AWARD WINNING www.pinttaken.org.uk

Pint TakenSpring 2008 FREE The County CAMRA Newsletter FREE Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA present their winter award of the Season The Boat and Railway, lo- cated in Stoke Prior, on the side of the Worcester & Bir- mingham Canal is a very tranquil setting for a pub. It was here in late Janu- ary that members of Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA met to present Rachel and Tony Barnet with the coveted Pub of the Win- ter Season 2007 award. Paul Richards (seen on the left of the picture) made the presentation to Rachel and Tony, com- menting on the quality and variety of the beer available at the Boat and Railway. The Boat and Railway also has an extensive food menu and is very popular with boat- ers on the canal who are pre- paring to tackle the Tarde- bigge flight of locks.

National Pub of the Year 2007 Old Spot, , Gloucester

The Old Spot Inn, Dursley, Director, who presented the was crowned award said “The Old Spot Inn National Pub of the Year in is a great example of how February, as voted for by successful a well-run commu- CAMRA members and re- nity pub can be. I would like to gional judges. congratulate everybody at the WELL RUN Old Spot Inn on being judged Britain's finest pub.” Julian Hough, CAMRA's (See page 8 for more details) 1

Consumers demand a fair deal Reduce the Tax

CAMRA, the has launched its Cut the Tax on Beer campaign. The Campaign is calling for the Government to deliver a fair deal to beer drinkers by cutting beer tax by a penny a pint. HIGHEST RATE CAMRA Head of Policy and Public Affairs Jonathan Mail said: “Britain has the highest rate of Excise Duty on beer in the European Union and this is act soon hundreds of commu- leading to a decline in UK beer nity pubs could be under production and the closure of threat.” pubs. The first seven months MPs and CAMRA representa- Brewing lobby groups have of 2007-2008 have seen a 7.9 tives and have already met spent the last few weeks ex- percent fall in UK production. with Treasury ministers during plaining the difficult position If the Government does not February to discuss this fur- of the brewing industry to ther.

Foregate Street, Worcester

Telephone: 01905 22373

Cask Marque Approved

A traditional Wetherspoon’s pub offering a wide range of cask conditioned real ales and traditional ciders. A minimum of 6 real ales on at any time and 2 ciders. Monthly mini-beer festivals are held featuring local breweries. A small smoking area has been constructed in the rear to accommodate those who wish to have a drink and a smoke.

Opening times: Sunday – Thursday 9am ‘til Midnight Friday/Saturday 9am ‘til 1am Good value meals are served all day every day from 9am ‘til 11pm

2 National information and updates The CAMRA news Talbot

Newlands, Pershore MAKE THE DIFFERENCE ...plus one other Over the last thirty six years, guest ale CAMRA, the Campaign for always Real Ale, has been campaign- available. ing on all different kinds of paign for Real Ale (CAMRA). [ Homemade lunches \ beer and pub issues. We have S&N’s UK activities are set to [ Sunday Roast \ helped to save breweries and be acquired by Heineken and pubs, helped to introduce CAMRA is seeking urgent more flexible licensing hours, reassurances over the future Roast run numerous beer festivals, of S&N’s real ale interests. and created the environment Mike Benner, CAMRA’s night! for new breweries to open and Chief Executive said, “The Open fires and a thrive, but our work doesn’t relentless obsession with friendly end there! pushing global lager brands is atmosphere—just look out for the resi- Research in February 2007 a failing strategy in the UK dent mimicking ghost! showed that we are losing beer market and this is fuelling Mon-Thurs 12 —3, 5 —11; Fri-Sun 12—11. consolidation and hitting prof- more pubs now than ever 01386 553575 before. A staggering 56 pubs its hard. The inevitable result WR10 1BW close every month and of consolidation is brewery [email protected] CAMRA needs your help to closures, brand losses and campaign and save the pubs less choice for Britain’s con- that are under threat from sumers.” closure in the future before it It is expected that the take- is too late. Currently there are over will be considered by the European Commission and just under 90,000 members Abberley, Worcs, WR6 6AE CAMRA is calling for an in- and CAMRA is aiming to reach depth review of competition 100,000 members to help 01299 and consumer choice in the promote and protect real ale 896677 EU beer market. throughout the UK. By becoming a CAMRA PUNCH MERGER Herefordshire & Worcestershire member you can help to make WITH M&B CAMRA Pub of the Year a difference, so why not join Punch Taverns have made an 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007 CAMRA today by completing offer to merge with Mitchells & Region the form included in this Butlers. Although a sharehold- Pub of the Year 2003 and 2007 newsletter, by visiting ing in the enlarged company www.camra.org.uk/joinus or is promised and a cash incen- At least five real ales, all from calling CAMRA HQ on 01727 tive is on the table, it is independent and micro-breweries 867201. unlikely that this first offer will Real Cider and Perry SCOTTISH & NEWCASTLE be accepted by most M&B Home made food available TAKEOVER shareholders and Punch will Lunchtime Specials The announcement in late have to come back with an January that Scottish and increased offer. The new com- Open Mon-Sat 12-2.30 Newcastle (S&N) was to be pany would be valued at (Closed Mon lunch), 5-11 acquired and divided between £11bn and have 10,500 pubs - Sun 12-10.30 Carlsberg and Heineken has more than a sixth of the total been condemned by the Cam- pub stock in the UK. Near Abberley on the B4202

3 The licensees view from The other side of the Bar

Each quarter we will be inter- pub – best he’d tasted outside viewing licensees from around and better than the county, and asking them some in Yorkshire. their opinions on matters seen Biggest challenge facing pubs from the other side of the bar. this year: Raising the profile For this edition John Maiden of pubs throughout the UK to interviewed Martin Lloyd- avoid further closures and Morris from the Walter de face head-on the competition Cantelupe in Kempsey. from other choices of leisure Your name: Martin Lloyd- activities which the consumer Morris has. Your pub and location: The Single wish for the future: To Walter de Cantelupe Inn, gain more recognition for the Kempsey. quality of real ales in the pub. What makes for a successful sumer choice. Favourite tipple: Any good real ale pub? Plenty of real ale Most memorable event last quality craft brewed real ale. loving drinkers. year: Receiving a letter of Most enjoyable thing to do CAMRA – help or hindrance? commendation from the head when away from the pub: I’ll Help. I’ve always found brewer from Timothy Taylor, tell you when I get the oppor- CAMRA supporting pubs and who unbeknown to me was tunity to take a few days away real ale and long may they staying a few days, for the from the pub! continue the cause for con- quality of the Landlord in the

THE OLD OAK The Anchor Inn Eckington

Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton, WR10 2AP (01905) 840239 ∗ Traditional village pub offering a friendly atmosphere Real Ales & Ciders Excellent Food ∗ Large enclosed beer Bar Lounge Restaurant Accommodation garden Pensioners Lunches Wednesday Sunday Lunches ∗ Food available daily Thursday Steak Special Live Music Friday Nights Large Car Park Coaches Welcome ∗ Open all day every day

from 12 noon www.AnchorEckington.co.uk Tel: 01386 750356

4 ish the Alma in Diglis and to construct a new school. The TALBOT INN Local deadline for comments was Chaddesley Corbett 15th February and Worcester 01562 777388 CAMRA have mounted a www.talbotinn.net News strong campaign backed by local support to again fight this development for which PURITY WINS THE RED permission was previously TRACTOR MARK refused in 2007. Local brewery Purity, based in RE-OPENED PUB Warwickshire, has become the With pubs shutting down at an first ever brewery or beverage alarming rate, here is some company to receive the Red positive news - the Royal Oak • CAMRA Pub of the Season Tractor assurance mark. The in Studley has re-opened. This Summer 2005 mark symbolises that the ale pub was closed for some time • 4 Real Ales always avail- has been produced in the UK but this changed on 7th Feb- able using British farmed malt and ruary when a ten year lease • Large patio and garden hops and meets the high stan- was signed by a couple who • Freshly-cooked home- dards that are expected and intend to return it to a tradi- made food available examined through independ- tional public house. The cou- lunch time and evenings, ent inspections by the As- ple are local to Studley with seven days a week sured Food Standards no previous experience of the • Reservations accepted for Agency. upstairs restaurant pub trade, but very keen to Paul Halsey, director at succeed. Purity, said “We’re really ex- cited to be the first brewery to display the Red Tractor stamp. This reflects our commitment to use only British farmed produce in all of our ales. Including the Red Tractor symbol on our ales will work to reassure consumers and 25 Withybed Lane Alvechurch demonstrate our support for Phone 0121 445 4411 British farming.” In addition to securing the Open: Friday & Saturday 5.30pm - 8.30 pm Red Tractor mark for their Bulk orders can be collected at other times by arrangement ales, Purity has also been chosen to brew the National REAL ALE to take away 1 to 72 pints Farmers Union’s commemora- Containers available. tive ale, which has been for- mulated to celebrate 100 Draught cider from Biddenden years of the NFU. Farmers A selection of bottled Gluten Free Beer from Harvest is a full flavoured beer Greens www.glutenfreebeers.co.uk with an ABV of 4.8 per cent and a great balance of sweet- A great range of bottled British beers ness and bitterness. Selection of wines & spirits

ALMA, WORCESTER e-mail: [email protected] The Kings School have resub- mitted applications to demol- North Worcestershire's only Real Ale Off Licence 5 Colin Scrivener takes the bus to Alcester was good, before going to the Shakespeare Inn. This A Christmas crawl seemed a lively pub with keen staff and we had time to enjoy In mid December, a group of pled Hobsons Bitter and a Bateman's Rosey Nosey six members from Sharp's Doom Bar and the before crossing the road to Bromsgrove, making full use beers definitely lived up to the the bus stop to get our buses of public transport, caught the pub's Good Beer Guide status. back to Bromsgrove. The day X3 to Redditch where we were As this pub did not do food, was rounded off in the Golden to meet the others. Arriving which was now becoming Cross Hotel, Bromsgrove with with 20 minutes before our uppermost in our minds, we a meal and a Beowulf connection it was decided that moved on up the High Street Dragon's Smoke Stout before the Golden Cross was worth a and decided to try the Turks heading back to home. visit, so a swift half of Mar- Head. Here a modern style ston's Ugly Sisters set the day interior with a welcoming fire, MARATHON MAN? off to a good start. an interesting menu and three It had been a very enjoyable OFF TO ALCESTER cask ales greeted us so we day with good beer and excel- decided to stop. The Purity lent company. Alcester looked We only just made it back to Gold and Wye Valley HPA, a most interesting little town, the bus station in time to join whose hand pull sported the very well endowed with good organiser Paul and the rest of old style clip, were very good pubs, but I wonder if I am the party for the bus to Al- and the food delicious. getting past doing a mara- cester, where the crawl proper thon? began. First stop was the Lord BACK ON THE BUS Nelson, where the Wadworth The final stop in Alcester was Henry's IPA was quite good. at the Holly Bush. The beer Braving the chill weather we choice in this smart and exten- headed for the High Street sive pub was the widest so pubs. But indecisions at a far. I particularly enjoyed the pedestrian crossing resulted in Uley Bitter but the Blackwater a brief separation of the group Almighty and Downton Black with some heading to the Dog Knight were also excellent. On and Partridge, a pub with a the word from Paul we all bright warm welcome from a departed and hurried as fast pleasant barmaid and where as possible back to the bus the Hooky proved to be the stop where we just managed best drink of the day so far. to scramble aboard. There We did not stay long - even if was hardly time to get our HEADLESS CROSS, there were those who wanted breath back before we all de- REDDITCH to watch the football on the camped at the Throckmorton television, (or was it the bar- Arms at Coughton, just for a maid), before we had to set off quick sample. The St. Austell 01527 550448 again and headed to the Three Tribute certainly passed mus- Tuns. ter. This time we left in good Up to three guest REAL ALE MECCA time for the bus but the driver was obviously not expecting beers including At this real ale Mecca, which customers at that stop and has a very old fashioned feel, only noticed our waving at the Hobsons no music or modern games, last minute so stopped a hun- just a good choice of beer, dred yards up the road. We Town Crier more joined the party. We had got off in Studley outside the a little more time here for two Bell Inn, whose Purity UBU drinks and to socialise. I sam- 6 Local real ale events ALCESTER The annual Alcester Folk Festi- Pub festivals and events val is taking place from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June. KNIGHTWICK ECKINGTON The Holly Bush will be holding The Anchor at Eckington will The Talbot, Knightwick will be a beer festival for the duration be holding a beer festival over holding a mini beer festival on with approximately 30 beers the weekend of the early May 18th, 19th, and 20th April (or and 10 ciders available. while stocks last). The festival Bank Holiday to coincide with theme will be St George with the village's Flower Festival six patriotic ales available. For and Open Gardens event. Visit www.eckington.info for more more details email info@the- Are you planning to talbot.co.uk or check out the information on events hap- Talbot website www.the- pening around the village. hold a beer festival, talbot.co.uk ALVECHURCH and want everyone LONG ITCHINGTON The Weighbridge by the to know about it ? From Friday 2nd May to Mon- Worcester & Birmingham Ca- Contact: day 5th May the six village nal in Alvechurch have [email protected] pubs of Long Itchington in changed the date of their beer by 30th April 2008 with the South Warwickshire are get- festival. It will now be held on details to publicise your ting together to put on a beer 30th and 31st May 2008. Opening times will be from event in the next edition of festival with a difference. 5pm to 11pm on Friday and Rather than being based on 11am to 11pm Saturday. one site this festival will take Pint Taken place at all six pubs simultane- ously offering the chance to visit six very different pubs through the weekend and to sample approximately 80 dif- ferent real ales and ciders FREE HOUSE from breweries all over the HOME OF THE country, with at least one pub offering genuine Czech lagers. The pubs involved (in no par- ticular order) are the Buck And WEATHEROAK ALES: OTHER REAL ALES: Bell, the Cuttle Inn, the Duck Light Oak 3.6% Hobsons Town Crier On The Pond, the Green Man, the Harvester and the Two Weatheroak 4.1% Hobsons Best Boats. Redwood 4.7% Purity UBU Food will be available from & Seasonal Special & Guest Beers basic bar snacks to ‘A la Carte’ Draught Lagers, Cider & Guinness depending upon which pub Full Restaurant facilities, Bar Snacks, Hot & Cold Baguettes you are in. A diverse range of Beer Take Away Service, Large Garden and Patio entertainments is planned for All Subject to Availability the weekend and festival glasses will be available. If Tel: Pub/Restaurant 01564 823386 successful, it is planned to Freephone: 0800 0195 175 make this an annual event. So Tel: Brewery 0121 445 4411 for a festival with a difference head to the Long Itchington Now open 11.30-11 Mon-Sat, 12-10.30 Sun beer festival 2008! 7 Winner announced from four finalists February in the run up to National Pub of the Year Community Pubs Week. OVERWHELMED After many months of judging, Pub of the Year' was pre- Steve Herbert, licensee of the four pubs were left to battle it sented to Steve and Belinda Old Spot Inn said, “I am over- out to be crowned National Herbert by Julian Hough, whelmed at winning the Na- Pub of the Year. CAMRA CAMRA’s Pubs Director, in tional Pub of the Year award. members from across the UK To be judged the best pub in visited thousands of pubs Britain is a dream come true. before deciding on 16 regional Belinda and I would like to winners. Each of the 197 thank all the staff for their hard branches vote for their favour- work over the last year, and ite pub. They were judged on the locals for their loyalty to criteria such as customer ser- the Old Spot Inn. Without vice, décor, clientele mix, them this wouldn't be possi- value for money, and the qual- ble.” ity of their real ale. More details on the Old Spot can be found on page WEST MIDLANDS WINNER 176 of the Good Beer Guide 2008, telephone number 01453 542870 or from the pub website www.oldspotinn.co.uk Steve and Belinda Herbert with their presentation certificate

John and locals at the Bell, The West Midlands region winner was the Bell, Pensax and the photograph above shows John with members and local pub-goers proudly displaying his award. FINAL FOUR Judges visited each of the pubs and the 'super-region' stage decided the four final- The Great Malvern Hotel is conveniently located to the Theatre and ists. These were the Blue Pe- therefore specialises in pre & post Theatre meals. ter Hotel, Kirkcolm, the Old The service and style of food has an emphasis on Spot Inn, Dursley, the Land of value for money and a relaxing style of eating. Liberty, Peace & Plenty, Where possible we use local produce, this includes items such as the Heronsgate and the Turks award winning sausages from Malvern Country Meals, and all the fruit & Head, St Helens. vegetables come from Birmingham market each morning. OLD SPOT, DURSLEY We also enjoy serving local and interesting beverages. Our entries in the DECLARED WINNER Good Beer Guide since 2002 are a credit to the local beers & ciders of the This year’s winner is the Old area. We are open to the public for breakfast, lunch and evening meals Spot Inn, Dursley, Gloucester- from Monday - Saturday. shire. The award for ‘National Phone 01684 563411 for reservations.

8 Alan Grainger pays tribute to a respected CAMRA member Ian Stevenson 1954 - 2007 One of Worcester CAMRA's this to the last. most loyal and best liked Recently Ian had been writ- members died suddenly on ing a column for Pint Taken 23rd December 2007. Ian Ste- about his favourite Real Ales venson was someone I had in a Bottle which he enjoyed only known a short time but when he could not make the felt I knew very well because pub - a true CAMRA stalwart! of his remarkable character. MOVING SERVICE He was born and raised in where he joined the I last saw Ian at the Bell, Pen- fire service at the earliest op- sax for the County Award portunity; a lifetime career presentation and, although SADLY MISSED which was to take him to Lon- now in a wheelchair, he was We at CAMRA will all miss Ian don then, on retirement, to still his cheery, smiley self. We very much and send to Carol Worcestershire. chatted about falcons and and his family our best Ian had three main interests sparrowhawks whilst sam- wishes. Donations would be outside his family and work pling the Bell's superb ales. appreciated from anyone who which were bird watching, On Wednesday 9th January, wishes to give to the Motor aircraft and, of course, good I attended, along with a host Neurone Disease Association beer. Hardly surprising the of others, a very moving ser- or St. Richard's Hospice, two of us got on as these are vice at Martley church which Worcester in his memory. three of my main interests as celebrated Ian's life with great well! dignity and respect. GREAT SUPPORTER Ian heartily enjoyed the CAMRA socials and was a supporter of the annual beer festival too. It was extremely sad news when we heard that he had been diagnosed in 2006 with motor neurone disease, but he did not let it stop him from enjoying his hobbies whenever possible. He was delighted when the charity proceeds from the 2007 Worcester Beer Festival were earmarked for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and upset, of course, when the festival had to be can- celled. But Ian was not one to give up that easily! He set up his own scheme of 'Donate a Virtual Pint' which raised a superb £4,600 for the charity and he continued to support

9

Editoreale Steve and Lesley The start of the year has al- welcome you to the ready had Robin Hood some highs

and lows for me. Open for food and real ales I was delighted to receive a telephone call from

Nik Antona (Regional Director for CAMRA in the West Mid- Three real ales including Pride, Black Sheep, lands) advising me that Pint Taken has been voted the plus Addelestones Cider West Midlands region News- letter of the Year. How- Large grounds and children’s play area ever this was tinged with sad- ness as we lost a respected CAMRA member in Ian Ste- venson who died in Decem- Drayton Road, Drayton, ber. Ian became a regular Nr Belbroughton DY9 0BW contributor to Pint Taken when Motor Neurone disease 01562 730255 prevented him from venturing out - hence his articles on bottled beer. CHAMPION PUB I had the opportunity to attend the National Pub of the Year presentation at the Old Spot Inn, Dursley in February. What a great day out that was! Apart from the fact that the licensee Steve Herbert and his wife Belinda had gone all out to receive the award, the pub was fantastic with a wide se- lection of ales available. If you want to see what a champion pub is like, do make the effort and go there - I don’t think you will be disappointed. HERE COMES SUMMER With Mild in May coming up and another summer of local beer festivals, may I wish you all a very happy Easter.

Cheers, Charlie Ayres, Editor

10 News on beer festival planning Time to try a great beer style Festival update 2008 Mild in May Although barely into Spring Plans are well under way, and Discover Mild in May to give a the beer festival planning following a personal letter to boost to a beer style that is committees from the local all 500 members of Redditch full-flavoured, refreshing and CAMRA branches have begun and Bromsgrove CAMRA a perfect for spring. their preparations for this number of new faces have DISTINCTIVE TASTE summer’s beer festivals . joined the planning committee in various capacities. Last Mild is a beer that is less year’s festival was a sell-out hopped and usually of a lower success despite the torrential alcohol content than many rain on the Friday night. other styles. It gets much of its Being the sixth festival the flavour from malts or roasted committee have chosen a barley and is both distinctive and tasty. Despite a resurgence in popularity amongst real ale fans mild is still a rare find in some parts of the country, and so CAMRA has dedicated the STRATFORD-UPON-AVON month of May 2008 to this Shakespeare CAMRA’s first refreshing real ale. festival was a great success PLENTY OF CHOICE and they have started to or- ganise the runners and riders Thankfully this area has plenty for their second one. The of great mild ales including event will take place again at the Champion Beer of Britain, Stratford Race Course from theme around the 1960’s cult Hobsons Mild from Cleobury Friday 16th to Sunday 18th TV show ‘The Prisoner’ and Mortimer and the newly an- May. Opening times will be this is reflected in the logo nounced West Midlands Re- from 6pm until 11pm on Fri- that has been chosen for the gional Mild of the Year, Fruit- day, noon until 11pm on Sat- festival. 100 beers are planned erer’s Mild from Ombersley’s urday and from noon until with 25 ciders and perries and Cannon Royall Brewery. Other 3pm on Sunday (if there is any also fruit wines. For regular great milds to look out for are beer left). The entrance fee updates on this festival go to Bathams (Brierley Hill), will be £3 plus £2 per glass. www.bromsgrovebeerfestival. Banks’s Original The festival will use a token org.uk (), Hook Nor- ton Dark (Hook Norton, Ox- system and tokens for beer WORCESTER purchases will be £5 per card. fordshire) and Jennings Dark After a disastrous summer for More details will be avail- (Cockermouth, ). You residents and visitors to able on the Shakespeare might even be lucky and find Worcester and the surround- CAMRA beer festival web-site, Timothy Taylor Golden Best ing areas last year, everyone www.stratfordbeerfestival.org. (Keighley, Yorkshire) a rare is hoping and praying for fine uk example of a golden coloured weather this year. The dates light mild. REDDITCH & for your diaries are 14th to Look out for leaflets BROMSGROVE 16th August 2008. More de- on mild and other This will be the sixth festival tails will be on the web-site as beers with per- that Redditch and Bromsgrove they become available. sonality in your CAMRA will have held at the www.worcesterbeerfest. local pub. Bromsgrove Rugby Club. org.uk

11

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12 Kidderminster CAMRA present their award to the Eagle and Spur in Cookley Pub of the Season - Autumn 2007

Kidderminster sub branch Tori and Sarah and provide a POPULAR FOR FOOD presented the Eagle and Spur, friendly and welcoming ser- The Eagle and Spur is also Cookley with the Pub of the vice. becoming popular for its food Season award for Autumn. GOOD SELECTION as they serve well presented Paul Hall and his wife Jean run and cooked meals and cheer- the pub with their daughters There is always a good selec- tion of real fully try to accommodate ales on those with food intolerances. offer, more This is a worthy pub of the than 200 season winner and well worth have been checking out. available at different times during the past 18 months, and all are kept to a very good stan- dard.

Tori, Paul and Sarah Hall with Ian Mercer and Glenda Harvey of Kidderminster sub branch

13 Colin Scrivener reports on the West Midlands CAMRA regional awards The Beer Oscars 2007

On Saturday 29th December members, more than ever Beer CAMRA members from before, with more attending Awards around the West Midlands on a daily basis. 91 volunteers 2007 travelled by various methods had helped with all of the to Aston where, as in previous organisation and running the years, the West Midlands bar and the smooth running of Regional Social & Presentation the event had been praised Smoke Stout the best in that was booked to take place at throughout the whole of class. Porters were judged at the Bartons Arms. CAMRA. the Shakespeare branch festi- FORMAL val and Church End Pews PRESENTATIONS Porter came top. The business now TWO FOR SALOPIAN turned to the presenta- tion of the awards for the best beers that had been brewed in the West Mid- lands and judged at the various CAMRA beer The impressive façade of the Bartons Arms festivals around the region. The Bartons Arms is a Victo- At Rugby, the mild Silver medal winner Church End Pews Porter rian gem of a pub, which has a had been judged, and the long list of beers on offer. My Bromsgrove had the honour winner was Cannon Royall group decided to start with of judging the golden ale and Fruiterer's Mild. The winning Hobsons Mild before making chose Salopian Golden bitter judged at Wolverhamp- our way up the magnificent Thread and Salopian brewery ton was Hobsons Best Bitter. staircase to the large function also won the speciality class at Woods Wonderful came top room where we secured a Shrewsbury with their Lemon of the strong bitters at Here- table and met with friends Dream. Wye Valley Dorothy ford. Tamworth festival from other branches. Goodbody's Wholesome Stout judged the best bitter category was selected as the best real MEMBERS WEEKEND - A and the winner was Malvern ale in a bottle at Harbury while GREAT SUCCESS Hills Black Pear while Birming- Dudley festival chose Sarah Nik Antona, the West Mid- ham chose Beowulf Dragons Hughes Snowflake as the best lands Regional Director, winter ale. Both cider and opened the meeting by wel- perry were judged at Stoke coming the members to the and both classes were won by event, some of whom had Olivers with Medium Cider travelled long distances to and Medium Perry. The final attend, before calling on award of the afternoon was Sarah Edmondson to report for the champion beer of the on the highly successful West Midlands and the overall Members Weekend that had winner was Hobsons Best taken place during April 2007 Bitter which rounded off their in Wolverhampton. It had Bronze medal winner Beowulf very successful year. attracted 1009 pre-booked Dragon Smoke Stout 14 home. The first stop was Hobsons Mild. at Utopia, a modern bar Bitter: 2nd place Purity Pure in a very nice old build- Gold, 3rd place Holden’s Black ing, that had been rec- Country Bitter. ommended. We tried the Best Bitter: 2nd place Wye Hooky which was aver- Valley HPA, 3rd place Kinver age but then the next Edge. beer put on was Church Strong: 2nd place Sarah End Goats Milk which Hughes Dark Ruby, 3rd place Gold medal winner Hobsons Best Bitter was very good. It was No Award. not really my kind of bar Golden: 2nd place Wye Valley TIME TO SOCIALISE and the prices were high. Dorothy Goodbody’s Golden Once the official business was FINALE Ale, 3rd place Ludlow Gold. over we were welcomed to Stout: 2nd place Titanic Stout, From there we moved to the 3rd place Burton Bridge Top partake of the buffet by the Wellington, very crowded as team at the Bartons Arms. The Dog Stout. usual, to finish off our day and Porter: 2nd place Enville Por- pub does an amazing range of enjoyed Discovery Pioneer Thai food and we were quite ter, 3rd place North Cotswold and Purity Farmers Harvest Hung, Drawn ‘n’ Portered. rapidly served to a very tasty which was a new brew to me. selection of this by the staff. Winter: 2nd place Burton This meeting makes a very Bridge Thomas Sykes, 3rd We sat and chatted as we pleasant finale to the local enjoyed the food, helped by place Kinver Over The Edge. CAMRA year. Speciality: 2nd place Enville sampling some good beers. For those who have not Greenjack Orange Wheat beer Ginger, 3rd place Hanby been to a regional meeting or Cherry Bomb. and Oakham JHB were both visited the Bartons Arms it is good but I enjoyed the Oak- Real Ale in a Bottle : 2nd place well worth taking part and Coors Worthington White ham Bishop's Farewell the putting a note in the diary for best. Shield, 3rd place Hobsons the end of this year's calendar. Manor Ale. BEER UTOPIA OTHER RESULTS Cider: 2nd place Gwatkins As the meeting finished in the The other results for last year Yarlington Mill Medium, 3rd middle of the afternoon we were as follows: - place Gwatkins Norman. decided to stop in Birming- Mild: 2nd place Church End Perry: 2nd place Olivers Perry, ham city centre on the way Gravediggers Ale, 3rd place 3rd place Brook Farm Perry.

West Midlands region CAMRA members enjoying the end of year awards at the Bartons Arms

Presentation photographs courtesy Simon Hansen of Stourbridge CAMRA 15 Hollies Hill, Bromsgrove Road, Belbroughton, Stourbridge.

Booking Advisable. Meals served all day (12 noon - 9pm) Large beer gardens, Traditional guest ales, Extensive wine list.

Telephone: 01562 730 332

WWW.THE-FOUR-WINDS.CO.UK

Voted '2005 Midland Mild of the year' CAMRA, '2004 Mild of the year' SIBA and three times winner at the International Brewing Awards. judges from around the world agree that Highgate Dark Mild is big on taste.

We've been producing ales from the nations heart for over 100 years. Small enough to keep in touch with our drinkers, but big enough to serve leading pub compa- nies across the UK.

This is one instance where bigger is better.

16 Brian Partridge reviews Phil and Sheila Meads life in the licensing trade 40 years at the Coach and Horses

In 1792 the Coach and Horses work was required on the ness but the pub sells the four on Weatheroak Hill was a building and also on sur- excellent regular ales and coaching inn and was the first rounding farms and in 1981 guests produced. The first stop on the southern coaching the trust offered the pub for experimental ale was called route out of Birmingham. By sale and Phil bought it. ‘Maybe’ as they didn’t know the time Phil and Sheila be- The lounge was extended in how it would be received. came involved with it, it was 1983 and a kitchen was added Following comments from owned by the Bournville Vil- to cater for the increasing customers, adjustments were lage Trust formed by the well demand for food in pubs. The made and this eventually be- known Cadbury family. This is gammon and egg sandwiches came the delicious a little strange as the Cad- were famous. Real ale was Weatheroak Ale. burys were Quakers and there always a priority for Phil al- Twelve real ales are nor- were no pubs in Bournville. though beers had to be varied mally on sale in the pub and, However it is besides popular regu- believed that the lars from Hobsons and trust bought the Wood, there are guests whole area and from breweries not the pub was in- often seen in this area. cluded. BUSINESS PARTNER STARTED AS Phil and Sheila’s son MANAGER Gary, who was born on Initially, Phil was the premises, has be- employed as come a partner in the manager to the business and is respon- licensee and ten- sible for the day-to-day ant Mr Milne and running with Phil in the arrived at the pub on February to suit customers’ changing background. The pub has won 7th 1968. The stillage was a tastes. Beers from the Wood many local awards including large brick shelf at the back of Brewery Ltd were taken al- Redditch and Bromsgrove the bar and beer was served most from their inception and CAMRA Pub of the Year on straight from the cask. Nor- are still served today. In 1991 several occasions. Congratula- mally there would be five 36 a restaurant and a large tions to Phil and Sheila on gallon barrels of Ansells Mild, kitchen were added so that their achievements. two nine gallon barrels of now a full range of food is Look out for the fortieth Ansells Bitter and two nines of available from cheese and anniversary celebrations at the M & B Brew XI. At this time onion or ham cobs in the bar pub in April or May when beer the pub consisted of the cur- to complete meals in the res- could be at 1968 prices! rently existing, stone flagged taurant. All is excellent value bar with an open fire and a and quality. lounge bar. BREWERY ESTABLISHED PUB FOR SALE Weatheroak Brewery was set After eight years as manager up in 1997 by Dave and Pat Phil bought the tenancy from Smith. This is in an outhouse Mr Milne in 1976. In 1978 Phil of the pub and run by private and Sheila tried to buy the arrangement with Phil and freehold but Bournville Village Sheila. It is a separate busi- Trust refused to sell. However, 17 Glenda Harvey digests her local pub food scene Pubs and Grub Some pubs sell first class real ents such as game pie and ale. Some pubs serve finely there is usually a fish choice cooked fresh meals. Some as well. Lovely beer, lovely pubs serve both and oh what food, well recommended. joy it is to be able to enjoy real EAGLE AND SPUR, Plough Inn ale and fine food in the same COOKLEY venue. dered fish and chips and when My next choice is the Eagle In the Kidderminster area it arrived she exclaimed “I and Spur at Cookley. This was we have several country and didn't realise I'd ordered a recently awarded the Kidder- village pubs where fine food ***** whale!”. The beer is minster branch Pub of the and real ale are served in the good here too with locally Season award for its well kept, same establishment. Let me produced ales such as Purity often changing real ales. They introduce you to my favour- and Hobsons served. This is a are also popular for their well ites. very popular award winning cooked and presented meals. venue so at busy times book- BELL, PENSAX The friendly staff are ready ing is recommended. First up has to be the Bell at I'm running out of space to Pensax. As West Midlands mention my next two, the Pub of the Year the beer is Colliers Arms on the A456 superb and always served in Tenbury Road between Bewd- tip top condition with an ever ley and Clows Top and the changing choice. The food is Sun and Slipper at Mamble. good too. At the recent pres- entation we were served with a variety of sandwiches made with thick fresh bread and The Manor Arms generous fillings all served Eagle & Spur with piles of hot, crisp chips. to dis- at Abberley When not catering for a cuss the menu with you and Right on the Worcestershire Way presentation the food is just as offer advice to help you CAMRA Member Offer good and as generous. The choose. A relaxed atmosphere 25% Off Mon-Thu Night steak sandwich with onions and the excellent beer all con- Accommodation tribute to show why this pub is so popular with diners and A traditional country village inn with ingle nook fireplace & indi- drinkers alike. vidually furnished accommoda- PLOUGH INN, tion. Restaurant and bars serving FAR FOREST quality home-cooked food. Friday fish night, Mon curry night For a different experience try Ales include - Wye Valley Bitter, the Plough Inn at Far Forest. London Pride, Wye Valley HPA, On first entering it can give Hobsons Mild, Timothy Taylors Bell, Pensax the impression of being a food Landlord

chain pub, but fear not, the Large Marquee for functions, and mushrooms is just divine food and menu are first class. garden and 10 ensuite letting and my hubby's favourite is There is a wide choice to rooms available. the locally sourced sausages suit most tastes and the Netherton Lane, with egg, chips and beans. carvery is good value. Por- Abberley Village, Worcs. More restaurant type meals WR6 6BD tions are generously sized – a are also available and dishes TEL. 01299 896507 woman at the next table or- include local seasonal ingredi- www.themanorarms.co.uk 18 COLLIERS ARMS, New publication CLOWS TOP The Colliers Arms is featured Pub Etiquette in the 2008 Michelin Eating The British boozer is a great out In Pubs Guide so the food place. However, the unspoken is well rated. The beer is rules of pub behaviour are worth a visit as well, Hobsons many and varied, from order- is usually featured and Sadlers ing a drink to sharing a table. The Little Book of Pub Eti- quette will give you the heads up on the minutiae of drinking attire and your choice of behaviour from how to nurse friends. But fear not ,The Little a drink to while away the Book of Pub Etiquette will hours to how to accept a drink allow you to instantly recog- graciously with just the right nise the telltale clues that amount of protest. We've all signal the difference between been though it: walking into a a hostile hostelry and the Colliers Arms pub...all heads at the bar turn- warm embrace of the welcom- ing, meeting your friendly ing watering hole. was available on my last visit. gaze with a hostile stare. You This little book will guide The food menu can be viewed quickly realise that the locals you through the intricacies of on their website do not welcome your pres- the drinking scene. It also www.colliersarms.com and ence - they despise your doubles up as a beer mat, and this may be just the place you choice of drink, your choice of are looking for if you want a table-leveller... somewhere different for that special meal. SUN AND SLIPPER, MAMBLE The Sun and Slipper is a regu- lar GBG entry for its well kept locally sourced beers. Hobsons is usually on and the

Sun & Slipper food has a good reputation as well. Sample menus can be found on their website www.sunandslipperinn.co.uk. So go on, give the Kidder- minster country and village pubs a try for fine food and excellent ale.

19 Sharon Laird reports on the first Tenbury Wells festival WAGGON & HORSES 21 STOURBRIDGE ROAD, HALESOWEN Real ale found in Tenbury 0121 550 4989

In late October, Tenbury Wells widely advertised it was still INDEPENDENT FREE HOUSE Agricultural Society hosted well attended and certainly CAMRA their first beer festival, which very well received. WEST MIDLANDS REGION now looks set to become an The festival was held next to PUB OF THE YEAR 2006 annual event. As part of the the show’s exhibition hall so society’s autumn show the drinkers were able to watch festival, which had 10 real the proceedings including the 14 REAL ALES ales, 8 real ciders and a perry judging of exhibits such as CHANGING EVERY DAY

was held at the Bridge Hotel in ‘Best Sample of Hops Suitable 2 BELGIAN BEERS Tenbury. for Pale Ales’, ‘Best Tray of Open: WELL RECEIVED Perry Pears’ and ‘Home Pro- duced Sparkling Cider’. Mon - Sat 12-11, Despite little previous experi- Sun 12-10.30 150TH ANNIVERSARY ence at hosting beer festivals

the organisers did a superb The Society celebrates its EVERY DAY is a BEER job, helped with equipment 150th anniversary in 2008 and FESTIVAL at THE WAGGON and advice from John at the next October’s festival will be Bell, Pensax and Tim from the bigger and better. Plans are THE ‘WAGGON’ puts the REAL Bridge, Stamford Bridge. The afoot to change the venue to a ALES festival coincided with Ten- more central location in Ten- into bury’s popular annual Ap- bury, hopefully near to the HALESOWEN plefest and although not historic Pump Rooms.

The Talbot Knightwick Tel: 01886 821235 Worcester Fax: 01886 821060 WR6 5PH

The Teme Valley Brewery is situated at the Talbot at Knightwick which offers Sample our award accomodation and distinctive and delicious food made from locally produced ingredients. winning ales at: Featuring all year round in the West Midlands... THE PLOUGH This That T’other blond Shenstone 3.7% ABV 4.1% ABV 3.5% ABV 4.4% ABV Worcestershire Virtues of Malt Light taste A rich, DY10 4DL an easy balanced showcases smooth drinking by hops. A delicate character Tel: 01562 777340 light ale beer for the Goldings that is in a with vivid connois- fragrance. class of its Beer Garden, Real Fire hop aroma. seur. own. TV for Sports, Morris Dancing.

Seasonal Beers: THE SWAN Springs First 4.7%ABV High St Fillditch 4.3% ABV Chaddesley Corbett Jack in the Green 5% ABV DY10 4SD Tel: 01562 777302

Teme Valley Market March 9th, April 13th, May 11th Restaurant, Real Fire, First Midland Red route 420 Beer garden, Live Jazz. 20 don’t have any demand for it a time when our alcohol re- in the week. Food only at lated crime and disorder fig- Letters weekends” I was told. “Just ures are soaring at a 66 per this week?” I asked. “No, all cent increase upon last year. the time”, I was told. Thus We have recently had a letter much disappointed , we re- from a very concerned police Dear Editor, paired to the Farriers for a inspector who has warned I enjoy reading your newslet- meal and some excellent Hob- licensees that these figures ter. In the Autumn edition I goblin. will not be tolerated. I do not spotted a minor error, and as What I want to know is why now and have never believed I’m a pedant liking correct both yourselves and the 2008 that price cuts are the way to metric symbols here is the Good Beer Guide are so inac- lure customers into your pub bad news. On page 21 there curate? In passing I expected for the following reasons: was ‘gm’, which isn’t the cor- a clean and welcoming atmos- If you cut prices people will rect symbol for gram. In the phere at the Plough, a good drink more and get drunk in past the Post Office and Royal selection of ale as well as the process, people have a Mail have also got things food. Some pumps had no given amount of money to wrong including the following clips, and from the outside it spend regardless of the incorrect symbols ‘Kg’ and was not obvious that it was prices, however human nature ‘Kgs’. The good news for pub even open. If the new owners tells us that with certain quiz organisers is my book on are to thrive, I think a bigger groups of people, if you can International Symbols. It’s a effort is needed to present the buy ten pints for £10 in one useful resource for creating pub as a place worth visiting. pub and five pints for £10 in original questions there is another, some would venture more information by visiting David John into the cheapest pubs. If you www.simetricmatters.com Great Barr (by letter) raise your standards in your The book has hundreds of pub then the price you charge symbols (together with unit Usual practice when a beer is can reflect it. Our pub has a names); here are four unusual finished is to have the clip Cask Marque award for good ones to ponder over during turned around. Often it indi- beer and we are recognised your drink: ‘zS’, ‘ZS’, ‘Zs’ and cates that one should have by CAMRA in the Good Beer ‘zs’. been there earlier as the beer Guide 2008 - the only pub in was good! Ed. Redditch to be included in it. Philip Bladon Advertising this will win peo- Southcrest (by letter) Dear Editor, ple over. Most people are not It's bad enough with Wether- price conscious if they feel I will have a word with my spoon's dragging the trade they are getting value for their proof readers! Ed. through the mud with its cut- money. This is where our price drinks offers, in our area strategy appears to differ from Dear Sir, of Redditch town centre there some of the big pubco’s, I was interested to read your are licensed premises selling knocking out cheap booze as review of the pubs in Worces- alcohol irresponsibly. Chicago though they were competing ter, particularly as I was going Rock does buy one get one with big super­markets and there the next day. The free, and reduced prices from off-licences. Plough - a pub I had not been 5pm to 9pm. Fuse nightclub to in years was much praised. runs a £1 entry, all drinks Paul Thornas, FBII, MHI Subsequently my wife and I £1.20 promotion on Thursday The Golden Cross Redditch sought it out, looking forward nights and the Academy offers to ‘good food made with local drinks at £1.50. These offers This was originally published produce… at lunchtimes’. On came in around the smoking in the Publican in October entering, I immediately en- ban and in my opinion is a 2007. Ed. quired about food. “Oh, we knee-jerk reaction to it, this at 21 • Sadly, the Peacock Inn at Newnham Bridge has closed Quick Halves suddenly. The historic pub, a • On 17th December a major food and a building of great character on fire swept through the quality evening menu of dishes the A456 is owned by Punch Lyttlelton Arms in Hagley. At cooked by a local chef. Food is Taverns who have advertised the height of the blaze 11 fire served Wednesday to Saturday the lease for sale. appliances were in use to bring plus Sunday lunches. There is a the fire under control. The pub quiz evening on Mondays and • The Ship Inn, Tenbury is closed indefinitely. look out for theme days and Wells has reopened after nights. suffering severe flood damage • The Washford Mill in in the summer. The friendly Redditch has re-opened for • Paul Hall, licensee of the pub on Teme Street which has trade following an extensive Eagle and Spur in Cookley is a warm, welcoming refurbishment. The pub was likely to be leaving the pub atmosphere serves two real closed as a result of the within the next three months. ales including Hobsons Best. summer floods. A range of cask He and his family are moving ales are available along with a back to the North West after just • The Lion at Clifton upon daily carvery menu. under three years at the pub. Teme, owned by Punch Paul cited the industry’s Taverns, has a change of • Five new bottled ales have nightmare of trying to make a licensees. The current been introduced to the 58 profit when rent and utility bills licensees have decided to take currently stocked at Morrisons are rising faster than income as early retirement. It is not in Bromsgrove. The beers are the main reason for leaving. known whether the new Morland Original, Cain’s Raisin owners will make changes. Beer and Well’s Bombardier • Adults with children are ‘Burning Gold’ also Brain’s ‘S.A’ allowed only two alcoholic Gold - the CAMRA Bronze drinks at JD Wetherspoon pubs awarded Champion Beer of in order to limit their stay. A The Britain in 2007 and Bateman’s spokesman for the company ‘Dark Lord’ described by Roger said it was "uncomfortable" with HOP POLE Protz in his book ‘300 Beers To children being on the premises Try Before You Die’. All are for long periods because of a Friar St, Droitwich available at four for £5 or £1.49 lack of play facilities. The chain each. Contact Morrisons via Lee has no policy to put notices up Open 12-11, Sun 12-10.30 Kiteley on 01527 576713. to this effect, rather leaving Great Value Lunches - £2.99 refusal at the discretion of their Wye Valley HPA and Butty Bach • The Cross and Bowling managers. One couple who plus guest ales Green, Branson’s Cross was were recently refused were taken over in December by advised that it was to comply A traditional pub that offers a friendly Tony Shew and Bev Turner. with child cruelty legislation. atmosphere and staff who are always They haven’t run a pub before pleased to see you. but are very keen to make a • The White Heart that Enjoy the rustic oak beams and the success of it. They have became Seamus O'Donells in charm that comes with a building that smartened the premises Sidbury has now re-opened is over 300 years old. considerably and the dining after a long refurbishment as room has a light and airy feel to the Glove in Hand. The cask www. it. The real ales on offer are beers will rotate between thehoppoleatdroitwich. Sadlers and Wye Valley. There Tetley’s Mild and Youngs Bitter co.uk and there are plans for a is also Leffe on draught and changing guest. There is a bottles of Belgian beers and 01905 770155 lunch menu of traditional pub continental lagers. 22 Pubs worth seeking out recently been taken over by Mike McCarthy. Mike is well Little Gems known in the area as he has Uphampton Lane previously run the Oddfel- OLD BULL, INKBERROW Uphampton, Ombersley, lows, the Country Girl and Worcestershire The Old Bull, situated adjacent has been steward at Redditch Tel: 01905 620305 to the village green in Inkber- Golf Club. row, is a delightful pub. It has THREE REAL ALES exposed beams, brass orna- Home of Uphampton ales ments, stone flagged floors There are three real ales avail- from the and has two open fires. Local able, these are Flowers Origi- legend has it that William nal, Fuller’s London Pride and Cannon Royall Brewery Shakespeare took refreshment Wye Valley HPA. Food con- CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE & at the inn on his way from sists of tasty baguettes, start- AWARD WINNER Stratford to obtain his mar- ers and a good variety of main riage bond in Worcester. This courses. Lunch and evening would have been about 1582 meals are available Tuesday although the first recorded to Saturday and there is a deeds indicating that The Old traditional Sunday lunch. One Bull was a public house are for Saturday per month there is a 1750. A modern connection food theme night. Some live with the entertainment world music evenings are to be ar- is its Archers theme and mem- ranged. A warm welcome is bers of the cast have been assured at this friendly pub. known to visit. The pub has

The Fox Inn Chaddesley Corbett FREE HOUSE FREE HOUSE

01562-777247 Enjoy lunch or an evening

meal in this cosy traditional canal-side pub. Home cooked meals and bar snacks served daily. Permanent real ales include Resident & Guest Ales Malvern Hills & Theakstons (Sandwiches only on Tuesday & Wednesday) Best Bitter plus an ever

changing guest ale Redditch & Bromsgrove

CAMRA Pub of the Year 2005 Over 250 guest beers over the last 3 years!

Scarfield Wharf ALSO Alvechurch Traditional Thatcher’s Worcestershire Dry cider

0121 445 5111 Traditional carvery & home cooked specials www.the-weighbridge.co.uk

23 Meetings & Events Worcestershire branches of the Campaign for Real Ale Pint Taken is published by You are most welcome to attend our meetings. the Redditch & Bromsgrove, All meetings start at 8 pm unless stated. Kidderminster and Worcester branches of the Kidderminster sub-branch (Contact Ian on: 07818 401046) Campaign for Real Ale www.kidderminstercamra.org.uk (CAMRA) Tue 18 Mar Branch meeting - See website for more details www.pinttaken.org.uk

Redditch and Bromsgrove branch (contact Doug on: 07842 135354) 8500 copies are distributed to www.rbcamra.org.uk real ale pubs in and around Tue 11 Mar Branch meeting - Wildmoor Oak, Bromsgrove B61 0RB the county of Worcestershire. Sun 16 Mar Social event - Branch presentation of Pub of the Year Award The views expressed in 12.30pm Pint Taken are not Tue 8 Apr Branch meeting - Why Not, Astwood Bank B96 6LU necessarily those of the Sat 3 May Social event - Long Itchington Beer Festival Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Tue 13 May Annual General Meeting - The Railway Inn, Studley B80 7JS To subscribe to Pint Taken Worcester branch (contact Peter on: 01684 573018) for a year, send four C5 www.worcestercamra.org.uk stamped addressed enve- Thur 13 Mar Planning meeting Worcester Beer Cider & Perry Festival 2008 - lopes to Subscriptions, The Great Malvern Hotel, Malvern WR14 2HN 14 Cladswell Lane, Sat 15 Mar Malvern crawl & curry night - meet at Foley Arms WR14 4QS Cookhill, Alcester, 7.30pm B49 5JU Tue 18 Mar Branch meeting - The Walter de Cantelupe, Kempsey WR5 3NA Sat 5 Apr Worcester St Johns crawl - meet at Berkeley Arms WR2 4HF Contributions, letters, pub Tue 15 Apr Branch meeting - Three Nuns, Powick WR2 4SB reports and news are always welcome. Please write to Tue 20 May Annual General Meeting - The Plough, Worcester WR1 2JF Pint Taken, Tue 17 Jun Branch meeting at Tally Ho - Tenbury Broadheath WR15 8QX 3 Oakalls Avenue, Shakespeare branch (contact Lloyd on: 01789 778726) Bromsgrove, www.shakespearecamra.org.uk B60 2LP Covering Evesham area email:

[email protected] CAMRA Beer Festivals Advertising rates are Burton & South 1st Spring Beer & Cider Festival available from: Town Hall, Burton Upon Trent [email protected]. March 28th - 29th Worcestershire County Coventry Beer Festival Council Coventry Rugby Football Club Ground, Butts Road, Coventry Trading Standards April 11th - 12th County Hall Stourbridge Beer Festival Worcester, WR5 2NP Stourbridge Town Hall, Stourbridge Tel: 08454040506 May 22nd - 24th www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ tradingstandards For more information on these events go to CAMRA Ltd: www.pinttaken.org.uk 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW Items for publication should be sent by April 30th 2008 Tel: 01727 867201

© Redditch & Bromsgrove / Kidderminster / Worcester CAMRA 2008 24 PINT TAKEN (WORCESTERSHIRE)

25 cially because it comes in experimented with the bacte- And Finally... what looks like a beer bottle," rium kombucha, using it to said Peter Kowalsky, the com- convert sugars into gluconic Bionade pany's managing director. acid. The result was Bionade, "And in Germany we do have a naturally-flavoured soft drink This is apparently a health a lot of beer drinkers that drink made to the same ancient and drink that looks like beer and Bionade when they can't drink exacting purity laws as Ger- tastes like fizzy pop and is a beer, because it has that simi- man beer. family-brewed health drink lar malty, tangy taste they The drink was originally that's taken Europe by storm. recognise. But it is a health targeted at children, but get- Bionade was launched in drink." ting parents to buy a health the UK in December and the Bionade was the product of drink from a brewery, proved makers of the German health desperation, the Peter brew- tricky. Bionade has recently drink may be thankful that we ery was a small Bavarian fam- rocketed in popularity thanks are a nation of beer drinkers ily business that was being to being picked up by the as they won't have to explain squeezed towards closure by more stylish bars as an urban what fermentation is. major beer brands. Dieter sophisticate's alternative to That fermentation has any- Leipold, Kowalsky's step- some fizzy, syrup-based sugar thing at all to do with a health father, was its master brewer rush or an unexciting alcohol- drink may take some explain- and he spent five years finding free beer. ing, as might the fact that a way in which the fermenta- Unusually for a healthy Bionade is made by a brew- tion process could be used to drink, which tend to be ery. "We have had people turn sugars into something strongly favoured by women, assume that Bionade must be drinkable but alcohol-free. The sales are apparently evenly some low-alcohol beer, espe- breakthrough came when he split between the sexes.

THE TALBOT KNIGHTWICK WORCESTERSHIRE WR6 5PH

Tel: 01886 821235 Fax: 01886 821060 Email: [email protected] Confectionery & Snack Supplier The Talbot @ Knightwick Home of The Teme Valley Brewery Delivering to Presents for the evening of Public Houses Friday 18th and for Saturday 19th April & Social Clubs

(and lunchtime on Sunday 20th if stocks last) www.ridleysnacks.co.uk

St. George’s Beer Festival Tel: 0121 604 0608 Featuring 6 ‘Patriotic’ Hand Pulled Ales to fortify knights, Mob: 07899 912855 resuscitate fair maidens and quench dragon’s fires

Full details will soon be on our website www.the-talbot.co.uk

New For May ‘A Celebration of Mild’ dates to be confirmed

26 THE BOAT & RAILWAY Best Traditional Canalside Pub in the area Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove

♦ Open all day – everyday!! ♦ Carvery and restaurant ♦ Traditional pub lounge ♦ Canalside terrace (rain or shine) ♦ Banks’s Original, Bitter; Marstons Pedigree plus weekly changing guest beers

For bookings or more information call Rachel or Tony on 01527 831065

27 28