Issue 42 – Autumn 2010 FREE – Please take one

Newsletter of North Oxfordshire Branch of CAMRA

Members To The Rescue Despite fears for the future of ign for Re John Devlin who will be sharing the Branch before the AGM at pa al the Social Secretary role. A the Chequers, Chipping Norton, m l We have a new Branch Secre- a e North Oxon CAMRA lives to C tary, Caz Jewell; a new Treasurer, fight on. At the AGM a large Nick Faulkner; and a Treasurer’s number of people attended, so Assistant, Phil Thomas. Other N many we had to move in more o h members of the Committee are chairs from the restaurant, with r c Dick Palmer and Brian Wray, th n many attendees volunteering to O ra who are sharing the duties of get involved in the running of the xf e B Pubs Officer; Chris Darke who Branch – and for the first time ordshir as well as being our Webmaster ever (possibly) every post on the is now Branch Contact; Yvonne committee has been filled. Chairman is Monty, who has Hallows who is continuing in her The new Committee consists been Social Secretary for the role as Membership Secretary; of Lynne Baldwin-Kramer as past two years, and will continue Steve Lympany is taking on Chairman (sorry, you’re still to organise entertaining and the editorship of Beer on Tap; stuck with me!), the new Vice original social outings along with John Bellinger will be acting as Public Affairs Officer; and ‘… And Not A Drop To Drink’ Simon Raynor will be our Young Members Co-ordinator. Sarah – though at least they have Beer on Tap to read Durham has also agreed to take on Press and Publicity for us. Things have really picked Although the committee is up now in the ‘get your now established we still need photo taken with a Beer members to come forward to on Tap’ feature. Following volunteer as Beer on Tap deliver- the Australian contribution ers, known as Clustermasters, in last edition, this time we many locations across the region, have Melissa Smith on the such as Adderbury, Bloxham, schooner Lewis R. French with Captain Garth Wells. Bodicote and Deddington to They are sailing in name a few. We also need a Penobscot Bay off the coast Cider Officer (see page 19). If of Maine on the American you feel you can help contact east coast while catching up the Chairman using the contact on beer festival information details in this magazine or pop and the Branch News. Don’t along to one of our meetings; full forget if you send your Beer training will be provided! on Tap to a friend or rela- Thanks should also go to tive in some far-off land get members of the committee who them to email us a photo stood down at the AGM. Keith of them with the magazine. cially in this country. I wait to Rigley, who has done a sterling It doesn’t have to be exotic see how inventive Beer on Tap job on BoT for probably more though, lets see if you can find readers can be, but remember years than he cares to remem- somewhere different, espe- to stay safe and within the law! Continued on page 3 Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://www.northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk Saturday 9thDisco October The Bell Inn at Great Bourton Night North Oxon Branch Lives To Fight On Continued from front page Branch to continue (Treasurer The new committee has • An unspoilt traditional ber, has stepped down as Editor, being a post which must be put together an interesting Village Pub although he will still be involved filled for the Branch to exist). and enjoyable programme of in its production. On behalf of It was a great moment when events for the next few months. • Up to four Hook Norton cask conditioned the Branch I would like to thank I limped into the Chequers and Information can be found ales him for this, also for everything saw so many more members under the heading of Branch he is continuing to do. than expected at the AGM. With Diary. • Traditional fresh home-made food Thanks are also due to Simon difficult times ahead for the pub So … even if you can’t com- • Traditional pub games – darts, dominoes, Whitehead who has carried trade and beer industry it’s good mit to an active role in the out the role of Treasurer since to know that the Branch is still Branch, please come along to cribbage, Aunt Sally, shove halfpenny December. Simon came for- going and will be strong enough some of the socials and events • Open log fire ward to help out as we had no to campaign for the things laid on – support the new Treasurer, which allowed the which CAMRA holds dear. Committee and enjoy your- • Walker and dog friendly selves! • Quiz nights Great Day Out At ‘The World’s Manor Road, Great Bourton • Regular event nights (eg, St George’s Day, North Oxon nr Banbury, Oxon OX17 1QP see website for details) Biggest Pub’ Contacts List Tel: 01295 750504 • Traditional Sunday lunch cooked to order The daddy of all the real Email addresses are followed by www.bourtons.net • Small to medium size parties catered for ale festivals in Britain – the northoxfordshirecamra.org.uk Great British Beer Festival CHAIRMAN • Terraced garden Lynne Baldwin- Email: [email protected] was another record breaker Kramer Tel: 07790 118341 in terms of visitors who chairman@ Open: Mon-Thurs 12-2.30 & 6-11pm; Fri & Sat 12-3 & 6-12 pm; Sun 12-3 & 7-11pm. came to drink a mind bog- VICE-CHAIRMAN Closed: Tues lunchtime. Food served 12-2 & 6.30-8.30 all week. Restaurant closed Sunday night. gling range of traditional Paul Montague British beers. vicec@ It’s difficult to know BRANCH SECRETARY where to start at the GBBF so was open and we did our best Lower Heyford Road Caz Jewell secretary@ it’s best to aim for one of your to help with the 200,000+ pints TREASURER Caulcott Nick Faulkner favourite breweries then work poured (over 75 per minute). treasurer@ OX25 4ND your way around the vast inner It wasn’t just British ale either, MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY space of Earl’s Court with its 12 more than 180 American beers Tel/fax: 01869 343257 different bars festooned with were on sale along with an unbe- Yvonne Hallows membership@ nearly 30 handpumps each. lievable amount from Belgium, BRANCH CONTACT This charming, thatched 16th century freehouse, in a peaceful, rural setting, offers We headed straight for the Holland, Germany, etc., with a four real ales (over 200 different ales annually) with locally brewed Hook Norton Thornbridge brewery bar to good showing from the newest Chris Darke contact@ Tel: 07908 579678 Best Bitter ever present. start with and then went to the beer country, Italy (which now SIBA Champion Beer bar next has over 320 breweries). I spent SOCIAL SECRETARY An interesting and wide ranging menu is available seven days a week, lunchtime and door (where I found my best of a lot of time at these foreign John Devlin socials@ evenings (not Sunday evenings and light menu Monday evening), served in the the day in Green Mill’s Chief, beer bars as it is so rare to see so Tel: 07711 257716 chock full of American hops). BEER ON TAP EDITOR restaurant, bar or garden. Choose from the daily specials board or the speciality many in one place. Our small group were part of Apple fans weren’t disap- Steve Lympany bot@ sausage menu offering 12 varieties of the 67,000 people who went to pointed either, with over 15,000 Tel: 01869 340174 O’Hagan’s sausages. the festival over the five days it pints of cider and almost 7,000 PRESS & PUBLICITY CONTACT of perry being drunk. Small parties catered for; booking recommended Sarah Durham The GBBF is where the press@ No children under 10 years old Champion Beer of Britain PUBS OFFICER Dick Palmer is declared, this year it’s & Brian Wray pubs@ Voted Pub of the Year 2010 by Castle Rock Harvest Pale. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER North Oxfordshire CAMRA We must praise the huge commitment by the 1,000+ John Bellinger public@ YOUNG MEMBERS Opening times: volunteers who worked at COORDINATOR Simon Raynor Mon-Sat: 12–3, 6–11; Sun: 12–3, 7–10.30 the festival. A great day. Keith Rigley young@ Anne & Jerome Prigent One of the foreign beer bars – a WEBMASTER Chris Darke rare treat for beer fans webmaster@ 2 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 Branch News Fox & Hounds, Ardley is open all day every day 11–11 Having recently installed a Mon–Sat and 12–10.30 Sun. second handpump, the Fox & They serve classic pub fayre Hounds has started to put a with a selection of roasts on rotating guest ale on handpump. Sunday with one course costing The first pump will still have £7.95, two at £9.95 and the full Greene King IPA on, but the three courses at £11.95. Food second pump changes between is served Mon–Sat 11–9 and beers of between 4.5% and 5%. 12–8 Sun. The pub is also home to domino and pool teams. We White Horse, Wroxton wish them well with their first Peter Thornhill and partner pub together. Dianne Jenkins have recently Red Lion, Steeple Aston taken over the White Horse in Wroxton and are already plan- The Red Lion is continuing ning their Cask Marque accredi- their successful series of beer tation. and food matching nights with Peter is new to the trade, but another one planned for some- Dianne has run many pubs – the time in October or November. Ian at the Ben Jonson, Weston-on-the-Green Hanwell Arms most recently Please check with the Red Lion where, as Assistant Manager, she for more details. in Oxfordshire or just over the border. achieved her Cask Marque. Horse & Groom, Caulcott They currently sell two real In time Ian hopes to get his ales with Fuller’s London Pride Following on from the success of Cask Marque and is planning their regular with a changing his first beer festival (see report more local beers for the bar. guest – Spitfire on my visit – but on page 15), Jerome is looking to There are plans to refurbish they hope to add a second regu- have a mini winter ales festival the pub with the installation lar ale as sales increase. The pub sometime in the New Year. As of a fourth handpump and the ever we will bring you the details lowering of the fonts. The pub in the next issue. is open 12–12 every day with food served from 12–9. Food Butchers Arms, Balscote is described as fresh seasonal cooking using local produce; the This Hook Norton tenanted pub veg couldn’t be more local as it’s had a visit from local MP Tony straight from the pub garden! Baldry during Proud of Pubs Week in July; he came to learn Fox Inn, Westcote Barton at first hand the issues faced by Congratulations to James who rural landlords. Mr Baldry said: came a very creditable second “In many villages and communi- in the World Amateur Barbecue ties a local pub is an essential Championships held in June in part of community life”. Hampshire. Apparently it was Ben Jonson, very close eventually being Weston-on-the-Green won by someone cooking a soup (… on a barbecue?). Ian and Pamila have taken over The famous Fox Inn Crop the helm at the Ben Jonson, hav- Swaps now start an hour later ing moved from the King’s Head than before – at 12 noon (rather in Woodstock. They currently than 11am – and take place Peter Thornhill, new at the White Horse, have three handpumps and are on alternate Saturdays from Wroxton selling only local ales brewed September 11th. 4 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 Carpenters Arms, room which had succumbed to Admiral Holland, Middle Barton wear, tear and mud! Banbury Adam & Karen hope that they The fundraising for Lily Ilott has will have sold this establish- Good reports are being lauded taken a new direction following ment before next year’s festival on this M&B pub where Paul, the council’s decision to fund but they, good tenants that they the landlord, has three pumps her special wheelchair. are, will be back to help the offering cask ale. They are cur- The £1,900 raised so far is new owners through their first rently Brew XI, Bass and Spitfire now being put towards special Fairport festival. but the latter is likely to be breathing apparatus that she We can only hope that the replaced with Hooky Bitter. needs. The new total required is newcomers have the good sense All are being sold at the crack- £2,500 and the next step will be to retain key members of staff ing price of £1.75 in the bar and a curry night in the Carpenters such as manager Woz, who £1.80 in the lounge. My Bass was in October. has maintained a good range in excellent condition, normally The pub has revised its menu and quality of varying cask ales served through a sparkler but and its Christmas menu is now over a number of years, thereby the staff are only too pleased to available, their free starter or establishing continued Good remove this on request. dessert with a hot rocks meal is Beer Guide listing. Food is served every day proving to be very popular. 12–9pm with numerous excep- Trigger Pond, Bucknell tional offers such as the Tuesday Red Lion, Cropredy Following on from the surprise curry night with a choice of If anyone doubts the value of departure of previous tenants we three curries for £2.99 per head. the Cropredy Festival to the welcome Nick & Katie Martin to The Bell, Great Bourton local economy, a quick look at this Wadworth’s establishment. the books of the local pubs will They have a wealth of experi- This is another pub recovering dispel those thoughts. The Red ence with over 10 years in the from the hard work over the Lion dispensed over 7,000 pints pub trade across the length and Cropredy Festival and where of their cask ales with a com- breadth of England and they Frank & Freya have built up a mensurate amount of keg beer aim to maintain the full range huge support from returning during the three days this year. of Waddie’s cask beers on five Fairporters over three years. Yet despite the strain upon handpumps as well as introduc- Despite this, they look for- their fabric and staff they were ing food all day on Sunday. ward to each year’s festival as a fully operational on the Monday The ever-popular beer and truly eclectic experience. On the afterwards albeit with a new sausage festival is likely to hap- Sunday alone, they covered 83 carpet being laid in the family pen again in October – see lunches, mostly from departing their website for festival-goers. details. They are Their barn dance in the car maintaining both park in July raised £1,000 for the quality and Katharine House Hospice and volume of cask ale the local church as well as being sales, shifting five great fun for 100 or so guests or six firkins of 6X who attended. The next event each week. for fundraising is their disco Not only have night on Saturday, 9th October. they been estab- lishing themselves Hare & Hounds, in the Trigger Lower Wardington Pond in the past With beer festivals becoming three months – commonplace within the local- they plan to marry ity, Carol & Jamie pulled out all in September. We the stops for their beer festival wish them well and family fun weekend. and a long asso- As you can see from the pho- ciation in both tograph, they treated customers of their new to a new outside patio area and ventures. decking, the Hook Norton dray A warm welcome to attended on Saturday and music Nick & Katie Martin in the form of one half of the at the Trigger Pond, Blues Brothers also provided the Bucknell. entertainment. Billed as a family 6 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 Left: A packed garden Great Tew at the Hare & Hounds, Lower Wardington Oxfordshire Tel. 01608 683653 ed its reputa- Email: [email protected] tion as a cider outlet with Food is served daily a constantly in the bar changing cider 12–2.30pm or perry with many coming Families welcome from small pro- utu ducers. If cider and perry is The restaurant is your thing then open in the evenings fun and beer festival, they raised this is a must-visit location. 6–9.30pm over £1,000 for local charities. There are plans for another Situated in the village of Great Beers were taken from the week of fun for the next Cask The Falklandutu ArmsTew, The Falkland Arms is the Hooky beer festival list and Ales Week. What will happen Karen Thomson – new manager at the Gardiner Arms, Tackley Open all day quin­tessential 16th century Eng- included White Horse Village will depend on which week it lish country pub. Featuring up to Idiot and Scourer’s Brew, Three falls on, but they hope to have King IPA, and the other real ales Saturday and Castles Barbury Castle and at another mini beer festival to fol- seven real ales, traditional cider, change every fortnight, usually Sunday the higher abv Tunnel Brewery’s low the success of this year’s. other beers from the Greene country wines, and a large selec- Boston Beer Party as well as utu Gardiner Arms, Tackley King stable. Karen says there are tion of whiskies served in a friendly Ringwood Old Thumper, all of plans for some refurbishment, Accommodation atmosphere, it also has a beer garden which took a big hit. Karen Thomson took over starting with new toilets and available overlooking the Great Tew estate. The Bell, Lower Heyford as manager of the Gardiner flooring in the main pub. Arms at the end of May. Her There is live music or other Website: www.falklandarms.co.uk We must apologise to landlord last pub was the Black’s Head live events once a month, Adam for getting his name Bletchingdon, where she was including, in the autumn, local wrong in Beer on Tap 42. We landlady 2004–8, before taking a bands Far From Home and the www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub must point out that he is not short break from the pub trade. Screaming Weasels. Another Email: [email protected] Paul, never has been Paul and Another recent addition to the innovation is that the skittle Market Street as far as we know has no inten- pub is chef Sergio who has intro- alley in the barn next to the pub tions of becoming Paul, Paula or duced a new tapas menu along- has been turned into a games Charlbury Pauline! side the other food on offer. room so the young people in the Oxon OX7 3PL This excellent pub has cement- The regular beer is Greene village have a pool table, games Tel: 01608 810103 machines and a juke box. Karen OPEN – Sun-Fri: Noon–1am Branch Diary Thurs 14th – Social at Oxford is really happy to have taken Sat: 11am–1am Beer Festival, meet at 7pm over the pub and says the locals All meetings start 8pm, other events have made her very welcome. • Up to seven quality real ales two start as shown. Socials contact: Paul Tues 26th – Committee traditional ciders and a traditional perry FORTHCOMING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS Montague (01295) 711780 or John Meeting, Black’s Head, The Centurion, Bicester See www.myspace.com/theroseandcrownpub • Hoegaarden Belgian White Beer, Leffe Devlin (07723) 068142. Meeting info: Bletchingdon, tbc as there are sometimes gigs at short notice Caz Jewell (07736) 837316. NOVEMBER This Bicester estate pub on the Blonde and Chimay Tripel Trappist Ale west side of town now sells real Sat Sept 11 ADRIAN BYRON BURNS www.adrianburns.com on draught SEPTEMBER Fri 12th – EGM followed by ale with Cornish beers St Austell Sat Sept 25 ROLAND CHADWICK www.rolandchad‑wick.com pub crawl of Banbury. Olde • Eight top quality Belgian bottled beers Fri 17th – Good Beer Guide Tribute and Sharp’s Doombar Sat Oct 2 RAG MAMA RAG www.rag-mama-rag.com Launch Rose and Crown, Reinedeer, Parsons St., tbc both having been seen on the • Good selection of English fruit wines DECEMBER bar recently. • Pleasant courtyard drinking area Sat Oct 23 ANDY BROAD www.broad.ology.org.uk Charlbury Sun Nov 14 KENT DUCHAINE www.kentduchaine.com Sat 18th – Beer Festival Helpers Fri 10th – Christmas Social, The Star, Bicester • We serve on average 40 different guest Trip Trigger Pond, Bucknell, tbc beers per month, produced mostly by Sat Nov 20 KRIS DOLLIMORE www.krisdollimore.com OCTOBER JANUARY 2011 Simone Draper has taken over microbreweries from all four Sat Dec 4 KING SIZE SLIM www.kingsizeslim.com as the licensee of the Star ear- corners of the UK Sun 3rd – Walk the Walk Mon 24th – Branch Meeting/ lier in the summer. She serves Sat Dec 18 CLAUDE BOURBON www.claudebourbon.co.uk (walking the route of the GBG entry finalisation, Greene King IPA and already North Oxon CAMRA Sat Jan 15 ROBIN AULD www.myspace.com/robinauld Hanboroughs/Freeland pub Hare & Hounds, Lower has plans to install a second Pub of the Year 2009 walk published in BoT 41) Wardington, tbc handpump. There are also plans Mon 4th – Beer Festival for a ‘cinebar’ where they were Previous Pub of the Year Awards Planning Meeting, The Bell, Check Branch website for late events & changes going to show films for children in 2002, 2003 and 2006 Banbury each week.

8 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 Hundred Acres, Bicester tion overlooking the village Discussions with the own- There are rumours that this green. The new owners propose ers are underway to ensure the Lower Enterprise Inns-owned Bicester renovating the main portion of frontage on the green is reo- estate pub is to reopen soon the building into a residence and pened as a pub. after a couple of months of being establishing a small ‘pub’ area in For further info or to get Heyford closed. As ever, as soon as we a rear ‘barn’ part of the building. involved, contact Carrie Bevan, find out we’ll let you know! The community has organised Administrator for the group. a ‘Save the Fox’ campaign, which Email [email protected] or The Plough, Adderbury is planning a petition drive and call her at 079676 40151. 21 Market Square, also a ‘pub night’ in the Village Additional info is on Facebook We have been receiving some Hall on September 17. www.facebook.com/savethefox. Lower Heyford, good reports about this Charles Wells house out of the village on Oxon the Aynho Road which is open all day during the summer with OX25 5NY cream teas in the afternoon. As good as they get Eagle 01869 347176 IPA & Bombardier are sup- ported by a guest ale on a third pump, which was Titanic White • Varied guest ales from all over the UK Star (abv 4.8%) on a recent visit. • Five minutes walk from canal The Fox, Leafield • Large beer garden Leafield’s last remaining pub, Open: • Listed in the Good Beer Guide 2009 The Fox – which closed earlier Mon–Thurs 12–3pm & 5pm–11pm; • Families and dogs welcome this year – has been sold. The The Fox, Leafield – currently closed with plans to convert the main building into a residence. building, which has reportedly Until just over 10 years ago Leafield boasted three pubs, but since the closure of The George and Friday & Sat 12pm–11pm; • Lunch and full menu available been the site of a public house the recent demise of the Navy Oak (formerly the Spindleberry, soon to open as a Thai restaurant, Sun 12–10.30pm • Food served Mon–Sun 12–3pm & 5pm–10pm at least as far back as the early though reportedly offering Brakspear ale) this is the last remaining pub in the village. Help preserve 1800s, enjoys an enviable posi- this historic pub on the green by contacting the community campaign group – see above.

Church St, Stratton Round-up of Recent Local Festivals The Red Lion Audley, Chipping Norton RFC The patio and stage at Bicester, Beer & Music Festival Chipping Norton RFC Beer PUB & RESTAURANT and Music Festival OX27 9AG The fantastic sunny weather kept Stratton Audley, Oxfordshire Tel: 01869 up again for the Chippy Rugby (4.0%), described 277225 Club Festival on Saturday June as ‘one for the two- www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk 26, which offered another excel- tone lovers’ – a A warm and inviting thatched country pub and restaurant. The open log fires and traditional pub fayre create a lent opportunity to walk the gorgeous golden ale homely atmosphere for casual or formal dining in the main dining area or in one of two private rooms seating up eight miles from Charlbury to with a pronounced to 16 or 45 (more if buffet style). We have an enclosed traditional courtyard garden with facilities for barbeques ensure that a good rehydration New World hop in the summer and dining outdoors which can be booked for private functions with the use of a marquee. session would be earned. character. Most of our food is locally produced and everything on our menu is cooked freshly to order so we are able This was their fifth festival and This is a friendly, relaxed and well- to accommodate any special requests for variations. Our it just gets bigger and better – run festival in a Specials board is updated on a daily basis. this year offering 18 real ales and five ciders/perrys. To go with the and golden ales rather than the lovely setting and I’ll certainly Our range of drinks includes traditional cask ales – Ruddles, fine selection of drink there was dark ales and porters, though be at the sixth one next year. Deuchars and Spitfire – along with other beers and a wide a full programme of live music, by all accounts these went down Keith Rigley range of wines (see our wine list online for more details). both outside on the main stage well later in the evening. Charlbury Beer Festival The Red Lion has regular Live Entertainment events – check and in the clubhouse on the I started with Coastal’s Hop the special events section of our website for further details. acoustic stage. Monster (3.7%), which proved One of the largest independent For the time that we were there to be one of the best of the events of the local festival cal- Opening times: 12 noon until late every day. the sun was intense and most day for me – light, very hoppy endar took place on July 10, and Food times: Noon–2.30pm and 6.00pm–9pm Mon–Sat, festival-goers took advantage of and refreshing with a lasting, the hot, sunny weather brought Noon–4pm Sunday. the shade offered by the outside quenching bitterness. My favou- out a record number of punters Proprietor: Frank O’Neill tent. The temperature was such rite, however, was an ale from of all ages. Its proximity to the that most sought out the light Blackwater Brewery called Ska town’s railway station attracted 10 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 visitors from all over who came in their droves to enjoy the lovely setting of the cricket club. There was plenty of room, though with over 2,000 attend- ing, at times it looked like a sea of people. This, the 13th organised by the CBF committee, was origi- nally set up to raise funds for Charlbury school by its PTA, but it is now a major fund-raiser for numerous good causes. The selection and quality of the beer was as good as it gets, and even at busy times there was never a wait of more than a couple of minutes for a refill. Some of the 2,000 festival-goers at the Charlbury Beer Festival 2010 A really clever touch was to have two special categories in credentials and a lot of effort Ruination (which, not surpris- the beer range. There were eight was put in to ensure minimal ingly with a name like that, ‘Champion Beers’ – ales which environmental impact, including hails from Sheffield) would have have been champions in their the construction of an ‘Eco WC’. likely taken this accolade fol- class at the last two CAMRA Food in the afternoon was a lowed very closely by Oakham Great British Beer Festivals good range of sausages, pork Tranquillity and Hopshackle (including Dark Star American loin and lamb kofta, and the Resination. I rather enjoyed Pale Ale, Oakham Attila and evening saw a switchover to a the aforementioned hoppy trio Thornbridge Jaipur IPA), all choice of chicken or vegetarian and would have happily supped stocked in 18 gallon barrels. curries. There was music all day those all day had I have been the Next was a list of eight so-called but it was never intrusive as you right side of the bar. However ‘Expert’s Choices’ – ales chosen had the choice of being close to I must also mention another as the beer of the festival at local the stage or further away. wonderful beer that I did get CAMRA beer festivals last year This was a great event and is to try the odd sip of and that (including North Oxon’s 2009 up there with the best festivals was Thornbridge Murmansk, winner, Tydd Steam Barn Ale). I’ve been to (despite working for a Baltic Porter. This beer was I’ve seen token gestures like this a few hours behind the bar at its quite sublime, with coffee and before at other festivals, but the peak). Their dedicated website vanilla aromas and some won- choice here was exceptional. http://charlburybeerfestival.org derful bitter roast chocolate fla- The remainder of the list was is always online to see photos of vours caressing the mouth. We called ‘Lucky Dip Beers’, and this year’s festival and details of were most fortunate to get one even this was a great choice – the next. of these as there were only ever including North Oxon’s Beer Keith Rigley 40 casks produced, so big thanks of the Festival 2010 (Millstone to Thornbridge for keeping a Tiger Rutt), Ossett Excelsior, Merton Summer Beer cask back for us. Brewster’s Hop A Doodle Doo Festival I’d like to thank all the local and North Cotswold Monarch Seven years on and Merton CAMRA branch members from North Oxon, Oxford and further IPA (a 10% monster which was Summer Beer Festival goes from afield for attending, your contin- brewed at Christmas last year). strength to strength. Despite an ued support and spreading the In total there were 48 real ales, ever-increasing range of beers word has been very much appre- with seven ciders and a perry and in particular ciders and per- ciated over the years. This year’s (plus the first year’s production ries on offer, everything had sold festival raised in the region of of ‘Sharecroppers Gold’, a cider out by 10.30pm on the Saturday. made by a group of Charlbury £6,500 profit which will be given The cider and perry order was to the Village Hall Restoration sharecroppers). increased this year to 20 but by The site offered plenty of seat- Project. Those attending our 8.30pm on Saturday these had next Winter Beer Festival on Fri ing, in the shade and out in the magically vanished. 4th and Sat 5th February 2011 open, and kids were kept busy in We never got around to doing should hopefully see some of their dedicated activity area with official beer of the festival leaf- the work that should have taken its own marquee. The organisers lets but feedback received sug- place by then. are justly proud of their green gested that Steel City Merton Fin 12 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 Hook Norton Beer Festival This year was another enjoyable experience with improvements to the layout of the festival. Once again it was held in the Rural Fair field, with a larger marquee High Street, Adderbury, for the 100+ ales that were all in Nr Banbury, Oxon OX17 3LS great condition – and they went down well too! Tel: 01295 810338 Two pig roasts were available Web: the-bell.com Email: [email protected] along with plenty of other food. Open Mon-Thursday 12.00-2.30, 6.00-11.00 The entertainment was great but Fri & Sat: 12.00-2.30, 6.00-12.00 could have done with being a The back garden of the Falkland Arms full of festival-goers Sun: 12.00-3.00, 7.00-11.00 bit louder and the Hooky Shire Food served 12-2pm and 7-9pm all week except horses were in attendance with Beijing Black were also excel- enjoy the festival. There was a Sunday evenings Roger Hughes on hand. lent. There was a strong showing lamb roast on Friday night with The top ales of the day for from Cornish brewers and a a barbecue. Music was also out- • An unspoilt traditional village pub me were Kingstone Kingstone Cornish flag flew under the tri- side with room for people to get • A range of four award-winning cask ales Gold and Loweswater Brewery • Award-winning secluded garden colour showing Jerome’s bias for up and have a dance so the bar • Always a fun selection of “Cocked ales” Langdale (both at 4%). Well • Walkers & dog friendly that region. was left for those that wanted • Traditional home-made foods • Quiz nights every Sunday done to the organisers and a big Kirtlington Morris were well quiet conversation. • Traditional pub games including darts & Aunt Sally • Regular steak nights thank you to all the staff for a received though they had adopt- Saturday saw a pig roast and • No fruit machines, pool tables or jukebox • Traditional Sunday wonderful day. Cheers! ed Central European Time as it barbecue with music throughout • Open log fire lunch – £7.25 Beermonster was Bastille Day! Four Candles the day. Sunday had more music • 3-star accommodation Horse & Groom, Caulcott (or was it fork handles?), enter- and a barbecue – the ales had • Folk Night on 1st & 3rd PAY US A VISIT – YOU WON’T BE tained with their versions of thinned out somewhat but were DISAPPOINTED GOLD Festival Monday evenings AWARD popular classics and a stag party still in great condition. The first Bastille Day Beer Festival took up residence in the extra Over three days there were 30 held at our current Pub of the seating area and were last seen ales with cider and perry. For me Year was a stunner. 17 real ales, downing pints of Beijing Black, the ale of choice was Ironbridge • 17th Century converted farm house good weather, Morris danc- good choice! Brewery’s 1779 (4.2%) followed ing, a pig roast and live music. The first and hopefully a by Tring’s Fanny Ebbs (3.9%). • Egon Ronay and Michelin recommended restaurant Although the Bastille Day regular in the local beer festival Beers were available from Great celebrations at the Horse and calendar this was a great day Oakley, Celt Experience, Otley, • Selection of Hook Norton and Guest ales available Groom have taken place over the out as well as being a great beer Lancaster, White and Spitting festival. • Warm welcome with relaxed and informal last three years or so, this was Feathers to name a few. Jerome’s first proper beer festival Steve Lympany Well done to Ben and Amber atmosphere and he certainly showed why it Falkland Arms Festival for a great weekend. Looking is pub of the year. forward to next year’s, which • Al fresco dining available Of the beers I tried, the Vale The first with Amber and Ben, may be earlier (May/June). Gravitas was the best, but the and it was great! All the beers Beermonster Church End Goat’s Milk (no, I were at the back garden of the don’t know either), and Pot Belly pub, so there was more room to Fox, Souldern Festival Church Street, Kingham The third Souldern Beer Festival struck gold yet again with the Oxfordshire OX7 6YA weather, the crowds turning out to enjoy a fabulous weekend of entertainment and great beer. For more information please This year saw ‘north versus south’ following on from the war contact Anne or Paul of the roses last year; I wonder (t) 01608 658389 where Catherine will go next with this? The outcome was (e) [email protected] never in doubt with the first three beers to run out coming from the north with Taylor’s www.thetollgate.com Best Bitter going first on Friday A great first festival for North Oxon’s current Branch Pub of the Year night followed by Hawkshead 14 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 Left: The marquee for the Fox, Souldern Beer Festival Proud to be a member of Of the first 10 to go, six CAMRA and were northern beers – a crush- CASK MARQUE ing victory for the north and though it wasn’t drunk dry it 2010 invites all to again came close. My per- An Inn for All Seasons sonal favour- Lakeland Gold and Southport ite was the 4.4% Hawkshead Golden Sands. Coastal Hop Lakeland Gold, a stunning well- The Saye & Sele Arms Monster then restored some balanced golden ale with a fruity southern pride along with City flavour. The raffle and other Landlord Martin pours some Ambrosia at the Broughton, nr Banbury of Cambridge Atom Splitter. assorted fund raising efforts saw George, Barford Beer Festival £700 raised for the church roof were still eight on stillage and A truly warm welcome awaits all who Hooky Pig and fund. four on handpump. Starting with cross the threshold of this delightful Looking forward to next year a Forge Ambrosia, a pleasant already (talk about wishing your Cotswold inn from proprietors Beer Night 3.6% bitter, we joined the other Danny & Liz McGeehan life away), and another suc- customers out in the sunshine. On the fourth Saturday of the cessful Souldern festival. Once The well-kept garden and new www.sayeandselearms.co.uk month, Hook Norton Brewery Catherine announces the format garden furniture rounded things mail@ www.sayeandselearms.co.uk organises a variety of events of the next beer festival you will off nicely, what a splendid way to based around food and beer. be sure to read about it here! spend a lazy Sunday afternoon! Tel: 01295 263348 The first one to take place Steve Lympany Ales I tried were Hogswood was a fish and chip night, and George, Barford St Broken Piston (4.1% and never another was a Thai night. On Michael Festival before seen outside Cornwall) this occasion I visited for the a ruby beer which tasted like a Scotland End pig and beer night. A West Country theme featured porter, it was a real treat, Forge Hook Norton The evening started with again at this excellent festival Litehouse (a 4.3% pale beer with a Hooky Bitter and Richard with a smattering of old favour- floral hops on the palate, very Pear Tree Inn nr Banbury Hughes, the visitor centre ites and some from new brewer- tasty) and Coastal On the Rocks Tel: 01608 737482 Email: [email protected] Oxon OX15 5NU manager, welcomed us all to ies. I arrived on a sunny Sunday (at 6.5% the strongest beer avail- the brewery. The tasting then afternoon to a fairly quiet pub, able on the day). The Pear Tree is the Hook Norton Brewery tap and serves the full range of Hook Norton beers, started with Hooky Dark, with everyone making the most A fantastic beer festival in which are kept to an excellent standard. Open all day every day for drinks (from 11.30am- Bitter, Gold, Old Hooky and of the weather in the garden. gorgeous surroundings – a great Haymaker. One beer had sold out (Glas- day out, roll on next year! midnight), the pub also offers three letting rooms, free wi-fi access and a large beer garden We were given an insight tonbury Mystery Tor), but there Steve Lympany ideal for families looking for a child-friendly venue for a summertime drink. The stream at into each of the beers and then the bottom of the garden is host to Hook Norton’s annual duck race on August Bank Holiday, wandered outside to the pig popular with locals and visitors alike. roast, which was supplied by Local Beer Festival DIARY Kench Butchers of Chipping SEPTEMBER 140 real ales, cider and perry. Food from Matt’s exciting menu is served Tues- Norton. This was an excellent 17–19: Great Western Arms, http://oxfordcamra.org.uk/ day-Saturday from 12 noon to 2.30pm and 6.30- spread with baps and salads to Blockley, Gloucs Beer Festival festival2010.php 9.30pm and Traditional Sunday Lunches are accompany the roast pig. 24–26: North Cotswold 16: Leafield Beer Festival, at the served on Sunday from 12 noon to 2.30pm. Be- The event was well attended CAMRA Beer Festival, Village Hall. Regional beers and and appeared to be very much Moreton-in-Marsh (see www. cider. Proceeds to benefit the ing so close to the Brewery, out of hours meals enjoyed by everyone in attend- northcotswoldcamra.org.uk/ Community Shop. Info: 01993 can be pre-booked to be ready after a tour. ance. September’s event is Festival3.htm). 45 real ales 878 201. JANUARY Breakfasts are now being served – Monday 7.30- curry and beer, October is plus ciders and perrys 10.00am; Tuesday to Saturday 7.30-12 noon; Oktoberfest. OCTOBER 19–22: National Winter Ales To book, call 01608 730384 1–3: Great Western Arms, Festival, Manchester 200+ beers Sunday 10am-12 noon. or pop in to the Hook Norton Aynho Beer Festival plus cider and perry A popular Pub Quiz is held every Sunday night FEBRUARY Brewery Visitor Centre. 14–16: Oxford CAMRA Beer from 8.30pm. Beermonster Festival, Town Hall, Oxford. 4–5: Merton Winter Beer Festival

16 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 Loitering Within Tent And Real Ale: A Perfect Combination (Part 1) Over the years I have always The Chequers, The White Horse, available and a very good range had a fondness for camping and Little Gransden Hedgerley of Belgian bottles as well. I have often, where possible, I try to not had the food and so price or combine this with another pas- by the major of woodland in this quality I cannot comment on, sion – my love for Real Ale. camping clubs as area. suffice to say it looks good. It frequently surprises me that a certified loca- Now we’re all set This pub has a very pleasant whilst any decent book stockist tion as it offers up, let’s get down atmosphere, and I’ve had some can provide you with a Good just the basics; the rub-a-dub. friendly banter with the locals Beer Guide, Good Pub Guide in fact just my Like the Chequers and landlord Kevin. I would or similar book that will help- type of site. The I really loved the strongly recommend this pub as fully combine the two, there is price which I White Horse and a stopping-off point if you are in something of a vacuum when it recall at being it too would be a the vicinity, but seriously bring comes to a decent camping and approximately £10 represents contender for my your tent, caravan or camper Pub & Camping No: 1 top UK pub, though pub guide. pretty decent value. I like this commuter belt village. and make a weekend of it. if push came to shove I would Quite incredibly the internet The Chequers at Little Gransden no-nonsense site which is situ- It’s close to, but thankfully not If my book advance hasn’t just favour the charm of the is also woefully inadequate at is situated in Cambridgeshire ated on the edge of the village quite in, Slough (sorry Slough) reached me by the next edition Chequers by a short nose. The linking the two and whilst I can’t though if you go looking for it on and is basically two linked, but and due to this proximity it’s of Beer on Tap I may well con- White Horse is a wonderful old deny that you can find pubs with the internet it is often listed in roomy hedged rimmed, fields another location often wrongly sider writing part two. pub, oozing character and in campsites by researching sites Bedfordshire owing to its prox- with some minor sloping. But listed as being in Berkshire. I Fin, Merton, Oxon summer has a quite outstand- such as www.ukcampsite.co.uk imity to Sandy, Bedfordshire. enough of the camping, let’s get was told about the White Horse Email: [email protected] ing hanging basket display, but and www.pubcamping.co.uk, as Sandy is a frustrating place down the pub. by Glen Stowe an occasional let’s get inside and see what they Pub & Camping No: 1 admirable an attempt as these name as it suggests a beach The Chequers also rather contributor to Beer on Tap and • The Chequers: 71 Main Road, have on, eh? two websites make it still makes nearby, but being situated in handily has a cracking little great beery person to know if Little Gransden, nr Sandy, I’ve been here on a few occa- me feel a little deflated at the landlocked Bedfordshire the brewpub named ‘Son of Sid’. Bob you happen to be a fellow North Cambs SG19 3DW. Tel: 01767 sions now, both camping and scarcity of information on offer. seaside is still some considerable the forever-chuckling landlord Oxon CAMRA member. What 677348 when driving nearby (it’s close So here I am offering my serv- distance away. Sandy is a pleas- brews a wide variety of beer Glen neglected to tell me (maybe • Great Gransden Camp Site. to Jct 2 M40). There is always Hillcrest, Meadow Road, Great ices to anyone who is happy to ant little town and probably best styles and it is quite usual to find he didn’t know) was that there a good selection of beers, often Gransden, Nr Sandy, Cambs provide me with a substantial known as being the headquarters three or four of his beers on at was a marvellous little campsite quite unusual or from new or SG19 3BB. Tel: 01767 677251 advance to research this and of the RSPB. Whilst this reserve any time. There is also usually a in the same village requiring a newish breweries, and it is clear Pub & Camping No: 2 come up with a book that will isn’t as special as some it is well decent guest beer on offer. simple 5–10 minute downhill that this is a pub that will appeal • The White Horse: Village Lane, bridge this divide. worth a visit. Bob and his wife Wendy go out stroll to the pub. to the tickers. There are always Hedgerley, Bucks SL2 3UY. Tel: OK, whilst the tumbleweed The campsite that I link of their way to be very welcom- The campsite is again fairly 01753 643225 about 6–7 casks with beer dis- blows past and I’m left whistling with the Chequers is in the ing as do the friendly locals. But basic offering pretty much • Treetops, Gregory Rd, Hedgerley, pensed by gravity and the beer and twiddling my fingers looking neighbouring village of Great one other thing that I cannot identical amenities to the Great Bucks SL2 3XL. Tel: 01753 is always in good nick. It’s also at a phone that isn’t ringing and Gransden, and conveniently both forget to mention is the food Gransden site but it is smaller 642908 worth noting that there are often an email inbox full of unopened pub and campsite are only 15–20 which is also top notch. OK, so and caters for about 10 pitches. Chequers photo courtesy of Hunts at least 3–4 real ciders/perries emails offering me Viagra and minutes’ easy walk away from there is only one choice and its It is also a little more expensive. CAMRA assorted male organ-enhancing each other. I’ve visited them only on a Friday but the ‘Fish Two adults and a camper or tent products (as opposed to the both three to four times now and Chips’ is amongst the best with electrics will set you back Search Is On For Branch promise of a big fat cheque), I’ll with a further visit planned next I’ve ever had, everything that about £16–17 per night, which share with you a few pubs and month. accompanies the whale sized I suppose considering the area campsites that would certainly The campsite offers basic piece of fish is homemade. The isn’t too bad at all and is still Cider Pub Of The Year slot proudly into that book. shower and toilet facilities and pub is also very much unspoilt likely to be at the very least £5 More details of pub and camp- electric hook-up. It’s the type and the little snug bar is quite or so cheaper per night than a Nominations for our Branch mittee, but one post that is site at the end of the article. of site that is often referred to wonderful with a roaring fire (in larger, commercial site. Cider Pub of the Year (cur- still to be filled is that of Cider winter), settles and a single table. Treetops is situated at the end rently held by the Crawley Officer. This really needs some- 2011 Banbury Beer Festival In short this is easily amongst of a cul-de-sac with pitches situ- Inn, Crawley) are invited from one who has a passion for cider my favourite UK pubs. ated in a small field, alongside members. To vote, send your and perry and although some name, membership number and knowledge of the subject would Planning for the 11th Banbury Beer Festival starts in earnest on Pub & Camping No: 2 which is a large orchard with a the 4th October and CAMRA members are needed to come for- number of free range chickens nomination to the Chairman be preferred, enthusiasm for ward to help organise and run the festival. Without enough helpers Let’s now head about 70 miles in left to their own devices. Despite by 30th September with a short the role is more important. to organise and staff the event it cannot go ahead. Although we a roughly south, south westerly this site being pretty much in a write-up about why you’re If you feel this could be the have a committee to run the Branch more help is required for the direction to the White Horse at residential area it does feel quite nominating the pub (we’re not post for you please contact the beer festival. If you can help and want to get involved please come Hedgerley, Buckinghamshire and countrified, this may be in part expecting War & Peace). Chairman or Vice-Chairman along to the Bell, 12 Middleton Road, Grimsbury, Banbury at 8pm stay at Treetops campsite in the due to the number of trees sur- The Branch now has a fully via the contact details at the on the 4th October, or contact the chairman for more details. same quaint but probably pricey rounding the site and expanses staffed and functioning com- front of this magazine. 18 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 Birth Of A Micro Part III: The Apprentice Do you get used to the early paring for a life spent in wellies. However, as with asking for that starts? A brewer’s day begins Development of our new-build well-deserved pay rise, it’s never early, as I’ve been finding while brewery site is moving along; quite the right time and the working at the Windsor & Eton however, there are many formali- budget is already as stretched as Brewery. Willie & Paddy, of this ties and practical issues to work your favourite 1985 beer festival The Duck great new brewery in the envi- through, but we should be able teeshirt. So we may need to dig rons of the famous castle, have to reveal the location and design a little deeper down the back of been amazingly helpful and sup- ideas by the next edition of Beer the sofa and play ‘Every One’s a portive of our new venture. on Tap. Feel free to drop us an Winner’ a few more times. on the Pond Through them I’ve been learn- email if you have any ideas or The local fruit trees and bush- ing the ways of modern brewing any other comments. es are giving up their annual har- and how to make tasty ales such As part of our business plan vest and I’m wondering if I can as Guardsman and Knight of the we’ve been discussing our ideas turn my little brewlab to making A charming Garter. It’s interesting how much with government agencies to a fruit beer. I have mixed feelings time is actually spent brewing, see if financial help is available. about some overly-sweet cherry traditional compared to cleaning, racking, You can get as lost working beers tried in the past, but have cleaning, delivering, cleaning, through all the different govern- enjoyed beers made with raisins, freehouse tours, bookkeeping and more ment agencies as I did trying so it might be interesting to try a cleaning. Brewing is not a glam- to find a specific brewery in plum or blackberry dark beer. Open seven days a week orous undertaking and I’m pre- the new random GBBF layout. Friends and neighbours have been acting as guinea pigs on All day Saturday and Sunday some of my prototype work and A Jolly Joint Jericho Jaunt the fact that they volunteer again suggests the beer isn’t too bad Serving a variety of hand pulled ales Billed as a joint social with after all. I’m sure there is a beer and fine wines the Oxford Branch this for everyone with ales to suit pub crawl of the Jericho even the most entrenched wine We offer an extensive menu of area of Oxford on Friday drinkers. 4th June turned out to In the name of research I traditional English and cosmopolitan be a long walk around recently headed out west to cuisine from our a la carte menu and most of the area north of visit breweries and cider mak- the city. However, a good daily specials board. ers there. For example, Ludlow number of our members Brewery, Shropshire, makes Roasts also available Sundays (many using the excellent some mighty fine beers. They’re value £3 return ‘Oxford outgrowing their existing site Vegetarian menu Evening Out’ rail deal) and moving up the road to a assembled on the platform at Fullers house, where excellent restored railway shed with three Banbury station. It was a bit of a London Porter was available These can be enjoyed in our tramp from Oxford station along well out of season. times the production capacity. Next was the Victoria, back Near picturesque Pembridge, restaurant, bar area or alfresco on our Walton Street to the first pub, the Good Beer Guide (GBG) list- in Walton Street, followed by Herefordshire, Mr Dunkerton’s delightful patio overlooking the pond ed Old Bookbinders Arms – so two Gardeners Arms (so called Cider Mill is in a lovely old farm. much so, we had an unscheduled because the pubs were near the His shop, housed in a barn so Bookings taken stop at the Jude the Obscure – gates to the old University nurs- ancient it looks like it was there Parties catered for but we all made it by 8pm to the ery). They couldn’t be more dif- before Adam had tried cider, was Bookbinders. ferent; the Plantation Road pub actually rescued and moved to Families welcome The fact that Mark Bates & is a free house in the New Wood the site in the 70s. Such gems Large beer garden and car park Sharon Randall were using the Inns group while that in North make you realise how lucky we event as one of their farewell Parade is a Greene King house, are in the UK to have so diverse evenings helped swell the gather- though they always have a well- a choice of regional drinks. ing to well over 30 people. It was kept guest ale available. Hope you’re enjoying your Telephone: 01295 721166 good to see Geoff Day, Andrea Most ended up in the GBG beer, and if you want something Isham and Dave & Shirley listed Rose & Crown in North different, I suggest you sam- Main Street, South Newington, Nr Banbury, OX15 4JE Sullivan at this first venue. Parade to try the new Shotover ple a fine cask ale or two from Only 10 mins from Banbury / Chipping Norton. Situated on the A361 Some Oxford members were Brewery beer but it was another Windsor & Eton if you get the bemused by the choice of fur- reality check finding how far chance. Until the next instalment www.duckonthepond.com ther venues but most were still it was back to the station, with of our story, Happy Drinking! present at the second pub, the some resorting to hailing a taxi. Russell Taylor GBG listed Harcourt Arms – a Monty [email protected] 20 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 ENSLOW WHARF, HAMPTON GAY and BLETCHINGDON By Keith Rigley

Beer on Tap Pub Walks Canal and riverside towpaths, a ruined manor and fine rural views [email protected] www.thefoxatsouldern.co.uk This walk is mostly level with The village was home to William diagonally left to a large foot- Dating back to 1803 The Fox is just a little uphill walking up to Turner in the early 1800s and bridge. Cross the footbridge then Bletchingdon – and has the latterly the location of Richard head diagonally left aiming for a nestled in the picturesque village benefit of a pub halfway round. Branson’s Manor Studio where railway bridge. of Souldern and offers: Landranger map: 164. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells Go through a kissing gate to Distance: Approx 7 miles. Allow was recorded in 1972–3. Branson walk under the railway bridge • Traditional style home cooked 2.5–3 hours plus pub stops. has since sold the property. on a metal walkway then, after On reaching a stone bridge another kissing gate, head up the food. Start & finish at Enslow Wharf where there’s ample parking. (numbered 220, though it’s rise ahead aiming to the left of unclear) just before Shipton’s the church. • Three Real Ales (two of which Facing the the Rock of Gibraltar, Holy Cross Church on the oppo- Hampton Gay is a strange, constantly rotate), sourced from turn left and walk over the grass site side, walk under the bridge atmospheric place with just St. then turn immediately left and Giles’ church, a ruined manor around the country. verge to find rubber matting leading over the old Enslow foot- cross a stile ahead. Cross another house and some farm buildings • Four en-suite bridge. Cross the bridge, turn stile then go straight on, aiming remaining. The hamlet is of left to walk through a wooden for a gap in the trees then walk Saxon origin, but has changed bedrooms. gate then walk under the road bridge along the tow- path. Continue along to first pass Baker’s Lock and CHIPPING then around the perimeter NORTON, of the old cement works Oxfordshire with its landmark chim- ney. Built in the 1920s it A Traditional 16th Century Inn situated in Chipping Norton’s historic marketplace closed in the 90s and has Hook remained abandoned as Norton various development plans award-winning have been turned down. real ales Later the river and canal split at Shiptonweir Lock wru Six individually where you pass to the right Traditional styled en-suite of the lock and cross over Old Rosie cider rooms the bridge. on handpump wru Soon you pass under the wru railway bridge which was Special 2-night the scene of the infamous Open log fire Friday–Sunday Shipton-on-Cherwell train in winter Weekend deals disaster on Christmas Eve wru (phone for details) 1874. 34 people were killed Attractive outdoor wru and 69 seriously injured covered & heated Large car park when derailed carriages drinking area (off Albion Street) tumbled off the bridge to the ground and canal Traditional home-cooked meals lunchtimes and evenings – in the bar or separate dining room below. The disaster led to Bookings taken • Parties catered for • Home-cooked Sunday Roasts, 12–2.30pm many changes in safety on Small conference room available for meetings or reception parties – please phone for details the railways. Market Square, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5DD • Tel: 01608 642658 Soon, houses of Shipton- Open 10am–11pm Mon–Sat, 12–4pm Sun on-Cherwell will appear on the other side of the canal.

22 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 Hampton Gay manor the road to take a gap in a stone house ruins wall just beyond a road sign. Canal-side garden and moorings Go past the kids’ play area, fol- through a kissing The Rock low the path by a garden fence 15 minutes from Jct 9 M40 (A34), gate on the left and enter a field to follow a and walk straight 300 yards from B4027/4095 jct footpath down the hill to a metal of on across the kissing gate. Continue along the field to a gate on path, go through a gap in the Historic pub 1880 the far side. Gibraltar hedge ahead and keep straight Go through the on to cross a footbridge and gate and head up Enslow Bridge Faith & Stamatis welcome you stile. Go straight ahead again, the hill ahead to aiming for a stile next to a metal Bletchingdon OX5 3AY Open from 11.00am all day (except hands many times since the find a gate in the top left corner gate to reach the busy A4095. Domesday Book, including being of the field. After going through Tuesday, from 4.00pm) Turn left and walk on the Tel: 01869 331373 owned by the de Gay family the gate, continue up the hill to left verge for 100–150m before Lunchtime bar food 12.00–3.00pm (hence its name) and Templars. follow a footpath across the next crossing the road to take a way- The Elizabethan-style manor field (if path is unclear, aim for Evening à la carte restaurant marked path to Pigeon’s Lock. built in the 16th century was a gap between telegraph poles Go straight ahead on this path 6.30–9.00pm (closed Tuesday) gutted by fire in 1887. Rumours almost straight ahead). keeping the hedge on your left persist that the dying and injured Eventually you will reach a Sunday – home-cooked Sunday roast ignoring any paths leading to the from the Shipton rail disaster series of small horse paddocks golf course. At Vicarage Farm, 12.00–3.00pm were turned away by the manor’s which is the official route of the cross the track and go straight owners despite the snowy, freez- footpath. However, the far end ahead, keeping the farm build- A selection of real ales ing conditions of that tragic of this path is blocked by a fence, ings on your right. Cross ano- night, and locals took revenge by so it’s best to turn right at this ther track and go through a gap Open fireplace torching the house a few years first fence then, at a track, turn in the hedge to continue ahead. later (though this is discounted left and follow the track past Keeping the hedge to your Small private functions by official records on a notice- the paddocks to a point where it left, walk down the hill to reach board by the farm – see later). turns to the right towards farm Business lunches a metalled track where you turn At the metal gate to the left buildings. Just before these farm left then follow the track round of the church, take the kissing buildings, go through a metal to the right to cross a bridge gate and follow the fence ahead, gate on your left, walk diagonally over to Pigeon’s Lock. You now keeping the fence to your left. right round the corner of a ranch need to walk under the bridge Walk around the perimeter of fence then head diagonally left you just walked across (number TheThe the ruined manor house grounds aiming for a gate in the far left 213) by going down the steps to then head for a gap between the corner of the field ahead (also walk along the towpath with the farmbuildings and the farmhouse to the gable end wall of a cream canal on your left. (with its large brick chimneys). coloured house beyond). RedRed LionLion To finish the walk, follow the On reaching the gap walk past Go through a wooden kissing towpath back to the starting the farmhouse to see an informa- gate and turn left on the road. point. On the way you’ll pass Inn tion board on your right display- Walk on the left side pavement Inn the Enslow Marsh Sedgebed ing the history of Hampton Gay. up to the village green then turn (a nature reserve) and also the Continue along the track past left to find the Black’s Head Inn Enslow boatyard. the farmhouse and, where the on your left. To continue the Cropredy At Bridge 216 (just past the track bends to the right, go walk, go past the pub then cross Rock of Gibraltar) you double- Nr Banbury, Oxfordshire back up to the footpath over the 50yds Cropredy Lock, Oxford Canal bridge to return to the pub. Pubs on the route 15th century thatched village inn, oak beams, stone walls, inglenook The Rock of Gibraltar: Tel: 01869 fireplace and a warm welcome offered by your hosts, Adam & Karen 331373. www.therockofgibraltar. co.uk. Open: 11am–late; Tue Enjoy our excellent Cask Ales or relax with a choice from our quality 4pm–late; Sun noon–10pm. Food: wine list. Locally brewed Hook Norton Best Bitter always on tap. 12–3 & 6.30–9; no food Tue (all day) & Sun eve. Fine food Lunch and Evenings available from the menu and The Blacks Head Inn: Bletchingdon. daily specials board. www.theblacksheadinn.com. Tel: 01869 350315. Open all day (from Open every lunchtime and evening. Established garden area. 6am) Mon–Thurs till 11pm; Fri & Sat till midnight; Sun till 10.30pm. Reservations 01295 750224 Food: breakfasts 6am–noon; full Website www.redlioncropredy.co.uk One of the swing bridges over the canal menu noon–3pm & 6–9pm. 24 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 • Open Lunchtimes and Landlord Undermined By The Evenings Jon pays £105.77 for 72 pints (see website or call for Brewer of Hobgoblin which works out at times) £1.47 per pint. Even allowing for • Hook Norton Ales served Jon Ashby, landlord of the New the half-litre bottles being just straight from the cask with Inn, Wroxton Heath is a suc- less than a pint, it means that cessful publican with many years the supermarket can sell it at monthly and guest beers in the trade and he was baffled more than 30p less than Jon can always available as to why his best-selling beer buy it for – and that is before he • Traditional village pub (with wasn’t selling anymore. In the has paid out for utilities, rent, space of a couple of weeks sales rates and staff costs. a modern twist) with large of Wychwood Hobgoblin had Hobgoblin is a premium ale family garden in picturesque halved and he’d thrown away and commands a premium price village two barrels which had not sold. from the wholesaler Jon has However, one of his bar staff to use. He feels that by selling • Good walkers base. Muddy overheard a regular customer the pasteurised bottled version boots and dogs on leads bragging about being able to (which isn’t real ale in a bottle) welcome buy a bottle of Hobgoblin for at such a low price it is under- • Homemade traditional pub £1 from a local discount super- mining the brand and those pubs Jon Ashby – wants a level playing field on The Butchers Arms grub. Excellent Sunday market. Further investigation pricing to compete with supermarkets which sell it on draught. He has found that other customers had now removed Hobgoblin from Shutford Road, Balscote, OX15 6JQ Lunch (booking advisable) stopped buying the beer because own Wychwood, to complain the bar along with point of sales Tel : 01295 730750 and theme nights it was cheaper to purchase in a that he was being undermined material and signage, and won’t Email : [email protected] bottle and stockpile than it was by the supermarket and, after sell Wychwood beers again. • Traditional games available to enjoy it fresh in the pub. some pressing, the manager Strangely, the weekly calls web : www.balscote.com/butchersarms to play in front of an open Jon had been a favourite of the confessed to knowing that the stopped after contacting Mars- Only 5 miles from Banbury fire Hobgoblin brand for some time, supermarket were using it as a ton’s, and the call he was prom- having received weekly phone loss-leader. He promised that ised still hasn’t materialised. calls from Wychwood checking someone from Wychwood would Marston’s were contacted for a all was well, and that he had the be in contact to see what could response, but failed to get back point-of-sale material, branded be done. Two months later and before the deadline for the mag- glasses, posters and the signage still no-one has contacted Jon … azine to go to print. If we get a Shaken Oak Products outside his pub. He called an and another barrel of Hobgoblin response it will be published in area manager at Marston’s, who has been thrown away. the next edition of Beer on Tap. Manufacturer and HOOKY NEWS ning throughout the sum- Tours of the brewery need mer – see our local beer to be booked in advance and Supplier of Mustards Hook Norton Brewery has been festival list on page 16. they take place at 9.30am, to the Retail and in the news again with their September sees a welcome 11.00am and 2.30pm Mon–Fri beers being judged among the return for Copper Ale as the and 10.30am and 2.30pm on Catering Trade best on the planet in the World seasonal ale, a 4.8% dark red ale Sat. Each tour takes about two Shaken Oak Farm Beer Awards. Hook Norton with a strong dry spicy palate hours and includes a tasting of Double Stout won the World’s and a hint of citrus to add some Hook Norton beers. The cost is Old North Leigh Lane Best Stout and Porter category warmth to autumnal days. £9.50 per person. Hailey, Witney also winning the European class The outside of the Hook The Brewery’s Visitor Centre Oxon OX29 9UX of the category. Hooky Bitter Norton Brewery is back to (Brewery Lane, Hook Norton won gold in the Best English normal as the work to replace OX15 5NY) is open Mon–Fri Tel: 01993 868043 Bitter in the European class. the roof above the coppers has 9am–5pm and Sat 9.30am– On the subject of being at been completed and the scaf- 4.30pm. Support local producers by the top of their field, the Pear folding has been taken down. For more information on the buying locally. It helps the local Tree, Hook Norton has been The end of the restoration work Hook Norton Visitor Centre or economy, reduces food miles, named in the Independent’s top is good news for the many visi- to book a tour of the brewery saves costly packaging, is fully 50 country pubs coming in at a tors who want to take pictures contact Richard Hughes on traceable, and made by people respectable 32. of the historic Victorian tower 01608 730384 or visit their web- who care about what they The brewery has also brewery as the listed build- site at www.hooky.co.uk. Email: produce and what you eat! announced a programme of ing again looks much as it did vc@Hook-Norton-Brewery. Email: [email protected] • www.shakenoak.co.uk beer festivals at its pubs, run- when it opened in 1895. co.uk.

26 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 How Do We Choose Our Pubs For The Trigger Pond The Good Beer Guide? a current member of CAMRA – other than that it is simplicity The North Oxfordshire Branch think, the great and good of the itself. Just head to a pub in the is spread across a large geo- committee do not gather around North Oxfordshire Branch and graphical area from Shilton a pint in the Bell and choose drink real ale! Then you assess in the south to Cropredy in their favourites. Instead, a sys- the beer, using the rough guide the north, nr Chastleton (top tem where every member can on this page if unsure, and then of Salford Hill) in the west score a pub was created which submit your score with the date and Piddington in the east. means that members who live in you sampled the beer and the Consequently a scheme had those far flung corners can score name of the pub and its location. to be devised which, as fairly their local. Obviously we have Submissions can be made in as possible, allows the whole to rely on members being hon- a number of ways: through the area to be surveyed without too est and fair, but generally scores website, by emailing the pubs much driving or with pubs only have been submitted honestly. officer (email address on page 3) being chosen from one area. How do I get involved I hear or, alternatively, hand it to the Contrary to what some may you cry! Well firstly you must be Pubs Officer at a meeting. Bicester Road • Open all day every day 12 noon–11pm Pubs are scored on a scale of Bucknell • Traditional English fare, a la carte and bar meals served one to five, and using decimal OX27 7NE A Quick Guide On How To points is encouraged as it helps 12 noon–2.30pm, 6–9pm except Sun evening to split pubs when it gets tight – Tel: 01869 252817 • Conservatory, patio and large garden Give Marks To Pubs and it does. • Families and dogs welcome You must be drinking real ale, www.triggerpond.co.uk Using a range of marks from 3.01–3.49 not cider, keg bitter or keg lager • Two regular plus two changing real ales 0.1 to 5, score each pub after and you are scoring the beer not your visit. Just below the standard for the pub. Obviously if a pub sells The following guide notes the Good Beer Guide. Good excellent real ale and excellent should help with your scoring: quality beer but not inspiring. real cider in nice surroundings Maybe only one or two on 0–1.0 then this will be worth a higher offer worth recommending. score than a pub selling real No real ale available. 3.5–4.0 cider in average surroundings, but a pub selling mediocre real 1.01–1.5 Good Beer Guide quality with ale and excellent cider in very Awful real ale and uninviting not quite the range of beers, nice surroundings should score pub. Frequently no real ale perhaps mainly from national poorly. available – pump clips turned brewers, but worthy of the The scores are averaged out, round or not on. Guide. any obvious anomalies are cor- rected and the top 28 eligible 1.51–2.0 4.01–4.5 pubs go into the Good Beer Fantastic pub with a good Guide. Further to that the top Poor quality real ale poured six eligible pubs are entered by half-hearted staff with no range and choice of great real ales in excellent condition. Top into the Branch Pub of the Year imagination. Occasionally no competition (our current Pub of real ale available. end of the Good Beer Guide range of pubs and a realistic the Year is the Horse & Groom, Caulcott), with the winner going 2.01–2.5 contender for Branch Pub of the Year. forward to represent the Branch Unpredictable beer quality no in the Regional and ultimately thought in the beer range. Not 4.51–5 National competition. a pub you’d stay in for another. So every vote counts even for Superb pub with an extensive poor pubs and those with no real 2.51–3.0 range of beers and knowledge- ale, but definitely for those with able staff. All beers always excellent real ale. If you are still Below the borderline for Good served in top condition and in any doubt and want to speak Beer Guide. Reasonable qual- would be a contender for to someone about the niceties of ity, possibly with only one National Pub of the Year. pub scoring please contact any handpump. Interesting beers, Scores in this range will be committee member or pop along possibly one for the future. used very rarely, if ever. to a meeting and spark a debate! 28 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 An Unexpected Trip To The Home Of British photo to my mates down under! Brewing During the impressive tour we I’d delivered the Winter edition were shown the refurbished cop- of Beer on Tap to the pubs in my per house where the gleaming Cluster, ending up in one of my Mansfield brewery coppers have favourites and had finished chat- been installed. I’d completely ting to the barmaid, who was now forgotten that W&D closed that busy with the one o’clock lunch brewery down on acquiring it in rush. I was enjoying the ambi- 1999. The highlight of the tour ence of the real log fire on that was undoubtedly the extensive grey winter’s day with the view to room housing the Burton union the church opposite breaking up sets for yeast capture, used in the the gloom outside. Now that the production of Marston’s beers, dog had settled beneath my feet, particularly Pedigree. what else caught the eye? What’s Marton’s Brewery, Burton upon Trent After a few more bevvies it this? A Marston’s beer mat com- was off to the ‘Crewe & Harpur’ and half of Pedigree each. Well, petition! And all you have to at Swarkestone for our overnight it would’ve been rude to refuse do is name your favourite beer. accommodation. It was a glori- even though I’m not particularly Couldn’t be easier, could it? ous June day so before settling fond of this sulphurous brew. Since it was a Marston’s compe- down to an evening meal a quick Although the group markets tition, I thought I’d use the name glance in the Good Beer Guide itself under the collective name of one of their beers, otherwise, revealed that nearby was the of Marston’s, it is owned by no chance! On offer that day in ‘John Thompson’ a homebrew Wolverhampton & Dudley plc this Enterprise Inns’ establish- pub established by a local farmer which is where its headquarters ment was Brakspears Oxford of that name in his 15th century are. ‘Marston’s don’t compro- Gold … not a bad drop, so stick farmhouse in 1968. Pints of JTS, mise’ is their current logo. They it down and drop the mat in the a 4.1% abv traditional bitter certainly didn’t in times past as box provided by our genial host. brewed on site since 1977, were at the entrance to the brewery He’ll probably bin the lot anyway. quickly downed as was the Gold. is a banner covering two sto- Oh, ye of little faith! Next morning after breakfast ries showing a tiled wall with Imagine my delight then, when we visited the recently re-opened ‘England has history, Australia on answering the phone one National Brewery Centre back in has previous’ emblazoned on sunny June day, a chirpy Hayley, Burton where we were the only it. This rivals the advertising of with a slight Black Country burr, ones at the 10 am opening. Upon those arch-anglophiles Shepherd told me that I’m a winner in that entry we were regaled by a holo- Neame and probably has some- beer mat competition. (I owe graphic show using a Pepper’s thing to do with Marston’s spon- our genial host a beer!) God, I Ghost illusion to celebrate sorship of the England cricket thought, I hope she doesn’t ask Burton’s proud brewing heritage. team. I must send a copy of the the name of the beer I wrote From there we saw numerous down four months ago. She didn’t, but she did offer me a tour for two of any brewery in the Marston’s chain, together with an overnight stay in a Marston’s Inn in the locality. Difficult choice! Would it be Jennings in the Lake District or Ringwood in the New Forest? No, I’d never seen the Burton Union sets in opera- tion so I eventually plumped for Marston’s at Burton upon Trent. Several phone calls later we were driving up the M42 towards Burton. On arrival at the Visitors’ Centre where Lesley, having introduced herself as our guide, sat us down with a finger buffet The famous Marston’s Brewery Burton Union Sets – the last working ones in the world 30 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31 exhibits and tasting stations and despite the contemporary tourist trail with the excep- where characters in period cos- appearance of the furniture tion of beer buffs, real ale tume entertain and interact with and fittings in the bar, the staff aficionados and the occasional visitors along the way. helped to create a homely and beer mat competition winners! The Edwardian bar was par- welcoming atmosphere. There But undoubtedly the National ticularly interesting. Some of the is also a restaurant attached and Brewery Centre is worthy of a beers offered are produced at with weekend events, such as visit and deserves our support the White Shield microbrewery shire horses, classic bike and car perhaps as part of a Branch on site. The tour finishes up in meets and farmyard fun, there is social trip? the Brewery Tap, a bar which plenty on offer to keep the whole Old Hooky is open seven days a week and family occupied. Soft drinks are (Editors note: ‘Old Hooky’ is which can also be accessed with- available at museum taster sta- not only threatening to become out entry to the museum. Here tions for children and drivers! a regular contributor to BOT you can continue with taster My only reservation about but is also offering a substantial glasses or purchase as normal. the whole set-up is that this prize to the first reader who The Worthington’s Red Shield excellent attraction will have to can correctly identify the pub in and the house Brewery Tap market itself really well as its our area where he entered the Ale were in excellent condition location is not on a recognised Marston’s beer mat competition.) Chris & Tracie’s Belgian Beer Adventure I’ve been a fan of real ale for Brussels’ Grand Place many years and in the last cou- ple of years have introduced pointing, but the my wife, Tracie, to some of the décor in the bar more unusual beers available. was interesting Over time she’s become a fan with loads of of wheat beers and fruit beers, pipework weav- though wheat beer is one of my ing in and out of least favourite. However, want- the walls and it ing to try something different was littered with and being relative beer novices, copper vessels, Voted CAMRA

Tracie and I purchased a copy presumably to do North Oxon Pub of of the Good Beer Guide Belgium with the brew- and booked a trip to take in ing process. We the Year 2007 Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp to Place, the centre of Brussels but then headed back to the hotel The Bell sample the vast range of exotic thanks to the dodgy map this for sleep, before the adventure brews (and take in a bit of the took some time, so we settled for continued … Russell and Lynn offer a warm welcome culture along the way!). a small bar in the touristy Rue In the morning we headed Banbury and friendly atmosphere Following a last, rather disap- Du Marche Aux Herbes, where down to a well-needed break- pointing, English pint of Bass we realised with great relief that fast, packed our bags, then 12 Middleton Road, Banbury at the St Pancreas terminal, we English was widely spoken. set off to take a few photos of OX16 4QJ left Blighty at around 4pm on I ordered a Kwak at 8% abv, the prettier sights of Brussels. the Eurostar to Brussels. We which although not served in its We then headed to the sta- Telephone: 01295 253169 planned to stay just one night signature glass (which needs a tion where, avoiding the need in Brussels, so as we arrived at wooden stand to support it), was to speak Flemish, we tried to around 7pm, the beer tasting in still a brew that awakened my buy tickets from a machine – Traditional cask ales • Open log fire the Belgian capital was going to uneducated palette to a decep- no luck; it would only accept Traditional pub games be a little limited – though with tively strong and sweet Belgian Belgian debit cards, so we faced some confusion about the loca- beer. Tracie opted for a Leffe our fear and approached the Food served Wed/Thurs/Fri lunch, tion of our hotel and the poor Blonde which at 6.5% was similar ticket office where they spoke 12.30–2.30pm quality of the map from Google, to that found in England but was perfect English and we bought Traditional home-made Sunday Lunch our time was even shorter. on draught and a little flatter. our tickets to Ghent. What a After a ‘brisk’ walk through After a bit of people watch- difference to English trains, 1.00–3.00pm Open: Mon & Tue: 7.00–11.00pm the streets of Brussels and sev- ing we ambled on to the Grand the station was spotless and Garden area • Smoking area eral wrong turns, we eventually Place to find a small bar which the trains were on time (to the Wed & Thurs: 12.30–3.00pm & 7.00–11.00pm found the hotel at around 9pm. brewed its own beer. I opted for minute). The journey took about Fri & Sat: all day, 12.00–12.00pm Dropping our bags we tried to a home brewed Bruin and Tracie 40 minutes and we arrived in A village pub in the Town! Sunday: 12.00–5.30pm & 8.00–11.00pm find our way back to the Grand had the Blonde, both a bit disap- Ghent before lunchtime. 32 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 33 The old town of Ghent

Festival in May and looked forward to a nightcap when we returned from our first day exploring Ghent. The first bar we dropped into was just off the Korenmarkt in the shadow of Once again we were at the the imposing Sint-Niklaaskerk. It mercy of the dodgy maps, was only about 1pm but I braved but managed to find our way a Rochefort 8, which at 9.2% The interior of Dulle Griet (‘Mad Meg’) to the Hotel Ibis without too made me wish I’d had some- much trouble this time. There thing to eat first, although with as many of the listed bars as we was some sort of promotion its strong chocolate aftertaste, could over the next few days. in the bar as there were post- it was surprisingly palatable. We decided to try and find ers throughout the hotel with Tracie opted for a glass of Tripel Delirium first, but it was no pink elephants on them and the Karmeliet which at 8% was still longer there, so we made our words ‘Delirium Tremens’. We pretty strong with an odd sweet way to Dulle Griet which was had a flashback to an unusual and dry taste at the same time. a real sight to behold when we cream coloured bottled beer We took the opportunity to went in, with a huge amount that we both tried at the Foreign check the Good Beer Guide and of beer memorabilia adorning Beer Bar at the Banbury Beer tried to plan our route to sample the walls, with tapestries on the ceiling and numerous oddities hanging from the beams includ- It’s Called Hedging Your Bets! ing puppets, barrels and an Many breweries cashed in on the ominous-looking basket on a potential extra sales offered by cord (which you have to put one the World Cup this year – of your shoes into as a deposit but the problem is, how when you order a Kwak beer can you sell an up-to-date in its proper glass). We instead beer to keep the beer up opted for a lager-esque La to speed with England’s Chouffe and a Barbar, the lat- progress in the tournament? ter being quite sweet due to the Batemans decided to send out three honey and orange syrup. One different pump clips for their England Expects beer – so pub landlords word of warning about Dulle could choose one, depending on how our boys were performing (or Griet (and almost all of the bars not as the case may be). Needless to say, the top we went into) is the toilets, they right design was ultimately all that was needed. really are an experience. Apart The one top left might have been seen, though from being up a dizzying spiral with the brevity of the England campaign it staircase, they are tiny and don’t would probably have been a little ‘green’ due to allow a great deal of privacy! lack of time in the cellar. I think the Batemans After this we moved on to a marketing department, however, deserves the number of different bars before ‘Ludicrously Optimistic Award 2010’ for even arriving at the Waterhuis aan de considering the inclusion of the third design (left). Bierkant, a lovely and popular bar right on the canal. The beer The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. list was huge and we settled Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2010 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and for La Trappe Quadrupel and a are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Boon Kriek, the latter being one Real Ale Ltd. of the many Belgian fruit beers North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted which are far too easy to drink. that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA. To be continued in next edition

34 Beer on Tap – Autumn 2010 Newsletter of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 35 Edited, Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Information Press, Eynsham, Oxon