Issue 75 – Winter 2018 FREE – Please take one

Magazine of North Oxfordshire Branch of CAMRA

Real Scene In North Oxon

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Is In Good Shape Instead of the usual Banbury & Cider Festival, there will be the “Banbury Festival The general state of the real ale shows how the real ale industry of Beer & Cider for 2019” – this will include sector in the UK is reported to is holding up against the over- a number of real ale and cider/perry events be healthy, but as always with a all trade, and is commis- – see page 3 for more details. few provisos, according to the sioned by Cask Marque. Cask Ale Report 2018 that was Although disappointing to see a decline of 25% and 11% respec- published in late September. cask ale sales falling slightly (just tively for keg beer and sales This is an annual report that 3.8%) this year, this compares to – which is symptomatic of a gen- A pub never looks eral drop in UK beer drinking. so warm and Around 65% of pubs which welcoming as focus on cask and quality beer when it’s been have seen real ale sales grow snowing, like this scene of The Fox compared to just 7% who report in Leafield when a slight dip, so real ale is show- it was looking for ing robust results in pubs’ tough a new owner. Just trading conditions. remember that a According to the report, cask pub is not just for ale drinkers spend 30% more Christmas – your local landlord is money in the pub than other going to need drinkers, and 42% visit the pub your custom once a week or more. It also throughout the points out that it is essential that quiet time after the new year. Continued on page 3 Oxfordshire POTY Award For Rose & Crown, Charlbury The presentation for the Branch Pub of the Year Award and the overall Oxfordshire Pub of the Year was made in September at a Branch meeting at the Rose & Crown, Charlbury. Pictured (from left): Branch Chairman Lynne Baldwin, bar manager Tommy Longfellow, regular barman Ali Dussould, Landlord Tom Page and regular barmaid Nikki Page. Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ All types of beer on sale, not just winter festival Fri 25th–Sun 27th January 2019 FRI from Noon, SAT noon-midnight, SUN noon-10.30pm OVER 20 REAL ALES on sale over the weekend Good choice of traditional Cider & Perry Hot food available most sessions www.roseandcrown.charlbury.com Email: [email protected]

Celebrating 31 consecutive years in CAMRA’s

CAMRA North Oxon Branch Pub of the Year 2002, 2003, 2006 2009 & 2018 Market Street, Charlbury, Oxon OX7 3PL • Tel: 01608 810103

2 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 Real Ale Scene In North Oxon Is In Good Shape Continued from page 1 Arguments about ‘craft ale’ that craft keg is outperforming real ale is serviced in the best continue in the trade, and some cask in the last year. possible condition, with 40% well-known craft brewers (such Looking at real ale in our saying they would avoid pubs as Cloudwater, Buxton and Brew local area, we believe there has where they have had a bad pint, Dog) plan to ditch cask altogeth- never been a better time to be a and 67% saying that they would er, citing a lack of profitability cask drinker, with more choice be prepared to pay extra for and ensuring quality at the bar. on our pubs’ bars, more pubs well-kept real ale. Others, like Siren Craft, report serving real ales, and a gener- al increase in local beer festi- vals (both pub and community The Banbury Festival of events), many of which promote real ales to raise funds for local Beer & Cider For 2019 good causes. Similarly, our local After extensive discussion will be hosted in pubs, brewer- scene continues to flourish with the Branch Committee and ies, taprooms in Banbury and expanded ranges on offer and Banbury Beer & Cider Festival the North Oxfordshire Branch new outlets being set up to sell Committee have taken a dif- area. See the Spring edition of their ales to the public. ficult decision to organise a Beer On Tap for more details. Even with a general interest Banbury Festival of Beer & Looking forward, this gives and demand for real ale across Cider in 2019. This is in place the Branch Committee and the board in our area, North of the usual Banbury Beer & Festival Committees an oppor- Oxon Branch of CAMRA has Cider festival. tunity to look at how to had to drop the annual Banbury The Banbury Festival of Beer improve Banbury Beer & Cider Beer & Cider Festival for 2019 as & Cider is planned to include Festival in terms of venue, beer a committee couldn’t be formed. a number of real ale and cider/ and cider offering, staffing, pro- There weren’t enough peo- perry events such as: mini- motion and facilities. ple interested in helping at an beer festivals including one for The Festival Team for Ban- organisational level. However a category to be judged for the bury Festival of Beer & Cider it means that we can help out CAMRA Champion Beer of welcome any help in organis- with the promotion of the now- Britain Regional Finals, cider/ ing the events. If you’d like to annual Oxford Beer Week perry events, meet the brew- help, whether it be on the main which sees pubs and brewer- ers, beer matching with cheese, Festival Team or helping with ies around Oxfordshire running chocolate and food. The events one or more events, please con- a series of events in the peri- tact the branch chair at chair- od 4th–12th May. Oxford Beer Branch Diary [email protected] Week is organised by the Oxford or [email protected]. Brewers Alliance which includes All meetings start 8pm, other events start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn org.uk or come to the meeting all of the which oper- Baldwin (07790) 118341. (see left) on 17th January. ate in our Branch. JANUARY 9: GBG Selection Meeting. 8pm – CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List The Bell Adderbury (tbc) Email addresses are followed by northoxon.camra.org.uk/ 17: Banbury Festival of Beer & Cider meeting. 7.30 – Bailiffs Tap (tbc) CHAIRMAN Lynne Baldwin TREASURER Simon Whitehead treasurer@ FEBRUARY chairman@ lynne@ VICE-CHAIRMAN Position vacant simon@ 1–2:Tewkesbury Winter Beer MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY BEER ON TAP EDITOR festival. Contact Lynne Baldwin Paul Forrest membership@ for details Steve Lympany bot@ Tel: 07811 667507 paul@ 4: Committee Meeting 8pm - The PUBS PROTECTION OFFICER George Barford St Michael (tbc) BEER ON TAP ADVERTISING EDITOR Oliver Sladen botads@ Brian Wray pubs@ MARCH BRANCH CONTACT LOCALE COORDINATOR 2: POTY Count & Social – venue to Martin Batts contact@ Position vacant be announced, 11am Tel: 07854 116408 WEBMASTER For latest list of events in the SOCIAL SECRETARY webmaster@ Branch Diary, please check the Stu Robbins social@ Trading Standards: Oxfordshire County Branch website at Tel: 07871 277235 Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Hinksey Road, https://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ Oxford OX2 0BY

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 4 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 Branch News Bell Inn, Lower Heyford Following the departure of Lyn at the end of September Andy Giddings has now taken over at The Bell. He has a long background in the trade com- ing to Lower Heyford from the Portsmouth and Southampton area. The Bell has four handpumps with two selling ciders (which change regularly) and two sell- ing ales – with Vale Brill Gold, a regular guest ale, for now. The other changes regularly, with Kelham Island and Wriggley Monkey also having had time on the bar recently. Open Mon– Thurs 12–3 & 5–11, Fri & Sat noon–11 and Sun noon–10:30. Food is described as “proper filling, pub food” and is served from 12–3 and 6–9 all week. Andy Giddings, new to the bar at The Bell, Lower Heyford Sunday roasts are available for £9.95 with two options and all On New Year’s Eve they will Hackland is a two-year-old boy the trimmings. They hope to be open with a themed buffet in the village who has been initiate regular food themed and entertainment, possibly a diagnosed with a rare form of nights, but nothing is planned disco and will be open on New Lymphona. SuperRu works with yet. Year’s Day for survivors! Clic Sargent to raise money to They already have a dominoes The village nights still prove research this type of cancer. team and an Aunt Sally team is to be very popular with booking Various fundraising is taking ready to go once the new sea- recommended. They are very place in the village and The Gate son starts, but the best news is keen to use local produce wher- has re-launched its children’s that Andy is carrying on with ever possible and have a policy menu as the SuperRu menu with the pub’s beer festival! Watch of accepting locally grown pro- £2 from each one sold going this space for more news on the duce for use in their kitchen for towards the charity. Branch’s best little beer festival. payment with beer! The Gate keeps a range of White Horse, Duns Tew Looking into 2019 Valentine’s Hooky on draught. Day will have a special menu Pear Tree, Hook Norton Selling three real ales with featuring many sharing dishes. Timothy Taylor Landlord as Gate Hangs High, Get down to the Pear Tree a regular, Black Sheep beers Hook Norton on Christmas Eve for an ‘80s appearing regularly and a themed party. And/or you can monthly changing guest beer, You can be sure of a perfect pint join in the fun of the New Year’s they are very proud to be in the here as the pub recently passed Eve party. Also, Twelve Days will 2019 Good Beer Guide. an unannounced Cask Marque be on draught soon! The Christmas menu is now assessment with top marks for Joiners Arms, Bloxham available and they will be open all beers. Christmas Eve and Christmas Something else to mention The pub’s regular quiz night Day for drinks only, and also is that the pub is supporting takes place fortnightly on a open Boxing Day lunchtime. the SuperRu Charity. Ruarai Wednesday, and on the 19th Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 6 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 December there will be a special Christmas Quiz. Coach & Horses, Adderbury Building on their entry in the Good Beer Guide 2019, Tony & Shani have been awarded Wadworth’s ‘Beer Badge of Excellence’ for their outstanding beer quality and excellent cellar practice. They dispense IPA, 6X and Swordfish from their three handpumps. The Community Day held back in September was a great success and it will be repeated in 2019. It raises money for the proposed new community cen- tre in West Adderbury. In the run up towards A big Branch welcome to Rob & Jodie Gregory at the Bell Inn, Great Bourton Christmas, pre-booked groups can enjoy a three-course meal Saturday and live music on the but this was knocked into sec- for the bargain price of £12. 3rd Saturday of each month. ond place by Holly’s ‘Chocolate Across the festive period they They say ‘Pop on in and love & Orange Mousse Cheesecake’. have Biggsy booked for live your experience at the Bell’. Rebecca & Tim are hoping that music on 22nd December, a a pumpkin carving competition Pickled Ploughman, will inspire as much interest at disco on the 23rd and a Grand Adderbury Draw on Christmas Eve. Their Hallowe’en. New Year’s Eve party will be A couple of major changes have Leading up to Christmas they ticket-only. taken place here with a new are holding a ‘Beer & Carols’ evening on 20th December and Red Lion, Cropredy manager, Sebastian, as well as a new chef. they report bookings going We are pleased to report that Loyalty cards have replaced exceptionally well for their six- new tenants, Denise & Jem, have their happy hour and Friday real course Christmas Day menu. taken over this Enterprise ale deals. Ringwood ‘Razorback’ The Plough, tenancy from the middle of (3.8% abv), is their easy - October with new opening ing regular ale with a changing Little Bourton hours 12-11pm daily. weekly guest, where recently, Having failed to gain change We look forward to this quaint Lancaster Bomber and Thwaites of use for this closed pub, little pub returning to its former Original have featured. local rumour is that it may be glory under their stewardship. The new a la carte menu is re-opening in the New Year. Bell Inn, Great Bourton supplemented by curry nights Further details as they emerge on Mondays with three different in BoT 76. Rob & Jodie Gregory, the very curries on offer. Christmas party Kings Arms, Woodstock personable new tenants (pic- bookings are being catered for tured above right) are pleased from November 16th. This Fullers-owned hotel in with their first five months since Woodstock has been promised re-opening on June 8th. The Duke at Clifton a refurbishment. This was due The decor has been bright- Another of our Branch pubs to commence in the autumn but ened up & Rob’s menu is ever delighted to be listed in the the date has been put back to at expanding on customer recom- Good Beer Guide 2019. They least the Spring. mendation. They have some have had a fantastic summer In the meantime the Kings exciting events planned for with bookings up, not only in still offers a welcoming stop off the festive period with a fes- their accommodation rooms but in Woodstock with four ales tive menu running through- also in their camping field. from the Fullers range (includ- out December replacing their The ‘Bake Off’ competition ing a seasonal, the excellent- Wednesday burger, Thursday in September, when 19 entrants ly-kept Autumn Red Fox on a tapas & fishy Fridays. The pub competed with the house chef’s recent visit) and is a very pop- offers a quiz night on the first ‘Boob Cake’ (don’t ask!) creation ular haunt for diners with the Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 The Muddy Duck offers you great quality food and drink without any pretentions of grandeur. The pub and restaurant live very happily under one roof with different offers for different moods – laid back or more refined. Waddle our way!

SNUG, WELCOMING PUB • THE MALTHOUSE RESTAURANT TERRACE DINING UNDER PARASOLS • QUICKY BEER GARDEN

MAIN ST, HETHE, NR BICESTER, OX27 8ES T. 01869 278099 W. THEMUDDYDUCKPUB.CO.UK F. FACEBOOK.COM/THEMUDDYDUCKPUB

8 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 restaurant already filling up for Christmas. Bell Inn, Adderbury Maintaining the folky orienta- tion of this well-deserved Good Beer Guide 2019 listing, the Christminster Singers will be singing carols here on Thursday, 20th December and the very popular local carol singing around the pubs of the village will finish here on the evening of Sunday, 23rd December. Also Boxing Day will bring out the local Morris dancers and mummers play at midday. Rock of Gibraltar, Enslow This large canalside pub now faces an uncertain future as the Gordon & Penella Wadell – settling in well at the Duck on the Pond, South Newington owners, the Wellington Pub Co., have put the freehold up for ales will also be available over Food themed nights are sale. We can only hope that with the festive season. planned and a Christmas menu its excellent roadside/canalside New signage has been will be available from early location, planners will be reluc- installed giving the pub a pleas- December. Christmas Day is tant to allow any change of use. ing mini makeover. Worth seek- almost fully booked so better be Meanwhile tenant Tony sol- ing out, or stopping off if trav- quick. diers on, keeping a variety of elling between Banbury and Live music is planned once a three or four interesting beers. Chipping Norton on the A361. month and quiz night is Weds. On offer at our visit were the You don’t half miss your local regular Doombar, along with Fox Inn, Westcott Barton pub when it’s not there! Enefeld EB, Ascot Autumn After almost five months of Black’s Head, Classic, and White Horse Show being closed, The Fox re-opened Pony RPA. at the end of September with Bletchington Duck on the Pond, Dennis & Cheryl back at the After many weeks of rumours helm on a temporary contract. floating about, we can now South Newington It means they could be gone if report that this historic pub – The interior and exterior refur- another long term tenant comes the only one left in the village – bishments have been completed, to take the pub on, but for now reopened on Friday November with the new bar fire proving to the pub is open and the beer is 23rd after a long period of clo- be very popular. good! sure. Three ales and a natural cider Three ales are on offer, includ- This is excellent news as many are on currently; old ales will ing Hooky and London Pride, people feared that it might join be making an appearance in which are permanent, and a reg- the list of pubs in our Branch November. Mindful of those ularly changing guest beer. being lined up for a change of who have to, or choose to drive, Open Tues–Thurs noon–2:30 use to residential. selflessly allowing others to & 5–11, Fri & Sun 12–12 and By all accounts the opening indulge, they have launched the closed Mon. Food is now up night was absolutely packed for Driver’s Drinks menu, it lists all and running following a kitch- the entire evening, so let’s hope the soft drink options and sug- en refurb, after the ceiling col- that it gets the required footfall. gestions of interesting cock- lapsed during the bad weather at Opening hours are uncertain tails for taste and appearance to the end of last winter. at the moment, but we hope to make it that bit easier. The menu includes sea bass, give accurate details next issue. Gordon & Penella Wadell are steak and vegetarian options White Lion, Fewcott getting into their stride now at and a full Sunday roast with all the Duck. The range of ales is the trimmings supplements the In addition to being a former selling well with three on rota- menu on Sunday. Open for food Branch Pub of the Year, Cider tion and Hooky as the regular Tues–Sat noon–2:30 & 6–9, Sun pub of the Year and ever-present local ale. Dark and Christmas 12–4. in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide, Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 3 REAL ALES Two large superior 10 REAL CIDERS en-suite Homemade rooms lunches Large flower- Mon–Sat 12-2 filled garden

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

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

10 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 the pub is also Cask Marque accredited. To receive this accreditation, the pub is subject to two inspections each year, one by appointment, and one unannounced ‘surprise’ visit by a Cask Marque inspector. Landlord Chris received such a surprise visit in October and scored 5 out of 5 (1 being fail, 5 being excellent), this includes Cellar temperature and cleanli- ness, Beer Clarity, Aroma and Taste and Temperature served at the tap. The Inspector finally added their own comments to the inspection report, “All beers were in excellent condition”. A date for your diary: The pub Woodstock Social Club welcomes visitors to its comfortable bar on the main A44 in Woodstock will once again be holding its annual Superbowl Party, staying Dec Acoustic Night, Saturday tickets sold. open from 10pm on the even- 22nd Dec Bill James, Monday At present the Tap Room ing of Sunday 3rd February into 31st Dec New Year’s Eve Disco. opening hours are Friday the early hours of Monday for Further details at http://www. 4–8pm, but for petrolheads Superbowl LIII (53). In addition woodstocksc.co.uk. there are numerous vintage and to the excellent ales on offer, On the ale front, Sharp’s classic cars to drool over whilst lots of American-themed food Doombar in good condition on quaffing an ale or two. will be available to keep you sus- a recent visit and up two rotat- Brewer Luke Roberts is pas- tained through the night. ing guest ales are occasional- sionate about both and describes ly on offer as well as the large his brews as “Beer Engineered Hundred Acres, Bicester screen showing sports events. for Petrolheads”. This modern pub on the round- Visitors are welcome to come The offerings include “Super about at the corner of Boston and have a drink or eat in the Sports” whose rather low 3.2% Road and Sunderland Drive has club (but some things like the ABV belies its full flavour now reopened under new man- snooker table are members only) whereas the award-winning agement and although no ales but you may need to pay a £1 “Full Tilt” is a delicious full bod- were available on a recent visit, visitor’s fee at the club’s discre- ied 4.2% Amber ale. we’re told that one regular and tion when you buy your first For security reasons entry to one guest ale will be available drink. the site is rather complex but from around mid-November; so Don’t be fooled by the narrow the brewery’s website at by the time you are reading this frontage on the A44, the interior wrigglymonkeybrewery.com it should be up and running as a goes back a long way to offer a contains a map with directions real ale pub once more. comfortable bar area. and instructions how to enable Woodstock Social Club, Wriggly Monkey Tap access for thirsty visitors. Woodstock Room, Bicester The Angel, Bicester This social club (visitors wel- The enigmatically-named Bicester’s only Good Beer Guide come) which is located on Wriggly Monkey Brewery entry continues to go from the main A44 in the centre of – which, I am informed is strength to strength and in Woodstock continues to thrive named after a component addition to its on-site Bicester with new managers now in that manipulates the cogs in a brewery, cosy real fire, “brush place. Frazer Nash gearbox delivering parties” for aspiring artists, they Regular music events are tak- fast, smooth changes (so now are also holding an Artisan Gift ing place during the festive you know!) – is located on the Fair on 8th December from period – a short extract of the Bicester Heritage site at the air- noon–5pm for anyone needing many events are listed here: Sat field. In September it launched ideas for Christmas presents. 8th Dec Darren Jones (C&W), its Tap Room with a ticket-only Nut Tree, Murcott Sunday 9th Dec British Legion Oktoberfest party featuring Christmas Band Concert, Friday Beer, Bratwursts and a DJ which This Michelin-star restaurant is 14th Dec Lady B, Friday 21st was a runaway success with all unsurprisingly fully booked over Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 Terms and Conditions: All prices and offers are subject to change. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

12 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 the Christmas period, but there (4.4%) hoppy golden with tropi- tinues with specials of Weds & will still be a warm welcome and cal citrus notes was enjoyed – Thurs steak nights, Mon-Sat some excellent beers at the bar. one of the best real ales that has senior citizen offers and take- They will then be closing for been served at this pub. away fish and chips early Friday a well-earned rest from the 27th On December 23rd, the pub evenings available at the bar or December to 11 January 2019. is holding a Christmas Canapes pre-booked. Banbury Old Town Ale & and Cocktails event from 7pm. Rose & Crown, Charlbury Tickets are available at the pub Cider House or you booked them by ringing Some pubs and brewery taps We’re sad to report that this 01869 345284. (like the Tap Social in Botley, cosy and friendly micropub in The Fox’s 2018 festive menu Oxford) which don’t have their the lanes of old Banbury closed is available through the season own facilities to serve food at the end of September and its from 1st December with details – rely instead on ‘street food’ future is uncertain. at www.thefoxatsouldern.co.uk vendors to sell their wares out- It’s a shame that this pub – and bookings on 01869 345284. side – and this is now taking the second micropub to open in Horse & Groom, Caulcott place at the award-winning R&C Banbury, after the Bailiff’s Tap, with pizzas being available on was only open for around a year On recent visits it was good to Thursday evenings. as it was a welcome outlet for see the beers Pitchfork, a 4.3% It has been running for a few an adventurous range of quality floral citrussy golden ale from weeks now, and it has proved to beers and ciders with the per- Pitchfork Ales; Slater’s Queen be hugely popular. Local ven- sonable ambience that only a Bee (4.2%) a honey noted golden dor Velo Pizzeria brings over micropub offers. ale and beers from Church End, its pizza oven to make its hand- We wish the outgoing owner Skinner’s and Vale breweries. stretched pizzas from 6–9pm John Bellinger all the very best The pub is all set for the fes- each Thursday (which often for the future, though I’m sure tive season with its Christmas coincides with the pub’s live that we will see him out and & New Year menus – you can music and live comedy events). about on the local scene. book by emailing them at www. Their pizzas include Classic, horseandgroomcaulcott@gmail. Bespoke, Vegetarian and Vegan Muddy Duck, Hethe com or you can ring to make – so there’s something for eve- Regular favourites of Phipps IPA advance bookings on 01869 ryone. But make sure you get (4.3%), Timothy Taylor Landlord 343257. your order in early as they often (4.3%), St. Austell Tribute (4.2%) Red Lion, sell out. and Hook Norton Hooky (3.5%) Stratton Audley Another new feature in the are complimented with guest pub is the wood-burning stove ales that include Hawkshead Regulars are Timothy Taylor’s which has been fitted in the (3.7%), Tring’s Side Pocket Landlord and Hooky Bitter, characterful old fireplace that For A Toad (3.6%) and Skinner’s along with an occasional guest was found after redecoration of Betty Stoggs (4.0%), with Hook ale, and a draught cider. the old tiny coal fire and hearth. Norton Twelve Days (5.5%) due The Christmas 2018 menu As the colder nights draw in, it over the festive period. is now available along with is noticeable that more drinkers New dishes have recently been the usual traditional pub food are taking up position at the far added to the restaurant menu. menu, a steak night menu on end of the bar. Bookings are advised for The Wednesdays and a fresh fish Siege of Orleans, Malthouse restaurant, including menu on Fridays (bookings Carterton for the Christmas and New Year can be made by calling 01869 season, on 01869 278099 and at 277225). Full details can be Four ever-changing real ales www.themuddyduckpub.co.uk found on the Red Lion’s new and one cider adorn the bar of while bar meals and snacks are crisp and clear website at www. the Siege, which will be open available in the pub. redlionstrattonaudley.com on Christmas Day from noon– Butcher’s Arms, 6pm, but closed on Boxing Day. The Fox, Souldern They are closed for New Year’s Fringford Regularly seen ales on the Eve, but are having a New Year’s pumps here are Otter Bitter, St The Butcher’s Arms 2018 party on the 29th December Austell Tribute, Hooky Bitter Christmas menu details are now with live music. and both Golden and Boltmaker out (see their website at www. A Christmas menu including a from Timothy Taylor’s. In addi- thebutchersarmsfringford.com) roast will be on offer all through tion, a guest winter ale will be with bookings being taken on December as well as live music served in the festive season. 01869 277363. and karaoke throughout the Recently, Oakham’s Musashi The daily pub food menu con- month too. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 Xxxx

14 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 CAMRA’s Best Four Pubs In The Country 2018 CAMRA has named the best four pubs in the country as part of its Pub of the Year 2018 competition, one of the most respected and well-known pub awards in the UK. Among the finalists is the Volunteer Arms (Staggs) in Musselburgh, a traditional local which features wooden floors, wood panelling and mirrors from defunct local breweries. Run by the same family since 1858, it has a regularly changing range of ales. Also in the running is the Chequers in Little Gransden, a village pub with traditional wooden benches and a roar- ing fire, that’s been run by the same family for over 60 years. It is also the home of Son of Sid Brewery and the pub offers a selection of their beers. Saved from closure and now run by a community group, the THE FOUR PUBS VYING FOR THE TITLE OF CAMRA NATIONAL PUB OF THE YEAR 2018: The Cricketers Wonston Arms in Wonston has Arms in St Helens (top left), Volunteer Arms (Staggs) in Musselburgh (top right), the Wonston Arms in Wonston (bottom left) and the Chequers in Little Gransden (bottom right). made it through to the final for the first time. This is a popu- said: “Each of the finalists are and all four finalists should be lar pub in the heart of the vil- different, with both town and proud of their achievement.” lage social scene, and it serves village pubs represented, all of Each of the four finalists will four real ales from local brewer- which are excellent examples of be presented with their super ies and is home to jazz sessions, their style of pub. This stage of regional award at local events quizzes and regular visits from the competition is very tough over the coming weeks. food providers. The final pub in the top four is Branch Cider Pub Of The Year the current CAMRA Pub of the Year, which is The Cricketers The Elephant & Castle in and perries available that even- in St Helens. This is a friendly Bloxham received the Branch ing were Mole’s Black Rat (6%), community pub that was also Cider Pub of the Year award Weston’s Perry (4.5%), Weston’s saved from closure. The pub 2018 back on the 27th June Family Reserve (5%) and boasts 13 handpumps on the when a small group of local Cotswold No Brainer (6%). bar and offers brews from newer Branch members joined locals Nominations are now being regional brewers and local to see North Oxon Cider Rep sought for our 2019 Cider Pub microbreweries. Martin Batts present the certifi- of the Year, so if you enjoy All of the pubs in the compe- cate to Simon “Smudge” Finch, drinking real cider and your tition are selected by CAMRA landlord of the Ellie. favourite pub or club serves volunteers and judged on their No stranger to this award, at least two real ciders or atmosphere, decor, welcome, having previously won back in perries all year round then service, value for money, cus- 2013 and 2011, Smudge said on email your nomination to tomer mix and most important- receiving their award: “There’s our Chairman, by the 6th of ly … quality of beer. The four nothing more refreshing and January, at the address on finalists will now have a chance quintessentially English page 3 of the magazine or to win the National Pub of the than settling down in our Cider Rep, Martin, at Year title for 2018, which will be the garden for a refresh- [email protected]. announced in February 2019. ing pint of good English org.uk and make sure National Pub of the Year cider.” your cider pub gets the Co-ordinator Andrea Briers Among the seven ciders nomination it deserves. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 A Stroll Around All Seven Chipping Norton Pubs The North Oxon Branch area is just one of a few branches in the county, which encom- passes rural villages between the population areas of Banbury and Bicester along with the market towns of Burford, Woodstock, Charlbury and Chipping Norton. Charged with the task of booking a Branch social in the latter, we decided to write an article of the town’s pubs. The last couple of decades has seen a few pubs close in and around the town of Chipping Norton, but there are still seven The King’s Arms The Crown & Cushion Hotel pubs active, and all of them serve real ale. There are decent bus connections, although most are only in the daytime. We started at the King’s Arms on the roundabout at the junc- tion of West Street and Burford Road. This is a rare outlet for Arkell’s in our Branch and it usually serves two of its brands – Wiltshire Gold (3.7%, it’s ses- sion golden ale) and Moonlight (4.5%, a fuller, pale amber beer, originally a special introduced in 2003, but now a stock ale). We did, however, see some pump clips that suggests the pub may sometimes serve ales from The Fox The Blue Boar Arkell’s nano-brewery. The pub is open-plan with tables for eating to the left on entry, with a large pool room and rear patio area to the right. This is a popular pub with those watching the Sky Sports events on multiple screens. Next was The Fox which runs uphill before the town hall. This feature pub was the long- time flagship Hook Norton pub in Chippy and it underwent a refurb a couple of years ago to make it smart, contemporary but with ancient features. The Red Lion Bitter & Twisted Four Hooky ales here (Hooky, would be the Red Lion, which 5pm (3pm Fri), so we visited Hooky Gold, Old Hooky and a is straight up the hill past The later which you might need to seasonal – Greedy Goose on our Fox (into a one-way street called do. Sat & Sun it’s open 11am & visit), along with three Hooky Cattle Market) – but on our visit noon respectively. craft kegs. There is a huge cov- there a notice about new open- This is a strange pub, which ered patio area out back. ing hours, which states that it doesn’t have a true frontage. It Normally the next logical stop doesn’t open Mon–Thur until is on the corner of Albion Street 16 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 our visit A Stroll Around All Seven Chipping Norton Pubs were Young’s Bitter, Special and Winter Warmer along with Sharp’s Doom Bar. Two Camden craft keg beers are also available. Rather than head down the road to the Chequers, we next vis- The Chequers ited the pub called Bitter layout and has a long narrow gar- & Twisted – a feature pub which The Crown & Cushion Hotel den at the back with Aunt Sally stands alongside Chippy’s market throw. square. Beers here are Hooky and a sea- Decor in here is particularly sonal (again Greedy Goose on our bright, plush and colourful with a visit); also Weston’s Old Rosie on choice of seating styles and areas, handpump. with some places where you can Interestingly, Hook Norton own watch the busy world of central the entire ‘burgage plot’ (a long, Chippy outside the windows. In narrow plot of land from olden summer there is an outside rooftop days) which runs between both patio to sit out on. The Fox and The Red Lion. The two real ales here are ever- For the next pub you need to changing, but on our visit the head off up Albion Street, past the choice was Butcombe Bitter and the Co-op car park and then walk into elusive Chadlington Brewery IPA. the signed rear access to anoth- Along with those there are craft er old burgage plot on which the keg, bottles and cans for drinkers Crown & Cushion Hotel stands. who want to sample Belgian, Czech This sprawling hotel was and other beers. The Blue Boar once famously owned by Keith Had we not had to skip the Red Moon (of The Who) and you Lion earlier in the day, our final will find the bar on your left as pub was planned as being The you approach the end of the rear Chequers, which is a short hop pedestrian access. This is a cosy, back to Goddard’s Lane to turn left old-fashioned lounge bar fre- down the hill before the Blue Boar. quented mainly by older locals/ This is a Fuller’s house which couples and we found Hooky and underwent a major refurbishment Spitfire on the bar (though I hear after taking it on in the 1990s, and that Bass is sometimes on sale). it is unusual in offering genuine The Blue Boar is the next pub guest ales, rather than products on the crawl, and it’s diagonally from just group-owned breweries. opposite to the right as you leave Fuller’s London Pride, Seafarers and the front of the Crown & Cushion ESB sit alongside Gale’s HSB plus down the hill called Goddard’s guests Castle Rock Elsie Moe and Lane. Liberation Ale from the Channel Bitter & Twisted This was bought by Young’s Islands. and Cattle Market, and the some years ago and has various The Chequers is warm and wel- door is in a recess around the drinking areas at the front (with coming and layed out with various corner. However, it is by far the steps to different levels where it areas and cubby-holes and a large most unspoilt pub in Chippy runs down the hill) and an attrac- separate eating area at the rear. with a friendly local patronage. tive, separate restaurant area to The entire pub crawl is in a sur- Despite a recent refurb it has the rear. prisingly small area with very little retained its original settle and The beers served here on walking from one pub to the next. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 Old Witney Road, Eynsham Oxfordshire OX29 4PS Telephone 01865 882878 Opening Hours: 8.00am (9.00am Sat/Sun) Last food orders: 9.30pm Sun–Thurs; 10.00pm Fri–Sat The Evenlode at Eynsham is an iconic landmark pub on the A40 which has been refurbished and remodelled to the highest standards. Great, freshly-cooked food all-day everyday from 7.30am. See website for menus. Good selection of real ales and fine wines, two extensive terraces seating up to 80 people. Also a 15-seater private dining room. Easy access off the main A40 road with ample parking,

http://evenlode.pub/ • [email protected] • https://www.facebook.com/TheEvenlodeEynsham/

18 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 Round-Up Of Brewery News Hook Norton ning application has been put The brewery’s Open Tap nights through which should happen on the second Wednesday in December. Then it will be each month from 6–9pm in just a matter of waiting for the the Malt House Kitchen con- Council to finish the refurbish- tinue to grow in popularity. It ment, which is also going well. is a monthly opportunity to try They hope it will open in any new crafty ales, traditional January, but if everything goes Hooky beers and to meet the to plan, it could even be this brewers with free entry and year. More news on this devel- free samples of your first three opment in the next edition. beers. Brakspear Hooky beers per- formed well in the World Brewer and pub operator Beer Awards 2018 with Brakspear are delighted to have the flavoursome Red Rye lifted the trophy for the Best being the UK’s best rye Sponsorship at the national Beer beer, Old Hooky won Off to pastures new? Monty the dray horse & Cider Marketing Awards, for its role in developing and sup- Best Bitter in the 4.5– have a Toad Tasting Takeover 5.5% abv category and porting the Henley Club to Pub on 20th December when the Swim, which took place in July Hooky Gold won silver in Oxford Artisan Distillery will the golden ales category. for a fifth year and attracted present an evening of free sam- more than 600 swimmers. The seven days a week brew- ples of their vodka and three ery tours continue to gain rave Awards judge and beer writ- of their gins including the new er Pete Brown said: “In the best reviews on Trip Adivisor, mak- Ashmoleum Gin, all served ing it one of the top attractions sponsorships, the sponsor gives straight or with your selection something back in return for in Oxfordshire (which is no of Fever Tree tonics. There will mean feat when it is up against gaining awareness. The judges be discounts on their products, liked the Brakspear idea of giv- the likes of Blenheim Palace and complimentary nibbles as well the attractions of Oxford). ing each swimmer a bottle of as their staff chatting through The shire horses also rounded Two Bells beer as they got out their unique distilling process off a busy year of promotion- of the water – what could be al activity with a guest appear- and all things Toad! Doors open a better end to a ance at the prestigious Horse at 7.30pm; last orders 10.30pm swim?” of the Year Show at the NEC Tickets £10; over 18s only. Jeremy Laming with the actor, Martin Clunes, December is of of Henley Swim on the dray reading ‘Ode to the course famous for added, “Swimmers Horse’ as they paraded the cen- one thing only … It’s look forward to tral arena. the time of year when their bottle of Two The brewery is look- Twelve Days is avail- Bells – named ing for a new home for their able! Make sure you after the challenge to complete horse, Monty, the six-year-old get a pint, as when the swim between the 7pm and Clydesdale gelding bay of 17.2 it’s gone, it’s gone! 8pm chimes of the bells at St hands. This smart young horse Church Hanbrewery Mary’s Church – and the medal is broken in to drive single and incorporating a bottle opener. The brewery plans to open a in a pair. He’s a very eye catch- Pirate Brewery ing, intelligent horse who is concept shop and nano pub quick to learn, ready to go on called Teardrop in the Covered Lee produced a new beer, and to fulfill his potential in the Market in Oxford. They are also ‘Eyepatch’ (3.9% abv), for the show ring under saddle. Price running a crowd funding cam- local village beer festival in is £6,000. paign, and if you are interested September. A reddish-brown After two very well support- please use the link https://www. medium-bodied session bitter; ed Octoberfest nights early crowdfunder.co.uk/teardrop. fruity blackcurrant and red wine in that month, followed by an Things are gathering pace notes leading into a light, hoppy evening of Sherry & Tapas as and they have received the for- spicy bitterness to finish. A cask well as a wine tasting evening mal approval on the alcohol of this was on the bar at the presented by S H Jones, they licence. The change of use plan- White Lion, Fewcott beforehand Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 THE CHEQUERS Goddard’s Lane, Chipping Norton Oxfordshire OX7 5NP Tel: 01608 644717 • www.chequerschippingnorton.co.uk

Darren and his friendly team welcome you to The Chequers, a lovely old Cotswold stone pub with an attractive, separate restaurant

Great selection of up to six Fuller’s/Gales real ales plus guest ales

CAMRA member discount of 5% on all real ales on display of membership card

Regular events – see details of latest events on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/chequerschippy/

Evening food specials throughout the week

Function room available to book – contact Darren for details

Dog-friendly

Open: Sun–Thurs 11–11 & Fri/Sat 11–midnight Food: Mon–Thurs noon–3pm & 5–9pm (Fri till 10pm); Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–8pm

20 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 and was quickly sunk, at which Golding and New Zealand Duke at Clifton, it has supplied it was commented that it was Wakatu hops for a top to bot- many beer festivals over the ideal for the village beer festival. tom winter warmer. Uses a slow past 12 months and in Oxford Two beers were supplied cold fermentation technique in it has been seen in the White to the Oxford CAMRA Beer the German tradition. Rabbit, the White Hart, The Festival in November, the same The three Animal specials are Castle and the Rose & Crown. as last year. These were Lee’s Animal White John is working hard (with Oxtoberfest Special (4.4%) and Lion – a 4.6% any free time he has), after full Set Sail, a 3.2% weak bitter. Collaboration time , The Oxtoberfest is a German Special, brewed on the expan- style (black beer), with the White sion plan of made with German and Lion pub in St the new brew- Munich malts, served with a Albans. They ery ‘soon to be good head, and delivering a paired pale malts complete’ and traditional malty sweet flavour, with a heaps of this will offer balancing the crisp freshness high alpha NZ hops (Dr Rudi, more drinkers associated with a German lager- Motueka and Green Bullet) to the chance to enjoy the award- style beer. deliver lemon/lime, floral and winning Golden Citrus beer bitter pine flavours with a subtle (three times winner of Oxford XT nutty note from the caramalt. CAMRA Champion Beer of The brewery has released no Motueka dry-hopping enhances Oxfordshire). less than three winter beers, the lemon/lime finish. Some Landlords have been and three new Animal specials. Next is Animal Spaniel, a waiting four years for a chance First of which is 4.6% Homebrew Competition to sell the beer, but once the Animal Ermine, Winner new brewery, at the same site, a pale Milk Stoat Collaboration is operational this will hopeful- (4.6%) Special with ly satisfy the demand and free which may look the ‘Friends up the smaller pilot brewery to pale but it has a of the Shed’ create new beers as he is look- smoky smooth homebrew ing to brewing something differ- richness usually group (an ent darker beers for the Winter. associated with American IPA Porta Moka? Who knows? darker Christmas beers. Wheat based on the is added to bulk up the beer for recipe from Little Ox plenty of mouth-feel and a satis- the competition winning beer). The brewery is creating a fying silky finish. Pleasant citrus Finally, Animal Jack Rabbit, a Christmas collaboration brew and peppery notes round off 5.5% American with Oxbrew – a silky smooth this beer, courtesy of high alpha Amber, which is 6% vanilla stout which will be American hops. heavily hopped available from December. Animal Snow Owl (in bot- with Summit, Ian is really pleased to have tle only) is a Columbus, won beer of the festival at the 4.6% Winter Cascade, Citra Oxford Beer Festival with Yabba Ale which and Chinook Dabba Doo and is now very is stuffed hops. busy brewing some more in with Simcoe, XT’s Craft time for Christmas and beyond. Rakau and Lager Eisbar He hopes to have it avail- Wakatu hops. Fig, passion fruit, will be at Brau- able in bottle for the first time citrus and fresh pine flavours Beviale in Nuremberg, one of too. His brewery shop is open dance on your pallet with a the worlds’ biggest beer and up until Christmas Eve for bot- crisp pale malt. A little winter brewing exhibitions. It was tles, mini- warmth and spice creeps into selected as it is brewed with all kegs and the background as you drink to English malts and hops but fol- polypins for keep you toasty during the icy lows a very traditional German the party season. lagering technique. season. Last of the Turpin Brewery Like most other Winter beers is local breweries, XT25 – a 4.7% Turpin goes from strength to Little Ox has gift Christmas Ale. A strength. Apart from supplying packs of bottles festive rosey red its regular pubs White Horse for sale as Xmas ale, with English Banbury, Red Lion Horley and presents Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 Christmas Gift Ideas For Beer Lovers Some ideas for the Christmas many other beer-related gifts to OxBrew sell their own beers gift for the beer or cider lover in choose from. along with a range of other local your household (or just to buy Start someone off with a new bottled beers for yourself!) hobby. The CAMRA Essential at its OxBrew Buy a pub voucher! What Homebrewing publication is micropub better way to start the New Year available online for £11.99 plus in Langdale than having a ‘free’ trip to the p&p (£9.99 Camra members). Court, Witney pub! Many North Oxfordshire Featuring 30 recipes for the bud- which is pubs do these (often for food) – ding brewer to try at home. licensed as an nip into your local and ask! off-licensed Raise a glass! All our local (or you can Book your loved one a brew- breweries sell bottles online or email them on brewery@ ery tour – the historic Hook at their shop or retailers. oxbrew.co.uk to see if you can Norton brewery offers regu- Little Ox buy at their brewery on Enstone lar tours (and you can also buy brewery has airfield). vouchers for these), as does the a stylish glass Wychwood brewery just to the on sale online CAMRA gift membership south of our Branch in the cen- for £5 if you (see inside back page or www. tre of Witney. want to have camra.org.uk). Gift member- ship can come with a copy of Buy a book. your bottle of Oddbod or the Good Beer Guide or per- The 46th edi- haps some of the other CAMRA tion of the Goldilox in style. Ales also on sale of course merchandise that help promote CAMRA pubs, breweries and real ales Good Beer (12 bottle mixed case £25.00). See http://littleoxbrewery.co.uk/ (and ciders) across the country. Guide 2019 With discount vouchers for ales is out now shop/. Church at Wetherspoons and a num- £11.00 www. ber of pubs in our area offering camra.org. Hanbrewery sell bottled discounts* for CAMRA mem- uk plus p+p. bers (including the Pear Tree Recommend- beer direct from their in Hook Norton, the Easington ations from Camra members in Banbury or the Chequers in of 4,500 pubs to get a decent brewery in New Yatt. See Chipping Norton this may be pint in and details of all the UK a very welcome and possibly breweries for someone to seek their website https://www.churchhanbrewery. money saving gift! out in the New Year. See https:// * Check with pubs for latest offers gbgshop.camra.org.uk/ com/shop-1. Grab a case of Christmas/ Pub Lobby Group’s Anger Over Winter Ale to warm some- one by the fire – 12 bottles Low Alcohol Beer Definition of Hooky’s 12 Days (£20 for 12 bottles at the time of writ- The British Beer & Pub Associ- for ‘lighter’ beer has led to ing!). www.hooky.co.uk. The ation is ‘bitterly disappointed’ growth of such beers to occu- brewery’s online shop also has that the Department of Health py 25% of the market there. has ignored its calls to change Sadly then, this decision by the the current definition of UK Government represents a alcohol-free beer from 0.05% missed opportunity to provide a abv to 0.5%. This would have similar incentive here and gives brought the UK in line with the no encouragement to those rest of Europe and other global seeking to moderate their alco- markets and it now means that hol consumption. 0.5% abv beer made in Europe “There is plenty of evidence can be sold as ‘alcohol free’, yet to show that moderate drinking beers brewed in Britain must brings health benefits, and beer, label their beers differently. which is typically a low strength The BBPA says: “A decision form of alcohol, is a great way to by the Australian Government enjoy a well-earned drink whilst to introduce tax reductions supporting your local pub.”

22 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 Beer on Tap in Portugal BoT in South One beer that caught their Korea attention was called Matine session IPA 4.5%. However they were happy to get back to Banbury and the local real ale scene. If you’re off for some winter sun then don’t for- get to take a copy of Beer on A photo of Lynne and Stu on Tap and get a photo wherev- a recent visit to the beach in er you are and email it to the Tavira, Portugal seen with a Editor, address is at the front copy of BoT. of the magazine. If you can tell They also visited a real ale us something of the local beer micro pub/bar/bottle shop, scene where you were and any Pavel the Panda caught at the which we are hoping Stu can anecdotes of the area or trip at Bulguksa temple, Gyeongju do an article on at some point. even better. (South Korea) with a copy of his favourite CAMRA branch mag- azine. Care of CAMRA West Craft Beer Bar In Benidorm London member (but often seen in the Branch) Nick Rutter. Mark Herring, a Rose & Crown other world classics along with Plenty of local Korean ales drinker from Charlbury, found a rare selection of Spanish craft were sampled, but Pavel’s a top quality beer bar in the beers from all over the country. favourite was definitely the 6.8% unlikely location of Benidorm Mark reports that the excel- Moon Bear IPA … called Cervecería L’Abadìa at lent Rosita Bomba (at 17% abv!) Avenida de Europa 5. from a brewery in Tarragona It stocks a huge choice of was a real treat. The ice and Malta Alehouse 100+ Belgian, German and fruit in the glass is apparently an option, but it’s definitely a beer made for sipping. With that and a Miss Hops High IPA from the Barcelona Beer Co., he was glad to find some- thing other than the usual bland Eurofizz for a wel- come change.

Best bar for beer choice in Malta is Wild Honey (above) at 127 St. Lucia’s Street, Valletta. Just round the corner is anoth- er top bar called 67 Kapitali at 67 Old Bakery Street which has seven Maltese draught craft ales along with a good selection of Italian & Danish ale in bottle. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 Slaking Those Second City Thirsts There is general consent that why the pub and the wider the choice of beer the building oppo- and bars the better, and such a site stand alone like place is our splendid second city, sentinels in a mod- Birmingham, knocking on the ern-day abortion door of North Oxfordshire, and a of town planning. doddle to get to. Where once was an Brum might not immediately elegant Victorian come to mind, but, if you look townscape are now beyond the architectural joke of ill-conceived foun- the Bullring, there is consider- tains and feature- able merit in the city’s Victorian less parkland. The buildings. An example, and a C19th idea of a Above: The Victoria. Below: The Craven Arms good place to begin a pub tour water feature was around the city – starting at the something like farthest point from the station the Anchor, our and working back – is the Grade next watering hole II-listed Woodman at the end of some 15 minutes’ New Canal Street, which is on walk distant. On CAMRA’s National Inventory the way, we pass of Historic Pub Interiors. And another Victorian the interior is, indeed, a gem; it outpost, the Eagle contains a public bar and smoke & Tun, though, on room, tiled in Minton tiles. The this occasion, we bar, its back and heating pipe continue on, as footrests, are original, and the greater joys await. etched glasswork is a delight. The Anchor, century chic. The beer doesn’t There are few finer places for the again a Victorian red brick disappoint with eight real ales, ale and architecture connoisseur delight, stands on the corner of mostly from micros, with beers to enjoy an impressive range of Bradford Street and Rea Street. we tried in excellent condition. eight cask beers. There are two bars, separated Across the road and up the It’s listed status is probably by a wood panelled screen, serv- hill is the Craven Arms; with its ing five cask beers lovely glazed tile elevations it from local micros, has undergone a few changes in including Church recent years, currently owned by End and Wye Black Country Traditional Inns Valley. The arched who have tastefully refurbished leaded windows the Victorian interior and sup- are best appreci- plied many of the 11 beers from ated from the out- its own brewery. It’s a bit of a side Unlike the step up the hill from the main Woodman, it keeps road, but it’s well worth the company with other climb, and holds its head up well C19th buildings. among the plethora of top class The Victoria, in boozers in the area. Above: The Woodman. Below: The Anchor John Bright Street, The GBG-listed Post Office is one of my favour- Vaults is a must-see for any trip ite Brummie pubs, to Brum, and you won’t be sur- with an exterior and prised to find it’s underground, interior in keep- and consequently is easy to ing with the nearby walk by, but, your diligence will Alexandra Theatre reward you with a wet-led pub as the outside looks of character selling up to eight like a stage set, a cask beers, 10 ciders and perries confection of ren- and a international range of over dered brick and 200 bottled beers. No food, but wrought iron, while you can bring your own. the interior is 19th A short walk past New Street 24 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 pub in Brum, the atmospheric. And from the Grade II listed Old Old Contemptibles, it’s only Joint Stock, owned a short stagger to Snow Hill by Fuller’s. Station, which is considerably This was formerly easier to navigate after a skinful a bank, and its her- than New Street, which is not itage is all around designed for the inebriated. you, from the mag- So that’s my selection of nificent cupola to Brummie pubs – there are plen- the busts which ty more to choose from of equal adorn the top of the quality and merit, but these rep- walls. Its grandeur resent a good cross-section, and rivals the best of the the tour avoids the city cen- Above: The Post Office Vaults. Below: The Wellington London gin palac- tre booze factories. Most of es, and it truly is a the pubs in this review aren’t delight to drink in. grub pubs, and it’s a refreshing There are seven real change to enjoy a decent pint ales of the stand- without the miasma of steak and ard one expects onions. Birmingham might not from Fuller’s, with be unsurpassed for ale, archi- the bonus that, as it tecture and environment, and supports the Locale there is the hideous Bullring to scheme, there are contend with, but I can think of two or three guest few other places that are as easy beers. There’s also to get to and offer such a range live entertainment, of well-kept beers, and pubs in though fortunately which to savour them. It’s right station and up Bennetts Hill not when I visited. Live music on your doorstep, so get out brings you to another Black is great, but sometimes you just your railcard and get stuck in – Country Ales pub, offering want to talk and tipple. you won’t be disappointed! the finest selection of beers in It’s hard to follow the opu- Brian Jacobs Birmingham. The Wellington lence of the Old Joint Stock, but (Isle of Wight Branch) has 16 beers and three ciders, there is one more pub displayed on TV screens, and worth visiting near- it’s almost like a permanent beer by (actually, there are festival. It also has the advan- several, but I had to tage of being but a short stag- admit defeat by this ger (and a downhill one at that) time), and that’s the to New Street Station, a singular Nicholson-owned advantage by this stage in your Old Contemptibles, pub crawl, though navigating round the corner in the Station is a formidable task; Edmund Street. It not impossible, as I can person- sports a long pan- ally verify, after a such a session. elled bar with a Above all, it’s a good tradition- delightful snug at al boozer, no food, no chintz, the back. While not Above: The Old Joint Stock. Below: The Old Contempibles just a bit of sports TV to put up as impressive as the with – and we did spot a celeb- Joint Stock, it has rity here, virtuoso cellist Julian a much more com- Lloyd-Webber, who was unim- fortable and inti- pressed when I said I had an LP mate feel, with an of his (well, he’s not so young ever-changing range as he looks). It’s GBG listed, so of seven beers from you know the beers are going to micros and nation- be good. And if you want some- als, as well as two thing more substantial to eat ciders. Although than peanuts and crisps, exit the Nicholsons is a Wellington, go down the adjoin- chain, their pubs are ing side passage, and you arrive always well turned- at possibly the most magnificent out, traditional and Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 Good Beer Guide: The Indispensible Guide When On Holiday The Good Beer Guide (GBG) The Man in the Moon – comes out in the middle of Newport’s Wetherspoons September, though as a member outlet of the priority club it normally drops through the letter box late checked by peo- in August. ple who appreciate This year it was late; and with good beer. a break to Newport on the Isle It is primar- of Wight planned it meant tak- ily a guide to good ing the “old” guide from 2018. beer, though cider The GBG is normally the first does get a men- thing I pack when going on a tion. Newport had trip, or holiday in the UK. So three pubs listed when the new edition dropped including a micro through the letterbox the day pub (Newport before we left it became one of Ale House), a the last things I packed. Wetherspoons (The The GBG is an invaluable Man in the Moon) guide to where to find good beer and a pub in a local in the UK and often gives advice chain (Bargeman’s Rest), which iting at least one of the GBG on food and accommodation. specialised in local ales. So first pubs on my evening wanderings. It is compiled using informa- chance I had I nipped out to In the three pubs described I tion gathered by local CAMRA find the three pubs. never had a bad pint, or meal, branches so the pubs have been The Wetherspoons was at the and it also gives descriptions of end of the road on which our local brewers and their wares. hotel was, so was dead easy to So you know what to look out find, and it was a typical ’Spoons for and you have a good idea with excellent ale. what each beer is on the bar. The micropub was not much An invaluable guide and the further on, but was hidden away bonus of the privilege club is down a side street, but again the that it is usually delivered a few GBG led the way. weeks before the book goes on The Bargeman’s was a bit of general sale and is available at a a walk out of town, but was significant discount. worth the effort. All three pubs The cover price if bought in sold excellent ale and were very your local book store is £15.99, much as described in the GBG, and if bought via the priority but there are other pubs to be club it costs a princely £10.00. discovered and a bit more walk- As good a reason for CAMRA ing took me to other good beer members to join the club! pubs, but I always ended up vis- Steve Lympany

Finding quality real ale pubs in a strange town – espe- cially new ones – is much easier when you’re armed with CAMRA’s annual Good Beer Guide

26 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 Signs Of The Times In our less than regular column Cumbria. If you spot some- on amusing pub signs the one thing outside (or inside) a pub below was spotted outside the then take a photo and email it Oddfellows Arms Caldbeck in to the Editor with some words about where it was seen and anything else of interest.

Above: Another one – this one was spotted Above: Spotted outside a pub in Cambridge outside a pub in Oxford Set by Beer on Tap Crossword ‘Hookyman’ 16 Spot on! (5,3) 19 In play wager (4,3) Across 20 Card game (7) 11 In cobalt I find a dish (5) 21 Sad Sal provides cold dish (6) 1 Crafty hobgoblin maker (8,7) 12 Type of organisation in which 24 Sounds like you can drink this 8 Rover is part of casino madness it sounds like colleagues are coffin stand (4) (5) groovy! (11) 25 Type of licence (3) 9 Moveable skin on face (6) 14 Great beer in hot terrain (5) Solution on page 30 Winter drink? (6) 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 An eructation (4) 13 Lawyer (8) 15 Sound of Adderbury pub (4) 17 Time gives up this piece (4) 8 9 18 I joined pub clan to find landlord (8) 22 To char (4) 23 Scientist associated with 10 11 12 conditioning in dogs (6) 26 Set in a confused infusion (6) 27 German supplier of kitchen equipment (5) 13 14 15 28 Tangled fallen computers shed light (11,4) 16 Down 17 18 19 20 1 Sinless wage allows a drink in these (4,7) 21 2 Stomp and Co break down organic matter (7) 22 23 3 Bereaved woman gets royal companion and becomes man 24 (7) 4 Disability won’t stop you playing 25 26 27 with this bandit (3,5) 5 There must be one at 1 across (6) 6 Girl backed out of diner (4) 28 7 Churchyard tree (3)

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 CAMRA Shop Books & merchandise

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

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Visit us at: camra.org.uk/shop 28 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018

Beer magazine AD winter.indd 1 10/09/2018 22:40 Round-Up Of Local Beer Festivals Candleford Beer & Cider from Harry’s Cider in Somer-set halves or pints) and if it’s not Festival, Fringford was Champion Cider/Perry of to your taste pass it to a friend the festival. Other popular ones or swap it! Ales were clear- Another sunny and scorching were a 4% Rhubarb cider from ly marked (vegan/unfined, by hot day saw a packed festival Snailsbank in Herefordshire type, strength, etc). There was for the 11th Candleford Beer and Yellowhammer Carnival plenty of space too, but seat- & Cider Festival at Fringford Village Cricket Ground. 6% medium cider from local ing is always at a premium on a Thirsty customers were well Cotswold Cider Co. Thurs/Fri. refreshed from enjoying the A major highlight of this year’s We highly recommend this wide selection of beers, ciders festival was the Hook Norton event to be your first entry in and perry sourced from around brewery dray driving into the your newly opened calendars – the country. Although the high village and festival ground. A 24th–26th October 2019. temperatures made set-up and large crowd cheered the dray https://oxford.camra.org.uk/ managing the beers a challeng- in and were entertained by the whats-on/beer-cider-festival- ing task, all beers were success- shire horses and their grooms. 2018/ for further details. fully prepared and available. The adjacent Butcher’s Arms The Festival’s 2018 Champion pub was packed, while the crick- Beer, selected by the judges, et club’s BBQ and a fish & chip Editor and was Cortado, a 4.9% flat white van satisfied food requirements. Clustermasters pale from Thornbridge Brewery Entertainment throughout the in Bakewell, Derbyshire. Silver day included local dance groups needed went to Why Kick A Moo Cow?, and musicians, including The a 5.5% New Zealand Brightside, Alice Victoria, BBCF With only six months until the from Arbor Ales in Bristol – the stalwart Pete Watkins and The last edition under the current first beer to sell-out. A rich 4.2% Krazy Kat Ladies. Date for next Editor, still no-one has come oatmeal stout, The Panther from year is Saturday 15 June 2019. forward to take over the role, Littleover Brewery in Derby- Andrew Davison which means that from June shire, took the Bronze award. Oxford Beer Festival there will be no more magazine Other highly rated beers were for North Oxfordshire CAMRA. Jasmine Tea Party, a 4.5% jas- The 21st Oxford Beer Festival So for the chance to take over mine tea-infused English bitter took place early November at the best job in CAMRA please from Shiny Brewery; Loddon’s the city’s atmospheric town hall. contact the Editor for a cosy 4.1% Summer Snowflake, a Around 90 ales were available chat over a beer. It takes four lightly fruity pale; Full Tilt (4.2%) on the first two evenings and or five evenings an edition a traditional bitter from Wriggly a further 40 racked up for the and involves co-ordinating the Monkey Brewery at Bicester Saturday. In addition 50 (yes 50!) Clustermasters giving them the Heritage Centre; while Hook ciders and perries were available copy dates and the days which Norton Brewery’s Haymaker in the back bar area. the magazine comes. No experi- (5%) and their Crafty Ales Four All the ales were on good ence is necessary, just a sense of Point Blanc (4%) hoppy pale form, although a number of humour and the ability to work were in fine form and sold out. the more adventurous ones to a deadline. The selection of ciders and were not to the taste of col- We are also still missing perries proved very popu- leagues attending. That though Clustermasters to deliver Beer lar, especially fruit ciders, and is the beauty – have a third of on Tap to Chipping Norton and extra supplies were brought in. the Church Hanbrewery ‘Kiwi’ the area around Fewcott, cover- Scrummage, a 6.2% medium (drinks were available as thirds, ing Heyford, Souldern, Bucknell and all pubs in between. This is BEER FESTIVAL DIARY Watson Hall Barton Street. North Oxon CAMRA are planning a an enjoyable job delivering the DECEMBER social to this festival on 1 & 2 Feb magazines as soon after print- 7–8: Abingdon Abbey Buildings FEBRUARY ing as possible and then top- Beer Festival. Checker Walk. 30 19–23: CAMRA’s Great British Beer ping up as required. Collecting ales open from 18:00 till 23:00 Festival Winter Friary Halls St JANUARY news for Beer on Tap and meet- Andrews Plain Norwich ing landlords and drinking beer! 25–27: Rose & Crown Winter ale MAY For more information on any of festival. 20+ real ales, plus ciders 4–12: Oxford Beer Week. See & perry website at https://www.facebook. the positions above please con- 31–2: Tewkesbury Beer Festival. com/oxbeerweek/ for more details tact the Editor, details are at the 80 ales plus cider & perry. Held at nearer the date front of the magazine. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 Brewing Beer With A Social Conscience A new wave of ‘socially-con- pes for specific audiences. Some The 2019 Guide also reports scious’ brewing has hit Britain, examples include: that many of the country’s pubs according to the Good Beer • The Tap Social Movement in are following suit by offering a Guide 2019 Oxford, which provides effec- choice of glass size so visitors CAMRA’s annual Guide tive rehabilitation for people can try the huge range of real reports a resurgence of inde- serving prison sentences ales available and many have pendent breweries, with many • Ignition in Sydenham, South diversified to become micro- putting social responsibility at London, which employs and pubs, tap rooms, gastropubs the core of their business. trains people with learning and community-run pubs. Since its first publication in difficulties to brew beer Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s Chief 1973, the Guide has annual- • Keswick Brewery in the Lake Communications Officer says: ly examined the changes fac- District, which uses sheep “Brewing has become much ing Britain’s beer and pub scene, wool to insulate the brewing more collaborative and socially which has seen the number of vessels and reduce its environ- minded for many brewers, with UK breweries rise to 2,500 — mental impact a new emphasis on giving back 1,750 of which produce real ale. • Stratford-upon-Avon Brewery to local communities and creat- It reports that many new utilises a solar farm, wind tur- ing beers suitable to all tastes. breweries are placing a greater bines and bore holes for their Many have dedicated tap bars, emphasis on giving back to the brewing, and giving all spent offering a direct route to market local community by supporting hops and malts to their pigs for many consumers.” charities or providing training and employment opportunities. Best Beer Award for Good Chemistry Smaller brewers are also becoming increasingly envi- In September there was a trip to Bristol for some North Oxon ronmentally aware; introducing drinkers to award the Finstock Beer of the Festival award to Good new processes to reduce their Chemistry Brewery. Pictured is Rob Ireland (left, Finstock Beer carbon footprint, and respond- Festival organiser) presenting the certificate to Kelly and Bob ing to consumer calls for more (with spectacles) the brewers at Good Chemistry whose Kokomo information on ingredients and Weekday was voted as best beer by festival-goers. Surprisingly, niche products. This has result- this was the first such award the brewery had received to date. ed in more gluten-free, vegan- Afterwards we went off on a small tour to visit the brewery taps at friendly and low-alcohol beer Moor and Left Handed Giant for some more sampling. options than ever before, as many work to fill previous gaps in the market by creating reci-

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The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2018 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Ltd. North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA. Edited by Stephen Lympany • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Henry Ling, Dorchester, Dorset 30 Beer on Tap – Winter 2018 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31