ISSUE 63

(Please take a Fcopry, reeadeit and pass it on) August ­ September 2010

the Oxford Drinker Preparations are in full swing for the 13th Oxford Beer Festival Once more it is going to be held at the Town Hall, St Aldates. The Festival organizers are trying to get a bit more room there, as previous events have been very busy. There will be up to 140 beers to choose from over the three days. A special emphasis is going to be put on beers from our local breweries with a LocAle tasting session to find the best LocAle beers of the festival. Festival Opening Times A call for volunteers to staff the festival Thursday 14th October: 5pm­11pm is being made to all CAMRA members. Friday 15th October: 11am­11pm Saturday 16th October: 11am­8pm

Logo Competition Design Winner The winner of our logo competition is Harry Cook, from Essex. He has just finished his A levels and is hoping to study Graphic Design and Multimedia at University. While not actually a CAMRA member yet (his Dad and Grandad are members) he still feels that our pubs and real ales are a big part of our heritage. Being 18 he has naturally not been able to sample many real ales but he seems to have taken a liking to Well’s Waggledance and Banana Beer. He entered the competition to test his skills and gain experience in working to a real brief. We can only say that he has succeeded and come up with a great design for us. As a prize Harry will get a free pass for the Festival, beer tokens and a t­shirt with his own logo on.

The free newsletter of the Also Including the Oxford City Branch of CAMRA White Horse Branch of CAMRA. www.oxfordcamra.org.uk www.whitehorsecamra.org.uk

August/September 2010 The Oxford Drinker is the newsletter of Oxford and White Contents Horse branches of CAMRA, The Local Pubs Week...... 4 Campaign for Real Ale. Pub News...... 6 4000 copies are distributed free of News From The Wild West...... 8 charge to pubs across the branch The Royal Blenheim...... 10 area; including Oxford, Abingdon, The Broad Face...... 12 Witney, Faringdon, Eynsham, Kidlington, Bampton and Wantage. Pub Walk 3...... 14 Oxford Branch Diary...... 16 This newsletter is available electronically in PDF format at Beer Festival Diary...... 16 www.oxfordcamra.org.uk/drinker Town and Village Pub Of The Year...... 18 Don't miss a single copy of the White Horse Branch...... 20 Oxford Drinker. Why not Beer Festival Helper's Trip...... 20 subscribe to the Oxford Drinker? Arkell's Evening...... 21 To do this, send some A5 size Faringdon To Get Its Own Brewery...... 22 stamped addressed enevelopes New Oxfordshire Cider Producer...... 22 to: Bainton Bikes Brewery Tour...... 24 Oxford Drinker, 20 Victoria LocAle Award...... 26 Road, Abingdon, OX14 1DQ Rural Minibus Tour...... 26 We will send you as many Local Fruit...... 28 issues as you send envelopes. Brewery News...... 29 Save Our Pubs...... 30 Valuable contributions to this edition have been made by Neil Hoggarth, Richard Queralt, Ray Editorial Borrett, Helene Augar, Tony Welcome to a packed August/September issue 63 of the The Oxford Drinker, the newsletter of the Oxford branch Goulding, et al. of CAMRA (The Campaign For Real Ale). The next publication will be issued in Unfortunately we have not had space to include all the October 2010. articles that have been contributed, but we hope to To advertise contact Johanne Green include them in the next issue. on 07766­663215 or send an email The Oxford branch is busy preparing for several events, to [email protected] including The 13th Oxford Beer Festival in October, Send news, information and articles which looks set to be even better than last year. to Steven Green; Organising and running the beer festival requires a lot of [email protected] volunteer work. All Oxford branch members should be receiving a beer festival staffing form in the post. If you Deadline for the next issue is 10th don't receive one and would like to help out then please September 2010 contact us. The views expressed in this We are also planning a Local Pubs Week in September publication are those of the of which more information can be found on page 4 individual contributors and not including details about how to get involved. neccessarily those of the Oxford or The summer months are a good time for walking or White Horse branches of CAMRA, cycling into the Oxfordshire countryside, visiting village or of CAMRA Limited. and rural pubs on the way. There are article on pages © Copyright 2010, Oxford CAMRA 14 and 24 about these activities. the Oxford Drinker Page 3 issue 63 Local Pubs Week Michael Corlett The local pub. A quiet table for a half­hour local newspapers, but we’d also like to find out of restful ease at the end of the day, or about any local newsletters or magazines that possibly a packed bar full of lively banter would be willing to print listings. Most of all, and friendly regulars. we’d like to see as many people as possible supporting their pub, so if Either way, a place to you can persuade just one enjoy a well kept pint of those pub shy people to and appreciate some of join you at the bar that the finer things in life. week, to discover the warm But imagine if you could welcome and convivial only visit the pub just atmosphere at their once a year ­ community local, then Local unthinkable? Perhaps, Pubs Week will have but research shows that achieved its aim. there are some pub shy For more information, or to people out there who get involved, there is a visit their local just once mailing list that you can join in a blue moon and by sending a blank email to local–pubs–week–[email protected] some never at all! They obviously don’t or you can email [email protected] or call know what they’re missing, and this is 07766663215. where Local Pubs Week comes in. The events will all be listed on the branch Local Pubs Week is a campaign by CAMRA to website as they are announced at raise the profile of community pubs and to www.oxfordcamra.org.uk/localpubsweek.php encourage more people to use them more of the time. Unlike some other campaigns, the dates for Local Pubs Week are chosen by each branch and Oxford branch has craftily chosen Local Pubs Week Events the 17th to the 26th of September (Friday to The Cricketer's Arms, Littleworth (the first Sunday) giving us a whole 10 days. pub in Oxford to receive LocAle accreditation) What sort of events will there be? It will be up will be holding a local ale and acoustic music to the publicans to decide, but hopefully there festival on 24th ­ 26th September for Local will be a wide variety, from beer tastings and Pubs Week meet­the­brewer evenings, to book group meetings and poetry readings. We want to “The event will feature a dozen real ales, all appeal as much as possible to people who local to Oxford, including, hopefully, a number don’t normally get down to the pub, but of from The Compass Brewery, as well as a course we will be making the most of traditional sausage menu and performances from as pub activities ­ we’ll be supplying a round of many local musicians as we can get through questions on local pub knowledge for pubs that the door,” says landlord Stuart. As an want to run a themed quiz, and a team of incentive for musicians, there will be CAMRA All Stars will be playing pub games complimentary real ale available during the across the region (against anyone who dares weekend. All genres of music are welcome take up the challenge!). and musicians are encouraged to come along and play whatever takes their fancy and We’d love to hear from anyone who has an showcase their talents. More details here: idea for their local pub, and CAMRA can supply http://www2.cricketers­ beer mats and posters to publicans who are arms.co.uk/acoustic_music_festival running an event. We’ll be contacting the main Page 4 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010

the Oxford Drinker Page 5 issue 63 Pub News

The Kings Head and Bell, Abingdon The Newlands Inn, Eynsham Steve Hipgrave, landlord, is planning what he Richard Buss and Thomas Furrer have taken calls the 1st Abingdon Beer Festival. This year this pub over and assure us that the pub is now will see a festival in his own pub with 20 real open all day 7 days a week from 11am and ales sourced locally, ciders, English lagers, they are looking forward to welcoming Morris Dancers, craft stalls, face painting, beer anybody who wants to retrace the 2nd pub tasting talks by CAMRA members, live music walk featured in issue 62. and BBQ over the August Bank Holiday. The event is sponsored by Hook Norton and The Six Bells, Kidlington proceeds from the sale of festival glasses will This pub has been taken on by Nic and go to the Abingdon Mayor's charity. Carmen Griffiths. Nic is a local man who has been living in America but previously Steve’s vision is to grow the festival each year, considered the pub his local. They will soon be moving it to the market square, involving many having a refurbishment which will bring the little local producers of food and beer and generally used room at the back more into the pub. They making it a celebration of all things local to also want to take more advantage of the large, Abingdon. pleasant but hidden back garden. Nic considers real ale to be important to the pub The Stocks Bar, Abingdon and hopes to concentrate on local breweries. A new bar manager, Justin Shearn, was He is also considering the occasional beer appointed at the beginning of July. festival. Improvements have already been made; the bar staff have been on a cellar training course Seacourt Bridge Inn, Oxford and real Cider is again being sold here. Card This was taken over by Neil and Michelle bearing CAMRA members are still offered 20p Howkins in May. This pub is open all day every of every pint and 10% discount on food. Justin day and is a family orientated community pub. has been in the pub trade for 14 years, working There are numerous games played here; Aunt in Cambridge and abroad. He is hoping to use Sally, darts, chess, crib, quiz night, and more, his experience to bring all 8 hand pumps back so it is well supported by the locals. There are into action with improved beer quality. He plans two hand pumps with ales from Marstons. They to introduce a wider range of beers from more also serve food with a great deal of two meals different breweries as soon as he can. A new for £10 on Saturdays. hotel and restaurant general manager, Robbie The Masons Arms, Headington Gratton, has also been found. The pub is hosting the 9th Headington Beer The Horseshoes, Witney Festival from the 3rd to 5th September. There This family run pub always stocks Wychwood's will be over 45 real ales, 10 ciders and a pig Hobgoblin along with two other pumps; one roast on the Saturday evening. Saturday with White Horse Bitter and the other with afternoon the pub will also play host to the changeable guests. The brewer of Hobgoblin, traditional CAMRA intra­branch regional Aunt John Tilson regulary drinks here and comments Sally competition. All members are invited to on how well the beer is kept. On Thursdays cheer the match or even participate in it. beer is sold at £2 a pint between 5 and 9pm. The Eagle Tavern, Witney Being an Admiral Tavern leasehold the pub This pub which was our branch's 2009 Town operates near enough like a free house and the and Country Pub of the Year, has been named landlord, Luke Champion, who has been in the by Hook Norton Brewery as the winner of The pub for 2 years, is planning his 2nd Annual Hooky Gold Awards Best Kept Cellar for the Horseshoes Beer Festival on the August Bank second time in three years. Holiday weekend, starting on Thursday 26th, selling all 10 beers featured at £2 a pint.

Page 6 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010

the Oxford Drinker Page 7 issue 63 News From The Wild West Ray Borrett The Marlborough, Witney is now under the Slayney, a particularly experienced and com­ ownership of Oakman Inns (of Tring). They are mitted couple who brought the Hand and noted for tasteful refurbishments and especially Shears at Church Handborough to fame. They for their commitment to real ales. Eventually are called The Affordable Dining Company and there should be a big improvement in this town will be refurbishing and modifying while being centre hotel with an increase in the range and operative (it was a long haul of legalities and quality of beer. they thought it time to get some income). Food The White Hart, Wytham (eastern outskirts of is of good quality and they will eventually be Oxford): There have been rumours from numer­ serving around 600­800 meals per day. But of ous villagers that “things” are happening and importance to CAMRA is the beer. Two chrome maybe a change is about to happen! Hopes are pumps deliver Butcombe­Bitter and Gold that there will be some return to a village pub. (£2.40) in excellent condition. At the rate of de­ There is now an "Aunt Sally" team and people livery more pumps will be needed and maybe have been in there measuring up, so maybe other breweries will be providers. there is truth in the rumours. Keep an eye open The Queen's Head, Eynsham, is the local for for perhaps a brewery orientation. CAMRA's only canine (yes dog!) member. Py­ The Royal Oak, Witney: New lines have been thius Peacocke who is owned by Helen Pea­ fitted from the distant cellar (a 4 pint run) to cocke, food and Beer writer. A pub walk book, keep the lager and beer separated. In the past "Paws under the Table" was published last drinkers have said the beer was too cold, so year, and just recently a similar book was that should now be rectified. This is one of the launched (or rather drunk into publishing) at the few places to get Regal Lager (4% abv), sold Wychwood Brewery. Chris Keating of the Brew­ under the Wychwood logo, served on the beer ery has never hosted a book launch before. line temperature from a hand pump. Regal, in The Prescott Brewery is a new microbrewery case you have not noticed is lager backwards! North East of Cheltenham. They use the The recipe is held by Marstons and is mostly in tagline “Great British Lubricants”, with beers their Burton hands. like “Hill Climb”, “Track Record” and “Grand The Wychwood Brewery Shop is proving a Prix” named after the nearby motor race and success. Beer can be dispensed bright for Hill Climb circuit. This makes it a new local ale “take home” or in bottles from the Wychwood for West and North Oxfordshire. and Brakspear range and others from the Mar­ The Old Forge Brewery at The Radnor arms, ston portfolio such as Jennings and Ringwood. Coleshill (near Highworth/Lechlade) will be There is now a bottled version of “King Goblin” brewing by the time you read this publication. at a whopping 6.6% abv. This is a local brewery There will be a new brewer under the guidance providing beer on our doorstep. Although it is and supervision of Graham Gerrard (Half­ casked or bottled at Marstons, because the old penny Brewery, Lechlade). Look out for The racking machinery was dangerous and unreli­ Radnor Arms 1st Beer Festival on 11th able, this should not deter drinkers from the loc­ September held in conjunction with The Nation­ al ale aspect. The beer is conditioned before al Trust Food Festival at the Granary. There will transported uncomfortably in tankers bearing be 15 guest beers. “Fosters” logos. The Marstons system of deliver­ The Plough, Kelscott: The manager Nick Kight ies uses dray lorries to transport not only beers, has decided to move on, but not too far – to the but pub commodities like crisps, nuts, cleaning King and Queen at Longcot (near Farringdon). agents etc. Even used chip/cooking oil is trans­ He is a committed real ale man, a loss to the formed into bio­diesel for their lorries. Oxford area but a positive gain for the Vale The Evenlode, Eynsham eventually reopened CAMRA branch. The King and Queen has im­ on 9th July. Although owned by Coors it is proved since he moved there with the pub be­ leased and licensed to David and Madge ing busy with locals enjoying the 5 real ales. Page 8 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010

the Oxford Drinker Page 9 issue 63 The Royal Blenheim Ciaran J. Dearden Our visit to the Royal Blenheim came about as That very gentleman then asked to sit with us part of a day trip to Oxford. Given that we and began enquiring as to our reasoning for a would be leaving this wonderfully historical city day trip to Oxford. Our food arrived and he early in the evening, we forewent a hefty res­ promised us peace for the duration of the meal taurant meal in favour of more approachable ­ alas he didn't stick to his promise and began pub fare. to bother us with his introspective analytics and commentary on the 'dynamic' between my part­ The Royal Blenheim was a pub I had read ner and I. Still, here we were in one of the about in a positive light some time ago and I'd world's foremost seats of learning and, on this pinpointed the location in preparation for this basis, I let him continue with a monologue re­ trip. We found the pub, on the corner of St. garding love, serendipity and the feeling of an­ Ebbe's Street and Brewery Street in a quiet ger. Both of us had tired of it by the end of our part of town just removed from the High Street. stay at the Royal Blenheim but the food and drinks had made our visit worth every minute. Upon entering, around 4.30pm, the place was hosting a handful of gentleman drinkers but it My selection was for the homemade beef chilli. seemed more on the side of empty than full but What arrived before me was a decent­sized that suited us perfectly. The two Welsh ser­ bowl of chilli, a smattering of tortilla chips vants behind the bar greeted us politely as my covered with salsa and a small bowl of sour partner chose our seats and I went about select­ cream. The meal was superb. The chilli had ing which of the six real ales on tap would best just the right amount of heat in it and the meat suit my mood. was succulent. The sauce was creamy, not greasy, and not at all heavy. All of the accom­ After brief consultation with the barman, I opted paniments went down well although none ex­ for Village Idiot, a medium­strength pale ale cited ­ possibly with the exception of the tortilla from the White Horse Brewery which owns the chips which had a peppery kick to them. establishment. My partner opted for a lighter option in the form Having placed our order for food, we went to a of a BLT sandwich ­ great value at just £3.95. small vestibule on one side of the room to The sandwich was pleasing to the palate and, throw darts ­ I found it something of a novelty whilst unremarkable given the somewhat unad­ as so many pubs local to me have taken away venturous nature of the dish, was executed su­ this most relaxed of sports. At the bar, a Man­ perbly. It was accompanied by a fresh, crisp cunian gentleman debated the almost mag­ side salad and hearty fries, although the latter maeic ability of the Labour party to shapeshift accompaniament lacked the home­made ap­ out of all recognition from the union mollycod­ peal which would have topped off this dish. dlers of a bygone era. My partner and I re­ marked how refreshing it was to hear political, As for my tipple, the Village Idiot ale was a de­ or even educated, discourse in a pub as op­ light. It was fresh, light and had a clean, crisp posed to the usual inane chatter of nights out flavour to it. At £2.70 a pint, it is in the upper and football. realms of what I would consider to be usual pri­ cing for real ales but I didn't squirm at paying A party of Americans joined the pub's patrons that for a truly lovely beer. before one of the barmen approached us to tell me that the other barman had neglected to Two meals, one side of garlic bread, and a hear the bell signalling our meals' readiness beer came in at a touch over £17. A price worth and so it had turned cold in the dumb waiter. paying for some lovely food in an underappre­ Not to worry, I told him, just as an elderly gentle­ ciated pub in central Oxford. man approached to inform us that the food was worth any wait.

Page 10 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010

We sell polypins and bottles direct from the brewery, Mon­Fri. For any enquiries please call: 01367 718700 or email [email protected]

WHITE HORSE BREWERY 3 Ware Road, White Horse Business Park, Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire, SN7 8NY

www.whitehorsebrewery.com

the Oxford Drinker Page 11 issue 63 The Broad Face Helene Augar

A year ago, drinkers in Abingdon were www.oxfordcamra.org.uk, or better still get the concerned about the fate of The Broad Face, details sent to you via the with the landlord having left at short notice, [email protected] mailing list – see staff leaving and the managers at The www.oxfordcamra.org.uk for joining Fitzharris Arms stepping in to keep the pub instructions). open. When the local branch of CAMRA embarked on one of two survey trips taking in Secondly, and better still, there’s a great 40p all the Abingdon hostelries which claimed to off a pint for CAMRA card carrying members! If serve real ale, understandably The Broad you’re not a member and live locally, see the Face did not come out particularly well for its membership form in this magazine to join or beer quality. The food was not quite as special visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus as before and the atmosphere had all but died. The future was uncertain and we were bracing So, if you happened to visit The Broad Face in ourselves for another pub closure. the first half of 2009 and did not think it anything special, I would have agreed with you, Then Dushan ‘Dusty’ Salwathura took on the but it is great news Abingdon has not only been lease from Greene King, and that is exactly spared from losing another pub, but it’s been what he gave the pub – a new lease of life by given a good pub with very good beer. turning the pub around. The quality of the real ale is spot on. All right, the pub has three hand Conversely, Greene King is now offering the pumps all serving Greene King ales, but the lease on The Fitzharris Arms, a local quality of those beers is as good as you will community pub in the heart of an Abingdon find anywhere, which is what really matters. A housing estate close to local shops. treat for those whose palates go beyond beer and who are looking for an after work tipple, is the offer of a bottle of wine, which you will not be able to find in any other pub in the town, for less than £8.00 before 6.00pm on weekdays. That compliments the new range of menus, and the restaurant side to the pub is getting busier all the time as the food is tasty and not too expensive.

On a lazy Sunday afternoon, if you’re at a loose end, why not pop down to The Broad Face and chill out with a nice beer and listen to the live jazz that’s on? It is a permanent feature from 4:00 to 6:00pm every Sunday. Dusty plans on hosting more live music, this time with a more contemporary flavour, every other Friday night.

And, if the fact this pub has been revitalised within a year into a lively, friendly and welcoming place to visit was not good enough for you, there is not only one piece of good news for CAMRA members, but two!

Firstly, the pub will be holding a beer festival this autumn (keep an eye out for the exact dates in the Beer Festival Diary at Page 12 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010

the Oxford Drinker Page 13 issue 63 Pub Walk 3: Thames Path from Wolvercote to Iffley Neil Hoggarth Oxford CAMRA undertook this walk as a social barbecue already fired up, and a singer event on Saturday 3rd July 2010. Around 15 providing live entertainment. We went straight to branch members, friends and family joined us the bar, which offered Hook Norton Bitter and for at least part of the walk. Wychwood Hobgoblin. Most of us went for the The design of the route for this walk differed Hooky, and then took our beer back out to the from our first couple of walks, in that we were garden. I managed to grab a couple of tables for starting at a pub rather than walking a couple of the party near to the barbecue, thinking that this miles for our first pint. This may have been a would be a good spot for us to grab some lunch. mistake. I don't think that the staff at The Trout This plan fell apart when we looked a little more were really geared­up for having a dozen closely and discovered that they were charging serious beer drinkers pile in at opening time, and £10 for a burger, fries and salad garnish. I am immediately want to start sampling all the beers sure they were lovely burgers, but we flinched at on the bar. There were delays while someone the price and returned to our beers unfed. The went off to the celler to unspile the casks, and Hook Norton was really good. some confusion and friction over which beers Returning to the river we continued to admire were ready to serve and which were not. The the views, passing sights such a spaniel problems were overcome though, and soon contentedly sat in the river to cool off, crossing enough most of the party had retired to the pub's the Rainbow Bridge and gradually transitioning terrace overlooking the river with a glass of from rural surroundings to urban as we Brakspear Bitter that was in good condition. The approached Oxford. Crossing back over the other beers on the bar were Brakspear Oxford river at Botley Road, we headed down into Gold, Sharps Doombar, and Purity UBU. Osney, admiring the narrowboats and river cruisers moored upstream of Osney lock. We arrived at The Waterman's Arms a little later than I had originally planned, but still in plenty of time to get served. Originally a Morland pub, the Waterman's is now a Greene King tenancy. The beers on offer were Greene King IPA and Morland Original (which is in fact another Greene King beer from Bury St Edmunds these days, since GK closed the Abingdon brewery). Most of the party opted for the Morland, but finished off the cask, leaving the stragglers on the IPA. The beer was again in good condition. The party spread out, a few watching the tennis on TV, some heading to the Enjoying a beer at The Perch patio at the back of the pub, and a few It was a glorious warm and sunny summer's wandering out to sit by the river and watch the day as we set off over the bridge and down the world go by. river. There is always plenty to see as you stroll On leaving the Waterman's the group split up, along this stretch of river, with rowers out with some heading in to Oxford to eat and rest practicing on the water, cattle and horses on their weary legs, while the remainder returned to Port Meadow over the other side, and dogs the Thames Path and followed the river around rushing around chasing the ducks and geese. the south­west of the city centre, past By the time we reached the garden of The Grandpont and over the Folly Bridge to The Perch it was already quite busy, with kids Head of the River, an impressive riverside making the most of the play facilities, a Fullers pub using Oxford's old riverside Page 14 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010 warehouse buildings (they still have the wharf well known for being rather slow to clear, and it crane on the patio). A few members of the group tasted fine. Originally a Morrells pub, it has hovered in the pub to watch the World Cup passed through the hands of Greene King (and match on TV, while most of us again opted to sit still shows some traces of the Greene King out in the sunshine. Here we encountered our livery on the outside), but has been a free house second eye­wateringly expensive barbecue of for the last couple of years. the day, with several people caving in and Crossing the river at Iffley Lock we left the parting with £8.95 for a burger and salad. Not Thames Path and wandered into Iffley village, being a massive salad fan, I decided that the reaching the last pub on the walk. The Prince of lack of chips was a deal­breaker and contented Wales is a Wadworth pub, with an extensive myself with a pint of Gales HSB. Gales is range of Wadworth beers (including seasonal unfortunately another example of a beer which specials), and a couple of guest beers as well. I has been transplanted from its original home, had one of the guest beers, Everards Golden when Fullers of London bought out and closed Zest, which was a lovely citrus­tasting thirst­ Gales (Horndean, Hampshire). HSB is no longer quencher after a day's walking in the sun. be "Horndean Special Bitter", but I thought it Between us I think we must have sampled most was served in fine form. of the beers on offer, and it was all well Back to the river, and a walk along the stretch received. of the river most used by the University boat My thanks again to everyone who came clubs. We stopped for some wildlife photography along, and I look forward to seeing you on the when someone spotted some mating next walk! damselflys, and then eventually rolled up at The Isis Farmhouse. The beer here was Appleford Powerstation, served by gravity direct from a For full details of the route taken, visit cask on the bar. The beer was a bit hazy, but I the web site at shan't criticise the pub for that: Powerstation is http://oxfordcamra.org.uk/pub­walk­03

the Oxford Drinker Page 15 issue 63 Oxford Branch Diary

Tuesday 3rd August: 7.30pm Pub of the Year competition. Fri 17th ­ Sun 26th September Branch Meeting. Oxford pick­up at noon, outside the Local Pubs Week King's Arms, 4 The Moors, Lamb and Flag, Abingdon See page 4 for more information Kidlington, OX5 2AJ. rendezvous at the Brewery Tap, oxfordcamra.org.uk/localpubsweek Ock St, 12.30. [email protected] Thursday 5th August, 10am Branch Social. Wednesday 1st September, Annual outing to the Great British 7.30pm All CAMRA members (whether Beer Festival, at Earl's Court in Branch AGM local or not) and any prospective London. Meet up at Gloucester King's Arms, 40 Holywell Street, members are very welcome to Green bus station for 10am­ish Oxford, OX1 3SP. attend all events. departure. All Oxford branch members are encouraged to attend. For more details about social Friday 13th August, 9am events please check the web Branch Social. Worcester Beer Saturday 4th September: 1pm site at Festival. Regional Social at 9th http://oxfordcamra.org.uk/diary Meet up at Oxford Station in good Headington Beer Festival or contact Neil Hoggarth on time for the 09.21 train. Mason's Arms, 2 Quarry School 01865 794438, Place, Headington, Oxford [email protected] Saturday 14th August, noon Aunt Sally match between For branch meeting details Mini­bus trip. branches. contact Steve Lawrence at Visiting the shortlisted candidates 01865 764579 for the branch Town and Village [email protected] Beer Festival Diary

Tuesday 3 ­ Saturday 7 August Thursday 12 ­ Saturday 14 Thursday 26 ­ Monday 30 Great British Beer Festival August August (bank holiday weekend) Earl’s Court, London 11th Worcester Beer, Cider The 2nd Annual Horseshoes 450+ beers, ciders, & Perry Festival Beer Festival perries & foreign beers Worcester Racecourse 78 Corn Street, Witney, OX28 6BS www.gbbf.org.uk 200+ beers, 100 ciders & perries 10 real ales, £2/pint. BBQ and Live www.worcesterbeerfest.org.uk music on Sunday, 3pm. Friday 6 – Sunday 8 August 01993 703086 Chester Arms Beer Festival Saturday 21 August Chester Street, Oxford George & Dragon Beer Festival Friday 27 – Monday 30 August 18 beers & ciders Silver Street, Chacombe, nr (bank holiday weekend) 01865 243203 Banbury Beer & Music Festival 01295 711500 Fox Inn, Enstone Road, Middle Friday 6 – Sunday 8 August Barton, nr Chipping Norton George Inn Beer Festival Monday 23 August 01869 340338 Lower Street, Barford St Michael, Cider Festival www.thefoxinnmiddlebarton.co.uk nr Deddington Royal Windsor Racecourse, 01869 338226 Maidenhead Road, Windsor Friday 27 – Monday 30 August www.windsor­racecourse.co.uk. (bank holiday weekend) Saturday 7th August Red Cow Beer Festival Bicester Round Table Beer Thursday 26 ­ Monday 30 The Green, Chesterton, nr Festival August (bank holiday weekend) Bicester At the Jazz in the Park evening, Fox in Steventon, Beer festival 01869 241337 Garth Park, Launton Road, 29 High Street, Steventon, Bicester Abingdon, OX13 6RZ Friday 27 ­ Monday 30 August 25 beers & ciders Live Music and fund raising for (bank holiday weekend) www.bicesterroundtable.org.uk British Legion Woodman Inn Beer Festival 01235 821228 New Yatt Road, North Leigh, nr thefoxatsteventon.co.uk Witney 01993 881790 Page 16 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010 Beer Festival Diary continued

Friday 27 – Monday 30 August Saturday 28 – Monday 30 Saturday 11th September (bank holiday weekend) August (bank holiday weekend) Radnor Arms 1st Beer Festival Rock of Gibraltar Beer Festival White Hart Beer Festival 32 Coleshill, Oxfordshire, SN6 Enslow Bridge, Bletchingdon, nr Main Road, Fyfield, nr Abingdon 7PR Kidlington 13 beers 15 local beers 01869 331373 01865 390585 01793 861575 www.therockofgibraltar.co.uk www.whitehart­fyfield.com Tuesday 21 ­ Saturday 25 Saturday 28 August Sunday 29th August, midday ­ September Chinnor Beer Fest 7:30pm Autumn Beer Festival Playing Fields, Chinnor, nr Thame 12th Annual Eynsham Beer Far from the Madding Crowd, www.chinnorbeerfest.org.uk Festival Friars Entry, Oxford. Eynsham Cricket Club Ground, 01865 240900 Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 Cassington Road, Eynsham www.maddingcrowd.co.uk August (bank holiday weekend) Great range of real ales, BBQ, 7th Brill Beer Festival Cream Teas, Presidents X1 Cricket Friday 24 & Saturday 25 Brill Sports & Social Club, Church Match, Eynsham Morris and September Street, Brill, nr Thame Bouncy Castle 4th Ascot Racecourse Beer www.brillbeerfestival.co.uk 07901 600218 Festival 200+ beers, ciders & perries Saturday 28 – Monday 30 Friday 3 & Saturday 4 www.ascot.co.uk August (bank holiday weekend) September Summer Beer Festival Harbury Beer Festival Friday 24 – Sunday 26 Crown Inn (home of the Halfpenny Village Hall, South Parade, September Brewery) Harbury, nr Leamington Spa North Cotswold Beer Festival High Street, Lechlade 60+ beers, ciders & perries Moreton­in­Marsh Cricket 01367 252198 “Theme is ‘Skills on Tap’­ every Club, Batsford Road, www.crownlechlade.co.uk beer will contain the name of a Moreton­in­Marsh profession or trade ­ expect www.northcotswoldcamra.org.uk Saturday 28 – Monday 30 unusual beers” August (bank holiday weekend) www.camrahow.org.uk Friday 25 ­ Sunday 26 King’s Head & Bell Beer September Festival, Friday 3 ­ Sunday 5 September Brewery Tap Beer, Cider and East St Helen’s Street, Abingdon 9th Headington Beer Festival Sausage Festival 20 beers, See ad on Page 7 Mason's Arms, Quarry School 40­42 Ock Street, Abingdon 01235 525362 Place, Headington Quarry, Oxford 01235 521655 www.kingsheadandbell­abingdon.co.uk 45 beers, 10 ciders & perries www,brewerytap.net 01865 764579 Saturday 28 – Monday 30 www.masonsquarry.co.uk Friday 1st ­ Sunday 3rd October August (bank holiday weekend) The Red Lion Beer Festival The Wheatsheaf Beer & Music Friday 3 ­ Sunday 5 September 130 Godstow Road, Wolvercote, Festival Wallingford Bunkfest OX2 8PG Wantage Road, Didcot “music, dance, steam & beer…” 01865 552722 20 beers 4 ciders 30+ beers & ciders 01235 511381 www.bunkfest.co.uk Thursday 14 ­ Saturday 16 October Up­to­date information about beer festivals can be found 13th Oxford Beer Festival on the Oxford CAMRA web site at: Town Hall, http://oxfordcamra.org.uk/festivals St Aldates, Oxford This page lists dates and other information about local beer festivals which we are aware of in the coming months. The branch is always www.oxfordcamra.org.uk happy to help with publicising events which promote real ales and/or real ciders; note however that these festivals are not run or officially Thursday 14th October: 5pm­11pm endorsed by CAMRA, unless stated in the description. Friday 15th October: 11am­11pm Saturday 16th October: 11am­8pm the Oxford Drinker Page 17 issue 63 Branch Town and Village Pub of the Year Competition Neil Hoggarth This year, as in recent years, Oxford can be brought along in person to the October branch will be running two Pub­of­the­Year branch meeting. competitions: one for the pubs in Oxford We hope that as many members as possible City itself, and one for the pubs in the will join in the judging. Pub­judging can be wider branch area which we call "Town great fun, especially when you find yourself in a and Village Pub of the Year". Information belting pub that you haven't visited before. You about the City Pub­of­the­Year will be in can either visit the pubs under your own steam, the next issue of The Oxford Drinker. or the branch is arranging a mini­bus trip which will visit all the pubs during the course of All CAMRA members are entitled to vote. A Saturday 14th August. See the branch diary voting form will be posted to all branch column on page 16 for details. members or you can pick one up from any of the nominated pubs. To vote you must visit all The following shortlist of five pubs were five nominated pubs, get your form stamped in nominated at the July branch meeting (listed in each to show that you have been there, and alphabetical order). I will assume that people then rank the pubs in your order of preference. can find their own way to Abingdon and Witney, Don't forget to add your name and CAMRA but have included some notes on public membership number at the bottom of the form. transport options for reaching the smaller Forms should be posted to the address given villages: on the form, to arrive by 1st October, or they Brewery Tap Morris Clown 40­42 Ock Street, Abingdon, OX14 5BZ. High Street, Bampton, OX18 2JW. Phone: 01235 521655. Phone: 01993 850217 Open: Mon­Thur 11am­11.30pm; Open: Mon­Fri 5pm­11pm; Fri­Sat 11am­midnight; Sat 1pm­11pm; Sun noon­4pm, 7pm­11pm Sun noon­10.30pm Cricketer's Arms Note no daytime session on weekdays. If you can arrange a designated driver then driving Littleworth, OX33 1TR. to the pub of an evening is the easiest thing to Phone: 01865 872738 do (Bampton is on the A4095, south of Open: Mon­Sat noon­3pm, 6pm­11pm; Witney); however it is possible to the visit the Sun noon­3pm, 7pm­10:30pm pub by bus on a Saturday afternoon, using Littleworth has an hourly bus service (Heyfordi­ service 18 from Oxford (George Street stop an 103/104) to and from Oxford during the day­ B1) or service 19 from Witney (Market Square time on weekdays and Saturdays. In the stop B). evening and on Sundays you can still get there, by using a U1 or 280 bus to Wheatley Queen's Head and taking a short walk to Littleworth. 17 Queen Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HH. Phone: 01865 881229 Eagle Tavern Open: Mon­Fri noon­2.30pm, 5.30pm­11pm; 22 Corn Street, Witney, OX28 6BL. Sat noon­2.30pm, 6pm­11pm; Phone: 01993 700121 Sun noon­2.30pm, 6pm­10.30pm Open: Mon­Fri 11am­3pm, 5pm­midnight; Easily accessible using the S1 Oxford/Witney Sat 11am­2am; Sun noon­midnight bus service. Not to be confused with the Eagle Vaults in the Market Square!

Page 18 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010 Judging Guidelines Judging for the regional and national CAMRA Pub of the Year competition is done by scoring on the factors listed below. This should give you some idea of what we are looking for in a branch Pub of the Year candidate. Quality of Beer: Clientele Mix: Obviously CAMRA are only going to give an A good pub is one where anyone can go in and award to a pub which consistently serves excel­ feel comfortable, whoever they are. If a pub in­ lent real ale. Please note that the pub doesn't tententionally or unintentionally operates in need to sell a wide range of beers to score such a way as to exclude some sectors of the highly. A pub selling a couple of ales in top­ community then that counts against it for this notch condition is infinitely preferable to one competition. A CAMRA Pub of the Year needs selling seven or eight of variable quality. Also, to be inclusive, not exclusive. Look out for the fact that a pub is a tied­house should not be whether the pub attracts a good cross section held against it. of people and age groups. Is there anything about the pub which might cause discomfort to Atmosphere, Style and Decor: certain groups? This is partly about the "feel" of the pub ­ is it a nice place to be? Are you going to want to Sympathy With CAMRA Aims: come back on a regular basis? It is also about Does the pub espouse and promote our val­ the extent to which the most has been made of ues? Is cask beer given a positive push here? the actual building. Is the decor appropriate to Is information offered about the ales sold? the type of pub that it is? Does the style show Does the pub try to stimulate interest in the respect for the building? Factors like imagina­ sorts of issues that we are concerned about? tion, taste and restraint all come into play. Pubs don't have to be picture­postcard, unspoilt rural Good Value: gems to score highly here. Estate pubs, mod­ This is about value for money, but in the widest ern city centre bars, back street boozers ­ all sense of the term (ie. not just how cheap the can be excellent in their own terms. ale is). Having made the effort to travel to the pub and spend your money, how good a pub Service and Welcome: experience have you had? This is a bit of a Is the service prompt and friendly? Do you get catch­all category and acknowledges the fact a full measure without having to ask? The staff that it isn't always easy to pin down exactly in a good pub should regard you as a human why a pub seems so good, but somehow being rather than just a potential source of rev­ everything comes together and the whole thing enue! works.

the Oxford Drinker Page 19 issue 63 White Horse Branch

The White Horse Branch of Camra includes, as well as numerous villages, the market towns of Faringdon and Wantage, the latter being the birthplace of King Alfred the Great in 849. Formed originally as a sub­branch of the Oxford branch in the early 1990s, it fills a rural area not covered by the City branch or other neighbouring branches in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire. Social Events Our Website As well as organising the beer festival, the Visit our website, www.whitehorsecamra.org.uk branch has an active social programme. This for a wealth of information about breweries, includes visits to beer festivals (including Ascot pubs, events and news in our area. and Swindon), breweries (recent trips include Vale and Wye Valley Breweries) hop farms, If you have any news or other material maltings and of course public houses; often two that you feel should be included on the or three of these elements are included on the website, please contact same day. [email protected]. Diary Of Events Tuesday 17th August: 7:45pm Friday 13th August: 12pm Branch Meeting Social at Worcester Beer Festival Greyhound, Besselsleigh, OX13 5PX Worcester Race Course Meet up with Oxford Branch (make your Tuesday 3rd August: 7:30pm own way there) Social at The Great British Beer Festival Wednesday 25th August: 7pm At the Young and Upcoming Brewery Bar, Best Mates Brewery tour Earls' Court, London. Make you own way Ardington there. Beer Festival Helpers Trip To thank the people who helped at the 2009 driving steam locomotives on the nearby Wantage beer festival, a ‘workers’ outing’” was Watercress Railway line. arranged on Saturday 12th June. The coach called at Faringdon, Wantage, Steventon and The plant has four fermenting vessels currently Didcot railway station en route to The Flower and uses yeast sourced from Ramsbury Pots Inn & Brewery at Cheriton. Brewery, in Wiltshire. During the talk and walk around the brewery we were offered samples Ian McIntosh, head brewer at Flowerpots, was of the excellent Pots Black at 3.2 ABV, and in on hand to give us a warm welcome, and to the pub we had a choice of followed Cheriton walk and talk us through the brewery premises Porter, Perridge Pale and Flowerpots Bitter. and processes. The ten­barrel plant brews five times a week to meet demand. Ian is assisted After several enjoyable hours at the pub and by Julie Jones, who on the day we visited was brewery, the coach set off for Winchester, of which more next time. Page 20 the White Horse Drinker August/September 2010 Arkell's Evening In June Arkell’s Brewery hos­ ted an evening for the White Horse branch at the Bear Hotel in Wantage. The Swin­ don based brewery’s team gave a very interesting present­ ation on the methods used today and on the history of Ar­ kell’s Brewery, one of the few remaining family brewers in Bri­ tain today, having been owned and operated by successive family members since 1843.

Four Arkell’s ales were avail­ able for sampling, and all of these were enjoyed with a fin­ ger buffet, generously laid on Pictured are CAMRA White Horse branch members with Don Bratcher, Head Brewer; Philip Mercer Technical Services Manager by The Bear. Of especial in­ and Keith Walkley­Pratt, Landlord of the Bear Hotel. terest to local members was news about the upcoming refur­ prove the bar and upgrade this Kingsdown Brewery, Hyde bishment of The Bear, which historic building. Arkell’s Beer Road, Stratton, on 11th should both significantly im­ Festival will be held at the September 2010.

the White Horse Drinker Page 21 issue 63 Faringdon To Get Its Own Brewery Neil Crook Since being closed and put up for sale, The Swan is in a similar location to The Cross The Swan on the corner of Park Road and Keys, being on a corner site on the edge of Bromsgrove has had an uncertain future town and Peter intends to use the same suc­ and there was a danger that the site would cessful formula by installing 6 real ale hand be sold for re­development. That is until pumps serving a selection of local ales as Ridgeway Taverns stepped in to buy the well as real cider. After a complete redecora­ freehold from Enterprise Inns. tion and bar refit the transformation of The Swan will include the installation of a 1 barrel Ridgeway Taverns are the owners of The micro­brewery on the premises to be called Cross Keys in Thame. This may not seem the Faringdon Brewery. Peter has just placed significant at first sight but The Cross Keys is an order for the fabrication of the equipment also the home of Thame Brewery. In 2009 which, if all goes to plan, should be producing landlords Peter and Trudi Lambert moved into the first beers sometime in September. The Cross Keys and turned the pub into place where there is no background music, no fruit It is not known when the last beer was machines and the only sound you hear is the brewed in Faringdon but if The Cross sound of conversation whilst enjoying the Keys/Thame Brewery experience is anything wide and varied range of predominantly local to go by, great things are happening for the real ale. Peter then installed a micro­brewery real ale drinker in Faringdon and let’s hope in a connecting outbuilding and called it The Swan gets the support it deserves in the Thame Brewery. The beer brewed is so popu­ future. lar that you need to be in the pub when it is White Horse branch members are looking for­ put on otherwise it will be all gone when you ward to the opening of the brewery and the next visit. tasting of the first brew. New Oxfordshire Cider Producer Neil Crook Rory Souter from Coleshill Oxfordshire between each season there will be subtle trades under the name of The Cotswold differences from one year’s batch to Cider Company. He produces a 6% another. He now produces somewhere in naturally fermented cloudy cider called 'No the order of 6,000 litres per year. Brainer' which, at a personal tasting, has an initial sharp taste and goes on to give a ‘No Brainer’ can be found in The Radnor dry to medium dry after taste. He is also Arms, Coleshill; The Crown, Lechlade; bottle fermenting it to produce a naturally The Royal Oak, Wantage; and other sparkling clear 7% cider. local pubs as well as in local shops and at craft fares. It was also seen in the Portwell Initially Rory was using the apples from his Cellar Bar, Faringdon during the recent own small orchard in Coleshill. More Faringdon Arts Festival. recently he has been able to secure a much larger supply from an orchard in For those of you, who cannot make it over Marlborough. His cider is based on a to the west of the county, don’t be too mixture of cider and eating apples. As the concerned as ‘No Brainer’ will be available proportions of each apple type will vary at the Wantage Beer Festival in November. Page 22 the White Horse Drinker August/September 2010

the White Horse Drinker Page 23 issue 63 Bainton Bikes Oxfordshire Brewery Tour Kevin Moreland & Honour Tomkinson A leisurely bicycle ride from Oxford, through the countryside to the Wychwood brewery and back into Oxford, with a few “stops” along the way... As part of the Oxford bike week festivities Bainton Bikes in conjunction with Cyclox arranged a bicycle ride leaving from Oxford, exploring the Oxfordshire countryside, before stopping at the renowned Wychwood brewery for a brewery tour (including tasting!).

On the 27th June approximately 25 beer and bike lovers met at noon on Broad Street ready to embark on the ride, our brewery tours started at 14:00 and 14:30 so we had plenty of time to ride over to Witney. We couldn’t have wished for a better day, the sun was shining Outside the Wychwood Brewery and when we started riding the breeze kept Although slightly late we are greeted warmly by everyone cool. The date was significant to two very friendly tour guides, who promptly football fans and the normal Sunday crowds opened the warehouse for us to store our had embarked on their own adventure of bicycles and encouraged us (not that we finding a good pub with seats to watch the needed it) to join them in the on­site bar for a England and Germany final, so the paths and quick refresher, and a lovely choice of draught roads were relatively clear. beer we had!

After a quick (ahem) refresher we were guided around the brewery on a pleasantly interactive tour, from guides who were genuinely passionate and proud of the Wychwood and Brakspear beers and brewing history.

To finish the tour we all participated in a tasting session, getting the chance to flavour the range of ales available, including Hobgoblin, Cycling past Godstow Nunnery Brakspear bitter, Oxford Gold, Wychcraft, Brakspear Triple, Scarecrow, King Goblin The ride departed central Oxford and headed (brewed under a full moon!) and to finish the out to Port Meadow. We crossed the Thames beer tasting and cleanse the palette (as our following the path past The Perch, Godstow guide quite kindly pointed out) we all sampled Nunnery and The Trout. Whilst in Wolvercote the Green Goblin cider. we joined the canal path and rode up through Yarnton and towards Worton. Along the way we After losing track of time we realised the picked up a few other riders joining the tour, football was still going and we should adjourn one at the Red Lion Yarnton, Cassington Road to the nearest television, which happened to be (who claimed to have only had a half!) before in The Eagle Tavern, on Corn Street! With a proceeding onto to North Leigh and New Yatt nice warm feeling inside, a stock of beer from avoiding the main roads where possible and the store and complimentary Wychwood glass enjoying the pretty villages we passed through. we bid farewell to our brewery hosts and headed, to the pub! From New Yatt we headed into a strangely quiet Witney (kick­off we all knew was 15:00) Although no Wychwood or Brakspear beer was and proceeded to the Wychwood Brewery. available on draught we arrived in time to all Page 24 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010 order a drink and catch the last few moments of the second half. When the annihilation had ended the bar staff played our exit theme (Monty Pythons ‘Always look on the bright side of life’) and we mounted our metal steeds and rode out of town towards South Leigh, stopping just briefly for a ‘Culture’ stop en route and another refreshment at the Queens Head in Eynsham .

Heading back into Oxford we wished farewell and safe journey to most tour members, whilst a few headed on for dinner and a night cap in the Fishes and the Perch at Binsey, with full Tasting Session at the Wychwood Brewery roasts left in the kitchen it was a perfect end to the day!

It was a fantastic day out. Everybody on the tour was very friendly and thoughtful of each other which really did make it a great ride. We are really looking forward to the next tour. The Bainton Bikes Oxfordshire Brewery Tour For full details of the tour, including will be running once a month, for details on photos and a film of the route visit our how to book a place please contact Bainton webpage www.baintonbikes.com Bikes on [email protected] or call us on and click on our facebook link. 01865 365658.

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the Oxford Drinker Page 25 issue 63 Rural Minibus Tour Tony Goulding Minibus survey trips are popular with our beers in good condition with a friendly smile; loyal band of local members. St. Austell Tribute and a Batemans seasonal.

The April adventure started with a visit to the Our final stop was The Mole in Toot Baldon, a Waggon and Horses at Culham; a former seriously upmarket food outlet. Nevertheless a Morrells food pub, now run by New Wood Inns. friendly welcome was had and some quality Normally on tap are Wychwood's Hobgoblin, beers were supped; A Hook Norton ale and a Brakspear Bitter and Oxford Gold. guest Batemans. Unfortunately the pub was closed for the evening due to a problem in the kitchen. We encourage members to go along on these minibus trips. At Cullham railway station we have the Railway Inn; formerly the Railway Porter More information about upcoming trips (Morrells). This pub is now back to serving can be found on page 16 or the branch good English pub food, having recently been website at oxfordcamra.org.uk/diary an Indian restaurant. The beers served in good condition were Wadworth’s 6X, Land Box Steam, a Dark and Handsome Stout... What a find! LocAle Award Far From The Madding Crowd The picturesque village of Clifton Hampden Friars Entry, Oxford on the river Thames still supports two different styles of pubs. The Barley Mow, which dates from 1350, is a large multi roomed food house. It burned down in the 1970’s and was rebuilt in old wood roomed style. They serve good food and is popular all year round especially in summer with its large garden. The pub was described by Jerome K Jerome as “without exception the quaintest, most old­ world Inn up the river”. Beers on tap were Wells Bombardier, Old Speckled Hen, and Fullers London Pride all served in average condition.

Across the busy main road is the idyllic Plough Managers David Patalong and Lauren McGill were presented with CAMRA LocAle which has recently changed it’s food style to accreditation during their summer beer Chinese. This pub was once a local ale outlet festival on June 18th. for Appleford and West Berkshire beers, but now it seems to have gone off the boil with only The award is presented Morlands Original and Greene King IPA being to pubs that endeavour served. Beers don’t seem to be a priority here to serve local ales anymore. brewed within 30 miles.

Further along the road towards Berinsfield is If you think your local pub should join the the old thatched pub The Chequers (formerly scheme then please get in touch by sending The Crown, all of 30 years ago). It is now very an email to [email protected] or well run and serves good quality food in their call Sam French on 07905 212318, very comfortable restaurant, which still serves 2 Page 26 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010

the Oxford Drinker Page 27 issue 63 Local Fruit

Do you like to support your local After the success of the launch at Reading, the economy? Celebrate the wealth new crowners will be making an appearance at of nearby produce too often other CAMRA festival cider bars. It is hoped overlooked in this era of that publicans will make use of them in promoting local products in their pubs. globalisation? Well a recent CAMRA initiative has leant a hand in identifying The exact definition for what qualifies as local locally produced ciders and perries. has been left to the discretion of the individual branches, to allow for regional variations in The initiative was launched at Reading Beer cider availability, and CAMRA branches across and Cider Festival in May. Following on from the country have been encouraged to promote the recent success of the Locale scheme, there the scheme in their area. was a demand for a similar approach to cider and perry promotion. The result was the If you know of a pub that serves real cider or production of two new pumpclip crowners. perry which is not local to the district, you can recognise their efforts by proposing them for a Paul Scrivens, Reading cider bar manager said “Real Cider Sold Here” window sticker? Details “this is a welcome addition to the bar. Many can be found at customers are keen to try the local products, www.camra.org.uk/ciderstickers. This scheme but with a range of over 150 on the bar at one relates to any cider and perry which conforms time identifying the local ones has sometimes to CAMRA's definition ­ they don't have to be been a problem. The new crowners provide a locally produced. A list of ciders that CAMRA clear and consistent message, and I've had a does not consider to be real can be found at good response from the public.” www.camra.org.uk/nonrealcider.

Page 28 the Oxford Drinker August/September 2010 Brewery News

West Berkshire Brewery: August’s Beer of the Wychwood Brewery: August's seasonal ale is month, Kennet and Avon Ale (4.3% abv) toasts Wychcraft, a blonde ale at 3.8% abv. The Kennet and Avon canal which runs through September's is Bountiful, a 4% chestnut ale. the full length of West Berkshire to Reading where it joins the Thames. September's beer of The brewery has teamed up with Bainton Bikes the month is Downlands bitter. to offer cycle tours of Oxford and the Wychwood brewery (see page 24). Wychwood Compass Brewery: A new updated website is has agreed sponsorship of Oxfringe 2011 up, giving more details about all of the beers (Oxford's Fringe Festival). They have also and an updated list of stockists; so log on and agreed to sponsor the t­shirts for our own 13th have a look at www.compassbrewery.com. The Oxford Beer Festival 14th­16th October. beers can be sampled at the 9th Headington Beer Festival 3rd­5th September and at the A bottle of Ascot Beer Festival 24th­25th September. Wychwood Hobgoblin was Loose Cannon: Brewing has started now after recently given to frustrating delays to get some equipment President Obama installed. The first beer is Abingdon Bridge at at the G­20 4.1% abv. summit in Toronto by British PM and Witney MP David Cameron in return for a bottle of Vale Brewery, the seasonal special is Hadda's Goose Island 312 from Chicago ­ so now you Summer Glory (4.0% abv), a straw coloured could say that Hobgoblin is the unofficial beer best bitter. of world leaders.

the Oxford Drinker Page 29 issue 63 Save Our Pubs! Tony Goulding The success of the campaign disosable income, an ethnic no alcohol culture to save real ale and make it and of course the bully boy supermarkets with widely available is the stuff of loss leading cheap offers. legend. Now the priority is to More help from local govenment is needed to save that most british of save the many types of community pub now institutions, the pub. It is a tragedy that the under threat. It has been so easy to travel the most popular of the TV programs, the road to closure for conversion to private soaps, have as the prominent feature a dwelling or different food cuisine or demolition good old fashioned pub. If only a small for new build flats or offices or major road number of the people watching these schemes. Easy money from these disposals is programs were to visit their local pub for a a big temptation to pub companies and scum bag developers alike. Never has the time to sociable drink or meal a light might be USE THEM OR LOSE THEM been more seen at the end of the tunnel of pub important. closures. Locally the biggest There are many reasons for the continued scandal must be the closures of pubs (up to 20% in some of the eyesore in St larger former industrial towns and cities, but not Clements of the former so bad in Oxfordshire with only about a dozen Coach and Horses in 12 months), with many threats coming from pub, closed and left to the industry itself. Greedy pub (property) rot for nearly 12 years. companies have done little to protect the more vulnerable pubs among the extensive estates, Support your local and and the drinking public will pay dearly for the support CAMRA , mistakes of massive borrowings of money and together we can save repeated failures of type and name changes on many of these pubs . The former Coach and the whims of countless failed marketing men. Horses, closed and left The smoking ban, drink driving laws, lack of Enjoy your drinking! to rot for nearly 12 years!

Want to know all the latest news and events? Useful Contacts Oxford Branch Share information about what's Stephen Lawrence happening in your area? [email protected] Sign up to our email list at White Horse Branch www.oxfordcamra.org.uk/mailing­lists Neil Crook [email protected] Oxford Drinker Editors Join our Facebook group by searching Steven and JoHanne Green for Oxford CAMRA [email protected] 13 Cheyney Walk, Abingdon 07766 663215

Follow us on Twitter at Oxford Trading Standards www.twitter.com/oxforddrinker 01865 815000

Page 30 the Oxford Drinker June/July 2010