Quarts and Thoughts 26

I should thank my employers, M & J International Freight Ltd of Corby, for allowing me to store several thousand copies of BAE 212 free of charge in their warehouse (it helps when the boss is a CAMRA Life Member). Incidentally, people occasionally express surprise that a lorry driver can edit a magazine – or that an editor can drive a lorry! Here’s the proof….

Tina and I had a lovely ten days or so in Suffolk in July, initially in Aldeburgh where some old haunts were enjoyed, including the town’s White Hart and Mill as well as the remote Eel’s Foot at Eastbridge. Moving up the coast, we stayed in Bungay, where we luxuriated in the Green Dragon’s own Mild and Bitter and where we dined royally at the Fleece (ales from Green Jack and St. Peter’s). We also spent an evening at the Racehorse in nearby Westhall, where we were entertained by a number of musical acts who were raising money for a worthy cause - Race For The Racehorse as the local community aims to buy the pub and save it from closure. Green Jack Trawlerboys was my tasty ale of choice on the night.

Whilst in Bungay, a chance conversation with an elderly resident led to us visiting a brewery (Stow Fen) tucked away on the town’s outskirts. The brewer, known locally as “Cabbage” (I didn’t like to ask) showed us around and the tour – like the ales that followed it – was a very pleasant diversion!

The first weekend in September saw me in Beer Festival mode at the Crown in Great Casterton. This is a pub with a burgeoning reputation for its ale – their Bass is exceptional – and twenty ales were available in a busy atmosphere. I chose not to drink anything too strong on the day, although I finished with a Thornbridge Jaipur to complement preceding pints from Digfield, King’s Cliffe, Round Corner, Dark Star, Rudgate and Titanic.

Sometimes it’s the unexpected ale that gives the most pleasure, and that proved to be the case as I strolled round the Diversity Festival on Stamford’s Recreation Ground on August Bank Holiday Monday. Feeling the need for refreshment, I approached the bar not sure what to expect, and was very pleasantly surprised to be offered two ales from Kings Cliffe Brewery, dispensed by gravity. A pint each of 5C and No. 10 set me up nicely for the rest of the day!

Was enjoying a pint of Rooster’s Yorkshire Pale Ale in Stamford’s King’s Head when I was introduced to Rupert Gibson, whose Drum and Monkey brewery is based at his house on the site of the former pub of that name on Stamford’s Casterton Road. Rupert’s products are available in the King’s Head and I enjoyed sampling It’s A Bromance and Ohhh My Gooseness, a 6.7% gooseberry sour ale.

Steve Alcock, entrepreneurial landlord of the King’s Head (who launched Stamford Beers Direct during the first lockdown) is offering 10% off ales on a Sunday evening if you take a board game into the pub. It is possible he has a monopoly on the scheme…….

POSH PINTS

AND AWAY WE GO.....

It has been a predictably tough start to the season, in a higher division, for Darren Ferguson’s men, but – as we all know – the season is a marathon, not a sprint!

Saturday 16th October (League)

MIDDLESBROUGH KO 1500

DR. PHIL’S REAL ALE HOUSE

10 Pilkington Buildings, Linthorpe TS5 6DY

Local CAMRA Branch multiple award winner, this micropub in the suburb of Linthorpe is tiny but offers three changing ales, usually featuring a porter or stout. Honesty box snacks available on Saturday lunchtimes.

INFANT HERCULES

84 Grange Road TS1 2LS

Another micro in the town’s original solicitors’ quarter, offering four changing ales. Third-pint tasting bats available. No food though.

ISAAC WILSON, 61 Wilson Street TS1 1SF

Close to the railway station, this former Wetherspoon outlet is under private ownership but still offers lunchtime grub alongside two regular ales and three local guests.

RITA’S PANTRY

1 Esplanade, Redcar TS10 3AA

Recommended by the BAE Editor! About three miles from the Riverside sits another micro, this time in a former amusement arcade. Three draught ales and bottled Belgian beers are to hand as a warm welcome is extended to CAMRA members. The landlord of this recent local CAMRA award winner is a keen Boro (of the Middles variety) supporter.

Wednesday 20th October (League)

HULL CITY KO 1745

HOP AND VINE, 24 Albion Street HU1 3TG

Atmospheric basement bar free house stocking three changing guest ales, served in oversized lined glasses. Lunchtime nosh, including home-baked bread, is available and the pub is a former CAMRA National Cider Pub of the Year.

MINERVA HOTEL

Nelson Street HU1 1XE

This famous inn, overlooking the Humber estuary and Victoria Pier, was built in 1829 and features photos and memorabilia celebrating Hull’s maritime past. Five changing ales and lunchtime food available.

WHALEBONE, 165 Wincolmlee HU2 0PA

A rare gem sited in the old Greenland whaling trading area, and a quiet room in the pub showcases whaling industry artefacts. Licensed since 1791, the current pub dates from 1890 and has been a free house since 2002. No food offered, but the pub was local CAMRA City Pub of the Year in 2019.

WHITE HART

109 Alfred Gelder Street HU1 1EP

Identified by CAMRA as having a nationally important historic interior, the Hart is the tap for Crafty Little Brewery but also showcases more progressive local breweries. Runner-up local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2019. Again, no food available.

Saturday 30th October (League)

SWANSEA CITY KO 1500

BRUNSWICK ARMS

3 Duke Street SA1 4HS

Side-street boozer with a relaxing atmosphere and up to six ales - one of which is dispensed by gravity - usually available. Food served daily.

NO SIGN BAR

56 Wind Street SA1 1EG

Historic narrow bar dating from 1690 and reputedly a haunt of Dylan Thomas! Quality food and up to five real ciders.

QUEEN’S HOTEL

Gloucester Place SA1 1TY

Vibrant free house near the marina and a rare outlet for Theakston Old Peculier. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year, the home-cooked lunches are very popular.