CAMRA Liverpool & Districts Magazine Summer 2014 FREE

The Pigeon Lands in Top Spot

www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk email [email protected] Circulation 11,000 The MerseyAle Welcome to CAMRA Liverpool and Districts Branch MerseyAle MerseyAle Editor John Armstrong and ManxAle 67 Moorfields Liverpool L2 2BP Telephone 0151 236 1734 MerseyAle Contacts Comments/news/letters/photos The Lion Tavern (Grade II Listed) is Liverpool’s [email protected] finest Edwardian Pub. It is an extravaganza of FOOD etched glass, carved wood and beautiful tiling. See the board for MerseyAle Advertising selection of good It has a wonderful ornate wood carved bar plus Cost - Full page £200 value food two cosy side rooms one with a fantastic Half page £100 stained glass dome. The Lion Tavern is an Contact QUIZ NIGHT [email protected] award winning pub serving excellent cask every Tuesday at 9.30pm conditioned ales, cider and a large selection of MerseyAle - Read online at the finest malt whiskies. You can also enjoy a ACOUSTIC www.merseyale.com fine selection of tasty food from our food menu. Welcome to our 44,000 readers. rather than under the punitive Liverpool and Districts CAMRA NIGHT The official CAMRA estimate is that prices of the PubCo beer tie, a right Second Thursday of the Main Branch Contact four people see each copy of a to have market only rent levels set Month 8pm Jean Pownceby CAMRA magazine, so with a print plus a mandatory right to seek full [email protected] run of 11,000 copies distributed free of tie from the PubCo. Will HANDPUMPS across Merseyside, the Isle of Man the next Government to be elected supply a varied selection of prize BOB DYLAN Contact Coach for trips only and wider nationwide, MerseyAle is in 2015 go further on these key winning Real Ales (including at least one SOCIETY Ian Macadam 07521 741 586 read by 44,000 people. Advertisers issues? please note! Advertising in locally brewed ale) plus hand pulled Cider Meets first Thursday of the by email A Campaigning CAMRA Branch [email protected] MerseyAle at £100 a half page or 8 Month 8.30pm £200 a full page is a great value way Liverpool CAMRA is a campaigning Branch and you can read about the Liverpool Branch Chair of reaching a lot of pub goers and 40th Anniversary of the Branch and Geoff Edwards visitors to Merseyside. So why not MEET THE BREWER the importance of protecting our Over 80 Malt [email protected] email us on Third Thursday of the [email protected] to pubs in the ‘Inn Liverpool’ feature Month 8pm on pages 11-12. Read about the Web Sites enquire about placing an advert. Whiskies current Liverpool Snowball The Lion Tavern has one of the largest Liverpool and Districts This edition brings you news of Campaign which having brought selections of malt whisky on Merseyside POETRY GET CAMRA Branch CAMRA Pubs of the Year in women to real ale, is now bringing TOGETHER www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk Liverpool, St Helens and the them to the pub! Read more on Fourth Thursday of the wwwfacebook.com Merseyside Region, the winner of pages 21 and 23. Month 8pm /CAMRAliverpool which goes forward to the final So this is a very good time to join sixteen of the CAMRA National CAMRA. And even more so with @LiverpoolCAMRA Pub of the Year competition – the news that Liverpool has been QR Codes page 55 V6 Adventure see page 7. awarded the 2016 CAMRA National BAGUETTES AGM and Members Weekend Club Isle of Man CAMRA Branch PubCos Reform Glass Only Ham which is expected to attract Cumberland sausage Meet every Wednesday www.isleofmancamra.org.uk Half Full? Hot beef & fried onion between one thousand and two at 8.00pm The big national news is that the Beef & raw onion thousand members to the city. It Beef & tomato CAMRA national site Coalition Government has finally, Cheese (Please choose from will be held over three days in the www.camra.org.uk after a protracted delay of over a our cheese menu) magnificent setting of St George’s year, taken action on the reform of OPEN SANDWICHES Cover Hall – see page 51. Homecooked ham served as an open the PubCos which together run sandwich with mustard mayo & salad WEEKLY LOCALE Cartoon by Dennis Jones over a third of Britain’s pubs. This Finally it’s not every day that Bootle HAND RAISED PORK PIES See Board for future “The Pigeon Lands in Top Spot” is a notable victory for the many has a World first. Find out what it Served with mustard or brown sauce Real Ales campaigners who have battled is on pages 17 and 19. SOUTHPORT POTTED SHRIMPS CAMRA DISCOUNT away on the issue of the PubCos Served with salad & toast Card carrying for the last ten years. Yet we ask on John SAMOSAS MEAT OR VEGETABLE CAMRA members 10 pence The opinions expressed in MerseyAle page 47 whether this is a case of a Armstrong Served with mango chutney & Tzaki off pint of real ale are not necessarily those of the Editor, glass only half full, with the the CAMRA Liverpool Branch or Editor CAMRA Ltd. Coalition Government avoiding giving PubCo licensees key rights “One of the Hundred Best Pubs in the country” to stocking a guest ale, to rights to buy beer on the open market Daily Telegraph

PUB OF EXCELLENCE 2012 CASK MARQUE CAMRA NATIONAL INVENTORY PUB 3 And how has the real and cider Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the Year 2014 curriculum been going? Pat says; “Most of our customers now ask for real ale and show keen The Pigeon Lands in Top Spot interest in the changing range of beers. We have some customers who started by drinking the European bottled beers but have now increasingly moved to real ale and trying different beer styles. The real cider and perry has been very popular and we usually have three on offer at any bar which offers a range of quality bar front in the curriculum of real one time.” real ale and real cider ale and cider. And despite the Pat also offers a range of quality supplemented by bottled British major change to working hours bottled beers with a focus on and World beers in an and established routines Pat has Belgian and German beers plus environment free of music, no regrets. some British beers. He is planning television and electronic games in to expand the range of British which conversation is king. “To run a bar like this has always bottled beers. The judging panel praised the been my ambition. Business wise F Pigeon for excellent beer quality it has exceeded all our and a refusal to compromise on projections and we have beer standards, use of lined quickly built up a solid glasses to ensure a full pint for the regular clientele who customer, friendly and make us very busy Pat and Jacky Moore Centre knowledgeable service including especially Thursday descriptions of the beers, a quiet through to Sunday. The One of the newest real ale pubs in Dispensary , Renshaw Street The Award was presented to the pub with emphasis on level of demand has the Branch area has won the Liverpool, the winner of Liverpool Liverpool Pigeon on Thursday 9th conversation (without television meant we have not had to Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the Year Pub of the Year in 2010 and 2011. May, when the a packed pub saw or music) and well kept clean compromise on offering a 2014 Award. The Liverpool Pigeon The third place went to the Branch Chair Geoff Edwards toilets. Additionally the pub is a choice of five real ales. A on Endbutt Lane, Crosby, opened Belvedere . Sugnall Street, present the Pub of the Year shield keen supporter of CAMRA aims by significant number of on 11th October 2013 and was the Liverpool, a former CAMRA to husband and wife team Pat and actively promoting real ale and customers come in three subject of a two page article ‘The National Inventory pub which Jacky Moore. CAMRA campaigns, as befits a pub or four times a week.” was closed by previous owners The Pigeon is an example of the run by CAMRA members as not viable and now brought wave of ‘micro pubs’ which are Licensee Pat Moore, surely back to greatness by licensee opening around the country. The the only Glaswegian to be a John O’Dowd. concept is to run a small pub or devoted Chelsea supporter, expressed his delight and surprise at winning the Award. In an interview with MerseyAle Pat commented; “I thought we might win the Best Newcomer Award but to win the Liverpool Pub of the Year is a vindication of what Jacky and I have sought to do in following our dream and Pigeon Has Landed’ in the Winter developing a new concept 2013 edition of MerseyAle. The of a local micro pub Award results were announced at offering quality real ale the Liverpool CAMRA Branch Get and real cider in a peaceful Together held at the Old Bank, environment.” Waterloo, on Wednesday 19th Pat made a big career March. It is a remarkable change giving up his job at achievement for a pub that has the chalk face as a local been open for five months to win Primary School teacher in the Pub of the Year Award. favour of a new life The second place went to the educating customers at the

4 5 Another recent innovation has Pat summed up been the introduction at the the experience weekends of artisan baked with these words; pork pies from the well “It is very pleasing Judging respected local bakers, to know that we are Satterthwaites , whose pork doing something that pies are legendary. He also people want and the Liverpool plans to introduce a cheese enjoy.” plate similar to those offered in So do head to Crosby Pub of the Year Belgian bars. Pat has a good to see a micro pub knowledge of the Belgian beer in action. It is a All Liverpool CAMRA members were asked and bar culture and the few yards along to vote online for their choice of a City pub practice of serving simple food Endbutt Lane from the main and a Suburban pub and the votes then which complements the beers. bus routes from Liverpool generated a shortlist of six pubs. These The interior of the pub features along Liverpool Road Crosby 1. The Freshfield three striking paintings by local buses; X2, 47, 48, 54. were then visited unannounced twice each Crosby artist Alex Pellow, When visiting note the by six judges who visited individually at depicting the Liverpool Pigeon opening times which have different times and days. The judges used logo on a hand pump (very been restricted due to the criteria used by CAMRA for the judging heraldic), a trio of famous planning conditions. Belgian bottled beer labels, They are; the National Pub of the Year. plus an entirely appropriate Monday closed exhortation that Beer is Best. Tuesday to Thursday 12 to 2pm Next Up – the Merseyside Pub of the Year 2014 The walls also display a and 5pm to 9pm The next stage after the Liverpool Pub of the Year is fascinating array of old Friday 12 to 2pm and 4pm the Merseyside pub of the year which judges the photographs of Crosby and to 9pm winners of the Liverpool, Southport, St Helens and Waterloo supplied by customer Saturday 12 to 9pm Wirral Pubs of the Year. The winner then goes and CAMRA member, Alan Sunday 12 to 5pm forward to the Regional Pub of the Year final Lloyd. The building was judging between the Merseyside and Cheshire previously a shop and the winners. 2. The Cricketers decorations add character to The Regional winner then goes into the final sixteen the rectangular space. The judging for the CAMRA National Pub of the Year. shop window now proudly The winner of the current CAMRA National Pub of proclaims, ”Real Ale and Real the Year award was the Swan with Two Necks in Cider.” Pendleton, Lancashire.

The 2014 Merseyside Pub of the Year Winner is The Freshfield for the Second Year Running The judging has been completed for the finalists for the Merseyside Pub of the Year 2014, the next stage after the Liverpool Pub of the Year, and the winner for the second year running is the Freshfield, Massams Lane, Freshfield, a five minute walk from Freshfield railway station. Judges from each of the Merseyside CAMRA Branches did the judging of the 3. The Liverpool Pigeon four finalists. The Liverpool Pigeon came Third in the judging. The results were; First - The Freshfield Second - The Cricketers, Peter Street, St Helens Third – The Liverpool Pigeon, Endbutt Lane, Crosby Fourth – The Fox and Hounds , Barnston, Wirral The Freshfield will now go forward to the Regional Pub of the Year judging of the winners of the Merseyside and the Cheshire Pubs of the Year, with the winner then going forward with the other Regional winners nationwide to the Final sixteen of the CAMRA National Pub of the Year 2015. 2. The Fox and Hounds

6 7 St George’s Hall Liverpool BBrreewweerr yynneewwss

Wapping Brewery - Wapping beers, with Angus Morrison replacing Stan Shaw as Beer Festival As You Were brewer. Stan did retire at the end of February as planned. September 25th - 28th 2 01 4 Baltic Fleet Retains its This means that the Baltic Fleet Title as Liverpool’s retains its title of being Liverpool’s Only Brew pub only brew pub, something which can only be of great benefit for the Well we did say it was a work in pub’s selling point. progress. The Spring 2014 edition reported on the decision that the Mad Hatter BrewTap Tasting Wapping Brewery plant would be Bar Opens sold to Mad Hatter Brewery and Mad Hatter has opened its new 300 +Real Ales relocated in new premises with BrewTap bar at 8 Mad Hatter then brewing Wapping Watkinson Street beers for the Baltic Fleet pub. This on the corner was planned to commence in of Jamaica Street John February. in the Baltic & Ciders in the Main Hall Triangle area.

Ales from 100+ Breweries Then in March the owner of Mad Hatter, Gaz Matthews , made this announcement; 'As you may have heard, we're not Across the UK taking over the Wapping brewing system (located under the Baltic Stan Fleet). We've been brewing on the system for the past few months, and realised that it wasn't the right Live Music at All Sessions thing for us to do. The brewing equipment is also in the Main Hall Organised by It also became apparent that it located there having been moved would be a good thing for the Baltic from its previous location in Fleet to still have its own Toxteth. The bar will be offering Continental Beers microbrewery, so this was very cask conditioned, keg and bottled much a mutual decision with the beers from Mad Hatter. & Lagers owner of Wapping Brewery and the Stan Shaw now Brewing for Baltic Fleet, Simon Holt. Melwood Brewery Angus Morrison will be brewing at Having retired from Wapping Locally Sourced Food Wapping, but we'll be making Brewery, Stan Shaw cannot give up LIVER POOL collaboration brews with him the mash tun completely and is Julie under the name 'Mine's Wapping now advising and brewing for the ahead with expansion of their beer Mad'. So whilst we'll be Melwood Brewery at Knowsley, VIP Reserved Tables RGA NI range and an increasing presence in concentrating on bottles and kegs which is located in the former O C pubs around Liverpool. Melwood BREWERY under Mad Hatter, we'll be making Cambrinus Brewery premises. You opened in March 2013 by husband Available some cask ales with Angus, which may find the Melwood Paleface and wife team John and Julie we're excited about.” beer reminiscent of Wapping Marsden . They have a five barrel Tickets sales and details visit: So Wapping Brewery, still located Summer Ale and the Melwood plant and three fermenters which in the cellar of the Baltic Fleet, will Derby Stout of Wapping Stout. www.stgeorgeshall.liverpoolbeerfestival.com enables them to brew four times a continue to brew the range of Melwood appear to be striding Telephone: 0151 933 9660 week producing 80 casks of beer. 8 9 Bob Thurlow Goes Bob Thurlow “Inn Liverpool ” Liverpool CAMRA Prior to the nineteenth century most beer was brewed in the home, 40th Anniversary often by women, known as brewsters. It was during that Celebrations century that beer began to be brewed in commercial mechanised Bob Thurlow was the first breweries which rapidly grew in Chairman of the Merseyside number. The history of brewing in CAMRA Branch which was Liverpool is a fascinating subject in established on 18th January 1974 – Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the Year its own right. see MerseyAle Spring 2014 pages 11 to 15 . Bob spoke to a full room The Hierarchy of Inns and Beer at the April Liverpool CAMRA 2010 and 2011 Houses Branch Get Together upstairs at the There was a hierarchy of licensed Philharmonic Hotel, Hope Street. held inquests there, doctors saw premises which differed in how Bob was introduced by one of the patients, government officials they regulated and the drinks and Branch Founder Members from collected taxes and the army services they offered. There was; 1974, Clive Pownceby, who said billeted soldiers. While the stage that without Bob’s leadership and •The Inn for travellers coaches ran it was a station, knowledge of pubs and beer the booking office, waiting room and Merseyside Branch would not •The Tavern for casual drinkers stabling all rolled into one. have got going. and run by licensed victuallers or Pubs were used for dog and rat Bob began by saying that the signs publicans fighting. In 1851 one London of his mis-spent youth were; being publican was recorded as having a passable success at billiards and a •The Ale House which did not sell bought 26,000 rats in one year knowledge of Liverpool’s public spirits and was not subject to to keep ratting competitions houses. He then nailed his colours visits from the magistrates flourishing, and in Liverpool to the mast with the following call ratting and dog fighting was to arms; •The Gin Shop – self explanatory still active in Liverpool pubs in the 1870s. “I believe the pub in •The Beer House (post 1830) A Warm Welcome to the Dispensary (CAMRA Liverpool & Districts Pub general and the Liverpool licensed by the Excise authorities The Importance of Pubs to of the Year 2010 and 2011) from Pauline, Dave and all their staff pub in particular, is a Liverpool much underrated The Pub as a Centre of Activity In 1831 there was one licensed Good Beer Guide singles out Most people’s homes were “the landlord’s impeccable institution and needs all house for every 94 Liverpudlians cramped and uncomfortable so the By 1961 there was one for every attention to beer quality”. the attention, both licensed premises offered an 666 Liverpudlians. theoretical and practical escape to a place which provided 1865 was the all time peak of that we can afford to give heat, light, furniture, newspapers, licensed houses in Liverpool with a sociability, food and lavatory it before the ‘powers that total of 3,024, and that at a time Up facilities. The pub was the centre when Liverpool was just a fifth of to be’ turn it into a car park for many activities hence the the size it is today. BEERS or a Tesco.” surprisingly large size of many In 1884 the National Temperance nineteenth century pubs. Just think Congress claimed that “Liverpool Availab8le at any one time kept in superb condition The Importance of Beer in of everything which used to go on is pre-eminent for drunkenness The Dispensary provides a varied and interesting selection Liverpool there. It was a centre for news, a and crime in proportion to its of real ales from the best Micro Brewers in the country. The water supply was a danger to meeting place, including for population over every other You will be surprised at the choice health and milk was often unions (in 1861 forty four of the seaport in the country.” adulterated and dangerous and fifty nine Liverpool Trade Societies Contrary to popular belief the even more expensive than beer and gave their address as a public publican was a highly respected RENSHAW STREET, LIVERPOOL gin. Beer was a safer option and house), a trading centre, a labour figure in society providing a wide (Formerly The Grapes) 0151 709 2160 ‘small beer’ (low strength) was the exchange, an auction house and range of services to the local regular drink rather than water. an exhibition space. Coroners population. F 10 11 Whittling Away the Importance a fascinating glimpse of what was of the Pub there and what has been lost. Do MerseyAlePub news As society and public health you recall the Nelson, the White House, the Goat’s Head, the Court changed so did the role of the pub. (specially brewed by Liverpool House, Basnett Bar, the Raven, the A Tale of Two The Bridewell, on Campbell Clean water reduced the reliance Organic Brewery) , plus another Greenland Arms and the Angel? Square, continues to serve JW Lees on small beer and alcohol and Refurbishments LOB beer and two changing guest We hope it may be possible to several of the functions of the pub Two popular City Centre real ale beers. Unfortunately the attractive include some of these photos in a moved to other institutions and pubs have received substantial new Foyer Bar overlooking Hope future MerseyAle.) locations as public services and refurbishments, the Fly in the Loaf, Street does not offer real ale. There buildings were created. Homes will be a review of the new Bistro in Bob concluded with these became more comfortable making the next edition of MerseyAle. it less necessary to escape to the words; pub for heat and furniture. Kazimier Garden (entrance on “Many of the premises I have Seel Street) reopened after its spring Since the 1970s’ there have been shown you are no longer refurbishment. Opening times are normally 4pm on weekdays and further major social and economic there. As CAMRA members changes which have impacted on we should do all in our power the pub, such that currently pubs to make sure that we do not are closing at the rate of thirty a week. lose any more; either through machinations of local authority (Bob then showed fifty slides of planners or the desires of big Liverpool pubs through the years, business.” Governor, usually alongside a beer from Lancaster Brewery and a LocAle. On my last visit Melwood Derby Stout was being served.

2pm at weekends. There are usually The Camp and Furnace on 3 cask beers on offer supplied by Greenland Street now has two beer Liverpool Craft , including Organo engines serving Liverpool Craft that is specially brewed for the beers. Kazimier. A beer from Revolutions Also in the Baltic Triangle on the in Leeds was available in April, one corner of Jamaica and Watkin- of the swaps arranged by Liverpool Craft. Mad Hatter Hardman Street (see article page A new first floor area has opened at 44), and the Cross Keys, Earle the Shipping Forecast on Slater Street, off Old Hall Street in the Street. The third hand pump business district, which we will continues to offer unusual beers, feature in the next edition. with a beer from Liberation The Everyman Theatre Brewery on Jersey being served at reopened in February with a new the end of April. Bistro in the basement, which is Mad Hatter run by new management. Four The Hub, at the bottom of Hanover hand pumps dispense Everyman Street, now has five hand pumps, regularly dispensing beers from Lancaster Brewery and Liverpool Organic. Two pumps are for guest beers that were from Beartown brewery at the end of April.

The Baltic Fleet has been selling Brief article see page 9 beers from Brimstage recently, alongside their own Wapping son Street, the Mad Hatter Liverpool CAMRA 40th beers. A decision has been made to Microbrewtap has opened. Check at The Philharmonic Dining continue brewing at the pub - see out the website http://madhatter story page 9. Rooms. brewing.co.uk/ for opening times. F 12 13 MerseyAlePub news cntd

The Victoria Cross on Sir Thomas the plans do not include reopening The Volunteer Canteen in Street was selling Liverpool One the bar on the ground floor. Waterloo has been selling a good King’s Regiment during April, a Ei8ht Bar on Allerton Road has fitting beer for the theme of the closed and has become an Estate pub. Agent, adding to the large number already in the area. Dr Duncan’s continues to serve guest ales following the closure of The hand pump has been removed Cains brewery. Beers from the West from the Vauxhall Vaults. With so Country and London have featured many other pubs within easy along with brews from Padstow, walking distance, the real ale Horns and Bristol Beer Factory. drinkers were attracted elsewhere. An update to the report in the last MerseyAle, the Head of Steam at The Lees Bitter at Dawsons on Lime Street station is now selling Ranelagh Street has not been real ale again. Camerons Gold available on my recent visits. The variety of guest beers. The pub Bullion was one of the beers on tap hand pump at the Leaf on Bold offers table service in the lounge, at on my last visit. Access is not Street has not been in use on my something which is much now normally available from the visits. The Peacock on Seel Street appreciated and which other pubs station concourse, but only via usually sells a beer from the should consider offering. Lord Nelson Street. Marstons stable, but real ale has not Across the road, Ma Egerton’s always been available when I’ve The Masonic, in Garston, is due to continues to offer two real ales. visited. The Old Fort, opposite have two more beer engines fitted Numerous different beers from the Royal Hospital, has not had any real ale recently. The bar tender told me that nobody ever asked for it. The Wirral Beer Desert Guest MerseyAle to run the article as Wirral CAMRA do not have For the important Liverpool game a Branch magazine and the article was intended to open against Manchester City the Flat debate on real ale in Wirral pubs. Article in Spring 2014 Iron on Anfield Road offered MerseyAle Edition Well it certainly did that in spades! We received many supporters beers from Kite and comments, most of which challenged the claim of there Allgates breweries, presumably In the Spring 2014 edition of MerseyAle we ran an article being a Wirral Beer Desert and some which queried the supplied via Liverpool Organic. on page 50 entitled ‘Wirral Beer Desert – A Point of campaigning record of Wirral CAMRA. Given the range of Before the Chelsea game two View From Wirral CAMRA Members ’. This was at the points raised, as Editor I felt it best to prepare an article Liverpool Organic beers were request of, and was written by, three members of Wirral summarising the comments received, and also to give the available. CAMRA, Dave Goodwin, Bob Lockhart and Andrew original authors and Wirral CAMRA Branch the right to The Cobden on Quarry Street Foster. As many will know Dave Goodwin is Chair of respond to the points made and this will appear in the next bringing the total to six. One is edition of MerseyAle. Woolton was selling a beer from Wirral CAMRA and Bob Lockhart is a founding member of likely to be used for a cider. Merseyside CAMRA – see article pages 33. They asked Editor MerseyAle, John Armstrong Joules in April, whilst along the

many communities across the UK fighting to save their Fifty of Britain’s pubs are local by raising the money to purchase it themselves. now run by their With 30 pubs closing every week there is still much Theakstons, including the monthly more that needs to be done to protect pubs, but it is specials, have been offered. Other communities heartening to see that the desire and drive to save beers are sometimes available, with New research announced by CAMRA in April 2014 shows pubs is something which is clearly there amongst the Clark’s Westgate Gold being that over 50 pubs across the UK are now being run by their pub-going public”, says CAMRA Chairman Colin served at the end of April. The pub local communities. Many of the fifty pubs were facing Valentine. now serves Ma’s Pizza – see advert Photo John Bradley closure before being saved by the action of local people. on the back cover. The rapidly expanding list of community owned pubs Many of the pubs which have most recently been Blackburne House Cafe Bar , The Royal on Smithdown Road is Cobden represents a growing trend of communities looking to purchased by their local community came about after Blackburne Street, is now selling being developed into student save their local pub by buying and running it themselves. being listed as ‘Assets of Community Value’, or ACVs, real ale. road, the County Court is for sale which means should they be threatened with closure the accommodation, which should mean the distinctive exterior blue freehold, should anybody want to “The Great British pub is something unique and local community is notified and given a six month period Pub News by Tony Williams deserving of protection and it is inspiring to see so to raise the money to purchase the pub. tiling will be preserved. I presume set up a free house in Woolton.

14 15 The Largest RRoossccooee HHeeaadd and Longest CAMRA Liverpool & Districts PUB of the YEAR 2012 Established Pub League in the World Real Ale and the Merseyside Quiz League

www.roscoehead.co.uk Merseyside can boast of having the little complicated, but it is a tried largest and longest established pub and tested format which has league in the world. The produced some of the best quiz Merseyside Quiz League was players in the North-West if not the founded in 1959 and is an country. institution, not just on Merseyside, Although the league has suffered but also in Cheshire and from the advent of the pub table Lancashire. So really the name itself quiz and the money and other is slightly misleading, as there are Roscoe Head riches such as free beer on offer to six constituent leagues within the film he was making about the the winners, one of MQL’s selling Merseyside Quiz Leagues (MQL), History of Pub Quizzing. The film points to me has always been the with individual leagues based in was inspired by the model chance to meet and get to know CONSTANTLY Liverpool, Northern (roughly established by the MQL when it regular players in the local league CHANGING based in North Liverpool/South formed the first organized pub and simply pit your brains against Sefton), Ormskirk, Warrington, league in the world in 1959 in other teams for the simple pride of The Roscoe Head is a true English GUEST BEERS Wirral, and last but not least the Bootle. It’s not too often that you two points in the league. Oh, and public house with lots of character. 6 league in the area where I now live, can say Bootle leads the world! the fact that players cannot cheat, the Southport & Formby League. copy answers or use mobile phones One of the few pubs in Liverpool Try our delicious home-cooked food Jeffrey filmed the MQL in action and indeed Great Britain to have The fame of the MQL is in Liverpool, along with two might have something to do with it served Mon- to Fri 11.30am - 2.30 pm international. In the Spring 2013 Mayflowers, the quiz team at the as well. The home team provide survived the onslaught of the super edition of MerseyAle we ran article refreshments in the form of pub chains and remains unspoilt. Mayflower in Rotherhithe, London QUIZ NIGHT and his own team at the Mayflower sandwiches or some other The Roscoe Head is a very special nourishment (at one quiz recently I Tuesday Commencing 9.30pm - max 4 players to a team pub in San Rafael, San Francisco, watering hostelry. California. was treated to pea and ham soup FREE BUFFET with crusty bread), and the away The Roscoe Head is a town local PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT FOR CASH PRIZES The MQL Matches team players always get a drink each from their opposite number. with customers from all walks of Tuesday night after quiz Teams play on Monday or Tuesday life, the backroom debates are MUSIC QUIZ night, with matches being played simultaneously on each night using The CAMRA Connection Every Thurs Commencing 9.30pm Jeffrey French always entertaining whether it be the same set of questions, which are This leads me on to my link politics or football on the agenda CRIBBAGE NIGHT sent to team secretaries in sealed between the MQL and CAMRA. the banter is always good. Every Wednesday Evening ‘An American in Liverpool: envelopes to ensure fair play. The There also happen to be a number Serendipity in the Pool of format of the quizzes is for teams of of keen real ale drinkers amongst Liverpool’ on pages 26 and 27 by four-a-side playing eight rounds of the regular quiz players taking part Winner of many awards and one of only SEVEN pubs to feature in every edition Jeffrey French of San Francisco, a eight questions per round, with in the league, which just goes to of the Good Beer Guide. Over 40 years of Good Beer Guide entries! film maker and keen pub quizzer, each player getting one individual show that as well as us liking to who referred to the documentary 24 Roscoe Street L1 2SX Tel: 0151 709 4365 question in each round. It sounds a think we are a well-educated and F 16 17 intelligent bunch of people we have is a game being played in your area Join the League also got good taste as well (with the where you can get a good So if you are a pub landlord or The exception of course of the lager pint of ale and listen in, or, even regular customer reading this drinkers). And another thing of better, start to take part, look on article, why not speak to the person interest: the first-ever Merseyside the Merseyside Quiz League who compiles the pub quiz, or to CAMRA Chairman, Bob Thurlow web site at www.merseyside other customers taking part in the Belvedere (see pages 11-12), like me is an quizleagues.org.uk and click on the table quiz, and get a team together Traditional 2 room community pub MQL team secretary, in his case for tab “leagues” which will give you and enter the local league? Grade II Listed situated in the heart of the Mersey Bowmen team which the link to the individual leagues. Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. Winner plays at the White Horse in League Benefits the Pubs A couple of things before I sign off: of CAMRA pub of culture 2011 Woolton. My own team, Fisherman’s Rest if I have got any information wrong There are a number of venues used (there have been debates at then please let me know so that I Cask Ales from Local and by teams playing in the Merseyside CAMRA meetings as to whether can put some corrections in the Regional Brewers Quiz League which sell real ale, the pub should be called next Mersey Ale; secondly, an One minut e from Philharmonic Hall and probably too many to mention Fisherman’s or Fishermen’s Rest – apology for not including other Ideal for pre-show drinks individually in this article. MQL prefer to use the singular and pubs and clubs who make up the However, just to give you a flavour CAMRA have gone for the plural), various Merseyside Quiz Leagues, The Only Liverpool Pub with of some of the pubs, here are some share a home venue with Vikings, but perhaps in future issues I can, Lined Glasses for Cask and of the real ale pubs which are home with the editor’s permission, start European Lagers and we can always guarantee an to teams in the MQL in the various excellent pint of Thwaites compiling a directory of the MQL Large Selection of Gins available at the leagues: Thomas Rigby’s and venues selling real ale. Football Free Zone Wainwright, Theakston’s bitter, Doctor Duncan’s, Liverpool; Bull’s No Fruit Machines Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Head, Warrington; Abbey Hotel, Real Fires another guest beer in the best pub David Williams St.Helens; Zetland, Southport; Real Conversation in Birkdale, which also happens to Old Bank, Waterloo; Disraeli’s, Food Available be listed in the CAMRA Good Greyhound and Hayfield, Beer Guide And Finally Ormskirk; Prince Albert, Westhead; If you have not heard of the 8 Sugnall Street (off Falkner St), Liverpool MQL and like quizzes, come along to a match and perhaps join a team. For further information about MQL and real ale in the Warrington area contact General Secretary and CAMRA member Cliff Houghton on 01925 637717 or by e-mail at [email protected] or MQL Treasurer Dag Griffiths on 01695 576744 or [email protected] For details of pubs and clubs selling real ale, where you can also update the information I Stork Hotel, Birkenhead and When I talk to the manager of the have supplied, go to Plasterers Arms, Hoylake. I know “Fish” Eddie Loftus, he says that www.whatpub.com or there are other pubs and clubs having a pub which hosts two selling real ale and who host MQL Merseyside Quiz League teams www.camra.org.uk for details teams, but the aim of this article is introduces people to his pub who of CAMRA membership. not to promote individual pubs, may not ordinarily go there. And if Cheers, but to increase awareness to the they have a good night, they will readers of this fine publication to return to the pub for a drink or a David Williams the merits of a local institution – meal. And it seems to work, Vice Chairman, CAMRA Merseyside Quiz Leagues are the because the Fishermen’s Rest is Southport & District & largest independent quiz leagues in usually heaving with customers Southport & Formby Quiz the world. and you need to book a table in League advance in order to guarantee So if you have an interest in quizzes getting a meal – how many pubs and want to find out where there these days can say that?

18 19 The Snowball Women’s Pub The Richmond Hotel is part of the city of Liverpool's rich history and has been converted Trail Event into a boutique four bedroom living pad situated The award winning Liverpool in the heart of Liverpool City centre. It can cater CAMRA Snowballs Campaign for someone in Liverpool on business through to which is designed to Bring New groups of up to ten people. The Richmond Hotel People to Real Ale, broke new has an open plan kitchen-living room space with ground in May with an event to Sky TV and free internet access. With its own pub The welcome continued with encourage women to explore a below it is perfect for an overnight stay. Dispensary licensee Dave Williams number of Liverpool’s best real ale giving a short talk about the pub pubs. With pubs closing at an ever and its commitment to real ale. He increasing rate, CAMRA is working also showed the group the framed hard to promote our pubs and to certificate the Liverpool CAMRA bring them new custom. An Snowball Campaign had won in important, yet underdeveloped 2012 for CAMRA’s National Award opportunity, is attracting women to for Membership Innovation. The the pub. Women are often cautious very first Snowball event was held about entering an unfamiliar pub in the Dispensary with active help Discussion with the women present alone and feedback had shown that from Dave and Pauline, the showed that three quarters had 32 WILLIAMSON STREET L1 1EB a number of women contacted by licensees, and it is appropriate that decided to join CAMRA as a result 6 rotating OVER 80 the Snowball Campaign had not the certificate is on display in of attending Snowball real ale WHISKIES [email protected] visited more than a very few of the pub. events, a remarkable recruitment Guest Ales from all over Tel: 0151 709 2614 Mob: 07837653593 Liverpool’s best known real ale record and testament to the Plus Real Bass the World pubs. The concept of a women’s effectiveness of the Snowball Snowball Campaign classic real ale Campaign. Amongst the women pub trail was born. Bringing present was Susie O’Neil who is the So it came to pass that the Snowball Brewery Manager for Liverpool team arranged for twenty women to New People Organic Brewery. She was there as meet at the Dispensary Renshaw a CAMRA member keen to visit Street, the Liverpool CAMRA Pub to Real ale... the pubs, rather than in her of the Year 2110 and 2011 and many professional day job capacity. times Pub of Excellence, as the first stop in a tour of four of Liverpool’s and the Pub best real ale pubs. The Roscoe Head Rotating Then it was just a few yards around The Dispensary to the second pub, the Roscoe Head Ca sk Beers A most appropriate start to the in Roscoe Large selection of event was the presence of a Street, a World Beers Mallinsons beer amongst the fine case of There are 4 hand pumps serving a display of excellently kept real ales from one variety of Local and Regional Ales on the bar at the Dispensary. Pub of the Mallinsons of Huddersfield is run Year to We are one of the by two women, Tara and Elaine, another. least expensive "Valour in the face who had previously run a Liverpool The Warm and Friendly Atmosphere pubs in of the enemy" CAMRA Snowball Campaign Roscoe Free Juke Box Liverpool. So come women’s real ale event at the Lion Head Opening Times 11.00am - 11.00pm Mon - Fri inside and enjoy a Tavern, Moorfields. They are won Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the 11.00am - 12.00pm Saturday good pint in a passionate about brewing and the Year 2012 but has an even greater friendly local beer tasting they provided at the call to fame being one of only seven 20p DISCOUNT WITH pubs nationwide which have been atmosphere Lion of a selection of their real ales CAMRA MEMBERSHIP CARD had led many of the women present in every edition of the CAMRA to acquire a taste for their beers. So National Good Beer Guide 1-3 Sir Thomas Street City Centre Liverpool it was a propitious start to the tour since 1974. Indeed they are the to find Mallinsons Columbus on Magnificent Seven. the bar. F

20 21 Appropriately the licensee is a lesson in how pubs can be brought Return to the woman, Carol Ross, who is a great back from closure to greatness. campaigner for pubs and for a Fair Licensee John O’ Dowd welcomed Dispensary and Deal for Your Local . She has given the group on arrival. John has Comments on the Event evidence to the House of Commons turned around the Belvedere and review of the practices of the has restored the lost architectural PubCos. She has fought hard to features so you can now enjoy the retain the traditional pub cosy atmosphere of this two atmosphere of the Roscoe Head roomed pub with its real fires; a with conversation the king, whilst testament to what can be achieved smartening the pub with a sensitive by a committed licensee. John has refurbishment. The small side also introduced original art and rooms and the unusual feature of a posters which shows how a pub can traditional snug create a very cosy be a showcase for culture and atmosphere. local artists. Most of the group elected to return Carol’s efforts were rewarded with A feature of the Belvedere is its to the Dispensary to finish off the the comments from the group, support for local breweries evening and to mull over the event. including; particularly Liverpool Organic, so Some of the comments included; “What a gem.” Susie found herself on familiar “I didn’t realise wonderful pubs “Why have I never been here ground. like these still existed. ” before! – I’ll be back again soon.” Again the Belvedere was new to “I will definitely be visiting these It was noticeable that a number of several in the party and the visit pubs again. Tonight was a great the women had not visited the pub demonstrated the value of opportunity to see pubs I didn’t before and this in itself justified the organising the Snowball Pub Trail. know about.” concept of the women’s pub trail. The Belvedere The Little Grapes A walk this time down the hill A short walk up Hardman Street to brought the group to the Little Hope Street brought the party to the Grapes on Knight Street/Roscoe Belvedere on Sugnall Street off Street corner. This is a remarkable example of a small street corner pub which has come on by leaps and bounds to attract a wide mix of customers. The number of real ales has been significantly increased “There are so many other women who like beer. Tonight we had a great range of beers – shame we couldn’t try them all!” “How lovely to have so many good conversations with so many different women in lovely pubs.” The Snowball events are known for the friendly atmosphere and the conversation which is generated, not just about the beer and pubs, but also on this evening about Falkner Street. This is a Liverpool music, theatre, politics, sport and CAMRA Pub of Excellence and was local events. Whether you come one of only 200 British pubs to be alone or with others you are certain listed in the CAMRA National to make new friends during the Inventory of Unspoilt Pub Interiors. evening and to be part of a That was until previous owners welcoming atmosphere and decided to close it as a pub and sell enjoyable and varied conversation. it for conversion to offices or residential use. In the process both in number and in the range of Find Out More sufficient architectural features beers and breweries on offer. The If you would like to know more were removed for the Inventory pub also supports live music with about the Snowball Campaign and listing to be lost. regular sessions including jazz. to receive information about The visit here was instructive in This pub was new ground for many future events please email demonstrating the pressures on of the party. It is also reputed to be [email protected] pubs to survive and also was a the most haunted pub in Liverpool. Helen McCall 22 23 A Copenhagen Pub Crawl with Alan Lloyd

enter the large building and you can arrange for a brewery tour and tasting if you have the time. They "Liverpool One Bridewell is THE brew 7 beers covering a wide destination venue set in a truly variety of tastes. It is quite easy to work out what the beers are as the unique and Grade II listed, 1850s- built former gaol and police station If they made beer in the heart of this magnificent city. Our heritage points to visits from some iconic guests it would probably on the taps. As it is unlikely you will including Charles Dickens (employed for a day here have a clue about the beers on sale in 1860, as a Special Constable to research a book), be …… it is lucky the bar staff are so Frankie Goes to Hollywood (who rehearsed here in helpful giving advice and tasters. the early 1980s and wrote most of their hits in one of I managed to take advantage of a We paid 50dkk for 40ml (about our cells) and Dame Joan Bakewell (who launched her cheap flight by Norwegian airlines £5.60). This is a sort of sports bar most recent book here) to name but a few. Come and from Liverpool to Copenhagen for take your seat in an original 1850 cell, and enjoy a with one part of the room with a TV a short break, before the route was wonderful pint and a bowl of scouse...we promise not to lock you up!" transferred to Manchester. There description is on the taps and in a are plenty of things to do and see menu. It is also possible to get a We carry a great selection of cask, in the city and there is also a very sample of 5 beers. The beers tried active and exciting micro brewing were very good I particularly liked always well-conditioned, and at a and craft movement in the country. the Vester Weisse 4.9% and the very competitive price of just Of course the drink associated Amarillo Red Ale 5.5% . Both were £2.40 a pint with Denmark is Carlsberg; would 40dkk (£4.50) for 40cl. Other beers it taste better in its spiritual home brewed include, PJ Harvey - India ‘The Governor’ (3.8%) by Marco of Copenhagen (as does Guinness Pale Ale 6.8% , Indian - 5.5% Dark Pierre White, courtesy of JW Lees, is a in Dublin)? Well I had no intention and another with a table football US India Pale Ale and Cole - Porter firm favourite with our customers (and of finding out with so many local machine and dart board. I was very 5.2 %. As it was a Saturday evening staff!). So much so, it’s a permanent brews on offer. surprised and extremely pleased to the place was really packed with A couple of points about drinking feature at Liverpool One Bridewell. see a framed Everton shirt hanging most people eating the rather nice in Copenhagen before I suggest on the wall next to one from some bars to try. Firstly check the We also have three other hand pulls with a regularly Barcelona and a Danish National size of the serving they are usually shirt. It just underlined what good changing selection of well-kept real ales from various either 20cl, (0.35 pint) or 40cl (0.7 North West brewers such as Liverpool Organic, taste the people in this bar have!!! pint) but you can get larger sizes. Melwood Brewery and Lancaster Brewery. The prices are quite a bit higher Great brews, at a great price. As well as great cask Brewpub Kobenhavn than in this country and people ales we have a broad range Vestergade 29 tend to drink smaller measures. A of specialist spirits and a http://brewpub.dk/en/ fantastic wine list. 40cl measure will be cheaper than This is one of the larger brewpubs, Great food is a must and is available from two 20cl measures. Beware some 12 every day. Our menus change seasonally, we bottled beers can be eye which is both bar and restaurant. It has a pleasant beer garden/ do a fantastic Sunday Roast, and a varied Lunch wateringly expensive e.g. A bottle looking food. However there is courtyard to the rear. Relatively Menu. All this and the best Scouse in town! of Mikkeller’s Oatgoop 10.4% space to drink by the bar. We then easy to find, 5 minutes from 66cl, would cost over £19!! ! Price went in search for possibly the the Town Hall Square (Radhu- does not seem to always relate to most famous beer bar in spladsen). strength, check before you order. Copenhagen, Mikkeller. On the The brewery can be seen as you way we stopped off at the Orsted Olbar Nørre Apollo Brewery, Vesterbrogade Farimagsgade 13 3 http://bryggeriet.dk/ http://oerstedoelbar.dk/ A pleasant, well-worn bar accessed eng/breweries/ apollo- 1 Campbell Square Argyle St. L1 5FB down a few steps from the copenhagen Tel: 0151 709 7000 pavement. They have about 12 This is very easy to find as it is next beers on tap, mostly from to the main entrance to the Tivoli Denmark and over 180 bottles from Gardens and only 5 minutes away all over the world. The name of the from Brewpub Kobenhavn. This beer, brewery and price are found was the first brewpub in Denmark 24 25 F microbreweries to produce their In the restaurant they had 5 beers, beers. You need to keep your eyes again I enjoyed the Stuakman Witt open as it is a basement location 5.2% and the Ravnsborg Rod 5.5% easy to miss on a dark rainy night. each 40cl for 45dkk (£5). Very busy in the evening and The last bar visited and possibly my favourite was Fermentoren, Halmtorvet 29c, https://www.facebook.com /fermentoren.cph. Wonderful early 19th Century and opened in 1990. They brew a Public House with small selection of beers, always have their Pilsner 4.6% and usually have a monthly special beer which 6Handpumps may be a cherry beer, hemp beer Serving a varying range or a dark rich porter. Here the small size beer is 25cl and the everyone seems to be drinking out of Real Ales Plus a Real Cider cost is 30dkk of cut down ‘schooner’ glasses, no (£3.40). The pint tankards here!! Price of beer REGULAR ALE THWAITES bar is spread depends on what you have, again “HUNDRED BEST over two based on 20cl glasses it would be floors with 35 – 40dkk (£4 - £4.50). They have PUBS in the COUNTRY” the ‘coppers’ recently opened a ‘sister’ bar This bar is a bit away from the 0151 709 4171 in the 2010 2011 Daily Telegraph 12-11.30 midnight Fri & Sat tourist area (but close to our basement Mikkeller & Friends, hotel!). It was a very cosy and where there Stefansgade 35 comfortable bar lit by candles in Have a drink in John Lennon’s Old Watering Hole is a large “Once again we aim to serve the the evening with an eclectic seating area. world’s best beer in the best mixture of tables and chairs. They Food is also of good quality and possible manner in the best have 20 beers on tap, mostly from again the place is crowded at possible surroundings,” The new Denmark although examples from weekend evenings. If we thought bar is three times larger than the the UK (Brew Dog) and Belgium the Apollo was crowded! could be found. The bartender was very helpful and knowledgeable Mikkeller Bar, Victoriagade 8BC about the beers on offer and after a http://mikkeller.dk/ few tasters I tried beers which were Mikkeller Bar was voted best bar in all very different. These included, Copenhagen in 2012. One of the Stronzo – Tinky Winky IPA, 7.3%, most famous of the new wave of Flying Couch – Black Bitter Bajer, bars it has been around since 2007. 5.5%, Against the Grain (USA) - The owners wanted to create the best beer bar in the world and to

original Mikkeller Bar and has 40 taps available. They have some beers from around that can only be found here and in their country of origin e.g. Three Floyds Brewery, USA. Again the interior is very interesting and feels bright and cheerful. A bit further out from the centre but worth a detour. Prices the same as Mikkeller Bar. be known for the quality and They have recently opened a bar in Ryed Chiquen, 8.3% and Beer variety of craft beers from around San Francisco and have made Here – Ammestout, 5.5%. All these the world. To match the beer they contact with Brew Dog in the UK. were served in 20cl measures at wanted to have a specially 30dkk (£3.40). This was an excellent designed interior, which is very On the last evening we went for a way to end our visit and just to different to other bars. They have meal at RizRaz and were pleased to think - not one glass of Carlsberg 20 taps with up to 15 beers which find the beer on offer was from the had touched our lips! have their name on. They do not Norrebro Brewery, Ryesgade 3, brew themselves but get other http://www.noerrebrobryghus.dk/. Alan Lloyd

26 27 Art in Pubs for all involved. The pub Putting art in pubs began for benefits from having me when I first approached , original art on the walls at Pubs the manager of Ye Cracke in no cost to the management. Rice Street to see if I could The art is constantly use some wall space in her changing, is relevant to the pub. Ye Cracke has had a Real Ale pub and the customers. long history of displaying The artists benefit by original art. With its close and original handling more sales that proximity to the Liverpool help keep my shop and Art School (now closed), it Art gallery open, and as an has long been a popular artist myself, the sale of my haunt of many artists and work. musicians. The most famous was John Lennon. Amongst others were Adrian Henri, Dick Young and Pete Wylie, to mention just a few. After Enter the Caledonia exhibition space in the discussing the requirements Another real ale pub I enjoy corridor and gradually of the pub, it was agreed to visiting is the Caledonia on added more art around the mainly have Beatles or music Catharine Street especially stage area, over the bar and for the jazz nights. It had above the entrance door.

Why the Three years I have been supplying local real ale pubs with Go Hand in Hand original art for sale. I have I have been organising art always had a policy of exhibitions in Liverpool for promoting the work of over eleven years in various artists living locally. venues including cafes Although I have a gallery and related themes and local interest. It is not only art galleries and shopping shop in the centre of The customer benefits by sensible but also ethical to centres. For the last two Liverpool and have regular being able to buy affordable have a fixed upper price for exhibitions there, in recent art without having to make a the art on sale. On principal years it has become obvious special trip to a gallery or the art should be kept There are still places to be that many people find recently seen changes for exhibition. Indeed many of affordable for those who filled and the art certainly galleries to be intimidating the better but it was still my customers are people appreciate it. adds character to the places and they often expect lacking, in my opinion, who have never been to a The experience in Y e Cracke pub interior. People are prices to be out of reach of some original art on the gallery or an exhibition in proved the practicality of interested in the art as they the ordinary person. You walls. I approached the their lives, but love what this approach, but also can browse at their don’t have to persuade landlady with my idea to they have seen, and indeed indicated the need to branch leisure and feel under no people to go to a pub, supply her pub with art for many buy more than one out into new venues. obligation to make a however. In pubs people are sale along the same lines as piece of art for their walls. relaxed and can enjoy the art (Editors Note – Ye Cracke won a at Ye Cracke. Fortunately purchase. Liverpool CAMRA Pub and In my opinion pubs, real ale without the pressure they she agreed. This time the and original art go hand in may feel when they visit an Culture Award for its support art featured included jazz, A Win Win Situation for original art in a pub hand. art gallery. other musicians and local I have found this arran- environment.) interest. I started the gement to be a good one Lis Edgar

28 29 MerseyAle Cider News Augustus John Wins to Kent and Cornwall to Norfolk. We got to try ciders that normally CAMRA Regional Cider do not set foot in Liverpool like the Pub of the Year Award Ampleforth Abbey 6% with its products keep for a long time. With heavy apple pie notes or the The AJ, Peach Street on the cider carry-outs on sale for a very deceptively light Port Wine of Liverpool University campus, has fair price it was unlikely that Glastonbury 7% made from fruit won the prestigious award of leftovers would be a problem that produces natural pink juice. CAMRA anyway. For drinkers of a more delicate Regional disposition there was the lovely The festival appeared to be a great Cider crisp Cornish Orchards perry at 5% success and we congratulate the Pub of a very rare but welcome visitor to Caledonia and would encourage the Year. Liverpool, also available was the other pubs try real cider festivals. regular Scottish crowd pleaser Liverpool CAMRA Thistly Cross Whisky Cask which Cider Survey weighs in at 7%. Liverpool CAMRA Branch There were several reasons why members have been conducting a this was such a great little festival, thorough cider pub survey in the Liverpool area. Twenty five pubs Above likely to be selling real cider were Linda Harris CAMRA Regional cider co-ordinator visited in April alone and the survey will continue through the Having been the winner of the year. The findings will be Liverpool CAMRA Cider Pub of published on the Branch website the Year for a number of years and will contribute to the selection running, the AJ has gone to the of the Liverpool Cider Pub of the next stage to win the Regional Steve Berks Year Award. Award and to then enter the finals of CAMRA National Cider Pub of one being the pricing, the ciders A New Local Cider - the Year. Over the past years the AJ were priced on what they cost the Hardshaw has steadily built up its range pub to buy and not the ABV of the Legendary Liverpool brewer Stan of real ciders and perries and has drink, for example one 7% cider Shaw, (see page 9 and MerseyAle collaborated with Liverpool was 65 pence/pint cheaper than Spring 2014), has released his first CAMRA to run a series of cider one of the 6%’s. Landlady Laura production brew of Hardshaw tastings, (see MerseyAle Spring King explained that the pub cider made with friend Tom 2014 edition). The AJ offers a enjoyed hosting festivals, with Hardwick. The pressing from late changing and varied range and is 2013 was made with wild apples an excellent place to explore the sourced from verges and park land world of real ciders and perries. across Merseyside. Having been Successful Caledonia fermenting for over five months first tastings suggest that it will be Cider Festival a dry/medium product of about The long Easter bank holiday 6% ABV. The pressing process of weekend frequently witnesses beer Hardshaw cider with photos will festivals large and small but be published in the Autumn 2014 festivals dedicated to cider are few cider in spring and the Mersey Ale. and far between. The Caledonia in “Americana” themed festival in Steve Berks Catharine Street is a fine real ale Autumn. Festivals brought in new pub and always has one real cider faces and regular customers available but the prospect of seemed to stay in the pub much having over thirty cider and longer than usual before moving perries available for five days was on, also no product need go to going to be heaven for cider lovers. waste. In the case of the cider any The hugely anticipated festival unsold during the five days would was no disappointment either with be re-released over the bar in the products spanning from Yorkshire coming weeks as bag-in-box

30 31 Beer the Year in 2012. A tasteful very first meeting – and landing refurbishment at the end of that year himself a job in the process! Festivals only enhanced the charm of this cosy, American 30th June - The two roomed pub with the renowned It took a little more ‘homework’ to July 6th sloping floor! (See MerseyAle, find some other people, in particular February edition, 2013). a certain Laurie Hughes, then of August - Cider 18th - Chester Branch which was up and 24th The CAMRA Connection running before Merseyside, who September – German Globe But the Globe has a much more addressed that very meeting and 22nd - 28th - and its devoted distant and very important link with inspired all present with his LIVERPOOL’S PREMIER FREEHOUSE theshipandmitre.com CAMRA, as it was in the back room evangelical zeal for real ale and the team of staff of this very pub that CAMRA campaign to preserve it. Thanks to Merseyside was formed 40 years ago, Brian Vardy, current Chester Chair, EVER CHANGING REAL ALES + DRAUGHT CIDERS on Friday 18th January 1974. When for seeking out Laurie for us, and it the current Branch started to think has to be said Laurie’s 2014 speech 15 The Ship and Mitre has the largest selection of Belgian and German Draught and Bottled Beers in Liverpool about how to celebrate its 40th year, was equally as impassioned as his there was no debate – the first event 1974 one – although there are now had to be on those very premises as new battles to be fought especially Quality Pub Food close to that date as possible. that to Save the British Pub. cooked to order including Gourmet Burgers, Wraps, Scouse, Jean Pownceby approached Sue in food served from 12-9 daily the early Autumn and she was There was also the ‘spotting’ of Tapas style dishes immediately enthusiastic about the log onto www.thegalleyliverpool.co.uk follow us on facebook idea and willing to do all they could Jean and Sue (the galley) & twitter @the_galley to make it a good night. This was A Local in the City followed by meetings and phone The Globe, Cases Street, has now calls over the next few months which flew by, and on Friday 17th January, a been run by Sue and Brian Monday Darts - Wednesday Scouse on the House (from 6pm) Thursday - Quiz Night very special event was held there in Johnson for 15 years, and the all the Globe and was a huge success, as Art Deco ‘Higher Room’ for hire Holds up to 55 people Catering available women staff who welcome reported in MerseyAle Spring 2014 everyone who comes through its edition. The Branch would like to Ship & Mitre133 DALE STREET Tel: 0151 236 0859 doors total 72 years of doing so thank Sue and Brian for their between them – and that’s not generosity and hospitality and all the including the fact that Sue herself staff for their hard work in making it vaguely familiar ‘blast from the past’ faces at beer festivals held in the city has worked there for 22 years! such a great celebration – truly one to remember. during the autumn and early winter, Linda Richter is the longest serving and pleas to people to try to recall person who will soon be reaching a Finding the Founding Members others from those early days – and it quarter century of serving behind When you are arranging a 40 year worked! We included people not that famous bar, always with a smile celebration, the crucial thing is to only from that first night, but also and ready for a joke with the find those people who could say ‘I those who had been around and customers. The more formidable! – actively involved in the very early Two Shops: The City Centre and West Kirby but absolutely delightful Kitty years and those who had played McNicholas has kept the place in prominent parts in each of the order for 23 years. Linda and Kitty separate Branches that developed Over 400 products and growing are ably assisted by Jill Miller, who from the core Merseyside Branch – has been there for 17 years, and Lyn Wirral, Southport and, more recently, OPEN SUNDAYS Large selection of ciders Spence, a relative newcomer of 8 St Helens. There were just three Home delivery within 5 years, but well ensconced within this apologies from those who could not mile radius 12-8pm Changing range of British, Belgian, German, tight knit team. Such long term make the night, but of those who said devotion is rare and whilst all credit they would come, it was 100% USA and other World Beers should be given to those individuals, turnout! Just over 30 people crowded staff commitment is not won without was there’! There were only four into that tiny pub, alongside current Always new arrivals. We welcome suggestions the leadership of a good and caring people who are currently active in committee members, and many 10% for beers to stock pub manager, and the Globe has that CAMRA that could be thought of – memories were shared. person plus, plus, in Sue Johnson. Jean and Clive Pownceby of Liverpool and Districts Branch, Bob As one of our current younger Discount City Centre 45A Whitechapel L1 6DT Sue is equally at home in direct committee members said: contact herself with the customers Lockhart, for many years a Wirral for CAMRA Opening hours; 10 to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Sundays 11 to 5pm activist, and Godfrey Boardman of ‘For us young ones, the speeches and seems to know almost and the passion those people had and GRANGE RD WEST KIRBY (opp station) everyone’s name! Southport Branch. But a simple MEMBERS appeal in this very magazine brought was very inspiring’. please show card 10-8pm Monday - Saturday, 12-6pm Sun Yes, the Globe truly is a ‘local in the forth the original Chair, Bob city’ which is why it was awarded Thurlow, who had been instrumental Long live CAMRA! the local CAMRA Community Pub of in bringing several people to that Jean Pownceby

32 33 The MerseyRAle Wirral Line to West Kirby Transition Town Pubs Globe The West Kirby Round The Globe is a small, very cosy traditional two roomed local opposite Central Station and close to main shopping area. It is a very lively pub and is popular with both locals and visitors alike. Watch out for the sloping floor! Opening times 11am (10am Sat) -11pm . Sunday 12-10.30 Telephone 0151 707 0067 CAMRA Merseyside’s inaugural meeting took West Kirby is a part of Wirral place here 40 years ago in 1974 where real ale pubs are very choice – full bodied beer, good brick with some sections of blue much on the up. It has the selection of spirits etc etc), and wooden boarding. Lighting is advantage of being a compact town before that was the British Legion. striking theatre style spot lights, with eight real ale pubs, a bar/cafe The Tap opens at 11am. which gives a sense of and a specialist beer shop. It is There are eight hand pumps, one performance. Furniture is a also a designated Transition Town of which serves a changing real mixture of wooden tables and aiming to promote environmental 5 cider, with two or three Spitting chairs with sofas grouped around and cultural self sufficiency and to Feathers beers and four or five the wood burning stove. Outside foster community. Handpumps 17 CASES STREET L11HW hand pumps serving changing there are pavement tables which Starting from West Kirby station (or 34 guest beers. Spitting Feathers catch the afternoon and evening the final stop of the 437 Cross River brewery does a lot of beer swops sun. The Tap retains the flat screen Arriva bus), turn right and follow so interesting guests from micro TVs from the Red Door days, but the main Grange Road round for breweries appear. For the first six uses them mainly to show major 100 yards to find; months it will be managed by the sporting events. Newspapers are 1 The West Kirby Tap and Ale very capable John Thomas who provided in a rack by the bar. House, Grange Road managed the Chester Tap so This is the new kid on the block standards are set high. 2 The Wro Bar, having opened on Thursday 8th Food is available 12 noon to 9pm Grange Road May and a very well received kid seven days a week from the open Next door to the Tap is the Wro Bar, Nick and the staff welcome you to the judging by its popularity with a kitchen at the rear of the pub, winner of the Liverpool Region famous Swan with its unique atmosphere wide range of customers and ages. offering a menu similar to that at Tourism Bar of the year 2014 It comes with good parentage, the Chester Tap. Light Bites and Award. The Wro has successfully and great range of fine cask ales. being the second pub opened by Starters are £4-£5 and Mains such Best Rockers jukebox in town! as Belly Pork with Black Pudding and cider jus, Salmon Fillet, Always available: homemade Lasagne, Tap Steak Burger, Chicken Pie and vegetarian PHOENIX WOBBLY BOB - HOPSACK Aubergine Bake are £8 - £9 and Plus ROSIES TRIPLE D CIDER Rump Steak £13.95. There are also the Tap signature chunky chips. PLUS A GREAT SELECTION OF GUEST BEERS The interior is L shaped with the main bar having an impressive lofty FROM A WIDE RANGE OF BREWERIES hammer beam roof and a lower Large stock of Belgian Bottled Beers ceiling side room, plus a glass combined being a modern style Spitting Feathers Brewery, the first screened snug at the rear which bar with a strong community OPEN UNTIL 1am THURSDAY - being the Good Beer Guide listed, can be used for meetings of commitment, as evidence by the 2am FRIDAY and SATURDAY Chester CAMRA Pub of the Year, around twelve people. The front impressive list of activities and multi award winning Chester windows fold over giving a local groups that feature, examples Brewery Tap. The building was last welcome airiness on warm days, being film nights, French and 3 FLOORS - FAMOUS HEAVY ROCK JUKEBOX - FREE WI FI used as the Red Door cocktail bar whilst a wood burning stove keeps Spanish lessons, philosophy in and before that was an customers cosy during colder pubs and regular live music, in 86 Wood Street Liverpool Tel 0151 709 5281 undertakers, (insert joke of your weather. The walls are exposed red addition to the more familiar F 34 35 activities such as a book club. The and Mitre pub in Liverpool and is a privacy yet a buzzing pub with a centre bar and serves good Weetwood, named ‘Old Hickory’s owner is a former lecturer who has sister shop of the branch in atmosphere showing its popularity value food and meal deals M- F 12- Ale’, at a reasonable £3 a pint. built links with local schools to Whitechapel. Note that the Ship in with local customers. Note the 9 and Sat – Sun 12-8. There is some space for drinkers offer work experience and training a Bottle shops offer a very useful ‘Ladies Only’ sign in the side room not wanting to eat, plus a large at the Wro, in addition to 10% discount to card showing which is a reminder that for some 7 Curio, Banks Road – outside seating area at the front encouraging students and parents CAMRA members, and is very years until the 70s’ equality One to Watch and side of the pub. from the nearby West Kirby handy for the train and bus. legislation, this area was for Opened Christmas 2013, Paul who Residential School for students women only and did succeed in runs this informal bar cum 10 Ring o’ Bells, with learning difficulties to meet 4 The Dee Hotel JD Wetherspoon, attracting many women to use the restaurant serving locally sourced Village Road for social events at the Wro. Grange Road food, worked at Gallaghers This modern pub has large picture Turn left up Village Road and the Just over eighteen months ago the A couple of doors away is the Dee windows and comfortable multi Ring o’ Bells is just a few yards Wro introduced hand pumps Hotel, an imposing frontage and level seating areas. There are along. Once a multi roomed pub it offering two real ales mainly from former hotel which was renovated regular music nights. Good value was converted in the mid 70s’ to the Marstons range, with and opened as a JD Wetherspoon food is available M- F 12-3 and 6-8, open plan and was a Loch Fyne Cumberland and Pedigree often pub over ten years ago. Two of the Sats 12-8 and Sun 12-6 and the pub restaurant before again becoming featuring. The patio and pavement managers are CAMRA members opens at noon until midnight. seating is very popular as is the and it shows in the choice of real There is outside seating at the front Wro Loft upstairs which is used for ales and in the beer quality. There and a beer garden at the side with numerous functions. The Wro also are ten hand pumps, with Old a tantalising view of Wales but offers good bar food seven days a Rosie Cider, Abbott and Directors unfortunately not of Hilbre Island. week. The Wro Lounge across the as permanent and up to seven pub, something which continues Birkenhead and the Philharmonic road offers a fuller restaurant to this day. Licensees Phil Roberts Hotel Liverpool and is a keen beer 9 Hickory’s, Sandy Lane menu. and Brenda Harvey have built fan. Plans are underway to Turn right out of the Hilbre Court strong community links supporting introduce a cask beer in the next and follow the main road round as From here you have a choice, see local organisations and charities. few months to supplement the it veers left becoming Sandy Lane, the map – either walk back along See the photos by the bar of the established and extensive British then cross the Wirral Way railway a pub now run by Greene King Grange Road past the station to Ideal dinghies the pub sponsors and World bottled beer range, bridge to come to Hickory’s on the offering a wide range of food all the pubs listed next, or walk along for the Wirral Disabled Marine which includes an expanding local left. This is now an American Ribs day. There are four hand pumps Banks Road to the Hilbre Court, Association. The pub is also noted beer section already featuring Mad restaurant, but the previous pub and licensee David Wilkinson Hickory’s and the Ring o’ Bells in for its support of local musicians Hatter and Liverpool Craft beers . name, The Moby Dick, is chiselled is keen to promote real ale the old village. You can also use and live music. into the wall. It has two hand and guest beers. Greene King the Wirral Way railway path and the The central bar has four hand 8 The Hilbre Court pumps serving one real ale from IPA is the permanent beer, South Parade promenade to make changing guest beers. The usual pumps, two offering permanent Banks Road supplemented by a guest from the an attractive two and a half mile range of Wetherspoon food is beers, Courage Directors and This modern open plan pub at the Greene King stable and also two circular walk. The 77 bus runs served from 8am to 11pm. At the Black Sheep, with the other two end of Banks Road is run by Josie changing guest ales from brewers hourly until 6pm (not Sundays) rear there is an outdoor patio with offering changing guest beers . No Lee, previously a licensee in such as Copper Dragon. The along Banks Road to Hickory’s table seating. food is served. Chester, and who is keen support interior has a multi level layout from the stop outside the Dee real ale. It has eight hand pumps with comfortable seating and is Hotel. 5 The White Lion, Grange Road 6 The Hilltop, serving up to four beers, with St very popular for food 11 am to Turn right from the Dee Hotel and Black Horse Hill Austells Tribute, Doom Bar and 10pm seven days a week, with 3 Ship in a Bottle Beer Shop, continue up the hill crossing the From the Lion, turn left and walk Bombardier as regulars plus at various meal deal menus and flame Grange Road, opposite the station. road at the pelican crossing. About up the hill to Black Horse Hill, weekends a changing guest beer. grill. Behind the car park is a large The beer shop celebrated its two hundred yards up the hill find turning along it to find the Hilltop impressive sun trap beer garden. second birthday in May and has the Good Beer Guide listed, on the left. This Enterprise pub become well known for its From here you have a choice of appropriately white painted, White was previously the Black Horse and WEST 6 extensive range of beers and 2 KIRBY returning via the Wirral Way, or Lion on the right, set back in its is still known to many by that STATION ciders, including beers from the 5 along Banks Road or continuing front courtyard with garden name. There are three hand pumps 1 USA, Belgium, Germany, Britain 4 along Village Road to meet Grange seating. At the rear of the pub is an 3 and other world beers, plus it’s a Road and Black Horse Hill – see extensive terraced garden with sweet shop! It is run by the Ship map. many surprise features and which John Armstrong is a very popular place to catch the WEST afternoon and evening sun. The THE WEST KIRBY ROUND pub interior is atmospheric with KIRBY 1 The West Kirby Tap the exposed sandstone walls 2 The Wro Bar creating a cosy cave like effect. 7 10 3 The Ship in a Bottle Note the Alistair Houghton 4 The Dee Hotel JD Wetherspoon Liverpool Echo article on the bar 5 White Lion with the heading ‘A Taste of Middle selling Bombardier, Directors and 8 9 6 The Hilltop Earth in the Wirral’! Separate Robinsons Troope r but no guest The West Kirby 7 Curio levels and seating areas create beers. It is a large open plan pub 8 The Hilbre Court Round 9 Hickory’s 10 Ring O’ Bells 36 37 This edition brings Bishop of Sodor exciting news of three successful Beer Festivals, a new real ale pub in Castletown, the second part of the Ramsey Pub Trail and the launch of the bigger and better Rail Ale Guide 2014. We also provide an appreciation of the positive contribution of the Island’s largest pub company, Heron and available, a quarter of the real ales lower strength beers under 4.5%. having been brewed on Island. The The separate Cider and Perry bar Brearley. Festival showcased the strength of proved popular once again, with the Island’s beer industry to the Newton Court Autumn Harvest Festival One - Bishop of Sodor many visitors from the U.K., many Perry from Herefordshire winning and Man Graces the Third of whom stayed on Island for the the cider/perry competition, again CAMRA Isle of Man Beer and week, sampling and exploring the by popular vote. Cider Festival local hostelries and culture, This year the organisers had the The Third CAMRA Isle of Man Beer plus the attractions of the unique measure of the high level of and Cider Festival proved to be a transport network. demand, and it is pleasing to report great success, and it is now fair to that they delivered the promise of a say the event is now firmly Hooded Ram Brewery Win Beer choice of up to sixty beers established on the Island’s social of the Festival with Little King remaining available throughout calendar. The Festival was opened Louis Saturday evening. by the Rt. Revd. Robert Paterson, The recently opened Hooded Ram Bishop of Sodor and Man , who Brewery won the Beer of the Festival Two – the Falcon’s Nest poured the first pint of the brand Festival award with their Little Festival and Rail Ale to Port Erin new Bushy’s Airmed Ale, a charity King Louis IPA (6.0%). The award In Port Erin the Good Beer Guide ale from which a proportion of the was made by the popular vote of listed Falcon’s Nest hotel ran its profits will go to the Rob Vine festival goers. Named after the fourth Festival of Real Ale, Fund. This is a registered charity brewer’s son, this ale is one of the another now well established and that provides medical support, strongest produced on Island at 6% supported annual event. The including helicopter support and ABV. As expected of an IPA the Festival featured over forty real rescue, during the Island’s beer has a fine hoppy character and ales, ciders, and perries, with music numerous annual racing events, finish. Congratulations to brewer once again provided by an the TT and Manx Grand Prix Rob Storey and Hooded Ram. Oompah Band on the all ticket motorbike races being the most Interestingly, another LocAle, Sunday evening. The Isle of Man well-known of the many events Okells Steam 5.0%, also featured Steam Railway ran the now held throughout the year. Airmed heavily in the voting. It may be traditional Rail Ale train from Ale (4.0% ABV) was particularly that the Manx palate is changing - Douglas to Port Erin in connection smooth on the palate - a classic the Island has for many years been with the Festival. Rail Ale trains Bushys signature brew and taste. a traditional session drinker’s will again be running during 2014 – WINNER Beer of the Festival 2014 CAMRA Isle of Man Beer Festival l Little King Louis IPA 6% In total 88 brews and 36 ciders were haven, the majority preferring see Steam Railway timetable. F 39 Festival Three - Okells First Kimberley ale, Thwaites Nutty being available at the time of visit. Ramsey Beer Festival Black, and Thwaites Tap Room The pub describes itself perfectly This took place on the early May bitter at 3.8%. Copper Dragon’s with the advertising slogan ‘a Bank Holiday, featuring Castle Rushen was also available, traditional pub with modern over 25 beers served in the four with the superbly preserved castle attitude’, and is a proud sponsor of H&B Ramsey pubs. A bespoke visible just yards away through The the Shennaghys Jiu Celtic youth high quality mini-guide with Tap Room windows. Food is festival. The clientele is by no tasting notes and pub venues for available from an ever changing each ale was printed. Here once menu. There is an upstairs again, H&B function room which can cater for has made up to fifty people for buffet food, significant along with an outside raised area strides in with views overlooking the coastal recent years areas. MerseyAle wishes the in promoting venture well, and welcomes this real ale addition to Castletown, following festivals across the means all of the older generation, Island, and the pub can be bustling at peak featuring a periods. A large mirror featuring wide range of guest ales from the Champions of Champions with Across and not solely Okells Bob Paisley and the 1977 team, products. It is perhaps not known adorns the wall, providing generally, but many of the Island’s welcome succour for beleaguered free house beer festivals along with Liverpool fans following their the CAMRA IOM Beer Festival and recent premiership eleventh hour the 2012 National Members woes. Weekend, have relied extensively the recent demise of The Ship Directly opposite lies Bar Logo. on the technical assistance and reported in the Spring 2014 issue. Real ale is no means a certainty, but equipment from the H&B company. Okells bitter is sometimes stocked Ramsey Pub Trail Part 2 – at peak periods in summer, and New Real Ale Pub - The Tap Around the Town Okells bottled beers are also Room, Castletown. The Spring 2014 edition featured a available behind the bar. CAMRA The former Garrison tapas bar and Ramsey Pub Trail around the restaurant in Castletown has been harbour area visiting five real ale reopened as a pub/bar, mixing pubs. This edition continues the both the modern with the trail around the town centre of Ramsey to include another four real ale pubs all found within a few hundred yards. Starting in the main shopping street, Parliament Street, the first call is the small Good Beer Guide listed free house, The Plough, an does support venues that only put cask ale on only when there is sufficient demand to maintain quality, as is the policy at Bar Logo. traditional. This is a format as yet Continuing along the main street rarely seen on Island, but you will see two Heron and increasingly common in the U.K. Brearley pubs adjacent to each Less formal than a restaurant, but other, the Swan and the Central , with ample space throughout the bar for dining, there is an impressive four hand pumps on the bar. Not a café, restaurant, or pub, untouched gem. This two roomed but a stylish and modern pub with interconnecting internal combination of all three catering for doorway, features two cask ales, all age groups. usually Okells bitter , alongside Beers available at the time of visit a changing, but well-advertised included Hardys & Hansons guest ale, Shepherd Neame Spitfire 41 F either side of the TT course. Both Pub News pubs were recently refurbished. The Terminus Tavern Douglas . The Swan is the larger of the two, MerseyAle congratulates The retaining a traditional public bar Terminus on winning the overall with darts and pool table, plus a Heron & Brearley Pub of the Year comfortable lounge with extensive award. Situated at the north end of alcoves and raised seating areas. Douglas promenade at Derby Food is served most lunchtimes Castle, it is known to many as the and evenings. The public bar also unofficial waiting room for the has large TV screens for showing This commitment has been Manx Electric Railway and sports events. . There is an outdoor replicated many times across the Douglas Horse Trams, with many a seating area at the front and a large Island, through extensive attractive garden at the rear. refurbishments of small and large Several real ales are stocked, community pubs with limited including Okells bitter, Okells catchment areas, such as at Crosby, Olaf and two Okells seasonal beers. The Raven at Ballaugh, and The The pub is run by Trevor Latus and Colby , in Colby. It is a testament to was a finalist in H&B‘s managed the commitment of H&B that these estate awards 2013 for cask ale communities retain their local as an quality. It features in The Isle of important community asset in Man Rail Ale guide. Service is these challenging times. pint consumed whilst awaiting the efficient and friendly, with another The Britannia opposite the Manx next tram. The outdoor seating H&B awards finalist, Bar Person of Electric Railway station is now area overlooking the bay is hugely the Year award, Emma Quigley closed, as reported in the Spring popular in summer, with the serving behind the bar. 2014 edition of MerseyAle empty horse trams stabled outside Immediately across the road, which the pub sometimes used as is also the TT course, lies The IOM Rail Ale Guide unofficial additional seating and Central, a very traditional pub. returns for 2014 - entertainment for the children. Here H&B have commendably bigger and better! The pub is popular for food with the dining areas put to great use, yet the pub doubles up as a local’s pub, with side rooms for pool and the sport on TV. Okells bitter and seasonals are available, with guest ales in the busier summer months. Again, an example of H&B catering to a wider audience including locals, and providing a community asset for those living close to the elected to invest heavily in recent northern end of the promenade. years with a full refurbishment, Pricing at The Terminus for Okells despite the plentiful supply of pubs bitter remains at under £3.00 a pint. in town and despite the pub being The Ginger Hall Hotel on the TT next door to another, the Swan, course has changed hands, on a from its own estate. The Central long term lease. Many plans are retains multiple rooms, which afoot and a full report will follow. include pool areas, TV for the sport Jak’s Ba r a hugely popular sports and small alcove seating areas. The Isle of Man Railways have once bar on Douglas promenade has left hand bar has a traditional wood again printed and updated the very survived a recent small fire, and burning stove providing the popular IOM Rail Ale guide, has now fully embraced real ale. heating in the winter months. featuring the unique Electric tram Whilst Okells bitter is the locals and Steam routes heading North preferred drink, two or three other and South from Douglas Okells brews are stocked across the respectively. More pubs have been two bars. added to enjoy on route, along with Both these pubs represent a a thorough revision of the real ales significant positive investment by available along the line, so make H&B in the local community, which good use of the Guide during has only a limited customer base. summer months ahead and enjoy the unique transport system! F 43 Late to come on to the real ale An Appraisal of Heron • Pub Refurbishments – mostly scene, some years ago two hand these have been sensitive and pumps were installed obscured and Brearley tasteful with the retention of public behind a pillar where they were This is an opportune moment to bars offering pub games such as St Helens CAMRA News difficult to spot. Later they were examine some of the Heron & darts and pool alongside moved, but the most positive news Brearley policies on Island. Whilst comfortable lounges which mostly St Helens CAMRA Pub Chairman’s Report 2014 on St is that now eight hand pumps have on occasion concerns are expressed offer food. Helens Branch Successes been installed, four on a side bar about the size of the H&B market • Promotion of Real Ale - through of the Year 2014, Alan Healey, Chair of St Helens and four directly in front of all as share on Island, matters such as the pub beer festivals and support for The Cricketers Arms CAMRA, reports that the Branch is they walk in the main entrance. frequent moving of managers from other real ale festivals on Island. A New kid on the block, the going from strength to strength This is perhaps a final testament to pub to pub, and in some cases high number of pub trail festival guides Cricketers, Peter Street on the edge with participation levels from the strength of the cask ale demand pricing, there are many positives have been produced. of the town centre, has won the members at an all time high and on Island, and is for the Island community. As can • Developing its off Island Across Pub of the Year Award 2014, having good attendance at meetings. hugely welcomed. be seen from the above these pub estate business with the made a major impact since opening Branch communication has Bushys bitter, along include; Liverpool and Chester pubs plus in early 2013. The pub organised a improved with an online with Okells bitter, • Keeping the vast majority of its the later acquisition of the mainly weekend of celebrations with a newsletter, a twitter account and a Okells Steam and considerable pub estate open and Yorkshire based Market Taverns mini beer festival, cider tasting and revamped website, which includes Hobgoblin were serving the community, with the pub group which receives very a Laurel and Hardy tribute act. The downloadable pub maps. The available at time of recent exceptions mentioned above positive reviews. Award presentation was well number of people submitting beer attended, with CAMRA members scores has increased to over visit. of the Ship, Castletown and the Dave Halliwell Britannia, Ramsey. from Liverpool, Wirral and Wigan seventy. Social Trips have been a MerseyAle IOM Correspondent branches joining a large number massive success. A Mild Trail and a of regulars to celebrate the New Members Night were well achievement with the Cricketers’ received, as were Cider Tastings team of Andy, Denise and Barbara. organised by Sandy Gavin, plus a The Award recognises all their hard significant increase in the Fly in the LOAF work in transforming a struggling availability of real cider in St keg only pub into a vibrant Helens. community local offering seven Issues for 2014 - 15 include raising real ales from local microbreweries. the profile of the Branch and The Cricketers also offers a promoting the real ale message in discount to card showing CAMRA the town. Having successfully members. listed the first two pub ACVs, (see The Cricketers then went on to the below), more pubs now need to be next stage of the competition, the listed. The Branch needs to find a Merseyside Regional Pub of the way of staging a successful Beer Year judging, where it gained a very Festival and steps are being taken. creditable Second place – see story page 7. A great St Helens Assets of Community achievement for an impressive pub. Value First Pub Listings St Helens CAMRA, especially Paul St Helens CAMRA Rooney, have worked with local residents, councillors and the Branch Awards Night Member of Parliament, to have the 2014 Brown Edge and the York as the The Cricketers was the venue for first two Branch area pubs to be The Fly in the Loaf Hardman bay windows the St Helens CAMRA Awards Night listed as Assets of Community Street has received a bright now have held on Friday 23rd May. Branch Value, thereby giving the pubs makeover in a style reminiscent expensive curved Chair Alan Healey presented the some added protection under the of that used by Okell’s for their glass replacing following awards; Localism Act 2011 against any pub refurbishments on the Isle of the old scratched Pub of the Year 2014 proposals for closure. In particular Man. The walls and wood work plexiglass. There is a new The Cricketers the ACV gives a six month are a light grey and the seating outdoor pavement seating area. Pub of the Year runner up the moratorium on any closure has been changed to bright Food is now run by the Baltic Turk’s Head proposal during which the colours and light wood bench Kitchen and is available all day Best Newcomer the Market community has the opportunity to seats. There are more high tables seven days a week. Pubs of Excellence the Sportsman bid for the pub or to find another in the centre of the pub to Beer wise on hand pump there and the Brown Edge buyer. encourage ‘vertical drinking’, with are a greater number of Okell’s Cider Pub of the Year 2014 The Next Branch Meeting Wednesday 9th table seats in the side areas. beers, supplemented by three Glasshouse (presented at the July at the York, Nutgrove, 8pm (Pub The lighting catches the eye with changing guests and a large Glasshouse on Monday 23rd June) of Excellence). its hanging wiring look. The large selection of craft keg beers.

44 45 VeWerlcomne to to he nAr www.vmsernonarms.co.uk Cheers from Jimmy and Barbara Monaghan PubCo NEWS The Vernon Arms, Dale Street, Liverpool • PubCos with more than 500 pubs After Ten Years will be required to offer rent assessments to current and Handpumps (4 Ever-changing) Delay Coalition prospective licensees on request 6 which compare tied and free of tie Regulars: Rev James & Johnnie Handsome Government costs if negotiations break down. I Guest Ciders I Big screen football The assessments are intended to Finally Acts on show licensees whether they are I Belgian bottled beers I Private functions worse off than their free of tie I Food Mon-Thurs 12- catered (Lathom Lounge) PubCos counterparts . I The British Beer and Pubs 7pm, Fri- Sun 12-4pm 10% student discount Association, which has been a Check out Great Meal Deals off food menu But is the cheer leader for the PubCos, has The PubCo campaign has brought called blue murder over the together an impressive array of proposals, which suggests that organisations including: Save the The Vernon Arms offers all of the above in a friendly and safe atmosphere plus: Glass Only the Government may be on the Pub, Fair Deal for Your Local, right track. Members of Parliament, part- Live entertainment Friday and Saturday Half Full? The long 10-year campaign road to icularly the tireless efforts of Greg reach this result has seen CAMRA Mulholland MP who is Chair of the Campaigners and licensees have Opening Times Mon-Thurs 11-11.30pm; Fri & Sat 11.30-2am depending on contribute to four Business Select Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, been celebrating the long awaited customer demand; Sun 12-11pm Tel: 0151 236 6132 Committee investigations, several in addition to CAMRA and a large action to introduce a Statutory high profile Parliamentary debates, number of PubCo licensees, Code to regulate PubCos. But after a Government consultation, an including Liverpool’s Carol Ross, the long wait is it a case of a glass Office of Fair Trading Super licensee of the Roscoe Head, who half full? Complaint and numerous rallies in gave evidence to the Parliamentary The Queen’s Speech on Wednesday Parliament. Select Committee review of the 4th June included a bill to introduce CAMRA members and branches PubCos. a Statutory Code to regulate the have distributed half a million beer PubCos which should become law mats and posters promoting the before the General Election in May However is this a case campaign in pubs and sent 8,000 2015. This follows over twelve letters to MPs on this issue in the of a glass only half full? months delay by the Coalition 60 Roscoe St (corner of Knight St ) L1 9DW 0151 708 6870 last year alone! And the most The planned legislation fails to Government since it indicated that recent activity saw a petition reach include some of the stronger a Statutory Code was under nearly 45,000 signatures which measures sought by PubCo consideration, and comes more was handed to the Business licensees and campaigners, than ten years since the need to 9Handpumps Department. including; curb the power of PubCos was In total 212 MPs signed up to • No mention of the right to apply Serving constantly first identified by Parliamentary support our campaign and debates for a mandatory free of tie committees. The intended leg- with MPs such as Toby Perkins, arrangement. changing cask ales islation will give PubCo licensees Greg Mulholland and Heather • No mention of giving licensees the right to; always at least one LocAle from Wheeler were held to promote the right to a guest beer option to • Request a review if they have not reforms at the main Party widen their choice of beers Liverpool Organic Brewery had one for five years and they will Conferences. beyond those listed by the PubCo, Opening Times; have the right to evaluate the thereby giving their customers a information the PubCo used to more attractive offer. 1p m -12.30pm Sun, Mon , Tues, Weds Colin Valentine, Chair of increase the rent. • No mention of rents being set at 1pm -1.30am Thurs, Fri, Saturday CAMRA, commented; • Refer disputes to a new market levels only. “Thank you to all our CAMRA independent adjudicator who will • No mention of the scrapping of LIVE JAZZ EVERY members, volunteers and have the power to make a ruling. the beer tie which requires supporters, this campaign win SUNDAY NIGHT 10pm -12 Setting up the adjudicator will cost licensees to only buy their beer would not have been possible £540,000 with annual running costs from the PubCo at prices which For further details of music and events visit: thegrapesliverpool.co.uk without your tireless efforts.” of £1.8 million which will be are often twice those on the open charged to the pub industry. market. F 46 47 These measures would have given CAMRA was also concerned to see the brewing industry add £19 PubCo licensees more protection regular pub-goers, those that visit billion to the economy. and the chance to offer customers a pubs ‘once a week or more’, had better choice of beers at fairer decreased from 24% to 15% in the Colin Valentine concluded, prices, thereby increasing last five years. “Pubs are an important part of business. The failure to include Colin Valentine, CAMRA’s our heritage and play a major them reflects the Chairman said, “In 2009, 27% of role in many communities pressure exerted adults ‘never’ visited pubs and in across Britain. We must support by the PubCos just five years this figure has them before more close.” on the Coalition increased to 38%. Many of these Government. people (40%) state they do not use In their absence pubs because they no longer drink much will now depend on the alcohol or have reduced the effectiveness of the independent amount of alcohol they drink. adjudicator to set fair rents. Great community pubs are not only After a wait of ten years let us hope about enjoying alcoholic drinks. that the adjudicator can deliver a They are great places to relax, fairer deal for licensees. socialise, eat and spend time with the family. CAMRA and the pub Punch Taverns industry have to work hard to get Save the British Pub this message out and events such as There has been a worrying rise in Debt Crisis the rate of pub closures across Britain. Closures have increased Deepens from 26 in 2013 to 30 per week in Shares in Punch Taverns the first half of 2014. At that rate slumped by almost a third after another 1,320 will close before the the PubCo said it is considering next General Election in May 2015. a debt-for-equity swap to reduce its £2.3bn debt mountain. The company, which owns over The Pub Closures 4,000 pubs, has been in long- running talks to reduce its debts. Accelerate The latest proposals will see existing shareholders almost Caledonia from 26 to 30 entirely wiped out by a debt-for- Refurbished Georgian Quarter Community Pub equity swap and a share placing per Week that would raise roughly £50m. The proposals have been put Colin Valentine together by a group of bondholders that includes HANDPUMPS Four in Ten Adults Community Pubs Month give us Alchemy Partners, Oaktree dispensing beer from local and other micro breweries Never Visit the Pub the platform to do this. Capital Management, and Although many pubs excel in Glenview Capital Management. 5 New research released in April by communication, it is clear that a lot Punch’s debt would be cut by CAMRA shows that 38% of British roughly £600m, but existing Live Music - Real Ale of pubs need to engage more with adults ‘never’ visit the pub and shareholders would be left with their local community if they want - Great Food over a third (36%) of pub-goers just 15pc of the restructured visit the pub less often than they to be successful. Organising events company. Live music every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday did just 12 months ago. that appeal to the local community Shares in Punch fell 4¼, or 29pc The independent research, and communicating what they have to 10¼p when the company Opening Hours Sun-Thurs 12-12, Fri & Sat 12-1. commissioned by CAMRA, also planned is a necessity according to revealed the plan. Punch has Meals Served Mon - Fri 5-9, Sat & Sun 12-6. showed that 80% of pub-goers have this report.” warned that it could be forced to never been communicated with by CAMRA’s previous pub campaigns default on the debt loans and FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE their most local pub but 24% of have highlighted in the media the would have to go into these people said they would be important role pubs play in our administration, with the pubs encouraged to visit the pub more communities. They have raised Contact Laura at: falling into the hands of the Find us on twitter @thecaledonia and often if they were informed of what over £100m for charities, employ [email protected] administrator. www.facebook.co.uk/caledonialiverpool events the pub had planned. over 500,000 people and along with Catharine Street Liverpool Telephone: 0151 708 0235

48 49 Liverpool CAMRA Coach Trips

Saturday 12th July. Bishops Castle Shropshire for the annual pubs festival. Saturday 2nd August. West Yorkshire. Pontefract & Wakefield. Saturday 6th September. Staveley & Ulverston Cumbria for their pubs festival. Saturday 11th October and Saturday 15th November – destinations to be announced

Please note coach trips book up very quickly – to enquire about places/cancellations and reserve lists contact [email protected] Coach departs 10am from Dale Street opposite the Ship and Mitre, return around 9pm – cost £12 for CAMRA members, £15 for non members. It pays to join!

2016 – CAMRA Comes to Liverpool for which starts on the Friday evening and finishes Sunday the National AGM and Members lunchtime. A programme of brewery and pub visits and walks will Weekend be arranged for the evenings. Friday April 15th to Sunday April 17th 2016 at This is an opportunity for Liverpool to show itself St George’s Hall Liverpool has been chosen to host and its attractions to the delegates and friends. It the 2016 CAMRA National AGM and Members follows on from the 2015 National AGM which will Weekend, an event which attracts members from be in Nottingham. across the country, with between one and two If you would like to know more about the event and thousand people attending not just for the event, but may be interesting in helping with the planning and also to spend time experiencing the city and its pubs. running then please email Many stay for extra days before and after the event [email protected]

OUR AWARD WINNING CIDER RANGE

Rosie’s Triple D Rosie’s Black Rosie’s Wicked Rosie’s Cider Shop Cider Bart Wasp - Medium Available dry, medium or Sweet Cider Sweetness Cider Open weekdays from 10am Open weekends from 9am sweet Bottled and in Bottled or Draught Bottled or Draught medium or dry in 6.6% abv 7.0% abv Draught 6.4% abv WINNER OF Rosie’s Perfect “CIDER OF THE Pear Perry Rosie’s Oak Rosie’s Award Winning FESTIVAL” Medium Sweet Ciders. Matured Dry AT THE Perry Pressed and fermented here Scrumpy - LIVERPOOL in Llandegla since 2005 2012 BEER Bottled or Draughtt ‘MADE IN WALES’ Only available in 6.0% abv Draught FESTIVAL Rosie’s Triple D Cider Dafarn Dywyrch, Llandegla, Wrexham, Rosie’s DM4 Denbighshire LL11 3BA Cider (not Cidre) T: 01978 790222 Available lightly M: 07812 500513 carbonated in E: [email protected] 500ml bottles, Situated at the North end of the Horseshoe Pass, at the medium or sweet. www.rosiescider.co.uk roundabout where the A542 intersects the A5104 Chester/Corwen 6.0% abv road. The A525 runs past us half a mile to the North. Available for Pubs, (Bags in Boxes) and Shops/Delis (Bottled Cider Range) You are welcome to call at the farm to taste and buy our Ciders and Perry

50 51 consider is the quality of that beer, how well the pub has kept it and served it, and score it according to the The What Pub, Beer general guide below. It is a simple system of a ten point range from 0 to 5, with half points being used if your opinion of the beer falls between two Scoring and the categories.

How do I submit my scores? The Central is a listed CASK ALES Good Beer Guide Traditional Pub In order to submit your scores you need to login to 4 AVAILABLE CAMRA’s online pub guide www.whatpub.com opposite either on a computer or by smart phone. Here you Central Station will find a list of over 35,800 real ale pubs from all over the UK; these are not all Good Beer Guide pubs, with Four Real Ales but pubs that serve real ale. In order to start available with a 20p submitting scores via What Pub you need to:- discount for CAMRA 1. Login. To do this you need your membership card holders. You are probably aware of the ‘Good Beer Guide’ , National CAMRA’s flagship publication which lists number and your CAMRA password which will Look out for our mirrored be your post code unless you have joint walls and dome ceiling. the best pubs in the UK. But what you may not know is how those pubs are selected to appear in the membership in which case it may be your We show all sky sports with Guide. The answer is that it is largely via beer scores surname. BT sports plus at the races submitted by CAMRA members from all over the 2. You can then search for your pub by name. Be and racing uk. country. So if you are a CAMRA member you can careful here as there are many pubs in the country 31 Ranelagh Street Liverpool L1 1JP send in beer scores, If you’ve ever wondered why which share the same name. My advice is to search your favourite pub isn’t in the Guide, this may well by the pub name and the town. The What Pub smart Telephone 0151 709 1218 be because you, and others, haven’t entered scores phone web page also gives you the option to search rating the quality of beer there. By beer scoring, you for real ale pubs nearby, very useful if you are in an can contribute to the process of selection of pubs that unfamiliar town go in the Good Beer Guide. 3. Once you have found your pub a ‘Submit Beer So how do I score the quality Scores’ box will appear on the left hand side of the screen (or on the tab bar underneath the of the beer? pub photo if you are using a smart phone). You don’t have to be an ‘expert’ to begin scoring your 4. Simply fill in the date and your score then as you beer. However, it is not about your personal favourite begin typing the brewery name should automatically beer receiving the highest scores! You may try a beer appear underneath were you are typing. You do not that isn’t to your normal taste but what you need to have to enter the name of the beer your are drinking but if you wish to do so once you have entered the brewery name you should be able to click on the 0 No cask ale available arrow in the Beer box and a drop down list of that brewery’s beers should appear. 1 Poor . Beer is anything from barely drinkable In some cases the beer you are drinking may be new to drinkable with considerable resentment. or a one off by the Brewery so may not appear on the 2 Average. Competently kept, drinkable pint list, if this is the case you can simply type in the beer but doesn’t inspire in any way, not worth moving name. Select the correct one click ‘submit score’ and to another pub but you drink the beer without your score will be entered into the database. really noticing. It is as simple as that. An added bonus is that it will 3 Good. Good beer in good form. You may keep a record of your scores so you can look back to cancel plans to move to the next pub. You want to see what beers you have had and how you stay for another pint and may seek out the beer rated them. again 4 Very Good. Excellent beer in excellent If you have any queries please feel free to drop me condition. You stay put! a line, my email address is:- 5 Perfect. Probably the best you are ever [email protected] likely to find. A seasoned drinker will award this score very rarely. Happy Beer Scoring! Sonia James-Henry - Good Beer Guide Co-ordinator Liverpool and Districts CAMRA

52 53 MerseyAle Credits Liverpool CAMRA Socials – more summer pub walks! Editor Branch Get John Armstrong Sunday 27th July – Canal pubs [email protected] Togethers walk from Maghull to Burscough. Meet at Liverpool Central station Layout Design Liverpool CAMRA holds for 11.10 am train (Ormskirk line) to Dennis W Jones Monthly Get Togethers – all Maghull, or meet at Maghull station Photographs welcome. These are an at 11.35. Neil Lloyd opportunity to find out what is This is approximately a 12 mile walk 16 www.neilloydphotography.co.uk happening locally and but one which proved very popular Dennis Jones nationally in CAMRA. Some when we did it 2 years ago! You handpumps Dave Halliwell have a theme, a special event can opt out/in by catching the 300 Katherine McCall bus which stops at Halsall Church, or a guest speaker. You can just Serving Helen McCall not far from the Saracens Head John Armstrong listen if you want, or have your pub on the canal. Traditional Ales say and find out how you can Contributors get more involved with the Sunday 14th September – Ciders and Perry Alan Lloyd local Branch – it’s up to you, Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey pubs Dave Halliwell but do please support these walk from Seacombe to New and keep yourself up to date – Helen McCall Brighton visiting pubs along the and have a good time doing so! promenade, Wallasey and New Jean Pownceby A Traditional Brighton Friendly Pub with Dave Williams Wednesday 16th July 8pm 12 o’clock Mersey Ferry from Tony Williams Get Together at The Crown in Liverpool Pier Head terminal a Great Sonia James-Henry Lime Street 8pm (please note – you need to obtain a boarding ticket from the ticket Liz Edgar Meeting at 8pm in the upstairs Atmosphere, room. Join us in this splendid office even if you have a Saveaway THE BEST CHOICE Steve Berks Real Fire Grade ll listed pub with its ornate or travel pass) or meet us at OF ALES IN plasterwork ceilings and Art Seacombe ferry terminal at 12.20 ST HELENS! and an Ever Printed by Nouveau style décor. when we land! (You can return to Printfine, Liverpool Liverpool from New Brighton by Beer Festivals Changing range of 0151 242 0000 Wednesday 20th August – bus or train) . throughout the year Real Ale www.printfine.co.uk Summer Special Pub Walk Meet 5pm Coffee House or 6pm Edinburgh A Runner-up for the A C AMRA REGIONAL We’re on the move for this one PuB oF THe CAMRA with a pub walk from Wavertree to NATIONAL PuB OF THE Lark Lane. Meet at the Coffee YeAR YEAR www.camra.org.uk/JOINUS House by Picton Clock at 5pm for a pre-walk meal or at the Edinburgh in Sandown Lane at 6pm. For full Southport CAMRA I Draught Continental Beers itinerary, see website, or email Ian Garner 01704 876819 [email protected] [email protected] ENJOY! I Tuesday - Quiz night 9-30 pm nearer the time. www.southportcamra.org.uk I Thursday - Curry and Jazz Night Wirral CAMRA I I Dave Hutchinson 01516 440625 Cask Marque Good Beer Guide 2013 [email protected] wwwfacebook.com Open Mon & Tues 2-11 Wed - Sun 12-11 www.wirralcamra.co.uk /CAMRAliverpool Isle of Man Branch Contact We are now serving Quality Angela Aspin 01624 491613 - @LiverpoolCAMRA mobile 07624 491613 Homecooked food [email protected] liverpoolcamra.org.uk Liverpool CAMRA MerseyAle Wednesday - Sunday. Trading Standards 0151 233 3002 Advertising in MerseyAle If you wish to place an advertisment you should contact us by Late Summer Edition Opinions expressed in MerseyAle email at; [email protected] you can send in your Due out early Sept. Cooper St. St Helens Tel 01744 751289 are not necessarily those of the advert design and copy by attachment, or ask us about design. Copy deadline Monday Editor Liverpool Branch or CAMRA Cost is £100 per half page, £200 full page payment in advance. 4th August 54 55