NORTH Sub-Branch NEWSLETTER JULY 2018

It was great that 4 sub-branch members were able to join the ‘regular’ contingent for the June social at the pubs in Mayfield. For mid-week the pubs were generally busy with people out to enjoy the fine weather. Beer choice was limited to Harvey's or Longman in both Mayfield Pubs and once again, by the time we got to the 3rd pub, the Mark Cross Inn, it was shut!

News of pub changes within the North East Sussex sub-branch area:-

BELL YEWS GREEN ()

Digby and Katie Furneaux took over the Brecknock Arms in April this year. They are intending to focus more on food than before but are mindful that they have a loyal clientele of regulars in this traditional Harvey's village pub. Therefore, although the restaurant area to the right of the front bar has been upgraded with new furniture, and the whole interior has been redecorated so is now much brighter, the bar area and seating remain largely as they were. The opening times have been considerably extended. As would be expected, the beers are from the Harveys’ range, with the regular beers being Sussex Best Bitter and IPA in addition to a changing beer.

HARTFIELD

The Anchor Inn has a new licensee, Simon Briggs, who took over in April. The most obvious changes are the new wider steps leading up from the car park to a new spacious outside terrace with chairs and tables. The steps also afford an improved access to the main entrance to the pub in Church Street. Internally, there appears to be little change to the public areas, but a lot of work has been done upstairs to improve the B&B facilities and the cellar has been updated. The two regular beers are Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter and Larkin’s Traditional, in addition to a third changing beer.

FRAMFIELD

New licensees Peter and Lorraine took over the fifteenth century Hare and Hounds in mid-April this year. Like many village pubs they intend to focus more on food and are offering an upgraded food menu in the restaurant area. However, there is also a comfortable seating area for drinkers and bar food. Outside, the car park has been extended and in the garden there is a new decking area intended for live music. The regular beer is Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter, while the changing beer is usually one from the Gun Brewery.

After 30+ years The Boars Head near Crowborough changed hands in early June. New licensees, Megan & Gary, plan to expand the cask ale offering to four beers. Harvey's Best Bitter will remain as the regular Beer with up to three guest beers mainly from local breweries being featured.

The Blue Anchor has changed hands again recently with a new licensee, Amy. This large restaurant-type pub usually has two, sometimes three, cask beers from the Shepherd Neame portfolio on offer.

Future social dates:

Wed 18th July - The Forge, Halland, Six Bells and The Gun,

Wed 15th August - Swan Inn, Woods Corner (Dallington), Three Cups, Three Cups Corner, and Half Moon, Cade Street.

Wed 19th Sept - Cherry Tree, The Chequers and The Bell, Ticehurst.

Wed 17th Oct - May Garland, , Brewers Arms, Vines Cross and Runt in Tun, Maynard Green

We meet at the first pub in the list at 8pm and then move on to visit the others; you are welcome to join us at any time during the evening. Feel free to bring a guest along too (they don't have to be a member).

Other local events:

20th/22nd July Mark Cross Inn, Mark Cross – Food & Beer Festival

7th/11th Aug Great British Beer Festival, Olympia, London gbbf.org.uk

19th - 21st Oct 8th Spa Valley Railway/West Kent CAMRA Beer Festival (Make sure this one’s in your diary! Can You Help?

Spa Valley Railway are seeking some CAMRA volunteers to assist pouring pints at their Summer Diesel Gala, at Eridge and on Kate (the buffet car). Hours would be in stints between 10.00 to 22.00 on Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August. If you can help during any of this time please email Jonnie Wesson. [email protected]

If your require further information or have information for inclusion in a future Newsletter do not hesitate to email me at any time. [email protected]

Meryl Saunders Membership Secretary