SUSSEX CAMRA BRANCHES 25th BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL
PUBLISHED AND FINANCED BY THE SUSSEX BRANCHES OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE BRIGHTON CORN EXCHANGE 19-21 MARCH 2015
Contact Information
South East Sussex Phil Cozens, 01323 460822 [email protected] www.southeast-sussex-camra.com Beer Festival: Eastbourne, 9-11 Oct 2014 POTY: Dolphin Inn, Hastings COTY: Albatross R.A.F.A. Club, Bexhill-On-Sea Sussex Branches of CAMRA Surrey & Sussex Regional Director: Chris Stringer, 01403 270505 (Horsham) [email protected] Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014. No. 79 Sussex Area Organiser: Circulation 13,250 Peter Page-Mitchell, 01424 422128 Published by Sussex Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale (St. Leonards-on-Sea) Editor: [email protected] The Quaffer Beer Festival: Brighton Corn Exchange, 19-21 March 2015 Email: [email protected] POTY: Wilkes Head, Eastergate COTY: Albatross R.A.F.A. Club: Bexhill-On-Sea Advertising: Neil Richards MBE Email: [email protected] Tel: 01536 358670 Mobile: 07710 281381 Western Sussex www.matelotmarketing.co.uk Max Malkin, 01243 828394 Next Publication Date: [email protected] 6 Nov. Copy by 26 Sep www.westernsussexcamra.org.uk Copy Submissions: Beer Festival: Yapton, 15-17 May 2015 The Editor invites submissions that POTY: Wilkes Head, Eastergate celebrate the real ale scene in Sussex. Please keep to a maximum of 700 words. Please use plain text or Word files. Please send good quality pictures separately, preferably in JPG format. Arun & Adur Jerry Marchant, 01903 214020 Standard Disclaimer: Views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual [email protected] authors and advertisers and not necessarily supported by the www.aaa-camra.org.uk editor or CAMRA. All content © Sussex Branches of CAMRA Beer Festival: Worthing, 17-18 Oct 2014 POTY: Parsonage Bar & Restaurant, Tarring Your local Trading Standards Offices are: East Sussex: St Mary’s House, 52 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3UU North Sussex Tel: 01323 418200 Fax: 01323 418227 Roy Bray, 07833 205901 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.eastsussexcc.gov.uk www.northsussexcamra.org.uk West Sussex: Beer Festival: Ardingly Vintage Vehicle Show, July 2015 Details of all complaints are passed to West Sussex Trading Standards Service by CACS POTY: Jolly Tanners, Staplefield Citizens Advice Consumer Service Tel: 08454 040506 Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice/ consumer_service.htm Brighton & South Downs Brighton & Hove: John Kirkland, 01293 519844 Bartholomew House, Bartholomew Square, [email protected] Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1JP Tel: 01273 292523; Fax: 01273 292524 www.brightoncamra.org.uk Email: [email protected] Beer Festival: Lewes, June 2015 Website: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk POTY: Gardener’s Arms, Lewes Campaign for Real Ale Ltd 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW COTY: Constitutional Club, Lewes Tel: 01727 867201 Fax: 01727 867670 Website: www.camra.org.uk
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 3 Worthing Beer Festival 2014
riday 17 and Saturday 18 18th Worthing F October sees the return of the Beer Festival Worthing Beer to availability on the door. Postal Festival to the St applications can be made to: The Treasurer, Paul’s centre, Chapel The Boathouse, Shopsdam Road, Lancing, Road, a walk of just BN15 8ES; please make cheques payable to a few minutes from “Arun & Adur CAMRA”. Friday evening the town’s central and Saturday sell out very quickly, so railway station. advance booking is advised. Under the stewardship of Roy and the late Bruce and Pete, the festival has steadily For more details visit grown in stature, outgrowing the Richmond www.aaa-camra.org.uk/ Rooms in 2011 and requiring a move to the wbf18 wonderful St Paul’s. In 2003 there were Debbi, Ray and Jim forty-four beers and two ciders available. Arun & Adur Branch This year, the new organisers, Debbi, Ray and Jim, hope to increase the numbers to over seventy-five beers and sixteen ciders and perries, the latter which for the first time will have their own dedicated bar. As the number of breweries in the county has grown, the Sussex bar will be located in the New Venue for main hall to allow an increased range to be made available. The two other bars will the 2015 Sussex feature the best beers from micro breweries around the country and beyond. Branches Saturday entertainment will feature jazz Festival from Andy Woon’s Vintage Hot Five from 2.30-5pm, while from 7.30pm, the record- In what will be its Silver Jubilee breaking international singer-songwriter year, the Sussex CAMRA Branches Tensheds and his band will perform Beer & Cider Festival will be held (www.tensheds.com). Session times: Friday 11am-3.30pm (£3.50) & 5.30-11pm at the Brighton Corn Exchange. (£5); Saturday 11am-4pm (£4) with £3.00 The venue has been booked from entry from 4-11pm or until the beer runs out. Tickets will be available from mid- Tuesday 17 March until Monday 23 August, at the venue, St Paul’s, and from March 2015. the Selden Arms, Worthing; the Gardeners The festival will be open from Arms, Sompting; Henty Arms, Ferring; New Sussex Hotel, Lancing; Duke of Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 March. Wellington, Shoreham-by-Sea; and the A planning meeting will be held in Evening Star, Brighton. Tickets are subject early September.
4 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014
Contributors: Peter Adams, Jeremy Brinkworth, David Cowley, Stuart Elms, Pete Greatorex, Adrian Heft, Pat Higgins, Glen Johnson, Gary Lucas, Max Malkin, Phil Mellows, Peter Mitchell, Peter Page-Mitchell, David Platt, Peter Spooner, Ian Robertson, Spud Tate, Philip Wildsmith and the Ed.
News of new developments and updates on tion, with decor the Sussex pub scene will be gratefully re- focused on vin- ceived by the Editor for consideration in tage materials. Scratchings. The standard disclaimer on p. Rupert and Jo 3 applies to all items. Clevely (founders of Ge- ASHURST WOOD Just south of East Grinstead, the Maypole ronimo Inns) are Inn is tucked away at the rear of this behind the ven- village. The original pub was much larger ture with their family-run business Green- but was part converted to residential use a well & Tipple. Their aim is to provide deli- few years ago, leaving a single bar. Har- cious, quick, fresh, seasonal food at sensi- veys Best is the regular ale on the three ble prices, with the vast majority of the hand pumps, with two guests invariably beers and ciders being locally sourced. An offering local ales, one from High Weald excellent Brighton Bier West Pier has been being noted on a recent visit. Quality is sampled here. Opening hours are 7am- good at this free house. 11pm Mondays to Saturdays and 8am- 10pm Sundays. BEXHILL-ON-SEA At 87-93 Dyke Rd, Coggings & Co is a West Station, a family-run bar-restaurant, burger restaurant that sells Harveys Best has one changing guest beer, which is and Hepworth Blonde Organic Lager on served to a very good standard. draught, plus a number of bottled beers. BOGNOR REGIS Enterprise Inns Despite the best efforts of a local support have sold the group to save Rose Hill Tav- the Ship Inn ern. The pub is and despite currently closed owners Enter- but, following prise Inns stat- the advice of ing they had your editor and long-term Mick Slaughter during our April visit, a plans to keep it local action group successfully petitioned open as a viable business, this pub was sold Brighton and Hove City Council to have it off and is due to become a supermarket listed as an Asset of Community Value. It convenience store. This is a sad loss to the was rebuilt in 1934 by architect Stavers Aldwick community. Hessell Tiltman for the Portsmouth and BRACKLESHAM BAY Brighton United Breweries and is a con- Another vessel sunk is the Lively Lady. tender for the CAMRA Regional Inventory. Opened 1968 and named after the yacht in The Allen Arms, more recently known as which Sir Alec Rose sailed single-handed the White Crow and closed for some time, around the world, it is now Dom Italian has now been demolished. Restaurant. BURGESS HILL BRIGHTON Following the opening of the The Cyclist Refreshment Room opened at new JDW outlet, the Six Gold the end of June in Brighton Railway Sta- Martlets, CAMRA Weth-
8 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 erspoon vouchers are now also accepted on the Greene King Meet & Eat, Pub & Grill pints of real ale at the Quench Bar. Chain, opening at 9am for breakfast with a A successful beer festival was main menu available from 12noon-9pm. held over the May Bank Holi- Greene King IPA plus one guest are on day weekend at the Railway offer. (Greene King). On the sea- front near the BURWASH The Bear Inn has two regular beers, Har- pier, another veys Best and Sharp’s Doom Bar, plus two Greene King ever-changing guests. pub, the Crown & CAMBER Anchor is Close to the looking smart beach at Cam- after external redecoration and much im- ber Sands, the proved on the beer front, now selling four Green Owl ales including one or two ever-changing serves Young’s guests. Bitter plus two other real ales The Old Town is a quiet area, a short at least one of walk from the town which is a local guest. There is home- centre, with some cooked food and accommodation is availa- good pubs. The ble. Crown, run by COLEMANS HATCH Andy and Jo, is a The Hatch Inn continues to support local popular, recom- brewers. Larkins Best is a regular ale but mended local with a good mix of, now six, Black Cat and High Weald ales also feature national, local and rotating guest real ales, at this GBG pub. all served in top condition. Sunday COMPTON lunchtime is a good time to visit as, until The Sussex Bus to the Pub group returned 3pm, real ales are discounted to £2.60 a to one of our favourite rural pubs, the pint and complimentary bar snacks are Coach & Horses, set in glorious country- served. Good quality home-made pies, side in the far north west of the county, quiches, pasties, scotch eggs, etc, are al- where we were pleased to find Burning Sky ways available behind the bar. Plateau alongside Fullers ESB and two Just round the cor- beers from Bowman Brewery. ner, the Star has reopened with new DONNINGTON What was formerly the Blacksmiths Arms management after has reopened, renovated, after a long period renovation. It of closure, and is now called, simply, serves two or more Blacksmiths. Although food-led, a couple ales, including Har- of local real ales are on the bar. Note that veys Best and the pub is closed all day Mondays and Young’s Special. There is regular live mu- Tuesdays, and Sundays from 5pm. sic, usually on a Friday night. The pub is all that remains of the Star Brewery, which EASTBOURNE closed in 1967. The Alexandra Arms has reopened follow- ing major refurbishment and is now part of The nearby historic Lamb Inn has im- proved of late with three or more Harveys
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 9 Sussex Pub Scratchings — continued
ales on the hand pumps. Opposite is the HARTFIELD Prince Albert with a refurbished restau- The Gallipot continues to gain in populari- rant featuring a classic gastro menu; the ty, not only as a pub. You can also call in real ales are Harveys Best, Long Man Sus- for tea and coffee and the homemade cakes sex Pride and a guest. come highly recommended. There are usu- ally three ales on offer, sometimes one FRIDAY STREET (RUSPER) Well-kept lo- served from a stillage behind the bar. Har- cal ales from veys and Larkins are the regular brews, but Surrey and Tonbridge Brewery beers have also been Sussex contin- noted. The food is also very good. ue to feature HASTINGS on the bar of Hastings continues to provide a variety of the Royal Oak. outlets for real ale. In the town centre the The guests John Logie Baird (JD Wetherspoon) has frequently come from the West Country, improved the consistency level of its ales. with ales from Bays, Box Steam, Bristol It provides a welcome complement to the Beer Factory and Otter recently appearing. Havelock, directly opposite, which offers Occasionally they are from further afield, a variety of LocAle brews plus Timothy with Growler and Saltaire ales also noted. Taylor Landlord, with 50p off on Thurs- days, too! GRAFFHAM The Sussex Bus to the Pub group enjoyed a The Old Town has some outstanding pubs, very pleasant sojourn at the fine, rural For- with a new outlet in the Whistle Trago in esters Arms, nestling just below the George Street. It is al- South Downs, where we found excellent ready LocAle accredited Langham Flor-Ale, Harveys Best and Long with two Hastings beers Man Copper Hop. on, which went down At the time of reporting (June) the White extremely well during a Horse is closed pending refurbishment. recent visit. The Lord Nelson now has three HAILSHAM hand pumps and both the Well respected Courage Directors and landlord, Darren Lord Nelson Young’s Bitter were Lawrence, left the found in excellent condi- Kings Head tion. The Stag serves Shepherd Neame (Harveys) at the beers to a consistently high standard. The end of April. It had Dolphin, local gained an excellent branch Pub of the reputation as a lo- Year, and the cal community pub after Darren’s arrival in Jenny Lind both 2006, especially renowned for the quality serve an excellent of its ales, winning the local CAMRA array of ales, branch Pub of the Year award in 2011. On Jenny Lind while the First In his last night the pub was full for the send Last Out stocks off, which included surprise live-music a fine range of its own beers, too. from a local band. Incoming tenants Mark and Anita have got off to a very good start HAYWARDS HEATH as the beer is as good as ever. A warm wel- The Star, although a Greene King pub, come awaits you during the opening hours serves decently kept Dark Star Hophead as of 12noon-11pm, seven days a week. a permanent beer and at the time of a late-
10 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Sussex Pub Scratchings — continued June visit also had on Copper Dragon prompted owner Chris Evans to immediate- Golden Pippin. ly put the pub back on the market at a price of £775K. It has since been purchased by a HEATHFIELD The Prince of Wales is currently closed publican from Surrey who had a previous (June) with new tenants being sought. pub for several years. So it is hoped that the Inn will once more open its doors. HOVE Planning permission has been granted for MAYFIELD the conversion of the former York House The Carpenter’s Arms has closed for the Wines off-licence, Richardson Road, into a last time. It is being converted into three micro pub to be called the Lion Mews Tav- cottages, leaving the village residents with ern. It is due to open in the summer, two remaining pubs. serving locally-sourced beers and ciders. MIDHURST A full refurbish- Long-serving landlady Jan has left the ment, with lighter Swan to join her husband Harvey at the and brighter nearby Wheatsheaf (H&W/Badger). Har- paintwork, has veys brewery is advertising the vacant ten- taken place at the ancy. The pub is currently being run by a Bell. A new temporary, holding manager and the Har- summer menu veys Best is still very good. has food deals MILTON STREET during The Sussex lunchtimes and Ox, set in an evenings, includ- elevated posi- ing a curry, burg- tion with beau- er and fish nights. tiful views of Sunday roasts are the Downland served. There is a countryside, heated garden and private functions are has been under catered for. Harveys Best, Bass and a regu- new ownership since April. The pub offers larly-changing guest ale are available with Harveys Best and two Sussex guests. Long a 30p a pint discount for card-carrying Man and Burning Sky have featured, while CAMRA members. the Brighton Bier South Coast IPA was in excellent form during a visit by the Sussex IDEN The Bell Inn is a friendly, vil- Bus to the Pub group. lage free house with beers from NYETIMBER Harveys, Old Dairy and Sharp’s, The Sussex Bus to the Pub group greatly all in good condition. enjoyed our first visit to the Inglenook Ho- tel where we were warmly welcomed into LICKFOLD The Lickfold one of several small cosy bars and enjoyed Inn was suc- excellent Dark Star Hophead and two of cessfully listed the stronger guest beers that this fine hotel as an Asset of is noted for. Community PAGHAM Value by Fuller’s are in negotiation to sell the Kings Chichester Beach Hotel to a supermarket, believed District Coun- to be the Co-op. According to the report in cil at the beginning of February. This the Bognor Regis Observer of 6 March, the
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 11 Sussex Pub Scratchings — continued tenant has been told his last day will be 15 pened with four hand pumps after refur- August. A petition has been set up to save bishment. The beer range includes local it, which one assumes can be signed at the Sussex breweries and Old Dairy. pub. The Ypres Castle Inn has PETWORTH new management. Of the Ian and five beers on, Old Dairy and Tracey have Larkins Best Bitter were celebrated sampled and found to be their first excellent. The other beers year at the were from Harveys, Stonema- Adnams and Cottage. sons. There The High Street hotel, The George in Rye, is always a was serving four Sussex and Kent beers. good selection of real ales at this LocAle The Dark Star APA was excellent. Prices accredited pub. Sharp’s Doom Bar is a per- are a bit higher here. manent fixture alongside guest beers from Sussex brewers such as Langham, Arundel, SALTDEAN Long Man, Hammerpot and King. A beer The Spanish Lady is undergoing a major festival was held over four days earlier in refurbishment. They hope to reopen with the year, featuring over twelve Sussex real six real ale pumps. ales and ciders. SELMESTON ROWFANT The Barley Mow has been closed but Rowfant House is now a real ale venue should have reopened with new manage- once again. All the pumps have been ser- ment by the time you read this. viced and Kissingate Ruby Plum Porter and ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA Moon were on for the last weekend in June. The Tower now has five hand pumps and Other beers from micros near and far will serves interesting guest ales, generally pale be subsequently available and, as trade or golden, at very reasonable prices. builds up, so the range will be increased. Please pass the word on if you can as Row- WORTHING fant House is fighting to stay open as a The North Star (Durrington) is offering 20p venue. Any support we can give them a pint discount for card-carrying CAMRA would be greatly appreciated. members. RUDGWICK WITHYHAM The Kings Head has recently changed The Dorset Arms reo- hands and locally-brewed Firebird ales are pened during May after available. some refurbishment. The original bar area remains RYE as such, although there is Notable pubs visited recently in this histor- now an opening towards ic town include the 17th-century free the restaurant area. Har- house, the Queen’s Head, where Frank- veys Best and Larkins lins Citra IPA was found in excellent con- Traditional are the regu- dition. Beers seemed to be selling well lar beers, with up to two there, especially the local ones. Card- guests also on offer (Hepworth has been carrying CAMRA members get a 20p per noted here). pint discount and 10p off halves. The Globe Inn Marsh has recently reo- Flickr photo credits: Jeff Banks, Stonemasons at Petworth
12 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014
Bus to the Pub
The Sussex Bus to the Pub Group Join us on our travels!
The Sussex Bus to the Pub group attracts Important note: many of the rural routes we participants from many areas of our fine use are subsidised by local councils. With gov- county and has been running for some five ernment funding to County Councils continuing years, so if you too would enjoy visiting to be reduced each year, cuts can and do occur different pubs with fine ales in friendly, at short notice. Just as we submitted this pro- informal and convivial company without the gramme at the end of June, East Sussex CC constraints of the car, then ‘Bus to the announced the possibility of significant further Pub’ (BttP) may just appeal! cuts in the months to come that, if confirmed, would inevitably affect us. Any changes to this Often there is a short paved or metalled road walk from the nearest bus stop to the programme will be advised to those on our pub. If it is more than an half mile then we mailing list so do please join (see below). will show an approximate distance and if it August is across footpaths which could be muddy or Monday 4 to Elsted; 09.33 train from Bright- uneven, then you will also see a walking on (09.57 from W’tg) to Chichester for 10.50 boot symbol. Emsworth & Dist. 54 to South Harting then With so many good pubs struggling to sur- road & footpath walk (approx. 2m) to vive in the current economic climate and Three Horseshoes (GBG) with one of the best County Council budget cuts threatening the gardens & views); return either as outward subsidised bus services that serve many via Harting to Chi or walk to Nyewood rural communities, join us in ‘supporting (approx. 2m) for bus to White Horse (GBG) Rogate then onto Midhurst & Swan (GBG) them’. Friday 15 around Shoreham; meet from Local Bus timetables can be found at: noon in Piston Broke (ex-Lazy Toad) then Old Brighton & Hove www.buses.co.uk Star micro pub (if open) & Duke of Wellington Compass Bus www.compass-travel.co.uk (GBG) Emsworth www.emsworthanddistrict.co.uk Wednesday 20 around Bexhill & Hastings; Metrobus www.metrobus.co.uk Meet Brighton Stn for 10.32 train (buy ticket Renown www.renowngroup.co.uk to Hastings) for Albatross Club & White Rock Stagecoach www.stagecoachbus.com/south (both GBG) etc Sussex Bus www.thesussexbus.com Wednesday 27 around Worthing; meet 11.30 at Brooksteed Alehouse then Anchored Some of you reading this may also be inter- in Worthing and onwards ested in Pete Brown’s bi-monthly Trains to London Pubs (TTLP) group (see the Diary September Dates). Wednesday 3 South Chailey & Lewes; 10.55 B&H 29 from B’ton to Lewes Prison for 11.30
14 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Bus to the Pub
Compass 121 to Horns Lodge then return to Coopers Arms (GBG) London Beers Fest Brewers Arms (both GBG) November Wednesday 10 to Pett; 10.32 train from B’ton to Hastings then 12.10 Stagecoach 347 Wednesday 5 to Crawley & Staplefield; ei- for Royal Oak & Two Sawyers (both GBG) ther 10.27 Metrobus 23 from W’tg or 10.48 Metro 271 from B’ton to Brewery Shades Saturday 20 to Henley & Lodsworth; either then 13.20 Metro 273 to Jolly Tanners (both 10.05 Stagecoach 1 from W’tg, or meet Chi GBG) or option from there for lane walk (1m) Bus Stn for 10.44 St’coach 60 to Midhurst, to Chequers Slaugham then 12.00 St’coach 70 to Duke of Cumber- land (GBG) then woodland walk (approx. 3m) Wednesday 12 to Laughton* & Lewes; meet to Hollist Arms Lewes Bus Stn. for 12.20 Compass 143 to Roebuck then return for Lewes pubs. *subject Wednesday 24 to Littleworth and Partridge to pub reopening so please check with Stuart Green; 11.00 Stagecoach 17 from B’ton to Windmill then onto Partridge (GBG) with the Wednesday 19 Brighton & Hove; meet from option to return via Steyning noon at Evening Star (GBG) then Hand in Hand, Dispensary and onto Lion Mews Tavern October (micro pub if opened) in Richardson Road Wednesday 1 to Royal Oak Friday Street Thursday 27 to Hope Carshalton Winter Beer (GBG); either 10.00 Stagecoach 17 from Fest; Train to meet 11.00 at East Croydon Brighton, or 10.27 Metrobus 23 from then 157 bus from Bus Stn (adj. West Stn.) to Worthing to Horsham Bus Stn then 11.49 West Street (stop opp. pond) Metrobus 93 to Kingsfold for footpath walk with some stiles (approx. 35 mins) to the pub December Wednesday 8 to Turners Hill & Lindfield; Wednesday 3 to Shoreham & Portslade; 10.23 Metrobus 270 from Old Steine B’ton meet noon at Old Star micro pub adj. to new (Stop D) to Perrymount Road HH (adj. Stn) for footbridge then Duke of Wellington and onto 11.42 Metrobus 82 to Red Lion (GBG) then Stanley Arms (both GBG) return to HH for local bus to Stand Up Wednesday 10 around Lancing (if Stanley Wednesday 15 to Yapton & Eastergate; micro pub opened) & Worthing; for Wander- Stagecoach 700 from B’ton or W’tg (check ing Goose, Anchored, Brooksteed Alehouse, Autumn timetable noting the need to poss. Selden etc change buses at Littlehampton) to reach Friday 19 around Lewes; meet from 11.00 in Sparks Corner in time for 12.15 St’coach 66 to Brewers Arms then onwards in search of Har- Maypole Lane for Maypole then onto Wilkes veys Xmas Ale Head (GBG) Monday 29 to Nyetimber & Chichester; meet Saturday 25 to Spa Valley Railway Beer Fest; Chi. Bus Stn. for 11.43 Stagecoach 60 to Ingle- 10.15 B&H 29 from B’ton Ch. Square to Sains- nook Hotel then return to Bull (GBG) and bury’s Tunbridge Wells for short walk to West other Chi. pubs Stn. for the ‘green-hopped’ beer festival For further info or to join our mailing list Friday 31 to Crowborough; 10.45 B&H 29 to Email [email protected] or ring Cr’boro Cross then walk or poss. local bus to 07817 058928
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 15 Bru News
local farmers’ markets and good pubs in the area. Nigel Bullen ANCHOR SPRINGS Littlehampton, 01903 719086, www.anchorspringsbrewery.com. A new beer is Black Bart Information here is mostly (3.8%), a revised version of supplied by the Brewery the mild with a hint of Liaison Officers named at blackberry. The other three the end of each report. The most recent additions to Brewery Liaison the range, Liberty (4.8%), Coordinator for London & Neptune (4.3%) and An- South East Area is Peter chors Aweigh (4.0%), Page-Mitchell. continue to sell very well. The Quaffer 1648 East Hoathly, 01825 ARUNDEL 840830. space as their location next Ford, nr Arundel, 01903 www.1648brewing.co.uk to camping sites and the 733111. It has been a very good Sheffield Park Bluebell www.arundelbrewery.co.uk summer with Sacred Sol- Railway provides an excel- A brewery shop is now stice (4.3%) and Lammas lent opportunity to sell di- open at 1 Quay House, Ale (4.2%). Black Velvet rect to the public. River Road, Arundel. It will (5.5%), a creamed oatmeal Jason Phillips sell the brewery’s cask and stout very popular from last bottled beers plus branded year, will once again be ADUR merchandise. It is planned available in both cask and Steyning, 01903 867614. to stock a range of unusual bottle. Very Special Old www.adurbrewery.com world beers and some local Ale, with the addition of Production has increased sparkling wines. The sea- dark rum, will also make a and the co-operative brew- sonal cask beers are being welcome return. ery has been very busy rebranded; new ones have David Platt supplying various beer been added, such as Sea festivals – Crawley, Arding- Dog (June), while some 360 DEGREE ly, Glastonwick - where established ones will be Sheffield Park, special beers were pro- renamed. A fourth bottled 01825 722375. duced, and also the White beer has been launched - www.360degreebrewing.com Horse, Steyning. The Sussex Bier is a paler The brewery has built a members have been heavi- version of the cask- steady network of pubs ly involved with the Steyn- conditioned Viennese style stocking their range, in- ing Festival both as beer lager – while a fifth is in the cluding the Indigo pub supplier and providing planning stage. The brew- company, Brighton. There brewery tours. A very suc- ery is again the main spon- are early plans to develop cessful tasting session was sor of the Arundel Festival a real lager, an oatmeal also run for one of their (August) and will be pro- stout and a porter. Extra newer outlets. Eleven dif- ducing high-quality collecti- space has been obtained ferent beers from the range ble beer mats to mark the adjacent to the brewery to are currently available at occasion. facilitate opening a retail Jeff Vinter
16 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Bru News BALLARD’S ing times. Sales are aver- IPA, Fat Boy Stout and a Nyewood, 01730 821362. age at present and fluctu- Belgian-inspired The Tripel www.ballards-brewery.co.uk ate quite considerably. Lindy. The 3.3% Thirty Summer sales are going Tony Harman Three, originally brewed well, notably to the Indigo as a tribute to our hosts at pub company, Brighton. BEDLAM the Hand in Hand and sold Bottled beer is also selling Albourne, 07955 684041. exclusively on-site, has strongly, and can be found www.bedlambrewery.co.uk now joined the stable of at The Tower of London New beers available soon core Brighton Biers and will and Hampton Court Palace are a traditional IPA, prob- be heading to a wider audi- (4.2%, golden, brewed ably close to 6.0%, well ence including this year’s especially for them). Other hopped with fruity charac- Great British Beer Festival English Heritage sites cur- ter, and a light, hoppy pale (GBBF). Red Rye and the rently stock bottled Wassail ale. Different versions of 50 Ways (to Leave Your but customised with their the Porter are to be devel- Lager) pale ale range are own labels. Western Sus- oped, including a batch now both also back and sex CAMRA visited the with the introduction of available in rotation. Watch brewery in April to brew vanilla character by using out for some single cask Jubilee, a 4.3%, hoppy, American oak rather than specials brewed on the special celebration beer for French oak. pilot brewery that will be Yapton Beerex, under the Peter Mitchell exclusively available at the expert guidance of head BLACK CAT Brighton Beer Dispensary. Jim Hawkins brewer Fran Weston. Du- Groombridge, 07948 adekademon (5.5%) is 387718. planned for August/ BURNING SKY www.blackcat-brewery.com Firle, 01273 858080. September. The following pubs are Barry Woodward www.burningskybeer.com those supplied on a regular The summer ‘Saison’ brew BASELINE basis: the Cat, West used elderflowers, picked Small Dole, 01903 879111. Hoathly; the Crown, from the South Downs, and www.baselinebrewing.co.uk Groombridge; and the gooseberries. A special The brewery has been Nevill Crest & Gun, Eridge, release of Saison À La bottling their beers since all stock Original; the last Provision (6.5%), fer- May. This opens up a two of these pubs, plus the mented in Chardonnay much wider market as Cooper’s Arms, Crow- barrels, will soon be availa- there does appear to be, borough, have Hopsmack. ble in champagne-type according to the brewer, David Moore bottles. A new 4.4% ses- excess competition in Sus- BRIGHTON BIER sion IPA, Arise, is now available in KeyKeg but sex with far too many The Hand in Hand, appeared as a one-off cask breweries all chasing the Brighton, 07967 681203. at the recent South Downs same outlets. On phoning www.brightonbier.com Beer & Cider Festival. It is local pubs they are well Funding and premises also available as the stocked with surplus beer have been secured for the ‘house’ beer at The Curry in the cellars. new brewery and this year Leaf Café, Brighton. The Peter Mitchell will see a transition from a brewery has been invited gypsy brewery to one with BEACHY HEAD to the Borefts Beer Festi- their own Brighton-based East Dean, 01323 423313. val, Netherlands in Sep- site. New beers to be www.beachyhead.org.uk tember; this is a rare hon- launched in celebration The brewery, like many our for such a new brew- include Dealer’s Choice others, is facing challeng- ery. It will also appear at
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 17 Bru News - continued
the Indy Man Beer Festival, The brewery is celebrating from mid-July, may also Manchester in October; after winning Beer of the join them. Two more spe- this showcases the most Festival with Devil’s Dyke cials on the way are a progressive, forward- Honey Porter at both the Polish ale using Marynka thinking breweries from Yapton Beerex and Craw- hops, and a Belgian pale across the UK, Europe and ley Beer Festival. Head ale. the USA. Mark Tranter has Brewer widdi and Assistant Andrew Wilson ordered six further 750L Brewer Dave have now oak tanks from Italy, to be been joined by a second FRANKLINS used for more experimental Assistant Brewer Ian and Bexhill, 01424 731066. brews. brew dog Wu-Tang. The www.franklinsbrewery.co.uk Ruth Anderson long-awaited third ferment- After featuring at the July er is finally in the brewery meeting of the Curious DARK STAR as a kit of parts being as- Beer Club, Eastbourne, Partridge Green, 01403 sembled on site. Franklins will be participat- 713085. Roger Coton ing at the Bexhill Festival of www.darkstarbrewing.co.uk the Sea and will also pro- July is about baking! FILO vide the bar for the Big James Morton, a finalist in Hastings, 01424 420212. Green Cardigan Festival, both the National Home- www.filobrewing.co.uk Cripps Corner, both events brewer Awards and ‘The The brewery is currently the first weekend in Sep- Great British Bake-Off’, is running at full production, tember. The team experi- scaling up to brew his pale with many beers selling ment with new beers: a ale at Dark Star. It will be- out. As well as the many brand new Mama Knows come the brewery’s August outlets in Sussex and Kent, Best (4.1%) has been special. Meanwhile, Dark FILO beers also featured at produced, as well as Star brewer James is off to both the Hastings Midsum- Smoked Chilli Porter the Hungry Guest, Pet- mer Fish Festival and the (5.0%), and couple of hy- worth, to learn how to bake Hastings Beer Festival. brid beers, Pale (4.0%) and with beer writer Pete While the regular beers Regaler (4.7%), which Brown. Will we see a recre- remain as popular as ever, have been cold-fermented ation of Wild Beer Co.’s occasional special brews using lager yeast. More are Sourdough Beer, or maybe such as Bourne Blonde to come while new ways just Beer Soured Dough? always create much inter- are being considered to Dark Star launches its Beer est. package the beer. Expect Club in July. Numbers will Bill Turner to see some of these new have to be limited, but the beers bottled by the end of idea (largely stolen from FIREBIRD the summer. The beer is their friends at Rebellion Rudgwick, 01403 823180. appearing much further Brewery) is to give access www.firebirdbrewing.co.uk afield, in the West Mid- to special events, tastings, The brewery remains very lands, Wales, the North discounts and other stuff. busy and has added two West, Yorkshire and even See part-time members to the Scotland! www.darkstarbrewing.co.u team. Weiss-bier, Fireweis- Mac McCutcheon k/beerclub. se, has been a huge suc- Clive Watson cess, as has summer ale GOLDMARK Saison D’Ete. Both Full Poling, nr Arundel, 07900 DOWNLANDS English and No.79 have 555415 / 01903 297838. Small Dole, 01273 495596. been added to the perma- www.goldmarks.co.uk www.downlandsbrewery.com nent ales list, while Pacific Celebrating the brewery’s Gem, which will return first year saw a 50% in-
18 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Bru News - continued crease in sales over the by Summer Beer Festival, second beer was St. Rich- summer months; another July, while Sussex ard’s Ale (5.0%). At the brewer, David Eastwood, Quadhopper will feature launch on Sussex Day (16 was needed and joins the at the GBBF. June) the Reverend God- team. Bottles of Sussex Chris Wright frey Broster (of Rectory Ales range are now availa- Ales) gave a short speech ble from the website and HAMMERPOT about St Richard, the pa- good wine shops. Mark has Poling, nr Arundel, 01903 tron saint of Sussex, a brewed a new milk stout, a 883338. band played ‘our’ national porter and the Secret San- www.hammerpot-brewery.co.uk anthem, ‘Sussex by the The brewery will be busy at ta (4.6%). These are be- Sea’, and a flag was raised many events and farmers’ ing aged to be available for on the flagpole by Edmund markets in the coming Christmas in bottles and for Jenner. The beer was vot- months, while their South cask pub sales. They can ed joint Beer of the Festival American distribution/UK be reserved by contacting at the South Downs Beer & Salsa Bar deal is almost the brewery. Cider Festival. Although complete. On the beer Jim Waterston presently only available on front, American Pale and draught, a bottled version Australian Pale, both GOLDSTONE may be produced if there is 4.1%, are getting great Ditchling Common, 01444 demand. A new regular feedback, with the latter 257053 / 07748 153735. beer is HarveysR, ruby- selling out in a week! More Amarillo (4.5%) and Rud- coloured at 2.8%, launched of both will be available dy Duck (4.1%) were on in early July. The Harveys over the summer months sale at the South Downs Trailer Bar will be in attend- along with Beautiful Game, Beer & Cider Festival; both ance at the GBBF again 3.7% tan bitter for the had sold out by the end of this year. World Cup, and Summer, the Friday session. The Jack Wilkinson brewery is continuing to 3.7% golden ale, single build up trade in East and hopped with Australian HASTINGS West Sussex. The Brighton Summer hops. Beers de- St Leonards-on-Sea, & South Downs Branch veloped for autumn have a 01424 850961 / 07708 have arranged a brewery couple of stronger and 259342. visit for Saturday 6 Sep- darker options in the line- www.hastingsbrewery.co.uk tember. up. It is planned to ramp up Paul Free Tim Walker production in order to sell to wholesalers across the GRIBBLE HARVEYS UK. There have also been The Gribble Inn, Oving, nr Lewes, 01273 480209. export enquiries for the Chichester, 01243 786893. www.harveys.org.uk beer in bottles and KeyKeg www.gribbleinn.co.uk Of two new beers men- from distributors in Italy The pub’s summer beer tioned in the last issue, that and Finland. Following its festival went well with eight for the Battle of Lewes was Silver Supreme Champion of the brewery’s beers and Priory Ale, (6.0%) only award in March at the SIBA ten others available plus available in bottles and National Competition, Por- ciders. A special brew for brewed using ingredients ter will appear on the the Football World Cup, that would have been avail- SIBA stand at the GBBF. The Brazilian (4.3%) was able to the monks of the Two ales have recently also well received. Gribble Cluniac Order at the Priory been brewed for local char- Ale, Reg’s Tipple, Pig’s of St. Pancras in Lewes in ities. The Hastings Beer & Ear and Wobbler have 1264 where a brew house Music Festival, run by Has- been selected for the Der- was known to exist. The tings Round Table, com-
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 19 Bru News - continued
missioned Pier Beer (4.0% Gold (4.7%) may become KEMPTOWN hoppy pale ale), 30p per a regular brew, and there The Hand in Hand, pint of which will be donat- are plans to launch a new Brighton, 07967 681203. ed to the Hastings Pier bottled beer in the autumn. Brewing continues at the charity. The other beer was Wealden Pale Ale (4.1%) smallest commercially- produced for Carnival FM, has not been brewed for a operating tower brewery in the radio station for Has- while, but is likely to ap- the world, including regular tings Old Town Carnival pear again at some point. favourites Thirty Three week, who were raising Jonathan Samways (3.3%), Gold (4.0%) and money for St Michael’s Red (4.5%), with occa- Hospice in St Leonards-on- HURST sional brewings of Black Sea. The Handmade range Hurstpierpoint, 07866 (4.5%), Cascadian (4.5%) has once more expanded 438953. and IPA (6.0%). The beers and full details can be www.hurstbrewery.co.uk are exclusively available on found in the Spotlight on What was Winter Watch- -site at the Hand in Hand Breweries section. tower is now brewed all brewpub, alongside an Peter Page-Mitchell year round, so has been ever-changing selection of renamed, simply, Watch- guest cask ales from the HEPWORTH tower (5.5%). 700 Sum- UK’s finest micro breweries Horsham, 01403 269696. mer Ale was available and an extensive bottle www.hepworthbrewery.co.uk throughout June as the selection. Summer Ale, light, re- Beer of the Month at the Jim Hawkins freshing, slightly citrus, is Green Dragon, Croydon. on sale until end of August Founder’s Best Bitter KING and available at the GBBF. and Keeper’s Gold both Horsham, 01403 272102. A green hop Harvest Ale featured at the South www.kingbeer.co.uk will be brewed soon, avail- Downs Beer & Cider Festi- Hopa Cabana, the World able in early September. val. The brewery is current- Cup special, with lots of Saxon lager is now avail- ly in the process of refur- hops and lime, proved a able in bottle. Work still bishing their Cold Room. big success, and had to be continues on the planning Steve Floor brewed three times in a of the brewery move. week to meet demand. Andrew Wilson ISFIELD Long Hop Summer, multi Framfield, 01825 750633 / -hop 4.1% ale, will be avail- HIGH WEALD 07803 716758. able through August and East Grinstead, 07836 [email protected]. September. Look out in 291430. Sales are growing steadily. September for the annual [email protected] Brewed for the summer, Following the successful June to August is Dr Rudi’s open day, as part of the expansion in brewing vol- Summer Ale, a light, hop- Horsham Food and Drink ume, Andy is looking at py 3.6%, single hop variety Festival, plus the return of further growth in beer vari- beer. In the permanent the multi-award winning eties and bottling capacity, range, Premium Blond at Old. which would need more 5.2% is Straw Blond’s big Mike Head space than there is in his sister with a tropical fruit KISSINGATE current unit. One-off aroma, marketed as Lower Beeding, 01403 stronger and hoppier ver- “dangerously drinkable”. 891335. sions of High Weald Best Imperial Pale Ale is no www.kissingate.co.uk and Greenstede Gold have longer in production. The brewery continues to joined the regular range for Peter Adams manage a very busy brew- local festivals. Ashurst ing schedule with in-
20 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Bru News - continued creased demand from JD is still available. Autumn running until September. Wetherspoon and a third will bring an IPA using Brit- The new kegged craft ale, summer season with the ish hops, and possibly a Crafty Blonde (4.1%), Drink In Brighton pub coffee porter in partnership was launched a month group. Supplies to the free with a local coffee roaster. ahead of schedule to posi- house trade have in- Ruth Anderson tive reviews. Bottled sales creased as more pubs in are continuing to grow, the South East region LANGHAM helped by the new de- stock Kissingate beers. Lodsworth, Petworth, signed gift box; the range The beers have also show- 01798 860861. so far includes Best Bitter, cased in most of the major www.langhambrewery.co.uk Long Blonde and APA UK festivals throughout Busy times up at Lods- and will likely be added to 2014. The team was partic- worth with the new beer, by a few more later in the ularly proud to win joint Sussex Saison, (3.8%, year. The brewery has beer of the South Downs cloudy, zesty, pale golden, expanded into the farm Beer & Cider Festival with farmhouse-style) winning with a new, bigger cold their Stout Extreme Jamai- LocAle Beer of Festival at store, warehouse, and a ca. In show for the third the Yapton Beerex. The new van. Will Daniels has year running at the GBBF brewery now has SALSA joined as the newest mem- will be Black Cherry Mild. accreditation (Safe and ber of the team, another The brewery’s annual Local Supplier Approval). experienced bar/cellarman Spring Festival was well Trips out to Sussex pubs seeking to gain more attended; their Octoberfest for Meet the Brewer eve- knowledge of the brewing is on Saturday 25 October. nings are still proving pop- side of things. Roy Bray ular. Scott O’Rourke Peter Luff KITCHEN GARDEN NAKED Sheffield Park, 01825 LISTER’S Lancing, 01903 791230. 790775. Ford, 07775 853412. [email protected] www.kitchengardenbrewery.co.uk The brewery is moving into Three new beers will be Production has been sus- what will be a 5-barrel plant out before the end of Sep- pended indefinitely. on Ford Lane. Philip Waite tember: Intergorse, a 5.5% Jason Phillips is waiting for equipment to IPA with freshly foraged arrive and hopes to be up gorse from the South LAINE and running in August Downs; a 5.0% wheat beer The North Laine, Brighton, when he will introduce a in Hefeweizen style; and a 01273 683666. golden ale alongside his www.drinkinbrighton.co.uk/north-laine 4.6% fresh peach lager. current Best Bitter. The brewery has added The brewery has brought Glenn Johnson back its 3.5%, light, bright, two conditioning tanks and pale, session beer, perfect LONG MAN switched from their own for a summer’s day, this Litlington, 01323 871850 / plastic casks to CBR steel year called Summer Ses- 07976 777992. rentals. sions. A new 4.0% beer, www.longmanbrewery.com Roy Bond Gold Standard, is availa- After its popularity as the PIN UP ble, made using Amarillo spring seasonal, Copper Southwick, 01273 411127. and Brewers Gold hops. Hop (4.2%) has now be- www.pinupbrewingco.com RPA was rebranded for come a permanent beer. The two owners, Jonny the World Cup as COPA Award-winning Golden and Laurie, are settling into (4.6%, using Mosaic hops). Tipple (5.0%) has made a their spacious unit at Crazy 8 (5.3% Black IPA) welcome summer return, Southwick. They brought
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 21 Bru News - continued
their 5-barrel plant with Paul Free based, has a smoke house them from Crowborough used to smoke meat for the and are having the three ROTHER VALLEY on-site butchers. Turners temperature-controlled Northiam, 01797 252922 / will be experimenting with fermenters enlarged. Four 07798 877551. smoked grains for new regular beers are Pale Ale Following from its connec- beers over the coming (5.1%), Milk Stout (4.5%), tions with the Kent and weeks. A beautiful field for Red Head (4.2%) and East Sussex Railway, the growing hops has also Honey Brown (4.0%), brewery produced a new been set aside on the farm. with about a quarter of the bottled beer, Old Tank Wa- If anyone out there is inter- output of the first two being ter, to assist in raising ested in getting involved in bottled off-site, in 330ml funds towards the restora- this fantastic project, bottles. These seem to find tion of GWR tank engine please get in touch. The a ready market in London- 4253. The profits on the brewery also offers bar area bars! They are not sale of this beer to date hire, pump installations and taking brewery visits yet, exceed £2000. The resto- cellar services. though the local branch is ration project recently Jason Phillips hoping to book one later. passed a milestone with They appreciate the role the completion of one of WELTONS that CAMRA has played in the engine’s two water Horsham, 01403 242901. the hugely expanding small tanks and, to celebrate this www.weltonsbeer.co.uk -brewery market. Much event, the brewery pro- Extra casks have been output goes out through duced another new bottled bought to keep up with wholesalers (pallets of E- beer, New Tank Engine, demand, and some unusu- Casks!), some to the Drink released at the end of July. al hops acquired, such as In Brighton pub group and Dawn Lincoln Canterbury-grown North Downs and Zeus from the sometimes to the nearby TOP NOTCH Stanley Arms. There is still USA, as Weltons continue Haywards Heath, 07963 a bit of an Essex connec- to brew hoppy beers along- 829368 side the more malty ones. tion, having had their very [email protected] first brews done at Harwich Regular beers are Pride ‘n’ Flare-Path, 5.5% Ameri- Joy (2.8%), Sussex Pride Town Brewery. can Amber Ale, debuted to Adrian Towler (4.0%), Old Cocky (4.3%), popular demand (drank-out Export Stout (4.7%), Old RECTORY in the top five) at the South Harry (5.2%), and the new Streat, 01273 890570. Downs Beer & Cider Festi- Horsham Pale (3.7%, and O Valiant Hearts and val. It is available in limited already selling very well). Rector’s Revenge were quantities in cask and Look out in August for Hur- supplied to the South 500ml bottles. ricane (4.1%), Gladiator Downs Beer & Cider Festi- Keith Newell (4.6%), Ice Cool Beer val. The first of these beers TURNERS (5.0%) and Cherry Blond is reverting to its original Ringmer, 08456 892689. (5.4%). Brewed for the recipe to produce a dark www.turnersbrewery.com Horsham Beer Festival, 13- rather than a light-coloured [email protected] 14 September, is Ham- beer as appeared at the A new Citra hop beer is on merpond Dark (6.3%). Sussex Branches Beer & its way, while a real lager is See this issue’s diary dates Cider Festival. Godfrey and in its final stage of testing page for brewery-related the brewery were featured and will also be available events. in the June edition of Viva soon. Highfield Farm, Nigel Bullen Lewes magazine under the where the brewery is headline ‘Man of the Froth’.
22 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014
Cider and Perry CIDER HOUSE NOTES
IT’S NOT ALL PIE IN THE SKY… “This is my first year as a commercial cider maker, although I did start crafting it in Village Green Cider Company, Ben 2008. As its popularity grew so did the Fairall, Turners Hill, West Sussex, 07731 scale. Last year, I invested in a ‘cider 324871, [email protected] house’ that from the outside looks like a garden shed, but on the inside there are easy to clean surfaces and also my pride and joy - a home made 20-ton hydraulic cider press. This year I was very lucky with apples, getting a mixture of cookers, crab apple varieties from my back-garden five trees as well as from a small farm in Cuck- field (another five trees). These are all ma- ture trees that produce a large number of apples. Getting a good-tasting cider is all about getting this mix right, which can be Yet another small cidermaker has burst more challenging when there are not lots of onto the scene, and with an impressive first specific cider varieties on your door step. I batch, though he has been making on a am always looking for good quality sup- very small scale for a little while. Ben plies of apples”. Fairall’s Village Green Cider Company started with a modest nine-pint demijohn of “I have sold mainly direct to pubs and festi- cider in 2008, being born out of a need to vals; this has allowed me to get as much stop his mum making too many apple pies, feedback on the cider as possible as this and inspired by a tour of a cider farm. He little project begins to grow. The better kept on experimenting and increasing his links I can have with local landlords the production until he was happy enough with better I can support the pub industry, as the cider to “go commercial”, though he is well as allowing as many people as possi- still only producing 800 pints (only almost ble to enjoy Village Green cider - although 90 times his first batch!). that has become harder this year as I have now sold out all but two kegs! If anyone Ben is a mere stripling at only 23, his main would like to have a tour of the cider house job being supporting IT systems for the or get involved in production, then I would NHS (can you persuade the NHS to pro- be happy to show them the ropes. Just get vide cider on prescription, Ben?), and ci- in touch on the Village Green Cider Face- dermaking is his hobby. He spends as much book Page.” time as possible being involved in local projects and helping local people with ei- I wish Ben all the best in his venture, as he ther IT issues or turning their apples into is doing it for all the right reasons and pro- juice/cider. He studied at UEA where his ducing some well-crafted cider at the same business plan for Village Green Cider was time; I tried his Dry and his Medium at one of the finalists for the EUREKA busi- Crawley Beer & Cider Festival, and both ness plan competition. were very good. I’ll let him tell you a bit about his business Slugbite Cider, David John Troake, Slug- in his own words: wash Brewing Co, Hurstpierpoint, East
24 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Cider and Perry
Sussex, 07971 954357, after Slugwash Lane in mid Sussex, and the [email protected] name “Slugbite” was created. Along with most other Sussex cidermakers, David’s Another new cidermaker, David John Slugbite was available at the Sussex Troake, of Hurst Brewery, about ten years Branches Beer & Cider Festival at Hove in ago also thought that “you can only eat so March, being served unusually from a many apple pies”, and started converting stainless steel cask – I must admit to think- the apples from his apple tree into cider. He ing that it was an ordinary steel cask, and did some research and bought a Vigo Beam worried that the cider would rot the steel press and a Fruit Shark and with the pam- and taste metallic, but although quite tart it phlet from Middle Farm got started. The was fine! May Slugbite continue to be cider made from his tree and a few other ‘slugged’ by many cider drinkers. donations was drinkable but only just, so in the second year they became more profes- sional. Getting the Andrew Lea book, Craft Cider Making, was invaluable and select- ing the correct apples made all the differ- ence. As such, the tree in the garden has been relegated to juice only. They currently produce between 600-800 litres a year. David and his team ferment out in small casks, allowing blending with- out spoiling of the whole production run. They have produced cider using both the addition of yeast and natural fermentation, the latter being the current preferred meth- od as the addition of an outside yeast made the cider very dry. The apples now come from several Sussex gardens as more peo- ple have become aware of the project. Ap- On a different note, the South Downs Beer ples also come from David’s father’s or- & Cider Festival was held at Lewes on 20- chard in Devon and from a cider apple or- 21 June and, for once, the cider ran out chard attached to an ex-pub in his village, before the beer! Cider of the Festival was the Red Lion. This pub was famed for its in Uncle Stoat’s (which, incidentally, is al- -house cider production before it closed in ready Regional Surrey and Sussex Cider of the 1960s, and thankfully the orchard was the year), and Perry of the Festival was not grubbed out as so many were. Black Pig Orchards. Any trips to present They use a combination of about two-thirds certificates will probably have already hap- eating apples and one-third cider apples. pened by the time you read this, but if you Five years ago they increased production have any ideas for events for October Cider sufficiently to put some cider into festivals and Perry Month, please get in touch with just for the fun of it and as an excuse to me: I will probably organise a Lewes Cider attend (not that one was needed!). Due to Crawl again, and an Apple Picking trip to the limited supply, the cider is only availa- JB’s orchard in Maplehurst. ble in local festivals, mostly in mid-Sussex Jackie Johnson and Brighton, so there are no general sales Surrey and Sussex to the public at the moment. To do this they Regional Cider Coordinator set up the Slugwash Brewing Co, called
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 25
Diary Dates
CAMRA EVENTS IN BOLD. For FREE inclusion in this column, contact the Editor; for PAID advertisements contact Neil Richards. Copy-by date and contact details on p. 3.
Aug 12-18 GREAT BRITISH BEER Aug 29-31 Ale at Amberley 9, Am- FESTIVAL, Olympia, London, W14 berley Museum & Heritage Centre, 8UX, www.gbbf.org.uk Houghton Bridge, BN18 9LT, 01798 Aug 14-17 Joint summer Beer and 831370, www.AleatAmberley.co.uk Cider Festival by the five pubs and bars Sept 5-6 PORTSMOUTH CAMRA of South Street, Eastbourne, BN21 4UP; BEEREX, University of Portsmouth the Dew Drop, the Eagle, Bibendum, the Union Building, Cambridge Road, Ports- Dolphin and Maxims will be offering a mouth, PO1 2EF, great selection of live music, DJs and www.portsmouthcamrabeerex.co.uk special food offerings on the weekend of Sept 5-7 Big Green Cardigan Festival, Airbourne, the annual, seafront air show Bar by Franklins Brewery, Hawkhurst Aug 15-17 King’s Head annual sum- Road, Cripps Corner, East Sussex, TN32 mer Beer Festival, South Road, Hail- 5SA, 07881 485771, sham, BN27 3NJ, 01323 440447 www.biggreencardigan.co.uk Aug 15-17 Stags Head Beer Festival, Sept 6 Weltons Meet the Brewer The Square, Westbourne, PO10 8UE, Event, from 12noon, Ye Old Stout 01243 372393, House, 29 Carfax, Horsham, RH12 1EE, www.stagsheadwestbourne.co.uk 01403 267777, www.stouthouse.co.uk Aug 15-17 Victoria Inn West Marden Sept 6 Ashstock Beer and Bands Festi- Beer Festival, 20 (mostly locally val, 12noon-11pm, free entry, John Pears sourced) beers/ciders, music Sat 7- Field, Wall Hill, Ashurst Wood, RH19 9.30pm and Sun 3.30-6pm, off B2146, 3TQ. Bar including 10 cask ales from PO18 9EN, 02392 631330, breweries within 20 miles of Ashurst www.victoriainnwestmarden.co.uk Wood. All day BBQ, music from local Aug 22-25 Duke of Wellington Bank youth bands, with Euphoria headlining. Holiday Beer Festival, 368 Brighton Parish Council 01342 823770, Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6RE, www.ashurstwoodparishcouncil.gov.uk www.dukeofwellingtonbrewhouse.co.uk (This is a revised date; apologies to any- one who turned up in June; regrettably Aug 22-25 Tudor Close 3rd Annual we were obliged to postpone at short Beer Festival; 6pm start Friday, open all notice) day over the weekend; 20 plus Sussex real ales from all over the county; Fer- Sept 12-14 Stanley Arms Autumn ringham Lane, South Ferring, BN12 Beer Festival, 47 Wolseley Road, 5NQ, 01903 243155, Portslade, BN41 1SS, 01273 430234, www.tudorclose.co.uk www.thestanley.co.uk Aug 26 Kings Meet the Brewer Event, Sept 12 -14 Prestonville Arms Chari- from 7.30pm when all ales will be £1.99, ty Beer Festival 12noon-midnight every Dolphin and Anchor, West Street, Chich- day with 15 ales plus cider, 64 Hamilton ester, 01243 790280 Road, Brighton, BN1 5DN, 01273
28 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Diary Dates 701007, www.theprestonvillearms.co.uk www.weltonsbeer.co.uk Sept 13-14 Big Bite Artisan Food Oct 9-11 12th EASTBOURNE Festival, Hotham Park, Bognor Regis, BEER FESTIVAL, Winter Garden, PO21 1HW, is expected to have a beer Compton Street, Eastbourne, BN21 4BP, tent featuring ales from five local micros 01323 412000, and a presentation tent holding Meet the www.visiteastbourne.com/beer-festival Brewer events at set times, including Oct 17-18 18th WORTHING BEER conversation and free samples, 10am- FESTIVAL, St Paul’s, Chapel Road, 6pm, 01243 839316, Worthing, BN11 1EE, www.aaa- www.bigbitefestival.co.uk camra.org.uk/wbf18 Sept 18 Train to London Pubs, Oct 18-19 BEER AND VINTAGE TTLP19, North London, details TBA, BUS WEEKEND ON THE ISLE OF Contact Pete Brown, 01243 552908, pe- WIGHT; IOW CAMRA in conjunc- [email protected] tion with IOW Bus Museum, edi- Sept 20 Meeting and AGM of the As- [email protected], sociation for British Brewery Collecta- www.iwbeerandbuses.co.uk bles, from 11.30am at the Bull Inn, 4-5 Oct 24-26 4th ANNUAL SPA VAL- Market Road, Chichester, PO19 1JW. LEY/CAMRA BEER & CIDER FES- Bring your brewery-related artefacts for TIVAL, Spa Valley Railway, West Sta- an Antiques Roadshow-style valuation tion, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 and possible sale to other collectors. 5QY, 01892 537715, Sept 20 Weltons Brewery Beer Festi- www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events val; ten beers at the brewery from 1pm, Oct 25 Kissingate Brewery October- tutored tastings at 2pm and live music at fest, 11am-9pm, an extensive range of 9.30pm. 1 Mulberry Trading Estate, beers, two local ciders and a BBQ for the Foundry Lane, Horsham, RH13 5PX, hungry! Pole Barn, Church Lane Farm 01403 242901, www.weltonsbeer.co.uk Estate, Lower Beeding, RH13 6LU, Sept 26-28 Dark Star Brewery 01403 891335, www.kissingate.co.uk HopFest, celebration of hops and brew- Oct 25 Sussex Branches of CAMRA ing with free beer tastings, live music, Liaison Meeting, John Harvey Tavern, local food and loads more! 22 Star Road, Bear Yard, Lewes, BN27 2AN, 01273 Partridge Green, RH13 8RA, 01403 479880, www.johnharveytavern.co.uk 713085, www.darkstarbrewing.co.uk/ hopfest Nov 14-16 Prestonville Arms 15th Anniversary Beer Festival, 12 noon - Sept 26-28 Southdowns Folk Festi- midnight every day with 15 ales plus val, Hotham Park, Bognor Regis, PO21 cider, 64 Hamilton Road, Brighton, BN1 1HW, is expected to include a real ale 5DN, 01273 701007, feature with local micros, 01243 820187, www.theprestonvillearms.co.uk www.southdownsfolkfest.co.uk Nov 21 Train to London Pubs, Oct 4 Weltons Brewery Old Ale even- TTLP20, details TBA, contact Pete ing from 7pm; five dark ales plus Morris Brown, 01243 552908, pe- Dancers and folk music, 1 Mulberry [email protected] Trading Estate, Foundry Lane, Horsham, RH13 5PX, 01403 242901,
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 29
The Crown Family friendly community pub in the heart of Eastbourne Old Town. Large enclosed rear garden and children’s play area. Six real ales: Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Wadworth 6X, Young's Special and two guest beers. Beer Festival Friday 15th - Open Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Sunday 17th August Fri & Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 12 noon-11pm. 22 Crown Street, Old Town, Eastbourne, BN21 1PB, (01323) 724654 WILKES HEAD Church Lane, Eastergate, West Sussex, PO20 3UT Tel: 01243 543380 www.wilkesheadeastergate.co.uk Historic 17th century Inn 20 minute walk (1.3 miles) from Barnham mainline station Five Ales always on tap In the Good Beer Guide Cask Marque Approved Secluded beer garden Extensive seasonal menu with many home made specials Open Every Day All Day. Food 12-2.30, 6.30-8.30. Sussex CAMRA Pub of the Year 2014 Save Your Venue
owfant House is a captivating 468 years old, Grade II-listed Real Ale at R Elizabethan manor set in twenty- three acres of idyllic parkland with its own fishing lake and charming walled-garden. Rowfant The estate has strong links to some of the House most exciting periods of Britain’s history and its key figures, Sir Winston Churchill festival, and with the help of Kissingate amongst them. The house is now under Brewery, the Rowfant team have threat of being sold and, potentially, lost to transformed the delightful Courtyard Bar the local community forever. The into an exciting new beer venue. Bar hospitality business continues as usual until activity has increased significantly as news the end of September this year, but at this spreads of the beers that are now on offer. moment in time there are no guarantees as If that is not enough, the Rowfant House to what happens after that. kitchen is well renowned for preparing great food and updating the Courtyard Bar The management team, headed up by Lisa menu with tasty new treats on a regular Porter (CEO), Claire O’Neill (Marketing & basis. With a carefully thought out survival Events Manager) and Janet Finch (House & plan there is growing confidence that this Catering Manager), have decided, however, magnificent venue will stay open. Indeed, to change all that is on offer in the two as pub closures continue to dominate the main bars at the venue. Instead of news, it is heart warming to hear that a providing beers from large national great new beer venue is in the making. It is breweries, they are now in the process of now up to members of the beer-loving supplying to genuine micro brewers. They fraternity to support this new and exciting were inspired by the Rowfant House Easter venture. Beer Festival, which showcased twenty- five different beers from breweries such as Rowfant House, Wallage Lane, Rowfant, Kissingate, Siren, Brodies, Dark Star, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4NG, Tel: Magic Rock, Arbor, Animal, XT, 01342 714869, www.rowfanthouse.co.uk. Tillingbourne, Burning Sky and King, to Open Tuesday to Friday, 12noon-3pm and name just a few. 5-11pm; Saturday 12noon-11pm; Sunday 11am- 9pm. Following on from the success of the
32 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014
Spotlight on Breweries
Another Kid on the Block gutsy 5.1% Pale Ale is full of complex Another great new brewery hits Brighton: flavours and some of it gets bottled – not Pin-Up. Well Southwick actually, on the on site – in the 330ml size bottles along western edge and not far from one of our with the 4.5% Milk Stout. Both have a ‘pin favourite pubs, the Stanley Arms. So close -up’ on the label, of course, but not it could almost be the Brewery Tap – but outrageous like the Fallen Angel labels it’s not. Lots of well-hopped, well-crafted used to be! So where did the name come beer is pouring out of Pin-Up but not a lot from? Both owners used to be involved of it is seen locally. And the 5-barrel with the yachting trade, in warmer climes brewery is not that new, in that it relocated than Sussex, and, like wartime aircraft, from Crowborough earlier this year. Before many of the boats displayed fanciful that, they were brewing at Harwich Town paintings on the side of, well, pin-ups. And Brewery, Essex. One of the two owners, boats are, of course, female. This gave Laurie, still lives in the Chelmsford area them the idea of a name when they started and travels in several times a week. Head brewing, as they did not want to be labelled Brewer Jonny does live locally but a lot of with a local name, such as, for example, the beer goes in the London (and Essex) Adur or Arundel. Since they have already direction and indeed all over the country brewed in three different places, that via the wholesalers they mainly use for decision is probably quite wise. distribution; it is more convenient and, by using E-Casks which do not have to be Oh, the other two draught beers are the shipped back, there is less risk of loss. 4.2% Red Head at 4.2% and the 4.0% Honey Brown. There are occasional Both the Stanley ‘specials’ like the 4.8% Summer Blonde Arms and South seen at the South Downs Beer & Cider Downs Beer & Festival, but they do not plan to have many Cider Festivals of these. Will they be doing brewery visits? did, however, Well not yet, but maybe for the chosen few have Pin-Up; later on. After all, it is very convenient to and much of it get to. So if you look to the north as you’re goes to the speeding through Fishersgate station you Drink In might just catch a glimpse of their premises Brighton pub although they are somewhat buried group so you amongst the other businesses. Follow your will see it in nose, however, to the soft malty aromas their pubs. The and it is there.
34 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Spotlight on Breweries
Hastings Handmade SIBA Successes The list of 360 Degree Pale Hastings #39 took Silver Handmade overall in the beers has SIBA South East grown once Region Beer again: Competition held number 17 is in Tonbridge in Citra and July, also winning Cascade Gold in the Session Pale Standard Bitters (3.7%); 18 is category. Other Sussex award winners were Citra/ Arundel Black Stallion (Bronze, Standard Chinook/Simcoe Red RyePA (6.0%); 19 is Mild Ales) and Trident (Silver, Strong East Kent Goldings British IPA (6.0%); 20 Bitters) and Sussex Dark (Bronze, Porters, is Simcoe Centennial American Pale Ale Stouts, Old Ales and Strong Milds); Dark (5.5%); 21 is Columbus India Brown Ale Star Hophead (Silver, Standard Bitters); (6.5%); 22 is Waimea Pale Ale (4.8%). Hammerpot Australian Pale (Silver, Best Several early numbers in the range are also Bitters), Weltons Churchillian (Gold, being regularly re-brewed: number 5 is Premium Strong Beers); King Black Galaxy Pale Ale (4.8%), a permanent Symphony (Silver, Speciality Beers); addition to the beer portfolio; 9 is Citra Hastings Handmade 15: Mosaic Pale Ale Pale Ale (4.8%), 13 is Slovenian India (Silver, Bottled Beers and Gold, Bottled Brown Ale (6.5%), 14 is 3 Cs APA, using Gold Beers) and Handmade 13: Slovenian Cascade, Centennial & Columbus hops India Brown Ale (Silver, Bottled Bitters (5.5%), 15 is Mosaic Pale Ale (4.8%), and over 5.0%); Long Man American Pale Ale 16 is Ella & Green Bullet Black IPA (Bronze, Bottled Bitters up to 4.9%); (4.8%). Firebird Old Ale XXXX (Bronze, Bottled Porters, Milds, Old Ales & Stouts). There are now several strands to the range: Congratulations to all the breweries. Session Pales (3.7%) are refreshing, full- flavoured and hoppy; Pale Ales (4.8%) are Joint Honours powerfully single-hopped with New World varieties; Black IPAs (5.4%) are hop- forward, with a subtle roasted malt backbone; APAs (5.5%) use American yeast and combinations of classic American hops; British IPAs (6.0%) are hop-forward, bitter, use solely English hops, and drink well under their strength; and India Brown Ales (6.5%) have complex sweet caramel flavours, and are hop-forward and moderately bitter. As with all Hastings beers, every Handmade is Harveys and Kissingate breweries shared unfined. All are brewed to cask, with many the Beer of the Festival award with their also available in bottles. There are typically following two entries at the South Downs half a dozen beers in the range available to Beer & Cider Festival, Lewes, in June. pubs at any one time. Harveys St. Richard’s Ale is a new, 5.0% beer that combines six different varieties of
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 35 Spotlight on Breweries hops from Bodiam, Burwash, Northiam, Roy Barber Salehurst, Udimore and Wadhurst, to Roy Barber, who sadly champion the hop growers of Sussex. passed away in Kissingate Stout Extreme Jamaica is a February after enduring 6.0% fulsome bitter and slightly less sweet ill-health for several stout. Its intense liquorice, coffee, molasses years following and subtle rum flavours are balanced with retirement, was one of fruit bitterness derived from Pacific Jade those unsung CAMRA hops. Each cask is heavily dry hopped to members who for many add intensity to the drinking experience. years could regularly be found quietly working at local beer festivals Jumping the Gun from Ardingly to Yapton, Hove and, of course, The Gun Brewery, Hawthbush Farm, Gun Worthing. Roy was a true gentleman of the old Hill, Heathfield, TN21 0JY, has been school, but at branch meetings - when the registered as a business. We hope to have occasion demanded - he could always be relied more to report on this in the winter issue. upon not to mince his words and to call a spade Thanks to Adrian Tower and Peter Page- a spade, as befits the proud ex-Royal and Mitchell for the Pin Up and Hastings news Merchant Navy man that he was. respectively. Stuart Elms On behalf of Arun & Adur Branch
Dear Editor firkins, a cask containing 72 pints, the dilemma of the publican is all too apparent! Regarding beer quality and choice, the rapid growth of both CAMRA and pub beer For many such publicans - and also those festivals, which helped spawn the surge in wishing to grow their trade and quality offer - local micro breweries and introduced more the answer to this dilemma can be the ‘pin’, a and more discerning drinkers to an cask containing 36 pints. Unfortunately the unprecedented diverse range of quality cost to the brewer of purchasing a pin can be flavoursome beers, has presented many almost as much as a firkin and with the publicans - in particular those who may not delivery costs remaining the same, the have sufficient or have fluctuating turnover at accountant may well say it is uneconomic. quieter times during the week - with the Encouragingly, brewers large and small in dilemma of how can they provide choice Sussex are increasingly recognising that, with without affecting the quality and condition of the quality and condition of the product at the product which is so essential to customer point of sale being all important, their satisfaction. reputation too can be at stake. By making pins available, the publican may then very Whilst the longevity of cask ale can and does well order two or more pins which not only vary considerably according to a number of ensures quality and condition and offers the factors - ranging from the brewing and choice that the customer demands but also conditioning process, its style and strength potentially gives greater exposure to the and the all-important cellar skills of the brewer’s range! publican in looking after a living product - to remain in tip-top condition the contents of A win, win solution for all! each cask on offer typically need to be Stuart Elms consumed within three to four days. So, with Tarring most real ale being supplied by the brewer in
36 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014
We are a country pub situated deep in the heart of Sussex. Here you will find a large selection of local and national ales on 8 hand pumps. We have an extensive food menu prepared from fresh local ingredients. Fresh local food served all day Friday to Sunday, and lunch and dinner Monday to Thursday. Beer Festival August Bank Holiday In the Good Beer Guide Friday 22nd - Monday 25th August 2014 and 20 beers including 9 from Dark Star CAMRA Good Live music every day Pub Food Guide Food all day every day Please check website or Facebook for timings Telephone: 01403 265028 The-Sussex-Oak-at-Wareham Yapton Beerex 25th (Silver Jubilee) Yapton Beerex Report lassic Yapton weather, warm and sunny, greeted the 1050-plus available in both a fined and un-fined C festival goers who visited this version. An emergency re-supply of the un- year’s Yapton Beerex at Yapton & Ford fined version was required due to its Village Hall. Over 500 of them took popularity. The LocAle of the Festival advantage to arrive or depart via the classic certificate was presented (pictured below) Southdown double-decker, open-top bus to Langham Brewery outside the Dolphin which plied the route between the hall and & Anchor, Chichester, during one of their the Murrell Arms, Barnham, near the Meet the Brewer evenings. The railway station, on the Saturday of the presentation to Downlands has been festival. The most popular session was scheduled for August. Saturday lunch time when 565 attended (of which 37% were CAMRA members), a larger number than the total for the whole festival in its first year of 1990. Festival goers donated over £300 to this year’s festival charity, The Alzheimer’s Society. As the festival was celebrating its Silver Jubilee, the breweries of Arundel, Ballard’s, Langham and Sawbridgeworth all very kindly produced Jubilee beers. There were sixty-five beers from thirty- nine breweries including twenty-two new to the festival (there were only twenty in Many thanks are due to the hard-working total at the first festival in 1990). The staff, especially our friends from Arun & number of ciders and perries was increased Adur Branch whose help is invaluable. We by 50% from last year but ran out again; so accept help from anywhere and even more will be needed in 2015. everywhere, including this year our good friend Christer who visited us from Beer of the Festival, as voted for by the Sweden. So please join us again next year festival goers, was Downlands Devil’s from 15-17 May 2015 for YBX26 Dyke Honey Porter (5.0%), which clearly (Wednesday 13 May for those who would demonstrates that people will drink dark like to help us set-up) when the fun will beers in the sunny spring season if given continue! the opportunity. LocAle of the Festival was Langham Jubilee Sussex Saison (3.9%),
38 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014
Brighton Branch Happy 40th Anniversary Brighton & South Downs Branch
he Brighton branch of CAMRA That formation date of Friday 13 clearly was formed on Friday 13 was not an unlucky day as this year will see T September 1974. A meeting called the 40th anniversary of the branch. To to assess support had well over a hundred celebrate, the Brighton & South Downs people attending, certainly proving that a Branch will be holding a social branch was justified, and so it was set up commencing 6pm on Wednesday 24 under the chairmanship of the late Ray September at the Swan Inn, Falmer. A Walder. The availability of real ale in buffet and some complimentary beer will Brighton & Hove was, at that time limited be provided and we would like to extend an to six pubs with only three brews available, invitation to all ex- and current, past and Bass, Courage Best and Whitbread Mild. present branch members. Anyone The only independent beers on sale were interested in attending please contact either Gale’s and Harveys, both of which were on [email protected] or top pressure. [email protected]. The White Dog Inn
The The White Dog Beer £5.00 one night entry or White & Music Festival will be £10.00 for all three days!! Dog on the 19th, 20th and Starting Friday 19th 21st September Inn is a September at family run country pub, Tepee 6.00pm until set in the heart of East camping Sunday Sussex with stunning available, 8.00pm views over hot food Good Bodiam and lots selection of of beer! Castle. local bands. Village Street, Ewhurst Green, East Sussex, TN32 5TD 01580 830264 www.thewhitedogewhurst.co.uk [email protected] Champion Beer Festival Friday 22nd - Monday 25th August at The Jolly Tanners All Great Beers Food & Entertainment Froth Blowers Friends of the Froth Blowers at the Watermill Vat been secured for charity. We were pleased to attend the annual plaque wetting of the AOFB on 10 May at what was the premier Vat No. 0, Swan Inn, Fittleworth, West Sussex. The £60 we he Friends of the Froth Blowers at raised was donated to our locally supported the Watermill Vat held their charity, The St Peter & St James Hospice. inaugural meeting last November at T Since forming we have been able to obtain the Watermill, Leylands Road, Worlds the following original AOFB artifacts and End, Burgess Hill. Three meetings later we merchandise: Member’s Booklet No. have full and associate members who are 345957, with an address in Hampstead; keen to keep alive the memory of the Blaster and Tornado badges plus a couple Ancient Order of Froth Blowers (AOFB), of branded playing cards; all full members founded in 1924 by ex-serviceman Mr Bert have AOFB cuff links, while a female Temple, in conjunction with eminent associate member is the proud owner of a surgeon Sir Alfred Fripp as a way of Fairy Belle wristlet. We all also have a raising funds for the latter’s “Wee Waifs” copy of David Woodhead and Ian Brown’s charities for (2012) The Zestful Gallopers, a full history deprived and of the AOFB. invalid children. Branch meetings As this is the 90th year since the formation took place in of the AOFB we will be attending a special pubs, clubs and celebratory lunch in London in September. hotels, We have our own Facebook Page: Froth humouredly Blowers at the Watermill Vat Burgess Hill. referred to as Join to keep up to date with future “Vats”, where meetings. The next one at the Watermill is beer was drunk in scheduled for Wednesday 27 August, jovial accordance 6.30pm. with rites, rituals Our Facebook page is: and regalia of a www.facebook.com/#!/ spoof Fraternity frothblowerswatermillvat?fref=ts. Organisation or Masonic Lodge. Information on the history of the AOFB is By the time of the available at www.frothblowers.co.uk. AOFB’s demise, in 1931, an Bob Oliver astounding [email protected] £100,000 had
40 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Known locally as Wipers this 17th century pub offers five real ales and locally produced food. Nestled behind Ypres Castle the pub is ideally located to enjoy the surrounding views from the pretty beer garden. Live music is provided every Friday & Sunday night. Ale at Amberley Ale at Amberley 9 his is the ninth year of Ale at Am- berley, a three-day Ale, Food and For further and updated details see T Music Festival, from Friday 29 to www.AleatAmberley.co.uk or Sunday 31 August, in the beautiful, rolling www.amberleymuseum.co.uk. Sussex Downs. Over seventy real ales, ci- ders and perries, many locally produced, Ruth Dewdney will be available with a selection of hot Amberley Museum food and a variety of music to keep your Communications Manager feet tapping. For Friday, Saturday and Sun- day daytime sessions the bars are open from 12noon-4pm. Friday and Saturday evening sessions are from 6-10pm. Sunday sees the drink-up offer for card-carrying LocAle CAMRA members who can enter free from The following LocAle accreditations are 2pm, with last entry to the museum at additions to the lists published in 3.30pm. previous issues. Alfriston: George Inn; Berwick: Tickets cost same as last year with normal Berwick Inn; Bexhill-on-Sea: museum entry for afternoon sessions, so Sportsman; Bodle Street Green: White these can be purchased on arrival from Horse Inn; Bognor Regis: Hatter’s Inn; 10am to enjoy the full museum at no extra Burpham: George at Burpham; cost, which is open until 5pm: prices £11 Chichester: Dolphin & Anchor, adult, £10 over-60 or student, £6.60 chil- Rainbow; Clapham: Coach & Horses; dren. Evening session tickets are in ad- Eastbourne: Hurst Arms; Eartham: vance only (unless some left on the gate), George; Felpham: Old Barn; Hailsham: £5 over-18s only. Buses will be run with Grenadier Hotel; Hastings: Havelock; £10 bus and entry tickets plus £1 p&p per Jevington: Eight Bells; Petworth: advance booking (however many tickets). Stonemasons; Wartling: Lamb. LocAle - the local branch initiative that For tickets phone 01798 831370. became a national campaign – has its own symbol in the GBG. Ask your local publican to source any of the superb range of beers available within thirty miles of their pub from the Sussex breweries listed in Bru News. Pubs closer to the Sussex border will naturally be able to source beers from any of the qualifying breweries in east Hants, south Surrey or west Kent as appropriate to gain LocAle accreditation.
44 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Matthew & Danielle Perry invite you to sample the finest Sussex Ales brewed by Harveys of Lewes, in an authentic country pub atmosphere, in the centre of Barcombe Village. High Street A very warm and friendly welcome Barcombe awaits you at this 16th century pub, serving real ales, fine wines, and a BN8 5BA scrumptious selection of traditional English and International dishes in 01273 400418 the pub and restaurant. [email protected] All our ingredients are locally www.royaloakbarcombe.co.uk sourced where possible and our food is freshly prepared and cooked Open Mon-Sat 10-11 to your requirements. Our main food menu is seasonal and Sun 12-11 changes monthly. We are Cask Marque Accredited and in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for 2013 & 2014 - and we are also on the CAMRA Ale Trail. Pub of the Year
he Arun & Adur branch chose as its POTY the Parsonage Bar & Restau- Sussex T rant, Tarring, Worthing. Wayne Lowrey (left) holds the certificate having had it presented to him by Branch Chair Pub of the Year Tim Walker. Awards 2014
Chris and Sigrun Brazier had still to take place by the time this issue went to press. South East Sussex branch for the second year running selected as their POTY the Dolphin, Hastings. Mark Little holds the certificate having had it presented it to him and his staff by Branch Chair Peter Adams (in white shirt behind Mark).
Brighton & South Downs branch voted the Gardener’s Arms, Lewes as its POTY. Lisa Osborne receives the Anthony Jenner Me- morial Shield from Miles Jenner (left) of Harveys Brewery, and the certificate from Branch Social Secretary Jack Wilkinson (right).
For the third consecutive year the Western Sussex POTY is the Wilkes Head, Eastergate. Branch Chair Philip Wildsmith (left) is delighted to present the award to Trevor Brown. The pub secured another hat -trick when for the third year running it was also voted the overall Sussex Branches POTY. Double congratulations!
For the second year running and the third time in four years, the North Sussex branch chose the Jolly Tan- ners, Staplefield as their PO- TY. The presentation to
46 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 Pub of the Year The Brighton & South Downs branch also pre- sented a Country Pub of the Year award. For the fourth year run- ning this was made to Mike and Linda Le- them at the Horns Lodge, South Chailey. As it was a beautiful, sunny June afternoon, the event took place in the gar- den where the members were able to enjoy the excellent beers, cider and perry available.
Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 47 History & Heritage Houses of Repute in Sussex: J. L. Denman and the Tally-Ho, Eastbourne
Based upon a philosophy of fewer and bet- ter, the Improved Public House Movement attempted to replace male-dominated dis- reputable ‘drinking dens’ with civilised ave Platt, Pubs Preservation Of- environments providing amenities other ficer for South East Sussex than alcohol, appealing to a broader section D Branch, with the assistance of of the population and encouraging moder- English Heritage and the Eastbourne Socie- ate consumption. As the Kemp Town ty, has successfully obtained Grade II-listed Brewery’s (1932) publication, “Houses” of status for the Tally-Ho, Church Road, Old Repute in Sussex, states, in sentiments that Town, Eastbourne. It was completely re- although now sound patronising nonethe- built in 1927 under the supervision of J. L. less make clear the principle of respectabil- Denman & Son for the Brighton-based ity, “a comparison with the old ‘Tally-Ho’ Kemp Town Brewery, one of the pioneers prior to reconstruction shows a tremendous of public house reform. Over a quarter of advance: here is a place to which a man can their tied-house stock was either newly take his women-folk without any fear of built or rebuilt during the interwar period. introducing them to unsuitable surround- ings.”
Eagle, Eastbourne
John Leopold Denman FRIBA (1882- 1975), in-house architect for the Kemp Town Brewery, designed practically all the brewery’s improved pubs, of which those buildings still extant include, in East- bourne, the Eagle, Railway Arms (now the Dolphin); in Brighton, Lion and Unicorn, Devonshire Arms (both now housing),
48 Sussex Drinker: Autumn 2014 History & Heritage Caxton Arms, Lamb & Flag (now Crowns), Nonetheless, Denman was doing his design Admiral Napier (now the Cornerstone), of the Tally-Ho a disservice. The fine and Queens Park Tavern (now the Hanover) largely unchanged exterior is constructed in Richmond Hotel (now a Youth Hostel); in stretcher bond brickwork and stone. Partic- Shoreham, Duke of Wellington; in ular features of note are the chequerwork Worthing, Jolly Brewers, and the Old knapped flint panels, the repeated insignia House at Home. of the Kemp Town Brewery in the form of dolphins and the letters KTB, and the metal and plaster hunting-themed frieze above the recessed corner entrance.
Brighton and Hove Herald Offices (now All Bar One), Jolly Brewers, Worthing This prolific architect, who had offices in On the Green Street elevation is a Wine Queens Road, Brighton, was reported to Office off-licence. That table wine could be have been disappointed with his vernacular obtained for home-use from a pub was a Arts and Crafts design for the Tally-Ho, civilised and forward-looking feature for thinking the resulting building “vulgar”. It the 1920s. Several improved Kemp Town did mark something of a departure in style Brewery pubs, such as the Clyde Arms, for him. Brighton, Green Jackets, Shoreham and the Wheatsheaf, Cuckfield, were fitted with Although Denman was schooled in Arts Wine Offices. and Crafts he was more famously known as “the master of the neo-Georgian” with most The Tally Ho closed as a pub in 2011 and of his buildings, such as the Brighton and today trades as a Steakhouse, the Two Hove Herald Offices (now All Bar One), Bulls at the Tally Ho. It was and remains expressing a refined elegance at odds with an impressive building, one now rightfully the eclectic dressiness of the Tally-Ho. protected.
Duke of Wellington, Shoreham Old House at Home, Worthing
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