Merse yAle CAMRA Liverpool & Districts Magazine Spring 2015 FREE

Inside: CAMRA Election Manifesto Up Periscope! Save Your New Micro Isle of Man Beer Festival

www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk email [email protected] print run 11,000 The MerseyAle Welcome to CAMRA Liverpool and Districts Branch MerseyAle MerseyAle Editor and ManxAle John Armstrong 67 Moorfields Liverpool L2 2BP Telephone 0151 236 1734 MerseyAle Contacts Comments/news/letters/photos The Lion Tavern (Grade II Listed) is Liverpool’s [email protected] finest Edwardian Pub. It is an extravaganza of FOOD etched glass, carved wood and beautiful tiling. See the board for MerseyAle Advertising selection of good It has a wonderful ornate wood carved bar plus Cost - Full page £200 value food two cosy side rooms one with a fantastic Half page £100 Thursday 7th May – Voting Day for Liverpool CAMRA Snowballs stained glass dome. The Lion Tavern is an Contact the General Election Campaign, including their Attitude QUIZ NIGHT [email protected] 2015 is widely expected to be one of and Approach. We quote the award winning pub serving excellent cask every Tuesday at 9.30pm the most unpredictable general significant research finding that the conditioned ales, cider and a large selection of MerseyAle - Read online at the finest malt whiskies. You can also enjoy a www.merseyale.com elections for many years, and the percentage of women in Britain who fine selection of tasty food from our food menu. ACOUSTIC political heat is hotting up. have tried real ale has risen from 14% Liverpool and Districts CAMRA to 34% in just three years. NIGHT Pubs and Beer have been a hot Main Branch Contact Second Thursday of the political issue in recent years. brewing is on the up and Jean Pownceby Month 8pm in Up Periscope! On page 9 we look [email protected] CAMRA nationally has issued a CAMRA Election Manifesto which at developments at Wapping Brewery HAsuppNly a vDariedP seUlectioMn of PprizSe BOB DYLAN Contact for Coach trips only you can read on page 51. and on page 45 report expansion at winning Real Ales (including at least one Ian Macadam 07521 741 586 Additionally the PubCo Reform Bill Peerless of Birkenhead and at SOCIETY and amendment NC2 has been Liverpool Craft Brewery which is Meets first Thursday of the by email locally brewed ale) plus hand pulled Cider described by Greg Mulholland MP as likely to include a new bar. Month 8.30pm [email protected] 8 “the greatest victory for pubs in One Hundred Years of Pubs and Liverpool Branch Chair political history” and you can read Beer in Crosby. We look back to the MEET THE BREWER Sonia James-Henry his article on page 49. First World War with a painstakingly Over 80 Malt [email protected] Third Thursday of the Also on page 49 we list how the researched and illustrated article by Month 8pm Alan Lloyd on pages 12 to 15. Whiskies Web Sites current Merseyside MPs voted on the The Lion Tavern has one of the largest Liverpool and Districts PubCo Reform issue. As you will see New Micro Pubs on Wirral and in Liverpool – page 19 reports the latest selections of malt whisky on Merseyside POETRY GET CAMRA Branch all the Merseyside MPs voted for TOGETHER www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk NC2 to secure this famous victory for Micro Pubs to be established on both Fourth Thursday of the wwwfacebook.com pubs, with the exception of Esther sides of the water to join the Month 8pm /CAMRAliverpool McVey the Conservative MP for Liverpool Pigeon in Crosby. Wirral West who voted against. @LiverpoolCAMRA ManxAle page 33 shows that it is V6 Adventure QR Codes page 55 On page 49 we report on what Greg time for a trip to the Isle of Man for Mulholland calls the next big issue the bigger and better IOM CAMRA BAGUETTES Club Isle of Man CAMRA Branch Ham for Saving the British Pub, namely Beer Festival in the prestigious Villa Meet every Wednesday Cumberland sausage www.isleofmancamra.org.uk Marina Douglas and also the check Hot beef & fried onion at 8.00pm that ALL pubs should be given Beef & raw onion planning protection against change of out the latest brewery and pub Beef & tomato CAMRA national site Cheese (Please choose from www.camra.org.uk use, especially regards change to use developments. our cheese menu) to a supermarket, now running at a So again the message is JOIN OPEN SANDWICHES Homecooked ham served as an open rate of two pubs per week. Currently CAMRA – see page 53 and come to sandwich with mustard mayo & salad WEEKLY LOCALE it is vital that pubs are listed as one of the Liverpool Branch Get HAND RAISED PORK PIES See Board for future Assets of Community Value as the Togethers listed in the Diary on Served with mustard or brown sauce Real Ales Cover Photograph coalition Government has only page 55. SOUTHPORT POTTED SHRIMPS CAMRA DISCOUNT by Dennis Jones permitted ACV listed pubs to have Served with salad & toast Card carrying planning protection. So get your pub SAMOSAS MEAT OR VEGETABLE CAMRA members 10 pence John Served with mango chutney & Tzaki off pint of real ale ACV listed NOW – see page 17. Armstrong Women and Real Ale Snowballs. Editor On page 11 we draw parallels “One of the Hundred Best Pubs in the country” The opinions expressed in MerseyAle are not necessarily those of the Editor, between the new Swedish FemAle Daily Telegraph the CAMRA Liverpool Branch or movement and the award winning CAMRA Ltd. PUB OF EXCELLENCE CASK MARQUE CAMRA NATIONAL INVENTORY PUB 3 Merseyside Pub is One of the Four Best Pubs in Britain The Other Four Finalists The entry for the in CAMRA National Pub 10% real ale discount for Freshfield in the 2015 CAMRA Card Holders CAMRA Good Beer of the Year The Harewood Arms Merseyside pub, the Guide states; Greater Region Freshfield, has been judged A great example of a community 2 Market Street, one of the four best pubs in local where the emphasis is on beer quality. A Greene King pub, Broadbottom, SK14 6AX Britain in the CAMRA it offers up to 14 ales including 10 CAMRA Good Beer Guide National Pub of the Year guests. The pub also has a description; Taken over in 2013, the Liverpool CAMRA Pub Competition. growing reputation for good Green Mill brewery has moved from Liverpool CAMRA The pub won through from the group food served in the restaurant. to the cellar of The of the Year of sixteen finalists nationwide to be Following a successful CAMRA- Harewood Arms and the pub is now PUB OF essentially a brewery tap. A range of one of the final four competing for led campaign, the stone floored the most prestigious pub award in continental bottled beers and a guest 2010 and 2011 EXCELLENCE 2014 area has been retained. Families Britain. Its success in reaching the handpulled cider complement the final four follows on from last year’s are welcome and an enlightened Green Mill beers. This large open- achievement in making the last management with engaging staff plan community pub is warmed by sixteen. help to ensure a welcoming open fires, helping to create a This is only the second time that a experience. friendly atmosphere. There is a pool Merseyside pub has reached the final table and elevated darts area to the four, the Turks Head in St Helens In 2011 Greene King undertook rear. having achieved these heights some building work on the pub to years ago. increase the emphasis on food, The Windmill Region The compares converting a large function room 1 Windmill Road, Sevenoaks over 50,000 pubs across the country into a restaurant area. This was Weald, Sevenoaks, on service, atmosphere, value for controversial with locals, who money, community engagement and TN14 6PN campaigned for the plans to be quality of real ale to judge the Following a recent chequered history, amended so as to retain the stone National Pub of the Year. the Windmill, now under welcome floored bar area at the front of the new ownership, offers an excellent The Freshfield manager, Simon Cox, pub. They were conscious of how selection of five to six top-notch ales, who has been with the pub since the nearby Bay Horse pub had three Kentish ciders, and continental 2012, said: been converted into a food draught lagers, together with a A Warm Welcome to the Dispensary (CAMRA Liverpool & Districts Pub “When we heard the pub was in restaurant pub with the loss of its comprehensive menu and basket of the Year 2010 and 2011) from Pauline, Dave and all their staff the final 16 for the second year pub atmosphere and were meals (no food Sun eve). The homely running, we were thrilled. When we determined this should not happen interior features wooden settles, a reached the final four, it was log-burning stove, etched windows, Good Beer Guide singles out “the landlord’s impeccable to the Freshfield. The bar area has already a dream come true. We are been retained largely unchanged, porcelain and pub memorabilia, attention to beer quality”. so proud to be recognised by but the bar tables are set with food while a quiet, colourful garden is CAMRA as a top real ale pub. We menus and meals are served there available for warmer times. will be raising a glass in thanks to which can detract from the bar our team and customers – their drinking ambience. The Salutation Inn South Up unwavering support has been West Ham, Berkley, to absolutely priceless and we could The Freshfield was the Merseyside , GL13 9QH BEERS not have achieved so much without & Region winner and is Local CAMRA Pub of the Year, this them.” located at 1a Massams Lane, rural gem is in the Severn Valley, Availab8le at any one time kept in superb condition Jonathan Webster, managing Freshfield, Formby, L37 7EU, a five within walking distance of the Jenner minute walk from Freshfield The Dispensary provides a varied and interesting selection director for Greene King’s Local Museum, Berkley Castle and Deer railway station on the Merseyrail Park. The enthusiastic landlord keeps of real ales from the best Micro Brewers in the country. Pubs said: “This is a fantastic You will be surprised at the choice Southport line. It is ideally placed an inspired selection of ales and eight result for The Freshfield. The team for walking the Fisherman’s Path real ciders and perries. The pub has is passionate about real ale, and the sand dunes on the coastal two cosy bars with a log fire and a RENSHAW STREET, LIVERPOOL customer service and excellent path. The National Trust Red skittles alley. Live folk music and (Formerly The Grapes) 0151 709 2160 value, and this recognition from Squirrel Reserve is nearby. piano singalongs regularly occur. CAMRA is extremely well- Shove-ha'penny and table skittles are deserved.” played. 4 5 4.The Windmill, Kent Region, 1 beers are on, dispensed from within a 15.The Lamplighter, And the Winner is ...... Windmill Road, Sevenoaks Weald, glass fronted cold-room. The cosy Region, 9 Mulcaster Street, St Sevenoaks, TN14 6PN – see page 5. bar seats 22 patrons, encouraging Helier, JE2 3NJ conversation among strangers. CAMRA National Pub of the Year 2014 - 5.The Freshfield, Merseyside & The gas lamps that gave the pub its name remain, as does the original Cheshire Region, 1a Massams 10.The Harewood Arms, Greater antique pewter bar top. An excellent Lane, Freshfield, Formby, L37 7EU Manchester Region, 2 Market range of up to eight real ales are – see page 5. Street, Broadbottom, SK14 6AX The Salutation available, including one from – see page 5. pinch myself every day. This is good for money and community focus, 6.The Steam Packet Inn, Skinner's. A recent refurbishment 11.The Kelham Island Tavern, fun and it doesn’t feel like work – with extra weighting of course given / , means all ales are now served direct Region, 62 Russell although running a pub is very hard to the quality of their real ale, cider Harbour Row, Isle of Whithorn, from the cellar. Real cider is also Street, , , work.” and perry. Scotland, DG8 8LL sometimes on offer. S3 8RW- www.kelhamtavern.co.uk This traditional and historic family- The Salutation Inn, known by locals Former CAMRA National Pub of the 16.The Salutation Inn, South The Salutation Inn, a rural freehouse What We Did On Our run hotel overlooks the harbour, as ‘the Sally', was popular with Year, this small gem was rescued West Region, Ham, Berkley, in the small village of Ham, welcoming to locals and visitors alike judges due to its fantastic beer Holidays - from dereliction in 2002. Twelve Gloucestershire, has won the including families and pets. The Gloucestershire, GL13 9QH – selection and welcoming, homely hand- pumps dispense an impressive CAMRA 2014 National Pub of the Visit the Sixteen public bar has stone walls and a National Winner – feel – with one judge saying "what range of beers, always including a Year Award – less than two years Finalists multi-fuel stove, and there are see Previous page. after its landlord pulled his first pint. struck me most was the welcome – mild, porter and stout. In the warmer During your holidays you may want pictures of the village and maritime Former business analyst Peter Tiley as if I was being invited into a months you can relax in the pub's to visit the sixteen finalists and events throughout. Four guest ales quit his job in in 2013 to private house as a friend". multi-award-winning beer garden. experience the best pubs in Britain from a wide variety of breweries are follow his love of beer to run 12. Oak, Surrey & first hand. The sixteen are; available on both bars. The Salutation with his wife CAMRA Director Abigail Newton 7.Prince of , West Region, Parkgate Road, Parkgate, Claire, despite having no practical says that being named the overall 1.5 Bells, Central Southern Pennines Region, Foxfield, Newdigate, RH5 5DZ – 1 9 experience of running a pub. Eleven Pub of the Year is a massive Region, Baydon Road, Wickham, www.surreyoaks.co.uk months later the pub had won its achievement for any landlord, , , RG20 8HH - An attractive 16th century inn local CAMRA branch competition, LA20 6BX - www.fivebellswickham.co.uk www.princeofwalesfoxfield.co.uk renowned for its commitment to real then the whole region final, before ale. Hoppy beers are particularly This thatched village pub, now Honoured among CAMRA's Top 40 making it through to the final four popular and third-of-a-pint glasses established as a real ale haven, has campaigners, Stuart and Lynda 2 pubs nationwide and then being are available. The pub features low 10 nine regularly changing real ales Johnson are testament to what is named the overall National Pub of beams, flagstones and an inglenook including at least one LocAle. There achievable through passion and hard the Year winner. fireplace. Outside there are two are four ciders on draught, including work at this splendid pub. The guest A delighted Peter commented; boules pistes in the large garden and some from local producers, and an ales come from the pub's two house "For the Sally to have won National a skittles alley in the barn. extensive range of Belgian beers. breweries - Foxfield and Tigertops - Pub of the Year is beyond our 3 11 Fortnightly brewing at weekends is plus others nationwide. The range 13.The Pilot, Wales Region, 726 wildest dreams - we're totally shell- planned for the new microbrewery, will always include a mild. Beer and Mumbles Road, Mumbles, shocked. Pubs are so important to housed in a garden building. cider festivals throughout the year , SA3 4EL me that to have our own one are an added bonus. Home to Mumbles Brewing recognised in this way is just 2.The Victoria Inn, Region,10N Station Road, Company. Six ales are always amazing. We count ourselves so "What Peter and Claire have done 8.The John Bull, North East available, including three or four 4 12 Colchester, CO1 1RB - unbelievably lucky to have a in the short time they have been Region, 12 Howick Street, from the pub brewery. A wide range www.victoriainncolchester.co.uk brilliant team of staff who are so running the pub is nothing short Alnwick, , NE66 of bottled ciders are also stocked and A warm welcome awaits at this 17th passionate and dedicated as well as of staggering and goes to show 1UY www.john-bull-inn.co.uk hot drinks are served too. This century, Grade-II-listed inn. Five real a community of locals who have that passion, enthusiasm, and a This 180-year-old inn thrives on its historic pub, built in 1849, is next to ales are on handpump, from both given so much to support and real love of beer are hugely reputation as a back-street ale house. the coastal path and is popular with 5 local and smaller brewers around the 13 contribute towards the pub. It is important when running a pub. The landlord offers a wide range of lifeboatmen, locals, real ale fans, country, one usually being a dark these people that have made the They have hit the ground running cask-conditioned ales at varying walkers and cyclists. ale, plus up to nine real ciders. A pub what it is today and for that we and taken what was already a great ABV's, real cider, over 120 single large courtyard caters for the alfresco 14.The Beacon Hotel, are incredibly grateful." pub and made it truly exceptional malt whiskies and the widest range drinking and also hosts an annual Region, 129 Bilston “I grew up in Gloucestershire and – beating off over 50,000 other of bottled Belgian beers in the beer festival. Street, , Dudley, West 6 14 left when I was 18 to go to univer- landlords from across the UK." country. Darts teams compete in the Midlands, DY3 1JE sity,” said Peter. “I then worked in Peter’s dream of having his own 3.The Dog and Bone, East local league. Grade II listed building, with a London for eight years as an microbrewery at the pub will be Midlands Region, 10 John Street, 9.The Door Hinge, Greater nationally important historic pub analyst in the telecommunications fulfilled later this year, while its Lincoln, LN2 5BH industry. I enjoyed it but knew it London Region, 11 Welling High interior, where time has stood still. At neighbouring walled garden is to be www.dogandbonelincoln.co.uk was not my passion. I really Street, Welling, DA16 1TR - its heart is a central servery with 7 15 stocked with chickens. Potatoes will A warm and welcoming community enjoyed good beer and I thought www.thedoorhinge.co.uk snob screens. There are four rooms, also be sown so that the menu can pub with a traditional character. seriously about opening a Opened in 2013 in part of a former including one for families. The Sarah boast 100% home-produced ham, Books and art grace the walls and microbrewery. But then my dad electrical wholesalers, London's first Hughes brewery lives in a tower at egg and chips. add to the surroundings. Outside to told me this place was available and permanent micropub is a welcome the back and supplies the pub. The Pubs are judged by CAMRA on the rear is a charming garden which I thought it was too good an breath of fresh air on the local pub Beacon lives up to its name - it a variety of criteria such as is a delightful place to drink in the 8 16 opportunity to miss. Now I have to scene, stocking over 300 real ales in shines. atmosphere, level of service, value warmer months. its first year. Normally at least three 6 7 There is a new captain at the periscope of the Wapping submarine, otherwise known as Wapping Brewery. The legend in his own Mash Tun, Wapping brewer Stan ‘the Man’ Shaw, retired in February 2014 and since April 2014 Angus Morrison has been wielding the mash shovel having shadowed Stan for the previous twelve months. MerseyAle went along to see how Angus had been settling in as Wapping’s brewer.

The Lad from Seilebost, Harris, The Liverpool Beer Festival – the the Outer Hebrides Gateway to Beer! Those are words that probably don’t A chance late in the day entry to the often appear in an article about Liverpool Beer Festival at the brewing. For those TV viewers out Cathedral Crypt further opened his there, the house on Harris where eyes to the world of beer and Angus was brought up looked out brewing. There was no stopping on the island of Taransay where the him! He worked at the Festival for BBC TV reality series Castaway was eight years as a CAMRA member filmed. From there he went to volunteer. Little did he know then Abertay University Dundee to study that one of his proudest days was to chemistry, (a useful subject for his come this February at the 2015 current role). He also became a 1st Festival when he stood in front of the Wapping beers he had brewed himself guiding the customers through his beer styles, whilst also standing alongside Stan Shaw who Gaelic speaker, his Scot’s dialect was was presenting his new beers from put to use every Burns Night Melwood Brewery. Not so much at Delifonseca when he would the Two Doctors, rather the Two solemnly address the haggis for Brewers! It was a Rite of Passage each customer who ordered it. moment when Stan told him, “I’m The MerseyAle Editor was proud of you.” somewhat taken aback to discover from Angus that it was a comment he made at Delifonseca that set Angus off on his present brewing path. The Editor’s suggestion that Dan Black belt and instructor in Angus could develop his Taekwondo which no doubt comes understanding of brewing from in handy when someone questions shadowing someone like Stan Shaw the beer quality. It was at Dundee The Man from Delifonseca – He at Wapping, was to lead Angus to that Angus met his wife to be, Fiona, Say YES! spend his days off working with who obtained a post at Liverpool Angus was the Maitre d’ at Stan as an unpaid apprentice. This University, resulting in them both Delifonseca restaurant on Stanley meant Angus would lock up at moving to Liverpool. Fiona has been Street and he soon took over the Delifonseca at midnight and be on active in the Liverpool CAMRA expansion of the beer list to the doorstep at Wapping ready for a Snowballs Campaign (see article encompass some classic bottle ten hour brewing shift at seven am page 11). Indeed it was Fiona who conditioned real ales, resulting in a later that morning. He started introduced Angus to real ale, as he four page beer list which was more working part time at the brewery in had been a malt whisky drinker in extensive than the wine list. His September 2013, before finally flight from the awful Tennant’s keg interest in food and drink led him to leaving Delifonseca in February beers that then dominated the promote beer and food matching 2014 in preparation for replacing Scottish beer scene, especially on at Delifonseca, including special Stan on a full time basis from April the islands. For those wishing to evening events with the menu 2014. congratulate him his favourite malt linked to selected beer choices, is Edradour, Scotland’s smallest plus meet the brewer evenings and distillery. guided tastings. As well as being a continues on page 44 F 8 9 What do Sweden’s FemAle and Liverpool CAMRA’s Snowballs Campaign Have in Common? Attitude and Approach! explosion in Sweden, which is Public House and Restaurant developing a passion for a wide “No, I don’t want an effing fruit range of beer styles, both bottled and education process is the way to “get The Wheatsheaf is a unique beer. Women can drink whatever building which boasts a number of on draught. The standard stor stark more girls into the beer world”, the we want” - Rebecka Singerer (large strong) lager is now “almost “Bring your mother, exciting and homely rooms. group says. FemAle - We Can Do It extinct” in Gothenburg, the women sister, girlfriend, aunt and grand- The fantastic bar and pool room is say, as pubs and bars replace the big mother so we all can learn more about FemAle is a group of like minded perfect for those sports enthusiasts. brands with a choice of specialist beer.” women drinkers in Gothenburg, The pub is a British They contain a number of legendary beers. “Women often opt for a glass of wine memorabilia, and two huge big Sweden, who have joined together to heritage building, as launch Sweden’s first beer brewed by because they don’t know what beer is its historic interior After being told for the umpteenth screens to watch the latest women and to show that women can all about, they don’t know what to has remained intact sporting events. time that the beer she wanted would order,” says Carlsson. “We open up for many years which drink whatever they want – not just be “too dark and too strong for you, new worlds to them.” adds to its traditional Visit us today to avoid missing beers supposedly tailored to what love – have something sweeter”, and architectural brewers consider to be female taste. importance. out on fantastic, food, service Rebecka Singerer had had enough. and atmosphere. The group’s founder is Elin Carlsson, The Liverpool 25, who paints cars at the Volvo The unique building attracts customers from all over the factory outside the city. Snowball Campaign “We Can Do It is not a female beer, but country and even international visitors. The slanted' a beer brewed by women that anyone Approach floors alone, are worth visiting the business for! The can drink,” she says. “It’s nothing to The FemAle approach echoes that of traditional and homely decor provides the perfect do with feminism, it’s about equality – the award winning Liverpool CAMRA surrounding for a family occasion. The building boasts a we wanted to show we can do it.” Snowball Campaign, which was fantastic beer garden and bowling green, which is an ideal We Can Do It was the brainchild of judged the national winner of the Felicia Nordström, a bar worker who CAMRA Membership Innovation place to spend a hot summer's day, and if that wasn't says she was fed up with bearded award. For the last three years the enough the sports bar exhibits a vast range of beer snobs telling her: “What do you Snowball Campaign has sought to memorabilia for those sports enthusiasts! know about beer, sweetie? ” She introduce women to a wide range of approached FemAle, and they real ale beer types and flavours and to teamed up with Ocean, a local encourage them to visit the pub to The Wheaty - independent micro-brewery. One enjoy real ale from the cask. This has weekend they concocted the recipe, “No, I don’t want an effing fruit beer. involving running beer tastings of Real Ale Real Food and the next they brewed 1,600 litres. Women can drink whatever we different beer styles, beer and food We Can Do It, a bottled pale ale, has want,” she says. matching, talks by female brewers visit: thewheaty.com just gone on sale in stores across about their beers and experiences of Sweden. Its label is a take on Rosie working in the beer industry, group Visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/TheWheatsheafOfficial Pink It and Shrink It - The Big visits to a selection of Liverpool pubs, for all the latest updates on what sporting events are being shown at the Riveter, the creation of a US Brewer’s Offer to Women second world war propaganda and guided tastings at the Liverpool the Wheatsheaf. FemAle is up against decades of campaign that went on to become a Beer Festivals. The clear message is prejudice in the beer world. In an symbol of women’s power in the the one identified by FemAle. Women irony not lost on FemAle, Carlsberg workplace. enjoy all beer styles and given the and other big brewers have spent “This is not a beer that is aimed at encouragement are happy to visit the millions in recent years trying to sell women – it’s our hoppiest brew,” says pub and order a real ale. beer to women, attempting to “pink Thomas Bingebo, the head brewer at • The success of the Snowball it and shrink it” to appeal Ocean. “When the big breweries target Approach is shown by the increase in to perceived feminine tastes. women it usually fails, this is the percentage of women in Britain Carlsberg’s Eve and Copenhagen that have tried real ale - up from 14% something completely different.” We offerings, Foster’s Radler and Coors’ to 34% in last three years. Can Do It uses three malts – Maris Animée were among lighter, Otter, Amber and a Thomas Fawcett flavoured and even “bloat-resistant” As Rebecka Singera says wheat malt – and the hop varieties beers that failed to find a market. “No, I don’t want an effing fruit Our award winning food is definitely worth visiting the pub for. We serve fresh, fast and home Galaxy and Cascade. Its IBU, or beer. Women can drink cooked food for every occasion. Our homemade chunky chips are the best around! bitterness level, is 65, and its alcohol FemAle’s Approach is Different whatever we want. ” We would advise to book a table, especially on weekends to avoid disappointment. content is 4.6%. FemAle has already FemAle’s approach is different, with been approached by other breweries women-only tastings that allow For details of the Snowball asking if they can brew new beers potential customers to experiment events please email Mill lane Sutton Leach St Helens Telephone 01744 813994 with them. with flavours and styles of beer that [email protected] The women are part of a brewing they may not normally try. This

10 11 The The fest continued until 1870 when dating back to at least 1700. The Over a century Brewery unruly behaviour caused it to be building was more like a house Tap/Crosby stopped. The pub closed in 1925; than a traditional pub. It sold Vaults road widening again! Thorougood’s ale until the pub of drinking in Crosby Village was demolished in 1929, for the The Islington usual reason. However unlike the If you have visited CAMRA’s buildings to be renumbered and new tower brewery was built in others which suffered the same Pub of the Year, the maps redrawn. This was an 1884 by Thomas Molyneux. This Hotel fate, they rebuilt on almost the inevitable result of the rapid style of brewery was very modern: ‘Liverpool Pigeon’, you may same site in a very different style growth of the village over time and raw materials were moved down which is what we see today. have seen some photos of in fact the need for wider roads the building by gravity with the old Crosby Pubs. I thought condemned many of the pubs to finished beer appearing at the The Crows Nest be demolished. bottom. This was very similar to One of the largest and busiest it would be an idea to give Although the pub was recorded in the Lion Brewery in Waterloo. The in the village people an indication of Local breweries were common in The old Bank of Liverpool can be a number of directories as being at new Tower Brewery was a large seen on the corner of Moor Lane. the nineteenth century and could 61-63 Victoria Road other links to where and what was structure about 35m high with 8 Circa 1900 It was at 56-58 Liverpool Road, on available for a quick pint be found in Waterloo, Litherland, the corner of Alma Vale (Vale beer where also found in the same storeys. It was recorded they could As the name suggests this was the Hightown and Formby. Crosby was Road). This was the largest pub in road. In 1876 a Robert Jones was over a hundred years ago. produce 500 36 gallon barrels a main outlet for the Tower Brewery no exception. the village when built in the 1850s. recorded as a dog trainer and beer day. They supplied local pubs and and was in front of the brewery at The public house has always been It was also one of the most popular seller, 1880 has an Ann Blackburn those further afield in Liverpool. It 1-3 Liverpool Road. After the a meeting place and a centre of the and most profitable village pubs. as a beer seller, however there was closed about 1895. brewery closed they continued as community. Pubs have been a Despite this, the old spectre of no information as to their location a pub selling ‘Thorougood’s’ beer place for people to celebrate, Tower Brewery Despite looking at hundreds of road widening took its toll, and it in Victoria Road.. The Crows Nest from Waterloo. It eventually discuss and commiserate photos of the village there does closed in 1935. It did not go quietly. was named in records from 1885 closed in 1929 and became a throughout history. not seem to be one of the Before it closed it was owned by with William and Mary Pollock in café/tea room. brewery (even in the Threlfalls (who then owned the charge. At the same date Thomas In Crosby, with the exception of background by accident). I Lion Brewery) who unhappy at Kirkwood of Highfield Villas was one pub, soldiers off to the Great am very grateful to Dave The Boar’s losing a very profitable pub recorded as a brewer. Of course War may well have had a parting Lovelady for his excellent Head/Grapes demanded a large sum in that was his profession and does glass in one or more of the old watercolour of the compensation from the Council. pubs before leaving on their brewery produced As well as income from sales they journey. People left behind from a very poor also operated a ‘Public Vehicle could meet in the pubs and and indistinct Weighing Machine’ in front of the discuss the events of the sketch that was the pub. This was the last traditional war or support friends only record of the pub to close in the village. and relatives who had building. received bad news. A number of pubs Tram terminus Cooks Road/Victoria Old Church House Inn Dave Lovelady Returning soldiers would in the village Road This existed from the 1850s and no doubt look forward to a pint during the last century no longer This was found at the tram was opposite St Michael’s Chapel from the Tower Brewery or of A brewery owned by the not mean he brewed from here. exist. terminus at the junction of Cooks which is the approximate present Thorougood’s Ale. Molyneux family was located at The pub is one of the best Road and Victoria Road. It was one location of the Sandalwood the present car park at the back of Retirement Flats. I have not preserved from the period, with It is difficult to be certain of the Sainsburys. As time went on the of the oldest pubs in Crosby few internal or external changes. exact location of some of the pubs dating from the 1840s. It was managed to obtain any brewery proved inadequate for information about this pub yet. as in the nineteenth century it was the needs of the trade. The original demolished in 1912 due to the Between a cottage and a common for roads to be renamed, buildings were demolished and a need to widen roads throughout Not all the old pubs have newsagent the village (a common event in disappeared: some have just been the years to come). Again altered. Thorougood’s ales were sold. The George The Ship Unfortunately I could not find a photo of the pub. It was at 24 Liverpool Road, roughly where the The Birkey present day ‘Boots’ is now located. It began life in the 1840s near the It opened in the 1850s and corner of Cooks Lane (Road) and changed its name to ‘The Victoria Road. For many years it Greyhound Hotel’ in 1865. It was The George, late 19th century, before the Bank of Liverpool was built was diagonally opposite the Boar’s involved in local village life and Head. It was demolished (don’t along with the ‘George’ partook in This is at 27 Liverpool Road and ask!) and rebuilt in its present the Crosby Goose Fest, every Moor Lane. It could be the oldest location and form in the 1920s. October, offering goose dinners. site linked to the selling of alcohol, F 12 13 Crosby 1906

publications including. Images of The Crosby Hotel Vehicle Weighing Machine’ at the England by T Smith, Mills, Mollies front. Presumably vehicles would & Marl Pits by J Cochrane, Crosby This is one of the few village pubs use the weighing machine in the in Camera by Stanstreet & Farthing to retain its original exterior form. direction they were traveling. and Postcard Photographs of It began life in the 1830s as a ‘Total Liverpool pt1 by P. Bolgel and also Abstinence Hotel’ and drinkers I would like to thank the staff at to Dave Lovelady for his original had to wait until the 1870s before it Crosby library reference section watercolour of the Tower Brewery. became a public house. Similar to for their help and guidance along the Islington Hotel it had a ‘Public with information from a number of Alan Lloyd

Alfie Buxton one of Liverpool’s longest serving licensees After a long illness, Alfie, licensee of the Famous Alfie outside the White Star in Rainford Gardens passed away on White Star March 4th, aged only 58

Alfie was a friend and a generous host to thousands of customers over his quarter of a century as licensee of the White Star Pub. With the help of his wife Jackie he turned this little pub into a Liverpool treasure. Forging ties and friendships with people in such places as the Czech republic and Norway the White Star was often packed with his friends from far and wide. Testimony to this fact are the numerous brass plaques outside recording a number of twinning arrangements with bars and football teams across Europe. Alfie made sure the White Star was a real local, a great meeting place for real ale fans, shoppers, tourists and everyone who walked through the door. For his wife Jackie his relatives, regular customers and friends it is a great loss. We will remember Alfie for his no nonsense aproach, his love of life (and Everton) and most of all his A Liverpool Legend friendship and generosity.

14 15 MPs Charlotte Leslie, Greg ‘Pubs Matter' campaign which asks Mulholland and Grahame Morris the Government to close the Save which called on government to current loopholes and ensure RRoossccooee HHeeaadd amend the Infrastructure Bill to planning permission is always ensure planning permission was required to convert a pub to other CAMRA Liverpool & Districts PUB of the YEAR 2012 always required before any pub uses. Your could be demolished or converted. "The fact pubs are the most listed community asset shows MPs voted against the motion and just how much people value instead accepted the concession their local pub. It is therefore Pub introduced by the minister that he hugely disappointing that the protection should only apply to Government won't act to close pubs listed as an ACV. planning loopholes which allow developers to convert Tim Page, CAMRA Chief Executive pubs to other uses without said: the requirement for planning permission. Planning perm- "We welcome the Govern- ission is required to convert a ment's announcement that convenience store into a pub they will extend planning but no permission is required protection to pubs listed as to convert a pub into a www.roscoehead.co.uk Assets of Community value as a convenience store. The lack of significant step in the right protection for pubs is a glaring direction. We will be pressing anomaly in the English Ministers to fulfil their planning system which needs promise to enact this change to be corrected. It is surely not before Parliament dissolves for right that a supermarket the General Election. From 6th April it is even more convenience store is given "As it stands today, there are important to list your pub as greater planning protection around 600 pubs already listed an Asset of Community Value. than a valued community pub." The Government accepts pubs as Assets of Community Value listed as ACVs will now require which are set to benefit For information on listing your pub Planning Permission for from this protection against as an ACV, please visit - CONSTANTLY Change of Use, but NOT conversion to other uses www.camra.org.uk/list-your- CHANGING unlisted pubs. or demolition without plan- localassets-of-communityvalue ning permission. CAMRA The Roscoe Head is a true English Pubs listed as Assets of Community encourages community groups ACV Listing - 600 Up public house with lots of character. GUEST BEERS 6 Value will from 6th April 2015 to act now to nominate their Nationwide One of the few pubs in Liverpool Try our delicious home-cooked food be subject to a full planning valued local pubs as Assets of CAMRA have announced reaching and indeed Great Britain to have Community Value to afford the initial target of having 600 pubs served Mon- to Fri 11.30am - 2.30 pm application should they come survived the onslaught of the super under threat from demolition or them this additional listed as Assets of Community Value, following a campaign to pub chains and remains unspoilt. change of use. This is a vital protection. QUIZ NIGHT encourage local groups to register The Roscoe Head is a very special safeguard against the growing "Clearly we are disappointed Tuesday Commencing 9.30pm - trend of converting pubs into that the Government has not pubs as ACVs. watering hostelry. supermarkets and other retail heeded our call for planning However CAMRA say with 31 pubs max 4 players to a team outlets. However the Government protection to be given to all still closing per week more needs The Roscoe Head is a town local FREE BUFFET did not accept a motion that all pubs. It is only right that local to be done to protect pubs - people get a say through the with the Government letting with customers from all walks of PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT FOR CASH PRIZES pubs should have such protection. life, the backroom debates are So it is therefore more important planning system before a pub communities down by allowing Tuesday night after quiz conversion of pubs to always entertaining whether it be than ever that your pub is listed as valued by the community is lost forever and we will supermarkets without planning politics or football on the agenda an Asset of Community Value. CRIBBAGE NIGHT continue to make this case." permission unless they are listed as the banter is always good. Every Wednesday Evening The Minister said “We intend that Evidence collated by CAMRA an ACV. these regulations will come into earlier this year revealed that 2 The drive is now on to have as place on 6 April 2015”. pubs a week are converted into many pubs as possible listed as an Winner of many awards and one of only SEVEN pubs to feature in every edition ACV to give them planning of the Good Beer Guide. Over 40 years of Good Beer Guide entries! This decision followed a supermarket convenience stores, parliamentary debate tabled by which led to the launch of their protection against change of use. 24 Roscoe Street L1 2SX Tel: 0151 709 4365

16 17 Local resident Tom Armstrong said open licensed premises in a former although most residents “park with music store was announced. consideration for each other it only Fortunately, approval was granted The takes one or two cars from outside and the adventure could begin. the area and it becomes unbearable”. Two small comfortable rooms are He also told the planning meeting served from the front bar. The there are other pubs within walking Sunday papers were laid out on the Belvedere distance providing real ale, while tables in the front bar. On my visit, Traditional 2 room community pub another resident said: “People are four hand pumps were in operation Grade II Listed situated in the heart of not going to go to a pub like a living (no lager fonts) serving two beers Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. Winner room when they can buy some real from the Wentwell brewery in of CAMRA pub of culture 2011 ale in Tesco and go to their own brewed specially for the living room.” pub with a mild (which I didn’t Cask Ales from Local and Micro Lib Dem leader and planning sample but it had a rather high ABV) Regional Brewers committee member Richard Kemp and a guest (Salopian Gold, which I did). I tried the pale ale One minut e from Philharmonic Hall said “the application describes the from Wentwell which, together with Ideal for pre-show drinks Pubs pub of my dreams” but said he was the best bitter will be a permanent concerned about its potential impact feature. The Salopian was initially a The Only Liverpool Pub with on nearby residents and opposed the Arrive on Wirral little chilly but eventually the Lined Glasses for Cask and plans. European Lagers characteristic flavour appeared. The and in Liverpool pale, like the bitter, branded as Lazy Lib Dem leader and planning Large Selection of Gins available at the Landlord was spot on from the word Football Free Zone Liverpool’s First Micro Pub committee member Richard go and augurs well. Two ciders were No Fruit Machines ‘CASK’ to Open by Summer Kemp said “the application Real Fires available and wine by the glass. Mike West Derby Micro Pub Gains describes the pub of my dreams” explained that he’d had a mixed Real Conversation Planning Permission clientele through the door, not just Food Available Liverpool’s first “micro pub” is set to those who might frequent the However, despite the objections the open later this year in former shop existing real ale outlets in Wallasey Labour members of the committee premises on Queen’s Drive after and New . backed the scheme after it was 8 Sugnall Street (off Falkner St), Liverpool planners gave the scheme planning The Lazy Landlord is undoubtedly a agreed to add conditions in a bid to permission despite opposition from valuable asset to the area. Its opening prevent the site being used as a some local residents and councillors hours are 2-10.30 p.m. Monday- concerned about car parking. “normal” pub or restaurant in the Despite opposition from local future. After the meeting Ian Barton said he residents the pub, to be called ‘Cask ’, was pleased the plan had been received planning permission at a “The work meeting in Liverpool town hall. approved and added: starts now, we’re relying on friends British and Foreign Bottled Beers CAMRA member Ian Barton, one of those behind the pub, told the and family really, to do most of the planning meeting it would be selling work. Realistically, we hope to open At the last count we had over “real ales and bespoke bottled in May.” beers, but no spirits or fizzy lagers." Thursday and 12-10.30 p.m. Friday to He said the pub would be like a Lenny Henry Opens Micro Pub Sunday. 280 British Ales. Plus Belgian, “large sitting room” 19ft by 19ft, in Liscard The pub is a short (Arriva) bus ride to German and Italian Beers would have no music and would The Lazy Landlord is First Micro Wallasey and New Brighton where shut at 10pm. Pub on Wirral other well-established real ale outlets Selling beers from all the North West Breweries, The meeting was told similar “micro There’s nothing comic about this one, may be found. The 10/10A New the Lake District and more. pubs” exist in Liscard, Wirral (see folks; Wirral’s first micro pub. I Brighton to Arrowe Park Hospital Extensive Foreign bottled beer selection. below) and in Crosby, (the Liverpool called into the Lazy Landlord on a bus route stops on Mill Lane close to Including American, Polish and Australian. Our Pigeon which was Liverpool relatively quiet but cold Sunday the pub and the 432 Liverpool – New afternoon but over the hour or so I bottled beer range is constantly changing and CAMRA Pub of the Year 2014), but Brighton Cross River service and the there are none currently in Liverpool. was there a mixture of the curious 410 stop near the junction of Mill expanding. Come in and have beer browse! The Liverpool Echo reported that and converted dropped in to sample Lane and Woodstock Road. Those local residents had insisted the pub the beers on offer. Lenny (the owner) with good local knowledge and who would be setting a precedent and and Mike Henry launched the Lazy fancy the exercise can walk it all in Mini Kegs n Spirits n Liverpool Gin n Ciders was too close to their homes. Local Landlord on December 19th good weather (it took me twenty councillor Steve Radford also said he probably not knowing what to expect minutes to Wallasey Village where Open Wednesday - Sunday 1pm-7pm Sat 10am -7pm Tel: 0151 949 1834 believed the extra traffic to the pub having spent their time on the other you can pick up Merseyrail). We from deliveries and patrons would side of the bar from where Mike was wish Mike and Lennie every success. lead to traffic problems in an already on Sunday. Mike told me of the After all, look what happened when 59 College Road Crosby L23 0RL @crosbybeershop busy area where parking is at a amusement at the hearing when a a Pigeon flew into Crosby! request from a Mr Lenny Henry to premium. Geoff Edwards

18 19 The MerseyAle Cider News Four Out of Five British The role of small producers in Globe the reinvigoration of the rural Cider Makers Under Cider Campaigning in The Globe is a small, very cosy traditional two roomed local economy and the stewardship of OVER the environment has led opposite Central Station and close to main shopping area. Threat Due to EU Tax May as well as October government agencies such as It is a very lively pub and is popular with both locals and Change Natural England to encourage the – From Blossom to Glass visitors alike. Watch out for the sloping floor! At the beginning of March the planting of traditional orchards, Campaign Opening times 11am -11pm . European Commission demanded 75% of which have been lost CAMRA has celebrated cider and that the British government do since the second world war. Sunday 12-10.30 perry during the month of CAMRA Merseyside’s away with a duty exemption Industry groups such as the Telephone 0151 707 0067 October for a number of years inaugaural meeting worth £2,500 to small-scale NACM, which represents both took place here over and for 2015 it is introducing a producers of cider and perry. large and small producers, and 40 years ago in 1974 second opportunity to celebrate Under the exemption, introduced campaign groups such as Apple this traditional drink in the month in 1976, cider-makers who and the Campaign for Real Ale of May. produce fewer than 70 hectolitres are gearing up to fight the tax a year – about 12,000 pints – do change. Some small cider May might seem a strange not have to pay duty. The producers believe the National Association of Cider time to celebrate a drink intervention by the EU came made from apples and pears Makers calculates that this about because of sour grapes 5 accounts for about 80% of the from small producers in the wine but there is some logic in the UK’s 480 cider-makers. trade who are not exempt from timing. May is a time when Handpumps 17 CASES STREET L11HW The Observer newspaper on 8th the duty. Others have blamed the apple and pear trees in 20 March interviewed David Kaspar “big cider”, the industrial-scale our orchards are in blossom and his partner, Helen Brent- makers who account for the bulk Smith who run Day’s Cottage , a and, without the orchards of the 130 million gallons of cider and tree blossom, we OUR AWARD WINNING CIDER RANGE small apple juice, cider and perry produced in the UK each year. producer, about the impact of the The Treasury, which has two wouldn’t have the fruit to tax change. Most of their months to respond to the make the ciders and perries business is juicing, but they commission, says it will do its that are on offer throughout produce just under 170 best to support the sector. “While the year. Unfortunately hectolitres of cider from their 6.5 we will study the commission’s many of the old traditional hectares (16 acres) of orchard, arguments carefully, our support Rosie’s Wicked orchards have disappeared Rosie’s Triple D Rosie’s Black selling it at farmers’ markets, fairs, for this industry will continue,” Cider Bart Wasp - Medium Rosie’s Cider Shop shops and a pub. it said. over the years but, Available dry, medium or Sweet Cider Sweetness Cider Open weekdays from 10am Open weekends from 9am “The exemption is fundamental to thankfully, in recent years sweet Bottled and in Bottled or Draught Bottled or Draught Alex Hill, who has been making medium or dry in 6.6% abv 7.0% abv keeping craft cider-making going,” Bollhayes cider for 26 years from producers have started to Draught said Kaspar. “If we had to pay an 6.4% abv WINNER OF Rosie’s Perfect a smallholding in , says the plant new trees to keep the “CIDER OF THE Pear Perry extra £2,500 it would probably stop Rosie’s Oak success of artisan cider-making tradition of cider and perry Rosie’s Award Winning FESTIVAL” Medium Sweet Ciders. Matured Dry AT THE us risking making wooden-barrel Perry over the last quarter of a century production alive. Pressed and fermented here Scrumpy - LIVERPOOL cider and perry because it’s too in Llandegla since 2005 2012 BEER Bottled or Draughtt could be reversed. “The cider Only available in 6.0% abv fragile. Quite regularly a barrel ‘MADE IN WALES’ FESTIVAL industry as a whole trades on this May is also the time when the Draught isn’t very good, so I have to throw romantic image of the small, local juice that was pressed in the it away. I would also be much less producer,” says Hill, chairman of October of the previous year has Rosie’s Triple D Cider inclined to experiment with some the South West of England Cider fermented in the cask and is Dafarn Dywyrch, of the varieties we’re bringing Association. ready to drink. Llandegla, , back from extinction if we had to Rosie’s DM4 “There is a far greater variety of LL11 3BA pay even before we begin.” Cider (not Cidre) ciders produced by smaller makers Real ciders and perries differ T: 01978 790222 “It would be very sad if the tax Available lightly than by the industrial giants. With from the more industrial M: 07812 500513 carbonated in came in,” Kaspar says. “Not just products available from the big E: [email protected] 500ml bottles, Situated at the North end of the Horseshoe Pass, at the the loss of smaller producers, the medium or sweet. for financial reasons. It would producers in that they are made www.rosiescider.co.uk roundabout where the A542 intersects the A5104 /Corwen range of choice and diversity of 6.0% abv road. The A525 runs past us half a mile to the North. hasten the demise of traditional from only the pressed fruit, are orchards and would be another cider would be sadly diminished, not fizzy from added carbonation Available for Pubs, (Bags in Boxes) and Shops/Delis (Bottled Cider Range) nail in the coffin of traditional with the market even more and the flavours of the fruit used You are welcome to call at the farm to taste and buy our Ciders and Perry cider-making and would be a loss dominated by corporate brands.” in their production come through to the natural habitat.” in the final product. 20 21 F MerseyAle "No Trees - No Cider, No Perry" recognised-as-being-real). Cider News in your May campaigning. If you need any help or advice, contd As a part of our first May Cider please contact your Regional Promotion Month, we will be Cider Co-ordinator (see So why not take the opportunity Hand pulls with ever launching a new cider T-Shirt www.camra.org.uk/ regional- to visit some of the many pubs design. We intend to have it cider-coordinators) or Andrea changing Cask Ales which now offer real cider or 6 available at the Members' Briers perry and give them a try. In Weekend in Nottingham. ([email protected]). Liverpool the CAMRA Regional 11 Craft Lines Further Material and Information Andrea Briers Cider Pub of the Year, the Cider posters, leaflets and cider including WEST BEERS and craft Augustus John in Peach Street on Chair of CAMRA’s Cider and mats can be ordered on-line (see the Liverpool University campus, Perry Committee (APPLE) micro brewers from Italy and Spain www.camra.org.uk/branch - usually has a range of around six Magazine/Website Article: official-information-request- or more different real ciders. An Wide range of keg, bottled and form) . excellent place to start. Cider in May bag in the box REAL CIDER Electronic copies are available CAMRA has celebrated cider and Whatever you decide to do, from Andrea Briers perry during the month of BOTTLES AND CANS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD where possible, please make it an ([email protected]). October for a number of years external facing campaign that the Opening hours 12.00 till 11.00 every day There is a list on the website of now and, this year, we are public will see or could attend. ciders which we know are not introducing a second opportunity Food served Mon - Sat 12 - 6pm You could use slogans such as real by CAMRA’s definition (see to celebrate this traditional drink Cold pies available at all times "May the thirst be with you" or www.camra.org.uk/cider-not- in the month of May. Quiz Night Every Tuesday from 8.00 Meet the Brewer nights on Weds URGENT - Sign the Cider Small Producer Petition CAMRA has just launched a campaign to support small cider makers who are under serious threat from the European TITHEBARN STREET LIVERPOOL @jamesmonropub Union (EU), which has demanded that the Government ends the UK’s small cider producer duty exemption. The 0151 236 6299 proposed EU action would see very small cider producers landed with a tax bill of up to £2,700 each and every year, which will make their production uneconomic and lead to wide-spread closures. We are calling on the Government to reject the EU’s request and put UK cider producers and consumers first. Please find more details and the petition link here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-small-cider-producers-1 Northern Cider Legend Dies - an appreciation It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Mathew Veasey the founder and cider maker of Nooks Yard Cider in Cheshire. Mathew died just before Christmas after a two year fight with cancer. We in the Liverpool CAMRA Branch remember Mathew with great affection as he gave an immensely enjoyable cider tasting at the Crown in Lime Street for us in October 2012. He brought the tasting to life with his enthusiasm, samples of strange apples and of course several different styles of cider from around the UK.

Mathew was a real authority on all things cider and wrote extensively in his highly informative blog, he was a person who made a real difference to the northwest cider scene and will be missed by the CAMRA community in Cheshire and far beyond. Steve Berks Liverpool CAMRA Cider Officer

23 City Centre News Heath Hall, on Heath Road in the Allerton area, is now serving a real The Grape s at the junction of ale, usually a national brand. People Roscoe and Knight Streets is now may want to watch the football here. serving food alongside the many ales available. The Maekong The Toby Inn on Aigburth Road, Kitchen serves Thai food each day except Mondays. opposite the Liverpool Cricket Club ground, was refurbished before Grapes Knight St Christmas. Glass panelling now The Kazimier Garden has been separates the restaurant area from remodelled for the winter with the including an appropriate Higsons the rest of the pub. Beers from return of the railway carriage and beer, but they were not available. Thwaites continue to be served. more covered tables. There is a Only Marstons EPA was being winter version of their house beer served and I hear this is the norm. I have found Connoisseur beers Organo , with plums added. from St Helens being served at the Opening times are 4.00pm on South Liverpool News White Horse in Woolton recently, weekdays and 2.00pm at weekends, Cuff's on Wavertree High Street has but on my last visit the guest was but perhaps later if the weather is been rebranded as a Pound Pub from Moorhouses . Across the road not good. On the last Wednesday of during January by owners Here for the Elephant Pub & Bakehouse the month there is a Mezz Diner You Hospitality. Beer is sold for a event highlighting the link between pound a half and a pint for £1.50. food and beer. This includes a changing cask ale, with Pedigree and Abbot being The Jacaranda on Slater Street served during the first week. A keg reopened in November and happily bitter, lager and cider are also real ale is being served. There are available at this price. Some bottles and soft drinks are also sold for £1 and other products at normal prices. White Horse This is the fourth Pound Pub in the country, with others in Atherton, continues to sell a variety of guest 14 Endbutt Lane, Crosby, L23 0TR MicroPub Stockton and Newark. beers. Robinsons Voodoo Dawn was being served when I visited at Liverpool Pigeon is Merseyside’s original micro pub. the end of January We opened October 2013 and celebrate the fantastic beers North Liverpool News we have in the North-West by showcasing beers around the two hand pumps serving beers from region and further afield. the Marstons group. Good for a late The Cabbage Hall, on the corner drink, closing at 2.00am Monday to of Breck Road and Walton Breck, has n Small single roomed establishment Thursday and 6.00am on other days. reopened and is serving real ale. The n Sells real (not fizzy) cider The ethos for the venue to be a large pub has been closed for several platform for new music, first started years after a fire. Hotel rooms are n No spirits/alco-pops or keg products in 1958 by Allan Williams, There have been no internal changes available. Normally there is an n Shuns national or multi-national products continues. to the pub, which continues to be emphasis on food, but on match n No tv, juke box or gaming machines managed by Mike and Dorithea. To days drinkers take over. Morland Speckled Hen n Conversation as entertainment A visit to the Baltic Triangle area at save costs sports television is no and beers from the end of January found that there longer available. Main bus routes Liverpool Organic have been n Small range of beer snacks was still no sign of any real ale in the passing the pub are the 78 and 79, served. The real ale might not be Liverpool CAMRA Camp & Furnace . Nearby on along with Halton service 14 and 61. available at quieter times. The 14 Parliament Street the Baltic Social bus runs along Breck Road. Pub of the Year 2014 The Penny Lane Wine Bar 5 Handpumps was found to be serving a beer from continues to sell a real ale. Often this Just up Walton Breck, the Flat Serving cask conditioned ales Black Jack in Manchester. is Jennings Cumberland , but other House has recently been serving Across the road, the Brewery Tap in beers from the Marston’s group are beers from the Marstons group. Please check opening times at: Buses: X2, and 47 from Queen Sq L’pool the old Cains Brewery building has sometimes available, with the Further along Anfield Road the Marston’s Christmas Beer being www.liverpoolpigeon.co.uk and 54 from Victoria St L’pool reopened. The blackboard listed Arkles usually has three Greene some Liverpool Organic beers , served. King beers available and is popular F 24 25 with away supporters on match Further along the road is the New Real Ale Bars for days, when entry can be restricted imposing Thomas Rigby’s that is and plastic receptacles are used. run by a subsidiary of Isle of Man Liverpool brewery Okells. Three or four beers 32 Rodney Street – Whisky and Dale Street Pubs Review from the parent company are served Beer Bar Proposed Many visitors to Liverpool will be alongside four or five guest ales. Liverpool City Council is staying in hotels near Dale Street, considering a planning application including the new Aloft in the old to turn the ground floor of the Royal Insurance building and a new former HSBC bank on the corner of Wonderful early 19th Century Hilton will open soon in the old Leece Street and Rodney Street into education offices. There are also a “public house, restaurant and bistro”, with the upper floors being Public House with chain hotels such as Premier Inn converted into self-contained flats. and some smaller boutique hotels in A spokesman for the project said the area. 6Handpumps that if planning permission is Serving a varying range Visitors do not have to walk far granted the bar could open in April. to find lots of good beer. He said: of Real Ales Plus a Real Cider “It’s going to be a whisky bar, that’s REGULAR ALE THWAITES The Ship & Mitre at the top of the what we are going to do, with craft street, serving many real ales will Rigby’s ale, cask ale, US and German beers, “HUNDRED BEST already be known to many. Nearby, and we are going to have about 200 the Excelsior , now can serve more The latter are often different from malt whiskies... With it being empty PUBS in the COUNTRY” beer free of tie. These are usually those available elsewhere. Licensee for so long it’s a good project and it 0151 709 4171 Locales. Beers from the new Parker 2010 2011 Daily Telegraph 12-11.30 midnight Fri & Sat Fiona Hornsby recently won a will enhance the area a lot.” Brewery near Southport and Special Award from owners Heron Melwood have been served and Brearley, (see ManxAle page Internal designs for the bar show Have a drink in John Lennon’s Old Watering Hole recently. 37). To the rear of Rigby’s cross the plans to decorate the rooms with pleasant courtyard with its bookcases and new fireplaces, Off Dale Street towards the Pier extensive outdoor seating area, is though the outside of the building is Head is Cumberland Street . The sister pub the Lady of Mann. Here not expected to be altered. Post House was saved from three more beers are available. demolition a few years ago, with the New Moon Company is to help of CAMRA and a campaign by Next door is the Saddle , which sold Open New Gastro Pub the pub regulars. Now it serves real ale a few years back, but the The company is to open a gastro national brand real ales. Also off hand pump here has been unused pub in May within the Old Dale Street on the other side is the for some time. Blind School on Hardman Street. Rose & Crown on Cheapside but Scheduled to open in May, the new this no longer serves real ale. Round the corner in Hackins Hey is restaurant and pub will seat 280 Ye Hole in the Wall, which is diners and create around 40 jobs. Next pub down Dale Street is the Liverpool’s oldest hostelry dating The site has a 70-seat terrace, along Vernon Arms. This historic pub is back to 1726, and is a must for with 4.2metre high ceilings inside. a must for a visitor, with a sloping people to visit. Up to six beers are floored bar and a pleasant back usually served, one usually a Locale, but the others are from a wide David Mooney (glasses) and variety of breweries. The licensee Paul Newman New Moon Co. reports Adolf Hitler frequented the pub during the twenties.

Also on Hackins Hey is Jupiters but, except for a short period several years room. House beer Johnny ago when Wapping Handsome brewed by Liverpool supplied some beers, Organic and Boggart Rum Porter this pub does not are popular along with Brains serve real ale. Reverend James and other guest Pub news written by beers. Tony Williams

26 27 Colin’s Bridewell – the building part of Dickens. Stuart and I hope to becomes a Pub and Restaurant be involved in a literary festival A LOCK-IN AT THE Then it was rescued! Colin later this year, in conjunction with McKeown, the well-known TV the Epstein Theatre and local producer, (including amongst schools. We also have music many others the Liverpool 1 police downstairs in the pub, with open BRIDEWELL mike and acoustic nights, and there series and Moving On), bought A Lock In! - But not From Blue House to Blue Lamp Paul how he could look in from the building in 2001 and it was is a raised area in the courtyard Paul explained; the top floor of the factory and see apparently he who secured its area that can be used as a one you’d be likely “Originally, there was actually a the German officers in their Grade ll listing. He opened it as performance stage in fine weather. to want! pub on the site, the Blue House, uniforms playing cards. After the Colin’s Bridewell in 2003 and ran it broad a demographic as we could. We’re hoping to have the Liverpool Shanty Singers there for the Cunard Tucked away, just yards from the frequented mainly by dock workers, war, the police took over the for about 4 or 5 years with Alex We get people from 18 to 85, with weekend at the end of May”. bustle of Hanover Street and the but this was demolished to make way building again, but little appears to Bruchez as manager. Alex was regulars at both ends of the scale, Liverpool One shopping complex, for the building of the Argyle Street be known of the immediate post- formerly the manager of the and plenty of tourists find us too, F stands a building where today you /Campbell Street Bridewell – war years. In the 1960s, they Vernon and now is manager of the despite us being a bit hidden away. can enjoy real ales but where, 160 a jailhouse and police station. apparently used it for storage and Bear and Billet in Chester. We also wanted to put on events that years ago, you would have had a An early claim to fame, later, photographic evidence Following that, Jalons, well known would attract a range of people, and very different experience! commemorated by a plaque outside indicates that the courtyard was for their successful Smithdown the upstairs room is great for that. the pub, was a visit in 1860 by used to stable horses. The Road restaurant, took it on – I’m Events Manager and we have Charles Dickens, during his whisky tasting nights, cheese and I met recently with Paul Fitzgerald photograph is upstairs in the pub, although Colin remained, and still research for his ‘Uncommercial wine evenings, live bands, book who, together with his brother as are a painting and pencil sketch is, the owner. In the Jalons era, it Traveller’ articles. He signed on as launches, all sorts! – as well as Stuart, manages the Bridewell pub that depict the subsequent period became somewhat gentrified, with a Special Constable for a day in hosting business and charity on the corner of Campbell Square of dereliction the building went gold wallpaper, laminate flooring order to get an insider view of what functions and private parties. Just and Argyle Street. He told me that through in the 70s, and chandeliers! Following this went on as he was apparently very before Christmas we had a Dickens interest in the history of this Frankie Goes to The Bridewell spell, the place was then closed interested in prisoners’ rights and again for a while, before Stuart event themed around ‘A Christmas unusual establishment was a major In the early 80s, the building was their welfare”. and Paul began negotiations with Carol’ with Frank Kennedy, the motivating factor when they took taken over by two brothers to Colin, who was keen to have it local actor and teacher playing the it over in April 2011, since when he As far as Paul can make out, the provide rehearsal space for local open again as a going concern, has spent time delving into that building remained in the hands of bands who used the cells to and eventually took over its history and gleaning information, the police until 1939 when World rehearse. This was how ‘Frankie management. dating back to 1851, from a variety War ll broke out, and it was Goes to Hollywood’ came to be of sources, These include the there, from 1981-2, before they hit handed over to the military. It Paul’s Bridewell Vision Liverpool City Police Archive and initially housed conscientious their stratospheric success. personal contact with Shaun I asked Paul what their vision had objectors and, apparently, there In 2013 the Book Launch of the been when they took over the Rothwell, the ex Police was anti-Churchill graffiti Inspector who now guitarist’s autobiography ‘Nasher pub: still to be found in the Says Relax’ took place in what is manages it, as well as local “Pretty much what we’ve got now. It cells in the 1980s. now the upstairs room of the pub people who frequent was the building that attracted us This is mentioned in a and Paul did an ‘in conversation’ the pub, visitors who book by Brian Nash of and we wanted to honour its knew the site in previous interview with him in which he heritage. It had lost the character of the band ‘Frankie Goes to talked a lot about the early Frankie days, musicians who Hollywood’ who rehearsed what the place was about so we rehearsed there in days days and rehearsals at the ripped all the ‘grandeur’ out and there in the early 80s before Bridewell. Lots of other local when it wasn’t a pub, and they hit the big time – more of exposed the brickwork and stone on line searches. bands used the premises, and it that later. remained a rehearsal venue, Later in the war, the building latterly run by a young woman, housed German prisoners from until the mid 80s. the Battle of the Atlantic. A local After that it seems there was man, a teenager at the time, another period of disuse. Several working as an apprentice engineer people who live, or lived, in the in the factory behind the building, area have told Paul they recall and now in his 80s, came in to the using the derelict building and site pub one day and recalled to as a play area when they were kids. flooring again. We wanted to serve good real ale and good food at affordable prices and to attract as

28 29 A LOCK-IN AT THE Plum Porter is well in demand! Three handpumps are always in contd BRIDEWELL use, with the fourth used at busier Commitment to Real Ale times. Paul used to work in the Baltic They are hoping to have a second Fleet where he was chef for beer festival (their first took place several years, as did Laura Clarke not long after they opened) in the "Liverpool One Bridewell is THE who is now the Bar Manager, and courtyard area in early September, her husband, Gary Clarke who, destination venue set in a truly featuring about 20 beers. unique and Grade II listed, 1850s- together with Jonny Rathmill, looks after the cellar - “so we had So if you like to drink your beer in built former gaol and police station a good grounding in real ale!”. a quirky setting…..... in the heart of this magnificent city. They like to deal with local To savour the real atmosphere of Our heritage points to visits from some iconic guests breweries, such as Melwood and the Bridewell, try one of those including Charles Dickens (employed for a day here Liverpool Organic , as much as alcove-like areas where you and in 1860, as a Special Constable to research a book), possible, and they are talking with your friends can shut yourselves Frankie Goes to Hollywood (who rehearsed here in George Wright at the moment. But away and remember that they the early 1980s and wrote most of their hits in one of their permanent, and very really were prison cells. You our cells) and Dame Joan Bakewell (who launched her popular, beer, Marco Pierre wouldn’t have been troubled by most recent book here) to name but a few. Come and take your seat in an original 1850 cell, and enjoy a White’s Governor , comes from a closing time – it was a lock-in wonderful pint and a bowl of scouse...we promise not little further afield as it is brewed every day – but there would have to lock you up!" by JW Lees in Manchester. Beers been no real ale! from Lancaster Brewery feature 'The Governor' regularly and in winter, Titanic Jean Pownceby (3.8%), by Marco Pierre White, and brewed by JW Lees, is a firm favourite with our customers. It's a wonderful caramel coloured session ale, and is so popular that it's a permanent feature at Liverpool One Bridewell, and priced at just £2 .40 a pint Beer Tasting at the Cathedral Crypt – We also have three other hand pulls with a regularly changing selection of well-kept real ales from various with a purpose! North West brewers such as Liverpool Organic, Melwood Brewery and Lancaster Brewery. On the eve of the CAMRA Liverpool Beer Festival, a small panel Great brews, at a great price. As well as great cask of people was convened to taste and judge a selection of eight ales we have a broad range beers, which had been chosen by popular vote of CAMRA of specialist spirits and a Frozen Handpumps members in the North West. The panel’s task was to choose one fantastic wine list. of the beers to go forward as the North West’s entry in the Great food is a must and is available from Speciality Beer category at the Champion Beer of Britain (CBOB) 12 every day. Our menus change seasonally, we (and Canadian Brewers) competition to be held at the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) do a fantastic Sunday Roast, and a varied Lunch in London in August. Photo from the Second Annual Menu. All this and the best Scouse in town! The panel comprised not only regular CAMRA committee and Toronto Roundhouse Cask Beer Branch members, but licensees, cellar managers and local Festival with 25 Canadian craft journalists renowned for their beer writings. brewers outdoors in Roundhouse The tasting was led by Steve Downing, the Organiser of the Beer Park in minus 15C weather and snow, Festival, and was a ‘blind tasting’ with each beer identified only together with 2,000 hardy folks. by a letter. The speciality style covers a wide range, such as fruit All went well although some hand flavoured beers, wheat beers, rye beers, etc. Each was served in pumps froze up !! turn and scored individually according to appearance, aroma, taste, after-taste and overall quality. The stunning 6.8% Earl Grey IPA from Marble Brewery in Manchester was the outstanding Photo taken by CAMRA member, 1 Campbell Square Argyle St. L1 5FB winner, and will now go forward to the final at the GBBF. More Roger Coote, formerly of Crosby on the winner and CBOB next edition. Tel: 0151 709 7000 before moving to Canada. Jean Pownceby and Steve Downing 31 From Dave Halliwell MerseyAle Isle of Man Correspondent

At New Year, a traditionally quiet time on The U.K. market and to tourists, as well as Isle of Man (apart from the stormy weather!), exciting new brews becoming available. we can report on a number of innovative and We also bring you news of what is certainly exciting developments from three brewers on a world first – bringing berries across the Island. An impressive momentum for world from the world’s most remote development has taken hold, celebrating the inhabited island to flavour a special brew by Island’s pub and brewery heritage, including Bushys brewery, with ingredients originating increased promotion of local beers to the from remote volcanic slopes in mid Atlantic!

Don’t Forget – The Okells MPA and Okells IPA all years ago Okells announced a available. Okells MPA once again sustained marketing strategy Even Bigger and Better proved to be extremely popular, which would be looking Isle of Man CAMRA being available at the festival in the increasingly towards the U.K. for larger 18s size cask, and selling out increasing sales, and it is pleasing Beer Festival very quickly. In addition The Manx from an Island point of view to see Cider Company were represented, that they are continuing to deliver Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th with Manchester Cider bar as promised in that vein. The April at the Villa Marina Douglas St George’s Festival event and Preparations for The Isle of Man Okells name were advertised CAMRA Beer Festival in April at nationally on the front page the new venue, the prestigious Villa of CAMRA’s national What’s Marina, Douglas, are well Brewing newspaper. underway. MerseyAle can announce that there will now be Celebrate around 150 beers, ciders, and Mount Murray perries available, much eclipsing Brewery Site 25th Anniversary previous years’ offerings, in line 2015 is a special year for Bushys, as with the more spacious venue in the brewery marks its 25th which the Festival will be held. anniversary on the Braddan site, This will by some distance be the just South of Douglas, behind what largest selection of beers available has now become The Old Forge in one venue on Island to date. (previously Hop Garden). Importantly, tickets are now available for purchase on-line via Bushys is continuing to invest in the Villa, enabling those visitors equipment, the brewery and new from the U.K. and Isle of Man to brews. On site new concrete have guaranteed, smoother and manager Mike Robinson spotted flooring is being put in, and quicker access to the festival serving a pint, suitably attired! refrigeration capacity has been sessions, (see advertisement on Meanwhile on the same weekend markedly improved to enable page 38). the Okells name received further brewing of a natural 100% malt coverage, due to being the main lager called Norseman , which has Okells sponsor of the been available now for some time. Feature St George’s Hall Norseman is available in The Bay, Strongly Winter Ales Port Erin, The Albert, Port St. Festival , an Mary, and both The Albert and The in Festivals Across independent Market Inn, Douglas, and in The Further afield the Manchester event organised Whitehouse , Peel. In addition it is CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival, by Liverpool available in The Rovers Return, held at the impressive National Organic Douglas, which has had new hand Velodrome, again featured Isle of Brewery. pumps installed. Bushys brewery Man beers with Okells bitter, Readers will owner Martin Brunnschweiler recall how some assures us that Norseman is a 100% 32 33 F natural lager, not pasteurised, A World secure a supply of these berries, though filtered to remove natural First for which it is believed have already cloudiness. A slow fermentation Bushys - been kindly picked by the process under pressure takes place. islanders. They are currently Beer from thought to be awaiting a boat to Bushys had in much earlier years the World’s Cape Town, from which it is hoped attempted lagers before, at one Most to bring them to Bushys, where point producing a TT 4.2% Pilsner head brewer Curly has been tasked and a 5.3% ‘Jelly Head ‘brew. There Remote Inhabited with producing a unique fruit beer- was unfortunately at the time no ‘so no pressure there then ‘, as he regular outlet for the Pilsner, and Island quietly mused while Martin the ‘Jelly Head’ proved a bit strong The Tristan da Cunha, Bushys Fruit enthused about the project! Time in those days, as the name perhaps Beer Project lines are long here, for obvious suggests! -the Island then and Twenty five years on, and the ideas reasons, and a full update will now being a session drinkers from Bushys just keep flowing. appear next MerseyAle as this stronghold, with both Bushys MerseyAle breaks the news regards fascinating project develops. Early bitter and Okells bitter still coming a new project that sees Bushys still pump clip designs have already in at under 4% ABV, the two most at its maverick best in pursuit of been prepared, for what must be popular island brews from the something completely different one of the most ambitious brewing respective two main brewers. and unique in world beer history. projects to date. Had Mr Jackson Celebrations are being planned at still been alive, I am sure he would The off islands are traditionally a have been plotting a return visit to Bushys for September 2015, which community that stick together, with is the Mount Murray brewery site Bushys for this one, below the anniversary, by which time radar of his agent! the refurbishments should be complete. Older readers may recall Meanwhile from the Bushys camp, here that Bushys managed to get a there is no time to rest while the certain Michael Jackson, (known little red berries travel half the internationally as ‘The Beer globe, passing through ‘The Hunter’ and commonly regarded Roaring Forties’ as the treacherous as the world’s greatest part of the South Atlantic around Tristan is called. beer writer), over to much cooperation between them. open the brewery a Tristan is the world’s most remote Experiments are under way to quarter of a inhabited island, situated in century ago. perfect and produce a very hoppy splendid isolation some 1750 miles American style Pale Ale. In At the time from South Africa, and 2088 miles this was an addition Bushys are to produce a from South America, with the special ale for the CAMRA Isle of enormous nearest land mass of St Helena, coup, with Man April Beer Festival. As well as (a neighbouring island!) being a being the main sponsor of the Mr Jackson mere 1510 miles away. The island being much in demand. Martin Festival, Bushys are particularly is volcanic with a population pleased to be associated with this Brunnschweiler recalls being sworn varying between 250 and 300 to secrecy by Michael not to tell his year’s good cause The Joey Dunlop approximately. It is accessible by Foundation . Bushys, as the agent that he was only coming over boat once a month from Cape on expenses and not for a fee, for majority of readers will know, have Town. On occasion recently, had a long association with the TT fear of disapproval. When I asked members of the community have Martin how he managed to achieve motorbike event, and will be been visiting the Isle of Man in an donating 10 pence for every pint this coup, it transpired that Mr exchange of ideas and training. Jackson had been keenly interested sold to the Foundation. For those not aware, The Joey Dunlop in plans for the now famous Bushys It transpires that on the slopes of Oyster Stout which unusually was Foundation provides specialist the volcano there grows a small red accommodation on Island, not just to use real oysters and is still an edible berry, the eagerly anticipated Bushys for TT fans in particular, but for all Island Berry, and disabled guests, enabling them to seasonal beer on Island whenever it also the Peak appears. This no fees anecdote experience the beauty of the Island, Berry, plentiful in and also the TT races in early June. sums up Mr Jackson’s enthusiasm supply and for the industry and is why his densely packed name became so well respected as And finally this year, as has been close to the the case in several previous years, not just a British, but world ground. Bushys authority in his field. Bushys will be maintaining their have managed to F 34 35 Celtic Connections by exporting ales to The Lorient 2015 Rob was about to embark on an International Celtic Festival , held Oyster Stout, in response to popular request from his customers. A 9% Double IPA is being brewed in time hopefully for the CAMRA Isle of Man Beer Hooded Ram Progress Festival. Rebranding work is This fledgling local brewery goes underway for new pump clips, from strength to strength, and and in the summer Rob is owner Rob Storey has drafted in planning a series of Pale Ale the assistance of additional two brews throughout the months. part-time helpers to enable him to The old brewing kit has been sold focus more on the brewing side. to Boundary Brewing, a new start on August 7th to 16th in Brittany. At the time of visit a delivery of up in Belfast, and Rob now This huge event is attended by over oysters had just been made, and reports that The Creek in Peel is 800,000 people and celebrates having two Hooded Ram hand Celtic culture, and this year is pumps available on a regular particularly focusing on basis. Rob is planning to buy and the Isle of Man in terms additional wooden barrels to start cultural links. Bushys Triskelion experimenting with ageing beers golden/blonde ale is likely to be in the wood, and The Claremont the favoured dispatched ale to Hotel , Loch Promenade Douglas, Lorient at ABV 4%. is now stocking his bottled beers.

Heron and Brearley (H&B) Awards Night 2015 Photography Matt Mosur

All the Award Winners the Ramsey Hairpin, as the bikes prepare to race over the mountain. Both proved an excellent choice with, Alun tailoring some jokes to the pub trade in general, complemented by Roy who quite obviously had a detailed knowledge of local pubs on the Island! Again as last year, many of the eighteen awards were of an internal management nature, but a good number were customer facing. The Queens In late January, H&B who manage a good half of the Douglas Wins island pub estate, once again held an Awards Night for H&B their managed pub estate. Introduced last year, and reported in MerseyAle XXXX 2014, the aim is to Pub of the celebrate excellence within the forty five or so on Island Year pubs, but also includes the England H&B pubs, The highest accolade Liverpool’s The Fly in The Loaf and Rigby’s plus went to the team at Chester’s Bear & Billet . Comedian Alun Cochrane , a The Queens, Queens regular on national television and radio, provided the Promenade Douglas, which won the H&B Pub of the entertainment. The awards themselves were hosted by Year. The award was presented to Terry Burns , manager Roy Moore, whose distinctive voice will be best known of The Queens by H&B long serving Managing Director, to tens of thousands for his Radio TT commentaries from Ian Lennox . WINNER Beer of the Festival 2014 CAMRA Isle of Man Beer Festival Little King Louis IPA 6% F

36 37 The Queens is a very also because it has remained diversified, catering to all, versatile pub, and be it, games, sport on TV, dining, bands, quieter music, with the right H&B special events, outside spacious heated facilities, or investment, and on remaining open for a late night drink, and is an site know-how from excellent model for what can be achieved in difficult the team, the winning economic times. formula has been to use this versatility to The Stanley Ramsey full advantage. For Wins H&B Best Cask cask ale fans, the pub Ale Pub has now been in the CAMRA Good Beer The best cask ale Guide for many quality pub years, and featured venue, chosen by Okells bitter, Bass bitter, and Batemans XXXB on a Okells, went to recent visit, with the guest ales ever changing. There are The Stanley, on ample seating areas for dining and the pub retains Ramsey quayside. separate rooms, with one featuring wood panelling. The Stanley may H&B has invested seem an unusual heavily in recent choice to some, years, providing as it only stocks excellent heated Okells bitter as the lone cask ale, but the quality cannot outdoor seating be faulted in a very competitive part of the Island pub areas which rank wise, and at £2.88 a pint is competitively priced from amongst the best on within the H&B estate. Note here that CAMRA as an Island and are organisation is often mistakenly believed to only extremely popular, support pubs with many cask ales. However this is far featuring outside TV from the case and quality is without exception to screens for the CAMRA a more important issue. Quite often pubs can sport. Clever design on the inside still leaves room for overstretch themselves by having more hand pumps traditional games and pub teams such as pool and than demand can sustain, and this leads to poor quality darts, but these can make way mid-evening for bands beers being served, as the living product lingers too and live music. With the two main internal rooms long towards the end of its shelf life and expiry date. separated by doors, the pub again can be segregated as This does no favours to the cause of cask ale and the and when required. For example when a louder band industry, as well as the customer. is playing, other pub goers are not disturbed in the alternative section. One- off events such as The As well as the winning Stanley, Ramsey has another American Super Bowl TV night is promoted via an all finalist in the cask quality awards, with The Swan ticket event, (Parliament Square) including food, as now being the only well as running a pub to have made piano bar style the final cask evening once a quality list twice. month. The Queens Featured regularly for some years has in the Rail Ale opened late on a leaflet, and run by Friday and Saturday Trevor Latus and evening until 1am, team, The Swan unusual for a H&B usually stocks three ales from the Okells range, even in traditional pub venue in the Douglas area. In summary, the quieter winter months. Both pubs are within easy the pub thrives because of the team’s enthusiasm, but walking distance of each other. F 38 39 Beer The Glue Pot Fab Four Awards for Rigby’s Castle Inn] in Liverpool Festivals Castletown next to For Liverpool Check Website the castle and the readers, as for latest Beer harbour was this well as those Festivals year’s third finalist. at the from the Isle Congratulations to Ship & Mitre of Man all three. waiting for LIVERPOOL’S PREMIER FREEHOUSE theshipandmitre.com The awards for best H&B Food Pub of the Year, the Seacat and also Chef of the Year went to The Horse & from the EVER CHANGING REAL ALES + DRAUGHT CIDERS Plough, with Chef Tim Brogan winning the nearby 15 The Ship and Mitre has the largest selection of Belgian and German Draught and Bottled Beers in Liverpool award for the second time in a row. Jonathan Clague, Liverpool H&B Group Chairman, presents the landing There were also awards Special Award to Fiona Hornsby stage, for Community Pub Quality Pub Food Thomas Rigby’s, a core H&B pub on Dale Street in of the Year , won by cooked to order including Gourmet Burgers, Wraps, Scouse, Liverpool, picked up four awards; for Best Sales; food served from 12-9 daily The Union in Tapas style dishes Barperson of the Year for Castletown and Local log onto www.thegalleyliverpool.co.uk follow us on facebook Hannah McGuire, and (the galley) & twitter @the_galley Assistant Manager of the Year for James Parry. Fiona Hornsby licensee of Thomas Monday Darts - Wednesday Scouse on the House (from 6pm) Thursday - Quiz Night Pub of the Year Rigby’s received a Special (strong wet sales), Award for her Outstanding Art Deco ‘Higher Room’ for hire Holds up to 55 people Catering available won by the Manx Contribution in the Year. Arms in Onchan. Ship & Mitre133 DALE STREET Tel: 0151 236 0859 Fiona has been licensee of Rigby’s since it opened under A more detailed look at all six finalists will feature in H&B, and has deservedly a future edition of MerseyAle, community and received many awards over the years. Later in the year localism being key CAMRA campaigning points. it is hoped to run a feature article on Rigby’s..

Pub Walk Tours availability in all its traditional pubs. sterling at the normal prices, and so Though this goes unnoticed by the carries no exchange rate risk. Douglas to start this customer, with all the cask praise, (or Spring otherwise!), being heaped on the Two Shops: The City Centre and West Kirby brewer, or landlord, quietly and John Cojeen is currently working on efficiently John has done as much as a series of guided tours taking in anyone on Island to promote the numerous Douglas pubs, for small Over 400 products and growing availability of quality cask ale. His groups, one day a week, between affable nature and genuine natural OPEN SUNDAYS Large selection of ciders April and September. Details are enthusiasm for the subject will make being finalised, but an excellent Home delivery within 5 these tours an undoubted success. choice of pubs has been selected, and mile radius 12-8pm Changing range of British, Belgian, German, There will be a more detailed report there will be opportunities to visit in MerseyAle when the Tours are the occasional historic pub cellar -as USA and other World Beers underway. However, if the customer pays for well as to sample the beers and learn the equivalent of £20 of drinks, there Always new arrivals. We welcome suggestions about the history of the trade in is a ten per cent discount for the 10% for beers to stock Douglas. Further information can be Bit Coin at the Thirsty customer. This novel payment found by contacting Tel. 01624 Pigeon option has attracted considerable Discount City Centre 45A Whitechapel L1 6DT 699493 or [email protected] F i n ally, Bit Coin beer has arrived on interest, and twice a month the the Island! The Thirsty Pigeon, Opening hours; 10 to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Sundays 11 to 5pm Thirsty Pigeon hosts meetings of for CAMRA John is well known on the Island and Victoria Street Douglas, is the first virtual currency interest groups, as and GRANGE RD WEST KIRBY (opp station) beyond for his technical skills in the pub on Island to accept Bit Coin MEMBERS this technology develops. industry, particularly in relation to payments. Here, the customer buys please show card 10-8pm Monday - Saturday, 12-6pm Sun his cellarwork. Behind the scenes he the virtual currency, then pays for Dave Halliwell has been absolutely instrumental in the beers with it. The landlord is MerseyAle Isle of Man helping Okells achieve 100% cask reimbursed immediately in pounds Correspondent

40 41 www.vernonarms.co.uk Welcome to the outgoing tenant in exchange for a hefty premium a number of years before”. Head of Steam Sold to JD It is perhaps a pity that the pub was not acquired by the Verno nAr ms Pivovar group that runs the York and Sheffield Taps Wetherspoon which are both located in stylish former railway rooms Cheers from Jimmy and Barbara Monaghan on the station platforms and the Euston Tap in one of the The Head of Steam pub at Lime Street Station has been former gatehouses opposite the station. Pivovar are to The Vernon Arms, Dale Street, Liverpool sold to JD Wetherspoon by owners Carolyn and Tony soon open their latest pub the Manchester Tap adjacent Brooks, who in December 2013 sold the other seven to Manchester Piccadilly station on the Station pubs in their Head of Steam group to Camerons. The Approach. Handpumps (4 Ever-changing) Liverpool pub continued to be run separately on a 6 management arrangement. The Head of Steam opened Regulars: Rev James & Johnnie Handsome in November 2000 after extensive and expensive I I renovation work to bring the Grand Lounge room and Guest Ciders Big screen football another three bar areas back to former glories. The pub I Belgian bottled beers I Private functions was noted for its large collection of railway memorabilia I Food Mon-Thurs 12- catered (Lathom Lounge) and an array of up to 20 real ales. In recent years the pub I had become increasingly down at heel and the 7pm, Fri- Sun 12-4pm 10% student discount availability of real ale had dwindled. Check out Great Meal Deals off food menu JD Wetherspoon intends to rename the pub which will bring the number of Wetherspoon pubs in Liverpool City Centre to five. Leisure property firm Fleurets, who The Vernon Arms offers all of the above in a friendly and safe atmosphere plus: acted on behalf of JD Wetherspoon, said: “This deal represents not just an attractive, prominent unit but also, Live entertainment Friday and Saturday very favourable lease terms which were secured by the

Opening Times Mon-Thurs 11-11.30pm; Fri & Sat 11.30-2am depending on customer demand; Sun 12-11pm Tel: 0151 236 6132 Letter to MerseyAle JD Wetherspoon 1000 pubs up by 2020 JD Wetherspoon pub company plans to Hi there, open 200 more pubs in the UK and the Just wanted to say how much I look Republic of Ireland over the next five years at a cost of £400 million . This will forward to each edition of take their pubs tally past the 1,000 mark MerseyAle – it has opened my eyes to around 1,336 . 60 Roscoe St (corner of Knight St ) L1 9DW 0151 708 6870 to the fantastic choice of pubs and bars to enjoy a really good pint and New Real Ale Pub on Wirral sadly those under threat needing The Brunning and Price pubs group 9Handpumps our support. have opened a new pub the Red Fox at Thornton Hough on the Wirral. The Serving constantly building was formerly a Country Club changing cask ales Professionally produced articles, with a long driveway from the main road. It is already proving very popular always at least one LocAle from news and photographs and with a cover that often sums up a current for the range of food and real ale that Liverpool Organic Brewery Brunning and Price pubs are noted for, issue so well, this is one publication such as Harker’s in Chester. The Cross Opening Times; that I cannot bring myself to chuck River Arriva bus 487 passes the pub. 1p m -12.30pm Sun, Mon , Tues, Weds 1pm -1.30am Thurs, Fri, Saturday out after reading it. LIVE JAZZ EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT 10pm -12 Margaret Doak For further details of music and events visit: thegrapesliverpool.co.uk

42 43 MerseyAleBrewer ynews

ribbon to swing the bottle against the SIBA (Society of Independent the new mash tun and it just Brewers) North West Beer Nick and the staff welcome you to the bounced off. Then Steve tried – Competition, scooping five top famous Swan with its unique atmosphere another bounce. Finally, he did what accolades, including two gold it said on the label and gave it the medals. “We’ve won lots of and great range of fine cask ales. Full Whack. The bottle smashed awards,” Steve said. “Our Knee Best Rockers jukebox in town! and the celebrations could begin. Buckler won gold, our Peerless Liverpool Craft Brewery Pale won gold, RIOT stout has won Always available: On The Move medals.” PHOENIX WOBBLY BOB - HOPSACK This led to a further surge in Liverpool Craft will soon be moving demand for the eight-strong core Plus ROSIES TRIPLE D CIDER to new premises on Bridgewater cask ale range, which has enjoyed Street, in the Baltic Triangle area of sales growth at 30 per cent year-on- PLUS A GREAT SELECTION OF GUEST BEERS town. It is planned to open a pub on year since start up in 2010. the premises to serve the beers and A business review concluded that a FROM A WIDE RANGE OF BREWERIES act as a brewery tap and visitor modern brew-house would not only centre. Large stock of Belgian Bottled Beers We are five years old now,” Steve increase capacity but cut production Their standard session beer is now costs. Quokka, 3.9% , described as an recalled. “We bought a 12-barrel OPEN UNTIL 1am THURSDAY - Australian IPA, floral, hoppy and plant second hand when we started 2am FRIDAY and SATURDAY refreshing. Another new beer is and we thought that would last Toast, 4.2% , a biscuity, hoppy forever. We got to the point where amber ale brewed using Chinook the old plant just couldn’t meet the 3 FLOORS - FAMOUS HEAVY ROCK JUKEBOX - FREE WI FI and Waimea hops. This would go demand. We just couldn’t brew fast 86 Wood Street Liverpool Tel 0151 709 5281 well with a recent special brew enough. We’re brewing three or Marmalade, 4.8% , an English Pale four times what we brewed five years Ale brewed with marmalade. ago. And it continues to grow.” Four Seasons in Come along to try Four Seasons in Oatmeal Stout, 4.5% , has been “So now we’ve doubled our One Day and to find out about One Day brewed for the winter. Other beers capacity, with a 30 barrel plant, and Steve and Roger brewing at Wapping . available are, American Red, 5.0% ; it’s great.” An appropriate concept for a man IPA, 5.0%; Love Lane, 4.5%; Rye A new energy efficient, 30-barrel Steve commented; “Our business contd from page 9 from the outer Hebrides where Read Part Two of Up Pale Ale, 5.6%; West Coast Pale, plant installed by Johnson Brewing plan showed that the new brew they say if you don’t like the Periscope in Next Edition 6.2% and Brew 56, 5.4%. Design will slash costs as Peerless house could be funded from these weather wait around half an hour • Angus’s new beers for addition to builds on the success of its efficiencies and reduced costs. and it will change. This refers to a the Wapping beer range When Stan announced his intention Tony Williams championship cask-conditioned ale Barclays Bank agreed to back the recent initiative by Angus to brew • The plans to improve and further to retire it seemed natural that brands. When the brewery develop the brewery project, so we can further build on Angus would become his successor and put on sale at the one session opened in 2009 it had a capacity of • Angus’s favourite Wapping beers the exceptional talents of our beer styles representing all the 12 barrels, using plant that was first as brewer. It was around December dedicated young brewers, Mark 2013 that the Wapping Brewery and four seasons. In Wapping’s case • and why his T shirt slogan reads; used at the Mash & Air brewery and Powell and Alex Morley, to meet Baltic Fleet owner Simon Holt the beers include, Winter Ale, Hate Finings - restaurant in Manchester and then announced plans to concentrate on Summer Ale and Autumn Rye, moved to Grand Union in London. the consistently growing demand.” the Baltic Fleet pub business and to which are shortly to be joined by a LOVE BEER ! The expansion increases weekly “We’ve had a great time – and it sell the brewery equipment to Mad new Spring beer that Angus has Peerless Progress as production capacity from 17,590 shows real ale brewing on Wirral is Hatter brewery, with Angus moving under development. pints to 35,190 pints or from 60 to alive and kicking.” to Mad Hatter along with the kit, Protz Praises Brewery Find Out More – Meet 120 barrels, with further expansion (reported in MerseyAle). However Expansion possible through within a short period these Angus the Brewer It took the Editor of the CAMRA additional plans were dropped and Wapping Enjoy Four Seasons in One Day! Good Beer Guide, national beer fermentation continues to brew on its original kit Branch Get Together Wednesday writer Roger Protz, three attempts to tanks. in situ in the pub cellar with Angus 8th April - 7.30 at Baltic Fleet, smash a bottle of bottle of Peerless Peerless has gone as the full time brewer. Wapping - Meet the Wapping Full Whack beer against the new from strength to A further twist to the tale is that Brewery Brewer, Angus Morrison, brew kit that has doubled the strength and was Angus now brews the Delifonseca on site at Liverpool’s only production capacity at Peerless hailed as a top House Beer, Heart of Gold, at Brewpub. Brewery Birkenhead, but the North West Wapping. Presumably this beer is suspense was well worth the wait. brewer in the Special welcome for new Angus with Simon Holt Peerless owner and brewer Steve region’s toughest not available in the Restaurant at the (Baltic Owner) End of the Universe. members. Briscoe invited Roger to cut the beer challenge,

44 45 Wetherspoons beer festivals. Dave was a fan of Wetherspoons and continued to join us on these A Tribute to a walks even when he lost his taste for alcohol which he thought was as a result of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy he received as part of his cancer treatment. Dave Scouser from remained a CAMRA member and an example of his kind generosity he would give his Wetherspoons vouchers away, often at these Yorkshire events to anyone round the table. Dave Dent 1947-2014 A real ale champion to the end, Dave even arranged for a cask of Just before Christmas we rigorous adherence to Voltairian while rudeness is one ale to be sourced for the heard the sad news that long principles that meant he interpretation, honesty is celebration following his time CAMRA member and vociferously defended the right another. Above all his deeds Woolton to Childwakk walk 2012 funeral. Thanks to the guys at Liverpool Brisk Walkers of everyone to express an always spoke of concern for Liverpool Craft for providing that leader Dave Dent had lost his opinion. Secondly there was those he encountered. at such short notice. long fight with cancer. Dave Dave’s legendary organisational Unlike Paul who had known Dave people over a pint or two, and for many years, I first met Dave on often even if his walks were not touched many people’s lives skill that ensured union business The last time I saw Dave was the As a tribute to a true gentleman a Childwall to Woolton walk, a specifically pub related he would and will be greatly missed by ran smoothly. CAMRA walk around Waterloo and friend, the CAMRA Get all those that knew him and joint event between Liverpool end his walk in the pub with a pint Together on 18th March which He could make mistakes, and Crosby in October. What CAMRA and the Liverpool Brisk and a meal. He did not see this as were inspired by his lust for struck me was the absence of was the annual Wetherspoons life and abounding energy. sometimes spectacularly. For Walkers (or briskies as they a contradiction providing you walk, was held in memory of Dave. instance, Dave caused gridlock self-pity and his determination to are affectionately known), I did not overindulge in the pub, extract as much as he could from At the end of the walk in Richard Dave spent much of his in Liverpool City Centre after he remember there being a very which with Dave’s strict timetables life. The cliché about losing the John Blackers the walkers working life in the probation left a plastic bag outside an good turn out and a nice mix from was virtually impossible. celebrated the life of this fight certainly did not apply to service, Paul Grunnill, a long annex of the Magistrates Court both groups. This walk now takes extraordinary man who made a Dave. For me the most fitting time CAMRA member and in Great Crosshall Street during place every year and forms the Another set of annual joint difference to so many people’s tribute was the number of people someone who knew and an IRA bombing campaign. Then CAMRA August Get Together. CAMRA/briskie walks I lead are lives. worked with Dave for many there was his notorious use of who attended his funeral; it was Somehow Dave talked me into the ‘1 Mile Liverpool City Centre leading it a few years ago and I got Wetherspoons walks’, in reality years contributed the language that left no doubt as to the second occasion Dave was everyone lost, which Dave these are pub crawls, and are Sonia James–Henry and Paul following tribute: what he thought. Even at Dave’s responsible for causing a traffic seemed to find highly amusing. scheduled to coincide with the Grunnill funeral colleagues described jam” “Like many I am saddened by him as foul mouthed. His Paul Grunnill Somehow, I was then persuaded the loss of Dave Dent. I first met humour was certainly earthy. Yet Dave over 30 years ago as a to lead another joint annual event, colleague in the Probation a Canal Walk from Maghull to Service. In those days our brief Burscough. I think as this is a was to ’advise, assist and straight walk Dave assumed even I could not get lost! As Paul says befriend’. The manner in which Dave was very organised and liked he discharged that duty brought to keep his walking groups him the deep respect of both together as best he could, with colleagues and service users. front, middle and back markers to Dave was also an active member ensure the pace was suitable for of the union, NAPO, serving as all, I do recall one year Steve Branch Secretary and Chair in Downing storming ahead to the the late 1980s, then remaining as next pub and Dave bellowing at a member of the executive him to stop! Don’t recall this committee until he retired in July actually working. 2003. (An event memorably marked by him hiring the Dave saw these walks as a way of His notorious use of Everyman Bistro for his leaving keeping fit and enjoying the social language left no doubt as do.) Two things stand out about aspect of spending a few hours in to what he thought his union activism. Firstly, a Waterloo to Crosby Pub Walk 2012 the company of like-minded

46 47 CAMRA and I have long known, Greg Mulholland MP is chair of there are two sides of the coin. the Parliamentary Save the Pub As the large indebted leased Group and Coordinator of the Fair pubcos have sold off pubs in Deal for Your Local campaign, their thousands to stave off Twitter @thepubchampion their creditors and unhappy shareholders, they have exploited The PubCos Reform the absurd loopholes that allow Vote- How Your MP pubs to become supermarkets without the local community even Voted having a say. The Merseyside area MPs listed PubCos below voted in favour of NC2 the It says it all that the pubco’s trade motion to reform the PubCo tie association, the BBPA, even tried Reform - to overturn democratically elected Luciana Berger, Liverpool Cambridge City’s Council’s Wavertree, Labour It was the excellent pub protection policy, to Angela Eagle, Wallasey, Labour greatest allow their members to sell off Maria Eagle, Garston and victory for their pubs as they see fit, without Halewood, Labour pubs in the hindrance of bothering about Louise Ellman, Liverpool political what a local community wanted. history – Riverside, Labour now we Now we must get changes to Bill Esterson, Sefton Central, need planning law and soon to thwart Labour another! the threats of slash and burn by Frank Field, Birkenhead, Labour This time on the money men who have already George Howarth, Knowsley, done so much damage to pubs. Reform of Planning Law to Save Labour the Pub Alison McGovern, Wirral South, Greg Mulholland MP – article first If we can get commonsense published in CAMRA’s national changes to give pubs more Labour newspaper What’s Brewing protection in planning law then it John Pugh, Southport, Lib Dem The will not only prevent the large Stephen Twigg, Liverpool West Tuesday 18 November 2014 will go failing companies from asset Derby, Labour down as one of the most stripping their pubs, it will also Dave Watts, St Helens North, see a much more diverse sector significant days in the history of Labour the pub. with many more pubs owned by Caledonia Shaun Woodward, St Helens Refurbished Georgian Quarter Community Pub smaller, thriving companies, For me, as Chair of smaller brewers, communities and South and Whiston, Labour the Parliamentary cooperatives. Save the Pub Group Voted Against NC2 Fewer pubs in the hands of greedy, and the leader of the Esther McVey Wirral West financial engineers and more pubs HANDPUMPS campaign for reform in the hands of people who run Conservative dispensing beer from local and other micro breweries of the unfair pubco them, use them and care about tied model, seven years of Compiled by Helen McCall - 5 them. campaigning came down to a few formerly Liverpool CAMRA Public Live Music - Real Ale minutes of high Commons drama. So raise a glass Affairs Officer - Great Food to another big Then the result – 283 MPs voted in CAMRA Live music every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday favour of New Clause 2 (NC2), campaign with 258 opposing. success and let’s Opening Hours Sun-Thurs 12-12, Fri & Sat 12-1. now fight for We had secured a fair deal for another one on Meals Served Mon - Fri 5-9, Sat & Sun 12-6. your local! planning, FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE because pubs Yet, as a campaigner, I want more matter. I doubt and we know we need more, we there are many Find us on twitter @thecaledonia and Contact Laura at: have won one battle and the need now who think www.facebook.co.uk/caledonialiverpool [email protected] for us to win the planning battle is we can’t achieve Catharine Street Liverpool Telephone: 0151 708 0235 now more crucial than ever. As it!

48 49 May 7th Vote for pubs and real ale CAMRA General Election Manifesto CAMRA’s The Central is a listed CASK ALES manifesto calls for: pays a lower rate and the reduced And candidates pledging their Traditional Pub 4 AVAILABLE duty on low strength beers to support to CAMRA will be: apply up to 3.5 per cent ABV opposite n Provided with a logo and 1. strengthening of planning law 8. retention of duty exemption for template Central Station to ensure planning permission is small cider makers required before pubs can be press release showing their with Four Real Ales converted to any other use or TIM HAMPSON of National support. available with a 20p demolished CAMRA writes n Put in contact with their CAMRA 2. pubco reform in England and branch . discount for CAMRA With the General Election set for Wales, so licensees of large card holders. 7th May CAMRA has launched its CAMRA interim head of pubcos have guest beer rights and manifesto for pubs and real ale and communications Tom Stainer said: Look out for our mirrored the choice of paying a higher rent calls for candidates to support well- walls and dome ceiling. in exchange for being able to buy run community pubs, real ale “CAMRA now has around beer on the open market We show all sky sports with brewers and the consumer rights 170,000 members, more than 3. retention of the freedoms of the BT sports plus at the races of drinkers. many of the main political 2003 Licensing Act, so consumers and racing uk. parties, so it’s important continue to enjoy a choice of well- So far more than 270 candidates politicians listen to and reflect run pubs 31 Ranelagh Street Liverpool L1 1JP have pledged to: the views of our members when 4. an end to short measure and Telephone 0151 709 1218 n Support well-run community it comes to real ale, real cider clear pricing information pubs and perry and pubs. 5. consideration given to a duty n Promote Britain’s 1,150 breweries “Supporting pubs as vital freeze for the whole of the next n Represent pub-goers and beer community assets as well as Parliament drinkers ensuring Britain’s brewing 6. retention of the Small industry gets the support it Breweries’ Relief as it supports the Candidates can pledge their deserves should be high on any continued growth of small support to Britain’s beer drinkers prospective candidates list of breweries and real ale brewers by emailing priorities.” 7. renegotiation of EU Duty [email protected] or by Directive, so draught beer in pubs phoning 01727 798447.

Any non-member considering Liverpool CAMRA coming on a CAMRA coach £12 Coach Trips trip can save £15. CAMRA Members Coach trips are run every month to FREE COACH TRIP a variety of destinations. Anybody who joins CAMRA for Coach Trips depart at 10am from the first time and affiliates to the opposite the Ship and Mitre, Dale Liverpool & Districts branch, will Street, and return there around be offered a free seat on a future 9pm. Cost is £12 for CAMRA branch coach trip. Check Liverpool members, £15 for non members – CAMRA website for details so it pays to join CAMRA! Saturday 11th April - Leicester, brewery near Rotherham and then For full details of upcoming trips probably with a stop on the way. cross the border to and how to book please check out pubs in Worksop the coach trip page on the branch Saturday 9th May - . Visit website. to the Conwy Brewery and pubs in the www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk area. Other dates for Coach Trips - The page is updated after the 1st of Saturday 13th June - South Yorkshire. Saturdays 11th July, 8th August, 5th September, 10th October & each month with details of the next Visiting pubs new to Liverpool trip being launched. CAMRA coach trips. Will visit a 14th November.

50 51 52 53 The MerseyAle Credits Liverpool CAMRA Diary Editor John Armstrong Thursday 26th March - Branch visit to Ship and Mitre Beer [email protected] Festival at Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight, five minutes walk from TURKS HEAD Layout Design Port Sunlight Wirral line Station. Dennis W Jones Please email [email protected] for members’ The Turks Head is a friendly pub with Photographs entrance offer. a great atmosphere and excellent Neil Lloyd www.neilloydphotography.co.uk Wednesday 8th April - 7.30 at Baltic Fleet - Meet the service. There are three large rooms, Dennis Jones Wapping Brewery Brewer, Angus Morrison, on site at Dave Halliwell Liverpool’s only Brewpub. Special welcome for new a real fire and an ever changing range of ale. Geoff Edwards members. See article page 9. The Turks Head has 12 hand pumps plus Matt Mosur Roger Coote Wednesday 22nd April - Branch Get Together - 8pm - traditional ciders and perry . We have 5 draught Contributors Crown, Lime Street (upstairs room) – to include feedback continental beers including the ever popular Dave Halliwell on CAMRA National AGM held in Nottingham the previous weekend and news of preparations for the 2016 one here in Erdinger and a wide selection of bottled Geoff Edwards Jean Pownceby Liverpool. Also find out more about LocAle and how pubs continental beers. Alan Lloyd are accredited. Sonia James Henry Tuesday 12th May - Branch Get Together - 7pm – Augustus Paul Grunnill John (on university campus, off Brownlow Hill, close to THE BEST CHOICE Tony Williams Blackwells Bookshop). Short meeting to be followed by a OF ALES IN Dark and Mild Ale tour of pubs in Hope Street/Catharine ST HELENS! Southport CAMRA 12 Ian Garner 01704 876819 Street area. [email protected] Wed 20th May - Branch Get Together - 8pm Fly in the Loaf , HANDPUMPS www.southportcamra.org.uk Hardman Street (upstairs room). Have your say - Serving Traditional Ales Wirral CAMRA consultation regarding the future direction of the branch Dave Hutchinson 01516 440625 –your chance to let us know your ideas, and see how you [email protected] can be more involved in making things happen. Ciders and Perry www.wirralcamra.co.uk Erdinger on Draught Isle of Man Branch Contact Further information email [email protected] or Angela Aspin 01624 491613 - look on Branch website www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk mobile 07624 491613 Beer Festivals [email protected] throughout the year Trading Standards liverpoolcamra.org.uk 0151 233 3002 I Draught Continental Beers I Tuesday - Quiz night 9-30 pm Printed by Printfine, Liverpool I Thursday - Curry and 0151 242 0000 whatpub.com Pubs featured on this website have been Jazz Night www.printfine.co.uk independently added and updated by I Cask Marque thousands of CAMRA volunteers and Liverpool includes over 96% of Britain's real ale MerseyAle I Good Beer Guide 2015 CAMRA pubs. Enjoy!

Open Mon & Tues 2-11 Wed - Advertising in MerseyAle Sun 12-11 If you wish to place an advertisment you should contact us by email at; wwwfacebook.com We are now serving [email protected] you can send /CAMRAliverpool in your advert design and copy by Quality Homecooked attachment, or ask us about design. food Cost is £100 per half page, £200 full page payment in advance. Wednesday - Sunday. @LiverpoolCAMRA Opinions expressed in MerseyAle are not necessarily those of the Next Edition due out mid May copy deadline Monday 20th April Cooper St. St Helens Tel 01744 751289 Editor Liverpool Branch or CAMRA 55