IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME BREWS, NEWS, BANDS & REVIEWS • ISSUE 70 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 PETERBOROUGH • SOUTH LINCS • RUTLAND • EAST NORTHANTS FREE PLEASE TAKE ONE EXTENDED PUB NEWS THERE’S A LOT GOING ON NATIONAL TREASURE RAT RACE, HARTLEPOOL RAIL ROVING SPOILT FOR CHOICE IN HUDDERSFIELD
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Werrington Centre, Staniland Way, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6NA THEPLOUGHMAN WERRINGTON TEN KEENLY PRICED REAL ALES + CRAFT KEGS + CIDERS CELEBRATING 10 CONSECUTIVE YEARS IN THE GOOD BEER GUIDE LIVE SATELLITE SPORTS ■ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ‘CHEESY TUESDAY’ CHEESE SHARING NIGHTS Peterborough CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 & 2014 CAMRA Gold award 2013 & 2016 GOOD GUIDE BEER WE’RE2023INIT 50th Edition Peterborough Civic Award 2017 for Community Involvement REGULAR LIVE MUSIC
1st Jan at 3pm Salmon Dave
8th Jan at 3pm Dan Knight (solo acoustic)
15th Jan at 3pm Dave Smith (solo)
22nd Jan at 3pm Mark Stevens (solo)
28th Jan Last Minute Brigade (final gig)
29th Jan at 3pm TBC
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4th Feb The Reckless
5th Feb at 3pm Jimmy Doherty
11th Feb Latiesha Maria Band
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12th Feb at 3pm Tommy Philpot
19th Feb at 3pm You & I
25th Feb Carpark Rendezvous
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Well it’s a new year, rampant inflation, national strikes, bloody doom and gloom. The pressure is on to spend less of our income on going to the pub or to live gigs. I can only speak for myself in finding pub culture and social interaction a great help in my mental wellbeing. My new year’s resolution is to keep going to the pub but drink slower and have one or two pints less per visit. I’ll keep you informed how this strategy goes!
This issue of R&B shows that there is still plenty going on in our area despite the economic climate. Live music, great pubs, comedy, poetry and the odd beer festival to cheer us up.
Many regional CAMRA publications quite rightly publish quarterly, it’s an uphill slog trying to just break even. Chris and I feel there is a need for a more up to date platform for our areas pubs, clubs and live venues. Keep reading R&B, keep mentioning us
when contacting pubs and live entertainment, it really helps! n Happy New Year!
Dave Lane Co-Publisher
Pub News – Chris Shilling Who’s new from our area in the 2023 issue of the Good Beer Guide. 10
National Treasure – Paul Appleton Rat Race Ale House, Hartlepool Railway Station. 15
Rail Roving in Huddersfield – Chris Shilling
Huddersfield is truly one of the great British drinking towns.
Issue 70 • January/February 2023
Edited and compiled by: Chris Shilling Email: chris@shillingmedia.co.uk
Dave Lane Email: dave@davidlanepublishing.co.uk
Design: Matt Chapman
19
Pub Scrawl – Cardinal Cox Literary festivals around the region plus P G Woodhouse and Henry Blofeld! 21
The Rhythm Section - Dave Lane Life’s a pantomime! Seasonal offerings, along with top cover acts, tributes and comedy. 24
The Listings Comedy, tribute bands, original live music plus the odd beer festival. They are all listed here. 30 Reviews – Dave Brown Dave takes a look at the new 2023 Good Beer Guide plus a review of Honey and the Bear who recently played in Morton.
Advertising: Chris Shilling Telephone: 07736 635916 Email: chris@shillingmedia.co.uk
Editorial and Production: Dave Lane Telephone: 07795 031051 Email: dave@davidlanepublishing.co.uk
Printed by Fisherprint TLC, Peterborough
Thank you to Wally Barnes, David Brown, Tony Shilling, Cardinal Pete Cox, Billy Walker, Steve Williams, Mick Slaughter,
Wayne Cocker, Graham Coombs, Jocky & Karyn Martin and ‘Suss’ Cornish for their help in compiling this issue. All written material, unless otherwise stated copyright Shilling Lane Media
Published by:
ISSUE 70 3
Contents 4
pub news
The 2023 issue of the Good Beer Guide includes new entries from a number of pubs in our area. In Peterborough the Coalheavers Arms makes a return, as does Fletton Ex-Servicemens Club. Lincolnshire’s entries now include the Wishing Well at Dyke and the Goat at Frognall, near Deeping St James, as well as the Beehive, Blue Pig and Lord Harrowby, all in Grantham. Fenland entries now include the Horse & Groom in Holbeach and the Crown at Surfleet. Recently retired Rutland Camra Chair, ‘Jolly’ John Whowell’s
legacy includes the inclusion of Rutland as a separate entity in the book – their entry now includes the Crown, the Exeter Arms and the Vaults, all in Uppingham. Northamptonshire’s entries now include the Tap & Kitchen in Oundle and the Kings Head at Wadenhoe. The Bull & Swan in Stamford has been recommended by the Guardian newspaper as one of 30 best pubs in the UK for Sunday lunch, with particular mention for its ‘roasting pot’ for 4-6 people. Patens in Stamford has been awarded ‘Restaurant of the Year’
by the Stamford & Rutland Style magazine, with the Marquess of Exeter at Lyddington, near Uppingham taking the prize for ‘Best International Dining’ for its mix of the finest modern North Indian, and classic British cuisine – the pub is now open all day from 11. 30 am with food served lunchtimes and evenings, and cask ales from the Marston’s stable.
Peterborough’s Great Northern Hotel has cut its ties with the Best Western brand having massively reduced staff numbers. Shortly afterwards the
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‘Best International Dining’ at the Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington
Another award for Paten & Co, Stamford
longer, as the sign would suggest, open to all - the Great Northern Hotel, Peterborough
hotel was closed to the general public and re-designated as a hostel for asylum seekers, much to the disappointment of local MP Paul Bristow, who has supported legal action against the owners of this historic landmark. The Blue Bell at Werrington was presented with a Gold Award by Camra in November. Still in Werrington the Ploughman celebrated the 40th
anniversary of its opening (originally as a Home Ales pub) in early December. The pub has been a free house since Andy Simmonds took over in 2009.
Whittlesey’s Straw Bear Festival returns on the weekend of January 13/14 – many of the pubs in the town offer extended opening hours to accommodate the large crowds. Visitors by train will be interested to learn that the Railway pub alongside the station is now open again. Also reopened is the Letter B which has always been a destination pub for its cask ales, and thankfully the new owners have recognized this by retaining four handpumps
which include ales from Digfield and Nene Valley.
Closed since 2019, the Black Horse at Nassington looks likely to reopen next summer after major refurbishment. The Shuckburgh Arms in nearby Southwick has taken the decision to cease their food operation. They’ve promised to review the situation in the spring. The Bertie Arms at Uffington extended its opening hours from November with an 11am opening time seven days a week. Also extending its hours is the Wonky Donkey micropub in Fletton - the pub is now open from 3pm Monday to Friday
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A selection of Whittlesey’s pubs awaiting the crowds for the 2023 Straw Bear Festival
and earlier at weekends. The Millstone at Ryhall, formerly the Wicked Witch, reopened at the end of November. A basic bar menu is temporarily available until the upstairs Tuk Tuk restaurant opens in January – real ales currently include Taylors Landlord and Doom Bar, with a guest beer expected soon. Ryhall’s other pub, the Green Dragon, has new licensees. Simon and Ania Lambert have replaced Shaun & Debbie Rolfe -they’re keeping faith with the cask ales – currently offering GK IPA along with local choices from Grainstore, Nene Valley and Baker’s Dozen. The lease at the Noel Arms at Whitwell, near Oakham has been put up for sale with Everard Cole. Homera Gaskin, recently appointed vice Chair of Rutland Camra has put out a call for more women to join the organisation, Iran-born Homera, who likes nothing better than a good beer in a proper pub, is looking forward to organizing more trips to different breweries and pubs.
The kitchen at the Olive Branch at Clipsham has finally reopened after a major fire almost a year ago. A portable cabin has been used in the interim, but did not prevent the pub from winning more awards! In nearby Stretton, the historic Ram Jam Inn, reputedly frequented by Dick Turpin in the 18th century, was unceremoniously torn down during November. A new ‘Brightside’ dining restaurant is set to be built on the site by the Loungers company, which operates the ‘Lounge’ and ‘Cosy Club’ brands. Barnsdale Lodge Hotel which overlooks Rutland Water is to undergo a multimillion pound refurbishment in the New Year which will include a spa, café and bike hire. Reopening is planned for the spring. Over
in Uppingham the Everardsowned Crown has announced regular free live music on alternate Saturdays from Jan 14th (7. 30pm) – prospective bands are requested to email laura@crownuppingham.co.uk. Jan/Feb bands had not been confirmed as we went to press, but check our ‘listings’ section in future issues. Still in Uppingham, the Falcon Hotel has been presented with a High Sherriff Award for its contribution to the local community. The Good Beer Guide-listed Empingham Cricket Club has announced a beer festival for the weekend of March 16-19, with live music on the Friday (17th).
Darren Mitchell, current owner of the Five Bells at Edenham, near Bourne has introduced a ‘no one is alone’ deal for those spending Christmas on their own. Participants receive a free three-course
6 ISSUE 70 pub
news
Reopening in 2023 - the Black Horse, Nassington
The Crown, Uppingham – regular live music from January
meal and a drink, and company from staff members.
Following the news in the last issue that the Royal Mail Cart
on Pinchbeck Rd in Spalding had closed, we’re happy to report that the pub opened again in November under new management.
Manager and Head Chef, Chris Huggett, who used to drink in the pub, has overseen a major refurbishment and is keen to rebuild a community feel to the pub. Chris who has also worked at Clipham’s Olive Branch and the Chubby Castor promises traditional pub food ‘with a twist’ is promised along with
Sunday lunches, and breakfasts from 7. 30am. Darts, Pool and occasional live entertainment are being reintroduced, as well as support for the neighboring bowls club. The pub is open all day and currently offers three cask ales in the shape of Doom Bar, Ghost Ship and a guest. Closed since 2019, the iconic 16th Century Olde White Horse Inn in Spalding could reopen soon if only the owning brewery, Samuel Smith’s, who have owned the pub for 80 years, can find a suitable couple to take on the tenancy. The Holbeach Beer Festival has been forced to find a new home after the Kings Field, its home for the past four years, was sold. Headline acts for 2023 are already booked, though tickets will not be on sale until a new home if found. A minimum of 25 acres are needed and landowners are requested to email Sean Taylor – sean@holbeachmusic andbeerfestival.co.uk if they can help. Katie Booth, owner of the Chequers at Weston near Spalding is seeking information about the history of the pub which is thought to date back to the 1800’s. Anyone with information can contact Katie at bookings@okcatering.co.uk.
Grantham’s Land of Hops & Glory Beer Festival held each October in St Wulfram’s Church, attracted over 2000 guests this year according to the organisers. Still in Grantham the
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pub news
Chris Huggett brings his culinary skills to the Rail Mail Cart, Spalding
R&B’s own Steve ‘Suss’ Cornish mans the pumps at the Land of Hops & Glory Beer Festival, Grantham
Blue Pig has been taken over by Richard and Marie Foster from previous landlady Jackie Sentence. Richard whose father ran the pub a decade ago, does not plan to reinvent the pub, but will be redecorating in the New Year. Just around the corner, the Angel & Royal Hotel on then High Street, which dates back to the 13th Century and boasts one of the oldest bars in the country, has been placed on the heritage ‘at risk’ list by Historic England. South Kesteven District Council has been approached for funding to help restore the severely eroded façade. The Red Lion at Newton has been forced to close for most of the week due to rising costs. Described as a ‘hibernation’ by the management – the pub will remain open during the winter months for events and Sunday lunches only, and is expected to reopen fully in the Spring.
The Old Ship Inn at Pointon, near Sleaford which was due to close in January has been rescued by Heckington’s 8 Sail Brewery which has purchased the lease, and commenced running the pub from early December. Four pumps will initially be used for 8 Sail beers, with guest beers to follow. The adjoining Bombay Brasserie restaurant will continue as before, as will the Tap Room in the windmill at the brewery. The brewer has however announced expansion plans which include a new 10 Barrel plant to be
installed by the spring in a farm building in the neighbouring village of Burton Pedwardine. Boston’s Pilgrim Lounge in York St has been relaunched as The Grid. The venue hopes to take the place of the closed Axe & Cleaver as the town’s ‘go-to’ rock venue.
PUBS NO MORE…
Plans to redevelop the former Cherry Tree in Woodston, Peterborough and its car park, closed since 2016, into a complex of 67 flats have been approved. The plans include retention of the original pub building. The former Malt Shovel pub in Grantham, recently used as a Portugese restaurant is to reopen as Terries, serving predominantly British cuisine, and incorporating a beer garden and ‘Gin Palace’ cellar bar. Live music is planned for Saturdays. The badly vandalised and fire damaged former Bridge Hotel at Sutton Bridge went up for auction in October, attracting considerable interest and selling for £181k – double the asking price. An application has been submitted to convert the Grade II listed Mermaid Inn at Surfleet into apartments with the addition of three
two-storey dwellings. Plans to redevelop the site of the former Shirley Croft Hotel in Grantham have been rejected over the ‘out of character’ design and potential tree loss.
Hansen’s Chocolate House in Folkingham, which was the Whipping Post pub until 2005, is to be converted into two houses. The closed Wheatsheaf Inn at Moulton Chapel has reopened as a Chinese restaurant, retaining its original name. Out at March, George’s, which has been closed since 2019, is to be converted into five 2-bedroom flats. An application has been submitted to create a car dismantling business at the former Old Ship Inn at Gosberton Clough. The Nida Express convenience store on Winsover Rd in Spalding has been denied a license to sell alcohol – ironically it was a pub known as Brennan’s Bar until recently. n
Chris Shilling
ISSUE 70 9 pub
news
New tenants at the Blue Pig, Grantham
National Treasure
SPOTLIGHTING BRITAIN’S BEST BOOZERS
RAT RACE
ALE HOUSE
Hartlepool Railway Station, Station Approach, Hartlepool, TS24 7ED Tel: 07903 479378 www.ratracealehouse.co.uk
Quirky, authentic? However, you might describe this micropub, it is certainly one of the most unusual in Britain. A ‘real gem’ is an over-used phrase often used to describe pubs of unspoilt character. The Rat Race Ale House at Hartlepool station only opened
in 2009 and is hardly a place of great architectural merit –but it could find its way onto CAMRA’s endangered pubs if its landlord fulfils his dream of emigrating to France!
But unlike many station pubs, don’t expect to be able to walk in at any time you fancy, nor will walking in and asking for a pint of lager find any favour. The station keeps short hours, especially in the evening when the great unwashed are out on the prowl, but this does help protect it as a haven for those who value tradition, and above all, a quality pint of the real stuff.
The former newsagents in the main station complex on Hartlepool station has a front door onto the forecourt and its taxi rank, while a door out onto the platform gives imbibers the opportunity to ‘empty’ in the station’s toilets, the pub not having its own facilities.
In fact, when it comes to facilities, the pub is about as basic as it gets; it is just one room, in an ‘L’ shape, the corner of the square doubling as cellar and bar, with customers served at their table by knowledgeable real ale enthusiast landlord, Peter.
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There is an ever-changing range of four real ales, plus two real ciders, while a small range of bottled Belgian beers is also on offer. The signs either side of the front door make sure no-one is in any doubt that lager isn’t served here, but one look at the chalkboard in the corner lists a whole range of things this pub doesn’t do, including “I just came in for a warm”!
Indeed, seating is at a premium in this micro-pub – which is said to be only the second such establishment to open its doors after the pioneering Butcher’s Arms at Herne in Kent – with
THE MARQUESS OF EXETER LYDDINGTON
This charming 17th century village inn offers the best in North Indian Cuisine, prepared by Michelin Award Winning chef Krishnapal Negi and his team, but that’s not all – join us for: Traditional English pub classics including Sunday Roasts, all-day bar service with real ales, accommodation ...and a warm welcome in this charming village pub/restaurant
Open daily from 11.30 am, food served 12-2.30pm and 6-9pm (12-5pm Sundays) • Closed Sunday evenings
52 Main St, Lyddington, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9LY Tel 01572 822477 • Email info@marquessexeter.co.uk
Book through our website www.marquessexeter.co.uk or favouritetable.com
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Voted Best International Dining Restaurant for the year 2022 by Rutland and Stamford Pride Magazine
102c Fletton High Street, Fletton, Peterborough, PE2 8DR Tel: 07835 594104 • See us on Facebook Email: wonkydonkeymicropub@outlook.com 4 Expertly kept changing Real Ales on hand pump 3 Keg lines, German bottled beers, 15 Ciders, loads of Gins Charity quiz every Wednesday Now with extended opening hours: 3-10 Mon - Thurs • 3-11 Fri 12-11 Sat • 12-10 Sun
12 ISSUE 70 The Castle Inn Cosy country pub and restaurant in the picturesque village of Castle Bytham SUE AND WILL LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU AT www.thecastleinnbytham.com ! castlebytham2 High St, Castle Bytham, Stamford NG33 4RZ • T: 01780 411223 GOOD GUIDE BEER WE’RE2023INIT Open all day from 12 noon (Mondays from 4pm) • Welcoming real fires • Home cooked food served from 12-2pm and 6-8.30pm • Up to five real ales Including Grainstore Ten Fifty, Summer Lightning, guest beers and a real cider December 31 New Year’s Disco with Free Buffet till late January 1 Sloe Gin Competition – 12-3pm 17 Quiz Night (8pm) February 14 'Mr & Mrs' themed Quiz (8pm) 21 Quiz Night (8pm) All Major Sporting Events Shown • Sunday Lunch Served 12-3pm, booking advised • New menu featuring seafood and massive 32oz Tomahawk steak Celebrating Grantham CAMRA Country Pub of the Year 2022
room for around 20 customers to be seated at any one time. Standing is not encouraged and tables are thoughtfully fitted with double yellow lines along exposed edges to discourage those who would otherwise stand there and block the landlord’s route from cellar room to table.
The decor isn’t spectacular, with a mixed beer and railway theme, including an interesting painting that tests the senses of anyone trying to make sense of the railway track geometry (you need to see it – it defies description!), but an abundance of amusing signs and notices provide plenty of entertainment.
Since the pub opened in 2009, more than 1,900 different beers have been served from over 500 different breweries. Some quality snacks are served, such as pork scratchings, crisps and peanuts, but don’t ask for a sandwich or pork pie.
The pub is certainly cosy, but the locals and those passing through all seem to be friendly and there is always plenty of banter going on which everybody is welcome to join in with. The Rat Race Ale House is popular with match-goers when Hartlepool United are at home, though Peter is unashamedly an Accrington Stanley supporter (who’s Accrington Stanley?). There are also those who regularly make the pilgrimage up from London on Grand Central’s three-hour direct service from King’s Cross station. Unsurprisingly, the pub’s popularity has been recognised with multiple awards, including a variety of local CAMRA branch gongs, including 2020 ‘Cider Pub of the Year’. Getting there is easy as Hartlepool’s transport hub is just outside the front door, where interchange between trains and buses is as easy as ABC.
The beer range on my most recent visit in October comprised; Quantock New Beginning (4.4% ABV) which was absolutely stunning, Thornbridge Market Porter (4.5%), Buster Beer Factory Satisfaction
(5%) and Top Rope American Dream (3.9%), while ciders on offer were Thornborough Yorkshire Dry (6%) and Gwynt y Ddraig Fiery Fox (6.5%).
The pub opens every day except Sundays and Mondays, from 12 noon until 2.00pm and again from 4.00pm until 8.15pm, while on Saturdays it opens noon through to 9.00pm. The landlord is perhaps a little eccentric, so it is worth checking opening times before travelling, for example his indifference to Christmas means the pub closes from 12-26 December when he goes on holiday!
Dogs cannot be accommodated due to the pressure on space and nor can children due to licensing laws.
This remarkable micropub is one to savour – a great way to spend an hour or so between trains – but don’t leave it too long, landlord Peter and his partner are looking at emigrating to France “sometime soon” where he assures me he won’t be opening a ‘Course de Rat’. n Paul Appleton
ISSUE 70 13 national
treasure
FIVE HORSESHOES Barholm, Stamford, Lincs PE9 4RA • 01778 560238 Open from 4pm week days, 1pm Saturday and 12pm Sundays A WELCOMING TRADITIONAL ALE HOUSE • Six Real Ales with three on rotation • Three Draught Ciders • Three Lagers • Three Craft Ales • Fine Wine & Spirits • Large Beer Garden • Heated Marquee • Weekly Quiz (first Weds) - see listings FRESHLY MADE PIZZAS Cooked in an authentic wood fired oven every Fridays 4-9pm. BOOKING ESSENTIAL Call Dale on 07941 781168 WELCOMING REAL FIRE A massive thank you to all our Santa Fun Runners, and those who gave generously. Over £2000 raised for local charities including Stamford Mindspace, Sue Ryder and Stamford Rotary GOOD GUIDE BEER WE’RE2023INIT 50th Edition Celebrating 10 years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide! Camra GOLD AWARD winner 2022
The West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield owes its original wealth to the wool trade and can boast some truly impressive buildings from the Victorian area, not least of which, is the Grade I listed railway station. From Peterborough it can be reached via various routes. We travelled via Doncaster and Leeds, and back via York with journey times between 2 and 2.5 hours, though another route via Sheffield and the scenic Penistone Line is another option. Our advanced fare with a railcard came in at £26.
The station, and indeed the whole ‘Trans Pennine’ route is undergoing a multi-million pound upgrade, though thankfully the impressive main buildings are
HUDDERSFIELD
protected from unsympathetic modernisation plans, and remain a beer drinker’s Mecca in their own right thanks to two superb pubs in the station complex itself.
The Head of Steam opens at 11am and offers a mere fourteen hand pulled beers from mostly, though not exclusively, Yorkshire breweries such as Theakstons, Small World, Mobberley, Thornbridge, Brass Castle, Vocation, Leeds, Timothy Taylor and the local Magic Rock plus ciders at prices from £3.00 to £4.60. Décor is not surprisingly of a railway
nature (from the glory days, not the current minimalistic ones), and food is served all day. At the other end of the platform the Kings Head, part of the ‘Beerhouses Group’ that also owns the renowned West Riding Refreshment Rooms on Dewsbury Station and the Buffet Bar at Stalybridge, provides an impressive frontage and refuses to be intimidated by its
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Victorian interior of the Head of Steam.
The magnificent exterior of the Kings Head.
The Head of Steam.
noisy neighbour, providing an equally welcoming atmosphere, sumptuous tiled floors and eleven cask ales, of which TT Landlord, Golden Best and Bradfield Farmers Blonde are the permanent offerings along with a host of expertly kept guest ales. Again, food is available all day, good pies being the speciality ‘until they run out…’. With a population slightly lower than that of Peterborough, you can’t help feeling that our local city remains miles behind, since the demise of the Great Northern, in offering any sort of agreeable beer/pub experience in the environs of its railway station.
If you can drag yourself away from the station, you only need to turn left then left again under the rail bridge to find the multi award winning Sportsman (once the Sportsman’s Arms)the local Cider Pub of the Year. They know how to look after their cask ale in this part of the world and the Small World Winter Bank I tried was superb, but you can expect another
seven cask ales along with a wide selection of craft kegs and real ciders from the likes of Timothy Taylor and Mallinsons.
The pub is also part of the Beerhouses Group and is in touch with its past and displays many vintage images on its walls.
Close by in John William St. is Williams Beer & Gin House, a small but pleasant bar once home to its own brewery (Concept), whose brewer is now with Oaks brewery but now serving a couple of beers from the Ossett Brewery along with one from Kirkstall, one from Tetley and around 10 keg lines. Food was needed at this point and we decided to by-pass the local JD Wetherspoon (the Cherry Tree) as we were spoiled for choice, and we’d prebooked the Vulcan pub which we were subsequently told by a local, ‘I wouldn’t bother’, but turned into something of a revelation.
The pub is open from 9.30 in the morning and lunch is served 10am-2pm. Having ordered a giant Yorkshire pudding full of four sausages and gravy for the unlikely price of £6, I was asked ‘what would you like with that? mash, boiled or chips?’ I went for the mash and it was really rather good, washed down with a choice of beers from Bradfield or Copper Dragon..
Arcade Coffee & Food on Byram St provides a host of craft keg beers and liquers, and offered the opportunity to try a festive brew from a well known
16 ISSUE 70 HUDDERSFIELD
The Vulcan on St. Peters Street.
Multi award winning Sportsman.
Available beers board at Arcade.
ISSUE 70 17 HUDDERSFIELD 1 Head of Steam 2 Kings Head 3 Sportsman 4 Willams Beer & Gin House 5 Vulcan 6 Cherry Tree 7 Arcade 8 The Crown 9 Plumbers Arms 10 County Beerhouse 11 Rat & Ratchet 12 Grove 13 The Star 14 Magic Rock Brewing Co.
Yorkshire brewery, appropriately named ‘Nightmare of Brew York’ (‘Fairytale of Brew York’ is also available). A very agreeable beer in pleasant surroundings but we pressed on to the Crown, next to the bus station on Westgate, which quite honestly looked unpromising from the outside but offered six cask ales from Little Critters, Bradfield, Yorkshire Heart, Vocation and Magic Rock breweries. As we headed over towards the Plumbers Arms I couldn’t help but reflect that we’d now done seven excellent pubs and were still in view of the station! This pub, right in the town centre on Macauley St did not disappoint either, with decent beers from Ossett, Mallinsons, and Stancill. Mallinson’s did have a brewery tap nearby called Corner, but this failed to reopen after the pandemic – hopefully it’ll be back at some point.
Heading south of the town centre on Princess St is the
County Beerhouse, formerly known as the County until being taken over by the ‘Beerhouses’ Group a year or so ago. As with all the previous venues visited, a good range of up to eight beers are available from Yorkshire breweries at sensible prices from £3.70 to £4.20. Just beyond the bypass on Chapel Hill is the legendary Rat & Ratchet, current holder of the local Pub of the Year award and home to the Rat Brewery, now operated by Ossett, whose White Rat seems to be increasingly popular in our area. Its position on the edge of town means it doesn’t open until 3pm during the week (12 noon at weekends), but it’s worth hanging on for as the beer is of course excellent with their own brands always available, and guest beers. The Grove on Spring Grove St is a 4pm opening on a weekday, and requires a good 5-10 minute walk uphill, but again is well worth the trouble with at least seven well kept real ales from mostly Northern breweries such as Kirkstall, Thornbridge, Brass Castle, Marble, Vocation and Northern Monk as well as a name familiar to ourselves – Oakham Ales. The draught beers are pristine, but if you fancy a bottled version, there’s a huge range to choose from.
At this point we had to head back to the station, but a couple of our party
decided to press on with a couple more pubs at either end of the town with later opening times. At the South end of town the award-winning Star on Albert St opens at 5pm and is renowned for showcasing new breweries, with seven handpumps but only Brewers Gold on as a permanent fixture. The pub is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open all day at weekends. At the opposite end of town, a visit to the Magic Rock Brewing Co on Willow Lane, open at 4pm Monday to Thursday, from 1pm on Fridays and 12 noon at weekends, is recommended for lovers of beer fresh from the source, with four of their own brands usually available plus kegs. Beware though –cash is not accepted here..
Huddersfield is truly one of the great British drinking towns, and i would suggest building in a second day to really do it justice! n Chris
Shilling
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The Crown on Westgate.
Brewing history at the Rat & Ratchet.
pub scrawl
CARDINAL COX
Congratulations to Qu Gao of Chatteris who was awarded the title of the new Fenland Poet Laureate back in October.
Keep your eyes open for the Stamford Poet Laureate competition.
Next Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival should be the weekend of Friday 13 and Saturday 14 January.
Peterborough Cathedral’s Katharine of Aragon Festival includes an on-line talk by Prof Theresa M Earenfight of Seattle University, USA, on Thursday 26 January. Tickets cost £7.00 (plus booking fee) and can be obtained via the Peterborough Cathedral website.
John Clare Cottage in Helpston (next to the Bluebell Inn) continues to host it’s occasional (approximately every two months) poetry open mic nights. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for details of the next.
Two chances to see Luke Wright’s latest show (The Remains of Logan Dankworth). First at the Stahl Theatre in Oundle on Thursday 12 January. Tickets are £15. Then at Stamford Arts Centre on Wednesday
8 February. Tickets there just £5 thanks to funding from Arts Council England.
Say It Louder Events presents Mind Over Words with top poets, Dominic Berry – who won the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Artist in 2020 - Clive Oseman – a multi-slam winner and the challenging Jemima Hughes, at The Brewery Tap on Saturday 21 January (allegedly the worst day of the year). Then on Friday 10 March they are bringing Kat Francois back to the city. More details about that next issue. Legendary cricket commentator and raconteur Henry Blofeld will be at the Stamford Arts Centre on Friday 3 February. Tickets are £25
from either 01780 763203 or via stamfordartscentre.com
Key Theatre presents an evening celebrating the genius of PG Wodehouse with Wodehouse in Wonderland, starting Thursday 16 and running through to Saturday 18 February Tickets are from £27. Then Francis Rossi (who must have
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Woodhouse in Wonderland at the Key Theatre.
Henry Blofeld at the Stamford Arts Centre
pub scrawl
some stories to tell) will be having an evening of Choons And Chat at the Key Theatre on Wednesday 17 May. Tickets range from £31.50 to £46.50 (best seats and goody bag) up to £81.50 for a meet and greet. Either ring 01733 852992 or email keytheatre@selladoo rvenues.com
The next King’s Lynn Fiction Festival is to be held over the weekend of 10 – 12 March.
Looking ahead there are two forthcoming events at Stamford Arts Centre, John Osborne (My Car Plays Tapes) on Wednesday 5 April, followed by Simon (the Poet Laureate himself) Armitage on Wednesday 19 April (tickets for Simon Armitage are £20).
John Clare Cottage plays host to the Spring Gathering,
a celebration of the great poet in readings, talks and song, on Friday 28 April (10 – 4). Tickets are £19.99 via eventbrite.
Marti Pellow will be giving his Pellow Talk at the Cresset on Thursday 27 April. Tickets from £32.50. Then on Wednesday 3 May Emma Kenny will be giving a talk about The Serial Killer Next Door (a must for any would-be crime writers). Tickets £28.50. Either call 01733 265705 or got to the website at cresset.ticketsolve.com n
This year marks twenty years since Cardinal Cox Poet Laureate of Peterborough.
High-points of his year included reading at a poetry festival in Oxford, being poet-in-residence of a very odd weekend in Dundalk and having a letter of complaint about him printed in the local press…
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High St, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9EE Tel. Kerry on 01778 348182 at Maxey The Blue Bell Follow us on Facebook: bluebellmaxey Come and enjoy the warm welcome and ambience at our beautiful 17th Century traditional village pub Now serving up to SEVEN real ales including Fuller’s ESB & London Pride, Ossett White Rat and Grainstore Ten Fifty, plus wide range of Lagers, Craft Ales, Wines and Spirits Open Daily from 3pm Mon-Fri • 1pm Sat/Sun GOOD GUIDE BEER WE’RE2023INIT
Marti Pellow at the Cresset
the rhythm section
As we’ve managed to publish the January/February issue of Rhythm & Booze in time for Christmas we should mention some of the live events taking place over the festive period. The pantomime season ends on New Year’s Day with the last performance of Cinderella at Stamford Corn Exchange.
The previous evening of course has a raft of events to celebrate New Year. We’ve included a comprehensive guide in the Listings section.
Just when you thought panto season was over an adult version of Cinderella takes to the Corn Exchange Stage on January 14. Cinderella and her Naughty Buttons will no doubt be filled with double-entendres and traditional Carry On like humour, what’s not to like?
Post festivity melancholy requires a dose of laughter and the region has a number of gigs to brighten us up. Guz
Khan plays the Cresset on January 18. Coventry’s finest, Guz, brings his bigscreen persona and BAFTAnominated hilarity on tour with an eagerly anticipated, band-new stand up show Guz Khan Live! January 27 the focus moves to the Stamford Comedy Club at the Corn Exchange. Into February and on the 23rd it’s the turn of the Grainstore in Oakham to host their Comedy Club.
As usual there is a fine line up of quality tribute acts if nostalgia’s your thing. Voodoo Haze are a three-piece band who specialise in the music of Jimi Hendrix and the sounds of classic 1960’s rock acts such as Cream, Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Animals, and The Doors. They are playing the Ostrich January 20. Whilst mentioning The Ostrich, the breadth and quality of music running right through early 2023 should be highlighted. DJ sessions and live music and particularly of interest are the nine bands playing on the 14th January.
Letz Zep flying the flag for one of the UK’s biggest bands. If you need a fix of Zeppelin then the gig at Stamford Corn Exchange on January 21 is for you.
Following one West Midlands band with another, ELO’s cannon of work will be showcased by The ELO Experience playing the Cresset on January 26.
Are you Scottish? Do you pretend to be Scottish? It’s Burns night on January 25 so head over to the Grainstore in Oakham. The party will begin with the Selkirk Grace, followed by a Piper, piping in the Haggis which is then served with Tatties and Neeps along with a Whisky gravy and a shot of malt to wash it down!
Guz
Last issue we featured the Boot-Led Zeppelin, this time it’s
There are some great tribute bands playing at Stamford Corn Exchange during February. Endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, Fleetwood Bac are the only tribute to authentically replicate the classic ‘Rumours’ line-up. So Go Your Own Way
ISSUE 70 21
Khan plays the Cresset
Cinderella and Her Naughty Buttons, Stamford Corn Exchange
22 ISSUE 70 Digfeld Ales ABV 3.9% brewed at Lilford Lodge Farm Barnwell Northamptonshire 01832 273954 www.digfield-ales.co.uk Award Winning The Ostrich Inn THE HEART OF THE CITY CENTRE PETERBOROUGH CAMRA CITY PUB OF THE YEAR 2022 17 NORTH STREET, PETERBOROUGH PE1 2RA (JUST OFF WESTGATE) M “OSTRICH INN PETERBOROUGH” OSTRICHINNPETERBOROUGH.COM 5 CONSTANTLY CHANGING REAL ALES Including Gluten Free and Vegan LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND Full Listings are on our website GOOD GUIDE BEER WE’RE2023INIT 50th Edition
there on February 3. Following on twenty four hours later it’s the turn of the pixie of pop Marc Bolan with T-Rextasy. The following weekend it’s the turn of Coldplace to grace the Stamford stage. In 12 years, the band have over 600 gigs
the rhythm section
under their belts across the length and breadth of the UK and abroad in over twenty different countries worldwide.
Having modelled myself on Gert Frobe for the past few years its great to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang coming to the Corn
Exchange. Between Wednesday 15th and Saturday 18th the Stamford Showstoppers bring you Caractacus Potts and his family as they do battle with over the top villains including Baron Bomburst. Enjoy! n Cheers Dave
The Amber Squad – Just Like Riding a Bike
More than 40 years after their last recording, Rutland based band The Amber Squad are set to release a new 7” vinyl single titled “After All These Years” b/w “Keep My Company” on December 19th, 2023. Recorded for the Detour Records Label at Parlour Studios in Kettering, the title track is a totally new song, with the B Side being a reworking of a favourite track from the band’s early days.
In the late 70’s and early 80’s The Amber Squad was very popular locally and beyond, gigging up and down the country and receiving Radio One air play on the John Peel Show and Round Table with Kid Jensen. They eventually called it a day in 1985, however after a
long “sabbatical” they came together again in 2015 and have since played various charity fundraiser gigs as well as rekindling interest from the Mod Revival community resulting in appearances at some iconic venues, including the legendary Hope & Anchor in Islington. The current line-up includes original band members Richard (Dick) Beechey (vocals), Paul (Magic) Fairey (guitar), and Graham (Tuzzy) Tyers (drums), augmented by well-known local bassist Gary Tyler who recently replaced Steve (Dubber) Rawlings when he moved away from the area. “After All These Years” is available from
Detour Records online at www.detourrecords.co.uk, and a limited number of signed copies will be on sale when the band returns to play in their hometown, at The Grainstore Tap in Oakham on Saturday, 28th January 2023. For any questions or for more information, contact Graham Tyers on 07931 126602 or email graham.tyers@outlook.com n
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AFTER ALL THESE YEARS! New single launch gig Live at the Grainstore Tap, Oakham, Sat 28th Jan 2023 More info at www.grainstorebrewery.com
the listings
All the best in live entertainment in our region. Make sure your pub, venue or event is listed by emailing chris@shillingmedia.co.uk.
DECEMBER 29
Christmas Comedy Special, (6.15pm) Grainstore Brewery, Oakham Open Mic, Nobody Inn, Grantham DJ Sav, (9pm) The Brewery Tap, Peterborough No Gods No Managers, (8pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Cinderella, Stamford Corn Exchange
DECEMBER 30
Acoustic Session, (7.30pm) Falcon Hotel, Whittlesey Tommy Philpot, Yard of Ale, Peterborough Vinyl Night, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough The High Rollers, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Cinderella, Stamford Corn Exchange
DECEMBER 31
Disco, S Bar, Stilton New Year’s Eve Dinner with Aimee Cliff, (7.15pm) Grainstore Brewery, Oakham Revolver, Nags Head, Bourne Party Bash with The Zephyrs, Yard of Ale, Peterborough Vex, (8pm) £10 a ticket, Lakeside Bar, Tallington Velocity, Bluebell, Dogsthorpe
New Year’s Eve With DJ Sav, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough
The One Eyed Cats & DJ Rick, (9pm3am) £10 advance tickets, £15 pay at the door, The Brewery Tap, Peterborough Ed, (9pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
The Undefined, Golden Fleece, Stamford David James Smith, (9pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough New Year’s Dico with Free Buffett, The Castle, Castle Bytham DJ, The London Inn, Stamford Cinderella, Stamford Corn Exchange
New Year’s Eve Party with Champagne & Canapes on arrival, 6-course meal and entertainment with Soul Junkeez (Tickets £115) Angel and Royal, Grantham Last Minute Brigade, Three Horseshoes, Yaxley
JANUARY 1
Cinderella, Stamford Corn Exchange Salmon Dave, (3pm) Ploughman, Werrington
JANUARY 3
Poetry Night, Lord Harrowby, Grantham Open Mic, Argo Lounge, Peterborough
JANUARY 4
Pub Philospohy Night with Michael Reid, (7.30pm) Bluebell Inn, Helpston Big Fun Quiz, Grainstore, Oakham Quiz, Five Horseshoes, Barholm
JANUARY 5
General Knowledge Quiz, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough.
JANUARY 6
Dave Smith, Yard of Ale, Peterborough Tribal Misfits, (9.30 pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Quiz Night, Lord Harrowby, Grantham
JANUARY 7
Lloyd E Moon, Peterborough Conservative Club DB5, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough
Oakham Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, Grainstore, Oakham
The Jokers Acoustic Duo, Yard of Ale, Peterborough DJ, London Inn, Stamford
JANUARY 8
Johnny Quinn, (5pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough
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Dan Knight (acoustic), (3pm) The Ploughman, Werrington Dirty Ruby, (4pm) Edwards, Grantham
JANUARY 9
Record Hop, (7.30pm) Just for Kicks Rock and Roll Club at Royal British Legion, Yaxley Bingo, Golden Fleece, Stamford
JANUARY 10
Open Mic, Argo Lounge, Peterborough
JANUARY 11
Open Mic Night, (7.30pm) Iron Horse Market Deeping. Free entry Acoustic sessions in the restaurant, (8pm) Falcon Hotel, Whttlesey Quiz, (7.30pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
JANUARY12
General Knowledge Quiz, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough
JANUARY 13
Johnny Quinn, Yard of Ale, Peterborough Titan, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Ellie, London Inn, Stamford
JANUARY 14
Billy Maxwell, Peterborough Conservative Club Adult Panto, Cinderella and her naughty Buttons, Stamford Corn Exchange Idle Hands, Grainstore, Oakham
The Straw Bear After Party with the Boatmen & Friends, (5pm till 7.30) The Falcon Hotel Whittlesey Carpark Rendevous, Yard of Ale, Peterborough Los Cojones, The Bell, Deeping St James Socks On Promotions present: East Angrier #2Moskito + Soviet Films + Das Kapitans + Good Job Kid + Transit Plan + The Deadites +
Connoisseur Club, January 20, Bottle and Board, Peterborough
Manic + The Dodo Appreciation Society + The Fyzz Wallis Band, (from 2pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough B2BF, London Inn, Stamford Velocity, Nobody Inn, Grantham
JANUARY 15
Open Mic Night, Grainstore, Oakham Cubans & Acoustic, (4.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Dave Smith, (3pm) The Ploughman, Werrington
JANUARY 16
Record Hop, (7.30pm) Just for Kicks Rock n Roll Club at Royal British Legion, Yaxley
JANUARY 17
Open Mic Night, (8pm) The Falcon Hotel Whittlesey Quiz Night, (8pm) The Castle, Castle Bytham Open Mic, Argo Lounge, Peterborough
JANUARY 18
Guz Khan, Cresset Theatre, Peterborough Quiz, (7.30pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
JANUARY 19
General Knowledge Quiz, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough
Originals Acoustic Night, three acts, (8.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Bingo, (8 pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
JANUARY 20
Stuart Michael – Psychic, Stamford Corn Exchange Connoisseur Club, the ‘Dark nights’ event, beers from De Struise brewery in Belgium, Bottle and Board, Peterborough Monkey Boy, Yard of Ale, Peterborough Voodoo Haze, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough
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Idle Hands, January 14, Grainstore, Oakham
the listings
JANUARY 21
Mikki Jons, Peterborough Conservative Club Letz Zep, Stamford Corn Exchange
One Eyed Cats, The Peacock, Peterborough The Money Shot, (10pm) Charters, Peterborough Keep This Up, Mama Liz’s, Stamford Pop Punk Party Bus, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Halo, London Inn, Stamford
JANUARY 22
Soulful Strut DJ sessions, (2pm-7pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough
Mark Sevens, (3pm) The Ploughman, Werrington Under The Covers, (4pm) Edwards, Grantham
JANUARY 23
Record Hop, (7.30pm) Just for Kicks Rock n Roll Club at Royal British Legion, Yaxley Bingo, Golden Fleece, Stamford
JANUARY 24
Open Mic, Argo Lounge, Peterborough
JANUARY 25
Burns Night with Piper, Grainstore, Oakham Baklash, The Bell, Deeping St James Quiz, (7.30pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
JANUARY 26
The ELO Experience, Cresset Theatre, Peterborough General Knowledge Quiz, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough
Funhouse Comedy, Grainstore, Oakham Palmy Ukulele Band Rehearsal, (8pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough
JANUARY 27
Stamford Comedy Club, Stamford Corn Exchange
Good
Punk Night: Scumbus, Damaged, All Fall Down, March to the Grave, Mama Liz’s, Stamford Good Evening Mr Buble, Cresset Theatre, Peterborough Vinyl Night, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough Acoustic Session, (7.30pm) Falcon Hotel, Whittlesey 8 Foot Under, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Chloe, London Inn, Stamford
JANUARY 28
Nicky, Peterborough Conservative Club High Point Players, (8.30pm) Thorney Ex Services Club
The Amber Squad, The Grainstore Tap Oakham Desperado, Stamford Corn Exchange One Eyed Cats, Yard of Ale, Peterborough Black Dog Murphy, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Velocity, Bijou, Peterborough DJ, London Inn, Stamford Last Minute Brigade, The Ploughman, Werrington Midlife Crisis, Nobody Inn, Grantham
JANUARY 29
Masters of Chant, Stamford Corn Exchange Men Behaving Badly while messing about in boats, (Doors 6.45, show 7,30pm) Irnham Hall Richard Hall, (4.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Dave Smith (3-6pm) Charters, Peterborough. Music Quiz, (6.30pm) Charters, Peterborough Artist to be confirmed, (3pm) The Ploughman, Werrington Relentless, (4pm) Edwards, Grantham
JANUARY 30
Record Hop, (7.30pm) Just for Kicks Rock n Roll Club at Royal British Legion, Yaxley
JANUARY 31 Open Mic, Argo Lounge, Peterborough
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Evening Mr Buble, January 27, Cresset Theatre, Peterborough
ELO Experience,January 26, Cresset, Peterborough
The Dependant Variables, February 4, The Ostrich, Peterborough
FEBRUARY 1
Big Fun Quiz, Grainstore, Oakham Quiz, Five Horseshoes, Barholm Quiz, (7.30pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
FEBRUARY 2
General Knowledge Quiz, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough Embrace LGBTQ Night, (8pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Quiz Night, Lord Harrowby, Grantham Open Mic, The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
FEBRUARY 2 - 5
Charters Winter Ale Festival, 20 plus real ales, 8 ciders and over 35 gins
FEBRUARY 3
The Kurmujun, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Fleetwood Bac, Stamford Corn Exchange (Tickets £21)
FEBRUARY 3 - 4
13th Elysian Winter Beer Festival, Beer, Cider and Food, The Maltings, Ely
FEBRUARY 4
Shane Gould, Peterborough Conservative Club
Oakham Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, Grainstore, Oakham The Dependant Variables, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Live Jazz, Elina Duni & Rob Luft, (7.45pm) Stamford Methodist Church T-Rextasy, Stamford Corn Exchange (Tickets £26)
The Reckless, The Ploughman, Werrington Betty Swallox, Nobody Inn, Grantham
FEBRUARY 5
the listings
Jazz Underground, (12-3pm) Charters, Peterborough Chloe Lorentzen, (3-6pm) Charters, Peterborough Live Music, (4.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Jimmy Doherty, (3pm) The Ploughman, Werrington
FEBRUARY 6
Record Hop, (7.30pm) Just for Kicks Rock n Roll Club at Royal British Legion, Yaxley Bingo, Golden Fleece, Stamford
FEBRUARY 7
Poetry Night, Lord Harrowby, Grantham Open Mic, Argo Lounge, Peterborough
FEBRUARY 8
Open Mic Night, (7.30pm) Iron Horse Market Deeping. Free entry Acoustic Session, (8pm) Falcon Hotel, Whittlesey Quiz, (7.30pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
FEBRUARY 9
One Night in Texas (Country and Western), Stamford Corn Exchange General Knowledge Quiz, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough
FEBRUARY 10
Hung Like Hanratty, Mama Liz’s, Stamford 2012 Band, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Carl Hutchinson, Stamford Corn Exchange Bon Rogers, London Inn, Stamford
FEBRUARY 11
Kriz Garrick, Peterborough Conservative Club Halo, (8.30pm) Iron Horse Market Deeping. Free entry
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Hung Like Hanratty, February 10, Mama Liz’s, Stamford
the listings
DJ, London Inn, Stamford Coldplace (Coldplay tribute), Stamford Corn Exchange One Eyed Cats, The Granary, Long Sutton The Mighty and the High, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough The Money Shot, (10pm) Charters, Peterborough Another Girl Another Planet, Yard of Ale, Peterborough Velocity, The Crown, Peterborough Bouji Nights, Stamford Corn Exchange Afterlife, Nobody Inn, Grantham Latiesha Maria Band, Ploughman, Werrington
FEBRUARY 12
Open Mic Night, Grainstore, Oakham Head In the Sand Folk Session (1pm) Steevie Jones and Support (4.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Tommy Philpot, (3pm) The Ploughman, Werrington Reboot, (4pm) Edwards, Grantham
FEBRUARY 13
Record Hop, (7.30pm) Just for Kicks Rock n Roll Club at Royal British Legion, Yaxley
FEBRUARY 14
Valentines themed ‘Build a Burger’ night, Grainstore, Oakham Mr and Mrs Themed Quiz, (8pm) The Castle, Castle Bytham Open Mic, Argo Lounge, Peterborough
FEBRUARY 15
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Stamford Corn Exchange Quiz, (7.30pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
FEBRUARY 16
General Knowledge Quiz, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough
Originals Acoustic Night – Three Acts, (8.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang, Stamford Corn Exchange Bingo, (8pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
FEBRUARY 17
Five Day Weekend, Grainstore, Oakham No Gods No Managers Present: Other Half + Hell’s Ditch + Get The Fuck Outta Dodge + Soviet Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Stamford Corn Exchange Films (From 8pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough
FEBRUARY 18
Sophie Hardy, Peterborough Conservative Club Valentines Murder Mystery Night, (7pm) Iron Horse Market Deeping High Point Players, (9pm) The Crown Lincoln Road Arctic Roll, London Inn, Stamford Tribal Misfits, (10pm) Charters, Peterborough Velocity, The Burghley, Peterborough The 707, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Stamford Corn Exchange Adams & Co, Nobody Inn, Grantham
19 FEBRUARY
Waldo Rumkins, (3-6pm) Charters, Peterborough The Soulful Strut DJ Sessions, (2pm – 7pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough You & I, (3pm) The Ploughman, Werrington Manipulators, (4pm) Edwards, Grantham
FEBRUARY 20
Record Hop, (7.30pm) Just for Kicks Rock n Roll Club at Royal British Legion, Yaxley Bingo, Golden Fleece, Stamford
FEBRUARY 21
Open Mic Night, (8pm), Falcon Hotel, Whittlesey Quiz Night, (8pm) The Castle, Castle Bytham Open Mic, Argo Lounge, Peterborough
FEBRUARY 22
Quiz, (7.30pm) The Old Ship Inn, Pointon
FEBRUARY 23
General Knowledge Quiz, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough Comedy Club, Grainstore, Oakham Palmy Ukulele Band Rehearsal, (8pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough
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The Mighty and the High, February 11, Yard of Ale, Peterborough
FEBRUARY 24
Vinyl Night, (8pm) Charters, Peterborough Wrong Jovi, Stamford Corn Exchange Acoustic Night, (7.30pm) The Falcon Hotel, Whittlesey Highway Star, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Chloe, London Inn, Stamford
FEBRUARY 25
Fired Up, (8.30pm) Iron Horse Market Deeping Blacktop Sunrise, Yard of Ale, Peterborough Velocity, The Peacock, Peterborough Supersonic Queen, Stamford Corn Exchange
the listings
Car Park Rendevous, The Ploughman, Werrington
Noel Gee, Peterborough Conservative Club
High Point Players, (9pm) The Burghley Club Supersonic Queen, Stamford Corn Exchange
The Money Shot, (9.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough The Main Event, Nobody Inn, Grantham
FEBRUARY 26
Pennyless, (4pm-6pm) Mama Liz’s Music Quiz, (6.30pm) Charters, Peterborough David James Smith, (4.30pm) The Ostrich, Peterborough Diabla, (4pm) Edwards, Grantham
FEBRUARY 27
Record Hop, (7.30pm) Just for Kicks Rock n Roll Club at Royal British Legion, Yaxley
FEBRUARY 28
Open Mic, Argo Lounge, Peterborough
ADVANCE NOTICE
March 16-19 Beer Festival, Empingham Cricket Club (Thurs- Sun, live Music on Friday eve)
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LINCOLNSHIRE’S FIRST MICRO PUB IN SPALDING’S OLDEST BUILDING Priors Oven e SERVING LOCAL REAL ALES STRAIGHT FROM THE BARREL, PLUS A SELECTION OF REAL CIDERS Current Opening Hours Thursday 16.00-20.00 Friday/Saturday 12.00-23.00 Sunday 12.00-20.00 1 SHEEP MARKET, SPALDING, LINCOLNSHIRE PE11 1BH GOOD GUIDE BEER WE’RE2023INIT 50th Edition * Official Outlet for Austendyke Ales Highway Star, February 24, The Ostrich, Peterborough
reviews
They might well have succeeded without CAMRA coming along when it did.
pages covering England, Wales, Scotland plus Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The foreword was written by Prince Charles, who has since become our King.
Another reason to raise a glass – cheers! n
The Good Beer Guide 2023 50th Edition, CAMRA, £16.99 – www.camra.org.uk Happy anniversary to the real ale drinkers’ bible as we raise a glass to The Good Beer Guide 2023 50th Edition.
What an amazing journey it has been charting the successful growth of CAMRA from its modest beginnings in 1971.
As someone who has lived through the establishment and rise of CAMRA, it is worth pointing out to younger readers just what was happening 50 years ago. Back then, pubs that sold real ale were rapidly becoming the minority as the big brewers did their best to make it history and cash in on their ‘premium’ products like keg and lager.
In 1972, I swapped South Lincolnshire for South East London and, as a local committee member, would spend my lunchtimes visiting pubs to see if they were actually selling real ale – many still had the pumps but that was no guarantee the beer was pulled by them or that they were kept properly in the cellar. I also fought for the survival of mild, which had little appeal for the modern brewers.
The consumers’ campaign fought against the commercial tide and soon grew in status. One of the aspects that definitely helped was the arrival of the Good Beer Guide, that proved popular with members and the public alike.
Again, this had a modest enough foundation – from 18 stapled pages in 1972 to today’s very professionally compiled bound edition that lists not only hundreds of regional pubs approved democratically using CAMRA’s National Beer Scoring System – but also provides valuable information on breweries and tasting notes on their products.
Within the card-backed covers in this edition are 944-fascinating
Honey and the Bear St John The
Baptist Church. Morton, Lincolnshire
Saturday October 22
You could be forgiven for believing that there was a sizeable band about to perform in the beautiful surroundings of St John The Baptist Church, Morton, judging by the range of instruments on the stage.
From ukelele to double bass, all would be featured to great effect, with a side order of percussion, by the husband and wife duo that are Honey and the Bear. Together they held the audience spellbound with their songs describing people they’ve known or admire and places that they have visited close to their Suffolk home or much further afield during their world travelling years.
In addition to their own songs, as featured on their two albums to date - Made In The Aker and Through The Roke plus samples of their third due to be released in 2023, they treated us to some of their own favourites including a fine tribute to Sandy Denny with ‘Who Knows Where The Time Goes’. n David Brown
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SO MUCH MORE AT THE FARMERS 200 BROADWAY, YAXLEY TEL: 01733 244 885 THEFARMERS@BTCONNECT.COM WWW.THEFARMERSYAXLEY.COM The Farmers SUCCULENT ROAST MEATS ALL DAY GRILL MENU DELICIOUS DESSERTS VEGGIE OPTIONS SPECIALS BOARDS Two fantastic function areas for hire. The Green Room is a covered area that brings the outside in. The Broadway Suite upstairs will hold a maximum of 75 seated and up to 120 party style depending on layout. Perfect for business meetings, conferences, funeral wakes, weddings, civil ceremonies, parties and all of lifes occasions. FOUR CHANGING REAL ALES PREMIUM LAGERS GREAT WINES COFFEE TEA SATURDAY BIG BREAKFAST From 8am - 11am. Start your Saturday with a full English from the carvery. Help yourself! Only £7.95
IN JANUARY EVERY THURSDAY GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ FROM 8PM SAT 21ST THE MONEY SHOT FROM 10PM FRI 27TH VINYL NIGHT FROM 8PM SUN 29TH DAVE SMITH 3-6PM SUN 29TH MUSIC QUIZ FROM 6.30PM IN FEBRUARY EVERY THURSDAY GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ FROM 8PM SUN 5TH JAZZ UNDERGROUND 12-3PM SUN 5TH CHLOE LORENTZEN 3-6PM SAT 11TH THE MONEY SHOT FROM 10PM SAT 18TH TRIBAL MISFITS FROM 10PM SUN 19TH WALDO RUMKINS 3-6PM FRI 24TH VINYL NIGHT FROM 8PM SUN 26TH MUSIC QUIZ FROM 6.30PM see website for further details JANUARY FEBRUARY £3.30 FREE ENTRY & LIVE MUSIC a pint Beer & Burger Special Beer Offer *not valid with any other offer. £12 follow us @ One of the top 10 live music pubs in the UK The Guardian