CAMRA Supports Struggling Pub & Brewery Trade Due to Covid-19

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Issue 81 – Summer 2020 Special Online Edition

Magazine of North Oxfordshire Branch of CAMRA

CAMRA Supports Struggling Pub & Brewery Trade Due To Covid-19 It came as a real shock to public places for picnics, sunbath- ence of online social media, digi- goers and licensees alike when ing, etc. However, this gave lit- tal networking and local/regional the Government announced that tle, if any, relief to the devastat- representation – and it is doing pubs and restaurants (along with ing effects on the pub trade, with its utmost to give support to many other businesses) must Whitehall rumours and leaks those pubs and breweries who close after Friday 20th March. suggesting that pubs will likely be wish to continue offering a ser- Despite initial protests by the the last businesses to reopen. vice to the public. likes of JD Wetherspoon’s Tim Obviously, CAMRA can do See pages 4 to 9 for details of Martin, all licensed premises fol- nothing about the pandemic – various CAMRA initiatives to lowed the instruction – though but as soon as the pub and brew- help the pub trade through these pubs and breweries were told ing crisis began, the organisation difficult times and to ensure they could sell their products as launched a series of initiatives there is a burgeoning interest in takeaways. to offer help to the drinks trade beer and brewing once the world Full UK ‘lockdown’ came on by using its considerable experi- has returned to normal. 23rd March where UK citizens were ordered to “Stay Home”, Villagers in Bladon save the White House pub with rules stating we could only leave home for one period of where Sir Winston Churchill ‘learnt to drink’ exercise per day and one shop- Photo: Ed Nix, October 2019 ping trip to what was deemed to be an ‘essential business’. This caused some confusion until official clarification came later to say that pub takeaways were classi- fied as essential. Since then, we have seen the unprecedented situation where socially-distanced queues gath- ered outside a handful of pubs, with rules banning gatherings of more than two people (who must be members living in the same household) were being enforced, Bladon Community has suc- the money to bid for the pub. and it was illegal to stop in public cessfully had an offer accepted Community consultations and places to engage in social activity, by Greene King to purchase the social events showed there was to picnic or to sunbathe. White House pub. very strong appetite for the bid. By Sunday 10th May, lockdown The White House was put on ‘We put in our bid before rules were relaxed to allow dis- the market last September for lockdown and have been nerv- tanced meeting with one person £495,000 and amid fears that ously waiting for a response. not from the same household (or the pub would be sold for devel- Confirmation that the offer had gathering in family groups from opment, a group of residents been accepted came through the same household) in pub- formed a committee to raise Continued on page 3 Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://northoxon.camra.org.uk Welcome To The Summer Edition page for news of meetings, fes- tivals (when they, as they will, So how to begin! I hope all our have even taken on the role of restart) or local Branch news. readers are keeping safe & well. becoming the local community Don’t forget that PDF cop- This is a difficult time for us shop, stocking food and house- ies of previous editions are also all. CAMRA exists to promote hold goods. Check CAMRA’s available online at www. real ale and cider and to support What Pub website for further northoxon.camra.org.uk. the pubs and breweries we love. details of which pubs are doing Contributions of articles, pub These are uncertain times for what: https://whatpub.com/ news or photos of BoT in far- our publicans and brewers. At This newsletter is, for the first flung places are always wel- the time of writing, any reopen- time, in an online-only format. come. Many thanks to all those ing of bars and restaurants seem We need anyone reading this to contributors to this edition. a distant prospect. However, ensure it gets shared as wide- We hope that the Autumn many of our local breweries and ly as possible via social media edition of Beer on Tap will see pubs have risen to the challenge links, etc., to help spread the us in a more favourable environ- to support their local commu- Campaign’s messages. Please ment for the simple pleasure of going out for a pint. If you enjoy nities, by changing their tack join us on our Facebook page Beer on Tap and want to get to offer takeout beers or take- or follow us on Twitter. Equally, involved please consider joining away food menus. Some pubs check out the North Oxon home our group of members who help produce and deliver the maga- White House Community Purchase zines. We currently need people to deliver and report on the Continued from page 1 hub for everyone,’ said Mike. pubs in Bicester, Bloxham and from Greene King’s board last Bladon Community Pub shares Hook Norton. It’s only a small week,’ said Mike Edwards from can be purchased until the end of commitment, which is more or the committee. June 2020. All funds raised will less: go to visit your local, chat The 17th century pub is said be used to improve the fabric to the landlord and sample the to be the pub where Winston of the building and bring com- beers or ciders. Churchill learnt to drink dur- munity services to life. Be part The next edition of Beer on ing his time at Blenheim Palace. of something amazing and own Tap will be published in mid- The story of the pub’s plight was a part of history by becoming a September. Please send any picked up by local, national and White House shareholder. copy or ideas by 25th July 2020. Lower even international media includ- https://bladoncommunity- Editorial Team ing Sky News and Channel 9 pub.org Beer on Tap May 2020 News Australia. Heyford So far, more than 440 peo- CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List ple have purchased shares in BRANCH WEBSITE the pub and the group have had https://northoxon.camra.org.uk many requests to reopen the CHAIRMAN Lynne Baldwin 21 Market Square, share offer, which they have now [email protected] Lower Heyford, done. The community pub model ACTING VICE-CHAIRMAN Paul Forrest (see below) works in the UK where there are BEER ON TAP EDITORIAL/ over 100 community pubs, and Oliver Sladen Oxon ADVERTISING [email protected] not a single one has failed. OX25 5NY ‘There is so much support BRANCH CONTACT Martin Batts Tel: 07854 116408 for the pub, the community is [email protected] thrilled with the news and look- SOCIAL SECRETARY Stu Robbins Tel: 07871 277235 01869 347176 ing forward to when the pub can [email protected] reopen,’ continued Mike. TREASURER Simon Whitehead • Beer Festival August Bank Holiday Weekend The committee are plan- [email protected] ning to carry out some reno- • Five minutes walk from canal MEMBERSHIP Paul Forrest vations including disabled toi- SECRETARY [email protected] • Large beer garden let access, baby change facilities PUBS PROTECTION Brian Wray • Families and dogs welcome and improvements to the garden OFFICER OPEN: before reopening. [email protected] Mon–Thurs 12–3pm & 5pm–11pm; • Lunch and full menu available ‘Of course we also need to WEBMASTER Matt Everard Friday & Sat 12–11pm; • Food served lunchtimes 12–2.15pm recruit an experienced landlord [email protected] Sun 12–10.30pm Evenings 6–8.30pm Mon–Sat, 6–8pm Sun who shares our vision for a clas- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/northoxcamra sic village pub and community Twitter: @northoxoncamra 2 Please check with advertisers for current opening times/takeaway services Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 Norton Brewery’ in the screen- CAMRA Initiatives 1: ‘Pulling Together’ shot shown bottom right) it will show you details of what services they offer along with links to the brewery’s website or online shop. Under the ‘Event Details’ heading, I can see that the Hook Norton Brewery entry states “We are selling bottled beer, cider, lager, wines and spirits through our online shop at www.hooky.co.uk/shop. Delivery to your door(step). We also have a free ‘Click & Collect’ service entry by entering ‘Horse available at the brewery.” & Groom Caulcott’ (note If you can’t find the informa- that using unusual pub tion you need (such as deliv- names can often find a ery options, like the Click & pub quickly). Collect service at Hook Norton In the ‘Updates’ box Brewery) you may still need to in the left column of the visit the brewery’s web page – entry we can see when but Pulling Together is a great takeways are available and resource to see if a particular how to order. brewery is open for business. Find brewery services Note that there could be a Around 800 breweries are lag with brewery listings so you now listed on CAMRA’s might want to check individual Pulling Together pages. brewery’s websites as well. To find a brewery, you Crowdfunder.co.uk ‘Pay it can either zoom in on the Forward campaign interactive map (which is On the Pulling Together home my preferred way to use page you will also see a link (see the facility), or you can below) to Crowdfunder.co.uk, enter a brewery name or which will take you to their town/village name to see fund-raising site. a list of breweries with- On there, you can set up your in a reasonable distance own crowdfunding campaign to https://camra.org.uk/ to CAMRA’s WhatPub online web for drinkers to find great which are offering takea- allow customers to pay money pullingtogether/ service where you can search beer (see screenshots at the top way or online shop ser- up front for drinks, meals or for pubs and clubs in your area of page 5, opposite). Caulcott. To find that, I entered vices for ordering beer. other services (such as booking CAMRA’s ‘Pulling Together’ web who are offering a takeaway ser- Before the days of Covid-19, ‘Caulcott’ in the search box, If you click on the name of a room, for example) which can pages offer assistance for drink- vice for drinks and/or food); WhatPub’s home page offered but you can also find the pub’s the search results (see ‘Hook be redeemed in the future once ers who want to know where ‘Find brewery services’ (which a database of 56,204 pubs and the pandemic lockdown has they can buy quality real ale, links you to a page where you clubs in the UK which could been relaxed and businesses are to help put them in touch with can search for breweries offering be found by entering a town/ again operating as normal. pubs, clubs and breweries who takeaway and/or beer delivery village name, a postcode, pub To use this service, you will are still open for business. services); and ‘Find cider ser- name or the name of railway sta- need to check out all the terms The Pulling Together cam- vices’ (which, as the name sug- tion. For this pandemic period and conditions paign is run in association gests, takes you to a page where the page has the option for ‘Only with SIBA (The Society of you can search for local cider show pubs offering takeaway or Independent Brewers) and producers from whom you can other additional services dur- Crowdfunder.co.uk (where you buy your cider direct – though ing closure period’ switched on can help the trade by pre-pur- sadly there are none in our by default – so you will only be chasing goods or services from immediate Branch area). shown results for pubs that offer pubs, hotels, etc. takeaway drinks and/or food. As you can see on the screen- Find pub and club services In the second WhatPub shot above, the Pulling Together Clicking on this link takes you screenshot on page 5, you can home page offers various links to the CAMRA’s WhatPub site, see the entry for our 2019 North to direct you to ‘Find pub and which has long been one of the Oxon CAMRA Branch Pub of club services’ (which links you most useful resources on the the Year, the Horse & Groom, 4 Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 CAMRA Initiatives 2: Brew2You App CAMRA Initiatives 3: The Red (On)Lion You can also order your drinks The Red (On)Lion web page is on the move by downloading Camra’s new on-line pub and the new ‘Brew2You’ app from local magazine archive site area. Apple’s App Store or Google It was launched to act as the Play. It’s free and is another tool Campaign’s virtual pub to help to help support local businesses. you and your friends stay in The app has been launched touch through the lockdown. It in partnership with SIBA has a number of ‘bars’ and you (The Society of Independent can either meet other CAMRA Brewers), CaskMarque and members, set up a virtual table the BII (British Institute of with your friends/family or join Innkeeping). Any brewery which in with one of the many talks or has an online store can join the discussions taking place. Brew2You scheme – if you wish I had a surprise when I entered and to allow it it to be complete- In order to use the site you entations on the brewing pro- punters to join include the fol- to join, click on the ‘Partner my postcode (Charlbury) as ly free for the platform partners need to have a webcam enabled cess, beers in general and the lowing bars: my nearest entry is a company who use it. activities of the Campaign. Visit Signup’ link at the foot of the and you must accept permis- CAMRA Members’ Bar page at https://brew2you.co.uk/ called ‘Local Beer Club’, based As this is a very new service, sions when your browser asks. https://theredonlion.co.uk/live- A bar dedicated to CAMRA After downloading and in Witney – which I personally it does have some issues – for Important safety tip: Please leave events for the latest items. members. Public, but lim- launching you will be asked to have never heard of! (See screen- example, after the Local Beer the table or close this website on The Red (On)Lion also has ited to those signed in through enter your postcode so you can shot bottom left). Club and Hook Norton Brewery, all tabs when you are finished to an excellent resource allow- CAMRA’s membership. be guided to your nearest par- Also listed for me within 25 the only other outlets listed for avoid leaving your camera on by ing you to browse through to miles was Hook Norton Brewery me were (in order) the Cotswold ticipants. You can also use filters accident! various CAMRA Branch maga- The Public Bar (see screenshot below). Cider Co. (in Coleshill, near The events on the site include zines from around the country. to choose ‘Delivery only’, ‘Top The main public bar. Fun, loud Swindon), The Lamb Inn (in live beer tastings (pre-planning We hope this will be continued Rated’ (which presumably will and entertaining. A normal Little Milton, Oxon, a few miles required!), with Roger Protz pre- after the world gets back to nor- work correctly once users enter night out. ratings for outlets), and you can south of Wheatley) and Arkells senting the Chiltern Brewery mal, as previously you had to also choose to show only SIBA Brewery (in Swindon). beers at the beginning of June visit each Branch website to read The Lounge We are aware of quite a few independent breweries. for example. Also, there are a their local magazines. A little quieter. Everyone is wel- outlets (breweries and others) Another option is to choose number of informative pres- The online rooms available for come! Get comfy and join in the who are offering beer and other between ‘Local < 25mi’ (to find conversation. outlets close to me) or ‘National’ services but who are not list- to list all outlets in the UK ed. This could be because those Like any pub, there are a few (which doesn’t work so well). outlets don’t currently have an house rules to make sure every- online shop which can be made one has a good time – and if you to work with the app, or per- can’t behave, you’ll be barred! haps it’s because those outlets Treat others with the respect are slightly beyond the 25 mile you’d expect yourself. They don’t limit of the search (though that’s want anyone to feel uncomfort- doubtful as Banbury is just 16 able or threatened in the virtual miles from me). pub, so please be polite, avoid Of course, it might also be that extreme language and shouting some outlets are not yet aware of and avoid anything abusive, dis- such a new initiative and, given criminatory, or offensive. time, they will also appear in my While CAMRA hosts the Red local searches. If that is the case, (On) Lion, this is an unmoder- I hope those other outlets take ated site and we are not respon- advantage of another great ser- sible for the behaviour, opinions The aim of the app (which vice that CAMRA (and its part- or actions of its users. Please launched on 6th May) is to bring ners) is offering to the beer and bear this in mind when you’re people and great beer from pub trade. using the Red (On) Lion – while great local businesses together. As it’s very new, it may be we want people to stick to the As CAMRA is a not-for-profit that CAMRA will soon feature rules above, we don’t want them organisation any money you pay pubs as well, as it says on its to feel they can’t have fun, and to platform partners is received site at https://brew2you.co.uk/ you might hear the sort of dis- 100% (however, CAMRA states ‘Find local pubs, breweries (plus cussions and language you’d that it charges a minimal 5% more) based on location quickly expect to hear in your average admin to cover processing cost and easily’. pub. 6 Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 CAMRA Initiatives 4: Beer Podcasts Bar Nineteen https://camra.org.uk/ at Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa • Open Every Day podcast/ • Open to All • 2 TVs for sport, If you’re bored with listening • Stunning terrace • Pool table, to all the doom and gloom on overlooking the golf • Games machines the radio, you might want to try course and putting • Wifi CAMRA’s new podcast – called green. ‘Pubs. Pints. People.’ – which • Large external seating • Bar Nineteen is a great brings you interesting stories place to enjoy at any area and plenty of space each week about the world of Iron Maiden to collaborate with Episode 5 – Women in beer to sit indoors, time of year. beer, cider and pubs. Tune in them, and Ben Watson, sensory Hear from the women chang- every Tuesday with hosts Katie test lead at Beavertown Brewery. ing the face of the brewing Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa Wiles, Ant Fiorillo and Matt Chesterton • Bicester • Oxfordshire OX26 1TH Episode 2 – All about beer industry as we sit down with Bundy as they chat to special Jane LeBlonde of Mothership Tel: 01869 241204 guests and learn about beer writing www.bicesterhotelgolfandspa Learn all about the art of beer Brewing and Annabel Smith, co- writing, brewing jobs, cider founder of Dea Latis. making and more. writing with legendary beer Each episode includes a ‘dive’ writer Pete Brown and Roger Episode 6 – Beer heritage Protz. Follow us on into CAMRA’s 50-year archive Learn all about beer and pub Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Trip Advisor and a beer and food recipe, Episode 3 – Craft Beer heritage as we sit down with courtesy of the Campaign’s food We interview Craft Beer Beer Noveau to learn about editor Sue Nowak. Channel’s Jonny Garrett and heritage recipes and Geoff At the time of writing, there Channel 4’s Beer Expert Mark Brandwood who will talk about have been six episodes, with the Dredge about what makes craft CAMRA’s pub heritage cam- sevenths airing very soon. beer really craft. paigns. Episode 1 – Unsung Heroes Episode 4 – All about… cider! Episode 7 – beer diversity There are a lot of jobs in brew- Learn all about real cider and Improving diversity in beer has ing aside from making the beer. perry as we speak to cider pro- been a big topic in recent years. Sit down with David Bremmer ducers Tom Oliver and Susanna We will sit down with Ignition from Robinsons Brewery to find Forbes as well as Cider Museum Brewery about how they’re out how they got a band like Director Elizabeth Pimblett. actively recruiting people with Give us a call to book a table on 01295 730750 and come and enjoy our Traditional Comfort Pub Grub, learning difficulties to work in with a good selection of Hooky Ales, Ciders and other beverages to choose from. the brewery and also Emma Inch, beer diversity champion https://www.facebook.com/Butchers2015 Family friendly – and multi-award winning broad- swings adjacent to pub Pub Opening hours caster. car park Monday–Thursday 4–11pm You can get the podcast links Dog friendly direct from the CAMRA web- Cyclist and Walker Friday 3–11pm site (see the URL at the start of friendly! Saturday & Sunday this article), or it is also availa- Hook Norton ales noon–11pm ble on Apple and Spotify as well as at CAMRA’s Audioboom Large grassed garden Food hours channel at https://audioboom. with excellent views com/channels/5020734 Hidden gem Monday–Friday Recently refurbished 5–9pm TELL THE interior Saturday noon–8pm Ales from the cask Sunday noon–3pm ADVERTISER including three Hook Norton ales and one Check us out on Twitter YOU SAW THEIR guest ale @BBalscote ADVERT IN Tel: Shutford Road 01295 730 750 BALSCOTE Oxon OX15 6JQ BEER ON TAP

8 Please check with advertisers for current opening times/takeaway services Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 Quality Ales Handcrafted in Oxfordshire Branch News Pub News • Carpenters Arms, Fulbrook • Dashwood Arms, Kirtlington Various pubs are undertaking • Muddy Duck, Hethe • Bull Inn, Launton deliveries or have opened a • Gate Hangs High, Hook • George & Dragon, Long ‘hatch’ to deliver meals or ales. Norton Hanborough CAMRA’s WhatPub website • Sun Inn, Hook Norton • Horse & Groom, Milcombe is the place to go for updates of • Red Lion, Horley • White Hart, Minster Lovell Unit 6 Wroslyn Road DARK which pubs are doing what near • Kingham Plough • Rose & Crown, Ratley & SEEDY • Wild Rabbit, Kingham • Bell, Shenington Industrial Estate VANILLA STOUT you – see https://whatpub.com/ Freeland SMOOTH – RICH – MOREISH Some pubs have converted • Oxford Arms, Kirtlington • George & Dragon, Shutford Witney, Oxfordshire into community stores to help • Wykham Arms, Sibford Gower • Fox Inn, Souldern OX29 8HZ the local villages again proving NOTICE TO LICENSEES IN what a vital resource your local OUR BRANCH AREA • Red Lion, Steeple Aston Tel: 01993 881 941 pub is. Support them and they • Stags Head, Swalcliffe While we try to do our best to keep up • Boxing Hare, Swerford We offer free delivery to all (see website for details of cut-offs and delivery days), will support you! Website: http:// with the ever-changing list of pubs and • Ben Jonson, Weston on the using our own vans in the local area (15mile radius) and couriers further afield. littleoxbrewery.co.uk/ Pubs Offering Takeaways in clubs that are offering takeaway or other Green The 2 litre bottles have proved very popular with our customers; with beer coming our Branch or nearby services, it is probable that we have • Chequers, Weston on the Facebook: https:// straight from the tanks on delivery day, the beer doesn’t get any fresher. Note: Check out WhatPub to see missed some. Green www.facebook.com/ We have tried to introduce some new beers alongside the regulars and will continue • Black Prince, Woodstock littleoxbrewery/ what takeaway service they offer If that is the case, then please let our to do so. Stock varies weekly. (as it might be drinks and/or Branch website team know by emailing • Crown, Woodstock meals), along with opening times [email protected] • Star, Woodstock • Woodstock Arms, Woodstock and whether you need to order Note also that licensees can use CAMRA’s ahead of collection. • Killingworth Castle, Wootton WhatPub service to tell everyone which • Coach & Horses, Adderbury nr Woodstock takeaway service they run (along with • Pickled Ploughman, Adderbury See also Brewery News • Butchers Arms, Balscote times, etc.). To do that, visit the site Rose & Crown, Charlbury at https://whatpub.com/ and click on • Apothecary Tap, Banbury Tom & Nikki at the Rosie were • Bailiff’s Tap, Banbury ‘Licensee Login’ link in the header bar, then click on ‘Do you own or manage a pub? quick to announce that the pub • Old Auctioneer, Banbury would run a takeaway service • The Nightingale, Bicester Register your pub here!’ link to set up an account so you can edit details accordingly once the lockdown had begun – • Red Lion, Bloxham and this has proved immensely 3 REAL ALES Two large • Saye & Sele Arms, Broughton superior • Cotswold Arms, Burford 10 REAL CIDERS en-suite • Golden Pheasant, Burford • Highway Inn, Burford Homemade rooms • Horse and Groom, Caulcott • Rose & Crown, Charlbury lunches Large flower- • Chequers, Chipping Norton Mon–Sat 12-2 filled garden • Crown & Cushion, Chipping Norton OPENING HOURS Roaring log • Crown, Church Enstone fires • Hand & Shears, Church Mon-Thurs Hanborough 11-3 & 6-12 Family and • The Duke at Clifton Fri 11-3 & 5-12 • The Brasenose, Cropredy Sat/Sun 11-12 dog friendly • Roebuck, Drayton • White Horse, Duns Tew SAME FAMILY RUN PUB FOR 40 YEARS • White Lion, Fewcott • Plough Inn, Finstock OX15 4LZ www.bloxhampub.co.uk 01295 720383 • Oxfordshire Yeoman, Freeland Like many pubs, the Rose & Crown, Charlbury has found Facebook and other digital media a • Butchers Arms, Fringford godsend in the lockdown, keeping customers informed on beer choice, prices and other news. 10 Please check with advertisers for current opening times/takeaway services Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 popular with long, chatty queues ready for collect from 6–8pm noon–4pm offering meat, dairy, waiting (socially-distanced) by on Fri/Sat (but only at these bread, freshfruit, vegetables, wine the window in Market Street. times). Book early as there are and beer. At first, the main concern was only a limited number of meals The pub’s owner, Trevor to shift the stocks already in the and these have been booked out Brown, said: ‘Both the market pub cellar, but it soon became on every occasion so far. There and the fundraising have been a evident that business was so is also a bake at home croque huge success with support from brisk for the four/five real ales, monsieur option available too. the village of Adderbury and traditional ciders, craft beer, etc. They also have cask ale to take beyond.’ that they were soon ordering away in 2- or 4-pint contain- The pub is also providing a from the many breweries still at ers, these too must be ordered takeaway service seven days a work – and on a couple of occa- and paid for then collected from week during the lockdown with sions a firkin of ale has sold out 6–8pm on Fri/Sat. There will their daily specials listed on the in the course of a single day. only be one ale on at a time, until pub’s Facebook page. Prices are keen, with real ales demand increases, currently they Deddington Arms selling at £3 across the board, are Vale beers. and excellent use of its Facebook Sadly, Jerome has had to cancel This is one of three hotels page (on which they publish info his annual Bastille Day beer and owned by Oxfordshire Hotels, of that day’s beers) has meant music festival – but hopefully it the others being the Cartwright that you know what to order will be back next year, as normal. Arms at Aynho and the White before getting there. Pickled Ploughman, Hart, Dorchester-on-Thames, It was good to see that the and they are all operating a excellent Velo Pizzeria (a pop- Adderbury company ‘Holding account’ up service that previously set By the middle of April this pub policy upon bookings across the up shop in the back yard on had raised more than £1,000 corona virus pandemic with the Thursdays) was back again near for their near-neighbour, the MD, John Anderson, thanking the end of May. If other pubs in Katharine House Hospice, by customers for their ongoing the Charlbury/Chippy area are asking shoppers to donate while patience and hoping they will interested in a similar service, attending the pub’s open air re-book in the future after see https://www.facebook.com/ market which is open daily from lockdown. pizzeriavelo/ Red Lion, Deddington BoT In Hawaii Back in March, Gary Ward Cheryl Huntbach recently vis- entered into a full plant-based ited the Hawaiian Islands, stay- menu for lunch and dinner here ing in Kaneohe on Oahu at the which hadn’t really got going home of North Oxfordshire before the lockdown, so his ven- overseas member Pete Blodgett. ture into take-away meals didn’t The craft ale scene is very prove as popular as he would strong on the island, with a have liked and it was quickly number of micro breweries abandoned. across the area. He had also recently bought These brewers use himself out of tie on beers and lots of local ingredients, wines to the tune of £16,000 per mainly fruit and flow- year so the 50% reduction of ers to create some really rent from April to June offered interesting and unusual by Red Oak Taverns hasn’t tastes. However, some of offered a lot of financial relief. them sure pack a punch St Austell Tribute is his reg- and can only be served in ular here supplemented by an 100ml glasses! ever changing guest ale. We I tasted as many as I wish him every success with could, with my particu- these ventures after the Covid lar favourite being a hazy, 19 shutdown. sour beer from Lanikai Horse & Groom, Caulcott Brewery, really tasty. The pub has recently started to It is a beautiful place do takeaway food and beer. The with an interesting craft food menu is online and can be beer selection, what is booked and paid for in advance, there not to love! 12 Please check with advertisers for current opening times/takeaway services Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 Singing The Praises Of Singapore Left: Little Island Brewery, nights on Batam island, Indone- a newish brewery tap in Changi village. sia. A 45 minute boat ride from Below left: Batam Fresh Singapore it is not somewhere I Beer, on Batam Island, expected to find anything decent Indonesia to drink; Bintang (Heineken) was all that was available in the serving beer. First hotel and restaurants. However, a you need to reg- quick search online found Batam ister and you are Fresh Beer, a brewpub down a given a card which dodgy back street in Batam city. you use to tap the Our taxi dropped us right out- console at the beer side and offered to stay, which font. Each font has was a bonus. The brewpub had two dispensing taps an open front and a long bar and the card then down one side, with the brewery records the amount behind and basic seating inside, of beer you pour though there wasn’t anyone in and how much it the building except the barstaff. costs, keeping a They had four beers on tap running total of your spend. You can and we started with their 5% also see how much light lager which was tasty and you’ve spent as refreshing in the hot night. Inter- the font has a dis- estingly it came in a protective play which shows cover which was freezing and the running total. helped to keep the beer cool as Unlike the UK you we sat outside in the equatori- don’t have to stick al heat. A trip to Singapore, just before to standard measures, ie pints, Next was a gimmicky green lockdown, gave me the opportu- halves etc. you can pour how lager (also 5%) and similarly tasty nity to update Beer on Tap read- much you want. and refreshing, but green! Next ers on the ups and downs of the After registering you collect a was the regular lager, a darker beer scene in the island state. glass (pint or half) and head to more malty version weighing in Although no real ale was the fonts which are on a bar in at a massive 7%, it was very good found, I’m glad to be able to front of the brewery which forms and with time running out we hit report that The Malthouse, on a backdrop to the inside. There is the 8% dark, a rich strong beer the East Coast Road, is going no bar staff, just one person who and definitely a last beer of the from strength to strength, with roams along the front of the bar night. a good selection of craft beers area assisting with any issues like Singapore is a great place to from breweries such as Fourpure, not tapping the card before try- visit with a great beer culture and Brewdog and St Austell from the ing to dispense beer! hopefully it will survive the cur- United Kingdom as well as beers There are about 12 taps which rent pandemic to serve the locals from New Zealand, Hong Kong pour a variety of styles and and tourists good beer for years and Cambodia. The “hot” news strengths from 4.2% to 7.8%, bar- to come. from the bar staff was that the ley wine, weizen, Pilsner and a Steve Lympany Crossroads brewery had ceased stout to name a its production in Singapore and few. The Rolling their beer was now contract Stones-themed brewed in Cambodia. ‘19th Nervous Although I never got the Breakdown’ was chance to try the bars in the cen- stunning! tre of town again I did get to a We also man- new brewery tap in Changi vil- aged a couple of lage. The Little Island Brewery is fairly new to the Singapore beer Right: The excellent scene and it’s making quite a digital beer list at The splash with its novel concept on Malthouse in Singapore 14 Please check with advertisers for current opening times/takeaway services Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 They might not have the charm or beauty of Chipping Norton’s Steel Ale Bliss Mill, but they are no less By Brian Jacobs (an Isle of worthy of preserving. Wight CAMRA and North However, what is left in Shef- Oxfordshire Fifth columnist) field is a large number of fine Over the last few years, two fat pubs, and 21st century Sheffield blokes and I have visited several is known for its pre-eminence European cities in an ongoing as a centre for delightful hostel- ries and cask ales. To appreciate search for the perfect beer and Three Tuns the best place to drink it. Venice, this, you need to move beyond Budapest, Barcelona, Reykjavik, downtown with its office blocks A pre-trip trawl through What the list goes on; we’ve been, and neon shrines and into the Pub? indicated that there was there, drunk there, bought the more rarefied atmosphere of its little else in the city centre to t-shirts (well, hat badges any- former industrial hinterland. A excite our wallets, so we headed way), but they don’t come much good place to start, particularly for what we correctly perceived less exotic than our latest foray if you’re visiting by train, is the to be the real ale genius loci of into the beer world, Sheffield. Sheffield Tap, which you will Sheffield, Kelham Island. In spite Modern Sheffield is rath- find on Platform 1b. This former of a certain amount of whining er more sanitised than when 1st class refreshment room for from the Banbury division, this described in the poem The Sheffield Midland Station now proved to be readily accessible Dalesman’s Litany: caters for a more eclectic clien- from the city centre at a modest tele than when it was built in 10 minutes walk away (though I’ve walked at neet through 1904, but has lost none of its ele- Sheffield loans (lanes), ‘T were there was a certain amount of gance, retaining so many of its muttering in which Uber was same as bein’ i’ Hell original features that it’s included Furnaces thrast out tongues o’ mentioned) and in less time than on CAMRA’s National Inventory it takes to get to the toilets in fire, An’ roared like t’ wind on of Historic Pub Interiors (rath- t’ fell Wetherspoons, we came upon er ironic, since it wasn’t built as the Three Tuns, a traditional In fact, the city, while mind- a pub!). There’s a microbrew- local which occupied a trian- ful of its industrial origins, is a ery on site, which you can see in gle on the corner of Silver Street little too, well, stainless. When the former dining room, and it Head. This was a place of some Jean-Paul Sartre wrote Iron in the produces Tapped Brewery beers character, with crazy angles and Soul he clearly didn’t have mod- which take their place along the intrusive overhead lights, which ern Sheffield in mind; the city’s bar among the 10 handpumps. sadly robbed the establishment recent Fathers might acknowl- The mighty 5.9% Thornbridge of much of the charm created by edge its proud steel heritage, but Jaipur IPA is always available, the crazy angles. A review of the they’ve done little to preserve it and dwarfs in strength its ever- 6 handpumps available revealed beyond Kelham Island Museum. changing brethren on the hand- little of interest, and I settled for That is unforgivable; red brick pumps, though its £4.40 pricetag, an unremarkable 4.8% Northern Victorian factory buildings might by far the largest we experienced Lights, and was glad that my not be everybody’s idea of beau- in Sheffield, reminds you that misgivings in choosing a half pint ty, but they do have a charac- Thornbridge likes to be regarded were justified. ter to them which is more pro- as an elitist brewery. Better times awaited, how- found than the glass and con- No such problem with the ever, and we made our way to crete blocks which superseded Banker’s Draft, a Wetherspoons Shakespeare’s Ale & Cider them, and they make attractive a few paces from our hotel, House in Gibraltar Street, which and solid accommodation when where a dark, well-balanced Wolf I was expecting to be a bijoux they’re tidied up and converted. Voyager 4.6% of equal merit to craft establishment, patron- Jaipur, could be obtained for a modest £1.99. I’m bound to say that this is one of the most attractive ‘Spoons I’ve visited, full of dark wood and bevelled glass screens, and sporting a magnificent wrought-iron staircase which would have graced a man- sion, or, indeed, a former bank which I’m, just guessing, mind you, this was (banker, draft beer, Sheffield Tap get it?). Shakespear’s Ale & Cider House 16 Please check with advertisers for current opening times/takeaway services Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 ised by trendy young city types. and is an island of architectural made many a toe curl. All is well followed by a journey back into How wrong I was. This little gem splendour in an otherwise fea- now, and the Neepsend Zingiber the city centre and that afore- is very much a local pub, with tureless, post industrial waste 5.2% ginger porter might not mentioned gastronomic treat, a several small rooms radiating ground. The welcoming interior have been the best of the seven McCrapburger, which left you from the central bar, complete- offers some 13 cask beers, and the beers available, but hey, we all wondering why you ever stirred ly unsullied by modern trump- friendly landlord will guide the need a bit of spice in our lives. from so fine an establishment as ery and gewgaws, and consid- uncertain punter through them. Around several corners from the Hillsborough, but endowed ered by our little enclave to be This proved to be of great ser- the Wellington, and an uncom- you with an appreciation of card- one of Sheffield’s Best and Finest. vice when we were contemplating fortable stretch for the Banbury board and wood shavings. Coming into the Shakespeare an innocuous looking wheat beer delegate, was the I have often heard tell that Fat Cat Gardner’s Rest The Harlequin was one of those old slipper which, after trying a sample at the in Neepsend Lane, but it was well Sheffield is one of the finest plac- moments, and the beer didn’t to the world with an assertive landlord’s insistence, we realised worth the walk and the whine. fortable and unpretentious local, es in the UK for a pub crawl, and disappoint either - a stunningly mural on the outside corner wall, was an example of that incompre- It’s a very tidy local with a great and, while the carpet on the I can find no fault with that opin- good pint of 8.2% Pentrich War and on the inside by a wonderful hensible modern delicacy, sour atmosphere, and the availability floor seemed a bit upmarket for ion. Where I write from on the Paint certainly added to the mel- interior, largely the same as when beer, and a mere sip stripped the of nine well-kept cask beers was Kelham Island, the pub is excel- Isle of Wight there is nowhere like lowness of the surroundings, it opened as the Kelham Tavern surface from our tongues. Now, I not to be disregarded. It was re- lent (apart from the food situa- it, and you would have to scour though I could have chosen from in 1850. If you want a fuller wouldn’t wish to offend aficiona- opened in 2009 after flooding, tion). The 5% Tapped Brew Co Oxfordshire and its neighbours another 8 beers. I’m sure they too description, you’ll do no better dos of this style by comparing it then taken over by the Gardeners IPA I tried made it worth the to find a selection of beers and would have satisfied and would than reading the one in What to the product of bleach and vin- Rest Community Society in 2017, visit, and we would perhaps have pubs half as good as Sheffield. probably have been less danger- Pub?, which informs you there’s a egar, but I’m afraid I just don’t get and now acts as the brewery tap been better advised to remain In our three days there, we bare- ous. We never did find out what range of 11 beers to choose from, it; I can’t understand why anyone for the nearby Sheffield Brewery. there than wandering aim- ly scratched the bar-top of the the Shakespeare connection was, and you’ll do no better than would drink the alcoholic equiva- Therefore, it would have been lessly around Kelham Island in multitude of exceptional pubs in though we discussed some merry selecting the excellent 5.2% rich lent of karaoke. CAMRA spent churlish to have had anything search of an establishment which Sheffield. The city itself is unre- stratagems while suffused by the and hoppy Kelham Island Pale years campaigning against sour other than a Sheffield Brewery offered a combination of good markable, but I doubt, outside of comely atmosphere, and the lady Rider, though I did make a start beer, so why drink it now? I chose beer, and the 5.8% Razor Paste pub, food and beer, and which a beer festival, you will find a bet- singing a delightful a Capello with the equally hoppy 5.9% Boss instead a 6.3% export stout, The was well-kept, rich and delightful was not one of our better ideas. ter choice of real ales anywhere, version of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both IPA Of The Dead. Anatomy of Taverns from brewers in very congenial surroundings. Neither was asking a bar door- nor such a cornucopia of out- Sides Now’ in an adjacent room. By this time, Steel Town 45 Wylam of Newcastle, which was After returning to our hotel man for advice on this issue, standing locals in which to drink This was a pub shut down by the beckoned, and many and varied an assertively rich imperial-style for respite care before the eve- rather than trusting to What them. Many of them offer a huge Punch punks in 2011, and is a were the delights found therein, stout which threatened destruc- ning assault, we reconvened at Pub, because his appreciation range of cask and craft – a better testament to the cultural divide and it would take far too long to tion to anyone’s digestion who the Banker’s Draft, and here we of these concepts clearly didn’t choice than Wetherspoons, and between pubcos and their cus- describe those of the 200+ ales I drank more than a pint. made a fatal error. It has been match ours. Let’s just draw a veil a more congenial option unless tomers – not everyone wants to sampled, most of which were of Sadly, duty called and we relin- said that one should never pass over this part of the evening and price is your guiding light – and have an evening out in a sanitised insane strength, which is the sort quished the pleasures of the up the opportunity to eat when it its associated establishments if, like me, you’re an aficionado grub pub. This establishment of strength I like. The upper bar Kelham, and made our way to presents itself, and this, indeed, which proved to be hot, crowded of stronger beers, Sheffield will should be at the top of everyone’s was of some interest, being deco- the nearby Ship Inn at Shales- proved to be the case. While and lacking in charm, and move indulge you. list of must-try-pubs in Sheffield; rated throughout in cream glazed more, with its handsome glazed Wetherspoon’s food might not be instead to the final stop on our Unspoilt backstreet locals might you will find no better. industrial bricks, and, subse- tile elevations. Inside, however, cordon bleu, it is acceptable, and tour (for which we did actually not be everyone’s Nirvana, but The next day we headed back quently, by Roger Protz, there to it’s a modern, shabby chic bar was available at the right time follow someone’s recommenda- they are inherently and unique- to Kelham Island to engage in sign books and host a session on with somewhat intrusive music, and place. Which is more than tion), which, although it wasn’t ly British, and no grub pub or the Steel Town 45, Sheffield’s how to come up with pretentious clearly aimed at young profes- can be said of the Macburger we on our list of must-see pubs, was neon palace will ever match them astonishingly successful real ale beer tasting notes. sionals and maybe not at any itin- elected for at the other end of the a commendable and fitting con- for atmosphere and convivial- and cider festival. Since we were The following day, our final erant steel workers remaining in evening, which fulfilled none of clusion to our time in Sheffield. ity. Like a fine piece of art, they early for the Festival, and, indeed, one, was scheduled as pub explo- Sheffield. It’s by no means a bad those requirements, and to what A short tram ride from the are delightfully subtle and under- many of the local establishments, ration day, and we began it by pub, but maybe less to our taste extent I am prevented by the laws Wellington, which we’d redis- stated, and require a depth of I wiled away a pleasant hour at convening at a former CAMRA than others in the area, A mod- of defamation from commenting covered by accident as part of taste and perception to appreci- the Kelham Island Museum (in National Pub of the Year and est three beers were available, and on. Other members of our party, our frustrated quest for food, ate which emanate from the good the grounds of which the Festival regular regional and local win- the 4.3% Welbeck Abbey Harley, feeling that the lure of alternative was the Hillsborough Hotel beer and company you will find was being held) and learned ner, the Kelham Island Tavern. a Champion Beer of Britain final- pub food was a more attractive in Langsett Road, a splendid- in them. much about the noble industrial It was spared demolition in 2002, ist in 2018, was pleasant but none option than ‘Spoons elected to ly modest traditional hotel bar history of Sheffield. too memorable, rather like most return to Kelham Island, where with friendly atmosphere and bar As the queue for the Steel 4.3% beers. the Harlequin in Nursery Street staff. With a mere 7 cask beers Town 45 was clearly long enough The nearby Wellington is a held out such a promise, and on offer it was a bit of a laggard to waste good beer-drinking multi-roomed traditional local might well have fulfilled it had in the Sheffield Stakes (how dif- time, I joined the two fat blokes with a relaxing atmosphere and their curfew on food not finished ferent your standards become at Kelham Island Brewery’s Tap, is the main outlet for Neepsend 5 minutes before we arrived. when you’re surrounded by a the Fat Cat just around the cor- beers which are brewed nearby. The Harlequin is run by Exit finer selection of pubs than you ner from the Museum and adja- It seems to have recovered well 33 Brewing and offers 10 cask ever dreamt of), but when one of cent, unsurprisingly, to the from an unfortunate name change beers along with a shedload of them is the excellent 5.5% North Brewery. The Fat Cat sits astride between 1993 and 2005 to the other delights like real cider and Riding US IPA, who can com- a corner and announces itself Kelham Island Tavern Cask & Cutler, which, I suspect, bottled craft beers. It’s a com- plain? Especially when it was Hillsborough Hotel 18 Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 with latest details of takeaways Local Brewery News and delivery options Hook Norton We have received the following statement from James Clarke, Managing Director of Hook Norton Brewery with regard to the latest news: “I wanted to give an update on what is happening at Hooky. Since the pub closures were announced in March, we have understandably had to scale back operations significantly, and have furloughed 90% of our staff. We have been brewing small THE SALFORD INN runs of beer, and this is mainly for bottling, as our online sales have seen growth, as has our col- LOWER END, SALFORD, OX7 5YW lection facility here. It is impor- we have Off The Hook IPA, tant we try to keep a brew or two Ironstone Lager, Red Rye, Tel: 01608 642631 a week going, so that our yeast Crafty Fox, E.S.A Spruce and supply is maintained. Cotswold Pale now in a 440ml At the brewery, we are look- can to name but a few with Email: [email protected] ing to re-open the brewery shop more to come. and will continue with our order In the meantime, we remain Book direct at www.thesalford.co.uk for a 2.5% discount online click and collect service at your service, and look for- (bottled beers, cider, lager, wine ward to the day we can catch and spirits) as well as local and up in person, in the pub. Until UK deliveries to your door(step). then, stay well and stay safe. The George Inn, Lower St, Barford St Michael Telephone: We are working with our pubs Cheers.” Banbury OX15 0RH 01869 338160 to prepare for their re-opening Excellent news! The Hooky brewery shop is with all the challenges of social now open Tuesday–Saturday 9–5. Full range distancing and staff and custom- of our beers, cider, wines, spirits, merchandise er safety that brings. It will be a and food. Social distancing measures will new pub experience but one that be in place (entry and exit doors, arrows to we hope we can deliver so that guide you, limit of 10 people in the shop, one everyone gets to enjoy a pint of person per household) beer in or outside their local. Gardens are being prepared and we’re looking into at table ordering apps to help give the best and safest customer experience. We are still brewing, more and Following a complete A charming 17th Century thatched pub and RESTAURANT HOURS more each week, as we ramp up guesthouse in Barford St Michael, not far from refurbishment in 2017 and production so we are good to Mon–Fri: 12–3pm, 5:30–9:30pm now under new ownership and Oxford on the edge of the Cotswolds Saturday: 12–10pm management, The George Inn go as soon as we get the word Sunday: 12–6pm brings to life the true essence of that pubs can re-open. We are a country pub, serving a broad supplying cask, keg and bottled BAR HOURS variety of delicious food. beer to those pubs that are offer- Mon–Sat: 10am–Midnight ing a takeaway service and have Sunday: 12–10:30pm Our head chef has created a variety of dishes that focus on replaced our seasonal Brewers 20p off ales for CAMRA members local, sustainable and, above all, (on presentation of card) Choice Cask range with a new quality ingredients. bottled range. [email protected] From classic pub dishes and We’ve got some fantastic new traditional Sunday roasts, to new beers, all available in bottles, https://thegeorgebarford.co.uk favourites with a modern twist, there’s something delicious for alongside the regular favour- DRINK • EAT • STAY every taste. ites of Hooky, Hooky Gold and Old Hooky. New to the range 20 Please check with advertisers for current opening times/takeaway services Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 Wriggly Monkey Sadly, since March, the Tap Room and brewery premises have been closed to the public – but they are offering a delivery service. Visit https://www. wrigglymonkeybrewery.com/ covid-19-update for details of the postcodes they offer free delivery to (which may be expanded over time), though they can deliver sale – check out their site at nationally if requested (email for https://loddonbrewery.com/. details). Beers on sale at the time of Their current beers avail- writing were 6-Pack Session able on their online shop are: Blonde (4.2%), along with reg- Ambassador (5.5% IPA – their ulars Citra Quad (Session newest brew); Charabanc (5.3% IPA 4.4%), Notus (APA 4.7%), Ruby Ale); Full Tilt (4.2% Amber Reading Best (golden 4%), Ale); and Super Sports (3.2% Ferryman’s Gold (4.4% on Very Pale Ale). Gullwing (4% draught), Hoppit (3.5% on Lager) may also be in stock. draught), Hullabaloo (best bit- Depending on stocks, the ter 4.2% on draught) and Hocus beers may be available in a range Pocus (old ale 4.6% on draught). of quantities to suit one’s thirst; choose from 6 x 500 ml. bottles, Little Oxbrew 12 x 500 ml. bottles, and a 3, 5 or Brewing still carries on apace 10 Litre Bag-in-Box. here, and their free delivery Their online shop also sells can visit Fri–Sun 11am–3pm service (within 15 miles of the 75cl bottles of wine (rosé, white, for takeaways of Tropical Daze brewery) is very popular in red or crémant sparkling), bot- (NEIPA 5.9%), Saison (5.5%), north and mid-Oxfordshire. tles of No Brainer Cider Session IPA (West Coast IPA Postcodes OX5, OX7, OX18, from Cotswold Cider Compa- 4.4%) and Pilot IPA (5%). Cans OX20, OX25, OX26, OX27, ny, cans of San Pellegrino orange and growlers available. OX28, OX29 get their beer on and lemon, Coke or Diet Coke They also deliver (email Thursday, postcodes OX1, OX2, CAMRA North Oxon Branch as well as snacks from Chiltern OX3, OX4, OX10, OX11, OX12, Pub of the Year 2002, 2003, [email protected] Artisan Beef Biltong, Two Farm- or call 07984 308 670 for costs) OX13, OX14, OX33, OX44, SN7 2006, 2009 & 2018 ers Salt & Apple Vinegar Crisps, Celebrating 31 consecutive years in for cans (£2.25) or 3.5pt growl- get theirs on Friday. CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide Snaffling Pig Pork Scratch- ers (£15 plus £5 deposite). Beers can now be purchased ings, Brave Roasted Peas and Check latest details at https:// in 2-litre bottles (which is their Market Street, Charlbury, Oxon OX7 3PL • Tel: 01608 810103 Roasted Chickpeas. www.elementsbrewery.co.uk/ preference for customers). The range will change as Loddon items sell through. At the time Chris at Loddon has been busy of writing they had Oxford during the lockdown period and Pilsner (5%), Wishing Well West is reporting that he’s currently Coast IPA (a deceptive 5.4%), out of bottles, so business must be good. Cask ales are still on

TAKE AWAY SERVICE FOR DRINKS, PUB SNACKS, ETC., DURING LOCKDOWN www.roseandcrown. Service at the window next to the side door in Market Street between 4pm and 8pm. charlbury.com Elements Brewing Co. Call 01608 810103 if you’d like takeaways outside those hours and we’ll see what we Email: [email protected] can do. Usually three or four real ales, along with traditional and keg cider, lagers and Although the tap room at this craft beer (please bring your own containers if possible as cartons are in short supply. newish craft beer micro at the Wines also available. Customers can pay with cash, a credit/debit card or contactless. OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am; Please respect the 2-metre rule of social distancing if there’s a small queue. Sat: 11am–1am Upton Smokery site west of Burford remains closed, you

22 Please check with advertisers for current opening times/takeaway services Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 the tasty and moorish Dark & and in 5-litre mini-kegs – Hop able to come to the brewery, Seedy Vanilla Stout (5.5%) and Kitty, XT3, NEPA, Squid Ink, you can shop online and get the excellent Yabba Dabby Doo Crowned Pigeon. it delivered by courier (rates IPA (4.8%). This is on top of See http://xtbrewing.com/ apply). bottles of the Imperial Toad (a (and their Facebook page) for Wychwood’s range has grown not-for-the-faint-hearted 9.8% up-to-date details. lately to now include Hobgoblin Imperial Stout). Ruby (4.5% can/5.2% bottle), Check out the site at https:// Wychwood (Hobgoblin) Hobgoblin IPA (5%/5.3%), King littleoxbrewery.co.uk/ for details If you’re local, you can visit the Goblin (6.6%), Dry Neck (gold- of brews on sale. brewery shop (social distanc- en 4%), Shy Giant (US hopped Our new brewplant is now ing measures are in place) or amber 4.7%), Diceman (stout up and running to offer discerning Purity you can save time and hassle 5%), 5 Head (session IPA 3.6%) ale drinkers greater access to Just over the Warwickshire bor- by using their click and collect and Fire Catcher (golden 3.5%). der, Purity are also still brewing service (order online and choose See https://www.wychwood. Turpin Brewery’s beers, including so you should check out their click and collect in the checkout co.uk/shop/ the multi-awardwinning shop at https://puritybrewing. so your order can be prepared You can also sign in at the Golden Citrus. com/online-shop/ and made ready for you). brewery’s ‘Armchair Arms’ at At the time of writing they https://www.wychwood.co.uk/ We are now looking for new were selling six ales in mini armchair-arms/ to take part in casks (as well as bottles or cans). their pub quiz and play games. outlets. Please call or email us £18.50–£20.50 plus delivery for for details. 8.8 pints (note that mini kegs Church Hanbrewery need to be consumed within Christian and Luciana have three days of opening). reported that they are selling 01608 737033 beer from their brewery in New [email protected] Yatt. They have bottles and growlers, or you can have your own containers filled. Call or email them (see https://www.churchhanbrew- ery.com/contact) or visit their Facebook page for prices and their current beer range. At The Duck on the Pond the time of writing their beers on sale were A Beer 4 Doug South Newington (smoked porter 5.3%), Golden Tel: 01295 721166 XT Abbey (Belgian abbey style [email protected] www.duckonthepond.co.uk 4.8%), Witty Bea (wheat beer You can call in to collect (deliv- 5%) and Teardrop Citra (single eries are currently only to the They also offer a call and collect service. Call them on hop ale 4.2%). A year into our tenure at the Duck on the Pond south of our Branch area). Beers on sale at the time of 01993 890800 and 17th century country pub with oak beams, writing were: In bottle – XT3, choose Option 1, stone walls and a warm welcome XT4, Red Herring (for the Hop place the order and pay over the Cask ales – regularly changing Kitty fans), Rabbit, Lager, phone, so they Welcoming fires Squid Ink; can prepare your order to collect Bar & restaurant menus (they can even Home-made breads deliver it to your car if you call Country setting with local walks when you arrive Dog friendly on 01993 890800 and choose Three real ales on tap – usually including one from the Option 1). For Hook Norton Brewery. Focus on the local small breweries such The new kitchen team is focussing on those who aren’t producing high quality food with local as Flying Monk and North Cotswold Brewery but we often have Takeaway beer range the ever-popular Cornish ales game coming in for the autumn/winter menus (plus bottles and We also stock the Cotswold lagers growlers) at the Church Hanbrewery tap

24 Please check with advertisers for current opening times/takeaway services Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LOWER WARDINGTON & CROPREDY CIRCULAR WALK I I I A361 to I To Oxford I I I I Chipping By Keith Rigley I Claydon Canal I I I I Warden I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I River Cherwell I Broadmoor I I I A361 I I Bridge I I I Prescote Manor I I I I I Farm I I I I I I I I I I I I START: I I I I Cropredy Beer on Tap Pub Walks I I Hare & I

I I Marina I

I Great views, open fields and canal towpaths and three nice, friendly pubs I Hounds I

I Distance: Just over 4.5 miles. side of a clump of isolated trees in 151 then keep straight on into I I

2½ I Allow around hours. the field towards a small wooden Cropredy where you will see the I To I

I I Mollington I bridge over a stream on the far Red Lion pub on your right ahead I I Map: OS Explorer 206. I Prescote I Red

I I Manor side of the field. However, on our of you. I I Lion I

I Parking: The Hare & Hounds has I I

I research trip, this path was not To continue the walk keep on I CropredyI I

I limited parking, otherwise park in I

I I Wardington easy to see, so if you miss the past the Red Lion then, where I I Lower I

I the street off the A361. I House

I path, simply keep along the field the road bends to the right, go I I Wardington

I Walk up to the junction with the I I edge, walk around to the left in through a gate on your left to I I

A361 and turn left, in the direc- I the far corner of the field, go past I enter the churchyard and follow I I Cropredy I

I tion of Banbury. Keep walking I Francis Tuthill two gaps in the hedge next to the I Bridge NOTE: At the time of writing, the Brasenose the path with a stone wall on I

I I Garage I

I along the left side of the road as I Arms in Cropredy is offering a takeaway service field edge and you will soon find I the right to exit at another gate, I

I it meanders through the village I for beers (bring your own container) as well as I

the small wooden bridge with a where you are now in Church I BrasenoseI

I to eventually see a stone arch on I meals – see their Facebook page at https://www.

hand-rail which crosses a stream. Lane. Walk up to a t-junction at I Arms

I I facebook.com/BrasenoseArms/ for details. the opposite side of the road. You I

After crossing the bridge you the end of the lane and turn left I

I A361

I need to cross the road here and I

I head diagonally left to cross the (High Street) then fork left along I River I Oxford

I walk up a slope up a road just I Canal Cherwell I

next field along a well-trodden a footpath to pass Mulberry Café. I

I past the stone arch (this is sign- I Upper I

path now aiming for Cropredy’s Keep left again, and you will see I

I posted to Francis Tuthill Ltd). I Wardington

church tower in the distance. Go the Brasenose Arms ahead of you I

I To A361 to

ToI Great

I I Banbury Keep on past a house up the through a gap in the hedgerow on the opposite side of the road. BourtonI Williamscot

slope then, on reaching the work- on the far left side of the field to To continue the walk, go past I

I I

I Landlord and Doom Bar was on

on in I the same general direction (Note that just before the gate is I

shops of Francis Tuthill, you need cross another bridge with a hand- the Brasenose Arms and fork left I

I I

I offer on our last visit. I

to walkI up a slope across a field. a metal plaque set in the ground. I

to pass to the right of the build- rail and head diagonally left, now I into The Plantation. Follow this I

I Hare & Hounds, Edgecote Lane,

I I

Go throughI a gap in the far side I’ve tried to work out what it’s all I ings ahead. On our research walk aiming to a point to the left of the I

road, ignoring left turns to Vicar- I Lower Wardington OX17 1SH.

I I

to enterI another field where you about, but I still don’t have a clue.) I

there was a temporary re-routing I Tel: (01295) 750645. www.

church tower ahead. The path in age Gardens and Roundbottom, I

I I of the footpath here where we this field bends round to the right and keep along the road where it needI to follow a well-trodden Carefully cross the A361 here hareandhoundswardington.co.uk. needed to follow some red and near the centre of the field and bends to the right then crosses a path that heads towards the right- and turn right on the opposite Open: Mon–Thur noon–11pm, Fri noon–midnight, Sat 11.30am–mid- white tape along the edge of the now heads into the far right cor- brick bridge over the canal (take side hedgerow just over halfway side to walk along the narrow along the edge of the field. Keep verge into Lower Wardington night, Sun 11.30am–10pm. Food: garage’s car park. After follow- ner of the field. the pedestrian path on the left 12–3pm & 6–9pm. Popular and ing the temporary path you soon In the corner of the field, cross side of the bridge). At the Bridge on walking down the hill, heading where the pub is soon on the left. friendly Hook Norton community walk right up to the wall of the a bridge, go through a gate and Store, cross the road and walk for the trees ahead. Pubs on Walk Route pub at the north end of the village. workshop where you need to turn then head off slightly diagonally down a slope to the canal tow- Cross a narrow tarmac farm with pre-Covid opening times right to follow the wall along a right aiming to the right of a tel- track and keep on into the trees path, then double-back to walk Red Lion 8 Red Lion Street, muddy track which soon passes a egraph pole then follow the right- under the bridge (Bridge 153). where you are now on a route Cropredy OX17 1PB. Tel: (01295) yard with huts. side field edge. On your right you Now follow the towpath on called the Seven Shires Way. Go 758680. https://redlioncropredy- Leaving the garage buildings will now see the River Cherwell the right side of the canal as it over a bridge, through some tall pub.co.uk. Open: Mon 5–11pm, behind, go through a gate and and farm buildings on the oppo- leaves Cropredy, then later passes trees and then keep on along a Tue–Thur noon–11pm, Fri/Sat head on in the same general farm track as you leave the trees noon–midnight, Sun noon–9pm. site bank. After following the field the two pools of the marina on Food: Tue–Sat noon–2.30pm, direction, walking along the right- edge around to the right you need the opposite side. Eventually you behind. From here, you simply Sun noon–3pm. Lovely, comfort- side edge of a field. In the far cor- to go through a gate on your right will walk past a house and under need to walk up the slope ahead, able thatched Enterprise house ner, go through another gate and to cross a wide bridge then turn Bridge 150, where you need to always keeping the hedgerow on with three ales (Otter Ale, Fuller’s again walk in the same general your left, ignoring any paths that London Pride and Brain’s Reverend The Red Lion (above) and the Brasenose Arms left on a farm track before reach- walk up a slope to leave the canal in Cropredy direction on the right-side edge of ing a stone wall. just before Broadmoor Lock. On head off to the right. James) on last visit. Brasenose Arms, Station Road, the next field as it heads downhill Follow this lovely peaceful walking up to a single-track road, Eventually you will reach the Cropredy OX17 1PW. Tel: (01295) into the valley ahead. farm track as it crosses a stream turn left to walk away from the top of the slope where you enter 750244. www.brasenosearms. On reaching a copse of trees, and then bends round to the left canal past some sculpture studios. a field where there’s evidence of com. Open: Sun–Thur noon–mid- ignore a track that leads off on to run parallel with the Oxford Keep on along this road, cross a some old ‘ridge and furrow’ farm- night, Fri/Sat noon–1.30am. Food: your right, and go straight on Canal. Ignore a gate on your right wide stream then, where it bends land. Again, keep straight on here Apr–Oct noon–3pm & 6–9pm (Sun 8pm), Nov–Mar noon–2pm to now keep the trees on your which gives access to the canal to the left, turn right to walk always keeping to the left-hand & 6–8pm. Another old, rambling right. Soon you might see a track and follow the farm track all the along a bridleway which is way- field edge and walk into the far Enterprise house which hosts regu- which goes off diagonally left way up to a brick bridge over the marked ‘Cropredy Circular Walk’. left corner where you go through lar music evenings. Hooky, Hooky across the field to pass the right canal (Bridge 152). Cross Bridge On reaching a field, keep straight a gate to join the main A361. Outside Half, Timothy Taylor’s 26 Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 By Brian Jacobs Brummie pubs, with an exterior ed their Millennium pale, a 6% tional bottled beers. No food, but (from Isle of Wight Branch) and interior in keeping with the hoppy amber beer with dam- you’re welcome to consume your Second City Thirsts nearby Alexandra Theatre. The son and grapefruit notes. It’s a own on the premises, which isn’t As your beer drinking experience Right: The Anchor outside does indeed look like a bit of a step up the hill from the a bad deal when you consider the increases, so does your selectiv- stage set, a confection of ren- main road, but this is a pub well unimpressive offerings of most ity for what you drink and where could be said of dered brick and wrought iron, worth the climb, and it holds its pubs. On this occasion, I had a you drink it. This is hardly news the interior of the while the interior is everyone’s head up well among the plethora 5.8% rich amber bitter beer from to the CAMRA clan, but, even dire GBG phone idea of 19th century chic. Neither of top class boozers in the area, the excellent Loddon Brewery within that hallowed community, app, but let’s not does the beer disappoint; there several of which we pass on our near Reading. there are degrees of tolerance; go into that (and are eight real ales on offer, most- way to the Post Office Vaults, A short walk past New Street I even know one or two who I advise you not ly from microbreweries, and the because, well, if we’d stopped station and up Bennetts Hill wouldn’t turn their noses up to). And the inte- Electric Bear Changing Lanes at all of them I’d have needed a brings you to another Black at Doombah or Courage Pest. rior is, indeed, a I tried was fruity and hoppy. I week, an industrial strength liver Country Ales pub, offering However, there is general consent gem; it contains followed it with Blind Monkey and a wheelchair. the finest selection of beers in that the wider the choice of beer a public bar and Contrast, a 4.9% IPA, both beers The GBG-listed Post Office Birmingham. The Wellington and bars the better, and certain smoke room, both in excellent condition. Vaults is a must-see for any has 16 beers and three ciders towns and cities are undoubtedly tiled in Minton The 19th century idea of a water Across the road and up the trip to Birmingham. It is what it to tempt you, displayed on TV noteworthy not only for offering glazed tiles, the bar, its back and feature was something like the hill is the Craven Arms; with says – the old cellars of the Post screens, and it’s almost like a both but are jolly pleasant envi- the heating pipe footrests, are Anchor, our next watering hole its lovely glazed tile elevations, Office, so you won’t be surprised permanent beer festival. It also ronments in which to indulge original, and the etched glass- some 15 minutes’ walk distant. it has undergone a few chang- to find that it’s underground, has the advantage of being but a these beneficences. Such a place work is a delight. In short, there On the way, we pass another es in recent years. It’s current- and consequently is frustratingly short stagger (and a downhill one is our splendid second city, are few finer places in which the lonely outpost of Victorian civici- ly in the possession of Black easy to walk by! However, your at that) to New Street Station, a Birmingham, knocking on the ale and architecture connoisseur sation, the Eagle & Tun, though, Country Traditional Inns who diligence will reward you with a singular advantage by this stage door of North Oxfordshire, and a could enjoy an impressive range on this occasion, we continue have tastefully refurbished the wet-led pub of some character in your pub crawl, though navi- doddle to get to. of eight cask beers. with the passing bit, as greater Victorian interior and supplied providing up to eight cask beers, gating the Station is a formidable Brum might not immediately It’s listed status is probably joys await us. several of the 11 beers on offer 10 ciders and perries and a stun- task; not impossible, as I can per- come to mind as such a candi- why the pub and the building The Anchor, once again a from its own brewery. I select- ning range of over 200 interna- sonally verify, after a such a ses- date, but, if you look beyond the opposite, the former Principal Victorian red brick delight, architectural joke of the Bullring, Building of the London- stands on the corner of Bradford undoubtedly inspired by a bad Birmingham Railway Terminus, Street and Rea Street. There are day at the golf range, there is stand alone like sentinels in a two bars, separated by a hand- considerable merit in the city’s modern-day abortion of town some, wood panelled screen, Victorian buildings. An example, planning. Where once was an serving five cask beers from and a good kicking-off place for elegant and appropriate Victorian local microbreweries, includ- a pub tour around the city (on townscape are now ill-conceived ing Church End and Wye Valley. the basis that it’s safer to start at fountains and featureless park- The magnificent arched lead- the farthest point from the sta- land, a prime example (as if the ed windows are best appreciat- tion and work your way back, Bullring wasn’t evidence enough) ed from the outside Unlike the albeit in a serpentine manner), of why town planning should Woodman, it does keep company is the Grade II listed Woodman never be left to town planners, with other 19th century buildings at the end of New Canal Street, who generally exhibit as much in the locality, and we admire which is on CAMRA’s National talent for architectural harmo- these on our way to the Victoria. Inventory of Historic Pub ny as Brian Blessed for making The Victoria, in John Bright Interiors. Would that the same an album of Frankie Valli covers. Street, is one of my favourite Above: Craven Arms. Below: Post Office Vaults Above: The Wellington. Below: A North Oxon undesirable!

Above: Woodman. Right: The Victoria

28 Beer on Tap – Summer 2020 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 nationals, as well as two ciders. Join up, join in, Although Nicholsons is a chain, their pubs, in my experience, are always well turned-out, tra- join the campaign ditional and atmospheric. And from the Old Contemptibles, From it’s only a short stagger to Snow as little as Protect the traditions of great Hill Station, which is consider- † ably easier to navigate after a fine £26.50 British pubs and everything that skinful than New Street, which is a year. That’s less goes with them by joining today

not designed for the old, feeble or than a pint a inebriated. month! at www.camra.org.uk/joinup ✂ So that’s my selection of Brummie pubs – there are plenty Or enter your details and complete the Direct Debit form below and you will receive more to choose from of, I’m sure, 15 months membership for the price of 12 and save £2 on your membership subscription equal quality and merit, but these represent a good cross-section, Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, and the tour avoids the city cen- visit www.camra.org.uk/joinup, or call 01727 798440.* All forms should be addressed to tre booze factories which, while Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW. they might offer a great selec- Your details: Direct Debit Non DD tion of beers, aren’t necessar- Single Membership (UK) £26.50 £28.50 Above: Old Joint Stock Title ...... Surname ...... ily for the sensitive. Most of the Under 26 Membership £18 £20 sion. Above all, it’s a good tradi- ports the Locale scheme, there pubs in this review aren’t grub Forename(s) ...... tional boozer, no food, no chintz, are two or three guest beers. pubs, and it’s a refreshing change Joint Membership £31.50 £33.50 just a bit of sports TV to put up There’s also live entertainment Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ...... (At the same address) to enjoy a decent pint without Joint Under 26 Membership £23 £25 with – and we did spot a celeb- throughout the year, though for- the miasma of steak and onions. Address ...... rity here, virtuoso cellist Julian tunately not when I visited. Live Please indicate whether you wish to receive Birmingham might not be unsur- ...... Lloyd-Webber, who was unim- music is great, but sometimes passed for ale, architecture and What’s Brewing and BEER b y e m a i l O R p o s t : pressed when I said I had an LP you just want to talk and tipple...... Postcode ...... What’s Brewing BEER environment, and there is the By Email By Post By Email By Post of his; well, he’s not so young as It’s hard to follow the opulence hideous Bullring to contend with, Email address ...... he looks. It’s GBG listed, so you of the Old Joint Stock, but there but I can think of few other plac- Concessionary rates are available only for Under know the beers, in spite of their is one more pub worth visiting Daytime Tel ...... 26 Memberships. es that are as easy to get to, and I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and number and variety, are going to nearby (actually, there are several, offer such a plethora of distinc- be good. And if you want some- agree to abide by the Memorandum and but I had to admit defeat by this tive, well-kept beers, and pubs in Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) Articles of Association which can be found on thing more substantial to eat time), and that’s the Nicholson- which to savour them. Better still, our website. than peanuts and crisps, exit the owned Old Contemptibles, Title ...... Surname ...... Wellington, go down the adjoin- it’s right on your doorstep, so get Signed ...... round the corner in Edmund out your railcard, get on the train Forename(s) ...... ing side passage, and you arrive at Street. Nicholsons (aka Mitchell Date ...... and get stuck in – you won’t be Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ...... Applications will be processed within 21 days. possibly the most magnificent pub & Butlers) can always be relied in Brum, the Grade II listed Old disappointed! on for a decent pub, and Instruction to your Bank or Joint Stock, owned by Fullers’. this one is no excep- It will come as no surprise to Building Society to pay by Direct Debit tion. It sports a long pan- This Guarantee should be detached note that it was formerly a bank, Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: and retained by the payer. elled bar, and a delight- Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road St. Albans, Herts AL1 4LW and its heritage is all around you, The Direct Debit Guarantee ful snug at the back. Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User Number l This Guarantee is offered by all banks from the magnificent cupola to and building societies that accept While not so impressive To the Manager Bank or Building Society the busts which adorn the top of 926129 instructions to pay by Direct Debits as the Joint Stock, it has a l If there are any changes to the amount, the walls. Its grandeur rivals the Address FOR CAMRA OFFICIAL USE ONLY date or frequency of your Direct Debit much more comfortable The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd will notify best of the London gin palaces, This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society and intimate feel, and you 10 working days in advance of your and it truly is a delight to drink Membership Number account being debited or as otherwise sports an ever-chang- agreed. If you request The Campaign in. Apart from Fullers’ excellent Postcode Name for Real Ale Ltd to collect a payment, ing portfolio of seven confirmation of the amount and date range of bottled beers, there are Name(s) of Account Holder Postcode will be given to you at the time of seven real ales of the standard beers from micros and the request Instructions to your Bank or Building Society l If an error is made in the payment of one expects from Fullers’, with the your Direct Debit by The Campaign Bank or Building Society Account Number Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits added bonus that, as the pub sup- Right: Old Contemptibles from the account detailed on this instruction subject to for Real Ale Ltd or your bank or the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I building society, you are entitled to understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or Branch Sort Code For Real Ale Limited and, if so, will be passed electronically The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2020 to my Bank/Building Society. building society l If you receive a refund you are not Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Signature(s) entitled to, you must pay it back Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Reference when The Campaign Real Ale Ltd asks you to North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. 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