rhythm and booze Brews, News, Bands & Reviews - Issue 29 - January/February 2015
The Replicas R eTuRn
Main picture: The audience enjoying The Replicas at the Deepings RUFC Beer Festival 2011. Inset: The Replicas today, clockwise from bottom left, Luke Allport, Les Wheeler, Geoff Green and Dave Parsons. Peterborough-based band The Replicas have reformed, having “seen the error of [their] ways.” The Soul/Ska/ Punk/Mod covers band formed in 2007, playing a variety of gigs and festivals including the Peterborough Beer Festival 2011 – before breaking up in 2012. Despite going their separate ways and forming new bands, the members –
Luke Allport (guitar/lead vocals), Andy Lindsay (bass), Geoff Green (keyboards), Dave Parsons (saxophone) and Les Wheeler (drums) – were regularly asked about the possibility of a comeback. Explaining the reason behind the reunion, Les said: “It's fair to say we missed the buzz of playing the songs we love, with that injection of
energy people came to know us by.” Due to other commitments, Andy Lindsay is unable to take part in the reunion. A new bassist will be in place by the first gig in early 2015. For further information on The Replicas, visit www.facebook.com /TheReplicasBand or ring Les on 07751 294898.
peTeRboRough • souTh lincs • RuTland • easT noRThanTs
Werrington Centre Staniland Way PE4 6NA Tel: 01733 327696
teN Real aleS FRom £2.00 a PINt
Peterborough CamRa Pub of the Year 2014 CamRa Gold award 2013 Live Satellite Sports n Live Entertainment Happy Hour Mon - Fri 5-7pm
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Peterborough CamRa Pub of the Year 2014 Runner Up Live Satellite Sports n Live Entertainment Happy Hour Monday - Friday 5-7pm Cash Quiz - Sunday from 8pm
the rhythm section Award winning country and blues duo Red Dirt Skinners (www.reddirtskinners.com) perform at Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Deeping on 31 January. The duo, the only act to have succeeded at both the British Blues Awards and the British Country Music Awards, offer “a wonderful magic bag of country, blues, bluegrass and rootsy downhome Americana.” The £8 entry fee includes include a free drink at the bar. For information about, visit www.ironhorseranchhouse.co.uk A supergroup made from the ‘cream’ of the region’s bands was scheduled to perform at the O2 Academy in Islington at the end of December. Influenced by the likes of You Me At Six and The Script, Atlantic Avenue (www.facebook.com/ AtlanticAvenueUK) was formed in early 2014 and have performed at Mama Liz’s and The Met Lounge. At the time of writing was lined up
Red Dirt Skinners. to perform at Festive-All 2014 alongside former X Factor contestants Kingsland Road and singer/songwriter Bailey McConnell. Performance poet and Rhythm & Booze contributor Cardinal Cox has released a new poetry pamphlet. The
booklet, his 51 st such publication, has a Magna Carta theme and he will be reading verses from it at poetry events round the region throughout 2015. What could be the smallest record shop in Britain has opened in Peterborough. Marrs Plectrum Records is housed in a brick shed in the garden of owner Matthew Hawton’s Walton home. As well as new and used vinyl records, the Fulbridge Road business sells Rega RP1 turntables and accessories. The opening coincided with the news that more than one million vinyl records were sold in 2014 – the first time sales have breached that figure since 1996. For further information about Marrs Plectrum Records, call 07884 357021 or visit www.marrsplectrum.co.uk
The Woolpack Stanground's Best Kept Secret - A 15 minute walk from the centre of town
n Open all day, every day from 12 noon (11.30am Saturday) n Up to four real ales available n Large riverside beer garden n Food served Tuesday to Sunday lunchtimes and Monday to Saturday evenings n Quiz on Sunday evenings (cash prizes)
liVe Music
Traditional Irish Music Sessions – Every Sunday, 4-7pm North Street, Stanground, Peterborough Pe2 8JF (01733) 753544
The addison arms
sawtry Road, glatton pe28 5RZ Tel: 01487 830410 A friendly 18th century inn, serving a well-kept range of ales including a mild or porter. Our restaurant provides a selection of traditional meals and homemade specialities. We cater for vegetarians andchildren, please call for further information and bookings.
huntingdonshire caMRa Rural pub of the Year 2014 • locale pub of the Year 2014
Tuesday 27th January - Caribbean Buffet Night Wednesday 11th February – Comedy Night both events by ticket only RegulaR eVenTs include QuiZ nighT sundaY, pReMieR league MaTches, biKeRs, cYclisTs, WalKeRs & dogs WelcoMe
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Pub News
Whittlesey’s Annual Straw Bear Festival takes place on the weekend of 10-11 January. This traditional event was relaunched in 1980, and has become a major regional event featuring more than 250 musicians, dancers and street entertainers, not to mention all day opening and beer festivals. The Letter B in Church St, is offering 20 real ales and 10 real ciders, and most of the town centre pubs will be opening early and offering a vastly enhanced range of beers Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson was one of a handful of Conservative MP’s who rebelled against the government in a November vote, helping to overturn the current ‘beer tie’ rules which currently force some publicans to buy at vastly inflated prices from their pubco. Following the success of the Cosy Club in Stamford, the same company is launching a similar café bar
the Stone loach Inn.
olde White Horse, Spalding. style venture in Peterborough. The Argo Lounge was due to open next to NatWest bank on Bridge Street during December Both JD Wetherspoon’s Draper’s Arms in Cowgate, Peterborough and the Captain Noel Newton in Oakham have won platinum star ratings at the annual ‘Loo of the Year’ awards. The Dragonfly, Herlington Centre, Orton Malbourne has been refurbished with a family theme. Market Deeping’s Stone Loach Inn now boasts an upstairs Thai Restaurant. Landlord Johnny Parr, who also has the Mason’s Arms in Bourne, has employed a Thai chef and staff to create authentic dishes not currently available in the town. Free pool nights have also been introduced. The Red Lion Hotel in Spalding may soon be adorned with a blue plaque commemorating rock legend Jimi Hendrix who stayed
there in May 1967 when playing at the famous Barbecue ‘67 concert in the town. It’s alleged that Hendrix tied bed sheets together and dangled them from the window to help female fans up to his room. Also in Spalding the landlords of the 16 th century Olde White Horse in Churchgate have employed Master Thatcher of Lincolnshire, Stewart Alexander, to rethatch the roof. The Bluebell in Helpston is thriving again under the keen eye of Lesley Newitt. Regular Saturday night live entertainment can be enjoyed along with locally sourced food and a range of four real ales including the house beer, 10 Woodgate (the pub’s address), brewed by Deeping’s Star Brewery. A gourmet food evening is planned for 21 January. Bob Taylor, who has run the Rutland Arms (better known as the ‘Dirty Duck’) at Continued over
Pub News (continued) Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir since 1971, has retired at the age of 74. He’s not hanging up his bar towel, though – he’s turning his attention to the Springfield Arms in Grantham. The Three Horsehoes at Whissendine near Oakham was the scene of an armed robbery when Landlord Mark Allen was confronted by robbers who pushed a gun in his face before fleeing with the contents of the till. The Golden Lion in Bourne, featured in our last issue, has been bought by Mark Richardson – owner of the White Horse at Baston. The pub is currently closed for a much-needed refurbishment and is unlikely to reopen until late 2015 When the top floor of the 19th century Old Ship Inn at Pointon near Bourne went up in smoke one afternoon in October, the business could well have gone the same way. However, landlord Andy O’Shea appealed to local craftsmen to come to his aid, and as a result the pub reopened a week later. Among the 40 or so helpers was Paul Greenslade who gave his services for free, Paul Burrel who attended to the electrics and Mark Osbourne who refitted the water system. Almost 2,000 spectators witnessed The 2015 World Conker Championship, held at the Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick near Oundle. Winner of the men’s title was John Doyle, the women’s was won by Stephanie ‘The Bee’ Withall.
the Red Cow @ the Crown Hotel, Stamford. The Thurlby Group of pubs that includes Smith’s of Bourne, the Lord Nelson in Oakham, the Prince Rupert in Newark, and the Crown Hotel and Tobie Norris in Stamford was rebranded Knead Group at an event at the Crown in November. This coincided with the reopening of the hotel bar as a ‘pop-up pub’ – The ‘Red Cow @ the Crown Hotel’. A new stillage installed at Smith’s allows a number of beers to be served straight from the barrel in addition to the six hand pulled ales. Nigel Wright of Hopshackle Brewery has announced that plant will be more than doubled in size from March. The Market Deeping brewery has an extensive range of beers, which has now been supplemented by a new brew, Midas – a 5.2% “golden, malty, fruity beer with a dry finish.” The Wicked Witch at Ryhall is open again. Dameon Clarke, a former chef at the restaurant, is now the leaseholder of the Marston’s house and is concentrating on “quality local produce at affordable prices.” Just along the road, the Green Dragon
has been awarded Pub of the Season by Rutland CAMRA After a long period of discussion, The Jolly Brewer in Stamford will be getting its own brewery, although it won’t be on the premises. Licensee Dean Baker will commence brewing from an industrial unit in Ketton from February. Oundle Mill, until recently a restaurant/hotel is for sale with King West for £1.5m. The leasehold for the Merrie Monk pub and nightclub at Kirton near Boston is available through www.poyntons.com The freehold for the Bull Inn at Rippingale, near Bourne – reputedly the birthplace of Radio 4’s The Archers – is for sale with www.colliers.com for £300,000. Pubs no more… The Station Gates on Winsover Road, Spalding could become a takeaway, while the former Queen Inn at Donington could become a private residence if recent planning applications are successful. Chris Shilling
O n t h e ( Ti m e ) l a s h A visit to the pubs seen, however briefly, in Doctor Who.
The World’s End 174 Camden High Street Camden Town, London NW1 0NE 020 7482 1932 www.theworldsend.co.uk Despite being the ‘current’ Doctor for longer than any other actor (there are nine years between his and Christopher Eccleston’s debuts), Paul McGann’s total Doctor Who screen time is just over an hour and a half. His two TV adventures were set in San Francisco – but filmed in Vancouver – and outer space respectively, meaning, even if pubs were spotted in the episodes, it would be a long way for me to go to cover them. Thankfully, McGann’s
Doctor appeared in books, audio adventures and comic strips, which occasionally featured a pub in the narrative. The most accessible of these – plot and distance wise – was The Flood, an eight-part strip that ran in Doctor Who Magazine between August 2004 and March 2005, which featured scenes inside the World’s End. Like the Tardis, the pub seems bigger on the inside with a traditional cosy front bar – complete with fireplace – giving way to a larger one at the back. This area includes a mezzanine drinking area, basement snug and arcade style mock shop fronts around the walls. The hand pumps on both bars were advertising Greene
King IPA and Old Speckled Hen, however the lines were in the process of being cleaned. The barmaid suggested a pint of World’s End Ale, a 3.6% keg bitter, priced £4.20. I was expecting it to be a craft beer, possibly from Camden Town Brewery. However it was so cold and devoid of taste that it could have been any other creamflow keg bitter. The pub was fairly quiet during my early evening visit but gets busier later on and at weekends, especially when there’s a gig on at The Underworld below. Like McGann’s Doctor who debut, the pub is a bit of a curate’s egg, but I’d probably revisit both if decent beer was close to hand.
RailRoVing
lincoln
As with Boston last issue, Lincoln can be arrived at by a couple of different routes. The cheaper fares tend to be reserved for the ‘direct’ route via Spalding (around £15 return for a 90-minute journey) but the quickest route (about an hour) is up the main line to Newark for a change of trains. Going from Sleaford is better still, as it’s only £7.70 return. While not the largest city in the UK, Lincoln is surely one of the most pleasant – it also has a LOT of pubs, which are well spread out so it’s worth having a plan. Ours was a two-pronged attack, with Jocky leading one party
through the city centre and north, with mine heading south, east and west. Lincoln also boasts the aptly named Steep Hill up to the cathedral, so the central boys decided to do the energetic bit first, commencing with the Wig & Mitre half way up the hill. Misgivings that this was an eatery were put aside as altitude giddiness set in. The small bar area is located between two restaurant areas – an impressive collection of pump clips paying testament to a healthy guest beer policy. Friendly but slow service offered old favourites JHB, Tiger, Black Sheep, along with
Kindling Ash – a 4.4% malty offering from Lincolnshire’s Tom Wood brewery. Marston houses, the Magna Carta and Lion & Snake came next, before the next point of interest – the Tower Hotel on Westgate. This place had been recommended for its Adnams Dry Hopped Lager, which proved pleasantly floral if a little fizzy. Four hand pumps were dispensing London Pride, Oakham Citra, Everards Regimental IPA and Black Sheep Blitzen – possibly too many for what is essentially another restaurant. Skirting round the mistshrouded castle, the Good Beer Guide-listed Strugglers,
also on Westgate, came into view. Radio 2 gently played in the wooden floored bar, crammed with pump clips and breweriana. There’s a tiny snug, a real fire and an impressive range of nine hand pulled ales from the likes of Kelham Island, Brown Ales, Navigation and Pheasantry breweries. Four hundred and sixty-eight different real ales were served in 2013 and landlady Anna confirmed that 2014 would see this record broken. No surprise then that it’s been voted local CAMRA Pub of the Year twice in recent years. Anna has been at the pub for six years and was previously at the lamented Cornhill Vaults for over 20 years. She was happy to offer a taster of the next beer to come on – the Regimental IPA again – a far better version than was tried earlier. Just around the corner is another old favourite, the Victoria on Union Street. Once the jewel in Lincoln’s pub crown, this former free house has been part of the Bateman estate for eight years. In addition to the
Wainfleet beers were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Oldershaw’s Mosaic Blonde and Cameron’s Ebony Fall Porter. CAMRA members receive a 5% discount and the beers were on great form, but the almost total absence of other customers was testament to the sanitised interior and uninterested attitude of the bar staff. Perched on the ring road close to the cathedral is Lincoln’s oldest pub, the Adam & Eve. Harvest Pale, Old Speckled Hen, Wild Beer Co Bibble and Adnams
Smoked Ruby were available and in good form, but the interior appeared a little soulless. A short walk downhill along Broadgate takes you to the Jolly Brewer – a no-frills alehouse with a gothic styled interior. This pub’s very popular for its live music and regular beer festivals. Current theme was lady brewers, with beers from Welbeck Abbey, Greg’s, Milestone and Navigation. Sadly there wasn’t time for the Straight & Narrow, but this was recommended for a future visit. If you’re arriving early at the station, it’s worth taking a left turn and left again over the crossing to sample the delights of the High Street. The star performers are situated at either end of this very long street, but the less discerning can make it into a mini crawl all of its own. First up is the Treaty of Commerce – an austere looking Bateman’s house offering a good range of beers including LocAles served by friendly staff. Just past the former St Marks railway station (now a shopping centre) stands the Ritz – a former Cinema,
and one of three JD Wetherspoon’s in the city (the others are the Brayford and the Forum). Beer is served here from 9am, and despite being a little after 10am, this place was doing a brisk trade. Along with the permanent Abbot Ale and Ruddles, were Broadside, three festive brews and mulled cider. This was the original coaching route up from London via our neck of the woods, and there’s still a profusion of, presumably, former coaching inns. The Anchor ‘sports bar’ was given a wide berth, so onto the City Vaults, originally built as a police station back in 1826, becoming a pub in 1844 and now popular for its Chinese food. After a period of closure the George & Dragon was due to reopen on the day of our visit, but there was no sign of life at this early hour. Then come the Millers Arms, Golden Cross and Shakespeare before finally arriving at the Golden Eagle – a proper real ale hub. This two roomed Castle Rock pub is open daily from 11am and offers up to nine hand drawn beers served by knowledgeable staff, reasonably priced food, a weekly quiz, a loyalty card scheme and a newly refreshed beer garden. To the east of the station, along the ‘Waterside’ lies an attractive Marston’s eatery known as the Witch and Wardrobe. It’s a pleasant location but beer drinkers will prefer the Green Dragon a little further along – a stunning medieval building with a cosy front bar/ restaurant and well-kept beers (Doom Bar, Brains SA
Gold and Black Sheep on our visit). Crossing Broadgate, with the cathedral to your left, you’ll see the aforementioned Jolly Brewer, and a little further up the hill there’s Monk Street. A five-minute walk away from town brings you to the Dog & Bone on the corner with John Street. Run by Chris and Sarah Sorrell, the pub has had several names including the Riflemen and the Gay Dog. A Bateman’s house, it offers three house beers and three guests plus a friendly welcome, a library area, art collection and two real fires – just the job after a chilly walk. This is surely Lincoln’s best-kept secret – indeed even the locals I asked for directions didn’t seem to know it. After just a year, Chris and Sarah have created Lincoln CAMRA’s pub of the year and picked up county and regional (East Midlands) awards. It’s a meeting place for several clubs, a walking group and delightfully named ‘Stitch & Bitch’ group. Food and live music feature on selected days. Over in the west beyond the trendy Brayford Pool/ University Quarter, lies the appropriately named Queen in the West – a Lincoln legend for many years. Four beers were available in this friendly local – from Timothy Taylor, Wells & Young’s, Thwaites and Magpie. This was a swift visit as time was ticking and I’d heard great things about the West End Tap in nearby Newland Street West. This vibrant pub (formerly the Vine) has been revitalised with a great range of wellkept ales and cider from £2.80, plus weekly live music
Dog & Bone. and open mic nights. Run by self-confessed “bar wench and pub geek” Suzy Aldridge, this basic boozer oozes youthful optimism. Clearly popular with the student community it still enjoys a broad cross section of regulars. Suzy was happy to offer her recommendations about other pubs in the town, along with her favourite tipples, so expect to see something from Dark Star or Hophead on at all times, along with possibly an Oakham Ale – and don’t be surprised to see Suzy in the Straight & Narrow or the Morning Star. Clearly a couple of good reasons for a return visit. Jocky Martin and Chris Shilling
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The Surrealist Sportsman’s Club david ‘dai’Roll is going round in circles. There can’t be many sports or games in which Peterborough can boast of having a world champion, but circular chess is one of them. The rules can be traced back to the late medieval period when Persian author Muhammad ibn Mahmud Amuli wrote about Roman (Byzantine) shatranj. Shatranj is a board game related to modern chess, but has elephants instead of bishops. In 1983, Lincoln-based historian David Reynolds drew up a set of rules closer to contemporary chess. The board is made of four concentric circles, each with 16 ‘squares’, giving a total of 64 spaces. The game caught on locally and spread through chess circles (sorry). The first championship was held in 1996 and by virtue of there being no other such events, was named the world championship. In 1997 the champion was Francis Bowers from Peterborough, who has
The Circular Chess Championship 2010, at the Tap & Spile in Lincoln, saw another victory for Francis Bowers. Photo © George Jelliss
taken the title a further six times since then. A number of pubs do have a selection of board games available for customers to play, so perhaps circular chess could spread through such establishments. If it did it would be slightly ironic as at the end of the 19th and
beginning of the 20th centuries chess was one of the attractions of the temperance hostelries where only soft drinks, tea and coffee were on offer. n Looking ahead, this year’s Stilton Cheese Rolling festival will take place on Monday 4 May, so start getting those teams in training.
WiTh The beaTles
Although early Beatles’ gigs didn’t always end in cheers and polite applause, the catcalls and jeers that they received at Peterborough in December 1962 did come as a surprise. However, that show, starring yodeller Frank Ifield, at the Embassy Theatre in though ignominious for the group at the time, was to have happier repercussions. In the audience was the Peterboroughborn promoter Arthur Howes and his secretary Susan Fuller, and they saw the group’s potential, even if some of the audience didn’t. Howes was there because Brian Epstein had telephoned him at the end of October, and told him – as he told everybody who would listen – that his boys were destined for great things. Perhaps surprisingly, on the strength of Epstein’s enthusiasm, Howes booked the Beatles on to his Helen Shapiro package the following February. He also told
Epstein that in order for him to assess their performance he wanted the group to first play 10-minute spots on Ifield’s two Peterborough houses for expenses only. Their hearts may have sunk as they crept offstage that December night, but Howes and his assistant had a surprise; not only did the Beatles retain their spot on the Shapiro
package, but Howes wasted no time in booking them on to his Chris Montez and Tommy Roe double header that would immediately follow. Epstein, touched by Howes’ faith in his boys, responded by giving an undertaking that Howes could have first refusal on all future Beatle UK tours. When the Beatles returned to the Embassy on 17 March 1963, the mood had changed and the Evening Telegraph, who just over three months earlier had said that the band were “not nearly as bad as they might have been,” now felt that “the Beatles are right at the top – and they deserve to be there.” On the bill for one night only were the Dynatones, a local band
opposite page: The cover and a page from the Frank Ifield concert programme. above left: The Dynatones, clockwise from left: Trevor Wright (drums), Colin Hodgkinson (bass) and Adrian Titman-King. Bottom row, left to right: Tony Benham (vocals), Mick Lemmon (rhythm guitar) and Richard Austin (lead guitar).
who included respected bassist Colin Hodgkinson among their number. The Beatles made an immediate impact on the Dynatones with keyboard player Adrian Titman-King even managing to have a jam with the Beatles’ rhythm section. “I was always wanting to play the Steinway piano at the Embassy and I got on it that night and was beginning to swing – Macca was tuning up and Ringo was setting up and then they joined in and we played for a couple of minutes until the rest of the lads arrived with their gear. Later, John Lennon came up to me at the side of the stage between the shows and said: ‘You’re great players, but get off the Shadows’ shit.’ I told him that me and the bass player were already playing jazz and blues stuff and he said that’s what we should be doing.” The Dynatones were the most popular band around town at the time and Hodgkinson believes that is why the Peterborough-born Howes rewarded them with
the spot. “I remember Chris Montez being on the bill and of course we were delighted to be able to take part. We were probably a bit nervous beforehand because we were used to playing local dances, not a big stage show like that. Because we opened, we were free to watch The Beatles onstage later and my memory is of how incredibly tight they were as a band – such a fresh and tight sound. There was some screaming, but nowhere near as bad as it got later on. I’m sure Montez and Tommy Roe would have gone down well, but the kids were there to see The Beatles – you could tell that.” Hodgkinson had just bought a Fender bass and, like McCartney, he was lefthanded. “The Beatles were very friendly and approachable. We chatted to them afterwards and I remember talking to Paul about my new left-handed Fender bass. He said he hadn’t played a Fender, so he had a go. They were just down-toearth guys.”
Dynatones guitarist Richard Austin, who has lived in Queensland, Australia, since 1968, also has fond memories. “We went upstairs to watch the show after our spot. The guys [Beatles] were really excellent, on and offstage. They just had this charisma onstage – this confidence in the way they performed. They knew everything they played so well. As musicians you sometimes listened out for mistakes, but they were so tight. All those hours in Hamburg I suppose – being away from the British pop scene and doing their own thing.” With thanks to Martin Creasy for permission to use extracts from his book Beatlemania! The Real Story of The Beatles UK Tours 1963-1965 (published by Omnibus Press).
The Embassy as it is today.
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On a recent trip to Germany we popped into The Hotel Altora in Wernigerode, which overlooks the main locomotive depot of the Harz narrow gauge steam railway. In case you haven't had your fill of steam during the day, you place your order with the waitress at your table and your beer arrives from the bar by rail – when you're done you simply put your empties back in the wagons which are then whisked away for a refill. Chris Shilling
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by Cardinal Cox
pub scrawl
Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival will be back with us over the weekend of 9-11 January. As well as the music and dancing, there will be storytelling at the Methodist Chapel on the Saturday (with sessions from 12.30, 1.30 and 2.30pm) with Illinois-born Patrick Ryan. Over at the Library, Peterborough’s Poets United will also be performing, 12.30-1.30pm and 3.30-4:30pm. The Fenland Poet Laureate competition is currently under way, the deadline being 30 January, application forms should be available at all the district’s libraries and museums. The final will be held at Wisbech Museum on Friday 27 March, starting at 7pm. Always a good night, come along to hear the high quality work. The Blue Bell at Easton on the Hill has started a new open mic night that is happy to have poets perform at it. It is held on the second Sunday of each month (so 11 January, 8 February etc). Top American crime author Tess Gerritsen will be talking about her latest book, Die Again, on Tuesday 13 January (1pm) at Peterborough Central Library. The book features popular characters Detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles. Tickets (which are sure to sell out fast), priced £5 (£4 for concessions and members of reading groups), are available from any library or Waterstones in Bridge Street.
Over in Oundle, Ursula Buchan will be talking on Friday 16 January about John Buchan and The Thirty-Nine Steps. The story was first serialised in a magazine in 1915 so this year is the book’s centenary. The talk will be at St Peters Church from 7.30pm. Tickets are £7 (£5 concessions) and can be booked by ringing 07743 988181or emailing oundlelitfestival @hotmail.co.uk National Library Day is Saturday 7 February and Peterborough Central Library will be celebrating this day with a series of events about local writers. John Clare Cottage in Helpston is hosting an exhibition about the waterways of the fens from Saturday 7 February for two months. To check on opening times go to clarecottage.org I know I seldom mention Peterborough’s vibrant hiphop scene (and I am old enough to remember Public Enemy play the Wirrina) but I thought I should rectify that. True, the city has played its part in the upbringings of both Tim Westwood and the Prodigy’s Maxim Reality but I wanted to talk about the
John Buchan
current scene and how productive it is. The guys at the salon Headz-Up have made a feature film; beatboxer Skilly Skillz has worked with an orchestra and performed for the Queen; and MC Mixy (former Poet Laureate of Peterborough) has performed at the Edinburgh Festival, been in a comedy on Radio 4 and is now training to be a teach English in foreign countries. Ok, so some have been taken by drugs, but whether it’s the break-dancers practicing in St Peter’s Passage (every bit an athletic as Louis Smith), Launchpad Records releasing tracks, or the graffiti artists painting murals (with permission), I think we must have a community here as good as any city. King’s Lynn Literary Festival is to be held over the weekend of 13-15 March at the Town Hall and will nclude such writers as Jill Dawson, Romesh Gunesekera, Rachel Hore and LaShonda Katrice Barnett. For full details visit the website at www.lynnlitfests.com
Whisky business I’ve lost count of the amount of brewers who use whisky casks to mature their beer. However Innis & Gunn’s ageing process was more by accident than design. In 2002, Dougal Sharp, then head brewer at Caledonian Brewery, was commissioned by distiller William Grant & Sons for a beer to season its whisky barrels with; the idea being that after 30 days the beer could be discarded and the mature whisky that replaced it would absorb the flavour of the beer. The experiment was a success leading to the launch of Grant’s Cask Editions’ Ale Cask Finish. However, distillery staff feeling it would be sacrilegious to pour the beer away, decided to try it and discovered a flavoursome beer, totally transformed by the oak of the whisky barrels. After Grant’s management got wind of what was in the
squash bottles being taken home by members of staff, Sharp was invited to form a brewing subsidiary, which launched in 2003, taking its name from his and brother Neil Innis Sharp’s middle names. The first beer, Original, is still available and is popular around the world including Canada, where it is the most popular British bottled beer sold there. Despite its labels looking like they belong to a long-established brand (to the point where people believe that Innis & Gunn has been around for years), the company is keen to innovate. After Sharp bought out Grant’s share in 2008, the company developed the Oakerator – a way of mass ageing the beer by effectively putting an oak cask into the beer itself. By getting over a potential barrel shortage, it
allows Innis & Gunn to launch new varieties including Rum Finish and the limited edition Irish Whiskey Cask, a stout matured for 60 days in, you’ve guessed it, Irish whiskey barrels. Available on draught in several pubs around Edinburgh, the rest of us can enjoy Innis & Gunn’s beers in 330ml, 500ml or 660ml bottles. Being a traditionalist, I poured my bottle of Original into a glass to best appreciate the smell as well as taste. There’s more than a hint of whisky in its aroma but its taste is much more subtle. Normally I take the tasting notes on a beer bottle with a pinch of salt, however in the case of Innis & Gunn Original, I agree wholeheartedly that its “luscious flavours of toffee, vanilla and oak perfectly balance the beer’s backbone and light hop fruitiness.”
lisTings
20 december Children of the Revolution, Ploughman, Werrington Radius 45, Palmerston Arms, Woodston Revolver, Axe & Cleaver, Boston Sweet Revenge, Cherry Tree, Woodston 101 Proof, Angel Inn, Yarwell The Influence, Swiss Cottage, Woodston The Nuggets, Ebeneezers, Woodston Velocity, Straw Bear, Whittlesey Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough Overdubs, Heron, Stanground
21 december Bianca & the Topcats (4pm), Mama Liz’s, Stamford 22 december Rutland Big Band Christmas Special, Grainstore, Oakham Carols by Candlelight, Key Theatre, Peterborough 23 december Quiz, Hare & Hounds, Greatford 24 december Front Cover, Golden Fleece, Stamford The 707, Dragon, Werrington 26 december Sensational Soul Band, London Inn, Stamford Antoine, Mason’s Arms, Bourne Man Alive Band, Cherry Tree, Woodston New Generation Crash & Burn, Solstice, Peterborough 27 december Bianca & The Top Cats (10pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough The Nuggets, Ploughman, Werrington 7 Sinners, Golden Fleece, Stamford Circa ‘73, London Inn, Stamford Dean & Co, Mason’s Arms, Bourne Children of the Revolution, The Stage, Market Deeping Retrolux, Swiss Cottage, Woodston The Guards, Straw Bear, Whittlesey Loose Rocket, Axe & Cleaver, Boston The 707, Crown, Peterborough
Rocket ’57, Cock Inn, Werrington Captain Obvious, Railway Inn, Ramsey Antoine Fleuriot, Stone Loach Inn, Market Deeping Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough 28 december Ain’t Misbehavin’ (4pm), Mama Liz’s, Stamford 31 december CJ Hatt (10pm, usual free entry), North Street Bar, Peterborough The Soul Runners (ticket only), Ploughman, Werrington Disco karaoke, Golden Fleece, Stamford Leon, London Inn, Stamford Nick Willerton, Mason’s Arms, Bourne Jumpback 45 (DJ - Ska, Northern Soul etc, 8pm), Ostrich, Peterborough High Rollers, Swiss Cottage, Woodston The Guards, Cherry Tree, Woodston Dead Rabbits, Mama Liz’s, Stamford New Gen Crash & Burn, Fayre Spot,Bretton
League of Mentalmen, Dragon, Werrington Grounded (tickets only), Charters Bar, Peterborough Overdubs, The Stage, Market Deeping 02 January Ian Graham & Kat Moore, Ostrich, Peterborough Antoine Fleuriot, Cuckoo, Alwalton 03 January The Soundinjectors, Cherry Tree, Woodston Junk Puppets, Peacock, Fletton Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough Live Band TBC, Dragon, Werrington 04 January Oakham Mic Night, Brewery Tap, Peterborough 05 January Bingo night (7.30pm), The Bluebell, Helpston Charters Unplugged, Charters Bar, Peterborough 06 January Curry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne Quiz, Hare & Hounds, Greatford Open Mic Night, Dragon, Werrington 07 January Steak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne Be Bop A Lulas, The Braza Club, March 08 January Aladdin, Stamford Corn Exchange Quiz, Queens Head, Bulwick 09 January Aladdin, Stamford Corn Exchange Cuttin’ Loose, Golden Fleece, Stamford Children of the Revolution, Swiss Cottage, Woodston Captain Obvious, London Inn, Stamford Overdubs, Cock Inn, Werrington 10 January Limehouse Lizzy, Stamford Corn Exchange Filthy Lucre, The Granary, Long Sutton Pennyless, The Straw Bear, Whittlesey Iron Fist (9-11.30pm), Iron Horse, Market Deeping Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival Mini Beer Festival, Letter B, Whittlesey Aladdin, Stamford Corn Exchange Maslow, London Inn, Stamford Relics, Ostrich, Peterborough
Children of the Revolution (Acoustic), New Crown, Whittlesey Man Alive Band, Ship, Oundle Cuttin’ Loose, Axe & Cleaver, Boston 101 Proof, The Railway, Boston Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough The Fedz, Ploughman, Werrington 11 January Pennyless, Mama Liz’s, Stamford (4-6pm) Aladdin, Stamford Corn Exchange 13 January Curry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne 14 January Steak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne 15 January Craft market (5-8pm), The Bluebell, Helpston 16 January Agi Jarocka (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough Harkback, Golden Fleece, Stamford Cuttin’ Loose, Mason’s Arms, Bourne Go With The Flow, Ostrich, Peterborough Porky Pig, Dragon, Werrington Rocket Dogs, Ploughman, Werrington 17 January Otis & Jules (DJ Set,10pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough Paul Jones and Dave Kelly, Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham The Slingshots (9pm-11.30pm), Iron Horse, Market Deeping Overdubs, London Inn, Stamford Nick Glover Karaoke, Mason’s Arms, Bourne Porky Pig, Ostrich, Peterborough Revolver, Axe & Cleaver, Boston Opaque, Charters Bar, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough 18 January Paspatou, Mama Liz’s, Stamford Jazz Jam Night, Brewery Tap, Peterborough 20 January Curry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne Quiz, Hare & Hounds, Greatford 21 January Steak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne Gourmet Dinner (7.30pm), The Bluebell, Helpston
23 January The Jive Aces, Stamford Corn Exchange The Soundinjectors, The Crown, Peterborough Rob & Dave (Children of the Rev, 11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough The Barron Knights, Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham Little Big Band, Golden Fleece, Stamford Retrolux, Ostrich, Peterborough Moon After Sundown, Cock Inn, Werrington High Rollers, Solstice, Peterborough The Guards, Dragon, Werrington Loose Rocket, Stone Loach Inn, Market Deeping 24 January The Expletives, Cherry Tree, Woodston Zack Zoot (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough Pennyless, The Waterton Arms, Deeping St James Military Wives with Special Guests, Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham Junk Puppets (9-11.30pm), Iron Horse, Market Deeping John Burrows band, Golden Fleece, Stamford The Fedz, London Inn, Stamford Radius 45, Ostrich, Peterborough Circa ‘73, The Blue Boar, Eye Front Cover, Ebeneezers, Woodston Cuttin’ Loose, Carpenter’s Arms, Boston Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough Under_covered, Ploughman, Werrington
Handmade in Castor
www.castorales.co.uk 07828048664
27 January Curry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne Caribbean Buffet Night, Addison Arms, Glatton 28 January Steak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne 29 January Voodoo Stands Up, Mama Liz’s, Stamford Omid Djalili, Cresset, Bretton 30 January Ramshackle Serenade (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough The Mandolinquents, Stamford Arts Centre Drumbluey, Golden Fleece, Stamford Afterlife, Mason’s Arms, Bourne BRM, Ostrich, Peterborough Porky Pig, Crown, Werrington High Rollers, O’Neill’s, Peterborough Loose Rocket, Axe & Cleaver, Boston Hooker, Ploughman, Werrington Children of the Revolution, Dragon, Werrington
Home of Castor
Ales
6 Guest Ales & Craft Beer Home Cooked Food Lunch/Midweek Evenings Ideal for walkers & dog friendly Valentine’s Night bookings now being taken
Award winning village pub in historic Castor 01733 380222 www.princeofwalesfeathers.co.uk
31 January Motown Party/The Conmitments, Stamford Corn Exchange The Expletives, Blue Boar, Eye The Soundinjectors, The Stage, Market Deeping CJ Hatt (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough Red Dirt Skinners (£8, includes a free drink), Iron Horse, Market Deeping Hayz, Golden Fleece, Stamford Ramshackle Serenade, Palmerston Arms, Woodston Blackout UK, London Inn, Stamford Overdubs, Ploughman, Werrington Nick Glover Karaoke, Mason’s Arms, Bourne Rocket Dogs, Heron, Stanground Velocity, Quinn’s, Whittlesey Thunderhead, Ostrich, Peterborough Children of the Revolution, Crown, Peterborough High Rollers, Charters Bar, Peterborough Revolver, Granary, Long Sutton One Eyes Cats, Brewery Tap, Peterborough The Mistreated, Swiss Cottage, Woodston 101 Proof, Railway Inn, Ramsey The Relics, Cherry Tree, Woodston Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough Mighty Mouth Trev, Dragon, Werrington 01 february Oakham Mic Night, Brewery Tap, Peterborough 02 february Charters Unplugged, Charters Bar, Peterborough 03 february Curry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne Quiz, Hare & Hounds, Greatford 04 february Steak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne 05 february Craft market (5-8pm), The Bluebell, Helpston Quiz, Queens Head, Bulwick Lee Hurst, Key Theatre, Peterborough 06 february James Edmonds (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough High Rollers, Golden Fleece, Stamford Detourz, London Inn, Stamford Beats Working, Ostrich, Peterborough Revolver, Stone Loach Inn, Market Deeping 07 february Michael George Variety Show, Stamford Corn
Exchange Filthy Lucre, Cherry Tree, Woodston Eclectic Ballroom (DJ Set, 10pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough Pennyless, St Michael’s Church, Langtoft Circa ‘73, London Inn, Stamford Grumpy Old Men, Heron, Stanground Redemption, Prince of Wales, Castor Vintage Stuff, Ostrich, Peterborough One Eyed Cats, Cock Inn, Werrington Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough Overdubs, Straw Bear, Whittlesey 08 february Pennyless, Mama Liz’s, Stamford (4-6pm) The Stamford Senior Youth Theatre, Stamford Arts Centre National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Key Theatre, Peterborough 10 february Curry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne 11 february Fascinating Aida, Stamford Corn Exchange Steak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne Comedy Night, Addison Arms, Glatton 13 february The Deltaphonics (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough The Most Ugly Child & Manière des Bohémiens, Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham So Comedy: Kevin Day, Stamford Arts Centre Indigo, Golden Fleece, Stamford High Rollers, London Inn, Stamford The Tunnel, Ostrich, Peterborough Children of the Revolution, Palmerston Arms, Woodston Cuttin’ Loose, Swiss Cottage, Woodston Maxwell Hammer & Smith, Cherry Tree, Woodston 14 february The McBusted Experience, Stamford Corn Exchange Bianca & The Topcats (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough The Soundinjectors, Black Bull, Donington Circa ‘73, Golden Fleece, Satmford Valentine’s Dinner (music from Intermezzo Quartet), The Bluebell, Helpston Smarties, London Inn, Stamford Frankly My Dear, Heron, Stanground Radius 45, Ploughman, Werrington
Revolver, Mason’s Arms, Bourne Rocket ’57, Blue Boar, Eye Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough Motown & Philadelphia on Tour, Cresset, Bretton 17 february Curry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne Quiz, Hare & Hounds, Greatford Jimmy Carr, Cresset, Bretton 18 february Steak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne 19 february Craft Market (5-8pm), The Bluebell, Helpston Spectacular 60s (Starring The Move), Cresset, Bretton 20 february The Rainmen (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough The Guards, Golden Fleece, Stamford Nick Glover Karaoke, Mason’s Arms, Bourne Porky Pig, Cherry Tree, Woodston Cuttin’ Loose, Stone Loach Inn, Market Deeping Songbird, Key Theatre, Peterborough 21 february The Rubettes, Stamford Corn Exchange Otis & Jules (DJ Set, 10pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough Leveret, Stamford Arts Centre Betty Swallocks, Golden Fleece, Stamford Veltones, London Inn, Stamford Porky Pig, Heron, Stanground Radius 45, Quinn’s, Whittlesey Grumpy Old Men, Ostrich, Peterborough Circa ‘73, Ebeneezers, Woodston 101 Proof, Burghley Club, Peterborough Captain Obvious, The Stage, Market Deeping Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough Dave Ellis Blues, Charters Bar, Peterborough 22 february 101 Proof (4pm), The Swan, Moulton Jazz Jam Night, Brewery Tap, Peterborough 24 february Curry Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne 25 february Steak Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne
26 february Gourmet Dinner (7.30pm), The Bluebell, Helpston Voodoo Stands Up, Mama Liz’s, Stamford 27 february Lee Enstone (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough Quiz Night, Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne Subway 77, Golden Fleece, Stamford Third Stone From the Sun (tbc), Heron, Stanground Skullduggery, Ostrich, Peterborough Man Alive Band, Cock Inn, Werrington Retrolux, Swiss Cottage, Woodston Revolver, Axe & Cleaver, Boston Forever Jackson, Cresset, Bretton 28 february Aladdinsane, Stamford Corn Exchange John Quinn (11pm), North Street Bar, Peterborough Revolver, Golden Fleece, Stamford Greg McDonald, Prince of Wales, Castor 101 Proof, Horse & Groom, Holbeach The Relics, Burghley Club, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove, Brewery Tap, Peterborough Dizzy Miss Lizzys, Charters Bar, Peterborough The 707, Ploughman, Werrington
Rhythm & Booze, Issue 29 - January/February 2015 All written material, unless otherwise stated, © Simon Stabler All events are listed free of charge. To ensure inclusion in the March/April issue, or have any other news included in the magazine, email simonstabler@aol.com by 13 February 2015. Entry cannot be guaranteed for late submissions. For advertising queries, contact Chris Shilling on 01778 421550, 07736 635916 or by email chris@shillingmedia.co.uk Advertising Rates (excluding VAT)* £130 - full page £85 - half page £50 - quarter page * Discounts for series bookings.
N ATIONAL TREASURE Spotlighting Britain’s best boozers
The Yew Tree Inn, Church Lane, Cauldon, Nr Leek ST10 3EJ Tel: 01538 309876 www.yewtreeinncauldon.com We often hear of pubs being described as ‘time warps’ or ‘heritage’ pubs, but there can surely be nowhere like this place anywhere in England. Run by a couple of elderly ladies known to all as “Mrs East and Auntie Mabel” from 1961, a veritable treasure trove of antique items was built up, including an array of Victorian music boxes known as polyphons and symphoniums, a pair of Queen Victoria’s stockings, ancient bicycles, the remarkable ‘Acme Dog Carrier’ and countless other gems. Their son, Alan took over in the early 1990s and continued until ill health forced him to
take a backseat last year. During that time, the pub gained unique recognition in having the only 2-star rating in the Good Pub Guide. So, having heard that the pub was in new hands and ‘changes’ had been made, I made the two-and-a-bit hour journey to Staffordshire to see what was occurring. I needn’t have worried, as the new landlord is none other than Alan’s stepson, Dan Buckland, who is proud enough of his inheritance to keep things inside the pub exactly as they’ve always been. The changes mentioned include an upgrade of the toilets (sometimes tradition benefits from a helping hand), removal of one of the trees, renovation of outbuildings and development of a paddock as an outdoor drinking area and event/camping field. Indeed the inaugural ‘Yewstock’ festival took place
in July, attracting well over a thousand visitors – and is to become an annual event. There’s a vintage vehicle run each September, and a variety of clubs and societies meet at the pub. As you make yourself comfortable on one of the antique settles, marveling at the décor and soaking up the ambience alongside a roaring fire, there are a minimum of three ales to enjoy. Immaculately kept Burton Bridge Bitter and Rudgate Ruby Mild are always available, plus a guest beer – on this occasion Cleric’s Cure from Three Tuns brewery. The food offering is limited to Staffordhire pies, gravy and peas (the “best pies on earth” in Dan’s humble opinion). Dan was keen to relate the recent story of a local lady who had brought a photograph of herself and her then boyfriend taken in 1974 sitting in a corner of the pub. Incredibly the same settle was in exactly the same spot with the same ornaments behind it 40 years on. Cauldon is a tiny village, tucked away between the A52 and A523 to the west of Ashbourne, but the neighbouring Tarmac/ Lafarge cement works can be seen from miles away, acting as a beacon for the unfamiliar. The Peak National Park, Churnet Valley Steam Railway and Alton Towers are all within 5 miles, so there’s plenty of reason to be in the area. Opening times are 12-3pm and 6-11pm during the week and all day from noon at weekends. A folk night is held on the first Tuesday of the month. Chris Shilling
The heRon Heron Court, Stanground Peterborough Pe2 8QB 01733 704693
- LocAle accredited - Four real ales on permanently - Live music every weekend - Huge enclosed beer garden - 120” big screen TV - Function room for hire - Quiz every Tuesday
www.heronpub.co.uk
THE VINE 19 Church St, Market Deeping PE6 8AN
caMRa gold award Winner 2014 free house with a warm welcome and great atmosphere! 5 Real ales including guests large patio fine Wines
the-vine-deeping Tel frank on 07501 465646
rEViEWS Wisdom for Home Brewers: 500 Tips & Recipes for Making Great Beer By Ted Bruning and Nigel Sadler, Apple Press, hardback, £12.99 If you are a home brewer who has outgrown the bucket in the airing cupboard, but not quite ready for hiring out a unit on an industrial estate, then this book is for you. The writers are certainly authorities when it comes to beer and brewing, with Bruning a former editor of the CAMRA magazine What’s Brewing, while Sadler runs Essex-based Wibblers Brewery. Offering logical steps in brewing, it starts with the suggestion that you try various beers and think hard before buying any equipment and gives several options of what cleaning products, before you even get to a choice of malts, hops and how to ‘Burtonise’ your water or liquor as they call it in the trade. There’s plenty on troubleshooting and the closing chapter offers recipes on traditional British beers and continental styles. The only part of the book that I didn’t like is the section marked ‘other flavours’, which talks about the use of herbs, spices, honey and whatever else that should have ceased being added to beer by the end of the Middle Ages. Chapter and Verse: New Order, Joy Division and Me By Bernard Sumner, Bantam Press, hardback, £20 Unlike his former colleague Peter Hook, Sumner – the singer/guitarist in electronic rock group New Order – is a relatively private person. The only child of a woman with cerebral palsy, Sumner was kept on a tight rein by his mother, and punished severely for the most minor of transgressions. Despite his feelings at the time, Sumner bears her no ill will and by that same token, comes across as the bigger man when writing about Hook’s acrimonious departure from the band.
It’s apparent that Sumner has suffered a great deal of bad luck, personally and professionally, over the years; the greatest of these is the suicide of Ian Curtis – singer in Joy Division, the band whose ‘survivors’ reformed as New Order. But Sumner now seems to have luck on his side, cutting down on the partying, turning away from bad business decisions and able to balance time between his family and band. And as for the unfortunate choice of band names; Sumner explains that the name New Order came from a newspaper article about Cambodia’s post-Khmer Rouge reconstruction, not –as many people have suggested – a Nazi connotation. Sadly, the same can’t be said of Joy Division – a name chosen at the height of punk, purely for shock value, which Sumner admits “in my more mature years, I probably wouldn’t pick it [again].”
the green man w stamfOrd 29 Scotgate, Stamford
Tel: 01780 753598
open all daY - eVeRY daY
seRVing eighT Real ales and six Real cideRs Lunch Time Food served Saturday & Sunday
All major Rugby and Football fixtures show on 4 split screens
ESTABLISHED IN 1796 AS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL STAMFORD ALE HOUSES WITH A LARGE BEER GARDEN, A WELCOMING REAL FIRE, ACCOMMODATION - WITH FREE WI-FI.