Chair's Welcome

Welcometothis 72nd edition of Mad Cow...

Ihopethat you andyourfamilieshave beenmaking the most of the warm summer and drinking real ale, cider orperry in one of the many excellentbeergardenswithinourbrancharea. Lookingforward, don't forget to put the 6th and 7th October in your diary for this year's Ascot Beer Festival, which no doubt, willbe as good as ithas everbeen.

You will notice on our front cover, our branch recently celebrated 20 years of active campaigning in Berkshire South East, and whilst we have seen many changes in the industry over the past two decades, our passion and drive to keep the great British tradition of Real Alethriving has never waned. We celebrated our anniversary at the Old Manor in Bracknell where Ihadtheopportunitytoraiseaglasswithourteamandthankthemfortheirdedication and hard work. You can read more about the event on page 6.

If you are a CAMRA member and have not been to one of our Branch Open Meetings recently, wehavepurposelytrimmeddownourformalagendatoenabletimetodiscussatopic or two, soif you have something you are concerned about, please come andjoin us.

Kevin Lenton Branch Chair

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

The Prince, Crowthorne

The Prince in Crowthorne has reopened after a significant, six-figure investment to upgrade both the interior and exterior of the pub. After being closed for around six weeks the Prince has been delightfully decorated with increased capacity and modernised facilities.

ambience, or to simply watch the world go by. A new decorative pergola is fitted with heaters for the winter months, but also provides a level of shade for those sizzling summer months. Also, no more queuing at the bar for those wanting to sit outside, with new outdoor payment stations now available. The expanded external area now seats up to 40 people.

The large function room, with capacity for 50-60 people, is great for sports lovers, with no less than seven large screens fitted.

A new improved menu has been created offering pub classics along with other weekly deals, including two main meals for £15.49 and cake and coffee for just £3.49. The pub now opens for breakfast at 9am. Children and dogs are welcome both inside and out.

Jay Cutler, General Manager of the Prince said: “The Prince is the perfect home away from home in the centre of Crowthorne. Whether you’re looking to catch up with friends or enjoy the live sports and events, you’ll always have good food and refreshing drink to look forward to”.

This Greene King owned pub is now brighter and fresher, with contemporary decoration and stylish furnishings creating a "modern, sociable atmosphere." The bar has new seating, including some eye-catching booths, increasing the internal seating capacity to 100.

Outside, in the much-loved courtyard, the level of renovation and attention to detail continues to impress. A wonderful, relaxing place to sit and enjoy the

“The renovation has brought a fantastic new energy to the pub, and with our improved facilities and exciting new sports area we’re really pleased to be able to offer our Crowthorne guests an even better drinking, dining and social experience. The pub hosts a regular programme of events, including Rock ‘n’ Roll bingo every Thursday, weekly boardgame and quiz nights, group dog walks every Sunday from 10:30, and a mum & baby morning every Monday.”

Jagz Bar, Ascot

Former Jagz premises near Ascot station now has a new licence and should be reopening soon, but we understand itwillremain asa nightclub.

Kiki Bistro Bar, Sunningdale

There is a new bar in Sunningdale opposite Waitrose called the Kiki Bistro Bar. This ismoreof awine and cocktail bar and does not serve any real ale. Restauranteur, Mark Hope, opened Pazzia, Sunninghill, as Kiki, with a soft launch on Sunday June 4th. Plenty of cocktailsare available, as well as a full newmenu. Thanksforhavingus!

CAMRABSEoffersthankstothefollowing forhostingtheirrecentbranchmeetings:

Newtown Pippin inBracknell

Hope & Anchor inWokingham

White Horse inWokingham the best-selling beer & pub guide