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Issue 72 – Spring 2018 FREE – Please take one

Magazine of North Branch of CAMRA

Banbury Ready To Host The 18th North Oxon Beer Festival The much anticipated high- will be free at all times. available at all sessions. AND C light of the North Oxfordshire Non-members: Thurs R ID A Meet The Brewer CAMRA social calendar will be £2: Fri till 5pm £2; Fri E E session is planned and E R B back this May – our Branch Beer after 5pm £4; Sat till the popular cheese F Y & Cider Festival. 5pm £3; Sat after E and beer match- R S

Starting at 5pm on Thursday 5pm £1. Under 18s T ing and tasting ses- U

I B

10th, then open from noon– free, but must be V sions on Friday and

11pm on Friday the 11th and accompanied by N A Saturday are back. A from 11am–11pm on Saturday an adult. Entry fee L Live enter- the 12th it will be held at its includes a festi- B tainment will usual venue the Army Reserve val glass and pro- be provided on Centre, Road, , gramme with beer Thursday even- OX16 9AN (10 minutes from and cider lists. ing with Bushfield the town centre and Banbury Glasses will be 2 Smith, Friday is our Railway Station, or take B1 bus marked with third, half 0 1 8 quiet night and we will be from Bridge St). and pint lines. There will be joined on Saturday afternoon Stocking over 100 real ales special promotions for anyone by Morris Men. It and ciders , the regional theme joining CAMRA during the fes- is hoped that the for this year’s festival is the East tival. Hot and cold food will be Continued on page 3 Midlands, with around one- third of the ale selection coming from that area. A further third New National Executive Chairman will come from local ales and Congratulations from all the final third will come from in Beer on Tap towers around the – to local CAMRA mem- and this year there will be 20 ber and former Branch special and new beers to try. Chairman, Jackie Parker, The festival will feature a selec- who is to become the tion of porters including those new CAMRA National from Executive Chairman at Regional Finals and the festival the AGM in Coventry supports CAMRA’s Mild month in April. in May with a Mild Trail which, Jackie was a major once complete, gives the oppor- part of the North tunity to get a free pint of mild. Oxfordshire Branch from about 2000, becoming Chairman from As in previous years there will July 2003, when she took over from John Merriman, to July 2006. be a selection of cider & perry She then went on to become the Regional Director where she including producers from the looked after the Central Southern region until she joined the East Midlands as well as local National Executive in 2011. She went on to become the Vice- and national producers. Chairman with specific responsibility for communications and Entry for CAMRA members now holds the top job. Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ 3 REAL ALES Two large superior 10 REAL CIDERS en-suite Homemade rooms lunches Large flower- Mon–Sat 12-2 filled garden

OPENING HOURS Roaring log Mon-Thurs fires 11-3 & 6-12 Fri 11-3 & 5-12 Family and Sat/Sun 11-12 dog friendly

SAME FAMILY RUN FOR 40 YEARS OX15 4LZ www.bloxhampub.co.uk 01295 720383

2 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 Get Ready For The 18th Beer & Cider Event Continued from page 1 anything else to bring the festi- ies to Staffing Officer at lynne@ Brewery dray will make an val to a crescendo. northoxon.camra.org.uk. Staff appearance during Saturday, and As usual, we are in great need get some beer and food tokens, ending the event on Saturday of volunteers who are required a festival glass, a programme evening is the amazing Pete to work all sessions, with bar and a staff t-shirt. Watkins, who will play a selec- work, front entrance, cleaning For full details of the festi- tion of the nations favourite pop, and control of entry tasks there’s val see www.northoxon.camra. rock, punk, folk, and almost plenty for everyone – enquir- org.uk Meeting To Decide CAMRA’s Future Direction CAMRA’s Members’ Weekend, ommendations made. AGM and Conference takes Members, who have been place from 20–22 April at unable to attend any of the University of Warwick in the regional Revitalisation Coventry. Hosted by CAMRA’s briefings, will be able to ask Coventry Branch, it will give questions about the detail nearly 1,000 members the of the Special Resolutions chance to come together to before casting their vote. If discuss CAMRA business it’s your first year attend- while meeting up with friends ing the Members’ Weekend on trips to local and dations for the future purpose – don’t worry, there will be a breweries. and direction of the Campaign. presentation at 5pm on Friday Conveniently located near This is one of the most impor- 20th April for all new attendees the historic towns Coventry, tant changes CAMRA has faced to explain how the weekend will Stratford-upon-Avon and in recent years, and as such it is run, covering everything from Warwick, there will be plenty to vital that all members’ make their voting and elections timings to do in between CAMRA busi- voice heard and cast their vote. advice on where to get a good ness. Taking centre-stage this year While each member will still pint of ale. will be the decision on CAMRA’s have the chance to vote on the Online registration is open Revitalisation, following the proposals by proxy if unable to now at agm.camra.org.uk where National Executive’s recommen- attend the weekend, attendees at you can find all info includ- Conference will be able to hear ing travel, accommodation and Branch Diary the National Executive present booking trips. The closing date the Special Resolutions which, if for online registration is 3rd All meetings start 8pm, other events start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn approved, will change CAMRA’s April 2018, so ensure you register Baldwin (07790) 118341. Articles of Association to enable as soon as possible! You can reg- MARCH the organisation to enact the rec- ister in person on the day. 14: Committee Meeting the Bell Inn, 17: Branch Social to 2018 Wantage CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List Beer Festival Email addresses are followed by northoxon.camra.org.uk/ 31: Easter Saturday BBCF Helpers CHAIRMAN TREASURER Trip to Thornbridge & Derby, Lynne Baldwin details on page 30. chairman@ lynne@ Simon Whitehead treasurer@ APRIL VICE-CHAIRMAN Position vacant simon@ MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY 6: Banbury Pub Crawl start 7pm at BRANCH SECRETARY Old Town Ale & Cider House Sarah Durham secretary@ Paul Forrest membership@ 21: AGM Coventry, details above BEER ON TAP EDITOR paul@ 25: Committee Meeting, White Steve Lympany bot@ PUBS PROTECTION OFFICER Horse, Banbury Brian Wray pubs@ MAY Tel: 07811 667507 BEER ON TAP ADVERTISING BEER FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR 10–12: Banbury Beer & Cider EDITOR Oliver Sladen botads@ Tim Wilkins bbf@ Festival LOCALE COORDINATOR JUNE BRANCH CONTACT 13: Committee Meeting, Angel, Martin Batts contact@ Position vacant – tbc Tel: 07854 116408 WEBMASTER Martin Batts 30: Branch Social to the Black SOCIAL SECRETARY webmaster@ Country by public transport JULY Stu Robbins social@ Trading Standards: Oxfordshire County Tel: 07811 667507 Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Hinksey Road, 16: Branch AGM, details tbc Oxford OX2 0BY Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 Terms and Conditions: All prices and offers are subject to change. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

4 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 Branch News Old Town Ale & Cider cider to promote responsible House, Banbury drinking and, of course, free try- before-you-buy tasters of any of Banbury’ newest micropub, the his ales and ciders. Old Town Ale & Cider House in Church Lane (photos above and Mill House Hotel, below), got off to a flying start Kingham after opening in November by getting through 30 different ales Manager Paul Drinkwater has and 10 ciders by the end of the left the Mill after six years in year. Landlord John Bellinger charge. This spacious hotel on said: ‘I’m pleased with the way the edge of Kingham has now the first few months have gone. been up for sale since the new We’ve fitted into the Banbury year. cask ale scene quite well with The Chequers, a small circuit consisting of us, the Reindeer, White Horse and Bailiff’s Tap becoming like a This Fullers-owned pub is now under the management of mini beer festival with up to 20 Scott Williamson – new face at the Highway ales and 10 ciders available for Darren Gillet. A refurbishment Inn, Burford those who make it all the way is planned for the spring. round!’ Highway Inn, Burford with the intention of separat- The pub is in the Lanes, the ing the bar and the restaurant pedestrianised area of Banbury The new owner of the to encourage locals to use it as occupied by a variety of inde- Highway Inn, Burford is Scott their local. pendent retailers. Williamson, who originates from One real ale is on tap, initially Just as in his previous pubs, New Zealand and has worked in Hooky, with keg beers and cider John is offering his usual offers. the European hospitality indus- from Cotswold brewery. It is As well as a discount for card- try since he was 16. hoped that as demand grows a carrying CAMRA members He has managed restaurant second real ale can be put on. there’s a pound off a four pint groups, at Director level, both in A menu is being developed to jug of ale or cider for sharing, London and Europe. Scott has provide a choice of daily clas- three thirds of a pint of ale or initiated some refurbishment sics plus an a la carte menu. All produce is locally sourced and cooked fresh. The Highway has 10 bedrooms available for those wishing to spend a while in this Cotswold town. Well behaved dogs and own- ers are welcome in the bar! The Lamb at Crawley The Lamb, which is still owned by Brakspear, reopened in November, and is serving their and occasionally a guest ale. Food is centre stage – with everything cooked from scratch and to a high standard. It is run by a Russian/Latvian couple, Gelena Stepanova is John Bellinger welcomes you to his Old Town Ale & Cider House micro-pub in Banbury front of house and Viktor Vlasek Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 • DELIGHTFUL PUB/RESTAURANT • TRADITIONAL CASK ALES • FINE WINES • FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • REFINED RESTAURANT • RELAXED BAR • OPEN FIRE • TERRACE DINNING • BEAUTIFUL GARDEN WITH DUCK POND • AUNT SALLY • LARGE CAR PARK MAIN STREET, , nr BANBURY OX15 4JE T: 01295 721166 • www.duckonthepond.com

6 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 is the chef, who have considera- Nibbles in ble pub experience although this the American is their first as pub operators. Football stadium dish We wish them all the best made by Tracey with this one time Good Beer for customers Guide regular. at the White Bird in Hand, Lion, Fewcott’s Superbowl Whiteoak Green event This large pub on the B4022 between Hailey and Finstock reopened in the late summer of 2017, with Julia & Andy at the helm and the family also involved. They previously ran the uents and recognises their value was hot wings, chilli beef, sloppy Lamb at Crawley some years ago to the local community. joes, seafood, pizza, and burg- and more recently the Cotswold Three local ales were avail- ers. Donations were collected Gateway Hotel in Burford. able at the time of her visit – for the food and £100 was raised Food is also a strong point Tring’s Side Pocket for a Toad, for Macmillan Nurses. here. The kitchen has been ren- North Shagweaver Plough in Finstock ovated, the toilets are on the and Turpin’s, Golden Citrus, but schedule for renovation as we my favourite among the regu- In July it’s the fifth anniversary go to press, and rooms have had lar changing ales was the beau- of Guy taking over The Plough. attention too. The pub interior tiful 4.7% abv porter Inspector The pub does good food, cooked has been tidied up a bit as well. Remorse from the Electric Bear from scratch, and at a good Brewing Company in Bath price. Tuesday is 2-4-1 for fish The Duke At Clifton – definitely a beer to be consid- and chips. Local MP Victoria Prentice ered by those choosing the beer They normally have three ales took her Pub Tour to visit her list for the BBCF 2018! with a blackberry porter from constituents on December 8th Landlord Tim Catling and his Goff’s, Adnams Broadside and and she reports that a number loyal band of family beginner 61 Deep Pale Ale from Marston’s of issues were brought to her brewers have brewed a special on a recent visit. Guy said he’s attention during her early even- beer – called ‘Long Wait’ – at been getting a lot of beer from ing visit. We’re delighted that the pilot Goff’s recently. at least one local MP is keen to plant with guidance from Robert J T Davies, Banbury promote our traditional local Thomson, Andy Thomas & pubs while meeting her constit- James Clarke. Rich, deep orange Our last issue had news of new gold with a beautifully satisfying management and this issue biscuity malt softness followed brings further news. As of mid- by a welcome honey, if peaty January the pub is being run by aftertaste. A wonderfully bal- Zowie Stokes. He brings con- anced, ultimately rewarding full- siderable experience from other bodied but fresh 4.2% beer that Banbury pubs and is planning to Haymaker & Flagship would be improve the beer offering. proud to call their cousin. The latest offer for drinks is the Thursday 1-2-3 offer, £1 for White Lion, Fewcott soft drinks, £2 for spirits plus The pub has registered with mixers, £3 for all pints of beer. PubAid – a working party dedi- Bletchington Sports & cated to celebrating the great work done by UK pubs and Social Club their customers who raise over While the Black’s Head remains £100,000,000 every year. resolutely closed, this is the only Locals enjoyed a through-the- watering hole in Bletchington. night event of American-style Opening times 8–11pm Thurs– foods at the annual Superbowl Sun with considerably expand- party held at the pub. Tracey ed hours during home sporting made a model of an American fixtures for football and cricket The special brew made by Tim Catlin and Football stadium, and filled it matches in season. regulars at The Duke at Clifton with snacks. Also on the menu On a recent Friday evening it Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 www.roseandcrown.charlbury.com Email: [email protected] Market Street Charlbury Oxon OX7 3PL Tel: 01608 810103 OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am Sat: 11am–1am BREW MONDAYS – All real ales FORTHCOMING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS £2.50, all day, every Monday See www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub as there are sometimes gigs at short notice • Usually EIGHT quality real ales, along with Saturday 31st March up to EIGHT traditional ciders/perrys TIM HOLEHOUSE http://timholehouse.com/ • Wide selection of regularly-changing craft Saturday 7th April beers on draught and in bottles/cans MONCKFEST (featuring David Celia • Pleasant courtyard drinking area www.davidcelia.com/ • An average of 40 different guest beers per Thursday 17th May KENT DUCHAINE month, mostly by microbreweries from all www.kentduchaine.com/ four corners of the UK Thursday 14th June KRIS DOLLIMORE • Only a short walk from Charlbury www.krisdollimore.com/ railway station (Cotswold Line) Thursday 19th July JIM CRAWFORD North Oxon CAMRA Pub of the www.jimcrawford.org.uk/ Year finalist 2017/18

Celebrating 30 continuous years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide

Lower Heyford

21 Market Square, Lower Heyford, Oxon OX25 5NY 01869 347176

• Beer Festival August Bank Holiday Weekend • Five minutes walk from canal • Large beer garden OPEN: • Families and dogs welcome Mon–Thurs 12–3pm & 5pm–11pm; • Lunch and full menu available Friday & Sat 12–11pm; Sun 12–10.30pm • Food served Mon–Sun 12–3pm & 6–10pm

8 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 had a warm, busy and friend- The new beer ly atmosphere with a bar bil- blackboard at The Exchange in liards match in full swing, and Banbury shows two well-kept real ales (Loose a good variety of Cannon Hellion and Belhaven real ale available IPA) on the bar. at typical The club is a free house but Wetherspoon prices usually has one beer from the improved Greene King portfo- ing the ales lio and another of choice or by its currently request. selling. It has teams in local bar bil- In March liards, darts, football and cricket they will leagues. Drinks are cheap (cur- be having a rently £3/pint) and well worth beer festival, £6/year (£10 family) member- together with ship should you decide to settle Easter time although, at this other ’Spoons, including the in after a trial visit. stage, this is not confirmed. Penny Black in Bicester. From Their annual Beer Festival He is, by all accounts, an Weds 14–Sun 25th there will be will be held Sept 21–23 this experienced publican and a an international choice of beer year, with around a dozen beers, genial chap so we should all look from 25 UK brewers, and five ciders and entertainment. forward to many more great breweries from Italy, Greece, Fox in Leafield times in the Fox. USA, Australia and Canada. The pub was open over the After a period of closure the Christmas & New Year holiday Barley Mow, Banbury pub is being purchased from a period under the umbrella of The pub is celebrating its recent consortium of owners. A local the funding group, and that time Cask Marque award – congratu- group was formed and had was well received and supported lations to Yvette Robertson and organised a share-based buy- by the community even though her team for this accolade. To out. A number of pledges have there was no food (other than help celebrate, the pub will be been secured and an addition- bar snacks). We all look forward undergoing a major refit during al pledge support effort was to a reopening! March which will see a complete underway when the sale was The Exchange, Banbury closure for three weeks and a announced earlier this month. grand reopening at Easter. The purchaser currently runs This popular Wetherspoon out- The Chequers, the Cheshire Cheese on Fleet let continues to support real ale Street in London. He is aim- and CAMRA and have recently Weston-on-the-Green ing to reopen The Fox around added a beer blackboard show- This Fuller’s pub has just been re-thatched and has had a woodburner installed in the res- taurant area. Black’s Head, Bletchington This lovely old pub in the cen- tre of the village has remained closed since Boxing Day 2014. Apparently, however, the plan is still for a major refurbishment, extension, and then reopening as a gastropub with rooms. It’s thought that the comple- tion of a 60-house development nearby might improve matters. Ben Jonson, Weston-on-the-Green The village that got its pub back for Christmas after being reopened over the festive period The pub changed its name back by hard-working volunteer local staff. Here, Georgina Winks, Laura Dalgarno and Mark Winks again (after being called the cheerfully run the bar at The Fox, Leafield while investment for a buy-out was being sought. Black Sheep for a while) and it Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 10 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 had Hooky Bitter, Ringwood, Ken & Eileen – celebrating and Pedigree on offer during a three years at the White recent visit. It had become rath- Horse, Banbury er quiet, but seems a lot more lively under the new manage- such as the Bailiffs ment, led by James O’Neill. Tap, Ken & Eileen try to feature, wherev- Pear Tree, Hook Norton er possible, beers not Having taken over before seen locally and have Christmas, Kitty is introducing a recently set up a rela- number of new initiatives. tionship with Siren There is a new lunchtime offer Craft of Finchampstead of two courses for £10.95 and and featured its three for £13.95. There is also award-winning Yu Lu, a lot of activity planned around Undercurrent and the key dates such as Six Nations unfined Suspended In rugby, a Eurovision night, etc. Citra, which have all gone down Expect to find beers from You can keep up to date with well. Vale, Goffs, Tring and Church what’s going on through their Pop in and see what the next End, including the CAMRA’s Facebook page. three years will offer from house Supreme Champion Beer of Beer-wise, all the Hooky favourites like Turpin Brewery Britain; Goat’s Milk, as awarded favourites are available including Golden Citrus, a session ale or at the 2017 Great British Beer the seasonal offerings something a bit more quirky. Festival. In addition, look out for a seasonal ale from Wantsum White Horse, Joiners Arms, Brewery, a small brewery from The Village nights continue on The Joiners will be celebrating St Nicholas At Wade, Kent. the first Thursday of the month, Mother’s Day and Easter Sunday Once again, there will be bar- and bookings are being taken with special menus. It is also becue food available and music for Mother’s Day. Three real ales continuing with their popular throughout the weekend. And, change regularly with Timothy tapas nights on Tuesdays and if you can’t wait until Friday, the Taylor beers often featuring. Wine & Dine Night (free glass beers will be ready for ‘preview’ of wine with two courses) on (and drinking) on the Thursday Gate Hangs High, Friday nights. evening (12th July). Hook Norton The popular quiz night takes Bell Inn, Adderbury The restaurant has undergone a place every other Wednesday. refurbishment since Christmas The annual Day of Dance for Elephant & Castle, the three Morris teams in the and is now open with a brand Bloxham new menu. The pub has also village will take place on Sat, introduced a loyalty scheme – The Ellie hosts a band night on 28th April this year. This always buy 10 pints and get one free the last Saturday of each month. brings extra footfall into the vil- (pick up your card at the bar). On 24th March Dirty Jack DC lage which is shared between the will be playing. three centrally located pubs. White Horse, Banbury The annual trip to Chelten- Chris Shallis and a few of his Ken & Eileen celebrate three ham Gold Cup Festival takes regulars at the Bell will be brew- years at ‘The Horse’ on April place in mid-March – this will ing LDS (Laugh, Dance & Sing) Fool’s Day (Just a coincidence) be the 30th occasion it has taken at the Hooky micro-brewery and to celebrate they will be place. And if you fancy a go at again for sale on the day which holding their now traditional that favourite pub game Aunt proved very popular in 2017. Easter Ale & Music Festival. Sally they are looking for new Celebrations and dancing take Over the Easter weekend, at team members – contact Simon place at venues throughout the least 10 ales unusual to Banbury if you’re interested. village from 10.30am –6pm with will feature, plus the ever-pop- lunch and tea breaks, culminat- ular Everard’s Tiger and some Horse & Groom, Caulcott. ing at 5pm outside The Bell. real ciders. Music kicks off on Jerome & Stacy will again be Landlady Sandra and daugh- Good Friday with party band holding their very popular ter Grace took part in the Pretty Tone Deaf and The Doors Are Bastille Day Beer Festival over Muddy 5K run and raised £620 Shut with others to feature on the weekend of 13th to 15th July, for Cancer Research. The Bell Saturday and Sunday. which will feature 18 of the ‘Best started a campaign with £100 Through discussion with other of the Guest’ ales, as chosen by donation towards a defibrillator specialist outlets in the town, his locals, plus six real ciders. for Adderbury. Thanks to gener- Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 The Old Town Ale & Cider House 4a Church Lane, Banbury OX16 5LR Open: Tues–Sat 12.00–8.00pm, Sun 12.00–5.00pm, closed Monday

BANBURY’S NEWEST MICRO PUB IN THE HEART OF THE OLD TOWN Offering an ever changing selection of local and Award Winning Ales and Ciders — ALE TO GO — Bring your own Food ”… a small freehouse, promoting conversation, shunning all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbling in traditional pub snacks” Ales served by handpump or straight from the cask Stay up to date by following us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/ old.town.ale.and.cider.house/ PAY US A VISIT, YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED

12 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 ous donations from customers, in the function room with Sky week, and a new menu is soon several local community groups Sports where sport events will to be available. and Hook Norton Brewery the be shown. £1,700 required has been raised. Next live music dates are: 30th Bell Inn, Lower Heyford Hare & Hounds, March, Doug & Dan acoustic; Great news for beer festival fans 4th May, Glam Resurrection; as Lyn has confirmed that the Lower 25th May, Backin 4; and 29th pub’s beer festival will be going Despite Carol’s difficult end June, Doghouse. Look out for ahead as usual over August Bank to 2017 healthwise, this com- The Sun Festival in summer – holiday. There will be about six munity orientated pub raised dates to be confirmed. Follow ales on stillage and two on the £7,752.70p for the British Heart The Sun on social media as they bar as well as five ciders and two Foundation throughout the year. update their events. on the bar, to help make this one This year’s charity, chosen by George Inn, of the best small festivals in the the regulars, is Clic Sargent, the branch. leading cancer charity for chil- Barford St Michael Lyn usually sells Shropshire dren and young people. After a long period of closure Gold as a regular ale with a Fundraising is well under- the George reopened on 29th guest from either Shropshire, way with the ever popular Burns November under manager Alex Skinners or Vale, the two ciders Night in January raising £125. In Hodson. Open: 12–11 Wed–Sat; change regularly. fact the pub was rammed on the 12–10 Sun, closed Mon & Tues. Mothering Sunday will see night with both skittles & darts Hooky Bitter is always on tap their popular roasts on offer matches taking place so that along with a changing selection with two-courses for £9.95 (kids nearly 60 haggis, neeps and tat- of two or three guest ales (Black eat free with adults ordering ties were served overall. Carol Sheep, Woodforde’s Wherry and the Sunday lunch deal) and on can hark back to the days when St Austell’s Trelawny have all Mon–Thurs you can get a steak she had to persuade her sas- featured recently). and half a bottle of wine for £10. senach clientele to even try this Food is available Weds–Sat Penny Black, Bicester traditional Scottish dish! 12–2 & 7–9, and Sun 12–3. The Other planned fundrais- menu is an appetising selection This popular Wetherspoon ing events are the quiz on the of freshly prepared dishes and pub is holding a Real Ale and first Saturday each month, a the choice changes regularly. Cider Festival from 14th–25th Valentine’s raffle, a St Patrick’s Alex and his team are working March (along with our other Day raffle with bacon and cab- hard to get the patio and garden local ‘Spoons, the Exchange in bage supper and the famous in shape in time for summer. Banbury) featuring 25 UK brew- Bicycle Day on the first May Well-appointed accommodation ers, five international brewers Bank Holiday. is being prepared and should and five UK ciders. It’s now pos- Sun Inn, Hook Norton be available soon, and there is a sible to order food and/or drinks small room available for meet- from your table via an app, Tuesdays are steak nights ings or for private parties. which prevents losing your seat (6–9pm) with sirloin or rump at busy times. steak and a glass of house white Fox Inn, Westcote Barton or red wine for £13.50 or £12. Guestie hopes to hold another The Angel, Bicester Thursday nights are ladies beer festival this summer, with In the Winter edition it was nights where a select 3-course more details in the next edition reported that Bicester Brewery meal with glass of prosecco (likely late July or early August). had ceased brewing, howev- is £17.50, and Fridays are ‘Fin There will be St George’s- er, we now understand that the and Fiz’ nights where guests themed beers on sale for much brewer will return occasionally can choose any fish dish off of April centred on the 21st. He to make the odd brew or two. the menu with a prosecco for is also forming an Aunt Sally The Angel has Tuesday quiz £19.95. team and is looking for players nights at 8pm, entry £1.00. There will be a monthly ‘eat of any standard to play in the For a pub lunch with a dif- the seasons’ tasting menu event Chippy league. ference, place your order at Mi where a 5-course meal is avail- There is now Karaoke once Burger across the road, go to able for set price based on the a month on a Friday and regu- the pub, order a drink and your season. The first of these is 23rd lar live music (details on their meal will be brought to you! March followed by 10th April. Facebook page). Mother’s Day The Bell, Bicester Mothers Day sees a 3-course will see their Sunday lunch, but menu for £32.50 (£15 for chil- it is likely to be busy so book The Bell has gained the Cask dren under 12), served 12–7pm. early to avoid disappointment. Marque accreditation again with There is now a ‘lads’ place There is now a burger of the top marks in all categories. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 14 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 Hobgoblin is a permanent fea- Congratulations to the Nut ture along with two guest ales Tree, Murcott on winning changing every week – on our the ‘Best Fine Dining Pub’ category in the Oxford Mail & visit Butty Bach and Timothy Times Food Awards 2018 Taylor’s Landlord. Quiz night is on Monday, drinkers who prefer Poker night Tuesday and there their liquid refresh- are live bands at the weekend ment to taste of and there is an Open Mic ses- apples. sion on the first Sunday of the month, a free pint to anyone Nut Tree, brave enough to have a go! Murcott White Hart, Bicester Not only do they serve a fine pint Despite being late February the along with a very warm wel- in Bicester, Woodstock and White Hart was, in addition to come but we have just heard of Wolvercote). Generally smart- the usual Greene King IPA, still their latest awards, alongside ened up, new menus, Timothy selling the festive Rock On With their Michelin Star. Taylor Landlord and Marstons Rudolph. Apparently regulars They have been awarded ‘Best EPA on the pumps. like it so they’ve kept it on and Fine Dining Pub in Oxfordshire’ having tasted it I can see why. New Inn, by the Oxford Mail & Times, Middleton Cheney As well as quiz and poker and have risen to Number 17 nights they have a lively music in the Top 50 Gastro Pubs UK. Once again you’ll have to pop scene featuring DJs, karaoke and They also have new menus, were over the county boundary live music. fully booked for Valentine’s Day into South Northants to visit Wine Rack, and are bracing themselves for the pub voted by Banbury Nurseries Mother’s Day. Guardian readers as their Pub Worth’s Garage, Enstone Of The Year for 2017 for the Sad news. It seems Wine Rack second year. have moved out of Yarnton. A good selection of bottled A delighted landlady, Nina Slurp, Banbury beers are on sale at Worth’s Houston, who has only held garage with local brewers Hooky, the tenancy for 12 months and The old S H Jones business has Church Hanbrewery, Little Ox who came fresh to the trade been re-branded (see photo and XT as well as Blockley Beers after working in a solicitor’s below) and is on Tramway Road, and Friday Beer amongst a wide office said: ‘I’ve always loved this between the railway station and ever changing selection. pub because I’m from the vil- Morrisons. Siege of Orleans, lage. It was the right pub at the As well as their wide range Carterton right time in the right place’. of wine and spirits they also Congratulations to Nina & her have a great range of bottled Simon has left the Siege for staff. beers, locally sourced beers pre- Oxford, to run the Brewdog Coming second in the poll vail with Hook Norton, White pub. His replacement is Bryony was the Reindeer in Banbury Horse, XT and Purity all well Holloway, who has worked at followed in third by the Bell, represented. There are also local the pub for some time, so noth- Grimsbury. ciders from Hogan’s, for those ing really has changed! There Abingdon Arms, Beckley are still four ales and one real cider on the bar with a distinctly A chance visit revealed a newly local flavour, and the Ale4One reopened, thriving commu- card is still in operation. nity pub serving lots of family The main change, however, lunches in a warm log-fired is the new restaurant called atmosphere, with friendly ser- Graffiti opening upstairs, which vice, serving delicious Oxbrew will serve street food, burgers Winterlust, Shotover Prospect and curries. Chef Chris has pre- and a regular XT beer, XT14 on viously worked in Burford. this occasion. A bonus was the sight of the Red Lion, Islip famous murmurations of thou- Another change of owner- sands of roosting starlings ship here as it is now part of shape-shifting in the view over the House of Jacob group (pubs adjacent Otmoor. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 Pub of the Year Minibus Trip Round Top Six Pubs Every year at this time I find invited to visit these pubs and on 10th March I set off in a mini myself writing about our North put them in their order of pref- bus with lots of happy people to Oxfordshire Pub of the Year erence. The winner of the pre- visit our POTY contenders after contest – and I have resisted the vious year does not take part in having a large breakfast in The temptation to make a joke about the contest. Exchange in Banbury to prepare POTY time for once. So if you think the best pub is myself. A quiz was handed out Each year the Branch selects not in the contest, and it didn’t as we set off, compiled by Social its top six pubs using the marks win last year, then please make Secretary Stuart Robbins. submitted by members during sure you submit marks for that Our first stop of the day was the year, and all members are pub during the year. This year the Salford Inn in Salford village

The six finalists in the 2018 Pub of the Year competition: Top row: Salford Inn, Salford (left) and Killingworth Castle, Wootton. Middle row: Tite Inn, Chadlington (left) and White Lion, Fewcott. Bottom row: Rose & Crown, Charlbury (left) and Bell Inn, Adderbury

16 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 and Crown, Charlbury. Again no others. And you can also bor- Pub of the Year Minibus Trip Round Top Six Pubs stranger to the POTY contest, row appropriate headwear if you there was a great beer choice want to have your picture taken (previously known as the Black and I had an enjoyable pint of on the pirate ship. Horse). We arrived at the door Wye Valley HPA. Sadly today I Our final visit of the day was just as it opened to a friendly had to resist the pickled onions. to The Bell at Adderbury, a love- welcome and there was a good And for the third time we all ly village pub with a good range choice of mainly rugby-themed had to drag ourselves away from of Hooky Beers, and a great beers for some reason. One pint a great pub. place to finish the day. There of North Cotswold Fosseway Our next visit was to the was an opportunity to dry off by Flanker and I could almost have Killingworth Castle in Wootton fire (it had been raining quite a coped with watching some! near Woodstock. Here there was bit during the day) and again a After being waved off by the an opportunity to sample some good time was had by all. landlady we made our way to of the Yubberton Brewery beers Yet again Paul Forrest, our the Tite Inn in Chadlington. A or another local brewery, Little membership secretary, had regular contender for the com- Ox. I went for the Little Ox organised a cracking day out, petition, there were several which was a great brew. and congratulations to Rich interesting beer options on offer Then it was back on the bus to Bloomer for winning the quiz. and another friendly welcome. our next port of call, the White As always I loved a day out Sadly, the weather didn’t allow Lion at Fewcott, home to Pirate visiting some of our Branch’s a visit to the lovely beer garden, Brewery (and also a fantastic best pubs, but once again I was but the great beer and a chat pirate ship in the beer garden). left with the usual dilemma, with some of the locals more Here there was a sample of the when every pub is so good, than made up for this. home brewery beer and anoth- how on earth do you choose a Our third stop was the Rose er rugby-themed beer amongst winner? Pirate Brewery Day: The Ultimate Test Regular readers will have read of Not to worry though; Sam had Sam and my exploits at the new his own barrel! Micro Brewery at the White Now Sam, being braver than Lion in Fewcott in the last edi- me, tapped his own barrel, and tion of Beer on Tap so I thought did so, without spilling a single I would give an update on the drop. This second barrel was as results of the brew. good as the first one, and (per- Both barrels were ready for haps not surprisingly) all was the onslaught of Christmas, but gone just before Sam had to as Sam works away in Doncaster return after the holidays. he missed the tapping of my Once again, a big thanks to barrel. Head Brewer, Lee Dean, Lee and all at the White Lion, did the honours and I enjoyed a Fewcott, and we wish them all sneak preview of the brew. We the best for 2018, and look for- had chosen to brew a plum por- ward to many more of Lee’s Ray (left) and Sam Pearce, with Head ter style beer and by the grace of brews. Brewer, Lee Dean (middle) the brewing gods we had one! It was a dark colour beer very Food, Beer & Music in fruity and it punched a good 5.4%. Now I am no Oz Clarke or The Stratton Audley Food, Beer and a bouncy castle along with a Jilly Goolden, but suffice to say & Musical Festival is a street slide and old fashioned teas and it tasted great. festival for all the family which cakes in the adjacent church. The beer was tried/shared also features nine super cask Info: www.strattonaudley.org (amazing how many people ales including Pot Belly, Honey came equipped with a Growler) Bunny, Pigs do Fly and Happy and enjoyed by all that visited us Daze; three ciders and a perry. up to Christmas, with only one £6 for four half-pint vouchers detractor; but that’s what drink- (which means just £3 a pint!) It takes place on Saturday 2nd ing lager does for you. June (11am–6pm) and it will We and ran out my batch of have something for all the family plum porter just before Sam’s in a safe, friendly environment. return from work “T’up North”. There will be face painting Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 18 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 Cider And Racing Cars Celebrated At Micropub Meet the Cider Maker Even- next level, so he quit his job to alternative to cask ale with the ing: The Old Town Ale & Cider focus on his passion for mak- support of CAMRA.’ House hosted a Meet the Cider ing ciders fermented from 100% Silverstone Day: On 1st Maker Evening, with Rory apple juice from February the Rallye Monte- Souter from the Cotswold Cider and Wiltshire orchards. He treat- Carlo Historique visited North Company, Coleshill. ed a full house to samples of his Oxon en route to Monaco, stop- After a decade perfecting his boxed and bottled ciders with ping in Banbury for a few hours. craft, Rory secured seed fund- names like Horn Blower, No Silverstone Real Ale Company ing to take his business to the Brainer, Voodoo and She Devil. celebrated the event by joining Host John Bellinger said: forces with the Old Town Ale ‘It was a great evening with & Cider House to offer a range cider and non-cider drinkers of race-related ales in bottle from Banbury and beyond and cask for ale fans who came enjoying Real Cider, which to view around 100 classic cars is often an afterthought for parked in the Market Square. many pubs but is fast becoming a popular Left: Rory Souter at the Meet The Cider Maker evening Right: The bar at the micropub on Silverstone Day

Set by 18: Ale and Cider house in Banbury Beer on Tap Crossword ‘Hookyman’ (3,4) Across 21: Peter gets angry in a local 8: Old Don says this is a brewery (6) brewery (6) 1: Change afoot in CAMRA (14) 14: Served in long thin strings (9) 23: Golden ale from a battlefield (5) 9: It’s a gas! (5) 16: Recipe asked for wine but 25: One of these might be thrown 10: I need apron for to keep out scrumpy lover did this (4,5) with a pint (5) water (4,5) 17: Characteristic of Mum’s brother 11: Two on each side? (7) (9) Solution on page 25 12: This pub sounds closely packed (4,3) 13: Snail becomes attached to fingers (5) 15: Grateful dead buried here – live! (5) 17: Pompous donkey (3) 18: Now, that could become mine (3) 19: I sale through a long narrow space (5) 20: To drink noisily (5) 22: Des wants itch no longer (7) 24: Taking a risk to reach New Hampshire (7) 26: Our beer is this! (9) 27: Tiler fires up again (5) 28: Community crafters in Totnes (3,4,7) Down 2: Gradual process of change (9) 3: My perfect opening to card game (5) 4: Bears need visa for rough types (9) 5: The white horse in the village has one (5) 6: State pipe is reason for wanting food (9) 7: Unable to buy round (2,5)

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 Quality Ales Handcrafted in Oxfordshire

Unit 6 Wroslyn Road Industrial Estate Freeland Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 8HZ

Tel: 01993 881 941

Website: http:// littleoxbrewery.co.uk/

Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ littleoxbrewery/ Find them at a pub near you, visit our shop or buy online

20 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 Round-Up Of Local Brewery News Loddon turned up and tries entered the competition, Loddon is adding two beers to the recipe fine- which celebrates its 20th year its range, with one the first per- tuned for the this year. The beers were judged manent beer in 4 years. new HopCat by UK beer experts including NOTUS American Pale a hyper hoppy retailers, importers, publicans, Ale has proven so pale ale at only brewers, writers and flavour popular as a 3.9%, launched analysts. Each brew was tasted seasonal that for 2018 this blind by the expert panel and it will now be new beer has medals were awarded to the available all year already hit the right notes and exceptional entries. long. Packed with has been selling fast. Packed The awards went to beers; citra hops, this 4.7% with Citra and Cascade New Old Hooky, Red Rye and Twelve beer is tropical and perfect- World hops to excite the taste Days which were all awarded ly balanced. It has already won buds but with a low strength it Silver, and Hooky and Playing a number of awards and has is gentle on the head. The range Hooky which were both award- become a firm favourite with of new Animals will continue ed a Bronze. drinkers. in 2018; begining with Tarsier Seasonal ales With the Six a 4.6% Pacific Amber, packed for the next few Nations upon us, with sweet months include: 6 Pack returned malts and rye Nice Try (3.8%), for its second year and crammed a smooth malty – a best bitter full of Rakau, ale, light fruit packed with six Casade and aroma amber hop varieties and Chinook, lay- beer for easy six malts. At 4.2%, ered through- drinking, a it’s a great session ale out the boil beautifully bal- with a complex, nutty taste and and during anced beer, available on the bar a smooth, balanced hoppiness. dry hopping. Malty, biscuity, in February & March to coin- toffee and raisin flavours are cide with the Six XT blended with bold passionfruit, Nations rugby. In After six years and brewing grapefruit and citrus from the March & April over three million pints, XT has hops. A slight roasty hint with a Hop To It (3.8%) announced a rebranding of its splash of tropical notes leaves a will be on the cask beer range from March. pleasant sweet and hoppy good- bar, a pale amber Following a very busy 2017 bye. In limited availability is the beer bursting with significant investment in XT Oak Aged Imperial Stout with soft fruit fla- new brewing equipment and at 8.6% available in bottle con- vours and a hint the new brewery tap room, the ditioned, keg or cask form – of citrus. May brewery has shown a clear com- with characteristics carried over sees the anniver- mitment to producing quality from the sherry, brandy, whisky sary of 169 years cask beer. The new look brings or rum casks in which they have of brewing at the beers bang up to date and been aging for over 12 months. Hooky.169 (6.9% will ensure the brand will con- The aging casks will next be put ABV) a strong tinue to grow and appeal to to work storing a new strong reddish brown both existing and new beer Burton IPA – which will be ale with a spicy, drinkers well into the future. kept for 12 months and develop rich, taste with The new XT look was launched some of the character of a true a hint of plum. with a number of special events nineteenth century beer headed Also in May and in February. for tables of the Raj. into June Sundial The Animal beers have con- Hook Norton (3.9%), a light and tinued to grow in popular- refreshing beer, ity and the first ever perma- Hooky have been recognised the perfect pint to nent Animal beer now joins for a range of beer styles at the while away those the stable. After a trial run of International Beer Challenge lazy summer Red Herring which was a low 2017 picking up three silver days. A golden ale ABV but high hop beer brewed medals and two bronze. More with the aroma in 2017 the dials have been than 700 beers from 30 coun- of citrus hops and Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 22 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 a balanced bitterness and zesty Oxfordshire Beer of the Festival notes. at Oxford Beer Festival 2017 Pirate Brewery for the third year running with Golden Citrus. Head brewer Lee Dean pro- duced a one-off brew for the Little Ox White Lion’s Oktoberfest week- The brewery is teaming up with end. Lee is continuing to trial Witney Round Table to create a and brew new recipes; recent- special offering for the Witney ly including Sea Dog at 3.7%, Beer Festival in May. No name Blunderbuss at 3.8% and Mild as yet but expect a juicy sum- en ale followed in April by Malt Seas at 4.5%. All are variations mer brew bursting with hops. Teaser a 4.2% chestnut coloured of ‘darker in colour’ traditional Wipeout is now available as a beer. May sees Toros a 4.6% bitters and milds. gluten free, vegan friendly beer golden ale with Deuce a 3.8% In response to customer in cask with a bottled version straw coloured refreshing beer feedback, many of the recipes to follow soon (when the exist- for June. They have also started are being updated to produce ing labels run out!). This will be an 8-month project to develop slightly lower ABVs. For exam- extended to the rest of the core the warehousing, racking, cask ple, the session ale, Marooned range in bottles and also cask if washing and transport bays. is reduced from 3.9% to 3.6%. there is sufficient interest. All Cannon Fire was originally 4.7% bottling is now done in-house but is now brewed at 3.8% and on its automated line and it’s Beer Talk At also renamed Cannon Ball. Lee now offering a contract bottling wishes to retain Cannon Fire in service to other brewers. Chippy Library his portfolio. Lee has recently A talk titled ‘Ales & Tales’ will added Six Stars to his portfolio Wye Valley be held at Chipping Norton – a sweet malty amber strong Wye Valley has announced Library at 6.30pm on 22nd mild, at 4.2%. a new bottled beer – March on the story of Chipping And finally, local Alan Space Hopper – which Norton’s public houses and Mitchell has brewed his own has launched very suc- brewery, told by Alan Brain. The beer, on a Brew Day experi- cessfully and the stock event is free, but places must be ence. He chose to brew a Dark is already beginning to booked by calling or emailing Star Hop Head style bitter at run low. the library on 01608 643559 or 3.7%, which should be ready for A name for the official chippingnortonlibrary@ the second weekend on March beer for Land of Hops oxfordshire.gov.uk. (10th/11th) in readiness for & Glory cycling sportive round four of the Six Nations. in April has been cho- Turpin Brewery sen as Faceplant, a 5.5% Saison. Clustermaster Dorothy Goodbody’s Glorious Work is progressing on the IPA label has been redesigned Update upsizing of the Turpin Brewery. and will be applied on the next After a few setbacks in other bottling run. Thanks to Nigel for taking on business areas John is hoping The beer brewed for the pubs south and west of Bicester. to be in a position to increase opening of the Birmingham For a while we had a full com- production in the Spring. Good Conservatoire, Principal’s Ale, plement of Clustermasters. news for all fans of Golden will soon be enjoyed by Prince However Russ, who has done Citrus and other Turpin brews. Edward as he is conducting its sterling work delivering Beer on This will mean the Brewery official Royal opening. Tap to pubs in the Chippy area, will be looking for more out- Their cask special for March is standing down, so we need lets to sell the award winning is Goddess a 4% hoppy gold- someone to deliver the maga- beer. John will also be looking zine to Chippy, Salford and the for someone to assist with the Greedy Goose. The job involves brewery in general. Look out going to pubs at least four times for an updated version of Porter a year, delivering Beer on Tap Moka which will, hopefully, be and talking beer and trade with brewed in the near future. landlords (and of course sam- By the time you read this pling their wares). Anyone inter- John will also have been pre- ested please contact the Editor, sented with an award by Oxford or a committee member. Full CAMRA for winning the training will be provided. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 24 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 Sampling The Beer Scene In Bratislava Slovakia is a smallish country of was the 5% Dark Lager which was a robust, rich and malty about 5.5m people, and although had a coffee and chocolatey taste winter warmer; an ideal accom- not generally noted by we Brits but was a little too rich for me. paniment to Christmas Pudding! either for tourism or beers, the I’m not a fan of wheat beers There were other beers on country is not found wanting in but at 4.7% I’m sure that wheat draught not brewed on the either area. Slovakian beers usu- aficionado might like “… the premises and great traditional ally vary between 3.8% and 5.0% taste of citrus fruits, nutmeg, Slovakian food abv although strengths are tra- vanilla, banana which ends in a Since returning I’ve discovered ditionally given in degrees Plato, slightly sour, refreshing taste of that there’s a 3-hour Bratislava equivalent to our original grav- lemons...” but I’ll get my five-a- Beer Tour tasting 12 different ity (so a beer of 1040 OG will be day elsewhere, thank you very Slovak beers … maybe next year! classified as 10°). much. Finally, at 6.5% the Stout Philip Turner ‘Fabrika The Beer Pub’ in Bratislava makes and sells beers brewed in its own microbrewery, Beer On Tap On Its Travels visible from the bar area. Purely Beer on Tap in Krakow in the interests of research I tast- Branch members Gary & Lynne ed all of their concoctions start- Roberts recently spent four days in ing with their American Pale Ale Krakow for the Christmas markets. at 14° (5.6 % in English money!), During the week they experi- which had a delicious but not enced all four seasons with rain, overpowering flavour that belies it’s strength. My only regret is snow, sun and spring-like weath- that it’s too strong to be a ses- er, which meant taking shelter, on sion beer as it really is a superb occasions, and where better than drink and turned out to be my a pub to try the local beer. Names favourite by a country mile. like Lezajsk and Tyskie do not roll I followed with a 4.6% Lager off the tongue, but were rather – and whilst not a lager fan, I interesting brews! found it very tasty with a pleas- However, Gary found one of his ing hint of bitterness. Next up favourite European brews, Weiss beer. Although they had a great few days, they were ready to get back to their own back yard and the White Lion in Fewcott, where there were beers that roll off the tongue such as, Pirate Cherry Porter and Black Sheep Blitzen. Ahhh, Bliss! BoT in Bratislava Philip Turner recently visited Bratislava, in The high-tech Fabrika microbrewery Slovakia, and took a copy of Beer on Tap, Beer on Tap Crossword solution here we see him sam- pling a bottle of Zlaty Bazant which translates as “Golden Pheasant”. The brewery was founded in 1969 in Hurbanovo although it was purchased by the Heineken International group in 1995. He was drinking their dark offering which is 3.8% and certainly more than palatable once it had had time to reach an acceptable temperature; caramelly with a slightly bitter finish. But nothing compared to the excellent selec- tion he gets back home in Bicester! If you are planning a get away for however long don’t forget to take a copy of Beer on Tap, get a photo and send it to the editor with a description of where it was taken and the local beer scene.

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 SALFORD HILL, LITTLE ROLLRIGHT & CIRCULAR WALK By Keith Rigley & Douglas Rudlin

Beer on Tap Pub Walks Fantastic views in the uplands of West Oxfordshire & South Distance: Just over five miles. trees on your left and go straight and a hedge to your right. Allow 2½ hours. on at a crossroads of paths. After Go past a gate and then, where Map: Explorer 191. going over the brow of a hill the track goes into a sunken path, : The Greedy Goose has (with great views), keep on along cross a stile on your right (which Parking isn’t waymarked and is half hid- a good sized car park. Advisable the green lane as it goes down the slope ahead towards the vil- den in the hedge) and walk to ring before parking though. lage of Little Compton. along the field boundary keep- As you leave the pub car park, Ignore paths to each side next ing the hedge on your right. At turn left then left again at the to a telegraph pole and keep on the far side of the field, cross a next junction (signed The down the slope, where it can be low bridge over a brook then fol- Rollrights) and walk along the a little boggy, especially where a low a track as it bends uphill to verge on the left side of the road. spring runs down the lane. When the left. Walk along the field edge Go past a farm entrance and then the track levels out and you can keeping the hedge and barbed a gate on the left and go through see a gap in the trees ahead to wire fence on your right, then the next gate onto a waymarked your left, keep walking along with where the boundary turns sharp public bridleway on the left. Walk the hedgerow to your right to fol- right, veer diagonally left across on along a grass track, keeping low a track with trees to your left the field, aiming for a gate in the

To Barton-on-the- Heath

Red Lion, To The Little Compton Rollrights

Hogg’s Barn

A44

To The Rollrights START: Greedy Goose

Chastleton Farm House To Chipping Farm Norton

Barrow House

A436 Chastleton Barrow To Adlestrop & Oddington

26 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 distance to the left of the garage you reach the A44 main road. On the far side of the field, of a house ahead. The gate was Take care crossing this road and go through a metal gate to padlocked on our research trip, walk straight on into the small reach a tarmac road with a wide so climb up and down the stone road opposite (signed Chastleton grass verge. If you want to visit steps on the right side then turn Village only). This is a quiet road Chastleton Barrow (an Iron Age left to walk along a dirt track with with green verges in case there is fort which is a calm and contem- a brook to your right. some traffic. Keep on along the plative place in a ring of trees), Go past some farm buildings, road, go past a large house called keep straight on through a gate ignore the right fork, then turn Hogg’s Barn on your right, then opposite, then another beyond, left at a T-junction before imme- cross a wobbly stile next to the to walk into the perfectly round diately turning right at the next second gate on the left after the circle of earthworks (and then (un-named) road junction. Keep end of the house’s beech hedge. retrace your steps back to the on along this narrow road (pass- From the stile, head diagonal- track again and turn right). If ing the bowls club and village ly right, up the slope across the you don’t want to bother with hall), then follow the road round ‘ridge and furrow’ landscape, the Barrow, turn left after going to the left ignoring a turn on the aiming to the left of a large tree through the metal gate and walk right to Barton-on-the-Heath. on the far right edge of the field. along the tarmac road heading After going past a barn with a Cross the double stile and walk towards some farm buildings. green door and a house beyond, on towards the imposing view of Walk all the way to the end of turn right on a waymarked path ahead, then the track where it turns reaches just after that house (which is keep straight on across the next a stable yard, and follow the way- called College House) and head field aiming to the right of a barn marked track to the right where for the gate at the end of the lane on the far side. Go through a it goes between a barn and house ahead. Go through a gap on the waymarked gap to the right of then turn left at the end. Go right of the gate, cross a brook on the barn then follow the right- through a metal gate and keep a concrete bridge then follow the hand perimeter of the next field on in the same general direction track as it bends round to the left as it curves round to the left, between two large barns, then towards some barns, keeping a heading up towards the house. through another gate on the far ranch fence on your right. Where the field boundary turns side of the farmyard to follow the Walk under a weeping willow sharply to the right, strike out track ahead as it turns left to go then follow a waymark arrow on diagonally left to the far corner down the hill. At a crossroads of a telegraph pole which points the of the field, aiming to the left of tracks, turn right and follow that way between two barns, to soon the house and its church towards track all the way up the slope to go through an open gate, and a gate (where you can see a stone eventually cross a cattle grid and then walk straight on, keeping a folly in the field beyond). In the then on to reach the A44 beyond. ranch fence on your right. Enter corner, cross a stile to reach a Turn right on reaching the road an open area and walk straight road where you either turn left to and walk along the wide right- on, keeping a brook and a line of continue the walk or turn right to hand verge all the way to a point trees on your left, which appears see the lovely Chastleton House just before a right-hand junc- to be the back garden of a house. (a Jacobean time-warp, owned by tion where you need to take great At the end of that back garden National Trust – see their website care crossing the road beyond the (don’t enter the gap into the next for opening times and prices) and road-sign to Chastleton House field), turn left on a narrow way- the adjacent St. Mary’s Church to now walk along the left-hand marked track and cross a small (limited opening times). verge. From here, walk past the bridge over the brook. Keep on To continue the walk, turn left front of the Greedy Goose to find when you reach a tarmac road after crossing the stile and walk the entrance to their car park. (ignore the gate on your right) along the tarmac road up the Pubs on the walk route and soon the road gets a little hill away from Chastleton House wider as it goes past houses. Go (don’t use the track on the other Red Lion, Little Compton. Open: straight on at the next road junc- side of the fence ahead). Keep Noon–11pm every day. www. tion and then, although it’s not along the road (which is a bit of a theredlioninnlittlecompton. obvious at first, the Red Lion slog) as it winds its way past the com/. Usually two beers from pub is on your right as you reach car park for the House and then Donnington Brewery range. a T-junction ahead. You might turn left across a cattle grid to the Greedy Goose, Salford Hill. want a quick drink, but if not, to left of an ‘Exit Traffic’ sign where Open: Noon–11pm every day. continue the walk turn left at the the road bends sharply right. As www.thegreedygoosemoreton. T-junction then almost immedi- soon as you cross the cattle grid, co.uk/. Up to three real ales, ately go through a wooden kiss- turn right and walk through a usually from North Cotswold ing gate on your right to walk gate to enter a field, then follow Brewery range. Note that along a waymarked path. a well-trodden path up the slope although it has a post code of Go through two more wooden ahead across the grass, aiming GL56 0SP it is just inside the gates, turn right to walk around to the right of some trees in the North Oxfordshire Branch. the field perimeter and soon you middle of the field and walk on to Both pubs do meals – see their need to go through a gate when the top of the field ahead. websites for dining times. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 28 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 Round-Up Of Recent Local Beer Festivals Rose & Crown, Charlbury Church Hanborough Winter Beer Festival Beer Festival The 10th annual festival took A new festival at Church place over the last weekend of Hanborough in February saw a January, and it has grown over great selection of ales from North the years to become a popular Oxon Branch breweries Church event that attracts beer fans Hanbrewery, Little Ox, Oxbrew, from a wide area looking to Turpin and Hook Norton, along enjoy a rare winter season event. with beers from Tap Social in This year’s festival followed Botley, Shotover in Horspath the trend of previous years and Barn Owl from Gozzard’s where, amongst the 22 real ales Ford. Let’s hope this becomes an included a four-tap ‘takeover’ of annual event. beers from one featured brewery Kelham Island six-malt Black – this year it was ales from Tiny Lightning and the wonderful Christian from Church Rebel, with Dutty, Juicy, the Full Tap Social Up The Town, a rare Hanbrewery reports: Nelson and the wonderful Stay cask offering from the adventur- Having formed an organis- Puft Marshmallow Porter cover- ous brewery in Botley, Oxford. ing committee involving some ing most beer styles. Lovebeer’s Hair Of The Doug church members, the local New World hop-lovers were and Hop Kettle’s Red Star publican, villagers, and the local well catered for, with Oakham’s were greatly appreciated at the brewery, Church Hanbrewery, Nelson Sauvin, Loddon Winter stronger end of the scale, with we didn’t have long to organize Rays and Tollgate’s California Elland’s sublime 1872 Porter this inaugural beer festival. Steam session beers, while those proving most people’s deeply The biggest challenge was for who prefer more tradition- rich, smooth and tasty finale. sponsorship from local busi- al character could savour ales Make a note to be at their nesses and promote the event. such as Phipps Bison Brown and 2019 festival, which should be The aim was to attract 250 beer Penpont’s Beast of Bodmin – so taking place as usual on the last drinkers and sell 1,000 pints. everyone’s tastes were covered. weekend of January. The event took place on Highlights for me were the Keith Rigley 3rd February and it surpassed all expectations. The event BEER FESTIVAL DIARY Entrance gives unlimited travel on sold over the beer ordered and the trains for the day of purchase MARCH JUNE attracted just under 1,000 peo- ple, raising good funds for char- 16–17: Wantage Beer Festival. 28 2: Stratton Audley Food, Beer & ales, 7 cider & perries Music Festival. 11am to 6pm. 9 ales, ity and the church. 16–17: Winslow Lions Club Beer 3 ciders and a Perry. Free entry Positive feedback received Festival, Bucks. 40 beer & ciders. 2: Chadlington Beer Festival. Noon from the community during and Winslow Public Hall onwards. 25 ales & cider. Food & after the event has been over- 22: Bristol Beer Festival, Temple entertainment Meads. 140 ales 40 ciders & 30: Charlbury Beer Festival. 50 whelming and the committee are perries, ticket only ales, cider, food, Aunt Sally World already working with the church 29–1 Apr: Hop Pole Beer Festival, Champs. Charlbury Cricket Club for the event in 2019. Bicester Rd, Aylesbury 30: Beer & Cider Festival. APRIL 12–11pm, Fringford village cricket 27–28: Gloucester Beer & Cider ground OX27 8EB. 30+ ales & 10 Festival, Blackfriars Priory, ciders Southgate. 100 ales & 30 ciders JULY MAY 13–14: 8th Buckingham Beer, Cider 3–6: Reading Beer Festival, & Music Festival. Fri 7–11, Sat Christchurch, Caversham 12–12. Buckingham Rugby Club 5: Witney Beer Festival, St Mary’s MK18 1RF. 40+ ales & 10 ciders Church, Church Green 13–15: Horse & Groom Caulcott 5–13: Oxford Beer Week. Real ale Bastille Day Festival. 18 ales, cider events in Oxfordshire during the & perry, food & live music week. See www.facebook.com/ 21: Hook Norton Festival of Fine oxbeerweek Ales. From noon 10–12: Banbury Beer & Cider AUGUST Festival. About 100 real ales 7–11: Great British Beer Festival, and ciders, East Midlands is the Olympia, London featured region. Details front page 24–27: Bell, Lower Heyford Beer 26–28: Steam Festival Real Ale & Festival. 8 ales & 7 ciders, food & Left: Christian from Church Hanbrewery (left) Cider Weekend, Winchcombe. entertainment and Rector David Tyler at the bar in the church.

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 BBCF Trip To Thornbridge Brewery And Derby Thornbridge Brewery and Derby to present it with certificates for ing start at Enstone, the planned are the destinations for the their winning beers. From there pick-up points include Middle Banbury Beer & Cider Festival the group will transfer to a local Barton, , Bicester and helpers’ trip this year on Saturday CAMRA award-winning pub. Banbury. Please note that the 31st March, for what promises to The trip then moves on to coach will leave pick-up points be an excellent day out. Derby where everyone is free to at stated times so trippers are From local pick-up points explore and enjoy the city and requested to arrive at their stop the coach will head to the its wide range of real ale pubs 15 mins before the set time. A Derbyshire village of Bakewell at their leisure. A list and map pick-up time schedule will be to visit Thornbridge Brewery, of real ale pubs in Derby will be emailed to all those who book. which was set up in 2005 and provided. After an early evening BBCF 2016 and 2017 helpers since then its beers have won departure, there will be the tra- are already booking for the trip over 350 awards. A new brew- ditional comfort stop at another and there are spaces available for ery, with taproom and shop CAMRA pub en route home. others who would like to join us. was built in 2009 to accommo- The cost of the trip is £10 If interested, details are available date increasing demand. Their for BBCF helpers. For non- on the Branch website at www. St Petersburg Imperial Russian BBCF helpers the cost is £15 for northoxon.camra.org.uk Stout (7.4%) won Champion Beer CAMRA members and £20 for Bookings: Contact Andrew at BBCF 2016 and their Cocoa non-members, which includes Davison on 01869 277551 or Wonderland (6.8%) won Silver transport from pick-up and [email protected] to at BBCF 2017; hence the loca- return points at a range of local book your place(s) which are on tion for this trip for the Branch locations. From an early morn- a first come first served basis.

The Muddy Duck offers you great quality food and drink without any pretentions of grandeur. The pub and restaurant live very happily under one roof with different offers for different moods – laid back or more refined. Waddle our way!

SNUG, WELCOMING PUB • THE MALTHOUSE RESTAURANT TERRACE DINING UNDER PARASOLS • QUICKY BEER GARDEN

MAIN ST, , NR BICESTER, OX27 8ES T. 01869 278099 W. THEMUDDYDUCKPUB.CO.UK F. FACEBOOK.COM/THEMUDDYDUCKPUB

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2018 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA. Edited by Stephen Lympany • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Henry Ling, Dorchester, Dorset 30 Beer on Tap – Spring 2018 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31