Help List 3,000 Community Pubs As Acvs by End 2016

Issue 63 – Winter 2015 FREE – Please take one

Magazine of North Oxfordshire Branch of CAMRA

Help List 3,000 Community Pubs As ACVs By End 2016 In the four months since the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) started its new push to increase to 3,000 the number of pubs in England that are listed as Assets of Community Value (ACVs), over 500 new requests have been made to add to the 850 or so already listed. Here in North Oxfordshire, 16 of the Branch’s 220 pubs have already been listed as ACVs: • Bell Inn, Shenington • Bull Inn, Charlbury ACVs were too late for The Plough, Merton (left) when it closed in 2004. The Red Lion, Bloxham, • Butcher’s Arms, Balscote however, is subject to a current ACV moratorium (see Branch News this issue) • Black’s Head, Bletchingdon • Carpenter’s Arms, Middle • Gardiner Arms, Tackley • Quart Pot, Milton-under- Barton • Hand & Shears, Church Wychwood • Cock Inn, Combe Hanborough • Red Lion, Bloxham • Duke of Cumberland’s Head, • North Arms, Wroxton • Seven Stars, Piddington Clifton • Pear Tree Inn, Hook Norton • Sun Inn, Hook Norton • White Horse, Duns Tew Another NEW brewery COMING SOON with the Barley Mow in Upper Chadlington Brewery Heyford also applied for. owner Jason Chipchase In 2011 the Localism Act was (left) with the first batch passed, which introduced the of his Golden Ale (4%) to concept of land that is an Asset be offered to the public. of Community Value. This gave Landlord David Pye (right) hosted the very busy beer communities the chance to reg- launch at the Tite Inn, in ister land/buildings that ‘fur- Chadlington. For more thers (or has recently furthered) info, see page 28 their community’s social well- Continued on page 3

Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ The Lampet Arms Upper Tadmarton, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 5TB Telephone: 01295 780070

Freehouse Over Four Cask Ales – Hooky Bitter as a regular 30 and three rotating Guest Ales different menu options available

Dog friendly, walker friendly, Child/family friendly

Accommodation available including five rooms (three ensuite) Open: Mon-Friday 11am–2.30pm and 5–11pm. Saturday 11a.m–11pm Sunday 12–5pm

The Pear Tree Inn The Hook Norton Brewery Tap Scotland End, Hook Norton OX15 5NU Tel: 01608 737482 Email: [email protected] • An unspoilt traditional village pub • No fruit machines, pool tables or jukebox • A range of Six Cask Ales • Open log fire • Always a fun selection of “Cocked Ales” • Three en suite letting rooms • Discount for CAMRA Members • Large beer garden • Ale-2-Go • Walkers & dog friendly • Traditional ‘Pub Food’ • Quiz night every Sunday • Traditional pub games including darts, dominoes • *Steak night every Saturday from 7.00 & Aunt Sally • Traditional Sunday lunch – £8.50 Open Friday & Saturday 12.00 – 12.00 • Sunday – Thursday 12.00 – 11.00 Food served Tuesday–Saturday* 12.00–7.00 Sunday & Monday 12.00–2.30 PAY US A VISIT – YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED

2 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 Help Save Our Community Pub Scoring Pubs mitted development rights only The Branch’s Good Beer Guide from ACVs. So now there is all entries are decided by the Continued from page 1 the more reason to ‘List Your membership scoring pubs Local’, you don’t need to worry throughout the year, with the being or social interests and results announced at the GBG is likely to do so in the future’. that you will have to buy it if it comes up for sale! selection meeting in January. Once registered, any sale of the Please can all scores be with asset other than as a going con- Getting a pub listed is a mat- ter of filling in a simple applica- the Pubs Protection Officer by cern must be notified to the local 13th January 2016. Any scores authority and no sale can take tion form. This can be done by the parish council, a community received after that date won’t place for six weeks while the be counted, which means a community decides whether to organisation or an ad-hoc group of at least 21 people prepared to pub you consider to be worthy bid to purchase it. Should they may not get in the Guide. decide to bid, the moratorium sign the form. There is one small on sale extends to six months to legal hoop to jump through, allow the bid to be assembled but CAMRA can help with the Branch Diary and financed. Once the morato- Land Registry documentation rium period ends the owner is required; finally it requires a All meetings start 8pm, other events statement of how the pub fur- start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn free to sell to anyone, although Baldwin (07790) 118341. after 18 months have passed thers social well-being (e.g. hosts another moratorium can be trig- live music, is a venue for com- NOVEMBER gered by the community should munity meetings, provides a Sat 21: Pub Marking By Bus place to eat out, and so on). to Chipping Norton (public they wish to bid again. ACV list- transport). ing lasts for five years. Not sure that you can get 21 DECEMBER Unfortunately the current signatures, but still think your planning system has some- pub deserves ACV status? Your Mon 7: Banbury Beer & Cider Festival Planning Meeting (White thing of a split personality when local CAMRA branch is classified as a community group and Horse, Banbury 8.15) it comes to pubs. Firstly they Sat 12: Christmas Social, Charlbury are explicitly classified as com- can apply with you, so please get in touch and tell us why. JANUARY munity facilities in the nation- Wed 6: Committee Meeting. The al planning guidance that the Your help is essential if we are to reach the 3,000 target by Reinedeer, Banbury (venue tbc) government publishes for local Wed 20: GBG Selection/ACV Info/ planning authorities. The most the end of 2016. More info and Branch Meeting. Elephant & recent version, the National template forms can be found at Castle, Bloxham (tbc) www.camra.org.uk/list-your- Planning Policy Framework, See Diary page online for latest info local notes that planners should ‘guard Brian Wray at www.northoxon.camra.org.uk/ against the unnecessary loss of Pubs Protection Officer valued facilities and services’. Yet, at the same time, a shortcut in CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List the planning legislation known as Permitted Development rights Email addresses are followed by northoxon.camra.org.uk/ allows pubs to be changed into CHAIRMAN Geraint Jones TREASURER restaurants, financial servic- chairman@ geraint@ Simon Whitehead treasurer@ VICE-CHAIRMAN es use, or shops without going simon@ Lynne Baldwin vicec@ lynne@ MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY through the formal planning BRANCH SECRETARY process, even if they have a her- Paul Forrest membership@ paul@ itage listing or are in a conserva- Dave Lee secretary@ dave@ BEER ON TAP EDITOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER tion area. In many circumstanc- Steve Lympany bot@ Lynne Baldwin pubs@ lynne@ es those rights can even allow Tel: 07811 667507 PUBS PROTECTION OFFICER demolition without planning CO-SOCIAL SECRETARY Brian Wray pubs@ consent. Helen Jones socials@ helen@ BEER FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR There was a glimmer of good CO-SOCIAL SECRETARY Tim Wilkins bbf@ news in April this year when, Russell Broom russell@ LOCALE COORDINATOR in response to campaigning by BEER ON TAP ADVERTISING John Bellinger locale@ john@ EDITOR CAMRA and other communi- Oliver Sladen WEBMASTERS Martin Batts and ty groups to try to have permit- botads@ Geraint Jones webmaster@ BRANCH CONTACT ted development rights removed Trading Standards: Oxfordshire County from all pubs, the government Martin Batts contact@ Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Hinksey Road, instead legislated to remove per- Tel: 07854 116408 Oxford OX2 0BY Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 Terms and Conditions: All prices and offers are subject to change. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

4 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 Branch News on Fuller’s selling it to any party other than the village community until late January 2016. Immediately that had been done, regrettably (without first advising the community bid team), Mark & Sandra Page from the Joiners Arms approached Fuller’s’ agent making a separate bid for the Red Lion freehold. Because of its Shiver me timbers! The pirate ship at Fewcott ACV status Fuller’s replied that they could not negotiate with Ten ciders were on offer with them until after January 2016. Skorpion Black Cider from Mark has since approached Flying Monk, Malmesbury the the team explaining that delay first to sell out – a full-bodied, in his negotiation with Fuller’s medium sweet cider at 6% with adversely affects his business a sting in the tail. The weekend arrangements. He asked them was a huge success, and anoth- The results of the refurb at The Fox, Chippy to write a letter stating that the er is planned for next summer. Fox Hotel, village team would be content Cider is proving very popular Chipping Norton for the pub to be purchased with regulars at the pub with by Mark & Sandra and did not one on handpump and a couple This landmark pub/hotel next object to Fuller’s negotiating more in the cider cellar which to Chipping Norton’s town hall with them before January. are marked on a chalk board. is Hook Norton Brewery’s first The committee met Mark on Barley Mow, managed house, and it reopened 24 October to discuss this and at the end of October after a the village takes no objection Upper Heyford substantial refurb. A range of to them negotiating prior to a As Fuller’s have moved Chiswick Hooky beers are served at the January sale and they wish them Bitter to their seasonal range bar and the restaurant celebrates success in their bid. All share Mike has put Gales Seafarers on the best locally-sourced food. subscriptions will be returned the bar as a regular with London Accommodation upstairs promptly if a sale is agreed. Pride and a rotating guest. has also undergone a complete The Seafarers was in excellent modernisation, with 10 unique- White Lion, Fewcott condition on a recent lunchtime ly themed rooms – an increase XT4 now appears here as a visit and with Fuller’s making a from the previous four. regular ale, with seven firkins a donation to Seafarers UK, the Red Lion, Bloxham week being drunk by the locals. UK’s leading seafarers’ charity, A meet-the-brewer evening with for each pint sold it’s a good rea- A recent re-appraisal by valuers, XT is planned for Jan or Feb son to stop for a second! catering equipment suppliers (keep an eye on the Branch web- and builders confirmed that the site for details in the new year). Pear Tree, Hook Norton Red Lion remains viable to pur- The new children’s pirate’s Hooky’s brewery tap has signed chase from Fuller’s for the price play-ship in the pub garden was up a member of staff onto an that has been offered. launched over August Bank apprenticeship scheme aimed The village team confirm that Holiday weekend, along with at providing bar staff with the their offer remains in place. The a cider festival. There was also skills and knowledge to provide site will remain designated as a charity darts match on the customers with the best possible an Asset of Community Value Saturday, a barbeque on Sunday experience every time. (ACV) until at least 2019. In July afternoon and live music both 18-year-old local girl Kitty they renewed the prohibition Sunday and Monday evenings. Wright, who started work at the Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 Lower Heyford

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

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

6 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 pub in March of this year, joined the scheme at the beginning of August and has already achieved her first qualification by passing the BII’s ABCQ (Award in Beer and Cellar Quality). Under the watchful eye of landlord John Bellinger, Kitty now looks after the order- ing, delivery, stillaging and dis- pense of the six Hook Norton cask ales, ensuring its quality is worthy of the Tree’s position as runner up in this year’s North Oxon CAMRA Pub of the Year Competition. John said: “Kitty gets really excited learning about cask ale. Unlike many of her peers she doesn’t mind a bit Bikers outside the Hare & Hounds, Lower Wardington for its second fund-raising motorbike event of hard work and thinks noth- ing of having to get up early on a Hare & Hounds, Rock is now gearing up for a Thursday to clean the pipes and Lower Wardington busy festive period with their see the delivery in!” Christmas menu out now. Kitty hopes to brew an ale of The latest fund raising event at They’re doing food six days her own in Hooky Brewery’s this award-winning, commu- a week and also on a Monday micro plant, in time for National nity-centred Hooky pub was lunchtime, but no Monday Cask Ale Week. She intends its second British and Classic evening service. Live music is to for it to appeal to younger and motorbike event, organised by make a comeback and the pop- female customers who may not local enthusiast Simon Clarke, ular meat raffle is still held on have tried real beer before. which attracted a large number a Saturday (unless they are too of bikers from a wide area as busy, in which case it will revert Killingworth Castle, well as a sizeable contingent of to the Sunday) at 7pm. Wootton interested locals. The bikes were parked on The Plough, Bicester The Killy has said goodbye to both sides of the road and in a The Plough has had a rough one of its stars – Lidia who has large paddock at the rear of the left for pastures new after three time recently having been closed pub. The vibe was convivial wonderful years at the pub, for a while. However we under- with a lot of chat and some which is a long time in the trade. stand that Joshua Khan, who cool bikes in evidence which She will be missed by all the reg- runs a Good Beer Guide pub ulars. included a variety of BSAs and in Newbury, is taking over and The management at Yubbie Triumphs as well as a Ducati plans to install a bank of hand- Inns has promoted Sam to and a couple of Moto Guzzis. pumps. There will of course be Manager and Manu to Assistant The bikes, along with Carol’s more in the next edition. wonderful food, live music and Manager, saying that “they both Kings Arms, Bicester really deserve it”. They also a raffle, helped swell the amount have new Chef at the helm, Dan raised for the pub’s chosen char- The KA, which re-opened ear- Watkins, who has been getting ity this year – the Warks & lier this year, has now increased many rave reviews. Northants Air Ambulance by the number of handpumps from They have just put out £700. two to four. In addition to the reduced winter rates for their Further fund raising activities, Fuller’s beers it is good to see brand new en-suite bedrooms, including a craft fair and the that they are supporting local so there’s never been a better annual dominoes competition, breweries with offerings from time to stay over at the pub. should boost this year’s total Hook Norton and Vale being Their new December menu towards the £10,000 mark. available on a recent visit. kicks off on the 1st and runs Rock of Gibraltar, The Ashton Club, Bicester until the 24th alongside the Enslow Wharf main menu. Party bookings are The Ashton has been an outlet welcome. The pub will be open With the refurb of the pub now for Beer on Tap for a few years on Christmas Day for drinks drawing to a finish and the now and is the only club in the only from noon until 2:30. kitchens up and running, the town to offer more than one real Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 8 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 ale on a regular basis. Doom Bar ready for the new season and two draught ciders. Three reg- is a permanent feature but Hook are happy to accommodate any ular ales comprise: Jennings Norton Hooky and St Austell local team looking for a home. Cumberland (4%), Wychwood Trelawney were both on good Tuesday is Quiz Night from Hobgoblin (4.5%), and form recently. 8pm and an open mic night is Hobgoblin Gold (4.2%). Fox Inn, Westcot Barton planned for the future as well as There is also Thwaites bit- a beer festival next year. ter at 3.6% which is badged for New at The Fox is Anthony Carpenters Arms, the pub to celebrate David and Guest, better know as Guestie, Middle Barton Sylvia’s 32 years behind the bar. who comes with a wealth of It is cleverly named “Two Twits experience in the licensed trade The Carpenters closed very sud- t o Wo o ”. having run many pubs. He start- denly and without notice just Food is served every night and ed in Kenilworth and has run before we were due to go to weekend lunchtimes from a var- pubs in such exotic locations as press. ied menu in the bar, for parties, Coventry and Reading to name This pub is the sister pub of there is a 30 cover restaurant a couple. Every pub he’s run has the Harrow Enstone, which also which has a cosy feel for fami- had Cask Marque accreditation recently closed with very little lies and friends wishing to have and some pubs have even made notice. a private party. it into the hallowed pages of the The landlord of the Harrow Good Beer Guide. told Beer on Tap that he had Bell Inn, Lower Heyford He now finds himself at The hoped to sell the pub. We Lyn and her team are gearing Fox and has three real ales on assume it was the lease, but up for a busy Christmas period the bar with Hooky and London when a deal fell through they with their seasonal menu out by Pride as his regulars and one closed the pub to save losses. the time you read this. They are changing guest ale. Open from We hope both pubs are turned open Christmas Day 12–2:30 for 5–11 Mon, 12–11 Tues–Thurs, around quickly for the sakes of a tipple before the turkey! 12–12 Fri & Sat and 12–11 Sun. both communities. Saye & Sele Arms, Food is freshly prepared, cooked Hopefully, we will have more to order and is described as information for next edition. Broughton ‘Country style pub grub’ and Blinking Owl, We featured the Saye and Sele in includes beer battered cod, fish North Newington the last edition and the proprie- pie and a specials board. Food tors, Danny and Liz McGeehan is served 12–3 and 6–9 Tues– David and Sylvia have been run- are keen to emphasize that the Saturday (there is no food on ning this pub for 32 years now; pub and restaurant not only Mon). could they be the longest stand- serve great food but take its Wednesday night is Pizza & ing publicans in the area? The beer seriously too. The popu- Prosecco Night with two piz- Owl is a traditional pub, built lar Doom Bar from Sharps is zas and a bottle of Prosecco for in 1645 with all the features you regularly accompanied by two £20. The Christmas menu is would expect – stone walls, lots guest ales. At the time of writ- now out and they’ll be open on of beams and big open log burning these were Butcombe Bitter Christmas Day from 12–3, but ing fires. and Stancill India Ruby Ale for drinks only. They serve four tradition- (both 4%). They have an Aunt Sally team al ales at all times, along with The pub opens 10–2:30 Mon–Fri and 10–3pm Sat then 6:30–11 Mon–Sat & 12–5pm Sun. This year they are closed Christmas Day. The restaurant serves traditional English food with French influence and its emphasis is on food freshly made in-house. The menu changes quarterly and Christmas party menus are available to download at www. Guestie sayeandselearms.co.uk (available manning until December 24th). the pumps Local singer, song-writer and at The Fox, guitarist Chris Tobin will be Westcote providing entertainment on Sat Barton 5th December whilst in January, Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 • DELIGHTFUL PUB/RESTAURANT • TRADITIONAL CASK ALES • FINE WINES • FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • REFINED RESTAURANT • RELAXED BAR • OPEN FIRE • TERRACE DINNING • BEAUTIFUL GARDEN WITH DUCK POND • AUNT SALLY • LARGE CAR PARK Main Street, South Newington, nr Banbury OX15 4JE T: 01295 721166 • www.duckonthepond.com

[email protected] www.thefoxatsouldern.co.uk Dating back to 1803 The Fox is nestled in the picturesque village of Souldern and offers:

• Traditional style home cooked food.

• Three Real Ales (two of which constantly rotate), sourced from around the country.

• Four en-suite bedrooms.

10 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 there will be a Burns Supper. beer sampling organised by cel- Malty Pig Bitter going down There are also regular Starters lerman Ian Hodgson, where well. & Puds evenings and feasts of they saw Twelve Days being Peyton Arms, Stoke Lyne Italian foods. brewed. The group enjoyed learning about the history of the The three beers on offer, Hooky Highway Inn, Burford Victorian brewery and its steam Bitter, Hooky Lion and Old Following on from the success pump-driven vertical gravity-fed Hooky are all gravity fed and of the pub’s beer festival there process – and naturally finished on several recent visits were in is another planned for early with a sampling session in the excellent condition. summer next year, set up in the Visitor Centre and then at the With the winter months upon pubs courtyard. This year they brewery tap, The Pear Tree Inn. us the warm and cosy lounge had 12 ales available and it is The Fox, Souldern bar in the home of Jean & Mick though that the next will have the Hat, provides a splendid a similar offering with beers Current regular ales Timothy ambiance in which to enjoy mainly from local breweries. Taylor’s Golden Best and this unique and historic English The date is still to be set, but Boltmaker are both selling country pub. last year it was held to coincide well. Guests include ales from Red Lion, with Burford Festival. Otter and Vale Breweries and a Stratton Audley The Highway always has two Christmas ale is in the pipeline. ales on the bar, with Hooky as In addition to usual menus, Two regular ales, currently both the permanent beer accompa- a Christmas menu is availa- from Yorkshire, plus a guest ale nied by a local guest ale. ble for both general dining and and draught cider are on offer group bookings (01869 345284). here. Recent guests have includ- Butcher’s Arms, A recent pie night was a good ed Moorhouse’s White Witch Fringford opportunity for pie and beer (3.9%) on pump and Hooky All regular real ales have been matching, and the pub has plans Bitter on gravity. on and in good condition on for more themed menu nights. The pub is regularly involved recent visits and the £3 a pint Norman Knight, in initiatives to raise funds for offer on selected beers con- Whichford Macmillan Cancer and a cheque tinues Mon–Fri 5–6pm. A presentation night is being Christmas menu is now avail- Just over our border in War- organised. Christmas meals are able and can be pre-booked on wickshire, the Norman Knight available through December as 01869 277363. Inn at Whichford is now being well as the usual traditional pub The usual daily pub food run by the Stratford Upon Avon food menu and the Wednesday menu, Weds & Thurs steak Brewery. steak nights and fresh fish night offer, Mon–Sat senior citi- Five ales are on offer with Fridays. Group parties for the zen offers and take-away fish & three on rotation from the Christmas menu need to pre- chips early on Friday evenings brewery (Porter and Pale Ale order (01869 277225). all continue as usual throughout – both in fine form on a recent Admiral Holland, the winter months. visit) as well as regulars Hooky Bitter and Purity Ubu. Within Banbury Muddy Duck, Hethe our Branch, Stratford beers can This popular pub has launched a new promotion to highlight Regular ales here are from also be sampled at the Bitter their cask ales. They have a reg- Timothy Taylor’s, St. Austell & Twisted pub in Chipping ular offering with an interesting and Hook Norton breweries. Norton with both its Gold and guest for weekends. The gravity-fed guest beer has Tuesday is ‘Cask recently included Tring’s Side Ale Day’ where Pocket for a Toad and Black each week a pint is Sheep Bitter. Restaurant book- available for £2.50. ings for Christmas/New Year In the run-up to meals and parties are being Christmas they are taken, but need to be booked also giving away well in advance (01869 278099). free beer with a The Christmas ale on tap Cask Ale Collectors from start of December is Card where seven Twelve Days, the 5.5% strong dark porter from Hook Norton. Recently a group of Muddy The selection of ales at Duck customers visited Hook the Norman Knight on a Norton Brewery for a tour and recent visit Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 Give us a call to book a table on 01295 730750 and come and enjoy our Traditional Comfort Pub Grub, with a good selection of Hooky Ales, Ciders and other beverages to choose from. https://www.facebook.com/Butchers2015 Family friendly – Food served swings adjacent to pub Tuesday–Friday car park 6.30–9pm Dog friendly Saturday/Sunday 12–4pm and Saturday Cyclist and Walker 6.30–9pm friendly! Earlybird discounts Hook Norton ales on meals between Large grassed garden 6.30 and 8pm with excellent views Sunday roasts Hidden gem Opening hours Recently refurbished Tuesday to Friday interior 6-11pm Ales from the cask Sat/Sunday 12-11pm including three Hook Closed Mondays Norton ales and one Quiz last Wednesday of guest ale. each month Tel: Shutford Road 01295 730 750 BALSCOTE Oxon OX15 6JQ

12 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 pints sees you get you the eighth free. Hanwell Arms, Banbury It’s all change with the management at this pub in the Hanwell Fields Estate. Landlady Anita left in the summer and after a couple of temporary managers the new Landlord, Paul, will be in place by early December. In advance of his arrival the ever-present cellar manager, Charlie, will be looking after a range of Christmas special ales including Jennings Red Breast. Marston’s Christmas Pudding Bottled beer selection at Wyevale Food Hall in their garden centre at Bicester Avenue and Wychwood Snow Belle. Wyevale Food Hall, have announced that they are Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn, Bicester Avenue now doing a very limited food Banbury offering: Pizza! A pizza and a Continuing our regular feature The pub’s recent refurb is now beer for £10, but it’s currently of places you don’t expect to only available 7–9 Mon–Weds. complete and it’s open as usual. find good local ales, it was very They are also presenting a The work centred around the pleasant to find that the food prize to listeners of British replacement of the ‘python’ hall at Bicester Avenue (a short Forces Broadcasting Service in which carries the new beer lines distance from Bicester Village the Carterton area. It is open from cask to pump, so this will Outlet Centre) has an excellent help improve beer quality, some- selection of local bottled ales, to all military personnel in thing we agree is a good thing. a number of which were bottle Oxfordshire and all civilians in During the work which on its conditioned like those from Vale, the local Carterton area, where- own required the closure of the Ramsbury and Stroud. There by you can ask for your two pub, the interior has also been were also bottles from further favourite songs to be played at spruced up with much new afield with Great Orme, North 15:45 and if chosen not only are paint, varnish and furniture. The Yorkshire, Stafford and RCH all your songs played, but the Siege most noticeable change is with on sale on a recent visit. will provide you with a free cup the outside drinking area which of coffee and a cake! has a new deck area and better The Angel, Burford Hot news is that the Siege separation from the car park. Congratulations to The Angel are also going to be the only White Horse, Banbury which has been listed in the stockist in West Oxfordshire annual Cotswold Awards 2015 of the new Loose Cannon beer Ken & Eileen continue to wave as ‘Best Pub in the Cotswolds’. Abingdon Bridge XB a 4.5% the flag for good quality cask ale The Cotswolds Awards are 100% amber ale and as Loose Cannon in Banbury. As well as the regu- free and independent awards has proved so popular they will lar Everard’s beers (Tiger and created to give customers in the aim to stock one of their beers Beacon) you will always find at Cotswolds a chance to nominate all the time. least four guest beers from dif- their favourite businesses, hotels, This December you have the ferent breweries. restaurants and shops. chance to vote for your favour- As well as a range of breweries 300+ businesses were nomi- ite of the 190ish beers and the beers available give drinkers nated in this year’s awards with ciders that they have sold at the a choice of styles. On a recent tens of thousands of people vot- Siege in the last six months and visit, the beers ranged from ing. This Hooky pub found the top beers will be on the bar Turpin’s Golden Citrus to Derby down Witney Street, Burford in January. They are also very Breweries Dashingly Dark with serves a number of Hook pleased to have been able to three others inbetween. Norton Ales and they are proud present the mayor of Carterton A new promotion is giving of their Cask Marque status. with a cheque for £703 after drinkers a chance to sample a Siege of Orleans, their charity auction night and pint of real ale for £2.50 on a will be taking part in the Small Tuesday between 4 and 6pm so Carterton Business Day on Saturday 5th get there for a team bonding Having just celebrated their six December by having a stall sell- after work pint. month anniversary the Siege ing local box sets of beer.

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 14 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 Sausages And Beer In A Roll? Look out it’s Christmas party Blend the onion, sage leaves season! A time for tiny morsels and bacon together for about 10 of food like canapés, over-played seconds in a mini mixer. Christmas tunes and forced jol- Tip the resultant mixture into lity. If you get coerced into enter- a frying pan and sizzle for 4–5 taining, this recipe might not minutes to soften. change the wish to murder the Meanwhile, put the sausage next person to warble along to meat, breadcrumbs, nutmeg (it’s ‘Simply having a wonderful Xmas Xmas) and mustard powder in a time’ but it will fill your guests bowl and fold in the onion mix- up so they don’t have to visit the ture. Season with plenty of black kebab van on the way home. pepper and a bit of sea salt. Ingredients: Finally, add the Double Stout • Puff pastry (half a slab or one and mix to form a ball of sau- sheet of ready rolled) sage loveliness and spread this that actually tastes of sausage!’. • 200–250g of good quality sau- across the middle of the pastry. And you get to drink most of sage meat Using the beaten egg, wash the double stout whilst the sau- • 1 onion, roughly chopped; 4–5 brush each edge of the pastry sage roll is cooking, what’s not sage leaves, chopped then fold over to make a good to like? • 1 rasher smoked back bacon – firm border. Use a fork to secure also chopped and crimp the flat edge of the Meet the Brewer at • Quarter teaspoon of nutmeg pastry. (freshly grated is best) Finally, give the whole roll a The Horse & Groom • 50g of white breadcrumbs good egg wash and place on a • Pinch of English mustard pow- floured baking tray before send- Landlord Jerome Prigent is der; freshly ground black pep- ing to the oven for about 20–25 hosting a ‘meet the brewer’ per (lots) minutes at 180° (fan oven) until evening at the Horse & Groom, • 3 tablespoons of Hook Norton golden on top. Caulcott on Wednesday 27th Double Stout Slice into around 12 to 15 January, with John Romer of • 1 Egg, beaten portions and serve warm with Turpin Brewery, Hook Norton. • Pre-heated oven (around 180°) English mustard … The pub opens at 6pm and the Comments from the CNTC event will start at 7pm. On a floured surface roll out (Chipping Norton tasting crew): John started up in 2013 at the pastry to about a foot square ‘delicious’, ‘astounding’, ‘too Turpin’s Lodge, and soon had piece spicy’ (Izzy, 14), ‘a sausage roll a reputation as an enthusias- tic and successful brewer. Since then, his beers have won awards including Champion Beer at Banbury Guardian Local Hook Norton Beer Festival 2013 and Champion Beer at Pub Of The Year 2015 Oxford CAMRA Beer Festival 2015. For a second year in a row, this the Carpenters Arms, Middle Turpin beers are often the local newspaper is running its Barton (although it is currently first to run out at pubs and fes- own Pub of The Year competi- closed, see Branch News). tivals, so get here in time to tion and all of this year’s finalists The Banbury Guardian finds sample them while they’re on. are in our Branch area. many qualities contributing to a CAMRA members and guests In no particular order, the great pub including individuality will be able to hear John’s tale of finalists chosen by votes of its and character, welcoming ambi- how he set up his brewery and readership are: Ye Olde Reindeer, ence, good beer, wine and food, his plans for future develop- Banbury; The Crown at Enstone; not forgetting decor, nice nib- ment. Naturally, John will have Pear Tree, Hook Norton; bles (!), polite and knowledgea- some Turpin beer to sample, Wykham Arms, Sibford Gower; ble staff as well as clean loos. including a chance to taste and Lampet Arms, Tadmarton; Horse As we went to press the fate comment on a new brew. and Groom, Milcombe; White of the finalists was in the read- Remember, the pub offers a Horse, Banbury; Gate Hangs erships hands with voting now discount on real ales at any time High, Hook Norton: Duck on closed. We’ll announce the win- to CAMRA members – just the Pond, S Newington and ner in our next BoT. show your membership card. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 9 High Street, Bodicote Banbury OX15 4BZ http://www.ploughbodicote.co.uk/ Tel: 01295 258909 Open: 12–3pm & 5–11pm daily Lunch 12–2pm • Dinner 7–9pm (No food Sun evening & Mon) Traditional village pub with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Good food is served using the finest locally sourced ingredients, famed for its generous portions! Private parties can also be catered for with a choice of delicious buffets. The Plough features in the Camra Good Beer Guide so you can be sure of a well kept pint of real ale here too. Wifi • Dogs welcome • Family friendly • Lovely, secluded, courtyard patio garden Home-made, reasonably priced, food, from an extensive varied European menu catering for all tastes which can be eaten in the bar, the garden or the restaurant area. Selection of fine Wadsworths ales always on tap Four handpumps • Real fire • Newspapers The Lamb & Flag Hailey, nr Witney OX29 9UB • Tel: 01993 702849

• 17th century family run village inn • Family and dog friendly • Multi roomed pub exposed beams, inglenook fireplace and flagstone flooring • Good value homemade food catering for vegetarians • Great Sunday lunches • Takeaway Fish & Chips Tues–Sat at all food service times (£4.95) • Over 60s Lunch Tues–Fri 12–2 • Large garden Three ales on tap including local Wychwood ales Pub Hours: Mon closed; Tues–Thurs 12–2 & 4–11; Fri/Sat 12–11.30; Sun 12–9 Food Times: Tues–Fri 12–2 & 6–9; Sat 12–9; Sun 12–5

16 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 Members’ Pre-Festival Beer Tasting Evening James once again volunteered to run a CAMRA members exclu- sive evening – this time it was a tasting session for seven of the beers that would be available for the Wetherspoons November beer festival at the Exchange, Banbury. A good sized group assembled at the appointed time and James led us through the seven beers he’d chosen for us. He started with the weakest of the beers, a 3.7% golden beer, Sin Bin from Liberation, a Jersey brewery. A healthy debate went with all the tastings and it was generally thought that this was a slightly thin beer with a lot of flavour James leads the beer tasting at The Exchange, Banbury for its strength, malty and dry. Marston’s in Burton on Trent. with the remains of the beers Second up was Young The nose and initial taste was he’d brought out and went back Henry’s Real Ale at 4.0% one of sulphur, very reminiscent of to his real job. A thoroughly of Wetherspoons collabora- Marston’s Pedigree, but after enjoyable evening in good com- tion beers brewed by Richard a few minutes the sulphur had pany and with some excellent Adamson of Young Henrys gone and honey notes came ales. It was particularly nice to Brewery, New South Wales, through. The consensus was meet members of the Branch Australia. The beer was brewed uninspiring, but drinkable. who don’t normally get out to at Bateman’s of Lincs which had The penultimate beer was local events. We would like to a good start with burnt notes, another collaboration this offer our thanks to James and hints of spice, and it was slightly time from Guam. Ishi Brewing his team at the Exchange for sweet and easy to drink. Third Minagof Smoked Porter brewed another great night. to taste was the Caledonian at Wadworths and it turned out Rare Red Rye, a 3.9% ruby ale to be a real Marmite beer! A which was thin with a malty black beer with smoke on the Jackie Is Now and spicy taste and generally nose, and a strong smoky fla- described as uninspiring. vour reminiscent of a single Vice-Chairman For the fourth beer we malt whisky (medicinal, like an Congratulations to Jackie Parker, jumped up to 5.0% and Titanic Islay malt with a strong smoky one time Chairman of our 7 C’s a copper ale made with aftertaste). One of the party Branch and local resident, on seven hops all starting with the described it as “Twelve Days becoming the Vice Chairman of letter “C”, which had a sweet gone wrong”, but I loved it! CAMRA. start to a well balanced nicely Finally we got to the strong- Jackie replaces Bob Stukins rounded beer and a lot of hops est the festival was doing which in the national number two slot going on. It had a bitter finish was another collaboration brew, and was our branch chairman and a hoppy bitter aftertaste, this time with Gary Lohin for three years. She is probably but many questioned the need from Central City Brewery in best remembered as the lead- for seven hops beginning with C British Colombia who brewed er of the movement to get the which made it sound a bit gim- Red Racer IPA 6.5% at Banks. beer duty escalator removed, in micky and a bit over hopped. A strong tasting beer, with which she succeeded so success- Though I did like it! a warming full body and the fully that it was followed by 3 Five was another collabo- taste of pine, grapefruit sweet- successive duty reductions too. ration ale, Zululand Zulu ness and a lot going on. It was She has also had responsibility Blonde, a 4.5% blonde ale made agreed it was a good example of for the campaigns communica- by Richard Chennells from an IPA. tions, including Branch maga- Zululand Brewery and made at At this point James left us zines and What’s Brewing. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 Market Street Charlbury OX7 3PL Tel: 01608 810103 Charlbury

Note: All types of beer will be on sale – not just winter beers festival FRI 29th–SUN 31st JANUARY 2016 FRI from 6pm, SAT noon-midnight, SUN noon–10.30pm

EIGHT REAL ALES always on sale at the pub, 20+ REAL ALES with usually three or four on sale over the weekend traditional ciders/perries + Choice of CIDER & PERRY Regular LIVE MUSIC Check out website at www. Hot food available most sessions charlbury.com roseandcrown

Latest info: www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub

18 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 Round-Up Of Local Beer Festivals Ardley with Fewcott medium), Celtic Marches Beer & Cider Festival Thundering Molly (5.2% medium dry) and Orchards Wye This first village festival was held Valley (6.7% sweet). First cider at Ardley with Fewcott Village to sell out was Mr Whitehead’s Hall, offering real ales, ciders Devils Device (8.4% dry). & perry, food and entertaining 30 bands and artists rocked music and dancing. the two stages throughout the The festival’s Champion Beer weekend while face painting, was Titanic Brewery’s Plum juggling skills and funfair rides Porter (4.9%) a dark ale with real kept the kids out of mischief. plum fruit notes flavour. Cwtch After another successful cider (4.6%) from Tiny Rebel Brewery festival and having tasted all the took silver and Timothy Taylor’s ciders available, organiser Sian Landlord (4.3%) took bronze. Phillips said: “I can’t feel my Champion Cider/Perry was tongue!”. Early Bird tickets are Sheppy’s Farmhouse (6%) from already available for next year’s Somerset. Other popular ones A brisk trade at the Bo Peep Cider Festival were Double Vision’s Raspberry festival. See bopeepciderfestival. (5.3%) from Kent, first to sell out, Bo Peep Cider Festival co.uk for more details. and Janet’s Jungle Juice (6%) from 11–13 September saw the Bell Inn, Lower Heyford West Croft Cider in Somerset. return of the Bo Peep Cider Beer Festival All 24 beers were in good con- Festival. After the success of last One of my favourite festivals is dition from the start and there year, organisers Sian Phillips the small, but perfectly formed was strong demand for clas- and New Folium Events made it festival held at The Bell early sic bitters such as Otter Bitter an annual event. 113 ciders and in September. Lyn makes a real (3.6%), Rebellion’s Smuggler perries were stacked up behind effort to find interesting beer (4.2%) and West Berks Blindside the bar at what is considered to Flanker (4.3%). For golden ales, and this year was no exception. be a family event rather than With six ales on stillage and Turpin’s Golden Citrus (4.2%) a standalone cider festival. and Vale’s Gravitas (4.8%) were another two on the bar, a good Although a ticketed event, there range of beers was available on top form. One rarity was were special discounts arranged ABC’s Calico Jack, a 4.8% smooth from 3.9% Corn Dolly (a golden for Beer On Tap readers. session beer made with copi- stout with a coconut aroma and The tasting trays, contain- taste. Loose Cannon’s Porter (5%) ous amounts of wheat), while ing 12 different 7oz cups cho- at the top end of the scale was and Tiny Rebel’s Dirty Stop Out sen by the bar staff and cover- (5.0%) delivered full-bodied fla- Boomerang (a 6.9% amber ale ing the whole taste range were with a strong pine and fruity flavoursome hits on the dark side. back again this year so I took An excellent barbeque with vour and probably my favourite full advantage. Personal favour- beer of the weekend). burgers, sausages, chicken and ites in mine included Gwynt a hog roast, along with piz- y Ddraig Farmers Pride (5.2% zas from a wood burning oven, gave much needed sustenance. Beer Festival DIARY Friday evening music saw Jamie Felton, winner of Banbury’s Got DECEMBER Talent 2015, bring the evening to 12: Haddenham Winterfest. Noon– a rousing end. Saturday saw Pete 5pm Banks Park, Haddenham. Watkins rounding off the festival 100 ales with cider, music and with an extended session of hits. food. See http://haddenham-beer- festival.co.uk/winterfest/ For their first festival, the JANUARY organisers and helpers did an 29–31: Rose & Crown, Charlbury excellent job and they raised Winter Beer Festival. 20+ real a substantial amount to fund ales, plus ciders and perry. Food the running, maintenance and all sessions. improvements of the village hall MAY for the benefit of the local com- 5–7: Banbury Beer & Cider Festival. munity. Dates for its 2016 festival 100+ beer and ciders. Volunteer date will be announced soon! Reserve (TA) Centre, Oxford Andrew Davison Road, Banbury Lyn gets to grips with the till at The Bell Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 3 REAL ALES Two large superior 10 REAL CIDERS en-suite Homemade rooms lunches Large flower- Mon–Sat 12-2 filled garden

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

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

The Lion is full of character. From the welcoming flagged bar with roaring fire through to the relaxed dining rooms and beer garden, the emphasis of quality regional food and drink combined with traditional pub values is offered to all who visit us. Daily deliveries directly to the kitchen from the finest local free-range and artisan producers demands a regularly changing menu gov- erned by the season. We open at 10.30am daily for morning ground coffees and food is served all day, everyday from noon Beer Sale Fridays – all ales are £2.50! Wendlebury Road, Wendlebury Bicester OX25 2PW Tel 01869 388228 http://thelionwendlebury.co.uk Find us on [email protected] Facebook

20 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 There was a pale ale in Catch the Rainbow from Elland and an American IPA style beer in San Francisco 5.5% from Conwy Brewery. The joint favourites as voted for by the customers were Tiny Rebel’s Fubar 4.4% and Blonde 5.0% from Franklins, though all the beers were of a very high standard and any one could have won. Having third pint glasses made it far easier to sample more beers and an interesting selection of cider finished things off nicely. Many thanks to Lyn again for this excellent little festival and I look forward to visiting next year! Friday early doors at the Oxford Beer Festival 2015, before the rush later in the afternoon Oxford CAMRA Beer Shotover Brewery’s limited edi- brew with strong New World Festival tion, barrel-aged John Henry hop bitterness). Oxford Town Hall was again proving to be the one that all Friday also saw a few North the venue for Oxford’s annual earlybirds headed for. Shame, as Oxfordshire members partak- CAMRA beer festival over the we didn’t get there until early on ing in the blind tasting to judge weekend of 15–17 October, Friday. the Beer of Oxfordshire 2015’ (a which this year boasted 140 real The huge range of ales and regular annual contest) and we ales and around 60 traditional cider/perry meant that there was were glad to see Cats Clouder ciders/perries. something for all tastes from all and Turpin’s Golden Citrus It usually pays to get there corners of the UK. Stand-out get through to the final, where early as a good number of rare beers for me were the Devilfish the latter won the main acco- or very popular brews run out Ink from Hopcraft (a black IPA lade. Well done to Turpin’s John on the Thursday evening, and with a formidable hop element) Romer for winning another that was certainly the case with and Eight Arch’s Corbel (a pale prestigious award. CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival 17–20 February 2016. The Roundhouse will have still- ries: Old Ales & Strong Milds, Roundhouse, Pride Park, age all around it, serving real Porters, Stouts and Barley Derby ale, cider, perry, continental Wines & Strong Old Ales – one The venue for CAMRA’s beer and mead, and a separate of which will be overall Champ- National Winter Ales Festival area will include the Champion ion Winter Beer of Britain. has seen a £48 million reno- Winter Beer of Britain beers to For full details see the website vation as the world’s oldest be judged in four style catego- at www.nwaf.org.uk ‘roundhouse’ is returned to its former glory with many original features restored. Dates For Banbury Beer & Cider Derby is excellently placed Festival 2016 please contact the Staffing to receive real ale and drink- Officer Lynne. There will be ers from all around the country, Dates for the main Branch entertainment on Thursday thereby ensuring a good selec- event for 2016 have been con- evening, Saturday afternoon and tion of beers from breweries firmed as Thurs–Sat 5–7 May. evening, while Friday will be a all over the UK. Over 400 real There will be 100+ real ales quiet day as usual. ales will be available and brew- and ciders/perries with rough- If you want to get involved ery bars include Thornbridge, ly a third of the ales being local at an organising level, the next Falstaff, Dancing Duck and Tiny and a third from our featured meeting of the organising com- Rebel. Tutored tasting sessions region of Yorkshire. Volunteers mittee is Mon 7 December from will run during the festival. are needed for all days includ- 8pm at the White Horse, Being circular, the ing set-up and take-down, Banbury. See you there? Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 2015 Beer Festival Helpers Trip To Wales Our Worth’s coach traversed the Inn, a stone pub with a patio Branch and delivered us to our front garden. We were served destination, which this year was quickly with the local brew Violet Celt Experience Brewery, on an Cottage Shine On (4.0%) then industrial estate down a narrow went upstairs to our table for gated side road. Having found lunch. The pub was busy gearing the brewery we had a warm wel- up for a rugby match that even- come from our host Ellie with a ing, so it was just as well we had choice of four bottle conditioned three tables set aside. The food ales to choose from. La Tene was was excellent and helped soak up my choice as it was only 3.5% the ale from the brewery. After (and still early), an excellent pale lunch there was just enough time beer packed with hoppy flavour. for a swift half, Tiny Rebel’s One After a while, we were led into Inch Punch, then off into Cardiff the 30 barrel capacity brew- for our afternoon session. ery which brews several times a Here, things started to go a lit- week. Although their beers are tle awry as the coach park we’d With Ellie in the Celt Experience Brewery best known on draught, they also planned to use was only for the bottle all their ales for the export at 6.2% a smoked rye which was fans coming to the Rugby World market, with Sweden being their biscuity and full flavoured with Cup. The Millennium Stadium biggest overseas market (as Celt Nelson Sauvignon hops. had New Zealand & France at beer is competitively priced and We then sampled the special- 8pm and Ireland & Argentina the very flavoursome making them ity beers starting with Goddess day after so it was a little tight. A one of the best known brew- of the Spring a 6% raspber- small group led by Geraint set off ers in the country, on a par with ry and strawberry saison. Matt to the city centre with a plan to Guinness!). They also export to now took and explained that hit the Tiny Rebel pub outside the Italy and Estonia and are keen to the beer is a collaboration with stadium, but it was soon obvious break into the US market. a US brewer in a Belgian saison a plan B was needed as there was Some conditioning tanks are style with distinctive phenolic a huge queue. After trying several used to age beers, including their flavours and that it took a ton pubs we realised we were in the speciality brews which are aged of raspberries to make it. Next wrong place for a beer. In the one up to six months. Ellie says they was Hallstatt Deity 6.6%, a farm- pub we did get into, we couldn’t love hops so they pile them in at house fruit saison made with see the bar for rugby fans. The each stage, especially American pomegranate and a wild brett plus side was that the atmosphere and New Zealand hops. After yeast which normally brewers was amazing with all nationalities a visit to the bottling plant (all avoid. Finally and by no means represented, even English. beers are bottle conditioned) it least came 614 Annees at 8.5% a After a stroll around the city was back to the bar for a tasting. chocolate rye porter – rich and centre we decided that a beer Here we met Matt, one of the warming; it was gorgeous! really was in order, so we were brewers, but Ellie started the After buying beer it was time picked up again and headed out tasting with Silures a 4.6% beer to bid farewell to Celt Experience of town. We soon found a pub with sweet malt and spruce, fol- for our next stop. We soon got we could get into, ordered Brains lowed by Bleddy 1075 at 5.6% off the bus for the short walk up Bread of Heaven then settled which was fruity, then Brigid Fire the hill to the Gwaelod-y-Garth down in the beer garden to enjoy a well-earned beer. Geraint stayed Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn in the pub to watch the Wales game as we chose to listen to the cheers, groans, oooohs, aaaaars and ultimately tears from outside. We did get another pint over the road in the Cricketers an Evan Evans pub, but we again stayed in the garden where it was quieter. Back on the bus our last stop was the Carters Rest, Wroughton, Wilts., half way up the village hill high street. We went straight into the lounge bar and grabbed a Liverpool Organic Kitty Wilkin- 22 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 son’s, an inspired choice – a rich and to Worth’s for their dark stout with bags of flavour immaculate time-keeping (thanks for the tip Andrew!). and good humour and to The long day was now catching all the guys and girls who up with some of us and food was came along. To be on the more important requirement, next year’s festival help- so after some nosh in the local ers trip all you need to do chippy, there was just time to is help out at the Banbury crawl back on the bus and head Beer & Cider Festival back to our drop-off points. 2016, which runs from Thanks go to Andrew Davison 5th to 7th May 2016. See who organized our great day out you there! Festival helpers at the Cricketers, Cardiff Trip To Somerset To Present The BBCF Award You may remember that Nemp- However, nett Cider Co.’s Piglet’s Choice cups of steam- Perry was voted Cider/Perry of ing mulled cider the Festival at the BBCF 2015. warmed the cock- A couple of weeks later it also les on a chilly scooped the Perry of the Festival morning while we award at Stockport Beer & Cider chatted to Keith Festival. A real accolade for the about the busi- cidery for a relative newcomer ness and watched on the Somerset cider scene. his friends press- So it was that members from ing their apples both Stockport and Banbury Brian Wray (left) and Charlott Bulmer (right, from Stockport), on his kit, before Festivals met up to drive round presenting the award to Keith in front of one of his new orchards the award presen- the narrow lanes of Somerset in tations. October to locate the hamlet of tunate for us) was that Keith’s Hopefully the 2015 vintage Nempnett Thrubwell to present output for the year had been will be at Banbury Beer & Cider the double award. sold, so we weren’t able to sam- Festival 2016 to defend its well- There we found the farm ple the winning brew again. earned crown. where Keith Balch has made Piglet’s Choice cider and perry Beer on Tap Abroad send it to the for over five years. Originally Editor along with using fruit from ancient cider Pavel’s travels to Lake Louise a description of where it was apple and pear trees in the sur- in the Canadian Rockies. taken and what the local ale was rounding area, Keith planted Once again the Branch’s like, if there was any. Don’t for- new orchards on land leased favourite toy panda has been get to tell us what and where from the farm, so production out with his Beer on Tap. you drink when back home. could grow as his trees mature. West London CAMRA mem- A sign of his success (but unfor- ber Nick Rutter sent this snap of the travelling panda taking at rest in the rockies. Some Sad News Over 40 ales were tasted dur- It is with great sadness that the ing the walking holiday with Branch learned of the death of those from the Yukon brewery Carol King, one-time landlady from Whitehorse winning most of the White Lion, Fewcott, after plaudits particularly Up the a brave fight against cancer. Creek (5% abv), which contains Along with husband Paul she birch sap(!), and Midnight Sun was a two-time winner of the (6.2% abv), an espresso stout. Branch’s Pub of the Year Award, If you’re away skiing, or just the top award for pubs in our away, this festive season; then Branch. Our deepest sympathy don’t forget to pack a copy of goes to Paul and their daughter Beer on Tap. Arrange to get a Holly and her husband at this photograph of you, or a loved sad time. one, with the magazine and Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 KINGHAM & BLEDINGTON CIRCULAR By Keith Rigley

Beer on Tap Pub Walks Peaceful, level walk in the Evenlode Valley with four pub/restaurants Distance: 5.4 miles. From either the Kingham Plough the far end of the paddock, turn Allow: Around 3–3.5 hours. or the Wild Rabbit walk towards right to keep along Station Road Map: Explorer OL45. the church by following the road then, just past a bus shelter, cross Parking: Kingham Plough and where it goes round to the left the road to follow a waymarked Wild Rabbit both have car parks, just after the Wild Rabbit. St. footpath where you walk along but as they can be very busy it’s Andrew’s Church is worth a visit. keeping the hedge on your left. After the church’s lych-gate the Keep straight on after pass- best to ring firstI to check, or park I I I I I I I in Church StreetI (the main road path runs between a hedge and a ing the entrance to a house, walk I I I I I I I through the village)I where there’s I ranch fence where you can take a down the steps and turn right I I I I I I I usually lots of places.I The Mill short-cut across a paddock over on a tarmac drive then turn left I I I I I I I Hotel also has a car I park. I two stiles to cut off the corner. At to walk around the corner of the I I I I I I I I To I Mill Hotel, pass the pretty I To I I I I Churchill I Daylesford I I patio area, then keep straight I I I I I I I I I on across the grounds of the I I I I Kingham I I I I hotel, aiming for a wooden I I I I I I I I bridge under a row of tall I I I I I I I I I willow trees. Cross the bridge, I I I I I START: I I I go through a gate at the far I I I Kingham Plough I I I I I end, then walk on in the same I I or Wild Rabbit I I I I I I I general direction. I I I I I I The Mill I I At the far end of the next I I I I I Hotel I I I field, go through a gap in I I I I I I I I I the hedge to cross anoth- I I I I I I I I er bridge, cross a stile then I I I I I I I I head slightly diagonally right I King’s I I I I I I Head I I across the next field to walk I I I I I I I I through another gap in the I I I I Langston I I I I Priory Nursing hedge ahead. There should I To I I I Home Kingham I I Churchill I I Station I be a well-trodden path across I I I I I I I I the next field, if not, aim just I I I I I I I I to the right of the third tele- I I I I Churchill Heath I I I I Farm I graph pole from the left, then I I I I I I Bluewood Bledington RIVER I I go through a metal gate and I EVENLODE I Lodges and I I I I Tatty Bunting I I head diagonally left across the I I Cafe Restaurant I I I I I I I next field and walk through I I I I I I I I another metal gate in a gap in I I I I I Foxcote I I I the hedge. I Farm I I I I I I I I This time, turn quite sharp- I I I I I I I I ly diagonally right towards a I I I I I I I I hedge at the far side where I I I I I I I I I you go through another gap in I I I I I I I I the hedge – be careful as you I I I I I I I I cross a road with fast-mov- I I I I I I I I I ing cars – then keep straight I I I I I I I I I on up a tarmac drive of I I II II II II Tatty Bunting and Bluewood II II II II Foxholes II Lodges. Go past a barrier next Bould I II Farm Farm II II II II to the cafe, turn right (by a II II II Foxholes II To II couple of old millstones by a II Nature Reserve II Idbury II II II shrub) then turn left to walk I II II II II II up to a ranch fence under I II II II II II Bruern II II 24 Abbey II Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 II II II II II II II II trees at the end of the road. Go cross the river on a metal bridge by keeping the ditch/stream on through the wooden gate in the on your right. At the end of the your right. fence, walk straight across the bridge, turn left and follow the If you don’t want to visit the paddock ahead to go through a course of the River Evenlode, bluebell wood, turn right imme- metal gate at the far side. keeping it on your left. Follow diately after crossing the low At this point it is easy to get the course of the river until you bridge and walk along keep- lost as there is little to aim for cross a ditch (or stream if it’s ing the ditch/stream on your in the sightline, so I recommend been wet) over a low bridge. right, which is now waymarked you walk in the direction indi- At this point you might want to ‘Oxfordshire Way’. cated by the last waymark (next take a detour (especially in spring When you reach a wooden to the metal gate), heading diag- to visit one of the best bluebell gate and bridge, turn left to fol- onally right to walk over the woods in West Oxfordshire at low a hedge where you will find crest of the hill ahead. After that, Foxholes nature reserve. To visit a waymarked path on your right head to a point just to the left of this, keep straight on over the along a green lane where it goes a large copse of trees in the far low bridge across the ditch and between a hedge and a copse of corner where you will find two walk through a gap in the trees trees. Keep on along this green gates, one after the other. After ahead, then take a track to the lane, ignoring any turn-offs, and taking the second gate, walk right to walk up to a farm track keep the hedgerow on your left diagonally right to go through a where you turn left. On reach- for over half a mile until you metal gate and walk over a bridge ing some old farm buildings, turn reach a corner of a field on the across the railway (note that the left and carry on walking along a outskirts of Bledington, where OS map has a path marked to track to find a small car park and you go through a gate on your the right of the bridge which is an information sign. Turn right left then walk over to a gate no longer there, so walk over the opposite the entrance to the car where you cross a cattle-grid to bridge instead). park and keep on along a foot- join a road. Turn right on the Walk over the bridge, go down path to enter a wood where you road and cross a bridge. a slope, go through another gate will eventually come across huge Where the road joins a bend in and keep on in the same gener- carpets of bluebells in season. the road, keep straight on (signed al direction, keeping the hedge- Retrace your tracks to a point to Bledington and Stow) to walk row on your right. Go through just before the low bridge where into the village along a footpath a gap in the hedge ahead, then you turn left to continue the walk on the right side of the road, at Fewcott WHITE LION OX27 7NZ Tel: 01869 346676 Email: [email protected]

Opening Times Monday: Closed Tuesday: 16.00–23.00 Pub Quiz (20.30) Wednesday: 16.00–23.00 Thursday: 11.00–14.00 & 16.00–23.00 Friday: 11.00–14.00 & 16.00–23.00 Saturday: 11.00–00.00 Sunday: 12.00–22.00

• Regular changing Real Ales • Hand pulled Real Cider • Large Pub Garden with Pirate Ship • Real log Fires • Darts. Bar Billiards. Aunt Sally • Pizzas and Paninis available Thurs/Fri/Sat • Homemade cakes Thur & Fri lunchtimes • BT Sport & Free WIFI

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 THE SUN INN HIGH STREET HOOK NORTON OXFORDSHIRE OX15 5NH

01608 737570

Our main focus on food at The Sun Inn is using fresh, local and sustainable produce. Fish is caught off the Cornish coast and delivered daily. Our meat comes from local villages such as Over Norton and we use honey suppliers in the village to make our whisky and honey ice cream.

Cameron cooks a range of dishes from the classics we all know and love, to something a little different with a few twists from his home country, South Africa.

Top quality Hook Norton ales with Hooky, Lion and Old Hooky always on tap plus two seasonal taps which change every week.

There is also an extensive wine list available with something to suit everybody’s palate. Pub hours: Dining hours: Monday to Saturday 11.30am–11pm Monday to Saturday 12pm–2pm Sunday 11.30am–6pm - 6.30pm–9pm (last drinks orders at 5:30pm) Sunday 12pm–4pm

26 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 before turning left into Church field aiming for a bridge over the lane joins a tarmac road on a Lane. Keep along Church Lane the Evenlode with a gate at each bend in the road, keep straight on to the end then follow the road end. Cross the bridge and walk across the entrance to New Road round to the right to pass the across the next field, aiming for a and walk up towards the stone church, keeping a row of stone gate on the far side. After going bus shelter you passed earlier on houses on your right. Walk down through a metal kissing gate, in the walk. Retrace your steps a slope to find the village green walk up a slope to cross an old back to the church and the Wild with its water channels, where rail bed (no rails) and then walk Rabbit to where you started. you can visit the King’s Arms by down the slope on the far side to Pubs on the walk route turning left then taking the right walk around to the right between Kingham Plough, The Green, fork. two tall hedgerows. Follow the Kingham, Oxon OX7 6YD. www. To continue the walk you need hedge on your left, then where it thekinghamplough.co.uk. Tel: to turn right on reaching the bends round to the left, aim for 01608 658327. Goff’s Lancer and green and then walk straight a gate on the far right-hand cor- Butcombe Bitter on sale last visit. ahead where the road joins ner of the field. Cross the bridge Wild Rabbit, Church Street, the B4450, in the direction of then walk on in the same general Kingham, Oxon OX7 6YA. www. Kingham Station, then where the direction to pass (or cross over) a thewildrabbit.co.uk. Tel. 01608 road bends sharply round to the plank bridge and walk through a 658389. Hooky Bitter, Wadworth right keep straight on again into gap in the hedge diagonally right Horizon and Otter Bitter on sale a ‘no through road’ called Chapel ahead into the next field. Aim last visit. Lane. Carry on all the way to for a gate in the far corner of the Mill House Hotel, Kingham, Oxon the end of Chapel Lane where field ahead where you use the OX7 6UH. www.millhousehotel. co.uk. Tel: 01608 658188. Hooky it eventually changes to a dirt kissing gate and turn sharp right Bitter, St. Austell Tribute plus one track and then go through a kiss- to join a green lane which runs guest. ing gate to the left of a metal gate up to a crossing over the railway. King’s Head, The Green, Bleding- where you turn left to walk along Go through gates on either ton, Oxon, OX7 6XQ. http://thek- the field boundary, keeping the side to cross the railway, then fol- ingsheadinn.net. Tel: 01608 658365. hedge of your left. low the green lane on the far side Hooky Bitter plus at least one guest After passing the first tall tree, to walk into Kingham behind such as Butcombe, Flying Monk or walk diagonally right across the a row of back gardens. Where Wye Valley. Roundup Of Local Brewery News Hook Norton bird beer is smooth in 1899 it was used Congratulations go to the team and dark, and comes to provide the motive at Hooky after their Red Rye out at 4.2%. power that the brew- won the world’s best rye beer Regular events at ery needed to pro- award. This follows on from the brewery are the duce its beer and it is their success in the UK competi- Open Tap Tasting believed to be the last tion when they won two best as Evenings every 2nd steam engine in the well as two gold and two bronze. Thursday of each country that can still They’ve also been brewing their month 5–8pm. be used for its original single hop variety beers with Come along and purpose. Sovereign, Fuggles then Jester. sample the full range They now have If you fancy creating your very of Hooky ales along their Barm Cellar own unique brew get in touch with a selection of open and available for with Hooky Brewery for an ideal the latest crafty ales bookings for lunches, present for weddings, birth- direct from the in- meetings and parties. days, parties, Christmas, Valent- house microbrewery This offers a unique ines Day! Whatever the occa- – all for free. space with audio vis- sion, they can brew a beer to Their microbrew- ual facilities, wi-fi and specially for you. For £500 you’ll ery is now in full a bar. get a full day’s brewing expe- production with crafty ales There is late night shopping rience, tea & coffee on arrival, being produced for a local beer on Fri 11th December when buffet lunch, two firkins of your festival, a wedding and a retiring the brewery shop will be open own ale and a bespoke pumpclip. Morris dancer! late for those last-minute stock- The brewery has launched its First Saturday each month is ing fillers for the real ale drink- latest craft ale – Merula Stout. when you can see the Victorian er in your life (or for yourself Available in keg, this black as the steam engine in action. Installed if no-one acts on those hints!). Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 Hook Norton brass band will OktoberWest participants at be playing, there will be mulled West Berks Brewery wine and best of all there’s 10% off all beer! The following day Drop them a line to reg- they can be found at the Hook ister your interest clare. Norton Christmas Market. [email protected]. The first brew evening Cats is likely to be towards This brewery is based outside the end of November Shenington, North Oxon, and The brewery’s recently it picked up a bronze OktoberWest Bier-fest medal at the SIBA Midlands was an overwhelm- regional brewing completion ing success with over Turpin held at Nottingham Castle. 4,000 pints enjoyed by the sell- This year the competition saw out crowd of 600. OktoberWest As you may read in the review entries from over 60 brewer- 2016 is definitely on the cards! of the Oxford Beer Festival, the ies and 400 beers. Established in West Berks Yule Fuel is their brewery’s Golden Citrus (4.2%) January 2014 by Chris Duxbury Christmas beer this year, at was judged to be the Beer of & Tom Corridor (Chris & Tom, 4.3% in cask and 5% in bottle. Oxfordshire in a blind tasting. hence CATS) won the award at XT Another certificate to grace the only their second attempt. walls of John Romer’s brewery. This is a great accolade as the XT Brewery is making good Chadlington Brewery progress with its new build- competition is a blind tasting so We only heard about this new nobody’s reputation affects the ing project, which will provide more space for brewing, storage venture a few days before the result, it’s just about great beer. launch of its Golden Ale (4%) Cats bottled and cask beer is plus a significantly improved tasting room and shop area. at the Tite Inn, available at various local pubs Chadlington on Sat (including The Fox in Leafield, The annual Lest We Forget Ale (4.2%) is brewed in collabo- 14th November where three draught Cats beer which was well were recently on sale – Mog, ration with the British Legion to raise funds for the Poppy attended by locals. Clouder and Bombay Stout) and Owner Jason shops such as S H Jones and Appeal. This year XT and the Legion worked with a network Chipchase is original- Wykham Park Farm Shop who ly from the north-east but moved usually have their bottles. You of other micros to brew the beer jointly to the same recipe to Chadlington with his wife can also buy direct from the Claire, an Oxfordshire girl. Jason brewery’s shop on site (Mon– and hopefully raise more for the appeal this year. The brewery has set up a team to get the brew- Sat 9–5.30) or via their website ery running next year, but for www.catsbrewingco.com/. hopes to get some collaboration brews in for you to compare now it is brewed elsewhere to his West Berkshire and contrast. original recipe and he says it will The brewery has recently been XT’s Animal be sold on draught very soon. invited to join the Ancient Brewing Co The beer has a wonderful bal- Company of Worshipful recently launched ance and a full taste for 4%, with Brewers, of which there are only a unique six-hop a light pale malt sweetness and 48 international members. red ale called a pleasant hop bitterness that’s Are you a keen home brewer Animal Swish assertive without being overpow- or fancy having a go? They are (4.6%). which has ering (as some ales can be these setting up a Home Brew Club a blend of punchy days). It really is a beer that eve- and would love to see you there. hops from North America and ryone will like and appreciate. Eastern Europe. The Jason’s enthusiasm for beer is Animal K-9 also made due to being a home brewer, and a welcome return to although this is his first commer- the fold after taking cial brewing venture, he says his delivery of some more team has plenty of experience in limited availability the beer trade. A premises has Amarillo hops used to already been arranged at a farm brew this characterful in the village where it will be single hop beer. brewed using local spring water. See http://chadlingtonbrewery. XT’s brewery extension is com or watch this space for more now well under way news next issue. 28 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 Planning Application News In Our Branch n The closed former White Lion in n Some ACV news: the Duke of the building and creating a bar Banbury (a short-lived late bar/ Cumberland’s Head was granted where reception and office cur- nightclub called Kudos in its last ACV status a couple of months rently is (CDC 15/01731/LB). incarnation) has signs in the win- back, but the Carpenters Arms What will happen to the existing dows indicating that it’s available in Fulbrook was refused for bar (no real ale) downstairs if to let as up to four shop units. “Insufficient information to sat- this proceeds does not seem to This is a change of use that does isfy the assessment as to whether be mentioned. This business was not require planning permis- the property furthers the social up for sale a while ago, so this sion, so this one may soon be a wellbeing or social interests of could be the new owners putting permanent loss … although with the local community” ... which is their own stamp on the prem- a disappointing decision. ises. the number of empty shop units n currently in Banbury it will have n Another attempt has been sub- Cotswold Club, Chipping to be very tempting to attract mitted to turn the Quart Pot in Norton – application for hotel tenants. Milton-under-Wychwood into a and extension to clubhouse has n house, with extra houses on the been approved. WODC has again refused plan- n ning permission for the Merry- grounds. Musketeer, Banbury – applica- mouth, Fifield to be converted to n Planning application has been tion for renovation works was housing. Daniel Family Homes submitted to WODC for con- approved. The pub is temporar- has appealed this decision. version of an industrial unit in ily closed whilst the works are n Also good news, the appeal to Freeland to a microbrewery in progress. I understand that the Planning Inspectorate over (The Little Ox Brewery could their darts team has temporarily be another new micro in our relocated to the Dog & Gun. Cherwell’s refusal to grant a n Certificate of Lawful Use as Branch if it gets the go ahead). The planning application to a shop at the Bishop Blaize, CAMRA are happy to support turn the Duke of Wellington, Burdrop was dismissed. The the applicant in their endeav- Banbury into three houses (the owners of the pub have now also ours, so feel free to contact us two new houses in the garden appealed over Cherwell’s refusal for publishing news updates. to the rear have by now been to remove conditions on a previ- The applicant is believed to be dropped from the proposals) has ous planning consent (had this from Wootton. been approved by Cherwell DC been granted the former bottle n The new owners at the Bull as North Oxon CAMRA’s was the only objection. store, now converted into a holi- Inn, Charlbury have submitted n day let, would have been able to an application to make altera- Just over the border into Oxford be sold as a separate dwelling). tions including relocating the City CAMRA Branch, Saddlers n Planning permission was granted bar, redesigning garden and car Arms, New Yatt – another appli- a few days ago for the renovations park, and making additional let- cation for residential use was at the Black Horse, Salford as ting rooms in the barn (WODC refused by WODC. This pub’s mentioned in last edition of Beer 15/03626/FUL). After a failed plight featured in BoT 59. on Tap. attempt by previous owners to Brian Wray n As predicted in the last edition, get residential use, this appears Pubs Protection Officer the former Dragon Inn in Burford to be a positive response. STOP PRESS: The Gardiner Arms (latterly a Chinese restaurant) has n Cotswold Gateway, Burford in Tackley is up for sale and the applied for change of use (part – application for some minor local community have used its retrospective!), but to four holi- alterations including changing ACV status to place a six-month day lets rather than residential. a window into a door (WODC moratorium on the sale whilst a n An application has been submit- 15/03764/FUL). community bid is assembled. The ted for the erection of a detached n Bull Hotel, Burford – application moratorium ends in mid-February, dwelling which says it’s at the for various alterations includ- whereupon the owners will be free Shaven Crown, but is actually for ing swapping the lounge bar to sell to anyone. If you want to land behind the pub next to the and reception rooms (WODC help keep the Gardiner Arms as a bowling green. It is incorrectly 15/03832/LBC). village pub at the heart of the com- labelled as at the pub by WODC n Banbury House Hotel – appli- munity by making an investment and is in fact not associated with cation for internal alterations in the bid, please contact Tackley it (indeed the pub’s owners have including moving the reception Parish Council for more info soon- objected to the plans). back to the Oxford Road side of er rather than later.

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2015 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA.

Edited by Stephen Lympany • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Henry Ling, Dorchester, Dorset 30 Beer on Tap – Winter 2015 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31