Beer Matters Is DIARY 22 © CAMRA Ltd

ISSUE 459 - DEC 2015/JAN 2016

THE FREE MAGAZINE OF CAMRA SHEFFIELD & DISTRICT ISSUE 459 DEC 2015/JAN 2016

NEWS 4 Good Beer Guide 2017 BeerX 2016 Sheffield Beer Week 2016 3,500 MONTHLY CIRCULATION BREWERY NEWS 6 Blue Bee Abbeydale EDITOR Fuggle Bunny Andrew Cullen Drone Valley 07554 005 225 Acorn [email protected] Exit 33 Welbeck Abbey Articles, letters and suggestions are most welcome so please send them in* PUB NEWS 11 Pioneer Club Portland House DESIGN Punchbowl Robin [email protected]

ADVERTISING Alan Gibbons [email protected] AWARDS 12 Quarter Page £40 Pub of the Months Half Page £60 Steel City Awards Full Page £90 Vote for Pub Awards Back Cover £110 Dronfield Most Improved Pub Discounts for regular placements Awards Gallery

PDFs or high-res (300 dpi) bitmaps only please

Design from £30 PUB TRAVEL 16 Updates from £10 A Pub Crawl in Castleton A Day in Liverpool NEXT COPY DEADLINE Friday 8th January FESTIVALS 20 Opinions expressed are those of the author and may not represent those of CAMRA, the local branch or editor. Beer Matters is DIARY 22 © CAMRA Ltd.

*For legal reasons a full name and address THE COMMITTEE 22 must be provided with all contributions. SHEFFIELD RETAINS BEERX IN 2016 FOR FOURTH YEAR

The Society of Independ- year, so we are running ent Brewers (SIBA) has more of these and giv- announced its annual ing the public additional GOOD BEER GUIDE 2017 BeerX event is to return unique opportunities to to Sheffield for its fourth interact with brewers and THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE year in 2016. industry experts. We will The flagship beer indus- have a variety of brewery Although we are only just entries are looked after try event will take place at bars at which people can approaching Christmas by those who volunteered iceSheffield, located near meet the brewers them- 2015, when I’m sure a to be Brewery Liaison Of- the Sheffield Arena tram selves.” few people will find cop- ficers. stop, from Wednesday BeerX will open its doors ies of the 2016 Good Beer So back to the pubs - 16th to Saturday 19th to the public for longer Guide in their Christmas how do we choose them? March 2016. this year for the Festival gift stocking, we are now Principally it is a vote BeerX will once again of Beer. Ale lovers will be starting work on select- open to all our members combine SIBA’s AGM, a able to visit the infamous ing which pubs will be with the highest rated trade exhibition, semi- 30 metre bar to sup from awarded a listing in the pubs in the vote getting nars, keynote speakers over 250 beers from the 2017 edition! in the guide. The pubs and business awards for Wednesday evening, the In the pub section of chosen by the members SIBA members throughout night of the SIBA National the guide we have an vote are then checked to the week. It will also open Brewing Awards, with ses- allocation of 30 places ensure they are still up its doors to the Festival of sions then running every for the City of Sheffield, to standard though - via Beer to enable consumers day until Saturday. 6 places for our part of two methods. First of all to attend and try hundreds Friday night’s headline Derbyshire and 3 places we look at the beer rat- of SIBA award-winning music act will be former for Dronfield. Of course ings submitted to CAM- beers. Inspiral Carpets lead there are so many more RA’s National Beer Scor- Nick Stafford, SIBA’s singer Tom Hingley, sup- good pubs in the area so ing System (now part of operations director, said: ported by soul/Motown it is all about featuring whatpub.com) and sec- “BeerX has firmly planted aficionados Vernon Lewis the best of the best, pubs ondly we send surveyors its roots in Sheffield and & E-Maculate. Saturday where it is guaranteed to to the pub who try the the city has really em- will once again show be worth making the ef- beer and check the facts braced it. As well as BeerX all the final Six Nations fort to travel to and try, to be written in the guide hosting important events Rugby matches live on a somewhere a visitor will with the staff there. for our members we also giant screen, followed by be rewarded with great Voting papers will be have plans to make the live music from Sheffield beer and more. issued at the December Festival of Beer bigger and supergroup The Bootleg- The brewery section branch meetings in Shef- better this year. gers. of the guide lists all the field and Dronfield - see “We’ve seen beer tasting BeerX is also becoming breweries in our area the diary section of this and food pairing sessions an event for foodies, with producing real ale, these issue for the venues. increase in popularity each an increased and more di-

ISSUE 459 NEWS DEC 2015/JAN 2016 SHEFFIELD BEER WEEK verse street food offering purchased in advance via BACK IN MARCH 2016 planned for 2016. the wegottickets and SIV Over 6,000 visitors are websites from Friday 13th Thanks to all those who ing that little bit more in expected to attend BeerX November. hosted and attended events March; we’d love you to throughout the week, in- With further details still during the first Sheffield join in. cluding conference dele- to be announced, beer Beer Week 16th March Follow @SheffBeerWeek gates, trade exhibitors and lovers can get up-to-date – 22nd March 2015. for beery updates. beer festival goers. news about the event on We have now started If you are a venue or Tickets for the festival the BeerX Facebook page planning for 2016 – Shef- brewery, business or in- are priced at £8 in advance – facebook.com/BeerX- field Beer Week. YAY! dividual who would like and £10 on the door, with Sheffield – and follow @ The celebrations start to get involved please a £2 discount for students, SIBA_BeerX on twitter for from Mon 14th March. drop us an email on: CAMRA members and the announcements and ticket We know that every week [email protected] Armed Forces who book giveaways. is beer week in Sheffield, in advance. They can be we’re just happy to be shar- Jules

ISSUE 459 DEC 2015/JAN 2016 NEWS Abbeydale Well I can’t believe it’s shire Cat, Pete Lightfoot, coming round to the festive and expect the same high time of the year already, we quality, freshly prepared would like to wish every- pub food. Serving times body Merry Christmas and are TBC. Also keep an a Happy New Year! And eye out for the brand new what a year it has been! So website and social media much we could talk about, presence for the pub! but firstly lets talk about As much as 2015 has our two pubs! been a great year for the We were delighted that brewery, 2016 is going to the Devonshire Cat was MASSIVE! We celebrate awarded November Pub of our 20th birthday, plus the Month, and this was a SunFest’s 10th birthday! fitting way for our exiting There will be a range of Blue Bee manager, Josh, to sign off very special 20th birthday Firstly we were really robust malt body. with! Thank you to all that beers released at various pleased to win two awards On top of this the next came down to celebrate points throughout the year back in October at Hud- two single hopped IPAs with us. We are equally and you may even see our dersfield Beer Festival. We will both feature southern delighted to announce that beer in containers that won gold in the strong bit- hemisphere hop varieties our new manager is Eliza- we have yet to use before ter category for Attack of the first from New Zealand: beth Casserly, who moves now! However that’s all the Geek 6.0% which also Rakau IPA 5.0% the hops over from the Sheffield I’m allowed to say right just missed out at Sheffield impart tropical fruit pas- Tap. She brings a wealth of now (“Yes - shut up now Beer Festival coming sec- sion fruit and citrus char- experience and knowledge Robin!” - Dan)! ond in the same category acteristics. The second will and I’m sure she will con- Onto beers that I can talk as well as this Ginger feature Australian hops: tinue to improve the pub about, our festive offerings Beer 4.5% came third in Galaxy IPA 5.0% these in every department. from Dr Morton, Our the speciality category at hops impart passion fruit The Rising Sun has Wayne In A Manger Huddersfield. and peach characteristics. been undergoing a mam- and Turkey Surprise Ginger Beer will be Both beers are sure to have moth expansion project, should be hitting the bar available throughout the plenty of tropical fruit hop which is hopefully finished by now, but also look out festive period. Although flavours. by the time you are read- for Thaw (4.8%, pale) and Attack of the Geek has A few other beers we ing this! Now with a full Snowdrift (4.0%, pale sold out, the next in the are working include Into kitchen, extra drinking with orange and cloves) in series will be available in the Void 6.0% a black and dining area, and new December and early Janu- December: Revenge of IPA containing Columbus toilets, we hope that you ary. Getting ready for all the Geek 4.5% is a red and Motueka hops. As well will come in and enjoy the those New Year promises hoppy beer packed with as Motueka Pale 3.9% new environment, with a we bring back Resolution Mosaic hops to give plenty which will be a crisp re- warm welcome from Ryan, a 4.2% pale beer that is of tropical fruit flavours freshing pale beer show- Nicole and their team! The sure to keep you on track and a combination of five casing this New Zealand kitchen is being run by our (unless you give up drink- different malts to give a hop. head chef from the Devon- ing for January!).

ISSUE 459 BREWERY NEWS DEC 2015/JAN 2016 ISSUE 459 DEC 2015/JAN 2016 Exit 33 To compliment our current office based sales coordina- Drone Valley tor a field sales rep joins us The Drone Valley Brew- needed to help with a range from November to help us ery cuckoo brewed its of tasks, including decorat- maintain and grow custom- third beer in time for the ing the building. Further ers in the North. Chesterfield Market Beer investment is still being Continuing on our Club Festival. This was Fan- sought, and the series of 33 monthly specials theme, shaw Blonde at 4.8% roadshows promoting the Number 3 has been re- ABV. The beer proved to venture continue. There leased. It is as always 5.0% Fuggle Bunny be very popular both at the is a ‘community benefit’ and was hopped completely Fuggle Bunny is pleased to festival and at several local element of the brewery’s post boil with Calypso, Cen- announce their latest beer hostelries. ethos in that a proportion tennial, Chinook and Crys- Chapter 8 - Jammy Dodger Progress has been made of each year’s profits will tal. We balanced the bitter- 4.5% ruby red ale won sil- in setting up their own be donated to local good ness with a darker version ver in the Best Bitter cat- brewery, with a target date causes. Further details are of Munich malt, which has egory at the CAMRA Steel of December 2015 for the available our website. given the beer a beautiful City Beer & Cider Festival first brew. Volunteers are burnt orange colour. at Kelham Island Museum Number 4 in the se- in October 2015. The Bun- ries will be a 5.0% pale ale ny is well hoppy... :) hopped with Mosaic and Citra with continuous dry hopping in the later stages of fermentation and should be ready for late November/ early December. We gained great feedback about a trial keg beer we did for the Harlequin, which Acorn was our Sorachi Ace spe- Acorn’s seasonal collection years 12th Noel available cial with added fruit in the for December are: throughout December at keg. We will be launching Cracker 4.1%: Brewed the Old No7 Barnsley. both a cask and keg version with Maris Otter Pale This beer has been aged for Spring/Summer 2016 Ale malt for a light straw for 12 months in a Spey- based on this recipe. coloured beer. First Gold side whisky Hogshead Mocha Milk Stout, our Stancill and Cascade hops impart (54 gallon). mocha coffee imperial stout, Stancill Brewery supported a Lemon and grapefruit Archer IPA 5%: 3rd has now been released. And Movember, the charity hop aroma. in our next series of our seasonal golden Amaril- event promoting aware- 13th Noel 6%: Rich IPA’s showcasing Eng- lo hopped ale Yellow Rose ness of testicular cancer ruby coloured ale, roasted lish Hops. A rich golden will be back from December, where during Novem- malts and English Bram- coloured beer with a Tra- whilst our Centennial single ber gents across the UK ling Cross hops combine ditional Assertive British hop Frontier takes a break grow a frankly ludicrous to release rich berry fruit Bitterness leading to Flo- from our line up. moustache, with a dark, flavours. ral aromas with delicate This will allow for the re- creamy and sweet 5% ABV There will also be a hints of Lime & Peach turn of Winter Pale from Stout. Barrel aged version of last and a Citrus twist. January to March.

ISSUE 459 BREWERY NEWS DEC 2015/JAN 2016

management that has survived throughout the Pioneer Club many years in the estate’s The Pioneer Club in Coal As- productive history and ton is under the new manage- long may it continue. ment of Anthony Hutchinson, Ernest George is a who also runs the Royal Oak deep ruby ale brewed at and Cross Daggers pubs in 4.2% and has earned its Coal Aston village. badge as a clear favour- The club is in the more sub- Welbeck Abbey ite among pub goers urban part of Coal Aston, a There are three monthly brew for this year is a throughout our delivery short distance from Dronfield specials released in No- strong, spiced bonfire radius. Ernest George station set back near the shops vember. beer- brewed at 5.0%. was an architect who on Stonelow Road. Bus 44 will Nightingale, an It’s a dark libation with laboured to rebuild and drop you on the main road. English IPA brewed with caramels, liquorice and a restore one of the wings The intention is to run the Goldings and UK Cascade hint of smoke; perfect to of Welbeck Abbey after it club in two parts - one side at 5.5% is a celebration warm the cockles of your was completely destroyed like a traditional pub open to of English hops and tra- heart on a cold Novem- by fire in 1900. This beer all with real ale available, the ditional brewing. Golden ber evening. On the estate pays homage to the great other side a more club like and well-rounded this is a there once stood two oak man and has been brewed room hosting functions and great expression of Eng- trees named the Porter in the style of the era us- special events. lish hops and barley malt, Oaks; one of which still ing a carefully balanced The public opening, at taking its name from one stands at over 500 years blend of roasted malts to the time of writing, is being of Welbeck’s cropfields. old. This beer celebrates give distinctive coffee and planned to take place on Fri Porter Oak, a new the heritage and forestry chocolate notes. 27 Nov.

ISSUE 459 10 BREWERY NEWS DEC 2015/JAN 2016 Inn Brief situated next to the bus stop making it very easy Middlewood Tavern Reopening? to get to from Sheffield A developer wants to relaunch Centre. the semi-derelict Middlewood It’s had great feedback Tavern at Oughtibridge as a fam- so far and any further feed- ily pub. Following the floods of back is always welcome! 2007, the road towards Oughti- We welcome well-behaved bridge collapsed, cutting the pub Portland House dogs and little folk are per- off from passing trade. It closed Welbeck Abbey Brewery’s to source a fantastic selec- mitted until 6pm or at the shortly afterwards. Proposals new micropub is now open tion of wine provided by managers’ discretion dur- from Nico Cebani are being at 286 Ecclesall Road in Le Bon Vin and spirits via ing busier periods. We’ve considered by the council. The the unit previously occu- Starmore Boss. tried our utmost to ensure plans state: “The restored pub pied by a Cooplands sand- It’s not all about the there’s something for eve- will be aimed firmly at families, wich shop. booze though with a large rybody so please, don’t be with a good-sized restaurant It’s a micro-bar serving range of soft drinks and an shy- pop down and see where previously there was only Welbeck ales, guest brew- alcohol free beer too! We Tom and Matt next time a drinking area, and also a dedi- eries, world beers plus think it’s a lovely place to you’re in the vicinity; we cated beer garden and play area wines and spirits; with the sit back, relax and watch would love to hear your where parents can supervise addition of artisan coffee the world go by plus it’s thoughts. children. There is a footbridge from Sundlaug Coffee Co that crosses the river immedi- (based on Welbeck Estate), ately over the road from the site, tea from Birdhouse Tea Co, linking the pub to the riverside Tipple Tails cakes and Wa- walk. It would be a wonderful terall Brothers pork pies gift to the area, we believe, for (all based in Sheffield). users of the riverside walk to be Where we can we’re able to refresh themselves at a using local suppliers and midway point between Sheffield Tom Purcell, General Man- and Oughtibridge.” ager, has taken great care

New Broomhill Micropub? for the carnivore but they A change of use application has have a whole range of pizzas been submitted to the city council for veggies, with vegan/dairy to turn the former Knowle’s Em- free and gluten free options porium shop, on Glossop Road coming soon. For Christmas in Broomhill, into what would be they will be trying a couple Sheffield’s third micropub. Ap- of different special Christ- plicant, Edward Finley said the mas dinner inspired pizzas Glossop Road unit was ‘well- to compliment the seasonal positioned’ for people seeking Punchbowl tipples. an alternative to the larger pubs in Two and a half months into eries. Plus craft bottle, keg, Additionally, they host a Broomhill. Opening hours would the Andy Stephens empire cans, gin and an extensive weekly quiz on a Thursday, be noon to 11.30pm daily and takeover of the Punchbowl, rum selection to boot. It cer- with fresh and fun events there will be a focus on real ale. the pub is thriving and piz- tainly has the best variety up planned for the near future, zas are flying out of the oven, the hill. but they are keeping those Rutty Christmas Lights straight onto the plates of the Continuing pizza tradi- under wraps for the time The annual party at the Rut- hungry people of Crookes. tions and making up the rules being. land Arms where the Christmas With 8 cask ales serving as they go along with their Plan for the future is to lights in the pub are switched a wide variety of beers from renowned cider piggy pork supply the people of Sheffield on takes place on Wednesday Blue Bee Brewery and whole pizza for all meat lovers out with amazing beer and even 2nd December, from 8pm. host of ever changing brew- there. Not only do they cater better pizza. PUB NEWS 11 « Pub of the Month December 2015 « « Pub of the Month January 2016 « Porter Cottage Three Tuns The Porter Cottage is on 6pm on the second Sunday The Three Tuns on Silver range features a selection Sharrow Vale Road, just each month is an acoustic Street Head is one of Shef- of cask ales from Blue Bee behind Ecclesall Road. session with various artists, field’s classic traditional Brewery plus guests, these Tim and Mandy Price and at the same time on pubs, thanks to its trian- are spread across 6 hand- have been in charge for the 4th Sunday there’s live gular shape and the feel- pumps. A real cider from 25 years. It is believed the blues in conjunction with ing of being on the bow of the Westons range is also pub was an old coaching the Honey Bee Blues Club a ship for those occupying available. inn established 150 years and Martin Bedford. the seats in the window in Food is available at meal ago, subsequently acquired The Porter Cottage is the point of the triangle! times on weekdays and by Duncan Gilmour and open from 5pm Mon - Thur, Despite being a classic all day on Saturdays, the then Tetley. It is now part and from 12 noon Fri - Sun. Sheffield pub, its location pub only has a very small of Wear Inns based in Cas- The Cottage is a well run tucked away off Paradise kitchen so the offering has tle Eden, Co Durham. friendly pub with a good Square has also led some been restricted to a selec- The handpumps dis- local following, and there’s to describe it as a ‘hidden tion of hot and cold sand- pense Bradfield Farmers a nationally acclaimed al- gem’, which in the past wiches along with some Blond and Bitter (and Bel- ternative jukebox. has relied on an after work hot meal options on the gian Blue when available) So it’s well done to Man- crowd from the nearby specials board, usually a together with Abbeydale dy, Tim and their team. HSBC bank building and curry or casserole dish. Deception and Sharps the various local solicitors This is the second time Doombar, as well as a guest Derek Longford offices, however it is now the Three Tuns has won a beer usually from Saltaire getting better known and Pub of the Month award - or Kelham Island. For ci- The award will be pre- much more popular. voted for by our members der lovers there’s Weston’s sented on Tue 8 Dec from Although refurbished - since Reet Ale Pubs took Wildwood. 8pm. Nearest bus stop is to feel modern and com- the lease from Punch Tav- Quiz nights are Tuesday Hunters Bar on routes 81, fortable, it also retains erns, this one reflects the and Sunday, and from 4 to 82, 83, 83a, 88, 272. an old-fashioned feel to hard work by Kate and her the design and is simply team to not only maintain Buses and Trams somewhere you can sit standards but grow the South Yorkshire: in a relaxed and civilised popularity of this iconic Travel Line 01709 51 51 51 atmosphere. little pub of Sheffield. www.travelsouthyorkshire.com The atmosphere of the Derbyshire pub is helped by the staff Andrew Cullen www.derbysbus.info - Manager Kate Major is Trains a younger version of what We’ll be presenting the National Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 some old timers would certificate at the Three www.nationalrail.co.uk describe as ‘a proper pub Tuns on the evening of landlady’ and her team of- Tue 12 Jan, why not join Trading Standards fers friendly and efficient us from 8pm and enjoy a [email protected] service at the bar. few beers, it could be a bit Consumer advice (0114) 273 6289 Sheffield Trading Being part of the Reet of a party! Standards, 2-10 Carbrook Hall Road, Sheffield S9 2DB Ale Pubs business, the beer

ISSUE 459 12 AWARDS DEC 2015/JAN 2016 WED THU FRI SAT 21 22 23 24 OCT 5-11PM 5-11PM 12-11PM 12-10PM 2015

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E A R V I & T S C ID F E E R Mild Brass Castle Steel City Awards @scbf41 Hazelnut Mild steelcitybeerfestival.co.uk AsKELHAM usual all ISLAND the beers MUSEUM in our recent Steel City Beer & Ci- Sesssion Bitter der Festival were judged by a Magic Rock The Stooge blind tasting panel to find out which were the very best. Best Bitter North Riding Red Citra Overall Golden Ale Crafty Devil Gold Mikey Rayer All Dayer Crafty Devil Mikey Rayer All Dayer Stouts & Porters Thornbridge Baize Silver North Riding Red Citra Strong Ale Great Heck Yakima IPA Bronze Saltaire Speciality Beer Triple Chocoholic Saltaire Triple Chocoholic

ISSUE 459 DEC 2015/JAN 2016 AWARDS 13 Vote for Dronfield PotS! Vote for Pub of the Month!

Dronfield CAMRA’s Pub of the member resident in S18 and have Our Pub of the Month award is be PotM. If we get enough votes Season awards are designed to visited the pub you are voting for as a bit of positive campaigning, in time we will make the award. celebrate the good pubs in the a customer recently. If you cannot highlighting local pubs that con- area consistently serving top make the branch meeting, vote at: sistently serve well kept real ale Nomination forms are available quality real ale in a pleasant at- dronfieldcamra.org.uk in friendly and comfortable sur- at branch meetings and on the mosphere. Winners are voted for roundings. website. The pub must have by local members. The shortlist for the winter award, been open and serving real ale to be voted on at the December Voting is your opportunity to for a year and under the same To vote you must be a CAMRA meeting, is: support good, real ale pubs you management for 6 months. feel deserve some recognition and publicity. Winners compete alongside our Good Beer Guide entries for All CAMRA branch members are branch Pub of the Year, the win- The Nominees welcome to vote at branch meet- ner of which is entered into the ings or on our website. national competition. Hare & Hounds Barlow It’s not one pub against another, The list of nominees includes simply vote YES or NO as to which buses to take if you fancy Dronfield Arms whether you think the pub should a trip to try them out: Dronfield Town Centre Rutland Arms Holmesfield

The Nominees Bull’s Head Ranmoor (buses 120, 784, 786) « Dronfield Most Improved Pub« Hyde Park Closed Shop Commonside (bus 95) Tom and the team at the Brewery alongside some of Hyde Park have very recently the favorites of Black Sheep Hallamshire House won the most improved pub and Spring head. Commonside (bus 95) award for the Dronfield Area. A new menu of very tasty This award is only given out home cooked food is on Museum City Centre when it is seen that a special offer with Sunday lunches effort has been made to im- being particularly popular Old Queens Head prove a venue. Recently this (Best to book in advance)!! City Centre pub was shut and was on the Thursdays sees the return of way to being boarded up. De- the mind bending Quiz an Rising Sun velopers were circling hop- regular Irish themed nights Abbey Lane (buses 65, 70, 215, 272) ing to cash in by building on are planned. Yorkshire Bridge Inn the site. However Tom was It’s a real pleasure to see Bamford (bus 273, 274) persuaded to move from the this pub back to being a com- Psalter Tavern and to take fortable oasis of good quality over the running of this once beers, wines and food and is popular pub.. showing to be more popular He has gone back to basics than ever…Congratulations with the pub by installing Tom! Vote online now at tasty local beers from Brad- sheffieldcamra.org.uk field, Toolmakers, Sheffield Rob Barwell

ISSUE 459 14 AWARDS DEC 2015/JAN 2016 James at the Coach & Horses receives their Dronfield Pub of the Season award

October Pub of the Month at the Mount Pleasant, Norton Dronfield Pub of the Season Woodseats Coach & Horses I have pleasure in an- Recently Coach & Hors- nouncing that the Pub of es have made a discount the season was recently for members available to awarded to Coach & CAMRA members this is Horses In Dronfield, this shown on the posters near is a very successful pub and the bar and as this pub is our congratulations go to a Thornbridge venue will James and Ash for their always have the popular hard work and effort. This Thornbridge beers on the award has been a long time bar… in coming and recognises This pub is also a lynch the excellent range of beers pin of the popular 3 Valleys on offer and the friendliest festival in Dronfield, I am John at the Devonshire Cat receives their November Pub of of atmospheres that this aware that this is planned the Month award pub prides itself on. for early June again…

ISSUE 459 DEC 2015/JAN 2016 AWARDS 15 Cavern named after it. But back to the pubs. Next is Ye Olde Nag’s Head on the first corner after the t-junction. There is a restaurant area to the left, and the bar is straight ahead. Beers available were A PUB CRAWL IN CASTLETON Bradfield Farmers Poppy Ale, Sharp’s Doombar and Atlan- The Derbyshire village of Our next pub is the Peak tic, Black Sheep Best, and 2 Castleton is home to the ru- Hotel, a few yards back to- from Intrepid: Porter, and, ined Peveril Castle, four show wards the village centre. Un- my choice, Explorer (£1.75). caverns, a visitor centre and der the same management Also a vacant pump. Tasting 6 pubs. It can be reached by as the Old Hall in Hope, the notes accompanied each beer. Stallion coming soon. Unfor- buses 271/272 or 273/274 Peak is open for breakfast There’s a very wide-ranging tunately, my shock at seeing from Sheffield. For my visit from 08:00, but I think you menu here. You could pay up their 3 course Christmas on 4th November, I trav- have to wait a little longer be- to £40 for three courses and a lunch advertised at £52.95 elled on the 11:40 271 from fore you can get a beer! Those pint, but there are also mains caused me to forget to check the interchange. This goes via available were Wychwood at well under a tenner. With out their “normal” menu. (My Brough, home of the Intrepid Hobgoblin, Black Sheep Best, steps up to the entrance, and local has 5 courses for £40 Brewery, and those needing Kelham Island Easy Rider toilets upstairs, this pub is not and includes a half-bottle of to work up a thirst can take and my choice Bradfield wheelchair accessible. wine). a footpath from there, about Farmers Blonde (£1.70 half). Turn left out of the Nag’s Turning right out of here 3-4 miles. My thirst, however, Also one vacant handpump. and you will soon see the next you will soon see the final was already worked up so I Meals were mainly priced two pubs: the Castle on the pub, another tied house. If continued on the bus. around £10 to £15. same side of the road, and you had to guess the brewery, Shortly before pulling in Turn left from here, then the Bull’s Head. The lat- it might take you a while be- to the bus turnround (where left at the t-junction for the ter is our first tied house, a fore coming up with Charles timetables for return buses village centre and the other Robinson’s establishment. Wells of Bedford! This pub are displayed), we passed pubs, but before I describe Four of their beers were on: closes between 3 and 5 week- the first two pubs. Ye Olde these, a few words about the Unicorn, Dizzy Blonde, my days; all the others open all Cheshire Cheese is the other attractions. The castle is choice Trick or Treat (£1.85) day. Rather like the Cheshire first. Turn left for the bar, quite close to the centre, but and the excellent Old Tom Cheese, the bar is to the left, right for the restaurant. The up a steep hill and approach- 8.5% and £5 a pint. Food was with the restaurant on the names of all past landlords, able on foot only. Of the show the usual £10-15 mains, but right. Four beers were on, starting 1748, are displayed caverns, only the ‘Devil’s Ar- they also offer pork pies and all from Wells: Bombardier, written on beams in the cosy sehole’ is central. The oth- cream teas. There was a post- Young’s Bitter and London bar. There are 6 real ales: Ab- ers, Speedwell, explored by er advertising a numberplate Gold, and Try Time, which I, beydale Moonshine, Storm boat, Treak Cliff and Blue TR02PER for £1,000. As I er, tried (£1.70 half). A more Ale Force, Acorn Barnsley John caverns are further out, own neither a car nor £1,000 limited food menu here and Bitter, Bradfield Farmers accessible by road, but not I was not tempted. similar prices to the other Brown Cow and Farmers public transport, or on foot. Opposite is the Castle, and pubs. No food on my visit, Ale and my choice Peak Ales The footpaths are rocky and we are back to a freehouse. however, as the chef had had Chatsworth Gold (£1.80 quite steep, and you have to The bar area is quite small, a flu jab and was unwell. I was half). There is a £5.50 lunch endure the sneers and bleats but there is a larger restau- about to send this article to menu M-F, but you can also of laughter from the sure- rant. The beers available were the editor when my tablet ran pay considerably more (eg footed sheep as you stumble Sharp’s Doombar, Marston’s out of charge, so I plugged in Barnsley Chop £13.95). Those past them. Oddly, it is the Pedigree, Leeds Pale (my my charger and prepared to with a sweet tooth may like Treak Cliff Cavern which is choice £1.85 half), GK Old order another beer. However, to visit the Fudge Shop op- home to the famous mineral Speckled Hen and Brain’s Rev I was told that they don’t al- posite. Blue John, rather than the James, with Exmoor Silver low people to use chargers!

ISSUE 459 16 BEER TRAVEL DEC 2015/JAN 2016 I’ve never encountered this ferent beers available. before. So they lost the sale of All the pubs welcome another beer for a tiny frac- children, dogs and muddy tion of a penny that charging boots. They all serve real ale would’ve cost. Unbelievable. and food, and have WiFi. If So, six pubs. Many similar- you are visiting Castleton ities, especially the food offers anyway, you will find no dif- and generally rather unimagi- ficulty getting decent beer, native beer ranges. But, I sup- but I’m not convinced it’s pose, people come here for really worthwhile for a pub Our six hour introduction to all grain brewing course the castle, the caverns and the crawl. Only one way to judge will teach you all you need to know to make beer like walking. I wonder whether for yourselves, though, and those you love, at home. there might be an opportunity that’s to judge it for your- January 31st 2016 Courses are held at for at least one of the pubs selves. And make sure your March 20th 2016 Kelham Island Industrial Museum. to offer more exciting beers. device is charged if you go to May 1st 2016 Book now at... Only three Sheffield brewer- the George! ies represented, and only two from Derbyshire of the 28 dif- John Bratley

ISSUE 459 DEC 2015/JAN 2016 BEER TRAVEL 17 is campaigning hard to that effect. You can sign the petition to persuade Liverpool City Council to make the Roscoe Head an Asset of Community Value on change.org. A DAY IN LIVERPOOL From the Roscoe Head I carried on up Hardman With there being a direct I wasn’t exactly impressed Street to the Fly In The train in early mornings with this pub I didn’t hang friendliest pub I visited. Loaf, a modern pub with from Dronfield to the port around for long. The beer I sampled in here an emphasis on food and city of Liverpool I decided From there I headed was the delightfully hoppy a good range of cask ales. on an overcast Wednesday away up Dale Street, to Hawkshead Cumbrian 5 And after a very enjoyable in October to pay the city a The Excelsior, which had Hop, which was the best stout in the shape of Salo- visit, and to sample some beer on from a new brew- beer I had all day. pian Polygraph I headed of Liverpool’s finest pubs ery called Rock The Boat. From The Dispensary round the corner to the 23 in the process. Two of their beers were on I headed to the Roscoe Club. Located in the cel- After a hugely enjoyable cask, Dazzle and Bootle Head. This historic and lar of The Clove Hitch Bar morning visiting Liverpool’s Bull. Both beer names ref- traditional multi roomed & Bistro, this has a wide historic dockside, including erencing Liverpool’s mari- pub is well worth a visit. range of draught and bot- the Merseyside Maritime time heritage. However, it is currently tle beers. This was the final Museum I decided to make Barely 10 yards from threatened with rede- place I visited on my trip the Baltic Fleet the first the Excelsior is the Ship velopment following its and Mad Hatter Penny port of call. Located on the & Mitre. A busy, bustling acquisition from Punch Lane Pale was an ideal main road near to the Al- pub with plenty of cask ale Taverns by New River beer for the intimate sur- bert Dock, this is billed as and world beers to tempt Retail, a company with roundings of this venue. Liverpool’s only brewpub. the discerning drinker. I a history of closing pubs In conclusion, there are On walking through the settled on Woodland Mid- for conversion to retail plenty of good pubs worth doors I was told that the night Stout. I also ate in use. The Roscoe Head is visiting in Liverpool serv- main bar area was shut the Ship & Mitre and the one of only five pubs in ing good cask ale. And (presumably for refurbish- food was good, although I the whole of Great Brit- what’s interesting is that ment) and ushered into a have resolved to make sure ain that has been in every none of the above could back room, where drinkers I eat traditional scouse stew edition of the CAMRA be described as real ale were being served through the next time I visit Liver- Good Beer Guide. As such “theme” pubs. a small hatch, which lead pool! it’s worth fighting to save to queues. In addition to From the Ship & Mi- and Liverpool CAMRA Tom Sturgess all the inconvenience, the tre I headed towards the barman’s loud singing pro- cathedrals and went in vided further irritation. It the Dispensary on Ren- was nice to finally be able shaw Street. This was my sample Brimstage Trappers favourite pub of the visit. A Hat, a beer I have long been good range of cask and keg looking out for. However, as options but above all, the

ISSUE 459 18 BEER TRAVEL DEC 2015/JAN 2016 Wisewood Inn 1.1.pdf 17/11/2015 17:31:38

CMY WISEWOOD INN K LOXLEY

Heather and her staff welcome you to the new Wisewood Inn with a wide range of craft keg beers, bottled German beers and a selection of cask ales all ready for the tasting...

FREE POOL ENTERTAINMENT every Tuesday live and unmissable! BINGO QUIZ 8pm every Wednesday 8:30pm every Sunday

TRADITIONAL HOMEMADE FOOD

539 Loxley Rd, Loxley, Sheffield, S6 6RR M-Th 4-11:30 (food till 9) 0114 234 9937 F-Sa 12-11:30 (food till 9) Su 12-10:30 (food till 6) perries. They’ll be selecting the very opened its doors in late 2009 and has Festival Guide best beers from the UKs burgeoning already played host to a wide range of craft beer brewery scene alongside a prestigious corporate events. It was On the Edge – 9 Pin #3 massive range of traditional ciders originally developed in 1839 by four Fri 11 Dec & perries. The Bière Sans Frontières rival rail companies, including North A now regular event hosted by this bars will bring an even larger range Midland Railway (NMR) for whom Nano-Brewery featuring a pin of 9 dif- of draught and bottled beers from in- George Stephenson and his son Robert ferent one off beers they have brewed. novative & exciting breweries around were engineers. Once they’ve gone they’ve gone! The the world. mancbeerfest.uk ‘The Roundhouse’, being circular, venue is the Old Junior School on South will have stillage all around it, serving View Road, Nether Edge and the event CAMRA’s National Winter Ales real ale, cider, perry, continental beer is open from 6pm until the beer is gone. Wed 17 – Sat 20 Feb and mead. There is a corridor lead- Live music will also feature and snacks The National Winter Ales Festival is ing to another stillaged area known will be available to buy at the venue, back in Derby for 2016, again at Derby as ‘The Carriage Shop Theatre’ which where there will be a little bit of a fes- College’s Roundhouse campus. will include the Champion Winter Beer tive theme! It’s a beautiful and magnificent series of Britain beers to be judged in the 4 of truly iconic buildings that have a style categories. A range of fantastic Manchester CAMRA world-renowned status in railway his- live bands will be entertaining us in Wed 20 – Sat 23 Jan tory. The Roundhouse is the World’s an additional marquee. Another new venue for Manches- Oldest Roundhouse built in 1839, fol- The venue is right next to Derby rail- ter’s annual winter beer & cider festival lowing £48 million renovation, it has way station (use the Pride Park exit at – Manchester Central exhibition hall, been returned to its former glory with the rear rather than the main concourse a former railway station with a grand original features restored and com- exit), fast trains run from Sheffield up to barrelled roof! The festival will feature plemented by dazzling new artworks. 4 times an hour with a journey time of over 500 of the finest beers, ciders and This stunning Grade II* listed building about 35 minutes. nwaf.org.uk

ISSUE 459 20 FESTIVALS DEC 2015/JAN 2016 ------CRAFT BEERS SPIRITS FOOD ------17 CEMETRY RD ------COMING SOON Sheffield & District should be available for distributors to collect, with all having a social pint The Committee Info and bookings: together. The venue is the Rutland Phill Wood (see committee section) Andrew Cullen Arms on Brown Street in Sheffield Chairman Branch meeting Centre. Beer Matters Editor 8pm Tue 1 Dec [email protected] Our monthly members meeting to Dronfield & District share pub, club and brewery news, Info and bookings: Nick Wheat Louise Singleton catch up on the campaign and get Vice Chairman ([email protected]) involved with what we are doing – all Beer Festival Organiser over a pint of course. Grapes on Trip- Beer Matters distribution social [email protected] Tue 24 Nov pet Lane, Sheffield City Centre. Kate Major Talbot Arms, Dronfield Woodhouse. Secretary Pub of the Month Young Members Contact 8pm Tue 8 Dec Cider Pub of the Year pres- [email protected] Our members have voted Porter Cot- entation and branch meeting tage, Sharrow Vale Rd, as the Decem- 8pm Tue 8 Dec Alan Gibbons ber winner. Join us there for a beer At the Miners Arms in Hundall. Pub of the Year and Good Beer and see the certificate presented. Guide coordinator Branch meeting [email protected] Branch meeting Wed 13 Jan Mark Boardley 8pm Tue 5 Jan Talbot Arms, Dronfield Woodhouse. Pubs Campaign Coordinator Our usual monthly members meeting [email protected] to share pub, club and brewery news, New Year Social catch up on the campaign and get 7pm Sa 16 Jan Paul Crofts involved with what we are doing – all Victoria Inn, Dronfield. We’ll encour- Press Officer Pubs Database Officer over a pint of course. Venue TBC. age all members within branch to [email protected] join us to celebrate our full branch Pub of the Month status. Dave Pickersgill 8pm Tue 12 Jan Pub Heritage Our members have voted the Three Beer Matters distribution social [email protected] Tuns on Silver Street Head, Sheffield Wed 20 Jan City Centre, as the January winner, Pioneer Club, Coal Aston (TBC). Phil Wood Social Secretary join us at the pub for a beer and see [email protected] the certificate get presented. Thanks... Thank you to the following people Rob Barwell Festival planning meeting who donated items for the tom- Dronfield Subbranch Chairman 8pm Tue 19 Jan bola at the recent beer and cider [email protected] We start work on plans for the 2016 festival: Pete Gardener, Andy Steel City Beer & Cider Festival, Stephens, John Silburn, Steve Cook, Josh Jepson, Malcolm which we anticipate will take place Dixon, Alan Gibbons, Lewis and at Kelham Island Industrial Museum Trevor from the Kelham Island in early October. Venue: New Bar- Tavern, Reet Ale Pubs, Diane rack Tavern. and Duncan from the Fat Cat, Rob Carroll, Dave Pickersgill,. Beer Matters distribution & Kate at the Three Tuns, Andy and Julie Lee, all those who donated committee meeting anonymously by leaving items on 8pm Tue 26 Jan the tombola during the festival CAMRA (National) 230 Hatfield Rd, St Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW The committee discusses any busi- and anyone we have forgotten. www.camra.org.uk ness that needs to be decided ahead Cheers. 01727 867201 of the next branch meeting, also Andy Morton the February issue of Beer Matters 22 DIARY

d a Happy New Year as an ristm Thornbridge Merry Ch all at from BREWERY SHOP Open Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm and on Bakewell Farmers’ Market days (Nov 28th & Dec 19th) 9am-2pm. BREWERY TOUR Shop online: www.thornbridgebrewery.co.uk/shop CLICK AND COLLECT Wednesday and Friday at 3pm, You can collect your Thornbridge booking essential. Admission: £7.50 GIFT VOUCHERS online orders from one of our pubs for Adults (18+), £3 for those 5-17 Vouchers for the shop and for brewery tours are - save money on delivery! (see website for full details). available on-line and make great presents.

Riverside Brewery, Buxton Road, Bakewell DE45 1GS T: 01629 815 999 www.thornbridge.co.uk