rhythm and booze Brews, News, Bands & Reviews - Issue 34 - November/December 2015
A FinAl Frenzy
A Peterborough pub has promised a night to remember as it hosts its final bonfire night bash. The Rose & Crown, Thorney will be holding The 21st Fabulous Firework Frenzy on Thursday 5 November from 6.30pm. Raising funds for the RBL Poppy Appeal, it will be the final event held in the
paddock to the rear of the pub, after the land was sold for housing. The rest of the business remains unaffected with licences Steve and Sheila Shreeve continuing to offer “superb home cooked food, a huge selection of drinks and a truly warm welcome for all the family.” Adapting to the
changes in the hospitality industry, the pub also offers a café service from 9am Monday to Saturday and 9.30am on Sundays and has recently installed a Post Office counter in the public bar. For booking information, visit, www.theroseandcrown atthorney.co.uk
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
charity winter beer fest 26-29 November
28 Real Ales & 6 Real Ciders Hot food available including Simmo’s famous beef madras Proceeds to the Kelly Simmonds Fund in aid of Heltwate School
Peterborough CamRa Pub of the Year 2014 Runner Up Hodgson Centre, Hodgson Ave PE4 5EG Tel: 01733 578088
Live Satellite Sports Live Entertainment Happy Hour Monday Friday 5-7pm Cash Quiz - Sunday from 8pm
TeN Real ales FRom £2.00 a PINT
the rhythm section Performance poet/musician attila the Stockbroker comes to The Brewery Tap, Peterborough on 26 November as part of a tour to promote his autobiography, Arguments Yard. He’ll be reading from the book and performing poems and songs from his 35-year career. Support comes from Janine booth, better known in the 1980s as The Big J, who published the Peterboroughbased fanzine Blaze. Tickets for the event will be available on the door and can be reserved by emailing fentigerbohemian@yahoo.co.uk opaque’s new album, A Little Belief was released in the middle of October. It can be listened to for free by visiting www.bandopaque.band
camp.com To enquire about special packages combining the CD with a t-shirt, fridge magnet or even a woolly hat knitted by singer Moony’s mum, email bandopaque music@gmail.com A record hop offering everything from “Lindy Hop to Rockabilly Bop” takes place on Monday evenings from 7.30pm at Yaxley RBL Club. Hosted by DJ Steady as a Rock, Just For Kicks rock‘n’roll club is a family friendly night. The club also hosts regular live music nights including a midday to midnight all-dayer on 14 November – featuring Sharna-Mae & the Mayhems, the Strollers, the Hicksville Bombers and the Memphis Cruisers – and a Christmas
event, starring Jets, on 19 December. Tickets are £18 in advance (£20 on the door) and £8 in advance (£10 on the door) respectively. For further information, phone Steve on 07718 511640, email justforkicksrnr@outlook.com or visit www.facebook.com/Justfor KicksRocknRollClub The RippingAle beer and music festival was held on Rippingale’s playing field at the start of September. Rock covers band Stark, who perform songs by the Sex Pistols and Black Sabbath among other acts from the late 70s, drew the crowds on the Friday night and have been booked to return next year. Funds raised during the festival will be going to charity.
attila the stockbroker and Janine 'The Big J' Booth. Inset: stark.
The Palmerston Arms “oundle Road’s Permanent Beer Festival”
Ukulele Night (Thursdays) Vinyl Night (Last Friday of the month) Quiz Night (Sundays) Live Music -check thepalmerstonarms for dates
The Palmy's Winter Festival 2nd-7th February 2016 o p e n i n g T i m e s : Monday - Thursday 15.00 - 00.00, Friday and Saturday 12.00 - 00.00, Sunday 12.00 - 23.00
82 OunDle rOAD, PeTerbOrOuGH Pe2 9PA Tel: 01733 565865
We welcome our new sister pub....
THe OSTriCH Traditional Alehouse in the heart of the City
CAMrA Gold Award Winner 2013 - all real ales £3.10
live Music every Saturday Open All day every Day (from 12noon Sun-Thurs, 11am Fri,Sat) north St (just behind Westgate House), Peterborough Pe1 2rA
Pub News
Local pubs have again received national recognition in the newly published 2016 edition of the Good Pub Guide: The White horse at Baston was included in the Top 10 new pubs. The grainstore in Oakham was Own Brew Pub of the Year, while Peterborough’s brewery tap achieved a Top 10 rating. The Top 10 Wine Pubs includes the old bridge hotel in Huntingdon and the olive branch at Clipsham. The red Lion at Stathern in the Vale of Belvoir received a Top 10 rating in the Dining Pubs of the Year, and the Queens head at Kirkby la Thorpe, just outside Sleaford made it into Top 10 Value Pubs. The overall Pub of the Year shortlist includes the cock at Hemingford Grey, near Huntingdon. New entrants into Camra’s Good Beer Guide 2016 include the blue bell at Helpston; brewery tap, Peterborough; bull inn, Pinchbeck; hub’s Place, Whittlesey; ivy Wall, Spalding and the cask in hand, Holbeach. The county of Rutland now has its own entry – new pubs listed are the three crowns in Oakham; White Lion, Whissendine, the olde White hart, Lyddington and the branch Pub of the Year – the green dragon at Ryhall. The chequers at Gedney Dyke celebrates a third year in the Michelin Guide. Other pubs include the Six bells, Witham on the Hill; the blue
Green Dragon, Ryhall. bell, Glinton; the Falcon, Fotheringhay; the crown, Elton; the Wicked Witch, Ryhall; exeter arms, Easton on the Hill; the bull and Swan and the george in Stamford, plus Peterborough restaurants clarkes and the beehive. The 38 th Peterborough Beer Festival was hailed a success after more than 30,000 visitors attended over the five days of the event. Over 10,000 attended on the Friday night alone. The Woolpack at Stanground received a Camra Gold Award in August – a double celebration as Landlady Linda Marks got married to partner Pete in September. The Woodman in Thorpe Wood, Peterborough has reopened after major refit by owner Old English Inns. The crab & Winkle, Werrington has also been improved and extended which will enable regular live music events.
Liam Scanlon, landlord at the ostrich in Peterborough, leaves in mid-November. The pub has been taken over by Simon Benton who also has the Palmerston arms in Oundle Road The Walnut tree, Deeping St James has been sold by Punch Taverns, along with a number of its other pubs, to a retail shop group. Landlady Lynne Grant has been reassured that the future for this popular local is secure, at least in the short term. Chairman of Bourne Business Chamber, Paul Ross, has thrown his weight behind Jd Wetherspoon’s plan to convert two shops in the town’s North Street into a new pub/restaurant. Planning permission has still to be granted and plans can be viewed (reference S15/2378 at www.southkesteven.gov.uk). The Sugar Mill, also in Bourne raised over £1,000 for Asthma UK from a 1940s Continued over
Pub News (Continued) Family Fun Day and a Man vs Mountain challenge undertaken by manager Tom Bellis. The funeral of Smith’s of bourne manager Ashley Woolf, who died at the age of just 30, was held in October. A collection was held for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. Johnny Parr of the Masons arms, Bourne and the Stone Loach, Market Deeping has recently taken over the black Swan in Spalding. The 'Parr Inns' group now totals four pubs, the other is in Suffolk. The railway in Whittlesey closed in September after alleged breaches of licensing laws “in respect of crime and disorder, public safety and public nuisance.” Claims strongly denied by licensee Kerrie Facer, who has been asked to leave the pub. Mulberry’s @ the chequers in Spalding has new owners – Kev has returned as manager. Next door, the former Station gates pub, now a foodstore, has been stripped of its
8 sail’s Rolling stone.
alcohol licence after smuggled goods were found on the premises. Dave Higgins, until recently in charge at the Lincolnshire Poacher in the town has moved to the recently reopened hole in the Wall. He’ll bring his passion for live music to the pub which is open all day every day from 12 noon. The Lincolnshire Poacher is now in the hands of chef Toni Measures and her partner Kieran Dokuyucu. As well as reopening the restaurant and adding a pizza oven, they plan to continue live music evenings and launch regular quiz nights and meat raffles. Pete Williamson, landlord of Spalding’s Punch bowl organised a Scooter Mania event in August which attracted over 100 scooter enthusiasts. It’s now expected to be annual event. 8 Sail brewery at Heckington enjoyed a successful Threshing Weekend and Beer Festival in late September thanks, in part, to glorious weather. The planned green hopped beer launch had to be abandoned, in favour of another new beer, Rolling Stone, thought to be the only beer currently brewed with malt stone-ground by wind power. A proposal by the beer & bean in Sleaford for café-style tables in front of the pub has been opposed by town councillors. Sleaford Round Table declared its oktoberfest, held on the Boston Road recreation ground the ‘best yet’, raising a five figure sum for the SHOCK Sleaford defibrillator fund and other local causes. The bull inn at Rippingale, believed to be the inspiration for radio’s The Archers, is
back on the market with www.colliersproperty.co.uk for £300,000. The noel arms, Langham reopened in August, but the three horseshoes at Whissendine has closed “for the foreseeable future”. The indian Queen and three Kings pub in Boston has been granted a 3.30am recorded music license but remains closed. The Queens head at Bulwick, a former Peterborough Camra Pub of the Year, closed at the end of October. Landlord Rob Windeler cited high running costs and a struggle to bring people in as the reason for his decision to close. Speaking to Rhythm & Booze, he said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has visited the pub over the last four and a half years. Their support meant a lot and it is with great fondness that I will remember those times.” Pubs no more The saga of the former Lord nelson at Morton continues. Having already demolished the King’s Head opposite, Lincolnshire Co-operative now intend to knock down the Lord Nelson to make way for a new store. Councillors voted to defer the plan after concerns about traffic safety. The recently closed northfields, Stamford has reportedly been sold to a local builder. Villagers fighting to save the red Lion at Gedney Hill have applied for asset of community value status for the Grade II-listed pub. Stamford’s drum & Monkey was demolished in late September to make way for housing. Chris Shilling
Thai On The Square Authentic Thai Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and take-aways
ALL WINE & SPIRITS At competitive prices Real Ales: Deuchars £3.00, London Pride £3.50 Craft Kegs: Peculiar IPA and Barista Stout, both £4.00 House Doubles £2.90 Double up on all branded spirits £1 Selection of wines from £3.20 a glass Prosecco £17.95 a bottle
Free Pool Tuesdays Live music EVERY weekend Friendly Welcome Open throughout festive period except Christmas Day Stone Loach Inn, 13 Market Place, Market Deeping PE6 8EA T: 01778 347653 stoneloachinn
RaIlRovING:YoRk
The ancient city of York may be a good distance from our area, but with regular trains from Peterborough offering a journey time of around 80 minutes, it’s certainly an easy option. Standard online return fares start at around £35, but special offers are often available through operator, Virgin Trains East Coast. One such offer during October was as cheap as £16.40 – too good to miss. With over a hundred real ale pubs (and over 300 in total), it’s a job to know where to start in such a fantastic drinking city, but the discerning beer drinker needs to look no further than Platform 4 of York station for the first gem. The award-winning York tap was
opened by the Pivovar Group (which also has outlets in Sheffield, Leeds, Harrogate and at London’s Euston Station) back in 2010 in the former refreshment rooms, latterly housing the York Model Railway. The Victorian ambience has been recreated wonderfully, with stained glass, ceiling domes and terrazzo flooring. The beer menu boasts 20 cask ales including one from its own Tapped Brew Company, supplemented by a variety of craft and bottled beers. The food offering is limited to locally produced sandwiches, pork pies (with a range of interesting toppings), and other snacks such as the ‘cheese slate’ comprising Yorkshire Brie, Charcoal
Cheddar, oatcakes and chutney at a reasonable £4.90. Beer condition is immaculate, and the range is officially “Jaipur and 19 changing guests” often from local breweries. It can be very hard to leave the Tap, but with a punishing schedule ahead we pressed on, turning left out of the station, over the road and under the city wall to the Maltings on Tanners Moat – a free house renowned for its atmosphere, good beer and banter. A recent extension to the dimly lit bar was not universally acclaimed, but this place still holds a place in the heart of many locals and visitors. Immediately after crossing the Lendal Bridge a right turn brings you to a
The home of the National Railway museum, York sees regular steam specials. This view was taken from The York Tap.
The Punch Bowl. Nicholson’s pub, harkers, but we followed the passage opposite down to the Lendal cellars alongside the river and Jamie’s Italian, a former Hogshead Ale House which boasts an interesting vaulted bar. It’s a Greene King pub, but alongside the sole house beer (IPA), there were beers from Brains, Skinners and Dark Star – the latter in great nick. If you can cope with IPA, the breakfast deal (including a pint) is a sound idea at just £4.99 (before 12 noon). Back up the ramp and across into Stonegate, you find yourself in the thick of the tourist zone, and a variety of characterful watering holes. York Brewery’s Yorkshire terrier offers three regular house beers (Guzzler, Terrier and Ghost) plus a couple of others from its own range and a guest or two. This friendly multiroomed pub belies its city centre status, but is actually quite typical of the great pubs in the area. Right opposite is another Nicholson’s house – the Punch bowl a Grade II-listed 17th century establishment
The maltings. oozing character and ale choice, and moving a little further along Stonegate, an archway above the shoppers proclaims the Ye olde Starre, reputedly the oldest licensed inn in town, dating from 1644. It’s a beautiful wood panelled building with differing rooms an ornate fireplace and outdoor drinking areas. It’s another GK house, but offering a range of guests, and is only let down by over loud music and a strong smell of cooking. Moving along Low Petergate, past Nicholson’s old White Swan, into Church Street and left into
Patrick Pool is a slightly different offering: Pivni has a cosy little bar (rather deceptive as you discover when you climb two further floors to the gents). Opened in 2007, it describes itself as a “world beer free house” and there are plenty of craft and bottled beers from around the globe, and a range of hand pumps too. Thornbridge Jaipur was again the only permanent choice, which helped us to deduce that this too was a part of the Pivovar Group (as if the name of the pub wasn’t enough of a clue). An advertisement on the wall seeking staff for another new
The Pavement vaults, the next big thing?
lINColNshIRe's FIRsT mICRo PUB IN sPalDING's olDesT BUIlDING
serving
six lOcAl reAl Ales, sTrAighT frOm The bArrel, plus five ciders/ perries
The
Priors Oven Real Ale
* OfficiAl OuTleT
fOr
AusTendyke Ales
OPEN TuESDAy - SuNDAy 12.00- 23.00 1 SHEEP MArkET, SPALDING, LINCOLNSHIrE PE11 1BH
THe HerOn
Heron Court, Stanground Peterborough PE2 8QB 01733 704693
- LocAle accredited - Four real ales on permanently - Huge enclosed beer garden - 120” big screen TV, all televised football and rugby games shown - Function room for hire - Quiz/Play Your Cards Right every Tuesday
Live entertainment every Weekend
www.heronpub.co.uk
31st october – Halloween Extravaganza with Ramshackle Serenade playing from 9pm and a prize for the best dressed! 5th december – Porky Pig from 9pm 12th december – Peterborough and District CAMRA Christmas Party with The Worx (ticket only) 19th december – The One Eyed Cats
The hop. development within the group, led us through the market to the junction of Piccadilly and Coppergate, where workmen were busy converting the landmark former White Swan Hotel into the latest Pivovar offering – the Pavement Vaults. Due to open in November, part of this huge building which has lain derelict for 30 years, already houses flats and a Sainsbury supermarket, but the new two-floor pub will house an onsite BBQ smokehouse, butchery, cocktail bar and restaurant along with a vast beer range. We’d heard great things about the blue bell in
Fossgate, so we headed there via the Last drop Inn (four York Brewery beers plus guest) at prices from just £2.60, and the terrace Sports bar. Don’t be put off by the Pubmaster branding – the Blue Bell is an absolute classic featuring a tiny front room, with side passage leading to a rear smoke room and etched partitions. The pub has enjoyed Pub of the Year status on multiple occasions. Opposite this is the hop, an Ossett Brewery pub and fourth in the chain of Hop bars, was probably the surprise of the day. Formerly Fellini’s restaurant, this 2013 conversion features a great beer range (plus cider), breweriana on the walls, as well as retaining its pizzeria at the rear. The infectiously enthusiastic landlord, Giles, was very obliging in giving us the full story of the pub. Moving on via the golden Fleece (Pavement) and along Walmgate past the Spread eagle – a site of former glories, now part of the Marston’s chain (and closed mid-afternoon), it’s worth persevering to the end of the road and through the City walls where there are three
great pubs grouped together. Thanks to its Grade II listing, the rose & crown is another survivor of modern developers, retaining tiled floors and several rooms. Beers from Roosters, Black Sheep and four guests are available. Next door the Batemans-owned Waggon & horses offers a home from home, with B&B from £65, free parking and three house beers plus Oakham Citra, three guest beers and two ciders. This too had been recommended by other landlords in the town – praise indeed, and much to the surprise and delight of landlord Tom Renshaw. We tore ourselves away from the free bar billiards table to look in the rook & gaskill opposite, but this was not due to open until 4pm. Following the walk along the city wall towards the river you’ll find the Phoenix (George St) with a good choice of beers from the likes of Timothy Taylor and Wold Top, and boasting a decent beer garden. The Woolpack on Fawcett Street opposite also features an extensive beer range but still hadn’t opened, nor had the Slip inn – a renowned
destination pub just across the river in Clementhorpe. Disappointing but not disastrous, as with a 6pm train to catch we still had some must-visit establishments to complete our circuit. Personally speaking the best of these is the nearby Swan (Bishopgate Street). This award-winning multi-roomed heritage pub is an absolute delight. It’s owned by Punch Taverns, but the original ambience has been retained (including the grandiose urinals), there’s an enclosed beer garden and the quality of
beer is bang on. The house Swan beer is from the local Treboom brewery, but Timothy Taylor Landlord and Tetley sit alongside a host of guest beers. Expect to be engaged in conversation with likeminded beer lovers from far and wide. The golden ball (Cromwell Road) is tucked away in a back street, but it’s worth checking out, as it’s a genuine community pub, effectively owned by a co-operative of 200 locals. This listed building presents the sort of atmosphere, which we all remember, but is be-
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coming increasingly rare these days. Beers from Treboom, Everards and Timothy Taylor were again evident. Time just allowed a look in at The ackhorne (St Martin’s Lane) and finally brigantes (Micklegate), which is part of the Market Town Taverns Group, highly regarded in the Yorkshire area – “Craft Ales and comfort food” is the motto. Being rush hour, this pub was heaving with workers unwinding after a hard day, many no doubt heading ultimately for the station a couple of hundred yards away. Chris Shilling
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Key 1.York Tap 2. Maltings 3. Harkers 4. Lendal Cellars 5.Yorkshire Terrier
6. Punch Bowl 7. Olde Starre Inn 8. Old White Swan 9. Pivni 10. Pavement Vaults 11. Blue Bell 12. Last Drop
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13. Terrace 14. Hop 15. Golden Fleece 16. Spread Eagle 17. Rose & Crown 18. Waggon & Horses 19. Rook & Gaskill
20. Phoenix 21. Woolpack 22. Slip Inn 23. Swan 24. Golden Ball 25. Ackhorne 26. Brigantes
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The Bluebell Inn the blue bella bistro now open Open Monday-Friday, book your table now by calling 01733 571264 Roast dinners are served on Sundays, and our five real ales and three real ciders are always available. Lunchtime Special - 2 for a tenner on Pasta Dishes christmas Lunch (five courses) £45 (Children/OAPs £30)
regular Live Music & comedy Nov 6 - Andy Warrington Experience Nov 7 - Three Parts Dirt Nov 14 - Eddie Nash Old Skool Nov 20 - Gags on the Green Comedy Night (all female!) Nov 21 - More than One Dec 4 - Jello (acoustic) Dec 18 - Gags on the Green Comedy Night - His Excellence President Obonjo of the Lafta Republic will be making a return
6 The Green, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6RU
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
Winner – Stamford Mercury ‘best bar 2014’
Five HOrSeSHOeS
Barholm, Stamford, Lincs PE9 4RA • 01778 560238
Enjoy a welcoming open fire in a Traditional Ale House Open from 4pm week days, 1pm Saturday and 12pm Sundays FreSHly MADe PizzAS
Christmas opening Times 21st-23rd December - 4-11pm Christmas Eve 12-11pm Christmas Day 12-2pm Boxing Day 12-10.30pm 28th-30th December - 4-11pm New year’s Eve - 12pm-late - Open house fizz and nibbles New year’s Day - 12pm-10.30pm
wood fired cooked in an authentic 5-10pm ay Frid ry eve n ove za piz pm 5-9 ay urd Sat and
now serving mulled wine, warm cider and leffe on draught Six Real Ales with four on rotation • three draught ciders • three Lagers • Fine Wine & Spirits • large beer garden • Pool room
O n t h e ( Ti m e ) l a s h A visit to the pubs seen, however briefly, in Doctor Who.
the crown & anchor 22 neal Street London Wc2h 9PS 020 7836 5649 crownandanchornealst.co.uk Although there have been plenty of Doctor who stories filmed on Britain’s streets, there are only a finite amount of pubs shown on screen. Luckily the discovery of five missing episodes from Patrick Troughton’s 1968 adventure The Web of Fear means that I can now add another to my collection – The Crown & Anchor, Covent Garden. At the time of filming, the wholesale market was still in operation meaning that scenes shot at weekends could convey the look of a deserted city.
There’s no such luck today with the assorted tourists and the shopping addicted milling around the place. The physical aspect of the area has changed with the building on the right springing up in the intervening years. The pub, too, was undergoing external renovation at the time of my visit. Inside it’s a nice place; a single room bar with dark wood, etched glass and leather backed benches. A dining area/private bar is upstairs and judging by the bar menu, the food is a selection of old favourites at reasonable prices. There are four hand pumps and at the time of my visit were serving Fuller’s Seafarers and from Sharp’s – Doom Bar, Atlantic and
Crown & Anchor Ale. I asked about the latter, whether it’s brewed specially of the pub or a rebadged beer and was told: “Oh, it’s very special.” It isn’t, especially at £4.35 a pint. It’s lighter in colour than Doom Bar and like its better-known cousin, doesn’t particularly challenge the taste buds. In short, it’s a nice enough pub but next time I’ll stick to the beer that’s actually brewed where the pump clip claims.
N ATIONAL TREASURE Spotlighting Britain’s best boozers
the old cock 11-13 crossgate otley West Yorkshire LS21 1aa 01943 464424 www.theoldcockotley.co.uk The pleasant town of Otley lies just a few miles west of the A1 near Wetherby, so can easily form a welcome refreshment stop on longer journeys up north from our neck of the woods. Right in the town centre, this superb alehouse gives the impression that it’s been a pub forever, but in truth it’s only been open since 2010. The lovely old listed building was latterly used as a bistro, but was derelict when taken over by husband and wife team Lee and Linda Pullen. They spent two years lovingly restoring the property to its original 18 th century state, when it was a pair of cottages.
The two roomed downstairs area includes the bar with nine hand pumps, mainly dispensing brews from local microbreweries. Only two of the beers, Theakston Best and Ilkley Mary Jane, are permanent. When we visited, beers from Rudgate, Kelham Island, Moorhouse’s, Brampton, Timothy Taylor and Hawkshead were evident, along with a couple of ciders, and each one was in excellent nick. Clearly the beer quality is a consistent feature as the Old
There’s One Condition...
Cock has won Leeds Camra’s pub of the year award on three occasions (2011-13) and runner-up for Yorkshire in 2012. Almost 2,000 different real ales have been sold during the pub’s brief history, so if you like beer talk, you’ll be made to feel very welcome here. Dogs are welcome, but there’s also a ‘no under 18s’ policy so don’t bring the kids. A winding staircase leads up to a cosy drinking area which is used regularly by local folk musicians (or anyone who wants to join in or just listen). You may spot Linda behind the bar or preparing the food which consists mainly of pork pies and freshly supplied filled rolls (hot Cumberland sausage and onion is a favourite). Beer comes first though at the Old Cock, so when I asked Linda what the food serving hours are, she just replied: “When it runs out – it’s supplied fresh, and it’s first come first served.” By the look of the number of locals tucking in, that wouldn’t be too long after we left at 1pm. The pub is open all day from 11am. There’s no car park, but street parking is possible nearby. Beer Festivals are held in April and October.
For real ale drinkers, it’s not just the good humour and casual conversation that makes the pub more enjoyable than drinking at home but the fact that cask beer is so much better than the majority of bottled beers. There may be shelves of bottled beers in your local supermarket with labels matching the pump clips found at your local but in most cases these beers have been filtered and pumped full of carbon dioxide. But recently, I’ve noticed my local supermarket stocking more bottle conditioned beers, which have avoided filtration and pasteurisation, and contain yeast to ensure a secondary fermentation just like cask beer. The biggest selling of these is Worthington's White Shield, which was first brewed in 1829 as East India Pale Ale. Although selling nowhere near as much as it did in the 1950s, the beer has remained popular over the years and after being brewed everywhere from Sheffield to Horsham in West Sussex, it finally returned to its birthplace, Burton upon Trent, five years ago. The Campaign for Real Ale supports bottle conditioned beer and White Shield has been a gold, silver and bronze medal winner at various Great British Beer Festivals over the years. There’s even a logo with the slogan “Camra says this is real ale” appearing on an increasing number of bottles, including Tesco’s Bottle Conditioned Golden Ale, which is brewed by Marston’s. My favourite, however, is St Austell Proper Job – “A powerfully authentic IPA with a modern twist.” Much easier to handle than White Shield (although it will still explode when opened if too warm), it’s a refreshing beer with a hint of grapefruit. And while Camra says that bottle conditioned beers are “the next best thing... to the draught real ales you can enjoy at the pub,” Proper Job hits the spot in both versions.
by Cardinal Cox
Pub Scrawl
It’s that time of year when Poet Laureate competitions start to be announced. Keep an eye open for both the Fenland and Stamford competitions. Already in progress by the time you read this will be the Peterborough competition. This started way back in 1997 with Toby Wood and has many good folk holding the title over the years and if you pick up a form, probably from your local library, you could enter. The Final will be on Wednesday 25 November at the Chauffeur’s Cottage (behind the Town Hall). Based in Stamford (but with an international audience) the Literary commune recently released its sixth issue. For details of how to get hold of a copy (and how to submit work to it for consideration), go to theliter arycommune.blogspot.co.uk Dr Jane Mackay continues her series of lunchtime literary talks at Stamford Arts Centre. On Tuesday 3 November it is War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, followed by the film Last Station. Then on Tuesday 1 December the subject is babette’s Feast (by Karen Blixen) followed by the film of the same name. The talks start at 12.30pm and the films start at 2:30pm. Talks are £6.50, the films are £5.50. To book tickets at Stamford Arts Centre, or ring 01780 763203 or go to www.stamfordgeor gianfestival.co.uk Singer, writer, broadcaster and comedian Mike harding
will be at the Key Theatre on Sunday 8 November, promoting his autobiography The Adventures of the Crumpsall Kid. Tickets are £15 and can be booked by ringing 01733 207239 or by going to www.vivacity -peterborough.com Two events will be taking place at St Peter’s Church, Oundle in November. On Tuesday 10 November harry Mount will be promoting his Mediterranean travelogue Odyssey, while tony Little, a former headmaster of Eton, will be there on Friday 27 November to promote his new book, An Intelligent Person’s Guide to Education. Also in the town is top historian alison Weir talking about her book The Lost Tudor Princess, about Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, on Friday 4 December in Oundle School’s Great Hall. Tickets for all three events are available from the Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle (01832 274734). A new poetry night is testing the waters on Thursday 12 November at The Lounge, above The Solstice, Peterborough. Ross Sutherland will be the headlining performer at Freak Speak, with support from Vanessa Kisuule and Rachel Long. The evening starts at 7.30pm and admission will be £5. Fingers crossed that this becomes a worthy successor to the well-regarded Speakeasy of a few years ago.
vanessa kisuule. Next year’s Whittlesea Straw bear Festival is to be held over the weekend of 15-17 January. On Saturday 16 the story teller at the Methodist/United Reformed Chapel will be Jo Blake Cave (currently storyteller in residence at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate Theatres) with three sessions, at 12.30, 1.30 and 2.30pm. On the same day, at the town library, Poets United will be performing with two sessions, one starting at 12.30pm and the second at 3.30pm. Cardinal Cox is currently the Poet-in-Residence of The Dracula Society. His latest collection is Forget Dance, Let’s Art that collects 18 poems inspired by art exhibitions and is available for £4 (cheques payable to Kevin Troop) from KT Publications, 16 Fane Close, Stamford, Lincs. His previous book, My Words Were Now Written, collects the work he produced as poet-inresidence at St. John’s church, Peterborough. It is for sale for £5 at the gift shop in the church (just behind Cathedral Square) that is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Christmas PaCkages Christmas Luncheon specials
2 courses £14.95 n 3 Courses £16.95 Excludes Sundays
3rd December
Quiz plus two course meal all for £11pp (teams welcome, max 6) Booking Essential
Children under 11 half Price. Booking essential - call reception
THE TOFT COuNTry HOuSE HOTEL & GOLF CLuB Toft, Nr Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 0JT Tel: 01778 590614 Fax: 01778 590264 www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk
HARE & HOUNdS TrADITIONAL COuNTry GASTrO PuB
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Hare and Hounds Gastro Pub, Main St, Greatford, Stamford PE9 4QA T: 01778 560332 www.hareandhoundsgreatford.co.uk
Sunday Lunch with all the trimmings only £8.95 Fortnightly Quiz spot and cash prizes 10th & 24th November, 8th December and Christmas Special 22nd December
LIVE MUSIC IN THE PUB diaRY daTES Saturday 21st november Sophie Red Thursday 24th December Singalong acoustic carols from 4pm Thursday 24th December celebrate new Year’s eve with a disco and hot buffet from 8pm. For enquiries, please call 01778 342119
Our restaurant is serving home made food with menus to suit all LuncH – WEdS-Sun 12Pm To 2Pm EvEning mEaLS WEd-SaT 6Pm To 9Pm Keep an eye on our website for upcoming events WWW.THEWaTERTonaRmS.co.uK Christmas party menu available all though december
68 Church Street, deeping St James | Tel: 01778 342219 | www.thewatertonarms.co.uk
THE JOLLY BREWER Foundry Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2PP
Lincolnshire Pub of the Year 2009 Peterborough & District CAMrA Pub of the year 2009
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Here Come The Morris Men
Does anyone still see morris dancing as comic and for those lacking self-awareness? Perhaps a few do – those who prefer a knee-jerk reaction to what is actually a thriving and lively tradition. You might still find morris dancers at thatched pubs and on village greens, but today’s dancers also take the tradition into our towns and cities. History shows that morris dancing featured at court and church events from the 15 th century, but later became the dance of ordinary village folk, perhaps lampooning the nobility. The modern revival of morris dancing started in the early 20th century when folklorist Cecil Sharp collected dances from villages in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. These are now known as the Cotswold
tradition, characterised by bells on the shins, and handkerchiefs or sticks, accompanied by live music. Peterborough Morris was formed in 1979. It currently consists of about 12 dancers, with an age range of 14 to 83, and three musicians. They perform men’s morris dancing in the Cotswold tradition. Some of their dances originate from Badby, Brackley and Hinton in Northamptonshire, not far from Peterborough. They perform regularly in the summer at local events and pubs, mainly in and around Peterborough, but also nationally. Their main reason for performing is because it’s fun to do and fun to entertain audiences. It helps keep you a little bit fit and it’s a great excuse to visit different pubs
in good company. There is also a thriving folk dance and music social scene in Peterborough and beyond. Equally important is the fact that it is preserving an important part of our culture. Morris dancing has survived for more than 500 years and it needs to be passed on to future generations. New members are always welcome, and autumn is a good time to think about joining, as that is the practice season. Practices are held on Tuesday evenings (8.30-10pm) in Fletton. Potential new members can come and try it out, and if they enjoy it they could be dancing all over the place next year. For further information visit www.peterboroughmorris.co.uk or call 01733 235817/ 07749 123730. Mike Grant
Good Food, real Ales, Great Entertainment Join us by our crackling log fire over the Winter months and Christmas for our Winter warming menus and to join in the Christmas and New Year festivities!
the season gets off with a bang…. Sat 7th nov from 6pm – The Annual Etton Family Bonfire and Fireworks Fiesta! Great fireworks display, BBQ, Charcoal Baked spuds, Hot Chocolate, Mulled wine, seasonal real ales, live music (8pm) with talented rock and pop covers band Cosmic Rodney. Free entry – donations to local charities and our sparkling marshals, The Deeping St James First Scout Group, appreciated. Mon 30th nov from 7pm – Irish, Country and Rock‘n’Roll with The Shades of Green (bar food served)
december…it’s christmas!!!! Real Christmas trees, blazing fire, holly and mistletoe…. Selected Fridays and Saturdays in december – Marquee christmas Parties Celebrate with work colleagues, family or friends - 3 luxurious courses plus DJ/band for £33pp all week Festive Menus in our restaurant and bar Perfect for pre-Christmas group gatherings - 2 courses £16, 3 courses £19 (usual winter menu also available) christmas eve from 6.30pm – Christmas Carols, Mulled Wine and mince pies by our log fire christmas day – final bookings invited for our Festive 5 course lunch (12pm and 3pm sittings) Adults - £63, Kids under 10 £25 new Year’s eve Party – We’ll be seeing in the New Year once again until 2am with guitar and vocals hero, Paul Lake, free buffet and midnight nibbles! Free entry before 9.30pm, limited availability.
Stop Press – We’re proud to have been included in CAMRA’s 2016 Good Beer Guide (up to 5 local, regional and national real ales) and Tourism South East’s Great Country Pubs Guide! Tel: 01733 252387
The Golden Pheasant 1 Main road, Etton, Peterborough PE6 7DA
Email: info@thegoldenpheasant.net www.thegoldenpheasant.net
liSTinGS
01 november Quiz, Angel, Yarwell Jimmy doherty (3pm), Charters, Peterborough Oakham Mic Night (6pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough 02 november Quiz, Cuckoo, Alwalton 03 november Quiz/Play Your Cards Right (8pm), Heron, Stanground Open Acoustic sessions with Claude domino (8pm), Millstone, Barnack 04 november Quiz, Five Horseshoes, Barholm Quiz of the Month, Grainstore, Oakham
05 november Lloyd Watson, Cherry Tree, Woodston Firework Frenzy, Rose & Crown, Thorney
06 november Northern Soul/Motown (8pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding Porky Pig, Golden Fleece, Stamford The Returns, dragon, Werrington Tina Winters, Masons Arms, Bourne Acousticats (9.30pm), Charters, Peterborough New Gen Crash & Burn, Cherry Tree, Woodston The Lazoons, Swiss Cottage, Woodston The Replicas, George & Angel, Crowland High Rollers, Solgarden, Peterborough Rocket 57, Cock Inn, Werrington. Andy Warrington Experience, Blue Bell, Werrington Antoine Fleuriot, Jubilee, Bourne
Junk Puppets, Ostrich, Peterborough 07 november Sarah O’Brien and her Boys (9pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding Mark George, Black Bull, Kirton Children of the Revolution, London Inn, Stamford Chuck Norris Experience, Golden Fleece, Stamford dJ Neil (Karaoke), Masons Arms, Bourne Brays, Old Coach House, Market deeping The Fedz, Iron Horse, Market deeping Tin Pigeons (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough Redemption, Stage, Market deeping dizzy Miss Lizzies, Cherry Tree, Woodston Frankly My dear, Ostrich, Peterborough New Generation Crash & Burn, Hurdler, Stamford One Eyed Cats, Cock Inn, Werrington Ailments, draymans Arms, Spalding Overdubs, Ploughman, Werrington The Claimed, Prince of Wales, Castor Circa 73, Blue Boar, Eye Three Parts dirt, Blue Bell, Werrington Mistreated, Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Thorney 08 november Charity Horse Racing Event, Masons Arms, Bourne 10 november Quiz/Play Your Cards Right (8pm), Heron, Stanground 11 november Acoustic sessions with Gary Ingrey (8pm), The Railway, Ramsey 13 november James doherty (9pm), Heron, Stanground Wilma Finadoo (drag Act, 8.30pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding On the Ceiling, London Inn, Stamford Cutting Loose, Golden Fleece, Stamford
Nick Glover (Karaoke), Masons Arms, Bourne Children of the Revolution (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Charity darts event, Walnut Tree, deeping St James Lizzy on the Loose, Cherry Tree, Woodston New Generation Crash & Burn, O’Neill’s, Peterborough Mistreated, Swiss Cottage, Woodston The Guards, Archie’s Bar, Bourne 14 november Jessica White, Angel, Yarwell Ailments (9pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding Vigilantes, Black Bull, Kirton Overdubs, London Inn, Stamford detourz, Golden Fleece, Stamford The Fallen Idols, dragon, Werrington Splinter Group, Masons Arms, Bourne Pulse, Old Coach House, Market deeping Split Whiskers, Iron Horse, Market deeping Grumpy Old Men (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough Faster Mutley, Stage, Market deeping Sweet Revenge, Cherry Tree, Woodston The Lazoons, Palmeston Arms, Woodston The Soundinjectors, Ebenezer’s Peterborough New Generation Crash & Burn, Quinn’s, Whittlesey One Eyed Cats, Crab & Winkle, Werrington Jessica White, Prince of Wales, Castor Eddie Nash Old Skool, Blue Bell, Werrington 15 november Quiz, Angel, Yarwell Jazz Jam (7pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough 16 november Quiz, Cuckoo, Alwalton Open Mic (8pm), Charters, Peterborough 17 november Quiz/Play Your Cards Right (8pm), Heron, Stanground Open Mic Night with dave & Phil (9pm),
Boat Inn, Whittlesey 20 november New Generation Crash & Burn, London Inn, Stamford Subway 77, Golden Fleece, Stamford Revolver, Masons Arms, Bourne Mark Bishop, Stone Loach, Market deeping Radius 45 (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough White Spirit, Cherry Tree, Woodston New Generation Crash & Burn, London Inn, Stamford One Eyed Cats, Fayre Spot, Bretton High Rollers, O’Neill’s, Peterborough Children Of The Revolution, Solgarden, Peterborough Iron Fist, Ploughman, Werrington Gags on the Green Comedy Night, Blue Bell, Werrington 21 november Ouse Valley Singles Club, Angel, Yarwell Zebra (9pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding Cutting Loose, Black Bull, Kirton detourz, London Inn, Stamford Second Chance, Golden Fleece, Stamford Afterlife, Masons Arms, Bourne Hooker, Old Coach House, Market deeping Cherry Lee Mewis, Iron Horse, Market deeping One Eyed Cats (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough Bondy, Stage, Market deeping The Unknown, Walnut Tree, deeping St James Frankly My dear, Cherry Tree, Woodston The Returns, Granary, Spalding New Generation Crash & Burn, Railway, Ramsey Radius 45, Ship Inn, Oundle Harkback, Ebenezer’s, Woodston More Than One, Blue Bell, Werrington Sophie Red (8.30pm), Waterton Arms, deeping St James Sticky Fingers, Grainstore, Oakham
Cherry lee mewis.
22 november Quiz, Angel, Yarwell Betty Swallox (9pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding 24 november Quiz/Play Your Cards Right (8pm), Heron, Stanground 25 november Acoustic sessions with Gary Ingrey (8pm), The Railway, Ramsey 26 november Open Mic Night with dave (9pm), Cherry Tree, Woodston Grainstore Comedy Club, Grainstore, Oakham 27 november Open Acoustic Sessions in the Whisky Bar with dave & Phil (8.30pm), Boat Inn, Whittlesey Veltones, London Inn, Stamford Indigo, Golden Fleece, Stamford Leftovers, Masons Arms, Bourne Betty Swallox, Iron Horse, Market deeping Velocity (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Maxwell Hammer & Smith, Cherry Tree, Woodston The Soundinjectors, Black Bull donnington New Generation Crash & Burn, Vine, Coates Children Of The Revolution, Swiss Cottage, Woodston
Retrolux, Ostrich, Peterborough Stingray, Ploughman, Werrington 28 november Holly and the Boatmen Christmas Fayre (1-4pm), St Andrews Hall, Whittlesey Karaoke, Angel, Yarwell Just For Kids, Black Bull, Kirton Feds, London Inn, Stamford Guards, Golden Fleece, Stamford Mighty Mouth Trev, dragon, Werrington dean & Co, Masons Arms, Bourne Clutching at Straws, Stone Loach, Market deeping Tunnel, Old Coach House, Market deeping Chris King Robinson, Iron Horse, Market deeping The Gangsters (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough The Returns, Stage, Market deeping Pandora’s Box, Cherry Tree, Woodston Up & Atom, The Boot, Histon The Soundinjectors, dray mans Arms Spalding. High Rollers, New Inn, Woodston Children Of The Revolution, George & Angel, Crowland Arc Nation, Prince of Wales, Castor Tina Fey, Red Lion, Newton 29 november Pennyless at Stamford Christmas market (1pm), Red Lion Square, Stamford Quiz, Angel, Yarwell 30 november Quiz, Cuckoo, Alwalton 01 December Open Acoustic sessions with Claude domino (8pm), Millstone, Barnack Quiz/Play Your Cards Right (8pm), Heron, Stanground 02 December Quiz, Five Horseshoes, Barholm
Quiz of the Month, Grainstore, Oakham 03 December Park Lane, Cherry Tree, Woodston 04 December Northern/Motown (8pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding Leon, London Inn, Stamford Roadcrew, Golden Fleece, Stamford Antoine, Masons Arms, Bourne Crossing the Tracks, Iron Horse, Market deeping Soul Runners (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Christmas Party Nights with dJ Rick (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough Retrolux, Cherry Tree, Woodston The Soundinjectors, George and Angel, Crowland High Rollers, Swiss Cottage, Woodston Children Of The Revolution, Ploughman, Werrington Jello (acoustic), Blue Bell, Werrington Antoine Fleuriot, Masons Arms, Bourne donut, O’Neill’s, Peterborough 05 December Porky Pig (9pm), Heron, Stanground david Willetts, Angel, Yarwell Soulstrip (9pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding Evolution, Black Bull, Kirton The Original Juke-Box Heroes, Stamford Corn Exchange dizzy Miss Lizzies, London Inn, Stamford Junk Puppets, Golden Fleece, Stamford The Gangsters, dragon, Werrington Revolver, Masons Arms, Bourne dB5, Old Coach House, Market deeping Let There B/dC, Iron Horse, Market deeping The Lazoons (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough The Soundinjectors, Stage, Market deeping Christmas Boozy Bingo, Walnut Tree, deeping St James Black Rose, Cherry Tree, Woodston The Lazoons, Charters, Peterborough
Tallawah, Cock Inn, Werrington The Returns, Ebeneezer’s, Woodston New Generation Crash & Burn, Peacock, Fletton High Rollers, Quinn’s, Whittlesey Overdubs, Blue Boar, Eye Rocket 57, Blue Boar, Eye. Soul Slider, Grainstore, Oakham 06 December Quiz, Angel, Yarwell CJ Hatt (3pm), Charters, Peterborough Oakham Mic Night (6pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough 08 December Quiz/Play Your Cards Right (8pm), Heron, Stanground 09 December Acoustic sessions with Gary Ingrey (8pm), The Railway, Ramsey 11 December Smarties, London Inn, Stamford Up the Function, Golden Fleece, Stamford Nick Glover (Karaoke) , Masons Arms, Bourne Jack and the Real deals, Iron Horse, Market deeping Captain Obvious (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Christmas Party Nights with dJ Rick (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough Hooker, Cherry Tree, Woodston Frankly My dear, Cock Inn, Werrington The Returns, Ploughman, Werrington donut, O’Neill’s, Peterborough The Guards, Harrier, Gunthorpe 12 December Peterborough and district CAMRA Christmas Party with The Worx (ticket only), Heron, Stanground Pennyless (12-2pm), Lincoln drill Hall One For the Road (9pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding Commercial Break, Black Bull, Kirton
Bootleg Abba Christmas Party Night, Stamford Corn Exchange Zeb Rootz, London Inn, Stamford Audio Pirates, Golden Fleece, Stamford The Overdubs, dragon, Werrington Splinter Group, Masons Arms, Bourne Afterlife, Stone Loach, Market deeping Under Covered, Old Coach House, Market deeping The Replicas, Iron Horse, Market deeping Lizzy on the Loose (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough Covernotes, Stage, Market deeping Velocity, Cherry Tree, Woodston Frankly My dear, Swiss Cottage, Woodston High Rollers, Ebenezer’s, Woodston Grumpy Old Men, Ostrich, Peterborough 100 Mile High City, Prince of Wales, Castor Rocket 57, Burghley Arms, Bourne. The Guards, Ploughman, Werrington Reason, Grainstore, Oakham
Home of
Castor Ales
6 Guest Ales & Craft Beer Home Cooked Food Lunch/Midweek Evenings Ideal for walkers & dog friendly
Award winning village pub in historic Castor 01733 380222 www.princeofwalesfeathers.co.uk
13 December Quiz, Angel, Yarwell 14 December Quiz, Cuckoo, Alwalton 15 December Quiz/Play Your Cards Right (8pm), Heron, Stanground Open Mic Night with dave & Phil (9pm), Boat Inn, Whittlesey 17 December One Eyed Cats, Cherry Tree, Woodston Christmas Comedy Special, Grainstore, Oakham 18 December Blackout UK, London Inn, Stamford Crusty Whiskers, Golden Fleece, Stamford The 707, dragon, Werrington Tina Winters, Masons Arms, Bourne Soul Runners, Iron Horse, Market deeping Rocket 57 (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Christmas Party Nights with dJ Rick (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough Subway 77, Cherry Tree, Woodston The Lazoons, Greystones, Sawtry The Soundinjectors, The Grapes, Melton Mowbray New Gen Crash & Burn, Fayre Spot, Bretton The Replicas, Post Office Club, Peterborough Children of the Revolution, Prince of Wales, Castor Retrolux, Swiss Cottage, Woodston Gags on the Green Comedy Night, Blue Bell, Werrington The Guards, O’Neill’s, Peterborough Super 45s Christmas Party, Grainstore, Oakham 19 December The One Eyed Cats, Heron, Stanground Bad to the Bone (9pm), Hole in the Wall, Spalding Catatonic, Black Bull, Kirton Commitment Bros, London Inn, Stamford Overdubs, Golden Fleece, Stamford
dJ Neil (Karaoke), Masons Arms, Bourne New Gen Crash & Burn, Old Coach House, Market deeping Too Fat to Kidnap, Iron Horse, Market deeping Groove Cartel (10.30pm), Charters, Peterborough Saturday Night Groove (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough Revolver, Stage, Market deeping Let There B/dC, Cherry Tree, Woodston The Soundinjectors, Five Bells, Tydd St Mary New Generation Crash & Burn, Coach House, Market deeping High Rollers, Ploughman, Werrington Lizzy On The Loose, Ostrich, Peterborough CJ Hatt, Prince of Wales, Castor The Guards, Halcyon, Westwood Mid Sensation Soul Band, Grainstore, Oakham 20 December Kool Kidz Xmas Party, Iron Horse, Market deeping 21 December Open Mic (8pm), Charters, Peterborough Rutland Big Band, Grainstore, Oakham
The lazoons.
22 December Quiz/Play Your Cards Right (8pm), Heron, Stanground 23 December High Rollers, Solstice, Peterborough 24 December TBC, Golden Fleece, Stamford The One Eyed Cats, dragon, Werrington Christmas Eve Party ft Miscellaneous, Rocket 57. Iron Horse, Market deeping TBC, Cherry Tree, Woodston Rocket 57 (6-8.30pm), Granary, Long Sutton Abba Tribute, Blue Bell, Werrington Christmas Eve Party, Rose & Crown, Thorney Singalong Acoustic Carols (4pm), Waterton Arms, deeping St James 26 December Mighty Mouth Trev, dragon, Werrington Leftovers, Masons Arms, Bourne Saturday Night Groove (9pm), Brewery Tap, Peterborough Leon, Stage, Market deeping Ramshackle Serenade, The Swiss Cottage, Woodston 27 December Porky Pig,Swiss Cottage, Woodston 28 December Quiz, Cuckoo, Alwalton 29 December Quiz/Play Your Cards Right (8pm), Heron, Stanground 31 December Kudos, Black Bull, Kirton Veltones, London Inn, Stamford Harkback, Golden Fleece, Stamford
Children Of The Revolution (Ticket Only), dragon, Werrington Mark Bishop, Masons Arms, Bourne Ultimate 80s New Years Eve Party ft Iron Fist, Iron Horse, Market deeping New Year’s Eve Party – The dizzy Miss Lizzies, Charters, Peterborough BUK disco, Stage, Market deeping TBC, Cherry Tree, Woodston Up & Atom, The Black Bull, Longstanton The Lazoons, The Royal Oak, Castor The Soundinjectors, New Inn, Boston New Generation Crash & Burn, Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Fletton Grumpy Old Men, Village, Rippingale New Year’s Eve party, Rose & Crown, Thorney New Year’s Eve disco and Hot Buffet (8pm), Waterton Arms, deeping St James Ramshackle Serenade, Cock Inn, Werrington
rhythm & booze, issue 34 - november/december 2015 All written material, unless otherwise stated, © Simon Stabler All events are listed free of charge. To ensure inclusion in the January/ February issue, or have any other news included in the magazine, email simonstabler@aol.com by 11 December. 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)* £175 - full page (cover) £140 - full page £90 - half page £50 - quarter page * Discounts for series bookings.
rEVIEWS
Vivenne Westwood By Vivienne Westwood and Ian Kelly, Picador, softback, £9.99
Mocked and admired in equal measure, Dame Vivienne Westwood is Britain’s greatest living fashion designer. Over the course of her career, she has gone from creating the visual aspect of punk rock to launching a line of couture, which through the use of Harris Tweed helped resurrect the industry and earn her the first of many Queen’s Export Medals. It hasn’t been easy as this look at her life testifies, with the demise of her fractious relationship with Malcolm McLaren leading to near financial ruin at the start of the 1980s. But unwilling to give up, the sign of the activist she was to become, she found personal and profession success in the 90s and has gone from strength to strength, finding fans in Paris, Milan, Tokyo and beyond. The product of a year’s worth of interviews between Kelly and Westwood, her friends and family, the book is a little overlong with some conversations seemingly printed verbatim. A bit of pruning wouldn’t have gone a miss, while claims she wrote songs for the Sex Pistols should be taken with a pinch of salt (she did but only after John Lydon left). But with a collection of classic and previously unseen photos, not to mention the warts and all nature of the narrative, this book is a fascinating look at a
feisty national treasure.
Scootermania: a celebration of Style and Speed By Josh Sims, Conway, hardback, £14.99
scooters as an accessory, trial riders, scooter collectors, customisers and even meeting the man who designs souvenir patches for scooter rallies. Packed with photographs and classic adverts, this fascinating book proves that just like scooters, good things come in small packages. how can it be? a rock & roll diary By Ronnie Wood, Genesis Publications, hardback, £27
Originally devised as a cheap way of getting around, motorscooters are now considered to be the epitome of cool. Much of the scooter’s postwar development took place in Japan, Italy and Germany, where these defeated nations, unable to build military equipment, looked at ways of keeping their workers in employment and to overcome a shattered transport infrastructure. Most notable is the Vespa, created by Italian aircraft manufacturer Piaggio. Unlike British and American firms who built scaled-down motorcycles, the Vespa was designed by a helicopter designer who had never worked on a two-wheeled vehicle before – who began by drawing “a man sitting down comfortably, with wheels beneath him.” But this book isn’t just a celebration of engineering evolution, there’s the human element too; looking at the youth cults who have used
Usually, celebrity diaries are edited clean of salacious gossip and tidied up ahead of publication. But this book is a facsimile of Wood’s 1965 pocket diary, offering a warts and all look at a year in the future Rolling Stone’s life. Here we find him as a 17year-old member of the Birds, a band he formed with school friends and neighbours, and many entries relate to gigs they performed, how well rehearsals went and Wood’s early forays into song writing. Already on the periphery of fame, there are plenty of mentions of rubbing shoulders with famous musicians of the day including Keith Moon who stepped in to play drums with the Birds on occasion. Footnotes from Wood put the entries into context and photographs of the Birds, their contemporaries and fans (including a pre-Hawkwind Lemmy) are included along with gig posters and tickets in this fascinating insight into the rise of one of Britain’s much loved rockers.
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.