Swale AleVol 4 Issue 1 The FREE Magazine of the Swale branch of CAMRA The Campaign for

PUB CLOSURES IN SWALE Will new legislation help prevent more? he British is a unique T institution, but the bad news is that there are increasingly fewer for us to enjoy. 2011 started badly for the Swale area with the closure by Shepherd Neame of The Windmill, London Road, Faversham. Although sold and available for letting as a pub, it is still boarded up. The Wheatsheaf in Newington closed 13th April and is no longer a pub; planning consent allowed change of use from pub to a letting The Sondes Arms agent. Selling Pubs are, of course, businesses; the reason they close is that the of Wales and The Golden Ball, owners are either not making enough Sittingbourne. They are now joined by money or feel they can make more The Globe and Engine Sittingbourne money if the building was used for and The Three Squirrels. Many more another purpose. In many cases after a examples exist in Swale and often they pub closes the building stands empty are indicative of the failings of the pub and boarded up for ages like The Prince company financial model, and when

In this issue….

 UK and Overseas Pub Visits including: Brussels and London  Branch and Brewery News  A Look at the first Good Beer Guide

1 Winter Issue 2011

The Old Wine Vaults is a 16th century pub set in the heart of historic Faversham. 75 Preston Street, Faversham

01795 591817

FOUR Cask Ales TWO Cask Ciders Swale Cider Pub of the Year

From after work nibbles to Christmas Dinners. Christmas Day Lunch Four Courses with Wine £60 New Years Eve Party £10 including a free Fizz, Buffet and Raffle

20p off a pint of Plum Puddinged with a valid CAMRA card.

The pub is open Mon-Sat 11am to 11pm and Sundays pm to 10.30pm.

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Pub Closures Continues on page 5

Unfortunately the local community interest failed to find a solution, a tall order in such a short space of time, but there is still hope for the Sondes, and maybe for two other pubs, one formerly in the Shep’s estate, which were being sold and will hopefully reopen soon. The Ship, Sittingbourne was sold at auction and is expected to reopen as a pub/restaurant while the Brown Jug at Upchurch is currently being sold as a pub. The Globe and Engine What can we do about closures? Sittingbourne What is CAMRA doing? Well CAMRA has been active in facing up to the they give up they have tried restrictive closure trend by lobbying against covenants on the sale to prevent closures for some years and raising others having a go. Even more public awareness. Each branch provides surprising to some local drinkers is the information on what is happening locally number closed by Faversham’s own and this information is used in tackling brewery; no doubt part of their the various aspects that cause the planned disposal of small community problem. pubs, seemingly in favour of ‘quality’ CAMRA has just responded to a eating establishments. Government consultation on the impact Recently The Sondes Arms, that imposing restrictive covenants on Selling was suddenly closed by the sale of pubs has on local Shepherd Neame. It was different from communities. This consultation has many others, as a rural pub with taken place as a result of a long-running limited alternatives. The local residents CAMRA campaign, via the Sustainable put up some resistance to save their Communities Act. local. Our Brewery Liaison Officer Bob At the same time CAMRA has asked Shepherd Neame about the been pursuing a campaign for Pub closure and was told:- “The Sondes is Company reform with members not being sold to a developer. We have recently encouraged to contact their invited the local community to express MPs. Recent research shows that tied interest. If the local community do not pubs are twice more likely to close than purchase then I would anticipate ‘free of tie’ pubs. disposal on an existing use basis i.e. as On 18th October CAMRA also a Free House.

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Swale Ale © Editorial

Winter 2011

Published by the Swale Branch of the Ltd. (CAMRA). nother edition of Swale Ale! If you Circulation 800 A read the last copy (summer), you Email: [email protected] might be forgiven for thinking that we Telephone: (01795 538824) Editorial Committee and Contributors: Jeff were shutting up shop. All organisations Waller, Gary Holness, Keir Stanley, Andrew have communication problems and Kitney, Paul Irving, Suzanne Collins obviously we did. As a Branch we must Print Liaison: Simon Ing thank the previous editor for the Advertising: Gary Holness phenomenal amount of work and effort he devoted to the magazine and I am ——————————————— sure he will be pleased that the All Correspondence to: Les Bailey publication continues. 58 Wallers Road Now back to campaigning. The Faversham front article highlights one of the most Kent worrying aspects for the real ale drinker ME13 7PL today; the closure of pubs. At a time ——————————————— when more people are drinking real ales, the number of places available to do so Any opinions expressed within these pages declines in number. As an individual are those of the individual authors only there are many things you can do locally and do not represent those of CAMRA or to help stem the tide of closures but the any of its officials. first thing which will provide you with a The existence of this publication in a voice for consumer choice, is to join particular outlet does not imply an CAMRA! endorsement of it by Swale CAMRA .

———————————————

Printed by: University of Kent Press

——————————————— Branch Details: Chairman: Simon Ing Secretary: Les Bailey Social Secretary: Gary Holness Treasurer: Les Bailey Branch Contact: Les Bailey (01795 538824)

www.camra-swale.org.uk

4 Winter Issue 2011

Pub Closures issued a press release to say that they These are some examples but welcomed the proposed new National others and more detail can be found on Planning Policy Framework which is out the CAMRA website. for consultation and particularly the BUT one thing we can all do is following: use our locals, encourage the Landlord  The specific instruction for local to have locally sourced real ale and if planning authorities to "plan you are not a member join us. positively for the provision and Remember; the Cask Report research integration of community facilities shows that Britain's 7.8 million real ale (such as local shops, meeting places, drinkers are more than twice as likely public houses and places of as other drinkers to visit the pub once a worship)." week or more. (The Cask Report 2011-  The introduction by Councils of 12, written annually by beer writer Pete policies to safeguard community Brown and backed by CAMRA, SIBA, facilities such as pubs. Cask Marque and IFBB)  The encouragement of local planning Finally I leave you with the authorities to consider use of Article recent words of Shepherd Neame 4 Directions to require planning Chairman M H Templeman:- “It is permission for the demolition of disappointing to note that the local facilities. Government has so far failed to  The application of these policies to recognise the importance of beer and urban as well as rural pubs and all pubs to the economy and the social and pubs, rather than just pubs in local cultural life of the UK.” [JW] centres for the first time. Chairman’s Chat

i I’m Simon and I’m the current As much as I would like to go to every H Chairman of the Swale branch of pub in the area, I don’t have the time. CAMRA. I hope you find this free But if everyone who reads this visits only magazine interesting. Take it with you if one other pub, that’s a lot of pubs. you like, pass it on or leave it in the pub Better than that, that’s a lot of beer for someone else to read. Now can I ask tasted. So please if you would for your help? I like good beer, and if recommend a pub and its beer to a you’re in a pub then hopefully so do you. friend, how about telling us as well. CAMRA needs you to tell us if the beer Thanks, is good and tell us if it’s not.

Simon Ing 5 Winter Issue 2011

Swale CAMRA Branch Diary

Sunday 11th December: Faversham Christmas Pub Crawl starting at the Anchor, Abbey Street at 12 noon.

Wednesday 14th December: Open Branch Business Meeting: 7:30pm, Swann and Harlequin.

Wednesday 11th January: Open Branch Business Meeting: 7.30pm, The Swan, Teynham.

Wednesday 8th February: Open Branch Business Meeting: 7.30pm, The Bear, Faversham.

Wednesday 14th March: Open Branch For updates visit our website at: Business meeting: 7.30pm, The Red Lion, Blue http://www.camra-swale.org.uk/ Town, Sheerness. Kent Pub and Brewery News

HOPDAEMON: Brewed a beer in divides them up as seasonal and event November called Artic Citra, using citra beers but they are listed in their order of hops, for the Dartford Working Mens appearance) Club. Late Red (4.5%) - w/c 10th October RAMSGATE BREWERY (Gadds): Is 2011 to 23rd March 2012 holding an Open Day on 17th December, Christmas Ale (5.0%): w/c 21st 1- 5pm. November to 23rd December 2011 SHEPHERD NEAME: Christmas Ale Amber Ale (4.5%): - w/c 9th January to (5%) on draught should now be available. 24th February 2012 (4.8%): two brews were planned Double (4.1%) - w/c 5th March to for late November, amounting to 32/33 23rd March 2012 nine gallon casks only of this beer using Early Bird (4.3%) - w/c 26th March to Pale, Crystal, Brown and Black malts. It 18th May 2012 should be in the pubs about three weeks Dragonfire (4.5%) - w/c 16th April to later. 27th April 2012 Seasonal Beer Availability : Canterbury Jack (3.5%) w/c 7th June to Our Brewery Liaison Officer has also 28th September 2012 been advised when seasonal beers will be Whitstable bay (4.1%) w/c 21st June to available from the brewery. (The brewery 2nd September 2012

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8 Winter Issue 2011

Pub News Beer Festivals

SHEPPEY 6-10 December (Tue-Sat): Pig’s Ear Beer & (The Bay View (287 Leysdown Road, Cider Fest, Round Chapel, Powerscroft Rd, Leysdown) – no real ale Hackney E5 0PU. 200-plus beers in Ferry House Inn (Harty Ferry) – no real ale Magnificent English Heritage-restored venue, Wheatsheaf (Warden Road, Eastchurch) – w/seated Gallery area. Open: Tue-Thu Abbot and Bombardier (guest). Ale may be N o o n - 10.30pm; Fri - S a t : N o o n - served in jugs and they always have a 11pm.Entrance: CAMRA Members £2; Non- rotating guest ale. Members £4. Further info: The Castle Inn (78 High Street, Eastchurch) www.pigsear.org.uk – no real ale th th Shurland Hotel (Eastchurch) – London 9 - 11 December :The Elephant, Pride. Faversham; Winter Ales Festival. Harps Inn (The Lees, Minster) – no real ale 18-21 January 2012 (Wed-Sat) : National The Playa (The Lees, Minster) – Masterbrew Winter Ales Festival 2012 and Late Red (although not a Shepherd Sheridan Suite, MANCHESTER; Wednesday – Neame pub) 5pm- 1 0 . 3 0 p m SITTINGBOURNE Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 12noon- Golden Ball, Murston, – A planning 10.30pm. See www.nwaf.org.uk for ticket application has been submitted for prices demolition and replacement with 9 terraced rd th houses. 3 - 4 February : White Cliffs : Maison Old Oak, – sold and currently being Dieu (Town Hall), Dover, Kent, CT16 1DL : rd th converted (we understand) to wine bar/ Friday 3 from 1pm to 11pm; Saturday 4 bistro. from 10.30am to 6pm (unless the beer runs The Ship : We understand it is sold and will out). Admission £5.00 on Friday, £2.00 on be re-opening as a Pub/Restaurant Saturday. Free to card-carrying CAMRA The Cherry Tree. Is currently closed. members. Admission will be refunded if you SELLING: The Sondes Arms: The closed join CAMRA at the beer festival. pub is for sale on the open market as a pub. A planning application for change of use is to be expected if it fails to sell as a pub. If you have any pub or beer Meanwhile the housing development on the festival news please contact former rear garden has commenced. Swale Ale at: LocAle: Three Tuns , Lower Halstow and The Swan, Les Bailey Teynham. These are now included in the LocAle pub scheme as local ales always 58 Wallers Road Faversham available. Kent Publications: ME13 7PL The Railway Faversham and the Rose and Crown Perry Wood have both featured in [email protected] CAMRAs new book ‘Great British Pubs’ -

Congratulations!

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10 Winter Issue 2011

Hop Festival Beer Stall 3rd & 4th September 2011

his years CAMRA Beer Stall at the T Hop Festival in Faversham was again a great success, which was helped by larger than normal crowds on Saturday. Our pitch was outside Iceland Frozen Food store in East Street as it has been for a number of years, a great location in my view as it offers easy access for setting up and take down. It also is beneficial to our customers as there is ample space to enjoy your ale or cider, as being off the main street it gives a welcome break from the crowds. Morris Dancers Next to Saturday was blessed with perfect CAMRA Beer Stall weather making us extremely busy with queues up to eight deep at the bar as had to be obtained from Kent Cider Co. our volunteers worked as fast as on Sunday to meet expected demand. possible to serve the thirsty throng. A Sunday’s weather stated bright wide range of customers sought us out, but with a gusty breeze and some small from CAMRA members who are regular showers of rain around lunchtime did visitors, the Morris dancing groups, little to deter visitors from enjoying the people who had travelled long distances festival. The stocks of beer and cider to visit the Hop Festival and local finally ran out around 4pm that day townsfolk enjoying the lively much to the disappointment of atmosphere. customers to our stall. A great weekend Beers for the weekend were it had been with our staff managing to sourced from three Kent breweries, sign up nine new members to the Gadds of Ramsgate, Hopdaemon of Campaign for Real Ale. I should lastly Newnham and Whitstable Brewery like to take this opportunity to thank all based at Grafty Green. Eighteen firkins the people who assisted in planning and of beer were ordered for the weekend running this years stall, as it has been for with twelve being sold on Saturday a number of years run in partnership alone. Cider came from two producers, between Canterbury & Herne Bay and Old Wife Cider from near Chilham and Swale Branches. And to all our Kent Cider Company from near customers thank you for your support Teynham. and see you next year. Nearly all of our stock of cider [GH] sold out on Saturday and extra supplies

11 Winter Issue 2011

CAMRA’S GREAT BRITISH PUBS

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has today (1st Nov.) released a new publication which has taken on the ambitious task of celebrating everything great about the British pub!

CAMRA's Great British Pubs is the definitive collection of the top 200 must-visit pubs that can be found from the tip of Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands.

The Railway Hotel, Faversham is included amongst them. That’s nice, isn’t it? THE RAILWAY HOTEL Preston St, FAVERSHAM, Kent. www.railwayhotelfaversham.co.uk odd, eh?

12 Winter Issue 2011

A look back at the first CAMRA Good Beer Guide

ith the 2012 Good Beer Guide a introductory editorial, included an article W must on many peoples Christmas entitled “What IS real ale?” which went list here is a nostalgic look back at the on to define what CAMRA considered to first edition. Published by CAMRA in be real ale covering ingredients, storage 1974, when flares and wide lapels were all and serving methods. As today the guide the rage, Blazing Saddles and The Exorcist was split into counties and had a list of were on at the cinema and beer cost brewers at the back (which barely around 15p a pint! covered two pages!). The two brewers in The headline on the opening page Kent that are mentioned are Whitbread of editorial was “The quest for a decent Faversham (Fremlins) of which they pint”, which set out the comment “Several stall for CAMRA. The regional brews still two major threats to retained without gas, good ale were seen to but quality varies” and be: “The large scale Shepherd Neame promotion of (Faversham) about characterless keg and which is commented tank beers at an “Good when it is not advertising cost of gassed up” millions of pounds each Kent had 56 year” and “The transfer pubs listed in the guide from traditional methods of which 4 were in of serving draught beer Faversham (The Bear, to pumps using carbon dioxide pressure, The Railway, The Sun and the Willow which make ale gassy and sickly”. The Tap), 4 in Sittingbourne (The Fountain, guide stated that: “It is designed to help The Globe and Engine, The Milton Arms people who are searching for a decent and The Park Tavern) and 2 in Sheerness drop of ale anywhere in England, Wales (The Old House at Home and the Ship or the Isle of Man. It is not just another on Shore). Also in the Swale CAMRA pub guide recommending the area was listed The Three Horseshoes at unsuspecting traveler to places cluttered Staplestreet, The Chequers at up with horse brasses or landlords who Doddington, The White Lion at Selling won a runners-up medal in the 1949 FA and the Blacksmiths Arms at Wormshill. Cup Final. It is for the millions of people A total of 14 pubs. who spend millions of pounds a year As the latest edition of the Good between them on beer and deserve a Beer Guide hits the shops “The quest for product of quality.” a decent pint” carries on but it is a lot The guide cost all of 75p and was easier in 2012 than it was in 1974! I’m off 96 pages long and, as well as the to see if the flares still fit and dig out my old ABBA LPs. [OS] 13 Winter Issue 2011

TheThe OldOld HouseHouse atat HomeHome QueenboroughQueenborough TheThe homehome ofof live music! live music! Bands every Sunday from 5pm also bands some Fridays & Saturdays

JammingJamming nightsnights everyevery WednesdayWednesday

A great place to meet and see the sunset

Real Ales changing regularly We serve food Monday to Saturday from 12 to 9

RoastRoast SundaySunday dinnersdinners 1212 toto 44

Real log fire “May you come as a stranger and leave as a friend” Children & dog's are welcome Tel: 01795 662463 [email protected]

1, High Street, Queenborough ME11 5AA

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Folkestone Leas Lift Beer Festival

hat unseasonable scorcher of a entrance for our first pint of the day. T weekend (seems a while ago now There was a varied selection of local doesn’t it) was both a blessing and a curse for ales on offer, from mild through to some the organisers of the Folkestone Leas Lift lovely hoppy beers from Canterbury Brewers, Beer Festival on the 23rd—25th September. Abigale in Ashford, Canterbury Ales, It was such a popular event that the bar was Wantsum and The Old Dairy Brewery. drunk dry on the Saturday night, meaning There was also a Leas Lift Beer brewed those planning a Sunday session were left specially by Abigale for the festival, as well as disappointed. at least six different ciders and perries. We arrived on the Saturday Other than a few straw bales strewn afternoon and could tell by the huge around the seafront for those who were gathering of people at the bottom of the cliff perhaps no longer able to remain upright, that things were going well. We took a ride most people congregated to sup their pints in the lift, dating back to 1885 down to the on the wide path between the lift and the bottom of the cliff. The lift was free for stony beach. CAMRA members during the beer festival or The next festival is planned for £2 return for non-members. We bought our February 2012, when I’m sure there will be vouchers and duly queued for a few minutes enough beer for the whole weekend. in the small enclosed area near the lift’s [SC] Faversham’s hidden gem The Shipwright’s Arms, Hollowshore, Faversham

A 17th Century traditional creek side free house. Selling up to five real ales from Kentish brewers, and serving good food. Take a trip back in time and savour the delights of a truly traditional pub.

Rated by Jamie Oliver as one of the top 100 traditional pubs in the country.

Please check website or phone to confirm hours of opening.

Tel: 01795 590088

Web: www.theshipwrightsarmspub.co.uk

Directions: At Davington School turn into Ham Road and follow the signs across the marsh.

15 Winter Issue 2011

Valid from 2nd January 2012 until 29th February 2012

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Thornbridge Brewery Tap

s a build up to the Clun Valley Beer collapse due to the leaking roof. A festival weekend I had the pleasure Finally in 2008 after lots of ‘red tape’ of an overnight stop in Sheffield. Anyone Thornbridge gained access to the derelict that knows anything about beer in rooms and begin the much sought after Sheffield will have certainly spent many an restoration. With private investment and hour at the Thornbridge Sheffield Tap - grant assistance from The Railway then no doubt moving on spent a few Heritage Trust, the brewery were able to more enjoyable hours in the Kelham correct the damage caused by years of Island Brewery tap (about 10 mins walk abuse. Their vision was to repair where away). possible and replicate as required. The The Sheffield Tap is housed within the ornate barrel plaster ceiling is a complete former Edwardian Refreshment Room & replica of the previous feature, taken from Dining Rooms at Sheffield Station. What moulds of the original and handmade by a is seen to visitors today is two years of local contractor. The existing mahogany hard work and considerable investment bar was salvaged from pieces of the to restore the rooms to their original original, being rebuilt and polished to condition. They became disused in the detail. It is worth noting that the brewery 1960’s, with the final whistle being dealt is the caretaker of the tap as it is Grade II by British Rail in the 1970’s when the listed and publicly owned. Refreshment Room was converted into a Today the Tap offers the a superb choice waiting room. The original mahogany bar of beer sourced from all over the UK, top was removed and the damaged front dispensed from 10 traditional cask hand bar pushed to the rear of the room pulls (at least 5 from Thornbridge) and 12 beneath the back bar, and the ornate continental swing handled taps. This fireplace and features taken from the impressive selection is complemented and building. Over a few months the Grade II set against a backdrop of over 2000 listed interior was vandalised and bottled world beers. DEFINITELY ONE eventually locked-up in 1976. The interior OF MANY PUBS TO TRY WHEN NEXT was then left to decay with the original IN SHEFFIELD. ornate plaster ceiling suffering partial [AK]

17 Winter Issue 2011

The Elephant Faversham’s Free House

Swale CAMRA Pub of the Year 2007 to 2011 and East Kent CAMRA Pub of the Year 2010

Normally five beers, mainly from local microbreweries and a real traditional cider

Large courtyard garden and a function room

Open: Tuesday to Friday: 3pm to 11pm, Saturday: 12 noon to 11pm, Sunday: 12.00 noon to 7pm 31 The Mall, Faversham, Kent ME13 8JN. Tel: 01795 590157

18 Winter Issue 2011

Cantillon Brewery, Brussels

ot far from the Gare du Midi in N Brussels, in a unassuming street, lies one of the brewing gems of Brussels. In fact if it weren’t for a good guidebook and the sign outside I would have walked straight past taking no notice. But as I opened the door and stepped inside a rich vinous aroma engulfed me and it was as if I had stepped back in time. The Cantillon Brewery is a family brewery where Lambic, Gueze and Kriek are made and where nothing has changed since 1900 when it was The Cooling Tun founded. The Van Roy-Cantillon family. The brewery offers a self guided The tour starts and ends in the tour where you will see the original bar - a delightful beamed and flagged copper cooling vessels that allow the area with an old iron pot stove in the wild yeasts in the air to naturally centre and scrubbed wooden tables and impregnate the beer which is then benches. Here you can sit and sample fermented in the barrel and stored for the beers whilst watching the bottling of up to three years. You have to remind the next batch. On the tour you will see yourself, as you are walking through the the round copper brew kettle where avenues of barrels, that you are not in grain malts and water combine and dried one of the famous cognac houses in hops are added during the boil. The France. entire building filled with a wonderful aroma that is familiar to anyone who has spent time near a brewery. The wort is then transported to the cooling tun. This is a large, open, and shallow copper pan which holds 7,500 litres of wort. The tun is entirely riveted, with no welds and is a testament to the skill of the coppersmith who made it. This allows a large amount of surface area to be exposed to chilly air via louvers in the building’s walls. This process can only take place from the

The Brew Kettle end of October to the start of April as

19 Winter Issue 2011

THE LEADING LIGHT wetherspoon

OVER 600 OF THE FINEST ALES SOLD NATIONALLY AT J D WETHERSPOON

BRITAIN’S NO.1 SUPPORTER OF MICROBREWERIES

JOIN CAMRA TODAY AND RECEIVE WETHERSPOON REAL VOUCHERS WORTH £20 FULL DETAILS ON APPLICATION FORM: WWW. CAMRA.ORG.UK Join us for your Christmas meal up to 22 December. No booking required.

Why not eat on one of our Club days? Steak Club: Tuesdays 3pm to 10pm Curry Club: Thursdays 3pm to 10 pm Sunday Club (Roasts): Sundays Noon to 6pm Club meals include a free drink. See menu for details.

20-22 Preston Street, Faversham, Kent Subject to local licensing restrictions and availability at participating free houses

20 Winter Issue 2011

Cantillon Brewery, Brussels at other times the air is not cold enough to cool the wort quickly enough. Two things happen here: first, the liquid cools down quickly; and second, it is produced with natural yeasts that happen to be airborne around the building at that time. The resultant brew is then transferred to oak or chestnut barrels for fermenting and aging where they will stay for up to three years before being blended and bottled. Lambic beer is somewhat of an acquired taste due to its sourness. Some The Barrel Store batches are more acid and some more and some are softer and less harsh. This is due to the natural Pubs to visit in characteristics of the brewing process. Brussels Batches of different aged lambics are blended together to create Gueuze. Fruit —————————— is added to other lambics to produce Delirium Kriek (cherry), or Framboise 4a Impasse de la Fidelite (raspberry). This beer café stocks over 2000 beers.

Poechenellekelder 5 Rue du Chene Opposite the statue of Manneken Pis, this bar allows you to drink surrounded by Mannequins.

Cirio 20 rue de la Bourse This café serves excellent food, beers and coffee.

Further Reading: The Becasse CAMRA Good beer guide to Belgium – Off 11 Rue Tabora Tim Webb This bar serves its own sweet CAMRA 100 Belgian beers to try before draught Lambic in earthenware cups. you die – Tim Webb & Joris Pattyn

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The PHOENIX TAVERN Abbey Street, FAVERSHAM Tel: 01795 591462

REAL ALES from Around the UK and Local

REAL FOOD prepared freshly daily on the premises REAL ATMOSPHERE lovely garden and open inglenook log fires REAL TRADITION—14th century oak beamed pub Quality lagers and Quality Wine form Corney and Barrow

Good Beer Guide 2012

@Phoenixfav The Phoenix Tavern Faversham

www.thephoenixtavernfaversham.co.uk 90 Abbey Street, Faversham, ME13 7BH—01795 591462

22 Winter Issue 2011

Rose and Crown Perry Wood

Christmas party bookings are now being taken. Call for details and a menu.

Regular casks are Harveys Best and Adnams Southwold along with a changing guest.

Food is traditional using local suppliers with daily specials served in the pub or adjoining restaurant.

Opening hours: Mon to Sat 11.30-15.00, 18.30-23.00 (not Monday evenings) Sunday all day 12.00-22.30 Lunch served daily 12.00-14.00 (Sunday 15.30) Evenings Tuesday - Saturday 18.30-21.00 Perry Wood, Selling, Nr Faversham, Kent ME13 9RY. Tel: 01227 752214 www.roseandcrownperrywood.co.uk

23 Winter Issue 2011

Selling to Perry Wood Walk

Overview This is a linear walk from Selling station across fields and orchards into Perry Wood. This walk takes in two pubs, one with its own hop garden.

Length 50 minutes to 1 hour each way. This walk can be extended by spending time walking in Perry Wood.

Rose and Crown, Perry Wood trees. Choose the least muddy route and continue straight on until you reach a fenced off field that has been developed his walk starts at Selling station into caravan accommodation for fruit which is situated on the T pickers. This small development is Sittingbourne to Dover railway line 4 hidden behind a row of tall trees. minutes from Faversham. Continue for a short while with On arriving at Selling cross the the fence on your left until you reach the railway bridge and walk up the station end of the field and a choice of stiles. approach road for one minute until you Take the stile on your left and enter a reach the sadly now closed Sondes Arms. field with a row of tall, established trees. You will reach Crouch Lane, Follow the well-trodden path with these Turn left and walk for about three trees on your left and the barbed wire minutes until you reach a footpath sign fence on your right. You will walk past a bearing right. The sign reads ‘footpath, cricket pitch on your left which on my Selling 3/4 miles’. Take this footpath. sunny Saturday visit was being prepared Follow the footpath between the for an afternoon game. houses with garages on your left. Cross over the stile at the end of Continue between the tall trees and a the field where you will meet a small large hedge and you will emerge in a field road. Turn right and follow the road past of pear trees. Follow this path straight Selling Court until you see a footpath sign on as the pear trees are replaced by large ZR652 on your left. At this point you polytunnels, which on my late September have a choice. Continue your walk up walk were full of ripe strawberries. the footpath towards Perry Wood or The walk continues straight on stop for a pint at the White Lion, a following the tractor path which delightful Shepherd Neame pub that undulates across the fields. At key serves excellent lunchtime and evening junctions the ground will become muddy food. and will be separated by a row of large

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White Lion, Start Selling 1 Rose and Crown, 2 Perry Wood

Follow this path up a small hill Cross the rickety stile into the until you reach a field full of apple trees. front garden of Puddledock house. Continue straight on towards the path Continue straight on down the driveway marker with a yellow arrow. Continue until you reach the road. between the rows of young apple trees At the road turn left and then under the support wires until you reach a quickly take the bridleway ZR654 into further marker. Perry Wood on your left. At this marker turn right. Follow Follow the bridleway straight the tractor path down a small hill and you through the woods. After a short while will see a further marker. You will notice the route becomes more defined, After a that the land here has been churned by about 10 minutes you will reach a road. agriculture vehicles and care should be Turn left and you will see the front taken when crossing this area. Turn left entrance of the Rose and Crown. and enter a well established pear and This busy 16th Century pub has apple orchard. Walk up hill with these one main U shaped bar with a small trees on your left. restaurant area leading off down some In the corner of this field you will steps to the rear. Inside this old pub has a see a gap. Follow this, bearing left in good atmosphere which has not been order to continue straight on. You will disturbed by the excellent food that is notice many rabbit warrens to your right served both lunch times and for dinner. and a stile straight ahead. Cross this stile On my visit they were serving into a small field. Walk with the small Adnams Southwold Bitter [3.7%], Harveys trees on your right towards a gate and a Sussex Best Bitter [4.0%] and Wells Naked house. Gold [4.1%].

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White Lion Selling

The White Lion is a restored coaching inn dating from 1703, in the village of Selling, close to the beautiful walks of Perry Woods

Mon - Fri: 12:00 - 15:00 and 18:00 - 22:45 Sat 12:00 - 22:45 Sun 12:00 - 22:45

The Street, Selling, Kent, ME13 9RQ

Telephone: 01227 752211

26 Winter Issue 2011

Selling to Perry Wood Walk

For your return journey retrace your steps, stopping at the White Lion. The White Lion is a two bar Shepherd Neame pub serving Master Brew [3.7%] and Late Red [4.5%] on my visit. The pub has accommodation above and a indoor and outdoor restaurant area to the rear. It has its own hop garden which last year was visited by a double decker bus full of ex hop pickers. The pub has two live fires - a log burner in the public bar and an open fire with a hydro powered spit roast. Good food is offered daily, but not always from the spit roast! The White Lion, Selling [KS&SC] Quizzicale

Can you work out the brewery or beer from these cryptic clues? There is no prize for getting them right, just the warm glow from knowing you are a clever clogs!! 1. Does this point the way to the See? 2. This is not for the ladies 3. Aged, spattered fowl at the wheel of a sports car 4. Seasonal Flasher 5. No magic but Merlin is at the front of this high flyer 6. The Prince’s watering holes 7. Jealous Royal 8. Does this beer need to one of these to win at Crufts? 9. Would you get a pint of this bitter if you won a championship? 10. Tell the devil to jump on one leg to get this Kent brewery 11. Does Bambi’s aged friend drink this ale? 12. The pig has returned to the brewery 13. A windy brewery? 14. The PM’s brewery? 15. If you kept on building dwellings you would get this brewery.

27 Winter Issue 2011

THE BOWL INN

Come and relax and enjoy the good company and friendly atmosphere with a glass of fine ale - always 4 available. We have a welcoming real fire & heated patio area.

Regular steak nights, curry nights, and live music.

For ‘what’s on’ please visit our website www.bowl-inn.co.uk

We can also offer bed and breakfast accommodation with 4 en- suite bedrooms, and a garden room which offers full facilities for disabled guests.

We are a 'dog and horse friendly' Inn

Alan and Sue Paine Egg Hill Road, Charing, Ashford, Kent TN27 OHG Tel: 01233 712256 email [email protected]

28 Winter Issue 2011

Pub Crawl - Charing Cross Station to Victoria Station

his is the first in a series of London T pub crawls designed to give a flavour of the wealth of pubs and real ale available in London. The Harp, Chandos Place, Charing Cross The first port of call on the crawl is the 2011 CAMRA pub of year, the Harp adorned with hanging baskets. Arrive here at lunchtime for some of the best Lord Moon of the Mall sausages in a bun in London washed down with a good selection of ales one of the best Wetherspoons in including three from Dark Star (Hophead London with a very good range of real and American always on), ale including the full range of festival Wandle and a range of beers from, beers. You can often find a nice Scottish mainly, South East and London beer (Harviestoun or Caledonian) on tap. microbreweries. The Harp has a friendly, The Plume of Feathers, St. James’s welcoming atmosphere with committed Cross Horseguards then St James’s Park and informed bar staff. towards the tube and you will come upon the Feathers. This is one of the better Nicholson’s pubs in London with Tribute, Jaipur, Doom Bar often on and the full range of Nicholson’s Festival beers (eight pumps in all). The Speaker, Westminster Cross Victoria Street and head down Strutton Ground, turn left at the bottom and you will come to the Speaker. This is consistently one of the best pubs in London where you can guarantee that the beer is on good form. Tim Taylor The Harp Landlord and Young’s Original are always on tap with two guest beers from around The Lord Moon of the Mall, the UK usually as part of a themed beer Whitehall festival. From the Harp it’s a five minute walk to The Cask and Kitchen, Pimlico the Lord Moon on Whitehall near 15 minutes walk from the other pubs in Horseguards parade. The Lord Moon is the guide, but well worth the walk, is the

29 Winter Issue 2011

Pub Crawl - Charing Cross Station to Victoria Station

strength to strength to be local branch pub of year. When last in there you could choose from 11 pumps of real ale, 8 kegs of foreign beer and cider and hundreds of bottles of American Beer. The beer is consistency good and usually comes from small micro-breweries from across the UK with regular Dark Star as a staple. The Cask also has meet the brewer evenings so keep an eye on their website. From the Cask it is a five minute The Cask Pub and Kitchen walk to Victoria Station. Next time Charing Cross to Blackfriars. Cask Pub and Kitchen, which since [PI] opening two years ago has grown from Bat and Trap ur annual bat & trap match was held O on Saturday 13th August at The Castle, Oare near Faversham. This year we had eight teams, three made up from branch members and the other teams came from the pubs’ own teams and regulars. The weather on the day started overcast but the cloud broke up to bathe us in sunshine once we had started. Bob Mason the landlord organised the teams and as we did last year we played a shortened version of the game with each Bat and Trap, The Castle, Oare batsman being bowled six balls each. This was done to keep the games short and to down to two teams to play for second regularly change the teams playing. At half place as the men's pub team had won time break we stopped play to enjoy a outright by then by winning all their buffet which Dawn the landlady had games. Everyone expressed how much prepared whilst the first half was played. they had enjoyed the day and looked Into the second half and it was forward to next year’s match. [GH] 30 Winter Issue 2011

Pub of the Year

or the fifth year running The Elephant F was selected by the Swale branch as their Pub of the Year (POTY), and in 2010 it even progressed to the East Kent POTY title. Prior to this excellent run The Shipwright’s Arms at Hollowshore was a regular winner and once made it to the Super Regional stage. How do pubs achieve POTY, what is the judging process, and perhaps I should add why do certain pubs win? The Flowerpot in Maidstone is currently Kent POTY repeating it’s success in 2010. Awarding SWALE CAMRA the Pub of The start of the process is the the Year to Kim and Jim Pearson at the selection of pubs in each branch area for Elephant the Good Beer Guide (GBG). Swale is allocated a limited, but agreed, number of judges visiting each selected pub use an entries in the GBG. These are the pubs agreed process to establish how far the where we have surveyed throughout the pubs meet the standard for various year for real beer quality and from that criteria set out in the judging form. number, the branch vote for the POTY The criteria marked out of ten are before the end of March. The lucky  Quality of Beer winner then goes forward to the next  Atmosphere/style /décor stage where all the East Kent branches  Service and Welcome and West Kent branches produce a POTY  Clientele mix for their area, which is then judged by  Sympathy with CAMRA aims, and those Kent branches without a finalist, to  Good value. establish Kent POTY by mid-August. At The scores, hardly surprising, are slightly this point the responsibility for marking weighted in favour of the Beer Quality. and judging passes away from branch level. The judging is intended to be The next stage is to reduce the enjoyable and certainly a good day or number of Regional winners, 16 in total evening out often results from the visits, down to four Super Regionals by the end but when the marking is added up it is of October and these last four are judged sometimes amazing how close the results to produce the CAMRA National POTY for the pubs can be. It may be too late around the beginning of February. for any involvement this year but maybe The marking system is consistently next year, apart from having an input in applied throughout the country; is well the GBG, perhaps a bit of judging to see documented, and guidance notes are how it works in reality would bring an comprehensive. All details are available insight into the competition and a new for CAMRA members on the website. The

31 Winter Issue 2011

32 Winter Issue 2011

Cider Pub

your favourite watering hole doesn’t. My personal view is that the successful pubs are those that do follow and understand the CAMRA campaign and are mindful of what the customer wants in terms of beer, cider, atmosphere and service. In some cases because they, as individuals, are there in the pub, have the same aims as us and can see the customers’ point of view when constructive criticism is made. How many times have you been to a good pub, never see the licensee Awarding Cider Pub of the Year to and see the same old range of beers on Nuala at the Old Wine Vault the handpump, from the same old pub company list? It is those licensees that selection of pubs into your drinking go a bit further and try harder that portfolio. reflect successive pubs in Pub of the So why do some pubs feature Year. regularly in the competition? An [JW] understandable question, especially if

33 Winter Issue 2011

Swale Pub Database

o you want to know whether there D is a pub in a town or village near you selling real ale? Or do you know of any pub, selling real ale or not, but cannot remember the name? Well the answer may be to look at the Swale CAMRA website and check the Kent pubs database. It’s so easy, all you need to do once on our website is click ‘Kent Pubs database’ on the left-hand menu and when you reach the database page you make an enquiry by searching for either location or the pub name. All the known pubs in Swale are included as well as pubs in our neighbouring branch Canterbury, Herne Bay & Whitstable and also those whether selling real ale or not. The database is being progressively enhanced of Ashford, Folkestone and Romney but updates have to await a visit from Marsh. Our Swale pubs were only added our branch members. Have you a favourite pub or local to this system in 2010 and while the information provided for those pubs in Swale which isn’t in the GBG? If so perhaps you might like to take a look at surveyed for inclusion in the Good Beer the entry and check the details. If you Guide (GBG) is fairly comprehensive for beer, opening times and other facilities can fill in some details, then send us an email with the additional or revised the other pubs may be restricted to very information and I will get the changes basic information on location and made. [JW]

Quiz Answers

Pedigree 8.

Moorhouses 15. king Greene 7.

Camerons 14. Wells Charles 6.

Gales 13. Spitfire 5.

Back Hogs 12. Lightening Summer 4.

Thumper Old 11. Hen Speckled Old 3.

Hopdaemon 10. Manns 2.

Trophy 9. Finger Bishops

1.

34 Winter Issue 2011

THE ALBION TAVERNA CREEKSIDE WWW.ALBIONTAVERNA.COM TEL: 01795 591411

MEXICAN & ENGLISH COOK HOUSE

29 FRONT BRENTS, FAVERSHAM, KENT Experience the exciting colours and flavours of Mexican and English cuisine in the water front setting. Relaxed, value for money dining in great surroundings.

Serving three cask ales Open 7 days a week Till late

35 Winter Issue 2011

A Tale of Two Breweries

his month we were lucky enough T to visit two breweries in one weekend. I started at Ludlow Brewery in the historical Shropshire Town. Ludlow has just moved to an impressive ultra-modern brewery right next to Ludlow railway station. The brewery bar serves the full Ludlow range which includes Black Knight (ruby stout), Gold, Best, Stairway to Paradise (golden ale with a hint of honey (5%)) and The Boiling Well (malty and dark) all in peak condition as you would expect. Ludlow Brewery was established in 2006 and with its move has increased capacity to 20 barrels. The new building embodies sustainable principles including rainwater harvesting, energy efficiency and has potential for solar microgeneration. If the brewery isn’t enough for you then head five minutes into Ludlow town Three Tuns, to the Church Inn with 10 local beers UKs oldest licensed brewery 1642 (Wye Valley, Hobsons, The Three Tuns, Ludlow, Six Bells) and very good food. Production capacity is limited and The next day provided the therefore they don’t supply to many opportunity for a trip to Bishops festivals outside the area. It is truly a Castle on the border of Wales; a local brewery and gets its hops from town with the oldest licensed brewery down the road. They produce four in the country – The Three Tuns. regular beers – 1642 (3.8% Golden We were treated to a guided tour by Bitter), XXX (4.3% Premium Bitter), the head brewer around a brewery Cleric’s Cure (5% hoppy beer) and Old that has remained on the same site Scrooge (6.5% ) - all were since it was established – some of the very nice. A visit to Shropshire is a buildings are still the same (albeit with must, particularly combined with the more modern fixtures such as lights). Clun Valley Beer Festival. [PI]

36 Winter Issue 2011

Clun Valley Beer Festival

he Clun Valley beer T festival, now in its 11th consecutive year, is held over the 1st Fri - Sun in October. Brilliantly masterminded by ex London pub landlord, and now owner of The White Horse in Clun Jack Lemond, this event visits 6 rural pubs over a 10 mile radius deep in the heart of the coaches back and forth from Newcastle Clun - Shropshire valley. The pubs that to Aston on Clun. If the beer festival is subscribe to this very popular and very not enough to keep most ale lovers well organised weekend are The Crown amused then the surrounding villages Inn, Newcastle, The White Horse have a lot to offer – it boasts four and The Sun Inn, Clun, The Crown Inn, breweries within 5/10 miles of each Clunton, The Hundred House, Purslow other – Ludlow Brewing Company and the Kangaroo Inn, Aston on Clun. (Ludlow Gold), Woods of Wistanstow Each pub along the famous for their Shropshire Lass and route showcases at least 10 real ales and Lad, The Six Bells Brewery in Bishops a couple of cask ciders, the majority Castle and finally the Three Tuns (also at being locally sourced from micros in the Bishops Castle) which claims to be the area - Hobsons, Wye Valley, Three oldest working licensed brewery in Tuns, Salopian and Stonehouse to name Britain from 1642. Our group had the a few. To complement the excellent pleasure of visiting this brewery and selection of quality ales a superb range organised a private tour of the Three of hot and cold food is available Tuns over the Clun festival weekend throughout the day and evening in all (see write up from Paul Irving) – this the pubs – I can personally recommend being one of the many highlights of the the mixed grill option at The Crown packed and enjoyable weekend. Inn; also live music from local bands I recommend this event to any ale plays in 3 out of the 6 pubs. Jack thought supporter – very well organised, heavily of everything when planning this supported by many CAMRA groups weekend so because of the distance throughout the country, the pubs and between the pubs a local coach firm is their selection of beers and of course contracted for the Friday evening and all the picturesque area of Clun and the day Saturday providing a comprehensive surrounding villages. timetable until 11pm, running two See you there next year... [AK]

37 Winter Issue 2011

A Pint of View

The Editor, Swale Ale.

Sir, I am extremely concerned at the adoption by many hostelries in our area of the slogan “locale” which is effectively discouraging the promotion of beers from around the country. The county would now appear to be running alive with microbreweries brewing which I would call sub-standard beers. During the summer I had the misfortune to visit the Canterbury Beer Festival, where apart from the appalling lack of hygienic toilet facilities, now probably drunk in excess of 50,000 pints the other most notable feature to me was ( no wonder I’m broke ) I would like to think the preponderance of Kentish beers. There that I will not be denied my favourite beers were 59 beers from Kent breweries and just because of the impact of the “locale” 50 from outside of Kent. campaign. More recently I went to the beer As I write this letter I am thinking to festival at the Flying Horse at Boughton myself what 8 beers I would classify as my Aluph. There were 50 beers on offer and “Desert Island Beers”. They are as follows, would you believe not one was from Kent. I in no particular order of preference :- questioned why this should be the case and was told in response that the beers were  American Pale Ale - Dark Star ordered from Flying Ferkin who do not have  Batham’s Best Bitter this ridiculous Kentish bias.  Gold Star - Goachers Please do not think that I dislike  Brewers Gold Extra - Crouch Vale Kentish beers. Indeed I find those from  Double Header - RCH Goachers and Gadds very palatable but I  Pale Rider - Kelham Island would only resort to the others in the unlikely event of a nationwide brewing strike.  Broadside - Adnams However on the occasions that I visit the pub  Brodie’s Prime - Hawkshead I do not want to be drinking the same beers all the time. Maybe the “locale” sign is What happened, I included one from Kent !! another CAMRA hobbyhorse along with the fuss they kicked up about the use of cask Yours imbibingly breathers, the demand a full pint campaign Trevor Duncombe etc. I started drinking beer in my late teens and we certainly did not have the If you agree with Trevor or have your variety to choose from in those days. own view please write to Swale Ale at: Truman’s Best Bitter was a favourite then along with Courage Directors from Alton in [email protected] Hampshire and Bass from Burton. As I have

38 Winter Issue 2011

CHIMNEY BOY FAVERSHAM Traditional Pub Food Served Monday to Saturday 11:30 to 2:30pm Sunday Lunch 11:30 to 2:30pm Live Music Every Friday Night 8:30 PM

Home of Faversham Folk Club Every Wednesday Serving Shepherd Neame Largers and Real Ales

Dave and His Team Wish Our Customers and Friends a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

39 Winter Issue 2011

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40 Winter Issue 2011