171 | WINTER 2014
F REE A PUB IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!
We Win! Amendment to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill passes the Commons vote. See page 3 for details...
Magazine of the Norfolk Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale
This years Charity is St. Martins Trust for the Homeless
Chris and Glynis invite you to the Trafford Arms -
61 Grove Road, Norwich 01603 628466 www.traffordarms.co.uk
traffordarms@btconnect.com
In this issue: A victory for fairness
3-5
Competition
5
Pub and Brewery News
6-7
Christmas Cheers
A victory for fairness We can make a difference in the tied pub market! One of the major campaigns run by CAMRA over the last ten years is to ensure that landlords of pubs pay a fair rent and therefore can afford to stay open. Since the beer orders were published in 1989 there has been a move for the brewers to sell off what were their tied houses to pub owning companies such as Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns. They collect their rent in two ways. A dry rent which is for the buildings and which traditionally was lower than the market value, and a wet rent which was an agreement that the brewery or pub owning company would be the sole supplier of drinks sold in the pub (a tie). Research by CAMRA in 2013 established that the price paid for the drinks was substantially higher
than on the open market, for example 11 gallon keg of Foster’s lager costing £150.22 as opposed to £84.99 on the open market, a mark-up of 77%.
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The Ed’lines
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Stig’s Words
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Change is afoot in Lynn
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West Norfolk AGM Results
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Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs 14-15 CAMRA News
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The Leopard
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West Norfolk Pub of the Year
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Go West Bibbling!
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Save your Pub
Over the years, the dry rents have increased to a point where many pubs have become unviable and CAMRA have campaigned for legislation to protect landlords so that they can negotiate a market value rent and also be allowed to buy drinks free of tie. This campaign culminated in a motion put to the House of Commons on 17th November. This was an amendment to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill put forward by Liberal MP Greg Mulholland who was aiming to “bring back market forces continued on page 5...
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Hazy Beers Cloud the Issue
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Top Ten
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Whiteboard
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Norwich Beer Festival Review
32
NNAB
34
All I want for Christmas
37
Marris Otter, The Secret Plot 38-39 Norfolk Cider
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CAMRA Branch Calendar
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Bar Man on Campaigning
47
The Rant
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CAMRA Discounts
51
From the Archives
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Bar Man’s Postbag
55
Join CAMRA
57
Last Orders
59
Contact Details
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The Gatehouse Pub 391 Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 8QJ Tel: 01603 620340
FOUR REAL ALES Wednesday Irish Folk Music Thursday Folk & Singing Music Friday & Saturday Live Music Sunday Folk Music
Large garden overlooking the River Wensum OPEN: Mon - Thurs 12-11 Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11
NORFOLK NIPS | A Victory for fairness - continued into a sector that frankly has become grotesquely anticompetitive”. CAMRA has been aware that this amendment was to be proposed and in the weeks leading up to the debate over 8,000 members contacted their MP asking them to vote in favour, however, despite being at first sight the embodiment of free trade, this amendment was opposed by the government and MPs were requested by chief whip Michael Gove to vote against the measure. Thanks to CAMRA and other organisations 15 Conservative and 24 Liberal MPs defied the whip and the amendment was passed 284 to 269. It is thought that this is the first time ministers have been defeated on a commons bill and the government chief whip was subject to taunts of ‘resign’ when the result was
Tell us what the unidentified shapes are and your name and address and the correct answers go into the hat for a CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2015 all answers by 28th February 2015. Good luck, Stig. Answers to: NIPs UFO Comp 19, Kemps Lane, Hockwold, Thetford IP26 4LG
announced. Full details of the debate and the votes of the MPs can be found at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhan srd/cm141118/debtext/14111 8-0002.htm Disappointingly, West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham, who has been in the past very supportive of CAMRA’s campaign voted against the amendment as did other local MPs Elizabeth Truss and George Freeman. As with the campaign to end the beer duty tax escalator, it was a campaign that nobody thought we could win, and indeed the headline on the BBC News website ‘Publicans hail MPs’ beer tie vote as 'minor miracle'’ gives an indication of the magnitude of the achievement.
Thanks are due to all those, CAMRA members or not, who have signed petitions, contacted MPs, written letters or articles or contributed to the victory in other ways. It shows that with enough effort and organisation that policies can be changed and democracy works. It is not yet law, as the bill has to pass through the House of Lords. It is less easy to lobby your representative in an unelected house, but it is important that we keep up the pressure on this issue. But for now let’s pause for a celebratory pint to toast the success of another unlikely victory and support the pub in a practical way. After all, campaigning is important, but it should also be fun. Jeff Hoyle
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Pub and Brewery News Ian Stamp’s News Well after a glut of pub news last quarter, I’m afraid this issue we don’t have much more than a list of closures and a, fortunately slightly longer, list of re-openings! Getting the bad news out of the way first, the Falgate, Potter Heigham and the Berney Arms are both closed and for sale as of September, and I hear the Cobholm, Yarmouth closed at the end of last year. In Norwich, the lease of the Boundary is for sale, but I’m not sure whether the pub is still trading. The York Tavern closed unexpectedly in October, with the cost of repairs to a wall being cited as a factor; the Bridge Tavern on Riverside closed and is being refitted as a Las iguanas restaurant, and the Prince of Denmark closed in October, apparently for a refurb and “rapid re-opening”. Better news from Dereham, where the Coachmakers, Dereham, re-opened as a freehouse in August, Other re-openings include the Black Lion, Walsingham, July; Kings Head, Hemsby, in October; and the Swan at Mattishall; in November. The Kings Arms at Martham and the Red Lion, Drayton both appear in both lists: the former closing in September and re-opening in October having been sold by 6
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Adnams for a reported £325k; the latter closing briefly for a £300k refurb. Two great pubs have been given a new lease of life in Norwich. The Coach & Horses, in Bethel St. is now operating under a Greene King ‘Local Hero’ lease, which allows the publicans the ability to sell a range of local beers. Following a major refurb, the pub now has 7 handpumps stocking a number of local beers (from Winters and Grain at my visit) alongside the GK regulars. Marianne Ames and Lewis Belsey, the new lessees, are possibly the youngest in the county, with a combined age of only 47! And the Leopard, on Bull Close Road, which closed over a year ago, and was subsequently sold by Bateman’s, has had a major refit, with new wood floors, under-floor heating, some smart furnishing and decor, and most importantly, a brandnew long bar, back in its rightful place along the back wall, and sporting eight shiny handpumps! Bob and Hannah opened the pub at the end of October, and intend to build up the real ales as trade permits, starting with three or four beers, including a regular from Lacons ale, plus two or three from a wide range of breweries.
News from the West In West Norfolk Greene King seem to be selling off as many traditional pubs as they can, with all evidence of the company being removed from several local buildings. Instead they seem to be concentrating on the value meal type establishments on the outskirts of towns, such as the recently constructed Gatehouse in Lynn. However this change of strategy has not prevented them from making an £723 million offer for the Spirit estate of 750 managed pubs. Those are not the only pubs changing hands. The Woolpack in Kings Lynn is once again open and being run by the former landlord of the Maids Head on Tuesday Market Place. Hopefully with an experienced landlord at the helm there will be a period of stability for what should be a successful community pub as it was in the days of the Lushers. Currently the Maids Head continues to trade and as I write it is one of several in the area up for let or sale. These include The Deer’s Leap (£750,000 freehold with Fleurets), the Jolly Brewers at Shouldham (£49,950 leasehold with Fleurets), The George and Dragon, Kings Lynn (to let with Fleurets– despite the address I think this is in a village and has been closed for some months), The
Gin Trap at Ringstead (£795,000 with Rightmove), The Heart of Norfolk in Bradenham (£497,000 freehold with Hiltonsmythe) and the Old Bell at Grimston (£325,000 with Tawn Landles). Meanwhile, Humberstones lists a ‘premier destination food-led village pub close to castle and Royal Sandringham Estate’ for a lease of £29,500. The name of the property is not revealed, but if you have a look at the pictures, there is a good chance you will recognise it, as you will the Kings Lynn town centre pub which generates £3,000 per week, all in wet sales on at £57,000 leasehold with RTA. Bear in mind that by the time you read this, these pubs may no longer be on the market. Hopefully they will have been sold and looking forward to a great future. This seems unlikely for the Kings Arms in Swaffham which seemed like it was undergoing major structural work when I went past recently. A check revealed that planning permission for a change to residential use
was granted some years ago, and that the building has recently been purchased at auction. Pub preservation continues to be an issue. Recently permission was granted for a change of use for the Retreat in Lynn’s North End, but refused for the Rampant Horse at Gayton. I think there is a good chance for an appeal of this decision and if the pub is to be saved it will probably need an organised campaign from the local villagers. If you are trying to save your local pub CAMRA can provide some useful information, but it is also worth checking out the Plunkett Foundation and the Pub is the Hub organisation. One pub that has been taken over is the Buck at Tilney St. Lawrence. Local couple Peter and Wendy Collingridge are now running this Elgoods house out on the fen and intend to keep it as a traditional drinking pub with a darts team and Sunday night quiz.
NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News
The CAMRA NBSS beer scoring scheme seems to be attracting more attention and it was interesting to find out that some East Anglian CAMRA branches use the scores as the sole selection criteria for entries to the Good Beer Guide. We don’t go that far, but it does play a role in our decision making. Over the last three months we have had 4 perfect scores of 5 entered, so it should be well worth checking out the Gate at Fair Green, the Live and Let Live in Kings Lynn, the Chequers at Thompson and the Red Lion in Hockwold. Don’t forget that all CAMRA members can contribute to these scores. Jeff Stop press! Since Jeff penned his news it has become evident that the King’s Arms in Swaffam lives on. It has been purchased by a Lady who intends to re open it a vintage style café at lunchtimes and a gastro pub in the evenings, we await developments with interest. Stig.
Pub Twitterings Real ale weekend @ Bob Carter Centre, Drayton on 12th – 14th December. 6 ales on each session. Music on Saturday night @8pm. £3.00 entry, proceeds toEACH. Red Lion, Drayton now has 8 handpumps and 1 craft beer. CAMRA discount is now 10% off beers. Live in IP20 23postcode areas? Check out the new website www.midangliacamra.com
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Brewery News
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Christmas Cheers! Ho ho ho! Time to roast your nuts before an open fire and open a festive bottle, or two. What are our local Breweries offering us this year?
Humpty Dumpty have reported that they are brewing Christmas Crack, a 7% dark brown ale and Christmas Crackling, a 4.5% robust golden amber ale. Also they will be selling their beers at Great Yarmouth Christmas Market from 21st to 23rd November.
And don’t forget, Humpty Dumpty are having their open day on the 6th and 7th December. 8
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The Wolf Brewery are doing their usual Christmas brews: Santa Paws a 4.5% warm malty ale with a floral fruity finish, and Timber Wolf a 5.2% ruby full flavoured winter ale with a velvety finish. Fruit and spice and all things nice for Christmas they say.
The Norfolk Brewhouse will be launching two new beers for the festive season, one of which is a unique collaboration with another north Norfolk drinks company – The Norfolk Sloe Company of Fakenham. Moon Gazer Damson Fruit Ale is first time partnership with Norfolk Sloe and will see the flavours of Moon Gazer Dark Mild crafted with Norfolk Sloe’s Damson. Brewed to be enjoyed in 1⁄2 pint measures, the Dark Fruit Mild will have distinctive damson overtones and an almost wine-like sweetness. A strong beer at 6.4% abv, it has been created to be supped and savoured as a warming festive drink.
Limited to only 6 casks in Norfolk, Moon Gazer Damson Fruit Ale promises to be a must try on the run-up to Christmas. David Holliday from Norfolk Brewhouse and Pat Saunders from Norfolk Sloe are really eager to get the new creation out into pubs. Pat said; “It is something we have been testing for a few months and the deepness of the dark mild with the richness of the damson is extremely tasty.” The second new brew is Moon Gazer Ruby Spice, a 4% abv ruby red ale, which is based on the brewery’s everpopular ruby ale but with the addition of an orange peel, cinnamon and star anise infusion in the cask, which imparts a subtle yet distinctive flavour. While many festive ales tend to aim for a higher abv Moon Gazer Ruby Spice is deliberately lower at 4% and can be enjoyed for all occasions. Just as we were going to press we heard that Panther are brewing Festive Panther 4.5% a dark ale with mulled spices and Norfolk Square are offering Yule Ale 5.5% a strong bitter with orange & spices (bottle-conditioned only).
The Ed’lines May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and to thank Chris and the West Norfolk Branch for editing this edition. I missed the Beer Festival this year as we had a family wedding in Canada. However, never one to miss an opportunity, I investigated the beer scene in Ontario. All in the line of duty, of course. Change was afoot when I last visited, but that was five years ago. One or two new microbreweries were emerging and craft beers were starting to take on the big boys. What had happened, I wondered, and would I find any real ale?
timber framed house, but inside – a British Pub! Real fire, The Woolwich Arrow real food, real wooden bars, and - real ale! Four handpumps, Wellington’s Original County Ale and Arkell Best Bitter and Great Lakes (Toronto) Canuckle Head as the guest, plus a cider! Since I usually go for the guest ale, I went for the Canuckle Head, described as a dry hopped American Pale Ale, and boy, was it good. They have a wide range of craft beers as well.
Well, the good news is that micros are springing up all over the place. On the first day, in the sleepy Mennonite village of St Jacobs, known for its large traditional market, we headed for the St Jacobs and Aberfoyle O Gauge model railway, set in an 85’ x 40’ room featuring both Canadian National and Canadian Pacific main lines. Our visit was delayed, however, because next door was the new Block 3 Brewery. Plenty of free samples including Sawmill, described as an English EPA, but also King Street Saison, and Cheap Gold (8.9%). They supply local restaurants, so barrels are walked down the street. LocAle indeed. But no cask conditioned real ale. The Wellington Brewery in Guelph has always appealed to me. Founded in 1985, they imported kit from England with the intention of brewing solely real ale for the Canadian market. Images of The Duke of Wellington featured heavily in their marketing and with names like Arkell Best Bitter, they had a very British feel to them. So it was with great anticipation that we entered the Brewery in Guelph. Alas, we caught them on an off day, no samples or tours possible. But they did direct us to a pub in the town, The Woolwich Arrow, known as The Wooly. By all accounts, it looked like a typical 10
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Cask ale at the Mill Street Brewery In Toronto, we visited the Mill Street Brewery on the site of a former distillery. They offered one cask ale, every Thursday. At 5pm, they tap a cask in the bar and offer free samples as tasters with cheese. We were on the Brewery tour and were wading our way through the tasters when this happened, but then we had to wade our way through the bar afterwards as the ceremonial tapping was described as “messy but spectacular!” We rounded off the trip with another visit to the Wooly for a pint of Pumpkin Ale, very smooth, very quaffable. So real ale certainly exists in Canada, if you know where to look. Craft ales abound, but are too gassy for me. But this is progress! Mike Balwin
NORFOLK NIPS | Words from the Editors
Stig’s Words It is that time of year again when everyone is preparing for Christmas, no sign of snow in fact its not really that cold. Many’s the time I’ve attended our Christmas crawl in Norwich (Details inside) in the snow or sub zero temperatures but somehow this year I can’t see it. However I’m sure whatever the weather brings it will be fun as usual, all are welcome so come and meet us (Norwich have a separate crawl and I’m sure they would love to meet like minded folk as well!). I’d like to thank the guys at the Beehive who are opening early for us. I don’t think I have ever omitted to say this at Christmas but make sure you keep using your local after Christmas as this is the hardest time for publicans, that way it will still be there in the summer! If heaven forbid, your pub is threatened you could always fight to save it as the residents of Shouldham Thorpe have done successfully, more on that in this issue. I made my usual pilgrimage to the Norwich beer festival and met one or two folk I hadn’t seen for a while, including that most excellent gent Wolf Whittam, ex of the Reindeer and of course Wolf brewery. We talked of the old days in Norwich and how much change has happened, he admitted that he is happy to be free of the scene today. Take it easy mate, I’ll see you next year!
Thanks go to Martin and team for their usual hospitality, and to West Norfolk members for turning up on Thursday (a hard thing to doNOT). News from our patch is dealt with in some detail, but congratulations are in order for the Railway Arms at Downham Market which has made the last four in the National Cider Pub of the Year for the second year running (it won overall last year!). Our shortlist for the West Norfolk CAMRA Pub Of The Year is in this issue and we would welcome surveys from any W Norfolk member (don’t forget to include your membership No on the survey forms). The process we use to reach the shortlist is clearly explained within. I like to leave this Editorial till the last minute in order that it doesn’t date too quickly and this has paid off as I can mention news just received that the vote in the commons has gone CAMRAs way on the tie between tenants of tied houses and their unfairly priced and restrictive beer supply. Victory means a fairer deal for tenants of tied houses who will have a choice in future. Definitely a nice gift for Christmas! Thanks are due to all the CAMRA members who lobbied their MPs on the issue getting a well deserved result. Finally a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year from all at Norfolk NIPS & Cask Force and all at West Norfolk CAMRA.
NORFOLK NIPS | News from King’s Lynn
Change is Afoot in Lynn Three of King’s Lynn’s established pubs have recently changed hands: The Maids Head, Tuesday Market Place, The Wildfowler, Gayton Road and The Woolpack, Gaywood Road. The Woolpack, which has been closed for the last few weeks, has been taken on by established landlords, Wendy and Peter Napthen who previously kept The Maids. They are in process of smartening up the two bar pub which, like too many, had suffered a lack of investment through its years of being under a large pub company. Its previously downmarket décor is now becoming visibly more upmarket. Music and other themed nights are provided including Tiny’s Karaoke, formerly a feature of The Maids. Food service is expected shortly; expect a bistro style offering.
Top: Wildfowler Left: Maids Head although real ales have returned, generally two from varying breweries; their condition being more consistent than before. The food offering has been upgraded with continuing music and other function nights. Trade is reported to be building.
Trade is reportedly busy with real ale sales a feature. Having been bought from the pub company, The Woolpack is now a free House, although in return for assistance from Greene King in making the purchase, they supply a proportion of the pub’s range. Beers on offer are generally IPA and another, varying GK beer plus something from a local microbrewery.
The Maids Head continues much as before under its new management with little apparent change so far. Three real ales are on offer, typically IPA, Doombar and something a little stronger. Food is now provided more frequently than before. Kareoke/ music nights continue with little change so far.
The Wildfowler, following a short closure, has been taken on by Tracy Poulton and Simon Baker, formerly from Essex. Having not long ago been upgraded, little change has been made,
Good luck to these three new sets of management; hopefully they will all continue to grow their trade and be the successful pubs they have all been in the past.
West Norfolk CAMRA AGM The committee was re-elected the only change being Graham and Mandy Stratton have swapped posts. Thanks to the Windmill for their hospitality. Chairman Steve Barker Vice Chairman Bruce Ward
Secretary Ian Bailey Treasurer Jim Fergusson Deputy Treasurer June Parsons Membership Secretary Jeff Hoyle Press & Publicity Bruce Ward Pubs Officer Graham Stratton Assistant Pubs Officer Mandy Stratton
Pubs Preservation Officer Jeff Hoyle Nips Chris Lucas Webmaster Nigel Nudds Cider Andrea Briers Branch Contact Ian Bailey Public Affairs Officer Jeff Hoyle Auditor Ros Harre
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This series of articles highlight the pubs whose interiors have been little altered in the past 40 years or so. Here we have two pubs with a lot of fittings from the 1950s.
Coach & Horses, Great Yarmouth This locals pub was built in c.1850 and has a glazed brick frontage from the early 20th century. The pub was bombed during WWII and the top storey replaced in 1956-8. The lounge on the rear left is a small room with fielded panelled walls to picture frame height (sadly painted over in recent years), a hatch for service and a mosaic glass bar back that probably dates from the 1958 re-build. The L-shaped public bar is a result of the removal of the offsales shop on the front left of the bar about 30 years ago. The door is still visible on the exterior and a hole was cut in 14
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the wall between the lounge and the former off-sales to link the rooms. The bar counter is old but has some new front panels added, the bar back, dado panelling and the fixed seating are all over 50 years old. Again, in recent times the woodwork in the public bar has been painted over.
The public bar at the Coach & Horses, Great Yarmouth
Coach & Horses, 196 Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth NR30 1DB. Phone 01493 844374. Open Mon to Thu 11 to 4; 7 to 11; Fri, Sat, Sun 11 to 11. Bus 1/1A, 8. Real ales on sale are Draught Bass and a guest beer. The lounge at the Coach & Horses, Great Yarmouth
NORFOLK NIPS | Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs 21
Beehive, Norwich Built in 1896 the Beehive was refitted in the 1950s. The main entrance leads into a red quarry tiled floor small snug with a 1950s counter which was probably the former off-sales. A doorway to the left leads to the bare wood floored public bar which appears to have been two rooms prior to the 1950s. The front part has distinct dado panelling with benches attached and a 1950s brick fireplace, the counter has a 1950s front with a modern tiled top and more 1950s fixed seating in the rear section. A doorway to the right leads to the lounge with what looks like another 1950s counter but less distinctive so might be modern and it also has a tiled top. There is a function room / pool room on the first floor with no old fittings. Beehive, 30 Leopard Road, Norwich NR4 7PJ. Phone 01603 451628. Website: http://beehivepubnorwich.co.u k. Open Mon 5 to 11; Tue to Thu 12 to 11; Fri, Sat 12 to 12; Sun 12 to 11. Lunchtime meals served Tue to Sat 12 to 2.30. Bus 11A (Pink Line), 13 (Turquoise Line), 14A (Green Line), 15 Green Line), 25 (Blue Line). Real ales: Fullers London Pride, Green Jack Golden Best and 5 guest real ales from microbreweries, one being
Above: The interior and Right: The snug of the Beehive, Norwich from Oakham. Holds a folk night 1st Tuesday of the month. A beer festival with around 25 beers is held first weekend in July.
Text and photographs by Mick Slaughter of CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group. If you require photographs of your pub interior / exterior you can contact Mick on 01733 390598 or email m.slaughter7@btinternet.com to discuss your requirements.
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CAMRA News
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Country charm shines through at the National Cider Pub of the Year A traditional 16th century thatched roofed pub in a small Dorset village has walked away with CAMRA's top Real Cider award after being named Cider Pub of the Year. The Castle Inn, West Lulworth, has been crowned the best place in the UK to enjoy a pint of Real Cider by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.
hope that us winning this award will put Dorset cider on the map.” Alex Halliday, Landlord at The Castle Inn.
The pub has been run by the Halliday family for over thirty years – Alex Halliday is the current landlord and the third generation of his family to run the pub, “It’s absolutely fantastic to win the National Cider Pub of the Year competition. We've been pushing real cider for years now and
Located near to the beautiful Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door of the Jurassic Coastline, the pub is a hit with regulars and visitors alike, with the choice of real ciders and perries being a significant draw for many.
Beer Duty Cuts have created 16,000 jobs, says Report Two successive cuts in Beer Duty have resulted in more than 16,000 new jobs and boosted beer sales according to The Cheers 2014 Report. The Report, produced by Oxford Economics on behalf of the British Beer and Pub Association, CAMRA and the Society of Independent Brewers, looked at the impact of cuts in the 2013 and 2014 Budgets. It found that beer sales had been boosted to more than 500 million pints, with increased investment going into the Pub and Brewing sector to the tune of an extra £44 million (in addition to the £400 million already planned. 16,783 new jobs are predicted to be created by 2015/2016. Tom Stainer CAMRA’s Interim Head of Communications, praised the hard work put in 16
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by CAMRA Members and said “Hopefully the Chancellor will see the great impact his duty cuts have had and give drinkers a reason to raise their glasses for a third year running.”
Subscriptions We have a growing number of postal subscribers to Norfolk Nips and Cask Force, and I would like to send my thanks for the kind comments and best wishes from those who have renewed their subscriptions recently. If you would like to join them in receiving the next 4 issues by post, send 12 first class stamps to Norfolk Nips and Cask Force, 91 Tennyson Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5NG.
NORFOLK NIPS | CAMRA News
Britain’s Beer Revolution – a new CAMRA publication From London sour beers to Scottish whisky stouts – Britain’s Beer Revolution is taking place in every corner of the country Gone are the days when British beer drinkers were stuck with the choice of bitter or lager when ordering at the bar, as thanks to a revolution in British brewing over the last decade there are now more different styles of beer being brewed than ever before. In London you can drink refreshingly tart Berliner Weisse such as The Kernel's ‘London Sour', in Scotland you’ll find strong imperial stouts aged in whisky barrels such as Harviestoun’s ‘Ola Dubh’, and in Yorkshire you can enjoy a pint of super-hopped, citrussy red ale such as ‘Rapture’ by the trail-blazing Magic Rock Brewery. The choice and variety of British beers has never been bettered, with all corners of the UK feeling the effects of Britain's Beer Revolution. To celebrate Britain’s thriving beer culture CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, are publishing Britain's Beer Revolution, a contemporary look at the most influential breweries, places and people in the nation's flourishing beer scene – as well as what makes them so special.
drinkers can choose from a vast range of styles that includes the new and highly popular Golden Ales, beers aged in whisky, Bourbon and Cognac barrels and stunning recreations of India Pale Ale, Porter and Stout. There are also beers made with such exotic and unusual ingredients as chocolate, coffee, herbs and spices -- and more and more beers are being made by women brewers as the ancient craft of 'brewster' is restored.” said Roger Protz. Co-authored by award-winning beer writers Roger Protz and Adrian Tierney-Jones, the book includes focusses on brewers - both new and well-established names - beer destinations and beer trends. This really is the most up-todate snapshot of British brewing available to buy today. “The great thing about beer in Britain at the moment is the variety, in no small part driven by the growth of real ale breweries. Everywhere you can find local brewers of all shapes and sizes trying new revolutionary things, whether it is new recipes, new production methods, new distribution outlets or new ways of marketing and branding their beers. It shows real dedication to the brewers' art in the 21st century.” Adrian Tierney-Jones added. Britain’s Beer Revolution is available to purchase now through CAMRA's website and via all good book shops. Visit www.camra.org.uk/beerrevolution to purchase the book at a special introductory rate of £10 (RRP £14.99) or watch authors Adrian and Roger discuss some of the beers that are featured.
“The word revolution is not mere hyperbole. The change is dramatic. Brewers used to be content with producing Mild and Bitter, now
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| NORFOLK NIPS
nce upon a time, in a City Of Ale, there lived a young man called Robert. Every evening, Robert would walk his dog through the North City streets, and every evening too he would stop outside a certain pub. The pub was old, shabby and rundown, and in need of some care and attention. But it was still Robert’s favourite stop as he walked the streets, and he could never pass it by. So it was on this particular night that he stared out across its Astroturfed front garden and spoke in a wistful sigh: ‘Oh, little Leopard. How I wish that I could be the one to change your spots one day.’ Suddenly from behind him came a screech of tyres and in a puff of exhaust fumes, a genie appeared. ‘Young Robert!’ the genie boomed in a voice that made the grubby windows shake. ‘Young Robert! You have worked hard for many years now and so I will grant you this wish. The pub is yours, but on one condition: you must promise to serve the people of this noble city the finest ales, the nicest wines and the tastiest of bar snacks. In return, I will free this pub from its shackles and make it yours. Do we have a deal?’
And so it was that young Robert became landlord of The Leopard, and true to his word, he searched the land for the finest ales, the nicest wines and the tastiest bar snacks that he could find. He took the wood of the mighty oak and varnished it to a sheen so bright that you could see the reflection of the eight handpumps in its polished surface. He travelled the globe and returned with lagers from Europe and beyond; and he put himself to the toughest task of all, sampling a thousand pork pies and sausage rolls to ensure that only the crumbliest pastry and the most succulent of meat was used. Finally, when all was done, he took the pool table, the dart board, the old bar and the Fosters sign and he made a bonfire on the newlysurfaced front beer garden, where the Astroturf used to be. He watched as the smoke spiralled up to the sky, and he blinked, once, twice; for on the sign above the door, the face of the Leopard looked down, freed from its shackles as the genie had promised; and he realised, as he never had before, that it looked different now. The spots on the Leopard had changed forever; and he knew that he had kept his word.
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NORFOLK NIPS | West Norfolk POTY
West Norfolk pub of the year competition We can now confirm the shortlist for the West Norfolk Pub of the Year. We had six nominations and the aim was to reduce these to four by taking those with the top scores on the National beer scoring system (NBSS). The results are as follows. The maximum score for a perfect pint is 5 1. Peddars Inn Sporle
4.1
2. Union Jack at Roydon
3.95
3. Angel at Larling
3.92
4. Coach and Horses at Dersingham
3.75
4. Victory at Clenchwarton
3.75
6. Stag at Westacre
3.21
As we have a tie for 4th place, the following five pubs will be surveyed in order to decide our champion. The Peddars Inn, Union Jack, Angel, Coach and Horses and Victory. We would encourage as many West Norfolk members as possible to visit the pubs and return a survey form to Jeff by our February meeting. The form to be used is the same as last year. Forms can be obtained from Jeff Hoyle or Andrea Briers on request. Remember that any member can enter NBSS scores for any pub they visit, and this will influence the shortlist for next year. Pictured Top to bottom: Angel, Larling, Coach & Horses, Dersingham, Stag at Westacre, Pdeddars Inn, Sporle and Union Jack, Roydon.
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NORFOLK NIPS | Bibbling
Go West! Bibbling Around The Somerset Levels To “bibble” means to drink, down in Somerset, so this is my take on bibbling. During August bank holiday 2014, a group of us stayed at Martock (in the Somerset levels) and as I am great fan of Yeovil ales a trip to the brewery was a must. The week before I sampled Yeovil Fabarillo, a special beer brewed for Peterborough beer festival, I really enjoyed this beer and passed on my congratulations to the brewer. I left the brewery with 24 bottles of various beers for later consumption. Near Yeovil is Lower Odcome and the Masons Arms, a very picturesque country brew pub and we sampled No. 1 and Spring Ale with our lunch. There are many attractions in this area, here's just a few, the Fleet Air Arm museum (Yeovilton), Haynes Motor museum, Muchelney Benedictine Abbey, and Bowdens Farm Smokery for smoked sausages, cheese, and fish which were all wonderful. Also well worth a visit is the Willows and Wetland visitor centre at Stoke St. Gregory where you can see baskets of all shapes and sizes crafted from local willow. There are larger items as well such as chairs, tables and even coffins! (For green burials at a guess, Ed) Nearby is another gem, Burrow Hill Cider at Kingsbury Episcopi, based at Pass Vale farm, the cider house stands within 150 acres of orchards which produce 40 varieties of apples. Amongst all the toot in the yard are two copper stills for producing cider brandy and liqueurs. It would have been rude not to sample the products and we were treated to medium sweet and dry served from huge wooden barrels. Needless to say we left with copious amounts to take away. A foray to the attractive town of Somerton proved very fruitful as this is the home of Glas-
tonbury brewery, we purchased more bottled beers from this brewery which is situated on a modern industrial estate. Close by, whilst we were discovering the levels, we stumbled across a brilliant farm shop at Pitney. Local produce was on display, sausages, cheese and bottled beer from Moor brewery, Bristol. Attached to the farm shop was a small campsite with a fascinating loo, several of our group were so intrigued by this that unnecessary visits were noted. The loo was housed in a garden shed with a large hole in the floor into which the occupant would shovel sawdust after use, very ECO! One other place worth a mention (although on the Dorset border) is the Sixpenny brewery at Sixpenny Hanley. The brewery is located in the dairy buildings on Manor farm which has a shop and bar. The bar is a largish garden shed with a counter and two or three seats. The bar is more an institution than a pub and is only allowed to trade two hours per day, everybody turns up for this limited period reminiscent of Sunday lunch times in pubs years ago (12 - 2.00pm). No more than about a dozen people can crowd into the shed, so an outside gazebo has been erected to accommodate another 40 people. Four draught beers are on the bar plus a range of bottled conditioned beers from Sixpenny. Our group thought that this was the most enjoyable two hour experience of the holiday, hence we attended every day! All in all a bibbling good trip, I’d recommend to anyone. Bruce and Carol
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Pub Visit
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The Pub that rose from the dead The King’s Arms Shouldham Thorpe. Over the last couple of years we have followed the Herculean efforts of the local community in Shouldham to first buy and then re-open their local pub the King’s Arms. As reported in the last copy of NIPs the Arms is now open to the public so (as promised) I decided to check it out. The opening times and services offered by the pub are still evolving with no food available on Monday and Tuesday. Although on the Monday before my visit a band played and a choice of two simple meals was provided, this is open mic night. I think it would be fair to say that the pub is still a work in progress, looking very smart outside and also nice inside but some things are a little unfinished. I am not suggesting in any way the interior is a mess it is very neat but one or two areas are still developing and it still has the feel of a newly decorated house. I spoke with John McGourty who was minding the shop for the evening, he said that the plainness of the interior had been commented on but should improve as more events are recorded and more photos of regulars and happenings are displayed. I quite agree it is still early days and the Christmas and New Year celebrations should help to provide more fun pictures and develop an ambience. I’m sure the Christmas decorations will also help to bring the pub to life. Live entertainment will feature on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and a Christmas menu will operate along side the regular fare (details on the website). Also due is a Northern Soul night on 27th December with authentic 45” discs. The beer is all on gravity and the range varies; Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie was on offer and was excellent. 24
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Poppy display at the King’s Arms, Shouldham I took a look in the cellar and patrons can look forward to beers such as Adnams Ghost Ship, Tally Ho, Beeston, Dry Road, Worth the wait, Grain 316 and quite a few more. John tells me that they have found the demand means they have very little wastage! The beer is served over a new bar (the whole layout has been changed) built by local joiner Paul Collison for the cost of the materials (good man!). Also sold over the new bar is Cromwell’s real cider. The interior consists of two open areas near the bar with seating plus a long restaurant area with a low roof and a fire place at each end. When I visited a tapestry of poppies over a First World War skyline formerly in King’s Lynn was on display, very evocative. Beyond this room is the community café which opens when the pub is closed during the morning and afternoon an excellent idea! I later got the chance to chat to Paul Skinner the landlord who confirmed that every day is a learning experience and that events organised at the pub need to reflect the need for them locally. I know that Jeff Hoyle (our very own Bar man) organises quizzes at the King’s Head and a philosophy night is about to start. Long time CAMRA member Paul said he would like to think that what has and will be learnt during the pub’s revival by the community will help to serve as a blueprint for others wishing to
do this. All in all a very informative visit with nothing but positive news for the future, check it out yourself and help to support the admirable initiative of the Shouldham community.
So you want to save your pub? If reading this article has made you wonder about your village (or town) local, the first thing to do is register it as a community asset this means if it is sold at a later date an opportunity will exist for six months for a community registered business to purchase it and continue its existence as a pub – Don’t wait until the pub is under threat do it now!. Just to be clear your can also register any other structure you consider a community asset and protect it from immediate development. The Shouldham campaign SOKA formed themselves into an “Industrial and provident society” which operates as a business for the good of a community. They supported their campaigning by fundraising events which also helped to publicise their cause, it is vital to reach out to organisations and media who can help. Contact your local CAMRA branch, local newspapers, TV and radio and of course your MP. Also contact other people who have already succeeded (CAMRA can help with this). This all seems complicated and I have only made an outline of the moves necessary, then you will have to sell shares in the company in order to buy the property and decide on how if successful, you will operate the business. A lot of work, but with the right amount of good will and the right people it can be done as The King’s Arms proves. The Blue Lion at North Pickenham is currently closed and a local group are trying to emulate the efforts of SOKA, if you want to learn more then thebluelion.org.uk is their website.
Running out of beer?
DON’T PANIC!
Friday al: speci teak
ump S 8oz R Drink d an a
Rampant Horse
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Rampant Horse country alehouse & restaurant. Ever changing local and regional ales, imported lagers and great eshly prepared food. 2 Chapelfield, Freethorpe Tel: 01493 700103 www.rampanthorse.net
WINTER 2014 | 25
NORFOLK NIPS | Hazy Beers
Hazy beers cloud the issue You are a CAMRA Member. You know a thing or two about beer. You have just been handed a pint across the bar. Hmm, it’s cloudy, shouldn’t you hand it straight back? Benjamin Thompson from The Plasterers sheds some light on this conundrum. As American and European styles that traditionally don’t use finings become more prominent over here, more and more brewers have been experimenting with hazy beers - so much so that the issue was raised at this year’s CAMRA AGM. So is it a good thing? There are pros (they’re vegan, the beer survives longer in cask) and inevitably cons (all that extra yeast can encourage unwanted movements downstairs, if you know what I mean). We’ve also always been told that hazy beer is bad, because it’s off. This can be true, but not always! And such hamfistedly prescribed hard-and-fast rules endanger the burst of creativity and valid experimentation currently happening in our brewing culture. However if drinkers are disappointed because they are unexpectedly handed a cloudy beer, confusion and lack of faith could prove just as dangerous. Which is why we think serving unfined beer at The Plasterers is important, but always telling customers what it is even more so.
and we had lots of CAMRA members and a couple of brewers present, whom I thought might work out which were fined and let preconceptions sway the results. Well I couldn’t have been more wrong. Nobody worked out which beers were which. There were very clear differences, although in the end neither style was markedly better than the other - whilst unfined beers seemed to have an improved aroma there was less impact on the taste (I thought the reverse would be true!). The hoppy, low ABV pale ales fared better unfined, the pilsner and the IPA seemed better crystal clear. So what can we draw from this? Finings have an effect on a beer’s taste, but whether it’s positive probably depends on the beer, the brewer and your taste. But what's definitely true is that whatever you thought you knew is probably wrong. So I urge you, if you're a pub, make sure your customers know what they are buying, and if you're a pub-goer, next time you see an unfined beer, give it a go - you may be surprised! For those of you who are interested, I’ve written a more in depth report of our tasting on our blog atwww.theplasterersarms.co.uk
Ultimately if a brewer wants to sell beer in a certain way, I think we should trust them. If it's delicious, then who cares how it's made? If a brewery like Moor, who produce awardwinning, tasty, balanced beers say unfined is better, then in my mind it's at least worth investigating. So in May this year that's what we did. We hosted a tasting involving four beers, Oakham Citra, Golden Triangle Citropolis, Redwell Pilsner, and Norfolk Brewhouse Tidal Gold - each blind-tasted twice, one from a cask with finings, one without. I admit it wasn’t the most scientific experiment; the sample was small
WINTER 2014 | 27
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The pub with no bar, ales direct from cask. Watch www.nelsonslocal.co.uk for forthcoming events.
Tongue twizzling food, and great value. Huge garden and children’s play area. Shooting parties, lunch & dinner menus available
Victory Barn Function Room for Weddings and Parties Come & visit Nelson’s local. Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk PE31 8HN
01328 738241
28
| WINTER 2014
CROWN FREE HOUSE THE BANNINGHAM
We are in it!
Traditional Country Pub and Restaurant
5 Real Ales•Great Food•Log Fires Boxing Day Kemps Men Morris Dancers From 12 noon
01263 733534
Colby Road, Banningham, Aylsham, NR11 7DY
www.banninghamcrown.co.uk
There’s nothing like finishing a long walk & stopping at a real ale pub with a roaring fire or impressive fireplace - it’s just so cosy & welcoming! Here’s my personal Top 10:
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All Sky & BT Sports • A traditional pub Good covered outside areas Doggies welcome
“A festival of beers every day”
The Burston Crown, Burston The Crown, Banningham The Crown, Pulham Market King’s Arms, Reepham King’ Arms, Shouldham The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham Lord Nelson, Burnham Thorpe Nelson Head, Horsey Red Lion, Stiffkey The White Horse Inn, Neatishead Miss Terri Drinker
Serving a good selection of changing local real ales Also serving home cooked food. Sunday roast 2 courses for £8.95. Two main meals for £10.00 from our set menu.
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22nd running from 1st d New Years Eve booking essential an e, call in, ring or menu now availabl ils. email for more deta The Street, Catfield, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 5AA
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WINTER 2014 | 29
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The Harte Old Costessey, Norwich, NR8 5BS Tel: 01603 742755 Micky, Mel, And Staff wish one and all ‘A Merry Christmas & a prosperous new year’.
FREE
3 real ales always available Food served 7 days a week
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Privately owned freehouse and restaurant with a wide selection of real ales, lagers and ciders. Freshly cooked locally sourced food. Child friendly, large beer garden, pool table, easy access from A47, ample parking and on 23A bus route from the city centre. Visit www.thehartenorwich.co.uk to check out the menu and opening times 30
| WINTER 2014
from 1st-23rd Dec Dec 18th Christmas Carol & Song night With ‘The St. Marys Singers’
Dec 19th Christmas Jumper night. With Live Music From 'Random'
Dec 20th Christmas Party Night. With Live music from 'The Looney Tunes'
Northgate Street Great Yarmouth NR30 1BG Tel: 01493 843736 www.thekingsarmsgreatyarmouth.co.uk
th e Norw ich d Cask Force on line on an PS NI olk rf No ad Yo u can re cam ra .org.uk we bs ite w w w.norw ich ch an Br olk rf No d an
Chris tmas Craw l
Norwich & Norfolk CAMRA Xmas Crawl
We visit 11 pubs.
17:00 Red Lion, 17.30 Adam & Eve,
This year the route is:
18.00 Cottage, 18.30 Leopard,
West Norf olk Grand
Saturday 20th December, 11:00 – 19:30
Friday 19th December starting 5pm
11.00 Beehive, 12.00 Eaton Cottage ,
0 19.15 Plasterers, 20.00 Playhouse, 10.3
12.45 Unthank Arms, 13.30 Rose Tavern,
Golden Star, 21.00 Plough,
14.15 Template Bar, 15.00 Earlham Arms,
21.30 White Lion,
1545 Alexandra, 1630 Fat Cat, 1715 Reindeer,
22.00 Duke of Wellington
1800 White Lion, 1845 Rumsey Wells and 1930 Wildman . Contact; Tim Spitzer (07950) 823270. Come along with us for festive fun & ales in the fair city of Norwich, the
Beehive is opening early for us so show your appreciation
and join us from the start!
Next issue of Norfolk Nips and Cask Force Copy to editors by Friday 30th January On the streets by: Thursday 26th February
The 37th Norwich Beer Festival So how was it for you? Beer Festival Organiser Martin Ward reports on what was his last Festival in charge: That week went quickly for some reason, one moment is was Thursday and receiving our first load of beer, the next it was takedown Sunday and people collecting empty casks the following Thursday and Friday.
One hour to go and the organisers are starting to think that they should have ordered more beer. Apparently quite a lot of people seem to enjoy the festival judging by their happy smiley faces at most sessions, which is nice. Apologies have to go out to those in the Trade for the wait to get in on Monday, we will definitely look at this for next year, but otherwise we received favourable comments (again) on the event and especially the opening of St Andrews Hall. Getting feedback is good as it enables us to continually improve, well as much as we can, given the constraints of the venue. Congratulations to our hard working volunteers who seemed to accept the praise and deal with the inevitable minor moans with a smile. The range of beers, I believe this year, was again excellent in its variety and choice of styles from the low gravity mild’s right up to those barley wines and imperial stouts at the top end of the 32
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NORFOLK NIPS | 37th Norwich Beer Festival spectrum. Obviously we can’t feature everyone’s favourite tipple but we are open to suggestions about what beer we can get from, subject to availability of course. The second year of running a “featured” brewery with a more extensive range of beers went down well, suggestions for next years will of course be noted but it has to be something we don't usually see in these parts. This brings me on to next year’s festival, time to get out your pens and pencils or electronic versions of those to design next year's logo. The competition will as usual run until the early part of February next year, apparently there are a few anniversaries coming up so that should provide a little inspiration. For this year, we brought in a new team from Expresso Catering and judging so far, a good move as most seemed to like the offering’s they supplied, well done Roland and his team! The Branch Charity, The Hamlet Centre Trust, was very well supported by donations of unused Beer Cards and contributions of dropping a few coins into buckets, thank you to all who contributed on what seems a record amount. Finally, thanks to all who attended the event, both customers and volunteers who make it happen and contribute to such a major event in the city's social calendar every October. Best wishes to the new(ish) organisers at the helm for next year, Rob Derbridge and Craig Harmer. Martin Ward Norwich Beer Festival Organiser 2003-2014
Photos by Emma Pinder and Biggles
WINTER 2014 | 33
NNAB
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Smart technology leads the way for the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind The NNAB work closely with the Hospitals in the area. Newly visually impaired patients get the basics, but can then visit the Equipment Centre to see what works best for them, it’s a try before you buy scenario. And there is an awful lot of kit available; Magnifiers, glasses, white symbol canes, etc, are all there. There are also talking scanners which can read books, bills, letters, etc. But many newly visual impaired people already have the most useful piece of kit in their possession – an ipad or tablet! With the right software, they can be adapted to provide a whole host of functions through their audio capabilities, plus the ability to increase the size of type and pics, by stretching the image, as you do.
The NNAB was our chosen charity for the 2013 Beer Festival. They broke all records raising a staggering £5,000. But how has this money helped the blind and partially sighted in Norfolk? I called in recently to find out.
The Samsung smart phone that I saw was very smart indeed. Combining a touch screen with audio instructions made it very easy to navigate, something else that should be standard.
What would you do if you lost your sight? What essentials would you need to live as normal a life as possible? Would you have to learn Braille in order to read, and just how big and heavy would a JK Rowling novel be?
The money that you donated has been used wisely to help those with a need in Norfolk. None of this new technology is cheap and there is much to do in the way of software technology, but the benefits are huge.
Standing in the kitchen at The Bradbury Equipment Centre with NNAB’s Simon Marshall, I started to get some answers. The Sensa Level Indicator Mk111 is a very small, but useful bit of kit. Pop it on the side of a mug and it tells you when the mug is nearly full and then full when you have added the milk to your tea or coffee. Something to eat? The microwave has an audio feature which tells you what you have done. That should be standard on all microwaves!
Put it this way: £5000 will buy four electronic video magnifiers which can be used to read books and newspapers as well as look at photos. Using one of these viewers allowed a partially sighted lady to see her wedding photos for the first time in 43 years!
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There is no doubt that Jeremy Goss and Donna Minto, who were at the Beer Festival last year, do a fantastic job and they are extremely grateful for your generousity.
NORFOLK NIPS | Barman
All I want for Christmas? The time of year has arrived when people start subtly inquiring or straightforwardly asking what I want for Christmas. The answer is not much. I have a roof over my head, food in the pantry and wood for the fire. My needs are simple and pleasures few, mostly consisting of beer and football. I don’t understand jewellery and about the only thing I might buy if I won mega millions on the lottery is a league two football team. So what to suggest? It’s too late for me as I already have it, but a clue to the perfect present was suggested by the visit of the Bar Wife’s nephew over half term. He is a teacher down in Sussex and came up for a couple of days over the holiday. We decided to meet him in Norwich, at the beer festival. He likes a pint but did not know a great deal about CAMRA, but after a pleasant lunchtime he went away and gave it a bit of thought and a couple of days after he had returned home he sent a text saying that he had joined up as a life member. I don’t suggest everybody plunges in with the lifetime option, although the younger you are, the more you will save, but why not consider a gift membership for the man or woman who has everything? With membership from as little as £23 for full members and £15.50 for those under 26s and some other categories, it could be just the thing. So what do you get? You can look at the benefits on three levels. First there is the warm and fuzzy feeling of satisfaction of helping to save traditional beer and pubs. Secondly, it makes financial sense. In addition to receiving a monthly newspaper, ‘What’s Brewing’ and the award winning quarterly magazine ‘Beer’ there are £20 of beer tokens for Wetherspoon for every member each year. Many beer festivals, including Norwich offer free or discounted entry to members and it also means that you may not have to queue. CAMRA has negotiated discounts with a number of firms, meaning for example that I got a 10% of the cost of a cottage booking I made last week.
Third, you can get involved in our campaigns if you so wish. This can be something as simple as entering beer scores on the NBSS system which helps to choose pubs for the Good Beer Guide or delivering newsletters to your local. Although we do not run a beer festival locally, many of our members work at Cambridge, Norwich, Peterborough or further afield. There is also a chance to make a difference in CAMRA’s key campaigns. Number one is to stop tax killing our beer and pubs. No one thought that we could stop the beer duty escalator, but not only were we instrumental in that, but beer duty has been reduced. The culmination of this was a mass lobby of parliament which I attended a couple of years ago and was probably the most effective and enjoyable day in the Campaigns history. Other Key Campaigns are helping to secure an effective government support package for pubs, encouraging more people to try a range of beers and ciders, and to raise the profile of pubs and encourage more people to use them. It’s your choice. Join for a happy feeling, to have some fun, save money, or to campaign on important issues. So think it over. A CAMRA gift subscription for Christmas or £95 for a stuffed penguin? Don’t think too long though – membership rates go up in January. bar.man@btinternet.com
WINTER 2014 | 37
Maris Otter The Real Ale Shop is a unique off-licence offering over 60 bottle conditioned ales from 15 Norfolk brewers. We are located on a beautiful arable farm close-by Wells-next-the-Sea, which provides much of the malt used in brewing the ales we sell. The Real Ale Shop, Branthill Farm, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1SB.
Tel: 01328 710810 www.therealaleshop.co.uk
It may not have a preservation order, but a particular plot of North Norfolk farmland is, to many brewers, sacred. Four acres in size and bounded by thick hedging, the plot appears unremarkable: from a distance it is just like any other field of cereal crops. However, this small area of land is home to the mother crop of the revered Maris Otter malting barley. Whereas most fields remain largely untouched in the weeks leading up to harvest, this one has seen intensive activity long before a combine gets anywhere near. The process of “re-selection” has been taking place. “Regular re-selection is just part of the work we do to ensure the purity of the strain,” says Tom Rivett, director of renowned seed merchant H Banham. “The fact the whole field has been accredited by DEFRA under their strict guidelines is good – but as purists, it’s not enough for us. So we still regularly take a 30m2 patch and go through it manually, checking each and every ear of barley. Anything that isn’t a perfect specimen of the Maris Otter variety is discarded. The remaining flawless grain from that patch is harvested separately and used to reseed the mother field.”
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Within 5 years the majority of the Maris Otter grown in Britain will have come from that secretly located single ‘plot within a plot’. “It’s a big responsibility,” says Tom, “but as custodians of the variety, we’re utterly committed to ensuring its integrity. The cultivation procedures and all the checks we undertake
NORFOLK NIPS | All about the Barley
Barley, the Secret Plot and popularity wavered in the 80s, but the rights to the variety have been owned by two grain merchants since the early 90s and under the expert watch of seed specialists George Maule and Neville Carter it has gone from strength to strength. As Steve LePoidevin of Crisp Malting Group says, “The Maris Otter we are seeing now is better quality and more consistent than ever before.” are extremely rigorous. Each year’s crops are measured against control samples to see that they remain true-to-type over the generations. “Of course we’re lucky in terms of our location,” he adds, “Norfolk’s sunny climate, sea breezes and light soils make ideal growing conditions for Maris Otter. Most of the country’s supply is produced – and malted – in our region for that very reason.” Maris Otter is a low nitrogen winter barley (a Pioneer - Proctor cross) introduced back in 1965 and used continually since then. Its performance
Certainly sales of Maris Otter malt are booming in line with the revival of the craft beer sector. There are now around 1,400 breweries in Britain and over 2,800 breweries in the United States – and their market share is increasing. A growing number of them are committed to using the very best ingredients – with Maris Otter pale malt at the top of the list. Says Rupert Farquharson of Woodforde’s Brewery, which uses Maris Otter barley sourced from local farmers by Banham’s and malted by Crisp, “No doubt about it, Maris Otter is the Rolls Royce of malting barleys.”
WINTER 2014 | 39
Norfolk Cider
| NORFOLK NIPS
Norfolk Cider - Present and Future After a warm and favourable fruit-growing season, this autumn’s crop will be early and bountiful. A bumper crop of East Anglian apples should lead to the next tranche of Norfolk ciders made from the culinary and dessert apples (the cookers and eaters) that are grown here. The apples result in a cider that is clean and easy on the palate with a light colour and body but with no tannin on the tongue. The fermentation, maturation and blending of these freshly pressed juices will hopefully produce some tantalising ciders for next year. Roll on 2015. If all has gone according to plan ciders from last autumn’s efforts will have been available from every Norfolk producer at East Anglia’s largest cider and perry bar at our 37th Norwich Beer Festival. As an important showcase for all the eastern region’s producers the East Anglian cider of the year competition takes place here during the festival. Last year both winners were from Norfolk: Jonty’s Red Sky Cider and Whin Hill Perry. This year we welcome a new producer, the Harleston Cider Company, to the bar. Their core product is a medium dry cider called Cid’er’oad. The name reflects the source of the apples, gathered from trees that grow along the side of the roads around the south Norfolk border. These trees are presumably the wild legacy of those cores that flew out of car windows decades ago. Isn’t nature wonderfully prolific! The comprehensive annual survey of all Norwich’s pubs took place in August this year. The findings reinforced the city as a capital of real ale but it also provided information on the availability of cider and perry. The Norwich pubs stocking real Norfolk ciders are listed opposite. Please take the opportunity to visit the pubs and sample the local wares. The National winner in 2013 was the Downham Market Railway, and it was first nominated at the Norwich Beer Festival! It also won the East Anglian Cider Pub of the Year for 2014. This cafe/bar on the station platform provides a nostalgic and quirky venue to enjoy your favourite tipple (though beware the erratic opening hours).
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And so to a couple of points regarding the development of cider: Currently the law states that, to be considered a cider, a minimum of 35% apple product (juice) must be used. For obvious commercial and financial reasons it is likely that the national producers will use this minimum in their mass production facilities and still be perfectly entitled to sell the end result as bona fide cider. But smaller producers, pressing their locally sourced apples and pears will make their ciders and perries using a much higher proportion of pure apple/pear juice to ensure both quality and authenticity. Thus, by current rules, they are effectively penalised when in competition with the big operators. In order to maintain the availability of traditional cider and perry and support our craft cider makers should CAMRA help to keep them profitable and in business? Should CAMRA take up the baton and lobby for a higher minimum juice content (say 65%) ? After all, the campaign has an excellent recent history of influencing government and this would surely be a worthy cause. Talking about profitability, in the wider cider world, fruit ciders are a phenomenal success story. They appeal to a wide spectrum of potential customers and even the big brewers (Carling, Stella Artois, Koepeberg, Magners) have jumped on the “fruit-flavoured” bandwagon. Our artisanal adventurers have been experimenting with the traditional drink in a number of ways, for instance adding fresh juice, making shandy, freezing and adding whole fruit like cherries and blueberries. At any pub or parish festival the organisers will tell you that it is the fruit ciders that are most popular and sell out first. But such ciders do not conform to CAMRA’s strict criteria for a “real” cider and cannot be found at this festival. Just as craft beers are now more widespread, popular with the general public and extremely lucrative, is it time CAMRA promoting rather than quashing these innovations in the evolution of our favourite fruit-based beverage? Doc Martin N&N CAMRA cider rep
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Norwich Pubs Selling Norfolk Cider - August 2014 Pub Name Beehive Cottage Fat Cat Brewery Tap Plasterers Reindeer Ribs of Beef Take 5 Trafford White Lion
Cider producer available Burnards Burnards, Montys, Kingfisher Burnards, Montys, Kingfisher Burnards, Montys, Kingfisher, Whin Hill Burnards Kingfisher Crones Kingfisher Burnards, Crones,East Norfolk, Whin Hill
The Eight Cider Makers of Norfolk Burnards White Lodge, Grove Road, Banham. NR16 2HG Crones Kenninghall. NR16 2DP East Norfolk Cider Company. Scratby. NR29 3AJ Greenwoods The Ashes, Carlton Rode. NR16 1NN Harleston Cider Co. Harleston, Norfolk Jontys Banham Barrel, Banham. NR16 2HB Norfolk Cider Company. Norfolk Cider Shop, Wroxham Barns. NR12 8QU Whin Hill Wells-next-the-sea. NR23 1BW
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Live & Let Live Free House
18 Windsor Road, Kings Lynn Traditional town pub with a friendly welcoming atmosphere.
LIVE SIC MU most nds weeke
Large selection of quality Real Ales and Ciders.
For further details ring 01553 764990
Hemsby
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U
The Kings Head 3 real ale pumps with up to 6 guest ales weekly from ÂŁ2.50 pint s Regular Entertainment s Home Cooked Food s Log Fire s Dogs Welcome North Road, Hemsby , NR29 4LR 42
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Tel: 01493 717475
NORFOLK NIPS | Dates for your diary
CAMRA Branch Calendar Norwich and Norfolk Branch Friday 5th December 8pm First Friday Five Tuesday 16th December 8pm Branch Meeting at The Railway, North Elmham. Our ever popular December Branch Meeting and Christmas Quiz at The Railway, which is hosting a Winter Ales Festival. A free coach will run from Norwich, but is essential to book your seat in advance. Friday 19th December 5pm – 11pm Our annual Christmas Crawl in Norwich, route as below (times to be advised): Red Lion (79 Bishopsgate), Adam & Eve, Cottage (Silver Road), Leopard, Plasterers arms, Playhouse Bar,Golden Star, Plough, White Lion, Duke of Wellington. Friday 2nd January 2015 First Friday Five
Website, and also facebook and twitter when confirmed. Contact Michael Phillips at socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org,uk or call him on 07851 923 554 for further information or to book a place on the coach.
West Norfolk Branch Branch meetings (All include social) All Branch Meetings start at 8pm. Tuesday 9th December Red Lion, Hockwold Saturday 20th December Christmas pub crawl, Norwich, see details on the Whiteboard page 31. Tuesday 13th January Kings Arms, Shouldham, meeting + post Christmas meal Tuesday 14th February 2015 Branch Meeting, Bushel & Strike at Heacham
Tuesday 20th January 2015 Branch Meeting Friday 30th January 2015 Campaign Trip Friday 6th February 2015 First Friday Five Tuesday 17th February 2015 Branch Meeting and Good Beer Guide Voting Friday 27th February 2015 Campaign Trip You do not have to be a Member to attend these events. The formal side of the Branch Meetings are kept to a minimum to ensure efficiency and plenty of time to socialise. The First Friday Fives are walking tours of five pubs in Norwich. You may visit all five or drop in and out as you wish. A coach is provided for trips outside Norwich. Full details will be posted on the Branch
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The London Tavern Free House Great real ales, fine wines and spirits. Food Served: Monday- Friday 11am - 5pm Saturdays 11am - 3pm Sundays 11am - 3pm Evening meals on request Find Us Roast Dinners Sundays 12-3pm A AMR in the C er Chilled bar rolls made daily only £1 e B Good Guide
CAMRA Discounts available & part of the LocAle Scheme
Parking, Disabled facilities, Baby changing, Smokers sheltered garden, and Beer garden. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.
Now Open! Church St, Attleborough Tel :01953 457415
Welcome to our traditional pub serving up to 5 real ales and great pub food.
CAMRA Members Discount
20p off a Pint / 10p off a ha lf pint of real ale with valid membership card Sky and BT Sports shown here Fish and Chip Friday - Eat in or take away
Sunday roast served 12 - 4pm
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Black Boys, e Green, Aldborough For further details call 01263 761649
Update Horseshoes, Alby Black Boys, Aldborough London Tavern, Attleborough Crown Inn, Banningham Chequers Inn, Binham Cock Inn, Barford Kings Head, Brooke Artichoke, Broome Green Gate, Caister-on-Sea Reedcutter, Cantley Crown Inn, Catfield George Hotel, Cley-next-the-Sea Three Swallows, Cley-next-the-Sea Victory, Clenchwarton Muskett Arms, Clippesby Red Lion, Coltishall Ugly Bug Inn, Colton Albion, Cromer Red Lion Hotel, Cromer Royal Standard, Dereham Bob Carter Centre, Drayton White Hart, Downham Market Railway, Downham Market Royal Standard, East Dereham Queens Head, Emneth Erpingham Arms, Erpingham Bull, Fakenham Kings Head, Filby
Rampant Horse, Freethorpe Locks Inn, Geldeston Wherry, Geldeston Dock Tavern, Gorleston Mariners Compass, Gorleston Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham Barking Smack, Great Yarmouth Mariners, Great Yarmouth Oliver Twist, Great Yarmouth Red Herring, Great Yarmouth St. Johns Head, Great Yarmouth Fox & Hounds, Heacham
Here is a current list of all the pubs in Norfolk which are part of the CAMRA LocAle scheme. New entries are in Bold.
Kings Head, Hethersett Greyhound Inn, Hickling Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling Swan, Hilborough Eagle, Hockham Buck, Honingham White Hart, Hopton Nelson Head, Horsey Brickmakers, Horsford Elm Farm Country House, Horsham St. Faith Star Inn, Lessingham Swan Inn, Loddon Dog Inn, Ludham Fox and Hounds, Lyng Anchor Inn, Morston White Horse, Neatishead Relish Restaurant & Bar, Newton Flotman Railway Hotel, North Elmham Orchard Gardens, North Walsham Adam and Eve, Norwich Angel Gardens, Norwich Beehive (Leopold Rd), Norwich Bell Hotel, Norwich Cellar House, Norwich Champion, Norwich Cottage (Silver Road), Norwich Duke of Wellington, Norwich Earlham Arms, Norwich
Eaton Cottage, Norwich Fat Cat and Canary, Norwich Fat Cat Tap, Norwich Fat Cat, Norwich Garden House, Norwich Jubilee, Norwich Ketts Tavern, Norwich Kings Head, Norwich
Leopard, Norwich Lollards Pit, Norwich Lord Rosebery, Norwich Maids Head Hotel, Norwich Murderers, Norwich Plasterers Arms, Norwich Red Lion (Bishopgate), Norwich Reindeer, Norwich Ribs of Beef, Norwich Rose, Norwich Sir Garnet, Norwich Take 5, Norwich Temple Bar, Norwich Trafford Arms, Norwich Vine, Norwich Wig and Pen, Norwich Royal Oak, Poringland Ferry Inn, Reedham Ship, Reedham Kings Arms, Reepham Swan, Ringland Lobster, Sheringham Windham Arms, Sheringham Red Lion, Thetford Goat, Skeyton Peddars Inn, Sporle Sprowston Manor Hotel & Country Club, Sprowston Ferry House, Surlingham Lynn Arms, Syderstone Pelican Inn, Tacolneston Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market Queens Head, Thurlton White Horse, Upton Cherry Tree, Wicklewood Willow House, Watton Stag, West Acre Bell, Wiveton White Lady, Worstead Green Dragon, Wymondham
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Brewers of award winning East Anglian ales stouts and porters Our range of Permanent Ales
CLIFF QUAY
EARL SOHAM
Classic Bitter Anchor Bitter Tolly Roger Tumblehome Sea Dog
Gannet Mild Victoria Bitter Sir Rogers Porter Albert Ale Brandeston Gold
Our current seasonal beers Old Strong 4.7% ABV Dark luscious malty with a spicy finish Jolabrugg 5.2% ABV A golden warming malty Yule Brew. Our beers are available throughout East Anglia and also at our brewery shop in Debenham (Unit 1A Meadow Works Business Park Kenton Road Debenham IP14 6RP) For further details contact us on 01728 861213 www.cliffquay.co.uk or www.earlsohambrewery.co.uk
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NORFOLK NIPS | Bar Man
Campaigning Becomes a Bit More Difficult Scotland may have been a big political story over the past few weeks, but there are signs that a general election is drawing closer. As a representative of West Norfolk CAMRA I occasionally contact local MPs about relevant issues and feedback varies. Henry Bellingham has proved to be very keen and supportive on a number of issues, Elisabeth Truss has replied to my emails whilst George Freeman will not engage with me as I do not live in his constituency. However I now get regular emails from Elizabeth and George telling me about all the wonderful things they are doing. I even sat next to Mark Field, the MP for Westminster, in the Bury end at Luton recently, though I think he was there to appreciate good football rather than canvas for votes. Normally an election would be a great opportunity to raise issues with candidates, but this time round there is a cloud on the horizon. Most people will not have noticed that a new law was passed earlier this year, the full title of which is Transparency of Lobbying, non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014. This act requires organisations who spend more than £24,000 on certain ‘regulated’ activity between September 19th and the next election to register with the Electoral Commission and is designed to regulate any activity that is both public in nature and be reasonably regarded as intended to encourage voters to vote for/against a particular party or group of MPs/candidates. Now I am not going to spend that kind of money on electioneering, and in all probability neither is CAMRA, but we do have to be very careful about what we say and do. For example we are not allowed to invite candidates to open an event (such as a beer festival), make a keynote speech or make the presentation of an
award. Neither can we in any way seek to influence how somebody votes. There are lots of issues which I would like candidates to address, such as beer duty and change of use of public houses, and as a campaigning organisation I feel that is part of our role. Why are MPs scared of these issues being raised? Is it a heavy handed way of trying to neuter the Trade Unions? Are they worried that charities like Shelter are going to highlight awkward facts? I am all for making sure that charitable donations are used for the purpose for which they were raised, but I can see that helping to eradicate the causes of homelessness is as valuable as dealing with the consequences, and calling politicians to account can be a valid way of achieving that. I also think that it is scandalous that people who willingly pay to join a Trade Union are told how their subscriptions may be spent. Perhaps if the real agenda is to make charitable giving focus on the poor and needy, some though should be given to the charitable status of institutions like Eton College (see their website for details of how capital gains tax is calculated on your gift of shares). Still, at least no such limitations apply when some of the money you spend on your beer is donated to a political party. Robinsons, for example, donated £5,000 to the Tatton branch of the Conservative party in May this year, as they did last year, and I am sure that George Osborne, the local MP was duly grateful. As Scotland shows, given the right issue, people can be engaged in the political process, but sometimes I wonder how much our leaders want that to happen. bar.man@btinternet.com
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COAST ROAD, WALCOTT, NORFOLK NR12 OPE Telephone
(01692) 650371 FREE HOUSE
Proprietor since 1989: STEVE BULLIMORE
OPEN FOR FOOD & DRINKS ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, 11am - 11pm Food available all day until 10.30pm 10% off food and drink on production of CAMRA membership card
FOUR REAL ALES & CIDER www.lighthouseinn.co.uk 48
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NORFOLK NIPS | The Rant
A pub is not just for Christmas When I were a lad, Christmas started on Christmas Eve, when father came home from work. He was never his usual grumpy self, but rather jolly and obviously looking forward to Christmas. That made us kids very happy and excited too. What we could not understand is why mother did not join in the bon homie, indeed, she seemed quite put out that father was so happy and excited. We all wondered why this was. Years later, my first Christmas at work, I too came home happy and excited on Christmas Eve. Mother was not best pleased at either of us, and then the penny dropped. I knew where I had been and the reason for my merriment, but father was teetotal, except for the odd glass of sherry and the exceptional glass of whisky – at Christmas. He had, of course, allowed himself to accompany his mates to the pub on the way home from work. It was just a small corner local, but one presumes that they had ample stocks of whisky and sherry. It wasn’t a pub that I frequented. It was run by an old (in my eyes at the time, ancient) couple who never had a cheery word or smile for anyone. They had been running the pub for years, so were presumably there when my father visited on Christmas Eve.
Which brings me to the point. Why would anyone go there? Why choose to spend your hard earned cash on beer somewhere where you would get a frosty reception? You could probably get that at home – for free. Why does anyone do anything? Why do some people support non-league football teams watched by one man and his dog? The answer has to be loyalty and tradition, or perhaps habit is a better word. People have gone back to the same holiday spot for years on end, always complaining that it “just isn’t the same.” But they won’t go anywhere else. Reluctantly, you have to ask if this why some pubs are closing today. Customers have been going there out of habit, putting up with second best. Or worse, this is their only visit to a pub and they are there just because it’s Christmas. As a result, they don’t like pubs much. But there is an answer. Remember, a pub is not just for Christmas. Make an old year resolution to visit your local this Christmas and a new year one to visit again, and other pubs as well in 2015. You can record your findings on Whatpub.com. So, walk into the pub with a big cheery smile, and if two sour faced old codgers are staring at you from the other side of the bar, heartily wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (but be prepared to duck!)
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A popular pub with locals and holidaymakers alike, the Crown Inn is perched right on the clifftop overlooking the beautiful sandy beaches of Sheringham in Norfolk.
“The Country Pub On The Edge of Town” Bacton Road, North Walsham NR28 0RA FREE
ACCESS
OPEN ALL DAY FIVE REAL ALES Meals Served
12noon to 2.30pm and in the evening 6.30 to 9.30pm
Bookings 01692 404800
Enjoy a meal or snack from our extensive and popular menu.
Five Real Ales always available Every Saturday - Live Local Bands
Monday nights - Pub Quiz with prizes, refreshments and free entry Tel: 01263 823213 crownsheringham@hotmail.co.uk www.crown-sheringham.co.uk Lifeboat Plain, East Cliff Sheringham NR26 8BQ
What’s On: Open Mic Nights. Whether a performer or audience member, join us to hear some great local talent. 5th January, 3rd February from 7.30pm Philosophy Nights A lighthearted cognitive kick-about, bring an open mind. Tuesday 30th December, January 27th, Feb 24th from 7.30pm. Live Music Christmas Eve. and New Years Eve from 7pm Soul Night Get on your dancing shoes and join us for an evening of soul music. Saturday 27th December 7.30pm. Poems and a Pint. Come along with a poem to share, or just enjoy listening to others. Tuesday 6th January 7pm. “Meet the Brewer” Thursday 29th January 7pm Great British Beer Festival Overall Champion winner Mark Riches, will be sharing his brewing knowledge and helping us taste our way through some of his successfulbeers. 20 spaces available and includes a three course meal. £25 per person.
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CAMRA Discount Scheme
| NORFOLK NIPS
Grab a CAMRA Discount at your local! The following local businesses offer a discount for CAMRA members (usually on presentation of a Membership Card):
London Tavern, Attleborough: 10p off a half, 20p off a pint of real ale Green Gate, Caister-on-Sea: 20p off a pint of real ale Albion, Cromer: 10% off real ales, draught and bottled Red Lion, Drayton: 10% off real ales Oliver Twist, Great Yarmouth: 10% off across the board - please show card before ordering Brickmakers, Horsford: 10p off a half, 20p off a pint of real ale Railway, North Elmham: 10% off B&B and camping Compleat Angler, Norwich: 10% off all real ales
Plasterers, Cowgate, Norwich: 10% off all real ales (available to all customers on Mondays) Pig & Whistle, Westlegate, Norwich: 10% off all real ales Lighthouse Inn, Walcott: 10% off all real ales Cherry Tree, Wicklewood: 30p off a pint of Buffy’s If your pub or business offers a discount to CAMRA, but isn't on this list, please contact pubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.uk and let us know the details (including any restrictions). Please note: We believe the discounts listed are offered at the time of going to press, however pubs may of course withdraw or change offers at any time!
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NORFOLK NIPS | From the Archives Issue No.58 December 91/January 92 A4 4 pages, printed in black on blue uncoated stock Editors: Rod and Sara Dent Publicans were not happy. 3,000 of them went on the march during the Tory Party Conference in Blackpool. They were protesting against a Government policy which, they said, was forcing them out of their pubs. What was needed was tougher measures against the big brewers, but the Government had introduced a loophole which meant that tenancies could be switched to long leases. Sounds good, but it also meant that publicans no longer got security under the Landlord and Tennant Act. It was reported that long leases would result in higher rents, responsibility for all repairs and fines for not meeting beer sales targets. In Norwich, David and Shirley Howard had recently left The Prince of Denmark after Grand Met had offered them a 20 year lease., which at £30,000 a year was nearly double their annual profit. At the time this issue went to press , they were running another Grand Met pub, The Dyers Arms until Grand Met could find a buyer. Norwich publicans had met Government representatives at The House of Commons, but no solution had been reached. CAMRA called on Real Ale drinkers to join CAMRA and join the fight as “The future of the British Pub is at Stake”.
On a cheerier note, it was reported that “The Fat Cat, a new Colin Keatley initiative” was due to open on 2nd January. Directions were given to enable drinkers to find this pub. The Beer of the Festival 1991 was Reepham Velvet Stout. Other winners were King and Barnes Mild, Kelham Island Bitter, Woodforde’s Nelson’s Revenge, Mitchells Single Malt. Burnards won the Cider Award and Franklins the Perry Award. Is there life after XXXmas? was the title of the new Winter Ale Trail, which involved 40 pubs, 20 in Norwich and 20 spread throughout the County. It was an attempt to promote dark warming winter ales brewed by independent Brewers. Visit 20 of them, five of which must be outside Norwich and you qualified for an exclusive T shirt or sweatshirt. Did you get one? Have you still got it? Does it still fit? Let the Editor know..
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n, bs Dear Barma these posh pu ent to one of w I e th g Recently in a. Dur te dining are d to with a separa itress offere a w e meal, th ur o pint, of a se d ur re co inks. I orde dr e or m e m uld I bring us so not full. Sho rrived it was but when it a ?J be topped up ask for it to
NORFOLK NIPS | Bar Man’s Postbag Dear Barman
of my No I am not, so I have decided to make the most ver good fortune and drink it without a murmur. Howe tten when the bill arrives it is clear that they have forgo J to deduct the cost of the drink. What should I do?
Dear J If I am at a bar an d I am served shor t measure I always ask politely for m y pint to be topped up. In a dining room th is is more difficult as it may mean catch ing the eye of the waitr ess again and subjecting her to another trip to th e bar, Often waitresses are not trained to pull pints and it is no t really their faul t that your drink is no t perfect. However apart from your small loss of money, it is not good for a pub to get a reputation for serving short mea sure, so it may be worth having a discreet word to explain th e situation. B Dear Barman,
That went well. My pint was topped up and the landlord apologised , and although he did sa y that the waitress was be ing sacked in the mo rning, I think he was joking . However it happen ed again. Th is time we had bo oked a table in a pu b near Carlisle and when we arrived there was co nfusion over where we were sitting and a lot of shuffling about. The waitress apologised and off ered us a drink on the house to compensate. Wh en we wanted a refill she brought a pint from the bar wh ich was despera tely short measure . Th is raises another dilemma. If the beer is on the ho use should I complain? J
Dear J It does seem a bit mean to free drink b eing short m complain about a easure. Are Yorkshire? B you from
Dear J It seems that you have three choices. You are probably in a good mood after watching a great 3-0 victory at Carlisle in the afternoon. The beer is good and the food excellent. Why not just forget it. On the other hand, if you feel that strongly you could knock the cost of the missing beer of your generous tip. (You were going to leave a generous tip weren’t you?). The third option is to mention it when you pay the bill. Having drunk the pint you have no evidence to back up your claim that the pint was short (unless you are one of those people who take pictures of your food and drink) or that one of the staff offered you a drink on the house. On the other hand you may be protecting the reputation of the pub if you do mention it. I guess what will happen if you do mention it is that they will be very apologetic and deduct the cost of the beer from your bill. You, however, will feel so bad about raising the issue that you will leave an extra-large tip for the staff, just to prove that it was not a money issue, and making it possible to look forward to a return visit if Bury fail to gain promotion and Carlisle survive relegation. Unlikely I grant you. Note. Any similarity with real events in this fictitious exchange of correspondence is purely coincidental. Then again coincidences sometimes happen. bar.man@btinternet.com
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Mulled wine & warm fires - Fresh home cooked food 50+ malt whiskeys - Bar & specials menu’s Fine wines & beer - Local and national ales
What’s Happening..? Beer Festivals May and August Bank Holidays, DragonFest Open Mic nights, Weekly quiz and more... Check out our website and Facebook for events through into winter. Christmas bookings now being taken.
ish Fresh fps & chi iday
r every idf e main s g n (alo nu) me
nal Traditiost Roa day un every S pm) (12 - 4
Main Road, Clenchwarton, King’s Lynn PE34 4AQ 58
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Warren’s Words As I write this article Norwich Beer Festival has barely finished and I suspect like most people involved with it we have hardly had time to recover from it. It is difficult to know at this stage how the festival went and have had little time to receive feedback from the public, but once again everything seems to suggest that it has been another superb event and I hope both those who worked and those who attended as customers enjoyed the festival. Once again as Chairman of Norwich & Norfolk CAMRA and on behalf of The Committee I would I like to thank all the 350 plus volunteers who contributed to make this festival such a successful event. Being entirely run by volunteers this event would not be possible without your support. It has come to that time of year again when selection for the next ‘Good Beer Guide’ is not far away. As readers may recall from my previous articles in this magazine, I asked readers to note any pubs that they may have visited during the past year, (including those that are in the current guide) that they think are eligible for nomination for the ‘Good Beer Guide’ (GBG). For Pubs that are in the Norwich & Norfolk Branch please, if you have any nominations contact our Pubs Officer, Ian Stamp on - iancstamp@gmail.com and he will be pleased to hear from you. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all NIPS readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Steve’s Words
NORFOLK NIPS | Last Orders
We are now in the run up to the Festive period. One of the wonderful aspects of the Christmas period is the variety of Winter and Old Ales. I love to try as many of these beers over this period as I can. It is pleasing to see that many of the microbreweries are brewing special ales over this period, increasing the choice enormously. Both locally and nationally we still have a never ending fight to keep the Great British Pub open. CAMRA members will have had emails about lobbying your local MP with regard to the vote in the Commons, I hope that you have vote , as these all help to keep the Pub in the minds of our politicians. After all, this is why Camra was formed, to campaign for the Pubs and to make it a fair playing field for all Pubs. Locals are now campaigning to buy and reopen the Blue Lion at North Pickenham. In our area we know this is possible as the Kings Arms at Shouldham goes from strength to strength. Voting can now take place for our own Pub of the Year. To register a vote, you must visit and score all five pubs in the competition. Score sheet are available from Jeff, please email him for the sheets. We need the completed sheets in by the meeting in February. Well done to all at the Railway Arms in Downham Market who reached the final four in the Cider Pub of the Year for the second year, but unfortunately not winning this year.
Warren Wordsworth Warren Wordsworth Norwich and Norfolk Branch Chair
A Merry Christmas and Happy 2015 from West Norfolk CAMRA Cheers Steve Barker W.N. Chairman
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Branch contacts
| NORFOLK NIPS
Contact Details Norwich & Norfolk Branch Chairman: Warren Wordsworth Tel: 01603 665557 Email: chairman@norwichcamra.org.uk Secretary: Rob Whitmore Email: secretary@norwichcamra.org.uk Social Secretary: Michael Philips Email: socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk Pubs Officer: Ian Stamp Email: pubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.uk West Norfolk Branch Chairman: Steve Barker email: steve.barker495@btinternet.com Secretary: Ian Bailey Contact: Ian Bailey Tel: 01553 766904 Branch websites: www.norwichcamra.org.uk www.camra.org.uk/wnorfolk Branch mailing list web page: groups.yahoo.com/group/ CAMRA_Norwich Published every 3 months by the Norwich and Norfolk & West Norfolk branches of the Campaign for Real Ale Š N&N CAMRA 2014 Norfolk Nips is produced and distributed by members of the branch in their own time. Views expressed in Norfolk Nips are not necessarily those of the editor or of CAMRA.
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Edited by: Mike Baldwin Email: michaelbaldwin8@gmail.com Chris Lucas Email: chris-stig@tiscali.co.uk Design & Production: Daniel Speed - Orchard House Media 01733 211933 Email: info@orchardhousemedia.co.uk Advertising: For advertising enquiries please contact Jane Michelson on: 07732 393 621 01733 211410 jane@orchardhousemedia.co.uk Distribution: 12,000 copies / four times a year Norwich and Norfolk District: Adrian Simpson West Norfolk District : Ros Harre r.harre@btinternet.com
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O
O
Now in partnership with the Acorn Tearooms we serve sandwiches, cakes, scones and afternoon teas daily. We have 17 handpumps, with Real Ale from far and wide, 2 Real Ciders and 2 Real Ales from gravity, a large car park, large beer garden with heated smoking shelter, darts, pool, quizzes and crib. The Royal Oak lies at the heart of the community and new customers are always welcome. Come along and get a real welcome from a real pub selling real ale! Nick, Delia And The Team would love to see you soon.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to all our customers new and old.
Norwich And Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007
Remember a Pub is for life not just for Christmas.
Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007
A dream of a pub situated in the village of Poringland on the B1332 road to Bungay.
14 years in the Good Beer Guide!
The main bus route from Norwich stops right outside.
44 The Street, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7JT
www.poringlandroyaloak.co.uk Tel: 01508 493734 poringlandroyaloak
@poringlandoak