sign in sign up
<<
Home , Adderbury, Balscote, Enslow, Epwell, Fringford, Great Bourton

Issue 49 – Summer 2012 FREE – Please take one

Newsletter of North Branch of CAMRA

Beer, Sun And Fun At BBF What can I say? I didn’t think that we could have a better festival than 2011, but I was wrong. Steve, Brian and Paul selected some amazing beers and presented them in superb condition – thank you lads. When we counted the voting forms for Beer of the Festival on Saturday night, the clear win- ner was Redemption’s Trinity (a surprisingly full-tasting beer for just 3% abv), so we’ll be heading off to Tottenham later in the year to visit the brewery and present them with their certificate. Entertainment over the week- the future, Crude Measure on of their talent is that they were end was brilliant. On Thursday Saturday were a huge success, approached by organisers from Jasmine Faulkner, ably accom- with their great selection of clas- two other festivals. Pete Watkins panied by James Foley, must sic rock songs that had us all eventually finished his 6–8pm be a name to look out for in bopping in the sunshine. a sign slot on Saturday evening at about 9.30pm to public acclaim The Fox Wins Branch of the Year – thanks Pete for rounding off the festival in such great style. Congratulations The whole weekend had a great to Tony and Jacqui at The party feel to it, with such a Fox, Westcote lovely atmosphere. Barton, on My grateful thanks go to all winning the those people who gave up their CAMRA North time before, during and after the Oxon Branch festival to set up the hall, keep it Pub of the Year nice, staff the event, then return competition for things to their rightful owners. 2012 We were fortunate to gain some new volunteers behind the bars, and delighted to hear that they found it more fun than being on Many thanks to those mem- the North Oxfordshire CAMRA the drinking side of the counter. bers who got round all six Branch Pub of the Year 2012. Hopefully they’ll be keen to of the Branch’s top The votes were counted at take part at other festivals in the and voted in what was a the Branch meeting at the future. fiercely fought contest. Horse & Groom in , I must also thank the sponsors Congratulations go to the Fox mid-March, and The Fox was – Brewery, Wye Inn, Westcote Barton, which is Continued on page 3 Continued on page 3 Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://www.northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk

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: • Listed in the Good Beer Guide Mon–Thurs 12–3pm & 5pm–11pm; • Families and dogs welcome Friday & Sat 12–11pm; • Lunch and full menu available Sun 12–10.30pm • Food served Mon–Sun 12–3pm & 5pm–10pm

[email protected] www.thefoxatsouldern.co.uk Dating back to 1803 The Fox is nestled in the picturesque village of and offers: • Traditional style home cooked food. • Three Real Ales (two of which constantly rotate), sourced from around the country. • Four en-suite bedrooms.

2 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 Beer, Sun and Fun At The 2012 BBF Continued from front page and let them Valley Brewery, Whittlebury know you’d Brewery, and Speedy Tool Hire. like to help. I’ve enjoyed my last two years A festival as festival organiser, but am organiser will stepping down to allow fresh be required blood to take over. If you’ve had for the festival a great time at the festival and to take place would like to help the team for next year. next year, please come along to The team is the North Oxon CAMRA AGM all there, but on July 16th at The Fox, Middle without some- Barton or contact chairman@ one to organ- northoxfordshirecamra.org ise things this will be the last festival until someone can contact the Chairman or come Branch Pub Of be found. If you think you can along to any North Oxfordshire help organise the festival please CAMRA meeting. The Year 2012 Continued from front page Branch Chairman Needed declared as winner ahead of the Rose & Crown, . It is a North Oxon Branch will be in Branch and no beer festival. particularly noteworthy achieve- need of a new Chairman at the Lynne will remain on the ment for Jacqui and Tony as they AGM to be held on July 16th at Committee and will be happy had only just celebrated their The Fox, Westcote Barton. to help out the new Chairman. first anniversary at the pub the Lynne Baldwin will be stand- Other posts which are currently weekend before with a beer fes- ing down after three years in empty include Vice Chairman, tival: which was made up solely the role (the maximum time the Membership Secretary, Social of local ales, which also marked Branch rules allow the post to Secretary, Branch Contact and the start of them being able to be held), so the Branch needs a possibly Webmaster. take beer from the SIBA list. new person to take this on, oth- If you are interested in any In one short year they have erwise North Oxon CAMRA of the Committee roles please taken a pub which was empty will not be allowed to carry contact Lynne Baldwin or any of for two months and created a on. This will mean, no Beer on the other Committee members hub of the community, home Tap, no Pub of the Year for our to get more information. to Aunt Sally and other pub teams, where poker nights and CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List quiz nights share the space with music nights. The award Email addresses are followed by northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk though is about good beer and CHAIRMAN Lynne Baldwin- BEER ON TAP EDITOR the pub is a place where young Kramer Tel: 07790 118341 Steve Lympany bot@ and old mix to enjoy great beer chairman@ Tel: 07811 667507 in a warm, welcoming environ- VICE-CHAIRMAN PRESS & PUBLICITY CONTACT ment. Four ales are regularly on vicec@ Position vacant Position vacant press@ PUBS OFFICER with five at busy times. Hooky BRANCH SECRETARY Dick Palmer is the regular with the rest Caz Jewell secretary@ & Brian Wray pubs@ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER changing regularly, but where TREASURER Nick Faulkner local ales like XT, White Horse treasurer@ John Bellinger public@ and Oxfordshire Ales are found MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY YOUNG MEMBERS COORDINATOR alongside Skinners, Taylor’s, and Yvonne Hallows Sharp’s. A great example of the membership@ Position vacant WEBMASTER Great British pub and a worthy BRANCH CONTACT Chris Darke webmaster@ winner of our Pub of the Year. Chris Darke contact@ Tony will be presented with Tel: 07852 251300 Trading Standards: Oxfordshire his certificate at the Branch SOCIAL SECRETARY AGM held at The Fox, 8pm on County Council, Electric Ave, Ferry Monday 16th July, all welcome. Position vacant Hinksey Road, OX2 0BY Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 The Duck on the Pond A charming traditional freehouse Open seven days a week All day Saturday and Sunday

Serving a variety of hand pulled ales and fine wines We offer an extensive menu of traditional English and cosmopolitan cuisine from our a la carte menu and daily specials board Roasts also available Sundays Vegetarian menu

These can be enjoyed in our restaurant, bar area or alfresco on our delightful patio overlooking the pond Bookings taken Parties catered for Families welcome Large beer garden and car park

Telephone: 01295 721166 Main Street, , Nr , OX15 4JE Only 10 mins from Banbury / . Situated on the A361 www.duckonthepond.com

4 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 Branch News Ben Williams – a new face at it over as a community hub. The the Coach & Horses, Banbury group has plans to turn the pub on a big screen, and a into a village bakery, place of Jubilee Garden Party learning, coffee shop, etc, sell- will run alongside the ing locally produced food stuffs other Jubilee events in and making a viable, sustain- Banbury town centre. able concern for Stonesfield. Although not a pub as such it is Butchers Arms, certainly a better use than either a house or a closed pub. This year Ken and The Fox, Souldern his team are doing The ever popular beer festival at something different The Fox will have 20 beers with Coach & Horses, Banbury and will be holding a an Olympic theme to make up Charity Music Festival in con- Ben Williams has recently taken the “Fox Ale’lympics” over the junction with its Summer Beer weekend of 20th–22nd July. over at the Coach & Horses in Festival. They’ll have six guest Butchers Row. He is a proven See http://thefoxatsouldern. ales, three regular Hooky ales, co.uk/Beer_Fest3.asp to keep up landlord having owned his a Hooky seasonal and one cask own pub in Yorkshire where he to date with beers. There will be of the amazing Hooky Diamond live music from 8pm on Friday, achieved AA Rosettes and a Bib Reserve, which at 6% was the Gourmand every year he was then 4pm Saturday and 3pm first beer to sell out at the Sunday, with Morris there. He has sold up and moved Banbury Beer Festival (and will to Banbury looking for a new men from 1pm Saturday. A bar- almost certainly go first here beque will feed the hungry from challenge. too, so get there early and make Open Mon–Sat 11am–11pm 7–9pm Fri and 12–2.30pm & sure you get your taste of one of 7–9pm Sat & Sun. As one of the and 11–4 on Sun, selling Hooky Hooky’s best ever beers). There Gold, Hooky Bitter and Old region’s top festivals this should will also be three draught ciders. be one not to miss! Hooky along with one guest beer So far 13 bands are confirmed which changes after every barrel, (spread over Fri evening, Sat Dog & Gun Banbury though another guest handpump afternoon and evening and Sun Following on from last edition’s is planned for the summer. Food afternoon, spilling into the even- is served from 11am–9pm and news of Graham taking over, ing). Check the website for full we’ve now heard the good news Sun noon–4pm; though they details of bands at www.balscote. may start opening Sunday eve- com/butchersarms. All bands nings if there’s demand. are playing for beer and food The food menu is currently and giving up their time for free, being changed for summer sea- so everyone’s support is sought son but staples like Hooky beer in raising money for ‘Banbury’s battered fish & chips, sausage Smaller Charities’ – and of of the day and mash, flatbread course having a great time! sandwiches and their famous The festival is open from Fri burgers will remain, as well as 15th June 5pm–11pm, Sat 16th chef’s specials of the day. They June noon–11pm and Sun 17th will also be stocking a range of June noon–10pm. Movenpick Ice cream. There is a fantastic outside Black Head, Stonesfield area with cushioned chairs This pub has had a chequered and new glass-topped tables. past and is currently closed and Wimbledon, the Olympics and up for sale, though a local group Graham Harris – new landlord at the Dog & the Euro Football will be shown called SUSTO is looking to take Gun, Banbury Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 Proud to be a member of CAMRA and CASK MARQUE

2012 invites all to An Inn for All Seasons The Saye & Sele Arms Broughton, nr Banbury

A truly warm welcome awaits all who cross the threshold of this delightful Cots- wold inn from proprietors Danny & Liz McGeehan www.sayeandselearms.co.uk mail@ www.sayeandselearms.co.uk Tel: 01295 263348

CHIPPING NORTON, Oxfordshire A Traditional 16th Century Inn situated in Chipping Norton’s historic marketplace Hook Norton award-winning real ales wru Six individually Traditional styled en-suite Old Rosie cider rooms on handpump wru wru Special 2-night Open log fire Friday–Sunday in winter Weekend deals wru (phone for details) Attractive outdoor wru covered & heated Large car park drinking area (off Albion Street) Traditional home-cooked meals (lunchtimes only) – in the bar or separate dining room Bookings taken • Parties catered for • Home-cooked Sunday Roasts, 12–2.30pm Small conference room available for meetings or reception parties – please phone for details Market Square, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5DD • Tel: 01608 642658 Open 10am–11pm Mon–Sat, 12–4pm Sun

6 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 that he’s installed three hand- steak challenge’ with 10 peo- pumps, dispensing Wychwood’s ple pitting themselves against Hobgoblin, Black Sheep Bitter Jacqui’s massive steaks with all and Wells Bombardier. the trimmings. Two were suc- It’s possible the Black Sheep cessful and got their meals half will be swapped for another price – and one even had room beer, probably Greene King IPA. for a free dessert! The beer was in excellent condi- The pub has also gained a tion when visited recently. 5-star hygiene rating from West Oxfordshire Council. Tite Inn, Chadlington Their annual Beer & Music Great news as the Tite Inn is Festival will be held again this expected to open early June year over the August Bank after a refurbishment which has Holiday weekend (Sunday being involved a lick of paint as well music day and the beer festival as new furniture and loos. running Thurs evening till Mon Things were delayed by rot or when the beer runs out!). and woodworm which have On 16th July (8pm) the now been sorted. David & Ann Branch will have its AGM at the Tom & Lianne – mine hosts at The White Horse will be serving three real ales pub where the Pub of the Year at Banbury Cross – to start with, Doom Bar and presentation will also take place. Timothy Taylor’s Landlord as on the 23rd February and have the regular ales and a changing Muddy Duck, transformed it into a great venue guest beer. They will have five This pub is scheduled to reopen for drinkers and diners alike. pumps and hope to add more on 19th May after a major refit. With 10 pumps serving beers as demand allows. Four permanent staff have been Everard’s Tiger, four White Provisional date for a joint employed and are undergoing Horse beers and five changing walk with North Cotswold training. There should be three guest beers from 11–11 Sun– Branch is 10am on 30th June, real ales, bar food in the pub Thurs & 11–12 Fri & Sat. There though please check the website and reasonably priced food in is also a selection of traditional for details. We’ll have more the restaurant. cider and perry. once it’s open, and we wish There is also a Muddy Duck Tom is chef and his rustic David & Ann all the best. statue, complete with feathers home-cooked food, made with and wellies. It will be very dif- quality locally-sourced ingredi- The Fox, Westcote Barton ferent to the old Whitmore ents, is available 11am–3am & A busy time for Tony & Jacqui Arms, and there will be lots of 5–9pm with the Sunday roast a saw them celebrate their first young helpful staff around. speciality. Their cakes are home year at the pub with a beer fes- A part of the old garden cooked by Lianne’s mother; tival with music, winning our has been made into a car park who is also responsible for the Branch Pub of the Year and an and the rest of the garden is mouth-watering desserts. appearance by Tony on local furnished with rustic wooden Red Lion, radio to talk about their award. outdoor furniture. On the patio St. George’s Day saw its ‘32oz is another outdoor covered Locals have welcomed Gary area with a pizza Smith & Laura Mark with open oven. We’ll have a full arms as new tenants to this pre- report next edition. viously GBG listed Enterprise Inn. The pub outlet that was re- White Horse at opened in March having been Banbury Cross closed for several months. Tom & Lianne, previ- It has been restyled within, ously of the Honeypot with a pool table re-introduced in Oxford, now run into what was previously the the White Horse at ‘Family Room’, a new carpet in Banbury Cross (previ- the front bar and the kitchen ously the Buck & Bell has been refitted. More mains in North Bar Street), and vegetarian options should be on the menu in time for the Jacqui in the kitchen at The Fox, summer canal boating season. Westcote Barton getting the Having completed the Hooky 32oz steaks ready Cask Ale course, Gary & Laura Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 Lower Heyford Road Caulcott OX25 4ND Tel/fax: 01869 343257

This charming, thatched 16th century freehouse, in a peaceful, rural setting, offers four real ales (over 200 different ales annually) with locally brewed Hook Norton Best Bitter ever present. An interesting and wide ranging menu is available lunchtime and evenings (not Sunday evenings and Mondays), served in the restaurant, bar or garden. Choose from the daily specials board or the speciality sausage menu offering 12 varieties of O’Hagan’s sausages. Small parties catered for; booking recommended No children under 10 years old Voted Pub of the Year 2010 by North Oxfordshire CAMRA www.horseandgroomcaulcott.co.uk Opening times: Mon-Sat: 12–3, 6–11; Sun: 12–3, 7–10.30 Jerome Prigent

8 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 are keen to ensure there should Sam and Craig – giving a new be three beers on handpump lease of life to The Fox, Leafield in top condition. So far Gary has imaginatively selected from revamped pub garden the Enterprise list with Brains have made this a very Milkwood – a nut brown bitter popular pub with at 4.3% and Byatt’s (Coventry) business being very strong golden ale Regal Blond good since it opened. (5.2%) being in excellent condi- An inviting family- tion on the last two visits. On (and dog-) friendly this showing, it should not be atmosphere with good too long before we see the Red quality home-cooked Lion regaining its GBG status. food seven days a Gary & Laura have experience week is what the cou- in both running pubs as well as ple have achieved in the retail trade locally. a very short space of Shortly after opening they time. With the pub published their music line-up repainted inside and for the Cropredy Festival. Thurs out and the décor 9th August – The Dylan Band, being added to with Steamroller & Krissy Matthews. bits of rural nostal- Fri 10th – Vagabond, Oscillators gia piece by piece. Beams are Rainy and the Dust, Toy Hearts, & Spank the Monkey Sat 11th – festooned with hop bines and Roving Crows and Dave Onions; Big Baloosh, Aaron Keylock & nearly every interior surface Sat 11th Spank the Monkey, Stone Cold Marly. has old farm tools or enamelled Cohen Bros and the local leg- Their new telephone number advertising signs. endary Leatherat. They wind is 01295 758680 and website is Outside, removing excess down on Sun with two acts – www.theredlioncropredy.co.uk. shrubbery has opened up the Cole Stacey and Red Shoes. We wish them well in their new view over the village green to For those who can’t wait venture. the Vale of White Horse, while until August they’re holding new tables, landscaping and ‘African linx at Cropredy’ on Bell Inn, Lower Heyford hanging baskets share space Sat, 23rd June when numerous Congratulations to landlady Lyn with with a seed drill, mangle acts, many with African roots for achieving a Gold Award for and horsecart. Food is served connections, will perform in a her cellar in March. Mon–Sat 12–3 and 6–9 with fundraising event for Kartong The weekend of 31st August Sun roasts featuring two meats Village Festival in the Gambia. to 2nd September sees the pub’s available from 12–3 (booking is There will be delicious food and annual beer festival which fea- strongly recommended on Sun). craft stalls, tea & coffee in sup- tures 10 real ales and ciders and port of the music in the garden Brasenose Arms, which starts at noon. Camping perry. On Saturday the excellent Cropredy Darwin’s Wish will be playing is available Fri–Sun. All this their brand of soul, funk rock This popular pub has built up a music can be washed down classics and on Sunday Clare good reputation in Banburyshire with pints of their regular ales Free, a rock and blues soloist, and beyond as a roots & blues – Hooky, Adnam’s Broadside or will keep the crowds enter- music venue with their free Shepheard Neame Spitfire. tained. A barbeque will feed the admission Saturday evening per- Bell Inn, masses from 2–5 Sat & Sun. formances, starting at 9.30pm. The Fox, Leafield Email [email protected] Frank & Freya Adams are hand- for upcoming details. ing over this Hooky tenancy on With the excellent Halfpenny The pub has released its line- June 12th (so their last night Brewery of Lechlade, taking on up for the Cropredy Festival will be the 11th!) and they are the lease in March with Craig beginning on Wed, 8th Aug leaving with mixed emotions for Morse & Samantha Norman as with Sam Kelly’s Station House. another chapter of their lives in licensees, it is great news for Thurs 9th sees music on the Perth, Western . Leafield as well as the Branch. stage in the garden at noon They will be sorely missed Open 12–12 Mon–Sun, with the Chris Jagger Acoustic in Great Bourton as they have they serve six beers from the Trio followed by Connie Lush transformed this outlet into the Halfpenny, Old Forge and & Blues Shouter, Ricky Cool centre of village life. Working Faringdon breweries. A new and the Hoola Boola Boys, and enthusiastically right to the end décor with quality food and a Keith Christmas; Fri 10th has with a busy Jubilee weekend Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 The Bell Inn at Great Bourton • An unspoilt traditional Village Pub • Up to four Hook Norton cask conditioned ales • Traditional fresh home-made food • Traditional pub games – darts, dominoes, cribbage, Aunt Sally, shove halfpenny • Open log fire • Walker and dog friendly • Quiz nights Manor Road, Great Bourton • Regular event nights (eg, St George’s Day, nr Banbury, Oxon OX17 1QP see website for details) Tel: 01295 750504 • Traditional Sunday lunch cooked to order • Small to medium size parties catered for www.bourtons.net • Terraced garden Email: [email protected] Open: Mon-Thurs 12-2.30 & 6-11pm; Fri & Sat 12-3 & 6-12 pm; Sun 12-3 & 7-11pm. Closed: Tues lunchtime. Food served 12-2 & 6.30-8.30 all week. Restaurant closed Sunday night.

10 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 planned, Frank also reports Jo Longden tapping a that their final beer festival cask at the Penny Black, across the Easter weekend was their most successful yet with a packed Friday evening being date was set three followed by a steady stream days before the of patrons for the rest of the busiest day in The weekend. St Austell Trelawny Bell ’s year – the (3.8%) was voted Beer of the Adderbury Day of Festival for those who could Dance. Under the tear themselves away from their experienced guid- regular Hooky tipple and it was ance of Kevin Behan, the first to run out, closely fol- they and their staff lowed by their nephew’s Brecon coped admirably Brewing’s Diamond Beacons well with the huge (4.3%) and Wharfebank’s numbers driven Slingers Gold (3.9%). We wish under cover by the inclement the best value pub in Bicester them well ‘down under’ – they weather and takings were well saying: “Value for money isn’t will be a hard act to follow! up on the previous year. simply low prices. Cheap will Since then they have intro- always be cheap! Value for Chandlers Arms, duced not only a snack menu money is quality products and The Chandlers is now open but an Asian tapas style menu, service provided at an unbeat- again with new landlords John both very reasonably priced. A able price”. & Fiona. They always have three recent wine tasting evening was Having been responsible for Hooky ales on with Bitter and exceptionally well attended. the cellar at the Rupert Brooke, Old Hooky as regulars with a Real ale aficionados are not she knows her stuff when it seasonal guest. They are open forgotten however, as Hugo is comes to real ales so why not Tues–Thurs 12–2.30 & 5.30–11; introducing a loyalty scheme pop in and see for yourself! Fri & Sat 12–11 and Sun 12–11. which will reduce the price of Mill Arts Centre, Banbury Home-made food served at all a pint of Hooky by 26p in his sessions ‘drink 11 pints and get the 12th Not given the credit she and her free’ scheme. We look forward staff deserve is bar manager and Bell Inn, Adderbury to a period of stability and reju- keen CAMRA supporter Hilary We welcome new tenants Hugo venation of this former POTY Gasper, who proudly supported & Noi to this popular local out- winner under their enterprising the CAMRA mild campaign let and our photo shows them tenancy. with several milds available dur- standing proudly behind the Penny Black, Bicester ing May. new Hooky pump clips on the The more unusual Wilfred’s day that they were launched. Jo Longden recently took over Mild (3.6%) from Loddon brew- Hugo & Noi had a real ‘bap- at the Penny Black, Bicester’s ery with its provenance of 10p tism of fire’ as the exchange Wetherspoon outlet, in Sheep per pint sold going to All Street and she Church, Dunsden in South plans to make it Oxon in which parish the brew- much more com- ery resides, was an instant hit munity focused. and quickly sold out. The beer She previously is named after Wilfred Owen worked in the the First World War poet who Rupert Brooke, a was lay preacher at All Saints Wetherspoon pub before enrolling. With three in Rugby, where cask conditioned ales available she worked her most of the time we should all way up through support this venue. the ranks and grades. Jo has Royal Oak, Burford plans to make it This character pub has recently had a significant investment to refurbish and extend avail- Noi & Hugo – new able space in the bar and eating faces at the Bell Inn, areas. Adderbury The Royal Oak has existed in Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 12 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 or around its current location Nicola and Nick on their in Witney Street, Burford since award-winning patio at the 1700s. Current landlords The Roebuck, Drayton Fiachra & Jacky have in just over a year achieved what many in the evening) and a pubs strive for – to appeal to barbecue on Sunday both visitors and locals in equal in the George’s lovely measure, in perfect harmony. garden with beauti- The pub offers a great balance ful views across the between freshly prepared home Swere valley. cooking, a busy bar trade enjoy- Pasties will be ing a well kept variety of ales and available all weekend wines, traditional pub games to soak up the great including darts, bar billiards and beer. If it’s anything Aunt Sally and occasional live like previous events, music tailored to be sympathetic this will be the one to both diners and drinkers. of the beer festivals Three Wadworth ales are to be at this summer. served on a permanent basis The Roebuck, Drayton raising. Last year they raised with 6X and Henry’s IPA ever over £7,000 for the Brodey present, and a brewery guest ale Our photo shows proud recipi- Centre at the Horton Hospital when available. Popular dishes ents, Nick and daughter Nicola and this year the current from the kitchen are home- in the sunshine on their popu- amount raised for the chosen made pies, house burgers, the lar front of house patio which charity, Macmillan Nurses, is mixed grill and the daily specials was awarded ‘The Best Kept over £5,000 with a large pro- board. On Sundays (when it’s Exterior’ in the recent Hooky portion of this as a result of advisable to book) a selection of awards. This is worthy recogni- a recent 12-mile charity bike roast joints are very popular. tion for sterling service over ride undertaken by 28 regulars. Live music sees the usual the years during which Nick Other planned events crooner with an electric guitar has seen elder daughter, Ali and like mixed darts and quiz avoided in favour of Bluegrass son in law, Renee, receive many evenings across the summer and acoustic bands travelling plaudits at the Great Western months will further contribute from as far afield as Norfolk. Arms, Wharf. to this. As might be expected from a Nick & Nicola recently hosted true country pub, children and a popular wine tasting evening Branch Diary dogs are welcome, and there are of Portugese and Spanish wines two en-suite letting rooms (well entitled ‘Life beyond Rioja and All meetings start 8pm, other events Mateus Rose’ which chef patron start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn appointed with a king size dou- Baldwin (07790) 118341 or Chris Darke, ble and a double/twin available, Nick brilliantly complemented Branch Contact. For meeting info both with Freeview television) with a buffet of tapas dishes. contact Lynne Baldwin with an excellent breakfast after Their next extravaganza is a JUNE a good night’s sleep. live music evening on Saturday, Sat 9th: Trip to Woodstock, 21st July with the popular ‘Rock details tbc George Inn, Sober’. Barford St Michael Mon 25th: BBF ‘wash-up’ meet- Hare & Hounds, ing, The Bell, Banbury With the Collective Spirit boat Lower Sat 30th: Joint walk with North project coming to Barford St Cotswold Branch, Tite Inn, Michael (see page 15) on 30th In these days of gastro pubs and Chadlington July Martin is holding a boat Michelin stars it is re-assuring JULY that the judges of the Hooky project beer festival over the : awards still recognise good hon- Mon 16th Annual General weekend of the 27th–30th July. , The Fox, Westcote est pub food when they taste it Meeting All 10 beers will come from the Barton. Also Presentation to as Carol was highly commended ports the boat is visiting, as well Tony & Jacqui of Pub Of The recently for her matching of as Milton Keynes, or the beers Year award steak & kidney pie with Hooky will have a nautical theme. : Branch Social (plus Bitter. It comes as no surprise to Mon 30th The pub is open 7pm Fri and Boat Project Beer Festival), her local clientele as her home 12–11 Sat & Sun with a fam- George Inn, Barford St. Michael cooking is legendary. ily fun day on Saturday (with a Check Branch website for bouncy castle for the kids, a beef This community-orientated late events & changes and lamb roast then live music pub is famed for charity fund Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 Pub & Restaurant The Fox & Hounds Ardley, Oxfordshire A good old traditional family run pub with two open fires and a warm and friendly welcome from the staff

Opening times: 12pm to 3pm & 5pm to 10:30pm (Monday to Thursday); 12pm to 11pm (Friday and Saturday); Our food is home cooked and we serve good portions 12pm to 10pm (Sunday). Closed and are always happy to accommodate any special October to March Sunday evenings requirements. Food Served: 12pm to 3pm & 5pm We offer a range of drinks and have recently changed so to 9pm that our traditional cask ales are rotated weekly. Directions: Come off at junction 10 of the M40 and take a left following the We now have a function room that can cater for parties signs to (B430), we and weddings, etc. Please get in contact with us to discuss are less than a mile away on the left. your requirements. Proprietor: Clive Shellard

14 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 The George Helps The Boat Project Some time ago a call went out is the only inland stop, for one Literally thousands of pieces of for wood. Not any old wood, but night only this will be your wood were donated to create wood with a story that could be chance to see a little bit of his- a boat unlike any other, a boat used to create a boat. Not any tory. The George is the only pub as a sign of life. Make sure you old boat, but a public resource which is hosting the boat for its are there on the 30th July to see that could be enjoyed by as many stopover in Oxfordshire so it is Collective Spirit and perhaps people as possible for sailing celebrating with a beer festival even touch history; someone and arts activities. The George and other entertainment. The else’s history made into a boat. at Barford St Michael responded beer festival starts on with a collection of wood from Friday 7pm and runs until the locals and customers of the Monday night or the beer pub, which included a piece of runs out. Collective Spirit HMS Victory, an Aunt Sally doll, was built in a boatshed in a toboggan, a piece of the Mary Emsworth, Hampshire, by Rose and a stick from Dylan the a team of boat builders, dog! overseen by two artists. The boat is now complete With funding by the Arts and has been named Collective Council it is part of the Spirit and is touring the south 2012 Festival. of . Apart from a stay at Milton Keynes from 20th to One of the artists works on the 29th July the stop at Barford Collective Spirit boat Sherlock Holmes Having A Beer With Lewis in Banbury is a splendid place to Sherlock: Most amusing, Lewis … meet, my dear fellow, and one is your mind steadfastly fixed on engulfed with a sense of history. that building in Oxford that you and Hathaway are always walking Lewis: Just what the Time Team thought. The place is round! He means the Campaign for riddled with mystery … as Real Ale!” well as history. I also detected Lewis: Oh yes, dear old Morse that Rory McGrath quaffed was always on about that. Sherlock: “I think you make us a Lewis: Good grief, Sherlock, a mighty amount of beer in this bar. good offer, landlord, as I detect whenever I look at you these that it is a popular brew with your days you’ve changed your Sherlock: Well, what greater clue to the quality of the beer could regulars and that a fresh barrel has appearance!” One minute I’m just been tapped.” still seeing Jeremy Brett, then we ask for. Now Mr Hayes, mine it’s Robert Downey Jnr, … and host, what delights have you Lewis: “How on earth do you then it’s you with that rather on offer from the Hook Norton know that, Sherlock? Or are you youthful Dr Watson! Brewery today? just guessing?” Sherlock: Well, Bobbie, I can’t really Ben Hayes: Well, gentlemen, Sherlock: “I spotted several empty say the same for you, except you I tried to get a barrel of barrels labelled ‘Hooky Dark’ in the used to drink beer with Morse, Baskerville Bitter from the yard as we entered the pub, and but now it’s with your new friend, Two Towers Brewery in the jug for drawing off a fresh bar- Hathaway … and you still spend Birmingham, but to no avail rel stands just under the Mild tap. half your time wandering around at such short notice. However, The word guess does not form part the ancient bits of Oxford! as it’s Maytime, you could of my vocabulary, my dear Lewis.” Lewis: Well, at least there’s have a delightful pint of the Lewis: “Oh well, … elementary some consistency in my Hook Norton Hooky Dark, a as you might say. I rely on chestnut brown mild. Hathaway for any heavy detec- life. All I do is age! Both Dr Lewis Watson and yourself seem : Well, let’s start with two tion, as you may know.” to morph from one form to pints of that please. Tell me, Sherlock: “Never mind such trivial another. I can hardly keep up. what is the significance of matters. Drain your glass, man, and Sherlock: Let us at least agree May, my friend? let’s have two more pints of that that we both hold a great deal of Ben: Well sirs, May is designat- mild please landlord, and quick popularity and that is a fine rea- ed ‘Mild Month’ by CAMRA. about it.” son to raise a glass! Now, I think Lewis: Not The Radcliffe Next issue: look out for ‘Douglas Bader you will agree, Ye Olde Reindeer Camera, by any chance? having a beer with Von Richtofen’.

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 The at Westcote Barton Tel: 01869 340338Fox ­­­­­Inn www.the-fox.co.uk

NORTH OXFORDSHIRE CAMRA BRANCH PUB OF THE YEAR 2012

MEAL DEALS Tuesday (Lunch & Evening) Friday (Lunch & Evening) TWO FOR ONE TAKEAWAY Pork loin, mustard mash & peas £10.00 Fresh Beer Battered Cod & Chips Half chicken & chips in the basket £10.00 £6.00 Rump steak, chips and all the trimmings £15.00 Two Sausages & Chips £4.00 Pukka Pie & Chips £4.00 Wednesday (Lunchtime) Chicken & Mushroom Curry, rice/ OVER 60s LUNCHTIME TREAT chips £5.50 Classic Homemade Specials – Main course and dessert £6.00 Gourmet Burger £3.50

Thursday (Lunch & Evening) Sunday PIZZA & PINT TRADITIONAL ROAST Any Homemade Pizza and any pint £8.00 Choice of meats with fresh Duck Pizza £10.00 local veg £8.50

n Up to Five Real Ales n Homemade Food served every day n Sunday Roast 12.00–3.00pm n Regular Live Music n Quiz Nights Wednesday n Large Suntrap Garden

16 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 News Hook Norton has had a major Old Hooky hence it uses more rebranding of the business or less the same recipe but is fer- which included their logos, mented for a full week making it some stunning new pump clips the strongest beer Hook Norton along with some of their beers have brewed in over 100 years. getting a revamp; such as Hooky Old Hooky was originally Old Dark (rebranded as Mild at Bill after Bill Clarke and brewed 2.8%), Hooky Bitter (now called for the Silver Jubilee in 1977. Hooky at 3.5%) and Cotswold Diamond Reserve was the first Lion. The new website is now beer to sell out at the Banbury live – check it out at www. Beer Festival this year: not sur- hooknortonbrewery.co.uk prising as it is a stunning beer. A beer has been created for Cotswold Lion was the sea- the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee sonal beer for April & May, but called Diamond Reserve 6%, it it will replace Gold later in the May 19th was the brewery’s is also to celebrate 35 years of year after the Olympics and open day. This gave the public will be brewed all year. It was a chance to see the rebranding. previously a single hop beer but WW2 vehicles, demonstrations is now described as “brewed of knights in armour fighting with a blend of four malts – fin- and music by Pete Watkins were est Maris Otter, together with laid on at the visitor centre. a carefully selected blend of Work has started on the origi- caramalt, giving a fresh clean nal maltings which is part of the and slightly sweet mouthfeel. visitor centre. The roof is being To accompany the four malts, repaired, then part of it that is four varieties of hops are used used for storage will become a – Fuggles, Goldings, Bramling function room with kitchen. Cross and Cascade, all grown in Ye Olde Reindeere, Banbury England. This carefully selected was on Pub Dig on 24th April blend gives a gentle bitterness, and James Clarke appeared with and a complex fruity nose – a beer that was made for the hints of citrus, balanced with a program called ‘Cocked Ale’ as gentle aroma of dark fruit” it reportedly had a cockerel in it! Don’t Miss The Great British Beer Festival 2012 The Great British Beer website at www.gbbf. CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, Festival (GBBF) is org.uk/tickets. With St Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW. back at Olympia from such demand expected Competition question: August 7th–11th, at the doors for tickets Which brewery’s beer was 2012 and CAMRA on the day, pre-ordering crowned Supreme Champion is calling on all beer is a great way of ensur- Beer of Britain at the Great drinkers to put the ing you do not miss out British Beer Festival last year? dates in their diaries! on the Festival fun! Was it Crouch Vale, Mighty Oak There will be 800+ While the British real or Fuller’s? Winners of the tick- real ales, ciders, perries and ale, cider, perry and foreign beer ets will be notified by Friday, foreign beers from around lists are busily being finalised July 13th, 2012. the world, with something to before the Festival opens on suit every drinker’s taste! To Tues August 7th, CAMRA is Festival details accompany this heady range, the giving away 25 pairs of tickets. Venue: Olympia, Hammersmith Festival offers a great choice of To be in with a shout of winning Road, London, W14 8UX food from traditional cuisine to a pair of tickets, please answer Opening Times: classic pub snacks, unforgettable the question below correctly Tues August 7th: 5–10:30pm live music, and a wide variety of and submit your answer, name Wed August 8th to Fri August traditional pub games. and address to jon.howard@ 10th: noon–10:30pm Tickets are now available and camra.org.uk by Friday July 6th Sat August 11th: 11am–7pm can be pre-ordered for a dis- 2012. Entries can also be posted For further information on the counted price from the GBBF to Jon Howard, GBBF Comp, Festival, visit www.gbbf.org.uk Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 Goddards Lane, Chipping Norton OX7 5NP 01608 644717 • www.chequers-pub.com

Regular quiz night, live music and other happenings

6 Top quality ales Fine wine Delicious food

Our restaurant and barn can be booked for meetings and parties

A Traditional English pub next door to the theatre

Great Tew Oxfordshire

Email: [email protected] Tel. 01608 683653 Food is served daily in the bar 12–2.30pm utu Dog friendly utu The restaurant is open in the evenings Situated in the village of Great The Falkland6.30–9 pm ArmsTew, The Falkland Arms is the quin­tessential 16th century Eng- utu lish country pub. Featuring up to Open all day seven real ales, traditional cider, utu country wines, and a large selec- tion of whiskies served in a friendly Accommodation atmosphere, it also has a beer garden available overlooking the Great Tew estate. Website: www.falklandarms.co.uk

18 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 a warming fire inside The Fox Local Beer Festival Round-up and plenty of hay to soak up the The beer festival set-up wetness from a previous night’s at The Fox, Westcote rain helped keep everyone com- Barton fortable. On Sunday afternoon, dogs happily accompanied their was the No. 9 owners in the pub garden and that got the vote. beyond and festival-goers were Lets hope this even buzzed by a microlight anniversary beer aircraft. festival becomes Alan Watkins described the an annual event results as “brilliant”. The Fox was for many years continuously busy, with land- to come. If you lords Craig & Sam inside and can’t wait for plenty of helpers in the marquee. next year’s, then There were many out of town The Fox, Westcote Barton we can all look visitors as well as locals, and The 1st Anniversary Festival forward to the August Bank Fox seems to have turned into a Holiday for their Beer and Music destination for cyclists as well. To celebrate Tony & Jacqui’s first Festival which will be worth the year at the helm of this excellent wait! Local Beer local pub they decided to hold Fox, Leafield Beer Festival Festival DIARY a beer festival with music from Fri 9th to Sun 11th March which The recently reopened Fox in JUNE only had nine real ales, after one Leafield held a 4-day beer fes- 8–9: Stratford Beer & Cider Festival didn’t make it! A stillage contrap- tival over May Bank Holiday 60 ales and cider. Food available 9: Chadlington Beer Festival 21 ales tion built in the bar held four Weekend. Festival organiser Alan and cider. Food and live music casks and five others were on Watkins, who leases the Fox, 9: Candleford Beer Festival handpull at the bar, including the organised the festival at short . Noon–11, 30 ales, 9 regular Hooky Bitter. The festival notice, but still managed to put ciders & perrys, live music, food also celebrated Tony’s first order together a comprehensive event JULY of his access to the SIBA list. with something for everyone. 7: Red Lion, The event, which also had There was music new and old, Charity Beer Festival. See www. loud and not so loud, 21 real redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk live music, was Jacqui & Tony’s 13–15: Horse & Groom Bastille way of saying thank you to their ales and eight ciders, barbeque Day Beer & Cider Festival. www. locals for all their support in sausages and burgers, plus a horseandgroomcaulcott.co.uk their first year. pig roast. Nine of the ales were 14: Charlbury Beer Festival, I managed to try every beer microbrews from two of Mr. Charlbury CC (opp. train station). over the three days and all were Watkins’ other pubs in Lechlade http://charlburybeerfestival.org/ in perfect condition, so it was and Coleshill. All were presented 19–21: Fox, Souldern. 20 real ales & cider. http://thefoxatsouldern. very hard to pick a favourite, in a marquee on the green next co.uk/ but in the end it was between to a beer wagon emblazoned 21: Hook Norton Beer Festival. the Hook Norton First Light with ‘The Old Forge Brewery’ www.hookybeerfest.co.uk/ and XT Brewery 9 – but with its logo from Coleshill. 21: Beer Festival, rich velvety luxurious smooth- A bouncy castle and face Rugby Club, Maids Moreton, ness and amazing flavours it painting entertained the kids, noon–11pm (no entry after 9pm). 30 beers, 7 ciders & perries. 27–30: George, Barford St Michael Boat Project Beer Festival. 10 ales and cider. Family fun day Sat, pic- nic Sun. Boat project Mon. Live music, bbq and pasties. AUGUST 7–11: CAMRA Great British Beer Festival, London Olympia. 500+ real ales. http://gbbf.org.uk/ 23–27: Fox Inn, Westcote Barton Beer and Music Festival 25–27: Trigger Pond BBQ and Beer Festival 31–2 Sep: Bell, Lower Heyford. 11 It’s great to see the green busy with beer drinkers again outside the newly-reopened Fox, Leafield real ales and cider & perry

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 Banbury’s Newest The White Horse at Banbury Cross Cask Ale Pub Up to 10 Real Ales

Home Cooked Food with local produce

50–52 North Bar Street, Banbury OX16 0TS

Tel: (0871) 951-1000

20 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 , overworton & ledwell circular By Keith Rigley

Beer on Tap Pub Walks Pretty and varied walk in peaceful countryside in the Ironstone uplands Distance: 5.5 miles any gaps in the hedge until you parkland and follow this road Allow: Approx 2.5 hours reach two trees. Go through gap past Worton House. On reaching Map: Explorer 191 in hedge between two large trees the war memorial you can turn and go diagonally left to follow a left to take a waymarked path Parking: Limited parking at rear well-marked path, heading down to continue the walk or take a of the White Horse, Duns Tew to a fold in the valley ahead. pleasant detour to visit the lovely (ring first) or park in village. At a waymarked post, keep on Holy Trinity Church (which is This is a gentle stroll in a very in the same direction to find a of medieval origin but almost rural area with little noise of the stile in the hedge ahead, cross entirely rebuilt in Early English modern world, good views, lots of stile and walk straight on, keep- style in 1844). variety and sleepy hamlets. ing the hedge ahead on your left. To continue the walk, take the With your back to the pub, turn Go through a gate in the top gate by the war memorial and left and walk along the road then left corner of the field, cross a aim diagonally right for a gap take the left fork where the road track, go through another gate in the hedge ahead. After walk- splits. After about 200m (just then walk ahead, keeping the ing through gap, head up the past trees), take a waymarked line of trees on your right. Soon slope aiming for a gate just to stile on the right, cross the pad- after passing a large house with the left of the houses ahead. Go dock diagonally left, then take formal gardens on your right go through the gate, cross a track another stile and carry on in the diagonally right at end of hedge, then go straight on, keeping the same direction. aiming for a gate down the hill. hedge ahead on your left and a After crossing a third stile, go Go through gate to enter an small plantation of trees on your slightly diagonally right aiming avenue of trees, turn left then right. At the end of the hedge, for a large tree and hedgerow on walk along to reach a road. Don’t go through a large gate on your the far side of the field. When take the track ahead, turn right right to reach a road and turn you reach the hedgerow turn left for a few metres then turn left right to walk along the road. and follow its course, keeping up a track signed as a cul-de- After approx 100m, take a the hedge to your right, ignoring sac where you soon enter estate waymarked path on the left and

To B4031 & Over Barford Worton To B4031 & St Michael House with Hempton formal garden Common Barn Farm Worton House Farm buildings Duns Tew To Great Tew To A4260

Ledwell

Cockley Br START ook To A4260 To Sandford Worton St Martin Wood To Middle Barton Farm & Farmhouse Farm Shop

To Middle Barton

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 walk slightly diagonally right aiming for the right corner of wooden bench where you can sit down the hill to find a gate at the wood ahead. Go around the to take in the fine views. the far side of the field. Take the corner of the wood then walk Walk straight on, keeping the gate, cross a bridge then go diag- along keeping the wood on your hedge to your right where soon a onally right, aiming for a metal left to eventually reach a road, track goes between a hedge and gate in the hedge up the slope. then turn right. ranch fence as you near Duns After going through the gate, Follow the road past a farm Tew. When you reach the first keep ahead uphill on a course and farm shop (it sells local pro- buildings of the village, take a parallel with the telegraph poles duce) then soon take a bridleway left fork and follow a path to the in the field ahead. on the left and walk along track end, go through a gate and turn At the far side of the field, take keeping line of trees and hedge right to walk up a tarmac lane a gate in the top right corner to your left. Stay on this bridle- where the White Horse is found then turn left, through another way for around a mile – it’s very on the right. gate on a bridleway. After two peaceful with good views over Pubs on the walk more gates, go diagonally right the Dorn Valley on your right White Horse, Duns Tew. Contact pub to follow a well-marked path – until you drop down to cross for opening times and availability which goes round to the left Cockley Brook over a wooden of food. Tel: (01869) 340272. Email: where you keep the hedge on bridge then walk uphill through [email protected]. The your right. At the far corner of a small copse, keeping a hedge pub has a pleasant suntrap patio the field, go diagonally right, on your right to find a rickety area at the rear. GBG: Never Leave Home Without It! One of my rules in life is to long note listened to in near make sure that the Good Beer silence by the punters. Guide is in the car whenever A visit to Margate to see the we go travelling. After all, one new Turner Contemporary can be taken thirsty at the most Gallery led us to another gem unexpected times, and the need listed in the GBG. The Lifeboat for a decent pub and some Ale & Cider House is located decent beer demands informa- just off the promenade, a few tion and guidance. minutes from the Gallery, in Such was the case recently Market Street, and has its own when my wife and I last ven- unique style in the care of licen- tured south east to deepest see and great character, Julian Sussex and Kent. Having vis- Newick. This is a wonderful ited an ancient relative in a find in the rather bleak real ale care home, we set off towards scene of Margate. Wooden stil- Tunbridge Wells. We passed the laging divides the pub and there famous ‘High Rocks’ and headed is a changing selection of six up to a superb pub, The Beacon real ales, mainly from Kent, and at Rusthall. This huge and The Lifeboat Ale & Cider House, Margate as many real ciders. The food classy pub is perched high up is also rather special, with the with panoramic views towards in St Dunstans Street, which has menu varying each day. Julian Tunbridge Wells and the sur- been in the Guide for a good has won several local awards rounding area. It is a wonderful many years. A fine selection of in 2011, including Thanet Pub old pub with lavishly decorated beers was available including Oscars Ale Pub of the Year, hav- rooms for drinking and eating. some from Shepherd Neame ing only been open since 2010. I drank some delicious local ale and Ringwood. The delight of Web: thelifeboat-margate.com. from Larkins Brewery and we the evening was the local young Taking a trip? Remember to sat in great comfort to eat lunch pianist, Luke Smith, a man of put the Good Beer Guide in the from their excellent menu of enormous talent, who played car … you won’t regret it! Kent sourced ingredients. One whatever you requested, attack- Geoff Clifford to return to, possibly for one ing the keyboard with vigour of their beer festivals, or just to and skill. He told us that he Tweet Us! enjoy the huge garden in sum- doesn’t read music, but plays mer. entirely by ear! His version of You can tweet or follow North In Canterbury we sought out a ‘A Day in the Life’ was truly Oxfordshire CAMRA at favourite of mine, The Unicorn astounding, ending with the @NorthOxonCAMRA. 22 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub Email: [email protected] Market Street Charlbury Oxon OX7 3PL Tel: 01608 810103 OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am Sat: 11am–1am • Up to seven quality real ales, two FORTHCOMING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS traditional ciders and a traditional perry See www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub as there are sometimes gigs at short notice • Hoegaarden Belgian White Beer, Leffe Blonde plus the rare Bavarian Schlenkerla Sat 16 June Krissy Matthews krissymatthews.com Smoked Beer on draught Sat 30 June BabbaJack • Good selection of English fruit wines http://babajack.com Sat 14th July Turpin-Hubbard Duo • Pleasant courtyard drinking area www.rogerhubbard.co.uk/ & • We serve on average 40 different guest www.louisturpin.com/music/index.html Sat 28 July Claude Bourbon beers per month, produced mostly by www.claudebourbon.org microbreweries from all four Sat 11 August corners of the UK Tommy Allen & Johnny Hewitt http://www.myspace.com/ tommyallenjohnyhewitt North Oxon CAMRA Pub of the Year 2002, 2003, 2006 & 2009

Celebrating 26 continuous years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide

The Rock Canal-side garden and moorings 15 minutes from Jct 9 M40 (A34), of 300 yards from B4027/4095 jct Gibraltar Historic pub 1880 Bridge Faith & Stamatis welcome you OX5 3AY Open from 11.00am all day (except Tel: 01869 331373 Tuesday, from 4.00pm) Lunchtime bar food 12.00–3.00pm Evening à la carte restaurant 6.30–9.00pm (closed Tuesday) Sunday – home-cooked Sunday roast 12.00–3.00pm A selection of real ales

Open fireplace Small private functions Business lunches

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 THE BELL ADDERBURY High Street, Adderbury • Unspoilt traditional village pub, in one Oxon OX17 3LS of Oxfordshire’s prettiest villages • A good range of award winning, well 01295 810338 kept, cask ales www.thebelladderbury.com • ‘Proper’ home made pub food Email: [email protected] • Secluded, walled, garden • Two letting rooms at reasonable rates Under the new • Walkers and dogs welcome management of • Regular music nights David & Lynne • Quiz every Sunday night

Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 12–2:30 & 5–11 Friday–Saturday 12–2:30 & 5–Late Sunday 12–3 & 7–11

Church St, Stratton The Red Lion Audley, Bicester, PUB & RESTAURANT OX27 9AG Stratton Audley, Oxfordshire Tel: 01869 www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk 277225 A warm and inviting thatched country pub and restaurant. The open log fires and traditional pub fayre create a homely atmosphere for casual or formal dining in the main dining area or in one of two private rooms seating up to 16 or 45 (more if buffet style). We have an enclosed traditional courtyard garden with facilities for barbeques in the summer and dining outdoors which can be booked for private functions with the use of a marquee. Most of our food is locally produced and everything on our menu is cooked freshly to order so we are able to accommodate any special requests for variations. Our Specials board is updated on a daily basis. Our range of drinks includes traditional cask ales – Ruddles, Deuchars and Spitfire – along with other beers and a wide range of wines (see our wine list online for more details). The Red Lion has regular Live Entertainment events – check the special events section of our website for further details. Opening times: 12 noon until late every day. Food times: Noon–2.30pm and 6.00pm–9pm Mon–Sat, Noon–4pm Sunday. Proprietor: Frank O’Neill

24 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 White Horse Opens Its Doors In Banbury White Horse Brewery’s Andy Wilson (left) and Steve Gould from Everards Brewery explain principles of ‘Project William’ more pumps with other micro-brewers beers. I plumped for an excellent Tilting Charlie from the West Berks Brewery, a beautifully bal- Pub tenants Lianne and Tom with the Mayor of anced beer from Banbury at the opening night another top brew- ery. Having checked Then Andy Wilson from One of the few perks in being out the interior and taken plenty White Horse made a short Editor of this august tome is that of photos we headed for the speech thanking Everards and I am occasionally invited to a bit patio which although not mas- their ‘Project William’ for the of a do. On 23rd February I actu- sive is perfect for those long hot financial help to get the White ally got to attend one! Andy from summer days (if we get a sum- Horse at Banbury Cross up White Horse Brewery kindly mer this year!). and running. He then intro- invited six Branch members to It was now starting to fill duced Steve Gould of Everards the opening of their new flag- with the great and the good of who gave some background to ship pub in North Bar Street, the local area and the brewing Project William, which is named Banbury. Invitation was by ticket trade, so it was back to the bar! after the founder of Everards, only and on surrendering the A Titanic Chocolate and Vanilla William Everard who started the ticket we were given three tokens Stout was my next choice an brewery in 1849. to pay for our first drinks. excellent black beer with plenty Then it was back to the min- First impression on entering of chocolate and a lovely vanilla gling and a final drink of the was “wow!” with two distinct bar flavour. Mingling, we had the night a top beer from White areas, classy décor, partitioned chance to meet the new land- Horse, their Black Horse Porter areas and a patio. Five handpulls lords, Tom & Liannne, as well a great way to finish off a really faced us as we entered with as the head brewer to ask lots good night. Many thanks to four White Horse beers and of questions and try to organize Andy for inviting the local Everards Tiger available here, some beer for the Banbury Beer CAMRA Branch and for laying round the other side were five Festival. on such a great do. Though the biggest thanks to White Horse May Day saw the must be for rescuing one of Grand Union Morris Banbury’s closed pubs and turn- side calling in on ing it into such a great venue. The White Horse at Banbury Cross to entertained passers by with some of their dances. Our photograph shows pub tenants Tom Rush & Lianne Sammons with the group after the dancing. The lovely Lianne looks a little shell shocked as she had just featured in the mid- We wish Tom & Lianne all dle of the set in a dance called the best in continuing their ‘The Valentine’ which involved great start in the locality, a lot of kissing and culminated particularly as they approach in her being held aloft by the their own personal happiness – dancers! getting married in August. One of the bars at the White Horse

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 Chris & Tracie welcome you to

in the centre of Banbury

• Family run local in the town centre. Cornhill, Banbury, OX16 5NG • Up to 4 real ales. Tel. 01295 279477 • Televised sporting events. www.jts-banbury.co.uk • Original 15’ mural – can you spot Chris & Tracie? • Largest suntrap outside area in Banbury. • Separate upstairs pool room. • Discount scheme for CAMRA members. • Karaoke with PK every Saturday evening.

26 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 Norman Knight Is Shakespeare E-Petition Nears Branch Pub Of the Year 100,000 Mark Oxfordshire Branches. Say no to the The evening coin- beer tax esca- cided with the third lator to make Thursday old car and beer more motorcycle meet, affordable although not many and support vintage vehicles were the Great in attendance due to British pub by signing up poor weather. This to CAMRA’s didn’t dampen the e-petition. evening as the pres- The total number of people Our neighbours just over entation was supported by a fair signing up is now close to our the border in , few locals. target of 100,000. Shakespeare Branch, gave The photo above left shows Earlier in the year the their Pub of the Year award for Tim Young (right) and Jane Government announced its Warwickshire to the Norman Bishop receiving the award intention to continue its dam- Knight at Whichford. This great from Lloyd Evans, Shakespeare aging approach to Britain’s pub – which is just over our Branch chairman. beloved pubs as a further infla- county boundary, north of tion plus 2% increase on beer Hook Norton and Great will bring about yet more price Rollright – is also the home rises at the bar, and further job of the award-winning losses in the sector. Patriot Brewery. Around £1 on every pint A minibus load of goes to the tax man in beer Shakespeare Branch mem- duty and VAT – we urge you bers showed up for the and your beer drinking friends presentation where they to fight back and sign the met up with some members e-petition at www.camra.org. from Oxford and North uk/saveyourpint Top Scores And Scorers Below are the top scores (made by local and national CAMRA members) and scorers for the last quarter. Score Av. Min. Max. Name Count Score Score Score Horse & Groom, Caulcott 1 4.61 4 4.75 Roebuck, Drayton 1 4.5 4.5 4.5 White Lion, Fewcott 1 4.35 4 4.75 Black Prince, Woodstock 1 4.25 4.25 4.25 Rose & Crown, Charlbury 7 4.2 3.5 4.75 Fox Inn, Westcote Barton 4 4.09 3.5 4.4 Highway Inn, Burford 1 4 4 4 Red Lion, 1 4 4 4 Chequers, Churchill 1 4 4 4 George Inn, Barford 2 3.9 3.75 4.05 Name From Count Average Min Max Jim Sargeant NBSS 22 2.97 0 4 Paul Worth Branch 16 3.44 1 4.4 Stephen Lympany Branch 15 3.84 3.3 4.4 Alan Mitchell Branch 14 3.63 2.5 4.75 Brian Wray Branch 12 3.46 3 4 Richard Bloomer Branch 11 3.21 2 4 David Beasley Branch 9 2.11 0 3.8 Peter Jackson NBSS 4 3.5 3 4 Brian Skidmore NBSS 4 2.87 2.5 3 Barrie Williams Branch 4 3.4 3 3.5

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 Scotland End Hook Norton hook norton nr Banbury Tel: 01608 737482 / 07814 262536 Email: [email protected] Oxon OX15 5NU n Thriving historic rural pub – a haven or tranquillity and comfort n Renowned for its friendliness n Open All Day Everyday n Large Welcoming Beer Garden n Food Served Monday 12–3pm, Tuesday 6–9pm, Sundays 12–4pm n Traditional homecooked menu, now serving basket lunches at just £5!! n Serving all four core hook Norton beers alongside seasonal ales n Three bedrooms available; Two family and one double – All Ensuite, dogs welcome! n Entered in Good Beer Guide 2012 n Cask Marque Accredited n Live music, twice monthly during summer months. Quiz night every Sunday starting from 8.30pm. n Showing racing, UEFA Euro football games (and other football games on Freeview TV) and 6 Nations Rugby EVENTS June 23rd and 24th – SALE WEEKEND. Food and Drink with up to 25% off everything!!! July 13th – ONE YEAR ON! A lot has changed in a year, but not our party spirit. Join us for a BBQ and Live Music with Pete Watkins, starting 9.30pm In the same village as the famous Hook Norton Beer Fesitval (held Sat 21st July 2012) and Music At The Crossroads (held 7th July 2012)

28 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 Planting The Seed Of A Cider Making Business The Little Orchard Company produces premium artisan cider and apple juice on the Warks/ Oxon border, just north of Banbury. Jo Dakin and Tony Harrison started the company for loss of traditional orchards our own apples, we also source several years ago after planting in Worcestershire. Tony and fruit from local villages and a 500 tree apple orchard as an I became wrapped up in the other Cotswold orchards. antidote to the stresses of work- romance of having our own Cider-making is autumnal ing in IT. orchard and the rest is history! work; we mill the apples and Jo said: “We wanted to get Since our trees have started to press them using a rack and our hands dirty and do some- produce a small crop, we have cloth press. The juice is then thing physical. At the time, made the natural progression to allowed to slowly cold-ferment I was studying for an MSc. making cider and apple juice. through the winter months to in land management and my Our products are made using produce a crisp, golden cider thesis examined the reasons 100% English apples; as well as the following spring. It is stored for a further couple of months in old oak whisky barrels and is North Oxon Pubs Update ready to drink in April/May. In 2011, we had a go at turn- A good few months on the has a ‘sold’ sign outside, so we ing our hobby into a proper whole; with the good news out- wait to see what will happen to business. We made a trial weighing the bad again this year. this once thriving pub. amount of 7,000 litres, which As last edition went to print, This is balanced by the num- is now sold out. In the coming Halfpenny Brewery took over ber of closed pubs in the Branch season, we’re moving to new running the Fox in Leafield and area with the Carpenters Arms, premises and we intend to make have turned a struggling pub Middle Barton closing suddenly a whole lot more cider for sale into a success story. The Muddy after only a couple of months in local farm shops, pubs, res- Duck in Hethe will have opened of opening and the White Lion, taurants and at festivals. When by the time you read this, as will Steeple Aston becoming a house we start to make a little more the Tite Inn in Chadlington. despite local opposition. volume, we’d love to see our In Banbury, the White Horse The Olde Pioneer, Bicester is cider on the shelves at some of is now the pub we all expected to open soon as ‘Mehfli’. the smaller supermarkets too.” and more; the Dog & Gun is sell- The message as always is if For more information, please ing three real ales; and we hear you don’t want to have to organ- take a look at their website: that the Three Pigeons could ize a petition to save your pub, www.thelittleorchardcompany. reopen in September (it current- use it now before it’s neces- ly has skips outside and is being sary to have to start organizing co.uk rethatched). The Woolpack now opposition to a closure.

Leafield was once an important centre for Morris dancing (for its ‘Field Town’ tradition) and it’s good to see quality traditional ale in The Fox return to the village – even if the dancers are from a visiting side Tony and Jo with their orchard

Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 You Don’t Have To Be Mad To Read Beer On Tap, but … Following a recent visit to The Fox, Westcote Barton Madness saxophonist and song writer Lee Thompson picked up his copy of Beer on Tap to read with his pint of Loddon Ferryman’s Gold. He also very kindly consented to having his photo taken with his copy and also posed with his friend Tony, landlord of The Fox. With the pub’s beer and music festival coming up in August perhaps Lee was checking out the venue! Well, you never know! If you are a celebrity and would like to have your image reproduced in this award win- ning newsletter please have your photo taken with a recent copy of Beer on Tap in front of your North Oxfordshire local pub and send it to the editor: no poli- ticians please! Beer On Tap Gets Top Marks at St. Mark’s Lindsey Thornton of Stonesfield recently visited Venice and enjoyed the beauty of this great city; though the cost of the local beer was a shock, a bit of a change to White Horse Village Idiot, her favoured tipple! She did find some local Merlot at a very rea- sonable price which, as she says, shows how much we pay for our alcohol in this country. Here we see her reading the beer festival list in the magnificent surroundings of St Mark’s Square. If you are heading away this summer please take a copy of Beer on Tap and have a photo taken of you with it in a far off land, or not so far and send it to the Editor. Micro To Open In Leafield ‘In September’

The Fox, Leafield website states the Faringdon Brewery) took that the pub is hoping to open over some months back. a microbrewery on site in The owners are running September 2012. a competition for locals to Rumours of such a project name the first three beers have been rife ever since the brewed in the village. owners (who run the Halfpenny See http://www.foxleafield. Brewery in Lechlade, the Old co.uk/Micro-Brewery.html Forge Brewery in Coleshill and for more details

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2012 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA. Edited by Stephen Lympany • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Information Press, Eynsham, Oxon 30 Beer on Tap – Summer 2012 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31