pub estate stretching far and wide, to the difficulties of wartime production and the effects of changes in drinking habits, the author has gone about his task with

info@real-ale.org.uk

CAMRA Cricket Team News This year the Peterborough CAMRA Cricket Team began their season on 26 April with an away game against Old Eastonians at Rockingham Castle. This year’s tour will be to Ipswich from 3rd to 6th July with the three games including a trip to Ransomes Cricket ground, one of the venues at which Suffolk County Cricket play. The tour will also include a trip around Mauldons Brewery and a paint-balling afternoon.

They are always looking for new players, especially as they have lost a couple of experienced players including Stuart Masheder who has moved to York and is currently working hard to set up their beer festival in September.

Many thanks go to the Coalheavers Arms and Oakham Ales who are both sponsoring the team.

festival, forms will be sent shortly to all branch members and can be found on our web site.

Additionally, our Young Members co-ordinator Alix Botton, would love to hear from all young members willing to work at the festival as it is her intention to staff a bar completely with young members. All contact details can be found elsewhere in this magazine.

And finally...

I have been asked repeatedly of late when are the prize competitions going to return to BAE? The answer is quite simple – When a local pub or brewery is prepared to offer a suitable prize in return for some modest banner advertising. I could also use a few puzzles, so if anyone out there feels ingenious enough to compile a crossword or devise something similar? In either instance, please get in touch with me if you think you can help. I hope to have something in place for the next edition.

Bram

Membership Matters By the time you read this, CAMRA will have signed up their 100,000th member and around 2,600 of them are in the Peterborough & District branch. Every year a couple of dozen of you try to get into Peterborough Beer Festival without your membership cards, and we’ve heard all the excuses before, so as last year we will NOT be issuing temporary memberships.

So now is the time to find your missing card, or failing that call CAMRA head office membership line 01727 798440 to obtain a replacement card in time. If your membership has lapsed then the renewals number is 0845 0727807. Either way you’ll get into the “Biggest, Brightest & Best” beer festival in the country at a much reduced price and save yourself a lot of hassle on entry.

You could of course get in even more easily by signing up to work a session or two at the

www.real-ale.org.uk

31

SMALL BEER

SMALL BEER

an obvious passion and depth of interest.

The book serves both as a historical record and a warm celebration of a much-missed Grimsby institution.”

Small Beer Foot & Mouth Strikes Again Fortunately in this instance, not the terrible disease that blights the nation’s sheep & cattle, but that untimely act of putting one’s foot in it by opening ones mouth without realising the effect of what one is saying.

was close on 16,000 (up 6% on last year); More than 61,200 pints of real ale sold (up 10%); 12,800 pints of cider & perry (up 21%); and almost 3000 litres of bottled beers (up 4%). And not a single case of swine flu reported at all.

Stephen Oliver, MD for Marstons (and no stranger to scandal), recently launched a tirade of abuse aimed at CAMRA members in an article penned for trade newspaper, The Morning Advertiser, entitled ‘It’s hard to keep the gobby hobbits happy’. Describing our membership with phrases such as ‘beardy weirdies’ and ‘sandal-clad, whisker-stroking stormtroopers’.

Our man Roger Protz duly responded in the next edition demanding an apology from Mr Oliver for his offensive remarks, in particular to the ladies in our professional organisation, and realising his ‘heat of the moment’ faux pas, he meekly obliged.

Hewitt’s Brewery Graham Larn, the Chairman of Grimsby and North Lincolnshire CAMRA, has written a book, “Beer, Hope and Charity”, detailing the history of Hewitt’s Brewery. Only 1000 copies of the book have been produced and all profits are being donated to St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby. You can obtain a copy for £9 post paid from the author at 185 Rutland Street, Grimsby, DN32 7ND.

Personally, I find it incredulous that someone of his status should choose to insult those very people who helped to place him there by supporting his company’s products for many years, but then again, not much surprises me these days. You may have already noticed some letters appearing in What’s Brewing, but if you want to read Mr Oliver’s full rant, then go to http://morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/arti cle/82346 A Remedy for Swine Flu? Whether by accident or design, attendees of the recent Reading Beer & Cider Festival were given a bit of a giggle when they discovered that the popular traditional Hog Roast stall had been positioned directly adjacent to the Mexican Food stand!

The festival itself was a tremendous success, and a pleasure to be involved with. Attendance 30

The following review by Steve Richards is taken from the Grimsby Telegraph: “It has often been said that if you got a good pint of Hewitt's ale it was nectar but if you got a bad one it was best given a wide berth. But whatever the merits or otherwise of the brew it still evokes lively conversations in pubs around the area.

For Hewitt’s was not just about the beer but about a company which provided employment for many over the years and, in its early days at least, was a kindly benefactor to the area as a whole.

And so a new book about the brewery is very welcome indeed. And though Graham’ Larn’s Beer, Hope and Charity is a fairly short tome it is nonetheless crammed with fascinating information about the Hewitt family and about the rise and eventual fall of the company.

From the first involvement of the Hewitt’s back in the 1870s, the remarkable growth of the business until it had a pub estate stretching far and wide, to the difficulties of wartime production and the effects of changes in drinking habits, the author has gone about his task with

info@real-ale.org.uk

CAMRA Cricket Team News This year the Peterborough CAMRA Cricket Team began their season on 26 April with an away game against Old Eastonians at Rockingham Castle. This year’s tour will be to Ipswich from 3rd to 6th July with the three games including a trip to Ransomes Cricket ground, one of the venues at which Suffolk County Cricket play. The tour will also include a trip around Mauldons Brewery and a paint-balling afternoon.

They are always looking for new players, especially as they have lost a couple of experienced players including Stuart Masheder who has moved to York and is currently working hard to set up their beer festival in September.

Many thanks go to the Coalheavers Arms and Oakham Ales who are both sponsoring the team.

festival, forms will be sent shortly to all branch members and can be found on our web site.

Additionally, our Young Members co-ordinator Alix Botton, would love to hear from all young members willing to work at the festival as it is her intention to staff a bar completely with young members. All contact details can be found elsewhere in this magazine.

And finally...

I have been asked repeatedly of late when are the prize competitions going to return to BAE? The answer is quite simple – When a local pub or brewery is prepared to offer a suitable prize in return for some modest banner advertising. I could also use a few puzzles, so if anyone out there feels ingenious enough to compile a crossword or devise something similar? In either instance, please get in touch with me if you think you can help. I hope to have something in place for the next edition.

Bram

Membership Matters By the time you read this, CAMRA will have signed up their 100,000th member and around 2,600 of them are in the Peterborough & District branch. Every year a couple of dozen of you try to get into Peterborough Beer Festival without your membership cards, and we’ve heard all the excuses before, so as last year we will NOT be issuing temporary memberships.

So now is the time to find your missing card, or failing that call CAMRA head office membership line 01727 798440 to obtain a replacement card in time. If your membership has lapsed then the renewals number is 0845 0727807. Either way you’ll get into the “Biggest, Brightest & Best” beer festival in the country at a much reduced price and save yourself a lot of hassle on entry.

You could of course get in even more easily by signing up to work a session or two at the

www.real-ale.org.uk

31

CROWN IN ELTON

Spotlight on the Crown in Elton community and Ros & Marcus do their bit by raising money for various charities through numerous activities throughout the year. In the past they have raised £600 for the NSPCC with an auction, a balloon race that generated £500 and when they hold beer festivals they donate 10p for every pint sold to a good cause. Their most recent festival held between the 1st - 4th May will have greatly swelled the coffers of Cancer Research.

F

ew pubs can have such an idyllic location as the Crown sitting as it does opposite the village green just a stones throw from the river Nene. The current owners hail from the north and have been busy working to put the pub on the map in terms of food, wine and real ales. Ros and Marcus Lamb are not new to the trade as they ran a very successful hotel in Scotland prior to moving south in search of the archetypal village pub, the Crown obviously ticking all the right boxes.

Food is naturally a big draw to the pub and Marcus, who has worked in France and America as a chef prepares every meal from scratch with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. A favourite with the regulars is the Elton Swan which is a large profiterole filled with vanilla ice cream swimming in a 'millpond' of chocolate sauce. Sounds nice but I'm not sure how my beer would taste afterwards!

In the meantime why stop by and sample a Digfield or two, or you could just order an Elton Swan….

Contact details:Crown Inn, Duck St, Elton, PE8 6RQ. www.thecrowninn.org 01832 280232

A history Details are difficult to find when an inn is as old as the Crown but we do know that William Coursin was the landlord until his death in 1721 and that the Earl of Carysfoot owned the inn during the late 18th century. The building remained unchanged until 1984 when a disastrous fire took hold and nearly destroyed the pub.

The ales on offer vary but have included Deuchars, Tim Taylor's Landlord, Exmoor Gold and Green King IPA amongst others. On my recent visit I found Buntingford Ardent, Golden Crown Bitter which is supplied by the Grainstore Brewery and Digfields Fool's Nook which was lovely.

Every pub likes to put something back into the

www.real-ale.org.uk

33

CROWN IN ELTON

Spotlight on the Crown in Elton community and Ros & Marcus do their bit by raising money for various charities through numerous activities throughout the year. In the past they have raised £600 for the NSPCC with an auction, a balloon race that generated £500 and when they hold beer festivals they donate 10p for every pint sold to a good cause. Their most recent festival held between the 1st - 4th May will have greatly swelled the coffers of Cancer Research.

F

ew pubs can have such an idyllic location as the Crown sitting as it does opposite the village green just a stones throw from the river Nene. The current owners hail from the north and have been busy working to put the pub on the map in terms of food, wine and real ales. Ros and Marcus Lamb are not new to the trade as they ran a very successful hotel in Scotland prior to moving south in search of the archetypal village pub, the Crown obviously ticking all the right boxes.

Food is naturally a big draw to the pub and Marcus, who has worked in France and America as a chef prepares every meal from scratch with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. A favourite with the regulars is the Elton Swan which is a large profiterole filled with vanilla ice cream swimming in a 'millpond' of chocolate sauce. Sounds nice but I'm not sure how my beer would taste afterwards!

In the meantime why stop by and sample a Digfield or two, or you could just order an Elton Swan….

Contact details:Crown Inn, Duck St, Elton, PE8 6RQ. www.thecrowninn.org 01832 280232

A history Details are difficult to find when an inn is as old as the Crown but we do know that William Coursin was the landlord until his death in 1721 and that the Earl of Carysfoot owned the inn during the late 18th century. The building remained unchanged until 1984 when a disastrous fire took hold and nearly destroyed the pub.

The ales on offer vary but have included Deuchars, Tim Taylor's Landlord, Exmoor Gold and Green King IPA amongst others. On my recent visit I found Buntingford Ardent, Golden Crown Bitter which is supplied by the Grainstore Brewery and Digfields Fool's Nook which was lovely.

Every pub likes to put something back into the

www.real-ale.org.uk

33

FRENCH FORAY

Le Fer Rouge An Idyllic French Retreat

W

hen Peterborough and most of the rest of the country was snowbound, Ian ‘Bertie’ Benton and a few of his fellow locals from the Palmerston Arms, were on a bit of a jolly, skiing at Ian’s chalet in the French Alps.

his

He takes a small party to a place called Chatel every year, and whilst there ten years ago, was approached by a young French brewer who persuaded him to take a nine of his latest brew to have on the honesty bar at the chalet. Being the only member of the ski club with a preference for real ale on that particular visit, he thought it a bit of a challenge. Nonetheless, the beer went down very well. From that day on, whenever staying at the chalet they have called in at the pub après ski for a few pints on a regular basis.

The young French brewer and landlord of the bar, Le Fer Rouge, is Benoit, (pronounced Benware) and his lovely wife Melanie partners him in his enterprises. Together, they run both the brewery and the pub in a similar style as the Brewery Tap, although more cosier like the Palmy. They have built a successful business with a mixture of French and English clients which works very well, and they now have a restaurant upstairs which serves fantastic Savoie cooking, including cold meats and a famous abundance of cheese’s, in fact the village it’s named after is only a mile down the road.

After a day skiing it is fantastic to sit and enjoy some good food and real ale.

There is a selection of beers, his bitter is called Fraise (translated Frez); he also does a wheat beer, a blonde beer and a stout. He became a brewer after first working in Dublin and then France. His malt comes from Castleford and

www.real-ale.org.uk

hops from the USA, England and Eastern Europe. He is currently in the process of brewing another beer using hemp.

As Bertie reports, “They have a unique pub in a beautiful setting, Benoit brews every five days during the ski season, and his wife serves in the evening and they have a happy hour from 6 till 7. If you are ever in the Alps, in the Portes du Soleil region, between Chatel and La Chapelle D’Abondance, do pop in and see them at Le Fer Rouge, as you will not be disappointed. I personally love this home from home, especially with not having to suffer the lager swilling Hooray Henry’s, and I can enjoy with great pleasure the same atmosphere and choice of real ales that I get from my local at home, whilst I’m away on holiday.”

Vive la Benoit & Melanie Bertie 35

FRENCH FORAY

Le Fer Rouge An Idyllic French Retreat

W

hen Peterborough and most of the rest of the country was snowbound, Ian ‘Bertie’ Benton and a few of his fellow locals from the Palmerston Arms, were on a bit of a jolly, skiing at Ian’s chalet in the French Alps.

his

He takes a small party to a place called Chatel every year, and whilst there ten years ago, was approached by a young French brewer who persuaded him to take a nine of his latest brew to have on the honesty bar at the chalet. Being the only member of the ski club with a preference for real ale on that particular visit, he thought it a bit of a challenge. Nonetheless, the beer went down very well. From that day on, whenever staying at the chalet they have called in at the pub après ski for a few pints on a regular basis.

The young French brewer and landlord of the bar, Le Fer Rouge, is Benoit, (pronounced Benware) and his lovely wife Melanie partners him in his enterprises. Together, they run both the brewery and the pub in a similar style as the Brewery Tap, although more cosier like the Palmy. They have built a successful business with a mixture of French and English clients which works very well, and they now have a restaurant upstairs which serves fantastic Savoie cooking, including cold meats and a famous abundance of cheese’s, in fact the village it’s named after is only a mile down the road.

After a day skiing it is fantastic to sit and enjoy some good food and real ale.

There is a selection of beers, his bitter is called Fraise (translated Frez); he also does a wheat beer, a blonde beer and a stout. He became a brewer after first working in Dublin and then France. His malt comes from Castleford and

www.real-ale.org.uk

hops from the USA, England and Eastern Europe. He is currently in the process of brewing another beer using hemp.

As Bertie reports, “They have a unique pub in a beautiful setting, Benoit brews every five days during the ski season, and his wife serves in the evening and they have a happy hour from 6 till 7. If you are ever in the Alps, in the Portes du Soleil region, between Chatel and La Chapelle D’Abondance, do pop in and see them at Le Fer Rouge, as you will not be disappointed. I personally love this home from home, especially with not having to suffer the lager swilling Hooray Henry’s, and I can enjoy with great pleasure the same atmosphere and choice of real ales that I get from my local at home, whilst I’m away on holiday.”

Vive la Benoit & Melanie Bertie 35

RHYTHM AND BOOZE

ADVERTISERS

Rhythm & Booze

The Black Swan eet, Farcet 77 Main Str

Tel: 01733 24038

7

Runner Up Peterborough CAMRA Pub Of The Year 2008 3 Ever Changing Real Ales 24 Seater Restuarant Parties and meetings catered for

MEAL DEAL Main and dessert for £ 4.99 served Tuesday to Thursday 5 - 9pm and Friday and Saturday 12-3pm and 5 - 9pm.

W

e hear all too often how pubs are closing, either due to greed and incompetence on the part of the pub chains or just lack of custom thanks to cheap supermarket booze.

So it’s heart-warming to know that Goodbarns Yard, Eastgate has bucked the trend, re-opening at the end of March.

Findlay Wilkins, a former barman there, has taken it over. Beers available are Adnams Broadside and Duechars IPA direct from the cask, supported by a full kitchen service offering traditional fare.

Live music is performed on Saturdays, Karaoke on Thursdays and there are plans for more bands on Fridays.

Anyone wanting to play there should ring Findlay on 07549458922.

To compliment Stamford Arts Centre’s yearly Blues Festival on June 5-7, their Cellar Bar will be open to festival goers and non-festival goers alike.

36

Stocking London Pride plus four other ales, there will be live music all weekend.

The bar also hosts an open mic night the first Monday of the month and a band on the third Monday.

Slightly closer to home, Shakedown Blues runs once a month at Castor Village Hall. Past performers have included Mud Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters, and Eddie Taylor Junior.

Co-organiser Rowena Homan prides herself on the bar, serving local brews from the likes of Ufford, Digfield and Oakham Ales. On Saturday June 20, they host Keith Little – the Cincinnati Blues Man and for more information and ticket prices, visit www.shakedownblues.co.uk Venues, promoters and bands wanting a mention in this column can get in touch by dropping an email to simonstabler@aol.com Simon Stabler

info@real-ale.org.uk

A T HOLYOAK PLUMBING & HEATING CORGI REGISTERED 01733 208437 OR

Ticket to imbibe!

A great day awaits you and your friends on the Nene Valley Railway on

SAT - SUN 4th & 5th July A superb selection of real ales will be served for your delectation as you roll through the Cambridgeshire countryside.

07860 569389 192 STONALD ROAD

WHITTLESEY www.real-ale.org.uk

Free parking and hot meals in the Turntable Café.

NVR, Wansford Station, Stibbington (on the A1), Nr Peterborough PE8 6LR 01780 784444 www.nvr.org.uk 37

RHYTHM AND BOOZE

ADVERTISERS

Rhythm & Booze

The Black Swan eet, Farcet 77 Main Str

Tel: 01733 24038

7

Runner Up Peterborough CAMRA Pub Of The Year 2008 3 Ever Changing Real Ales 24 Seater Restuarant Parties and meetings catered for

MEAL DEAL Main and dessert for £ 4.99 served Tuesday to Thursday 5 - 9pm and Friday and Saturday 12-3pm and 5 - 9pm.

W

e hear all too often how pubs are closing, either due to greed and incompetence on the part of the pub chains or just lack of custom thanks to cheap supermarket booze.

So it’s heart-warming to know that Goodbarns Yard, Eastgate has bucked the trend, re-opening at the end of March.

Findlay Wilkins, a former barman there, has taken it over. Beers available are Adnams Broadside and Duechars IPA direct from the cask, supported by a full kitchen service offering traditional fare.

Live music is performed on Saturdays, Karaoke on Thursdays and there are plans for more bands on Fridays.

Anyone wanting to play there should ring Findlay on 07549458922.

To compliment Stamford Arts Centre’s yearly Blues Festival on June 5-7, their Cellar Bar will be open to festival goers and non-festival goers alike.

36

Stocking London Pride plus four other ales, there will be live music all weekend.

The bar also hosts an open mic night the first Monday of the month and a band on the third Monday.

Slightly closer to home, Shakedown Blues runs once a month at Castor Village Hall. Past performers have included Mud Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters, and Eddie Taylor Junior.

Co-organiser Rowena Homan prides herself on the bar, serving local brews from the likes of Ufford, Digfield and Oakham Ales. On Saturday June 20, they host Keith Little – the Cincinnati Blues Man and for more information and ticket prices, visit www.shakedownblues.co.uk Venues, promoters and bands wanting a mention in this column can get in touch by dropping an email to simonstabler@aol.com Simon Stabler

info@real-ale.org.uk

A T HOLYOAK PLUMBING & HEATING CORGI REGISTERED 01733 208437 OR

Ticket to imbibe!

A great day awaits you and your friends on the Nene Valley Railway on

SAT - SUN 4th & 5th July A superb selection of real ales will be served for your delectation as you roll through the Cambridgeshire countryside.

07860 569389 192 STONALD ROAD

WHITTLESEY www.real-ale.org.uk

Free parking and hot meals in the Turntable Café.

NVR, Wansford Station, Stibbington (on the A1), Nr Peterborough PE8 6LR 01780 784444 www.nvr.org.uk 37

BRANCH CONTACTS

Branch Committee Secretary: Harry Morten 49 St Margarets Road, Peterborough PE2 9EA 01733 764296 07900 056940 08707 620848 (fax) info@real-ale.org.uk Chairman: David Murray 01733 560453 chairman@real-ale.org.uk Treasurer: Paul Beecham 01733 311981 07710 008693 treasurer@real-ale.org.uk Vice Chair: John Hunt 01406 330453 vice-chair@real-ale.org.uk

Beer Around ’Ere Editor: Paul (Bram) Brammer 07922 604988 bae-editor@real-ale.org.uk Distribution: David Murray Advertising: Chris Shilling 01778 421550 chris@shillingmedia.co.uk Magazine & Advertising Production: Dan Wheeler 0845 838 7581 dan@tamoko-design.co.uk Postal Distr: Daryl Ling 01733 235881

Brewery Liaison Officers Blue Bell: John Hunt Social Sec: John Hunt 01406 330453 07923 489917 Digfield: Paul Brammer social-sec@real-ale.org.uk 07922 604988 Elgoods: Dawn Mason Pubs Officer: Steve Williams 01733 243557 07802 896641 Hopshackle: Noel Ryland pubs-officer@real-ale.org.uk 07944 869656 Press Officer: Robert Barnes Melbourn: Lew Clayton 01780 765063 07811 585699 Oakham Ales: Dave Allett press-officer@real-ale.org.uk 07966 344417 Young Members: Alix Botton Tydd Steam: John Hunt 07806 625574 01706 330453 young-members@realale.

Ufford Ales: Matt Mace org.uk 07809 629241 Membership: Daryl Ling Trading Standards 01733 235881 08545 040506 membership@real-ale.org.uk www.consumerdirect.gov.uk Check out our new website Festival Org: Mike Lane at: www.real-ale.org.uk 07850 334203 or festival-organiser@realale. www.peterboroughorg.uk camra.org.uk LocAle Officer: John Rice 07759 342702 locale@real-ale.org.uk

38

The next issue of BAE will be available on: 13th July We must have your stories, news and advertisements by: 26th June Late copy cannot be guaranteed entry.

Please contact Chris Shilling 01778 421550 for all of your advertising needs.

Steve Williams pubsofficer@real-ale.org.uk or 07802 896641 is always looking for pub news.

Please send stories and other copy to Bram (Paul Brammer) bae-editor@real-ale.org.uk 07922 604988 Beer Around ‘Ere is published by Peterborough & District Branch of CAMRA Copyright © 2009, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Views or comments expressed in this publication may not necessarily be those of the Editor or of CAMRA.

info@real-ale.org.uk

BRANCH CONTACTS

Branch Committee Secretary: Harry Morten 49 St Margarets Road, Peterborough PE2 9EA 01733 764296 07900 056940 08707 620848 (fax) info@real-ale.org.uk Chairman: David Murray 01733 560453 chairman@real-ale.org.uk Treasurer: Paul Beecham 01733 311981 07710 008693 treasurer@real-ale.org.uk Vice Chair: John Hunt 01406 330453 vice-chair@real-ale.org.uk

Beer Around ’Ere Editor: Paul (Bram) Brammer 07922 604988 bae-editor@real-ale.org.uk Distribution: David Murray Advertising: Chris Shilling 01778 421550 chris@shillingmedia.co.uk Magazine & Advertising Production: Dan Wheeler 0845 838 7581 dan@tamoko-design.co.uk Postal Distr: Daryl Ling 01733 235881

Brewery Liaison Officers Blue Bell: John Hunt Social Sec: John Hunt 01406 330453 07923 489917 Digfield: Paul Brammer social-sec@real-ale.org.uk 07922 604988 Elgoods: Dawn Mason Pubs Officer: Steve Williams 01733 243557 07802 896641 Hopshackle: Noel Ryland pubs-officer@real-ale.org.uk 07944 869656 Press Officer: Robert Barnes Melbourn: Lew Clayton 01780 765063 07811 585699 Oakham Ales: Dave Allett press-officer@real-ale.org.uk 07966 344417 Young Members: Alix Botton Tydd Steam: John Hunt 07806 625574 01706 330453 young-members@realale.

Ufford Ales: Matt Mace org.uk 07809 629241 Membership: Daryl Ling Trading Standards 01733 235881 08545 040506 membership@real-ale.org.uk www.consumerdirect.gov.uk Check out our new website Festival Org: Mike Lane at: www.real-ale.org.uk 07850 334203 or festival-organiser@realale. www.peterboroughorg.uk camra.org.uk LocAle Officer: John Rice 07759 342702 locale@real-ale.org.uk

38

The next issue of BAE will be available on: 13th July We must have your stories, news and advertisements by: 26th June Late copy cannot be guaranteed entry.

Please contact Chris Shilling 01778 421550 for all of your advertising needs.

Steve Williams pubsofficer@real-ale.org.uk or 07802 896641 is always looking for pub news.

Please send stories and other copy to Bram (Paul Brammer) bae-editor@real-ale.org.uk 07922 604988 Beer Around ‘Ere is published by Peterborough & District Branch of CAMRA Copyright © 2009, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Views or comments expressed in this publication may not necessarily be those of the Editor or of CAMRA.

info@real-ale.org.uk