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Issue 65 – Summer 2016 FREE – Please take one

Magazine of North Branch of CAMRA

Banbury Beer & Cider Festival

AND C dition and enable the November Dates R ID customers to stay E E E R B comfortable too.

F By now I am sure that you will exciting opportunity to Y Because the out- E R have realised that the regular offer a different festival S side temperature T U

date for the Beer & theme.Our usual focus I

B will discourage

V A

Cider Festival has passed without is on a specific region’s N outside drinking L the usual annual extravaganza beers, and in 2015 it A the overall peri- taking place, don’t worry you was Wales. For 2016 B od of the festival haven’t missed it we have moved the theme will be win- will be just two the festival to a new date in ter beers which many days (Friday and November. breweries produce. 2 Saturday) rather The new dates will be 18th We will be facing up to 0 1 6 than the usual three and 19th November at the the challenge that the low days. Volunteer Reserve Centre, temperatures present and heat- Whilst CAMRA have a Road, Banbury. ing for the venue will be provid- national winter festival, the The change of date gives us an ed to keep the beer in good con- Branches often neglect this time of year so we are expecting Horse & Groom, Caulcott Is many ale lovers to take advan- tage of the timing of the festi- North Oxon Branch POTY Again val to get their fix in November The North Oxon when the festival calendar is not CAMRA 2016 Pub as busy as the summer months. of the Year is the The scaling back of the open- Horse & Groom at ing times will allow the many Caulcott as voted volunteers to have a little more by members of the time to sample the beers as Branch. Second was well as serve them, but the the Peyton Arms, usual cheese and beer match- and third ing should be well attended too. was the White Lion A new speciality will also be on Fewcott. offer, mulled cider should prove A small group of popular if the beer overcoat is Branch members not thick enough for the outside joined the pub’s locals on Friday their POTY for the second temperatures. 6th May for the presentation of time in his tenure and said that For those wishing to help with the award. The certificate was this time was extra special. He organising/running the festival, presented to Jerome & Stacey by then placed the certificate on we’re holding the next meeting Branch Chairman Geraint Jones the wall above the fireplace. of the organising committee on (left in photo), who explained He very kindly gave members a 6th June at the Three Pigeons in the voting process during his free pint on arrival and after the Banbury. Everyone is welcome. speech and praised the pub. presentation produced bowls of The 2017 Festival returns to In response Jerome thanked chopped sausages for the hun- its usual date on the first week- the Branch for making his pub gry to tuck into. end in May at the TA Centre. Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ Terms and Conditions: All prices and offers are subject to change. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

www.roseandcrown.charlbury.com Email: [email protected] Market Street Charlbury Oxon OX7 3PL Tel: 01608 810103 OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am Sat: 11am–1am BREW MONDAYS – All real ales FORTHCOMING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS £2.50, all day, every Monday See www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub • Up to seven quality real ales, two traditional as there are sometimes gigs at short notice ciders and a traditional perry Sat 11th June ROBIN AULD www.robinauld.co.za • Hoegaarden Belgian White Beer and Sat 18th June Shipyard American Pale Ale craft beers on SOUL ON THE WOLD DJ night draught Sat 25th June WILL KILLEEN • Good selection of English fruit wines http://willkilleen.weebly.com Sat 6th August • Pleasant courtyard drinking area MUDSLIDE MORRIS www.reverbnation.com/ • We serve on average 40 different guest mudslidemorris beers per month, produced mostly by Sat 20th Aug microbreweries from all four corners AGS CONNOLLY of the UK http://agsconnolly.com See website for other gigs North Oxon CAMRA Pub of the Regular VINYL NIGHTS – see window posters for details Year 2002, 2003, 2006 & 2009

Celebrating 27 continuous years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide

2 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 North Oxfordshire CAMRA AGM 2016 This year’s Branch AGM will for any contested posts – and • Membership Secretary be held in The Fox, Chipping there’s no reason why some • Branch Contact Norton on Monday 11th July, positions can’t be shared if • Pubs Protection Officer 8pm. At the meeting we need that’s appropriate. • Pub Campaigns Co-ordinator to assemble the Committee There are certain key posi- • Pubs Database Co-ordinator responsible for running the tions which must be appointed • Beer Festival Organiser Branch during the coming year. for the branch to function, and • Beer on Tap Editor We’re always keen to involve a risk that the Branch might be • Beer on Tap advertising editor new faces who can inject some disbanded if the roles are not • Social Secretary new energy, so for anyone out filled. In particular we know • Cider/Perry Officer there who’d like to take up a we will need to appoint a new • Public Affairs Officer more active role in the cam- Chairman at this meeting since • Press & Publicity Officer paign, please don’t be shy. the current Chairman will be • Webmaster A list of all the positions to be standing down. • Young Person’s officer appointed on the night at the Let someone on the Commit- end of this article. In many cases tee know if you’d like any more Branch Diary the current holder of a post may information about any of the All meetings start 8pm, other events be willing to continue in their following roles: start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn role (dependable stalwarts of the • Chairman Baldwin (07790) 118341. Branch that they are), though • Vice Chairman JUNE that doesn’t prevent anyone else • Secretary Mon 6th: Banbury Winter Beer and from standing – we’d take a vote • Treasurer Cider Festival planning meeting. 8.15pm. Venue Three Pigeons, Banbury. Planning Application News JULY n Mon 11: North Oxfordshire The application for change to replace signage at the CAMRA Branch AGM. 8pm, The of use to residential at The front and fit a satellite dish Fox, Chipping Norton. See article Plough, Upper (Cherwell 16/00478/LB) above. was approved as the council n Marlborough Arms, Banbury NOVEMBER concluded that it was unlikely – outline application to con- Fri 18 & Sat 19: Banbury Winter to be able to be made viable. vert to flats was withdrawn. Beer & Cider Festival. Banbury n Amended plans for demoli- n Oxfordshire Arms, Heathfield Volunteer Centre (TA Centre), Oxford Road. See article on front tion of the George & Dragon, – application to convert page. and replacement with hotel block into housing was See Diary page online for latest info a new village hall and housing approved. at www.northoxon.camra.org.uk/ were approved. BrianWray n Pheasant Pluckers/Bishop Blaize, : Appeal CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List against refusal to use the con- verted bottle store as a sepa- Email addresses are followed by northoxon.camra.org.uk/ TREASURER rate dwelling (as opposed to CHAIRMAN Geraint Jones the holiday let for which it has chairman@ geraint@ Simon Whitehead treasurer@ VICE-CHAIRMAN simon@ permission) was dismissed. MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY n Merrymouth Inn, Fifield: Lynne Baldwin vicec@ lynne@ BRANCH SECRETARY Paul Forrest membership@ Appeal against refusal of Dave Lee secretary@ dave@ paul@ permission to convert into BEER ON TAP EDITOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER several houses was dismissed. n Steve Lympany bot@ Lynne Baldwin pubs@ lynne@ Bell, : Permission Tel: 07811 667507 PUBS PROTECTION OFFICER has been given for some CO-SOCIAL SECRETARY Brian Wray pubs@ internal layout modifications Helen Jones socials@ helen@ BEER FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR including relocating toilets. CO-SOCIAL SECRETARY n Tim Wilkins bbf@ Brava Tapas (Castle House), Russell Broom russell@ LOCALE COORDINATOR Banbury has permission for BEER ON TAP ADVERTISING John Bellinger locale@ john@ EDITOR new railings to enclose the Oliver Sladen WEBMASTERS Martin Batts and trading area in front of the botads@ Geraint Jones webmaster@ BRANCH CONTACT pub. Trading Standards: Oxfordshire County n White Horse, Martin Batts contact@ Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Hinksey Road, has applied for permission Tel: 07854 116408 Oxford OX2 0BY Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 The Pear Tree Inn The Brewery Tap Scotland End, Hook Norton OX15 5NU Tel: 01608 737482 Email: [email protected] • An unspoilt traditional village pub • Traditional pub games including darts, • A range of Six Cask Ales dominoes & Aunt Sally • Always a fun selection of “Cocked Ales” • Open log fire • Discount for CAMRA Members • Three en suite letting rooms • Ale-2-Go • Large beer garden • Traditional ‘Pub Food’ • Walkers & dog friendly • No fruit machines, pool tables or jukebox • Quiz night every Sunday • Steak night every Saturday Open Friday & Saturday 12.00–12.00 • Sunday–Thursday 12.00–11.00 Food served every lunchtime 12.00–3.00 Tuesday–Saturday evening 6.00–8.00 & Saturday evening 6.00–9.00 PAY US A VISIT – YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED

4 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 Branch News Jon Finch (left) with chef and Adnam’s Southwold on the Alex Edwards at the bar bar during a recent visit. at the Salford Inn A beer festival took place over a recent visit). the Easter Weekend with six The other ales beers available. Hooky, Wychert on offer are by Vale Brewery, The Hopfather Timothy Taylor’s by Wye Valley and Wayland Landlord, Greene Smithy by White Horse were on King IPA and stillage, and these were support- Morland Old ed by the two cask ales on hand- Speckled Hen. pump, Adnam’s Southwold and Owain has Young’s Bitter. been bowled over The pub is gaining a reputa- by the support tion for its monthly Greek Night from the local held every last Saturday (book- Black Horse/Salford Inn, community since re-opening. ing recommended). Typically Salford The pub is now Cask Marque a set menu of up to 16 mezze accredited and Owain is a firm dishes are served which include The pub previously called the CAMRA supporter and is pas- vegetarian, meat and fish dishes Black Horse re-opened mid-Feb- sionate about serving quality supported by Greek beers, spir- ruary as The Salford Inn, under ales as well as great food. its and an exhaustive wine list. the father and son team of Jon Two rooms are available to (owner) and Liam (licensee) White Lion, Fewcott let which have recently been Finch, with chef Alex Edwards. In addition to being awarded refurbished. Twin, single and It has undergone a huge refurb the accolade as Branch Cider double bed configurations are and the layout works well since Pub of the Year, and final- catered for. Community activ- moving the bar to the side. The ist for the Branch Pub of the ities include dominoes on pool table has gone, leaving far Year, in February the pub also Thursday, Bridge Club fort- more space for tables for drink- achieved Cask Marque status. nightly on Monday afternoon, ers and diners. Congratulations to Chris, who Quiz League on Monday, Book Food is going well, as are the we know worked very hard to Club every third Tuesday and three beers you will usually find meet the standards required for Folk club every second Tuesday on the bar. London Glory and this nationally recognised stand- (turn up and play at 8:30). For Ruddles Best are regulars with a ard for serving real ale in excel- more information check out the third currently from the Greene lent condition. pub website: www.the-stags- King guest list (Molecule of Life The pub recently started its head.co.uk/ on the last visit) which was very 10% discount per pint of Real Pub open: Mon–Fri 11:30– tasty and in perfect condition. Ale or Real Cider to card carry- 2:30 & 5–11 (food served 6–9); See www.thesalford.co.uk/ ing CAMRA members, which Tues 5–11 (restaurant closed); Woodstock Arms, means that it’s well worth sign- Sat 11–11:00 (food served 12–3 ing up to the Campaign. & 6–9) and Sun 12–10 (8pm Woodstock winter) with food served 12–3. This historic pub on Market Stag’s Head, Street reopened 7th March fol- This family-run pub and guest Butcher’s Arms, lowing a short closure. Owain house offers real ales, varied cui- Paul & Fenn are now well estab- Jones is now leading the helm, sine and comfortable accommo- lished as proprietors of this after previously being at The dation. Faith & Stamatis manage village pub. Its Hook Norton Fishes in North Hinksey, the pub and run it with the help Ales typically include Hooky, Oxford. The pub is serving of sons, John and Tim. There are Old Hooky and Hooky Gold and four ales with a Shotover brew typically two or three real ales whichever seasonal/special brew on guest rotation (Prospect on on offer, with Wye Valley Bitter real ale may be on offer by the Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5

21 Market Square, Lower Heyford, Oxon OX25 5NY 01869 347176

• Varied guest ales from all over the UK • Five minutes walk from canal • Large beer garden Open: • Families and dogs welcome Mon–Thurs 12–3pm & 5pm–11pm; • Lunch and full menu available Friday & Sat 12–11pm; Sun 12–10.30pm • Food served Mon–Sun 12–3pm & 6–10pm

6 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 brewery. It was also the Regular entertain- first Hooky pub to offer ment is provided with the craft brew Red Rye live music every Saturday permanently on keg. night (often featuring The pub is hosting a local bands) and quiz beer festival over the night on a Thursday. In weekend commencing addition they can also 2nd July, during which cater for special occa- the regular ales plus guest sions having hosted two ales on stillage will be wedding receptions and a available. Fenn has said christening party recently. that CAMRA members Other news from with current membership cards will benefit from 10p a pint reduction. The Angel and The Other regular activi- Shakespeare are both cur- ties include a Film Club rently being advertised Supper every second as to let but continue to Saturday, Cheese & Wine Nathen Boundy at the bar of the refurbished trade under temporary every third Saturday and ‘Folk Cotswold Gateway Hotel, Burford management until new tenants on Sunday’ typically once every are found. two months on the third Sunday stable – 6x permanently on Carpenter’s Arms, (next planned is July 24th). They draught plus three rotating reg- Middle Barton comprise either band perfor- ulars including IPA, Swordfish, mances or informal jam sessions St. George & Dragon, Bishop’s Tony reports that the pub is (turn up and play). Tipple and seasonal specials. doing really well with the new Currently summer opening An extensive menu is available smoke house food trade is grow- hours are in order: Mon closed; for breakfast, lunch and evening ing steadily. They have also Tues–Fri 6:30–11; Sat 12:30– meals. Emphasis is on local pro- gained five stars in their food 3:30 & 6–11; and Sun 12:30–3:30 duce well presented in the bar or hygiene inspection and have var- & 7–11. restaurant. ious offers on their food, pres- Horse & Groom, Caulcott The hotel boasts 21 well- ently including buy one meal appointed bedrooms and ample get one free meal, Mon–Thurs Jerome & Stacey have recently car parking. Well behaved dogs evenings, booking is definitely finished a minor refurb, freshen- are welcome in the bar area. advised. ing the place up, ust in time for The Nightingale, They have a range of four the Pub of the Year presentation. Langford, Bicester great ales, mostly from XT, They have also announced though Ossett and GK have that the dates for their Bastille This welcoming pub in the been spotted. The Carpenters Day Beer Festival are 15–17 July. Langford Village area of Bicester Ale, also brewed by XT, is prov- The traditional taster night will continues to flourish under the ing to be very popular at a mere be on Thursday 14th. Jerome stewardship of Kieran and Matt £3 a pint. intends to have 18 beers and six who have been at the helm for Currently they are only open ciders. The famous barbeque the last two years. Their lease evenings and weekends, but will be out and there will be live expires next year and they are there are plans to open lunch- music throughout. hoping to negotiate a lengthy times very soon. The previously Cotswold Gateway Hotel, extension. planned August Bank Holiday Burford Two real ales are always avail- beer festival will be brought for- able: Charles Wells Bombardier ward due to commitments with This famous landmark hotel at is a permanent fixture and the Tony’s band, The Inflatables, the junction of the A40 and the other is selected by the manage- that weekend. All being well, A361 Burford High Street, has ment from the Charles Wells list. it will be on the weekend of recently undergone a significant Most recently this was Young’s August 19, with live music all- refurb. The Manager, Nathen Blonde a ‘spicy and fruity golden day planned for Saturday 20th. Boundy, of this Wadsworth ale’ which certainly lived up to Fox Inn, Westcote Barton house is proud of the new look its description. and fully intends to maintain the Freshly cooked food is served Guestie has had a change of high standards this establish- at all sessions except Sunday one of his regular ales with the ment is famous for. evenings. The meat is sourced London Pride making way for Beers are from the Wadworth from a local butcher. Exmoor Fox. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 8 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 The pub’s beer festival planned Exchange on High for St George’s Day had to be Street, over the same cancelled at the last minute, but dates. the Queen’s Birthday mini beer White Lion, festival still goes ahead on 10–12 June with about ten ales avail- Banbury able as well as cider. Food in (last known as the form of a barbeque menu Kudos) will also be available as will live Some building work music on the Saturday. is under way at the The new summer menu will place that was last be available from July and they known as Kudos, as have invested in an original 1965 they have planning juke box which plays a mixed permission for con- bag of vinyl records. Other version of some upper storey Laura & Gary, now seen behind the bar at The Plough, Little Bourton than that it’s business as usual space to a self-contained flat. with poker on a Tuesday, quiz There on Wednesday, music twice a The Plough, may be other work going on Little Bourton month and an open mic night that could result it in the venue on the last Sunday of the month. reopening, so as always we will It’s all change out way The Aunt Sally is underway and keep you up to date with things as Laura & Gary (previously of new team members are always as we get the news. the Red Lion, Cropredy) did not welcome. Red Lion, take much of a break before tak- Fleur-de-Lis, Banbury ing over the management of the Building work is well under way Plough at Little Bourton, on the Mark Patchett, manager of this on the renovations for this road- A423 Southam Road, north of popular Wetherspoon bar in the side pub on the A361 through Banbury. pedestrianised Broad Street in the village. The Plough has been given a Banbury, is looking forward to New owners Mark & Sandra facelift to make it much more putting on a Cider Festival in Page (who own and run the homely and welcoming internal- July. nearby Joiner’s Arms in Old ly. We wish them well. The event will run from Friday Bridge Road) have said that it’s Red Lion, Cropredy 8–Sunday 24 July and feature up likely to reopen ‘in June/July’, but to 30 different ciders. we’ll keep you informed. The Red Lion has been closed Sadly, news has been received for four months and rumours to say that the Fleur-de-Lis is The Angel at Burford abound about who will be tak- currently on the market as one This lovely historic pub in ing over this tenancy. Surely of the 33 Wetherspoon pubs the Witney Street, off Burford’s High Enterprise Inns will ensure it’s company is offloading, following Street, is holding a beer festival open well before the Cropredy on from 12 disposals last year. from Friday–Sunday 12–14 Festival in August? Any other As the Cider Festival is a August with eight real ales. pubco (Enterprise own the two Wetherspoon-wide event ,there There will also be live music, Cropredy pubs) would certain- will be similar offerings at a barbeque, Morris dancers and ly have made sure the Red Lion their other outlet in town, The a visit from the Hook Norton would be open by now and com- shire horses and peting with the Brasenose Arms dray. The pub’s for custom. beautiful, secluded Hopefully news will be forth- rear garden should coming before the next BoT ! also be open by Duke of Wellington, then. Banbury See www. theangelatburford. Building work is under way co.uk or tel: 01993 on this old M&B pub on the 822714. Warwick Road. It closed in early 2015 after planning consent for housing was approved. The Fleur-de-Lis, Banbury will be Castle House, Banbury holding a Cider Festival This well-located pub between throughout most of July the Castleside car park and Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 • DELIGHTFUL PUB/RESTAURANT • TRADITIONAL CASK ALES • FINE WINES • FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • REFINED RESTAURANT • RELAXED BAR • OPEN FIRE • TERRACE DINNING • BEAUTIFUL GARDEN WITH DUCK POND • AUNT SALLY • LARGE CAR PARK Main Street, , nr Banbury OX15 4JE T: 01295 721166 • www.duckonthepond.com

10 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 Banbury’s market four real ales and a cider square has opened as on the bar, it is thought a second Brava Tapas that they’ve had about two outlet in our Branch hundred different beers on (the other is the Swan in the last twelve months. in Bicester) around the He is continuing with beginning of March. the live music on the It is still a pub – in second Friday and last that you can buy a drink Sunday of the month, the without food – but only Wednesday poker at the the bases of the hand- Siege is also staying and pumps remain. the beer pong tourna- The Plough, ment returns for a second year. He is also happy to Bodicote report that the Siegefest Having racked up a year made a grand total of £900 at this Wadworth house for their chosen charity in the centre of the vil- “Libfest”. lage, Andre & Heidi Bishop Blaize/ continue to put their mark on this traditional Pheasant Plucker, Congratulations to Chris & Sandra from Gower community pub. The Bell, Adderbury (centre) for winning three With a refreshing focus on prestigious Hook Norton Brewery Awards It appears that the Bishops serving quality ales the last Blaize has had a name change, year has seen them gain their pagne in the owner’s box. and after many years closed and Cask Marque and strong wet Chris & Sandra were then may reopen its doors once again. sales it means Andre is hope- interviewed by the announc- Details are sketchy as we go to ful of bringing a guest ale on er which was broadcast to the press, but hopefully we will have stream soon to complement the crowd. To top it all of he was up more in the next edition. two regular Wadsworth Ales a few pounds on the day with (IPA & 6X) and one from the the bookies too! Wadsworth seasonal range cur- Congratulations from all at Stop Press … Stop Press rently on tap. Beer on Tap, see the awards Voujon/Jolly Weavers, Quality beer is backed by a article reported on page 21. Banbury quality food offering, with a The Bell, Lower Heyford tasty bar and restaurant menu, The pub now has an extension Sunday roasts and increasingly The world famous, well nearly, to the Voujon restaurant next popular (& rightly so!) fish and Bell Lower Heyford Beer door and it is now called ‘The chip Thursdays. Festival will be back again this V-Lounge’ – and the owners And with an eye on the sum- year running from Friday 2nd to have to be congratulated for mer their refurbished courtyard Sunday 4th September. installing a couple of Hook beer garden is now ready for use. Lyn will be sourcing six ales Norton handpumps inside. A and five ciders from all over the new real ale outlet in the town Bell Inn, Adderbury country. There will almost cer- is always welcome especially if it Chris & Sandra from The Bell tainly be the infamous barbeque does good local beer. had a great day at the Hooky and live music. One not to The project has included a Brewery Awards at Towcester miss! very thorough refurbishment Racecourse, winning the pub Siege of Orleans, which has given the premises a estate’s Beer Quality and Cellar Carterton contemporary feel with lots of Management Pub of the Year, leatherette sofas and armchairs Community Pub of the Year and It’s all change at the Siege as at the front, along with a room overall Pub of the Year. A lunch Phil has left the pub trade and with tables at the rear and a was followed by the awards then gone for a career change, leav- large decked area behind for al an evening of horse racing. ing new manager Simon to take fresco dining and drinking. They are absolutely thrilled up the reins of this incredibly Food served is tapas-style with their accolades, and as win- successful micropub. across a range of European and ners of the last award they pre- Its first year will have just Asian culinary styles. sented the prizes to the winning passed as you read this and On a research visit, they were owner and jockey of the first Simon has been amazed at just serving Hooky and Hooky Gold race and were treated to cham- how popular the Siege is with on the new pumps. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 THETHE FOXFOX leafield

• Traditional good quality home-cooked pub grub • Traditional home-cooked Sunday roast. • Good selection of fine quality ales from local microbreweries. • Beautiful picturesque village • Large pub garden The Green Leafield, OX29 9NP Tel: 01993 878647 www.foxleafield.co.uk

Opening hours Bar: Mon–Thurs Noon Midnight • Fri & Sat Noon–1am Food: Mon–Sat 12–3/6-9 • Sun 12–3

12 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 Project To Plan Out The Campaign’s Future By now every CAMRA member will probably have heard about the Revitalisation Project. Led by Michael Hardman who was one of the four original found- ing members of CAMRA in 1971, it aims to answer a simple but important question: What is CAMRA for? The outcome could fundamentally change the Campaign’s future direction. The first stage of the project is a 6-month consultation inviting all members to complete a sur- the Campaign in 1977–78 gave questions, with the result being vey and/or attend one of over 50 an introduction to the pro- displayed immediately. Topics meetings being held across the ject’s beginnings and aims, and discussed included why those country. Based on the results, an assurance that the wish- present had joined CAMRA vs a formal proposal will be pre- es of the membership as a why they continued to be mem- sented at next year’s members’ whole will be the driving fac- bers, which were the least/most weekend in Bournemouth. In tor in any decisions taken at the successful parts of the campaign our area, a revitalisation meet- project’s end. He then hand- and where should its attention be ing was held in the Littlebury ed over to CAMRA’s Head of focused going forward. Hotel in Bicester on 28th April. Communications Tom Stainer to One question sparking lively CAMRA members from with- begin the discussion. debate concerned which pub- in the North Oxon Branch and Though we were all facing a goers the campaign should be beyond attended. After grabbing projector screen, this was by no supporting – those drinking real a pint from the bar (Vale’s IKB means an ‘I talk you listen’ pres- ale only, cider and perry also, and and Brill Gold were avail- entation. Everyone was encour- other types of beers, or all pub- able) everyone was handed an aged to contribute their thoughts goers regardless of their pre- electronic voting keypad and we and ideas, and nobody was shy ferred tipple. Several people took our seats. in doing so! At various points we spoke of their surprise that their James Lynch who chaired were asked to vote on particular mind had been changed between questions first appearing on the screen and the votes being cast, GPs Disagree With Statement based on the discussion from the floor. I found this very inter- On Alcohol Consumption Level esting; those filling in the online survey won’t have had the oppor- The majority of GPs disagree women; adopting a very low tunity for a debate to influence with the Chief Medical Officers’ threshold of 14 units per week their response. The final ques- statement that there is no safe and stating that there is no safe tion was ‘Has this meeting been level of alcohol consumption, level of alcohol consumption. worthwhile’ to which 100% voted according to research undertak- CAMRA’s National Chairman, ‘ Ye s ’. en on behalf of CAMRA. Colin Valentine said: “We made Thanks to everyone who A recent poll conducted by the observation when the new attended the Bicester meet- medeConnect showed that 60% guidelines were published that ing. Further consultation meet- of the GPs surveyed disagreed the Chief Medical Officers had ings will be taking place over with the statement and also ignored evidence which showed the coming months, in the local found that almost two thirds that moderate drinking can have area these include Reading (25th (63%) of the GPs considered that a beneficial effect.” June) and Milton Keynes (8th moderate alcohol consumption CAMRA are calling on the September). I’d encourage every- can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Department of Health to launch one to take part. The new alcohol guidance a full public consultation into More information about the breaks with common interna- whether the new alcohol health revitalisation project can be tional practice by providing the guidelines are adequately sup- found on the website: same guidelines for men and ported by evidence. revitalisation.camra.org.uk Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 14 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 A Right Royal Pub Crawl In Banbury As spring shows signs of turn- also entered into the spirit of the unison in enjoying Purity Gold. ing into summer, the beer festi- Old Town Spring Party, and we Next stop was The Swan, my val season begins properly again. were graced with the presence of first visit to this pub, which is As you will know, due to unfore- H.M. herself (see photo below). a stone’s throw from Banbury seen circumstances the annual Then it was on to the Three Cross. It’s like a tardis with var- Banbury Beer & Cider Festival Pigeons where we managed to ious rooms spiralling off the has been put back to November, grab a table in their courtyard main room of the pub and it has so instead we decided to have garden where we celebrated in a beer garden as well. a pub crawl round the town on Next, we had a dilemma! Trot Sat 7th May instead. This coin- up to the Easington or take the cided with Banbury’s market shorter option to the Exchange. and the annual Old Town Spring Sorry we took the easier option Party which had a theme of the as the hill climb seemed a bit Queen’s 90th birthday. It was much. The Exchange with James lovely to see everyone involved and his team at its helm has in the H.M. theme with shops, worked hard to ensure everyone cafés, pubs and restaurants feels welcome whilst offering a dressing their windows and inte- good choice of cask beers and riors accordingly. craft cans. I was even allowed a Our first port of call was the a craft can to take home on the Mill Arts Centre, right on the train. canal. Due to work I only got After a last one for the road there in time to sample a lovely it was time to say our goodbyes refreshing beer from the Hook to the rest of the crew and wind Norton craft range (but still out our way back to Bicester. of breath from catching the train I forgot what it’s called!). After that it was onto Ye Olde Drink To The Bard At The Reindeer, a very old inn built in 1570, said to have been a 2016 Charlbury Beer Festival base for Oliver Cromwell who planned a battle from the wood The date for the country’s big- Sally Singles Championships. panelled Globe Room at the rear gest independent one-day beer Charlbury Cricket Club pro- of the pub. It was far too warm festival has been announced. vides a glorious setting, bare- to sit in this lovely room so we The 19th Annual Charlbury ly two minutes from Charlbury decanted to the courtyard. A Beer Festival will take place on Station and with excellent all- Hooky pub, the Gold and Mild Saturday 25 June at Charlbury day (including late night) bus were the favourites here, and as Cricket Club from noon–10pm. and train services to and from CAMRA celebrates Mild in May For previous years’ events, Charlbury for visitors from this seemed very apt. the festival has attracted around Oxford, Chipping Norton, We then went to the Old 3,000 visitors, and raised over Witney, Worcester and London, Auctioneer, a few doors up from £150,000 for community pro- so you don’t even need to drive if the Reindeer. Another ancient jects, both in the Charlbury area you want to have a drink! pub, the third oldest building in and overseas. The festival tries For further details, please visit Banbury that survived the great to appeal to everyone – from the Charlbury Beer Festival site fire of 1628. They had sever- local mums and dads whose at: http://charlburybeerfestival. al beers on including Deuchars kids come to enjoy the children’s org/ or email nick.millea@ IPA and also their house beer entertainment, to serious beer, btinternet.com brewed especially for them. cider and wine lovers, who visit AS YOU LIKE IT the 19th I’d forgotten that the White from as far away as London and Annual Charlbury Beer Festival, Horse, our third stop, was host- the Midlands, and even over- which MEASURE FOR ing its own beer festival with seas. The day will incorporate MEASURE is the country’s big- intriguing beers from fairly local 50 real ales, a range of ciders gest independent one-day beer breweries like White Horse, and perries, wine and Pimm’s; festival, will this year be com- Warwickshire and Everard’s. a great selection of food; live memorating the 400th anniver- Here I sampled the lovely music throughout; the Culture sary of William Shakes-beer’s Darling Buds from Warwickshire Club tent; children’s entertain- death. Remember, ALES WELL Brewery. Ken and the team had ment; plus the 6th World Aunt THAT ENDS WELL Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 The Lion is full of character. From the welcom- ing flagged bar with roaring fire through to the relaxed dining rooms and beer garden, the emphasis of quality regional food and drink combined with traditional pub values is offered to all who visit us. Daily deliveries directly to the kitchen from the finest local free-range and artisan producers demands a regularly changing menu gov- erned by the season. We open at 10.30am daily for morning ground coffees and food is served all day, everyday from noon Beer Sale Fridays – all ales are £2.50! Road, Wendlebury Bicester OX25 2PW Tel 01869 388228 http://thelionwendlebury.co.uk Find us on [email protected] Facebook

The Lamb & Flag Hailey, nr Witney OX29 9UB • Tel: 01993 702849

• 17th century family run village inn • Family friendly • Dog friendly • Multi roomed pub exposed beams, inglenook fireplace and flagstone flooring • Good value homemade food catering for vegetarians • Great Sunday lunches • Large garden

Three ales on tap including local Wychwood ales Open: Mon 4–8; Tues & Weds 5–11; Thurs 12–11; Fri & Sat 12–11.30; Sun 12–10.30 Food: Tues 5.30–9; Weds 12–2.30 & 5.30–9; Thurs–Sun All Day 12–9

16 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 Cask Ale Week: Britain’s Favourite 11-day ask is that the activity is promot- Week Returns ed under the banner, it revolves Everyone’s favourite 11-day around cask ale served in excel- week is back with a bang in lent condition, that all promo- 2016. The celebration of Britain’s tion uses the Cask Ale Week national drink runs from 22nd logo and @caskaleweek is refer- September to 2nd October. enced on Twitter. To organise an The more support Cask Ale event for Cask Ale Week, fill in Week finds in drinkers, the the ‘what’s happening’ form on more support this celebration of the website at www.caskaleweek. real ale will find from breweries co.uk. and pubs. ale, introduce new people to More info: info@cask-marque. Any CAMRA Branch can get its delights – and help create co.uk, or phone on 01206 involved, just as any pubs and lifelong fans. Not to mention 752212. breweries are welcome to join ensuring that an 11-day week in. Beer industry expert Paul really is something worth cel- Nunny says: “Any cask-centred ebrating… event can run under the Cask What is Cask Ale Week? Ale Week banner. For CAMRA members, this means that Cask Ale Week is organised Branch events can be run during by Cask Marque for the benefit Cask Ale Week to attract new of cask ale. Pubs and breweries members and Branches could don’t have to be Cask Marque persuade their local pubs or members to take part. All they breweries to join in the fun. “Beer festivals always draw crowds, but there are many More ‘Clustermasters’ Needed other activities that can be The Branch needs help to get times a year then topping up as organised. Brewery tours, Beer on Tap out to the pubs in required. Another duty is pass- tutored tastings and quizzes for our area. If members would like ing on news for publication in example. ‘Introduce a friend’ to assist with the delivery of the magazine and acting as a go- offers are also a great way to Beer on Tap in the Hook Norton between for CAMRA and the bring more people into a pub” and Bicester areas then please pubs. Whether on a small or large get in touch with the Editor or It’s also a great reason to go scale, any event will provide any member of the committee. into pubs and drink their beer! positive exposure for real ale The job entails delivering Beer Applicants must be CAMRA and for pubs. “Many pubs and on Tap to a handful of pubs four members and over 18! breweries will be raising a glass to ale with CAMRA members during the Week,” says Paul. If You Go Down To The Woods... Young people are beginning to turn to ale, with more and more Wychwood Forest Fair, Corn- food, rural craft demonstrations, fashionable craft brewers enter- bury Park, Sunday 4th music, shopping (including a sec- ing the scene. “We must ensure September ond hand bookstall) and much that cask ale benefits from this From Charlbury Morris dancers more. surge of interest. The week is to ferret racing, bee keeping and The Wychwood Project, which the perfect opportunity to sing basket making – join in the fun organises the Fair, is a registered ale’s praises, and of course to try celebrating rural life at the 17th charity and all proceeds from this plenty for yourself. annual Wychwood Forest Fair. event go towards the charity’s “Whether you act individual- The Fair, one of West Oxon’s work of ‘Restoring Landscapes, ly or collectively, the dates 22nd leading Green Country Shows, Inspiring People’ in the local September to 2nd October pro- and it takes place in various area. Tickets £7 on the gate, or vide a great opportunity. By cre- beautiful countryside locations £6 in advance via the Wychwood ating a new activity, or putting around the ancient Wychwood Project website, www.wychwood- an existing event under the Cask Forest area. It is a great fam- project.org Ale Week banner, you can mark ily day out offering a wide range Beers and cider at the Fair are the occasion with lovers of real of entertainment, delicious provided by Wychwood Brewery. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 9 High Street, Bodicote Banbury OX15 4BZ http://www.ploughbodicote.co.uk/ Tel: 01295 258909 Open: 12–3pm & 5–11pm daily Lunch 12–2pm • Dinner 7–9pm (No food Sun evening & Mon) Traditional village pub with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Good food is served using the finest locally sourced ingredients, famed for its generous portions! Private parties can also be catered for with a choice of delicious buffets. The Plough features in the Camra Good Beer Guide so you can be sure of a well kept pint of real ale here too. Wifi • Dogs welcome • Family friendly • Lovely, secluded, courtyard patio garden Home-made, reasonably priced, food, from an extensive varied European menu catering for all tastes which can be eaten in the bar, the garden or the restaurant area. Selection of fine Wadsworths ales always on tap Four handpumps • Real fire • Newspapers

18 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 Round-Up Of Local Beer Festivals Reading Beer & Cider Festival XXII In 1986 I am almost certain I attended my first beer festival. The ‘Bierfest’ held in the student union at Reading’s Whiteknights campus as part of the ‘Rag’ (Charities) week had two ciders and 40 real ales on offer. This was an absolute delight with the stranglehold Courage had on the town at the time. Fast track 30 years and here we are at the 22nd CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival with Reading Beer Festival 2016 – plenty of ales in a new location over 550 ales, 150 ciders, a on the Thursday evening of choose weather-related ales goodly number of country wines the four-day festival. The racks (starting with the ironically- and seven meads for those wish- of beer provided two walls of named Dancing Duck Brewery’s ing for something sweeter. the large marquees with games ‘Nice weather’) and after several The new venue, Christchurch a-plenty and merchandise stalls other spurious and not so spuri- Meadows is a brisk ten-minute for those wishing to while away ous options finishing with Wild canter from the station. Brisk some time whilst sampling. Weather’s appropriate ‘Blizzard’ was a necessity as temperatures Given the large number which, at 8%, was a good way to were low and rain was constant of ales on offer I was able to round off the evening. My com- patriots chose animal and peo- Beer Festival DIARY 16: 6th Buckingham Beer & Music ple related beer respectively … Festival. Noon–11pm, Buckingham None of the above ales helped 4: Chadlington Beer Festival. Mem- RFC, Moreton Road, MK18 us with the Thursday quiz, but orial Hall, starts noon. 20 real ales 1RF. 30 real ales & 8 ciders/per- I am blaming our distance from & cider. £10 entry includes 3 beer ries. BBQ. Live music from local the tannoy! tokens, prog and glass. All day bands. AUGUST I recommend looking out for BBQ and live music. £3 for kids the event in 2017 although I with entertainment for them too. 9–13: CAMRA Great British Beer would hope for more clement 4: Banbury Rugby Club Bavarian Festival. Olympia, London. The Bierfest. £25 entry includes food UK’s showcase CAMRA event weather! and entertainment. Oompah band 12–14: Angel, Burford Beer Festival. and steins and Bavarian sourced 8 real ales, BBQ & live music. Also beer. Don’t expect real ale! Hook Norton dray Update To The 10–12: Queen’s Birthday mini beer 19–21: Carpenters Arms, Middle festival. Fox Inn, Westcot Barton. Barton Beer & Music Festival. Info ACV Guide Article BBQ & live music. 10 real ales & to be confirmed cider. SEPTEMBER We promised in the last issue 11: 9th Candleford Beer & Cider of BoT to keep readers updat- Festival, Cricket Ground, Fring- 2–4: Bell, Lower Heyford Beer & ed with progress on our ACV ford OX27 8EB30. Real ales & 10 Cider Festival. 6 beers & 5 ciders. application. Unfortunately, the ciders/perries. Various food stalls. BBQ & live music 9–10: 2nd Ardley with Fewcott council sent it back unapproved Live music from local bands. as not all addresses on the form 25: Charlbury Beer Festival. Noon Beer & Cider Festival, Ardley with till 10pm, Charlbury Cricket Club Fewcott Village Hall, OX27 7PA. 24 were legible and some came real ales & 10 ciders/perries. BBQ. from outside of the village area. JULY Live music from local bands One thing I was unaware of 2–3: Butchers Balscote Beer Festival 9–10: Mill Arts Centre Craft Beer was that people signing the doc- – see Branch News this issue Festival, Banbury. 40+ craft beers, ument must live in the parish or 8–24: Wetherspoons Cider Festival. ales, ciders & perrys. See ad p.24 one adjoining it. As there were 30 ciders. At all 3 Branch ’Spoons OCTOBER : Horse & Groom Beer, Cider people from Chipping Norton 15–16 : CAMRA Oxford Beer & & Music Festival. Noon–11pm. 18 13–15 and Carterton who signed the Cider Festival, Oxford Town Hall. real ales & 6 ciders/perries. BBQ. form they were not counted. Live music from local bands. NOVEMBER Hopefully by the time the next 16: Hook Norton Festival of Fine 18–19: CAMRA Banbury Beer & edition comes out I’ll have bet- ales. Lots of beer and live music Cider Festival, TA Centre. ter news. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 3 REAL ALES Two large superior 10 REAL CIDERS en-suite Homemade rooms lunches Large flower- Mon–Sat 12-2 filled garden

OPENING HOURS Roaring log Mon-Thurs fires 11-3 & 6-12 Fri 11-3 & 5-12 Family and Sat/Sun 11-12 dog friendly

SAME FAMILY RUN PUB FOR 40 YEARS OX15 4LZ www.bloxhampub.co.uk 01295 720383

Give us a call to book a table on 01295 730750 and come and enjoy our Traditional Comfort Pub Grub, with a good selection of Hooky Ales, Ciders and other beverages to choose from. https://www.facebook.com/Butchers2015 Family friendly – Food served swings adjacent to pub Tuesday–Friday car park 6.30–9pm Dog friendly Saturday/Sunday 12–4pm and Saturday Cyclist and Walker 6.30–9pm friendly! Earlybird discounts Hook Norton ales on meals between Large grassed garden 6.30 and 8pm with excellent views Sunday roasts Hidden gem Opening hours Recently refurbished Tuesday to Friday interior 6-11pm Ales from the cask Sat/Sunday 12-11pm including three Hook Closed Mondays Norton ales and one Quiz last Wednesday of guest ale. each month Tel: Road 01295 730 750 BALSCOTE Oxon OX15 6JQ

20 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 Hooky Brewery Honours Estate Pubs At ‘The Hooky’s’ Awards Day the village. Along with serving well kept ales, it hosts regular The annual Hook Norton phies for win- folk music sessions and acoustic Brewery Awards were held at ners and highly concerts which explains why it Towcester Racecourse on 9th commended up also picked up the Community May. The awards ceremony for grabs. Pub of the Year and the Beer recognises and celebrates the The main Quality & Cellar Management importance of tenants and pub award, Pub of Pub of the Year. These awards staff within the Hook Norton the year 2016, are testament to the hard work Brewery estate and showcases went to the Bell and dedication Chris & Sandra what their pubs can uniquely Inn, Adderbury. have put into The Bell since tak- offer. Pubs compete over a wide Dating back to 1783, the pub is ing it over in June 2014. range of categories with tro- the friendly, welcoming hub of Other awards in the Branch went to The Angel, Burford (Food Champion award); Best Beer on Tap On Its Travels Exterior went to the Pear Tree, Hook Norton; Ye Olde Reindeer BoT in Singapore Inn, Banbury won Marketing & Customer Service Pub of the The Editor is seen here check- Year and Katherine Wildman of ing for spelling mistakes in Beer the Coach & Horses in Banbury on Tap 64, which shows that got the Pub Team Member of he’s never off duty in the pursuit the Year award. of BoT perfection! The building behind is the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The Red Lioness Although small, Singapore does have a few breweries and here Completes UK’s he is at Level 33 having enjoyed Longest Pub Crawl a platter of five thirds of their beers and some olives! Cathy Price from Preston has Although no real ale was been named Beer Drinker of the found there were some quite Year by All-Party Parliamentary drinkable beers including an but he couldn’t wait to get back Beer Group Chairman, Andrew Oatmeal Stout from Brewerkz to the pubs of Middle Barton! Griffiths, MP for Burton on Trent. brewery. Singapore is a great Read Steve’s article on She spent five years visiting all place with some excellent beer, Singapore beers on page 30. 656 pubs in the UK called Red Lion, travelling more than 90,000 miles and spending over £16,000 BoT in Mexico to complete her goal. Here we see our Branch’s The 56-year-old personal train- legendary Pub Protection er hatched the plan after reading Officer recovering from tot- a sign in the Red Lion in Hawks- ting up the beer scores last head, Cumbria that the Red Lion February. was the most common pub name He took off to Cancun, in the country. Mexico for a week of relaxa- At each pub she posed for a tion and pampering, unfortu- photo with her favourite tip- nately this came at a cost! ple – a half pint of ale, so she got The resort only served through 328 pints by the end. AB InBev’s Mexican arm’s Fittingly, she finished her quest keg offerings of Corona and at the Red Lion, Northmoor in Montejo. He reportedly stuck West Oxfordshire – a pub which to the Montejo, which at least closed before being bought by the is only available in Mexico and local community in 2014 – on 5th had a vague hint of hops ... September last year. He couldn’t wait to get back She has now published a book, to the Hooky in the Elly! called ‘The Red Lioness’.

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 MOLLINGTON & FARNBOROUGH CIRCULAR By Keith Rigley

Beer on Tap Pub Walks Excellent views in the uplands of the extreme north of our Branch area Distance: Just over 5 miles. With your back to the Green right to enter the churchyard. Allow: Around 2–2.5 hours. Man, turn right to walk into the Walk along the gravel track to Map: Explorer 191. village and take the first right, pass the church door and at the Parking: There are a handful of signposted to the church. Walk far side of the churchyard, go parking spaces in a layby opposite up the hill and where the road through a wooden gate, turn left the Green Man, otherwise park bends to the left, keep straight on along a track between the wall where you can in the village. to walk up a green bank and turn and a ranch fence, walk across a garden, go across a Farnborough farmtrack then cross a The Pubs on the walk route stile (or go through a Kitchen To Avon The Green Man, Mollington, gate) opposite to join a Dassett House Oxon OX17 1BB. Tel: 01295 green lane. Walk along, 750692. Small local, serving keeping the ranch fence Sharp’s Doom Bar. The pub is on your left, go through on the market at the moment, a metal gate then take

To Southam so opening times are variable. Walled a gate at the far end garden The Kitchen (formerlyFarm The of the lane where it FARNBOROUGH Inn at Farnborough), Main reaches a narrow road HALL Street, Farnborough OX17 1DZ. Tel: 01295 690615. Open: and turn right. Walk Mon 10.30–3 & 6–midnight; along the road to join Thurs 6pm–midnight; Fri the A423, then cross 10.30–3 & 6–midnight; Sat the road to take a foot- 10.30–midnight; Sun 10.30– path opposite (diago- 11pm. Website: www. nally left) signposted thekitchenfarnborough.co.uk to Claydon 1½ miles. To You can cross a stile or Claydon unchain the gate (but Farmhouse Garden Centre re-chain it after). Barns & Nursery Walk along the field Obelisk edge ahead keeping the hedge on your right, cross a double stile in the far right corner of the field then strike out Mollington diagonally left across Wood the next field, aim- ing for a point halfway across the far side of the field, and eventually towards a road you can see going uphill in the The distance. Cross a col- CampsiteAnita’s Green lapsed stile then head Man for the far left corner of the next field (which To can be very damp Cropredy underfoot) and cross Mollington a stile in the hedge to join a road and turn To To right (if you can’t see Banbury Shotteswell the right of way across 22 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 the fields here due to crops, etc., The lovely pub garden at the head to the left to reach a road Kitchen in Farnborough and turn right to continue). Just up the road cross a way- a five-bar gate on your marked stile before a bridge, go left (remembering to diagonally left to cross a stile on re-chain it after) then the left-side field edge then keep walk ahead and follow on in the same general direction the field edge round to aiming to the corner of a farm the right before head- building. Near the building, keep ing straight up a grassy the hedgerow on your right to slope ahead towards the walk around the corner and cross church and its lychgate. a stile where the metal fence On reaching the lychgate, turn onally left, up a slope, keep- changes to a wooden fence then right to follow the field edge, ing a wire fence to your left. As cross a paddock to go through a keeping the hedge on your left. you walk up the slope, aim to metal gate on the far side. In the Go through a gate and keep on the left of a large tree then aim next field, keep on in the same in the same direction to eventu- to the right of a house over the direction, keeping the hedge and ally find a stile in the hedge, just top of the rise. After going over wire fence on your right. before a house. Cross the stile and the rise, aim well to the right of a Stay on this field edge as it head sharp diagonally left along house with barns (the barns may goes left and right then up the a well defined path to walk down be obscured by trees), where a hill towards the A423, cross a the hill then go through a gap in a large wood begins. There you will very new stile in a ranch fench, hedge. On reaching a close-board find a gate where you leave the then keep straight on across a fence, turn right to walk down to Farnborough Estate. Look to your long narrow paddock. Just before the village hall and turn left on right to see an obelisk, which the A423 you need to cross a the road. marks the end of the terrace walk stile in the hedge ahead (which Soon you will see the car park from Farnborough Hall. is waymarked), then walk up a for The Kitchen, the village pub, Go through the gate by the cor- grass bank to join the main road. on the left, where you can walk up ner of the wood and walk on, Cross the road very carefully (as the slope to pause for some rehy- keeping the wood on your right. it is on a blind bend) then turn dration. To continue the walk, At the far end of this field, cross a right to walk along a grass verge. keep along past the pub on the hunting stile or go through a gate, Keep on past the garden centre road and go round to the left and cross a track then head slightly entrance and a small footbridge up a slope. Keep on along this diagonally left, aiming to the left then, just after a 50mph sign, turn road, over the brow of a hill then of a tree ahead, walk under some left over a brick bridge across turn left up a small lane which is telegraph wires then head toward a small brook and walk up an signposted to the church. At the some fir trees on the far side embankment. It seems as though end of the lane is a car park and of the field. Just to the right of someone is trying to block this another lychgate where you can the fir trees you will find a way- waymarked right of way, so tram- visit St. Botolph’s Church if you marked post where you keep on ple on saplings or shrubs on your wish, but to continue the walk go in the same general direction, fol- way to the steps up the slope, through a wooden gate on your lowing a well-defined path across then turn right at the top of the right (signed Public Bridleway) the next field. rise to find a wooden gate to where the car park starts. At a gap in the hedge at the far enter the Farnborough estate. After going through the gate, side of the field, keep on in the After the gate walk diagonally the official right of way goes diag- same direction (there is no way- right past the closest tree then onally left, heading for the five- mark), keeping a hedge on your aim to the right of some bushes bar gate next to the walled garden left. At the far end of this field just over the brow of the hill. (see earlier), but it’s best to walk you go through a gate to reach Pass the bushes and go down- straight ahead, keeping the fence the road where you turned right hill to a gate at the far side of the on your right and walk down the near the start of the walk. From field. Either climb the gate or slope. After crossing a track, walk here, cross the road and retrace drag it open (which is just about straight on keeping the hedge your steps to take a gate oppo- possible), then head diagonally (and a road) on your right. site and walk along a green lane, left across the field ahead, aim- Eventually you will go through cross a track at the end, then walk ing to pass a waymarked tele- a gate in the far right corner of through a garden to return to the graph pole and head to the left the field, cross the road then take churchyard. Leave at the far side of some trees by the left corner a waymarked path through a gate of the churchyard, turn left to of a huge walled garden ahead. opposite to follow the D’Arcy walk down the grassy slope then When you reach the trees next Dalton Way. After going through turn left at the end of the road to to the walled garden, go through a second gate, head slightly diag- find the Green Man on your left.

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 24 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 Roundup Of Local Brewery News Hook Norton via Seedrs so far, and there is beer hopped with the powerfully To celebrate 167 years of brew- still time to invest. Become part citrus American hops Cascade, ing in the village a beer of 6.7% of the WBB family for as little as Citra, Centennial and Chinook. was launched. The beer was a round of Good Old Boy! Something a bit reminiscent of Diamond Reserve The brewery shop is now different and and proved a big hit. open until 6pm on Thurs and a bit darker is However, in the summer Fri serving its bottled and take- ‘Red’, a vibrant months Haymaker makes a wel- home draught beer. Mon–Wed 4.9% single come return in July. A strong 9–5; Thu–Fri 9–6 & Sat 10–4. hopped beer pale ale of distinctive taste. With summer just around the with lashings of Plenty of Goldings hops dur- corner West Berks has the per- Citra and high ing the brewing give it a certain fect accompaniment with its colour crystal something extra – ‘like sunshine new seasonal special, Screaming malts for some- dancing on the tongue’. Eagle. Named after the 101st thing surprisingly thirst quench- Drayman’s Drop is on the bar airborne division of the US ing. Finally, there will also be ‘Au May and June, a light brew with Army, ‘The Screaming Eagles’, 79’ a golden 4.8% pale ale using a complex hop aroma; Harvest this American Pale Ale uses new Maris Otter and Munich malts Hop, a light and fruity beer, world hops. Light gold in colour for a smooth rich malt flavour with a hop burst, ideal sum- with a pronounced bitterness under a full compliment of aro- mer refreshment is available July and a clean, dry finish. matic citrus hops. and August; and Summerhaze, a Aylesbury Brewhouse Vale light, fruity and refreshing drink The Hop Pole in Aylesbury, is Congratulations to Vale who ideal for a warm summer’s day home to Aylesbury Brewhouse won Gold with their Gravitas at will be available in August. Co., and it recently underwent a Reading Beer Festival 2016. A date for your diary! Saturday major transformation. Building work at the brewery July 30th 10am–10pm sees the It now trades as a ‘craft beer continues apace, along with a Hook Norton Brewery Open and grill brew pub’, boasting a brand new brewery shop at the Day with brewery tours, shire dining area looking onto the George in Winlsow which will horses, military vehicles, live ABC brewkit. At the bar you’ll be open imminently. music, pizza, outside bars, local always find fresh limited edition Beers in the pipeline include: stalls, and … oh, beer! craft beers brewed just the other ‘High Flyer’ 4.0% Red American: Loddon Brewery side of the window. You can’t A big bold hoppy beer to cel- Loddon has announced the get much fresher than that. ebrate the pioneering English launch of its Brewery Beer Club. Limited edition craft beers aviatrix Amy Johnson. ‘Moon’ 13 years after it started brewing, will include ‘Hughes’ a 4.6% 4.1% Pilsner Style: Known as one the new membership club comes pale ale using the English hop of the greatest rock drummers with a host of benefits and brew- Pilot and American Cascade in the world ever, Keith Moon ery discounts – making it the for a lovely summery beer (cel- lived life to the max, and to cel- perfect present for a beer-lover! ebrating the aeronautical geni- ebrate Moon the Loon’s birthday, For £50 a year, members get us of Howard Hughes). ABC they’ve created this pilsner style two social evenings a year at the are also brew- beer using Propino malt and brewery for them and one guest ing a 4.4% pils- Central European hops. ‘Strange – with all the beer and sausages ner style beer Love’ 4.3% Copper: Famed for you can manage, 10% discount using German characters from the Goons to in the Loddon Brewery shop, a lager malts and Inspector Clouseau, Peter Sellers Beer Club polo-shirt, a Brewery the aromatic is one of our best loved comedy glass, and a monthly newsletter Germanic hop actors, and recognised as some- with exclusive member offers. called Polaris thing of a genius. This Copper Sign up at the brewery, by which gives the all English beer, celebrates phoning 01189 481111 or email beer its name. Sellers at his best. “Learn to stop [email protected]. 1979 saw the partial nuclear worrying, and love the beer”. meltdown of reactor number 2 Chadlington Brewery West Berkshire at the Three Mile Island Nuclear The brewery is well on its way to Generating Station in the USA, Jason has launched another reaching its crowdfunding target and that even is marked by the beer, Oxford Blonde at 4% abv, of £1.5m with over 70% raised launch of a deep golden 4.7% initially available in pasteurised Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 bottle form from the Cafe de can be brewed and so the beers Racking beer at Clouded Minds la Poste and the Sports Club can age longer before shipping. Brewery in Chadlington. However, with XT have also brewed two draught production planned for new collaboration ales: Donkey mid-May it should be available (4.8%) is a joint project with also bot- at the Chadlington Beer Festival the innova- tles its at the Memorial Hall on 4th June tive Brewery beers by which is as good a reason I know BBBirra from hand. for going along to this event. Sardinia. They have With water and electricity now Their head a range of laid on at the farm premises in brewer Carl 10+ beers Chadlington, Jason is confident brought sever- with that he will be in full scale pro- al of the spe- Luppol duction by the end of the year as ciality ingredi- (4.2%, a planned. (Some readers of BoT ents to make golden may remember how long it took the Belgian-style Witbier, such ale) and Hazel Nutter (5%, a nut the XT Brewery to get going as Sardinian orange peel. It is brown beer with toasted hazel from conception to production.) named after the 15 donkeys Carl nuts from the head brewer’s Editors note: The bottles have has on his farm and who eat all family farm in Italy) its best also been spotted in Eagles of his spent brewers grains. sellers. and Wykham Park For Pukeko (4.6%), XT worked Their beers are available at Farm Shop Bodicote. with a coffee micro-roastery in Stratford Ale House and The Jericho, Oxford. Aided by the Bear, Stratford. Little Ox coffee know- Work has started on this new how of James Chiltern Brewery brewery in our Branch, in an & Lizzie of Beer drinkers have made a £700 industrial unit at Freeland. We Jericho Coffee contribution to preserving the hope to have more news soon. Traders, this Chiltern countryside simply by coffee infused enjoying their tipple. XT pale ale uses Double Fifty was developed by The Long Crendon-based Kiwi hops. It Chiltern Brewery last autumn to brewery has expanded brewing gets its name celebrate the 50th anniversaries ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­capacity with the introduction of from their lit- of the Chiltern Society, and the several new vessels: some built tle delivery truck and an antipo- Chilterns Area of Outstanding of modern stainless steel and dian swamp-hen. Natural Beauty. Five pence of some in traditional oak. Look out for the new XT IPA every pint sold was donated and Several large oak casks have in cans! The 4.2% American- split between the two groups. been purchased for the develop- hopped beer will be available in In March, the brewery handed ment of specialist barrel-aged 330ml cans from June. over cheques totalling £700, the beers, crafted by master cooper results of nearly 14,000 pints Alistair Simms (now the only Clouded Minds being downed. master cooper left in ). A new brewery has started up Chiltern is the oldest inde- He dropped into the brewery in at the old Whale Ale Brewery pendent brewery in the area, April to deliver his latest crea- site in Brailes, Warwickshire. and from the very start its ethos tions. Joining the oak casks are Clouded Minds were cuckoo has been to brew natural, whole- several shiny new tanks installed brewing in several locations some beers using 100% British so more speciality Animal beers around the country, but now has ingredients. a permanent home. It currently brews 90 casks a week and Chiltern Brewery cheque presentation (l to r): Tom Jenkinson (Head Brewer, Chiltern Brewery), Victoria Blane (Head of Marketing & Membership, Chiltern Society) and Claire Forrest (Information & Interpretation Alistair Simms (right) delivers his latest oak Officer, Chilterns Conservation casks to Russ & Gareth at XT Brewery Board)

26 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 28 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 An Official Day To Celebrate Our National Drink: Beer the best brewing (and distill- ing) barley in the world; the Britain’s Annual National world’s leading hop breeder, Dr Beer Day June 15th Peter Darby, is an English man Britain’s National Beer Day is based in Kent. For its size, the on June 15th and it shares the British hop industry has the same date as Magna Carta Day most diversity of varietals than because clause 35 of the great any other country, and with new charter stated: varietals in development. ‘Let there be throughout our Then there is the British pub kingdom a single measure for scene. It’s like no other in the wine and a single measure for the legal measure for beer would world and people who live over- ale and a single measure for have been at the time Magna seas look with envy at British corn, namely the London quar- Carta was sealed but it is unlike- pubs. That’s why a visit to a pub t e r ’. ly to have been a ‘pint’. for beer is in the top five activi- Magna Carta is the revolu- For millennia beer has been ties visitors to Britain want to tionary document, sealed in the national drink in these do. Pubs are icons of Britain 1215, that guaranteed certain islands and Britain is one of and one of the things that make civil and legal rights in England the top brewing nations of the Britain so special. (and inspired the legal systems world. It can claim the inven- So, with such an enviable her- of several countries includ- tion of more styles of beer cur- itage in beer, malts, hops and ing Australia, Canada, New rently brewed around the world pubs, Britons deserve to have a Zealand, as well as the USA than any other brewing nation national beer day to celebrate Bill of Rights). The influence of (Mild, Porter, Stout, Imperial something that brings so much Magna Carta can also be seen Russian Stout, Brown Ale, Pale pleasure to the nation (never in the United Nations Universal Ale, India Pale Ale, and Barley mind the £22 billion that brew- Declaration of Human Rights. Wine). ing and pubs contribute each Academics do not know what British Malt is renowned as year to the British Treasury).

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 Sampling Singapore: Without A Single Sling Singapore is not renowned for awful, but was pleasantly sur- its real ale, and rightly so as it prised, as although the lime doesn’t have any. In fact it is was noticeable, it was not over- more famous for a cocktail, but powering and proved to be very there is drinkable beer to be refreshing. found in the city state if you look The Summer Ale was very hard enough. tasty as was the English, but A quick search of Google when I went back to the bar to before I set off, revealed two order a final beer I made the breweries, Asia Pacific and Level comment that there was no 33. Asia Pacific is a part of the Stout, to which the barman then Heineken empire and their Tiger poured me a Brewerkz Oatmeal beer is typical of their portfolio Stout – a stunning rich creamy in that it’s cold and wet and does beer with bags of flavour, what a a job in a hot humid climate. great way to finish a night out! However Level 33 was a dif- The bar and brewkit at Level 33 We did also find a bar down a ferent prospect. Situated on the side street called Draft & Craft 33rd floor of a high rise build- Another brewery we found which had a great range of beers ing (see Beer on Tap Abroad on early on in our trip, quite by with five American beers on p.21 this issue); the brewery pro- accident, was Archipelago. They tap, of which the Pasteur Street duces European style beers with were advertising their beer as “in Saison was beer of the week – a a heavy German influence. They the style of”, but without a brew- lovely tasty Belgian style Saison have a taster platter which was ery name. I only found out when – though the Rogue Dead the obvious starter as it has five I asked the barman who almost Guy Ale was also very good. of their beers on a wooden plat- reluctantly confessed that they Archipelago Blonde was also ter. The Blonde Lager was just were local brews, as if it were available along with a Japanese that, an acceptable interpretation a problem. The Belgian-style beer. of the style. Witbier I had was lovely. There Singapore is well worth the The Bohemian Pilsner had a were other beers, but sadly I effort if stopping off on the way lot more to it with some sub- never got to try them. further east or if visiting it in its tle hops. The Wheat Beer was The final brewery I found was own right – and the beer scene very nice and the India Pale Ale the Red Dot Brew House which is certainly better than expected! was okay, but wasn’t as hoppy was on the Boat Quay and again as many of the style. The stout, I stumbled upon by accident. however, was very nice and I The brewery had a bar at the found it surprisingly refreshing. front and they did a beer plat- So I had another! ter with six beers to taste and kindly labelled them in English. The Pilsner was an acceptable interpretation of the style, the green mon- ster seemed to be the pilsner with a green food colour added, and the Weizen was a tasty wheat beer. The Lime Weizen was one I suspected would be Left: Tasting platters at Level 33 Draft and Craft – a great place to find (top) and Red Dot (bottom) tasty beer in downtown Singapore

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2016 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA. Edited by Stephen Lympany • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Information Press, Eynsham, Oxon 30 Beer on Tap – Summer 2016 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31