BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:47 Page 1 F p le a R Beer Around ’Ere se

ta E k e E o n bae e Issue 164 | April - May 2012

LETTER B AWARD PRESENTATION

Also inside Spring Beer Festival Guide: Your guide to local pub beer festivals

Peterborough & District Branch of CAMRA | www.-camra.org.uk BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:47 Page 2 BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:47 Page 3

Chairman’s Corner | 3 Chairman’s Corner ello again folks. This is the time of year CAMRA we also organise events and social that I dread, especially due to one meetings throughout the year. We have decided H major factor, which seems to be that non-members of CAMRA would be most beyond our control. By the time this edition of welcome on these outings providing there are BAE is in the pubs, us discerning drinkers will enough seats left. (CAMRA members would get have been told of the latest price hike on our first choice). See our diary dates or our website pints, due to yet another increase in tax on for details. We already have three pubs nomi - alcohol. With an increase of at least 10p a pint nated for a Gold Award. expected, unless the chancellor reverses the long term policy of increasing beer tax by two per In the last issue I made an appeal for volun - cent above the rate of inflation, more pub teers to commit their time in helping us at this closures and job losses are going to be the result. years PBF. That appeal continues. Due to some CAMRA have submitted a range of changes to major changes to the staffing of the beer festival help our declining pub stock and support for this year, I should mention that we will only our small brewers. accept volunteers who have pre-registered to work on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Another report from the Institute of Public Volunteers may sign up on Friday and Saturday Policy Research (IPPR) highlights the value of a by turning up at the festival but, preferably will pub as a social value to its community. This is have pre-registered. Full details will be in our often ignored by MPs and local councillors who mail-out to members later this year. The website fail to oppose closures. The only statistics they to sign on will be activated by the end of March. seem to take heed of are the financial benefits. Community pubs are places where people meet Finally I would like to wish one of our long neighbours and support many vital services that standing licensees good wishes for their future otherwise would not be there. This lets me bring retirement. Ann and Jess Caprio have been the to your attention the fact that April is designated hosts of The Cherry Tree on Road, Community Pubs Month. You can support your Woodston for 16 years and will be calling time on local community pub in many ways. CAMRA the 31st of March. During their time there they members can send for promotional packs to give have helped to raise thousands of pounds for to their local community pub. The monthly various charities, held numerous events to What’s Brewing newspaper has the details on how promote live music and even pantomimes. They to get the packs. You can also go to are going to be living locally out in Crowland, so www.communitypubsmonth.org.uk and find out Jess will still be able to watch his beloved Posh if your pub is signed up. The main thing is to get football team. We wish them well in their retire - your pub to organise some events during the ment and hope they keep in good health for month to encourage customers through the many years to come. door. Cheers that’s all folks. April also heralds the local pubs beer festival season with at least one held every weekend. David Murray - Branch Chairman. A lot of work goes into the organising of these and they deserve as much support as we can give them. Within our Peterborough branch of

Peterborough Branch Website |www.real-ale.org.uk BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:47 Page 4

4 | Campaigning Update CAMRA Parliamentary Reception There is a significant risk that the Government will continue to impose the beer duty escalator which means that beer duty is automatically increased by 2% above inflation. This would be an increase of 7% which will result in a price hike of about 10p on a pub pint.

The Chancellor already takes over £1 in tax for every pub pint. As a result, pubs are under enor - mous pressure and 16 are closing every single week. Pubs are battling through the economic downturn and struggling to compete with rock- Colin Valentine CAMRA Chairman, left, Emma Reynolds MP, centre, Bob Jones, CAMRA, at the Campaign for Real bottom supermarket alcohol prices and this new Ale (CAMRA) Parliamentary Reception at the Houses of tax rise will widen the price gap further. Parliament, n the 6th March up to 100 MP’s and We want MPs to show their support for Britain’s Peers attended this years annual beer and pub sector by asking the Government to CAMRA Parliamentary Reception. The suspend the beer duty escalator to help reduce O pub closures, create 5,000 additional jobs and event which is held in conjunction with CAMRA was hosted by Greg Mulholland MP, chair of the ensure pub going remains an affordable leisure influential All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub activity. (See CAMRA’s Briefing on Beer Tax 2012 Group. This year’s event saw a rise in the number for more information) of Parliamentarians attending - up from 85 on the previous year. The Chancellor already

CAMRA representatives from the National takes over £1 in tax for Executive, Campaign Strategy teams and every pub pint. As a result, branches from across the UK were also present. pubs are under enormous As Public Affairs Officer for Peterborough I was also invited to provide a lobbying voice on the pressure and 16 are closing proceedings. (every single week ) Campaign Themes What can MPs do? Sign Andrew Griffiths’ EDM Each years reception briefing covers a small (Early Day Motion), or write to the Chancellor if number of key objectives. This is to ensure that they do not sign EDMs every CAMRA member attending can lobby indi - vidual MP’s on the main issues that are more Pubco reform likely to be acted upon by Parliament. It also Last year the Business select committee helps to keep the agenda relevant and focused so published a hard-hitting report which identified that everyone in the room, in theory, is talking serious failings in the business practices of big about the same things. Below is a summary of pubcos, which have been accused of deliberately the campaigns brief for this year: misleading pub lessees, charging unjustifiably high rents and preventing their lessees buying beer and Beer Tax: A Fair Deal for Pubs other products on the open market at competi - The Budget will be announced on March 21st. tive prices.

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Campaigning Update | 5 The Government’s response to the report recog - damaging the viability of pubs and brewers in the nised there are “unfair practices” in the relationship economy. Of course, in most cases, once those between big pubcos and their lessees, but pubs and jobs are lost they are usually gone from neglected to address these problems. Instead the industry forever. they’ve introduced a voluntary deal with the British Beer & Pub Association which will not be Sadly, the official line from the government, in enough to avert the disaster facing thousands of the form of a recent statement from the Deputy tied pubs. PM, was that “… it was a matter for the Chancellor to reveal his plans in the Budget …” On 12th January MPs held a debate in the despite agreeing earlier that “…we should support House of Commons and unanimously passed a community pubs which are so much part of motion criticising the Government’s lack of action the fabric across our communities across the on pub companies as falling short of their own country.” So we will have to wait and see on that one. commitments, and requiring the Government to commission an independent review of self regula - tion in the pub sector.

What can MPs do? Write to the new Business Minister Norman Lamb MP and ask him to commit to follow the clear will of Parliament and review self-regulation in Autumn this year.

Government Pub Support Package The Prime Minister has committed to deliver a “pub friendly Government”. The Government now needs to translate this into action and follow the example set by the previous Labour Greg Mulholland MP Government by introducing a package of meas - ures to support and promote well-run community On the other two key issues and on the basis of pubs. This package should include: progress so far it is evident it is not going to be a straightforward task to achieve the campaign * Business rate relief for well-run community pubs objectives. However, with some effort channeled at lobbying the powers-that-be at both a national * A genuine ban on below-cost supermarket alcohol and grassroots level we can at least prove that we ) sales that goes further than just Duty and VAT still have voice that can be heard. And, unless we wish to see ourselves priced out of our beloved * Improved planning protection for pubs local, or worse – our local priced out of our communities, we should all try at least to make What can MPs do? Write to the Prime Minister the effort to exercise it. and Community Pubs Minister Bob Neill MP and ask them to deliver a package of measures to Karl Simpson support pubs. Press & Public Affairs Officer As I write the Budget is now only a few days away so the first real test of any positive news on photographs © Hazel Dunlop the Beer Duty Escalator remains to be seen. [email protected] Recently Greg Mulholland called for a suspension of the Escalator arguing that it is counter-produc - tive to generating tax revenue as it is actually BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:47 Page 6

Pub News Around ‘Ere eing an intrepid sort of chap I occasionally taking place as I write as to what colour the toilets like to venture onto the less well trodden should be. Anything is preferably to the bright pink path. As money was a bit short this month they have at the moment! So, if you ’re in the Fens B and you think you deserve a warm welcome, a game my perambulations took me not to some far flung outpost of the Empire (is that still around?) but to of petanque or an evening of bingo I can certainly the Fens in general and the village of recommend the 5 Alls. I do however apologise in Benwick in particular. As we drove into the village we advance for the brightness of the bogs! could have been forgiven for thinking we were in the middle of nowhere and I ’m convinced my Sat Nav Whittlesey and all that briefly flashed up ‘Here be Dragons’ but I could ’ve It was our great pleasure to present the Pub of been mistaken. According to the nice gentlemen at the Year Award to Bruce & Denise of the Letter the Ministry of Statistics, Graphs and Sums the B in Whittlesey last month, and what a good population of the village is 860 which is a slight night it was too (see the proper write up some - increase on the 857 it was in 1871. This would imply where else in this issue). The pub was filled with that over the last 140 years for every new sprog drinkers and well wishers who had travelled from arriving in the village, someone else fell off the twig. far and wide to congratulate mine hosts on a job But I digress. The Five Alls is the only pub in the well done. Apart from the regular beers behind village and has seen a variety of landlords come and the bar there was a mini beer festival hosted by go over the years and to be honest it ’s been more or the Gruftons, a sociable fraternity that have made less ignored by us local CAMRA types as well. The their home at the ‘B’. Add to this the hog roast pub is now run by Becky and Gareth who come and a fine spread of nibbles and it turned out to from Essex and have been officially in charge since be one of the most enjoyable evenings in a while. late last year. On our visit during a quiet evening in After we ’d filled up on food and drink and wished January, Becky and Gareth welcomed us in and Bruce and Denise the very best it was a cycle offered us a choice of three ales one of which was an back to Peterborough in the dead of night Oakham, another a Titanic and the third being through the spooky backwaters of King ’s Dyke Bombardier. The pub is free of tie and can sell what - brickyards and the wind swept North Bank. ever it likes which may make their Diamond Jubilee Good food, excellent ales and the added adven - Weekend Beer Festival more than a run of the mill ture of cycling by Braille. Great fun. affair. The pub caters for the locals superbly with a range of activities to rival any pub. If you want to try Some of you may remember the Oatsheaf on your hand at petanque then Tuesday is the day to the Peterborough Road in Whittlesey which has do it. If you like bingo it ’s on a Wednesday and pool now lain derelict for some years. There were players are looked after on a Thursday, which takes rumours that a local businessman had bought it care of most of the week. Friday is reserved for darts several years ago but it came to nothing in the and you ’ll find entertainment on the last Saturday of end. Not wishing to get anybody ’s hopes up but the month. Their kitchen is fully operational and there are now a couple of ‘Sold’ signs adorning provides food Wednesday to Friday from 5pm and at the building. Watch this space. lunchtime and evening on Saturday. If you want a Sunday lunch it ’s from 1pm until 4pm but you ’ll South of the river probably have to book ahead. The ales tend to sell Stanground still has a few pubs and I ’m sure we ’re well which is also very encouraging. One of their very all familiar with the Woolpack on North St in the first priorities is to do a bit of decorating and to get old village with its many fine ales and riverside the pub up to scratch. Animated discussions are

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Pub News | 7

beer garden and bijou boat marina. The more next few months. The pub has declined in recent modern part of the village is catered for in varying years and the local residents deserve a pub worthy degrees and I ’d just like to give the Whittle Way a of their custom. The new ‘concept’ will be ‘Meet mention. The pub has changed hands a few times and Eat’ which apparently is a new idea by Greene over the last few years but now seems to have King although it does sound remarkably like an settled down nicely. Like any good pub real ale is old idea with a new poster. We wish them luck. obviously on offer and on my recent visit a pint of Golden Hen slipped down effortlessly. Not being A local beer fest or two a great fan of Greene King I was surprised at how Peterborough Town Sports Club shows up on non 'Greene Kingy' it tasted. Will I have to the horizon occasionally and not necessarily for reassess my views? Who knows but the Whittle sporty reasons. The club will be holding a beer Way has regularly changing ales so give it a visit festival on 15th and 16th June and will have a when passing. You can find the pub on Central respectable range of about 15 beers on offer. Square on the Whittlesey Rd behind Tesco Entry to the fest is free of charge but there will be Express (sort of). a charitable donation for the use of a glass, which is only fair and reasonable. Our friends at Digfield There is a fairly new pub to the area called the Brewery will be assisting the club with the cooling Applecart located in Cardea which is the new of the beers amongst other things. Entertainment development south of Stanground. This is one of will be provided by the Electric Warriors and a several Marston ’s pubs being built around the band called The Guards, and of course being a country, the other nearby one being in March sports club there ’ll also be a Hockey tournament called the Cobblestones . The pub is primarily a laid on with a bit Cricket thrown in for good food pub but it does offer the chance to try some measure. What more could you ask for? If anyone decent Marston ’s ales. The brewery are currently would like to sponsor one of the beers then Mick producing monthly beers using single varieties of Daykin at the club would love to hear from you. hops which gives us a chance to put a tick on our Call him on 01733 262202. The club is located off score sheet should we be inclined. The beer at the Bretton Gate in Westwood. moment is called Wai-Iti using New Zealand hops and next in line is Galaxy from Australia. A future St George’s Weekend beer Festivals brew using a French hop called Strisselspalt will soon be on offer which has got to be worth a go just so you can cover the bar man in spit!

South Bretton It ’s good to hear that Cooper ’s pub in South Bretton will be getting a huge refurbishment in the

The Coalheaver’s Arms in Park St will be holding their beer fest from Thursday 19th April to Sunday 22nd. About 50 beers on with music Saturday evening by High Rollers and Steel Union on Sunday afternoon. Don’t forget the Jamaican BBQ on Sunday either. Continued Overleaf www.real-ale.org.uk BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:47 Page 8

8 | Please support our advertisers Closely followed by one at the Hand & Heart Packhorse in Northborough! Mr Sharp and his from Monday 23rd to Sunday 29th April. daughter Nichole Falconer, who is half German Entitled the ‘St Georges ’s Beer & Music Fest’, were enjoying a drink in the pub and were chat - money raised during the festival will go towards ting, occasionally in German. It is alleged that the Help for Heroes fund. 60 ales on offer during the landlady pointed out that this was unaccept - the week and a dozen live bands. able and they should continue their conversation in English. Complaints ensued and we now have The Ruddy Duck in Peakirk will be holding a new people in charge of the pub, but not before festival on Saturday 21st from 2pm. Music by the the story made it around the world! One eyed cats and the Nuggetts. Don’t forget our St George ’s Sunday pub crawl. We’re off to The Star in Star Rd now has new people Stilton, Ramsey, March, Whittlesey and finishing behind the bar. Malcolm and Jenny Stevenson off in a pub in Werrington to compliment the have been at the pub since the beginning of ‘George & Dragon’ theme. Cost will be £8 for the February and there is a real ale on offer. Nip in day and leaves from behind the Brewery Tap at and say hello. 12.00. Book your place now by calling me on 0775 6066 503 or emailing me at steve@pubhistoryso - ciety.co.uk. Remember Sunday April 22nd at 12 o’clock. Book early to avoid disappointment. All welcome, not just CAMRA members!

Pubs changing hands and ‘doings up’ After a recent article in the local paper about the landlady not allowing one of the customers to speak German whilst enjoying a tipple, there appears to be a change of management at the

Beautiful traditional stone built oak-beamed pub just 2 miles from Stamford

FIVE Real Ales including Summer Lightning, Draught Bass, Greene King IPA + guests from Oakham Ales and Abbeydale and a Old Rosie Cider Open Tues-Thurs 12-2.30pm and 6-11pm (Friday from 5pm) Sat/Sun OPEN ALL DAY from 12 noon Extensive menu of good value home cooked food served at lunchtimes 12-1.30pm and evenings 6.45-8.45pm – advance booking advisable! 2 course Sunday lunch – just £7.95 Ample Car parking – popular with walkers – park up, pre-order lunch or dinner and enjoy the countryside!

• Covered smoking area • • Real Fires • Beer Garden •

nd nd Rutla Rutla A A AMR AMR C Year C eason of the f the S Pub p Pub o inter nner u r - W Ru Winne 2012 2011 Shepherd’s Walk, Belmesthorpe, Stamford, Lincs PE9 4JG Tel 01780 753081 BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:47 Page 9

Pub News continued | 9 The Three Horseshoes in Werrington now has isolated in that part of town.’, (Thanks to the new faces behind the bar and there is a new Evening Telegraph for this). Isolated? Really? The manager at the Boathouse down Thorpe Rd who is Brewery Tap thrives despite being in the same interested in selling ‘non Greene King’ Guest ales. isolated area. Situated next to a bus station with all The Chequers in Orton Wistow now has new of the comings and goings must make it even more people Becca and Michael running it. The isolated? Perhaps if they had leased it short term to Golden Fleece in Stamford should now have a likely landlord it might have complimented the reopened after a much needed refurbishment. Brewery Tap nicely and added to the pub scene in the city instead of being a derelict site. Troubles troubles troubles The Roundhead pub in Bretton has been temporarily closed due to ongoing and consistent problems. The police are reviewing the situation and the pub may be closed permanently depending upon reports.

A recent visit to March highlighted the fact that the Coachmakers Arms is closed. Hopefully this would have changed by the time you read this.

The Spade and Shovel in Eye is still all closed And speaking of demolition….. up and is up for sale for about £160,000. Any It was nice to see the Simmonds brothers of the takers? It's a fairly large pub with ample car threatened Ploughman take their protest to the parking and could do well in the right hands. opening ceremony of the Tesco in Paston. Tesco had gone to all the trouble of inviting the media to The Black Hart at Thorney Toll between show how good and caring they are to the fine Thorney and Guyhirn is now closed and boarded people of Paston by opening a new shop for them up which is a bit of a shame really. This pub is on when up pops a banner with Save the Ploughman the A47 and must have a million vehicles passing it all over it. The assembled hacks and their photog - daily so why has it closed? Thorney Toll looks to raphers spent a great deal of time covering the be a convenient stopping off point as there is now protest that the opening of the new store took a a new look Indian restaurant on site to compliment bit of a back seat. A nice bit of campaigning the Chinese one over the road. The pub should methinks. make an excellent third wheel, possibly. And Finally… We knew it ’d happen one day didn ’t we? The Thanks to John Rice for letting me know that the former 6 Bells , former Rat and Carrot and Red Lion in Eye is under New Management, former boarded up building has now been bull - Claire and Vickie have taken it over. Plans are for dozed in anticipation of the North Westgate a re-launch night and a Charity Night. Oakham development. In the meantime they have left a Inferno on tap when visited, St Austell Tribute part of the outbuilding still standing which will coming soon and will be a permanent Beer and house a much needed ‘hand car wash’. Peter they are hoping to keep an Oakham on perma - Breach who is chairman of Hawksworth, the nently as well. owners of the area said the demolition work was part of the long-term North Westgate retail regen - Cheers for now and keep the pub news coming eration scheme, which they were ‘keen to move on with’. He said ‘It’s a shame having such derelic - Steve Williams - Pubs Officer tion in the centre of Peterborough and we are 0775 6066 503 sorry to see the old Six Bells go but it was really [email protected] BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:47 Page 10

10 | Other News More Pub News

The Red Lion at is now under the ownership of husband and wife team Gino and Vikki Gioia (pronounced ‘Joya’!) , formerly at the Beehive in Peterborough. They have pledged to maintain the good range of real ales, supple - mented with a revised menu and a possible beer festival later in the year.

Five Horseshoes, Barholm Now under the control of Matt and Emma, the Five Horseshoes, Barholm (between Tallington and Greatford) is doing brisk business. They have made a number of improvements without affecting the ambience of this rural gem including an earlier opening time on weekdays (4pm) and ‘Simmospoons’ celebrate CAMRA major expansion of the car parking area. Plans Community Pubs Month - Andy, Stuart and for this year include expanding the beer garden Chris Simmonds are celebrating the launch of into the next door paddock, a series of outdoor CAMRA Community Pubs Month with a great music events and a beer festival/hog roast. offer for real ale drinkers. The Ploughman, Complementing the regular Oakham JHB and Werrington will be offering its whole range of real Adnams Bitter on our visit were Elland 1872 ales at £2.00 a pint for the 2 - 6th April while its Porter, Ossett Excelsior, Oakham Bishop’s sister pub, The Dragon, will be offing its whole Farewell and Marstons Pedigree plus Old Rosie range of ales for £2.20 a pint from Moday 26th - Cider Friday 30th April. A great opportunity to try a new brew or two in a couple of friendly commu - nity pubs.

Sundays Restaurant off Cowgate, Peterborough city centre are now stocking Oakham Ales - Bishops Farewell, JHB, Citra & Samuel Smiths Organic Lager in bottles to enjoy with your meal.

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CAMRA News | 13 CAMRA welcomes minimum alcohol pricing - In 10 years, the price of a pub pint of beer has Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive, said: increased by 43% ‘CAMRA is pleased that the Prime Minister is - During the same period, the price of a pint of seeking to support community pubs with plans to beer bought in the off trade has increased by a introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol to end lowly 1% pubs being undercut by below cost supermarket alcohol price promotions. In the last 10 years, the CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has today cost of a pint has increased by an incredible 43% supported the Government’s calls to introduce a in pubs but just 1% in the off trade – contributing minimum price per alcohol unit in and to a culture where people are more likely to drink Wales. The consumer group has stated such at home or on the streets. measures will help close the gap between on and off trade alcohol pricing, and give pubs a chance ‘CAMRA would support a minimum price of to compete in the current climate at a time when between 40 and 45 pence a unit as this would 16 pubs close their doors forever across Britain prevent alcohol being sold at below cost and so every week. help redress the growing price gap between alcohol sold in pubs and alcohol sold by the off CAMRA has found that in 10 years the price of trade. This move to end irresponsible alcohol loss a pint of beer in the off trade has increased by leaders by the large supermarkets will encourage a only 1%, whereas in the on-trade, a pub pint has cultural shift towards drinking beer sociably and soared by 43%. responsibly in well-run community pubs.’ The Bluebell Inn 10 Woodgate, Helpston Peterborough, PE6 7ED 01733252394

traditional country Inn set in the beautiful village of Helpston. Offering a warm welcome and a typical English pub Aatmosphere. We serve up to six real ales from national breweries and local microbreweries including Tydd Steam, Elgoods, Adnams, Fullers, Wells and The Grainstore Brewery. All changing weekly. Permanently available, exclusive to us John Clare Bitter 4.3% from the Grainstore. r e t h g u a l

S Good home cooked food served Tuesday to Sunday. Traditional

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c Sunday roast served from noon and daily 2 course lunchtime specials. i M

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e Small parties can be catered for Funerals, christenings, birthdays etc... r u t c i P

Ample customer parking . Beer Festival We are Also conveniently close to the hourly in it! Peterborough - Stamford bus route at a later date (mon - sat) BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 14

TMHarEke t DVeeIpNing E

29 North Street, Stanground PE2 8HR. 01733 753544 Up to 4 Real Ales available • Friendly village pub with riverside mooring • Large garden • Dogs welcome Food served: Free House with 5 Real Ales Tues to Sun 12 - 2.30pm, Mon to Sat 6pm - 9pm 2 Regular Ales EVENTS and OFFERS Vine Ale, Sharps Doom Bar APRIL and MAY - 2 FOR A TENNER 3 Guest Ales on selected main meals Stockist of Hopshackle Beers Thurs 12 April 8.30pm - Crib Knockout Sun 15 April - 4pm - Live Music With Alex Chapman Beer Garden • Large Patio Sun 6 May - Steve Bean plays Classical Guitar Sat 12 May - Live Music With Ramshackle Serenade - 9pm Telephone: 07501 465 646 Sat 19 May - Live Music With Kat Moore & Ian Graham - 9pm 19 Church Street, Matt and Emma welcome you to the

Tel: 01778 560238 Barholm, Stamford Lincs PE9 4RA A Traditional Ale House with an open fire Six Real Ales with four on rotation 3 Ciders • 2 Lagers • Fine Wine & Spirits • large beer garden • Pool room

Opening Times open f rom 4pm week days 1pm saturday and 12pm sundays Hogroast Easter Monday, April 9th BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 15

Campaigning | 15 Letter B takes the Pub of the Year Title impossible to support the brewers without having the pubs to retail their products.

Vice-chair John Hunt then gave some of the reasons for the nomination: “The thing that makes this pub more than just bricks and mortar is Bruce and Denise,” adding “…whenever you come into this pub the atmosphere’s fantastic, the beer’s fantastic and that’s what it’s all about...they run a traditional British pub supported by great local brewers.”

Former Pub of the Year 2011 winners, Andy and he award for the recently crowned Stuart Simmonds from the Ploughman, were also Peterborough & District Branch of in attendance to show their support, acknowl - T CAMRA Pub of the Year took place at edging the Letter B as worthy winners, the Letter B Pub in Whittlesey on Saturday 18th February. The Letter B, also recently celebrating a The celebrations were complimented by a fine HOP award for providing an excellent range of real selection of beers from both the house bar and ciders, was one of four finalists to make it through the Gruftons bar – staffed by the Letter B ’s to the judging for the top spot. However, when all (in)famous real-ale appreciation society. And no the votes were cast, the pub came out the clear Letter B event would be truly complete without winner and became the first branch Pub of the the fantastic buffet served up for the benefit of all Year in five years requiring no recount. the appreciative drinkers. All in all a great night and a hat-tip to all at the pub for continuing to The award ceremony was presented in front of a ensure a successful and thriving community local. full house of regulars and CAMRA members who were keen to congratulate landlord couple Bruce and Denise Roan and all the staff. The Letter B ARE YOU MISSING OUT? also received a personal note of congratulations Only the beer-stained copy left? on winning the award from local MP Steve Barclay. Get Beer Around Ere delivered Speaking at the event branch chairman Dave to your door! Murray said it was pubs like the Letter B that helped to carry the tradition of real ale in the UK: For a year (6 issues) send a £2.46 or £3.06 for “If we don’t support our pubs …. then real ale will 1st Class cheque/PO payable to start to decline yet again.” Describing real ale as: “Peterborough CAMRA” and your address to:- “…the only thriving product that is increasing sales within the drinks industry, even within the Daryl Ling, 19 Lidgate Close, Orton major brewers in the country,” he said it was Longueville Peterborough PE2 7ZA

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16 | Costa del Sol CAMRA on the Costa

David with his Cask Marque certificate

he Costa del Sol has been a favourite holiday spot for many years with guaran - T teed sun and cheap wine. But for real ale lovers it has always meant two weeks with no sign of anything even remotely representing good beer (apart from the occasional bottle of Belgian beer). However, at long last, that may be changing, albeit rather slowly.

We called into the Lounge in Avenida Bonanza, Benalmádena recently. It has been run by David and Shirley since last September. This is a sports bar with six large TV screens – not normally my sort of place – but it is definitely a community pub with a PC with free internet access, free phone calls to UK landlines and is the home of the Malaga FC British Supporters club. There is

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| 17 also free use of Wii, Wii Fit and Wii Sports and there is even a set of golf clubs behind the bar should you fancy a round while on your hols. “What is he on about?”, I hear you shout, “Why do I want to know about a community pub in Benalmádena?”.

Because on the bar, there is a handpump serving genuine proper tasty real ale. The beer is Saxon Bitter at 4.6% abv and not only does it taste good but it costs only two euros a pint – that’s about £1.80.

The beer is brewed by the Saxon Brewery, a micro based in Velez Rubio, Almeria. They use malt and hops mainly sourced from the UK and Nottingham ale yeast and can produce a little over 4,000 pints a week. They also produce Saxon Temptress at 4.6% flavoured with Andalucian honey and Saxon Porter at 5.4%.

Normally bars in Spain do not have cellars, so David spent around £1,000 for a temperature controlled cool-room in the back yard that can keep ten firkins of real ale at cellar temperature. The beer is then fed via a python system to a water-jacketed handpump. The beer comes out a little cool but soon warms up in the ambient temperatures.

The Lounge is also the first and, so far, only pub in Spain to be Cask Marque certified. The inspections were carried out by Steve Denny, an ex-Bass brewer who has moved to Spain. Ian and Iwona at the brewery tell me that they have other bars on the Costa del Sol selling their real ale and that they intend to get more of them Cask Marque certified.

If you are heading down this way then check out their website, www.saxonbreweryspain.com, or email the brewers at [email protected]. Harry Morten BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 18 BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 19

St George’s Pub Tour | 19 St George’s Sunday Pub Tour Sunday 22nd April from 11.45am on to the town of Ramsey where there is a choice of pubs including the excellent Jolly Sailor and the Railway which is the recipient of one of our HOP awards.

Moving on to the Fenland town of March we will visit George's (formally the George Inn). This is the first part of our George and the Dragon theme! George's is becoming very popular with visitors and locals alike and a choice of ales will be on offer. Just a few minutes walk away is the equally superb Ship on Nene Parade. Here you'll find a wide choice of beers, many of them local to the area. The Rose & Crown is not too far away either which also has a wide choice of beers. The town of March also has the Hippodrome, the newest Wetherspoons pub.

Our final stop will be the Dragon in Werrington which finishes off our theme nicely. The bus will be available to return you to the Brewery Tap after about an hour. You can of course stay longer and get the usual bus back to town (Citi 1 route).

We meet behind the Brewery Tap in Westgate at 11.45am for a 12 o'clock departure and aim to be in Stilton for 12.20. We aim to be in the Dragon for about 5.30pm. The bus will leave at 6.30pm to take those wishing to be dropped off back at the Brewery Tap.

o celebrate our patron saint we thought Cost will be £8 for the day. Please book in we'd find some excellent local pubs, visit advance to avoid disappointment and to secure T them and drink some ale! A simple idea your seat. You can reserve your seat by... but a good one we think! Calling 0775 6066 503 and speaking to Steve Our first stop will be the ancient village of Stilton Williams, Texting to the above number or Email and its four pubs (don't worry, you don't have to [email protected] visit them all!). Join the Peterborough CAMRA Facebook Group After a leisurely stay of about an hour we'll carry at www.facebook.com/groups/293908467305854

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20 | Please support our advertisers The Cambridge Blue (Real Ale Paradise) Diff erent Real 85-87 Gwydir St Cambridge CB1 2LG Ales sold from 01223 471680 17.10.07 24 We loo 14 k forward to th to adding is amount very soon!

CAMBRIDGESHIRE COUNTY PUB OF THE YEAR 2011! Cambridge and District CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011! Grand Re-opening Beer Festival Wed 28th Mar – 1st April

Come and see our newly refurbished front bar. 14 Real Ales (7 served by gravity), 12 everchanging world beers on draught including DeMoelen, Rogue, Liefmanns and many others. There is a huge range of bottled Belgian/USA and other world beers and Real cider straight from the cask

Opening hours Monday - Saturday 12noon - 11pm Sunday 12noon - 10.30pm Food service Monday - Saturday 12 noon - 10pm Sunday 12 noon - 9pm

www.real-ale.org.uk BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 21 B ee S r pr ing F / e Su s mm t er iv 20 a 12 ls GGrreeaatteerr PPeetteerrbboorroouugghh PPuubb BBeeeerr FFeessttiivvaallss LLiissttiinnggss ith such events as St George’s Day, areas that lack other social amenities - can be the Queens Diamond Jubilee and the devastating for the local community. W Olympics there has never been a better excuse to get down your local and join in A well-run pub can cater for all ages, offering a one of the hundreds of events planned over the place where friendships can be formed and provides coming months. a convenient stopping point for a family enjoying a bike ride on a sunny day. To help you plan your With there never being so many micro-brew - travel to and from these events we have also eries in the UK, not only will you get the chance included a brief guide to bus and train travel and to sample a variety of real ales you may never where to find further information and timetables. have tried before - including those brewed specially for the coming occa - If you’re watching the pennies, but still want to sions - you’ll be able to try enjoy the finer things in life then the pub your hand at traditional offers the ideal solution. From old pub games, take part favourites like steak and kidney pie in an ‘ale-trail’ and to the exotic tastes of Thai cuisine, history walks and many pubs offer high quality learn how this great meals – often cooked by award tasting drink is winning chefs . brewed. From acts including Madness and Of course there’s Vic Reeves, pubs have even been more to pubs than responsible for kick-starting the beer and skittles, careers of some of the biggest names in with 84% of people music and comedy. You never know; believing that a pub one of the acts playing in a pub near you is as essential to could be a star of the future. So whether village life as a shop you want a quick pint after work or a night or post office; and out with your friends; look in at the local, the closure of a pub you won’t regret it. – especially in In this section you will find listings of Pub beer festivals across the Greater Peterborough Area along with some transport information so you can leave the car at home. Enjoy! BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 22

Diary Dates April June Tuesday 3 April – Simmondspoons Night. Saturday 2 June – Norwich City of Ale This is to celebrate CAMRA Community Pubs Festival. There will be a rail trip to Norwich to Month. Meet at the Dragon, Werrington at celebrate the festival. The cost using 7.30pm. We will also be visiting the under threat Groupsave will be £10 . 00. If you wish to book a former CAMRA Pub of the Year the lunchtime meal can you please contact Mick Ploughman. Andy and Stuart are kindly Slaughter [email protected] or providing transport between the two pubs. phone 01733 390598 or text 07766 213240. Refreshments are also being provided at the Meet at Peterborough rail Station between Ploughman. There is no cost for this event but 09.00 and 09.10am to enable time to purchase could you please book places through John groupsave tickets. Return to Peterborough on Hunt so that we know numbers etc. the 6.57pm arriving at Peterborough at 8.25pm.

Wednesday 11 April – Gold Award Saturday 16 June – Oakham Brewery Trip. Presentation at The Ship in March. A bus will As promised there will be a visit to Oakham leave the Brewery Tap at 7pm and return at Ales grand plant in Maxwell Road, Woodston, 11pm. The cost is £7. 00. Please contact John Peterborough. This is a 10 .45 meet at the Hunt to book a place. Brewery for an 11 o’ clock start. So it is a chance to view how its brewed, sample some Monday 16 April – Branch Committee fine ales & have chinwag with the folks from the Meeting. 8.30pm at The Burghley Club. brewery. This is free but please contact John Hunt to book a place. Sunday 22 April - St.Georges Day outing. Calling in at the Stilton Cheese, the Admiral Wells, the Jolly Sailor, Ramsey, the Ship and also Georges in March. We ’ll try to fit in the 5 Beer Festivals Alls at Benwick if there ’s time. To end up at the April Dragon, Werrington. Cost will be about £8 for 4 - 11 April – Pig n Falcon, St Neots transport. - Easter Beer Festival

May 5 - 9 April – Charters, Peterborough Saturday 5 May – Kettering and Oundle. - Easter Beer and Music Festival Meet at the Bus Station at 10.00am. The last 6 - 9 April - Green Man, Stamford bus is back by 8.27pm. We will be using Day 17th Beer Festival Rider Gold one day cards which cost £7 . 20 Concession £5 .50. Group fares are also avail - 6 - 9 April – Rose and Crown, March able. Please contact John Hunt to book a place. - 4th Easter Beer Festival

Saturday 12 May – Train Trip to Chester. 19 - 22 April – Coalheavers, Woodston Cost approx £33 . 00 return on the train. Please - Beer Festival. contact Mick Slaughter for details. 21 April – Ruddy Duck, Peakirk - St George’s Tuesday 15th May Committee meeting at Beer Festival Cherry Tree - 8.30pm 9 - 23 April – Crown Inn, Uppingham - St George’s Beer Festival BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 23

Diary Dates | 23 23 to 29 April – Hand & Heart St George’s Beer 1 - 4 June – Dragon, Werrington & Music Festival. Jubilee Beer Festival • 18 plus Real Ales May 2 - 9 May – Pig n Falcon, St Neots - May Beer 2 - 4 June – Blue Bell, Easton on the Hill - Festival Diamond Jubilee beer festival 5 - 6 May – Angel, Yarwell - Knobworth Ale, Cider and Music Festival. (see advert page 12) 2 - 5 June – Cock Inn, Werrington - Diamond Jubilee Beer Festival 4 - 7 May – Dog in a Doublet, Whittlesey - May Beer Fest and Carrotfest 2012 2 - 3 June – Lord Burghley, Stamford 4 - 6 May – Rugby Club, Peterborough Jubilee Music Festival • Bands and DJ’s Beer Festival 15 - 17 June – Welland Valley Beer Festival, run 4 May - 6 May – South Notts Real Ale Festival jointly between 15 pubs (see advert page 25) at Nottingham Moderns Rugby Club. 4 - 7 May – Letter B, Whittlesey. Beer Festival. 1 - 4 June – 10th Bourne Beer Festival

10 May – Prince of Wales, Castor. Beer Festival. July 21 - 26 May 39th Cambridge Beer Festival at 29 June - 1 July – Goat, Frognall Jesus Green. 9th Annual Beer Festival

24 - 26 May Lincoln Beer Festival 6 to 8 July - Blue Boar, Eye Summer Beer Festival June 1 - 5 June – Millstone Inn, Barnack - Diamond Jubilee Beer Festival

Pub Merit Awards & Gold Awards The committee feel that pubs outside of Peterborough are missing out on Gold Awards and so they have introduced a new Merit Award for pubs that are continuously outstanding. If you know of a pub in our area that deserves a Merit Award or Gold Award then please complete the following form and send it to our Secretary.

Pub name:

Pub address/town/village:

Reason for award:

Your name:

Your phone number or e-mail address:

Your membership number: BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 24 BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 25 Beer Festivals section

www.real-ale.org.uk BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 26 Beer Festivals section Travelling around the ‘boro

Greater Peterborough is well served by train and Wansford and Oundle - service 23 and 24 bus services between all the major villages. There Whittlesey - service 31 and 33 are also many cycle and walking routes available March - service 33 for the more adventerous beer hunter or those Eye - service 36, 37 and 38 with families looking for a full day out with some Yaxley - service 46 excercise thrown in. Bourne - service 101 / 102 Market Deeping 101 / 102 By Train Crosscountry and Greater Anglia Trains run A full timetable is available online at services everyday from Peterborough to Oakham, www.peterborough.gov.uk/traffic,_travel_and_park Stamford, March and Whittlesey. ing/buses/timetables/ The service runs regularly from Peterborough station but check thier web sites You can purchase a Dayrider ticket on the www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk and Stagecoach services which allow you to get www.greateranglia.co.uk for accurate timetables. around Peterborough as often as you like all day. You can buy them from drivers and you can share Heritage Train services them with your family and friends when you're The is a standard gauge not using it. A standard Dayrider costs £3.50 and railway which runs for seven and a half miles lets you travel between Wansford, Elton, between Yarwell Junction and Peterborough. It’s Whittlesey, Thorney and Werrington - a bargain headquarters are based at Wansford beside the day out! for further info go to A1, the old Great North Road. The NVR oper - www.stagecoachbus.com ates steam and diesel services between Ferry Meadows, Orton Mere, Peterborough City Centre Cycling (Nene), Wansford and Yarwell Junction. There are The Sustrans National Cycle Network passes many lovely walking oportunities from all the through Peterborough and is designed to make stations and you are not far from a Real Ale cycling fun, safe and simple as you cover huge venue from any of them! stretches of the UK.

For further information and timetables please go One third of the Network is completely free from to http://www.nvr.org.uk/ motor traffic, using old railway paths, forest tracks, country parks and bridleways, and the rest Bus Services uses quiet minor roads and traffic-calmed streets Peterborough and surrounding area is well served in towns and cities. so if your having a drink - get by a fast and efficient bus service. The Citi Buses out of the car and on yer bike! by Stagecoach cover all of central Peterborough and suburbs. The majority of these services are Route are available through Whittlesey, March, every ten minutes and go until 11pm or later. Crowland, Eye, Northborough, Peakirk, Etton Further afield the following villages are served by and Helpston. More information is availabe at these bus numbers: www.sustrans.org.uk

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www.real-ale.org.uk BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 28 Beer Festivals section The Rose & Crown in March

20+ LIVE Real Ales 4th Easter Beerfest MUSIC and Real Friday 6th – Monday 9th April 2012 (Sat & Sun Evenings) Ciders Childrens bouncy castle • Charity raffle

PUB OPENING HOURS Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 12noon-midnight Monday: 12noon-11pm Pub food served 12noon-8pm 41 St Peters Road, March, PE15 9NA Tel: 01354 652077

www.real-ale.org.uk BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:48 Page 29 Beer Festivals section TTHHEE BBLLUUEE BBEELLLL Easton on the Hill Diamond Jubilee Beer Festival & Gala June 2nd-4th, 2012 Royal Beer, Cider and Perry Festival, All Weekend! Plus…

Saturday 2nd June: Monday 4th June: “A day at the races” + “Easton’s Got Talent- A Royal Variety Royal Beer, Cider & Perry Festival, and BBQ all day. Performance”+ Colin Adamson Hypnosis Experience “Red, White & Blues” FREE Music Event: music from local Bands (lineup to be announced) Sunday 3rd June: Village Fete “4th Annual Village Pet Show”, Lighting of The Millenium Beacon and Fire work Display THE BIG LUNCH Round the Village (and Pubs) Wheelbarrow Race! For further information, please see: Barn Dance with The Elusive Black Dog Ceilidh Band tickets www.thebluebellpub.com £10.00 including Hot Supper

The Blue Bell, 9 High Street, Easton on the Hill, PE9 3LR. Tel 01780 763003 www.eastononthehill.com Email: [email protected]

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The Prince of Wales Feathers Castor, Peterborough Tel: 01733 380222 9 0 0 2

r e t h g u a l S

k c i M

© Award winning village local in historic Castor. Close to the Nene Valley Railway & Ferry Meadows. Serves 5 guest ales & real cider. Walker & dog friendly. Home cooked food lunchtime & midweek evenings 6th Castor & Ailsworth Titanic Beer Festival 9th-14th May 30 plus ales (many ‘new’ beers) Live music from Dead Rabbits (Fri) & The Nuggets (Sat) Come and sink a few pints!

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f ro Ju m st P O o e nl ff te y th Spring at The Annual rb si e o x A ro m 1 u il 5 gh es C ity c Easter Beer Festival en GOLDEN t re Pheasant 6th and 7th April Music 16 Real Ales Fri night - Paul Lake, Country plus ciders and Knights, fruit beers Sat afternoon - Pennyless in the marquee Sat night - One Eyed Cats Starting Good Friday lunchtime Food available throughout. May Day Famiilly Fun Day Jubiilleeee WWeeeekkeenndd Help for Heroes Open Daily: Mon – Thurs Bank Holiday May 7th Monday 4th June 12-3pm and 6-11pm BBQ, live music, Fri/Sat 12-11pm Lots of live music, Sun 12-11pm bouncy castle rides, bbq and bars 1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough PE6 7DA Tel 01733 252387 Email [email protected] Web www.thegoldenpheasant.net

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32 | Please support our advertisers

Lincolnshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2009 Peterborough & District CAMRA Pub of the Year 2009 NOW SERVING SIX REAL ALES plus Ciders and Perries. Over 30 Malt Whiskies • Food served daily • 12-3pm Monday - Sunday 6-9pm Friday & Saturday • Sky HD and 3D showing Football and Rugby •

t. 01780 755141 Foundry Road, Stamford, w. jollybrewer.com PE9 2PP

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Gig Guide | 33 Rhythm

andG IGB GUoIDoE ze

7 April - Glass Heart - Blue Boar, Eye 5 - 6 May Knobworth© - Angel Inn, Yarwell 7 April - James Edmonds - Ruddy Duck, Peakirk 9 - 14 May The Dead Rabbits, The Nuggets & 7 April Pennyless - Angel Inn, Yarwell From The Sticks - Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor 13 April Shane Poole - Blue Boar, Eye 12 May Ramshackle Serenade - 9pm - Woolpack, Stanground 13 April Crayfish Rocket - Charters, Peterborough 12 May The Ghost Repeaters - Angel Inn, Yarwell 14 April From the Sticks - Charters, Peterborough 12 May Disco/Karaoke - Blue Boar, Eye 14 April Mickey Flynn - Angel Inn, Yarwell 18 May RockIt - Blue Boar, Eye 14 April Jimmy & Pep (The High Rollers Duo) - Ruddy 19th May James Edmonds - Ruddy Duck, Peakirk Duck, Peakirk 19 May Kat Moore & Ian Graham - Woolpack, Stangroun d 14 April Porky Pig - Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor 19 May Glass Heart - Angel Inn, Yarwell 15 April Alex Chapman - 4pm - Woolpack, Stanground 26 May On The Ceiling - Blue Boar, Eye 20 April Kickback - Blue Boar, Eye 26 May Les Woods - Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor 20 April The Kurmujun - Charters, Peterborough 1 June Children of the Revolution - Ploughman, 20 April Swamptruck - Charters, Peterborough Werrington 21 April East Coast - Angel Inn, Yarwell 2 June 101 Proof, - Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor 21 April The One Eyed Cats, The Nuggets & 3 June Nuggets - Ploughman, Werrington Haylie-Mai - Ruddy Duck, Peakirk 4 June Filthy Lucre - Ploughman, Werrington 22 April Adrian Duffy - Charters, Peterborough 9 June Overdubs - Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor 27 April Amy Woods - Blue Boar, Eye 9 June The Helix - Angel Inn, Yarwell 28 April Adhock - Ruddy Duck, Peakirk 16 June Conspiracy Club - Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor 28 April Glass Heart - Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor 23 June 101 PROOF - Angel Inn, Yarwell 28 April Amplified - Woolpack, Stanground 30 June Emerald - Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor 4 May Hooker - Blue Boar, Eye Please send any details for June / July gigs to 6 May Steve Bean - 3pm - Woolpack, Stanground [email protected] before 15th May.

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34 | Please support our advertisers

Freehouse

Comedy Evening ay May 4th Frid ns 3 Comedia are and Comp 8.30 Start cket £10 per Ti

3 Cask Ale pumps with at least 1 LocAle and others from far and wide Food served every day • Sunday Carvery Function rooms available to hire for all occasions Karaoke every Friday 8.00pm Quiz Night every Wednesday 8.30pm start

London Street, Whittlesey PE7 1BH Tel: 01733 351001

The Directors and Staff at Elgoods Brewery would like to thank Nick and Mandy for over 12 years of loyal and dedicated service at the Waggon and Horses at Milton where together they have built an excellent reputation for good food and high quality real ales. Nick and Mandy have now decided to call time and we all wish them a long and happy retirement.

Elgoods and Sons Ltd are looking for new tenants to take up the mantle at the Waggon and Horses and interested parties are invited to contact Robin Hotson at the brewery on 01945 583160 or email [email protected] BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:49 Page 35

National Pub of the Year 2012 | 35 First ever Welsh Pub to win CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year! The Bridge End Inn, Ruabon, Wrexham, has won put the product first and offered a wide range of the coveted title, less than three years after it was beer styles, he added. re-opened by the McGivern Family. The other finalists were: The success is all the more remarkable since the The Engineers Arms, Henlow, Bedfordshire; family were told that there was little demand for Front, Custom House Quay,Falmouth, Cornwall real ale in the area. and The Swan with Two Necks, Pendleton, Lancashire. Now home to a microbrewery, McGivern Ales, seven real ales and a selection of local ciders are available at any one time. Real Ales from over 100 Breweries have featured since opening, with the emphasis on local produce.

Licensee Peter McGivern said that the pub was a family business and a labour of love. They had strived to create a pub that was not focused on food and that they would enjoy visiting. They had

oar Blue B~ Eye ~ Selection of Real Ales including Oakham Ales Sky Sports • Pool Table • Darts Regular live music and Karaoke Bar snacks available Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes Home cooked Sunday Lunches Small conference room available (Weddings,Christenings and business facilities) FREE

46 High Street, Eye, Peterborough PE6 7UY Tel: 01733 222234

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36 | Brewery News Local Brewery Update Nene Valley Brewery Elgoods The brewery website http://www.nenevalley - The main item of news is the launch of the brewery.com has been updated to show the site Elgoods Dog Decathlon. A range of 10 beers avail - and address of the new brewery: Nene Valley able on a monthly basis and starting with Kick Brewery, Oundle Wharf, Station Road, Oundle, Boxer in March. The names are all puns on dog Peterborough, PE8 4DB. The premises are names matched with various sporting events. empty at the moment but it is likely that the Posters are up in the tied estate showing the existing plant will be relocated in early spring. beers. There is an incentive scheme for Landlords The specification of the new vessels has had to be who sell the beers throughout the year with big changed to more realistically fit the accommoda - discounts on the December beer. Over 50 free tion. Delivery is not likely before July. Demand is trade accounts have already signed up for the currently outstripping supply with BSA proving series. Black Eagle Imperial Russian Stout makes the more popular of the offerings. Rupert is still a return being brewed at the end of March with looking for more pubs to supply in and around the slightly altered name of Double Eagle Imperial Peterborough and when I spoke to him he Russian Stout at 7% They are also hoping to advised that he was delivering to the Hand and bottle this beer. Heart shortly. The brewery is commemorating the Diamond Melbourn Brewery Jubilee by re-naming Pageant during May and There has been no change to the brewery. At the June as Royal Pageant with a special pumpclip. moment tours of the brewery are restricted as there is no permanent tenant in the pub, who Tydd Steam usually conducts tours when there is no brewing Beartown at 4.5% was brewed for the Straw Bear in progress. A relief has been in since early festival. Swedish Blonde is making a return with an December and although the post has been open amended recipe and a new pump clip. The beer since then they have not been able to fill it. Tours will be 4.1% January ’s sales were up on last year will only run if there are enough people to justify but the last couple of weeks have seen a slow - the cost for someone to come down from York. down, partly due to the weather. The only other news of note is the website is being up-dated. Blue Bell Draught beer sales are now mainly confined to Hopshackle Brewery - Market Deeping private parties with a few sales to pubs. Five A new beer available now is Hopshackle American accounts have been lost recently due to closures. Pale Ale 4.3% which uses Citra and Cascade Bottled beer sales however are doing well, espe - hops. A well balanced amber ale with fruity cially to the Lincoln Co-Operative. The flavours and aroma, a malty background with a experimental bottling of Frightened Pheasant was clean bitter hoppy finish. Due to Amarillo Hops inconclusive. not being available Marillo 3.8% is not currently being brewed. Nigel has made a new beer called Emma hopes to brew the beer in April / May Hopshackle Simmarillo 3.8% the same recipe as and then plans to bottle it with a view to further Marillo but using Simcoe hops instead, very sales with Lincoln Co-Operative. The brewery is similar citrus fruity flavours to Amarillo with hint doing OK but has experienced a slow down in of pine. Black Mule 7% will also be available in recent weeks. Emma is still very enthusiastic April. It is a cross between a porter and an impe - about the brewery and is quite happy with the rial IPA currently undergoing 6 weeks way things are going. There are no new beers on conditioning. the horizon at the moment. BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:49 Page 37

Please support our advertisers | 37

9A North St, Stamford Lincs PE9 1EL 01780 765888 www.mamaliz.co.uk Food & Drink Awards, Winners 2011 Peterborough CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2010 Three ales served from the likes of Oakham, Digfield, Tydd Steam and Black Sheep Continental Lagers • American bottled beer Opening Times 12 midday to 11.30pm, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 12 midday to 2am Friday and Saturday, closed Tuesday. Please see website for our wide range of music entertainments for all ages and tastes

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38 | Please support our advertisers

The Jolly Sailor, 43 Great Whyte, Ramsey PE26 1HH

Tel 01487 813388 Broad Street, Stamford - 01780 763426 A FREE HOUSE Traditional Town Centre Pub with real fire Open all day - every day Five Real Ales and Stowford Six Real Ales available • Large Beer Garden Press Cider Including Abbot, Wherry, Bombardier Food Served Monday - Friday 12 - 2pm and two changing guest ales Saturday 12 - 2.30pm Good Sized Car Park • Heated Smoking Shelter Burghley Festival of Music Now Serving Freshly prepared food Monday 12 to 2.30pm Jubilee weekend Tuesday to Friday 12 to 2.30pm and 6 to 9pm Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June Saturday 12am to 9pm Bands and DJs • Hog Roast or Sunday 12 to 4 BBQ available on the Saturday. Booking is advisable

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Community Pubs Month | 39 CAMRA launch national pubs campaign to give pubs free publicity through listing any events licensees have planned throughout the month. Pubs signing up will be given free promo - tional material to help promote their events, whether it be the regular weekly pub quiz or a big one-off charity bash to get the community together. Kicking off proceedings on Monday April 2nd with Community Pubs Day, CAMRA CAMRA is to launch a new national pubs branches across Britain will be organising a wide campaign, Community Pubs Month, to champion range of events to promote their local pubs during local pubs which are at the heart of countless the Month. communities across Britain. Tony Jerome, CAMRA Head of Marketing, said: The aims are to increase footfall in pubs, to ‘We realise it’s a tough time out there for pubs at encourage more publicans to promote new or the moment – as CAMRA’s new pub closure existing events to attract further trade, and to figures highlighted last week – and this is why spread awareness of community pubs throughout CAMRA has put a large amount of campaigning the media. funds into this initiative to help pubs market them - selves during April.’ The dedicated website – www.communitypubsmonth.org.uk – is geared up

Real traditional ale house in the heart of the city 5 Regularly Rotating Ales Opening Times :- 11am -11pm Monday to Thursday, 11am -1am Friday to Saturday, 12 - 11pm Sunday, Live Music Fridays and Saturdays - ring or check facebook for details!

North Street, behind Westgate House, Peterborough Tel: 01733 746370 IN THE CAMRA GOOD BEER www.facebook.com/ostrichinn GUIDE 2012

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Competition | 41 Competition Bruce Roan, landlord of the Letter B in Bruce also has this message - ‘When this photo was Whittlesey has set the readers of Beer Around ‘Ere first shown in the Letter B their were two CAMRA books an hisotrical pub question with a prize of a gallon from the seventies and eighties here.. Could the person who of real ale for the winner. borrowed them, please return them!’

The prize will go to the person who can name Please send your answers on a postcard / letter the most landlords and their respective pubs in to: Bruce Roan, Letter B, 53 - 57 Church Street, the below picture. Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 1DE by the 10th May 2012. The original photograph below was supplied by Lisa Whitwell whose father, Dick Franklin is in the The winner will be announced in the next issue picture. of Beer Around ‘Ere . Good Luck!

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42 | Please support our advertisers

Exotic Thai Food & Handcrafted Beers

17/34 Pint Polypins of ale available for all your personal or Europe’s Largest Brew Pub business events 80 Westgate, Peterborough PE1 2AA Tel: 01733 358500 Web: www.oakhamales.com

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CAMRA Cricket | 43 Peterborough CAMRA Cricket

he team have 41 fixtures for the 2012 Tour: season, including ten midweek games in Due to pitch and date availability the planned T the newly formed Vitas Premier League tour to Prague has been cancelled and a new one T20 along with Bourne, Ketton, Castor & arranged for Oxford in July. Many thanks go to Ailsworth, Burghley Park and Barnack. New our Skipper Nick Bradbury and Oxford “Match weekend opposition for the season include Pytchley Fixer” Helen Dugdale who, in a couple of days, in and Leverington in Norfolk. managed to arrange three games: University Press at Jesus College Oxford Thanks to Orton Park Cricket Club, we will be Bodleian Library at Brookes University playing more “home” fixtures with six mid-week Harwell International Cricket Club at Harwell and four weekend games at their Orton ground. We are always looking for new players, so if you The fifteen tourists have been picked and are want a game please contact me on 07809629241 looking forward to a long weekend of sampling or email [email protected]. beer and playing cricket. Matt Mace Upcoming fixtures: Club Secretary Date Team April Sun 15 Orton Park Sun 22 Old Eastonians Thur 26 Wansford Melton Mowbray Falmouth Beer Fest Best Bitter Category 2011 Sun 29 Pytchley Beer of the festival 2011 SILVER BRONZE AWARD AWARD May Falcon Stout Old Scarlett Sun 6 Islip Sun 13 Clipston Thur 17 Ketton CC* Sun 20 Ashton Wold Thur 24 Barnack* Sun 27 Leverington Thur 31 Burghley Park

June Sun 3 Upwood Tue 5 Castor & Alisworth Thur 7 Bourne CC* Sun 10 Welney Croft hton Brig Thur 14 Barnack e in ilabl ava only Sun 17 Rushden Wanderers now Thur 21 Burghley Park* Sun 24 Wakerley & Barrowden Thur 28 Castor & Alisworth Hand made in Castor * Denotes home fixture Mob: 07828 048 664 www.castorales.co.uk

www.real-ale.org.uk BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:51 Page 44

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BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:51 Page 45

A Campaign of Two Halves ) DL UG RQ HD EH O WD[ HU QR Z 7EZI &VMXEMR·W 4YFW Join CAMRA Today Complete the Direct Debit form below and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription.

Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.

Your Details Direct Debit Non DD

Title Surname Single Membership £20 £22 Forename(s) (UK & EU) Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Joint Membership £25 £27 Address (Partner at the same address) For Young Member and concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201. Postcode I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to Email address abide by the Memorandum and Articles of Association Tel No(s) I enclose a cheque for

Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) Signed Date Applications will be processed within 21 days Title Surname Forename(s)

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) 12/10

Campaigning for Pub Goers Enjoying Real Ale & Beer Drinkers & Pubs Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: This Guarantee should be detached Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts AL1 4LW and retained by the payer. Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User Number The Direct Debit To the Manager Bank or Building Societ y 926129 Guarantee This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building Address societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct FOR CAMRA OFFICIAL USE ONLY Debits. This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society If there are any changes to the amount, date or Membership Number frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Postcode Real Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance Name of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd to collect Name(s) of Account Holder Postcode a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request Instructions to your Bank or Building Society If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Branch Sort Code Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd or your bank detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit or building society, you are entitled to a full and Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. or building society Bank or Building Society Account Number - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd Signature(s) asks you to Reference You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply Date contacting your bank or building society.Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account. BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:51 Page 46

46 | Contact Details

Branch Committee Beer Around ’Ere The next issue of BAE will be available on: Secretary: Dickie Bird Editor: Jane Flew 1st June 4 Cissbury Ring,Werrington [email protected] We must have your stories, Peterborough, PE4 6QH news and advertisements by: 01733 574226 (tel & fax) Distribution: David Murray 4th May 07731 993896 (See Chairman on the left) Late copy cannot be [email protected] guaranteed entry. Advertising: Jane Michelson Chairman: David Murray 01778 420888 01733 560453 Mobile: 07732 393621 Please contact Chris Shilling [email protected] [email protected] 01778 421550 Mobile: 07736 635 916 Treasurer: Paul Beecham Magazine & Advertising or Jane Michelson 01733 311981 Production: Dan Speed 01778 420888 07710 008693 0845 838 7581 Mobile: 07732 393621 0870 7620848 (fax) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] for all of your advertising needs. Postal Distr: Daryl Ling Vice Chair: John Hunt 01733 235881 Steve Williams 07923 489917 steve.williams@beeraroundere. [email protected] Brewery Liaison Officers org.uk or 0775 6066 503 is Social Sec: John Hunt always looking for pub news. 07923 489917 Blue Bell: John Hunt [email protected] 07923 489917 Please send stories and other Castor Ales: Mike Lane copy to Pubs Officer: Steve Williams 07850 334203 [email protected] 07756 066503 Digfield: Dave Waller [email protected] 01733 348760 Beer Around ‘Ere is Elgoods: John Hunt published by Peterborough & Press Officer: Karl Simpson 07923 489917 District Branch of CAMRA 07737 297072 Hopshackle: Noel Ryland Copyright © 2012, The [email protected] 07944 869656 Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Young Members: Katie Barrett Melbourn: Lew Clayton Views or comments expressed 07581 270590 01780 765063 in this publication may not [email protected] Nene Valley: Bob Melville 07941 246693 necessarily be those of the Membership: Steve Saldana Oakham Ales: Dave Allett Editor or of CAMRA. 07988 067260 07966 344417 [email protected] Tydd Steam: John Hunt 07923 489917 Festival Org: Mike Lane Ufford Ales: Matt Mace 07850 334203 07809 629241 [email protected] Gre Trading Standards LocAle Officer: John Rice pe 08545 040506 07759 342702 www.consumerdirect.gov.uk reg [email protected] Webmaster: Harry Morten Check out our websites at: [email protected] www.real-ale.org.uk www.beer-fest.org.uk BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:51 Page 47

YYoouurr AAwwaarrdd WWiinnnniinngg llooccaall wwiitthh SSEEVVEENN RReeaall AAlleess aavvaaiillaabbllee ffrroomm ££22..0000 aa ppiinntt!! Sky Sports Happy Hour Mon - Fri, 5-7pm JJUUBBIILLEEEE Live Entertainment WWEEEEKKEENNDD Karaoke every Sunday with Mighty Mouth Trev 1-4 June • BBQ Join our Facebook group The Ploughman & Live Music com (See Rythm and www.savetheploughman. Booze section) Staniland Way, Werrington centre PE4 6NA Tel: 01733 327696 THE DRAGON Diamond Jubilee Beer Fest 1-4 June • 18+ Beers & Ciiders BBQ AND LIVE MUSIC m £2.20 t real ales fro Grea es, Friday 1st June - Karaoke t, quality win per pin s and always Saturday 2nd June - Hooker regular event ome! Monday 4th June - Citizen Smith a warm welc Hodgson Centre, Hodgson Ave PE4 5EG Tel: 01733 578088 BAE 164 Prog_Layout 1 26/03/2012 09:51 Page 48

g m , ree i t a ry st Th B s 1 e At Lea fa 1 rv r ca fo k o e t s! a t h a Ale e 8 t e Real m n r t o ca B a fr S f u ! el o 5 ry rs y 9 e u s . v o a 5 e y ch £ lp u ly e m n H as o More than just a Carvery!

A great welcome awaits you at The Farmers, Yaxley. We are famous for our fresh vegetables and great carvery meats, succulent and served with all the trimmings, then finished off with a tantalising hot or cold dessert!

Check out our lunch time grill menu’s and our ever changing specials boards. Put it all together with three fine cask ales and you have the perfect place to enjoy dinner with friends or a family celebration. We have a self contained function suite which is ideal for parties, weddings and all of life’s celebrations.

Open Every Day So if you’ve not been before give us a try and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 10am - 5.30pm All Day Menu & Coffee Midday - 2:30pm Carvery & Specials Menu 5:30pm - LATE Carvery & Grill Menu Sunday Open From 12 Noon - 9pm All Day Carvery

200 Broadway, Yaxley Tel: 01733 244885 Email: [email protected] www.thefarmersyaxley.co.uk