the Spring 2017 FREE tippler Please Take One The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale

GRANT COOK SANDFORD PARK NEIL WAY ALE HOUSE CHELTENHAM MOTOR CLUB

DOUBLE TROUBLE? AS WE GO TO PRESS, HOLDERS OF THE NATIONAL PUB OF THE YEAR AND THE NATIONAL CLUB OF THE YEAR tipplerthe The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale

©The Campaign for Real Ale 2017. Opinions expressed need not represent those of CAMRA Ltd or its officials

Front cover: The fabulous Salutation at Ham, once contents: again in the top four pubs in Britain. “ONE I COULD ENJOY TIME Letters to the Editor & Editorial page 4 Spotlight on Donnington Pub page 34

AND AGAIN” The Hunter’s Column page 10 Brewery News page 36

JAMES KING Cheltenham News page 14 Blue Monkey in Nottingham page 40 PUB REGULAR, BRISTOL North Cotswolds’ News page 16 In and Out of W-ales page 43 News from Tewkesbury page 18 I Won a Brewery Tour page 46 In Search of Salvation page 22 Gloucester Prize Wordsearch page 47 Pub News page 25 CAMRA contacts page 50 “AN AMAZING Camra National Club Of The Year page 28 What’s Coming Up? page 52 PRODUCTION”

BARRY NORMAN REAL ALE LOVER, GLOUCESTER CONTRIBUTION DEADLINES: THIRD FRIDAY OF FEBRUARY, MAY, AUGUST AND NOVEMBER “MAGNIFICENTLY INTENSE” JONATHAN ROSS have you any pub news? PUB LANDLORD, More details are posted regularly on the Facebook group 'Gloucestershire Pubs', an ideal forum BIRMINGHAM to keep other people informed of the latest pub developments in the county. We value feedback and news from around the county, so, if you’ve got something FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE HOPFATHER AND OTHER WYE VALLEY BREWERY PRODUCTIONS, VISIT: to say, want to make a contribution, compliment or criticise, then get in touch: The Editor, The Tippler, 23 Theocs Close, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 5TX WYEVALLEYBREWERY.CO.UK [email protected] 01684 439767 3

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk

WVB ad Hopfather A5.indd 1 11/11/2016 14:21 for goodness LETTERS sake jeremy, can’t we just send an email like to the all those FRIGHTFULLY LETTERS to the EDITOR modern chaps?

Dear Chris,

EDITOR Greetings of a Real Ale Enthusiast from you may also be able to sunny Worcestershire. When I make one of experience new flavours from Somerset and Bristol’s fine real ale selection. Some of my rare forays south of the border, I never It is great that many pub chains such as us old codgers pass up an opportunity to sample some of are still happy to use the local tipples. Greene King and Wetherspoon are now opening the services of the Royal Mail, and we actively encourage all Ashchurch is but a 17 minute train journey up as hotels. This means that the ‘Staycation’ forms of (preferably printable!) communication. So get writing from my home town of Bromsgrove. As I was is a tempting option for real ale enthusiasts. and get your news, views and comments published! at a loose end over the Christmas period, I saw One can explore the country, take in the sights, this as an ideal opportunity to explore some sounds and tastes of an area without ever of the local alehouses in the Gloucestershire having to leave the comfort of the pub! area. [email protected] With the Malverns and Bredon Hill on the Nick Hatton doorstep, I could be forgiven for thinking that I The Editor, The Tippler, 23 Theocs Close, Chris replies: Many thanks Nick for making had not ventured far. However, when I began a foray into the pages of the Tippler, and the Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. GL20 5TX to explore the local pubs, I felt like I was in a glorious county we are so lucky we live in. A different world! nice scenic shot (above)of a view from the Gloucestershire Ale is not a completely Malverns is a good backdrop to your letter. alien concept to me. My local boozer regu- Personally, I have to work away at fairly regular this publication is edited, designed and created by larly sells out of Prescott’s ‘Chequered Flag’ intervals throughout the year and always when offered as a guest ale. My friend from ensure I stay in a decent real ale hotel, after University used to keep a keg of Wickwar ‘Bob’ all, why not? behind the bar at his house in Liverpool (he was from Wotton-Under-Edge). I am also a fan of Dear Chris, Cotswold Spring - although this does not make it into our county as often as I would like. I run a Facebook page called 'Cheltenham One thing that I am impressed with is the Past and Present’ using some of the historic amount of history in the pubs in this area. Cheltenham imagery I’ve put together over My own local ‘Ye Olde Black Crosse’ in the years. Bromsgrove dates back to the 17th Century. However, this pub has changed hands that https://www.facebook.com/Chelten- many times that it is difficult to know whether ham-Past-and-Present-1488507031433765/?- to expect a hearty welcome or a Glasgow kiss. fref=ts Pubs in Tewkesbury such as the Black Bear (opened 1308) and the Royal Hope Pole (15th I’m currently creating a selection of images Century) show that this is a county that is of the Brewery Quarter to put on this page for everyone to enjoy. Whilst reading 'the Tippler’ ready to embrace tradition. (Winter 2016) recently, I saw your brewery As the Editor in last season’s Tippler points news photo on page 36 and would like to know CHARISMATIC MARKETING LIMITED out, some of the best preserved pub interiors To find out about our design, advertising, sales and promotional if I could have a ‘clean’ version of it for the are courtesy of JD Wetherspoon. Leaving Facebook album I’m working on please. literature services, and how we can help your local business history aside, the stunning windowed interior call Chris on 01684 439767 at Gloucester’s The Regal is reason enough to David Hanks 4 [email protected] visit the city. When you journey further south [email protected] 5 www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk LETTERS to the EDITOR... LETTERS to the EDITOR... Chris replies: Hello David, Many thanks for Hello Chris avoid producing cask-conditioned versions of This makes it a worthy contender, along with your email, very interesting indeed. warm (or bottom) fermented beers, ales and Worthington White Shield, for the title of the The brewery image with the horse came Just a note from the current Tippler concerning stouts. best bottled beer from Burton (and therefore from our great friend of CAMRA and all things the article about the new micropub the ‘Little I see no problem, for example, in helping to the World?). old and pubby, Geoff Sandles, who has a George’ in Stroud. There were a couple of defend Czech Budweiser against the American Anyway, I’ll try to shut up for now and stick mountain of images and knowledge. I am sure inaccuracies (surely not? - Ed) with reference rice beer manufacturers of the same name to drinking real ale. he can help and I would suspect is a member to the ‘Dog House’ in Coleford. It was formerly of your FB page, if not I’m sure, like many a carpet shop, and ‘Cobblers’ in Cinderford is but CAMRA’s idea of supporting “high quality members and readers, would be interested in now the ‘Dog House’, Cinderford...things beers” suffers from the same problem of definition Vic Ellis subscribing. change swiftly in the Forest. As a regular of as “craft” and runs the risk of corruption by the Dog House wonder why it is not listed in the big brewers who will turn good beers into the CAMRA locale list? new versions of Red Barrel. Insisting on the Via email, name and address withheld: Dear Chris, On a sadder note, there is now a strong method of storage, conditioning and dispense Dear Editor, SO I SAID TO possibility that the ‘Ship’ in Newnham may is just as vital in the future as in the past if ‘IM, LISTEN LUV, IF YOU CAN’T come ‘ere and APPRECIATE a fine example of BRUNEL’S close together with the Black Pig micropub in The pub you BARREL VAULTED CAMRA is to ensure that high standards are CONSERVATORIES, YOU’RE NOT THE MAN its outbuildings. I was totally FOR ME… illustrated next properly maintained. the Autumn 2016 Keep up the great work. disgusted to see FREE to the editorial Incidentally, I’ve just conducted my own tippler Please Take One the cover on the The magazine of the in the Winter comparison of the old style bottled Pedigree Gloucestershire Branches of the Martin Green Campaign for Real Ale 2016 Tippler with the new bottle-conditioned version. The front of the autumn 2016 issue of The is the Imperial Chris replies: Hello Martin, many thanks for improvement is wonderful as the new version oh I don’t blame Tippler, depicting in Exeter. It is you, although I prefer has far more depth of flavour with a smoother a man who can appreciate your email, and the update on who’s who in the early 20th century art deco school of the (so called) Iron a short (uphill) architecture myself… the Forest. I’m always pleased to get updates taste more akin to a cask-conditioned beer. walk from St on changes in the real ale pub scene from Man. It was bold, David’s Station. around the county. brash and had Members of Cheltenham CAMRA Branch On the subject of the Locale listings, you’ll absolutely nothing enjoyed a visit to the Imperial when returning need to contact your local CAMRA officers to do with beer. OK, from an Ale Amble to Teignmouth. who will, no doubt, make a visit and look at its he was drinking status on the list. one but it got Jon Bryant everybody in our local talking about Dear Chris, it. Do we really want this? Then they started Hello Chris, picking it up and reading it, to see what it was Just to thank you for publishing my long, all about. Is this what we really want? I myself rambling letter in the last Tippler. I must have found it totally moronic, although somewhat We’ve just spent a couple of days sampling been using an American spell-checker as I some of Cheltenham’s finest hostelries in one subtly iron-ic! Hang on, am I missing something notice a couple of “drafts” in there! here? of which we came across your article on the I certainly agree with you that CAMRA good work that JD Wetherspoon’s do in preserving needs to continue to fight to save pubs from Still Totally Disgusted of Tewkesbury many fine buildings. I daresay that by now disappearing. Real ale and pubs are pretty you may know the answer to your query about much inter-dependent and we can’t really Chris replies: Many thanks for your email which ‘spoons is featured in the photo, but just have one without the other. However, I can’t to confirm it’s The Imperial in Exeter, an ex- Still Totally Disgusted, I’m sorry that you didn’t agree that the method of dispense is not the quite see how the marvellous cover was linked hotel set in its own grounds. The photo shows most important factor as any beer, however to the content of that issue. A stark reminder the Orangery which, on the day we visited, well brewed, will have its flavour adversely af- on the difficulties of communicating through was having its re-opening after being extensively fected if served with gas pressure. People are the medium of comic heavy rock punnery. refurbished. entitled to drink keg beer if they like, but the We try our hardest to make the Well done ‘spoons! main point I’m trying to make is that CAMRA magazine engaging, and on this 6 Christine Knott should not support breweries which deliberately occasion we clearly failed you. 7

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk LETTERS to the EDITOR... EDITORIAL...WHERE NEXT? Good afternoon Chris, Well worth a look. The pub news section of the magazine can be a sensible use of time. So, if you have any one that is hard to fill, not because there’s no doubts, get in touch with your local CAMRA I'm sitting in the Red Lion Inn at Huntley Keith Hoyle (pub regular) news, but simply because finding out what is official (you’ll find listings in this magazine) reading your winter 2016 edition of the Tippler. happening is difficult, especially when matters who will be pleased to help. I note your article about cold pubs as I'm Chris replies: Many thanks for your email, I have descended into the murky depth of council Interesting isn’t it? The one small feature watching the barmaid light the wood burning note that you’d sent through the ether using bureaucracy with endless administration and that got people talking from the last issue was stove. your smartphone. How the world has changed, meetings by this, that and the other group or the picture of the Imperial Hotel in Exeter. It is The pub has recently been sold into private but then again, how heartening it is to hear of sub-committee. Things have, of course made a simply fabulous venue, well worth a look, not hands and the new owner is gradually investing a real log fire in a real, real ale pub. significant strides forward with CAMRA having only for the architecture, but also the beer and financially, in the place. The heating is always Even better to hear of a country pub being well defined strategies for saving pubs. By food available. In the next issue, I am going on and the fires are lit as the temperature saved and upgraded, surely where CAMRA registering them as Assets of Community Value, to start a new competition that involves all of demands. The pub went through a turbulent will be heading in the future. What is most (ACV) is one way to give local communities you out there in Gloucestershireland, send me few years under Enterprise Inns and it’s great pleasing is the Tippler is on the pub shelf and and interested parties breathing space, if your very best pub Front Cover and I’ll make to see things improving again. it’s supplies the subject for correspondence. nothing else it helps to have time to find out sure we get a great prize from one of our lovely who owns what and who intends to do what brewers. Look out for that one great shot that to whom. Sometimes it works, sometimes, makes Gloucestershire pubs what they are unfortunately it doesn’t. It is important to be and send it in, and I’ll use it...well, what are EDITORIAL...WHERE NEXT? pragmatic about these things, however, and you waiting for? fruitlessly trying to save a pub that is not, or never has been, economically viable is not How things change, eh? A couple of issues be indebted to David for the wonderful and Chris Leibbrandt ago I was bemoaning the lack of any usable atmospheric ‘new’ old photograph of the dray correspondence and interaction from the great horse and workers on page 36. Gloucestershire public. Now, I don’t suppose In this issue, there are a few articles from for a minute that beer drinkers around the members who have given in the their itchy county scratched their collective heads and feet and indulged in peregrinations around sharpened their pencils ready to get engaged the countryside looking for the best there is with the magazine, but there is definite progress. in beer festivals. This time of year, I’m glad to Three pages of letters is a great result, coming say we’re spoilt for choice. Once again, for the in from email, text and smartphone as well as 22nd time in fact, the Tewkesbury Winter Ales the wonderful medium of letters made of real Festival was its usual success, plenty of beer, paper and ink, has made a near professional hubbub and friendly bonhomie. With so many curmudgeon a happy man. So thank you all odd thinking do-gooders looking to raise money 13TH & 14TH and also I’d like to thank all those who take the for charity in January with the ridiculous ‘Dry BEER & MAY 2017 time and trouble to fill in the wordsearch. As January’ campaign, I wonder how many give you’ll see later in the magazine, this is a real any consideration to the hard hit pubs trying OVER 180 competition and four people get brewery tour to make a living in the depth of winter. If the tickets every quarter, so thank you for taking charity money was ploughed back into preserving BEYOND! REAL ALES PLUS CIDER, PERRY & WINE part and thank you Gloucester Brewery for these fantastic hubs of the rural and local donating the prize. community I might just understand (even so 150+ One of the letters in the foregoing pages it is a long shot, I ask you, voluntarily giving CLASSIC CARS was received via email from David Hanks who up beer? It just doesn’t make any sense at runs a Facebook page called ‘Cheltenham Past all.) Next month we have the Gloucester Beer 80+ and Present’ using some historic Cheltenham Festival to look forward to, in fact there doesn’t EXHIBITORS imagery that he’s worked at collecting and seem to be an issue where we don’t have an restoring over the years. After some advertisement for a festival of some sort, and £1 off full paying adult use this advert or book online LIVE MUSIC toing and froing, I’m delighted to long may it remain so! using code TIPPLER or phone 01584 873957 ALL WEEKEND 8 WWW.LUDLOWSPRINGFESTIVAL.CO.UK www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk

2017 tippler 148 x 105.indd 1 09/02/2017 12:56 !

(Chris, My cousin, Veronica Marshall, has put this up on the internet - h7ps:// kingstanding.wordpress.com/memories/ammena@es/pubs/kingstanding-pub/ I think it’s my Uncle Harry playing bowls. p.s. OMG what happened to the other bloke’s feet?)

grave, the cooing having been silenced years ago. Mitchells and

THE HUNTER’S Butlers no longer brew ale, but are one of our largest pub groups; think Ember Inns and Harvesters. The brewery was established in 1898 and went on to lend its initials COLUMN to the ‘Knights in White Satin’, of whom brumbeat.net says “first Our intrepid hero is still wandering memory lane, his odyssey to known as The Moody Blues Five the bottom, of a pint glass reminds him of the motown standard: (M&B5), they took their name from you’’’ re my thirst, My last, my the local M&B brewing company in hope of getting sponsorship”. This everything... must have been before M&B told them to Go Now. So when did you have your first drink then? Ale, I finest, Mitchells & Butlers. I can’t say that it was a Our collective first drink took h7p://www.45cat.com/ mean. I ask because someone asked me the same Damascene conversion, although I can still see it place long before our pubescent record/a8040 question recently. To be honest, these days, I can’t now and the after taste lingers on in my diminishing or even pre-pubescent dabbling remember the last time I had a drink let alone the memory bank somewhere. I thought it was horrible at the back of pubs – no not that first, but I am always looking forward to the next. but doubt very much that it was a paternal attempt sort of dabbling; long before the As far as I can recall, my first taste of ale was in to put me on the road to temperance; he enjoyed pictured Temperance Seven and the beer garden of the Hare and Hounds pub in his pint too much to deprive me of the pleasure. The even before the Hare and Hounds sunny Kingstanding, Birmingham. At that time in the nearest I got to temperance was the Temperance Pigeon Fanciers Club had flown its 1950’s, it had been a local for my grandfather and Seven, who, incidentally, not only later featured Ted nest, so a recent article in National his sons for many years, following their emigration Wood, brother of Ronnie from the Rolling Stones but Geographic magazine tells us. from the ‘old end’, the Aston and Lozells areas of gave George Martin, the ‘Fifth Beatle’, his first No. Mankind’s first drink, of ale that is, Birmingham, to this Brave New World of a 4,000 1 hit as a producer, with You’re Driving Me Crazy. would have been as Sumerians, home council estate, built in the 1930’s and set Apart from the Salvation Army, there wouldn’t have who did their thing around 4,000 in then distant fields. The previous rural idyll was been much temperance in Kingstanding back then, B.C. Ancient Sumerian culture reflected in the local place names – Warren Farm but the Hare and Hounds’ bowling green is long emerged on a sun-scorched Road; Booths Farm Road; Hawthorn Road; gone, the pub having had a less than salubrious floodplain along the Tigris and Bandywood Road; Perry Common and in the name period as the Pint and Pudding (heaven protect Euphrates rivers in what is now ! of the pub itself. As young children, we were strictly us from such heresies) only to be burnt down and known as southern Iraq; well banned from the pub interior and so would while condemned to demolition, following the granting of wouldn’t you feel like a drink in The Temperance Seven with two soon to be ex-members, caught away our time in the garden, next to the pristine planning permission for new homes. The Pigeon those temperatures? Along with earlier downing pints at the bar. bowling green. On the day in question Dad had Fanciers Club must be turning in its communal inventing writing; the wheel; the went ape. Steve Benner, a biologist at the Foundation probably had a few and plough; law codes and literature, the Sumerians for Applied Molecular Evolution in Alachua (bless was quite happy to give somehow managed to find some spare time to you!), Florida claims that a critical gene mutation, a sip to his younger son; become history’s original brewers. Archaeologists that occurred in the last common ancestor of both I hadn’t reached double have found evidence of Mesopotamian beer-making African apes and us drinkers, made it possible for us figures by then. It would dating back to this time. It was the Chinese who to digest ethanol (alcohol) up to 40 times faster. This have been a standard, had put us on this road to ruin. Their Neolithic mutation occurred “at least 10 million years ago.” traditional bitter and forefathers were fermenting a beverage made up So there you have it. We never stood a chance. Our well do I remember it. of rice, grapes, hawthorn berries and honey 9,000 ability to drink is hard wired into us and it has taken I suppose it wasn’t so years ago in 7,000 B.C. Although, they could quite millions of years to get to the point where we can much of a coming of age legitimately pass the blame onto our ape ancestors walk upright into a bar and order a pint. So, next event, as an attempt by (Creationists please catch up), who, according to time you raise a glass, raise it to all those mutating the ‘old man’ to introduce Nathaniel Dominy of Dartmouth College, “…started genes; fruit picking apes; inscrutable Chinese; over my young liver to the eating fermented fruits on the forest floor, and achieving Sumerians and Ancient Order of Pigeon odyssey that lay ahead – that made all the difference. We’re preadapted for Fanciers that have got us where we are today. in which case, how right consuming alcohol.” If that’s not an excuse for a pint, They deserve it and so do we – we’ve come he was. The then I can’t possibly think what is. Yet even our a long way for this. ale was one of wayward ape ancestors might argue, if they could, Birmingham’s Uncle Harry working on his bowling technique, his mate is that things had gone adrift even before they er… 10 working on some specialist multi-directional footwork... The Hunter 11

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk !

(Chris, My cousin, Veronica Marshall, has put this up on the internet - h7ps:// kingstanding.wordpress.com/memories/ammena@es/pubs/kingstanding-pub/ I think it’s my Uncle Harry playing bowls. p.s. OMG what happened to the other bloke’s feet?)

h7p://www.45cat.com/ record/a8040

!

Talking of pickled eggs…..

A pint of beer with a pickled egg in a bag of crisps is considered by many to be one of life’s great pleasures. Opinions can run high on which beer and what flavour crisps are best. But now there’s a new question being posed in pubs, including many around Gloucestershire - what flavour pickled egg?! The question just grew even bigger as Stroud based Purely Pickled Eggs Ltd have recently added four new flavours to their popular range of British free range pickled eggs. Pickled egg fans can now enjoy eggs with fruity Scotch Bonnet chilli, hot Ghost Pepper chilli, Indian-style Garam Masala and Old School brown malt vinegar. Pickling Director and founder of Purely Pickled Eggs, Sue Tyley said: “We took our new flavours out on the road during 2016 to beer and food festivals around the country to thoroughly ‘road-test’ them and these four flavours got a massive thumbs-up from the pickled egg fraternity.” The long process of new flavour development all takes place at Pickling EggQuarters in Stroud where British free range hen and quail eggs are pickled by hand in twelve different flavours. Long standing favourites include balsamic, birds eye chilli, horseradish and cyder with new flavours always in the pipeline. “Pickled eggs are all we know,” said Sue, also known as The Pickled Egg Lady “and it’s great to see the excitement that the flavours create amongst pickled egg fans, and pickled egg converts too!”C

Contact PLEN0119Sue Tyley Pints on [email protected] View advert NM D5 Bleed.pdf 1or call20/09/2016 07752 955182. 11:38 www.purelypickledeggs.co.uk

PUBLICANS: PUT YOUR CHEF OUT OF MISERY! Stop making your own pies

C

M Pies are time consuming – we know. We refuse to sell our pies in supermarkets so Y We’re the experts. We bake a range of Plenty! Pies are as exclusive as they are special. CM delicious, award-winning pies, perfectly suited If we’ve whetted your appetite, call us for a

MY to pubs. Forget the usual dreary ‘steak & ale’ FREE sample box. and ‘chicken & mushroom’ options. CY We specialise in unusual combinations of Angela: 07831 747282 CMY quality ingredients. Your customers will love Marc: 07967 006970 a truly ‘proper’ yet different pie. www.plentypies.co.uk K Plenty Pastry Ltd, Unit 20a The Bakery, Merretts Mills, Bath Road, Woodchester, Glos GL5 5EX

Call today on 01453 298565 offer valid to April 5 2017 NEWS FROM THE CHELTENHAM BRANCH An independent true free house in central Cheltenham. Cheltenham 20 High Street, GL50 1DZ. CAMRA Raise Tel: 01242 574517 over £370 For the www.spalehouse.co.uk LINC Leukaemia Appeal

The Cheltenham Campaign for Real Ale CAMRA• Previous Pub CAMRA Of The National Year Pub National of the Year Finalist 2015 (CAMRA) presented LINC • 10 Hand-pulled ales and ciders - no nationals! (The Leukaemia & Intensive (Super-Regional Winner) Chemotherapy Fund based at • Over 1750 different real ales since April 2013 CAMRA Cheltenham Cheltenham General Hospital), • 16 taps featuring Belgian & German imports + craft keg Christmas Charitypresents Singits • 10 Hand-pulled ales and ciders – no nationals! with a cheque for £378.25. • Over 80 superb bottled beers – many BC • Over 1400 different real ales since April 2013 The money was raised from a -a-long Caption (L to R): Dr Gill Rouse (LINC Director), • Large Garden at rear Gren on thewith keyboard • Christmas Sing-along held at Grant Cook, Veronica Emary, Tony Lucas and John • 16Stylish taps featuringand comfortable Belgian & German imports + craft keg the Sandford Park Alehouse Monday 12 December Pickles (Cheltenham CAMRA). • Over 80 superb bottled beers – many BC at 7.30 pm • Great food at prices you’ll like on Cheltenham High Street. Sandford Park Ale House • Stylish and comfortable 20 High St, Cheltenham. • CAMRA discount on Mondays ukulele player Les Mason and all the people who Receiving the cheque, Dr GL50 1DZ • All proceeds of the • GreatBar Billiards food at prices you’ll like – new head chef supplied raffle prizes and all those who bought Gill Rouse (LINC Director), RAFFLE • CAMRA discount on Mondays Donated to tickets for this worthy cause.” • CIDER & CHEESE FESTIVAL 12 -13 MAY from 5:00pm FRIDAY said: To find out more about the appeal, or make a • Bar Billiards (Shower Campaign) “On behalf of all of us at LINC, I would like to Come and join in the fun donation, please visit www.lincfund.org/campaign/ thank all the members of wet-room-appeal. Cheltenham CAMRA for their kind donation, raised through what sounds like a fun Christmas Sing-along evening. Cheltenham CAMRA Branch Officers and Committee “The money will go towards our ‘wet room appeal’. This is to upgrade the eight shower rooms Chair Clubs Officer on Rendcomb Ward side rooms to create walk-in John Crossley David Midwinter [email protected] [email protected] wet rooms. This would be a huge benefit to our severely ill patients enabling them to be wheeled Secretary and Branch Contact Press Officer into the room, seated on a chair and have access Rob Coldwell - 07752 740488 Tony Lucas to nursing care. The original en suite shower rooms [email protected]. [email protected] were installed in 1998, but are old fashioned with uk narrow shower doors, making nursing help virtually Newsletter impossible. Treasurer Post Vacant - news@cheltenham- “We estimate that each room will cost £8,000 – Chris Chadwick camra.org.uk £10,000. Each one will take a minimum of a week [email protected] to do, including repainting the side rooms. We hope Webmaster Membership Chris Martin to have the initial planning meetings in the next few John Pickles [email protected] weeks.” [email protected] Representing CAMRA Cheltenham Branch, Young Members Veronica Emary, said: “This year’s Christmas Social Secretary Post Vacant Sing-along will benefit very ill patients who may face Veronica Emary many weeks and possibly 6 months without a proper [email protected] Committee Members shower, so this appeal will hopefully improve their Grant Cook spirits. Pubs Officer / Transport Officer [email protected] John Crossley “We would like to thank the Sandford Park [email protected] Ian Scott Alehouse, the current UK CAMRA Pub of [email protected] the Year, for hosting the event. Our thanks Beer Festival Organiser 14 also go to pianist Grenville Hillman, the Andy Forbes www.cheltenhamcamra.org.uk 15 facebook/twitter details: CAMRACheltenham@CheltenhamCAMRA www.cheltenhamcamra.org.uk North Cotswold CAMRA & GWR NEWS FROM NORTH COTSWOLD BRANCH

MONTHLY PUB WALKS MONTHLY PUB WALKS

We have now completed 74 walks have 86 pubs in the area and each one around our pubs in the North Cotswold will eventually figure in the process. Reports on all walks are available on our 9th SPRING area. Generally 4 or 5 miles easy walking these are held monthly on the first website www.northcotswoldcamra.org.uk Saturday of the month starting at 10:30 am from together with the route and photographs. the pub car park returning at 12:30 pm for lunch. We

The next walks are as follows:- call Roger Price on 01451 810305 or just turn up. Dogs welcome on leads. STEAM & ALE

4th March - No 75 Monthly Pub Walk - 10.30 am - Fox Inn, Lower Oddington 1st April - No 76 Monthly Pub Walk - 10.30 am - Kings Arms, Mickleton WEEKEND 6th May - No 77 Monthly Pub Walk - 10.30 am - Sherborne Arms, Aldsworth

BEER FESTIVALS 2017 20th & 21st May 2017 10:30 to 1900 (Sat) to 17.00*(Sun) 9th Ale & Steam Spring Weekend 20th & 21st May at Winchcombe & Toddington Stations 4th Ale & Steam Summer Weekend 19th & 20th August 10th Moreton Beer Festival 8th & 9th September 32 Beers total–10 at Toddington Hot & Cold Food with Soft Drinks Face Book Motor Cycling Section After active period we are delighted to report our First run of 2017 will be to the South Cotswolds CAMPING near station at Winchcombe page’s first anniversary in February 2017. Thanks on an 80 mile rural route including the Black Horse Come by Train: to Nick Court, Media Officer from Moreton in Marsh. at Cranham and other delights on March 16th from Cheltenham Racecourse 1st train leaves at 10:55 A link to this site is on our web pagehttps://www. 10:00 am. last return is 1900 (Saturday) 1605hrs (Sunday)

facebook.com/North-Cotswolds-CAMRA-the- Regular trains from Toddington run throughout the day. www.northcotswoldcamra.org.uk Campaign-for-Real-Ale-in-the-North-Cotswolds- Weekend Away See timetable on GWR Website. 1022351584505679/?fref=nf We’re off to Weymouth on 22nd to 25th September A train ticket on the day is required with most staying at the Royal Hotel on the front or you need a platform ticket for entry. Real Ale Trails opposite the Beach, which has just been voted the Plenty of car parking at Toddington We are delighted to report the return of the Staggers best beach in the UK. The weekend is mainly a GBG rebranded Real Ale Trails. These are pub crawls pub tour plus walks on Saturday and Sunday. around our North Cotswold Towns of note. We held the first of 2017 around Winchcombe on Saturday 11th Winter Pub of the Year February and see Facebook the website for details This seasonal award will apply to our branch and others planned this year. areas most improved pub irrespective of whether it is in the current GBG guide. The Great Western Day Away is a Hook Norton Pub that has been dramatically

15th Day Away is planned for somewhere improved under new enthusiastic local Landlords. 16 in deepest Gloucestershire in June. See article in this edition. *

www.northcotswoldcamra.org.uk Around the county - news from Tewkesbury...

What does Tewkesbury CAMRA practise every month leading a group out for a get up to all year? lunchtime session. The Hunter (a.k.a Bill Hunt), well known amongst It’s a question I’ve been asked other things for his column in the Tippler is our Trips many times and the answer is: Maestro. Bill is never short of ideas and over quite a lot. the year we must average a trip a Most of you will know us for month. Some of the our Winter Ale Festival. This regular highlights TANK year was our 22nd Festival and are The Black THINK BEER, THINK TANK also the 25th year of CAMRA Country, the in Tewkesbury, so it was Ludlow Spring doubly pleasing that all went Festival, the Derby well with 80 stunning beers Winter Ales Festival, AM - PM on offer. The most stunning Dudley Winter Ales OPEN FROM 11 11 by popular vote was the Festival, Bridgnorth, Electric Bear Cherry Clun Valley and many Blackout with the tasting more. My personal WWW.TANKGLOUCESTER.COM panel judging Gloucester favourite is Bill’s annual Brewery's Six-Malt Porter Xmas Mystery trip ...this Gloucester Winter Ale year we visited his old of the Festival. local near Bromsgrove and We have just finished our a stunning micro-pub in Good Beer Guide (GBG) selections for the Kidderminster. GBG 2018 edition (I know we are only a few weeks We have two big socials into 2017), but we do try and actively promote all of in the year, the Summer BBQ and the the pubs in our area. One of the ways we do that is Xmas Bash, both great opportunities to thank all of with our Pub of the Month promotion. A different pub our active members and our festival volunteers for is highlighted every month and every quarter one all their hard work throughout the year. of the last three is picked as Pub of the Season by It’s not all beer and skittles though. We have a popular vote. well attended business meeting every other month We have a social every month where we try to where we organise all of our campaigning work, get out by minibus visiting as many of our pubs as beer festival preparation, Assets of Community we can, especially our Pubs of the Month. Fortunately, Value (ACV) applications etc., etc. we don’t feel the need to be constrained to our area As a final thought, Tewkesbury CAMRA along on our socials. We regularly visit some of the great with the rest of Gloucestershire CAMRA, is at the pubs just outside our area, The Three Kings in Hanley moment giving a lot of thought to their futures and Castle, The Alma in Linton, Pershore and Malvern the future of CAMRA as a whole. In the month or pubs are all favourites. so, leading up to their AGM in May, all Tewkesbury Being the responsible lot that we are, it’s always members will be receiving a newsletter setting out nice to able to get to the pub without using the car. some thoughts and options on their future. If you Colin Parker has done a great job in constructing want to help shape that future, please come along to a page on our website detailing all the the AGM. The date and location will be published later. pubs in our area that are accessible by Steve Kisby 18 public transport. Colin puts theory into Secretary, Tewkesbury CAMRA

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk Around the county - news from Tewkesbury... th Save Our Pubs - a view to think about! I seriously think it is one of the factors why our 5 Gloucester pubs are declining, the amount of cheap alcohol so Do you not think it is about time we changed our readily available. For goodness sake, I can buy alcohol CAMRA Beer & ways of selling alcohol to that of the Canadian system one hundred metres from my local, in a garage of all where they have beer, wine and liquor stores? places, whoever thought you’d be able to buy booze I say this as a proud supporter of the ‘British from a garage? Cider Festival Pub’. How is that going to save the British Pub I hear Oh, I’m not saying there isn’t a place for buying you ask? Let me explain: firstly, it would bring some alcohol to take home, I just don’t want beer to be sold as a lost-leader, which is why I would retain control back to avoiding sales of cheap alcohol, beer, wine and spirit outlets, just not at supermarkets st st which can only be good for health. Well, if doesn’t Friday 31 March–Saturday 1 April 2017 or garages! Equally, some pubs have got to get begin eradicating cheap alcohol, it would bring back their act together and make sure the quality of what 11.30am – 11pm a control of sales! How does a supermarket they are selling is of a good standard. At the Historic Blackfriars Priory, advocate responsible drinking when they are only The very best pubs offer superb conversation, out to shift it off their shelves as rapidly as possible Ladybellegate street, interesting people, and primarily, superb, well-kept off Southgate St - central Gloucester in order to make a profit? Don’t get me wrong, I like beer – what could be better? the latest trend of being able to buy good quality Is all this the answer to preserving our British bottled real ale in a store, but I also want to preserve Pub? No, but it’s worth a thought isn’t it? 100 + Beers the pub where many people can go for a pint instead of sitting isolated at home staring at the television Peter Goodger And Over 30 Ciders & Perries !! drinking beer! Pubs Officer, Tewkesbury CAMRA Back by Popular Demand - the Gloucestershire Cheeses!

food, wine & soft drinks available

Live Entertainment

Admission £6 includes Festival Glass & Programme

FREE PINT for CAMRA Members (on production of a valid camra card)

www.facebook.com/GloucesterCamraSpringBeerCiderFestival

www.gloucesterbeerfestival.org.uk @glos Beer

Beer, cider & cheers are subject to availability fest THREE WISE MEN TRAVEL EAST Around the county - ale with a fruity complex, and it certainly was all of that, really lovely. One of only three West news from Tewkesbury... Country ales in the whole of the competition. Thursday, Storm Doris approaching, we walked along the River Wensum heading for the Red Lion at Bishopsgate only to find it wasn’t open till noon. Heading back to the centre we stumbled upon The Adam and Eve

As you can see from the picture above, it’s situated in a side street in a rather ordinary residential part of Norwich, exactly the sort of pub you see boarded up in other parts of the country. But what a great place it is, it was difficult to decide what beer to choose. The Titanic Plum Porter and the pub’s own Fat Cat Bitter were superb. THREE WISE MEN TRAVEL EAST On to the Festival where we managed to find seats, which were rather at a premium Ron, Justin and Colin, three intrepid commence until 5.30 pm, so time for a look and enjoyed another good session, chatting a lovely little pub serving Adnams Bitter. Ron to locals who gave us a sip of their 10.5% and alleged wise men made their way around and to sample some local ale. A dozen and Justin then set off to do more pub exploring Baltic Trader. Not for the faint-hearted, I think or so pubs were participating in a Fringe (amongst them the King’s Head and the out of the wild west and made there they were glad to give some away! Festival and we soon found the Sir Garnet a Plasterer’s Arms where a specially brewed way to the flat country... We tried the Champion Winter Ale of Britain, city centre bar on several levels, then on to Golden Triangle Mosaic City was sampled) Old Freddy Walker, from Moor Brewery, Ribs of Beef, one of over 20 Good Beer Guide whilst Colin returned to the Festival to try more It was an almost Spring like February Bridgwater, described as a rich, dark, strong morning when Ron, Justin and Colin met at pubs in Norwich where a very acceptable pint stouts. We met up again at the Coach & Horses Ashchurch Station to go initially to Nottingham of Woodforde’s Wherry was enjoyed. We then and by now Doris had really set in and to our then on to Norwich for the National Winter we travelled on to The Glasshouse, another alarm our train was cancelled, but thanks to Ales Festival. Wetherspoon’s pub for their steak day special. the help of railway staff, we did manage to get During our journey we fell into conversation The Members session was busy, we had home on Thursday night. with a gentleman who informed us that several beers including Humpty Dumpty’s Norwich is one of the Cities that vies for the Norwich was known for having a pub for Swingbridge Stout, Horncastle’s Wicked title of Beer City of Britain, which is remarkable every day of the year and a church for every Blonde and Norfolk’s Moongazer Five Candles, when you consider that years ago Norfolk was week. Certainly the second statistic appeared all of which were in great condition. regarded as a beer desert. It is well worth a pretty accurate as there appeared to be lots of On Wednesday, after a quick look at the visit and its City of Ale Festival is on in late churches, several of which are used for other Cathedral and a visit to a pub known as ‘The May. If you can’t make it then, we are reliably than their original purpose, one of which, Murderers’ where we were able to buy three informed that the Norwich Beer Festival in late known as St.Andrew’s Hall was the thirds. Then out of the centre to the Fat Cat, October is equally good if not better. venue for the Festival. (Hallelujah!) a multi-award winning pub, twice the CAMRA 22 The members evening did not National Pub of the Year. The Three Wise Men 23

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk Make a date 41st Cotswold Beer Festival in your diary ... 28th - 30th July 2017 POSTLIP ANNOUNCEMENT The dates of the Festival will be Friday 28th to Sunday 30th July. Alongside the traditional concentration on Gloucestershire breweries, the festival will also look to Yorkshire, and its breweries, as a featured county. Festival helpers are always welcome and are vital to make the festival a success. Transport, or free camping, is offered to all helpers. To join the festival mailing list, or to volunteer to help, please visit: www.gloucestershirecamra.org.uk/cbf/register.php?timestamp=1487853988

from around the county...

The Mechanical Music Museum in Northleach has launched a new Café Bar as part of the premises, having converted the old gift shop at the Museum. Open Wednesday to Sundays from 12:00 Last year saw the 40th anniversary of this great event and it was a noon until to 10:00pm the bar has one hand pump great success - helped of course by some beautiful sunny weather. supported by Marston’s and a barrel behind the bar It is not called the Cotswold Beer Festival for nothing. It is a of varying local and regional sources. The initial celebration of the Cotswolds in a superb setting, in many ways response from locals and visitors have been positive more like a country fair with good beer! The Tewkesbury Town and plans are in place to develop an outside area to Band played on the Saturday lunch time and the Malvern complement the bar in the summer months. Swordsmen danced in the Barn on the Sunday. Tragically, one of the partners in the venture, John Ferris, was killed in a car accident in January. The 12 Bells, Cirencester Last year we brought back camping in the main parking field as His partner, Brian, is determined to carry on and the you can see in the picture branch will be offering support with this new real ale Ticket Sales above which shows how outlet in Northleach. The new owners of the 12 Bells in Cirencester close we are to the All change at Horse and Grooms. Two of the have already made great improvements in the range Tickets will go on sale from the start of April, Branch’s GBG premises have changed hands recently. and quality of the beers, and the pub is thriving. online via our website beautiful town of The Horse and Groom at Bourton on the Hill which James Brown said that he will be serving a range of www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk/cbf, by Winchcombe. This post (forms will be sent to regular attendees proved very popular The Malvern Swordsmen has been successfully run by the Greenstock brothers real ales from smaller breweries with an emphasis or you can request one) or at three outlets: (many had struck camp by 5pm on the Saturday when for the past few years has been bought by The on local, plus one from its own microbrewery when Favourite Beers, 105 Hewlett Road, the picture was taken). We will certainly carry this on Epicurean Collection of country pubs. The selection up and running. The early days of setting up the Cheltenham, GL52 6BB this year, so plan to spend the weekend with us for of real ale still focuses on local ales with the addition running of the pub have consumed a lot of James’ Sandford Park Ale House, 20 High St, just £5 per car! of a Horse and Groom named pump supported by time, but he is working on some new beer recipes Cheltenham GL50 1DZ Marston’s. and hopes to be brewing before too long. The home The Plaisterer's Arms, Abbey Terrace, The dates have been set, a little later than has become The Horse and Groom at Upper Oddington cooked, classic pub food and traditional Sunday Winchcombe, GL54 5LL normal perhaps, due to other events, but the last as former branch POTY, has been sold to the Old lunches are also becoming very popular. Sessions are unchanged: Friday 7pm-11pm, weekend of July used to be our target and so we have Amersham Hotels Group who already owns the The Bear Hotel in Fairford is closed for extensive Saturday 11.30am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, returned to it. Come join us again. Time to start Redesdale Arms in nearby Moreton in Marsh. Wye refurbishment which reportedly includes Sunday 12am-3pm depending on beer stocks. thinking of the warm, sunny days of Summer! valley remains the house beer at present with a asbestos removal. It will be opening in the selection of regional guest ales available. spring under new management. photo credits: Gilbert Turner 25 www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk from around the county... The following pubs and clubs have The Inn for all Seasons on the A40 at Barrington There are rumours that discussions are being been announced as the sub-branch has been sold to experienced hoteliers Edward and held on the reopening of the Woodlands in Cinderford. nominations for the 2017 awards: Melanie Hellier who have moved from Ty Newydd In the Tewkesbury sub-branch area, the Red Lion Country Hotel near Brecon. Two hand pumps on the at Huntley has opened its doors, serving a Wye Cider pubs: bar supply St Austell Tribute and a selection from a Valley ale and a changing guest beer. Pubs: local brewery. Currently there is no hot food available as Cirencester – Keepers Arms, Quenington Cirencester – Marlborough Arms It’s always sad when a pub closes, but it’s great they are working on the kitchens. Dursley – Salutation, Ham Dursley – Salutation, Ham when it reopens and serves real ale, In the Forest of Sadly, The Ryeworth Inn in Charlton Kings is Forest of Dean – Dog House, Coleford Forest of Dean – Railway Inn, Newnham Dean there have been two reopened recently. The no more. Despite several objections, Cheltenham Gloucester – Pelican, St Mary’s Street first was theGolden Lion in Cinderford, although Borough Council approved a revised planning Gloucester – Pelican, St Mary’s Street the local CAMRA members have yet to sample and application that will see the former pub transformed Stroud – Ale House, Stroud Stroud – Old Badger Inn, Eastington report back. into a private dwelling with two other houses built Tewkesbury – White Bear, Tewkesbury Tewkesbury – White Bear, Tewkesbury The second is the Jovial Collier in Lydbrook, in the existing car park. The initial application was reopened with the following opening times: Monday refused. until Thursday 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm and Friday until Another former pub, The Cavern in New Street, Clubs: Note: Sunday 12:00 noon -11:00 pm. They serve real ale with which closed in 2010, has also seen an application, Gloucester – Gala Club, Longford Cheltenham and North Cotswolds, being separate one being Doombar and the other being a guest ale. which will see it converted into six flats. Tewkesbury – Royal British Legion Club autonomous branches, have their own nominations. The Shutters in Gotherington has reopened with a new licensee following a refurbishment. The Plough in Prestbury has a new landlord af- ter Paul and Emma, who also run The Hewlett Arms, have taken over. The Ancient Order of A planning application has been submitted which would see the ACV listed former Fairview (ex- Froth Blowers Fiery Angel/Pump & Optic) converted to seven featuring Bill Hunt: ex-ELO; ex-Wizzard flats whilst the current ‘pub space’ is converted to a ‘community space’. Ye Olde Black Bear, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire’s El Original oldest pub, has now been sold as a going concern, although it is now being extensively refurbished and has a scheduled opening date of some time in the Brew autumn. The Red Lion at Ampney St. Peter, despite available mid-December some heroic efforts on the part of the Cirencester members of CAMRA, Gloucestershire branch chair, Limited edition 7” vinyl Chris McHugh and Cotswold taste Chair, Nick Waloff, look set to be sold to residential developers. through website and from Its listing in CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic The Vinyl Vault, Cheltenham Pub Interiors, wasn’t enough to sustain it without significant investment in the kitchen refurbishments. Badlands Records, Cheltenham Without a quality food offering to complement the & Alison’s Bookshop, Tewkesbury beer the customers within the local catchment would not sustain its survival. Some you win, some you lose. Download available now at:

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk https://frothblowerband.bandcamp.com

EL ORIGINAL BREW - half.indd 1 21/11/2016 15:16 The Cheltenham Motor Club is once again CAMRA’s National Club of the Year. We are very grateful to CAMRA and hope to build on this year’s award too.” Since winning the coveted title in 2013, the presented the club with a plaque at a celebration Cheltenham CAMRA Chair, Rob Coldwell, said: “I would club has been in the final-four shortlist every year day attended by the Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor like to thank the Mayor and MP Alex Chalk for taking since. The intervening years have seen significant Chris Ryder, Alex Chalk MP and club and CAMRA the time to celebrate with us today. Neil richly improvements to the club’s seating and bar area, members from across Gloucestershire. demonstrating a clear commitment to improving the Neil Way, Cheltenham Motor Club Steward said: deserves all the praise and recognition, which is experience for members and guests alike. “As a long time member of CAMRA I am totally a testament to his hard work and the vision and John Holland, Chairman of CAMRA’s Clubs overwhelmed and honoured to win ‘Club of the support from the club committee. If you like Working Group, said: Year’ for a second time. I am lucky to have a very great real ale and cider then this is one of the “While the other finalists in the competition are supportive wife, a supportive committee along with top venues in the UK, and it’s right on great examples of well-run and welcoming clubs, the a very hard working, motivated and loyal bar team. our doorstep. Cheltenham Motor Club really set itself apart. Rather The locals are tremendous too. “What is great for Cheltenham is than resting on its laurels, they have taken huge “Winning Club of the Year in 2013 was a huge that, until the announcement of a new steps to improve the bar area and beer selection. achievement for Cheltenham Motor Club, and it winner in the next few weeks, we also still “Beyond this, it is clear that the local community generated a jump in trade on which we have been have the Sandford Park Alehouse as the passionately support Cheltenham Motor Club and able to build and capitalise. We could not have CAMRA National Pub of the Year. That’s two that the club is a pivotal fixture in that local afforded to renovate the clubhouse if it hadn't been community.” for the increase in business that winning the CAMRA great national winning real ale CAMRA Judge Keith Spencer Club of the Year previously generated. venues, less that half a mile apart.” 28 29

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk Cheltenham’s Specialist Beer Retailer

The Keeper’s Arms at Quenington has been a is voted MPs highly rated pub for many years, being a Good Beer Guide regular since 2009. At the end of December Favourite the members of Cirencester Camra voted it their Pub of the Year in recognition of the steady improvement over the years of its beer range and quality. The pub was originally two cottages and a hay loft that only become a pub in the late 19th century, making three pubs in the village. Now it is the only survivor. The Keeper’s Arms was bought by Jon Gardiner and family in 2007 and since then has undergone a sensitive refurbishment to its present state. This thriving village free-house has a wonderful warm atmosphere, especially when the open fires are blazing away. A lot of the success of the pub must be put down to Jon’s character which is a mixture of bonhomie and banter. The range of four ever-changing beers reflect the landlord’s personal taste, his current a winning competitor in Channel Four’s ‘Four in a bed’. favourite being Oakham Citra. Resisting the temptation to be a destination gastro- The pub has four en-suite bedrooms and serves pub as many a Cotswold village pub has become, excellent home cooked food. Something of a it remains a proper pub; a well-supported centre of celebrity, the pub was ‘The Listed Newt’ in the 90s the village community which Cirencester Camra are BBC show Noel’s House Party, being the local for happy to present with their highest accolade. the residents of ‘Crinkly Bottom’. It also appeared in Cheltenham Specialist Beer Retailer Wins bodies. Cheltenham has become a real centre for Channel Five’s ‘Fifth Gear’ and most recently it was Rob Tough Parliamentary Sponsored Award beer in the last few years and we are very proud to have been involved in that transformation.” Cheltenham’s specialist beer retailer, Favourite The Great Western Arms at Blockley was awarded The Celebrate British Beer Awards were held for Beers has been recognised at the ‘Celebrate British the North Cotswold CAMRA branch winter Pub of the the first time in 2015, they’re all about recognising Year. This Hook Norton Pub was taken over by Steve Beer Awards’ receiving the award for the Midlands not only those independent retailers that have made and Mandy Aubrey last march after it had gone through & East Anglia Retailer of the Year. The award was the biggest contributions to selling our national drink presented by Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk (above a period of chequered stewardship leaving it struggling in their regions, but also the best supermarket and right) to owner of Favourite Beers, Leigh Norwood at to fulfil the potential it no doubt had. specialist chains. Pubs do a great job promoting The couple had bought the Plough at Stretton on the awards reception held in the Thames Pavilion at beer, but the swathes of great beer shops play just Fosse just over the border in Shakespeare country three the Palace of Westminster. as important a role in enhancing the beer loving years ago and had enhanced this great village pub and The awards are sponsored by the ‘All-Party consumers’ appreciation of quality products. been recognised by the local CAMRA branch. So when Parliamentary Beer Group’ and leading trade journal they took on the Great Western last March the North The All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, was ‘Off Licence News’. Their aim is to recognise those Cotswold Branch were keen to support them in the hope formed as the Parliamentary Beer Club in 1993. This independent retailers that have made the biggest they could turn the pub around. group promotes understanding among Parliamentarians contributions to selling our national drink in their Over the past year we have not been disappointed of the UK's beer and pubs industries. Over 300 MPs as they have given the Great Western a breath of fresh regions. The final list of nominated retailers were and Peers of all parties are members. Around 60 UK air making it the friendly vibrant premises it now is. The identified by leading brewers and beer experts Hook Norton beer range is on offer and in excellent across the country. MEPs are honorary members. The Group is support- condition. This was a particular labour of love for Steve Owner of Favourite Beers, Leigh Norwood said: ed by 50 individual brewing and licensed retailing whose parents had run the pub when he was a teenager. “We are really very honoured to receive this companies, as affiliated corporate members. An This was some years ago, the exact amount Steve was award – especially in such revered surroundings. officially registered all-party parliamentary group, it is coy about he said but it was when old boys queued We do put in a lot of work to make visits to our shop the largest industry group at Westminster. Lord Nigel outside on Sunday Lunch times for the 2 hours opening a worthwhile experience for our customers, so it is Jones of Cheltenham is currently serving and Scampi and Chips was seen as posh dining! as a vice-chairman of the group. always nice when that effort is recognised by outside 31

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk BREWERISM CHELTENHAM & GLOUCESTER BEER WEEK ANNOUNCED: WINS UNIQUE 15th - 24th SEPTEMBER “I am so excited and honoured Last saw the launch of Cheltenham’s first Beer about this award,” says director, Week. It was a great success, with 90 events taking Shandin Rickard-Hughes, (seen below left) AWARD place at 30 participating venues across the town the Director and Tour Guide at Brewerism Ltd. including pubs, clubs, bars, shops and restaurants. Spring 2016 saw the introduction of an exciting new venture – a mash-up of the brewing industry The 2017 Beer Week is being extended to and the local food and drink tourism sector – to the include Gloucester. This will be an exciting collection Cotswolds: beer tourism. Brewerism, based in of events held across a ten-day period from 15th – Cheltenham, has added brewery tours, beer tastings 24th September, with the express purpose of and food pairings to the inspired list of attractions in celebrating beer, the booming brewing industry and this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just three the great pub culture of our region. months into trading, the start-up has received major Cheltenham & Gloucester Beer Week 2017, recognition, by winning ‘Unique Tour Operator of the (CGBW2017) is open to any venue interested Year’ in the European Luxury Travel Guide Awards in hosting any beer related event which aims to for 2017. promote, educate and entertain. It could involve the Since mid-June Brewerism has been running two public tours in Cheltenham: the ‘Cheltenham Micro- collaboration between venues, and include outside much more. brewery Tour’ on Fridays, featuring a guided tasting breweries and beer professionals from many fields. We are open to any at Wild Beer at Jessop House and brewhouse tours “What stands out the most is that one of our tour CGBW2017 aims to encourage involvement from suggestions for (relevant) events for CGBW2017. at Prescott Ales and Cheltenham’s newest brewery, guests nominated us for this award. I’ve only led individuals and businesses interested in working but we are proposing to operate a grading system of DEYA Brewing Company, and the ‘Cheltenham these tours in Cheltenham since June, so it’s just with, promoting or learning more about our local Gold, Silver and Bronze rated events. Gold events Beery Walking Tour’ on Saturdays, featuring a incredible that in that short time we could be noticed beer scene, and in helping develop a strong commu- will be the most heavily promoted, whilst Bronze brewhouse tour at Battledown Brewery, a cellar tour and appreciated on such a large stage.” nal spirit which will secure and elevate this region’s events will likely only get a listing on the events LTG specialises in the affluent travel and tourism position as a beer destination. industry, making it a prestigious honour for a small calendar on the website. The committee will be The intention is to get all types of venues in and local tour company. However, Brewerism doesn’t grading the events and offering advice to venues to around Cheltenham and Gloucester to join in the want the public to think of them as catering to only raise the level of events, if possible or desired. the affluent, as they are attempting to make beer venture and contribute to the official programme of A full colour programme will be produced for industry engagement accessible to as many locals CGBW2017 themed events. CGBW2017. It will be of a similar quality to the and visitors to the Cotswolds as possible. For CBW2016 three of our local breweries CBW2016 programme but will feature an additional “Brewerism is about bringing people – all sorts (DEYA, Prescott and Gloucester) together with map of Gloucester, together with details of timetables of people – together to celebrate and explore the Favourite Beers, joined together to create a one-off and transport links for travelling between the two wonderful art and science of brewing,” Shandin collaboration beer which was both very well received centres. It is also hoped that we will create a number explains. “Britain does beer incredibly well, and by beer drinkers and profitable for the brewers – all of recommended ‘Beer Trails’ featuring all of the unlike the ‘New World’ countries which are entirely of the beer was pre-sold weeks before the event. It focused on craft, we also have tradition. Real ales, venues, with incentives for the public to complete as is hoped that we will have more breweries engaged casks and the British pub meet craft beer, kegs and many of these during the week as possible. this year (including Cotswold Lion, Battledown, at the Sandford Park Alehouse, a beer and food the taproom on Brewerism tours and tastings. We pairing at Wild Beer at Jessop House and a guided love it all, and want to share all of the brilliant British Hillside and maybe even the two Brewhouse and Contact CGBW2017 Kitchen breweries) producing at least two distinct tasting at Favourite Beers. beer revival with as many people as we can.” brews for the week, which will be available in a In addition, the company organises inventive What next for this award-winning small business? Should you wish to be considered as a CGBW2017 beer tasting events, such as the ‘Best of Both “We’re looking to expand our offerings inside and number of packaging formats (keg, cask and cans/ venue, please contact: Worlds: Beer, Wine & Cheese’ tasting, and bespoke outside of Cheltenham, to embrace the beer scene bottles). [email protected] events for corporate and private groups. Every all around the Cotswolds”, Shandin says, “We’re The types of events that were organised last year and an application will be emailed to you. The event has received fantastic feedback, hoping to do some tours and events in Gloucester, included mini-beer festivals, meet the brewer evenings, closing date for full applications is proving the concept of beer tourism in the several nearby towns and the rural areas that we’re tap takeovers, brewery tours, tutored tasting Cotswolds is a successful niche for them. going to partner with as well. Exciting times!” Friday 28th April 2017. 32 sessions, beer walks, beer and food matching and 33

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk Landlord does a Runner In the modern climate, relying on local trade will not The Inn aT pay the bills so I enquired what other custom they attract. “We have plenty of walkers in for food and drink FossebrIdge including many from around the world who love our traditional feel, plus we have the skittle alley which is regularly used by groups such as the Probus Club, History Society, WI and even Bee Keepers.” ‘North Cotswold I notice a strange trophy behind the bar with a conker set on a silver cup. Dawn explains: CAMRA’ Seasonal Pub “The 41 club meet here each of the Year 2016 year to hold their annual conker – Character Pub with stone walls competition, and flagstone floors usually between 20 and 30 – Casual Dining - Excellent food competitors bring their best conkers served all day to challenge for – Passionate about well kept ales the trophy!” More exploration behind – Famous Inn located on the The the bar reveals Fosse Way (A429) her collection of Farmers Arms over 100 unique – Stunning riverside garden - Al Salt and Pepper at Guiting Power Fresco dining – 9 beautiful en-suite bedrooms pots. You can find and two holiday cottages Martin Jones continues his tour of the This led them to become valued publicans yourself with Donnington pubs of the North Cotswolds spending many years doing holiday cover for the condiments depicting and is welcomed into the Farmers Arms. Green King estate, The National Trust and other London Buses, The breweries including Donnington. Queen and a Corgi, Set in the centre of the picturesque village of “We first did cover at the Farmers 25 years ago Mickey and Mini Guiting Power stands the imposing Farmers Arms along with The Queens Head in Stow. One day I was mouse or even a which has probably been functioning as a pub since in the garden at our bungalow when Robert came Vicar and Tart! the mid-nineteenth century. The large one room bar out and said he had taken a call from Donnington’s “Customers love is complemented with a skittle alley at the rear; it is offering us the Farmers and he had accepted” the novelty of these a classic village pub typical of those that form the So the Farmers Arms was now in the hands of an salt and pepper pots majority of the Donnington Brewery estate. experienced team with Robert doing the cooking and and many return to I met your hosts Robert and Dawn Dean (above) Dawn looking after front of house. Robert said: see which ones I will choose to give them with their who have been welcoming customers to the Farmers “We liked the area, we liked the village and we lunch” for 18 years. I asked them how they started in the liked the people we had met so it made sense to Robert also has an interesting hobby which has pub business. Robert explained: take it on, the pub had all the features we liked become part of the pub, when he is not cooking he “I trained as a chef and started working in a hotel including real fire, stone floor and traditional furniture is a keen artist and many of his compositions adorn in Norfolk where I met Dawn, we soon became a team so we have done little to change this feel over the the pub walls. and moved to my home town of Batley in Yorkshire years as it works for us” The Deans have obviously kept the Farmers as where we ran the local working men’s club” Dawn set out how she likes to run a country pub: a traditional pub and apart from the Conkers, Salt Dawn then takes up the story: “We have no music, TV or fruit machines as I and Pepper Pots and art they run a Thrift Club and a “We ran the London Tavern at Attleborough in like the bar to be a place for friendly conversation Charity Book Exchange to raise funds for the RNLI Norfolk and then the Bull at Woolpit near and companionship and we have a lot of loyal local and Cancer Charities. 01285 720721 Bury St Edmunds where we gained great customers, Guiting is fortunate in having two pubs Fossebridge | Cheltenham | GL54 3JS experience about the pub trade” which offer different choices of experience.” 34 Martin Jones [email protected] 7 www.fossebridgeinn.co.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk KEEP IT DOWN KEEP IT DOWN PSST! WHAT’S HE DOBBIN, I’M straight from the horse’s mouth... DOBBIN, I’M PSST!SAYING? WHAT’S HE POSING FOR THE SAYING? POSINGTIPPLER… FOR THE TIPPLER… Force Brewery has also brewery news extended their opening to include Saturdays from 12:00 noon -6:00 The Countryside Alliance have awarded Hillside pm, as well as Friday from 2:00 Brewery a Rural Oscar as the Tourism Enterprise for pm - 9:00 pm. the South West. This is due to the different events, brewery tours and experience days offered as well The Halfpenny Brewery’s owner, Phil Stratford has as the quality and award winning artisan beers they decided to call it a day at the Halfpenny Brewery produce. The tours, brewing experience days and in Lechlade. He found that he could not do the job events are run throughout the month – check it out. justice by himself. Consequently Alan Watkins of the They have spent the past year developing a barn Crown at Lechlade is looking for a new tenant for the (below) with a 10 metre bar in and it’s going to be brewery. launched alongside their beer festival on Saturday

Hillside Brewery LISTEN have announced MATE,LISTEN I’VE the winner of their MATE,GOT SOME I’VE guest brewing GOTNEWS SOME competition last NEWS year: Rob from straight from the horse’s mouth... Beer Revolution in Hay on Wye, came in to brew the winning beer ‘Don’t Stop’. A brewery news delicious fruity 4.1% Pale Ale, using Centennial, Simcoe and Mosaic hops. Getting ready for the summer Corinium Ales, as well as being open Paddy Brennan (from Willersey) will be chatting to it has citrus and tropical notes while on Friday afternoons from 2.00 pm to Rupert and Milton and he always gives customers being far too easy to drink. Hence 5.00 pm, are now opening the brewery the inside track on jockey and horse form, straight the name (or is he’s a Fleetwood (aka the doghouse) on every second from ‘the horses mouth’. This is his third time at the Mac fan? - ed.) Saturday afternoon of the month, also pub’s event. from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. A variety of A firm fixture in kick starting Cheltenham Races brews will be available from the barrel Week, The Ebrington Arms will host a fun evening of and bottle, as well as some local cider and gin, glorious Two Rosette awarded, three course supper the 13th of May. There will be a range of beers on soft drinks and snacks. If the sun is out you can with an online charity auction and raffle as well as offer – cask and keg. Camping is also available for catch some early rays in the enclosed courtyard! If the famous hints and tips from the pros, including those of you wanting to stay over and make the most not, you can find a cosy pew inside. For directions Talksport racing correspondent, Rupert Bell and of the range of beers. Please find tickets available please see their website. Over the coming months ex-local horse trainer and current racing manager, from their website: www.hillsidebrewery.com. Corinium will be developing some new one-off Milton Harris. Paul Williamson, Director at Hillside comments: experimentals, including: Nordic Ale which uses Tickets to the event are £30, which includes a £5 “The barn has already been used for events ‘kviek’ a traditional home grown Norwegian Farmhouse charitable donation and invaluable hints and tips for such as our four course Caribbean and Beer pairing yeast and juniper sprigs. There’ll also be ‘Gruit’ an anyone heading to the races that week. The three evening and a few weddings. More events like this old style of beer (pre-hops) that uses a mixture of course set menu will have an Irish theme in a bid are planned and we’re going to be releasing details herbs (e.g. heather, ground ivy) to bitter and flavour to pass on the ‘luck of the Irish’ to all attending. All very soon – by joining our mailing list on the web the beer. money raised from the event will be split between you can make sure you don’t miss out.” two charities, the Injured Jockey Fund and the The Ebrington Arms is all set for County Air Ambulance. a celebrity Cheltenham Preview Rupert and Milton will be joined by two very Prescott Brewery is all about Night. A great pub event to boost special guests on the night: Christian Von Der Recke powering ahead for race week as it two charities and give fans access to is a multiple German racehorse trainer, famous in runs its extremely popular seasonal trip of a lifetime to St Moritz. The event, now in its England who will offer an invaluable insight for any ale to celebrate the Cheltenham festival horse 10th year, will take place on Monday 13th racegoer – from horse and jockey form to the ones racing ‘Horse Power’, their 4% pale ale is a March from 8pm. to watch. Rumour has it he will be auctioning off the clever play words with their close neighbours 36 Famous jockey, and Gold Cup Winner, chance to visit his training facility in Cologne! the Jockey Club at Cheltenham race course. 37

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.ukwww.gloucestershirecamra.org.uk straight from the horse’s mouth... straight from the horse’s mouth... More brewery news More brewery news The ale is a remarkable full inspired by the 19th Century London Porter which flavoured light ale with a big hop is currently aging in oak barrels and will be ready to kick featuring New World hops serve in a matter of months. such as Cascade and Chinook. Check Sally’s facebook page www.facebook. Its available for the next 2 com/sallyatham or from the brewery’s twitter account weeks so be quick! @tileysbrewery.

An apology to the Uley Brewery, in the last edition I managed to Tiley’s Brewery, based at The Salutation Inn in make a pig’s ear out of things and Pete Pops up Ham is stepping up production and offering a misspell the name of its famous fantastic new range of core beers, only available Severn Boar (the bore must have on the pumps at The Sally (and any potential future been someone I was thinking about). This 6% winter special is believed to be the best yet, with a Copper in Thornbury ventures too!). With the appointment of Jonny Mills, the ex-Head Brewer at Bristol Beer Factory in hue it’s the perfect winter ale, with a smooth round January, 2017 is set to be an exciting first year at finish thanks to the Bramling Cross hops. the brewery. So to reiterate, it’s Severn Boar, OK? - Ed. Tiley’s is brewing six core beers, three bitters and three pale ales, with inspiration taken from traditional All regulars at the multi-award winning parti-gyle brewing. Traditionally this brewing technique Salutation Inn at Ham near Berkeley know involved brewing three separate beers using only about the talent that landlord Pete Tiley has for one malt bed, from which the first runnings would sustaining his business through an imaginative produce the strongest beer, the second runnings range of events and activities. A glance at the produced a slightly weaker beer and the third was Sally’s website will quickly illustrate this. weaker again. In this tradition we have brewed Another string to Pete’s bow is the eponymous whose our mighty Extra Special Bitter (pictured) at 5.2%, brewery, Tiley’s, which shares premises with the drab character a deep rich amber bitter, a classic Special Bitter pub. Until recently brewing was generally the task of had been at 4.3% and a very quaffable Ordinary Bitter at the landlord himself but now newly appointed Brewer cleverly disguised with the 3.8%. The malt bill on the bitters includes heritage Jonny Mills is using experience gained at Bristol use of low light and festoons Golden Promise and crystal Maris Otter with the hop of decorative lights. Some varieties consisting of English Fuggles and Goldings Beer Factory to produce a range of beers making full use of the equipment available at this small brewery. photos attached to this article and Slovenian Celeia. We were bowled over by the may give some idea of the response to the launch of the ESB 22nd of January, If you visit the Sally there is likely to be at least one of these new brews available but some will be found unique feel to this occasion. with the first batch being consumed in a matter Atmosphere was of days and the beer being judged second in the at other discerning pubs. provided by a trio Tewkesbury Winter Ales Festival. Not a bad start! Combining these two aspects, Pete fearlessly of local The core family of pale beers are three new world took an intriguing step into the unknown by opening It’s got to be musicians pale ales crammed with New Zealand and American a Pop-up Pub in Thornbury, a town not a million better than a and there were hops but maintaining a beautiful balance. Using the miles away from Ham, but on the outside edge of dry cleaners! enough punters same parti-gyle inspiration our strongest pale is our the Tippler area. On these evenings the attractively Check out the to generate a India Pale Ale at 6%, Special Pale at 4.5% and the artisan styled bar was manned by some of the loyal blue suede hubbub. The Ordinary Pale Ale at 3.8%. bar staff from the Salutation, serving five beers from shoes! In addition to our core six beers available only on the brewery, a range of bottled beers, some ciders Saturday night our pumps, we will also be brewing seasonal, small and wines – no Lager, no Guinness! The plan was crowd will be batch beers that will also be available at select, local to promote the Salutation itself, also to illustrate the unlikely to disappoint. real ale pubs with the first few going to the Drapers quality of the brews now coming from Tiley’s Brewery. Familiar faces from the Sally were plentiful, but Arms, Cheltenham Motor Club, The Fleece at Hillesley, Thirdly it was a means to appraise the likely appetite reassuringly there seemed to be lots of new faces too. the Old Spot in Dursley and the Stroud Alehouse. for a new enterprise in Thornbury where Pete is well All in all, a very interesting experiment which For these beers we are showcasing some of our known to be taking an interest. gives some clues to what to look out for when favourite hops with a number of single-hopped pale On this basis the event, run on February 10th visiting this part of the world in the weeks and ales as well as digging deep into the British brewing and 11th must be judged a success. The writer months ahead. history books to celebrate some of attended the first night and found a lively gathering Britain’s outstanding heritage brews. The in what had been a dry cleaners shop premises, Derek Hore 38 first heritage beer is a vatted porter, 39

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk A BLUE MONKEY A BLUE MONKEY IN NOTTINGHAM

IN NOTTINGHAM The name comes from it formally being a local best manager England never had) was chemists and as it sits near to the river it was often on tap to whet the appetite for the Euro 16 Football. A Blue Monkey in No.ngham frequented by many members of the local rowing Quite what he would have made of the hapless When the Blue Monkey Brewery Infinity Beer won the Beer of the Fes6val at the North Cotswold Ale When the Blue Monkey Brewery ‘Infinity’ Beer won clubs. bunch of English footballers who lost to a supermar- and Steam Fes6val in May this year I looked up the loca6on of the Brewery and noted it was in ket chain I don’t know, but it was, as the great man NoAngham. Having never visited the City I was tempted by the opportunity to combine my love of the Beer of the Festival at the North Cotswold Ale Cricket and Beer by sor6ng a trip to Trent Bridge Cricket Ground for a game and spend a night and Steam Festival in May this year, I looked up the would have said “a cracking pint young man”. exploring the watering holes recommended by the NoAngham CAMRA Branch before visi6ng the Blue Monkey Brewery to award them their Cer6ficate. location of the brewery and noted it was in My final stop took me to the Canal House Bar Nottingham. Having never visited the city, I was which attracted my attention as it boasted having a I checked the fixture list for NoAngham Cricket Team I found a County game against Lancashire in tempted by the opportunity to combine my love of real Canal Barge in the Bar. As I approached I was early July. I consulted the NoAngham CAMRA branch map which had 42 pubs listed as worth a visit The so some selec6on was needed. One pub I wanted to frequent was the famous Trent Bridge Inn which cricket and beer by sorting a trip to Trent Bridge match presented with the impressive messages on the sits in the corner of the Cricket Ground. The beauty of a quiet weekday at County Cricket is that you Cricket Ground for a game. I could then spend a can wonder around the ground and come and go as you like. So having watched the cricket including included entrance steps and awning that boasted over 250 England bowlers Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson having a rare ou6ng for their coun6es and the night exploring the watering holes recommended by England fast bowlers world ales, 10 ciders, 10 craft ales and 6 real ales. mystery spin of South African Iran Tahir, I re6red to this now Wetherspoons owned pub. As they are the Nottingham CAMRA branch before visiting the very good at doing Wetherspoons had tacRully refurbished the pub with much Cricket memorabilia Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, both having a Once you enter the bar you realise you have along with a good selec6on of ale. Blue Monkey Brewery to award them their certificate. rare outing for their counties, along with the mystery entered a converted canal workshop with a connecting spin of South African, Iran Tahir. My final stop took me to the Canal House Bar which a^racted my a^en6on as it boasted having a waterway from the adjacent canal. A brightly lit After the cricket, I retired to this famous real Canal Barge in the Bar. As I approached I was presented with the impressive messages on the arched footbridge takes you over this water which old pub which is now a Wetherspoon’s entrance steps and awning boas6ng over 250 World Ales, 10 Ciders 10 CraT Ales and 6 Real Ales. owned pub. As they are very good at doing, Once you enter the bar you realise you have entered a converted Canal Workshop with a connec6ng has a Barge floating on it. You are then presented the design team at Wetherspoon’s HQ had water way from the adjacent canal. A brightly lit arched footbridge takes you over this water which with the bar and a wall of bottled beer form all tastefully refurbished the pub with plenty has a Barge floa6ng on it. You are then presented with the bar and a wall of bo^led beer form all around the world. With all this choice on display around the world. With all this choice on display which obviously a^racted a young and vibrant of cricket memorabilia along with a good which obviously attracted a young and vibrant crowd crowd I observed the half the drinkers s6ll plumped for the local Real Ale form Castle Rock and selection of ale. Naviga6on Breweries. I observed the half the drinkers still plumped for Nottingham has a new and extensive the local Real Ale form Castle Rock and Navigation tram system; Trent Bridge and the two Breweries. football grounds of league teams Forest and County are all very close to each other, but surprisingly the trams do not reach the vicinity. So, after a brisk twenty minute walk towards the city centre I found the impressive From here I found my Embankment Pub with its real ale, craft beer way to the Vat and and cider dispensary bar. (below) Fiddle which is the local’s pub alongside the Castle Rock S I checked theThe Famous Trent Bridge Inn fixture list finding a game Brewery. With its walls between Nottingham and Lancashire in early adorned with NoAngham has a new and extensive tram system but in surprisingly although Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and the two football grounds of league teams Forest and County are all very close to each July. I consulted the Nottingham CAMRA CAMRA awards and other the trams do not reach the vicinity. So aTer a brisk twenty minute walk towards the city centre branch map which had 42 pubs listed as brewery posters I honed I was distracted by the impressive Embankment Pub with its Real Ale, CraT Beer and Cider ‘worth a visit ‘so some selection was needed. Dispensary Bar. The name comes from it formally being a Chemists and as it sits near to the river it in on a pint of Brian One pub I wanted to frequent was the famous was frequented by many members of the local rowing clubs. Clough. Trent Bridge Inn which sits in the corner of the This beer brewed to cricket ground. The beauty of a quiet weekday at county cricket is that you can celebrate the legendary wander around the ground and former Nottingham 40 come and go as you like. Forest manager (the S www.gloucestershire.camra.org.ukThe Dispensary Bar at the Embankment www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk From here I found my way to the Vat and Fiddle which is the local’s pub alongside the Castle Rock Brewery. With its walls adorned with CAMRA awards and Brewery Posters I honed in on a pint of S Brian Clough. This beer brewed to celebrate the former legendary NoAngham Forest Manger and the best manger England never had was on tap to wet the appe6te for the Euro 16 Football. Quite The Canal House living up to its name as it has a Barge in the Bar! what he would have made of the hapless bunch of English footballers who lost to a supermarket chain I don’t know but it was a “cracking pint young man”. I realised my night out had only brushed the surface of NoAngham Pubs and will look forward to returning to discover more.

The following morning I found my way to the home of The Blue Monkey Brewery which sits on an Industrial Estate behind Ikea near the M1. I was greeted by the MD Amanda Robson who received the Beer of the Fes6val award. She explained the source of the brewery name comes from its routes in the town of Ilkeston which lies between NoAngham and Derby. Ilkeston was the home of the Stanton Ironworks whose furnaces produced flames that could be seen around the town. These flickering blue flames, climbing into the night sky were known by some locals as the 'THE BLUE MONKEYS'. The brewery has three of its own Pubs called the “Organ Grinder” in NoAngham, S Loughborough and Newark. It was clear that the Brewery has plenty of support as whilst I cha^ed to Amanda several customers arrived to purchase bo^led beer or order boxed beer for the weekend.

It is always good to award the Beer of the Fes6val Cer6ficate to the winning brewery in person to meet the brewer and explore the local Real Ale scene. A BLUE MONKEY IN NOTTINGHAM

known by some locals as the 'The Blue Monkeys'. The brewery has three of its own Pubs all called Regular contributor, Stephen Funnell, the ‘Organ Grinder’ in Nottingham, Loughborough continues his perambulations over and Newark. It was clear that the brewery has plenty of support, whilst I chatted to Amanda, several the Kingdom, this time meandering customers arrived to purchase bottled beer or order back and forth into the principality, boxed beer for the weekend. sampling fine beer on the way, A trip It is always good to award the Beer of the along Offa’s Dyke takes him in and morning. Plenty of pubs in town, but only Festival Certificate to the winning brewery in person out of W-ales... one open with qualifying (Brains) beers. to meet the brewer and explore the local Real Ale However, having eaten elsewhere with a scene. In England, it was Wainwright’s Coast to pint of Theakston’s ‘Lightfoot’ (the beer Coast; in Scotland, the Great Glen Way and with which, coincidentally, I had marked the Martin Jones the West Highland Way; and in Wales…? There are other long-distance walking trails in Cymru, but Offa’s Dyke Path (‘ODP’), while frequently in England, crosses the border over 20 times, attracted me for its length, of 177 miles, and its north/south, I realised shore-to-Severn route. my night out had only I had chosen the less popular southbound brushed the direction, AND decided, as the body gets surface of creakier, to split it into two trips. The northern Nottingham section from Prestatyn to Knighton is the pubs and will longer: 97 miles, to be walked in seven look forward days. As before, I set myself a challenge: to returning to to drink a different draft beer each day, discover more. brewed in either Wales or one of the four The next English border counties Cheshire, Shropshire, morning I Herefordshire & Gloucestershire. found my way to the home of the Blue Monkey S end of the Coast to Coast), I had a nightcap Brewery which sits on an industrial estate behind How would I fare? Accommodation of Heavy Industry’s complex, fruity ‘Freak Blue Monkey MD Amanda Robson receives the Beer of the Fes6val Award for “Infinity” Ikea near the M1. I was greeted by the managing on ODP is often off-route AND away from Chick’ (sic!) in the excellent Bar 236, which director, Amanda Robson (above left), who is seen villages; during some days, as the Guides sat alongside three other local real ales: here receiving the Beer of the Festival award. She point out, you pass neither shop nor wa- clearly the owner and/or manager shares explained the source of the brewery name: it comes tering hole, and the nearest pub might be our interest! from its roots in the town of Ilkeston which lies a mile or more from the Path. Up to half a between Nottingham and Derby. mile’s diversion seemed to me a sensible I knew that my first overnight on ODP Ilkeston was the home of the Stanton Ironworks compromise, if necessary. was well off the beaten track, so I had my whose furnaces produced flames that could be seen fingers crossed that The White House around the town. These flickering blue I arrived in Prestatyn on a sunny Monday restaurant in Rhuallt offered lunchtime 42 flames, climbing into the night sky were in May, then, ready for the off the next refreshment en route. Indeed it did: 43

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk restaurant than a pub, but still two draft beers, Kingswood around lunchtime, two local beers on tap, of ‘Equinox’. A Stonehouse’s traditional ‘Station Bitter’ and where, after sheltering hobbit-like under a which I chose Facer’s nicely happier bunny straw-coloured ‘XXX’ from Three Tuns, the hollow oak tree root for ten minutes, I was balanced ‘Flintshire Bitter’, re-crossed UK’s oldest brewery (est. 1642). Both, I later delighted to dry off at the bar with Hobson’s enjoyed outside in still fine the River Dee found, are popular draft beers in these parts. superb ‘Mild’. weather. The next day I was at dusk to his actually staying in a pub, The bed… And so to the final stage, some strenuous Druid Inn at Llanferres, so after ups & downs to Knighton via the highest a bracing hike across most of Friday offered some The fact that The Barley Mow point on the Dyke itself, and another pub, The the Clwydian Range, watching interesting pubs early on, brewpub is unable to serve George & Dragon, for the night. More Three the rain and occasional either side of the (pictured) dinner at present; nothing Tuns ‘XXX’, and the well-known, spicy ‘The sunbeams speed across the fabulous World Heritage wrong with my pint of full- Rev. James’ from Brains, in its original form. Vale of Clwyd to the west, and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: you flavoured ‘Thirst Brew’ in the All that remained the next morning was for me Snowdonia in the far distance, don’t have to walk across busy bar, but the B&B had to to pick up a luscious bottle-conditioned Monty’s I had unconsciously it, but you need a head for ferry three of us a few miles ‘Midnight’ stout to celebrate completion of Part dropped my guard – only to heights if you do! Too early away to eat in the small I of ODP when I reached home in the evening, find that it was tied to, yes, in the day for me; still, I was town of Llansantffraid. you’ve guessed it – Marston’s! staying in Trefonen, home to This turned out to Oh well, at least the ‘Burton the Offa’s Dyke Brewery, so be more of a Bitter’ and the Ringwood what could go wrong? The weekend, I’d learned, presented the dual ‘Razorback’ (ex-‘Best Bitter’) challenge of longer distances (albeit across were well kept; but, strictly, I largely flatter terrain) in likely wet weather, and had fallen at the third hurdle. again, B&Bs more than an easy walk from pubs. The rain had started before I reached On the bright side, I was the border town of Llanymynech on Saturday confident that Llangollen, morning, but it was only coffee time, I figured where I planned to eat at there were enough pubs still on the trail to risk The Corn Mill, would pose no not waiting until opening time at 11.00. The such problem after a Day 3 first, however, was closed; the second, Pool with the score at a not unsatisfactory 8-1. I of pleasantly varied scen- Quay’s Powis Arms, had distant English beers have already confirmed that there are some ery – and coffee available to – I tried Wentworth’s refreshing ‘Hop & Glory’ fine beers out there in the Welsh Marches, walkers in Llandegla church! anyway, in the company of some northbound and the quest for more will continue in Part II, I knew the Brunning & Price ODP walkers – and the third, at the end of the from Knighton to Chepstow, before very long. chain from visits to Chester in day’s mileage as I waited for a lift to my accom- Meanwhile, iechyd da! my working days, and neither modation, offered a light ‘Green Dragon Bitter’ food nor beer disappointed: (brewed for them, I was told, in Porthmadog…) great grub, which was Stephen or Salopian’s ‘Shropshire Gold’. Having tasted accompanied by Big Hand’s Funnell the latter closer to home in the past, I chose ‘Oren’ pale ale and ‘Super the house ale. The rain returned, only for a Tidy IPA’, and couple of hours, on Sunday, but at its torrential Deva’s punchy worst as I was approaching The Cock Hotel in 44 American hopped

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk I WON A BREWERY TOUR

I like entering competitions, especially the pleasant hop loaded golden ale. We were soon simpler ones like the Word Search in The joined by another 15 or so enthusiasts ready Tippler. I duly entered the competition in the for the tour. The Tippler is delighted to secure the support of the Gloucester Brewery who have agreed Spring edition, which was to find the given pub We were conducted round by Peter, who to sponsor our increasingly popular wordsearch. You have a chance to win four brewery names in the grid and then, with the letters took us into the brewing area and explained tour tickets, a brilliant prize that comes highly recommended. There’s a lot more than you left, find the names of four Gloucestershire the brewing process quite comprehensively. In think going on at this truly fascinating brewery set in the heart villages and the name of the pub they all have particular he explained the hopping process, of the Gloucester Docks. in common. racking, fining and distribution. We then returned to the bar area, where we had a selection of local meats, cheeses and Shakespeare liked his beer. Find the bread and the opportunity to taste more beers, listed breweries in the grid, reading including Dockside Dark, which had a chocolate across, down, or diagonally, forwards or back. BREWERY malt taste, and Cascade, which had a full bodied 01032016/1 BREWERYTOUR fruity taste. 01032016/1 BREWERY The unused letters spell out a 01032016/1 TOUR The brewery is celebrating 5 years this year relevant quote from Shakespeare. BREWERYTOUR 01032016/1 by producing some anniversary brews SendTippler your quote in ASAP to: Spring 2017 TOUR and appears to be Shakespeare liked his beer. Find the listed breweries in the grid, reading going from strength [email protected], down, or diagonally, forwards or back. The unused letters spell a to strength. They relevant quote from Shakespeare. Send the quote to produce an excellent and win on of [email protected] BREWERY TOUR tickets available to lucky winners. Imagine my surprise, when I received range of beers to suit Bath Ales Hook Norton an email from Chris Leibbrandt in most tastes and I N W O D E L T T A B D A Q June saying I had won a trip to visit would certainly D O N N I N G T O N U U A Battledown Otter Gloucester Brewery! recommend a visit as R T N O T R O N K O O H R I contacted the Brewery to arrange a good opportunity to Brakspear Prescott a date. The visits are held on the try them out and find R O T E C R O F F A R L A Corinium Stanway last Friday of each month, so it was out more about how E Y T R E T T O E I T S E Deya Stonehenge arranged for my Wife and I to visit on they are produced. T A O A D I G O F F S S P Friday 26th August, just before the All too soon it was Donnington Stroud Bank Holiday weekend. time to catch our train, S W C B A T H A L E S H S As we live in Stonehouse, we travelled by but we had a very enjoyable evening. E N S F S E L A S L A H K Force Wickwar train, using our old fogies' railcards to get a Thanks go to Chris Leibbrandt at The C A E H I L L S I D E O A Gloucester Wye Valley discount, so we didn't have to bother about Tippler and Hugh Joslyn at Gloucester driving or taxis. U T R M U I N I R O C Y R Brewery for sponsoring the competition and Goffs We arrived at 7:00 pm and immediately had O S P W Y E V A L L E Y B the prize. Hals Ales a choice of the Brewery's finest beers, I L W I C K W A R R D A K I plumped for Mosaic and my wife G S T O N E H E N G E N G Hillside 46 had the same. This was a very Laurence Gulliford 47

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk

Gloucestershire Branch North Cotswold CAMRA Branch Elected Committee Members Officers and Committee

Position Name, address and contact details

Chairman and Festivals Director: Social Secretary and Webmaster: Chairman Chris McHugh Roger Price Peter Rowe (Bourton on the Water) 01453 542163 6 Greenlake Close, Bourton on the Water [email protected] [email protected] GL54 2PR Vice Chairman Margaret Wilkins 01451 810305 Cider Coordinator 01452 551400 07850 429630 James Fry (Charlton Kings) [email protected] [email protected] 07768324449 [email protected] Branch Secretary Martin Parker 01242 604114 Secretary & Branch Contact: and [email protected] Chris Knight (Mickleton) Social Media Officer 01451821513 Nick Court (Moreton in Marsh) Branch Contact [email protected] [email protected] 01608654417 [email protected] Treasurer Mark Robinson 01531 822944 Treasurer: [email protected] Dawn Harrison (Hucclecote) BLO Cotswold Brewing Co.: 07964 473678 Peter Rowe (Bourton on the Water) Membership Secretary Rob Tough [email protected] [email protected] 01285 851194 [email protected]

Membership Secretary: BLO Donnington Brewery: Webmaster John Barrett Garry Hayward (Winchcombe) Dick Harrison (Huddlecote) 01242 239785 01242 621140 01451 822410 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Public Affairs Officer Martin Parker 01242 252085 Pubs Officer, BLO Goffs Brewery: [email protected] Good Beer Guide Co-ordinator & John Stocks (Toddington) Moreton Festival Director: 01242 620442 Young Members Contact Currently vacant Martin Jones (Moreton in Marsh) [email protected] 07879015881 Pubs Officer Andrew Frape 07941 670371 [email protected] BLO Stanway Brewery: [email protected] Garry Hayward (Winchcombe) Media & Beer Festivals Coordinator: 01242 621140 Newsletter Editor Chris Leibbrandt Martyn Herbert (Exmouth) [email protected] 01684 439767 07760 134866 [email protected] [email protected] Young Members Officer: James Long (Moreton in Marsh) TRADING STANDARD DEPARTMENT [email protected] Gloucestershire Trading Standards, Hillfield House, Denmark Rd., Gloucester. GL1 3LD Telephone: 01452 426201 email: [email protected] 50 51

www.northcotswoldcamra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk events: what’s coming up events: what’s coming up

GLOUCESTERSHIRE BRANCH MEETINGS: Gloucester Sub - Branch - Email: [email protected] 7th March 2017 - 8.00pm - The Pelican, Gloucester Meetings on second Wednesday of the month at 8.00 pm. Where bookings are essential or for further details please contact Margaret on 07908 699809 or 01452 551400; by email on: Cheltenham Branch - Email: [email protected] [email protected] or visit the website www.camraingloucester.org.uk Meetings on second Wednesday or Thursday of the month at 8.00 pm. Call: Rob Coldwell 07752 740488 18th March - 11.00 am - Meet Gloucester Train Station for 11.14 to Swindon. Please check the 8th March - 8:00pm Social - Cosy Club www.camraingloucester.org.uk website for any time change 20th March - 8:00pm Business meeting Sandford Park Alehouse 29th March - Ale Amble - Swindon 31st March - 11.30 am - Gloucester Beer and Cider Festival, Blackfriars Priory ends 11.00pm 6th April - 8:00pm Social - Restoration 1st April - 11.30 am - Gloucester Beer and Cider Festival, Blackfriars Priory ends 11.00pm 19th April - 8:00pm Business meeting Cheltenham Motor Club 12th April - 8.00 pm - Social - England’s Glory 26th April - Ale Amble – Destination TBA 10th May - 8:00pm Social - TBA 21st April - 10.25 am - Train to Weston Super Mare. Meet at station at 10:25 for 10:41 train. 10th May - 8.00 pm - Social - Lord High Constable

Cirencester Sub - Branch - Email: [email protected] 13th May - tbc - day out, please check website Meetings on second Tuesday of the month at 8.00 pm. Call: Rob Tough on 01285 851194 3rd June - tbc - Pauntley Beer Festival in conjunction with Stroud RE Group. Bookings essential 9 - 11th June - Pub Hours - Pelican Birthday Beer Festival 14th March – Starting at the Ram, Woodchester, then into Stroud including the Little George, the 10th June - 1:00 pm - CAMRA South West Regional meeting. Members invited to attend. Golden Fleece and finishing at the Stroud Ale House 31st March – Bus trip to the Gloucester beer festival Old Elm, Churchdown. Booking required for food. Transport to be available from the 11th April – Pub of the Year presentation to the Keepers Arms, Quenington Pelican for those intending to go to Beer Festival first. 9th May – Bus trip to Bristol 14th June - 8:00pm - Social -The Fountain 13th June – Cycling trip, route to be announced.

Dursley Sub - Branch - Email: [email protected] Meetings on last Tuesday of the month at 8.00 pm. Call: Symon Ackroyd, secretary 07477 404056 or CONTRIBUTION DEADLINES: Chris McHugh, chair, on 07711 280723. THIRD FRIDAY OF 28th March - Visits to pubs in Charfield, starting with the Plough, followed by the Railway Inn with FEBRUARY, MAY, AUGUST AND NOVEMBER the meeting after 20:00 in the Pear Tree.

Forest of Dean Sub - Branch - Email: [email protected] have you any pub news? Meetings every Thursday night for a social at 8.00 pm. Please check on Forest of Dean CAMRA More details are posted regularly on the Facebook group 'Gloucestershire Pubs', an ideal forum Facebook page. Call: Alec Keene on 01594 780655 to keep other people informed of the latest pub developments in the county.

Stroud Sub - Branch - Email: [email protected] We value feedback and news from around the county, so, if you’ve got something Meetings on third or fourth Tuesday of the month at 8.00 pm. Call: Andy Burston on 01453 882410 to say, want to make a contribution, compliment or criticise, then get in touch: Anyone interested in Stroud meetings should contact us by email on [email protected] and ask to be added to our email list. The Editor, The Tippler, 23 Theocs Close, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 5TX [email protected] Tewkesbury Sub - Branch - Email: [email protected] 52 Meetings on third Thursday of the month at 8.00 pm. Call: Steve Kisby on 01684 295466 01684 439767 53

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk F A Campaign of Two Halves air dea on beer 7EZI l 10% t &VMXEMR W ax no 4YFW w! Join CAMRA Today off all draught beer at Complete the Direct Debit form and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription. the bar for CAMRA members Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to the: Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW. Your Details Direct Debit Non DD Title Surname Single Membership £24 £26 Forename(s) (UK & EU) Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Joint Membership £29.50 £31.50 (Partner at the same address) Address For Young Member and other concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call Postcode 01727 867201. Email address I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Tel No(s) Articles of Association Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) I enclose a cheque for Title Surname Signed Date Forename(s) Applications will be processed within 21 days Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Email address (if different from main member) 01/15

Campaigning for Pub Goers Enjoying Real Ale & Beer Drinkers & Pubs Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: This Guarantee should be detached Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts AL1 4LW and retained by the payer. Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User Number The Direct Debit To the Manager Bank or Building Society Guarantee 9261 2 9 This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building Address societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct FOR CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE LTD OFFICIAL USE ONLY Debits. This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society If there are any changes to the amount, date or Membership Number frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Postcode Real Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance Name of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd to collect Name(s) of Account Holder Postcode a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request Instructions to your Bank or Building Society If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account Bank or Building Society Account Number Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd or your bank detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit or building society, you are entitled to a full and Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. or building society Branch Sort Code - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you Thursdays 5–11pm Fridays & saTurdays 3–11pm must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd Signature(s) asks you to Wood fired-pizzas from 5pm Live music every saturday Reference You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply Date contacting your bank or building society.Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us. Phoenix Works hope Mill Lane stroud GL5 2Bu

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

Tippler 08/16.indd 1 17/08/2016 11:58 FULL THROTTLED EXHILARATION IIN EVERY PRRESESCCOOTTTT PINPINTT

AMP CHA PION E B IR E H E S R R R O E F T F

S B S B E E R R

C C

I

I

T

T

U

U

A

A

O

O

I

I

N

L

N L G G SSttandardandard BitteBitter Categorategory 20120122

PRPREESSCCOOTTTT

WWW.PRESCOTTALES.CO.UK

Prescott A5 Adverts.indd 2 10/04/2014 08:46