ALE of two Cities

The FOOTBALL in Swinton back on top of its game

the local beer drinkers’ Magazine SMITHFIELD comes back to the market

CAMRA in and North

Seven Brothers are back in town and this time they mean BEER Some of the stories behind Bus-to-the-Pub 2014 Pubco reform = cheaper beer? Three more breweries inside Your FREE magazine to read at home or in the pub. Take it with you or leave for others edition 4 August 2014 Food served daily 12 noon to 10 pm

Quiz night Monday

Wednesday is CURRY NIGHT LIVE MUSIC WEEKENDS CRESCE live tv football the NT Grade II listed Salford building 13 handpumps serving real ales and on main bus routes ciders - local micros a speciality only 10 minutes from Manchester City Centre 0161 736 5600 by Salford University

THE BARTON ARMS Stablefold, off Barton Road, Worsley M28 2ED proud of our dedication to cask ale - CAMRA members’ discount scheme nine cask Marque accredited ales from brewers local and national regular events include a Monday Cask Club - all real ales £2.49 a pint for future cask events call us on 0161 728 6157 part of the Ember2 Inns family of real ale houses Ed writes beer, served at the right temperature Reminders in this issue that CAMRA is more (and definitely NOT warm) is all round than just a big social club; we remain you, all year long. To emphasise this, committed to campaigning in several areas several pubs are holding cask beer festivals in the coming weeks. In the of interest to pubgoers. So it’s great to case of the Lower Turk’s Head, they’re report that one of our longest-running even bringing half of Cornwall to campaigns has borne fruit - twice. We carry Shudehill [see p 16]. And of course a report from Punch Taverns, one of our August is the the month of the big largest pub-owners, of significant changes one: the Great British Beer Festival at in their dealings with their lessees and London's Olympia. There’s still time to tenants. We now look to other pubcos to book tickets and make a day of it. Last follow their lead. And, above all, the train back is 2100, last coach 0100. government has announced the introduction of a Bill to enforce pubco reform. Much of this is the direct result of Dark ales, a favourite of mine, are also CAMRA’s efforts over several years, both in readily available throughout the criticising unnacceptable pubco tactics, and summer. But we must admit they are by political lobbying. Patience and of limited appeal at this time of year. commitment have paid off. Another Holt’s pub has just dropped cask mild. In recent weeks I have The recession may be over, but the sampled several pints of otherwise excellent dark cask beers in less than staycation remains. The advent of perfect condition. Breweries and pubs, summer does not need to mean a blind despite laudable intent, need to bear rush to cold lager taps. Proper cask this seasonal reality in mind.

How to get in touch with CAMRA locally news & views for publication in ALE of two cities Robin Bence email [email protected]

North Manchester Branch (including the whole of Salford) web: northmanchestercamra.org.uk Email Phil Booton: [email protected]

Trafford & Branch web: thcamra.org.uk Email:John O’Donnell: enquiries@ thcamra.org.uk

Stockport & South Manchester Branch web: ssmcamra.co.uk Email Mark McConnachie: [email protected]

South East Lancashire Branch web: https://sites.google.com/site/southeastlancs Email Steven Prescott: [email protected]

The views and comments expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent CAMRA policy, either nationally or locally. The copyright of all content is the property of the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd, unless otherwise stated.

3 PUB NEWS be lost as the letting rooms upstairs could trade under the name of ‘Smithfield Hotel Another Salford pub has gone back to real at Swan Street Tavern’. Whichever name ale, and another to follow shortly. The is chosen the nine handpumps remain, and Football in Swinton, just behind the will mostly offer beers from local micros. shopping precinct, has re-opened after a The former adjacent shop unit has been short period of closure for refurbishment. incorporated into the bar area, though still It is still owned by Punch Taverns, and now partially separated by a load-bearing wall.. sells Tetley Cask Bitter (3.6%) and house- The cellar of this unit will also be opened badged bitter Football (3.6%). The beer as a drinking area. The new ownership is brewed by Marston’s at Wolverhampton. team comprise Wayne Nuttall from the Licensee Warren Stanganini plans to sell Waldorf and Paul Downes from The Village food at lunchtimes shortly. The pub in Trafford Park. already boasts two darts teams and Warren hopes next to start - what else - a football team. Holt’s Duke of Wellington, Higher Blackley, no longer sells cask mild. Its sale in recent years had been limited to Mondays only, for darts night.

Less than a mile away, the Royal Oak on the top road at Pendlebury has been And finally, a little nostalgia. The bought from Punch by Darren, father of Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats has re- Warren. Now free of tie, it is planned to opened after a significant period on the introduce a range of cask ales here in the dark side. The Whitbread years have been very near future. swept away to reveal the Chester’s signage from half a century ago. No fighting Mild In Manchester, the Smithfield Hotel is set here though, but there have been stage to reopen as we go to press. Wanting to fights inside as ‘Angel Meadow’ was slough off its recent past, one plan being performed throughout June, portraying discussed is a name change to the Swan the days of the scuttler gangs which ruled Street Tavern. However, the name link Ancoats when Chester’s was scarcely a with the the old market district would not hundred years old. LOST PUBS FOUND

A CAMRA pub crawl with no beer? Be serious. Yet in mid-September that’s just what we’re doing. And not once, but six times!

As part of the ever-growing Heritage Open Days weekend we are inviting anyone - especially non-CAMRA members - with UNION TAVERN an interest in local history, industrial 105 Liverpool Street, Salford architecture, pubs, or, well, just anything SALFORD M5 4LG to join us on the walks. Two tours will cover inner Salford and Ancoats. Each will HOLT’S BITTER last about ninety minutes and cover some 2013 holder of Camra’s two miles. We will visit the sites of missing Neil Richardson Trophy pubs, point out many still standing, both vacant and re-used, and try to tell their “An unspoilt traditional stories within their proper social context. street-corner local” That means that breweries, chapels, mills open daily from 12 noon and , above all, housing will be described frequent buses 8 minutes walk and discussed en route. bus 79 stops outside The pair of tours will Eccles RFC run on Friday September 12 and the following two days. The Salford walk will The former Cross Keys, still begin at standing in Jersey Street 1500 and Gorton Street, the Ancoats one at 1830. Further details are available Eccles M30 7LZ on the websites of the CAMRA North Club and Camra members Manchester Branch and Heritage Open Days. are welcome to try our And the pub crawls with no beer? Well, ever-changing range not exactly. We’ll be kicking off from two of cask ales great old pubs, the New Oxford in Salford and the Crown & Kettle in Ancoats, and ecclesrfc.org.uk we’ll have an equally tasty finish.

5 PUNCH TAVERNS - THE PUBGOERS’ NEW FRIEND? by Robin Bence Punch Taverns are one of the biggest pub recent government announcement owners in the country. They acquired the (described on page 14) of the impending bulk when the former big brewers were introduction of a pubs adjudicator, saying required to divest themselves of their tied that for the greater part his company was houses in the late 1990s. Most Punch pubs now acting fully within the spirit of the came from Bass and Allied (Tetley, etc). At proposed legislation. their peak, Punch owned some 7500 pubs. So what are they doing so differently now? Like other similar pubcos, Punch acquired To achieve financial stability they have a dreadful reputation for their business agreed a restructuring of company debts. behaviour towards their licensees. All Imminent collapse may no longer be a Punch pubs are tenanted or leased, and threat. They have been carefully reducing they no longer employ managers directly. their pub estate when a market price could Numerous stories appeared of their be achieved, avoiding panic selling. For unsupportive style of management, of the second time they demerged Spirit Inns long-serving licensees losing their and their 1352 managed pubs. Above all, businesses, and often their homes, they seemed to have vowed to treat their following failure to agree tenants and lessees with due terms. And then there was respect and far greater Punch’s dire financial position. support. Consequently they Having borrowed enormous have felt able to set sums to buy into a collapsing themselves the target of being property market their debt the country’s most highly burden had become respected pub operator. unsupportable. The company Today their estate stands at had been teetering on the some 4000 pubs, all subject to a full tie, edge of collapse for some time. except as described below. They recognise Government enquiries into the that many of these have a limited future, unacceptable practices of pubcos in and a significant number are up for sale at general were followed by CAMRA’s launch any one time. Andy was pleased to state of a ‘super complaint’ to the Office of Fair that 9 out of every 10 pubs they sell Trading in 2009. Although the OFT largely continue trading. The others are generally cleared the pubcos in their report, it was hopeless economic cases, and the site clear to Punch management that value far exceeds potential trading profit. reformation was needed. He quoted one interesting case of a large A few weeks ago, a meeting took place pub that had retreated into one of its between CAMRA representatives and Andy former bar rooms to continue trading, Slee, Punch’s Director for External Affairs. while the rest of the building now Andy, a CAMRA member himself, was frank operated as a local shop. in his admission of the company’s previous The company actively promotes the sale errors, and was adamant, and convincing, of cask conditioned beer in its houses, in saying that the company had now recognising its status as a Unique Selling changed its ways. He even welcomed the Point for the pub business [cont. overleaf].

6 PUNCH continued So what next for Punch? Just surviving the Andy stated that, within Punch, cask last few years indicates resourcefulness represents some 20% of sales, compared and determination by the management. with 11% in the country as a whole. All This attitude, and a desire to improve new licensees receive a week’s training in further, bodes well for their licensees and the running of a pub, though only a thus for their customers. As Andy said, the proportion of this involves cellar work. very meeting described here would not [CAMRA bar managers at beer festivals get have taken place four years ago. But he longer – ed] Some 850 Punch pubs are expressed anxiety that a successful motion members of their ‘Finest Cask’ scheme, at CAMRA’s recent AGM would reduce which offers them a list of 69 breweries contact between the Campaign and the from which to choose their order. And 500 pubcos, and all parties would suffer as a of these, all accredited members of Cask result. Indeed, one campaign which Punch Marque, can choose beer from the whole has run during Cask Ale Week in recent of the SIBA list, a system which will be years was now in jeopardy. described in a future edition of ALE. And So, Punch is willing; surely CAMRA choice for these 500 licensees doesn’t end shouldn’t turn its back just now? If this there; they are entitled to a BOGOF offer. meeting is repeated around the country In this case, sadly, the ’F’ is free of tie, not as planned, and the new Punch style takes free of payment. effect, several thousand pubs, their licensees and customers will benefit.

THREE REAL ALES LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY EVENING

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303 Liverpool Road, Patricroft M30 0QN Buses 10, 22, 67, 68, 100 pass the door - 5 minutes walk from Patricroft Station 7 CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival will be bringing a carnival atmosphere to London’s Olympia exhibition centre this summer with an extravagant circus theme complete with performers. But fantastic beer will of course remain the star of the show, with over 350 different breweries offering 900 different real ales, ciders, perries and international beers to over 50,000 thirsty beer lovers throughout the week-long event. to 16th AUGUST 12th The festival will feature 29 bars including 11 run by the biggest and best brewers of real ale in the land, plus food and merchandise stalls as well as a full schedule of entertainment on the GBBF music stage.

The event is set to be one the biggest and best Great British Beer Festivals ever. Don’t miss your place at the festival. Buy a ticket now via www.gbbf.org.uk/tickets

8 SMALLEST Grade II listed BAR IN EUROPE - Right in the BIGGEST heart of WELCOME IN THE Manchester WORLD city centre “One of the top ten Tetley Bitter Real Robinson’s Heritage Pubs in Dizzy Blonde Britain” says open 12 noon to 12 midnight CAMRA’s REAL PUB (later Friday & Saturday, 1130 HERITAGE pm Sunday] GROUP 9

Boggart Brewery recognised with award for excellence

The Micro Bar in Manchester’s Arndale Centre was the venue recently of an award to its operator Boggart Hole Clough Brewery. The award was for the brewery’s Rum Porter, which had been highly placed in CAMRA’S Champion Beer of Britain 2013 competition. The presentation was a long time coming but, like the beer itself, worth waiting for. Not that service is ever slow at the Micro Bar; after all, they’ve got to CAMRA’s Regional Director Andrew cram a whole day’s trading into the Rodbourne (left) presents Boggart’s MD Market’s shorter opening hours - all out and brewer Mark Dade with the award by 1830. Rum Porter (4.6%) is a classic Want to find a pub by name, by porter with a smooth, roast finish, a sweet, location or by facility? All these filters spicey, hop taste, and a hint of dark rum. and others are available on So if you’re drinking it at the Micro Bar whatpub.com, CAMRA’s pub search engine. Even keg-only and recently- remember to order it in good time; a beer closed pubs are there to be found. to savour and enjoy, and not to be rushed. 9 BUS-TO-THE-PUB 2014 OK, it rained a bit. Not the downpour that Also offering mild was the Star, including had been threatened, and most of the it as part of their weekend beerex. liquid went down the right way. Our small fleet of red double-deckers carried very The three Gorton pubs were hugely supportive. Royal Oak regulars, led by good loads throughout the day; indeed, landlord Les Park, turned out in force for passenger numbers were up by 60% from a traditional pre-chara photo; I hope they 2013. knew we weren’t going to Blackpool. And Geoff from the Eighteen pubs were included on the route, hidden Vale offering about sixty different real ales; at Cottage erected least four of the licensees joined us on the a series of rain- trip, which this year took place on May 10. proof direction signs [left] from our bus stop in Cross Lane.

First departure of the day [above] loads outside the Lamb in Eccles, and regulars at the Royal Oak, Gorton [right] pose for the traditional pre-start photo. The Vale Cottage set up some first- rate signage to help guide passengers [top right]. Nice brolly! Salford pubs took full Overheard on board advantage of the “I used to live round here when I was In town the Jolly opportunity to young. I’ve robbed most of these Angler had what expand their beer factories” must have been its range for the busiest out-of- and weekend. Two Holt’s season day for years, pubs, Union Tavern “We all drink in XXXX usually. If we go while Urmston’s and Duke of York, up the road for a drink we end up Steamhouse had the also supported battling. This trip’s great, everyone’s greatest number of CAMRA’s May so friendly. Can we come next year?” campaign by taking visitors off the bus. cask Mild for the Yes, lads, you’re welcome! And the Queen’s event, and the Duke Arms at Patricroft of York also offered beer from the was enjoyed by many first-time visitors. Holt’s-owned micro Bootleg. Must do it all again next year.

10 THE STAR INN ON THE CLIFF home of Folk club first every Star Brewery Wednesday Sunday 9 pm each month

“A real Britain's three real traditional first urban ales Salford local” co-operatively we’re on bus route 98 owned pubTHE BARTON ARMS Stablefold,2 Back offHope Barton Street, Road, Salford, Worsley M7 M282FR 2ED proud of our dedication to cask ale - CAMRA members’ discount scheme nine cask Marquestaronthecliff.co.uk accredited ales from brewers local and national [email protected] events include a Monday Cask Club 0161 - all real 792ales £2.49 4184 a pint for future cask events call us on 0161 728 6157 11 part of the Ember Inns family of real ale houses MEET THE LANDLORD Danny Grayson by Lawrence McGough Union Tavern Salford Is Danny Grayson the longest-serving Danny with few neighbours. Drinking licensee in Salford? He must be a patterns have changed in line with this, so contender, having started his career in there are fewer customers on weekday 1980 at the Old Veteran off Eccles New nights, and lunchtime drinking is frowned Road. Then to the Salisbury in 1984 before upon by employers. The smoking ban has starting his long association with the taken its toll, but some things don’t Union Tavern in 1985. He has remained change: the Union was proud to win the there ever since, apart from a three year CAMRA Neil Richardson award [shown left] break when the younger generation of his for the Unspoilt Pub of the Year in 2013. family took over at the Union while he worked Danny’s regulars must for Sam Smith’s at the be a loyal bunch, for the Coach and Horses. When pub sports two darts the youngsters moved teams and two pool on, Holt’s asked him to teams. Some have return to the Union, and followed him from his he was happy to do so. earlier pubs, while some of our readers may have It might be more noticed the crowd of his appropriate to put it that regulars who Danny has had a longer accompanied him on the association with the CAMRA Bus-to-the-Pub Union than Sir Alex has tours in 2013 and 2014. at , for those Long may it last! who can remember that far back. This is certainly So with all the changes, a United pub, and Danny what advice would Danny is proud to display in the bar a photograph give to those who are thinking of following of Albert Scanlon, Eddie Coleman and him? In general he would tell them to think . Danny met Eddie carefully before entering the trade as a Coleman through his wife, who knew him tenant, although he does say that from his school days. Eddie died in the nowadays managers have better with Duncan Edwards, prospects, especially with well run family while Albert Scanlon, who survived, was a firms like Holt’s. Danny is wisely very coy regular at the Union until he died two about how much longer he will stay on, years ago, one of many friends Danny says although it is clear he is not thinking about he has sadly lost over the years. an immediate retirement. But there is one hint about the future. Danny is training his The most obvious change is the makeup grandson in bar and cellarwork at the of the surrounding area, where factories Union, with a view perhaps to a career as have closed, and the residential blocks are a manager with Holts. So watch this now further up Liverpool Street, leaving space…..

12 ELLENBROOK ROAD M28 1ES

BY THE EAST LANCS ROAD A580 MEALS SERVED FROM 12 NOON DAILY UP TO FIVE CASK ALES

0161 702 7246 MORE FREE BEER TOMORROW WHAT’S IN A NAME? ….but this time for real. The Bull’s Head Meanwhile not far away in Atherton, Old at Astley have included a voucher in this Isaac’s is now also known as the Pound edition for a free pint, offer valid until the Pub. Strangely, when we drank there two months ago, just before the end of August. Part of the M & B chain, metamorphosis, both the ales were £1.80 they specialise in an interesting range of a pint. Now it’s £2 and £2.20! National keg real ale, and have a twice-yearly beerex as lagers are £1.50; the pub’s tempting name part of a national company-wide event. refers to half pints of these alone. So real ale drinkers are underwriting lagerboy.

open DAILY Bexley Square 12 noon to 12 midnight Chapel Street. SALFORD food 12 noon to 4 pm M-F M3 6DB 0161 832 7082

up to 16 cask ales BRANCHAND and ciders plus Belgian and German REGIONAL draught & bottled beers CIDER POTY A warm welcome awaits at this Good Beer Guide 2014 2014 and multiple Camra award-winning pub 13 PUBCO REFORM - EXPLAINING CAMRA’S ROLE Many people outside of CAMRA think of government proposal for change, followed us as a social drinking club, totally by a consultation period. CAMRA unaware of the serious campaigning we collected 45,000 signatures calling for do on behalf of the British pub-goer. So I reform and over 8,000 letters were sent to believe it is important that we publicise MPs last year by CAMRA members on the our campaigning successes. For the last subject. The upshot was that in May twelve months the most important focus Business Secretary, Vince Cable, of our campaigning has been in the field announced that there would be reform of pub company (pubco) reform. It has when he unveiled plans for a Pubs long been felt that tenants of large Pubcos Adjudicator and a Statutory Code. CAMRA get a raw deal with high rents and beer believes Publicans could see the price they prices. This can lead to tenants being pay for beer fall by up to 60 pence a pint forced out of business and sometimes the if the Adjudicator forces the large Pubcos closure of their to match open pubs. There have market prices. A been many 60 pence a pint disputes between saving would be a tenants and huge boost in the Pubcos over the battle to keep last few years. pubs open and A recent local could lead to example was the cheaper pub dispute between prices for us, the the previous customer. licensee of the These proposals Lass O’Gowrie and have been rapidly his pubco, in this the Lass - currently at the beautician’s followed by the case Greene King. but still trading publication of a Bill The pub had lost significant trade when for pubco reform, and this will shortly be the BBC moved from Oxford Road to laid before Parliament. It is expected that Salford Media City UK, and the licensee the Bill will become law during this had to fight hard through a tribunal for a parliamentary session. Although the Bill rent reduction. But he had to give up when falls short on a couple of CAMRA’s ideals, Greene King decided to require a in failing to require market rent only and significant investment from him for guest beer options, to be offered, this refurbishment of the property. Campaign strongly supports it. We CAMRA has fought for a level playing field believe that the Bill contains many positive between the fully tied tenants of Pubcos clauses that will ensure a fairer deal for and those who are free of tie on supplies. licensees, the survival of their pubs and Our campaigning, as well as debates called ultimately lower prices for us, the by our allies in Parliament, led to a customer.

14 BREWERY NEWS Runaway heading for success; 7 Brothers for Salford Quays New microbrewer Runaway is doing it The beers are Pale Ale (4.7%), IPA (5.5%), differently. No cask conditioned beer - American Brown Ale (5.7%) and Smoked yet! At their well-fitted out arch in Dantzic Porter (6.0%). The spotless brewery is Street, under the line into Victoria Station, equipped with 5½ Bbl kit, acquired when brewer Mark Welsby is producing four former owner Bespoke expanded. Whole quality beers, mostly sold to local pubs in hops are used in the mash, and hop pellets keykegs. Happily, they are also available for dry hopping. in bottle-conditioned form, and a range Brewer Mark Welsby, almost hidden of these can be found already at Great Ale behind one of his bottle-conditioned beers Year Round in Bolton covered market. Mark, and business partner Darren Clayson, believe there is growing demand for this style of pressurised beer, which is neither filtered nor pasteurised. But they are realistic in recognising that customer demand may change that plan. Part-time brewer Jamie Hancock is using his 0.5 bbl brewing kit to produce bottle- conditioned ale from his base in Carr Clough, Prestwich under the Mcr Five Oh label. Try Cuckoo, (Prestwich) or Beermoth. SEVEN BRO7HERS, SEVEN BEERS, ONE BREWERY Seven brothers looking not for brides but The brewery has been set up and for beer. The MacAvoy boys have just commisioned with the help of opened Salford’s newest brewery, scarce- microbrewer guru Dave Porter. It will be ly a mile from where they grew up in operated by Kit and ex-Salford Reds player . A true Salford family, Nathan; much of the they are now helping to put inspiration behind the plan the city firmly on the brewing has come from well-travelled map. Keith, while the other brothers It immediately becomes the second-largest local brewer - Greg, Guy, Luke and Daniel (10 bbl), and seven (of course) will add their support. beers are planned. Starting with bottle- conditioned beers, the cask version will The family are ambitious; they plan to follow shortly. The first beers will be an export their bottles to Scandinavia , where IPA, a stout and a fruit-flavoured wheat Keith has connections. Once established, beer, each around 4.7% abv; the other they intend to run their own pubs and bars. beers will follow shortly. Early stockists So, just when we thought that family will include Lime and DOCKyard, both in brewers with tied houses were going out Salford Quays and less than a mile from of fashion, replaced by new, vigorous the brewery, and Blind Pig in Monton. entrepreneurs, Salford changes the future. Local branches of Tesco are also expected Where will they be in se7en years? to stock the bottles.

15 no need to go away on holiday this year - let Cornwall come to you

avoid the traffic jams Save money - for the beach no postcards, no stamps LOWER TURKS HEAD 36 SHUDEHILL tel 0161 834 2910

16 Worsley Old Hall Something a bit special, best described as being a country house pub in a Grade II listed building. Although the building is on an impressive scale, it is not a grand place: a large curved bar right at the heart of the building, with nooks and crannies, open fires, and busier rooms for those who enjoy a happy buzz about the place. There really is nowhere else quite like it. With views across the golf course, it is to die for. we specialise in a wide range of fine wines, and cask conditioned ales selected from the finest local micro-breweries families most open daily from 10.30 welcome at all times food service from 12 noon until 10.00 p.m. (Sunday 9.30 p.m),

Worsley Old Hall, Worsley Park, Manchester M28 2QT 0161 703 8706 www.brunningandprice.co.uk/worsleyoldhall Email: worsley.old.hall@brunning&price.co.uk

1717 DRINKING FROM THE BOTTLE Want to know a little more about the beer you drink at home? We at CAMRA have teamed up with a leading supermarket to present a bottled beer tasting and food matching event. We will be tasting up to a dozen bottle-conditioned ales at Booth’s at Media City UK, Salford Quays, which is hosting the event on Friday August 1 at 1930. The event costs £12 per person, including beer and nibbles. It will be led by experienced taster Beverley Gobbett, and is particularly aimed at non-CAMRA members, and women and men with a thirst for knowledge.

BUT FIRST A WORD FOR OUR Win a year’s worth of beer with our “Beer Master’s ‘Tache” competition SPONSORS This year’s Great British Beer Festival will be hosted by the BEER MASTER, To get you in the mood GBBF we are giving you the All CAMRA’s local magazines chance to be the Beer Master and win a year’s worth of beer. Send us are produced entirely by a photo of you holding the Beer Master’s ‘Tache cut-out and you will volunteers who give their time be in with a chance of winning twelve cases of beer - delivered freely. But there are still costs monthly to your door - each consisting of 18 different bottled real Ales. The cut-outs will be distributed to hundreds of UK pubs in the involved. And these are largely run up to the GBBF this summer, or alternatively you can visit met by the pubs, breweries www.gbbf.org.uk/competitions to download a Beer Master flyer and other businesses who pay yourself. When taking your photo and choosing your location be to advertise in our publications. creative, be adventurous, be humorous - but most importantly, be We would like to thank them the Beer Master! To enter the competition all for their contributions and · Download, print and cut out a Beer Master flyer from: suggest that you, the gbbf.org.uk/competitions (or pick one up from selected UK pubs) customer, bear them in mind · Take a selfie of you holding the moustache flyer to your face when choosing where and · Email your photo to [email protected]. That’s it! what to drink. Deadline for receipt of entries is Saturday 16th August 2014 19 SALFORD CLUBS TOGETHER By Ace o’Clubman CAMRA members love pubs. No surprise host to various sports events as well as in that, of course, but we don’t ignore Scout and Guide teams, alongside many traditional clubs. Salford has long had a fundraising occasions. Here members and thriving culture of clubs based on their guests find Holt’s Bitter and Thwaites workplace or recreational interests. For Wainwright are the beers on offer. And many years these have concentrated on for the last couple of years, there has been brewery processed beer, but there are a substantial beer festival in the Autumn. many worthy exceptions, and two of these Elsewhere in Salford there are several have been recently recognised with awards. M o s t r e c e n t l y , ECCLES RFC, in Gorton Street, Peel Green, was awarded the title of North Manchester Branch ‘Club of the Year’. This highly successful club provides support and training facilities for lovers of the the oval ball. Its foundation pre-dates ‘the great schism’; teams of all ages and both genders are other clubs offering cask conditioned beer. based here, and the ever-changing variety The IRLAM STEEL RECREATION & SOCIAL of real ales on the bar is almost as wide. CLUB [above] has three real ales on the This is largely the result of the efforts of bar, offering a broader range of cask beers Martin Parkinson, whose volunteer role than any of the pubs in the area, and often oversees the bar. At a recent reception bar beers sold by no other pub in Salford. In manager Marie Wilson [above] received Swinton the CATHOLIC CLUB sells real the plaque on behalf of the club. Holt’s Bitter, while The BRACKLEY, off Another local award winner is the Hazlehurst Road, has two cask beers. The BOOTHSTOWN ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, WALKDEN RBL in Wilfred Road has a [upper right] in Victoria Street. At the Club varying cask beer, while the ELLESMERE Mirror annual function, held at the Palace SPORTS CLUB, tucked away behind The Hotel in Manchester, the club was awarded Cock, offers two cask beers from Lees, recognition with the title of ‘National Also offering a varying Lees cask beer is Community Club of the Year’. Managed the MONTON SPORTS CLUB in Welbeck by Ken and Janine Bailey since 2008, the Road. Guests are always welcome in all of club is a real part of the community. It is these clubs.

20 smiling faces, river views watch the swans glide past below and the buses pass over the bridge free wi-fi Salford’s first riverside pub Costa de Salford and premier suntrap off New Bailey Street and down the steps Stanley Street M3 5EJ by Albert Bridge - Salford Central 200m. 0161 834 7271

PUB SIGNS - the UNICORN, Church Street, Manchester

A mythical creature that can supposedly Scottish beast in the lion's affections only be ridden by virgins, and the only animal to miss Noah's Ark, the unicorn For many years it was customary for is depicted on many inn signs. artists to depict a full heraldic shield, but many started to focus on The origin of the Unicorn specific details and as an inn sign is invariably motifs to give each inn heraldic. It is the Scottish sign a unique image. symbol holding up the This portrayal depicts a English Coat of Arms fine animal in wild woods alongside the English lion. Before James the Sixth The pub dates from 1804, of Scotland came to the although the facade was English throne the lion rebuilt around 1930. stood alongside the Welsh dragon, but the dragon Unlicensed bars may butted aside the shy have used the site even before then. The pub occupies a prime location for market traders selling fruit and veg from the wooden stalls on Collier Street, Church Street. SALFORD M3 7DW Today the pub offers entertainment and serves as a meeting place for many groups, as well as being a great place www.facebook.com/eagleinnsalford to get a real ale or https://twitter.com/EagleInnSalford four while waiting for 0161 819 5002 live music your bus.

21 HOLT’S BREWER RETIRES HOLT’S INVESTS IN FOOD After 18 years as Head Brewer at the Derby Joseph Holt recently announced the launch Brewery Keith Sheard is about to retire. A of a new joint venture enterprise to operate long-time friend of CAMRA, Keith is to be a small chain of food-led pubs. There are to presented with a plaque be two new- by North Manchester builds, the Branch in recognition. The award will take Stonemill [left] place at the Derby north of Brewery Arms, on July Warrington, and 30. at Heyhouses Lane in Lytham St But when is retirement also a career move? Annes. Two existing pubs, Tavern at the Mill Keith is starting his own micro-brewery in (Fylde) and the Cheadle Hulme also pass to Kirbymoorside, N Yorkshire. To be known Touchwood Restaurants Ltd. A spend of as Moorside Brewery, it is a 10 bbl plant, unusual amongst micros in having its own £8.1m on the whole tied estate is planned for borehole for water supplies. Brewing this year. However, one CAMRA couple, should begin by late August. A one bbl arriving at the Woodthorpe at 2045 one mini-micro is also being installed to recent Saturday, were unable to be served a enable private customers to design their meal despite many empty, unreserved, tables own beer. CAMRA wishes Keith well in his and plentiful staff. “Kitchen’s closed”! Has ‘retirement’. someone lost the plot at the sharp end? THWAITES’S CUTBACKS Daniel Thwaites have reduced brewing capacity at their Blackburn brewery and much of their production is now sourced from Marston’s (Banks’s) at Wolverhampton. Some lower selling ales including their seasonal beers, are being brewed in the company’s own micro- brewery known as Crafty Dan. This was opened in 2011 and is based within the Star Brewery. At least two bottle- conditioned beers, Tavern Porter and Old Dan, have been withdrawn. The company announced late last year that they planned to move out of their 200 year old site, but remain committed to brewing cask- and bottle-conditioned ale. When Hyde’s moved out of their own ageing Moss Side brewery they contracted out all their brewery-conditioned production to Thwaites. The search for a new site near Blackburn continues. 22 THE BULL’S HEAD

proud of our dedication to real ale six Cask Marque accredited ales from brewers near and far regular events include a Monday Cask Club - £2.49 a pint open daily from 12 noon to midnight meals served daily until 10.00 pm

come to The Bull's Head for expertly cooked meals that make the most of the season’s produce, take this served in a unique and cosy pub. voucher to the cut here BULL’S HEAD 504 Manchester Road, Astley M29 7BP get 2 pints of REAL ALE 01942 887 109 for the price of one one voucher per customer per visit Buses no 25, 26, 33, X34, 126 & 551 stop outside valid until August 31st 2014

23 Cider rules

Not only does the New Oxford, Bexley Project - the ‘guerrilla cider maker’, make Square, Salford boast a range of up to 16 scrumpy from scrumped apples. In real ales, but it has now been voted top Stockport, Madhatter have been cider pub in Greater Manchester by producing ciders for about four years; and CAMRA. Chosen from a short list of seven from Bolton comes Red Bank, who won pubs, the New Oxford offers a choice of the Cider of the Festival award at the 2013 up to four traditional ciders and perries. Manchester Cider & Perry Festival, and that At present these are was in their first year Weston’s Old Rosie of production. Ciders (7.3%) and Family from both Cheshire Reserve (5%), as well and Wales can also be as Gwatkin’s Pyder found locally. (5%) and Ross-on- So after the New Wye Broome Perry Oxford, where else to (6%). Looks as if find real cider? A someone’s had a trip search using Camra’s to the Wye Valley pub-finder website, recently! Owners Tim whatpub.com, with Flynn and Paulette the filters set to list Scanlon received news pubs selling of their award while at the traditional cider gives seven recent Cider and Perry other outlets in Salford, Festival in Manchester at from Greengate (Eagle) to the end of June. Eccles (Eccles Cross) to Only a few years ago real Walkden (Bull’s Head). cider was practically Even shiny modern Salford unknown in the North Quays offers trad cider West. Some towns had a (DOCKyard). In between, solitary cider house, often you could visit the Salford of notorious repute. But Arms, the Crescent, the huge growth in and Worsley Old Hall. demand for traditional Hall. cider in recent decades has Cross over the boundary mirrored that for real ale. into Manchester and there The number of new cider are over thirty pubs listed. producers nationally has blossomed. All Wetherspoons, as well as such well- Salford has yet to see its first commercial known pubs as Marble Arch, Angel, Knott production, although this writer has Bar, Castle, Sandbar, City Arms and Micro occasionally used home-grown fruit to Bar. In fact, the only district almost devoid produce cider for family consumption. But of real cider (well done, Soup Kitchen) is commercial production is already taking the Northen Quarter. Not so trendy, after place in Manchester, where the Moss Cider all, then, eh? 24 FORTHCOMING BEER FESTIVALS CASK ALE WEEK 2014 July 18th to August 3rd Lower Turk’s Head, Shudehill; 22 Cornish ales (6 at a time on the bar) plus Rick Stein’s Cornish pasties You can’t do it justice in a week, so once th th August 12 to 16 CAMRA’s Great British again it’s a 10-day celebration of Britain’s Beer Festival: for details see page 8 national drink. From September 25 to October 5 brewers and pubs will be August 22nd to 24th National Cycling Centre, Manchester: for details see page 22 hosting events to promote real ale, Meet the brewer nights, discounted prices, try before you buy and one-third pint tasters September 12th and 13th Culcheth Sports Club, Charnock Road, Culcheth Friday are amongst the promotions you will from 1700, Saturday from 1200 until 2330. encounter. The ‘week’ is organised by £5 entry, all profits to charity, run by Cask Marque, the trade’s own cask- Rotary Club of Newton, up to 35 ales. conditioned ale body, and supported by CAMRA. Some of our Branches are also October 24th and 25th Salford Beer organising events. Happily, the ‘free Festival at St Sebastian’s Community pints voucher’ from Punch, referred to Centre, Douglas Green, Salford 1130 to on page 7 as being in doubt, is to be 1600 and 1800 to 2300 £3 entry, all profits repeated. Updates will appear on to St Seb’s Community Centre. Over 35 the dedicated website caskaleweek co.uk. ales from the North West and Yorkshire.

25 What the local Camra Branches are up to in the coming weeks North Manchester Branch Stockport & South Manchester Sat July 19th Coach trip to Hawkshead Brewery Fri July 18th Didsbury Stagger: beer fest - booking essential Parrs Wood 1930, Milson Rhodes 2030 Weds July 23rd Survey from Cock, Worsley Thurs July 24th Pub of the Month: 1930 via Ellesmere Sports Club to Worsley Crown, Heaton Lane 2000 Old Hall from 2030 Thurs Aug 14th Branch Meeting & quiz: Sat July 26th Regional cricket match, Arden Arms, Stockport 2000 Broughton Rugby & Cricket Club, Yew Street, Fri Aug 22nd Stagger: for location see website Lower Broughton, bus 98 to Great Clowes Street, just north of Great Cheetham Street West. Watch, drink or play from 1300 Fancy joining CAMRA? Weds July 30th presentation to Holt’s Head Brewer Keith Sheard on his retirement, Membership costs from £23 pa Derby Brewery Arms 2000 details from camra.org.uk Fri Aug 1st RAIB tutored tasting at Booth’s, or contact any of the names listed Media City UK 1930; £12 including beer on page 3 Weds Aug 6th Visit to Mouselow Farm Bwy catch 1818 train ex Piccadilly; £10 incl food/beer Sat Aug 9th Hope Valley Rail Ale Trail from Piccadilly at 1049 [Sheffield stopping train] Weds Aug 13th Moston Meander: Blue Bell 1930, Charlestown 2015, Gardener’s Arms 2100, Broadway Weds Aug 20th Branch Meeting: Crown & Kettle 1930 Weds Aug 27th Survey from Soup Kitchen 1930, Pie & Ale, Port Street Beer House 2100 Weds Sept 3rd Rochdale Canal Crawl, Wharf 1930 Sat Sept 6th visit to Wilson Potter Brewery, Middleton at 2 pm Fri-Sun Sept 12 - 14 Heritage Open Days pub walks, inner Salford and Ancoats: see page 5 Sat Sept 20th Rail Ale trip to Burscough Bridge from Victoria Station 1046; for further details of all rail trips please refer to Branch website. CAMRA membership rates: under 26 or over 60? Trafford & Hulme Just £ 15.50 by direct debit Thurs July 17th Pub of the Season presentation: tel 0845 072807 Old Market Tavern, Altrincham from 2000 South East Lancs Sat Aug 2nd Grand Cheshire Day Out, ending with BBQ at Dunham Massey Brewery Mon July 21st Branch Meeting: Bull’s Head, Astley th 1900 with a speaker from Cask Marque Thurs Aug 7 Branch Meeting, Stretford Sip Club 164a Barton Road 2000 Tues Sept 16th Branch Meeting: Waterside, Leigh 2000

26 THE GREY HORSE manchester

GREAT RANGE OF CASK ALES PLUS… ENJOY 50P OFF ANY CASK ALE EVERY MONDAY WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON

80 PORTLAND STREET, MANCHESTER, M1 4QX. TEL: 0161 228 2595

@greyhorsemcr The Grey Horse MCR 28