Newsletter of the Leeds Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
Welcome! Welcome to issue #131 of New Full Measure, the newsletter for the Leeds Branch of CAMRA. We hope you find something interesting and informative inside… Exactly what is “interesting and informative”? What do you find to be interesting? What do you want to be informed about? These questions have weighed upon me recently, as the content of the magazine has been called into question. Why are there no articles about the campaigning done by members of this branch? Why are we not informed about the stalwart efforts of local beer champions? Much of what is done within Leeds branch, in the name of campaigning, be it the recent Pubco Reform or the Assets of Community Value, is done on a personal level, with individuals reporting back to the Open Monthly Branch Meeting (for dates see diary on the back page). These actions and reports are undertaken by volunteers who care about these issues giving up their time freely, neither seeking nor asking for any credit.
New Full Measure is produced by the Leeds Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, CAMRA Ltd or its branches. Copyright © Leeds CAMRA 2015. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission.
If there is sometimes a lack of coverage in this magazine, that is because campaigning is thin on the ground or old news by the time I get around to sending the NFM Towers Address: magazine for publication. We pub- Leeds CAMRA c/o 46 West Grange lish four times a year and, despite Green, Leeds LS10 3BB. having a website, are unable to Email: Newsletter@leed-camra.com Web: www.leeds-camra.com supply you with the kind of cutTwitter @LeedsCAMRA ting-edge 24-hour coverage that has become the norm in our Subscriptions cost £3.20 for six society. Occasionally, due to our issues; payment by cheque made out publishing schedule, we miss the to "Leeds CAMRA" and sent to the boat, such as last month’s victory above address. Back issues are availin the Commons by local MP and able for £1 an issue by sending a cheque to the same address. Currently Leeds branch member Greg all previous issues are available. Mulholland. When such things occur we look to set them right, Contributions are welcome from any when we get opportunity, hoping CAMRA member, and may be sent to the above email address, or by post. that the injured party understands our limitations. They may Contributions may be edited for reasons of space, and may be held have to remember that I, like others over for future issues. in Leeds CAMRA, am a volunteer 4,800 Copies are distributed, free of with a full time career and do this charge, quarterly to outlets in Leeds little task not for the glory (there and the surrounding areas. isn’t any), the perks (very few and far between) or adoration of Publication Dates: The next issue of NFM (#132) will be our peers. published on 6th June 2015. NFM #131 copy deadline is 5th May.
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Contents
Advertising: For advertising enquiries contact: Jane Michelson Tel: 01778 382718 Mobile: 07732 393621 Email: jane@orchardhousemedia.co.uk Rates: Colour Rates per insertion (exclusive of VAT)
Chairmans’ Corner
4
Small Business
21
News
4-5
Branch Contacts
22
Northern Monk Brewery
7
In Bread with the Enemy
24-25
New faces at Ridgeside
8-9
Awards
27
Leeds Beer Festival
11-15
Pub of the Moment
29
Where’s Warren
17-19
Diary Dates
30
Beer Festival Diary
20
Join CAMRA
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are: Quarter page £70 Half page £130 Full Page £240 Cover Rates Inside Front / Inside Back £275 Outside Back Cover £300 Discounts available for series bookings.
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WELCOME - CONTINUED
Chairman’s Corner As you read this, our branch AGM looms signalling the end of my first year as Leeds CAMRA Branch Chairman. It has been a real honour and a privilege to take on this role and I sincerely hope that when you pick up your next issue of New Full Measure, I will still be your Branch Chairman. CAMRA is dependent on our volunteers and without them we wouldn’t be the organisation we are. So I thought I’d just take a moment to express my thanks to the following people for their help over the last 12 months. In no particular order; David Dixon, Christine Jopling, Warren Yabsley, Sam Parker, Keith Sunderland, Steve Staindale, Philip Mullen, Tony Coltman, Dave Ansley, John Rowe, Charlie Cavaye and Nigel Halton. Also a thank you to those who have supported us by attending meetings and socials. Many of the people listed above (including me), hold multiple committee positions. Although the volunteer work and campaigning is rewarding, a reliance on the few to fulfil so many roles can sometimes be tiring and difficult. I'd love to welcome some new faces to our meetings and socials in 2015; you may not wish to volunteer to help, which is absolutely fine, but if we uncover one or two new people who can spare some of their free time to help with branch, then their help would be most welcome. If this is something you've considered, or simply just want more information on, then you can contact me directly at Chairman@Leeds-CAMRA.com and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. On a different note, if you are planning on coming to our Beer Festival this year (12-14 March - see our website for details), then please come and say hi! I'll be there for the duration. Until next time, cheers!
Mike
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With each issue, therefore, we hope you find our articles interesting and informative. We hope you are interested by the wanderings of our members and the pubs they encounter. We hope you are informed on the latest opening in the Leeds area and the new places we report on for you to go and try. However, should these not be of interest to you, should you feel like there is something lacking, then put pen to paper, fire up the pc or get out the jungle drums and let us know. If you feel that you have an interesting article or some news that we are not covering, let us know. Email me at Newsletter@leeds-camra.com, or write to the branch contact address shown on the page opposite. For those on twitter, tweet us @LeedsCAMRA. We accept contributions from all members of the campaign, on any issue you feel relevant. If it relates to beer, and you think it’s interesting, then chances are our readers will too. In this issue we have more wanderings from intrepid traveller Warren Yabsley, braving the wilds of Kippax and Castleford, and the latest news from Wharfe Bank and from one of the newest breweries in the area, Northern Monk. NFM would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate regular contributor, Jeff Utley, on being honoured in the New Year with an MBE, for his services to Engineering.
News J.D. Wetherspoon have opened two new pubs in the Leeds area during December. In Morley the Picture House, built in 2 units, has a cinema-style frontage and in Bramley the Old Unicorn is a major rework of the previous pub there.
Wharfe Bank Brewery Unveil New Look for 330ml Bottle Range Wharfe Bank Brewery have unveiled a bold new look for their 330ml bottle range. The Pool-inWharfedale brewer worked with local designer Josh Krzyworaczka to create a look that retained familial bonds to their established 500ml range, whilst reflecting the bold flavours of the range. Magellan NZ Pale Ale, Oberon IPA, Red Goddess Rhubarb Hefeweizen, Ro Sham Bo Session IPA, Black Geld Black IPA and The Mexican Chilli Pale Ale will all appear with the new branding as the year progresses. Brand Manager Leigh Linley said: “As we are housed in a former paper and printing mill, we asked Josh to use the history of the building as inspiration for the new look. Ink, printing presses and paper were all points of interest - as well as ensuring that the look didn’t stray too far from our established style.” The new labels feature a paper-style design and an individual stamp effect that outlines the beer details. The River Wharfe remains prominent, and IBU (international bittering unit scale) are shown as well as the alcohol content. Josh Krzyworaczka also took his first brand redesign contract in his stride, and looks forward to a long-lasting working relationship with Wharfe Bank. “The Wharfe Bank team have some great ideas and the opportunity to create an identity for these fantastic beers has been an enjoyable experience. I have learned a lot from them during this project - not only as a graphic designer but also as a drinker of craft beer.”
Initial plans are underway for a Wetherspoons in Headingley, several months away yet, subject to planning approval. Ridgeside brewery have a new head brewer, Matt Lovatt, who has previously worked at 2 local breweries. He is planning some new beers alongside the core range. In December Ridgeside brewery launched a new citra hopped beer @ 4.4% called Presence (named after a Led Zeppelin album). Two pubs in Otley and Guiseley have reopened early December after a period of closure. The Manor House in Otley has been refurbished internally and is now selling its own house beer alongside 3 Thwaites beers and guest ales. In Guiseley the Red Lion has re-opened and currently has one LocAle on the bar. In Leeds centre the Head of Steam opened near the railway station. The pub (quondam Spencer’s) has retained the same layout with a round central bar and offers a choice of up to 10 real ales (Camerons Strongarm and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord amongst others). Leeds will be getting 2 more microbreweries next year if all goes to plan. The North Bar pub chain want to set up a brewery called North Brewing Co and are looking for a site that can offer room for a bar alongside the brew plant. Their plan is to initially brew a core range to include a pale ale and a porter/stout. There are also plans by the Sandinista Bar Company to set up a 2.5bbl plant in a room at the back of the Black Swan on Call Lane.
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Northern Monk Brewery ‘get into the habit’ The brewery was the brainchild of Russell Bissett who had wanted for five years to set up a brewery; he took on local investment enabling the formation of the current brewery in Leeds. Brian Dickson is the brewer in charge of Northern Monk Brewery. He learnt his trade by travelling around the country helping out at many different breweries, plus he did some cuckoo brewing for The Grove, Huddersfield whilst working for them over a seven year period. Whilst the brewery was being assembled, some test beers were cuckoo brewed at Hambleton Ales from Jan – Aug 2014. Situated in the Holbeck district of Leeds, a part of the city now experiencing rejuvenation, the brewery is on the ground floor of the Grade II listed Old Flax Store, which was a part of the adjacent Marshalls Mill. The brewery kit is a new 10bbl (16hl, c.40 casks) plant manufactured by Malrex Fabrications of Burton-on-Trent and production commenced in August 2014 with New World IPA being the first beer. Brewing takes place twice per week using finest Yorkshire mains water, with malts mainly from Fawcetts of Castleford; hops are from Charles Faram’s extensive selection – Mosaic, Simcoe and Centennial being favourites. Present brews are: True North, a 3.7% pale ale (cask); Eternal, a 4.1% session IPA (keg); Monacus NZ, a NZ pale (cask & keg) - their best selling beer; Chennai, a 5.4% export porter (cask & keg); Northern Star, a 5.9% mocha
porter (cask & keg); New World IPA, a 6.2% US IPA (mostly keg); Dark Arches, a 6.7% black IPA (mostly keg) and Strannik, a 9.0% Imperial stout (mostly keg). Next beer Faith, (5.1%) is due in February. Future plans include a bottling plant, possibly by Easter 2015, and it is intended to add two new fermenting vessels/conditioning tanks soon. There are also plans for brewing collaborations and barrel-ageing projects. Northern Monk beers may often be found locally at Bundobust, Belgrave Music Hall, Friends of Ham, Tapped, Sela Bar and The Reliance. On the first floor of the Old Flax Store, above the brewery, is the modern-styled Tap Room and Refectory. Here can be found a bar having 16 taps and a couple of handpumps. At least eight Northern Monk beers are usually available plus guests. There is also a bottle shop, plus food is served at breakfast, lunch and dinner on a daily basis by The Grub & Grog Shop. The Brewery, Tap Room and Refectory are located at The Old Flax Store, Marshall Street, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 9YJ Contact: drink@northernmonkbrewco.com Website: www.Northernmonkbrewco.com Jeff Utley MBE
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LEEDS CAMRA
The Regent
he Pub of t n o S e as Autumn 2014!
Two permanent ales: Leeds Pale, Tetley Bitter plus FIVE rotating guest ales. Sky Sports and BT Sports on Four Screens Beer garden with Plasma Screen and Car Park to the rear
Main meals - Two for £9.00 We are open Mon-Wed 12noon-11pm Thurs-Sat 12noon-midnight, Sun 11am -11.30pm Quiz nights: Monday – General Knowledge Tuesday – Music Thursday – Entertainment 15/17 Regent Street, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4PE Tel: 0113 2939395 Email: 6233unit@spiritpubcompany.com
The Chequers Inn Ledsham, Leeds LS25 5LP Tel: 01977 683135
Leeds CAMR A Branch Rural Pub of the Year 2014 Beer Garden • Bar Meals Restaurant • Open Sundays Food served 12noon - 9.15pm Real Ales from: Brown Cow, Theakston, Timothy Taylor, John Smiths and now Leeds Brewery
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As 2015 began, a new brewing team took the helm down at Ridgeside Brewery in the Meanwood district of Leeds. The new Head Brewer is Matthew Lovatt and his assistant is Juan Mendoza. Matt was born and grew up in Hull and after studying Humanities at Manchester, soon showed his prowess for brewing by winning a number of competitions. His professional brewing career began at Kirkstall Brewery in Leeds where he worked for a year before moving on to be Lead brewer at Summer Wine Brewery at Honley near Huddersfield. Matt does not drive so travelling became a drag although it did not hinder his brewing skills which produced such tasty beers as Zenith, Diablo and Oregon. When the opportunity to become the new Head brewer at Ridgeside arose it proved ideal for both his personal advancement in the trade and for his family commitments. Juan came to live in Britain from Colombia with his family in 2012. With an initial background in advertising he went on to become a chef, baker and restaurateur. Once in Britain he continued to work as a Head Chef for Chris Berry at his pubs – the Taproom in Batley and The Woods in Chapel Allerton, Leeds. He discovered “the beautiful world of real ale” and began home brewing. He found that, because of his food background, he had an extraordinary talent for detecting and evaluating flavours
Brewery News
Exciting Times at Ridgeside Brewery and aromas. Quite by chance, while out shopping recently, he became aware of the full time opportunity to become a brewer at Ridgeside. With his hard work and varied practical skills he has already become the perfect foil to work with Matt. As every brewery is different Matt and Juan are learning rapidly to get to grips with the nuances of the equipment and are maintaining the continuity and quality of the current recipes. Whilst being committed to traditional beer styles they are equally interested and intrigued by the new wave “à la Thornbridge” for which they have great respect. The intention is to consolidate the current beer range and to create variety and diversity via regular specials. Specials will be Special.
used for bittering and the beer is late hopped with Citra and further Simcoe hops. Phoenix was launched at the brewery on Februar y 3rd with members of Leeds CAMRA branch being the guinea pigs as it was the venue for their monthly meeting. Without exception it was a great big fat thumbs up for the maiden beer of the new brewing team. Well done guys!
Remember also that a quantity of every brew goes into wooden casks. These create an extra taste dimension for those lucky enough to frequent the pioneering and unique Junction pub at Castleford. Their first new beer is Phoenix which has a Pale Malt base with Crystal and Rye malts for extra character and dry finish. Simcoe hops are
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Leeds Beer, Cider and Perry Festival information
Back for another year! WHERE Pudsey Civic Hall, Dawson’s Corner, Stanningley, LS28 5TA, (5 minutes walk from New Pudsey BR Station, Caldervale Line which serves Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield, York and Manchester)
WHEN Thursday 12th March 11am - 3pm & 5pm - 11pm Friday 13th March 11am - 3pm & 5pm - 11pm Saturday 14th March 11am - 11pm
WHAT Nearly 200 Real Ales from Yorkshire and beyond - this year’s theme is rugby. Leeds has a great rugby heritage, and now we have linked it to beer. Look out for the beers with a connection to the game, and prepare yourself for some terrible puns! Traditional Real Cider and Perry from around the country, including lesser-known producing areas. The best range for miles with something for all tastes. Global Beer Bar featuring a great range of U.S. craft beers, fruity favourites and a world of other styles!
Glasses lined at one third and two thirds only - no half measures! Local musicians performing, plus some quiet sessions Hot & cold food, beery stalls, snack emporium, tombola Full disabled access Over 18s only – please bring ID if you look young!
HOW MUCH Thursday am session FREE; pm session £4.00, FREE to NUS members Friday am session FREE; pm session £5.00 Saturday £5.00 before 17:00 then £3.00 CAMRA members FREE at all times (except Friday evening, £3.00) and can gain admission 15 mins earlier at all sessions
HOW TO GET THERE The Mild Trail – drink this quintessential English ale and get a freebie! Don’t forget – we’re now open all day Saturday
Services within 5 minutes walk Train: New Pudsey Station, on the Caldervale Line Buses: 9, 16, 16A, 72, 508, X6
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What is the theme? s long is rugby. Leeds ha This year’s theme and ciation with rugby, since had an asso d it to beer. now we have linke ers with a connec Look out for the be o tw or plus one tion to the game, features. ed em other rugby-th
How can I join CAMRA?
Why not join at the Festiva l? We have a special deal where you ge t a freebie or two, and your entry fee back!
Alternatively, you can joi n at the national CAMR A website www.cam ra.org.uk.
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You pay usi , you’l ng beer tick n the day ets, which o w e ay in. These fe y r, tr e n you buy on y e fo n are dinky lit e a th In the r. a o p tle tickets o If there’s proximately ont d . fr ll that are wo e ta a th s th t t a e ir d k t c a o rth ti f th a so r e p y m in e a e p t each. Be beers at th nd b cause e festival a an keep it e glass a c th u m o ’s a y re (y re b e s n e ot so stron th a bit cheap glas g they er than the d of your hire your likewise so ticket price at the en d Here you m n e , fu s ts tr re , e o n k a g c r e ti r fo r b e e e k xp e e rs are a bit ensive. If th b or go bac more e beer you ase your ticket price don’t choose is nd purch a u o ), y n if io s w less than th le s e b w se a ill d n g iv e fu e you some e bars have also re change. Th programm a very sma which are e ll float so b get a free change to u in o Y e . iv ll d ri a ng a bit of the festiva loose use them l so that if e all set to the strong you buy so hen you’r er beers yo T . o to , me of u ca here ti l! n ck a v su e t with a few p the festi extra pence plement your and enjoy
What about the glasses?
ollowing the positive feedback, we are once again aving glasses lined at one-third and two-thirds, o halves, no pints. By having just these measres it does speed things up at the bar as it allows large proportion of beers to be on ticket price. We are calling the measures Small and Large ather than one-third and two-thirds, far less hance of being misheard, particularly at the usier and noisier sessions. We would prefer you dn’t use your own glass at the festival; it would eally muck up our change system if everyone tarted bringing otherwise legal glasses to the bar.
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this t i o d We hat: t o s y wa d ney behin
of mo ave a lot h ’t . n o d h security The bars lps us wit e h h ic h them, w ir system e and a fa g n ra d o ave a go ket price. We can h n’t a blan re a rs e e b bar where all ne at the o ry e v e r fo and easy It’s quick tands. s d n fu e re ands, and at th ver our h o ll a s rk m ma the syste have pen we used if We don’t e v a h . e would stivals us which we r nearby fe e th o in a that cert 13
ABBEY INN 99 Pollard Lane, Newlay, Leeds, LS13 1EQ DUCK & DRAKE Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DR HUNTERS INN Harrogate Road, Pool in Wharfedale, LS21 2PS
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NEW HEADINGLEY CLUB St Micheals Road, Headingley, LS6 3BG OTLEY TAVERN Newmarket, Otley, LS21 3A STATION Henshaw Lane, Yeadon LS19 7RZ STICK OR TWIST Merrion Way, Leeds, LS2 8PD
THREE HULATS 13 Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS7 3NB TROYDALE CLUB Troydale Lane, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 9LD WOODS 5 Steinbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3PG
Leeds Beer and Cider Festival information
Festival Etiquette With a bit of preparation and planning a night at a beer festival can be a great night out. Here are my Dos and Don’ts for festival success! DO dress for the weather. Nobody likes queuing outside but sometimes it is inevitable. Check the forecast and be prepared. DON’T forget that most CAMRA festivals will offer discounted or free entry to CAMRA members and may include an early entry to the festival. You should also be able to join at the festival. DO study the festival programme and check out the location of the beers you want to try. A well put together program will tell you where to look and how to get there. DON’T forget to take your glass to the bar. Festivals as a rule require you to retain your glass for every beer you’d like to try. No glass, no beer. DO be mindful of others at the bar. Festivals can get quite packed and it can be a bit of a scrum to get served. Be patient and courteous to other patrons and everyone will have a good time. DON’T try to buy beer with money at a ticket-only bar. Selling tickets for beer avoids the need to carry change on the bars for the £10 note you are waving. Please don't cause embarrassment by making the staff turn you away. DO be polite with your serving staff. At CAMRA festivals everyone behind the bar is a volunteer and they have given up their time to pour beer and generally ensure that you have a great festival. DON’T forget to pace yourself. There is generally a mix of styles and strengths of ale at a good beer festival. You might find yourself venturing into the strong ales towards the end of the session. Remember that some of these ales are best sampled in thirds.
DO ask to try a sample before you commit to an unknown beer. Most festivals will be happy to let you try an ale and may be able to advise you, if you can describe what you like. DON’T hog the server by asking to sample beer after beer. Understand that the server may have to leave you to sample your beer while they serve someone else. DO eat something during the session. A light meal or snack during the session can help to steady the ship and prevent an event to remember becoming an event you can’t remember. DON’T forget to try the cider. Cider at festivals is nothing like the gassy pop that passes for cider from the large commercial brewers. Real Ciders from craft producers who care about their products are a whole other animal. Again, take care with the strength of these, but make sure to take the time to try at least one. DO bring a small bag to take your glass home, or for your various tombola winnings! DON’T forget to vote for the beer of the festival or pass your comments on to the organisers. They make the best festival they can determined by what they think people want. Feedback from those that attend helps to shape the festival and make it the best that it can be. DO share your beery thoughts on the various social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook or the more beer focused ones, such as Untappd. This helps to generate a buzz for the organisers and goes a long way to making the festival a success.
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FRIDAY 3rd
SATURDAY 4th
SUNDAY 5th
1pm till 11pm Real Ale, Food, Fun Fair Rides, Live Music
12 till 7pm
12 till 5pm Festival Finale and much much more
Sky Sports will be shown all weekend
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Real Ale, Food, Market Stalls, Fun Fair Rides, Live Music
7pm - late
Weekend pass £3
Real Ale, Food, Live Band
which includes commemorative glass & festival programme - Under 16’s free
Kippax to Castleford Where’s Warren returns, this issue, with a slightly more local flavour.
Where’s Warren? Following the article about my travels from Turkey to India, I planned to write about subsequent adventures in West Africa. However, following the tragic outbreak of Ebola and the devastation that it has brought to the people and countries in this area it would be totally inappropriate and insensitive to be lauding beer.
room, where the decoration follows a blue colour scheme, a games room can be found at the end of the bar through a low archway.
Instead, I bring you tales of an alternative trip, albeit rather closer to home, as I travelled on the Arriva 163 and 166 buses to Castleford! It’s surprising how many pubs are passed on the routes so I’ll just cover the final part starting from Kippax. Both services follow the same route through the village to the edge of Allerton Bywater.
The first port of call is The Moorgate, reached not long after entering Kippax. Set back from the road, this 1960s building complete with old, metal windows, is a Sam Smith’s pub. There’s a simply decorated public bar and more comfortable, large carpeted lounge. Note the large, multi-coloured glass ‘mosaic’ on the ceiling in the latter room. Old Brewery Bitter is available at the standard, low price. A couple of minutes on the bus brings you to the main street where the first of three pubs in close proximity is The Commercial. Unfortunately, the Doom Bar pump clip was turned around on my visit so I was unable to sample any ale. In addition to the spacious main
Next is The Old Tree Inn with its intact BYB mosaic flooring in the entranceway. BYB stood for Bentley’s Yorkshire Breweries, which was established in Woodlesford in 1828. At the time of the takeover by Whitbread in 1968, it had an estate of 380 pubs. Brewing on site ceased four years later but the premises were used for bottling and distribution until 1984 when they were shut and demolished not long after. Here endeth the history lesson, so back to the present. The small central bar serves the permanent ale, Timothy Taylor Landlord, to both the tap room with its tiled floor and darts board with pool table beyond the archway, and the lounge By the mini-roundabout is The White Swan, which was built in 1915 as inscribed over the door. Unusually, it has a long curved corner on the street junction rather than having a right angle. Inside, this corresponds to the comfortable though somewhat dimly lit lounge. The spacious main room houses the bar that has four wickets. Leeds Best and Revolutions Cocker were the ales available with a glass on the other hand pumps indicating Leeds Pale and Sharp’s Doom Continued overleaf >
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Bar weren’t on at the time. A busy previous evening perhaps? Beyond the bar is another oddly-shaped room, a small triangular one this time that contains the pool table. I bumped into a couple of CAMRA members here and learnt that the large building 20 metres down the hill used to be The Royal Oak but it closed a couple of years ago (thanks for the information Phil).
Leaving Kippax you cross the old railway line that is now a well-surfaced, flat trail ideal for walking and cycling between Garforth and Allerton Bywater, before reaching The New Inn at Great Preston. This red brick building has a frosted glass window each side of the entrance, one is engraved with Smoke Room whilst Tap Room adorns the other. However, the interior is one room now but decorated to a high standard that blends tradition and comfort with modern features. For example, there is a fireplace and a number of leather-style chairs whilst over the bar is contemporary glass shelving and vase-shaped ceramic lampshades. John Smith’s Bitter and Tetley’s Bitter are the two ales available.
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It’s a little longer on the bus now until the next pub. In Allerton Bywater at a mini-roundabout the bus routes split. Here, the 163 goes left (bus stop 100 metres on) but the 166 continues ahead along Leeds Road with a bus stop after 100 metres. From here take the first right after 50 metres into Main Street and in a couple of minutes you’ll see The Victoria on the corner. It’s a large and rather grand, red brick establishment built in 1898 and, surprisingly, it’s another curved building. The interior befits the exterior with traditionally styled, sumptuous decoration making for a cosy atmosphere. Timothy Taylor Landlord and Thwaites’ Wainwright were available with pump clip ‘toppers’ for Cask Marque in use. In addition to the main area around the bar there is further seating, including settees, in a raised area where you’ll also find a piano. The attentive, young barman pointed me in the correct direction after I started heading for the ladies toilets by the bottom of the wide staircase that leads to the snooker room, an unusual feature for a pub. If you’re wondering, the gents are at the opposite end and can be accessed via what I suspect was the original public bar that is more simply decorated and now contains a pool table. It’s not far now at all to your next beverage; turn left on leaving then immediate left along Victoria Street and The Anchor will be 100 metres on your right. In comparison, it’s simpler both inside and out but was warm with the coal/wood burner doing an excellent job of drying socks for someone who got caught out in a heavy shower. An anchor design is present in a few places in the long but narrow lounge including a repeating pattern carved into the side of the bar; there’s also a small, separate public bar. A large A-frame board at the front advertises the week’s guest ale, Wells Bombardier when I was there, but unfortunately the pump clips for it were turned around so I supped the permanent brew, Tetley’s Bitter, instead. Back to Main Street where you need to take a left. In less than five minutes the road ends and another pub with a nautical themed name appears ahead, The Boat. Given that it’s next to the River Aire the name makes sense and the
Kippax to Castleford - continued location contributes to the pub’s popularity at certain times, aided by a few benches located on the grassy river bank. The ales on offer during my visit were Wychwood Hobgoblin and Ossett Silver King with another one or two available in the summer months. The Boat micro-brewery operated from this site between 1999 and 2004. Today, it’s owned by Mornington Pub Company as is The Royalty on Otley Chevin. The bar area was primarily for drinking, the raised rear room for dining and the side room a mixture of the two. I didn’t eat there but the menu items were reasonably priced with a decent selection of simple, vegetarian dishes.
Year by the friendly and welcoming Wakefield CAMRA branch. Many casks belong to the pub owners, Neil and Maureen, so a wide selection of breweries, usually micros, features. Around half a dozen ales are available covering a range of light to dark styles that you can enjoy in traditional, simply-furnished surroundings complemented by a warming fire. A couple of real ciders are also on offer and much fundraising for The Gurkha Welfare Trust takes place. What an excellent way to finish off this pub tour and you’ll be very pleased to know that the new bus station, which should be open by the time you read this, is only a two minute walk away.
Now you have a choice to get to Castleford. You can either return to the bus stop or walk the 1.25 miles or so along the river, leaving the Leeds area en route where the River Calder joins. The impressive Millennium Bridge over the River Aire takes you into town where the jewel in the crown lies: The Junction. Reach it by turning right and walking a couple of minutes to the roundabout then turning left for the same amount of time and the pub will be on your left just before the road widens.
You’ll need a £4.70 Day Saver ticket, which allows you to hop on and off any Arriva bus in West Yorkshire. Combined, the 163 and 166 operate a service every 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays until tea-time when it changes to every 30 minutes whilst on Sundays it’s a halfhourly service throughout the day. The last bus from Castleford to Leeds leaves at 10 pm daily. I’ve found that apart from weekday tea-times the service is usually exemplary so make sure you’re at the stop in time for the bus. WhatPub lists The Junction’s opening hours as Mon-Tue 2-8.30, Wed-Thu 2-11 and Fri-Sun 12-11. However, please ensure you check bus times and stops, and pub opening times, before you go.
Although it might not look anything from the outside it’s the UK’s premier pub for ale served from wooden casks. It has rightly received much coverage at both local and national level, including featuring in Beer (CAMRA members’ magazine), and has recently been voted Pub of the
Warren Yabsley
Beer Festivals CAMRA Branches hold beer festivals across the country, throughout the year. They are organised and run by volunteers, who give up their own time to promote Real Ale and Real Cider to the public. The majority of the beer festivals admit card carrying CAMRA members free of charge or offer discounts. Remember to do your homework and check details before you travel! February 26th –28th (Thu – Sat) Bradford Beer Festival 2015 Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, BD18 3JS. bradfordcamra.org.uk. 100+ real ales, cider and foreign beer. Check out website for ticket arrangements. March 12th – 14th (Thu – Sat) Leeds CAMRA Beer, Cider & Perry Festival Pudsey Civic Hall, Dawson's Corner, LS28 5TA, 4 mins walk from New Pudsey Station 200-ish real ales, 20+ cider & perry, Global Beer Bar. Rugby theme. April 9th – 11th (Thu – Sat) Doncaster’s 25th Beer Festival The Hub (the waterfront college building), Chappell Drive, DN1 2RF, doncastercamra.org.uk/beer-festival.html 120 real ales, ciders and foreign bar. April 16th – 18th (Thu – Sat) Hull Real Ale & Cider Festival 2015 Holy Trinity Church, Hull hullcamra.org.uk/hullbeerfest/ 130 beers, 25 ciders and Perries. No advanced tickets, cash on door only.
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Image Š CAMRA
CAMRA News
Small Business Bill As we went to press last month, there was a major success in Parliament that will herald a new and fairer era for licensees who work in tied public houses. In a rare defeat for the Government, 284 MPs voted in favour of the Small Business Bill, which will empower pubco licensees to choose between a tied agreement and a market rent only agreement that will allow them to buy beer on the open market. What does this really mean though? Well, being given the option to buy beer on the open market means that licensees will be able to purchase beer to sell at a much more competitive rate than they currently do in a tied agreement. The knockon effect will be a better deal for the drinker, a more profitable pub for licensees and, in turn, it's anticipated that the high number of pubs that have to close each week in the UK will reduce. In effect, this bill is a major step to saving the Great British pub. It's estimated that around 13,000 pub tenants will benefit from this much fairer deal. What is particularly pleasing about the success of this campaign is that it has been led by a
Leeds CAMRA branch member, Greg Mulholland. Greg and his All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group have worked tirelessly alongside CAMRA to drive this change and I'm proud we can trace its roots back to Leeds. Other Leeds MPs as well as Greg voted in favour of the Bill - Hilary Benn (Leeds Central), Rachel Reeves (Leeds West), George Mudie (Leeds East), Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East) and Ed Balls (Morley and Outwood). I’d like to extend thanks on behalf of Leeds CAMRA to all our branch members who lobbied their MP to support this bill and of course to our MPs who voted in favour. Unfortunately, not all of our MPs voted in favour. Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) and Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) both voted against the bill. Following on from our campaigns to scrap the Beer Duty Escalator and reduce duty on the price of a pint, this is a major success for CAMRA, the All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, licensees and everyone who supported the bill. So next time you're down the pub, make sure you raise a glass as we look forward to a new horizon for the pub industry.
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Branch Contacts Committee members Chairman: Mike Hampshire Chairman@leeds-camra.com 07763274454 Branch Contact: Nigel Halton BranchContact@leeds-camra.com Festival Organiser: David Dixon BeerFestivals@leeds-camra.com Locale Coordinator: Steve Staindale Locale@leeds-camra.com Membership Secretary: Mike Hampshire Membership@leeds-camra.com Newsletter Editor: Tony Coltman Newsletter@leeds-camra.com Press and Publicity Officer: Sam Parker Publicity@leeds-camra.com Pub Database Holder: David Ansley WhatPub@leeds-camra.com Pub Preservation: Sam Parker PubPreservation@leeds-camra.com Public Transport Officer: Philip Mullen PublicTransport@leeds-camra.com Secretary: Warren Yabsley Secretary@leeds-camra.com Social Secretary: Charlie Cavaye SocialSecretary@leeds-camra.com Tasting Panel Coordinator: David Dixon TastingPanel@leeds-camra.com Treasurer: Keith Sunderland Treasurer@leeds-camra.com Webmaster: Christine Jopling Webmaster@leeds-camra.com Young Members: Waren Yabsley YoungMembers@leeds-camra.com
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I heard a rumour recently, a rumour too intriguing not to investigate. There was, so the tale went, live yeast behind the bar at BrewDog Leeds! I had to go find out for myself… Tucked in behind the Corn Exchange, in in one of the city's most iconic and oldest buildings, White Cloth Hall, is the small but perfectly formed BrewDog Leeds. Opened in 2013 after a protracted, and much publicised, licence application, BrewDog have done what they do best. By fielding an ever changing line-up of interesting, hard to find craft beers, tutored tasting “Beer Schools” which walk people through the range and styles on offer and hosting the Leeds Homebrew Club (2nd and last Wednesday of the month from 6pm) they have built up a steady following. It is perhaps fitting that, along with a revamp of the menu, a new interest has emerged amongst the staff, that of bread making. Beer and bread go almost hand in hand through history, with similar ingredients and processes; it’s not hard to see how a fascination with one can lead to a fascination with the other. I caught up with barman Ads to talk crust and crumb. “I’ve always made bread,” he told me, “the challenge here is making bread in such a small space.” He’s not kidding, BrewDog Leeds is one of the smallest
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Recipe Corner in the group, and space behind the bar is at a premium. Four fonts dominate the bar dispensing the main board’s staple beers, such as New Dead Pony (3.8% pale ale), Brixton Porter (5% porter) and 5am Red (5.0% red), along with an ever changing board of specials. On tap for my visit was the mouth-puckeringly sour collaboration between Beavertown and Dogfish Head, Londoner Weisse (2.8% Berliner Weiss) and the Stone Ruination (8.2% double IPA). Fridges crammed with bottled ales line the walls to round out the offer. “We started by adding different beers to our flour, to see what the differences would be. You can really taste the hops come through when you use the stronger American beers.” Case in point is the Stone Ruination Rye dough he’s kneading behind the counter. The powerful hoppy aroma floats across the bar as the dough is stretched and folded. “Adding a malty beer results in a sweeter taste, 5am Red works really well.” We talk shop for a while, comparing the various beers and their effects on the final product, while Ads works the rye dough into a smooth ball. “Just got to let it rest now, allow it to double in size them knock it back before shaping for the oven.” The oven, maybe the smallest oven you’ll came across, sits just the other side of the bar ready to receive its precious bounty. “It’s done a great job so far and, being as small as it is, we can only make a small loaf at a time, so we have to make fresh bread every day.” The bread takes pride of place on the new menu’s platters, and what was once just something to balance cheese on now becomes it’s own talking point. “I’m looking to try with sourdough and wild yeast next, build up the flavours and complexity.” I’ve seen this look before, the fresh bread bug has taken hold. I leave Ads with a present, a jar of my sourdough starter and a promise to pop in and try the results. So if you find your-
self with a craving only good fresh bread can fix, pop in and see Ads. He’s the one with the beard.
In looking up various recipes for my own bread adventures, I came across this recipe that I’d like to share with you. The method is simplicity itself and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Beery Bread Ingredients. 625g self-raising flour (yep, self-raising, stay with me here) 500ml bottled beer A good pinch of salt A good handful of mature grated cheddar. Olive oil or melted butter, enough to cover the dough. Firstly, set your oven to 180C, gas mark 4. Then place the flour into a large mixing bowl. To the flour, add the salt and the cheese. Pour in the beer and stir until the beer and flour have come together to form a dough. Pour this into a 1kg loaf tin or sheet-pan for baking. Brush or pour your chosen oil over the top of the dough. Bake in the oven for approximately 50 minutes. Allow to cool, slice and enjoy.
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100 Fartown, Pudsey LS28 8LU Tel: 0113 236 2748
Voted Leeds CAMRA Winter Pub of the Season 2015! This award winning, traditional unspoilt pub serves 5 cask ales alongside fine wines and spirits. Now the Spring is here come and visit of the the best kept secrets of Pudsey, The Fleece beer garden! Now with an extended decked area, this well maintained, enclosed, child friendly beer garden is an ideal place to meet. Every Wednesday starts 9.30pm: General Knowledge Quiz starts Beer Tokens for prizes. Play your Cards Right - Cash, Free Food. Every Sunday: Music Quiz starts 9.30pm Stars 9.15pm - Beer Tokens Play Your Cards Right - Cash, Free Food
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The Leeds Branch of CAMRA regularly recognises achievements by breweries and licensed premises in the district which are worthy of special mention. Established over 100 years ago by the Yeadon and Guiseley Factory Workers Union, the Club is very much a hub of the community. The club is very traditional in some aspects with Thursday night bingo, Saturday night turns and Sunday night is quiz night.
Just last issue we were debating the merits of the most Improved Pub Award and in typical fashion a worthy winner yet again presents itself, proving the sound logic of giving the award. I’ll let the excellent nomination from members Adam Wilson and Carole Taylor spell out just why the Abbey Inn is a well-deserved winner. “The return of Martin Lockett to the helm of the Abbey is a great boon to the pub and local community. Martin ran the Abbey in years gone by, elevating it to a regular community pub award winner. After a few years of varying management quality, we are already seeing the return to consistent high quality ale, a welcoming atmosphere and cracking pub quizzes. We are looking forward to seeing The Abbey regain its place as a first rate ale house and hub of the community.” If you missed the presentation on the 14th January there is video of the event on YouTube.com. Congratulations go to Martin and his team. Just at the beginning of February we made the trip up to Guiseley, to the Factory Workers Club, to present the Club of the Year award.
The club stock a good selection of local and guest ales. Information about these can be found on their website. Membership is normally required for entry, but visitors will be signed in on production of a ‘Good Beer Guide’ or CAMRA membership card. The photo shows 2 of the regular bar staff at Guiseley Factory Workers Club, Katie and Maggie, holding the award for Leeds Club of the Year 2013-2014. This is the club's 10th consecutive year in the Good Beer Guide. More than 2000 different beers have been on sale from 450 different breweries and they will hold their 9th annual beer festival in April.
Pub of the Moment
The West End House, Kirkstall Paul and Robert took on the West End House in 1992 and, after signing another extension to the lease, have treated the interior to a show-stopping make over, surely paving the way for another 20 successful years at the helm.
The West End House was first listed as a beer house in 1867 and has been trading ever since. The first licensee was Mr William Tordoff, after whom the local terraced houses were named. Kirkstall Brewery, now converted to student accommodation, supplied beer to The West End from 1867-1936. Then Duttons brewery from Lancashire bought Kirkstall Brewery along with two other local breweries, Albion Brewery and Willow Brewery. They in turn were bought by Whitbread in the early 1960s, who then sold to the present owners in 2001.
Under the watchful eyes of current licensees Paul Gill & Robert Trainor, today the West End House is supplied by many of Yorkshire’s finest breweries - Barnsley Brewery, Ilkley Brewery, Leeds Brewery, Salamander Brewery and Wharfe Bank Brewery – with the ever-changing guest beer line-up complemented by guest ciders. The pub is well known for its food, nothing overly fussy, just well-cooked dishes in proper Yorkshire portions. Sunday lunch is a particular treat.
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diary dates
Appointment with Beer Leeds CAMRA holds a formal business-style meeting on the first Tuesday of every month. The meeting starts at 7:30pm and has an approximate finishing time of 9:00pm. CAMRA members are advised to check "What's Brewing" for confirmation of meeting locations and for details of other events. A full listing of events is also published at http://www.leeds-camra.com/ where it is regularly updated. Leeds CAMRA is organised and run entirely by unpaid volunteers. All members are always welcome at meetings and socials.
Thank You for Having Us! Thanks go out to those that have hosted our Open Branch Committee Meetings; Mr Foley’s Cask Ale House, Leeds; The West Riding, Wellington St Leeds; Ridgeside Brewery, Leeds. Thanks also to The Garden Gate, Hunslet and The Palace, Kirkgate for hosting our xmas socials.
Don’t be a Wazzock! Don’t Drink and Drive.
Feb 2015
Public transport information for the Leeds area is available from Metro offices and at wymetro.com There really is no excuse.
Sat 21st Feb Oakwood Social, Preston, Roundhay Road 2pm, Stew and Oyster, Roundhay Road, 4pm.
West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service
March 2015 3rd March Open Branch Committee Meeting, White Cloth Gallery, Aire Street, Leeds 7.30pm – 9.00pm 10th March Beer Festival Social, Stick or Twist, Merrion Way, Leeds, 8pm. 12th - 14th March Leeds Beer, Cider and Perry Festival 2015, Pudsey Civic Hall, Stanningley, Leeds. 21st March Kirkstall Social, West End House, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall 2pm, Kirkstall Bridge Inn, Bridge Road, Kirkstall, 4pm
April 2015 9th April Open Branch Committee Meeting, Victoria Family and Commercial Hotel, Great George St, Leeds, 7.30pm – 9pm
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Tel: 0113 253 0241 PO Box 5, Nepshaw Lane South, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS27 0QP
Leeds CAMRA Members' Noticeboard Follow @LeedsCAMRA on Twitter or “like” our Leeds-CAMRA Facebook page for up-to-date information about socials, meetings and pubs info in and around Leeds.
Leeds-CAMRA @LeedsCAMRA