Issue 43 – Winter 2010 FREE – Please take one

Newsletter of North Branch of CAMRA

Use Them Or Lose Them Over the last 15 years or so A sign of the times – 28 in the Branch has permanently our Branch are currently up for lost about 12 pubs; roughly sale … and that’s just the ones we know about one every 15 months. Some old favourites like the White still working with locals Hart, ; King’s Head, in to save The ; and Chequers, North Fox (see page 3) and Newington – places where past monitoring the Albion, generations had their first legal which pint or wet their first-born’s head has had an application are now gone forever. There for demolition submit- are about half a dozen pubs ted to the planning that are shut, but have not been department. The Bishop on November 4th and some granted change of use, like the Blaize, Burdrop is now up for local knowledge, there are cur- Marlborough Arms, Banbury and sale, but that situation still needs rently some 29 pubs out of the the Plough, Merton. This last to be watched. The Cricketers, total of about 235 pubs closed. year though has seen a change Banbury will almost certainly These include The Swan, Ascott- with the loss of the Blacklock become housing next year hav- under- and Off the Arms to Tesco and the Branch ing had an application to convert Beaten Track, Chipping Norton. locked in four battles to save to flats approved. A few hours one morning spent pubs; with the Whitmore Arms In addition to this, according surfing the net found 28 iden- now safe (see page 29), we are to the local CAMRA website tifiable pubs for sale, including the Red Lion, Cropredy, both Our Popular Periodical Perused Middle Barton pubs (The Fox and the Carpenters) and the In Phuket Dun Cow, Hornton. There are almost certainly more as I only We seem to be picking used a handful of web sites and up regular contribu- many pubs are only identified as tions in the challenge ‘Oxfordshire ’ or other vague for a well-travelled references. That said, some Beer on Tap. Here we of the closed pubs are also up see Richard Moylan for sale like the The Woolpack in the Jamaican Bar (which already has permission in Phuket, Thailand, to change to flats) and the Three checking up on the Pigeons in Banbury. beer festival list. So what is causing this sig- I am reliably informed that and friends from far (or nificant increase in the Pubs although it looks overcast and not so far) away to send a Officer’s workload? It has been a bit gloomy it was damned hot photo of Beer on Tap being well reported about the tough … just right for a pint of cooling read in far off or unusual trading conditions for pub land- ale then! places to the Editor (see lords, with above-inflation duty Please remember to get family Branch Contacts list). Continued on page 3 Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://www.northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk Future Of Local Pubs In Our Hands Continued from front page fire with a pint, meet friends in whose pub is facing permanent increases for the last two budg- a convivial environment and put closure or change of use can ets (also planned for the next the world to rights, celebrate use CAMRA’s Public House two), many paying high rents life’s milestones, just let your Viability Test in their campaign and being forced to buy beer hair down – or risk losing them. as well as enlist help from the at inflated prices through their Much will depend on the local branch of CAMRA. You pub companies. Add to this the Government’s attitude to pubs can do this by contacting the buying power and loss-leading in the budget and whether they Pubs Officer or Chairman, tactics of supermarkets and the will freeze VAT on alcohol or using the contact details below, smoking ban in pubs – it is easy blindly continue taxing pubs via the website or by turning to see why 40 pubs are shutting until they are no longer viable, up at a CAMRA meeting and up shop for good each week. forcing them to close and taking introducing yourself and the Pubs in our Branch area have the tax revenue with them. This cause you represent. fared well in recent years com- is depriving our children and ‘Use it or lose it’ is an over- pared to many cities and areas future generations of a valuable used phrase; but it has never further north, however, things community asset; a modern day been more relevant to the pubs are unlikely to remain so. The version of Dr Beeching’s railway of North Oxfordshire. signs are ominous and the time cuts. Once gone, they are nigh is fast coming when people will on impossible to resurrect. North Oxon have to make choices whether Is there an alternative to this they want their local pub to be dark prediction? Yes, of course Contacts List the focal point of the communi- – use your pub! If it does close, ty’s leisure time – a place where Email addresses are followed by all is not lost, but it will require northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk you relax in front of a roaring some effort. Communities CHAIRMAN Lynne Baldwin- Kramer Tel: 07790 118341 Leafielders Fight For The Fox chairman@ VICE-CHAIRMAN In Leafield an ad hoc group vey to gauge support was set up Paul Montague vicec@ called “Save the Fox” has formed and which also incorporated a BRANCH SECRETARY in the village in an attempt to petition to support the contin- Caz Jewell secretary@ save its last pub from being con- ued operation of The Fox in its TREASURER Nick Faulkner verted into a house. current location (which faces treasurer@ MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY So far they have held three the village green and dates back community meetings. At the nearly 200 years). To date some Yvonne Hallows membership@ first meeting a community sur- 325 signatures have been col- BRANCH CONTACT lected; the population of Leafield Chris Darke contact@ Cask Marque on is about 800 in about 400 house- Tel: 07852 251300 iPhone And Android holds. The most recent meeting SOCIAL SECRETARY was a ‘pub night’ in the village John Devlin socials@ Cask Marque now have their hall on 17 September which Tel: 07711 257716 free application on the iPhone raised almost £400. BEER ON TAP EDITOR AppStore and the Android A loosely-structured steering Steve Lympany bot@ Market – to help you quickly committee has been working to Tel: 01869 340174 and easily find the nearest get all the elements lined up to PRESS & PUBLICITY CONTACT Cask Marque-accredited pubs, fend off the planning proposal, Position vacant press@ beer festival dates and loca- which could be submitted any PUBS OFFICER Dick Palmer tions, a list of & Brian Wray pubs@ day now. One member has acted PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER beers available as chief negotiator/community John Bellinger public@ (with Cyclops representative who, with various YOUNG MEMBERS tasting notes) members of the committee, has COORDINATOR Simon Raynor and much more. met with one of the investors young@ More than and the local planning officers. WEBMASTER Chris Darke 5,000 apps were CAMRA is working with webmaster@ downloaded for the Save the Fox group in an the iPhone with- Trading Standards: Oxfordshire attempt to save this valuable County Council, Electric Ave, in eight weeks local pub for the benefit of Ferry Hinksey Road, Oxford of its launch. future generations of Leafielders. OX2 0BY 2 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 Branch News The Chequers, hope you can be sure of a well- tional but the pub will close on Chipping Norton kept ale at any time. We have a Mondays for the winter period. fantastic new chef who is excited Hopefully the locals will show Tuesdays are traditionally the about preparing fresh local food support and visit on a regular days for pub hand-overs, and both for the traditionalist and basis. The loss to the village next the last day of August saw the for those who want to try some- time could be permanent! James Chequers in Chipping Norton thing a bit different." With land- and Ante also currently run the change hands with the tenancy lords called Hopcraft and a chef White Lion at Tredington, near transferring from John Cooper, called Tuckwell, the Chequers Shipston on Stour. landlord since taking over from is already on the right road. We Josh & Kaye Reid in October welcome Jim and Indra, wish Fox & Hounds, Ardley 2006, to Jim and Indra Hopcraft. The Hopcrafts have been them every success and look for- Congratulation from all at Beer in Chippy since the late 90s, ward to many more meetings in on Tap to Clive & Kelly on the when they moved to the area this pleasant venue. birth of their son, Sean, born while working for Wychwood The Harrow, mid-September weighing in at Brewery. They had managed 7lb 9oz. Mother and baby are some Hobgoblinns around the The Harrow reopened its doors both doing well. country before becoming part on 7th November after having of the management team in been shut since January before The Fox, Westcote Barton . Jim is a CAMRA mem- being put on the market. James The Fox has changed its opening ber and you may have met him & Ante Charlesworth are the times on Saturdays. Please note at Chipping Norton’s Rugby Club new tenants and have been that they are now closed from Beer Festival which he has co- working tirelessly to open as 3pm to 5pm. ordinated for the last five years. soon as they could. Real ales on The Chequers is well known offer are Greene King IPA and The Crown, Woodstock for its quality selection of Fuller's Fireside. ales. Jim says: "It's a delight to be The couple are offering a Licensee Mark Thomas is no involved with such a great, well- traditional pub grub-style stranger to Woodstock pubs and known pub. We will be extend- menu but will have mussels and it is good to see him back in the ing the beer range to make use king prawns added to the list. town and running this spacious of Fuller's reciprocal deals but I Opening hours will be tradi- pub. He has two real ales on offer, which recently included the excellent Sharp’s Doombar. There are two main bar areas. The front one is a big L-shaped bar with comfortable seating, and an intimate snug. The back bar is a ‘sports’ bar with a bil- liard table and large screen for sports events. A full menu is on offer, which comes highly recommended by several local businessmen. New Inn, Wroxton Heath Are you looking for somewhere special to eat out? Then try this food-oriented roadhouse beside the A422 Stratford road. Their Jim and Indra (centre) with their daughter Freya, Assistant Manager Alistair Milne (left) and three-course meal themed disco Chef Nathan Tuckwell. nights are very popular and 4 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 booking is essential for the ever www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub popular Sunday lunches. Email: [email protected] For the romantic candlelight dinner there’s always the settees Market Street around the warming real log Charlbury fire for aperitifs and/or a cof- Oxon OX7 3PL fee afterwards. After falling out Tel: 01608 810103 with the Wychwood brewery (see Beer On Tap 42) John is OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am Sat: 11am–1am now serving an excellent pint of Adnams Bitter (3.7%) as well • Up to seven quality real ales two FORTHCOMING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS as Old Rosie cider on his two traditional ciders and a traditional perry See www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub handpumps. • Hoegaarden Belgian White Beer, Leffe as there are sometimes gigs at short notice Blonde and the recently-launched Duvel Sat Dec 4 KING SIZE SLIM www.kingsizeslim.com White Lion, Green on draught Sat Dec 18 CLAUDE BOURBON www.claudebourbon.co.uk Steeple Aston Left to right Chef “Angus”, General Manager Matt Bryant and Assistant Manager Adam Allison. Sat Jan 15 ROBIN AULD www.myspace.com/robinauld • Eight top quality Belgian bottled beers Sat 29 Jan Roland Chadwick www.rolandchadwick.com Karen Richardson and David times they will try to accommo- Manager Adam Allison comes • Good selection of English fruit wines Sat 12 Feb Krissy Matthews www.krissymatthews.com Bacon took over at the White date you. Tuesday sees an OAP’s from a little further afield – Sun 20 Feb Kent DuChaine www.kentduchaine.com Lion mid-September, with help • Pleasant courtyard drinking area Sat 26 Feb Fran McGiLLIVray & Mike BURKE franmike.com lunch and Wednesday is an Australia – and came from from Jake the dog, after time • We serve on average 40 different guest in-house darts and curry night another UCL house, the Old in France running country cot- beers per month, produced mostly by WINTER BEER FESTIVAL with a curry and a bottle of Tiger Volunteer in Caythorpe, Notts. tages, a B&B, an English shop microbreweries from all four Beer for £5.99. Head Chef John Carlin, better at the ROSE & CROWN and kennels. It is their first pub corners of the UK The pub supports darts, domi- known as ‘Angus’ for reasons Fri evening to Sun JANUARY 28–30 together and they stock Timothy that become obvious when you Taylor’s Landlord and St Austell noes and an Aunt Sally team North Oxon CAMRA Large selection of real ales, plus cider and perry with cards and Subbuteo also meet him, moved from a UCL Tribute as regular ales along pub in Finchampstead, Berks. Pub of the Year 2009 with a guest, which was Fuller’s available. Keep an eye out for Keeping things local, the pub Previous Pub of the Year Awards Seafarers on my visit. live music nights throughout the month. The pub has a large gar- offers Hook Norton Bitter as the in 2002, 2003 and 2006 The pub is open 12–11 Mon– main regular beer, with monthly Weds and 12–12 Thurs–Sun. den and smokers’ shelter for al fresco drinking. Karen & David guests from Hooky or Purity. Karen is trained in oriental In a surprise move in early cooking as is shown by her won- welcome walkers, dogs and well- behaved children. November, Matt and Adam derfully diverse menu and they became free of the tie to UCL Oxfordshire are now doing a takeaway menu Coach & Horses, Banbury and now operate the pub as a as well, which is proving very Email: [email protected] Tel. 01608 683653 We understand that Hooky have freehouse with some cellar sup- popular. The food is available port from Marston’s. Matt will 12–3 and 5–9 Mon–Sun though appointed a management com- Food is served daily pany to take over the running feature four handpumps, three if you require food outside these of which offer rotating beers. in the bar of this establishment. We can Locally sourced game (sup- only hope that the excellent beer 12–2.30pm plied by pub regulars) features quality that has been established on the ‘specials’ board as well as Families welcome by John & Trisha Bellinger of the regular fish, meat and vegetables Bell, Adderbury while they’ve utu being from local suppliers. The been overseeing this Banbury separate 70-cover restaurant is The restaurant is outlet, as well as their own pub, supplemented by a 10-cover pri- for the past three months will be open in the evenings vate dining room, two terraces 6–9.30pm maintained. to the front and rear, the com- Situated in the village of Great fortable bar area and a snug. The Falklandutu ArmsTew, The Falkland Arms is the Greedy Goose, Salford Hill The pub offers regular enter- Open all day quin­tessential 16th century Eng- tainment and feature nights lish country pub. Featuring up to We are pleased to welcome the – Thursdays are Girls’ Nights, Saturday and new team at the Greedy Goose, there is live music on Fridays, Sunday seven real ales, traditional cider, who came in under the auspices and a magician! country wines, and a large selec- utu of Urban & Country Leisure Ltd. Mill Arts Centre, Banbury tion of whiskies served in a friendly General Manager Matt Bryant Accommodation atmosphere, it also has a beer garden hails from Adderbury, and prior Visitors to the bar at Banbury’s available to joining Urban and Country premier entertainment centre overlooking the Great Tew estate. David Bacon and Karen Richardson – new to Leisure held senior positions for the Arts will have noticed Website: www.falklandarms.co.uk the White Lion, Steeple Aston in event hospitality. Assistant that the Greene King offerings 6 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 which were usually well-kept Welcome to Philip Kingston and have been recently replaced by Kirsty Riddell – new tenants at the Church St, White Swan, Wigginton Stratton two Hooky beers. This is due to the newly appointed cellar The Red Lion Audley, manager, Hilary Gasper, who fayre using local meat and Bicester, has been delighted with the veg, and is served Tues– PUB & RESTAURANT OX27 9AG reception that not only this Sat 6–9 and Sun 12–3 change has received but also the when a traditional Sunday Stratton Audley, Oxfordshire Tel: 01869 response to the mini beer festival roast is available – again, www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk 277225 she organised over the weekend this is likely to be extended of the Banbury Folk Festival in to lunchtime if the demand A warm and inviting thatched country pub and restaurant. The open log fires and traditional pub fayre create a is there. homely atmosphere for casual or formal dining in the main dining area or in one of two private rooms seating up early October. Hilary is also stocking a third The pub hosts Aunt to 16 or 45 (more if buffet style). We have an enclosed traditional courtyard garden with facilities for barbeques Sally, crib and pool teams in the summer and dining outdoors which can be booked for private functions with the use of a marquee. ale during busy times at the centre. Again with a ‘Locale’ and is home to two regular Most of our food is locally produced and everything on our menu is cooked freshly to order so we are able flavour, these have recently been rugby teams and an occa- to accommodate any special requests for variations. Our Pigbrook Bitter from North sional visiting team from or shop and the only place locals Specials board is updated on a daily basis. Cotswold and Hobgoblin from . Paul also caters can meet together is in the pub”. Wychwood. for parties and events and is On the opening night enter- Our range of drinks includes traditional cask ales – Ruddles, keen to welcome other sports tainment was provided by local Deuchars and Spitfire – along with other beers and a wide King’s Head, Fritwell teams to the fold. Paul and Rob musician Pete Watkins, which range of wines (see our wine list online for more details). have only taken a short lease on went down well along with the The Red Lion has regular Live Entertainment events – check The Branch would like to wel- this historic pub and are trying ale. The couple also plan to the special events section of our website for further details. come Paul Lewis and business hard to make this work for the make the pub popular with the partner Rob to the area. With a Opening times: 12 noon until late every day. community; having had several many walkers who pass by. The background in pubs and hotels, months without a regular pub it pub is an ideal base for ramblers Food times: Noon–2.30pm and 6.00pm–9pm Mon–Sat, Paul previously ran a pub in the is now for the village to use the who want to explore the local Noon–4pm Sunday. Black Country, and they have pub or lose it. countryside. Walkers can leave Proprietor: Frank O’Neill quickly moved to four real ales their cars in the pub’s car park with Sharp’s Doom Bar as a White Swan, Wigginton before returning for lunch and a regular and up to three guest pint of Hooky; however, book- ales with hopefully at least one It is with great delight that we announce the White Swan is ing is advised. Hook Norton local ale. Brewery’s horse-drawn dray The pub is open Mon–Thurs open again, having been closed for about six months. New ten- is a regular and much loved Lower 5–11, Fri 5–12, Sat 12–12 and feature of life in the village Sun 12–9, though these times ants Kirsty Riddell and Philip Kingston have worked hard to of Wigginton. Most Fridays the are likely to extend as demand village resounds with the clip- Heyford increases. Food is traditional pub reopen the pub, even enlisting James Clarke (MD of Hooky clop of horseshoes as the dray Brewery) to help out with the delivers beer to the pub. work. They hope to regain the Black Prince, Woodstock 21 Market Square, support of the locals and walk- Lower Heyford, ers by serving well-kept Hook Licensee Darren Grant now has Norton ales and serving tradi- four real ales on offer at our only Oxon tional pub grub with good size Woodstock entry in the current portions. Good Beer Guide. The selection OX25 5NY The first customer on open- includes St Austell Tinners, and ing night was doing the Hooky Vale Best Bitter. The other two 01869 347176 Ale Trail and was amazed at the are rotating guest beers. reaction he received, as he had He is also offering a good only called in on the off-chance. range of very reasonably priced • Varied guest ales from all over the UK Kirsty already has a ladies food at lunchtime 12–2 and in darts team signed up and they the evening 6–9, and is open all • Five minutes walk from canal hope to be organising an Aunt day every day (except Mondays) • Large beer garden Sally team. “I have always 3–11. The difficult parking in • Listed in the Good Beer Guide 2009 wanted to run my own pub” Woodstock makes this an attrac- Open: said Kirsty, “and now the Hook tive venue. It also lies on the Mon–Thurs 12–3pm & 5pm–11pm; • Families and dogs welcome Norton Brewery has helped me route of several footpaths, and Friday & Sat 12pm–11pm; • Lunch and full menu available to do so. We want to make a dif- lunchtimes often see big groups Sun 12–10.30pm • Food served Mon–Sun 12–3pm & 5pm–10pm Paul Lewis now manning the pumps at the ference and make this pub thrive of walkers taking a welcome King’s Head, Fritwell again. The village has no school break for lunch. 8 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 Cheal Sweetman – a new face at the special events such as a beer Stag’s Head, Swalcliffe tasting evening in October. Many other events will be aimed dog owners and well-behaved at families. There are regular children. The pub has two let- curry nights, and Monday and ting rooms and a large sun trap Tuesday are ‘Best Mates’ days, of a garden which is very popu- when you can buy one meal and lar in the summer. get another at half price. Also on The Bell, Hook Norton Monday and Tuesday they do a fish and chips takeaway at £5.50. This historic pub in the centre The pub is open every day of the village has reopened 12–3 and 6–11 and food is under the management of two served 12–2 & 6–9 (6–8 on guys originally from Zimbabwe Sun). Tel: 01993 881392. www. – Hilton Bale-Smith and Dave handandshearswitney.co.uk Mroma. They have 12 years’ experience of running pubs in Bell Inn, Great Bourton the UK for Punch Taverns and are looking forward to revitalis- Frank & Freya Adams have established this pub very much Stag’s Head, Swalcliffe ing The Bell. They were hooked at first at the heart of the community with such initiatives as their sen- On 16th July Helena Stacey and sight when they came to view ior citizen lunches at £6.50 for a Cheal Sweetman took over this the pub, and loved its ambi- two-course meal with coffee or popular freehouse. They previ- ence. Their regular beer will be tea, numerous theme evenings ously worked in Chesham, Bucks London Pride with two guest (all of which get booked up very and this is their first pub togeth- beers – recently these were quickly), such as St Andrew’s er. They keep three real ales, Oxfordshire Ales Marshmellow evening and their food and beer with Hooky Bitter as their regu- and Triple B. pairing evenings. For the lat- lar ale and two rotating guest Hand & Shears, ter, James Clarke was on hand ales from a variety of breweries to guide a packed restaurant near and far. Church through a seven-course menu, The pub is open Mon–Fri A great welcome awaits at this each course being matched with 12–3 & 5–11, Sat 12–12 and Sun lovely village pub from new a different Hooky beer. The 12–10.30. They serve good qual- licensees Chris & Lynn Parry, monkfish, prawns and scallop in ity homemade pub food with an who came here in July having a creamy sauce thrilled the taste extensive snack menu and this is previously been in the trade in buds, matched as it was with available Mon–Thurs 12–2.30 & East Sussex. Keeping it in the the recently introduced bottle- 6–9; Fri & Sat 12–2.30 & 6–9.30 family, their son Mark is chef. conditioned Flagship. and Sun 12–2.30 & 7–9 Sun. Currently there are two real The festive season sees a chil- They serve a Sunday roast with a ales from the Wells & Young dren’s Xmas party on Sat, 4th choice of three types of meat in portfolio, but Chris hopes to December when over 50 local addition to the normal menu. increase this to three in the near children will attend and take They are running it as a future. Food is homemade and away a present, each wrapped proper community pub where locally sourced where possible, lovingly by Freya, and ‘Carols everyone is welcome including and the menu includes a two- around the Christmas tree’ course Sunday from 7.30pm on Thurs, 23rd lunch at £9.50. December. So far this year the The aim is weekly raffle has raised over to make this a £1,000 for local charities. proper pub, with a log fire and Marlborough Hotel, a big welcome Woodstock to all. Already there have been This ancient hotel has just a number of recently been closed, and is going to operate for the time It’s a family affair at the being as a Bed and Breakfast Hand & Shears, Church premises. With the bar and res- Hanborough – Mark, taurant gone, we can only hope Chris and Lynn Parry that this historic inn with many 10 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 period features will fully re-open Adam Rose and Karl Laye, the new team at the Woodstock Arms • 17th Century converted farm house at some time in the near future Mason’s Arms, • Egon Ronay and Michelin recommended restaurant fresh and locally sourced. This old coaching inn has Two course meals start at • Selection of Hook Norton and Guest ales available recently been taken over by about £15 and children’s Jude & Vicky Kelly. Well known menus are available. • Warm welcome with relaxed and informal for its Michelin Bib Gourmand Booking is advisable. atmosphere food by the previous owners, Woodstock Arms, Jude & Vicky have also achieved Woodstock • Al fresco dining available the same award but with an Inspector’s favourite stamp. This lovely pub in central They have both been in the Woodstock had a recent industry for a number of years change of licensee. The Church Street, working in Surrey, Shropshire enthusiastic team who and as far away as Deddington. have taken over also run Oxfordshire OX7 6YA They intend to improve on the Argyll Arms Hotel the already high standards and on the Isle of Mull in are obviously succeeding with Scotland. The manager, Adam this busy town. Karl wants to For more information please over 600 bookings for Christmas Rose, has previous experi- train his own kitchen staff and meals. As The Masons is more ence in the trade at the Bridge eventually hand over to a new contact Anne or Paul of a dining experience they Inn nr Bolton, which won the chef. Another aim is to open the 01608 658389 intend to keep one high quality Northwest Real Ale Award. His six or so guest rooms in 2011. (t) ale rather than try to overdo it aim is to increase wet sales at The pub is open Mon–Thurs (e) [email protected] with more. Most of the food is the pub, and especially the cask 12–11; Fri & Sat 12–12 and ales. Currently there are Sun 12–10.30 Sun. Food is three on offer. served Mon–Sat 12–9 and Sun www.thetollgate.com Senior partner in the 12–5 (including traditional team is Karl Laye, the cur- Sunday roast at £10.50). Tel: rent chef, who is provid- 01993 811251. Website: www. ing home-cooked food at woodstockarms.co.uk reasonable prices, with Red Lion, Horley separate lunch and dinner menus. As we sat by one This community-orientated of the blazing log fires we village pub continues to serve were told that food is avail- three ales on handpump through able all day – unusual in a sparkler, all in excellent condi- tion. Themed evenings such as High Street, Adderbury, Vicky & Jude Kelly – taking the reins at the ever-popular Hallowe’en Nr Banbury, Oxon OX17 3LS the Masons Arms, Swerford have attracted a large crowd from far and wide, with the first Tel: 01295 810338 Branch Diary drink often free for those enter- Web: the-bell.com Email: [email protected] Sat 22nd – Rail trip to National All meetings start 8pm, other events Winter Ales Festival, ing into the spirit of the evening Open Mon-Thursday 12.00-2.30, 6.00-11.00 start as shown. Socials contact: Paul Manchester. Meet for 8.54am in fancy dress. Fri & Sat: 12.00-2.30, 6.00-12.00 Montague (01295) 711780 or John departure from Banbury. Royal Oak, Ramsden Sun: 12.00-3.00, 7.00-11.00 Devlin (07723) 068142. Meeting info: Mon 24th – Branch Meeting/ Food served 12-2pm and 7-9pm all week except Caz Jewell (07736) 837316. GBG, Hare & Hounds, Lower Congratulations to the Royal Sunday evenings DECEMBER Wardington Oak, Ramsden who have been Fri 10th – Christmas Social, FEBRUARY awarded the very prestigious • An unspoilt traditional village pub title of Good Pub Guide 2011 Trigger Pond, Bucknell – Pub Crawl round • A range of four award-winning cask ales Fri 11th Country Pub of the Year. It is • Award-winning secluded garden JANUARY Adderbury. Meet at The • Always a fun selection of “Cocked ales” described as a ‘vibrant village • Walkers & dog friendly Plough, 8pm • Traditional home-made foods Tues 4th – Commitee Meeting, drinking pub and a destination • Quiz nights every Sunday Red Lion, Horley – Coach trip to • Traditional pub games including darts & Aunt Sally Sat 19th eating venue’. • Regular steak nights – Banbury Beer Burton-on-Trent area and • No fruit machines, pool tables or jukebox Tues 11th If you haven’t called in to • Traditional Sunday Festival planning meeting, National Brewing Museum – • Open log fire lunch – £7.25 sample the well-kept ales and The Bell, Banbury details from Monty top quality food at this lovely • 3-star accommodation Fri 14th – Pub Crawl round • Folk Night on 1st & 3rd PAY US A VISIT – YOU WON’T BE Check Branch website for old pub/restaurant, perhaps you DISAPPOINTED GOLD Chipping Norton. Meet at Monday evenings AWARD late events & changes should do so soon to find out The Chequers, 8pm why it won this award. 12 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 Scotland End Round-up of Recent Local Festivals Hook Norton Fox Inn, Westcote Barton Stamatis serving at the Pear Tree Inn nr Banbury Festival Rock of Gibraltar festival Tel: 01608 737482 Email: [email protected] Oxon OX15 5NU The annual Fox Inn Beer Festival was another success and, the ambience, it’s The Pear Tree is the Hook Norton Brewery tap and serves the full range of Hook Norton beers, although not all the beer sold, what Bank Holiday which are kept to an excellent standard. Open all day every day for drinks (from 11.30am- there was only a dribble left by Mondays were midnight), the pub also offers three letting rooms, free wi-fi access and a large beer garden Tuesday for the locals to drink at invented for! Thanks ideal for families looking for a child-friendly venue for a summertime drink. The stream at £2 a pint! to the ‘Rock’ for a The weather held and the live the bottom of the garden is host to Hook Norton’s annual duck race on August Bank Holiday, fantastic few hours music, outside in a marquee, was with some great popular with locals and visitors alike. very good. The warm weather beer; roll on next Food from Matt’s exciting menu is served Tues- meant that many customers year! stayed outside listening to the Steve Lympany day-Saturday from 12 noon to 2.30pm and 6.30- array of bands and performers was the outstanding St Austell’s 9.30pm and Traditional Sunday Lunches are well after dark while the pub was Liquid Sunshine, which weighing Red Cow, Chesterton served on Sunday from 12 noon to 2.30pm. Be- still full of drinkers. in at 4.0% was just that, though Festival An excellent family affair with the Sadler’s Thin Ice and Wolf ing so close to the Brewery, out of hours meals The first beer festival at the Red young and old gathering to enjoy Straw Dog were both worthy of can be pre-booked to be ready after a tour. Cow was a feast of fine ales with a truly memorable few days, well mention. ten to chose from as well as a Breakfasts are now being served – Monday 7.30- … memorable to a point, then There were hot dogs and real cider and perry. I arrived 10.00am; Tuesday to Saturday 7.30-12 noon; it gets a bit blurry! A varied and chilli to help stave off starva- on the Sunday mid-afternoon tasty selection of real ales was tion and to add some balance to Sunday 10am-12 noon. shortly before a cloudburst hit complimented by a cider and the diet. In the restaurant Abby and sent the cooks running A popular Pub Quiz is held every Sunday night perry, both of which had sold out was selling books and the pub’s for cover with the barbecue. from 8.30pm. by the end. My beer of festival own homemade jams, chutneys and chilli oil. All monies col- Fortunately I had made it out to lected went to Katherine House the garage (where the beer was Hospice with a grand total of being served) and had acquired over £600 raised. a half of Thames Tickler, so I Proud to be a Steve Lympany watched the rain teeming down member of Rock of Gibraltar Beer and the poor cooks trying to Festival move a hot barbecue while still CAMRA and cooking with the aid of a team CASK MARQUE This was the first time that of umbrella holders! Stamatis and Faith have run just Needless to say the beer was a beer festival, the last time it outstanding and I managed was the famous Canalfest, and it to nip back into the main pub was an excellent affair. without getting too wet! The 2010 invites all to There were seven real ales and last beer I tried was Pitstop a cider on offer – though by the An Inn for All Seasons time I got there on Monday the Butts Mudskipper had already run out, but the six other ales The Saye & Sele Arms Above: Pouring beer at the Fox Inn. Below: Jady were in top condition. Starting Mirror live in the Fox car park with a Wychwood Wychcraft I Broughton, nr Banbury managed to sam- ple just three of A truly warm welcome awaits all who the beers on offer cross the threshold of this delightful and the Meantime London Pale Ale Cotswold inn from proprietors was clearly the best Danny & Liz McGeehan beer for me. www.sayeandselearms.co.uk The weather was mail@ www.sayeandselearms.co.uk very pleasant as we sat outside on the Tel: 01295 263348 decking sipping fine Sue pours a Thames Tickler at the Red Cow, ales and taking in Chesterton festival 14 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 Penelope a 5% dark mild and A brisk trade at Leafield it was lovely. Greene King St Beer Festival Edmunds a pale 4.2 % hoppy Boozy Black Country Bus Trip beer was first to run dry, and the lent weekend of great beer and, with September 18th saw the the hop-hungry, like me; cider and perry sold out, all bar annual Banbury Beer described by the brewery one pint! The real ale didn’t sell thoughts of a win- ter beer festival, it’s Festival helpers’ coach as having a ‘long, bitter out, but it was an excellent first trip venture into the Black finish that’s drier than a festival by Sue & Steve, I hope always worth keep- ing an eye on what’s Country; chosen to coin- camel’s toe.’ Well, indeed!). their second will build on this cide with the 2010 festival’s We were treated to another success! going on at this Steve Lympany fantastic pub! themed region. Most of very friendly welcome from Steve Lympany our party of just under 30 both our hosts and the Bell Inn, Lower Heyford boarded at Banbury, and the locals in the bar. This is a Festival Leafield Beer shorter distances this year great pub and a must-visit if Festival The second beer festival at the meant a civilised 10.30am you are ever in these parts. Bell Inn, Lower Heyford was I moved to Leafield 20-odd years time the live music started after pick-up so in around an Our penultimate venue held over the first weekend in ago when it still boasted three 8pm. Ironically for a village with hour we were safely deliv- was another Waggon September and was a sell-out pubs (a reason I chose to buy a a world-famous Morris tradition ered to our first stop, the The Vine, Brierley Hill and Horses, this time in success with all the beer gone by house there). The George closed (Leafield and its local area is the Weighbridge at Alvechurch. Oldbury. Some, including me, Monday evening. The cider and around 16 years ago, leaving ‘Fieldtown’ whose dances are This welcoming ale house has as the two ale choices, together had an evening meal here from perry suffered a similar fate with The Navy Oak (previously The performed all over the world) a pleasant canal-side location. with a huge selection of cobs, the extensive menu; with oddly only one left on the bar. Potters, the Brahms & Liszt or it was Charlbury Morris who Most opted for the garden mar- pies and assorted ‘light meals’, all everyone choosing chicken soup, The beer of festival, as voted The Spindleberry, but now a danced in the afternoon, being quee to gather, chat, drink and at very reasonable prices. Some sorry, I mean chicken curry! Although this is a Brains pub, for by the customers, was Vale Chinese restaurant) and The Fox the closest side to the village eat. A very reasonably-priced chose to take the opportunity to lunch was washed down with most opted for one of the two Black Beauty Porter – which (currently closed, the owners of these days. soak up the day’s sampling so far. very reasonably-priced beers, Salopian brews on offer. surprised a few people – with which recently submitted plans Let’s hope that the organisers Trip organiser Monty was warm- with the vast majority going for It was back on the coach to Thornbridge Jaipur IPA com- to change it to residential use). will make this an annual event ly welcomed by the locals for the Kinver Bargees Bitter (which head home, with just enough ing second. The first beer to It was a great surprise there- which will grow in the same way sporting a Wye Valley brewery delivered a pleasing bitterness at logo on his apparel of the day! time for to call at the Blue Bell run out though was the Exmoor fore to hear the now-‘dry’ village as other local festivals have. The only 3.8%). It was here we met Next up, after a short hop Cider House in Warings Green, Gold followed 30 minutes later would get its first beer festival hardest one is always the first, the Branch’s erstwhile stalwart to Cradley Heath, was one of Warwickshire. This allowed by the Jaipur IPA and then the on Saturday 16th October, the and it has gone to prove that Skinner’s Cornish Blonde. Of the and now Black Country resident, my highlights of the day; the Monty his first chance to sup aim of which was to raise funds there is a good market for qual- some of his previously adver- beers I tried, the Summerskill’s Mark Bates, who joined us for Hollybush. Chosen by Monty as for the village store, run as a ity beer in the local community. the majority of the day’s jaunt. tised Wye Valley beers. Some Cellar Vee was lovely, only bet- the only local venue dispensing cooperative community venture. Keith Rigley Soon it was back on the coach of the more adventurous of us tered by the excellent Wyre the Banbury Beer of the Festival For this first festival, the for the trip to Sedgeley and our also chose to sample from the Piddle Rip Van Winkle, which Local Beer 2010, Millstone Tiger Rut, we organisers put on a realistic rendezvous with the Beacon pub’s extensive cider menu (yes, was the last to go! were not led to expect too range of eight real ales, five Festival DIARY Hotel, home to the Sarah Hughes even me). Consequently, my The barbecue was manned much. However, this is an excel- ciders and a perry – and this was brewery, while some took the memories are a little hazy from by John who provided all the JANUARY lent boozer, which in addition complemented by wines, hot option to visit the Jolly Crispin here on in, but in what seemed hungry drinkers with some- to great beers also caters for a food and sandwiches from the 19–22: CAMRA National in Upper Gornal (which proudly whole host of community events like no time at all, we were back thing to keep them going. Winter Ales Festival, Sheridan local shop. With the beer order boasts: ‘A festival of beer – every including live music, comedy in Banbury and bidding each Congratulations must go to Suite, Manchester M40 8EA. supplied by North Cotswold day’). I stayed with the major- and spoken word. Our hosts other farewell. Thanks must go Adam & Lyn for another excel- 200+ real ales, bottled beer, Brewery, four were from their ity to have the tour of the Sarah were extremely welcoming, but to Monty for organising another portfolio with cider & perry Hughes brewery and to sample excellent social and to Paul for : Rose & Crown Winter I was surprised that only three two each from 28–30 all three beers available in the of us opted to buy the pub’s the ‘human logistics’. Let’s hope Stanway Brewery Beer Festival. Fri eve–Sun. FEBRUARY beautifully unspoilt bar areas. wonderful t-shirts (Monty took we all get to do this again next and Hereford These were Pale Amber, Surprise this opportunity to cover up his year, hey? Brewing Co. 3–5: Tewkesbury Winter Ales and Dark Ruby Mild. My person- earlier clothing faux pas). Steve Matthews The event Festival. 70+ real ales, cider al preference was the Surprise, All too soon it was time opened its doors & perry. George Watson which was pleasantly bitter on to board the coach and at the unusual Memorial Hall, Barton St, the tongue, if a little robust at travel to Halesowen for the time of 4pm and Tewkesbury 5.0% abv. next venue, the Waggon custom built 4–5: Merton Winter Beer From Sedgeley we backtracked and Horses. This provided slowly as the Festival to Upper Gornal, collecting the the greatest beer choice evening wore on, 3–5: Dun Cow, Hornton flotsam we’d earlier deposited at (14) and also my per- with a healthy Winter Ales Festival the Jolly Crispin, before heading sonal favourite of the day crowd by the MAY across to the Vine in Brierley (Oakham’s Akhenaten – a Adam pours another 5–7: Banbury Beer Hill; known to the locals as the 4.9% perfect offering for third at The Bell beer Festival. 90 real ales cider Bull and Bladder. This Bathams festival & perry. TA Centre, Banbury house offered its Bitter and Mild Sporting the Hollybush’s t-shirts

16 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 Grand Designs: Birth of a Micro IV Over the past months we have been working to create a new purpose-built brewery in North Oxon in a series of updates. One of the big challenges was to find The Duck a suitable location and, after a lot of behind-the-scenes work, we can finally reveal where we hope that will be. The site is on the edge of the on the Pond village of Lower Heyford, on a The submitted plans for the new microbrewery at Lower Heyford former goods yard next to the canal by the wharf and adjacent shop will develop over time with process, send used raw materials to Heyford railway station. This insights into how beer is made for agricultural use and we hope A charming will be accessible by canal boat, from raw ingredients through to to generate no waste that would Great Western trains direct from the finished product, as well as otherwise go to land-fill. traditional Oxford or Banbury, on foot or selling our fresh ales direct. There is still a long way to bike from the towpath, and there It is important that the build- go to develop our business, not freehouse is parking for those preferring to ing and business respect the least with the actual build which drive. We want the brewery to area and environment in which we hope to start in the new year. Open seven days a week become a craft business within they will be built. The site is a Until the next update, happy All day Saturday and Sunday the local community and a part brown-field, former goods yard drinking! of the other great attractions with an industrial heritage which Russell Taylor [email protected] in Heyford. The Bell, Lower will be sensitively landscaped Serving a variety of hand pulled ales Heyford, already an outlet for to enhance the location. It is Note from the Editor: CAMRA expertly kept ales, will also host designed to sit with the rural North Oxon hopes the plan- and fine wines our beers. The wharf is a place landscape, be screened by trees, ners will look favourably on the where holidaymakers set off on and it is clad in wood. The inno- plans for a valuable local tourist We offer an extensive menu of canal boat adventures or people vative materials used will mini- asset and a potentially positive traditional English and cosmopolitan come to enjoy walks along the mise environmental impact and boost to the local economy. In canal and Cherwell Valley or to reduce emissions when in use. In these currently austere times, cuisine from our a la carte menu and the nearby House. We operation the brewery will use we would like to believe that our daily specials board. hope to become a part of this harvested rainwater where pos- local authorities should welcome cluster of tourist attractions and sible for cleaning and will proc- entrepreneurial proposals such Roasts also available Sundays to add a regional flavour in beer. ess some of the waste water in a as this, and we look forward to However, before we can start bio-digester. We will recycle heat working with the new brewery Vegetarian menu work on the new building there energy generated in the brew should it be given the go-ahead. is the not-insignificant matter These can be enjoyed in our of planning permission. After compiling all the many and var- Hooky Beer And Cheese Pairing restaurant, bar area or alfresco on our ied sections of the application Hook Norton has launched delightful patio overlooking the pond for our new building, this huge its seasonal IPA, Flagship, in document was submitted in bottle-conditioned format. ‘Beer Bookings taken early October and hopefully, by Champions’ were invited to an Parties catered for the time you read this, Cherwell exclusive launch at the brewery Council will have made a deci- visitor’s centre, which also saw Families welcome sion on our proposal. the matching of Flagship and Large beer garden and car park You can see from the architect Hooky’s other bottle-conditioned drawing what our future home beer, Double Stout, with four dif- will look like; a barn-style build- ferent quality cheeses. Both beers Hook Norton Brewery MD James Clarke (left) ing to match its rural setting. It were competing against their and Richard Chamberlain of The Delicatessen, Telephone: 01295 721166 Chipping Norton, supplier of the quality will house the brewing equip- cask-conditioned versions to see cheeses, at the Visitor Centre event ment and a shop/visitor centre how they varied and matched the Main Street, South Newington, Nr Banbury, OX15 4JE with a meeting room above. The cheeses in slightly different ways. made Coleston Stilton and Only 10 mins from Banbury / Chipping Norton. Situated on the A361 shop will be right in the middle Flagship was matched with Coolea Gouda, a Dutch-style of the building with glazed walls Stinking Bishop and Daylesford cheese made in Ireland. www.duckonthepond.com so you can view all the stages in Mature Cheddar while Double This proved to be a very differ- the life cycle of the beers. The Stout was matched with hand- ent but very enjoyable evening. 18 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 CHIPPING together for a celebratory lunch Obituary: Mike Willis near Christmas, and was much NORTON, appreciated in the local area. Oxfordshire Memories of Mike Willis – Mike jumped the gun when it A Traditional 16th Century Inn situated in Chipping Norton’s historic marketplace Landlord of The Tite Inn, came to stopping smoking in his for 21 years pub, and had great support for Hook Mike Willis died on 27th July the move in 2006, becoming one Norton this year, and sadly I missed the of the first pubs to start the ban. award-winning copy date for our last issue, and Mike and Sue retired in 2008, real ales I also missed the funeral at St moving to Chipping Norton, wru Six individually Nicolas Church, Chadlington, and Mike started working part- Traditional styled en-suite where, by all accounts, Mike’s time for the Cotswold Brewing Old Rosie cider rooms life was truly celebrated. Co. He kept in touch with land- on handpump However, it is appropriate that lords in the area travelling round wru we remember him in Beer on to promote, ironically, this wru Special 2-night Tap as one of the unusual breed locally brewed lager. Open log fire Friday–Sunday of ‘character landlords’, and also News of his death, after a two- in winter Weekend deals as a great convert to real ale. year battle with cancer, travelled wru (phone for details) In these days of managed pubs John Merriman and myself with fast, and David Cameron was wru and fleeting tenancies, I look “Here come the Men in Black”, quick to send a message of con- Attractive outdoor back fondly on eccentric, enter- making out we were always ask- covered & heated dolence to Sue, recalling many Large car park taining, sometimes infuriating ing for money! Mike soon found drinking area (off Albion Street) happy memories of Mike’s lively characters; stalwarts driving his real ale was selling well, and company and wonderful sense Traditional home-cooked meals lunchtimes and evenings – in the bar or separate dining room forward their business by sheer eventually he had six on offer, of humour, as well as all his hard Bookings taken • Parties catered for • Home-cooked Sunday Roasts, 12–2.30pm personality and fierce tenacity. including a real stout in place work raising funds for charities. Small conference room available for meetings or reception parties – please phone for details Mike was one of this breed. You of Guinness. His success was There are many of us in the could walk into The Tite and rewarded when The Tite was Chadlington area and further Market Square, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5DD • Tel: 01608 642658 there he would be, stood behind voted Branch Pub of the Year in afield, who have vivid memories Open 10am–11pm Mon–Sat, 12–4pm Sun the bar, ready with challenging 2005 (Beer on Tap 21). of Mike, and I’m certain that banter, plenty of stories and no Another of his great successes others will want to join me in shortage of strong opinions. was fund-raising, supporting sending sincere condolences to Mike’s attitude was that if the various charities and the local Sue, Nicola and Genevieve. customer didn’t like him, or he primary school. One event was Geoff Clifford didn’t like the customer, they an annual sponsored bike ride, should go and drink elsewhere! always over a considerable dis- The GBG 2011 Married couples are a perfect tance, led by Mike over two days double act for a small pub, and which attracted a lot of local Is Now On Sale Mike’s wife, Sue, was the other cyclists. Plenty of fun was had, half of the equation, in charge much beer drunk along the way, of the kitchen. Her charm and and huge sums of money were calm nature brought a good raised. The first was joined by [email protected] www.thefoxatsouldern.co.uk balance to The Tite. Daughters David Cameron, our local MP Nicola and Genevieve also and now Prime Minister, who Dating back to 1803 The Fox is helped at times as waitresses. lives nearby. £7,000 was raised nestled in the picturesque village When John Merriman and I and Mike continued support for first called in about Branch mat- this event each year. of Souldern and offers: ters, he was disparaging about Another event was the Annual • Traditional style home cooked ‘beards and sandals’ CAMRA Brook Run, where sponsored types holding beer to the light runners ran a local circular food. to check clarity, etc. However, course, including going up the we still loved visiting the pub as gushing brook in full flow. The • Three Real Ales (two of which it attracted an interesting local Annual Pantomime, held in the constantly rotate), sourced from clientele who joined in the ban- pub, was always a sell-out – The branch launched the CAMRA Good ter, with Mike behind the bar, this was an adult event as the Beer Guide 2011 at the Rose & Crown, around the country. exchanging insults and jokes like script was extremely raucous Charlbury this year on Friday, 17 September. an English version of ‘Cheers’. and rude! A popular event that A number of members were in attendance • Four en-suite In spite of all the comments, he Mike initiated was the Small and with our Chairman away on holiday, bedrooms. placed a regular advert for The Businesses Christmas Lunch, Monty, our Vice-Chairman (left), was pleased to present landlord, Tom Page, with his copy Tite in Beer on Tap from the for people who worked on their of the GBG as shown in the photograph. first issue. He always greeted own or with just a partner to get 20 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 THE BARTONS TheThe By Keith Rigley RedRed LionLion Beer on Tap Pub Walks InnInn A peaceful stroll in the countryside by the villages of the Dorn Valley Distance: Around 5.4 miles the road to pass the church of At a telegraph pole, take a metal Cropredy Allow: 2.5–3 hours St. Edward the Confessor. The kissing gate, turn right onto Fox Map: Explorer 191 church has 15th century features Lane then, at the crossroads, Nr Banbury, Oxfordshire and was built on the site of an keep ahead into South Street. 50yds Cropredy Lock, Oxford Canal It’s difficult to park in Westcote older Saxon church. On reaching a junction, turn Barton or Middle Barton and, Continue around the left-hand right into Church Lane then, while there is a small car park bend, down a slight hill and take where the road bends round to 15th century thatched village inn, oak beams, stone walls, inglenook outside the Carpenters Arms a walkway to the left past the the left, continue straight on, fireplace and a warm welcome offered by your hosts, Adam & Karen and a lay-by for three or four stone bridge ahead then, where taking a waymarked footpath up Enjoy our excellent Cask Ales or relax with a choice from our quality cars just west of Mill Lane, the the road turns to the right, take a slight incline. After walking wine list. Locally brewed Hook Norton Best Bitter always on tap. most reliable solution is to ring the waymarked footpath just past along the boundary of the next beforehand to arrange to park a circular mirror by the hedge. field, go through the gap in the Fine food Lunch and Evenings available from the menu and at The Fox for a drink and/or The official footpath is through hedge ahead, turn right then daily specials board. meal afterwards and use their the kissing gate (not up the steps left, keeping the hedge on your car park. It is, however, also pos- to the right) into a paddock, right to follow the field bound- Open every lunchtime and evening. established garden area. sible to start the walk from the where you walk ahead keeping ary. Keep straight ahead on this Reservations 01295 750224 Carpenters or the lay-by (and the ranch fence to your right. path, ignoring a path to the left, Website www.redlioncropredy.co.uk adapt the start/finish appropri- You will eventually take a kiss- until you reach a narrow tarmac ately). If you want to park with- ing gate at the far end of the sec- road where you turn left. Walk out using a pub there is plentiful ond paddock to continue in the along this road (with its newly- parking at the club up Worton same general direction, but now planted hedgerow on your left) Canal-side garden and moorings Road (marked ‘To Worton’ on with the fence and then hedge on for around half a mile – it is very The Rock the map), past the shop your left. As the route ahead is peaceful and quiet with good 15 minutes from Jct 9 M40 (A34), Leave The Fox car park and overgrown, take a slight detour views and very few cars (if any) 300 yards from B4027/4095 jct turn left on the B4030, cross- through a gap in the hedge ahead on a gentle downhill slope. of ing Fox Lane and continuing on then rejoin the official path still Eventually you reach a cross- the footpath on the left side of keeping the hedge on your left. roads of small lanes where you Gibraltar Historic pub 1880 Enslow Bridge Faith & Stamatis welcome you Bletchingdon OX5 3AY Open from 11.00am all day (except Tel: 01869 331373 Tuesday, from 4.00pm) Lunchtime bar food 12.00–3.00pm Evening à la carte restaurant 6.30–9.00pm (closed Tuesday) Sunday – home-cooked Sunday roast 12.00–3.00pm A selection of real ales

Open fireplace Small private functions Business lunches 1 The Fox 2 The Carpenters Arms

22 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 Take a gate at the end of the lane then go slightly diagonally right, • Open Lunchtimes and aiming for a telegraph pole just Evenings over the rise (there are other (see website or call for telegraph poles, but aim for the times) one seen from the gate). On reaching the telegraph pole keep • Hook Norton Ales served ahead up the rise to follow the straight from the cask with field boundary keeping the trees monthly and guest beers on your left. always available Take the gate on your left near the top of the rise and walk • Traditional village pub (with downhill on a path through the a modern twist) with large trees to reach a gate. Go through family garden in picturesque this gate and walk over a rickety village plank bridge across a stream then keep ahead, aiming for a • Good walkers base. Muddy house near the top right of the boots and dogs on leads field ahead up the rise. Just to welcome Barton Abbey from the path by the lake the left of this brick cottage take a gate onto a footpath to reach • Homemade traditional pub turn right, to follow the signpost you turn right onto a path with a the B4030, then walk along on The Butchers Arms to the church. Enter St. Mary’s low hedge on your left and ditch grub. Excellent Sunday the left-side pavement of the Lunch (booking advisable) churchyard through the small to your right. At another way- road back into Middle Barton Shutford Road, Balscote, OX15 6JQ pedestrian gate and follow the marked post, turn left, walk up (ignore the left-hand turn into Tel : 01295 730750 and theme nights gravel track. Much of the church a rise and enter a field through Rayford Lane as this can be Email : [email protected] • Traditional games available is 15th century, including the a gate. From the gate, take a line impossibly boggy) to reach the web : www.balscote.com/butchersarms to play in front of an open tower. Follow the track to reach a diagonally right, passing a large Carpenters Arms pub. stone cross ahead and turn right tree stump then keep ahead to To continue the walk, carry Only 5 miles from Banbury fire to follow a line of headstones to follow a line of trees by keeping on past the pub then turn left reach a gate then turn left on a them to your left. into Jacobs Yard. Follow the road dirt track and follow the track At the far end of the line of then track to eventually reach downhill. After a few twists and trees you will see a waymarked Mill Lane where you turn left turns, you will soon reach a way- gate in the ranch fence ahead. to take an elevated walkway to marked post where you turn left Go through this gate, walk down bypass the ford across the River Shaken Oak Products over a footbridge, through a gate a slope then turn sharp left to Dorn. Keep the railings on your to reach a lake where you turn follow a dirt track up a hill, right to bear right up the hill to right to follow the lake’s edge. through a gate, keeping ahead reach the junction with South Manufacturer and Here you can take in the beauti- through the estate’s parkland. Street (which you visited earlier ful vista across to Barton Abbey On reaching a ranch fence, stay in the walk). Keep ahead into Supplier of Mustards – a mansion which is part 16th ahead along the track, keep- South Street until you reach a century but mainly Victorian, ing the ranch fence on your left thatched cottage set back on the to the Retail and rebuilt and renamed by the Hall to soon pass the characterful, right-hand side of the road and Catering Trade family (of Hall’s Oxford & West thatched cricket pavilion (on turn right to take a signed path Brewery fame) on the mistaken the right of the track). Soon the called The Dock (to the right of Shaken Oak Farm belief it was once a cell of Osney track bears round to the left the thatched cottage). Old Lane Abbey. In 1925 the house and to reach a five-bar gate – go Walk along The Dock, down estate was bought by the Fleming through this gate, turn right on to the river, across a bridge and Hailey, Witney family (relatives of James Bond the tarmac road then take the then back up to the B4030 where Oxon OX29 9UX author Ian Fleming), who still left fork (see a blue waymark on you turn left, cross the road and own this imposing country seat. the fence ahead). At the end of walk back to the start of the Tel: 01993 868043 Along the bank of the lake turn the left fork, turn left onto a road walk. Support local producers by right at an ornamental wooden and follow it as it descends down Pubs on walk route buying locally. It helps the local bridge to walk through an unu- through a section with steep economy, reduces food miles, sual arch (whalebone?) then turn banks on either side. The Fox, Westcote Barton. saves costly packaging, is fully left to follow the dirt track keep- After a house on the right you Tel: 01869 340338. www. traceable, and made by people ing the fast running stream on will see a footpath which crosses thefoxinnmiddlebarton.co.uk who care about what they your left. After a bamboo hedge the road – turn right on the foot- The Carpenters Arms, Middle produce and what you eat! enter a clearing and keep left to path (initially on the drive to the Barton. Tel: 01869 340378. cross a bridge then keep ahead house) then bear left to follow www.thecarpentersatmiddle Email: [email protected] • www.shakenoak.co.uk to find a waymarked post where a green lane through the trees. barton.co.uk 24 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 They Practise, Do They? A Beer Drinkers Guide To Morris Dancing: Part 2 val and feast. The custom being recorded by Blount in 1679: ‘Maids, having their hands tied behind them, ran after a fat live lamb and the maid that takes hold of the lamb with her Adderbury mouth is the ‘Lady of the Lamb’ Morris (with attended with music and a Monty at morrisco dance of men and the fore) another of women, with the rest perform at of the day spent in dancing, the Banbury mirth and jollity.’ I bet it did! Beer Kirtlington Morris revived Festival the tradition of the Lamb Ale in 1979 and the each year the Yes – believe it or not, morris the city returns to normal life. ‘Kirtlington Maids’, taught in the dancers really do practise in Most teams have a special local school, open the dancing the winter. Some of the keenest day in their annual calendar. display at the school on Sunday, revival teams, with an extended Kirtlington has its Lamb Ale and thereby maintaining the ‘maiden’ repertoire of dances from differ- Bampton its Whit Monday, now connection of foregone times. ent traditions (villages), practise the second May Bank Holiday. This concludes my resumé of weekly from September to April, In Bampton there are three morris dancing but other arti- whereas other traditional sides separate teams, and each side cles may explore rapper sword, who only perform their own vil- perambulates the village on a longsword, border, North- lage dances – e.g., Adderbury, different route from 8.30am in west clog, molly dancing, etc., Bampton and Kirtlington – may the morning visiting and danc- which are all encompassed in only meet fortnightly or on a few ing at gardens, big houses and the generic term ‘Morris’. I’m a designated evenings each Spring pubs. The Bampton Traditional ‘Cotswold morris’ man, through to hone the dances they perform. Morris Dancers (not to be and through, so it’s up to others During these sessions the confused with the Traditional to expound the virtues of other Foreman is the teacher and he is Bampton Morris Dancers!) The Trigger Pond forms of dance. Any takers? responsible for maintaining the danced at 27 locations this year. standard and style of the dance They invite visiting teams to Monty during practice, after which it is join them from 6pm and danc- the usual custom to hand over ing stops around 9pm. Over Check Those Licences! responsibility to the Squire or 12 hours of morris dancing In November, the landlords of requires a great deal of stamina elected leader. The Squire is usu- The Fox, Souldern discovered ally a popular, knowledgeable and even then it is often fol- that their premises license wasn’t and experienced dancer who is lowed by music and singing in renewed when the company often at the front of each set and the numerous hostelries. you may hear them call the vary- The Kirtlington Lamb Ale they rent the pub from went into ing figures of each dance in turn. extends across a whole week- administration in February. Another key officer of each team end in early June. Many teams, The license should have been is their Bagman, who now acts as local and further afield, are transferred or applied for anew secretary and/or treasurer. invited to take part. In 2009 when the new ‘pubco’ took over, For most morris dancers the one guest team was Rivington but it wasn’t – so they have been accepted first day of the season from the Bolton area and this operating with diners bringing Bicester Road • Open all day every day 12 noon–11pm is May Day (May 1st). Some start year Paddingtons from NW their own drinks for the last the day at dawn and one of the London. There is camping in the few weeks (but things should be Bucknell • Traditional English fare, a la carte and bar meals served most magical moments locally is village, ‘sessions’ in the pubs, a back to normal by the time you OX27 7NE 12 noon–2.30pm, 6–9pm except Sun evening in Oxford at 6am on Magdalen procession to and from church read this). Bridge when, after the choir sing on Sunday and, as the name sug- Catherine has asked us to Tel: 01869 252817 • Conservatory, patio and large garden from the top of the church tower gests, a lamb roast and ceiledh make landlords aware that if • Families and dogs welcome their pub companies or owners www.triggerpond.co.uk to the large, eerily silent throng on the Saturday evening. This is • Two regular plus two changing real ales in High Street, the many morris one of the ancient Whitsun Ales go into administration, check teams disperse throughout the that can be traced back to the that the license has been trans- city to dance for many hours as 1600s, taking the form of a festi- ferred or has been applied for. 26 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 Viability Test Helps To Save Valuable although we recognise the cur- Community Asset rent landlord may not be able Facing the prospect of losing and we are so grateful to them”. to invest the money to make their much-loved pub – the Brian explained. “Examination this happen”. While the council Whitmore Arms, Hethe – of the application showed that rejected the planning application CAMRA life member John the viability case was flawed, so they sent out a strong message Heathfield and Nick Aldworth we set about creating a counter- to the local community of “use turned to North Oxfordshire viability case focusing on what it or lose it” and said that if the CAMRA Branch Committee different management could application appeared again, it members Brian Wray and Paul achieve”. might get a more sympathetic ‘Monty’ Montague for help. Speaking at the planning hearing. “Although we’d managed to hearing, Nick argued that the “We‘re grateful for the coun- gather 104 objections (there are pub had plenty of life left in it cil’s wisdom on this matter”, only 110 households in Hethe), with the right investment. He said Nick. “This pub sits at the CAMRA were able to provide us said: “This pub sits in the heart heart of this beautiful village. with an incredibly detailed busi- of Lark Rise country. It’s been The pub’s loss would have had a ness viability report,” said Nick, serving beer for hundreds of devastating impact on the village “the speed with which Brian and years and we see no reason why and we accept the warning that Monty responded was incredible it shouldn’t continue to do so, has been sent to us.” “I particularly want to thank “Mind you, some of these Brian, Monty and others, who Two Blokes youngsters are terrible came so quickly to support our drinkers. They get hold of campaign. CAMRA’s submis- all these fancy mixers in sion to the council provided bottles with silly names and a powerful argument against hey presto, they’ve had half a closure and I hope that together dozen shorts in no time. No we have sent a strong message wonder they’re falling about out to others who would try Having A Beer all over the place by mid- and tamper with our country’s evening.” heritage.” “You want to be careful drink- “When I was that age, we only The CAMRA viability test ing that!” drank beer.” was created 10 years ago for just “What are you on about?” “Yes, the wine was cheap but it this type of case. It is accepted “Well, according to Professor was terrible plonk, so I drank by planning departments the David Nutt, alcohol is more beer instead.” length and breadth of the coun- harmful than heroin or crack “The good thing about beer is try and it has helped save many cocaine! So, mate, when you that it fills you up, so’s you get local pubs from demolition or sip from that delicious glass of that lovely full feeling. It also conversion to restaurants or Hook Norton Best, you could does you less harm as it has a housing. be dicing with death.” high water content.” CAMRA does not just fight “Blimey, it doesn’t matter what “Not too high I hope, or the for real ale, but also champions you do these days, there’s landlord may be on the fiddle!” and protects the nation’s rich some boffin telling you it’s bad “No, haven’t heard of that trick pub heritage. The CAMRA for you.” since I was a youngster.” Save Our Pubs group has many “Nutt by name and Nutt by “Anyway, what will be the next resources (including the Public House Viability Test) for those nature, I reckon.” health scare do you reckon?” campaigning to save their local, “First it’s all about units, and “They’ll be telling us to check which can be found at http:// how many we’re meant to our blood pressures before www.camra.org/saveourpubs, have each day and each week. reading the morning paper. and your local branch should be You know, in case we have a Then, it’s all about the horrors only too happy to help in any of binge drinking. Now we are heart attack reading about the way it can. worse than drug addicts.” next professor’s theory.” The campaign group have now “Well, you’ve had your units “Or maybe, beer will be found found an independent buyer for today mate. That’s your fourth to have miracle properties that the pub who they hope will be pint. I’ll call the landlord and extend your life!” able to bring the required invest- ask for the pub syringe and a “In your dreams, mate.” ment to The Whitmore in the stash of heroin instead!” Next issue: “Two Birds Having a Beer” coming year. 28 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 Bell, Lower Heyford Is Branch Cider Pub Voted CAMRA

North Oxon Pub of Branch Chairman Lynne Of The Year Baldwin-Kramer (left) the Year 2007 On 15 November the Bell Inn, presents the Cider Pub he ell of the Year Award to Lyn T B Lower Heyford was presented Chandler at the Bell Inn, with the North Oxfordshire Lower Heyford Russell and Lynn offer a warm welcome CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year Banbury and friendly atmosphere award. Adam & Lyn have only 12 Middleton Road, Banbury sold cider for the last 15 months 5.5% and I had an after Adam tried it at the early start next OX16 4QJ Banbury Beer Festival. He then morning. stocked it for his own beer festi- Congratulations to Telephone: 01295 253169 val in September the same year all at The Bell for a and the cider was a sell-out. great night out, for Since then he has sourced his converting me to Traditional cask ales • Open log fire ciders from small craft produc- the ways of the pear Traditional pub games ers as well as the better known and apple and on makers. Not only has he show- Food served Wed/Thurs/Fri lunch, becoming the 2010 cased cider of the finest quality, to join locals for the presenta- North Oxfordshire Cider Pub of 12.30–2.30pm perry has had an almost equal tion and they were not disap- the Year – it is well deserved. Traditional home-made Sunday Lunch showing. He has sold over 30 pointed by the quality of the 1.00–3.00pm different ciders and perrys in beer, cider or the cheese spread Editors note: If cider and perry Open: Mon & Tue: 7.00–11.00pm that time and is always looking to compliment the cider. are your drink and you’d like to for new and up-and-coming Garden area • Smoking area Wed & Thurs: 12.30–3.00pm & 7.00–11.00pm As a confirmed beer drinker help out in a small role within producers to put on the bar. I did try the cider, Moles Black Fri & Sat: all day, 12.00–12.00pm the Branch, we are still in need The presentation of the Rat, which was pretty good of someone to be Cider Officer. A village pub in the Town! Sunday: 12.00–5.30pm & 8.00–11.00pm award was made by CAMRA for something I’m not a big If you have a taste for cider or Chairman Lynne Baldwin- fan of, but the perry, Gwent’s perry, are a member of CAMRA Kramer to Lyn Chandler on a Farmhouse Sweet, was a revela- and you’re interested in the role, freezing, foggy Monday night. tion. I could have drunk a lot please contact the Chairman for Several hardy souls ventured out more of the perry, but it was details. Chequers Hosts A Meet The Brewer Night Ever keen to expose his cus- Golden Pride, an 8.5% barley tomers to the joys of real ale, wine that has been popular at landlord Jim Hopcraft hosted our North Oxon Beer Festivals a ‘Meet the Brewer’ beer tast- in Banbury; and finally, John ing and talk evening at the let us compare two versions of Chequers, Chipping Norton on Fuller’s Vintage Ale (2005 and 11 November. 2010). Both were stunning but Some 30+ people crowded the 2005 was a clear winner. into the barn to be regaled (and John and his team left us, after aled!) by John Keeling, Head having been duly and gratefully Brewer, who has been at Fuller, Head Brewer John Keeling and thanked, with several bottles Landlord Jim Hopcraft Smith & Turner for 28 years. of the beers we had been tast- With the audience being liberal- bottle-conditioned), before we ing throughout the evening to ly supplied by brewery staff with moved back onto cask beers accompany the Indian meal that Chiswick Bitter from Jim’s cellar, with London Pride and ESB. landlady Indra and Chef Nathan John gave a brief and interesting The evening was getting louder, Tuckwell had prepared for us. history of the brewery and then and we moved on to bottled A very enjoyable and con- through the brewing process Bengal Lancer (which Fuller’s vivial evening, and one would before introducing and guiding are bringing back in cask soon). hope a precursor of many. This the tasting proper. From that point on everything was definitely on a grand scale, First up was the Chiswick was bottled: London Porter, a though my detailed ability to Bitter from Jim’s cellar. There lovely rich beer; 1845, a bottle- record tasting notes disappeared followed bottled Discovery and conditioned beer matured for before the end of the evening! Organic Honey Dew (neither at least 100 days before release; Dick Palmer 30 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31 BEER ON TAP BIBULOUS CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Lower Heyford Road ACROSS Caulcott 1. Millstone offer’s OX25 4ND containing something unique (3,3) Tel/fax: 01869 343257 4. Cheeky pint emu’d throw about (8) This charming, thatched 16th century freehouse, in a peaceful, rural setting, offers 10. Squiffy man is after four real ales (over 200 different ales annually) with locally brewed Hook Norton doctor, French one (7) Best Bitter ever present. 11. Piece of music, ‘Soz’ played about singer of An interesting and wide ranging menu is available seven days a week, lunchtime and the line ‘Rock ’n’ Roll ’n’ Brew’ (7) evenings (not Sunday evenings and light menu Monday evening), served in the 12. Traveller drank for the restaurant, bar or garden. Choose from the daily specials board or the speciality party (4) sausage menu offering 12 varieties of 13. Spiel points include O’Hagan’s sausages. beer with short jug (5,5) Small parties catered for; booking recommended 15. Eat like Robin Hood’s beer-loving friend is at No children under 10 years old home (4,2) 16. 10 cads rue second- Voted Pub of the Year 2010 by hand vehicle (4,3) North Oxfordshire CAMRA 20. Dream line-up in the whole of generic pub Opening times: name? (3-4) Mon-Sat: 12–3, 6–11; Sun: 12–3, 7–10.30 21. Sour mixed in church? Yes, in short (6) Anne & Jerome Prigent 24. Drink to kill is a form of defense (4,6) 26. 10 rat’s the leader (4) Thurs the23rd Xmas DecemberCarols Tree by 28. Rant about rubbish music mag found in The Bell Inn at Great Bourton drip tray? (7) 14 Fantastic fist gripping takes his drink? (8) 29. Tenant drops half after loving riverhead caught girl (5-5) 22. Drink with Courage? (6) • An unspoilt traditional 17. A walk after rambling rose in 23. Jenning’s top is off and short sweet (7) Village Pub 30. Before the beginning of the sky (9) (5) November, a short month, art 18. Head of the league, where the 25. 22 with qualification to dance • Up to four Hook Norton cask conditioned (5) returns to part of church (8) pint is placed (5,3) ales 31. About my ’ed spinning. Hair 19. Trust to take tango after a 27. Karen necks Everards, of the dog, maybe? (6) moment, how an alcoholic eventually heads to joint (4) • Traditional fresh home-made food DOWN • Traditional pub games – darts, dominoes, Christmas Ideas For Real Ale Fans cribbage, Aunt Sally, shove halfpenny 1. Brewing: adore but stubborn Stuck for inspiration for Xmas A unique treat for (8) beer fans – buy • Open log fire 2. Misleading Vale Co., I brewed presents for beer drinkers? Try it from Kench’s outside the entrance to The these for suggestions. Butchers in • Walker and dog friendly Queen’s (9) Good Beer Guide 2011 – Chippy or • Quiz nights CAMRA’s annual book to help direct from 3. Contrived, not like our ale (4) Bec (07968 5. Physical therapist? Think find the best real ale outlets in 175578). Manor Road, Great Bourton • Regular event nights (eg, St George’s Day, about idiot finishing ale (8) the UK, along with details of all nr Banbury, Oxon OX17 1QP see website for details) 6. The distinguishing feature the breweries and their ales. Red Lion, of gruit beer, lacking Hook Norton Brewery Shop Chipping Tel: 01295 750504 • Traditional Sunday lunch cooked to order phosphorus, is in favour of has plenty of excellent gift Norton, mar- • Small to medium size parties catered for the unexpected (7,3) ideas for beer lovers. Pop into kets fantastic ice cream using www.bourtons.net 7. Greet 10 bird (5) the brewery shop (Mon–Sat, a generous dose of Hooky’s Email: [email protected] • Terraced garden 8. As a prize, Cameron’s special 9.30am–4.30pm) or see www. famous Christmas beer. This is (6) hooknortonbrewery.co.uk the ultimate dessert course for Open: Mon-Thurs 12-2.30 & 6-11pm; Fri & Sat 12-3 & 6-12 pm; Sun 12-3 & 7-11pm. 9. Jenning’s lifter exchanged a 12 Days Beer Ice Cream – any discerning beer drinker’s Closed: Tues lunchtime. Food served 12-2 & 6.30-8.30 all week. Restaurant closed Sunday night. key for another. Cheat! (5) Bec, previously landlady of the Xmas dinner. 32 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 33 Chris & Tracie’s Belgian Beer Adventure Part 2 Tram in Antwerp’s Grote Markt After Brussels, then arriving ant courtyard bar. Last at Ghent, Chris & Tracie leave stop was Den Engel, Ghent to visit Antwerp which was disappointing, Over the next couple of days not overly welcoming we visited around 15 different but had a fair beer list. bars and sampled around 30 We returned home beers. One bar worth visiting is the next day on Eurostar Den Trollekelder (Troll’s Cave), which saw a period of which was where I encountered abstinence for a while to Bush Ambree at the end of an Het Elfde Gebod (the 11th allow our livers to recover. evening. At 12% this probably Commandment), aptly located We had a really good time explains my near miss with a just behind the cathedral. Its in Belgium but we didn’t really tram on the way home. walls are adorned with hun- think much of Brussels, it lacked On day four we moved to dreds of religious statues. I had charm, seemed far too busy and Antwerp, which got its name a Moeder Overste (Mother touristy. In reality you could from the story of a giant who Superior) to suit the sur- have been in any major city. charged a toll to cross the river roundings and Tracie had a St. Ghent was beautiful and seemed but was defeated by a young Barnardus Wit, quite a spicy to have a decent bar every few hero named Brabo, who cut off wheat beer. yards, some very unusual, such its hand and threw it into the On our second day we visited as Dulle Griet with its strange river – ‘Antwerp’ is Flemish for the cathedral, wandered around collection of odds and ends hand and throw. The old town is the twisting winding streets and decorating the ceiling. Others a maze of small lanes and roads took loads of pictures. We also were quaint and seemed to which were quite tricky to navi- ventured down the tunnel which come straight out of an episode gate (especially with our dodgy leads under the river for about of ‘Allo, Allo’. But all had a wide maps!) At the centre is a large half a mile. Of course we took range of beers that really opened cathedral and beautiful square our refreshment in a number our eyes to foreign beer tastes. called the Grote Markt with of bars on the way, taking time Antwerp seemed to be some- ornate buildings and a sculpture to savour some more unusual where in the middle, with its of the hero Brabo. brews such as a Hummel Bier spectacular architecture and We tried to find a number (made with honey), Hoegaarden bustling shopping streets. Far of the bars in the Good Beer Rosée (raspberry flavoured), the too many bars to mention, but Guide Belgium, but were disap- locally-brewed De Koninck and all were a pleasure to visit. pointed to find several were of course a Delirium Tremens Most restaurant and bar staff not open at all whilst we were (with all its pink elephants on spoke English but maps, road there – such as Oud Arsenaal, the bottle and glass). signs and menus are confusing Kulminator and ’t Waagstuk. On our last day we visited a as in Brussels and Ghent many However we managed to find few more of the bars in the Good were in French but in Antwerp Beer Guide Belgium includ- they were mainly in Flemish. ing Paters’ Vaetje (Monk’s Toilets are quite a shared Casket), which was a tiny experience, i.e. ladies go through bar with friendly service but the gents to get to theirs and so dodgy loos. We also took embarrassed greetings are com- refuge from a cycle race monplace. The food is good and through the town in the you are spoilt for choice with Groote Witte Arend (Great the sheer volume of restaurants White Eagle), with its pleas- and cafes. Mussels are very popular as is the national dish of Grote Markt in the centre of Antwerp chips with mayonnaise. The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. There must be hundreds of Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2010 different beers to choose from Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and which cater for every taste, but a are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for word of warning, we didn’t find Real Ale Ltd. North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of any under 5% abv and time must advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted be taken to savour the beer as I that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an found to my peril with a glass of endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA. 12% abv Bush Beer! 34 Beer on Tap – Winter 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 35 Edited by Stephen Lympany • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Information Press, , Oxon