Beer Ragged Staff

CAMPAIGN Issue 70 FOR January — March 2011 Heart of REAL ALE Joint Submission to Home Office The British Beer and Pub Associa- and forcefully. We just hope Ministers tion has made a joint submission are listening and prepared to act to to the Home Office on behalf prevent severe unintended con- of the leisure and hospitality sequences for our industry”. sector, raising their very The basic recommendations real concerns about the include: current Licensing Law To support the introduction of proposals. As well as this the a prohibition of below-cost re- submission also contains a tailing as a mechanism for pro- legal opinion from Gerald moting fair competition and Gouriet QC, who is well responsible retailing. respected in the field of licensing To welcome a Government review of law, which raises important issues about the alcohol taxation and pricing which would proposed changes to the Licensing Act redress the imbalance between prices paid by Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British customers for alcoholic drinks in hospitality ven- Beer & Pub Association said, “This submission ues and shops, and to suggest a more radical look brings together a coalition across the hospitality at taxation, such as a VAT differential, a rebalanc- sector and a unified voice on the critical issues ing of duty between Watch out for limer- that concern the industry about the Government’s higher alcoholic icks inspired by various current proposals. In addition, we considered it strength drinks and beers at the Harbury vital to invest in a legal opinion from an eminent lower strength Beer Festival QC to provide an authoritative view on the funda- drinks such as beer, mental legal issues that arise from these proposals. and duty refunds for hospitality venues. “This joint submission, backed by a solid legal The introduction of a level playing field between opinion, provides a firm foundation for taking leisure and hospitality business on the one hand, forward our case with Government, MPs and and shops and supermarkets on the other, by other key stakeholders.” either a Government backed voluntary Code of Nick Bish, Chief Executive of The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: “These propos- Continued on Page 2 als represent an unprecedented threat to responsi- ble businesses. We are all agreed collectively that For LOCALE in- they are unnecessary, unjust and unaffordable and formation please the joint submission puts this case forensically see page 18 To contact the Heart of Warwickshire Branch call 07855 644043 www.camrahow.org.uk Continued from Page 1 encourage more people to drink in the safe and Practice, or mandatory conditions for the promo- social environment of a pub rather alone at home, tion and sale of alcohol in the off-trade. or in the local recreation ground. Also the fight More effective use of the powers that already against under-age drinking falls heavily on bar exist to revoke and refuse licenses. staff, who can very easily, as the recommenda- More use of measures such as training orders in tions say, transgress without intent, and the pro- the fight against under-aged drinking, recognising posed supportive measures are much preferable to that the hospitality trade is in the front line, and the previous government’s proposals of entrap- many transgressions are without intent. ment by the use of under-age agents provocateurs. CAMRA should certainly welcome these propos- als. In particular the creation of a level playing Source: British Beer and Pub Association Web- field between pubs and off sales is important to site. Fair Deal for Beer Could Create 30,000 Jobs The British Beer & Pub Association has with huge potential benefits for the Treasury claimed that around 30,000 new jobs would and the UK economy. be created if there was a fair alcohol duty “A fair deal for beer would create a win-win system for beer. Research undertaken by situation for all. Beer is unique among the Oxford Economics for the BBPA shows main categories of drink, with Britain’s pubs that the current tax system discourages dependent on beer sales. Over 90 per cent of the consumption of low-strength drinks the beer consumed here is brewed here. such as beer, resulting in lower tax reve- “We’ve had many years of duty changes that nues and fewer jobs. This shows that there have favoured other categories of drink - yet is a pressing need for the government to taxing beer fairly would create thousands of move the UK to a more balanced duty new jobs, and substantial extra tax revenues. system in line with neighbouring countries. Beer is also a low alcohol drink of choice and The current system penalises beer, which is should be treated differently to other stronger both low-strength and overwhelmingly UK- alcoholic beverages. There is potential for a produced. If the duty system were better huge success story that could be grasped by balanced then the current rapid rate of pub the new Government. Everyone would benefit closure could be reversed, and 29,500 new from a new and fair approach.” jobs would be created, mostly in the pub and Source: British Beer and Pub Association hospitality sector. It could also bring the Website. government around £250 million in extra A swineherd with love on his mind, revenue from employment and corporation tax. Set his sights on this girl who was kind. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds But the smell of his britches, comments: Had her in stitches, “The new Government now has a great oppor- So his offer was sadly declined. tunity to bring fairness into our duty system – Inspiration: Slaughterhouse ‘Swineherd’ 4.0%

Heart of Warwickshire Branch Committee Press day for next issue (April Chairman: Steve Bolton ([email protected]) 2011) is Monday 7 March. Treasurer: Tony Cragg ([email protected]) Secretary: Lorraine Atkins ([email protected]) Membership Secretary: Dave Shurrock ([email protected]) Newsletter Editor: Ian Bayliss ([email protected]) Other members: John Crossling, Derek Dent, Dave Wedgebury To contact by phone, call 07855 644043 and leave message stating the contact required. Page 2 Beer and Ragged Staff The Beer and Ragged Staff Issue No. 70 January 2011 Published by The Heart of Warwickshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, 5 Lammas Walk, . CV34 4UX. Phone: 01926 403423. Email: [email protected] Web site: http://www.camrahow.org.uk CAMRA HQ: 230 Hatfield Road, ST. ALBANS, Herts. AL1 4LW. Phone: 01727 867201. Printed by Geo. E. Cadman, Unit 7D, Jenton Road, Sydenham Industrial Estate, , War- wickshire, CV31 1SF. Phone: 01926 423742. Opinions and views expressed in this newsletter are not nec- essarily official branch or CAMRA policy. All contents, except otherwise indicated, © copyright CAMRA Heart of Warwickshire 2010. Harbury Helps Air Ambulance Keep Flying On Saturday 27th Warwickshire and November Steve Northamptonshire, but Bolton, Dave can operate further Shurrock and myself afield if required. It went to Coventry recently picked up a airport as a follow- serious burns victim in up to the Boston, as well is presentation of going down to London money raised at to help with the Harbury Beer aftermath of the 7/7 Festival to the L-R Ian Bayliss, Philipa Gibbs, Mac McDanial, Steve bombings. Warwickshire and Bolton, Dave Shurrock, Simon Cusack Why do we need an Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. For air ambulance? Well Warwickshire is a the past few years the air ambulance has rural county, with some quite inaccessible been Harbury's designated charity, with areas, and getting to victims quickly can be visitors requested to donate unused beer vital. For cardiac arrest, the second most tokens, and this year we managed to common incident after road accidents, a raise some £491.95. We were greeted quick arrival can be literally a matter of life and made most welcome by fundraiser Jo and death. For trauma victims too, the Payne. Golden Hour scenario, first recognised in We were just in the Vietnam war, means that patients have a time to see the far better chance of survival if they receive ambulance landing medical treatment in the first hour, and for after returning from this to the air ambulance is very important. a mission from just The air ambulance costs £1.5M a year to south of Leicester run, and is completely independent and via the Walsgrave reliant on public contributions. For more Hospital. This gave information see their website us a chance to http://www.wnaa.co.uk Life-Saving Equipment Carried inspect it, as well as to meet the three-person crew, pilot Mac A young lumberjack bold and true McDaniel, and paramedics Philipa Gibbs Had an accident using some glue. He stuck an axe to his hand, and Simon Cusack. The helicopter itself is And could barely withstand, an Augusta 109, the fastest ambulance in the All the drinking that he couldn’t do. country. It normally operates within Inspiration: Brentwood ‘Lumberjack’ 5.2%

January — March 2011 Page 3 Beer Under The Southern Cross Continued from old premises were oc- Previous Edition cupied by the Green Part 2 Hobart to Man Brewery. We Sydney via New went there but finding Zealand no visitor facilities In part one we had moved the half mile travelled 2373 nauti- or so to Emerson’s. cal miles from Perth Unfortunately neither to Hobart visiting six had they but sensing breweries. The jour- our disappointment ney now continued the receptionist dived South round the southern tip of New into the brewhouse returning with a tray Zealand, up the east coast and across to of tasters. She then directed us to Albar Sydney, a further 2775 miles. It was at in Stuart Street where their beers were the tip that we encountered Antarctic available surprisingly on hand pull, not winds of up to 45 knots and 8 to 10 often metre waves. The ship was rolling at seen in 8% causing considerable damage to this part glassware and crockery. The contents or of the two bars were smashed on the floor in world. seconds. Once in the lee of Stewart London Island the storm abated and all was calm Porter to Dunedin. was a Dunedin was founded by Scots mi- great grants, its name being Gaelic for Edin- hit. Visitors with more time may also burgh. Signs of home abounded with care to try Speight’s Brewery in Rattray Saltires flying and traditional dress in Street. They have full visitor facilities the shops. Whilst on a vintage rail trip but be aware their beers are nowhere 77 km up the Taieri River Gorge we met near as good as Emersons. a train guide who A seasoned gold digger called Janet, We continued up had just retired Would attract men with tales of her parrot. the east coast to from Emerson’s Her golden Macaw, Christchurch Brewery as a di- Was a bit of a draw, (pre-earth- rector after 18 And did tricks on the bed with a carrot. quake!). It is the Inspiration: Bank Top ‘Gold Digger’ 4.0% years service. finest city in New This was to be our next trip. We learned Zealand, just like an uncrowded market that Emerson’s had expanded and their town clustered around the cathedral.

Page 4 Beer and Ragged Staff The centre is bisected by the crystal brewpub whose beers are a bit ordinary clear waters of the River Avon running but fortunately sharing the building was through gardens. Vintage wooden bod- a pub called One Red Dog who special- ied trams run round a 25 minute central ised in beers from Tuatara and Waika- city circuit. Collected from all over nae. Tuatara’s Heffe Weisse was the Australia and New Zealand some are highlight of the whole trip, flavours of over 100 years old. At tram stop number cloves, vanilla, and banana. Well it all had to end and the two- day voyage to Sydney was the final part. We landed at the Over- seas Passenger Terminal in the shade of the Harbour Bridge. A party of visitors were walking the bridge and looking like ants up in the girders. Across the sparkling waters of the harbour was the Op- four by the Arts Centre we found the era House but it was just too hot to go Dux De Lux brewpub. Seven different far. No option but to take cover in the beers to try plus a guest from the Three iconic Australian Hotel in Cumberland Boys Brewery, every one worth trying. Street in the Rocks District just a short Oh for another day here! walk from the bridge. Draught beers Next stop Wellington, a large city with from Fat Yak, Matilda Bay, and others fine parks and botanical gardens. As in were on tap plus over 100 different Melbourne on the old docks had been bottled beers all from Australia. At last transformed into a trendy area of shops, I managed to get Cooper’s Best Extra cafes and bars. At Shed 22 Mac’s Brew- Stout (6.3%) and Extra Strong Vintage ery, an out-of-town regional, had a brew Ale (7.5%). A perfect finish to a holi- pub. Eight beers and their own Isaac’s day. Sadly though no time to visit the Cider. Taster trays as usual. Further Lord Nelson Brew Pub in Argyle Street, along the harbour was the Loaded Hog also in Rocks. [Bob Holden]

Pat and family welcome you to The Crown Stockton 01926 812255 Lunches Tuesday to Sunday Evening meals Tuesday to Saturday Ansells Bitter & Two Changing Guest Beers! Petanque piste available for beer & boules events 'Folk at the Barn’ last Tuesday of the month Room available for hire In the Good Beer Guide 2010 and 2011

January — March 2011 Page 5 Cider and Perry News There are many criteria to be considered before Magners St Helier cider and perry can be acknowledged as such for Merrydown Stowford Press duty purposes. However, not withstanding the Rekorderlig Strongbow demands of the excise people, CAMRA has its Samuel Smiths’ Taunton own definition of a draft real cider. "Real cider" is a long established, traditional drink which is Saxon Thatchers Gold produced naturally from freshly pressed apples Scrumpy Jack Woodpecker and is not artificially carbonated, Micro -- fil- Richard Knibbs, licensee of Ye Olde Cider Bar, tered or pasteurised. Good old CAMRA -- Newton Abbot, wins CAMRA's National straight to the point. The National Association of Cider Makers’ recent Pomona award for his dedication to real cider and circular regarding the legal requirements for the perry over the past 40 years. CAMRA's annual constitution of cider and perry is far more compli- Pomona award is named after the Roman goddess cated. of apples and is presented to the person place or The paper deals with the minutiae of the alcoholic thing that has done the most to promote real cider liquor duties (definition of cider) order 2010 or perry in the last 12 months or for their ongoing which has amended the definition of the drink in outstanding work in this field. CAMRA received the alcoholic liquor duties act 1979. Phew! many entries for the award from CAMRA Among the long list of stipulations, these are the members and members of the public, but it was most salient for the dedicated cider drinker: cider Richard Knibbs, licensee of Ye Olde Cider Bar, means cider (or perry) strength exceeding 1.2% who won the committee's approval to receive this but less than 8.5% cider (or perry) obtained from prestigious accolade. Andrea Briers, CAMRA's the fermentation of apple or pear juices without Cider and Perry Campaigning Chair, said the addition at any time of any alcoholic liquor or "Richard Knibbs thoroughly deserves CAMRA's any liquor or substance which communicate col- Pomona Award this year. He has provided the our or flavour. community of Newton Abbot with an outstanding The regional cider coordinator has published this range of quality real cider and perry for the last 40 list that CAMRA does not recognise as being real, years in a bar that has changed very little in the saying that the list is not necessarily complete. last hundred years. Scrubbed tables and Addlestones Dry Blackthorn settles and not a cushion Aspall Gaymer’s insight!" Brothers Jacques Pomona award winner Bulmers K Cider Richard Knibbs said "I Diamond White Kopparberg am absolutely delighted

THE GREEN MAN TRADITIONAL VILLAGE PUB Church Rd Three Real Ales Always Long Itchington On Tap Free meeting rooms 01926 812 208 available [email protected] Function room available In Good Beer Guide 2010 and 2011 Page 6 Beer and Ragged Staff Somerville Arms Campion Terrace, Leamington Spa 01926 426746 Your Traditional Friendly Local Seven Cask Ales always available www.somervillearms.co.uk Abound In Hops All Ye Who Enter Here Cask Marque Accredited to win this award for my passion and dedication Quatt, Shropshire. CAMRA's cider and Perry towards real cider over the past 40 years. I am Month is an annual campaign that takes place in also very pleased that CAMRA supports this October. I spoke to Mrs Collins at the monkey wonderful, traditional drink. I am a person who house, and contrary to any Chinese whispers she does not like change and this is why the Cider is not closing yet, and if anyone wants to visit the Bar has kept the same over the years with real telephone number is (01386) 750234. The open- cider being the core product sold. ing hours are Wednesday Thursday and Saturday Cider houses have dwindled over the centuries. 6 PM until 10 PM, Friday 11 AM to 2 PM on They are not pubs and do not sell any beer or Sunday midday to 3 PM, closed on Monday and spirits and at the last count there were only three Tuesday. If anyone would like to go on an early surviving cider houses in England. The other two spring trip please phone (01926) 408886. All cider houses in Britain are the monkey house, welcome. Defford,Worcestershire, and the Cider House, [Pauline Brooks] Do Your Bit For Democracy An early day motion (EDM) is a Parlia- nity pubs; and so urges the Government mentary petition raised by one member to implement a package of policies of Parliament, for which other MPs can which will help secure the future of declare their support. Early day motion viable and well-run community pubs'. 210, raised by Greg Mulholland MP, This is good news, but there are still recognises the social economic and more battles to be fought. On 21 January cultural importance of well-run MP Nigel Adams' Protection of Local community pubs, and urges the Services (Planning) Bill will get its government to implement policies to help secure the second reading, and it is important that we persuade future of community pubs. The EDM 210 has now our MP to show support for the bill. This bill is will become the most popular EDM in Parliament, with have the power to close loopholes in the planning law some 238 signatures, as a direct result of activity by which allow services such as pubs and post offices to CAMRA members in specific constituencies. be demolished without the need to seek planning The text of the motion reads 'That this House recog- permission. An example of why this is needed is nises the social, economic and cultural importance of given by the case of the elephant and Castle pub in well-run community pubs, which provide a safe and Leamington, where the bulldozers moved in at 4 AM sociable environment for the consumption of alcohol one Sunday morning. Under the present law once among friends and are an essential community they manage to knock it down with no one objecting meeting place; notes the ideas put forward in the they have found a way round planning protection. Campaign for Real Ale's Beer Drinkers and Pub The lesson is that democracy works if enough people Goers Charter which received support from 670 are prepared to take an interest. So come on, lobby candidates at the last election, 150 of whom were your MP, and keep an eye on local planning applica- elected; welcomes the genuine cross party consensus tions. on the need to support and protect well-run commu- January — March 2011 Page 7 Page 8 Beer and Ragged Staff CAMRA Vows to Keep up Pressure CAMRA, the Campaign for extraordinary that the OFT Real Ale, is continuing its appears to have dismissed as campaign to secure reform of irrelevant the treatment of tied the beer tie despite today’s pub landlords by the large pub announcement by the OFT, companies. A balanced and fair Office of Fair Trading, that it will relationship between tied pub take no action. This is despite landlords and the large pub considerable evidence companies is crucial to providing reasonable grounds ensuring the pub market works to suspect anti-competitive well for consumers. behaviour by the large pub companies. The OFT’s own analysis recognises that The inaction of the OFT, whose responsi- tied pub landlords on average pay around bility is to ensure markets work well for £20,000 more for their beer every year as a consumers, is all the more remarkable result of being tied and unable to purchase given that the Commons Business Select beer on the open market. CAMRA, unlike Committee and the Government recognise the OFT, recognises that higher costs that a competition problem exists and are imposed upon tied pub landlords will inevi- working to find a fair solution. tably be passed onto consumers through Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive, higher prices, under investment and pub said: closures. CAMRA’s initial reaction to the OFT’s deci- Dr. Rick Muir, author of the Institute for sion is that it is based on a blinkered and Public Policy Research (ippr) ground- selective consideration of the evidence. breaking ‘Pubs and Places’ Report said: The OFT has squandered an opportunity to ippr research shows community pubs are support a process of industry self regulation not just places to drink, but are also places to improve competition and benefit where people meet friends and neighbours consumers. Today’s OFT decision does and where local clubs hold meetings and nothing to change the fact that the Busi- events. Community pubs are the embodi- ness Secretary ,Vince Cable MP, has ment of the ’big society’ principle yet many publicly stated that the pub companies are risk being squeezed to death as a result of on probation and that they will face legisla- restricted competition. The OFT has failed tive action if they fail to reform by June 2011. to stand up for individual pub landlords and The OFT recognises the concerns of tied ultimately it will be consumers who suffer pub landlords but has failed to recognise as yet more pubs close. the impact of these on consumers. It is Come and see village life in a village pub With a restaurant and bar snacks available everyday, including Sunday evenings, Hook Norton and two Guest Beers and a visit to THE HaRvester is worthwhile any day of the week. Every day is a HaRvester Day We are not a Harvester Restaurant! We are a true free house. Check for our guest beers on www.theharvesterinn.co.uk Imported Budvar Light & Budvar Dark on draught - see web site for details 23 years in the Good Beer Guide WiFi hotspot available Credit cards welcome The Harvester, Church Road, Long Itchington 01926 812698 January — March 2011 Page 9 Knightwick Green Hop Festival 2010

On the 9th October the Heart of was cool but dry and nice enough to stay in Warwickshire branch enjoyed a day out at the garden near to the marquee. Tasting the Green Hop Beer Festival followed by a began at 11 o'clock with orders to be back mystery tour of north Worcestershire pubs. at the bus by 3.30 giving us ample time to We travelled by mini bus to the Talbot at try some of the beers on offer. Knightwick, Worcestershire where the The green hopped beers varied in colour and festival was taking place for the 13th year. strength so there was a good choice for most A large marquee had been erected in the tastes. I'm partial to darker ales so tried the Talbot’s garden to hold the beers. There Sonic Early Bird Stout from Foxfield which were 22 green hop beers along with a few came in at a hefty 5% ABV which had a nice other beer styles to sample. The weather hop aroma and a familiar stout style. I enjoyed The Old Fourpenny Shop Hotel Serving a fine selection of six Real Ales and offering an interesting menu of freshly prepared food cooked to order. Well over 1700 different Real Ales served in last Nineteen consecutive years whilst in the Good Beer Guide Traditional inn accommodation - eleven rooms We are now catering for all types of function: Family Gatherings, Funerals, Birthdays, Business & Private Meetings etc. Buffets and full sit down menu available.

Crompton Street, Warwick 01926 491360 CAMRA Heart of Warwickshire Pub of the Year 2007, 2008 & 2010 Page 10 Beer and Ragged Staff Teme Valley’s Hop Nouveau Pilgrim (4.1%) on tap and I tried the MHB Black Pear, a and Hop Nouville Mathon Goldings (4.1%). golden premium bitter. Being of Welsh extraction, I had to try the Y From here we travelled north to the Bell at Draig Gwyrdd (4.4%), a light and fruity beer Pensax. This was a friendly country pub with from Heart of Wales. Another interesting brew a good selection of beers. Here I tried two was the Green Pear (4.4%) from the Malvern contrasting beers; Fog on the Tyne from Hills Brewery which was a golden beer with a Northumberland, a light hoppy beer and a dark nice hoppy aroma and bitter taste. Of the other malty brew, Titanic Stout. beers, I particularly liked Coverdale St. At the next stop, I had a pint of Hobson's Town Georges Stout (4.5%) and the very strong Crier. This was at the Colliers Arms, a typical William Mucklow's Mild (6%). As the Talbot English country pub located at Clows Top near is the home of Teme Valley Brewery, its beers Bewdley. A contrast to the Colliers was the were well represented both at the festival and Plough at Far Forest. This was very much an in the Talbot itself; This, That and Whatever eatery style pub with many people enjoying a Next being available in the bottle as well as Saturday evening meal. Here, my meal was from the pump. consisted of a packet of crisps washed down The first pub on our mystery tour was the Live with Shropshire Lass, a refreshing, citrus beer. and Let Live in the heart of Bringsty Common. Finally, our mini bus squeezed down the The pub is housed in a 18th Century thatched narrow lane to drop us off at the Dodford Inn, building which was refurbished a few years Dodford where I enjoyed a half of MHB whilst ago. The pub has a friendly atmosphere and attempting to play a guitar, much to the the food looked really good. Ales from the amusement of those nearby. Malvern Hills Brewery and Wye Valley were [John Griffiths] WIPE- OUT PEST CONTROL We offer a contract-based service for a permanent plan of pest prevention & control giving you complete peace of mind. Contracts run on a yearly basis & are tailor-made to your specific requirements. For a free survey & quotation, please contact us. Call Alan or Dawn Whyte 07867 768 533 / 01926 889711 www.wipe-out-pest-control.co.uk Local Family Business since 2005

January — March 2011 Page 11 Beer in space! It may not come in time for Oktoberfest, but drinkability during weightlessness. This will be the world’s first beer to be certified for the first in a series of similar test flights that will consumption in space will soon undergo tests be required to qualify the brew for consumption in weightlessness to see if it is brewed with in space. The project is funded in part by 4 Pines the right stuff. Astronauts4Hire, a non-profit Brewing Company’s sales on Earth. space research corporation, will conduct the This isn’t the first time that beer and space have tests on an Australian beer that has been met. In 2006, the Japanese brewery Sapporo brewed specifically for easy drinking in both teamed up with Okayama University in microgravity environments, as well as here Okayama, Japan, and the Russian Academy of on Earth. The beer was produced as a joint Sciences, headquartered in Moscow, to create a venture between Saber Astronautics special brand of limited space beer. The brew, Australia, a new space engineering firm, and called Space Barley, was prepared using barley the Australian 4 Pines Brewing grown from seeds that had flown Company, located in Manly, a for five months on the Interna- suburb of northern Sydney. tional Space Station. The development of space beer is In the past, NASA has also spon- intended to coincide with the sored studies on space beer, and burgeoning space tourism indus- whether or not the popular try, and as the market expands, beverage can be brewed in industry leaders are anticipating a space. Under current policies, demand for such products. however, alcohol remains So how do you test space beer without a rocket? forbidden on the International Space Station. Drink it, of course. One study, done in conjunction with the Univer- Testing for the new space beer is set to begin in sity of Colorado, found some puzzling results November on board Zero Gravity Corporation’s about how yeast ferments in microgravity envi- modified Boeing aircraft, which flies a series of ronments. The researchers, who announced parabolic arcs that simulate environments of their findings in 2001, discovered that yeast weightlessness. An Astronauts4Hire flight fermented with greater efficiency in their member will act as the primary flight operator. sample of space beer, making it more alcoholic. The researcher will perform various experi- Other studies have examined the type of ments – such as sample the beer during container that would be needed to maintain the weightless parabolas – and record biometric drink’s carbonation in spite of the extreme pres- data on body temperature, heart rate and blood sure and temperature changes that accompany a alcohol content. Data will also be collected on ride into space. the taste of the beverage and its [Tony Green (Suffolk Camra)] The Two Boats Inn, Southam Road, Long Itchington A traditional canalside inn on the Grand Union Canal. Minimum of three real ales always available. Good Beer Guide 2010 and 2011 Cask Marque Accredited Good honest pub food.

Page 12 Beer and Ragged Staff January — March 2011 Page 13 Branch Trip to Antwerp Meeting at Leamington and to confuse us, while the Spa station the group guide called it Elfde Gebod took a train to London, the sign outside said Het where we went to The Kathedraalcafe. Inside was Bree Louise on the corner a mass of religious statues of Coburg Street and with a few modern paintings Euston Road. There were Group at Bree Louise looking out of place 6 handpumps and 11 beers on gravity, some between them. There were also stained glass of which were part of a beer festival panels hung on some of the windows and an supporting Ale4Forces. A short walk to St Ave Maria caption behind the bar. This was a Pancras gave us time for a quick half in the restaurant as much as a bar so it took a few Betjamen’s Arms before the Eurostar to minutes to get a table. There was then the Belgium. On the Brussels to Antwerp train confusion about food. The waiter explained we met the member of the group who had there was a rule of no more than 4 main flown to Belgium, then were impressed by courses per table. That seemed odd for 9 the station. customers until he explained he meant no We checked in to the hotel and met back up in more than 4 different dishes could be ordered. the bar. The selection of bottles would have The beer menu was impressive, and I had a been pretty good in Britain, including Roche- Gouden Carolus dark beer. An option some of fort 8, Orval and Durvel. Having got a the group enjoyed was to have a taster for two photocopied map that we could write on there people, where 4 different beers came in was a discussion involving the GBG Belgium smaller glasses. The food was very good and about where we were going. We crossed the at the end of square and turned right to the Oud Arsenaal. the meal the This was fairly small with a really pub like waiter atmosphere that the photos can’t entirely brought capture. There were cluttered walls covered in some free old brewery signs, a buzz of chatter from beers to locals and lots of bottles on show. There was share even a blackboard of guest beers on the back between us. Poechwhatever Brussels wall. Highlights included Noir Dottings De When we Ranke and different De Konink Christmas came rain was hammering down, which was a beers. The next visit was a few minutes away major reason why we went to Pater’s Vaetje.

The Green Man Lovely Courtyard Garden & Smoking Area Friendly family welcome Pool & Darts available Quiz nights Tuesdays Family Fun Bingo 7 – 9pm Weds Wells Bombardier and Guest Ales 114 Lower Tachbrook Street, CV31 2BQ Tel. 01926 316298 Selected for entry in to the Good Beer Guide 2011. Page 14 Beer and Ragged Staff This was a good call as it was a nice bar with ately but regularly”. There followed a fair a huge beer list. Behind the bar there was some walk to Waagstuk, a bar near where bombs stained glass while at the rear, up winding dropped from a Zeppelin hit the town and so stairs was a small gallery with a few tables. It is the home of Zeppelin beer. It did good food was a longer walk to De Grote Witte Arend. for those who wanted meals and a huge platter This was hidden inside a courtyard off the of cheese and salami for a snack. As guest beer street and was a large, bright bar with chande- it had draught Curvee des Trolls. The lighting liers and pale walls. Another large beer menu was subdued and there was a large collection included Floreffe Prima Mellior. Here the of pottery tankards hanging from the roof. group split with some hurrying to get to the Again the group split up and my part of it Kulminator, while others including your returned to De Grote Witte Arend and bottles author drank of Hopus. That night the staff were really more slowly. friendly and got out a doorstop huge book on Unfortu- Belgian beers, then recommended another nately this newly opened bar for us to try. So we went to meant we Antwaerps Bierhuiske, a thin, darkly lit bar missed the with a row of fridges full of beers. Both the Kulminator friendly locals and the knowledgeable bar Oud Arsenaal as a wrong staff suggested beers to try. These included turning meant we arrived just as it was clos- Straffe Hendrik form Bruges and Black ing, only to see the others inside. So it was Albert, a 13% Imperial Russian Stout. On the back to the hotel. way back we went in the opposite direction to On Saturday morning the group went in sepa- the hotel, having a scenic walk by the river and rate directions. Some hardly drinkers returned castle before turning towards home. to the Oud Arsenaal as it opened from 7.30am. On Sunday after various breakfasts we met up Others went to a café on the square for a less and went to Brussels giving time for a drink boozy breakfast. A number of the group then there. So we went to the Mannekin Pis and went to Turnhoudt where there was a bar with opposite it the a huge choice of beers. I was one of those who Poechenal- went to Westmalle and after viewing the lkelden, where outside of the monastery crossed the road to we had a table their outlet, the Trappisten Café. It had the in the cellar. look of an upmarket motorway services, with This was full of the difference that it served great food, with puppets and Westmalle Trappist beer both on draught and looked on to a Antwaerps Bierhouskje in bottles. The latter were available at room display of barrels. There was another inter- temperature or two different chilled tempera- esting choice of great beers, ranging from tures. One option was Westmalle half & half, Blanche Troublette to Hercule Stout. Then it a glass of mixed Dubbel and Trippel. It had was off to the station, with time for a drink in English menus too, which may be considered a bar there before boarding for Britain. When cheating. That evening the group met up and we arrived back in London we went to returned to the Oud Arsenaal. We gave the Paddington as engineering work had closed landlord some copies of Beer & Ragged staff the usual route. Hence we had a drink of and he got out his card showing he is a life assorted Fuller’s beers at the Mad Bishop and member of CAMRA. One of the bottles in that Bear pub in the station before going home. session had a great caption: “Drink moder- [David Baynham] January — March 2011 Page 15 The decoration of the Blue Lias started 1st Novem- ber, and with daily effort was ready 1st December. Brian Stafford is very likely the longest serving landlord in the HoW area, having run the Blue Lias for almost 27 years (Brian believes Richard Mills, Harvester, Long Itchington may have taken up residence only a few weeks after him - a close run thing). Brian has run several other pubs before this, including the Castle in Warwick for 10 years in the 1970's. Blue Lias Xmas beer is Goff's Twelfth Night. Should be permanent till early Jan at least. [Jeff Biddle] The Boars Head @ Hampton Lucy Offering fantastic home cooked food & ever changing cask ales Extensive Wine List Food served every day Seasonal Menus available plus special boards Monday to Thursday 11.30am - 3.00pm. Food will be served 12noon - 2.30pm and 6pm - 9pm. Friday and Saturday 11.30am - 11.30pm. Food served from 12pm - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 10pm. Food served from12pm -3pm. Functions and Private Dining catered for, in house or at a venue of your choice. Ring and speak to Sue or Jack on 01789 840533 Wifi available Warwickshire Pub of the Year 2010 www.theboarsheadhamptonlucy4food.co.uk Page 16 Beer and Ragged Staff Weekend Trip to Thornbridge Brewery and Peak District Heart of Warwick- The approximate costs for this are:- shire Branch are For the coach £75 per person, planning a Hotel accommodation is likely to be weekend away in between £60 and £70 per person for the the Peak district two nights stay. area from Friday All other costs are not included at this stage. 25th March to Sunday 27th March. The Please book your place by 20th January aim at present is to leave Warwick on the 2011, by email to:- chairman@camrahow Friday morning, visit "Thornbridge" or Telephone:- Steve on 01926 651768 or brewery on the Friday afternoon / evening, 07790323822 visit local pubs in the GBG, possibly visit Beer and Ragged Staff "Elland" brewery on the Saturday to Advertising Rates present them with their award from Per single issue (full colour only) "Harbury 2010" , visiting other pubs on Oblong (128mm x 41mm) £40.00 Quarter page (63mm x 94mm) £40.00 route, then returning back to Warwickshire Half page (128mm x 94mm) £75.00 on Sunday afternoon, after having had Full page (128mm x 188mm) £140.00 Discounts will apply for multiple entries lunch at a suitable venue on the way back. Special offer – One Quarter page advert will be available on the Front Page for £75

January — March 2011 Page 17 Another Pub Joins Warwickshire LocAle The Heart of Warwickshire LocAle scheme recognises pubs which regularly stock at least one real ale which is brewed by a local brewery, one that is within 25 miles’driving distance.The geographi- cal shape of the Heart of Warwickshire Branch area, means that some breweries are within 25 miles of parts of the branch area and others not. Landlords who wish to be included in LocAle should contact the editor. The Avon, Avon Dassett Beer Beer Miles A stunning postmistress called Jenny, Hook Norton 18 Won the pageant in Abergavenny. Bitter With her beauty so fine, She would usually dine, Tucked away in the heart of an unspoilt Warwick- Without ever spending a penny. shire village next to the Dassett Hills, the Avon Inspiration: Sandstone ‘Postmistress’ 4.4% hums with life all year long, with flagstone flooring & roaring log fire. A favourite with the villagers and business people alike who use it variously as a There once was a young Scottish drover, watering-hole, the place for a spot of lunch or a celebration dinner. We take huge pride in serving Who the police one day asked to pull over. the freshest, finest and where possible local ingredi- It seemed that he’d strayed, ents and freshly prepared to order, we are also Somewhere naughty, and paid, famous for our "64 Ways to Eat Pie". With a card whose expiry was over. Timothy Taylors Landlord & Golden Best, together with Hook Norton Bitter are always available. Inspiration: Tryst ‘Drover 80/-’ 4.0%

Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA plus 2 guest. A real cider also on tap.

Page 18 Beer and Ragged Staff ‘The Cape of Good Hope’ 66 Lower Cape, Warwick 01926 498138 ‘Warwick’s Best Kept Secret’ (Find us beside the canal) Real home Cooked Food - 7 Days a Week, all day Sunday Ever changing range of six traditional ales Home of ‘Two LLocks’ and ‘Keystone Hops’ CAMRA Heart of Warwickshire Pub of the Year 2004 Supporting Warwickshire's Brewers including Church End Two LLocks (Beer of the Festival, Harbury 2004)

Existing Pubs and Clubs Pubs and Clubs Local Beer Beer Pubs and Clubs Local Beer Beer Miles Miles

Village Club, Warwickshire 8 Harvester, Long Hook Norton 24 Harbury Itchington Hook Norton 25 Gamecock, Harbury Hook Norton 25 Antelope, Warwick Slaughterhouse 2

Olde Mint, Southam Purity 22 The Wharf, Fenny Hook Norton 18 Compton Market Tavern, Warwickshire 6 Southam

Fox & Hen, Hook Norton 22 The Porridge Pot, Slaughterhouse 3.0 Bascote Heath Warwick

The Cricketers, Slaughterhouse 1.5 Leamington Spa Case is Altered, Slaughterhouse 7 Fiveways Newbold Comyn Slaughterhouse 2.5 Warwickshire 12 Arms, Leamington Church End 19 Spa Warwickshire 4.0 Purity 18.0 Cape of Good Hope, Weatheroak 20 Warwick The Gaydon Inn, Warwickshire 11 Church End 25 Gaydon Woodland Tavern, Slaughterhouse 1 Leamington Spa The Stag, Warwickshire 1.5 Purity 17.9 The Anchor, Leek Purity 16 Wootton The Benjamin North Cotswold 19.4 Satchwell, Leamington Spa The Rose and Crown, Purity 13.2 Purity 15.9 Warwick Warwickshire 2.6

The Oak, Warwick Hook Norton 23.6 The Red House, Hook Norton 23.8 Leamington Spa January — March 2011 Page 19 Local Pub and Brewery News Do you have any interesting news about local pubs. If so please send it to our pub news coordinator Tina Jones at [email protected] The Moorings, Leamington They have many Slaughterhouse and guest The Moorings has now reopened after a beers on, as well as regular festivals featuring £250,000 makeover, under the ownership of a particular brewery. Another thing to be Charles Harris and Nigel Brown of The Stag approved of is that there will be no jukebox, at Offchurch. Chef Gavin Allcock, formerly fruit machines, or television. of the Rose and Crown in Warwick, has also Lazy Cow, Warwick joined The Moorings. The Globe, Warwick has now reopened as the Three Horseshoes, Princethorpe Lazy Cow, a Hotel, Steakhouse and Bar. Long standing landlady Sue and daughter They have a good sized bar with 6 beers on Nicki have recently left. Sue has retired and handpull, including their own Lazy Cow Nicki moved on to other things, we wish them brewed by the Warwickshire Brewery. both well. New Licensees are Geoff & Anne. Rose and Crown, Warwick Wild Boar,Warwick The Rose and Crown has been awarded best The former Park Tavern reopened on the 8th pub in this year's Godiva awards. October. as a pub and brewpub, with Nick the Jug and Jester, Leamington landlord, formerly of the Newbold Comyn The Jug and Jester has reopened as a Arms in Leamington in cooperation with Ste- J.D.Wetherspoon pub. Unit manager is Dean ve and Pete of the Slaughterhouse Brewery.

Page 20 Beer and Ragged Staff The New Inn – Your Friendly Local 197 Leam Terrace Four Real Ales Always Available Good Food including Sunday Lunch Leamington Spa Pub Garden CV31 1DW Alternating Weekly Quiz/Open Mic Tel: 01926 422861 Nights New heated smoking hut

Ricketts. Informative Evening Red Lion, Northend The villagers are delighted that the Red Lion at The Wild Boar in Northend, closed since March, reopened last weekend under the ownership of the Monday 13th December was the Wild Williams family, previous tenants of The Boar, Warwick’s Christmas party, Royal Oak at Flore, Northamptonshire. Ian combined with a very interesting talk and Marg, together with their son, Kevin, with tasting session by Mark Tetlow, and daughter-in-law Hayley, will be running Quality Brewer of Everard’s Brewery. the pub as a free house family business, As well as taking us through the brew- opening all day, serving homemade food and ing process (and making sure we had a selection of real ales. For further informa- plenty of samples) Mark also revealed tion the new phone number of the Red Lion the following interesting facts: is 01295 770685. Beer drinkers in towns were Barley Mow, Stockton charged a tax, known by the Current licencee is Mark Thomas with part- old Norse word “scot”. Drink- ner Jackie. 10 hand pulls, 2 / 3 usually Black ers in the countryside were Country Ales of course plus guests. Black Country Ales BFG; Black Pig and Fireside not, so they drank scot-free. are all available at £1.80 per pint weekdays Beer was sold in pints and 12 till 4 pm, but only £2.50 a pint at other quarts. Drinkers who were times. judged to have had enough Punch Bowl, Warwick were told to mind their pints On Saturday 30th April The Punch Bowl is and quarts, or “Ps and Qs”. organising a coach trip to the Oakwell Brew- The Latin name for Hops is ery, Barnsley., also including a visit to sever- Humulus Lupus, or Wolf of al pubs, for £15. See landlord Mark to book. the Woods, because it stran- gled other plants. Hops are re- Don’t forget to do your Beer lated to stinging nettles and Scoring. For information on cannabis, when this informa- how visit website tion is related to students at http://www.beerscoring.org.uk/ talks, hop samples regularly January — March 2011 Page 21 Diary of events: January - April 2011 Everyone is welcome to join us at any of these events, you don’t have to be a CAMRA member. Most Tuesday evenings we visit one or more pubs in the area to check out the real ale. These “crawls” start at 8.30 pm, unless stated otherwise. We operate a lift sharing arrangement to avoid drinking and driving, just call 07855 644043 to arrange your lift. Events shown it italics are not or- ganised by Heart of Warwickshire CAMRA, Note: All meetings start at 20:30 unless otherwise in- dicated NOTE: All meetings start at 20:30 unless otherwise indicated. 4th Jan Warwick Distr’n Meet Cape of Good Hope; finish at Old Fourpenny Shop 11th Jan Leamington Meet Cricketers, finish at Talbot Distr’n 18th Jan GBG pub survey Details to be announced closer to the date. Contact [email protected] for info. 25th Jan Warwick crawl Saxon Mill, Woodloes Tavern, Rose & Crown, Thomas Lloyd 1st Feb Leamington Holly Bush, Somerville, Coventry Arms, Woodland crawl Tavern 8th Feb Country crawl Stag, Offchurch; Plough, ; Three Horseshoes, Princethorpe; Bull, Weston under Wetherly 15th Feb Branch meeting The Wild Boar, Warwick Start 8.00 p.m. 22nd Feb Country crawl White Lion, ; White Hart, Ufton; Fox & Hen, Bascote; Black Dog, Southam 1st Mar Warwick crawl Great Western, Railway, Zetland, Lazy Cow 8th Mar Leamington Moorings, Royal Exchange, Avenue, Jug and Jester crawl 15th Mar Country crawl Bell, Ladbroke; Butchers Arms, Bishops Itchington; Red Lion, Northend; Avon, Avon Dassett; 22nd Mar Leamington White Horse, Clarendon, Hope and Anchor, Cask and crawl Bottle 25-27th Branch weekend Visit to West Yorkshire and Thornbridge brewery - see Mar trip article on page 17 for details. 29th Mar Branch AGM The Old Fourpenny Shop, Warwick Start 8.00 p.m. 5th Apr Warwick Distr’n Meet Unicorn, finish at The Oak 8-9th Apr Coventry Coventry Beer Festival 12th Apr Leamington Meet Green Man, finish at New Inn Distr’n

Page 22 Beer and Ragged Staff BeerBeer and and Ragged Ragged Staff Staff (Heart (Heart of of Warwickshire Warwickshire Branch) Branch)

January — March 2011 Page 23 To contact the Heart of Warwickshire Branch call 07855 644043 www.camrahow.org.ukwww.camrahow.org.ukTo contact the Heart of Warwickshire Branch call 07855 644043 www.camrahow.org.uk

Whole page advert - outside back

128.5mm by 192.5mm

3.9% ABV. Hand crafted in Warwickshire, Simply the Best

Call Paul or Jerry 01926 450747 Or email [email protected]

The Brewery, Queen Street, , Leamington Spa CV32 7NA

www.warwickshirebeer.co.uk