theleicesterdrinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk FREE Issue 91 February / March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch Circulation 5,000 throughout Leicestershire & Rutland FESTIVAL EDITION!

See See p23 p8 The Great Christmas Discovering the Pub Crawl! of Blaby

4 BE 1 E 0 HINDO R 2 OSTAN F R E E S

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E L See LEICE ROYAL STERSHIRE p8

The Aladdin’s Cave Beer Festival See See p2-3 Pubs of the Month of Beer p10

On the Real Ale Trail Leicester city centre pubs – see p16–17

Pre-match Pints The best pubs for away match drinking – see p26

Cleggy Goes Walkabout - p27 WIN! Prize competition - p29

Designed & Printed by AnchorPrint · www.anchorprint.co.uk LLEICESTEREICESTER BEER BEER FESTIVAL FESTIV 2014AL Wednesday17th - 19 12th - Saturday March 15 2005March Festival Opening Times We are back showcasing over 220 beers in total, including some festival specials Wednesday 5pm – 11pm Thursday 11am – 11pm plus over 35 Real & Perries. Friday 11am – 11pm Our bars will feature Saturday 11am – 10pm approx 80 beers brewed within Non-members 25 miles of Leicester City Centre. Weds £2.50 Fri £2.50 until 3pmThurs and £2.50 £3.50 afterwards Our famous Authentic Indian curries plus English food Sat £2.50 until 5pm and FREE afterwards including vegetarian choices will be available all sessions. Souvenir Festival Glass £2.50 (refundable) must be purchased on entry.

Volunteer staff required for set up / staffing event / take down.

FRIDAY ST WE ARE HERE

Leics FRIDAY STREET VW SANVEY GATE CRAVEN STREET SOUTH CHURCH GATE

BAY ST. CANNING PL Charotar Patidar Samaj A6 ST MARGARETS WAY WATLING STREET A459 BURLEYSSt Margarets WAY Bay St / South Churchgate, Church off St Margaret’s Way, GRAFTON PL next to St Margaret’s Church, St Margarets ST. JOHN STREET CHURCH GATE Leicester, LE1 3AE Bus Station (approx 5 minutes walk from To Clock Tower St Margaret’s bus station, 15 minutes and London Road walk from London Road railway station). Railway Station

For further info: contact Keith on 07989 272717 e-mail [email protected] or see www.leicestercamra.org.uk

2 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch Leicester Beer Festival 2014 March 12th - 15th The annual four day Leicester Beer Festival kicks main supporter, Everards, will off on Wednesday 12th March 2014 at 5pm at again feature their brewery bar, The Charotar Patidar Samaj, the same venue selling up to five of their award winning beers. that has been so successful for the previous 13 The festival “theme” this year is the Royal years. The festival is located off St Margaret’s Leicestershire Regiment. A number of festival Way on the corner of South Churchgate and specials have been produced such as 3 different Bay St behind “Plug” and adjacent to Leicester fruit beers from Church End Brewery and a Volkswagen. (15 Minutes walk from Leicester Chilli beer. Parish Brewery will be sending us the Railway Station, 5 Minutes from Clock Tower and inimitable 12% “Baz’s Bonce Blower”. Further St Margaret’s Bus station). specials are still being arranged. The festival will feature over 220 beers with approx English food will be available all sessions along 85 coming from breweries within a 25 mile radius with our famous curries. of Leicester City Centre on our LocAle Bars. There Entry is free to CAMRA members at all times will be another 40 different beers as a reserve with non-member charges ranging from supply to ensure we maintain choice throughout. £2.50 to £3.50. A refundable souvenir festival Our Bar will feature approx 35 Ciders and special glass is priced at £2.50 which must be Perries including various varieties from the East purchased on entry. We are also producing a Midlands, Wales and the West Country. souvenir festival goblet glass this year with a Beers will be sourced from most of the third pint lining. There will also be an opportunity Leicestershire & Rutland breweries and from to join CAMRA, with special incentives available. some of the newest and smallest micro- For further details see the festival poster on page breweries from other parts of the country. Our 2 (opposite) or visit www.leicestercamra.org.uk 2014 MILD IN MAY Subsequent to last year’s inaugural Mild so we can publicise it there and the copy Pub Crawl, planning continues for a fully- deadline for the April /May Drinker will be fledged Mild Trail. Following the lead of other around the same time. East Midland branches, Leicester CAMRA is Committee Members will be out and about supporting Mild Month in May by promoting a as much as possible in the next few weeks mild trail around our branch area. The idea is speaking to brewers, licensees and other that drinkers obtain prizes/giveaways based interested parties seeing who would like to on a certain number of verifiable pub visits participate. This includes locations that wish within a specified time period. to be on the trail and those who wish to part- A publicity launch will be organised for May sponsor the commemorative T shirt which will 3rd. Closing date will probably be around June be a black shirt with white lettering. The event 4th to allow another full weekend. The April/ and CAMRA logo will be on the front and May Leicester Drinker (LD92) will feature a venue name and location on the rear / arms. centre spread listing participating venues on Sponsorship is £50. a chart. We intend to issue sticker sheets so For more details contact Shawn Collier at patrons can collect on the chart and apply [email protected] for a commemorative T-shirt. The plan is to finalise details by the Leicester Beer Festival STOP PRESS >> Confirmed locations so far – The Pub, Sir Robert Peel, The Friary, The Old Horse, Stamford Arms (Groby).

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 3 EDITOR Rob Macardle Please send contributions to [email protected] YOUNG TURKS Website: www.leicestercamra.org.uk As with many sections of British society one of Facebook: the things that became evident in recent times Leicester is the ageing of CAMRA’s membership. Despite an increasing awareness of the problem the The Drinker welcomes letters, news, views and number of members under the age of thirty in articles for possible publication. Please keep it brief and to the point and supply your name the Leicester CAMRA area totals a mere 105, and address (this will only be published with just 6.5% of the area membership and this your permission). The opinions expressed in in a city with a sizeable student population. this publication are not necessarily those of the There is a certain amount of anecdotal Editor, Leicester Branch, or CAMRA. evidence that the situation is healthier than ADVERTISING RATES that (many students being registered at their Quarter Page £38.50 +VAT home addresses in other parts of the country, 1/3 Page £55.00 +VAT for instance), but the suspicion remains that Half Page £66.00 +VAT Full Page £121.00 +VAT whilst more and more young people are Colour +50% beginning to re-discover Real Ale, too few are VAT Registration Number: 102 0964 57 signing up to join the Campaign, despite there CAMRA Recommends that if you are in any way dissatisfied with the measure of your pint in any of Leicestershire & Rutland’s pubs, contact ADVERTISE IN THE the Trading Standards. Details below. • City of Leicester Council, Consumer LEICESTER DRINKER! Protection With a circulation of 5,000 and an Service, New Walk Centre, Welford Place, estimated readership of three times that Leicester, LE1 6ZG (0116 299 5600) • Leicestershire County Council 2000, number, The Drinker reaches licensees E-mail: [email protected] and pubgoers alike and is available free • Rutland County Council Offices, Catmose, of charge in almost 200 outlets. The Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HP. newsletter is published every two months • Trading Standards are part of Environmental by The Campaign for Real Ale and adverts Health. All initial enquiries to Rutland County start at less than £40 plus VAT. Council can be made through the customer services team. 01572 722577 Our next issue, published at the beginning of April will cover the period of Leicester CAMRA makes every effort to publish the Leicester Drinker on time, however sometimes due The Mild in May Trail. to lack of copy being received it may be a few days Contact [email protected] later than advertised. Leicester CAMRA cannot in the first instance. accept any responsibility for advertisements taken that feature a dated event that has occurred before publication is published. LEICESTER DRINKER ADVERTISING/COPY DEADLINES 2014 Postal copies from K. Satterly: Recommended Absolute 0116 253 0990 / 07803 601220 LD92 Apr/May 17/03/2014 24/03/2014 e-mail: [email protected]. LD93 Jun/Jul 12/05/2014 19/05/2014 16 Colwell Road, Leicester LE3 9AX LD94 Aug/Sep 14/07/2014 21/07/2014 (Please supply stamps) LD95 Oct/Nov 08/09/2014 15/09/2014 www.camra.org.uk LD96 Dec/Jan 10/11/2014 17/11/2014

4 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch YOUNG TURKS being substantial savings to be had in the a trend that seems to be growing, though form of discounts, etc. In fact, the argument from a very low base (see also Muree Squires’ that people are registered in other parts of observations in the article on The Offie). The the country doesn’t look too convincing when graph does seem to reflect this, but the overall Leicester area accounts for only twenty-seven impression remains that new blood is required members aged 23 or under. to carry on the good work. The battle for Real One of the branch’s aims for the year is to Ale has largely been won but there are always recruit more students. Unfortunately, it was issues to fight on, whether they are more not possible to get “all the ducks in a row” flexible opening hours, the Beer Tax escalator for Freshers Week in October 2013 but things or keeping open your threatened local. If not are beginning to move along and new Young already a member, sign up soon! For details of Members’ Secretary Tonii Leach has started the the pub-based sign-up sessions keep an eye on ball rolling and is having a membership drive at the website www.leicestercamra.org.uk The Pub, New Walk, as part of the Student Festival Pub Crawl of 6th-9th March. There are also plans in hand for a “Registration Ramble” whereby potential members can learn about CAMRA and sign up at various pubs over the course of a day. One thing that does seem to be developing is an increase in the proportion of female members, SCARY MONSTERS Following on from the article in LD90 about sensible drinking and health my attention was drawn to this item that appeared in The Mail on Sunday (14/12/2013). It seems that certain sections of the anti-drinking lobby are scaremongering yet again... A graphic anti-alcohol television advert showing a man drinking a glass of lager with a tumour in it has sparked a complaint by the beer and pub industry. The British Beer and Pub Association, the Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of Independent Brewers have written jointly to the Advertising Standards Authority about the advert, which was made by alcohol awareness charity Balance North East and shown on prime-time ITV television. The group, representing more than 700 brewers, has told the regulator that the advert is ‘extremely misleading’ in implying that drinking a glass of beer would give you cancer, backed by a voiceover which equates the risk of moderate drinking with the harm associated with tobacco and asbestos. As they say, never let the facts get in the way of a good story!

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 5 offers fruit and roasted caramel flavours with a BREWERY NEWS spicy, chocolate aroma and sweet finish. With eight Leicester Tigers players named in the England RBS Six Nations squad the new ale is Belvoir: A new cold store has been part of the brewery’s commitment as Official commissioned and a new fermenter will increase Beer supplier of Leicester Tigers and it will be capacity from 95 to 120 barrels. For the holiday available in selected Everards pubs throughout period there were two specials. A dark winter ale, Merry Berries (4.5% ABV), is fruity with a subtle the tournament. In March, the 4% red beer spicy finish featuring blackberry, elderberry Yakima makes a return and Regimental Ale, cinnamon and nutmeg and National Elf (4.1% available as a cask product last November, will ABV) is a refreshing fruity golden. The revived be marketed in bottled form, though sadly not Shipstone’s took a Bronze at the Beer bottle-conditioned. The brewery continues to Festival in the Best Bitter category. source pubs for Project William. The Tramway www.belvoirbrewery.co.uk Tavern 192 Chatsworth Road Chesterfield S40 2AT(formerly The New Inn), run by Brampton Dem Bones continue to produce a variety Brewery, was recently named Pub of the Year in of excellent brews. Dark Deeds has proved the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards. The latest especially popular and an IPA appeared in one to open is The Brown Cow 31 Ratcliffe Gate November. Of the more recent brews Two Mansfield NG18 2JA, run by Raw Brewery. The Princes Cherry Porter was well received Everards estate now numbers 173 houses. following a successful showing at Nottingham www.everards.co.uk Beer Festival. Gas Dog’s Steve Plews is having a break from Dow Bridge is becoming more and more evident brewing while he attempts to make the move to in both the City and the County. Meanwhile, the new premises in Melton Mowbray. Once settled quest for new premises continues! www.dowbridgebrewery.co.uk he hopes to start brewing again with the fourth of his Leicester Legends special ales called ‘Shoot Elliswood’s Best Bitter, Nelsons Right Arm (4.5%), the Runner’. was awarded third place at Tamworth Beer www.gasdogbrewery.co.uk Festival. The ABV for Legless has been reduced from 5.5% to 4.9% and two new beers have Golden Duck’s Extra Porter Bodies’ Bottom Lip been added to the range, Barrel of Laughs, a (5.2%) proved a big hit in the pubs and sold well 4.2% best bitter and Hands to Bathe, a 4.7% and the 5.5% Christmas ale, Santa’s Stumped I.P.A. with biscuity notes. A winter special Santa’s was similarly well-received. Last “Porter” Call was produced for the holiday www.goldenduckbrewery.com period. The brewery is now also able to supply Langton: In addition to their usual brews they bottled product. produced their new Christmas Beer, the 4.5% www.theelliswoodbrewery.co.uk Welland Star, a deep chestnut premium bitter Everards continue to extend their with hints of fruit. sporting involvement. Following www.langtonbrewery.co.uk their recent tie-up with Leicester Parish: Too late to include in the December issue, Squash Club they have now we are pleased to report two more awards; concluded a deal with Leicester Silver at the 11th Melton CAMRA Beer Festival for Riders (see separate article) festival special Little Poacher (5%) and Beer of and January saw the launch the Festival Gold for Poachers Ale (6%) at the 5th of Tighthead, a dark chestnut Queniborough Beer Festival. ale (3.9% abv), a new Limited www.grantsfreehouse.net Edition Brew to mark the Six Nations Rugby Tournament. A real winter warmer, this Nothing to report on this occasion for Long Lane rich rosewood ale, brewed with black malt and (www.matchlesshomebrewing.co.uk), Pig Pub a blend of Challenger, Saaz and Cascade hops (www.piginmuck.com/brewery) or Shardlow.

6 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch Princess Charlotte on the corner of Newark PUB NEWS Street is to re-open as a pub. With the upper floors now converted into flats it held a one-off “final farewell” music gig on December 28th. Beer So far there are no indications as to what sort No new CAMRA discounts to tell you about as of beers this former Ind Coope house will be we went to press but we are expecting a few serving but the rumour is that real ale will be announcements soon. The Friary, Hotel Street, available! The former Coombs Bakery shop at 33 Leicester, already offers a CAMRA discount, Cank Street looks set to become a bar. A license but now also has its own loyalty card scheme. application has been submitted, though at this The Pub, New Walk has a 1 for 10 loyalty card stage there is no indication as to what sort of available to all. beer will be sold. (N.B. New applications can be checked at anytime by visiting the Planning Bars – Pros Applications register at:www.leicester.gov.uk/ planningdatabase and entering ‘A4’ or ‘pub’ or Loaf on Braunstone Gate has re-opened as ‘bar’ etc in the ‘Proposal Text’ field) Sugar Loaf and is again offering a sole real ale. The Bell Inn at Gumley has also re-opened; the new landlord is Richard Cross formerly of The Bars – Cons Bewicke Arms, Hallaton and prospective real ales For the second issue in succession there are will be Timothy Taylor Landlord, Doom Bar and no new closures to report, though one did slip two guest beers. The Reservoir Inn, Thornton under the radar last time. H North on Hinckley (recently known as the Steam Trumpet) has been Road has been closed for a couple of months refurbished and is now being run by the same and is currently up for sale. Although not a real licensees as the Windmill, Brascote. The Swan ale outlet it did serve some interesting bottled in Newbold Verdon, (previously known as The beers that were well suited to its food. Though Old White Swan) has had a major refurbishment not a pub for some time, and most recently a and reverted to its original name. The pub has Thai restaurant, a planning application has been undergone internal and external modifications submitted to Charnwood Council to demolish with new bars, cosy booth seating, snug areas The Trees, Birstall and replace it with housing, and a coffee shop. The improved restaurant area can be closed off for private functions and special occasions and licensees Steve and Miscellany Bernadette Brewer will also be looking to make The Salmon, on Butt Close Lane now has a use of the historic outbuildings in the future “writer in residence”. Leicestershire crime with the possibility of converting them into a writer M P Wright, author of the forthcoming coffee and deli shop. Tiger, Original, Beacon, novel HEARTMAN, was inducted at an event on House Special Newbold Gold & 2 guests ales are 16th January. The idea is that during 2014 the available and Illy coffee and a new quality wine Salmon will become a hub for those interested range are also on offer. Steve said: “The Swan in the literary arts. Dem Bones Brewery brewed is a great pub in a fantastic location; Newbold a “Black IPA” called Ellington’s Ale to mark the is a great community full of welcoming friendly event. The special brew took its name from the people! We…hope the locals, regulars and new eponymous Bajun detective in Mr Wright’s novel. customers like what we have done with the place and accept us into their community. We Pub News relies greatly on input from the have a great menu and huge range of quality public and the trade. CAMRA members will cask ales on offer”. Bernadette is keen to bring generally visit premises with an existing real ale this pub back to the centre of the community commitment so information on new stockists and got off to a good start by working with and outlets is particularly welcome. Thanks on the local schools to host two ‘Breakfast with this occasion to John March, Philip Tiplady and Santa’ events. Erstwhile “Music Mecca” The Anthony Sharman

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 7 CAMRA Pub of the Month

January: The Sir Robert Peel, Jarrom Street

November: The Black Horse, Aylestone

Buffet at the Sir Robert Peel

Jingle Bells

Santa Jim!

8 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch The Pub of the Month award is made to a pub that has shown distinct improvement, supports CAMRA values and where the Licensee has been in place for at least six months. A pub can receive the award again after 2 years if showing continued improvement. Wednesday 20 November Wednesday 29 January November Pub of the Month - January Pub of the Month - The Black Horse, Aylestone The Sir Robert Peel, Jarrom St. Licensees Alan Merryweather and Sarah Licensees Julian & Karen Watson have worked Cunnington are no strangers to pub awards, in the pub trade for over 20 years and moved but were especially pleased to receive their first into Sir Robert Peel in June last year, since when Pub of the Month award from Leicester CAMRA they have stocked over 200 beers. Keith Williams, chairman Keith Williams. Having enjoyed success Leicester CAMRA Branch Chairman praised them in West Bridgford, where they picked up a POTM both, saying: “We chose Sir Robert Peel because at The Apple Tree and a Regional Award at the since Julian and Karen have taken over, it has art deco Test Match, this Nottinghamshire couple become one of the better pubs in Leicester to drink are enjoying their tenure of the much-loved Black in and, for the work they have put in, they should Horse, a pub that retains the feel of a village local, be recognised. Everards invested heavily in [its yet is just a couple of miles from the city centre. refurbishment] …as it was really run down before They were especially keen to thank the many and we realised this pub has had a new lease of life hard-core regulars who had made a special effort with Julian and Karen who were the right licensees to come out on an inclement evening to be in attendance. to make it happen. We show our appreciation by giving this award to pubs that stand out above the As Alan says, “ the nice thing is that we had a good rest, and this one does!” relationship with Nottingham CAMRA and the support of Leicester CAMRA is further recognition Accepting the award, Julian said: “I would just that, hopefully, we are doing something right. like to thank everybody over the last 6 months, We’re enjoying our time here and, although there the team behind the bar, Everards, CAMRA who are always challenges, we’ve found Everards have backed us and all the new customers.” Karen very supportive because, like us, they think it’s added: “we were at the Star & Garter in Wigston important that good pubs are in good hands and for several years without winning this award, so it’s have given us the opportunity to do what we’ve even more special to win now and makes all the wanted with food and Real Ale.” effort worthwhile.” The Black Horse, Narrow Lane, Aylestone, LE2 8NA. The Sir Robert Peel, Jarrom Street, Leicester. LE2 7DD.

With Santa hats and reindeer jumpers aplenty, it could only have been the Leicester CAMRA annual Christmas Pub Crawl. After a “power breakfast” at the High Cross Wetherspoons (porter can be classed as a breakfast can’t it?) we were then off on our festive wander around the real ale pubs of Leicester City Centre. Our tour took us to the Globe, the Friary, Ale Wagon, Slug & Lettuce and The Pub, where a much needed buffet helped to soak up the beer. It was then on to the King’s Head, Sir Robert Peel, Swan & Rushes, and the Criterion before finishing at the Salmon. All had a brilliant choice of beers in excellent condition, and I managed to have a different Christmas-themed ale in every one. The 30 or so members who joined in at various points during the day all enjoyed themselves and it was great to see some new faces. Thank you to those who reminded me of the itinerary and ensured I made it to the last pub (well, as organiser I had to visit them all didn’t I!). The recommendation that my penultimate drink was a pint of water was indeed a good one. Also a big thank you to all the Leicester pub landlords, with apologies for our Christmas carol singing and for the embarrassing incident which occurred quite early on the crawl – I honestly didn’t realise they were mine! Gary Akiens

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 9 Muree Squires, proprietor of The Offie

10 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch OFFSIDE? ONSIDE! The Offie is something of a rare breed, an independent specialist off-licence that has survived the trials and tribulations of recent years that has seen many high street names rise, fall or stagger on in reduced numbers. Thresher, Victoria Wine, The Local, Bottoms Festival. Drinking quality beer is getting quite Up and Oddbins are names that have all but trendy nowadays, especially the craft stuff, disappeared. Battered by the supermarkets, thanks to Brewdog and Kernel. Real Ale Society licensed corner shops, wine clubs and general people introduce their friends and that means economic woes, we were interested in how a lot of young women are getting interested proprietor Muree Squires has managed to too.” Muree says that men tend to go for ales “keep ahead of the game”. Rob Macardle went (mainly British brews) whereas women tend to interview him. to go for the lighter Belgian beers; mainly Muree started working in pubs in the 1970’s blondes and fruit beers but more and more and, in his twenties, became the youngest women are experimenting. “Our age profile landlord in Leicester when he took on The tends to be from twenty-two to eighty, so Haunch of Venison (now the Orange Tree), High we have no problem with underage drinking Street, in 1979. Three years later he moved to (price sensitivity is a factor, Ed) and a lot of Brighton and worked for several years in wine postgraduates continue as customers long bars and wine shops. after leaving Leicester.” Eventually he returned to Leicester and Some ex-students are now forty-something decided to open a speciality off-licence. He professionals and there is a steady stream of knew that it needed to be in a good area orders from Wales, , Leeds and with a young, vibrant community so targeted Scotland in particular. Clarendon Park, with its combination of Mail order grew initially but free delivery by students and professionals, and took a lease the big supermarkets put a brake on that, on a former grocer’s shop at 142 Clarendon though one Gloucestershire customer has Park Road. Over time the business has had a regular order for 15 years. The Offie has naturally changed, but with the exception of had a website for a long time but there is little increased competition from the supermarkets, internet business. “Customers tend to use the the fundamentals are largely the same and website for reference to see what’s available or some of his customers from day one are what’s new, and then come in personally” says still visiting after 22 years. Many customers Muree. One thing can generally be relied on are Leicester University students, but many is that if it’s in stock on the website it’s in the more are postgraduates who have stayed in shop. In fact Limited Editions often don’t get Leicester. listed on the website because they fly off the “It’s nice to see a lot of young people. We’ve shelf so quickly. started a Real Ale Society at the university now The beer selection has grown over time and and they have a discount card that they can changes monthly. At one time Muree used to use here and at a few bars like the Criterion add lines continually but when it reached 600 and the Swan and Rushes…it’s getting younger it became problematic; no more was being people into drinking Real Ale and it would be sold and some sat there longer than was ideal. nice to see more of them attending the Beer Now he has a permanent ›› continued on pg 12

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 11 ›› continued from pg 11 stock of regular lines that make up 33–40% of Although beer is clearly the shop’s focus it his beer offer and consist of the most popular has always had a strong wine trade as well. British beers and classics from Belgium, Over the years the wine offer has moved up and Bohemia. The remainder change market as supermarket offers have improved over time and this allows him to tap into at the bottom and mid range. Muree generally market trends. In particular he welcomes the advises people to steer clear of £5 wine as £3 rise of North American beers. Starting with of the price is tax so it doesn’t say much for just two he now has a good selection from the quality after transport,etc is taken into Oregon, Chicago and New England all of which account. Although his bottom price point is are obtained via dedicated importers to avoid £6, his wines are typically £8-10 and there are large administration costs; retail shelf prices lots above that. “We’re fussy what we sell”, he have to be watched so as to meet all pockets says “our wines are often for presents or for but even so a really, really special U.S. beer can dinner parties where people want to push the be £20 per bottle. boat out and not the sort of stuff that some We talked a bit about market trends and supermarkets offer at 3 bottles for £10”. Spirits he explained that most beers don’t go out are a small part of the business, but here they of fashion as such but when supermarkets really do specialise in the unusual such as Pink push a particular brand cheaply the market Champagne or fine Madeira. As Muree says, “… gets flooded and people lose interest due to not everyone will want Chocolate Gin but, if over-familiarity. Muree reckons such brands they do, this is the place to come!” generally have nine months of popularity then fall through the floor as they lose credibility So what is the future of the business? One and become everyday beers. In doing so, cloud on the horizon is a new Tesco that’s some premium beers lose market value. In about to open – trade initially dropped when particular he wonders whether Marston’s Sainsbury opened but most of the customers should be selling 4 bottles of Pedigree for £5 returned when they couldn’t get what they in Makro and how Shepherd Neame can retail wanted and it was difficult to know accurately Bishop’s Finger in Aldi at 99p; in the latter the overall effect due to the recession. Wine case he recalled having no trouble selling the clubs have also had an effect but as they same beer for more than £2 20 years ago. The continue to lose money, Muree thinks some only beer he really sees as unfashionable is will disappear. Despite these challenges he has Brown Ale; Kraftwerk from Leeds’ Revolution a long lease so one way or another he’ll carry Brewery has a following but otherwise it is on as he always has done, “ you feel your way, Belgian brunes that sell best. In recent months finding new beers”, and if he decides to retire Titanic’s Plum Porter and Chocolate Vanilla early he has dependable back up. Stout both sold well over Christmas, helped by And the recipe for success? “Good products exposure of the draught products in several attract loyalty”, he says, “ …and once we get City Centre pubs and Oakham’s Citra is very a customer we never lose them. I try to give popular now. Local beers such as Blue Monkey, customer service and they like to come in Thornbridge and Langton sell consistently but to the shop even if it’s just for a laugh and a it is London breweries such as Kernel, Partizan, Beavertown and Redchurch that are sweeping chat.” all before them at the moment, though Welsh brewer Tiny Rebel also got an honourable The Offie, 142 Clarendon Park Road, Leicester mention. www.the-offie.co.uk

12 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch PETER AUSTIN – Beer Hero The New Year opened with the where he became head brewer until leaving in 1975 following a sad news that Peter Austin, one takeover by Northern Foods. of the trailblazers of the Real Ale He moved to Hampshire, bought a boat and took visitors out on movement has died at the age of fishing expeditions, but returned to brewing when, in 1977, he was 92. Born in 1921 in Edmonton, North invited by Monty Python’s Terry Jones and Guardian writer Richard London, his family was closely Boston to build a tiny brewery in Herefordshire. The following year he opened Ringwood Brewery with business partner David Welsh involved in the brewing industry. A at a time when microbrewing was a novelty. In 1986, Austin and great-uncle had run a brewery in Welsh moved from the original site in Ringwood into buildings Christchurch, on the south coast, that had once housed Tunks brewery, by which time Ringwood while his father worked for a major was a substantial business producing 80 barrels a week for pubs supplier of brewing equipment. throughout the south and south-west. Boat-loving Peter sailed in Poole Harbour Their strong ale, Old Thumper, won CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain as a boy and after a stint of training with in 1988, but by that time Peter had sold his share to Welsh and the Merchant Navy he joined P&O only to became a consultant, adviser and builder to aspiring brewers in be invalided home from Australia after Britain and then worldwide. But this was no “slippers-on” retirement; contracting TB. Not fit enough to fight in he helped set up some 40 new breweries in Britain over 10 years and World War Two he moved into brewing, then toured the world, repeating the exercise in countries as diverse initially with Friary, Holroyd and Healy in as China, , Nigeria, Russia and,most notably, the USA where 74 Guildford, briefly for Morrells at Oxford and breweries were built using his brewing system. In total, he built some eventually joining the Hull Brewery in 1945, 140 breweries in 17 countries. ›› continued on pg 14

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@44 M ilTlstoneh Leane, CLeicesrteri LE1t 5JerN 0116i-26o254n18 @@44 @M ilTlstoneh Leane, CLeicesrteri LE1t 5JerN 0116i-26o254n18 44 M 44ilTls tM onehilTlwww.criterionvenue.co.uks tLeonehane, Le aCLne,e ice CLsreteiceri LsrEte1t r5i LJerEN1t 50J1erN16i -0216o126i5-24n61o82 54n18 www.criterionvenue.co.ukwww.criterionvenue.co.ukwww.criterionvenue.co.uk Key to BEER FESTIVAL our website! BEERBEERBEER FESTIVALFESTIVAL FESTIVAL

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The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 13 ›› continued from pg 13 Alan Pugsley learnt brewing skills with Peter at Ringwood and emigrated to the USA, Everards and Leicester Riders where,in 1986, he helped set up the DL Geary Brewing Company form new sponsorship partnership in Portland, Maine, one of Everards have announced a new 3-year sponsorship partnership with the first new-wave American Leicester Riders. In a package worth a five-figure sum to the club micros. Alan opened his own the brewery will become the Leicester Riders Official Beer Supplier Shipyard brewery in 1992 where with branding at The John Sandford Centre and the Riders’ website. he brews Old Thumper under The deal also covers the VIP facility and the new Player of the Month licence using Ringwood yeast for authenticity. competition. Riders M.D. Russell Levenston commented “Leicester Riders are delighted to be working with a successful local business Peter was also the first chairman of the Small Independent such as Everards … we thank them for their support …[and]…welcome Brewers’ Association (now them to the Leicester Riders family” the Society of Independent Stephen Gould, Managing Director of Everards said: “A great Brewers) set up in 1980 and his partnership has formed between Everards and the Leicester Riders. overall impact on good beer is The club has a long-standing history in Leicester, as does Everards, immeasurable. There are now and we have many shared values and visions. We look forward to more than 2,000 craft breweries working with the team at the Leicester Riders and wish them all the in the US, 1,200 in Britain, 220 best for the remainder of the season.” in Australia and New Zealand and a growing number in Italy. After their treble-winning 2012/13 season, the current BBL Champions, A new brewery using Peter’s Cup Winners & Play off Champions are looking forward to expanding system was set to open at the their trophy cabinet. One of the oldest professional clubs in England, they end of January at the Four Mile continue to go from strength to strength in the British Basketball League. pub in Victoria, British Columbia.

14 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch CITY CENTRE PUBS GUIDE With Leicester beer festival looming we’ve decided Greg Harris – Self-Portrait that this is a good opportunity to reproduce our City Centre pubs guide, helpful to local readers who don’t drink regularly in the city of Leicester and visitors from further afield. The theme for this year’s Festival is The Royal Leicestershire Regiment, which was absorbed into The Royal Anglians fifty years ago, in 1964. People with connections to the Fighting Tigers may be interested in contacting local portrait artist Greg Harris who is offering special rates for commissions from former Leicesters and their close families. Greg can work from photographs or live sittings as preferred and can be contacted on 07794528998, by e-mail ([email protected]); when contacting him please mention that this is in connection with the Leicester Beer Festival special offer for ex-soldiers. You can also view his work at www.greg-artist.com ›› City Centre Pub Guide over the page

Astronaut makes strange reappearance Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on the moon, the man to make the 'One small step for a man - one giant leap for Mankind' speech, was assumed dead. He was buried, anyway, after he ceased breathing on August 25th 2012.

It was a matter of amazement to the locals of the Swan and Rushes therefore when Neil landed, December 3rd 2013, in the bar. No one saw him arrive. He had been living near Tudor Road. He has become a popular figure in the bar where he is often seen in conversation and in photographs with other customers. Unlike some others, Neil is a calm, intelligent conversationalist who has never been known to repeat himself. He likes the odd game of bar billiards at the venue which hosts the Leicester Bar Billiards Championship. He said, "It's real good - we don't have this back in Ohio!" Of course he loves the selection of American bottled beers which is is part of the Swan's permanent, but ever-changing imported beer list. He is also a sucker for Chef Sham's homemade stone-baked pizza and his fabulous curries. and, on Saturday 15th March, of the Ruby Doos, those He like the huge range of German, Belgian and other imported glamorous rock n' roll ladies; we always start at 9 pm. beers choosing a strong Belgian brew, or one of our lovingly chosen Neil Armstrong is a pleasure to meet and the space- single malts for his 'Eagle has landed' nightcap. suit is not because of a lack of atmosphere in this Neil will have the odd game of darts and he likes the live music we delightful unashamedly old-fashioned ale house near have in the back 'darts' bar. I know he's especially looking forward to the Infirmary and the City and Tigers' grounds to the return visit on Saturday 8th February of Delaney's Angel L. S 5 5

TE TE E 1R E1 L t e e r t S les ar h C / t ee r t S utland R G n o g a W e l A Ale Wagon G Rutland Street / Charles Street LE1 1RE A G E V 1 1 VE GA . s t s e gu nd a s r e e b rs e h t o Br ins k os H . r o ri e int e styl s 30 9 1 asic B . pub nly o s r Brothe ins k Hos Hoskins Brothers only pub. Basic 1930s style interior. Hoskins Brothers beers and guests. BELGRA B 6F 1 E L t e e tr S nby a Gr 9 4 1 w Mo arley B Barley Mow 149 Granby Street LE1 6FB BELGRA O Y L F S Y E L 2 2 LEYS FLYO R E V R U B . s r ide c e e r h t and s e l a l a e r ight e h t i w e us o h d e i t ards r Eve refurbished ly t Recen Recently refurbished Everards tied house with eight real ales and three ciders. BUR VER Y A AY W T L 5 LE3 t e e r St on x o F / e t a G e on t rauns B e rs o H k c la B Black Horse Braunstone Gate / Foxon Street LE3 5LT W S s ’ Margaret . St ST 3 3 ST St. Margaret’s S TE . . TE W S ’ MARGARET . r e cid al e r nd a s t s e gu plus s eer b ds r a ver E . pub unspoilt and sy o c , refurbished ly t Recen Recently refurbished, cosy and unspoilt pub. Everards beers plus guests and real cider. MARGARET’S W Y RLE U B Station Bus Bus Station BURLEY ABBEY ABBEY A G E V S H 2 E1 L d a o R n o i ct Jun 2 n er av T e n a L e l d i Br 4 4 Bridle Lane Tavern 2 Junction Road LE1 2HS VE GA . ndpumps a h e v fi h t i w e us o eh e fr a w o N . r e v o y Fl e v a r lg e B of e sid the at Just Just at the side of Belgrave Flyover. Now a freehouse with five handpumps.

BELGRA STREET STREET BELGRA A G G 5 1 E L e c a Pl t e k Mar £ e hang c Ex n r o C Corn Exchange £ Market Place LE1 5GG A Y 5 5 Y STREET EL V . ndpumps a h ix S . 0 185 in t buil , e hang xc E rn o C ic r o t his e h t in pub 1 No. ds y lo L n/ o herspo t e W Wetherspoon/Lloyds No.1 pub in the historic Corn Exchange, built in 1850. Six handpumps. VEL STREET GRA GRA Y G G Y A N J 5 E1 L e n La e n o Millst 4 4 n o i r ite r C Criterion 44 Millstone Lane LE1 5JN A A G RCH U CH 6 6 CHURCH GA 21 . ls va i t s e f r e e b ar gul e R . r e cid plus s o r c mi om r f sale n o ales al e r eight o t Up Up to eight real ales on sale from micros plus cider. Regular beer festivals. 21 E E Haymarket T E E R T S D L E I F B B FIELD STREET Haymarket O O N W N GHA U A AUGHAN W N N L D r ST HIGHCROSS D 1R LE1 et e r t S Rutland 0 5 e g n a h Exc e Th The Exchange 50 Rutland Street LE1 1RD HIGHCROSS ST r D LN E V e eV E Bus Station Bus S t t S Bus Station S N A M LOS s 7 7 s LOS MANS C T e e T C T c c T T i i T U e e U B . re tu fea y r e w e r B on t ng La m fro s r e e B . e tr a e h t ve r Cu e th r a e n shops old f o rsion e conv t Recen Recent conversion of old shops near the Curve theatre. Beers from Langton Brewery feature. B E S U A C y t i C L LCityCity CAUSE YMARKET W 5AW LE1 Street Hotel 12 £ Friary e Th The Friary £ 12 Hotel Street LE1 5AW s te e r c L i e W YMARKET TE E N A L Y A AY LANE TE A H 8 8 HA

STREET CHARLES . ale. real to commitment with pub Group Stonegate Stonegate Group pub with commitment to real ale. . CHARLES STREET N. L S ’ PETER ST 2 2 ST PETER’S LN. e d a m n e e b s a h t r o f f e y r e v E Clock U 5E 1 E L et re t S r e ilv S 3 4 £ e ob l G 9 9 Globe £ 43 Silver Street LE1 5EU Clock Every effort has been made n o i t a m r o f n i e h t e r ensu to ower T Highcross . guests plus e ang r ds ar r ve E . ing t ligh s a g h t wi te e ompl c d e urbish f e r ently c e r , r rio e int ellent c Ex Excellent interior, recently refurbished complete with gas lighting. Everards range plus guests. Centre Highcross Tower to ensure the information Leicester e tr n e C Centre Leicester . t c e r r o c s i e d ui g s i h t n i 12 B J 4 LE1 t e e tr S ss cro High / t e re St High £ s s o Cr gh i H 0 1 10 High Cross £ High Street / Highcross Street LE1 4JB 12 in this guide is correct. GALLOWTREE GALLOWTREE 10 H . s t s e gu ing t s e r te in plus s r bee al c lo s a h y mall or N . ons o rsp e eth W . J.D J.D. Wetherspoons. Normally has local beers plus interesting guests. H 10 l l a e R r o f n g i a p m a C e h T ve r Cu IG IG Curve The Campaign for Real 9 H H 9 C C A G R S S R GA y y n a pt e c c a ot n n a c e l A Theatre O T D P 0 2 LE Road n o ond L 9 4 d n i H Hind 49 London Road LE2 0PD T O Theatre Ale cannot accept any 8 STREET ER V STREET HIGH S S HIGH STREET VER STREET 8 TE 6 SIL S 1 1 11 S SIL 6 TE r r o s r o r r e r o f y t i il b i s n o p s e r s ’ Martin . St . e ng ra n a ledoni a C he t m o r f s r bee h t wi ndpumps a h x i S . n o i t ta S y ailwa R e Opposit Opposite Railway Station. Six handpumps with beers from the Caledonian range. Pubs St. Martin’s responsibility for errors or E L s b u P Pubs LE s s i h t n i n o i s u l c n I . s e i c a r u c c a in . C R I IRC . inaccuracies. Inclusion in this Square C N 4N LE1 t e re t S ss o ighcr H 0 7 I I I hard c i R ng Ki King Richard III 70 Highcross Street LE1 4NN C LE Square ST ORD F HAL Market S A 2 1 12 AS RC Market HALFORD ST 1 L L CI 1 e e e t n a r a u g ot n s e o d e d ui g O H O . inside s e asur e r t al c i or hist ny a M . g e k f o s r a e y 0 4 r e t f a ale eal r to d e n r retu which pub rds a r e Ev Everards pub which returned to real ale after 40 years of keg. Many historical treasures inside. O S HO guide does not guarantee Place H LHA Place TEL TEL

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ST U BY R N GRA ST AIR . r ide c l a e r plus , s t s e gu e v fi nd a rs ee b r a egul r e e r th ith w s e l A y r Count k c a l B y b Re-opened Re-opened by Black Country Ales with three regular beers and five guests, plus real cider. T AIR ST GRANRBYU ST ST CHARLES ST. AUGUSTINE S CHARLES ST TREET S ARKET M 22 AD O R ROAD 22 MARKET STREET

own T A THG U O S SOUTHGA Town F HORSE T 0Q LE2 d oa R n o nd o L 3 2 1 e n w o ansd L Lansdowne 123 London Road LE2 0QT HORSEF . . 4 1 14 ROAD . . Hall S N GTO N POCKLI POCKLINGTONS Hall N. L RIAR F A THG U O S . e ilabl va a s e al al re o w t y ll a Usu . l fee tro e r a has hough t al bar rn e mod Popular Popular modern bar although has a retro feel. Usually two real ales available. SOUTHGA FRIAR LN. 15 24 20 7 7 20 24 15 TES D F 6 E1 L t e e tr S nby a Gr 7 0 1 £ t e n e lantag P ast L Last Plantagenet £ 107 Granby Street LE1 6FD TES 3 TES 5 1 15 TES 3 E N LA S UN D . s e al t s e gu e h t t ngs o am e r u t a fe en ft o rs e be nds a Midl t Eas . ons o rsp e eth W . J.D J.D. Wetherspoons. East Midlands beers often feature amongst the guest ales. DUNS LANE STREET OIR V E E N N LA MILLSTO 4 4 MILLSTOLANNEE VOIR STREET 18 BEL F E 1 LE2 ad o R n o nd o L 9 3 1 £ n o t g ellin W is u q r Ma Marquis Wellington £ 139 London Road LE2 1EF 3 DUNS LANE BEL 18 T E E R T S E K R A 6 1 16 ARKE STREET Leicester W E N . st e gu plus s eer b ds r a ver E . s t hu h eac b h t wi te e mpl o c rden a g r e e b h t i w furbished e r ly t Recen Recently refurbished with beer garden complete with beach huts. Everards beers plus guest. NEW Leicester Station Station alk Centre alk W ew N E T E 1N LE2 d oa R n o nd o L 8 9 1 £ G e rs o H d l O Old Horse G £ 198 London Road LE2 1NE TE New Walk Centre STREET ER V DO A A DOVER STREET G 7 1 17 GE ARKE E N r ea r uge H . y t si er univ he t o t e s o cl nd a rk a P a ri o t c Vi e sit o pp o inn ching oa c y r ntu e c teenth e Nin Nineteenth century coaching inn opposite Victoria Park and close to the university. Huge rear NEAT ARKE 19 W E N THE O T S STO G THE NEW 19 ST N GTO N WELLI N U A R B BRAUN NE WELLINGTON ST ST G N KI . s er be guest plus s e al rds a r e Ev . n e gard garden. Everards ales plus guest beers. TO THE NEWARKE KING ST BRAUNS O R N DO N LO 11 W EW N A G THE B 0Q E2 L ad o R n o nd Lo a 8 4 d r a Y l e c r a P Parcel Yard 48a London Road LE2 0QB THE GA NEW W 11 LONDON RO 13 O R ORD F WEL 8 1 18 WELFORD RO 13 . . Y Y A . ALK d a o R ndon o L o t t x e n s e c fi f o l ce r a p old he t in r a b tail k c o c r me r fo of t bishmen r refu t Recen Recent refurbishment of former cocktail bar in the old parcel offices next to London Road ALK . A W TE TEW RD N WESTER . s t gues plus s r e e b illy B eamin’ t S . tion a St y a w Rail Railway Station. Steamin’ Billy beers plus guests. WESTERN RD AD AD ARD ARD A A 25 Y G G WESTERN RD Y 25 W 26 F 6T 1 LE alk W w e N 2 1 b u P e Th The Pub 12 New Walk LE1 6TF 26 W STREET ORD XF O 9 1 19 OXFORD STREET 17 14 O R T N REGE 25 REGENT RO 14 17 AD . s t ugh ra d l ta inen t n co of e ng ra e wid a plus eries ew br ro mic from le a s on s e al eal r 15 o t Up Up to 15 real ales on sale from microbreweries plus a wide range of continental draughts. AD E N LA MILL MILL LANE TERLOO AD AD TERLOO A N J 5 LE1 Lane ne o Millst 3 2 s rm A by r De & d n tla Ru Rutland & Arms 23 Millstone Lane LE1 5JN MILL LANE A W 23 0 2 20 23 W W EW N . s a pizz sh re f e d a m hand nd a st e gu a plus nge a r r e be rds a r e Ev full , refurbished Fully Fully refurbished, full Everards beer range plus a guest and hand made fresh pizzas. NEW W ALK ALK 16 STREET ARROM J V LE U BO N WESTER WESTERN BOULEV JARROM STREET 16 A Q 4 LE1 ane L lose C t But 9 1 G n o m al S 1 2 21 Salmon G 19 Butt Close Lane LE1 4QA WESTERN BOULEVARD Y Y A e ns e disp ndpumps a h ix S . r e est c ei L in e l a l a e r or f ’ a cc e ‘m a w no is pub anks’ B r e form This This former Banks’ pub is now a ‘mecca’ for real ale in Leicester. Six handpumps dispense A O R T N REGE . r e cid l Rea . y t i c e th in und o f be to rs e be st e r a r he t f o e som f o y t rie a v nging a ch r e v e an an ever changing variety of some of the rarest beers to be found in the city. Real cider. REGENT RO AD D 7D E2 L t e re St om r ar J 0 5 £ £ 50 Jarrom Street LE2 7DD AD W TIGERS l ee P rt e b o R r i S 2 2 22 Sir Robert Peel TIGERS W : by pported u S . s er cid o tw plus s t s e gu nd a ds rar e v E m fro s e l a t igh e to p U . 3 1 0 2 une J d e Refurbish Refurbished June 2013. Up to eight ales from Everards and guests plus two ciders. Supported by: O R ORD F WEL WELFORD RO AD P 6D LE1 t e re t S ket ar M 7 2 £ G e c ettu L & ug l S 3 2 23 Slug & Lettuce G £ 27 Market Street LE1 6DP AD . hain c this f o h c an r b ing t r o supp le a l a e r d o go A A good real ale supporting branch of this chain. O R E N G Entry in 2014 CAMRA NE RO Guide to Pub List symbols: List Pub to Guide R 5W LE1 re a qu S y r a rm fi In / t e e r t S rd o xf O G s he s Ru & n a Sw 4 2 24 Swan & Rushes G Oxford Street / Infirmary Square LE1 5WR Guide to Pub List symbols: AD Leicester Good Beer Guide Leicester AD YLESTO . r ide c l rea and rs e be d e l t t o b d e t or imp ny a m plus e sal on les a eal r six least At At least six real ales on sale plus many imported bottled beers and real cider. YLESTO y in 2013 CAMRA Good Beer Guide Beer Good CAMRA 2013 in y r Ent G A A G Entry in 2013 CAMRA Good Beer Guide igers T £ CAMRA Card discount Tigers Stadium A G 0 3 LE oad R n er est W 0 7 £ G n r e st e W 5 2 25 Western G £ 70 Western Road LE3 0GA Stadium CAMRA member discount available discount member CAMRA £ ains.co.uk r yt r sscount o r c . guests plus rs e be Billy amin’ e St . Co wing e r B y Bill amin’ e t S y b run pub William’ t c je o ‘Pr rds a r e Ev Everards ‘Project William’ pub run by Steamin’ Billy Brewing Co. Steamin’ Billy beers plus guests. availablecrosscountrytrains.co.uk £ CAMRA member discount available

16 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch 4 Leicester Beer Festival St. Margaret’s BELGRAVE GATE Bus Station LEYS FLYO BUR VER

ST. MARGARET’S WAY BURLEYS WAY ABBEY

STREET BELGRAVE GATE

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CHURCH GRAVEL GATE STREET 21 E BOND ST Haymarket MANSFIELD ST HIGHCROSS ST. VAUGHAN WAY Bus Station BUTT CLOSE LN s te e r c L i e CAUSE

WAY LANE HAYMARKET ST PETER’S LN. CHARLES STREET Every effort has been made Clock Highcross Tower to ensure the information 12 Leicester in this guide is correct. 10 GALLOWTREE HIGHCROSS 9 Curve The Campaign for Real Ale ST HIGH STREET GATE 7 Theatre cannot accept any responsibility SILVER ST. 5 for errors or inaccuracies. LE St. Martins RC CI AS Square Inclusion in this guide does not OL Market HALFORD ST. 1 H HOTEL ST. C I Place guarantee beer quality.

N

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S PEACOCK LN. 8 GRANBYRUTLAND ST. ST. CHARLES ST. HORSEFAIR ST MARKET STREET Town SOUTHGATES Hall

SOUTHGATES POCKLINGTONS 6 FRIAR20 LN. 23 15

2 MILLSTONELANE BELVOIR STREET 18 KE STREET NEWAR Leicester New Walk Centre Station DOVER STREET

THE NEWARKE 19 WELLINGTON ST. KING ST.

THE GATEWAY NEW WALK 11 LONDON ROAD

WELFORD ROAD 13

24 REGENT ROAD 17 OXFORD STREET 14 MILL LANE

WATERLOO WAY NEW WALK 22 16 JAROME STREET REGENT ROAD

TIGERS WAY

WELFORD ROAD

Leicester AYLESTONETigers RD Stadium

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 17 Sir Robert Peel 6 Real Ales & 2 Real Ciders Sausage & Mash Night BT Sport Every Thursday Free Wi-Fi (£4 with loyalty card) up-to-date beer list on Loyalty Scheme twitter and our website CAMR A Discount Lunchtime Menu served CAMR A pub of the month Jan ‘14 Monday – Friday 12 – 2pm Students Welcome 50 Jarrom Street, Leicester LE2 7DD Tel: 0116 2540715 @sirrobpeel01 Opening times: mon-sat 12-11pm Sun 12-6pm www.sirrobertpeelleicester.co.uk

18 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch Another Trip to Whittlesey... With a need to banish those post back in the Market Place which involves dozens Christmas blues, a trip to the of the dancing groups all around the square. I was pleased to get chance to see the Rutland annual Whittlesey Straw Bear Morris, who I had been looking out for. There Festival was just the solution. was then just time to visit the Bricklayers Arms and The Ram, before rounding everyone up for We went for the first time in 2013, and it was the coach. so popular a return visit was eagerly awaited. For the uninitiated, this Cambridgeshire After leaving Whittlesey at 5pm our day market town just past Peterborough holds wasn’t over. We had a stop in Uppingham a unique event. With a history going back where many of us visited the Crown plus some hundreds of years, the festival takes the form of the other pubs in the town before returning of procession around the town led by a local to Leicester where our drop offs were reversed ploughman wearing a bear costume made enabling us to come back via Sileby to visit the from straw. The “bear” is accompanied by Free Trade Inn for a quick last pint. attendants and stops around the town where An excellent day out which I hope everyone dancing takes place. Many groups of Morris enjoyed. Already looking forward to our next dancers attend, some more traditional than branch outing, which is to Bradford on 1st March. others. The fun and frolics mostly take place outside the dozen or so pubs and clubs in the Gary Akiens town, most of which hold beer festivals. Of the many beers to choose from, two Straw Bear specials from Elgoods and Oakham Ales were brewed. THE Our coach started in Sileby to include a CHANDLERS number of Loughborough CAMRA Branch members, for whom the Straw Bear is ARMS an annual pilgrimage. After then picking up in Leicester and collecting a rouge SHEARSBY Northamptonshire cider maker in Uppingham, 0116 247 8384 we had a lovely sunny and crisp morning Country Pub of the Year journey along the A47 arriving in Whittlesey 2009 - 2013 just before 11.30am. I wanted to get to some of the pubs I missed A Freehouse serving up to 7 Real Ales last year, and started at The George in the including local micros Market Place, a recent Wetherspoon conversion of a fine old building that had been boarded Home cooked food served up for several years. Beers were allowed to six days a week be taken outside to enjoy the Morris dancing taking place. From there we went to the nearby 3 Course Sunday Lunch £11.95 Hubs Place, then onto the excellent Letter B. A 20p per pint discount on ales for card carrying CAMRA members short walk led us to the Boat and the Hero of Aliwal. After watching the dancing there and at www.chandlersatshearsby.co.uk The Falcon, it was time to see the grand finale

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 19 20 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch MATTERS ARISING... Following on from the article Smoke Signals that there is no going back; the two main reasons, (LD89) and Pub Closures (Supermarket Sweep, health and rights of staff, remain valid. It is the offer LD88) Shawn Collier made the following and attraction of a venue that I believe is important observations on a recent trip to Europe. today illustrated perfectly by Schumacher’s in Although Germany had been mentioned it wasn’t Oststrasse , Dusseldorf. This smart venue has two at the forefront of my mind as we began our very good Altbiers, available in a number of take travels. The first establishment we entered was way options, excellent food and smoking tables actually just over the border in Switzerland. In the provided out front under a canopy. Also, anywhere entrance area were two signs - ‘smoking room’ that serves decent food doesn’t bother coming to and ‘ non smoking room’. We entered the large ask if everything is ok - they know it is! (smoking) street level room which contained The pub industry is part of entertainment and around eight patrons. Due to the underlying hospitality and needs to provide what the aroma we quickly moved to the pavement tables customer wants to attract them. In the case in the open air. Another scenario was noted at the of real ale a well presented product in decent station bar where an area around the entire bar surroundings. If there is room for a comfortable was enclosed in glass and this was the smoking outdoor smoking area then fine. area. Segregation within the same room is never going to stop smoke escaping though. In Germany, To return to the question asked in LD89 (a revised again, a range of situations were noted in pubs/ CAMRA policy on smoking in pubs, Ed), my answer bars/restaurants from a small smoking pub to would be “No”: Current Campaigns to improve totally non-smoking establishments. Having been viability and reform pubco practices are what we reminded of our country’s past my view remains should concentrate on. ›› continued on pg 22

Marie & Errol welcome you to... THE TOM HOSKINS A Community Pub with pocket-friendly prices for the Mature Drinker 131 Beaumanor Road, Leicester LE4 5QE Phone – 0116 266 9659 We are Cask Marked with up to 6 regularly changing Real Ales * Cold Cobs Available * Friday Meat Raffle Sunday Quiz * We cater for Small Functions * Onsite Barber

Image: Andy Melbourne (Thursday Lunch until Sunday Afternoon) * FRIENDLY WELCOME TO ALL - COME AND GIVE US A TRY

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 21 ›› continued from pg 21 Pub Closures: I’ve received numerous use it. [Fortunately] residents in Wenden are comments regarding this subject and there very supportive.“ are encouraging signs that the process is Another pub, The Axe, was given a new lease slowing somewhat. A couple of recent articles of life when micro-brewery shareholder Chris grabbed my attention and I thought them Stringer bought the freehold from Greene King worthy of sharing (Ed.). who’d deemed the business as “unviable” and According to data compiled by CAMRA North had planned to demolish it to build four three- Essex, rural landlords in Uttlesford are showing bedroom houses in its place until Uttlesford they are not willing to throw in the beer towel District Council quashed the proposal because without a fight. In its newsletter Last Orders it would result in the loss of an important the branch revealed that although six publicans “community asset”. called time on their businesses during 2013, Closer to home, Northamptonshire CAMRA, six also reopened for business. Against the in its annual census of closed pubs said the background of predictions by the editors of current total was 32, including nine premises the Good Pub Guide that between 2,500 and in Northampton and 11 in Daventry and South 4,000 of the 49,500 public houses in the UK will Northamptonshire a fall from the 40 recorded be forced to shut this year, CAMRA’s local pubs two years ago and a change which is being officer, Richard Williams, said local evidence proved it was too soon to write off pubs in the credited in part to the rise of microbreweries area. “It’s true they have had a hard time in and pubs supporting them. Although some have recent years but there are ... definitely signs of closed recently and one or two demolished a recovery [as] many of the big firms, such as the signs are encouraging and many pubs are Greene King, are selling off pubs and a lot of thriving. those are being taken on as free houses offering Landlord Russell Proctor at The George in Tiffield what today’s customers want.” One such pub, said: “What we are doing is focusing on real The Bell in Wendens Ambo, closed last June ales, which is the sector that is growing the after the tenant got into financial difficulty, but most. Year-on-year we are increasing trade, reopened when the owners Geoff and Bernie which is excellent in the present climate [and] Bates returned from their retirement in Ireland. through supporting local breweries we can Mr Bates said: “You have to keep coming up get ales from all over the country which is with new ideas to get people in, including ways bringing our custom in. From my perspective, to attract those from outside the village. That you have to keep reinventing yourself, just like means looking at what pubs around you do and Madonna in music.” Andy Taylor, director of diversifying. Food is a must in a rural pub but Litchborough microbrewery, Merrimen Brewing, it has to be a different menu to what is being agrees “It seems to be that pubs which are offered elsewhere. If you keep a tight rein on doing something different are doing okay”. Two your expenses and are a good publican then you pubs that had been earmarked for housing, should survive, but … like any village amenity it The Sun Inn, Kislingbury, and The Fox and needs people’s support. Too many people moan Hounds, Charwelton, have been bought by local about their pub shutting when they don’t even residents and set up as community pubs. Pub of the Year 2014 - HAVE YOU VOTED YET? E-mail your Name, Membership Number and up to three favourite pubs in order, and clearly identifying any similarly-named pubs, to [email protected]. You can also vote from your mobile phone as a text to 07917 080 228. Alternatively, you can vote at Leicester Beer Festival up to closing time on FRIDAY 14th MARCH or by post to The Chairman, Hinckley & Bosworth CAMRA at the usual address.

22 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch BLABY PUB CRAWL

Blaby has five public houses. With the exception of The Tom Thumb all are within a furlong of one another. As The Tom Thumb is furthest out from the centre of Blaby it seemed to be the best place to start my Blaby Pub Crawl. The Tom Thumb Arriving by Arriva 85 bus from Leicester, when you see Aldi and The Bulls Head on your left ring the bell and get off at the next stop. Having alighted from the bus, cross the road and take the jitty immediately opposite. At the end of the jitty go straight on to the end of the road, turn left then right and the pub is a short distance on the next right hand corner. ›› continued on pg 24 The Bulls Head

Syston & District SocialFROM 1 STClub FEBRUARY FEATURE BREWERYHigh Street, IS GRAINSTORESyston OF OAKHAM JUST AWARDEDA SELECTION EAST MIDLANDS OF GREAT BEERS! ‘CAMRAAN ‘ EARLYCLUB WARNING OF ’ OUR ANNUAL BEER FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD The Fox THE YEAR’TH TH & Tiger ‘WHATON THE A NIGHT’ 14 , 15 JUNE 2013 ALWAYS 6 EXCELLENT REAL ALES AT For a change catchREASONABLE a bus or train PRICES to SystonCAMRA and tryMEMBERS our beers FREE ENTRY Camra members free entryWITH with CARD card See our websiteSEE for OUR all details WEBSITE The www.systonsocial.co.ukwww.systonsocial.co.uk Black Horse

LOOK! WE’RE IN IT AGAIN... The Bakers Arms The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 23

BLABY PUB CRAWL ›› continued from pg 23 Probably the newest pub in Blaby now that were available: Caledonian Bitter Winter, Greene The Egyptian Queen has been demolished and King Abbot Ale and Theakston Best Bitter. replaced with new houses The Tom Thumb On leaving The Fox & Tiger turn right into Cross basically consists of one large room with two Street and you’ll see The Black Horse a short conservatories adjoining. One conservatory is distance in front of you at the bottom left hand utilised as a pool room whilst the other one is corner of the street. a designated dining area. Although five hand pumps adorn the bar, alas only one was in use The Black Horse comprises of a lounge and, on the day I was there dispensing Everards Tiger unusually these days, a separate traditional Best Bitter. public bar. Entertainment is regularly provided by live music on a Friday and Saturday evening On leaving The Tom Thumb turn right down The and a quiz every Monday evening. Only one real Fairway and follow this road to its end then turn ale is on sale at any one time; more often than right into Queens Road. After about 75 yard take not it is either Wells & Young’s Courage Directors the jitty to the left and at the end turn right then (the beer available on the day I called) or almost immediately left into another jitty. On Marston’s Pedigree but other beers occasionally leaving this jitty turn right and walk on to the make an appearance. On leaving the Black end of the road from where The Bull’s Head is Horse cross over to Wigston Road and The visible to your left across the road. Bakers Arms is a short distance in front of you on Consisting principally of one large room the left hand side of the road. incorporating quieter nooks & crannies The Bull’s Without doubt The Bakers Arms is the oldest Head is a traditional local committed to serving pub in Blaby. Built in 1485 and first licensed in real ale from a range of microbreweries through the mid-19th century, there are three separate the Punch list and SIBA direct deliveries and a rooms formed from the cottages that were cask mild is always available. Unusually these converted into the pub. The largest of the three days The Bull’s Head does not do meals but rooms is designated for diners with the other does sell reasonably priced filled cobs and from two more welcoming to those wanting only which 25p is donated to the Mind charity for liquid refreshment. Five real ales were available each one sold. The Bull’s Head offers a 20p per on the day I called; the four Everards beers pint discount to card carrying CAMRA members (Beacon Bitter, Tiger Best Bitter, Original & and on the day I visited five real ales were Sleighbell ) and the guest beer was Greene King available; Adnams Southwold Bitter, Brakspear Morland Old Golden Hen. Oxford Gold, Grainstore Rutland Panther, Keltek Golden Lance and Prescott Ruby Stout. From the Bakers Arms turn left and left again through a jitty and onto Northfield Road. Walk Less than a furlong away on the same side of to the bottom of this road and at the bus stop the road to your right when leaving The Bull’s immediately opposite you can catch an 84, 84A Head is The Fox & Tiger. This pub consists of or 85 Arriva bus back to Leicester. one large open plan room and, as its name would suggest, is frequented by supporters of So there we have it. On the day of my Blaby Pub Leicester City (The Foxes) and Leicester’s premier Crawl the five Pubs between them had fourteen Rugby Union Club (The Tigers) who gather on real ales available. Not so much walking as my match days to watch their teams on television. previously published meanderings so ideally Other entertainment is provided in the form of suited for a winter’s day jaunt. a Thursday quiz , karaoke or acoustic nights on Cheers, Fridays, a disco on Saturdays and rock & roll on Sundays. On the day of my visit three real ales Jim Reay

24 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch A5.Enjoyment.ad:Layout 2 20/12/13 09:22 Page 1

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@EverardsTiger facebook.com/everards Here we go, here we go... As a sports fan one of the great pleasures of an away trip is the opportunity for a pre-match pint in a different town. Here are a few suggestions for forthcoming Leicester City and Leicester Tigers fixtures.

City Tigers 15 February, Nottingham – Due to the 23 February, London Irish – Irish play at nature of the game there are likely to be Reading’s Majedski Stadium which is off restrictions on which pubs City fans can use in M4 junction 11. Reading’s streets can get Nottingham and West Bridgford. Best advice is notoriously clogged so car users might have to consult Whatpub?, www.nottinghamcamra. more joy in Theale where The Red Lion, 5 org.uk or The Good Beer Guide 2014 and check Church Street, RG7 5BU is within easy distance directly with your chosen pub. of the stadium and just off junction 12. 8 March, Wigan – Two pubs in the centre of 2 March, Newcastle – Falcons play at Gosforth the town are ideal for the sports fan. Both and many pubs are busy on matchdays. The The Anvil, Dorning Street, WN1 1ND which recommendation is The County, High Street, sells AllGates and Hydes ales and the larger Gosforth, NE3 1HB, which offers an extensive Berkeley, 27-29 Wallgate, WN1 1LD which has range of brews including Daleside and beers on constant rotation, have large screen Caledonian. TV. 29 March, Northampton – In addition to being 11 March, Barnsley – The Courthouse, Regent Street, S70 2HG stocks Acorn beers amongst the brewery tap for Great Oakley, The Malt its rotating range, has TV sport and is handy Shovel Tavern, 121 Bridge Street, NN1 3QF, is for both bus and railway stations. a town centre pub popular with Rugby fans with 14 handpumps offering a fine selection 22 March, Blackburn – There’s a shortage of of Real Ales. decent pubs in Blackburn but on the outskirts The Black Bull, Brokenstone Road, BB3 0LL, 5 April, Clermont Auvergne - Le Plan B is home to the excellent 3B’s microbrewery. is a highly regarded local brasseur selling Ewood Park is on the Darwen side of the town directly from the brewery but also to shops, so a visit to Darwen’s Number 39, 39 Bridge restaurants and bars listed on their website Street, BB3 2AA which is the brewery tap for (points de vente) www.bieres-leplanb. Hopstar might be a good idea. com. Le Chapelier Toqué, 2, place St Pierre, 29 March, Burnley – Two town centre pubs are 63000 in the centre of Clermont is the most football-friendly. The Bridge Bier Huis, 2 Bank conventional bar, but Le Poivre d’Âne, Le Parade, BB11 1UH, stocks Moorhouse’s plus Pizzarium and Bougnat Burger are all sensibly guest microbrewery products while the Talbot priced eateries that stock Le Plan B. Hotel, 65 Church Street, BB11 2RS has large U.K. recommendations are taken from the 2013 Good screen TV and 4 letting bedrooms if you plan Beer Guide. Previous editions of the Leicester Drinker on making a weekend of it. (LD) can be found at www.leicestercamra.org.uk.

26 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch Stockport & Macclesfield The further Trip – November 2013 meanderings of Cleggy With Foggy and Compo our schedules amalgamated but it was clear we would not complete the quest. indisposed, Cleggy (a.k.a. Standing in the shadow of a scaffold-clad viaduct John Spencer) was obliged to which rather spoilt the view The Queens Head’s meander alone…. beer was excellent although every one of the taps was Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery Bitter. Another Starting on time from St Margaret’s we travelled almost perfect drink that, I have to say, did the scenic route to Stockport via the Peak surprise me. Finally, on the first part of this two- District in glorious sunshine to arrive well in time legger, was The Arden Arms, much vaunted but to for noontime openings. me a disappointment. Another Robinson’s pub but My first port of call on a day spent with Graeme I had a guest, Hartley’s XB which was very good. Malen, was The Pineapple, on Heaton Lane, a Having run out of time in Stockport we headed solid cream painted hostelry serving Robinson’s back to the coach for a welcome break on the beers (as were most other pubs in the town it half an hour or so trip to Macclesfield. seems). I started with a very average Unicorn ›› continued on pg 28 but this was easily surpassed by their Trooper, which was very good. Just up the road The Crown Inn had beer of much better quality and I enjoyed Thornbridge Pica Pica, Brightside Underworld and Hornbeam Ginger Domination, all very good ales with the last two nigh on perfect. I can see why this pub is award winning. Third up was the intriguingly named Swan with Two Necks. This Camra National 12 New Walk Leicester LE1 6TF Inventory pub features a mock Tudor and leaded bay windowed frontage with glorious            panelling and fireplaces inside. Another Wide range of Real Ales and Ciders Robinsons pub, so the only choice for me was from our 15 hand pumps the renowned Old Tom. A perfect half a pint costing £2.60 (how much???). Well it is 8.5% Extensive food menu including our popular ABV so I guess it does cost. At The Tiviot my Sunday lunches first was a poor Robinsons Elboy Bulda Rocket Boys? With a name like that I expected a Regular Live Music better drink. The Barmaid did take the Elboy off so it was probably at the end of its life Sports Fans welcome and I was persuaded to try their Unicorn and scored this as good. So far, two pubs on my Ask about our Loyalty Card – buy 10 get one free! schedule and two on Graeme’s. From now on

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 27 FESTIVAL DIARY FRI 14 FEB - SUN 16 FEB HUCKNALL BEER & CIDER WED 12 MAR - SAT 15 MAR LEICESTER BEER FESTIVAL, FESTIVAL, John Godber Centre, Ogle Street, Hucknall, NG15 Charotar Patidar Samaj, Bay Street/South Churchgate, Off 4FQ – 40+ Cask Ales plus Ciders and Perries mainly sourced St Margaret’s Way, LE1 3AE. (See advert on page 2 for full from smaller producers. (CAMRA joint event) details). Over 220 beers and 35 Ciders and Perries WED 19 FEB - SAT 22 FEB NATIONAL WINTER ALES WED 12 MAR – SAT 15 MAR THE SALMON, 19 Butt Close FESTIVAL, The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8JE – Lane, LE1 4QA, Welsh Beer Festival (Pub Festival) 350+ Real Ales & Ciders. For more details see www.nwaf. THU 24 APR – SUN 27 APR THE EXCHANGE, 50 Rutland org.uk (CAMRA Festival) Street, LE1 1RD. 20+ beers (Pub Festival) THU 20 FEB - SAT 22 FEB LUTON BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL THU 20 FEB – SUN 23 FEB THE CRICKETERS’ REST, Grace Advance notice: Road, LE2 8AD – Cheese & Ale Festival, 13 Ales, 4 Ciders and BLACK HORSE, AYLESTONE, PUB-BASED FESTIVALS various Cheeses. (Pub Festival) FOR 2014: THU 6 MAR - SAT 8 MAR 38TH LOUGHBOROUGH BEER FESTIVAL, St. George (April), World Cup (June), Beach Party (August), The Polish Cub, True Lovers Walk,off William Street, LE11 3DB Halloween (October/November) Extensive details of Beer Festivals at home and abroad can be found at www.camra.org.uk

›› continued from pg 27 Next up was The Jolly Sailor (ooh err missus!). Now I didn’t know what to expect in this town As the permanent guest beer was Everards as it does not have too many entries in The Tiger I went for Thwaites Wainwright scoring Good Beer Guide, but I was pleasantly surprised. almost perfect again. A nice touch was that as What was even more of a surprise, however, Chuck Berry’s Johnny Be Good was being played was the fact that our planned first pub, The through the speakers my eye landed on a wall Waters Green Tavern, was closed until 19.00 poster of the very same song. Don’t know if hrs so we went to The Castle, which was bigger they deliberately play the tunes their wall art than the exterior would suggest (A touch of has but it made me smile. Tardis?) and another National Inventory pub We were by now running out of time so moved wherein I had a very good Wincle Butchered. swiftly to The Snow Goose where I quaffed Conscious that we would again struggle to another 4.5er, Storm Brewery Storm Damage, complete our quest Graeme and I swiftly perhaps rather too quickly. The coach would be moved on to The Treacle Tap where I quaffed at our final stop the, now open, Waters Green an almost perfect Marble Ginger. An interesting Tavern. Frankly I had had my fill of pretty good interior décor scheme and the multi coloured ales throughout the day so I finished on a Real painting of Keith Richard took a bit of beer Cider – Gwnty Doraig Black Dragon and if we goggle getting used to. It was here I found the could score Ciders it would be another almost following poem (attributed to Edgar Allen Poe). perfect drink and certainly a refreshing one to finish on. Fill with mingled cream and amber, I will drain the glass again. Most had a snooze on the trip back to Leicester Such hilarious visions clamber, and we made it with only one toilet stop!! Through the chamber of my brain. A big well done to Gary Akiens again for a lovely Quaintest thoughts, trip and his maps are very welcome. Thanks Queerest fancies, also for a smooth, almost trouble free journey Come to life and fade away. to our driver. It seems the brakes were heating What care I how time advances? up on the way out, but the whole trip was I am drinking Ale today. completed with no other problem.

28 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch Leicester CAMRA COMPETITION Branch Diary 2014 The competition in LD90 proved a bit too much of a tester and although a few got FEBRUARY 2014 Wed 12th February Special General Meeting close, nobody quite cracked it. The musical - called for the motion to increase the size of headlines were as follows; White Wedding the Leicester CAMRA Branch Committee from (sung by BILLY IDOL), Party Fears Two (sung 10 to 12 positions. 8.00pm, The Ale Wagon, 27 by THE ASSOCIATES, a.k.a. Billy Mackenzie’s Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE. To be followed Associates) and Unit 4 plus 2 (whose by 2015 Good Beer Guide Selection Meeting. biggest hit was Concrete & Clay). Mon 17th February Beer Festival Meeting, The answer we were looking for was “I’m 8.00pm, The King’s Head, King Street, Leicester. doubly sure, BILLY having non-alcoholic MARCH 2014 drinks. Not something one ASSOCIATES him Sat 1st March Coach trip to Bradford - with. Hard to believe, now it’s BARBICAN!” see social events page BILLY (doubly sure, Idol and Mackenzie) and Wed 5th March Branch Meeting, 7.30pm, The ASSOCIATES were pretty straight forward, Friary, Hotel Street, Leicester. Guest speaker. but the connection between Concrete and Clay and BARBICAN (the non-alcoholic w/c 9th March Leicester Beer Festival 2014 working week drink) was that Unit 4 plus 2 made a short film (effectively an early pop video) of them Wed 12th – Sat 15th March Leicester Beer singing their hit on the building site which Festival 2014 (see page 2 for details) eventually became London’s Barbican Centre. APRIL 2014 The prize, a Sausage and Mash Dinner Wed 2nd April Branch Meeting, 7.30pm, for Two at The Sir Robert Peel, Jarrom The Admiral Nelson, 49 Nelson Street, Street, and a copy of The Leicester Drinker Market Harborough. Minibus from Leicester. autographed by former Leicester City Sat 26th April Coach trip to Hull skipper, Steve Walsh, during the launch of - see social events page Gas Dog’s “Silence of the Rams” is therefore For further details on trips see the Social Events Page carried forward to this issue’s competition. at www.leicestercamra.org.uk or call Gary Akiens on 07815825039. Trips are not restricted to CAMRA members and typically cost around £13 with variances This month’s question is a bit easier: according to distance and time of year. There are two musical headlines in NOTES this edition that should give you a Branch Contact: superstar duo. Combine their names to K Williams: 07989 272717 get a third famous musician. The three [email protected] names are all you need for the correct 86 Bonchurch Street, Leicester LE3 5EE answer, but in the event of a tie do you For Saturday and Sunday trips: know the connection between the third Gary Akiens: 07815 825039 musician and a Dusty Springfield hit? or e-mail: [email protected] For a fully up to date Entries to be e-mailed by 16th March to Branch Diary, please visit www.leicestercamra.org.uk [email protected]. marked and click on Diary on the left LD91 Competition of the page.

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 29 CAMRA discounts available locally (New additions in bold) All locations are in Leicester unless indicated in brackets. Information given in good faith and liable to change. Some discounts may be modified or restricted where special promotions are on offer.

Black Horse, Aylestone CAMRA discounts/privileges for specific events Bull’s Head (Blaby) 20p/pint Chandlers Arms (Shearsby) 20p/pint The Friary, Hotel Street 10% off real ales Glenhills Sports & Social (Glen Parva) Temporary Visitor Membership for 50p with CAMRA card Globe, 43 Silver Street 30p/pint Malt Shovel (Barkby) 20p/pint on Real Ales & Trad Cider Marquis Wellington, London Road 10% Old Horse, 198 London Road 10% Plough (Littlethorpe) 10% Red Lion (Gilmorton) 30p/pint Red Lion Inn (Rothley) 20p/pint & 10p/half Rose & Crown (Houghton on the Hill) 20p/pint Rutland & Derby, Millstone Lane Real Ales charged at £3 Sir Robert Peel, Jarrom Street 10p/pint off Guest Ales Slug & Lettuce, Market Street 10% Stamford Arms, Groby 10% off Cask Ales Syston Social Club (Syston) Temporary Visitor Membership with CAMRA card Winstanley (Braunstone Town) 20p/pint off guest ales W - Corn Exchange, Market Square 20% off food and 20p/pint off guest ales under 5.5% W - Highcross. High Street 20% off food and 20p/pint off guest ales under 5.5% W - Lord Keeper of the Great Seal (Oadby) 20p/pint for Real Ales W - Last Plantagenet, Granby Street 20% off food and 20p/pint off guest ales under 6% W - Sugar Loaf (Market Harborough) 20% off food and 20p/pint off guest ales under 5.5% W - White House (Scraptoft) Standard 50p vouchers only W - William Wygston (Wigston) 20p/pint for Real Ales

W prefix denotes Wetherspoon outlets accepting CAMRA vouchers. One voucher per visit rule generally enforced. Discounts at Wetherspoons cannot be combined (e.g. 50p voucher and 20p/pint on the same drink). 20% food discount not applicable on some Food & Drink combos such as Curry Club, Sunday Roast Special and Burger Special.

Non-CAMRA loyalty card schemes available to all customers: Black Horse, Aylestone “Cheaper by the dozen” - £5 voucher on collecting 12 stamps. The Friary, Hotel Street “Love Cask Ale” - every 7th pint free The Pub, New Walk 1 for 10 loyalty card 50p card gives a range of discounts. Sir Robert Peel, Jarrom Street Visit www.sirrobertpeelleicester.co.uk for details Various food and drink discounts for a one-off card fee of £2. The Steamin’ Billy Card Details at http://www.steamin-billy.co.uk

30 February – March 2014 The Newsletter of Leicester CAMRA Branch 02 / 14

The Leicester Drinker www.leicestercamra.org.uk 31 CAMRA Leics drinker ad 210 x 148mm L:. 19/12/2013 13:11 Page 1

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