Beer at Heart Is Published Quarterly by Heart of Staffordshire CAMRA

Issue34|Autumn 2018 |www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk

West Midlands CAMRABranchMagazineofthe Year 2017 Magazine of theHeart of StaffordshirebranchofCAMRA Incorporating Uttoxeter &Districtsub-branch andcovering Stafford x Stone x Eccleshall x Penkridge x Gnosall x andsurrounding areas

Autumn 2018

Winner of West Midlands CAMRA Branch Magazine of the Year 2017 Welcome from the Editor For many of us, this summer was dominated by the football World Cup, which often involved In this issue going to a pub to watch it. My favourite moment was whilst watching the England v Sweden Chair’s chat / Branch Diary 5 quarter final at Lymestone Brewery, where two projectors in two separate spaces had been set up Pub and Club news 6 to cope with demand. Half an hour into the first Champion pubs 9 half we heard an enormous cheer go up in the other room for no apparent reason. It only Brewery news 10 became clear a few seconds later, when England Pubs on the 101 13 scored, that our room was watching the match on a bit of a time lag! Young Members Forum 14 Some pubs— the ones with no TV—became a Breweriana 17 haven for those that don’t like footy. (Each to Beer & Cider Festival review 18 their own.) Some pubs will have done well from the summer of football and fine weather and some Good Beer Guide Belgium 21 will be glad to see the back of it, hoping that the ‘Doing the 19’ nights drawing in and cooler temperatures will 22 lead more of us to seek sanctuary in the warm Uttoxeter & District news 24 confines of a cosy pub. Potteries news 29 Which brings us to Autumn, and in this ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ when the apples Brewery news extra 31 and pears become ripe for the picking, it is a pity Contact us / Contacting you 33 that there is once again no article on cider or perry in this mag. If you fancy becoming our Lost pubs 34 ‘Cider Correspondent’ please do get in touch. Join CAMRA 35 Andy Murray [email protected] Cover photo courtesy of Phil Vickers

Beer at Heart is published quarterly by Heart of Staffordshire CAMRA. Designed and edited by Andrew Murray. Opinions expressed are those of the author and may not represent those of CAMRA, the local branch or editor. Beer at Heart is (c) CAMRA Ltd. Printed by Warwick Printing www.warwickprinting.co.uk Next copy deadline: 15th NOVEMBER 2018 ADVERTISING RATES ON PAGE 15

Issue 34 | Autumn 2018 | THEGREYHOUND CAMRAbranchPub of the Season Autumn 2018

In the CAMRAGoodBeer Guideevery yearsince2005 8RealAlesavailable,including adarkbeer 30 gins availablewithchoiceofFever-Treetonics Quiz nights Tuesday andSunday (entry just £1 perteam) Sky &BTSports Card payments accepted

Opening times: 4pm—11:30pmMon-Thu 4pm—12midnightFri 12noon—12midnightSat 12noon—11pmSun

TheGreyhound County Road, Stafford ST16 2PUTel:01785 222432 Steveand Bonita look forwardtoyour visit Chair's Chat Branch Diary Welcome to the Autumn edition of the NB dates and venues are subject to change, award winning Beer at Heart magazine. so before making a special journey please Our branch committee has had a bit of a check the diary on our website: change after the recent AGM, a new Chairman www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk/diary WHAT IS CAMRA has been installed giving Neil Butler a break from the day-to-day running of the branch. SEPTEMBER Our long-serving Secretary Phil Vickers also TUESDAY 11th: BRANCH MEETING stood down at the AGM. I’d like to record my The ROYAL OAK, Church Eaton, 8pm. All CAMRA members welcome. thanks to Neil and Phil for their hard work for the branch over the years. I’m pleased to say THURSDAY 27th: PUB OF THE SEASON that they’ll both be continuing on the PRESENTATION. The GREYHOUND, committee in a general capacity. County Rd, Stafford, 8pm. All welcome. This magazine will go out after our Beer Festival which was a success in many ways OCTOBER apart from the weather on Saturday; good SATURDAY 13th: OKTOBERFEST at Slater’s choices of beer, excellent music, a venture into Brewery, St Albans Rd, Stafford, 7.30pm. the Gin world and the usual cider and wine Tickets only—book on www.slatersales.co.uk bars kept the clientele happy. SATURDAY 27th: LICHFIELD CRAWL A lot of hard work has been put in again this Train from Stone 11.36am/Stafford 11.55am year by many people, under the head organiser (change at Lich Trent Valley). All welcome. Paul Hewitt, who through many trials put together a balanced festival with something for NOVEMBER everyone. SATURDAY 10th: STOKE BEER FESTIVAL If you are an existing member of CAMRA, or Train from Stafford 11.42am/Stone 11.50am. newly joined, please consider coming along to All welcome. the branch meetings to have your say. Contrary to popular belief the committee WEDNESDAY 21st: QUIZ at SPITTAL BROOK welcome fresh ideas, and members, who want Lichfield Rd, Stafford. 8pm. All welcome. to have some input into CAMRA, the social outings and assistance with new ideas for local DECEMBER pubs and clubs. SATURDAY 1st: DUDLEY WINTER ALES We are all volunteers and if you think that you FESTIVAL - Train from Stafford 10.40am (to could add to the branch then let us know, our Coseley, then bus to Dudley). All welcome. contact details are on page 33 of this magazine. SUNDAY 23rd: CAROL SINGING at the ANCHOR, High Offley. 12 for 12.30pm. All Frank Bryden welcome—more details in next issue. Chair, Heart of Staffordshire CAMRA SUGGESTIONS FOR SOCIALS? Contact social@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk

Issue 34 | Autumn 2018 | Pub and Club news STAFFORD Following nine months of closure and a friendly corner local comprising a comfy bar major refurb the Spittal Brook reopened and a double room lounge area with wood on 23rd August. For opening weekend the and stained glass panelling. The licensee’s beers were all from the Marston's stable aim is to provide a comfortable zone for one although this could change. Quiz night is and all. The food menu will include pizza Wednesday (as it was traditionally), games and artisan breads. Very music orientated, as Monday, music on Tuesday. The kitchen is the staff are all talented; open mic Thurs, expected to be up-and-running by mid- ukulele club and live music weekends. The September. This Punch Tavern is being run Bridge is a short walk from the rail station by Tim and Janet, formerly of Ye Olde and bus stops. Regular beers are Sharps Rose & Crown on Market Street, which is Doombar & St Austell Proper Job and one now being managed by a fine chap called changing beer; typically London Pride or Ian, who used to run another Joule’s house Greene King IPA. Old Rosie and/or Orchard in the Potteries. Heart of Staffordshire Pig cider are available on hand-pull. CAMRA wish them all the best. The Market Vaults has new management and taking on board customer feedback is still doing gourmet burgers, jam night etc.

The Bear Grill has reverted to the Bear and is due to reopen on 28th September.

Stafford Rangers Football Club bar is now open to all, no membership required. Future events include an Oktoberfest (22nd September), Bryan Adams tribute act (29th Sept) and a Comedy night (19th October). The Bridge, Stone Joule’s Brewery has lodged plans with the The Greyhound will be our Autumn Pub of council to transform part of the original the Season. Please join us for the award Joule’s warehouse in Stone into a ‘flagship presentation on Thursday 27th September taphouse’. The site at Crown Wharf was from 8pm. established in 1779 but closed in 1974 and the brewery demolished. HAUGHTON The Bell reopened in June, giving the ECCLESHALL village two pubs again; the Shropshire Inn Bent’s Brew House launched EFestival, recently gained Cask Marque status. Eccleshall’s inaugural music festival, over August bank holiday weekend. The majority STONE of the festival was hosted at the Little The Bridge (formerly Langtry's) reopened George, which celebrated its first birthday mid-August after an extensive refurb.A on 28th July. Happy Birthday George!

6 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk HIXON The planning decision on the Green Man is expected to be made in Sep- tember. The local group who got the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value are holding meetings to see if a bid can be submitted to buy the pub, to prevent it being demolished and replaced with a Co-Op store.

ANYPLACE Anypub PENKRIDGE Landlords! Your pub news could The Boat was our Summer Pub of the Season. have been here. Drop me a line Pictured above are Heart of Staﬀordshire with short snippets about your CAMRA Chairman Frank Bryden [2nd left], upcoming events, real ale presenting the award to pub staﬀ George promotions, beer festivals etc. Scott, Ash Green, Mike Stevens and Will Kerry on a scorchio Thursday evening in July.

We are the Champions!

The Swan Inn, Stone

We were delighted to award Geoff Blundell with the Pub of the Year trophy and Cider shield on the opening night of the Swan’s 20th Beer Festival in early July. Pictured with Geoff are [from left] Heart of Staffordshire branch Chair Frank Bryden,Geoff’s wife Helen, pub manager Alexandra Hemmings and cellar man Kevin Keeling. See what’s coming up on at the Swan on page 23.

The Green Man, Milwich

Rod Webb was also presented with two awards by the branch recently. As well as Rural Pub of the Year, the Green Man has achieved the rare distinction of appearing in 25 consecutive years of the Good Beer Guide. Rod has been at the helm of the pub for the whole of that time!

Stafford Cricket & Hockey Club

SCaHC as I like to call them were voted Club of the Year 2017 by our members. The Hockey Club hosts an excellent beer and cider festival in April of every year. They forgot we were coming on 29th June to present the award and had double booked us with former England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom! That’s him on the left of the picture.

Issue 34 | Autumn 2018 | Brewery news LYMESTONE of Stone www.lymestonebrewery.co.uk Wetherspoon's in Stone now has a permanent Lymestone beer named after the pub, 'THE The Brewery was busy POSTE OF STONE' 4.5%, a blend of STONE through the summer, FACED and EIN STEIN. with the hot weather and some minor Lymestone will be appearing at the Stone sporting events. Food & Drink Festival at the start of October The England where they will again host the ‘Chilli-Off’ matches were event (referred to in Beer at Heart 31). shown on big There are brewery tours at the beginning of screens in the brewery bar area, whereas a each month for the rest of the year. The quiet drink could be had in the Borehole. Brewery and Bar can now be booked for Here the new beer garden is maturing private functions such as birthdays, funeral rapidly, the climbing plants and hops will wakes and wedding receptions (but not the soon obscure the scrap lorries next door. actual ceremonies). The hot weather resulted in Sarah's STRAY Neil Butler CAT LAGER selling out, and when I visited Lymestone Brewery Liaison Officer (BLO) at the beginning of August new supplies were being frantically brewed. There are alternative lagers at the pubs, and the STRAY CAT PILSNER 5.2% has been well SLATERʼS of Stafford received. Between her workloads brewing www.slatersales.co.uk the core Lymestone beers, Sarah has been Hazel from Slater’s experimenting with some Xmas specials! writes: Slater’s bar in Seasonal beers for the remainder of 2018: Stafford is going from strength to strength and now offers an SEPTEMBER: STONE BROOD is planned extensive gin menu as well as award- but this is subject to the bees. At the last winning cask and keg ales. Each week inspection one of the three hives had been killed off by the long cold winter. A further there are regular entertainment evenings. inspection is due of the other two hives. For more details check the bar’s Facebook page. OCTOBER: STONE DEAD 6.66% Traditional ink black stout for Halloween Brewery tours are held on the first Friday and bonfire night. of each month. The last two dates for 2018 are September 7th and November 2nd. NOVEMBER: PUDDING STONE 4.7% Our extremely popular Oktoberfest DECEMBER: STONE COLD 4.7% returns on 13th October at the brewery. There is the possibility of ABDOMINAL Tickets are available from the brewery and STONEMAN for the winter, depending on online. capacity in the brewery and contract The upcoming seasonal ales are AUTUMN bottling plant. This bottledbeer has won a RED, GREEN HOP IPAand COLOMBIA Three Star rating (the highest) in the 2018 COFFEE STOUT. Great Taste Awards.

10 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk IZAAK WALTON BREWHOUSE led to a great improvement in water quality, of Norton Bridge being almost pure. Measured amounts of Whitehouse Farm, Cold Norton, Stone, minerals can then be added on site. The Staffordshire ST15 0NS main drawback is that it takes the plant [email protected] about two days to produce enough liquor for 01785 760780 a brew. Andy and Bernard would like to The brews remain the same as my last report record their thanks to Murphy's who are a namely AMBER NYMPH, LAST CAST and brewery supply company in Nottingham, for THE LAST DROP, although the strength of their expertise and laboratory time in this the latter is to be increased to 5.5%, being a matter. bit darker with a hint of stout. The Bell in Eccleshall is a new regular outlet For the later part of the year a RESERVE for the beers, with Amber Nymph being re- AMBER NYMPH will be produced at 5.5%. badged for the pub. Other regular outlets are the Little George and Kings Arms, also in Earlier in the year and with the dry weather, Eccleshall, the Swan in Stone, plus the Malt problems occurred with the mineral content & Hops, Beehive and Holy Inadequate all in of the borehole water from the aquifer. A the Potteries. series of tests were undertaken which revealed higher than acceptable levels of Neil Butler, Izaak Walton BLO certain minerals. Following this, a reverse osmosis plant has been installed which has More brewery news on page 31

Pubs on the 101 Hanley...last one for the 101? Odysseus Paul Dykta reaches the end of the road, and finally goes for a wee

Today we arrive at Hanley bus station; our thought was that our first port of call must be the (saved from demolition) Coachmakers Arms. Alas we were informed that it was temporarily closed, so on towards town and the first offering was at the Albion Hotel on Old Hall Street, a Marston'shouse serving Banks's and Pedigree. Our next stop was the Market Tavern on Percy Street, which I'm sorry to say informed us that they no longer serve cask ale. This was followed by the Tontine on the same-named street having no cask Leaving BottleCraft and going left we either. reach Mart's Brewhouse & Tap [pictured By now we're gagging (for a beer), so above], a nice pub with the brewery on straight into the Reginald Mitchell (a show through a glass wall, with five ales, Wetherspoons) on Parliament Row, where eleven kegs and three ciders to choose we both opted for Black Bee honey porter from. Starting with Abbeydale's Salvation from Phoenix. Also on offer were the usual stout (no comments please) we went on to ales and cider normally seen in a ‘spoons. Mart's own Early Bird pale ale. Moving on We then move to the Auctioneer on we found that the Stage Door also had no Percy Street, selling a very good Sneck real ale, this was due to a temperature Lifter alongside Bombardier and Pedigree, problem in the cellar. all at £1.80 a pint (due to hot weather). If that's not good enough they had the cleanest toilets I've seen for a long time (we did drink our beer in the bar though). After a wee, we carried on to the Unicorn on Piccadilly who served us a very refreshing Theakstons (lagered) Shot in the Dark at 4.2% and Fuller’s Fruit Loop at 4.5%; the dark won. There was also two more ales and Old Rosie cider. After watching the barman fill his face we went over the road for lunch. Then right next door into BottleCraft [pictured right], the ale on tap here was Inadequate's Tom Wheatfield, a hazy wheat beer at 4.7%. Continues over...

Issue 34 | Autumn 2018 | 101 continued It's getting on so we jump back on the bus to pick up two pubs we missed coming out of Newcastle, ﬁrstly the Greyhound, a Titanic pub serving two guests with ﬁve of their own plus two ciders on the pumps. We drank Great Heck's Voodoo Mild & Luna's Once in a Blue Moon. Nice to see a mild and to drink the mild nice.A short stroll and we were at the Museum with Bombardier, Bass and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, which (I'm sorry) was not impressive. A short walk to Newcastle's bus station and home. Apologies to any pub close to the 101 route that I've missed, but I can't see a lot of the time.

Paul Dykta [keep going Dickie!—Ed.] Young CAMRA Last year's eventwas agreat success TheNationalYoung MembersForum with attendancefromacrossthe country. andAGM willbeheldonthe 6th We had lots of discussion andideas, Octoberatthe Brunswick Inn, Derby. includingahandbook forBranchYoung MembersCoordinators anduniversity Theforum andAGM areour flagship liaisonofficers, howtomakebranch eventsasthe Young MembersWorking meetingsmoreengaging andpushed Group.Theyare ouropportunitytobring ideasonrecruitment andactivation of together the most active andenthusiastic young membersacross theCampaign. young membersfromacrossthe Attendanceisopentoany young Campaign and have arealimpactonits membersinthe Campaign aged 18-30 or future. Like last year,there will be 3-4 indeed anyone who has an interest in the topics of discussion, followed by an open next generation of CAMRA. Themeeting forumofdebate whereany member may begins at 12,finishing at 4, followed by a putforwardtheir ownideas or thoughts socialcrawl around Derby. on howwecan improve. This will then be followed by theAGM wherewewillelect AshCorbett-Collins the National YoungMembers Coordinator CAMRA National Executive forthe next year. YoungMembers Coordinator

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www.warwickprinting.co.uk Breweriana heaven Interested in owning some classicpiecesofbrewing history? If so the33rdNationalBreweriana Auctionisthe place to be on Saturday 24th November.HeldatBurton Town Hall (nearthe railway station),viewing starts at 10.30am, bidding at noon.Itpromises over 150fascinating auction lots—everythingfrommirrors to trays, wallsigns, jugs, bottles and books, in awonderfulVictorian venue. Amongthe itemsare an Oﬃler’sjug from Derby(1876— 1966),two Charrington’spumpclips in theshapeofToby jugs andaMarston’ssnuﬀ box. Theauction is greatfun to take part in andachance to getsomegreat bargains. Plus, like anyCAMRA event, thereissomegood beer on sale! Entranceisbycatalogueavailable on theday for£3, or in advancebypostfor £4 (includes postage) from Bill Austin on 07789900411 or [email protected]

33rdNational Breweriana Auction Saturday 24th November from 10.30am—4pm Burton Town Hall, King EdwardPlace DE14 2EB

Ourcider and perry is made usingfreshly pressedjuice,naturally fermented and matured to give character andflavour. ContactNickon07958 310713 or email [email protected] Website: www.hurstviewcider.co.uk

HurstViewCider,Ivetsey Road, Wheaton Aston, Stafford ST19 9QP Stafford Beer and Cider Festival review

THURSDAY The 11th Stafford Beer and Cider Festival kicked off at 6pm sharp. The setup team had been on site from Sunday 22nd to transform a school sports hall into a corner of paradise with 65 beers and 30 ciders being the main attractions. Our volunteers looked resplendent in their specially- designed festival t-shirts (some punters even asked if they could buy one). The opening night had a relaxed, chilled- out feel; around 175 patrons whiled away this lovely summer’s evening with us.

FRIDAY The weather was even better the next day, helping us to aniimproved attendanceion Friday. Our venue has plenty of outdoor green space for folk to spread out on and make the most of the sunshine. Bar staff were kept busy by the constant flow of customers. Friday night’s band Pelo played an impressively tight, rockin’ set that got people dancing. The first beer to sell out was Tiny Rebel’s Gin & Juice, fittingly as we had a gin bar for the first time. The experiment proved a success (the Rhubarb being the most popular of the ‘seven deadly gins’ on offer). Paula and Tony the Ti...sorry—Paul Gin-uine thanks to No.7 Market Square and the Star in Penkridge for their help with it.

SATURDAY Typically, our luck with the weather didn’t BEER OF THE FESTIVAL: hold, but Saturday afternoon was still the 1st: RAN—Rum & Raisin Stout best attended session overall. Families 2nd: BRASS CASTLE—Bad Kitty enjoyed the antics of our kids entertainer, and as you can see it wasn’t only children who made a beeline for the face painter. CIDER OF THE FESTIVAL: The atmosphere in the main hall was 1st: SNAILSBANK—Pineapple & helped by the bad weather as more people Pink Grapefruit stayed inside. Saturday night’s band 2nd: HURST VIEW—Jibber Jabber Massive Surfboard got even more people dancing. Great to see everyone enjoying it. PERRY OF THE FESTIVAL: By last orders on Saturday night most barrels had been drunk dry by our thirsty 1st: DOUBLE VISION—Impeared punters. The last thing to do was announce Vision the results of the Beer, Cider and Perry of 2nd: OLIVERS—Perry the Festival competitions.

18 | www.staffordbeerfestival.co.uk But what did the punters make of it?

Names: Chris, Laura, Claire (& Dash) Names: Sean, Giuseppe From: Liverpool/Solihull From: Stoke 2nd visit to the Festival—came last Been before? 1st time at this one, we year as well. Claire & Laura’s mum and heard about it through a friend. dad have been to a few though... Favourite beers so far? Sean: Sadler’s Favourite beers so far? Chris: Sadler’s Mellow Yellow; Giuseppe: Revolutions Mellow Yellow; Laura: Sandstone Swoon Twisted Dragon. Claire drinks cider. Would you come again? ‘Definitely!’ Dash: ‘Marston’s Pedigree Chum’.

Names: Gordon,Richard, Jane Names: Rose, Damien From: Hixon/Rugeley From: Middlewich/Stafford (via France) Gordon & Jane’s first visit, dragged Been before? Damien has been to all along by son Richard, who remembers but one; by contrast it’s Rose’s first. when it was still at the Gatehouse. Favourites so far? Rose: Milestone Rich Favourite beers so far: Richard: Saltaire Ruby; Damien: Tiny Rebel Gin & Juice. Amarillo Gold; Gordon: Milestone Rich ‘And the concert band were great!’ Ruby. Jane likes wine but is the un- Changes you’d like to see? D: ‘Craft lucky designated driver. beer—there’s a market for it; a non- Would you come again? Gordon: ‘We alcoholic beer option. And chips!’ could be persuaded!’

We’d like your feedback too – visit the festival Facebook page or email [email protected]

Issue 34 | Autumn 2018 |

GBG Belgium Frank Bryden reviews the latest edition of CAMRA’s indispensable guide to the beers and bars of the country that beat England twice in the World Cup

Can you name 12 Belgian beers? It you what should be easy but then you start to run beers are out of ideas after six or seven. There offered and were over 1,000 Belgian beers at the last the food count, so how hard can it be? available: CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide Belgium snacks, is what you need to expand your main meals knowledge and horizons. The 8th edition or nothing at all is full of reviews, brewery guides, tasting (you’re there for the beer, aren’t you?). notes, pubs, food, transport and beer The book also covers bottle shops, festivals…I’ve probably missed a few breweries with tap rooms, brewery tours, things but you get the idea! beer museums, and Belgian bars in What type of beer do you like? Belgium different countries. Or if you fancy going will definitely have something that to a Belgian beer festival, pick a month appeals to your taste buds. Leafing and you can find what is on and where. through the pages you’ll encounter All in all, this new edition covers a huge Dubbels, Tripels, Pale Ales, IPA (yes even topic in a straightforward style, easy to here), Saisons, Brown and Scotch Ales, read and illustrated with plenty of photos. Black and White beers, then you find Beer making and drinking are lovingly Lambic beers and we haven’t even got to talked about in a way that will make you fruit beers! wonder about brewing here and in Belgium. I can’t think of a better book on the subject. After a few reads, you might not be an expert but your knowledge of Belgian beers will definitely have improved, and you can talk with some authority on your chosen Mastermind subject (hopefully with no passes). Remember Belgium is a small country, easy to get to and around, assuming you Beer museum and bar in Rodt have a designated driver, although public transport is good so be adventurous and If you want to discover new bars then set a date for a new expedition. You can look no further, this book covers the always blame it on the book and this entire country, so if you are in Antwerp, review? Brussels, Mechelen, Tournai or Leuven (to name a few) then find the right page Good Beer Guide Belgium is available in all good bookshops RRP £14.99. and there is listed the local breweries CAMRA members discount of £11.99 plus decent bars to visit. This guide tells available from shop.camra.org.uk

Issue 34 | Autumn 2018 | ‘Doing the 19’ or could it be 87? Can Chris complete his mission to visit all 19 of the Good Beer Guide pubs in our area before deadline day? Or even all 87 in Staffordshire? Time is ticking...

The village of Blythe Bridge is easily visit. The beauty of this challenge is the reached by train on the line from Stoke-on- opportunity to experience some pubs not Trent to Derby and around a five-minute previously visited and the last two left a walk from the station is the Crossways sense of ‘why haven’t we been here before?’ Micropub. Opened in early July 2015, it is The Haberdashers Arms at Knighton, the tap for Peakstones Rock Brewery and I close to the Staffordshire–Shropshire border, enjoyed their Chained Oak as wellias the guest has been around since the 1840s. A recipient which was Ashover Brewery’s 5.5% Zoo. of Heart of Staffordshire Pub of the Month Crossways is included Not one of the 19 but a woawarrthwdshiinle thedigrpaessiston, in the 2018 Good Beer the Dashers has a Guide (GBG), so lovely, unspoilt moved me one step interior. We enjoyed nearer visiting all of both local Rowton the current 87 Brewery’s Rowton Staffordshire pubs Bitter and Goffs listed. It offers a Brewery’s Lancer discount for CAMRA from the Cotswolds. members, but is It was also nice to normally closed on a have time to chat Monday, Tuesday and The Haberdasher’s Arms with the landlord. Wednesday. So, the Anchor Inn at High Offley had the During the 1980s, my daily commute from honour of being the pub that completed the Stafford to Burton-on-Trent took me ‘Doing the 19’ challenge! An old newspaper through the village of Newborough. So, cutting on the wall tells the story of this with the village’s Red Lion being in the wonderful, traditional place located next to 2018 GBG, it was time to reacquaint myself the Shropshire Union Canal to the north of with the place which was built as a 17th- Norbury Junction. The small parlour-style Century farmhouse and converted into a pub is pretty much unchanged since it pub during the 1800s. As much a opened in 1830 with quarry tiles and wooden destination for food as it is for ale, we bench seats and has been run by the same visited just after England’s World Cup family for well over 100 years. It didn’t matter defeat to Croatia and liked a sign behind that there was only one ale on offer— the bar saying ‘it nearly came home’. While Wadsworth’s 6X—as it was a pleasure to the choice of ale was mainstream – spend time there. Marston’s Pedigree and 61 Deep together with Bass Premium Ale – the pub is still Five years ago, it was the Cask Marque worth a visit on the way to completing the phone app which kick-started my interest in 87. real ale pubs. So, after completing the ‘19’, it With deadline day looming [set by Andy was a quick trip up the A519 to Eccleshall. In and not the one for Premier League contrast to the traditional Dashers and transfers!], there were two of the 19 still to Anchor, Little George is a trendy pub and

22 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk coffeeshopopenedinJulylastyear. Occupyingthe site of theGeorgeInn, thethree ales on offer wereBeartown Bearskinful,Bent’s Monty and Lymestone EinStein,withthe excellent Bent’s alebeing my choice.I must mentionone staff member who was more thanhappy to fetchthe Cask Marque certificate.Onitwas thepub’s all-important QR code which was scannedtomarkthe 700thpub I’d visitedinthe UK and Sweden from the app’scollectionofover10,000 pubs.

Chris Bedford The Anchor, High Offley

Stone’s only true freehouse

HeartofStaffordshireCAMRA Pub and CiderPub of theYear

TheSwanInn, Stoneisrenowned forits Annual Beer festivals so following the success from its20th Festival back in July they will be offering cask alesfromin andaroundStaffordshiretotheir customers, alittleclosertohome!

Starting from Thursday 20th September leadingthrough theFFooodod &Drink Festival weekend to Sunday 7thOctober andpartofthe nationwide celebrationfor ‘Cask AleWeek’ theSwanInn will be supportingCAMRA LocAle andpromoting thevery best from allthe localbreweries.

Greatlliviveentertainment with some localbands andtouring band Dobermann playing throughoutthe weekstonamebut afew –EEllvvisis on Saturday 22nd September -NNiixxoonnTTaattee&&tthheeHHoonneyey Club on Saturday 29th September, DoDoberbermmaannnn on Thursday 4thOctober andLLosostthe Plot on Saturday 6th OctoberPLUSaspecialFood&DrinkthemedQQuizuiz Night on Tuesday2nd October.

PLUS ourCChhrriissttmmaassPPaarrtyty with Lostthe Plot on Sunday 9thDecember.

TheSwanInn,StaffordStreet, StoneTel:01785 815570 www.theswaninnstone.co.uk District News Local Pubs Live Again Tom Abbott reports on some really good news from the Uttoxeter sub-branch this season with the reopening of two well- loved local pubs, the Old Bramshall Inn, Bramshall and the Talbot, Alton Neil Morrisey expands his business into Uttoxeter At the end of June the former Men Behaving Badly star reopened the Old Bramshall Inn, Stone Road, Bramshall. This welcome news follows the burning down and sad demise of the Robin Hood in Bramshall 18 months ago and the recent closure of the Parks, Uttoxeter due to developments along on the A50. The Old Bramshall Inn is owned by the Stafford Beer Festival festivities company Star Pubs and Bars and is the second lease by the ‘With Neil Morrisey One of the most anticipated events of the Pub Company’ who have invested over year for Uttoxeter Branch members is the £200,000 in the venture creating a Stafford Beer festival and as ever members dedicated restaurant area, refurbished car availed themselves of the opportunity to park and new beer gardens. visit the festival on all three days. Branch Pub manager Luther Mattock said “the members were there also to do their bit and Old Bramshall Inn fits our business model, help with the setting up. developing in village communities. The Uttoxeter CAMRA local branch members Old Bramshall Inn is in an ideal location. offer their thanks to the Heart of the pub has great character and we hope it Staffordshire branch members and the will become a core of the local community. festival organising committee for putting in We want to provide a diverse range of so much time and effort in arranging this beers which includes our own ales, such as excellent annual event. the very successful Morrisey Blonde.” He added “Now the pub has been up and running for two months things have been going really well and the place has been buzzing.” Ales at the pumps include the company’s own creations, Morrisey Blonde and the new Old Bramshall Inn (OBI) bitter, as well as ales from well know breweries such as Titanic and Thornbridge.

24 | www.uttoxetercamra.org Pub of the Season Summer 2018 The Dog & Partridge, Marchington

A popular village watering hole has been awarded CAMRA Pub of the Season yet again. The Dog & Partridge has won the Uttoxeter CAMRA Pub of the Year award for two of the last three years and is a regular winner of seasonal awards. Paul Need- ham, who runs the Church Lane establish- ment, said he was "well chuffed" with his win, although with so many awards he is rapidly running out of wall space for them. Simon Ardron, Chairman of the Uttoxeter and District CAMRA sub-branch said: 'The D&P is a great pub for its variety of beers kept in fine condition, which is why it is also in the Good Beer Guide. making it a lovely place to visit on a fine ‘The pub has a nice little beer garden summer day.’

Alton Beer Festival was ACE The village of Alton’s second beer festival was another outstanding success. Taking place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June, the event was aided by great weather and the absolutely stunning surroundings of the Churnet valley. The event was organised by the Alton Community Events group (ACE), which was set up to organise events and boost community spirit in Alton. The festival organising group comprises residents and business owners from the village. The main event of the weekend was a fabulous display of classic cars. There were also children’s activities, a vintage tearoom running at the village hall and live music throughout the weekend. The beer festival took place at the village’s ﬁve pubs: the Alton Bridge Hotel, the Talbot Inn, the Blacksmiths Arms, the Bull’s Head and the White Hart, and featured many local breweries, recently reopened Talbot [above]; dating including Peakstones, Wincle, Whim, Titanic, back to the early 1700s, this listed and Uttoxeter Brewing Company. building is sited next to and owned by One of the exciting opportunities for local the Bridge Tavern and is now serving a CAMRA members was the chance to visit the range of locally produced real ales. Issue 34 | Autumn 2018 | AA Recommended, AA Pick of the Pubs, The Good Pub Guide’s Staffordshire Dining Pub of the Year. As recommended in: Les Routiers in Britain; Which? Guide. FREEHOUSE ADVERTORIAL

Every time you drink real ale or any other drink in a pub, can the cleanliness of the glass affect the quality of the beverage within it? The answer is yes and Andy Wainwright, MD of Barcare Supreme Ltd (BSL) explains why. “At Barcare we’ve noticed in some pubs selling real ales that their glass washers can become quite dirty with a build-up of yeast. This can affect the ability of the machine to clean glasses efficiently which leads to issues with beer quality. An unclean glass can give off an unpleasant smell and many people assume the odour is from the beer. When an unclean glass is dry you might Barcare Supreme Ltd MD Andy Wainwright not be able to smell it but once it comes into contact with the liquid smells can start to the water hoses start to perish.” resonate. A glass that’s washed properly will also “We’ve developed a chlorinated chemical that enhance the lacing effect on the glass (improving degrades yeast and bacteria more effectively than beer head retention) and eliminates any hidden a caustic detergent. Publicans don’t clean beer odours which develop when the pint is poured.” line pipes with a caustic detergent so why would Andy continued “Another factor –often you clean a pint glass with it?” overlooked –is the need to install a water BSL have spent 12 months developing their softener, especially in hard water areas. new cleaning chemicals and the last six months Limescale on elements acts like an insulator so trialling them at various venues. Andy comments: the heat doesn't penetrate the water, and “The results have been phenomenal and we’ve eventually the element overheats and burns out. had a great response from our customers, The simple measure of installing a water softener especially with GlassSupreme Cask, which is makes a huge difference.” scientifically formulated for real ale houses. It’s These issues have lead BSL to call upon their vital we change perceptions. Some people think 25 years’ experience supplying and servicing that when they rent or buy a new washer that commercial washers to the licencing trade to the machine is going to magically do all the work. develop what it believes are the best cleaning But you’ve got to use the right cleaning chemical chemicals on the market. The four new products –which is what we’ve brought onto the market.” from the Stafford-based company are GlassSupreme, DishSupreme, RinseSupreme and GlassSupreme Cask –which has been formulated especially for real ale houses. “Our core business is supplying glasswashing and dishwashing machines so it’s imperative that we provide the best possible cleaning detergent to protect the machines” said Andy. “People undervalue chemicals. It’s incredible how many callouts we attend that are attributed to poor quality or incorrectly used chemicals. Not only does it result in a poor clean, but there are a lot For more information on Barcare Supreme of chemicals on the market that actually damage Ltd’s range of cleaning chemicals call 01785 machines. Components start to break down and 247267 or visit www.barcare.co.uk

Pottering around the Potteries As everyone in the Heart of Staffs branch no doubt knows, Stoke Beer Festival has moved in both time and space, and here’s my roving (that’s an “O” and not an “A”) reporter Lorna Denny to tell you all about it: How do you fancy a walk back in time to a china factory that was once busy with clinking of crockery, smoking kilns and local people going about their day to day work? No, I haven't turned into a Stokie tour guide, I'm letting you know exciting news about Stoke Beer and Cider Festival 2018! Yes that's right, we've moved this year New Festival venue, Spode China Halls to the China Hall at Spode in the centre of Stoke (next door to the Kings Hall). We've with a plan to open their own brewpub; to listened to you and after visiting many this end, Mart’s Tap & Brewhouse (a places, we're finally on the move.A hall fantastic name for a pub if ever there was packed full of history which for a few days one!) opened its doors at the beginning of will be home to an amazing range of beers July, run on a day-to-day basis by Jason & and ciders, bottled beers and this year, a Sue, ex of the Coachmaker’s Arms and gin bar! Don't forget you can join CAMRA various other fine local hostelries. The at the festival as well if you aren't already a brewery can be viewed from the pub, lurking member; this year, each new member will behind panes of glass, and the bar is get two free pints. Come along and check it veritably replete with beer: 8 cask ales, 14 out, meet up with friends and maybe make craft keg taps, 3 ciders, plus various bottles new ones. We will be supporting the Blood & cans, not to mention The Inevitable Gin, Bikes again this year for our chosen awaits the thirsty traveller. Talking of the charity, so have a chat with them and hear Coachmaker’s Arms, this classic four- all about their amazing work. roomed pub was happily not shut for long, We have also moved the date to 8th— with the new tenants moving in at the 10th November, so make sure you write a beginning of August; if Mart’s has not note in your diary as we'd hate to miss you. quenched your thirst, Bass and guest beers Why not come and check it out but I await you here. apologise in advance that the ceiling still At the other end of the pub spectrum, the won't be as nice as the Kings Hall!!! We Potteries Branch area (although not strictly look forward to seeing you all there. The Potteries) gained another new Thank you Lorna, and we hope to see all micropub at the end of July, when The our friends from the south in November. Whippet Inn in Wolstanton [pictured On the Potteries Pub Scene, Hanley has overleaf] threw open its door to greet the seen something of a rejuvenation in the unsuspecting denizens of Morris Square. past few months. Mart’s Craft Beers set up One small L-shaped room with the bar at in a small unit in Knutton a couple of the back and a variety of seating types; the years ago, but the brewers soon came up Continues over...

Issue 34 | Autumn 2018 | 29 Pottering around the Potteries continued...

pulls on the bar, while four real ciders live in the fridge.A good thing for the Square that is called Morris. Finally, another welcome re-opening over the summer was The Blue Bell in Kidsgrove. With six real ales and a selection of real ciders, plus a couple of so-called craft ales, business seems to be on the up once more. The Bell is closed on Mondays, opens 6pm Tuesday to Thursday, 4pm Friday and 11am Saturday and Sunday; Potter’s Bar wishes every L snakes around to the back of the pub, success to the new tenants, plus all providing more seating, while a raised others mentioned here. area by the window means that customers Martin Perry can watch all the exciting things that take Editor, Potters Bar place on Morris Square. Five real ales from CAMRA Potteries Branch smaller breweries are dispensed by hand- www.camrapotteries.co.uk

PEAKSTONES ROCK BREWING CO. LTD

Beers available Oblivion: ABV 5.5 Black Hole: ABV 4.8 Alton Abbey: ABV 4.5 Chained Oak: ABV 4.2 Churnet Valley IPA: ABV 4.3 Pugin’s Gold: ABV 4.0 Nemesis: ABV 3.8 Also seasonal beers

Why not visit Crossways micropub, Uttoxeter Rd, Blythe Bridge, to sample our beers

Sales enquiries: David Edwards Tel: 07891 350908 Email: [email protected]

WWW.PEAKSTONESROCK.CO.UK Brewerynewsextra TITANICofBurslem UTTOXETERBREWING COMPANY www.titanicbrewery.co.uk Facebook:@UttoxeterBrewingCompany Facebook:@titanicbrewery Twitter: @Titanic_Brewers TomfromUBC writes: the RustyBarrel,the successful AmyfromTitanic writes: micropub in Rugeley is now BodUpdate! aregularoutletfor Uttoxeter Brewerybeers. Things areprogressing with ourtwo new bodsites: bodStoke hasnow been Ourbeer range includes: approved andsignedofffor listed building Admiral Lord Gardner Apaleale.Ataste consent,changeofuse andalsoby of tropical fruits andmango,afruity NetworkRail – woohoo!We’ll be starting balancedbeer. on site in Septemberwithaview to be American IPA Atypical American IPA. open early in October. Powerfulinstrength, bitternessand We heldanOpenEvening at theold fruitiness. NatWest building in Trenthambackin Uxonian NewZealand hops with aflavour June andinvited locals to come alongand of cool ‘white wine’crushed grapes and seewhat we had plannedfor the site.It tangerines.Apale golden ale. was asuper eveningwithalotofgreat Earthmover TraditionalEnglish session feedbackand following thisour planning bitter with amorefruityfinish,quite hoppy. application has gone live and we arenow awaiting feedback. If thingsgoasplanned, we hope to open before Christmas.

TitanicgoesSolar As part of ourwider commitment to the environment, we had 111 solarpanels installedonthe roof of ourbreweryinJuly. We anticipate thiswillsavearound 13 tonnes of Carbon ayearand should producemoreenergythanwhatweneed to brew thethree million plus pintsthat we produceeachyear.

WhiteStarFunction Room We’vehad arefurbinour function room at the WhiteStar on Kingsway, Stoke. The room canbebooked forparties and meetingsfor up to 60 people.All catering needs canbeprovided - just call in or phone01782 848732 and ask forDavefor furtherdetails.

Issue34|Autumn2018 |

ContactUs Contacting HeartofStaffordshire branch Branchofficerselected at theAGM on 5thJune: You Branchcontact(temporary): FrankBryden We endeavourtocontact allour contact@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk membersregularly viaemailwith Tel: 07878 704770 detailsofsocials,meetings,beer Chair: FrankBryden festivalsand news items. chair@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk Treasurer: Dave Tomkinson should be readily treasurer@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk available from your localrealale Membership Secretary: KellyPorter puband is published in PDF on the membership@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk branch websitebut if youwould like to take outapostal subscriptionfor Beer at HeartEditor: Andrew Murray editor@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk £4 peryear (tocover costs) please Tel: 07814864 311 contact theEditor. Webmaster: Martin White Find us on Facebook: webmaster@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk HeartofStaffordshire CAMRA Clubs Officer: Paul Dykta Uttoxeter &DistrictCAMRA clubs@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk Pubs Officer: FrankBryden pubsofficer@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk Thank Yous: TomAbbott,Chris Bedford,Frank Thefollowing positions areall vacant: Bryden, Neil Butler, Paul Dykta, Secretary Martin Perry,DaveTomkinson,Phil Vickers,WarwickPrintingand all SocialSecretary ouradvertisers andcreditors. SocialMedia Articles, letters andsuggestions for Cider Officer thenextissuegratefullyreceivedby PublicityOfficer theEditor. ThenextissueofBeer at Public Affairs Officer Heart will appear in December 2018. Young MembersOfficer

If you’re interested in takingonarole,orjoining Consumer information thecommittee in ageneral capacity, please If youhaveany complaintsovershort contact Frank Bryden, Branch Chair, or Andy measures etc. andhavenosatisfaction Murray, Beer at HeartEditor. from the pubinquestionpleasecontact Staffordshire TradingStandards: Uttoxeter&District sub-branch Tel: 0300 111 8045 Branchcontact&Chair: SimonArdron E: businessadvice@staffordshire.gov.uk Email: [email protected] Post: Staffordshire County Council, Website: www.uttoxetercamra.org 2Staffordshire Place, StaffordST162DH

Issue34|Autumn2018 | 33 Our Lost Pubs Chancesare that youwillbesurprised, nayaghast,atthe series that willappearin thenextten issues of this magazine.But we hope that it willalsospark some fond memories.Pub afterpub hasgone, particularly in ourrural areas. Remember this is just oursmall patch, oneof206 CAMRAbranches. In 2007 we lost 'only'fourpubs:

New Victoria,BrowningSt, Stafford. Converted to apharmacy(nowHouse of Bread).The lounge was on theleftand baron theright with RegAinsworth lookingafter the M&BSpringfield Bitterand hiswifeMonica preparingsnackssuchasabeeurger sandwich for12p.Itofferedaccommodation andthe pubdog was an Alsatian. Forseveral yearsnamed the Brahmsand Liszt before becomingthe NewVictoriain1991.

StaffordArms,Railway St,Stafford.Demolished, nowacar dealership car-park.The StaffordArmswas oneofaminorityoflocal Bass Charringtonpubsto have M&BBrewXIasthe cask beer.Anotable feature of the pubaverylarge oldmirrorbehind the bar.It laterhad spells as Stephenson’s Rocket and then Roosters,witha‘Naughty Nineties’theme, before returning to the StaffordArms. It was, judging by the localCAMRA Pubofthe Yearawards,Stafford’sbest pubthrough the1990s, firstunder Hayden Roberts andthenasTitanicBrewery’ssecondpub.

Crispin,Stone Rd, Stafford. Converted to an Indian restaurant,now demolishedand a housing development.Built as asubstantial road housefor Butler’s Wolverhampton Breweryin thelate 1930sithad their‘eagleand hop’ trademarkinstone above the main frontdoor and, through the 1970s, M&BSpringfieldBitteras thecask beer.Stafford’sshoe making industry hadbeen recognised(SaintCrispin beingthe patron saintofcobblersand leatherworkers)but thepub was briefly the Dovecot,thenfinally Crispin’sTavern.

We also lost the Crown,Aston by Stone (onthe A34) in 2007.Now emptyand semi-derelict. AformerJoule's house (when the brewerywas in Stone). Phil Vickers/P.M.

34 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk