Tax Burden on Pubs Making a Pint 'Unaffordable'

Issue 74 – Autumn 2018 FREE – Please take one

Magazine of North Oxfordshire Branch of CAMRA

Tax Burden On Pubs Making A port the local economy. The reali- Pint ‘Unaffordable’ ty is that there are very few places that can replicate the benefit pro- The majority of people in Britain Budget. Current plans will see vided by our nation’s pubs, and could be struggling to afford Beer Duty rise by around 2p per once they’re gone, they’re gone drinking beer in pubs, with new pint, and pubs are set to lose forever.” research by YouGov revealing £1,000 in Business Rate Relief, This study follows hard on the that 56% of people surveyed who increasing pressure on pubs and heels of other YouGov research expressed an opinion believe the driving away consumers. which reveals that four out of five price of a pint of beer in a pub in CAMRA’s National Chairman people in the UK have experi- the UK is unaffordable. Jackie Parker said: “It’s no sur- enced a local pub closure in the Pub pint prices are continuing prise that most people are find- last five years. A massive 80% of to rise, with a third of the cost ing pub pints unaffordable, Brits who expressed an opinion of a pint now made up of vari- given the tax burden they’re have witnessed at least one pub ous taxes including Beer Duty, facing. Beer drinkers will natu- close, and 21% have seen five or Business Rates and VAT. Pubs rally look to more cost effec- more close. are very often at the centre of tive ways to enjoy a drink, such This insight comes as CAMRA local communities, playing a as buying from off-licences and reveals its latest pub closures sta- key role in supporting personal supermarkets for home con- tistics, which have remained high wellbeing and combating loneli- sumption. at 18 per week. The hardest hit ness, but rising prices are driving “The result is incredibly detri- areas include Greater London and consumers out of pubs, putting mental to our local communities the East Midlands. them at risk of closure. and to our own personal con- These figures reveal the huge CAMRA is extremely con- nectivity. Having a good local obstacles facing pubs, which are cerned that there is no end in makes people happier, better- struggling with the burden of sight, with the Government connected and more trusting. taxes on the nation’s favourite planning to increase the tax Furthermore, pubs help bring drink. As a result, around 33% of paid by pubs in the November communities together and sup- the cost of a pint is now made up of taxes, such as duty. Obituary: Geoff Clifford CAMRA is calling on the Government to abandon any duty We are sad to report the death of hikes in the upcoming Budget. Geoff Clifford, a valued active Branch Pubs play a very important role member and founder of the Beer on in our national economy, con- Tap magazine. Geoff, a teacher and tributing £23.1 billion to the UK headteacher until retirement, passed economy annually. They also away peacefully on 24th August, after provide a wealth of social bene- a short illness, aged 76 years. fits to individuals and communi- CAMRA’s National Chairman Jackie ties, bringing people together and Parker – who served on the North making them happier, better con- Oxon Branch Committee with Geoff nected and more trusting. for many years – has submitted an Jackie Parker adds: “The lat- obituary, which you can read in this est YouGov findings, coupled issue on page 28. Continued on page 3 Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ 2 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 Tax Burden on Pubs Making Beer Unaffordable Continued from page 1 It’s a vicious cycle. “Fundamental change is need- with our own pub closure fig- “Pub closures make us all ed if the British pub is to sur- ures, paint a dismal picture for poorer by reducing overall tax vive for future generations. We our pubs. As taxes continue to revenues raised by the pub sec- are urging the Government to rise, more people are choosing tor and weakening community take action to secure the future to drink at home and as a conse- life in areas where valued pubs of our pubs by relieving the tax quence, pubs are closing down. close. burden.” • Beer on Tap Editor: Steve year. I also thank the rest of the AGM News Lympany committee who have worked • Website: Matt Everard hard to keep things running. A big thank you to everyone On behalf of the Branch I’d We still need more help on who came along to the AGM like to say a big thank you to the committee, so if anyone is in The Sun at Hook Norton in Sarah Durham who stood down interested in getting involved July. Following the election of as Secretary, Sarah has been a contact me to have a chat. Officers, the Committee is as huge help to me over the last Lynne Baldwin follows: • Chair: Lynne Baldwin • Secretary: Position vacant New Clustermasters Needed • Treasurer: Simon Whitehead • Pubs Protection: Brian Wray After many years of outstanding a link between CAMRA and the • Pubs Database: John service Alan Mitchell has had to pub and feeding news back to the Huntbach hang up his Beer on Tap delivery Editor for the magazine. • Membership: Paul Forrest satchel. Many thanks to Alan for You also get the chance to write • Branch Contact: Martin Batts the work he has put in to enable up the Good Beer Guide entry • Social Secretary: Stuart Beer on Tap to be the magazine should the pub make it into the Robbins it is, from his Branch news book, so you have the ultimate reports to the reliable distribu- excuse to go the pub! For more CONTACT DETAILS – A PLEA tion of Beer on Tap which he has information and to apply for the FOR NORTH OXON BRANCH facilitated. job please contact the Editor, or So there is now a vacancy for any member of the committee. MEMBERS a Clustermaster in the Fewcott, The Editor is (still) standing As you may be aware, Branch Ardley and Caulcott area and we down in June so an Editor will be funds no longer allow us to still require someone to deliver required for the magazine to con- send out Beer on Tap and let- to the pubs of Chipping Norton. tinue next year. For the chance ters to members on a regular The duties of a Clustermaster to take over the best job in basis. include, delivering Beer on Tap CAMRA; contact the Editor for We are now mainly reliant to the pubs in your area four full details. If you want to discuss on sending e-mail through the times a year and then topping it face to face we can arrange a Comms system if we need to up as necessary. Then acting as cosy chat over a beer. contact you. Please could you log on to CAMRA’s nation- CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List al website and check that we Email addresses are followed by northoxon.camra.org.uk/ have a current e-mail address CHAIRMAN TREASURER for you, otherwise we may not Lynne Baldwin be able to let you know what’s chairman@ lynne@ Simon Whitehead treasurer@ VICE-CHAIRMAN simon@ happening in the Branch. Position vacant MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY BEER ON TAP EDITOR Paul Forrest membership@ Branch Diary Steve Lympany bot@ paul@ Tel: 07811 667507 PUBS PROTECTION OFFICER All meetings start 8pm, other events BEER ON TAP ADVERTISING Brian Wray pubs@ EDITOR start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn Oliver Sladen botads@ BEER FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR Baldwin (07790) 118341. BRANCH CONTACT Tim Wilkins bbf@ DECEMBER Martin Batts contact@ LOCALE COORDINATOR 1: Christmas Social to Chipping Tel: 07854 116408 Position vacant Norton via public transport WEBMASTER SOCIAL SECRETARY Martin Batts For latest list of events in the webmaster@ Branch Diary, please check the Stu Robbins social@ Tel: 07871 277235 Trading Standards: Oxfordshire County Branch website at Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Hinksey Road, https://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ Oxford OX2 0BY

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 • Eight quality real ales plus seven • We serve on average 40 different traditional ciders and perrys guest beers per month • Hoegaarden Belgian White Beer, • Live music and comedy nights (see plus a good selection of craft beer online events list for details) on draught, bottle and tin • Good selection of English fruit wines Celebrating 31 consecutive years in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide • Pleasant courtyard drinking area www.roseandcrown.charlbury.com Email: [email protected] Market Street, Charlbury, Oxon OX7 3PL • Tel: 01608 810103 OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am; Sat: 11am–1am Fri 25th–Sun 27th January 2019 OVER 20 REAL ALES on sale

All types of beer over the weekend on sale, not just Good choice of traditional Cider & Perry festival winter ales Hot food available most sessions

4 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 Branch News The Chequers, Chipping Norton Darren Gillett and his team have now been running this popular, characterful town centre Fuller’s pub for six months. After a thorough refurbishment of the Grade 2 listed building, the pub reopened in May. South African born Darren was previously at the Station House in Henley-on-Thames and had a year at The Bell in Charlbury. Dutch chef Marianne Wit is responsible for the food and has overseen an increase in catering sales since reopening. The offering is what Darren calls ‘real food’ from a new menu along- side regular special events and The Chequers, Chipping Norton – going from strength to strength under Darren Gillett a new wine menu (featuring a White Horse, Duns Tew now also sport a Stroud ale, usu- number of South African wines). ally OPA, Budding or Tom Long. For real ale fans the Chequers A new manager is now in has up to six excellently-kept place at the White Horse. Kate Red Lion, Cropredy beers on offer. Four Fullers/ arrived at the end of May, and It’s a case of watch this space Gales regulars (Pride, Seafarers, has brought a quiet professional again at this Enterprise Inn out- ESB and HSB) as well as two calm to this historic pub. guests (usually Adnams or Michael Regan is still very let as Steve & Tara left the ‘Red’ Butcombe, but with Dark Star much the man in charge, but on the Sunday after Cropredy ales set to make appearances Kate runs things on a day-to- Festival for a hard-earned break during the Autumn). All of these day basis. She is no stranger from the pub trade, having pre- are offered to CAMRA mem- to North Oxfordshire having viously been tenants at The Bell, bers with a 5% discount (show worked at The Bell in Charlbury Great Bourton. your card at the bar). and more recently the King’s We wish them all the best for the future and wait with trepi- Bell Inn, Lower Heyford Arms in Woodstock. Timothy Taylor Landlord dation to see what happens with After 15 years one of the is now the regular beer with this outlet in the future – details Branch’s longest standing (in the two guests changing month- of which, we hope, will be forth- same pub) landladies is calling ly. Recently they were Belhaven coming in time for the next edi- time on her glittering career at Golden Bay and St Austell tion of Beer on Tap. The Bell. Liquid Sunshine. A new wine Hare & Hounds, With many years in the Good list is also now available. Lower Wardington Beer Guide, and one in the Killingworth Castle, Branch Pub of the Year com- Wootton Carole & Jamie are delighted petition (plus having won the that Hook Norton Brewery has Branch Cider Pub of the Year in The Killi has gone totally organ- at last recognised their loyal 2010), Lyn is moving on in her ic with its beers, which are now barmaid, Shelley Newman, who life. A new landlord is due in to brewed by Stroud Brewery and they have regularly nominated replace her when she moves out which have proved to be very as Team Member of the Year in in September. We’ll have more popular. the annual brewery awards. (See in the next edition. The handpumps on the bar page 17). Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 6 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 They are also pleased that the annual three-day music festival in July raised £3,000 for this year’s pub charity, Clic Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families. This free-to-enter event featured 21 bands including the incredible Pete Watkins as well as the wonderfully named Cheeses of Nazareth. Organiser Bridget Baker said: ‘We had a brilliant weekend with an amazing turnout‘, add- ing, with her cheery smile: ‘It was all down to the bands giving Above & right: The George, Barford St Michael their time, the helpers and the – open after a major refurb in early October generosity of everyone’. Sun Inn, Hook Norton – served daily noon–2.30pm & 7–9pm – and it will be open This pub is really motoring seven days a week serving under its fairly recent change of Hooky along with a good num- management and hosts a series ber of Cornish beers. of regular events including The pub also boasts nine steak night every Tuesday and ensuite letting rooms which fish night every Friday. A com- should be available by the time … who knows, maybe Great edy night is planned for 26th of the re-opening. Newsome from the East and September, and on 26th October the delights of Acorn or Kelham it will host a Halloween party. Fox & Hounds, Ardley Island from the South? Bletchington Sports & As this edition goes to print, Joiner’s Arms, Bloxham Social Club the external refurbishments Always wishing to be ahead of mentioned in the last Beer on This popular club is open the game, the Joiner’s now has Tap will be complete. its Christmas menu available. most weekday evenings, except A new patio/seating area Mondays, depending on home Meanwhile quiz nights continue greets customers from the car every other Wednesday and sporting fixtures, and regularly park, a very welcoming main on Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be a Halloween party entrance to the pub and the in October. evenings. refurbishment to the rear pub Its annual Beer Festival will garden have been completed. Elephant & Castle, feature around a dozen beers Both opened in time for August Bloxham and ciders and runs from 21st Bank Holiday weekend. The Ellie’s wide selection of to 23rd September, with various Steve plans to install patio ciders has been selling well entertainments lined up for the heaters for those who enjoy over the hot summer and will weekend. their beverages outside as be available through the winter autumn draws in. George Inn, as well. The regular band night Behind the bar, the influ- Barford St Michael continues with Bite Back on ence of Steve’s Yorkshire roots 27th October. Michael Regan – who owns the continues to shine through. White Horse at Duns Tew – has Timothy Taylor’s Landlord Fox Inn, Westcot Barton also taken on the lease of the (West Yorkshire), massively It seems that the Fox will have George Inn, the pretty, thatched popular with the locals and still new landlords in October; pub in the charming village of flying out, has now been joined rumoured to be Denis & Cheryl, Barford St Michael. on the bar by Black Sheep Best who ran the pub a few years The pub has undergone a top Bitter (North Yorkshire), in ago. Hopefully we will have an quality, major refurbishment excellent form on a recent visit, update in the next edition. and a grand re-opening party is alternating with our own local The Nightingale, Bicester planned for 6th October. Hooky Bitter. I do wonder about Alex the Head Chef will be the East and South of Yorkshire This Charles Wells pub sells ales offering a full menu of pub clas- and wonder what beers we can from the ‘Wandering Brewer’ sics, sandwiches to à la carte look forward to in the autumn project where a different, limit- Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 8 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 ed edition ale is produced from a different brewery each month, the name of which starts with the next letter of the project’s title – the August offering being “Rendez-brew” brewed in collaboration with Bedlam brewery in Brighton. As well as discos and bands the pub’s entertainment includes charity fundraising nights and even dog shows. Hundred Acres, Bicester Sadly, neither draught nor bottled ale is now available, however, as the pub is due to change hands in September the situa- tion may change for the better. Ashton Club, Bicester Penella & Gordon Waddell – new faces at the bar at the Duck on the Pond, South Newington This popular town centre club which I sampled a nice pint of Bar. The pub is open 4–11 has undergone a total and taste- Betty Stoggs. Tues–Fri; 12–11 Sat; 12–9 Sun; ful refurbishment – no doubt at closed Mon. considerable expense – resulting The Crown, in a clean, bright, welcoming Charlton-on-Otmoor The Angel, Bicester environment, with the bar being Change of ownership finally The microbrewery is back up relocated to a side wall. took place in July and this free and running again, producing They have recently been sell- house is now in the care of the the ever-popular 4.5% Pale Ale ing Draught Bass and Brain’s Baker family – licensees Kerry “Angelic Upstart” – and as the Reverend James. & Philip with their daughter premises in Barnet (which hous- Duck on the Pond, Sophia (ex-Nut Tree) manag- es another of his breweries) is South Newington ing the bar. A small opening being refurbished, Nick intends party on August 4th turned to spend more time up in this There are new faces behind the into a local celebration of about neck of the woods. bar at the Duck on The Pond. 250 people … fortunately beer The “Angelic Upstart” Gordon & Penella Waddell took stocks held out – so they’ve hit has been joined by Marlow over at the end of July, hav- Brewery’s Rebellion IPA and ing previously run a hotel in the ground running! Beers currently on offer are Purity’s Longhorn IPA (limited Scotland near Balmoral for 14 edition) on the bar. years before deciding to return Brakspear, Brill Gold and Doom closer to home. Gordon has a strong inter- est in real ale and plans to keep three hand pumps. One will always have a Hook Norton beer, as he wants to support local breweries (and he will have other local brews), along with some surprises on the third pump. Gordon & Penella are also supporting other local busi- nesses, including Chalgrove Artisan Distillery from where it sources some interesting gins. Drinkers are always welcome, and the couple hope to make the pub welcoming for everyone – drinkers and diners alike. There was certainly a good atmosphere in the bar during my visit, at Sophia manning the pumps at The Crown, Charlton-on-Otmoor Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 The Muddy Duck offers you great quality food and drink without any pretentions of grandeur. The pub and restaurant live very happily under one roof with different offers for different moods – laid back or more refined. Waddle our way!

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10 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 Crown Inn, Church Enstone This lovely 17th Century inn, which was voted Best Restaurant in The Cotswolds in 2010 and 2011, has been bought by local pub regulars George & Victoria Irvine. George, an artist who runs George Irvine Fine Art, said: “Victoria and I live nearby and have been going to the Crown Inn for a long time. When we were told that it was being sold, Victoria and I looked at each other and we had a bit of a laugh at first about the idea, however it soon became serious. “The Crown is a lovely pub George Irvine, new owners of the Crown Inn, Church Enstone that’s full of character, and we’re the inglenook, beamed ceilings, visit Oakham JHB and Vale both interested in food and wine. a cosy garden as well as a terrace Black Beauty porter. They hope We want to preserve the existing which looks out onto the village’s to offer three ales once business character of the pub and want to honey-coloured stone cottages. picks up. serve high quality locally sourced “It is already operating on a food. We plan to showcase work Siege of Orleans, sound business basis, but there Carterton from local artists and to feature is potential to develop the busi- interesting objects that work ness further and George & The Siege is looking to take as conversation pieces.” One of Victoria already have numerous on a much more responsible those objects is some icing off ideas, plus the enthusiasm and approach to running a pub. the wedding cake of the rock energy to realise them.” They are hoping to work with star Sting who married actress Ben Jonson, the Tap Social brewery in Trudie Styler in 1992. “As an art Weston-on-the-Green Oxford though nothing has been student I worked in catering and confirmed. was a waiter at Sting’s wedding New licensee Dave and manager Tap Social work with ex- so I saved a piece of the wedding Jo arrived in late June. They’re offenders in rehabilitating them cake from the bin. Who knows, up and running with summer into the world of work which can Sting might even visit our pub”. events and a regular folk night be very difficult with a criminal “We’re also planning to display on the first Monday each month. record. The chef is working with objects celebrating the locality, They aim to turn the pub back Oxfordshire Gateway to help such as RAF Enstone, which was into a centre of the community. feed the homeless of Oxford. a bomber command operation- The BJ is currently offering They are also moving towards al training unit for Wellington two rotating beers, on a recent more environmentally-friendly bombers during WW2. It would cans as opposed to be nice to have photos of people bottles. who worked or served there.” In the mean- The Crown features around 60 time the Beer Pong covers in the bar, dining room competition is and conservatory. Four double back at the end of en-suite rooms will be available September with from next spring offering dinner, the event spon- bed and breakfast. sored by an Italian Peter Brunt, a director lager brewery in Colliers International’s hotels which is providing team which brokered the sale of a trip to Italy as the the pub, said The Crown offered prize. At the begin- traditional charm in an idyl- lic Cotswolds setting, together with opportunities for busi- Manager Jo working at ness expansion. It is a perfect the bar at a Ben Jonson, Cotswolds pub, with a log fire in Weston-on-the-Green Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 3 REAL ALES Two large superior 10 REAL CIDERS en-suite Homemade rooms lunches Large flower- Mon–Sat 12-2 filled garden

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12 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 ning of October there will be a 90s-themed evening and the end of October sees a Day of the Dead event with Mexican beer, food and a séance! A new menu is now in effect in Grafitti (upstairs), and they are inves- tigating using British wines in the restaurant, perhaps from the local Black Bourton vineyard, along with a local gin. Keep your eyes out for a Meet the Brewer evening with XT, which is in the early stages of planning. Fox Inn, Leafield Since taking over at the pub (see last edition), Jo & Mo have Pudsy the pub dog at The Fox in Leafield enjoys the lovely views across the village green been busy turning this lovely old pub in a picturesque setting on Ringwood Old Thumper were the pub has had to upgrade their the village green into a thriving all in excellent condition. cooling system and are consid- business once more. The pub is open all day every ering getting air conditioning With Sky Sports, BT Sports day and it does a good trade in installed. and racing channels, it’s the ideal food now their chef is in place. This popular micropub is pub for watching your favour- We have had great reports about holding its first beer festi- ite sport with a great pint from their generous Sunday roasts. val at the pub from 27th to the selection of up to four real Thirst Edition, 29th September, called ‘Thirst ales. On a recent visit the North Edition 10 Mile Hop’ with all Cotswold Summer Solstice, Shipston-on-Stour beers being sourced within 10 Cotswold Lion Best in Show and With the hot weather recently miles of the pub. Champion Beer Of Britain Awards 2018 The CAMRA Champion Beer of the Great British Beer Festival Best Bitters Britain is one of the most pres- Winter (held in February) – Gold: Mordue Workie Ticket tigious beer competitions in the Porter, Stout, Old Ales/Strong Silver: Bishop Nick 1555 world. It is the ultimate honour Milds, Strong Old Ales/Barley Joint Bronze: St Austell for UK brewers and has helped Wines – to create a shortlist for Tribute put many into the national spot- the final round of judging. Joint Bronze: Salopian light. Judging for the competition Darwin’s Origin takes around a year, starting with 2018 Overall Winners individual nominations from Supreme Champion: Siren Golden Ales CAMRA members and local and Broken Dream Breakfast Stout Gold: Salopian Oracle regional competitions. Silver: Green Jack Ripper Silver: Salopian Hop Twister On the first day of the festival, Bronze: Mordue Workie Ticket Joint Bronze: Abbeydale a team of judges mull over the Moonshine contenders for the competition. Milds Joint Bronze: Windsor & Eton The competition spans real ales Gold: Greene King XX Mild Knight of the Garter Silver: Rhymney Brewery Dark across the categories for Mild, Strong Bitters Bitter, Best Bitter, Strong Bitter, Bronze: East London Brewing Golden Ale and Speciality. Co. Orchid Gold: Dark Star Brewing Co. Revelation These are Bitters combined Silver: Bays Devon Dumpling Gold: Orkney Red Bronze: Kinver Half Centurion with the MacGregor Champion Silver: Mighty Oak Captain Bob Speciality Winter Beer Joint Bronze: Bank Top Flat Gold: Colchester Brazilian of Britain Cap Coffee & Vanilla Porter category win- Joint Bronze: Acorn Barnsley Silver: Cromarty Red Rocker ners from Bitter Bronze: Derventio Cleopatra Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 14 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 Beer And Cider With A Hot & Spicy Bite While out and about research- ing for Branch News at the Fox Inn in Leafield I noticed a poster advertising the Leafield Chillifest on the wall in the pub, which I thought could be worth a look. The following Sunday I parked up by the green in the heart of the village within sight of The Fox and headed over to the small collection of marquees and gaze- bos where local groups and trad- ers were cooking or displaying their wares. Among them were the Fallen Angel Brewery (who hail from Essex), which was my The Fallen Angel Brewery stand at Leafield Chillifest – the purveyors of strange, spicy drinks main reason for being there. the naga chilli kicked in, build- The Scotch Bonnet Cyder is I can recall drinking a very hot ing with each gulp to the point not really a cider (as it contains and spicy beer called Crazy Ed’s that it was a bit too hot to rush. barley) and has more beer traits Cave Creek Chili Beer many, Intriguing, but not my favourite. than apple. It is also very mild on many years ago, with a heat that The bottled Fire In The Hole, the chilli front, so I’m not sure grew as you emptied your glass however, gave me the same vibe who it would appeal to. or opened a second bottle – but as I remember from Crazy Ed’s I know that the idea of chilli since then I’ve only ever found offering, in that it’s overtly ‘beery’ beers will split opinion – but in indifferent chilli beers with just with a spicy heat and dryness that these days of sour, salty, fruity a hint dry heat, so I was keen to builds as it slips down to make and botanical beers, perhaps check if Fallen Angel might have it a drink that many, including there is space for a hot, spicy a product to get the fire back. myself, may consider to accom- beer that can be matched to They make three chilli drinks pany spice-heavy Indian/Mexican chilli-spiced world foods. – Fire In The Hole (a 4.9% gold- food or a smoky barbecue. Keith Rigley en beer, which they had in cask and bottle), a bottled naga stout Fun Quiz – Where In The World? called Black Death (5.2%) and a bottled Scotch Bonnet Cyder (6%), so I bought a pint of the cask and a bottle of each to try them chilled at home. The Fire In The Hole cask ale was a very cloudy gold/orange colour that started with a head which soon disappeared. It had a pronounced spicy, herbal note with a dry bite to offset its full, sweetish fruity flavour. Sadly, the heat I was expecting didn’t kick in, even after a few mouthfuls. There was hardly a warm glow … perhaps I should have heed- ed the sign on the stillage stating ‘full flavoured without the heat’. Back home, the bottle of Black Thanks to Monty for this little brain teaser which is for fun only. Death Naga Stout was opened The photograph shows an unusual pub in the Good Beer Guide two days later and it gave off a 2018. Can you name it from the photograph here for 4pts? weird green pickled vegetal, vin- Other clues will be found on the next few pages and the egary aroma. A quick sip result- answer will appear on page 28. ed in an initial rush of green NB: Pts means points; not pints! If you know of somewhere plant-matter with a raw ginger that would suit this type of quiz please take a relevant photo and base, and then the dry heat of send it to the Editor with your three clues.

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 Terms and Conditions: All prices and offers are subject to change. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

16 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 Round-Up Of Brewery News XT Keep your eyes peeled for The brewery’s latest beers are all lots of events coming up at limited edition one-offs which the brewery over the next few you may find in local pubs and months, from gin & wine nights were on sale at the Great British to a winter open evening. Beer Festival in Olympia. Taproom opening times: Burton IPA is a proper old- Thurs 10am–6pm; Fri 10am– school IPA at 7.1% and aged for 7pm; and Sat 10am–6pm. It is three months in full sized oak fully licensed until 11pm, so barrels, just like in the old days. while there’s people there it will Animal Rhino is a quod stay open. hop amber ale, Hook Norton crammed with At the annual presentation Amarillo, Simcoe, of the Hook Norton Brewery Citra and Sorachi Shelley Newman – Pub Team Member of the Awards for tenants and manag- Year at the Hare & Hounds, Lower Wardington Ace hops. ers held at Warwick Racecourse Collaboration in May many pubs in or around Hook Norton Brewery have Red – Siamese our Branch were recognised. teamed up with New Zealand- Fighting Fish Pub of the Year was the based craft brewers the Yeastie 4.6% was brewed Great Western Arms at Aynho Boys for their next brew – X with a leading Wharf which also won the Ale. Looking for a unique way to malt supplier Best Exterior award. The celebrate ten years of brewing, who joined in Angel at Burford was the Food the Yeastie Boys approached the brewing pro- Champion being also high- ten breweries to work with on cess, gave techni- ly commended for Marketing, ten one-off and unique beers cal help and pro- Customer Service and Best for their YeastieX project. JK, vided the trendy Letting Accommodation Brewserker from the Yeastie new Red-X malt. The Bell Inn, Adderbury Boys said: “Hook Norton was The beer also won Community Pub of the one of the first UK breweries uses liquid nitro- Year for the second year run- I fell in love with, so much so gen frozen hops: ning with the Three Conies, I ‘suggested’ it as a stop on my ‘Cryo-Hops’, a Thorpe Mandeville high- honeymoon! Pouring over their new technique ly commended. The Castle at brewing records I found a reci- for cracking out Edgehill was understandably pe exactly 100 years before our more flavours from the hops. tenth birthday with a surprising- Hop Kitty’s naughty cousin is the winner in the Best Letting ly modern style. X Ale is a good the feral ‘Evil Kitty’ at 7.2% will Accommodation as well as being nod to the old and new, our love be available to a limited number highly commended in the Food of tradition and mucking about of pubs and at GBBF. Champion section. Jeremy Morey & Anthony with it in a respectful way.” Loddon Murray at the Reindeer, Banbury X Ale is a contemporary re- Loddon have a new taproom were highly commended in imagining of that 100 year old where you can now enjoy a the Beer Quality and Cellar recipe with a dose of artistic perfect pint of Loddon straight Management which was proud- license. Pale gold with aromas of from source! It will feature three ly won again by Ian & Annette zesty lime, satsuma and passion Loddon cask ales, seven Loddon Payne at the Eagle Tavern in fruit and a dark fruit taste with bottled beers and (soon) a rotat- Witney. The Red Lion at Steeple a hint of spicy ing kegline from local breweries. Aston was highly commended in lemon zest. The taproom has indoor and the Best Exterior section. Hook Norton outdoor seating and is the per- We send our congratulations managing direc- fect place to enjoy a pint in the to them all including Pub Team tor James Clarke beautiful countryside. Member of the Year, Michelle said: “We love Soon they’ll be serving teas (Shelley) Newman, who is pho- to push the and coffees, the latter sourced tographed doing what she does boundaries and from the local Horsebox Coffee best – pulling pints at the Hare play around Co and hope to become a real & Hounds, Lower Wardington, with what peo- hub of the local community. with a cheery smile. ple’s perceptions Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 THIRST EDITION MICROPUB 46 Church Street, SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR, Warwickshire CV36 4AS Tel: 01608 664974 • www.thirstedition.co.uk/ You can expect a warm welcome if you visit the Thirst Edition Micropub in Church Street, Shipston-on-Stour. With an ever changing range of cask ales (usually at least one dark beer and often a vegan option), traditional ciders, wines, spirits (including a wide range of gins), craft beers in bottles from around the world, and soft drinks – there is something for everyone Opening Times: A place free from music, TVs and food – where people can relax, meet like-minded people and make new friends in a Steampunk meets Art Deco setting Sat: 12–9pm Sun: 4–7:30pm Regular bus service from Chipping Norton and Stratford-upon-Avon Mon: Closed Sorry, the license does not allow anyone under the age of 18 years old Tues–Fri: 4–9pm Well behaved dogs allowed

W E L O O K F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U T O T H E O P E N I N G N I G H T O F T H E G E O R G E I N N October 6th: 6pm- 9pm D r i n k s & C a n a p é s

https://thegeor geba r for d.co.uk / 01869 338160 | conta ct@t hegeor geba r for d.co.uk L ower S t, B a r for d S t. M ic ha el, B a nbur y , OX 15 0R H

18 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 are of what beer Hooky makes. and ciders for the festival are er brewery this year to meet This is not the usual brew peo- organised by Andrew Davison, demand. Last year it raised close ple would expect to come out who orders the Banbury Beer to £3,000 for Bee Cause. of our cellar but we are always Festival ales and ciders, so looking to offer something new expect a good selection. Oakham Ales and different and this certainly Finally, The Oxford CAMRA Oakham made its name as an fits the bill. Beer Festival (8th to 10 early UK pioneer of brewing “It was great to be a part of November) has ordered the with USA sourced hops and its the YeastieX anniversary pro- same two beers again as last beers are regularly seen on bars ject and can’t wait for the next year, Oxtoberfest at 4.4% and around out Branch. opportunity to work with them.” Set Sail, a 3.2% weak bitter. There’s been a redesign of the X Ale is available in cask and, Expect to see both on the bar Oakham pump clips and bottle in September, a handy 330ml at the White Lion, Fewcott, labels and some major develop- can. In the coming months especially for their annual ment work at the brewery has expect to see ‘Inspired’, a light Oktoberfest weekend (see their taken place with a new 900m2 and fruity 3.9% ale with a hop Facebook page for updates). building almost complete and burst, available until the end of Little Ox ready for the arrival of 16 new September. From September fermentation and condition- into October there is Crafty Fox Little Ox have decided to make ing vessels, which will double (4.8%) an India Pale Ale with all their beer gluten free to existing tank capacity and allow heady hoppy fruit flavours com- address the rising number of Oakham to brew up to 75,000 bining with a stouty darkness. gluten intolerant beer drink- brewers’ barrels of beer per year. Old favourite ers. This has gone down well in An additional “Whirlpool” Flagship, a 5.3% many pubs including the White copper has also been commi- light bronze Horse in Banbury which now sioned (to enable the brewery to ale, is back for has Goldilox as a regular guest. utilise new hop types and for- October and Yabba Dabba mats) in addition to the existing November with Doo, a 4.8% leaf hop copper. Greedy Goose tropical IPA a 4.2% rich dark was launched Oakham’s well-known core copper ale on the for the sum- range of beers (JHB, Inferno, bar in November mer festival Citra, Scarlet Macaw, Bishop’s and December season and has Farewell and Green Devil IPA) getting us ready for the fes- featured in many is joined by a long list of season- tive season. Then in December of the region’s beer festivals and al, special and cask aged beers, it’s time for Twelve Days … it’s a few pubs too, including the with around 40 different beers what Christmas was made for! new OxBrew bar in Witney. being brewed per year! Looking to autumn, Filthy Recent special brews include Pirate Brewery Rich porter will be available an acclaimed single hop cask After a quiet spring and then again from October together aged beer ‘Dragon’, along with a recovering from the ‘Beast from with a new seasonal offering highly refreshing single hop sea- the East’ earlier this year, Lee too, name yet to be confirmed. sonal beer, ‘Slovenian Wolf’. A special named “Once for is now back up to full speed on Brakspear the brewing front. Recent beers Yourself” was brewed in June include Bitter Brawl (3.1% abv), Brakspear has been shortlist- in honour of the brewery’s late Sea Dog (3.7%) and the Summer ed for two trophies in the Beer and greatly respected founder Session Ale called SS Ale (4.2%). & Cider Marketing Awards John Wood, who passed away in Next will be another new beer in the Best Corporate Social January this year. Brewed with for the Annual village Beer & Responsibility Initiative (for its four new hop varieties from Cider Festival, 7–8 September. Honey Bee ale, which raised Slovenia (Fox, Kolibri, Cardinal He is aiming for a 3.8/3.9% funds for Friends of the Earth’s and Eagle – the beer was a fit- beer, using Pilsner and Red X Bee Cause campaign) and in the ting tribute to Oakham’s pio- malts, Belgian yeast, and a mix Best Sponsorship category with neering and far-sighted founder. of Bramling Cross and Archer its Club to Pub Swim, which hop. The fruity/apricot/peachy attracted more than 600 swim- FUN QUIZ hints of the hops, together with mers this July. Next clue for 3pts. the darker (red) colour from the Honey Bee has gone from Just along from our photograph on malts, should see the (as yet un- strength to strength since being page 15, a party of school children named) ale stand out from the launched in 2015 – and they were ‘gillying’. rest (no easy feat when the beers had to move brewing to a larg- Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 20 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 Less Alcohol Please! The Ravings Of A and Bad Habit, an Abbey Tripel, and is produced by brewing nor- Madman? both brewed in Cornwall. mal Ghost Ship and simply(?) However, during our hot sum- taking the alcohol out. The taste I despair at the lack of low and mer I, like many others, found is not as good as the 4.5% ver- lower alcohol beers available, myself drinking far more beer sion but as an alcohol free alter- especially in pubs. Don’t get me than usual in an attempt to native it is very acceptable and I wrong – I greatly appreciate quench my thirst. In fact I drank can drink several to quench my the wide range of real ales of all too much beer and experi- thirst on a ‘non-drinking day.’ strengths stocked across North enced not only weight gain but Adnams also produce Sole Star Oxon. And I love the wonder- also dizzy spells, leading some- which is an amber ale. This was ful high octane dubbels and times to falling over syndrome. I first brewed at 2.7% as a lower tripels from the near continent. I tried a few soft drinks but found alcohol style but is now brewed recently spent three happy days them tasteless and too sugary. at 0.9% abv and still tastes very in Bruges sampling the delights Even the low sugar versions are nice indeed so I can have more of the wide selection of beers too sweet for me as they simply than a few on a hot summer’s available (my favourite? Gouden replace sugar with sweetener. evening and wake up ready to Carolus Classic, a mere 8.5% abv Then, during a week’s holiday face the world the next morning. and voted best dark beer in the in Southwold, I discovered alco- There are other good tast- World Beer Awards in 2012). hol-free Ghost Ship. The standing low alcohol variants includ- I also applaud the efforts of ard Ghost Ship comes out at ing Brew Dog’s Nanny State and Roger Ryman and his colleagues 4.5% abv and is Adnams biggest Thornbridge’s Big Easy but these at St Austell Brewery for produc- selling beer, but they recently are mostly bottled and not gen- ing my favourite UK ale – Proper launched an alcohol-free version erally stocked in our local pubs. Job. St Austell also produce at 0.5% (brewers are allowed There is a draught version of two marvellous bottled beers to a 0.5% variation to the alcohol Ghost Ship Alcohol Free but you rival our continental colleagues: content stated on the label). This have to go to Suffolk to find it. Cardinal Syn, an Abbey Dubbel, is described as a Citrus Pale Ale The taste of low alcohol beer has moved on a long way in recent years but availability Cider & Perry In Banbury remains pitifully poor. Many of you will think of my quest for Within the last 16 months greater availability of low and Banbury has become a great lower alcohol beers as the rav- place to sample real cider ings of a madman. But I also sus- and perry. In fact, a small pect that many of you will join cider pub crawl is now possi- me in wanting to see a wider ble with three pubs all within selection more readily accessi- a four-minute walk of each ble, both on draught and in bot- other. tle. They are perfect for when The Baillif’s Tap has been you want a good pint but don’t open since February 2017. want too much alcohol. So am I They started out with sev- a madman? And if you think not, eral ciders but now just keep what can we do to get local pubs two or three on continually to stock them? for consumer choice. On a Street always serves a full and Editor’s note: I agree with the recent visit they had Snails Bank impressive selection across the author, as someone who spends Fruit Bat, a 4% fruity cider, plus taste spectrum: the range of one week in three ‘without’, an Napton’s Hillside Haze (5.3% six recently included the fruit alcohol-free alternative is often medium). cider Napton’s Blackcurrant disappointing and I too have Just up the road is the White Bush (4%), the popular chai- found Nanny State and also St Horse where landlord Ken has spiced Cotswold Cider Co’s Peter’s Without Gold acceptable two ciders/perries on continu- Horn Blower (4%) and Two alternatives, but a draught ver- ally. He recently had Orchard Trees Perry from Gwynt sion would be very palatable … Pig Navelgazer (6%) and Y Ddraig (4.5%). Weston’s Still Country Does your local serve FUN QUIZ Perry (4.5%). real cider? if so, let us Next clue for 2pts. The pub on page 15 The Old Town Ale know and we’ll give also features in Tim Hanson’s CAMRA & Cider House around them a mention. book ‘101 Beer Days Out’. the corner off Parsons Martin Batts Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 Quality Ales Handcrafted in Oxfordshire

Unit 6 Wroslyn Road Industrial Estate Freeland Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 8HZ

Tel: 01993 881 941

Website: http:// littleoxbrewery.co.uk/

Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ littleoxbrewery/ Find them at a pub near you, visit our shop or buy online

Old Witney Road, Eynsham Oxfordshire OX29 4PS Telephone 01865 882878 Opening Hours: 8.00am (9.00am Sat/Sun) Last food orders: 9.30pm Sun–Thurs; 10.00pm Fri–Sat The Evenlode at Eynsham is an iconic landmark pub on the A40 which has been refurbished and remodelled to the highest standards. Great, freshly-cooked food all-day everyday from 7.30am. See website for menus. Good selection of real ales and fine wines, two extensive terraces seating up to 80 people. Also a 15-seater private dining room. Easy access off the main A40 road with ample parking,

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

22 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 Beer on Tap On Its Travels Banbury real ale lover Brian Crockett recently travelled to Northern Ireland and found a co-operative brewery based on the beautiful North Coast. The Lacada Brewery in Portrush has been producing beer for over three years and one of them was Winner of a Gold medal for the Best New Product at the Irish Food Awards in 2017. The brewery began with a father and son in Portrush who built their own nano-brewery ‘Lacada’ derives from Liach beer drinker, but the Lacada to discover how their favourite Fada which means ‘the long- range includes hoppy session beers were made and they soon stone’ referring to a low rocky beers, stout matured in whis- began to invent their own dis- outcrop 300m east of the world key barrels, Citra pale ale and tinct recipes. Initially playing famous Giant’s Causeway. In malty dark ale, so there’s enough with the huge range of flavours 1588 one of the remnants of the to keep anyone happy until they from US and New Zealand hops, Spanish Armada was dashed on return home to their favourite they soon changed to marrying the rocks off Lacada point. brew … which Brian informs us these New World varieties with Sadly, the lively local pub is the White Horse in Banbury established British, German and scene in Northern Ireland where he’s often found with a Czech hop varieties. doesn’t offer much for the real pint of Everard’s Tiger. Cask Marque Backs CAMRA’s 2019 Good Beer Guide tastic to have Cask continue to lend our Marque’s involve- support to its publi- Cask Marque, the independent ment once again cation.” evaluator of beer quality in pubs, to highlight the The guide can is sponsoring CAMRA’s Good pubs serving the be bought from Beer Guide 2019, due to be pub- very best-kept real CAMRA’s online store lished on 13 September. ale in the Good at http://www.camra. Fully revised and updated Beer Guide. Cask org.uk/gbg for £13, each year to feature the very Marque has played with a £2 discount best pubs across the United an important role in available for CAMRA Kingdom, the Good Beer Guide quality assuring beer members. is completely independent, with and pubs for a num- There is also the every one of its 4,500 pub list- ber of years, and it is Good Beer Guide App ings recommended and evalu- great that CAMRA available to download, ated by people who know a and Cask Marque allowing users to find thing or two about good beer … can work together to provide thousands of pubs, beers and CAMRA volunteers. consumers with the very best breweries at their fingertips. Cask Marque has supported beer knowledge available.” The app is available in both the Good Beer Guide since 1990. Paul Nunny, Director of Cask Apple’s Appstore and Google Every single listed pub that has Marque said: “The Good Beer Play and can be downloaded at been accredited by Cask Marque Guide is still the leading publi- https://gbgapp.camra.org.uk/ will have the unique Cask cation listing the best pubs in Marque symbol next to it in the Britain and will be celebrating FUN QUIZ Guide – a further endorsement its 46th year of publication. An Next clue for 1pt. for cask ale drinkers. entry in the book can have a sig- The beer in the photograph on page 15 Simon Hall, Head of Publish- nificant impact on the aware- is locally brewed Woodforde’s ‘Wherry’. ing at CAMRA said: “It’s fan- ness of a pub, which is why we Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 THE CHEQUERS Goddard’s Lane, Chipping Norton Oxfordshire OX7 5NP Tel: 01608 644717 • www.chequerschippingnorton.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Evening food specials throughout the week

Function room available to book – contact Darren for details

Dog-friendly

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

24 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 OxBrew’s New Micropub Opens Its Doors In Witney new pub a specific name, it is called Simon and Aaron from OxBrew, simply OxBrew the microbrewery at Enstone Witney. airfield in our Branch, recently For the time opened a micropub in Langdale being the pub is Court, Witney – a pedestrian open: Wed/Thurs street which leads off Market noon–10pm; Fri/Sat Square. Rather than give their noon–11pm; Sun 12–8pm. It is closed Mon/Tues so they Rose & Crown, can brew at Enstone on those days. Voted Regional Inside are bar Pub Of The Year stools as well as long tables and bench seating, 35 years ago – so it seems that Runner-Up with contemporary and func- OxBrew have made a wise deci- tional decor. Outside is a sunny, sion to open their first pub ven- After the Rose & Crown in sheltered terrace where you can ture in the town. Charlbury won CAMRA’s North watch the world go by. Simon, who hails from Kent, Oxfordshire Branch Pub of the Two handpumps dispense real was involved in creating the sig- Year award for 2018, it went ale along with pumps for up to nage for the first ever UK micro- on to win the Pub of the Year six craft keg beers. The plan is pub (The Butcher’s Arms, Herne competition for the whole of for half the beers to be OxBrew’s in Kent) so it is fitting that he Oxfordshire (see last issue) – the own brews with the others from is involved in running his own first time a pub from our Branch local (mostly Oxfordshire) brew- pub, having recently joined the has won such an accolade. eries. On our visit the real ales Micropub Association. By winning the county award, were their own Red and Animal OxBrew’s original plans were the pub was then automatically Deer on handpump. Craft beers to continue to run a brewery tap entered into the Regional Pub of were OxBrew’s Oxford Lager, at their facility at Enstone air- the Year Award for the Central Freudian Sip (Vienna-style) and field, but it proved difficult to Southern Region (which covers J Street Porter, with Tap Social’s visit in such a remote location. Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire Get Your Hops Off and Church However, with Witney’s good and Berkshire) – where it came Hanbrewery’s AleX. Bottled ales public transport links and West out as a very worthy runner- are also stocked from various Oxon’s ample free parking pol- up to the long-famous beer local breweries, along with red, icy they jumped at the chance mecca that is the Nag’s Head in white & sparkling wines and a to open a micro in the town to Reading city centre. selection of local gins. offer their own ales direct to the Tom, Tommy and Nikki at the The micropub’s first week was public and to promote beer from Rose & Crown can feel justifi- really successful and on our visit other local microbreweries. ably proud that the pub, which it was doing good business with We wish them every success in has been continually listed in a varied range of clientele enjoy- their new venture. CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide ing the sun on the for 31 years now, is still break- terrace or joining ing new ground by promoting and championing the beers in the happy hub- from most of our local brewer- bub inside. ies. It is very rare now to visit Witney is unu- the bar without seeing ales from sual in that it the likes of Tap Social, Little has bucked the Ox, Church Hanbrewery and national trend of OxBrew along with local stand- pub closures with ards like Hook Norton or XT. just two less pubs than it had around FUN QUIZ OxBrew’s Simon Scamp The pub in the photograph on page 15 and Sue Baldwin is The Albatross in Wells-next-the-Sea behind the bar at their new micropub

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 SWALCLIFFE & SHUTFORD CIRCULAR WALK By Keith Rigley

Beer on Tap Pub Walks A wonderful stroll with two lovely pubs in the picturesque Ironstone Hills Distance: Just under 4½ miles. along the right-hand track at a corner, then cross another stile Allow 2–2½ hours. fork as you continue uphill again. to follow a narrow track through Map: Explorer 191. After walking past a small barn brambles in woodland. This Parking: Usually parking outside on your right (note the beacon track meanders a lot, but is easy Swalcliffe Barn, just west of the atop Jester’s Hill built to com- enough to follow, and soon you village, which is one of the finest memorate the 50th anniversary will reach a wide dirt track where 15th century half-cruck barns in of VE Day), go through an open you need to turn right to walk England, built in 1401 for New gate and turn immediately left to up a slope. At the top of the hill, College, Oxford (open Suns and walk along the field edge down a walk past a wooden farm build- bank holidays, Easter to end slope ahead where it soon goes ing before going through a small October 2–5pm, see https:// between trees. Keep to this track gate to walk along a narrow track as it bends to the right (ignoring on the right of the field ahead www2.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/ (between the fence and hedge- content/swalcliffe-barn). any tracks to each side) then, where the track bears round to row). At the end of this track, Leave the road to the barn and the left, keep straight on along cross a stile to enter another field turn left on the B4035. Walk past a green lane (the waymark on a then walk on in the same general the church and small green in gatepost here is not too clear) to direction keeping the hedge on front of the Stag’s Head then, just walk straight across a field ahead, your right. before the end of the village, turn aiming for a clump of trees on Near the far right corner of left into a small road on the left the far side. this field, cross a stile then walk signed ‘Swalcliffe Lea gated road’. Cross over a wooden bridge ahead (ignoring the field to your Walk past the front of the village and stile and keep on in the right) in the same general direc- hall keeping to the main track same general direction, aiming tion along the field edge, keeping heading down the slope ahead. for a gate just before the first the trees ahead on your right, Stay on this virtually traffic- house in Shutford. Go through then head off down a steepish hill free road as it meanders along, a gate by the house to then walk ahead. At the bottom of the hill, ignoring any tracks leading off. straight along a narrow tarmac follow the field edge round to the Soon you’ll pass Swalcliffe Mill, road heading for the church, left where the woodland on your after which the road bends first where you will find the George & right ends, then walk through a right, then left, before it turns Dragon pub. gap on your right (before a clump sharp right again (ignore the To continue the walk, turn of trees) to enter another field bridleway to the left). Keep on left at the T-junction by the pub where a well-defined track leads the road until just before a small (in the direction of Epwell and diagonally left across the field group of trees where you need to Tysoe) up the slope ahead to ahead, aiming for a gap on the far turn left to walk along a strip of pass the bus shelter. Keep along side. This right of way (and other grass between two fields (note, the road to the edge of the village later ones) is well marked with a this isn’t waymarked and is and turn left into a road called weed-killed strip in the crops. before the farm on your right). The Rickyard, where you need Cross the stile at the far side, At the end of this green lane, to cross a stile very soon on the then go diagonally right, first go through a metal gate then go right. After crossing the way- crossing a dirt track, then follow- through the left-hand gate ahead marked stile, head for the far left ing another well-defined weed- to enter a paddock and walk up corner of the field (ignoring an killed footpath. Cross a bridge the slope, aiming to the left of an entrance into an adjoining field into the next field, then head orchard and farmhouse beyond. on the left) where you will find diagonally right across a large On reaching a wall at the top of a badly broken triple stile which field, heading towards a farm the rise, follow a track to the left you need to cross with care, walk for around 250m. It is important then walk along always keep- through some trees, over another to note that you need to turn ing the wall on your right side. stile, then go slightly diagonally left on a crossroads of footpaths Keep along the track as it goes right up a hill along a faint track just before the point where the past a barn (don’t turn right into in the grass to the top of the rise. field starts to head uphill (thank- a farmyard), then head out into Cross two more wobbly stiles, fully, the farmer has marked this countryside along a farm track. walking on in the same general crossroads very clearly with a Follow this track up Jester’s direction, keeping the hedge weed-killed stripped paths) – so Hill, over the crest, then keep on your right into the far right you now need to aim for a point 26 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 To Balscote To Shutford & Alkerton Epwell

George & To North Dragon Newington & Banbury

Round Barton Hill Hill Jester’s Barn Jester’s Hill

To Burdrop & Sibford Madmarston Gower Hill (ancient hill fort) Upper Lea Farm To Lower Tadmarton

Note: Swalcliffe Swalcliffe Swalcliffe is pronounced Optional Bee ‘Sway-cliff’ Mill Lea Brakelands hives detour to Farm Lampet Arms, START: Tadmarton (half-mile each Swalcliffe way) – see OS Barn map for route To Sibford Lampet Ferris Arms P (option) Stag’s To Head Lower Swalcliffe Upper Tadmarton Tadmarton to the left of Swalcliffe’s church you need to follow the track cross the road here). On entering tower in the distance. marked ‘Bridleway, Swalcliffe’ the village Swalcliffe Barn is on On reaching the field edge, (note: avoid getting too close to the left, and the Stag’s Head is on cross a wooden bridge then go the beehives close to this sign- your right just beyond. through a metal gate on the far post as the bees were very active Pubs on the walk route side. At first you walk on in the on our research trip). same general direction, keep- Keep along the bridleway as George & Dragon, Shutford: ing a fence on your right, then Lovely, rambling pub with food, it follows the left-side field edge range of real ale (Hooky Bitter, where the fence goes round to then, where it starts to go round Bombadier, Betty Stoggs and the right, you need to strike to the right, follow a track that Taylor Landlord on a recent visit) out ahead along a well-defined leads straight on along a green and a pretty outside terrace. path through the field up a slope lane between trees (following https://thegeorgeanddragon.com/ where it clips the side of a hill the course of some telegraph Stag’s Head, Swalcliffe: Pretty, (but note that it appears to differ wires). Keep along this track as tucked-away community local from the OS map at this point). it winds through woodland and with food and range of real ale After walking down the far you soon go through a metal gate (two changing beers). Small side of the hill, cross a track to on reaching the B4035 where you outside terrace and garden area. find an excellent signpost where need to turn left (it’s advisable to www.the-stags-head.co.uk/ Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 CAMRA’s National Beer Scoring System Ever wondered how pubs are phone in the pub! To submit 2. Average. Competently kept, selected for the Good Beer Guide? your scores just visit http:// drinkable pint but doesn’t Scoring beer in pubs is easy! whatpub.com. inspire in any way, not worth Log into the site using your moving to another pub but The National Beer Scoring Sys- CAMRA membership number you drink the beer without tem (NBSS) is a 0–5 point scale and password. Once you have really noticing. for judging beer quality in pubs. agreed to the terms and condi- 3. Good. Good beer in good It is an easy to use system tions and found a pub on the form. You may cancel plans designed to assist CAMRA site, you can start scoring. to move to the next pub. You Branches select pubs for the You can find out more here want to stay for another pint Good Beer Guide and to moni- http://whatpub.com/beerscoring and may seek out the beer tor beer quality by encouraging again. CAMRA members from any part What do the scores mean? 4. Very Good. Excellent beer in of the world to report beer qual- 0. No cask ale available. excellent condition. ity in any pub in the UK. 1. Poor. Beer that is anything 5. Perfect. Probably the best you How do I score my beer? from barely drinkable to are ever likely to find. A sea- You can score your beer online drinkable with considerable soned drinker will award this at home or if you have a smart resentment. score very rarely.

guide me, as the Branch cam- Remembering Geoff Clifford paigned for real ale, pubs, and I first learnt of Geoff Clifford ing, as I called it ‘a fat baby on CAMRA’s objects. The whole when sat in a pub with peo- a beer barrel’, only to be told in Branch got banned from one ple talking about the latest Geoff’s teacher tone it was a pub, as we fought very hard, ‘John & Geoff’s Jaunts’. What’s cherub, at which we both burst and won, to block a change of this I asked, and was told it out laughing and got told off by use application for a pub to be was a weekly update of two the Chairman. turned into a house after which friends, John Merriman and Beer on Tap was born, and in it was declined by the local Geoff Clifford, out and about 2005 at the CAMRA AGM and council. in Oxfordshire enjoying pints Members’ Weekend, after many Many people will perhaps of real ale and the stories they years of A4 magazines win- be unaware that Geoff was a told. Well I was hooked, along ning the title, Roger Protz who great artist and took part in with thousands of others on the was making the award, start- Oxfordshire Art Weeks from weekly antics of these two. ing to talk about A5 magazines. 2004 to 2017, and in the last From there, I joined CAMRA My ears pricked up and I began few years with his wife Wendy. in 1999, and became a regular at to listen to what he was saying Geoff studied for a degree in the monthly Branch meetings, (sorry Roger). Some of the com- Fine Art from 2003 to 2007 and it was there that I met the ments he was making I could and worked towards a study of great twosome John and Geoff. identify with Beer on Tap and ‘mind and body’. After that his We quickly became friends I was absolutely gobsmacked other themes included ‘Writers and watched as the Branch that Beer on Tap was announced and Artists who are, or were Chairman retired (he drove from the winner. After phoning the obsessed by the nature of rela- Solihull each month to attend Branch chairman and then tionships and the making of the meetings), and saw John Geoff, the certificate went on a mind’. Geoff always designed his Merriman take over. pub crawl of Glasgow! own Christmas cards, and I have Under John’s leadership, the After that came the first kept every one he sent me. Branch became stronger, and Banbury Beer Festival, and When it was announced that when Geoff said he wanted the Geoff, along with other mem- I was to take over as CAMRA’s Branch to produce a quarterly bers of the Branch were instru- National Chairman, Geoff was magazine, and he offered to pro- mental in making sure the first one of the first to write and con- duce and edit it, we all jumped festival, held in Banbury Town gratulate me, and to wish me at the offer. What to call it? Well Hall was a success. Getting the well. the consensus was it should beer up to the first floor in the Geoff was a good friend and I be called ‘Rat Ar**d’ but Geoff lift was entertaining! will miss him very much, as will was adamant it was going to be When John Merriman stood the North Oxfordshire Branch. called ‘Beer on Tap’. The logo down as Chairman after three Rest in Peace Geoff. for the front page caused me to years, I took over the reins, and Jackie Parker be told off at a Branch meet- Geoff continued to support and CAMRA National Chairman 28 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2018 Round-Up Of Local Beer Festivals Tackley Beer Festival an awesome ale which was Having seen the advert in Beer easily the beer of festival on Tap I decided that a short trip for me. to Tackley was in order on the This festival has poten- Saturday of their beer and gin tial; all the signs were good, festival. with a nice layout and the The sun was shining, it was beer, and gin, nicely away warm and we got a parking place in the old skittle alley and right outside the pub … the good music. However omens were good. We found a they need to sort out their seat on the opposite side of the ales, perhaps setting up pub to where all the action was the beers a few more days and I headed off to get some before the first day than drinks. they did might help. Will I Coming out of the pub I go again? Yes, definitely! walked across the car park to the Horse & Groom, old skittle alley where the beer Caulcott Bastille Day was being served, and joined the Festival queue. Once it was my turn, the lass behind the bar enquired if I Another excellent festival had a glass and beer tokens, no! took place over the Bastille An excellent warm evening at the Horse & Groom So I had to head to the car park Day weekend in July. Once Bastille Day Festival entrance to find the gazebo sell- again, the beer theme was ing beer tokens and glasses. Best of the Guest, and it was support for people with cancer Tokens bought and a free glass already in full swing when I and their family and friends. for CAMRA members (saving arrived late Thursday evening In addition to food and music £1.50) acquired it was back to the for the preview. each day, the festival was bar. This time I was ready and In the heatwave, it was no sur- rounded off in style on the ordered a pint of Tackley Bitter prise that lighter citrussy beers Sunday for French Landlord from Little Ox Brewery, which were very popular with the Jerome, with France overcoming was excellent and as it turned first two beers to run out being Croatia 4–2 to become World out, a pint was a good thing. Soft Woodforde’s Wherry (3.8%) and Cup winners. Make a note in drinks were from the main pub Vale Gravitas (4.8%). Other pop- your diary now for next year’s bar, so back to the pub for some- ular beers included the offerings Bastille Fest, it’s one not to be thing for the driver, who by now from Goffs brewery (Jouster and missed. was considering reporting me Tournament, both 4%) along Alan Mitchell missing! with Black Sheep’s Holy Grail Bell Inn, Lower Heyford The next four halves I had (4%) and My Generation (4.2%). were all cloudy and uninspir- This year they raised £690 10th Beer Festival ing, including the Tackley Gold, from the sale of festival glass- August Bank Holiday again which was nowhere as good as es which went to Maggie’s saw the annual Lower Heyford the Bitter, then I struck gold with (Oxford), a charity offering free Beer Festival held at The Bell. a Loddon Summer Snowflake – practical, emotional and social However, this year things were a little different! This was Lyn’s BEER FESTIVAL DIARY 10–21: Wetherspoons Autumn beer festival in both ’Spoons in the swansong and her way of calling SEPTEMBER branch time on 15 years at the helm of 27–29: “Thirst Edition 10 Mile 17–20: Nottingham Motorpoint this excellent village pub. Hop” Beer Festival, Shipston-on- arena 1000 ales and 250 ciders Stour (see Branch News, page 13) 25–27: Swindon steam museum 100 As usual there were six ales 27–29: Great Welsh Beer Festival, beers plus cider and perry and five ciders in the festival bar Cardiff. The Depot. 120 ales plus NOVEMBER and two of each on the main 60 ciders & perries 8–10: Oxford Town Hall Oxford 130 pub bar. Starting with Blonde OCTOBER beers & 50 cider & perries James Blonde by Robinsons at 5–6: Ascot Beer Festival. Ascot 9–10: Bath Widcombe Social Club number one, the weakest, and Race-course. 200 ales and ciders 30 ales plus cider plus a full race card JANUARY 2019 then working through five of the 6–7: Chinnor RFC Oktoberfest. 25–27: Rose & Crown Winter ale six on the festival bar to number Noon till midnight. Over 100 ales festival. 20+ real ales, plus ciders six – Wayman’s Milk Stout from plus ciders & perries & perry Peakstones Rock, the strong- Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 Pete serves a number £2 each plus 50p or £1 for tonic three at the Bell Inn, at the Finstox Gin Palace bar. Lower Heyford Beer Five traditional ciders com- Festival pleted the top notch line-up of drinks on offer. the beer order. Ale highlights for me were Bristol-based the Gloucester Brewing’s Indian brews were also Summer (5.9%) and the sublime to the fore, with Moor’s Return of the Empire ales from the IPA (5.7%), but the majority likes of Arbor, were not very far behind. Good Bristol Beer Chemistry’s Kokomo Weekday Factory, Good was voted beer of the festival by Chemistry, Moor punters at the event. and Dawkins to A wide variety of music acts offer great qual- played throughout the day to est – was a very pleasant after- ity and character to the discern- keep drinkers entertained in the noon’s work! ing drinker. More local beers hall, with many others enjoying All the beers were in excellent from Little Ox, XT, Turpin, the packed al fresco terrace. condition and the Wayman’s OxBrew, Tap Social and Church As Rod points out: “We made was the tastiest, but my favour- Hanbrewery were also on offer to over £2,500 for our charitable ite was number five – the provide the full gamut of ale fla- causes, which isn’t quite as much Severn Brewing Extra Special vours and subtleties from brew- as some other festivals, but that Bitter, a 5.2% fruity strong bitter eries today at affordable prices. reflects the balance we want in with a great balance and flavour This superb range of real ale making drinking special beers – with the Moles Elmo’s Fire not was complemented by two craft affordable for everyone.” I cer- far behind it. keg beers – OxBrew’s Oxford tainly applaud that policy! To help line the stomach Andy Lager and a coffee stout called We are blessed with many served up his awesome burg- Beancounter, a collaborative great local village beer festivals, ers and hot dogs. My thanks to brew from OxBrew & Tap Social. and this is definitely one that I Lyn for ten fantastic years of Gin drinkers also had great will ensure I return to each year. great beer at what is one of my value for money with 16 gins at Keith Rigley favourite pub beer festivals and one which I hope the new landlord will continue. Steve Lympany Finstock Ale 2018 This wonderful village festival (the sixth) again took place in the village hall, which was partly funded by the proceeds of previ- ous festivals. Raising funds for local good causes, this festival stands out as being by far the best value local event, with a £5 entry fee (for a programme, glass and first free pint) and ales at just £3 per pint, or £1.50 per half. Of the 20 cask ales, there was a strong bias towards adventur- ous, hoppy beers – which is perhaps not surprising with Finstock drinker Rod Ireland in charge of Rod Ireland, one of the organisers, working at the bar of the Finstock Beer Festival

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