BAE 150

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December / January 2009-10

FREE, PLEASE TAKE ONE

Mama Liz’s, Stamford

Plough, Holbeach St Johns Red Lion, West Deeping

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Swiss Cottage, Woodston

Who will be the branch POTY 2010?

CAMRA members send in your votes now!

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Peterborough CAMRA Gold Award Winners 2009

Three ales served from the likes of Oakham, Digfield, Ufford, Oldershaw, Castor, Newby Wyke or Grainstore Continental Lagers American bottled beer Cocktails

Opening Times 12 midday to 11.30pm, sunday, monday, wednesday, thursday, 12 midday to 2am friday and saturday, closed tuesday.

Entertainment

Live music of all sorts in the voodoo lounge music club, a perfectly converted victorian cellar underneath the bar, jazz, acoustic, rock, folk, stand up comedy and the regions best DJs in the bar each weekend.

Food

The cuisine of new orleans, creole and cajun favourites such as jambalya, gumbo, blackened catfish and jerk chicken, ribs, wings and chilli and also an excellent steakhouse

Find Us Mama Lizs Soul Food Shack And Voodoo Lounge Music Club 9A North St, Stamford Lincs PE9 1EL 01780 765888

www.mamaliz.co.uk

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CAMPAIGNING

Tired of the Ties L

ast month the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) rejected CAMRA’s supercomplaint over beer ties.

Pubcos such as Punch Taverns will not be stopped from forcing landlords to buy beer from them. The OFT told the City that it had examined the issue of ‘tied pubs’, and ruled that they did not restrict competition.

According to Simon Williams, senior director of the OFT’s Goods group, pub ties cannot be uncompetitive because it simply wouldn't be in the landlord’s interest to overcharge their pub estate: “Any strategy by a pub-owning company which compromises the competitive position of its tied pubs would not be sustainable, as this would result in a loss of sales. Pub-owning companies are not therefore protected from competition by virtue of the supply ties agreed with their lessees.”

However Mike Benner CAMRA’s Chief Executive said, “We do not accept that there is sufficient competition between pubs or adequate consumer benefit from competition and choice within this sector. The OFT decision fails to address the legitimate concerns raised both in our super-complaint and the BEC report and does nothing to address the imbalance in the landlord/ lessee partnership which is leading to higher prices, less choice and weak investment in pubs.”

Mr Benner added, “It is difficult to see how the OFT can argue that competition is working well in the pubs sector when demand is falling, yet prices are rising. Urgent action is now required by Government to stem the flow of pub closures, build a sustainable future and ensure that consumers get a fair share of the benefit from tied agreements as demanded by competition law.”

www.real-ale.org.uk

The OFT has found that higher prices exist for some products in tied pubs, but claims that these are marginal, with a pint of lager costing drinkers 8p more in a tied pub compared to a free house. CAMRA, however, claims that this fails to fully consider that higher prices in tied pubs lead to artificially higher prices in other local pubs through lack of effective price competition and contends that today’s cash-strapped drinkers would not regard an 8p premium as marginal.

CAMRA is urging Lord Mandelson to overrule the OFT by referring anti-competitive and unfair tie arrangements of the large pub operating companies to the Competition Commission for an urgent investigation. In taking this decision Lord Mandelson will help secure a sustainable future for Britain’s pubs and a fair deal for Britain’s 14 million pub-goers.

CAMRA is also calling on the Government to take immediate legislative steps to protect pub landlords and therefore consumers from unfair and anti-competitive contract terms.

An interesting product of this rejection saw shares in Enterprise Inns – one of the countries biggest operators of leased pubs – spike as much as 19pc at one stage, the leading riser on the FTSE 250 index. Punch Taverns also jumped 12pc, Greene King 1.4pc and Marston’s 1.1pc.

An obvious question arises from this - ‘If the pub tie is fair, why has investor confidence in pubco’s been held in check by the threat of it being abolished?’

For further information on CAMRA’s supercomplaint, ‘A Fair Share for the Consumer’, please visit www.camra.org.uk/supercomplaint.

Daniel Speed 3

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The Bluebell Inn 10 Woodgate, Helpston Peterborough, PE6 7ED 01733252394 country Inn set in the beautiful village of A traditional Helpston. Offering a warm welcome and a typical English pub atmosphere. The antidote to uncluttered “cool�.

Pictures by Michael Slaughter

We serve up to six real ales from national breweries and local microbreweries including Tydd Steam, Elgoods, Adnams, Fullers, Wells and The Grainstore Brewery. All changing weekly.

Permanently available, exclusive to us John Clare Bitter 4.3% from the Grainstore. Also sold in bottles.

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Good home cooked food served Tuesday to Sunday.

Traditional Sunday roast and daily 2 course lunchtime specials.

Small parties can be catered for Funerals, christenings, birthdays etc...

Ample customer parking. Also conveniently close to the hourly Peterborough - Stamford bus route (mon - sat) info@real-ale.org.uk

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Chairman’s Corner

T

his issue of BAE marks a milestone in the Peterborough & District branch’s lifetime, it being our 150th issue. During that period we have seen the newsletter grow from a one sheet flyer type, to the present full colour magazine. Within that time at least seven editors have taken on the arduous task of producing the bi-monthly tome, including yours truly for a record 9 years.

We have seen many changes to BAE, mostly to improving the content and style, resulting in a few years ago receiving an accolade from CAMRA in recognition for our efforts.

I will take this opportunity to thank the many contributors who have submitted articles over the years, without which making the newsletter filled with items of interest to discerning drinkers, would make our editor’s job a lot harder.

Recently we made our bye-annual contact with all our branch members in the form of a letter by post. Considering it went out at the height of the postal dispute I’m glad to report that the majority got through successfully. Within the letter were three important items for our members to consider.

A form attached to the letter invited members to apply for tickets to our Xmas social party to be held at the Brewery Tap once again, this year on the 28th of November. A late bar with an extended cellar supplying additional beers will be available.

Point two reminded members of our AGM held on Tuesday 1st December at the Brewery Tap. Finally included was a form inviting members to submit their choices of pubs that they wish to be considered as candidates for inclusion in the 2011 Good Beer Guide, and also to vote for the 2010 Pub of The Year from a choice of four pubs.

A great deal of work goes into these end of year decisions. I urge all members to make an effort by sending in their selections and, as many as possible to attend the AGM. We are the largest branch in the country. Let’s show CAMRA HQ that we have a large active membership as well!

Some of our ‘passive’ members may like to consider making a few changes within our branch. If that’s the case first they need to be bold enough

www.real-ale.org.uk

and put themselves forward for election to the branch committee.

I can assure you that we do have members on the committee who would gladly step down to make way for new blood. So if you are interested in taking on a bigger role in helping to run the branch, organise the Beer Festival, or help in any other way, contact our Branch Secretary before the AGM. In the last issue of BAE I mentioned the enquiry by the government and Monopolies Commission in cahoots with the pubco trade in relaxing the Beer Tie amongst other unfair practices. I’m sorry to report that the Office of Fair Trading ‘did not see fit to change the existing arrangements’ as being unjust. In other words the pubcos have won again by conducting their own heavily biased enquiry. Watch the number of pubs closing continue to rise, unabated.

A recent survey found that real ale is bucking the trend and in many cases outselling keg beers and lager. Many craft brewers have reported increases in production this year. An interesting point came to my attention during the recent Wetherspoons 30th year’s celebration Beer Festival. I observed that several empty casks were displayed as part of the promotion material within both Peterborough pubs. Around ten empty casks were stacked up in each. Assuming these casks had not been part of the beers on sale during the festival, and with about 600 odd ‘ Spoons’ pubs around the country that would be say five or six thousand casks being used as point-of-sale material. I just hope the smaller brewers aren’t wondering where all their missing casks are!

I must though take this opportunity to compliment the Wetherspoon pub chain on their imported brewers producing some excellent brews at the recent Beer Festival.

Whether you are a CAMRA member ‘passive’ ‘missing’ or not one at all I wish you all the very best compliments of the season and, a happy and healthy New Year.

Cheers.

David Murray - Branch Chairman.

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DIARY DATES

Diary Dates DECEMBER Tue 1st Branch AGM, Brewery Tap, Westgate, 8:30pm.

Sat 12thXmas Campaigning Crawl, using Delaine Buses Day Rider. Meet at Queensgate Bus Station near kiosk by 11.15am.

JANUARY 2010 Tue 19th Branch Committee Meeting, Hand & Heart, Highbury Street, 8:30pm FEBRUARY Sat 6th Heritage Pubs Trip by train to Beverley, contact Mick Slaughter for further details.

Tue 16th Branch Committee Meeting, Brewery Tap, Westgate, 8:30pm Sat 20thEast Anglia Regional Branch Meeting, Brewery tap, Westgate, noon

JANUARY Wed 20th – Sat 23rd National Winter Ales Festival, Sheridan Suite, Oldham Road, Manchester. Over 200 ales, foreign beers, ciders & perries. Check www.alefestival.org.uk/winterales for further details.

FEBRUARY Thu 4th – Sat 6th - 9th Derby Twelfth Night Winter Beer Festival, Darwin Suite, Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Derby. Over 90 ales, check www.derbycamra.org.uk for further details Would any pub or organisation within our branch area that is planning a beer festival during 2010, please contact Chris Shilling or Bram so that it can be added to the branch diary for future reference. Thanks.

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

Selected Beer Festivals (CAMRA events are shown in bold) DECEMBER Tue 1st – Sun 6th Pig’s Ear Beer & Cider Festival, Ocean, Mare St, Hackney, London. Over 100 ales, plus ciders & bottled beers. Check www.pigsear.org.uk for further details.

PLEASE BOOK EARLY FOR TRIPS TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

Ales always available

Mick Slaughter is on 01733 390598 John Hunt is on 01406 330453 Paul Brammer is on 07922 604988

The Plough 1 Jekil’s Bank, Holbeach St Johns Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 8RE

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.

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Tel: 01406 540654 info@real-ale.org.uk

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Great Live Bands

STARTS FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER AT 7.00pm

( Co hosted by DJ Lez da Roc)

20+ Real Ales

Friday 27th November

The Mighty Quinn Saturday 28th November

The New Amen Corner (Members - Free , Guests £3, CAMRA members £2)

Sunday 29th November Gizz Butts Red Black and Blues Band playing from 4.00 pm

including micro-breweries and some national brands • World Bottled Beers • Hot food throughout the weekend • CAMRA members FREE entry on Friday and Sunday, reduced entry on Saturday

Live Entertainment Diary Every Friday Evening 20th November - Patrick Martin 27th November - Fraz

Fletton Club, Fletton High Street, Peterborough

Tel: 01733 341326

CAMRA GOLD AWARD WINNER 5 real ales always available Book now for your

Join us at the Red Lion for a Traditional Irish Céilí on Saturday 28th November featuring Irish Dance Champion Gerard Macauley and all Ireland Musicians

Christmas December Menu (£19.95)

Saturday 12th December - Carrie Winters CHRISTMAS EVE - Fior - needs to be seen LIVE Tuesday December 29th - Folk Night

Book now for

New Year’s Eve

Opening Times

Live entertainment and a buffet £15.00 per person - ticket only

Mon - Fri 12noon - 3pm & 6pm onwards Food Served 12noon - 2pm & 6pm - 9pm Saturday and Sunday food served all day from 12 - 9pm on Saturday and from 12 - 8pm Sunday with an all day Sunday Roast.

www.real-ale.org.uk

& Christmas Day (£49.95) for a six course feast

01778 347190 48 King Street, West Deeping 7

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Life, the Universe and ife? Don’t talk to me about life! Here I am, brain the size of a planet, and they ask me to look after beer and keep people happy. Call that job satisfaction, because I do!

L

OK, so I have already messed around with dear old Enid’s stuff with the competition, and now I’m misquoting the late and great Douglas Adams, but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. After all, just before the impending destruction of Earth he did have Arthur & Ford sent off to the local pub for a few swift pints of real ale off the pump, and of a lunchtime.

So, strangely enough, I become probably the only person in history to move into Highbury Street twice, this time with the chance to look after what was once my local. After my five year exile south of the river, where I got the chance to make many friends during my time at the Coal Heaver’s Arms and the Palmerston Arms, I’m finally back home. Not many people get the opportunity to work in three of this city’s premier real ale establishments, so I’m very grateful to the Gods I never pray to.

Our illustrious Pubs Officer, Mr Williams, mentions that he wonders how I find the time to do all of this and still manage to write my stuff for BAE, but it is you the beer loving public that give me the inspiration to have signed up for yet another year, and so I hope I can continue to keep you enthralled for another twelve months of campaigning news. With BAE reaching an impressive milestone in campaigning terms, 150 issues since the relaunch many years ago, it is rewarding for all involved with the production of this newsletter that it remains so eagerly awaited for each edition. We are fortunate in our branch to have so many eager correspondents and talented 8

contributors that we can continue to keep you updated and amused. So, pats on the back all round folks, especially to Daniel Speed who does all the fancy stuff and produces the thing, and Chris Shilling who does a brilliant job of funding the production of it, by selling the advertising needed such that it now costs CAMRA next to nothing compared to previous years.

So life then, and well into my allotted three score and ten, is good, despite a few health issues. But what is happening beer wise during the worst recession since the general strike you might ask?

Dan’s page three article regarding the decision by the Office of Fair Trading to ignore CAMRA’s super complaint into the abuse of the tied house system concerns me, but then I have come to realise that beer drinkers are an easy target for governments who are only really interested in supporting their financial backers.

I don’t anticipate Lord Mandy doing anything to redress the situation either so expect the situation of pubs closing at the rate of 8 a day to escalate, along with beer approaching the £5 a pint charged by celebrity chefs who own pubs down south! Here in Millfield, I’m now running the only pub still open, and if anybody wants to celebrate the festive season doing the obligatory Crown to town – it’s a case of finding a pub en route that is still open, let alone selling real ale!

So on to the Universe, and that would be the mass influx of imported ‘foreign’ lager brands that still prove popular to a discerning Joe Public, yet despite their exotic sounding brand names, are brewed mainly in the likes of South Wales or Northampton. Strange that during these bleak times, only real ale and traditional ciders & perries are in financial growth, yet the

info@real-ale.org.uk

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BRAMS BIT

and Everything majority of people continue to be led by bland names, oops! I mean brand names. The good news is that more and more younger people are converting to real ale, especially a lot of women, as a result of both CAMRA beer festivals, and some very positive promotions from the likes of Wychwood’s Hobgoblin ‘lager boy’ campaign. Also, the fact that many regional breweries have seen the light, and are now producing a straw or golden coloured beer in their range, although some of you took your time despite your BLO suggesting it ages ago? Don’t get complacent though guys, the record 700+ micro brewers may be struggling to find the market place you deny them, but they are still producing some wonderful hoppy beers to echo those now made in the USA by over a thousand breweries that have established within the last couple of decades. At the GBBF this year, these supreme examples of the brewer’s art were consumed faster than the cellar team could get them ready!

that the other way around?

Noel Ryland, for getting me hooked on Lambic beers, (I’ve now developed a 20 a day habit, thanks).

Anyone else I lovingly know but who are too shy for me to mention.

Paul Clay, for not ever wanting a mention for his help.

Reading & Cambridge beer festivals staff for putting up with me, and for not annoying me when I have a mallet in my hand.

And my beloved Susan, (‘er indoors) for being such a supporting rock when I’m at t’ end of my tether.

Everybody else? Well I honestly wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year. See you all in a pub somewhere soon, but please do keep the news coming in.

Cheers Bram

And everything else? Well, at least I’m not doing my Scrooge routine this year, so I thought I would end the year instead by celebrating the life of a wonderful newsletter, by way of offering a few thanks to a few of the people who have taken the time to be so supportive since my move to Peterborough just over a decade ago.

Karen & Mick at the Palmy, thanks for being super cool, and get well soon Kazza, you owe me a pint!

Dave Murray, for finally realising we are on the same side mate!

Jim Martin, for never failing to amuse me.

All LocAle breweries for producing some cracking ales to be proud of.

Tom Harbord RIP, someone at the College Arms who really knew what they were doing!

Tom Beran at the Coalies, for being such a nice guy.

Greed Kerching, for avoiding me all year, or is

www.real-ale.org.uk

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The Jolly Brewer Peterborough & District

CAMRA Pub of the year 2009 Lincolnshire CAMRA Pub Of The Year 2009

CHRISTMAS MENU AVAILABLE Ring for details or see website: www.jollybrewer.com

Christmas Draw Sun Dec 20th (eve) Open Christmas Day 12-2

• 5 real ales • Food served daily - 12-3pm Monday - Sunday - 6-9pm Friday & Saturday t. 01780 755141 e. thejollybrewer@aol.com Foundry Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2PP

The

Pheasant

Ju s Pe On t off ter ly t bo six he A rou m 15 gh iles including two constantly Cit yc changing Guest Beers. en tre Open daily for Lunch. Saturday food Noon – 9pm

3 Real Ales

GOLDEN

fro m

Christmas Lunchtime Special (Mon – Fri only) 3 Courses for £11.50 (includes Coffee + Mince Pie)

Organising a Christmas Party? let us relieve the stress! – ring for available dates Open Daily: Mon – Thurs 12-3pm and 6-11pm Fri/Sat 12-11pm Sun 12-11pm Open Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

New Year’s Eve Party from 7.30pm

Diary date: Easter 2010

Four Day Beer Festival

1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough PE6 7DA Tel 01733 252387 Email kateshinkins@hotmail.com Web www.thegoldenpheasant.net 10

info@real-ale.org.uk

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PUB NEWS

Pub News

A

s the cold wind blows across our fair city and our lives are lashed by savage north easterlies, we need to make sure we visit the pub just as often in the winter as we do in the summer. Speaking as someone who climbs telegraph poles for a living, I don’t mind pretending to be an extra from the Wizard of Oz and swinging around 30 feet up in the air muttering to myself ‘It’s a twister aunty Em’ while been beaten by spray from passing lorries on the A47. Going out in the rain is fine by me. Some others may seek warmth and a security blanket in the safety of their own beds….not me.. the pub beckons!

Many of you will no doubt batten down the hatches and try and hibernate until spring returns but this is not the British way! Samuel Johnson once said that if two Englishmen were to meet as strangers then the first topic of conversation would be the weather, so we all need to venture out from under our duvets and meet the world head on. If we take the philosophy that there can be no gain without pain, then a walk to the pub in arctic conditions will make that pint taste even better than it did in more temperate times.

So in contrast to the dull, dark and wintry mood we might find ourselves in and as a celebration of 150 Beer Around 'Ere's under our belts I am only reporting good news in this issue!

My first excursion into the positive is a meander towards Millfield. The Hand & Heart as we all should know is a beacon of consistency among so much uncertainty in the pub world.

Although not entirely safe in the hands of Enterprise Inns just like so many others, it has had many years of good landlords and good

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beer. Our present man behind the counter being none other than our esteemed Editor, Bram.

I know what you’re going to say. How does he find time to run a pub and produce such an excellent publication? Who knows.... One thing for certain is that he pays as much attention to his ales as he does to correcting my literary incompetence that we call Pub News. The finished article that you see before you differs greatly from the beer stained, crayoned twitterings on the back of an envelope that our Editor receives from yours truly. So the beer quality is excellent and the old boy seems to be relishing his newly acquired title of landlord. Long may he continue.

Now would be a good time to give the Ostrich a further comment. The pub has been open for a few months now and is getting into its stride.

The beers on offer so far on my visits have been a Digfield and an Oakham with a couple I didn’t take note of (sloppy reporting if you ask me). The quality on all my visits has been excellent and the Oakham actually tasted superior to the same beer in another pub nearby who should know better. The teething troubles with the beer temperature have now been sorted (see told you they were teething troubles!) and it looks to have a good future. Some may question whether the jukebox needs to be at such a level as to worry those with a nervous disposition but with live music on the agenda as well it may be in keeping with the theme.

Visit and drink enthusiastically.

OK, so I admit that I mention the Woolpack in Stanground a bit too often but who cares?

Not me for one. Linda Marks does a good job here and the beers are always met with appreciation by most of the regulars and occasional topers such as me. Landlord, Wherry and a

Continued Overleaf 11

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PUB NEWS

couple of others are usually to be found on the bar and with who knows how many darts teams that are resident now the turnover is swift. A recent charity conker competition, the eighth as it happens, raised about £1,500 for various charities. If you're in the area nip in and say hello. © Michael Slaughter

Letter B, Whittlesey

If you continue away from Stanground and head for the fens you'll eventually come across Whittlesey. By the time you read this the town will be girding its collective loins for the Straw Bear Festival (16th January 2010). Those of you in the know will be familiar with the Letter B and the Boat, both of which get a serious hammering during the festival and as both operate a beer festival at the same time as the bear goes a wandering you’ll be guaranteed a pint or two worth savouring. The ‘B’ is a long-time raiser of charity monies, mainly for MAGPAS which provides emergency medical care around the area, a recent beer festival added to their coffers nicely. Bruce Roan who owns the pub is a bit matey with the landlord of the Fox & Hounds in Heacham and its associated Fox Brewery so if you want to try a beer from besides the seaside beside the sea you know where to drink in Whittlesey. The Boat, virtually just over the road (and along a bit) has just received our Cambridgeshire Pub of the Year Award. Phil and Maria Quinn have been running the pub for the last 15 years and obviously know what they’re doing. Elgood’s ales are the order of the day here and served straight from the cask out of the cellar. Guest beers are usually on offer and Phil has built up a stock of malt whiskies to tempt fellow enthusiasts. While you’re in the town have a look at 12

the Bricklayer’s Arms in Station Rd. Always a favourite port of call during ‘Bear Day’, usually with a mini beer festival in full flow, but worth a visit anytime. Their recent fun day raised over £800 for Help for Heroes.

There are many pubs worth a visit out of Peterborough and just because I don’t give them all a mention doesn’t mean they’re not worth a visit. One pub I haven’t mentioned, probably for years if at all, is the Ruddy Duck in Peakirk. Most of you who think you know the pub will say that it’s more of a restaurant than a pub and I must admit that the pub is predominately food led. The thing that makes the difference in this case is the fact that they have up to four beers on offer. Apart from Broadside there was Brains SA Gold on tap which was spectacular on my visit. Andy and Sue Ruddy (yes they’ve heard them all before so don’t bother) have been at the pub for 4 years and have carried on with the food as the pub was known for it. The beer also gives another reason to visit, you won’t have to book for a pint at the bar but you’d be wise to do so if you fancy a bite to eat.

We at CAMRA love to give out gongs in appreciation of a pub landlord’s hard work and good beer, cheer and everything else that makes going to the pub the pleasure it is.

A recent winner of a Gold Award is the Red

Red Lion, West Deeping

Lion in West Deeping. Like the Ruddy Duck much of its trade comes from providing good food and with a choice of beers similar in number to the Duck the customers are assured

info@real-ale.org.uk

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PUB NEWS

of a good time. The Red Lion has about 4 ales on offer and is worthy of the award and more importantly, a visit.

A new pub to try coincides nicely with our Delaine Omnibus Pub Crawl which is about to take place as I write. The use of public transport is a commendable thing generally and when it involves getting on and off to visit pubs en route it’s even more so. Luckily for us the Delaine Peterborough to Stamford route takes us through Helpston which is as good a place as any to make a first stop.

The Exeter Arms has recently been taken over by Phil Roberts and his family following the leaving of Laura and Stephen Hudson earlier this year. Phil had an early baptism in the pub trade as his mum and dad held the Angel in Yarwell for many years so a move to the Exeter Arms following his redundancy from Perkins seemed a logical step. The pub has three handpumps with London Pride and Wherry on my visit, both of which proved excellent. The beers will no doubt change as Phil gets to grip with what the regulars fancy. There will be changes at the pub with a new cheap and cheerful menu in place of what went before.

The pub would be foolish to try and compete with the Bluebell, the other pub in the village whose reputation for food would be difficult to beat but I think there is room for two contrasting pubs in the village. Good luck Phil, we'll see you soon.

The Delaine bus will also get you to Bourne and Market Deeping which sounds like a super idea. Maybe we can get Mr Delaine to buy us a pint as we’re promoting his services.

Stamford News A few snippets of news from Stamford.

The White Swan in Scotgate has just reopened after being closed for several weeks.

The new incumbent is Gary Holden who comes from Kettering. The Stamford Mercury informs us that “the pub will cater for over25s”, but there was no mention of the beers.

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The Drum And Monkey is now in the hands of Chris and Lisa Needham formerly of The Danish Invader and the London Inn has been sold by Enterprise Inns. The good news (and remember it’s just good news in this issue) is that the place has been bought and will be refurbished and reopened as a free house. Hurrah for private enterprise.....

I thought that the home of Push Penny was either the Jolly Brewer or the Hit or Miss yet word on the street is that the St Mary’s Vaults held a push penny competition in September. Can this be true? Is the balance of power in the town shifting? You're messing with tradition, beware the consequences....

Panto Season I like the idea that the average pub may well have a few frustrated actors amongst its clientele but for a pub to encourage them is reprehensible! The Vine in Market Deeping, Chas Wells beers in abundance, was recently found guilty of staging a pantomime for the benefit of three local schools.

Customers Christine and David Weldrake wrote the imaginatively entitled Snow White and Ali Barber and the Magic Beans in the Forest with the Seven Dwarves and Gretel when approached by landlady Jo Neal.

The story unfolded with Dick Plough (hurrah) taking on various trials to release Snow White (hurrah) from the clutches of the evil baron (boo hiss, behind you etc). The whole show went off successfully and our very own Terry Alexander, who should know better, took on a suitably evil and sinister disguise complete with menacing gloves. I will no doubt shout ‘behind you’ next time I see him drinking at a beer festival. Serves him right!

Keep the news coming and if anyone would like the title of ‘Pub Spy’ then get in touch.

Steve Williams 07802 896641 steve@peterborough2000.freeserve.co.uk 13

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info@real-ale.org.uk

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AWARDS

Whittlesey Winners bar while a second group were watching rugby in the lounge. On top of that a third group were setting up the microphones and PA for this was also Open Mic Night. This is a serious community local and it is quite obvious why it was voted as Cambs POTY. And after the presentation out came an excellent buffet. Well done and many thanks to all concerned.

The accompanying photograph shows Phil & Maria receiving their POTY Certificate from Vice-Chair & Social Secretary John Hunt.

Whilst in the area we also called in to the coincidently named Quinns Club to present them their LocAle Certificate, and the photograph shows LocAle officer John Rice presenting the all girl team with their award.

Harry

W

hen we travelled to the Boat at Whittlesey on a Tuesday evening in September to present the Cambridgeshire Pub of the Year 2009 Certificate we expected to find half a dozen drinkers but Phil and Maria Quinn don’t run just any old pub, and we could hardly get through the door as the bar was packed. One group was watching cricket on the TV in the

Double award for Cliff Quay Two PBF2009 awards were presented by local members Mick Read & Adrian Murphy when they visited Cliff Quay, a new brewery founded in the former loading bay of Tolly Cobbold Brewery in Ipswich, whilst on a Post Office outing there. The head brewer, Jeremy Moss, also brews for Earl Soham.

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BAE THROUGH THE YEARS

BAE Gones

A

s this is the 150th anniversary issue I thought we would take a look at some of the headlines rather than concentrate on just a few issues.

Volume 1 Number 1 in June 1985 carried the headline “Hello Again” which is a bit odd if you think about it, but BAE had existed as a single Roneo sheet some years before but had been scrapped when the “Local” newspaper appeared in Peterborough. The “Local” carried many good hard-hitting pub and brewery articles in its early years but eventually succumbed to the lure of big brewery advertising cash and then died. So Volume 1 Number 1 was really part of the second coming of BAE. At the time Peterborough CAMRA was celebrating its tenth anniversary and noted that 60 pubs in the city were selling real ale against just six ten years before. Overall, 278 of the 421 pubs in the branch area were selling real ale. With such a success rate, was there any further need for CAMRA? That is a question that has been asked many times since, but another look at some other headlines should make the answer a very clear, “Yes”.

Issue 2 proclaimed the “8th Wonder of the World” – We still say that Peterborough Beer Festival is “The Biggest, the Brightest and the Best” but I think 8th Wonder is probably going a tad too far.

Issue 3 (Don’t panic – I’m not going to do all 149) set the stage for a type of headline that would become all too common – a brewery takeover or closure.

This time it was Batemans that was under threat. As I’m sure you know, Batemans Brewery survived and is still in the hands of the family but many other breweries lost out to takeovers during the last 25 years. Up to the 16

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BAE THROUGH THE YEARS

mid-nineties we regularly reported on brewery takeovers and closures including Watneys taking over Ruddles; Greene King closing Rayments; Greenall Whitley closing Davenports; S&N getting hold of Courage and also closing Home Ales Brewery.

Another regular theme has been pubs under threat of closure or destruction and our attempts to save them. Most notable in the early years was the sudden closure of the Still and we are back in the same position again.

Others were the changes to the Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe and to the Cherry Tree, Oundle Road, the latter only recently being in BAE again due to threats of its destruction.

Nothing much changes of course and more recently we have campaigned to prevent the demolition of the Brewery Tap and the Royal Oak, Walton.

Items that directly affect your pint have also made front page news in BAE. The price of a pint made news back in 1991 and still does today and we were campaigning for a full pint in that same year and in 1992, 17 years ago, the Government promised us a full pint and yet we are still waiting for anything better than 95%. Back then we said of the brewers, “It’s escaped their notice that we are in the deepest recession for decades…”

Another of our campaigns was against the use of fake hand pumps that were used to serve keg beer so that it appeared to be real ale and even worse, a few landlords who served keg beer through a real hand pump. Main culprits back in the 80’s and 90’s in our area were Elgoods, though both Greenalls and Whitbread were also up to the same trick and Scrumpy Jack cider became a problem in the mid 90’s. Thankfully that problem seems to have finally been sorted.

Bang up to date as always, BAE carried an article about global warming in 1989, suggesting that keg beer and lager were responsible for the

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destruction of the ozone layer. This was the April edition.

Government policy has always been good for BAE headlines. No one ever put duty down! – Now that would be a headline! Problems with the brewery tie were first mentioned in issue 4 and we are still arguing with the Government about its effect. The Beer Orders started back in 1989 allowing pubs to have a guest real ale until the big breweries sold off their pubs and deprived them of the opportunity.

Flexible licensing was another favourite, first promised by the Government in 1986; and having waited almost 20 years for it, the Conservatives are thinking of taking it away again, mainly because of the “new” problem of binge drinkers – Issue 24 (1989) – “Home Office Minister, John Patten, ascribed part of the blame for a 17% rise in violent crime to rampaging lager louts, part of the Saturday night lager culture”. Obviously a “new” problem then?

And just so you don’t get too depressed, here is a quote from 1992, “Alas, the British pub is an endangered species as the men and women behind the bars are finding out. The tenants are angry, bitter and disillusioned with both the brewers and the Government.”

According to the latest figures, pubs are closing at a faster rate now than at any other time so keep drinking the beer and, if you haven’t already, join CAMRA. Harry

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THE BEER IN SPAIN POURS MAINLY ON THE...?

Spanish Beer?

The Golden Lion at Stonea Tel: 01354 680732 The Golden Lion, Sixteenfoot Bank, Stonea, March PE15 0DU

Traditional fenland pub with a great welcome, real fire and real ales!

Find us alongside the Sixteenfoot Bank adjacent to Stonea railway crossing.

We have visited Malaga in the South of Spain several times but always failed to find anywhere selling decent beer despite long internet searches. This is hardly surprising as this is wine country. A visit to Torremolinos, just down the road, did yield a Dutch bar called “What Els(e)” selling Orval, Duvel, Palm, Westmalle and a couple of others.

This year we stayed at the far eastern end of Torre, at the Carihuela beach end, and here there are several Dutch bars offering small selections of Belgian beers.

It was, however, back in the centre of Torre, in the Dutch bar mentioned above that use of my only Flemish phrase, “De rekening alstublieft”, ie “The bill, please”, got the owner chatting and details of a bar down the road with over 100 bottled beers. La Cervezateca doesn’t open until 8pm but is well worth a visit if you are in these parts as it does indeed sell over 100 beers from around the world (60+ bottled beers from Belgium, together with Kwak, Kriek and Cerveza ‘TK’ on draught).

More details on www.cervezateca.com Harry & Stella

Good quality food served daily at a reasonable price – steaks a speciality Carvery on a Sunday

Christmas Menu Available 4 courses from £10.95 Please call for details or see our brand new website www.goldenlionstonea.com

Good Beer & Good Food at

The Plough•Farcet Fen 01733 844307

Ramsey Rd, Peterborough PE7 3DR

3 Ever-changing Real Ales always available Every Wednesday - Friday

‘Tea Time’ special menu just £5 per head!

December 5th - 1940’s ‘Home on Leave’ Dance with ‘Leenie Jayny + DJ Woody £10 pre-booked ticket with food (recommended) (£12.50 on Door) Dec 13th - Senior Citizens ‘Sunday Afternoon Out’ 12.30 - 4.30pm - 3 Course Lunch then signalong (Dance if you like!) Pre-book only £12.95 ‘Bring your own cracker’!

Planning a Christmas or Boxing Day Party?

Small or large, call now to avoid disappointment.

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Pig n Falcon - St Neots ALES TO DATE

LIVE MUSIC

180

WED, FRI + SAT

FROM 9/4/09 Minimum of

NEW large heated

SIX CHRISTMAS ALES

smoking area

on at all times during the festive period!

‘Rock and Ale’ every weekend with up to 16 Ales & ciders from £2 per pint Open 10am (11am Sunday) til’ late Monday -Sunday!

www.PignFalcon.co.uk Tel 07951 785678 – New St, St Neots – PE19 1AE

Unique Brew Pub • Award winning Cask Ales • Authentic Thai Cuisine

Festive Menus served daily from November 23rd until December 24th Booking advised to avoid disappointment.

Christmas Discos every Friday and Saturday night throughout December.

The ultimate gift for real ale lovers – 17 or 34 pint poly pins of Oakham Ale (must be pre-ordered).

New Years Eve Live Music from Citizen Smith

£5 door admission applies A la carte menu will be available until 10.30pm.

The Brewery Tap would like to congratulate BAE on their 150th edition.

www.real-ale.org.uk

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COMPETITION

Paul Brammer THE

Famous FIVE

SPONSORS

and the Hidden Breweries Mystery

Can you solve the mystery readers? A number of breweries past & present are hidden within the text of the story. An Adnams fleece and an Adnams rugby shirt await the winners, ie the two people finding the most breweries, the winner getting first choice of item. Email answers to me or via snail mail to Harry including a contact phone number.

Apologies to Enid Blyton as I really was a fan when I was much younger! The deadline for the competition is Friday 8th January 2010.

A

way from Kirrin, and the Famous Five were bored. They were sat around the table in a Norfolk cottage trying to decide what daring adventures they could get up to.

“Let’s go the coast,” George said, “I’m sure we will find something there to excite us, and anyway, I have a mad urge to paddle in the sea.”

“Why not indeed,” chirped Julian, and the others readily agreed.

After packing their camping kit, they were soon cycling through the country lanes merrily with Timmy their friendly black dog running alongside them. After a short while they noticed the storm clouds gathering overhead and decided to take shelter from the impending rain in a disused grain store nearby. The weather soon abated and it wasn’t long before they could continue on their journey. Anne commented on how pretty the rainbow 20

looked, as it cast a spectrum of colours down upon the white of the chalk hills around them.

All of a sudden, Dick noticed something strange and quietly ushered the others to hide behind a hedge.

“Look over there,” he said, “By that old watermill down by the riverside. I thought they were scarecrows at first but then I saw them move.”

“They’re probably just a couple of poachers,” remarked George, “I remember Uncle Stuart saying many farmers in the area had experienced problems with them, in fact they do more harm than any fox or wolf would.”

The Famous Five remained well hidden behind their hedge, as the two men walked across the moor in front of them. One of the men had a turkey tucked under his arm, while the other man looked very strange indeed. He was walking barefoot, and wore a single red rose in the

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SPONSORED BY ADNAMS

lapel of his shabby jacket. The odd couple then suddenly disappeared from sight into a wood, as if vanished away by a wizard’s wand.

“I’m fairly certain that they are up to no good,” said Julian, “and I have a whim to follow them as it might be quite an adventure, but if we are to get to the East coast by nightfall then we should press on.”

“Yes what a dilemma,” remarked Dick, “stay or keep moving, ignoring an almost certain mystery just because we haven’t got lights for our bikes!”

It was actually very dark by the time they arrived at their destination, indeed a lone black sheep wandering in the lane startled them all as it could hardly be seen! An owl hooted at them from its lofty perch in the mighty oak tree laden with acorns, which stood towering over the entrance to the drive leading to the old rectory, their intended campsite for the night. They dismounted and made their way up the dimly lit path, guided by the sounds of the bells from the parish church gently ringing in the distance.

Dick and Julian soon had their tent up, but Anne and George had struggled to find a clear patch on the lawn that hadn’t been disturbed by moles digging, and well away from the boys so they wouldn’t be kept awake by their snoring!

Once sorted, they sat under the star light sharing a late packed supper of cheddar cheese sandwiches and the customary lashings of ginger beer, before turning in for the night.

Anne was first to wake in the morning and after all that ginger beer the night before, in a desperate need to spend a penny! She ran from her tent to the cottage just a few yards away, her cloak hampering her movement as she ran, but soon achieving her aim. On her walk back she encountered a man dressed as a king astride a huge white horse, and bizarrely he wore no shoes! Could this be the same person as the poacher from the day before she thought? But no, all was innocent as the man introduced himself as a member of the travelling funfair that had

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set up that morning down in the village, so after saying goodbye, she ran off to inform the others.

Meantime, Julian had risen and was enjoying an idle moment watching the bees go about their business among the flowerpots surrounding the garden. Anne returned to relate her news and everyone decided to check out the village straight after breakfast. Even Timmy barked in agreement!

They decided to walk down the hill into the village, so they could better take in the delightful scenery, such is the joy of country life. They witnessed an abundance of birdlife – magpies, wagtails and swans, each one delighting the youngsters, none more so than the sight of a mallard taking to flight.

“I can’t wait to paddle in the sea, and to feel the white water running around my toes,” shrieked George, “and then we can go exploring at the fair.

At last, the youngsters arrived at the seaside village. Outside the first building, a pub called ‘The Dutch Artist’, sat an old sailor smoking a clay pipe. Obviously a formidable warrior in his early life, now looking tired and battle worn, wearing a tatty Arran jumper, and missing his left arm, instead he sported a wooden hand with a hook on it.

“Good morning sir,” said Julian, “Isn’t it a lovely sunny day?”

“It were ruddy cold at dawn”, replied the old sailor, “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.”

The children didn’t linger to chat further, choosing to head in the direction of the church spire, which they knew to be next to the coast. George made her excuses to her friends and set off to the beach for her paddle.

The other children soon reached the church which was at the far North of the village, and decided to pop into the adjacent cafe for an ice cream.

Continued overleaf 21

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The Cherry Tree 9 - 11 Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9PB

Tel: 01733 703495 4 Real Ales including

Landlord, Pedigree and Two Guest Beers Live Music every Friday and Saturday

Now Stocking Local Ales Changing Weekly (from breweries such as Oakham, Digfield, Potbelly, Tydd Steam, Elgoods, Grainstore and others)

Seasons greetings from Ann, Jess and all the Staff Traditional Meals served daily Monday - Friday: 12noon - 2pm, 6pm - 9pm Sunday: 12noon - 5.30pm

www.cherrytree-inn.co.uk

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

22

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COMPETITION CONTINUED

George had her sandals and socks off the moment she stepped on to the sand. She noticed a wader by the shoreline searching for oysters. As she walked into the coolness of the foam, she observed the wave swells, and young such as she was, became fascinated by the antics of the sea otters either bobbing in the tide or returning a caught fish to their young back in their holts.

George replaced her footwear and set off to rejoin the others. A van sped past her with a blue bear painted on the side and a large dent in the wing, but she thought no more of it when she met up with the others a short while later.

“I’m just going to give my dad a quick call folks,” said George, “just let him know we’re OK.” “Fine,” exclaimed Dick, “and pray tell us what Uncle Quentin has to say.”

A few minutes passed before George came out

from the telephone booth with a distressed look upon her face.

“Dad says they found a headless corpse on the beach in Kirrin yesterday, so that’s another mystery we’ve missed out on solving,” informed George, “but there is another mystery unfolding all around us apparently,” she continued. “Lots of breweries have disappeared, or at least they are hiding somewhere,” explained George, “but I don’t have an idea where to start looking, do you?”

“Why don’t we get the readers of Beer Around ‘Ere to locate them for us,” remarked the others, “and we can give a reward to those who find the most can’t we?”

“Well I’ll go to hell and back,” exclaimed George, “and I thought we were the best detectives around ‘ere.”

“Come on George; let’s go home,” they all said,” “Woof, woof*,” said Timmy. (*dog language for ‘I fancy a pint’.)

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 www.real-ale.org.uk

Tel: 01945 583160 23

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Five go

Mad

in Milton

Time doesn’t stand still in a multi-billion pound brewery and we were soon in the brewery itself. Unfortunately the official secrecy act we all signed means I am unable to describe the ornate room itself filled with gleaming and polished brass brewing vessels in any detail.

The brewery day starts early and the milling had already been done by the time we arrived but we soon had Robert Jr in one of Milton’s 20 brewing kettles cleaning out a previous brews hops,

F

ive bright eyed and bushy tailed volunteers met at 7am at Peterborough station, which was a bit keen as the train wasn’t till 8.20 but that shows how keen and eager we all were!

Arriving at the perimeter to Milton Brewery’s 200 acre estate we were greeted at the ornate front gates by uniformed security personnel who politely welcomed us to the brewery. There was some small unfortunate confusion when Mick misheard “Retinal” scan but that was quickly cleared up.

Mashing was next with the milled malt with added coffee was soon splashing prettily from the hopper into the mash tun. VP Crushy oversaw this procedure himself! Soon the porridge-like mixture filled the mash tun - the three volunteers from last year’s brewing smirked inwardly as we knew that some mug was going to have to clean the mash tun out and that it wasn’t going to be any of us!

A small private liveried helicopter whisked us to the main brewing building where we took the glass elevator to the 18th floor to meet vice president in charge of brewing Paul “Crushy” Crush and senior chairman generalissimo Sir Richard Naisby O.G.B (order of the Ginger Beard).

24

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MILTON BREWERY VISIT

After the mashing the warm and rather tasty if lacking in alcohol - wort was run off into the lovingly cleaned (by Robert Jr) kettle to simmer away for an hour before getting the first of its 2 hop additions.

After a tasty 3 course banquet in the Michelin starred “canteen” we were soon back to work and with a slightly unpleasant pack mentality the 3 veteran volunteers gathered around Robert Sr to offer him helpful mash tun cleaning tips “take your tobacco out of your pocket it might catch fire!” and “how’s your life insurance” Cleanliness is next to godliness in a well run brewery and Robert was soon knee deep in the still warm mash tun digging out with all the vigour of a man half his age. The 8 or 9 sacks of wet and hot mush were taken out ready to be delivered to local farmers as they are considered delicious by pigs!

The Willamette hops for the beer were weighed out and added to the kettle before the beer was run off into the Fermenting tanks (which had been merrily cleaned out by myself earlier that day). The hot wort passes through a heat exchanger doohickey and which cools the wort while the brewing “liquor” or water is heated up.

Yeast was added to the wort which will happily eat up all the sugars from the malty liquid while weeing alcohol and farting CO2 to make delicious beer. The beer will sit in the fermenting vessel for roughly a day per percent of alcohol before moving to a conditioning tank for a couple more days before run off into casks ready for thirsty drinkers at Peterborough Beer Festival.

Happily we 5 sat back on empty casks content in a days brewing done well - however the strict task-masters at Milton decided there was a little bit more work in us and a 2 tonne delivery of malt needed moving and a conditioning tank needed cleaning out, Chairman Beard’s car needed waxing and a few other vital tasks!

With thanks (and apologies for the fibs) to Milton Brewery for letting us come and spend a day experiencing the life of a brewer.

Tom Beran

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PHIPPS BREW ANOTHER REVIVAL

Ratliffe’s Return Ratliffe’s Celebrated Stout is 4.3% and will be available on draught and in 500ml bottles from December and is the third revival beer produced by the partnership of Phipps NBC and Tony Davies at the Grainstore Brewery, one year since they relaunched their IPA. Phipps took over their near neighbour, Ratliffe and Jeffery in 1899 but Mr Ratliffe stayed on with the company to oversee the continued brewing of his popular stout. In WW2, bottles of Ratliffe’s were shipped out to the Northamptonshire Regiment serving with the Desert Rats in North Africa. This was celebrated on the stout's bottle label in the 40s and 50s with the addition of a little red rat standing in front of pyramids and palm trees.

Not so much “ice cold in Alex” as “quite tepid in Tobruk” After the merger with NBC the two company's stouts were known as Ratliffe's Jumbo Stout and finally just Jumbo Stout.

As with previous beers, they’ve gone back to pre war brewer's records as well as looking at the form the brew took in its final years. After much disscussion between brewer Tony Davis at the Grainstore Brewery and the old Phipps brewers advising the project, it was decided to aim for a strength close to the latter at 4.3% but take the recipe’s main cues from the pre war form.

Ratliffe’s will primarily be available in bottles but will have a limited release on draught this winter.

Tony’s tasting Notes “The Ratliffe's is a creamy, full bodied, malty brew, satisfyingly rich with distinct caramel and coffee notes. A combination of the crystal and roasted malts give the stout its deep, dark colour and pronounced roasted flavour, topped off with a thick appetising light tan head.

More information www.phipps-nbc.co.uk

15 to c C 0t on w har h g o to issu ratu uld ters m e lat lik an an e e y m d BA or look E o ee s n Incorporating East Restaurant Thai dit forw it’s ion a and Pan Asian cuisine s. rd The perfect riverside setting to meet, eat, drink and enjoy

12 real ales on tap including award winning beers from Oakham Ales

FORTHCOMING EVENTS: Friday 27th November Groove Cartel Friday 11th December angryman Saturday 19th December Danny Bryant’s Red Eye Band

NEW YEARS EVE See

in the New Ye ar with the Might y Quinn Tickets now o n Sale £10

Town Bridge, Peterborough | Tel / Fax: 01733 315700 Email: charters.manager@oakagroup.com | www.oakhamales.com

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01778 344699

The Vine

19 Church St, Market Deeping

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Did you know that we have been mentioned in the good beer guide two years running?

Did you know that we were voted in the top 70 Best British Pubs in the national newspaper, the Daily Telegraph this year?

So why not come and see what we have to offer?

Events On in December Sunday 6th & 20th Darts Knockout starts 8pm Tuesday 8th Charity Film & TV Quiz Sunday 13th & 27th Quiz Night starts 8pm Friday 25th CHRISTMAS DAY HOURS 12 - 2pm Tuesday 29th CHRISTMAS SWAP SHOP exchange those unwanted Christmas jumpers!

Thursday 31st PIRATE TREASURE HUNT & PARTY! Land lubbers supper and Caribbean Punch. Tickets - £10

The

SCwottiagses Grove St, Woodston, PE2 9AG Tel: 01733 568734 A Family-run, Real Ale House with a warm, welcoming atmosphere Real Ales always available Including Roosters Yankee, Local Ales & Others

CAMRA

GOLD AW AR Winners 20 D 09

Live Music every Friday Night including Retrolux and The Mighty Quinn

SKY SPORTS with ESPN Twin Sky boxes to show two games at once.

All football and other live sporting events Heated Smoking Area, Pool Table & Beer Garden

Open All Day Every Day from Noon

Bert & Eileen wish you a happy festive season at

•MARKET DEEPING •

“Birthplace of Peterborough CAMRA”

3 WELL KEPT Real Ales available at all times Tempting range of bar snacks Separate Restaurant, serving an excellent menu of home-cooked food at lunchtime all week. Sunday Roast 12 - 2pm.

Patrons Car Parking

DISCO - Christmas Eve and New Years Eve! 19 Market Place, Market Deeping, Peterborough PE6 8EA

Tel: 01778 343320 28

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PUB SIGN OF THE TIMES

Pub Signs for the Modern Age Last issue we ran a competition to win a Good Beer Guide 2010 by supplying us with Pub names for the times we live in. Here are a few examples from our favourite local real ale loving artist, Jim Martin.

www.real-ale.org.uk

The winner of a 2010 Good Beer Guide was chosen at our November committee meeting held at the Coal Heaver’s Arms, and will be announced in the next issue of BAE. See the centre pages of this edition for our latest competition.

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The Boat Inn CAMRA Cambridgeshire Pub of the Year 2009

Phil and Maria wish all our customers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Beer Garden • Sky Sports TV Bed & Breakfast • Heated outdoor smoking area • Petanque terain • Westons traditional Perry and Ciders • 80 Single Malt Whiskies 2 Ramsey Road, Whittlesey Tel: 01733 202488 www.theboatuk.com

The Prince of Wales Feathers

Castor, Peterborough Tel: 01733 380222

Season’s Greetings from Keith and Jenny at

132 Great Whyte, Ramsey PE26 1HS

© Mick Slaughter 2009

Serving a selection of Real Ales: Abbot Ale, Wells Bombardier, Woodfordes Wherry and one ever-changing guest ale.

Award winning village local in historic Castor.

Close to the Nene Valley Railway & Ferry Meadows.

Serves 5 guest ales & real cider. Walker & dog friendy.

JOIN US FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON! Homecooked food served every lunchtime.

NEW HOME OF CASTOR ALES details at:

Live Music

Now With Free WiFi Large Beer Garden

01487 812597

www.princeofwalesfeathers.co.uk 30

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PUBS WITH A PAST

Pubs with a Past

The Cross Keys in Oundle Rd has been part of the street scene since before 1866 when it was rebuilt.

The present building dates from 1899 as the date stone above the front door indicated. There was another Cross Keys in Bridge Street which was demolished in the 19th century. It is thought that the pub sign from the Bridge Street premises was transferred to Oundle Rd. Well, why waste a perfectly good pub sign?

The photo is undated but judging from the clothing of our two subjects it is probably from the 1930’s.

Steve Williams

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GOLD AWARD PRESENTATION

Swiss Gold found in Woodston

THE SPINNING WHEEL Baston Popular Village Local Serving

Traditional Ales including Charles Wells Bombardier and Changing Guest Ales.

Traditional Food Tues-Sat (lunchtime + eves), Sunday Lunch Weds is Pizza Night (eat in or takeaway), Thurs is Steak & Rib Night Quiz night every Monday • Poker Night every Wednesday Open Microphone Night last Sunday of each month, starting Nov 29th

T

he Swiss Cottage on Grove Sreet, just off Oundle Road, was recently presented with a CAMRA gold award for “Significantly improving the range and quality of the real ales on offer.” Nominated by Bram, who informs us “The Swiss has always been a very friendly back-street community local, and I have enjoyed drinking in there on many occassions, especially during Crib matches, but for many years the choice of real ales was usually limited to either John Smiths or nothing at all. Current Licensees James & Angie Hopkin began introducing a selection of guest ales a couple of years ago, and more recently, dedicated at least one of their three handpumps to a LocAle beer. At a time when pubs like this are closing at the rate of 8 a day, James & Angie have recognised that real ale is one of the few products in growth during the current recession, and have managed to convert many customers over to real ale, despite the pub retaining a strong Irish feel to it.

I have never been disappointed on any of my now regular visits, especially as there are several good real ale pubs in that area, and the award was well deserved and not before time.”

The picture shows Bar Manager Martin Auckland and Licensee James Hopkin receiving their award from BAE Editor Bram and Branch Chairman Dave Murray.

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Christmas bookings still being taken Open Christmas Day 12-3pm FREE entry on NEW YEAR’S EVE (with FREE buffet!)

4 Church St, Baston, Lincs PE6 9PE Tel 01778 560395 Email spinningwheel@talktalkbusiness.net

A T HOLYOAK PLUMBING & HEATING CORGI REGISTERED 01733 208437 OR 07860 569389 192 STONALD ROAD

WHITTLESEY info@real-ale.org.uk

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THE GREEN MAN 29 Scotgate, Stamford 01780 753598

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

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

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

OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY from 11am until Midnight (from 12 noon Sunday)

Open Christmas Day 12 Noon – 2pm

www.real-ale.org.uk

IN S AR R YE BEE EN D TE OO DE! R G I U FO THE GU

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BANDS AND BEER

Rhythm & Booze

O

ld punks, especially sometime members of The Destructors, never die.

They just end up forming cover bands and playing down the pub. Their former guitarist Gizz Butt and his Red, Black & Blues Band plays The Palmerston Arms on December 18, while current axe-man Dave Colton and his Retrolux cohorts will be at the Crab & Winkle on December 5, The Hit or Miss January 15 and The Ostrich Inn on January 29.

If the music at www.last.fm/music/Destructors+666/ Bah+Humbug tickles your fancy, then you’ll be pleased to know that The Destructors themselves, supporting the marvellously titled Sick On The Bus, are at The Met Lounge on November 27.

Word has reached me that the Crowland Blues Club is no more, with the organisers believing that apathy rules. Thankfully Shakedown Blues at Castor Village Hall is still going strong, no doubt bolstered by the splendid range of Castor Ales they offer.

On December 12 they host Shar-Baby, backed

by The Dave Thomas - Wes Weston Blues Band, while Little Willy Littlefield and his Boogie Woogie Piano performs on January 30.

For advance tickets and further information visit www.shakedownblues.co.uk Possibly the best pub in the city centre, The Ostrich Inn has launched a couple of new nights. On Sundays it’s Mighty Mouth Karaoke, while a quiz with cash prizes takes place on Wednesdays. Both nights start at 34

8.30pm and as ever the pub has live music at the weekends. Their full programme is listed below:December Friday 4th –White Spirit Saturday 5th – Storm Friday 11th – 101 Proof Saturday 12th – The Mighty Quinn Friday 18th – The Back Street Boys Saturday 19th – Porky Pig Christmas Eve * - John Quinn Saturday 26th – Lloyd Watson Band New Year’s Eve * - Storm * ticket only, ring 752255 for details January January Saturday 1st – Pennyless Sunday 2nd – Children of the Revolution Friday 8th – Daffy & The Alien Saturday 9th – The Electric Warriors Friday 15th – The Mighty Quinn Saturday 16th – School House Rock Friday 22nd – Blues After Midnight Saturday 23rd – Frankly My Dear Friday 29th – Retrolux Saturday 30th – Gin House If you like a touch of country with your blues, then The Countries are your band. Featuring Steve Bean, formerly of Angry Man, they play The Hand & Heart on December 12.

Venues, promoters and bands wanting a mention in this column can drop an email to simonstabler@aol.com Simon Stabler

info@real-ale.org.uk

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Terms & Conditions • The coupon is only valid when £25 or more is spent on food. The discount does not apply to spend on drinks. • The coupon is valid for food purchases only and cannot be exchanged for cash. • The coupon is valid until Sunday 28th March 2010 (excluding Dec 13th - Jan 3rd) • No party booking in excess of 8 people • The coupon cannot be used with any other promotion.

www.traditionalinns.co.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk

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Hand & Heart 12 Highbury Street, Peterborough PE1 3BE

01733 564653

An ever changing selection of five real ales to please all nspoilt 1930’s community local with original Warwick brewery windows and rare intact “Jug and Bottle”. 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 in the old Eight bells car park, end of the street.

U

Listed in the CAMRA inventory and a consistent Good Beer Guide Entry.

W

e would like to say a big thankyou to Tom Harbord for all his hard work towards the last two beer festivals and for his three years service with us at the College Arms.

Tom was dedicated to supporting our local breweries and consistently provided an impressive range of ales. Through his determination we have introduced many more of our customers to the world of real ale. Tom was responsible for the October beer Festival which saw a record number of Real Ale pints being sold.

Sadly, Tom 26, passed away on October 31st.

He was much loved and will be greatly missed by all. we will endeavour to carry on his good work and strive to reach his goal of always having the best range of local and national ales availiable in Peterborough.

The College Arms Team.

www.real-ale.org.uk

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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 (see Chairman on the left) Advertising: Chris Shilling 01778 421550 chris@shillingmedia.co.uk Magazine & Advertising Production: Daniel Speed 0845 838 7581 dan@tamoko-design.co.uk Postal Distr: Daryl Ling 01733 235881

Brewery Liaison Officers Blue Bell: John Hunt 01406 330453 Social Sec: John Hunt Castor Ales: Mike Lane 07923 489917 07850 334203 social-sec@real-ale.org.uk Digfield: Paul Brammer Pubs Officer: Steve Williams 07922 604988 07802 896641 Elgoods: Dawn Mason pubs-officer@real-ale.org.uk 01733 243557 Press Officer: Robert Barnes Hopshackle: Noel Ryland 07944 869656 07811 585699 Melbourn: Lew Clayton press-officer@real-ale.org.uk 01780 765063 Young Members: Alix Botton Oakham Ales: Dave Allett 07806 625574 07966 344417 young-members@realale.

Tydd Steam: John Hunt org.uk 01706 330453 Ufford Ales: Matt Mace Membership: Daryl Ling 07809 629241 01733 235881 membership@real-ale.org.uk Trading Standards Festival Org: Mike Lane 07850 334203 festival-organiser@realale. org.uk LocAle Officer: John Rice 07759 342702 locale@real-ale.org.uk

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The next issue of BAE will be available on: 25th January We must have your stories, news and advertisements by: 8th January Late copy cannot be guaranteed entry.

Please contact Chris Shilling 01778 421550/07736 635 916/chris@shillingmedia.co.uk 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.

08545 040506 www.consumerdirect.gov.uk Check out our new website at: www.real-ale.org.uk or www.peterborough-camra.org.uk

info@real-ale.org.uk

BAE 150 Prog:Layout 1 18/11/2009 10:48 Page 39

THE

NSTORE I A R G BREWERY DAVIS’ES BREWING Co Ltd

English Ales

Fine brewed in

Rutland

Browse our selection of beers at

www.grainstorebrewery.com Tel 01572 770065

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t t an gh ing ! ur Ni be as ta y tm es rt ow s R Pa n hri d gs C an kin or o f bo en k ta