Issue 59 – Winter 2014 FREE – Please take one

Magazine of North Branch of CAMRA

Landmark Victory On Beer Tie

An alliance of various groups, introduce a market rent only How much more do tied pubs pay? including CAMRA, the Small option for licensees tied to the Wholesale Pub Co Diff. Business Federation and Trade big pub companies. Achieving Product Price Price % Unions, are celebrating the first this will help spell the end of Fosters Keg defeat of a whipped vote by the pubco licensees being forced out (11 Gallons) £84.99 £150.22 77% Coalition Government, after of business through high rents Guinness MPs voted for an amendment to and tied product prices. The (11 Gallons) £108.99 £162.46 49% the Small Business, Enterprise family brewers (who generally Courage Best and Employment Bill. This treat their licensees fairly) will Cask (9 Gallons) £69.99 £104.21 49% amendment – marshalled by not be affected.” Source: CAMRA, 2013 the Liberal Democrat MP Greg A recent survey by CAMRA Mulholland with the support found that 80% of publicans tied market prices (for a comparison of Labour – allows pub tenants to large pubcos earned less than showing typical open market (including pubco tenants) to buy £15,000 and that 57% of publi- costs and the costs charged to beer from any supplier they wish. cans earned less than the mini- the tenant by the pubco, see the 17 Conservatives voted against mum wage of £10,000 per year. table above). The amendment the government with one rebel Nearly half of pubs in the UK now gives the landlord the option Tory MP stating: “I can’t support are on the tied structure, which to pay a higher rent in return for crony capitalism. We are meant means the tenant landlord pays a being able to buy their beers on to be a party of free markets and lower property rent to their pub the open market. enterprise.” company landlord, and receives The British Beer and Pub Bob Stukins, CAMRA Vice financial benefits, such as free Association and the major pub Chairman said: “This landmark satellite television or subsidised companies criticised the vote. victory saw the Government buildings insurance. In return, “It would hugely damage invest- defeated by 284 votes to 259 as they commit to only buy beer ment, jobs and result in 1,400 MPs from all parties voted to from their owner, often at above more pubs closing, with 7,000 job losses – as the government’s Bespoke Brewery Visit By BBF Helpers own research shows,” said Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive. Similar reports of impend- ing doom have also been heard from the major pubcos, such as Enterprise (who own over 5,000 pubs) and Punch (who own around 4,000). The shares of all major pubcos were hit hard in the days after the vote was taken. However, critics of the amend- ment have little to complain about – after all, if the original beer tie model is as good as they state, then surely pubco ten- ants will carry on with the old Beer Festival Helpers have a day out at Mitcheldean—see inside on page 16 Continued on page 3 Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://www.northoxoncamra.org.uk

21 Market Square, Lower Heyford, Oxon OX25 5NY 01869 347176

• Varied guest ales from all over the UK • Five minutes walk from canal • Large beer garden Open: • Families and dogs welcome Mon–Thurs 12–3pm & 5pm–11pm; • Lunch and full menu available Friday & Sat 12–11pm; Sun 12–10.30pm • Food served Mon–Sun 12–3pm & 6–10pm

Church St, Stratton The Red Lion Audley, , PUB & RESTAURANT OX27 9AG , Oxfordshire Tel: 01869 www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk 277225 A warm and inviting thatched country pub and restaurant. The open log fires and traditional pub fayre create a homely atmosphere for casual or formal dining in the main dining area or in one of two private rooms seating up to 16 or 45 (more if buffet style). We have an enclosed traditional courtyard garden with facilities for barbeques in the summer and dining outdoors which can be booked for private functions with the use of a marquee. Most of our food is locally produced and everything on our menu is cooked freshly to order so we are able to accommodate any special requests for variations. Our Specials board is updated on a daily basis. Our range of drinks includes traditional cask ales – Ruddles, Deuchars and Spitfire – along with other beers and a wide range of wines (see our wine list online for more details). The Red Lion has regular Live Entertainment events – check the special events section of our website for further details. Opening times: 12 noon until late every day. Food times: Noon–2.30pm and 6.00pm–9pm Mon–Sat, Noon–4pm Sunday. Proprietor: Frank O’Neill

2 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 The End Of The Restrictive Beer Tie Continued from page 1 in place such an petition of nearly 40,000 signa- arrangement. The good thing unfair restrictive tures handed to the Business about the way the amendment practice. The new Department. In total 212 MPs was put forward is that it gives amendment will at supported our campaign. the landlord the choice, rather last give pubco ten- CAMRA will now concentrate than banning the tie outright. ant landlords access to the same on the “Pubs Matter” campaign The amount of take-up by land- free market that untied land- to stop pubs being demolished lords for a tie-free arrangement lords have always enjoyed. or converted to supermarkets will ultimately show just how It’s been a long road, and the at a whim. To get involved, see fair the old system really is. victory was only possible due http://pubsmatter.org.uk/. Also a new ‘Pubs Adjudicator’ to the tenacity of campaigners Keith Rigley will ensure publicans are not such as Greg Mulholland, Chair subject to inflated rents, etc. of the All Party Parliamentary Branch Diary Beer ties are looked on around Save the Pub Group, other lobby All meetings start 8pm, other events the world as an anachronism groups and those individuals start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn that has no place in the modern who lobbied their MPs. Baldwin (07790) 118341. commercial world – so it is odd CAMRA members and DECEMBER that successive governments branches distributed half a Sat 6th: Christmas Social, The (who spout about the need for million beer mats and posters Plough, Bicester 12pm free markets and the power promoting the campaign in pubs JANUARY of the free market economy) and sent 8,000 letters to MPs on Tue 13th: Beer Festival Planning have bowed to the powerful this issue in the last year alone! Meeting, White Horse, Banbury pubco lobby for so long to keep The most recent activity saw a 8.15pm Mon 19th: GBG Selection Meeting, Trigger Pond, Banbury Beer & Cider Festival Bucknell 8pm Mon 26th: Committee Meeting, northoxoncamra.org.uk. Carpenters Arms, Middle 2015 Finally, a request for help from Barton (tbc) FEBRUARY The good news is that there will local CAMRA members. We aim be a festival in 2015 and planning to increase the number of barrel Sat 21st: POTY minibus trip, is well under way. The date and sponsors and have a great value details tbc package to offer companies and Mon 23rd: Branch Meeting, Rose venue is: & Crown, Charlbury 8pm May 7th, 8th and 9th at establishments who get involved. MARCH the TA Centre, Oxford Road, If you’d like to sponsor a cask, know someone who might, please Sat 7th: POTY Count and Social Banbury, OX16 9AN 12pm venue tbc Once again the festival has a contact the organiser, Tim, at [email protected]. for See Diary page online for latest info theme which for 2015 will be at www.northoxoncamra.org.uk/ Wales. A good proportion of the details beers will come from the princi- pality, any suggestions for your CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List favourite beers or breweries in that area can be sent to bbf@ Email addresses are followed by northoxoncamra.org.uk northoxoncamra.org.uk CHAIRMAN Geraint Jones TREASURER Nick Faulkner chairman@ treasurer@ It will coincide with the VICE-CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY general election, so there is no Paul Forrest vicec@ Paul Forrest membership@ better way of getting away from BRANCH SECRETARY PUBS OFFICER politics than volunteering for Lynne Baldwin Brian Wray pubs@ the festival. Tel: 07790 118341 secretary@ BEER FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR All CAMRA members are BEER ON TAP EDITOR Tim Wilkins more than welcome to help Steve Lympany bot@ SOCIAL SECRETARIES between Tues 5th (set up) and Tel: 07811 667507 Helen Jones & Simon Whitehead Sun 10th (take down) – don’t BEER ON TAP ADVERTISING socials@ forget you will be paid in beer EDITOR Oliver Sladen WEBMASTERS Martin Batts and or cider. If you live outside the botads@ Geraint Jones webmaster@ BRANCH CONTACT North Oxon area we’ll happily Trading Standards: Oxfordshire County send details of how much beer Martin Batts contact@ Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Hinksey Road, you’ll get, just email secretary@ Tel: 07854 116408 Oxford OX2 0BY Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 The Duck on the Pond A charming Traditional freehouse Open seven days a week All day Saturday and Sunday Serving a variety of hand pulled ales and fine wines We offer an extensive menu of traditional English and cosmopolitan cuisine from our a la carte menu and daily specials board Roasts also available Sundays • Vegetarian menu These can be enjoyed in our restaurant, bar area or alfresco on our delightful patio overlooking the pond Bookings taken • Parties catered for Families welcome • Large beer garden and car park Tel: 01295 721166 Main Street, , Nr Banbury, OX15 4JE Only 10 mins from Banbury / Chipping Norton. Situated on the A361 www.duckonthepond.com

Lower Heyford Road Caulcott OX25 4ND Tel/fax: 01869 343257 This charming, thatched 16th century freehouse, in a peaceful, rural setting, offers four real ales (over 200 different ales annually) with White Horse Bitter ever present. An interesting and wide ranging menu is available lunchtime and evenings (not Sunday evenings and Mondays), served in the restaurant, bar or garden. Choose from the daily specials board or the speciality sausage menu offering 12 varieties of O’Hagan’s sausages. Small parties catered for; booking recommended No children under 10 years old Voted Pub of the Year 2010 by North Oxfordshire CAMRA www.horseandgroomcaulcott.co.uk Opening times: Mon-Sat: 12–3, 6–11; Sun: 12–3, 7–10.30 Jerome Prigent

4 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 Branch News New mine hosts at the Bell Inn, a guest. This will probably be Charlbury, Colm & Tracy Reilly Hooky’s 12 Days over the festive season, but has been Thirsty sional live music and Katie a charity beer with a close great use is being made resemblance to Hooky Gold. of the Cornbury Suite The pub is now open 12–late (the separate function except Sun when it closes at 5. room at the rear) with Food is served till 9.30 (till 4 on such things as pilates Sun) and is best described as classes. a take on modern British but Food is available every more ‘gastro’ than pub-grub, day (12–3 & 6–9) along with starters priced from £7–12, with Sunday lunches – mains £10–15, desserts £5–7 and there will shortly be (for menu see www. two more handpumps coachandhorsesbanbury.com). on the bar to introduce a The latest menu ranges from larger range of ales. sausage and mash to sea bass For more info see their with mussels. Sundays see vari- site at bellinn-charlbury.co.uk Bell Inn, Charlbury ous roasts, e.g. rare roast beef, A big Branch welcome to Colm Coach & Horses, Banbury half a chicken, belly pork and a & Tracy Reilly who recently took The Coach & Horses was taken veggie offering. Weekday lunch- over at this lovely old Cotswold over by Iain Povey (chef) and his es can be pre-ordered by phone stone inn in the centre of town. partner Gemma Dudman (front- or via the website to make the Though new to the pub trade, of-house) in September having most of your lunch hour. they have years of experience previously worked in Sussex. Ian The pub has a separate din- in the customer-facing retail and Gemma have many years in ing area seating up to 30, which trade and have long harboured the pub trade, with Iain being a can be closed off for private a desire to run their own pub – chef for at least 15 of them. functions. It has a secluded beer which Sheldon Inns have now They met while working at the garden to the rear and a small given them the chance to do. same pub and after a while they patio area at the front. Dogs are Rather than call The Bell a decided to get a pub of their allowed in the main bar area and ‘hotel’, as in previous years, they own. Being a Hooky pub, they out the back. have changed it to The Bell Inn stock Hooky Bitter and Lion The Plough, with a third pump available for to make it more inclusive to the It was something of a baptism local community – and of fire for Jan & Chris who took they hope it can be a place the reins at this Wadworth’s where local people will owned village local at the end of drink, eat and socialise June, just two weeks before the rather than being con- village music festival, Bodfest, sidered more of a tourist with a stage in their garden! amenity. Experienced hands, running Plans are afoot to pro- pubs for Sheldon Inns, a pub mote The Bell as a local management company, they facility over the festive survived the experience and season with a programme are hoping to see a few more of events to make locals by providing some stability to feel at home. There is now a pub which has seen more also a weekly quiz, occa- than its fair share of temporary Gemma and Iain – new faces landlords over the last couple of behind the bar at the Coach & years. They have four Horses, Banbury handpumps adorning the bar Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 6 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 serving Wadworth’s, Henry’s The friendly IPA, 6X and Swordfish plus the team at The seasonal ale. They have now Mill, Banbury – on a very recruited a new chef and are busy Banbury doing meals lunchtime and Canal Day evening except on Mondays, earlier this and Sunday evenings. Open year. daily 12–late, with occasional live music acts and karaoke every Saturday evening. The Plough, Little Bourton Sam has recently replaced Ale Greedy Goose, which will Training Course’. Judging by Woodforde’s Wherry which was be the guest ale for December. recent visits to the Brasenose an unusual and popular choice Hare & Hounds, they have quickly assimilated of beer for this area with two both the science & art of serving other less frequently seen beers, a good quality pint. namely Butcombe Bitter (4% Shelley Newman (who featured The Wheatsheaf, in the last edition of Beer on abv) & Otter Bitter (3.6%). Banbury A very successful fund raising Tap) has, after nine years’ loyal weekend was held in September. service as barmaid, pulled her Nick Townsend took over this There was a fish & chip supper last pint there for a while. The Banbury pub on 1st August, and on the Friday evening with live landlady, Carol Wixey, praised his first job was to completely music and a Scarecrow Festival Shelley’s service, celebrated in refurbish all of the upstairs followed by a well attended the Banbury Guardian, by say- rooms, toilets and flooring. Harvest Supper on the Saturday. ing how sorry she was to lose Nick plans to make this a Together with the raffles they her services. This was echoed by family and dog friendly pub, raised over £850 in aid of Motor the pub’s lunchtime regulars as although he is not offering food Neurone Disease. Shelley’s cheeriness and riposte at the moment, but this will will be greatly missed. hopefully come at some point. The Mill, Banbury Brasenose Arms, The pub has currently ceased With Christmas almost upon us serving real ale as the whole sys- The Mill has a Christmas show tem needs a good overhaul, but – The Ballad of Ruby – for the All the way from Pietermaritz- he has plans to re-introduce it children to keep them enter- burg, near the east coast of when the business allows. tained. For the adults, additional South Africa, we welcome hotel- The Wheatsheaf is well entertainment will be Weston’s iers Michael & Jill Ward as the known for live music and sup- Perry, mulled cider and mulled new tenants. It will be a family port of local bands and this will wine and mince pies as well as run business as they are helped continue. their normal ale selection. by daughters, Tazelle and Delta Muddy Duck, The bar opens at noon and as well as son in law, Johan. landlady Laura is hoping to get Michael has worked in hos- The Muddy Duck serves three some of the new pitality all his life and the girls regular beers, St Austell Tribute, grew up in the hotel Timothy Taylor Landlord and business. However, Hooky bitter, which are available cask ale is a whole at all times. new experience One or two further beers are for them so conse- also available which change quently they were on a weekly basis. Historically all recent attendees these have ranged from regional at the monthly brewers as well as some smaller Hook Norton local breweries e.g. Gun Dog Brewery ‘Cask Ale Ales and The Froth Blowers. Appreciation & The pub also offers a great range of food and is on the Michael & Jill Ward (right) route of some charming country with daughters Tazelle and walks around the area made Delta and son-in-law Johan famous by Flora Thompson outside the Brasenose Arms, in Larkrise to Candleford (welly Cropredy boots provided if required!) Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 Terms and Conditions: All prices and offers are subject to change. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

8 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 The pub hosts a vigorous letting rooms and operate a The Christmas menu is now Aunt Sally team and there’s talk reciprocal arrangement with available and the bar will be of a second team soon. the Unicorn, and open on Christmas Day from White Horse, Falkland Arms, Great Tew to noon–2.30 for a festive tipple. recommend each other if they The Branch would like to wel- Rock of Gibraltar, are fully booked or if custom- Wharf come Michael & Josh, who ers wish to eat elsewhere. The are business partners, to the White Horse is also dog friendly. The refurbishments continue White Horse. They met while Fox Inn, Westcot Barton with the main bar area looking working in Paris at a Michelin very classy and, with the newly starred establishment. Josh is Congratulations to Cheryl & decorated toilets, the place is British and Michael comes from Dennis who announced their certainly looking much smarter. Alberta, Canada. engagement in October. They There is still more to be done, Michael is passionate about plan to marry sometime in the but they’re well on with the job. the whole pub experience and summer of 2015 and we at Beer The Fisher Co beers are selling pub tradition; a real ale drinker on Tap wish them all the best. very well and a White Horse who takes great pride in his ales. The pub is now on the SIBA beer has been added alongside He is quoted as saying: “I am list so can stock a better selec- the two Greene King beers. here to facilitate an enjoyable tion of local ales. With XT4 Live music is very popular, and time in a convivial atmosphere”. having made a return already the weekly meat raffle on Friday The pub is attractive inside we look forward to more great at 9pm is also well attended, but with three real ales – Ruddle’s beers in this popular pub. the pub is looking for players to Best as the current regular beer It has retained its 5-star form an Aunt Sally team. and two changing guest ales. hygiene rating and food sales The Bell, Michael hopes to make imagi- continue to do well. Tues native use of the Greene King nights see two steaks and a bot- Stephen & Tara have changed guest ale list, with Tim Taylor’s tle of wine for £19.95 and the their opening hours to Mon– Landlord, Oakham JHB and Christmas menu is now out. Wed 6–11pm; Thurs & Fri 12–3 Brain’s Rev James all on recently. The pub is open 12–2 pm for & 6-11pm (5pm Fri); Sat & Sun It also has a good range of whis- drinkers on Christmas Day and a 12–11pm. ky and gin. ticket-only New Year’s Eve party They hope to have a ‘Meet the The pub is open 6pm Mon; is planned (tickets are free and Brewer’ evening with food and noon–3 & 6–close Tue–Sat; and only available from the pub). beer matching early next year. all day from noon Sun. Food is Following on from their suc- White Hart, Minster an eclectic mix of styles using cessful beer festival over August Lovell local English ingredients where Bank Holiday they are anticipat- Welcome back Mandy & Brian possible all cooked fresh. ing having another in 2015. who left the pub eight years ago A Christmas party menu is The restaurant will have a and have returned to breathe now available and they are serv- facelift in the new year when new life into this popular village ing food and drink Christmas a new menu will be unveiled pub on the edge of the Branch. Day when it opens at 11am. with OAP specials. Live music Taking over in June they refur- They have eight refurbished continues with Micky Flynn on Christmas Eve and Black Max & bished the pub then relaunched the Pirates on New Year’s Eve. at the end of September and are On 28th Feb The High-S are reporting that they have been playing and 14th March sees very busy. While they were away The Start in town. The popular they have also run several pubs Wednesday quiz also continues. in Oxfordshire including the Red Lion in Chippy. Bell Inn, Lower Heyford It has three real ales on the Following on from the success bar with the Brakspear’s Bitter of the beer festival (see page 19) and Oxford Gold as regulars, Lyn has confirmed there will be alongside a guest which changes another one next year. every month or so. In the kitch- The Bell’s regular ale is now en their son is creating waves Salopian Gold a 3.8% light gold- with the quality and creativity en ale and Salopian ales or their of the food which he described Blackwater brands are regularly as “fresh local food using local available. Ciders sell well, even Oxfordshire recipes, it’s all Michael manning the pumps at the in winter, with two always avail- about Oxfordshire”. White Horse, Duns Tew able, unless they’ve sold out! The pub is open noon–11 Newsletter 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 2014 Mon–Sun (food served Tue–Sat A big Branch 12–2.30 & 6–9 pm and Sun welcome 12–3pm). There is no food Sun to Anita, Charlie and evening or Mon. On Weds they Claire at have their steak night and on the Hanwell Tues it’s two, two course meals Arms, with a drink for £22 with the Banbury menu for this changing weekly. They have a quiz night as well on Weds and they also have an Aunt Sally and darts team. The Swan, Bicester The “pub to let—still trading” sign here has been replaced by one that says “pub to let”, which Wychwood PumpKing (a Hal- favourites for £5. For entertain- suits as there was no evidence loween special, flavoured with ment they have a regular pianist that the pub was ever open mace and pumpkin). To come every second Sat 8–10 and regu- when the old sign was up. in the near future will be Black lar live music with Ramshackle Diamond and the much her- playing next on 6th December. The Nightingale, Bicester alded Hobgoblin Gold. There will be a DJ to entertain Proudly displaying their recently The Hanwell Arms is a mod- revellers to see in the New Year. awarded Cask Marque, Kieran ern estate pub with a great selec- Elephant & Castle, & Matt hosted a ‘Meet the tion of cask ales that attracts Brewer’ evening at the end of customers from near and far. September. This was presented Carpenters Arms, This lovely old pub has a new cook who has slotted straight by Karl Ottomar, head brewer Middle Barton at Charles Wells and Paul Wells, into the team and launched a a descendant of the brewery’s Correction: We reported last new menu. It is now catering founder, was also in attendance. edition that both Dave & Stella for groups of up to 20 in the Karl gave a short presentation came from running a bar in the evenings as well as the normal on the brewing process and it USA, but it seems only Dave lunchtime service from 12–2. was then onto the serious busi- did, Stella has never been to Red Lion, Bloxham ness of tasting. In all he provid- America. Her background is in ed seven ales from the Wells & pubs, working for Whitbread’s As previously reported, the Young’s range for us to sample. Hogshead chain, latterly as a village offer to purchase the Culminating in a 10% Imperial head chef and catering manager. pub has been rejected and the Russian Stout! They have hit the ground Steering Committee informed Kieran & Matt are to be con- running and report increased by Fullers that the brewery has gratulated on a very successful sales of real ale. There are now accepted an offer on the site evening and also on the steps two changing guest ales with subject to contract. they have taken to promote real London Pride and Hobgoblin Its future still remains unclear ale since they took over a few recently, and according to locals and although we are led to months ago. In addition to the some can last less than a day. believe a deal has been done the regular Wells Bombardier and They have now sorted out the pub is still being actively mar- Young’s Bitter they also had weekly specials evenings with keted for sale by agents Fleurets. Waggle Dance as a guest and all 242uesday – any two meals The main concern continues three were on good form. from the special menu and a to be that whoever acquires the bottle of house wine for £20. site will do so for redevelop- Hanwell Arms, Banbury Weds is burger night for £8.50 ment. The Steering Committee The team of General Manager and Thurs is steak night with on behalf of the village has writ- Anita Tapp, Cellar Master two steaks and a bottle of house ten to Council Charlie Hallam and Assistant wine. Thank Fizz it’s Friday is with an update on the current Manager Claire Thomas are cocktail night and they have situation and highlighting con- delighted to offer customers Sunday lunch for £8.95. cerns about the loss of a village more choice of ale with a intro- The Christmas menu is now facility for yet more housing. duction of a sixth handpump. available and they are open for In the meantime the Steering Two regular beers, Pedigree food on Christmas Day, but Committee is still exploring all and New World are comple- booking will be required. They options available to enable them mented by four guests. When also offer a traditional English to acquire the pub on behalf of we visited the guests included buffet menu with a selection of the village, and it also intends to Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 12 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 bring to the council’s attention ‘Meet the Brewer’ night on four pint jug of their favourite the condition of the site which Thurs 11th December (come ale when sharing with friends. is rapidly falling into disrepair dressed in your Christmas Landlord John Bellinger has also and becoming an eyesore in the jumper). The brewer is from introduced a cider menu for centre of the village. Marston’s and should be able those who enjoy an alternative The Committee thanks every- to explain the unique Burton to ale. one for ongoing support and Union System for brewing beer. Black Horse, Salford investment in the scheme and Wild Rabbit, Kingham continue to hope the Bloxham It is with much regret that we Red Lion will roar again. This pub/restaurant, formerly have to report the sudden pass- the Tollgate, has been named ing of Max Humpherston, land- Wine Bear, Pub of the Year in the 2015 Chipping Norton lord of the Black Horse, Salford Michelin Eating out in Pubs for some 35 years. Second in our series highlight- Guide. A freehouse, the property had ing places which sell local brew- Back in December 2013 been bought by Max’s parents ers’ wares, we understand that there were rumours that the for him to run, which he has this small, mainly wine-oriented owner, Lady Bamford, wanted a done in his own inimitable off license is now selling the full Michelin star for her new ven- and exceptional style, that had range of bottled Compass brew- ture – so it looks like she might earned him many friends: he ery from Carterton. be on her way to getting it! will be missed. It is hoped that if sales go well Pear Tree, Hook Norton As Beer on Tap goes to press, other local brewers’ beers could the future of the Black Horse is be seen on the shelves. If you This pub at the end of Brewery Lane, which serves as the brew- uncertain. Other family mem- know of a small or unexpected, bers have not expressed any supplier of local brewers beers ery tap, continues to offer six Hook Norton cask ales plus a public interest in running the please let us know and we’ll give pub, and little has been publi- them a plug. craft keg stout at all times. As well as their four core beers, cized of Max’s expressed wishes. Horse & Groom, Caulcott Hooky, Old Hooky, Lion and It is understood that Salford parish council will seek ACV With Stacey expecting their first Hooky Mild, the brewery’s sea- status for the Black Horse. child, Jerome has taken the pub sonal ale also appears on hand- Currently it is closed, with no off the market but only until the pump alongside a brew from spring. It will then go back on Hook Norton Brewery’s newly indication of any planned open- the market. Hopefully we can commissioned micro-brewery. ing or transition, though of bring some happy news soon. In the last few months course there is local interest and concern. The Easington, Banbury the sixth wicket has pro- vided craft ales such as Brew Beer on Tap will keep readers This busy pub on Bloxham Moon, Amarillo Red, Apache, up to date with progress and Road is championing the cause Centennial IPA, Burnished change. of cask ale. Its first initiative Gold, Tew Drop and Chinook The Plough, Finstock is ‘The Perfect Pour’, aimed at Gold. There have also been ensuring every pint is perfect some specially named (well This lovely old, thatched pub at and letting the customer know renamed) beers called August continues to do well under the what to expect. It helps every Bank Holiday Ale (ABH), ownership of Guy Wallis. customer to know the six facts Rogered (named after the man Adnam’s Broadside and Old by which they should judge who delivers the beer with the Rosie cider are always on hand- their pint: 1 Clarity, 2 Head, 3 ‘osses’), The Happy Man and pump with a guest ale (recently Condition, 4 Smell, 5 Sediment, JB’s Big Birthday Ale. Ringwood XXXX Porter and 6 Temperature – something that A new Hooky brew, Greedy Jennings Cumberland) which is CAMRA should applaud in the Goose at 4.2%, should be Hooky 12 Days over the festive quest for better beer. appearing as you read this for season. All beer is £3.30 a pint. The second promotion being the first time. All we know at Food here is described as sim- run by Christine the landlady is the time of writing is that it’s a ple pub food done very well as a a stamp card where four pints of full flavoured beer, rich to the reasonable price. Steak night is guest beer sees you entered into palate and displaying a rounded Thursday and their 2-for-1 fish a monthly draw to win beer or fruit aroma, with hints of dark & chips on Tuesday is as popular beer-related books. She hopes fruit. as ever. it will be a great way to get cus- Don’t forget that card carrying Bookings for their Christmas tomers to try the guest beers. CAMRA members are offered menu are going well. They are As if those initiatives weren’t a discount at the Tree and non fully booked for Christmas and enough, the pub is holding a members can enjoy £1.00 off a and Boxing Day is nearly full. Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 14 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 People Power Boots Out The Beer Tie Gareth Epps, originally from cases bankruptcy, homelessness was elected to West Oxfordshire Charlbury and now a CAMRA and and ill-health are the prices paid: Council some 14 years ago, my political activist in Reading, writes that personal edge has been at first task was to regime a couple the following as someone person- the heart of the campaign for turfed out of their local after 30 ally involved in the campaign change. years by a greedy pubco. Sadly against the pubco tie. All these cases, too, are what I’ve seen similar things happen Never doubt that a small group drove the vote. MPs know that all too often since. of committed citizens can change industry spin about the causes There is more to be done: the world. In fact, it’s the only for 31 pub closures a week are stopping the ridiculous loophole thing that does. just that: when they see the good allowing good pubs to become To paraphrase Margaret pubs go, they form their own supermarkets without permis- Mead, Tuesday’s [November 18] view. When more and more sion, for starters. The industry Commons vote to unshackle tied pubs are being lost to supermar- backlash has been hysterical and publicans was achieved by the kets without planning permis- will no doubt spark fresh myths most disparate group of cam- sion (Enterprise Inns’ figures to bust. But for now we can look paigners imaginable. From the published yesterday, ironically, at the detail, as the Government Federation of Small Businesses to show it now leases 22 closed has said it cannot overrule the the licensees’ branches of Unite pubs to the likes of Tesco, such will of Parliament. We can thank and the GMB, we all got round as the Maiden Over in Earley, the 11 coalition organisations what had to be a big table. Berkshire) they get angrier still. including of course CAMRA, the But most remarkable of all were The campaign was launched in inspirational Greg Mulholland, the publicans. Being a licensee a pub closed by Enterprise Inns the rock solid Labour support can be a lonely business. And at hours’ notice, and reopened as led by Toby Perkins … and Jo they came together in a way a free house after a community Swinson, who brilliantly handled never seen before. Social media campaign. The launch cost a a difficult debate but without gives people with common inter- little over a thousand pounds; whom there wouldn’t have been ests the ability to connect: and the main expenditure. With pas- a Bill at all. Cheers! connect they did. Tenants of the sion, expertise and not a little Gareth Epps biggest pubcos supporting each skill among our volunteers, who Public Affairs Co-ordinator other often through disputes that needs staff? We all got motivated for the Fair Deal for your Local drove them to the brink. In some by the blatant injustice. When I Steering Group Letter To The Editor speak on We did offer them a Sunday Response from the landlady of the behalf of locals when you live night slot which they declined. Killingworth Castle, Wootton to over near Aylesbury!? Rest This club night was part of the letter last issue from Elvis Evans assured our locals are in every reason the pub failed. Dear Elvis Evans day enjoying the Michelin rated You see PUBS have to do Regarding your letter to the food you seem so against. As for good food, beer (we brew our editor last month claiming that us kicking out local clubs this own) and service to survive. the Killingworth Castle bet- is simply not true – we run a Such a shame you feel the need ter served locals under Greene monthly pub quiz to raise funds to criticise a reopened pub King ownership. What utter and we put on a new Craft & that’s surviving and busy. I will nonsense. Under their ownership Food Fair in October which the never apologise for running a the building was not repaired or local school, toddler group and busy pub full of locals and new looked after for decades and they shop were all a part of. We run people when we the whole team practically ruined the life of the regular food nights which are works so hard to make it work last tenants there. The pub was practically full of locals. in the current climate. closed for nearly a year before we We are also open every day, The pubs you miss can’t exist bought it and completely refur- seven days a week, a service the anymore, how can you not real- bished it. It was a very sad shell, community hasn’t had for some ise that with 30 still closing every the Marie Celeste of pubs. years. I could go on but I suspect week!? We’re a bit saddened that Now it’s thriving again, the you are one of the folk musicians because we (unintentionally) locals are really chuffed to have who drove over to drink one failed to recognise you on your their pub back and we’ve won half of beer at the old Friday folk last visit this seemed to provide several awards from CAMRA, night most of the locals hated the motivation for your criticism. the AA and Michelin to that because it was too loud for them Yours sincerely, effect. Not sure how you can to come in for food (yes really!). Claire Alexander Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 BBF Helpers Trip To Bespoke Brewery As is traditional, our Worth’s coach toured the Branch area collecting people and got us to the Bespoke Brewery at Micheldean in the Forest of Dean, Glos., spot on time. There we were met by Brewer Steve who ushered us into the Brewery Tap and more impor- tantly the bar. There were six Bespoke beers on offer with five on handpump and The King’s Shilling on gravity dispense. I started with the weakest, Saved By The Bell, a delicious 3.8% pale gold ale. Having a tour of the Bespoke Brewery with Steve the brewer With 30 people keen to go on the brewery tour we had to do brewery was on the site of the with hop bines hanging from the shifts and this gave the second old Wintle’s Forest Brewery, beams. The bar sported four real group the chance to sample it was taken over by the ales and one cider from which some more beers while the first Cheltenham Original Brewery I picked the Severn Vale Nibley group went round. The King’s in the 1930’s and closed down Ale at 3,8% a sensible option Shilling was a new mild and shortly after. Bespoke had hoped to go with my excellent steak, Fathom It Out was a new hoppy to use the old well, but it was mushroom and Bespoke ale golden ale, both were very nice, partly filled in and would take pie. but Fathom It Out won the day too much money to be used After a very pleasant lunch it as best beer. again, so they use mains supply was time to head off to the main When it was our turn Steve which they treat to make brew- part of the day in Cheltenham. led an informative tour of the ing liquor. Our break away group got off brewery set up, explaining the There was time for another the coach early to try the out- brewing process and how the swift half, Running the Gauntlet, lying pubs as part of Glenn’s before we had our tours, and the first was the glasses charged with the Royal Union. A quiet back street winning beer from the corner local with seven real ales Banbury Beer Festival, and one cider on a corner bar Money for Old Rope. that faced us as we entered. A The certificate for beer modern bar with pale coloured of festival was presented walls festooned with paintings by Andrew Davison and and scrubbed wooden furni- Tim Wilkins to Steve ture. A Cotswold Lion Brewery and Josh of Bespoke, we Shepherd’s Delight was first up had our photo taken and as it was weakest and here we it was back on the bus! also found a very nice couple It was a very short from Oldham who were part of trip to Blaisdon for our Lancashire CAMRA and whose lunch stop, The Red quiet afternoon we trashed for Hart, a pretty pub on 40 minutes until we moved on the main road in this cul to the Jolly Brewmaster. de sac village. We were A short walk took us to this faced by the bar as we back street corner pub, but this walked in and the main one was filling up with thirsty drinking area which had customers. It was a deep pub a mix of old prints and with a central bar area holding modern wall hangings. seven real ales and five ciders. At either end of the pub We sat in the raised area by the Andrew Davidson (centre) and Tim Wilkins (right) presents from the bar were nicely front door for a couple of halves the Beer of the Festival award to the team at Bespoke laid out dining areas before we were off to the Bath 16 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 Road and the town centre. was buzzing with early evening Chequers at Churchill, where It was a good hike which custom when we arrived and the five handpumps helped us end brought us to The Bell, a Greene queue at the bar was testament the trip in some style with a King pub with a fantastic green to its popularity.We headed Gun Dog Booze Hound an apt tiled front and inside three hand out into the garden area, where way to finish off the day for pumps from which I chose the most other customers were and me. Those who hadn’t grabbed Ramsbury Gold. Next door was gathered round a table where we something in Cheltenham had the Bath Tavern which seemed found none other than our new something to eat before Mike too good to pass up and here friends from Oldham. the driver took us back round we had a Wye Valley HPA in the After two halves it was time the Branch dropping off as we high ceiling one room pub with to move on and the next stop went. an array of TVs on the walls. was The Strand, just a few doors Thanks to Andrew for a huge- From there it was a short down on the way back to town. ly enjoyable day out and with walk into town and out along A trendy high ceiling pub with next year’s area having been the High Street to the Sandford big windows onto the street and nominated as Wales we can Park Alehouse and the best pub a colourful interior which had again look forward to possibly of the day – the current local five handpumps. I opted for a heading west. If you want to join CAMRA Pub of the Year and Three Tuns 1642 and very nice us then all you need to do is vol- it was easy to see why! With a it was. Time was now against us unteer to work for a few hours bank of eight real ales and one and after a quick takeaway we at the Banbury Beer Festival and cider and 16 fonts with foreign ran back to catch the coach. you are automatically eligible for beers and the odd craft keg. This Our last stop was the cur- the free trip. I look forward to opened out multi-room pub rent Branch Pub of the Year, the seeing you next year! Campaign To Save The Saddlers, New Yatt It is hoped that the Saddler’s made its bid just inside the six The New Yatt community Arms in New Yatt – which lies month moratorium period group is grateful for the sup- just outside our Branch bound- Graham Knaggs, Chairman port of the Woodstock-based ary – may be the latest commu- of Hailey Parish Council said: “I Plunkett Foundation which nity pub to open in Oxfordshire. was delighted when the owner advises people nationally on how Where others have succeeded, decided to put the pub up for to set up community owned a group of New Yatt residents sale last April as this gave New enterprises like village shops and seek to follow. They have set up Yatt residents the opportunity pubs. a company, the Saddlers Arms to save the last pub in the village Community ownership is a Community Pub Ltd., allowing from permanent closure. I have growing trend across the country them to bid as a community been impressed by the ground- and in many rural areas it has group to buy the pub which has swell of support and the speed allowed village facilities to be been the only pub in the village with which the community has rejuvenated. since the mid-19th Century been able to organise and raise Community pubs buck the funds to make a bid. I hope that national trend; while across the they are successful.” Branch Cider country licenced pubs are clos- Sarah de Buriatte of the group ing at an alarming rate, commu- said: “It seemed a real shame for Pub Of The nity-run pubs have gone from the village to lose its only pub. strength to strength with dozens When its gone, its gone. We Year 2014 now open. organised public meetings in the After the owner applied for spring and it was clear that if the Each year the North Oxfordshire planning permission to convert pub could be run successfully, Branch of CAMRA chooses a it to residential in Jan 2014 – many locals would like to keep pub which serves a good range which West Oxfordshire District it. We hope our bid will allow us traditional cider to be our Council refused – Hailey Parish to turn it into a real village pub. Branch Cider Pub of the Year, Council was prompted to seek In the past it has been owned by and we are pleased to announce registration of The Saddlers as distant landlords with tenants that for 2014, that pub is the an ‘Asset of Community Value’. paying high rental. We will run it Falkland Arms, Great Tew. This meant that when it was for the village with local interests A presentation will be organ- put up for sale, for the first at heart. Local ownership will ised in the coming months and six months bids could only be allow people from New Yatt and details will be announced on the accepted from the local commu- the neighbouring areas to be the Branch website. A full report will nity, and the community group shareholders of the pub ’ also appear in the next issue. Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 18 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 Roundup Of Local Beer Festivals Bell, Lower Heyford next year which is due to take Beer Festival place 11th–13th September. Once again Lyn organised Oxford Beer Festival a great little festival of The Branch held its traditional ale and cider, with six real ales on the stillage social on the Saturday of the and two more on the Oxford Beer festival with a hand- bar. There were also five ful of North Oxon members ciders on the stillage and turning up and enjoying the two on the bar so there great beer. was plenty for every taste. However there were a couple The beers covered the of gripes. The first issue I had range from 3.8% to 6% was that I paid £2 for my glass, Another beer being poured at The Bell, which is normal, but was told and from blonde ales to a Lower Heyford Beer Festival vanilla porter. The ever- that I couldn’t return it, which popular Salopian Lemon Dream from Craft Cider Ltd was also isn’t! I have a cupboard full of was joined by a brown beer, an on hand to offer tutored tastings glasses and don’t need any more. IPA and the beer of the day for and advice for those struggling To rub salt into the wound me, Pogo by Blackwater. It was with the vast choice of ciders the glass wasn’t even from an truly awesome with a great fla- and perries available. Oxford festival, it was a GBBF vour of fruit and hops and a full First few to sell out included 2012 glass. body; one to remember. Broadoak Moonshine (7.5% Secondly the bar from the The festival ran from Friday to medium) and Lilley’s Cider Barn previous night was being taken Sunday, but the Saturday saw the Mango and Lemon & Lime down in the centre of the hall, pub full to bursting – with the (both 4% blends). My personal with the associated noise – 7 O’Clock Junkies playing the favourites included Gwatkins hardly the environment to enjoy place rocked! All the beer was Norman (7.5% med sweet), a quiet pint. However, we were sold out by Sunday evening and Nempnetts Piglet’s Choice (6% there for the beer and found a a good proportion of the cider sweet) and the delicious Newton seat to make the most of the few had gone too. Court Yarlington Mill (7% dry). hours we had before the last bus The beer of festival, voted The festival was family friend- headed back. for by the customers, was of ly event with a bouncy castle, I tried six beers, including the course the Pogo – proving what wizards and dragon handlers elusive Turpin’s Golden Citrus good taste the people of Lower for the kids. There was also live – and I can see now why it’s Heyford have! I, for one, will be music throughout the day from always gone before I get to it! joining them again next year for various folk artists culminating All the beers were in excellent this smashing little festival. in a headline set from the ever condition with the Silver Street popular Leatherat at 10pm. Bo Peep Cider Festival Plans are already well under On Saturday 13th September, way for their second festival the Bo Peep Caravan Park in played host to the first major dedicated cider festival to come to our Branch. Organised by Sian Phillips and the team at New Folium Events based at the park, this was their first cider festival and a great success it was too. A staggering 120 real ciders and perries were stacked up behind the out- door bar ranging from the Jules Yates bone dry to the deliciously pours another sweet. pint at Bo Peep Roger the Hook Norton drayman outside the Cider Festival Nicola Mitchell-Howarth Oxford Beer Festival at Oxford Town Hall Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 The Lampet Arms Upper , Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 5TB Telephone: 01295 780070

Freehouse Over Four Cask Ales – Hooky Bitter as a regular 30 and three rotating Guest Ales different menu options available

Dog friendly, walker friendly, Child/family friendly

Accommodation available including five rooms (three ensuite) Bookings being taken for Christmas! Open: Mon-Friday 11am–2.30pm and 5–11pm. Saturday 11a.m–11pm Sunday 12–5pm The Carpenters Arms 122 North Street, Middle Barton OX7 7DA Tel: 01869 340123

Serving two regularly changing guest ales A Traditional English Pub with Traditional English Pub Food Open Mic nights on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month and regular live music Now taking Christmas bookings

20 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 Porter a favourite with lovely rich flavours. Sadly, time waits for no man and we wanted to try the Grapes beer festival as it was near my bus stop and one of my favourite pubs in the city. Again we were not disappointed. We were joined by Helen & Geraint for our final half before a rush to catch the bus. We really enjoyed the Oxford Beer Festival despite a couple of niggles which, if ironed out, would make this a top festival. The ornate interior of Oxford Town Hall is a The beer though was of the great venue for the Oxford Beer Festival highest quality. I will return! The Largest Real Ale Beer Festival In self-evident when one attends The beers also provided some The World an event like this. Large num- entertainment with whacky bers of younger generations are names like Alchemy’s Bad Day at Nottingham Beer Festival has attending now and really enjoy- the Office, Mor Brewery’s Mor broken the world record (again) ing the ales and ciders. Tea Vicar, Scribblers’ Beyond for the most real ales assembled Like all beer festivals, good Reasonable Stout, Totally in one place. This year’s total humour prevailed, and there Brewed’s The 4 Hopmen of was an amazing 1,200 beers! were plenty of people dressed the Apocalypse, and the rather Located at the famous Notting- as members of Robin Hood’s sweetly named such as Church ham Castle, this 39th festival gang, a group in DJs, bow ties … End’s Spiders Have Feelings Too! provides a great day out for any and brightly coloured Bermuda Plus many more including some real ale or real cider drinker. Yes, shorts, and many others in with double meanings! there were 200 real ciders as well! fancy dress. Next year’s festival will be What was really surprising was The festival is on two levels around the second week in that, by and large, the big boys in in the castle grounds, and the October. I’ll be there … and brewing were noticeable by their bandstand on the lower level hope that others will make it. absence. The festival was domi- was the centre for entertain- Geoff Clifford nated by small and middle sized ment, including Morris dancing breweries and their superb beers. provided by The Foresters, and Beer Festival DIARY The huge popularity of real various excellent bands per- ale and new microbreweries is forming during the day. DECEMBER 5–6: Winter Beer Festival, Launton Sport & Social Club. Fri 7–11 & Sat 12–11. Music Sat night 9–13: Far From the Madding Crowd, Oxford Winter Beer Festival JANUARY 23–25: Rose & Crown Winter Beer Festival. At least 20 real ales with selection of cider and perry FEBRUARY 11–14: CAMRA National Winter Ale Festival, Derby. 400 real ales. See nwaf.org.uk 27–28: Merton Beer Festival. Fri 5–11, Sat 12–11. 20 real ales with cider & perry MAY 7–9: Banbury Beer Festival. 100 ales and ciders. Volunteers needed Lots of merry men (and a few Maid Marions) at the Nottingham Beer Festival to work all sessions

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 A Walk On The Hop Side Of Life I love my beer. So much so that I Independence in the Willamette call was to Charles Faram, the very rarely drink any other form Valley. So we resolved to pay it hop merchants in Malvern, for of alcohol. In my pursuit of beer a visit. some pointers. They gave me I’ve visited and toured many We found the farm at the end the phone number of Stocks breweries both here and in the of a long drive from the main Hop Farm in Worcestershire. USA. I have assisted with brew- highway right on the bank of the I rang the farm and was told ing in several breweries here Willamette River. It’s a very large that there was a hop walk on a and even home brew. I have and diverse farm growing crops Saturday, but as I couldn’t make had a tour of Tuckers Maltings like corn, pumpkins, hazelnuts, the Saturday it was suggested I in Newton Abbot so know how honey, jalapenos, barley, roses go the previous day. barley is treated in order to turn and wheat. And, of course, they Thus it was that I arrived on it into malt. But until this year I grow hops! The farm is 60 acres a Friday morning to be warmly had never visited a hop garden. in size with 42 acres of hop yard greeted by Ali Capper the farm I had heard that there was where they grow seven varieties: owner and, as it turned out, the a hop garden locally at New Alluvial, Freedom, Independent, hop guru! The farm has been House Farm, Southmoor near Liberty, Rebel, Revolution and in the family since 1962 when Kingston Bagpuize just off the Yaquina (a new hop variety). Mark Capper bought it. His son A420, so I set off to find it. After We joined a group on a tour Richard has lived there all his driving around I found the farm round the hops and hop build- life and now manages the farm but could see no hops. The ings to get a guided tour around with his wife. The farm has 100 farmer told me that there had some of the hop bines and a acres of hops and grows five indeed been a hop garden there résumé of the history of the varieties of tall hops: Pilgrim, for over 100 years, but unfortu- farm before being taken to see Target, Phoenix, Goldings and nately it had been wiped out by where the hops are processed. Bramling Cross, and three vari- the disease wilt a couple of years First job is to strip the hop eties of hedgerow hops: First ago. So no hops anymore. cones from the bines and sort Gold, Sovereign and Endeavour. In July 2014 my wife and I out the rubbish, i.e. leaves and Ali took me first to see the spent three weeks in Oregon stalks. Then the hops must be orchards where they grow and Washington State visiting dried. Here at Rogue they have Dabinette cider apples and Gala breweries and brewpubs (as you six large drying beds which are and Braeburn eating apples. All do) and we found that one of the heated by oil fired heaters. Each are hand-picked and must have bigger breweries there, Rogue heater uses six US gallons per the right amount of redness, no Ales, also had its own farm at hour, so it’s not a cheap job! blemishes and be the correct Then the hops must size (fussy supermarkets!). be cooled before being packed for use. All the hops pro- duced at the farm are used by Rogue Ales but this only makes up about 30% of the brew- ery’s total requirement. All the buildings date back to the 1950s. We had a really I was then taken to see the Hop bines (above) and drying building at Rogue Ales’ hop farm enjoyable time down harvesting of the hedgerow hop on the farm and Sovereign (above). While admir- learnt a lot about the ing the healthy crop of hops Ali processing of hops. explained to me the problems But of course it was they face with hop diseases and too early for the har- pests. He told me that Richard vest. Back home in goes out each morning with the UK I thought I’d a magnifying glass to inspect continue my search the hops in detail. Not ALL of for a hop garden to them but a different area each visit, especially as it day. They face such enemies as was fast approaching aphids, spider mites, powdery harvest time. My first mildew, black root rot and many 22 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 viruses. They have to be very repackaged into smaller vacuum vigilant and can’t be too careful packs of 25kg and 50kg or (very much like brewing where chopped up and made into pel- you cannot afford to have the lets for use by the breweries. slightest hint of infection). I managed to secure 1kg of Ali then showed me where the fresh green Sovereign hops and hops are processed and I was put when I finally left the farm I in the care of the farm manager dashed home and brewed my Joe Orgee, who explained that at first wet hop brew. It’s now in harvest time a large contingent Baling the hops at Stocks Hop Farm the fermenter and should be of Polish workers come over to the process and prevent spoilage. ready for drinking in about 4–5 pick the apples and harvest the They are dried until their mois- weeks. By tasting the wort prior hops. They have their caravans ture content is about 11% and to fermentation, ignoring the on the farm for accommodation then, of course, they are cooled sweetness, I think it should turn and some have been coming for before being packed. All this out really good at about 7%. 16 years just for the harvest and work is done by hand and once In conclusion I’d like to thank then return to Poland to their the hops have cooled they are Ali & Richard Capper of Stocks families and day jobs! swept into the baling machine Farm, Suckley, Worcs., for their Joe then proceeded to show and compressed into 80kg bales. warmth and kindness in show- me how the harvested hops are Richard then took over the ing me around their farm and cleaned, with leaves, stalks and tour and explained about future taking time out to do so just for other rubbish being removed plans to install automatic bal- me. I felt very privileged. before the hops are loaded into ing to ensure that each bale was Ali did tell me that they are large trays to be dried. The dry- the same weight. At present it hoping to start producing their ing process is crucial and care- was a bit of guess work so the own 100g vacuum packed hops fully monitored. It is essential to end result was that no two bales for the home brewer. So if you let the hops dry at a low enough were the same weight! home brew and you want the temperature to retain essential The bales of hops then go to best of English hops … oils, but high enough to expedite Charles Faram where they are Douglas Rudlin Branch Relaunches The LocAle Scheme The North Oxfordshire LocAle The scheme by branches kept). Without a minimum Scheme, which faded away a few across the country to promote level of beer quality the scheme years ago, is being relaunched pubs which sell locally-brewed would only identify pubs stock- in the New Year. An event is real ale, appealing to growing ing local beer but not give a provisionally planned for Tues consumer demand for quality reassurance of how good it is”. 20th January at Hook Norton local produce and an increased Many pubs serve good qual- Brewery with sessions in the awareness of green issues. The ity cask ale but for one reason morning and afternoon where definition of ‘local’ varies from or another don’t make it to the publicans and PubCo business branch to branch with dis- hallowed pages of the Good Beer development managers can tances ranging from 20 to 30 Guide. The scheme will help meet with local brewers from miles between pub and brew- raise the profile of these pubs the area covered by the scheme. ery. North Oxon began a local and reward the efforts of the CAMRA committee members scheme but the momentum was publican and their staff. can also find out how LocAle lost and has now all but ceased. Beer drinkers will be able can help their businesses. North Oxon LocAle Coordin- to find out which pubs serve CAMRA’s LocAle scheme was ator and former Chairman John LocAle on the Branch website created in 2007 by Nottingham Bellinger said: “I have an interest and there will be regular updates branch to help support the tra- both in local real ale and the in Beer on Tap. Pubs which meet dition of brewing within Notts., environment, hence my wish the definition requirements after the demise of local brewer to get involved in re-launching will be invited to join and given Hardys & Hansons, bought and the scheme here in North Oxon posters, window and pump closed by Greene King. When Branch. The committee has clip stickers to advertise their GK began brewing H&H beers agreed that the definition of involvement in the scheme. at Bury St Edmunds and ship- ‘local’ should be a distance of 20 For more info about the ping them back to Nottingham, miles as the crow flies from pub scheme or if you want to come the branch thought that the to brewery and that participat- to the relaunch, contact John number of miles the beer trav- ing pubs should achieve a mini- Bellinger at the Pear Tree on elled was now excessive and the mum NBSS score of 2.5, which 01608 737482 or email him at phrase ‘Beer Miles’ was coined! is above average (competently [email protected] Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 The Pear Tree Inn The Hook Norton Brewery Tap Scotland End, Hook Norton OX15 5NU Tel: 01608 737482 Email: [email protected] • An unspoilt traditional village pub • No fruit machines, pool tables or jukebox • A range of Six Cask Ales • Open log fire • Always a fun selection of “Cocked Ales” • Three en suite letting rooms • Discount for CAMRA Members • Large beer garden • Ale-2-Go • Walkers & dog friendly • Traditional ‘Pub Food’ • Quiz night every Sunday • Traditional pub games including darts, dominoes • *Steak night every Saturday from 7.00 & Aunt Sally • Traditional Sunday lunch – £8.50 Open Friday & Saturday 12.00 – 12.00 • Sunday – Thursday 12.00 – 11.00 Food served Tuesday–Saturday* 12.00–7.00 Sunday & Monday 12.00–2.30 PAY US A VISIT – YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED

24 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 Super-Regional Conference In Oxford The Super-Regional Conference sational structure and who to data protection issues advised in Oxford on 1st November was approach for help and support, how to treat members’ personal a very worthwhile afternoon. It’s we heard an update of each of info, including lists of volunteers not often you get the chance to CAMRA’s four key campaigns, and attendees of social events. sit down with a large number of including progress and future After lunch the conference the National Exec, hear the lat- plans, which were: split into two breakout sessions, est news and ask questions on 1. Stop tax killing beer and pubs. one on ‘saving pubs’, successes, issues affecting our local area. 2. Secure effective government failures and lessons learned, The meeting was held in the support package for pubs. the other ‘activating members’, impressive council chamber 3. Encourage more people to try including perceived barriers to in Oxford Town Hall, and was real ales, cider and perries. volunteering and suggestions on aimed primarily at those of us 4. Raise the profile of pub-going how to encourage involvement. who were not able to attend the and increase the number of We came away with new national members’ weekend people using pubs regularly. insights and ideas, as well as a held in Scarborough in April. We then heard about marketing renewed respect for the amount Members from across the region and copyright guidelines, includ- of effort the National Exec put and beyond were in attendance. ing how to use the Campaign’s in on a voluntary basis. Thanks After an introduction to how logo in publications and market- to them and also to Oxford CAMRA operates, the organi- ing material. A presentation on Branch for hosting the event. Toby Jones Has A Beer With Captain Mainwaring

Captain Mainwaring: Well, here But again, he was going to be I am, young man. I have no idea the one who saw to our last why I have allowed you to entice rites etc, so none of us wanted me into a public house tonight. to upset him. Now, a much Toby Jones: Firstly, let me say, good nicer character was dear old sir, that it is the greatest of honours Godfrey. Not much use to the that you have agreed to meet me. army, of course, with his ter- Capt M: Quite so, quite so … ribly weak bladder. But he often pleased to oblige. ing on about his service in the brought us some very nice Toby: Now, before we talk, let me army. Made him a jolly difficult cakes made by his sisters! get you a pint of our finest local fellow to work with. Of course, he Toby: Was Walker what you used a bitter. was also the local butcher, so we call a ‘Wide Boy’? Capt M: Sounds a jolly good idea. all had to keep on the right side Capt M: Well, I suppose he was Toby: Well … cheers, sir. Let me of him. a bit of a bounder. However, it introduce myself. My name is Toby Toby: Let me get you another pint, sir, had to be recognised that he Jones and I am cast to play your and then I want to ask you about was able to lay his hands on good self in a new ‘Dad’s Army’ Private Pike. some of those little luxuries film. Capt M: Splendid English beer, this that the war deprived us of. Capt M: Great heavens! Making Hook Norton … none of your Well worth keeping on the right another film are they? I know foreign muck! side of! that the television series is still Toby: Now tell me about Pike, if you Toby: So, it seems that everyone being shown. would be so kind. had their use in the platoon, sir, Toby: I thought that meeting you Capt M: As you know, Sergeant and had to be kept happy, as it might help me to give an honest Wilson was in and out of the were. portrayal of you in the film. back door of Pike’s house all the Capt M: Yes, well I suppose you Capt M: First rule, young Toby, time. Besotted, he was, with the could say that … but remember, is to ensure that the platoon all boy’s mother. Heaven knows that as the Captain in this film understand that you, and you why! The consequence was that that you are the one in charge alone, are in charge. Don’t let young Pike was a very confused and that rigid discipline is the that fellow Wilson undermine lad, with a mollycoddling mother key to success with the men! you with his nancy boy ideas. and a nancy boy pretending to be Toby: Well, Captain Mainwaring, And never let that Air Raid his father. However, he was by far that was a memorable occasion Warden or the Church Warden and away the youngest and fittest sharing a few beers with you, and get the better of you. of the platoon, so he had his uses. I hope I can now faithfully play Toby: How did you get on with Toby: How did you manage to put up your part in the film. Corporal Jones? with Frazer? Capt M: Good luck, young Toby, Capt M: Incredibly ignorant chap, Capt M: I know what you mean. and I hope that the whole but also very loyal. Always harp- All gloom and doom that man. enterprise is a spiffing success!

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 Roundup Of Local Brewery News XT Brewery temperature than usual to give Oxfordshire Ales In October XT added new brew- a smoother character. It takes John Betts has been confirmed ing kit to increase capacity and about three times longer to as the Branch’s Brewery Liaison meet growing demand for their make compared to a regular ale. Officer for Oxfordshire Ales. beers. The new kit is now on The Animal range is joined by The brewery reports that the stream, the brewery is certainly a seasonal beer – Gobble! This Marsh Gibbon Beer Festival is a stout brewed with roasted looking very full these days! held in September was a suc- cocoa beans and orange peel to cess with funds being raised The change in seasons has give a rich coffee orange edge brought the opportunity to brew for local charities. The brewery to a satisfying traditional stout was also represented at Thame some darker beers recipe. and XT have made Show recently and John and his The 2014 Poppy team are keen to some winter spe- Appeal beer Lest do more festivals cials. we Forget has and shows in the XT9 is a black been a great suc- future. ale brewed with cess again and XT Its seasonal an eclectic mix of hopes to make ales are now roasted malts and another significant donation to well into pro- generous addi- the British Legion this year. duction with tions of US hops. The next open day at the autumnal Marsh XT9 is available brewery is on Saturday 6th Mead already for December, December – a chance to sample available and the along with the all the seasonal specials. always popu- Christmas special The next members only social lar bottles of XT25, a chestnut ale brewed in night is Thursday 4th where Uncle Scrooge the German Altbier tradition – club members can enjoy some due to hit the slow brewed at a much cooler one-off beers shelves soon. The

The Green, , Banbury OX15 5EL • Tel: 01295788660 [email protected] • www.the-stags-head.co.uk

Opening times FAITH–STAMATIS–JOHN–TIM We would like to welcome everyone Mon to Fri: Traditional Bar with Fireplace • Beer Garden • Restaurant • Refurbished B&B 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.00pm-11.00pm Local and Regional Real Ales, Lagers and Cider Home-cooked fresh food – local produce Saturday: Traditional English Food • Greek Dishes • Quality Wines 11.00am-11.00pm Enjoy our coffee morning every last Wednesday of every month Sunday: Greek Nights last Saturday of the month 12.00-7.00pm Every Sunday traditional roast – two courses £12.95 Fresh battered fish & chips on Fridays Tuesdays: Bar only Festive Christmas menu is available through December 5.00pm-11.00pm 30p off a pint for CAMRA members • Walkers welcome • Dog friendly

26 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 draught Winters the Pear Tree who featured it in CATS Brewery Inn, an amber their beer and cider festival. Chris & Tim have settled into 3.7% abv ale will In October the brewery had their new unit (literally round also be avail- a ladies beer & chocolate even- the corner) and able shortly. ing along with members of Dea have just opened An interesting Latis (a group of women united a brewery shop addition to the by their love for beer, named in an adjacent range this year is after the Celtic goddess of beer room. Tabby Gardeners Ale, one ingredient and water). The lucky lasses and Mog are of which is quince grown at were treated to such pairings as available to buy Waddesdon Manor. Double Stout with dark choco- in bottle conditioned form, along Hook Norton late and crystallized orange peel with Clouder, their wheat beer which was described as sublime. which is available in bottle only. Christmas is com- There are regular ladies nights at CATS are working on their ing! And that means the brewery, check the website fourth beer, Bombay Stout, and only one thing in for details. Also in October the should be ready for launch soon. North Oxfordshire cellar hosted an Oktoberfest The shop is open Mon–Sat 9–6 … Twelve Days, with German beers joining and can be found at Sugarswell the Hook Norton Hooky beers on the bar and Business Park, Shennington Seasonal beer for Pete Watkins providing enter- December, is on the tainment. This was only the Turpin Brewery bar! Joining it this third time the cellar has been John Romer’s brews remain in year is new beer used this way in living memory. great demand. The mainstay as Greedy Goose a Next year they will be refur- ever is Golden Citrus (4.2%), a dark copper beer a bishing The Fox in Chipping very pale, hoppy, and tasty beer. rich full flavoured Norton and investing in the There is always a waiting beer with hints Visitor Centre at the brew- list for it, and it was the first of dark fruit. January sees the ery. Before that though the of 120 beers to run out at the return of Double Stout for two shop will be open late on the recent Oxford Beer Festival. months only and in 12th December for late night Regularly available at the Rose & March we see the Christmas shopping, for those Crown, Charlbury, the Tite Inn, welcome return of last minute gifts for the beer Chadlington, and the George & First Light. lover in your life. Dragon, , and frequently James has started Wye Valley Brewery served at the Norman Knight, some first brews in Whichford, it will soon be on too the pilot plant. First The brewery recently acquired at the Chandler’s Arms, . It was a 10th year their seventh pub, with the is also available further afield in anniversary brew for the Red Black Star, Stourport, joining its Warwick and Birmingham. Lion, Long Compton, and next estate on 18th October. Opened A brand new is a special beer for the opening by the Mayor of Stourport and beer was Devil’s of The Sun Inn, Hook Norton brewery boss Vernon Amor, Advocate (6.66% which has just reopened after a they welcomed the first drinkers – get it?), almost two-month refurbishment into the newly refurbished pub. as pale as Golden In September the brewery Congratulations to the brew- Citrus but a greater welcomed Kiwi brewer Belinda ery who won a silver medal in body and more fla- Gould to make a collaborative the International Beer Challenge voursome. It was recently on at brew with head brewer James for Dorothy Goodbody’s the Rose & Crown and George & Clarke. Belinda is co-owner Wholesome Stout Dragon, along with other outlets. and Brewster at Brew Moon and a bronze for A new dark winter beer, Porter Brewing Co in Amberley, New the new Glorious Moka (4.5%), should be out in Zealand and was flown over IPA. time for Christmas. to the UK by Wetherspoons to Wye Valley is Further expansion is planned brew a beer specially for their gearing up for to meet demand. A new mash November beer festival. This a busy festive tun is being installed to greatly limited edition ale called Brew season and look increase capacity of the brewery, Moon is a 4% golden ale made forward to welcoming customers and existing buildings have been with New Zealand hops which to their shop and online as there converted into a new malt store were flown in specially. Some of are plenty of gift ideas for ale and workshop. Other ambitious the beer made it into local pubs drinkers from T-shirts and beer plans are also on the horizon … for a select few to try including to stocking fillers. Dave Shirt Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 A Tour Of Oxford City POTY Contenders Christmas shopping in Oxford Hooky) and one rotating guest and Box Steam breweries are this December? Something nor- (XT on my visit). If you need a normally in evidence here, giv- mally looked on with a mix of snack, then reasonably priced ing a plethora of choice to lesser dread and despair; the crowds, pork pies at £1.50 or a giant seen ales in the city centre. the queues, the constant repeti- Scotch egg may fend off the hun- Head left to Carfax, then right tion of Slade in every overbright, ger pangs if the lunch menu does down High Street to walk past overheated store … so perhaps not waylay you first. eight shops (maybe succumbing a tour of the six contenders for Leaving here, shuffle past the to some small silver foiled rein- Oxford City pub of the year Gardiners Arms, then go south deer, £5.50, at Hotel Chocolat) whilst doing the rounds will help down Woodstock Road to pub then nip down the adjacent to make the trip less miserable number two. This is the Lamb & alleyway to The Chequers. and more merry. Flag, owned by St John’s College The interior of this fine This suggested itinerary and within shuddering distance Nicholsons-owned tavern (parts assumes you arrive by bus in of Debenhams and other retail dating from the 16th century) Woodstock or Banbury Roads delights lurking in St Giles. can feel a cavernous and chilly (or you walk to the first pub A rare outlet (in Oxford) for on a winter’s afternoon, in part from the rail station. Check web- Palmers Best and Skinners’ Betty due to the bricked up fireplaces site details of each pub for open- Stoggs which sit alongside a and the entry and exit points). ing times, food time, etc. further three or four ales in this However, the mixed tourist and Start in North Parade Avenue excellent two-bar listed ale house student clientele should keep you with the delightful Rose & that’s been a hostelry since the warm whilst you wait at the bar Crown, a gem of a pub just 17th century. to be served one of the seven or five minutes from the bustle Back in the fading daylight eight ales on offer (which often of Oxford town centre. Four spin left towards Cornmarket. including a Brakspears ale). beers (three regulars: Adnams There, if you are firmly putting Finally pub number six, which Bitter, Shotover Scholar and Old off the festive cacophony of ring- stretches the Oxford City tag a ing cash tills (or perhaps a more little because a number 8 bus is Here’s To A Pint Of ‘Me’ Beer 21st century version “unexpect- required from The High along ed item in bagging area”), head with a seven minute walk (or a right down St Michael’s Street £7 taxi ride) to take you to the and left down New Inn Hall Headington Quarry area of East Street (closing your eyes to avoid Oxford and the Mason’s Arms. the lure of Argos). Cross Queen Tucked away in Quarry School Street and down St Ebbes Street Place in the quiet back streets, to the truly wonderful Royal this local has four ales to tempt Blenheim. you (including a superb pint of A more recent pub conversion Rebellion’s Mutiny on a recent compared to the first two hos- visit). Opening hours are more telries, the Blenheim has a great restricted than the other City range of ales and some excellent pubs so check before venturing local pork scratchings. Muted east. Plenty of pub games (darts/ sport may be on the TVs but it’s cribbage) to keep you occupied unlikely to be football! on arrival though. Turn left and follow Pembroke Keep an eye on the clock try- Street (nipping into the Modern ing to work out how long to Art or Story Museum shops for linger before heading back to the stocking fillers if you need), then bright lights of the City Centre sharp left up St Aldates to fight to get you and your shopping your way past the bus queues back to North Oxfordshire. It’s the perennial problem. Your guest beer to pub number four; The St Closing date for pub of the is ready to go on the bar, then you find that Aldate’s Tavern. Refurbished a year votes is December 3rd so the brewery didn’t send the pump clip. The couple of years ago with wooden by the time this Beer on Tap hits Bull in Charlbury recently got creative with floors, wooden tables and food the streets the winner is likely to a photo of one its regulars (Tony Brooks) often served on wooden platters, be known. However, the six pubs which they considered an appropriate ad hoc it has a contemporary feel and a have a combined total of around brand image for a beer called Handsome Devil menu to match. The five or six 35 ales to choose from, with at by Thwaites. The photo on the clip was of ales on offer come from at least least ten different counties repre- ‘Brooko’ after he had his face painted at the two Oxfordshire breweries. In sented, so the winner is … Stonesfield Beer Festival (as you do). addition, XT Brewery, Dark Star Oliver Sladen 28 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 Beer On Tap Abroad

Beer on Tap in Hawaii Above we see Peter, a native of the Branch with his copy of Beer on Tap admiring the view from the island of Oahu. Living in both Hawaii and in North Oxon Beer on Tap in Catalonia of Mont Blanc, a walled town he feels is having the best of We like to bring a little glamour 100km north of Barcelona. both worlds. He misses his local to brighten up the pages and The only beer there was the pubs in Mollington and Horley here we see the lovely Monty usual Euro-fizz, but apparently and their fresh pulled ales (but (right) in Morris attire enter- he’ll drink anything in attractive is pleased with the advances in taining a local lady who wanted female company! We believe American brewing) and always to learn more about the famous a cultural exchange has been looks forward to returning to the English folk dancing! He can’t arranged and he will be taking excellent beer on tap at the Red remember the name of the bar them to his nearest Hooky pub Lion, Horley! but it was in the Catalan village to help with their education! Beer on Tap in Georgia Pavel the Panda (below) recently visited a cave city in Georgia, overlooking Armenia, where he can be seen checking out a copy of Beer on Tap. The rest of the party requested anonymity, other than to say they are from London and enjoy drinking in the capital’s finest ale outlets. Only unpro- nounceable local lagers could be found on their trip so no doubt they were well refreshed on their return to London.

Beer on Tap in Oregon good wind down on the River Beer on Tap is seen here in Columbia they hang up their the epicentre of American malt and hops and go wind Craft Brewing with Raili surfing! Company decision. Rudlin in the Full Sail Brewing Here Raili chose to sample a Co (‘Specialists in the liquid glass of their 6% IPA (60 IBU) refreshment arts since 1987’) and found it had a full, malty bar in Hood River, Oregon, body and even a hint of fresh catching up on front page citrus to it. Very nice, but not news. The brewery is employee a patch on a traditional English owned and, as they are all ale in the Rose & Crown, keen wind surfers, if there is a Charlbury.

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 Planning Application News Of Branch Pubs n Bell Inn, Hook Norton: The to residential, an application been resubmitted with modifi- threatened appeal against refusal for a Certificate of Lawful Use cations (Cherwell 14/01757/F). of residential change of use has Proposed (Cherwell 14/01383/ n Killingworth Castle, not yet materialised, however CLUP) was refused as contrary Wootton: Has applied for per- two new applications have! One to an enforcement notice, and mission to demolish the two for a Certificate of Lawful Use immediately an appeal to the porches on the front and build a Existing for the claimed photo- Planning Inspectorate was start- new entrance porch on the side copying business (Cherwell ed (their eighth appeal against (WestOxon 14/1384/P/FP). n 14/01766/CLUE), and the sec- CDC in the the last three years). Kings Arm’s, Bicester: ond another change of use to n Black Head, Stonesfield: Change of use to hotel and res- residential request (14/01810/F). Permission for residential taurant was granted. The agent Get those objections in now to change of use and two-storey stated in a submission to the try to rescue this Bell. extension was granted as application that real ale will be n Bell Inn, : expected as similar permission retained at ‘The Bicester’ when Applied for and has been was granted in 2012. it reopens in its new guise. We granted permission (Cherwell n Cock Horse, Banbury: Has shall see … but CLAC Leisure 14/01533/F) to sell the associ- applied for and been granted who have taken the tenancy of ated cottage as a separate prop- permission to build a covered this Spirit Group-owned pub erty despite opposition from the outdoor drinking area on the has a good track record at the White Hart. parish council; until now this side of the pub (Cherwell n was tied to The Bell by virtue 14/01436/F). Merrymouth Inn, Fifield: of the conditions of a previous n George & Dragon, : Application for five dwellings on planning permission. As predicted, the planning the site (WestOxon 14/0966/P/ n Bishop Blaize, : application for housing and a FP) was withdrawn following the latest attempt to convert new village hall on this site has recommendation for refusal. Another reserved matters change to the outline planning National Winter Ales Festival for additional hotel accommo- dation on the site has been sub- The big CAMRA event of the this year it will feature over 400 mitted (WestOxon 14/01560/ winter period is taking place on real ales, including beers from RES). Wednesday 11th to Saturday all 12 breweries in Derby itself. n Red Lion, : 14th February in Derby. The Roundhouse is an excel- A flurry of applications here; The National Winter Ales lent location for the event and one project involving a kitchen Festival is where CAMRA’s you will need to pay on the door extension, re-siting toilets and Champion Winter Beer of as no advance tickets will be on extending of the parking area Britiain will be announced, and sale this year. See advert below. has been granted (Cherwell 14/01026/F & 14/01027/LB). A second project (14/01030/F & 14/01040/LB) for a detached building providing hotel accom- modation was withdrawn fol- lowing objections from the Environment Agency regarding the flood risk. n Wild Rabbit, Kingham (for- merly Tollgate): has applied for permission to change an adja- cent cottage into hotel accom- modation (WestOxon 14/01766/ FUL).

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2014 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale 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 Information Press, Eynsham, Oxon 30 Beer on Tap – Winter 2014 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31