Issue 78 – Autumn 2019 FREE – Please take one

Magazine of North Branch of CAMRA

North Oxon Set To Host CBOB Regional Finals For Golden Ales Every year at CAMRA’s Great lar judging sessions can egory winners from the British Beer Festival there is an take place in the future. Great British Beer Festival announcement of the Champion The CBOB compe- Winter – Porter, Stout, Beers of Britain (CBOB) Awards, tition spans real ales Old Ales/Strong Milds, but to narrow down the beers to across the categories Strong Old Ales/Barley be judged in each category, every for Mild, , Best Wines – to create a short- Region puts forward the best Bitter, Strong Bitter, list for the final round. beers from their area for further Golden Ale, Specialty. Check out https:// consideration. These are combined northoxon.camra.org.uk/ Our Branch is pleased to with the Champion for final judging timings, announce that we are to host Winter Beer of Britain cat- travel options, etc. the CBOB Regional Finals for the Golden Ales category, and Greene King Sold To Chinese Investment Co this will take place in the Rose & Crown, Charlbury on 3rd to 6th One of the big trade stories Pub Company. Non-GK beer October. On the Thursday even- in recent weeks is the news that brands also include Morland, ing Velo Pizzeria will be in the Greene King (GK) is likely to Ruddles, Hardys & Hanson, Tolly back yard of the pub serving food. be sold for £2.7 billion to the Cobbold and Belhaven. All of the eight golden ales Chinese CKA Group. CKA are Nik Antona, CAMRA’s chosen by each of the CAMRA quoted as being a property busi- National Chairman said the sale Branches in our Region will be ness, based in Hong Kong, incor- of Greene King was “very con- served on handpumps in the porated in the Cayman Islands. cerning for our beer scene”. main bar. The results of official GK’s directors have agreed to He added: “We hope that CAMRA judging panels held the sale and are advising share- Greene King will continue its at this event will determine the holders to accept following a operations as normal without winner to go forward into the recent spike in the share price. any disappointing changes. We CBOB National Final at GBBF Apparently this follows a surge will be calling on the new own- 2020. As well as the official judg- in popularity for Greene King ers to retain the current pub ing, there will be tasting notes IPA after Chinese President Xi portfolio to safeguard thou- and scoring sheets available so Jinping was pictured drinking sands of and jobs across that all customers can record a pint with the then-UK Prime the country.” their own scores. Minister David Cameron while CKA is an offshoot of multi- The excellent range of golden on a state visit over here. billionaire Li Ka-Shing’s busi- ales in the regional finals list are The Suffolk-based brewing ness empire, which also includes from breweries such as Binghams, and pub trade giant – founded UK assets like Superdrug and 3. Burning Sky, Downton, Flower- in 1799 – owns 2,700 pubs, res- In the short term it’s likely pots, Kent, Loddon, Red Cat and taurants and hotels, so the deal to be business as usual for GK, Twickenham. equates to £1 million per prop- but it is certainly something North Oxon Branch hopes that erty on its books. In addition to that CAMRA will be watching, this prestigious event will prove its GK-branded outlets, it also following on from the recent to be popular to members and owns Hungry Horse, Loch Fyne, acquisition of Fuller’s drinks non-members alike so that simi- Taylor Walker and Metropolitan business by Asahi. Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ 3 REAL ALES Two large superior 10 REAL CIDERS en-suite Homemade rooms lunches Large flower- Mon–Sat 12-2 filled garden

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

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

2 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 A Note From The Editor I hope you enjoy the read. If you have any feedback on the Welcome to the Autumn edi- advertising, as that’s what makes magazine please ping an email tion of Beer on Tap – our 78th it free. So, don’t hold back North across to us it would be great to edition. Oxon CAMRA members, get in hear from you! A short note to say many touch and get involved to keep Editorial Team, many thanks to Steve Lympany Beer on Tap going! Beer on Tap August 2019 who has now hung up his edi- torial boots after compiling the magazine for a number of years. CAMRA Member Discounts At Pubs Steve continues as one of our In Our Branch If your pub is not on the list volunteer ‘clustermasters’ with- and currently offers a discount out whom you would not see the A short list of pubs known to magazine out and about. us at the time of going to print to CAMRA members, then get If you are a CAMRA mem- offering CAMRA members’ dis- in touch! ber and have wondered how you counts in our Branch. Equally, if you want to encour- might get involved without giv- • Easington Arms, : age the 650-plus CAMRA mem- ing a huge commitment, then 20p off pint of real ale (show bers in and around this Branch becoming a ‘clustermaster’ is CAMRA card) to pop in, taste and score your a great way to fly the CAMRA • Pear Tree, : ales via the Whatpub web page, flag. Even delivering (or check- 10p off a pint, 5p off each half then perhaps consider offering a ing delivery) of the magazine pint (show CAMRA card) CAMRA member discount and and remaining copies in your • Chequers, Chipping Norton: let us know so we can share the local would be a help. 5% off pints of real ale good news to our readers in the Equally, the magazine is now • Three Pigeons, Banbury: 10p Winter edition of Beer on Tap being compiled by a small group off a pint (out late November 2019). of North Oxon CAMRA mem- bers and we are always grateful Branch Cider Pub Of for articles, photos of the maga- GBG 2020 On Sale The Year zine being taken on holidays and The 47th edition beer festival reports. of CAMRA’s Nominations for North Oxon In addition, anyone with a annual flagship CAMRA Branch Cider Pub of burning marketing desire could publication is the Year are required. For a pub help with our efforts to drum up now on sale. to be nominated it must regu- Check out larly serve at least two draught Branch Diary the CAMRA ciders. All meetings start 8pm, other events books website Nominations need to be start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn or online retail- forwarded to Stuart Robbins Baldwin (07790) 118341. ers for the best [email protected] OCTOBER price. by 31st December 2019. 3: Tasting session CBOB ales. Rose & Crown, Charlbury, 7.30pm onwards (see front page) CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List 21: Branch Meeting. Plough, Email addresses are followed by northoxon.camra.org.uk/ , 8pm CHAIRMAN Lynne Baldwin TREASURER DECEMBER chairman@ lynne@ Simon Whitehead treasurer@ 7: Christmas Social – Banbury pub VICE-CHAIRMAN Position vacant simon@ MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY crawl, to start at Bailiff’s Tap at BEER ON TAP EDITOR noon, route tbc Paul Forrest membership@ Oliver Sladen bot@ JANUARY 2020 paul@ Tel: 07811 667507 PUBS PROTECTION OFFICER 7: Branch Meeting, Banbury (venue BEER ON TAP ADVERTISING tbc) Brian Wray pubs@ Oliver Sladen botads@ WEBMASTER For latest list of events in the BRANCH CONTACT Matt Everard webmaster@ Branch Diary, please check the Martin Batts contact@ Branch website at Tel: 07854 116408 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ https://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ groups/northoxcamra/ SOCIAL SECRETARY Twitter: @northoxoncamra Join our Facebook page for further updates on socials and branch Stu Robbins social@ Trading Standards: Oxfordshire County Tel: 07871 277235 Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Hinksey Road, meetings OX2 0BY

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 CAMRA North Oxon Branch Pub of the Year 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009 & 2018 Celebrating 31 consecutive years in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide Market Street, Charlbury, Oxon OX7 3PL • Tel: 01608 810103

• Eight real ales plus seven traditional ciders and perrys www.roseandcrown. • Good selection of craft beer on draught, bottle and tin charlbury.com • Pleasant courtyard drinking area Email: [email protected] • We serve on average 40 different guest beers per month • Live music, comedy nights and other events (see online OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am; events list for details) Sat: 11am–1am

4 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 Branch News Royal Oak, Ramsden as improvements in the bar and members receive reduced price The Branch is pleased to report restaurant areas. beer vouchers in this and other that this character pub in the Luke is a keen member of LSL Wetherspoon pubs (saving 50p centre of the lovely village of (Licensees Supporting Licensees) a pint on certain real ales – Ramsden reopened in June after a campaign group working to see www.camra.org for further a local resident bought it and ensure publicans get a fair deal membership benefits). installed Luke Howell as general from a genuine open market, Jacobs Plough, manager. and has a good knowledge of Luke has years of experience the local brewery scene. His Although Jacobs Plough may be in the pub/restaurant trade, pre- plan is to offer Hooky Bitter as a thought of as a gastropub they viously working at the Village standard along with two chang- also offer a good selection of Pub, Barnsley, ing guest ales, which were Hook real ales. and the King’s Arms in Wood- Norton Inspired and North Forthcoming events include stock, so it appears to be in Cotswold’s Cotswold Best on an Oktoberfest event and on good hands. a recent visit – both of which the 23rd of December you’re The Royal Oak has long been were in excellent condition. encouraged to dig out that hid- a destination food pub, and The Beer on Tap Pub Walk in eous garment you’d forgotten regulars will be happy to note this issue is of a circular route about for their Ugly Christmas that the original chef has been taking in Finstock & Ramsden, Jumper party! See their website retained to offer quality food in where you will also find details at jacobsplough.com/#3-1 for both the bar and restaurant. of pub opening and food times. further information. Plans are afoot for a major Penny Black, Bicester The Angel, Bicester refurbishment which will mean Bicester Brewery’s ‘Angelic that the pub will close for a few This JD Wetherspoon pub in the Upstart’ was recently on hand- weeks in October/November, town centre remains popular pump, and Hannah at the bar so follow the latest news on its and along with the usual offer- advised us that its beers are now page at www.facebook.com/ ings of Ruddles, Doom Bar and being brewed in Bicester again. theroyaloakramsden. However, Abbott Ale, there are always Keep an eye on their website the pub is due to reopen before several guest beers available as www.theangelbicester.co.uk for Christmas, after which it will well. further information. offer five letting rooms as well Remember that CAMRA The Bell, Bicester At least two (sometimes three) times a week there are live bands playing here, and three guest ales are always available on the bar. One of the pub’s outbuild- ings is due to be demolished which will considerably increase the outside drinking area. Additional new garden furniture has been brought in to occupy the soon to be regained space. Bitter & Twisted, Chipping Norton Two ales currently on offer in this town centre pub including Luke Howell – new face behind the bar at the Royal Oak, Ramsden Clavell & Hind’s Wicked Lady Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 6 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 The ‘garden’ Harcharan Galsinh is the pub- roof terrace lican and brings his consider- at Bitter & able experience to the cellar and Twisted – a surprisingly bar. The beer range has recently green space been improved with the addi- in the Market tion of Wiltshire Pale Ale from Place in Flying Monk. Purity’s Gold and Chipping Mad Goose are also regular Norton beers making the Three Pigeons the best place in Banbury to drink Purity beers. CAMRA members can get a 10p a pint discount and if you’re there at happy hour the £3 a pint comes down to only £2.90. Bell Inn, Amber ale in excellent form on a warm and friendly environment. Andy has installed a new hand- recent trip. The three cask ales always pump which will be solely for The roof terrace has recently include Seafarers and London cider meaning that the pub will been transformed by the laying Pride from the Fuller’s list as always be selling two traditional of artificial grass ‘to bring a bit well as a changing guest ale, ciders. Recently offerings from of the countryside into the town’ which was Butcombe Rare Farmer Jim’s and Broadoak were according to Liam, the manag- Breeds on a recent visit. available, which are sold along- er at B&T. Hanging baskets and Sonia stated that business was side the two cask ales. planters complete the comfy doing well with plenty of custom Fox Inn, Westcott Barton garden feel with views over the coming from the nearby Oxford market place in the town centre. canal, including many of the We understand that owners Sundays have seen the advent visitors being from Scandinavia EI – until recently known as of the evening cheese board and Australia this year. Enterprise Inns – have submit- tasting, three or four local The pub quiz will restart ted a planning application to cheeses on offer with a selec- in September after a summer undertake some big refurbish- tion of nibbles to go with them. break. ments to large parts of the pub. Lovely! At the time of writing no deci- Three Pigeons, Banbury sion had been made. White Horse, The Three Pigeons on the Rock of Gibraltar, Three real ales are available at corner of Southam Road and this historic pub with Timothy Castle Street in Banbury is a few The freehold remains up for Taylor’s Landlord and Ruddles months into new ownership and sale. Meanwhile beers on offer Best on sale as regulars along is taking its real ale seriously. are the regular, Doom Bar, along with a changing guest, which was Black Sheep Holy Grail on a recent visit. They have been selling a lot of the Holy Grail as customers seem to have taken a real shine to it. The next month will see St. Austell Liquid Sunshine and Robinson’s Dizzy Blond on the bar. Barley Mow, Upper Heyford Having celebrated 15 years at the helm of this classic pub, Mike & Sonia said that they are just going to keep ‘plodding on’, which is great news for the rest of us as it means great beer in a Harcharan Galsinh – new publican at the Three Pigeons, Banbury Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 8 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 with a continuous succession of this tied house with a new car grown in beds across the road interesting alternatives including park to the rear, outside livery, and used to make their chicken Gundog Bad To The Bone and re-landscaped garden and refur- and asparagus pies in Spring. Pitchfork White Stout. bished toilets. As the nights draw in look out Tom is hoping to continue the for various game pies (though Blacks Head, community involvement and vegetarian options are always Bletchington wet sales with good pub grub available) which can be accom- The fully refurbished kitchen in the restaurant area. We wish panied by Hooky’s Old Hooky, opened in June and is now serv- him well in his endeavours. Flagship or Greedy Goose as ing lunchtimes and evenings Ben Jonson, autumn progresses. Weds–Sat and Sunday lunches. Weston-on-the-Green Red Lion, Mid-month Fridays are regu- lar live music nights for local Alas, it’s all change again at this This feature coaching inn on the bands and musicians; next gig Punch Taverns house. Dave and Market Place re-opened at the is Dave Surman on September co. will be leaving at the end of end of June under new mange- 13th. August, after which the pub will ment with genial host, Gary Opening times have changed close for refurbishment to open Ward. again, and are currently Mon again in October. Tastefully renovated both 4–9pm, Tue 4–10.30, Weds The Duke at Clifton within and without by Red Oak 12–10.30, Thurs 12–11, Fri/Sat Taverns, the restaurant majors 10am–11pm. Beers are Hooky, It’s no surprise to find the pub’s on fish & chips, both eat in and St. Austell Tribute, and a guest lovely camping field crammed take away, which is an interest- – usually from Vale. here on most summer week- ing addition to the pub fare in ends – and the visitors taking this attracative village. Hare & Hounds, advantage of the very short walk Gary was acclaimed by the Lower for great refreshments are obvi- French as ‘Le Roi de Fish et After an extensive refurbish- ously discerning drinkers as the Chips’ in his previous restaurant ment lasting six weeks, this BoT stand has to be frequently in the Auvergne. We recom- community-orientated pub re- replenished each quarter. mend you pop in and try some, opened at the end of June under Their very successful late May which is admirably matched new licensee, Tom Wentink. Bank Holiday beer festival looks with St. Austell Tribute, Gary’s should set to be an annual event – but regular beer. be commended for their out- every day is a beer festival here Unicorn, Deddington lay in completely transforming with Tim sourcing up to five local ales thoughout the year. The culinary delights of this vil- On a recent visit Tring Ales’ lage have been greatly enhanced Jim Bob (3.4% abv), Vale’s with the many recent changes in Gravitas (4.8%), Hook Norton’s this establishment, also located Haymaker (5%), Turpin’s Golden on the Market Place. Citrus (4.2%) as well as North Landlord Chris grew up in Cotswold’s Hung, Drawn and a local farming family, so it’s Portered (5%) were all in fine unsurprising that he has adopt- fettle as one would expect from ed a ‘farm to fork’ concept where this GBG 2019 listed establish- the food he cooks and serves is ment. grown, sourced or reared within Crown & Tuns, the local community. Sausages and burgers are home-made, Deddington potatoes are grown on the fam- After 18 years Anton & ily farm and asparagus as well as Kathleen Hayter must be among rhubarb are grown over the back the longest serving Hook wall when in season. Norton tenants. They have cer- A range of ales is always avail- tainly established themselves able from the Charles Wells in what is affectionately known pubco list. locally as ‘The Pie Place’, located Killingworth Castle, on the A4260. Wootton Their pies are prepared daily in the kitchen using local ingre- The Killi is now sporting a new Tom Wentink, new landlord at the Hare & dients whenever possible – e.g. entrance porch and there are Hounds, Lower Wardington asparagus, when in season, is other major changes taking Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 Our new brewplant is now up and running to offer discerning ale drinkers greater access to Turpin Brewery’s beers, including the multi-awardwinning Golden Citrus. We are now looking for new outlets. Please call or email us for details. 01608 737033 [email protected]

10 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 Building work for improvements to the Killingworth Castle, Wootton nr Woodstock. place, with building work being undertaken on a new house being built adjacent to the pub. Good quality food in pleas- Kerry and Mike at the pumps at the Joiners Arms, ant surroundings, washed down with pints of Yubberton ales This is their first pub after Joiners Arms, Bloxham (and others, with four ales gen- Steve left the Army, and since This attractive Ironstone pub erally on the bar), is still the moving in they have been ren- has a new manager – Kerry, who main focus! ovating as they go. A new cel- will be running the pub along Dun Cow, lar is being installed in early with her partner Mike. September. Kerry has been in the trade for New owners – Steve & Rebecca Four real ales are offered: 12 years and has moved up from – took over at the Dun Cow in Hooky, Doom Bar, Tribute and Kent to take on this new role. the lovely ironstone village of a beer from Purity Brewery She has previously worked with Hornton in May. (which varies). a range of pub companies, large and small. It is still early days but Kerry & Mike are already planning their new menu to take effect in early September and they have a Race Night organised for 4th October in aid of Alzheimers/ Dementia. Woodstock Social Club This town centre club continues to have regular events through- out the Autumn and Winter. Pop in to escape the crowds and enjoy either the big screen sports or the music! Non-members pay a little more for beer than members. Check out their events page on Facebook for updates of what is on. Forthcoming events include: Fri 11th Oct. Lady B (ticket only); Sat 19th October, Mid Life Crisis; Sat Steve – new owner of the Dun Cow, Hornton 26th October, FBI; Sat 9th Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 Lower Heyford

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

• Beer Festival August Bank Holiday Weekend • Five minutes walk from canal • Large beer garden Open: • Families and dogs welcome Mon–Thurs 12–3pm & 5pm–11pm; • Lunch and full menu available Friday & Sat 12–11pm; • Food served lunchtimes 12–2.15pm Sun 12–10.30pm Evenings 6–8.30pm Mon–Sat, 6–8pm Sun

12 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 November, Move It; Sat 16th were eventually laid. ing to stay at this family- and November, Escape to Vegas It is run by the appropriately- dog-friendly pub/restaurant. (ticket only); Sun 8th December, named Paul Southam and it Two real ales were on tap on a British Legion Concert; Sat 21st reopened after a huge refurb recent visit – Hooky and a very December, Bill James. earlier this year. Real ale is enjoyable Blunderbuss (from Dirt House, served and the pub hosts regu- the Clavell & Hind Brewery). Little Bourton lar live music events. Sometimes there may be a third Salford Inn, Salford real ale or a traditional cider. The reasons for changing a pub’s Siege of Orleans, name is all too often to give it a Another pub which opened with fashionable, trendy image – but new owners earlier this year fol- Carterton the change from ‘The Plough’ to lowing a major refurbishment. This is a micropub just over our ‘The Dirt House’ for this pub on It has a tastefully traditional Branch border and they have the A423 Banbury to Southam interior in which to enjoy the announced a beer pong doubles road has a little more traditional quality food, along with a lovely, tournament that will take place credence. Apparently locals have sheltered patio at the rear where at the end of September with the long known it as the Dirt House there is also a kiddies’ play area. prize being a trip to Germany. due to the fact it had a earth Three fully furnished studio On Saturdays they have their floor for years before flagstones flats are offered for those wish- bottomless brunch where you pay £25 for a meal and all drinks will be included. Friday sees the early bird session from 4–6pm for people having a ‘poets’ day (which stands for ‘poke off early tomorrow’s Saturday’). Also on the food front a burg- er and a pint will set you back just £12.50. Further themed nights are planned and there will be something happening for Bonfire Night and Halloween see www.facebook.com/ SoOAlehouse/ for further details Abingdon Arms, Beckley Just over our southern border, on the edge of Otmoor, this pub is worth a visit for its ever- Above: The front of the Dirt House still displays the old plough (a reminder of its former name). changing range of at least three Below: The Salford Inn’s cosy, sheltered rear patio drinking area. real ales – which were Shotover Prospect, XT 3 and Ringwood Razorback on a recent visit. The pub now boasts some brand new, state-of-the-art toilets – which are now accessi- ble from inside the pub (which saves drinkers the walk outside on colder evenings!)

The Abingdon Arms now has all the latest mod cons, including inside toilets!

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 14 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 Butcher’s Arms, A big Branch welcome to Kate and Simon Francis-Smith who took over the reins at the Butchers Arms on 19th Aug. The Butcher’s is a Hook Norton tied house with a couple of Hooky beers served by gravity straight from the cask. This is their first pub, but Kate has a background in cater- ing management at Warwick University and will be the main contact, heading up the bar, while Simon will continue with his work in the repair of heavy engineering. Kate plans to offer food with a different theme to be served each day. Kate and Simon Francis-Smith – new faces at the Butcher’s Arms, Balscote

My First Pint Remembered back with: “Do you mean Brew afterwards that I realised that it Eleven? And are you all over 18?” was only me that was likely to be Mark sounded very confident in recognised by friends of my par- replying positively to both and ents and for a report to be made the barman started pouring. back!). He then asked: “ Do you want We finished our last exam at a tray?”, to which Mark replied, lunchtime and started out very “No thanks – just the beer!” He confidently for the pub. But as was given a tray anyway and we got closer doubts started to carefully carried the beers to emerge such as what if they ask where we were sitting, managing our age (answer – just remem- to spill only about a quarter of ber the right date of birth but each pint in the process. two years earlier). Outside the During the whole episode entrance we hesitated. There the elderly customers had been were two doors, one marked looking on closely and I noticed ‘Lounge’ and one marked smiles had started to break out ‘Bar’. Which one should we go on many of their faces, perhaps Even CAMRA members had to start somewhere: through? One of us knew you remembering their own first Brendan Hunter recalls his first pint got beer in a bar so that was the pints. I was born and brought up in door we chose. The beer tasted awful but of Birmingham in a strict family Inside, the bar was small and course we manfully persevered and neither of my parents drank basic. And there were two or and had another before leaving. anything other than soft drinks. three groups of really old men Outside we celebrated our suc- So you can imagine how, dur- sitting talking and playing dom- cess and confidently planned ing adolescence, my thoughts inoes. ‘Sore thumb’ does not future visits. turned not only to girls but also begin to describe how we must We continued drinking Brew to that forbidden fruit – alcohol. have stood out. XI for a while before coming to In the summer of 1974 I had We quickly sat down and the the conclusion that it should be turned 16 and was sitting my ‘O’ eldest-looking, Mark, went up to called Spew XI and moved on to Levels. Four of us decided that the bar and asked for four pints other brews. But I’ll never forget the way to celebrate finishing of beer. “And what sort of beer that first pint! our exams was to drink our first do you want?” asked the barman. Brendan Hunter proper pint in a pub. Somehow At this point all could have been Ed – If you can remember the first we agreed on a pub close to lost but Mark looked quickly at time that you drank beer please where I lived – the Great Stone the pumps and said: “Brew X put your memories down in an Inn in Northfield (it was only One, please.” The barman came email and send it to the Editor. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 Round-up Of Recent Beer Festivals Ale & Steam at Gloucs & CAMRA’s Paul & Cheryl Warks Steam Railway enjoying a beer plus steam! Do you like beer? Do you like Not having the con- steam trains? If so, this is a stitution to sample all match made in heaven. A visit of the ales, between to the weekend beer festival three of us, we man- held at the GWSR and hosted aged well over half. by the North Cotswold CAMRA The star of the show, Branch is becoming an annual for me, was Cwtch. I event for a small coachload of had tasted it previous- North Oxon CAMRA members. ly but it was even bet- Having been recently extend- ter from the stillage ed, the 14 miles+ line now runs than the beer machine. An out- ing hampers, gazebos, rugs and from Cheltenham’s Prestbury standing ale that reminded me chairs to enjoy the entertain- Park to Broadway. The beer fes- of Salopian’s Darwin’s Origin. I ment. A variety of local bands tival takes part at two stations, didn’t taste one poor ale. They provided the music throughout Toddington and Winchcombe, were stored and kept beautifully the slightly overcast afternoon. so the best way to enjoy the contributing to an outstanding An excellent range of food was selections at both, and to expe- day. Bring on the next trip! on offer with a variety of cui- rience the steam trains, is to buy Jon Huntbach sine from local organisations and a rover ticket although a return Haddenham & commercial catering enterprises. from Toddington (GWR HQ, Beer Festival Many local Bucks, Northants location of the steam/diesel loco and Oxon breweries featured sheds and our starting point) to This well organised and family- along with others further away Winchcombe is the cheapest. friendly community music and (such as Derbyshire’s Burton The railway provides an beer festival takes place in July Bridge and Derby Brewing Co). opportunity for a grand day out just over our Branch border in North Yorks and Lancs were also for all of the family. See website the lovely village of Haddenham. well represented with a great for more details; www.gwsr.com The one-day event attracts range of styles and strengths. As One of the two steam trains around 4,000 people offering a stout drinker it was pleasing to operating on the Saturday was around 140 ales, 40 ciders, with see a good selection of porters/ the King Edward II, a GWR low alcohol options and a lively stouts and darker ales in amongst 6000 class built at the GWR gin bar plus Prosecco. I’d suggest the summer ales. That said, my works in Swindon in 1930. getting there early (it opened at favourite ale there was Burnley’s Of course, the beers were the 12) as the popular ales started to Moorhouse’s Scaredy Cat (4.3%), other star attraction. A very run out by 4pm. a dry fruity IPA. They don’t do reasonable 30 ales and 8 cider/ Since forming in 2010 they’ve an ale of the festival yet but that perry selections were on offer. raised £300,000 for good caus- would have been my choice. Of the 30 ales, the current trend es. The site is within a 15 min- There is also the winter festival for pale ales and IPAs domi- ute walk of Haddenham station (smaller scale with around 1,000 nated the list with 12 and 9 and on the 280 bus route from people attending but I’d suggest respectively. There were also 5 Oxford so very accessible from it’s worth an afternoon trip if you darker ales (stout/porter/dark), our Branch area. are near to Banbury or Bicester 10 golden ales and a couple of Locals make a day of it bring- North stations on 14 December. amber/ruby choices. Open noon–6pm) with live music, food and the Haddenham Mummers in attend- ance. For further details see www. Haddenham-beer- festival.co.uk or @ Beer_festival on Twitter.

The bar at the Haddenham King Edward II pulls into Toddington Station & Thame Beer Festival

16 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 Beer on Tap abroad takes place in Christchurch – and he says it’s something we’d Beer on Tap in New on a recent trip to Oxfordshire all love! Check out the site at Zealand picked up a copy of Beer on Tap https://greatkiwibeerfestival. to read on the flight home. co.nz/). Ex-Witney resident Dave Hart He has reported in from the Here is Dave pictured with now resides in New Zealand but annual Kiwi Beer Festival which many happy Kiwis!

Beer on Tap in Colditz Pavel the much-travelled Panda (along with CAMRA member N. Rutter) has been on further recent jaunts, this time to Saxony in Germany after escaping from the historic Colditz Castle then taking in breweries in Leipzig and Erfurt. A favourite was the Gose (a speciality wheat beer infused with salt and coriander) from the excellent Bayerischer Bahnhof bar in Leipzig. Beer on Tap in Gozo, Maltese Islands Pavel eventually escaped from Colditz and padded off on another holiday – this time being spotted reading about Oxfordshire Beer Week at the Citadel in Victoria, Gozo in June. Blackboard Humour As in recent editions the pub blackboards of the area have been keeping us entertained, with the Blue Boar in Chipping Norton keeping the standard high as shown here. If you like a board outside a pub, please snap it, and send it to the Editor.

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 Bar Nineteen at Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa • Open Every Day

• Open to All • 2 TVs for sport, • Stunning terrace • Pool table, overlooking the golf • Games machines course and putting green. • Wifi • Large external seating • Bar Nineteen is a great area and plenty of space place to enjoy at any to sit indoors, time of year. Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa Chesterton • Bicester • Oxfordshire OX26 1TH Tel: 01869 241204 www.bicesterhotelgolfandspa

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Give us a call to book a table on 01295 730750 and come and enjoy our Traditional Comfort Pub Grub, with a good selection of Hooky Ales, Ciders and other beverages to choose from. https://www.facebook.com/Butchers2015 Family friendly – swings adjacent to pub Pub Opening hours car park Monday–Thursday Dog friendly 4–11pm Cyclist and Walker Friday 3–11pm friendly! Saturday & Sunday Hook Norton ales noon–11pm Large grassed garden with excellent views Food hours Hidden gem Monday–Friday Recently refurbished 5–9pm interior Saturday noon–8pm Ales from the cask Sunday noon–3pm including three Hook Norton ales and one Check us out on Twitter guest ale @BBalscote Tel: Road 01295 730 750 BALSCOTE Oxon OX15 6JQ

18 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 Round-Up Of Local Brewery News Hook Norton Brewery Meanwhile their next month- with a semi-wild saison yeast, Hooky brewed a unique beer to ly beers, Autumn Ways (a 4.2% it is full of funky fruit flavours celebrate the life of Major, their red ale), Flagship (5.3% IPA) and spicy, peppery, floral notes. shire horse who sadly recently and Greedy Goose (4.2%) will Perfect for the warm weather. passed away. This gentle giant be launched at 7pm at the fol- The Animals have been busy had worked lowing venues & dates: The too with a brace of new beers loyally at the Bell, (Autumn Ways) for summer: brewery for 16 5th September; The Fox and Fly (4.6%), of his 22 years, the Red Lion, Chipping Norton which uses the helping deliver (Flagship) 3rd October; and the highest alpha beer the tradi- George Inn, (Greedy hops they could tional way to Goose) 31st October find. Packed to the local pubs as The beers will also be available the wings with well as parading on the second Wednesday each Apollo, Simcoe with his trusted month at the popular Open Tap and Admiral partner Nelson at various events evenings at the brewery. expect bold herbal, pine and and shows across the UK. To celebrate their 170 years grapefruit flavours to swarm Over the years, Major was of brewing in September, a your pallet. For the hop head, kept busy not only delivering number of feature events are and those who like things a little beer but also doing TV work planned including Meet the bit summery. with Penelope Keith in her Brewers evenings on Mon 9th & Humming- Hidden Villages series and fer- Tues 10th, a ‘Party Like Its 1849’ bird (4.6%) a rying Griff Rhys Jones around in (6pm–late) & Family Fun Day floral IPA with Griff’s Great Britain. In 2014 he both at the delicate flo- even appeared on a Royal Mail brewery on ral flavours Stamp in a special edition fea- Sat 14th & from Cascade turing working horses. He was a Sun 15th and Motueka, firm favourite with all the staff respective- paired with and visitors to the brewery and ly. Details notes of honey will be sorely missed. of all these events and more are and nectar. Perfect beer for the In his honour the brewery on their website, hooky.co.uk summer and the beer garden. produced a one-off beer called Church Hanbrewery XT are involved in sports Major Force 4.5%, a dark red sponsorship again, helping ale packed full of dark fruits and The brewery were very excited the Long Crendon FC in the aromas, with a mild sweetness about their first tap takeover Hellenic League. Plus they will to ‘pull’ the beer together. Hook in the Crafty Banker in Rugby be sponsors of the Towersey Norton Brewery Managing from 26th August until 1st Music Festival and the Towersey Director James Clarke said: September. They went along for Fringe over the August Bank “Major had a good working life, a meet the brewer on the 31st. Holiday weekend. and delivered countless bar- XT Vale rels of beer. As well as this, he was the subject of many photo- The brewery has developed a Vale has launched a free mem- graphs, press articles and TV. new specialists range to meet bership initiative called Pickled But perhaps most important- demand for more unusual and Swans. To become a Pickled ly he was a great friend to our higher strength beers at pubs Swan email kate@valebrewery. grooms, Roger and Elizabeth, who like something a little dif- co.uk with your email address and met so many of our visitors, ferent. First is XT Saison at or you can visit our website. All bringing happiness to so many. 4.9%, a traditional beer origi- Cobs and Pens will be given fur- He is sadly missed, but very nally from Wallonia in Belgium, ther details and weekly updates! fondly remembered. We’ll raise but brewed The Brewery Tap is open a glass to Major, and 50p from with all kiwi six days a week to offer a wide every pint will be donated to hops to kick range of wines, gins and ciders. The Shire Horse Society.” off August. Now available: brewery con- Major Force took pride of Brewed with ditioned ales. Same great beer place in the brewery’s selection 10% wheat without the fuss; easy to pour of beers at the Hook Norton and 10% rye, and store. Full range in stock! Festival of Fine Ales in July. fermented The brewery shop and tap Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 room offer brewery tours, held initial 16 hours of fermentation on the first Saturday every to another vessel for secondary month. Book with the office by fermentation. Double dropping calling 01844 239237. creates the clarity in appearance A number of new brews have and taste that gives the beer its been released: character. SPS (4.2%, Self Preservation Designs for both Brakspear Society): a red rye beer with all Gravity and Oxford Gold have English hops. Toffee malt fla- been given a dramatic makeo- vour, fresh hop aromas with ver, with new livery inspired by hints of lime, peach and orange. William Morris, the designer Field of and poet who lived in Kelmscott Dreams (3.9%): Manor in Oxfordshire. The Pale gold with famous Brakspear Bee is still strong hints of prominent in the new design, blackcurrant which will feature on pump and spice clips, labels, beer mats, parasols Tri Line and more. Brakspear finance director David Nathan (4.2%): Tawny Brakspear chief enjoys a pint of Brakspear Gravity in colour executive Tom Davies so special, so putting it centre with soft malt said: “Double drop- stage on the new design gives us mouthfeel. ping under gravity is a real point of difference. Intense citrus hops give a strong at the heart of what “We’re confident that the new aroma of orange and lemon. makes Brakspear livery will be appreciated by our Loddon beers loyal drinkers, while also appeal- Brakspear ing to new, younger consumers.” The brewery A major promotion campaign recently Gravity glass and showed off the new livery at launched pump clip the Food Festival, This is New showing Countryfile Live at Blenheim off the Palace and at a pop-up bar in (5.8%), a new livery the Oxford Visitor Centre. New England IPA, which they say is the hazi- est, hoppiest beer they’ve ever Turpin’s Golden Citrus At The GBBF brewed. Aggressively double dry-hopped with Ekuanot, Mosaic and Lemondrop, and fermented for two weeks with New England yeast, it’s is packed with citrussy, tropical, green tea and lemon flavours and aromas. Naturally hazy, unfined and suit- able for vegans, it is available in keg and cask. This is the fifth new beer pro- duced this year by new head brewer Jake who continues his reinvention of beer styles. Brakspear Brakspear pubs across our area have unveiled a new look for Brakspear Bitter – now renamed Quite a few people from the North Oxfordshire CAMRA area attended this year’s Great British Beer Festival at Olympia, includ- as Gravity – and Oxford Gold. Its core beer was renamed ing this jolly foursome: (from left) Branch members Stuart Robbins Brakspear Gravity in a reference and Branch Chairman Lynne Baldwin, John Romer (from Turpin’s to the ‘double dropping’ sys- Brewery) and Pete Watkins (local musician extraordinaire). tem used to brew the ale, when Doubtless their day was made much better due to John’s Golden it flows under gravity from its Citrus appearing on sale at one of the bars. 20 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 CAMRA Shop Books & merchandise

CAMRA’s online shop is the ideal place to visit for anyone looking for beer- and pub-related books, clothing or merchandise for themselves or fellow beer lovers.

With an ever-changing list of new and established titles from CAMRA Books and a carefully curated selection of titles from a variety of other publishers and authors, the CAMRA Shop is the go-to destination for anyone looking for books on pubs, beer bars, beer and brewing. Whether you are looking for a basic introduction to the world of beer or to deepen your knowledge; or whether you are after a consumer guide to the best local pubs or some authoritative industry insight, we have something for you on our shelves. The Shop also stocks a range of CAMRA-branded and beer-themed clothing and products, all chosen with the keen beer drinker in mind.

Browse the full range of CAMRA Books titles within categories including: beer knowledge; beer travel; history, heritage & culture; home brewing; miscellany & gift; and pub walks Discover our growing selection of beer-related titles from other publishers Shop among our expanding range of clothing and merchandise Get upcoming CAMRA titles in advance of publication at special pre-order prices As a CAMRA member, log in to receive further discounts

Visit us at: camra.org.uk/shop Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21

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

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22 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 Information For Beer On Tap Advertisers We print between 5,000 and Beer on Tap Advertising 6,500 copies four times per year Rates • Half page size: 94mm high (Spring, Summer, Autumn and x 130mm wide. Bleed is not Winter editions) and we have Our advert information as fol- available for half page ads. a (small) army of volunteers lows (current prices): • Full page size (no bleed): who deliver copies to all Branch • A5 single insertion (one edi- 190mm high x 130mm wide area pubs, most campsites, bus tion) • Full page size (with bleed): and train stations and Tourist Half page £85.00 A5 (210mm high x 148.5mm Information Centres, with many Full page £155.00 wide) with 3mm of bleed all being displayed in pubs, festivals • Annual subscription (four around. Please ensure that etc., just over our borders. editions) crop marks offset value is We believe there is a target- Half page £310.00 set to 3mm so crops do not ed readership of at least 9,000 – Full page £585.00 which no other local publication encroach on image area. can match when trying to reach Advertising Dimensions JPEGs and PDFs may be sub- the specific attention of local and Specifications mitted as either RGB (if saving pub-goers and visitors. Please supply all advertising art- with a colour profile, please use To advertise work as high resolution (300dpi) sRGB) or, preferably, CMYK To book an advert, please email JPEG or PDF files. If supplying colour space. Please note, how- Oliver Sladen at botads@ PDFs, please ensure that all fonts ever, that we can’t guarantee northoxon.camra.org.uk/ are embedded. exact colour matching. Set by Beer on Tap Crossword ‘Hookyman’ 16: Mock a young child (3) 17: Hug Pol to form furrows (6) Across 7: Guy helps son to find pub 19: Rustic fruit used in drinks (6) 1: Bicester brewery sounds like a chain (6) 20: Give for merit (5) tricky customer (7,6) 11: French friend (3) 21: Spanish friend (5) 8: This is a commercial business 13: Command to journal proves – do you copy man? (7) 23: The spirit preferred by a little sticky for insects (8) Nirvana (4) 9: Girls name (5) 15: Quit ale for this drink (7) Solution on page 30 10: Links cat and mat (3) 12: Non alcoholic (4) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 14: Jeremy’s surname? No Sir! (5) 15: Dish cooked in clay oven (5) 17: One to whom money is paid 8 (5) 18: Descriptive of a lyric poem (4) 9 20: First name of 19th Century mathematician (3) 10 11 22: An obsessive of Japanese comics (5) 12 13 14 24: An Enigma I resolved to visualise (7) 15 16 25: Pub name turns Honduran heads (4,3,6) 17 18 19

Down 20 21 1: Edible snails (6) 2: Some use this to take a mile! 22 23 (4) 24 3: People play them (5) 4: Fermenting agent (5) 5: Home of GBBF (7) 6: Royal material for classic 25 furniture (8)

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 4–8 February 2020 New Bingley Hall, Birmingham

Over 400 beers, ciders and perries to represent the region, the wider , and beyond.

Alongside the drinks, the festival will feature games and activities, musical entertainment, a range of mouth-watering food stalls, and a selection of tastings and talks for those looking to expand their horizons further.

For more information, see https://winter.gbbf.org.uk/

24 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 10 Great Reasons To Join CAMRA vouchers, discounts at over 3,500 pubs nationwide via our Real Ale Discount Scheme, and other great discounts and mem- ber benefits. 8 Discover Pub Heritage And The Great Outdoors 4 Get Involved And 1 Campaign For Great Make New Friends Get out, get active and get Beer, Cider & Perry exploring our great British pubs As a CAMRA member you – enjoy a pub walk across the As a member of CAMRA, you automatically join the CAMRA wild terrain of Scotland, dis- help to promote and protect branch in your local area. Make cover historic pub interiors in beer, by actively supporting new friends, and get actively the Midlands or find the perfect Britain’s pubs and breweries to involved as a beer scorer (for pub garden near you. Whatever get a better deal for beer drink- Good Beer Guide selection), your interest, check out the ers. In fact, that’s why CAMRA committee member or festi- CAMRA shop for a book to is one of the most successful val volunteer, enjoy a variety of complement it, and enjoy exclu- consumer rights organisations social events, or just learn more sive member discounts. in Europe. through your local branch and members. 2 Become A Beer Or Cider Expert 5 Help Save Your Local! With a wealth of information Fourteen pubs close every available to members, you can week, so help preserve the great learn and discover everything British pub. you need to know about beer As a CAMRA member, you’re or cider – its history, styles and helping to save your local and Enjoy Great Health how it’s brewed – in no time! everything that goes with it, 9 Resources include our award- including an affordable pint and Benefits (Really!) winning BEER magazine and access to great real ale, cider We champion pubs and well- What’s Brewing newspaper and perry. being – your local is at the heart throughout the year. Find The Best Pubs of the community, and research 6 shows that having a local pub Across Britain can make you happier and Access the Good Beer Guide healthier, and helps local com- book or app (member discounts munities to tackle loneliness apply) or the free WhatPub and isolation. So make the most website to find the best pubs of your local using our online and clubs around the coun- pubs database whatpub.com to try serving real ale and cider, discover pubs and real ale dis- individually selected by local counts in your area. CAMRA members. You will also 10 Have Your Say 3 Enjoy Camra Beer be the first to hear about our Festivals In Front Of national Pub and Club of the As a volunteer-led organi- Year winners! sation, each and every member Or Behind The Bar! has a say in the future direction 7 Get Great Value For of CAMRA. Gain free or discounted entry Money to over 180 beer festivals Join our annual Members’ every year around the country. CAMRA offers a great member- Weekend, AGM and Conference Volunteer to be a staff mem- ship deal from just £26.50 for a to have your say on the issues ber at a festival and gain some single membership (with Direct that matter to you, and influ- hands-on experience, or just Debit – or even less for Under- ence CAMRA policy. enjoy the beer and camarade- 26 year olds). Together with a Use the Membership Form on the rie and benefits of attending a welcome pack, you will receive Inside Back Cover to join today CAMRA beer festival. £30 worth of CAMRA real ale Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 FINSTOCK & RAMSDEN CIRCULAR WALK By Keith Rigley

Beer on Tap Pub Walks A delightful, varied walk with two character pubs in Wychwood country Distance: Around 4½ miles. walk) as it meanders through a a gap in the hedgerow along a Allow around 2–2½ hours. plantation of young mountain defined track (not waymarked) Map: Explorer 191. ash/rowan trees before heading which is just beyond the paddock Parking: The Plough in Finstock into denser woodland. Eventually you passed the entrance to ear- has a good size car park. Phone you pass a fenced-off area of lier. Note: It would be far easier first to ask if it’s OK to park there. woodland (on your right) after to continue along the field edge which you enter a field where you here to walk around to the left With your back to the front door need to walk on in the same gen- and then pick up the route again of the Plough Inn, turn right then eral direction, keeping the hedge- – however, for some reason, the take a left fork on the opposite row on your right. true right-of-way turns left on this side of the road to walk into Dark After passing between the track before turning sharply back Lane, which is waymarked. hedgerow and a metal shed, keep on itself in the wood to reach the Stay on this lane, ignoring a following the hedgerow to soon field edge again. My philosophy is drive leading up to a gate, and find a kissing gate on your right to always keep to rights-of-way, so soon you will be walking along a (ignore any other unmarked that’s what I advise at this point. pleasant, peaceful path in a shel- paths) where you can see the After turning left, walk along tered valley. Ignore an unmarked lovely buildings of Wilcote Manor the edge of the copse (with the path that leads off to the left later ahead on your right. Go through remains of a dry stone wall on on and continue to a point where the gate towards a single-track your left) until you reach a road, you reach a crossroads of paths road. The waymark signage is then turn sharply right (to almost by a waymarked post before a confusing here, with the signed double-back on yourself – don’t kissing gate where you fork right route appearing to be blocked, go onto the road) and follow a on a well-defined dirt track to go so continue in the same general narrow, overgrown dirt track up a gentle slope into trees. direction to walk up to the road, to reach a wooden kissing gate As the track enters Topples turn right, then right again almost in the corner of the copse by a Wood, ignore any small tracks immediately to walk into the new building (in construction on off the main wide path as it goes entrance of Wilcote Manor. our walk). Go through the gate steeper uphill and then turns to Don’t walk up to the front of then turn left to again follow the the right around the edge of the the Manor, walk into the gravel field edge, keeping a fence then a wood to soon give you views on drive then fork right into a sort of hedgerow on your left. the left across the valley to Fawler. overflow car park, and then turn Walk round the corner of the Keep straight on along the main left to walk between the Manor field (ignoring a gap into another track past a sign saying ‘Please house and some outbuildings. field in the corner itself) then keep dogs on lead’ as it goes into After passing the Manor and out- turn left after a large tree, keep- an area of commercial forestry buildings you then head out along ing the hedgerow on your left with pines and firs (don’t take the a green lane ahead, ignoring an as you walk along a wide green track to the left after the sign). entrance into a paddock and gar- strip. Keep walking ahead, ignor- Eventually you reach an open dens on your left, but keeping the ing a crossroads of footpaths (not area (where you can see Wilcote hedgerow ahead on your left. waymarked) all the way up to a House in the distance on the left) When before walking past a large log- you reach pile towards some barns. Keep on a copse ahead across a concrete yard to on the left pass the barns, then go through a ahead, gap to the left of a metal gate to turn left reach a single-track road where through you turn left to walk down a slope. Where the road bends to the left to go uphill, turn right on The Royal a waymarked footpath through a Oak and the wooden kissing gate. village war After going through the gate, memorial in keep on along a grass path (which the centre of was well-defined on our research Ramsden 26 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 wood ahead of you, where you to the left which leads to a large crossroads of footpaths (again, turn right in the far corner to pond and continue to follow the not waymarked). Turn left here to walk around the edge of the wood tunnel of trees then squeeze past follow a well-trodden path across as it curves round later to the left. a tricky section (where an over- the field, heading down the slope Just past a point where the hanging roof makes the route very towards Finstock. On reaching edge of the wood goes into a cor- narrow) to soon reach a road. the far side of the field, turn right, ner (where there was a fallen tree Turn right on the road, then turn go through a kissing gate in the on our research walk), fork left right again up a track immediately corner then turn left to walk into some trees on a waymarked before a telegraph pole to find a along a wide track all the way track and go through a gap at a waymarked path that leads into down to soon find the car park at ruined kissing gate. Keep on in trees. Stay on this path (going the rear of the Plough Inn. the same general direction along through a series of gates) as it a well-defined track through the passes many back gardens, ignor- Pubs on the walk route woods until you enter a field. At ing any tracks off either side. ■ The Plough Inn, Finstock, OX7 this point, turn left to follow the Eventually, go through another 3BY. Tel: 01993 868 333. Web: http:// field edge and walk through a gap gate to enter a back garden, then theplough-inn.co.uk/. Pub open: Mon to the left of a metal gate to reach keep on in the same general 6–11; Tue–Fri 12–3, 6–11; Sat 12–11; a road. Turn right along this very direction into the far corner and Sun 12–6. quiet road to walk into Ramsden. go through another gate to walk Beers: Adnams Broadside, Wychwood After the road curves to the left, along a dirt track again. After yet Hobgoblin Gold & White Horse turn right at a T-junction to find another wooden gate, ignore a Wayland Smithy on a recent visit, plus the Royal Oak on your right. waymarked path on the left and one traditional cider on handpump. To continue the walk, go past continue on in the same general ■ Royal Oak, Ramsden, OX7 3AU. the pub and walk along High direction, keeping the hedgerow Tel: 01993 868213. Web: https://www. Street past the village hall and on your right, then enter another, facebook.com/theroyaloakramsden/. telephone box. After around much larger, field in the far corner Pub open: Mon–Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–6pm. Food served: Mon–Fri 500m you will pass a house called through a further gate. Noon–3pm & 6–9pm; Sun noon– ‘Garden Cottage’ (which has the In this large field, again walk 3.30pm. name written vertically on one of on in the same general direction Beers: Hooky Bitter, Hooky Inspired the gateposts) on your right, after (keeping the hedgerow on your I I I & North Cotswold Brewery Cotswold I I I I which you need to turn right up right) until you find a gap in the I I IBestI on a recent visit. Note: Closed for I I I I a waymarked path (which has a hedgerow on your right after refurbishmentI I Oct/Nov 2019 (watch I I I I I I dog-poo bin on the corner). Keep around 400m where there is a their FacebookI I page for news). I I I I I I straight on up a slope on this dirt I I I I I I To I I track (ignoring a communal wood I I Fawler I I Charlbury I I I I on your right after the last house) I I I I I I I I I I and you will soon be walking I I To I I I I I I through a tunnel of trees. I I Stonesfield I I I I I I On reaching a crossroads of I I I I I I I I I I paths before a field, fork left to I I I I I I I I I I walk along a track into a further I I I I I I I I I I tunnel of trees. Ignore a track I I I I I I I I I I I I Dark Lane I I Topples I I I I I I I I Wood I I I I I I Wychwood I I Finstock I I I I I I Forest I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I START: To The Leafield Plough Wilcote House Pond

Mount To Skippett East End

To Ramsden Hailey & Witney Wilcote Manor Royal Oak To To To To North Leigh B4022 New Yatt Hailey

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 Over The Border (5) Oxbrew Micropub In Witney Langdale Court, Witney OX28 6FG The Oxbrew micropub in Witney celebrated its one-year anniversary in August 2019; visited it yet? Time to make an excursion south-west! The small yet airy pub room that sits close to Waitrose off Witan Way in the centre of Witney is well worth popping into if visiting or passing by Witney and you’re looking for a more unusual choice of local brewery beers. Run by former pub sign writ- er Simon Scamp (examples of his work around the country), Oxbrew currently has two local brewery ales on hand pump and suntrap courtyard area to the Saturdays. Food comes by way six keg lines (often from the front for finer days. Beer mats of salty snacks. Oxbrew and Little Ox range). from the many ales featured to The X9 bus gets you to In addition, there are bottled date are starting to take over the Witney from Charlbury and Hitchcock full fruit ciders. walls. Chipping Norton (bi-hourly The ales generally feature Regular events are held during the day) and the 233 bus from Oxfordshire breweries including open mic nights, from Woodstock (half hour- (XT, Tap Social, Hook Norton, music on Sundays and BBQs out ly during the day). For those to Loddon and Loose Cannon for front on Fridays/Saturdays and the east of the county it’s the example). For non-ale drinkers Sundays throughout the year! S1 buses from Oxford to take there is a great choice of 20 local In traditional micropub style you out to Witney to sample the gins in a growing collection and the pub has slightly reduced delights of Oxbrew if you don’t red and white wines. opening hours being closed on have a designated driver! Stools by the bar or bench Mondays and Tuesdays but is See Whatpub.com for fur- seating is provided internally open until 10pm most nights ther information or their site at and the pub has plenty of exter- and 11pm on Fridays and https://oxbrewmicropub.co.uk/ nal seating in the umbrellared

Simon Scamp serves up another excellent pint at the Oxbrew Micropub

28 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 We Need Members To Submit Beer Scores To Find Branch’s Top Pubs To start submitting scores via What Pub you need to: Rate the quality of the ales in 1: Login. To do this you need your local pub! Please use the your membership number online What Pub app for beer and your CAMRA password. scoring or use the Branch web- 2: You can then search for your site to submit marks. North pub by name. Be careful here Oxfordshire’s pub of the year as there are many pubs in competition needs your votes! the country which share the You can also e-mail the Pubs same name. My advice is to Officer direct if you would like search by the pub name and to submit a mark in fractions below. It is a simple 0 to 5 point system, with half points being the town or postcode. The (ie, 3.7) rather than halves. online What Pub web page You are probably aware of used if your opinion of the beer falls between two categories. also gives you the option to the Good Beer Guide, National search for real ale pubs near- CAMRA’s flagship publica- 0: No cask ale available by, very useful if you are in tion which lists the best pubs 1: Poor. Beer is anything from an unfamiliar town. in the UK. But what you may barely drinkable to drinkable 3: Once you have found your not know is how those pubs are with considerable resentment. pub a ‘Submit Beer Scores’ selected to appear in the Guide. 2: Average. Competently kept, box will appear on the right The answer is that it is large- drinkable pint but doesn’t hand side of the screen (or ly via beer scores submitted inspire in any way, not worth on the tab bar underneath by CAMRA members from all moving to another pub but the pub photo if you are over the country. So if you are a you drink the beer without using a smart phone). CAMRA member you can send really noticing. 4: Simply fill in the date and in beer scores. 3: Good. Good beer in good your score then as you begin If you’ve ever wondered why form. You may cancel plans typing the brewery name your favourite pub isn’t in the to move to the next pub. You should automatically appear Guide, this may well be because want to stay for another pint underneath were you are you, and others, haven’t entered and may seek out the beer typing. You do not have to scores rating the quality of beer again enter the name of the beer there. By beer scoring, you can 4: Very Good. Excellent beer in you are drinking but if you contribute to the process of excellent condition. You stay wish to do so once you have selection of pubs that go in the put! entered the brewery name Good Beer Guide. 5: Perfect. Probably the best you you should be able to click In addition the local Branch are ever likely to find. A sea- on the arrow in the beer uses the scores to count towards soned drinker will award this box and a drop down list of those entries that enter our Pub score very rarely. that brewery’s beers should of the Year competition (the Branch rules state that to be appear. In some cases the current holders being the Horse eligible for the Good Beer Guide beer you are drinking may & Groom in Caulcott). Beer the pub must have an average of be new or a one-off by the scores are counted in January at least 3.5, so if you feel a pub brewery so may not appear 2020 so please start scoring is worthy of GBG status please on the list, if this is the case your beer! bear in mind this is the mini- you can simply type in the So how do I score the mum mark you should use. beer name. Select the correct quality of the beer? How do I submit my one click ‘submit score’ and scores? your score will be entered You don’t have to be an ‘expert’ into the database. One way to submit your scores to begin scoring your beer. It is as simple as that. An added However, it is not about your (see above for other options) is to login to CAMRA’s online pub bonus is that it will keep a personal favourite beer receiv- record of your scores so you guide www.whatpub.com either ing the highest scores! You may can look back to see what beers on a computer or by smart try a beer that isn’t to your you have had and how you rated normal taste but what you need phone. Here you will find a list them if you want. to consider is the quality of that of over 35,800 real ale pubs from beer, how well the pub has kept all over the UK; these are not all Article edited from that prepared for the it and served it, and score it Good Beer Guide pubs, merely Mersey Ale Camra magazine – https://www. according to the general guide pubs that serve real ale. liverpoolcamra.org.uk/index.php/merseyale Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 as declared at the Great Champion Beers Of Britain 2019 British Beer Festival 2019 • Supreme Champion Gold: Surrey Hills Shere Drop, Surrey Hills Brewery head Brewery brewer Simon Jones (left) and • Supreme Champion Silver: brewery owner Afghan Pale, Grey Trees Ross Hunter show Brewery off their Supreme • Supreme Champion Bronze: Champion Gold Citra, Oakham Ales Certificate and Mild cup at the 2019 Great British Beer • Gold: Gravediggers, Church Festival End Brewery • Silver: Malt Shovel Mild, • Silver: Trawler Boys, Green • Joint Bronze: Heart & Soul, Fernandes Brewery Jack Brewery Vocation Brewery / Prince • Bronze: Maggs Magnificent • Joint Bronze: Preservation Bishop Ale, Big Lamp Brewery Mild, West Berkshire Brewery Fine Ale, Castle Rock Brewery Speciality Bitter / Darwin’s Origin, Salopian Brewery • Gold: Vanilla Stout, Binghams • : Ay Up, Dancing Duck Brewery Gold Strong Bitter Brewery • Silver: Chocolate Guerilla, • Silver: Hobby Horse, Rhymney • Gold: Afghan IPA, Grey Trees Blue Monkey Brewery Brewery Brewery • Bronze: Brazillian Coffee & • Joint Bronze: Edith Cavell, • Silver: Iron Duke, Irving Vanilla Porter, Colchester Wolf Brewery / Laughing • Bronze: Fallen Angel, Church Brewery Gravy, Ulverston Brewing End Brewery Winter Ale Winners Company Golden Strong Milds/Old Ales Best Bitter • Gold: Citra, Oakham Ales • Excalibur, Tintagel Brewery • Gold: Shere Drop, Surrey Hills • Silver: Pale, Five Points Porters Brewery Brewing • Porter, Calverley’s Brewery Beer Festival DIARY https://swindon.camra.org.uk/ Stouts viewnode.php?id=23556 • Inncognito, Plain Ales NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER Brewery 2: Cheltenham Real Ale Festival, 28: Choko Beer Festival, Laurence Cheltenham Ladies College, Barley Wines/Strong Old Ales Hall & Gardens, Church Road, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham (noon– • Audit Ale, Lacon’s Brewery Cholsey, nr Wallingford (opens midnight). 80 beers plus 20 ciders noon). www.chokobeerfestival. & perries. www. Beer on Tap Crossword solution org.uk cheltenhamcamra.org.uk/craf OCTOBER DECEMBER 3–5: Solihull Camra Beer Festival, 14: Haddenham Winterfest, Village Solihull Royal British Legion Hall/Banks Park Complex, Club. 40 ales and ciders. https:// Haddenham (12–6pm). www.had- solihull.camra.org.uk/viewnode. denham-beer-festival.co.uk/ php?id=98766 JANUARY 2020 4–5: Ascot Races Beer Festival. 200 ales and 30 ciders, 80 gins. www. 24–26: Rose & Crown, Charlbury ascotbeerfest.org.uk Winter Beer Festival. 20+ real ales 24–26: Oxford Beer & Cider plus ciders/perries Festival, Oxford Town Hall. 130 FEBRUARY ales, 50 ciders & perries. www. 4–8: Great British Beer Festival oxford.camra.org.uk Winter, New Bingley Hall, 24–26: 33rd Swindon Camra Beer Birmingham. Over 400 beers, Festival, Steam Museum Swindon. ciders and perries.

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2019 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA. Edited by Stephen Lympany • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Henry Ling, Dorchester, Dorset 30 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2019 Join up, join in, join the campaign From as little as Protect the traditions of great £26.50† British pubs and everything that a year. That’s less goes with them by joining today

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