Darlington Drinker - Issue 185 - Winter 2012 by Capital Media

Darlington Drinker N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E D A R L I N G T O N C A M PA I G N F O R R E A L A L E

E! FRasE e take Ple a copy

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

CASTLE PLAYERS

get a Special Brew!

IN THIS ISSUE... • DARLINGTON CAMRA BEER TENT • END OF DECEIT BY THE PUMP • SHIP INNS’ SUCCESS Plus Much More.... www.dar locam r a.or g.uk

Darlington Drinker

www.darlocamra.org.uk

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

FROM THE EDITOR

Darlington Drinker

The Buck Inn Thornton Watlass, Bedale

Country Inn Overlooking the Village Green

ou will notice that this edition of Darlington Drinker looks a bit different from the last one, which, in its turn, was a bit different from preceding ones. It has been quite a journey, and a steep learning curve for me, to get to this point, and we are being helped in this by Capital Media, a CAMRA approved company who publish a number of Branch magazines. For several reasons this will be my last DD as Editor. I have really enjoyed putting it together but things change. Happily, Ian Jackson, who is well known to many of you, both as a brewer, and also as our Webmaster, has agreed to take on the task of collating the editorial and liaising with Capital Media. I hope you will support him with news and articles. Darlington branch of CAMRA has over 300 members but the number prepared to lend a hand running the branch is a tiny proportion of this number. Branch meetings seldom attract numbers in double ﬁgures and the branch Committee has, by and large, had the same members for years. There was a lot of disappointment when the Arts Centre closed and we decided not to have Rhythm ‘n’ Brews this autumn. We have been urged to ﬁnd a new venue and we hope there will be a festival next spring, but we need people to come forward and help, especially some of you younger ones. It is sociable and you can do as much or as little as you feel able, but we really do need you.

Vron Burningham Editor Darlington CAMRA

REACH 6000+ REAL ALE DRINKERS & PUBGOERS Full Page: Half page: Quarter page:

£95.00+vat £65.00+vat £45.00+vat

Book all four editions & receive a 10% discount. Free design. To book call Capital Media on

01636 302 302

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

FIVE REAL ALES ALWAYS ON PUMP

including local independents Quality Home-Cooked Meals Lunch & Evenings 7 Days A Week | Bar Open All Day Beer Garden | Children’s Play Area | Function Room

En-Suite Accommodation

SUNDAY LUNCHTIME JAZZ

October 7th - Nova Scotia Jazz Band October 14th - Silver Leaf Jazz Band October 28th - The Black Horse Jazzmen November 11th - Mississippi Dreamboats November 18th - Frisco Bay Hot Stompers

Call 01677 422461 or Visit www.thebuckinn.net CONTACT DARLINGTON CAMRA Website: www.darlocamra.org.uk Twitter: @darloCAMRA Facebook: DarloCamra

OTHER CONTACTS Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatﬁeld Road, St. Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW t: 01727 867 201 • e: camra@camra.org.uk • www.camra.org.uk Trading Standards t: 01325 388799 • e: tradingstandards@darlington.gov.uk

PUBLISHED BY Capital Media Midlands Ltd., 2 Halifax Court, Fernwood Business Park, Cross Lane, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG24 3JP. t: 01636 302 302 • e: darlingtondrinker@thisiscapital.com www.thisiscapital.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors and are not necessarily the views of the Darlington Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Darlington CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by Darlington CAMRA. © 2012 Capital Media Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be transmitted, reproduced, recorded, photocopied or otherwise without the express written permission of the copyright holder.

www.darlocamra.org.uk

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

END OF DECEIT BY THE PUMP by John Magson

ate in 2009 Heineken UK ceased production of cask John Smiths Magnet, but at the Travellers Rest, Cockerton in Darlington, it was still - apparently - being sold. It transpired that this was the keg version, served via a hand pump. The local branch of CAMRA contacted the pub’s owner, Ashcroft Pollard, who stated, “We do not sell or purport to sell Magnet Cask, the customer has the choice how Magnet keg bitter is dispensed”. The issue was taken up with Darlington Council’s Trading Standards who conﬁrmed the pub was selling Magnet through 3 hand pumps and 2 electric pumps all connected to the same supply of Magnet in the cellar. The advertising on each pump was identical. The Council added that the pub was free to dispense Magnet through whatever means they wished so long as they comply with the relevant weights & measures legislation.

THE

The branch members’ view was that many people may not have known that cask Magnet was no longer available, and if they saw a hand pump they would expect nothing other than cask ale to be served through such a device, therefore the customer was clearly being deceived. Heineken, whose S&N subsidiary brew Magnet, were told of the situation and issued an unequivocal statement that “Heineken UK does not endorse this method of dispense” for the keg version. When this practise was raised at a CAMRA Yorkshire Regional meeting it was found that one or two pubs in Yorkshire were carrying out this deception and this prompted “Magnetgate”, as it became dubbed, to be passed up to CAMRA’s national level. We are delighted to say that in late July the new landlord of the Travellers Rest, Mr C.Tosso, notified Darlington CAMRA that he was immediately ending the practice, which he too considered to be misleading, and that a real cask ale was taking its place on the bar alongside an existing second cask beer. This was confirmed after a visit from the branch Chairman, who had a long and fruitful conversation with him and finally put this issue to rest in our area.

BRITANNIA INN

“A Bastion of Cask Beer for over 150 years” Good Beer Guide 2010

• Cameron’s Strongarm • John Smiths Cask • 4 Guest Ales Winner, 2007 & 2008: Town Community Pub of the Year Runner-up, 2007 & 2008: Darlington Town Pub of the Year Opening Times: Mon - Wed:11.30-3pm & 5.30-11pm Thur - Sat: 11.30-11pm. Sun: 12-10.30pm

1 Archer Street (just off Bondgate) • Darlington • Tel: 01325 463787 4

www.darlocamra.org.uk

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

Darlington Drinker

SHIP INN SUCCESS by Ian Jackson

n the evening of Friday 28th September, members of Darlington and Durham CAMRA branches plus a large contingent of Cleveland CAMRA members assembled at the Ship Inn in High Hesleden, near Hartlepool, along with pub regulars for the presentation of the CAMRA North East Pub of the Year for 2012. Nominated by Cleveland Branch for the award, The Ship Inn beat competition from pubs in Durham, Newcastle, Sunderland, Wylam and our entry, The Quakerhouse, to win this prestigious award for the ﬁrst time. The presentation to licensees Peter and Sheila Crosby was made by John Magson, CAMRA’s Deputy North East Regional Director (far left in picture). John thanked them plus all their staff for their commitment in running the pub since taking over twelve years ago and for making it also the focus of the local community. Sheila thanked all the staff and the regulars in a “well prepared” speech and said she and Peter were thrilled to win the award. Peter looks after the “beer” side of things offering a range of seven real ales while Sheila looks after the restaurant and one of her “famous” buffets on the night didn’t disappoint! Peter also provided an excellent range of real ales which varied in strength, including Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and Hadrian & Border Tyneside Blonde at 3.9%, Durham White Amarillo at 4.0%, Consett Red Dust at 4.5%, Maxim Double Maxim at 4.7% through to Thornbridge Jaipur at 5.9%. Also available was another beer by Hadrian & Border beer, “Needles and Pins ... Ah!” at 4.2% which was brewed to celebrate the life of Norman Weatherburn, licensee of the Boathouse in Wylam, who passed away in June. Ironically twice a previous winner of the North East Pub of the Year award, the Boathouse at Wylam was the runner up in this competition and it was a really nice touch to see this beer on the bar at the presentation night in Norman’s memory. The Ship Inn now goes forward to the next round of CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year competition and our best wishes to go Peter, Sheila and all the staff at the Ship Inn for this.

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

Situated between the A19 at Castle Eden, site of the former brewery, and Blackhall just north of Hartlepool, The Ship Inn has accommodation in the form of six chalets and a self contained ﬂat at the rear of the pub making it ideal for exploring the East Durham area and the coast, of which superb views can be seen from the beer garden. Why not stay there as a warm welcome, great beer range and excellent food are already guaranteed?

Authenticity, Hospitality & Exceptional Ambience

2010 & 2011 OVERALL WINNER

Spanish Tapas, Greek Mezes & other authentic continental dishes HIGH QUALITY CASK ALES, INCLUDING 8 REGULARLY CHANGING GUEST BEERS • A wide selection of spirits, cocktails, wines & bottled beers • Jonny Maracas Bar - Available for private parties • Greek Nights - Last Tuesday of the month OPEN 7 DAYS

tapas for 2 - £15.99

EVERY LUNCHTIME & SUNDAY - THURSDAY EVENINGS

98 BONDGATE, DARLINGTON, DL3 7JY • T: 01325 467385 BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.TAPASBAR.CO.UK

www.darlocamra.org.uk

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

DARLINGTON CAMRA BEER TENT by Bill Oliver

ue to the closure of Darlington’s Art Centre, our usual CAMRA autumn beer festival, which usually ran in conjunction with the Rhythm & Blues Concert, was cancelled. We were approached by Darlington Borough Council and asked if we could run a beer tent during the Food Festival scheduled for mid August. This was discussed and it was agreed to have a beer tent on Saturday/Sunday the 18th and 19th of August during the Food Festival. We were able to rent two adjacent market stalls sited on the High Row near the Binns department store. Several members turned out on the Wednesday to furnish the stalls with bars and all the necessary equipment to accommodate six different real ales. This included chiller units, the hand pumps, plastic glasses etc. All the beers were

BRANCH WHO’S WHO? Chairman: Peter Everett t: 01325 241388, e: peterdsc@yahoo.co.uk Secretary & Branch Contact: John Magson e: John.magson@ntlworld.com Treasurer: Colin Chidzey e: colin.chidzey@gmail.com

locally brewed with a carefully selected range and strengths. We opened to the public at 11am on both days and shut up shop at 5pm. The Saturday was well attended and our location was close to the street entertainment which, with the sunny weather, generated a steady stream of customers. Several members manned the pumps and customers were able to enjoy their real ales in the adjacent drinking area stall and view the street entertainment. Sunday dawned on a damp note and the rain steadily increased as the afternoon wore on. Due to the wet conditions the footfall on the High Row was much reduced from the previous day. However we still attracted a few hardy drinkers until we closed up at 5pm. We then dismantled all the equipment and the bars which were returned to storage for the next time. We all agreed that it had been a good learning exercise and we would be in a position to do a better job on our next “Beer Tent” venture.

Membership Secretary: Mike Burningham e: mikeb09@btinternet.com Darlington Drinker Editor: Vron Burningham t: 01833 640587, e:weavervron@gmail.com Social Secretary, Pubs Ofﬁcer & Cider Ofﬁcer: Pete Fenwick t: 01325 374817, 07889 167128, 07792 093245, e: mithril58@btinternet.com www.darlocamra.org.uk Twitter: @darloCAMRA Facebook: Search DarloCamra

www.darlocamra.org.uk

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

GREENBANK HOTEL

Langdon Beck Hotel Forest-in-Teesdale | On the B6277 | 01833 622267

WWW.GREENBANKHOTEL.CO.UK

A FINE SELECTION OF REAL ALES

A family run Hotel/B&B, based only 5 mins stroll from the historic town centre. We have 27 very comfortable bedrooms with some superior themed rooms. A welcoming atmosphere awaits. Enjoy an amazing display of militaria whilst relaxing in our well stocked bar.

Regular beers include Black Sheep Best Bitter & Rivet Catcher (Jarrow Brewery’s award winning real ale) Recommended in the Good Beer Guide from 2007-2012

DELICIOUS HOMEMADE MEALS Available: Lunch 12-2pm, Dinner 7-9pm

90 Greenbank Rd Darlington DL3 6EL t: 01325 462624

STUNNING VIEWS OVER THE FELLS ACCOMMODATION from £40 OPEN ALL DAY - Closed on winter monday Middleton - 7 miles, High Force & Cauldron Snout waterfalls - 3 miles

w w w .lan g d o n b e c k hotel .c om

Real Ales - We have a range of guest ales from breweries around the country.

Perfectly situated on the beautiful village green of Aycliffe Village we serve great fresh food and real ales in a friendly, relaxed environment.

We serve great food with only the freshest ingredients, locally sourced when possible. Our menus capture our local suppliers superb range of seasonal produce. Each of our seven luxury, individually designed rooms include en-suite facilities, comfy thick duvets, fluffy towels, toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity and flat-screen TVs.

Tel: 01325 312273

Aycliffe Village, Co. Durham, DL5 6LX

www.thecountyaycliffevillage.com ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

www.darlocamra.org.uk

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

HIGHEST NUMBER OF BREWERIES IN THE UK FOR OVER 70 YEARS - 158 new breweries open for business in just 12 months - More than twice as many breweries operate in the UK than a decade ago

AMRA’s Good Beer Guide is celebrating the perfect 40th anniversary as its research ﬁnds there are now more than 1,000 breweries (1,009) operational across the UK, the highest number for over 70 years. Exhaustively compiled by CAMRA’s 143,000 members, this anniversary edition of the Good Beer Guide reports a record shattering 158 breweries have opened up in the space of just 12 months, the highest rate of new openings ever recorded in the Guide’s 40 year history. Such an astonishing number is put into context when considering that 1,009 is ﬁve times more breweries than there were in operation 30 years ago, four times more than there were 20 years ago, and more than twice as many as there were a decade ago! Speaking about this monumental landmark coinciding with the Good Beer Guide’s 40th anniversary, Roger Protz, Good Beer Guide editor, said: ‘A double dip recession has done nothing to halt the incredible surge in the number of brewers coming on stream, making the small brewing sector surely one of the most remarkable UK industry success stories of the last decade. In fact, the boom in new breweries has, in many cases, made the term ‘micro’ obsolete, with some small brewers having become remarkably large, installing new equipment or doubling production to keep up with demand.

www.darlocamra.org.uk

Beer drinkers in the present day are faced with an enormous variety and choice like never seen before on these shores. Whilst historically there were more breweries in the UK pre-1930s, the distribution and communication networks of the modern day mean that real ale has never been so accessible to consumers, or to pubs wanting to meet demand for serving locally produced beer. As a ratio there is now just under one brewery for every 50 pubs in the UK, so for certain pubs who are struggling in the current climate, there is a big opportunity to tap into this exciting market and work with a local brewery. In many cases, a pub serving quality real ale at the bar is an indicator of quality in other areas of the business, and this is apparent with the 4,500 outstanding pubs that are listed in the Good Beer Guide’s 40th anniversary edition.’ The nation’s 1,009 breweries are comprehensively featured in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2013, jointly sponsored by industry bodies Cask Marque and SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers). The Good Beer Guide 2013 is available now from all good retailers, and from the CAMRA Shop (www.camra.org.uk/shop), where it is priced £10 for CAMRA members and £12.99 for nonmembers.

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

Darlington Drinker

22 Galgate Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8BH t: 01833 908179

COACH & HORSES

A traditional local, lots of character & a warm welcome

Traditional Home Cooked Food 3 Rotating Guest Ales

Opening Times Sun - Wed, 12pm-11pm Thur - Sat, 12pm-12am

Pub Games, Quiz Nights & Regular Live Entertainment Accommodation • Beer garden Free WiFi • Family & Pet Friendly

www.marstonspubs.co.uk/thecoachandhorses

Beers available in Firkins, Pins, Mini Casks & Bottles • • • • •

Bishop’s Best, Alc. 3.8% vol. Paw’s Gold, Alc. 4.0% vol. Polar Paw, Alc. 4.4% vol. Dark Seam, Alc. 5.0% vol. Black Paw IPA, Alc. 5.0% vol.

Delivering to pubs around the North of England on a weekly basis. Also available through SIBA DDS.

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

For more information & updates please visit our website

www.blackpawbrewery.co.uk or join us on Facebook & Twitter

01388 602144 or 07557 020664 Unit 4, Westgate Road Bishop Auckland, DL14 7AX

www.darlocamra.org.uk

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

SAVE OUR PUBS E-PETITION

by Colin Valentine

hank you! 100,000 signatures a fantastic achievement in the campaign to scrap the beer duty escalator. The next step is a CAMRA mass lobby of Parliament. Join us on Wednesday 12th December to tell your MP to show their support for your local pub.

Today marks an exciting achievement for CAMRA as we gain our 100,000th signature on the e-petition calling for an end to the beer duty escalator. Thank you to all those who signed the petition and took part in the campaign. The enthusiasm and hard work from so many of our members has meant that we are only the 12th e-petition to reach the 100k milestone. This will help us secure a highproﬁle Parliamentary debate. If you haven’t yet signed then you still can - why not help us become the largest e-petition on the site! It’s vital we keep the pressure up with just six months to go until the next Budget. So please consider joining us on CAMRA’s Save Your Pint mass lobby on Wednesday 12th December - you don’t need to be a seasoned campaigner, we will support you all the way. With 12 pubs still closing every week the lobby day comes at a critical time for the future of the pub. I look forward to meeting you at Westminster alongside hundreds of your fellow CAMRA members from across the UK.

10 h A ro cou

Foste select spirits

Voted years Pub

t is hoped that as many members as possible from the North East will travel to London to support the mass lobby on 12th December. If you are intending to join in, please register on the CAMRA website. There is a possibility that transport will be organised from our region. If you would be interested in this, please let us know, preferably via the website.

We p chec • • • • •

Aco Ro Bus Blu Blu

Open Closin

www.camra.org.uk

Cheers! SAVE PUBS, SAVE JOBS, SAVE YOUR PINT

Colin Valentine, CAMRA’s National Chair 20th September 2012

www.darlocamra.org.uk

SIGN THE E-PETITION www.camra.org.uk/saveyourpint

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

2 Me

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

Darlington Drinker

The Quakerhouse

REAL ALE & ROCK / BLUES BAR - LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEK ACOUSTIC NIGHTS November 5th Paul Dannatt & friends 12th Dave Black 19th David Cadman & friends 26th Alistair Sheerin December 3rd Paul Dannatt & friends 10th Steve Daggett 17th David Cadman & friends 24th Christmas Eve Acoustic Party

BAND NIGHTS

Free entry before 8pm £4 after 8pm

10 hand pulls - 9 real ales & 3 real ciders. A rotating selection from all around the country.

Fosters, Strongbow, Stella 4, Guinness, Westons ‘Old Rosie Cider’ plus a selection of bottled ciders, lagers, and Vitis Mead also available. Wines and spirits also on offer.

Voted CAMRA Pub of the Year 2012, our tenth time in eleven years! We were also honored with a Bronze Award in the Regional Pub Of The Year. We pride ourselves in the beer, the service and our music. Please check out the events page on our website for further information. • • • • •

Acoustic Night - Mondays Rock or Blues Night - Wednesdays Busk-It - Monthly open mic night + live backing band Blues Night - Monthly open mic night for blues music Bluegrass/Skiffle Night - Last Sunday of every month

Open 7 Days a Week - from 11am. Closing Times Vary - M - 11:30pm / Tu, Th & Su - 11pm / W, F & Sa - Midnight

November 7th Animate 14th Contraband 21st Chris Banderas 28th Jump The Gun December 5th The Russ Tippins Electric Band* 12th WitchKraft 19th The Force* *Ticket Only in Advance Priced at £6! 26th TBA

OTHER NIGHTS November 6th Busk-it (Open Mic) 22nd The Blues Lounge Sessions 25th Willow Creek (Bluegrass/Skiffle) 27th The Quaker Folk Gathering December 4th Busk-it (Open Mic) 20th The Blues Lounge Sessions 25th The Quaker Folk Gathering 30th Willow Creek (Bluegrass/Skiffle)

W W W. Q U A K E R H O U S E . C O . U K

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

WHAT PUB IS NOW LIVE FOR ALL CAMRA MEMBERS www.whatpub.com

AMRA is pleased to launch its new pub website ‘WhatPub’ to all members of the Campaign. The website is the product of thousands of volunteers visiting pubs, adding content and developing the site over a 2 year period. The ‘WhatPub’ website aims to become the best, most comprehensive online pub listing which all pub-lovers can use and enjoy. At present there are currently more than 21,000 pubs listed on this site but we need YOUR help to ensure these listings are as complete and accurate as possible. What better time to get involved than in Cask Ale Week? We realise that this is only the end of the beginning for ‘WhatPub’. We know that we must continue to develop and improve the site and with the help and support of members like you we can make this the best pub website in Britain.

How you can view and review... Logging in to WhatPub

titled ‘Membership Password for WhatPub’, your name and membership number (161955) and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Submitting & Editing Pub Data •

Enter a pub that you would like to view in the search ﬁeld - pubs can be searched by pub name, town, station, post code etc.

•

If information is missing, or you feel it needs improving/updating then click on the red button ‘Add/Edit Details’ at the top right of the page.

•

You will be taken to a Pub Feedback form that will allow you to submit additional information and recommend changes.

•

This information will be sent to the appropriate CAMRA branch and updated. Please be patient as these branch ofﬁcials are volunteers and will try their best to update the site with your suggestions as soon as they can.

•

If you cannot ﬁnd a pub that you wish to view/ review then this is because it has not yet been entered on to the system by the local branch. Only pubs that have been listed by your branch can be viewed and edited. If you would like to offer help to your local branch or want to check if your branch is participating then visit www. camra.org.uk/branches and get in touch.

•

If there is not an ‘Add/Edit Details’ option on the pub that you have searched for then this is because the CAMRA branch that manages this data has yet to agree that they have the resources to manage updates/changes. Again visit www.camra.org.uk/branches if you would like to contact your local branch on this matter.

Visit whatpub.com and log in with either: •

The same details you use to visit the Members Area of CAMRA’s national website.

•

If you have not visited the Members Area of CAMRA’s national website before, then please try your CAMRA membership number (which will be 6 digits – if it is less, please use the leading zeros e.g 001234) and postcode when you joined the Campaign (upper case, no spaces e.g. AL44LW).

•

If none of these seem to be working, please email marketing@camra.org.uk with an email

Enjoy! We hope you will enjoy using ‘WhatPub’ and we look forward to your help in developing the site. Once we are happy we have the best pub website in Britain we will launch to the public but for the time being this is for members only. 12

www.darlocamra.org.uk

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

Teesdales ‘Pub of the Season 2011’, as voted by CAMRA

The Old Well Inn

5 Cask Ales

Eat Well,l, Drink Well, Sleep Well...

Welcoming bar and lounge, separate restaurant, r nt airy conservatory & a lovely enclosed beer garden. 10 en-suite bedrooms are beautifully and individually furnished with character and charm. Well behaved dogs & children welcome

always kept in tip top condition

• Acoustic Music Evening - Thursdays from 8.30pm • Quiz night - Tuesdays from 8.30pm • Lunch 12 - 2.30pm & Dinner 6.30pm - 9pm • Don’t miss our famous Sunday Lunch - please book to avoid disappointment

The Old Well Inn | 21 The Bank | Barnard Castle | DL12 8PH | 01833 690130

w w w . t h e ol d wellinn.co.uk

NUMBER TWENTY2 Traditional Alehouse & Canteen

Our town centre, classic Victorian pub with roaring fire & traditional decor has a welcoming feel

Enjoy our 13 REAL ALES & 9 CONTINENTAL BEERS on tap - that’s 22 at NUMBER TWENTY2 We also provide a fine and varied wine selection plus a small range of Malt Whiskies (Stronachie, Auchentoshan and Bruichladdich. cask no 1558) as well as a fine Cognac.

Darlington CAMRA Pub of the Year 2008 Campaigning on behalf of lovers of real ale Sandwiches and hot dishes are served lunchtimes,12 - 2pm

‘Quite simply a superb ale house” Paul Allan 22 Coniscliffe Rd, Darlington 01325 354 590

www.villagebrewer.co.uk ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

Open 6 Days A Week: Monday - Saturday

www.darlocamra.org.uk

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DARLINGTON

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

SNOOKER CLUB

FOR THE BEST VALUE GAME OF SNOOKER IN DARLINGTON

10 FULL SIZE TABLES OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Sun to Thurs: 11am - Midnight Fri & Sat: 11am till Late

Further Accolades:

FOUR QUALITY CASK ALES There’s always something to suit your taste!

NE CLUB OF THE YEAR 2011/2012 • CAMRA North East Club of the Year 2004-2008 • Good Beer Guide 2005-2012

Parties Catered For

• FIRST Snooker Club to be voted CAMRA Club of the Year

Junior Classes Sunday 9-11am

• FIRST Snooker Club to appear in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide

Comfortable TV Lounge Buffets can be supplied to fit every budget

School Groups Welcome Professional coach available

• FIRST Snooker Club to have it’s own major beer festival

CAMRA MEMBERS FREE ENTRY ON PRODUCTION OF MEMBERSHIP CARD

ROAD, DARLINGTON, DL3 6AE • t: 01325 141 CORPORATION | www.darlocamra.org.uk

241388 • e: peterdsc@yahoo.co.uk ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

THE LOST BEERS & BREWERIES OF BRITAIN by Brian Glover

ub 8

eer

ome eighty entries from all around Britain, from Tetley’s Brewery in Leeds to Joule’s in Staffordshire and William Hancock of South Wales, and from Chancellor Ale of Oxford to Disher’s Ten Guinea Ale of Edinburgh. Lavishly illustrated with everything from photographs and adverts to beer mats and bottle labels – demonstrating the fine art of selling beer. You never forget your first beer. Whether you pucker up your face in disgust at the bitter taste, or gulp with increasing pleasure, it’s a rite of passage that all experience. Then the golden moment comes when you discover a drop that really tickles the taste buds, and the memory, like that of a lover’s kiss, will bring on a smile years later. Certain brands define an area, such as the famous Courage brew of Barnsley, Yorkshire, or Boddingtons Bitter for Manchester and the

DIDN’T WE DO WELL!

esults of CAMRA’s North East Club of the Year and North East Pub of the Year have been revealed and branch wise, “Didn’t we do well!”. Darlington Snooker Club has once again triumphed in CAMRA’s North East Club of the Year winning the award for 2012. The club situated on the corner of Northgate and Corporation Road held off competition from Chester le street Cricket Club in Chester le street, the Comrades Club in Haltwhistle, Jesmond Cricket Club in Newcastle and Ashbrooke Sports Club in Sunderland to take the award for the eighth time.

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

Darlington Drinker Pennines. When the breweries are lost, gaping gaps are left in the markets, and local emotions are touched to the extent that closures can spark protests of thousands. Brian Glover provides a nostalgic look at the breweries which have vanished, packed with colourful illustrations showing the ﬁne art of selling beer. It’s a rare chance to drink in the past. THE AUTHOR: Brian Glover is a former editor of publications for CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. After gaining a degree in Modern History from Oxford, Brian has been a journalist for forty years and has written a number of books on beer, including Prince of Ales (Alan Sutton, 1993), Brewing for Victory (Lutterworth, 1995) and World Encyclopedia of Beer (Anness, 1997). He lives in Cardiff. A nostalgic look at British beers and breweries which have gone – but are far from forgotten (£15.99) Published by: Amberley Publishing The Hill, Merrywalks, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4EP t: 01453 847800 e: orders@amberleybooks.com www.amberley-books.com

Snooker Club proprietor Peter Everett, pictured, was described to be ‘buzzing’ on winning the award while he was pulling pints in Darlington CAMRA’s Real Ale August 2012 Tent at the Darlington Summer Spectacular in the town’s High Row. A presentation will be made in the near future, meanwhile our congratulations go to Peter and all the staff on winning the award - again! In the CAMRA North East Pub of Year competition, it was another branch success as the Quakerhouse in Mechanics Yard managed to achieve third overall and was beaten only by last year’s winner The Boathouse at Wylam and the overall winner which was The Ship at High Hesleden just north of Hartlepool. Again, an award presentation for ‘taking bronze’ will be taking place in the near future and our congratulations go to Brian, Garry and all the staff at the Quakerhouse on being the third best CAMRA real ale pub in the North East - well done! www.darlocamra.org.uk

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Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

- BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS FAYRE Available LUNCH & EVENINGS. Christmas Fayre PARTY NIGHTS every Friday in December with LIVE MUSIC Christmas menu’s available from the 30th Nov - end of Dec

A FRIENDLY VILLAGE PUB IN THE IDYLLIC VILLAGE OF HEIGHINGTON 5 REAL ALES PIE NIGHT - Every Wednesday GRILL NIGHT - Every Thursday

2 meals off the menu receive Free Bottle Wine

THE GEORGE & DRAGON

Monday & Tuesday Specials - 6pm till 9pm Lunch & Tea Time Specials Everyday - 12 till 6pm Sunday Lunch - 12 till 6pm LIVE MUSIC • LIVE PREMIERE LEAGUE FOOTBALL

- UPCOMING PARTY NIGHTS -

30th November - Live music from Alan Knights 7th & 14th December - Live music from Sarah Payne We are in the Good Beer Guide 2013

Join us on Facebook for Daily Updates

East Green, Heighington, DL5 6PP. tel: (01325) 313152

www.georgeanddragonheighingtonvillage.co.uk

www.darlocamra.org.uk

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

NEWS & EVENTS The Yorkshire Pub of the Year is: 1 Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield 2 Jemmy Hirst at Rawcliffe 3 Old No 7 at Barnsley & The Old Cock at Otley 5 The Crown at Manfield The Yorkshire Club of the Year is: 1 Red Shed at Wakefield 2 Guiseley Factory Workers The Hack & Spade at Washton, near Kirby Hill, has reopened but is not selling real ale. Other Events • Saturday 17th November - Kelham Island & the Valley of Beer, Sheffield Pub Crawl Depart Dolphin Centre at 9am, £15 per person. With 1 hour comfort stop at Wetherby on way back. • Saturday 15th December - The Crown, Suddaby’s Beer Festival in Malton Start time 9:30am, £15 per person. Comfort break at Helmsley on the way back. All tours arrive back in Houndgate, Darlington no later than 7.45pm. John & Gordon hope to see faces old and new on our ‘not for profit’ social outings. Email replies to: john.reed263@ntlworld.com

BRANCH DIARY NOVEMBER Tues 6th - Branch Meeting, 7.30pm Quaker House, Mechanics Yard, Darlington Fri 9th - Durham Country Pub of the Season, 2nd Surveying Trip, 7pm. Going to Sadberge x

2, Morton Palms, Creebeck, Hurworth & Hurworth Place.

DECEMBER Tues 4th - Branch Meeting, 7.30pm Cricket Club, Feethams, Darlington Fri 7th - Durham Country Pub of the Season,

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

Annual General Meeting & Members’ Weekend 2013 The next Members’ Weekend & AGM will be taking place at St Andrews Hall in Norwich on 19th – 21st April 2013. Norwich is a beautiful city packed with medieval buildings and quality pubs including 2012 GBG pubs Take 5 and The Vine. The city is also home to four breweries, plus there are another 20 within the surrounding area, many of whom will be providing their beer for the Members’ Bar. It is free to attend Conference. The only thing you will need to pay for is your travel and accommodation, and perhaps some money for a few very reasonably priced drinks from the Members’ Bar. The event takes place at: The Halls, St Andrews Plain, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1AU. t: 01727 867201 or e: camra@camra.org.uk

3rd Surveying Trip, 7pm. Going to Middridge, Newton Aycliffe x 3, Coatham Mundeville & Preston le Skerne Thurs 27th - Christmas Social, 7.30pm Darlington Snooker Club JANUARY Fri 11th - Yorkshire Pub of the Season, 1st Surveying Trip, 7pm. Pubs to be still to be decided. All trips: Leave from round the corner from The Dolphin Centre & return there. Open to members & non members. Visitors & new members are always made welcome.

For details of all trips please call Pete Fenwick on 01325 374817 or 07889 167128

www.darlocamra.org.uk

| 17

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

Winner of Yorkshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2005 also National finalists Darlington CAMRA Country Pub of the Year 2002 - 2008 & 2010 - 2012 2010 Darlington CAMRA Country Pub of the Year & Overall winner

A welcoming, 18th-century inn with a friendly atmosphere, situated in the quiet village of Manfield. • Up to 6 Guest Beers (from micro-breweries countrywide) • Monthly Quiz • Monthly Open Mic Night (1st Friday of the month) • Bar Meals Served

(Mon - Fri: 5pm - 9pm, Sat: 12pm - 6pm, Sun: 12pm - 4pm)

SPECIAL EVENTS November 30th Indian Night Join us for a tasty two course Indian meal. £12 per person, bookings only.

December 21st

New Year’s Eve, December 31st

The Hurworth Concert Band perform Christmas Carols. From 8pm.

Join us for live music to celebrate the New Year in.

Complimentary mulled wine & mince pies.

Feel free to bring your own food! £5 entry.

The Crown Inn Vicars Lane, Manfield, Darlington

T: 01325 374 243 18

www.darlocamra.org.uk

www.villagebrewer.co.uk ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

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Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

CASTLE PLAYERS GET A SPECIAL BREW

ocal community theatre group ‘The Castle Players’ were born during a power cut when a game of charades ensued in The Old Well Inn in Barnard Castle many years ago. Therefore having fun and a beer has always been linked to the group. They asked local brewer Pete Fenwick if he could brew something up especially for them to celebrate this connection and to coincide with this year’s summer production of Shakespeares ‘As You Like It’, which was staged in the grounds of the Bowes Museum from Tuesday 10th - Saturday 14th July, 2012. They were delighted with his response, as he suggested he could produce a special beer named

‘The Castle Players Ale, Beer As You Like It’. Having come up with a unique recipe, Pete also invited a few of the cast to the Brewery in nearby Aldbrough St John to help make the brew. The beer was available for a limited time in pubs around Teesdale and Darlington, and of course at The Old Well Inn! An historic 17th century coaching inn located in beautiful Teesdale & the Durham Dales

Hop & Grape Brewing Systems The No.1 Home Brew Retailer in the UK

We stock a wide range of home brew supplies, all you will ever need.

ng ! £5

A Warm Welcome Awaits... • Real Ales • Award winning home-cooked food • Lovely en-suite B&B rooms • Weddings & Functions

117 North Road, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL1 2PS

Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, DL12 OQG

Call 01325

01833 640264

380780

www.hopandgrape.co.uk ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

We have been aw award for the th Board initiative.

www. t e e sd al e h otel.co.u k www.darlocamra.org.uk

| 19

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

• Excellent Cask Ales • Sunday Lunch

2 Courses - £8.95

• Early Bird Menu

5pm - 7pm - £5.95

The Blue Bell Inn DEAN & SHARON WISH YOU A WARM WELCOME

We are a welcoming and friendly country pub, situated in the quiet village of Bishopton. Come and a enjoy our cask ales and tasty homemade food as well we as our roaring fire in the winter, or our outside seating in the summer.

www.darlocamra.org.uk

Children Welcome

High Street, Bishopton Stockton-On-Tees, TS21 1EZ

Tel: 01740 630774

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

THE CRAFTY PINT

he Crafty Pint, opening in Darlington covered market this month, is the brain-child of longtime real ale scholars, John Anderson and David Walker. It’s mission is simple - to source and supply the best in bottled beers with an emphasis on small regional breweries. What drives this vision is the gap in the market left by the chains, who are largely reliant on volume sales of the common, mass produced, brands. Most of the stock at The Crafty Pint comes direct from independent brewers, rather than wholesalers, and ale drinkers will be able to enjoy bottled beers that you just won’t ﬁnd any where else - or at least are rarer than speckled hen’s teeth! Indeed, some lines, and “one offs”, will be brewed by selected local micros, especially for bottling under The Crafty Pint name. For further info visit, www.thecraftypint.co.uk

BRANCH MEMBERS TIE THE KNOT

arlington CAMRA Branch members Sandra Simpson and David Wilkinson tied the knot on Saturday 1st September. The service took place at Startforth Holy Trinity Church in Startforth near Barnard Castle and was attended by many family and friends including branch members. Following the service the reception was held at The Grand in Bishop Auckland, which is run by Sandra and Dave. Amongst the real ales on the bar included ones brewed by Just A Minute brewery and Mithril Ales especially for the event. The newlyweds are headed off on honeymoon to Mexico for a few weeks and Darlington CAMRA sends its best wishes to the new Mr & Mrs Wilkinson.

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

Darlington Drinker

REAL ALE GUIDE UPDATES IN & AROUND DARLINGTON DARLINGTON TOWN • The Voodoo Cafe, Skinnergate now has 2 guest beers • Vesuvio, Houndgate now has 1 guest beer NORTH YORKSHIRE • A66 Motel, Smallways, 01833 627334 - 1 Guest 11-Late Mon-Sat, 12-10:30 Sun • Duke of Wellington, Welbury, 01609 882464 - 3-5 Guests 4-11 Mon-Thu, 12-11 Fri-Sun • Horseshoe Inn, West Rounton, 01609 882176 - 2 Guests 6-11 Mon-Sat, 12-11 Sun • Pubs Closed - White Swan, Gilling West TEESDALE • Morritt, Greta Bridge - The beers should read; Thwaites Major Morritt & Timothy Taylor Landlord • Oak Tree, Hutton Magna, 01833 627371 - Wells Bombardier & 1 Guest. Closed Mon, 6-11 Tue-Sat, 7-10:30 Sun • Cafe 1618, Middleton in Teesdale, 01833 640300 - Caledonian Deuchars IPA & 1 Guest (& up to 5 in Summer). 11-11 Sun-Thu, 11-12 Fri-Sat • Sun Inn, Wackerfield, 01388 718205 - John Smith Cask, Courage Directors, Copper Dragon Best Bitter & 1 Guest 11:30-3 & 5-11 All Week • Bridgewater Arms, Winston, 01325 730302 - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Greene King Old Speckled Hen & 1 Guest. Closed Mon & Sun, 12-2:30 & 6-11 Tue-Sat • Pubs Closed - Black Swan, Staindrop and Black Horse, Barnard Castle County Durham • Royal Telegraph, Aycliffe Village, 01325 313155 Camerons Strongarm. 4-12 Mon-Thu, 11-12 Fri-Sun • Comet, Hurworth Place, 01325 722228 - 3 Guests. 11:30-2:30 Tue-Fri, 5:30-11 Mon-Fri, 12-Late Sat-Sun • Fighting Cocks, Middleton St George, 01325 335253 - Black Sheep Best Bitter, Shepherd Neame Spitfire. 10-11 All Week • Bay Horse, Middridge, 01325 312653 - Marstons Burton Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin & 1 Guest. 11:30-11 Mon-Sat, 11:3010:30 Sun • Oak Tree, Newton Aycliffe, 01325 788646 - Jennings Bitter & 1 Guest. 12-11 All Week • Turbinia, Newton Aycliffe, 01325 313034 - Shepherd Neame Spitfire. 12-12 Sun-Thu, 12-1am Fri-Sat • 3 Tuns, Sadberge, 01325 332381 - Timothy Taylor Landlord & 1 Guest. 2-11 Mon-Thur, 12-11 Fri-Sun • Buck Inn, Thornton Watlass, 01325 335307 • Walworth Castle (Farmer’s Bar), Walworth, 01325 485470 Theakstons Best Bitter. 12-11 All Week • The Lord Nelson, Gainford. Serve food Sunday lunch only. • The Bowes Club, Bowes. Now open Mon 7-11; Tue-Fri 8-11; Sat 5-11; Sun 4-10.30 • Pub Closed - The Carlbury

www.darlocamra.org.uk

| 21

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

VOTE FOR CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR

Co of Al ww CA

ontinuing on from the success of last years Darlington Branch voting please ﬁnd the voting slip for this year below. Every branch member can have 3 votes; 1 Town Pub, 1 Country Pub and 1 Overall Winner. The overall winner can be either your town pub or your country pub or a completely different one. The votes to be returned by December 31st and will only be accepted with a valid Membership Number. No votes received after midnight will count. Votes can be handed in at the Darlington Snooker Club, or by email to mithril58@ btinternet.com or by post to: Pete Fenwick (Pubs Ofﬁcer), Mithril, Aldbrough St John, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 7TL Results will appear on our website, www. darlocamra.org.uk in January.

Tit

Darlington CAMRA Pub of the Year Competition 2013

Please note that to take part in voting you MUST be a member of Darlington CAMRA and there is only ONE vote per branch member/joint membership. NAME:

MEMBERSHIP NO.:

NAME:

MEMBERSHIP NO.: (Note: Please ﬁll in all above boxes if Joint Membership is applicable)

ADDRESS: POSTCODE:

EMAIL:

I/We wish to vote for the following pubs in the Pub of the Year 2013 Competition. TOWN Pub of the Year:

Country Pub of the Year:

Name

To the M

Address

OVERALL choice as Pub of the Year: Please hand in or post this completed form to: Darlington Snooker Club, 1 Corporation Road, Darlington DL3 6AE Closing date for entries is Friday 4th January 2013 If you wish to be contacted via email about future

On Thursday 27th December there will be a Christmas Social at Darlington Snooker Club from 7:30pm. This is for CAMRA members only & we need to know numbers. Are you planning to attend the Social? YES

events organised by CAMRA, please tick:

To preserve this copy of the Darlington Drinker, photocopies of this form will be accepted but remember it’s ONE vote per branch member/joint membership

Name(

Branch

Bank o

Refere

www.darlocamra.org.uk

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

Darlington Drinker

DARLINGTON CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

Join CAMRA Today

Complete the Direct Debit form and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription. Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd. with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.

Your Details

Direct Debit

Title ____________ Surname ___________________________________ Forename(s) _________________________________________________ Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ____________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _______________________ Postcode __________________________ Email address _______________________________________________ Tel No(s) ____________________________________________________

Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) Title ____________ Surname ___________________________________ Forename(s) _________________________________________________

Single Membership (UK & EU)

£23

Joint Membership £28 (Partner at the same address)

Non DD

£25 £30

For Young Member and concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201. I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. I enclose a cheque for _________________ Signed ______________________________ Date ________________________________ Applications will be processed within 21 days

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ____________________________________

Campaigning for Pub Goers & Beer Drinkers

Enjoying Real Ale & Pubs

Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: Campaign for Real Ale Ltd., 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society To the Manager

Bank or Building Society

Service User Number

9 2 6 1 2 9 FOR CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALES LTD. OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Address

This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society.

Membership Number Name Postcode

Postcode

Name(s) of Account Holder

Instructions to your Bank or Building Society

Branch Sort Code

Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Bank or Building Society Account Number

Reference

Signature Date

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

ISSUE 185 | WINTER 2012

This Guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.

The Direct Debit Guarantee • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debits. • If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. • If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. • If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd. asks you to. • You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us. www.darlocamra.org.uk | 23

As a specialist cheese & wine shop and one of Britain's best cheese shops (as voted by the UK Cheese Guild) we know a thing or two about quality cheeses, fine foods & other delicacies. We stock over 120 cheeses, all at their best - full of flavour and taste, to delight all palates. (These include:

Montgomery’s Mature Cheddar, Colston Basset, Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese, Doddington, Cuddy’s Cave and other cheeses from France, Italy and Holland). We also stock over 250 wines

and numerous, specialist, bottle conditioned ales.

The Cheese & Wine Shop

Our shop is full of tasty delights. We stock the best in fine foods from specialist producers around the country: • Over 120 Cheeeses & 250 Wines • Specialist, Bottle Conditioned Ales • Tracklements, Mustards, Chutneys & Pickles • Morcilla, Serano Ham & Chorizo sausage • Jams, Preserves & Honey • Specialist Oils, Vinegars, Herbs & Spices • Pasta, Olives & Biscuits O UR BES POK • Mad Hatter Teas Hand-pic E HAMPERS ked from Northallerton

Ideal for Christm as foods &

with fine wines

Where Quality Comes To Life

The Cheese & Wine Shop 8 Clarks Yard Darlington County Durham DL3 7QH

01325 384803

www.cheeseandwineshop.co.uk

We are happy to give advice and guidance on all our products.

Hig Recommhenlyded by TO M PARKER

BOWLES (Food Writ er Broadcaste & r)