FREE DWA E Y M Beer Belly Winter 2017 Issue 82
The FREE magazine issued by the Medway Branch of CAMRA
ANCHORS AWEIGH!
IT’S TIME TO HEAD BELOW DECKS WITH MEDWAY’S NEWEST BREWERY
www.medway.camra.org.uk
Medway Camra @medwayCamra 22 STATION ROAD, STROOD
Regular Live Music Pool League & Table Real Ales change weekly Live Sports on 5 HD Screens Premium beers, wines & spirits Beer Garden with heated Smoking Shelter Children & Dog friendly Open 7 days a week www.facebook.com/steampacketpub 22 STATION ROAD, STROOD, KENT, ME2 4BG, 01634 718195 MEDWAY BEER BELLY NO 82 WINTER 2017 Published Quarterly by the Medway Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. (CAMRA). Circulation - 2,250 © 2017 Medway CAMRA. CONTENTS Editor: Ben Gurney E-Mail: [email protected] Index / Branch Details ...... 3
All contributions to this magazine are Editorial ...... 4 made on a voluntary basis. Branch Diary / Pub Events and Beer Festivals ...... 5
Views expressed by contributors and Pub News ...... 7 advertisers do not necessarily reflect those Breweries Update / Member Discounts...... 8 of the editor, CAMRA or any of its officials. Double Success For The Past & Present Micropub...... 10 Branch Details: Reflections on the GBBF 2017...... 13 Chairman: Alan Jefferies Secretary: Mike Thomas Beer In Norway...... 14 Treasurer: Kae Mendham Membership Secretary: Ian Howard Some Noggins In Norfolk...... 17 Branch Contact: Wayne Coveney Faulty Cider & Perry?...... 18
Trading Standards Office Peering Through The Porthole of the ‘Below Decks’ Brewery.... 20 If you want to contact the Trading Beer Styles: Old Ale...... 23 Standards Office, perhaps to report a short measure, or a pub not displaying a price Teaching The Young Responsible Drinking Practices...... 24 list etc, they can be reached at :- Pub Company Changes - How Do They Affect Your Local?...... 26 Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Unusual Pubs By Boot, Bike and Boat...... 26 Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TR Quiz ...... 28 Telephone: 01634 333555 [email protected] My Definition of a Micropub Is ...... 28
CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, When Your Belly Was Thinner...... 31 St. Albans AL1 4LW Spitfire Dave ...... 35 Telephone: 01727 867201 Fax: 01727 867670 Where To Obtain Your Beer Belly ...... 39 Website: www.camra.org.uk
Cover illustration ADVERTISERS ‘Seaman Ready To Launch’ Angel, Rainham...... 32 Northern Seaman Britannia Bar Cafe, Rochester ...... 40 illustration by Howard Clare CAMRA ...... 34, 36 & 37 Eagle, Rochester ...... 12 Frog and Toad, Gillingham ...... 9 Flippin’ Frog, Rochester ...... 19 Copy Deadline for issue 83: Great British Beer Festival Winter ...... 38 Friday 9th February 2018 Horseshoe And Castle, Cooling ...... 30 Kings Arms, Upper Upnor ...... 27 Media Transfer...... 16 Musket Brewery ...... 6 Nelson Brewery ...... 9 Northern Seaman, Rochester ...... 23 Steampacket, Strood ...... 2 10:50 From Victoria, Strood ...... 11 Thomas Waghorn, Chatham ...... 16 Three Tuns, Lower Halstow ...... 29 Who’d Ha Thought It, Rochester ...... 19
3 EDITORIAL
Now that the darker evenings are here, it’s time to grab a copy of the Medway Beer Belly and get cosy by the pub fireplace. Hello and rather than drinking at home. welcome to the latest edition You may also feel the need to remind them of the Medway that although they might not have visited Beer Belly! The the pub for the twelve months, there is no evenings are requirement for them to imbibe the entire drawing in quick years worth of alcohol in a single evening! now, and it can’t have escaped But as good as the festive season may be anyone’s notice for the pub trade, there is no doubting that that it is quickly January and February can be lean times becoming that indeed. Whether it is that people have spent time of year. too much on presents or that they have made There is more a New Year’s resolution to avoid the booze, than a little your local can feel like a much emptier place whiff of festive spirit in the air and publicans once the glitz and sparkle of Christmas has everywhere will be preparing themselves for faded. the onslaught that the party season brings. Don’t forget that your favourite pubs need Landlords, bar staff and their regulars your support at all times of the year to will soon be gasping in astonishment as maintain them as a viable business. Even if seemingly coach loads of people they have your New Year’s promise is to abstain from never seen before come piling through the real ale for a while, don’t forget that pubs doors for all manner of social get-togethers. stock a good selection of soft drinks and tea Whilst your first instinct may be to ‘repel or coffee is always available as an alternative. boarders’, this is a perfect time to remind Just because you are not drinking alcohol these visitors of the simple pleasures of the doesn’t mean you have to ostracise yourself pub. from the pub community.
It is an inescapable fact that, in this country, With the new year also comes the over 20 pubs close their doors forever every annual Medway CAMRA ‘Pub of the Year’ week. Although the Chancellor’s Budget competition. You’ll find all of the up to the announcement to freeze beer duty and minute details you will need to participate extend the £1,000 business rate relief for with the process on Medway CAMRA’s most pubs in England has helped keep the website and social media. pub tradition more affordable, for many a There are over 600 members of Medway trip to their local has unfortunately become a CAMRA and to get the most accurate results luxury experience. we need as many of you as possible to be voting. So the onus really is on each and every CAMRA member and pub regular to make However you spend the sure that new visitors feel welcome at your winter, have a great time, favourite pub. Invite them into your pub drink responsibly and I’ll community and make their evening such a see you back here for the positive experience that they will choose to next issue in the spring. return to the friendly atmosphere of the pub 4 MEDWAY CAMRA - BRANCH DIARY Anyone is welcome to join us at any of our varied socials and trips. Any changes will be shown in “What’s Brewing” or on our Website: www.medway.camra.org.uk Mon 4th Dec: Medway CAMRA Open Business Thur 8th Feb: Medway CAMRA Open Business Meeting - 8pm. Flippin’ Frog, 318 High Street, Meeting - 8pm. Britannia Bar Cafe, 376 High Rochester, ME1 1BT. All members welcome to Street, Rochester, ME1 1DJ. All members attend. welcome to attend.
Sat 16th Dec: Branch Christmas Social - 12pm. Sat 3rd Mar: Kent CAMRA Regional AGM Britannia Bar Cafe, 376 High Street, Rochester, - 12pm. Marden Village Club, Albion Street, ME1 1DJ. Come meet up with fellow CAMRA Marden, TN12 9DT All members welcome to members and partake in a little festive cheer! attend.
Sat 20th Jan: Kent CAMRA Regional Wed 4th April: Medway CAMRA Open Meeting - 11:30am. Paper Mill, 2 Charlotte Business Meeting - 8pm. Napier Arms, 153 Street, Sittingbourne, ME10 2JN. All members Britton Street, Gillingham, ME7 5ES. All welcome to attend. members welcome to attend.
PUB EVENTS AND BEER FESTIVALS
Tues 5th Dec - Sat 9th Dec: 34th CAMRA Pigs Ear Beer & Cider Festival - Round Chapel, 1D Glenarm Road, Hackney, London, E5 0LY. Wed 14th Mar - Fri 16th Mar: The Final Further details @ www.pigsear.org.uk CAMRA London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival - Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, Fri 15th Dec - Sun 17th Dec: Past & Present/ London, WC1H 9AU. Further details @ www. Frog & Toad Winter Ale Festival - Frog & northlondon.camra.org.uk Toad, Burnt Oak Terrace, Gillingham, ME7 1DR. Further details @ www.facebook.com/ Fri 30th Mar - Sat 31st Mar: 13th CAMRA events/151039032308023 Planet Thanet Easter Beer Festival - Winter Gardens, Fort Crescent, Margate, Kent Sat 23rd Dec: 2nd Anniversary of The CT9 1HX. Further details @ www. Flippin’ Frog & Micro Beer Festival - Flippin’ easterbeerfestival.org.uk Frog, 318 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1BT. Further details @ www.facebook.com/ Thurs 3rd May - Sat 5th May: 13th CAMRA events/499908567043906 Bexley Beer Festival - Old Dartfordians, War Memorial Clubhouse, Bourne Road, Bexley, Fri 2nd Feb - Sat 3rd Feb: 25th CAMRA White Kent, DA5 1LW. Further details @ http://bexley. Cliffs Festival of Winter Ales - Maison Dieu camra.org.uk (Town Hall), Biggin Street, Dover, CT16 1DL. Further details @ www.camra-dds.org.uk Sat 2nd June: 2nd Ale Stars Beer & Music Festival - Star Meadow Sports Club, Darland Wed 20th Feb - Sat 24th Feb: CAMRA Great Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 2AN. Further details British Beer Festival Winter - The Halls, St. @ www.facebook.com/alestarsfestival Andrews Plain, Norwich, NR3 1AU. Further details @ winter.gbbf.org.uk 5
KENT BEERS!!
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Royal Oak, Frindsbury: The Secretary of State caught playing copyrighted music without is content that the future of this pub can be the correct licence. The good news is that it decided by the Medway Council planning has since been taken over by the Craft Union authority. As such, the plans to convert this pub company and successfully reopened in Grade II listed building into housing are to go early September. ahead. Thomas Waghorn, Chatham: To celebrate RAMS Micropub 12 Degrees, Rochester: Their the pub being entered into the CAMRA Facebook page reports that the micropub will Good Beer Guide after its first year of not open for business this year. All being well, it trading, management have decided to offer is hoped that it will launch early in 2018. a generous 20% discount on food for card carrying CAMRA members. Evening Star, Rochester: Medway council has had an application for the conversion of the Flippin’ Frog, Rochester: on December 23rd existing public house into three 3 bedroom they will be celebrating the 2nd anniversary houses and construction of two 3 bedroom of their business. They plan to have a micro houses with associated parking. festival with at least 20 ales and ciders available, food and music all day and for Northern Seaman, Rochester: On the those looking for something outside of September 8th it was announced that they have CAMRA’s remit a cocktail bar will be provided received planning permission from Medway by the staff from Poco Loco. Council to build a brewery in their cellar. More information can be found later in this magazine. New Micropub, Gillingham: A planning application for a new micropub next to White Horse, Rainham: The pub has been Bruce’s Butchers in Canterbury Street was reopened by the Craft Union pub company and approved on October 20th. The planning has been receiving praise for the quality and statement is clear that real ale will not be competitive pricing for their beer. served and that the focus will be on key keg craft ales, spirits, ciders and wines. Past and Present/Frog & Toad, Gillingham: Following on from their previous successful beer Churchills, Chatham: A planning application festival collaborations, both pubs will be joining has been submitted with a view to turning forces between December 15th and 17th to host this pub into a collection of 8 one bedroom a beer festival at the Frog & Toad. It is expected flats. that they will be offering at least 8 winter ales and 6 ciders. The Oak, Walderslade: Following a short closure for refurbishment, the former Queen Charlotte, Rochester: Closed suddenly Sherwood Oak reopened under its new name in early July after management were reportedly on October 27th.
Thanks to the various Medway CAMRA members and others who have supplied the above information. If you have any pub news, please let us know (details on Page 3) . If you are a real ale pub landlord, please let us know of changes to your pub. We rely on people contacting us with information. All news was believed to be correct at the time of publication - changes may have occurred since. 7 NELSON UPDATE
I visited the Nelson Brewery on the 23rd of The brewery floor in the main vessel area has October, and as soon as I walked in I noticed now been fully relaid, with the drainage to that the brewery seemed much more organised one side now working correctly. Kerbstones and clutter free. edge the new section, and the floor has been repainted. An extra fermenting vessel had Paul will soon be retiring as head brewer and been installed and the whole area now looks has now taken over the roles of cask cleaning much cleaner and neater. Early next year, some and general dogsbody. Andy has learnt the vessels will be moved to aid painting and help brewing process from him, and is now in charge cleaning. of all future brews. The brewery has taken on a new sales person, Andy was and plan on building a new cold store with busy brewing Glycol coolers. the final batch of Mutineers Gemstone Ales (brewed on the same kit) will Revenge (5% now be Vegan friendly. The latest brew, Coral, ABV) for has used Japanese style hops grown in East Wetherspoon’s. Peckham called Toyomodori, as well as using (A copper US Calypso. coloured ale with a warm roast Their Dockyard Pale Ale is now available in flavour that leaves cans (canned on site) and the stout will be next. a sweetness on the palate).Not Report kindly provided by Karl Martin much else has Brewery Liaison Officer for Medway CAMRA been brewed due
to the extent of Image credit: Nelson Brewery Facebook the contract.
MEDWAY CAMRA DISCOUNT LIST
Here is the list of pubs and clubs in the Medway area that offer discounted pints to any card carrying CAMRA member. The discount applies to whole pints only. If you know of any other hostelries offering similar discounts, please e-mail us. White Horse, Borstal - 10% discount from the price of a pint. King George V, Brompton - 10p off a pint. Command House, Chatham - 20p off a pint. Prince of Wales, Chatham - 10% discount from the price of a pint, plus every Tuesday all real ales are £2.25 a pint. ‘Ale Collectors Card’ scheme also available to all customers. Thomas Waghorn, Chatham - 50p off a pint with a CAMRA Wetherspoons voucher. Past & Present, Gillingham - 20p off a pint and 10p off a half Monday to Wednesday. Three Sisters, Rainham - 20p off a pint Britannia Bar Cafe, Rochester - 10p off a pint. Golden Lion, Rochester - 50p off a pint with a CAMRA Wetherspoons voucher. The Northern Seaman, Rochester - £2.50 a pint and £1.30 a half from 4pm on Tuesday. The Oak, Walderslade - 10% discount from the price of a pint. 8
DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR PAST AND PRESENT MICROPUB IN GILLINGHAM
It’s called the Past and Present, and things aren’t looking too bad for the future too after Medway’s first micropub picked up CAMRA awards for the third year running.
Credit: Mick Allen
Credit: Chris Hunter Landlord Dave Hallowell was enjoying in the first year we were joint cider pub of the the moment as his pub, in Skinner Street, year,” he said. “We’ve only been going three Gillingham, was declared Medway CAMRA years in August so it’s good. (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year. “If I’m honest it’s quite an achievement for us because we’ve never done anything like this Previously an engineer, Mr Hallowell had no before. It’s not our background but we must be experience of running pubs before starting up doing something right. To get these awards in the micropub three years ago, and his success less than three years is quite an achievement. inspired others to follow suit, with four others Our main aim was to get in the Good Beer springing up across the Towns. Guide. All the rest I didn’t expect. I’m really chuffed.” The concept was simple – good beer and cider in a friendly place where people can The team of owners run the pub without the have a conversation without the distraction help of hired staff, and while he admits it gets of TVs, piped music, loud bands or gambling hectic at times, he is not about to change the machines. formula.
The success was such that he gave up his “It’s what we do,” he said simply – and the job nine months ago to concentrate on the regulars will hope it’s what he does for many venture, which he runs with wife Lorraine and years to come. business partners Colin and Sue Maskell. Article and photo by Chris Hunter ([email protected]) “Last year we got cider pub of the year and Originally published by the KM Group on July 7th 2017. we got runner-up for cider pub in Kent, and Reprinted with permission. 10
REFLECTIONS ON THE GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL 2017
Credit: Tom Credit:Leishman Tom
For the 40th anniversary of the Great British Beer Festival, James Whiteoak made sure he was there to join in the festivities. in this article he shares with us his thoughts on the day.
As I had not been to this festival since 2013, still there when I left. I also assume CAMRA I was determined on its fortieth anniversary has other revenue streams from exhibitors and to make the effort this time to get there. The so may wish to consider increasing the money beer festival was, as in past years, held in the they are required to pay next year. great halls at Kensington Olympia in London. Despite arriving early for the Thursday afternoon session, I was nevertheless greeted by long queues that snaked along the streets and I had to wait nearly three quarters of an hour before I could get in. Sadly the need for security checks made the wait inevitable but thankfully it was not raining.
As usual there were a wide range of exhibitors and an even bigger choice of beers. This was, however, an expensive day out since on top of my return train fare from Chatham to Credit: Tom Leishman London, there was the hefty entrance charge to the festival, albeit discounted if like me you Do not get me wrong, however, if you think were a CAMRA member. Having got in you me obsessed with the cost of the day as I needed to purchase a glass and then of course actually had a great time, meeting up with there was the beer. I had three and a half pints some friends from Dorking CAMRA and some of strong beer but had still managed to spend old work colleagues. I also drank some great more than eleven pounds on top of the other beer both from the United Kingdom and costs referred to above. Europe but also from the United States of America, supping beers from Colorado in the In view of all this expense this was the first West to Maryland in the East. My favourite beer time at one of these festivals that I did not was, however, a rich dark oatmeal stout at 5% buy any food from one of the many stalls. Nor ABV from the Summit Brewery in Minnesota. did I buy any books. While I know staging this festival in a venue in central London must be While I have gone on at some length about hideously expensive and would be impossible the cost of this day, I suppose it is all relative. without CAMRA’s army of unpaid volunteers. I spoke to a couple of Norwegians who have I would urge the organisers to review the been coming to this festival every year since pricing structure lest the high cost of getting 1992. With the reported high cost of beer in in deters people. Norway, this was probably a cheap afternoon for them! As far as I could see Thursday afternoon’s session was very busy with queues to get in 13 BEER IN NORWAY Credit: Mick Allen
Mick Allen takes us on a tour of Norway - the land of Fjords, Trolls, Tesla cars, and good (but expensive!) beer.
For this trip, we were based firstly in Oslo, kitted out with old church pews and the new then Voss, and finally Bergen. We had brewery is behind the bar. Sampled here already researched the beer scene (and were a strong dark ale Oink Oink (10.5%), and prices!) in Norway, and to this effect I will two American IPAs, Help Me Up Bro (6.8%), admit to stashing away a few cans of Badgers and Empress of India (6.5%). All beers ranged Tanglefoot into the suitcase! At an average between £8-9 for 0.4 litres. The second day price of £10 a pint for a bulk standard lager, was taken up by a trip out to the Heavy Water and something upwards of £12 for anything Factory at Vemork (Heroes of Telemark film). decent, it was a wise decision. The beer is No craft ale or microbreweries here, so it was expensive because Norway has the world’s off to the Siste Sang Brewery in the evening, highest alcohol taxes, which is still ongoing, located at Grønlandsleiret 27. in spite of the government being lobbied and the problems created by smuggling, amongst others.
Credit: Mick Allen
This bar has been open since April 2017, Credit: Mick Allen with a beer shop in place beforehand. Whilst we were there all beers were being cuckoo After having arrived late afternoon into Oslo, brewed, but the brewery on the premises and having had a wander around our hotel, should now be up and running. Beers taken we set off for the first of two bars close by. here were Black Forest Imperial Stout (9.0%) The Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri, situated weighing in at a massive £25 pint equivalent, at Trondheimsveien 2, is located in the vaults Double Trouble (8.2%), and Raspberryummy of the old Schous Brewery, that was closed Saison (5.5%), both at a more reasonable by Carlsberg in 2004. The vaults have been £12.50!
14 Next morning we departed Oslo by train Even luckier on the day of our visit they to Voss. No decent beer here, so the happened to have a beer festival taking suitcase was emptied of a couple of cans of place. Beers from Bergenhus, Austmann Tanglefoot. (Trondheim), Ekangersmuget (10 miles S of Bergen), 7Fjell (7 miles S of Bergen), The next day we had an enjoyable fiord Haandbryggeriet (35 miles SW of Oslo), Ægir trip round to Flam, home to Ægir Bryggeri. Bryggeri, Amundsen Bryggeri (Oslo) and When Evan Lewis and his wife moved from Nøgne Ø (Grimstad, established in 2002) California to Flam, they had the idea that a were available. Most of the beers on offer microbrewery would work. It is testament were around the 6% plus ABV range and to the style of beer that he brewed to see unfined, so, unsurprisingly, I never noted the brewery still going strong ten years later. down the beers sampled! But I did get to These beers are also available in the UK from chat with the brewers. Adnams and the Mother Kellys pub chain.
Credit: Mick Allen Only a short time in here before catching the famously steep Flam railway, so only got to try their Rosslyng Heather Blond (8.0%) and Naglfare Nut Brown Ale (4.7%). Both went down a treat.
Credit: Mick Allen
Finally our last leg of our trip involved a coach/boat/coach journey onwards to Bergen. Bergen - one of the wettest cities in the world, but also one of the driest with Credit: Mick Allen decent beer in short supply. Unless you opt for a can of Brewdog Punk IPA from the hotel Martin Houge (Nøgne Ø) informed me mini bar, which worked out at an amazing £22 that the brewery has been in production per pint! Luckily we found a great place right since 2002, and their beers should now be on the harbour, the Bergenhus Microbrewery. available in Tescos Supermarkets. I also spoke with Gareth Stewart from Bergenhus and Spencer Wood from Austmann. As the premises were being returned to an evening restaurant, the festival was bought to a close at 8pm. Fortunately none of the brewers were interested in taking half empty casks away, so I was treated to free samples of the beers that weren’t refused! Thank you to the brewers for that.
In conclusion then, Norway is a place that has had a meteoric rise in the number of craft breweries over the last few years (there are over 200 now) with every type of beer now Credit: Mick Allen on offer, so well worth a visit. I just wish the prices would come down to a more affordable level! 15
SOME NOGGINS IN NORFOLK Credit: Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA
James Whiteoak takes us along with him on his recent holiday to Norfolk.
I was in Norfolk last April for a short holiday There were two hand pumps, but when I visited with a crowd of friends with whom I had I chose to drink a pint of Morland’s Old Golden travelled up from Gillingham by coach. Based Hen at 4.2% ABV. Of the two other pubs in in the Hotel Victoria in Great Yarmouth, we Great Yarmouth – one was a Wetherspoons were fortunate in that the Red Herring pub, a establishment called the Troll Cart which was in Good Beer Guide listed establishment was a a modern development next to the bus station. mere 15 minutes stroll from the hotel. I visited Taking its name from one of the carts used to this back street local pub twice during my stay move goods through the Rows – narrow lanes in Great Yarmouth. Although with curtains in medieval Great Yarmouth, I had a pint of drawn it appeared closed it was nevertheless Woodforde’s Nelson’s Revenge at 4.5 % ABV. welcoming and offered several beers including the refreshing Orange Wheat Beer at 4.2% ABV The final pub I visited in Great Yarmouth was from the Green Jack Brewery of Lowestoft. the Good Beer Guide listed Mariners which was However, I also had a pint of Lacon’s Encore located behind the Star Hotel and opposite the bitter at 4% ABV. The Lacon’s name and brews Friends Meeting House. This old building had had been revived in 2013 – Lacon’s of Great two separate bars and had eight real ales on Yarmouth having been originally established offer. Similarly welcoming as the Red Herring, in 1760 but, taken over by Whitbread had the barman even brought my beer to my table. closed in the 1960’s. The Red Herring had a I had a pint of Bure Gold at 4.2% ABV from pool table and dart board and a darts match Woodforde’s brewery. was in full swing on the occasion of my second visit. Second-hand books were also for sale - While in Norfolk we also had a day trip to the proceeds from which would be donated Norwich where a crowd of us met up in the to charity. A wide collection of empty malt Good Beer Guide listed Vine. Situated just off whisky containers were on display as were the marketplace and behind the early fifteenth numerous different beer mats which were fixed century Guildhall. This comfortable little bar to the overhead beam. There were also a lot of which is used by students had several real ales framed photographs recording the history of on offer as well as world beers. I had two pints Great Yarmouth’s involvement in the herring of Red Mill bitter at 4.3% ABV. This was from fishing industry. There were two distinct the Humpty Dumpty brewery in Reedham. This bar areas one of which was called the HMS beer helped wash down the spicy Thai food Yarmouth room. This contained memorabilia for which the pub is also noted; it being most and photographs of the vessels that have noteworthy that this food has gained the pub borne the name. the accolade of inclusion in the Good Food Guide. While in Great Yarmouth I also visited two other pubs and a club. The Great Yarmouth Both of the remaining two pubs I visited while Conservative club which sits atop the Market staying in Norfolk were in the Norfolk Broads Gates Shopping Centre had a snooker room wetlands. Both were Cask Marque accredited with six tables and also offered hot lunches. establishments and both were waterside pubs 17 on the banks of the River Bure. The first of This had been my first holiday in Norfolk these two establishments was the Kings Head since 1972 and it brought back several happy Hotel in Hoveton. This was a Greene King pub memories of childhood. I have had day trips to and was very smart and while it stocked the the County in the intervening years including mainstream Greene King beers I was still able a Medway CAMRA outing some years ago that to enjoy a pint of Woodforde’s Wherry at 3.8% had taken me to the Fat Cat pub in Norwich ABV. Those wishing to eat outside could use and Woodforde’s brewery in Woodbastwick. one of the covered outdoor dining areas where The latter is a village near the Norfolk Broads they could also sup beer as they watch swans and one can also sup at the thatched Fur and and boats gliding by. The last pub was the Feather which is adjacent to Woodforde’s Swan in the pretty riverside village of Horning. brewery. The Norfolk Broads area is well We had gone there to start a river trip to the served by both bus and train and is, of course, village of Ranworth and Malthouse Broad and accessible by boat. Those planning a stay there back. While waiting to board the vessel we may also wish to know that Ranworth has an were able to spend some time in the Swan. A annual beer festival and the one planned for Mitchells and Butler’s Vintage Inn, I had a glass 2017 is due to be held in the village hall. of Adnams Southwold Bitter at 3.7% ABV.
FAULTY CIDER AND PERRY? Credit:CAMRA
Gillian Hough looks into some of the issues that can effect real cider
For over a decade Peter Mitchell of Mitchell seasons cider or perry a ‘flabby’ cider might Food and Drink in Gloucestershire has been be some of last year’s stock. Malic acid gives lecturing around the world about cider cider it’s tart zippy freshness and adds to its and perry faults and improving standards mouthfeel – hence the fact cider can become for consumers across the world. It’s very ‘flabby’ if the malic acid level is low. reassuring that Producers are prepared to be taught to analyse and probe their products to Sometimes if it’s been warmer than normal ensure a faultless product is received by you while the products have been fermenting the customer. yeasts can create an acetoin note like butter scotch. Although not everyone things of this as So, what are some common faults? You a fault and in some regions, they seek out this might have heard of ‘mousiness’ which is a more flavorsome cider as their tipple of choice. lingering dry mousy or over rich popcorn As the cider matures these notes level out and taste, strangely some people can detect it disappear. more easily than others. Some people even like the taste and seek it out. It’s caused by a The most common fault however is ‘going quite rare lactic acid and yeast reaction and hard’ or oxidation where the cider or perry has generally most Producers try to avoid creating been in contact with the air for too long. An it as it interrupts their quiet enjoyment of the oxidized product will taste slighty sour, one products. dimensional and very woody. Interestingly the spread of bag in box use has seen the amount Have you heard of a ‘flabby’ cider? This is of ciders and perries which go hard reduce where the drink is out of balance and lacks and help ensure every customer gets a glass of acidity. Rather than having the light elderflower sunshine when ordered. notes, or full fresh rounded quality of this 18 Credit:CAMRA PEERING THROUGH THE PORTHOLE
OF THE ‘BELOW DECKS’ BREWERY Credit: Northern Seaman Facebook
On September 8th 2017 the Facebook page of the Northern Seaman micropub proudly announced that the planning permission for their ‘Below Decks’ brewery had been approved by Medway Council. We caught up with business owner, Tim Dwyer, as he prepares for launch.
It has been a over needed for it. Mark is taking a lot of the weight a year since the of the actual pub side off me, which is helping Medway Beer me sleep at night. Belly covered the opening of the Can you tell me about the history of the Northern Seaman. brewery and what the idea is behind it? How is business going? When we originally looked at these premises the cellar was a real selling point for us It’s hard work. I’d because I definitely wanted to get into brewing say that to anyone. further on. I think a brew pub is more of a pull I’m constantly for ale drinkers. Our aim is to promote this as hearing rumours a new tourist attraction for Medway, try to get of new micropubs real ale drinkers from across Kent, across the opening and south east hopefully, to come down an make Credit: Northern I would say a pilgrimage. Seaman Facebook really consider Plus the fact it carefully and drill down into the numbers, this road because it is hard work. It’s enjoyable, it’s turning into certainly been a roller-coaster, but the most a strip of rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. micropubs, I think this will Marc has come aboard ship at the Northern become a real Seaman. What is his background and how did beacon for he get involved? Medway ale.
Craig, who is an absolute legend, has moved The brewery on to a very well paid job in the city. There was is called quite an emotional farewell when he left. Marc, ‘Below as well as the serving side and dealing with Decks’. How customers is helping me with ideas, events and did you come Seaman
,crucially, DIY. This place is like the proverbial up with the Credit: Northern Forth Bridge as there is always work that name? needs to be done, it is always evolving and having another pair of hands to help with that Because it is below the Northern Seaman. It fits is fantastic. The pub I think is looking great at in with our nautical theme and it will allow us the moment, I’m really pleased with where we to do nautical themed ales as well. are at, but I’m going to be spending more time focusing on the brewery side and obviously as Were there any other names that you had part of that generating the investment that is considered? 20 it would work. We came up with a plan that I quite liked the idea of ‘The Rochester works really well for both of us, so I’ll own half Brewery’ as of ‘Below Decks’ brewery and the head brewer a nod to our will own the other half. location. We’re not ruling What kind of beers have you been trailing out a similar ahead of the launch? arrangement to what they have So the plan is to do four ales and an in house at the Nelson lager. So there will be a light, an amber, a mild Brewery where and a stout. The mild we did a trail run of was they brew two an elderflower mild, but elderflower is seasonal different brands with ale, so although you can do an elderflower out of the same cider all year round, you can’t produce an Credit: Northern Seaman Facebook facility. Because elderflower ale all year. There’s an oatmeal ‘Below Decks’ stout which we are still looking to refine. There is going to be is a blonde which again requires a bit of fine doing some Seaman tuning and an amber which I have yet to taste. interesting and Credit: Northern We are not looking to have our full launch until unusual ales and my thinking was that at some February or March next year, so things are still point in the future, Rochester Ales could be in the experimental stage. the more straightforward brewery offering no nonsense versions of traditional ale styles. As for the names and designs of the pump Then the two brands would have distinct clips for the ales, we haven’t settled on all of identities. But that is something for the future, the names of the ales, so that is something that’s not something that has been agreed just we might make a competition of so that we yet. can get some outside input. Likewise we’ve got a couple Brewing is not new to this area of Medway of customers because a long time ago, the Lion Brewery designing logos was based over the road. Did you ever but if anyone consider resurrecting that name? wants to send in some designs It did cross our minds. If we had gone down please feel that route the names of the ales would have free. This is all been the names of the old pubs that used something we to be along here. There was a pub called the are going to be ‘Black Boy’ which would have been a good doing as part of name for a stout. Again, we’re not ruling that the marketing out in future. But we’d have to check, I don’t in the next know if it is under copyright still, but again it’s few months to not something I’m going to rule out. generate some interest and Seaman How did your head brewer get involved? publicity. Credit: Northern
I very much have a policy of saying ‘yes’ to as When it comes to things like the fine tuning, many things as possible. If anyone approaches what kind of strategies will you be using? us in terms of events, ales or working with Is there going to be any tasting panels or us, I’m always open to talking over ideas and questionnaires? doing business with anyone. He approached us because as well as being a big ale drinker, Yeah, we’re going to be doing limited batches, he has a background in chemistry. We’d had and given them out via the Northern Seaman, a few people approach us and ask if at some We’ve already started that process and are point did you want to brew. It was very much getting customer feedback to find out what on the back burner as the thoughts of doing it works and what people are enjoying. There on my own on top of the pub seemed like a lot has been a positive response so far, people to take on. But this one particular person kept have quite enjoyed them, but they do still on coming back and bringing up the issue. need tweaking, we want to get it right. We Over a period of quite a few months we went want to produce ales that people will go out backwards and forwards and fine tuned how of their way to come here and try. In the next 21 few months there will be announcements on are going to be unfined and we are going to our Facebook page. We will be having taster be experimenting with different hops and sessions to get people down, taste the beer different ingredients such as fruits in the and see what they think. summer. Personally I’m not a huge fan of fruit beers, some of them almost taste like ciders. How big will the But green hop and other seasonal brews we ‘Below Decks’ will be trying. We are not ruling out working brewery be? with other breweries and coming up with joint collaborations. We are open to anything that I’ll give you some seems like a good workable idea. stats. It’s a 2.5 barrel brewery You say unfined, is it safe to say that all but the aim is your planned beers are going to be vegan to get up to 5 compatible? fermenters. One will probably be Yes they are. Some of them will be completely dedicated to the unfined, so could have a natural haze. The plan
Seaman lager and then the for the darker ales is not to do anything with
Credit: Northern other 4 will be for them because you can’t really tell if a dark is one of each of the unfixed or not. With the lighter ones there are 4 styles of ale. We’ll be looking at producing, substitutes for isinglass. Irish clover is a plant once we get up to full pelt and established the based one you can use to clear ale, so that customer base, about 40 to 50 barrels a week. will be a commercial decision that we make The Northern Seaman will take pretty much all because as much as you tell some drinkers that the lager and a quarter of the ale. So we will be an ale is unfined and that it may be slightly looking to distribute 30ish barrels as far and as cloudy, they drink with their eyes and won’t wide as we can. have it. So that is something we will look at, but we definitely won’t be putting isinglass in With the Northern Seaman micropub, a big them. I’m baffled to be honest as to why any theme has been sourcing products locally, brewery still does, it has an impact on taste how far is that ethos going into sourcing and there is of course a cost implication and the ingredients for the beers? Will you be you are excluding, sourcing them from Kent or is that something based on the you will be going further afield for? latest figures I saw, something like 15% Excellent question. Our plan is to plant hops of the potential in the beer garden here in the Seaman and to market who are grow as much as we can for use. Realistically vegetarians and we are not going to be able to supply vegans. So it just ourselves completely, but we are going to makes sense, why look to source as much as we can locally. The would you want to American hops aren’t really grown in Kent, so aim at 85% of the there is some things we are going to have to market place when bring in from outside the county. Our waste it’s just as easy to products are all going to be given to a local be inclusive and animal sanctuary as fertiliser and food, so it provide a product is all going to be environmentally sustainable suitable for as a brewery. We’ve already arranged for with everybody. Seaman that sanctuary to take the spent malt off us for Credit: Northern animal feed, so we’re hoping to close the circle. For you personally, how exciting is it to be But wherever possible we are going to source starting Medway’s second brewery? locally. It’s very exciting, I think it is great for the We’ve talked about the portfolio of ales you area. Medway has such a rich brewing and ale are going to be having. Are those going to be drinking tradition I’m delighted to be bringing available all year round or are some of them part of that back. I think having a brew pub going to be seasonal? back in Medway is something that will set us apart and it will undoubtedly be good for There will be 4 solid 365 day a year ales Medway drinkers as well. and there will be seasonal ones. The ales 22 BEER STYLES - OLD ALE
If you’re looking for a winter warmer, maybe it is time to give an old ale a try! The style of old ale is usually brewed and roast malt character. Often slightly sweet drunk in the winter months. It recalls the with light fruit notes. type of beer brewed before the industrial revolution, stored for months in unlined Again, they do not have to be dark wooden vessels known as tuns. The beer though, old ale can be pale and burst with would pick up some lactic sourness as lush sappy malt, tart fruit and spicy hop a result of wild yeasts, lactobacilli and notes. The hallmark of the style remains tannins in the wood. As a consequence, the a lengthy period of maturation, often in beer was dubbed “stale” by drinkers. bottle rather than draught versions.
A true old ale is strong, typically over The style gained prominence in recent 6.0% ABV, fruity but balanced with hops. years with brewers producing Old Peculier Contrary to expectation though, they do (Theakston), Prize Old Ale (Gales) and not have to be especially strong, varying Thomas Hardy Ale (Eldridge Pope). The from around 4.0% ABV upwards. last example was saved from oblivion by O’Hanlons brewery. Typically dark brown or black, full-bodied with a malty richness. May have caramel or Back next issue with another style...
21 TEACHING THE YOUNG RESPONSIBLE DRINK PRACTICES
Medway CAMRA Chairman Alan Jefferies gives his thoughts on teenage drinking and how we can help young adults develop a positive relationship with alcohol.
On my wanderings around Medway I am works in partnership with others to help reduce always shocked at the way some people act alcohol-related harm by helping people make after a couple of pints of fizzy beer. It’s bad better informed choices about their drinking. enough when they are the legal age but it’s Their research indicates that the average age very shocking when they are as young as 15. a person first tries alcohol is now about 13 and Of course when I was young in the long distant alcohol can have serious effects on developing 1960’s, like every youngster, I tried to get a beer brains and bodies, as well as leaving teenagers at my local. Sometimes I was lucky more often vulnerable to unsafe situations. I was not. Drinking alcohol is seen as something However it seems to me that the young have teenagers are expected to do as part of far more access to alcohol than I did at 15. Now growing up but starting to drink too young is it because landlords check less or because is more damaging than many teenagers and “off license” sales are more available, or are we adults realise. Understanding how to talk to poor role models by having too much at home? teenagers about alcohol can help you get to To my mind its a bit of everything. So what’s talk to them about the risks. wrong. Teenage drinking statistics With most pubs ID is required for those fortunate enough to look under 25. But how The Health and Social Care Information often is that ID really checked? Some staff Centre’s 2014 report documents the drinking in pubs don’t seem to understand if they habits of teenagers. Of the teenagers surveyed: serve someone under-age it’s they who will be prosecuted. Serving a 15 year old girl who • 8% had drunk alcohol in the last week “looks” in her late teens is not an excuse. • 22% of those who had drunk alcohol in the Did you check her ID? Is it really her? What past week had drunk 15 units or more in that supporting paperwork did she have?. The rule week should be if in doubt - “no service” - and bar • Girls were more likely to report having been anyone plying or passing alcohol to an under- drunk than boys (10%, compared with 7%) age drinker. However this does not always seem to be the rule and it should be. However not all teenagers drink; the number of 11-15 year olds who had tried alcohol (38%) Drinkaware has some interesting statistics was the lowest since the surveys began. regarding drink. Who are Drinkaware? The Drinkaware Trust is an independent UK-wide Despite this encouraging trend what’s alcohol education charity, funded largely by concerning is that there were still 13,725 under- voluntary and unrestricted donations from UK 18’s admitted to hospital with alcohol related alcohol producers, retailers and supermarkets. problems between 2011/12 and 2013/14. What The Trust is governed independently and does that cost us the taxpayer? 24 So why do teenagers drink? causing such changes in some young people.
It’s easy for us adults to dismiss teen drinking Alcohol can also lower inhibitions which can as a straightforward act of youthful rebellion make it more likely for teenagers to make risky but the reasons teenagers start drinking can be decisions like getting into fights or having complicated and varied. unprotected sex. OK, yes you’re right most babies are a result of drink, but we can all learn Yes, peer pressure can be a major factor in its not the best way. contributing to drinking for the first time as teenagers feel the pressure to keep up with How to talk to your teenager about alcohol their friends to fit in. A bit like smoking. The best way to talk to your teenager about The feeling that every other teenager is alcohol is to sit them down and have an open, drinking can be made worse by popular culture, honest talk. If possible, try and talk to them as TV and films often show teenagers with before you suspect they’ve started drinking. alcohol. A recent study found that adolescents Personally I believe that taking your 16 or 17 with the highest exposure to alcohol use in old to the pub does take the mystery out of films were more likely to have tried alcohol and the place and showing that having a cup of tea are far more likely to binge drink. or coffee instead is just acceptable. Landlords please note. Teenagers may also drink to temporarily distract themselves from the pressures or As a defence teenagers can say it’s unfair that worries of life. Puberty is a tough time and parents lecture them about drinking but drink teenagers may wrongly think drinking is one alcohol themselves. You can agree that large way to cope. amounts of alcohol are harmful to anyone, but also you can say that young people seem to be more vulnerable in some ways, but they are right excessive consumption is good for no one.
If your child expresses frustration at you drinking while telling them not to, this could be time to start cutting down your drinking or choosing less alcoholic beers to set a better example.
Make sure your teenager knows they can come to you with any problems. Let them know alcohol abuse may be a symptom of how they’re feeling, and never a solution to a problem. There will be other ways of dealing Drinking affecting teenager’s health with it.
Teenagers all think they’re invincible but When they are 18 take them to the pub and drinking when too young can damage properly entertain them and show them that health and well-being of young people. Most quaffing great quantities of alcohol is not what noticeable are the short term effects, such as it’s all about. It’s about social engagement with bad breath, bad skin and weight gain. All of all walks of life and of all ages. It not about these can affect older drinkers too. So beware slinging 10 pints of fizzy lager down your neck all of you. and getting rid of it in the loo or worse. It’s about meeting people and enjoying your drink. However, more damaging is the potential Don’t be afraid of telling the bar staff that they effect of drinking on the young brain. Teenage are serving under-age drinkers, after all it’s their years are important time for brain development. livelihood you are protecting.
The 2009 Chief Medical Officer reported Be a role model to the young and enjoy your concerns that heavy drinking at under twenty drink and the atmosphere a good pub can years old was associated with abnormalities in bring. brain areas dealing with motivation, reasoning and interpersonal interactions. Subsequent Finding good pub is easy - just look in your research has shown that alcohol is indeed Good Beer Guide. 25 PUB COMPANY CHANGES – HOW DO THEY AFFECT YOUR LOCAL?
CAMRA is investigating the impact of changes Our Pub Campaigns Committee is looking, to our pubs as the big pub owning companies confidentiality, for information. It is particularly react to the Pubs Code, put into force in 2016 interested to see if changes in management to after years of campaigning by licensee groups pub company pubs result in more or less choice and CAMRA. for pub-goers. Has your local pub increased or reduced its range of real ale and cider after a In the last two years, the number of pubs run change of tenant? Or do you work in a pubco on traditional long-term tenancies has fallen, pub and have seen changes? The Committee as some tenants are replaced by managers. would also like to know about any changes Licensee campaigners are concerned that this in prices and in the quality of the beer being may encourage management turnover, all to served. avoid pubs being covered by the Code. The impact on customers is less clear. Please send information to the Committee’s Chair, Paul Ainsworth – [email protected]
UNUSUAL PUBS BY BOOT, BIKE AND BOAT
There is nothing better than discovering a quirky pub. Author Bob Barton has been hunting across the country for these hidden gems.
Occasionally, we’ve all walked into a surprising with a difference’ is not new, as described in pub, looked around and thought, ‘You couldn’t a chapter on the subject’s history. Victorian make this up!’ CAMRA member Bob Barton has landlords--even medieval inn-keepers--knew done that umpteen times and written a book that the exotic or outlandish would pull in the containing 150 of them, Unusual Pubs by Boot, punters. Bike and Boat. He spent three years searching out and sampling such hostelries around the Local pubs featured include the Fenn Bell Inn, country. ‘A tough job,’ he says, ‘but someone Hoo and the Golden Hope, Sittingbourne. had to do it.’ He reached many of the watering holes on foot, by bicycle or on board a boat. A few aren’t on a road at all, so it’s just as well that he has included details of cycle routes, walking trails and canals.
There are pubs in a castle, windmill, abbey, caves, a shed, beach hut and a chapel, to name a few. Not forgetting one in a former public toilet. Some are peculiar because of their strange collections--such as bookmarks, ties or musical instruments--or they are architectural odd-balls. Some are lit by gas-lamps, others have ride-on railways or double as barbers’ shops. Text on each pub is accompanied by a photograph; there is also a map showing locations. Bob mentions ales tried, whether Halsgrove Publishing, 144pp hardback, fully dogs are welcome, and plenty of other details illustrated, £16.99. and interesting facts. The concept of ‘pubs 26
Test your general knowledge with these questions posed by Andy Cowie
1. Who released the album ‘Battle Born’?
2. What was Babe Ruth’s christian names?
3. What is the meaning of crapulent?
4. What is the capital of Malta?
5. Where is Elgood’s brewery based?
6. What is the word used to describe a person who collects matchbox labels?
7. What is the name of the flashing orange globe on a post indicating a place for a pedestrian to cross the road?
8. Who brews Riggwelter?
9. What is a shooting brake?
10. What former brewery shared its name with a long running radio series?
6. Phillumenist 7. Belisha beacon 8. Black Sheep brewery 9. An estate car 10. Archers 10. car estate An 9. brewery Sheep Black 8. beacon Belisha 7. Phillumenist 6.
Answers: Answers: 1. The Killers 2.George Henman 3. Drunk 4. Valletta 5. Wisbech, Cambridgeshire Wisbech, 5. Valletta 4. Drunk 3. Henman 2.George Killers The 1.
MY DEFINITION OF A MICROPUB IS….
What a ‘micopub’ is and what it should be is often surprisingly difficult to explain. Andy Cowie shares his definition of the micropub concept. It sells ale (obviously), snacks, pies etc. but not involved in other licensed premises, particularly cooked meals, except perhaps heated pies, in the same locality. sandwiches and perhaps soup. Soft drinks, tea, coffee etc. I find OK, wines are acceptable, as In essence, a micropub, each with its sometimes are speciality gins and on occasion own characteristics and quirks, should be other spirits. Real ciders are fine, but not somewhere where you can have a drink without Strongbow, Magners etc. for me. loud music (which I enjoy in pubs), television or fruit machines. Conversation should be The premises should not, in living memory, have encouraged, but not required, in a comfortable been a pub before. environment.
A Micropub should not be tied to a particular So there it is. My idea of a micropub. brewery and should be able to source from anywhere it deems fit. What is your idea of a micropub? Do you have a different view? Send your thoughts to the Those running a micropub should not be editorial e-mail address on page 3. 28 Traditional Kentish Country Inn Quality food prepared daily from the finest local produce served in a warm and friendly atmosphere and welcoming open fire. www.thethreetunsrestaurant.co.uk Kentish Ales & Ciders always available.
The Street, Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne, Kent. ME9 7DY 01795 842840 [email protected]
WHEN YOUR BELLY WAS THINNER
“A look back at Medway Beer Belly Issue 33 with grumpy writer Moaner”
In a departure from the normal practice, we still going strong today, and where ales are all published a picture of a Medway pub on the at 5.0% or higher! Not for the faint-hearted. front cover of the December 2002, Jan & Feb 2003 edition of MBB. This was something we George Ansell in his ‘Bottle Opener’ series used to try and avoid so as to not alienate was full of self praise as he had previously sung other publicans asking why they should take the praises of Fullers 1845 and it had recently the magazine when it is advertising another been voted CAMRA’s Champion bottled beer outlet. We had only previously done so on two of Great Britain for 2002. He went on to inform occasions, in issue 24 (a line drawing by Brian readers what BCA’s (Bottle Conditioned Ales) Balcombe of the Tudor Rose, Upper Upnor as it were available in the supermarkets of Medway, had been declared the CAMRA West Kent pub of the year), and issue 26, when we depicted the Upper Gillingham Conservative Club as it had been voted Southern England club of the year.
The pub in question was the Homeward Bound in Halling, as it celebrated the achievement of being the first pub from the Medway branch of CAMRA to have been in the Good Beer Guide on 25 occasions. The branch launched the 2003 GBG from the pub at a social meeting and presented owners Alan & Di with a traditional CAMRA mirror to mark this achievement.
Someone calling themselves ‘R Crusoe’ sent us in a list of beers they would want to have with them if marooned on a desert island. They had a common theme, being nautical, with choices such as Harvey’s Armada, Hilton Clipper and Borve Tall Ships. We hoped this entry might lead to a regular series if readers would take up the mantle and send in their choices.
Only one local (Kent) CAMRA beer festival was being held over the winter months, that being the Dover winter ales festival, which is 31 and hoped to spot any Christmas specials. Arms, and Green Lion was in the pipe line, along with a Committee meeting in the In part three of ‘Is Beer Good For Your Alexandra, Chatham. The important voting Health?’ we looked at the effects of alcohol on meeting for the 2004 GBG was fixed for the the body, warned of the dangers of excessive Will Adams, Saxton Street, Gillingham and the intake, and encouraged everyone to ‘enjoy your MBB pick up meeting for the next edition was real ale in moderation!’. fixed for the Granville Arms, Rochester. I’ve deliberately listed all the events, as, for once, Faversham brewer, Shepherd Neame, had its pleasing to report that currently, all the launched “The Master of Beer” initiative which venues are still open and trading! aimed to transform attitudes towards beer, with their licensees and employees – from In National news, Somerset brewer Oakhill directors to draymen – undergoing tutorials was up for sale, CAMRA reported membership leading to practical and written examinations. had topped 6,600 and Interbrew was considering closing Manchester brewery site The branch diary was full of various events Strangeways as they intended to transfer starting with a MBB pick up meeting at the production to Mangor in Wales. Eagle in Rochester and a blitz of the High Street pubs with copies of it, a post mortem The Publican trade paper reported the price beer festival meeting at the Dog & Bone in of a pint had rocketed by 8p in the last year, Jeffrey Street, Gillingham, & our Christmas the average price of bitter had now broken the party social, this year held at the Upper £2.00 barrier for the first time (£2.01) in the Gillingham Conservative club. 2003 started south east, against £1.70 in the north west. The with a nomination meeting for the 2004 national average was £1.86 a pint (Oh happy Good Beer Guide entries at the Man of Kent days!) in John Street. We were hosting the Kent CAMRA regional meeting, again at the Upper Back next issue reporting on MBB 34. Gillingham Conservative club. A Rainham ramble, taking in the Cricketers, Mackland “Moaner” It may not have gone unnoticed that the brewery has been shrouded in scaffolding since April.
Every six years we undertake redecoration works, painting the wood, iron work and signage to maintain the appearance of our Grade II listed building. It gives us a chance to examine every element of the fabric and, inevitably, attend to the constant wear and tear that occurs with the passage of time.
A programme of works, involving stone masons, joiners, roofing contractors, lead workers and glaziers has ensued under the supervision of our maintenance staff and consultant architects
The brewery was rebuilt in 1881 by Messrs Card & Son of Lewes from designs of the eminent brewery architect William Bradford of Carlton Chambers, Regent Street, London. During construction work, they unearthed the weather vane that sits on the top of the brewery tower. Dated 1621, it is believed to have originally graced St Thomas a Becket’s Church in Cliffe High Street. In 1985, the smaller tower was added to the original in order to increase our production capacity. Built in the exact style of the existing building, it was the recipient of a Civic Trust Award and our listed status followed shortly afterwards.
In many ways, Harvey’s is a ‘heritage site’. Behind its brick façade you will find a production area that has been maintained over the centuries to reflect a time honoured brewing process. Sacks of UK grown malted barley and bales of locally grown hops are held within the original stores and brewing equipment has been maintained or replaced to perpetuate a method of production that has withstood the test of time. It takes a large number of dedicated staff to ensure that standards and procedures are maintained.
In an age where many companies are relocating to alternative sites and constructing breweries that are more automated and cost effective, we feel that the heritage of Harvey’s is well worth protecting and maintaining. We are fortunate that many devoted customers share these same ideals and continue to enjoy a range of our award winning local beers.
We are very proud to remain brewing in the heart of Lewes.
Harveys_Beer_Win_17.indd 1 10/11/2017 10:38 Wrap up Christmas with CAMRA gift membership
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I think I speak I’ve for everyone here when I say completed that’s very kind of you. What are we my Rubik’s cube celebrating? and it only took me four months.
3 Cheers for SPitfire DAVE!!
Four months!? That’s It’s quite an ridiculous, it shouldn’t achievement… take that long! It said ‘8 to 16 years’ on the box…
35 Join up, join in, join the campaign
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Become part of the CAMRA community today – enjoy discounted entry to beer festivals and exclusive member offers. Learn about brewing and beer and join like-minded people supporting our campaigns to save pubs, clubs, your pint and more. Join the campaign today at www.camra.org.uk/joinup
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CAMRA Recruitment A4 Adverts final.indd 2 05/04/2017 12:58 Join up, join in, join the campaign
Discover why we joined. camra.org.uk/ From members as little as £25* a year. That’s less than a pint a month!
Join us, and together we can protect the traditions of great British pubs and everything that goes with them.
Become part of the CAMRA community today – enjoy discounted entry to beer festivals and exclusive member offers. Learn about brewing and beer and join like-minded people supporting our campaigns to save pubs, clubs, your pint and more. Join the campaign today at www.camra.org.uk/joinup
*Price for paying by Direct Debit and correct at April 2017. Concessionary rates available. Please visit camra.org.uk/membership-rates
CAMRA Recruitment A4 Adverts final.indd 2 05/04/2017 12:58 Offering a wide range of real ale in all styles Plus World Beers - Cider - Perry
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New A5 Advert.indd 1 13/11/2017 09:56:48 Offering a wide range of real ale in all styles Plus World Beers - Cider - Perry WHERE TO OBTAIN YOUR BELLY
THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS ALL RECEIVE THE MEDWAY BEER BELLY - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST, PLEASE E-MAIL US. Allhallows Monarch Rainham Social Club Wigmore Fenn Bell Napier Arms Rose Smallholders Club Past & Present Three Mariners Borstal Scruffy Duck Three Sisters Wouldham White Horse Ship United Services Club Medway Inn Medway Marina Sturdee Avenue WM Club White Horse Upper Con. Club Off Licences Burham Will Adams Rochester Ace Wines, Strood Windmill Britannia Halling Coopers’ Arms OUTSIDE MEDWAY Bredhurst Five Bells Crown Bell Homeward Bound Eagle Dartford Flippin’ Frog Dartford WM Club Brompton Hempstead Golden Lion King George V Flying Saucer Good Intent Faversham Granville Arms Elephant Chatham Higham Kings Head Phoenix Command House Gardeners Arms Man of Kent Railway Nelson Brewery Stonehorse Medway Rugby Club Prince of Wales Northern Seaman Gravesend Ship & Trades High Halstow Ship Compass Ale House Thomas Waghorn Red Dog Two Brewers Jolly Drayman Waggon at Hale What The Dickinns Three Daws Isle of Grain Who’d Ha Thought It Cliffe & Cliffe Woods Hogarth Lower Halstow Six Bells Strood Three Tuns Cliffe Woods Social Club Hoo Sportsman Hoo Institute Steampacket Maidstone Cooling Windmill Three Crutches Cellars Ale House Horseshoe & Castle 10:50 from Victoria Flower Pot Lidsing Fishermans Arms Cuxton Harrow Lower Stoke Thirsty Pig White Hart Nags Head Rainham Sittingbourne Gillingham Angel Upnor The Paper Mill Canterbury Tales Concorde Kings Arms The Fountain of Ale Conservative Club Dewdrop Ship Three Hats Cricketers Green Lion Dog & Bone Hales & Moore Fish Bar Walderslade Upchurch Frog & Toad Mackland Arms Oak Brown Jug Hastings Arms Prince of Ales Gillingham, Higham, Rochester & Twydall Libraries Tuesday 20th Members Preview 17:30 - 22:30 Visitor’s Information Centre - Rochester Wednesday 21st - Saturday 24th 12:00 - 22:30 Medway Archives Centre - Strood
Free Entry For CAMRA Members ADVERTISE WITH “THE MEDWAY CAMRA HAS HAVING TROUBLE MEDWAY BEER BELLY” GETTING HOLD OF YOUR An advertisement in the “The Medway 631 MEMBERS “MEDWAY BEER BELLY”? Beer Belly” runs for three months and reaches a minimum of 2250 readers. Medway CAMRA are not It is available on subscription BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE responsible for the content of 4 x 1st class stamps to: FULL or accuracy of any published winter.gbbf.org.uk/tickets HALF 1/4 MBB Subscriptions c/o PAGE adverts or articles 94 Third Avenue The Halls, St Andrews Plain, Norwich NR3 1AU PAGE PAGE Gillingham GBBFWinter GreatBritishBeerFestivalWinter £75 £45 £30 Copy deadline for next issue: Kent Friday 9th February 2018 ME7 2LU E-mail: [email protected] 39
New A5 Advert.indd 1 13/11/2017 09:56:48