Fighting for drinkers rights in the Heart of Lancashire since 1973
Central Lancashire Branch
Ale
Cry
Issue 112 - Autumn 2016
180
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0
Breeding
Like Rabbits
Three for Chorley and `more on the way
Since the last Ale Cry was produced the Micro pub family in Chorley has grown. First came the Ale Station opposite the bus station. Then in the last week or two came Bootleggers on Bolton Road and then D’owd Ale House across Anderton Street from The Joiners (Last Orders / Lamplighter).
Mick opened the Ale Station shortly after we last went to press and it is proving very successful with its wide range of ales. If you don’t want to miss your train there is a timetable screen.
Brendan in the Bootleggers
Brendan had no sooner brought Bootleggers into existance than he’s at it again. Speak Easy is on the way and Ruby’s (currently a cafe) in Higher Adlington is due before Christmas. Local builder / electrician Andrew Dowding has just opened D’Owd Ale H ouse firstly as an internet cafe and now as a bar with 3 handpumps - I had the first two pints poured. Until noon it is an internet accessible cafe and from noon it becomes a pub which serves food.
Speakeasy will be next door to near relative the Latch which is a wine bar and doesn’t sell real ale but is still adding to local leisure provision which we welcome. So it looks like we’re going back a couple of centuries to when ale houses were central to the local community. More about micropubs in Gordon Small’s article inside Fester
IN THIS ISSUE . . . Page 2 - Editorial, Chairmans Welcome, Page 4 - Health Warning, Norwich Page 6 - Chorley Chatter Page 8 - Brewery News Page 10 - South Ribble Scene Page12 - Cider Page 14 - Harrogate, Page 16 - Melodious Mick, Page 20 - Pubs of the Seasons, Page 22 - Preston Parade Page 24 - Halifax Page 26 - Red Lioness, Brinscall ,Page 28 - Micropubs, Page 29 Taste Panel, Page 30 Branch Page 31 - Membership............................and much more
STOP PRESS . . . STOP PRESS . . . STOP PRESS . . . STOP PRE
Local residents and CAMRA are apalled that Mitchells of Lancaster have closed the Boars Head at Barton and CAMRA will do all in its power to support the residents in the fight ahead to get it reopenedEd
Editorial
Chairman’s Welcome
Welcome to our Autumn 2016 edition of Ale Cry magazine. So here we are, September already, summer been and gone, I think it was on July 30th this year, another disappointing performance from England in a major football tournament and now Christmas is approaching. Hey-ho.. My summer was, however, brightened by two items of news. Firstly, it emerged that the majority of Britain's GPs are at odds with our Chief Medical Officers over the amount of alcohol it is safe to drink. 63% of GPs surveyed agreed that moderate alcohol consumption is part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that moderate drinking can have a protective effect against health problems. In addition, research from Oxford University found that those who frequented a pub were happier, healthier and felt more integrated into their communities than those who didn't. Research has also shown that the mortality rate of those who drink a moderate amount of alcohol is lower than those who abstain altogether. Sounds good so far, all we have to do is decide what a moderate amount is. The Chief Medical Officers believe that recommended consumption levels for both men and women should be 14 units per week (previously 21 units for men but now reduced to 14 to bring it in line with women). I can't speak for anyone else but I can often exceed my 14 units on a Friday alone. What about the other 6 days? To put this into perspective, let's see what some of our friends overseas are being told. In America, the recommended limit for men is 24.5 units, in France it is 26 units and in Italy it is a whopping 31.5 units. Before you all decide to emigrate to Italy, please note that CAMRA is now calling on the Department of Health to launch a public consultation into whether the new alcohol guidelines are fit for purpose and adequately supported by evidence. The second bit of good news that I came across this summer was a new report entitled A Healthy Perspective on Beer. It concluded that compared to other drinks, beer is low in sugar. The majority of beers sampled, contained less than 1g of sugar per 100ml whereas cola averaged 10.6g per 100ml, orange squash contained 7.8g per 100ml and for all you coffee lovers out there, a cappuccino contained 4.3g per 100ml. The facts are that beer has a very low sugar content when compared to other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Beer is fat free and typically has a lower alcohol content than other alcoholic drinks. So there we have it, beer is good for you. Brilliant. With that in mind, no doubt I will see you in the pub soon. As ever, if you have any thoughts, comments or feedback, please get in touch with us via email, you will find a contact list towards the back of this magazine, or better still, come along to one of our forthcoming meetings or events. Please also remember to visit our website www.centrallancs.camra. org.uk for all the latest information and local news and if you are on Facebook, please search for CAMRA Central Lancs and like our page. We have also started a monthly newsletter which is emailed to Branch members on the 1st of each month. If you are not receiving this, it will be because we do not have an up to date email address for you. Please get in touch and let us have our email address and we will add you to our list of receivers.
Better late than never. The only good thing is that you’ve only six weeks ‘til the Christmas issue. The editors ill health caused the 6 week delay. This is the trouble with an organisation with members twice the age of the organisation itself. An apology is appropriate to the organisations most affected by the late output i.e St.Gerrard’s Club and Broughton Club both of which have beer festivals the week the mag is likely to come out. The big story is the speed at which new micro-pubs are coming into being. It is our Headline story and the subject of an article from Gordon Small. From what you have just read you will appreciate that our appeal for more members to become active is more than hot air. We badly need more branch contacts so that we can better promote YOUR favourite pub, so I ask again for you to contact me. It is an interesting little job and can win you
three
Gallons of real ale so please contact me now ed Disclaimer:
Kind Regards
The Views expressed in Ale Cry are not necessarily those of the Editor, the Central Lancashire Branch of CAMRA or of the Campaign fpr Real Ale 2
Dave Bell
Branch Chairman
BAMBER BRIDGE
FOOTBALL CLUB
CAMRA Central Lancs Club of The Year 2016
- Open 7 days a week serving a fine selection of real ales & ciders - Regular live music and events Sat 17 September - Black Rose (Thin Lizzy Tribute) Sat 12 November - SOULvation (Soul & Motown) Sat 26 November - Saraban (Rock & Pop)
- Discount on real ales for CAMRA members -
- Room available for hire (parties, celebrations, functions, business meetings)
-
- Home of Bamber Bridge FC (EvoStik NPL) & Blackburn Rovers Ladies FC (Match day sponsorship packages available)
“Up The Brig........Down The Ale” Irongate, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6UU Tel: 01772 909695 www.bamberbridgefc.com 3
Beware of Government Health Warnings I’ve been thinking lately about the recent government health warning about alcohol consumption. You know the one that allows us all one small glass of sherry every other Christmas. It actually states that there is no safe limit for drinking alcohol but reluctantly suggests an absolute maximum intake of six pints per week. Not that I take much or any notice of such warnings/ advice. Of course, many of us will remember that up to 1996 the advice was to drink no more than twenty pints per week, or three pints per day. This seemed much more sensible. Then it was arbitrarily changed and changed again – with no actual evidence to support the changed advice. I’m perfectly well aware of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption but nothing is being said by the authorities about the benefits of moderate drinking. Three or four pints of beer a day especially when taking in the social atmosphere of a pub or club has far more benefits than dangers. I’m full of admiration for people who have come to a decision in their lives not to drink. Some of my best friends and family don’t drink. Unlike governments they don’t generally speaking try to impose their views on others. I know one person who will be ignoring the latest “rules” and that is Prince Charles. He is a well-known fan of real ale and in fact all naturally produced food and drink. He leads by example on the farms and businesses that he runs and influences. That reminds me of a story about Prince Charles. Many years ago he was invited to Oswaldtwistle to open a new school. He duly arrived on time and as usually impeccably dressed in a Saville Row suit with hand-made shoes and a very smart shirt and tie. Incongruously, however, he was wearing a Davy Crocket style hat made out of fox fur. The Mayor and Mayoress greeted him and he performed his duties smoothly as usual. However everyone was intrigued by his choice of headwear, but no-one had the courage to ask – why? At the end of the visit Prince Charles was thanked for coming and it was then that the Mayoress had the courage to ask him why he was wearing that hat! He said his Mother the Queen recommended it. “What!” said the Mayoress “Her Majesty the Queen suggested you wear that hat!” “Yes” he said “We were talking last night in Buckingham Palace and the Queen said – Charles where are you going tomorrow?” “Mother” I said “I’m going to Oswaldtwistle” “Oswaldtwistle” she said “Oswaldtwistle. Wear the Fox Hat”! Paul Tate
lap between books and beer recalls The Go Between by L.P. Hartley which deals with class division in rural Norfolk at the beginning of the twentieth century through the story of a love affair between Marian Maudsley, a bankers daughter and Ted Burgess, a local farmer. As they can only meet secretly, their assignations are facilitated by messages sent via a go-between, her younger brother's school friend Leo Colston. In chapter four, Marian and Leo have lunch in The Maid's Head Hotel whilst on a clothes shopping trip to Norwich. Included on CAMRA's list of historic pub interiors, The Maid's Head is a contender for the title of Britain's oldest hotel, as there has been one on this site since the 13th century when it began catering for visitors to the nearby cathedral and bishop's palace. One of the eighty-four bedrooms is named after Queen Elizabeth the first who reputedly stayed there in 1587. The present grade II listed building dates from the 16th century but the 20th century saw major changes made to the façade and the interior. The Go Between is set in the summer heat wave of 1900 but the fireplaces keep the wood panelled bars and suites in this large multi room pub cosy even on cold wintry days.Marian and Leo could have taken their lunch in the tiny carpeted snug which features sliding window hatches that allow service from the bar where two two ales are available. The permanent beer is the 1996 CAMRA Supreme Champion Beer of Britain, Woodforde’s Wherry bitter [named after the single masted barges that sailed on the Norfolk Broads and River Yare] alongside one other, usually also from the range of ten beers plus seasonal ales brewed by Woodforde’s in Woodbastwick The Go Between is noted for its well known opening line “The past is a foreign country, they do things differently there.” In the present day, instead of meeting illicitly in a hotel whilst Leo is sent to look around the cathedral for an hour, Marian and Ted would be able to marry each other with every one’s best wishes. The Maid’s Head Hotel could conduct the civil marriage ceremony, host the wedding reception and provide a bedroom suite for the honeymoon. In the novel’s epilogue, Leo comes back fifty years later to visit those characters still alive, staying a night in the Maid’s Head Hotel.
D i sco e l A u al
nt
I’SAVED: £9.23 this week in pubs with this sign in their
Scheme
MRA R A C e
Drinking The Maids Head Hotel in Culture Norwich Our latest look at the over
windows i.e. one year’s CAMRA membership saved in just Three weeks. Ed
The Go Between was made into a film with Julie Christie and Alan Bates in 1971, a year before L.P. Hartley’s death. More recent was a BBC television adaptation where Jim Broadbent portrayed the older Leo.
Whilst Woodforde’s beers are always worth a detour, within two hundred yards of The Maid’s Head real ale is on handpump in nine other pubs and bars. This would make a good pub crawl as it wouldn’t take long to go between the different pubs. These are just some of the thriving cask ale pubs in the historic cathedral city of Norwich Michael Haughey 4
Our Lady & St Gerard’s Music & Beer Festival 2016 Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th October 4 Days of Live Music and Beer Thursday 13th October – 7pm ‘til Midnight DILLINGER ===================================================== Friday 14th October – 5pm ‘til Midnight THE CHAMPAGNE NIPPERS MR BOJANGLES ===================================================== Saturday 15th October – 3pm ‘til Midnight THE COROLLAS ===================================================== Sunday 16th October – 12 Noon ‘til 6pm JOSH BILLSBOROUGH AFTER HOURS BLUES BAND LOSTHEADS ====================================================
Over 25 Beers & Ciders Free entry – All welcome Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall, Preston, PR5 5AA Contact Paul- Telephone: 01772 339459
5
Chorley Chatter
The Masons Arms on Harpers Lane is changing hands The new licensee is Nicky Reid a former blackburn Rovers footballer who being a real ale enthusiast him self is to reintroduce real ale after many years absence. It has for a long time been a keg only sports bar and I have watched football matches there wishing real ale was available Hopefully my wish will come true before Christmas
Janet and son Ben who have done a marvellous job since taking over the White Bull a few months ago have now also taken over the Market Tavern and will I am sure halt its demise of recent years. Real Ale again - the stuff of dreams. They hope to be open in time for Christmas
Steve has replaced Sue as Manager of the Prince of Wales on Market Street. I liked Sue who was very good at her job and a very pleasant manageress and I wish her well. I also wish all the best to Lyndsay who was a lovely barmaid who survived a number of managers before deciding to move on to pastures new. She will be missed
Toad
SOUTH RIBBLE EXTRA Mark - the manager of The Leyland Lion has confirmed that the pub will be expanding into the shop next door. The company bought the shop some time ago so the development is no surprise. The extension will be via an archway currently occupied by a photo. It will be a food free area - extra food spece being created inside the main building. Mark hopes the two story extension will inlude a live sports bar and will happen before Christmas Toad 6
CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2012, 13, 14, 15 & in the new 2016 Guide! Cask Marque award holder
FFiivvee CCaasskk A Alleess –– tthhrreeee rroottaattiinngg gguueessttss pplluuss TThheeaakkssttoonn’’ss LLiigghhttffoooott & A Grreeeennee KKiinngg IIPPA &G B Guuiinnnneessss Miilldd aanndd G Moorreettttii,, KKrroonneennbboouurrgg,, FFoosstteerrss,, M Biirrrraa M See our website for this month’s ales Try out our very popular weekly Quiz Night every Thursday – starts prompt at 9pm 20p off a pint for CAMRA card carrying members
Great beer, great team of staff and a warm and friendly welcome Saturday Music Theme Nights once a month – see facebook www.blackbull-penwortham.co.uk or facebook 83 Pope Lane, Penwortham – 01772 752953 11-11 Monday to Thursday / 11 to 12.30 Friday & Saturday / 12 to 11 Sunday unless we decide to stay open later !
7
BREWERY NEWS
You may be aware Central Lancashire Branch has a few Breweries on its patch with the number gradually increasing and we thought it was about time we tried to keep you up to date with any new developments. To see what our Breweries have planned for the winter and summer seasons ahead it is planned to run articles in the autumn and spring editions of this magazine. Each of our Breweries is assigned a ‘Brewery Liaison Officer’ and thanks to them for their contributions. Arkwright's arkwrightsbrewery.com BLO: David Bell david64bell@tiscali.co.uk Note from BLC: beer has been seen recently from DarkWave Brewing Co, this is the 'craftier' brand of Arkwrights. So beer is seemingly being brewed.
Rivington rivingtonbrewing.co.uk BLO: Adrian Smith adrian@arattyman.plus.com During the summer, the original 1.5bbl plant has been removed and replaced with a 4.5bbl one. There have been problems with the commissioning of this and for several months now the beers have been brewed at Dub Brewery in Horwich. The new plant will allow them to produce 15 x 9’s per brew, of which 80% will be cask conditioned. A local free house, the Yew Tree at Anglezarke has been showcasing two of their beers, but unfortunately this pub suffered a serious fire recently and is currently closed. Their beers are not easy to find, but appear from time to time, mainly in the local micropubs. Third Eye BLO: Adrian Smith adrian@arattyman.plus.co 16-Jun-2016: No changes to report
Beer Brothers beerbrothers.co.uk Ribble ribblebrewery.com BLO: David BLO: Not yet appointed. Moore No update received. This is the brewery which is planned to be moorewfc opened at the Withy Arms, Leyland. @btinternet.com No report received Their labelled beers are understood to be currently contract brewed elsewhere. Bishop's Crook InBev bishopscrook The extremely large InBev Brewery at Samlesbury is also in our brewery.com branch area but has not produced any cask conditioned beer BLO: for several years. If it ever does, it will re-appear on this page in Gordon Small future editions. grdnsmll@yahoo. Don’t hold you breath. co.uk Bishop's Crook beers have been on Beer Brothers brewery sale at a number of Dave Moore is the Branch’s ‘Brewery liaison officer’ for the Beer Brothers and here is his latest update about the brewery and its Beer Festivals in products. recent months. “Are you really brothers?” she asks. “Yes” we reply. “We are ‘Beer Brothers’ ”. At the Bamber Bridge Football Club Beer Festival in April, Meeting on the first day at Fulwood High School David and Phil there were two new beers available, Caskarillo (4%) and soon became best of friends. 17 years later the 2 of them, over Festival Dark IPA (4.6%), while more recently their beers a few to many in the New Continental on New Year’s Eve 2014 have been on sale at Beer Festivals at Cuerden Valley Park, decided to take their home brew hobby to the next stage! at Chorley Football Club, and at Walmer Bridge Village They were soon brewing in the corner of Phil’s bus depot, careHall. The Guild Ale House in Preston remains their most fully crafting beers from the recipes in books. A few brews later regular outlet, with their beers now having found their way and a lot of learning, some through mistakes, the book recipes as far afield as Norfolk. made way for home grown concoctions which are still available today, albeit with a few tweaks. The current line up consists of; Goosnargh yehornsinn.co.uk ALTBIER 5.0% -Our take on the -----famous German DusBLO: David Linley dave.linley@tiscali.co.uk Little change to brewery. Still brewing 3 times per fortnight, seldorf lager/beer. A dark copper coloured, top fermented ale 5 barrels. Invested in a new and faster heat exchanger which which has been cool conditioned for a crisp fruity finish. BEST BITTER 4.2% - This bitter is a smooth, full bodied, malty reduces the length of the brewing day. Has produced a first session ale, made with British hops- for a true brit ale! stout-style beer, a Black IPA at 4.6%, with a mixture of dark CHOCOLATE PORTER 4.3% - Full bodied, well balanced with and pale chocolate malts. This is quite sweet but is selling heavy bitter notes of full roast coffee and dark chocolate. Made well and may replace Guinness in the pub. It may become a with real cocoa. permanent beer. CLOUDY WHEAT BEER 5.5% - A German style crisp golden, Beer is now supplied to 4 regular outlets, the Horns, Billy's top fermented wheat beer. Made with Saaz hops, bitter orange Bar in Longridge, Corporation Arms in Longridge and peal to accentuate the citrus bouquet without being overpowerForts Arms in Clayton-le-Moors, other occasional outlets, plus to beer distributors including Blackjack in Manchester. ing. DARK WHEAT BEER 6.5% - A dark, lightly carbonated, full The Horns Inn was put up for sale in April as the landlord/ brewer wishes to retire in the next year or two. The brewery bodied wheat beer with hints of liquorice and tart berries to round off a long lasting fruity finish. is not included in the sale, but might be available as well to MILK STOUT 4.0% - Brewed with the addition of lactose. An someone purchasing the pub if the price was right. initial creamy sweet hit on the pallet followed by gently bitterness of dark roasted barley. a real session beer for the darker Hart beer fans. hartbreweryltd.co.uk IPA 4.0 & 6.0%- A full bodied, full flavoured India Pale Ale. This BLO: Kevin Reddy kev23in76@gmail.com brew is packed with three varieties of hops, with dry hopping No report as I tried to contact brewery several times but to for that extra punch. The 6% is now only available in bottles and no avail. I will endeavor to find out what is going on. festivals or to order. Kevin Reddy BLACK WIDDOW 9.9%- A full bodied, full flavoured India Pale Ale that has real mouth feel and texture. This brew is packed with three varieties of hops, with dry hopping for that extra punch. Available in 330ml bottles. “We have had our beers into lots of festivals over the past year including, Preston festival (St Walburges), New Continental and 8
Preston • The Moorbrook, Preston • Winedown, Preston • Bunburys, Bolton • Anchor Inn, Lostock Hall • The Walmer bridge beer festival. “We are over the moon with the feedback we receive. When Gables, Leyland • New Longton sports club • Longton V.M. Social club • Our Lady and St. Gerrards Parochial • someone stops you from leaving the pub to thank you for creating the “best pint I have drank in ages!” you know you Suthers Auto Garage, Longton • Barrica Wines – Botany Bay, Chorley • Barrica Wines – Huntleys, Samlesbury are onto something good, something really good.” “What’s the strangest thing you have done or come across since starting BB?” “There was a close shave at a recent festival where we were carrying out a spot of ‘market research’. A rather unhappy gent left the side of his better half to come over to us and ask in an irate tone, ‘what’s your problem, why are you staring at us?’ Luckily we were quick to answer and told him that we were so pleased to see him and his wife sharing drinks and swapping positive remarks about the 2 beers we had just witnessed poured from our casks. We explained we were the beer brothers, gripped fists quickly turned into warm handshakes and he didn’t hesitate to apologise whilst complimenting us for the beer we had brought to the festival. “We are quietly confident the future holds expansion for us. Branch BLO David Moore with Phil and Dave (or is As long as we keep our feet on the ground and keep making it Dave and Phil – had a couple that night!), the Beer Brothers (with Dave’s dad Alan helping out) in front of quality ales we are confident of a long future.” The Beer Brothers range can often be found in the following: 4 of their soon to be empty casks at the Walmer Bridge Steve Jackson Market Ale House Leyland • Guild Ale House, Preston • Beer and Bangers Festival in June New Continental, Preston • Plungington Hotel, There is a new brewing at 9.5%, which they describe as a dark and intense beer with company in Preston. Called Dark Wave, they are commit- undertones of liquorice and Molasses flavours, brewed with 3 ted to producing unfined vegan beers which need to settle different hops for maximum punch. Black Widow is only availafor longer in the cellar or they may be cloudy when served. ble in 330ml bottles. Their current beers are pale ales - Bleeding Edge 5.3%, After the news item on the Walmer Bridge based micro-brewery Altered State 4.5% and Odyssey 4.4%. These have been on at in the last issue, we had many enquiries from cask ale enthuboth The Market Ale House in Leyland and The Guild Ale siasts asking where they could sample a pint of Beer Brothers House in Preston. They can easily be spotted on a row of products. You can try their beers at several local outlets; the hand pumps by their distinctive pump clip. Market Ale House in Leyland, Bunbury’s on Chorley Old Road Beer Brothers have added a new beer to their range. Blonde, in Bolton, The Guild Ale House in Preston city centre, New a light coloured 3.8% session bitter brewed with Saaz hops Longton Sports & Social Club and in Lostock Hall at Our Lady for crisp taste was brought out for the summer. In contrast, and St Gerard’s parish centre and the Anchor on Croston Road. the other new beer from “The two who brew”, is Black Wid- They are also found at local beer festivals such as the one held at ow IPA Bamber Bridge FC in April. Bottled versions are on sale at the Suthers Star garage shop in Walmer Bridge as well as Bunbury’s. Mike Haughey
More Brewery News:
9
SOUTH RIBBLE SCENE
had been a planned event, with the pub being closed for about five weeks while it underwent its long awaited refurbishment. The re-opening ceremony was performed by South Ribble MP Seema Kennedy who was photographed pulling a pint of Caledonian Kick-Off, the beer brewed specially for Euro 2016. After several years of decline it is good to see this pub refreshed, and with a landlord keen on his real ale, hopefully it will once again become a regular port of call for local beer drinkers.
In the last Ale Cry the arrival of Leyland’s second micropub, the GOLDEN TAP ALE HOUSE on Chapel Brow, was announced. Three months on, and with the branch having gained another two micropubs in the interim, the Golden Tap would now appear to be relatively well established. At any one time it is selling six handpumped beers, and has quickly gained a reputation for stocking a succession of interesting beers from a good selection of the country’s many microbreweries.
Another pub which had closed in February was the SIR TOM FINNEY on Central Drive in Penwortham. New people came in for a few months, but their stay was short, and for a while there was no handpumped beer available. Another change of licensee took place in July, with the pub being taken on by a couple who were keen to emphasise that the Sir Tom Finney was now a ‘local pub being run by locals’. The pub remains open, but it is now being completely re-decorated throughout, while the availability of lunch and evening meals has once again been introduced. In July the pub was selling Marstons EPA, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Sharps Doom Bar, plus one changing guest beer, although it is the intention that the pub’s regulars will be consulted as to the choice of future beers that will be sold.
At about the same time that the Golden Tap Ale House was opening in the town centre, there was a second pub opening on the very edge of Leyland on Wigan Road. This was the MILL AT CHARNOCK FARM, a pub attached to the Charnock Farm Garden Centre complex which also includes
It is quite some time since I last called in at any of the pubs in the Longton and Much Hoole areas, but I do have a news update from my local correspondent. He tells me that there is a new manager at the SMITHY INN at Much Hoole, and that the beers available there have recently included Black Sheep Bitter, Sharp’s Atlantic, and Jennings Cumberland Ale. He also tells me that there has been a refurbishment at the BLACK BULL in Longton, and that this pub is continuing to sell Copper Dragon Best Bitter as a permanent beer. Finally, just up the road the GOLDEN BALL has seen the departure of David and Susan Campbell, long-standing licensees who have retired having been at the pub for some 22 years. There has since been a change of licensee, but apparently there is a rumour going around that the pub may be converted into a fish restaurant. While on the subject of fish restaurants, I recall many years
a hotel and restaurant facilities. Quite handy for some Buckshaw Village residents, this would appear to be a fine pub to visit on a sunny summer’s afternoon as there is plenty of outdoor seating. It is certainly in a picturesque setting, having its own waterwheel, while to the rear the pub looks out onto a large pond complete with a sizeable population of hungry ducks. An upmarket bar, it is selling two real ales, Thwaites Wainwright plus a changing guest beer usually from Moorhouses. After being closed for four months the ANCHOR at Hutton
has now re-opened. Undergoing a costly refurbishment at the back end of 2015, the pub closed unexpectedly in February, and for a time there were even rumours that it was going to be demolished. The pub re-opened in June, with a new licensee in place, and with more welcoming opening hours once again restored, 12-11 Sundays to Thursdays, and 12-12 Friday and Saturday. On recent visits the beers that have been available are Greene King IPA, Greene King IPA Gold, Robinsons Dizzy Blonde, and Shepherd Neame Spitfire.
ago that the WINDMILL at Mellor Brook was briefly re-named ‘The Hungry Fisherman’ and was promoted by Whitbread as a fish restaurant and real ale bar. Perhaps not too surprisingly this proved to be a relatively short-lived venture, and the pub later became an Enterprise Inn and was to have many more years as a more conventional pub eating establishment before closing at the end of 2014. The latest news from Mellor Brook in July was that there had been a planning application submitted for the pub to be demolished and that it be replaced by a petrol filling station and 24 hour convenience store. Finally, I would like to remind people that Autumn is a busy time for Beer Festivals in the South Ribble area. Coming up from September 23rd-24th there is the Longton Beer Festival at the LONGTON VM SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB; from October 7th-9th there is the 2nd Beer Festival at the NEW LONGTON SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB; and from October 13th-16th there is the Music & Beer Festival at OUR LADY & ST GERARD’S PAROCHIAL CENTRE in Lostock Hall. With the ANCHOR at Lostock Hall, and the WITHY ARMS at Leyland, also hosting Beer Festivals, there will certainly be plenty to go at in the next few months. Gordon Small
Also re-opening in June was the PEAR TREE on Leyland #
Road in Penwortham. Unlike the Anchor, this closure
10
11
REAL
CIDER AND REAL PERRY
The Market Ale House may be the CAMRA Central Lancashire Cider Pub of the Year, but unfortunately it has failed in its bid to become the CAMRA West Pennines Cider Pub of the Year. This regional award went to the Mortal Man at Troutbeck near Windermere, certainly a very different cider outlet to the Market Ale House.
Although CAMRA is the Campaign For Real Ale, it is also an organisation that has an objective to be a campaign for the protection and promotion of real cider and real perry.
In the past year the number of real cider outlets in the branch area has grown considerably. In the last Ale Cry I highlighted the ANGEL on Lune Street in Preston, as being an example of a pub that has been selling a real cider despite selling no real ale. Since then I have also been informed that this is the situation at TRADER JACKS on Hollinshead Street in Chorley. Meanwhile, staying with Chorley, other newly recorded real cider outlets are the ALE STATION and the CROWN, both on Chapel Street, and the MALT’N’HOPS on Friday Street, while I would expect that it may not be too long before Chorley’s latest micropub Bootleggers is also selling a real cider.
According to the CAMRA definition, real cider is a long-established traditional drink which is produced naturally from apples and which is neither carbonated nor pasteurised. Likewise real perry is a long-established traditional drink that is made from pears in a similar fashion. In practice real cider and real perry can usually be recognised as they are often served by gravity from a polycask or some similar container found on or behind the bar. They can also be served by handpump, but here you need to be a little more careful as not all handpumped cider and perry is real.
Listed in the accompanying table are the 32 outlets in the branch area which we believe are currently selling at least one real cider or perry. Thanks go to those people who have contacted the branch with information about these outlets, and once again we would be pleased to learn of any further adjustments that need to be made to this list. Please send any information you have to the branch committee, e-mail: clcamra@rocketmail.com. Gordon Small
In the last Ale Cry I reported that the MARKET ALE HOUSE on Hough Lane in Leyland, had been chosen as the branch’s 2016 Cider Pub of the Year. Although the award was announced as long ago as February, it was not until August 11th that the Market Ale House people were finally able to take possession of the certificate. On this day, with a CAMRA Central Lancashire committee meeting taking place at the nearby Leyland Lion, a handful of committee members took the opportunity to meet up at the Market Ale House ahead of this meeting to hand over the certificate.
Market Ale House
So at last the 2016 Cider Pub of the Year certificate has a home, and as you can see from the accompanying photograph the Market Ale House continues to be an excellent destination for the cider drinker with Celtic Marches Ruby Tuesday Cider, Weston’s Old Rosie Cloudy Cider, Pine Trees Farm Cheery Old Dudda, and Lilley’s Mango Cider all being available on the night. Since opening in December 2013, this micropub has always placed a great importance in keeping a good range of ciders and perries, with a choice of four usually being available at any one time, while as I write there are plans for the pub to be hosting a Cider Festival at the end of August when an even greater selection of ciders and perries will have been on offer.
Leyland
Cider
Pub of
The Year
OUTLETS SELLING REAL CIDER Bamber Bridge Bamber Bridge Football Club; Olde Original Withy Trees; Withy Arms. Chorley Ale Station; Bob Inn; Crown; Malt'n'Hops; Shepherds' Hall Ale House; Sir Henry Tate; Trader Jacks. Croston Crown. Eccleston
Cock T' Alehouse.
Euxton Travellers Rest. Heapey
Top Lock.
Hoghton Sirloin. Leyland
Golden Tap Ale House; Leyland Lion; Market Ale House; Withy Arms.
Longridge
Corporation Arms.
Longton Dolphin. Preston
Ale Emporium; Angel; Black Horse; Continental; Dog & Partridge; Ferret; Grey Friar; Guild Ale House; Roper Hall; Twelve Tellers; Wheatsheaf.
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BOOTLEGGERS Find Us @ 21 Bolton Street – Chorley – PR7 3AA
A WORLD OF ALES, LAGERS & CIDERS COMPLIMENTED WITH A SELECTION OF SIGNATURE WINES & HIGH END SPIRITS. WE ARE CHORLEY’S NEWEST BAR, SO COME ON DOWN AND JOIN US. “WHERE STRANGERS BECOME FRIENDS AND ENJOY GOOD COMPANY” 4 HAND PULLED REAL ALES ROTATED REGURLY WITH 3 GUEST ALES ALONG WITH BOOTLEGGER GOLD THESE INCLUDE FLAT CAP, HOBGOBLIN GOLD, HEN HARRIER & CUNNING STUNT TO NAME A FEW. OUR DRAFT SELCTION INCLUDES GOOSE ISLAND IPA, BRAHMA BRIZILIAN LAGER, ASPALL CIDER AND MURPHY’S STOUT. ALONG SIDE A GOOD SELECTION OF BOTTLED WORLD BEERS, LARGERS & CIDERS, 15 SIGNATURE WINES, PROSECCO & CHAMPANGE FINISHED WITH GREAT SELECTION OF HIGH END SPIRTS.
A CAMRA Pub of the Season ‘One of Chorley’s few Genuine Free Houses with 5 hand pulled Real Ales, usually including a mild, which are generally sourced from local micro brewers’
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Ale which was pale but a bit too bitter for her tastes. Having Harrogate, a Spa already decided to come back in here again the next day town in North we headed off in search of the next pub. We had planned to Yorkshire has, since 2013, been consistently voted as the visit The Swan on the Stray but it was closed when we got happiest place to live in Britain. Indeed, in 2013, it was there. Fortunately there was another pub a few doors along declared to be the third most romantic destination in the called 10 Devonshire Place so in we went. We ended up world, beating off rivals such as Paris, Rome and Vienna. rather glad that The Swan The fact that it is meant to be the happiest place in Britain was closed as this was a to live got me thinking about why that could be. My natural great find and it is not conclusion was that it must be because Harrogate has the in the Good Beer Guide. best pubs selling the best real ale. And so it was that a trip Inside, a blackboard listed was planned to see if this is true. the available beers. The last weekend in July was chosen, a B&B was booked Credence IPA (5.5%), and Carole and I set out along the A59 mid-afternoon on Thornbridge Peverel the Friday, making our way towards Harrogate. Once we (4.5%), Settle Nine had checked in to The Arc on Kings Road (I would highly Standards Porter (4.7%), recommend this place. It was run by a lovely lady called Roosters Grandview Kim who cooked a fantastic breakfast in the mornings) we (5.3%), Rat Brewery set out to survey the lie of the land. Within 5 minutes we RefridgeRATor (3.9%), came across the old Winter Gardens building which is now a Ossett Yorkshire (3.9%), + Wetherspoon's pub. Why not we thought. Inside it was Harrogate Pinewoods + a typical (4.4%), Timothy Taylor's Wetherspoon's + Boltmaker (4%), North but very grand, Riding Brewery Mosaic sweeping, double Pale (4.3%) and Yorkshire staircases made of Heart Rhu-bar-beer (3.7%). Carole loves fruit flavoured granite added a beer so Rhu-bar-beer was an easy choice for her. It was touch of finesse. really good and had a strong rhubarb flavour. Very moreish. Fifteen or so hand I decided on Mosaic Pale and it was the best pint so far, just pumps lined the to my liking, pale with an almost grapefruity, marmalade bar and alongside taste which was fantastically bitter. We would have liked to the usual stay for another but we had other pubs to go to and anyway, Wetherspoon's after sitting next to 3 young people, early 20s I would say, offerings such as who had talked about a computer game involving Death Abbot Ale and stars (?) for 20 minutes, I needed some fresh air. Ruddles Best A brisk walk took us to Major Tom's Social on The Ginnel. were the slightly This was a bit different from a typical real ale pub. more interesting Going through the door, a Rudgate Volsung set of stairs takes you up to at 5%, Daleside the room above. A large G&P at 4%, room with quirky decor Roosters The Red Baron at 5.7% and The Hop Studio Eau du and lots of music Soleil at 5% along with a couple of real ciders. I chose Rudreferences, album covers gate Volsung, pale and full bodied with a citrus taste. Carole on the walls and vinyl 45s went for Daleside G&P which is described as a gin infused (who remembers those) pale ale. I always have a taste of whatever Carole orders, just around the bar. The beer for quality control purposes, you understand, and this one did not disappoint. There did have a hint of gin. It was a little sweet for me really but were 4 hand pumps very nice. offering a choice of 4 real Keen to move on to some individual pubs with more ales as well as a selection character, we made our way to the Harrogate Tap. This is of keg, craft beers. The real ales available contained one with what must be the most unusual name I have come across. It was called "The 7th Church Of The Apocalyptic Lawnmower" brewed by Weird Beard and was described as a black cream ale at 6.5%. Got to have that I thought, so I did and it was lovely, doing what it said on the tin, it was black and creamy, tasting malty and almost coconutty. I couldn't drink this all night though, 6.5% is hardly a session beer. The other real ales available were Major Tom's Special brewed by Roosters at 3.7%, Thornbridge Seaforth an IPA at 5.9% and Hop and Sour by Almasty at 5.5%. Carole chose Major Tom's Special although she said she wasn't keen as it was too bitter for her sweet tastes. We both really liked this bar though, there was a great atmosphere, a young feel to it and they also serve brilliant homemade pizzas for next to the Railway Station and has a long bar containing 12 about ÂŁ6 each. hand pumps. Bad Seed Brewery had 2 beers, Summer Ale It was now pouring with rain and we were glad it was only a at 3.8% and Bravo Pale Ale at 4.5%. Dark Star was repreminute's walk to the next pub, The Old Bell Tavern. Cresented by Hylder Blonde, a 4.2% Elderflower beer. Other dence Blonde (4%), Okells IPA (4.5%), Ridgeside Stargazer choices included Roosters Assassin at 6.1%, Rodeo from (5%), Pennine Brewing Co. Natural Gold (4.2%) and one The Tapped Brew Co. at 4%, The Devil Made Me Brew It of my old favourites Hawkshead Windermere Pale (3.5%) from Arbor, a dry hopped stout at 5.5%, Black Sheep Best were all on sale. Rather unsurprisingly, I had a pint of Bitter and Half Mast QIPA, a session IPA which is only 2.8% Windermere Pale and Carole chose Credence Blonde. Both brewed by Siren Craft Brew Co. Ignoring all these, however, decent beers which we enjoyed but we didn't really like the my choice was Reaper from Ghost Brew Co. a deathly pale pub and the barman committed the cardinal sin of putting ale at 4.4%. I think I was inspired by a good friend of mine, my change down on the bar in a puddle of beer. I wasn't Teflon Thompson who is also known as Reaper in our local. impressed. Why would anyone do that? (cont next page) Anyway it was a great choice, very pale, hoppy and bitter. Just right for me. Carole decided upon Bad Seed Summer
A Sally Round Harrogate
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If a picture paints a thousand words
Trips & Fe
stivals
I’ve had some disasters with my phone’s camera lately The latest disaster was Saturday - just before we went to press. The photos from a fantastic Leyland and Henry Tate’s trip to York (for over 100 customers) were lost when my sd card broke taking it out of the phone. We had a great time. I got back in time for the end of the second evening of Chorley Live. The photo’s of that were also lost. At least I had saved the ones from the first evening. It was a fantastic evening with lots of acts displaying the musical tallent of loal singers and musicians from a wide range of musical styles. I and the thousands of visitors loved it. It gets better each year and long may it continue.
I was asked several times ‘why can’t other places have dooos like this?’ My response is always the same ‘ why do you think I go all over the country to festivals like Sidmouth in Devon to Whitby and Otley in Yorkshire and Newcastleton in Scotland - it’s not to sit in muddy fields like Glastonbury - it’s to sit in cushy pubs listening to and joining in with different music and styles in every pub, with one common denominator enjoyment. So here are some photos from Whitby, Sidmouth, Otley and Chorley live. So I’ll say no more because a picture paints a thousand words MMick CHORLEY LIVE
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Melodious Mick
2016
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Otley Folk Festival
Shepherds Hall Ale House pub trip to St.Helens and Connoisseur brewery including Fashion icon Melodious Mick dressed for the weather with rain hat and flasher mac
Trades Hall Club Bamber Bridge 3 Handpumps for real ale Other drinks at bargain prices inc. San Miguel and Warnsteiner CAMRA members welcome(Discounted prices on production of valid membership card) Membership available all year round Acts on every Saturday and Sunday Bingo every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
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The Washington
Topping Street Blackpool FY1 3AF
Open 7 days a week: Mon - Thur 10.30am - 11pm, Fri & Sat 10,30am - 12am Sun 11am - 11.30pm Good quality food served daily ‘til 9.30pm (2 meals for £8.99) over 14 dishes to choose from. 8 CASK ALES TO CHOOSE FROM DAILY (ask for cask ale card buy 5 - get the 6th free)
Mon Pool League night 8pm, Tues Red Tooth poker night 8pm, Wed new darts and doms night 8pm Fri & Sat nights - live 1 11 1 entertainment from 9.30 Sunday pool tournament starting at 7.30pm. Showing all Sky and BT sport games on all screens. Collect a season ticket and and receive 10% discount on selected drinks
THE POTTERS ARMS BROOK STREET CHORLEY
Three Bs Doff Cocker Black Sheep Bitter + Guest Ales From Local Breweries We Are In The Good Beer Guide 2016
Don’t miss Tuesday: All Cask Ales £1.99
A Real Pub with
Stephen and Denise have been glad to welcome good beer lovers for over 25 years at the POTTERS 19
A Sally Round Harrogate (cont) The rain had stopped and happy to move on, we went down the road to Hales Bar, the oldest pub in Harrogate. Only 4 beers available and nothing much to write home about. Timothy Taylor's Golden Best (3.5%), Daleside Old Leg Over (4.1%), Robinsons Dizzy Blonde (3.8%) and Draught Bass (4.4%). I haven't had a pint of Draught Bass for a long time so I chose that whilst Carole had Daleside Old Leg Over. Neither beer was great and the Draught Bass was certainly not how I remembered. Unimpressed, we decided to drink up and make our way to what turned out to be our last pub of the evening. The Blues Cafe Bar is quite small and was packed. This is probably due to the fact that not only was it a Friday but there was also live music. There is live music every night of the week we discovered and the pub seems to be very popular. On the bar were 4 real ales, Saltaire New World Red at 5.2%, Daleside Blonde at 3.9%, Ossett Pale Gold at 3.8% and Saltaire Hazelnut Coffee Porter at 4.6%. Ossett Pale Gold was my choice and it turned out well, pale and hoppy. Carole enjoyed a Hazelnut Coffee Porter which was really nice, smooth and creamy with nutty and malty coffee flavour. All in all, we had a great night out in Harrogate, some pubs and some beers were great, some were OK and one or two we weren't keen on. A bit like most towns really. So I'm still not sure exactly why Harrogate is the happiest place to live, maybe there is more to it than the real ale scene although in my opinion that certainly helps. On Saturday, after a delicious breakfast cooked by Kim, we had a morning walk round the shops. It was thirsty work, particularly the bit where I sat on a bench outside Primark for almost an hour waiting for Carole to emerge, so I suggested a visit to Betty's Tea Rooms. With that in mind, we arrived to see a massive queue of people outside waiting to get in. For a cup of tea! Forget that, I said, let's go to the pub. Dave Bell
Our Pub of the Season for Autumn 2016 is Roper Hall in Preston. After it’s £500,000 refurbishment, it re-opened in January this year, with a fresh new look and a wide range of craft and cask beers. Originally built in 1873 as a boys school, it’s now one of the best pubs in Preston City centre.
Pub of the Season Autumn 2016 Roper Hall
Open from 9am - late, every day, it’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere is well complemented by the spacious interior and variety of beer - 3 hand pumps of regularly changing beers, and more bottles of craft beer than you can shake a stick at. Licensee Danny Hayes has done a great job of making sure that there’s something for everyone there. Whether you’re just there for a quiet pint, or if you fancy more than a few pints - Roper Hall will have you covered. Food is also served until 9pm, from a varied menu, which is tweaked once a year to stay up to date with what people like. Having eaten there for many years, I can honestly say the food there is top-notch.
Pearsons in Chorley - A Monday night in
I could probably fill a full page with the amount of things that go on at Roper Hall. There’s something on every night - double reward card points on Monday, double stamps for craft/cask beers on Tuesday, Wing Wednesday for the foodies, quiz night on Thursday, and cocktail night on Fridays, with sports being shown on the numerous TV’s around the room at the weekend, rounding the week off with an open mic night on Sundays. In case that’s a lot to remember, it’s all on a board that you can’t miss when you walk in.
September saw us at Pearsons in Chorley to present Dave and Natalie with the Pub of the Season award for Summer 2016.
Pub of the season, Summer 2016
But let’s move on from the impressive looking bar and the outside seating/smoking area, and take a trip upstairs. What used to be the Attic nightclub did not escape the refurbishment, and the huge room has now been split in two. On the left, you have The Games Room, filled with another bar, 4 pool tables, an air hockey table and arcade machines. The Dark Room, the larger of the two upstairs rooms, has another bar, and a stage for bands/DJs. Mainly used for events, it’s largely empty apart from a few sofas. If I haven’t sold you on Roper Hall yet, the best way to find out about it is to visit it yourself. Enjoy the free WiFi, the jukebox which you can control from your phone, disabled access and great atmosphere with a pint and your friends. Speaking of which, we have our Branch Meeting at Roper Hall on Monday the 26th of September, where we will be presenting Danny with the POTS award, so there’s one reason to visit right there! In the time that Dave and Natalie have been there, they have created a pub with a real community spirit and it is good to see a happy band of regulars in Pearsons enjoying a laugh, a good chat and some good company. The real ale, typically from local breweries, is well looked after and is great value. On our visit the real ale was on sale at £2.10 a pint. The pub also has screens for watching sport and hosts regular events including quizzes and live music. Congratulations to Dave and Natalie and many thanks for your hospitality Dave Bell
Mike Woolcock 20
The Wheatsheaf Coppull Spendmore Lane Coppull Nr Chorley Lancashire PR7 4NY
Coppull’s Newest FREE House Ever changing selection of Cask Ales including the popular breweries Prospect, Abbeydale, Bank Top, to name a few John Smith - Carling - Peroni - Hop House 13 Lager Great selection Bottled beers, Lagers and Ciders.
Outside Smoking Area and Beer Garden FREE Juke Box - Monday FREE Pool – Tuesday Quiz Night – Wednesday Start 9.30pm
FREE to enter - 3 Rounds Prize for each – Snow Ball
Thursday – Darts Dominos Pool Sky and BT Sports Saturday Night Music Opening Times Monday to Thursday from 3pm Friday from 2pm Saturday and Sunday from 12pm Follow us on face book
The Red Herring
MILL LANE, COPPULL, CHORLEY, LANCS. Tel: (01257) 470130 Ste & Mary welcome you to Coppull’s top freehouse: An oasis in a beer desert. Guest Ales include: Reedley Hallows, Prospect, Bank Top Good Beer and many more
Guide --
Sat night entertainment, we’re in it. Sun night quiz Ring Mill function room for hire Monday to Thursday open from 3pm Friday to Sunday open from 12pm
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Preston Parade
The Yard of Ale, its They do not serve draught lager, spirits or alcopops. There outside drinking area, will be no jukebox, regular music, television or fruit ma is now open at the chines.’ It is estimated that there would be room for about 30 Guild Ale House in customers at peak times. One to look forward to there. Preston, but work on As if that was not enough, there are plans for yet the upstairs room another micropub in Longridge, at Townley Parade on Berry has ground to a halt Lane. Serving up to sixty people it would be ‘small and as more funds are simple, serving quality ales and beers, with no loud music’. needed to complete Easily reached by bus from Preston, Longridge certainly has the transformation. its attractions for a good night out. More customers needed there to boost the coffers, so do your bit to help things along. Meanwhile, the opening of Preston’s other micro, The Plau on Friargate, is not now happening till at least Christmas, as further interesting artefacts are found at the site. One to look forward to then. Meanwhile, as we gain a pub there, we could be losing one nearby. The Lamb and Packet, on the corner of Friargate has been put up for sale with its future use not confined to the pub trade. Seems strange, with that area set to become the gateway into the University. Further along Friargate, at the Old Black Bull, Liam has left and the pub is now being run by one time barman Phil, who will continue with the guest beer policy. Look out for the twice delayed (mea maxima culpa) presentation of a long service award to Stan, the former landlord of the Black Bull, sometime soon. Out of town, a few things have been happening. In Chipping, long time licensee of the Tillotsons, Curly, has finally left the pub and there is a new incumbent. It is now called ‘Tilly’s’ and has ‘Free House’ painted on the outside wall at the front. Inside, it has been modernised a bit, same layout, but cleaned up and decorated. There are three real ales on sale. One is a permanent, Tilly’s Special Ale, brewed by Moorhous- Back towards Preston, the Ancient Oak at Cottam is now es. The other two change regularly and are typically from local a fully fledged Ember Inn and is reported to be doing very breweries. On a recent visit, these were Thwaites Nutty Black well under the stewardship of Ciaran with 10 handpulls on and Jennings Bitter. the bar. Opening at 11am (10am Sat/Sun) until midnight, Over in Longridge, I recently became acquainted with a good changing range of real ales and ciders including the Billy’s Wine Bar on Berry Lane, just up from the house beer Ember Pale Ale is on sale. There are quiz nights on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9pm. It is well worth a visit as I found out when I went in recently and had a two course meal for only £6.99 to go with my pint of Purity Brewery’s Pure Gold (3.8%). Don’t forget to show your Camra card for a 20p discount on your pint. Just north of Preston, on Haighton Green Lane, the Haighton Manor opened on 8th September as a Brunning and Price pub. Landlord Chris Humphries has come from their sister pub, the Aspinall Arms at Mitton, to run this latest addition to their range. It has seven handpulls serving six casks and one cider. Original Bitter is a very nice 3.8% drink made for them by Phoenix Brewery. Then there is a Timothy Taylor beer, often Boltmakers, plus one from Moorhouses. Add to that 3 changing guests which on my visit were Hawkshead Brodie’s Prime, Worsthorne Collier’s Clog and Hart Azacca Pale, and you have a vey attractive line up of beers.
Towneley Arms. It apparently opened in 2014, but had not come on my radar. Described as a venue for everyone, this café wine and cocktail bar has two changing real ales, normally from local micros, such as Bowland Hen Harrier or a Goosnargh brew. We had a good time sat on the outside drinking area in the sunshine. What it would be like in the heights of winter I shudder to think, but we enjoyed it while we could. Closed on a Monday, it opens at noon all other days till midnight (1am Fri/Sat). By the time you read this, another new micropub will have opened in Longridge. Situated at 36a Derby Rd, it will be called Hoppy Days, and is the brainchild of Peace Townsend of Skipton. She states that the micropub would be a small one room public house providing a warm and friendly atmosphere for people to meet and chat over a drink. It would not be a standard pub but more reminiscent of a traditional public house where people socialise and strengthen community ties, she added. ‘Micropubs are often small scale and aimed at limited numbers of customers at one time. They serve real ale from microbreweries, often locally sourced.
The building itself has been superbly renovated by Brunning and Price, opening up long forgotten fireplaces and revealing beautiful hidden features. On your visit, you will find an imposing building steeped in history and set within some pretty stunning scenery. There will be no TV’s or gaming machines. Their aim is create a relaxed, friendly environment for people to meet for a meal or a chat over a few drinks. Opening times are 11am to 11pm Mon-Thurs, midnight Fri-Sat and 10.30 Sun. Paul Riley
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PRINCESS ALICE
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MONDAY – THURSDAY 4.30 – 11.30 FRIDAY
4.30 – 12.30
SATURDAY
12.00 – 12.30
SUNDAY
12.00 – 11.30
FOUR REAL ALES (CASK MARQUE APPROVED) POOL TEAMS – DART TEAM- WELSH DON TEAM – DOMINOES TEAM- GOLF CLUB ARTISTS EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT QUIZ NIGHT WEDNESDAY, FREE ENTRY AND CHIP BUTTY SUPPER SUNDAY OPEN MIC NIGHT ALL SPORTS SHOWN ON 15 TVS
Q
29-31 CAMBRIDGE WALK PRESTON PR1 7SL 01772 823737
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Crossing back over the intersection, we made our way to Powell Street, behind the Barum Top, to find the Victorian
Riley’s Rambles - Halifax Halifax has many attractions, including the unique ‘Piece Hall’ dating from 1779, which is currently undergoing a 19 million pound refurbishment. On completion some time in 2017, it will be a high quality visitor destination filled with shops and restaurants, where you can relax in the courtyard, enjoying events and outdoor entertainment. Halifax is also the home of Eureka! The National Children’s Museum. You will also find some excellent pubs to make a day out there even more rewarding. On arriving, we were quite famished, so we made our way up Horton Street from the railway station direct to the Barum Top Inn on Rawson Street. This is a popular
Wetherspoon pub in the heart of Halifax with an upper balcony. It has eight changing guests, but I was disappointed that they were, as is often the case, all on the strong side. Not wishing to go searching for other eateries, I had an excellent pint of Nine Standards No 2 Pale Ale at 4.3% to go with my food. From here we made our way to the nearby Bow Legged with Brass on George St. which usually has 3 changing guests from local micros, but again found all of them to be a bit on the strong side, so we made our excuses and moved on.
Retracing our steps, we made our way over the intersection near the Barum Top to Bull Close Lane where we found the Plummet Line, with its fine Victorian exterior. Owned by Stonegate Inns, who have the Adelphi and Roper Hall in Preston, it has been opened out to create a classy but modern drinking environment. It has two regular beers in Tetley Bitter and Wychwood Hobgoblin, and usually has four changing beers. On our visit these included Roosters Mule, Ilkley Gold, and Bradfield Farmers Bitter, all 3.9% and much more to my liking.
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Craft Beer Café, situated behind the Victoria Theatre. It has only been open since November 2014. On entering, you will find the main seating and drinking area with its wooden floors and tiled bar. There is a more secluded area to the left with steps to an upper level with more seating. We found seven real ales and one cider on sale on our visit, ranging from Vocation Brewery’s (from Hebden Bridge) Bread and Butter at 3.9% to Cloudwater of Manchester’s Porter at 6%. Very impressive. It put us in the mood for some retail therapy and we duly spent some money shopping. Having worked up a thirst, we next entered Dirty Dick’s on Clare Road, a mere 100 yards or so from our last pub. Despite its name, this is an impressive grade II listed pub with three drinking areas and a large function room up stairs. With its regionally important historic interior, this mock tudor-fronted pub was very busy, as it should be with nine real ales on sale, including their house beer, brewed for them by Empire Brewery of Slaithwaite, at only £2.20 a pint. There is also some really cheap food available such as pork pie with mash, mushy peas and gravy for only £2.70. What a bargain. It was time to move on to our last pub for the day, the renowned Three Pigeons. Leaving Dirty Dick’s, go down New Road to meet South Parade where you will see this lovely Art Deco pub built in 1932 by Webster’s Brewery. Now refurbished and maintained by Ossett Brewery, it is on Camra’s National Inventory for its important historic interior. A striking octagonal drinking lobby forms a hub from which five distinctive rooms radiate. Eight real ales are usually on sale, with up to four Ossett beers such as Big Red, Pale Gold or Silver King, plus guests, which could be from close by, such as Gooseye Brewery or from as far afield as Lincolnshire. Only opening at 4pm Mon –Thurs (noon Fri-Sun) this is a must see pub in anyone’s book and must not be missed both for the quality of the beer and the impressive interior. It is well worth the trip just for this pub alone. It was a lovely ending to a good day out in Yorkshire. We made our way back the short distance to the railway station promising to come again to visit the delights of Halifax. We had caught the 10.37 Northern service from Preston going towards York and had arrived at 11.48. We would be returning on the 18.38 train arriving back in Preston at 19.47. You can go later and come home later if you want. The last through train back to Preston is the 21.40 from Halifax. The standard return fare seems to be £17.20 each, with no cheaper use of duo tickets anywhere in sight. My advice would be to look out for the Northern Trains £10 voucher offer later in the year around September /October in the Lancashire Evening Post and use it for a superb day out over the border in Yorkshire. Paul Riley
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Red Lioness
Red Lioness tells the story of Cathy Price who over four years visited all 656 pubs in Britain called The Red Lion, travelling ninety thousand miles in the process. Whilst watching the 2011 Grand National in the Red Lion in Hawkshead, Cathy read a framed notice saying The Red Lion was Britain's most common pub name and this piqued her curiosity. Discovering no-one had yet visited them all, Cathy began by visiting the Red Lions close to her home in Walton le Dale, just outside Preston. Venturing further afield her quest gained momentum and publicity through word of mouth about "a bonkers northern woman who visits Red Lions". The story was taken up by local press and radio and eventually Metro, The Sun and the Daily Mail ran stories when Cathy achieved the milestone number of five hundred Red Lions visited. A hundred more later she was at Gatwick Airport celebrating in the country's largest Wetherspoons. Finally on September 5th 2015, Cathy completed her quest at the community owned Red Lion in the lovely Cotswold village of Northmoor in Oxfordshire, receiving a letter from the local MP, the Prime Minister David Cameron, congratulating her. Cathy took her daughter Hayley with her to nineteen of the Red Lions but unlike David Cameron never left her child behind in the pub. Usually pub quests are the hobby of middle aged men with nothing better to do rather than female fitness and aerobics instructors who have travelled to seventy countries and run their own business. On several occasions pubs opened up especially for her and Cathy delights in admitting they probably would not have done so for a bloke doing the same quest. The overall impression is of a widely travelled but eccentric
It’s Not True!!
auntie showing you four years' worth of her holiday snaps, where each one is of her stood outside a pub called The Red Lion, whilst briefly mentioning her trip there. As Gordon Small wrote in Ale Cry 110, it is a book best dipped into rather than read as a story of a pub quest. Cathy mentions hundreds of Red Lions and gives their postcodes so readers can find them using satnav if they choose to emulate her travels. Dealing with such a large number of pubs in three hundred pages leaves little space for anecdotes, local colour or insight. The pub Clark Gable and his air force crewmates drank in during WW2 is dealt with in seventeen lines. Cathy skates over a day spent lunching at the House of Commons with her friend Andree and newly knighted husband Sir Kevin Barron MP, followed the same afternoon by a trip to a dodgy boozer in south London. Some days Cathy visited half a dozen leaving little time for finding any interesting stories about the pub, its' regulars or the town. The underlying story is of the decline of the pub in Britain as Cathy treks miles to a Red Lion only to find it has closed – she calls these Dead Lions. The estimated number in the eighties was around nine hundred but anyone following the tracks of the Red Lioness will have fewer pubs to visit. Closures continue and new pubs trying to be distinctive will no longer name themselves after the heraldry of John of Gaunt. The Red Lioness by Cathy Price (305pages] is published by Matador £10.99 available from good bookshops plus Amazon, Cathy's website and CAMRA's online shop. Mike Haughey
Of course this involves you visiting the ‘far east’ of the Central Lancs area into the West Pennine Moor but you will find a warm welcome. Use your bus pass to take the No.24 from Chorley to Blackburn (Transdev) and come up for the day where within a seIt’s not true! I mean, you mustn’t believe everything you read in your ‘Ale ries of short bus hops you can enjoy a wide range of ales from The Hoghton Arms (the Marstons Range) usually including a Cry’. I In mean, believe everything you (‘ read in yourfor ‘AleCricket’) Cry’. theyou lastmustn’t edition it was reported Anyone that Jennings ale, via the Hare and Hounds at Abbey Village (CopInthe thesole last edition wasHolt reported Cricket’) sole outlet per Dragon, Timothy Taylor), The Oak Tree (as above) and The outletitfor ales(‘Anyone withinforthe Areathat wasthe the Halfway for Holt ales the Area wasin the Halfway House on Preston Road in Cricketers (Marstons Range) in Brinscall and on to The Golden House onwithin Preston Road Clayton Le Woods. Interesting, Clayton as itIn is itfact a J.W. LeesIhouse. fact when as it isLeitWoods. a J.W.Interesting, Lees house. when rang In them they I Lion (Thwaites), The Dressers (with up to 8 cask ales), and the rang them they said, “Holtsthat?” – what’s Never that?” Never much improved Red Lion at Lower Wheelton. If you have time said, “Holts – what’s mind.mind. By way of correction I can invite you to visit the Oak Tree in Brinscall where a short walk from here to the Top Lock you will also be greetBy way of correction I can invite you to visit the Oak Tree in for several years now we have enjoyed Holt’s Bitter (4.0%) as the standard Brinscall where for several years now we have enjoyed Holt’s ed by a grand array of ales mainly from the North West. Don’t ale under the care of Martin (‘Chalky’) and Sandra White. This is often forget to take on solids for these ale houses offer a wide range of Bitter (4.0%) as the standard under the care(4.2)% of Martin supplemented by additional Holt brewsale such as Two Hoots and (‘Chalky’) andand Sandra This is often by food available through the day. That is with the exception of the Golden Ale (3.8%) those White. of the associated Bootlegsupplemented Brewery - Chorlton additional Holt brews such or asTwisted Two Hoots Pale Ale (4.0%), Urban Fox (4.2%) Groove(4.2)% (4.2%) and Gold- Oak Tree and The Cricketers - it gets in the way of the ‘real’ ale en Ale (3.8%) and those of the associated Bootleg Brewery business. What could be better? - Chorlton Pale Ale (4.0%), Urban Fox (4.2%) or Twisted Only word of warning is that after 7.00pm the Bus Service becomes the 24A operated, with local council support, by StageGroove (4.2%) coach. It is less frequent and only travels between Chorley and What could be better? the Hare and Hounds with the last return to Chorley from the ‘Hare’ at Enjoy your Holts. John Finlay
Girl Power................ We really need more female involvement .........Please contact ed (page 30)
Martin ‘Chalky’ White – The Oak Tree Brinscall - with Holts galore! Martin ‘Chalky’ White – The Oak Tree Brinscall - with Holts galore!
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The Old Vic
CAMRA Recommended Good Beer Guide 2015
Tel.No.
Find us
Fishergate Preston
Opposite Preston Railway Station Serving breakfasts, lunchtime specials and all traditional pub food. Also sandwiches, salads and delicious home made pies Parties Catered For 7 Handpumps revolving up to 20 cask ales each week 50p Wetherspoons vouchers now redeemed Sky/BT showing all major sporting events “Sunday Night Quiz with Cash Jackpot�
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CAMRA CENTRAL LANCASHIRE BRANCH AND ... MICROPUBS The proliferation of so-called mi-
It is run by Ruth Hull, who with her husband and family are also licensees of the Good Beer Guide listed Victoria pub at Aspull. This is a micropub with six handpumps, and earlier this year I can say that it was rated a great success when visited by local CAMRA members on an Ale Cry Distribution Crawl. It was February 2016 when Preston finally got its first micropub, with the GUILD ALE HOUSE opening on Lancaster Road in a Grade II listed building formerly housing a charity shop. Quite large for a micropub, this establishment was set up by Gary Quinn, previously the steward at St Gerard's Parochial Centre in Lostock Hall. I think I am not out of place in saying that this was just what Preston city centre needed, and with seven handpumped beers available at any one time it has proved to be a regular outlet for local microbreweries like Bishop's Crook, Beer Brothers, and Darkwave Brewing. In April 2016 Leyland temporarily joined Chorley as a two micropub town with the opening of the GOLDEN TAP ALE HOUSE on Church Brow. Although on the edge of the town centre, it is handy for Leyland railway station, and there are bus stops very close by. The Golden Tap Ale House is another micropub opened in former shop premises, with landlord James having come to the area from Standish. A single room with a raised lounge area to the rear, it has six beers on handpump, while it is also selling two ciders and a range of craft ales. Bringing things up-to-date, and with another two new micropubs having opened in Chorley during the Summer, we now have a town that is fast becoming the micropub capital of the world. In July the first of these to open was the railway-themed ALE STATION on Chapel Street. Formerly a sandwich shop, this micropub is located within yards of the Shepherds' Hall Ale House, and hopefully this close proximity will be to the benefit of both establishments. Like its neighbour, the Ale Station has five handpumps, and in its opening weeks there have been regular appearances of beers from microbreweries like Rock The Boat and the Outstanding Brewing Company. Chorley's fourth micropub, which was due to open at the beginning of August, is BOOTLEGGERS on Bolton Street located in a former lingerie shop. I am writing in advance of this opening, and I note that it is describing itself as 'a world of cask, drafts, bottles, ciders, wines and high end spirits', while advance photographs indicate that there will be four handpumped beers available. So, with four micropubs having already opened in 2016, there are currently eight micropubs in the CAMRA Central Lancashire branch area. However this is not likely to be the end of it, as at the time of writing there are yet more micropubs looming on the horizon. In Preston we have the long-heralded PLAU on Friargate. Described as a gin bar (although I think that it will also qualify as a micropub), the latest news bulletin is that this most historical hostelry will be opening in October or November. Meanwhile in Longridge, there have been applications submitted for two micropubs - one on Berry Lane which may be opening in September, and one on Derby Road (HOPPY DAYS) which would also appear to be well advanced. Finally there is also a rumour that Chorley may soon be getting its fifth micropub.
cropubs has certainly been a phenomenon of the 2010s. Opening as long ago as 2005, the Butcher's Arms at Herne in Kent is generally recognised as Britain's first micropub. This was followed in 2009 by the Rat Race Ale House in Hartlepool, and then with the idea really beginning to take off, a Micropub Association was formed in 2012. Since re-named the Micropub and Microbrewery Association, they define a micropub as 'a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask ales, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks’. As I write this article the number of micropubs in the CAMRA Central Lancashire branch area is about to rise to eight, yet it is astonishing to think that just three years ago there were none. The first micropub to open in the branch area was the MARKET ALE HOUSE on Hough Lane in Leyland. In premises that had# previously been used as a travel agency, it opened in December 2013, initially being set up by Danny and Alison Hindle, the then licensees of the nearby Railway pub. The Market Ale House was created following the classic template for micropubs that was proving to be successful elsewhere in the country - no background music, no television, no keg lagers, no spirits - but instead a convivial atmosphere, with a selection of real ales, ciders, and wines being on offer. It soon became popular with local CAMRA members, and was the branch's Pub of the Season for Summer 2014. Later it became a Good Beer Guide entry, while it has also recently been rewarded by being chosen as the branch's Cider Pub of the Year for 2016. The branch's second micropub arrived in August 2014, with the opening of the SHEPHERDS' HALL ALE HOUSE on Chapel Street in Chorley. Convenient for both the bus and railway stations, and set up in former shop premises, this was established by three brothers Tom, Stuart, and Graham Hardyman. Like its Leyland predecessor the Shepherds' Hall Ale House was an immediate success in CAMRA circles, with a choice of five handpumped beers being always available. It was the branch's Pub of the Season for Autumn 2015, was subsequently to gain a place in the 2016 Good Beer Guide, and is currently the branch's Pub of the Year for 2015-16. It did not take long before Chorley had its second micropub, with the BOB INN opening in November 2014 within Chorley Market. This was set up by Steve Cooney, who the previous year had successfully operated a cabin bar as part of Chorley's renowned Christmas Market. A candidate for the smallest pub in the country, and with just four handpumps, it has since been extended with a 'lounge area' being established in a neighbouring market stall. Just months after it had opened, the Bob Inn, which usually sells both a real cider and real perry, was chosen as the branch's Cider Pub of the Year for 2015. The next micropub to appear was the COCK T'ALEHOUSE on The Green in the village of Eccleston. Unlike the branch's other micropubs, this is probably at something of a disadvantage as it is not well served by public transport, and as such it will have become more reliant on its local customers. After a false start due to a licence problem, the Cock T'Alehouse opened in October 2015 in premises that had formerly been occupied by The Grocers On The Green shop.
Unlike the pub industry, the micropub industry would not appear to be in decline. Gordon Small 28
Ralph now goes down to the bar for a few pints to dish out of SEVEN BRO7HERS ‘Ruby’, a 4.0% ABV bitter, SEVEN BRO7HERS Back in early December last year whilst visiting CAMRA’s is a local Salford brewery. At last, something that tastes like main site I noticed that they offer Taste Panel Training. As a beer, with some obvious malt and hops in there, a nice red/ home brewer of nearly 4 years and general beer enthusiast, brown beer with a balanced malt and hop profile. There’s being able to describe beer and identify faults and flaws quite a lot of criteria to score against and our scores around was definitely something I would like to know more about. the room did vary a bit but we were in the same ball park, this So Sharon and I, a fellow beer enthusiast and better half, demonstrated the importance of taste testing using a number thought we would apply for the training. Once you have of tasters. undertaken this training the only request from CAMRA is that you be willing to fill out Tasting Cards throughout the Next beer from the bar, Tatton ‘Gold’, a 4.8% ABV pale ale, again from a local brewery in Knutsford. This was also a nice year, as if I need another excuse for a beer! CAMRA will then use these notes along with other member’s notes on beer but much less in the way of both malt and hops. Not quite as good as the ‘Ruby’ in my opinion. the same beers to use in their literature. Taste Panel Training
So the date arrived, 3rd September, they don’t do many training sessions, fortunately we were just back off holiday. The location, PI in Altrincham, this is Trafford & Hulme’s branch 2016 pub of the year. We caught the 9:05 train from Preston to Deansgate then crossed over the interconnecting bridge to Deansgate and Castlefield Tram Station. Whilst purchasing our tickets a tram came and went, but no matter there was another one due in 3 minutes, cracking service. The only issue with the day was the rain, it persisted down all day. PI is quite a small pub with just two cask ale pumps, it has a large upstairs room which we commandeered for the day. Come the 11am start time we had 12 ‘students’ in attendance, the main man arrived shortly after, Ralph Warrington, carrying two four-packs of Carlsberg!!, this raised a few eye brows as you can imagine but as you will read later there was a good reason for this, he also had a case full of little bottles of chemicals that could be added to beer to create certain off flavours and aromas. Ralph has been a taste trainer and beer judge for many years, he has been part of the lab team at the Great British Beer Festival involved in the Champion Beer judging, I believe he said he will be judging again in 2017, so he knows his stuff.
So, at about 3:30 in the afternoon that was just about it, Ralph asked us all to submit a few tasting cards to him for review and then he would issue us with a certificate. Many thanks to Ralph for his time and effort, it was both educational and fun. So, the work began immediately, tram back to Deansgate and a few pubs to practice our new found skill, it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it! for review and then he would issue us with a certificate. Many thanks to Ralph for his time and effort, it was both educational and fun. So, the work began immediately, tram back to Deansgate and a few pubs to practice our new found skill, it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it! Sharon and Andrew Gilbert
Following Ralph’s introduction and the distribution of a number of hand-outs began the practical stuff. This began with determining our detection thresholds of the four main tastes your tongue is designed to detect, sweet, salt, sour, and bitter. Basically 3 or 4 measures of water were doctored with increasing levels of each flavour, 13 in all, it showed that most of us could detect sweet at about 1-3%, salt at about 0.05-0.1%, sour at about 0.02%, and bitter at about 0.025-0.05%. It’s surprising how sensitive we are to salt, sour and bitter compared to sweet which needs about 100x more concentration. By the time we had downed all these albeit small samples we had supped quite a lot of water, time for another visit to the loo! Now it’s time to taste some beer, let’s break out the Carlsberg. This is a necessary step, a fairly bland, some might say boring, but most importantly consistent beer, apparently Carlsberg go to great lengths to ensure consistency. Not surprisingly we didn’t detect much in the way of malt flavours, hop flavours, off flavours, anything actually. I must admit though, it can be quite refreshing on a hot sunny day!
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Attention!!!!!!!! Pubs, Clubs, Suppliers and anyone else interested in contacting people who like to socialise: O ur advertisers benefit from our 7,000 copies being read
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Branch Meetings (8pm): Branch / Socials* Committee # You’re welcome to attend any of our meetings / trips Oct 24 * Towneley Arms (Longridge Nov 3 # Gables (Leyland) 21 * Moor Brook(Preston) Dec 1 # Ale Emporium (Preston) 12 * Shepherds Hall Ale House (Chorley)
by over 60,000 drinkers all over the uk and even abroad We have a dozen or so distributors/ Trips / Visits / Ale Trails: the list below covers just SOMEof TheSocials branch would welcome more the places just 3 distributors have members and potential members dropped mags off at. A more us on our trips and visits. comprehensive list in the next issue joining Our next one is:
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Under 26 or over You’ d be mad not to join CAMRA From £160 6.5 0 to and 15 months me ers join: £20 real ale vouchers, hip for the ice of 12 (se page 35) + Real Almb e e Discounts at hupr ndreds of pubs:
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£20 of JD Wetherspoon Real Ale tokens
+15 months membership for the price of 12 if you agree to pay by direct debit - then once you’ve joined : Chance to win 24 pints to enjoy in the Leyland Lion on Hough Ln., Leyland for helping keep the branch informed about what’s happening in one or two of your local pubs and perhaps dropping a few Ale Crys off for us (just contact ed)
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