www.camrasurrey.org.uk www.wokingbeerfestival.co.uk The magazine published by Surrey Hampshire Borders Branch of the Campaign CAMPAIGN FOR for Real Ale, for members and beer lovers REAL ALE Woking Beer Festival tickets on sale August 26 th

Branch Ale Trail lanched - See centre spread 2 News & Ale - No.126 NEWS & ALE Issue No. 126 The Summer Issue Welcome to yet another bumper edition of News & Ale, this one covering summer and early autumn 2013. There’s no theme for this one, just lots of interesting articles and of course the long-awaited Ale Trail. Details in the pull-out centre spread. Elsewhere in the magazine Kevin Travers leads us on the second part of his epic tour of Irish micro-breweries. His selfless dedication to beer is an inspiration to us all. The branch isn’t immune to our celebrity culture and we’ve been dishing out some awards of our own, for the pub, cider pub, and club of the year. I even managed to find some reasonably in-focus pics of these coveted events – obviously taken at the start of the evening. We often hear of people starting businesses in their garages, and we feature one of those in this edition, a brewery no less. And back by popular demand, guess the famous person reading the News & Ale. Plus all the usual stuff and nonsense for your information and, possibly, amusement, along with details of forthcoming events from this and our neighbouring Surrey branches. Cheers! John

To Advertise in the News and Ale Branch Who’s Who please contact: Chairman Paul Cowper Neil Richards MBE [email protected] Of Matelot Marketing Ltd Treasurer Chris Hyland On 01536 358670 [email protected] Or E-mail [email protected] Branch Secretary & general contact Kevin Travers To submit an article or pub clips please [email protected] E-mail the editor: Tel 01252 697435 [email protected] News and Ale Editor John Karban The Deadline for the next issue is [email protected] Tel 07850 681789 Friday 6 th September 2013 Membership Secretary Tim West [email protected] Campaign for Real Ale Ltd 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 4LW Social Secretary Ian Nunn Tel: 012727 867201 Fax: 01727 867670 [email protected] Website: www.camra.org.uk Tel 07828 575360

Pubs Officer Paul Rhoods Standard Disclaimer [email protected] Views expressed in this Magazine are those of the individual authors and not necessarily supported LocAle Officer Tony Lea by the editor or CAMRA [email protected]

No.126 - News & Ale 3 Campaign Update from the Branch Chairman

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the Spring issue market rent to their pubco. of the News & Ale was published. Now we have the 3). Fair rents and beer prices charged to tied Summer issue and I hope you are looking forward publicans, allowing them to thrive. to all those warm days, when we can get out to the pub for a few refreshing pints of beer or cider. Your support in getting us this far has made all the Looking back at what has happened over the past difference. However, the battle is not won, we need few months, it has been a very busy and successful to ensure the Government sees through its plans period in a number of ways. for reform. To make the most of this opportunity there are three things you can do right now. To begin with, we were pleased to have helped the Friends of the Tumbledown Dick to achieve Asset STEP 1: Complete the Government survey and call of Community Value (ACV) with Rushmoor Borough for pubco reform. Council for the Tumbledown Dick in Farnborough. The Friends then successfully submitted papers STEP 2: To strengthen your call for reform please which helped beat-off an appeal by the Spirit send in your own written submission. Group (the pub’s owners) on the ACV decision. STEP 3: Use CAMRA campaign website to find out CAMRA has a campaign this year to get 300 pubs more information about the campaign and sign up listed as ACVs, so we are pleased to have made a to show your support. start to this campaign. Locally, we are looking to identify other pubs that maybe ACV candidates; The hope is that the proposals will apply to the UK more on that later in this article. as a whole. The UK Government is currently talking to devolved Governments to see how and if this can Nationally, the decision by the Chancellor to scrap be achieved. the Beer Duty Escalator has been accepted with great appreciation by all those associated with Both of these events were celebrated at the annual brewing and the pub industry. Let’s hope this helps CAMRA reception at the Houses of Parliament, stimulate more people back in to British pubs. with many MPs and Lords, together with CAMRA National Executive and members from branches Additionally, the Government announced a long- across the UK. awaited consultation on their plans to reform the big pub companies. These big pubcos are making Assets of Community Value life tough for their pubs and hard-working licensees I know we all have a favourite local pub which we by taking excessive profits from pubs – so licensees want to ensure stays as is, for ever more. But we also and pub goers alike suffer. know there are pubcos, developers and others that see your local pub as a valuable asset solely in The Government is now proposing: monetary terms. 1). A powerful new code and watchdog to ensure fair dealing by big pub companies. So how can you save our locals from becoming a 2). A new choice for licensees to opt out of developer’s dream of future profit generation? restrictive tied agreements and just pay a fair

4 News & Ale - No.126 Well, under the Localism Act of 2011, people your local authority does not have a nomination can nominate a pub to be listed as an Asset of form available to download, you can use CAMRA’s Community Value (ACV) with their local council. Template Nomination Form). Listing your local as an ACV gives your community the power to stop the clock when faced with a pub 2. We strongly recommend you nominate a pub as going up for sale. an “Unincorporated Group”. This is where 21 local people on the electoral register nominate an Asset Getting your local on an ACV list means property as any member of the public. This should not be developers who are looking for a hassle free done not in connection with CAMRA because purchase are less likely to show an interest in the CAMRA is an incorporated body. pub. Local councils are now taking into account 3. Complete the nomination form with as much ACV when considering planning applications. information as you can think of regarding why your Listing the pub shows the value it has to the local should be listed as an asset to the community. community. For advice and draft text please go to CAMRA's Community Value Guide. Should a listed pub be put up for sale, its ACV status has the power to postpone the sale for up to 6 4. Gather the support of 21 people from the months. That’s time for the campaigners to develop community in favour of listing the pub as an a suitable proposal, to acquire the pub, and run it asset of community value. Download CAMRA's 21 on a community-owned basis. Nominee Form (Word version) to help gather this. Each name must be registered to vote in your local CAMRA has set a target to get 300 pubs listed as authority (on the electoral register) and from a ACV in 2013. And in the Surrey/ Hampshire Borders different address. Branch we already have one, the Tumbledown Dick in Farnborough, listed as an ACV with Rushmoor 5. Submit the completed form to your local council Borough Council (RBC). In fact, RBC is one of few - you can check your council's website for guidance local councils in the branch area that has made a explaining how they are accepting nominations. move towards adopting this aspect of the Localism Act. For more information on Assets of Community Value and access to the above forms go to So we need to push those councils that have not www.camra.org.uk/listyourlocal yet set up a process for listing assets. These are Guildford, Surrey Heath, and Woking. To do this we For further help and assistance and to keep need the support of CAMRA members and others the branch aware of applications, please e-mail who are residents in these council areas to contact [email protected] with details their local councillors, planning departments and of your listings. MPs, to ask what is happening about setting up their ACV lists and how assets can be listed. In the meantime enjoy your local pub and if it’s an asset to the community and meets the criteria for But once your local council has set up a system to listing, get it listed with your local council. list assets, what do you need to do to get a pub listed? So here’s to a great summer!

1. First you’ll need to pay a visit to your local Cheers, council’s website and search for their section on ‘Assets of Community Value’ or ‘Right to Bid’. Once Paul Cowper you’ve found it, download a nomination form. (If Branch chairman

No.126 - News & Ale 5 6 News & Ale - No.126 Famous Person Malty reading the Malty's friend Stallion walked in to the pub carrying his recently purchased weekly shopping. Stallion was a very health conscious person always News & Ale wanting to buy healthy foods. "What's that you’ve got in your shopping? I hope it has not been contaminated by horse meat", was Malty's sarcastic The Nag’s Head, Sunningdale, that wonderful remark. "No, Malty, I have been careful in what I buy" Harveys outlet just over the branch border, often Stallion proudly stated. "Okay," said Malty, “let's have has live blues on a Sunday night. The other week, a look at what's in your shopping". Micky Moody , guitar legend with classic rockers Whitesnake, was seen reading our News and Ale Malty pulled out of the bag a loaf of wholemeal magazine after performing there with Pappa bread. He looked at the ingredients, "I see you have George. Sunday lunch, some Harvey's mild, and wholemeal bread but did you know that it contains Mr Moody. A dream afternoon! calcium propionate, E481, E472, and E471? I’m sure they are all very safe but do you know what they are?" Malty's friend thought for a while, "I will put that to one side for a moment".

He went through his entire shopping, putting aside any food that contained any additive that he did not like the sound of. Soon there was a pile that was two thirds of his entire week’s shopping.

"So, what are you going to do with that pile of shopping where you don’t like the ingredients?" Malty asked of Stallion. "I don’t know," was the reply of a very puzzled Stallion. "Okay Malty, do you know where I can get food or drink that I can be sure is made of just natural ingredients?"

"Well, you could grow the food yourself," was Malty's unhelpful answer. "But I do know that I can get you a drink that is totally natural" he added confidently. "What's that?" Stallion asked. "Landlord, can we have two pints of your finest real ale, please?"

Malty placed one of the pints in front of Stallion and exclaimed, "Beer, a natural ale!" as he drank his own pint of Horse Rustler Ale from the White Horse brewery in the Nag’s Head pub with his friend Stallion, knowing that no horse had played any part in the making of the beer he was drinking.

No.126 - News & Ale 7 Microbreweries of Ireland Part Two of a very beery trip around Ireland

Eight Degrees has an international flavour veteran of brewery tours had learnt loads. We about it, being run by an Aussie and a Kiwi, who retired to the bar, where we tasted the lager, red both married local girls and, having seen the ale and wheat beer, Friary Weisse. The latter was micro-brewing revolution in their homelands, a wonderful creation, with a striking aroma of decided it was something that would work well in bananas although Peter swore that none were used Ireland. Eight Degrees refers both to the latitude in the brew. A leisurely evening was then spent at of the brewery and the recommended serving Franciscan Well, followed by stroll through some temperature for the beers. This is rather too cold local bars, with an impressive range of Irish beers. for real ale and indeed the focus is very much on quality keg products, sold locally and right across the country. Gleaming stainless steel is much in evidence in their modern brew house, where the main beer produced is Howling Gale, a 5% IPA. My favourite was the wonderfully named, Knockmealdown Porter, after the local hills, but a wonderful play on words!

Franciscan Well brewery in a shed Getting micro-brewed beers into bars in Ireland is rather different from the UK. This stems from the fact that pub ownership works in Ireland. Unlike the UK, the vast majority are independently owned and licensed. Although pub chains do exist, they are nowhere near as large or influential. Therefore although there aren't supply deals and discounts Eight Degrees’ steel brewery to deal with, marketing and building up a number 'Modern brew house' is not a phrase that comes of regular outlets is more time consuming as to mind when visiting Franciscan Well , a well- agreements need to be reached on an individual established brew pub on the site of a former basis. monastery in the centre of Cork. A small outbuilding behind the pub is crammed with an array of One microbrewery that has managed to make equipment and your first thought is, how do they significant inroads into the local market during brew anything decent in there? However Peter the year it has been brewing is Dingle Brewery . As Lyall, the man in charge, explained how; taking us Xavier Baker, ex-brewer at Ventnor Brewery on the on a long, entertaining and highly detailed journey Isle of Wight explained, the brewery has a clear through the brewing process. By far the longer tour vision and ethos, very different to most micros. of the trip, but at the end of it, even me a hardened They brew a single product, Tom Crean lager, 8 News & Ale - No.126 which is designed to be easy drinking and White Gypsy doesn't produce any mainstream accessible and pitched in direct competition with beers, the current Guinness' Harp. So it was with some trepidation range included a we sampled it, but found it to be a well-crafted, Belgian blonde, bock, tasty and refreshing beer. Dingle brewery's success imperial stout and is founded on a strong brand; Tom Crean was an American pale ale, all Arctic explorer and local hero and this is the focus weighing in at 7% or so. of the marketing of the beer and during our stay White Gypsy also brew Tom Crean was widely available in the town of Emerald Ale, the only Dingle. (In another victory for the small guy, beer produced from apparently they were given the rights to use 100% Irish ingredients, the name for free, despite Guinness offering a using hops actually substantial sum!) Although I applaud the business grown at the brewery. model, if I was the brewer I think I would get a little It is not available bored churning out the same beer all the time. this year though, the reason quickly After the sparkling Dingle Brewery and its visitor becoming apparent as centre, West Kerry Brewery was in sharp contrast. we were led on the White Gypsy’s optical illusion Located in the garage of the Tig Bhric bar, Paul most surreal part of our brewery tour, squelching Lynch has been brewing real ales since 2008 and over some soggy waste ground adjacent to the until a recently the beers had only been available brewery, where Cuilan sadly lifted up handfuls of at Tig Bhric and Tig Ui Chathain in the neighbouring dead hop plant! We had a couple of samples direct village. However they now also produce a small from the conditioning tank and they were fine amount of bottle-conditioned beer for local beers. However, time was against us as Roger had restaurants. a plane to catch, so we had to drink up and leave and head back to Dublin. We arrived when bottling was in full swing, another highly labour intensive activity. The brewery itself If all this has whetted your appetite for Irish beers, was a jumble of equipment and tubes, but for all sadly they are pretty scarce in the UK. Porterhouse the apparent chaos the Carraig Dubh 6% porter in Covent Garden sells most of the Porterhouse that we sampled back in the bar at the end of beers and the Head of Steam pub chain held an the tour was superb. They have been struggling Irish beer festival last March, which hopefully will be to keep up with burgeoning demand for their repeated; but this apart you will probably be limited products, so the barrel was fresh on and Paul was to perhaps an occasional bottle from a specialist concerned it might be a bit green. However, Roger off-licence. Although quality beer is undergoing was scribbling away in his notebook with a look of a renaissance in Ireland it is yet to achieve a contentment on his face! reputation here, which is a shame. However do Our final visit on the trip was on the way back to sneak a look at pages 878-880 of the 2013 Good Dublin. Templemore is a pretty nondescript town Beer Guide! However, this does mean another visit in the heart of Ireland, but is home to the White to Ireland is called for; perhaps when I see which Gypsy Brewery , perhaps the most innovative of Irish beers Roger has chosen for his new book – a all the breweries we visited and run by Cuilan pleasurable but difficult choice! Loughnane, who was well regarded by everyone we met. Cuilan has a long pedigree in the industry; some of you may remember Dwan beers that were widely available at beer festivals and pubs in the UK 10-years ago, before changes in the exchange rate made export unprofitable. Kevin Travers

No.126 - News & Ale 9 10 News & Ale - No.126 No.126 - News & Ale 11 Grumpy Old Man

encounters his judgement day

“God, it’s bright in here” (an unfortunate phrase for boards, pine flooring, large television screens and what followed). kids running amok. Many of these pubs describe themselves as ‘traditional’ serving ‘traditional fayre’ As my eyes adjusted I could make out a sumptuous in a ‘traditional’ environment. It’s all rubbish”. gilded staircase rising upwards, guarded by ‘heavy duty’ bouncers dressed all in white, whose body “What is wrong with food in pubs as I know many postures made it clear that I would not be exiting people enjoy a meal out?” by that route. Then I noticed a rather tatty gate with very ordinary and badly cracked concrete steps “Absolutely nothing, providing they stay as pubs going precipitously downwards, controlled by a rather than be converted into restaurants and don’t man who was both grinning and leering at me. engage in pretentious menu writing. ‘Tender Suffolk Somehow he looked familiar. pork gently flame roasted on our wood burning barbecue accompanied by finely mashed Maris Piper “Robert Southwell, aka The Grumpy Old Man, sit potatoes…..’ contains too many redundant words down.” I did as I was told. which are all meaningless and makes me angry. It’s the marketing boys again creating nothing of “Who are you?” I asked the man sitting opposite. substance and everything of image”.

“I am St. Peter.” “You are even critical of the beer. I know many people who enjoy drinking Doom Bar, but you “You brew some smashing beers and especially the seem so unappreciative”. grapefruit……” “Now I know that you don’t read my articles. I have “I do not brew beer, but decide who is deserving of never criticised the quality of Doom Bar, merely salvation or damnation. It would seem to me that pointied out that it is everywhere becoming catholic you are heading for the latter as your articles seem and ubiquitous. You’re right, many people do enjoy to specialise in upsetting too many people who are it and increasingly so as it reaches more and more merely enjoying themselves”. distant parts of the UK”.

“Can you be more specific?” “You seem to enjoy attacking individuals. What about the poor woman in Bath who was being “You attack tradition which you seem to find so followed by that man?” risible” “She was mad. She asked me to look outside to see if “Have you actually read my articles properly? It is there were any men about – in the middle of Bath!” the hijacking by marketing morons of the word ‘traditional’ that upsets me. There is nothing “Then there was that innocent bus ticket collector traditional about pubs with table cloths, chalk menu that you so vilified for his hobby.”

12 News & Ale - No.126 “He was barking and should have been sectioned. I opinion from an archangel or something?” didn’t deserve to have my peace disturbed in the pub “Certainly not. Take him away!” by his ramblings.” The ticket collector now ushered me in his “I am sure he would be very pleased to know that, direction, saying “Did you know that bus 28 runs as he is standing behind you at the gate”. (Oh Dear, every 12 minutes on alternate days of the week, I thought he looked familiar). unless it’s a bank holiday or a market day when.....”

“On the other hand, it is to your credit that some of Then I woke up in a sweat, promising to be nice to your targets richly deserve your rebuke. Nobody everyone. Fat chance. likes the enforced conversation of xenophobes, bigots, Little Englanders, ‘hangers and floggers’ and their ilk, and most of those have been despatched downstairs without delay. You also introduced me to other unnatural practices in the form of ‘tickers’ and ‘bottlers’ and they also received short shrift. However, just as I was warming to your sentiments, one of your latest articles confirms your fate. You had the audacity to attack mothers and Mothering Sunday by mocking the elderly”. Bob Southwell “Can you actually read?” Aka the Grumpy Old Man

“How dare you!”

“I was criticising the chaos which occurs on one day a year from people who never go in pubs and would be better off at a gardening centre. It was the institution I was attacking and not the individuals.”

“Be that as it may, I have decided that your destiny will be downstairs. To help you adjust I have assigned you a mentor. The much-vilified bus ticket collector has promised to talk to you for most of the day about tickets and timetables. To give him a rest, the ‘hangers and floggers’ can take over. Just to make things easier, I will be providing a bar for you and the ‘tickers’”.

“Is it not too warm for beer down there?”

“That is correct, but that should not stop you enjoying Watney’s Red Barrel and Skol.”

“I’m surprised that Doom Bar hasn’t reached you yet”.

“You are right, but it duly will soon.”

“I don’t suppose there is any opportunity for a second

No.126 - News & Ale 13 14 News & Ale - No.126 Brewery News

Adventure, Chessington Little Beer Corporation, Guildford The new brew plant is working well. The four core Jim is continuing to brew his high quality beers. In beers are now getting into local pubs and beer the last two quarters he has gained a group of festivals, also into Central London pubs. All bottled shareholders, not a public release but a select few beers are now in more local shops and off licenses. of non-influencing shareholders. He has held one Two new ales will be available soon under the New shareholder meeting, which was very well attended Frontiers label. and he is intending to continue hosting these Nick Payne shareholder events. His latest plans are to continue the theme of brewing beers with local bands and Hogs Back, Tongham promote them via pseudo flash performances in The brewery had two beers at the Farnham Beer the local area. Festival, from 25 th April, which, according to reports, Michael Bell went down very well. Two brews were completed of England’s Glory and in fact they all sold out Surrey Hills, Dorking during the six nations rugby matches, and St Unfortunately the Hammer Mild has not been George’s day. brewed yet. It had been hoped to slip in a brew but demand for the other beers has not allowed this to Their cider, Hazy Hog, at 5%, is now in production happen yet. The brewery continues to win awards and is available in keg locally in Red Mist Group and Shere Drop and Ranmore Ale both won silvers pubs. To date, it is selling very well. It will be ready at the London & South East CBOB competition for in bottled form at the end of April, and this will be Best Bitter and Bitter respectively. Greensand sold in pubs and supermarkets. A spring ale came IPA won beer of the festival at the Kingston Beer out in May. The first brew has been completed , and Festival for the second year running. A few casks of will be available in bottles as well. A summer ale will Greensand have been dry hopped which makes the be brewed, in draught form only. At the time of my nose quite amazing. A new beer is to be brewed visit, a date for its appearance was not definitely with the help of Cobbett’s Real Ale off-licence in known, but it may be the end of June. Dorking to celebrate Cobbett’s third birthday. This is going to be an even hoppier IPA at a strength of The dark stout, Snout, with a lower abv, has around 5.2%. Half will be bottled. This should be sold well. Sales overall are very good, and have available for the beginning of September. expanded to different pub groups. There will be a Roy Golding 21 st birthday party for the brewery on 6 th July, from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm. It will be open to all, featuring Morris men, a hog roast, a farmer’s market stall, and Tillingbourne, Shere of course, the brewery’s beer. All profits will go to Evolution No 2 has become a permanent beer, and the brewery’s charity, Prostate Project. The event renamed as Hop Troll. The third Evolution beer, will be advertised locally. The brewery is working on unsurprisingly called Evolution No 3 has been new advertising material at present, further details brewed and is another excellent hop forward beer, will be known at my next visit. this time weighing in at 5.5% ABV. Peter Hayward Roy Golding

No.126 - News & Ale 15 16 News & Ale - No.126 Brewery News

Thurston’s Brewery, Horsell Thurston's third beer, Milk Stout, was launched in early spring. Jet black, with a tan head, roast aromas give way to malt in the taste alongside some fruit.

Their fourth beer, Festival has just been launched, a best bitter at 4.7%. The brewery continues to get great support from customers at the Crown, with several switching from keg products when Thurston's beers appear.

The brewery is currently very small: John and George brew twice a week on kit that produces two or three firkins depending upon the beer. However this may increase to three times a week soon and they hope to have a 4 barrel plant set up by the summer. Both the Woking Railway Club and the Royal Oak in Wood Street are customers, as of course is the Crown itself.

The Crown continues to support other LocAle breweries and brings ales from further afield to Horsell, so Thurston’s beers are only available a few days each week. Visit the guest beers page of the 'Crown Horsell' web site to see when they are coming up. polypins can also be supplied by arrangement. Nick Banyard Triple fff, Four Marks The 4.2% Apache Rose Peacock summer seasonal ale has already sold out, as has the 5.0% Ramble Tamble American-style IPA (not before I tried a pint at the White Hart in Tongham – excellent – Ed) .The 4.1% Citra Sonic has also sold out but according to the website another batch will be available soon. Triple fff Facebook page

No.126 - News & Ale 17 SHB Social Diary

Visit the webpage: www.camrasurrey.org.uk/surrey-hants-borders/sh-diary

July 2013 Saturday 6 th Hogs Back Brewery 21 st Anniversary 12 Noon onwards at Hogs Back Brewery, Tongham. Tues 9 th Ash Vale 8pm Swan, 9.30pm Napiers Weds 10 th LocaAle Pub Trail Launch . 7.30pm Herbert Wells, Woking Fri 12 th Working social at Camberley Football Supporters Club Beer Festival 7pm contact [email protected] to volunteer to work here or simply turn up to drink. Sat 13 th Isle of Wight Coach Tour No. 5 -- Sorry, fully booked. Sat 20 th Bristol RE Pubs Running Day in Alton – We will be there! Fri 26 th Guildford Walkfest CAMRA Walk 6.00 for 6.30pm from Britannia, Guildford walking along the Wey Navigation, with a brief stop at Little Beer Corporation and all returning to town via Kings Head, Stoke Road. (Alternatively instead of walking you can meet earlier at the Little Beer Corporation for a more extensive tour and tasting) please book (either option) with Kevin [email protected] Thurs 18 th LocAle Pub Trail: Tongham & Aldershot 8pm White Hart Tongham, then bus or walk to White Lion Lower Tongham Road, Aldershot.

August 2013 Tues 6 th LocAle Pub Trail – Windlesham Start at 8pm in the Bee, School Rd, 9.15pm Half Moon, Church Rd. Sat 10 th LocAle Pub Trail - South of Guildford Bus trip 10am meet at Rodboro Building for breakfast, and then catch the 11.15am service 71 bus from Guildford bus station. to visit Mulberry & Swan in Chiddingfold, Merry Harriers Hambledon (20 minute walk from bus stop), Refectory Godalming, Jolly Farmer Bramley, and Parrot Shalford Tues 20 th LocAle Pub Trail - Knaphill & Horsell 8pm Crown Knaphill and then bus to Crown Horsell for 9.30pm. Weds 28 th Farnborough Social 8pm Swan Inn Farnborough Rd, 9pm Gloster (Hungry Horse), O’Gorman Ave (behind Barons BMW dealership in the old RAE area), 10pm Tilly Shilling.

e-mail Ian on [email protected] for further information

18 News & Ale - No.126 Surrey/Hampshire Borders CAMRA LocAle Pub Trail Summer 2013

Welcome to this year’s pub trail. To take part you need to visit the pubs listed, enjoy a pint of locally brewed real ale, and get your trail passport stamped. Once you have completed the trail send it to the address on the back. The first 50 fully completed trails received will win a limited edition T-shirt. Don’t worry if you don’t get around all the pubs as anyone who visits at least 12 pubs will also get entered into a draw for various prizes, the top prize being a chance to brew your own beer at the Little Beer Company in Guildford.

All entries must be received by 30 th September 2013.

Thank you to the pubs that donated prizes to the trail: Prince of Wales; Crown, Knaphill; Parrot; The Refectory; Bat & Ball Free house; RSVP; Nelson Arms; and the Little Beer Company.

White Lion 20 Lower Farnham Rd, Aldershot, GU12 4EA 01252 - 323832 1-11 (10.30 Mon, 12 Fri); 12-12 Sat; 12-10.30 Sun LocAle: Triple fff Bat & Ball Free house 15 Bat and Ball Lane, Boundstone, GU10 4SA 01252 – 792108 11-11; 12-10.30 Sun LocAle: Hogs Back Jolly Farmer High St, Bramley, GU5 0HB 01483 - 93355 11-11; 12-11 Sun LocAle: WJ King

Mr Bumble 19 London Rd, Blackwater, GU17 9AP 01276 - 32691 12-11 (12 Fri); 11-12 Sat; 12-10.30 Sun LocAle: Windsor & Eton

No.126 - News & Ale 19 RSVP 121 London Road, Camberley, GU15 3LF 01276 - 26488 11-11 (12 Sat); 12-10.30 Sun LocAle: Ascot Ales

Mulberry Inn Petworth Road, Chiddingfold, GU8 4SS 01428 - 644460 12-11 (12 Sat); 12-10 Sun LocAle: Hogs Back & Langham The Swan Petworth Road, Chiddingfold, GU8 4TY 01428 - 684688 11-11 LocAle: Dark Star or Langham Tweseldown Beacon Hill Road, Church Crookham, GU52 8DY 01252 - 613976 11-11.30 (12 Fri & Sat); 12-11 Sun LocAle: Triple fff Crossways Inn Churt, GU10 2JE 01428 - 714323 11-3, 5-11; 11-11 Fri & Sat; 12-11 Sun LocAle: Bowman Golden Pot Reading Road, Eversley, RG27 0NB 01189 - 732104 11.30-3, 5.30-11; 12-3.30 Sun LocAle: Varies Prince of Wales 184 Rectory Rd, Farnborough, GU14 8AL 01252 - 545578 11.30-2.30, 5.30-11; 11.30-11 Fri & Sat; 12-10.30 Sun LocAle: Varies Nelson Arms 50 Castle Street, Farnham, GU9 7JQ 01252 - 712554 12-11 (12 Fri & Sat); 12-10.30 Sun LocAle: Andwell Jolly Sailor 64 West St, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7EH 01252 - 719139 12-11.30 LocAle: Varies - 20p/pt discount for trailers!

20 News & Ale - No.126 Falkners Arms Falkners Close, Fleet, GU51 2XF 01252 - 811311 11-11 (12 Fri & Sat); 12-10.30 Sun LocAle: Andwell Prince Arthur 238 Fleet Rd, Fleet, GU51 4BY 01252 - 622660 8-11 (12 Thu, 1am Fri & Sat) LocAle: Varies The Refectory Old Portsmouth Road, Godalming, GU8 5HJ 01483 - 421234 10.30 (12 Sat) -11, 12-10.30 Sun LocAle: Hogs Back Merry Harriers Hambledon Road, Hambledon, GU8 4DR 01428 - 682883 11-2.30, 5.30-11; 11-11 Sat; 11-8 Sun LocAle: Pilgrim, Surrey Hills & Tillingbourne The Crown 104 High St, Horsell, GU21 4ST 01483 - 771719 12-11; 11-12 Sat LocAle: Thurstons The Crown 33 High St, Knaphill, GU21 2PP 01483 - 489755 12-11.30 LocAle: Varies The Parrot Broadford Road, Shalford, GU4 8DW 01483 - 561400 11.30-11; 11-11 Sun LocAle: Surrey Hills Duke of Cambridge Tilford Rd, Tilford, GU10 2DD 01252 - 792236 11-3, 5-11; 11-11 Sat; 12-10.30 Sun LocAle: Hogs Back White Hart 76 The Street, Tongham, GU10 1DH 01252 - 782419 11-11 (12 Fri & Sat) LocAle: Hogs Back

No.126 - News & Ale 21 Half Moon Church Road, Windlesham, GU20 6BN 01276 - 473329 12-3, 5-11 (Mon-Sat), 12-6 (Sun) LocAle: Hogs Back Herbert Wells 51-59 Chertsey Rd, Woking, GU21 5AJ 01483 - 722818 8am-12 (1am Fri & Sat) LocAle: Hogs Back

Name

Address

Postcode

T Shirt size….S M L XL XXL please indicate size required (full trail only)

Send completed forms to: SHB LocAle Trail 85 Bitterne Drive Woking GU21 3JX

22 News & Ale - No.126 SHB Social Diary

Use our yahoo group: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/shb_camra/

September 2013 Tues 3 rd LocAle Pub Trail – Farnham 6.30pm Bat & Ball, 8pm Jolly Sailor, 9pm Queens Head and 10pm Waverley. Sat 7 th Surrey Sussex Regional Meeting 12 Noon, Farnham Conservative Club Thurs 12 th LocAle Pub Trail – Camberley & Blackwater 8pm RSVP in Camberley and then walk or bus to Mr Bumble in Blackwater for 9pm. Weds 18 th LocAle Pub Trail- Fleet 8pm Prince Arthur (Wetherspoons), 9.15pm Falkner’s Arms and 10pm Station. Sat 28 th Langham and Dark Star (Brewery Open Day) coach trip. Pick-up at 10.30am from Tilly Shilling, Victoria Road, Farnborough and 11am pick-up from the front of Farnham Railway station. There will be a charge of £15.20 to cover the coach hire charge. Based on a 26 seater coach. Contact [email protected] , if you wish to go on this trip.

October 2013 Tues 1 st Badshot Lea 8pm The Crown, 9pm Cricketers, 10pm White Lion. Sat 5 th Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival . Helpers required, please contact the Beer Staffing Manager at:- [email protected]

or text him 07828 575 360 to book a place on a trip or volunteer to help

No.126 - News & Ale 23 24 News & Ale - No.126 Pub Clips

Reports from local pubs in the Surrey Hants borders area are always appreciated and welcomed, always talk to the publican when compiling a report. If your pub does not feature, send one in yourself!

ASH VALE Tuesdays and Thursdays, and TVs for Sports (and Swan – Landlord Derek has managed this canal news during the day). There’s a “Twitter” address side Chef & Brewer dining pub for the last 24 years. (for those who know about these things) - There are 5 real ales on hand pump. Regulars are “@crabanddragon”, I think! Hogs Back TEA, Courage Directors, and Fuller’s Doug Fish London Pride. The two guest ales are regularly changed, at time of visit these were Thwaites Duke of York – After been suddenly closed about Wainwright, and Wells Bombardier. Sharp’s Doom 10 years ago, then ravaged by fire and left to decay Bar and Timothy Taylor Landlord also feature on the gradually, this historic pub was finally demolished guest list, as does Weston’s Cider on hand pump. A in April, to be ‘redeveloped’ for housing. RIP! small blackboard behind the bar states that they DF will happily top-up your glass on request to get the EVERSLEY full pint. They have occasional events, details of Frog & Wicket – Every year the Eversley Cricket which may be on the Chef & Brewer website if it’s a Club has a one-day match against a “Lashings XI” national promotion. The last event in the pub was comprised of ex-international cricketers from 50p off a pint for St George's Day – not sure if this various countries, and this year it took place on 31 st was just Derek's offer or if it was throughout the May, when the weather was absolutely “perfick”! chain. Families are welcome and there is a large People come from miles around for this event, and garden next to the Basingstoke Canal, with a play the Frog & Wicket (ideally located just over the area for children; however please note that there is road) does a roaring trade, Mark and Tania putting a “curfew” (indoors and outside) for small children on a mini-beerfest, BBQ, and hog-roast, and, in the of 6pm. The garden also has smoking and non- evening, a live band. Brother Harry and I were smoking areas; yes, no smoking, even outside. They among the throng, soon sampling the ales, which open from 9am for breakfast/brunch, no alcohol at included not only well-known ones such as London this time though! Useful for those hiking/cycling Pride, 6X, and Landlord, but others such as Ossett along the canal for the day. Blonde (my favourite for the day), and Jersey’s Kay Dobson Liberation Ale. Needless to say, once the band got CAMBERLEY into a bit of reggae the “Fish Bros” were up for a bop! Crab & Dragon – It says a lot for this pub that the (Two septuagenarians dancing to reggae, now there’s manageress, Amy, has been here for 6 years, and a sight! Ed) Who won the cricket? Who cares - an two of her team, Claire and Jenna, for 7 years. Three excellent day was had by all! But “le Frog” is good cask ales, the ‘regular’ being Young’s Bitter as a at any time of year - Mark’s enthusiasm for cask ales ‘low-entry’ beer at £2.54/pt., the other two normally has put the pub into the GBG (CAMRA’s “Good Beer from Ember Inns’ seasonal portfolio @ £3.04/pt. The Guide”) for several years, and the pub also has a ‘Spring’ selection included Moondance, Proper Job, great reputation for good food and entertainment, and Robinsons’ Hoptimus Prime - I’ve seen the including live music and the traditional game “Aunt ‘menu’ for Summer, which includes favourites such Sally”, which I’ll have to try, at some stage! as Moorhouse Black Cat, Vale Black Beauty Porter, DF and Purity Mad Goose, so no shortage of good beers! The food range is also very popular, and the lunchtime trade is particularly busy. Quiz nights No.126 - News & Ale 25 26 News & Ale - No.126 Pub Clips

FARNBOROUGH Lamb – The Lamb in Abbey Street has a new Gloster – Recently opened Greene King hostelry tenant, Colin Bright. The previous tenant Rob in “Hungry Horse” family dining format behind Davison has left after 17 years. Colin is serving Baron’s BMW on the Farnborough Business Park. Shepherd Neame ales (Spitfire, Early Bird and Kent’s Imagine a McDonald’s but with beer and you’re Best) Colin is planning to refurbish the kitchen area, about there. Tucked away at one end of the bar, until then no cooked food. He’s also hoping to dwarfed by an industrial line-up of keg fonts, are contact the bands that used to play there and bring three hand pumps. Greene King IPA, Abbott, and them back in. By the time you read this the rooftop Morland Old Speckled Hen are supposed to be terrace will have been tidied up, making it a lovely regularly available although I’ve had reports of on a summer’s day. occasions when only IPA was on. No surprise that Colin Bright food dominates with an extensive menu of good value meals. Outside there’s a small patio FLEET overlooking the freshly surfaced car park; if you Prince Arthur – The Prince Arthur has successfully prefer grass to tarmac there is a separate beer completed its second LocAle festival this year garden although “kindergarten” would be more featuring 25 ales from six Surrey and Berkshire appropriate. micro-breweries. The breweries involved were JK Ascot, Surrey Hills, Dorking, Binghams, Windsor & Eton and Wild Weather. Surrey Hills' Gilt Complex Squirrel – A brief update to the entry in the was voted ale of the festival, followed by Windsor & last issue: London Pride has been dropped and Eton's Conqueror and Ascot's Alligator. Chris from even Greene King IPA is no longer guaranteed a Ascot Ales hosted the Meet the Brewer night. permanent pump clip as the Squirrel experiments CAMRA's Mild May month has also been proactively with more local(ish) guest beers. A visit late June supported with 16 different milds available and found two Hog’s Back ales, a Hammerpot summer over 1000 pints of mild sold in the month. The seasonal ale, and Dorset Brewing’s Dorset Knob top 3 milds in May, as voted for by the regular jostling for position alongside regular fixture customers, were: Beartown's Black Bear, Binghams' Sharp’s Doom Bar. All ales still under £3/pt. JK Smiled, and Triple fff Pressed Rat and Warthog. The next beer festival, featuring over 20 different ales North Camp – As hoped for in the entry in the last from six SW breweries, will take place in mid to late issue, landlady Carol has put on a second ale, at least August this year. The micro-breweries taking part for the summer season. It may “only” be Greene King will be from Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. The IPA Gold but it’s a lighter alternative to the Old Prince Arthur always has a choice of at least five Speckled Hen and was in good condition when different guest ales (seven at weekends) and every sampled mid-June. JK month over 50 different ales are available, several FARNHAM of which are always LocAles. The Prince Arthur is both LocAle and Cask Marque accredited for 2013. Jolly Sailor – Recently reopened and refurbished to a high standard, this Greene King pub sells two Derill Carr Greene King beers, one from Tillingbourne, and FRIMLEY GREEN three other rotating local ales. Beer quality is good Working Men’s Club - This club has been in and Sara-Jane and Ian are very friendly hosts, existence for over 100 years, and provides the local making this pub well worth a visit. Bus 65 stops community with an excellent facility for general outside (Meads Lane stop); pub open from 12 noon. socialising and activities such as snooker (2 tables), Mick Pullen pool, and darts. There are also cribbage and whist

No.126 - News & Ale 27 28 News & Ale - No.126 Pub Clips

evenings, live entertainment on Saturday evenings, The restaurant specialises in Mediterranean food, Bingo on Wednesdays/Sundays, and TVs for sports but is closed on Mondays. DF events. The L-shaped bar serves 2 distinct rooms - a large ‘Function Room’, and a smaller Lounge. Up to PHOENIX GREEN 4 cask ales on offer, the regular ones being Sharp’s The Phoenix – Slightly outside the SHB branch Doom Bar, Hog’s Back TEA, and Wells Bombardier, area (on the A30 just beyond Hartley Wintney), this but draught Worthington White Shield was also pub deserves a mention. Though well-renowned for on for many weeks - wasn’t on when visited in its food, landlords Andrew and Sissy insist that this early May, but apparently it was very popular (not remains a pub with food, rather than vice versa. Part surprisingly!), and they retain bottles of it in their of the Punch group, the regular beers are Doom Bar fridge (priced at £2.50, as are the draught beers). and Hobgoblin, with guests and a Westons cider. I Membership is £20 per year, £8 for OAPs, but visitors enjoyed an Arundel Sussex Gold here, while on my (CAMRA members especially welcome) can sign in latest News & Ale distribution round. Comfortably for a £1 entry fee on weekdays, and £2 at weekends. furnished, with log fires (even in May) and loads of DF photos of the area in bygone years, it’s well worth a visit when you’re down this way. Vintage car fans Rose & Thistle – This GBG-listed pub has had will be interested to know that various car clubs its ups and downs when it comes to beer quality meet here for lunch twice a month, and there’s however things seem to going well right now. A a massive turnout every New Year’s Day. Acoustic recent visit found four ales on. Of these, Itchen guitar evenings on some Sundays. DF Valley Stickleback and Broughton Greenmantle Ale were sampled and both were nicely hoppy. SEND DF New Inn – Popular riverside pub with 4 beers from the Punch range (one varying) and one ever- Old Wheatsheaf – Surely the best Greene King changing guest beer, mainly from a local brewery; pub for many miles around, with 5 or 6 cask ales on, Hog’s Back TEA on a recent visit. Beer quality is good including a guest or two, but I settled for the regular as is the food featured from an extensive menu. Morland’s Original, which I’ve always liked - all the MP more so, when it came in a splendid (glass) tankard! (I refuse to call these “jugs”, which should surely TONGHAM relate to 2-pint containers, or larger, or even White Hart – This pub goes from strength to something entirely different!). DF strength and is arguably the best ale pub for many miles around. There’s no denying it’s a classic village MYTCHETT pub at the heart of the community. Virtually the Miners’ Arms – We never seem to hear about this brewery tap, the White Hart features Hog’s Back TEA pub, so on my way back from a Charity Walk along as its permanent ale. But it’s the ever-changing (part of!) the Basingstoke Canal I popped in, and guest beers that make this place special. At least was pleased to see Paul and Helen still here at the 3 guests feature weekdays, up to 7 at weekends. proverbial coal-face after 11 years! It was a Sunday Inside it is divided into three distinct areas: a small afternoon, and nicely busy, with regulars watching “snug” more like a living room, a more formal dining motor-racing and/or football on the TVs, and/or room, and a traditional bar area with a pool table, having a good natter and a beer. Doom Bar is darts, and sports TV. Outside there is patio at the the prime cask ale, with a guest beer from the front and a beer garden at the rear. The next beer SIBA list - Otter Ale was on, and in good nick. Darts festival is being held on September 6 th to 8 th . and pool are popular here, and there’s live JK entertainment every few weeks on Saturday evenings.

No.126 - News & Ale 29 Pub of the Year Awards 2013

Awards season has come around again in Surrey changing guest beers. The presentation took place Hampshire Borders as we announce the winners of on 5 th June but alas no pictures survive. So just our Branch Pub and Club of the Year awards. An imagine our Chairman Paul Cowper shaking administrative change has meant that we now the hand of the Club Chairman, both smiling choose just a single winner in each category across contentedly with a pint of fine beer and you'll get the whole of the Branch, so that pub or club can the rough idea! Although a private members' club, truly claim to be the best in the area. CAMRA members are welcome to pop in for a pint and can be signed in, on production of their Despite a change in process, there is no change at membership card. the top. The Prince of Wales , Farnborough has been our Hampshire Pub of the Year, for the past 4 For the first time in several years, the Branch years and can now claim the accolade of being the awarded its Cider Pub of the Year, which went to inaugural Surrey Hants Borders Pub of the Year. the Star , Godalming . The pub won a Regional Landlord Peter Moore is taking a bit more of a back Cider Pub of the Year competition in 2008, but seat these days, leaving much of the day to day remarkably has never received a Branch award. As running of the pub to Miles and Lauren, so this can be seen in the accompanying photograph, we award is for all of them. put that right on 14 th May when Paul presented landlord Ian Thompson with a certificate.

Why the Prince of Wales again? Well simply because they maintain a quality and range of real ale, The Star sells an eclectic range of cider which Ian unrivalled in the local area and equally importantly sources personally from the National Cider it is always a welcoming place to visit as well as Collection at Middle Farm, Firle in Sussex; loading playing a big role in the local community. This up the car boot every few weeks with a selection of year's presentation took place as part of their St ciders and perries from across the country. For the George's Day celebrations, which showcased the award evening there were examples of traditional diversity of beers typically on offer, with a mild from ciders from the West Country and East Coast, as the East London Brewing Company, a honey beer well as one flavoured with ginger! However star of from LocAle brewery Bingham as well as beers from the show was Gospel Green, a bottled cider from Arkells, Downton and Fullers to supplement the 5 Sussex which is made in the champagne style, and regulars. naturally conditioned. It makes for a superb light and flavoursome drink and Ian cracked open a Last year we presented a single Club of the Year couple of bottles especially for the occasion. The across the whole Branch area and this award has following day, as we were fondly remembering been retained by the Farnham Conservative Club ; the good time we had, news came through that a model example of a club that demonstrates a the Star had been selected as CAMRA’s Surrey and strong commitment to real ale. The Club continues Sussex Regional Cider Pub of the Year; so all in all a to support local brewery Triple fff, just down the good week and giving us another excuse to visit road in Alton. Their award winning Alton's Pride is before too long. a regular and their superb seasonal offerings are often available too, together with a couple of other

30 News & Ale - No.126 News From Other Branches In The Surrey Area

North Surrey Branch Contact: Bob Inman 07841 594388, ([email protected]) Please check our website pages www.surreycamra.org.uk/northsurrey for latest updates. Diary JULY 4th (Thu) 7pm – Branch Social – Ealing Beer Festival, Walpole Park, Ealing W5 5BG – meet at CAMRA membership stand. 6th (Sat) 1pm – Afternoon social – Hersham Beer Festival, Burwood Road, Hersham, KT12 4AD 20 th (Sat) 1pm – Afternoon Social – Maidenhead Beer Festival, Football Ground, York Road, SL6 1SF 24 th (Wed) 8.15pm – Business Meeting – Coach & Horses, Chertsey, KT16 9DG. AUGUST 8th – 11 th ALL DAY – 15 th Egham Beer Festival, United Services Club, 111 Spring Rise, TW20 9PE – see www.eghambeerfestival.co.uk for more details and beer list. Volunteers wanted – refer to website. 13 th – 17 th ALL DAY - Great British Beer Festival, Olympia, West Kensington, W14 8UX 30 th – 1 st Sep 2nd Runnymede Beer Festival, CANCELLED – see below. SEPTEMBER 11 th (Wed) 8.15pm - Business Meeting - The Victoria, 427 Woodham Lane, Woodham, KT15 3QE

News 2nd RUNNYMEDE BEER FESTIVAL The George in Staines (JDW) and the King’s Fairway in Unfortunately, following an organisational restructure, the Ashford (Ember) are both Locale accredited and offer National Trust have withdrawn their support at senior voucher or discount schemes to CAMRA members. level, so this year’s Festival has been CANCELLED . Earlier in the year the historic George in Guildford Street, PUB CLOSURES Chertsey reopened after several months closure with one In recent months Runnymede and Spelthorne have been ale on draught with more promised when trade picks up. hit by a flurry of pub closures and “for sale” signs on pubs The “golden triangle” for the branch has to be the United still trading. Of particular concern is the sudden closure Services Club, Egham, the Happy Man (2013 branch Pub of the Black Dog, the last pub in Ashford Common. The of the Year) and Beehive, both Englefield Green, all in locals are being canvassed for assistance in a campaign walking distance of each other, serving fine ales and to save the pub through registration as an Asset of holding occasional beer festivals Community Value. You can follow progress via the North Surrey Pubwatch page on www.camrasurrey.org.uk . Elsewhere the Thyme at the Tavern in Chertsey (2012 branch Pub of the Year), as well as holding beer festivals, PUB & CLUB BEER FESTIVALS provides real ale bars at events such as the Chertsey Show These are becoming a more regular feature of many pubs and the Ottershaw May Fair. It is always worth checking and clubs and the managed pub chains like JDW and www.camrasurrey.org.uk for the latest information. Ember Inns continue to encourage real ale and CAMRA through incentive schemes and events.

No.126 - News & Ale 31 East & Mid Su Contact: Clive Jennings (01737) 778711 Diary July Mon 8 th 8pm Social and Pub of the Year Presentation, Surrey Oaks, Newdigate (RH5 5DZ) Mon 22 nd 8.30pm Branch meeting, Botley Hill Farmhouse, Titsey (CR6 9QH) August Mon 19 th 8.30pm Branch meeting, Garland, Redhill (RH1 6PP) September Tues 17 th 8.30pm Branch meeting, Kings Head, Holmbury St Mary (RH5 6NP) October Tues 15 th 8.30pm Branch meeting, Hatch, Redhill (RH1 6AT) Thur 31 st Redhill Beer Festival Merstham Village Hall, Merstham (RH1 3ED). Runs to Saturday 2nd November November Weds 13 th Branch meeting, Three Horseshoes, Sidlow Bridge (RH2 8PT)

32 News & Ale - No.126 urrey Branch Pub News Dorking Kings Arms – Having closed suddenly, the Kings Arms reopened in June with the licencee from the Cricketers taking it on as a second pub. Although tied to Shepherd Neame, it is hoped that several of the beers from their micro plant will be sold alongside the usual offerings. Lincoln Arms – A beer from either the extremely local Surrey Hills brewery or from Hogs Back is sold here. The pub is very convenient for Dorking and Dorking Deepdene stations. Old House – Closed for a while, this Young’s pub reopened in March having undergone a refurbishment which has cleaned the pub up considerably. Currently only Ordinary and Special are sold, but real ale sales are increasing which will hopefully lead to more choice. Note that the pub name has truncated from the Old House at Home. Holmbury St Mary Kings Head – Found just off the main road, this unspoilt free house offers a changing selection of beers and cider. Last year 131 different beers and 19 different ciders were sold. Dark Star Hophead is the regular ale. Moorhouse Grasshopper Inn – On the A25 just before the Kent border can be found this well restored pub and boutique hotel, parts of which date from the 13 th century. Three beers are sold, including one from the very local Westerham brewery. Usually an Adnams beer is available as well. Newdigate Surrey Oaks – The East & Mid Surrey Pub of the Year for 2013 (the 11 th consecutive time it has won this) always has a good choice of beers on sale, with Surrey Hills Ranmore Ale and Harveys Sussex being the regulars. LocAle brewers are always supported with some excellent Greensand IPA from Surrey Hills found on a recent visit. A dark beer is always on sale. Redhill Hatch – Beautifully kept beer can be found in this Shepherd Neame pub between Reigate and Redhill. There is often beer from the micro plant to be found here alongside some from further afield. A vehicle crash into the pub has resulted in the hidden away pool room being converted into a room which can be used for meetings Sidlow Bridge Three Horseshoes – Good food and good beer are to be found here, with LocAles prominent. Dark Star, Pilgrim, and Surrey Hills beers are regulars and there is usually a dark beer on offer as well with a lovely pint of Franklins Pudding Stout found on a recent visit. Staffhurst Wood Royal Oak – This fine rural inn, not too far from Oxted, was voted the East & Mid Surrey Cider Pub of the Year for 2013. A good choice of cider and perry can be found behind the bar, with three or four usually available. Beer lovers are not forgotten, with Larkins Traditional always sold alongside three others. Westcott Bertam Bee’s – This is a regular outlet for Tillingbourne beer, with Falls Gold sold from a cask at the end of the bar, hidden from sight. Food is good as well and the garden is a great place to sit on a sunny day.

No.126 - News & Ale 33 Kingston & Leatherhead Branch

Contact: Clive Taylor: 020 8949 2099, ([email protected]) Diary July Sat 13 th Young Members tour of Kingston, meet Kings Tun, KT1 1QT, 12noon. Sat 20 th Alton Classic Bus and Pub day out, itinerary TBC. August Fri 16 th Social at Woodies Beer Festival, New Malden, KT3 5DX, 7pm onwards. September Tues 3 rd Branch Meeting, Angel, Portsmouth Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0AU, 8:15pm. Bus K3 from Kingston and Surbiton to Esher passes nearby on Sugden Road, alight at Mayfield Close stop and walk down Angel Road. Sat 14 th Beer of the Festival Presentation at Surrey Hills Brewery, Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA, time TBA. Names to Adrian Palmer.

If you would like to keep up to date with what is going on in our area, please join us at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAMRA_Kingston_Leatherhead/

Pub News Ashtead, Brewery Inn Is now owned by the Stonegate Pub Company and has an improved range including local beers. Claygate, Hare & Hounds Has a local ale beer festival on 19-21 July. Has been taking a beer from Brightwater brewery. Downside, Plough Has reopened and has also been taking a beer from Brightwater brewery. East Molesey, Prince of Wales Is now part of Greene King’s Real Pubs estate and sells a range of beers mostly from other breweries, including local micros. Epsom, Rifleman Is now a Greene King ‘Local Heroes’ pub, selling local beers alongside Greene King ones. Kingston, Cardinal Has reopened after closure as the Tudor Rose. Kingston, Willoughby Arms Is one of our joint Pubs of the Year. Leatherhead, Running Horse Is our other joint Pub of the Year. Surbiton, Grove Is also now part of the Greene King Real Pubs estate. Surbiton, Lamb Has added a fourth handpump.

Information on all pubs in our branch area is available online at: www.camrahops.com

34 News & Ale - No.126 No.126 - News & Ale 35 36 News & Ale - No.126 Brightwater Brewery Claygate Surrey’s newest Brewery, The Brightwater Brewery brewers used to brew for harvest time. These were of Claygate, is progressing nicely. The name beers that were light and refreshing and were Brightwater comes, not from Watership Down, but bought by farmers and landowners to provide a because Beer is largely water and owner Alex refreshing lunchtime beer for the workers in their Coomes wants to capture its brightness and clarity. fields that would leave the workers refreshed yet still capable of the afternoon’s hard work reaping Three beers are underway: and stacking of the corn. A rural AK Beer similar to Daisy Gold , a 4%, medium strength, Bitter, which is Little Nipper is still brewed by the Hertfordshire pale in colour but with a well-balanced fruity brewer McMullen & Son. flavour. The beer also boasts a good head retention which Alex feels is what all good beer should have. Brightwater beers were very popular at the recent Sales have started off well with some of the initial Egham Beer festival where they sold out so quickly pubs quickly asking for a further supply. extra supplies had to be urgently shipped over. The beers are also regularly on sale at The Willoughby The second beer is called Top Notch . It differs from Arms in Kingston, also The Old Cranleighan Club at Daisy Gold as it is not just the same beer but of Thames Ditton. a different strength. This is a quite different brew, darker than the Daisy Gold, but not as dark as a mild, it is also sweeter. It reminded me of a legendary beer of old, Taylor Walkers, Mainline. At 3.5% strength it should prove a good, rounded, session ale.

Little Nipper is a lighter version of Top Notch. The name Little Nipper is a tribute to another famous Nipper, the little Jack Russell that can be seen Initially all output will only be in draught form, sitting listening to supplied in steel firkins, and for smaller domestic ‘His Masters Voice’ in home or party use in 36 pint polypins. Local pubs the HMV logo. Alex’s can order in one of these Brightwater polypins, just company during the long hours of waiting for the ask. If you want to try a polypin make clear when mashing, boiling and fermenting to complete is his ordering whether you want bright beer for instant own Jack Russell also named Nipper and as the drinking or with sediment which will keep fresh for HMV logo was of another local, Jack Russell, it up to four weeks but will need 24 hours to settle seemed an appropriate name for the new beer. first. The beer itself at 3.1% reminded me of a rural summer beer like the AK or KK beers that many Alan Greenwood, BLO

No.126 - News & Ale 37 38 News & Ale - No.126 Headscratcher No.72 Results

The winner of Headscratcher No 72 was Cliff Ball from Camberley, Surrey and the draw was made by Cally Brown, landlady of the Garden Gate, Aldershot, Hampshire.

Correct entries were also received from Ian Amy, Anne Andrew, Chris P Bacon, John Bayley, Diane Burnell, Brian Cotterill, Dave Driscoll, Doug Fish, Jim Grant, Alan Greer, Leila Hammond, Peter Hanks, John Hewitt, Roger Hill, John Hook, Lorne Johnson, Dave Lean, Malcolm Lee, Mr C McWhinnie, John Marshall, Sharon Mar tiny, Janet Nortwood, Paul Rogers, Christopher David Simmonds, Peter Simmonds, Chris Truin, Ann Varlow, Peter Vicary, Alan Welsh, Ian Whitby, Colin Willoughby, Gareth Wilson, Bob Winrow, Mary Wise.

There were 8 incorrect entries.

IS YOUR PINT NOT A PINT? UNHAPPY ABOUT THE QUALITY? Should you be served with a pint that you feel is a short measure, always ask for a top up. If you feel that reasonable requests for a legal measure are not being honoured, you should contact your local Trading Standards Department: Surrey 01372 371700 / Hampshire 0845 6030081. Please let us know for our records. Subscribe to News and Ale To ensure that you always get a copy of News and Ale, why not subscribe? Fill out the form and send it with a money order or cheque payable to : CAMRA Surrey Hants Borders Branch for £3.00 for 5 issues to: Ian Nunn, 11 Purmerend Close, COVE, GU14 9YF Name: ...... Address: ...... Postcode: ...... Tel No: ...... 1st Issue Required (Issue No.)

No.126 - News & Ale 39 Headscratcher No.73 £20 Prize Crossword Headscratcher No.73 Xword Clues DOWN 1. Construct an eco boat. (5) 2 The relatives are considerate to Ruby. (7) 3. Wandering around town is an established custom. (4) 4. Loaf. (6) 5. Scrooge appears in Les Miserables. (5) 6. Rock group ‘Genius in Torment’ is all about love. (7) 7. Presently – sounds like you’ve been on a shopping spree. (2,3,2) 12. After the last lap disaster avoid the opening event. (7) ACROSS 13. After the first minute a repaired chain finally broke the contraption. (7) 1. An easily performed dance? (8) 15. Tumultuous gales over Virginia resulted 7. Conduct a book circle. (5) in a recovery operation. (7) 8. Nobody is ninety and not slightly 16. A container ship. (6) confused. (9) 17. The new rents are quite severe. (5) 9. An animal found in the Welsh mountains. (3) 19. The Irishman has a tantrum. (5) 10. Listeners are moved to tears finally. (4) 21. Dropping a shilling in a fountain is a 11. Reformed men are more parsimonious. (6) joke. (4) 13. Norway follows Germany in moving more up-to-date. (6) 14. A bishop sues over corrupt practices. (6) 17. The new slave to the Russian leader carries the tray. (6) 18. The first full length opera performed was a failure. (4) £20 Prize Crossword. Please send your 20. The second show with striptease was a entries in by Friday 30 th August 2013 great success. (3) 22. Pay no attention when riders gad about. (9) All correct answers will be entered into a 23. Courage is never misplaced. (5) prize draw. Entries to: 24. A flat tyre could turn out to be just a load William Hill, Pendennis, Frimley Road, of flannel. (8) Ash Vale, Surrey GU12 5NN Name Address

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

Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: This Guarantee should be detached Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts AL1 4LW and retained by the payer. Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User Number The Direct Debit To the Manager Bank or Building Societ y 926129 Guarantee This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building Address societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct FOR CAMRA OFFICIAL USE ONLY Debits. This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society If there are any changes to the amount, date or Membership Number frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Postcode Real Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance Name of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd to collect Name(s) of Account Holder Postcode a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request Instructions to your Bank or Building Society If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Branch Sort Code Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd or your bank detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit or building society, you are entitled to a full and Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. or building society Bank or Building Society Account Number - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd Signature(s) asks you to Reference You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply Date contacting your bank or building society.Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us. 42 News & BanksA andle Building- NSocietieso may.1 not2 accept6 Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account. No.126 - News & Ale 43 44 News & Ale - No.126