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HERTFORDSHIRE’S
Pints of View The bi-monthly publication for every discerning drinker
October/November 2008 Circulation 7500 No. 231
The Sun Shines on Herts Festivals See our North and South Herts Beer
Festivals special Features Pages 15 - 20
The trip to Sheringham
that never was Page 25
Focus on the Estcourt Arms, Watford Page 29
Accreditation Scheme for Herts ales Page 3 PLUS: Pub and brewery news from around the county, features, and lots more!
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Local Ale Accreditation Scheme Launched AMRA has launched a new accreditation stocking a local real ale by their lease or tenancy scheme to promote pubs that sell locally- agreement that requires them to purchase real ales C brewed real ale, reducing the number of only from a central list. The situation however is 'beer miles' and supporting your local breweries. improving. The Society of Independent Brewers’ Called LocAle, it is all about increasing the sale of Direct Delivery Scheme allows an increasing local real ales in local number of Punch pubs. Taverns, Enterprise Inns The benefits of a and Admiral Taverns successful CAMRA LocAle lessees the option of scheme are: stocking a real ale from • Improved consumer a local brewer. choice due to more The objective of the locally brewed real LocAle scheme is to ales being available in pubs ensure that all accredited pubs have a minimum of • Local brewers selling more real ale allowing one local real ale on sale at all times. There will them to expand, benefiting the local economy however be times where this is not possible due to and real ale choice the llocal real ale selling out faster than expected or • Fewer “beer miles” resulting in less road because the cask is being changed. congestion and pollution In South Hertfordshire the pubs below regularly • Thriving pubs due to the wider availability of sell a CAMRA defined real ale brewed in local real ales in pubs boosting the number of Hertfordshire: pub visits Harpenden: Amble Inn - Red Squirrel • An increase in local identity and pride Hertford: Old Cross - Red Squirrel, Great Eastern In short LocAle is about consumer choice, local Tavern — McMullen. jobs, supporting a sustainable environment, South Mimms: White Hart - McMullens creating local distinctiveness and promoting local St. Albans: pubs. Cross Keys — Tring, Farmers Boy — Alehouse, The scheme was created in 2007 by CAMRA’s Farriers Arms — McMullen, Hare & Hounds - Red Nottingham branch, who wanted to support their Squirrel, Mermaid — Tring, Lower Red Lion — remaining local brewers following the closure of Alehouse, Waterend Barn — Tring local brewer Hardy’s and Hanson’s by Greene Ware: Crown King. LocAle is there to promote pubs selling a Wheathampstead: Nelson - McMullen locally-brewed real ale, on sale at all times Wildhill: Woodman - McMullen throughout the year and in perfect condition. This list of course is not exhaustive, but please let In Hertfordshire that means a pint brewed within us have further nominations so that we can publish twenty miles of the pub where it is sold. a formal list of accredited LocAle pubs covering The Sustainable Communities Act, which CAMRA the whole county. Up-to-date information was on strongly supports, provides a definition of local as display at our recent St Albans Beer Festival. up to 30 miles from the place of sale. We have set a slightly stricter limit. Brewers Raise their Prices for Unfortunately some real ale is delivered 50 miles away to a distribution centre before being the Second Time this Year delivered back to a pub only ten miles away from Daily Telegraph, 14 September 2008 the brewery. Because the brewery is local to the arston's, the Midlands-based brewer, has pub then the real ale still qualifies as a local real added 10p to the price of a pint and ale. Encouraging more pubs to serve local real ales MTetley's will follow suit in the first week is the first step to reducing “beer miles”. As of October. licensees become more familiar with their local "We have done everything possible to limit the breweries they will be more likely to arrange direct price increase, but there have been unprecedented delivery. Some licensees are prevented from levels of increases in raw materials in recent
3 months," said Stephen Oliver, managing director of Marston's Beer Company. The price of barley and the metal used in cans has risen by more than half in the past two years. The company's energy costs have jumped 150 per cent in some areas. Lagers such as Stella Artois, Beck's and Tennent's, all owned by InBev, have gone up by 3p a pint in September, with a similar increase for Carling and Grolsch. Although the average price of a pint of lager is now around £2.82, drinkers in London and the South East will be paying significantly more. "The current wave of price increases means £4 a pint will be far more commonplace this year," said a spokesman for the British Beer & Pub Association. Ed Says: The price increases may be genuine but £4 a pint - I don’t think so. Let’s face it; the price of metal for cans, most of which are sold at discounted prices in the off trade shouldn’t worry us. Of course our friends the brewers may well pass this cost onto the pub trade to allow them to continue their subsidies. I think it is finally beginning to sink in that the price of a pint is shutting pubs, and if you have nowhere to sell your goods you are out of business. If £4 a pint is to become commonplace how is it The Strathmore Arms that Belal Hussain of the Marksman in West Bromwich, in the Midlands can sell all his beers St Pauls Walden, Nr Hitchin, SG4 8BT including Guinness and Cider at 89 pence - yes 89 01438 871654 pence per pint. He claims he can do this because [email protected] he bulk buys and takes a lower profit margin. It shows what can be done, but this only applies to the free trade. Your local is being charged more than he is selling the beer for under Tied House system mentioned in “The Bitter End” article in our last edition.
Tenants' Opposition to “Beer Tie” Mounts his year’s Market Report by the Publican
magazine has revealed that 72 per cent of
tenants would be willing to pay more rent to Hertfordshire Pub of the Year 2004 T be free-of-tie.
The annual Publican Market Report, published in Woodforde’s Wherry & London Pride + 3
August gives licensees’ views on the issues constantly changing guests, over 1900 so far affecting the industry. The report has revealed that the gap in discounts offered to the free-trade Mon 6pm–11pm, Tue–Thu 12–2:30pm, 5pm–11pm Fri/Sat 12pm–11pm, Sun 10am–10:30pm compared to tenants has grown to £26 per barrel
4 of beer. move the blame of the company’s demise to the Lincolnshire brewer Bateman’s has announced it is Chancellor and the 4 pence per pint tax increase. scrapping rent reviews from its tenancy Plight of Lessees: He seems to finally be slightly agreements. Instead it will offer a fixed rate concerned about the plight of his licensees, and agreement which will allow tenants to have although his company have sent in bailiffs to evict complete certainty about their future and the a large number of tenants from their pubs, it is knowledge that their endeavours will not be offering a £10m package of rent concessions and 'rewarded' by a significant upward rent review. drinks discounts. The £10m in all fairness is too The “Fair Pint” campaign is trying to reassure little too late - if you divide 8448 into £10 million tenants that the removal of the tie would not lead it works out to less than £1,200 per pub. Yes, not to a corresponding rise in rents, as rent would still all Punch’s pubs are in trouble but the ones that have to be calculated using the profit assessment are report to us that they do not get support or method. financial help from their Business Managers. We Meanwhile, Greene King is the latest to turn down highlighted the plight of Gary and Sandra Fair Pint’s invitation to meet its members before Higginbotham of the Old Fox Bricket Wood, who the start of the government inquiry later this year. since our last edition have been evicted by Punch Enterprise Inns, Punch Taverns, and Scottish and and replaced by a temporary licensee from the Newcastle Pub Enterprises have already snubbed nearby Fox & Hounds at a reduced rent. the group’s offer. The Higginbothams are not alone, and in Ed Says: Hopefully if publicans find their pubs Harpenden the bailiffs have been used on two more viable they will be able to pass some of their occasions at the Rose & Crown, Southdown. I good fortune on to the customers in the form of have spoken to the now evicted tenant Abz Kahan reduced prices at the bar. Also, relaxation of the tie who stated “I took over the lease of the pub after will mean that a publican will be able to stock the coming to an arrangement with the business drinks that their customers want - including a regional manager on rent and fixtures and fittings. better variety of real ales. It all sounds like a pub The furniture was valued at £5,000 and all was customers’ utopia. well until he was replaced. The new business manager said that he could not honour the deal I Punch in Meltdown had made in good faith and increased the rent and revalued the furniture at £13,500. When I refused unch Taverns, which has come under a great to pay the new rent they sent in the bailiffs who deal of criticism for its treatment of the took the entire pub’s fixtures and fittings. I lessees of its pubs and by CAMRA for its P managed to get some replacements and continued pricing policy and enforced lack of choice, is now to run the pub. I was then presented with a bill for in serious financial difficulties. £4,000 bailiff’s costs and told I would also be Shares in Punch, which has 8,448 leased and expected to pay the company’s legal costs. On the tenanted pubs across the UK, have recently fallen 11th September, having refused to agree the new by over 38.5 pence - a drop of 12%. Their biggest terms I was evicted and the pub is closed. I feel rival, Enterprise, who operate 7000 pubs, has also that Punch maneuvered me into this situation, seen its shares drop by 8.8%. Also dropping - which has cost me a great deal of money. And I Mitchells and Butlers (5.5%), Greene King (3.6%), hear that the intention is to sell the pub and and Wetherspoons (3.75%). convert it into an Indian restaurant. I want to stay Money Troubles: Punch has cancelled its final year in the licensed trade but will be looking for an dividend for shareholders, which analysts say is so opportunity in the Free Trade”. that it can pay off a £295m bond debt. I have The problem is that the Pubcos have got too big heard from another source that their total debt and faceless. They cannot deal with the very could be as high as £4.5 billion. diverse and individual needs of Britain’s public Giles Thorley, Punch’s chief executive said that houses and, their customers - and having got into although shares in the company have dropped financial difficulties wish to blame everyone other almost 80% in a month shareholders were than themselves for their demise. supportive of the dividend cut. He also tried to Steve Bury
5 Brewery and Pub Industry News forthcoming Letchworth Beer Festival. In addition Red Squirrel Brewery to this success, Gary has turned his hand to organizing beer festivals for others; although he Annual Report has to allow other brewers’ beers in. His first foray he so-called is coming up shortly in the area of a neighbouring credit crunch CAMRA branch. Success there may be something Tis still hitting to build upon in the future. Well done Gary. small breweries like Brian Page - CAMRA Brewery Liaison Officer Hertford’s Red Squirrel hard. The increase in the cost Success for Independent of American hops — Brewers as Craft Beer Sales an essential ingredient of Red Increase Squirrel’s popular ritain now has more breweries than at any American IPA — in the last month alone has gone time since the Second World War, up by 40%, bringing the total increase over the last Baccording below to Roger Protz, editor of six months to a staggering 300%. There is now 10 the 2009 edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. pence worth of hops in every pint of AIPA “Over 70 new breweries have been founded produced. Fortunately, due to the consistent high between the 2008 and 2009 editions that follow quality of Red Squirrel beers, the brand is riding 80 new breweries in 2006 and a further 80 in high and brewery owner Gary is easily able to sell 2007. Britain now has more than 550 craft all he produces; even though price rises have been breweries and many of them are enjoying unavoidable. With a plant of 30 barrels a week spectacular growt.”. max capacity, which is producing 50 barrels a “SIBA — the Society of month; why doesn’t he make more beer I hear you Independent Brewers — which ask? The answer is that damned credit crunch represents the majority of small again. brewers — reports that in 2007 He is still operating a one-man its members saw an average show with occasional volunteer increase in sales of 11% help, and brewing takes all the while sales of Stella Artois, time he has; an extra staff the country's biggest- member would come at a selling premium lager brewed at Wrexham, fell by presently unaffordable cost, so 10%”. demand is outstripping supply. “The reason is simple: more and more drinkers are The brewery now has eight permanent outlets and looking for taste and character in beer rather than a further fifteen or so frequent users. Add to this the tasteless fizz offered by global brewers”. the many occasional and annual event customers “The craft brewing fraternity is no longer confined and there is a good basis for optimism. to the minnows. Major brewers, including Gary’s beers are achieving great Marston's of Burton-on-Trent and Wolverhampton, success at beer festivals; notably, and Fuller's of West London, have applied to join RSB and Springfield AIPA being SIBA, despite already being voted ‘beer of the festival’ by the members of the British Beer and drinkers at Boxmoor and Ealing Pub Association”. respectively, beating many The Good Beer Guide cites as national favourites in the process. examples of the success of craft Also, the London Porter came brewers: second in the ‘dark beer’ class, and was highly Wye Valley in Herefordshire, commended at the recent Leicester Beer Festival. which started life as a brew pub, Conservation Bitter was due to be judged in the moved to the former Symonds cider factory, and is East Anglia BOTY (Beer of the Year) at the now brewing close to 20,000 barrels a year.
6 Brewery and Pub Industry News Triple fff Brewery in Alton, Hampshire, winner of the Supreme Champion Beer of LLOOWWEERR RREEDD LLIIOONN Britain award at the Great British Beer Festival in August, 36 Fishpool Street began production with a five- St Albans, AL3 4RX barrel plant in 1997 and has Tel: 01727 855669 just opened a new 50-barrel brew house where it brews twice a week. See Champion Beer page 10. 17th Century Coaching Inn Moorhouse’s of Burnley, Lancs, in the shadow of St Albans Abbey. was on the point of closing in Genuine free house with 1987 but was rescued by real ales and accommodation businessman Bill Parkinson, who www.LowerRedLion.com has pumped more than £3 million in to the company. A new 8 Real Ales and 1 Real Cider brewery will come on stream in 2010, capable of 7 Ever-changing guests producing 40,000 barrels a year. Belgian and Czech on Long-established regional family breweries are also faring well. Bateman’s of Wainfleet in Lincolnshire draught dates from 1874 and had Belgian bottled beers its best year ever in 2007. Managing Director Malt Whiskies Comfortable B&B, Stuart Bateman said that Sunday Roast lunch Quiz night Wednesdays yearly beer volumes Regular beer festivals were up, sales of real ale grew by 10%, and 21 of No music or machines its pubs are showing significant growth in spite of the smoking ban and the duty increase. Its only problem is keeping pace with demand; it can produce 30,000 barrels a year but needs to increase that to 40,000 if it can squeeze in additional fermenting vessels. Timothy Taylor of Keighley, West Yorkshire, celebrates 150 years of brewing this year. Its Landlord best bitter has been named Champion Beer of Britain a record three times. In the past decade, a total of £10 million has been invested in new brewing capacity, doubling production from 30,000 barrels a year to 60,000. “These success stories show that drinkers are moving in droves to full-flavoured beers in preference to bland global lagers,” Roger Protz says. “In particular, more and more consumers are concerned with how beers are made and the ingredients used. They prefer beers made and sold locally rather than driven thousands of miles. The Seven Times Winner South Herts success of craft brewing really fits the green, CAMRA Pub of the Year carbon-conscious attitudes of modern consumers.”
7 Brewery and Pub Industry News with 85% efficiency. Two new compressors in the British Brewers are going refrigeration plant have increased efficiency by a “Green” third. Improved water efficiency and heat recovery ncreasing numbers of British brewers are mean less water is used for each brew. showing their concern for the environment and The brewery is sourcing its barley in Cornwall and saving on carbon footprints by adopting energy- having it malted at Newton Abbot in Devon. It will I install its own bottling line in 2009. “15% of our efficient methods. In one instance, ground-breaking production is now in bottle and packaging is work has been carried out by currently done in Stockport and Blackburn — both Adnams brewery in Southwold, at the other end of the country,” Roger Ryman Suffolk. The company has invested says. “So there will be a drastic reduction in our £5.8 million in a new warehouse use of diesel when we bring bottling in-house. We complex that uses solar power will also move to light-weight bottles”. and collects rainwater on the Shepherd Neame, Britain's roof that is used for cleaning and even staff oldest brewery, dating from th showers. A further £3.7 million has been spent on the 17 Century and based in the third update to the brew house in just 10 years. Faversham in Kent, is New vessels include a mashing and boiling regime determined to stop both that is energy efficient and environmentally steam and carbon dioxide friendly, with steam and water recycled. escaping to the atmosphere. The Adnams experience has so impressed CO2, a natural by-product of Wadworth, the family- fermentation, is trapped in owned brewery (left) in modern vessels, while steam is injected into the Devizes in Wiltshire coppers. “We no longer boil out the contents of that it plans to install its the copper,” says production director Ian Dixon. own energy-efficient “So there's no steam leaving the brewery. We save brew house. Several £45,000 a year for each copper.” breweries, including Brewing is one of Britain's last remaining major Hall & Woodhouse in Dorset and Greene King in industries and its regional brewers are showing Suffolk, are moving to lightweight bottles. Mark admirable concern for the environment by using Woodhouse of H&W says the use of lightweight locally-sourced ingredients, cutting back on steam glass is “the equivalent of taking 360 cars off the and CO2, and moving to lightweight bottles. road for a year”. In Cornwall, the St Winner of our Sudoku competition in Jun/Jul, Austell Brewery's Edition 229 is M. Verrells of Harlow, Essex who moves to energy wins a CAMRA 2008 Good Beer Guide. efficiency include SOLUTION BELOW: managing director James Staughton swapping his executive ‘Mercedes’ for a ‘Smart Car’. Head brewer Roger Ryman says the company's plans are aided by its success in the real ale market. “Ten years ago we were producing 15,000 barrels a year but we've grown to 45,000 barrels. The more beer we brew, the better the utilisation of our plant”. The brewery is pictured above right. St Austell has installed a new steam boiler and the result is more energy with less steam pumped into the atmosphere. A malt mill dating from 1916 was only 55% efficient and it has been replaced by one
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Beer News and Features Hampshire Ale is Champion Bronze: Highland, Orkney Blast (Orkney) Golden Ale Category Beer of Britain Gold: Otley, O1 (Mid Glamorgan) lton's Pride (3.8% ABV) of, Silver: Loddon, Ferryman's Gold (Oxfordshire) brewed by Triple fff Bronze: Skinner's, Cornish Knocker Ale (Cornwall) A Brewery in Hampshire Speciality Beer Category was judged to be the best beer in Gold: Otley, O-garden (Mid Glamorgan) Britain by a panel of brewers, Silver: Wentworth, Bumble Beer (South Yorkshire) beer writers and journalists. Bronze: Nethergate, Umbel Magna (Essex) The beer was chosen as the CAMRA Bottled-Conditioned Beers overall winner from over sixty Gold: Wye Valley, Dorothy Goodbody's finalists in seven categories (Best Wholesome Stout Bitters, Bitters, Golden Ales, Milds, Speciality, Silver: Fuller’s, 1845 Winter Beer and Strong Bitters) including beers Bronze: Wells and Young's, Special London Ale from tiny micros to major regional brewers. Winter Beer of Britain Winner (announced in Graham Trott, Head Brewer of Triple fff Brewery January 2008) Wickwar, Station Porter. said; “We are over the moon and delighted to put Alton as a brewery back on the map. I would like to thank everyone who is connected with the Britain’s Pubs are Getting brewery and we look forward to more people Creative enjoying our winning beer”. From The Independent on Sunday, 16 August 2008 The Silver award went to Black Dog Freddy from ince its conception, as a pit-stop for travellers Beckstones (Cumbria). on the Roman road system, the public house Bronze went to CAMRA's current National Winter has become an integral part of our culture: Beer of Britain winner, Station Porter from the S "the heart of England", as Samuel Pepys once Wickwar Brewery (Gloucestershire). observed. And yet, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) reports that an average of 57 pubs a Complete List of Winners month in the UK are now facing permanent Champion Beer of Britain: Triple fff, Alton’s Pride closure. So, is this really a case of last orders for (Hampshire) the beloved boozer? "People are not drinking in Second: Beckstones, Black Dog Freddy (Cumbria) the same way that they used to," says Jill Gibson, Third: Wickwar, Station Porter (Gloucestershire) landlord of the Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty Mild Category pub in Hertfordshire, "and for many publicans, it is Gold: Beckstones, Black Dog Freddy (Cumbria) easier to cash in on their investment now than risk Silver: Rudgate, Ruby Mild (York) trying to carry on the business." A bleak forecast Bronze: Rhymney, Dark (Merthyr Tydfil) indeed; but where did it all go so wrong? Bitter Category A name not far from many a landlord's lips — Gold: -Triple fff, Alton's Pride (Hampshire) particularly those who displayed posters with the Silver: Lees, Bitter (Manchester) words "Barred: Not Welcome in this Pub" next to Joint Bronze: Jarrow, Rivet Catcher (Tyne & Wear) the chancellor's smirking face — is that of Alistair and Surrey Hills, Ranmore Ale (Surrey) Darling. This year's budget, with its 4p per pint rise Best Bitter Category in beer duty, as well as 14p on a bottle of wine Gold: Skinner's, Betty Stogs (Cornwall) and 55p on spirits, was met with outrage from Silver: Highland, Scapa Special (Orkney) publicans nationwide. Darling's decision was, he Bronze: Cairngorm, Nessie’s Monster Mash claims, an effort to counter the so-called Binge (Highlands) and Timothy Taylor, Landlord (West Britain epidemic, but critics suggest that public Yorkshire). houses are the ones being hit, not the consumers. Strong Bitter Category The effect of this is to drive consumers away from Gold: Thornbridge, Jaipur IPA (Derbyshire) the pub and into their armchair to drink cheap Silver: Fuller's, ESB (London) alcohol. The smoking ban, too, has been held
10 Beer News and Features partially responsible for this change in drinking day. It's a drop-in service, so people turn up and habits. hope that she is free. It is only £9 per cut, which is But it's not all bad news. From the gin palaces of a bargain for London, so if Arlene's busy, most Victorian England to the gastro-pubs of the customers are happy to wait around until she is Nineties, landlords have always adapted to the finished. That means they sit at the bar and have a times. And while some are calling time, others are drink or two, which means a little extra money for finding creative ways to fine-tune their survival us. Any way of making yourself stand out, at a time skills. So forget such mundane "innovations" as like this, can only be a good thing; especially 375ml glasses and wasabi snacks; as these case when it means gathering trade at an otherwise studies below show, with a new breed of public quiet time! There are so many pubs around here, house, the bar has seriously been raised. and most of them are leaning towards the gastro trend in order to pull in trade. But this has always The barbershop boozer been a traditional pub, which is something the The Dartmouth Arms, North London landlord, Nick, is very proud of. He has brought in “Arlene is a local hairdresser, originally from modern aspects to the décor and to the menu, but Scotland," says pub manager Laura Stephens. "She he is keen that the pub remains at the heart of the was saying that community. He says “Instead of seeing the pub as where she is simply somewhere to go and have a drink, we see from, it's not it as more than that — as a place where activities unusual for the take place. Having a back room is a great amenity. hairdressers to On top of the Scrabble tournaments and quiz work from their nights that we've added to our regular routine, local pub. We we're thinking of hiring out an area to local theatre thought about it groups. Of course, this is primarily a business, and and decided that adding hairdressing to our menu, we need to get around the current climate, which late every Thursday afternoon, was a great way to means considering new ways to gather custom”. bring in trade at a notoriously quite time of the Cont/d
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Beer News and Features
The real village local which meant guaranteed The Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty, business. Now they have Heronsgate, Hertfordshire. pulled down the Tesco, the “My partner, Mark Few, and I smaller shops have been bought this place four years driven out of the area, and that ago, with the sole intention of has hit us hard. There were creating a traditional village only four pubs here for years, pub with a focus on but a big chain moved in and community values," says Jill that really messed with our Gibson (pictured right with custom — and the smoking ban Mark). "It's important that we didn't help either. It has been a really tough time. spend a lot of time behind the Then the Reverend suggested that we hold the bar, engaging with the Sunday service at the Seven Stars, because he customers, rather than employing part-timers, who wanted to bring the Christian message to people come and go and aren't part of the scenery. The who would not necessarily make the decision to idea of the pub, historically, is that it is a large attend a service. For us, it was an opportunity to living room; only one that happens to sell drinks make a bit more on Sundays — which we have. and refreshments. Above all, it should be a place We've held two services here so far. There has to socialise and make friends. A while back, one of been great interest and the congregation was our regulars mentioned that she'd joined a knitting considerable. I am open to any new ideas, and club over in Ealing, and found it hard to get to would happily hold a number of events from the each week. It occurred to me that having our own pub. The whole industry is struggling, and I am knitting group would make for a nice Sunday willing to try anything I can in order to help my afternoon activity, so I asked around the locals and business survive”. they were up for it. Four of us met up the following week for a knit, a drink and a chat, and since then The rock god's retreat it's blossomed. Now we've added a cycling club The Old Blue Last, Shoreditch, London EC2 and a book club. The boost in trade is great, but “The summer's probably the also, people make connections with people they toughest time for pubs, might otherwise never meet. It's great for local especially those without trade, too, as we act as a conduit for information. If gardens," says events someone is new to the area and needs a organiser Paul Lillie. tradesman, we can say, 'OK, well over there is X, "Despite this, the Old Blue who is an electrician,' or 'In three hours Y will be never really has a problem in, and he's a mechanic.' In that sense, we've built drawing crowds. There are a brand. It is a way to feed back into the loads of really nice pubs in community, by creating sustainable business in the this area, but there is a area”. certain crowd who will always come to this one. We are owned by the The heavenly hostelry Vice brand, which has really good contacts within Seven Stars Inn, St Austell, Cornwall the music industry so we manage to book bands “Holding the Sunday service in our pub was that other pubs would be unlikely to get hold of. actually the reverend's idea, but it was just what The Arctic Monkeys and The Rascals are just two we needed," says landlady Ameena Williams. "The of the bigger bands who have played 'secret' gigs general climate has been on-the-down in St here. People know that if they come here, they're Austell, since the town went under redevelopment likely to catch big bands that are used to packing a while back. We're only a small market town, and out stadiums and huge venues, and rarely do such before, visitors would come here to do their food intimate gigs as playing in the upstairs room of an shopping at the supermarket, then they'd pop into old pub. There's never a shortage of performers or the various smaller shops. Once they'd done that, an audience. This is a really old venue, built in they might come in here to have a pint or two, 18666, and what we've done is to keep that aspect
12 Beer News and Features intact, while making it stand out as a music venue, Tuesdays, we have fully qualified magicians, while as much as a drinking place. Other pubs have a tarot reader works away on the pub floor. Other music nights, but we go further than that. Every nights we have DJs and live musicians. There is no night we have either a band or a DJ, working from door charge — though donations are, of course, the 120-capacity venue upstairs. We try to keep welcome! Together, Martha and I have a entry free — or at least at a minimal cost — where background in graphic design, club promotion and possible. We hold a lot of launch parties and web development, so we use things like well- events here, and we always try to make them as designed posters, a proper website and even a different as possible. Recently, we bought in a load Facebook group to get our name out. There are of cut-out platforms with scenes drawn on them more everyday ways to reach target customers; and holes for your head, like you get on the beach. even small things, like offering a Sunday roast from We just want our nights to be a bit different. Even midday through to closing time means we get if someone doesn't fancy a big performance and customers that others miss out on”. just wants a quiet drink and some good music, in the main bar there's a free juke box that has been The bring-your-own-grub pub provided and stocked by [record label] Rough Ye Olde Seven Stars, Kidderminster Trade, so people who are into certain types of “The traditional British music know that here they'll get to listen to stuff pub is dying out, and that they wouldn't get in other pub juke-boxes. We the days when the have a huge diversity of genres stocked here, not landlord ran the bar just what's hip at the time. By carving a reputation while the landlady in one area - i.e. as a venue and music-based pub, cooked the hotpot in we can tap into a particular scene. We draw in the kitchen are well customers who might otherwise end up going and truly over," says elsewhere and make sure they come back again”. landlord Robin Copeman. "This means that the infrastructure of the pub has to change too. We're The illusionist's inn situated in a deprived area of town, surrounded by The Farm, Hove takeaways. In the old days, this pub was renowned “Our philosophy is if the pub industry in general for bank managers eating their shepherd's pie from isn't doing well," says The Farm's co-owner Noah the pub kitchen, with a pint. But the emergence of Hearle, "let us see what can be done to make that takeaways changed the way people eat and drink work in our favour. Rather than dwelling on a in the area. When this trend first started, people slump in the market, we're finding ways to make would come for a pint while they waited for their our pub stand out. It's food, and then disappear home to eat it. One day I never enough just to serve asked a customer who was doing this: 'Why don't drinks. It's important that you get the wife down and you can eat it here we don't sacrifice the while it's fresh?' The whole concept just quality of our food and ale, snowballed from there. The bring-your-own-grub and we're wary of scheme has allowed us to adapt to the current succumbing to the gastro climate — not to mention avoid dealing with trend. When my business stroppy chefs. We have a choice of local menus at partner, Martha Herbst, the bar, customers have a beer while they decide and I found this place, what to have, drink another while they're waiting under a year ago, we found for their delivery, then two more as they eat — it's a a real pub, and that is what we wanted to play on. captive audience. We provide the cutlery and do In order to attract new custom, we'd rather their washing up, so customers have the leisure of complement what we already have — a beautiful a takeaway, while being able to meet friends and old venue — than mess with the basics. And we've enjoy a pint or two. This area has a strong found lots of exciting ways to bring in trade: community feel, and by working with the Mondays are comedy nights, where we showcase takeaways, we're helping to feed money back into five or six pop acts from all over the country. On local businesses, while keeping hold of our own”.
13 Herts Readers Write Why pubs are how they are! up the shortfall by inflating prices to the “On I think there's (sic) two parallel markets (could Trade” pubs that is causing the problem. The even be three).The real money seems to be in huge Chancellor in his ignorance has just made matters town centre pubs selling alco-pops and plastic worse!! lager/cider to large numbers of people at Any comments, articles or letters for publication weekends. Nowadays they go out already having drunk a are welcome. Please send to: Steve Bury, 14 New cheap bottle of wine or two and get absolutely Road, Shenley, Herts, WD7 9EA. Or send an Email pi**ed. This has the accompanying social to us at: [email protected] problems that the Daily Mail readers can get up- tight about. The government use these as an A Recipe for Long Life excuse to put up duty to prevent "binge" drinking. r Benjamin Parker of Wortham, near Diss, In the middle are the free houses who specialise in Norfolk died aged 103 on 7th February different real ales from independent brewers and 1782. His funeral was attended by a (usually) take care that the beer they sell is up to M number of his children, grandchildren and great- scratch. These are the ones of most interest to me. I grandchildren. He was a strong healthy man and think they are probably doing quite well till within a few days of his death drank three pints financially. of strong beer a day. He was never known to drink And at the bottom of the pile are the pubco-owned spirituous liquors, or tea, nor to smoke or take pubs who are being overcharged outrageously for snuff, or chew tobacco; when pressed to take any both their lease and the bulk of the products they of these idle things, as he called them, his saying sell. These are the ones that are closing at the rate was:- Snuff, nor tobacco, gin, nor yet tea. of 4-5 a week. Beer-wise they are forced to sell A pot of good beer is the liquor for me national brands (blands?) only and because they cannot make ends meet they try to attract Ed says: It could be worth £3 a pint after all. additional customers by installing Sky TV, etc. If they aren't closed they are characterised by frequent changes of ownership as landlords go THE LORDSHIP ARMS
bust and the pubcos find another idiot with some Herts Pub of the Year 2002 redundancy money or an inheritance. The Inn In The Sticks Andy Clark Benington, Nr Stevenage
Ed Says: Very succinct and to the point.
Taxing comments
Recently a friend sent me Pints of View plus one of
your postcards for the Chancellor about the
increase in beer tax.
I agree beer tax is too high but I consider you are
being too blinkered. Yes, say to the Chancellor
beer tax is too high but the tax on 'fashionable
drinks' is too low. REAL ALE OASIS FOR THE DISCERNING DRINKER I agree Great British beer and Scotland’s whisky Fuller’s London Pride, Crouch Vale Brewer’s Gold trade should be supported, but to do that cannot Plus 6 ever changing guest beers from we increasingly tax alco-pops, wine and beer from Independent and Micro Breweries
abroad except the Commonwealth? Also Traditional Cider
Do we need wine and spirits from the Americas or A fantastic array of fine ales as usual ------Whiskey from Japan? Lunchtime Snacks Ian R Bolton - Ex Hertford drinker Curry Night every Wednesday £6.00 Ed Says: This reader seems to have missed the Two Course Sunday Roast £12.00 point: It is the brewers selling their products at ------
discounted prices to the supermarkets and making Telephone 01438 869665
14 The North Herts CAMRA
2008 Beer Festival -
Letchworth Garden City
or me, the September 2008 Letchworth Beer & Cider Festival was DIFFERENT. I was one Fof the small band of North Herts Branch members who responded to the message to “become a brewer for a day” during August. The day was not without its troubles; we’d been aiming to start work at Buntingford Brewery (which in fact is near Royston!) at about 9am, but were delayed because of a partial power failure which prevented the giant heaters in the brewing tanks from working. Back to the gardening…now looking forward to a 1pm start. Following repairs, off we went to brew! What an experience. Steve, the head brewer, complimented Robin and I for pouring the 30kg sacks of malt really well between us. Was he just being kind….? I think so, as he The sealed brewing vessel later told us that Catherine lifts them on her own! At the Letchworth Beer & Cider Festival itself, the Buntingford Garden City Bitter that we had helped to brew was, of course, one of the first beers I sampled. Not THE first: any experienced beer- festival aficionado will tell you to try the most popular one first, before it runs out! But it was the second…I’m pleased to report it ran out fairly early, as well as receiving a good score from those who sampled it - and with a good write-up on an internet blog afterwards!
The day’s end product, Buntingford’s Head Brewer Steve filling the sack though not yet with hops, with some help from Robin fermented
The cider bar
The main bar
15 North Herts CAMRA 2008 Letchworth Beer Festival We had a much better attendance at the festival than last year, so the choice of beer and cider available by the middle of the Saturday evening session dwindled to about 25% of the original “50 + Ales” - but we didn’t quite drink Plinston Hall dry. As the main hall is relatively small, it always looks slightly crowded, but as we have plenty of small side rooms, most groups of people can find a table to relax with one of the superb beers/ciders, eat the excellent curry, or just sit and chat. All CAMRA beer festivals need Lucky Winners on the Tombola. It’s part of the tradition! Pic. below. On the Friday evening, some of our local teachers turned out to sample our delights; everyone’s allowed to relax sometime! A short lull for one on the Foreign Beer bar Finally, on the Sunday, the sad part; dismantling the Festival… but only until the next time: Hitchin (with Hitchin Round Table), 13th & 14th March 2009, then Letchworth this time next year: at Plinston, 17th to 19th September 2009. Lastly, thanks to all those who helped at the Festival and give up their spare time, without the dedicated volunteers there would be no event. Colin Yates
The LocAle bar Crowds in the Main Hall
Three teachers quaffing the ales
Another lucky winner on the Tombola
16 A Record Year for the St Albans Beer Festival A four-page sp ecial report
he biggest pub in Hertfordshire re-opened successful indeed, selling over 4,000 pints. For the its doors for the 13th St Albans Beer Festival first time there were two Hertfordshire cider Tfrom 24th — 27th September at its spiritual producers’ products on offer, and we thank Ross home, the Alban Arena. This year’s event saw a Parker for his kind donation. number of innovations to complement While the bars upstairs and in the Main the tried and tested formula that has Hall were selling over 32,000 pints, made St Albans one of the downstairs in lower foyer, staff country’s premier beer festivals. were kept busy in the Foreign It is now one of the largest Beer Bar, again sponsored by celebrations of the quadrivium Budweiser Budvar. The beer list of hops, yeast, malt & water in this year was even more the South East, outside the comprehensive with bottled and annual CAMRA Great British draught beers from right across Beer Festival, held at London’s Europe and beyond. Earl’s Court. For the first time this year’s festival Over 350 real ales were available for pint glasses were sponsored by pubs - guests to enjoy, spread over five bars. yes the seven Good Beer Guide pubs in Our Major Sponsors St Albans that feature in the 2009 guide. For the second time we had the Hertfordshire Bar, Of course there were a large number of smaller in the upper foyer of the Arena, sponsored by contributors who paid for banners, barrel ends and Alehouse brewery of St Albans, where guests could advertising in the programme, I cannot mention enjoy up to 17 local beers from most of the you all but thank you for your support. county’s leading micros and major brewers. Fullers It’s Fine Outside sponsored the Main Bar, and decorated it in their In a bid to provide additional seating for guests a distinctive red livery, while the Stage Bar received large marquee was erected in 2007, with direct a similar treatment from Tring Brewery, with their access from the building. Unfortunately, due to dark green banners and distinctive triangular health and safety issues we could not do the same displays. The Cider/Perry bar was sponsored by this year. As we have often found there is always a Millwhites of Rickmansworth and was very way around a problem and we still fenced off a
17 1 2 3
1. CAMRA Chief Executive Mike Benner 4. Festival goers outside in the marquee speaks at Wednesday’s opening. area on Saturday evening. 2. Auctioneer Steve Bury with his Leos 5. A particularly frothy pint is served up in helper. the Foreign Beer bar. 3. Outside in former marquee area 6.Upstairs in the Hertfordshire bar area.
5 4
6
large area outside so that drinkers could escape the the result of the previous night’s tasting had not hustle of bustle of the festival. Fortunately the been announced by this point. As the festival was weather was with us this year, and other than on open to the public this was not a blind tasting, and the Wednesday night it was fully utilised. Another the results were: bonus was that it gave us another outside smoking 1st Tring Colleys Dog 5.2% ABV area, with ample seating and providing additional 2nd Greene King XX Mild 3.0%ABV toilet facilities. 3rd Caledonian Deuchars IPA 3.8%ABV Beer Tastings 4th Mauldon Black Adder 5.3%ABV This year we hosted three tasting events, the first on Wednesday night being the Champion Beer of The result was interesting and to me proved that Hertfordshire. Unfortunately, due to a even on an open tasting it is about the best beer on misunderstanding and failed email transmission, the day. The winners would have fallen into three Buntingford brewery did not send any beer to our different strength and style categories in other Festival.. However, all the other brewers in this tastings. county were indeed represented. A tasting panel of The third tasting was for the CAMRA East Anglia comprising two members from each of annual competition, and was for stouts and porters Hertfordshire’s CAMRA branches “Blind Tasted” only. A selected panel from the Region visited St all the beers and the result was:- Albans especially on Thursday lunchtime and used Gold: - Tring Colleys Dog the Stage Bar for their deliberations. Six Beers were Silver: - McMullen Country Bitter tasted but the results as yet have not been released. Bronze: - Tring Blonde Special Events The second tasting was at the Main Bar on The CAMRA products stand welcomed Roger Thursday lunchtime and has become our Trade Protz, editor of “The Good Beer Guide” on session. Publicans and invited guest tasters Thursday afternoon, who was kept busy signing sampled 15 beers that had all previously been copies of the recently published 2009 edition. He winners of other CAMRA awards. This competition was also good enough to leave some signed but is to decide the Champion Beer of the Festival and obviously undedicated copies for evening visitors.
18
7 8 9
11
7 . All go at the Main Bar in the Arena 8 New casks racked up following Friday’s sell-out 9 Dr Feelgood gives it ‘one more shot’ on Saturday night And, finally – cheers! …from our festival-goers... 10. From the Arena balcony terrace Photographs by 12 11. From the Stage Bar area… 12. …and from the Foreign Beer bar Katie Sutton 10
Book signing is now becoming a regular popular popular demand, following their highly successful event and we thank Roger for his time. first appearance in 2006. The band, surrounded by The stand also signed up a record 150 new drinkers on the stage, wowed the crowd during CAMRA members during the week, helped by the their ninety-minute set, with their many old sponsorship provided by Fuller’s brewery. Sales of favourites and chart successes. a wide selection of CAMRA products, including For the first time this year in conjunction with the festival polo shirts in a variety of colours was brisk. St Albans museum we had a display of historic Another popular event at the St Albans Festival is photographs of the pubs of St Albans. In its hey- the nightly breweriana auction, run by our resident day St Albans had over eighty pubs; many have auctioneer, yours truly, who was helped by Bill shut with a change of use. I have only known the Austin of CAMRA’s Watford & District branch, town well for thirty years but it was a nostalgic trip who collected the money. Also helping, were our for me, and it was very well received and “little ladies” from the St Albans Leo’s, who supported by many of our visitors. exhibited the lots each night. We sold everything Also in the foyer we had free samples of Mc- from bar mats, trays, pump clips and posters, and Mullen’s AK, Country Bitter and Harvest Moon bidding was brisk. Money raised at the nightly donated by the brewers from their Whole Hop auction goes through the Leo’s to local charities. Brewery in Hertford. Our annual Festival Quiz, organised by Jim Official Opening Tarpey, is a regular Saturday afternoon favourite. The official opening on the first night was by St This year’s was no exception, helped possibly by Albans Mayor, Bert Pawle, who congratulated the free gift of two free bottles of beer; Fuller’s ESB CAMRA on making the St Albans Beer Festival one and Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, kindly donated of the premier events in the city’s calendar, by Fuller’s and Caledonian breweries, passing on attracting large numbers to the city during the to everybody taking part. The questions are all festival’s four-day run. related to the beer list, local pubs and brewers. Unfortunately St Albans MP Anne Main, who is The stage was now set for the festival finale and active in the licensing lobby and supports the classic R&B band Dr Feelgood - back by huge CAMRA’s “Full Pint” and the British Beer and Pubs
19 Association “Fair Pint” campaigns, could not Again, we had a peak attendance on Saturday and attend. This year our guest speaker was Mike due to the work done on Friday night, the range of Benner, Chief Executive Officer of CAMRA, who beer available right through until closing time was spoke on the demise of the British pub, and the extensive. unfair subsidies being given by brewers to A Thank You supermarkets and the off-trade, at the expense of The festival would not take place without a large pub licensees and customers. number of people giving up their free time - a lot A Resounding Success of it behind the scenes on Monday, Tuesday and As I have said earlier in this article the weather was Sunday when we are not open. Many also with us, a lot of work went into publicity, and this travelled long distances. May I take this year attendances broke all records with over 8,600 opportunity to thank all the volunteers for their visitors. The St Albans Festival was obviously support. considered the place to be for a fantastic day out The Future in September. Everything is in place for a 14th St Albans Beer In some ways we were victims of our own success Festival in 2009, though it will probably run one and saw long but orderly queues outside on Friday week later between Wednesday 30th September and Saturday night, where due to fire regulations it and Saturday 3rd October - so pencil it in your was one-in-one-out. It became obvious early on diaries now. We will confirm all our plans in the that customers were drinking more per person than forthcoming newsletters. last year, and on Friday all the bars were at full Steve Bury stretch, with some customers having to queue to Special thanks go to our photographer Katie be served. It took a supreme effort by an already Sutton, whose numerous pictures taken on tired staff to get the bars re-stocked, which did not Saturday captured the full party spirit of our finish until 1.30 am Saturday morning. festival. Contact: [email protected]
Joi n CAMRA
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Just fill in the form below and send, with a chequ e (payable to CAMRA ltd). All forms to be addressed to: Membership Secretary, Camra, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW. Alternatively you can join online at www.camra.org.uk. Rates for single membership are £22
and for joint £27 (single £13 for Under 26/Over 60 – partner at same address add £3).
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20
Local News and CAMRA Events year pubs are North Herts Community Pub nominated by Award Winner members and then he Rising Sun at Halls Green is this year's voted upon at the winner of the Ted and Josie Arnold Award - July branch meeting. Tthe North Herts branch's award for The presentation Community Pub of the Year. was made to Landlords Simon and Mandy have truly thrown landlords Simon and themselves into village life since taking over the Mandy (centre and McMullens pub in September 2006. right in pictured) by Halls Green is a hamlet near Weston, just north of North Herts Branch Stevenage. Having no village hall, shop or village Chairman Andy green, the pub (picture below) with its large garden Rawnsley, on Friday th is the real focal point of this tiny community. 29 August, who was The pub offers up its car park for the mobile library joined by branch members and locals. McMullens and soon hopes to use its neighbouring field for Cask Ale, AK and Country were enjoyed, along the local school to use for football. with a buffet kindly provided by the pub. Lindsey Brockhurst , North Herts CAMRA
Grandison Arms Change of Use Rejected lans for change of use and redevelopment of the Grandison Arms Bramfield mentioned in Pthe last edition have been refused. East Herts District Council wrote to objectors explaining the reasons for the decision as follows: The planning permission has been refused on 4 grounds 1. The property lies within the green belt and no The pub holds many events, open to all age special circumstances were apparent...contrary groups, including summer day-long events, a to GBC1 of the E. Herts Local Plan Second Halloween party and a popular 'Meal or No Meal' Review of April 2007 evening, all of which raise funds for local charities. 2. The proposal would result in the loss of a The local vintage car club hold their monthly public house use in the village that could meeting at the pub and it has 3 petanque teams provide a valuable local service. Insufficient
that play throughout the year. evidence has been submitted to justify the loss Says North Herts branch member and pub contact, of this service, and the proposal would thereby Andy Brockhurst, “I nominated the Rising Sun for be contrary to Policy STC8 of the East Herts Community Pub of the Year as Simon and Mandy Local Plan Second Review April 2007 are always keen to support their local community. 3. The size and siting of dwellings...cramped and This even extends to Great Ashby, which has no congested in layout....detrimental to the pub. They have been supportive of so many local character of the surrounding area charities and groups, raising money and offering 4. No adequate vehicle turning space…and lay- their time, advice and raffle prizes”. by parking....would give the rise to conflicting The award is named after two branch members traffic movements within the public active within their local community, is presented highway...detrimental to highway safety. each year to the pub within the North Herts However, the rejection will not get the Grandison branch area which members feel has proved itself Arms to re-open again. When the pub closed in to be an important part of its community. Each April 2002 it could have demanded a top market
22 Local News and CAMRA Events price, now of course that has all changed. If the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 1997 - 2008 owner decides to put in a revised application it Cask Marque Certification will have to be drastically different, and they still have the Green Belt issue to get round. It is nice to see the speculators with egg on their faces for a change. I hope this gives the objectors new vigour and resolve to get back the vibrant local they lost so unfairly. Steve Bury
They Will be Sadly Missed The en Adams, the long-time (1976- 92) licensee of the Jolly Sailor (pub pictured below) in St ELEPHANT & CASTLE
KAlbans sadly died in early September, after a lengthy illness. Ken was a real character and had AMWELL LANE, AMWELL, the honour of being on the front cover of one of WHEATHAMPSTEAD, HERTS. only three editions of Tel: 01582 832175
“What’s Brewing” - a QUALITY FOOD
‘for-sale’ magazine Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale published by Hardy and Hanson Bitter CAMRA in the Guest Beer late 1970s. Ken had a reputation for barring people from his pub - it was his way or you were out. Even two active CAMRA members at the time were not welcome; following one sitting on the bench in the public bar reserved for pensioners (this did not have a sign by the way), and another for asking if he could have some spiles (barrel pegs). The pub was still always busy and Ken ensured there was never a dull moment. Just over the boundary in Dunstable, it is with much regret that we report the death of Melvin Hall (pictured left) of the Globe. Mel, 54, took over the pub three years ago and immediately put it on the map as a real ale oasis in the town, subsequently winning South Bedfordshire CAMRA’s Pub of the Year award. Mel passed away whilst on holiday in Europe, and his hale and hearty presence will be sorely missed. It will be business as usual in the pub with its next beer festival held in early October.
23 Local News and CAMRA Events The Ware Summer Saunter East Anglian Pub of the Year are and Hertford CAMRA members a or those who are not aware, Hertfordshire for friends sauntered around four of Ware's the purposes of CAMRA, resides in the East W fine real ale pubs on a glorious July FAnglian Region of the country, and we are Tuesday evening. Pubs involved were: Waggers, pleased to announce that the Chequers at Little the Vine, the High Oak and the Crooked Billet. Gransden (right) in Cambridge has won the Pub of 12+ ales were served and without question, all in the Year 2008
fantastic condition and with a wonderful selection. award. This included; Cain’s IPA, Caledonian Deuchar’s The winner of the IPA, Sharp’s Own and Earl Soham Sir Rogers East Anglia Porter. A great night was had by all and special Regional Club of thanks as always go to the pubs and staff for the Year 2008 is making us so welcome. the Beccles Pictured below: Left — Katy at the Vine, right — Caxton Club in Helen at the High Oak. Suffolk
Beer and Scarecrow Festival at Flamstead hose of you who didn’t come out to Flamstead for the annual Scarecrow Festival Tover the weekend of 15 — 17 August missed a very enjoyable weekend. In spite of the discouraging forecast, the weather was dry with sun for much of the time. The festival is a By the way, as a side note as I write these notes in fundraising event for St. Leonard’s Church. Much August; Stuart at the Crooked Billet is still serving a ingenuity and imagination went into many of the black beer, and for the first time will go throughout 96 entries from Flamstead and Trowley Bottom. the year serving this great beer style. Normally it is For a representative selection of the entries from taken off in the summer as the locals prefer lighter 2006, 2007 and 2008, have a look on the village ale, but now with greater choice via website. All the pubs joined in the festivities and Admiral's SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers organised extra events for the weekend. The Three Association) list, Stuart has a great list to choose Blackbirds (right) from. He has featured, amongst others, dark ales had a barbecue from - Vale, Earl Soham, and Nethergate. although the beer range in the pub was somewhat limited. Along the road, at the Spotted Dog (below), Neil Kenniry, with support from Tring Brewery, organised the village’s first ever beer festival - with eight beers from Beartown, Mighty Oak, Springhead, Tring and Wood’s. Neil has only been in the pub since April 2008 and is already creating one of the best watering holes in the area. As well as Pictured above: Crooked Billet Sir Roger and his the usual pub food, a porter. Jan Ordon hog roast was available
24 Local News and CAMRA Events in the car park. Half a to be first on the food order (the writer adds mile away, at the smugly!) Soon all were settled (as pictured Rose and Crown in previously below) with a very good pint from the Trowley Bottom (bar excellent range on offer in this very comfortable of, right) the locals pub, with low beams and friendly staff. It was had blitzed the surprise all round when the landlord came with garden to provide an the food - he used to outside drinking area. drink in our local area On the Saturday and Sunday of the Scarecrow and knew some of us Festival, the pub (bar of as above) opened all day. plus many mutual Food, in the form of a ploughman’s was on offer at acquaintances. lunchtimes. This is how pubs used to be — a place Duly replenished we to come for a drink and a good chat with other returned by train to like-minded people. If this has whetted your Cambridge. The Live appetite, next year’s event is planned to be on the and Let Live was closing for the afternoon when weekend before the August bank holiday we got there which forced us to go thirstily on to weekend. I shall be there! John Crowhurst the Cambridge Blue (above). As usual, the place was welcoming and the beers excellent and it was The Trip to Sheringham Beer 4pm before we knew it. Those with stamina moved on to the Festival That Never Was Kingston Arms (left), erts Essex Borders (HEB) CAMRA branch’s then a curry in Mill train trip to the Sheringham Beer Festival Road before returning H got off to an early morning start with even home and planning our chairman in good spirits - despite having Sheringham for next worked until 4am that morning. All went well year. Chris Sears until our driver announced that there had been an ‘incident’ on a level crossing just beyond Lakenheath. The train then reversed to Ely, where buses were to be provided for the onward journey to Norwich. Reluctantly concluding this would mean insufficient time for a decent session at Sheringham, mobile calls to a GBG owner resulted in plan B. By 11am we were back in Ely and exploring the city’s hostelries. The heavens opened as we arrived at the railway station thus wasting good drinking time, but we eventually made it to the Town House, which has a pleasant covered courtyard garden. A couple of beers later, disappointment over the aborted Sheringham visit had all but gone. Making our way to the West End House, some of our members were better- organized and picked up a map at the Tourist Office, which allowed them
25 Local News and CAMRA Events Third Annual CAMRA v RACS The White Lion Games Day he Real Ale Club in Sawbridgeworth (RACS) meet regularly at the Gate, with many having Tdual RACS and HEB CAMRA membership. However, once a year, deadly rivalry sets in and
on Saturday, 26th July, a team from each met at the Queen’s Head, Allen’s Green, for the challenge of SOUTH HERTS CAMRA the year. PUB OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP Both sides had one win to their credit, so being all Open 5.30pm-11pm (Mon), 12pm-11pm Tue-Sun to play for, five pairs battled it out against each other in all manner of games, some serious and Black Sheep Bitter & Young’s Special, some seriously funny. Brendan, Herts Essex plus 4 ever-changing guest beers Borders CAMRA branch chairman, was determined we trash the opposition, and under his Exceptional home-cooked food captaincy four of our pairs were victorious and the lunchtimes and evenings score was 15-10 to CAMRA. Despite his bravado, Tues–Sat 12-2pm, 6.30-8.30pm the only pair to lose all their games was Brendan Sunday lunches served 1pm until 4 and his daughter Kathleen who, being only young, was excused! Brendan did offer to resign, but 91 Sopwell Lane, St. Albans regained his composure and to make a gracious Herts AL1 1RN speech as captain of the winning team. Tel: 01727 850540
Left: www.TheWhiteLionPH.co.uk HEB Vice- chairman Hazel, showing great skill after 5 pints White Hart Tap of cider 4 Keyfield Terrace, St Albans It was a fine, hot day and a considerable quantity Tel: 01727 860974
of excellent ale was consumed by both sides.
Sandwiches and a raffle were organized with profits going to the Allen’s Green Village Hall
Fund. Chris Sears
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First time advertisers to confirm in writing please. Live music Please Email: [email protected] First Saturday night of month Copy and advert deadline for our Large beer garden December/January newsletter is: 14 November 2008 All welcome
26 Peter and Katie give you a warm welcome to -
The Mermaid Public House
ALE & CHEESE NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY
6 Cask Ales Jam Session Every Mon
Draught Cider Karaoke Every Other
Selection of Wine and Sunday 6–10.30pm
Belgian Beers Backgammon Night Every Tuesday from Home Made Food 8pm - All Players Served Mon-Sat 12-3pm & 5-7pm Welcome
Live Music Every Fresh Coffee Weekend
Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RL, Tel 01727 837758 Open 12-11pm Mon-Thurs, 12-12 am Fri & Sat, 12-10.30pm Sun Car Park and Beer Garden
Pints of View Beer Name Prize Sudoku
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that S H every row, column and each of the nine 3x3 squares contain all the letters of RN E Wadworth’s brewery beer: HENRYSIPA A E YH I R Completed entries by 1December 2008 to: Steve Bury, 14 New Road, Shenley, I E S Y R Herts, WD7 9EA. 1st winner drawn wins a CAMRA 2009 Good Beer Guide. N P I Your A P N R S Name:……..……....……….………………
R Y H S E N ……………………………….…………… Your AE P Address:……...….....…………....………...
Y A ……………………...………………………
……………………………………………… Winners of the Pints of View Beer Festival Prize
Crossword in Edition 230: Mark Archer of Harpenden, David Hodgkinson of Potters Bar, Postcode:………….….…………………… and Tony Martin of St Albans. All received £15 each to spend at the 2008 St Albans Beer Festival. Our thanks to all who entered. SOLUTION BELOW:
Subscriptions for Pints of View £5 for 18 issues. Send to: John Lightfoot, 66 Dryfield Road, Edgware, Middx., HA8 9JT. Cheques payable to: CAMRA South Herts.
28 Pubs and Places
by Andrew Vaughan The Estcourt Arms , Watford he Estcourt Arms on St. John’s Road is one of points in its early history it seems many lodgers at the oldest pubs in Watford and is one that a time were housed in the pub, as well as in other Thas managed to retain its traditional properties in the area. A look at the local trade community pub atmosphere in spite of the directories suggests that initially, and for most of its changing trends of the last century. The pub is history, the Estcourt Arms was a beer house that located near to Watford could not sell wines or Junction Station on, or spirits. Beer houses were near, land that was once generally listed in occupied by two fields, directories under the Curst Hedge and Little name of their proprietor, Poe Field, belonging to who was often referred to Thomas Henry Sutton as a beer retailer, and Sotheron Estcourt, who were not included in the was a member of pubs and inns section of Parliament for several the directories. Despite constituencies (none of this, beer houses were them local) and rose to given pub names because be Secretary of State for of their familiarity. The the Home Department pub may have been an for three months in independent beer house 1859. He was paralysed initially but was listed as by a stroke in 1863 and being part of Benskin’s died in 1876. In the intervening time much of his Brewery’s estate from 1903. The pub has since Hertfordshire lands were sold off, including Curst been passed down from company to company Hedge and Little Poe Field, which were developed after a series of takeovers and is now owned by by the British Land Company between about 1868 Punch Taverns. and 1871 at almost A front page article from exactly the same time the 10th March 1967 as the construction of edition of the Watford the London Orphanage, Observer gives us some whose buildings now interesting information form the Reeds housing about the licensed trade in development on the Watford and the Estcourt other side of the Arms in particular. The railway. The surname article has publicans Sutton Sotheron demanding that something Estcourt is be done about gangs of commemorated by rowdy youths leaving three street names in dances and causing the area, as well as the trouble in pubs. Mr V.A. names of the Estcourt Arms and Estcourt Tavern. Murphy, licensee of the Estcourt Arms, had taken As would be expected, no records of the Estcourt the decision to ban these crowds from his saloon Arms or any of the newer streets in the area can be and lounge bar after he and the brewery had spent found in the census of 1861. However, the pub a great deal of money on redecoration. He claimed was definitely there in 1871 and was occupied by that in the five months he had been in charge he a Thomas C. Williams (although the census-taker’s had had to eject about 50 customers. It just goes to handwriting is not easily legible and I may have show that some of the problems now attributed to mistaken the surname), along with his family binge drinking are not that new. According to members and two unknown lodgers. At various current landlord Pat Lynch, Vince Murphy may
29 Pubs and Places have been a school teacher before becoming a snug (pictured below). Neither of these rooms is publican. If true it seems like a bit of an unusual huge, so it’s surprising to find out that the larger career change, but he sounds like he might have room was once further divided into a lounge and needed to be a bit of a disciplinarian. He was the saloon separated by a corridor with an off-licence first in an unbroken line of Irish service. The surviving multiple landlords that continues to this room layout adds character to a day and has given the pub a pub that’s one of the best of a distinct and genuine Irish sadly diminishing number of flavour, as opposed to the huge traditional locals in the Watford number of Irish themed pubs area. found across the country. Pat Sources: G.J. Child ‘Thomas Henry and Maureen Lynch have run Sutton Sotheron Estcourt’ Journal the pub since 1978. Pat was of the Watford & District Industrial managing the Stag on St. Albans History Society, volume 17, Road (now Dunning’s Bar & 1992Allan Whitaker ‘Brewers in Restaurant) when Vince Hertfordshire: A Historical Murphy was at the Estcourt, and Gazetteer’ University of ran the Magpie & Stump on the Hertfordshire Press 2005 King’s Road in Chelsea for a few Census records and past editions years in the 70’s before of Kelly’s Directories and the returning to Watford to take over the reins at the Watford Observer can be found in Watford Central Estcourt Arms, which is now popularly known as Library Lynch’s in his honour. The pub is unusual in I’m also very grateful to Pat Lynch for letting me Watford in retaining two separate bars; a lounge quiz him on his time at the pub. The Estcourt Arms (as pictured on previous page), and a public bar or is at 2 St. John’s Road, Watford, WD17 1PT. AV
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Disclaimer: This section contains information from a large number of sources and occasionally errors may occur. Comments or additional information sho uld be sent to our contact details on page 14. Aldbury: We welcome Beej and Beth Parmar to both been removed from The Sportsman. The pub the Valiant Trooper. Beej previously worked in the is still trading. City of London and his wife in human resources. A Darley Hall: Admiral Taverns are 'disposing' of the free house, the Trooper offers five real ales - two Fox. Guide price for the freehold is £400,000 - at from Tring Brewery, London Pride and two guest this price it could easily go as a private residence. ales — depending on the season and customer Dobbs Weir: Just over the border the Fish & Eels is feedback. The pub welcomes walkers and well running a beer event with a different local ale each behaved dogs as they have a separate restaurant, week. which provides a variety of different fare, including Harpenden: The Rose & Crown (Punch - surprise, cream teas. surprise) closed on Thursday 11 September. There Amwell: the Elephant and Castle has had their is no new licensee coming in immediately. planning application for a smoking hut refused - Congratulations go to Bryan Walsh, manager of the something along the lines of not in keeping with Harpenden Arms, for being awarded Fuller’s style of building. Master Cellarman of the Year for 2008. The Ayot St Lawrence: After 27 years at the bar Toby Peppercorn in Kinsbourne Green (nee Harrow), is Wingfield-Digby is leaving the Brocket Arms. still closed as building work continues. Mike and Barley: The Fox & Hounds has reopened after its Viv Artz have moved out of the Cross Keys after fire, with a slightly more open-plan interior. four years as the lease-holders plan to run the pub Botany Bay: On the Ridgeway, between Potters themselves — licensed to William and Mary Bar and Enfield, McMullens are planning to add a Ferncombe. In Bamville, at the Three Horseshoes conservatory to the Robin Hood. (ex-Spice Inns and currently closed by the receiver) Bishops Stortford: At the Half Moon, following a licence application for transfer was lodged with landlady Fiona Davies’ leaving, a Passionate Pubs St Albans City and District Council, on the 12 lease from Enterprise is on offer and the pub is September 2008 in the name of “Malcolm and under temporary management. Geoffrey”, the same name as was used on the Bramfield: East Hertfordshire District Council has application of 31 October 2007. refused the planning application lodged for the Hatfield: In a unique move for McMullen’s, new conversion of the Grandison Arms and its land - plans for the Harrier incorporate a “Fish `n see article page 22. Chicken” take-away in the pub. This would run as Brent Pelham: The Black Horse is up for sale by a separate business, the take-away being able to be Greene King. accessed both directly from the street and also via Bricket Wood: Dean Peters is the new lessee of the the pub — replacing the pub’s kitchen. Alterations Fox and Hounds, which is being managed by at the pub are minimal but include the loss of the Marion Buckley, late of the Swan, Park Street and bar in the pub’s large hall. Some local residents are the Wagon and Horses, Elstree. They have also against a new take-away and changes to the pub’s stepped into the breach to look after the Old Fox, hall and have produced a well-signed petition to after the departure (or eviction — see page 5) of the this effect. They were set to lobby Councillors to Higginbothams, until Punch Taverns finds oppose the application which was due to be heard someone more permanent. Dean also has a couple at the September Welwyn Hatfield Planning of pubs in Gloucestershire, one of which was Committee. McMullen’s stress that the hall will still flooded a couple of years ago. We hope they have be available for hiring, but with hirings currently fared better in the recent downpours. running at about four a year, they feel that the Chapmore End: If you enjoy the sausages cooked proposals will offer a fresh and positive way at the Woodman why not take some home? Tony forward both for the pub and the community. We and Linda are selling the locally-produced await the decision. sausages which hail from nearby High Trees Farm. Hertford: At the Old Barge Simon and Sally are Cheshunt: The Woolpack has been demolished. celebrating their inclusion in the 2009 Good Beer Croxley Green: The pub sign and the bicycle have Guide — launched in September - with their “Landlord’s Choice” Beer Festival of 32 beers,
32 which will rotate on the hand pumps during the Hitchin: Building renovation work has started on last two weeks of November. The Hillside closed pub the Radcliffe Arms, but it is still not (formerly the Reindeer) remains closed following known what the outcome will be. The Nightingale the collapse of Spice Inns. Still no sign of any is planning a Beer & Music Fest for December, work at the Sportsman, an increasingly forlorn details TBA. looking building at the eastern entrance to the Hunsdon: The Crown has a business transfer on town centre. With the local population alarmed at offer through Punch Taverns. the deterioration of the building, East Hertfordshire London Colney: The Kings Head is closed and District Council are writing to the current owners boarded up. who also run a nearby restaurant, to find out what Markyate: The Swan closes end of September for is holding up progress on the refurbishment plans, refurbishment. which received approval last year. CAMRA wants Pimlico: The Swan has reopened after a short the way to be found to re-open this former Good period of closure. Beer Guide pub. Surely there is a market for a Potters Crouch: The Holly Bush made it as a good real ale outlet at this end of the town centre. finalist for the Fuller’s Master Cellarman of the year Just along Fore Street, major construction and award for 2008. refurbishment work is well under way on Radlett: The Cat & Fiddle has changed its beer Hertford’s second new town centre hotel and bar. range: Greene King IPA, Adnams Bitter, Shepherd Hertingfordbury: There is new management at the Neame Spitfire and Greene King Old Speckled White Horse hotel whilst along the road the Prince Hen are now on offer. Brookes at Watling Street of Wales still remains closed. was closed for two weeks during August and has Hoddesdon: At the Boars Head the tenancy is on now re-opened, selling Fuller’s London Pride. offer from Pub’n’Bars. No real ale on an April visit Ridge: We welcome Denis and Gillian who have but one bar was closed for refurbishment. The taken over at the Old Guinea. It is not guaranteed Highway has a business transfer on offer through that they will be permanent but will be at the pub Punch Taverns. for the foreseeable future.
St Albans: The King Harry has a new manager - here. Christies have a board on the Verulam Arms David Carrick who arrived in August. Beers on sale advertising the lease for sale. are; Deuchars IPA, Fuller’s London Pride, Wells Wheathampstead: The Swan has four real ales on Bombardier and Shepherd Neame Spitfire. The including St Austell Tribute regular guest, Garibaldi, previously run by a joint venture Theakston Best, GK IPA and Old Speckled Hen. A between the White Lion and White Hart Tap, has beer festival is taking place from 17 — 19 October. a new manager appointed by Fuller’s called Stuart Woolmer Green: We welcome Anne & David Armstrong. At the Glass House, a Mr Franks took Kelleher who took over at the Fox, a McMullen on the Punch Taverns lease at the end of August. ‘local’ in late July. In just a couple of weeks there Perhaps he might reinstate some real ale. was a marked improvement in the pub’s Standon: At the Bell, a one-year Foundation appearance. Anne is an ex-bank manager and Agreement on is offer from Greene King. David originally trained as a chef, but has spent a Stevenage: Agent AG&G is bucking the trend for good amount of time running pubs for Scottish & pubs being lost to alternative use by offering a Newcastle and Greene King. Early August saw the farmhouse with potential for conversion to a pub. introduction of a Monday to Saturday evening Fairlands Valley Park Farmhouse is a period meal service (5-8pm). Although only one main building on the edge of a 120-acre public park. course will be available each day it will be cooked The site is approximately 1.25 acres and the agent from fresh ingredients. Sunday has a traditional has it up for informal tender (offers invited).The roast lunch (noon-4pm). The menu will change property is currently owned by Stevenage Council weekly. Lunchtime snacks are also available as selling as a freehold with vacant possession. It also well as a takeaway service aimed at local workers. has the advantage of being un-listed. After a long period of decline the Roebuck Inn now has a new Hertfordshire’s Pints of View is produced hotel manager. Some improvements have already by the North, South Hertfordshire, Watford been made with more promised. Despite the & District, and Hertfordshire/Essex Borders reduction of hand pumps from three to two, it is Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale hoped these improvements will return this historic (CAMRA). Views expressed are not inn to its former glory. It is further hoped that the necessarily those of the editor, CAMRA Ltd previous hotel manager who resided over this or its branches. decline, did nothing and who now has gone to live in Spain, should remain there. The Squirrel is now doing two Potton ales. Our Mutual Friend, Good Beer Guide-listed, and owned by Enterprise Inns, is up for sale. Thorley Park: The Marne Inn has a NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE 10-year lease on offer from Punch Taverns. Wed 8 Oct: Letchworth Beer Fest Wash-Up Turnford: McMullens are planning a major Meeting - Three Magnets, Letchworth, SG6 3EW. refurbishment of the Bulls Head. 8pm Tyttenhanger: Donal Cochran is running the Sat 11 Oct: Minibus ramble - Lilley and Great Plough after his father Brendan out bid Fullers for Offley, contact us to book. the freehold. Donal is a big real ale fan and is Wed 15 Oct: Stevenage crawl: Starting at Coreys already talking about adding another pump to the Mill SG1 4AA, then Granby SG1 4BS, St Nicholas existing seven. Brendan is the licensee of the Three SG1 4LJ, Our Mutual Friend SG2 8EH. Starts 8pm. Blackbirds, Flamstead, where there are five hand Thu 16 Oct: Herts Liaison Meeting — Wenlock pulls. Could we be seeing a bit of competition Arms, London N1. 7pm here? Wed 29 Oct: Buntingford crawl: Starting at Waltham Cross: The Temple Bar has been Brambles SG9 9AF at 8pm, then Fox and Duck demolished. SG9 9AS, Black Bull SG9 9AG, Crown SG9 9AB. Watford: The Red Lion on Vicarage Road has Wed 5 Nov: Bonfire Night Social at Blueharts, closed. The pub is owned by Watford Football Hitchin (fireworks 8pm), and then Highlander Club. It will be interesting to see what happens SG25 2EF.
34 Sat 8 Nov: Minibus Ramble —. Three Tuns Great Fri 31 Oct: Cider Month Social at the Land of Hormead, SG9 )NT, Beehive Hare Street SG9 0DX, Liberty Beer & Cider Weekend - Land of Liberty, Axe & Compasses Braughing SG11 2QR, Brown Peace and Plenty, Long Lane, Heronsgate, WD3 Bear Braughing SG11 2QF, White Hart 5BS, 8pm. Puckeridge SG11 1RR. Thu 13 to Sat 15 Nov: 14th Watford Beer Festival - Wed 19 Nov: Branch Meeting & Social - West Herts Sports & Social Club, Park Avenue, Sunrunner, Hitchin SG5 1JU, 8pm. GBG 2010 Watford, WD18 7HP. SEE BACK PAGE.FOR FULL Nominations are on the agenda for this meeting. DETAILS. Sat 29 Nov: Letchworth Beer of the Festival Fri 21 Nov: Post Beer Festival Social - West Herts presentation to Oakham Ales, Peterborough. Sports & Social Club, Park Avenue, Watford, Mon 1 Dec: Committee Meeting (all members WD18 7HP, 8pm. welcome), Maiden’s Head, Whitwell SG4 8AH, Mon 1 Dec: Branch Meeting - Estcourt Arms, St. 8pm. John's Road, Watford, WD17 1PT, 8pm. Wed 3 Dec: Branch Social Stevenage Crawl from Watford & District Contact: Andrew Vaughan. Mallard at 8pm. Phone: 01923 230104. Mobile: 07854 988152.
North Herts Branch Contacts: Email: [email protected]
Chairman - Andy Rawnsley, Tel: 01438 816938. Internet: www.watfordcamra.org.uk Email: [email protected], HERTS ESSEX BORDERS Socials Contact — Chris Strong, Tel 07784453767 Mon: 13 Oct: Branch Meeting at the George IV, Email: [email protected] Sawbridgeworth. 8.30pm start. Minibus available, Website: www.camranorthherts.org.uk see minibus contact details below. SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE Fri 17 Oct:: Branch Trip to Nethergate Brewery. Tue 14 Oct: Branch Meeting — Red Lion Hotel, Mini-bus from Harlow, Sawbridgeworth and Radlett, 8pm. Bishops Stortford, leaving about 6.15pm. Minibus Thu 16 Oct: Herts Liaison Meeting — Wenlock pre-booking only, contact below. Arms, London N1, 7pm. Fri-Sat 24-25 Oct: HEBFest - Sawbridgeworth Beer Tue 21 Oct: Hertford and Ware CAMRA members Festival, Memorial Hall, Forebury, Hertford Pub Walk. For details, contact Les Sawbridgeworth. Further Details http://www.heb- Middlewood on 01992 303767. camra.org.uk/HEBFest Fri 24 Oct: Branch trip to Sawbridgeworth Beer Fri 31 Oct: Trip to Saffron Brewery. Mini-bus from Festival. Meet outside St Albans City station at Harlow, Sawbridgeworth and Bishops Stortford, 7pm. Minibus place booking via Branch Contact. leaving about 6.15pm. Must be pre-booked with Fri 14 Nov: Branch trip to Watford Beer Festival at Gavin Chester by email link below. West Herts Sports Club. Meet at festival from 7pm Mon 10 Nov: Branch Meeting - the Swan, Tue 18 Nov: Branch Meeting: Hertford, White Hoddesdon. 8.00pm start (we will be entering the Horse, 8pm. quiz night as well). Minibus booking below. Thu 20 Nov: New CAMRA members night — Sat 8 Nov: Social - Queens Head, Allens Green. Mermaid, St Albans. Starting 7pm. 8.30pm Start. Further details from link below. Mon 8 Dec: Xmas Dinner - The Chequers, South Herts Branch Contact: John Bishop, Tel Wareside. Must be pre-booked, details from 01582 768478 Brendan on [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.hertsale.org.uk Herts/Essex Borders Mini Bus Contact: Gavin Chester, Tel 01279 304823 or 07825446586 —
WATFORD & DISTRICT email: [email protected]
Fri 17 Oct: Beer Festival Promotion in Socials Contact Email: [email protected]
Rickmansworth and Croxley. Starting at Druids, Email: [email protected]
High Street, Rickmansworth, WD3 1BB, 8pm. Internet: www.heb-camra.org.uk Tue 28 Oct:: Branch Meeting - Estcourt Arms, St John's Road, Watford, WD17 1PT, 8pm.
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