Issue 47 – Winter 2011 FREE – Please take one

Newsletter of North Branch of CAMRA

Brewery Boost For Banbury

Great news for real ale drink- and national breweries. A Director of White Horse ers in Banbury after the White range of Belgian beers Brewery, said: “This is Horse Brewery contacted us to will also feature and a an excellent move announce they’ve purchased the new food menu will for the brewery Buck & Bell on North Bar Street. offer a selection of and emphasises Work to re-brand the as the homemade dishes our commitment White Horse at Banbury Cross is with locally sourced to bringing quality expected to begin in December ingredients. ale to people across with the opening planned for The brewery opened the region. Our exist- early in the New Year. its first pub, the Royal ing pub in The pub is to be completely Blenheim, in St Ebbe’s has gone from strength refurbished and will soon boast Street, Oxford in 2008 and to strength by selling top a patio garden area to the rear it has been a regular entry notch ales and locally sourced and 10 real ale hand pumps sell- in the Good Beer Guide ever food served in a friendly envi- ing a variety of ales from local since. Andy Wilson, Managing ronment. We are very excited to bring our philosophy and 25 Years In The Guide For quality beers to The White Horse at Banbury Cross.” Tom At The Rose & Crown These are exciting times for this area of Banbury as Parsons Charlbury, with Tom Street itself has seen the Old Page at the helm, Auctioneer re-open this year appearing for the 25th with four handpumps, the consecutive year. Vaults hopes to get another Tom – pictured left handpump on their bar to with Mel Painter, one extend its range of real ales of the regular R&C (hopefully more in the next barmaids – took over Beer on Tap) and the Olde the pub in May 1987 (it Reinedeer continues to serve had been a regular in its great selection of Hooky the GBG even before Beers. Rumours have it that that date, but Branch the nearby Three Pigeons has records from that been bought and may operate period are very hard to as a freehouse (but this has not find) and it has been been confirmed). Now with the a consistent source of White Horse at Banbury Cross quality ale ever since, opening at the top of Parsons winning the Branch Street, the area is set to become In the fast-changing world of Pub of the Year four times. the place to go for ale connois- the pub trade, it is a rarity for The GBG was first published seurs. North Oxfordshire a pub to be listed in CAMRA’s in 1974 (though an 18-page CAMRA looks forward to wel- Good Beer Guide (GBG) for stapled ‘beer list’ was offered coming the White Horse team even 10 years on the trot – but for sale to CAMRA members in to Banbury and of course to 2012 sees the Rose & Crown, Continued on page 3 sampling their wares! Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://www.northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk THE BELL High Street, Adderbury • Unspoilt traditional village pub, in one Oxon OX17 3LS of Oxfordshire’s prettiest villages • A good range of award winning, well 01295 810338 kept, cask ales www.thebelladderbury.com • ‘Proper’ home made pub food Email: [email protected] • Secluded, walled, garden • Two letting rooms at reasonable rates Under the new • Walkers and dogs welcome management of • Regular music nights David & Lynne • Quiz every Sunday night

Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 12–2:30 & 5–11 Friday–Saturday 12–2:30 & 5–Late Sunday 12–3 & 7–11

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

2 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Update: Good News And Bad News It has been an up and down few Off the Beaten Track so we’ll though thankfully a new land- months with the good news out- see what occurs here. Then lord is now in place and reports weighing the bad for once. the recently re-opened Fox in we hear are very favourable – It started as soon as we’d gone Leafield had its landlord walk but Leafielders need to use their to print with the great news that away citing lack of footfall, pubs or they’ll be gone for good. the White Lion, was not closing (as we’d been led to believe), but was instead in the very capable hands of Mark Book Review & Lorraine. Then the fantastic Oxford, Witney and for which I give my strongest news that the Buck & Bell had Abingdon Pub Guide recommendation. It is a great been acquired by one of the pleasure to read, is handsomely area’s best microbreweries fil- Edited by Matt Bullock printed and designed. Full marks tered in to us and that they were CAMRA Ltd, St Alban’s, 2011 to Matt and his team. already refurbishing the pub. 112pp, £5.99 The maps mark the position This has been balanced by Hot off the press is this excellent of each pub and the pages are rumours that the Woolpack, new guide to all the pubs in the designed to provide extra inter- once one of the top real ale pubs Oxford CAMRA Branch area … est, most having a side column in the Branch, has suffered a not just those that sell real ale. with details of special interest partial collapse at the rear and The guide last appeared in 2004, and historical facts. Did you is in a desperate state needing and Matt makes a point about know, for instance, that Oxford tens of thousands of pounds all the pubs which have closed in has only one pub listed in the to bring it back to its former those seven years, but now lists National Inventory of Historic glory. Meanwhile in Bicester it those still existing with enthusi- Pub Interiors? The answer lies seems that the Old Pioneer is to asm and an eye for detail. on page 48. There, now you’ll become an Indian restaurant – Matt has shown a remarkable have to get hold of a copy! whether it will have a proper bar range of skills and expertise. A There’s a comprehensive is still to be seen. well known character on the index, a guide to local breweries, In Chipping Norton a ‘sold’ pub scene in Oxford, and in explanations of beer styles, and, sign has been seen outside Charlbury where he currently of course, info about CAMRA lives, Matt not only edited the and how to join. If it doesn’t get book, he also designed it, pro- on your Christmas list, order Tom’s 25 Years duced the many maps, took it from your local bookshop or most of the photographs, and from CAMRA. It’s a must for In The Guide also visited all the pubs listed! any local real ale enthusiast. Geoff Clifford Continued from page 1 The result is a superb book 1972). Since then it has grown to 908 pages containing over 4,500 CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List pubs, as the number of real ale Email addresses are followed by northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk outlets increases year on year. CHAIRMAN Lynne Baldwin- BEER ON TAP EDITOR North Oxon, like all branches, Kramer Tel: 07790 118341 Steve Lympany bot@ has a limit to how many pubs chairman@ Tel: 07811 667507 we can put forward for each edi- VICE-CHAIRMAN PRESS & PUBLICITY CONTACT tion, so consistent quality and a John Harle vicec@ Position vacant press@ good range of ales are the major BRANCH SECRETARY PUBS OFFICER Dick Palmer criteria for inclusion. Bearing in Caz Jewell secretary@ & Brian Wray pubs@ mind that pubs with a change of TREASURER PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER landlord have been automatically Nick Faulkner treasurer@ John Bellinger public@ excluded in at least one edition YOUNG MEMBERS MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY for quite a few years now, this COORDINATOR has made Tom’s achievement all Yvonne Hallows membership@ Position vacant the more noteworthy. WEBMASTER BRANCH CONTACT Chris Darke Congratulations to Tom and webmaster@ the Rose & Crown team and let’s Chris Darke contact@ Tel: 07852 251300 hope there are many more years Trading Standards: Oxfordshire SOCIAL SECRETARY in the GBG still to come. County Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Keith Rigley Position vacant Hinksey Road, Oxford OX2 0BY Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 Lower Heyford

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

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

Scotland End hook norton nr Banbury Tel: 01608 737482 / 07814 262536 Email: [email protected] Oxon OX15 5NU The newly refurbished brewery tap, the Pear Tree, grants every wish you want from your local pub. We have six very well kept Hook Norton real ales, traditional homemade pub grub, fantastically large beer garden and regular events throughout the year! New landlady Laura welcomes you to the perfectly located flagship pub where you will receive a warm and friendly welcome from herself and her team seven days a week, 364¼ days a year, open all day from noon til late! A perfect rest spot for walkers and cyclists to refuel themselves on our fantastic menu. Serving food Mon–Sat 12–3pm and Tues–Sat 6pm–9pm; Sunday 12–8pm for Sunday roasts and additional condensed menu. We also cater for coach trips, brewery tours and breakfast occasions on a pre-booked basis and also have a buffet menu for private functions and off-site catering. We have letting rooms available – two family rooms and a double room, all with en-suite. They all have been recently redecorated and we have good competitive rates on all rooms. With us being the only pub in the village with a children’s play area, families are more than welcome to join us. Alfresco dining is available with plenty of room for well behaved dogs. Free wifi access, open log fire and plenty of friendly company – there’s nothing more you need from any pub! We hold a popular quiz night ever Sunday, Aunt Sally during summer months and darts evenings every Wednesday. Look out for events during December and the New Year, including our Xmas Fayre December 21st.

4 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Branch News Tony presenting the of the dining room furniture, cheques to Sue Lane a new finish on the floors and (at back) and Laura general re-decoration resulting Howdill at The Fox, Westcott Barton in a cleaner, tidier and neater finish to the entire place. A new whisky bar has been installed, built by Will Drake the on 15th November Marketing Manager. The new and their refur- look is very pleasing without bished dining losing its original character. room will display On the ales front there will images from the normally be one Hook Norton calendar. Pop along beer, one from Oxfordshire Ales and secure your and one guest on the bar. All copy of the calen- beers were in top condition on a dar while enjoying recent visit. the ambience. The gardens are delightful Hot news: keep with its collection of unusual an eye out for a garden furniture where you can mini beer festi- enjoy a drink and/or a meal in val sometime in good weather, should we get any January! Still to be in the coming year. confirmed. Along with the new surround- Fox, Westcott Barton Duke of Cumberland’s ings comes a new menu which will include ‘a la carte’, pub The successful Bank Holiday Head, Clifton classics and a grill menu. Beer and Music festival (see A new landlord has taken over We would like to wish page 25) raised a magnificent here after former landlord Nicholas and his staff every suc- £1,000 for charity which Tony Robert Huntingdon died in July. cess with the bar and restaurant. split 50/50 between Katharine We are glad to report that the Royal Sun, Begbroke House Hospice and the village new landlord is Robert’s brother Pre-School. Nicholas Huntingdon. Although not in our Branch, it The cheques were presented The pub has had a refurb, had a mention in the last edition on 16th September before a involving re-upholstery of much of Beer on Tap in our pub walks MacMillan horse racing night event. Sue Lane from Katharine House accepted their cheque, while the Pre-School cheque was collected by Laura Howdill who said that before the presenta- tion they only had £11 in their account! The horse racing made another £350 for MacMillan. The pub has had a makeover with a fresh coat of paint in the restaurant. They have also invested in new furniture in the restaurant and the old place is looking great! There was an official launch of the local school charity calendar The bar at the Duke of Cumberland’s Head, Clifton Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 Proud to be a member of CAMRA and CASK MARQUE

2012 invites all to An Inn for All Seasons The Saye & Sele Arms Broughton, nr Banbury

A truly warm welcome awaits all who cross the threshold of this delightful Cotswold inn from proprietors Danny & Liz McGeehan www.sayeandselearms.co.uk mail@ www.sayeandselearms.co.uk Tel: 01295 263348

[email protected] www.thefoxatsouldern.co.uk Dating back to 1803 The Fox is nestled in the picturesque village of Souldern and offers: • Traditional style home cooked food. • Three Real Ales (two of which constantly rotate), sourced from around the country. • Four en-suite bedrooms.

6 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 feature – but unfortunately we Mon–Sat and 12–7pm Sun. had it down as the ‘Rising Sun’. Outside is a fully heated deck- Debbie isn’t too bothered ing area with cover. Thursdays (apparently it happens all the are meat, music and Martini time), but we’d like to apologise nights with grills, cocktails and and if you are on the walk please live music all on the same day. pop in to the Royal Sun and say Paul has many years’ experi- hello to Debbie and the team! ence in the trade and also runs The Woolpack, Banbury the Lazy Cow in Warwick. Carpenters Arms, Sadly we have received uncon- firmed reports that this great Middle Barton Banbury pub has suffered a No sooner had the Carps partial collapse at the rear and rebranded its restaurant as wildlife has got in. If true, it ‘Steak Cavern’ than it has had makes us wonder how this has another change, this time as been allowed to happen to one ‘Indian Cavern’. With a profes- of Banbury’s historic buildings. sional Indian chef they seem to Old Auctioneer, Banbury have found their niche. The res- taurant is separate from the bar A belated welcome to Paul Brown so you can still pop in for a pint and his team at this newly(ish) and not feel unwelcome. Rolling out the Red Carpet at the Red Lion, refurbished pub. It is re-opening in March after being closed for The Fox, Souldern many months and now proudly November 23rd saw the fourth of the pub was unrecognisable displays four handpumps which anniversary of Catherine & after crews changed everything dispense Greene King Old Alistair’s time here, and they for filming. There were some Speckled Hen, Deuchars IPA plus celebrated by inviting their famous names present and, up to two guest ales. locals to join them for a drink. although hard work, a good day Open 11am–11pm Mon–Thur It is particularly poignant as it was had by all. 11am–1am Fri & Sat and 11am– was around this time last year The trailer was shown at the 10.30pm Sun. Food is modern that they lost the license after pub in October to the surprise British cuisine with classics like an oversight by their landlords of regulars who had popped in calf’s liver, burgers and a very and its survival looked doubtful. for their excellent ales. Further popular West Coast Salad They are particularly proud of filming will be required for the consisting of prawns and straw- this anniversary and rightly so. sequel ‘Cry Wolf 2 (Cry Louder)’ berries amongst other things. Join them for their New Year’s possibly in December this year. Food is served 12–10pm Eve celebration and on New Could we have stars running this Year’s Day when they are serv- hostelry in the future? ing the ultimate hangover cure Whitmore Arms, Hethe of a full English breakfast from 12–5pm! On 25–26 January the This will be the last Branch pub will be holding curry nights News to use the old name; as the and of course for all romantics Whitmore is to be reborn as the 14th February is the Fox’s Muddy Duck. Valentine Dinner. According to the owners Another date for your diary is this will be no gastropub, but their hugely successful beer fes- a proper locals’ pub where tival which will be on the fourth drinkers and diners reside in weekend in July, though as yet a harmony, drinking top quality theme hasn’t been decided. ales and eating reasonably priced traditional British fodder. Great Red Lion, Deddington British classics brought bang up The pub had a red carpet day to date with a twist that keeps recently when it was chosen as you talking. the venue to shoot the trailer for We look forward to seeing the a new film ‘Cry Wolf’. new improved Whitmore Arms Michelle & Eddie had parts in March/April 2012, and we A belated welcome to Paul Brown at the Old to play, which required make- will of course report back to you Auctioneer, Banbury overs and costumes. The interior if there are any updates. Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 The Duck on the Pond A charming traditional freehouse Open seven days a week All day Saturday and Sunday

Serving a variety of hand pulled ales and fine wines We offer an extensive menu of traditional English and cosmopolitan cuisine from our a la carte menu and daily specials board Roasts also available Sundays Vegetarian menu

These can be enjoyed in our restaurant, bar area or alfresco on our delightful patio overlooking the pond Bookings taken Parties catered for Families welcome Large beer garden and car park

Telephone: 01295 721166 Main Street, South Newington, Nr Banbury, OX15 4JE Only 10 mins from Banbury / Chipping Norton. Situated on the A361 www.duckonthepond.com

8 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Right: Mark Foster – new behind the bar at the White Lion, Steeple Aston Open 6–11pm Mon, 12–2.30pm & 5.30–11pm Tues–Thur, 12–12 Fri & Sat, and 12–11pm Sun. Food, described as traditional pub grub with the house speciality Spanish tapas, is served Tues– Sat 12–2.30pm and Mon–Sat 6–9.30pm. Sunday is roast dinner served 12–5 pm. The White Lion is home to Aunt Sally and darts teams and the football team use it as their local. A roaring log fire warms the bar, major Tommy Longfellow a familiar friendly face sporting events are shown on behind the bar at the Rose & Crown, Charlbury TV and the lovely garden is a visits various historical pubs to great place to be in summer. A Rose & Crown, Charlbury conduct archaeological inves- monthly cook-off is held in the tigations. Apparently they dis- This superb real ale pub is pub where two locals make up covered that the pub dates back holding its annual Winter Beer dishes for pub clientele to judge 100 years earlier than originally Festival on Fri 27 and Sat 29 with the winner getting a prize, thought. The programme is due January. This is an event not December’s dish will be a soup! to air late November on the to be missed – there will be an Details of this and other events History Channel, repeated on excellent range of beers designed can be obtained by calling 01869 Channel 5 in the Spring. to cheer up those dark days of 340307, or just nip in, have a winter! quick pint and get the up to date The pub is also well known for info over the bar! Branch Diary its (usually) fortnightly music All meetings start 8pm, other events nights. The programme ahead is: Old Reinedeer, Banbury start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn Sat 17 Dec, Will Killeen; Weds Baldwin (07790) 118341 or Chris Darke, This historic pub is one of the Branch Contact. For meeting info 28 Dec, Roland Chadwick; Sat oldest buildings in Banbury, contact Lynne Baldwin 11 Feb, Baba Jack; Sat 25 Feb, originally thought to date back DECEMBER Andy Broad. to the 15th century (see later) 9th: Christmas Social – Come along and support the and was the seat of Oliver CANCELLED* Winter Beer Festival and the Cromwell's campaign during the JANUARY music nights at one of the best English Civil War. It recently had 10th: Committee meeting – real ale pubs in the whole region! a change in management; Tony Unicorn, Deddington Old Pioneer, Bicester Puddifoot, landlord for the last 21st: Social to National Winter nine years, retired and it has Ales Festival, Manchester Rumours abound that the Old now been taken over by Mark 23rd: Branch meeting and Good Beer Guide selection – Rose & Pioneer is to re-open as an Sylvester (owner of AKA, also in Indian restaurant, though this is Crown, Charlbury Parsons Street). 30th: Banbury Beer Festival not confirmed. Mark has placed Ben Hayes in planning meeting, The Bell, White Lion, as manager and a few changes Banbury FEBRUARY Steeple Aston have taken place already. The pub now opens Sunday evenings 11th: Social to Burford Mark Foster & Lorraine Caspall and food is served all day. The 28th: Committee meeting – Fox, took over the pub not 24 hours beer remains excellent, with Souldern after the previous tenants left. Hook Norton , Old, Gold * Please note the Christmas social at The Fox, Souldern has been cancelled Mark, who ran a bar in Spain a and a seasonal. because of a lack of people booking a few years ago but more recently If you visited during October place. The committee felt it wouldn’t was in the motor trade, has two you may have noticed that the be fair to The Fox to take up valuable restaurant space with only a handful real ales on permanently – St. car park had been dug up. This of people. Austell Tribute and Sharp’s was done for a new TV pro- Check Branch website for Doom Bar on my visit, but they gramme called "Pub Dig", in late events & changes will change regularly. which front man Rory McGrath Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 CHIPPING NORTON, Oxfordshire A Traditional 16th Century Inn situated in Chipping Norton’s historic marketplace Hook Norton award-winning real ales wru Six individually Traditional styled en-suite Old Rosie cider rooms on handpump wru wru Special 2-night Open log fire Friday–Sunday in winter Weekend deals wru (phone for details) Attractive outdoor wru covered & heated Large car park drinking area (off Albion Street) Traditional home-cooked meals (lunchtimes only) – in the bar or separate dining room Bookings taken • Parties catered for • Home-cooked Sunday Roasts, 12–2.30pm Small conference room available for meetings or reception parties – please phone for details Market Square, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5DD • Tel: 01608 642658 Open 10am–11pm Mon–Sat, 12–4pm Sun

10 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Reality! The XT Brewery Story Part VIII “Are you the brewer?” – I felt all sorts of different people; amber 3.8% beer made with five a tap on my back and I turned from local businesses and farm- different malts, including a cou- around, thinking I might need to ers who’ve helped us with free ple of very special Belgian ones; apologise for my aroma; it had labour and loans of equipment, it’s a complex but very drinkable been a long day and I was enjoy- to local CAMRA groups who’ve session ale. Then next out of the ing a pint in the pub … “This is followed progress and spread the mash tun was ‘Eight’, the malty an excellent beer, well done” he word. We’ve even had a constant chocolate 4.5% dark beer for said with a beaming smile. Yes, stream of enquiries from people those winter evenings designed we’d finally done it, our beer was asking to be on the tasting team; to help you put the world to flowing and going down well. all for no financial reward … rights. The most recent has been You may have followed our people are indeed devoted to ‘Two’ a fruity golden 4.2% pale story in Beer on Tap over the pushing the cause of real ale! ale made with biscuity malts and past several editions. We have Life is now rather different some noble hops from Bohemia now successfully finished build- from my old office job – 18 and a remote corner of Bavaria. ing the brewery and the first hour days brewing, learning From the outset the aim was beers are being delivered to how to wire up control valves, to bring more people into the pubs around the area. The new plumbing in cooling systems, wonderful world of decent tasty XT Brewery is on the beautiful hauling sacks of spent grain onto ales by making the beers easy to Notley Farm estate near farmer’s trailers, talking to pub understand. Our modern col- and we’ll supply North Oxon landlords about delivery sched- ourful and simple labels should with a selection of fine ales. We ules, wondering if my thumb will stand out on a bar and help also have a small but informal ever work properly again after bring new drinkers to the cause shop at the brewery which sells dropping a cask on it … it’s been or guide the hardened real ale fresh beers in carry home bottles a life changing saga. However, aficionado, by showing the style, and casks in various sizes from even at 3am lying awake wor- flavours and how the beers are nine pints to 72 which are excel- rying if the heat-exchanger was all part of a wide and fascinating lent for Christmas. the right way around (it wasn’t) I family. It’s been extremely hard work can’t think of anything I’d rather Stop press: XT Brewery picked but a truly a fascinating journey be doing. up the Beer of the Festival award so far. One of the most enjoy- We’ve made three beers so far. at Aylesbury Beer Festival for its able aspects has been meeting The first was ‘Four’ a mellow ‘Four’ beer. A great start. Robin Hood and Maid Marion Having a Beer • Well, fair Little John. His cudgel is a • Methinks, a pint of Oldershaw’s maiden, mighty force to be reckoned Heavenly Blonde will set me what’s it to be? with! mind thinking of you and fun in • Well, Robin, • Oh my! Us girls talk of nothing Sherwood tonight, wicked maid! methinks it’ll else! Likewise I have also heard • Well, you naughty yeoman, two be a moment tell that giant Little John has a canst play at that game, just of mirth to start mighty thirst. for that you can get me a pint with a drop of • Aye, me duck, you can say of Belvoir’s Robin’s Honey! Tis that Sheriff’s something that I crave for, that I Tipple from Castle Rock. that again, ’tis said that he can down a gallon of ale with can tell you! • Yes, me lovely Marion, we’ll his lunch and another gallon • Aye Miss Loxley, I’ve heard Sir show that scoundrel that we as the night falls. Walter say that all his daughters can drink in his name if not to • Heaven’s above, Robin, he must are full of passion and romance, his health! … two pints of your keep the Major Oak well watered and you’re no exception. best Tipple please, mistress through the night! • You’ll have me blushing, you in barmaid, and ask Allan • Aye, Will Scarlet only said your green hood and with your A’Dayle to strike up a jolly the other day how well the legendary longbow! When you get tune for us all. tree flourishes even in a dry back, we can sing along to Allan’s • Have you been spilling your fine rendering of Beneath the summer and provides the Greenwood Tree. beer, Robin, your clothes are ideal hiding place for the remarkably wet!? outlaws. It must be thanks to • Aha! ‘Tis exactly where I hope • No, Miss Loxley, ’tis me clothes Little John’s bladder! we might end up later … !! still drying out after a battle • What tipple shall we next indulge (Look out for Dr Who having a Beer with on the bridge with that devil in? James Bond in the next issue!)

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 The Bell Inn at Great Bourton • An unspoilt traditional Village Pub • Up to four Hook Norton cask conditioned ales • Traditional fresh home-made food • Traditional pub games – darts, dominoes, cribbage, Aunt Sally, shove halfpenny • Open log fire • Walker and dog friendly • Quiz nights Manor Road, Great Bourton • Regular event nights (eg, St George’s Day, nr Banbury, Oxon OX17 1QP see website for details) Tel: 01295 750504 • Traditional Sunday lunch cooked to order • Small to medium size parties catered for www.bourtons.net • Terraced garden Email: [email protected] Open: Mon-Thurs 12-2.30 & 6-11pm; Fri & Sat 12-3 & 6-12 pm; Sun 12-3 & 7-11pm. Closed: Tues lunchtime. Food served 12-2 & 6.30-8.30 all week. Restaurant closed Sunday night.

Lower Heyford Road Caulcott OX25 4ND Tel/fax: 01869 343257

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

12 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Farewell and Best Wishes to Janet Day We were sorry to learn certificate for the ‘Beer that North Oxon CAMRA of the Festival’ from that stalwart Janet Day is mov- year’s Banbury Beer ing away as she’s off to Festival. This wasn’t just a Stratford to be nearer her day trip (excuse the pun!), family, but we will miss but included an overnight her in the Branch. stay in a hotel in Norwich Janet has been a main- and a visit to The Fat Cat stay of the Branch since pub, among several oth- she moved to Banbury in ers. The journey home, of the early noughties. She course, led them to The got deeply involved in Red Lion at Histon, near the work of the Branch, Janet Day (left) with Vivien Williams and Sandra Stowe at the Cambridge. This was a and Janet was particularly 2nd Banbury Beer Festival in 2002 typical piece of Janet’s active on the social side. organisational skill, with As Social Secretary she organ- working on the entrance. She has great attention to detail. ised trips, get-togethers and also helped with Beer on Tap, Every CAMRA Branch needs Christmas Socials, always keen with her house being a distribu- active members like Janet. She to get plenty happening in the tion centre, and Janet being a will be missed and we wish her Branch diary. clustermaster delivering round all the best – however, Stratford She always took part in Bodicote and . is only just up the road, and she the Banbury Beer Festivals – In 2003, she arranged a trip will always be welcome at events through the planning stages and to Norfolk, the aim being to in North Oxfordshire. at the events themselves – often award Woodforde’s Brewery a Geoff Clifford A Gift Full of Festive Cheer? CD Review: A Taste of Ale licensing of beer houses ‘to the by Magpie Lane extent that 45,000 were opened in the next eight years’!) Maybe I recently had reason to find a the coalition can come up with a folk song, and during my search similar act, to grow the economy I came across this CD by Oxford and revive our great British pubs! group Magpie Lane (named, Track 3 is ‘Bryng us in Good Ale’, I guess, after a small street taken from a manuscript in the between the High and Merton Bodleian Library, Oxford and set Lane in Oxford). This is a deli- to a carol tune. cious collection of 19 songs and On Track 7 Ian Giles sings ‘Of tunes relating to drinking in gen- Honest Malt Liquor’ from 1733: There are a few reminders of eral … and beer in particular! Of honest malt liquor let English boys sing, the problems of drinking, as in It was recorded in 2000 but I A pox take French claret, we’ll drink no such ‘The Bad Husband’s Folly, or bring it to your attention having thing. Poverty Made Known’. where only just discovered it myself! But London brewed Staple, stout Burton and Ian Giles sings about a drunken Folk groups are often brilliant Lincoln, husband who has to repent his at researching their material, and They’ll find us good matter to talk or to think ways. Track 18 follows with on. this is no exception, with songs ‘Drunk Last Night’, once sung by dating from 1480 (‘Bryng us in More antagonism to the French servicemen in both World Wars. Good Ale’), through the First is found in ‘The Beer Drinking Finally, Andy Turner gives a fine World War ‘Drunk Last Night’, Briton’ from 1757 during the rendition of ‘John Barleycorn’. to the more recent ‘Hop Picking Seven Years War against France! What a pleasure to find a CD Song’. Each track is listed in the The excellent and humorous of songs devoted to our favourite notes with lots of information music hall tune ‘So Was I’ is sung drink sung by an Oxfordshire about where the songs come unaccompanied by Andy Turner. group. It is easily available and from and other historical detail. This is followed on track 10 by would make a great seasonal It starts off with ‘A Drop of that ever popular character ‘The present for a fellow beer drinker Good Beer’ from 1830 (when the Beautiful Landlady’, an early and lover of folk music! Beerhouse Act liberalised the 19th-century street song. Geoff Clifford Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 14 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Brooklyn’s Garrett Visits Hooky Brewery Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of The chocolaty flavours of the Brooklyn Brewery, and author beer blended seamlessly with of The Beer Table has been the flavours of the cake, rasp- touring England to promote berry and mint leaf. Finally it his new book The Oxford was the cheese course, seeing Companion to Beer, which Stilton paired with Brooklyn’s has included a series of beer Black Chocolate Stout which tastings and dinners around worked really well. England (which his web site The meal had a wonder- describes as ‘the land that first ful air of enjoyment about it taught him about good beer’). and from the comments that His tour took in London, I heard it was a resounding Oxford, Hook Norton Brewery, success. Before each course the National Brewery Centre in James or Garrett gave a Burton, Manchester and Leeds. description and info on the The evening at Hook Norton pairing beer and the evening started with a welcome by visi- Garrett and James at the visitor centre was rounded off with Garrett tor centre manager Richard speaking about his book Hughes, then Managing due to its spicy flavours, which and left us with the thought Director James Clarke gave a went together very well. The that “beer is for bringing people brief talk about the beer that was main course was again a great together”. For those who bought served on arrival; Hooky Bitter, match – steak and ale pie with the book, Garrett was pleased to which was in excellent form. He new potatoes and paired with sign it. then went on to the duty differ- Old Hooky. I have to say what an awe- ence between Old Hooky at 4.6% Dessert was a rich dark some evening it was and to meet and a cider of the same strength, chocolate cake with a raspberry five out of the six brewers who but with a difference in duty of coulis, paired with bottle con- attended was a bonus, along with 30 pence. James then introduced ditioned Hooky Double Stout. many other interesting people. Garrett Oliver. Garrett spoke of his visit earlier to the Oxford Brookes Hook Norton Brewery News University where he viewed the national archive of beer writer Congratulations to Hook Norton 2011, meaning that Hooky beers Michael Jackson’s books (which Brewery as its Hook Norton have now won 13 major awards had originally inspired him) and Double Stout won Best Dry both nationally and internation- then went on to explain how he Stout in the World Beer Awards ally. An incredible feat. started craft brewing after visits On the seasonal beer front, to Belgium, France, Germany WyeWye ValleyValley NewsNews Twelve Days (5.5%) is now on and England before setting up sale, described as “a strong dark brown beer, offering a domi- the Brooklyn Brewery. In cask this year is Christmas The next beer to be sampled nantly malty palate with nutty Whiskers (4.5%), so raise a overtones, giving way to a lyri- was Brooklyn’s Local 1 (9%), glass of festive cheer with this served in a champagne flute and cal sweetness that speaks for its copper coloured best bitter – strength” … perfect for the win- would really appeal to ladies as it full bodied and satisfying with looked like champagne but with ter, drinking by a roaring fire in a a spicy blackcurrant finish. flavour! I quite liked it and could cosy pub. January and February Festive beer in the use this for toasting instead of sees old favourite Double Stout bottle is Dorothy Goodbody’s the sparkling wine. back on the bar. The first course was brought Christmas Ale (6.0%, a ruby In the brewery’s Visitor Centre in and it was a fight between beer) and also Dorothy 26th November saw a Thai and Hooky Flagship and Brooklyn Goodbody’s Christmas ale night with Hooky beers Blue Apron as to which would Cracker! (which it is!). This is a paired to Thai food at £12.50 per pair best with the mini crosti full bodied chestnut ale with a head. Next, on 10th December, with duck and orange pate. I malty sweetness. is the Christmas extravaganza, chose Flagship as the orange fla- Watch out for Dorothy’s like a farmers’ market (3–9pm), vours were brought to the fore. beers in the Rose & Crowns in for your last minute goodies and Second course was chicken balti Shilton and Charlbury – both treats. An opportunity to get with pilau rice paired with bot- of which are regular stockists the all important Christmas ale tle conditioned Hooky Copper of Wye Valley seasonal ales. stockpiles. Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 16 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Joint Social With CAMRA Oxford Branch A number of Branch members egg. The food was washed down rally the Aussies lost to Mark met at Banbury station for the with a large glass of Bombardier. Isham and lived up to their meek trip to Oxford. As usual there Another quick walk took us and humble stereotypes – time was nowhere to sit, but it got us to The Chequers in High Street, for the Branch to move on! all bonding after being squashed where a rather overdressed John Last venue before we headed in the corridor near the toilets! Bellinger and his wife arrived home was the Royal Blenheim On arrival we headed off to meet after sneaking out from a nearby in St.Ebbe’s Street which had up with Oxford Branch at the wedding reception. After a swift an impressive range of White first pub, the Eagle & Child, St pint each we moved on to the Horse ales on sale, but by this Giles. As Cider Representative next venue, The Bear. This was time we can’t remember what we I was disappointed to see no our first visit here – it’s is a had, so this was the end of the ciders on offer (except the usual delightful pub, like stepping back tour for us and we headed back ‘fake cider’ in bottles), though in time (reputed to be Oxford’s to Banbury having had a great my husband (Chris) enjoyed his oldest pub). An interesting time – so come on all you other pint of Doom Bar. feature is the cabinets full of North Oxfordshire CAMRA At breakneck speed we then snippets of ties which adorn the members, join us on our next moved on across the (busy!) walls. This pub had a number ‘social’, a good time is compul- road to the Lamb & Flag. Some of antipodean students who sory! were disappointed that the decided to challenge one of our Tracie Darke with the darker ales were running out members to down a pint, natu- assistance and memory of Chris so I missed the opportunity of what the Chairman described and asked if we were on a pub as a delicious ‘Double Espresso’ Cider by Bus crawl. I told him we were and , but I had the pleasure of a half when we arrived in Hailey (the of Jungle Juice cider whilst Chris In Beer by Bus 3 (Issue 45) nearest stop to the Crawley Inn, had a pint of Palmers Best Bitter. James Sargeant dubbed bus 50A Crawley) he kindly pointed out The Jungle Juice certainly got from Banbury the ‘Good Pub the way. The pub was Branch my stomach rumbling, but none Bus’ with so many pubs along Cider Pub of the Year in 2009 of us were inspired by the menu its route. Well, the ‘Good Cider and has five or six real ciders so we headed off after a sec- Bus’ is definitely the X9 between and a perry, mainly from the ond drink – for me a Cotswold Chipping Norton and Witney as Weston’s stable. I started with Brewery lager (to test it out and it stops near four pubs that all their sweet Country Perry it was indeed very pleasant) – to serve real cider. (4.5%), while Steve went for the White Horse, Broad Street. One Saturday in October Traditional Scrumpy (6%). We This pub is tiny and it attracts (CAMRA’s Cider Month) my then both tried the Broadoak large numbers of tourists so we drinking buddy Steve and I Moonshine, my favourite of the were crammed into a cosy table set off on a cider pub crawl. day – a sweet cider with a slight at the back. We all stuck to a Taking the 488 from Banbury honey taste, reminiscent of half, Chris had St Austell Tribute to Chipping Norton meant we mead. Very drinkable but a little but with no ciders on draught I had time for lunch before catch- dangerous at 7.5%. had a lager. We soon moved on ing the X9 bus. First call was Arriving back in Chipping to the Turf Tavern for the hope the Rose & Crown, Charlbury Norton we had half an hour of food and beer, but alas it was where we sampled Thatcher’s to wait for the bus back to packed with tourists (a guided Heritage (4.9%), Gwynt y Ddraig tour even showed up while we Banbury so we popped into the Farmhouse Scrumpy (5.3%) and were there!) and the group split Fox Hotel, literally around the to either side of the bar to get the very nice Broadoak Perry corner from the bus stop, for served in the crowds. Chris had (7.5%). Black Rat was also avail- a half of Weston’s Traditional a dark beer with Dragon in its able. Scrumpy. title. I went for a Weston’s Old Back on the bus an hour later, With few pubs in our area Rosie. Due to the busy nature of next was The Plough, Finstock serving real cider it’s a real the pub we skipped food (again). where we tried Weston’s Old treat to visit some of the best Next was the King’s Arms, Rosie (7.3%) and the very dry ones without having to drive. where we were able to get a seat. Sheppy’s Farmhouse (6%). It Full details of this and other Some of the team were sensible was very pleasant sitting on the bus pub crawls, including fares enough to order lunch from the comfy sofas by the log fire but and timetables, can be found at busy kitchen; we, however, were the time soon came to leave northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk/ not so sensible and had crisps for our next bus. The driver beerbybus. and a rather smashing scotch recognised us from earlier Martin Batts Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 Banbury Beer Festival Helpers Trip To Bristol Our coach travelled around the local area in sunshine, collecting the small band that made up this year’s helpers trip and headed for the South-West. I’d done my panning and wanted to try three Bristol pubs – the Bag O’Nails, Zero Degrees and Cornubia, but the choice of pubs looked pretty impressive either way. We arrived at our first stop at noon. The Rising Sun, Frampton Cottrell is the brewery tap for the Great Western Brewery. In the pub we were greeted by two banks of three handpumps, with three Great Western beers available along with Butcombe Above: On the top deck of the Grain Barge. Below: The barge at its moorings on the Avon Bitter, Wadworths 6X and Bass. I had a pint of Great Western sells three of their beers with one Myrtle Tree, a free house with Maiden Voyage, a brown beer other, Abbey Ales Bellringer on two beers on stillage behind the with lovely malty notes and a dry this occasion. It was a very pleas- bar and live football on TV. A finish. We had pre-ordered food ant start to Bristol; sitting on the swift half of Milk Street Funky and it arrived just after we’d sat top deck in the sun watching Monkey and we were off to the down, and what a treat it was. All the sailors in their dinghies bob- Three Tuns to rejoin the group. home-made with big portions. bing along the Avon. From our This Arbor Ales Tap was a very It’s easy to see how, according to vantage point we could also see open clean pub with seven hand- the landlord, the Rising Sun has the SS Great Britain in dry dock! pumps dispensing two Arbor made 35 consecutive years in The Bristol Vintage 2011 a 6.6% ales and other beers mainly from the Good Beer Guide (with some strong ale was the beer of the the South-West. A seating area changes of landlord), but all too day a stunningly rich sumptuous made up of comfortable-looking soon it was time to move on. ale full of fruity flavours. Some red sofas had been occupied by From here it was a short hop of us got caught in the queue for most of the group as we chose into Bristol centre, and Mike the a last ale so the rest left to find our beers. A helpful cheery bar- driver took full advantage of the the next stop. We followed a few man helped with our choices bus lanes to whizz past stationary minutes later making our way to including a try before you buy traffic. He very kindly dropped us the Bag O’ Nails, only to find it session and he also applied the outside our first stop, the Grain closed with a sign saying ‘open- discount for CAMRA members Barge, which believe it or not was ing in November’. Well that was without asking. Great beer, great once a grain barge. Now owned one of the pubs I wanted to try, pub! We had a good few pubs to by the Bristol Beer Company it but just round the corner was the visit so we only managed a few halves before we pushed on to the next stop, just a short walk across the centre of town past the waterfront. The Old Fishmarket is a Fuller’s pub with five real ales on the long wooden bar, but it’s the interior which takes the breath away. A high ceiling with ornate lighting, classy décor and a huge painting across one wall; a quick half here then on to the award winning Seven Stars. Taking a bridge over the water again and down a side street we found the The Three Tuns – Arbor Ales brewery tap pub buzzing with live music 18 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 headed to the White Lion Hotel, Back on the coach and a final a Wickwar pub and hotel just stop in Burford saw most of the Banbury Beer Festival Helpers Trip To Bristol over the road from our pick-up group head into the Cotswold and people, loads of people! 8 point and an excellent choice it Arms for a swift half of White real ales faced us on entry to the was too! A small bar with a high Horse Village Idiot before we ceiling and four handpumps. We were dropped off at our respec- single room L-shaped bar, most sat in the window and watched tive drop-off points. A really if not all the beers were local to the world go by, though a visit excellent day out to a fine city the South-West. to the gent’s was an experience with an amazing selection of Music was provided by play- down a set of steep metal spiral pubs, though sadly I didn’t get to ers taking turns to do a short stairs which I scribbled as ‘peril- try any of the pubs I had wanted set and all were very good. We ous’ in my notes! All too soon it to see. So we’ll have to go back! found seats in a bay window was time to finish off my half of If you want the chance to go where we had easy access to the Cotswold Way and totter across on the next free trip, just vol- bar and its delights! Galaxy 55 the road to our rendezvous with unteer to work at Banbury Beer was a firm favourite here, and I the coach. Festival, 10–12 May. found the Bristol Beer Factory We were duly collected and Chocolate Stout to be very much driven to Dursley for our next to my taste. Three halves later stop, at the award winning Old Cider Pub Of we were pushing on. We’d been Spot. It was CAMRA national told that Cornubia was shut Pub of the Year 2007 with three The Year (another off my list gone), so we banks of handpumps, 10 in total, headed back over the bridge to showcasing mainly local ales. An Congratulations to the Elephant The Bank. It was quiet when we hour and a quarter was all we & Castle, Bloxham which has entered the wooden-floored bar had here and it was never going been chosen as the North Oxon with scrubbed wooden tables to be enough, but I had time for CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year and a choice of four handpumps a couple of halves and with the for 2011. Landlord Simon Finch and two real ciders. pub being pretty full (not helped was presented with his certifi- By now it was obvious that we by our arrival), I found a seat in cate on 24th November, more were running out of time so we the garden which was still quite details in the next issue of BOT. had to lose a pub from our itin- warm for the time of year. Arbor So if you would like to try out erary and the obvious one was Ales beers were again the order a real cider, pop along to the Zero Degrees as it was much of the day as I tried their very Elephant & Castle to try out the further on (last of the ones I had impressive Motueka and their selection there, you will have really wanted to see). Instead we tasty Oyster Stout. plenty of choice! BEER ON TAP 47 QUICK PUZZLE Beery Sudoku A simple sudoku puzzle for Beer on Tap 9 8 5 1 3 7 readers. We’ve already given you “IPA”, leaving you to fill in the rest. 3 4 6 9 5 BoT 46 Puzzle Solutions Brewery Mixups My toothy trail – 4 6 8 5 3 ie he throws – Timothy Taylor White Horse Tiny ‘e’ growth – Sung yo! – Youngs Teignworthy 9 5 1 2 4 7 Man’s ad – Adnams A ham OK! – Oakham Liar eats – Saltaire Tax me, sob – Box 1 2 6 8 A soil pan – Steam Salopian Took on horn – Hook Norton 2 7 8 1 Linking 1. Brew – house – wine Words 2. Bar – tender – meat 3. Lager – top – shelf 7 6 9 8 3 4 4. Pool – table – service 5. Ginger – beer – garden 6. Whisky – bottle – conditioned

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 Pub & Restaurant The Fox & Hounds Ardley, Oxfordshire A good old traditional family run pub with two open fires and a warm and friendly welcome from the staff

Opening times: 12pm to 3pm & 5pm to 10:30pm (Monday to Thursday); 12pm to 11pm (Friday and Saturday); Our food is home cooked and we serve good portions 12pm to 10pm (Sunday). Closed and are always happy to accommodate any special October to March Sunday evenings requirements. Food Served: 12pm to 3pm & 5pm We offer a range of drinks and have recently changed so to 9pm that our traditional cask ales are rotated weekly. Directions: Come off at junction 10 of the M40 and take a left following the We now have a function room that can cater for parties signs to Middleton Stoney (B430), we and weddings, etc. Please get in contact with us to discuss are less than a mile away on the left. your requirements. Proprietor: Clive Shellard

20 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 COMBE & BLENHEIM PARK By Keith Rigley

Beer on Tap Pub Walks A picturesque circular walk taking in some great views of Blenheim Park Distance: Just over 6 miles to follow the field boundary, as 80–90m, turn right up a hill aim- Allow: 3 hours plus pub stop it goes around various bends to ing to the right of a hedgerow Map: Landranger 164 eventually find a track where you ahead where you follow the field turn right to reach a road. Turn boundary keeping the hedge on Parking: The Cock Inn, Combe has a car park (call before to left on the road and walk beyond your left at first, then a fence. confirm it’s OK), otherwise park the last houses of the village On reaching the trees ahead, around the village green. before taking a waymarked path turn left following the field edge, through a gap in the hedge on keeping the trees on your right. This is a very scenic walk, much your left. After rounding the edge of the of it in Blenheim parkland, so it Aim for the hedgerow ahead wood, turn right on a farm track shouldn’t be too muddy follow- and walk along, keeping the then take the kissing gate into ing wet weather – and it offers hedge on your left. On reaching the field immediately after the beautiful vistas across the lake to a drystone wall, turn left and fol- trees on your left. Keep ahead . low the wall to find an elaborate to take another kissing gate then With your back to the Cock wooden stile on your right. After walk slightly diagonally right, Inn, turn left and walk up crossing the stile, keep ahead aiming between two clumps of Akeman Street then take a to a track and turn left where trees ahead to find another kiss- waymarked path on your right you soon take a right fork and ing gate to the left of a further between houses. Take the path walk down the hill to a clearing clump of trees at the far side of to the left of the houses ahead, in a hollow. Turn left then, after the field.

Pubs on the walk route 1 The Cock Inn, Combe 2 The Black Prince, Woodstock Optional detours

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 Goddards Lane, Chipping Norton OX7 5NP 01608 644717 • www.chequers-pub.com

Regular quiz night, live music and other happenings

6 Top quality ales Fine wine Delicious food

Our restaurant and barn can be booked for meetings and parties

A Traditional English pub next door to the theatre

Christmas Bookings still being taken Join us for our New Year”s Eve celebration

The

n Up to Five Real Ales n Homemade Food served every day Foxat Westcote ­­­­­Inn n Sunday Roast 12.00–3.00pm Barton n Regular Live Music n Quiz Nights Wednesday Tel: 01869 340338 n Large Suntrap Garden n Find us online at www.the-fox.co.uk

22 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 After going through the kiss- ing gate, go sharply diagonally left, aiming to pass just to the left of a fenced copse ahead then keep on in the same general direction to find a stile in the far right corner of the field. After crossing the stile, walk diago- nally right, passing two lines of trees then turn right on a nar- row tarmac, heading towards the Column of Victory in the distance. As you walk down a slight dip, follow the tarmac road round to the left and keep along this road until you reach a house where the road forks. Blenheim’s Queen Pool, Grand Bridge and the Palace beyond If you want to have a halfway- round refreshment, take the sits in splendid isolation on the hedge ahead. Go through the left fork to walk up to the A44 left of the road. Follow the track gap and keep the trees on your where you can cross the (very ahead round to the left, heading right as you descend into a dip busy) road to visit the Black towards the lake, then round to to find a waymark post on the Prince. If you take this detour, the right to walk down a hill to right which you follow to head retrace your steps to return to Fair Rosamund’s Well. Continue generally in the direction of the the house where the road forks. past the well and walk uphill to church tower ahead. To continue the walk, take reach a track where you turn left Follow this path through the the right fork to walk up a slight to continue walking along the field to reach a gap in the hedge incline. If you want to visit the arm of the lake to its end. to enter the corner of the village Column of Victory you will soon At the end of the lake, turn playing field. Turn diagonally left find a path on the right which left to cross a stile (or gate) and and head along a track through is the most convenient place turn right to follow a track to the trees, keeping the hedge on to peel off the walk and then join a tarmac road and turn left your left, then enter the church- retrace your steps back to the to walk up an incline through yard between two offset grave- tarmac road again. some trees. Keep along this road stones. Keep along the gravel Where the path to the Column to eventually find a right fork churchyard path to the right of of Victory is on the right, walk where you exit Blenheim Park the church and exit the church- diagonally left (leaving the road) at Combe Gate. After going yard at a wooden gate. Pass the and walk down to then follow through an impressive wooden old water pump and turn left at the edge of the lake. On reach- kissing gate to reach a road, the phone box then keep ahead ing some poplar trees with turn left and walk along before to return to Combe’s attractive deer-proof fences, go diagonally turning right down a track to village green with the Cock Inn right up the hill ahead through a farmhouse. Just before the beyond. the trees then follow a poorly farmhouse, cross a stile on the Pubs on the walk defined track which winds to the right to enter a field then walk left, heading for a squat stone straight ahead to cross another The Black Prince, Woodstock. Tel: 01993 811530. Open all day every column marking the site of the stile. After a gap in the hedge, day, noon–11pm. Food: ring for old Woodstock Manor. Just keep ahead to walk along, keep- details. Usually a good range of real beyond here are some wooden ing the hedge on your left. ale available here, with an ever- benches where you can sit to Follow the field boundary changing selection of guest ales. take in the impressive vista of until, just before a tree with a The Cock Inn, Combe. Tel: 01993 the Queen Pool (with nesting large bird box in the field on 891288. Open: 12–3 & 6–11pm herons on the island), the Grand your left, you take a stile (slightly (Sun 6–10.30pm). Food: ring for Bridge and the palace beyond. hidden) in a hedge on your left, details. A Greene King house, but a well-chosen guest is usually avail- Breaking yourself away to con- then walk diagonally right to able (Black Sheep Golden Sheep tinue the walk, head towards the the far corner of the field, next and Butcombe Bitter on my last two end of the Grand Bridge, cross to an evergreen hedge to cross research trips). Great value food, the road and take the left fork a stile. Cross the narrow road, such as home-made corned beef (the one which heads to the left walk through the gap in the wall pie or shepherd’s pie with chips and of the Column of Victory ahead) and carry straight on through peas for £4.95 or steak & ale pie for then turn left at a gate which the field, aiming for a gap in the £5.95. Sky TV sports. Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 Great Tew Oxfordshire

Email: [email protected] Tel. 01608 683653 Food is served daily in the bar 12–2.30pm utu Dog friendly utu The restaurant is open in the evenings Situated in the village of Great The Falkland6.30–9 pm ArmsTew, The Falkland Arms is the utu quin­tessential 16th century Eng- lish country pub. Featuring up to Open all day seven real ales, traditional cider, utu country wines, and a large selec- tion of whiskies served in a friendly Accommodation atmosphere, it also has a beer garden available overlooking the Great Tew estate. Website: www.falklandarms.co.uk

24 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Reviews of Recent Real Ale Festivals there was no space to be had anywhere. By 6pm the first beer, Buntingford Hurricane Force, ran out with York Guzzler going shortly after. The cider order was bolstered by the late addition of the local Golden Bough, which predictably sold out in 24 hours. The music and beer were of the highest quality with the strongest beer, Oakham Green Devil, taking a big hit as the day wore on, but it was the Hopping Mad Fruitcase which went next. Monday was predictably quiet but another few beers sold out, leaving six casks with a gallon or Jim Hopcraft toasts the success of his first festival at The Chequers, Chipping Norton two in each which was sold off at £2 a pint. All in all a phenomenal Chequers, Chipping Tony had 13 ales in the garage success and proof that Tony and Norton Summer Festival and four on handpump in the Jacqui are doing something right! pub at any one time – a good Altogether 13 9-gallon casks sold September 10th saw the first of range of beers including a mild, out with six casks roughly half (hopefully) regular beer festivals vanilla stout, raspberry beer, empty, meaning that over 140 at The Chequers. Since Jim took some golden hoppy ales and a gallons of real ale were sold with over, the pub is getting a reputa- selection of brown beers with about 40 gallons of real cider. tion as a great place to sample strengths of 3.6% up to 6.0%. This is certainly becoming one the four Fuller’s beers plus up to of the must-visit festivals of the two guests – so it was good to Sunday was the main day with the music part of the festival and North Oxon beer festival calen- see Chippy real ale drinkers get a dar and one not to miss in 2012! chance to try even more. what a day it was. Never have Steve Lympany Walking over in good weather so many been in the Fox; pos- from Charlbury, we met up with sibly ever! Music started at about Bell, Lower Heyford others from Shipton to enjoy a 1pm and things were fairly quiet. 3rd Annual Beer Festival wonderful afternoon working our I’d volunteered to help Tony by way through the selection while working the real ale bar in the On the weekend of 9th–11th chilling out in the sheltered sun barn as he was singing with The September, Lyn held her third trap at the front of the pub. Inflatables and he hoped to have annual beer festival. There was Among our favourites were the a few beers after – some chance! an excellent selection of ales with Grafters Yippee IPA (5.2% and By 3pm it was very busy with nine on stillage in the top room full of citric, bitter New World people arriving en-masse and and a further two on the bar. hops) and the perfectly-balanced traditional best bitter that was Hopback John Barleycorn (4.3%). Reports are that it was very busy in the evenings (though it was pleasantly quiet on our visit), so let’s hope this is going to be an annual event. Keith Rigley Fox, Barton 3rd Annual Beer & Music Festival This established event took place over August Bank Holiday and it was the biggest by far! It started slowly but steadily on Friday and Saturday and this was when I tried most of the ales on offer. Standing room only outside The Fox, Westcott Barton at their beer festival Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub Email: [email protected] Market Street Charlbury Oxon OX7 3PL Tel: 01608 810103 OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am Sat: 11am–1am • Up to seven quality real ales two FORTHCOMING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS traditional ciders and a traditional perry See www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub • Hoegaarden Belgian White Beer, Leffe as there are sometimes gigs at short notice Sat December 17 Blonde plus one other Belgian Ale on TOMMY ALLEN BAND draught www.myspace.com/tommyallenband • Selection of quality Belgian bottled beers Sat January 14 WILL KILLEEN Sat January 28 ROLAND CHADWICK • Good selection of English fruit wines www.rolandchadwick.com Sat February 11 • Pleasant courtyard drinking area BABBAJACK http://babajack.com • We serve on average 40 different guest Sat February 25 ANDY BROAD www.broad.ology.org.uk beers per month, produced mostly by Sat March 10 microbreweries from all four JAMES HOLLINGSWORTH corners of the UK www.jameshollingsworth.com Sat March 24 KRIS DOLLIMORE North Oxon CAMRA Pub of the www.krisdollimore.com Year 2002, 2003, 2006 & 2009

Celebrating 25 continuous years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide The White Horse at Banbury Cross

… coming soon!

26 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Finishing off with a Jaipur IPA I in the 1950s. Their portfolio of had to tear myself away, but I will eight beers includes the excel- definitely be back, maybe even lent James Fellows Legacy behind the bar if Lyn doesn’t (3.8%) and the tasty best bitter, mind reprogramming the till Dreadnought (4.5%). It was also after I’ve finished with it! good to see the Blue Monkey Brewery with its own bar. I tast- Nottingham Robin Hood ed the BG Sips (4%) and 99 Red Beer Festival Baboons (4.2%). This holds the World Record for The Dancing Duck Brewery serving the greatest number of from Derby formed in late 2010. beers. 2009 saw the record bro- Head Brewer, Rachel Matthews, ken with 698 beers, and last year once worked at Blue Monkey, it had an amazing 848 beers! The but launched the new business, final figure for this year wasn’t inspired by the colloquial region- out yet, but the Nottingham al greeting of “Duck”! I tried Branch Chairman, Steve Westby, their SIBA award-winner Dark tells me he’s certain they reached Drake (4.5%) and also their Ay Landlady Lyn serves up a half of Kipling 920 and maybe more!. The pro- Up (3.9%). Other notable beers were Springhead’s Bramley Apple With dark beers and light, strong gramme included beers from 52 (3.8%), Plain Ales Arty Farty and weaker ales, there was some- breweries that opened this year! (3.9%), Belvoir’s Gordon Bennet thing for everyone. The festival is held in October (4.1%), Broughton’s Up and I’d offered to help behind the in Nottingham, and recently at Under (3.6%), and Canon Royall’s bar on Saturday to help Lyn out Nottingham Castle – a splendid Torton Turds Bitter (3.9%). and I even got to grips with the venue and it brings out the best This festival is a real cracker, till! Beijing Black and house ale in everyone. The marquees are and I highly recommend a visit Bell Real Ale were on the bar, the on two levels with plenty of open next year, but be warned, the rest (from 3.8% Shropshire Gold space. This means you can wan- ‘tickets in advance’ offer was a up to 5.9% Thornbridge Jaipur der outside, get some fresh air sellout, otherwise you have to IPA) were on the stillage. and have a look at the views of queue. 2012 dates are 11th–13th I sampled most, my first ale the castle and the city. Also out- October. being Dark Star Hylder Blonde, a side is the band stage. light ale with plenty of fresh hops Nottingham lost its major Geoff Clifford and elderflower, but the stand- brewers some years ago, but since Oxford Beer Festival out beer for me was Thornbridge then the Nottingham/Derby area It’s been a good few years since I Kipling (5.2%) – and I was not has seen new ones opening with had managed to get along to the alone as it was voted Beer of Notts alone having 22 breweries. Oxford Beer festival, held as ever Festival, ahead of the Jaipur IPA. An early micro was Castle Rock, in the Town Hall in St Aldate’s. After I’d finished behind the which was very visible at the This year I volunteered for a bar I treated myself to one of festival, with several bars serving stint behind the bar to help out Andy’s (not John’s) burgers its great range of beers. I tried its as Oxford branch support the and enjoyed the live music by Sheriff’s Tipple (3.4%), a tawny Banbury Beer Festival and it the excellent Darwin’s Wish. bitter, Tern (3.9%), a smooth stout, Black only seemed right to reciprocate. Gold (3.8%), Having signed in and collected a ruby mild, my sheet of tokens, a meal vouch- and Midnight er and a rather huge polo shirt I Owl (5.5%), a was dispatched to the bar! strong, ruby The crowds slowly made their red, bitter. way to our side of the bar so Nottingham we weren’t rushed to start, but Brewery was things got busier. I was with a also evident group from West Berks and we at the festival, all got on well. and has revived The fruit beers had started brands of the to run out with three gone on original brew- Thursday night and the remain- ery, closed by ing few going well right from the Whitbreads off with Milestone Raspberry Maid Marion and Merry Men at the Nottingham Robin Hood Beer Festival Wheat Beer not lasting for more Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 The Rock of Gibraltar Enslow Bridge, Kidlington OX5 3AY Tel: 01869 331373 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Good Real Ale, Lager, Ciders Restaurant, Home Cooked Food Evening & Bar Menu, Steaks, Greek Food Bar Meals From £4.30 • Sunday Roast £8.95 Small or large parties welcome Large Canal-Side Garden and Decking Open all day 11.00pm–01.00am Restaurant 12.00–3.00pm, 6.30–9.00pm Tuesdays & Sunday Evening no food Tuesdays bar open 4.00pm–1.00am

Festive Christmas Menu 1 Course £9.95, 2 Courses £14.95 or 3 Courses £18.95 Bookings now being taken

28 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Plenty of punters ales (brewed in the UK by an at the Oxford Beer American brewmaster). Festival 2011 CAMRA members who visited had to be the received a reduced rate on all XT brewery’s beers below 5% by simply show- XXXX. It was ing a valid membership card, a real eureka making it especially good value. moment – a The next JDW beer festival black 4.8% will take place in March 2012. beautifully balanced ale Local Beer with fruity Festival DIARY undertones and a warming December than an hour. Things were get- finish – a fantastic beer. Having 13–17: Far from the Madding ting busy now and it was great drained the last drop it was back Crowd, Oxford Winter Beer to see a large number of North to the real world and my last Festival Oxford CAMRA at the festival hour behind the bar. January on the other side of the bar. With beers running out rapidly 18–21: National Winter Ales The first two beers I tried were it was looking to be a big success Festival, Sheridan Suite from new breweries opened in as I handed in my name badge Oldham Road Manchester 2011 which were 3.0% and 3.3% and headed back for a few final with 200+ real ales and cider respectively but both packed beers before my bus home. & perry with flavour, proving that a beer 27–29: Rose & Crown Steve Lympany Charlbury. About 20 real ales doesn’t have to have lots of alco- Exchange, Banbury with cider and perry hol to be tasty. I was convinced May the Severin Dark had been label- Beer Festival led wrongly, until Monty gave The Exchange in Banbury (one 10–12: Banbury Beer Festival. me a technical explanation of 90 real ales and cider of Banbury’s JD Wetherspoon July how it can taste stronger than it outlets) recently held its latest really is. real ale and craft beer festival, 20–22: Fox, Souldern. 24 real The beer of festival for me which included quite a few US ales and cider Latest Pub Scores Our regular look at which pub has scored best over the last quarter and who’s providing those scores! Please note that these scores show the scoring in that last quarter only – so the current cumulative total could look totally different … or it may not! If you know a pub worthy of inclusion in the Good Beer Guide, go there, drink some real ale and get a score into the Pubs Officer using the email address at the front of this publication. Pub Scores Score Count Average Score Min Score Unicorn, Deddington 1 4.25 4.25 George Inn, Barford St Michael 1 4.2 4.2 Horse & Groom, Caulcott 5 4.14 3.75 Fox Inn, Westcote Barton 1 4.12 4.1 Chequers, Chipping Norton 12 4.05 3.5

Top Scorers Count Average Min Score Max Score Chris Darke 19 2.76 0 4 Jim Sargeant 18 3.08 0.5 4.5 Stephen Lympany 17 3.66 1 4.35 Lynne Baldwin-Kramer 14 3.55 2.8 4.3 Brian Wray 13 3.15 0 4 Alan Mitchell 11 3.45 1 5 Paul Forrest 10 3.27 2 4 Julie Blazey 10 3.4 3 4

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 What’s Black & White And Read All Over? It is here on the NH1 highway that the nightly ceremony of the closing of the border between the two countries becomes one of the greatest shows on earth. Posturing by the guards whose display of marching comes straight from the Ministry of Silly Walks and is cheered on by huge crowds. “Hilarious” is how Beer on Tap in Corfu Douglas describes this superb Continuing our regular slot free show and afterwards a few where Beer on Tap is snapped Kingfisher beers, which although in various locations around the welcome, are not a patch on his world; Sue Pritchard (above), Old Hooky! of Middle Barton, sent us this Beer on Tap in Toronto When not in Canada he can shot after she returned from a Above right a photo of Matt week at The Apollon Hotel in be found in the Nightingale in Fincham of Bicester, reading the Langford Village, Bicester where Paleokastritsa, Corfu. Shown in Birth of a Micro article in Beer the photo with Sue is Craig who a properly poured and well kept on Tap 45, outside the Steam pint of Bombardier is his tipple. is part owner of the hotel. Whistle Brewery, Toronto. He She says that the excellent He reports that the beer and pub visited the brewery, adjacent to in general have improved since staff made it a very pleasant and the CN Tower, in August and the new management took over. relaxing stay, though the only had a very enjoyable tour of the beer available was Mythos, a bit brewery with his family. Beer on Tap in Spain different to her favourite tipple: The brewery is in the old CN Jennings Snecklifter! Railway roundhouse and is a Below we see Branch Webmaster Chris Darke and Branch Cider Beer on Tap in India modern stainless steel facility in a restored historic building using Rep Tracie Darke with daughter Douglas Rudlin of Stonesfield green energy for heat and light- Tegmeni, all of who managed (though also often found in the ing as well as piped-in cold water to survive the 40° heat in the Rose & Crown Charlbury) is from Lake Ontario for cooling to Rio Seco Nature Reserve in seen below with his Beer on Tap produce what they describe as Campoverde, Southern Spain. at the Waqha crossing point Canada’s favourite Pilsner. They even found time to read between India and Pakistan. As well as enjoying samples on the latest Beer on Tap whilst try- the brewery tour he ing to find some shade! looked around their fleet of retro delivery vehicles which include a ’57 Chevy pick-up hot rod powered by green electricity and the Steam Machine, their take on the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine (readers of a certain age will remember that one).

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2011 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.

30 Beer on Tap – Winter 2011 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31 DECEMBER JANUARY only and FEBRUARY Winter 2011/12 Brewer’s Selection For more information on our ales and our Visitor Centre, please visit our web site at www.hooky.co.uk or call us on 01608 730384

Edited by Stephen Lympany • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Information Press, Eynsham, Oxon