ISSUE 437 DEC 2013/JAN 2014
THE FREE MAGAZINE OF CAMRA SHEFFIELD & DISTRICT
EDITOR Andrew Cullen 07554 005 225 [email protected]
Articles, letters and suggestions are most welcome so please send them in*
DESIGN Robin [email protected]
ADVERTISING Alan Gibbons 0114 266 4403 Be an armchair activist 24 07760 308 766 [email protected]
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*For legal reasons a full name and address Pub of the 20 CAMRA 18-30 22 must be provided with all contributions. Month 4 BREWERY NEWS
Steel City
Steel City's collaboration brew- day at Fullers was a great suc- cess, though in true Steel City style things didn't all run smoothly, with the computer system having to be completely rebooted mid-brew - in a brew- ery that size, if the computer's not working, the brewery ain't working! The brew process was a surreal experience for gazza and Dave, being mostly clicking a mouse and pressing keys - the Blue Bee Brewery only manual labour was tipping in hops (all 100+kg of them!). Big Beery bits. The sound of punk- and a nice partner to the flagship thanks to John Keeling for the rock continues to emanate from Nectar Pale. Artist Nick has re- invitation and hospitality, look out Blue Bee. Solidus, at 5.4%, is designed the pump-clip as well, for Steel in selected local pubs the latest in the pUnK-tuation to great effect. (and apparently the M&B estate!). series. The odd hand-full of black malt in the mash gives a We hear that both Bees Knees Back home, the lads skipped bit of an amber hue to the beer. Bitter and Lustin' For Stout November brewing due to Dave On the hop front, plenty of Ad- went down a treat at Norwich playing dodge-the-typhoon miral (UK) for bittering, with a Beer Festival in November. Al- around the Far East, but Decem- good charge of Willamette and ways good to see our locally ber will see a long-overdue stout. Cascade (both USA) for aroma. brewed ales being well received Unholy Trinity will be a coffee And it wouldn't be Solidus if it by drinkers from farther afield. and chocolate stout featuring hadn't fermented out to the And the topers of Rotherham Bramling Cross and hopefully sounds of Leatherface's first LP seemed to be fans of Tangled Sorachi hops, and is a three-way "Cherry Knowle", 13 songs in 35 Up, if reports are to be believed. collaboration as Dave tries to minutes one second; in yer face. clear the backlog he owes from Finally, the next batch of Dark 'away' collabs! Festive fare comes by way of Blue should be arriving in a pub Chrimbo Hopping. Originally near you soon. Nicely spicy. Dave Unpronounceable brewed at Raw three years ago, this 4% pale ale is big on hops, Richard Hough
6 BREWERY NEWS
pendent, accredited organisation that tests, audits and certifies products and systems.
Over the last Christmas period, Abbeydale just about managed to hang in there in terms of quantity of specials available despite their 190 barrel week! So, in an attempt to keep up with demand this year, they'll be brewing a great range of six tantalising, festive treats. By the time this is out, the seasonal Winter 5.2% IPA with juicy New Zealand hops will have hit the streets along with the first of the festive specials, Chocs Away. This 5.5% belter is a full bodied chocolate stout... enough said! Let's also not forget Baubles! A 4.1% pale ale with subtle mar- malade and figgy pudding.
Kicking off the famous Dr. Mor- ton's range they'll have; Dr. Mor- ton's Christmas Hamster 4.1%. A very drinkable session beer with Abbeydale Brewery additions of Munich malt turning it a lovely deep golden colour. You'll 3rd Prize for Black Mass at Shef- Absolution 5.3% took 1st prize at also get a Christmas hamper of field Steel City Beer Festival! Dan North Cheshire CAMRA's North- biscuit and caramel derived from at Abbeydale says, “We never ex- wich Beer Festival. The presenta- further additions of Caramalt (in pect to win an award at any beer tion for this was on Saturday 16th the beer not actually a free gift!). festival. It's always a great feeling November at the Rising Sun, Ful- when we get something and joint wood. Keep an eye on Abbey- Then, leave the brandy aside for 3rd prize for Black Mass is no ex- dale's blog page on their website Santa this Christmas as the pumps ception. It's great to know our for details on that. will be alive with the sound of Dr. prized Black Mass still cuts the Morton's Christmas Cheer 4.5%. mustard.” Black Mass is a 6.66% More great news, thanks mainly to It's brim full with hard hitting hops rich, aged and complex stout. the efforts of John Parkinson (pro- and expect to taste coconut and Truly some to savour in front of an duction director) Abbeydale have lemon from the superb Sorachi open fire in the cold winter been awarded a gold standard by Ace. It doesn't stop there! You also months. the NSF for the second year run- have Dr. Morton's Paranoid ning. NSF International is the most Snowman 4.1% with a stunning On a similar note, Abbeydale were widely known and respected food line-up of Wakatu, Motueka, absolutely thrilled also to learn that assurance brand and an inde- Rakau and Galaxy hops.
8 BREWERY NEWS
Sheffield Brewery Co's Forgemaster beer
Sheffield Forgemasters has new challenge. And with some Peter Rawlinson, director of The swapped castings for casks in a of the county’s finest breweries Sheffield Brewery Company, partnership venture with The right here on our doorstep it said: “We were delighted to be Sheffield Brewery Company. seemed like the ideal project, to selected and the venture engineer the perfect pale ale and between the brewery and Shef- The iconic 200-year-old engin- to market it through the region’s field Forgemasters is a great ini- eering heavyweight has teamed best pubs. tiative and celebrates all that is up with the brewery to deliver a good about the city.” tailor-made Forgemasters beer “Sheffield has a status of quality at the company’s historic brew- across the world for its engin- Tim Stillman, the brewer, said: ery building in Neepsend. eering achievements and this is “We have delivered a bespoke simply an extension of the philo- beer for Forgemasters, to their It is now widely available in tra- sophy which underpins that eth- specification, which uses Lager ditional casks via an initial 16 in- os, to take something and make malt and Maris Otter pale malt to dependent pubs across the city it to the best of your ability. give a very pale, straw colour, and through a limited bottle-run with Saaz hops used at the be- which is only available to pur- “Crucially, I wanted the beer to ginning of the brewing process chase directly from The Sheffield become a household name in and American Cascade hops at Brewery Company. the region. I’d like people to walk the end to give a really nice cit- into the pub, see the Forgemas- rus twist to the drink. This has Numerous local luminaries ters beer label on the bar and created a beer which we think gathered to sample the brew order it, confident that it will be has broad appeal.” and gave it the thumbs up at a of the best quality. launch event at The Sheffield Pubs serving the Forgemasters Brewery Company. “We chose to work with a small, cask beer initially include The artisan brewery that could deliv- Old Monk, Crucible Corner, The Forgemasters beer has been er the beer to our specific re- Red Lion, Shakespeares, The Fat created by the company’s chief quirements, which involved a Cat, Kelham Island Tavern, The executive, Graham Honeyman, significant amount of research Ship Inn, The Gardeners Rest, who recognised Sheffield’s and development to get the cor- The Sheffield Brewery Company, growing status as the real-ale rect balance of qualities – as do The Cremone, The Place, The capital of the UK and saw an all of our projects! Even the Jolly Farmer, Sheaf View, opportunity to team up with loc- bottles for the beer have been George & Dragon (Rotherham), al brewery boffins to engineer hand selected because nothing Rutland Arms (Holmsfield) and the perfect pint. about this beer is run-of-the- The Wentworth, which is located mill.” next to the Forgemasters facility Graham said: “Sometimes it is in Brightside. good to step back and take on a
10 BREWERY NEWS Acorn
New conditioning and fermenta- tion tanks are now in place en- abling us to produce small runs of a new range of cask and keg products in the new year, more info to follow!
Investment of £20,000 for a new cask wash is complete and working very efficiently.
New website will be live from December keeping you up-to- Thornbridge Brewery exports date with everything brewery re- lated: acorn-brewery.co.uk. Jim Harrison, Thornbridge’s MD, that “the team at the brewery reports that a massive 845% in- has been working very hard to Christmas beers are Cracker crease in exports in the past ensure supply, not only for our 4.1% , brewed with Lager and year has led the way for further UK customers, but also the Vienna Malt to create a pale investment in production cap- overseas demand. We expan- straw coloured seasonal ale. ability at the brewery in 2013. ded production by about 30% in Lemon and grapefruit dominate 2012 and are just finalising some the hop aromas, and 11th Noel “Unbelievable” says Harrison to further investment in brewing 5.8% Rich ruby coloured ale, the export increase “for a small vessels to increase this again in roasted malts and American brewery in the Peak District it’s late 2013”. Hops combine to release rich great to see our beers being en- berry fruit flavours. joyed across the world. We Always concerned to ensure that began exporting small quantit- quality is paramount Webster ies of bottled and keg beers says “we have stopped short of Wood Street about three years ago to a introducing 24 hour brewing as couple of countries but we now we want a spirit of “one team” Wood Street had a really busy export to around twenty with the to be preserved and a focus on month in November. Alison made USA, Sweden and Italy being quality and consistency for all a one off special brew Doe a our major markets. Getting our that we do”. I can’t see us ex- Deer to commemorate being in head around the requirements of panding production beyond this the Roebuck one year. exporting was a bit of challenge next increase so we will contin- at first but we have partnered ue to build a worldwide reputa- December sees the return of Old with some great importers and tion based on the quality of our Mans Beard, a ruby ale at 4.1%, this has been crucial to our suc- beers not ubiquitous supply”. and Sassafras, a golden ale at cess”. 4.7% both which were very Thornbridge started brewing in popular last year. Thornbridge launched its flag- 2005 from a 10 barrel plant in ship Jaipur IPA bottled beer in- the grounds of Thornbridge Hall. Dronfield's new fermenter has to Sweden early in 2013 and has It opened a new brewery at now been fitted and is up and seen it rise to being one of the Bakewell in 2009. It now em- running ready to prepare a new best selling beers in the country. ploys 30 staff at the brewery and beer in time for Christmas. Simon Webster, Thornbridge’s around 300 in a number of bars, Chief Operating Officer, reports pubs and restaurants.
12 BREWERY NEWS
Kelham Island Brewery
Our Christmas seasonals will be flavoured and golden with a Our Port & Cheese evening in out and about from late Novem- blend of our favourite hops. November sold out straight away ber: Fruity with a full malty body and so we have added a second Port Fairytale Of New York 4.2% perfect for the festive season. & Cheese night on Saturday 14th dark Christmas ale is a fine full- December. We have various bodied winter warmer brewed The Kelham Brewery shop is tours and tastings throughout with a specially selected Belgian now fully stocked with a great December so check out the yeast, a trio of roasted malts and selection of gifts and beer gift website. Slovenian hops resulting in a packs. Beer for your Christmas spicy, sweet toasted aroma with celebration is available in Finally a big thank you to every- hints of chocolate and a lavish bottles, 5 litre cans, 18 and 36 one who has supported Kelham warming flavour. pint boxes. Our brewery tour Island Brewery over the last 12 vouchers make great Xmas gifts months. It is much appreciated. The Adventures of Captain or treat a loved one to our Brew- Chrimbo 5.4% strong IPA is full er for the Day experience.
14 PUB NEWS
Inn Brief
The Fulwood Inn on Tapton Park Road has had a refurbish- ment and change of name, re- opening as the Florentine on 29th November offering food and accommodation . On the bar, as well as the usual well known brands they will be of- fering a local guest ale, starting Community pubs update with Abbeydale Moonshine. This is part of the roll out of the Bamford's Anglers Rest is now Over the next few months we new Revere Pub Company, under community ownership, a hope that the Angler’s Rest will owned by Marstons, all the small village in the Peak District become a true community hub pubs in this chain will be managed to raise £263,500 from that all of Bamford’s residents premium standard with hotel its community share issue to cre- can use and enjoy, and that will rooms, freshly cooked food and ate a community pub, post office also attract visitors to the village. real ale. and cafe. The pub was officially handed over to the Bamford When we first started we were • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Community Society on 28th. Oc- told that local people wouldn’t tober and opening day was 2nd buy into the pub in order to se- The Dove & Rainbow (Harts- November. The pub is being run cure its future. But this project head Sqare in the City Centre) on a day-to-day basis by the new has shown that local people do now has Robinson's Iron Maid- management couple, Troy and care about their community as- en Trooper in bottles as well as David. sets and services, and we are on handpull, to avoid disap- thrilled by the high level of sup- pointment on the occasions The plan is to turn the pub into a port we have received.” when the cask version has run community hub, housing several dry. services in one building. A café A similar community group is will open in late November, and looking to run the Angel Hotel at And in the run up to Christmas the village Post Office will relo- Spinkhill. Their case will be going you can expect the usual sea- cate there in January. In the to North East Derbyshire District sonal suspects (Wychwood Bah longer term the property will also Council Planning Committee. Humbug and Hardy & Hansons feature bunkhouse accommoda- However, the Agent acting on Rocking Rudolf) to put in a tion and car parking for both res- behalf of the developer has sub- guest appearance, as well as a idents and visitors. For more mitted a revised site plan which few surprises. There'll also be a information, see their website: shows provision for some addi- series of local Guest Stouts and anglers.bamford.coop tional parking but has not ad- Porters from SIBA to warm you dressed many of the issues up throughout the winter Liz Marshall, of the Bamford raised by objectors to the months. Don't forget your Community Society, said: “It was planned scheme. CAMRA membership card to such a special moment when we claim 10% off all local ales. finally became the owners of the The developer seems to be Angler’s Rest. It is the culmina- steam rolling ahead irrespective • • • • • • • • • • • • • • tion of two years of hard work of the ACV (Asset of Community and commitment and was a Value) status which the pub cur- The Royal Oak in Deepcar has much bigger undertaking than rently enjoys. reopened. any of the group initially expec- ted. Dave Pickersgill
16 PUB NEWS
Inn Brief
The Closed Shop at Common- side continues to push on with their weekly music events, and the third Wednesday is no ex- ception. Indie-pop-singalong starts at 8.30pm, 'repairing so- ciety with communal drinking and singing'. Anyone is wel- come to pop down, have a few drinks, a few laughs, join in with some singing/playing or just Sheffield Tap on CAMRA watch on from afar. National Inventory The team behind the Rutland Arms and The Closed Shop are In 2009, following years of neg- beers. The Tap won the 2010 very pleased and excited to lect, the old First Class Refresh- National Publican Food & Drinks have taken over the running of ment Room re-opened as the Award 'Cask Pub of the Year,' the Three Tuns on Silver Head Sheffield Tap. It was originally the 'Modern Railways Restora- Street, Sheffield City Centre. built, by the Midland Railway, as tion Award' and a CAMRA/Eng- The beautifully shaped pub is part of the 1905 station extension lish Heritage Pub Design Award. well known to Andy and sever- (company architect, Charles al of his colleagues from their Trubshaw). It is adorned with Early 2013 saw the addition of time at the Wig & Pen and they Minton tiled walls and fine orna- the refurbished First Class Dining are really enthused to be back mental bar-fittings. The good room. The latter closed in 1976 in that area of the city. Initial surviving fabric (tiling, terrazzo and had been left to rot. It in- plans are to restore the use of floor, parts of the bar fittings and cludes opulent seating, a second the 6 handpulls (with a selection other joinery) has been beautifully bar, the brewery and a viewing of local, regional and national restored while items beyond re- gallery, which allows customers favourites), add a choice of real pair have been carefully replaced, to follow the brewing process. cider and rejig the product or replicated, including the entire The brewery (Tapped Brewing range. In January there are coved and sky-lighted ceiling in Co.) supplies all the bars in the plans to enhance the food of- the main bar area. Layout Tap chain. fering and extend the hours as changes have seen further rooms well. Rumours even abound of added. On opening, a second The Sheffield Tap has been lov- a LEGO version. room (a former taxi office) was ingly restored and, for its superb included to provide street ac- historic decor and as one of the • • • • • • • • • • • • • • cess. A year later, third and UK's last surviving historic rail- fourth rooms followed. way buffets, it has been recently The Old (top) Red Lion in added to CAMRA's National In- Grenoside is now run by the Considerable effort has been put ventory of Historic Pub Interiors. management of the GBG-listed, into the beer range, so not only It is an absolute 'must-see'" 'Old Moor Tavern,' (Dearne is the Tap an attraction to pas- Valley). The Old Moor food sengers and those with an in- The Tap will be featured in the menu is now available including terest in historical buildings, but forthcoming second edition of the famed 'Golden Moments' also to serious beer lovers. In ad- the CAMRA publication, ‘York- lunch. Early reports suggest dition to the eleven hand pumps, shire’s Real Heritage Pubs.’ good food and lower prices. there is a very extensive range of internationally sourced bottled Dave Pickersgill
18 PUB NEWS
Inn Brief
The Gardeners Rest at Neep- The Crown at Totley has re- The Bradway is now fenced off send is holding a Double Christ- opened under new management and has contractors on site. It mas Quiz Extravaganza on following a refurb by Punch Tav- looks like demolition to make Sunday 15th December. erns, at your editors brief visit on way for the Sainsburys Local his monthly magazine delivery convenience store is imminent. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • walkabout it looked smart and busy. As before the well kept • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Dronfield Arms’ downstairs range of real ales included pop- restaurant has returned to its ular national brands along with a The White Lion at Heeley, as original format and is now once local beer in the form of Brad- well as its usual busy live music again known as ‘The Vault’. It re- field Farmers Blonde. programme, real ale on the bar opened on 15 Nov and in charge and newly introduced bar is head chef Chris Pick, who was • • • • • • • • • • • • • • snacks, has a few additional previously Executive Chef at the things going on during Decem- Mecure St Pauls Hotel and has The Hearty Oak at Dronfield ber. years of experience cooking at Woodhouse has closed and is award winning venues. The Vault available to lease. This is a big At the beginning of the month is serves food Thu-Sat evenings multiroomed pub, not long since a charity Christmas fair then on and Sunday lunchtime, access refurbished, located on the bor- Christmas Eve there is a fancy is via the pub and drinks can be der of a residential area and dress competition. Boxing Day ordered from the pub’s bar (in- green belt countryside and has is designated ‘Red and White cluding real ale). Booking advis- lots of potential. day’ which could equally refer to able. Christmas or the fact that Shef- • • • • • • • • • • • • • • field United is playing at home • • • • • • • • • • • • • • that day. The management team running The Green Dragon in Dronfield The Wharncliffe Arms has taken The New Years Eve party is a closed on 17 Nov with the de- on the Miners Arms in Chapel- dress to impress affair. Also parture of Martin Stacey who town. This opened on 8 Nov, run amongst the Christmas music has been running the pub on a by Martin and Emma. programme worth pointing out is lease from Enterprise Inns for the the Christmas Concert on the last couple of years. In that time • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 22nd when mulled wine and he has improved the beer range, mince pies will be available! See and introduced special events to The Yew Tree at Malin Bridge is their advert for full listings. the pub and we wish him well for to have a new outdoor drinking the future. area. An initial scheme was re- • • • • • • • • • • • • • • jected earlier this year because The Dragon is due to reopen un- of the predicted noise and other The refurbished Sportsman in der the new management of disturbance for neighbours. Now Norton Lees had a relaunch on Veronica Tomlinson on 25 Nov. ambitions have been scaled 22 Nov. It is now under new Whilst Veronica is moving to the back to the satisfaction of the management and refurbished. Green Dragon from her manage- council although the proposed Real ale continues to be avail- ment role at the Dronfield Arms, external drinking area is only able as does sport on TV. Newly business as usual will continue slightly smaller, with fixed um- introduced is food – look out for at the Dronfield Arms with her brellas. Proposals for seating various weekly food offers. son Dan remaining in charge booths, TV screens and flood- down there! lights have been dropped.
20 PUB AWARDS
Pub of the Month The Red Deer, Pitt Street
The Red Deer on Pitt Street, hid- Sheffield pubs to retain hand- Tuesday evenings there is a fairly den away off West Street is ap- pumps. challenging pub quiz, there’s an proached via Mappin Street and is acoustic session on the first one of the gems of the City Centre Jake Nickles took over the pub in Thursday of the month and open real ale scene. August 2010, having previously mike on the third Thursday. A worked in pubs and bars in Lon- popular movie night is held in the Dating from the 1870’s, the pub don and the Midlands. By focus- upstairs function room on the originally comprised three small ing on good customer service and second and fourth Sunday, altern- rooms with a central bar area. This increasing the choice of real ales ating between sci-fi and arts films. was opened out in the 1980’s and he quickly re-established the pubs the bar repositioned to provide the reputation as a quality showcase The well-deserved Pub of the present format of an L-shaped for cask beer. The bar displays an Month award will be presented on lounge. The “gallery”, a raised area impressive range of handpumps, the evening of Tuesday 10th at the rear, was added in 1993 and serving up to nine beers, including December 2013, when all are wel- this leads on to a beer garden. regularly changing guest beers. A come to join us. An incentive for good selection of malt whiskies are CAMRA members is a 5% dis- Formerly a Tetley pub, for many also available. count on real ales, on production years in the early days of Sheffield of a current membership card. CAMRA, the Red Deer was the Quality “pub grub” is available 12- regular meeting place for the 3pm and 5-9pm weekdays and 12- branch, it being one of the few 9pm Saturday/Sunday. PUB AWARDS 21
Vote for Pub of the Month
Our Pub of the Month award is management for 6 months. a bit of positive campaigning, Winners compete alongside our highlighting local pubs that Good Beer Guide entries for consistently serve well kept real branch Pub of the Year, the ale in friendly and comfortable winner of which is entered into surroundings. the national competition.
Voting is your opportunity to The list of nominees includes support good, real ale pubs which buses to take if you fancy you feel deserve some recog- a trip to try them out: nition and publicity. All CAMRA branch members are welcome to vote at branch meetings or Bath Hotel on our website. It's not one pub Victoria Street, City Centre against another, simply vote YES or NO as to whether you Cheshire Cheese think the pub should be PotM. Hope If we get enough votes in time (train or buses 272, 273, 274) we will make the award. Dog & Partridge Nomination forms are available Trippet Lane, City Centre at branch meetings and on the website. The pub must have Fox & Duck been open and serving real ale Fullwood Road, Broomhill for a year and under the same (buses 51, 52)
Vote or nominate online at www.sheffieldcamra.org.uk/potm
ADVERTISE IN BEER MATTERS FROM JUST £40 www.sheffieldcamra.org.uk/advertising 22 CAMPAIGN NEWS
CAMRA 18-30
The Sheffield CAMRA younger question is how do we recruit the bringing a non-member for free members social group is making a new emerging group of young- admission to the festival can help comeback very soon thanks to our sters? to create further interest. new Young members contacts on the committee, Jack Richardson Once more young members have and Mark Coxon, both students at “There has never been recruited the dynamics of the the University of Sheffield. You will CAMRA meetings can gradually be reading more from these guys been a better time progress, with more meetings held in the new year, however for now, at pubs with live music or a com- Heather Peel of Manchester ex- to increase young edy venue. The use of twitter and plains why and how CAMRA facebook should also be increased should make an effort in the re- members within to help young members become cruitment and activation of young- more active and to spread the hard er members. CAMRA.” work of CAMRA. Reminding people of celebrity involvement “The branding on particular beers There has never been a better time may help recruit more young has a huge impact on who drinks to increase young members with- members, for example Madonna’s it; I see this reflected in my peers’ in CAMRA. The target audience is favourite drink was once cited as choice of ale. My local brewery already interested in real ale and Landlords. Maybe certain celebrit- Robinsons based in Stockport has in turn supporting their local pubs. ies can be made honorary CAMRA just produced bestselling ale In order to both engage and main- members to develop the brand. Trooper endorsed by Iron Maiden, tain members, recruitment needs one of my personal favourites. El- to be strategically co-ordinated. Prior to becoming a young mem- bow also brought out a brew Build Having attended a vast array of ber of CAMRA, I too wondered, a Rocket Boys to appeal to the local beer festivals, recruitment why did I need to? Not only is it younger market. Real ale has in- needs to be targeted at the young- worth the fee for the Wether- creasingly become more fashion- er based festivals, for example at spoons vouchers but more im- able with the help of some clever Didsbury where more students and portantly we need to sustain the marketing and an increasing in- young professionals reside and amazing work that CAMRA has terest in drinking something often also at Chorlton, with a similar already done and help to maintain cheaper and more varied than oth- demographic. Potential members pubs and develop the brand. Thus er bigger brand alternatives. This need to be educated about the im- ensuring that pubs can thrive and switch in habits is evident all over portance of pubs and their reduc- provide live music, comedy nights Manchester, particularly in the tion in binge drinking. It would be and band themed pints created Northern Quarter, where the age beneficial to improve the discounts just for people like you.” of drinkers has noticeably de- into beer festivals to increase creased to people under 30. The membership. Alongside this, Heather Peel
24 CAMPAIGN NEWS Be an armchair activist
style. To vote log in with your Talking of WhatPub.com we aim membership number and pass- to make this website the most word (default password is your comprehensive and up to date free postcode) at www.camrabrewery- online guide to real ale pubs, to info.org.uk/cbobvoting/login.asp achieve this we need your help! If you find yourself visiting a pub We have also started the process where the WhatPub listing is out to select which pubs in the Shef- of date or incorrect please find out field & District branch area will get the new details and submit an up- a listing in the Good Beer Guide’s date via the link on the website. 2015 edition. As there are more good pubs in our area than space in the guide we have to narrow it down to the best of the best. The guide is often used by visitors to Festival It’s the time of year when you can the area who want recommenda- get involved and influence things tions of the pubs to visit where tombola without leaving home (although they are guaranteed good quality you will need to sometimes leave real ale and a nice atmosphere. thanks the house and go to the pub!). The method of selecting entries in As usual we held a tombola Nominations for pubs to be our area is by our members voting. stall at our Steel City Beer & entered into the Derbyshire Cider A ballot paper will be available at Cider Festival to raise funds & Perry Pub of the Year compet- the next branch meeting with a list for the branch and we’d like ition have now closed, thanks for of many pubs in our area that al- to thank everyone who those who nominated pubs to be ways serve real ale to choose supported this and Andy recognised for their outstanding from. The pubs with the most Morton for organising and range and promotion of proper votes will then go forward for sur- staffing, but special thanks cider and perry! veying to check they are still up to to the following people who Good Beer Guide Standard and to donated prizes: We are now looking for local gather information about the pubs CAMRA members to nominate to be published in the guide. Tom (ex of Univ Arms, now the best beers brewed regularly at The Anvil, Stannington) in Yorkshire and the East Mid- As well as the survey visit to check Diane/Duncan (Fat Cat) lands. This is done by voting on- the pubs voted for, we also take Chris/Robin (Shakespeares) line for your top 5 local beers in into account data from the Nation- Pat/Eddy (Gardeners Rest) each category. The beers with the al Beer Scoring System (NBSS). Trevor/Lewis (Kelham Island highest votes, along with beers CAMRA members can rate the Tavern) reccommended by the network of beer in the pubs they drink in and Graham (Anglers Rest, official CAMRA tasting panels in submit their scores to the NBSS Millers Dale) the region will be put forward for via the WhatPub.com website - Bradfield Brewery judging at various beer festivals in simply search for the pub then Mike Humphreys our region with the beers winning enter the scores on the form Alan Gibbons at those festivals going forward in- alongside the pub details.. These John Silburn to the Champion Beer of Britain votes can alert us to pubs where Sarah Mills (CBOB) competition. The finals of the beer quality is inconsistent , it David Little CBOB are judged at the National can potentially also alert us to Mike Rose Winter Ales Festival or Great Brit- good pubs that have somehow Mike Hensman ish Beer Festival depending on stayed off our radar!
26 FESTIVAL GUIDE
There are no CAMRA beer festivals in our area during December and very few pub events as everyone starts to gear up for Christmas party season. However there are one or two events still worth a look. Imperial Brewery Tap Thu 5 - Sun 8 Dec The Imperial Brewery Tap Imperial Brewery Tap in Mexborough is holding a beer festival with around 20 beers, mostly from new brew- eries, along with their own Imperial Brewery beers plus cider. The venue is a 5 minute walk from Mexborough railway station (Shef- field-Doncaster line). SaxBob Christmas Blues Fri 13 - Sat 14 Dec (evenings) Into the new year and again typic- East Midlands Trains over to Saxophone Bob presents his an- ally a slow start reflecting that Manchester Piccadilly where you nual Christmas Blues weekend at everyone is normally partied out can join Metrolink. Look for trams CADS (Cultural Arts Development and skint... bound for Ashton Under Lyne (and Space) where a ticket costing £6 don’t forget unlike Sheffield trams on the door gets you in to see two Manchester you must buy a ticket from a ma- or three great blues bands in an Wed 22 - Sat 25 Jan chine before boarding or face a big atmospheric venue which also fea- The main event in January is fine!). CAMRA members enjoy free tures a real ale bar and a BBQ in Manchester Beer & Cider Festiv- entry on Wednesday and Thursday the courtyard. The entrance to the al, which is a new event organised and discounted entry at other CADS complex is on Smithfield to fill the gap in Greater Man- sessions. For more info, visit just off Moorfields (inner ring road) chester left by the National Winter manchesterbeerfestival.org.uk. via Allen Street and just a couple Ales Festival moving to Derby. of minutes walk from Shake- Manchester’s festival will be held National Winter Ales speares, Kelham Island Tavern and at the National Cycling Centre. Wed 19 - Sat 22 Feb the Fat Cat. Shalesmoor tram stop This should prove an interesting The new National Winter Ales is about 5 minutes walk away or venue with the bars in the centre Festival in Derby takes place in buses 11, 12, 13, 13A, 14, 57, 79 of the cycle track which at times February. and 79A stop on Moorfields. For will still be in use! more details please see the advert Magna elsewhere in this issue. The festival offers a range of over Wed 5 - Sat 8 Mar 300 real ales plus bottled beers, Into March there is Rotherham’s Sheffield Brewery World beers and around 70 odd Magna Real Ale & Music Festival. Sheffield Brewery are also looking traditional Ciders & Perrys. at holding an open day coinciding SIBA BeerX with the Kelham Island Museum The venue is out of town but eas- Wed 12 - Sat 15 Mar Victorian Christmas Market with ily reached by the Metrolink - Ve- ...and the SIBA BeerX at Ice Shef- the brewery bar open and tours lopark tram stop is alongside the field the following week. available - this is not yet confirmed venue. From Sheffield there are so please check their website be- regular express trains operated by More on these events nearer the fore setting off! First Transpennine Express and time.
28 BRANCH DIARIES
Sheffield & District at the Bankers Draft, Castle sphere. The winner this month is Square, Sheffield City Centre. We the Red Deer, Pitt Street, Sheffield Walkabout will be in a private room so please City Centre. Join us there for a 8pm Fri 29 Nov 2013 ask bar staff if you cannot see us! beer or two as we present the Ranmoor and Broomhill. We take winners certificate and take part in you to various pubs along the 120 Christmas Social their usual quiz night afterwards. bus route starting at the Rising 6pm Sat 7 Dec 2013 Sun, Fulwood Road, Nether Green Our Christmas get together is at Committee Meeting which is operated by Abbeydale the Hillsborough Hotel, Langsett 8pm Tue 17 Dec 2013 Brewery and finishing in Broomhill. Road (near the tram stop) and fea- The branch committee hold their An all day bus ticket costs £3.60. tures a seasonal buffet rather than usual monthly business meeting at for bus times visit www.travel- a formal sit-down meal. Book the Rutland Arms, Brown Street. southyorkshire.com. places via Richard Ryan or at the branch meeting. £12 each with a Branch Meeting £5 deposit payable on booking. Short measures, misleading ads 8pm Tue 3 Dec 2013 or other consumer complaints? All members are invited to the Pub of the Month formal branch meeting to discuss 8pm Tue 10 Dec 2013 Sheffield Trading Standards 2-10 Carbrookhall Road pub, club and brewery news, cam- Our members vote for pubs to win Sheffield paigning issues, catch up on what the Pub of the Month award, de- S9 2BD is happening in CAMRA and get signed to highlight pubs around 0114 273 6286 involved – all over a pint or two of our area that day in day out serve tradingstandards.gov.uk/sheffield course. This month the meeting is great beer in a pleasant atmo-
30 BRANCH DIARIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS
City Centre Walkabout Dronfield & District Alan Gibbons 8pm Fri 3 Jan 2014 Chairman Our usual monthly guided pub Sheffield Brewery Trip Good Beer Guide Coordinator crawl and as is traditional for new Fri 6 Dec Pub Awards Coordinator year we take in bars around the To be confirmed. Beer Matters Advertising West Street and Division Street [email protected] area that serve real ale as they Subbranch Meeting aren’t quite so busy at this time of 8pm Wed 11 Dec Andrew Cullen year! Meet at the Bath Hotel, Vic- The monthly get together to enjoy Secretary toria Street, just off Glossop a beer or two and discuss any Beer Matters Editor Road. local CAMRA business. This [email protected] month the meeting is at the Green Branch meeting Dragon in Dronfield town Centre Rob Carroll 8pm Tue 7 Jan 2014 Treasurer All members are invited to the Sub Branch Meeting Local Guide Editor formal branch meeting to discuss 8pm Wed 15 Jan [email protected] pub, club and brewery news, cam- The monthly get together to enjoy paigning issues, catch up on what a beer or two and discuss any Mike Rose is happening in CAMRA and get local CAMRA business. This Press Officer involved - all over a pint or two of month the meeting is at the Hyde [email protected] course. Venue TBC. Park Inn at Dronfield Hill Top. Geoff Mason Festival Planning Meeting Beer Matters Distribution Branch Contact 8pm Tue 21 Jan 2014 and Quiz Webmaster We are now planning our 2014 8pm Wed 29 Jan Pubs Officer Steel City Beer & Cider Festival If you’ve signed up for a magazine [email protected] which will take place in November distribution run in the Dronfield at a new venue! This is all very ex- area you are invited to come down Dave Williams citing, if you fancy being part of to the Three Tuns at Dronfield Hal- Vice Chairman the organising committee or help- lowes to collect your supply and Public Affairs Officer ing in any way with the planning join fellow distributors for a beer [email protected] and organising you are welcome and a go at the pub quiz. to come along to this meeting. The Richard Ryan venue is the Gardeners Rest, Social Secretary Neepsend (bus 53). Info and bookings Clubs Officer Sheffield: Richard Ryan (see right) Chairman of Beer Festival Beer Matters Distribution Dronfield: Nick Wheat Organising Committee ([email protected]) [email protected] and Committee Meeting 07432 293 513 8pm Tue 28 Jan 2014 Those that have volunteered for a Mike Humphrey magazine distribution run are in- Membership Secretary vited to come down to the Rutland [email protected] Arms, Brown Street to collect their supply hot off the press and enjoy Dave Pickersgill a beer with fellow distributors. The Pub Preservation Officer committee meeting follows at [email protected] 8:30pm.
CAMRA Sheffield & District is a branch of CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 4LW. www.camra.org.uk