Beer Matters Is © CAMRA Ltd

Issue 502 November 2019 sheffield.camra.org.uk  /sheffieldcamra  @shfcamra Issue 502 November 2019 The free magazine of CAMRA Sheffield & District Issue 502 November 2019

Opinion 5 What price a pint?

News 5 Some of our magazines are missing! 3,000 monthly Editor circulation Andy Cullen Pubs 6 [email protected] Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs Pub heritage walks Articles, comments and Halamshire House suggestions are most A Real Ale Guide welcome so please send Two Thirds Beer Company them in*

Advertising Breweries 10 Vanessa Abbeydale [email protected] Acorn Bradfield Quarter Page £50+VAT Hopjacker Half Page £70+VAT Welbeck Abbey Full Page £100+VAT Kelham Island Inside Front Cover £110+VAT Loxley Back Cover £120+VAT Chantry Discounts for regular placements

PDFs or high-res bitmaps (300 dpi) only please Awards 16 Old Queen’s Head Design from £30 Bath Hotel Updates from £10

Next copy deadline Travel 18 Friday 8 November Hopping around Slovakia A grand day out… in Barnsley and beyond Opinions expressed are those of the A few days in West Flanders author and may not represent those of CAMRA, the local branch or editor. Beer Matters is © CAMRA Ltd. Festivals 25 *For legal reasons a full name and address must be provided with all contributions. Diary 26

Committee 26 Issue 502 November 2019 What price a pint? Something that there seems to be a lot of noise being made ? about on beery social media in recent times is the price of a pint. 1 2 On the one hand many brewers production varies wildly from are claiming that low prices one end of the spectrum to the being offered by the likes of JD other therefore the prices at the Wetherspoon, Samuel Smiths bar do too. You pay your money and some others are creating and make your choice! ? ? an unreasonable expectation amongst consumers that is Where there is a bit of a genuine leading to them struggling to consumer niggle is how much 3 4 sell their beer to pubs at a price mark up a pub puts on the beer. that they can make a living from. If they operate a standard %GP mark up then if the beer is more On the other hand there are expensive to buy in then the some beers on bars that are % translates into more £. One creating the great Yorkshire war correspondent pointed out they cry of ‘ow much?!’, especially found the same craft beer being amongst the old skool drinkers. sold at Tilt in Birmingham and 5 6 the Crow in Sheffield with our The price being charged local option being significantly Some of our recently at the Indy Man Beer cheaper. Con craft beer festival seemed magazines are to generate some interesting Of course some pubs cost more discussions. Beer was served to run than others - be that size, missing! in third pint measures only and staffing levels, business rates or tokens cost about £2.65 each other factors - which has to be The Sheffield Local Studies - and about 20% of beers cost reflected in the prices charged. Library has an (almost) two or three tokens! Of course complete set of Beer Matters,. this is a fairly specialist festival Some have accused CAMRA with most beers quite expensive of demanding cheap beer. However, they are short of a to source in the first place! Although some pubs do choose few early editions: 1, 3, 4, 8, to offer members a discount as 9, 10, 12, 13, 15 and 16. During Closer to home, looking at the a marketing initiative, that isn’t this period, our magazine range at the Rutland Arms in what we are about, however was called Parish Pump Sheffield City Centre, the price as a consumer organisation and consisted of a small of a pint at last check varied of course we want to see number of A4 sheets stapled from £3.00 to £8.10. reasonable prices and drinkers together. not getting ripped off. What is We do have a wonderfully reasonable for one beer isn’t We would be very grateful if diverse range of beers available necessarily reasonable for the you could check your attic to us these days ranging right next. and see if you have any of through from the 3.9% golden the missing editions – we session bitter or traditional At the end of the day, look at can then pass to the library brown malty bitter right up to the beers you want to drink and, hopefully, complete their the 14% barrel aged imperial and judge whether the price is collection. stouts with fruit or spices added reasonable before ordering - if and heavily hopped premium not choose something else or Please email if you can assist: strength IPAs. The cost of drink elsewhere. [email protected]

Issue 502 November 2019 Opinion News Inn Brief

The proposed micropub in Fulwood previously men- Pub heritage tioned is going ahead and will be the sister venue to walks the Ecclesall Ale Club, run by the guys from Brew Founda- tion. The new bar and bottle Thanks to everyone who shop is the Fulwood Ale joined one of the three Club, located at 4 Brooklands Pub Heritage walks which I Avenue and is due to open recently led as part of Herit- some point in November. You age Open Days and Sheffield can follow them on Twitter Walking Festival. Over fifty @AleClubFul. participants took part in one of two routes, feedback was Thor’s Tipi bar returns to very positive and all seemed the Peace Gardens for it’s Sheffield’s Real to enjoy the experience. usual Christmas season Heritage Pubs Thanks again to Fagan’s and alongside the Christmas the Fat Cat for hosting the market on 22 November, New download start of the walks. staying a little longer this year, until 5th January. After The third edition of Shef- The next walks will take having cask beer for the first field’s Real Heritage Pubs: place during March 2020, as couple of years, there was Pub Interiors of Historic part of Sheffield Beer Week. no ale last year which was Interest, the CAMRA book disapointing (guess mulled about Heritage Pubs in wine and hot chocolate is Sheffield, is now available Hallamshire the big sellers!). They are as a FREE DOWNLOAD: promising a bigger venue sheffield.camra.org.uk/rhp. House this year with a double tent space and extended choice

on the bar, the online drinks The download was first The Hallamshire House at menu shows a Thor’s Pale available in October 2017 Commonside is hosting a Ale so we’ll see! The food and was updated a year Dark Beer Week from 4 to 10 this year is pizza. later. October 2019 brings November featuring a range the third edition. This 114 of popular, special and rare The Green Room will only page book includes almost Stouts and Porters on both be opening in the evening 100 new images, updated cask and keg. from November, which means text and new entries. “Butties to Banquets” will no The beers are a mixture of longer be serving breakfasts From October 2018, a Thornbridge and guest brew- and lunches from their kitch- printed version, the second ers, including a rare return of en. The outside catering will edition, was available (RRP Thornbridge’s Cavern County. still be available, check their £5.99) from selected local Facebook page for contact pubs and bookshops. The The discount for CAMRA details. In the evenings the vast majority of these out- members on weekdays be- programe of music and other lets have sold their copies, fore 6pm will continue to be events are now back in full although a small number offered during this event as swing following the summer may still be available. normal (30p off a pint of cask holidays and the guest ale ales and 40p off a pint of has recently been provided Dave Pickersgill other selected craft beers). by Loxley Brewery.

Issue 502 Pubs November 2019 Old Hall Hotel Real Ale, Real Food & Real Fires

A Traditional 16th Century Coaching Inn Market Place, Hope, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 6RH Established 1719 /TheOldHallHotel @oldhallhope

Homemade Food Served All Day | 6 Cask Marque Ales Outstanding B&B | Roaring Open Fires Muddy Boots & Dogs Welcome | Friendly Atmosphere

A Pub Done Different Peak Hotel

The Peak Districts’ Eccentric Alehouse How Lane, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 8WJ Established 1809 /ThePeakHotelCastleton Find us on TripAdvisor @peakcastleton

Homemade Food Served All Day | Outstanding B&B 5 Cask Marque Ales & Large Selection of Craft Bottles Muddy Boots & Dogs Welcome | Roaring Open Fires

Issue 502 November 2019 A Real Ale Guide Inn Brief Sheffield City Centre, Kelham Island and Neepsend II

This month we continue with listings of the City Centre pubs not covered last month before moving onto Heeley next month.

Bessemer same communal tables. Castle Leopold Street Square tram stop, most City By day and night the Bessemer Centre buses. is two very different animals... in the daytime like many pubs Red Deer in the Stonegate chain it serves Pitt Street value for money food to tables Classic ex Tetleys pub popular in various cosy corners and real with University staff that feels The Indie Beer Feast is back ale is available - generally a mix like a country pub in the heart at Abbeydale Picture House of national and local brands. of the City. Range of real ales on 6th and 7th March 2020. However Friday and Saturday and fresh food served, regular night the pub is open until 2am events including quiz nights Shakespeares are holding a with a DJ playing golden oldies, and music, small beer patio at fruit sour event from 25th to attracting a very mixed crowd! rear. West Street tram stop, 27th October. City Hall tram stop, buses to various buses. Leopold Street/Pinstone Street. The Devonshire Cat’s Black Red Lion Friday, a celebration of dark Botanist Charles Street beers, takes place on 29th Leopold Square Traditional multi room pub with November from 5pm. Cocktail bar & restaurant with snug and conservatory, pool

a green fingered theme, right table and lunchtime food. Ball Street Deli down to how the food is pre- Get there: buses to Arundel The next sented. Craft beer and real ale Gate, Castle Square or Sheffield takes place on Sunday 8th normally available, look for the Station tram stop December, on a closed off taps on the back wall behind Ball Street Bridge in Kelham the bar set in barrel ends, the Showroom Cafe Bar Island. At the last event the beers are advertised on hang- Paternoster Row Kelham Island Tavern pro- ing blackboards. City Hall tram Part of the independent cinema vided a real ale tent. stop or buses to West Street or complex, this is a large single Leopold Street. room with some art deco The Mallard at Worksop features. Sheffield Station (train station host their Halloween Kommune and tram) and Sheffield bus beer festival from 31st Octo- Angel Street Interchange is just around the ber to 3rd November featur- Food hall and gallery space in corner. ing 20 real ales and 4 ciders. part of the old Co-op department store. It is a permanent Three Cranes The Wig & Pen has had a home to a number of different Queen Street street food traders making Two room pub of a very change on the food side of some great quality meals, traditional style, unchanged in things. The restaurant partner snacks and coffee along with years. One of the rooms has a has changed from Craft & the “Drinks Department” which pool table, the other regularly Dough to Edo Sushi (all part is the venue’s main bar where hosts entertainment, usually of the Milestone Group). craft beer is available, it is karaoke or a disco. Atmos- also home to Hop Hideout, a phere fun, friendly and very The Shepley Spitfireat Totley specialist craft beer shop of- much down to earth. Real ale closed for refurbishment fering some interesting beers reintroduced relatively recently, on 14th October, plans after on can, bottle and keg to drink usually a choice of two. Castle reopening include an open in or takeaway. All the food Square tram stop or buses 81, mic night and an improved and drink outlets share the 82, 83, 83a, 88. food menu.

Issue 502 Pubs November 2019 House Social, Barrowboy, and Dead Donkey.

The bar will boast a range of over 15 different rotating keg and cask offerings from local breweries and beyond, a serve yourself craft beer fridge, placing a focus on high quality service. Two Thirds Beer Co. hope to be the answer to a market that whilst rapidly growing, is still in its develop- mental stages in this part of Two Thirds Beer Company Sheffield, and as passionate craft beer enthusiasts, are Launching in November Founded by three beer-lov- excited to share their love and 2019, Two Thirds Beer Co. ing enthusiasts, Thirds Beer expertise allowing customers plan to open a new and Co have taken over the old the opportunity to discover a exciting, neighbourhood ‘Steel City Cakes’ vegan bake wide array of wonderful new craft beer bar in Sheffield; house unit on the up-and- drinks from across the conti- focused primarily on serving coming bohemian stretch nent and beyond. high-quality craft beers in of Abbeydale Road, which smaller than usual two-thirds is already home to the likes Head to twothirdsbeer.co to measures. of The Broadfield, Picture find out more! THE COCK INN Jenny & her team welcome you to the newly refurbished COCK INN BAR & KITCHEN

• Families welcome & dog friendly • Fine selection of cask ales • Showing Sky Sports & BT Sports • New Food Menu • Fantastic beer garden 5 Bridge Hill, Oughtibridge TEL: 0114 2166446

Issue 502 November 2019 Pubs Abbeydale

Firstly, big thanks to Sheffield punchy and complex IPA CAMRA for hosting an amaz- with hints of red berries and ing event at the 45th Steel a dash of coconut. And we’re City Beer & Cider Festival! It’s revisiting an early iteration Acorn always such a highlight of the of Serenity (3.8%), a session year and congratulations on IPA hopped with the classic Acorn Brewery of Barnsley the sapphire anniversary. combination of Cascade and have brewed a couple of Citra. seasonal beers for autumn. We’re kicking off the month with Doctor Morton’s Non- And finally, much to the joy Phantasm is a 4.5% ABV Stick (4.1%), a delectably of many of us here (and the very pale yellow ale. It is liquidy pale ale with Galaxy absolute despair of others…), well hopped with Polish and Chinook hops for notes it’s time for the festive favour- Pulawski, German Barbe of soft fruits coupled with ites to start being cracked Rouge to give citrusy, bitter citrus. out once again! We’re getting white grape and wild berry started with Doctor Morton’s aromas. UK Target hops are In our Brewers Emporium Christmas Hamster (4.1%) used to give a sharp bitter- range, can you believe we’re with Dr Rudi and Wakatu ness. up to the 20th version of hops, and Night Before our Voyager IPA (5.6)?! This Christmas (4.5%), so don’t be Powder Plot is the bonfire time we’re using Eureka, a scrooge and get yourself night themed beer and is a Enigma, and the catch- in a merry mood with a pint 4.5% ABV light amber col- ily named HBC 472 experi- or two! oured ale with strong floral, mental hops (sister to one herbal, citrus and hints of of new faves Sabro), for a Laura spiced berries.

Issue 502 10 Breweries November 2019 WHEN IT COMES TO FINE ALES ...

... you’ll find us outstanding in our field

On-Site Brewery Shop open: Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm & Saturdays 10am-4pm. info@bradfieldbrewery.com • 0114 2851118 www.bradfieldbrewery.com BradfieldIssue Brewery 502 Limited. Watt House Farm, Visit our page on Facebook or follow us High Bradfield,November Sheffield, 2019 S6 6LG 11 Bradfield

It’s beginning to look a lot the doors on this popular like... Farmers Belgian Blue little village pub where you season! can find a warm and friendly atmosphere and of course Our ever popular festive Farmers Ales at £2.50 a pint! ale is once again flowing through the pumps after be- Our annual harvest auction ing launched at our Brewery took place on the 5 October Pubs on 31 October. Avail- and a great night was had able to purchase now in cask, by all! More importantly bottles, 5 litre mini-kegs and a huge stack of cash was Hopjacker 10 litre beer-in-a-box, it’s raised for the St Lukes Shef- never too early to enjoy a field Hospice, a grand total The Hopjacker Brewery, festive tipple! of £6,030.56 Huge thanks based at the Dronfield to everyone who took part Arms S18, is available to Opening in time for Christ- whether you donated or bid- lease/rent. mas will be our most recent ded, we could not have done acquisition the Wharncliffe it without you!! The 5BBL Brewery was built Arms at Wharncliffe Side. We in 2015, but has operated are excited to be re-opening Jackie only sporadically since the original brewer moved on to pastures new last year.

The kit is in excellent condi- tion and features two 5BBL fermenters and a 2.5BBL fermenter. In addition there are two 350 litre conical tanks and approximately 100 casks. Basically everything required to get brewing is in place, including all the relevant documentation.

Terms are flexible and in- terested parties should call Chris on 07834 950693 for more information

Issue 502 12 Breweries November 2019 2020 BREWERY TOURS

APRIL 16, MAY 21, JUNE 18, JULY 16, AUGUST 20, SEPTEMBER 17

Join one of our expert brewers for a guided tour around our microbrewery. Tours run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and cost £10 per person. With this you will enjoy two pints of our lovingly handcrafted real ale, plus learn a little more about the ingredients and passion which go into each pint. Tickets can be purchased at Welbeck Farm Shop or online via our website at www.welbeckabbeybrewery.co.uk

@WELBECKABBEYBRY | [email protected] | 01909 512 539 BREWERY YARD, WELBECK, WORKSOP, NOTTS, S80 3LT

Phone - 0114 453 7714 Email - info@churchhouseshe eld.co.uk Website - www.thechurchhouseshe eld.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Live Music Every Friday And Saturday

Venue Hire For All Occasions

Rehearsal Space And Recording Studio Hire Available

Fresh Food Daily Opening Hours Tuesday - Thursday Midday - 12am Extensive Range Of Premium Gins, Whiskies And Rums Friday - Saturday Midday - 2am

Up To 4 Real Ales

Issue 502 November 2019 13 Kelham Island

November specials are:

I’m On Fire 4.6%, a pale ale brewed with an addition of rye malt to give a crisp dry finish. This beer is brewed entirely with Slovenian hops to bring you a floral aroma with hints of citrus fruits. It Welbeck Abbey riffs on the taste buds long after the gig! As the cold nights drawn at 4.7%. The Fruit Arcade in and the cool air blows was a large glass house at Chasing Casks 4.1%, an Irish fresh, we are winding down Welbeck which famously style stout with a burnt roast to a slower pace with these housed a phenomenal collec- aroma and a hint of coffee. autumnal specials. tion of tropical fruits from all The silky-smooth mouthfeel over the world. This included gives way to a clean, refresh- Lost Boys is a complex brew one of the first successful ing, slightly dry flavour. ‘If I crafted using British Propino cultivations of pineapples. just lay here…’ Sorry lads it’s barley blended with Kentish This recipe uses a blend of closing time. Pilot, and new world hops. hops from three different This robust 4.8% golden ale regions to give a fresh and Announcing the opening of is a tribute the swathes of clean fruit punch flavour , the all new Kelham Island young men that were lost with an overarching grape- Brewery Shop! Come down during The Great War. Within fruit flavour from Chinook. and see us for brand new the Welbeck Chapel a cast t-shirts, glasses and classic bronze plaque records the Last but by no means least Kelham beers, just in time for names of the fallen, many we have our next offering Christmas! of whom served in the local from our Foraged & Found regiments; the Sherwood range. Smashing Pumpkins is Watch this space for more Foresters and the Notting- a 5.7% auburn pumpkin pale, news on our 2020 projects… hamshire Yeomanry. Hearty, brewed using over 100kg of bready undertones from the farmer Mark’s locally grown Joe malt and a sharp bitterness pumpkins. Displaying a high from the Pilot hops are up- level of natural sweetness, lifted by tropical fruits from the pumpkins have been Loxley the American varieties. paired with a secret mix of autumnal spice to make a Loxley Brewery’s latest spe- Our second offering isFruit deliciously warming, red cial is Agden, a 4.3% Ameri- Arcade, a juicy American ale beer. can hopped pale ale.

Issue 502 14 Breweries November 2019 Chantry

Visitors to Wentworth Wood- has been carefully devel- on it’s social media chan- house will soon be able to oped to reflect different -as nels, the winning design treat themselves to a tasty pects of the historic stately was created by Wickers- tipple after the Wentworth home. Featuring plenty ley-based graphic designer Woodhouse Preservation Trust of character and a crisp Richard Calise (pictured teamed up with local brewers, floral taste, even the hops left), who was encouraged Chantry Brewery to create a featured in the beer were to enter the competition by brand new beer, named in hon- chosen because of their his wife. our of the iconic stately home. connections to the Went- worth Woodhouse story. Set to go on sale in August, With numerous tours to ex- Palladian Pale will be sold plore, as well as the prospect The mouth wateringly exclusively at Wentworth of climbing 135 steps to soak smooth and refreshingly Woodhouse, with proceeds up the panoramic views of light pale ale will be sold ex- from the beer contributing the surrounding countryside clusively by the Wentworth to the essential renovation and inspect the current roof Woodhouse Preservation works currently underway. repairs, anyone could be for- Trust and will be available given for thinking that a visit with the stately home’s Palladian Pale was devel- to Wentworth Woodhouse can recently opened gift shop, oped by Mick Warburton, be thirsty work and following with every penny gener- co-director at Chantry a chance encounter, Chantry ated from sales go directly Brewery following a chance Brewery has developed a towards funding restoration discussion with a member of brand new beer, to tantalise projects within the Grade I staff, during a visit to Went- the taste buds of visitors. listed building. worth Woodhouse and will be brewed from Chantry’s The new brew, which has Following a competition Parkgate-based headquar- been named Palladian Pale, organised by the trust to ters, which once formed part is a 3.9% golden ale, which design an eye-catching label of the Fitzwilliam Estate.

Issue 502 November 2019 Breweries 15 Your pub needs your vote!

Our Pub of the Month award is a bit of positive campaign ing, highlighting local pubs that consistently serve well kept real ale in friendly and comfortable surroundings.

Voting is your opportunity to support good, real ale pubs you feel deserve some recognition and publicity.

All CAMRA branch members are welcome to vote at branch meetings or on our website. Old Queen’s Head It’s not one pub against another, simply vote YES or NO Pond Hill as to whether you think the pub should be PotM. If we get enough votes in time we will make the award. Nomination forms are available at branch meetings and Pub of the Month on the website. The pub must have been open and serving real ale for a year and under the same management for 6 November 2019 months. The Old Queen’s Head, next Winners compete alongside our Good Beer Guide entries to Sheffield Interchange, is for branch Pub of the Year, the winner of which is entered believed to be the oldest do- into the national competition. mestic building in Sheffield.

It began life as a hunting Pub of the Month nominees lodge for the nearby Sheffield Castle, and was built in the Ball Inn Portland House late 15th century for the Earl Crookes (buses 52, 52a) Ecclesall Road (buses 65, 81, of Shrewsbury. A later Earl 82, 83, 83a, 88, 272) was the jailer of Mary, Queen Bankers Draft of Scots, from whom the pub probably takes its name. It is (Weatherspoon) Three Merry Lads Lodge Moor (bus 51) now the only pub in Shef- City Centre (Blue/Yellow/ Purple trams) field with Grade II* listing by Historic England (the other Broomhilll Tavern was the Carbrook Hall, no Broomhill (buses 51, 52, 52a) longer a pub). It is known to have become a beer house Crown by the 1840’s and additions Heeley (buses 10/10a, 20, Vote were made to the building 24/25, 43/44, X17) later in that century. The pub passed through the hands Crown & Glove online of several breweries before Stannington (buses 61, 62, 81) being acquired by Thwaites in now! the 1990’s. Lescar Sharrow Vale (buses 65, 81, 82, 83, 83a, 88, 272) The current interior format dates from a 1992 refurbishment and consists of three sheffield.camra.org.uk/potm distinct areas. The front lounge, occupying the half-

Issue 502 16 Awards November 2019 timbered older part of the building has an original fire- place and carved bay window overlooking the outside seating area. To the rear are two further seating areas around the central bar, and there is an upstairs function room.

Mike and Suzana took on the pub seven years ago, and serve the core range of beers from the new Thwaites brewery, including Mild, Amber, Gold and IPA, together with up to three rotating guest beers usually with one from a local brewery.

The pub opens from 10am to 11pm every day and food is available 12 to 9pm (4pm Sundays). The menu covers the usual pub favourites as well as pizzas, burgers, grills and roasts together with a selection of Czech specialities reflecting Mike and Suzana’s home town, Prague.

The pub offers a cosy welcoming environment for weary travellers, shoppers and after work drinkers. October PotM Presentation We have arranged a social on Tuesday 12 November from Our branch chairman Glyn presents the certificate to Bath 8.00pm to present the well- Hotel manager Billy Christmas and his team. deserved award.

Issue 502 November 2019 Awards 17 Žil Verne Pub, Bratislava Hopping around Slovakia

Our tour around Europe has extortionate accommoda- but this one was a pleasant sadly now come to an end, but tion prices, we only booked a change. Alongside the lagers, we’ve had a fantastic five- single night. Nevertheless, we there were various styles and-a-bit months traversing were determined to explore from around Europe: classic the continent and exploring as much as we could in our British-style ales, Belgian wits the beer scenes old and new. limited time. and German goses, all pretty Poppy and I are back in the UK enjoyable and reasonably for now – until we’ve saved up Predictably, our bus arrived priced. enough to go again at least! into town almost an hour late, In the meantime, we’ve got our short sojourn already Our 24 hours in Trenčín at an plenty of festival volunteering shorter. The weather was end, we headed to the railway to keep us busy – as I write terrible too, torrential rain station and boarded the very this, Steel City Beer Festival pouring down. Unperturbed, busy train to Piešťany. The is just a few days away and we dropped off our bags town is known more for its I’m sure it will be a success as and headed straight out. abundance of spas and ther- always. Sokolovna Pub, not far from mal springs, but we were here the football stadium, was our for the locally brewed beers. A After the land of (admittedly first port of call and a good pleasant stroll down the River rather good) lager that was one it was too, with its varied Váh brought us to Pieštanský the Czech Republic, the next range of local and internation- Pivovar, the home of ŽiWELL stop on our tour was Slovakia. al beers and stunning views of brewery. We spent the evening I had visited the capital, Bra- the 13th-century Trenčín Castle sampling the various offerings, tislava, last year for a couple that looms over the town. along with some delicious pub of nights so I knew there were grub. I particularly enjoyed a few new breweries popping The highlight though was Vandal (6.1%), a classic US- up, but we wanted to see Lanius, a brewpub and res- style IPA packed with citrusy what the rest of the country taurant on the main square. Cascade and piney Chinook had to offer too. First up was I’m not usually a fan of these hops. Poppy, meanwhile, was Trenčín, just over the Czech brewpubs with their one light a fan of the Black Elder Radler border. This was a unique beer, one dark beer and (if (3.4%), a refreshing low-ABV stop on our trip; thanks to the you’re lucky) a wheat beer, beer with elderflower syrup.

Issue 502 18 Travel November 2019 Dogs welcome in the bar area

471 Fulwood Road, Sheffield, S10 3QA Traditional pub and dining room showcasing 13 cask ales, craft kegs, fine wines and spirits alongside a locally sourced menu featuring modern twists on classic dishes Bar open Food served . Sunday -Thursday 12pm-11pm . Monday - Sunday . Friday - Saturday 12pm-11.30pm . 12pm - 9pm

@risingsunsheff /RisingSun.471.FulwoodRoad @risingsunsheff [email protected] | 0114 230 3855

Issue 502 November 2019 19 Tasting flight in Lanius brewpub, Trencín Sampling the Sessler beers in Trnava

As nice a town as Piešťany Slovak beer so far had been the tap room for Unorthodox was, there was precious lit- solid if not especially excit- Brewery; as well as six of their tle in the way of beer apart ing, so I was looking forward own beers, there were also a from the brewery, so a cou- to getting back to Bratislava handful of international beers ple of days later we hopped where I knew there were some from the likes of Omnipollo back on the train to Trnava. great beers to be found. First and Wild Beer. Known as “Little Rome” for though, we had to check into the abundance of churches our hostel – this was Poppy’s My undisputed favourite within its walls, the city is first time sleeping in a shared watering hole in Bratislava also the home of Pivovar dormitory and I don’t think it’s though had to be 100 Pív. Sessler, a small brewery on an experience she’s in a rush It may be a tiny bottle shop the edge of town. The rains to repeat! Luckily, just a cou- with around half-a-dozen of Trenčín had been re- ple of minutes’ walk down the taps, but the range of local placed by blazing sunshine street was one of my favourite and international beers is and temperatures of over bars from my previous visit, one of the best to be found 30°C, so rather than walk Kollarko. It was exceptionally anywhere. We found room out to the brewery itself, we busy when we arrived, but we in the day’s budget for a real decided just to visit the tap managed to find a table and treat, a bottle of Omnipollo/J. room in town instead. enjoyed beers from some of WakefieldBrush (12%), a rich, Slovakia’s finest craft brewer- boozy imperial stout with At first glance,Krym ies such as JAMA and Beer vanilla, hazelnut, chillis and seemed more like a pizza Division. more. restaurant than a brewery tap, but it did indeed have However, the really good stuff Thanks to everyone who’s four Sessler beers on offer. was to be found in Bratislava’s checked out our blog over the The brewery specialises in Old Town. Žil Verne, with its last six months, your support unpasteurised, unfiltered walls decorated with scenes has been very much appreci- lagers and we diligently from some of Jules Verne’s ated. Now we’re back, we’re tried them all, from the light, most famous novels, offered 8 hoping to carry on adding bitter Trnavan 10° (3.7%) to taps from mostly local brewer- new content from days out the rich, slightly tart Svetlý ies. We both chose beers from and beer festivals around the špeciál 20° (7%). Most Hellstork: Poppy opted for the UK, plus we’ve still got quite a interesting though was the tart, refreshing Miami Weisse few of these Beer Matters arti- “rezané pivo” or “cut beer” raspberry sour (3%), while cles left to write. Our website – similar to a black and tan, I had the equally excellent address, in case you’d forgot- but the top layer of Guin- MicroIPA (3.2%), which was ten, is hoppingaround.co.uk ness was replaced by the hazy, juicy and full of flavour – see you next month! brewery’s own dark lager for despite the low ABV. Directly a striking visual effect. opposite was Be Unorthodox, Dominic Nelson

Issue 502 20 Travel November 2019 Issue 502 November 2019 21 Quite a modern and open plan bar accessed down a few steps. From the two ales on offer I had BradfieldFarmers Ale. Next door was the Tipsy Cow micro pub with four hand pumps. I selected their house brew pale ale from Outstanding Brewery.

Back to Mapplewell now on the number 1 service and another micro pub - the Old Bakery (GBG 2019 entry). Five beers were available from the six hand pumps and I had A grand day out... in Barnsley and beyond Brass Castle Mini IPA.

Today’s day out made use of with a Rancher American Another short bus ride on the the SYConnect+ Day ticket Pale from Jolly Boys. This X10 then took me to Darton which is valid on buses, trains pub appeared to be popular and the Old Co-Op micro pub and trams in South Yorkshire with those wanting lunch. The (GBG 2019 entry). A wall unit and has no time restrictions other pub I wanted to visit did housed a collection of old (see sytravelmaster.com for not open until later so I went beer festival glasses. Six hand details). back into Barnsley courtesy of pumps offered beers from the X10. Grumpy’s Ales and guests, After breakfasting at the Grumpy’s being brewed by Joseph Bramah Wether- The Arcade Alehouse (GBG the landlord at Nailmaker. I spoons in Barnsley the X10 2019 entry) is a micro pub on had three of them – Blond, towards Leeds dropped me two levels and is now oper- Raspberry and Raven Stout off in Mapplewell. First stop ated by Jolly Boys Brewery (Salted Toffee Version). at about noon was the Talbot and is only a short walk from Nearby was another micro bar Inn (which is in CAMRA’s 2019 the bus/rail stations. Six cask called the Darton Tap. Time Good Beer Guide). A smart ales were available – 4 from was moving on now and the well-kept pub on the main Jolly Boys and two from hourly train back to Sheffield road going out of the centre. Revolutions. I had Jolly Boys beckoned so I finished off This pub is operated by the YPA and Revolutions Switch with a half of their house beer local Nailmaker Brewing Co. No. 16. called Watta which I believe is and offered two of their own a rebadge of Hancock’s HB. cask beers and two guests. I Next to The Joseph Bramah chose halves of Nailmaker’s that I had visited for breakfast Back in Sheffield there was Porter and one from Don Val- lies Acorn’s Old No. 7 (GBG just enough time to call in ley brewery. 2019 entry). This traditional the Queens Head for Little town centre boozer offered Critters Mango Magic before A short walk back towards nine hand pumps featuring catching the bus home. All the centre was Nailmaker’s six Acorn beers, two guests the pubs visited today are other pub, the Wentworth and a cider. I selected a half of very close to public transport Arms (pictured). From the Acorn Janus IPA. links and offer a varied range four beers available I had Nail- of beers in contrasting estab- makers Clout Stout and one Tucked away behind the town lishments both old and new. from their “Shuffle” range of hall was a pub I came across changing hop beers together by accident, the Tin Oyle. Andy Morton

Issue 502 22 Travel November 2019 Issue 502 November 2019 23 A few days in West Flanders

We recently spent a few days ate sums. We came away from De Landing, 6% XX Bitter in West Flanders on the 98th. with six bottles each of this from De Ranke and 8% Viven Podge Belgian beer tour, precious brew. Imperial IPA. experiencing the usual mix of knowledgeable guide, WW1 By contrast, Struise, founded However, the strangest sight visits, Belgian eccentricity, in 2012, produce a bewildering was close to our hotel, in De eclectic bars and an almost range of mostly stronger, com- Engel in Lo-Reninge. When bewildering range of world- plex ales at the Oude School- we arrived, early on a Friday class beers. This was Dave’s house HQ. Their Saturday af- evening, three young men, fifth Podge tour but Paul’s first ternoon tap-room sessions are dressed as monks were enjoy- (and definitely not last). For a must for any beer-geek. On ing their beer. Over the next more on this excellent opera- our visit, 30 beers were avail- half-hour, their numbers grew. tion, see podge.co.uk. able, ranging from an excellent Finally, there were over 20 3% sour, Weltzmerz, to the participants, some dressed as There were many highlights. wonderful collaboration beer monks, but others as angels, Beer-wise, they included visits with Tallinn-based, Põhjala. As each complete with halo. They to the new rooftop restau- good as it gets, a 17.5% imperial drank copious amounts of rant at the often underrated stout. Struise is a serious con- quality beer and, before leav- St.Bernardus Brewery (Wa- tender for the accolade, ‘Best ing, completed the proceed- tou), an excellent afternoon Brewery in the World’. ings with a group rendition in the brewery tap at Struise of the Robbie Williams song, Brouwers (Oostvleteren) and We also enjoyed several excel- ‘Angels’. Lo is also a must for the almost-obligatory visit to lent bars including: Molenhof fans of urban knitting, covering the In de Vrede café opposite (Oostvleteren), Paix (Poper- everything from benches to Westvleteren Abbey. inge), Bazaar and St. Arnoldus lampposts. (Ypres). In design terms, De The latter brews the most Weunwaegne (Staden) is Visits were also made to a hop sought-after of the Trappist unusual: the inside resembles a farm, t’Hoppecruyt, and the beers. The Blond (5.8%), Extra giant C19th Wild West Wagon. modern Hop Museum in Poper- 8 (8%) and Abt 12 (10.2%) are It also provides a unique 8% inge. The latter offered state- only (legally) available at the house beer from Verstraete of-the-art museum technology café or by pre-order direct (brewed at Deca, the original while the former, in addition from the abbey. Production is home of Struise). Among the to freshly-cut hops, provided limited and world-wide, bot- beers themselves, particular Belgian Blue (cows) and accor- tles are sold-on for extortion- favourites were XXV, a 7% IPA dion-led local folk music.

Issue 502 24 Travel November 2019 Away from the beer, we visited a variety of WW1 sites. Our tour leader, Siobhan, is a histo- rian with an interest in military discipline (and also in the use of concrete!). Highlights included Talbot House (Poper- inge), the Trenches of Death (Diksmuide), Hooge Crater and its museum and several memorial sites and cemeter- ies – plus, of course, the Menin Gate in Ypres where the last post ceremony never fails to be a moving experience.

Belgium is a wonderful country and we thoroughly recommend these tours as an ideal mix of education and hedonism.

Paul Ainsworth and Dave Pickersgill

eford station, served by Shef- 11pm Thursday and Friday, Festival guide field to Leeds via Barnsley 12pm to 11pm Saturday, entry stopping trains. £3 on the door, advance tickets also available. CAMRA October Sheaf View members get their first pint Fri 22 – Sat 23 Nov included. The event features Mallard, Worksop The Sheaf’s inaugral Winter beer, food, music and more. Thu 31 Oct – Sun 3 Nov Ales festival with an extra The Mallard on Worksop 6 beers in the conservatory station hosts their usual Hal- supplementing the usual 8 on January loween beer festival with 20 the pub bar. Sunshine Pizzas real ales along with cider and will have a stall there in the Manchester CAMRA snacks. evenings. Thu 23 – Sat 25 Jan The Manchester Central Rotherham CAMRA exhibition centre is filled with November Thu 28 – Sat 30 Nov a huge choice of beer, cider, Rotherham CAMRA are back food and more. It is located Castleford with a new beer festival! The a few minutes walk from Fri 1 – Sat 2 Nov venue this time is the Trades Deansgate or Oxford Road Organised to raise money for Club on Greasborough Road stations. the local heritage trust and next door to the Bridge Inn, hosted at the Queen’s Mill on which is just across the road AIre Street, this event offers a from Rotherham Central Feburuary range of 30+ Yorkshire beers station with plenty of trains, plus cider, wine and gin. The trams and buses from Shef- Magna (Rotherham) venue is walkable from Castl- field. It is open from 6pm to Thu 27 – Sat 29 Feb

Issue 502 November 2019 Festivals 25 those involved. We also look Branch diary ahead to start planning for Committee next year. Info and bookings: Glyn Mansell [email protected] Committee meeting & Beer Chair Matters magazine distribution [email protected] RambAle #8 8pm Tue 26 Nov Patrick Johnson Sat 26 Oct at the Dog & Partridge, Trip- Vice Chair This month we stay closer pet Lane. [email protected] into the city on the 51 bus Phil Ellett Regional Meeting (Yorkshire) route, setting off from Arun- Secretary del Gate on the 11:28 bus Sat 30 Nov [email protected] up to the Shiny Sheff pub The quarterly meeting when at Crimicar Lane to start a representatives from all the Paul Crofts walk to Redmire Dams and branches in the region get Treasurer Festival Organiser Lodge Moor where we will together with the regional [email protected] pop in the Three Merry Lads director to share experienc- and Sportsman pubs for a es and get briefed on the Dave Pickersgill beer before getting the bus latest from the campaign Pub Heritage Officer back into town. nationally. [email protected] Andy Cullen Branch meeting After the meeting a social Social Secretary 8pm Tue 5 Nov visit to various local pubs [email protected] The usual monthly meet- takes place. Beer Matters Editor ing where members get [email protected] together to discuss branch The venue is Tookmakers Sarah Mills business, share pub, club Brewery, off Rutland Road Real Cider Champion and brewery news and behind the Forest pub. catch up on what is happen- Alan Gibbons Pub of the Year and Good Beer ing in the campaign. Bus 7/8 stop on Neepsend Guide Coordinator Lane a short walk away. [email protected] This month’s venue is TBC. Branch meeting Andy Shaw Yorkshire Cider Pub of the Year 8pm Tue 3 Dec Membership Secretary Beer Matters Distribution 3pm Sat 16 Nov The usual monthly meet- Clubs Officer An afternoon celebrating ing where members get Beer Quality Scoring Coordinator the New Barrack Tavern’s together to discuss branch [email protected] regional win including the business, share pub, club certificate presentation. The and brewery news and Malcolm Dixon RambAles Coordinator pub’s regular vinyl record catch up on what is happen- playing session follows. ing in the campaign.

Festival wash up meeting This month’s venue is TBC. 8pm Tue 19 Nov We get together in the up- Problem with your pint? stairs room at the Gardeners Contact Citizens’ Advice Rest in Neepsend to review Sheffield on 03444 113 111. how the festival went this year – what worked well, what less so, in a structured way inviting feedback from CAMRA (National) 230 Hatfield Rd St Albans Herts AL1 4LW www.camra.org.ukIssue 502 26 Diary 01727November 867201 2019 Join up, join in, join the campaign

From Discover as little as why we joined. * camra.org.uk/ £26.50 10reasons a year. That’s less Includes than a pint a £30 month! Real Ale Cider & Perry Vouchers

Join us, and together we can protect the traditions of great British pubs and everything that goes with them. Become part of the CAMRA community today – enjoy discounted entry to beer festivals and exclusive member offers. Learn about brewing and beer and join like-minded people supporting our campaigns to save pubs, clubs, your pint and more. Join the campaign today at www.camra.org.uk/joinup

*Price for paying by Direct Debit and correct at April 2019. Concessionary rates available. Please visit camra.org.uk/membership-rates BREWERY � est.1996. Sheffield � ONLINE SHOP Abbeydalebrewery.co.uk/shop

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