Issue 68 – Spring 2017 FREE – Please take one

Magazine of North Branch of CAMRA

Banbury Beer & Cider Festival Back To Its May Date Again May is a glorious month, the Opening times are, Thurs the rest of the United Kingdom. weather is warming up and bank 5–11pm, Fri noon–11pm & Sat As in previous years there will holidays abound. It is a great noon–11pm. The theme for this be entertainment on Thursday time to have a Beer Festival. year’s festival will be the county evening, Saturday afternoon, and November is not such a great of Yorkshire, which as you will Pete Watkins will have his cus- time for a Beer festival, the know is God’s own country and tomary slot to close the festival weather is getting colder and home to more breweries that any on Saturday evening. most people are looking forward other county in Britain. The change in date to Novem- to Christmas. So with that in There will be in excess of 80 ber last year was forced on the mind the 2017 Beer & different beers, and a minimum Branch due to the availability of Cider Festival is returning to its of 20 ciders, with beers split the venue. The Winter beer fes- normal May slot of the weekend between Yorkshire, local brewer- tival was universally praised for after May Bank Holiday. ies and then general beers from the beer choice and enjoyment by the visitors, however the cool North Oxon Branch’s First Micro weather kept the crowds away. Traditionally, May has been Pub Opens In Banbury Banbury Beer & Cider Festival A new ‘micro pub’ has opened from the barrel, along with tra- month as it allows us to cele- in Banbury, called the Bailiff’s ditional cider. Towcester Mill brate Mild Month and the warm- Tap at 4 Road, next to Brewery Black Fire was getting er weather is great for the many the Three Pigeons. It opened rave reviews. visitors who attend whilst it’s on Friday 24th February with The landlords are Ian & Sheila easier to control the beer tem- the infamous Glen Stowe first and they are open Tues & Wed, perature. in the queue. noon–8pm, Thurs–Sat noon– The Beer Festival is the high- The layout is deep and nar- 10pm and Sun noon–4pm. light of the year for the North row with a variety of furni- It is a quiet pub, except for the Oxfordshire Branch of CAMRA ture and a homely feel. They chatter of happy customers, with and many of our members have four ales served straight no food, just bar snacks. Daily volunteer to help alongside newspapers are CAMRA members from all provided along around the country – but we are with some tra- always on the lookout for more ditional games help. The organising commit- in a relaxing tee have a number of spaces that atmosphere. need filling: a Press & Publicity See Branch Officer, Sponsorship Officers, News this issue Health & Safety Manager and a for more info. Website Administrator. Email Tim Wilkins bbf@northoxon. Sheila, Ian and Dan camra.org.uk if you can help. by the beer stillage We will also be looking out for at the Bailiff’s Tap Continued on page 3 Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ 2 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Banbury Beer & Cider Festival Back 17th Banbury Beer & Cider To May Festival: Full Information Continued from page 1 Date: Thursday May 4th to around the UK with specials, help during the festival itself. A Saturday May 6th including new beers. supply of beer tokens, a t-shirt Opening times: Thursday The festival will be support- and food will be provided for 5-11pm: Fri 12-11pm; Sat ing CAMRA Mild Month in the helpers as well as being eligi- 11am-11pm. May– a Mild Trail will be avail- ble for a free trip to present the able with an opportunity to get Beer of the Festival honour to Venue: Army Reserve Centre, Road, Banbury a free mild. the winning brewery. Cider & Perry range will For full details of the Banbury OX16 9AN include national, Yorkshire and Beer & Cider Festival 2017, see How to get there: 10 mins the panel on the right and also walk from town centre and local producers. the Branch website at www. Banbury Railway Station, Food or take B1 bus from Bridge northoxon.camra.org.uk Hot & Cold food available all Street. sessions. The popular cheese Concerns Over Entry prices: CAMRA mem- and beer matching and tast- bers FREE at all times. Non- ing sessions cheeses are set for members: Fri till 5pm £2; Fri Friday and Saturday. Heineken’s Pub after 5pm £4; Sat till 5pm £3; Acquisition Sat after 5pm £1. Live entertainment Refundable festival glass & • Thurs pm: Bushfield Smith. CAMRA has contacted Heineken festival programme with beer/ • Sat afternoon: Morris to seek reassurances about com- cider lists. Glasses marked Dancers. petition and beer choice after the with third/half/pint lines. • Sat eve: Pete Watkins. company’s shareholders voted to Buy Beer and Cider token The dray from Hook Norton buy 1,900 Punch Taverns pubs. sheets as required. Brewery normally appears at Heineken, which owns the Under 18s free, but must be Saturday lunch/afternoon. Caledonian and John Smith accompanied by an adult. brands, will now have more than Special promotions for any- Volunteering 3,000 pubs under its control. one joining CAMRA during Volunteers required all sessions In a letter to Heineken UK’s the festival. – enquiries to Staffing Officer boss, Lawson Mountstevens, Real Ales, Ciders & at [email protected]. CAMRA National Chairman org.uk raised concerns about potentially Perries Staff get free beer and lessening competition in the on- Over 100 real ales/ciders. Real food tokens, festival glass, trade beer market, resulting in ales focus on Yorkshire region programme and staff festival a reduced choice in the range of plus selection from local and t-shirt. cask beer from small and region- al breweries in Heineken pubs. CAMRA also urged Heineken CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List to talk to communities if pubs Email addresses are followed by northoxon.camra.org.uk/ are put up for sale and to adhere CHAIRMAN Lynne Baldwin TREASURER to the spirit of the Pubs Code to chairman@ lynne@ Simon Whitehead treasurer@ offer tenants a Market Rent Only VICE-CHAIRMAN simon@ option. Geraint Jones vicec@ MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY geraint@ Paul Forrest membership@ Branch Diary BRANCH SECRETARY paul@ Dave Lee secretary@ PUBS PROTECTION OFFICER All meetings start 8pm, other events dave@ Brian Wray pubs@ start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn BEER ON TAP EDITOR BEER FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR Baldwin (07790) 118341. Steve Lympany bot@ Tim Wilkins bbf@ APRIL Tel: 07811 667507 LOCALE COORDINATOR : Committee meeting White 4 BEER ON TAP ADVERTISING John Bellinger locale@ john@ Horse Duns Tew EDITOR Oliver Sladen MAY WEBMASTERS Martin Batts and botads@ Geraint Jones webmaster@ 4–6: Banbury Beer & Cider Fest BRANCH CONTACT See Diary page online for latest info Trading Standards: Oxfordshire County Martin Batts contact@ Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Hinksey Road, at northoxon.camra.org.uk/ Tel: 07854 116408 Oxford OX2 0BY

Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 • 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

4 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Branch News Friday evenings which is avail- able at the bar or can be pre- booked. On Sun & Mon eve- nings, customers can order food from a selection of local take- aways and the pub will provide plates and cutlery. After a successful first season last year, achieving third place in their league, the pub’s Aunt Sally team is looking forward to developing further this year. Muddy Duck, Hethe Hawkshead Bitter (3.7%) was a guest ale recently, and this tra- ditional Cumbrian bitter was in fine form and much enjoyed – No branding yet – but the King’s Arms in Woodstock is now a Fuller’s pub so there are plans afoot to get King’s Arms, Woodstock more of it delivered. Meanwhile, Ales from the past two years the current guest beer is Tom This feature hotel with its smart and name it with a suitable mor- Wood’s Lincoln Gold (4%), a bar and restaurant on the cor- ris dancing connotation. He wel- Cascade and Pilgrim hopped ner of the main A44 through comes any help in naming this pale bitter. Hook Norton’s Woodstock and Market Street beer, and there may even be a Twelve Days (5.5%) was on offer was recently acquired by Fuller’s competition to that effect, so over the festive season and this Brewery. why not drop in to this 2017 popular dark winter ale was in So far there have been no Branch Pub of the Year shortlist- very good condition, and did not changes to the interior, but it ed pub and offer your assistance last very long. Phipps IPA (4.3%) had London Pride and Oliver’s over a Hooky pint from the six smooth hoppy ale from Phipps Island (both Fuller’s ales) on the on offer. NBC has become well estab- bar on a recent visit – so it is no There are also plans to cover lished at the pub over the past longer a rare local outlet for the over the area by the toilets to year, sitting alongside other reg- Loose Cannon beers it previous- make going to spend a penny a ular ales from Timothy Taylor’s, ly served. drier experience in wet weather St. Austell and Hook Norton Hopefully, we will have more Butcher’s Arms, Fringford breweries. At least one beer is information for the next issue. gravity-fed. The three regular real ales Bell Inn, Adderbury A planned ‘meet the brewer’ served at this lovely village local evening is being organised with In company with the other pubs (which always includes Black Phipps NBC for early summer – in the village, Chris & Sandra Sheep Bitter) are well kept and see next edition of BoT. are gearing up for the annual in good condition. In addition to restaurant morris dancing Adderbury The pub has a £3 a pint offer meals, bar meals and snacks are Day of Dance on Saturday, on selected beers which gets the available in the pub and, during 22nd April when wet sales go taps flowing Monday to Friday warmer days, in the attractive through the roof. from 5–6pm. garden area. Chris has plans to brew a spe- It also does a good trade in cial beer for the event in the food with steak nights offered The Fox, Hook Norton microbrewery. on Weds & Thurs, Mon–Sat During a successful festive sea- He intends to base this on one senior citizen offers and take- son, Skinner’s Christmas Fairy of his favourite Hooky Crafty away fish and chips early on (3.9%) held a guest spot and Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 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 Thurs–Fri 6.30–9pm car park Sat 12.30–3pm & 6.30-9pm Dog friendly Sun 12.30-3pm Earlybird discounts on meals Cyclist and Walker between 6.30 and 8pm friendly! Sunday roasts Hook Norton ales Opening hours Large grassed garden Closed Mondays with excellent views Tues 6.30-10.30pm Hidden gem Weds to Fri 6.30-11pm Recently refurbished Sat 12.30-3.30pm & 6.30-11pm interior Sun 12.30-3.30pm & 7-11pm Ales from the cask (open all day Sat/Sun for beer festivals including three Hook & major sporting events, please check) Norton ales and one Quiz last Wednesday of each guest ale. month Tel: Shutford Road 01295 730 750 BALSCOTE Oxon OX15 6JQ

6 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 this light, slightly lemony bitter Opening times are current- the Easter weekend by which was pleasantly good. Timothy ly Tue–Thurs 4–11pm; Fri–Sat time they also hope to have their Taylor’s Boltmaker continues 12–11.30pm; Sun 12–10.30pm. kitchen up and running. as a popular regular ale, while We wish them well in this new Current opening times are: TT’s Golden Best, Otter Bitter venture. Mon–Fri 5–11pm (12pm on and Hooky Bitter have also been Fri); Sat noon–midnight; Sun offered. The Unicorn, 12–10.30pm. We wish them well The pub hosts quiz nights on It’s all change again here as, after in their new venture. the first Monday of the month two and a half years, tenants White Horse, Stonesfield – see their Facebook page for Chris Brewster & Johny Parker details. To book for general din- are leaving this Charles Wells Following on from the news last ing and group bookings, call inn at the beginning of February. issue of this village pub changing 01869 345284. Hopefully by the time of the hands, it is under new manage- Red Lion, next Beer on Tap we will have ment once again. news of the new tenants and Since 19th December, sis- Stratton Audley their plans but at the time of ters and local villagers Clare & Three real ales are served here going to press this pubco was Marina have stepped in to cre- on handpump – currently keeping their cards very close to ate a lovely welcoming watering Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and their chest! hole in the centre of the com- Hooky Bitter, and during recent Best wishes to Chris & Johnny, munity with a selection of great months Harvey’s Best (4.0%) has as Chris’s cellar skills had raised local ales and a traditional pub been on the bar as their guest the standard of ale here to GBG menu. The two handpumps cur- ale. On the cider front, the pub quality with Well’s Eagle IPA rently serve XT1 and XT4 but has Hogan’s from Warwickshire and Bombardier augmented by a they will change regularly. on offer. very fine pint of York Guzzler on Clare’s husband, Nigel, is a The pub’s food menu is excel- a recent visit. well-travelled chef and under- lent value and includes a steak The Bell, Great Bourton stands the demand for good pub night on Wednesdays and a fresh grub including homemade pies. fish menu on Fridays. We welcome Douglas Holland However, the daily specials bring A presentation was recent- & Lesley McKenzie as new some international flair such as ly organised at which land- tenants of this lovely village baked Thai-style sea bass and lord Frank O’Neill present- Hooky pub, who took over in Indonesian randung. ed MacMillan Cancer with a December. Sunday brings a full selection cheque for £2,500 raised from Douglas has vast experience of traditional roast meats and activities by the pub and its cus- in the trade, most recently in vegetarian options which have tomers. Hertfordshire. As a former GBG attracted a strong following. landlord, he hopes to build real The White Horse needs your Red Lion, Deddington ale sales at The Bell and is pro- support so please stop by and This attractively-positioned moting a real ale festival across say hi to the family. Open: Tues– Red Oak Taverns inn in the vil- lage square re-opened before Christmas with new tenants, brothers Robbie and Richard Waterman. They’ve given this formerly wet-sales-driven sports bar a new candlelit appearance and with food to be introduced, it will cater for the modern gas- tro trade. Robbie was formerly the famil- iar face behind the bar at the nearby Great Western Arms at Wharf where he was a finalist in Hooky’s Bar Staff of the Year Award. His cellar skills furnish two handpumps (hope- fully three in the summer) with the regular St Austell Tribute (in excellent condition on a recent visit) and a guest ale. Welcome to Douglas Holland & Lesley McKenzie, new at the bar at The Bell, Great Bourton Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 8 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Sat 12–2pm & 5pm–close; Sun 12–3. Fleur de Lis, Banbury We reported last issue about this ex-Wetherspoons pub in Broad Street, Banbury. New owners Stonegate are planning a major refit which will begin in the first week of March. The pub will get a new name to emphasise the change of own- ership, and a number of options for the new name are being con- sidered. The pub will retain its hand pumps with at least three different beers being available on a daily basis. The Musketeer, Banbury This popular estate pub in A great selection of ales at the Hanwell Arms, Banbury where Peter Sampson (right) is one Banbury has changed hands of the new proprietors once again, as Graham has whilst this is done. It is hoped nament, there has been a bit of moved on to pastures new and that it will become more of a a Six Nations theme with beers a management team have taken community pub and six real ales including Skinner’s Splendid over. will be available with the regu- Tackle making it to the bar. Although new people Shaun lars of Pedigree and Saddle Tank The one-course meal for a set and Simon have never run a pub being joined by four guest beers. price continues to be popular, so before, they do know about beer Plans also are to have live much so that booking is recom- and they plan to have Sharp’s music on a regular basis with the mended. To finish the night off Doombar as a regular with a first slot being filled by Shameful in style they have a selection of ever-changing guest to comple- Behaviour in February. about 40 whiskies, which gives ment it. The Fox, Westcot Barton you a bit of a dilemma as to Carpenters Arms, what to have for a nightcap! Middle Barton Guestie has now introduced a new burger menu with 20 burg- White Horse, Banbury Signs outside what was the ers on it ranging from Chicken Ken & Eileen together with their ‘Carps’ now seem to indicate Creole to an intriguing Fat Elvis team continue to champion that it will be opening sometime (burger, mustard, pepperoni and real ale and local breweries in in the near future as a restau- Monterey Jack cheese). These Banbury. They have started a rant. The indications are that it will run alongside the normal new initiative called the Smiley will be an Asian-style restaurant, menu. Face Club. First you ask for your possibly Indian. A clothing bank is now situat- card then you buy a pint of beer Hanwell Arms, Banbury ed in the pub car park with any and pay for it using the correct old clothes being recycled for amount of money and you col- After a few recent changes an the Air Ambulance. lect a stamp. Once you have air of stability seems to have The quiz nights still on Wed, ten stamps you can claim your returned to this popular estate with poker on Thurs and regular free pint. Though to add a bit pub in Hanwell Fields, Banbury. live music nights. A beer festival of interest it must be the exact The new proprietors Peter planned for later in the year – amount or you don’t qualify for Sampson & Laura Andrews more details in the next edition. that stamp! arrived in December just in time White Horse, Duns Tew To add to the mix they also for the busy Christmas period. have a regular Friday even- They have come here from Erith The team at the White Horse ing music night champion- in Kent and have run CAMRA don’t like to keep the beer range ing local musicians. They now award-winning pubs in the past static for too long! They have have a programme stretch- so they certainly have a good three pumps which regularly ing months ahead, with The 7 pedigree. change to serve ales that are O’clock Junkies on 24th Feb, fol- A refit is due in February but rarely found in the region. lowed Rock Formation, Calico the pub should remain open With the recent rugby tour- Blue (Charity Night), Bush Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 www.roseandcrown.charlbury.com Email: [email protected] Market Street Charlbury Oxon OX7 3PL Tel: 01608 810103 OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am Sat: 11am–1am BREW MONDAYS – All real ales FORTHCOMING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS £2.50, all day, every Monday See www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub as there are sometimes gigs at short notice • Usually EIGHT quality real ales, along Sat 4th March with two traditional ciders and a ADRIAN BYRON BURNS traditional perry www.facebook.com/adrian.b.burns Sat 11th March • Wide selection of regularly-changing craft SEPIA SWING SHOW TWINS beers on draught and in bottles/cans Sat 18th March WILL KILLEEN • Pleasant courtyard drinking area http://willkilleen.weebly.com • We serve on average 40 different guest Sat 1st Apr MONCKFEST featuring DAVID CELIA beers per month, produced mostly by www.davidcelia.com microbreweries from all four Sat 15th Apr FRAN corners of the UK McGILLIVRAY & MIKE BURKE www.franmike.com/ North Oxon CAMRA Pub of the Regular VINYL NIGHTS – see window posters for details Year finalist 2017

Celebrating 30 continuous years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide

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

10 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Field Smith, Sloe Train, Fiddle Bop, Laurence Musicman, Linda Watkins Band, Doctor Strangelove and The Tindalls. Not content with just the live stuff, the pub also has a vinyl record player and a huge stack of LPs covering a wide range of music genres. Horse & Groom, Milcombe The pub has now started sell- ing Hooky Bitter as a regular at the bar and it is also doing ‘Buy 1 get 1 free’ Burger Nights on Mon, Steak Nights on Wed and Seniors Lunches on Thurs. There is also a ‘two mains for £15’ deal on the lunch menu and Drinkers at the Superbowl all-nighter at the White Lion, Fewcott a food loyalty scheme is being launched in March. game. American food was sup- Johnny Pugsley, has taken over plied by the pub with the help the lease on the Greene King- The Easington, Banbury of Gary, including pizza, slop- owned hotel on North Street. This popular pub on the py joes, burgers, chips and dips, It will be run by new openings Bloxham Road in Banbury has a and prawn tails, in return for manager Owain Llwyd Jones, new take on beer festivals – they a donation to Bardwell School, who won an Acorn Award in will be having smaller scale festi- Bicester. £85 was raised on the 2014. Damion & Johnny already vals but many more of them. night for the fund to replace have four venues including The first of these mini festivals equipment destroyed by fire the Jacobs Inn in Wolvercote was over the weekend of 17–18 over the New Year period. near Oxford, Jacobs & Field in February and a second will take Headington, Oxford, the soon- Duke of Cumberland’s to-be-revamped Jacobs Chop place over the weekend of 10–12 Head, Clifton March. House on Osler Road in the Theme for the March week- After over nine months of city, and their other hotel, The end will be Spring and among extensive renovation work The Woodstock Arms in Woodstock. the beers featured will be: Black Duke is due to open its doors in The four-bedroom hotel is Sheep My Generation (a 4.2% April. This 17th Century build- situated in the heart of Bicester session pale ale), Bombadier Pale ing now exudes true country just off Buckingham Road and Ale, Sharp’s Atlantic (a 4.5% pale inn style with a comfortable Queens Avenue. It is hoped that ale), and Marston’s Old Empire snug and roaring inglenook the Plough will open in April. (a 5.7% beer). Entertainment and fireplace. George Inn, food will be available over the There are six individual, com- Barford St Michael weekend. fortable bedrooms (including a family room with a kitchen). This lovely old thatched pub has White Lion, Fewcott The restaurant will serve deli- been bought by a local and has In addition to discount on real cious, freshly prepared dish- been leased by a local landlord ale to card carrying CAMRA es and classic pub food using on a long lease. members (20p pint, 10p half regional Cotswold produce It is scheduled to re-open by pint), the White Lion has intro- with a selection of excellent fine the end of May or early June duced a coffee-shop style loyalty wines and great real ales. as a freehouse with four ales card scheme – collect one stamp The fully serviced three-acre – Hooky as the regular, with for each visit, and then on your campsite can accommodate car- the other beers being low ABV sixth visit receive a free drink. avans, motorhomes or tents. To ales which will change regular- The pub stayed open all night reserve or enquire please con- ly. A beer festival is also being for the American Super bowl tact [email protected]. planned. on Sunday 5th February, with The pub is having a full refur- around two dozen staying up The Plough, Bicester bishment which will give it three until approximately 3.30am on The House of Jacob group, letting rooms. It will also be Monday morning to watch the founded by Damion Farah & serving modern British pub food Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 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

12 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 and will have its own stone pizza Red Lion, Steeple Aston oven. All food will be available as Congratulations to Mel & Sarah a take away. who have just celebrated their There will also be live music eleventh year behind the bar of and rugby will be shown live on the Red Lion. the TV. They now have Hooky Gold Pear Tree, Hook Norton on as a regular ale as well as the Hooky and a seasonal beer Hook Norton’s Brewery Tap is from the Hook Norton range. one of the finalists in this year’s They also celebrated their Cask Branch Pub of the Year competi- Marque check, having achieved tion. 100%, again! The pub has teams in the You, too, can be a ‘CAD’ at the Pear Tree, Hook Norton by joining the club While the rugby is on for the Banbury & District Ladies Six Nations, Mel is wheeling Darts league, the Top of the Hill double discount. Free mem- out the TV into the bar area so Dominos League and Banbury & bership of the club is open to customers can cheer on their District Aunt Sally League. all CAMRA members who favourites with a pint in hand. It was recently featured are given a Little Black Book On the food front they are in Penelope Keith’s ‘Hidden in which to record their con- now doing a deal of a Sunday Villages’ TV programme on quests. A ‘conquest’ is drink- roast with starter which includes Channel 4, when landlord John ing a different pint of cask ale at the dessert for free. Tuesday is Bellinger explained a little about the Tree and if 12 conquests are steak & frites with a bottle of the rules and history of Aunt recorded in a six-month period house wine for £12, Thursday Sally to the programme’s host. the CAD is awarded their own is a large thin crust pizza and a Every Friday the Hook Norton engraved glass tankard to keep glass of wine for £10. They are Thrift Club run a meat raffle, at the Tree for their personal also doing take away fish & chips with prizes supplied by the use every time they visit. and pizza, though they did say newly-opened Hook Norton At the rear of the pub is its that they are very flexible and butcher’s shop. large award-winning garden, a you can take away pretty much Saturday night is Open the Box wonderful place to enjoy excel- anything off the menu if you so night when customers can some- lent cask ale during the long hot desire! times win hundreds of pounds, summer months. depending on the cumulative To keep up with what’s on Bailiff’s Tap, Banbury roll-over, for just £1 a ticket. If at the pub, check the ‘What’s It’s been quite a wait, but at last the person whose ticket is drawn On’ boards in the pub or on our Branch has its first true chooses the right key to open Facebook, Website or phone for ‘micro pub’ which has opened the box they win the contents details. See the advert in each next to the Tree Pigeons in of the box (less 10% donation issue for contact details. to the Pear Tree’s house charity, Help for Heroes). Customers can Bell Inn, still win if they’re not present Lyn has confirmed that her but a massive 50% of their win- amazing beer festival will be nings are donated to the char- back later on this year, though ity. Tickets for this draw and the there may well be a change of meat raffle are on sale all week. date. Plans are at an early stage The Pear Tree’s weekly Quiz and there will be more informa- Night is held every Sunday night tion in the next edition of Beer at 8.30pm with teams of 4-ish on Tap. competing for a cash prize, made She is showing all the up from the cumulative entry rugby matches on her big TV fees (£1 per person). John boasts for the duration of the Six that in the three and a half years Nations. Two beers are stocked he’s been at the Tree the only with Salopian ales having a large Sunday they haven’t had a quiz share of bar time and two ciders was Christmas Day last year. from independent producers. The pub also takes part in Food is also going well with the CAMRA discount scheme, the Sunday roast offer, two offering 10p off a pint of real course Sunday lunch for £9.95 ale. Members of their Cask Ale and the kids eat free, doing par- Drinkers’ Club (CAD’s club) get ticularly well. The stillage at the Bailiff’s Tap, Banbury Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 14 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Banbury at 4 Southam Road. Left: The bar at Although they vary, a micro Drunk Dry in pub is essentially a small, sim- Kidlington ply furnished drinking establish- ment – often set up in an ex- shop – usually with no music, Below: As well fruit machines, etc., no proper as the real ale bar, and with a limited but well- and selection of chosen selection of drinks (often draught craft at majoring on a good selection of the bar of Drunk real ales and cider/perry). Dry, you can also The Tap has a stillage hold- choose from the ing eight firkins (with four on great selection of sale at any time) and four cider tins and bottles boxes. On a recent visit the on the shelves beers on offer were one Phipp’s, and is run by Paul Humphreys two Byatt’s and a Towcester and Ian Ridding. It serves one Mill beer and they are current- ale on tap, wines and spirits, but ly being sold at a very reason- it stocks a great selection of local able price. ales in bottle (including Little The current layout is such Ox and Church Hanbrewery) that there is a front room which plus offerings from further afield looks like an office, with a area (including Siren, Weird Beard at the back with seating. and Tap Social). All bottles can Opening times are: Tues–Wed be sampled on site. 12–8; Thur–Sat 12–10; Sun It is located just north of the 12–4; closed Mon. town centre shops at 12 Banbury Siege of Orleans, Road, down an alley-way. Carterton As you can see at www. facebook.com/drunkdry/ it has The Siege reports that all beer already hosted some ‘meet the sales are going well; and if brewer’ evenings. demand for the keg beers keeps Open till 8pm weeknights and up, another craft keg pump will 10pm Fri and Sat evenings. XT, Wychwood and Shotover all be installed. having their beers on sale. The Ale4One cards (as report- Worth’s Garage, Enstone The range changes regularly ed in the last Beer on Tap) are Following on from our reports with seasonal beers featuring, also still in use and proving pop- in Branch News on local shops, along with an excellent range of ular. garden centres and vintners that UK craft and continental beers. The cider festival is planned sell good local real ales, we can Well worth a visit if you hap- to go ahead in August this year, now add garages with Worth’s pen to be in the area. but more details will be avail- of Enstone, right on the A44, Moreton Beer Cellar, able for the next edition. The selling an increasing (and very Moreton in Marsh beer pong competition is to go good) range of micros’ beers. ahead again this year, probably Its range includes Hooky, XT, Congratulations to the Moreton in August, with a team of four Donnington, Loose Cannon, Beer Cellar on their first costing £10 to enter, last year’s Animal, Cotswold Lager, Chad- birthday. The range of beers winners won a trip to Barcelona! lington and Yubberton. They has expanded slowly and now One recent change was the are looking to stock Compass, includes about 100 different introduction of Massive Crisps, North Cotswold, Purity and bottles, with seasonal beers Pig & Mix and slabs. others and also hope to get in all making an appearance. the best porters and stouts for Tastings and draught beer are Drunk Dry, Kidlington those who like their beer dark! also on sale and the Moreton This new concept beer outlet It’s well ‘Worth’ dropping in … Beer Cellar Beer Club is now up is very different to a pub. It is a Wine Rack, and running. Membership costs cross between a bottle shop and from £20 per month and entitles a micropub, and it has proved to Yarnton Nurseries the holder to six bottles of beer be very popular since it opened This ‘shop within a shop’ on the and a 5% discount in the shop. in December 2016. Yarnton Nurseries site is now For full details contact the shop It calls itself a ‘bottle boutique’, stocking local breweries with or see them on Facebook. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 POTY Madness Strikes Again It’s that time of year once again when the finalists for Pub of the Year have been announced and members of the branch make their way around the district to visit the contenders and drink plenty of fine ales. The six con- tenders for the branch’s top pub award were between the Bell Inn Adderbury, Killingworth Castle Wootton, Pear Tree Hook Norton, Red Lion Horley, Rose & Crown Charlbury and Tite Inn Chadlington. Six excellent pubs by anyone’s standard and all would make worthy winners and hopefully do us proud in the regional round. The Branch once again organ- The coach trip crew at the Killingworth Castle, Wootton ised its annual trip and a bus full of eager voters set off from Banbury at 11.30 on a fine Saturday morning, some of us fortified by a large breakfast first! Our first stop of the day was The Bell in Adderbury, where we were greeted by a fine range of Hooky Ales including the topical Nice Try. Here a theme which continued though out the day started. Extra entertain- ment was provided by Stuart Robbins, who compiled a beer related quiz for people to com- plete throughout the day. It s amazing the inventive bribes people came up with to try to The Rose & Crown, Charlbury get answers to some of the more challenging questions! Our next stop was the Killingworth Castle, with a selection of beers brewed for the pub and a North Cotswold brew, Hung Drawn and Portered (there is no truth to the rumour that Chairman Lynne threatened to do this to everyone who got the question ‘who is the current Branch Chairman?’ wrong!). Next to be visited was the Rose and Crown in Charlbury, a several times previous winner, which provided a good selec- tion of beers and a beer garden which several hardy members of The Bell Inn, Adderbury the party tried out. 16 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Six of the best in the North Oxon Branch. Top: The Tite Inn, Chadlington. Centre: The Pear Tree, Hook Norton Bottom: The Red Lion, Horley

Fourth on the list for the day was the Tite Inn in Chadlington, which again provided a good selection of beer, and the oppor- tunity for some members of the party to catch up with the rugby so far. For the less rugby minded another lovely beer garden was available. Moving on again, our next port of call was the Pear Tree in Hook Norton, hosted by ex-Branch Chairman John Bellinger. Once again we were presented with a good choice of beer, with plenty of Hook Norton beers available. Our last visit of the day was to the Red Lion at Horley, another previous winner of POTY. Once again there was a good selection of beer and more opportunity to watch some Rugby, before most of us left to wend our way back to Banbury on the mini bus. Our day out showed what a wonderful selection of pubs we are fortunate to have in our branch. I will certainly be strug- gling with filling in my form as everywhere we went I was served excellent beer! Stop Press The results have just come in prior to this edition going to press. In a very close competition this year, the results are as follows: 1st = Red Lion, Horley 2nd = Rose & Crown, Charlbury 3rd = Bell Inn, Adderbury Congratulations to all three pubs on a close-run competition. Banbury Guardian POTY ‘Conies’ marks the pairs first excursion into pub tenancy. On This year’s local newspaper and third respectively – both of winning the award, a delighted award went to the Three Conies, which are in our Branch. Tanicha said: ‘ It’s our first year Thorpe Mandeville (just over It’s a year since the ‘Conies’ and we win this, we can’t believe our Branch border), but the has been in the capable hands of it. It was a nice surprise. We’ve Gate Hangs High at Hook Tanicha Boneham and her part- taken an awful lot of time lis- Norton (featured in the Channel ner, Leigh Chambers. Tanicha tening to people and what they 4 TV programme ‘Four in a Bed’ has previously managed the Old want from their local pub, pro- recently) and the Chandler’s Reindeer Inn in Banbury but viding good food and good ale Arms, Epwell were voted second the sole proprietorship of the in a nice friendly environment.’ Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 Terms and Conditions: All prices and offers are subject to change. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

18 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Round-Up Of Local Brewery News XT 4.2%) and XPA (a full powered Challenger and Jester hops, a XT has unveiled IPA at 5.9%). pale amber ale delivering a taste its latest annual Chadlington Brewery of soft fruit with a hint of citrus. special for 2017: It’s available in cask for March XT-17. This will Since 2015 Jason has introduced and April. be an evolving two 4% May brings another celebra- range of single beers, namely tion ale. Last hop special Oxford year Hooky beers. The base Blonde & commemorat- has a red rye malty backbone, Golden Ale. ed 167 years of giving a very light pale red col- It is to be brewing of brew- our and the hint of tartness from hoped that at ing by making a the rye. Each brew will be made least one of beer at 6.7%, and using a single varietal hop. The these beers this year, they’ll first brew uses Kazbek, a spicy, will feature in our Banbury Beer be brewing 168 lemony Czech hop. and Cider Festival in May. (6.8%). It has also announced a new The footings for its new brew- Hooky’s four shire horses Hop Variety, Experimental house, a 12 barrel plant, were helping deliver beer in the tra- Special: XT-Jester Experimental. dug in January with a view to ditional way are The English full production by the end of being celebrated hop growers 2017. with a new beer, are developing Hook Norton called Mane Tail new hop varie- (3.7%) – made ties and XT has The brewery has with a trio of been select- announced that UK hops (Jester, ed to work on Hooky Gold will Chinook and this project by be permanently Cascade) deliv- brewing exper- available as part ering refreshing imental beers of their core lychees, minty green tea and a using these new hops (which are range, joining subtle splattering of pineapple. still in development, have just other perma- Aylesbury Brewhouse Co. code names, and are available nent ales Hooky, only to partner brewers). The Old Hooky and ABC have announced its beers first of the new variety beers Hooky Mild. for the coming months with uses CF125, and if this sells well, Hooky Gold Inertia (a 4.3% traditional cop- the hop will be moved to large 4.1% ABV is brewed by combin- per bitter), Supersymmetry scale production and given a ing the classic and quintessen- (a 4.4% heav- more catchy name. tially British hops of Goldings ily hopped IPA), Other XT/Animal beers out and Fuggles with its US off- Potemkin (a 4.1% recently include: Animal Kiwi shoot Willamette. Maris Otter hoppy red beer) a very pale New Zealand Pale Pale Ale Malt completes the and R. J. Mitchell Ale and Animal alchemy giving a beer of great (3.6%). Monkey, a tri- character with an aroma of cit- The Hop Pole ple-hopped pale rus fruit and delicate spice with in Aylesbury is amber – both a fruity, refreshing taste. going great with of which were Hooky announced that it sold manager Ian, chef packed with fla- all of its ‘Two Little Higglets’ Tony and staff vour, complexity beer and they presented a really making the and character. cheque to the pub a great place XT has Special Care Baby to eat and drink. launched its new craft keg Unit at Warwick The dining area branding – these three keg Hospital on 23rd looks into the beers are all available now and January. ABC brewhouse will be joined later in the year Easter sees the where the beer at the bar was by canned versions: Squid Ink return of Hop made just the other side of the (a Cascadian Black at 5.5%); To It (3.8%) the glass. you can’t get more locally Snake Oil (a West Coast Pale at perfect blend of produced than that. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 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

20 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Vale Some great news for local fest, both complex and refresh- Vale have announced brews to drinkers – the Bottle & Glass in ing. Brewed with Cascade, reflect the forthcoming seasons. Binfield Heath should be up and Centennial and Liberty Hops, it Lock Prop & running in the next month or is based on an American-style Barrel (3.9%) so. The building has been exten- IPA. is brewed for sively refurbished and is looking Little Ox the Six Nations better than ever. Loddon beers Rugby –a clas- will be a permanent fixture on This new brewery in Freeland sic English tawny the bar. has now been granted a license bitter, combining Loddon’s for off sales and will commence the finest English Beer of selling bottled beers from March malts and six dif- the Month when the office area gets a ferent hop vari- for March makeover to a bottle shop. eties. will be In Its beers will be at the upcom- Donne (a 3.8% Yer Face IPA ing Wantage and Witney ruby red ale). (5.8%), which beer festivals and also at the John Donne’s is back for Cricketers mini festival in famous poem its fifth year. As Littleworth (Wheatley). Several from 1624 ‘No the name suggests, there’s noth- pubs in our Branch have sup- man is an island’, ing subtle about this strong ale ported this new start-up and, has inspired the – it’s a perfectly balanced hop their beers can often be found head brewer to at the Rose combine European hops and & Crown, strong roast malt flavours. Charlbury, Hooke (a 4.3% straw yel- The Plough, low ale). Robert Hooke was an Finstock and important English architect, well the Oxfordshire known for his detailed illustra- Yeoman, tions. A fresh golden ale, perfect Freeland. for the onset of spring, offering The Bottle & Glass soft malt flavours with promi- pub in Binfield Heath, nent citrus hops. Berks., now sells Loddon The Brewery Shop in Brill is ales as permanent beers open Mon–Fri 9am–5pm & Sat 9.30am–11.30am. They have a wide selection of foreign bottled New Clustermasters Needed beers, wines and ciders. Many thanks to Phillip for help- ber of the committee. Most Loddon ing out with Beer on Tap deliv- Clustermasters only deliver Beer ery in Bicester, but the branch on Tap to a maximum of ten Loddon has hired its first still needs assistance getting pubs four times a year then top Business Development Manager Beer on Tap out to the pubs up as required. Passing on news – Paul Lawson – who’s out in around the area. for publication in Beer on Tap the field five days a week, pick- If members would like to help and acting as a go between for ing up new customers and look- out with the delivery of Beer CAMRA and the pubs. ing after existing business. on Tap in the Hook Norton, It’s also a great reason to go Paul’s already hit the ground Enstone and the area around into pubs and drink their beer! running so say hello if you see Bicester then please get in touch Clustermasters must be CAMRA him in your local. with the editor or any mem- members and over 18! The next Loddon Beer Club social takes place 18th March. If you’re not already a mem- CAMRA National Pub Of The Year ber now’s the time to join, as it CAMRA’s National Pub of the Today it’s a true hub in the vil- should be a brilliant evening. Year 2017 has been named as lage community as it is also serv- That’s the day England take on the George & Dragon, Hudswell, ing as a library and a small con- Ireland in what promises to be a North Yorkshire. This is a pub venience shop. potential Six Nations grand slam which closed in 2008 but then This is a great example of why decider. They’ll be showing the reopened as a community pub in we need to save pubs from clo- match live on a big screen in the 2010 after pub regulars formed a sure – as any pub can have a new brew house. cooperative to save. lease of life in the right hands. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 The Pear Tree Inn The Hook Norton Brewery Tap Scotland End, Hook Norton OX15 5NU Tel: 01608 737482 www.thepeartreehooky.com [email protected] • An unspoilt traditional village pub • Traditional pub games including darts, • A range of Six Cask Ales dominoes & Aunt Sally • Always a fun selection of “Cocked Ales” • Open log fire • Discount for CAMRA Members • Three en suite letting rooms • Ale-2-Go • Large beer garden • Traditional ‘Pub Food’ • Walkers & dog friendly • No fruit machines, pool tables or jukebox • Quiz night every Sunday • Large award-winning beer garden • Banbury Guardian Pub of the Year 2015 Open Friday & Saturday 12.00–12.00 • Sunday–Thursday 12.00–11.00 Food served every lunchtime 12.00–3.00 Tuesday–Saturday evening 6.00–8.00 & Saturday evening 6.00–9.00 PAY US A VISIT – YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED

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

22 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Maltese Beer Shouldn’t Make You Cross For many decades, Malta’s beer Pale Ale, with more planned selection has been unusual – soon. I have yet to find any to especially when compared to sample, but it is a US-style IPA the rest of Continental Europe packed with West Coast hops. – because of its penchant for German weizenbiers (both pale ale. This was mainly due pale and dunkel) and some to when the Simonds Brewery Belgian ales could be found in in Reading founded a branch in Malta over the years, and this Malta to supply the armed forces trend also seems to be growing. with pale ale (along with those The range of Belgian ales was in Gibraltar), and when the UK previously limited to the Van parent company was amalgamat- Steenberge range (Augustijn, ed into Courage & Barclay, the Piraat, Bruegel and Golden Maltese brewery concern went Draak) or Duvel, but on my last its own way to become Simonds visit it was good to see the likes Farsons Cisk. of La Chouffe, Hoegaarden, Over time, it rebranded itself Lord Chambray – great local Maltese beer Achel, Westmalle and Chimay to as Farsons, and although by far add more interest and variety. its best selling product is Cisk hoppy, bitter English IPA, 5.7%), A very welcome change in (pronounced “chisk”) Lager, it Golden Bay (a 5.2% golden ale), recent years is the appearance of still brews Hopleaf, Blue Label Blue Lagoon (a 5% Belgian- Italian microbrewed ales on the and Lacto beers. Hopleaf was style witbier) and Fungus Rock beer lists of better bars. Most once the flagship brand of (a full, dry stout at 5.5%) – all common are brews from Baladin Reading’s Simonds Brewery, but named after famous Maltese and Birra del Borgo, all of which it is now a shadow of its former and Gozitan places. They are are interesting and satisfying. self with a clincally clean charac- now joined by a session English- With the proximity of Italy to ter which is filtered and pasteur- style Special Bitter (with great Malta, it is not surprising to find ised at just 3.8% abv. Blue Label depth despite being 3.8%) and Italian breweries finding a ready was once just 3.3%, but is now a new range of seasonals (so far market in Malta. a fuller 4.7% amber ale. Lacto is a salty Gose 4.2% beer called Some adventurous independ- marketed as a Milk Stout as it Flinders Rose, and a dark, strong ent Belgian craft brewers now uses lactose, but most UK drink- Winter Ale of 8%). At first these sell beers in Malta, such as the ers will find it very sweet and were common in just shops and range of Brussels Beer Project chewy for a 3.8% beer. supermarkets), but wise bar ales (Babylone Bread Bitter, 8%; Farsons recently appears to owners have woken up to the Delta Belgian IPA, 6.5%; Dark have woken up to the threat of tourists’ taste for quality ales, so Sister Belgian Black IPA, 6.66%; craft beers in their local market, they are increasingly on sale in Red My Lips, 4.7% raspber- and two new brews were intro- bars and restaurants. All are bot- ry beer; and Grosse Bertha, a duced – India Pale Ale (5.7%) tle conditioned (i.e., real ale in a 7% wheat beer) being the easi- and Double Red Strong Ale bottle) but who knows – perhaps est to find. Even beers from the (6.8%), both claimed to be based draught ale may appear one day. BOMbrewery are now seen in on historical Simonds brews. In 2016 the Phoenix Raw Beer shops and bars, including their Sadly, both appear to be pasteur- Brewery launched three very wonderful Triporteur from ised and are over-sweet to my artisanal ales from its plant in Heaven (a 6.2% hoppy golden ale taste with a lack of hoppiness Naxxar, Malta – which are Rust with a full bitter kick). promised on the bottle labels. (Rabat Ale, a 3.9% session bit- Finally, a brewpub (called ‘The However, it’s a promising move ter), Rubin (Double Ale) and Tar Brew’) has set up shop at Sliema in the right direction – so let’s (Robust Porter, 5.1%). All have Ferries. However, the brewplant hope better things will come. a heavy sediment and require has been installed, but there is The aforementioned craft gentle handling to pour them little brewing activity to date. threat became real in 2014 when clear. To me, they have promise, With a dearth of their own beer, the Lord Chambray Brewery though they seem to possibly be I had to make do with a bottle of was founded. Surprisingly, this still in development – let’s hope Birra Dell’Eremo beer (made in is based in Gozo – the small they reach their potential soon. Assisi, Italy) which was excellent, island to the north-west of the Another start-up is just com- if a tad on the pricey side. The main island of Malta – and its ing on-line, called Stretta (after brewpub’s site currently adver- excellent brews have a distinctly the infamous street in ‘The Gut’ tises Pilsner, Vienna, Honey and US craft beer quality. Standard frequented by sailors) which Dark beers – presumably all var- brews were originally San Blas (a currently brews just a 6.3% India iations of lager. Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 Of course, it’s one thing to say Bar has a choice of Brussels Beer Sun In Splendour (aka The Beer that the beer scene is better than Project beers, Badass Burgers Garden) where there is a selec- previously – but if you want to has a good Belgian bottled selec- tion of Belgian ales. Walking find good beer, you need to be tion and perhaps best choice of towards Paceville is Cork’s Irish shrewd and perhaps do research all is at the characterful Kazin Pub, an unlikely place to find before travelling or ask around Banda San Giljan (St. Julian’s a great selection of Maltese, while there. A short article in Band Club) where you are really Belgian and Italian ales, and I’m Beer on Tap like this cannot pos- spoilt for choice. Walking up the sure you’ll find some decent beer sibly point you to all the places hill you’ll find Dick’s Bar (check outlets in the maze of streets full where you can find such good the fridge inside the door for of bars and clubs in Paceville. ranges of beer, but I can give you beer selection) and the Crow’s Recommended outlets in some pointers. Nest where there is always light Valletta include Wild Honey at There are many good bars on and dunkel weizenbier. A short 127 Triq St. Lucia and Il-Kapitali the coastal stretch from Sliema walk inland opposite Spinola at 67 Old Bakery Street (both to St. Julian’s. Sliema Ferries has Garden takes you to the Anvil specialist craft beer bars with the Black Gold Saloon and The Pub which has a huge Belgian a huge selection of good beer), Brew, along with Good Thaimes beer selection (open late evening and Vino’s Cafe Bar at 19 Triq in Gzira. Sliema itself has onwards). On Triq Ross is the San Gwann which has a well famous pubs like the Jack of All chosen selection of Trades, Simon’s Pub, the Plough Maltese, Italian and & Anchor and the Salisbury Belgian beers. There Arms (the latter two have decent are bound to be many weizenbier) along with La Vida more you can find by Tapas Bar (Brussels Beer Project researching before range). Towards St. Julian’s there you go. is also the City of London Pub Keith Rigley which often has Lord Chambray and Brussels Beer Project beers. The characterful St. Julian’s However, St. Julian’s is the best Band Club has one of the area to find good beer. In the best selections of good beer Spinola Bay area, the tiny Tony’s in the Maltese islands

24 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Roundup Of Local Beer & Cider Events Rose & Crown, Charlbury Beer Festival 2017 January saw the ninth beer fes- tival at this popular alehouse – and it proved to be the busiest yet, especially on Saturday when the locals played host to a huge throng of visitors taking advan- tage of the rail links to the town. However, there was never a long wait to savour the 22 real ales and up to eight traditional ciders and perries, and there was a pleasant, sociable ambience throughout the entire event. New breweries Little Ox and The good steady trade at the Rose & Crown’s top bar on Friday evening Church Hanbrewery were rep- providing entertaining music. All rewarded with a good amount of resented on the top bar – each beers, ciders and perry were in funds being raised for the com- with a porter – along with good condition. munity’s Village Hall funds. The four excellent ales from Loch The Festival’s champion 2017 festival date is Sept 1–2. Lomond Brewery (whose Meg’s beer, selected by the judges, Andrew Davison Tail, brewed using peat smoked was Bingham’s Vanilla Stout malt, was a real treat). (5%, CAMRA 2016 Supreme Beer Festival DIARY My personal favourite was the Champion Beer of Britain). Silver MARCH deeply complex Velo Dog from went to Oscar Wilde, a moreish 14–17: Bell, Great Bourton Beer the Gun Brewery which had a mild from Mighty Oak (3.7%) in Festival. 12 ales. 7.30pm–midnight, hugely full flavour of tropical, Music 8pm Sat Maldon, Essex. Bronze went to 22–2 Apr: Wetherspoons Beer grassy hops with a bready malt. Puck’s Folly (4.2%), a light hoppy Festival at both Branch outlets. 50 This year, those turning up golden bitter from Farmer’s Ales, ales & cider. on the last day had very few also in Maldon. 31–1 Apr: Gloucester Beer Festival. to choose from at the start of Of the cider and perry, Rosie’s Blackfriars Priory Ladybellegate. 100 ales & 30 ciders Sunday, and everything had gone Rhubarb Cider (4%) from APRIL by mid-afternoon. However, Herefordshire won Champion 27–30: Reading Beer Festival. even after the festival beers were Cider/Perry and was first to sell- Christchurch Meadows all gone it’s hard to know when out. Also popular were a sweet 29: Witney Beer Festival. St Mary’s the festival is officially over – as Blackberry with Elderflower Church lines were cleaned and the pub’s cider (4.0%) from Sheppy’s in MAY usual range of Ramsbury Bitter Somerset and Olivers’ Making 4–6: Banbury Beer & Cider and seven ever-changing beers Festival. Over 100 ales & ciders, Hay (6.0%) from Herefordshire. entertainment and food. were back on sale again. Popular beers were the tradition- JUNE Ardley with Fewcott Beer al Theakston’s Best Bitter (3.8%, 3: Chadlington Beer Festival, Village and Cider Festival first beer to run out; Hawkshead Hall, 12–11. 20 ales & cider, food Bitter (3.7%); Phipps’ Cobbler’s and live music Despite high winds and torren- Ale (4.0); and Hogs Back’s TEA 17: Candleford 10th Beer & Cider Festival, Cricket Ground, tial rain which marred the set-up (4.2%). This year’s rare speciality Fringford. 30 real ales, 10 ciders/ day and most of the festival days, beer came from Squawk Brewing perrys. Food stalls. Live music. the second Ardley with Fewcott Bean Brothers Expresso Stout, 24: Charlbury Beer Festival. About Beer & Cider Festival proved a 6.5% rich stout infused with 50 ales & cider. Charlbury Cricket to be a success and was loyally Club, opp railway station. expresso coffee giving powerful JULY supported by local people, the lasting flavours. 14–16: Horse & Groom, Caulcott Village Hall, the two village pubs, The festival-goers rallied when Bastille Day Festival. 16 ales & and local village groups and busi- the rains halted mid-afternoon cider, food and entertainment. nesses. on the Saturday and drank as 15: Hook Norton Festival of Fine Held at the Village Hall, it much that evening as on the Ales. offered a fine selection of real previous one and a half days! AUGUST ales, ciders and perry, a barbeque Thus, the hard work of the fes- 8–12: Great British Beer Festival, and hog roast, and local artists tival organisers and helpers was London Olympia Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 Obituaries Steve Robinson of us. Steve had too short a time you for all the memories. It is with with us all, but during his life he Editor’s Note: Customers great sad- made a huge impact on the lives and staff at the Cherry Tree ness that of all those he met, and made in Steventon, where Steve was the Branch the world a better place for us. working, have since raised over learned Rest in peace Steve, and thank £1,500 for Sobell House. that Steve Robinson, Keith Templeman a previous The death of Keith, owner/land- landlord of lord of The Mitre, Buckingham, the White was was a shock to all who knew Horse, him and visited the pub, includ- Banbury, ing members of our Branch. died in He moved to the pub in 2007 November with his wife Jane, and they were 2016 at the deservedly crowned local Milton age of only Keynes & North Bucks CAMRA 40. He fell asleep in his parked Pub of the Year in 2015. Although The Mitre cannot be car, something he did because of Keith & Jane were enjoy- the same with Keith not there, the long hours he worked, and ing a rare holiday in south-west his spirit remains when visiting never woke up. He died of heart France when Keith had a heart the pub and enjoying the real failure attack and died, aged 59. ales and the friendly welcome, Steve was with with us in He supported CAMRA’s work atmosphere and conversation. North Oxfordshire Branch for a and I used to leave a few Beer Cheers to you Keith, a champi- short time. He was always there On Tap magazines at the pub on landlord. of real ale and local with a smile on his face, and as one of my ‘unofficial’ deliv- pubs. quickly became a friend to many ery stops. Andrew Davison WEDDINGS PARTIES • FESTIVALS Fully staffed and licenced

THE COMPLETE Mobile: 07779 875120 BAR HIRE PACKAGE www.facebook.com/pbh/

26 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 by Brian Jacobs (Isle of Wight Branch) A Beerhead Abroad: Iceland & Paul Forrest So, there we were, flying across Paul Forrest with his Beer the cold North Atlantic on on Tap in a suitably icy Icelandair, where nothing is landscape in Iceland complimentary except the Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi is compli- eye-popping £15 mentary because the only site a pint. you can access is Icelandair. And that is the Trip Advisor guide to what’s big problem with goin’ down in Reykjavik, bro - Iceland. It is mind- Icelandair. Craft beer guide to bogglingly, unbe- Reykjavik - Icelandair. I loaded lievably, expensive. up my Kindle and all I got was Nothing can pre- an Icelandic saga about Magnus pare you for the Magnusson and a big black astonishingly high chair, and the chosen subject prices in Iceland, as was Icelandair. it. Indeed, beer is the nation- breathtaking as being caught in When we arrived in Iceland al drink (they even have a Beer a blizzard in Reykjavik (and yes, we progressed through the care- Day), and bars like the Microbar I speak from experience). A long free abandon of Immigration, to and the Skulbar offer around a weekend there will set you back the lottery of baggage reclaim, dozen draught crafts. Whereas as much as a week in St Moritz, and thence to the bleary light in the UK, you’ll struggle to and still leave you searching des- of a Reykjavik November after- find anything other than IPAs, perately for an ATM. If you lay noon. It was twilight for 3 hours, best bitters or the odd red ale or all the people end to end who then it was twilight. After that two, in Iceland there is a cornu- can comfortably afford to live in it was dark, but no one noticed; copia of delights awaiting you. Reykjavik, they will die of hypo- in the morning, it was twilight. Mostly, you’ll find home grown thermia, but you could trade craft beers, though you will find Twilight is a big deal in Iceland in their bodies to buy a round imported bottles – as a general in early Winter; there’s a lot of in a local bar. To say that the rule, if you can’t understand the it, and it’s very popular because cost of living is high in Iceland label, it’s local. There are two is like saying the Archbishop it’s the only thing you don’t have main Icelandic Breweries, Egils of Canterbury is a churchman. to pay for. and Víking, who operate ‘experi- A slice of choccy cake in a cor- Reykjavik has the feel of a mental’ departments, respective- ner café will cost you the greater small country town in Wales, ly Borg and Einstök (which you part of £10, a meal out for two but without the thrills. It con- can buy in UK supermarkets). In will deplete your bank balance tains little of architectural merit, addition, there are 5 micros and by around £100, and a 33cl bot- and the shops either sell gross- 3 brewpubs scattered through- tle of craft beer can be a thirst- ly overpriced knitwear, shoes to out the country. Our first assault quenching £12 or more. Think match, or useless gifts. However, on the local brews was at the about that; you could buy three once you venture outside the aforementioned Microbar in pints in Wetherspoons for the city, the landscape is breath- Vesturgata, Reykjavik, owned price of a small bottle of craft taking, especially after the first by Gæðingur brewery, where beer in Reykjavik, and still get snows of Winter. Geysers, gla- we got to try a sample tray of a change. And you pay for every- ciers and lakes are all in the dozen local craft drafts, includ- thing; there are no free lunch- package, with a big helping of ing 2 10% barley wines, and es in Reykjavik. I did stop to snowy peaks. If Reykjavik bore nothing less than 5% – not bad admire an impressive view half the promise of its envi- for a first foray! We moved on to across the harbour, but swift- rons, visitors would warm to Icelandic Fish and Chips round ly moved on when a man with it instead of trying to warm in the corner, where the epony- a leather money bag came into it. The scenery is stunning, the mous dish was a delight, accom- view. people are delightful, the food panied by a 7.3% Kaldi IPA, After a while we decided the (especially the fish) is superb, as clean and fresh as the fish. best policy was to stop whining and the beer measures up to the Subsequent days yielded a visit and bite the bullet, in the hope world’s best in quantity, quality to the nearby Skulbar, where it wouldn’t dislodge a filling, like and variety. All styles are repre- another formidable array of the one in our wallets. Even so, sented, from modest pale ales to Icelandic Ales awaited, includ- that first round in the Microbar imperial stouts, and most beers ing Ulfur at a modest 5.9%, but came hard and fast – it set us are upwards of 5%; if strong with a rather less modest price back £40 for around four pints. beer is your bag, Iceland will fill tag of £10 for 400ml – that’s an We subsequently learned this Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 The Microbar Still pricey, but it doesn’t seem at Vesturgata, to square with the Icelandic Reykjavik nanny state. How many pubs and off-licenses in the UK will Believe it or supply beer that strong? There not, beer was again, the Winter nights are as actually illegal long and depressing in Iceland in Iceland until as an evening at Yates. However, 1989 (though, the Icelanders fill the long lonely bizarrely, you hours with all-night pub crawls, could have runters (as long as they have an had a bender understanding bank manager), on wine, whis- will party until the wee, small key or gin. ones, and will drink in cars The strong- and on pavements, rather like was on the good side of extor- est beer you can buy in a super- Birmingham on a Friday. tion. Online guides will tell market is 2.5%, and you must go So, Iceland is a mixed bag. you that a 33cl bottle of beer to a state-registered liquor shop There’s no arguing with the in Iceland will cost you around (Vinbuden), which are few and quality and variety of food – a fiver. Bumfodder. It might be far between, to buy anything where else could you buy puffin? true of low-strength local lager, stronger. And here’s the para- – or the beer, and the scenery is but it isn’t true of craft beer, dox; when you get to one, there’s breathtaking. But the price tag is even the local ones. To some very little beer below 5%, 5.4% a massive deterrent, and there’s extent, it’s a legacy problem – appears to be the mean, and an no way of avoiding it unless the Icelandic authorities are still astonishing amount is above you know someone with plen- very uneasy about alcohol, like 10%. Moreover, it can cost as lit- ty of money who owes you a big the rest of the Nordic world. tle (!) as around £5 for 500ml. favour. Commemorating Tom’s 30 Years In In this fast-changing world, it is often the case that pub landlords The Good Beer Guide come and go far more often than in the past. However, this is not the case with Tom Page at the Rose & Crown, Charlbury, which has been listed in the last 30 con- secutive editions of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide. Tom took on the pub and found himself listed in the Guide for the first time in 1987, and since then it has appeared in every edition to date. For the locals who drink at this wet-sales-only freehouse, this has brought stability and consist- ency over all those years – and following on from it being a pub with two or three real ales, it has mirrored the revival and success of real ale as the country’s drink Tom Page with his commemorative painting, watched on by a large group of pub regulars of choice to the point that eight and he championed real ale from regulars were at a presentation, beers are dispensed on hand- day one. That was back when it which took place near the end of pump at all times today. looked bleak for real ale choice the pub’s successful Winter Beer Tom, a faithful Brentford FC in rural areas, and since then the Festival, which saw Tom receive fan, came to Charlbury from fads of aggressive global lager a painting donated by the pub’s London where he shared the advertising, alcopops and smooth locals. Campaign’s enthusiasm of the keg have been and gone. Here’s to a few years more Capital’s traditional beer scene, A large group of appreciative years to come … 28 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Swing By The Pear Tree For A Taste Of ‘Sweet Chariot’ Kitty Wright, Assistant Man- in Food and Drink Service and ageress at the Pear Tree at Hook settled on the name to make it Norton, brewed her second ale stand out on the bar of Hook in February under the watchful Norton’s brewery tap. eye of brewer Rob Thomson at Kitty said: “It was a great day the Hook Norton Brewery. out, I really enjoyed it. It was She was inspired to name good to learn about the differ- the 3.8% beer after the famous ent malts and hops, the process hymn and rugby chant ‘Sweet and the importance of the pro- Chariot’, when she first brewed cedure, timing and temperature it at the start of the 2015 Rugby control that go to make enjoy- World Cup. 20-old Kitty creat- able cask ale!” ed the beer for Cask Ale Week The pale, smooth ale – which as part of her Apprenticeship has an initial dryness giving way to citrus and orange zest flavours that linger on the finish – has proved more knowledgeable about cask just as popular this time ale, which is what we are all as it did then. The reci- about at the Pear Tree. As the pe, created to reflect her Brewery Tap our staff are often favourite tastes in cask asked about the beers we sell and ale, is one of many suc- this experience has enabled Kitty cessful brews to come out to speak with confidence about of Hook Norton’s pilot our products!” plant under the badge of Kitty is sadly leaving the Pear ‘Crafty Ales’. Tree to go and work in Majorca Pear Tree Licensee for a season, she will be greatly John Bellinger said: missed by John, the team and all “Brewing her own ale the pub’s customers at the brew- has been a fantastic way ery tap. … Though John might for Kitty to appreciate just have had a really good idea the process and become for a North Oxon Branch trip! Kitty hard at work at the Hook Norton microbrewery, making her beer Beer On Tap Wins Award Chadlington’s 14th Festival Congratulations to us! Beer on Saturday 3rd June £1.50 each and can Tap has won the regional branch 2017 sees the also be used to pur- magazine of the year award. 14th Chadlington chase all drinks. The award was announced in Beer Festival held Children’s entry January by Regional Chairman in Chadlington is £3 per child, with Carl Griffin. Memorial Hall, all activities (exclud- Carl said: “A big reason for its starting at midday. ing the face painting) success was the interesting arti- Entry costs £10 free and unlimited. cles with a particular focus on and includes a Non-beer drinkers campaigning.” It is hoped that Festival Glass, programme and are free. there may be a presentation, but beer tokens. This year there Live music throughout the in the meantime Beer on Tap will be around 20 ales to enjoy event and an all-day BBQ will goes into the national compe- as well as a selection of wines help to keep drinkers fed. tition and the winner of that and ciders, Pimms and soft Things will draw to an end round will be announced at the drinks for non-beer drink- at 11pm; if there’s any beer left AGM in Bournemouth in April. ers. The beer tokens are worth that is! Fingers crossed … Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 Local Branch Planning Application News n Coach & Horses, Adderbury: sought to create additional flats erection of fencing and instal- permission sought to replace on the upper floors of this pub lation of lighting on play equip- the roof [CDC 16/02484/F, which has permission to be con- ment [CDC 16/01983/F] 16/02485/LB] verted into a One-Stop conveni- n Falkland Arms, Great Tew: n Red Lion, Adderbury: permis- ence store [CDC 16/02465/F] permission was sought to sion sought for replacement of n Plough, Bodicote: permission replace the kitchen extension windows and minor internal granted for a new fire escape with a new larger extension but alterations and refurbishments from the first floor [CDC this was withdrawn [WODC [CDC 17/00048/F]. Also per- 16/02350/F] 16/03103/FUL] mission was granted for a small n Pheasant Pluckers (Bishop n Black Boy, Milton: permission extension to house a disabled Blaize), Burdrop: permis- refused for some rebuilding of WC [CDC 16/02031/F] sion sought for a storage shed extensions and conversion of n Southam Road, Banbury: per- [CDC 17/00020/F]. Also, attic to provide bedrooms [CDC mission granted for number permission was refused for an 16/02264/F] 4 (former bailiff’s office) to additional single storey build- n Hare, Milton-Under- become a micro-pub [CDC ing to provide letting rooms Wychwood: the developers who 16/02481/F]. To be called [CDC 16/02030/F]. This was own part of the former plot of ‘Bailiff’s Tap’. essentially a resubmission of an the pub are trying again for per- n Unicorn Inn, Banbury: permis- application for a new two-storey mission to build two houses on sion granted for conversion to 2-bedroom cottage which was the site, after the previous appli- residential use (7 flats) [CDC refused not long after it was cation was refused [WODC 16/01661/F, 16/01662/LB]. The mentioned in the last planning 16/04251/FUL] loss of this historic pub (Grade news in the Autumn BoT. n Swan Inn, Swinbrook: permis- II* listed, the second oldest in n Angel, Burford: permission sion granted for alterations to Banbury, where Thomas Hunt granted for alterations to form new kitchen toilet and began brewing...) is regrettable provide a new entrance lobby store [WODC 16/03454/FUL] but the application was sup- and covered walkway plus n Lion, Wendlebury: retrospec- ported by Historic England and reworked kitchen area. [WODC tive permission granted for CPRE and it is hard to argue 16/04094/FUL] various modifications to previ- loss of community facility with n Blue Boar, : ously approved works [CDC so many other pubs around and permission granted for various 16/01876/F] plus several other with it having been closed for internal alterations [WODC applications have been decided almost ten years! 16/03287/LBC] or are in progress for various n George Inn, Barford St Michael: n Chequers, Churchill: permission modifications to the refurbish- following the withdrawal of the granted for internal alterations ments previous applications, these have [WODC 16/03354/LB] n Woodstock Arms, Woodstock: been resubmitted for alterations n Duke of Cumberland’s Head, permission granted for inter- including reconfiguring the bar Clifton: permission was nal alterations to the first and area and converting the upper granted for alterations and a attic floors plus new external floors into hotel accommodation single-storey extension [CDC fire escapes to bring disused [CDC 16/02237/F 16/02238/ 16/01474/F]. Permission was areas back into use. [WODC LB]. Permission is also sought also applied for to make an 16/03969/FUL] for a new detached building to opening in a fireplace to link provide additional B&B accom- Update two rooms [CDC 16/02442/LB] n modation. [CDC 16/02283/F]. n White Lion, Fewcott: retrospec- Unicorn, Deddington: permis- Permission to re-thatch and re- tive permission granted for use sion for a single-storey side point the building was granted. of outbuilding as micro- extension was granted n n Angel, Bicester: permission brewery, log store, and bike Wroxton House Hotel, granted for marquee covered store; tool store replacement; Wroxton: permission for a two area and some new doors [CDC garden studio; Aunt Sally storey extension with 8 addi- 16/02176/F] screen; construction of pathway tional bedrooms was granted. n Star, Bicester: permission is from car park to beer garden; BrianWray

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2016 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA. Edited by Stephen Lympany • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Henry Ling, Dorchester, Dorset 30 Beer on Tap – Spring 2017 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31