Issue35|Winter 2018/19 |www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk

West Midlands CAMRABranchMagazineofthe Year 2017 Magazine of theHeart of StaffordshirebranchofCAMRA Incorporating Uttoxeter &Districtsub-branch andcovering Stafford x Stone x x Penkridge x x andsurrounding areas

Winter 2018/19

Winner of CAMRA Branch Magazine of the Year 2017 Welcome from the Editor I was recently given a copy of a 1975 guide to the pubs of this area, produced by the nascent In this issue CAMRA branch. It’s a fascinating glimpse back to a time when opening times were short and hair Chair’s chat / Branch Diary 5 was long; pubs were plentiful but real ale was in retreat. How times change! Pub and Club news 6 Although it’s always sad when a former pub is Pub of the Season 9 demolished or converted to something else, usually it’s been closed and boarded up for some Brewery news 10 time due to a combination of issues, and one must Not on the 101 15 reluctantly accept it’s never coming back. But sometimes it could have been avoided, and Green Man Hixon 16 we believe this is the case with the pub on the Lichfield social review 19 cover, the Green Man in Hixon. In October the council took less than ten minutes to decide this Uttoxeter & District news 22 150 year-old pub, which is still trading, could be Potteries news 26 demolished. The objections raised, the Asset of Community Value listing, the lack of effort to sell Contact us / Contacting you 29 the pub as a going concern, the consortium of Lost pubs 30 locals fundraising to buy the pub, the stipulations of the local plan to protect pubs at all costs…all Join CAMRA 31 were ignored. Read the sorry tale on pages 16-17. Around ten years ago the council granted planning permission to demolish another pub; in September we were delighted to declare said pub—the Greyhound, Stafford—our Autumn Pub of the Season. The ‘hound is a hugely popular and successful pub. Planners—what do they know?! Andy Murray [email protected]

Beer at Heart is published quarterly by Heart of CAMRA. Designed and edited by Andrew Murray. Opinions expressed are those of the author and may not represent those of CAMRA, the local branch or editor. Beer at Heart is (c) CAMRA Ltd. Printed by Warwick Printing www.warwickprinting.co.uk Next copy deadline: 15th FEBRUARY 2019 ADVERTISING RATES ON PAGE 15

Issue 35 | Winter 2018/19 |

Chair's Chat Branch Diary Welcome to the Winter edition of the NB dates and venues are subject to change, award winning Beer at Heart magazine. so before making a special journey please CAMRA as a society has many aims and check the diary on our website: objectives, keeping pubs open is a prime www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk/diary WHAT IS CAMRA example, the beer festival as a money generator to support the many causes put DECEMBER 2018 forward by the committee is another. We also SUNDAY 23rd: CAROL SINGING at the try to put forward ideas in the magazine to ANCHOR, HIGH OFFLEY. Arrive 12 for encourage members to meet, discuss and drink 12.30pm. All welcome. Some us of will be beer, and then see where we end up. catching the 09.35 No.5 bus from Stafford and walking to the pub from Gnosall. For more The Stoke beer festival was mentioned in the details see page 7 Autumn Beer at Heart and I know many Heart of Staffordshire members visited over the three JANUARY 2019 days. I went with friends on Saturday, my only free day, and while the company was excellent THURSDAY 10th: WINTER PUB OF THE it looked like the beer would run out after a SEASON PRESENTATION at the BIRD IN very hectic and full Friday night. Fortunately HAND, Stafford, 8pm. All welcome. extra supplies arrived in the nick of time and a TUESDAY 22nd: BRANCH MEETING at pleasant time was had by almost all. While the STAR, Penkridge, 8pm. All members there were a few niggles with the new venue I welcome. feel they can be worked on and improved. THURSDAY 31st: BEER FESTIVAL 2019 first As a branch we managed a trip out to organising meeting. Ye Olde Rose & Crown, Lichfield, a place I have visited many times but 8pm. All welcome. not on a beer trail. Excellently organised by Andy, and joined by new members who had FEBRUARY 2019 seen the mention in the magazine and branch emails, we had a pleasant day checking out the THURSDAY 7th: QUIZ at STAR & GARTER, beers and locations available. It seemed to me Wolverhampton Rd, Stafford. 8pm. All that some were attracting plenty of customers welcome. on a Saturday afternoon who were out for SATURDAY 16th: LIVERPOOL SOCIAL. company, beer and loud chatting! Details TBC. Heart of Staffs CAMRA members Please keep an eye out for the next organised will be notified of details by email closer to trip and come along; it’s not all beer talk, the time (or contact the Editor for more sometimes it’s brewing, beer festivals etc! info—contact details on page 29) Voting for our Good Beer Guide entries will start soon—have a look on page 7 for details of Look out for more branch events in the that. If you need more information, email me regular members email and I can let you know what is happening. SUGGESTIONS FOR SOCIALS? Contact Frank Bryden social@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk Chair, Heart of Staffordshire CAMRA [email protected]

Issue 35 | Winter 2018/19 | Pub andClubnews STAFFORD TheformerTap &Spile on Peel Terrace has re-openedasthe Tap Steakhouse,follow- ing amajor refurband rebrand. Although theemphasisisnow on dining, thebar has beenretained (given adistressedlook) and four cask ales areoffered—Sharps Doom Bar and Atlantic arepermanent; Marstons Pedigree,ShepherdNeame Sptifire and Adnams Ghost Ship have also featured. The Tap Steakhouse

Aplanning application hasbeensubmitted The Bird in Hand will be ourWinterPub of to convertthe oldDorothy Perkins/Burtons theSeason please join us for theaward shoponGaolgate Street to a HogarthsGin presentation at 8pm, Thursday10th January. Palace.Mostoftheir pubs seem to serve cask ales as well as craft beers and(of course)gin. Dave Westwood, licensee of the Roebuck, died on 2ndNovember. Our condolences to Round theside of theMarket Vaults, in hiswife Emma andfamily. They are what used to be SatchmosLazyBar (one of determined to carry on running thepub. many incarnations),the DogHouse is coming soon, promising gourmethot dogs, gin, rumand beer.STOPPRESS:the Dog House opened on 30th November, selling one cask beer (Doom Bar).

Tim andJanet aresettling in at the Spittal Brook and thepub hasregained itsCask Marque status.

Theare plans for acraft beer community hubatWoodings Yard,BaileyStreet(above FrancescosHair Academy). Accordingto theapplicant Itwill be thetowncentres first dedicated beerbottleshop and Our cider and perry is made using freshly taproom—providing awide, and ever- pressed juice, naturally fermented and changing, selection of craft beers from matured to give character and flavour. acrossthe UK in bottles, cans and keg... Longer term plans includeestablishing a Contact Nick on 07958 310713 or nanobrewery on site,which will also serve email [email protected] Website: www.hurstviewcider.co.uk as acommunity brewing space." Sounds interesting... Hurst ViewCider, IvetseyRoad, WheatonAston, Stafford ST19 9QP

6 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk STONE Please vote! The Bear, a new café-bar has GOOD BEER GUIDE opened in the old HSBC premises The 2019 Good Beer Guide is on the High Street. It doesn't in the shops now and would seem to have any real ale but it make an excellent Christmas does have two apparently keg present, for yourself or some- craft beers. body else! But we already need to start thinking about the 2020 guide. Heart of Staffs CAMRA members should head ANYPLACE to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DFG9SXN be- Anypub fore 11th January 2019 and pick your favourites Landlords! Your pub news could (up to 19 as we 19 places in the Guide). have been here. Drop me a line Members can also attend the shortlisting with short snippets about your meetings—full details will be sent out by email upcoming events, real ale in due course. And keep beer scoring on promotions, beer festivals etc. WhatPub.com, this is a crucial factor in determining which pubs make the grade.

Inn Dulci Jubilo Join us for Carols at the Anchor

Maintaining our Christmas tradition we will be descending on the Anchor at High Offley to sing carols (and drink Wadworth 6X) on the last Sunday before Christmas. It’s a joyful occasion in a very special pub, situated on the banks of the . Do come and join us if you can on Sunday 23rd December from noon. Singing usually commences around 12.30pm. Singers are rewarded for their exertions with a piece of the finest Christmas cake Gnosall and walk to the Anchor along the you’re ever likely to taste (or see). Baked by canal (4—5 miles approx.) If you don’t branch committee member Paul Haycock fancy that, or it’s simply not possible, we and impeccably iced by our friend and may be able to arrange transport—please Beer Festival stalwart Louise Carter. get in touch with the Editor (contact Some of us catch the bus from Stafford to details on page 29).

Issue 35 | Winter 2018/19 |

Pub of the Season The Greyhound, Stafford

The Greyhound pub is a real quality boozer with a great atmosphere and a group of very friendly regulars. It is the kind of pub you can pass the hours away and choose to either blend into the background with a tablet to read the news (or a good old fashioned newspaper!) or become centre stage in the latest Brexit or TV show discussion with the many characters who drink in there. A large bar area with a big screen showing sports leads to a very cosy lounge area, often with an open fire roaring in the winter which is very welcoming. A blackboard informs Steve Tideswell(r) is presented with the PotS you of the choice of eight handpulls (four certificate by branch chair Frank Bryden are visible in the lounge and the other four in the bar servery area) on offer. Another blackboard in the lounge tells you what’s in GREYHOUND the cellar so you can also plan your next 12 County Road, Stafford ST16 2PU visit. A gin mirror displays a large selection Tel: 01785 222432 of gins also being served. www.greyhoundfreehousestafford.co.uk Bradfield Farmers Blonde is THE number 1 https://whatpub.com/pubs/STA/2699 selling beer. Most other beers vary from all Opening Times over the country but Steve the landlord 4-11.30 Mon-Thu; 4-Midnight Fri; regularly raids Yorkshire for some of the 12-Midnight Sat; 12-11 Sun guest beers on tap. Quiz nights Tuesday & Sunday The Greyhound has been a strong beer drinking pub in Stafford for many years now and whilst not classed as town centre it really is only a short walk from the north end of the high street. So stretch those legs a little further on your next pub crawl round the town—it’s a real gem and one you will be back to again and again. Martin Salt

Our Winter pub of the season is the Bird in Hand, Victoria Square, Stafford. Please join us for the presentation on Thursday 10th January from 8pm

Issue 35 | Winter 2018/19 | Brewery news LYMESTONE of Stone www.lymestonebrewery.co.uk been gin and Belgian beers, with whisk(e)y coming up on the 13th December. Both pubs Brewery very busy continue to be busy. with production for Lymestone wish everyone a Merry Xmas Wetherspoons until and a Happy New Year. the end of the year. STONE COLD will be Neil Butler available Lymestone Brewery Liaison Officer (BLO) nationwide, so quite a stock needs to be built up in the IZAAK WALTON BREWHOUSE distribution warehouse. Consequently of Norton Bridge only a short run of ABDOMINAL Whitehouse Farm, Cold Norton, Stone, STONEMAN is to be brewed for bottling. Staffordshire ST15 0NS [email protected] 01785 760780 Monthly beers for the beginning of 2019 Happily, I can report that since the large will be: investment in reverse osmosis equipment January - SEVENSTONE WEAKLING 4.7% during the summer, the mineral content of February - HEART OF STONE 4.4%. the water has stabilised and consequently the consistency and quality of the brews Stray Cat lager and pilsner are still both have improved. This has led to more regular selling well and a supply of Stray Cat Milk brewing activity and increasing sales. has been produced for both cask and keg. A good proportion of the beer is going to Monthly brewery tours are still run Eccleshall, with all three beers being regular monthly on Friday evenings and will on the bar at The Bell. The Kings Arms and continue next year. There is a slightly Little George also selling well. Elsewhere, different format in the case of group other outlets include the Swan in Stone, the bookings, in that up to 50 tickets will be Malt & Hops in Stoke and more recently available at £15 each, with Lymestone George & the Dragon in Gnosall. donating £5 from each sale to a charity The three beers remain as previously nominated by the group. Groups are also reported: AMBER NYMPH, LAST CAST and free to fundraise during the evening, e.g. THE LAST DROP. For Christmas a limited raffles, tombola etc. brew will be produced, amounting to 6 The Lymestone Vaults in Newcastle barrels. It will be strong and dark, named reached the finals of The Taste of SAINTS AND SINNERS. Andy is keeping the Staffordshire pub of the year awards and final strength up his sleeve. came second. A request was made via the Uttoxeter The Borehole now has a Tasting Club. Brewing Co. for a cask for Nottingham Beer For a joining fee of £15, priority booking Festival.A barrel of Amber Nymph was can be gained for each evening, as provided and received some good reviews. numbers are limited, with a discounted So the lads here would like to thank the lads entrance ticket. A joining gift is also there, via this magazine, for the available. Already staged evenings have introduction. The same beer also went

10 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk down wellatour festival in July. Theonlyother newsisthatthe brewery has nowacquiredawhite van, avintage Citroen.Thisissoon to be decoratedwith some appropriate breweryadvertising, hopefully to hide the dirt andrust. NewUBC site Neil Butler, Izaak Walton BLO equipmentwillbefitted early in theNew Yearand thebrewerybeworking at capacity by mid-February. PEAKSTONES ROCK of Alton www.peakstonesrock.co.uk RobinHood Festival David writes: Have been busy We had agreat day outatthe RobinHood brewing.Since the endofthe Beer andCider festival in Nottingham back hot summerdays, saleshave in October. We suppliedsix different beers improved. Bottles of Oblivion to the festival:the ever popularPADDOCK and NemesisintoAlton Towers have seen PORTER (4.8%), FINALFURLONG(4.5%), significant growth thisyear. Very pleased ADMIRALGARDNER(4.5%), UXONIAN with Bridge PaleABV 3.6%,brewed using (4.9%), SARGEANT’S SPECIALALE (4.6%) Jester hops.Now brewing award-winning and YOGI BEER (6%). Submission ABV5.0%again:chestnut in We werefortunate while theretomeet up colour,justright on acoldnight. with some greatlads, thebrewersfromthe Delightedwiththe success of Crossways Izaak Walton Brewery, Andy,Philand Micropub in BlytheBridge – Staffordshire Bernard who werealsoexhibiting ales at MoorlandsCAMRA VillagePub of the Year thefestival. and Highly Commended forCider.Just a shorttrain journey from Uttoxeter.

UTTOXETERBREWING COMPANY Facebook:@UttoxeterBrewingCompany TomfromUBC writes: ExpansionPlans moving ahead UttoxeterBC&Izaak Walton United We haveidentifiedthe new site forthe ourbrewery. It is Thefestivalhad to move thisyeartothe to be locatedinaGrade II MotorpointArena duetobuildingworks listed buildingfound very closetothe takingplace at the castle. However,itstill middleofUttoxeteronland behind the old managed to keep up themassiverangeof coaching innthe WhiteHart. beers, with over 1050 different beersbeing Workonthe 10-barrelbrewery startedin availablefromover240 breweries. October and is duetobecompletedinearly January.Itishoped that tanksand brewing More brewerynewsonthe nextpage...

Issue35|Winter 2018/19 | Brewerynews continued SLATERʼSofStafford TITANICofBurslem www.slatersales.co.uk www.titanicbrewery.co.uk Facebook:@titanicbrewery Hazelwrites: Twitter: @Titanic_Brewers Thebar continuestogo from strength to strength Amywrites: and is lookingforwardtoabusy Christmas BodUpdate! season.Please checkthe Facebook page for BodStokeisnow OPEN!Besuretopop in openinghours andevents. forarefreshmentwhether youare traveling Brewerytours arenow finishedfor the viatrain or just fancycomingdowntosee year andwillrecommenceon1st February what we havebeen up to.We're open from 2019.BLITZENisnow availableincask and 6am(8amonSundays) andthe bar is open bottle, andisjoinedbythe welcomereturn from 8amevery day. of EMPERORinalimited edition bottle BodTrenthamhad been delayed dueto run. Both areavailable from thebrewery the planning processbut we aredelighted andalsonow at the bar – perfectfor thatpermission has nowbeen granted for stocking up forChristmas! thesiteatthe oldNatWest with works OurPREMIUMbitterhas been selected planned to startverysoon.Weare now as theale in Aldi’s brand new Steak&Ale lookingtobeopenearly 2019. pie andisavailableinstoresnationwide. Plum Porter GrandReserve & Port Infused Basedonthe original Plum Porter,these specials arejust as sweet and fruity,but with greater complexity.Our festivebeers areavailable in 330mlbottles forthe Grand Reserve,and Port Infusedin750ml&2l bottles fromthe breweryshopinBurslem, online andinour pubs.Chocolate & Vanilla Stout bottles arealsobackinstock, theperfect chocolateytreat! CelebrateChristmas with us! OurChristmas menus areavailable at the Sun, Staffordand ourother food pubs (the WhiteStar, Stoke, the Roebuck, Leek &the Cheshire Cheese,Buxton). Details on the website or directly from thepubs. Christmas Gifts Our festivegiftbags, bottles of Titanic gin, beer gift packsand Titanic merchtoname afew areavailable from thebreweryshop.

12 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk

AA Recommended, AA Pick of the Pubs, The Good Pub Guide’s Staffordshire Dining Pub of the Year. As recommended in: Les Routiers in Britain; Which? Guide. FREEHOUSE Pubs not on the101 Paul leaves behind the rugged beauty of Stafford’s North End for a holiday in the sun

No busesthistime, but we didtakeatrip to Crete. As we don'tlay by thepool or get sandinour bits,wequite oftenwalk (amble)the streets, lanes and tracks,doing alittle birdwatchingonthe way. Sixkilometres from ourhotel was the fairly newCretan brewery, Zounaki.Sooff we set, over the road,upthe hill in the generaldirectionofsaidale maker. Three hoursand somewhat more than6km later we arrivedatthe same time as the tourist land train, in themiddleofatalk.

forthe people as wellastheir beer. They nowrun abus to the breweryona daily basis.Soget off your arse sunbed andfind what thereisinland. PaulDykta

P.S. We found thisbeer at alocal bar(alot goes to Athens)where the lady informed us ‘thisbeer youhavetodrink in three days or throw it away.’ Some pubs over here should Definitelynot Hanley be told that. We werewelcomedbyaverypleasant young lady,who informed us that theysell Advertisewith and smallsamples(pass). We ordered ahalf reach 2500+ realale drinkers and litreofeachofthe beeronthe card: pubgoers in theheart of Blonde, Paleand Dark.All cask.Asadark Staffordshireand beyond aleman Iwas surprised thatthe blonde came outasbest - two more please.On Quarterpage-£35 deliveryweweretoldthattherewas one Half page -£55 more ale: Ginger-Weiss—twoofmy Full page -£85 favouritewords. Ready forthe trek backand inquiring on Book 4issues andreceive a ashorterroute,abowl of nibblesarrived £5 discount perissue and we weretoldour next drinkwas on thehouse!Iloveginger, Ilovethe Greeks. TO BOOK EMAIL ANDY I’minformedthe word on theirlogo— [email protected] CHARMA—means NICE.Wellthatgoes OR CALL 07814 864 311

Issue35|Winter 2018/19 | Co-Op Plans Call Time for Hixon’s Green Man At a planning meeting on 17th October borough councillors voted to approve an application to demolish the Green Man at Hixon. Usually this is the fate of a closed, boarded up pub but the Green Man, a freehouse, was open and trading as this decision was made. Both national and local planning guidelines emphasise the retention of community facilities and amenities, including pubs and in a Hixon Parish Council survey of local residents 70% of respondents wished to see the Green Man retained as a public house. Prior to the meeting there were 58 At the planning meeting Hixon parish objections against losing the pub council chair Mick Kelly explained that forwarded to the planning department the parish council are opposed to the with only 10 in support, one of which was proposals, giving numerous objections, from one of the landowners. Objections and in support of retaining the Green Man included loss of a community hub and stating that it was listed as an asset of facility, increased traffic, no evidence that community value (ACV). the pub is unviable or that the owner Steve Edgeller, representing the pub’s attempted to sell the pub as a going owner Steve Rabjohns, gave a very smooth concern, inadequate parking at the speech in support of the proposed proposed new retail unit and that the scheme, extolling the virtues of a new Co- development is contrary to the Op store. The scheme also received the neighbourhood plan. Yet, at the meeting support of Haywood and Hixon ward there was little scrutiny of the issues raised borough councillor Alan Perkins. Earlier by objectors, or for that matter by in the planning process councillor Perkins supporters - in fact only three planning had ‘called in’ the planning application, committee councillors spoke during the stating at that time “Highways issues. meeting. The thought occurred; how many Large increase in (traffic) volumes through of these councillors had ever visited the the village; the road narrows in this area. Green Man or for that matter even knew No proven need for further convenience where it was? retail.” But speaking at the planning Councillor Carolyn Trowbridge (Rowley) meeting in his capacity as ward councillor, said “It’s a shame when you lose a pub but he was in support of the application if it’s not being used there is no point. It is saying that a new Co-op store will create what it is, it’s not a protected building so competition for convenience shopping in I’m not going to try and protect this Hixon. Councillor Perkins previously ran building in anyway. I don’t know why this the existing McColls convenience store in is even here [before the planning the village for seven years. committee].”

16 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk CouncillorStewartLearoyd (Haywood accept the planners’recommendationto and Hixon) said“I’ve been luckyenoughto approvethe applicationand this was live in rurallocations foralong period of seconded by CouncillorAndrewHarp time andapub is crucial. Neverthelessthe (). Only onecouncillor, William realityistheredoesn’t seemtobesufficient Kemp (Coton)voted to rejectthe customer support fortwo public housesin application,which was approved on avote thearea[theBank House is theother]and I of 12 forand 1against. don’tsee anyopportunity to regenerate this Minutes andarecording of theplanning pub...soIproposethe recommendation is meeting areavailable on StaffordBorough accepted.” Council’s website. CouncillorEvanGRJones () So following the allowed representations asked if theapproval of theapplication thecouncillors tookjustseven minutes to wouldaffect theACV status of the puband decidetopermitthe demolition of apublic the boroughcouncil’s legalservices house which has servedthe community of manager IanCurranexplained that the Hixon for150 years. ACVwas separate to planningsothispoint was dismissed. With no furtherdebate, Dave Tomkinson discussionorquestions by councillors the chairasked the committeetovoteonthe x TheGreen Manisexpectedtocease matter. CouncillorTrowbridgeproposedto operating by theend of 2018 Carefully crafted print range

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www.warwickprinting.co.uk Lichfield Branch Trip The citys famous son Samuel Johnsonihated puns so lets keep it literal On a crisp Saturday morning in October, six branch members boarded a train in Stafford. Six soon became nine, and eventually 11 of us convened to seek out the best beers and ciders in Lichfield. After a smooth journey our first pint was just a minute round the corner from the station at the Bitter-Suite (on Upper St. John Street). The cosiness of this micropub was evident instantly and the owners made us feel very welcome. Amongst the many The Bitter-Suite’s chalkboard wonderful things about the Bitter-Suite is the fact that it has brought the site of a path through the city centre to the long-closed pub—the Bridge Inn—back to Whippet Inn on Tamworth Street; another life. Then there is the novelty of table micropub, reminiscent in size, layout and service – there’s no bar, but you take a seat, beer range (big-flavoured microbrewery make your choice from the chalkboard fayre) of Stafford’s Floodgate. The beer was (pictured) and the beer – served on gravity fine (some of it was unfined) but it was a from a back room - comes to you. In bit chilly so we kept our coats on. This was hindsight though I wouldn’t’ve chosen the planned as a scran-intake point as I had Myrica Gale Stout (flavoured with bog read on WhatPub that they did crusty cobs myrtle - I love you Purple Moose but what and pork pies - alas there was only crisps were you thinking?!). The Bitter-Suite is and scratchings, however a splendid bakery the sort of place you could easily spend all across the road made up for it. afternoon in, but we had a schedule to Going for a change of style our next pub stick to! was the more traditional Duke of York, a Next stop was 55 Wade Street, a shiny Joule’s house on Greenhill. Claiming to be and modern bar. Like most of the pubs we the oldest pub in Lichfield (1644) it is visited, it offered a discount on cask ales to Grade II-listed. Quite plain looking from CAMRA members on production of a membership card. It being Halloween time it seemed appropriate to try Davenports Pumpkin Toffee Stout, which was decent enough. With no time to waste we cut a Beerbohm

Issue 35 | Winter 2018/19 | outside, the interior is very impressive, the three of us who kept going were filled with oak beams and little nooks and rewarded with a great pint of Church End’s real fires. The seasonal Joule’s brew Moon Goats Milk, last year’s Champion Beer of Madness was the popular choice with our Britain, in the Horse & Jockey. A very group, and did not disappoint. popular establishment, for many a year A little behind schedule now we headed (including 2017) the H&J won local CAMRA back in the direction of the Whippet, to the pub of the year – it hasn’t dipped in quality, establishment next door—Beerbohm. there is just more competition now. This is the local It’s only £5.90 for an CAMRA off-peak day return branch pub of from Stafford to the year and Lichfield, so I will was definitely definitely be going one of the back soon – possibly highlights of venturing no further the day. than the Bitter-Suite! Beerbohm has The cost of an off- a continental peak day return from café-bar feel, Stone rises to a and a shocking £17.90. wonderful Some of the Brewhouse brewkit Instead, split your atmosphere enhanced by the luxurious ticket Stone to Stafford return, Stafford to décor (think gilded mirrors and Lichfield return – this brings the price chandeliers). Four real ales plus a decent down to around £10. Oh, and make sure foreign draught and bottle selection. The your ticket is to Lichfield City, not Trent downstairs bar was packed but Beerbohm Valley. has an upstairs area where we all found a Thanks to everyone who came on this seat. You can also take your own grub in trip, particularly new recruits John, Sue and there. Andy. Anyone fancy a trip to Liverpool Five down, two to go: catching merely a soon? glimpse of Lichfield’s awe-inspiring Andy Murray cathedral we trotted over to the Brewhouse & Kitchen, which had to be included as they make their own beer on site. The blonde ale Tricky Spires was very quaffable. For the record, the mix-up where I ended up with the biggest plate of nachos was entirely accidental (I’m sorry!). The food having slowed us down we were now way behind schedule. Most sensibly opted to call it a day and catch the train home, but The Gang (minus two) 20 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk

District News Good Beer Entrants Uttoxeter & District CAMRA is pleased to announce that the four entrants from the district in the 2019 Good Beer Guide are Dog & Partridge Marchington, Horse & Dove Uttoxeter, Old Swan Uttoxeter and the Raddle in Hollington. Entry into the GBG is amongst the highest accolades a pub can receive; this award is voted on and awarded by CAMRA members from any area who visit the pub and score the beer for quality. You can be sure of getting a good pint in any of the GBG pubs. We are also able to commend pubs and clubs with our own Seasonal Awards and U&D Pub of the Year Pub & Club of the Year.Our winners for 2018 were Horse & Dove, Uttoxeter, as Pub than ever before. With 18 pubs a week of The Year and Doveridge Club as Club closing across the country we are losing a of the Year. Additionally, we are delighted valuable community hub from many to announce that Doveridge Club is also locations. It is therefore important that we runner up in the Regional Club of the Year recognise pubs selling good beer and competition covering the whole West encourage responsible drinking in licensed Midlands CAMRA region (see next page). premises in a community setting and encourage everyone to visit their local pubs and clubs to ensure they remain open. I would like to congratulate the four entries to the GBG and the Club of the Year for maintaining very high standards all year which makes them such deserving winners. Simon Ardron Chair, Uttoxeter & District CAMRA

Dog & Partridge, Marchington [email protected] https://whatpub.com/pubs/STA/1059 There are many good pubs in our district Horse & Dove, Uttoxeter and we would like to praise them all [email protected] however the Good Beer Guide has a https://whatpub.com/pubs/UDS/2999 Raddle Inn, Hollington limited number of spaces and we can only [email protected] – 07779 264277 recognise a few. As Chairman I am https://whatpub.com/pubs/POT/1429 delighted that we have such an improve- Old Swan, Uttoxeter ment in the standards in the pubs and [email protected] seeing a much greater variety of beers https://whatpub.com/pubs/STA/2748 22 | www.uttoxetercamra.org Queen of Clubs Heartiest congratulations to Eddy andJan at the Doveridge VillageClub fortheir runner-up award forthe CAMRAWest Midlands Club of the Year. This highly contested CAMRAcompetition forclubs throughthe wholeofthe West Midlands compares the qualityand rangeof therealalesavailable to localdrinkers. TheCAMRA West Midlands region covers an enormous area includingthe countiesof Worcestershire,Herefordshire,Shropshire, Warwickshire,WestMidlands, and Staffordshire andincludes nearly 400hundred of different clubs of alltypes;sporting, social, Eddy andJan withtheir award politicaland traditionalworking men’sand country clubs. and arecognition of thehardworkand To achievearunner-up place is averyhigh dedication of thewhole club team.It accolade andone welldeservedbyEddy and showsthatthe qualityofthe real ale the whole teamatDoveridge village club. availableinNorth Staffordshire is getting At the presentation of the awardduringone better allofthe time.” TheDoveridge of the club’sregularrealale festivals, Chairof club welcomesCAMRA members. theUttoxeterDistrictCAMRA branch Simon [email protected] - 07813635557 Ardronsaid“the awardwas afantasticresult https://whatpub.com/pubs/ABD/1505 Ploughing aNew Furrow News from Uttoxeteristhatthe Plough on theStaffordroadisundergoingarefurbish- ment andisdue to open in December. RecentlysoldbyPunch,thisUttoxeter landmark is nowafreehouse in private hands and promises to be acrackingpub once again. NealeChandler,the new ownersaid, “We’re delighted to getour handsonthe Plough and can’twaittohaveitopenand tradingagain. ThePloughissteeped in localhistory andthe workwe’re doingthere aims to bringitback to the fore of thelocal community.We’ll have otherpub, the KingsArms in Eccleshall, great selection of cask ale, includingthe local thePloughwillsimply be aproperpub brew from UttoxeterBrewing Co,pluskeg with consistentopening hours and products and atop notchchoice of gins, aimedsquarelyatthe localcommunity spiritsand softsaswell. In addition to this who we hope will support our we’ll also have agreat pubmenuwithan endeavours there.” emphasisonhome-made andfresh.Likeour Issue35|Winter2018/19 |

District Pub of the Season The Bull’s Head, Alton

In October Uttoxeter branch members The Bull’s Head has a very popular function made their way to this very popular village room which opened in September. In this pub, to present landlord James Miller with versatile room gigs are held regularly, a his well-deserved Pub of the Season award. banquet table can hold up to 40 guests, and you’ll find yoga classes, cinema nights, theatre productions to name but a few. The food at the Bull’s Head is proving a winner with locals and visitors alike, with plenty of winter warmers like Calves Liver, Lamb Shanks, Bangers & Mash, and Belly Pork to go alongside their usual offerings. James is very proud of the range of beers that are on sale at the award winning pub: “We are still a Timothy Taylor Champions Club pub and Landlord and Boltmaker are permanent fixtures on the bar alongside James said “We are thrilled to pick up pub our own copper ale ‘Baby Faced Nelson’ of the season for Autumn. Our pub does which we brewed with Falstaff Brewery of feel very seasonal and Autumn and Winter Derby. Stouts are also going great guns, is really when it comes into its own. We Shadow Play from Pentrich & Church End’s have two log burners, books and dark ales!” Stout Coffin have been very well received.”

PEAKSTONES ROCK BREWING CO. LTD

Beers available Oblivion: ABV 5.5 Black Hole: ABV 4.8 Alton Abbey: ABV 4.5 Chained Oak: ABV 4.2 Churnet Valley IPA: ABV 4.3 Pugin’s Gold: ABV 4.0 Nemesis: ABV 3.8 Also seasonal beers

Why not visit Crossways micropub, Uttoxeter Rd, Blythe Bridge, to sample our beers

Sales enquiries: David Edwards Tel: 07891 350908 Email: [email protected]

WWW.PEAKSTONESROCK.CO.UK Pottering around the Potteries ‘TIS THE SEASON TO PRESENT AWARDS

The 38th Stoke Beer & Cider Festival took place from 8th—10th November in the brand new venue of Spode China Halls on Kingsway in Stoke, not so very far away from its birthplace of the Kings Hall. When a beer festival moves a few miles down the road lock, stock and over one hundred barrels, changes are inevitable; one thing that did not change, however, was that 3 o’clock on the Saturday afternoon was given over to the annual presentation of the CAMRA Potteries Pub of the Year awards. A full list, including all the results for the Staffordshire Moorlands, can be found in the winter edition of Potter’s Bar; these are the results for the City of Stoke & the Borough of Newcastle. We are the champions: the Hopinn TOP THREE: Hopinn, Newcastle MERITS: Third time at the top for the pub at the top Bridge Street Ale House, Newcastle of ‘castle; first winning in 2015, they missed Cask Bar, Newcastle out the next year but regained top spot in First time in the Top 10 for this lovely little 2017. Martyn & Ginny Ford hit on a winning pub at the top of Newcastle, ably run by formula almost from the start: a traditional Jason Griffiths, ex of Burslem. Not only the pub with modern ales. Why change? ale is delicious, but the food is too! Holy Inadequate, Etruria Congress, Longton The Holy first entered the race in 2012 and Gresley Arms, Alsagers Bank has been in the top two ever since. The only thing that has changed recently is the Greyhound, Hartshill addition of the onsite brewery; Paul & Sarah A return to the Top Ten after seven years Cope continue the fight for real ale, ably for The Greyhound in Hartshill, even assisted by Mark and Tonk. though most people would consider it to be the Top of Castle. Congratulations to Bull’s Head, Burslem Mike & the rest of the Titanic Crew. Although the Bulls Head has rarely been Hopwater Cellar, Newcastle outside the Top Ten under the command of Also first time in the Top Ten for Craig & Bob, it entered the Top Three last year and Hayley Armstrong’s venue in Newcastle, maintains its position in 2018. Officially the very much More Than Just a Bottle Shop. best tied house in the Potteries; carry on, Bob & Jim & all the rest of the Titanic Crew. Wellers, Newcastle. WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL PUB OF THE YEAR 2018: THE FOUNTAIN INN, LEEK However, the Staffordshire Moorlands cannot be ignored completely In early Autumn, just after the final deadline for the last Potters Bar, the news broke that the Fountain Inn, that humble Caldmore Taverns pub in Leek, had won theWest Midlands Regional competition. Unfortunately, it did not then go on to progress into the Top Four, but even so, there was much jubilation, merriment and frivolities on Fountain Top of the tree: Bridge Street Ale House Street upon the evening of the presentation. This merriment is captured CIDER PUB in our great picture with some locals Bridge Street Ale House, Newcastle including the Town Crier outside the Back at the top of the Cider Tree after a Fountain. Regional Director Gary couple of years at Number 2, its safe to say Timmins is seen in blue presenting that Grum was a very Happy Man. And landlord Mark Turner (in red) with the Billie & Lee, of course. Except Billie isnt a trophy plus Area Organiser Phil Vickers man. She was no doubt still happy, though. holding the certificate. Congratulations Bulls Head, Burslem to Mark & all the staff at theFountain! Swan, Bignall End

CITY CLUB Porthill Park Cricket Club, Wolstanton

BARRY UNDERWOOD AWARD FOR SERVICES TO REAL ALE Shaun & Samantha Russell of the Congress Inn, Longton.

So, if you find yourself at a loose end this winter, you could do a lot worse than head to one (or more) Best in the West (Mids): the Fountain of the above pubs n clubs. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our readers in the arid lands to the Get more news from the CAMRA Potteries south of Trentham! branch including the latest issue of Potters Bar at www.camrapotteries.co.uk Martin Perry,Editor of Potters Bar Issue 35 | Winter 2018/19 | 27 THEGREYHOUND CAMRAbranchPub of the Season Autumn 2018

In the CAMRAGoodBeer Guideevery yearsince2005 8RealAlesavailable,including adarkbeer 30 gins availablewithchoiceofFever-Treetonics Quiz nights Tuesday andSunday (entry just £1 perteam) Sky &BTSports Card payments accepted

Opening times: 4pm—11:30pmMon-Thu 4pm—12midnightFri 12noon—12midnightSat 12noon—11pmSun

TheGrereyhyhound County Road,ad,SSttaafffoford ST16 2PUTel:01785 222432 ContactUs Contacting HeartofStaffordshire branch Branchofficerselected at theAGM on 5thJune: You Branchcontact(temporary): FrankBryden We endeavourtocontact allour contact@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk membersregularly viaemailwith Tel: 07878704770 detailsofsocials,meetings,beer Chair: FrankBryden festivalsand news items. chair@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk Treasurer: Dave Tomkinson should be readily treasurer@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk available from your localrealale Membership Secretary: KellyPorter puband is published in PDF on the membership@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk branch websitebut if youwould like to take outapostal subscriptionfor Beer at HeartEditor: Andrew Murray editor@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk £4 peryear (tocover costs) please Tel: 07814864 311 contact theEditor. Webmaster: Martin White Find us on Facebook: webmaster@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk HeartofStaffordshire CAMRA Clubs Officer: Paul Dykta Uttoxeter &DistrictCAMRA clubs@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk Pubs Officer: FrankBryden pubsofficer@heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk Thank Yous: TomAbbott,Frank Bryden, Neil Thefollowing positions areall vacant: Butler, Paul Dykta, Martin Perry, Secretary Martin Salt, Dave Tomkinson,Phil Vickers,WarwickPrintingand all SocialSecretary ouradvertisers. SocialMedia Articles, letters andsuggestions for Cider Officer thenextissuegratefullyreceivedby PublicityOfficer theEditor. Thenextissueof Public Affairs Officer will appear in March2019. Young MembersOfficer

If you’re interested in takingonarole,orjoining Consumer information thecommittee in ageneral capacity, please If youhaveany complaintsovershort contactFrank Bryden,BranchChair, or Andy measures etc. andhavenosatisfaction Murray, Beer at HeartEditor. from the pubinquestionpleasecontact Staffordshire TradingStandards: Uttoxeter&District sub-branch Tel: 0300 111 8045 Branchcontact&Chair: SimonArdron E: businessadvice@staffordshire.gov.uk Email: [email protected] Post: Staffordshire County Council, Website: www.uttoxetercamra.org 2Staffordshire Place, StaffordST162DH

Issue35|Winter2018/19 | 29 Our Lost Pubs: 2008 Ourslightlydepressing series continues!

RifleVolunteer Arms,CommonRoad, Stafford. Houseconversion. TheRifle Volunteerwas aVictorian pubclose to Stafford’sother railwaystation (Stafford Common,closed1939),and itstwo Parkersof Burslemfront windowswereareminder of its ownership in the1930s.Itwas known,and then actually abbreviatedto, the Rifleman and throughthe 1970s, like most localAllied Breweriespubs, itsAnsells Mild and Bitter were both keg. Shepherds Bushes,Marston Rd, Stafford. Initiallyconverted to abeautysalon,now residential. Oneofmany Bass Charrington pubs in Stafford, theShepherds Bushes had Joules Bitter as thecaskbeer.Itwas a typicalstreetcorner ‘local’but possibly the only oneoftwentypubs in ‘the NorthEnd’ to have a“saucypostcardcollection”!

Wheatsheaf,BridgeStreet, Uttoxeter. Convertedintoflats. An ancient building withexposed beams, theWheatsheafwas said to be, shortlyafter theSecondWorld War, thefirstStaffordshirepub to have a juke box. Owned by Allied Breweriesits beers were kegduringthe 1970s.

Malt &Hops,Stafford.Converted to Indian restaurant. Originally the King WilliamIV this hadbeen thekeg-only DirtyDuck for most of the1970s.Itbecamethe Malt and Hops early in 1977 openingwithseven handpumped beers - Holden’s Mild,Bitter and Special, RuddlesBitterand County, YoungersScotchBitterand McEwans Best Scotch.Itwas dearer than otherpubsand the beer couldbeinconsistentbut theMaltand Hops wasthe first Staffordpub to offer a choiceofmorethanacouple of real ales.In (Top to bottom:)Rifle Volunteer window; 2004 itslocation on atraffic island was ShepherdsBushes, Wheatsheaf acknowledgedbyitbeing renamed The Island. Lost Pubs compiled by Phil Vickers/PM 30 | www.heartofstaffordshirecamra.org.uk