FREE Issue 47 Winter 2011 Please take one

Newsletter of Shakespeare branch of CAMRA - Real ale in Shakespeare Country and The Vale under threat ...what you can do about it We all know that pubs are continuing to shut at an alarming rate. Statistics from the British Beer and Association show that there are still as many as 25 a week shutting. Last year Your Pub about 1,300 pubs were lost for good and that represents about needs you! 13,000 jobs. Theories abound as to why this is the to buy from any supplier and as a result response. case, ranging from supermarket trading can shop around for the best deals. So far more than 3,000 people have to the impact of the smoking ban and CAMRA has been tirelessly battling contacted their MPs and asked them our own changing leisure habits. There is this inequality for a number of years to tell the Government that now is the probably some truth in them all. with successive governments and the time for Pub Company reform, but just CAMRA’s own research has shown Office of Fair Trading. More recently they one final push is needed to convince the that almost twice as many ‘tied’ pubs forced a parliamentary inquiry which Government to act on the Committee’s close for good compared to those recommended fundamental reforms recommendations. ‘free of tie’. requiring Pub Companies to provide free of Please take just 2 minutes to visit In a tied pub the landlord is obliged to tie and guest beer options. the campaign website at http://bit. buy beer from the company from which The Parliamentary Select Committee ly/backpubwatch, or use the CAMRA the premises are leased, (Punch Taverns recognised that the big pub companies are website, www.CAMRA.org.uk, to send and Enterprise Inns are the market slowly destroying countless pubs through a pre-written email to your MP asking leaders). This generally means that the excessive rental demands and inflated them to call on the Government to tenant pays substantially more for beer wholesale beer prices but we now need back these recommendations. than independent publicans, who are free the Government to act on the Committee’s Your local pub needs you... Act no w!

S&NPC

See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk WYE’S WORDS No. 36

MERRY CHRISTMAS “”AND A HPA NEW YEAR

HPA is a truly delightful pale ale that gives hardworking real-ale lovers a taste that’s distinctively different. Carefully made using Styrian Goldings and locally grown Target hops, HPA is smooth on the palate and boasts a citrus hop aroma leading to a balanced bitter fi nish. Join us by raising a glass to the festive season – and to a HPA new year! www.WyeValleyBrewery.co.uk SHARE OUR TASTE FOR REAL LIFE Pub News... 10th out of 20,000 entrants. by two locals participating in The Great Cleeve Prior, Certainly the couple are proving a hit North Run, £300 was raised for local Evesham with locals and attracting discerning charity Shipston Home Nursing and a A branch welcome to a new team drinkers and food lovers. We wish them quiz and raffle raised over £500 for ‘First breathing fresh life into The Kings the very best of luck in their venture. Response’ a local organization first to Arms as partners Bryan Marshall, front arrive at accidents etc. and assess the of house and chef Peter Seville took over Alcester need for paramedics and other services. this Enterprise lease in early September. Another real ale pump in Alcester, this It’s a wonder the locals have any money Both huge fans of real ale and good time at The Turks Head, High Street. left over for beer! food, the couple are already exploring Amongst much ‘pomp and ceremony’ the variety of beers they can offer, branch member the Reverend Cannon Stratford possibly through the SIBA scheme and David Capron launched a fourth pump Huge congratulations on two fronts to playing with menus. Two beers on offer early in October. Licensee Carl Buxton landlord Roger, wife Helen and all the when we visited, Adnams Southwold says he installed a fourth pump at the team at The West End. First the pub’s and Otter Bitter, made a pleasant Turks in response to customer demand inclusion in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide change and were in excellent condition. after discussing various options with 2012, an accolade indeed, and second, In a battle against a growing trend of the Shires Magazine fast food the couple are introducing Overall Award of ‘Slow Down Sunday’ where slow cooked Excellence for pub classics such as rolled belly of lamb food. and heels of beef will be on offer. The The pub keeps a range general dining offer though will be of real ales from quite flexible with everything from around the UK as well pub classics to a full a la carte menu as regularly featuring available. local brewers such as The pub is certainly a leap of faith as North Cotswold. neither have previous hands on pub More importantly experience, although Bryan has worked, their first Beer Festival (front of house), in a Michelin Starred took place over two restaurant. This is Peter’s first kitchen regulars and decided to do so ‘with a bit days in November and featured ales after training, following a successful run of theatre’ to coincide with National Real from Scotland, Lake District, Isle of in BBC’s ‘Masterchef’ where he came in Ale Week. Man and many areas of England and We are certainly happy to see it and very . Proceedings commenced at 1230 happy that Carl turns over sufficient on Friday 25th when the Festival was quantities of real ale to warrant it. opened by The Mayor, Mr. W. Dowling. In Roger’s own words, “We try to Oxhill offer something for everyone, both Close but no cigar for Pam and Yvonne our regulars and new faces”. They’re at The Peacock who narrowly missed certainly doing that. a national accolade in the Morning Advertiser Pub Awards. Our own Shipston respect and admiration goes out to Alas The Falcon, of which we had such them though as one of the most active hopes, has closed its doors. There is, charity fundraising pubs in the area. however, work going on in there and we So far this year a local pub quiz added expect it to reopen with a new landlord £300 to £700 collected in sponsorship in early December.

See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 3 Pub News... Sharon, who we welcomed to The luck and trust their stay will be long and Stratford Sandy’s Arms in the last issue, didn’t successful. Excellent news from our one of our stay long and actually left the pub Good Beer Guide favourites. The Bear before the newsletter was published. at The Swan’s Nest are adding beer Shipston Now we welcome Laura Milward and pump number 8 extending their range A worrying sight for Jim Sargeant, our partner Benj Carter who, just to add to still further. The majority (6 out of 8) ‘deep south correspondent’ when he the confusion will be getting married will be dedicated to regional beers saw a ‘For Sale’ sign outside The Black about the time this issue is published and the other two to ‘nationals’. Our Horse, Shipston and the pub closed and so will be Laura and Benj Carter. The man in Stratford is still nagging for a in late October. Fortunately it stayed couple were living in the village when permanent real cider so...watch this closed for just a week whilst temporary the pub came available and leapt at the space. managers Debbie and Stuart moved chance to run it. Dumbleton born Laura in. Apparently our ‘Yorkshire lasses’, appreciates the good local crowd who Victoria McFarlane and mum Sue who Evesham use the Sandy’s but hopes that a period ran the pub since August 2008 left They’re just trying to get us worried. of consistent management might before Jim had a chance to say ‘goodbye’ Strawberry Fields closed its doors in encourage back many villagers driven so if they’re reading this, ‘thanks and mid-October but only for about three away by the recent repeated changes. goodbye’ and wherever you are we wish weeks. Following a major refurbishment Benj, a chef for over ten years intends you well. it now boasts a new front extension, to enhance the menu and increase posh loos and new furniture and restaurant turnover and between Alcester fittings. At least the beer has stayed them the couple will bring in live The Roebuck looked totally gutted the same. entertainment and quiz nights to when we drove past in October. Good amuse the customers. The beers, Bass news is this is for a total refit and with Wickhamford... again as a regular and one changing guest luck it should open as another real ale Even the most illustrious publications will remain the same. venue before Christmas. get it wrong sometimes. Frank and We wish Laura and Benj the very best of Keep em coming!

major changes planned, just a bit of ceremony arranged by local ‘Bellman’, Bidford decoration and some rearranging to (Town Crier) Rory Duff, where Bidford A big branch welcome to Kevin and take advantage of the open fireplace. ale taster Richard Aston and very Lesley Haywood who took over The The couple aim to keep the traditional special guest Frank Speirs gave the Bulls Head on 2nd September. Both pub atmosphere with plenty of pub thumbs up to the Birmingham born and raised they teams, regular music sessions and Bulls Head moved to Bidford three years ago a popular food trade, (which may beers. Aged and are delighted to take on a pub extend to include Sunday lunches in 87 Frank they both enjoyed as customers. No the near future). was born Kevin had no previous experience on in the pub the working side of the bar but he when it is passionate about his real ales, has was run by joined the local CAMRA branch and his father hopes to stage a beer festival in the and worked pub garden next year. There is a 10% there for a while discount to CAMRA members on food when his brother Fred and a discount on real ale is under took over some 25 years ago. Certainly consideration. he’s their longest serving regular and Mid November saw an ale tasting still enjoys a pint. l Kevin and Lesley Haywood

4 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2012 More Pub News... FaggotsGolden are BACK! Cross Locally Produced, Fresh, Seasonal Food The with Fantastically Conditioned Ales and a Great Atmosphere Debbie and the team will welcome you and ensure your stay is enjoyable whilst behind the scenes our four very talented chefs led by Sam take great pride in sourcing only the finest quality local produce and prepare all of our food freshly on the premises. All our menus are available throughout our Bar and Restaurant areas as well as our Patio & Gardens. We regularly change our menu to ensure we use fresh seasonal produce and the specials boards change every few days. The Original Golden Cross Faggots Are Back!! People used to travel from far and wide for The Golden Cross Faggots. We have secured the original recipe and have brought them back, the only thing missing are the dolls to watch you eat them (for those that remember) Don’t Miss Out! Christmas Fayre Menu December 1st - 24th The Golden Cross, Wixford Road, Ardens Grafton, Warwickshire B50 4LP 01789 772420 www.thegoldencross.net opening times NOW Bar 12pm to 3pm & 5pm to 11pm Monday to Thursday TAKING 12pm to 12 am Friday & Saturday • 12pm to 10.30pm Sunday FOR OKINGS BO AS Food 12pm to 2.30p & 5pm to 9pm Mon to Fri CHRISTM 12pm to 9pm Saturday and 12pm to 8pm Sunday A change of licensee at The Golden Cross sees Debbie Honychurch take the reins Debbie has worked at The Golden Cross, Ardens Grafton for over 5 years and managed it for the previous licensee for the last 3½. She is l Howard and Debbie delighted now to have the opportunity to put her own mark on this popular Charles Wells local. In her own words she looks forward to ‘bringing it back to the village’ and in 5 weeks, (at the time of talking), since taking over had already staged a number of local events raising over £1000 for charity. She is certainly injecting a local flavour with lots of interest in the Christmas Markets which will run every Sunday in December featuring local produce sold by the locals and photographs of local scenes by photographer Marge Garth Pritchard whose pictures will adorn the walls. Debbie’s not alone in her endeavours however: as well as giving plenty of credit to her kitchen and front of house teams, she says she’s ably assisted on occasions by village born and bred boyfriend, local carpenter, Howard Benjamen. Debbie’s biggest boast however is the return of the ‘Original Golden Cross Faggot’ which, apparently people used to travel many miles to sample. The pub has secured the original recipe and are now proud to bring them back to the menu. For those who remember, the only thing missing are the rather scary china dolls around the walls which used to watch you eat.

See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 5 j y g g ppy It’s great to see new manager beers of summer but says his fa- a cider on at any time. We also What I did on my hols….. Sean Rudd hit the ground running vourite tipple is Saddlers Mud look forward to a ‘Meet the I thought it would be of interest to include accounts from our readers of interesting s he returned to the Olde City Stout. Obviously a man of Wadworth Brewer’ night in the places and pubs they visited outside the branch area. It could also act as a guide to anyone going to the same towns etc. This is the first, from our own ‘Postman’ Mike. I Swanne Inn just in time for the discerning taste then we wish him near future. should say that having seen the pictures I know Mike did a lot more than visit pubs and Autumn beer festival. Sean previ- all the best in Evesham and ex- pect great things. drink in this beautiful country, but he obviously did a lot of that too. Stratford Alcester Despite being arranged quite Mike ‘Postman’ Hyde On Tour in Scotland Congratulations once again to late in the day licensee Luke In October I holidayed in Scot- the shadow of Inverness castle is produced in Scotland. Pub News... Shaz and the irrepressible Dave Murphy was delighted with the land. My first point of call after a the appropriately named Castle Next day I took a drive to the of discerning taste then we wish him all at any time. We also look forward to a journey of over 500 miles was at Tavern. Here were 5 interesting Evesham at Thethe White best in Evesham Lion and who expect greatraised ‘Meetturnout the Wadworth when Brewer’ customers night in the were lovely town of Gairloch and sam- It’s great to see new manager Sean Rudd beers including Three Sisters an impressivethings. £377 for Breast nearinvited future. to meet Hook Norton at the Cairn Hotel, Carrbridge for a Ourpled home three for the halves most ofof the the weekend beers on hit the ground running as he returned to pint of Black Isle Porter (4.6%) (4.2%) from the Atlas Brewery. I Cancer Care at their Pink Ca- The Salmon Tail, Stratford. at the OldThe Inn Fat before Cat returning to the Olde Swanne Inn just in time for before settling in for a couple of also tried the local Wetherspoons, the Autumn beer festival. Sean previouslysino nightAlcester in October. StratfordBrewery reps Ian Sparrow and Ullapool and the Argyll Hotel Despite being arranged quite late in the nights at the Cairngorm Hotel, the Kings Highway but was dis- worked here as Assistant Manager underThe pubCongratulations continues once again to pull to Shaz in and the Serena Williams held court and where I tried my first beer from both Joel Moniz and Dave Waddell before the irrepressible Dave at The White day licensee Luke Murphy was delighted Aviemore. After the journey I appointed with the choice avail- withanswered the turnout when questions customers were armed with the An Teallach brewery, Sail heading off for a stint in Worcester’s puntersLion with who raised regular an impressive events £377 forsuch needed to stretch my legs so had Postal Order and has always had a as ‘SizzlingBreast Cancer Mondays’, Care at their Pink a Casino invitedmalts to meet and Hook hops Norton usedat The in Hook Mhum (4.4%) Salmon Tail, Stratford. Brewery reps a stroll to The Old Bridge Inn hand in cellar work and beer quality. weeklynight speciality in October. sausage night, Norton beers as well as samples The following morning heralded The pub continues to pull in the punters Ian Sparrow and Serena Williams held where I was delighted to find quizzes and community events. courtof and the answered beers questions themselves. armed Flag- the local Cairngorm brewery the start of the Ullapool Beer usly worked here as Assistant with regular events such as ‘Sizzling We alsoMondays’, look a weekly forward speciality to sausage Dave’s withship malts, andHooky hops used Bitter in Hook Nortonand Hooky offerings of Black Gold (4.4%) Festival which showcases the best Manager under both Joel Moniz beers as well as samples of the beers first offernight, quizzes of Burns and community Night events. enter- Dark were on offer and very and The Stag (4.2%) and a Cale- of Scottish micro brewers. There nd Dave Waddell before heading We also look forward to Dave’s first offer themselves. Flagship, Hooky Bitter and tainment on Friday 27th January Hookynice Dark they were on were offer and too! very nice donian beer. Back at my hotel was a fine selection of beers ff for a stint in Worcester’s of Burns Night entertainment on Friday when he promises that Poetry they were too! along with Stag and Black Gold available and all in excellent con- Postal Order and has always had 27th January when he promises that and HaggisPoetry and will Haggis was Harviestoun Bitter & dition, a very enjoyable couple of hand in cellar work and beer be plentiful.will be plentiful. Twisted (3.8%). days. quality. Sean’s had plenty of ex- The growing The growing erience outsideSean’s of had the plenty Wether- of experience outside success might of Leaving the car behind next Blackfriars Highland Pub Leaving Ullapool I headed to poons chain;of some the Wetherspoons Alcester chain; some Alcestersuccess course might be due toof day, I took the train to Inverness ‘…..the best of the lot’ Fortrose and the Anderson. This members maymembers remember may remember him him from Tcoursehe the be excellent due ales to then the bus to Clachnaharry had beers from Harviestoun, Nelson where he worked a couple of and ciders on offer able and was soon on my way to rom The Nelson where he the excellent ales and the Clachnaharry Inn. Yates and Coniston Breweries, years ago and before that he worked for especially now the next and best of the lot, worked a coupleGreene of King, years (hardly ago surprising and as heand was cidersthat a third on real There I found a splendid array on but I resisted these to return to Blackfriars. This is a terrific efore that heborn worked in Bury St for Edmunds), Greene where he offerwas especiallyale pump has been beers on offer including some Inverness to revisit the Castle pub with a great choice of top King, (hardlyassistant surprising manager as in another he was Good Beernow thatfitted acourtesy third from the Inveralmond and The Tavern and of course Blackfri- Guide pub in South Wales. of Wadworth quality ales. I tried Orkney orn in Bury St Edmunds), where real ale pump Isle of Skye Breweries, but all too ars. This time even the Kings A keen ale drinker himself Sean has brewery. This Dragonhead Stout (4.8%), Atlas he was assistant manager in an- soon it was time to catch the bus Highway had some decent beers been enjoying the light hoppy beers hasof beenmeans fitted we should l Hook Norton Rep Serena Williams Mimbus (5%), Orkney Corn- ther Good Beersummer Guide but says pubhis favourite in tipple is find at least two entertains Shakespeare CAMRA at back to Inverness in order to ex- available, but I had an evening courtesy of Wad- crake(4.1%) and Highland’s South Wales.Saddlers Mud City Stout. Obviously a worthman ales brewery. and a cider on The Salmon Tail plore the city centre. appointment back at the Ander- Hook Norton Rep. Serena Williams entertains Scapa Special (4.2%). All were son in Fortrose with the Highland A keen ale drinker himself Sean This means we Shakespeare CAMRA at The Salmon Tail in superb condition and it was and Western Isles branch of with some reluctance that I tore CAMRA. These fine fellows myself away to catch the train were having a beer tasting event T he Horseshoe Inn back to Aviemore. which included a beer from the Shipston-on-Stour Fortified by a mighty breakfast USA, Rogue Dead Gun Ale A real pub with real ales, real food next morning I drove the 70 miles (6.2%). I had a great night and it and friendly banter to Ullapool. First stop was the was a fitting finale to my wonder- Open all day every day • Food served lunchtime and Evening (not Sunday evening) ful holiday. Ferryboat Inn for a swift Cale- donian 80/- before booking in at Telephone 01608 662190 • www.horseshoeshipston.com Scotland is a lovely country, has the Morefield Motel. Beers on some great beers and I’ll be back offer here were from the Orkney next year. 6 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2012 and Cairngorm breweries and I was also interested to find a Scot- tish cider from Thirsty Cross. 6 A rare sight south of the border 23 A l h l l id j y g g ppy It’s great to see new manager beers of summer but says his fa- a cider on at any time. We also What I did on my hols….. Sean Rudd hit the ground running vourite tipple is Saddlers Mud look forward to a ‘Meet the I thought it would be of interest to include accounts from our readers of interesting s he returned to the Olde City Stout. Obviously a man of Wadworth Brewer’ night in the places and pubs they visited outside the branch area. It could also act as a guide to anyone going to the same towns etc. This is the first, from our own ‘Postman’ Mike. I Swanne Inn just in time for the discerning taste then we wish him near future. should say that having seen the pictures I know Mike did a lot more than visit pubs and Autumn beer festival. Sean previ- all the best in Evesham and ex- pect great things. drink in this beautiful country, but he obviously did a lot of that too. Stratford Alcester Despite being arranged quite Mike ‘Postman’ Hyde On Tour in Scotland late in the day licensee Luke In October I holidayed in Scot- the shadow of Inverness castle is produced in Scotland. Congratulations once again to Shaz and the irrepressible Dave Murphy was delighted with the land. My first point of call after a the appropriately named Castle Next day I took a drive to the at The White Lion who raised turnout when customers were journey of over 500 miles was at Tavern. Here were 5 interesting lovely town of Gairloch and sam- beers including Three Sisters an impressive £377 for Breast invited to meet Hook Norton at the Cairn Hotel, Carrbridge for a Ourpled home three for the halves most ofof the the weekend beers on pint of Black Isle Porter (4.6%) (4.2%) from the Atlas Brewery. I Cancer Care at their Pink Ca- The Salmon Tail, Stratford. at the OldThe Inn Fat before Cat returning to before settling in for a couple of also tried the local Wetherspoons, sino night in October. Brewery reps Ian Sparrow and Ullapool and the Argyll Hotel nights at the Cairngorm Hotel, the Kings Highway but was dis- The pub continues to pull in the Serena Williams held court and where I tried my first beer from Aviemore. After the journey I appointed with the choice avail- answered questions armed with the An Teallach brewery, Sail punters with regular events such needed to stretch my legs so had as ‘Sizzling Mondays’, a malts and hops used in Hook Mhum (4.4%) a stroll to The Old Bridge Inn weekly speciality sausage night, Norton beers as well as samples where I was delighted to find The following morning heralded quizzes and community events. of the beers themselves. Flag- the local Cairngorm brewery the start of the Ullapool Beer usly worked here as Assistant We also look forward to Dave’s ship, Hooky Bitter and Hooky offerings of Black Gold (4.4%) Festival which showcases the best Manager under both Joel Moniz first offer of Burns Night enter- Dark were on offer and very and The Stag (4.2%) and a Cale- of Scottish micro brewers. There nd Dave Waddell before heading tainment on Friday 27th January nice they were too! donian beer. Back at my hotel was a fine selection of beers ff for a stint in Worcester’s when he promises that Poetry along with Stag and Black Gold available and all in excellent con- Postal Order and has always had and Haggis will was Harviestoun Bitter & dition, a very enjoyable couple of hand in cellar work and beer be plentiful. Twisted (3.8%). days. quality. Sean’s had plenty of ex- The growing erience outside of the Wether- Leaving the car behind next Blackfriars Highland Pub Leaving Ullapool I headed to poons chain; some Alcester success might of day, I took the train to Inverness ‘…..the best of the lot’ Fortrose and the Anderson. This course be due to Broom still to be decided and will be Wixford. It is popularhad with beers from Harviestoun, members may remember him BroomItthen looks the like bus one to of Clachnaharry the based on customer preference, locals but does attract discern- It looks like one of ableCAMRA’s and was soon Great on my wayBritish to Pubs rom The Nelson where he the excellent ales branch’sand the bestClachnaharry kept secrets is Innthe. fourth is dedicated to real ing diners from all overYates to and Coniston Breweries, the branch’s best kept theA next new publication and best described of the as lot, ‘the ultimate celebration worked a couple of years ago and and ciders on steppingThere I upfound to the a mark splendid and arraycider on and Thatchers Cheddar enjoy its traditional pubbut food, I resisted these to return to secrets is stepping Blackfriarsof the nation’s. favourite This is pastime’ a terrific and two of our local pubs efore that he worked for Greene offer especially enteringbeers on the offer real ale including fray. The someValley is the first to be trialled. log fires and friendly Invernessatmos- to revisit the Castle upbeautiful to the mark 16 andth century Broom At the timepub of makeour with visit the a grade. the great ales choicephere. Nowof top it can attract dis- King, (hardly surprising as he was now that a third from the Inveralmond and The Beer writer Adrian Tierney-Jones, The George Tavern and of course Blackfri- enteringHall Inn the real under ale the steward- on offer quality ales. I triedcerning Orkney drinkers too and, as orn in Bury St Edmunds), where real ale pump fray.shipIsle The ofof beautiful licensee Skye Breweries, David Carvell but were…………………….. all too details over 200 public housesit’s in 23open Hotel from simply 10.00am ars to. This time even the Kings Dragonheadcategories that make Stout up CAMRA’s (4.8%), as ‘rooms,Atlas he was assistant manager in an- has been fitted 16thhassoon century revamped it Broomwas thetime cellar to catchand theThe bus family owned Broom midnight every day, there’sHighway had some decent beers Hall Inn under the MimbusGreat British (5%), Pubs, with Orkney listings and Corn-good food ther Good Beer Guide pub in installedback to fourInverness handpulls. in Threeorder toHall ex- Inn is a littlefull-colour off photography the illustratingplenty ofand time beer’ enjoy theavailable, beers but I had an evening courtesy of Wad- stewardship of licensee crake(4.1%) and Highland’s ofplore the fourthe willcity be centre. dedicated to beaten track, seta host back of excellent from pubs the from on the offer. and reads, appointment back at the Ander- South Wales. worth brewery. David Carvell has Hook Norton Rep. Serena Williams entertains real ale, exactly which ales is road betweenScapa Bidfordseaside Special to the and city and (4.2%). from the All...this were is an son in Fortrose with the Highland A keen ale drinker himself Sean revamped the cellar and installed four handpulls. Three of This means we Shakespeare CAMRA at The Salmon Tail in superbhistoric to the condition ultra-modern. and itinn was in the the four will be dedicated to real ale, exactly which ales is Our own Hooky gems The Castle, full sense of the word,and Western Isles branch of Our ownwith Hooky some gems reluctanceThe Castle, thatthat I thetore monks of the middle ages still to be decidedCAMRA’s and will be based on customer prefer- Edge Hill and The George Hotel, offering good food CAMRA.and drink and These fine fellows Edge Hillmyself and The away George to Hotelcatch, thewould train have been proud of.” ence, the fourth is dedicated to real cider and Thatchers Lower Brailes have both made the sleeping time that thewere monks havingof a beer tasting event Great British Pubs Lower Brailes have both made the Cheddar Valley is the first to be trialled. The family owned backcoveted to pages.Aviemore. Ofthe course middle ages there’s would have an beenexcellent range A new publication described as coveted pages. which included a beer from the Broom Hall Inn is a little off the beaten track, set back The Castle described in visual ofproud Hook of.” Norton beers in both pubs ‘the ultimate celebration of the The Castle describedterms as ‘a showstopper’ in visual is Of course there’s an USA,excellent range Rogue Dead Gun Ale from the road between Bidford and Wixford. It is popular Fortified by a mighty breakfasttoo! nation’s favourite pastime’ and terms as ‘a showstopper’commended for it’s ‘tranquilis com- garden’ of Hook Norton beers(6.2%). in both I had a great night and it with locals but does attract discerning diners from all over next morning I drove the 70 miles two of our local pubs make the mended for it’sand ‘magnificent ‘tranquil scenery’.garden’ The book There’spubs too! plenty to enjoy its celebrated steak meals, log fires and friendly to Ullapool. First stop was the was a fitting finale to my wonder- grade and ‘magnificentalso praises scenery’. their ‘Boozy The Bullock’ Pie, moreThere’s informa- plenty more information atmosphere. Now it can attract discerning drinkers too Ferryboatmade with mild Inn and the for range a of swifttionbut Cale- tobut find to it youfind shouldful reallyholiday. buy Beer writer Adrian Tierney-Jones, book also praises their ‘Boozy Bul- and as it’s open from 10.00am to midnight everyday, vegetarian food available. the book, £14.99 from all good details over 200 public houses in 23 lock’ Pie,donian made with 80/- mild before and the booking it you in should at Scotland is a lovely country, has there’s plenty of time to enjoy the beers on offer. The book attributes the success of booksellers. categories that make up CAMRA’s range of thevegetarian Morefield food available. Motel. Beersreally buyon the book, £14.99 some great beers and I’ll be back Great British Pubs, with listings The bookoffer attributes here the were success from of the Orkney next year. and full-colour photography illus- from all good See our websiteThe www.shakespearecamra.org.ukGeorgeand Hotel Cairngorm simply as breweries and I 7 trating a host of excellent pubs booksellers. ‘rooms, goodwas foodalso and interested beer’ and to find a Scot- from the seaside to the city and reads, “...this is an inn in the full tish cider from Thirsty Cross. 6 fromA the rare historic sight southto the ultra-of the border sense of the word, offering2 good3 modern. food andA drink and sleeping l h time l l id

8 Shakespeare visits … an exceedingly good day out! September saw the branch the SIBA Na- celebrate the winning beer tional Competition early from Stratford’s Beer and in 2011.) Cider Festival in June. Clad Brewery manager Kelly in our Festival shirts, Ryan and his partner who (sponsored by Cannon Roy- runs The Coach and all Brewery) and courtesy Horses at Dronfield, Der- once more of a minibus from byshire, (effectively the Responsive Accessible Thornbridge Brewery Transport, a tidy and sober Tap), welcomed us at said 16 of us made an early start pub with an array of four to present Thornbridge Thornbridge beers plus Old Poets Corner brewers with a thank you guest ales and a couple of and certificate for giving us pints each on the house. It Old Poets Corner, at Ash- Kipling. certainly got the day’s cele- over (just outside Chester- field). Home of Ashover Brewery, Chesterfield and District CAMRA PotY on a couple of occasions and CAMRA’s National Cider Pub of the Year the Poets lived up to all our expecta- tions. An impromptu brew- ery visit, courtesy of Kim Beresford and a belly stretching buffet lunch were GUILD ST. only topped by the quality WARKWICKWAY and range of beers available, BRIDGEWAY (nine in total including four BRIDGEFOOT

TIDDINGTON RD from Ashover). What can I BANBURY RD A442 say? Another one just not to RSC Like a red army Shakespeare descends on Derbyshire be missed. 5Now real 7 ales real ales SWAN’S NEST (Incidentally, festival voters brations off to a fine start We dragged ourselves away 28 wines by the glass WATERSIDE can pride themselves on and the assembly were al- and headed off to Telephone: 01789 265 540 Swan’s Nest, CV37 7LT having excellent taste as ready in high spirits by the Ashbourne, to The Green premium draught lagers 5 minutes walk from the RSC Kipling is celebrating an time Festival Organiser Man and Black’s Head fabulous pub food unprecedented set of awards Julian Stoninski made the Royal Hotel, (I must re- Sunday roast by winning the recent SIBA certificate presentation. search the origins of that (Society of Independent I would strongly recommend name), and home of Leath- Brewers Association) Mid- this friendly roadside pub, erbritches Brewery. In fair- lands Beer Competition. with four or five Thorn- ness to the pub it caters for a Crowned champion bottled bridge beers constantly on wide range of customers and beer and winner of the offer, to anyone visiting the we called on a busy Satur- Strong Bitters category, area. day afternoon. Whilst the Kipling went on to take the It would have been a waste beer was in good order our Midland’s overall Supreme to go all that way and not to choice of sitting amongst an Champion Beer award. The try a few other hostelries and array of big beer now goes forward to our next port of call was the 8 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2012

16 9 Pies, pies...

A real party atmosphere pervaded Circus Skills Workshop. think were the residents of Evesham who Evesham’s Market Place and Abbey in Celebrity chef and celebrated ‘Pie Man’ can hopefully look forward to a repeat September as the town celebrated its first Tom Bridge was on hand throughout the event next year. Pie and Ale Festival. Councillor James day and judged the main event, the pie Bulman, Mayor of Evesham started the making competition which had over fifty celebrations when he opened the event entries both amateur and professional. in the morning and over a thousand More importantly there was plenty of people joined in the fun throughout the beer and cider available from Purity and day visiting more than forty stalls and Sadlers breweries to wash it all down. enjoying amongst other things ferret There were plenty of happy winners l The Mayor of Evesham, Cllr. James Bulman, racing, traditional Punch and Judy and a following the judging but the biggest I Mayoress and ‘Pie Man’ Tom Bridges ...and more Pies A Party... It was certainly a month for pies as they featured as An excellent turnout at The Bell paid tribute to our three an added attraction at a ‘Meet the Brewer’ evening at founder members and a number of others particularly The Fleece, in early October. The £5.00 instrumental in the development of Shakespeare CAMRA. deal included a pie, chips and peas supper and a Three Ales from the Greene King stable gave us a range of tastes and pint of beer or cider before we were introduced to strengths and a very fine buffet laid-on by licensees Shirley and Colin Stuart Elliott, brewer from Church End Brewery, near Simpson kept us well contented. Plenty of memorabilia was brought Nuneaton, Warwickshire. along by the ancients and we were delighted to hear what it was like Stuart gave us samples of five different beers from in their day. One of the highlights of the night were cakes decorated the Church End Range whilst showing us and talking with the branch logos and a large ‘photo-cake’ picturing our founders through the various hops and malts which gave all baked and organised by Katie Williams our membership Secretary. the beers their distinctive flavours and body. It was Interestingly, it didn’t go unnoticed that having ceremoniously cut the fascinating to be able to see and taste the difference cake our founders all ate their own heads. additional hops or darker malts would make and Stuart kept the rapt attention of the assembled company throughout. Thanks to Nigel for sorting this out and to Stuart for a really interesting evening but most of all, thanks for finally answering the age old question, ’Who ate all the Pies?’

l Stuart, Church End Brewer enjoying his own product enthusiastically l Left to right Rev. David Capron, Mike McVie, Vaughan Hully, Alan Whitbread, supported by Nigel Bob McVie and Andrew Scott

See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 9 Brewery News Wye Valley October saw Wye Valley Chairman Peter Amor eating a home made Dorothy Goodbody’s Wholesome Stout Chocolate Cake as he celebrated 25years as landlord of The Barrels, Hereford. Sounds great but I’m afraid it was a one off baked by one of his regulars. Another ‘one off’ - a chance to try the last remaining Christmas Whiskers, (4.5%abv), described as copper bottles of ‘Wye Not’ (4.5%abv) a malty flavoured coloured, full bodied with a spicy blackcurrant bottle conditioned ale made for the Sainsbury’s finish. The new year brings us Dorothy Goodbody’s beer challenge. The beer made the final 8 from over Ruby Ale, (4.7%), roasted malt, balanced by a little 120 entries but didn’t win and therefore won’t be sweetness and a hoppy finish. Finally, to match the regularly available. The remaining stocks are on sale gold of the daffodils and celebrate St David’s Day, via the Wye Valley Shop at the brewery or via their Cwrw Dewi Sant, (4.4%) will be available throughout website www.wyevalleybrewery.co.uk/shop. February. It’s a smooth and creamy premium bitter, With winter approaching we can look forward to burnished gold in colour and luckily we don’t have to some exciting monthly specials; Through December, pronounce it, just point and drink.

Purity Purity continues to support local events and their beers are popping up all over the area and not just in pubs. They featured strongly at Inkberrow festival in September, were well received at Evesham Pie and Ale Festival and were paired with a variety of cheeses at Stratford Food Festival. Further afield there was more cause for celebration as all three Purity beers won accolades from SIBA at their Midlands Beer Competition, part of the Robin Hood Beer Festival at Nottingham Castle on 13th October. Pure Gold was awarded Gold in the Standard Bitters section and now goes through to compete at the National Beer Competition in February. Mad Goose won Silver in the Best Bitters section and UBU, bronze in the Premium Bitters. Sixty four breweries entered the competition and about 40 to 50 ales from each category competed for these coveted awards. Accolades indeed to the quality and consistency of Purity beers.

involvement in pubs and events around North Cotswold the area. Brewery Ltd. Over recent weeks North Cotswold Lots going on at Ditchford Farm with were major sponsors of The West the newly formed North Cotswold End beer festival in Stratford at which Brewery Ltd. The first new face was the Autumn Ale (4.0%) was well Max B, (B for brewdog), a handsome appreciated. As Autumn stocks run and characterful beer swilling Boxer down however we look forward to dog. Next, Tim McCord who entered some exciting winter brews like their into partnership with brewer Jon Pilling own Christmas pudding of a beer, from the end of October. The new Blitzen (6.0%), Winter Solstice (4.5%) listed company are looking forward which should be available until the end to updating branding on both cask of February and of course, not for the and bottled beers and to even greater faint hearted, Monarch IPA (10%).

10 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2012 Great real ales at your local!

Great real ales at your local!

For more information call 01608 730384 1849 Hand-crafted in the Cotswold Hills or visit www.hooky.co.uk

Available June/July 2011

Why not book a Hook Norton Brewery tour, Visit www.hooky.co.uk to fi nd your where you’ll witness our brewer’s craft and get nearest Hook Norton pint the chance to sample some of our finest beer.

For more information call 01608 730384 1849 Hand-crafted in the Cotswold Hills or visit www.hooky.co.uk Brewery News Patriot Brewery Patriot have ensured their continuing success by having the brewery ‘blessed’ by a visiting Morris group from - even if the blessing doesn’t work it seems they drank enough to keep the brewery afloat for the foreseeable future. All the beers appear to be selling well with Pug I.P.A. (5.6%), Kiwi (4.1%) and Morris Brew, (a delightfully hoppy 3.8%) now entrenched as regular brews. Morris Brew in particular is winning accolades having won ‘Beer of the Festival’ at Littleworth recently and before that, runner-up at both North Oxford and Hook Norton festivals. It was also one of the first to run out at our own. Bird’s Brewery Look out for Bird’s latest offering, ‘Dark Matter’ a slightly sweet ruby ale which they say is just right for long, dark winter nights. The Bird’s Brewery range of beers is now available to buy in 5 litre Mini-Kegs in addition to the traditional 500ml bottle direct from the brewery in Bromsgrove (01527 889870). Director Steve Hammond said, “Our move into Mini-kegs is a bit like deja vu for people of a certain age who remember the good old Party Sevens, beloved of student parties! Fortunately, these Mini-kegs do not also re-decorate the ceiling when opened, having a handy pouring spout and pressure release mechanism which keeps the beer in good condition for up to a week after opening!” The brewery will also be selling 3 bottle Gift Packs which make an excellent present for the beer lovers in your family

Cannon Royall According to Cannon Royall they are, ‘ticking over nicely’ with steady sales of their regular beers. New brews introduced include ‘Grapeshot’ (4.3%abv), a citrussy light ale with grapefruit overtones which has proved popular with lager drinkers; ‘OPA’ (Ombersley Pale Ale) (4.4%abv), a straw coloured session ale with a subtle sweetness which is outselling the IPA and may take over; ‘Royall Canadian’ (3.7% abv), a dark sweet beer which went down very well and should reappear - (good, because I heard good things about it but missed it first time round). One in the pipeline, (or fermenting tank), at the moment is ‘Milwards Musket Ale’ (4.6% abv), a seasonal mild. Despite having the Hartlebury Club as a testing ground for new beers the brewery are also on the lookout for a pub, preferably within 12 miles of the brewery. Keep your eyes open for suitable sites - I’m sure there’ll be a pint or two in it for you if you find them one.

Hook Norton Ovation seems to be the default position at Hook Norton as yet again they have cause to celebrate - this time it’s the Double Stout which has been judged as Europe’s Best Dry Stout in the World Beer Awards. Following a gold award for Hooky Gold at SIBA’s Midlands Region Beer Competition 2011, this makes 13 major awards in national and international competitions this year. December also sees the return of the glorious Twelve Days (5.5% abv) officially described as, ‘a strong dark brown beer, offering a dominantly malty palate with nutty overtones, giving way to a lyrical sweetness that speaks for its strength’. I agree with the recent comments of brewery rep. Serena Williams, ‘It’s Christmas in a bottle’.

12 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2011 Logo Competition – It’s a Fix!!...... (not really) In the last issue of Shakes- included an option to retain lected and thanks for the Good beer we asked readers and poor old ‘Nigel’, the current Beer Guide prize, I should say branch members to suggest a logo, the meeting selected ‘a I would have been equally new logo for Shakespeare glass poor Yorik’, as pictured. happy to keep Nigel. CAMRA, now celebrating No-one but their own design- The branch would like to thank it’s 30th birthday. ers knew who had submitted everyone who submitted en- A total of 25 separate entries which entries, (honest!), and tries most of which are shown were received all of which the shock of the meeting came below – many submitted multi- were examined and voted upon when, after the voting, I re- ple entries in a similar vein in by over 20 members at the vealed it was actually my own which case only a sample one branch meeting last October. design which had been chosen. is shown. After much deliberation, which Whilst very happy to be se-

Uphampton Ales Your local award winning Brewery …….and the winner, ‘….a glass poor yorik’.

This will now be professionalised, digitalised Cannon Royall Brewery Ltd coloured and beautified before gracing the Uphampton Lane cover of Shakesbeer Ombersley Nr Droitwich Worcs WR9 0JW Telephone: 01905 621161

16 13 See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 13 Patriot Leaflet:Layout 1 17/2/10 11:51 Page 1

Winner of CAMRA Pub of the Season 2010

Whichford, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire Tel: 01608 684621 Fantastic new extensive menu available lunchtimes and www.thenormanknight.co.uk evening featuring locally sourced homemade cooking in a friendly and traditional Cotswold country pub incorporating our own Patriot Leaflet:Layoutmicrobrewery 1 17/2/10 11:51 Page 1 on site

The new micro brewery in Every Tuesday, fi sh and chip night (cod, haddock plus an the Cotswolds, able to ever changing special) supply you with quality real ales. 01608 684866 [email protected] www.thepatriotbrewery.co.uk Every Sunday we offer a traditional carvery with The micro brewery in the Cotswolds, at least three roasts The ableWheatsheaf to supply you with quality real ales. 01608 684866 [email protected] Fantastic music events throughout the summer (see website) www.thepatriotbrewery.co.uk

The new micro brewery in the Cotswolds, able to supply you with quality real ales. 01608 684866 [email protected] www.thepatriotbrewery.co.uk Traditional 17th Century Inn offering Home Open Cooked Meals, Real Ales and Traditional Pub Games Mon.- En-Suite Accommodation and Function Room for Thurs. Weddings, Parties and Business Open 11.30—3.00 Monday to Thursday 11.30am - 3.00pm 5.30pm - 11.00pm 5.30—11.00

Friday 11.30am - 11.00pm Sunday 12.00 - 10.30pm

No food Mondays and Tuesdays Friday and Sunday evenings

TraditionalHigh Street, Old Badsey, 17th near Century Evesham, Worcs. Inn, WR11 7EJ.offering Tel. 01386 830380Home Cooked Meals*, Real Ales, *NO FOOD MONDAYS & TUESDAYS 14TraditionalClosing date for Pub copy for Games, the next issue of En-Suite Shakesbeer is 13thAccomodation February 2011 CAMRA is not just about beer For over 30 years CAMRA was farm shops, a number of major Notwithstanding the numerous concerned about the diminishing supermarkets and in 2009 export- cider and perry awards, Allen number of outlets for cider; real ing for distribution across Amer- knew he’d ‘arrived’ in November cider that is – the traditional drink ica. when he was invited to take his which is produced naturally from Much of Allen’s success can be draught and bottled beverages to apples and is neither carbonated or attributed to his dedication to lo- Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christ- pasteurised. A boost in the last 5 cally produced, natural products. mas Market and Craft Fair, the years or so, generated by the likes All of his ciders and perry are largest Christmas market in the of Magners and other cold, fizzy fermented from 100% fresh country. As well as his normal keg products, has spawned a wel- pressed English fruit from the products, 5000 litres of hot spiced come, new interest in real cider counties of , Here- mulled cider were on offer to the and it’s nice to see it appearing in fordshire and millions of visitors and went down more pubs throughout the branch. Warwickshire. a treat. Although Allens kegs and bottles Warwickshire’s only commercial are widely available, outside of cider producer, local man Allen festivals his ‘rough ciders’are Hogan, is taking full advantage of more difficult to find. You can the resurgence and is taking his currently find it under the name, Alcester based business from “Bennett’s Hill Blend” at The strength to strength. Celebrating Wellington, Bennett’s Hill, Bir- the 5th birthday of Hogan’s Cider mingham but, (licensees take Ltd. in August 2010, Allen has note), we’re still waiting for a successfully turned a hobby of 20 more local outlet. years from a stall at the local Although the business is based at farmers market to an around-the- Haselor, near Alcester, the actual clock business venture. Supplying process of cider making now takes bottles and draught to a wide places at Castlemorton, Worces- range of pubs, restaurants and tershire.

23 Apple and Ale at The Fleece

Good weather, a great range of ciders and beers, good food, l Mummers Nigel ‘Granny’ Smith in all his glory good entertainment, good company and a really good turnout and Vaughan Hully, another of ‘Juice Alem’ to The Fleece Apple and Ale Weekend made the tremendous amount of work involved in staging the weekend well worthwhile for landlord Nigel Smith. Nigel was last seen by me in the early of English apples, some very rare, was hours of Sunday morning smiling accompanied by an open invitation to broadly as he rid the pub of stragglers taste them and part of the food offering still enjoying the pleasures consisted of a cheese board with of his pub and company as much bread and apple as - smiling partly I you could manage. think because he’d A full day of enjoyed the day and entertainment included partly because he’d visiting musicians thoroughly enjoyed and Morris dancing by the ciders and beers on Shakespeare and Pebworth though it was, especially when Nigel offer too. Morris, the highlight though, appeared as ‘Granny Smith’, the play Despite the 20 beers on offer, in keeping with the theme of the contained the same important message (my own outstanding favourite of which weekend, was an apple play by the about the demise of the English apple, was the Three Tuns, Old Scrooge at 6.5%), Shakespeare Mummers and an almost so loved for its use in making cider, the the idea of the weekend was to celebrate tuneful rendition of ‘Juice-Alem’ as disappearing apple varieties and the cider and raise awareness of the plight written by Vaughan Hully and featured encroachment of European, standard of English apples and orchards. A display in Shakesbeer 46. Highly entertaining sized, shaped and tasting alternatives. A Brummie Thanks to our Festival Helpers A contingent of Shakespeare CAMRA and guests who worked at Stratford Beer Festival 2011 were treated to a bout of unaccustomed opulence as they boarded a 43 seater coach to Birmingham Beer Festival. With too many passengers for our and us travelling on Saturday, it was normal minibus the luxury transport hardly surprising that many beers complete with bathroom facilities was started to run out. My own beer of ideally suited for the expenses paid the festival Three Tuns, Old Scrooge thank you trip laid on by the festival (6.5%abv), ran out mid-afternoon committee. This was Birmingham’s but, to be honest, I and our contingent second year at the Second City Suite, of about 25 were definitely partly an excellent location in the Chinatown responsible. Thanks to Birmingham area, and the ample space allowed CAMRA for an excellent festival, to for over 250 beers and ciders, food, Stratford Beer Festival for sponsoring the entertainment and assorted goodies. trip and to Dudleys Coaches for getting With the festival starting on Thursday me home happy.

See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 15 LogoLogo Competition Competition – It’s a Fix!!...... (not really) - it’s a fix!* In theLogo last Competition issue of Shakes- – It’s includeda Fix!!...... an option (not to really) retain lected and thanks for the Good beer we asked readers and poor old ‘Nigel’, the current Beer Guide prize, I should say In the last issue of Shakesbeer weincluded asked anreaders option and to retain branch memberslected and to thanks suggest for the a new Good branchIn the members last issue toof suggestShakes- a logo, the meeting selected ‘a I would have been equally beer we asked readers and poor old ‘Nigel’, the current Beer Guide prize, I should say logonew forlogo Shakespeare for Shakespeare CAMRA, nowglass celebrating poor Yorik’ it’s, as 30th pictured. birthday. happy to keep Nigel. branch members to suggest a logo, the meeting selected ‘a I would have been equally CAMRA, now celebrating No-one but their own design- The branch would like to thank A totalnew of 25logo separate for Shakespeareentries were No-oneglass butpoor their Yorik’ own designers, as pictured. knew happybeen equally to keep happy Nigel. to keep Nigel. receivedit’sCAMRA, 30th all of birthday. which now were celebrating examined and whoersNo-one knewhad submitted but who their had which own submitted entries, design- TheeveryoneThe branch wouldwho would likesubmitted liketo thank to thankeveryone en- votedA it’stotal upon 30th of by 25over birthday. separate 20 members entries at the (honest!),whichers knew entries, and who the shock had(honest!) ofsubmitted the meeting, and everyonetrieswho submittedmost who of entries whichsubmitted most are of en-shown which are branchwereA total meeting received of last25 allOctober.separate of which entries camethewhich shock when, entries, afterof the the (honest!) voting,meeting I ,revealed and came triesbelowshown most below– many of - whichmany submitted submitted are shown multiplemulti- Afterwerew muchere examined received deliberation, andall which of voted which included upon itwhen,the was shock actually after of my the the own voting, meeting design which I camere- had belowpleentries entries – in many a similar in submitteda veinsimilar in which vein multi- case in only anb yoptionw overere toexamined 20 retain members poor andold ‘Nigel’, atvoted the the upon beenvealedwhen, chosen. afterit was Whilst the actually veryvoting, happy my I to re- ownbe plewhicha sample entries case one in isonly a shown. similar a sample vein inone currentbranchby overlogo, meeting the 20 meeting members last selected October. at the ‘a glass selecteddesignvealed and whichit wasthanks actuallyhad for thebeen Good my chosen. Beerown whichis shown. case only a sample one poorAfterb Yorik’,ranch much as meeting pictured. deliberation, last October. which GuideWhilstdesign prize, verywhich I should happy had say been I towould be chosen. havese- is shown. After much deliberation, which Whilst very happy to be se-

…….and…….and the the winner, winner, ‘….a ‘….a glass glass poorpoor yorik’.yorik’. ...and the winner, ‘...a glass poor yorik’. ThisThis will will now now be be professionalised, professionalised, digitaliseddigitalised colouredcoloured and and beautified beautified before before gracinggracing thethe This will now be professionalised, digitalised coloured and covercover of of Shakesbeer Shakesbeer beautified before gracing the cover of Shakesbeer

*not really

16 13 13

16 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2012 Shakespeare CAMRA Pub of the The Fleece Inn Year 2011 Bretforton WR11 7JE Worcestershire The quintessential English Pub - owned by The - run with love of tradition Local Regular & Guest Cask Ales & Cider Mediaeval Thatched Barn available to hire for Functions and Events Each second Wednesday of the month 8.oo0m - Open Acoustic Session Every Thursday from around 8.45pm - Folk Night - everyone is welcome Saturday 14th January For further details contact Nigel on 01386 831173 6pm til 10pm Email: [email protected] www.thefleeceinn.co.uk Check out the website for forthcoming events WASSAIL (free entry)

New Years Warwickshire Eve County Pub Black Tie and of the Year 2010 Diamonds Party featured in The Good Beer Guide 2012 Christmas Menu available through December An ever changing range of up to 6 Cask Ales Home Cooked Food Good Quality, Good Value and Locally Sourced, served everyday in WE ARE NOW ON WINTER HOURS Pleasant Surroundings BAR OPEN: SUN. 12-6.30 Extensive Wine List - chosen to complement MON - THURS 11.30-2.30 and 5.30 - 10.30 FRI 11.30 - 3.00 SAT 11.30-11.30 your food or simply enjoy with friends KITCHEN OPEN: SUN. 12-3 Take Away service available MON.-FRI. 12-2.30 & 6.30-9.00 SAT. 12-9 Functions and Private Dining catered for in Contact Sue or Jack on house or at a venue of your choice WiFi available 01789 840533 “Shakespeare CAMRA Warwickshire Visit our website: www.theboarsheadhamptonlucy4food.co.uk Pub of the Year 2010”

See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 17 In search of cider in Broadway

From mid-September into chilly December, Broadway becomes something of a second home to our small team of cider and perry makers. Almost every weekend we’re up to our very much a tourist and food driven pub, eyeballs in cider apples and perry pears in but tucked away at the rear is a cosy snug, a beautiful old orchard on the outskirts of warmed in the winter by a cheerful wood the village. Harvesting these old trees by burning stove, just the place for resting hand is a back-breaking and exhausting weary limbs on a cold Autumnal day. job, with the pressing, just as hard a task, Hogans Draught is on offer, very good for to look forward to when we return to a keg cider, but it’s a ‘real’ pint we’re after Northamptonshire laden with fruit. Time so the beery delights of Hook Norton Old spent in old orchards like these however is Hooky and Sharps Doom Bar have to suffice. Real Cider but there’s plenty of local ale on always a pleasure, and the resulting cider Sitting around on comfy sofas usually offer as a more than adequate consolation. and perry from last years harvest helps leads to stiff legs, so to loosen up we walk Wickwar Cotswold Way, and Camelot, a ease the aches and pains. down to The Swan, popular with visitors dry, roasty brown ale from Goff’s were our Hard graft like this often leads to a bit of to the village and a great place to watch choice, with Jouster also coming highly a thirst and over the years we’ve become the world go by from the patio out front in recommended by a friendly local. quite well acquainted with the hostelries fine weather. cyder from Aspalls is Our final port of call in Broadway, the of Broadway. On one of our final weekend the offering here, again a decent enough excellent Crown & Trumpet and finally a Real Cider. Local ales, a thoroughly traditional interior, and a bustling sun-trap patio at the front make this our favourite pub in the village. Add to this one of the largest collection of Morris Dancers you’re likely to find anywhere in the world and we have the excuse for many a shortened harvesting session. Real draught cider from Gwatkin of completes the picture, with Cotswold Spring Codrington Codger and Stanway Wizards Brew for beer drinkers. With the harvest now over for another year and our mission finally accomplished, it’s time for the ‘taxi’ to collect the team and harvests in the orchard this year we drink but not ‘real’ by CAMRA’s definition, head home with our van full of Yarlington decided it was time to kick back a little and so Purity UBU and Brains SA Gold were the Mill cider apples. We’ll miss our regular really explore the pubs, with a refreshing honourable stand-ins during a very busy trips to this beautiful part of the Cotswolds. pint of Real Cider our ultimate goal. Sunday lunchtime session. Pretty soon it will be spring though, and Our usual first stop after a hard days Next, it’s across the road to the Jockey with it comes blossom time in the orchard, picking is the Horse & Hound, a former Club Bar, tucked away at the front of the an excellent time to reacquaint ourselves West Country Breweries Inn at the top of Broadway Hotel. Cheltenham Gold Cup with the pubs of Broadway. the High Street, (note the lovely ‘Best in week seems to be the theme here, the the West’ ceramic plaque on the frontage). walls adorned with photos and enclosure Mark Shirley (CAMRA East Midlands Like most of the pubs in Broadway this is passes from previous years at the event. No Regional Cider Co-ordinator)

18 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2012 French Chef Jean Pierre and award winning landlady Sara Gireme welcome you to The Plough Inn, Stretton-on-Fosse near Moreton-in-Marsh • Traditional 17th Century Inn Tel: 01608 661053 • Large menu • Meals & snacks every session • Inglenook Fireplace • Sunday Spit Roast in the bar in Winter and Spring • Four Real Ales • Real Cider on draught

Closed Sunday evening

Warwickshire Pub of the Year 2008

The Swan Hotel, Banbury Street, Kineton, Warwickshire CV35 0JS 01926 640664 www.swanhotelkineton.co.uk

Book your Christmas Party or Christmas Day Dinner Now! Phone for more info

A welcoming place to meet and socialise any time of the year, with its open log fires in winter and spacious beer garden for the summer, it’s a great place to visit for a drink, a meal or even a stay. Enjoy a wide selection of wines, spirits, beers, lagers and guest ales in a relaxing village pub and maybe even have ‘Swan for the Road’. Pub Opening Hours: Open everyday 12 till late Restaurant Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 12pm - 3pm and 5 - 9pm, Pizzas and light snacks available untill 11pm. Sunday lunch 12pm - 5pm

See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 19 Shakespeare CAMRA invade North Wales...

The Purple Moose Brewery was first conceived in the late mentioned Lawrence Washington, summer of 1995, a name devised by Lawrence Washington to brewer and brewery founder at the Purple Moose Brewery in a small adorn the bottle labels for his new hobby of home-brewing. industrial unit close to the town centre. Although the 5 gallon operation was based in his house in First and foremost Lawrence (bless Cheltenham, the brewery name had been thought up during a him) had a firkin of his award winning Snowdonia Ale (3.6%) tapped and weekend carrying out voluntary work on the Ffestiniog Railway ready for us to dip into as we fancied. in North Wales. (from www.purplemoose.co.uk). A tour of the surprisingly spacious 10 barrel brewery and an introduction to Sixteen years later the Purple Moose Sausage dish worth writing home the favoured malts and hops followed. is a cultural icon, readily recognised about. Our next stop, an overnighter, It appears that such is the success of throughout the UK beer drinking was just outside Llangollen at The Purple Moose that they are brewing community and Lawrence’s hobby Abbey Grange Hotel. Needless to twice a day to meet demand and have has developed into a 10 barrel (and say the Abbey Grange has its own craft plans for expansion in the near future. growing) micro brewery in the historic brewery also, (www.llangollenbrewery. A visit to the brewery shop gave us the town of Porthmadog, close to the opportunity of tasting a couple more mountains of Snowdonia. beers, Myrica Gale (4.1%) a surprisingly Certainly the festival visitors at light winter ale made from Bog Myrtle, Stratford last year appreciated the Purple Moose beers on offer as Ian’s Pale Ale (4.1%), a one off brew, won beer of the festival and Dark Side of the Moose (4.6%) came in third place. More than enough reason then for a group of us to head off to Wales to say thank com) and we were delighted to find you to Lawrence, (and try some more all three Llangollen brewery beers on of his beer). offer. My favourite as always was the A long way to travel in a day, we darkest and strongest, Welsh Black decided to break our journey initially (5.5%) but Llangollen Bitter (4.2%) and for a superb lunch at the GBG listed Grange no.1 (3.2%) were both full of The Talbot Country Inn , Ruyton XI flavour and much appreciated. Towns in Shropshire. Four excellent ales Well fed and well rested we continued were on offer and a spicy Morroccan our journey and met the afore

20 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2012 Shakespeare CAMRA invade North Wales...

A trip into Porthmadog and lunch all weekend and would recommend at Spooners Bar a GBG regular and this friendly harbour town to anyone frequent local CAMRA Pub of the Year planning a trip away. gave us another chance to sample We owe a huge vote of thanks to Snowdonia Ale, another Purple Moose Lawrence and all the licensees who brew, Madog (3.7%) and another hosted us over the weekend. (lovingly gathered from the Welsh hills four ales on top. Here we bid our final by Lawrence and co.), and a deliciously thanks and farewell to Lawrence dark Merry X-Moose (4.4%) were and of course embarked on scrumptious enough for a few of us to a further exploration of the purchase bottles for later consumption. delights of Portmadog’s drinking Well watered and royally entertained establishments. we finally got around to the purpose of Some of our group were the trip - a thank you to Lawrence and staying overnight at presentation of our Beer of the Festival The Royal Sportsman certificate. Graciously accepted by Hotel, a rather swish Lawrence I still think it will look rather establishment which again lost amongst a host of other awards on offered Snowdonia Ale and display in the brewery. yet another Purple Moose, Glaslyn Ale (4.2%), the GBG listed Station Inn gave us... wait for it, Snowdonia plus Pride and last and I’m afraid least, the GBG Ship Inn which, although it promised a range of six real ales had run out of the three most interesting leaving a choice of three nationally available options, (anywhere else we’d have been pleased to have the choice!). I’m happy to say we never had a disappointing beer

See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 21 Cottage of Content lives up to it name... Branch Pub of the Season - Autumn 2011

A pub doesn’t need to run a huge selection of beers or fancy restaurant to be good. Some, like The Cottage of Content at Barton, simply excel at being great, down to earth locals where you can be guaranteed a decent pint and good home made food at a reasonable price. The delightful riverside setting, the from Branch Chairman flagstone floors, beams and real Lloyd Evans in front of fires go a long way towards making branch members and you feel at home here. The pub’s real locals. beauty however, lies in the fact that, The Cottage of Content Taking full advantage of the superb over the years, resisting change for its regularly stages events raising money setting, a field behind the pub, own sake, it has quietly gone about for charity, runs a quiz night, has a complete with electric hook-ups, the business of providing the local dartboard, dominoes and other pub lavatories and showers, is used for community and visitors a social hub games and every second Tuesday, camping and caravans. where relaxation and conversation is an outlet for traditional acoustic There are lots of good reasons why take precedence. Licensee Gemma music. It offers two real ales, generally we should celebrate ‘a proper pub’ Hyatt, who runs the pub with manager Hobgoblin and Black Sheep and a good and that’s why Shakespeare CAMRA James Ashton-Wickett, was delighted menu with senior citizen specials and have voted it the Pub of the Season for to accept our Pub of the Season Award ‘meal deals’. Autumn 2012. The Holly Bush

37 Henley Street • Alcester • Warks • B49 5QX tel: 01789 762482 fax: 01789 766411 email: [email protected]

8 Real Ales on continuously including Doom Bar, Black Sheep, Uley Bitter, Purity Gold & Purity Mad Goose or UBU with guests Delicious Traditional & Contemporary Food Beautiful Gardens Functions, Private Dinner Parties, Conferences Live Music on Friday & Saturday nights Shakespeare CAMRA Branch

Open 7 days a week 12 noon till late Pub of the Food served Monday to Saturday Year 2011 Lunch 12.00 to 2.30pm • Sunday Lunch 12.00 to 4.00pm Dinner Tuesday to Thursday 7.00pm til 9.00pm Warwickshire Friday and Saturday 7.00pm till 9.30pm

22 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2012 It’s great to see new manager j y g g ppy Sean Rudd hit the ground running beers of summer but says his fa- s he returned to the vourite tipple is Saddlers Mud a cider on at any time. We also Swanne Inn Olde City Stout. Obviously a man of just in time for the look forward to a ‘Meet the Autumn beer festival. Sean previ- discerning taste then we wish him What Wadworth Brewer’ night in the I did on my all the best in Evesham and ex- I thought it would be of interest toh includeols….. accounts from our readers of interesting pect great things. near future. places and pubs they visited outside the branch area. It could also act as a guide to anyone going to the same towns etc. This is the first, from our own ‘Postman’ Mike. I Alcester should say that having seen the pictures I know MikeMike did a‘Postman’ lot more than Hyde visit onpubs tour and Stratford Congratulations once again to Despite being arranged quite drink in this beautiful country, but he obviously didin a lotScotland of that too. Shaz and the irrepressible Dave late in the day licensee Luke What I did on my hols... at The White Lion Murphy was delighted with the I thought it would be of interest to include accounts from our readers of who raised In October I holidayedMike in Scot- ‘Postman’ Hyde On Tour in Scotland an impressive £377 for Breast turnout when customers were land. My first point of call after a interesting places and pubs they visited outside the branch area. It could also Cancer Care at their the shadow of Invernessact as a guide to anyone castle going tois the same towns etc. This is the first, from invited to meet Hook Norton at journey of over 500 miles was at the appropriatelyour ownnamed ‘Postman’ Mike. I should say that having seen the pictures I know sino night in October.Pink Ca- The Salmon Tail, Stratford. Mike did a lot more than visit pubs and drinkproduced in this beautiful country,in Scotland. but he the Cairn Hotel Tavern obviously did a lot ofCastle that too. The pub continues to pull in the , Carrbridge for a . Here were 5 interesting Brewery reps Ian Sparrow and pint of Black Isle Porter (4.6%) beers including ThreeIn October I holidayed Sisters in Scotland. My Highway Next but was daydisappointed I withtook a drive to the punters with regular events such before settling in for a couple of first point of call after a journey of over the choice available and was soon on Serena Williams held court and (4.2%) from the 500Atlas miles was atBrewery. the Cairn Hotel, I my lovelyway to the next andtown best of the of lot, Gairloch and sam- as ‘Sizzling Mondays’, a answered questions armed with nights at the Carrbridge for a pint of Black Isle Porter OurBlackfriarspled home. Thisthree isfor a terrific the halves pub mostwith of thethe weekend beers on Cairngorm Hotel also tried the local(4.6%) Wetherspoons, before settling in for a couple a great choice of top quality ales. I tried weekly speciality sausage night, malts and hops used in Hook Aviemore. After the journey I , of nights at the Cairngorm Hotel, Orkneyat Dragonheadthe Old StoutThe (4.8%), Inn Fat Atlas before Cat returning t usly worked here as Assistant the Kings HighwayAviemore. After the journey I needed Mimbus (5%), Orkney Corncrake (4.1%) quizzes and community events. Norton beers as well as samples needed to stretch my legs so had appointed with theto stretch choice butmy legs sowas hadavail- a stroll dis- to The andUllapool Highland’s Scapa Special and (4.2%). the All o Manager under both Joel Moniz Old Bridge Inn where I was delighted were in superb condition and it was with Argyll Hotel We also look forward to Dave’s a stroll to to find the local Cairngorm brewery somewhere reluctance Ithat tried I tore myself my away first beer from of the beers themselves. Flag- The Old Bridge Inn l Blackfriars Highland Pub nd Dave Waddell before heading offerings of Black Gold (4.4%) and The to catch the train back to Aviemore. where I was delighted to find the An Teallach brewery,“...the best of the lot”Sail ff for a stint in Worcester’s first offer of Burns Night enter- ship, Hooky Bitter Stag (4.2%) and a Caledonian beer. Back Fortified by a mighty breakfast next tainment on Friday 27th January and Hooky the local Cairngorm brewery at my hotel along with Stag and Black Mhummorning I drove the(4.4%) 70 miles to Ullapool. brewers. There was a fine selection Postal Order and has always had Dark were on offer and very Gold was Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted First stop was the Ferryboat Inn for a of beers available and all in excellent offerings of Black Gold (4.4%) (3.8%). swift Caledonian 80/- before booking condition, a very enjoyable couple of hand in cellar work and beer when he promises that Poetry nice they were too! Leaving the car behind next day, I took Thein at the Morefield following Motel. Beers onmorning days. heralded and The Stag (4.2%) and a Cale- quality. Sean’s had plenty of ex- and Haggis will the train to Inverness then the bus to theoffer starthere were from of the the Orkney Ullapooland Leaving Ullapool Beer I headed to Fortrose donian beer. Back at my hotel Clachnaharry and the Clachnaharry Cairngorm breweries and I was also and The Anderson. This had beers erience outside of the Wether- be plentiful. Inn. There I found a splendid array of Festivalinterested to find which a Scottish cider showcasesfrom from Harviestoun, the Yates besand Coniston along with Stag and Black Gold beers on offer including some from the Thirsty Cross. Apparently the only real Breweries, but I resisted these to return poons chain; some Alcester The growing Inveralmond and The Isle of Skye ofcider Scottish produced in Scotland. micro brewers.to Inverness to revisit There the Castlet Tavern was Harviestoun Bitter & Breweries, but all too soon Next day I took a drive to the and of course Blackfriars. This time members may remember him success might of it was time to catch the was a finelovely town selection of Gairloch and ofeven thebeers Kings Highway had some Twisted (3.8%). bus back to Inverness sampled three halves of decent beers available, but I had an rom The Nelson course be due to in order to explore availablethe and beers on atall the Old in excellentevening appointment con- back at the where he Leaving the car behind next the city centre. Inn before returning to Anderson in Fortrose with the Highland worked a couple of years ago and the excellent ales In the shadow of dition, a Ullapoolvery and enjoyable the Argyll and Western couple Isles branch ofo CAMRA. day, I took the train to Inverness Inverness castle is Hotel where I tried my These fine fellows were having a beer efore that he worked for Greene and ciders on l A raredays. sight south f Blackfriars Highlandthe appropriately Pub first beer from the An tasting event which included a beer from King, (hardly surprising as he was then the bus to Clachnaharry named Castle Tavern. of the border Teallach brewery, Sail Mhum the USA, Rogue Dead Gun Ale (6.2%). I offer especially ‘…..the best of the lot’ Leaving Ullapool I headed to and the Clachnaharry Inn. Here were 5 interesting (4.4%) had a great night and it was a fitting orn in Bury St Edmunds), where now that a third beers including Three Sisters (4.2%) FortroseThe following and morning theheralded Anderson. the finale to my wonderfulThis holiday. he was assistant manager in an- There I found a splendid array on able and was soon onfrom my the Atlas way Brewery. to I also tried start of the Ullapool Beer Festival which Scotland is a lovely country, has some real ale pump the local Wetherspoons, the Kings had showcasesbeers the bestfrom of Scottish Harviestoun, micro great beers and I’ll be back next year. beers on offer including some the next and best of the lot, ther Good Beer Guide pub in has been fitted Yates and Coniston Breweries, S from the Inveralmond and The Blackfriars See our website www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 23 outh Wales. courtesy of Wad- . This is a terrific but I resisted these to return to A Isle of Skye Breweries, but all too pub with a great choice of top keen ale drinker himself Sean Inverness to revisit the Castle worth brewery. soon it was time to catch the bus quality ales. I tried Orkney This means we Tavern and of course Hook Norton Rep. Serena Williams entertains back to Inverness in order to ex- Dragonhead Stout (4.8%), Atlas Blackfri- Shakespeare CAMRA at The Salmon Tail Mimbus (5%), Orkney Corn- ars. This time even the plore the city centre. Kings crake(4.1%) and Highland’s Highway had some decent beers available, but I had an evening Scapa Special (4.2%). All were appointment back at the Ander- in superb condition and it was son in Fortrose with the Highland with some reluctance that I tore and Western Isles branch of myself away to catch the train CAMRA. These fine fellows back to Aviemore. were having a beer tasting event Fortified by a mighty breakfast which included a beer from the next morning I drove the 70 miles USA, Rogue Dead Gun Ale to Ullapool. First stop was the (6.2%). I had a great night and it Ferryboat Inn was a fitting finale to my wonder for a swift Cale- donian 80/- before booking in at ful holiday. - the Morefield Motel Scotland is a lovely country, has 6 offer here were from the. Beers Orkney on some great beers and I’ll be back and Cairngorm breweries and I next year. A rare sight south of the border was also interested to find a Scot- tish cider from Thirsty Cross. A l h l id 23

Our Minstrel Brings us in Good Ale…..and Hot Tea!

Regular readers of these articles and those who hear me sing will know that I’m quiteO partialur toMinstrel old songs. Today IBrings give you one from us c1460, in when Britain was in turmoil in the midst of the Wars of the Roses and it was a struggle to decide if the successionGood should Ale... keep to the and male line Hot or could Tea! pass through females – a bit like the recent change to our Laws of Succession, but less peaceful! Regular readers of these articles and those who hear me sing will know that I’m quite It ispartial a wassail to old songs. song Today entitled I give you“Bring one from Us c1460, In Good when AleBritain”, wasI found in turmoil in a in 1965 the reprint edi- tion of “Popular Music of the Olden Time” by Williams Chappell, 1855. Alan Whitbread midst of the Wars of the Roses and it was a struggle to decide if the succession should Folk Singer & Concertina Player keep to the male line or could pass through females - a bit like the recent change to our Bring Us In Good Ale Alcester Court Leet Ale Taster Laws of Succession, but less peaceful! Bring us in no brown bread, www.alanwhitbread.co.uk It is a wassail song entitled “Bring Us In Good Ale”, I found in a 1965 reprint edition of for that is made of bran, Nor‘Popular bring Music us in of nothe Oldenwhite Time’ bread, by Williams Chappell,Another 1855. version which is a bit more up to dateAlan Whitbread is the 1986 song from for therein is no grain, the Kipper Family, entitled “Bring UsFolk In Singer Hot &Tea Concertina”. The Player Kipper Family Cho:Bring Us In Good Ale were ‘Truncheons’ in that they comeAlcester from Court St Leet Just Ale Tasternear Trunch in Bring us in good ale, good ale, Norfolk. They were famous for the phrasewww.alanwhitbread.co.uk “We are the boys who are Bring us in no brown bread, Bring us in no eggs,Norfolk and good! Well, a good tune is worth using more than once. and forbring that is us made in of good bran, ale, for there are many shells, For Norour bring blessed us in no whiteLady's bread, sake, But bring us in good ale, Bring Us In Hot Tea Bring Us In Hot Tea bringfor us therein in goodis no grain, ale. and give us nothing else. Bring us in no rum, Bring us in no snaps, Bring us in no rum, Bring us in no beef, for tha’s a drink for sailors, Bring forus they in areno made snaps, with brandy, Cho: Bring us in nofor butter, tha's a drink for sailors, for there is many bones, But bring us in hot tea, for theyBut arebring madeus in hot withtea brandy, Bring us in good ale, good ale, for therein areBut many bring hairs, us in hot fortea, that will never fail us. and a strainer would be handy. But bring us in good ale, But bring us in hot tea and bring us in good ale, Nor bring us forin no thatpig’s flesh will never fail us. for that goeth down at once. and a strainer would be handy. For our blessed Lady’s sake, for that will make us bears. Cho: Bring us in no gin, Cho: Bringbring us us in in goodno bacon,ale. So bring us in hot tea, hot tea Bring forus that in wasno mother’s gin, ruin, So bring us in hot tea, hot tea for that is passing fat, Bring us in no puddings, and bring us in hot tea for thatBut was bring usmother's in hot tea ruin, Bring us in no beef, for therein isand all God’s bring good, us in hot tea But bring us in good ale, That’s what the blessed ladies make,But bringand put us a lumpin hot or two tea in. for there is many bones, Nor bring us That'sin no venison, what the blessedso bring ladies us in hot make,tea. and giveBut bring us us enough in good ale, of that. that is not for our blood. and put a lump or two in. so bring us in hot tea. Bring us in no home brew, Bringfor usthat in goeth no down mutton, at once. Bring us in no cider, Bring we’reus in not no inclined home to risk brew, it, Bring us in no cider, for that is passing lean, Bring us in no capon’s flesh, for that will send us reeling, we're notBut bring inclined us in hot tea,to risk it, Bring us in no bacon, for that is oftenfor dear, that will send us reeling, Nor bring us in no tripes, But bring us in hot tea, But bringoh, and us all inright, hot just tea, one biscuit. for that is passing fat, Nor bring us Butin no duck’sbring flesh, us in hot tea, for they be seldom clean. Earl Grey, Ceylon or Darjeeling.oh, and all right, just one biscuit. But bring us in good ale, or they slobberEarl in the Grey, mere [mire]. Ceylon or Darjeeling. We’ll drink no beer at Christmas, Bringand us give in us no enough eggs, of that. Bring us in no white wine, We'll thedrink good nobook beer tells the at tale, Christmas, Bring us in no white wine, for there are many shells, for that don’t cure no hot thirst,the goodSo bring book us in tellshot tea, the tale, for that don't cure no hot thirst, But bringBring us inus no in mutton, good ale, But bring us in hot tea, So bringfor the us angels in hot said, tea,“No ale”. for that is passing lean, But bring us in hot tea, and give us nothing else. and be sure to warm the pot first.for the angels said, "No ale". Nor bring us in no tripes, and be sure to warm the pot first. Bringfor usthey in be noseldom butter, clean. for therein are many hairs, NorAnother bring version us in whichno pig's is a bit flesh more up to date is the 1986 song forfrom that the will Kipper make Family, us entitled bears. “Bring Us In Hot TeaThe”. The Kipper Kipper Family was a two- Family were ‘Truncheons’ in that they come from Stman Just nearparody folk groupThe Kipper played Family was by a BringTrunch us in in Norfolk. no puddings, They were famous for the phraseChris “We are Sugden the (astwo-man Sid Kipper)parody folk groupand forboys therein who are is Norfolk all God's and good!” good, Well, a good tuneDick is worth Nudds (as playedhis father by Chris Henry). Sugden (as Nor bring us in no venison, Sid Kipper) and Dick Nudds using more than once. (as his father Henry). that is not for our blood.

BringIf you uswant in to hearno (and capon's join in with!) flesh, such traditional songs being sung try the following places:- for 2ndthat Tuesda is ofteny at The dear, Cottage of Content at Barton (over the river from Bidford) B50 4NP; 2nd Sunday at The Shakespeare Inn at Welford-on-Avon (near the maypole) CV37 8PX; Nor4th bring Sunday us at Tinhe Maryno duck's Arden Inn flesh, at Wilmcote (opposite the Shakespeare property) CV37 9XJ or Everythey T hursdayslobber at T inhe Fleecethe mere Inn at Bretforton [mire]. (a National Trust Inn) WR11 7JE.

If you want to hear (and join in with!) such traditional songs being sung try the following places:- 24 Closing date for copy 2nd for Tuesday the next at Theissue Cottage of Shakesbeer of Content at isBarton 13th (over February the river from 2012 Bidford) B50 4NP; 2nd Sunday at The Shakespeare Inn at Welford-on-Avon (near the maypole) CV37 8PX; 4th Sunday at The Mary Arden Inn at Wilmcote (opposite the Shakespeare property) CV37 9XJ Every Thursday at The Fleece Inn at Bretforton (a National Trust Inn) WR11 7JE (a GBG pub!).

25 Situated in the heart of the famous Vale of Evesham...

Situated in the heart of the Famous Vale of Evesham SituatedOpen in the11.00am heart of the Famous til 11.00pm Vale of Evesham everyday for carvery spec traditional cask ales, real ciders and fine food Midweeki al£5.00 Tuesday, Wednesday THE ROUND OF GRAS THE ROUND OF GRAS& Thursday lunch and Bretforton Road, Badsey, Evesham, Carvery Specials BretfortonThe Road,Round Badsey, of Evesham, Gras CarveryWednesday Specials evening Tel: 01386 830206 Tel:Bretforten 01386 830206 Road, Badsey, Evesham Sunday £7.50 Midweek £ 5.00 Midweek12.00 - 3.00 £ &5.00 Tel: 01386 830206 5.30 - 8.00 WWW.ROUNDOFGRAS.CO.UK Tues.Wed.Thurs. lunch WWW.ROUNDOFGRAS.CO.UK Tues.Wed.Thurs. lunch www.roundofgras.co.uk Open 11.00—11.00 Everyday and Wed. evening Open 11.00—11.00 Everyday and Wed. evening for Traditional cask ales real ciders and fine food Sunday £ 7.50 for Traditional cask ales real ciders and fine food Sunday £ 7.50 Lunch served Publican’s 12 - 3.00 5.30 - 8.00 Mon - Sat 12 - 3.00 5.30 - 8.00 Morning Advertiser’s 12.00 noon - 2.30pm Best Freehouse Dinner Mon - Sat in the East and 5.30pm - 9.00pm The Peacock 2011 Open Oxhill ALL DAY Award winning country dining pub EVERY DAY Delicious, imaginative, locally sourced food, Traditional Sunday freshly cooked to your order in a warm and Lunch cosy atmosphere. 12 noon till 8.00pm Daily changing blackboard, fresh fish delivered daily from Brixham and . Open for Dinner Christmas Day We are dog, child and horse friendly. The Peacock is nestled in the sleepy village of Oxhill, midway between Stratford and Banbury. It has been tastefully modernised but still maintains its olde worlde charm, with oak beams, flagstone floors and roaring log fire. Pub News cont. Kineton

Situated in the heart of the Famous Vale of Evesham The SportsSituated and Social Club are in the heart of the Famous Vale of Evesham their regular beer offering so it’s flying the real ale flag by selling just Timoth Taylors Landlord at over 50 gallons a week from three present. They intend also to tweak pumps. A fine place to drink but the food offering to a more tradi- members only so you need to Main Street, Oxhill, tional English pub menu and to know someone who will sign you bring back the dartboard. We wish in. Then again you can see what them the very best of luck as we it’s like at their next Beer Festival do to outgoing landlords Ashley on 27th/28th March when all are Warks. CV35 0QU and Louise Gargan who ran it welcome and 10 or 12 beers plus successfully for four years. ciders and perry will be available THE ROUND OF GRAS THE ROUND OF GRAS Lower Brailes Oxhill Telephone: 01295 688060 Dave Wiggins at The George will Congratulations to Yvonne and Bretforton Road, Badsey, Evesham, be spit roasting haunches of beef PamBretforton at The Peacock on beating Pub 2008. Road, Badsey, Evesham, and venison during a full day of hundreds of pubs in Coventry and As if being best isn’t good enough Carvery Specialstraditional St Georges Day enter- Warwickshire to become one of The Peacock is holding three bee Carvery Specials tainment on Thursday 23rs April. the best places to eat. ‘Highly and cider festivals a year. The nex Singing, dancing and other frolics Commended’ by mystery diners is a Sausage Ale QUIZand Cider Festi- NIGHT - first Sunday of every month from 8.00pm (in aid of Air Ambulance) Tel: start about Midday and continue Tel: 01386 830206 from’Quality in Tourism’01386 they val from 22nd 830206 –25th May and Midweek £ 5.00 ‘til Midnight allaccompanied by a were apparently pipped at the post includes live music on the Friday Midweek £ 5.00 full range of Hook Norton Beers. for the top spot by a pub in evening, a ‘Bavarian Evening’ on Henley-in-Arden but we’re sure Sunday and a ’Family Fun Day’ Hampton Lucy their beers (Timothy Taylors with BBQ on Monday. Details of The Boars Head Beer Festival Golden Best, Abbot Ale and a the others in August and October WWW.ROUNDOFGRAS.CO.UK Tues.Wed.Thurs. lunchtakes place from 11.30 am on guest),WWW.ROUNDOFGRAS.CO.UK are far better. will be published in good time. Tues.Wed.Thurs. lunch Saturday 28th ‘til 3.00 pm Sunday The blow was probably softened Watch this space andCheck out 29th March with up to 24 beers on by subsequently being voted the pub’s website at offer. ’Shire’ magazines Best Country www.thepeacockoxhill.co.uk and Wed. evening and Wed. evening Open 11.00—11.00 Everyday Open 11.00—11.00See our website Everyday www.shakespearecamra.org.uk 25 for Traditional cask ales real ciders and fine food Sunday £ 7.50 for Traditional cask ales real ciders and fine food Sunday £ 7.50 12 - 3.00 5.30 - 8.00 12 - 3.00 5.30 - 8.00

4 Shakespeare Branch Diary and Beer Festival Round up

Meetings and Socials Subscribe to Shakesbeer December If you are a CAMRA member in the Shakespeare 13th, 8.00pm Branch meeting, Holly Bush followed by Alcester Christmas branch, you should receive a copy of Shakesbeer through the post (one per household). If you prefer, Pub Crawl a PDF copy can be sent to you by email - just let 16th , 7.30pm - Branch Xmas Meal, Shakesbeer know. If you live outside the area or are not a CAMRA Blue Boar PH, Binton. member but would like to subscribe and receive January 2012 copies through the post, then please send a cheque made out to “Shakespeare CAMRA” for £5 10th, 8.00pm, The Four Alls, Welford Branch meeting then on to The Bell for four issues, published quarterly, to: and The Shakespeare Inn, Welford Shakesbeer, 21 Monks Walk, Bridge St, Evesham, WR11 4SL 17th, 8.00pm, The Fleece, Bretforton, Beer Festival meeting February 14th, 8.00pm, St Edgwins Club, (BBC club), 117 High Street, Evesham, then CAMRA Branch contacts on to Olde Red Horse. • Chair - Lloyd Evans [email protected] 21st, 8.00pm, Beer Festival Meeting (location to be confirmed) • Vice Chair - John Ross March • Secretary - Gwen Godfrey 13th, 8.00pm, Branch Meeting, The Castle, Edge Hill then to Rose and [email protected] Crown, Ratley and (if time) to George Hotel, Brailes • Treasurer - Sue Fraser [email protected] 20th, 8.00pm, Beer Festival Meeting (location to be confirmed) • Membership - Katie Williams April [email protected] 10th, 8.00pm, Branch Meeting, The Gate, Honeybourne then to The • Social Secretary - Bob Kirby Thatched Tavern [email protected] • Young Members Coordinator - Simon Williams Beer Festivals [email protected] • Branch Contact and Webmaster - Keith Barker December [email protected] 10th - Haddenham (Aylesbury) Winterfest 2011 • Pubs Officer - Pete Godfrey Over 25 ales and ciders plus Xmas stalls [email protected] http://haddenham-beer-festival.co.uk • Campaigns Officer - Jason Norledge December [email protected] 18th - 21st National Winter Ales Festival, Manchester • Newsletter - Bob Kirby www.alefestival.org.uk/winterales [email protected]

February The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions 2nd - 4th Tewksbury CAMRA Winter Ale Festival for publication. Copyright © Shakepeare CAMRA 2011. www.tewkesburycamra.org.uk Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the Shakespeare Branch or The Ltd. Shakespeare CAMRA accepts no 3rd - 4th Redditch (CAMRA) Winter Ale Festival liability in relation to the accuracy of articles or advertisements, readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance 33 ales plus cider and perry of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an www.redditchwaf.org.uk endorsement of quality by Shakespeare CAMRA. Local Trading Standards Offices: Warwickshire County Council, Old Budbrooke Road, Warwick, CV35 7DP Worcestershire County Council, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, Keep an eye on the branch website for updates to the WR5 2NP

diary and what’s on at www.shakespearecamra.org.uk Design and print by Bloomfield Ltd., Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire. Tel: 01789 490528 www.bloomfieldprinters.co.uk

26 Closing date for copy for the next issue of Shakesbeer is 13th February 2012 Fair deal A Campaign of Two Halves on beer Save tax now! Britain’s Pubs! Join CAMRA Today Complete the Direct Debit form and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription. Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW. Your Details Direct Debit Non DD Title Surname Single Membership £20 £22 (UK & EU) Forename(s) Joint Membership £25 £27 Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) (Partner at the same address) Address For Young Member and concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201. Postcode I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, Email address and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Tel No(s) Articles of Association I enclose a cheque for Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) Signed Date Title Surname Applications will be processed within 21 days Forename(s)

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) 12/10

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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 eht reganaM knaB ro gnidliuB yteicoS 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.

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