Branch Diary

Sat January 23 Trip by rail to National Winter 10 am Ales Festival, Manchester Newsletter of Scunthorpe & District Tues 2 February Pub of the Season presentation Campaign for Real Ale 830 pm to Horn Inn, Messingham + brch mtg

Thurs 18 Feb Trip by minibus to Oakwood FREE Wiinter 2009/10 FREE Time TBA Beer Festival, Rotherham OFT Snubs CAMRA’s Sat 13 March Brewery visit to Kelham Island, 10 am Sheffield + pub crawl (prov) HHHHIIIIIIGGGGHHHHLLLLIIIIIIGGGGHHHHTTTTSSSS IIIIIINNNN Beer Tie Complaint

Sat 27 Mar Branch AGM , Wheatsheaf, TTTTHHHHIIIIIISSSS IIIIIISSSSSSSSUUUUEEEE CAMRA has criticised the Office of 1230 pm Barton-upon-Humber Fair Trading (OFT) for failing to protect consumers by taking no Page 3: Pub of the Season action following the consumer group's super-complaint submitted The Bird in the Barley Page 4: Another Classic earlier this year, and has called on the Government to refer unfair tie Northfield Road, Messingham: Tel 01724 764744 Album Reviewed arrangements in the pub sector to Email: [email protected] the Competition Commission. Traditional Country Pub serving traditional home-cooked food, Page 6: Burton Brewery In their response to CAMRA's super- complaint, the OFT has said that made from the finest ingredients from local suppliers Museum Saved 30-seat Conservatory Dining Area – consumers benefit from a good deal Fully refurbished Bar Area of competition and choice in the Bar Hours: Food Served: Page 9: National Winter pubs sector, but CAMRA has Tues-Sat 1130am-3pm & 530-11pm Tues-Sat 12noon-2pm Ales Festival, Manchester challenged this at a time when prices Sun 12noon-3pm & 6-11pm & 6-9pm are rising and seven pubs are closing Sun 12noon- 230pm every day. & 6-8pm Page 12: Scottish Brewer CAMRA's super-complaint followed Menu from Snacks to Full Menu: Brews World's Strongest the hard-hitting report from the Lunchtime/Teatime Specials Free ! parliamentary Business and Tues-Sat £5.45 1/3 pint Beer Enterprise Select Committee (BEC) Cask Pedigree, Jennings Snecklifter cask ale which called for urgent action to re- plus 2 rotating guest ales Page 13: Gainsborough balance the relationship between 2010 CAMRA Good Beer Guide/ with this ad pub-owning companies (cont. P2) Spring Pub of the Season 2009 CAMRA Page

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2 [ We’ll drink to that! that! to drink We’ll and their lessees in the inthe lessees andtheir of consumers. interest Chief CAMRA's Benner, Mike not do "We said, Executive is sufficient there that accept or pubs between competition benefit consumer adequate andchoice competition from TheOFT sector. withinthis the address to fails decision concerns raised legitimate super-complaint inour both Mr. report.” BEC andthe is difficult "It added, Benner can OFT howsee the to is competition that argue pubs the wellin working is demand when sector rising. are prices yet falling, nowrequired is action Urgent the stem to Government by a build closures, of pub flow andensure future sustainable a fair get consumers that tied from benefit the shareof by demanded as agreements law.” competition Lord is urging CAMRA the overrule to Mandelson anti- referring by OFT tie andunfair competitive large of the arrangements to companies operating pub Commission Competition the investigation. anfor urgent a secure help willThis Britain's for future sustainable for fairdeal anda pubs pub-goers. million 14 Britain's

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19 March 2010 2010 19 March £50 Full page Half page £30 page£30 Half R R R Secretary: Social (Tel: 01724 331056) 331056) 01724 (Tel: (Tel: 01724 761217 ) ) 761217 01724 (Tel: I I 357009) 01724 (Tel:

I £20 Page Quarter Branch Committee Branch Advertising Rates are: - - are: Rates Advertising (Tel: 07840155637) (m) 07840155637) (Tel: Membership Secretary: Membership Edited by Mark Elsome Elsome Mark by Edited Copy date for next issue issue next for date Copy 29 The Dales, Bottesford Bottesford Dales, The 29 comments for publication publication for comments the editor for further details. details. further for editor the Branch Treasurer: Branch [email protected] Branch Secretary: Branch Branch Chairman: Branch Paul Williams (Tel: 01673 818109) 818109) 01673 (Tel: Williams Paul District Campaign for Real Ale. Ale. Real for Campaign District

who would be pleased to receive to receive pleased be would who http://www.scunthorpecamra.org.uk be the views of CAMRA locally or locally CAMRA of views be the 4 consecutive issues or more. Contact Contact more. or issues consecutive 4 Discounts available for adverts placed in in placed adverts for available Discounts Published quarterly by Scunthorpe & & Scunthorpe by quarterly Published are those of the author, and may not may and the author, of are those Opinions expressed in this newsletter newsletter this in expressed Opinions Autumn Pub of the Season – the Haven Inn, Barrow Haven Pub of the Season Winter 2009/10 The Horn Inn,

Messingham OOOur Pub of the Season award for Winter goes to the Horn Inn at Messingham. This popular village local is fast improving under new mine hosts Dean & Michelle Swaby, who took over the reins in August last year. Dean is an experienced pub licensee, having started out at the Ironstone Wharf in Gunness in 1991. Dean & Michelle ran the Bruce Arms in Masham for seven years (the only John Smiths pub in the village!), before returning to the pub trade at the Horn Inn. The Horn is owned by the Enterprise pub company, but Dean has access to the SIBA list of real ales and has Black Sheep Bitter and Ale as his regular beers, plus three rotating guest beers. Recent guests have included St Austell Tribute, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Copper Dragon, Kelham Island and Batemans beers, including Rosey Nosey from the latter over the Christmas period. CAMRA member Sue Stow (right) presents the branch Autumn award Michelle, in conjunction with the regular Horn Inn kitchen staff, certificate to licensee Gillian Bayram of the Haven Inn oversees the production of a range of tasty, good value meals, available every lunchtime (12 noon – 2 pm, including Sunday Lunch 12 noon -3 Beer Joke pm) and in the evenings (5 – 7 pm, except Wednesday & Saturday). Live music is featured on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The pub Two men walk into a bar, and proceed to buy everyone also has a thriving dominoes team who play at home every other drinks. Eventually, the barman asks them what the Tuesday evening, and compete in local leagues. celebration is. The pub is being tastefully refurbished in stages, and the exterior and the They boast that they had just finished a jigsaw puzzle and rear dining area have been completed. Dean is hoping the bar area will that it had only taken them two months! be finished shortly, and plans to group his five handpumps together so "Two months!" cries the barman, "That's ridiculous. It they can be seen as soon as customers walk in. We congratulate Dean & shouldn't take that long to finish a jigsaw!" Michelle on their award, which will be presented on Tuesday 2 "Oh yeah?" says one guy, "Well, the box said 2 to 4 years!" [14] February at 830 pm. We hope you can join us. Classic Albums No. 30: – Gainsborough CAMRA Page Gold (Lost Highway)

Well that's it, Christmas has been and gone for another year (thank God for Ryan Adams is the new poster boy of alternative-country, and after fronting that), and has left in its wake the memory of some fantastic winter beers. his own band, , embarked on a solo career, which looks to The best of these, in my opinion, was Grafters Greetings. This is a rich and have every chance of being long and successful. He is undoubtedly a prolific spicy beer made with a blend of various hops & malts, with added raisins, songwriter, but it is often claimed that this is at the expense of quality. No nutmeg, mixed peel and cinnamon to give this beer a truly Christmassy taste. such problems with this album though, Talking of Grafters, back in late December, in all that white stuff, the released in 2001 - even at 70 minutes Gainsborough Branch visited Grafters in what seems to becoming an annual long, the excellence never drops. And event, to present the brewer, Phil, with no fewer than four awards for his although the title might make you think brewing skills. These were two awards from Peterborough beer festival for this is a greatest hits compilation, his Grafters Moonlight, which not only won best beer in its category but also virtually all the tracks are Adam’s won overall Champion Beer of the Nelthorpe arms originals written with Ethan Johns, Festival. Moonlight also won the Beer producer of , specifically of the Festival at our own festival back SCHOOL LANE for this album. in October. The fourth award came SOUTH FERRIBY The playing is superb throughout, and from SIBA, also in recognition of his DN18 6HW Adams voice can be adapted to brewing ability. Well done Phil. 01652 635235 yearning country ballads or uptempo Back in town Gainsborough’s newest (OFF THE A1077) rock songs, and he’s equally adept at pub, ‘R’ Bar seems to be going from AT THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE Rolling Stones style riffs on tracks like strength to strength. With only three GAVIN RICHARDS - LANDLORD The Rescue Blues or Tina Toledo’s Street Walkin’ Blues, or in a Gram Parsons handpulls, soon to become five I hear, mould on heartfelt country songs such as or Harder and prices starting at £2 a pint they are  REAL ALES Now That It’s Over . And he’s no slouch on guitar either when it comes to selling about ten 9’s a week. There is (Tetley as standard, plus a guest) rock tracks like Enemy Fire or the extended country rock song Nobody Girl , nearly always a Grafters beer on, and  LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS FROM which clocks in at just over 9 1/2 minutes, and morphs into a frenzied guitar with breweries like Ossett, Oldershaws 9 PM (RING FOR DETAILS) wig-out towards the end. He can even do yearning, when he considers what & Batemans making regular  OPEN MIC 1 ST THURSDAY OF life would have been like with the creative, but doomed poet Sylvia Plath, in appearances, there's no wonder. So THE MONTH the song of the same title, which consists of just his vocals and piano when you’re next in town make an (half price drinks for those playing) accompaniment. effort and visit the ‘R’ bar as well as  TAKEAWAY AVAILABLE In short a sprawling, varied album, where Adams wears his musical the 8 Jolly Brewers. It is not all good  FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE influences, including Neil Young, the Stones, Van Morrison and some of the news, and it’s sad to see that the town FOR HIRE (ANY OCCASION) best Nashville country acts, on his sleeve. The album represents a slice of has lost another real ale outlet, as it is  OUTSIDE CATERING Americana for the times, but is so musically diverse, your attention never rumoured that Surfleets has closed its AVAILABLE wanders. On subsequent albums he is joined by his backing band, the doors for the time being. The Peacock  OUTSIDE BAR AVAILABLE Cardinals, and they are renowned as a great live act. They do occasionally also has new managers, but as yet little  EN SUITE ACCOMMODATION tour the UK, and would be worth looking out for – I certainly hope to see is known about them. That’s about all them next time around. Mark Elsome [4] for now, thanks for reading, KEV T. [13] Scottish Brewer Brews World’s Strongest Beer Two Thirds of a Pint Please!

Controversial Scottish brewery Brewdog of Fraserburgh, has upset the anti- Her Majesty’s Government has plans afoot to introduce a new imperial glass alcohol lobby by brewing a superstrength ale, which it claims is the world’s size which measures 2/3 pint. The proposals announced by Lord Drayson, strongest beer. Tactical Nuclear Penguin has been produced with an alcohol Science and Innovation Minister, would change the prescribed quantities of content of 32% ABV. BrewDog managing director James Watt said a limited alcohol offered for sale. This follows calls from members of the pub trade to supply of the beer would be sold for £30 a bottle. He said, “This beer is allow them more flexibility in serving draught beer and cider, especially about pushing the boundaries; it is about taking innovation in beer to a those with a higher alcohol content. whole new level.” Mr Watt added that a beer like Tactical Nuclear Penguin CAMRA has expressed concern that pubs may decide to replace 1/2 pint should be drunk in “spirit sized measures”. glasses with 2/3 pints, causing confusion all round. No news on whether the The label states that … “the beer is extremely strong and should be enjoyed new glasses will be lined to ensure we get an honest measure, but don’t hold in small servings and with an air of aristocratic nonchalance, in exactly the your breath! same manner that you would enjoy a fine whisky, a Frank Zappa album or a Wakefield CAMRA Paul & Carol visit from a friendly, yet anxious ghost.” Maybe it was the pretentious 0 to K Magazine instructions that upset the alcohol watchdogs, but Alcohol Focus, Scotland, would like to described it as “a cynical marketing ploy”, and questioned why a brewer welcome old & would produce a beer almost as strong as whisky. Beer Jokes young to one of the Brewdog themselves already have form in this area, having previously oldest pub sites in brewed a beer called Tokyo at 18.2% ABV, which provoked a similar England response. Irritated by the A cheeseburger walks into a pub, pulls

negative comments about up a stool, and orders a beer. The this beer, they countered barman hurries over and shouts at The SunSun & by going to the other him "How many times do I have to Anchor, extreme and brewing a low tell you? - we don't serve food here!" alcohol beer called Nanny ScotterSco tter State at 1.2 % ABV. Two men decided to take a short-cut through the railway track after a Perhaps it’s time for Tel: 01724 763444 BrewDog to lose the heavy session of drinking in the pub. attitude and the use of After a few minutes of walking one beers as fashion statements, man said, "I think it's a staircase we’re Two Guest Beers, and concentrate on normal climbing." The other man said, "I Good Cheer believe you strength beers which can be Welcoming enjoyed by the majority, not just connoisseurs? Their regular beers such as mate, but why Punk IPA are excellent in bottles or on draught, and must represent a the hell are the Atmosphere potentially larger market than quirky, high strength beers only brewed to handrails so Beer Garden show that they can do it. low? I can barely touch NO FOOD, JUST A PUB BBC News/Mark Elsome [ 12} them." WITH GREAT REAL Burton Brewery Museum Saved! The Malt Shovel CAMRA have pledged their support for the opening of the National Brewery Ashby High Street Centre in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, in 2010, after brewer Molson Coors UK reversed its decision to close the brewery site. Last summer, the Scunthorpe DN16 2JP Coors Visitor Centre, formerly the Bass Museum, closed its doors due to Tel: 01724 843318 falling visitor numbers, despite opposition by CAMRA, Janet Dean MP, local and county councils, Burton Civic Society and Chamber of Commerce, and the local media. ‘The Country Pub in the Town’ However, through the work of a Local Action Group, CAMRA is pleased Open: 10am – 11pm, Sun – Thurs, that the Brewing Centre will now become a reality, and will retain key 10am – 12pm Fri & Sat elements of the existing facilities to ensure the building's historic aspects remain. Serving in tip-top condition Tom Wood’s Best Nik Antona, CAMRA Director and Burton branch spokesperson, said, “It's fantastic news that we will again have a brewing museum in this country, Bitter & Dark Mild, Exmoor Gold, John Smiths and a centre reflecting the brewing styles of the UK. This is something Bitter CAMRA has been campaigning strongly for over the past year. Having + 4 ever changing guest beers from UK passed a motion at our national AGM to campaign to keep the museum microbreweries open, we participated in a march through the town centre of Burton, as well as organising a petition at our Burton Beer Festival last September. Leffe Blonde, Erdinger & Belle Vue Kriek The plans for the Centre are very promising, and an official opening could be At least 4 real ciders served straight from the cellar a real boost for the local Burton economy. As the capital of British brewing, this is exactly what the town Real Italian coffees deserves. This is especially Over 30 malt whiskies promising for the White Shield Extensive wine menu Brewery, which is based on site. Having won CAMRA awards in Real home-cooked food served: the past, it will be great to see 12 noon – 2pm & 4 – 8pm (Mon – Sat), their quality recognised further in the public domain. Once 12 noon – 7pm Sun (including Sunday lunches) again this is a really exciting Teatime Specials available 5 – 8pm Mon – Sat development, and CAMRA is (try our homemade steak pie!) looking forward to working with all parties involved in the Quiz nights Tues & Thurs opening in order to promote real ale and celebrate one of Britain's most historic industries.” Live music every Saturday Great news and well worth a visit when the museum opens its doors again. Look out for our next beer festival in March! [6] Joint Beer Festival with River Don a Success Wakefield Beer Festival & Pub Crawl

You may recall in our last issue in the halcyon days of Autumn, that we were Several members of the branch enjoyed an excellent Saturday out in intending to join with the River Don Tavern at Eastoft for a combined beer Wakefield in October. Starting with the beer festival in the less than festival over a weekend in September. I’m very pleased to report that the salubrious Lightwaves Leisure Centre, with its notable food selection, festival was a great success, and the selection of Yorkshire brewed real ales particularly the ‘bread with mucky fat’ (see picture) and interesting toilet proved very popular. Blessed with unseasonably warm weather for the time arrangements, with drinkers sharing these with swimmers, there were of year, many customers opted for drinking al fresco in the pub garden to nevertheless some good quality beers to beers to be had. enjoy the sunshine or to listen The selection was based on beers from the local active breweries in the area to the live bands (sample joke and those from breweries with which the from a Liverpool band playing Wakefield branch has connections or had classic rock songs: ‘What do visited in the past year, plus themed selections you call a Scouser in a suit?’ of beers from East Anglia and seasonal bonfire Answer: ‘The Accused!’) . beers. Good value, tasty pub food After an hour or so there, the festival was helped to compliment the starting to run out after proving extremely beers. The beers sold well and popular with a record attendance on Friday not much was left on our bar night, and, as many of the preselected beers of at the end. We enjoyed the choice for those present had gone, we moved festival so much, we are in on to some of the town centre pubs. discussion with licensee We started with the Six Chimneys, the town’s Gordon Crowe about repeating the event again in September 2010. Watch Wetherspoon’s pub which had its usual good this space! selection, plus possibly quite the grandest female toilets ever encountered by branch members. Scunthorpe Branch Christmas Party Thereafter we visited a branch favourite, Fernandes Brewery Tap, owned by Ossett Brewery, whose beer selection was as good as ever and we The branch held its Christmas thoroughly enjoyed our first party at the Malt Shovel, Ashby, visit to its addition of a in mid-December, and a good European Bierkeller (albeit on time was had by all. The the middle floor of the evening included a quiz, raffle, building), serving draught and excellent buffet provided by bottled continental beers. We Belinda and staff, plus live music finished our trip with our first from 4-Way Split. visit to a new Wakefield real Some great ales too including ale pub, 'The Hop'. Kelham Island Winter Blues and Sarah Wullink Ossett Treacle Stout. Same again this year? [10] [7] Beer – You Never Knew It Was So Interesting! National Winter Ales Festival 2010

Beer is a drink that has been brewed and drunk for centuries, and it has a rich CAMRA’s flagship event for the darker, stronger and varied history that’s full of interest. If you don’t believe us, how about beers of winter, kicks off again in Manchester these ‘stunning’ facts about our favourite tipple … from 20 – 23 January. The festival takes place at 1 To get rid of the foam at the top of beer, the head, stick your fingers in it a new venue this year – the Sheridan Suite on (particularly if you’re from the south!) Oldham Road- and there will be 200 beers, plus 2 Tossing salted peanuts in a glass of beer makes the peanuts dance cider and perry and bottled real ales. 3 To keep your beer glass or mug from sticking to your bar napkin, sprinkle Previous festivals have been great fun, and we in a little salt on the napkin before you set your glass down Scunthorpe CAMRA will be paying a visit on the 4 Beer wasn’t sold in bottles until 1850. Beer lovers would visit their local Saturday. We’ll also be visiting a selection of tavern with a special bucket, have it filled and then begin the merry Manchester’s best pubs including the Marble journey home (a few probably never made it …!) Arch, the Smithfield, Bar Fringe and the Crown & 5 Beer is the second most popular beverage in the world, just behind tea Kettle. Travel is easy on the direct trains to 6 Beer was often served for breakfast in medieval England (although not Manchester Piccadilly, and there is a shuttle bus much work got done afterwards) running from the station to the venue at a 7 It was customary in the 13th century to baptise children with beer reduced fare. See report in next issue. Well, there you have it … interesting and educational at the same time! Look out for more beer facts in future editions (if we have a space to fill). THORNTON HUNT Gold Citation INN Gold Citation The Wheatsheaf “Taste of Excellence” “Taste of Excellence” Thornton Curtis Pub of the Season Winter 2008/9 - CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2010 BEST PUB MEAL AWARD Near Ulceby th BEST PUB MEAL AWARD Traditional pub dating from the 18 century. 2009/10 North Lincolnshire DN39 6XW 2009/10 Phone: 01469 531252 Theakston’s Best, Wells Bombardier and Black Sheep Bitter, plus two rotating [email protected] guest ales, all kept in excellent condition. www.thornton-inn.co.uk Traditional Homemade Bar Food Traditional Homemade Bar Food “Winner” Best Pub Excellent value, quality home-cooked traditional food HandHand Pulled Pulled Real Real Ales Ales Meal Award Opening hours 2001 & 2007 Children’sChildren’s Menu Menu – Vegetarian – Vegetarian Dishes Dishes 12.00 – 11.30pm “Gold Citation” Best Pub Meal 12.00 - 12.30 Friday & Saturday Gift Vouchers Available Award Gift Vouchers Available Food Served 2002/03/04/05/06/07 Homemade / Real Chips Served 12 to 1400, 1730 to 2100, Homemade / Real Chips Served “Lincolnshire Life Magazine” 3 Course Sunday Roast Special £10.99 Monday to Saturdays En Suite Accommodation 3 Course Sunday Roast Special £10.99 1200 to 1500 Sundays Lite – Bite Lunch Menu Mon to Sat “4 Star” Visit Britain Grading Booking advisable at weekends £5.99 All rooms are non smoking & include Lite- Bite Lunch Menu Mon to Sat £5.99 Central heating, tea & coffee facilities & TV, Holydyke, Barton-upon-Humber, DN18 5PS Food Served 12-2 & 6.30-9pm Daily Food Served 12-2 & 6.30-9pm Daily Full English Breakfast Tel: 01652 633292 is available