- ._._------••• ~Yew TVe€/I,VW\I )CQ E'E'/ ~E" .

./ Great Ales from 's best micros and others ./ Always a cask mild ./ 'Beer Festival' approach to ale selection & pricing ./ Quality selection of wines from Europe and New World ./ Fresh home-cooked food 6 days a week ./ Provision for both smokers and anti-smokers! ./ NO pool table, jukebox, fruit machines or other nonsense to distract you from the food and drink!

20% off real ales and Kentish Cider for current CAMRA members from 5pm Sunday till closing on Wednesday

Summer opening hours: Food service hours:

Monday 5pm-11pm Tuesday-Sat 12-2.15 and 7-9.15pm Tues-Thurs 12-3 and 5-11pm Sunday 12-2.15pm Fri-Sat 12-11pm NB No food on Mondays or Sunday 12-10.30pm Sunday evenings

WeJV~Wo-rt}v~!!!

A mile and a halffrom Shepherdswell, Eythorne & Nonington, off the A2 opposite Lydden Motor Racing Circuit between & Dover

Booking strongly advised for meals, especially Friday, Saturday and Sunday Sandwich - not just there for the golf! **** 3-course weekday lunch menu £10 a head **** Call Peter or Kathryn on 01304831619/ Fax 01304 832669 or e-mail [email protected] The Newsletter of the Deal Dover Sandwich & District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale visit www.barfrestone.co.uk for further details, directions and up-to-date menus

----_._------_._.- Printed at Adams the Printers, Dover Issue 16 Summer 2003 events DiQr~ In this Issue •

Welcome to the Summer 2003 issue of Channel DrnUght.': ,~, 12-13 July Beer Festival* Duck, Pett Bottom Summer has truly arrived and the rural pubs in White Cliffs Country will become very 21 July Branch Meeting Royal Oak, Capel-1e-Feme busy-at least that's what the landlords hope! The presence of The Open in Sandwich will certainly lead to an increase in trade at the pubs in and around Sandwich and Deal. For those who value the quiet pint, take a look at the rural section of the news and in 24 - 26 July Kent Beer Fest Merton Farm, Canterbury particular some of the pubs to the West of White Cliffs Country, bordering Canterbury. You might even like to try the vintage bus service running every Sunday until Septem- 5 - 9 August Great British Kensington Olympia ber 7th, details are on page 42. Beer Festival London We bid happy retirement to Alan & Pat Mash of the Royal Oak, Capelle Feme this is- sue. Fifteen years as landlords of the pub, and thirteen continuous years in the Good 18 August Branch Meeting Admiral Owen, Sandwich Beer Guide. Cheers!

29-31 August Beer Festival* Hare & Hounds, Northboume Congratulations to Charlie and Frank at The Mogul for wining the Branch Pub of the Year award for 2003. ~ ---) Of~'-1 __ 15 September Branch Meeting Yew Tree, Barfrestone Editor 1'1 - 13 October Branch Social Games evening at The Mogul Contents

I 20 October Branch Meeting Venue tba I

Updates to the diary are available on the branch website 2 Events diary 40 Golden Lion Winkle Club www.topsy.demon.co.uk/dds_camra 3 Editorial Meetings start at 8pm unless otherwise shown 42 Vintage Bus Routes The branch normallv meets on the third Monday of each month. 4 Local News If you are interested in joining CAMRA come along to one of our meetings! 44 Double Presentation Please consult 'What's Brewing' to confirm venues, especially if travelling to meetings/events. Events marked with * are not organised by CAMRA but by the venue indicated 20 National News 45 Last Knockings Front Cover: Admiral Owen and Crispin pubs, Sandwich 24 Kent Brewery News Photo by Martin Atkins 47 Local Information Channel Draught is Published and ~) 2003 by the Deal Dover 25 Cartoon, by Bax Sandwich & District Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. 49 Editorial! Advert Info The Branch supports the campaign to retain Real Ale in pubs in White 30 Royal Oak, Capel Cliffs Country. Please drink sensibly! 32 Beery Boaters 51 Advertising Index Page 2 The Local News \.~..-r:...:...." ~. s' ~ Headlines this issue:

'- • From Antwerp to Bohemia 'ihI";+,,,~.,~•.e 'c~ ~ • Work starts on Lloyd's N"1 • Black Horse Blaze :.,..t M Vpper Street, 1(jngsauwn '-' Friday zo" June saw the grand open- Normally we would not mention the . .. (~ rre[01304373915 f;J. ing of the Bohemian, formerly the lager selection, but here there is Czech FreeHouse Antwerp, on Deal seafront. The pub Budvar from the town the Germans has been taken by former Shep's ten- named Budweis. The others are Am- ants from the Deal Hoy and they was stel, brewed by Heineken in Holland, Your hosts A/ex & Amanda kind enough to give Channel Draught Leffe Blonde and Brune from Belgium, and your chef Michae/ French a sneak preview while the paint was Liefmanns Kriek (with its cherry infu- we/come you to the King's Head still drying. The work was finished sion), as well as Hoegaarden (the inten- just in time, and with a newly arrived tionally cloudy one) and remarkably Bar & Restaurant food Toes to Sat baby to tend to as well, quite some Anchor Steam from San Francisco. task. Our congratulations! All freshly home-cooked by our chef Work your way through that lot and Fresh fish and good curries always available ~\~e e The decor has changed quite drasti- finish off with a real ale in a bottle - o.\\\O~ cally and is in keeping with the new Cooper's Sparkling Ale from Mel- Why not haue an easy Sunday and come to us o~ 2-\ ~e name, including some modernist bourne, South Australia or Chimay prints on the walls. The basic layout "Capsule Blanc", the white-capped ver- for our superb sunday roastfrom 12-6 ~e remains intact, but looks very differ- sion of this Trappist brew (harder to ent with its new furnishings whilst the find than the red or the blue). All in all Extensive wine Iist- Over 20 malt whiskies patio/garden is due to open soon the style is that of a city centre or uni- cJp~T~ (when ready!). versity town bar, so is quite a radical departure for Deal! t (l.,(e,S LLM1dv FvUiay 12 - 2.30pWII John is a fellow beer nut (remember tl-eS (l.,~S Scdurdco) 11CU111- 3pWII the BBQs at his last pub?) and with a genuine Free House to run there is of (l.,ltW.((l..b(e,· S~ 12 - 10.30pWII course an interesting selection of ales, 0(l.,'\l(l.,t (,QC(l., plus imported beers in place of the ofte't\ EV~ Mo-vv-F riday 5 -11pWII usual UK lager brands. Regular beers are expected to be Woodfordes Saturday 6 -11pWII Wherry, Adnams Broadside and Hop S~ 12 - 10.30pWII Back Summer Lightning. The fourth ale is a guest which on day one was Available any lunchtime for personal or business functions Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted. Page 5 ~~ ...:::: ••~ :::::::::::-••~ :c::: ••~ -_::: ••~'--:: ••~:_-- ••~ 0,0" •• ':, Deal News Also hard at work are sub-contractors for JD Wetherspoon who are now Our thanks to those who responded to \!Cbe~bmiraI llenn converting the former Snoops disco our plea for fresh information. club into the area's first Lloyd's N" 1 ~OU5e bar. Originally due open earlier this Shepherd Neame's programme of up- jfree year, plans had to be delayed due to grading selected pubs continues. Hav- structural difficulties uncovered by ing completed projects in Sandwich This tastefully Dutch Style decorated Pub building inspectors. Finding asbestos and it has now turned its Can be found on the Seafront of Deal in the roof is bad enough, but having attention on Deal, including Walmer. a leaky river running under the site There the Railway, originally a hotel really caps it. After all it was once of course, has become the latest bene- While enjoying your Traditional Real English Ales part of a brewery site! ficiary of investment which is aimed at increasing the attraction of promi- Bass , London Pride and Guest ale Word from JDW sources indicates a nent community local pubs. fairly standardised format with There are also plasma-screen music and (we believe) Changes here have been described as a rear conservatory or patio - if so a "a complete transformation". Not sur- Heineken , Amstel and Grolsch Lagers nice view of a designated redevelop- prisingly the old two-bar layout has ment area! Expect few ales though, been opened up into a single bar, be- Specials are Dutch Kopstoot and Jagermeister but a late-night licence with no par- ing the industry standard these days, Cold from the fridge ticular restrictions on entry and obvi- and the old function room is now a ously targeted at the 18-30 age dining area. The original floorboards bracket. It is now due open in late have been exposed and varnished and Open Monday-Saturday 6PM -11PM summer at the earliest. new wooden furniture installed. The garden has been restored to full use Friday the 13th of June was particu- and there is a possibility of Bat and Website (24hr!) www.admiralpenn.com larly unlucky for Pubmaster whose Trap here if the right equipment can Black Horse at on the A260 be found (big garden!). The beer is Your Hosts north of caught fire that Master Brew, now served by new ten- night. TV and local press reported ants Woody and Ann who are ale Art, Linda and Natalie that nobody was injured in the blaze drinkers themselves. Our best wishes Ouwersloot but the pub was extensively damaged. to them in their new venture. With an expanding community at the Phone: 0044 (01304)374279 79 BEACHSTREET old aerodrome nearby and only two Shepherd Neame is also refurbishing Fax: 0044 (01304)381460 DEAL competing pubs within anything like all three of its seafront hotels. At the EMAILADRESS KENTCT14 6JA time of going to press the Royal was walking distance we assume that the [email protected] UNITEDKINGDOM company will be keen to rebuild as closed for major work but should re- soon as it is able to so. Beers had open in July - the others are the Star been Directors and Bass. & Garter and the Clarendon.

Page 7 The Prince Albert is now owned/ for good. The Cambridge Arms is a managed by Michael Harlick and Punch Tavern with Bass, Adnams, Colin Vurley who have begun to London Pride and Bombardier. Busi- (Bfakgs of Dover make some changes to what had been ness as usual at the Admiral Penn essentially a restaurant where drinkers with more Bass, London Pride and were welcomed but not encouraged. It Bombardier - strangers to the town Purveyors of Ales and Porter is still food-led but is to have B&B should note the hours (evenings only To Ladies & Gentlemen rooms and garden whilst drinkers from 6pm and closed on Sundays). Their Sons & Daughters have their own space in the bar. The biggest beer range in town is still Local caught fish and specials From the CAMRA standpoint the best at the Ship with 5 on, including Hook 52 Malt Whiskeys and Fine Ports news is the improved choice of beer - Norton Bitter and Hop Back Summer it is a genuine Free House. Master Lightning to give a big range of "May your road never grow shorter and may you have Brew is the house bitter with two strengths too. The beer range in the a pint in your hand on your way to Heaven" guest ales alongside. Recent visitors refurbished Port Arms reflects its for- Open Lunch and Evenings Monday-Friday have found Taylor's Landlord, mer Whitbread ownership so expect & Saturday Evening Deuchars IPA or Henry's IPA from Old Speckled Hen, Pedigree or Wad- Wadworth; the latter is a classic West worth 6X. S2 Castle Street Dover. Telephone 01304 202194 Country pale ale and very different to Blakes "A Toomey House" 6X. However please note the opening Extra reporting by Stuart Gerrard, hours: evenings only (from 6pm) ex- Anne & Julian Mdlray. cept Sunday when it is open all day. Dover News Nearby the Saracen's Head has been C\\ERS selling the Shep' s seasonal ales, so The Real Ale scene in many the 4 should have Summer Goldings by smaller, traditional pubs can best be :\J~ Ashley nr Studdal /(A ~ now. However we are told that there summed up as "swings and round- Dover 01304 825925 '~ are now no Real Ales at all in the abouts" whilst larger managed pubs ..q;, brewery's Lord Clyde - fizz-only tend to be more predictable with ei- Shep's houses seem to be on the in- ther a good steady throughput or none Shepherd Neame Masterbrew crease again. The Telegraph offers a at all. That said, there are of course fuller range with both Spitfire and some notable exceptions. And Guest Ale Early Bird during the springtime. The Stag has Bass and Broadside with the Bad news first. The little-used hand Patio to rear - Car Park former also at the Lord Nelson. The pumps at Bar Elle have been ousted Deal Hoy does a varying range from by more fizz taps whilst those at the Shep's. Green Berry stays with a Orange Tree are once again disused. Opening Hours •

Greene King duo - usually IPA and Availability of Directors or GK IPA 12-2 & 7-11 Mon-Fri i .... "" "Ruddles" County. The same GK IPA at the Prince of Orange is unpredict- 12-3 & 7-11 Sat, 12-5 S:m- .. ,: at the Eagle but the Young's has gone able which is a shame since quality

Page 9 has been very good. The short-lived a new pump-clip which shows its true Cruisers looks like a permanent clo- origin and even mentions that it is 711e 'P~ 1fUt sure with some building conversion brewed for wholesalers Andrews of work nearing completion - it had the Margate. ~,~ dubious distinction of selling the keg Tel 01304 203300 version of Young's "Ordinary". Also The Park Inn offers two guest ales www.theparkinnatdover.co.uk closed (lease on offer) is Harleys. alongside four regulars with all six apparently selling well. During the Victorian Freehouse & Restaurant Restoration work of a positive kind at spring there was another first for Do- Open All Day 7 Days a week the under-used Britannia which now ver: Old Mill Bitter is a very pleasant Restaurant and Snack Menu available all day traditional-style pale ale from Buxhall offers Pedigree and/or Bass. The 5 en-suite letting rooms same beer combination appears at the in Suffolk - those East Anglian brew- Live Entertainment Priory Hotel, replacing the previous ers certainly value the Kent coastal selection. Perhaps it is no coincidence trade. Six Real Ales including Marstons Pedigree, Theakstons, that management here are making more of an effort to attract (stranded?) The sad demise of the Old Kent Old Speckled Hen & regular guest ales commuters as well as their regulars. Brewery (see page 24) came as a bit All the essence of a vJ'llagepub in Also back to Real Ale is Sir John of a blow for local choice but the re- Falstaff Once a Whitbread alehouse lated Grand Union Brewery of Hayes ~_:r~~~~p!.~iIf&>.-_Dover Town Centre t?ff= ~?$b- -AeS~ with a mix of big names, regional and (Middx, not Kent!) now supplies seasonal beers, it had lost all 5 pumps some at least of its former outlets. At but now has one for Courage Best. the Louis Armstrong the Cologne- style cask-conditioned lager Koelsch Shepherd Neame Summer Goldings has proved popular, perhaps appeal- Coa~JgHf!f9 has now displaced Early Bird from ing to two sets of beer fans. Guest the First and Last - it is good to see ales here are normally timed to be WIIWJ.thecoostglD"d.co.uk Real Ale adverts at both ends of East conditioned and ready for busy ses- Between the bottom of the hill and the deep blue sea Cliff1 Elgood' s Cambridge continues sions including the regular music In a location renowned across Kent for its beauty, The Coastguard lives : to be popular at the Renaissance and nights (jazz on Sundays), quizzes and up to its reputation for excellent food and drink served with a pleasing informality, is on most days, occasionally giving special events. Bass is the house ale. complemented by breathtaking views out to sea way to, or accompanying, another ale such as Worthington 1744 or Ridley's So no Old Kent at the Eagle now, - Britain's nearest pub to France - Ramsgate Brewery, EKB. The latter has long been a with Hopdaemon becoming sole sup- Great food and Kentish Guest Ales Old Kent Brewery, "house beer" in the Prince Albert but plier. Golden Braid remains the house Hopdaemon, until recently was badged by its ale, usually with Incubus alongside or wholesaler as "East Kent Brewery" maybe Skrimshander. The ~ B~:~~!~~~:;~~:e despite being an East Anglian bitter "natural" (believed organic) bottled then brewed by Tolly Cobbold. How- Green Daemon Pilsner throws a light Parties and Groups catered for. ever Ridley's of Chelmsford (who sediment but is actually quite easy to St MlJgiIefs BayTeI: 01])4853176 bought out Tolly) have come up with pour given a steady hand.

Page 11 Adnams Southwold and Broadside at Being summer now (and pushing Cullin's Yard but no sign of the 30°C as I type this) JD Wetherspoon ~ Sandwich Fine Books spring/summer Regatta this year. has a new list with 57 varieties this Wells Bombardier made a guest ap- year. As usual an eclectic mix of pearance at the Flagship during our well-known brands (good to see "Ind recent branch meeting, but this Pub- Coope Burton Ale" even if it is BOOKS TO SELL? master outlet is best known for its brewed in Leeds), various regionals, Tetley Imperial. It is a sad comment seasonal offerings from established We pay top prices for antiquarian and good quality and rare on Carlsberg- Tetley that very little micros plus the downright unusual second hand books. effort is put into marketing this im- (Schiehallion Cask Lager or St. Peters pressive pint to the point that it can be Lemon & Ginger Ale). Customers at Contact Nick McConnell at SANDWICH FINE BOOKS hard to find even in its native York- the Eight Bells tend to favour the shire. CAMRA in Leeds tell us that stronger brews (e.g. Ringwood Old Phone/fax: 01304 620300 some C-T tenants do not even realise Thumper) but expect most of the list that they can get it (more on Tetley in to appear here. the National News). E-mail: [email protected] Finally, a real surprise at the White Or visit our website: The Golden Lion is being redeco- Horse just as we were going to print. www.abebooks.com/home/sandwichfinebooks/ rated. Apart from the regular Adnams Alongside the London Pride and Ab- and Pedigree, there have been ales bot Ale was a beer which may be fa- from Thwaites of Blackbum, viz. miliar in bottles but is normally avail- Thoroughbred and Lancaster Bomber. able locally only in Canterbury in its draught 4.5% form - the splendid The Mogul retains its title of Branch Hobgoblin from Wychwood. Pub of the Year and the ever- changing trio of ales has appropri- Folkestone News ately enough included winners from the Great British Beer Festival. With By now readers may have come beers being judged in several differ- across "Marsh Mash", the newly re- ent categories (then an overall win- launched newsletter of our neighbours ner) this by itself gives a comprehen- Ashford, Folkestone & Romney sive range of styles to try. One hard- Marsh Branch. This gives a full sum- to-find style is of course Dark Mild, mary of the Folkestone area, but but Moorhouse Black Cat does well given the close ties with our area we here as does Goacher's Dark Mild shall continue to keep you posted on from Maidstone. Definitely unusual the ale scene there. (for the UK) is De Koninck, a Belgian copper-coloured ale with a subtle, Since our last issue there have been a "moreish" taste which belies its 5% few changes. The most startling de- strength. velopment is at Mustang Sally's

Page 13 which is getting yet another facelift - Guest ales are now established in the Speaking of Mild, the Cherry Pickers this must be in danger of setting a East Cliff Tavern. GK Abbot and ·THE U6H1HOUSE in Cheriton has Ansells on perma- new record for changes in name and Taylor's Landlord are favourites here, nently - the only pub in the Shepway decor in its short life! Will the name but when Channel Draught called in I BESTAINIT area to do so. Wetherspoon's is a change or the Cask Tetley's survive? during a rainstorm we were treated to Open All Day Sill: - Sl.IndllY, grand pub from a heritage standpoint Red McGregor, a dark red and Man • Friday 11-3.00 lunch, but it is not so good in the guest beer 5.30 - 11.00 evening The Earl Grey looks a lot smarter strongly flavoured ale which hails stakes which is a bit disappointing now but without being totally re- from the Orkney Isles. Guest ales ••Real Ales given the range at Dover or Canter- vamped, and sure enough there is may be returning to the Lifeboat too, ••Large comfortable bar area bury. Often there is just one guest, Spitfire as well as Master Brew now. which keeps at least one Summer ••Extensive bar snacks and a well known one at that. ••a la carte menu The other refurbished Shep' s house, Lightning fan happy. ••40 seater main restaurant P.S. Not all Folkestone pubs have the Master Brewer over at Broad- ••Separate 30 seater restaurant been visited by Channel Draught - mead should have Summer Goldings Strong dark ales are also a feature of ••Business lunches and functions alongside the regular duo. Real Ale is Jennings Brewery of Cumbria, but its ••30 seater family dining area with further coverage in Marsh Mash back in the Royal Standard for the Cumberland Ale is less well known in separate indoor play araa . which was in several of those pubs ••Ample parking first time since in living memory - these parts, so thank you Stuart at the listed above. Wadworth 6X or Greene King. The Guildhall for a timely reminder of ." Newly refurbished B&B rooms Sandwich News Two Bells next door now has two ales what we are missing. Stronger beers Now fully open which will normally be Pedigree with seem to be the forte of the British Not many changes in Sandwich since a varying second, such as Worthing- Lion with GK Abbot and Old Speck- •• Full disabled facilities the last issue, indeed very much ton 1744. led Hen, alongside Pedigree and "business as usual", with real ales in Young's Special on a recent virtually all Sandwich pubs. By now Old Daow -. visit. <5: the Market Inn should have moved Capel-Ie-Feme Telephone 01303 223300 on from Early Bird to Summer Gold- Beers from Cottage are often www.llghthouse-lnn.co.uk ings. The Crispin is a Punch Tavern, on at Harvey's, but also Wye Everards Tiger or London Pride Valley Over the Sticks for a alongside Bass. The handpumps in change. Ringwood Old Greene King's Admiral Owen are Thumper at Chambers, and normally devoted to IPA and Abbot good news for Cider drinkers Andy's Happy Frenchman was host with the rest of the GK range on here - the fake pump has to a CAMRA Mild promotion in stillage behind the bar - it's the given way a real one with May. Ballard's Midhurst Mild was wrong time of the year for Strong Biddenden Bushels which is very dark and quite dry for its style - Suffolk, so expect Morland Original 6% (compared to the usual and it went down well on FA Cup Fi- or Ruddles County. 8.4% of Biddenden Dry). The nal day! Another dark ale, described Always a guest ale in Verini Tavern's Pullman usually has Bom- as a mild, but again very dry and Fleur-de-Lis for example Gadd' s of bardier or Spitfire available .. quite hoppy (more like porter had it Ramsgate for a local taste or Sharp's Not previously mentioned is been a bit stronger) was that spell- Cornish ales for variety. We are told the Castle which has Tetley checker failure Ambeardextrous from that the Greyhound has been/is being Cask. Beartown of Congleton, Cheshire. refurbished. ._------" Village News Since becoming a Free House a few years ago, the Kings Head The five-beer range at the Jackdaw (Kingsdown) has had a wide variety The Fox (Denton) changes frequently with of guest ales too. The only the Spitfire being a permanent "Koelsch" (Cologne) lager from High Street Temple Ewell, Tel 01304823598 fixture as befits this pub's well- Grand Union Brewery slakes a sum- known WW2 connection. A real sur- mer thirst, but a major feature so far prise was Tetley Mild in June - at the this year has been a succession of ales Steve & Alyson would like to welcome you to The Fox same time the others were all from from Archers of Swindon. These have Open for lunch 12-2 and dinner 7-9 Hants, viz. Gales HSB, Ringwood included Around the Maypole and Best and Ironside from Hampshire Thirst Quencher. Note that Archers Opening hours 11-3 6-11 Mon to Sat Brewery. also retail beers from Wolverhampton & Dudley (Banks & Marston). 12-4 & 7-11 Sunday There's always a Mild at the Yew Tree (Barfrestone) and also local Down at the Coastguard (St. Marga- Sunday Roasts 2 courses £6.50 Please book brews. Currently the Mild is local too, ret's Bay) Adnams Southwold Bitter being brewed by Eddie Gadd at is a regular offering. Local ales are Ramsgate Harbour. Peter Garstin's regular features, and on a balmy June Small parties catered for. Play area. Children welcome intention is to keep this a permanent evening there was Gadd's N°7 bitter basis, provided that the brewer can . to savour. There's another reason to accommodate this. On my June visit, switch those mobiles off too - beware Triple fff Moondance and Hopdae- t& 0A the "Welcome to France" texts! The mon Incubus were on sale for vari- Fox (Temple Ewell) has two regular #~THE CHARITY INN ~~~~~ ety . Forthcoming attractions are ales and two guests, one of the latter ~~<:- WOODNESBOROUGH <(\~~~ Sharp's Doombar, RCH Double will be a "session" ale, i.e. below 4%. ~~ Header and the Lemon & Ginger vari- The Railway Bell nearby is best ~~ Good ant from St.Peters brewery. known for its Abbot Ale and London Four English Pride. Real ales Fare Always a guest ale alongside the Including available Master Brew at the Butcher's Arms Alan and Pat Mash are due to leave Ansells Wednesday (Ashley), one at a time to ensure tip- the Royal Oak (Capel-le-Ferne) after Dark top condition. Seasonal ales from, to fifteen successful, and we trust happy, Mild Saturday say, Jennings or Bateman contrasting years there. We are assured that the and with the regular Master Brew. Greene Bar pub which they have built up will Another pub with a guest ale is the King IPA Snacks pass into good hands. Meantime, Hare & Hounds (Northbourne) Flagship Brewery have been in 3 en-suite TRADITIONAL OLD Traditional which is otherwise known for its Har- again - this time with the 5.2% Ship- letting rooms JENGLISH PUB .e~SUNDAY vey's Best, surprisingly hard to find wrecked. Your correspondent got Tele 01304 613189 ·.g~R~ast at this distance from Lewes. A beer shipwrecked at 447 feet above mean . Tuesdayto Monday to Friday & Sunday Available festival is scheduled to be held here e-m~11 . Thursday Thursday Saturday 12-5pm 12.30 to sea level. [email protected] 12-2.30pm 6-11pm All Day 7-10.30pm 3pm. from 29th to 31st August. Still buoyant are ale sales at the The Rose & Crown () Lighthouse just up the road. Up to has 4 or 5 ales on, including Adnams, four from Greene King, including the Greene King and Pedigree. occasional "guest" supplied through GK from another regional (e.g. Tiger At the Crown (Finglesham) there is a or Tanglefoot). The White Cliffs Inn fine combination of Old Speckled may be closed, having previously Hen and Old Peculier plus Master been open only during the summer. Brew and 2 guest ales.

The Marquis of Granby (Alkham) Finally, one of the very few pubs in did change hands but we do not have the area offering real mild is the a report on beer range yet. The Charity (Woodnesborough). The se- Plough (Church Hougham) is still a lection of bitters has included Pedi- Whitbread Beefeater, although the gree and Greene King. company is believed to be consider- ing further bar/diner disposals - Lon- Endpiece don Pride and Flowers OB are to be found here. Meanwhile the Chequers As usual we have limited space to (West Hougham) remains boarded-up mention the pubs we actually hear awaiting a decision on its future. about. If a pub isn't mentioned it is either due to us not knowing about Other rural pubs have already closed, the latest changes in beer range etc or notably out at where possibly that the beer range hasn't the Gate and the Prince of Wales changed since our last issue. Either have gone to other uses, whilst the way, please let me know of your news Three Horseshoes at Lower Hardres "from the horse's mouth" and we'll stays closed despite at least one ex- do our best to include it next time. pression of interest. We particularly need to hear about In the same area, the Hop Pocket at rural pubs in the area to the west of now has Bass and Sandwich towards Canterbury and up Greene King IPA. The Duck at Pett to the river Stour. Bottom has long had Greene King beers but has since added Shepherd E-mail me at [email protected] Neame, with supplies of local ales (Other means of communication are coming from Flagship and Hopdae- shown on Page 49.) mono Dispense is both by handpump and on gravity. A house beer festival 9)cwe 9lcudIi is due over the weekend of 12th & 13th July. Pubs Officer DDS Page 19 Andy & Olarlotte The National News Welcome you to ...

Scaled Down McMullen Survives 18300 (36 gallon) barrels for Progressive Concerns over Tetley Future Beer Duty purposes so they even save a bit Scottish & Newcastle Out of Pubs on their Excise Duty bill! This actually makes it smaller than some of the "mighty Decision Time for Bass Museum Christchurch Road, Folkestone, Kent. micros" who have hit the big time with rei; 01303-259815 McMullen of Hertford is to stay in national distribution deals. Quite how a brewing, but on a much reduced scale. For small brewery can service a fair sized pub months the continuation of its Hertford estate remains to be seen - will they sell Come and enjoy The Frenchman Cask operation had been doubtful due to the wish pubs or buy in beer? Fortunately for us, Ale Club - Offering you the finest in of some of the shareholders to sell out but much of its capacity was used for contract small and micro-brewery beers. its directors have now put together a rescue brewing, exclusively for Scottish & plan which keeps the family firm going. Newcastle, and it is this that will cease. Production will be Real Ales plus a it of Every week we offer you a hand Greene King had shown a definite interest nitro keg. Another puzzle is its assurance in the company, wanting both the pubs and about minimal redundancies, for it employs picked guest cask ale to the brewery. The latter would have been about 1000 people (presumably including retained to give GK added capacity which managed pub staff). Compare Ringwood complement our regular ales I seemed a strange assurance given the with 35 staff turning out 30000 barrels a closures at Abingdon and Biggleswade. year. Despite the unanswered questions, which include; Bombardier I this announcement comes as a real relief to The source of the rescue is ironic given that drinkers in CAMRA's home county. Draught Bassand Spitfire. too many breweries have closed down due to the lure of highly profitable Even mighty breweries are not safe from redevelopment, for McMullen itself was a extinction - over the years Luton, Bristol, major property owner in Hertfordshire. The Cheltenham and Birmingham (Aston and company owned sufficient property, e.g. Cape Hill) spring to mind. Even offices, unrelated to its brewing operations Carlsberg- Tetley in Leeds could become a Ifs also worth noting that we are now and has used them as a bargaining chip. target, not just for take-over but even These will now be sold to payoff those shutdown. The perceived threat comes from recognised as Folllestone's Iremier live shareholders who caused the closure Scottish & Newcastle which has finally proposal to arise. bowed to City pressure to choose between music venue, with live band at least brewing and retailing. Having swallowed It will remain as a "vertically integrated" Danone (Kronenbourg and Alken-Maes) three nights a week. OntOI 01which we brewer and pub retailer, currently owning just over the Channel and having extensive 1001 about 140 pubs mainly in its Hertfordshire other brewing interests across Europe it have darts, two tables and a 1ftIIiI homeland with a few in London (including came as no surprise that it chose to remain Screen TVshowing all Sq Slorts, a showpiece near Charing Cross). However a non-retailing brewer. So the pubs will go the brewing operation will be drastically to a major bidder leaving S&N with a pile including Sq slons Plusl reduced, taking it under the maximum of of cash to spend on its core brewing. Page 21 The city of Leeds has seen more than its is putting a big effort into pushing fair share of major property development Worthington 1744 as its own replacement CAM RA '. and the C-T brewery would be a prime site for Bass and now has over 1000 outlets by any standards. The fear up there is that nation-wide. In this part of the world it may S&N would close it down and shoehorn the still be "no contest" with so many Bass Kent Beer Festival brewing into John Smith's at Tadcaster or outlets, but elsewhere it has gained ground. Theakstons on Tyneside. Meanwhile, Coors has been experimenting 2003 Local footnote: our only known S&N tied with seasonal beers under the W orthington house is Dover's Premier Lodge Hotel (t/a banner. At first it was expected to use its Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 July Millers bar/diner). However C-T is a major 60-barrel-per-week Samuel Allsopp plant supplier to pubs throughout the area. but it now transpires that Museum Merton Farm, Merton Lane Brewery, at just one-tenth the size, will get One legacy of the decision by Bass to exit the job. If so there won't be much to go (off 82068 Stone Street),'Canterbury brewing is the status of the Museum round whatever the Museum's future. Brewery which was of course an integral part of the Bass Museum of Brewing. That Not too much on the pub chain front right Over '20 real ales and ciders legacy went with the rest of the Burton- now, apart from the continual trickle of based Bass operations to Coors, who also small-scale deals but plenty of potential plus foreign beers took with it the Worthington brand name as remains. The main "prize" would be well as a short-term contract to brew Scottish & Newcastle's 1450-strong estate. Live entertainment, Draught Bass for Interbrew. N omura had already been negotiating on about 700 but that fell through once the family area, good food First the Museum. The one benefit of being total sell-off was announced. of part of Bass is that it was a small but Free shuttle bus from Canterbury bus prestige operation which gave kudos as One purchase already agreed is the sale of station storts 15 mins.before eQChsession well as profit to the main operation. As a cider giant HP Bulmer to Scottish & and runs every 15-30 mins brewery it could be used for all sorts of Newcastle. S&N is paying £278M for a short-run or experimental brews. With the company whose corporate strategy had Day Times Admission demise of King & Barnes it regained come off the rails. Unexplained holes in brewing and bottling of the renowned accounts don't help much either. However Thursday 1830••2SOO£2.50 All sessions except Worthington White Shield. The museum there is an angle for Real Ale drinkers too, gains a royalty from Interbrew for its rights for Bulmer owned The Beer Seller too. For Friday 1200-1600 Free entry Friday evening free to to the Bass name, whilst its actual brewing us this well-known and diverse drinks .183Q-23OO £6 (£5 advanc:e) card-carrying CAMRA operation has to compete for external trade distributor means just one thing: national 1130-1630 £2.50 members with every micro brewer you could care to delivery for regional and local brewers 1830••2300 £2.50 mention. Coors has to decide whether or everywhere, although in fact it actually not to retain the museum or sell it off as a sells other products, e.g. Bacardi Breezers. separate company (but still on site). S&N is expected to sell on Beer Seller for about £30M - our concerns are obvious and I!leneiffM 81111\ 1111'11 Part of Coors' dilemma is that Draught CAMRA HQ is already talking to the 1 Bass contract, which expires in just 1 /2 competition authorities. years time. In short, without that it would WWw.kentbeerfestival.co.uk· have no residual interest in the museum. It ;[)cwe 9loutft Page 23 Kent Small Brewery News ~ It ~1. f~":Q~-. ~ ~ There does seem to be an unusual amount of change with regard to the small breweries CJp iJ.l that supply the Channel Draught area. There are major changes to three of the five W w \--1lr:9 breweries. l..l:l ~ ~ I know from experience how hard it is to run one's own small business in these modem I~ '2 times but the lot of the small brewer has never been easy with such a restricted market. .::1:'." The vast majority of licensees may not buy from a brewery of their choice and this 'Sl-~~ '- '-- outstrip supply.

The Ramsgate Brewery 07967660060 - Ramsgate Contact: Eddie Gadd

As with Hopdaemon brewery, the situation is stable and buoyant. Two brews of mild at a respectable 5% ABV have been produced for May which is CAMRA's designated month 9> for mild. The Thanet branch of CAMRA together with local licensees, strongly supported the May Mild campaign, consequently Eddie's first two brews were a great success. A third brew is being produced and if this is also a success more could follow. The Yew Tree at Barfrestone has been taking mild.

Eddie has a few ideas for a summer beer, to be followed in the autumn by a brown ale, as first seen last year and finally the Dogbolter/Winter Porter to complete the seasonal brews.

Page 24 Page 25 WhitstableBrewery 07831310676: Grafty Green Contact: lames Green

After myriad rumours regarding Swale and North Weald Brewery, I spoke to Mr James !@~ Green of the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company, the new owners of the brewery. CAMPAIGN FOR REAL FOOD Brewing is still continuing at Grafty Green, albeit with a temporary much reduced output. Approximately one small brew a week is being produced. John Davidson, the , , previous owner, is being retained, for a few months, whilst the new company is familiarising itself with the brewing business. There are no plans to relinquish the Grafty Green Brewery and the range, based on John's existing recipes, will be brewed at this ba CUlStnt site with a strong emphasis on bottle conditioned beers. It is planned to increase the range of beers being brewed in late June/early July. Pa!Sannt As the heading of this section indicates, the new name of this concern is Whitstable Brewery. The parent company is Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co., owner of the Continental Hotel, Harbour Lights, Beach Walk, Whitstable. This is where those in At La Cuisine Paysanne search of a Whitstable Brewery product should head. I understand that there is always at we serve REAL FOOD. least one Grafty Green brew available, straight from the cask. At the time of writing it was LP.A. Not tiny portions in pretty patterns on the plate but TRADITIONAL FRENCH cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients and served in Paysanne (Peasant) helpings. The Eagle Inn Just the thing to soak up 324 London Road all that wonderful real ale!! Dover Menus are seasonal 01304212929 reflecting the fresh produce available at that time of the year! Hopdaemon Ales available Watch this space for more guest ales Hearty fayre, Happy service

Regular theme & quiz nights Look forward to seeingyou Check out the window posters John et Florence Open all day every day La Cuisine Paysanne 269 London Road, Deal, Kent Tel: 01304 373238

Page 26 Page 27 The Whitstable Oyster Company also owns a small restaurant on the East Quay of Whitstable Harbour and it is adjacent to these premises that it is planned to locate a home brew bar. This will be in addition to the Graft Green site. Plant from Graft Green will be used in this new venture. T[1JIE[D)~(I[ ~~~ PEn BOTIOM, CANTERBURY CT4 SPB Whitstable Brewery branding is being produced and should shortly be in use. : 01227 830354 A new telephone line is being installed at the Graft Green Brewery but whilst the former telephone line is out of use the brewery can be contacted via James Green's portable I OPEN ALL DAY EVER! DAY! I telephone (see head of article). The number of the Continental Hotel is 01227 280280. MONo- SAT 1lAM • IIPM SUN 12 NOON - 1O.3OPM Flagship Brewery 01634 832828- Chatham (by JeffTuckerlKent CAMRA) Contact: Jeff Tucker BOMEMADE FOOD SERVED DAILY TUE - SAT 12 - 9.1SPM Flagship Brewing Co. has gone into voluntary liquidation due to debts from a previous director. A new company, The Nelson Brewing Co. has been started with one director SUN 12- 9.1SPM MON 11 - 2.30 &. 7 - 9.15PM Angie O'Hanlon. Andrew Purcell is now the brewery manager and Jeff Tucker is retained as an employee. Brewing continues unchanged in the Dockyard still using the SUN &; MON SPFCIALS BOARD &; LIMllED BAR MENUS Flagship names but badged as Nelson Brewing Co. A new extremely hoppy beer ONLY AVA.ILABLE Homblower, 3.9% has been brewed. (This has actually appeared badged as Nelson Bitter 3.8%.)

Old Kent Brewery 01732 882111-Borough Green Contact Sara-Jane Anderson liUll fill!:,)~l'l;11SAV~iLA~U: REGULARS: MASlERBREW &. SPITFIRE Unfortunately this brewery has brewed their last beers. Production has been moved to the sister plant of the Grand Union Brewery at Hayes. It is sad that when I spoke to the PLUS GUEST ALES FROM FLAGSHlPt HOPDAEMON erstwhile brewer Sara-Jane Anderson, three months ago, she was adamant that she had AND GREENE KING BREWBRmS no knowledge of the demise of Old Kent Brewery. Who is being 'economical with the truth'? SAT 12TH & SUN 13TH JULY 2003 Two of the O.K.B. beers will continue to be brewed by Grand Union Brewery if demand justifies this. These are Fine Edge and Opener. These will be delivered to the former Mnil Wl f1llfrf5TIVAl O.K.B. trading area and the gentleman to contact is Edward Hawkins on 01732810499. A selection of Kentish Live Music will be All of the breweries that are featured in this article will be pleased to supply Ales will be on offert IS provided 00 Sat wen IS a couple of Ciders 12that 9pm by direct to any eligible licensee in East Kent at wholesale prices. and local wines. A B-B-Q will be on offer both days "I"'I:Jl:" HOT n A 'TS ~.Mwtp&, from 12noon till approx J. ne. n..t'\. 9pm both days.

Page 28 Page 29 Pub Profile ILWAY BELL 0 London Road, Kearsney ~DRoyal Oak, Capelle Feme Telephone 01304 822016 llam-llpm, Sundays 12pm -10.30pm Four Real Ales, currently inc. Abbot Ale Almost jutting out onto the old A20 at the Dover end of Capel the white painted Royal Oak is one of the most prominent pubs, if not landmarks, in the Dover Dis- London Pride & Greene King IPA & 1 guest* trict, and for the last fifteen years has been owned and run by Allan and Pat Mash. Large Car Park at rear & Beer Garden At one time selling beers from Mackeson of Hythe (a photograph on the pub wall Food available all day shows their name on the pub in 1910), it was a Fremlins house during the 1950s and I I Families welcome to 8pm 1960s, before ending up as part the Whitbread empire. By the early 1980s the brew- New! Monday night prize quiz Sorry no dogs ery decided it was surplus to requirements and put it up for sale. For a couple of • Ales are Subject to availability years it remained empty until Allan and Pat's immediate predecessor bought it and converted it to the freehouse we know today. Allan and Pat bought it in 1988, a year after it had withstood the 1987 hurricane, including having its chimneystack demol- oTHE LYDDEN BELLo ished by an airborne caravan. Winner - White Cliffs Tourism Association Pub of the Year 2000 Although their first pub the couple were not inexperienced in the trade, having Canterbury Road, Lydden helped run Allan's sister's pub in Plaistow, East London. Under their ownership the Royal Oak was soon established as a down to earth, no nonsense local, with a repu- Telephone 01304 830296 tation for an excellent pint. Normally selling three real ales - Shepherd Neame Mas- 12-3pm & 6-11pm Sundays 12-4pm & 7-10.30pm terbrew plus two guests - it has been a consistent Good Beer Guide entry sine 1990 and a regular venue for CAMRA Branch meetings. Traditional pub activities have Restaurant quality food served 7 days a week. Booking essential! always featured strongly too, including darts, pool, quizzes and crib; while the Sat- Monday "Eat all pay t" urday meat raffle has become something of a local institution. Over all these years Tuesday Steak Special (~~-~) Allan and Pat have always maintained a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Thursday Aroundthe world However nothing remains the same Friday Fish specials .l·i~.... Xii! for ever and Allan and Pat have Sunday "Weekend Recovery" with drinks promotions . .. now decided to sell the pub and take a well earned rest. We wish Up to five Real Alesl Including Charles Wells Bombardier, Greene King them well and good luck to the IPA, YoungsSpecial, Greene King Abbot Ale, Courage Directors* new owners, Paul and Karen who Reopevxed: w{;fh; cvfv~ Look; V\.€MJ»WYU

JItUvdin~ • Ales are Subject to availability J

Page 30 Page 31 The Beery Boaters - Go 'Uppards'

"I'd done the Rochdale in the rain, and then through Standedge back again, all in NORTHBOURNE a Summer's week", are a few lines from a bit of doggeral that I once wrote about yet-to-be restored canals. But although a life member of both the Huddersfield THE STREET, NORTHBOURNE, DEAL, KENT CTl4 OLG and Rochdale Canal Societies there was a time when I hardly believed that I TELEPHONE No. 01304365429 would be able to say that I'd cruised the South Pennine Ring. Well, I can now, even though it was in the opposite direction and took us rather more than a 'Village pub at it's best' week! Relax in our comfortable and traditional bar or when The sun is shining enjoy the Kent countryside The South Pennine Ring is only 68 Y2 miles around but, crossing the Pennines From our patio and garden with its children's play area. twice has over 200 locks and takes in Standedge Tunnel, the longest (5698 BAR SNACKS - TO - A LA CARTE MENU yards), highest (650 feet above sea level) and deepest (over 600 feet below We cater for everybody ~ Extensive Vegetarian Menu Standedge Moor) canal tunnel in Britain. The route is :- from Sowerby Bridge FW(!/lleabA~ down part of the Calder and Hebble Navigation and up the Huddersfield Broad Canal to Huddersfield, across to Ashton-under-Lyne by way of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, down the Ashton Canal to Manchester and returning to Sowerby 'Beet'"Fe4it'wcUtFY~ 29 - S~ 31 A~ Bridge on the Rochdale Canal.

So on Monday 21st April last, a duet of motley crews set off from Sowerby Bridge on the 57ft narrowboats 'York' and 'Northumberland'. As the locks on the Calder & Hebble and Huddersfield Broad Canal are only 57ft long, and as it's \!Cbe ~eb lLlon name suggests, the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is narrow, a 57ft by 6ft lOin boat is the biggest that you can do this route on. The evening's venue was the Red Charlton Green Dover Tel 01304 202899 Rooster at Brookfoot, a suburb of . Plenty of local beers and Saxon (a !) cider. Open all day every day Huddersfield for Tuesday lunchtime where the captain of 'York' had arranged to meet us at the Rat and Ratchet. Unfortunately it no longer opens on Tuesday Fullers LondonPride & Flowers Original served lunchtimes! But he found us, anyway, and we discovered that the New Wharf, opposite our moorings at Apsley Basin, did an acceptable pint of Black Sheep. Separate non-smokingrestaurant area After relieving our thirsts we sailed upwards onto waters new. In 1993 we had Foodserved 12-2 and 6-10 chalked "The Beery Boaters wuz 'ere" on the wall blocking the canal. Now we went past this point and into Lock 1 E on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, thence except MondayeVeningrm r.;. into the tunnels made to overcome the blockages at Bates and Sellars mills. Through Milnsbridge (several pubs, not much Real Ale I am told) and 4 miles The V;U~ Pubnext door to mID and 17 locks later we moored up at Linthwaite. Dover s Town Centre \..!' ~

Page 32 Page 33 At Linthwaite is the Sair Inn, the 1997 National CAMRA Pub of the Year, brew- ing it's own Linfit beers. Not too far from the canal, but the hill up to it makes Dover's Bunkers Hill look like a level playing field! Well worth the effort, CominuSoon though, as we all discovered.

Still sunny on Wednesday. Up late, as we only had a mile to go to Slaithwaite (something like' Slough-it' to the locals) .Our tow through Standedge Tunnel For just the price of a pint was not booked to take place until Friday morning. I had allowed time for prob- lems, and we hadn't had any! Yet! Slaithwaite is a pretty little town. The canal had been filled in through the centre but has been re-excavated, but only to just over a boat's width. We had arranged to meet at the Swan, near the railway sta- tion, for opening time, but were told that the landlord was away and it would not The Real Ale Guide to Deal, open as usual. A stroll through the town brought us to the Shoulder of Mutton, just at the upper end of the restored section of canal. A & pleasant pub with Timothy Taylors, Black Sheep and a Dover, Sandwich District guest beer, so we stayed! And as there was to be a pub- , quiz evening and as we were not due to be at the bottom of Marsden Locks, just 2 miles and 10 locks away, until 1pm the following day, it was mooted that we move the Available mid-summer boats nearer to the pub and return later. And a good eve- ning was had by all, with the Beery Boaters coming away with some of the prizes.

Carrying on the following morning, it became evident that the canal was a bit short of water. 'York' ground to a halt in the middle below Lock 30E. The navigation notes The Plough Inn to this canal advise users not to adjust the water levels themselves, but to contact Church Lane, Ripple British Waterways. A telephone call quickly led to the arrival of lan, a large, genial man who seems capable of opening a lock gate against a 2 inch head of Tel: 01304 360209 water! lan provided us with a bit more water, and we moored up below lock 32E to await escort up Marsden locks. Real Ales, Country Wines Full weekday menu plus traditional Sunday lunches The reason for the escort up the Accomodation, One Double Room & One Twin Room - Both en-suite locks is that this is the furthest Ales usually available are: point that boats not going through Standedge Tunnel are allowed. The London Pride, Shepherd Neame closeness of some of these locks Master Brew & Spitfire plus Guest Ales means that water is at a premium. We set off at the duly appointed time with lan as our escort, and Listed in the 2002 CAMRA glad we were to have him with us! Not only did he have to keep on Good Beer Guide letting water down to get us

Page 34 Page 35 through, but we couldn't close the bottom gate of one lock. Eventually Ian had to drain the pound and go in to remove the obstruction. It looked as if someone had dumped a skip load of coping stones in the lock, and enough traffic cones to 'G)\1r At ;~~~ lJ44 fence off 3 miles of motorway in the pound. We were now 3 boats; another Shire Free house - 16th Century Restaurant Cruisers boat, 'Westmoreland', with a crew of students, had come up behind. Tel: 01304 612555 Fax: 01304 620380 It was almost dusk, and threatening rain, when we eventually reached Tunnel End and watered up ready for our morning's tow through Standedge Tunnel. This is one of the regulations; the tunnel's profile is so restricted that boats must take on as much ballast as possible. After mooring, as the rain had now set in, 5 Real Ales 8 Including most of us went up the lane to the nearby Tunnel End Inn instead of walking back down the towpath to Marsden. The food at the Tunnel End Inn was excel- Theakston - Old Peculier lent, as were the Tim Taylor and Black Sheep beers. Morland - Old Speckled Hen Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Plus 2 Further Guest pumps. Morning. Still raining as the boats were formed into their train with the tug and it's observation saloon in the lead (boaters are not allowed on their craft through By the Bottle the tunnel). Then, with the boats covered in rubber sheeting to guard against Banana bread beer Fiddlers Elbow damage, we set off through the tunnel with British Waterways providing the Wadworth 6X English Ale driver, motorman, someone on each boat to fend off from the sides of the tunnel, Manns Brown Ale Light Ale , a guide with us in the saloon, an escort in one of the accompanying disused rail- Young's Extra Light Mackeson Stout ..••..••••.~ .•••••.:{ Tuesday way tunnels who would peer at us down interlinking addits and no doubt some- >... Steak Night Draught Beers, Cider & Stout ...•...•....•...... •.....•... £9.95 one in the office checking progress. And what a tunnel; mostly just hacked out through the rock and very restricted in places. It was still raining when we Kronenbourg Dark Mild Carlsberg Courage Best Bar & A la Carte emerged at Diggle, and there was just enough time for a quick pint at the Diggle Foster's John Smith's Smooth Menu available 7 Hotel while our boats were being disrobed and disconnected. Then we were es- Strongbow Guinness days a week corted down Diggle Flight which, unlike Marsden Locks, had plenty of water. lunchtime & The rain had stopped by the time that we moored at Uppermill, the sun emerged evenings. (Except and there were enough pubs to keep us happy! En-Suit Accommodation available dioini 0 h d L d Sunday lunch In the a JOining re ar ° gee when bar snacks Saturday. Lunchtime, Mossley, evening, Stalybridge. Like Slaithwaite, the canal are served along has been re-instated through the town. We moored by Tesco's and went to the with our traditional Station Buffet Bar, described in the Good Beer Guide as 'a national institution, Sunday Roast. and rightly so'. Very crowded, plenty of guest beers. Unfortunately we couldn't find much else to our liking in the town. The following day saw us on familiar waters again. At least we got as far as the canal would allow us in 1991 before we had run aground on a bathtub! At the boat yard at Portland Basin, where we Caravan Club left the Huddersfield Canal for the Ashton Canal we arranged for a pump-out. Site. Certified The proprietor kindly said that we could leave to boats overnight on his secure Location moorings. We got a bus to Stockport for the afternoon and visited the Railway (Porter) and the Navigation (Beartown), before returning to Ashton-under-Lyne for the evening.

Page 36 Page 37 Monday. One week gone. 6 miles and 18 locks down to Manchester. Hard work, but a -couple of us managed to sneak in a-quick pint of Holts at the Strawberry Duck! A bit of a crew change at Piccadilly Moorings, 2 leaving and 4 joining. PRINCE ALBERT Thence to the nearby Jolly Angler (Hydes) and other places of delight. In the 187-189 MIDDLE ST. , DEAL morning we were escorted up the first 16 locks of the Rochdale Canal. This has (CORNER OF ALFRED SQUARE) only recently been reopened; the line was largely intact, but the canal had been 'shallowed'. In many places the concrete has just been broken through to give navigational depth, and there are still problems with water supply, but things can Michael & Colin welcome you to the Prince Albert, only improve from now on. Also there were several propeller loads of rubbish to An 18th century inn situated in Deal's historic clear. But we did well; under such conditions 10 miles and 31 locks are a good day's work. and by evening we had moored by the Blue Pits Inn, a John Willy Middle Street conservation area Lees house, at Castleton in the suburbs of Rochdale. 3 REAL ALES Shepherd Neame Master Brew Past Rochdale on Wednesday, a lock-free stretch to Littleborough, a break for Plus two guests, including regularly shopping and then a short, steep climb up 10 locks to Summit where we had time for a couple of pints of Thwaites at the Summit Inn before starting the descent to Timothy Taylor Landlord & Flagship Ales Sowerby Bridge. That night we moored outside the Cross Keys at Walsden where, for some unexplained reason a lot of the locals were dressed in kilts. The oPENIN G 6 - 11 Monday to Saturday Highlanders? We were HOURS 12 - 10.30 Sunday again on known waters, having gone from Sowerby Bridge to Summit and back in 1996. Restaurant open from 6.30

Thursday. Lunchtime ale at Todmorden, Tuesday to Saturday (Last orders 8.30) thence to Hebden Bridge for the evening, and to renew our acquaintance with the Fox and Goose. And the following day 'York' and 'Northumberland' arrived back Sunday Carvery 12 - 2.30 at Sowerby Bridge. We were just about out of Calor gas, so we called in at the boat yard to replenish the gas locker, and in at the Navigation to replenish our- selves! Then we motored down to where we planned to spend the week- end. And we did. Next day started with a visit to the Eastwood and Sanders Beer Garden brewery ( thank you, 'Cherub' ) with plenty of free ale, before sampling the local hostelries, and on Sunday it was our onerous duty to find our way by public transport to Ossett to present the White Cliffs Festival of Winter Ales Beer of Accommodation Available the Festival Certificate to the Ossett Brewery, with plenty of free ale!

We returned the boats to Sowerby Bridge in the evening and had another enjoy- able session at the Navigation. And that, as they Telephone 01304 375425 say, is that (at least until the next time!). Jim(jum

Page 38 Page 39 Golden Lion Winkle Club Charlie & Tom welcome you to THE GOLDEN LION WINKLE CLUB EXPRESS! ~be 1juII lfnn Yet again the Golden Lion's Winkle Club has come up trumps! and once again it is the kids at Dover's Harbour School in Elms Vale that are on the receiving end of the Club's generosity. It was brought to the club's attention that the school needed some safe play EASTRY ground equipment, well, no sooner said then done! The club was quick to act as always and working with the school's Headmaster; Mr T Beresford; the decision was reached that the club would contribute to the purchase of the required equipment. Under New Ownership The need was for a safe 'toy' train on which the children could play; such a train was available from Log Play Mobiles, a company in Farnborough, Hampshire, that supplies these things to schools and the like all over the country. Needless to say these items have to meet very strict safety measures and requirements, and are therefore not the cheapest All Day Opening things to buy. The first suggestion was that the club would buy the train, the carriages and a goods wagon coming from other sources, but after a quick chat over several pints in the bar it was agreed that the club could, and would, buy the whole outfit. So it was that a train, costing £255, two carriages at £250 each, and a wagon at £238 were ordered, New People and subsequently delivered to the school and installed at a combined cost off £145, bringing the grand total to £1,138! !!!!!!! New Beers Needless to say the kids are well chuffed ( chuff chuffed! get it? ) with the new addition to their play area, and a letter from them was duly received and can be seen in the bar, New Image along with a photograph of the train in use.

The Golden Lion has formed a close relationship with the Harbour School over the years Large Range of Beers & Ales and it has purchased several £1,OOO'sworth of computer related equipment as well as Currently on pump Bass & Green King IPA. other items that are needed by the school to help the children who an have learning, or other difficulties. Families welcome with use of large Beer Garden To date the Winklers have raised more the £15,000 for local children who have, for whatever reason, found themselves in need of a bit of help. And it is not just local chil- Meals Served Daily dren who benefit from the good folk of the Winkle Club. Did you know that the Golden Sunday Lunches 12-4pm Lion has a folding wheelchair to help some of the older regulars get around? Or that it has purchased an electric four wheeled buggy which is on long term loan to a disabled BBQs on Bank Holidays lady who lives out of town? No? Well, not many do, as Rab, Teresa and the gang don't exactly shout about it; but it only goes to show that with a little bit of effort and thought Call for Bookings mighty deeds can be done. So it' s well done, (again) to all in the club, and I for one will gladly raise a glass to the next £15,000! !!!!!!! 01304 611444 glieW~ Page 40 Page 41 Vintage Bus routes Elvington - Stonewall - Dover "a C::.>ldred.l)o\i~' I,ar'''P0' LMUM~J'" & Cd>Le 89 Crabble Corn Mill - Dover vra t.oncon Read & Buddand 95 Aylesham - Stonewall - Folkestone Market via A kham & Hawki"ge 104

SUnda)'s from4 May 18 7 September 2003 (lIOTMItE ~J Did you know that the Friends of The Sernce NurrlbEr 89 104 89 104 19 104 East Kent (FOTEK) have organised Em"ltOftStJonnf;R9ad 0955,00 IISS.H 1455 •.. scheduled Sunday bus services around ~ Epthome ~st Kent UzM Rail Station C959 1159... 459 .. , Col••• ~Arms 1006... 1206 •.. .,. ,S06 no the villages out of Dover & Aytesham Donnan Ave North 09¥ 1144 1444 A~~Coumeres ... 0953 .., ... 1153 ... 145:3

Folkestone using vintage buses? 8ilI.rtuun Cross roads . 100 1 00 • 120I ISC I 1004 ..• .~.. 1206 .• I~ :~ ••• F~i\'i::~'::·":::'.'::.·:::I:_iI!::~I"lIIRili... '~"':.. ;:~_._ The services pass by many rural etEweIIr-! IQI2 ..• ... I n. .., 1512 public houses that are difficult to Atktulm ~ofGnIllby 1019... 1219... 1519 AIIcham wter Corner 1016 1216 0" 1526 reach even on weekday services. HawIdnte Batde of Britain Museum ... 1131 ... . . C••••••.•• DOWtI HIli P.oad 1m& 123.8 0" IS2S GI'01I'eRoM .00 1031 ... H' 1241 .00 1531 A time table is reproduced opposite, FoIkeItatIe HiIrbour& Martet ...IQ36... 12.46,00 1S36 Temr;tIe E_IITempleside 012... 12i2 "0 .•. 1512 ... but the official timetables are WhIdeJdTesco 1017 "0 1217 ... 1511 available from Stagecoach East Kent offices, the Dover Transport Museum and Whitleld OoverTranspord1useumCol9 ". 1219 ." '" 1519 ". DcwerCaidle :026 .,. 11'M 1526 ". Tourist information centres. Details from FOTEK on 01304 826534. DOMr Mart

JiOllGemme b $tatioo .' 0 1052 ... ." 1352 ,\532 VEGETABLE FaIIrMtane Centrnl Rail Stmior 1054 115-1 1554 ••••••••• kttIe of~ M\;seum ..• 1110 1410 1410 AllchamY-l.,.Corner 11i5 141S H' 1615 Ull.1'U>,MarlijtJluf Gra/IIby 1122 .. , 1412 ..• 1~22 ' . FQlit "1" '1""·•..II,,,I,.,'·,.__ ,,,""'~:_":'.,,"",,·!!el112') .•. __ ..• ',_., 142'1 .•••.•..,""'IIII... __ \629 Ml\.ell" ~ ... . " ' · "dd@WMJ;;0;H;!nhhM;;;MU(;~lf1iti~.K;:I1R~'1M31,.fhmHl!&s'%,Y_~~'l4:"h_~3Vl~bM4AM_:i"M.iii!&~%iJ~g;L • ••••• fieR ... 113:3 ... •.. 1433 1633 _ ••• ~ ~ 1110 I

~Qljlii' ~~ liS) l'lS3 'H 16$3 COl*ed.~rrt:efsArms 1135...... 1435 .. 1635 ... ~faE;t Kent lJfll!t Rai,Station 1143 \443 1643 E YINGTON. St John'! Road 1145. .... 1445 ... 1645 .•. if

Page 42 Page 43 Double Presentation! Pub of the Year LAST Beer of the Festival KNOCKINGS It was on a Bank Holiday Weekend in May, whilst The Office of Fair Trading recently refused a request by the Federation of Small the Beery Boaters were Businesses, which includes 4,500 publicans among its members, to investigate the rents and wholesale prices charged by Britain's pub companies. However its wending their way round decision made no judgement on whether such practices were monopolistic or Yorkshire, it was decided anti-competitive, but was based on the more technical point that the FSB's case that it would be a good was not specific enough. Let's hope they soon return with a case more accept- day to present our able to the OFT; as combined with the often restricted beer lists, that exclude many small brewers, neither the landlord, customer or small producer is getting Branch Pub of the Year the best deal. However, whether this is of interest to the Government must be in award to Charlie and some doubt, following the decision last year of Trade Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, Frank at The Mogul. to revoke the Beer Orders without imposing equivalent restrictions on the pub- cos, whose concentration of pub ownership is now matching that of the large Little did we know, but at the exact time of the photo above, brewers when the beer orders were originally introduced. The creation of mo- nopoly power and potential for restricting beer choice exists just as equally the Beery Boaters were at Ossett Brewery to present the White whether or not the pub owner is also a brewer or brewery owner. While ac- Cliffs Beer of the Festival certificate for Quicksilver .... knowledging the benefits of Gordon Brown's reduced duty for smaller brewers, the Government needs to do more if we are to avoid a return to the monopolistic regimes of the 1960s and 1970s.

------

MPs in general, however, as distinct from the Government, appear more in tune with the public mood. Candy Atherton MP for Falmouth and Cambourne, quickly received 86 signatures across the board for her Early Day Motion calling for an inquiry into the restrictions imposed by pub chains. Her motion was tabled following a meeting with Cornwall CAMRA and local microbreweries during National Pubs Week and is specifically aimed at helping small breweries sell beer locally. Meanwhile CAMRA nationally is compiling a dossier and building up support to make a formal complaint on ownership and tie restrictions to the OFT at the end of the year. Specifically they will be looking for a new guest beer Of course, one presentation rang provision. However bearing in mind its very patchy take up under the Beer Or- the other one and asked what the ders, and the various pressures and inducements that can be brought to bear on applause was for! landlords to adhere to the pub chains own beer list would it not be better, as has

Page 44 Page 45 been suggested before in this column, to simply limit the number of pubs in sin- gle ownership. This, after all, was the approach taken by the Beer Orders; and a Local Information & Useful Numbers good starting point might be the original proposal, before it was watered down, of a maximum ownership of 2,000. It might be wise, however, to also impose a If you have a dispute concerning ale Trading Standards Office percentage restriction within a single licensing area and also a consideration of bought in Dover, Deal or Sandwich, (East Kent) 01843223380 floor area. 2,000 pubs with a Wetherspoon's type floor area is a very different please bring it to the attention of Mar- Trading Standards Office enterprise, in both style and commercial power from 2,000 back street locals. tin Atkins (see Page 49). You may (Mid Kent) 01303850294 want to take the matter up yourself and Gwyn Prosser MP we advise you to contact any (or all) of (Dover) 01304214484 ------those on the right: Dr. Steven Ladyman MP (Thanet South) 01843 852696 A spokesman from Wolverhampton and Dudley Brewery, now Britain's largest Michael How ard QC MP (Shepway) regional brewery, when recently asked in a radio interview about rumours that ss ...·,.. 01303253524 they were intending to discontinue Harp lager, commented that their emphasis would now be on brands such as Stella Artois and Fosters; adding "it appears [IJ;J;1~~ that lager drinkers will only buy those that are heavily advertised." No surprises Dover Tourist Info 01304205108 National Bus Line 08706082608 there then. However, before we're all overcome with smugness, please take not Folk Tourist Info 01303258594 Stagecoach 08702433711 of Woodforde's decision to follow Banks and Moorhouse, and drop the name Dover Police Stn 01304240055 Stagecoach Dover 01304240024 mild; market research having shown that "mild", with its connotations of weak- ness was a definite turn-off. Their mild-style brew, Mardler's, has had consider- Folk Police Stn 01303850055 National Rail Esq. 08457484950 able success, and is now a regular in many Norfolk and Suffolk pubs. It seems that it's not only the "despised" consumers of keg and lager who drink according to image and association. Dover Taxis Folkestone Taxis Al 01304202000 Channel Cars 01303246564 ------A2B 01304225588 Chris's Taxis 01303226490

As mentioned elsewhere in this newsletter we expect shortly to be saying good- Arrow 01304203333 Folk. Black Cabs 01303220366 bye to Allan and Pat Mash from the Royal Oak, Capel. Interestingly, the Royal Central 01304240441 Folk. Taxi 01303252000 Oak was one of a number of other local pubs disposed of by Whitbread in the early to mid 1980s, several years before the enforced reorganisation brought Club Travel 01304201915 Premier Cars 01303279900 about by the Beer Orders. Like the Yew Tree at Barfreston and the Mogul in Do- Heritage 01304204420 ver, it was not seen as featuring in the Brewery's future plans, and all three were Star 01304228822 Deal Taxis closed for several years with their existence as pubs in some doubt. Revived un- der private ownership as independent freehouses they have all proved successful, Victory 01304228888 AI Cars 01304363636 individual and dedicated to good beer. A great boon to local real ale drinkers and Castle Taxis 01304374001 a question mark over the effectiveness of operating pubs via a large tied estate. Whitbread, meanwhile are notable by their absence having sold their breweries Sandwich Taxi Deal Cars 01304 366000 and most of their pubs - no bad thing some might say. AM Cars 01304614209 Jacks Cars 01304372299 GtLl '\P~ M & M Cars 01304382345 All numbers on this page were believed correct at time of going to press

Page 46 Page 47 Branch Channel Draught Info CAMRA Contacts & Advertising Membership of CAMRA is open to everyone who supports the If you have any queries about CAMRA Channel Draught is the Newsletter of campaign to keep Real Ale. in White Cliffs Country then please con- the Deal Dover Sandwich & District To join CAMRA, please complete the form below tact Martin Atkins (Branch Chairman) Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale .. lA.. or Dave Routh (Area Organiser - East Kent). Please note that views expressed herein r:;l~::;o:~o~o~n~~~-- The ](jh Guide to are not necessarily those of this branch l/We wish tojoin the Campaign for Real or CAMRA Ltd. Ale and agree to abide by the Rules Martin Atkins 01304 201870 01304216497 Name Editorial Team Dave Routh 07932 525345 Editor Paul Turvey Address You can e-mail the branch using: News editor Dave Routh [email protected] Advertising Martin Atkins & Distribution Postcode The branch website is: www.topsy.demon.co.uk/dds_camra Editorial Address Signature You can write to the editor clo Over 1900 pubs surveyed, in- Adjacent Branches 33 East Street, Dover CTl7 ODS Date cluding 1500 Real Ale pubs. Fax 0870 056 0985 Ashford Folkestone & Romney Marsh Information includes: Anne Powell 01233 502519 [email protected] [email protected] The Editor can also be contacted on l/We enclose the remittance for: to Mild, Stout & Porter 07966155316 Single £16 D OAP Single £9 'J to Cider ~ Perry . Canterbury Joint £19 D OAP Joint £12 D to P~bs with Accommodation Gerry Keay 01227 463478 Advertising Rates Unwaged/ Under 26* £9 D to Disabled Access [email protected] Full Page - £30 Disabled £9 D to Town maps lots more Thanet VI Page or column £ 16 *Date of birth and Steve Saunders 01843 228159 back page + £10 thanet. [email protected] Format: Microsoft Word I Publisherl Send your remittance (payable to Available now to CAMRA PDF or any common graphics format CAMRA) to: members at Branch Meetings Nationally CAMRA can be contacted at: plus printed copy. The membership secretary, CAMRA, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Rd, St Albans, Herts, CAMRA members: £4.50 230 Hatfield Rd, ALl 4LW. Cover price: £4.95 St Albans, Herts., Phone 01727 867201 ALl4LW. Channel Draught 16 For enquiries, phone 01727 867201 Copy by 15 August 2003 for ------Web www.camra.org.uk Autumn 2003 issue. Page 48 Advertising Index ------5 Kings Head, Kingsdown

7 Admiral Penn, Deal Adams Printers 9 Blakes, Dover & Butchers Arms, Ashley ESTABliSHED 1888 ----- 11 Park Inn, Dover I Coastguard, St Margaret's Bay 13 Sandwich Fine Books & Mogul, Dover The complete design, artwork andprint 14 Guildhall, Folkestone servicefor commerce and industry 15 Lighthouse, Capel le Ferne 16 The Fox, Temple Ewe" I Charity Inn, Woodnesborough

19 Great British Beer Festival

21 Happy Frenchman, Folkestone ~ 23 Kent Beer Festival

26 The Eagle Inn, Dover

27 Cuisine Paysanne, Deal

29 Duck Inn, Pett Bottom 31 Railway & Lydden Bells 33 Hare & Hounds, Northbourne & Red Lion, Dover 35 Plough, Ripple

37 Crown, Finglesham

39 Prince Albert, Deal 41 Bull, Eastry A.R. ADAMS & SONS (PRINTERS) LTD THE PRINTING HOUSE, DOUR STREET, 38 Pips Fish Restaurant DOVER, KENT CT16 1EW \; 46 Adams the Printers TELEPHONE: 01304 211202 .~Back Page Yew Tree, Barfreston v' FAX: 01304 208441 ISDN: 01304 206276 E-MAIL: [email protected] Page 51