ISSUE 448 - DECEMBER 2014

THE FREE MAGAZINE OF CAMRA SHEFFIELD & DISTRICT

BITS AND BOBS 4 with Dave Pickersgill

3,500 MONTHLY BREWERY NEWS 6 CIRCULATION Acorn, Sheffield Brewery, Kelham Island, Blue Bee, EDITOR Steel City, Peak Ales, Andrew Cullen Fuggle Bunny, Stancill, 07554 005 225 [email protected] Brampton, Abbeydale, Dronfield, Toolmakers Articles, letters and suggestions are most welcome so please send SHOP/PUB NEWS 16 them in* Beer Central Wisewood Inn DESIGN Beer House 623 Robin Good Beer Guide 2016 [email protected]

ADVERTISING Alan Gibbons PUBS BY BUS 18 [email protected] Pull-out guide to the Dronfield area Quarter Page £40 Half Page £60 Full Page £90 Back Cover £110 Discounts for regular placements AWARDS 24 PDFs or high-res (300 dpi) Pub of the Month bitmaps only please Dronfield CAMRA Pub of the Year Design from £30 Updates from £10

40TH STEEL CITY 28 NEXT COPY DEADLINE Ruby Aniversary Terrifying Friday 9 January 2015 Success The 1st Steel City Festival Opinions expressed are those of the author and may not represent those of CAMRA, the local branch or editor. Beer Matters is © CAMRA Ltd. FESTIVALS 32

*For legal reasons a full name and address must be provided with all contributions. DIARY 34 BITS AND BOBS a larger brewery it is build­ ing. "The thing is the beer is BEERY called 'Strikes Bock,' not 'Empire Strikes Bock,'" own­ er Dave Katleski told a local BITS AND newspaper, "It's 'Strikes Bock,' by Empire." In its leg­ BOBS al argument, Lucasfilm, now with Dave Pickersgill owned by the Walt Disney Co., contends that the Em­ pire Brewing beer label Greene King takes over Spirit could infringe its trademark Burton­based pub company, rights and cause confusion Spirit, has agreed to a £774 among consumers. million takeover from Greene King. In September, Beer, the fertility drug? Spirit rejected an initial of­ A study of men whose part­ fer, which valued the com­ ners were undergoing In pany at 100p a share. The vitro fertilization at Mas­ new offer is 115p/share. sachusetts General Hospit­ Spirit, which was split off al found that those who from Punch Taverns in 2011, drank the equivalent of a runs the Chef & Brewer, pint of beer a day had the Fayre & Square, Flaming best chance of conception. Grill, Good Night Inns, Men who consumed an av­ John Barras, Original Pub erage of 2.7 alcohol units Company, Taylor Walker each day had a 57% chance and Wacky Warehouse of the process ending in Earl Grey Hotel, Sheffield highly likely to have been brands. It was originally part pregnancy — double that of This half­pint glass bottle named after the PM. At of the Bass empire and has those whose intake was is in the privately owned, that time, the location over 750 branded, managed lower. Health experts have Hooge Crater Museum would have been at the pubs throughout the UK and attributed this to alcohol’s (Canadatlan 26, Zillebeke, edge of the city. It is over 450 leased pubs. Shef­ ability to temper stress West Flanders, Belgium). known that from 1907­ field outlets include: Drake­ levels, and for those con­ It was found locally on the 1939, the landlord of this house Mill (Waterthorpe), sciously trying for a child, WW1 Western Front, close Tennants pub was William Peacock (Owler Bar), Red removing some of the pres­ to the site of the Hooge Jackson Downes. The pub Lion (Gleadless Town End), sure during sex could be Crater. This crater was cre­ was demolished in the Ridgeway Arms (Mosbor­ the key to aiding concep­ ated by the British when 1980's as part of the Shef­ ough) and the Wagon and tion. Speaking at the Amer­ they smuggled 1,700 kg of field Inner Ring Road de­ Horses (Millhouses). ican Society of dynamite into tunnels velopment. At the time, the Reproductive Medicine’s which ran under the Ger­ Earl Grey was a Whitbread 'Strikes Bock' beer name conference, Dr. Allan Pacey man front line. Detonation pub. (Whitbread took over sparks trademark dispute of the University of Shef­ occurred on 19th.July 1915 Tennants in 1962.) Star Wars creator George field, agreed: "There has during the Second Battle of Can anyone tell us how a Lucas and Lucasfilm have been conflicting data about Ypres. half­pint bottle from Shef­ filed notice to force Empire the benefit or harm of The Earl Grey (97 Eccle­ field made it's way to this Brewing in Syracuse, New drinking alcohol when try­ sall Road, Sheffield 11) corner of Belgium? It is York, to stop using the name ing to conceive. However, I opened in 1833. At the unlikely that it was full of Strikes Bock for a beer it has firmly believe that moder­ time Charles, 2nd.Earl beer, probably spirits. It been brewing for seven ate social drinking within Grey (1764­1845) was was also probably carried years. Empire recently ap­ guidelines (three to four Prime Minister (1830/34). by an officer. But, who, and plied for a trademark for the units per day) can be of be­ He put through the Wil­ how? beer, which it previously nefit for couples trying to berforce Act which abol­ Any answers to dpick­ sold only at its brewpub and conceive… It helps to re­ ished the African Slave [email protected] now plans to distribute from duce stress." trade. Hence, the pub is

BREWERY NEWS

Acorn

Another busy year coming English Bramling Cross hops to an end, expansion plans for combine to release rich berry 2015 are on the drawing fruit flavours. Cracker 4.1% board, watch this space!!! is brewed with Maris Otter Kelham Island We welcome a new addi­ Pale Ale malt and Vienna Malt tion to the Acorn family tree, to create a pale straw coloured Our two Christmas beers 3.4% Pale Ale. Paul Hicks whose role as Sales seasonal ale. Lemon and will be making their last ever Blondie is a 4.9% a West Executive will see him mainly grapefruit dominate the hop appearance this December. Coast Pale Ale brewed with an focusing on South and West aromas. Winter Pale Ale Fairytale of New York America Ale yeast specially Yorkshire. 4.5% (available Jan 15) pale 4.2% a festive dark ale brewed selected to give a crisp clean Seasonal beers are; 12th golden ale brewed with Eng­ with Belgian yeast. A welcome fermentation which allows the Noel, originally brewed at lish Fuggle and Goldings hops pint for the festive season. A massive hop aroma to come 4.8% now weighing in at a for a citrus and grapefruit dark full­bodied winter through. With a base of lager mighty 5.9% Rich ruby col­ aroma with a lasting bitter­ warmer brewed with a spe­ and wheat malt and a hint of oured ale, roasted malts and ness. cially selected Belgian yeast, a crystal malt, this beer screams trio of roasted malts and Slov­ hop character. The New enian hops resulting in a American Delta hops give a Sheffield Brewery Co. spicy, sweet toasted aroma complex citrus, melon, grassy with hints of dark chocolate flavour and the classic US Launch of The Last Friday lectic mix of music, beer, BBQ and a lavish warming flavour. cluster hops add spiciness of the Month Sheffield Brew­ food and a great atmosphere The Adventures of Cap­ with chinook used for bitter­ ery Beer Club – Grand Open­ for everyone so please email us tain Chrimbo 5.4% strong ness and an extra secondary ing Event: 29 Nov 2014. your details so we can add you IPA. A strong full flavoured aroma addition for floral As we’ve done every year we to our membership list. Check IPA brewed with a blend of notes. are open again during the Kel­ out our website for further de­ our favourite hops used Hi Ho Silver is a 3.4% ham Island Museum Victorian tails. throughout the year. The pun­ fresh light pale ale specially Christmas Market weekend. The Last Friday Sheffield gent hoppy aroma is more in­ crafted to celebrate the start of Only this time, not only are we Brewery Beer Club will be open viting than a kiss under the our 25th Anniversary year. celebrating everything which is every last Friday of the month mistletoe. The fruity lychee The best British pale ale malt great about Christmas and the (except Dec/Jan). The idea is and orange zest aroma is is selected for a subtle biscuit Kelham/Neepsend area, we’re to build on our great reputa­ mixed with a full malty body malt character complemented also launching our very own tion for offering excellent tast­ and bitterness for a celebra­ by the delicate aroma of Ger­ membership only Sheffield ing beers plus a few guest ale tion of flavours perfect for the man lager hops with floral Brewery Beer Club – it’s free to appearances. festive season. hints and orange spice. The join. We are based Albyn Works As a prelude to our 25th perfect beer to start the new In support of Kelham Island a Victorian industrial polish anniversary we are producing year! Museum we are planning on works where you can enjoy a a very special bottled beer. On top of all this brewing opening our doors in the after­ beer in our authentic real ale Anniversary 6.5% IPA will be we’ve taken on a new pub. The noon of the 29th Nov from bar in the middle of an actual available for Christmas by the Tap & Tankard (formerly 2pm right through until brewery. You’ll see the mash case or in gift packs from the the Sportsman), on Cam­ 11.00pm. tun, copper and fermenters – Kelham Brewery shop and se­ bridge Street, should be open Email us your details (to smell the hops and soak up the lected independent retailers. by early December. We’ve an [email protected]) essence of a fully operating real January brings the return ad in this issue so keep an eye to become one of our first ale brewery. of Blondie 4.9% and the on kelhambrewery.co.uk for members. There’ll be an ec­ Bus 53 passes the brewery brand new Hi Ho Silver news on the opening date.

6 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014

BREWERY NEWS

Steel City

Steel City are back from ful will be making these yet another 3­month gap! available more readily in Dave is his usual festive the new year. self, with Christmas is Some readers may re­ Blue Bee Cancelled being available member way back in March by the time you read this. Dave and Shazz travelled to As the festive season ap­ ing to a bitter finish. The name is inspired by the Hebden Bridge to brew proaches we have been We were really pleased long­standing tradition of with Dan at Bridestones. busy conjuring up this to pick up the 3rd place Xmas beers being not only Well, ever since then the year’s Christmas special: award in the strong bitters brown and malty, but full beer, a 6% Oatmeal Stout, Blitzen Stout 5.0%. category at Sheffield beer of spices that have abso­ has been maturing in 18­ Blitzen is a chocolate and festival for Nycto Black lutely no place in beer. As year­old Highland Park ginger flavoured stout us­ IPA. It was our first at­ the pumpclip states, 'To barrels. And now it's been ing chocolate malt and co­ tempt at a Black IPA and hell with the forced cheer. unleashed! On tapping the coa to give a rich bitter we were really pleased with Screw the once­a­year two barrels, Dan couldn't chocolate taste along with the results however there is drinkers. But most of all, believe just how different root ginger added to both always room for improve­ stuff your spiced beers up from each other they the copper and fermenter ment. So Blue Bee Black your...' ­ if that's not tasted! One then received a to leave a spicy ginger kick IPA mark II: Into the enough of a clue, CiC is a tree's­worth of cherries, sure to warm the senses on Abyss 6.0% has a slightly very pale, very bitter, very while the other received a cold winter’s night. different malt base and hoppy brew with 100+ IBU vanilla pods, before matur­ On top of this we have even more Columbus, Sim­ of Magnum followed by ing a further month. Both not forgotten the hops this coe and Moteuka hops and Centennial and Pacific Jade will be available side­by­ Christmas and have a few who knows a few Citra for flavour, topped off with side at the Shakespeare au­ treats lined up. Firstly, on hops in each cask. Green Bullet in the fer­ tumn festival, as well as at bars as Beer Matters hits Blue Bee hopes everyone menter. Remember, a hop Craft Beer Co in That Lon­ the press is Chelan has a great Christmas and is not just for Christmas... don. Hopefully bottles will Blonde 3.9% showcasing New Year, and remember, In other news, Steel City also be available. Truly, a new variety of American beer is for life not just for have acquired a few 5­litre these beers are So Craft It hop Chelan with floral and Christmas. minikegs for home sales, Hurts... citrus characteristics lead­ and if a trial run is success­

8 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014

BREWERY NEWS

Fuggle Bunny Brew House

Fuggling Fantastic News according to the feedback Well, well, well… The regarding our Handmade winner goes to Fuggle Steak & Ale pies, were the Bunny Brew House Limited best they had ever tasted. for their latest creation No fuggling wonder as our Imperial Black Russian local Butchers Bextons who Stout ­ Chapter 7 – Russian made the pies for us used Rare­Bit 5% ­ scooped First our award winning Stout to Place in the Stout category macerate the steak with. A at the CAMRA Sheffield further compliment for us 40th Ruby Anniversary is that Bextons were so Beer & Cider Festival at the impressed with the finished Kelham Island Museum. product that they have We would just like to thank asked if we can supply our all the people that voted for stout for them to use in this little cracker, we are their own produce – really made up……...I thank negotiations are in you. We are proud as progress, now that’s what I punch to have received our call a result. very first award since opening in April of this year 2015 on the Horizon and hope it is the first of More New and Exciting many. Chapters in the adventures of FUGGLE – keep hopping Peak Ales Best Steak and Ale Pie in and out of our web site at the Brewery Tour for his latest antics. Hope Peak Ales new brewery at cials and there is an intention We would also like to it is another good year for Ashford in the Water is now to add a visitor centre here. thank CAMRA who turned all concerned in keeping open with the regular beers The new brewery had an up for our first brewery Real Ale at the forefront of now being brewed there. The opening ceremony where the tour, Pie & Pea supper. The the Beer Industry and old barn brewery on the brewery was blessed and in­ evening was a great success remember ‘there’s a beer Chatsworth Estate will be kept vited guests enjoyed beer and and everyone enjoyed for that’ – Good Luck going to brew seasonal spe­ hot pork sandwiches! themselves, the consensus

10 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014

BREWERY NEWS

well, two young lads born and bred in Barnsley, with all the passion and heart of their fel­ low townsfolk have brought back the Brew after just a 9 months absence from the market. With a hiss and a jeer from many a nay­sayer, we battled through and got our Brampton first firkin of Barnsley Bitter, brewed in Sheffield to the Well we've only gone and Market in February 2014. Two done it again. The annual months later, it was crowned SIBA Midlands Region beer the Champion Bitter of York­ competition was again held shire 2014. So why did we do at the excellent Nottingham it? beer festival on 9th October The same Brewery, the 2014. 335 cask ales were Stancill same brewer, the same yeast, split into 8 categories, with the same recipe, but better an additional 130 bottled The story so far... It has conducted the decommission, water. More than that: if you beers in 5 categories, blind­ been a year since the great transportation and reas­ believe you have a top quality tasted by 148 judges over 3 move of the Brewing Equip­ semble with faultless preci­ brewer, producing the best rounds. Lots of numbers ment from the now demol­ sion and speed. Towards the beer in the country, with the (you will be tested, don't ished Oakwell Brewery in end of the dismantle, the team best water in the country and worry!) but the main facts Barnsley to the world famous was forced to work in the the best ingredients in the are that Brampton Stout Real Ale city of Sheffield. dark, without power. The de­ country, why wouldn't you in bottle won a Silver Medal This was no easy task! Over molition team had cut the want that real ale to be pro­ in the Milds & Stouts cat­ 10 tonnes of kit was dis­ electricity supply to the site. duced in the most famous real egory, Winter Bock in cask mantled, transported and re­ Daily we had to fight off the ale city in the world! won a Bronze Medal in the assembled in just 4 weeks! It scrap metal merchants com­ Stancill Barnsley Bitter. Premium Strong Ales cat­ was a race against time, with ing onto the site attempting to Ingredients: two hearts forged egory, and Speciale in cask the demolition company on take the copper piping that we in Barnsley. Made In: the won a Silver Medal in the site at Oakwell, and the clock use to help cool the fermenta­ most famous real ale city in Strong Bitters category. ticking with the 2 week "Get tion vessels. Things became the world. Champion Bitter of That's a total of 17 SIBA Out" deadline. Anything that very heated indeed! Working Yorkshire 2014. awards of one colour or an­ was left behind, or not re­ all through the night for the From all at Stancill Brew­ other, over 7 consecutive moved in time was to be deadline week, our fantastic ery, a massive thank you to years, at both Regional and flattened! team of South Yorkshire en­ every last one of you who have National level. Our saving grace was Tim gineers freed the last pipes supported us either with your With the days drawing in Gill our Managing Director’s from the condemned site and kind words, messages or just and winter approaching father. He has been an engin­ we left. by buying a pint of Stancill. faster than a bullet­train, eer all his life, working at an­ This was end of an era for We wish you all a very we can't think of many bet­ other great South Yorkshire Barnsley Bitter brewed in Merry Christmas and a very ter tipples to warm you institution TATA steel. Tim Oakwell, Barnsley since the Happy 2015 ­ it's going to be a through than the new Spir­ and a small team of engineers 1850s. From the ashes of Oak­ big one! it of Brampton Mild. The wort of our multi award­ winning Brampton Mild is 5 times distilled, producing a beautifully rich and warm­ ing 42% single malt spirit. Available now from the Beer Cellar right next door to the brewery.

12 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014

BREWERY NEWS

Dronfield

The new version of Abbeydale Dronfield Pale Ale, which featured at the recent Steel Well I think we can all again when the once­a­ Scepter'd Ale and the (pre­ City beer festival, has proved agree that last months yearers come out to play viously mentioned) fant­ very popular. Rob still has Steel City Beer Festival was and take your favourite astic Full English Break­ plenty of Galaxy hops left so a roaring success with a spot in your local! To fast Stout, step forward will be doing another brew fantastic new venue that soften the blow, we have Jester, a classic Abbey­ of this beer in time for really worked and has the these beery treats coming dale style beer, 4.1% and Christmas! potential to grow for future up. single hopped with the years! Well done guys! Our First up is Dr Morton's Jester variety. This Eng­ Full English Breakfast Rude Elf, a 4.1% pale ses­ lish hop was grown to try Toolmakers Stout came 2nd in the sion beer to placate the and replicate some of the Stout category, and such angry elf in all of us! A new world hop flavours After our very successful has been the positive reac­ good dose of the NZ hop that have become so popu­ first open day we will be tion to the beer, we have Rakau gives a burst of lar over the last few years. holding further ones on the included it in our brew tropical fruit, notably pas­ Expect plenty of fruity 6th and 13th December. plan for 2015! sion fruit, on the nose lead­ aromas with grapefruit and Everyone is welcome to As you might have seen ing to a dry bitter finish. lychees coming forward. come and sample our beers on our Facebook page and Continuing on the fest­ Finally we see the return as well as some guest ales. mentioned in an earlier ad­ ive theme, we have Dr of Advent, a pale beer, We will not be having an dition, we have recently Morton's Christmas hoppy and well­balanced open day in January but taken delivery of some Camel, 4.3% and pale it at 4.6%. Fruity aromas, will be back on the 7th rather large, rather shiny packs a hoppy punch with light caramel flavours with February 2015. new vessels which have in­ a combination of five hints of fruit and a lasting Our Christmas ales will creased production capa­ American hops with a bitter finish. Dangerously be available during Decem­ city to a whopping pleasant floral aroma. Per­ easy drinking and perfect ber, which are Christmas 240BBLs/week (a smidgen fectly balanced and incred­ for the festive period! Box 4.2%, a good hoppy under 70,000 pints/week), ibly moreish! We wish you all a Merry blonde full of flavour and and they are now fully We also have the next Christmas and a Happy Nutcracker 4.2% which commissioned and in use. release of our Albion Ales New Year! See you all in is a smooth hoppy blonde If you weren't already series. Following the suc­ 2015! with citrus undertones. On aware, it's that time of year cess of the green hopped Cheers & Beers! our next brew will be a wheat beer so watch this space. Dronfield community interest brewery company proposal We were very pleased that our Black Edge stout By the time this magazine vest in the scheme, which will portion of the profits at 5.2% won 3rd place in hits the streets, the initial see a small brewery set up in ploughed into initiatives in the last Imperial Brewery meeting to gauge interest and the town available for use by the local community such as beer festival. ideas will have taken place at shareholders (kind of a hub cleaning up the river, spon­ Remember all our beers the Three Tuns in Dronfield. for cuckoo brewers), perhaps soring youth football teams can be tried at the Forest They are looking for a to supply local freehouses at etc. adjacent to the brewery on number of local people to in­ reasonable prices with a pro­ More on this next issue! Rutland Road.

14 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014

SHOP NEWS

Beer Central

The bells were ringing in Beer Central last month as they celebrated their first birthday on the 25th November. It’s been a busy year for the city centre’s bustling bottle shop and with Christmas approaching it’s been a frantic few weeks. Back in early November Beer Central smashed through the 50,000 bottles sold mark, a real landmark for such a young company, but the thirsty folk of Sheffield have really em­ braced the chance to call in for a few bottles or mini­kegs whilst in or around The Moor Market. Joint owner, Sean Clarke was full of praise for Sheffield, “We were hopeful that the beer community of Sheffield would support our new venture, but the response we’ve had has been phe­ nomenal! Beer lovers, young and old, male and female, of all nationalities have bought a great range of quality real ales and craft beers from us, and local and regional brewers have also benefited as a result.” It’s clear that things continue to buzz down at Beer Central, they’re open Sundays up to Christmas and some late evenings as well. Keep an eye on their Twitter and Facebook feeds for more details and offers, including info on their Christmas gift range. The latest copies of Beer Matters are also available from their shop.

16 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014 PUBS BY BUS Pubs by bus Dronfield

There are plenty of good real ale pubs in the Dronfield area - both in the town itself and the sur- rounding villages.There are two core north-south buses, the 43 and 44 operated by Stagecoach, which run from Sheffield to Chesterfield via Dronfield (with the 43 running via Dronfield A date for your diary, many of Woodhouse and the 44 via Coal these pubs take part in the an- Aston) complimented during the nual 3 Valleys Beer Festival daytime by TM Travel (14, 15, with extra beers, food and en- 16) operating East-West across tertainment laid on and a free Dronfield linking the surround- bus service from Dronfield ing villages including Barlow, station. The 2015 festival is Holmesfield and Apperknowle. planned for Sat 6 Jun. PUBS BY BUS

Dronfield Woodhouse Bowshaw

Jolly Farmer, Pentland Road Festival, the Talbot has main- Bowshaw Inn (Toby Carv- is a former Shipstone's house, tained flow through six hand- ery), Sheffield Road - every- the Jolly Farmer was born in pumps. One is reserved for thing you expect from a carv- the late nineties from the cider - currently Weston's Old ery restaurant along with a Gorsey Brigg and retains much Rosie. small bar area with competit- of the artificial rustic charac- ively priced national real ale ter it was given then. Different Gosforth Fields Pavillion, brands available. levels and alcoves give this Bubnell Road is a sports club large pub a very intimate feel. bar open to the public upstairs in a new purpose built building Miners Arms, Carr Lane overlooking the facilities. serves the local community. There is a quiz every Tuesday and Thursday evening with all teams welcome and prizes for the winners. Good home cooked food is served lunch- times and evenings to a high standard.

Talbot Arms, Stubley Lane, recently refurbished and re- opened as a food and enter- tainment pub. Since participat- ing in the Three Valleys Beer Dronfield Hill Top Holmesfield Hyde Park Inn, Hilltop Road months. Quiz night Thursday - is a traditional country inn on well supported. Nice relaxed Angel, Main Road has two outskirts of Dronfield. Food atmosphere, friendly staff. Oc- rooms, a conservatory and a served Thursday to Sunday - casional live music (note at the focus on traditional pub food. good value, well cooked meals. time of going to press this pub Nice beer garden in summer was temporarily closed). Dronfield Arms, Chester- White Swan, Chesterfield Manor House, High Street is George & Dragon, Main field Road, previously the Old Road is a recently refurbished a small and smart hotel bar, Road is a proper locals pub in Barlow Sidings Bar, the venue has been two room pub. Regular live tapas food available, one real the centre of the village with a refurbished and reborn as the music, sport on TV and pool ale in the form of Abbeydale homely feel. Stone built with Hare & Hounds, Common- has been here for more than Dronfield Arms real ale pub on table. Moonshine. two rooms - lounge and snug. side Road is a friendly, tradi- thirty years. Beer from Barlow the ground floor and restaur- Millthorpe tional village local with brewery, based in the village, is ant downstairs.There is also a The Beer Stop at Dron- Victoria, Stubley Lane is a Rutland Arms, Cowley Bar colourful windowboxes and served via two handpumps. purpose built decking area field, Callywhite Lane is due small community local that has isan extremely popular tradi- Royal Oak, Cordwell Lane is planters on the tiny front ter- outside at the rear under the to open early December, a recently benefitted from a tional country pub with open a delightful traditional stone race.Three rooms, configured Tickled Trout,Valley Road railway bridge that could be shop selling bottled beers and quality refurbishment that has fires and low beams offering a built country pub with main round a central bar, comprise has recently benefitted from a ideal for train spotters! Fea- draught cask ale with an op- extended the bar area and relaxing, warm and cosy atmo- bar and small separate room. a public bar with wooden thorough refurbishment pro- tures up to 6 handpumps and tion to drink inside. beer range. Sport on TV and sphere.The beer range has in- Closed for several months and settles, a front room with a viding a comfortable, contem- a loyalty card for regulars of- weekly live music features. creased steadily over the years feared it would be turned into coal fire, and a comfortable porary pub-restaurant, the bar fering a free pint for every 7 Green Dragon, Church Discounted beer on Mondays. to six hand pulled cask ales. a private residence, members back room with panoramic has a changing selection of real purchased. Basic food offer is Street is an historical pub with Finest cask accredited.They of the local community bought views of the countryside. ales including some from local pies and gourmet pizzas with several small drinking areas in Coach & Horses, Sheffield also have numerous accredit- it and reopened it as a pub. There is a separate games micro-breweries and the food a blackboard menu of specials various nooks and crannies! Road is a small, cosy pub at- ations for cask ales. Dronfield The beer garden is especially room.This pub has a strong menu is principally quality Itali- usually also available. tached to the Sheffield FC CAMRA country Pub of the popular with families in sum- community feel, though all are an with a speciality in fresh football ground and operated Year 2012. mer. made welcome.The landlord fish. by Thornbridge Brewery.

18 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014 PUBS BY BUS

Coal Aston Apperknowle

Royal Oak, Eckington Road is been home to Landlord,An- Travellers Rest, High Street a Cask Marque approved pub, thony Hutchinson since 2000. is what some might call a prop- which means you can be as- The pub proudly carries the er rural pub, sitting on the edge sured you'll be served an ex- Cask Mark Accreditation for of the village overlooking the cellent pint! A cosy village pub excellent beer management.A MossValley with tables on the on the main road overlooking viewing window in the floor grass. Inside has lots of cosy the park. Quiz night Mondays. shows the immaculate cellar corners and a roaring fire. 6 ales below. on handpump, supplemented by Cross Daggers, Brown Lane two more on gravity at busier is a comfortable and welcom- Yew Tree, Holmley Lane is an times along with a range of tra- ing true village local tucked estate pub, with one ale - nor- ditional ciders (look for the away in Dronfield's northern mally Timothy Taylors Land- blackboard - these are fetched edge.The Cross Daggers is a lord, live music at the from the cellar to order). Food 19th Century pub which has weekend. limited to pork pies, cheeses and black puddings (great value sharing platters are available).

Barrack Inn, Barrack Road is named not after a local bar- racks but after a 'barracking bear'.Traditional local pub with up to 4 ales and a cider. Open evenings only except Sunday when lunches are served.

Hundall Hyde Park Inn, Hilltop Road months. Quiz night Thursday - is a traditional country inn on well supported. Nice relaxed Miners Arms, Hundall Lane outskirts of Dronfield. Food atmosphere, friendly staff. Oc- is a fantastic rural village pub served Thursday to Sunday - casional live music (note at the Dronfield Town Centre with 3 rooms including a TV good value, well cooked meals. time of going to press this pub lounge and pool table area Nice beer garden in summer was temporarily closed). Dronfield Arms, Chester- White Swan, Chesterfield Manor House, High Street is plus a conservatory. 3 real ales field Road, previously the Old Road is a recently refurbished a small and smart hotel bar, at reasonable prices and Sidings Bar, the venue has been two room pub. Regular live tapas food available, one real CAMRA discounts available. refurbished and reborn as the music, sport on TV and pool ale in the form of Abbeydale Hare & Hounds, Common- has been here for more than Dronfield Arms real ale pub on table. Moonshine. Dronfield Hallowes side Road is a friendly, tradi- thirty years. Beer from Barlow the ground floor and restaur- tional village local with brewery, based in the village, is ant downstairs.There is also a The Beer Stop at Dron- Victoria, Stubley Lane is a ThreeTuns, Cemetery Road colourful windowboxes and served via two handpumps. purpose built decking area field, Callywhite Lane is due small community local that has This was the flagship tap for planters on the tiny front ter- outside at the rear under the to open early December, a recently benefitted from a Spire Brewery until the brewery race.Three rooms, configured Tickled Trout,Valley Road railway bridge that could be shop selling bottled beers and quality refurbishment that has was sold ln October 2014, now round a central bar, comprise has recently benefitted from a ideal for train spotters! Fea- draught cask ale with an op- extended the bar area and a selection of up to 12 changing a public bar with wooden thorough refurbishment pro- tures up to 6 handpumps and tion to drink inside. beer range. Sport on TV and guest beers are served. on settles, a front room with a viding a comfortable, contem- a loyalty card for regulars of- weekly live music features. handpump The Thee Tuns has coal fire, and a comfortable porary pub-restaurant, the bar fering a free pint for every 7 Green Dragon, Church Discounted beer on Mondays. been voted Derbyshire Pub of back room with panoramic has a changing selection of real purchased. Basic food offer is Street is an historical pub with the Year for 2013 and the Dron- views of the countryside. ales including some from local pies and gourmet pizzas with several small drinking areas in Coach & Horses, Sheffield field and District Cider Pub of There is a separate games micro-breweries and the food a blackboard menu of specials various nooks and crannies! Road is a small, cosy pub at- 2014!Very popular Wednesday room.This pub has a strong menu is principally quality Itali- usually also available. tached to the Sheffield FC quiz night (9:30). Good honest community feel, though all are an with a speciality in fresh football ground and operated homecooked food served with made welcome.The landlord fish. by Thornbridge Brewery. Sunday lunches very popular.

Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014 | 19 PUB NEWS Inn Brief...

The Peak Hotel in Castleton reopened on October 24 after being closed for several weeks to enable a £100,000 refurbishment. Licensee Rick Ellison said: “I have been in the Wisewood Inn of the lounge and the pool a car park and beer garden. trade since the age of Loxley Road room with dart board. Please join Christy and 16 so I care a lot about There is also a separate his team in their new ad­ pubs and the way they Following a brief closure function room with it’s own venture to bring the Wise­ are run. Too many pubs the Wisewood Inn re­ bar. Acorn Blonde is the wood Inn to what is was of are closing these days opened with a bang. house beer at £2.50 a pint old, a warming country and I believe that the Christy Beardshaw moved and up to three rotating pub that caters for families, way a pub is run, the from the award winning guest ales from the various walkers and cyclists plus customer service and its pub The Blake, Walkley to micro breweries around the taste of real ale. retail standards are key the Wisewood Inn, Loxley the country . There is bingo Getting there by bus: to its success.” The Road. on Sunday night and a quiz routes 84 and S6A stop Peak Hotel offers On the opening night on Thursday night. A new outside the pub during the homemade food and a there was a bonfire party menu will be created to day, route 31 in the even­ selection of Cask Ales. with an outstanding fire­ bring a range of home ing. works display and BBQ. cooked food. The bar serves two areas To the rear of the pub is John Beardshaw PUB NEWS The Belfry in Beighton is couple of cask ales avail- holding a Cask Ale Fest- able with an option to ival on 6th December of 3 drink on the premises. local breweries - Abbey- The venue is on bus dale, Fuggle Bunny and routes 44/44A and just Bradfield - the three of around the corner from them are hosting their the railway station. It is own stands of which the also close to the Dronfield proceeds from the sale is Arms and White Swan. going to the Charity 'Safe at Last'. There is going to Christy Beardshaw has be a Live Band, etc it is left the Blake and moved going to be a great to the Wisewood Inn. day/evening of drinking Real Ale is available here and entertainment. again.

December will see the re- Punchbowl at Gleadless opening of the Sports- is closed for 1 month. man on Cambridge Street They have applied for a li- in Sheffield City Centre cense extension to open following a refurbishment at 7am, and open until under the new manage- 1am Friday/Saturday. ment of Kelham Island Brewery and the new The Olive Grove is now a name of Tap & Tankard. shop. It will be Sheffield themed and showcase beers from The Bell Jar and Del- local breweries - including aneys are both closed of course Kelham Island - and to lease. on it's 8 handpumps. There will also be a The Royal Standard now simple food offer. has a third handpump on the bar resulting in an in- Those who were a fan of creased beer choice here. the Sportsman in it's rock bar guise needn't be too The Rutland Arms on upset - this has been Brown Street are holding moved pretty much lock their annual Christmas and stock around the Lights party on Thursday corner to the premises 4th December with a Ma- Beer House 623 more recently known as gic Rock tap takeover in- Lion's Lair which is to go cluded as one of the Following the granting back to the old days of the attractions. of planning permission, Yorkshireman rock pub! work has been taking place After 2 successful years, to convert a former e­ci­ A new beer venue is to Dronfield Arms landlord garette shop at 623 Eccle­ open in Dronfield in early Daniel is moving on to sall Road (near Hunters December on Callywhite pastures new. Owner Bar roundabout) into a mi­ Lane, behind the Post Of- Chris Sinclair is delighted cropub, with a target open­ fice called the Beer Stop to announce that Edd En- ing date of 10th December. at Dronfield. This could twhistle, currently Man- The bar will feature 6 be described as a micro- ager at The Bath Hotel in real ales, a premium lager pub, it will basically be a Sheffield, will take over in and a selection of bottled bottled beer shop with a December! beers.

Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014 | 21 PUB NEWS Inn Brief... The Three Tuns on Silver Good Beer Guide 2016 Street Head (Paradise The Cross Scythes on Square) are now open on We are now starting the field vote will take place at Derbyshire Lane, Norton Sundays serving Sunday process to choose which the January branch meet­ Lees, has lots planned for dinners 12pm to 6pm, as pubs in our area will go in ing). the Christmas period kick- from 23rd November. the next edition of the na­ Once the candidates ing off with family fun on They celebrated their first tional Good Beer Guide. have been voted for, there Sunday 14th December, Sunday service by offer- There are lots of good pubs will be survey work to Christmas Carols on the ing a free pint with every in Sheffield & District and check those pubs are still 17th, brass band on the meal! Dronfield & District, but maintaining the standards 20th, quiz on the 22nd and not enough room in the and to gather information 29th and finally a New book to feature them all, so for the guide entry, we will Years Eve party on the 31st we have to select the best also take into account beer with a vintage vinyl disco. of the best! quality reports received via A voting paper will be the CAMRA National Beer available at the December Scoring System. (This is branch meetings in both where members rate the Short measures, misleading ads Sheffield and Dronfield for beer they drink in pubs and their respective areas with register the score via what­ or other consumer complaints? the results to be estab­ pub.com). Sheffield Trading Standards lished at the January For more information on 2-10 Carbrookhall Road branch meetings (the voting please see either Sheffield deadline for returning sheffieldcamra.org.uk or S9 2BD Sheffield voting papers is dronfieldcamra.org.uk de­ 0114 273 6286 tradingstandards.gov.uk/sheffield 31st December, the Dron­ pending where you live.

AWARDS

environmental health in­ spection. With an em­ DRONFIELD CIDER SHEFFIELD & DISTRICT phasis on real homemade  PUB OF THE YEAR   PUB OF THE MONTH  food, the daily specials are popular along with Three Tuns The Roebuck the traditional Sunday Dronfield roast. Gluten free meals Charles Street, S1 can be provided and functions catered for, and The Three Tuns a new menu is planned public house in Dronfield The Roebuck Tavern ing it again a good tradi­ for the New Year. Food is has been awarded the was formerly a typical tional pub. Alison, who served Mon – Sat from title of Dronfield CAMRA street corner local with also owns Wood Street 11am to 9pm with two Cider Pub of the Year several small rooms. Brewery and The Hills­ meals for £10 on selected 2014 as voted by mem­ Owned by Wards Brew­ borough, and is Shef­ dishes, and Sunday lunch bers of the local real ale ery, it was refurbished field’s only Brewster is available 12 to 6pm for campaigning group in and slightly extended in (female brewer), in­ £5.99. recognition of the pub’s the late seventies to cre­ creased the number of There is music most efforts in promoting the ate a one roomed lounge handpumps to six, with Saturdays with either a sale of ‘traditional cider’ bar, and the current lay­ usually three Wood St. live band or DJs, and in the Dronfield area. out derives from a larger beers and three guests karaoke features on the Sarah West (left) and extension in 1994 when it from small breweries. last Friday of the month. David McLaren (centre) was renamed the Newt & With the help of the team Regular opening hours are pictured being Chambers. Following the led by manager Jodie, are Sun – Thu 11am to presented with their closure of Wards Brewery who is Alison’s daughter, 11pm and 11 am – 12mid­ award at the presentation in1999 and subsequent the pub was fully redecor­ night Fri/Sat. The Pub of on Tuesday 21st October sale of its pub estate The ated and the furnishings the Month presentation by the Chairman of Roebuck having reverted upgraded, and the large will be on Tuesday 9th Dronfield CAMRA, Rob to its previous name beer garden revamped December with a social Barwell (right). came under the owner­ and enclosed. commencing at 8pm. The tub of cider pic­ ship of Enterprise Inns. The kitchen was fully The Roebuck, 72 tured was Owd Barker Two years ago Alison upgraded and through Charles Street, Sheffield and is produced locally and Chris took on the the hard work of chefs S1 2NB. Numerous bus by Dick Shepley of lease with a view to turn­ Dariusz and Mandy services stop nearby on Woodthorpe Hall in ing round a rather run achieved a five star rating Arundel Gate or on Pin­ Holmesfield, Derbyshire down hostelry and mak­ following the most recent stone Street. – one of over a dozen different traditional ciders which are always available. The Three Tuns has recently pro­ duced it’s own cider at the Woodthorpe Hall cider press called Owd Podger, using apples supplied by regular pat­ rons of this popular local pub.

24 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014 AWARDS areas you will be able to vote, Golden Ales have to be avail­ Champion Beer of Britain nominations if you choose, in each area. able for at least 7 months of The CBOB nomination pro­ the year. Other beer styles Remember, the Champion tions are determined by cess is broken down initially have to be available for a Beer of Britain (CBOB) nom­ member nominations and into a regional competition. lesser period depending on ination period is open now Tasting Panel input. The website allows you to: the rarity of the beer style. and over 1,000 CAMRA members nationwide have How to Vote • Nominate up to five The CBOB voting system already submitted beers Any CAMRA member can beers in each of the eleven gives every CAMRA member from their region. login into the CBOB website categories to be put forward the opportunity to have a say As last year, all CAMRA www.cbobvoting.org.uk us­ for the CBOB competition. in who wins and becomes members can nominate their ing their member login de­ CAMRA’s Champion Beer of choices via the national tails. If you have forgotten • If you only want to vote Britain. Last year we had a CBOB voting website and these details you can reset for a few beers that is per­ large number of members take part in choosing the your password by clicking mitted. voting and it was the 2nd Champion Beer of Britain. here. Alternatively, you can most supported CAMRA The beers judged in the contact the Membership Ser­ • You do not have to nom­ activity after the Good Beer national finals go through a vices team by emailing mem­ inate all the beers in one go. Guide pub selection process. very rigorous process to be [email protected] or You can alter your selections This year I hope we can fur­ selected, including a series of calling 01727 798 8440. anytime up until the 30th ther build on that success. So regional competitions in Having logged in you will November. get online and get involved nine areas to find the best be able to access information now! regional beer in each of the about the nomination sched­ • Not all beers are eligible This year the nomination eleven beer style categories. ule. for CBOB, mainstream beer period runs until Sat 30 Nov In each region, the beers se­ If your branch straddles styles like Bitters, Best Bit­ 2014. lected for the local competi­ more than one of the CBOB ters, and Strong Bitters & AWARDS

The Nominees

Vote for your The Anglers Rest Pub of the Month! Bamford (buses 244, 273,  274, 275) Ladybower Inn Our Pub of the Month award is a PotM. If we get enough votes in time Hope Valley (bus 274) bit of positive campaigning, high­ we will make the award. lighting local pubs that consistently Nomination forms are available at Royal Oak serve well kept real ale in friendly branch meetings and on the website. Deepcar (buses 57, SL) and comfortable surroundings. The pub must have been open and Voting is your opportunity to sup­ serving real ale for a year and under Three Merry Lads port good, real ale pubs you feel de­ the same management for 6 months. Redmires Road (bus 51) serve some recognition and pub­ Winners compete alongside our licity. Good Beer Guide entries for branch Wagon & Horses Chapeltown (buses 29, 75, All CAMRA branch members are Pub of the Year, the winner of which 79A, 87, 265) welcome to vote at branch meetings is entered into the national compet­ or on our website. ition. It's not one pub against another, The list of nominees includes simply vote YES or NO as to wheth­ which buses to take if you fancy a er you think the pub should be trip to try them out: VOTE NOW AT sheffieldcamra.org.uk

40TH STEEL CITY

pub, The Millowners, brought ding, hotdogs (up to 20”), jack­ to life for the weekend as a et potatoes, chocolate and RUBY ANIVERSARY proper boozer. In addition the crisps. Fancy dress Friday this upper hall and a marquee by year was brought to life by a TERRIFYING SUCCESS the river each provided their horrific range of costumes to own unique atmosphere to suit celebrate Halloween. A charity all tastes. quiz was also held to challenge The 40th Steel City Beer and hour early. Fittingly for the new venue the little grey cells. Cider festival which was held This year saw a new venue the festival was opened on the The first night saw an ex­ over the Halloween weekend with the festival moving to Kel­ Wednesday evening by the haustive beer tasting of all the was a roaring success with over ham Island Museum at the Master Cutler, Mr David Grey beers on sale by brewers, land­ 13,000 pints of beer and 1000 heart of the Valley of Beer, the MBE, with the festival charity lords, seasoned drinkers and pints of cider supped by 4500 Beer Capital’s spiritual home of this year being Master Cutlers other hangers on. The final discerning drinkers. This far real ale. The new venue Challenger whose nomination panel saw Cocoa Wonderland exceeded the 2700 that atten­ provided an atmospheric set­ is the Brathay Trust who have from Thornbridge Brewery de­ ded Ponds Forge last year and ting to celebrate Sheffield and a mission to improve the life clared overall champion of the required 25% more beer and District Branch’s Ruby An­ chances of children and young festival. This wonderful ruby, cider to be brought in at short niversary festival. Over 150 dif­ people. brown 6.8% porter that oozes notice to satisfy the thirsty ferent beers from over 50 Evening entertainment dur­ chocolate from every quarter drinkers. In fact the festival breweries were available over ing the week was provided by really deserves the title. was such a success that the the weekend along with a range the Amelia Carter Band, Thanks go to all the spon­ number of attendees on the of international bottled beer Soulfaces and Do$ch. Loxley sors who have kindly supported Saturday evening had to be and traditional cider and perry. Silver Band brought Saturday the beer festival and to Shef­ limited to ensure there was still Full use of the industrial nature afternoon to life going down a field Industrial Museums Trust, beer left until the end for those of the venue was made with the storm. Mopping up the beer whose staff worked tirelessly already inside. Even that didn’t beer being split over three bars was a range of food including alongside us, without who the work as the festival closed an including the museums own hog roast, cheese, black pud­ festival would not have been

28 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014 40TH STEEL CITY the success it was. Thanks must 2015, a bigger and sponsorship or even if you don’t Tombolla thank yous also go to the brewers, many better festival think you have anything special A thanks to the following for local, who are producing an Following the success of this to offer but want to help out, supporting Sheffield CAMRA amazing array of good quality year’s festival thoughts now turn please email festival@sheffield­ by donating prizes... beer. Some went out of their to how to make next year’s even camra.org.uk, all help is much John Silburn, Andy & Julie way to ensure that we still had better. Obviously more beer is appreciated however small. If Lee, Pete at The Brew Com­ beer available for sale on the required but that is only the you feel like you could promote pany, Blue Bee Brewery, Rich­ Saturday. start. The organising committee your business through sponsor­ ard Ryan, Alan Gibbons, The Thanks also to the custom­ will be meeting soon to reflect ing the beer festival then also Three Tuns, Peter Gardener, ers who almost drank the fest­ on what went well and what please get in touch. Susan Dolan, Sarah Mills, Rod ival dry, we hope you return went wrong and work out how We hope to announce dates & Hazel Sprigg and Sergey next year to a bigger festival to improve the festival next year. for the 41st Steel City Beer and Ruzeinikov. Also, apologies if with much more beer. Like all CAMRA beer festival the Cider festival early in the New we have forgotten anyone. Final thanks must go to the organisation is completely car­ Year, so get it in your diary We are always on the look volunteers without whose tire­ ried out by volunteers and yes early. out for more donations for fu­ less work putting in up to 16 we sometimes get things wrong ture tombola’s, so please keep hour days there would be no but the feedback from this year’s Rob Carroll them coming. festival. Some have been busy beer festival has been over­ Chairman of the 40th Steel Also a thank you to Went­ over the last 12 months organ­ whelmingly positive. Next year City Beer and Cider Festival Or­ worth Brewery for donating ising the festival to ensure it we promise it will be better. ganising Committee prizes for the festival games. was an amazing success. A However we always need very special thanks go to the more help. If you think you may Beers of the Festival volunteers who turned up on have skills that could be useful, Overall Champions the Sunday and Monday to either working or managing a 1st Thornbridge Cocoa Wonderland help with take down. bar, social media, health and 2nd Fernandes Half Nelson safety, site, marketing, selling 3rd Rat Ratweiller 40TH STEEL CITY

basic food on. We even had the Al serving at 10.00pm) the bar staff, Rogers Jazz Band playing in the who had done sterling work evening! washing glasses throughout the Not having any previous ex­ day, spent much time after ‘last perience to rely on, we had little orders’ searching for glasses, par­ idea of how much beer to order ticularly from the lawns and but, according to the archives, we shrubberies, by now in the dark! ended up ordering 32 kilderkins Nevertheless, everything, apart of beer, including Milds from from one minor incident, went off Yorkshire Clubs, Robinson and well and we managed to break S.H.Ward. Remember that a even financially, with an entrance kilderkin holds 18 gallons so quite fee of 50p, which included a two a few pints were consumed by pint beer voucher! We invited closing time. Our crystal ball got both Stan Crowther, then Mayor it about right as I do not remem­ of Rotherham(he later became MP ber having too much beer left at for Rotherham), and the Lord the end of the night. The menu Mayor of Sheffield along but only included products from the fol­ Stan turned up and thoroughly The 1st Steel City Festival lowing breweries: Barnsley Bitter, enjoyed himself, knowing that his soon to be strangled to death by chauffeur would deliver him safely As the Steel City’s 40th Beer Tony Scholes and myself was John Smith of Tadcaster, Bate­ home at the end of the day. Un­ Festival now becomes another formed and, as the pints flowed man, Ward, Davenport, Hyde, fortunately, the Lord Mayor of happy memory, John Dowd, during our deliberations, we Robinson, Ruddle, Tetley, York­ Sheffield missed a seminal event founder member and former began slowly to form a plan of ac­ shire Clubs, Theakston, Sam in the branch’s early life. branch chairman, looks back at tion. In the first couple of years of Smith and Stones plus the Not­ The organisers of the 40th the first festival in 1975….. its formation the branch had ad­ tingham beers mentioned below. Beer and Cider festival will have I well remember our branch opted the Brown Cow on the Sadly, very few of these breweries plenty of past experience to guide chairman, Tim Parkin, ringing me Wicker as an unofficial HQ and exist today ­ remember these were them and help everyone to celeb­ up sometime in early 1975 and the landlord Harold Godson gave the days of the rise of keg(brewery rate the 40th anniversary of the asking if I would like to organise us much useful advice. We were conditioned) beer and ‘real ale’ Sheffield and District branch. a beer festival in Sheffield. Noth­ fortunate in receiving help from was fighting for its life. Cheers everyone! ing remarkable about that, you other quarters as well. The branch members were not Footnote might think, except that back in The tricky problem of finding able to fill the staff rota com­ Because of the event’s success those early days of the Sheffield a suitable venue was solved when pletely but the Nottingham at Tapton, we decided to move the branch none of us had any exper­ we were granted the use of Tapton Branch, which came up and sup­ 1976 Festival to the ground floor ience in putting on such an event, Hall, one of Sheffield University’s ported us at our inaugural meet­ of University House, which was although some of us had attended halls of residence. The premises ing at the Travellers Rest, then a students’ refectory and the CAMRA AGM in Nottingham seemed ideal as it was big enough Holmesfield, in April 1974, again much bigger than Tapton. Indeed, that year where the organisers to accommodate the barrels, came to our aid. Naturally, we put ‘the lower refec’, as it was known, had put on a small Beer Exhibi­ serving tables, etc., was surroun­ the Nottingham branch in charge became the venue for many suc­ tion. But apart from that we were ded by extensive grounds and on of serving the Nottingham cessful beer festivals until well in­ definitely in our ‘green and salad the Crookes bus route. I seem to beers(Shipstones, Hardy Hanson to the 1980s. days’ when it came to beer fest­ remember that there were some and Home ales) which we were The Al Rogers band has now ivals and the hope was that our trees close to the pavement that able to fit all together in one morphed into the Jazz Preserva­ enthusiasm would make up for came in handy for stringing up a room. tion Society(JPS) but still has two what we lacked in experience. Re­ few improvised banners and However, we were ignorant of musicians who played at Tapton member, also, that very few of the posters that Pete Henshaw pro­ the subtleties of the glass deposit that night: bassist Dave Green and CAMRA branches in existence in duced for us. system. We simply issued beer in clarinettist Trevor Barnes. The 1975 had mounted a beer festival The Tapton venue meant that a glass as you would in a pub and, JPS play every Monday at the ­ Cambridge was one exception ­ it would be a one­day festival but of course the inevitable happened. Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow, but so CAMRA HQ was not able to of­ we did get a licence that allowed Instead of each drinker having Draught Bass has now been re­ fer much advice. us to serve throughout the after­ just one glass, a fresh glass was is­ placed by Abbeydale and Bradfield However, a small organising noon ­ something of a novelty sued with each pint served. By the cask beers. committee of John Beardshaw, back then ­ and we also put some end of the night(we stopped

FESTIVALS

This is our guide to events that we Advance booking required for Friday of continental beers and live music. know of in or near Sheffield over night and advisable for other ses­ The venue this year is once again the the next few weeks and into 2015. sions. For more information see the Derby College Roundhouse, which Rotherham CAMRA website. many years ago was a railway engine shed, now a seat of learning! The November Manchester CAMRA Roundhouse is easy to get to, located Wed 21 – Sat 24 Jan right next to Derby railway station Shakespeares This new festival, which replaces (use the Pride Park exit at the rear of Wed 26 – Sun 30 Nov the old Winter Ales Festival, is back the station). Trains run from Shef­ Shakespeare's regular Autumn for it’s second year at the Velodrome field to Derby up to 4 times an hour, Craft beer festival where local ales fill (National Cycling Centre on Stuart journey time about 35 minutes. the main bar and interesting guest Street, M11 4DQ ­ next to the Velo­ More info on the festival website beers from further afield you won’t park Metrolink tram stop on the line have seen before appear on a tem­ from Piccadilly rail station to Ashton­ porary stillage upstairs. An extended Under­Lyne) bigger and better than March cider and Perry range also features. before. Over 500 cask beers feature The beer festival itself is free admis­ plus foreign beers, cider and perry SIBA BeerX sion, there is an entry fee to the with bars located on both the con­ Fri 20 – Sat 21 Mar weekend live music gigs in the bard’s course and in the centre of the cycle SIBA have announced their annu­ room. For more details including the race track. al BeerX will be back in Sheffield for beer list see their Facebook event Trains run from Sheffield to 2015, this encompasses their annual page. Manchester Piccadilly up to 3 times conference, trade show, beer awards an hour, typical journey time 55 and a beer festival open to the public. minutes. Discounted train tickets are The venue is Ice Sheffield, which is January available if you book in advance. located next to the Arena/Don Valley More info on the festival website. tram stop Rotherham CAMRA See www.beerx.org. Thu 8 – Sat 10 Jan The revised date for this festival at February the New York football stadium, loc­ June ated a 5 minute walk from Rother­ CAMRA’s National Winter Ales ham Central rail station and bus Wed 11 – Sat 14 Feb 3 Valleys interchange (buses 69 or X78 from The home of the Champion Winter Sat 6 Jun Sheffield). A range of around 70 Beer of Britain competition where Another festival confirmed as back mainly local real ales plus continent­ winter beer styles such as stouts, for 2015 is the Three Valleys Festiv­ al bottled beers, cider and perry fea­ porters, barley wines and old ales are al, featuring multiple venues around tures. There is also entertainment celebrated, however if pale and Dronfield and the surrounding vil­ planned for all sessions. The festival hoppy ales, brown malty bitters or lages all with beer festivals and many is open Thursday and Friday 6pm­ easy drinking milds are more your with food and music, linked by a free 11pm and Saturday 12pm­11pm. Tick­ thing, don’t worry – they are there bus service that also picks up at ets cost £5 and include a souvenir too! The festival features around 400 Dronfield railway station. Keep an glass and programme, CAMRA mem­ real ales plus a good selection of eye on threevalleysfestival.org.uk. bers also get their first pint included. ciders and perrys along with a range

32 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014

DIARY The Committee Sheffield & District Festival planning meeting 8pm Tue 20 Jan Info and bookings: We start work on plans for the 2015 Richard Ryan (see over page) Alan Gibbons Steel City Beer & Cider Festival, which Chairman we anticipate will take place at Kel­ Good Beer Guide Coordinator Branch meeting ham Island Industrial Museum in Pub Awards Coordinator 8pm Tue 2 Dec early October. Beer Matters Advertising [email protected] Our usual formal monthly meeting open to all members to catch up with Committee meeting and what is happening in the campaign, Beer Matters distribution Andrew Cullen Membership Secretary share pub, club and brewery news and 8pm Tue 27 Jan Beer Matters Editor more. The venue this month is the The new issue of Beer Matters ar­ [email protected] Bath Hotel, Victoria Street, Sheffield rives at the Rutland Arms, Brown Centre. Street, from the printers for volun­ Rob Carroll teers to distribute to pubs across our Treasurer Stancill Christmas Party branch area, if you have volunteered Local Guide Editor 7:30pm Fri 5 Dec for a run come down and collect them Beer Festival Organiser We are invited to this open evening tonight and enjoy a beer with fellow [email protected] with beer, music and more! distributors. The committee meeting The brewery is on Parkwood Indus­ also takes place in the upstairs room. Mike Rose trial Estate, Oakham Drive, Sheffield, Press Officer [email protected] S3 9QX. The nearest bus route is the 53 on Neepsend Lane. Dronfield & District Dave Williams Pub of the Month Info and bookings: Nick Wheat Vice Chairman ([email protected]) Public Affairs Officer 8pm Tue 9 Dec [email protected] Our members have voted the Roebuck, Charles Street, Sheffield Subbranch meeting Richard Ryan City Centre, as our December award 8pm Tue 9 Dec Social Secretary winner. Come on down to see the cer­ All Dronfield & District members Clubs Officer tificate being presented, enjoy a few are invited to this formal meeting to [email protected] beers and join the celebrations. share pub, club and brewery news and 07432 293 513 generally get involved, including vot­ City Centre Walkabout ing for the winner of the Winter Pub Mike Humphrey 8pm Fri 2 Jan of the Season award. The venue this Secretary Our traditional first Friday in the month is the Victoria, Stubley Lane, Branch Contact [email protected] new year pub crawl around the West Dronfield (bus 43). Street/Division Street area at a time of year the area isn’t as busy as nor­ Subbranch meeting Dave Pickersgill Pub Preservation Officer mal, this year you have just enough 8pm Tue 13 Jan [email protected] time to shake off your new years All Dronfield & District members hangover before joining us. Meet at are invited to this formal meeting to the Red Deer, Pitt Street. share pub, club and brewery news and generally get involved, including vot­ Branch meeting ing for the winner of the Winter Pub 8pm Tue 6 Jan of the Season award. The venue this Our usual formal monthly meeting month is the Jolly Farmer, Pentland open to all members to catch up with Road, Dronfield Woodhouse (bus 43). what is happening in the campaign, share pub, club and brewery news and more. The venue this month is the Brewhouse, Wellington Street, Sheffield City Centre. CAMRA Sheffield & District is a branch of CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, 34 | Beer Matters 448 ­ December 2014 Hertfordshire, AL1 4LW. www.camra.org.uk