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CAMRA Liverpool & Districts News Letter Feb 07

Birthday Edition

CAMRA Ready to party 2007

MerseyAle Ambassador Competition

Special supplement Woolton and Gateacre

MerseyAle at Sea

Beer at home with a twist

Local Pub News

Brewery News

... and much, much more. Circulation 10,000 Circulation Welcome to the AWARD WINNING MerseyAle

"The Liverpool and Districts Chapple’s the proverbial in a CAMRA branch has been brewery, the world class praised in the Pubs Column Liverpool Beer Festival, but that in the past for its ability to is just the beginning. So if you not only organise one have not been able to get tickets of the most popular beer for the Festival there are lots of festivals in Europe, but also great events coming up later in to produce a sumptuous the year. Spring into Real Ale is national award winning free a new event to attract new magazine on the back of people to real ale, especially unpaid voluntary zeal. young people and women. It They are proof there’s at least builds on our ground breaking one organisation in this Fashion with Real Ale Flair haunting cover photo of Antony city that can organise the events which have brought Gormley’s Iron Men, received proverbial in a brewery." a new dimension to the feature coverage in the Daily Mike Chapple promotion of real ale. Post, the Crosby Herald and on Daily Post Pubs Column 9-9-06 September sees another event the front page of What’s which is gaining national Brewing. This edition we bring In this edition we bring you stature, the CAMRA Eight Days you the next in the series with news of CAMRA’s latest a Week Liverpool Real Ale Pubs our Special Guide to Woolton campaign initiatives and our Festival. This sees a city centre and Gateacre. Again we have a special programme for 2007, wide celebration of real beer classic cover featuring the Liverpool’s 800th Birthday Year. and real pubs which highlights under threat Woolton Cinema As you will see CAMRA is our pub heritage. Last Picture Show. ready to party and you are The November edition struck a Mersey Ale is spreading its invited to join our exciting line chord in the public imagination wings. It is now being up of real ale events. After all with our Special Supplement distributed in pubs on the Isle it’s not every year you are 800!! to Real Ale in Crosby and of Man and we have pictures of The year starts with Mike Waterloo. The guide, with its Steam Packet Captain Cane Tahar receiving his copy on the bridge of Sea Express 1. Mersey Ale Ambassadors has photos from Nigeria and Belgium. Join the fun and send us your photos of Mersey Ale in unusual locations. Letters, comments and articles (maximum 500 words) are always welcome at [email protected]

Mersey Ale – the Final Frontier – our mission – to boldly go where no John Armstrong real ale magazine has been before (split infinitives included). Editor

3 The Pub with Best Beer Quality Ship and Mitre Stillage

scores for each pub are then averaged by CAMRA. The Lion The Ship has installed an initiative which further adds to Tavern was a clear winner. additional set of stillaging at the the variety of real ales on offer. The award was presented by rear of the pub with four hand There have been changes to the Branch Chair Geoff Edwards to pumps. This enables themed food operation, with Sunday licensees John and Marie beer events to be offered each lunches now withdrawn. Food is O’Dowd, who were joined by bar week, recent examples being now available in the evenings staff Katie Stephenson and Claire beers from Cumbria and a Thursday to Sunday from 4-8.30. Lovell. In attendance was a good selection of winter ales. The pub Lunches are 12-2 Monday to crowd of CAMRA members and is to be commended on this Friday and 12-6 Saturdays. regulars, who toasted the award in some excellent real ales, present ownership by the Dusanj February the new birthday The Lion Tavern Moorfields has This is the second consecutive including Bath Barnstormer and Cains News brothers. Chris is seeking celebration beer Bock 8%, March been assessed by CAMRA year that the Lion has won this Hambleton bitter from the SIBA information for the period after Creamy Stout 4.1%, April the drinkers as having the best beer award. Over a twelve month list, representing the wider range Cains History Man 1921 when Higsons bought the new Export IPA 5%, May Triple quality of any pub in the period drinkers score the quality of guest ales now offered at the Freelance writer Chris Routledge brewery, plus peoples’ living Hop 4.5%, June Sundowner Liverpool and Districts area. of each pint out of ten, and the Lion Tavern. has been appointed by Liverpool memories from the war years to 4.5%, July the new Organic SIBA beers at the Lion University Press to write the the 1960s. Contact him at Wheat Beer 4%, August Finest official history of Cains brewers, [email protected] lager 5%, September the new with the working title of The Black Lager 4.5%, October The Lion Tavern from the SIBA list which includes 2007 may also see the pub Story of Liverpool in a Pint. 2007 Seasonals Autumn Fall 4%, November Moorfields has most of the country’s micro installing an additional two hand Target date for publication is Cains are launching some new Raisin Ale 5%, December joined the Society brewers. Early examples were pumps, enabling a wider range of early 2008. It will record the the seasonal beers for 2007, with a Victorian beer 6%. Look for these of Independent Weetwood Best Bitter and guest beers to be featured along fortunes of the brewery from its different seasonal every month. in Cains pubs and also Brewers Association Direct Hambleton. It is expected that the with possibly a real cider in the founding by Robert Cain to its January Dragonheart 5%, the free trade. Delivery Scheme, and will now Lion will be majoring on guests summer months. Spitting Success be regularly ordering one beer in the 3.8% to 4% range.

£30 per session gives tastings of Exciting news Wetherspoons. The brewer is Malts at the Lion 4 malts. The inaugural session from Spitting Terry Ashford and Ann Branton, featured Gordon and MacPhail Feathers formerly licensee at the Harp Landlord John O’Dowd has bottlings of Glen Grant from brewery, at Waverton near Little Neston, runs the office. launched the Lion Malt Whisky 1956, 1957 and 1959, plus an 18 Chester. Situated in an ideal rural The latest exciting news is that Society. The concept is to have year old Glenfiddich. Future setting on Common Farm the the brewery is planning to brew regular sessions at which sessions are likely to feature Islay brew house is in the former its first mild in April/May to members can taste rare and aged and other island malts. To join milking parlour, whilst the celebrate CAMRA’s Mild Month, malt whiskies, which at around ring 236 1734 or call into the pub atmospheric hospitality bar is in although the beer is likely to £200 per bottle would be and speak to John O’Dowd. adjoining farm buildings set have a "non mild" name to avoid prohibitively expensive for Numbers are limited to twenty around a central courtyard. customer resistance. There will be a BBQ featuring individual purchase. A fee of per session. The brewery opened in 2005, and Additionally plans are being laid sausages from the farm made owner Mathew Walley and his for a Brewery Beer Festival Day in with Spitting Feathers beer. partner Alison Smith have seen July, probably on Saturday 14th. Numbers will be limited by Cains Bock 800 the beers achieve success in the This will feature a Meet the ticket. Date and details will be on Cains have announced their new is made with Munich malt and free trade in Merseyside and Brewers event, with brewers www.spittingfeathers.org and in seasonal beer to commemorate Saaz and Hallertau hops. The Cheshire, as well as being from seven Cheshire breweries the April Mersey Ale. The branch Liverpool’s 800th Birthday. The beer will be available from featured by many of the region’s presenting around 28 real ales. may run a coach trip to the event. 8% dark Bock German style beer February 2007.

4 5 Double Century at Thwaites New Editor for CAMRA’s What’s Brewing

Tom Stainer has been Ted Bruning who edited What’s Tom says Liverpool is not events and commemorative appointed as the new full time Brewing for eight years as a "I’m very the only place beers. First up is a brand editor of What’s Brewing, freelance has moved to a full excited by celebrating a new beer called appropriately CAMRA’s national newspaper. time position in another the opportunity I’ve been given major birthday Double Century, which will be He will also provide support for organisation. Mersey Ale would to take it forward and build on in 2007. available in cask and also A sense of historical perspective other CAMRA publications like to wish Ted well in his new what has already been achieved Thwaites brewery Blackburn in bottles. is provided by the realisation including branch newsletters. job and to thank him for the to make it even more relevant, have clocked up 200 years of Thwaites have recently been that when David Thwaite began He has a background as interest he took in our stories. informative and brewing and are still under experimenting with three bottle brewing at the Eanam Brewery reporter and editor for the pubs We look forward to working entertaining for family control. They are conditioned beers but as yet no in 1807, Beethoven was still one trade paper, the Morning with Tom and to seeing the CAMRA celebrating with a twelve decision has been made as to year away from completing his Advertiser Scotland, and as next phase of development at members." month programme of special whether to produce these. Fifth Symphony. editor of Police Professional. What’s Brewing.

complete balance. Doing the Double Two on the Trot The awards were presented at the Savoy in London and are a work seem effortless, but that’s sponsors of the Regional Writer Head Chef win this award in two tribute to the kitchen team of the trick of being an acute Award. Tommy consecutive years. The judges Tommy, Dave and Carol and to observer and putting in genuine Mike said, "This is a great Rockliffe commented that Rigby’s the bar staff. hard work. honour not only for me, but and Rigby’s strength was the way in which CAMRA has long fought to up These wonderful columns are should be for all the great Dale Street have clocked up it gave equal importance to the quality of pub food in so very readable that if I was a people and pubs of Merseyside a remarkable two in a row quality real ale and quality Liverpool, and it is excellent to Mike Chapple, Daily Post local, I’d buy the newspaper who have been featured – we successes as winner of the food. Other contestants tended see confirmation that some columnist and writer of the just to read him. I think couldn’t wish to live, eat and Publican National Beer and to emphasise one side of the pubs are now setting national Saturday At the Bar pubs regionally we have writers who drink in a better place." Food Experience Award. It is equation more than the other, standards and gaining well column, has won a second could stand up with anyone in Ironically for Mike the Award virtually unheard of for a pub to rather than achieving a deserved recognition. prestigious national award. the nationals – and that’s how it prize included (wait for it) a Having won the Glenfiddich should be. The Daily Post is weekend for two in… yes country in a tide of Greene King Take Courage Beer Writer Award last year, he fortunate to have someone of Liverpool. However the prize Brewery News IPA, Rooney Annand, CEO of Scottish and Newcastle have sold has now won the British Guild his calibre on the staff." cheque for £1000 will no doubt For W&D Read Marstons Greene King, is initiating a policy of the Courage beer brands to Wells of Beer writers Award for The Award was presented to come in handy when it comes to The name Wolverhampton and replacing original painted pub and Youngs with the beers now Regional Writer of the Year. Mike by celebrity chef Brian filling the engraved silver Dudley is to disappear from its signs with standard green GK to be brewed in Bedford and corporate signs with just the name marketed by W&Y through the The judges commented, Turner who had prepared the tankard which was presented 2300 pubs to be replaced by the name Marstons. The company of the pub. A number have S&N estate and through their own "Mike’s writing is down to menu for the Awards dinner, to Mike at the ceremony in believe Marstons is a more appeared in Liverpool. Around the outlets. This is the latest example of earth, passionate and witty. and by Sudarghara Dusanj, MD London. Congratulations from recognisable name which "reflects country there is an out cry from the withdrawal of the big national His enthusiasm makes his of Cains, who were the Mersey Ale, Mike. the national spread of the business". conservationists at the loss of brewers from production of real ale. W&D is second only to Greene distinctive historic signs. Rooney McEwans 80 Shilling heavy- King in size, having taken over should beware of the fate that the End The new venue is the Park Golf The Bothy is renowned for its Mansfield (and closed the awaited the previous fanatics of S&N is to stop brewing McEwans Bothy’s New BothyClub on Park Road West. This is record of hosting great folk acts brewery), Marstons, Jennings and corporatism. Remember the 80 Shilling with immediate effect, Burtonwood (with the beer now Watneys red tide and the Bass black claiming demand is insufficient to The Bothy Folk Club Southport, approximately one mile from before they became famous, Southport Railway Station, about although it is reputed they brewed at Wolverhampton). and red pub name boxes? Where make production viable. CAMRA one of the North West’s longest £2.50 taxi fare. The Golf Club turned down Paul Simon on the The company reports that it is in are they now! has queried why it was not possible established and most renowned offers real ale, currently grounds he was not good enough the market for further acquisitions, No wonder the good citizens of to brew in smaller quantities so other brewers had better watch Hyde Sussex burned Rooney in possibly using a contract brewer. clubs, has moved to new Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, and too expensive. Well Decca out for the big swinging fist. effigy following the removal of The news is further evidence of the premises from January 2007 due with hopes that the range may be did reject the Beatles! Rooney’s Greene Tide Harveys bitter in favour of the withdrawal of the big national to the closure of their previous extended in the future, especially Look up the programme and Not content with swamping the Greene IPA tide. brewers from the cask beer market. venue, the Shelbourne Hotel. now the Bothy is in residence. directions on www.bothy.org

6 7 ons Brew ons Brew igs er igs er H y H y Head Brewer Stuart Thompson. Pub Higsons Returns Stuart has been unwell and Keith has been learning the brewing arts News Higsons is finally returning to so he can take over the operation. after refurbishment offering two Colin’s Bridewell opposite the brew in Liverpool. Owner Keith Porter So a famous brewing name Bitter ABV 5.0% F F i ABV 4.1% i rs 80 rs 80 t E 17 t E 17 hand pumps serving Thwaites and Kent Gardens has now closed Tomlinson has converted the old stablished stablished returns to the City. Will the Speke Philharmonic Granduer Enhanced a guest ale. Thanks to Alan Dundas completely. A great failed boiler room at the former Glaxo with the possibility of occasional brew capture the imagination of – the Hope Street pub described for this news of irrigation of the opportunity. factory in Speke into a 10 barrel brews such as a porter. Liverpool drinkers in the way the by CAMRA expert Dr Giles Huyton beer desert. The Railway Tithebarn Street is brew plant with the aim of the first Additionally it is planned to bottle original Higsons of the ’70s did? Brandwood as having the most reported that the pub is to be brews appearing in February or the bitter at Robinsons in Stockport Will it match the distinctive aroma taken on by the company that runs spectacular interior of any pub in March. The kit has come from with a view to export to the USA, and bitterness of its predecessor the Alma de Cuba and is likely Britain, has completed a major Sharps of Cornwall and includes Australia and Portugal, as well as which received the CAMRA to be radically changed into the enhancement to the famous six fermenters, so there is the looking to distribution in the UK. accolade of being one of Britain’s upmarket cocktail and food format Grande Lounge. The room has capability of producing up to 60 Until now the new Higsons has great distinctive bitters? Let Mersey of that company’s bars. been completely redecorated to barrels a week if required. The plan been brewed at the Mayflower Ale know your judgement on Head of Steam is to run an Irish fully reveal its architectural is to concentrate on Higsons Bitter Brewery Wigan by former Higsons [email protected] splendour with lavish use of Beer Festival on St Patrick’s Day gold gilt. The stained glass 17th March. Four Irish breweries skylights have been repaired and Kent Gardens Campbell Square will be represented including the thoroughly cleaned, enabling them has now fitted two additional rare Porterhouse TSB from Dublin, to be fully appreciated for the first hand pumps but as yet they are College Green, Hilden, and Cains Art of Brewing time in years. To protect the good not connected in the cellar. The Macguires. Shouldn’t it be made of bricks? work the room is now strictly non rare Taylors Golden Best has been Belvedere Arms Sugnall Street is Cains has signed a three year The Cains website recorded smoking on pain of eviction. available and the pub will soon now serving food all day, genuine deal to become the official the award of the £25000 Turner Unfortunately the Listz side room have its own house beer, Kent Italian wood fired pizzas and fresh Tate 08 beer in the tate galleries. Prize to abstract painter is now smoking until the ban starts Gardens Bitter (KGB) brewed not sandwiches. Cains beers will be served not Tomma Abts at the Tate on July 1st at the Lubianka but at Wapping only at the Tate Liverpool, but Britain. Perhaps worryingly Brewery. Cask beers are £1.60 a also in London at the Tate Britain for beer drinkers, the german pint. Additional table seating has and Modern. This is part of Cains artist explained that she begins been installed in the main bar. sponsorship of the arts in the run every piece with no idea of A note of concern is that the owner has put the bar on the market, so up to 2008. The firm were the what she is about to do. Let us far without any takers. Manager main sponsor for the Liverpool hope Cains brewers don’t have Gary Rice hopes to persuade the Irish Festival. the same philosophy. owner that the future lies in real ale and continental beers. So give Blackburne Arms Catharine Street The Everyman Bistro Hope Street the Kent Gardens your support is to start using pint glass tankard has won an A star rating in the and join the KGB. glasses Fashion with Real Ale Flair authoritative national Hardens Marine Football Club Crosby has The Augustus John will be having been persuaded to serve a real ale a mini beer festival to coincide restaurant guide, signifying top "Most real ale themed garments quality food and excellent by members Alan Lloyd and Dave with that at the crypt. They are designed for men. This range atmosphere. The Everyman was Wallins. You can be signed in to the recently had a sixth handpump is designed to appeal to women also winner of the Observer Food club as a guest on production of installed and will have, probably, Monthly Best Eats Award. Well your CAMRA membership card. another six beers on stillaging and their fashion flair. A growing done and further evidence that The club has a comfortable lounge. borrowed from the Willowbank number of women are drinking Liverpool can deliver top quality Call in and support the real ale and and cooled by equipment real ale, and are looking for pub food. The Everyman launches maybe even Marine! borrowed from Cains Brewery. fashionable designs with a subtle it’s Supper Club, on Thursday Wetherspoons – the Old Swan Coincidentally the A.J. is also real ale message" says Marie. March 1st, more information at: Wetherspoons is being refurbished approaching their thousandth In addition there was an exciting and will be named the Navigator. different guest beer, although they The second CAMRA Real Ale in range of semi structured knitwear The Runcorn real ale desert is lost accurate count some time ago Fashion event run jointly with the made by the Stephenson sisters, being irrigated with the opening of they will still celebrate it. The Lion Tavern Moorfields, offered a for more information visit a town centre Wetherspoons, the festival will attempt to concentrate new twist. The displays included www.everyman.co.uk~ call0151 708 9545 Ferry boat on Church Street, on local breweries such as www.stephenson-stephenson.co.uk designs by Marie O’Dowd which The Stanley Arms Roby (200 yards named after the 12th century ferry Higsons, George Wright, Wapping, Free real ale tasters added to the from the station) has reopened link to Widnes. Cambrinus, Cains and Allgates. took inspiration from real ale occasion and the opportunity to beers and breweries. try something new.

8 9 Cross Privets In the 50s it was the Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Now we have the Invasion of the Plastic Privets as pubs across Liverpool are foliated by the plastic box hedges. The Pig and Whistle was an early victim. Now the onward march has reached the Cross Keys in Earle Street. How many more of our pubs are to be strangled by this pernicious weed? When you spend £500000 on a pub refurbishment what do you substantially remodelled the which could prove problematic do? Well of course you order a layout and have done a good job when carrying drinks. quarter of a mile of plastic privet in brightening the interior with a There are two handpumps to put above the windows. To say contemporary colour scheme currently offering Black Sheep what exactly? Our architect can supplemented by art paintings and Jennings Cumberland Ale, and vases. Separate seating areas both well kept. A wide range of have been cleverly created within food, including main meals is the L shaped layout. A curious served 12-8, attracting a busy feature is the use of candy striped trade at lunchtimes, it also does curved high backed banquettes Sunday lunches 12-4. Opening which look as though they times are 12am - 11pm. would be more at home in the Cupid’s lounge of a night club. Aplus is the lower level area with patio doors leading onto only work from the identikit an outside courtyard which The book of pub refurbishments will be appreciated for summer rather than treating each building drinking and by recidivist Crow’sNest63 Victoria Rd, Crosby. 0151 924 6953 individually with care for its smokers. This is supplemented architectural style? by a roof top covered patio which MerseyrailFour - Blundellsands regular & Crosby station - 10 min walk Inside Punch Taverns have is accessed by a spiral staircase Realand constantly Ales A Beer Inspector Calls You may have noticed quality, aroma and presentation. to a sip only as all cask beers on changing Guest Ales the blue and white wall His area covers Liverpool, the bar have to be assessed. plaques and pump Warrington, Widnes, Chester and Indeed much of the testing is Beers from breweries all over the country! clips advising that part of North Wales, so he done with the nose, as the aroma The Crow’s Nest is a charming grade II listed a licensee is Cask has plenty of travelling and tells a lot about the quality of the Marque accredited. pubs to assess. Pubs entered beer. The Accreditation is for the building with a cosy bar, tiny snug and comfortable The Liverpool area for accreditation are visited licensee not the pub, so should lounge. You’ll enjoy a warm welcome and great beer now has a new Cask unannounced twice a year. the licensee move on elsewhere in this beautiful old pub. Marque inspector, Nigel Boucher, Unfortunately the job is not a they can take the accreditation to Voted Best Community Pub 2004/5 whose job is to visit up to 4 pubs licence to sup, as with the driving their new pub. For further details Pub of Excellence 2002/3 a day to check beer temperature, it is necessary to limit the testing see www.cask-marque.co.uk Above awards from Liverpool and districts CAMRA. Recommended in the Good Beer Guide 2006 11 Roscoe Head A Mash of Brewers

What is the collective noun for a in all their glory. Another Overall Winner – 24 Roscoe StreetL1 25X 0151 709 4365 group of brewers? A convention? collective noun could have been a Rudgate Ruby Mild 4.4% How about a Mash of Brewers? Mass of Brewers Shirts given the The Roscoe Head is a real traditional pub with warm cosy Well a visit to the Society of array of brewery T shirts on Runner Up – surroundings where customers can enjoy a nice pint with Independent brewers North Beer display, whilst the brewery staff York Guzzler 3.6% no distracting music. Exhibition Competition at the waited to hear the decision of the Scarisbrick Hotel Barons Bar judging panels. Third – Southport revealed the massed Moorhouses Traditional Pub with Tetley’s Bitter, Tetley’s Mild, Jenningsranks Ale, of the SIBA north brewers In the event the winners were; Blond Witch 4.5% Burton Ale - PLUS 2 CONSTANTLY CHANGING GUEST BEERS! Iron Men set real ale record Why not come to our popular Quiz night on Tuesday? We also have a cribbage night on Wednesdays Our Iron Men Crosby and gallons on Deuchars IPA in just Waterloo Real Ale Special cover 35 minutes. Is this a record? Try our delicious home-cooked food not only set the press talking, but Perhaps the Iron Men themselves served Monday to Friday 11.30am - 2.30 pm it appears to have set a lot of had used our Guide and had people to drinking real ale in the called in to celebrate the news Saturday 1-5pm Sunday Roasts 1 - 4pm area’s pubs. One of the featured that Another Place Ltd had raised pubs, Stamps in Crosby, reports £2 million to keep the sculpture The only Merseyside pub to feature in every edition of the Good that recently they sold eleven on Crosby beach. Beer Guide. That’s 34 years of Good Beer Guide entries! CAMRA CrosbyCommunity Pubs Event 22nd February

CAMRA is organising an evening Meet at Stamps in Crosby village record for supporting community event in Crosby to promote at 7pm on Thursday 22nd causes. The Crow’s Nest was Community Pubs Week, which February before going on to visit winner of the CAMRA Liverpool celebrates the role of pubs as the other Crosby community pubs. and Districts Community Pub of centre of local community life. Crosby pubs have an excellent the Year Award.

Positively Smoke Free 1st July - RED CARD DAY

CAMRA is urging Pub Co’s to environment. Where is the take a positive approach to the advertising campaign addressing smoking ban which starts on July this group and the opportunity 1st (see our Red Card page). Pubs they represent to attract new have been concentrating on how trade to the pub? Where is the to continue to accommodate message that you will now smokers with smoking shelters enjoy a healthy smoke free and outdoor smoking areas. Little environment? CAMRA Chief No Smoking Ban starts in all emphasis has been given to Executive Mike Benner has enclosed spaces including pubs, opportunity the ban presents to thrown down the challenge to bars restaurants and work places attract the 60% of the population the Pub Co’s to put their Penalties - smoker £50 fine, who are non smokers to the pub weight behind a Positively licensee £2500 fine to enjoy a drink in a smoke free Smoke Free message. STUB IT OUT!

13 CAMRA is Ready to Party CAMRA is Ready to Party

Ale Capital of Britain. CAMRA’s Real Ales from the nine local intention is to make this an even breweries, plus beers which bigger event each year such that it 2007 were winners of the CAMRA is on the national list of great beer Champion Beer of Britain Award. tourism events." The NWFF Food Event will feature a display and tastings CAMRA is ready to party The CAMRA Septemberfest is a of foods from some of the through 2007, Liverpool’s 800th four week celebration of Real Ale North West’s finest producers Birthday Party Year, and on into and Liverpool Pubs, featuring five and Food Champions. 2008 to celebrate European great events. • AYoung People and Real Ale Capital of Culture. CAMRA promotion will tie in with the start today announced its 2007 of the academic year. programme of events to celebrate real ale and Liverpool’s two special years. 2007 kicks off in style in February 2007 with the famous Liverpool Beer Festival in the unique atmosphere of the Metropolitan Cathedral Crypt. Described as "one of Europe’s best beer • There will be a special event to The momentum continues in festivals", this is a truly world be announced later which will put October with the CAMRA Real The Hope Street Festival class event and runs for 4 days• Liverpool in the national spotlight Cider Month, which will Sunday 16th September will from 14th to 17th February. and highlight its claim to be the showcase the very best of real feature free real ale tastings run Real Ale Pubs Capital of Britain. ciders and perries from around by CAMRA. the country.

The Year rounds off with In preparation for the CAMRA’s announcement of it’s celebrations, CAMRA has already very special programme for 2008 published the ideal visitors Guide European Capital of Culture Year. to Liverpool’s Historic Pubs. This full colour Guide details 25 pubs and is already on sale in selected City Centre pubs for a bargain price of £3. Real Ale and Food Champions Through the year • Event run jointly by CAMRA and there will be a North West Fine Foods in the "The aim of Septemberfest is to series of CAMRA unique setting of The Crypt at the give Liverpool people and visitors Guided Walks to May sees a new CAMRA event Metropolitan Cathedral, brings alike a chance to celebrate and take visitors to a "Spring into Real Ale" with special This leads into the "Eight Days together the Best of the Region’s enjoy the wealth of real ale and selection of the events to introduce new drinkers,• a Week" CAMRA Liverpool Real Food and Drink. The event is at pub heritage in the City. It shows City’s best Historic Pubs as especially young people and Ale Pubs Festival, featuring the planning stage and is visitors and locals alike the featured in the book. women to the taste of real ales. around 30 pubs, which will be intended to showcase an reasons why Liverpool is the Real organising special events and Exhibition of Merseyside Brewed promotions.

14 15 Mersey Ale Ambassadors On Two Continents

Mersey Ale in Africa, Lagos, Nigeria Merseyside’s Only Brewpub Liverpool CAMRA member Clive 7 Handpulls Serving Wapping Beers, Guest Ales and a real cider.Lathom, presents the Lagos Commissioner of Police with the Erdinger Heffe Weiss and Baltica No 7 on draught November 06 edition of Mersey plus a range of 40 continental and world bottled beers. Ale. Clive was giving a lecture on electoral law to an audience of 500 officers at the Police Academy. Delicious Bar Snacks served daily 12-2pm Saturday and Sunday Brunch 11-4pm

Real fire in Bow and Laurel & Hardy Film lounge. Shows last Tues of No Smoking Room. every month from 8pm Mersey ale in Europe, Antwerp, The Home of Award Free quiz every Sunday Evening Belgium Winning Wapping Beers Antwerp, European City of Open daily from Noon. Culture 1993, the city shows Liverpool the way in capitalising Tel. 0151 709 3116 Located on Wapping (the Dock Road) near the on historic bars, good beer and € we accept Euros Albert Dock and the new Paradise Bus Station quality food. This Antwerp street entertainer takes Mersey Ale to his heart, whilst Antwerp Cathedral provides the backdrop for Martin from South Wales. WAPPING BREWERY MerseyAle The Wapping Brewery is situated in the cellar Ambassador of the Baltic Fleet pub where an old smugglers tunnel provides an Competition ideal cool conditioning area for the racked beer. Have a photo taken of you or a Polypins available for parties - local delivery service colleague holding a copy of Mersey Ale outside some unusual or BEERS BREWED REGULARLY: overseas location, send it to us at: Mine’s WAPPING BITTER [email protected] Wapping ABV 3.6% and if we publish it you will win a copy of CAMRA’s Liverpool SUMMER ALE STOUT Historic Pubs Guide. ABV 4.2% ABV 5% The only limit is your imagination! So be a Mersey Ale Plus special beers brewed regularly Ambassador. Take copies on your travels and spread the word about 33A Wapping Liverpool L18DQ Real Ale in Liverpool. Tel/Fax: 0151 707 2242 Let’s see what interesting places Mersey Ale can reach!!! Stan Shaw (Brewer) recently received a special award from Guess Which Continent This is On! Liverpool and Districts CAMRA for services to brewing (see p46) The Belvedere Arms Cover Stories

The Belvedere Arms is a traditional Unspoilt Pub Interiors and has 4 welcoming real coal fires. 2 room Grade II Listed pub handpulls serving excellent quality Outside drinking area. situated in the heart of Liverpool’s real ales and regular guest beers. Genuine Italian wood fired Georgian Quarter. The pub is listed The comfortable lounge and pizzas and fresh sandwiches Iconic is a much over used word, expect nothing less of us! pint of real ale" guided by our in CAMRA's National Inventory of separate traditional public bar haveserved all day. especially when used by property The April edition showed St John’s Special Supplement to Crosby and developers seeking to justify their Beacon advertising Mersey Ale as Waterloo. latest mediocre addition to having won the CAMRA Best in This edition has the Royal Liver 8 Sugnall Street (off Falkner St), Liverpool. 0151 709 0303 Liverpool’s water front. Never the Britain Newsletter Award and Buildings on the front cover, with a less Mersey Ale has deliberately taking on the appearance of the nearby statue offering copies of sought out what can be described biggest hand pull in the world. MerseyAle to visitors to the city. as iconic images of Liverpool to The November edition features The Woolton and Gateacre Special adorn our recent covers. We have John Lennon in Mathew Street Supplement has the threatened but presented real ale in unmistakable reading his copy of Mersey Ale, much loved Woolton Cinema on the BLACKBURNE ARMS HOTEL Liverpool settings. After all with whilst inside one of the Another cover advertising the Real Ale Last Liverpool being the Real Ale Pubs Place Anthony Gormley Iron Men Picture Show. 24 Catharine St. Liverpool L8 7NL Tel: 0151 707 1249 Capital of Britain our readers would declared he was "off to the pub for a

A Boutique hotel, in the heart of Georgian Quarter Plastic Liverpool –W e’re One Mean City 2008! of the City, Pub Watch is seeking to see make the city safer." expense of new glasses? The Smoke-Free Blackburne the introduction of plastic This is a classic bureaucratic Glasgow witnessed the very Arms Hotel is offering polycarbonate glasses in all overreaction which will penalise same misguided bureaucratic beautiful themed rooms and Liverpool City Centre pubs and the thousands of law abiding overreaction in 2006, when a an informal gastro-pub. bars by Summer 2007. The drinkers who are to be forced to similar glasses ban was glasses are currently going into 10 drink in plastic glasses which promoted. That was roundly bars as a pilot. Coordinator Joe ruin the taste of any drink. We ask defeated by the strength of Curran claims; where is the evidence for this opinion of sensible regular "with the smoking ban a lot of wave of mayhem on the streets drinkers. people will be out on the street to predicted by Mr Curran? Where What a welcome we will be have a quick cigarette and that is the evidence that city centre offering to our European 2008 Open every day, serving lunch and leads to the opportunity for pubs rather than night clubs are a visitors – Welcome to Liverpool disorder. Anything we can stop problem for glass offences? And the Plastic City – we’re the new dinner and everything from a choice being used as a weapon will who is to pay for the massive One Mean City!! of six handpulls, finest Italian coffee and wines from around the world. 19 That Was The Year That Was That Was The Year That Was

April 2006 September 2006

Twenty Five City Centre pubs Passport scheme, Mersey Ale wins Best in Britain national CAMRA Award. Mersey join the week long Pubs Festival reinforcing the claim CAMRA Newsletter. Ale was the acclaimed winner at and participate in our Pubs that Liverpool is the It’s not every year you kick off by the CAMRA Members Weekend Real Ale Pubs Capital winning the most prestigious in Blackpool. of Britain. May 2006 October 2006 Our Iron Man cover on the press coverage, both locally with Social trips. A years programme Special Crosby and Waterloo Real the Crosby Herald and Daily Post of socials, coach trips, pub Ale Guide strikes a chord with as well as Nationally with What’s surveys and brewery tours gets the public and receives extensive Brewing. underway. Enjoy your real ale with CAMRA! November 2006 Real Ale with Fashion Flair event June 2006 at the Lion Tavern showcases womens’ fashions with a real ale CAMRA Award Presentations to theme plus free tasting of real ales. new Pub of the Year, Sutton Oak St Helens Junction, and Wapping Brewery Stout, Beer of the Liverpool Beer Festival. December 2006

The Art of Real Ale. Another first for CAMRA. Keith Smith displays August 2006 his watercolour art on the walls of the Belvedere Arms, showing you can have Culture in a Pint. CAMRA’s 08 Day 20th August. Free real ale events featuring Guided Historic Pubs Walk, tours of Wapping Brewery and tour of reintroduces real ale for the first January 2007 February 2007 the Vines Lime Street which also time in over 10 years.

Mersey Ale The Liverpool Beer Ambassadors from September 2006 Festival launches our two continents contribution to CAMRA’s new companion event spread the word. to the Beer Festival, the Liverpool Liverpool’s 2007 Real Ale Pubs Festival, gets off to Birthday Year. a rousing start as 10000 people throng our real ale tasting stall at the Hope Street Festival. CAMRA - Ready to party in 2007

20 21 Beer at Home with a Twist No it’s not a revival of the CAMRA Liverpool & Districts News Letter Feb 07 famous Davenport’s Beer at Home service. Rather it’s the latest initiative from Betwixt SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT brewer Mike McGuigan. The award winning Betwixt beers are usually sold at the region’s Farmers Markets. Now you can not only have the beers come to CAMRA’s your home but Mike the brewer as well! Mike is launching an innovative new service where Real Ale Guide you can book him to come to your house to run a tutored tasting of to not only Betwixt beers, but also a range of guest ales chosen to demonstrate different beer styles. He explains the brewing process Each session requires a minimum in the Liverpool, Wirral and and brings hop and malt of 8 people and the charge is Cheshire areas. To book phone samples to demonstrate the raw £8 per head including the beer. 0779 296 7414 or email materials used. The service is available to homes [email protected]

and Gateacre Village

www.savewooltoncinema.co.uk - SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT - CAMRA’s Real Ale Guide to Woolton and Gateacre - SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT -

Real Ale Guide to Woolton and Gateacre About the Guide CAMRA has produced this Special as the second of a series of local

Good Beer Guide Supplements to areas of Liverpool. It lists the pubs LIVERPOOL City Centre which sell real ale in the Woolton and Gateacre areas. You will find a Gateacre wide variety of pubs to visit which should suit all tastes. All are easily Woolton accessible by public transport and together they make an interesting walk around the area. So ask for Real Ale and remember to mention you saw it in MerseyAle! WHITE HORSE GARDENERS ARMS THE FAMOUS ELEPHANT 2 Acrefield Road 103 Vale Road 1 Woolton Street 12 - 12 Daily 4pm - 11pm Mon - Thurs 12 - 11 Daily 2pm - 11pm Fri Beers 12 - 11pm Sat & Sun Beers Cains Bitter, Deuchars IPA, Black Ruddles County , Courage Sheep Bitter, Theakstons Mild. Beers Cains Bitter , John Smith Directors. Bitter , Deuchars IPA. Changing Guest Beers Located in the centre of Woolton Landlord, Speckled Hen, Changing Guest Beers Village with an imposing Bombardier, Abbott, Marstons Ruddles County, Highgate entrance with pillars either side. Pedigree. Thobbin Robin, Bombardier, During the summer months it has THE DERBY ARMS COUNTY COURT THE COBDEN Black Sheep, Marstons Pedigree, a popular beer garden which is an Speckled Hen, Courage Directors. 162-164 Allerton Road 103 Quarry Street 89 Quarry Street This cosy local dates from the ideal place for a quiet drink or a 12 - 11 Daily 12 - 11 Daily 12 - 10.30 Sun 12 - 11 Weekdays time when Woolton was a gossip with the locals. It had a A warm friendly back street local Beers 12 - 12 Friday - Saturday separate village and has been run refurbishment in recent times easily accessible from the city Beers Green King I.P.A. Black Sheep by the same landlord for many with a large open plan bar area centre by bus (alight at Allerton Cains Bitter, John Smiths Bitter, Bitter, Beers Courage Directors years. One of the first pubs in with side lounge areas. Golf Course, walk through the Courage Directors, Changing Guest Beers Liverpool to be smoke free since Attracting a mixed clientele On walking through the village September 05. flats). A pleasant community pub during the week, more younger at with a relaxed atmosphere were Street corner local situated at the Superb street corner local situated along Quarry Street you will pass Pleasant main lounge drinking weekends and a lot busier. visitors are made welcome. The edge of the village opposite in Quarry Street not far from the the old quarry which supplied the area with two small snugs, wood Motorists please note the pay and pub has a no smoking lounge area Allerton Towers and near to former Police Station and local sandstone for the building of the panelling and brasswork with an display car-park which it shares and smoke free around the bar. It Allerton Golf Course only afew Court House where the name of Anglican Cathedral, shortly interesting collection of old with the Il Bambino Elefante (the caters for local sports and is home minutes walk from the centre of the pub origionated as it was the passing the quarry you will find photographs of Woolton Village. former Baby Elephant). Is this to a number of teams including the village. It has three main house of residence of judges. It The Cobden. Home cooked food served another first for a Liverpool pub football, golf and women’s drinking areas with a raised has a traditional public bar were A warm and friendly street corner 12noon-8pm Monday - Saturday , .Food available lunch and early netball. A large collection of lounge at the front, central bar the regulars are guaranteed to pub refurbished in 2005 after a Tradition Sunday lunch till 5pm evening , Sunday till 4pm. bottled spirits are on view and an area and a raised back lounge give you a warm welcome. period of closure, but steadily and a home delivery service Function room available. interesting Titanic History of which was a former sweet shop. Around the bar there is a no building up trade to what it once available (is this the only pub in Entertainment on Thursday, Events on display. Sky TV Very friendly atmosphere and smoking policy. It has two TV’s was. On entering you will find Liverpool with this service). Friday, Saturday and Sunday. available for football matches and popular for local people. Two sets and a pull down screen ideal for the bar area which is no smoking Popular Quiz night on Slimming World on Tuesday note the chalkboard for of two hand pumps selling beers watching live football where ever and selling one real ale, but will Wednesdays and Spanish lessons evenings. forthcoming games. Busy quiz from the mainstream breweries, you might be. The comfortable introduce another one shortly. on Mondays. Sky TV for major night on Tuesdays. Regular entry sold Cains Mild for a short rear lounge has a variety of police The lounge is split into two parts football matches. Regular entry in Photographs and text by the Good Beer Guide. period. Very popular with and golfing themed pictures on with comfortable settees and the Good Beer Guide. Neil Lloyd

. football fans when showing live the walls, also a dramatic 3D style low tables, the rear part with Church Rd. d

R

Sky games. A TV in each lounge, picture of the exterior of the pub a dart board. d 1 l 1. County Court e i football being on in the front and (a very unusual feature). Also TV’s can be found in the front f 2 e r back lounges, when Liverpool or with another two TV’s and pull lounge and bar showing live 4 c 2. Gardeners Arms Everton playing a half-time free down screen so comfortable football, a chalk board in the bar 3 A 3. The Cobden V Quarry Street 5 buffet is provided. Live jazz watching for the regular live showing forthcoming games. ale Rd. every other Thursday evenings football. On Sundays nuts and Attracting a mixed clientel and 4. White Horse upstairs in the function room other nibbles are on the bar. An very popular on Fridays and Menlove Av. 5. The Famous Elephant which is available for hire. Quiz information board is at the Saturdays with its extended Woolton league matches played on entrance with the latest news licence. A lively quiz night 6. The Derby Arms Monday nights. about the pub. on Wednesdays. 6 High Street

24 25 - SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT - The Youngest Landlord in Town BEARGood & Beer STAFF Guide entry. 24 - 26 Gateacre Brow Chester can boast one of the Gateacre youngest landlords in the 12 noon - 11pm Sun - Wed 12 noon - 12pm Thurs - Sat country, Steve Harrison age 22 of the Spital Vaults on Spital Walk. Beers The pub is also the latest Chester Courage Directors, Theakstons convert to Real Ale. Steve and his Bitter. partner Amy have not only Changing Guest Beers ALLERTON HALL thoroughly brightened up this Cellar Man’s Reserve accredited (The Pub in the Park) community local, they have swept Springwood Avenue Clarke Gardens The Bear & Staff (originally the out the keg only reputation and 11.30 - 11.00 Mon - Thurs Bear & Ragged Staff) can be found there are now four hand pulls on 11.00 - 11.00 Fri - Sat in suburban village of Gateacre BLACK BULL the bar. Currently until trade Further good news is that to bench seating and at one end a 12.00 - 10.30 Sun only a short distance from Woolton. Gateacre Brow builds up, two real ales are on encourage people to try real ale pool table. Look out for the Inside the pub are open fires, 11 -11 Daily offer, with recent examples being the beers are currently £2.10 a pint. painting of the pub in the 1980s Beers exposed wooden beams and nooks Jennings Bitter, Marstons, Hydes There is an L shaped bar with dart before it was painted black and Cains Bitter and crannies which give it a lovely Beers cosy feel to enjoy a meal or a tasty Tetley Bitter, London Pride, and Camerons. In the near future board and a large bagatelle table white. This former Bents house is Changing Guest Beers pint. Around the bar which is no Caledonian, Changing guest beer. he hopes to offer a changing which is used by a very active about 15 minutes walk from Extensive Guest Beer List smoking has a large collection of Cheshire brewed guest ale such as bagatelle league. The comfortable Chester station so you can get Cask Marque Accreditation guest beer mats which have been Cask Marque accredited Spitting Feathers or Weetwood. lounge has green upholstered there easily by Merseyrail; walk available plus a chalkboard with a ahead along City Road then left Allerton Hall lies within Clarke ‘coming soon’ guest beer list. Food Situated in the centre of Gateacre along the canal tow path past Gardens, a huge public park which can be chosen from the main menu village near the Wilson Memorial is popular for walks, picnics and or from the seasonally changing Fountain and The Queen Victoria Harkers for about 300 yards to the strolls. This is a large imposing specials boards. It also sells fresh Monument. Other Gateacre village big water tower, then immediately building renovated in 1994 after fire whole bean coffee and speciality landmarks include the mid- right and the pub is on your left. teas. Facilities include a large Beer damage, were photographs can be nineteenth century Fleetwood’s Opening hours are usually12-12. Garden, Wheel Chair Access, seen inside of the damage and Brewery (later a felt factory) at the You can make this a MerseyRAle renovation work. On entering there Disabled Toilet and a Baby bottom of the brow. This eighteen as an impressive grand staircase Changing facility. Car Parking - 100 century ‘mock tudor’ style pub Chester trail by including the GBG with an lovely chandelier leading spaces , Disabled Car Parking, ATM with original cobbled stoned area listed Harkers Arms, the Union to upper floors. On ground level Machine, Debit and Credit Cards in the front has been extensively Vaults and the Mill Hotel, all there is an impressive large accepted. modernised inside. On the bar are within a few yards of the canal traditional bar with six hand three sets of three hand pumps with and the railway station and pumps. On the wall is a framed a changing guest beer. There is offering around 25 different real picture with the extensive range of large comfortable lounge with open guest beers. There is a large fireplaces and ‘contemporary’ style ales in total. comfortable lounge with a small paintings on the walls with others public bar leading off it. The side rooms one of which is no extensive food menu which is smoking. Food is available daily available all day every day is from a varied menu being served mainly served in a large dining area until 9pm. Quiz nights are on spit in two. Most of the pub is no Mondays and Wednesdays. smoking for your comfort. There is MerseyRAle Updates with Ossett beers now being Refreshment Rooms Dewsbury, a a separate Family Dining Area were available in the Tap alongside the finalist in the CAMRA national families with children can be Mainline Trans Pennine Trail Riverside brews. pub of the year competition. New accommodated, note children Since our article in September 06, There is now a two hourly local Class 185 Pennine units now welcome until 9pm. Either side of Woolton the Riverside Brewery and Tap at service between Stalybridge, operate the Trans Pennine Express the hall are beer gardens with d a d o R Marsden has been bought by Marsden and Huddersfield (check services. seating one of which has a R le n a V Ossett, who are revamping the childrens play area. There is also a o times and for engineering work), t Black Bull e Wirral Line Hoylake l ell function room available. Car o B brewery to "produce a cleaner so now you can do the trail o Allerton Hall The Plasterers Arms Hoylake has parking - 100 spaces, Disabled Car W Brow cre Gateacre more consistent product," and will on a Sunday, incorporating the Parking, Coaches Welcome (by tea now joined the SIBA Direct Ga retain a brewer on the site to Stalybridge Station Buffet, The appointment). ATM Machine. Bear & Staff Delivery scheme, and is offering produce the full range of Riverside Riverside and Railway Marsden, Switch & Credit Cards accepted. Sp rin Spitting Feathers beers alongside gw beers. These will be distributed in Station Tavern and Head of Steam ood the regular Caledonian Deuchars Av. the Ossett estate and more widely, Huddersfield and the West RidingIPA, Cains Bitter and Tetleys. Photographs and text by Neil Lloyd

26 27 Island Connection –Mersey Ale goes to Sea Isle of Man News

IOM CAMRA, provide regular Island news updates and help distribute the magazine. "This is an example of two Bushy’s are now There’s been a flurry of activity Just across the road at the end of CAMRA Branches collaborating serving draught during the last quarter on the the North Quay, Clinch’s Celtic across he sea to maximise the beer on the Steam North Quay in Douglas. The impact of a CAMRA magazine. Packet vessels so Railway, at the inland end of the The Isle of Man branch hopes to you can enjoy a establish its own magazine but is pint whilst reading Mersey Ale on not yet able to go ahead. Mersey passage! The beer is cask which Ale is helping to fill that gap by has been re racked and is served to promoting the real ale message the bar under low pressure mixed Steam Packet Captain, Cane Tahar, receives his copy of MerseyAle on the bridge across the Island, as well as raising of Sea Express One from Editor John Armstrong and Branch Chair Geoff Edwards gas to give a non gassy pint. people’s awareness of real ale Bushy’s now run a text service to Mersey Ale is going to sea, in this pubs in Liverpool and the Isle of give information to pub goers of case the Irish Sea. Courtesy of the Liverpool for the weekend and Man", says John Armstrong. the upcoming guest beers and Tavern now also caters for more Isle of Man Steam Packet, copies Liverpudlians heading to the "Mersey Ale unites Liverpool, the other events in their pubs. quay, has now reopened after than one type of clientele. In of Mersey Ale now make the 70 Island for holidays and visits. Real Ale Pubs Capital of Britain, it's refurbishment. Although addition to serving food, the mile crossing from Liverpool to Both groups want to know about with the Isle of Man, the Island of Okell’s Cyclops essentially now a large, open, one tavern has a pool area and t.v. Real Ale, which boasts a Beer Douglas on the Seacat. The full real ale pubs at their destination Beers roomed pub, there are distinct screens in the downstairs, which is Purity Law, three real ale colour magazine is now available and Mersey Ale fulfils this need. Okells have areas either side of the entrance, split into two rooms either side of free of charge in the Island’s pubs. breweries and 70 plus real ale "Mersey Ale carries at least one become the first with pool, darts, and TV screens to the bar. Two ales are available, an There is a strong historical link pubs. Now everyone’s a winner page of Isle of Man news in each brewery to join the right, and with a raised area to ever changing guest, and Clinch’s between Liverpool and the Isle of thanks to CAMRA and the Steam edition. Indeed the September the original 14 the left overlooking the harbour, ale (3.8%) exclusively supplied by Man. The Steam Packet is the Packet," says John Armstrong edition included a 5 page IOM members of the Cyclops beer with tables, a fireplace, and Bushy’s for the tavern. The small world’s longest continuously special. Now thanks to the Steam operating ferry service, and description scheme launched last chandeliers, providing a more rooms make for a relaxed and Packet the magazine can be read year by CAMRA. Cyclops is a traditional feel and look. comfortable atmosphere. An celebrated its 175th Anniversary in the Island’s pubs," says John straightforward description of the upstairs area remains. in 2005 -see Armstrong, Editor of Mersey Ale. look, aroma and taste of each As well as Okell’s Just fifty yards www.steam-packet.com Rosie Christian a CAMRA real ale, with an emphasis on a Bitter (3.7%), a down the North Indeed Liverpool is the Island’s member and licensee of the Sulby traditional home port, with many Glen Hotel, an IOM CAMRA Pub scale of bitterness/sweetness. The guest ale is Quay lies the Manx people crossing to of the Year, and Dave Halliwell of description appears on pump available. This Bridge on the clips, beer mats, posters and changes regularly, Quay, a pub promotional material. The aim is with the Everards that has also to make real ale more range having been been the subject The Great Ground Debate understandable for new drinkers on in sequence recently. of a recent refurbishment. in the same way as is done with Additionally, twenty world Traditionalists, who knew the pub Whilst the great debate about by Adele Phee, the renowned wine descriptions, and thereby to bottled beers are stocked, along previously may be in for a shock. the future of our football clubs, fashion designer, they were bring more people to real ale. The with a beer menu. Where available The tiled exterior (very rare now now to be known as the Gillette modelled by Gwladys Street and name Cyclops comes from the these are served with their in the I.O.M.) has disappeared. USA Close Shave Skating on Ice Ann Field. With the legends symbol of one eye, mouth and respective individual brand On the inside an equal shock. Eleven and the Tesco Peoples Everton are Higsquisite and nose. The Okells beer descriptions glasses. Several of the more exotic Formerly one of the most Clubcard Baker’s Dozen, Liverpool are Higsilarating, they were prepared by Dr George lager brands are available on draft. dimly lit pubs on the island, rumbles on, Mersey Ale takes continued the Higsionary theme Philliskirk, Chief Executive of the Food is served at lunchtimes. This with dark wood panelling, the you back to a simpler era with featured in the September Beer Academy, during a visit to is an intelligent refurbishment that refurbishment has resulted in very some Old Higsonian 1985 Mersey Ale. If you are still the the brewery in January. For details should appeal to several types of bright lighting, light coloured football memories. The T shirts proud owner of one of these were on sale in Higson’s pubs as T shirts let us know: see clientele/pub goer. wood panelling, and a bright part of the famous Old Higsonian [email protected] advertising campaign. Designed www.camra.org.uk/cyclops

28 29 THE DISPENSARY Isle of Man News

RENSHAW STREET LIVERPOOL

peach interior colouring which refurbishment in time for this threatens to overwhelm the years one hundred years of the senses. As before, Okell’s bitter T.T. celebrations in June. Under remains. new management, the pub is expected to be reopened by the If visiting the area, don’t forget the time this edition is in print. Saddle Inn, another hundred yards up the quay and slightly set Okells back. A traditional bustling local, roomed pub. Okell’s bitter is A new beer Okell’s mild (3.4%) can always be available, as well as pool, darts, Dr Okell’s IPA found along with the bitter. and a welcoming real fire in the Elixir 6.5% was winter. Food is served at produced for Elsewhere, The Farmers Arms at lunchtimes. the CAMRA We have 8 hand pumps, serving a full range of Cains beers. St.Johns has unexpectedly very National Winter Meanwhile, up on the mountain A traditional cloudy cider, and 2 ever changing Guest beers. recently closed. Details not yet Ales Festival. Aile the popular available. Fortunately for the section of the T.T. motorbike smoked porter is available in All served with a warm welcome from Pauline and her staff. locals, the Tynwald Hill Inn, only circuit, the famous Creg Ny Baa February. The next seasonal a hundred yards up, on the main pub is temporarily closed and are Spring Ram (March) and road, remains. This is a two undergoing an extensive Castletown bitter (April).

I must have you for National Winter Ales Winners dinner sometime Supreme Champion Bronze ShipShip&&MitreMitre Green Jack Ripper 8.5% Orkney Skullsplitter Barley wine –a trappist style ale with LIVERPOOL’S PREMIER FREEHOUSE sweet notes and a strong hoppy flavour Other category winner Silver Old ales and strong milds BEER FESTIVAL Fullers London Porter B&T Black Dragon Mild Weds 14 th Feb - Sun 18 th Feb 65 Real Ales + 5 Ciders Jazz and Real Ale This classic combination was in plus fruit wines evidence at the George Wright Good Home Cooked Food available throughout Brewery Rainford when the branch visited on a special GOOD HOME COOKED FOOD Christmas brewery tour. The Lazy is back at the Ship and Mitre River Jazz Band serenaded the members from the gantry of the Mon-Fri 12-2pm Sat 12-6pm conditioning tanks, earning them Evenings ~ Thurs-Sun 4-8.30pm a booking at the Liverpool Beer Daily Specials Available - visit the website at: PUB OF THE Festival. Yet another reason to www.shipandmitre.com YEAR 2004/5 join CAMRA! CAMRA LIVERPOOL 133 DALE STREET Tel: 0151 236 0859 & DISTRICT 31 totem, Beware of Trains sign, a which is a clue that many of the MerseyRAleIn – the Middle of Nowhere photo of the last Preston to clientele come with rubber tyres. Southport train 6th September Inside the pub has been opened 1964, and a dramatic photo of A4 out with the rear space a Sundays 12-7. Seek out the service and no service Sundays, world steam speed record holder, restaurant and the front area for photographs of Burscough so check. Principle stations such Mallard, on the Thames Lune Junction with a Stanier tank in as Burscough Bridge, Parbold, special. Food is available week the days when it was a junction Appley Bridge and Gathurst days lunchtimes. (hard to believe how much it has have a regular half hourly service Continue along the road to find home cooked food lunch time changed!), the aerial view of Monday to Saturday, more an unexpected gem behind a and evening. Note the afternoon Burscough Fleet Air Arm limited evenings and Sunday. rather shabby faded white closing 3 to 5.30. The Windmill Training Station, and the painting exterior badged as Greenalls. The which gives the pub the name is interior of the Windmill is a next to the canal. Note the If you ever wondered where Parbold Through the Ages Dusty Springfield got the title for display. drinking and bar meals. The her song in the Middle of Continue to the T junction to find retention of some wall pillars Nowhere, then a visit to the Stocks Tavern, a two roomed with separate seating areas, the Railway Tavern at Hoscar would pub with a sports orientated bar low beamed ceiling and the low give you a possible answer. and a food focused lounge lighting helps create an intimate serving meals all day. The beer is feel. In contrast with many of the Next stop up the line is Parbold Tetley bitter. pubs in this article which feature (Old English for Apple Orchard), Turn right at the T junction to interesting historical wall of the Ormskirk Jazzer railmotor with the attraction of 4 real ale find the GBG listed Wayfarer, displays, the Wayfarer displays of 1914. The pub has won a pubs all within 5 minutes of each treasure trove of brass and Alder Lane, about 200 yards on come from the Pub Design Special Merit Award and other. The station and ticket copper in a succession of Catalogue Any Pub in Anytown Country Pub of the Year Award office have been given a separate beamed rooms edition. There are 3 handpumps, from Southport CAMRA. There thorough refurbishment by the decorated with photos of old with two changing guests at are nine hand pumps usually County Council, showing what Parbold and china plates. A £2.50 a pint, plus Tetley Bitter. serving up to six real ales, can be done on the Community Roman centurion looks down on At the side of the pub is a large including Tetley Dark Mild and Railway to attract passengers. the lounge whilst a carved mouse patio area. Good quality bar food Located on the Southport to changing guests. Adjacent is the aptly named crouches on a settle. The beers on including specials, is served Wigan line on the flat Lancashire MerseyRAle continues the the 3 hand pumps are not so A future MerseyRAle will plain, this station and hostelry exploration of real ale pubs along imaginative although well kept, continue the journey up the line owe their existence to having the Southport to Wigan line with Bombardier and Tetleys the left. Note the entrance is and also introduce you to the been built to slake the thirst of using the Rail Ale Trail leaflet bitter. There is a good menu with round the back in the car park, Canal Connection. the navvies working on building produced by Lancashire County, the railway. The navvies have which we featured in the long gone but the attractive pub November edition. Train times alongside the station platform can be found at the back of the remains. After a sensitive Merseytravel Northern Line refurbishment the pub now timetables. Note that some Railway (ex Burtonwood) with 3 A Pioneer Dies offers a cosy two room interior stations such as Hoscar, Meols Wolverhampton and Dudley Many CAMRA members from the pubs by the national brewers, distinctive qualities of real ale with a real fire. The u shaped Cop and New Lane have an beers, usually Banks, Pedigree 70s and 80s will remember and championed the work of and the need to support its lounge has tables at the rear for irregular and not very frequent and Jennings Cumberland. Open Richard Boston, beer writer for the independent brewers still brewers. His column raised dining. Open Mon-Fri 12-3pm, all day it is an excellent place to the Guardian, who died in brewing real ale. Through his CAMRA’s profile in a major 5.30-8pm, weekends 12-11pm. wait for your train. Despite being December. His Saturday Boston coverage little known local way, leading to a massive Chef Steve Prescott cooks good opened out it retains separate on Beer column was required brews such as Ruddles County, membership surge in 1974 which value food including specials, drinking areas with a real fire reading for all those curious to Theakstons and Boddingtons helped make the organisation a made from local ingredients, and a wide range of railwayana find out more about real ale came to the attention of the national consumer organisation. Tues-Sat 12-2 and 5.30-8 and including an Oldham Mumps and CAMRA. It attacked head nation’s drinkers and gave them He also wrote the book Beer and on the fizzy tide of keg beer what we would now call cult Skittles (1976). being foisted on the country’s status. He helped explain the

32 33 THE TURKS HEAD SAVE OUR PUBS Crown Hotel at Hest Newmarket Longden of the publication ‘Pub Cumbria, where the community is the Hub’ is "if you support co-operative also took over the the community the community adjoining brewery. In many cases will support you". the pub is also taking on Public bodies can support these responsibility for other local developments. Cumbria County services which are vanishing. Council provides up to £25000 Figures show that 72% of villages per project for such initiatives. now have no local shop and 74% And what about Messrs Blair and CAMRA research shows that on no post office, a figure which is Brown putting their hands into average 26 pubs are closing set to rise dramatically with the the Government pocket to help every month. MerseyAle brings Government policy of closing these schemes happen! you news of how various rural post offices. There are The latest campaign initiative is pub campaigns are now working growing numbers of pubs which Community Pubs Week which together to reverse this tide are taking on the roles of runs from 17-24th February and of closures and to ensure the providing post office counters will be making the case for the pub remains at the centre of and a village shop. Where this pub as the centre piece of community life. Campaigns such has happened pubs are reporting community life and local services as the Pub is the Hub, the a 70-80% increase in trade. in both rural and urban areas. For Community Pubs Foundation The message according to John details see www.camra.org.uk and National Pubs Week, are now pooling their efforts to promote the social importance of the pub and to fight closures with positive alternatives. Pub is the Hub reports that they have been approached by over 300 community pub schemes for advice. Fifteen pubs have now A traditional friendly pub with a great atmosphere, real fire been bought by their local communities to safeguard their and an ever changing range of real ale. future, the most famous being the • 12 handpumps Adnams in a Tail Spin • Traditional ciders and perry Afresh controversy in the world debate about what is real ale and conditioned, but is chilled and of real ale is the launch of how to encourage new people to filtered like Spindrift." • 5 draught continental beers Adnams Spindrift, a chilled and try it. Is this achieved by blurring Sorry Simon, you did a good job filtered non cask conditioned the definition of real ale? with Adnams and fine wines but • Wide selection of bottled continental beers beer, which is being promoted by Simon Loftus the respected now you have finally lost the Adnams as a new beer style Chairman of Adnams appears to plot. We are not going to let you • Tue-Quiz night 9-30 p.m. which will have wide appeal and have sold the pass, commenting; hijack the famous word real ale encourage people to try real ale. "the biggest challenge is to stop and apply it to any beer you • Thur-Curry and jazz night Adnams claim they have people like CAMRA being so personally define as great. That invented a new beer style, which myopic about what real ale can way lays madness and the lowest • Cask Marque has a longer shelf life making it mean. It doesn’t just have to be common denominator drinker. attractive to non real ale outlets. cask conditioned – it can mean Would you do that to your great • Good Beer Guide 2007 Where have we heard that one great bottled beer, bottled burgundy producers? before?! conditioned or not, or a great Cooper St. St Helens This revives the long running draught beer which is not cask WE THINK NOT. Tel 01744 751289

34 35 X2 see pubs in Preston

Recently a new Stagecoach route ubiquitous flat screen TV and of the Tring beer. the X2 (horsepower not horse quiz machine. They had three The pub has a collection of power!) began between beers on tap Summer Lightning, motorcycle racing photos and Liverpool and Preston via Corn Dolly and Challenger vast areas of the walls are Crosby and Southport. This is Special all on good form. They covered with beermats. A great an hourly, limited stop service also have a large selection of place for a quiet pint or two. which makes for quite a fast journey. If you buy a Day Rider ticket for £4.50 you have unlimited travel any time between 9.00am and midnight could wish for in a city centre No guests but the Cumbria Way on any Stagecoach bus. From the outside the Old Black pub. It is grade II listed and the was in good form and to be Preston is also easily accessible Bull, 35 Friargate looks a very interior is made up of a mass of honest we could have sat there by train from both Lime Street interesting building but was a tiles (check out the bar!!) and a for the rest of our visit but we via Wigan and from Central via great disappointment when we lovely mosaic floor. It is multi had one more pub to visit. the Ormskirk to Preston line, went in. The interior has been roomed, each having something which enables you to combine a foreign beers available. opened out into a large drinking of interest to attract your Our last visit was to the Stanley visit with the West Lancashire Our next stop was the Fox & area with a small room at the attention, whether it is the Arms, 23 Lancaster Road. This is Real Ale Rail Trail leaflet featured Grapes, 15 Fox Street. This is a The New Britannia, 6 Heatley front as you enter and seating mirrors in the back room, or the a large pub divided into smaller in the November edition. small pub just off the busy Street, was our next visit. This is opposite the long bar. I imagine wealth of information about old drinking areas. It had a number Seven Preston pubs are featured shopping area. I was rather put a two roomed pub with a fine the pub would have originally Preston and the pub itself in the of beers on tap of which most in the Good Beer Guide. back when I went in and noticed selection of beers on offer. We been divided into a number of front rooms. It is a Robinsons could be found elsewhere. We the handpumps were naked, not tried Goose Eye ‘Bronte Bitter’, 3 smaller rooms. Anyway we finished off with ‘Henry’s IPA’ a pump clip in sight. As we were Rivers ‘Scholars Prayer’ and were here for the beer and they from Wadsworth and the about to turn on our heels and Marble ‘Festival’. The Marble have a good selection with 7 seasonal ‘Grouse Beater’ from walk out I asked the barman if ‘Festival’ was by far the best of handpumps on. We tried Hart’s Theakston. they had any cask ale, he pointed them all, in my opinion!!! Other ‘Ice Maiden’, Sheppard Neame’s I can recommend Preston as a behind us to a blackboard on the ‘Whistable Ale’ and Moorhouses venue for a pub crawl as it is easy wall. Here was written the 6 ‘Blonde Witch’. All good well to get to and all the pubs kept beers and very enjoyable. mentioned above are within easy Our first port of call was the walking distance of each other Market Tavern, 33-35 Market Further along Friargate at 166 house and they had Hatters, and they are all close to the bus Street. This overlooks the old (across Ringway) is the Black Unicorn, Double Hop, Cumbria and rail stations. covered outdoor market and is Horse. This is everything you Way and Ward’s Bitter on tap. Alan Lloyd quite an amazing small pub. The interior is open plan divided into beers available included different drinking areas some of Bradfield ‘Farmers Stout’, Britain’s Pubs in Numbers which are booths separated by available tipples. It was a fine Timothy Taylor’s ‘Landlord’, Little Green Men 252 Pub Co’s own 20931 pubs in wood and iron screens. The selection and included beers Cain's ‘IPA’ and Saxon ‘Ruby Chilli Beer 3.8% the UK ~ 16300 freehouses in the seating is all wood and leather, from the Hawkshead brewery, Tuesday’ Cider. The pub offers UK ~ 57231 pubs in the UK This bottle conditioned It’s available in three with a lovely tiled floor. The Sharps of Cornwall and Fyne as homemade food at lunchtime but Source The Publican Jan 07 hoppy fruity beer is a strengths, the hottest carrying walls are covered with a mass of well as a Weston’s cider ‘Golden we missed out, maybe next time. taste sensation. Don’t be a biohazard symbol. Both photos, adverts and articles Rose’ at 7.3% We tried the ‘Side put off by the chilli, it’s the beer and the chilli are Starting Them Young about old Preston. A fine old Pocket for a Toad’ from Tring We had planned to visit the Olde not really evident at first products of Lancashire and are fireplace was next to were we Brewery and Northern’s ‘Golden Dog and Partridge, 44 Friargate The first Tarporley Cheshire Beer but builds up as available at local Farmers were sitting. It was like being in World’ both fine although I but it closes in the afternoon on Festival was organised by the a subtle tingling, and Markets and also from the the past, except for the preferred the more citrus flavour weekdays. Tarporley Primary School Parent never interferes with the website. Teachers Association. Nothing taste of this excellent beer. www.littlegreenmen.co.uk like starting them young!! Well it beats school milk!

36 37 Belgium Recent visits by Branch members have highlighted three unique and interesting bars. The Bierbrasserie Cambrinus in Brugge on Philipstockstraat 19 built in 1699, opened in February 06 and already has an excellent reputation for its range 250 plus beers, its biercuisine, its interesting architecture and decoration and for its ambience. It is adorned with statues of Cambrinus, the God of Beer. It opened too recently to be in the Belgian GBG. visit the website www.cambrinus.eu for history and the beer list. even that of Peter Kavanagh’s this example of spectacular Even more unusual is the Egerton Street. Perhaps they cooking methods which would t’Velootje bar, (pictured on this should be twinned? Or perhaps singe the whiskers of UK health page) Kalveskeeg 2-4 in the not as the t’Velootje is described and safety officers! medieval Patersho district of variously as the world’s strangest Ghent. The name means little bar, filthy and cavernous and bicycle bar and the objects in the only skip in the world that question can be found adorning is licensed to sell beer. And the the walls along with the world’s beer choice is very limited. biggest collection of junk, not just Nevertheless it is a unique on the walls but also on the floor. experience not to be missed. The array of bric a brac exceeds Den Artiste in Ostende provided Belgium Good Beer Guide

This excellent Guide has been genuine classic Belgian beers to revised and republished. This seek out. is a Guide which "Tells it like An example is Chimay, one of the it is." Tim Webb pulls no punches most famous trappiste beers. Tim and takes no prisoners when highlights the shortcuts to the describing the beers and breweries brewing process which have led to of Belgium and the bars in which a loss of complexity of taste. to enjoy it. A central concern of his "Chimay is exactly the sort of regards many brewers is the brewery that the Guide would dumbing down of many once love to support in all its works. classic beers in favour of quicker, It pains us to score it so low bigger and cheaper brewing (3 stars previously 5). We will methods to cater for a growing be the first to rejoice if and when are of little use in finding the market. You may be surprised at they improve." recommended bars in most of some of the once revered names This is an indispensable Guide to the cities. A pity this was not that Tim identifies as indulging in anyone with an interest in Belgian addressed in the revision. this undesirable practice. Read beers and a vital guide if you are Copies available from CAMRA this and you may revise your visiting the country. The one weak www.camra.org.uk price £12.99 judgements on which are the point is the very poor maps which (£10.99 members price).

39 THE ZOIGL - Drinking Under The Sign (one is actually a hotel, so if you To come across these zoigl houses want to stay the night phone the is a fascinating experience. Each by Dave Cunningham Oberpfälzer Hof on 09681-788), beer is different, some are top and of the others usually two are fermented, I am informed, and open at once from Friday to although you are drinking in Arriva), from Regensburg to Monday (or Tuesday). someone's house, you do not in Marktredwitz and onward into my experience sense anything but the Czech Republic, and the Continuing north, alight at a welcoming atmosphere, with buses are run by Regionalbus Wiesau and the same bus service sometimes an expression of Ostbayern. Information on buses goes to Falkenberg (6 km) and interest that someone has come all and trains can be found (in Mitterteich (8 km). In the former the way from England to a region English too) on www.bahn.de. place there is just one zoigl that is not noted for tourism. Note that very few buses run in house, called "Kramer" at rural Germany at weekends, and houses, opening in turn every five Tirschenreuther Strasse 4, owned on weekdays there can be weeks, so only one is open at one by the Fischer family, who also intervals of 2-3 hours, but the time. There are all on the supply food from their butcher's train service is generally hourly Marktplatz, so just look for shop next door. Mr. Fischer told on weekdays and every two whichever is open. Sometimes the me he keeps the old tradition up hours at weekends. weekend opening extends to as a hobby, and I suspect this is a Tuesdays. Neuhaus can be typical reason. To find out when Starting from Regensburg, the reached by buses running from he is look at www.zoigl-kramer- first place to visit is Eslarn, Weiden to Windischeschenbach, wolf.de, then "Eingang", or open Imagine having the right to turn know that beer was being served almost on the border. Alight at or you can walk uphill from telephone 09637-328. Mitterteich the front room of your house because a zoigl (local dialect word Weiden, then a 35 km journey by Windischeschenbach, which has a has three zoigl houses. Opening CAMRA's new "Good Beer into a pub from Friday to for a sign) in the form of a wreath bus taking nearly an hour. There railway station about 10 minutes days can be found on Guide Germany" Monday every three or four or a star was hanging from a is only one zoigl house here, walk from the village centre. It www.mitterteich.de then click on by Steve Thomas, ISBN weeks. At the same time you window, often an upstairs called "Zum Strˆhern". Their also has the biggest number of "Zoiglkalander". Only one is 1852492198, can be bought brew your own beer or have it window, so unless you knew opening days are not on the zoigl houses, 11 in all. Three of open at once and some weekends through www.camra.org.uk or brewed for you professionally to what to look for it would be Internet, so telephone 09653-1355 them are open most of the time none are. from good book shops. your own recipe. There is a overlooked. The beers are known for information. The communal region in Germany where this as zoigl beers and you drink them brewery, which must formerly actually happens. It is the Upper in zoigl rooms. Beware, though, have been used by other zoigl Palatinate (Oberpfalz) in north that the term zoigl is now used in houses, is at Brennerstrasse 30, The Art of Real Ale east Bavaria, adjacent to the some cases to mean an unfiltered and visits can be arranged by Czech border. This is an ancient beer sold in an ordinary pub. phoning 09653-92070 in advance. right, which goes with the house All the other four places I Well the historic Grade II listed surrounding area including Falkner rather than the owner, and the mention below also have Belvedere Arms in the heart of the Square, Canning Street and both right is widespread in the region. communal breweries. Georgian Quarter (Sugnall Street) Liverpool’s Cathedrals. However over the years the has brought a bit more culture into A donation to Zoe’s Place Baby custom has almost fallen into Geographically the next place is Neuhaus, one of many places in an already excellent pub. Since its Hospice in West Derby, is made disuse, and although many re-opening, Licensee Ivan has given for each painting sold. For more Germany of that name. To get the houses carry the right it is only over the walls of the lounge for information on the current right one, enter the place name as used in a few houses in five They open on a rota basis, local artists to display their work, exhibition conact Anita on: 0151 252 "Neuhaus Marktplatz, villages. In 1854 the custom was usually from Friday to Monday supporting a move towards pubs in 1203www.liverpoolgallery.com or visit Windischeschenbach" if looking practised in 75 towns - for a map (sometimes Tuesday too), and the city exhibiting original artwork see www.zoigl.de then "English" nowadays the opening days can on the railway web site. This one by local artists. then "Zoigl-towns". be found on the Internet. Actual is one kilometre from Have you ever sat in a good pub, The Belvedere Arms is currently hours are not, however. The Windischeschenbach. The same enjoying a great pint of real ale featuring original watercolours by Until recently there was a certain villages can be reached by train web site www.zoiglbier.de gives thinking that the pictures on the Liverpool artist Keith F Smith. amount of mystery about this and bus. The trains run on the the opening rota for both places. walls are a bit dull and wondered This new exhibition has been phenomenon. You would only Vogtlandbahn (now owned by In Neuhaus there are five zoigl why they were chosen in the painted specifically for display in first place. the Belvedere Arms, they depict the

40 41 Wednesday of each month April in Wolverhampton at the Branch Meetings open to all Civic and Wulfrun Halls. members 3rd Wednesday of This is the opportunity for each month For details email: Members to discuss the [email protected] direction of the national Wednesday March 21st Campaign, to take part in Branch Meeting Ship and Mitre useful working sessions on how Dale Street 8pm to run a successful local campaign and to vote on formal Wednesday April 19th motions. There is also a AGM Everyman Hope Street programme of brewery and pub Your Details third room 8pm visits on the Friday and Title...... Surname ...... Forename(s) ...... Liverpool Branch Saturday. CAMRA Members Weekend For booking details and Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ...... Email...... Events The 2007 CAMRA Members programme see What’s Brewing Address...... Regular Meeting pattern is Weekend will be held from and www.camra.org.uk Committee Meetings 1st Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd ...... Tel No......

Please tick as applicable ■ Single - £20 •■ Joint - £25 • ■ Under 26 & Over 60 - £11 •■ Life - £360 •■ Overseas - £25 CAMRA

INSTRUCTION TO YOUR Please fill in using ballpoint pen and send to: Originator’s Identification Liverpool & BANK OR BUILDING SOCIETYThe Campaign for Real Ale Ltd Number TO PAY DIRECT DEBITS 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts. L1 4LW 926129 Districts 1. Name and full postal address of your Bank / Building Society Social Trips To: The Manager...... Bank or Building Society

Address:...... Postcode......

Don’t miss out on the upcoming Normally there will be several 2. Name(s) of account holder(s) 5. Reference Number (office use only) CAMRA Social Trips. These offer hours at the main destination, the chance to visit interesting with stops at pubs on the way June 2nd - Warwick 6.Please Instruction pay The Campaign to your for Bank Real Ale or Ltd Building Direct Debits Society from the account quality real ale pubs outside our and/or on the way home. The detailed in this Instruction subject to safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with The Campaign for area with someone else doing aim will be to seek out the beers Warwick and other pubs in the 3. Branch Sort Code Real Ale Ltd and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building the driving. The coach departs at from the local breweries. area Society. 10 am prompt from Dale Street Non members are welcome. July 7th- Bishops Castle 4. Bank or Building Society account number outside the Ship and Mitre and To reserve seats contact Ian Signature:...... The annual beer festival costs £12. Return is usually 07709 564 336, Date: ...... between 9-9.30pm. Trips are [email protected] Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of accounts. September 15th-Derbyshire open to non members so bring Fenny Bentley and other pubs a friend along. March 17th-Black Country in the area The Direct Debit Guarantee (This guarantee should be detached & retained by the payer) To book phone Ian Macadam on Including Sarah Hughes and Further trips, probably to 07709 564 336 or book at Branch Olde Swan This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies If an error is made by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd or your breweries or pub festivals will that take part in the Direct Debit Scheme. The efficiency and Bank or Building Society, you are guaranteed a full immediate Meetings. security of the Scheme is monitored and protected by your own refund from your branch of the amount paid. be announced later, please visit Coaches will be regularly run on April 28th- York Bank or Building Society. www.merseycamra.org.uk for Yo u can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your Bank Saturdays throughout the year. By popular request a full day If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, The or Building Society. Please also send a copy of your letter to us. more details. Campaign for Real Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in in York advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.

42 43 Morse the pity about the Randolph, never married. Close by and a Thomas Hardy used the pub as friendly enough and the menu but Oxford's pubs still have tales to tell stone’s throw from the Holywell the setting for parts of Jude the was impressive (so impressive in Music Rooms (Who Killed Harry Obscure although today you’ll be fact that you could buy them at Field? and Twilight of the Gods) hard pressed to escape the is the Kings Arms, a multi- madding crowd as you sup your roomed Young’s pub (Wolvercote pint of Lamb and Flag Gold, brewed specially by Palmer’s. From 1938-1962 The Eagle was the haunt of the Inklings, a writers' group which included Tolkien and Lewis (yes, him

Tongue, Happy Families and the bar). Still, it’s a beautiful pub. Deadly Slumber) where it’s Finally, there’s the Turf Tavern in possible to imagine Morse New College Lane, one of scrounging a pint off Lewis as he Oxford's oldest pubs. The Turf struggles to find his wallet. featured prominently in Service Turning right out of Broad Street of All the Dead (where, believe it and heading north to St Giles are or not, Morse turned down the the Eagle and Child and the offer of a pint) the Silent World of Lamb and Flag. The Lamb Nicholas Quinn (where, to prove opened in 1695 and has allegedly a point about a murder, he served not only Morse but, so it again). More recently, the pub instructs Lewis to drink a glass of goes, JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis (yes became known as a regular haunt sherry-ugh!) and the Daughters there is another one) Graham of Colin Dexter although on this of Cain (did he have any Greene, Bill Clinton and, wait for occasion he would have had daughters?). It is profoundly to be Arecent visit to Oxford, for benefactor of the Ashmolean heard to remark "serve a decent it, Tony Blair, but not Jack the some difficulty in finding a seat hoped that the Turf’s recent strictly professional reasons I museum. The Hotel features in pint". For such luxuries, hotel Ripper, Adolf Hitler and Bob and might not have been hugely acquisition by Greene King might add, allowed an The Jewel That Was Ours guests need to travel further Dylan. Well, they can’t have impressed with the range of beers doesn’t mean any loss of opportunity to investigate not (adapted as The Wolvercote afield. Closest is the tiny White everything in Oxford, can they? on offer but the service was character or more importantly a only scenes of crimes featuring in Tongue) the The Infernal Serpent, Horse where Morse attempts to reduction in the number and ITV’s adaptations of Colin Second Time Around, The Wench lunch (this is "pure food" says variety of real ales on offer. Dexter’s Inspector Morse novels Is Dead, and Dexter’s last novel, Morse as he tackles a pint of Geoff Edwards but watering holes where much The Remorseful Day. The walls of something that must have been of Morse’s "thinking" took place the hotel bar are decorated with rather less expensive than the £2- Morsewatch! as he mulled over the evidence. photographs of the late John 80 I paid for my Hobgoblin) with Most notable among these pathologist Dr Grayling Russell, locations is the Randolph Hotel only to be interrupted by seeing a Can you solve the following on Beaumont Street. Oxford’s drunken woman being ejected Morse-based anagrams? The most famous hotel is now in the from the pub. The woman is a key answers are all in the article hands of a chain whose witness in a case entitled The above. promotional material depicts a Secret of Bay 5B. Morse chases Jaguar outside the main entrance her down the road and discovers -Hale mason found opposite (wrong colour, folks). The hotel is a bag full of money in her flat. Randolph Hotel (9) named after the Randolph Thaw and Kevin Whately. Never let it be said that Morse -Agenda chilled-like the beer in Gallery that once stood opposite Despite a change of name from allowed relaxation to get in the this Oxford hostelry? (5, 3, 5) which in turn took its name from the Chapters Bar to the Morse way of solving crimes. Mind you, -Dutch father agonies-maybe the Reverend Francis Randolph, a Bar, it no longer, as Morse was it might help explain why he over the offspring in this Dexter The Turf Tavern story? (3, 9, 2, 4)

44 45 A Bikers Best Friend?

be another matter. The bike and sidecar has been built by ‘Battistinis’ with the help of Hogshead brewery to fit the taps and plumping- to dispense your pint. As a custom built bike, As a keen biker as well as a beer to some it might be seen as a enthusiast (though not at the thing of beauty but I think I will same time!), this picture of be keep my biking and drinking "Hogsback beer machine" separate. brought a big smile to my face. Progress of the build can be seen Whilst it looks and sounds like on the website: a great idea, in practice waiting www.battistinis.co.uk for your beer to settle would Kevin Mills

Magna 800 Wapping Brewery and their brewer Stan Shaw. Unfortunately the Festival King John had departed before he Beer could sign off the beer for the The 2007 Liverpool Beer Festival enjoyment of the city populace, Did you recognise the location? Beer is Magna 800 brewed by but you can sup it at the Festival This picture was taken in Chester’s winning main shopping street. Liverpool’s award and the Baltic Fleet. 1000 up available during the year. Nationally CAMRA membership 600 Up Membership of the CAMRA has passed the 90000 mark and is Liverpool and Districts branch is pressing on for the magic 100000, 600 is the approaching the milestone 1000 making CAMRA the largest and number of micro mark, with hopes that it might be most successful consumer breweries listed reached by people joining at the organisation in Europe. Liverpool Beer Festival. Special in the new 2007 membership offers will be Don’t delay, join now! Good Beer Guide

MerseyAle Contacts Editor Copy/letters/news Wirral Contact John Armstrong Cartoons [email protected] Mark Rowan 0151 638 5002 Dennis Jones Southport Contact. Advertising Contact Photographs For further details regarding [email protected] events trips please contact Anita Smith, [email protected] Neil Lloyd, [email protected] Postal Address Mike Perkins 01704 573 768 or and CAMRA photographic archive. Mersey Ale, c/o John Armstrong email [email protected] Layout Design 5 Incemore Road, Website – Keith Smith,[email protected] Liverpool L18 4QX www.merseycamra.org.uk Branch Contacts Trading Standards 0151 233 3002 Advertising Rates Steve Downing 07743 034530 Mersey Travel Line 0151 236 7676 Colour full page-£200 half page-£100 Social Sec Join the Yahoo email group and keep The opinions expressed in the Mersey Ale abreast of the news, sign up and get are not necessarily those of the Editor, Ian MacAdam 07709 564 336 regular updates. Liverpool Branch or CAMRA Ltd.

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