Quarts and Thoughts 26

my sister lives about two minutes from the church so I invariably book in for the night! Dickie Bird’s comprehensive review of the event appears earlier in this issue, and his assessment is largely spot on. The token system is definitely flawed – on entry, the three of us paid our tenners and received a total of 25 tokens. I asked for clarification and was told that as the only CAMRA member of the three, I got “more tokens” – but how many more wasn’t clear. As the first round – two pints and a half – hoovered up thirteen tokens, it meant we had to buy more before ordering a second drink!

Also, I had to smile when we ordered said second drinks. The barman said that one of the ales was “at the other end of the bar”, so would I mind going up there and queuing again! I don’t think I was being unreasonable when I replied that I would prefer not to – so off he went, cheerfully enough. As I didn’t say when he got back, I could have spat further than he had to walk....

QUARTS AND THOUGHTS

Anyway, those minor details must not detract from the excellence of the ales consumed! Some genuinely mouth-watering products were drunk, including Red Squall (4.4%) from the local Newby Wyke brewery and Pheasantry Lincoln Tank (4.2%), but for me the stand-out ale on the night was the Barley Wine (7.0%) from our own Hopshackle Brewery, based of course in Market Deeping (you were only allowed to buy it in half-pints!).

Happy daze!

Al

POSH PINTS

AND AWAY WE GO.....

It’s proving a rollercoaster ride for the Posh as BAE goes to press, with some difficult trips – and hopefully some decent ales in the following pubs - coming up. As we go to press it’s not known who – or where – Posh will face in the FA Cup.

Saturday 4th December (League)

NOTTINGHAM FOREST KO 3pm

TRENT NAVIGATION

Meadow Lane NG2 3HS

Popular Victorian canalside pub not far from the City Ground and featuring the onsite Navigation Brewery, whose ales occupy most of the pumps. A large and varied menu is offered daily.

VAT AND FIDDLE

Queen’s Bridge Road NG2 1NB

The tap for the adjoining Castle Rock Brewery, this art deco gem is just two minutes from Nottingham railway station. Guest ales also feature among the thirteen handpumps and hot food is always on offer.

KING WILLIAM IV

6 Eyre Street, Sneinton NG2 4PB

Recommended by the BAE editor! Known generally as the King Billy, this Victorian gem is a family-run free house which is a haven for real ale drinkers, with eight microbrewery ales from near and far. No grub though.

BREAD AND BITTER

153-155 Woodthorpe Drive NG3 5JL

Recommended by the BAE editor! The pub is a converted former bakery and twelve handpumps serve Castle Rock ales plus rotating guest ales. Home-cooked food varies – check out the specials board.

LION INN

44 Mosley Street NG7 7FQ

Large traditional free house with choices from a changing range of nine cask ales, with Castle Rock and Draught Bass the permanent offerings.

Saturday 18th December (League)

BLACKPOOL KO 3pm

BAR 19

19 Queen Street FY1 1NL

Four changing ales (often Coachhouse, Holt’s, Lees). An “oasis of real ales” on one of Blackpool’s main party streets. A locals’ bar during the day and a nightclub later on. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2018. However, no food served.

PUMP AND TRUNCHEON

13 Bonny Street FY1 5AR

Old-fashioned and welcoming free house just off the Golden Mile. Six guest ales can be enjoyed along with home-made pizzas and foot-long sausages.

SADDLE INN

286 Whitegate Drive FY3 9PH

“A Blackpool institution” dating from around 1776. Draught Bass and five changing ales complement walls featuring many sporting prints. Food served until 9pm.

Wednesday 29th December (League)

BIRMINGHAM CITY KO 745pm

OLD MOSELEY ARMS

53 Tindal Street B12 9QU

Traditional 19th century backstreet gem serving ales from Church End, Enville, Wye Valley. Tandoori food served in the evenings.