Wetherspoon News Winter 2016/17

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your free magazine | winter 2016/17

UK EDITION TheThe Ale EditionEdition READ BY 2 MILLION CUSTOMERS

MORNING HAS BROKEN? HUNDREDS OF HERE’S HOW TO FIX IT YEARS’ HISTORY Our breakfast menu offers something for everyone £2m redevelopment of The Castle Hotel, in Ruthin, Wales ADVENTURES WITH GRAPE AND GRAIN GIVE A WETHERSPOON GIFT Gins, rums, vodkas and three special wines Find the perfect pressie while you enjoy a perfect pint will help you to celebrate the season

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Gift cards are redeemable in all of our pubs, for food and drinks, and at our hotels, for accommodation. TIM’S VIEWPOINT Power to the people – not the mouthy few The evidence of history is that undemocratic organisations, like the EU, eventually make a hash of it

Leave The founders of the American Most people accept the The UK’s Electoral Reform constitution would surely have referendum result and this THE PROMISE Society, dedicated to improving been astounded that such promise from the leaders of David Cameron and George Osborne, democracy and accountability, an inferior and undemocratic the remain side, but a cabal of on behalf of the government, spent was neutral on whether the UK legal system could have politicians and elite groups is £9 million to send a pro-Remain should stay in, or leave, the EU. been invented by European fighting to overturn the leaflet to 18 million UK households However, its investigation of technocrats more than decision – or to water it on 6 April 2016. Under the headline the EU system concluded that 200 years later. down so much that we

‘A once-in-a-generation decision’, there was a ‘serious democratic remain subject to most EU it stated: Chaos ‘(The referendum) is deficit’ in EU institutions. laws in future. your decision. The government Now, economic chaos reigns will implement what It made several recommendations, in southern Europe, with Power you decide.’ none of which appears to Greece, Portugal and Spain The fascinating question is have been implemented. labouring under youth why these highly educated unemployment of up to people are so intent on When you look back on 50 per cent, with an adult remaining part of an the 20th century, it’s level of 20 per cent or more. undemocratic and economically shocking to contemplate Greece, for example, has lost chaotic organisation. the economic mayhem, control of its budget, as well poverty and bloodshed The sad reality is that the as its interest rates – the main for which undemocratic Why would current battle for democracy economic levers of any and totalitarian régimes has echoes of similar battles anyone want to democratic government. were responsible. in previous centuries. Democratic accountability in We can contrast, as mentioned reduce the level Those in charge almost the EU is woefully poor in other here before, the meteoric rise always try to consolidate and economic spheres too. For of formerly undemocratic of democracy increase their power, as the example, EU finances have not countries like Italy, Japan or suffragettes knew. in Europe? been properly audited for over Singapore, once democracy Certain sections of society, 20 years, an unthinkable and was introduced. today, feel strongly that it’s chaotic state of affairs for any better for power to reside in We can also compare the responsible organisation. stunning success of highly educated elites, closely Just imagine the justified democratic North America, in connected to big business, furore, if a company like the last century, with the dire The EU limps on, with its five to major universities and Wetherspoon went even one performance of South unelected presidents, helped to influential politicians – year without audited accounts America, bedevilled by by 28 unelected ‘les énarques’, as our – yet the EU gets away with undemocratic and dictatorial ‘commissioners’. Even the EU French friends call them. 20 years, almost without régimes, or the stunning parliament is dysfunctional, They deeply mistrust the idea comment: ‘the insolence of success and freedoms of since it cannot instigate its of democratic rule by the ‘man office’, as Shakespeare termed pre-unification West Germany, own legislation, a key on the Clapham omnibus’. this sort of arrogant behaviour. compared with undemocratic democratic prerequisite – The evidence of history is that As we all know, the UK East Germany; similarly, the legislation can be instigated undemocratic organisations, parliament voted by an rise of South Korea, to by commissioners only, like the EU, eventually make overwhelming majority of become one of the world’s believe it or not. a hash of it, as we’re now six to one to empower the richest countries, versus its Another example relates to seeing in southern Europe. electorate to decide in a catastrophic northern sibling. decisions of the EU’s Supreme referendum whether the UK Even so, the desire to take Democracy is economic Court which override the laws should remain in the EU. power away from the people steroids, yet, for all of its faults, of national parliaments, and to subvert the referendum “The government will it also creates far higher levels including our own, for which result has religious intensity implement what you decide,” of freedom and human rights there is no democratic redress. for many non-democrats in promised a pro-remain than undemocratic régimes. If the democratically elected UK our society. document sent by the So, why would anyone want parliament dislikes a decision of government, in April, to every The next few crucial months to reduce the level of our own courts, it can legislate household in the land. will determine the outcome democracy in Europe? That’s to change the law. No such of this bitter battle. the big question for UK and mechanism exists for correcting Tim Martin European citizens today. decisions of the EU court. Chairman

jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 3 WIN! Also PRIZE CROSSWORD P81 INSIDE FEATURES I THINK, THEREFORE I DRINK…...... 12 Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, aka The Thinking Drinkers, look at the history of the world – through the bottom of a pint glass TIDE TO POWER OUR FUTURE...... 19 Those unceasing tides are being harnessed to give Britons clean electricity and skilled jobs 12, 21, 22-24, 26-27, 56, 82 HISTORY IN THE HERE AND NOW...... 20 19 The Ale Edition A new project to highlight the history of our pubs The Ale Edition IMPORT THE BREWER...... 21 Our innovation of bringing international ale artisans to Britain sets tongues wagging – and tingling GOOD BEER GUIDE...... 25 THE REGULAR STUFF Our pints propel us to the pinnacle TIM’S VIEWPOINT...... 3 LOTS OF BRITISH HOPS...... 26 Our autumn real-ale festival delivered YOUR SAY...... 6 an extravaganza of great British brewing MEET THE BREWER...... 56 ...... BEER FESTIVAL 28 ...... The 2016 Wetherspoon beer festival judging event COMPETITION 81 IT’S AWFUL COLD UP ON THE CAMRA’S BAR TALK...... 82 MORAL HIGH GROUND...... 31 Says Paul Chase NOW OPEN JOY FOR HAGGIS...... 34 Neeps, tatties and Edinburgh Castle Ale on menu WETHERSPOON HAS OPENED MORE during Burns’ Week NEW PUBS IN RECENT MONTHS �� 36 FILL UP WITH WINTER FUEL...... 47 34 52 Your local Wetherspoon brightens even the darkest and drabbest of dreary winter days OUR PEOPLE AND ADVENTURES WITH COMMUNITIES GRAPE AND GRAIN...... 52 Gins, rums, vodkas and three special wines will help COMMUNITY ��30 you to celebrate the season OUR PEOPLE ��32 ...... GIVE A WETHERSPOON GIFT 58 �� Find the perfect pressie for your parents, paramour BIRTHDAYS 78 or progeny, while you enjoy a perfect pint HUNDREDS OF YEARS’ HISTORY...... 62 OUR CHARITY Our £2m redevelopment of The Castle Hotel CLIC SARGENT ��40 MORNING HAS BROKEN? ...... 64 Our breakfast menu offers something for everyone Written and edited by Eddie Gershon, along with welcome contributions from Wetherspoon staff. HOT STUFF IN THE GRATE… Artwork by The Purple Agency for design and digital editions. AND ON THE PLATE...... 68 Print production by Adare International. Real fires and real food complement each other perfectly Proofreading by Future Perfect. Using paper from sustainable resources, this is printed in the UK. in our real pubs this winter All J D Wetherspoon food and drink in this magazine is subject to local licensing ...... restrictions and availability at participating free houses. Photography is for BACK A GUARANTEED WINNER 70 guidance only. J D Wetherspoon PLC reserves the right to withdraw/change Enjoy unbeatable edibles, with our fantastic offers (without notice) at any time. See main menu for additional details of all-day Sunday brunch our terms and conditions. Price and participation may vary per pub. 58 70 Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc...... A TREAT FROM OUR SHELF 80 Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. Puddings, ice cream, crumbles, custard and cheesecake and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. among sweet sensations on our menu

4 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 5 LETTERS BHAJI-LOVER JOYFUL WAIT FOR STRONG DARK ALE-LOVER’S LAMENT Dear Tim JUMBO JET AND A MICROLIGHT MEAL As a lover of strong dark ales, which Dear Tim IMPENDING DOOM my friends and I drink regularly up On a recent business trip from Heathrow, I had a slight delay and, as such, decided to have TOLD THERE Dear Tim here, in all of your fine north breakfast. I was torn between going to The Flying Chariot to have my usual favourite fry-up My wife went out to lunch with friends. Staffordshire establishments, we are or proceeding through security to eat there. I did not fancy cooking for one – I am sometimes a bit disappointed that there is not always a strong dark ale In the end, I ate at Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant The Perfectionists’ Café. I ordered the full 83, so took a visit to The Moon Under WERE NAAN hand-pull pint on. Water, Enfield, Middlesex. English. I was deeply disappointed – a tiny sausage, lacking flavour and reminiscent of school Dear Tim Is there any chance of having dinners, eggs with solid yolks and bland bacon were on my plate – nothing compared with the Curry Club is my favourite night. There, I whittled my choice down to experience I have become accustomed to at your fine pubs! four meals, settling on the British beef a live website for each and every I frequent many Wetherspoon & Doom Bar® ale pie, mashed potato one of your pubs to inform the I am yet to find a full English breakfast to top yours – especially when the value is so extraordinary. hostelries at home in Cardiff and mushy peas with gravy. It was customer what forthcoming As you have beaten Heston, I believe you should be asking for a few Michelin stars! and in other towns while on delicious, tasty and filling. strong beers etc will be served in Yours sincerely holiday, using your pub the coming days, so that we can directory to plan ahead. As I waited for it to digest, I read Daniel plan our cherished north Staffs Andrew Warren-Payne, London, SE4 Hannan’s article on page 27 – brilliant! While I am delighted with the Wetherspoon pub crawl? Tim replies: In response to a letter, in the last Wetherspoon News, praising our Doncaster Airport I walked out the door with a double new additions to the menu pub, I joked that some airport owners favoured the latest trend on the high street over the smile on my face! Michael Griffin (Bombay potatoes, naan ‘Mighty Organisation’ (us). I’m sure that Heston has many followers, but thanks for your vote. Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire bread upgrade etc), Yours sincerely I have more than once been Alan Bird Tim replies: I will have a word in disappointed on being told the shell-like of our north Staffs Enfield, Middlesex that there are no onion bhajis. team and try to make the strong and dark more widely Write to us Please don’t let more choice PS Can’t wait for the wife to available. I will also have a look at the idea of a live website. Your letter or e-mail really can result in less stock of your go out again! Thanks for the suggestion. make a difference. So, please do keep writing. Should you have old favourites. Tim replies: Dan the man is, indeed, any suggestions on how we can I would be grateful if you a brilliant advocate of the democratic improve our service, could discuss this when you case. So glad you didn’t go hungry in please let us know. next meet your catering team. the absence of the missus. I don’t get ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS AT FALL WELL Your Say Thank you Thank you, in anticipation. invited to those lunches either. Dear Tim Yours sincerely I read, with interest, a letter in your summer edition of the There’s £20 of Wetherspoon magazine about performers and artistes using Wetherspoon Michael Xuereb NEW after rehearsals. Splott, Cardiff gift cards for every letter we print This I can support, as it is a very popular venue for those in Tim replies: A curry without the business, including me. BUY Write: The Editor, Wetherspoon News, J D Wetherspoon plc, an onion bhaji is like Mariah AT THE ALLOW ME TO After rehearsals or production meetings, it is really a great Central Park, Reeds Crescent, Watford, WD24 4QL Carey without James Packer. place to eat, drink and talk, at a very good price, in excellent BAR I will emphasise the point. E-mail: [email protected] surroundings – and with a drink included. I use The Fall Well, in Queen’s Square, Liverpool a great deal All letters and e-mails to the editor are read, considered and also passed onwards (if appropriate), yet, owing to correspondence volume, POINT THE WAY and have seen many actors in there from the theatres nearby. not all letters may be answered. Should you have any specific feedback, to which you wish to receive a reply, please write to Dear Tim the customer services team at the address above or use the customer feedback form on our website. It is also excellent for transport, being right by the main bus Having read your article in station and just across the way from Lime Street Station. DIABETIC DECISIONS Wetherspoon’s magazine while All in all, Wetherspoon offers exactly what I want – and I would enjoying a beer, regarding sending recommend it to anyone. in ideas, I thought I’d send this one. CROSS WORDS AIDED BY ADVICE Yours sincerely BREXIT RANT UNPALATABLE My wife and I are frequent users of Dear Tim Dear Tim Wetherspoon’s pubs, as we have a Gerard Fitzpatrick Howkins, Wirral, Merseyside ABOUT OUR Much though I love your pubs, with their Thank you for your reply to motorhome and like to tour the Tim replies: I’m so glad that our pubs are used by our friends ever-changing beers and interesting buildings, my letter concerning country. Our first port of call is often in the world of acting and entertainment – like us, your jobs I feel that your ‘Tim’s Viewpoint’ article (autumn displaying sugar content of the local ‘Wethies’, wherever it may be. are more difficult than many imagine. CROSSWORDS 2016) was merely a rant regarding Brexit. meals on the Wetherspoon We have to watch our pennies in Two pages from the chairman of Wetherspoon, menu for the benefit of today’s financial climate – and Dear Tim without once mentioning beer, food or pubs. diabetics. The advice you I thought that a loyalty point collecting I love Wetherspoon News. Please rectify next time. gave in your response was card would be a good addition to It is a great read, but I wish correct and the necessary Wetherspoon’s value-for-money. you would allow your loyal Yours sincerely information is indeed available STOKED BY THIS CUP WIN The points would add up over time Dear Tim customers in the Republic Toby Wood on the Wetherspoon website. of Ireland to enter your and encourage customers to return My husband and I always seek a Wetherspoon, if we are out Peterborough, Cambridgeshire I have printed a copy to keep crossword competition! time and again. for lunch or an evening meal. A VOTE FOR INDIAN AND SRI LANKAN BEER Tim replies: I’ve noticed that some newspapers in my wallet for reference, I know we have an Irish Yours sincerely We both think Wetherspoon is great value for money. Dear Tim characterise views they don’t agree with as when dining at Wetherspoon edition, but we don’t Eric Jacques, Otley, West Yorkshire We live in Stoke-on-Trent, ‘the Potteries’, so I always want to Now that Britain has voted to leave the EU, thanks to a ‘rant’ – in fact, the viewpoint was carefully pubs, and I would like to have any competitions. know where the crockery comes from. your clear ‘man on the Clapham omnibus’, who can argued and made sense to many. The leaders recommend that my fellow Tim replies: We debated loyalty cards Cheers and sláinte understand the language of the various debates, would of all of the main political parties supported diabetes sufferers do some time ago. They actually cost a lot Well done Wetherspoon for supporting the pottery industry from Dublin! you be stocking various not-so-well-known beers from Remain, as did the CBI, the Times, the Financial something similar, as an aid to to administer, meaning that those and buying British by having Churchill Pottery – cups, saucers controlling their condition. Anne Henderson India or, more importantly, the very good and famous Times, the Guardian, most universities, most supermarkets offering them can, on and plates. Lion Lager from Sri Lanka? economists and the vociferous boards of most Yours sincerely average, be more expensive than those Mrs Ann Lally, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Dublin, Ireland of our biggest companies. Most of them which don’t. For this reason, we opted Yours sincerely Stephen Sheppard Tim replies: Many thanks for the compliment. We believe in supported the disastrous euro too. Tim replies: Like you, for competitive everyday prices, rather free trade, so do buy a lot of supplies from around the world… D Ramakrishnan, Sutton, Surrey Why shouldn’t the motley crew who hold Doncaster, South Yorkshire I can’t see why readers than loyalty cards. By the way, but the quality and price of our crockery are fantastic – and opposing views, including yours truly, be in the groovy Republic Tim replies: My first pint was of Dominion Bitter Tim replies: Very many thanks I also tour the country, but without the it’s great news that the Potteries competes so well, no doubt allowed to make their case? Debate is the key shouldn’t be able to enter in the even-more-remote (from Britain and Ireland) for letting me know, as well as benefit of a motorhome. It might make in the face of fierce competition. As did Stanley Matthews for to freedom and part of the democratic process. the competition. I will New Zealand. So, I can’t see why we shouldn’t reinforcing the point for others my job easier… or maybe I could join you Stoke City… Bravo, Mighty Potteries! remonstrate with the editor. welcome the roar of the Lion, at some point. with the same issue. and the missus – do you need a driver?

6 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 7 PUB NEWS MARTIAL ARTIST KEVIN’S LITERARY JEWELS POLISHED AT THE SOLDIER SEARCH SUCCEEDS DIAMOND TAP The Diamond Tap, in Newbury, is the monthly meeting place for Word Watchers, a small group of writers based in West Berkshire. The group is pictured at its regular get-together, on the third Wednesday of the month, discussing member Charlotte Betts’s (second left) historical novel The House in Quill Court, over a drink at the Wetherspoon pub. Current members write in a variety of genres, from children’s stories and romantic historical fiction to crime. always remain, a small group, we’ve started these regular socials at the pub, to give us chance to invite a lot more people from the Author and member Julian Dobbins (far right) said: “The group local writing community. is there to help writers to achieve their goals. Some of us are published, some of us have agents and some of us are working “Over time, it would be great to think it could become quite the towards that first success – however we define it. literary gathering place.” “What we have in common is our passion and dedication to writing, Alan Shorthouse, pub manager at The Diamond Tap, said: “The meeting up a couple of times each month to share what we’ve Word Watchers are a great group of regulars – and we enjoy done, discuss what’s worked, what hasn’t, and make our promises having them at the pub. for the month ahead. “Wetherspoon appeals to all walks of life – and this meet-up just “We’ve been meeting up in people’s houses for over 15 years, but highlights the diversity of customers we attract.” because there’s been so much interest in joining what is, and will l Visit: www.wordwatchers.net FRY-UP FACTS AND FIGURES ADD BAKERS RAISE FLAVOUR TO BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE DOLLOP OF DOUGH Wetherspoon features in a new edition of CAMRA’s Beer Knowledge, written by award-winning beer writer Jeff Evans. Described as essential wisdom for the discerning drinker, the pocket-sized book is packed with facts, feats, records, stats and anecdotes, covering topics Two years ago, Wetherspoon News reported a story about artist After BFBS quickly discovered the soldiers identity, they invited from the serious to the silly. and regular customer Kevin Cronin and his painting collection, at Kevin to their head office to meet Ricky and finally present the A section entitled ‘The Big Breakfast (and Dinner)’ his local pub. painting to him. highlights an array of facts and figures about Kevin, from North Acton, displays some of his work at The Red Kevin said: “I have had such terrific support from Wetherspoon, Wetherspoon’s breakfasts. Lion & Pineapple, in Acton, west London. over the past six years, kindly allowing me to display many of my It shows that Wetherspoon’s pubs serve 350,000 cooked breakfasts One particular piece, entitled ‘Small Talk’, which depicts British paintings at The Red Lion & Pineapple. per week and that our pubs serve 46 million free-range eggs, paratrooper Ricky Jordison with an Iraqi girl, began a two-year “I probably would never have found out who the Para I painted 50 million Lincolnshire sausages, 20 million burgers, six million curries search to find the identity of the soldier in the picture – the idea was, had it not been for my local Wetherspoon pub. and 50 million hot drinks annually. of the customers at the pub. A charity coffee morning at The Cross Keys raised £126 in “Thank you to Wetherspoon and the customers at the pub for all of donations, to be split equally between Macmillan Cancer Another section, The Best Airport Bars, recognises the fact that An image of the painting was posted by Chris Keen, a radio their continued support.” Support and CLIC Sargent. The Windmill, at Stansted Airport, was named the Best Airport Bar of presenter/producer of the British Forces Broadcasting Services, the Year (worldwide) at the Airport Food & Beverage Conference. BFBS have now produced a radio documentary of the meeting, Staff at the pub in Beverley put their baking skills to the test (BFBS), on their twitter page requesting help identifying that is aired on their twitter and facebook pages. Jeff is the author of more than 20 books, in the fields of beer, television the soldier. to produce a selection of tasty treats for the event, including l All Kevin’s paintings are available to buy, coffee cake, carrot cake and Victoria sponge. and travel, including CAMRA’s So You Want to Be a Beer Expert? and Good Bottled Beer Guide. He also runs the popular Inside Beer website. prices subject to offer. Contact: [email protected] Shift manager Emma Thorley (left) is pictured with team leader Eloise Curtis and the home-made cakes and treats l CAMRA’s Beer Knowledge is priced £9.99 available from: SAMANTHA BROADCASTS TALES FROM BATH ARMS ready for the event. https://shop.camra.org.uk/books.html Shift manager Samantha Malone is pictured with radio presenter Chris Floyd during a broadcast for Warminster Community Radio (WCR). TAFARN TEAM TILTS AT THROWING THRONE The Wetherspoon darts team which plays at Tafarn Chris is a regular customer at The Bath Arms, in Warminster, Y Porth, in Caernarfon, is pictured proudly showing where Samantha works – and the pair got chatting one day off its latest trophy, with shift manager Mike Jackson about the pub and its history. (front right). Samantha says: “I have been with the company only since Chris Wright (front centre) is the captain of the team. March, but worked at The Bath Arms around 20 years ago, Wetherspoon finished runners-up in the Caernarfon as a glass-collector and pot-washer, before Wetherspoon Town Darts League ‘round the board’ competition. bought it.” The team pictured, featuring customers and Local historian Chris presents a regular show on WCR, some staff members, comprises Barry Edwards, celebrating the heritage and culture of Warminster and Dylan Owen, shift leader Daniel Jones, Rob Evans, surrounding villages, with music, live interviews and articles Dave Evans and Nathan Barrett. about local heritage. Pub manager Sion Williams said: “We have had darts Samantha added: “As I know quite a lot about the pub, he at the pub for well over 10 years – and the team invited me on the show to answer questions, speak about plays its home games here on Monday evenings. It is the history and have a quiz. competitive, as well as good fun – and it is great to “He is an interesting guy, with lots of tales to tell, and we see the team picking up a trophy.” had a lot of fun.”

8 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 9 PUB NEWS INBETWEENER TRUDY IN THE POP FOR ALL AT REGENT AS PINK AT THE GREEN GINGER VIDEO STARS OPEN PIPES Pub manager Rachel Sellars was able to return a favour Two milestone birthdays, a newly renovated when a local band asked her to provide a venue for a cottage and an aptly named beer all add up to two music video. very happy Wetherspoon customers in Torquay. When all-male pop quintet For The Girl approached Trudy Moyle was at The Green Ginger, celebrating Rachel, who manages The Regent, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, her 60th birthday, back in December 2015, when to ask her whether they could film in her pub, she was she spotted a beer on sale called ‘In Between’. delighted to say yes. Trudy and her husband Mike had recently finished She said: “They have helped the pub to raise money renovating a one-bedroom holiday cottage – and for the local air ambulance and other fundraisers, so they had called it ‘In Between’. it was really good to be able to help them. They are Trudy contacted Wetherspoon, asking whether it a nice bunch of lads and the video is brilliant.” was possible to ‘get hold of the label, advertising The band members – James Wells, Nathan Fox, Sam the beer’, as they had asked at The Green Ginger Planty, Isaac Hallas and Josh King – are pictured and The London Inn (also in Torquay), but neither standing on the pub’s roof in true rock video style. had one to spare. Drummer Nathan said: “Rachel and the team In September, the couple returned to The Green were amazing and helpful – and, hopefully, Ginger to mark Mike’s 70th birthday, with a meal we’ll be working with them again soon. and a special gift. “The pub has been brilliant and really supportive Pub manager Emma Gibson, pictured with the towards us, without which this video really wouldn’t couple, said: “We managed to find Trudy an ‘In have happened.” Between’ beer pump-clip, which I posted to her. The video accompanied their single Breathe – released “She wanted to give it to Mike for his 70th – and in September. what better place than where they first saw it, at The Green Ginger?” FORMER GLORIES LIVE DESPERATE HEROIC FOR SELFIE ON AT SANDFORD HOUSE AT BAR WITH DRINKERS HOUSEWIFE HELP REAL SUPERSTAR HEROES Wetherspoon’s customers have raised £3,368 by drinking charity ale Help for Heroes. The Marston’s 4.2 per cent ABV blond ale was made specifically to raise funds for the charity after which it is named. For every pint of the ale sold in Wetherspoon’s pubs, 6p was donated to the charity which funds several projects Staff at The Mount Stuart grabbed to support servicemen and women in the opportunity of a souvenir the community. ‘ selfie’ when a famous face visited The charity provides direct, practical TOME, GENTLEMEN, PLEASE: the Cardiff pub. support for wounded, injured and sick American actress, director and Service Personnel, Veterans and their BOOK BORN AT THE BAR activist Eva Longoria, is probably loved-ones. Author Scarlet West is pictured with her The pub’s manager, Garrie Vilka, said: When Sandford House, Huntingdon, opened its doors to the public, one of the guests was a best known for her role as But it’s thought that a good deal more than book at The Walnut Tree in Leytonstone, “Scarlet would come in and sit with her member of the family which previously lived on the premises. Gabrielle Solis in Desperate the official total was raised, as all of the east London. notebook, pen and a glass of Kronenbourg Jane Hutchinson is the great-granddaughter of Charles Sandford Windover, whose company Housewives. pubs involved had collection tins on the The book ‘I’d like to thank Manchester Air – and write her book. (with premises on the site in the 19th century) made horse-drawn coaches for royalty and She is pictured (left) with bar bar, with the funds being paid directly to Rifles’ describes life in the local area and “It is nice to know that the pub has not only members of the aristocracy. associates Danielle Boyle and Help for Heroes. features some of her fellow pub customers. featured in a book about the area, but was Jane attended the opening with a copy of her book, The History of Windovers, which describes Caitlin Daniels (right), as well as Debbie Reynolds, trade marketing Scarlet wrote over the course of 10 years, actually written in the pub too.” the vehicles made, alongside pictures she has collected from family members. team leader Kieron Barcoe (front). executive at Marston’s, said: “We know working as a DJ at night and then going to The book is named after a shop called She said: “Wetherspoon has done a marvellous job redeveloping the building. Pub manager Jayson Bales said: that Wetherspoon’s pubs have raised well the pub to write some more of her book. Manchester Air Guns which Scarlet used to “Eva was informed that we do the in excess of £3,368 through beer sales pass on the bus to Manchester, before she “It was wonderful to be at the pub on its opening day and very special to see pictures of my best fish and chips in Cardiff bay, She said: “Everyone in Leytonstone seems family’s regal coaches adorning the interior.” and collection tins, so on behalf of both to be accepting of one another. moved to London to become a DJ. so paid us a visit! The pub’s manager, Sarah Hemmingway, said: “It was lovely to meet Jane. Her book gave a Marston’s and Help for Heroes, I’d like to l The book, published by Grey “She was also happy to pose for “Everyone gets on and it is lovely. I think it fascinating insight into the building’s former use and the wonderful horse-drawn carriages made thank you all for the great support.” Tiger Books, is available at Amazon, a photo, a great souvenir for the is a very calming area.” on the site.” Waterstones and bookshops nationwide. team here.”

10 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 11 DRINK CRAFT BEERS

I THINK, THEREFORE An awesome double IPA from a brilliant brewery in the Big Apple, Resin demonstrates an array of aromatic American hops in style, almost as if the brewer has licked his fingers and individually peeled off each one, like a single dollar note from a wad of greenbacks, and layered them gently on a bed of pale malt. It’s a mammoth medley of hops which smashes through the 100 IBU barrier with its forehead, yet achieves great balance for such a big beer and, poured fresh from the tallboy can, exudes aromas of pine, grapefruit, I DRINK… BEER a touch of tobacco and a finish which stays longer than the mother-in-law! Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, aka The Thinking Drinkers, ouble IPA esin D int R look at the history of the world – through the bottom of a pint glass Sixpo etherspoon’s pubs are brimming with superb Another thing – Jesus Christ turned water into beer, not wine. beers from all around the world – most made It’s written in the Bible. In the original scriptures, it says that, W with the same four key ingredients, in pretty when Jesus was at the wedding, he turned water into the much the same way. shekhar – the Hebrew word meaning ‘strong drink’. Shekhar There are, of course, variations on the theme. Some brewers derives from sikaru, an ancient Semitic term meaning ‘barley may use more hops, while some may ferment with a certain beer’. The only reason beer was banished from subsequent type of yeast; there are those who may kiln their malt a little Bible versions was sheer scholarly snobbery. Inspired by the classic IPAs synonymous with the states of Oregon, longer than others and some who choose to mature their Empire Washington and California, yet brewed in Berkshire (not far from beer in Bourbon barrels or add fruit or herbs to broaden If you require more ale-soaked anecdotes as you sip your Queen Elizabeth’s house), this American-accented, muscular IPA packs their beers’ flavour. Sixpoint Resin, Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA or Crafty Dan 13 a considerable aromatic hop punch… padded in a velvet glove. However, beer’s great value stretches beyond its ingredients. Guns, it’s worth noting that India pale ale, along with porter, It’s a transatlantic treat teeming with tropical fruit on the nose and some Beyond the different hops, yeast, water and grain, there are was once Britain’s industrial engine room – reaching parts of sensational citrus notes, a glorious grainy body (more readily associated people, places and, crucially, a fertile and fascinating past the British Empire which other beers couldn’t reach – and the with strong English ales) and a firm bitterness which won’t leave your taste lurking in that lovely liquid which we so like raising to hops which adorn it with its bitterness and aroma are a buds quivering or crying in the corner, begging for mercy – the ultimate our lips – and therein lies the real beauty of beer. member of the same botanical family as cannabis. burger beer. Civilisation André the Giant (André René Roussimoff), the greatest Let’s start at the beginning. Beer has never been far away professional wrestler who ever lived, once drank 119 from some of the most significant events in history, dating Budweiser bottles in a single six-hour sitting; Brooklyn Lager’s right back even to the birth of civilisation – after centuries label was designed by Milton Glaser – the chap behind the of gallivanting, gathering and hunting on the hoof, man ‘I Love NY’ logo; Carlsberg Brewery invented the PH Scale; awoke to the wonders of an existence based almost entirely best of all – the Leffe Abbey, in Belgium, is next to two small on agriculture and the growing of grain… and began making towns – one called Silly and the other called Dave. beer. Some historians reckon it’s bread, but what is bread? Regardless of which beer you order, rest assured that there’s It’s hard beer. Everyone knows that. an anecdote and a tale to be found beneath that frothy head. Beer is the world’s oldest recipe, first written down It turns out that, contrary to popular perception, some of life’s somewhere in and around Iraq or Iran (Mesopotamia, in old answers can be found at the bottom of a pint glass. money) – ironically one of the few places on the planet which The Thinking Drinkers are performing their award-winning doesn’t boast a thriving craft beer scene lurking beneath some comedy show Around The World in 80 Drinks at The Museum The maverick Flying Dog microbrewery, the favourite brewery of gonzo disused railway arches. of Comedy from 23 November to 21 December. journalist Hunter S Thompson, was one of the first Stateside set-ups to strap electrodes to the India pale ale style and crank up the knob to 11. Pyramids l www.thinkingdrinkers.com/events It blew British IPAs out of the water by brewing its IPAs bigger and Initially drunk because it was safer than water, beer was later brasher – yet balanced with barley too. used as currency and helped to build the pyramids in Egypt. Each Egyptian worker was given 10 pints of beer a day as Snake Dog coaxes out serious citrus character from the classic Columbus and wonderful lip-puckering bitterness from the Warrior hops. It dovetails payment, with each beer being around 5–6% ABV – so, it was deftly with spicy dishes, boasting the bitterness to handle the heat, the the equivalent of drinking 10 pints of Blue Moon Belgian White carbonation scrubbing piquant sensations from the palate and some while trying to construct one of the classic seven wonders of soothing lychee notes in the finish. the world. You can forgive them for forgetting to put any windows in.

12 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 13 ROCHDALE Collier Row FROM REGAL MOON COLLEY ROWE INN AWARDS TO A NOBLE ROOM CREW IN CLOVER

CLEETHORPES AFTER CAMRA WIN COLISEUM BLOOMS ADD COLOUR TO CLEETHORPES The Coliseum Picture Theatre has been recognised for its floral displays in the town’s annual ‘In Bloom’ competition. The pub in Cleethorpes received a ‘gold’, the highest award possible, in the ‘best public house’ category at the 2016 awards. Pub manager Christine Cole, pictured front with team leader Dawn Jagger, said: “We are thrilled that our plant and flower display has been rewarded in this year’s competition.” Supported by North East Lincolnshire Council and local newspapers Cleethorpes Chronicle and Grimsby Telegraph, the competition awards gold, silver and bronze in various categories, including best school, street, residential garden and church. The judges, from the Cleethorpes In Bloom committee, Pub manager Chris Riley (pictured) has every reason to feel comprise those from all walks of life in the area – who proud of a recent award. have seen how the annual campaign has improved the local environment. Chris, who runs The Regal Moon, in Rochdale, nominated his local Rochdale pub watch scheme and the initiative was named as one of The aim is to encourage people to take care and pride in only three finalists in the Diageo National Pubwatch Awards 2016. Staff and customers at “Thanks to all the members who their community, through gardening, horticultural The Colley Rowe Inn join in the voted for us.” excellence and environmental initiatives. Chris, who attended the awards ceremony, said: “Everyone celebrations as pub manager involved with Rochdale pub watch is thrilled with the accolade. Committee member Paul Bob Callison, chair of Cleethorpes In Bloom, said: “There Keri Dignam (front right) receives Rochdale council and the police, both supporting the scheme, are Chadderton said: “South West has been a tremendous effort from everyone. They have an award from the Campaign for also delighted with our award.” Essex CAMRA branch was worked tirelessly to do their gardens and displays and have Real Ale (CAMRA). pleased to present the award for The awards were presented at a prestigious dinner in the House gone that extra mile.” Anne Radley, chairman of their London Area ‘pub of the of Commons members’ dining room, with MPs, lords, notable CAMRA’s South West Essex year’ to The Colley Rowe Inn. names from the pub industry and other stakeholders attending. SALE branch, is pictured presenting “The ‘Colley’ has consistently Now in their fifth year, the awards are designed to recognise the the Collier Row pub with the offered an ever-varying selection work being undertaken by local pub watch schemes across the UK branch’s London Area ‘pub of the of regular and guest ales from all J. P. JOULE SEES BRIGHTSIDE to improve safety and the pub experience for everyone. year’ 2016 award. over the country, making every The winners are selected by a panel of National Pubwatch Keri said: “We are thrilled to be visit interesting. members and industry experts, who identify that scheme which named London Area ‘pub of the “Branch visits have always AFTER PUB-OF-SEASON WIN made the greatest contribution to its community. year’. To be number-one, out of received a cordial welcome – and numerous pubs in the South The J. P. Joule, in Sale, celebrated being named Steve Baker, chairman of National Pubwatch, said: “The Diageo this, no doubt, contributed to West Essex CAMRA region, is as the Campaign for Real Ale’s local Pub of the National Pubwatch Awards recognise the hard work of local pub branch members voting the pub a great achievement. Season, with a meet-the-brewer event. watch schemes throughout the UK, highlighting some exceptional their favourite from this year’s nominations.” Carley Friedrich of Brightside Brewery gave a talk good practice to make town centres safer.” and presented samples of the brewer’s beers to customers as team leader Mark Tomlinson (both fort william pictured) offered his services as her assistant on the day. GREAT TO GOOD: GLEN GAINS PLACE IN GUIDE Brightside beers took over all six ale pumps at the Pub manager Donna Walker is pictured These include many from breweries pub – where, normally, each pump has a beer celebrating her pub’s first inclusion in the across Scotland, such as Strathaven from a different brewery. Campaign for Real Ale – CAMRA’s Good Ales, Caledonian Brewing Co, Isle of Skye Shift leader Katarzyna Lipowczan said: “Carley Beer Guide 2017. Brewing Co and the more recent addition gave an interesting talk about Brightside – a nice, Donna, who runs The Great Glen, which of Nairn-based WooHa Brewing Company. family brewer.” opened in May 2013, was thrilled to The guide says: “Named after The Great She added: “We were delighted to be named discover that the Fort William pub is named Glen (An Gleann Mor), a stunning 78-mile as CAMRA’s Pub of the Season. We are proud among the 29 Scottish Wetherspoon natural route running from Inverness of our real ales here.” outlets listed in the latest guide. to Fort William, this is a new-build pub, unusual for Wetherspoon, conveniently The pub was named as Trafford & Hulme’s Pub Donna said: “I was absolutely delighted situated under a Travelodge. of the Season by the local CAMRA branch. when I found out that we had made it into the guide this time around. “It has a spacious, modern interior with Shift leader Emma Stubbs was presented with plenty of comfortable sofa seating and a certificate by branch chair John O’Donnell. “We work hard to ensure that we offer a great range of fantastic beers, along with an open kitchen. Ten hand-pumps serve He said: “There are two floors at the pub, with excellent customer service – and to have a good many Scottish ales.” a total of 13 hand-pumps, as there is a bar on that recognised is a lovely achievement.” each floor. The pub serves up to 10 ales at all times, l Please see page 25 for more news This ensures a good range of real ale in this with Sharp’s Doom Bar the only permanent on Wetherspoon pubs inclusion in popular Wetherspoon pub.” beer, with nine ever-changing guest ales. CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2017.

14 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 15 SWEET (POTATO) VICTORY AWARDS IN VEGAN FOOD AWARDS The PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Vegan Food Awards have recognised Wetherspoon for one of its vegan dishes. KINGSBURY The awards, now in their fourth year, celebrate new vegan products in the eating-out sector. MOON ENTERS LOFTY ORBIT Wetherspoon was one of only 24 winners – and the only pub J.J. Moon’s, in Kingsbury, is celebrating its inclusion in the company named. Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide 2017. Wetherspoon was named winner in the ‘best vegan curry’ section The pub, in northwest London, is one of 262 Wetherspoon for its sweet potato, chickpea & spinach curry. pubs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, The curry is a dish of sweet potato, fried and tossed in a rich included in the latest edition of the annual publication. coconut sauce, with chickpeas and spinach – to deliver a healthy CAMRA North London branch held its local launch for the and tasty option which is also under five per cent fat. guide at J.J. Moon’s, with members enjoying a The recipe draws on influences from the coastal regions of India Sunday-afternoon gathering at the pub. and fuses together the flavours of numerous herbs and spices, John Cryne, CAMRA North London said: “With only 35 pubs including fennel, fenugreek, coriander and turmeric. in the North London area able to be included, competition Wetherspoon’s head of food development, Jameson Robinson, said: is stiff, making this achievement that much greater. “We are thrilled to receive the award, as this dish has been a very Wetherspoon’s food development manager Oliver Addis “The pub is a haven in a real-ale desert – and people come popular choice in our pubs. from miles around to drink there. There are no other pubs to “It is recognition of our expanding vegan range of dishes which also “J D Wetherspoon’s pubs have shown themselves to be an industry match it in the area; the real ale is so good – and people includes pasta pomodoro and our new-recipe five-bean chilli.” leader in providing inclusive meals, winning over vegans, really appreciate it.” As the number of British vegans climbs to over half a million, the vegetarians and meat-reducers with a selection of vegan-friendly Pub manager Thomas Vercetti, pictured with John Cryne, market for plant-based meals, snacks and beverages is at an all-time foods which everyone can enjoy. said: “We are delighted that J.J. Moon’s has been recognised high – and PETA celebrates some of the hottest new vegan “PETA particularly loves the delicious and satisfying sweet potato, for the quality of its real ales by CAMRA members. products with its annual Vegan Food Awards. chickpea & spinach curry and, with the newly vegan naan bread “Staff at the pub ensure that the real ales on offer are kept in PETA’s spokesman, Dawn Carr, said: “Vegan options at chains and removing the need for substitution when ordering, Wetherspoon first-class condition, at all times – and the pub’s inclusion in pubs have traditionally been somewhat limited or uninspiring. was the obvious choice for PETA’s Best Vegan Curry award.” the guide highlights this." SITTINGBOURNE HAPPY HENS BEST BARNSLEY A FLOWER-POWERED RESTAURANT A SECOND SUCCESS FOR AND ETHICAL FLYING START AT THE SUCCESS EGGS BRING PROVIDES FOOD SILKSTONE INN GOLDEN HOPE FOR THOUGHT US RSPCA Wetherspoon has been recognised in a ‘best restaurant’ award category. RECOGNITION Wetherspoon has become the first pub company The Good Housekeeping Food to gain recognition from RSPCA Assured – the Awards 2016 named RSPCA’s ethical food label – for sourcing eggs Wetherspoon as runner-up, in the from farms which care for their hens to higher ‘best restaurant’ section, in its welfare standards throughout their life. 12th annual prestigious awards ‘hall of foodie fame’, voted for by Wetherspoon has committed to using only readers of the Good RSPCA-Assured shell eggs in its pubs Housekeeping magazine. (44 million per annum). Other categories included Its senior food development manager, various readers’ favourite Matt Elsdon, said: “Gaining RSPCA-Assured household food brands, certification for our shell eggs is something of supermarkets, celebrity chefs which we are very proud – and we are certain and cookery shows. that our customers will welcome the news too. Lindsay Nicholson, editorial Pub manager Simon Barker (pictured right) with shift manager “We place a lot of emphasis on ensuring that our director of Good Housekeeping, Paul Fearn (left) and Barnsley CAMRA branch secretary Nigel Croft egg suppliers look after their laying hens to the said: “The Good Housekeeping highest of standards – and this has been Food Awards are a fascinating The Silkstone Inn has been chosen as the Barnsley “My shift manager Paul Fearn also deserves a recognised by RSPCA Assured. snapshot of consumers’ tastes Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Autumn Pub of special mention for his efforts, as he runs the “With 44 million shell eggs used in our pubs each and preferences. We are seeing the Season 2016. cellar extremely efficiently, making sure that our year, it is vital that our customers know how Pub manager Amy Kortegas (left) and duty manager Jayne Boulter are pictured with a distinct trend towards quality It is the second time that the Barnsley pub has real ale is always served in excellent condition.” important the welfare of laying hens is to us.” their prize-winning floral display at The Golden Hope. and flavour, combined with a been recognised, since it opened its doors in Nigel Croft, Barnsley CAMRA branch secretary, Clive Brazier, CEO of RSPCA Assured, said: “We The pub and hotel in Sittingbourne were awarded first prize, in the ‘public houses group’, drive for value.” September 2008, having previously picked up the said: “The management and staff at The Silkstone are delighted that Wetherspoon has committed in the Sittingbourne in Bloom 2016 summer competition. Wetherspoon’s chief executive, summer 2009 title. Inn have put in endless hours in promoting real John Hutson, said: “Despite the to using only RSPCA-Assured shell eggs in The annual prize-giving event celebrates the horticultural achievements of the Kent Pub manager Simon Barker, who has managed ale – and these efforts are now being fact that we do not consider our its pubs. the pub for two years, said: “There is a lot of acknowledged again by Barnsley CAMRA. town’s residents, businesses and community groups, in nine categories. pubs to be restaurants, we are competition in the area, not just in the town “It’s an important step forward in our mission to Amy said: “We didn’t know that the pub had been entered – and received a letter clearly doing things right, in terms “Thanks to the team at The Silkstone Inn for centre, so we are delighted to win the award. improve the welfare of laying hens – and I very through the post telling us about the award, so it was a lovely surprise. of our food menu, and our providing a great range of beers, a comfortable much hope that other pubs, cafés and customers obviously appreciate it.” “We have a great relationship with our local CAMRA pub to drink them in and some great staff, who restaurants will be inspired to follow its lead.” “We opened recently, in July 2015, so to receive this, as well as gaining entry into the branch – regular weekly visitors to the pub. seem genuinely happy to serve you.” CAMRA Good Beer Guide, in our first year, is a great achievement.”

16 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 17 AWARDS COOS, NOT BOOS, AFTER VIEWS OF OUR LOOS A total of 513 Wetherspoon pubs, All of the toilets are graded from RIDE THE TIDE TO across the UK and the Republic of bronze to gold, with unacceptable Ireland, has been recognised for toilets not graded at all. the quality and standard of their The platinum rating is given only toilets – in the Loo of the Year to those outlets which offer Awards 2016. ‘exceptional toilets’. The awards are aimed at The toilets are judged against highlighting and improving numerous criteria, including décor standards of away-from-home and maintenance, cleanliness, POWER OUR FUTURE toilet provision across the UK. accessibility, hand-washing A total of 482 pubs gained and -drying equipment and a platinum-star rating by overall management. inspectors – the highest award The Loo of the Year Awards 2016’s possible. A further 31 gained a managing director, Mike Bone, said: gold award. “The toilets at Wetherspoon’s pubs The seas around Britain which have deterred Authorised inspectors make have been designed and fitted out invaders for millennia also provide an inexhaustible unannounced visits to thousands to a very high standard and are of toilets at sites across the UK both clean and well maintained. supply of free, natural energy – and, now, those and the Republic of Ireland, in “The pubs richly deserve their order to judge them. platinum and gold awards.” The Booking Office, Edinburgh unceasing tides are being harnessed to give Britons clean electricity and skilled jobs, West Midlands,Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire BRITANNIA BURGEONING AS WE says Tidal Lagoon Power founder, Mark Shorrock e, in Britain, can create our own energy future We hope to follow with a fleet of tidal lagoons around Britain’s coastline. BAG BOUQUET OF BLOOM AWARDS – with British investors, British manufacturing A tidal lagoon can also host sailing and triathlon events, foster mussel W and long-term British jobs. and oyster farms and be enjoyed by tourists and school tours. We can accomplish this by harnessing the vast tides which surround A lagoon is an amenity for its host region – for ever. our island nation. In England and Wales, the great Atlantic tides well A large lagoon offers the same power capacity as a nuclear power up onto the Continental shelf and funnel into large estuaries to record plant. There is no other renewable resource for the UK which comes the second-highest tidal range in the world. even close… and there’s no doubt that we need major new sources On a spring tide in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary, more than of reliable power. 30 billion cubic metres of water are lifted by as much as 14 metres, Of the 85,000MW of power station capacity in the UK, 38,000MW through the combined gravitational pull of the moon and sun. will be reaching end-of-life during the next eight years. We are promoting the idea of generating electricity from tidal lagoons. Lagoons Turbines In May 2016, the government launched an independent review A tidal lagoon is a U-shaped breakwater, built out from the coast, into tidal lagoons as a possible solution, chaired by the former within which sits a bank of hydro turbines. Water fills up and Energy Minister, Charles Hendry. When it reports in November, empties the man-made lagoon as the tides rise and fall. We generate we are hoping that the Hendry Review can fire the starting pistol electricity on both the incoming and outgoing tides, four times a day, for a series of UK tidal lagoons. every day. Great Britain developed the first wind turbines, never pursued the Because of the incredible tides on the west coast of Britain, by industry and now Denmark leads the world. keeping the turbine gates shut for just three hours, there is already a 4.2-metre height difference in water between the inside and the We plan to create a new manufacturing industry for tidal-lagoon outside of the lagoon. turbines, generators and turbine-housings and to generate long-term, Shift manager Liam Perry at The Billiard Hall, West Bromwich low-cost British power. Power is then generated as the water rushes through 60-metre-long Britain can decide to lead the world in tidal power and, given that we A total of 13 Wetherspoon pubs has gained awards at the annual Pub manager Ian Harvey (right) is pictured at The Bellwether, draft tubes, rotating the 7-metre-diameter hydro turbines. Heart of England in Bloom competition. Wednesbury, with gardener Chris O’Gorman have a unique need to replace ageing nuclear and coal power Our first project, in Swansea Bay (south Wales), has received The outlets, among 43 venues recognised in the 2016 ‘hotel & pub stations, why not deliver our power from home-grown, safe power About The Clifton, he commented: “Wow, a massive building, once the planning consent. We await government approval of an electricity grounds’ campaign, all achieved ‘silver’ or higher in this year’s contest. stations which work in harmony with nature? town’s picture house, dominates that corner of town. The planting, in contract which, even as a world-first tidal lagoon, is less than the cost The Britannia, in Rowley Regis, retained its ‘gold’ award, the highest We are hoping for a decision on Swansea by the end of 2016. particular in roof troughs and railing troughs, was stunning.” of electricity from Hinkley Point nuclear power station. available, scoring 85% and above – ‘given to exceptional achievers The Royal Tiger (Wednesfield), The Figure of Eight (Birmingham), Come and visit us, once we start building the project from late 2017! who have demonstrated a consistently high standard in all areas of The Foley Arms Hotel (Great Malvern) and The Duke’s Head Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon comprises 16 hydro turbines and a 9.6km the judging criteria and objectives of Britain in Bloom’. (Leominster) all achieved a silver-gilt (75–84%). Judged to be of a breakwater wall – and will produce electricity for 155,000 homes for The pub, the only Wetherspoon ‘gold’ achiever in 2015, our first year of very high standard and a potential gold award winner in the future. the next 120 years. competing, was joined this time around by a further five ‘gold’ winners. The Briar Rose (Birmingham), George Hotel (Bewdley) and The Royal Coastline They are The Billiard Hall (West Bromwich), The Bellwether Hop Pole (Tewkesbury) all collected a silver award, ‘an above-average We are going to make our turbines here in Great Britain; we are (Wednesbury), The Clifton (Sedgley), The Moon under Water entry’, scoring 60–74%. going to make our generators here in Great Britain; we are going to (Wolverhampton) and The Bloxwich Showman (Bloxwich). Wetherspoon’s regional manager, Heath Curley, said: “Our pubs take manufacture all of our turbine-housings here in Great Britain. For the The article was written before the government announced Judge Roger Bache said of The Britannia: “A stunning display of block great pride in their floral displays and the awards reflect this. Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, we will be spending over £850 million the findings of its report. For an update, please visit: colour hanging-basket-and-trough Surfinias set this pub apart. “I would also like to pay tribute to Chris O’Gorman, at Wednesbury in Great Britain. www.tidallagoonpower.com and @TidalLagoon “The entrance was enhanced by sustainable planting in barrels which, Garden Services, who has worked with Wetherspoon for more than in turn, was underplanted with colour – quite an imposing sight.” 15 years and takes huge pride in ensuring that our pubs look amazing.”

18 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 19 PUB HISTORY DRINK HISTORY IN THE HERE AND NOW Though Wetherspoon, as a company, is relatively young (having existed for just 37 years), many of our pubs have centuries on the clock — as our new project aims to highlight

International brewers at The Crosse Keys in The City of London etherspoon has embarked on a new project to “We invest millions of pounds, as well as time and skills, to ensure highlight the history of its pubs across the UK. that our pubs reflect the history of the building. W Many of the company’s pubs are built on the site of “In many cases, the buildings are landmark structures in their interesting and, in several cases, unique buildings. respective town or city. These include former banks, post offices, churches, theatres, “Many have fallen into disrepair or lain empty, until Wetherspoon cinemas and even an opera house. redeveloped and converted them into its pubs. The company is highlighting four of its pubs, with historical “As well as the building itself, we include a lot of history of each connections, on its website (www.jdwetherspoon.com) and will building through displays of photos, text, art and plaques, displayed IMPORT A NEW BEER? WE'D be adding many more of its pubs in the months and years ahead. in the respective pub. Wetherspoon’s chairman, Tim Martin, said: “We take immense “We feel that it is right to celebrate the history of the buildings – and pride in the restoration and refurbishment of wonderful buildings this new history project, which will feature on our website, will into Wetherspoon pubs. hopefully be of interest to many of our customers.” RATHER IMPORT THE BREWER Our innovation of bringing international ale artisans to Britain sets tongues wagging — and tingling Shakespeares Head Waterend Barn George’s Meeting House The Rochester Castle etherspoon is synonymous with real ale and Subsequently, our ‘International Craft Brewers’ Showcase’ craft beer, championing the best of brewing, programme was developed; since August 2013, we have W not only from the UK, but across the rest of regularly hosted international brewers, here in the UK, to brew the world too. one of their beers in cask form. We started to import foreign cask beers 15 years ago, mainly for To date, we have hosted 50 international brewers, brewed more our twice-yearly beer festivals. However, as much as this proved than 60 beers – and you have enjoyed six million pints of it, with popular with our customers, there were greater quality risks most pubs allocated an international ale twice a month. involved and we were not supporting the British brewing Unusual George’s Meeting House, 38 South industry with this venture. Street, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1ED – this The scheme helps to continue to provide you with an excellent Shakespeares Head, Africa House, pub is the former George’s Meeting So, in 2007, we came up with the idea of inviting brewers from range of cask ales. As well as an abundance of quality UK brews, 64–68 Kingsway, Holborn, London, and is ‘listed’ as having special around the world to come to Britain and brew their beers for we serve a vast number of varied and unusual international WC2B 6BG – this pub takes its name interest as an unaltered 18th-century us here, at a host brewery in the UK. beers to try. from its famous namesake which chapel. It was built as a Unitarian The Rochester Castle, 143–145 was in nearby Wych Street, off Exchange With a waiting list of top brewers lined up ready, including chapel in 1760 and named after King Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Drury Lane, frequented by actors George III, who came to the throne Newington, London, N16 0NY – this This was considered far more environmentally friendly than award-winning producers from the US, Australia, New Zealand, and literary figures such as Charles the same year. George’s Meeting pub was built in 1801 by Richard shipping thousands of gallons of beer across the world and Canada, Brazil and South Africa, as well as most of Europe, the Dickens. The writer Mark Lemon Waterend Barn, St Peters Street, closed as a chapel in 1983 and had Payne, from Rochester – hence its would help to promote the idea of international collaborations international ales look set to keep flowing at Wetherspoon. spent several years as the pub’s St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3LE – been converted to commercial use name. The Rochester Castle replaced landlord and later founded Punch among brewers, giving them the chance to exchange ideas this pub comprises two former ‘listed’ (Global Village) by 1987. It was most an earlier pub on this site, called The magazine which he edited for nearly and knowledge. barns. The larger barn originally stood recently an antiques centre. Green Dragon, known to have been in 30 years, until his death in 1870. next to Water End House, by a ford existence in 1702. It is Wetherspoon’s It seemed a great way of supporting international brewers, by over the River Lea, in the Parish of oldest trading pub, having opened enabling them to showcase their beers here, while continuing Sandridge. Water End House and Barn in 1983. to support the British brewing industry. were probably built around 1610, by Sir John Jennings. In 1938, Water End Our spring 2008 beer festival was the first to feature international Barn was dismantled and re-erected brewers, when Mitch Steele (from Stone Brewing, USA) and in the middle of St Albans, serving Toshi Ishii (then of Yo Ho Brewery, Japan) brewed for us here as Waterend Barn Restaurant. A few in the UK. years later, it was enlarged by a smaller barn from Little Hormead. Festival INTERNATIONAL ALES TO LOOK OUT FOR: The popularity of the international brewers, particularly those Kawasaki Red Ale 5.0% ABV from the US, continued to grow and, in October 2011, we held by Brimmer Brewing our first festival where all five international brewers came from the Belgian Blond 5.0% ABV USA. Two years later, we repeated this with 10 American brewers. by Het Anker Brewery Make It Rain 5.0% ABV by Sixpoint Brewery

20 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 21 All Hail the Ale BELFAST LEOMINSTER BEER TALKING – BREWERS HEAR YE, HEAR YE: POUR FORTH AT BRIDGE THIS ALE IS GOOD

Brewers from Northern Ireland Talks were given over the course Pictured left to right; Brian Sherriff from Lerwick Brewery, Alan Milton from WooHa, gave talks to customers and staff of the two-day weekend event by shift manager Goncalo ‘Gonzo’ Baptista and Cameron Tait from Thistly Cross Cider at The Bridge House, Belfast. Geoff Nuttall of the Maltmeister Team leader Gavin Green received a certificate from Leominster’s official ‘ale-taster’ to prove that the ale served at GLASGOW The special event, featuring Brewery in Bangor, Charles The Duke’s Head is ‘good’. regional ales to taste, was Ballantyne of Ards Brewing a celebration of the rise of cask Company and Barry McMullan of The Herefordshire town reintroduced several civic roles which BREW CREW MAKES CRAFTY VISIT ale in Northern Ireland since the the Belfast Homebrew Club. previously existed in the 16th and 17th centuries, including ale- late 1990s. Mark Hutchinson (pictured front tester, bread-weigher and fish-taster. It was hosted by the pub’s centre) said: “It was an excellent Ale-tester David Minton (pictured right) tasted the ales on sale TO GLASGOW’S COUNTING HOUSE event – and I would like to thank all at the pub in the presence of Gavin and Councillors Roger and Five brewers and a cider-maker visited The Counting House to see The pub’s duty manager, Louise McDonald, said: “The pub is very well manager Tommy McGibbon, who took part, especially Tommy Angela Pendleton – Leominster’s mayor and deputy mayor. the pub’s bottle shop and craft corner for themselves. known for its craft beers and range of take-away beers and ciders. now manager at The Spirit Merchant (Newtownards) and (pictured front left) for the help The pub’s duty manager, Paul ‘Scotty’ Hendry, said: “It was Representatives from Innis & Gunn, Arran, Lerwick, Jaw and WooHa “We were delighted to welcome representatives from the breweries, as Mark Hutchinson, chairman of and backing which are always at great to be recognised in this way and to have a certificate breweries joined colleagues from cider-maker Thistly Cross at the well as the cider-maker, to see our excellent range of beers and ciders. the Society for the Preservation his high standard of support.” to show that, in the opinion of the official ale-tester, our ale Glasgow city centre pub. “Our customers enjoyed beer and cider samples, from among of Beers of the Wood – a pro-real- Each talk was followed by a tasting is ‘good’. The pub is well known for its bottle shop which offers more than 260 those they produce, as well as the opportunity to meet the people ale group which pre-dates the of each brewer’s ales and breaks “He also said that he was impressed with the building which artisan beers and ciders, mostly Scottish, for customers to purchase. responsible for them." Campaign for Real Ale. for snacks in the downstairs bar. was a former cinema.” The craft corner offers up to 30 draught craft beers from across the UK at all times. DERRY STOURBRIDGE NORTH DEVON SHEFFIELD SHAKIRA FINDS SIPS TITANIC MAKES A SPLASH IN DEVON DEW: EXCLUSIVE BREW FOR THE LUCKY FEW PUBS SHOW DON’T LIE AT ICE WHARF LAND-LOCKED STOURBRIDGE THEIR A six-day beer festival at The METTLE AT Chequers Inn showcased five ales STEEL CITY from Titanic Brewery. Event host and bar associate Simon 42 EVENT Hanson (right) is pictured with Four pubs across customer Colin Foster, enjoying Sheffield city centre joined tasters of all the beers at the pub in forces to support a local Stourbridge, west Midlands. real-ale festival. The ales being served were The Bankers Draft, The Iceberg (4.1% ABV), Plum Porter Pictured behind the bar (left to right); managers Tim Strand (The Water Gate), Ryan Gunn (The Admiral Collingwood), Benjamin Huntsman, (4.9% ABV), White Star (4.8% ABV), Barry Spingett (The Water Gate), Rob Gibson (area manager) and Alan Young (The Panniers) with representatives Sheffield Water Works Shift leader Fergus O’Neill is pictured serving Lifeboat (4.0% ABV) and First Class from the microbrewery and craft gin producer Company and The Francis customer Shakira Kivlehan with a sample of craft (3.8% ABV). Newton sponsored the Steel beer at The Ice Wharf. Four Wetherspoon pubs across north Devon have Rob Gibson, Wetherspoon’s area manager, said: “We City 42 event. Andy Hobson from the brewery teamed up with a local microbrewery to produce an were lucky enough to be able to name and design Customers can enjoy a craft beer-tasting session in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, exclusive local craft brew. the label for the local craft brew, Devon Dew, which Steel City 42 was the four- every Friday and Saturday evening from 7–8pm hosted a tutored tasting session is available exclusively in my four north Devon pubs.” day Sheffield Campaign at the pub in Derry. and brewery talk as part of the The Panniers and The Water Gate (Barnstaple), The for Real Ale (CAMRA) 42nd The pub showcases a range of bottled craft beers, six-day event. Rose Salterne (Bideford) and The Admiral Collingwood Gary Jarvis said: “GT Ales is proud to be working annual beer and cider produced at breweries across Northern Ireland, (Ilfracombe) are all serving Devon Dew – a refreshing with J D Wetherspoon, the UK’s largest supporter of festival which took place at A raffle, with two Titanic Brewery including the nearest Northbound Brewery, based little drop of local pale ale. microbreweries and the craft beer revolution.” Kelham Island Museum. tour tickets up for grabs, also at Campsie, just five miles from the pub. raised £100 for CLIC Sargent. The light golden craft beer, 4.5% ABV, has been At a recent meet-the-brewer craft night event, Jonathan Atkinson, pub Pub manager Julie McAllister said: “We have a fantastic brewed by GT Ales. The microbrewery, in Chivenor, representatives from North Devon premium craft gin manager at The Bankers Simon said: “The festival was a great range of local and regional craft beers – and our meet- north Devon, was started in 2013 by life-long friends producer Wicked Wolf were also showcasing their Draft, said: “We are great success, with customers attending the-brewer and tasting sessions are a great way for Gary Jarvis and Toby Marsh. Exmoor Gin. supporters of local breweries, the tutored tasting session. customers to be introduced to the range.” Devon Dew has a delicate nose and light tropical fruit Barry Springett, pub manager at The Water Gate, as well as champions of real “The collaboration was also a good flavours which combine elegantly with pale malts said: “It is small batch and hand-crafted, made from ale, so were keen to support The selection also includes beers from Comber- opportunity to raise some funds for to deliver a refreshing golden beer with a rounded, Exmoor water. It’s great to have such an exclusive this long-standing and based Farmageddon and Whitewater Brewery in charity, thanks to Titanic’s generous bittersweet finish. product in our pubs, for our customers to enjoy.” popular CAMRA festival.” Kilkeel, as well as Lisburn-based Hilden Brewery. donation of the tour tickets.”

22 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 23 All Hail the Ale YORKSHIRE OUR TEAM OF 11 SCORES WITH EXCLUSIVE BREW Area manager David Ritchie and 10 pub The ale is called ‘Sgt. Spoons’, a 4.0% ABV managers in his outlets across Yorkshire golden ale, a deliciously Moorish golden have teamed up with a local brewery to beer with a fresh citrus hop aroma and produce a charity fundraising beer. a good bitterness balance. It is brewed The group of managers visited Acorn using Maris Otter and Crystal Malts, with Brewery, in Barnsley, to enjoy a tour of Challenger, Whitbread Golding and the brewery, as well as help out with an Crystal Hops. exclusive brew for their 10 pubs. Acorn Brewery is donating funds to The Spirit Merchant, “This large single-bar Simon Barker, pub manager at The Silkstone CLIC Sargent, based on sales of the Yr Hen Orsaf, Aberystwyth: Newtownards: Inn, in Barnsley, said: “Dave Broadhead, one charity brew. “An award-winning conversion of Aberystwyth’s Wetherspoon pub on the main street, near to ex-GWR railway station, this excellent of the brewers at Acorn, is a regular in my The new guest ale is available at The Blue 1924-built the bus station, retains the feel of a local, with pub – and we got talking one day about Bell (Hemsworth), The Broken Bridge Wetherspoon pub offers up to six guest beers knowledgeable and welcoming staff. In addition organising a tour to the brewery. (Pontefract), The Church House (Wath- with either a Bluestone or a Mantle beer normally to the regular beers, up to two changing guest “The idea snowballed and he offered for upon-Dearne), The Glass Blower and The available… Train, buses and taxis are all adjacent, ales are offered from five hand-pumps. A major feature is the large heated courtyard to the side.” us to brew a beer, choosing the style and Winter Seam (both in Castleford), The with a train departure screen in the bar. Outdoor drinking is on the old station concourse, within Pub manager Tommy McGibbon (left) with name, as well as linking it somehow with Horseshoe (Wombwell), The Joseph fundraising efforts for our chosen charity Bramah and The Silkstone Inn (Barnsley), view of the trains.” shift leader Andrew Campbell CLIC Sargent.” The Old Market Hall (Mexborough) and Pub manager Nicholas Price The Six Chimneys (Wakefield). NEWCASTLE BROMLEY FIREBRICK SMOULDERS BAR PAIR BRINGS BREW GOOD BEER GUIDE: OUR PINTS AT THE UNION ROOMS OUT OF THE SHED PROPEL US TO THE PINNACLE etherspoon’s pubs have been acclaimed for the “Wetherspoon is a great champion of cask beer. Its pubs always have quality of their real ales – by members of the a fine range of beers and, in particular, support local breweries, not W Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). A total of 262 just national brands. Wetherspoon pubs is listed in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide “In many cases, a Wetherspoon pub has breathed life back into a 2017 – the most of any pub company across the UK. community where other pubs have had a poor choice of beer and have been encouraged to improve their beer offer as a result of The guide, now in its 44th year of publication, is regarded as the Wetherspoon’s example and success.” leading authority on real ale served in pubs. Wetherspoon’s commercial manager, Gary Holmes, added: “I am In a number of instances, Wetherspoon has the only pub listed in the delighted that so many of our pubs have been recognised by CAMRA respective town. members for the quality of their real ales. Additionally, several Wetherspoon pubs have been listed the first time “Our pubs offer customers an excellent range of real ales at all times, they sought entry in the guide, plus all nine Wetherspoon pubs in including those from regional brewers and microbrewers, as well Northern Ireland are also listed. as hosting their own beer festivals. Two Wetherspoon staff members They were then given the Local CAMRA branch members chose the pubs following regular “In addition, our two UK-wide beer festivals are a showcase for The first of a month-long ‘tap “We are serving the full range have transformed their home- amazing opportunity to produce visits to check on the quality of the real ales on offer. take-over’, showcasing local available from each producer, brewing hobby into a brand-new one of their beers, using the overseas beers, as well as the best beers brewed in the UK. The guide’s editor, Roger Protz, said: “Each of the Wetherspoon pubs breweries, was successfully with the four hand-pumps brew at their pub. full-size equipment, at the west “Staff at our pubs work hard to ensure that their selection of real ales launched at Union Rooms. totally dedicated to the deserves its place in the Good Beer Guide 2017. Shift leader Jake Regan-Fleckney London brewery. is kept in first-class condition at all times, and the inclusion in the individual brewery for the “It is our belief, if a licensee serves an excellent pint of real ale, that Pub manager Al Lane (right) is and bar associate Matthew California Soul (5.5% ABV) guide of 262 Wetherspoon pubs highlights this.” entire month, as well as everything else in the pub, including customer service, quality of food pictured with Firebrick Brewery Walden, who work at The American Pale Ale cask beer is bottled beers, kegs and atmosphere, is then likely to be of an equally high standard. head brewer Alistair Lawrence, Greyhound, in Bromley, are now now available in 20 Wetherspoon at a meet-the-brewer event in and information on display.” better known as Three Hounds pubs, in southwest and southeast l CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2017 is available from bookshops (£12.99) or directly from CAMRA the Newcastle pub. The Firebrick real ales Beer Company. London, including The Greyhound, (special online price £10, plus shipping, for members of CAMRA): www.camra.org.uk/gbg Al said: “Firebrick is our closest included Pagan Queen (4.0% The pair are both keen which also stocks a bottled version. brewery, based at Blaydon on ABV), Stella Spark (4.4% ABV), homebrewers and were looking Jake, pictured right with (left to Tyne, just five miles from the Blaydon Brick (3.8% ABV) and for advice on how to improve their right) pub managers Doreen and pub, so was the ideal brewery Toon Broon (4.6% ABV), as well beer and brewing techniques. Andy Bawn and Matthew, said: to kick off our now-regular as Tyne 9® (3.9% ABV), a new The Humphrey Bean, “We were brewing in a shed, in “A real-ale month-long ‘local brewery of hand-crafted black lager from Having struck up a great Matt’s garden, and then in a room Tonbridge: the month’ events. the keg. relationship with the guys from showcase in the heart of town, the pub in his house in Bromley, but now Al said: “We have several Portobello Brewing Company, is welcoming and spacious, occupying “We have three bars at the pub we have launched California – and the second largest, at breweries all very close to the through meet-the-brewer events the former post office building. Ample Soul – thanks to Portobello – and seating both inside and out makes this the back, is now dedicated to pub and plan to showcase them at The Greyhound, Jake and Matt it is completely out there. Wetherspoon outlet a comfortable place local breweries and our craft all, including Allendale, Big approached the brewery with in which to eat and drink. It has a good beer range. Lamp, Mordue and Tyne Bank.” their questions. “At the meet-the-brewers launch event, we were the brewers!” reputation for well-conditioned ales, beer festivals and brewery promotion BEVERLEY weeks… The garden is colourful and inviting in summer, with views of the BLACK HORSE EVENT A GALLOPING SUCCESS River Medway and Tonbridge castle.”

A meet-the-brewer evening at The Cross Keys saw Full Cat Fuller (5.0% ABV), Seek Medical Help (5.5% Pub manager James Harris (now at customers enjoy a selection of ales from The Black ABV) and Willy Wickham’s Posthumous Ale (4.4% ABV). The Catherine Wheel, Henley) Horse Brewing Company. The brewery also donated a mini keg and bottled beer “A small, particularly The pub in Beverley showcased five real ales selections, as raffle prizes, raising £156 for CLIC Sargent. The Muckle Cross, Elgin: from the Louth-based brewery, located 45 miles Shift manager and event organiser Emma Thorley good and deservedly popular Wetherspoon pub in a former bicycle from the pub. said: “Black Horse ales are very popular – and the repair shop, with friendly, efficient staff. The long, pleasant room The real ales being served were England’s Finest evening was a great success.” has ample seating, including a family area. Eight hand-pumps offer House (4.5% ABV), Executioner’s Assistant (4.3% ABV), a wide range of beers from national and Scottish micros. The pub also stocks a good choice of malt whiskies from more than 20 local distilleries. An extensive menu features healthy options, as well as 24 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com pub grub.”jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 25 Pub manager Emma Bryant Bar associate Chloe Beckett is pictured at The Standing Order, in Derby

TheV next All smiles behind the bar at The Linen Weaver, in Cork, are (left to right) Wetherspoon bar associate Oisin O’Neill, team leader Thomas Crowley, bar associate Sean O’Sullivan and team leader Stephen Knightly beer festival In Market Harborough, duty manager Claire Draper, team leader Kieren McHale, bar associate Vicky Wakelin, team leader Kim Field and bar takes place from associate Simon Edwards are pictured (left to right) at The Sugar Loaf Wednesday 22 March until Sunday 2 April 2017 inclusive

Pub manager Ewa Bicka is pictured (centre) with customers (left to right) Rita Delnevo, Vera Dowd, Kathleen and Noel Molloy and Margaret King at LOTS OF BRITISH HOPS ADD UP TO GREAT LEAP FORWARD The Alfred Herring, in Palmers Green nce again, our autumn real-ale festival delivered The overseas beers were Hopsession (Afro-Caribbean, South Africa), an extravaganza of great British brewing, Braddon Bitter (Bentspoke, Australia), Recreationale (Terrapin, USA), Team leader Jessica Fisk serves customers (left to right) Scott Farrer, O at Wetherspoon’s pubs across the UK and Hot Night at the Village (Birrificio Foglie d’Erba, Italy) and Special Sean Hodge and Wesley Bush at The Four Candles, in Oxford the Republic of Ireland. Bitter (Ninkasi, USA). The 12-day event was a celebration of British hops serving up The festival line-up also included new, seasonal and speciality beers – in 30 fantastic festival ales – all made using only British hops. addition to which many of the beers were available in the pubs for the It was a wonderful festival of tradition and innovation, as 25 UK first time, having been brewed exclusively for our festival. brewers, as well as five visiting from overseas, produced a plethora Ali Capper, British Hop Association (BHA) board member and hop of British-hop brews. farmer, said: “Wetherspoon continues to support British hop-growers, through its festivals, which is really great news.” Getting into the festival spirit at The Six Chimneys, in Wakefield, are (left to right) pub manager Adam Harris, bar associate Katie Jackson, team leader Luke Jepson, bar associate Shannon Bradley and shift leader Joanna Bacon

Pictured (left to right) at The Richard Oastler, in Brighouse, are shift manager Lizzy Ackroyd, shift leader Hannah Lynch, bar associate Jamie Cormack, pub manager Amanda McKenzie and bar associate Sarah Cavanagh

Pictured (left to right) at The Wouldhave, in South Shields, are pub manager Darren Simpson, duty manager Kelly Kennedy and bar associate Becca Hay

At The Kings Head Hotel, Beccles, customer Glenn Fuller enjoys the festival Team leader Anna Czine (right) and bar associate Catrina Menzies ale, served by (left to right) bar associates Tom Guttridge and Gemma Ellis, at The Gold Cape, in Mold with duty manager Emma Talosi The Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Cllr Nick Brown, pours a festival pint at The Winter Gardens, in Harrogate, as (left to right) pub manager Becky Teale, shift leader Ben Lancaster and floor/kitchen associate Carol Lynskey look on

Pub manager Krystal Schollick and bar associate Mark McIlroy at Pub manager Andrew Hetherington, and members of his team behind the The Spinning Mill, in Ballymena

HE PERFECT PINT AT TH VE T E PER SER FEC ICH T T H EM W P S E B R U A P T U

R R

O E F bar, are in their festival beer tent at Woodrow Wilson, in Carlisle O S V E ER S 9 OU 25 H AC REE CRED ON F ITED J D WETHERSPO

Enjoying the festival beer and ale pie at The Hat and Feathers, in Seaham, are (left to right) customer Ray Wilson, local CAMRA pubs officer Dave Thornton Bar associate Bekah Duncan is pictured at The King’s Highway, in Inverness and duty manager Jordan Haynes

26 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 27 BEER FESTIVAL JUDGES LOVE A HOT NIGHT AT THE VILLAGE

ne of our visiting overseas brewers scooped the Brewer Gino Perissutti said: “It is intended to be a very easy-drinking ‘overall’ title in the autumn 2016 Wetherspoon beer ale, just like our water from the Dolomites – soft and delicate, with O festival judging event. a lot of character. It is low in bitterness, medium bodied, with hints of Hot Night at the Village (5.0% ABV), brewed by Birrificio Foglie d’Erba, chocolate, liquorice and caramel, as well as little herbal notes on the was judged as the leading beer among the 30 festival ales sampled end of the sip. and judged at the bi-annual tasting event at The Trent Bridge Inn. “The name comes from a tribute to one of the nicest beer events in More than 30 judges from Wetherspoon, pub customers, the all of Europe, called ‘Villaggio della Birra’, located in Tuscany every breweries, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and those from September, as well as our love for Jethro Tull’s music and the group’s within the beer and pub industry sampled all of the festival beers song Budapest!” at the pub in Nottingham. Wetherspoon’s marketing manager Rob Davies, who organised the Several classes of beer were sampled and judged, over three rounds, event, said: “Once again the event was a great success, with the with each beer given points by each person, to obtain the top-three feedback extremely positive in terms of organisation and the overall placings for each class. The winner of each class then went into standard of beers. a final, leading to the overall top-three placings. “This year, due to the British hop theme, we added an extra marking They awarded the Italian beer, brewed for the festival at host UK for each beer’s hop character, where we asked the judges to give a brewery Shepherd Neame, in Faversham, ‘gold’ in the ‘dark ales separate score based on the hop aromas and flavour. class’, ‘silver’ in the ‘international beers’ category and overall ‘gold’. “The ‘top of the hops’ marked beers which were thought to have Hot Night at the Village is an English-style brown porter and was the best overall character. It was felt to be a very challenging, yet brewed with the following UK hops; Challenger, East Kent Goldings enjoyable and informative round to judge.” and Fuggles.

Top Of The Hops Award Brewery Beer Award Brewery Beer Gold JW Lees British Autumn Ale Gold Evan Evans Autumn Frenzy Silver Liberation Pilsner Silver Rooster’s Hope and Glory Bronze Coach House Hoptober Coach House Hoptober Joint Bronze Purity Pure ERA Gold Shepherd Neame Kentish Saison

Silver Banks’s Gold Ingot Gold Birrificio Foglie d’Erba Hot Night at the Village Bronze Purity Pure ERA Silver Everards Pitch Black Bronze Theakston Vanilla Stout Gold RCH Return From The Ashes Silver Titanic S.E.A Gold Ninkasi Special Bitter Bronze Terrapin Recreationale Silver Birrificio Foglie d’Erba Hot Night at the Village Bronze Bentspoke Braddon Bitter Gold Castle Rock Phoenix Red

Silver Morland Old Crafty Hen Gold Birrificio Foglie d’Erba Hot Night at the Village Bronze Ninkasi Special Bitter Silver Castle Rock Phoenix Red Bronze RCH Return From The Ashes

28 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 29 COMMUNITY YEOVIL IT’S AWFUL PUB-GOERS FEEL THE BENEFIT IN YEOVIL The William Dampier in Yeovil hosted Citizens Advice South Somerset, a group offering on-site advice and information on the benefit cap and other welfare benefits changes. Several information sessions were held at the pub. COLD UP ON Citizens Advice South Somerset’s CEO, Angela Kerr (pictured left, with customers), said: “We were delighted that the managers and staff at the pub supported our information sessions. “Many people find it difficult to understand exactly how they may be affected by changes in welfare benefits. “Many of our clients enjoy visiting The William Dampier – and THE MORAL holding the sessions in the pub encouraged them to come to see us.” Pub manager James Currell, said: “We were more than happy to assist Citizens Advice South Somerset and the excellent work it does.” l www.citizensadvicesouthsomerset.org.uk HIGH GROUND BLYTH ..but it’s snug down here, with a pint or three, GHOST IN THE MACHINE ROOM ELUDES PARANORMAL PROBE says Paul Chase The Wallaw, in Blyth, was the perfect A grade-II listed, Art Deco, four-storey venue for a charity Halloween fundraiser, building, it originally opened as led by local paranormal investigators. a cinema in November 1937. oing back around 25 or so years, pop stars, Racket The Northumberland Ghostbusters The auditorium was subdivided in 1987, celebrities and others who were famous for being A classic example of virtue-signalling is our hapless Chief Medical staged a ticket-only paranormal with two smaller screens added, G famous began wearing baseball caps. It started in Officer, Dame Sally Davies. Sally was prepared to abandon 90 years special investigation, behind the showing its final film in 2004. America. It became cool. of science which proved the protective health effects of a moderate scenes at the historic building which The landmark building stood empty and If you wore your baseball cap the wrong way round, it was even consumption of alcohol, in order to justify her new low-risk drinking was once a cinema. became derelict, before opening as a more cool! It spread like a virus to Europe and the UK – and, guidelines of just 14 units of alcohol a week (for both men and Wetherspoon pub in December 2013. The event raised funds for four before long, everyone under 30 was wearing a baseball cap. women) – that’s about three-quarters of a pint of beer a day! charities, including £125 for So, are the local stories about a ghost of Virtue-signallers love simple messages because they patronisingly CLIC Sargent. a lady in the old projection room a reality Even the fact that William Hague, the (then) young leader of the believe that ordinary folk are too thick to understand anything even or just an urban myth? Conservative Party wore one wasn’t enough to put people off. This was the first paranormal slightly complex. investigation in the building since the Shift manager and event organiser Emma This is what happens when people whose brain power isn’t sufficient 1980s, using the latest technology and Wright reported: “The tour had some Wallaw GhostBusters: Steven Wilson, Jo Thornhill, to blow their hats off decide it’s probably safe to wear one. I can’t decide whether Sally did this to signal to the other members aided by a local medium. unexplainable and quite spooky moments, Diane Bradley and Alan Hoyle ( rear l-r ) David Moutrey People yearn for a sense of belonging – and so the wearing of of the ‘public health’ racket that she is one of them, while knowing although everyone had a lot of fun.” and Malcolm Birnie ( front l-r ) a baseball cap became a way of signalling ‘I am one of you’. that this was bunk, or whether she was leaned on to compromise the science in the name of creating a new factoid, being ‘there is no safe Virtuous CONSETT level of drinking’. OLDHAM However, joining in harmless, yet irritating, fashion trends isn’t the COMPANY ROW CREW COLLECTS only way in which people signal their sense of belonging. Fuss-buckets UP STEPS STEPS UP Predictably, all of the other fuss-buckets who get off on telling others CASH, CLOTHES AND COMESTIBLES It applies to moral ideas and judgments too. Opposition to drinking how to live, signalled their agreement – Alcohol Concern, the FOR HALF MARATHON A community day at The Company and eating so-called ‘unhealthy foods’ is a way of signalling how The Up Steps Inn was the Institute for Alcohol Studies, Professor Gilmore from the Alcohol Row, provided support for charities virtuous you are. focal point for the 2016 and organisations, helping the Health Alliance and countless foot soldiers from local councils who ‘Virtue-signalling’ is very much in vogue at the moment. We’ve Oldham half marathon. people of Consett. have now been placed in charge of so-called ‘public health’ – all said The start-finish line, for the seen numerous examples of it, in recent months. The tendency of ‘me too’. The pub, in County Durham, politicians and celebrity chefs to say ‘me too’, in respect of utterly annual Milltown-to-Moors hosted a collection drop and You could be forgiven for thinking that they were all engaged in a vacuous policies like the sugar tax, minimum alcohol pricing, plain event, was directly outside the staged a food and craft market for conspiracy, yet, actually, you don’t need to imply a conspiracy when premises, while the post-race packaging of cigarettes and health warnings on bottles of booze, is the Consett Community Trust. they all think alike. awards ceremony took place The group raised £43 in cash, as a way of signalling which side of the moral divide they’re on. in the pub. I quite like baseball caps, now that they’re no longer fashionable. well as collecting eight bags of Some people like nothing better than sitting in judgement of how This group provides assistance, late How long will it take for the virtue-signalling of the public health The race covers 13.1 donated clothes and food. at night and during weekends, other people live their life. TV soap operas have trained them in atmospheric miles, and treatment centre at the racket to go out of fashion? I’d bet not any time soon. Royal Oldham Hospital. The Consett Community Trust helping those who had gone out for how to do it. runners pass through provides food, clothes and toy a good time, yet experienced quite That said, there is little or no public support for ridiculously restrictive “We were also delighted to And if they can wag their fore-finger at other people’s behaviour, Saddleworth, with views of banks for a local refuge, as well as the opposite. They help both those policies on what people eat and drink – and those who preach to welcome Team GB hockey while advocating a ‘better way of life’, then not only does this provide the village and the Peak for vulnerable families within the in need, by giving them water and others may find that it can get awfully cold up there on the moral Olympic gold medallist District’s landscape. local community, those in need and flip-flops, and the community which them with a means of occupying the moral high-ground, but it signals Oldham-born Nicola White high-ground. Shift manager Michael requiring support. works alongside Consett’s nightlife. how virtuous they are. to the pub.” McLaughlin said: “The race Consett Street Friends also The pub’s kitchen manager Martine l Paul Chase is a leading commentator on alcohol policy Pictured (left to right) are was a great success, raising attended the event, holding a bake Milburn said: “It was a fantastic and health. He is the founding director of CPL Training The Worshipful the Mayor of a lot of money for various sale and tombola (pictured), raising community atmosphere, with and previously ran bars and nightclubs on Merseyside Oldham, Councillor Derek local charities, as well as £140 for their cause. everyone joining together for one for 23 years The Christie radiotherapy Heffernan, with Michael another – and we also collected £58 and Nicola. for CLIC Sargent.”

30 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 31 THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS • EPSOM TONY ON A SURE THING AT EPSOM In March 2017, Tony Cave will be celebrating a decade as pub manager at The Assembly Rooms, in Epsom. Tony’s British-born father, a chef and West Country OUR PEOPLE farmer, travelled the world with his family, running and owning hotels and restaurants in numerous countries, so hospitality is obviously in Tony’s genes. THE CROWN & SCEPTRE • STREATHAM Born in Kenya, Tony was in the UK in 2002, after a spell in Africa, and had only been here one week when he saw a sign in the window of the newly refurbished Kingston upon Thames pub, The Kings Tun. He said: “I popped in to find out about work and was hired on the spot, as a bar associate. That was almost MARK MAKES HIS MARK 15 years ago! “My intention was to spend a couple of months in the UK, before returning to Africa, but I ended up staying. “My background was in nightclubs, initially as a DJ and then I owned a nightclub. I had a basic knowledge of the pub trade and, within a week, was promoted to team leader.” AT CROWN & SCEPTRE Tony embarked on all of the training courses, spent some time at The Moon Under Water, in Twickenham (no longer a Wetherspoon pub) and became deputy manager at The Kings Tun, a year later. He moved to The Coronation Hall (Surbiton), as temporary manager, before area manager Dwayne Goss gave Tony his first pub, now sold, The Cap in Hand (also Surbiton). Tony said: “I spent 18 months there, but had always told Dwayne that, if The Assembly Rooms ever came up, I would love to manage it. “I always wanted to run the pub. It is a lovely pub, and Epsom is a nice area. At the time, I always felt I could improve it and, thankfully, that has been the case.” Tony added: “I still love my job, especially the versatility it affords me. I have a lot of other roles, including involvement in pre-opening training for Wetherspoon. “I am also involved in the community, as chair of the local pubwatch scheme and a committee member for the local BID (Business Improvement Districts), as well as various council projects.”

THE CORONATION HALL • SURBITON HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE KASIA? Julie Andrews was once famously sung about: ‘How do you solve a problem like Maria?’ But staff at one Wetherspoon pub have been wondering what to do about Kasia, Kasia, Kasia Mark Stevenson is celebrating 10 years as A short spell as deputy at Wetherspoons He has also been involved in helping with and Kasia. pub manager at The Crown & Sceptre with (now The Joseph Else), in Nottingham, was the pubwatch scheme in the past. That’s because, at The Coronation Hall, in the pub’s 10th consecutive listing in the followed by a return to London and a three- In 2013, Mark achieved his advanced Surbiton, south-west London, four members Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good year spell as manager at The Fox on the Hill, diploma in leisure retail management, of the team all have the same name – you’ve Beer Guide 2017. in Camberwell, before moving to through Wetherspoon, and then his degree, guessed it, Kasia. This is quite an achievement, as he marks The Crown & Sceptre. graduating the following year. To make matters even more confusing, all four his decade at the Streatham pub, in Mark said: “I love what I do, otherwise He said: “I didn’t go to university when Kasias work in the kitchen. March 2017. I certainly wouldn’t have been doing it for I was younger, so to have the opportunity Shift manager David Brown said: “It used to Derby-born Mark first applied for a job this long! to better myself is a great benefit, after all make things confusing. At least if you go into with Wetherspoon 18 years ago, joining “The Crown & Sceptre is a real community these years with the company. the kitchen and shout ‘Kasia’, someone will the company as a shift manager in 1998 pub, with 80 per cent of customers all “Wetherspoon also gave me the opportunity respond to you.” at The Watch House, in Lewisham, regular visitors and the vast majority living to travel to base camp Everest in 2013, The four Kasias – kitchen manager Kasia southeast London. within walking distance of the pub. raising £5,500 for CLIC Sargent – which Sluzewska and associates Kasia Kowalska, Kasia Within 15 months, he took over as manager “I’m proud of the pub’s community spirit was an unbelievable experience.” Smolinska and Kasia Niedzielka (all pictured) – of his first pub, The Edmund Halley, in Lee and also of its continued inclusion in the Speaking about future plans, Mark resolved any confusion about who was talking Green, also in the southeast of the capital Good Beer Guide.” concluded: “Perhaps I could be area to whom by simply using one another’s surname. where he spent a year, before returning to As well as his pub manager role, Mark turns manager one day, although I’m not 100 per David says that the practice soon caught on Lewisham for four years. ‘judge’ once a year, for the annual CAMRA cent sure when or how that could work out, across the pub – and that the word ‘Kasia’ is southwest London beer festival, judging but it is something to think about.” now hardly used at all. the ales at the local event.

32 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 33 FOOD BURNS' NIGHT

Ale Customers will also be able to enjoy Edinburgh Castle (4.1% ABV), The haggis meal and Highland burger dish will also include a guest ale for the occasion, from Caledonian Brewery, in Edinburgh. a drink, either non-alcoholic or alcoholic, from our club A ruby beer, with malty and fruity aromas, a creamy bittersweet drinks range. flavour and a mellow dry satisfying finish, thisScottish 80/- Shilling Fun JOY FOR HAGGIS-HUNTERS Ale is rich in history and depth of flavour. Fancy a wee dram to toast the Bard of Ayrshire? We have three Another Scottish brew to try is BrewDog Punk IPA (5.6% ABV), single-malt Scottish whiskies to choose from. They are the the Aberdeenshire brewery’s first beer and still its best seller. Highland single-malt Glenmorangie, Jura Origin 10-year-old Punk IPA is a homage to the classic India pale ale style and is (from the Isle of Jura) and the Speyside single-malt Glenfiddich. a great, full-flavoured, hoppy craft beer. Wetherspoon’s operations director Martin Geoghegan said: “Burns’ week is always great fun – and our customers enjoy the AS WEE BEASTIES REAPPEAR fact that we celebrate for a week, rather than just one day.” Neeps, tatties and Edinburgh Castle Ale on menu during Burns’ Week Haggis Robert Burns

n time-honoured tradition, Wetherspoon’s pubs Haggis across the UK will once again be celebrating the The haggis served in your local Wetherspoon is the Synonymous with Burns’ Macsween started from Address to a Haggis was written Night and immortalised in the humble roots in a butcher’s life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. award-winning Macsween haggis, an oaty, spicy mince and by Robert Burns to celebrate his I eight verses of Robert Burns’ shop in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh. appreciation of the haggis; as a great source of iron, fibre and carbohydrate, with no Pubs will be serving Scottish haggis, neeps and tatties to mark poem Address to a Haggis James Macsween is the third a result, Burns and haggis have artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives. the annual Burns’ Night event. However, our celebrations – the haggis is Scotland’s generation of leaders in the been forever linked. will continue for a full eight days, from Friday 20 January Regular haggis-eaters will know that each haggis-maker will national dish. family, following in his The poem is always the first item on until Friday 27 January inclusive (with Burns’ Night on have a slightly different recipe, but the Macsween recipe has parents and grandparents’ the programme of Burns’ suppers, Wednesday 25 Jan). been a firm favourite with the nation for more than 60 years. footsteps – and the product when the haggis is generally carried As well as the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties meal, The perfect combination of lamb, beef, oats, onion and is still handmade to his in on a silver salver at the start of the the Macsween haggis is added to our Highland burger spices has become a popular meal and accompaniment to grandfather’s specification. proceedings, brought to the table dish – a 6oz burger, topped with Macsween haggis and served everyday dishes and can be enjoyed by everyone throughout James (pictured) ensures accompanied by a piper. with a whisky sauce, chips and six beer-battered onion rings. Burns’ week. that every Macsween haggis Someone then recites the verse, before the theatrical cutting is twice cooked, for superior of the haggis with the ceremonial knife, which begins… taste and quality, just as his forefathers did. Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Macsween has supplied Great chieftain o the puddin’-race! Haggis, neeps and tatties Wetherspoon continually, for more than 15 years, with in Aboon them a’ ye tak your place, excess of three million meals Painch, tripe or thairm: served in our pubs across Scotland alone. Weel are ye worthy o’ a grace, As lang’s my arm.

Burns’ week FRIDAY 20 JANUARY until FRIDAY 27 JANUARY inclusive

Highland burger

34 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 35 Wetherspoon has opened more new pubs in recent months and will be opening additional outlets throughout 2017 and beyond. For the latest new openings: jdwetherspoon.com Do you know of a property which would make a great Wetherspoon? Then, let us know... Contact our acquisitions team: NOWOPEN E: [email protected] T: 01923 477725

CHECK OUT OUR NEWS APP FOR MORE PHOTOS ORDER & PAY NEWS

● HUNTINGDON SANDFORD HOUSE Wetherspoon has opened another new hotel – Sandford House. It has spent £1.1 million building and developing the hotel in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. It is the company’s first purpose-built hotel and is managed by Sarah Hemingway (pictured). ● WELLINGTON Sandford House opened, on the site of two landmark buildings THE IRON DUKE in George Street: the old post office building and George Hall. Pub manager Mat Turner is pictured at the opening of The grade II listed premises were once called Sandford House, his new pub in Wellington, along with the town’s mayor, home to carriage-maker Charles Sandford Windover and Cllr Bob Bowrah BEM, as well as 2016 Olympic shooting his family. bronze medal winner and local farmer Ed Ling. The new 22-bedroom hotel is in a separate stand-alone Wetherspoon spent just over £2.3 million developing purpose-built premises, set behind the pub, with rooms on the the old town hall building to open the pub called ground and first floors. The building is cedar wood clad, with The Iron Duke. wheelchair access and a lift. The pub is named after Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of It comprises one family, 12 twin and eight double rooms, Wellington, who took his title from this Somerset town. as well as one room suitable for people with disabilities, The ‘Iron Duke’ twice held office as prime minister, but is including wet-room facilities. best remembered as the general who defeated Napoleon. The pub also has a specially adapted ‘Changing Places’ WC for Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo, in 1815, is those with disabilities, as well as those unable to use standard commemorated by the three-sided obelisk situated on the accessible toilets. highest point on the Blackdown Hills, overlooking the town. Each of the bedrooms features an en suite bathroom, tea- and The new pub buildings comprise the grade II listed old coffee-making facilities, hair dryer, flat-screen television town hall, erected in 1833, and the adjacent municipal with Freeview TV and unlimited free Wi-Fi, as well as digital building, built in the late 19th century as a ‘corn and air-conditioning and temperature control. provision market’. The modern hotel design is decorated with artwork (displayed The Iron Duke, which is on two floors, features one bar and in the bedrooms and hallways) produced by local children, a roof-top beer garden, to the rear of the building, as well all pupils at the nearby Stukeley Meadows Community as a side roof-top terrace, where smoking is permitted in Primary School (pictured). a designated area. Sarah said: “Sandford House has quickly established itself as Among the artwork on display are commissioned pieces a popular and busy pub – and the new hotel is a wonderful by local artists, including a hand stitch and Perspex piece addition to the outlet and the Huntingdon community. of the Iron Duke building, by Juliet Arnison, and two “We look forward to welcoming guests to Sandford House hand-carved wood reliefs on elm (purchased in Somerset) for years to come.” made by Jane Mowat. Town Hall Buildings, Fore Street, George Street, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 3BD Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8LS

36 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 37 ● DARLINGTON NEW LOOK CHECK OUT OUR NEWS APP FOR MORE PHOTOS THE WILLIAM STEAD ORDER & PAY NEWS Pub manager Lee Broadley is pictured with boxer Stuart Hall at the reopening of The William Stead. The Darlington-born professional British bantamweight boxer officially reopened the pub in his home town – the customers’ choice in an online social media poll. The William Stead has undergone a £130,000 refurbishment project. The bar areas at the Darlington pub (ground and first-floor levels) have been fully redecorated, with new furniture, carpets and lighting installed. The DJ booths and dance floor have been removed and the raised bar area extended to create a larger dining space. Lee said: “The William Stead has always proven popular since it first opened in 2006, and our customers have welcomed the refurbishment – aimed at enhancing their visits here.” 8 Crown Street, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1LU

● GRIMSBY THE YARBOROUGH HOTEL Pub manager Emma Keeley is pictured (front, centre) with the Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Christina McGilligan-Fell, at the opening of The Yarborough Hotel, in Grimsby. Also pictured (left to right) are shift leader Laura McKenzie, area manager Joe Sanderson, shift manager Connor Bowers, hotel manager Pearl Hartshorn, night shift leader James Blackburn and duty manager Peter Brown. The pub, which first opened in 1996, has reopened its doors as a pub and hotel, following a development project costing £3 million. The Yarborough Hotel now offers a 36-bedroom hotel on the site, on the first, second and third floors of the building, above the pub, with a passenger lift for access to all floors. The existing pub has also been refurbished and completely redecorated, with a new bar and signage installed. New seating has been added and furniture reupholstered, as well as new ladies and gents’ toilets installed. ● POULTON-LE-FYLDE The hotel rooms can accommodate a mixture of double, twin THE POULTON ELK and family occupancy, with two rooms also suitable for people with disabilities. A new beer garden at The Poulton Elk has proven a popular addition to the The rooms and hallways are decorated with artwork produced pub with locals and visitors alike. by pupils from a local school – Welholme Academy, in Grimsby. The pub, which opened in Poulton-le- Each of the rooms features an en suite bathroom, tea- and Fylde in December 2013, now has a coffee-making facilities, hair dryer, flat-screen television with large enclosed garden, at the back of Freeview TV and unlimited free Wi-Fi, as well as digital air- the premises, to add to the original conditioning and temperature control. front external area. The building, purpose built in the mid 19th century to serve Wetherspoon bought the extra land, Grimsby’s first railway, originally took its name from the earl of which backs onto the pub, from the Yarborough, a director of the railway company. A listed building, local council; it can be accessed via it was a symbol of the town’s transition from an 18th-century the council car park, at the rear of fishing village into a great Victorian port. the premises. 29 Bethlehem Street, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, DN31 1JN An all-day suntrap, the pretty garden has 50 tables, accommodating 200 seated customers for alfresco dining and drinks. There are lawns, stone patio areas and planters, all illuminated at night. There is also a designated smoking area. Pub manager Matt Jones said: “The garden has made a huge difference, and the locals love it.” 22 Hardhorn Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, FY6 7SR

Wetherspoon has also opened NEW The Caley Picture House, Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2DJ We will feature the pub in the Now Open section of the next Wetherspoon News

38 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 39 OUR CHARITY

The Bishops’ Mill (Durham), The Wouldhave (South Shields), The Quayside, Union Rooms and The Mile Castle (all in Newcastle)

The Blue Bell Inn , Scunthorpe , The Dominie Cross, Retford, The Gate House, The Red Lion and The Running Horse (all Doncaster), The Liquorice Gardens, Worksop and The White Horse, Brigg

Pub managers, together with staff members, from The participating pubs were: The Blue Bell Inn A FIVE-GRAND DAY seven different pubs raised a mountain of cash, in (Scunthorpe), The Dominie Cross (Retford), The Gate a charity mountain climb. House, The Red Lion and The Running Horse (all A total of 23 fundraisers collectively amassed Doncaster), The Liquorice Gardens (Worksop) and £2,978 and reached the summit of Snowdon The White Horse (Brigg). OUT IN NEWCASTLE (1,085 metres/3,560 ft), the highest mountain in Wales. Allan Starr, pub manager at The Blue Bell Inn, said: It took the group between five and six hours to “It was a long day, but the weather was very kind to us, complete the challenge. actually a little too kind judging by the sunburn!” £1,000 The Brocket Arms, Wigan Harry Potter mania continues The pub was decorated to to flourish in Wigan and helped resemble the ‘great hall’ at to contribute to fundraising at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft The Brocket Arms. and Wizardry and staff (pictured), as well as customers, A magical 200 tickets were donned their favourite sold for the themed quiz night JK Rowling character fancy evening at the pub, raising dress. There were six prizes for £1,000 into the bargain. £5,740 the best-dressed customers, Teams of a maximum of six as well as games and themed players answered Harry Potter drinks for the event. Five pubs in the northeast of England joined forces in a sponsored quiz questions, created by The winning quiz team won six charity run, collectively raising a fantastic £5,740. kitchen associate Laura Myers, tickets to attend the latest Harry at the event co-organised General manager Alistair Broome and area manager John Hudson, Potter blockbuster movie by kitchen manager together with managers and staff from The Bishops’ Mill (Durham), – Fantastic Beasts and Where Christina Newman. The Wouldhave (South Shields), The Quayside, Union Rooms and The To Find Them – donated by the Mile Castle (all in Newcastle) took part in the Great North Run 2016. local Empire Cinema. They were among thousands of fellow fundraisers, as well as elite runners and celebrities, taking part in the annual half marathon event, from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields. £2,978 UNITED LEGEND PLAYS A £230 £5,112 BLINDER AT BISHOP BLAIZE £420 The Kettleby Cross, Melton Mowbray Pub managers Zoe Tuffs (third right, front) and Dan MacCallum (second right, front), together with a dozen members of their team from The Kettleby Cross, took part in a sponsored bike ride. The 14-strong group, who all work at the pub in Melton Mowbray, each pedalled either a 17-mile or 23-mile route around Rutland Water, collectively raising awareness and £420.

The Livery Rooms, Keighley George Hotel, Bewdley £332 Four members of staff from George Hotel’s sixth annual charity golf day and evening The Livery Rooms, in Keighley, The Bishop Blaize, Manchester £500 collectively raised £230 in a event took place at the Burlish mountain-climb challenge. Golf Centre, Kidderminster, An evening with Manchester United legend Denis Irwin, at The Bishop smashing previous fundraising Team leader Lee Walker, floor Blaize, raised £500. records and exceeding £5,000. associate Taigen Crossley and bar The former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland footballer was associate Jack Hartley (pictured left £341 This year, 52 golfers took part at the Stretford pub for a fundraising question-and-answer event. in the ever-popular event, to right), together with team leader One hundred customers enjoyed the evening, hosted by compere Amy Lee Atkinson, completed a including Wolverhampton The Butter Cross, Bingham Wanderers football legend Steve Pete Boyle and ‘the voice of Old Trafford’ Alan Keegan, which also The Friar Penketh, Warrington Yorkshire Peak climb. included a three-course meal and entertainment from Manchester Bull (pictured right with pub manager Rich Pugh). Pictured (left to right) with shift The peak, Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres), A charity raffle at The Butter Cross, comedian Austin Knight. Regulars at The Friar Penketh forms part of the Pennine range in Bingham, raised £341.33. Steve Bull then turned guest speaker, for ‘an audience certainly got into character for manager Charles Commins with…’, at the evening three-course meal and presentation A charity auction and raffles, including signed memorabilia, added to a Star Wars-themed charity (fourth from left) are customers and encircles the head of the valley Bar associate Nozomi Suzuki is the fundraising total. of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire gala, attended by 88 guests. quiz night. Jess Williams, Rob Mitchell, pictured handing over a prize to The pub’s manager Ben Plunkett, pictured (second left) with (left to Dales National Park. Raffles and an auction – including a signed Robert Plant The event at the pub in Beca Griffiths, David Walsh, Ray a lucky winning customer – just right) Alan Keegan, Denis Irwin and Pete Boyle, said: “Our ever-popular The four climbers took a total of one of 30 gifts donated by local guitar which sold for £526 – were followed by a Michael Warrington, which tested the Flanagan and Chris Williams. Bublé tribute act and disco. ‘United Legends’ fundraising evenings are always a fantastic success – four hours to climb and descend businesses, in the Nottinghamshire and this one was no exception. The pub was packed and we raised knowledge on all things Jedi, the mountain. town, for the event. The Bewdley pub’s 2016 event raised an amazing £5,112. a great total for our charity.” raised £332. 40 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 41 OUR CHARITY

£344 The Crowborough Cross, Crowborough £910 Staff at The Crowborough He is being cheered on by £209 The Regal, Cambridge Cross kept the wheels (left to right) shift manager The Broken Bridge, Pontefract turning in a charity bicycle Heather Fox, pub manager £222 Staff from The Regal took part in a ‘three peaks challenge’ event, A charity golf competition attracted players from across challenge, raising £344 Callum Townsend, bar The Moon and Cross, Waltham Cross collectively raising £910. the UK and raised £209. and collectively pedalling associates Michael Davison Customers at The Moon and Cross enjoyed a wild, wild west night, in the Organised by duty manager Chloe Hall, the fundraisers from the pub in 408km in the process. and Shane Hadfield, decorated ‘saloon bar’ of the pub in Waltham Cross. Organised by Grant May (front), shift manager at The Broken Bridge (Pontefract), the singles event took place Cambridge climbed the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and as well as shift leader The charity fundraiser saw staff and regulars, (pictured), don cowboy fancy-dress Bar associate Tyler Andrews at Wike Ridge Golf Course, in Leeds. Wales – in the space of 24 hours. Luke Verhoeven. costumes, hats, bow and arrows, to collect £222 with a raffle. is pictured during his stint Members of staff from The Broken Bridge, The Thomas The challenge began with Ben Nevis, before heading south to climb Scafell on the 12-hour marathon, At the fundraising event, Pub manager Bridget Boland said: “There was a great atmosphere and a lot of Sheraton (Stockton-on-Tees), The Six Chimneys (Wakefield) Pike in the Lake District, finishing with an ascent of Snowdon, trekking 42km at the community family families also enjoyed fun, with everyone getting in the spirit of the event, including firing arrows at the and The George (Croydon), together with area managers in distance and 3,000 metres in elevation. fun-day, at the pub stalls, games, a children’s staff as they served!” and regional auditors, battled it out against one another. in Crowborough. entertainer and magician, Pictured; shift leader Ben Houlding, team leaders Chris Williams, Courtney Regional auditor John Gilgallon received the winner’s a bouncy castle and Scott and leader Chloe Hall, (back row, left to right) with duty manager face-painting. trophy at the presentation ceremony. Andreas Timochinas in front. Pictured with Grant (left to right) are Adam Harris, Mike £300 Sketchly, Reece Drugan, Peter Goatley, Martyn McHugh, Allan Thomas, Ian McCairns, John Gilgallon, Nick Green, John Gallacher and Mike Lynch.

£300 £1,428 The Central Bar, Carrickfergus The Society Room, Glasgow The Spinning Mill, Ballymena Staff from The Central Bar, in Carrickfergus, took part in a charity ‘bed push’ A dozen members of staff from The Society Room, in challenge, raising £300. Shift manager and CLIC community champion Benny Walker (left) is pictured Glasgow, completed a Ben Nevis charity climbing challenge. with fundraising customers at The Spinning Mill. The team, including pub manager Michael Morgan (left), pushed a hospital The group, together with Bruno the dog, climbed the 1,346 bed from Carrickfergus Marine Gardens to Jordanstown Loughshore Park Staff and regulars in Ballymena kept the wheels turning on two exercise bikes, The Banker’s Draft, Eltham metres (4,414 ft) to the summit of Britain’s highest mountain, kindly loaned by local gym Pure Fitness Flex, to clock up 255 miles in six hours. (and back) – a total of nine miles – dressed as ‘four nurses and a patient’, It took Steven Emerson many years to grow his fine, in around 10 hours, collectively raising £1,428. The distance is that among all nine Wetherspoon pubs across Northern Ireland. collecting the charity cash en route. wizard-like beard and pony tail. Pub manager Jennifer Melville said: “The team worked really Also pictured (left to right) are kitchen associate Yasmine Rigby, kitchen The event collected just under £300, thanks to all the participants, including hard to raise as much as possible, a huge well done to them all However, it took just a few snips of the scissors for it all team leader Gareth Mann, kitchen associate Rachel McAllister (on the bed) (left to right) regular customers Colin Balmer, David Barr and Chris Rock. – and a big thankyou to everyone who supported the event.” to be gone as he sacrificed his hair to raise £350. and bar associate Sarah Ashe. The deed was done, at least in part, at The Banker’s Draft, Eltham, southeast London, where Steven is a regular customer. After a few choice cuts at the bar, it was round to the hairdresser’s next door to finish off the job in a professional manner. Duty manager Annmarie Burke said: “Steven spent years £920 The Unicorn, Altrincham growing his pony tail, so it was a big thing for him to Pub manager Liza Hopkins was understandably pleased have it all cut off. It was a £250 with her team’s charity efforts, as they raised £920 for the The Linen Hall, Enniskillen £500 great thing to do to raise fundraising coffers. The Joseph Conrad, Lowestoft money for our charity and A mother and baby community event at The Linen Hall raised £250. The staff members from The Unicorn climbed to the Almost two dozen fundraisers from was a very amusing sight, too.” The ‘Mum N Baby’ indoor market, with bring-and-buy stalls set up inside 1,085-metre peak of Snowdon (3,560 ft), raising the money where they’d enjoyed a breakfast The Joseph Conrad took part in their the Enniskillen pub, offered baby and toddler clothes, toys and prams, with through sponsorship, cake sales, raffles and fancy dress before walking the 15 miles back to Steven said: “I’m really third annual charity walking event. proceeds going to charity. events at the Altrincham pub. their pub in Lowestoft. pleased that so much money The 23-strong group of mainly staff was raised. People were Pub manager Steven Curley, pictured with event organiser Lisa Cassidy and Liza said: “It was terrible weather, visibility was very poor The group, pictured at the completion helper Niamh Cassidy, both from CLIC Sargent, said: “Thanks to the local people and they got lost numerous times! They started out at 2pm, members and some customers set out very generous with their £350 of the walk, collectively raised £500 of Enniskillen, who showed their usual fantastic support and generosity to help reached the summit at 6pm and got back down at 10pm – a from The Troll Cart, in Great Yarmouth, donations. “ in raising funds.” great team effort.”

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£395

The Ice Wharf, Derry £320 Shift leader Richie Cooley is pictured being doused in The Pillar of Rock, Bolsover baked beans by colleagues at The Ice Wharf, in Derry. A family fun-day at The Pillar of Rock amassed £320. The fundraising bean bath event, which also included a cake bake sale, raised £395. Pub manager Joanna Marshall (left) is pictured with floor associate and event organiser Jessica Lander, along with some of the fantastic homemade cakes The charity day also marked the launch of local Derry which were on sale at the pub in Bolsover. Sports Against Suicide charity, which embarked on its own fundraising rowing machine challenge, supported There were also craft stalls, a tombola and raffle, face-painting and a bouncy by customers and staff at The Ice Wharf. castle, as well as a Help 4 Heroes stall which was fundraising for its own charity. , £335 £2 000 The Layton Rakes, Blackpool

The Swatters Carr (Middlesbrough) , The Highland Laddie (Norton), A 32-mile bike ride by four The fundraisers cycled The Thomas Sheraton (Stockton) and The Plimsoll Line (Redcar) members of staff from The to The Twelve Tellers Layton Rakes, in Blackpool, (Preston), via The Jolly Tars Wetherspoon’s area manager Richard Buller, together with managers and raised £335. (Cleveleys), The Poulton staff from pubs across his region, took part in their annual charity bike ride. Elk (Poulton-le-Fylde), Kitchen manager Steve The Layton Rakes, The The challenge raised £2,000 through donations and sponsorship. Martin, front-of-house Albert and The Lion and Organised by kitchen manager Steven Brown, from The Swatters Carr associate Sarah Wyatt, The Velvet Coaster (all (Middlesbrough), the team of riders, including those from The Highland kitchen associate Jordan Blackpool), The Trawl Boat Laddie (Norton), The Thomas Sheraton (Stockton) and The Plimsoll Line Schofield and front-of- Inn and The Railway Hotel (Redcar), set out on the 110-mile journey, visiting as many Wetherspoon house team leader Mike (both Lytham St Annes) and pubs as possible. Martin are pictured (left The Grey Friar (Preston). The route went from Ripon to Whitby, via Thirsk, Norton, Stockton, to right) at The Thomas Billingham, Middlesbrough, Great Ayton and Redcar. Drummond, in Fleetwood, £570 before setting out. £700 The John Laird, Birkenhead Steven said: “The route was a lot harder than the previous year. We used The Sandpiper, Glasgow Airport A fundraising exercise Pictured at the event (left back roads, keeping off main roads, so there were a lot more hills involved! bike challenge, at The to right) are personal “Unfortunately, not everyone managed to complete the whole distance by Members of staff from The Sandpiper, at Glasgow Airport, collectively raised John Laird, raised £570 for trainer and event co- bike, but everyone was there supporting and fundraising along the way. almost £700 in a climb to the top of Ben Nevis. charity coffers. organiser Adam McCreedy, “A massive thankyou to Chris, Dave, Cher and Kirsty, who set up the The magnificent seven, pictured at the summit (1,346 metres/4,414 ft), are Staff took it in turn to keep shift leader and organiser campsite and BBQ and helped with the support car. We couldn’t have shift manager Raymond Lunney, shift leader John Evans, kitchen team leader the pedals turning on two Melissa Walton, bar done it without them.” Steven Lavelle, bar team leader Ben Thompson and kitchen associates Josh Still, static cycles, completing a associate Jay Ryder Josh White and Anthony Higgins. total of 200 kilometres. and pub manager Sarah Greenwood.

£400 The Linen Hall, Enniskillen Customers at The Linen Hall, Enniskillen, enjoyed a fun ‘night at the races’, as well as raising £400 for charity. The fundraising race-night event, organised by pub manager Steven Curley, saw customers placing bets between £1 and £5 on horses, in 10 races throughout the evening. £746 £800 Local businesses in the town also supported the event by £1,600 J. P. Joule, Sale sponsoring each race, with the horses in each race also ‘up Bar associate Rachel Wall, together with shift managers The North & South Wales Bank, Wrexham for sale’. The winners of each race received a cash prize, with Emma Stubbs and Katarzyna Lipowczan are pictured proceeds going into the charity coffers. The Elihu Yale, Wrexham Pub manager Becky Furber is pictured with customer Gibby Griffiths at (left to right) at The J. P. Joule. The North & South Wales Bank, in Wrexham. Kitchen manager Adam Samuels, shift leader Jayne Leigh and kitchen Steven said: “There was a great atmosphere in the pub. A charity fundraiser at the pub in Sale raised £600, with Emma Everyone got into the spirit of the event and we had a lot of fun. team leader Emmett McCool (pictured, left to right) took part in a sponsored Local regular Gibby donated £800 to CLIC Sargent – the cash was continuing to wear her pink wig for a further week, adding to tandem sky dive from Tilstock Airfield. raised by Gibby and his former colleagues at JCB. When he retired “Thanks to all of our customers, as well as to the local the charity coffers, for a final fundraising total of £746. The trio, who work at The Elihu Yale, in Wrexham, jumped from 10,000ft at The during 2016, he generously gave the funds to the pub for its charity. businesses, for their fantastic support again.” Customers enjoyed a meet-the-brewer session, with Parachute Centre, Whitchurch, in Shropshire. They collectively raised £1,600. Customers Christopher McGarrity, Peter Mead and Cathy Stockport-based Robinsons Brewery, as well as a cake sale, Becky, who has since moved to Montgomery’s Tower, in Shrewsbury, Campling are pictured with Wetherspoon area manager Jayne said: “None of us had done anything like it before and were all nervous, face-painting, book sale, raffle, car wash, games and local said: “A massive thankyou to Gibby and his former workers for their Barry McKervey (left to right). but it was a fantastic experience. We hope to do a 15,000ft jump in 2017.” acoustic music acts. wonderful generosity.”

44 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 45 OUR CHARITY WINTER WARMERS STEP IN FROM THE COLD AND FILL UP WITH WINTER FUEL Lamb shank Lamb shank, sausages and mash, beef & ale pie and vegetarian Wellington among The finalists at ‘Goals in Manchester’ £400,000 winter warmers waiting for you ook no further than your local Stuffed with mushrooms and spinach, in Wetherspoon to brighten even a creamy mushroom & Brie sauce, it is L the darkest and drabbest of finished with hazelnuts and cranberries NO CLINTON OR TRUMP IN THIS WHITE HOUSE VICTORY dreary winter days. to deliver a crunchy texture, all wrapped The Wetherspoon Kick for CLIC Sargent football tournament 2016 raised Our new-look menu offers some together in a light buttery pastry and more than £400,000. terrifically tasty and fabulously filling pub served with chips and mushy peas. Staff from more than 500 pubs across the UK once again took part in classics, with some welcoming winter- Since making a welcome return to the ever-popular annual five-a-side competition, which was celebrating warming meals for this season. our ever-expanding menu this time its 15th year. Discover something for everyone and be last year, our superb British beef & The team from The White House (Leicester) emerged as the tournament tempted by our fantastic new offerings or Doom Bar® ale pie continues to be winners, beating The Moon in the Square (Bournemouth) 3–1 in a hard- rediscover a great old favourite, at your a clear winner with you, as well as fought final. local Wetherspoon pub. with the industry judges. The winners were decided at a special knock-out final event, which saw the 14 victors of regional competitions, held throughout September, Among them is a beautifully British classic A gold-award-winner at the British battle it out at ‘Goals in Manchester’. winter warmer – our new lamb shank. Pie Awards 2016, our classic pie is a mouth-watering marriage of The White House’s team captain, Tom Wilkinson, said: “It was a great day The White House Hearty Winners slow-cooked British beef, to ensure – and we were really happy with the win. A hearty lamb shank meal, served with tenderness, in a British amber ale gravy. “We had a nightmare with the first regionals, which we couldn’t attend, creamy mashed potato and seasonal root so we had to travel to Bristol to stay in the competition. vegetables, this dish is a bellyful of Pastry “We knew that we had a good team, but we didn’t expect to go on to slow-cooked gluten-free tasty goodness – These rich and tasty ingredients combine win the competition. crafted with our no-gluten customers in mind. perfectly, encased in shortcrust pastry “The event was brilliant and really well organised. It’s a great way to meet British beef & Doom Bar® ale pie and topped with a golden flaky puff other people who work for the company and a great charity to support.” Enjoy a slow-roasted New Zealand lamb shank, cooked in a redcurrant & pastry lid. Jemma Syms, CLIC Sargent’s corporate events executive, said: “It is fantastic that Wetherspoon is able, through a football tournament, to raise rosemary sauce, served on top of creamy Served with an option of either mashed such an incredible sum of money to support young cancer patients. It is mashed potato, with roasted British potato or chips and garden peas or testament to all of the people working in the pubs that so many teams carrots and parsnips. This classic is also mushy peas, this award-winning product want to come together and take part.” served with a choice of drink from our is a first-class choice. Carlsberg donated the prize for the winning team, providing tickets for selected range. And, if you have a penchant for pastry, the England versus Scotland World Cup qualifying match at Wembley. The Moon in the Square Another pub classic and Wetherspoon why not try our handmade Cumberland The other teams which played on the final day, after winning regional heats, Runners-up favourite is our sausages and mash, now sausage roll – a great new addition to were The Furze Wren (Bexleyheath), The Regal (Cambridge), The Grand our range? Electric Hall (Spennymoor), The Coliseum Picture Theatre (Cleethorpes), boasting a new and improved recipe, The Wye Bridge House (Buxton), The Mockbeggar Hall (Moreton), delivering even more deliciousness for A premium, yet traditional, Cumberland Abraham Darby (Brierley Hill), The Last Post (Paisley), The Kettleby Cross lunch or dinner. sausage recipe, wrapped in flaky golden (Melton Mowbray), The Saxon Crown (Corby), The Vigilance (Brixham) and Our award-winning bangers are a puff pastry, this is served simply – with The Sir Richard Owen (Lancaster). traditional Lincolnshire recipe sausage, chips and baked beans. It’s an old-school on top of creamy mashed potato, served classic – sure to hit the spot! with a caramelised onion & British ale Our new pub classic winter-warmer dishes, gravy, accompanied with garden peas. together with our fantastic range of A vegetarian option is also available. year-round favourites, are available every Delight day, until 11pm*, at your local Wetherspoon. How about our ever-popular vegetarian

Wellington which continues to delight our *Price and participation may vary per pub. vegetarian customers, as well as the many meat-eaters among you? It is another fabulous Wetherspoon favourite. Cumberland sausage roll

46 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 47 OUR PEOPLE

THE SAVOY • SWINDON THE RICHARD JOHN BLACKLER • LIVERPOOL FROM TELEVISED WOE TO A KITCHEN-SINK DRAMA In 2007, BBC’s Panorama screened a television programme, ‘Real Apprentices’, about IF CLARE’S THERE, THAT’S A GOOD SIGN four young job-seekers in Swindon. One of the four subjects was Michael Keen (pictured). He had left school at 16, with a handful of GCSEs, and was fitting kitchens. A follow-up report by the same BBC Panorama team, three years later, revisited the young job-seekers to update their story. Michael had subsequently been out of work, when recession hit the business, but he went on a New Deal work-placement programme, offered through the local Jobcentre. He was given a work placement at a local pub and had impressed to the point at which he was offered a full-time job. More than seven years later, Mike is still impressing at that same pub – The Savoy, in his home town of Swindon – where he is currently a kitchen shift leader and training to be kitchen manager. Pub manager Liam Stack said: “Mike had been here for around three months when I started at the pub, and we had a long chat when I arrived. “He was 19 and had had various casual jobs previously, but it was obvious that he had a great deal of potential and was a good lad. “He is now a core part of the team at The Savoy and he has more potential than most, at his level. He is settled, driven and very ambitious, training to become kitchen manager and aims to be a pub manager in the future.” Mike said: “I am very happy in the job, always eager to impress and get ahead in the business, progressing as far as I possibly can.”

THE PLAYHOUSE • COLCHESTER JACKIE STILL TOP OF THE BILL AT THE PLAYHOUSE, AFTER 22-YEAR RUN Pub manager Jackie Dungey is celebrating 26 years with Wetherspoon (December 2016), having joined the company as one of the youngest-ever managers, aged just 19. More than a quarter of a century later, Jackie has now clocked up 22 of those years at the same pub: The Playhouse, in Colchester. Jackie said: “My husband Paul, who was 21 at the time, and I saw an advert for an open-day and we went along. We were taken on as a management couple and, within six months, were running our own pub – The College Arms, in Walthamstow (since sold). “We also had spells at Colindale, Haringey, Hampstead and Archway, before we took on a new opening, Goldengrove, at Stratford, where we stayed for a couple of years. “The Playhouse then came up, just six months after it had first opened, and we jumped at the chance to come here.” Paul has since left the company to pursue another career; however, Chelmsford-born Jackie continues to enjoy her job Team leader Clare Gore has an unusual skill which she is regularly Many customers, of all ages, at The Richard John Blackler have and has also raised a family in the process of her career. putting to good use in her workplace. benefited from Clare’s signing, especially an ever-growing group of Jackie (pictured) said: “We have two children: Ella is 23 and has Clare, 22, who has worked at The Richard John Blackler, in Liverpool city around 40–50 deaf people who enjoy their Christmas party at the just finished university, where she studied forensic science. She is centre, for four years, is a confident user of British Sign Language (BSL). pub every year. a team leader at The Playhouse, where she has worked since the Clare said: “I have to make sure that I am working on that occasion, age of 16. Pub manager Nathan McGovern said: “Clare attracts many deaf and hard-of-hearing customers to our pub, who greatly value being able and my colleagues always know, if I am at the pub when a deaf “Sam, 19, has also worked for me at the pub since he was 16 and to converse with one of our team. It makes their experience much customer comes in, to make me aware, so that I can help.” is currently at university in Greenwich, studying film.” more enjoyable and friendly – and they keep coming back. Her interest began at the age of 15, when a friend asked her to join And they are not the only students in the family. Jackie has also “Wetherspoon hires a wide variety of employees, with different skill a choir, during her studies at Sixth Form College in Liverpool. just recently finished her advanced diploma in leisure retail The Playhouse attracts a huge mix of customers throughout the sets, appealing to a great many people. Clare said: “I agreed and went along after school, only to find out it was management, through Wetherspoon, after a year and a half of day, from retired folk to shoppers and office workers, with some a sign language choir! I enjoyed it very much and continued with the her own studies. locals who have been regulars since it first opened. “Clare deserves recognition for the way in which she is able to help members of our deaf community here in Liverpool to enjoy visiting signing after I left the choir to focus on my exams.” She said: “I had never been to university myself, so it was a bit Jackie concluded: “Colchester is also a big university town – and their local pub, just like everyone else.” In fact, Clare was a member of the Liverpool Signing Choir which of an eye-opener. we are the largest pub in the town, so weekends are particularly Clare, who is currently attending a weekly night class at Talking performed a John Lennon tribute, singing and signing Imagine, “Having been with the company so long, it was also a great busy with students. Hands Sign Language College, in West Derby, to upgrade her BSL centre stage, at the London 2012 Olympic closing ceremony. refresher and has made me look at different aspects of the “We have a continual turnover of new students every year, both qualification to level two, said: “Customers who don’t know me and Clare concluded: “That was an amazing and very business and running the pub.” customers and staff, although some staff members stay for longer and progress through the ranks, which is lovely.” need help in communicating are often surprised that I can sign. It is memorable experience.” a great skill to have and one of which I am very proud.”

48 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 49 PUB NEWS FOOTBALL-MAD RIVALS CHANGE THEIR STRIPES Pub manager Richie Freeman and Wetherspoon’s area A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER: manager John Hudson battled it out in a personal Kick for CLIC football challenge. Richie, who runs The Sir William de Wessyngton, in WETHERSPOON LEADS WAY Washington, is a big Sunderland fan, while his area Wetherspoon is currently the only nationwide The Lifeboat, Formby manager John supports arch rivals Newcastle United. pub chain to offer Changing Places toilets, with facilities now available at seven of our Richie said: “I agreed to wear a full Newcastle United pubs in England and Scotland. strip, at the Kick for CLIC tournament, if I could raise £500 by the beginning of September. Our new pubs always offer wheelchair access and specially adapted toilet facilities, “I also agreed to wear the kit for a shift at the bar, the for people with disabilities. However, several week after the tournament, as all my customers know of our newer pub openings also have a that I am a Sunderland fan and thought it would be a Changing Places WC. lot of fun. Provided in addition to conventional “However, to up the stakes, United fan John said he wheelchair-accessible toilets, a Changing would wear a Sunderland strip, if I raised £1,000!” Places facility is, under British Standards, The photograph shows Rokerite Richie pictured in the 12 metres square and includes, alongside black and white of Newcastle and Geordie John in the usual accessible toilet equipment, an Sunderland’s red and white stripes, as a fundraising adult-sized height-adjustable changing total of £911.40 was achieved! bench and ceiling track hoist, as well as a Richie added: “We raised just shy of the £1,000 mark, height adjustable wash basin. but John was a good sport and wore the mighty red More than 250,000 people need Changing and white stripes anyway!” Places toilets to enable them to get out and about and enjoy those day-to-day activities Scott Simpson, from Peterborough, whose which many of us take for granted. 16-year-old son George needs to use facilities like these, visited Sandford House, The Changing Places Consortium launched Wetherspoon’s Changing Places toilets in Huntingdon. GLITTERATI AND BECKETTS BANK its campaign in 2006, on behalf of these are currently available at: PLAYS VITAL ROLE IN people. This includes those with profound Scott said: “This is the best disabled toilet The Booking Office (Edinburgh) CLATTERATI BRING and multiple learning disabilities, motor I have seen anywhere – and that includes The Pilgrim’s Progress (Bedford) neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and new modern hospitals. The Velvet Coaster (Blackpool) NOISE TO NEW-LOOK LEEDS LOVE AFFAIR cerebral palsy, as well as older people. “Congratulations to Wetherspoon, not just for The Mossy Well (Muswell Hill) Simon and Nicola Clark are pictured with their daughter Rossanna Trudgian, co-chair of the Changing the loo, but for features like the wheelchair lift.” BOARDWALK Melissa and duty manager Chris Dockerty Places Consortium, said: “We are delighted Wetherspoon’s head of property and The Lifeboat (Formby) to see Wetherspoon working to improve the acquisitions, Jon Randall, said: “All of our The Iron Duke (Wellington) facilities it offers to its disabled customers. pubs have specially-adapted toilets for Sandford House (Huntingdon) people with disabilities and we are proud to “This shows the growing recognition of the (changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org) additional needs of many customers who provide Changing Places facilities in some of want to spend time in their local community.” our pubs, with more to come in the future.” CIGAR WIZARD MR OZ FINDS MAGIC POTIONS The New Fairlop Oak might seem an unlikely place to find a cigar factory owner enjoying craft beer, but the pub in Barkingside proved to be the ideal location for one such visiting businessman. English-born Tolga Oz had returned to his family home in Hainault, Essex, from the Dominican Republic, on a month-long business trip back in the UK. Tolga (pictured) wanted to pair some of his Don Rosso cigars, made A launch party for the newly extended Boardwalk, at Brighton in Sosua on the north coast of the Hispaniola island, with certain Marina, included an evening of family fun and entertainment, with a types of craft beer, unavailable back home. spectacular fireworks display set to music. So, he asked his grandad where the best local place would be. A circus juggler, stilt walkers and balloon modeller performed Becketts Bank, in Leeds, has a special place in the hearts of outside The West Quay. one particular local family. Tolga, 29, said: “My grandad told me about Wetherspoon and the great craft beer selection, and his nearest pub is The New Fairlop Oak. The Wetherspoon pub also hosted a late-night music extravaganza, Simon and Nicola first met in the pub in August 2008 and have with a special guest appearance by celebrity stylist, turned DJ, spent many happy occasions and nights out there since. “I tried all the beers and, thanks to the great weather during my stay, Gok Wan. Simon celebrated his 25th birthday with a party in January I was able to sit in the beer garden and enjoy them with some of my cigars. He said: “It was great to be spinning the decks at Brighton Marina 2009 and, after proposing to Nicola on holiday two months to celebrate the launch of the new Boardwalk. later, they have marked each anniversary back at the pub. “Several of the beers went very well with the cigars, especially Sixpoint Resin, 13 Guns, Treason West Coast and Snake Dog. “I was able to play some of my favourite house and pop remixes, While pregnant with daughter Melissa, on a night out at with some old-skool tunes thrown in for good measure!” Becketts Bank, staff at the pub even helped out with Nicola’s “Although not among the craft beer selection, the Meantime Chocolate craving for something not on the menu – a pint of milk! Porter also paired very well with some of the stronger cigars.” Pictured with Gok at The West Quay are (left to right) bar associate Lizzie Hodgson, duty manager Lianne Brown, team leader Sophia Married in March 2016, with flower-girl Melissa (now aged six) Tolga continued: “In the Dominican Republic, most people enjoy Wicks, bar associate Joshua Porter (The Bright Helm), team leader also walking down the aisle, the Clark family visits the pub cigars with coffee, wine or Bourbon whiskey; there are one or two Shannon Bailey and bar associate Rebecca Greenacre (also The whenever they can, including their eight-year anniversary of dark beers available, but nobody serves craft beer. meeting in August. Bright Helm). “I want to bring the craft beer revolution there and, once people Staff from The Bright Helm, also in Brighton, helped out at the busy Nicola said: “Thank you for everything over the years, for the see that it is completely different from lager, bursting with so much event, which saw seven new restaurants opening on the new-look fab staff, food and atmosphere. Here’s to many more years of flavour, we might have something new to give our customers with Boardwalk. fun-filled nights out and family dinners at Becketts Bank.” their cigars.”

50 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 51 elebrate this Christmas and new year in style, Our rum shack, vodka distillery and gin palace all have with some fantastic choices in our drinks range. a fantastic selection of premium spirits to cheer this C No festive season is complete without a glass or Christmas. With a mixer served free with every spirit, you two of fabulous fizz – and our fantastic Teresa Rizzi Prosecco can enjoy a luxury brand without breaking the budget. (11% ABV) is the perfect choice. If rum is your thing, our Ron Zacapa 23-year-old (40% ABV) A sparkling dry white wine from the Veneto region, super-premium, full-bodied rum is aged high up in the cool in Treviso, northeast Italy, it is light and lively, with soft, air of the Guatemalan highlands, 2,300 metres above sea fine bubbles. level. This altitude slows down the aging process and allows the liquid to age like a single-malt whisky. This bright, clear, pale straw-yellow-coloured Prosecco, ADVENTURES with elegant tones of ripe fruits, herbs and acacia flowers, is Potatoes the refreshing, very easy-drinking and affordable alternative If vodka is your choice, Chase Premium English potato to Champagne. vodka (40% ABV) is a really pure vodka, beautifully smooth, with a naturally sweet and creamy taste. Decadent For something a little more decadent and fruity, why not It is made on a family farm in Herefordshire, using try either (or perhaps both, as it is Christmas!) of our traditional artisan methods of distillation. Chase is the only Prosecco cocktails? UK distillery to offer a premium vodka made entirely from seed to bottle. To make it, they grow, mash, ferment, strip Our kir royal blends Teresa Rizzi Prosecco with a dash of and distil their own full-pedigree, gluten-free King Edward luxurious Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, while our WITH GRAPE and Lady Claire potatoes. Bellini combines a cheeky drop of Archers peach schnapps with the sparkling wine. If gin is your tipple, Sipsmith (41.6% ABV) is a cosmopolitan, yet traditional, London dry gin. Launched in 2009, in Looking for a great white wine without the bubbles? Look no Hammersmith (London), Sipsmith became the first further than our elegant South African Kleine Zalze Chenin copper-pot-based distillery to start up in the capital in over Blanc (13% ABV). 150 years. Lively, crisp, clear and refreshing, this Chenin is full of zesty A particularly bold, complex and aromatic dry gin, with citrus character, with a slight tropical hint on the nose, plus a zesty, citrus finish, this is the quintessential expression of citrus fruits, particularly lime, and green/yellow apple a classic, traditional London dry gin. AND GRAIN aromas which follow through on the palate. Gins, rums, vodkas and three special wines We have Christmas and new-year cheer to suit everyone. Intense So, pop in to your local Wetherspoon and toast the For red-wine-lovers, our Casillero del Diablo Cabernet will help you to celebrate the season festive season. Sauvignon (13.5% ABV), from Chile, is a deep, intense ruby-red wine. This top-brand cabernet is full bodied and robust, with weighty blackcurrant flavours.

52 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 53 Hatfield Sevenoaks THE WORD IS OUT MILITARY VETERANS FALL ABOUT PUB WHICH COMMUNITY IN AT HARPSFIELD HALL THINKS IT’S A LIBRARY SWINDON HEROIC FIGHTER ACE BROTHERS HONOURED IN THEIR HOME TOWN A pair of blue plaques has been unveiled at The Savoy to honour two of Swindon’s brave World War II fighter pilots. Brothers Harold Starr and Norman ‘John’ Starr have been remembered by the Swindon Heritage Team (www.swindonheritage.com) with the commemorative blue plaques, on the site of their birth, now a Wetherspoon pub. The plaques were unveiled by the pilots’ nephew, 93-year-old retired Squadron Leader Peter Starr Mills, and great niece, Sue Giles (both Pictured left to right; Cllr Fiona Thompson , Karen Judge (Royal Navy), pictured), with RAF personnel from the Defence Academy at Elaine Forman (Army), Donna Finlay (WRAF) Shrivenham and the Swindon Royal British Legion. in attendance. The Starr brothers were born in the Central Hotel, Swindon, and Harpsfield Hall is one of the latest Pub manager Chris Olssen said: raised in the Wiltshire town. The hotel was replaced with a cinema Wetherspoon pubs to become a host “Approximately 30 people, including in the 1930s and, today, the Art Deco building houses The Savoy. venue for the Armed Forces & Veterans’ the mayor of Hatfield, attend regularly. Breakfast Club. Pub manager Liam Stack (pictured left) said: “We are thrilled and “We are delighted to host the group honoured to have the plaques at The Savoy to remember two of The South Hertfordshire branch which provides friendship and support the town’s war heroes. It is so important for us to remember those (SHVBC) meets at the pub in for those who may otherwise be who fought bravely and died for this country.” Hatfield at 10am on every first forgotten about.” Sunday of the month. Squadron Leader Harold Starr (1914–40) bailed out of his burning l For more information and to Hurricane during the Battle of Britain in 1940, but was gunned to The club welcomes service men find your nearest Breakfast Club: Literature-lover Joanne Craig (pictured) has launched death by a Messerschmitt as he floated down to earth in his and women from all armed forces, http://afvbc.co.uk/ a mini library at the pub she manages – The Sennockian, parachute. His wife was carrying their unborn child. currently serving and veterans, along in Sevenoaks, Kent. with family members too. He is buried in Radnor Street Cemetery, in Swindon, in a The Little Library at The Sennockian allows customers to Swindon Heritage researcher Noel Beauchamp, said: “As soon as Commonwealth War Grave. He was 25 years old. borrow books, either to read in the pub or to take home Wetherspoon’s staff members were approached about the idea of and return later – and there are no fines for late returns! Wing Commander Norman ‘John’ Starr DFC and BAR (1917–45) was having blue plaques on The Savoy, they immediately said yes and shot down and killed while piloting an Avro Anson over Dunkirk in 1945. assisted with logistics. A huge thankyou to everyone involved in Books are donated by customers and local charity shops – and the pub now has four shelves for people to He was flying back to England to get married to his sweetheart the making this happen.” browse and peruse as they enjoy a pint or a cup of tea. following day, but never made it back. He is buried along with his Funding for the heroic pilots’ plaques was made possible by three crew members in Dunkirk Town Cemetery, in a donations from the public and Starr family members via: There are also two shelves of children’s books, including Commonwealth War Grave. He was 27 years old. http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/blue-plaques-for-swindon-wwii-pilots some of the immensely popular Harry Potter series. For Joanne, who has managed The Sennockian for six TELFORD years, the library launch was a logical move, since she is a keen member of the web-based The Book Club. Now she wants to roll out plans for a book club at the WILD TIMES pub where customers can swap ideas about what to read or discuss what they have been reading. AT FUN-DAY She said: “If I saw a customer reading, I always asked what the book was and sometimes a conversation would start. The Little Library has been a huge AS PUB INVADED success – and it’s a good thing for a community pub like ours to be doing.” BY BEASTS BEVERLEY A family fun-day at The Thomas Botfield, in Telford, raised £200, split between two charities. The pub in Telford Shopping Centre hosted the event, in aid of CROSS KEYS CREW SPLASHES FOR CASH CLIC Sargent and Telford Exotic Zoo, with staff dressed in fancy dress. Four brave fundraisers from The Cross Keys, in Beverley, took part in a local Pictured back (left to right) are shift manager Antony Steventon, community event, raising money for floor associate Jamie Evans and bar associate Holli Sanders. two causes. Front are Scott Adams from Telford Exotic Zoo and bar associate Alexandra Donaldson. Bar associate Jade Easom-Samuels, shift leader Charlotte Atkinson, bar associate The fun-day featured a menagerie of animals from the zoo, including Katie Michaels and kitchen shift leader meerkats, alligators, snakes and spiders. Ruby Burrows, pictured (left to right), all There was also a visit from the on-duty team of firefighters from took to the water in the fifth annual raft Shropshire Fire and Rescue, a display and workshops from race at Beverley Beck, in aid of N.U.R.S.E. Military Martial Arts and Cheer Force 10, Telford’s national (nurse-charity.uk – needed urgent championship cheerleaders. remedial surgical equipment). Youngsters were able to design their own T-shirt, with a graffiti The fancy-dress raft race takes place artist; there was also a barbecue, craft stalls and music from every year on Beverley Beck, a short Andeejay Entertainments. canal in the East Riding of Yorkshire town. Telford Exotic Zoo delivers animal-assisted therapy and The Cross Keys team raised £350, interventions to children and adults with learning difficulties, split equally between N.U.R.S.E. and the elderly and other groups. CLIC Sargent.

54 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 55 MEET THE BREWER Wetherspoon is committed to serving the best range of beers in its pubs, including sourcing from more than 600 microbreweries throughout the UK annually. A BREWERY BUILT Here, we feature two brewers whose beers are enjoyed at Wetherspoon pubs. ON HEATHER An ancient recipe passed on by a mysterious stranger POD FATHER OFFERS was where it all started for Alloa artisans

STOUT WHICH IT’S Brewery’s name: Williams Bros Brewing, Alloa, Clackmannanshire HARD TO REFUSE Vanilla stout, flavoured with whole pods, has long been enjoyed by Wetherspoon’s customers – and, now, the rest of the UK is catching up

Brewery’s name: Binghams Brewery, Ruscombe, Berkshire

When the Campaign for Real Ale’s Supreme Champion Beer of Britain for 2016 was named as Binghams Vanilla Stout, in August, regulars at Wetherspoon’s Thames Valley pubs may not have been as surprised as some. Since 2012, they’ve had the chance to taste the Berkshire brewer’s beers, among them the winning stout. Chris Bingham (pictured) founded the brewery only a couple of years earlier, with accountants Michelle Joyce and Delia Allott, having been made redundant from his job as a computer programmer. Now assisted by brewers John Willatts and Jamie Duffield, Chris produces a wide range of Brewer Angus Morrison beers, from extra-pale ales to stouts, varying in strength in the range 3.7–5.0% ABV, including the thirst-quenching, Twyford Tipple, also The story of Williams Bros Brewing begins in a “It gives us very good exposure to enthusiastic beer- familiar to Wetherspoon customers. humble home brew shop in Glasgow, opened in drinkers,” declares Scott. “There’s nowhere else like it.” He also brews monthly specials and single- 1969 by Roy Williams. It’s still there – but is now The brothers are still having a lot of fun with beer. overshadowed by the family’s brewery in Alloa hopped beers. All of the brews are clearly Scott says: “We’re still open to working with weird and run by Roy’s sons, Bruce and Scott. described on their pump-clips – essential, he wonderful ingredients, but, rather than using an believes, in introducing more people to the The family, itself, started brewing in 1988, when a woman ingredient for the sake of it, we focus on making it taste variety of beers out there. came into the shop with an ancient recipe for heather ale, nice, so that it’s still accessible – we want people to keep The 5.0% Vanilla Stout has been in the portfolio a style of beer that’s been made in Scotland since 2000BC. drinking it!” since 2011 and has picked up the most awards, Bruce and Scott set up a small five-barrel brewery to thanks, its creator thinks, to being flavoured make it, and Fraoch (the Gaelic word for heather) was with whole vanilla pods dropped into the cask. such a success that they went on to make more beers “It’s an expensive way of doing it, but it makes based on historic recipes: Grozet (gooseberry wheat ale), for a better taste,” he says. “It’s very different Kelpie (seaweed ale), Edulum (elderberry black ale) and from other stouts and appeals to those who Alba (pine ale). We’re still It’s very think that they don’t like dark beers.” Now based at the former Maclay’s brewery, Williams Bros Since it became Supreme Champion, Binghams today produces a full range of beers, including Joker IPA, open to working different from has been brewing at close to full capacity, a lager/ale hybrid called Caesar Augustus, Birds and Bees shipping it to pubs all over the country. golden ale and Williams Black – named Champion Mild with weird and other stouts for the second time at the 2016 CAMRA awards. But Wetherspoon’s customers need have no wonderful ingredients fear that they’re going to miss out. Chris says You can find them all, plus specials, on cask and keg in that he’s set plenty aside for his loyal drinkers. our pubs. In fact, Williams has now been supplying Wetherspoon for 20 years.

56 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016 / 17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016 / 17 | Wetherspoon 57 GIFTS SCOTTISH DRIVERS STEERED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION DON’T LEAVE THEM Wetherspoon’s pubs across Scotland supported a national campaign run by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland). Eleven pubs welcomed members from this year’s Country Roads Campaign into their outlets, to speak to MIFFED – GIVE A customers about the initiative. The national campaign aims to reduce fatalities on Scottish Wetherspoon country roads by encouraging drivers (predominantly 22- to 40-year-old males) to reduce their speed. Representatives chatted with those interested in discussing the campaign on a tour which included visits WETHERSPOON GIFT to The Robert the Bruce (Dumfries), The Capital Asset (Perth), The Crossed Peels (Stirling), The Robert Nairn Find the perfect pressie for your parents, paramour (Kirkcaldy), The Guildhall & Linen Exchange (Dunfermline), or progeny, while you enjoy a perfect pint The Great Glen (Fort William), The Corryvreckan (Oban), The Cross Keys (Peebles), Hunters Hall (Galashiels), The Bourtree (Hawick) and The James Watt (Greenock). Country roads account for the largest number of fatal f you are looking for gift inspiration this Christmas, You can choose how much you want to give, from £5 to £500, all accidents on Scotland’s roads – over half (52%)*. In 2015 you may find the perfect pressie while enjoying that loaded and activated at the till. It is a hassle-free way to give a gift alone, 649 people were killed or seriously injured while I perfect pint at your local Wetherspoon. to others, so that they can enjoy Wetherspoon – on you. driving on country roads – and more than two-thirds of Any ale-lover would surely be delighted to receive a fantastic Quick and simple to use to purchase food and drink at any of our those were men. selection of craft beers – and we have an impressive range to pubs across the UK, as well as on accommodation at more than Loss of control is the biggest cause of death on country choose from. 40 hotels nationwide. roads, frequently associated with driving too fast for the conditions and leaving too little time to react to Our complete range of bottled and canned craft beers is now How about a more traditional gift of a book, but one with a quirky unpredictable road conditions and hazards. available to take away, in our take-home carry-box containers, Wetherspoon twist? Wetherspoon’s personnel and legal director, Su Cacioppo, each carrying four beers at a time. Unconventional said: “We were only too happy to support this initiative Exclusive Writer and broadcaster Kit Caless has launched his book and hope that the visits have helped some way towards Pamela Kinloch, from Scotland’s Country Roads Campaign, is pictured giving Looking for something exclusive and not your usual brew? How ‘Spoon’s Carpets’, a must for Wetherspoon fans, carpet-design raising awareness, as well as reducing accidents.” some road safety advice to kitchen associate and new driver, Ashley Leigh, at about Sixpoint Resin and Bengali, both exclusive to Wetherspoon? enthusiasts and collectors of the unconventional. *Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2015 The Robert Nairn in Kirkcaldy Based in Brooklyn, USA, Sixpoint Brewery offers two of its great It features photographs and descriptions of more than 75 carpets American IPAs – the double IPA Resin (9.1% ABV) and Bengali IPA from Wetherspoon’s pubs across the UK, collected by Kit and his (6.5% ABV) – available exclusively at your local Wetherspoon. band of Wetherspoon carpet-spotters. SPANISH FOOTBALLERS SHIPYARD STAR Select any of our craft beers at the till to take away and enjoy the Originally the subject of an online blog, Wetherspoon’s carpets SCORE THEN HIT BAR ENJOYS SHOW AT choice and convenience of our ‘bottle shop’ selection. became such a talking point on social media that Kit was PICTURE HOUSE Don’t know which beers to choose, but still want to give a approached to write a book on the subject. Wetherspoon gift? Our first-ever gift card option may be the perfect Published by Square Peg, the hardback book ‘Spoon’s Carpets’ solution to your Christmas-present problem. is priced £8.99 and is available from bookshops and online from Amazon. Treat Whether it’s craft, cards or carpets – consider a Wetherspoon gift The credit-card-style wallet-sized plastic gift card is now available to idea this Christmas. buy in all Wetherspoon pubs – simply ask at the bar in your local… and purchase that Christmas treat today. Pictured left to right: Dave Saunders (Marston’s Brewery), duty manager Matt Sargeant, Fred Forsley (Shipyard Brewing Company)

Brewery founder Fred Forsley heaped praise on Wetherspoon when he paid a surprise visit to The Picture House, Stafford. Fred, who founded Shipyard Brewery in Portland, Maine, USA, dropped by to see how his flagship ale, of the same name, was Three members of staff, who all work at “We wanted to play some sport, which is our tasting at the pub. The Fox on the Hill, Denmark Hill, have hobby, and is also a great way of meeting Shift leader Matt Sargeant enjoyed a chat continued their childhood football passion, people. We have a very international team, with the American brewing legend and playing for local women’s team AFC Phoenix. with players from all over the world.” even persuaded him to pull a few pints Bar associate Raquel Arran, team leader Abby, who studied to be a social worker, for customers. Abby Espin and bar associate Blanca Canal together with primary school teacher Matt said: “It was great to meet him, as his (pictured left to right) came to London from Blanca, arrived in June 2015. Raquel joined beers are really starting to take off in this Lleida, near Barcelona, in Spain. them a year later, all looking for work and to country, and he said that that was thanks to improve their English. Abby said: “We all played football together, Wetherspoon. He added that he could not since we were kids, and so when we came Abby said: “Working at the pub has given be happier with the company and wanted to to London, we wanted to find a team. me the opportunity to use my English pop in and say thank you.” I gained promotion and enjoy my job.”

58 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 59 PUB NEWS ANGELL OF THE BLACK BULL OF BANGOR SOUTHWEST LOOMS BBC #LOVETOREAD CREW WITH STRANGE BLOOMS SLOWS SIMON’S CHARGE AROUND BRITAIN VISITS LADY CHATTERLEY As part of the BBC’s campaign celebrating the pleasure of reading, #LovetoRead focused on ‘the books that made Britain’. BBC television and radio broadcast various programmes, featuring profiles, interviews, documentaries and coverage, as well as a search for the nation’s best-loved books. Among the featured classic novels was DH Lawrence’s ‘Sons and Lovers’, originally published in 1913 – and a short film sequence was shot at the Lawrence inspired pub The Lady Chatterley in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. The Lady Chatterley, which opened as a Wetherspoon pub in June 2014, hosted a BBC film crew and presenter Radio 1 DJ Alice Levine. Producer Rob Whitehouse and cameraman Mark Turnbull are pictured outside the pub. Pub manager Darren Young said: “We were only too pleased that our pub was the venue for part of this BBC series. Simon Clark (pictured) visited The Black Bull Inn for a bite to eat during a refreshment break on a particularly amazing journey. “Eastwood features in a lot of DH Lawrence’s work – and our displays and information boards, as well as the pub’s The pub in Bangor, northwest Wales, was a welcome pit-stop on Simon’s name, celebrate the fact that he was born in this town.” 5,000-mile run around the coastline of mainland Britain, over the course of one year. Local allotment-holder and flower expert Brian Angell pops Setting out from his home in Findhorn, Morayshire, the 57-year-old is FROM GAME OF THRONES TO into The Panniers, Barnstaple, to spruce up the floral displays running anticlockwise around Britain’s coast, aiming to raise £10,000 for almost every day. Scottish charity Ecologia Youth Trust, celebrating its 20th anniversary. A KNIGHTS TEMPLAR PEW Brian, a customer at the pub, brings fresh flowers to adorn He is supporting its valuable work which is with orphaned and vulnerable each end of the bar as customers look on admiringly. children and young people, helping them to realise their potential and build a sustainable future for themselves and their communities. The pub’s manager, Alan Young, said: “Brian absolutely loves his hobby growing flowers and showing them off to With no support team and only able to carry the bare minimum (11kg), customers. The displays are always amazing – and he uses Simon is reliant on his own earnings and the kindness of strangers to flowers you don’t see in the shops, so there is always a real find enough to eat and a dry place to sleep at night. point of difference. He is our flower angel.” Simon said:“The thought of carrying and needing very little, while asking Brian (pictured) enjoys a coffee, an orange juice or a bowl of others to give a lot to improve the life of children, seems the best of affairs.” soup with fellow customers, after he has finished his displays Since he began his run in March, averaging 20 miles a day, Simon – on the house, of course, as he refuses to accept payment has been posting a blog on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ for his floral efforts. remembersimon) about the places he has run through and the people Brian said: “They are all really nice people at the pub and he has met, often choosing to eat at a Wetherspoon pub! very appreciative of the flowers. I try to bring in flowers l You can follow his progress on a live map at http://ecologia.org.uk/ people don’t normally see, so that they catch the eye and run-around-britain/ and support him on his fundraising page: are interesting.” http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/justaLittleRun ALAN CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY… AND LEADER OF SPOONIE CULT ON MISSION HIS 100TH SPOON Wetherspoon enthusiast Alan Footner is pictured TO SPREAD THE WORD celebrating a special occasion at Sandford House. Formed in January 2015, the ‘Wetherspoon Appreciation Society’ The visit marked two significant milestones for British actor Anton Lesser is pictured being interviewed at The Knights Templar, now boasts more than 500 members. the Wetherspoon ‘collector’. Alan was celebrating in London’s Chancery Lane. The Facebook group, set up by Wetherspoon enthusiast Simon his 80th birthday, while the Huntingdon pub was More recently known for his role as Qyburn, in the smash-hit series Game Atkinson, brings together like-minded people who are on a mission his 100th outlet visited. of Thrones, the University of Liverpool graduate is also an experienced to visit all Wetherspoon and Lloyds Bar establishments. Alan’s friend Paul Emberton said: “Alan is a loyal Shakespearean actor. Simon (pictured front with fellow members) said: “We now have 549 Wetherspoon customer and has travelled the The interview, by White Light Media, on behalf of the University of Liverpool’s members – and quite a few of us have visited more than 500 pubs, length of the UK to visit as many pubs as possible. alumni magazine, called Alumni, also involved some photography at the pub. including me. “He made the trip to Huntingdon to ensure that Simon Lyle, White Light Media editorial director, pictured conducting the “We try to organise meet-ups with fellow ‘Spoonies’, so that people the recently opened Sandford House – now Alan’s interview, said: “We chose The Knights Templar because we planned to get some can share stories and spread the Wetherspoon word! local – was his 100th pub.” photography and video, while the interview was being done, and felt that it would “My local is The Watch Maker, in Prescot; my furthest visited, so far, Sarah Hemingway, pub manager at Sandford have the right feel for an actor known for his Shakespearean and period roles, as is Jolly’s Hotel, in Broughty Ferry; the most I have visited in one day House, said: “We were delighted that Alan chose well as Game of Thrones. is 10, during a trip to London. our pub to mark his 100th Wetherspoon visit, as “We also did a photo shoot outside at The Royal Courts of Justice, for the same “I have also been to all of the Wetherspoon pubs in the Republic of well as a very special birthday. reasons, and its proximity to the pub was a major factor in our choice of venue.” Ireland, as well as a couple in Northern Ireland, and taken pictures “We wish him many happy returns and further The interview was a general profile piece about the actor’s time at university, at them all, as a proof of visit!” happy travels on his Wetherspoon quest.” his career and current work, including Game of Thrones.

60 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 61 DESIGNCIDER FEATURE THE CASTLE HOTEL

HUNDREDS OF YEARS’ HISTORY ituated in the centre of Ruthin, Bought by Wetherspoon in 2011, it opened in dominating St Peter’s Square, The Castle January 2012 as a new pub and 17-bedroom hotel, S Hotel is a grade II star listed building. following a £2.1-million redevelopment project. A fine four-storey red-brick Georgian example, with an Ruthin and District Civic Association presented – AND A FLOURISHING PRESENT imposing façade, it dates from c1730 and has been a Wetherspoon with the Quayle Award for 2012, in focal point for the community of Ruthin, Denbighshire, recognition of the company’s sensitive restoration OUR £2M REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CASTLE HOTEL, IN RUTHIN, WALES, in Wales, for many generations. of the landmark St Peter’s Square building. HAS BEEN PRAISED TO THE BATTLEMENTS BY CIVIC CHAMPIONS Owned by the Myddelton family, of Ruthin Castle, Design whose coat of arms featured a white lion, the The design of the central area of the pub takes premises was used mainly as a hotel and named influences from its history, using finishes such as red The White Lion. It changed its name to The Castle brick, flagstones, rough timber and terracotta tiles, in c1883. giving a darker, more intimate atmosphere. Reminder In addition, a feature barrel wall has been The older 16th-/17th-century timber-framed incorporated, with metalwork window screens outbuildings, in the yard at the rear of the pub and and candle sconces, creating a cosy space. hotel, are a reminder of the days when the premises The main entrance to the building, refurbished in was The White Lion, a post house and coaching inn a sympathetic manner, enhances the grand entrance between Chester and Holyhead. hallway, with existing tiled floor and open staircase. Historically, these outbuildings were used for brewing The decorative plaster ceiling is restored to its former ale and porter which were then supplied to other inns glory and is complemented with panelling and and taverns in the surrounding areas. a colour scheme to suit the building’s style. After the arrival of the railway service to Ruthin, A feature fireplace is an impressive focal point in the horse-drawn carriages were sent to meet every train front room, while the customer area also boasts to convey prospective patrons to the hotel. Towards polished timber panelling, with stags’ heads and the late 19th century, it became more widely known a coat of arms, in celebration of historic halls and that as The Castle Hotel. feeling of grandeur which the old building exudes. There is also a large, imposing sculpture of Owain Sold Glyndwr (lived c1359–1415), a national hero who At the turn of the last century, it was a large hotel with began his campaign for Welsh nationalism in Ruthin. reception rooms, bars, 15 bedrooms, servants’ bedrooms, stabling for at least 20 horses and garaging. l St Peter’s Square, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1AA In the 1930s, it was refurbished by the Trust House Telephone: 01824 708950 group and later sold as an exclusive hotel in 1971; it has continued to trade as a hotel ever since.

62 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 63 FOOD BREAKFAST

f your local Wetherspoon is your destination for breakfast, be prepared to be spoiled for choice. I Our breakfast menu is served every day from 8am until noon and offers something for everyone, from a full-cooked meal to a lighter morning bite. Our traditional breakfast continues to be a huge hit with MORNING HAS BROKEN? customers, no surprise, as it offers quality ingredients and value for money, in our hearty start to the day. It comprises fried egg, bacon, sausage, baked beans, hash browns, tomato and a slice of toast. Large Got a large appetite? Why not opt for our large breakfast? Fill up on two fried eggs, bacon, two sausages, baked beans, HERE’S HOW TO FIX IT three hash browns, mushroom, tomato and two slices of toast. Our breakfast menu offers something for everyone Both cooked breakfasts, traditional and large, are also available as a vegetarian option, served with Quorn sausages. And the youngsters don’t have to miss out either, thanks to our children’s (small) breakfast option. If US-style dishes, instead of a Brit breakfast, are more your breakfast choice, our American-style pancakes are just the ticket. Served with either maple-flavour syrup and bacon or just maple-flavour syrup, pancakes are a great breakfast alternative. Value Watching your waistline, as well as your pocket? Our breakfast deals offer great value and choice, with 10 dishes available, many of them a lighter option – which include a hot or cold drink. Why not bag a breakfast bagel? Our choice of fillings includes smoked salmon, cream cheese and rocket or simply cream cheese on its own. Our breakfast roll, filled with bacon, sausage or Quorn sausage, or breakfast wrap with an added fried egg, hash brown and cheese also includes a drink from our breakfast range. Feeling fruity? Try our fresh fruit or fresh fruit and organic Greek-style yoghurt with honey, for a healthy start to the day. Porridge Our gluten-free MOMA Porridge is a great start to the morning, made from British jumbo wholegrain oats and milk, it is naturally low in fat and a ‘superfood’ favourite. Served with either fresh blueberries and brown sugar or honey and banana. Treat yourself to eggs Benedict or eggs royale: two poached eggs on an English muffin, with Hollandaise sauce and rocket – with either Wiltshire cured ham (in the Benedict) or smoked salmon for the royale version. Don’t forget that our large filter coffee deal offers free refills, served until 2pm. Customers can enjoy the freshest-possible filter coffee, as we use 100 per cent freshly ground Lavazza beans. This coffee is now available as a take-away option. See you in the morning!

What’s On Your Plate? Our bacon is from Dew Valley, a specialist premium quality bacon producer, formed by the Blake butchery family in the 1990s. All of our British free-range shell eggs are Lion Quality marked and RSPCA-Assured – the RSPCA's ethical food label.

64 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 65 PUB NEWS A HEAD-SHAVE GIVES BALDWIN A BALD WIN OUR FOOD HELPS KEEP THE EARTH HEALTHY Shift manager Kat Baldwin (left) and bar associate Cara Preston-Phillips Wetherspoon has put sustainability at the heart of its food offering “We look forward to working with the SRA to ensure that took part in a ‘lose their heads!’ charity fundraiser. by signing up to the Food Made Good programme, run by the Wetherspoon’s pubs improve on their already-high levels Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA). of sustainability.” The pair, working at The Picture House, in Stafford, both had their head shaved by local hairdresser Julia Hallowes (centre), in exchange for charity It means that all of the company’s pubs will put its sustainability SRA chief executive, Andrew Stephen, said: “The traditional image cash donations. credentials to the test, completing the Food Made Good of a pub as a thriving hub of any community aligns perfectly with sustainability rating. the reality of a sustainable business: one which takes pride in the The event amassed just over £550 on the day, with additional funds topping provenance of the food it serves, is passionate about minimising the total at £710. The money is being split equally among CLIC Sargent, This enables diners to find restaurants which match their its impact on the planet and is committed to being the beating Katherine House Hospice and Douglas Macmillan Hospice home care unit. sustainability priorities. heart of society. Cara, pictured (right) holding a photograph of herself and her dad, said: “I The company will also work closely with the SRA team to ensure “We are delighted to be working with Wetherspoon, a pub company took part in the fundraiser in memory of my dad, who was looked after that it continues to make strides in terms of its social and with the potential to have a hugely positive impact at both a amazingly by the home care unit. environmental responsibility. national and local level.” “A massive thankyou to everyone for their donations. We had so much support.” Wetherspoon’s head of food development, Jameson Robinson, said: “Our pubs, and the business in general, have a very good The SRA is a not-for-profit membership organisation, helping track record on sustainability. restaurants to become more sustainable and diners to make more sustainable choices, when dining out. “The fact that Wetherspoon has now become a member of the SRA highlights the fact that we wish to learn from the experts and make It helps members to source food more sustainably, manage resources further progress in this field. more effectively and work more closely with their community. CARPET CURATOR TWELVE INTO 50 ROLLS OUT FLAWLESS, DOES GO – AT LEAST FLOOR-FULL BOOK IN KEITH’S BOOK

ROCK STARS WELCOME REV MATT KEEPS UP HIS FANS TO THEIR TRAILER REVS AFTER REFUELLING Customers at The Imperial enjoyed an unusual visit from Sharp’s Brewery. AT DOG BECK Members of the team from the Cornish brewery, based at Rock, visited the Pub manager Lee Exeter pub in their vintage Airstream. Concannon (right) and shift leader Gary Hayles The highly polished aluminium American retro caravan has been converted are pictured with Rev Matt Pub manager Adam Coulson into a fully functioning bar, with two serving hatches. The promotional Martinson at their pub The vehicle spent two days at The Imperial, serving Sharp’s beers, including Dog Beck, in Penrith, during Doom Bar and Atlantic ale, to regulars. the reverend’s charity Pub manager Mark Waites said: “Doom Bar is already a very popular wheelchair journey from permanent ale at the pub; however, it was great to have the Sharp’s John O’Groats to Lands End. The Rochester Castle, in Stoke “I then set up a website, inviting team here. Rev Martinson is raising Newington, played host to writer people to send me their local “The caravan is very eye-catching – and our customers, as well as staff money for St John’s Church, and broadcaster Kit Caless as Spoon’s carpet images, so that members, also enjoyed the opportunity to meet some of the brewery guys.” in Bransholme, Hull. he hosted an informal party to we could collect them all and Hayley Siah, national account manager at MolsonCoors Brewing Company He enjoyed a complimentary celebrate the launch of his book compare – and the idea for the (which owns Sharp’s Brewery), said: “The event was a great success – and meal at the pub, his first ‘Spoon’s Carpets’. book took off from there. the beers went down very well with customers, especially those who proper meal in six days, as well as money towards his The book features photographs “The party at The Rochester received a free T-shirt too!” fundraising effort from staff at the pub. and descriptions of more than Castle was held to launch the He posted a message on the pub’s Facebook page, 75 carpets from Wetherspoon’s book and for me to say thanks to commenting: “As I was resting today, Jo and I decided to pubs across the UK. Wetherspoon and my friends for have something to eat – and I wanted a proper dinner. Kit wrote the book after first supporting the idea. The Twelve Tellers, Preston, features in a new book by local “The Dog Beck pub, in Penrith, was amazing and, to top it noticing the carpet in The West "When I came into the pub on author Keith Johnson. all, they gave me my meal free. Gate Inn, a Wetherspoon pub launch day, I was amazed to find The book – entitled Preston in 50 Buildings – traces the history of that a brand new carpet had been “I am not just saying that because of what they did, but if in Canterbury. the site before it became a Wetherspoon pub on 22 January 2015. laid down. And it was red too!” you are in the area and want some great food, you will not He said: “I looked at the carpet Mr Johnson said: “The building was always an important one be disappointed. and wondered whether every Wetherspoon’s chairman, architecturally – and people wondered for a long time what would Tim Martin, said: “Our unique “So a big thanks to Wetherspoon and all the staff there – Spoon carpet came together to happen to it after it was no longer a bank; it used to be a TSB. make one giant tapestry. carpets reflect the spirit of the and I will be back for some more.” “It’s good to see that the building has been preserved and that “Back at my local, Baxter’s Court individual – a vital part of Pub manager Lee said: “We were only too pleased to serve every pub. there are some good paintings of historical significance there Rev Martinson and ensure that he had a great meal. (Hackney), I noticed that the as well,” added Mr Johnson, who regularly visits the pub to carpet was completely different “This great book reflects another enjoy a coffee and an occasional bite to eat. “It is tough enough to travel from John O’ Groats to Lands from that at the Canterbury key part – a sense of humour.” End, let alone in a wheelchair – and staff and customers pub and wondered whether Shift manager Jamie Clayton said: “We are proud of the l The book, priced £8.99 is here were delighted that he came to the pub and could Spoon’s carpets were all building we work in and respect its tradition as an important available from bookshops and enjoy a hot meal.” different and unique. local landmark. We are delighted that it has been recognised online from Amazon. in Keith’s book.”

66 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 67 FOOD MELANIE AND KEALEY MEET GILBERT AND SULLIVAN Opera-goers could be forgiven for thinking they were in their local Wetherspoon when they enjoyed performances of two Gilbert and Sullivan classics, ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’ and ‘Trial by Jury’, by members of Lytham St Annes-based Marton Operatic Society. The award-winning society set their shows in two imaginary Wetherspoon pubs – The Court of the Exchequer and The Pinafore. ‘Trial by Jury’ was performed first, with ‘HMS Pinafore’ performed after an interval. Two Wetherspoon staff members from The Railway Hotel HOT STUFF IN (Lytham St Annes), shift managers Melanie Fisher and Kealey McMillan, supported the play by helping to get the props ready for the set. Its director Philip Walsh came up with the idea for the unusual setting while enjoying a pint at a Wetherspoon pub in the Lake District. He told the Blackpool Gazette newspaper: “I have to THE GRATE… admit I do like Wetherspoon pubs. “My wife, Susan, and I visited a Wetherspoon pub in Keswick named The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. “This was the magistrates’ court and police station, until 2000, and is grade II listed. “The pub boasts a near-complete contemporary interior, with canopied witness stand, magistrates’ bench, AND ON THE PLATE prisoners’ dock and recorders’ bench. Real fires and real food complement each other “While supping a pint, I picked up a copy of Wetherspoon News. perfectly in our real pubs this winter, says Wetherspoon “I discovered an article about the old Tunbridge Wells Opera House (now a Wetherspoon pub) hosting a live food-development manager Sophie Jennings stage production of Puccini’s La Bohème performed by the Merry Opera Company. “That was my Eureka moment. ‘That’s it,’ I said. ‘Let’s ith winter here, and our days book-ended by Mash perform Trial and Pinafore in a Wetherspoon pub setting.’” dark morning commutes and even darker Our bowlful of on-the-bone lamb shank is accompanied by Wetherspoon gave permission for its name to be used W nights, the idea of toasting by a fire in your root vegetables, including carrots and parsnips, then layered – and John Fothergill, manager of The Railway Hotel, local Wetherspoon pub can give you a rosy glow. on our favourite mashed potato. We make our mash the way assisted with props and advice. It’s a little-known fact that we have around 500 pubs with one you would at home, with five simple ingredients – potatoes, Pub manager John (now at The Trawl Boat Inn, Lytham), said: “We were only too pleased to help out. or more real-wood fireplaces for you to settle down by. butter, salt, pepper and (to add some indulgence) cream, instead of milk. It is great that the society took inspiration from But, before you get too comfy, make sure that you have a Wetherspoon pub." stocked up on supplies – since you won’t want to give up the Sweet The opera ran for five performances at the Lowther best seat in the house. With the heat of the fire still warming your back, you might Pavilion, with funds raised for the RNLI. Halloween is a distant memory, but, before the squashes retire need a sweet hit to make sure that you don’t close your eyes for the year, we need them for your dinner by the fire. and drift off into a wood-panelled dreamland. With that in mind, there really is nothing better than a great Soup British pud. Forget the sundaes this winter and dive, spoon first, IMMORTALISED IN INK BY PUB GUIDES’ COMPILERS The British squash season runs right through to December and, into a sticky toffee pudding. Wetherspoon pubs feature prominently in three new pub guides. as squashes grow so well in our cool and damp climate, it Made in the heart of the Lake District, our Cartmel sticky toffee Journalist, broadcaster and brewery tour guide Johnny Homer’s ‘Whitstable would be wrong not to indulge in a soul-warming bowl of & Herne Bay Pubs’ lists The Peter Cushing (Whitstable) and The Saxon Shore pudding® uses a family recipe which has stood the test of time. butternut squash soup. (Herne Bay) among the illustrated pages of his selection of watering holes, All of our soups are served with half a warm baguette – perfect It uses dried dates to enhance the natural sweetness in the in the Kent coastal towns. for dipping – and a portion of real butter for you to spread. pudding, while free-range eggs help the sponge to rise tall. We A follow-up to the 2014 ‘Stoke-on-Trent Pubs’, Mervyn Edwards’ ‘Newcastle- also serve plenty of hot toffee sauce for the pudding to absorb, Our menus, while keeping the essence of real pub food, under-Lyme Pubs’ is a gazetteer-style pocket history of selected pubs in plus our classic double cream ice cream or vanilla-seed custard. the Staffordshire borough, including the former post office building, now change at intervals throughout the year – and we try to remain The Arnold Machin. as seasonally responsive as possible. When it’s time to leave, quitting the fireside seat is the hardest part, yet nothing says ‘excuse to stay’ more than a bottomless The Rodboro Buildings is featured in local historian and writer David Rose’s Lavazza coffee. So, why not stir the coffee, but don’t stir ‘Guildford Pubs’, which guides you through the Surrey town’s pub landscape. yourself, as you peruse a copy of our latest Wetherspoon News He writes: “Pub chain J D Wetherspoon’s Guildford establishment occupies and settle in for a Wetherspoon winter? a landmark building with a wealth of history … like so many ‘Spoons’ pubs, a popular place with customers of all ages.” l All three guides are published by Amberley Publishing (www.amberley-books.com) priced at £14.99 each The Arnold Machin, Newcastle-under-Lyme

68 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 69 FOOD How are your drinks stacking up through the week?

Steak brunch BACK A GUARANTEED WINNER THIS WEEKEND Enjoy unbeatable edibles, with our fantastic all-day Sunday brunch

ad a great Saturday night – and now looking for Classic the perfect Sunday brunch? Tuck in to an 8oz sirloin steak, eggs and chips. It is a classic for H Our all-day brunch – available on our main menu every that lazy Sunday afternoon and great value with a drink included day – includes a club meal drink, as part of our Sunday brunch – from our club range of hot, soft and alcoholic beverages. offer, available all day (until 11pm) every Sunday. Our steaks are matured for 35 days, the optimum period for extra Our award-winning Lincolnshire sausages, bacon, British fried tenderness and succulence. They are then seasoned by us, with free-range eggs, Heinz baked beans and chips offer a great a blend of herbs and spices, including salt, pepper, paprika and combination to satisfy your weekend hunger. There is also cumin, to perfectly enhance the natural flavour of the beef. a vegetarian option available. All of our steaks are sourced from British and Irish farms. Quality They carry the Quality Standard Mark, meaning that they are With such quality produce on your brunch plate, it is little produced to a higher standard and from a fully farm-assured wonder why our Wetherspoon Sunday all-day brunch is supply chain. a weekend winner. Farms Offering quality ingredients and great value for money, it is easy This scheme ensures that our meat can be traced back to farms to see why the award-winning dish remains such a firm favourite. and guarantees that those farmers meet exacting welfare, management and environmental standards. Our new steak brunch is the latest offering at your local Wetherspoon, for the perfect meal deal, as part of your weekend The tender and tasty sirloin steak, which is cooked to your Cutting out just one or two every time Have a little less, wind-down. liking, is served with chips – made from 100 per cent British potatoes – and topped off with our British free-range eggs, you drink could improve your health which are Lion Quality marked. feel a lot better. ..a great British winning weekend brunch. and even lower your blood pressure. See how at drinkaware.co.uk/littleless

70 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com www.jdwetherspoon.com < spring 2016 < WETHERSPOON < 71

DRI28239 Waitrose 210x148.indd 1 08/09/2016 17:18 SPENNYMOOR COMMUNITY A (FOUR) GRAND DAY OUT MAIDENHEAD SELBY AT GRAND ELECTRIC HALL CARE BEAR: BERKSHIRE PUB PRAISED BY VODKA EVENING A AUTISM GROUP CLEAR WINNER FOR GEMMA AND GIANT BELLFLOWER

The Bear, in Maidenhead, is the weekly venue for a regular social meeting group. For the past seven years, the pub has provided a supportive and welcoming environment for members of the ‘Bear With Fundraisers are pictured at The Grand Electric Hall, in Spennymoor, enjoying a big Me’ adult social group. charity family fun-day. The group members of AutismBerkshire (autismberkshire. The event, organised by shift leader Arianne Brown and local charity fundraiser org.uk) are sufferers of Asperger’s Syndrome and autism. Mark Solan, raised an incredible £4,500 for the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Every Wednesday evening, from 7–9pm, the High Street Trust – Let’s KO cancer, set up by Mark. venue is the safe and happy haven for over-18s who have There was an auction, raffle, tombola, character mascots and face-painting. a diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition, all Olympic bronze medallist 2016 and artistic gymnast Amy Tinkler, who was enjoying her Pub manager Gemma Butler continued her fundraising activities for members of AutismBerkshire. own celebration bus parade on the day, popped in to support the event. Amy, who lives a local charity, with a vodka evening at The Giant Bellflower. Group member Tim Collins wrote to Wetherspoon’s in nearby Bishop Auckland and trains in Spennymoor, is pictured with Mark. chairman, Tim Martin, saying: “Thank you all for the Pictured (left to right) enjoying the event in Selby are customers and staff. They are; Terri Saunders, shift manager and event organiser patience and understanding your staff have shown us as Kirkby-in-Ashfield a group, in serving us over a period of almost seven years. Sarah Graley, Annesa Graley, Tracey Morris, Anne Barratt, bar associate Sian Morris, team leader and event organiser Sarah Barratt and “That’s a long time to look after us, and so we are very Louise Westlake. grateful to Wetherspoon.” A LITTLE PLAY TIME FOR REGENT REGULARS They each enjoyed five vodka types, as part of their donation, Pub manager Rachel Sellars is supporting a Tim continues: “Asperger’s Syndrome is the commonest from the extensive enhanced range, served with the correct cultural initiative, aimed at bringing the arts to the form of autism, from which I suffer. accompaniment. The premium vodka included Cîroc, Smirnoff Lime, local community. “The condition affects the brain and nervous system, Stolichnaya Stoli Razberi and Grey Goose L’Orange and Le Citron. Rachel, who runs The Regent, in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, whereby a person finds it difficult to navigate The evening, which raised £170, was part of Gemma’s Great North Run hosted an event for First Art, with six 10-minute plays through a variety of social, work and recreational fundraising for local charity Hands of Hope, totalling £487. written by local people being performed at the pub. situations. Emotional difficulties arise too, as well as sensory overloads. Gemma said: “A massive thankyou to all of those who attended our The performers pictured are (left to right, back row) fundraising events, sponsored me and supported my run, all in aid of Lee Rufford, Rose Gray and Mark Jardine, plus (left to “If any Asperger’s and autism adult support groups out a great local charity.” right, front row) Caroline Frewin, Joanne Gale and there are looking for a regular place to meet, I want Kate Wood. to encourage them to consider Wetherspoon. It worked Selby Hands of Hope is a local charity, by local people, for local people, for us!” which supports district groups and individuals in need. First Art is a collective of four cultural and community organisations working within the former Liverpool coalfields of northeast Derbyshire and northeast Nottinghamshire, encompassing Ashfield, Bolsover and Mansfield. NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED Launched in January 2015, the two-year project aims to inspire the local communities to experience and AS PUB BOSS ENDS UP IN STOCKS get involved in the arts, including dance, film, theatre, sculpture and music. Pub manager Nathan McGovern is pictured in the stocks at his pub in Liverpool. Rachel said: “When I was initially approached by First Art, I thought it sounded like a great project and one The Richard John Blackler held a charity carnival day, raising £1,060, which I was interested in supporting. split among three causes. “It is something we have never tried before at the pub, The local Christchurch Community Centre and Zoe’s Place baby so I was excited to see what reaction it would have. hospice in Liverpool each received £250, with the remainder going to CLIC Sargent. “The evening was a great success – with customers reacting warmly and enthusiastically to the various As well as the stocks, bar associate Janice Fletcher (left) spent performances.” an hour in a bath of baked beans, there was a cake bake sale, a raffle with 17 prizes donated from local businesses, a tombola, The First Art project (www.firstart.org.uk) is hook-a-duck, coconut shy and other games. supported by the Arts Council, through its Creative Also pictured are shift leaders Becky Doherty and Beccah Mee (right). People and Places fund.

72 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 73 COLERAINE YORK PADDY DELIGHTED TO POSTERN GATE OPENS DOOR COMMUNITY HELP VITAL CHARITY TO FUN FOR FIFTYSOMETHINGS CARRICKFERGUS SHOEBOX APPEAL GIVES EX-SOLDIERS A LEG-UP

Chris Wardley is pictured celebrating his birthday with bar associates Emily Best and Bethany Rodwell, together with Gerald Radnage, chairman of FnT (left to right) Pub manager Paddy O’Neill supported a local charity close to and group members his heart, with a fundraising evening at his Coleraine pub. The Old Courthouse hosted a ‘Night at the Races’ and charity The Postern Gate, in York, is the The Postern Gate, with 30 plus raffle, in aid of SANDS NI (stillbirth and neo-natal death regular meeting place for a members regularly celebrating support), raising £3,000. community social group for the birthdays and meeting to dine, over-50s. have a drink and a chat.” A framed, signed shirt, from Northern Ireland professional golfer Darren Clarke OBE and signed Grand National race FnT is a friendly social club for the As well as their regular card from jockey A.P. McCoy, were among the prizes up for over-50s in York and the Wetherspoon visits, the group grabs in the raffle and auction. surrounding area, with the aim of organises numerous events, meeting, socialising and having fun. including walks, quizzes, cinema Paddy (pictured front with his wife Aine and brother and sister It is a non-profit-making and coach trips, social gatherings team members Chyanne and Dylan Leslie), said: “SANDS organisation, run by members and barbeques. helped my wife and I, when we lost our child. They do such Robert, pictured (second left) said: “We have been collecting (approximately 110) for members. Shift manager Robert McClenaghan is supporting the local branch an amazing job – and I wanted to give something back. l For more details, visit: of a nationwide charity which helps ex-service personnel in and donations of clothes, blankets and non-perishable food, on Gerald Radnage, chair of the group, www.fntyork.org around Carrickfergus. behalf of the charity, at The Central Bar, acting as a drop-off “A massive thankyou to everyone who helped us to raise said: “We have, for several years, centre in the run-up to Christmas. £3,000 – which will help to fund the services which they been made very welcome at Robert, who works at The Central Bar, in the Northern Ireland provide in Coleraine and around Northern Ireland.” town, has teamed up with local man Jake McAtamney, helped by “The current campaign asks people to fill a shoebox with useful items, local councillors and the Royal British Legion (RBL) to support such as gloves, hats and toiletries, as well as treats like chocolates, to OKEHAMPTON Soldiers Off The Street. Jake has helped the charity and local give to the ex-service men and women on the streets. ex-service personnel for a number of years. “We have had a tremendous response from our customers and GREAT AND GOOD HAIL OKEHAMPTON ARRIVAL A registered charity, this is a dedicated group of people the local people in Carrickfergus.” Local CAMRA chairman Morris Elsworth and his Since opening it has broadened the choice of determined to help the forgotten ex-service personnel from the Robert also spent one night sleeping on the street, to help in wife Fiona popped in to help pub manager ales available locally. army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, past and present, whose raising awareness for the charity. Jon Willing (all pictured) to celebrate the opening life has been affected by homelessness. Pub manager, Jon Willing, said: “The opening Also pictured (left to right) are, Councillor Noel Jordan, George of The White Hart Hotel, in Okehampton. day was fantastic. People have been very The charity’s aim is the relief of homeless ex-service personnel, in Horner (president Carrickfergus RBL), Joan Thompson (lady The new pub and hotel also attracted the welcoming – they have waited a long time for particular (but not exclusively) by the provision of clothing, food president Carrickfergus RBL), Jenny Griffiths (RBL) and David Allen, mayor of Okehampton, Councillor Jan a Wetherspoon pub on their doorstep.” and rehabilitation, including advice on post-traumatic stress collecting the charity donations. Also pictured: Councillors Cheryl Goffey, who officially opened it. Above the pub is a hotel, which features disorder, alcoholism, drug abuse, housing and employment. Johnston and Noel Jordan and Robert (right). Mr Elsworth of North Devon CAMRA and his 23 en suite bedrooms, comprising five wife Fiona, a regional secretary for CAMRA, family rooms, 14 twin and four standard POTTERS BAR said that they were pleased that Wetherspoon double rooms. ALL AT PUB DEVASTATED had opened its doors in the town. PETERLEE BY TRAGIC DEATH FIVE QUARTER’S FOOTBALLERS SCORE FOR CHARITY OF NATASHA Charity cash was raised when seven The sudden death of bar associate Natasha Kay, at the beginning football teams got together for an of July, shocked her family and friends, as well as colleagues and annual 7-a-side tournament. customers at The Admiral Byng, where she worked. A team from The Five Quarter, Peterlee, Natasha, 20, collapsed at home suddenly. Despite CPR, she never comprising customers and staff regained consciousness – and died in hospital the following day. members Mark Dunn, Leon Birley and Shaun Nichols, helped to raise £350. Pub manager Alex Hartigan said: “Tasha began work here in The money was split between CLIC January 2016 and was a very popular member of staff, with both Sargent and a fund for a former customers and other members of staff alike. She is sadly missed.” employee at the pub – bar associate Alex and his team, together with the regular customers at the Jona Cave, who has been diagnosed pub in Potters Bar, raised £830 in memory of Natasha. The with leukaemia. collection continues. The pub’s team was beaten in the semi At the request of the family, the money has been donated to “If you had met Natasha, you would have thought what a lovely finals after a hard-fought series of Stevenage Dolphins (www.stevenage-dolphins.org), a local young woman; she was very excited about going back to uni and matches at East Durham College. swimming club for people with physical or mental disabilities. very excited about everything in life.” Shift leader Lawrence Swallow (front, Natasha’s dad, Peter (pictured, second left), told the Welwyn Hatfield Dave Wall (right), from Stevenage Dolphins, is pictured receiving third left) said: “This is something we did Times newspaper: “She was very caring. She had a very warm smile the donation from Natasha’s mum Chris Atkins. Also pictured (left last year as well – it is great fun to do. I’d – that’s why they liked her at Wetherspoon. She knew the locals and to right) are team leader Louisa Fraulo, bar associate Amy Tuck like to thank all of our team and am very knew what they drank and always had a chat with them. and pub manager Alex Hartigan. pleased that so much money was raised.”

74 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 75 DEAL FROM HASTINGS TO VICTORY, WITH HELP FROM A NORMAN Pub manager Ben Winslade and his team at The Sir Norman Wisdom, in Deal, supported COMMUNITY a local charity fundraising challenge in aid of Breast Cancer Now. CASTLEFORD The Clifftop Challenge 2016 (www.clifftopchallenge.com) was the third annual community event, a day of music, BOILED EGG WITH SOLDIERS AT entertainment and fundraising activities for all the family, centred around the ‘Ultra 55 mile’ run, from Hastings to Deal along VETERANS’ BREAKFAST CLUB the Kent coastline. A marathon, as well as 15-, 10- and five-mile challenges, all finishing at Walmer Green in Deal, enabled runners of all abilities to take part. The Sir Norman Wisdom sponsored the event, donating £1,250, and the winners wore Pictured (left to right): T-shirts bearing the pub’s name. Bar associate Jade Organiser Mike Griggs said: “I would like to Traynor, pub manager Ben Winslade, bar thank Ben and the crew at Wetherspoon for associate Paddy Verrill their support again this year. Their kindness and kitchen associate and generosity helped us to raise a whopping Stuart Cavell £17,500 in aid of Breast Cancer Now.”

STOKE NEWINGTON WICK CHESS PLAYERS HAPPY TO WELCOME FOR BE (ROCHESTER) CASTLED WALKERS AT ALEXANDER BAIN

Allen Fisher of Ashworth and Pontefract British Legion (left) and duty manager Russell Coyne serve breakfast at The Glass Blower

More than 40 current and former members “Ages ranged from 30 upwards – and there Russell said that the pub would expand the of the armed forces attended the inaugural was a lot of good humour, camaraderie area made available for the breakfasts if needed, Veterans’ Breakfast Club at The Glass Blower, and banter.” after the better-than-expected initial turnout. in Castleford, West Yorkshire. A traditional breakfast (excluding coffee) at Allen Fisher of Ashworth and Pontefract The breakfasts bring together soldiers, the pub, managed by Bev Hayes, costs just British Legion, who organised the event sailors and airmen, of different generations, £2.92 on production of Veterans’ Badge or a with pub staff, said: “We would like to thank to swap stories, make new friends and enjoy Military or Association ID. The special the pub for hosting this event. All of those good food at a discounted price. breakfasts are now running on the first and who attended thoroughly enjoyed Duty manager Russell Coyne was delighted third Saturday of each month, starting at 9am. themselves. at the turnout and said the atmosphere was The veterans can also take advantage of the “We also appreciated the efforts of the staff, For the past 20 years, The Rochester Hackney Chess Club finished The Alexander Bain, in Wick, is the finishing point for “friendly and just fantastic”. pubs offer of unlimited refills on filter coffee who served us very well indeed. We are Castle has been the venue for a local a successful season with the news a group of walkers participating in a community project He added: “Some of these people, because (until 2pm). greatly looking forward to future events.” chess club. that it has been awarded the – Step it up Highland. of age, don’t get to socialise or meet other The pub in Stoke Newington hosts prestigious ‘Club of the Year’ title l Club event details are available on Facebook – www.facebook.com/groups/castlefordvbc by the English Chess Federation. The project is supported by the NHS and Wick Council. veterans too often, so it is great to be able to – those wishing to attend should indicate their intention on Facebook, if possible, the Hackney Chess Club every It encourages local people to be active together and get provide them with an opportunity to do so. or e-mail: [email protected] Saturday night, regularly The club’s 60-strong membership fit in a fun way. attracting up to 30 players, aged has six teams in the London Lesley Anne Bremner, health improvement advisor, 20–60 years old. League, one in the Middlesex SOUTHSEA Caithness & NW Sutherland, said: “Step it up Highland League and one in the National The club’s secretary, Mark Rivlin, is a health walk initiative, run by partnerships for League – and some of its said: “The Roch is part of Hackney well-being, which aims to promote walking to people of members represent Essex in the LORD MUCKS IN AT FESTIVAL OF FOOD Chess Club’s DNA! all walks of life, especially to encourage those who are Staff at The Lord Palmerston took part in the County Championships. “Our legendary Saturday night blitz inactive to become active. Southsea Food Festival for the third successive year. Season 2015–16 saw the club’s games (five-minute chess) are part “We have around 40 plus walkers registered at the The weekend event attracts dozens of local fourth team crowned London of the London chess scene. We moment and two walk leaders, but hope to get some businesses which run stalls varying from cheese League Division 5 champions; the play the serious league games more trained up as the group is growing in size. to Thai food, paella, Turkish dishes, curries elsewhere but, as a club, we very second team gained promotion to “We meet every Tuesday at 2pm at the Highland Council and tapas. much view The Roch as our home Division 2 and the first team service point in Wick and walk for about an hour, then Shift leaders Paul Taylor and Paris Carter and and are extremely grateful for its finished third in Division 1. return to Wetherspoon for a refreshment and a chat. team leader Jodie Holdham (pictured left to right) wonderful hospitality.” Mark concluded: “We are thrilled Everyone is welcome.” manned a barbecue stall which ran in conjunction Pub manager Ralph Banda said: with the award which reflects our with a mini cider-festival at the pub. commitment to inclusivity and Jamie Gunn, manager of The Alexander Bain, said: “Although I am new to The “The walkers set off from the Council service point in the The pub’s manager, Tony Duncan, said: “It’s a great giving people of all levels an Rochester Castle, the chess club morning and arrive at the pub about lunchtime, when annual event which has got bigger over the years. opportunity to represent the club.” is a well-known and popular group. a lot of them pop in for a healthy lunch and a cup of tea, We have been involved since 2014 and really enjoy This just highlights what a great plus a bit of cake. being part of this community cultural festival.” community pub this is.” “Numbers have been increasing each week.” Radio station Heart FM was also there to provide l For more information, see: hackneychess.org.uk or visit Hackney a musical backdrop to the weekend. Chess Club’s Facebook page: http://tinyurl.com/hjk4hmo l Anyone interested can find out more by phoning Lesley Anne Bremner on 01847 892881 or 07748 761749.

76 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 77 HAPPYNEWS BIRTHDAYS HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

l WHITLEY BAY 15 THE FIRE YEARS STATION A charity fundraiser at The Fire Station marked the 15th birthday of the pub in Whitley Bay. Customers enjoyed a slice of birthday cake bearing a photograph of a fire engine. Ken Adamson, a regular at the pub for the past 15 years, is pictured cutting the cake. Pictured (left to right) with Ken are shift leader Siobhan Macleod, bar l ALTRINCHAM associate Callum Fraser, duty manager Simon Love, team leader Emily Hogg 15 THE UNICORN and bar associate Kayleigh Nelson. YEARS Staff at The Unicorn dressed in ‘athletes’ fancy dress A bake-sale, tombola, raffle and to mark the Altrincham pub’s 15th birthday. a ‘guess the number of sweets in the Celebrating just a day after the 2016 Olympic l CHINGFORD jar’ competition raised £110 for opening ceremony, The Unicorn team donned Team GB outfits CLIC Sargent. for the occasion. 22 THE KING'S FORD Customers enjoyed two huge birthday cakes, a gin-tasting session YEARS Bar associates Sean Lennon, Rebecca Bent and and raffle, as well as a battle-of-the-brewers event, with Burnley-based l Elliot King are pictured (left to right) at their pub SHEFFIELD Moorhouse’s and Peerless Brewery, from the Wirral, both showcasing – The King’s Ford. 20 THE a selection of their ales. The trio of pirates marked the Chingford pub’s 22nd birthday, YEARS Pictured left to right; bar associates Erin Sleater and Laura Maloney, which also coincided with the launch of four new rums added BANKERS team leader Michael Qualter, shift leader Sophie Paton and bar to Wetherspoon’s rum shack collection. DRAFT associate Steph Armor. A massive cake took centre stage as l SOUTHPORT customers joined staff to celebrate the 20th birthday of The Bankers Draft, 21 THE SIR Sheffield. YEARS The celebrations featured morning HENRY children’s craft activities and an evening quiz for adults, as well as SEGRAVE 1990s-themed games such as Wheel of Pub manager Ian Radford is pictured Fortune and Play Your Cards Right. (left) with bar associate Izzy Charles and team leader Robert Bamber at The city centre pub had previously The Sir Henry Segrave. been a bank for many years. The Southport pub marked its 21st Its manager, Jonathan Atkinson, birthday with a celebration cake – and said: “We were delighted to be able everyone enjoyed a slice. to celebrate 20 years with a range of events for customers. Everyone had Ian, who has managed the pub since a lovely time.” March 2016, said: “We had a very busy summer, culminating in our birthday Staff members Terri Daily, Ollie Kemplen, celebrations. Thanks to everyone, Sam Murray and Jess Parnell are pictured especially our regulars, for their left to right with Jonathan Atkinson continued support.” (centre).

l l SHREWSBURY CAERPHILLY 18 THE 5 THE MALCOLM YEARS SHREWSBURY YEARS UPHILL Pub manager Dannie Stephens (right) is HOTEL pictured with members of her team, shift The Shrewsbury Hotel (pub and hotel), in leader Tom Kelly and bar associate Toria Richards – at Shrewsbury, has marked its 18th birthday. The Malcolm Uphill. Pub manager Sue Richards is pictured (left to right) The pub in Caerphilly marked its fifth birthday with with bar associate Linda Hamlett and duty manager balloons and cocktails, as well as a fundraising raffle, Sophie Harrison. with toys and games donated by regular customer Chris Smith, collecting a total of £300 for CLIC Sargent. Linda is the longest-serving member of the bar staff team, having worked at the Shropshire pub Staff also dressed as motorcyclists, as part of the since January 2007. celebrations, as the pub is named after one of the all- time greats of motorcycling. Malcolm Uphill had many Balloons and bubbles were the order of the day, successes in the Isle of Man TT races (1968–70) and was together with birthday cake and a homemade the first man to lap the island at 100mph. cake sale, which raised £40 for CLIC Sargent.

78 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 79 DESSERTS COMPETITIONNEWS 4 X £30 PRIZES TO BE WON

Cartmel sticky toffee pudding® WINWETHERSPOON A £30GIFT CARD The first four correctly completed crosswords to be pulled out of the hat will win each of those entrants a Wetherspoon gift card worth £30. Closing date for entries: 27 February 2017 Post to: WETHERSPOON NEWS MAGAZINE COMPETITIONS, PO BOX 2330, WATFORD, WD18 1NW

Across 14. Breed of sheep originating in 1. Spiny-finned marine food fish such Spain (6) as the John --- (4) 17. Silent movie actress who won TREAT YOURSELF WITH 3. Musical instrument whose parts a Best Actress Oscar for the film include drone pipes and a chanter (8) Coquette (4,8) 8. In cricket, a bowled ball that is 20. Connecticut port, seat of Yale outside the batsman's reach (4) University (3,5) 9. Iron containing so much carbon 21. U.S. rock musical of 1967 which that it cannot be wrought (4,4) featured nudity (4) 11. Memphis-born boxer, 1980 W.B.A. 22. Movement within Buddhism A TREAT FROM OUR SHELF welterweight champion (6,6) and Hinduism that emphasises the Puddings, ice cream, crumbles and cheesecake among 13. London theatre, first home of the division of the universe into male and sweet sensations on our menu National Theatre under Laurence female and female forces (8) Check out our Olivier (3,3) 23. Rudolf, German Nazi leader who f you associate your local Wetherspoon just with great Eli’s salted caramel cheesecake is an two-for-£5* died in Spandau prison in 1987 (4) beer and burgers, it is definitely time to think again! iconic Chicago-style cheesecake, from dessert deal one of America’s largest speciality I Our extensive food menu range ticks all the boxes or SOLUTIONS cheesecake bakeries – and good Down – and not just on the savoury front. Why not check out our * (Autumn 2016 issue) sweet sensations for a delicious dessert? enough for presidential inaugurations! £2.50 1. Companion of Sherlock Holmes (2,6) 12. Central American republic whose capital is The caramel, made by hand in small club deal price 2. Giant coniferous tree of California (7) Tegucigalpa (8) Across: 1 War and Peace; 9 Incisor; 10 Corot; Indulge in a winter-warming pudding or choose a slice of cake for 4. A member of a North American Indian people who 15. The period in history following the bronze age (4,3) 11 Luton; 12 Audubon; 13 Alpaca; 15 Claude; a tempting conclusion to your meal – or just a cheeky wee treat. batches, using caramelised sugar, a little * Price and participation cream and a touch of sea salt, is topped may vary per pub. dominated much of the S.W. during the 19c (6) 16. Joan, American comedienne born in New York, New 18 Galahad; 20 Caper; 22 Soyuz; 23 Jujitsu; 1988 Olympic women's javelin champion (5,5) York (6) 24 Sally Bowles Traditional onto the cheesecake which has been 5. ® 6. Juan, President of Argentina 1973-4 (5) 18. --- High Dam, gravity dam on the River Nile in Egypt Our Cartmel sticky toffee pudding , served with ice cream or baked to perfection with the signature Down: 2 Ascot; 3 Arsenic; 4 Dorian; 5 El Cid; 7. George, pen name of French writer Amandine Dupin (4) (5) custard, is baked to a traditional recipe, with a combination of shortbread cookie crust. 6 Caribou; 7 Lillian Gish; 8 Stanley Rous; free-range eggs, butter, flour, dates, cream and vanilla extract, 10. Novel by W.M. Thackeray featuring the character 19. Unit of speed at sea equal to 1.85km an hour (4) 14 Palmyra; 16 Lockjaw; 17 Oddjob; 19 Hazel; Our brownie and ice cream dish offers a very chocolaty choice. containing 100 per cent natural ingredients. Becky Sharp (6,4) 21 Pathe The gooey brownie is packed full of milk chocolate, with Cartmel (based in Cumbria) is the home of sticky toffee. Having chunks of white chocolate throughout. Topped with a scoop first baked in the back kitchen of the family-owned village shop, of our vanilla ice cream and drizzled in chocolate sauce, this Please complete the answers and your details, more than 25 years ago, the company has since grown, but the is a chocoholic’s dream. as shown, and send the completed page to: pudding is still handmade. WETHERSPOON NEWS MAGAZINE COMPETITIONS, Luxurious Our ever-popular British Bramley apple crumble, also served with PO BOX 2330, WATFORD, WD18 1NW Our luxurious handmade traditional carrot cake is packed full of ice cream or custard, just got even better. The new, improved grated fresh carrot, pineapple, coconut, muscovado sugar, walnuts, YOUR DETAILS recipe, for an already-great British pud, boasts a crunchier spices, sultanas, pistachios and West Country cream cheese. crumble and larger melt-in-the-mouth Bramley apple pieces. NAME: In just one year, you have consumed 700,000 portions of this ADDRESS: Handmade gorgeous goody – that’s seven tonnes of carrots! It may not be Quintessentially British, with Bramley apples from County Tyrone, one of your five-a-day, but it is a delicious dessert – which you Northern Ireland, it also uses gluten-free flour in the crunchy surely deserve. handmade crumble mix. Go on, treat yourself. POSTCODE: TELEPHONE: E-MAIL:

I AM OVER 18 YEARS (SIGNATURE) AGE: YEAR OF BIRTH: I AM MALE: o I AM FEMALE: o

Terms and conditions: The crossword is open to all UK residents over the age of 18, excluding employees of the promoter, their respective families and agents or anyone directly connected with this competition. Acceptance of the rules is a condition of entry. No purchase necessary. Entries must be received no later than 27/2/17. Proof of dispatch is not proof of receipt. The winners will be the first correctly answered entries drawn. Where multiple prizes are offered, the winners will be the first relevant number of correct entries drawn. The judge’s decision is final; no correspondence will be entered into. One entry per household. The winners will be notified by post. No cash alternative available. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend this promotion, owing to events arising beyond its control. The promoter is not responsible for any third-party acts or omissions. Promoter: J D Wetherspoon plc, Wetherspoon House, Central Park, Reeds Crescent, Watford, WD24 4QL From time to time, J D Wetherspoon may wish to contact you about product offers. If youdo not wish to receive relevant offers from J D Wetherspoon, please tick here. o If you supply your e-mail address, please tick here, if you do wish to receive relevant offers from J D Wetherspoon or its drinks suppliers via e-mail.o Brownie and ice cream 80 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016 / 17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Winter 2016/17 | Wetherspoon 81 BAR TALK

Colin Valentine is chairman of CAMRA, Cheers the Campaign for Real Ale RISING TIDE OF ALE LIFTS ALL BOATS… Brewers, wherever in the world they are from, don’t view one another as the enemy, but as fellow travellers in discovery, writes Colin Valentine

So, did you enjoy the latest Wetherspoon CAMRA began because of the decline in the international real-ale festival? CAMRA’s quality and choice available to beer-drinkers members certainly did. INVASION 45 years ago. Now, we can revel in the fact While the media might like to make out that that, because of our campaigning, there is As well as being another brilliant initiative to an old-fashioned and resistant UK brewing a fantastic range and choice of quality beer generate interest in real ale, the festival told industry is challenged by an invasion of on sale in pubs and clubs across the UK. a good-news story about our beer and pub foreign craft beer, this is not true. industry as a whole. We’re all keen to try new things and accept British brewers have always been open to new ideas – and, in turn, help to raise the bar Scores of international brewers have new ideas and, to be fair, have been just in pubs by sharing our experience and advice headed for the UK, over the years, as as responsible for driving new and exciting with others. part of Wetherspoon’s initiative to create flavours abroad in the past. collaborative beers with our brewers – The new interest in beer – whether or not just What’s important is that those who actually exploring the wide range of flavours and in real ale – is not a threat for real-ale fans know how to brew beer, rather than those styles which real ale has to offer. or CAMRA: it’s an opportunity which we’re who just offer opinions, recognise that the keen to embrace and celebrate. While Wetherspoon may have taken this to recent revolution in craft beer is not in a new level, it’s reflective of an attitude and reaction to an imagined dull British brewing Like those in the brewing industry, we are just approach which have existed in the beer scene, but because of the innovation and as pleased to welcome people back to the world for decades. constant exchange of ideas flowing among delights of beer – and we’re more than happy UK brewers and those all over the world. to help them to learn about all of the different types of beer and, in particular, what makes FUN real ale so special. Unlike throughout many other industries, SESSION So… head for the bar, after reading this, and brewers don’t view one another as ‘the It’s no surprise that US brewers are now enjoy the fact that you’re in a pub during enemy’, but as fellow travellers in discovery. turning their hands to producing brilliant such a vibrant time in brewing. For them, the challenge is in producing new ‘session’ bitters, often derided as ‘dull and and interesting beers for us drinkers to enjoy brown’ by those who don’t understand the skill Try something different from a new brewery, – and working together to do that is part of which goes into getting ‘drinkability’ perhaps inspired by a long line of traditional the fun. into a pint. breweries, or go back to the source and see what it is about, with a well-made cask- It’s an attitude which saw the United States And the fact that many of these brewers are conditioned British bitter which continues to explosion of craft beer in the late 70s and 80s, returning to the challenge of cask-conditioned excite those who are in the know. inspired and helped by brewing expertise beer also shows how they consider that from the recent microbrewery revolution particular style and dispense as not only in Britain. the pinnacle of brewing skill, but a way of And, in turn, US brewers have completed delivering a great experience to drinkers. the circle and, having taken beer to new The same goes for the Campaign for Real Ale. places, are now inspiring a second wave of While real-ale-drinkers might be stereotyped innovation and interest in beer back on as old fashioned and resistant to change, the these shores. vast majority of drinkers who love real ale (including our members) is just as interested in innovative beer, whatever the source. l www.camra.org.uk

82 Wetherspoon | Winter 2016/17 | jdwetherspoon.com jdwetherspoon.com | Autumn 2016 | Wetherspoon PB INTRODUCING OUR WETHERSPOON NEW gift card ORDER & PAY APP

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