CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE FREE FREE FREE CHEQUERS, LITTLE GRANSDEN and expand his other interests. This included catering, but not your run of the mill basket meals - Bob has become famous for whole pig roasts and Friday fish suppers. But let’s get back to important matters - beer - Issue 118 Bob’s passion. The house beer is Adnams Bit- HUNTINGDONSHIRE BRANCH NEWSLETTER Spring 2004 ter delivered direct to his pub from the Southwold Brewery, because Bob can tell the CHEQUERS, LITTLE GRANSDEN difference between fresh Adnams delivered CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN GOOD BEER GUIDE direct and Adnams delivered via other means. On Friday 9th of January, the Huntingdonshire He takes other Adnams seasonal beers Branch of CAMRA (The Campaign for Real throughout the year. At the social we were Ale), held its annual Christmas Social at the treated to Adnams Old, and over Christmas a Chequers, Little Gransden. The CAMRA number of us had enjoyed the Tally Ho, which Branch took this opportunity to present to pub- he had laid down in his cellar from the previ- lican Bob Mitchell an award for 10 consecu- ous year. tive entries in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. Bob takes beers from many of the local Cam- This feat has been achieved by just over a bridgeshire breweries, particularly from Milton, dozen pubs in the guide’s 30 year history from regulars at the Chequers. He also maintains 1974 - 2004. relationships with many other microbreweries When Bob and Wendy Mitchell took over the from across the country, and all the beers he stocks are delivered direct because he enjoys operation of the Chequers 12 years ago, the Visit CAMRA online: pub had already been in the hands of the the direct relationship with the brewer. Bob’s Mitchell family for several decades, and in passion for beer extends outside his pub - one CAMRA’s Home Page March 2001 Bob and Wendy celebrated 50 of Wendy’s extra curricular tasks is to act as http://www.camra.org.uk years in the pub for the Mitchell family. When taxi driver when Bob and a select group of regu- Huntingdonshire Branch Home Page Bob took over from his father, the Chequers the turnover from the pub was not sufficient to lars sally forth to visit numerous CAMRA beer http://www.huntscamra.org.uk provide the Mitchell family with a living income, festivals across East Anglia. was a “low key” operation with irregular open- For updates on our Diary check on-line at ing hours and limited beer choice, since Little so Bob had a full time job and Wendy ran the Read a report of our evening at the Chequers http://www.huntscamra.org.uk/diary Gransden is a small village with limited pass- pub during the day. What became immediately in Pints Sunk. ing trade. In the initial years after Bob took over, apparent however was that Bob was a beer enthusiast, and the quality and choice of the beers he was offering was soon rewarded with OPENING TIMES WHAT’S INSIDE a place in the Good Beer Guide. Page Over the years Bob has steadily made im- Opening Times is published by the Hunting- Advertising Rates 4-5 - Pints Sunk provements and enhancements to this unique donshire Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Full page - £75, ½ page - £50, ¼ page - £30 6-7 - 25/10 Years Ago village pub, most changes being made with Real Ale (Copyright 2002). Views or comments Special discounts are given to regular adver- his own hands, Bob being a competent crafts- expressed in this publication may not neces- 8 - George, Spaldwick tisers. These rates exclude cover ads which man, and DIYer. Over time, the Chequers be- sarily be those of the Editor or of CAMRA. 10 - Heritage Pubs Trip have special rates that are negotiable. Please came once again the heart and soul of Little 12 - Pub News Deadline for Spring 2004 issue (118) is note the deadline dates for each issue, as late Gransden. With the pub’s reputation spread- Tuesday 3rd February 2004. copy cannot be guaranteed inclusion. 13 - Shaws Stroll ing ever- wider, the income from the pub fi- 19 - Branch Diary nally allowed Bob to give up his fulltime job, Contact Andy Shaw, on (01480) 355893, or [email protected]. OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 1 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 2 PINTS SUNK

Here we are again -another newsletter, another ordinary bitters in the region. Tonight was no series of tales of pubs explored and beers exception – it was superb. A short car ride took supped. us next to the White Horse. It’s an impressive November found us sampling the delights of looking pub and has several cosy drinking ar- Huntingdon on a Friday night. Our first port of eas. We squeezed ourselves into a secluded call was the Market Inn, a characterful pub corner and tried the beer. The beer range is where we sampled both the Ruddles Best Bit- unfortunately not very exciting with Wadworths ter and Fullers London Pride – a pretty good 6X, Tetleys Bitter and Greene King’s Old start to the evening. From there we sauntered Speckled Hen. I tried the Tetleys and found it down to Cromwells, the new ‘bar’ in the cen- to be a little tired. Mind you, Tetleys is not the tre of town. I have to say that I hadn’t actually beer it used to be and anyway, Leeds is the been looking forward to the experience and best place to drink it! From there we strolled to unfortunately my reticence was well founded. the Millers Arms, a small friendly Greene King Loud, noisy and with very cold and, in one in- pub tucked away down a side street. The stance, pretty cloudy beer. Both the Ridley’s Greene King IPA was quite flavoursome and IPA and Shepherd Neame Spitfire were quite refreshing. Our final stop that night was the disappointing. Maybe I’m too old for that type Rivermill, where the Woodforde’s Wherry of bar but all I really want is good beer and slipped down a treat and the entertainment was somewhere to have a good time and talk with extremely good. A good place to finish what some friends. Sorry, Cromwells, but you just had been a very sociable evening. don’t fit the bill for me. And finally folks, in time honoured tradition, the We carried on down the High Street to the branch enjoyed its ‘Christmas social’ in Janu- Samuel Pepys. This too was lively but had a ary. Well we’re all so busy that December just much better atmosphere and we were actu- doesn’t seem to have enough days in which to ally able to talk to one another. On the whole fit all of our combined commitments on the run th the beer was better too. We tried Eccleshall up to Christmas. So January 9 saw us meet- Slaters, a West Midlands bitter, which was ex- ing at the Chequers in Little Gransden to en- cellent. We also sampled Adnams Bitter and Elgoods Barleymead. From there we made it to our final port of call, the Old Bridge Hotel. It may seem a little posh but the staff are friendly and the beer is gener- ally pretty good, although sometimes a little cold. However, on this occasion the Adnams Bitter was wonderful. What better way to en- joy the last beer of the evening than cocooned in a large armchair in such splendid surround- ings. Nice! Our next social event took us on a tour of pubs in Eaton Socon. We assembled at the Bell joy an evening of good beer, good food and where we began our evening with Charles pleasant company. As usual Bob had done us Wells Eagle. This is an under-rated beer but proud and had seen to it that the beer range when on form, it’s one of the most flavoursome was brilliant. As befits the occasion, I started OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 3 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 4 PINTS SUNK A LOOK BACK IN TIME with the lowest strength and worked my way I should have tried it with a fresh palate. It was up! So first, Adnams Bitter, always a favourite good anyway. Bob, as always the perfect host, 25 YEARS AGO and a good palate cleanser/apéritif. To follow, then brought out an amazing supper of fish, · In the spring of 1979 James Callaghan’s a possible slow down in the growth of la- Adnams Old, which is something of a rarity chips and mushy peas, with homemade labour government was planning a prices ger as a retail market survey predicted that, these days. A dark, high gravity mild in style, humous and pitta bread for our vegetarian freeze for beer, along with food, petrol, gas by 1980, lager would not reach the 33% of its smooth roast malt and subtle fruit flavours members. We had a great evening, with much and electricity, to stem rising prices. Need- the UK beer market predicted by the big were enough to send me off into raptures. ‘putting of the world to rights’ as the beer flowed less to say, the national brewers opposed brewers. Oops, there I go more freely and the night wore on. The regu- the move, and were attacked by CAMRA · In his address to CAMRA’s 1979 Annual again. Being a lars were friendly as usual; I can’t think of a for requesting permission for increases of General Meeting chairman Joe Goodwin bit of a wimp better pub to visit on your own. You’d soon have at least 3p a pint which they said were warned of complacency after a successful however, I someone to talk to. needed to cover increasing costs. period of campaigning. Real ale was more didn’t try the And so, another festive season was celebrated, · Meanwhile, the big six national brewers widely available, but the gains of the 1970’s Milton Mam- albeit a little late and a new year begun. So were busy launching new real ale brands in could be ‘wiped out’ in less time and ‘writ- mon as it’s a bit here’s to warm summer evenings, walks to the a CAMRA-inspired reversal of policy. In ten off as a small hiccup in the relentless strong for me pub and twilight walks home. But for now, its Kent, Whitbread subsidiary Fremlins march of bright and keg bitters and phoney and so instead wild, wet and windy, so I’ll say ‘Ta Ta’ and make brought out a new strong cask ale. Scottish lagers towards uniformity’ settled for the a dash for a comfortable fireside and a pint of & Newcastle brought back Youngers No. 3 · CAMRA St Neots branch’s Annual General Bank Top Gold Oakham Blackhole Porter (last enjoyed at on trial in their London pubs - this brand Digger. It wasn’t Meeting in March 1979 was at the Falcon, Charters in Peterborough but also excellent at had been axed five years earlier. And Allied Buckden. In the spring of 1979 the branch one I’d had be- the Cock in Hemingford Grey). Breweries continued the revival of the Walk- fore and maybe also held business meetings at the Three Kathy Hadfield ers brand in the North West with a boost to Shuttles, Tilbrook and the Bull, Brampton the range of Walker-badged cask beers. and socials at the Prince of Wales, Hilton · CAMRA pegged the price of membership and the Fountain, Gamlingay. (The Falcon, at £4 for the remainder of 1979, reflecting the Three Shuttles and the Fountain are now successful fundraising, anticipated strong all closed). sales of the 1979 Good Beer Guide and a · In a move celebrated as a great victory for stable financial position for the campaign. CAMRA in East Anglia national brewers CAMRA also launched a series of adver- Watney Mann launched cask Norwich Cas- tisements for membership in national news- tle Bitter into 500 of their Norwich Brewery papers and magazines. pubs. Significantly, Norwich Brewery de- · CAMRA branches in Cambridgeshire, Bed- cided to use handpumps for dispense in- fordshire and Hertfordshire launched a pub- stead of the air pressure system used for licity campaign for Greene King’s threatened most of the Watney Group’s previous real cask mild XX, brewed at the now-closed ale re-incarnations. Biggleswade brewery. Greene King had said that sales of the mild were falling and it 10 YEARS AGO would soon become uneconomic. CAMRA · The newly formed Independent Family claimed the biggest threat was the lack of Brewers of Britain organisation launched a spending by brewers on advertising for mild. campaign to save the UK’s tied house sys- A more successful beer at the time was KK, tem of brewery-owned pubs from European Greene King’s pale cask mild brewed at Commission steps to ban or weaken the tie. Biggleswade. CAMRA also feared that weakening or abol- · In April 1979, ‘What’s Brewing’, the CAMRA ishing the tie would boost the brewing gi- members’ newspaper, gleefully reported ants through loan ties and discounts. OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 5 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 6 A LOOK BACK IN TIME GEORGE, SPALDWICK - MAJOR REFURBISHMENT

· CAMRA was protecting pizzas as well as brewers’ tied estates and did not need to Many changes have taken place at the his- has to be said that the style of the George had pints with an investigation into a ‘real ale allow their tenants to stock a guest beer. toric George at Spaldwick over the last six resulted in many dingy corners. months. The George has been run as a free pizza’ advertised by Pizza Hut. CAMRA · Bedford brewers Charles Wells backed The changes made by the Spirit Group have house and restaurant for several years having feared the worst when the pizza sauce, de- CAMRA’s campaign against fake handpulls retained all the key architectural features but being purchased from Charles Wells. During livered to outlets in tins, was revealed to used to dispense keg cider Scrumpy Jack. they have opened up the building, exposing the summer of 2003 I heard that Chris Watson, contain one of Whitbread’s beers and both Wells warned its offending tenants that they roof spaces and the previous owner, had sold the pub to Scot- companies became vague when asked to would be removed from CAMRA’s Good beams, creating tish and Newcastle. Given that they had at that name the brand. Trading Standards con- Beer Guide and urged them to fit conven- a light open envi- time they had just announced plans to sell of firmed that the company should be using a tional keg taps. ronment, includ- cask beer for the pizza. their entire pub estate, this seemed strange ing adding new · CAMRA’s 1994 Good Beer Guide was a news. The situation became clearer when in · In the spring of 1994 CAMRA St Neots windows in key ‘soaraway success’ and a reprint had been November 2003, the Scottish & Newcastle branch socials were held in the pubs of places. Whilst a ordered to meet demand after the book had Retail business was acquired by the Spirit Gamlingay (February), Warboys and major part of the hit the top selling lists of both WH Smith Group. As a result Spirit, formed in August Broughton (March) and Old Weston (April). pub is laid out as and The Bookseller. 1999, became the UK’s largest independent Monthly branch meetings were held at the a restaurant as before, a series of drinking ar- · CAMRA stepped its campaign to save managed pub operator Crown at Great Staughton and the Hare and eas around the main bar has been retained. Czech brewer Budweiser Budvar, who had Hounds in Eynesbury. In April the branch While all these Managers Caroline and Nick Benson ex- offered shares to US brewers Anheuser Annual General Meeting was at the Cheq- ownership pressed to me they understand that to suc- Busch, producers of the US Budweiser uers, Little Gransden. changes were ceed, the George must have a broad appeal, brand. taking place, I · Advertisers were cleared to use the term and that includes the role of the George as the noticed that sig- ‘draught’ on cans of beer by the trading village local. The new layout was “test mar- nificant changes standards body LACOTS, who said that the keted” with the villagers of Spaldwick before were occurring at consumer would be unable to tell the differ- opening to the general public and these eve- the George. For ence between ‘draught draught’ and nings were a huge success, with the George the first couple of months after the take over, ‘canned draught’. CAMRA said that this packed to the gunnels. the new management team put in place by S ‘stands common sense on its head’. The focus of Chef Neil McCann is on fresh food & N had run the George very much as it had and local food (see the blackboard menu be- · Oakham brewery Ruddles was threatened operated before. Then in October the pub low). Real ale again as its Dutch owner Grolsch launched closed for a major refurbishment. Given that also has a place a joint venture with UK brewer Bass, and the George is a Grade II* listed building, I was in the overall for- appeared likely to sell Ruddles, which faced interested to see what changes would be mula - when I vis- an uncertain future due to the impending made. I had to wait for three months, such was ited in late De- end of a distribution deal with Courage for the scale of the refurbishment. the Ruddles beers. Meanwhile, Ruddles cember Fullers The pub (and bistro) reopened in mid Decem- appeared on Bass’s guest beer lists. London Pride, ber, and the pho- Adnams Broad- · The ‘new wave’ of UK microbreweries were tographs indicate side and feeling the pinch and warning of many bank- the extent of the Theakston Old Peculier were on offer. There ruptcies. The government-enforced guest refurbishment. are plans to offer guest beers, and the beer beer provision had largely been taken up The George had will not only be supplied by ScotCo, with whom with regional cask ales. Micros were also been decorated Spirit Group has a supply arrangement, and being frozen out by big brewery discounts as a comfortable beers will also be sourced from beer agencies, and ties to the big new pub companies that country inn, with and possibly from local micros. had replaced large swathes of the national soft furnishings, Andy Shaw low ceilings and some exposed beams. It also OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 7 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 8 FINAL FOUR BATTLE IT OUT FOR ‘NATIONAL PUB OF HERITAGE PUBS TRIP THE YEAR’ TITLE On a January Saturday a group of over 30 mous by Constable as the viewpoint for his embarked on a quest to find the best pubs of famous picture of Salisbury Cathedral. Pubs from Hampshire, Lancashire, Kent and (Lockwood, Yorkshire) and the Bell (Pensax, character and pubs serving fine beer in the Nottinghamshire have booked places in CAM- Worcestershire) to book their place in the fi- At Harnham is the Rose & Crown, a three star beautiful city of Salisbury. RA’s Pub of the Year final, with the overall win- nal. hotel in a part 14th & This trip was organised by Mick Slaughter, 16th century former ner being declared in National Pubs Week - The Crown & Thistle, Gravesend, Kent made veteran campaigner for the preservation of coaching inn. Our 21st to 28th February 2004. it to the final four by winning the ‘South East heritage pubs, and the photographer whose guide for the day, local CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year competi- Super Regional’ heat of the competition. The work adorns the Beer supplement to CAMRA’s CAMRA branch mem- tion is voted for by their membership. Each one Kent-based pub beat regional winners, Engi- What’s Brewing. The attendees on the trip were ber Ed, had arranged of their 70,000 members has the opportunity neers Arms (Henlow, Bedfordshire), Royal Oak Rose & Crown members of the Pub History Society and the for us to see some of to vote for the best pub in their branch area. (London SE1) and Royal Oak (Wood Street, Peterborough & Huntingdonshire Branches of the upstairs rooms with exposed beams and The 200 winners then progress into regional Surrey) CAMRA. This was the first of these trips wonderful wood panelled doors, and from the finals and the 16 regional winners battle it out The South Western Arms, St Denys, South- attendeded by the Hunts Branch but it will not garden we saw the spot where Constable for a place in the final four with the overall win- ampton, Hampshire was the final pub to be be the last. They are planned to run every two painted the famous view. ner being announced during National Pubs awarded a place in the final by beating the months and will be advertised in our diary Also in Harnham, further along the river, we Week. Boars Head (Tyle Garw, Powys, Wales), the pages. visited the Old Mill, This year’s four finalists are as follows: Red Lion (Cricklade, Wiltshire) and the Bell On arriving at Salisbury railway station at noon, which was a working (Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire) in their Su- The Taps, Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire won our first port of call was the nearby Village Free mill until 1931 and is per Region. their place in the final after beating Geordie’s House, which has a large public bar with a now a charming 17th Byr (Ayr, Scotland), Navigation (Stockport, John Pascoe, landlord of The Swan in Essex, small snug attached, and serves Abbey Old Mill century pub/hotel with Greater Manchester) and Fitzgeralds (Sunder- who won CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year Bellringer, Taylor Landlord, and four constantly simple beamed bars. land, Tyne & Wear) in the ‘Scotland and North- last year said, “Winning the CAMRA National changing guest beers. Nearby is the Three ern England Super Regional’ heat of the com- Pub of the Year was like winning the FA Cup in We moved into the city Crowns. Part 13th and petition. the pub industry.” centre for a spot of 16th century and mod- The Marquis of Granby, Granby, Nottingham- Join us on our visit to the Engineers Arms, lunch at the Royal ernised in 1970, it has shire successfully beat regional winners, the Henlow - the East Anglian Pub of the Year - on George, a Grade II a circular bar serving Beartown Tap (Congleton, Cheshire), Star Inn Friday 21st May. listed pub and a city two rooms. The lounge Three Crowns Royal George pub with a country feel. retains some notable The Royal George has plasterwork on the one low beamed bar and an intimate dining walls and ceiling. room. Walking back across the Just round the corner we found the Pheasant, water meadows we which dates back to passed the cathedral 1435 and was the again, and headed for the Shoemakers Hall so it Wyndham Arms, the became the Crispin Inn home of Hop Back brew- when it became a pub. ery. John Gilbert bought A splendid building - a Pheasant the pub in 1986 and in- two bar pub with low stalled his brewery in beams. 1987. Originally built as a Next we walked through the centre, past the Salisbury hotel in 1880, this is a no Cathedral, and on to Harnham across the wa- Cathedral frills local with one long ter-meadows and via Long Bridge, made fa-

OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 9 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 10 HERITAGE PUBS TRIP PUB NEWS narrow bar, two small drinking rooms, and ex- ill and Eisenhower during the planning of the • The Samuel Pepys in Huntingdon has • After extensive redevelopment the cellent beer! D-Day landings. been sold to Convivial Inns. The existing George, Buckden has appointed an management team remain in place, and assistant manager, and a chef and other Our next pub was the Winchester Gate, a Here, the pewter-topped bar here has a unique no major changes in the pubs operation staff recruited from Falcon, Fotheringay. former coaching inn now run by the Milk Street wooden carved elevated arch with seven spirit or range of beers are anticipated. The re-opening is expected mid February Brewery- a two bar locals’ pub with wattle and taps and a brass plate inscribed ‘Gravity fed to mid-March. daub walls, old beams and a long-covered spirit taps fitted by H Neale, Plumber, Salis- • The Green Man, Colne is holding a real inglenook fireplace. bury’ with gilt decoration and dated 1909. There ale festival on Bank Holiday weekend 1st- • Welcome to new tenants Daniel and Philip 3rd May. Arneill at the Saddle, Kimbolton. They Next stop the Red Lion are no bar top dispensers but two sets of old are experimenting with the beer range and Hotel, an ancient double handpumps on the back wall, believed • The George, Spaldwick has reopened plan to have guest beers. Greene King coaching inn and a fine to be the last complete bar top of its kind in after a major refurbishment – see page 8. IPA and Woodforde’s Wherry were on example with a England. • Changes to the Queens Head, offer in Dec. beamed bar entered The main bar has half doors, each with four Needingworth, including moving and • via a cobbled courtyard brass door protectors and ‘Haunch of Venison’ extending the main bar and a restaurant Welcome also to Mark and Charlotte with what is believed to etched and frosted glass windows. There is a extension, have been on hold for some Barnes, the new tenants at the White Red Lion be Europe’s oldest black and white diamond quarry-tiled floor (the time, but should soon be underway, Horse, Kimbolton. A franchised Chinese hanging creeper. There tiles came from the Cathedral), splendid old starting in February and taking 3 months. restaurant is now operating at the rear of the White Horse. are numerous world famous clocks here in- square panelling, a bench with upholstered • The Pike and Eel, Needingworth has • cluding a Skeleton/Organ Clock. cushions and a small pendulum clock. plans for a conservatory and residents’ In Bedfordshire, the Rose and Crown at We had left the best Five carpeted steps and a doorway lead into a lounge extension. New toilet block has Upper Caldecote had been demolished until last. The Haunch small lounge called the House of Lords as it recently been installed. without planning permission. • of Venison, opposite was much used by bishops. This has a beamed • The Crown, Hail Weston has been the Application for midnight closing on Fridays Market Place, is an un- ceiling, square wood panelled walls, a large subject of a planning application for and Saturdays by the Barley Mow, spoilt 14th century Eng- brick inglenook fireplace with red quarry tile change of use to housing. This Charles Hartford has attracted some opposition lish ‘chop house’ with floor and bare wood floor in the rest of the room. Wells pub has stood empty for over two from local residents. tiled floor and lots of Old settles have sadly been removed recently. years with a sign indicating “temporarily • A newspaper article has suggested that woodwork including On display is a mummified hand discovered in closed for alterations”. the Spread Eagle at Croxton might c1500’s original the 19th century, thought to belong to a whist • The Territorial, Huntingdon has been reopen, but this has not been beams. The first record Haunch of player who was caught cheating - his ghost is substantiated. of the Haunch is circa said to haunt the pub. sold by Charles Wells and is now serving Venison cask beer again after a gap of several • There is still no news of when the Three 1320 when the building On the first floor is a two-part half-timbered res- was used to house craftsmen working on the years – currently Eagle IPA with the Horseshoes, Abbots Ripton may taurant room with splendid stone fireplaces and possibility of guest beers in the future. reopen. We understand that the Three Cathedral spire. At this time Minster Street had beamed ceilings – an unusual square beamed open running sewers, so entrance to the prop- • The Dragoon, Brampton has been Horseshoes is owned by Lord and Lady ceiling with bosses in one area in one area. De Ramsey, and that they are looking for erty was at the back of the building. The The restaurant was completed when a mer- awarded a Charles Wells Eagle Star enourmous oak beams which can be seen Award for best Tenanted Pub. Paul Wells a leasee, but are having difficulty finding chants house was incorporated into the build- someone to take the lease. throughout, pre-date the building by several ing during the 16th century, and the fireplace presented John and Svetlana Franklin • hundred years and are thought to come from is dated 1588. with their plaque on Jan 27. The judge The Woolpack, St Neots (Charles Wells), early sailing vessels. was Paul Dixon of the Publican has undergone an extensive The Haunch of Venison is an excellent and A miniscule ‘ladies’ snug called ‘The Horse- newspaper. The Barley Mow, Hartford refurbishment and has new tenants, Pete worthy entry in CAMRA’s National Inventory was the runner up in the Managed pub and Sue, who have introduced a guest box’ at the front is big enough for four people of Pub Interiors of Outstanding Historic Inter- and has a black and white diamond quarry tiled category. Paul Wells said “The Eagle Star beer policy. Alongside the Eagle and est. If you are interested in visiting wonderful awards are coveted throughout our estate Bombardier recently was Gales HSB. floor, three benches attached to the panelling. pubs like this, join us on our next outing, to The Horsebox was reputedly used by Church- and give our licensees the recognition Manchester and Eccles on the 20th March. they richly deserve”. OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 11 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 12 ing to your left, and continue until you reach areas, on SHAW’S STROLLS the road and the Old Toll Bar House. mixed levels, Turn right, with counters Keyston and Bythorn walking in serving two areas. The Introduction: This walk can start and end ei- beautifully landscaped water gardens to your front of the bar has con- ther at the Pheasant, Keyston or the White left were constructed in 1960 for an elderly lady house along siderable Hart, Bythorn. living in the Manor House. Pass through the the road marked as a character, Both Bythorn and Keyston have entries in the churchyard and through the church gate, turn- dead end. with wood Doomsday Book. Bythorn was at that time ing left onto the road. Follow the road round to Pass to the floor boards and some red tiles, and a pleas- owned by Ramsey Abbey. St Lawrence’s the right, passing a variety of stone buildings, left of the ing variety of period furniture, including Ches- Church dates back to the 12th century and has some old, some new. Old Toll Bar House metal gate terfields, wooden chairs and old wooden ta- parts dating to the 13th – 16th centuries. It is After the road takes a sharp left bend, take the barring the road. Continue along the road, the bles. The other area has a large inglenook fire- noted for its lack of spire, replaced in 1960 marked footpath on the right. The path crosses old main road to Kettering, until you reach a place. Bennetts restaurant features a bistro with a hexagonal copper cap on a wooden a field and is poorly marked – head towards bridleway sign and a gate on the left. Pass menu. frame. Keyston’s name derives from Ketil’s the church on the skyline. Pass over a foot- through, turn right, and very carefully cross the Car Park, Family Room, Evening Meals, Stone, probably a boundary marker from 1,000 bridge across a brook, and cross another field dual carriageway at the gap in the central res- Lunchtime Meals, No Smoking Area, Real Fire, or more years ago. The church of St. John the - head for the dead tree next to another foot- ervation. Restaurant, Quiet Pub. Baptist dates from the 13th century and major bridge. Crossing a third field, head for a stile reconstruction taking place in the 15th century. which leads to a concrete road. Turn right and The bridleway continues on the other side of Keyston, Pheasant A manor house was built nearby in 1589 but in 30 metres, turn left over the road bridge. the road, straight across a field – aim in the Village Loop, (B663, off A14). direction of the church spire. When you reach now only earthworks remain. The current Continue along the concrete track and turn Tel: (01832) 710241 Manor Farm was built in 1835. right at the road. After 300 metres you will see the track in the middle of the field, head to- wards the barns to the right of the church. At 12-3; 6-11 (Mon-Sat); 12-3, 7-10.30 (Sun) Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles). The walk can be the White Hart, Bythorn. the field edge, pass through the hedge behind completed in less than 2 hours, excluding time Leaving the White Hart, Bythorn, cross the Adnams Bitter (H) Two Guest Beers (H) a house with pink walls, go right along the back for refreshments. road and go up School Lane, passing thatched The Pheasant is a conversion from a series of of the house, and passing into another field, cottages, an old school house and a church thatched cot- How to get there: From the A14 going from turn left and follow the field edge. Turn right at with an unusual tages and Huntingdon towards Kettering, take the B663 the corner, and you will come to a gap in the spire. Immedi- has an idyllic exit to the left to Keyston, or to the right to hedge, where you will join a track, turning left. Bythorn. ately after the setting. The church, turn left Follow the track with the farm barns on your pub has a Parking: Both the Pheasant and the White onto a path. At right, and the line of fir trees on your left, until number open Hart have ample parking. the road, turn you reach the road. Turn right, passing Keyston plan rooms right, passing a church once again on your left and you will with oaks row of old red soon finish at the Pheasant. beams and brick cottages. The Pubs: farm imple- ments hanging from the ceiling. The main bar Bythorn Church After passing a White Hart, Bythorn farm yard on is a lounge drinking area with an imposing fire- your left, take the marked footpath, passing (B663, off A14). place. There are three dining areas, two no- between bushes and over the style. With the Tel: (01832) 710226 smoking, all comfortable with simple wooden barn to your left, continue along the left hand http://www.bennetts-restaurant.co.uk furniture. A constantly changing range of real ales is drawn from local micro-breweries and field edge, and at the field boundary cross the 11-2.30; 6-11 (Tue-Sat); 12-3 (Sun) Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. style. independents. The food is modern in style with Greene King IPA, Abbot (H) Guest Beer (H) a Mediterranean emphasis. The Walk: From the front of the Pheasant, Continue across the next field diagonally, to Keyston, turn left and follow the road towards the right hand corner, and pass over a stile Passing through the rear entrance and patio, Car Park, Garden, Family Room, Evening the church. In front of Manor Farm, with its el- next to a metal gate. The path across the next you pass through a restaurant (which is a mod- Meals, Lunchtime Meals, No Smoking Area, egant double bay windows, cross the road and field is poorly marked – aim for the barn on the ern extension at the rear of the pub), into the Real Fire, Restaurant, Quiet Pub. take the footpath towards the church. The skyline. Reaching the barn, join the track turn- original White Hart. There are three separate OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 13 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 14 Calling AllAlways Beer a Loversgood selection ofMembership quality real ales. Application Please fill in your details below. Love beer? Want to help protect it as well Title Surname as drink it? Want to make sure you can continue to enjoy your favourite pint of real ale in your local pub? Well, you may Forename (s) D.O.B be interested to know that’s what the Campaign for Real Ale, CAMRA, is try- ing to ensure. Partner Title / Surname (If applicable) We are one of the most successful con- sumer organisations in the country. We campaign to help protect consumer Forename (s) D.O.B rights, promote quality, choice and value for money as well as campaigning to save local pubs and independent brew- Address eries. So why not help support us and join to- day! How? Just fill in the CAMRA application Postcode form or join online at www.camra.org.uk Tel No. Membership costs just £16 a year and Email for this you receive: • Our lively monthly publication What’s Please indicate below (circle amount) Brewing, giving hard news from the which category applies to the recipient: world of pubs and beer as well as pro- Single...... £16 viding information about festivals and Joint...... £19 special events. Under 26...... £9 • Free or substantially reduced entry to all CAMRA beer festivals through- Under 26 Joint...... £12 out the UK, including the Great British Retired...... £9 Beer Festival. Retired Joint...... £12 • Discounts on many CAMRA publica- I enclose a cheque, tions, including our best-selling Good payable to CAMRA, for £______. Beer Guide. Send to: CAMRA, Membership Secretary, There are over 180 branches and 66,000 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 members Nationwide. Between cam- 4LW paigning, beer festivals, brewery trips and pub visits there is plenty going on. So Signed...... Date...... find out more about what’s going on in your local area and join online at Or join online at www.camra.org.uk www.camra.org.uk OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 15 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 16 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 17 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 18 BRANCH DIARY

• Tuesday 9th March, Open meeting, Prince train from Huntingdon, 19:42 from St Ne- of Wales, Hilton (Free) (8.30pm) ots. • Friday 19th March, Social, Cock, • Wednesday 26th May, Trip to Cambridge Hemingford Grey (Free) (8.30pm) Beer Festival, Jesus Green, Cambridge. • Saturday 20th March, Heritage Pub Trip • Tuesday 8th June, Open meeting at the to Manchester (including Eccles), by rail. Royal Oak, Hail Weston (8.30pm) Contact Andy Shaw for details. • Saturday 19th June, Trip to Alton, to visit • Tuesday 6th April, AGM, at the Rivermill the Triple fff Brewery tap, the Railway Tavern, Eaton Socon (Free) (8.30pm). Arms, and the Watercress preserved • Friday 30th April, Visit to the Beer Festi- steam railway. Contact Andy Shaw for more val, the Green Man, Colne (8.30pm). details. • Tuesday 11th May, Open meeting at the • Friday 25th June, An Ouse Cruise of river- King Williams IV, Fenstanton (8.30pm). side pubs, starting at the Crown, Earith at 8.15pm, then the Pike and Eel, • Saturday 15th May, Heritage Pub Trip to Needingworth at 9.00pm, followed by the the Black Country, West Midlands, by rail, Ferry Boat, Holywell at 9.45pm and fin- to celebrate Mild Month. Contact Andy Shaw ishing at the Floods Tavern, St Ives at for details. 10.30pm. • Friday 21st May, Social at the Engineers All meetings start at 8:30pm unless otherwise Arms, Henlow (East Anglian Pub of the stated. Further information: Kathy Hadfield- Year, 2003) - by train to Arlesey, and then Moorhouse, Social Secretary, tel 01480 by taxi (or bike) to Henlow. Taking the 19:34 496247, e-mail [email protected]. BRANCH CONTACTS Chairman: Roy Endersby, (01480) 473364, [email protected] Secretary & Publicity Officer: Paul Moorhouse, (01480) 496247 (h), [email protected] Treasurer & Newsletter Editor: Andy Shaw, (01480) 355893 (h), (07802) 485449 (m), [email protected] Membership Secretary: Margaret Eames, (01480) 385333 (h) Social Secretary: Kathy Hadfield-Moorhouse, (01480) 496247 (h), [email protected]

TRADING STANDARDS Your local Trading Standards organisation is tion or price of goods, services or facilities and Cambridgeshire County Council Trading to detect and rectify unfair advertising prac- Standards. If you have any complaints about tices. trading standards issues at local pubs please Contact Cambridgeshire Trading Standards contact them. helpdesk on 0845 3030666, or at They have a role to protect consumers from Hinchingbrooke Cottage, Brampton Road, errors or frauds concerned with quality, descrip- Huntingdon PE29 6NA. The trading standards web site is www.tradingstandards.gov.uk OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 19 OPENING TIMES 118 SPRING 2004 PAGE 20