the

The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Winter 2019 Campaign for Real Ale FREE Please Take One

Front cover photograph competition sponsored by THE KING THE SOARING OF PALE SUMMIT OF the ALES HOPPINESS

The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale

©The Campaign for Real Ale 2019. Opinions expressed need not represent those of CAMRA Ltd or its officials

HILLSIDE BREWERY FRONT COVER COMPETITION WINNER: Attending the Kidderminster Beer Festival, Cheltenham activist, Veronica Emary, sent in this great shot of a very large organ, that frankly, speaks for itself. THE BEER THAT contents: SCREAMS THE SUPERIOR Letters to the Editor page 4 Brewery News page 32 ‘SUMMER!’ NAME IN PREMIUM The Hunter’s Column page 8 Hillside Front Cover Comp. page 37 REAL ALE Cheltenham News page 12 Springboard to Success page 38 Gloucestershire News page 15 Gloucester! Glawster! page 40 North Cotswolds News page 17 A Year in the Life of the Orchard page 42 Tewkesbury News page 20 Dodgy Ticker - Top Breweries page 48 Forest of Dean News page 25 Gloucester Prize Wordsearch page 49 Competition - Name that Pub page 29 What’s Coming Up? page 52 Stroud News page 30 CAMRA contacts page 54

THE SMOOTHEST, THE WISE CHOICE SILKIEST OF OF CLASSIC CONTRIBUTION DEADLINES: STOUTS CASK ALE these have now changed to SECOND FRIDAY OF FEBRUARY, MAY, AUGUST AND NOVEMBER We value feedback and news from around the county, so, if you’ve got something to say, want to make a contribution, compliment or criticise, then get in touch: The Editor, The Tippler, 23 Theocs Close, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 5TX [email protected] 07977 157050 wyevalleybrewery.co.uk 3 LETTERS to the EDITOR broad-minded accepting people who embrace all cultural, religious, ethnic and gender diversity…isn’t that what being an inclusive This was raised British society is all about? at our last business meeting but we decided that although it is a good magazine we don’t think Dear Mr Editor it would rate above a number of other similar mags. It is also worth mentioning that the cover The editor of “Pints West”, which includes should contain the new CAMRA logo in one the Bristol area operates a subscription of several choices of colour in either the top scheme. right or bottom right corner. If you don’t have You send him 10 First Class stamps and access to this logo please let me know, I have your name and address. He sends you the next some options saved but could get the whole five editions of the magazine with a reminder range if required. to renew with the last one. LETTERS Cheers Very best wishes, John Crossley to the Alan Hale Chair - Cheltenham CAMRA

Chris replies: Chris replies: EDITOR Many thanks for the email. Hello John, Good idea. I currently run something Just as a point of interest, so I can improve similar for the half dozen people who want things, what are these other publications that the magazine, they come from all over the Some of us old codgers are still happy to use the services of I can aspire to? If you could send me that place, so it’s interesting to see who reads the the Royal Mail, and we actively encourage all forms of (preferably printable!) information I’d appreciate it. communication. So get writing letters, sending emails and get your news, views and Tippler. comments published! I must admit, I haven’t formalised the arrangement, but maybe it’s time to get Dear Chris Hi Chris, Chris Replies: myself into the 21st century. I must pass on my appreciation of the last It only dawned on me when reading your Many thanks for the email. two editions of the Tippler which were excellent note about blonde beer, when one should use On the competitions front, I’ll add your For the attention of Branch Chairmen: reading. Your entry to CAMRA for possible the 'e'. Dizzy Blonde being a good example, so name to the list for the draw for the brewery Magazine of the Year Awards award is supported by this Branch and we thank you for that. As for beers, well they must tour tickets. hope you get some recognition. As you know On the subject of ease of entry/answer all be female, since brewers only use female Hello chaps, the Gloucestershire Branches’ respective that’s a difficult balance. You’d be surprised hops. Bit difficult to follow that argument with Chairman have met regularly over the past two how few people join in our competitions, Isn’t it about time the Tippler got put in for years with a view to the input of content. You Trooper though, and its promotional style to normally because they believe that there are this? If it were put in by four separate chairs have some really excellent contributors with use another (Mrs) Robinson's example. hundreds and hundreds of entries, the reality (or any other furniture group) it would show some very interesting articles in both the last I should take this opportunity to answer your is, everyone who enters is in with a good a great amount of cohesion and might carry a two editions. I hope you can print this in your pub competition question, but may I request chance of winning. The last two competitions bit more weight, who knows? reader section and encourage your scribes to that you make them a little more challenging? have appeared too challenging, so I’m still keep up their excellent contributions. All of looking for the right balance. you please keep up the excellent work. It's pretty obvious when Dick Whittington is Cheers! visible in the photo. Regarding blondes, I pretty much decided that beer must be feminine, particularly the likes Regards Keep up the good work. of Dorothy Goodbody’s various incarnations, Chris Leibbrandt that doesn't mean however, that they couldn’t Roger Price Russell Murfitt identify as what they wanted. After all we are Editor - The Tippler Chairman - North Cotswolds CAMRA the 4 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 5 LETTERS to the EDITOR LETTERS to the EDITOR Chris replies: certainly free houses - must be food-led. That’s what is going to attract the footfall. It some of the Hello Roger, good food in may be that Simon could tailor an advert many other CAMRA attractive surroundings. specifically for the Tippler emphasising the magazines around, we don’t, Many thanks for the email, it is very much beers he sells on hand-pumps - but it may also after all, want to be preaching to the choir, appreciated. Long may they thrive. be that your readership should realise that, if rather engaging a new and younger audience Always happy to publish articles and he weren’t a keen ale connoisseur, he wouldn’t to, like us, love the diversity of real ale. content, so keep your guys contributing and Yours, be advertising in the Tippler in the first place. keeping the magazine as diverse and interesting Zachary Paxton I’m sure you have better things to do than Cheers! as possible. I’d particularly like more about read my emails but I just wanted to emphasise cider and perry, and have something ready Chris replies: the idea that, for all its possible faults, the Tuns for that. Also I’d also welcome a wider range remains a beer-driven pub and shouldn’t get Hi Chris, of demographics, gender and age, otherwise Hello Zachary, a reputation otherwise, least of all from the we’ll all end up as beard and sandals merchants, readers of the Tippler - or else the management I’m not usually one to bitch but I was a little and we wouldn’t want that! Many thanks for the letter, one that I might reconsider their strategy and sell fewer upset by the credits for the Cheltenham Beer appreciate. ales (or more of the more expensive lagers!). Week collaboration beer in the Autumn issue On this occasion I will, because I am able of the Tippler. Sir, to, change my mind, (something I suspect the Wishing you all the best, Battledown Brewery is omitted despite voting public of the UK may be able to learn having been one of the few breweries who I appreciate that you have closed the from) and publish your correspondence in the Zachary Paxton actually had much to do with it. On the brew correspondence on the subject of the Seven pages of the Tippler. day there were only three who were at the Tuns in Chedworth but I though I might just Your letter puts forward some very good Chris replies: brewery. Our Head Brewer - Richard Taylor, weigh in given the recent controversy in your points, not only in the defence of the pub, Sam from Goff’s, who assisted Richard, and me! pages. I have been going there both before but also its pricing policy, real ale selection Hello Zachary, I wonder if it would be possible for you to and after last year’s refurbishment and, while and its policy that sometimes things have include something in the next edition to put there are certain things to regret (the loss of to change to survive, it’s the thorny, but Many thanks for the email. this right? the skittle alley, in particular), I am at a loss to essential question between preservation understand why some of your readers are so and conservation. In this case, conservation, The ongoing life of rural and village pubs With best regards upset about it. pragmatism and a sound financial model have is of great concern, but, unfortunately not to Yes, a traditionally-styled country pub has won over. the Government who see them as a source of Roland Elliott-Berry been changed into something with cleaner, It also puts together a fine list of pubs in tax revenue, rather than a community asset, Battledown Brewery sleeker lines and, yes, a good deal of atmosphere the vicinity that have a good food and real how many villages can you drive through in has been lost. But times will always change ale offering that is successful and, dare I say the county and the wider Cotswolds and no- Chris replies: and it’s clear to me that, as well as providing it, keeping the local community well served, tice no pubs at all, just weekend houses and decent food and wine, the current management and as you say, long may they thrive! cottages inhabited for 2/7ths of the week. I Hello Roland, maintain a keen passion for ale. There have guess it is the nature of village life that we always been four different beers on when I You’re welcome, Chris! all want preservation, but nowadays it is no Many thanks for the email. have visited (sometimes five), well kept and longer a possibility, we have to change or ossify. I am sorry about the errors, and only too pleasingly varied. By and large, they are less I didn’t really write in expectation of being When you do get some investment, it can pleased to attribute the plaudits to the right than four pounds a pint, as well, which places published (and I wouldn’t like to upset anyone always look too radical, but better that than people. them squarely within the local price-point. with, what shall I say, entrenched views), more another weekend retreat for an outsider. Not wanting to dodge the issue, but the Rather than decry a landlord’s attempts to to let you know that at least one of your readers It is refreshing to get the views that are write up was sent in to me by those who make over a pub in order to attract a profitable reckons that diversity is important. well thought out looking at both sides of an worked on it, so I had to trust those sources clientele, I would have thought we should be Things must change, and I honestly don’t argument, for too long CAMRA has been seen (sounds like a tabloid doesn’t it). It is, however, celebrating a successful outlet which serves think CAMRA members have anything to as the the realm of old men with beards, (and a very unusual occurrence, they are usually proper beer. In the same vicinity, you can complain about from the new Tuns: as I said in I know my granddaughters would say I was scrupulously diligent in their articles and news. enjoy the Inn at Fossebridge, the Mousetrap at my last email, it serves more - and more varied one of those). Like the diversification that Bourton-on-the-Water and the Plough at Cold - ale than it ever did before. includes food led pubs, CAMRA’S image needs Cheers! Aston, all pubs with on-going commitments to Contemporary economics pretty much to change to appear more inclusive, hence the real ale, as well as the determination to provide insist that pubs outside conurbations - and Tippler being a little bit more energetic than Chris Leibbrandt - Editor the 6 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale 7 h#ps://www.vinorama.at/Brauereien/Ruegener-Insel-Brauerei-GmbH-Rambin-auf-Ruegen/BalOc-Stout-12er- ’, Karton.html anonymous enough but, whilst Pimlico ale was the most browsing the wall displays, we sought after tipple of the discovered that The Plumbers period and pubs named after

THE HUNTER S was the place that Lady Lucan the brew proliferate.” I must had burst into, on the fateful make sure my passport is up evening of 7 November 1974, to date. covered in blood and fearing Our very own, home for her own life, after discovering grown ‘Lord Lucan’, as I said COLUMN that her husband Lord Lucan earlier, bears absolutely no had bludgeoned their nanny resemblance to the 7th Earl; Escaping the flooding, Cerevisaphile, historian, etymolo- Sandra Rivett to death. We far from it. 14 bottles of Weiss gist, film critic and raconteur, a London visit ends with our remembered it well. It was Bier was the second of the intrepid, hero anticipates some Germanic beer. He says: the scandal of its time and 3 Magi-cal gifts bestowed. I’’ m dreaming of a weiss christmas... kept on running because of There was quite a selection: the mystery surrounding his Erdinger, both weiss and disappearance. He seemed dunkel – that’s not wise and Christmas came early this year. In the midst In 1864 after an embankment gave way, over to have vanished into thin air, dunce head, just white and of a November flood that affected not only 240 people died. At the 150th anniversary of reputedly assisted by wealthy dark; Konig Ludwig Weissbier Tewkesbury but Doncaster and Sheffield in the the disaster in 2014, the Bradfield Brewery friends. There were rumours Hell, nothing to do with AC/DC, north too, and to date in a worse way, a timely produced a special "flood beer" known as Dam of a suicide or faked suicide comes from the originators Lord appeared on our door step offering gifts It. Maybe subtlety isn’t one of their strong by drowning but nothing was of the 1516 Bavarian purity from afar. Not your average seasonal offerings points; flying mallets spring to mind. ever proved. Now anyone who goes missing law, Reinheitsgebot. They of gold, frankincense and mirth (we all like a Richard John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan (18 even for a short while is said to have done a were also the founding laugh at Christmas) but, from far away in December 1934 – disappeared 8 November ‘Lord Lucan’. Maybe not one of Eton’s most family of Oktoberfest. There NetherNether Land, he bestowed wondrous 1974), commonly known as Lord Lucan, knew illustrious alumni and we all know one or two was one bottle which stood gifts of gold-labelled Highland Park Single Malt a thing or two of them. out, Rugener Insel Brauerei’s Scotch Whisky – The Orkney Single Malt With about flying Belgravia sits wealthily over the road from Baltic Stout 7.5%. The bottle Viking Soul; a large crate of Weiss Bier and a fine mallets, or at Pimlico. It was in The Willow Walk, a decent has a dark paper wrapping, miscellany of cheeses (we all like to smile for least blunt Wetherspoon’s outlet, very conveniently which ceremoniously the camera at Christmas). Lord Lucan, as objects, too. situated directly opposite Victoria Station announced that it had won he is known locally, bears no resemblance (appropriately the rear (Br)-exit), that I soon Gold at the World Beer whatsoever in character or discovered why I needed a Passport to Pimlico. Awards Germany 2017 appearance to his infamous It is hard to imagine that this busy transport in the Stout & Porter name sake and was acting most hub was once a causeway across the marshy category. This could be generously in the true Spirit of ground between the Abbott’s Manor House the Christmas Special Christmas For a favour that had and Westminster Abbey, where he used to I had been waiting for; been done, palates were to be clock in. Once known as Abbott’s Lane, by the to be stored in a cold sated. It really felt like the Thirst 1700’s it was an attractive avenue of pollarded Day of Christmas. The very next place (but not too cold willows, from which it took its new name. This for me) and excitedly day, pipe-sucking Bing Crosby was long before Stanley Holloway and Margaret was on the telly in the perennial opened and guzzled Rutherford’s time and the making of the on Christmas Day - White Christmas and I had not classic Ealing comedy. ‘Spoons’ are very good seen one snowflake yet - or any Lord Lucan with his much be#er ‘other half’ flood permitting. It h#ps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bingham,_7th_Earl_of_Lucan at local history, and one of the Willows many looks as though there other local youths. There was On a recent visit to wall displays explained that the word Pimlico may be more weiss still over a month to go but the London we were looking means beer. It is believed to have derived from than virtue this coming roasted ducks were all lining up. for a pub in the Victoria the Spanish word “pimplar, which means to Christmas but it’s not Doncaster, where the Don flows area and after browsing booze or drink to excess. The original Pimlico every day is it? And no longer quietly, and Sheffield the CAMRA WhatPub was a hamlet that took its name from the neither would you wish did have it bad; especially the website, we made Pimlico Tavern, around which it grew up. The it to be. Or would you? village of Fishlake – maybe there a ‘plumb line’ for the origin of the tavern goes back to Ben Pimlico was a clue in the name. Floods Plumbers Arms in Lower who brewed a nut-brown ale in Hoxton. By are not new to Sheffield but it Belgravia Street. It 1609 the brewer was the legendary Elinour doesn’t make it any pleasanter. seemed pleasant and Rummin, ‘the famous Ale Wife of England’. The Hunter the h#ps://www.themoviedb.org/tv/82438-and-quiet-flows-the-don/images/posters 8 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 9 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Gloucestershire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) will take place at the Stroud Brewery, Kingfisher Business Park, Brimscombe, Stroud GL5 2BY at 7.45pm on Tuesday 4th February, 2020.

Nominations are invited for the offices of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Pub Coordination Officer, Pub Preservation Officer and for four ordinary committee members. They should show the candidates name, the office for which he/ she is nominated, the names and signatures of the proposer and seconder and the candidate’s signature to indicate his/her willingness to serve. Candidates, proposers and seconders must be members in good standing of the Gloucestershire branch of CAMRA.

Nominations, as well as any motions for debate at the meeting should be sent to the Secretary: Mr Richard Holt, 14 Clock Tower Road, Longford, Gloucester GL2 9FP, or may be handed in at the meeting.

this publication is edited, designed and created by

CHARISMATIC MARKETING LIMITED To find out about our design, advertising, sales and promotional literature services, and how we can help your local business call Chris on 07977 157050 [email protected] NEWS FROM THE CHELTENHAM BRANCH Cheltenham CAMRA The Royal Oak, Prestbury Now owned by Butcombe Brewery, the Celebrates 4th Real Ale Festival Royal Oak is an attractive, 16th century Cotswold stone pub, situated in reputedly Britain’s most haunted village. With its cosy lounge bar, snug restaurant and large, well- kept gardens, the Royal Oak is the perfect pub as the nights draw in. A recent revamp has extended the dining area, and added a new small room (replacing the old kitchen), without spoiling the traditional look and feel of the pub. “Our autumn award recognises the Royal Oak as an appealing Cotswold pub. The garden is inviting on warmer autumn days, while the stone and flag floor interior, well-kept real ales and delicious food invite you in, especially as the nights get progressively colder,” said Branch Chair John Crossley. Cheltenham CAMRA’s 4th Real Ale Festival “Tom and his team have worked hard to is over: the beer downed and Cheltenham balance the needs of locals, tourists and the Ladies’ College is back to normal. “It was a many racegoers who visit throughout the year. fun festival,” said organiser Grant Cook. “We That the Royal Oak maintains such a welcoming Manager of the Royal Oak, Tom Wright, receiving the Cheltenham Autumn Pub of the Year Award from Branch had a great deal of positive comments about atmosphere is a great achievement”, said John. Chair John Crossley. the venue, surely one of the most exclusive beer festival venues in the UK, and of course, the quality of the real ale, cider and perry. “This year we decided to make things easier to the brewers, beer agents, cider makers and for vegan beer drinkers by having a specific particularly to Severn Brewing, who provided in brief... bay dedicated to vegan beers. Some 12 of the all the beer stillage. 80 beers on offer were vegan, and many drinkers The Beers of the Festival, based on the first were keen to learn about the difference between to sell out, were: Just up from the Vine, the ‘Angry Parrot standard real ales and their vegan alternatives. The Brown Jug, Bath Road, has reverted to its original name after a couple of years as the Micropub Company Ltd’ is seeking planning ‘Hogless Roast’ provided hot vegan food to 1. Titanic - Chocolate and Vanilla Stout complement the vegan beer.” ‘Sup & Chow’. It has returned to being more of permission to open a new venue. If approved, Friday was particularly well attended, with 2. Bristol Beer Factory - Pale Blue Dot a traditional pub. the micropub is due to open in February with nearly half the beer sold on the first day. Nearby the Five Alls has had a major 6 ales straight from the barrel. There will be no Saturday’s attendance was down a little on 3. Quantock - QBNZ revamp. The pub entrance has been moved, live or pre-recorded music, TV, events, gaming expected numbers, due partly to the early toilets relocated, bar area reduced and a new machines, Wi-Fi or hot food - other than bar England vs South Africa Rugby World Cup The festival charity ‘Midlands Air Ambulance’ kitchen has been installed. These changes snacks such as crisps, nuts and pickled eggs. Final and later because of organised firework will benefit from the generosity of festival goers have created a new and enlarged pub, with The Beaufort Arms on London Road has displays around Cheltenham. However, overall who donated unused beer tokens and cash. three ever-changing ales. The pub is now run undergone major alterations over the past two sales were above target. Live music on both “Cheltenham Ladies’ College and all their by former managers of the Strand, Hewlett, years but looks like re-opening as a free house, days added to the atmosphere. staff were very supportive, with Anna in and Royal. reduced in size, possibly a micropub, before Cheltenham CAMRA would like to thank all particular always ready to help,” said Grant. the volunteers, who all put in a real effort ranging “We need to sit down and look at the figures, The Old Restoration has new management Christmas. from planning meetings to set-up, festival service and to hold a wash-up meeting to judge the and dropped the ‘Smokehouse’ suffix to the The Kings Arms in Prestbury, a former to takedown. Without their sterling work no outcomes and how we can take things forward name. It is much as it was a year ago with pre- Green King pub, is due to open as a Raymond festival could take place. Thanks are also due next year.” dominately Butcombe beers. Blanc pub/brasserie before Christmas. the 12 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale www.cheltenhamcamra.org.uk 13 NEWS FROM THE CHELTENHAM BRANCH gloucestershire branch Christmas Sing-along for GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S Midland Air Ambulance 45th AGM A charity ‘sing-along’, organised by On 4th help the Branch evolve. Our sub branches of Cheltenham CAMRA in aid of the Midland Air February 2020 Cirencester, Dursley, Forest of Dean, Gloucester Ambulance, will take place at the Brewhouse Gloucestershire and Stroud have all seen a growth in numbers & Kitchen, in Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter. Branch will hold its 45th but not all have experienced a similar increase The ‘sing-along’ will take place on Wednesday, Annual General Meeting, the in active membership. Active membership 11th December at 7.30pm. Christmas carols and formal notification is published on page 10 of can be simply supporting a pub, entering beer songs will be led by ‘Gren’ on the piano, with this edition of the Tippler. scores on the National Beer Scoring System lyric sheets provided so that everyone can join As I have only been involved in CAMRA found on What Pub, coming along to social in. since 2010, forty five years seems a long time, meetings, volunteering at a beer festival, or “There will be a prize raffle in aid of this and although we still have members who were being involved in organising. Being involved is great cause. If anyone can provide additional involved in the founding of the Branch, things whatever is right for you as an individual, but if prizes then that would be great,” said organiser, have changed and evolved. you have some time to spare come along and Veronica Emary. “All monies raised on the The Branch started off geographically as support the AGM. Not only is it being held at night will be combined with the donations the whole county, but first North Cotswold the Stroud Brewery, but we’ll also provide a received from the recent Cheltenham Real Ale decided they could best serve their area as buffet! Festival.” an independent branch, then Cheltenham, Midlands Air Ambulance is the charity and most recently, Tewkesbury. Whilst we Margaret Wilkins responsible for funding and operating three are proud that these branches have found a Chair, Gloucestershire CAMRA air ambulances serving the communities of six strength in membership to ‘run their own ship’, Midlands counties: Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, it left a void in Gloucestershire. A bit like a Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and doughnut really, a hole in the middle and the West Midlands. This constitutes the largest nibbled round the edge. Even though part of it air ambulance operating region in the UK. has gone, it is still a doughnut and what is left The Midlands Air Ambulance charity of the Branch remains as Gloucestershire. receives no Government or National Lottery Ask yourself the question – why did I join funding. Each Air Ambulance mission costs CAMRA? Then ask – am I getting what I want £2,500 and in excess of £9 million is needed out of my membership? At the risk of some each year to keep its three air ambulances of you saying, not a lot, and deciding not operational. to renew, consider whether you can make a difference and fulfil your reasons for joining by coming to have your say or even to volunteer to support the work of the Branch. Each year we seek nominations for the If you have any brewery or pub news, position of Chair, as well as Pubs Officer. The current Secretary and Treasurer are happy comments, views or stories contact to seek re-election, but there are other roles which support the committee, although not [email protected] core committee positions, these include: Pub CONTRIBUTION DEADLINES: Preservation Officer and Transport Officer. These positions are great for anyone with a SECOND FRIDAY OF real interest in those areas. If anyone would like to talk through any position please contact me on [email protected] FEBRUARY, MAY, AUGUST AND NOVEMBER or telephone me on 07908 699809. Nothing stands still, and the changes will the 14 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale 7500 customers believe NEWS FROM NORTH COTSWOLD BRANCH

DRINKS LWC makes the dierence MONTHLY PUB WALKS MONTHLY PUB WALKS

We have now completed 94 We have 86 pubs in the area and walks around our pubs in the each one will eventually figure in North Cotswold area. Generally the process. Reports on all walks The Uk’s largest cask ale supplier with over 50 4 or 5 miles easy walking these are are available on our website www. held monthly on the first Saturday of the northcotswoldcamra.org.uk together with dierent casks in stock at any time. month starting at 10:30 am from the pub car the route and photographs. park returning at 12:30 pm for lunch.

The next walks are as follows:- call Roger Price on 01451 810305 or just turn up. Dogs welcome Access to cask ales from all over the country through on leads.

our network of 15 depots. Last year we listed and sold No 95 Sat 7th December - New Inn, Willersey to welcome new management. over 1500 dierent cask ales. No 96 – Sat Jan 4th – The Stump, Foss Cross, formerly Hare and Hounds No 97 – Sat Feb 1st – Horse and Groom, Upper Oddington. No 98 – Sat Mar 7th – Royal Oak, Andoversford. Designated cask coordinator at each depot. No 99 – Sat Apr 4th- Redesdale Arms, Moreton. No 100 – Sat May 2nd – Horse and Groom, Bourton on the Hill.

Ocial supplier to CAMRA BEER FESTIVALS 2020 19th Ale and Steam Weekend 19th - 21st June We are much more than just the UK’s largest and most extensive cask supplier, we are a composite 13th Moreton Beer Festival 11th - 12th September wholesaler of beer, wines and spirits who pride Further information on our website: ourselves on our product range (over 5000), www.northcotswoldcamra.org.uk high levels of service and industry knowledge. Face Book Weekend Away A link to this site is on our web pagehttps:// Destination is Llandudno on 18th to 21st To find out more about LWC and our products www.facebook.com/North-Cotswolds-CAM- September. The weekend is mainly a GBG pub please phone: 01568 616193 RA-the-Campaign-for-Real-Ale-in-the-North- tour plus walks on Sat and Sun. Most members Cotswolds-1022351584505679/?fref=nf are staying at The Bay Marine Hotel. (Coast and or visit our website at: Country, Bay Hotel Group.) www.lwc-drinks.co.uk Real Ale Trails Autumn Pub of the Year Planned for Spring Friday 13th March. Details to follow. Bourton on the Water. Mousetrap, Awarded to new owners at the Horse and Wellington, Mance, Kingsbridge, Old New Inn. Groom, Upper Oddington. See article.

Day Away 2020 The seasonal award applies to our branch area’s Saturday 16th May Visit to Hereford by Train. most improved pub irrespective of whether or not it’s in the current GBG guide. service product knowledge www.northcotswoldcamra.org.uk 17 was closely followed by Goldie, an organic 4% Particular thanks goes to our usual stalwarts IPA from Yubberton, brewed by the Stroud who worked tirelessly on Sunday morning Brewery. The first cider to run out was Old packing up the empty barrels and racking for Stag Whisky cider at 8%, a multiple festival collection and clearing the site. winner from Fairford followed by Elderflower Many thanks to all for a great festival, come Infusion at 6.5% from Priors Tipple another back next year for the 13th Festival on the 11th multiple winner. and 12th September 2020. By the close on Saturday, half the barrels had completely run out with the rest well gone. The remainder being discounted to Martin Jones campers on Sunday morning amounting to Moreton Festival Director around 3 bbls, similar to 2018. The remainder of the great cider and perry range was passed on to grateful campers and other outlets. The picture of the helpers was taken before Thanks to all our helpers, sponsors and to the opening on Saturday morning where they the Moreton Cricket Club for the venue. We are seen wearing the smart new purple festival would all like to welcome the 17 new CAMRA shirts sponsored by the Crown and Trumpet in members who signed up through the weekend. Broadway.

THE HORSE & GROOM in ODDINGTON North Cotswold Branch awarded its Autumn Pub of the Season to the Horse & Groom at Upper Oddington near Stow on the Wold. Record Weather and Saturday crowd at the Moreton Beer and had attended all previous eleven festivals. The Pub has they got things right with the beer, as he Cider Festival 2019. Afternoon entertainment was provided by recently been lived in Chiswick he attended a Fullers Eden Bay, our own James Long with his brother bought by Norman cellar management course. They have also The North Cotswold branch of CAMRA in law, playing on stage for the first time Liu and Warren had a Cask Marque visit to confirm things staged the 12th festival at Moreton Cricket were a tremendous duo followed by the band Turner as their are running properly in the cellar. Club on the weekend of 13th/14th September. Wired from 8:00pm rounding off a very busy first venture into The Branch was impressed with the quality We were blessed with three dry sunny days evening. the licensing trade and range of offering on the three hand that attracted a record attendance of over Throughout the weekend, local Butcher having previously pumps which includes Wye Valley Bitter 1000 people, many camping onsite in tents, lived and worked in and Butty Bach, Stroud’s Tom Long and R & D Walker provided extensive catering from caravans and motor homes. a large airy tent including a pig roast, burgers, London. Prescott’s Hill Climb. The range of 46 beers, were sourced from pizzas, faggots and sausages. These proved They had owned Norman wants to offer various parts of the country and N. Ireland very popular especially the breakfasts served a holiday let in changing beers on two including 11 local beers. Thanks to Martyn on Friday and Saturday mornings. Moreton in Marsh of the pumps and is Herbert our Festival Beer Coordinator and the More campers and caravans arrived for through which busy tasting other local Good Beer Company. The beer styles included the Saturday 11:00am opening. Regular band they got the hospitality bug and started breweries’ offerings to pale ale, bitters, porters, stouts and mild. A Good Intent played a long afternoon set the search for a pub to buy. They looked be featured in future. broader range of 25 ciders and perry came appreciated by a record Saturday crowd, at premises all over the country before For cider drinkers from Hereford, Gloucestershire and Somerset followed by Driving Sideways for the evening by chance Warren visited the Horse and Dunkerton’s Black Fox chosen by our cider coordinator, James Fry. In session, a late replacement for the Dropouts Groom for some food. His mother passed and Craft Organic cider total, 71 choices. who...er, dropped out. As usual, locals turned comment that it would be the ideal premises is also on offer. Friday opened at 11am and the crowds built out in numbers swelling the audience who for them. As luck would have it, a week up, tasting the range of quality ale and cider kept up the dancing through until 11:00pm. later it came on the market and they took North Cotswold Pubs Officer The first beer to run out on the Saturday the plunge and bought it. Martin Jones presents Norman Norman explained that he and Warren Liu with the Autumn Seasonal in pristine condition. CAMRA members from afternoon was Knockout Belfast IPA (5.5%) from Award whilst being watched are keen real ale drinkers and to ensure by the pub dog Beaker. near and far turned out in force, many who N. Ireland so winning Beer of the Festival. This the 18 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale www.northcotswoldcamra.org.uk 19 NEWS FROM THE TEWKESBURY BRANCH DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR THE CROSS HOUSE TAVERN 2020 2020

It was a double celebration for Laurence, Cath and all the team at The Cross House Tavern recently when they were presented with two awards by Steve Kisby Chair of Tewkesbury CAMRA. Firstly, in recognition of the outstanding transformation undergone by The Cross House from a rundown shop unit into stunning Victorian style pub Tewkesbury Branch presented a richly deserved Special Merit Award. The Cross House Tavern has been recommended to appear in a CAMRA publication on the best pub conversions and more accolades are sure to be forthcoming. 25th Tewkesbury The double celebration came with The Cross House winning Tewkesbury CAMRA’s Pub of the Season (Summer 2019) award by a popular vote of local members. Winter Ales Festival Thursday 6th February - Saturday 8th February Watson Hall, Barton Street, GL20 5PX

Thursday 6th February 7:00pm - 11:00pm (CAMRA members with card only ) Friday 7th February 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Saturday 8th February 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Entry £6.00 per session NEW! ALL SESSIONS PASS - £10 (including souvenir glass) No glass refunds

TEWKESBURY WINTER ALES FESTIVAL Where does the time go? It doesn’t seem five minutes since we were sitting in the White Bear skittle alley enjoying a pint at the 1st Tewkesbury Winter Ales Festival and now we are well into 80 Winter Ales + Local Ciders & Perries the planning process for the 25th. The team are already on the case sourcing 80 Winter Ales, some old favourites..some new, freshly made locally sourced food many of which you will struggle to find anywhere else. So if you like your beers dark and strong don’t miss this chance and come along to the 25th www.tewkesbury.camra.org.uk Tewkesbury Winter Ales Festival from 6th - 8th February 2020. the 20 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale The inside at the moment looks like a building site but renovation work will start in march 2020, there is no current completion date declared as the owners want the refurbishment completed NEWS FROM THE to a high standard keeping the pub as original as possible and being sympathetic to its age and TEWKESBURY BRANCH heritage as the oldest pub in the county. A Walk Around Ye Old Black Bear

As part of the Pub History Society Tewkesbury tour, a small group of us had the pleasure of being allowed to go inside the pub and view progress of the renovation work. We would like to thank Beth Anderson who gave us full access to the pub and provided insight into the vision the Here are a couple of pictures of the inside ongoing owners Graham and Luke Haynes have regarding the ongoing works, the first two are of the main room (the old restoration and revised layout of the pub. Rugby Club) where the toilets used to be. The owners of the pub purchased it back in early 2017, and then spent well over a year consulting the local historians, town planning and architects and then finally drawing up plans to restore the inside and outside to its former glory. The plans were submitted on the 10th May 2018 and accepted on the 13th December 2018. Work this year has been concentrating on undoing some of the later 20th century works for a new covered courtyard area and removing the existing toilet block and bar area in preparation for the new pub layout which will look like this:

View looking towards the old Bar area and the bottle was discovered after removing the old cladding, I just wonder how long that has been there!

View of the rear of the pub and the old bar area.

As you can see there is significant work to be done and I personally would like to thank Beth and the owners for allowing us inside and taking the time to share their vision and passion for restoring our oldest pub. The owners have decided not to include the toilet block next to the main bar so that the two Ian Mence front Windows will let in light to that end of the room. Tewkesbury CAMRA Secretary the 22 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale www.tewkesbury.camra.org.uk 23 from around the ... another good year POSTLIP 2019 forest of dean... At the sub branch AGM on 24th October a The new committee comprises:- formal committee was elected. Alec Keane is no longer chairman, and our thanks go to him for his stalwart efforts over the last three years Chairman - Dave Fleming or so. Secretary - Martin Hillier For all news and events, contact Dave Fleming: Pubs Officer - Geoff Sandles [email protected] Social Officer - Andy Tubb phone: 01594 543856 Brewery Liaison Officer - Andy Tubb (Hillside Brewery) Weekly meetings will continue as usual for the time being, and special events will be Brewery Liaison Officer - Dave Fleming the calm before ... the storm notified by email. (Bespoke Brewery) Setting up beforehand. Must admit the four Well, yes we did have a rain storm on the of us here didn’t really lift all those barrels... Friday evening but it didn’t dampen spirits But why not help us to set up next year? too much. Another very successful event. Promoting and Preserving Pubs in the Forest of Dean, with support from the local CAMRA branch

The boundaries of the Forest of Dean are quite extensive. The administrative District Council stretches as far as Dymock and Newent in the north east, including most of the west side of the River Severn south of Gloucester. Even the ‘Welsh’ side of the original Severn Bridge around Beachley is part of the Forest of Dean and Gloucestershire – yet that area has a Newport postcode. To simplify matters the Tewkesbury Town Band on top form ... and then the walk home Forest of Dean CAMRA branch takes in the postal codes GL15 (Lydney), GL16 (Coleford) and photo credits: Gilbert Turner GL17 (Cinderford). It could be described as the land of the Rising Sun, as the names of pubs in Bream, Moseley Green and Woolaston Common will testify. With a hint of industrial history with pub names at the Blacksmiths Arms in Alvington, Miners at Sling and Whitecroft, and the Forge Hammer & 17-19 July Jovial Colliers in Lydbrook. Add to the mix an Ostrich at Newland plus a Red Hart, an Old White Mark your diary now Hart, two White Horses and a Swan and Greyhound in Lydney and you have a selection of POSTLIP 2020 long-established Forest of Dean pubs. And spare a thought for the poor old Kings Head which And Can You Help? The Cotswold Beer Festival has been a great event for over 40 has been axed at Berry Hill, Blakeney, Coleford and Littledean. Even the esteemed Royal Oak is years - one of the oldest beer festivals in the country - but it does need more help if it no more, or silently slumbering, in Whitecroft. is to survive. Being behind the bar for perhaps A count of the active number of pubs currently trading gives a total of about 60. It’s a just a few hours is the most effective way to help. constantly changing number and difficult to quantify when taking on the precise definition of what constitutes a pub. The long-established Golden Lion in Cinderford High Street, for example, Many of us have been around since the early years looks like a pub yet currently serves essentially only as a weekend night club. Then there are and would appreciate a bit of a rest now and then! those high-market restaurant styled ‘gastro-pubs’ (Speech House), café orientated establishments Helping should not be a chore. In fact it can be that happen to sell beer, pubs that are currently closed but are being refurbishedwith a view of great fun as two of our regulars here seem to be reopening (Brockweir Inn). Add to the list social and private members clubs scattered around the Forest and the list can never be definitive. showing... If you can give any of your time over There was once an abundance of pubs in the Forest of Dean (as seen in local newspaper the weekend we’d love to have you on board. cuttings above) reflecting the past industrial landscape, a labour-intensive workforce employed Visit: www.postlip.camra.org.uk/volunteering/ in mining and quarrying able to support and sustain many traditional wet led pubs. the 24 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 25 The demographic has changed completely, sole incentive of driving custom away to claim styled old fashioned English with the surviving pubs now only supporting the that the business is no longer viable. It has bitters delicately balanced with local trade with the influx of tourism. Inevitably, been done many times before and the owners malt and hops, or indeed even many pubs had to close, no longer serving usually get their way – releasing the valuable low strength but flavoursome the working community that they had once land for change of use to housing, etc. dark milds, are often overlooked. served. There were simply too many pubs and The provision, choice and quality of real ale Finding the perfect mix of an it would be churlish to lament the passing and is usually an excellent tool in assessing the interesting range of real ales to demise of each one without considering the fortunes of a pub – either for the good or bad. satisfy both quality and various changing economies and social structure. Cask ale requires a fast turnover to maintain alternative styles is a not an easy Yet, in recent years ‘last orders’ has been quality. Pubs with constantly changing and thing to achieve without a loyal called in too many pubs in the Forest. Blakeney, well kept ales are usually prospering, but customer base. There are only a a substantial village on the A48, no longer premises struggling to sell a small cask of beer handful of pubs in the Forest that has a pub following the closure of the Kings within four or five days are usually in need of achieve this successfully week Head. The nearby Cock Inn at Nibley was also help. Drinkers will be disappointed with badly after week. Of course, it helps if being considered for closure and conversion kept and soured flat beer and they won’t be the landlord is not restricted in to housing but has thankfully been reprieved keen to return. It could be the death knell of a his choice of guest beers by the – for now. Brierley has lost the Swan (below), pub. It would be unfair to criticize a landlord’s owning pub companies and their motivation for not permitting free access must Berry Hill has lost the Pike House and the choice of beer if he achieves a good throughput on the role of Pubs Officer. There is even a be regarded as questionable, if not suspicious. Kings Head. Broadwell has lost the Bird in and can maintain quality. There are a few dedicated Facebook Group (facebook.com/ The allocation of pubs selected in the Hand (right). Clements End near Sling has lost mainstream and widely available cask beers forestofdeancamra/) and Twitter account. Forest of Dean that are included in the 2020 the Montague Inn. Mile End has lost the Royal like Sharps Doom Bar offered at a competitive I see the role of Pubs Officer as promoting and CAMRA Good Beer Guide is currently just Forest. The list goes on. discount (and perhaps a covenant attached preserving the pubs of the Forest of Dean so eight - The Red Hart at Blaisdon, the Dog House The pub cannot survive without support to their supply) that are seen too often in pubs that, hopefully, future generations can enjoy Micro Pub in Coleford, the Royal Spring at from the local community. The common these days. It’s certainly real ale by definition their hospitality. From the CAMRA viewpoint Lydbrook, the Rising Sun at Moseley Green, adage ‘use it or lose It’ is now more relevant and those beers may be enjoyed by the casual the quality of good and well-kept real ales are the Fountain Inn in Parkend, the White Horse than ever. Changing lifestyles, easy access to ale drinker but are hardly inspiring or likely to paramount, but the support extends not only at Upper Soudley, the Lyon Inn at Westbury excite the taste buds. to real ale pubs but to any landlord who feels cheaper supermarket beer, the smoking ban on Severn and the Rising Sun at Woolaston There is a bewildering choice of real ales that their decisions are being undermined by and other factors have been attributed to the Common. A selection chosen by the Forest out there and the knowledgeable and any the owning pub companies that might have an demise of the pub. A more sinister factor is of Dean CAMRA branch for their continued enterprising landlord will seek to provide his alternative agenda, with a possible view of asset the deliberate running down of a pub, usually excellence in serving great and varied ales. All customers with a range of beers, selected from stripping. Viability will have to be proven, by avaricious pub companies, purely with the the pubs are regularly visited and assessed for citric tinged along with strong support from the local golden ales their commitment to serving excellent beer, and should the quality be of concern for any community to keep their local pub. I have through to the set up a Facebook Group of which anyone darkest black number of reasons – perhaps a simple change is welcome to join. Just search for Forest of stouts and of landlord – their place in the select few is by Dean Pubs. The role of the FB Group, which porters. But no means guaranteed and an up-and-coming is not necessarily representative of the aims variety does pub may be judged worthy of inclusion at of CAMRA, is to promote and protect pubs in not necessarily their expense. Each year one pub is selected to the Forest of Dean. There will also be plenty of equate to become the CAMRA Forest of Dean ‘Pub of the variability, and Year’, of which the Red Hart at Blaisdon currently archive material of local interest. you can argue holds the title. Local CAMRA members will There is a wealth of material relating to the that there is soon be assessing the best Forest pubs with Pubs of the Forest of Dean, past and present, little point a winner announced early in the New Year. It from the archives with historical information offering four will then be entered into the Gloucestershire and a vast selection of images and photographs golden ales CAMRA Pub of the Year, an accolade that in my website www.gloucestershirepubs.co.uk with the same could ultimately lead to the prestigious title of The website is a labour of love being compiled characteristics. CAMRA National Pub of the Year. by me and fellow CAMRA member Dave Hedges. Undeniably The Forest of Dean CAMRA branch, for so It is an ambitious project to describe and popular as these long passive, has now been reinvigorated and collate information about every known pub in golden ales are, now has a fresh look committee. David Fleming Gloucestershire, but that is another story. the opportunity is the elected Chairman, Martin Hillier is the to offer some Branch Secretary, Andy Tubb is the Social traditional Secretary and myself, Geoff Sandles, has taken Geoff Sandles the 26 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 3527 This sign can be spotted outside an eponomous old porcine establishment

WINNER - brewery tour for 2 people to visit the brewery and a case of 12 bottles. RUNNER UP - brewery tour for 2 people

Send your entries, either email, or old-school post, to The Editor at the address below

[email protected] The Editor, The Tippler, 23 Theocs Close, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. GL20 5TX

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 29 from around stroud... launching the Good Beer Guide... Bob Brooks – Chair of Stroud CAMRA to the Bowbridge Lock on the Thames and Sub-Branch 2002-2019 - an appreciation Severn Canal, currently being restored, and a 15-minute walk by road or along the canal Bob became Covent Garden Beer Festival in 1975. (This was towpath from the town centre and the railway chair of the Stroud the precursor for the Great British Beer Festival station. CAMRA Sub-Branch which began in 1977.) Bob then became Re-opened in November 2016 by Harry (SB) in 2002 after the treasurer of the North London CAMRA branch. Counsell, it’s the sister pub to The Clothiers Gloucestershire Branch These enthusiasts began the London Drinker Arms on Rodborough Hill, which he has run (GB) chair decided it Beer Festival which was held in Camden Town very successfully made sense to create Hall until just last year when the Town Hall was for 19 years. It is some sub-branches. sold. Other members of this branch were John managed by Suzie He approached Bob and Christine Cryne. She was the first woman Smith. and asked him if he organiser of the GBBF and a CAMRA director. Stroud CAMRA launched the A comfortable would become the It is worth noting that women were part of new edition of the Good Beer modernised first chair of SB. Bob, CAMRA from an early stage. Guide on the 12th September at interior with sofas retiring in Autumn Bob and Muriel moved to Gloucestershire in the Bowbridge Arms (above), for lounging and 2019, therefore held 1986 for work, and Muriel recalls a bus going which is in the Good Beer tables for dining this office for 17 years. from Cheltenham Town Hall in 1987 for an Guide for the first time. Or rather, is dominated by a In 2002 the main outing to Donnington Brewery and some of back in the guide after an stonking Clearview task was to compile its pubs. She remembers picking up Bob and absence of 45 years. stove. It is family a shortlist of pubs for several others, back in Cheltenham at 1:00 am The British Oak (right), and dog friendly, the Good Beer Guide and dropping these strangers to their homes the former name of the with a separate pool room (GBG). SB had informal meetings most months around Stroud while her baby slept in a carrycot Bowbridge Arms, featured leading to a small VIP lounge on the third Tuesday of the month, as it still in the boot of their Rover hatchback. in the first proper edition furnished with comfortable does. Most were social meetings with only The beer bus was born, but happily for of the Good Beer Guide in sofas. This room can be hired one or two a year being more formal, these her, there was then a 16-year gap before Bob 1974. It served just one real for private meetings or to watch being to decide on a final list for the GBG and became chair of the SB. In that interval he ale, West Country Pale Ale sports on a large flat-screen to agree unofficial officers. This informal and continued to sample ales across the county. from Whitbread’s Flowers television. sociable approach was, in Bob's view, the way During this time GB did have beer outings and brewery in Cheltenham. In The bar opens onto a large, the sub-branch worked well as any necessary they held their meetings at different venues 1975 it was one of only four pubs in the Stroud south-facing, suntrap outdoor seating area, formality was introduced to the process at the around the county but, overall, there was not CAMRA area featured in the guide. The other including a purpose-built children’s play area, GB level. For a long time the group was able to much interest from those living in villages and three (all serving the Whitbread West Country with views across the valley to Rodborough tour the Stroud area as the Brooks had a long small towns at a distance from Gloucester and Pale Ale) have Common. wheel-based Land Rover, known as the 'beer Cheltenham. subsequently been closed or demolished - as Good value home-cooked food from a bus', which was driven by Muriel who collected Bob regrets the break-up of the GB with indeed has Whitbread’s Cheltenham brewery. simple menu, including typical pub grub, pies members for their regular trips to assess pubs North Cotswold, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham from Plenty Pies in Nailsworth, home-made for the GBG and then returned them home. setting up their own branches and therefore The Trumpet at Minchinhampton closed with burgers and steaks. Pizzas are a speciality. She also drove members to other sub- reducing the GB as well as creating more the landlady continuing to live on the premises. The pub offers beers from the St Austell/ branches to assess Pub of The Year entries, i.e. administrative costs for CAMRA. Bath Ales stable, with St Austell Proper Job Cirencester, Cheltenham, Dursley, the Forest of Bob believes the work of Stroud sub-branch The George at Nailsworth was demolished always available alongside an offering from Dean, North Cotswold and Tewkesbury. She of CAMRA is productive and notes a steady with just part of the façade preserved. Bath Ales (often Gem, Prophecy or a seasonal enjoyed seeing the pleasure members got increase in membership locally (currently beer) and a guest beer from Stroud Brewery from their assessment activities and was around 200) and nationally – nearly 200,000 The Royal Arms at Stonehouse was demolished (often Tom Long) or elsewhere. content to get on with her reading while they and he is pleased with the way in which SB for new housing, to the huge detriment of the were carrying out this vital role. has lately achieved more press and internet streetscape. Bob joined ‘The Society for The Preservation visibility, mostly due to the work of the current Tim Mars of Beers from the Wood’ about 1966 when he pubs officer. The Bowbridge Arms Pictured: Bob Jeffrey, Bob Brooks, Suzie was at Leeds University and he wrote the Beer The Bowbridge Arms is a friendly, traditional, Drinkers' column in the student newspaper. He Cotswold-stone pub at the eastern edge of Smith, Tony Hill, Richard Taylor, Tim Mars. then moved to London where he went to the Bob Jeffrey Stroud on the A419 London Road. It is close Photographs by kind permission of Bill Hicks the 30 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 31 KEEP IT DOWN KEEP IT DOWN PSST! WHAT’S HE DOBBIN, I’M straight from the horse’s mouth... DOBBIN, I’M PSST!SAYING? WHAT’S HE POSING FOR THE SAYING? POSINGTIPPLER… FOR THE TIPPLER… Georgina Young, Bath Ales’ Head Brewer brewery news said: “Festivity is a wonderful old-style porter. “Our mission is to combine tradition with vision to craft incredible British drinks. Our cidergods theme encompasses this and each beverage is based on a traditional, apple related deity. If you are looking to get hold of our cider it’s available direct through www. BeardandSabre.co.uk, via wholesale such as EeBriaTrade.com & FetchTheDrinks.com and we also deliver direct to the trade in the county, at pub friendly prices; – our range is available in 50L Sankey keg, 30L Unikeg and 20L bag in box. LISTEN “To make hopped cider, one must first be MATE,LISTEN I’VE versed in the art of conventional, traditional MATE,GOT SOME I’VE GOTNEWS SOME cidermaking. Unlike fruit additions, hops will NEWS Specially crafted with a variety of roasted not be able to save an awful batch from criticism. straight from the horse’s mouth... and caramelised malts, it’s a rich, heady and Hops, rather, work with the cider base to enhance complex beer ideally suited for the winter the natural tannins and acidity and add an months. Perfect for the run up to Christmas, inoffensive, natural flavour. At Beard & Sabre it’s best enjoyed in a cosy pub, next to a roaring we ferment with natural yeasts and our cider brewery news undergoes a two year secondary fermentation, or maturation to create a mellow cider base. Arkell’s Brewery is now The campaign is running across Arkell’s Apple varieties include Yarlington Mill, Tremlett’s recruiting for new tenants social media channels and its recruitment Bitter, Ida Red to name but a few. Typically we to run The Village Inn at website: aim for 6% ABV and a TA of 5.0g/l Malic, but Liddington; The Priory Inn at https://www.arkellsrecruitment.co.uk this will vary season to season. Tetbury and The Bell Inn at where the people interested in the current “One of our unique selling points is that Purton Stoke. vacancies can find more information. our cider is sweetened with same-pressing Arkell’s is running a apple juice prior to pack. There are many ways campaign which aims to find the people for to sweeten cider, some better than others, those roles by unveiling what it’s really like Bath Ales’ winter warmer is back and you can guarantee that everyone holds to be a pub tenant and, more specifically, an by popular demand, Bath an opinion as to which is the best. We have a Arkell’s tenant. Ales is today announcing the fire. Catch it while you can!” traditional cider brand called Iðunn – a popular The campaign return of its much-loved winter Festivity is available to select pubs across 5% medium that is unhopped and acts as a showcases some of porter. the south west from early November. Gift stepping stone into our hopped range, from the unique ‘tenant Festivity (5% abv) is now packs, 500ml bottles and micro-casks are this baseline that we can explore the vast and life’ stories that sit also available to buy from Bath Ales’ brewery available from the brewery shop and expansive realms of hopped cidermaking.” within the business select pubs across the south west. shop in Warmley and www.bathales.com/shop from a handful of The limited-edition porter – available while stocks last. Arkell’s existing throughout November and December - has The New Bespoke Brewing Co. been a firm favourite with beer fans since it Beard & Sabre, have undergone has continued working hard was first released in 2001 and has gone on tenants and managers, a rebrand and have a new logo. to champion change. All beers beginning with Paula to become one of Bath Ales’ fixed seasonal The changes come at the same have undergone a radical (above) who runs brews. time that they have launched a revamp creating eye catching The Moonrakers, and Warming and decadent, it’s the perfect new range of ciders created and alluring label and pump clip Tom (left) who runs remedy for dark, cold evenings and boasts with the use of hops, normally designs, this is to mark the The Victoria Inn at chocolate, liqueur and sweet vanilla notes, found in beer. successful end of the first year as Eastleach. with a coffee-like aroma. Tom Dunn from the cidermakers commented: new owners, and in what many consider, a new the 32 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 3533 straight from the horse’s mouth... straight from the horse’s mouth...

brewery news charity Vision 21 on new sustainable projects brewery news brewery. Each of the original beers has been in the city. stripped back and rebuilt in its original form Gloucester All this and it will be bringing out even Nationally there has been a recent surge in providing a clean crisp taste through out and Brewery has had more exciting new beers for next year. young people registering. We want to support the key consistency needed. Our flagship ale, a major rebrand that trend and encourage new voters to engage Beware the Bear has had as it serves up Inferno Brewery is in a democratic decision that continued success, both in its vision to be a carbon-neutral brewer by busy and pubs further will have a profound impact on cask and in bottle meaning 2022. Planet-friendly beers and a new range afield are seeking out the rest of their lives” says Greg brewing it fast enough is the of gin will be created by the award-winning Chris’ ales, which are being well received. He is Pilley, Managing Director. current challenge. As well as Gloucester Docks Brewery. now brewing some of his stronger winter ales X Appeal, Ballot Box Beer will this the long awaited alongside his core brews in preparation for the also be available in pubs across return of our Award Christmas Season and Tewkesbury Winter Ales Bristol and Gloucestershire. Winning Winter IPA ‘Round Festival. Currently available locally is Towering Robin’ has been racked Inferno Oatmeal Stout, 5.7%. Uley Brewery is once again at the start of November, E A R T H - C O N S C I O U S B R E W I N G brewing a winter special leaving perfect timing for and it marks the return of are supporting proper conditioning and will be enjoyed in Stroud Brewery, my personal favourite brew, the Register to Vote Stroud pubs through out the winter GLOUCESTER Severn Boar abv 6%. Copper campaign with something a season. The new Bespoke Brewery has big B R E W E R Y coloured with a rounded rich fruity flavour - EST. MMXI - little different this November… plans moving into 2020, with canning and GB (not citrus!!!) courtesy of the Bramling Cross X Appeal, Ballot Box Beer is kegging underway there should be no barrier used in second aroma hop. Available over the an organic pale ale with a bigger to get more people trying great local craft real Christmas period and early 2020. It will also purpose. ale. represent Uley Brewery at the Tewkesbury “We want to encourage as many people to Winter Ales Festival (TWAF). Can’t wait! register to vote as possible. Clavell & Hind the Earth-conscious brewing is at the heart of Birdlip based micro- a major rebrand by Gloucester Brewery aimed brewery are continuing at taking the business and its commitment to their run of seasonal climate change to the next level. beers with Sleighman, a The brewery has made a pledge to be Only four natural 4.2% Spiced Christmas carbon neutral by 2022 and it is transforming ingredients... Ale, making it a lovely UK all elements of the business with sustainability Water drawn from our own session beer for the in mind. Cotswold spring, long winter evenings. Founder of Gloucester Brewery Jared UK malted barley, hops Sleighman is available Brown said: “Very early on, we knew that this to order in cask from and yeast. future had to be a sustainable one and we mid-November alongside are fully committed to our Earth-conscious the core range: Blunderbuss (Pale brewing pledge and are looking at every part Ale), Coachman (Golden Ale), Wicked Lady of what we do to see how we can do it better (Amber Ale) and Rook Wood (Ruby Ale). The C&H tap room continues to go from when it comes to the environment. strength to strength, open every Friday from “From our energy supply, to the cars and 4-8pm. On the last Friday of each month a vans we drive and even the material our T guest pop-up kitchen is invited to join the fun, shirts and beer mats are printed on; we are as well as having the residential pianist on working hard to meet our deadline of being the ivories to keep guests entertained. There carbon neutral by 2022.” will also be special Christmas Carol Singalong As part of this pledge, the brewery is also event on Friday 13th December. working with the Authentic Bread Company Polypins in 9, 18 and 36 pint sizes are now in Newent, using their leftover bread to make available for collection over Christmas and the beer and the first nano beer using the loaves New Year. Please visit the website for more has already been brewed. It is also going to be details. www.clavellandhind.co.uk working with Gloucestershire environmental the DONNINGTON BREWERY 34 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale ESTABLISHED 1865 35 well, if he is, he needs to take it in portrait format, and high resolution…

is he taking a picture of us for the new competition?

Now, the technical part, most images in cameras that are made for digital work are set in 72dpi (dots per inch) of colour, which is great for Facebook, texts etc. It’s not, however, much use for printing on paper, where you need to use 300dpi. So set your cameras and phones to the biggest number of pixels you can, FHD 1280 x 1080 or WQHD 2560 x 1440 and take your pictures. That’ll give you the best chance of winning and appearing on the Tippler’s front cover. Sponsored by HILLSIDE BREWERY

WINNER - 2 x BREWING EXPERIENCE DAYS RUNNER UP - 3 X BREWERY TOUR TICKETS Send your entries, either email, or old-school prints, to the The Editor at the address below. NOTE: Judges decisions are final and images chosen may not represent venues within the county.

[email protected] The Editor, The Tippler, 23 Theocs Close, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. GL20 5TX

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 37

characteristics his clients cite. did Pete consider himself like? Pete is also a firm believer This provoked considerable ‘THINKING VISUALLY’ - THE SECRET in the need to support ‘local’. thought. ‘I feel like a well hopped He is an enthusiastic business Best Bitter’, he admitted, ‘A tried partner of Cotswold Taste, and trusted friend in times of OF GREAT BEER LABELS the region’s leading quality need – so long as it’s well kept of marque for food and drink course’. Just like a great beer, really good design produced locally to high Diplomatically, rather than doesn’t usually grow on trees. standards, and designed both asking how he is kept, we focus Ask Pete Adams of Springboard Graphics its logo and eye-catching on names: it turns out that Inferno where a great many of his market leads promotional flyers. Brewery’s red rye best bitter originate, and he will unhesitatingly say, ‘Often Bringing the conversation ‘SunRyesing’, (4.8 %) and Wye from a few drinks in the pub ‘. round to beer wasn’t difficult. Valley Brewery’s ‘Butty Bach’, a He ought to know – Tewkesbury has We put the question to 4.5% malty, sweet and smooth some 13 pubs to choose from. What’s more, him, which local beers have bitter, are Pete’s two favourites. Springboard Graphics has survived competitors exceptional labels? The latter, he confides, is a tribute who have ‘come and gone’ over the past 30 Pete was emphatic that to Pete’s Herefordshire origins. years, as the Tewkesbury-based designer Flyer for Cotswold Taste Bath Ales, with its simple and A final tale illustrates the care readily acknowledges. easily recognisable ‘hare’ motif, ranked highly. and thinking Pete brings to all his work and Pete is locally famous as the originator of Prescott Ales, whose labels, posters and pump activities: whilst cooking a coq au vin recipe the striking labels of Tewkesbury’s craft ale Nick l) to Pete (r): ‘Hmm . . your story doesn’t add up - tell clips all carry references to vintage sports recently at home, he accidentally poured the producer, Inferno Brewery, set up by Chris me about the Bulmers bottling line again . . ‘ cars and iconic races, was also singled out for beer he was drinking into the dish, rather than Bowley in 2018. particular praise. the stock he was supposed to add. ‘I tried to make the image and colours from Brasenose College, Oxford, where he also ‘Strong visual elements help distinguish ‘It turned out a good all-rounder’ he says. as exciting as possible’, Pete says, and not learnt to fly as an RAF cadet and played rugby, a brand and its image from competitors, and ‘Brandy, red wine AND dark ale. What could surprisingly admits he drew from ideas about his first job was as a trainee patent agent in makes its promotion easier’, he said. possibly go wrong? It went down a treat!’. Dante’s Inferno. London. Not warming to the experience, he Finally, we homed in on that sixty four The proof of its success is in its reception. went back to college and took a degree in thousand dollar question: what beer or beers Nick Waloff The award winning Inferno Brewery currently fine art, before trying his hand as a painter of produces no less than seven beers, all with sports stars. Pete’s distinctive labels. ‘So far everything has Modestly, he mentions that one of his works exceeded expectations’, he says. hangs in the Ryder Cup Room at Wentworth So we asked what goes into a successful Golf Club. label, for Pete has a string of names behind Stand Out from the Crowd In what was to be a twist of fate, he was him, including the iconic Robertson’s Jams, in asked by a London drinks trade marketing addition to a wide range of businesses outside business to design a label for a proposed the food and drink sector. ‘Clients often have ideas, but don’t know ‘Sgian Dubh’ whisky, which was then followed how to translate them into effective design. My by designs for other drinks. job is to bring effective creative skills to them - ‘I found I was gradually doing more graphic and make the end product visually memorable. design than painting’, he says. ‘I realised it was ‘Clear, recognisable images are a vital part of a way I could make a living’. successful design’. There is no doubt Pete has all the right Perhaps surprisingly, Pete also brings a wide attributes: approachable, a good listener, range of other skills and experience to bear on creative and precise, versatile and adaptive, the process. After obtaining a Physics degree and going the extra mile, are some of the

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Award-winning brewery at Gloucester get involved with Gloucester Brewery because AT THE ROYAL HOP POLE, TEWKESBURY THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT! Wetherspoon Docks plans to launch its own gins and double I love supporting local businesses and young E A R T H - C O N S C I O U S B R E W I N G AVAILABLE NOW AT THE BAR its pint production by the end of 2020. entrepreneurs who are trying to develop ideas Available until Tuesday 24th December FOOD & Owner and chairman at Gloucester Rugby, and create something interesting. Gloucester The new Wetherspoon festive menu includes Martin St. Quinton, is one of three new investors GLOUCESTER Chicken and stuffing burger and stuffed Brewery ticked both of those boxes. turkey breast with winter vegetables DRINKS on board at Gloucester Brewery as part of its Simon Thomas, founder and former owner B R E W E R Y ambitious plans for the future. Between them, of Thomas Legal Group, and now a business - EST. MMXI - GIFT CARD they have taken a 35% share of the business Choose how much you want to put on and property investor, commented: “I’ve always the card - from £5.00 to £500! Ask at the owned by Jared Brown who founded the be a fan of supporting small businesses having bar or visit the website for more details www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk brewery in 2011. successfully set up and run my own company With the additional investment, new fermenting here in Gloucester. Having sold that, I jumped tanks are on order that will double its brewing AT THE ROYAL HOP POLE, TEWKESBURY THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT! Wetherspoon at the chance to play a part in this wonderful AVAILABLE NOW AT THE BAR capacity from 400,000 pints a year currently Available until Tuesday 24th December FOOD & local business, with its heritage location in an AT THE ROYAL HOP POLE, TEWKESBURY THE PERFECThe nCewH WetRherIspSooTn feMstiveA meSnu inGcluIdeFs T! Chicken and stuffing burger and stuffed to around 800,000 by the end of 2020. turkey breast with winter vegetables WetherspDoRoInNKS historic wharf building at Gloucester Docks and AVAILABLE NOW AT THE BAR GIFT CARD Negotiations to open another bar and install Choose how much you want to put on with the amazing quality of beer it was already Available until Tuesday 24th December the card - from £5.00 to £500! Ask at the 28 BEAUTIFUL a distillery to produce branded vodka and gin FOOD bar &or visit the w ebsite for more details producing. www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk EN-SUITE BEDROOMS in the new year are underway. They have also The new Wetherspoon festive menu includes Dave Lewins, an experienced businessman Chicken and stuffing burger and stuffed Ideal if you have family and friends embarked on a £30,000 refurbishment of Tank turkey breast with winter vegetables DRINKS (right) from Cheltenham is the other new investor visiting the area, or just want to make bar and doubled its brewery sales force. 28 BEAUTIFUL it a night to remember! and is now the brewery’s Sales and Marketing WHY NOT HIRE EN-SUIGTE BEDIROFOMST CARD Jared (pictured left) said: “This first phase Ideal if you hCavhe foamoilys aend hfrieondws much you want to put on Director, said he is delighted to be involved in OUR HISTORIC visiting the area, or just want to make of investment has put us in a fantastic position WHY NOT HIRE it a night to trehmem bcear! rd - from £5.00 to £500! Ask at the Stay in this historic coaching inn in the very heart bar or visit the website for more details of medieval Tewkesbury - all rooms are en suite the brewery’s plans for the future. OUFR UHISNTORCICTION ROOM? Stay in this historic coaching inn in the very heart FUNCTION ROOM? of medieval Tewkesbury - all rooms are en suite where we have a healthy cash flow to fund www.jdwethwieth rplsaspmao TVo, tena/c.ocffeoe e.tcu. k with plasma TV, tea/coffee etc. Buffets from only £7.00 per head Buffets from only £7.00 per head Visit our website jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/hotels/the-royal-hop-pole our plans for growth. We are delighted to be “I got involved because after Simon Visit our website jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/hotels/the-royal-hop-pole working with our three new investors to shape a approached me as a fellow beer lover knowing really exciting future the brewery. I had relevant management and experience “From the very early days back in 2011 in company growth and knew that I’d be well we have always talked about the possibility suited and excited to help in taking a brewery of getting involved with Gloucester Rugby. to a new level. He was right. Jared showed me 28 BEAUTIFUL To now actually have the owner of the club around Gloucester Brewery and Tank bar and EN-SUITE BEDROOMS as a shareholder in the brewery is absolutely explained his exciting plans and let me sample Ideal if you have family and friends fantastic.” the Session IPA which I immediately fell in love visiting the area, or just want to make it a night to remember! Martin, (centre) who is also chairman of with, and I’ve been working steadily through WHY NOT HIRE Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “I decided to the incredible range of beers ever since.” OUR HISTORIC Stay in this historic coaching inn in the very heart FUNCTION ROOM? of medieval Tewkesbury - all rooms are en suite with plasma TV, tea/coffee etc. the Buffets from only £7.00 per head 40 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale Visit our website jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/hotels/the-royal-hop-pole But we’re not complaining. It is what it is At the barn, we begin to knit the matrix and we use what we get to make the best together. At any one time we have perhaps cider we can. Indeed, we count ourselves 20 different varieties of apple in bags and fortunate in being able to do what we do. We crates, coming from gardens and orchards all get to taste an astonishing array of apples: over Gloucestershire. The tonne and a half of Gloucestershire’s finest Ashmead’s Kernel, Brown’s apple from Ashleworth is destined to the aromatic Adams’ Pearmain, Pitmaston fill two 500 litre tanks; 75 kgs of Worcester Pineapple with a hint of the tropics, the early Pearmain from Tredington is mixed with season sweetness of Discovery, the luscious Discovery apples from Longney to fill a smaller Lord Lambourne, the golden-hued Egremont tank. That load of Tremlett’s Bitter will fill an Russet and many, many more. Why these gems empty 300 litre tank and the small quantity aren’t readily available in our supermarkets left over is added to a trial blend of Dabinett throughout the autumn is a complete mystery, and Sweet Coppin to fill a small 100 litre tank; but we’re delighted to be able to use them in a few months’ time we’ll be able to see how In a brand new series, David Lindgren, to make our Fresh+Crisp cider. Brown’s apple well that experiment has worked. And so, over CEO and owner of Bushel + Peck cider (which is red), Dabinett, Bulmer’s Norman, the course of the autumn the fermentation and perry maker takes us through a Sweet Coppin, Alford Sweet, Yarlington Mill, tanks are filled, the airlocks start to bubble year in the life of a cider maker and of Tremlett’s Bitter – these are the delightfully away and the slow process of making real course, its most important resource of named cider apples that cross our path, each cider begins. We’ll keep an eye on things over all: the orchard. with their unique combination of tannin, the winter and as spring emerges we’ll begin sweetness and acidity. And then there’s the to think about how best to blend the cider to mystery of perry pears, seemingly all small, all make it a true reflection of all the fantastic fruit Autumn: Our favourite season. It may be green and all pyriform in shape… but careful we’ve just harvested. hard work, but it’s the sociable time of year. studying of reference books reveals their true We don’t own our own orchards so we go from identities. David Lindgren garden to garden, orchard to orchard, revisiting familiar trees and friendly faces, many of whom we haven’t seen since the previous harvest. There’s a year’s worth of news to talk about, the weather (of course – this is England), the cricket just passed, the rugby to come - and steer clear of politics. In time, talk turns to the fruit trees and moments of nervous anticipation; what are the apples like? How much fruit? How sweet? How scabby? Ripe for picking now or better to wait a week or two? The trees feel like old friends, too. Reliable handcrafted friends, generally, as we’re reminded of the generosity of mother nature. With no input in gloucestershire from us or the farmer or the home-owner in the form of fertiliser or pesticide or insecticide and summer. or fungicide or herbicide or any other –cide A late frost clobbered some early blossom Available in one can think of, the combination of sun and soil, and storm Hannah ripped through the county wind and rain, chlorophyll and photosynthesis as some late-flowering trees were in full bloom, 500ml bottles provides us with gorgeous fruit, each and every keeping the bees at home when they could 20 litre bag-in-box year, sometimes several hundredweight from a have been busy in the orchards. And this was single tree … for the most part. But sometimes followed by a nondescript, mish-mash, hotchpotch 30 litre keg nature doesn’t work as well as we’d like and summer - in sharp contrast to last year’s we come across trees with no fruit at all with heat-wave – all of which has provided us with a a crescendo of disappointment, more so this nondescript, mish-mash, hotch-potch harvest; season than before. And that’s because the below-average quantity of fruit, less juicy and follow us Instagram & Facebook @bushel.peck.cider trees and the fruit tell the story of the spring less sweet than last year. Twitter @bushelpeckcider

the BUSHELPECK.CO.UK 42 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale

B+P Advert 148x105mm.indd 1 08/08/2019 15:49 from my home and a place that I visit quite my list of favourites. In fact, it is fair to say that regularly. I have a great many opportunities to more distant breweries that may appear as enjoy the products of this brewery and other favourites must have done a very good job in breweries close to home, so you should expect working their way into the list. to see a good proportion of ‘local’ breweries in

My Current Top 20 Favourite Breweries DODGY TICKERThe continuing ?tales of a beer NAME LOCATION BEERS COLLECTED collector Arbor Bristol 134 Brew York York 8 Bristol Beer Factory Bristol 76 Cloudwater Manchester 25 Deya Cheltenham 64 Electric Bear Bath 27 Hall and Woodhouse Dorset 4 Harveys Sussex 7* Magic Rock Huddersfield 32 Mallinson Huddersfield 54 Northern Monk Leeds 22 Salopian Shropshire 68 In this edition our hero considers his favourite breweries Siren Craft Berkshire 56 Tiley’s Ham 37 A family funeral in East Sussex gave our to tomorrow’s. I suspect these explanations Tiny Rebel Newport 50 intrepid hero the opportunity to visit a few are sometimes looked upon as a cop-out – Thornbridge Derbyshire 47 pubs in East Sussex and called to mind his surely there is one beer that you love above all Titanic Stoke on Trent 37 all time favourites list. Harvey’s Sussex Best others? But it really isn’t a cop-out! If I were to Wild Weather Hampshire 36 Bitter is definitely one of them and his late give in and admit that Sticky Toffee Strannik (a Wylam Northumberland 16 father-in-law would appreciate his favourite very memorable beer from the 2017 WOW list) XT Buckinghamshire 74 pub (above) - The Bull at Three Leg Cross was my favourite beer of all time, I would be near Ticehurst in East Sussex - appearing doing a disservice to all the other great beers I with the article too, although it’s clearly not have tried over the years. And there are plenty As you read my list, I would not be at all in Gloucestershire! of occasions when Sticky Toffee Strannik (a surprised if your first comments were along I am often asked, usually by people who powerful 10% ABV) would be the last beer that the lines of ‘How can he not have Dark Star don’t really get my obsession with collecting I might want to drink. in the top twenty?’ or something similar with beers, what my favourite beer is. How do you In desperation, I will sometimes change the Dark Star replaced by the name of another answer a question like that when your collection subject and start talking about my favourite brewery I have sadly had to overlook to whittle has 8,000+ beers in it, collected over 25+ years, breweries. This is a subject which I feel a lot it down to just twenty. If you are thinking and most of those beers you have only tasted happier talking about. I can even be persuaded something like that, then I think that’s brilliant. on one occasion? The simplest answer is that from time to time to give a current overall It’s brilliant because it means you have already there is no simple answer! I have a number of favourite - for example, my brewery of 2019 so put some thought into what breweries are beers that have been stalwarts for many years far would have to be Bristol Beer Factory. your favourites and if I met you at a beer event and are always enjoyable, but then there are There seems to be much greater acceptance we could have a great discussion about the also stand-out beers that make me go wow at that breweries change and therefore favourite relative merits of one brewery over another. the first sip – how do you choose a favourite? breweries will change over time, so for the It goes without saying that it took a lot of I usually show people the current WOW rest of this article I will try to highlight some deliberation to come up with these twenty list and then maybe even the previous year’s of the breweries which are in my current list of names and there were plenty that were ‘in’, WOW list (both readily available on my phone) favourites. then ‘out’ as I thought of others that were in order to show that picking a single favourite Firstly I have to acknowledge that geography more worthy. It’s an interesting exercise and is almost impossible and actually pretty pointless, undoubtedly will have a major influence on really gets you to analyse what you are after since I enjoy different beers on different days anyone’s list of favourite breweries. It is of from those who brew the beer you drink. Give and so yesterday’s favourite may be different course no coincidence that my stated favourite, it a go and you will see what I mean. The two to today’s, which then again may be different Bristol Beer Factory, is based in a city not far questions that were in my mind while choosing the 44 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale 45

DODGYThe continuing TICKER tales of a beer collector? were ‘Which breweries have consistently Choice (now renamed Cranborne Poacher) provided me with a quality product?’ and from Hall and Woodhouse are beers that I ‘Whose beers do I go out of my way to collect?’ grew up with and still maintain their appeal. You may find that the questions that you pose Then there are individual beers that have given yourself are different to mine – remember beer me WOW moments. Tonkoko from Brew York collecting is my priority, but it probably isn’t (I am now on a mission to find the Imperial yours. and Empress versions), the pudding Stranniks I should perhaps provide some sort of from Northern Monk (unfortunately, I have not commentary to go with my list, so here goes. yet managed to collect Black Forest Strannik), The first question that was in my mind Stay Puft in its various guises from Tiny Rebel meant that I found it really hard to justify and Titanic’s legendary Plum Porter (together including breweries with just two or three with its stronger cousin, Plum Porter Reserve) beers collected. You will see that many of the are examples of such beers for me. brewers on the list are very well represented Finally, there are the favourites who have in the collection. It is probably no surprise that provided me with beers in series. A series one of the two 100+ breweries is there together of beers to a collector is a bit like a new set with quite a few in the 50 Club (50+ beers in of Panini football stickers coming out (I’m a The Seven Tuns the collection). The ones that stand out are teacher, remember, so that sort of comparison Brew York, Hall and Woodhouse and Harveys makes sense to me). Arbor have given us with only a handful of beers collected between single hop, triple hop and hop bomb series. The Seven Tuns them. Mallinson have also done an extensive single Award-winning pub in the Some of the breweries are on the list because hop series. I love Siren’s ‘Saturated in … ‘ series, Award-winning pub in the of their commitment to experimentation, their the pale ales from Tiley’s brewed with a huge heart of the Cotswolds readiness to continually try something new variety of hop combinations and the seemingly heart of the Cotswolds and different. To a collector, this is a great trait endless supply of animals from XT. offering fine dining, in a brewer because it means there will be So, even if your Top 20 list is completely offering fine dining, locally sourced and seasonal more and more beers to add to the collection. different to mine (and why wouldn’t it be), I locally sourced and seasonal Cloudwater, Deya, Electric Bear and Wild hope I have been able to give you an insight pub grub and an extensive Weather are good examples and the fact that into the reasons why I have chosen the ones I wine publist grubto suit and all an budgets extensive Deya is so local meant that it was a no-brainer have. And the next time you bump into me at a wine list to suit all budgets to include, despite only very rarely brewing festival, don’t forget to tell me about some of and palettes. anything in a cask. your favourites. and palates. Then there are breweries whose beers In conclusion, please don’t forget that faced never seem to fail you. I don’t remember ever with a choice of a beer from one of my top having had a bad beer from Magic Rock or twenty and a beer from an uncollected brewery For more information visit Salopian or Thornbridge (the cucumber in (e.g. Fortune Teller from the Origami brewery 01285 720630 their beer called ‘Wye’ was a challenge, but I in Manchester), I will always go straight to the quite liked it!). new brewery first. That is, of course, the nature www.seventuns.co.uk Some of the brewers justify their place on of beer collecting. For more information visit the list because of particular beers. Harveys Sussex Best Bitter has been a constant Cheers www.seventuns.co.uk companion for thirty years and still tastes as great as ever, while Tanglefoot and Poacher’s Peter Searle

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 47

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48 www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk 49 Join up, join in, Available to order! join the campaign From as little as Protect the traditions of great £26.50† British pubs and everything that The a year. That’s less goes with them by joining today

than a pint a “definitive” month! at www.camra.org.uk/joinup ✂ pub guide. Or enter your details and complete the Direct Debit form below and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and save £2 on your membership subscription

Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinup, or call 01727 798440.* All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW. Your details: Direct Debit Non DD Single Membership (UK) £26.50 £28.50 Title ...... Surname ...... Under 26 Membership £18 £20 Forename(s) ...... Joint Membership £31.50 £33.50 Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ...... (At the same address) Joint Under 26 Membership £23 £25 Address ...... Please indicate whether you wish to receive ...... What’s Brewing and BEER b y e m a i l O R p o s t : ...... Postcode ...... What’s Brewing BEER By Email By Post By Email By Post Email address ...... Concessionary rates are available only for Under Daytime Tel ...... 26 Memberships. I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) Articles of Association which can be found on our website. Title ...... Surname ...... Signed ...... Forename(s) ...... Date ...... Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ...... Applications will be processed within 21 days.

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit This Guarantee should be detached Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: and retained by the payer. Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road St. Albans, Herts AL1 4LW The Direct Debit Guarantee Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User Number l This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept To the Manager Bank or Building Society 926129 instructions to pay by Direct Debits l If there are any changes to the amount, Address FOR CAMRA OFFICIAL USE ONLY date or frequency of your Direct Debit This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance of your Membership Number account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd to collect a payment, Order direct from CAMRA* Postcode Name confirmation of the amount and date Name(s) of Account Holder Postcode will be given to you at the time of the request Instructions to your Bank or Building Society l If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by The Campaign Bank or Building Society Account Number Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to for Real Ale Ltd or your bank or the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I building society, you are entitled to understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or Branch Sort Code For Real Ale Limited and, if so, will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. building society l If you receive a refund you are not Visit: shop.camra.org.uk Signature(s) entitled to, you must pay it back Reference when The Campaign Real Ale Ltd asks you to Date l You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation Or call 01727 337855 Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account. may be required. Please also notify us.

†Price of single membership when paying by Direct Debit. *Calls from landlines charged at standard national rates, cost may vary from

mobile phones. New Direct Debit members will receive a 12 month supply of vouchers in their first 15 months of membership. ✂ The data you provide will be processed in accordance with our privacy policy in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations. *RRP £15.99 - CAMRA members’ price max £13.99 events: what’s coming up events: what’s coming up Cheltenham Branch - Email: [email protected] Stroud Sub-Branch - Email: [email protected] Meetings on second Wednesday or Thursday of the month at 8.00 pm. Call: Rob Coldwell 07752 Meetings on third or fourth Tuesday of the month at 8.00 pm. Call: Richard Taylor on 07917 661746 740488 For more details see website www.cheltenhamcamra.org.uk Anyone interested in Stroud meetings should contact us by email on stroud@gloucestershire. 11th December 7:30pm - Charity Singalong Brewhouse and Kitchen camra.org.uk and ask to be added to our email list. 17th December TBC - Ale Amble to Birmingham 8th January 2020 8:00pm - Business Meeting – The Swan, High Street 22nd January 2020 TBC - Ale Amble to Swindon 4th February 2020 TBC - Trip to Great Winter Beer Festival in Birmingham Tewkesbury Branch - Email: [email protected]

Back issues of the Tippler and Cheltenham Cheers are now available from the Sandford Park Alehouse and the Meetings on third Thursday of the month at 8.00 pm. For further details please contact Steve Cheltenham Motor Club. on 07583 740986 or Bill by email on: [email protected] or visit the website www.tewkesbury.camra.org.uk Cirencester Sub-Branch - Email: [email protected] Meetings on second Tuesday of the month at 8.00 pm. Call: Rob Tough on 01285 851194 6th December - TBC - Christmas Mystery Tour – for details contact Bill Hunt: [email protected] 10th December 7:00 pm - Christmas Stagger start at Corinium Ales Brewery 7pm to 9pm then visiting The Marlborough and 12 Bells. 19th December - 8.00 pm - Christmas Bash - at the British Legion. As always it promises to be a great 13th December TBC - Christmas dinner at Tunnel House, contact James Brown using email: night, so f you want to come along get in touch early and contact Steve Kisby [email protected] 11th January TBC - Cirencester sub branch are joining Dursley sub branch for a stuff dry by email at [email protected] January pub crawl of Cheltenham, catching the midday Stagecoach bus 2nd January 2020 - 8.00 pm - Business Meeting at The Royal British Legion and meeting in Cheltenham Motor Club. 11th February 7:00 pm - AGM at Corinium Ales Brewery starting at 7pm to 9pm.

Dursley Sub-Branch - Email: [email protected] Meetings on last Tuesday of the month at 8.00 pm. Call: Peter Corfield, Chair, on 01453 844952.

Forest of Dean Sub-Branch - Email: [email protected] Meetings every Thursday night for a social at 8.00 pm. Please check on Forest of Dean CAMRA Facebook page. Call: Dave Fleming on 01594 543856

Gloucester Sub-Branch - Email: [email protected] Meetings on second Wednesday of the month at 8.00 pm. Where bookings are essential or for further details please contact Margaret on 07908 699809 or 01452 551400; by email on: [email protected] or visit the website www.camraingloucester.org.uk

11th December 8:00 pm - Christmas Party at Angie’s. There will be a hot food buffet at £5 per head. Booking is required for food. 20th December 8:00 pm - Christmas Beer Hunt around Gloucester. Meet at Turks Head. (For those going to the Gloucester game, we will join later. Call to check on where it has got to.) 8th January 2020 8:00 pm - Social meeting - Start at Turks Head 6th February 6:30 pm - Tewkesbury Winter Ales Festival. Depart from the Pelican, booking essential for minibus. 12th February 8:00 pm - Social meeting - Start at King Teddy then onto the Greyhound 11th March 8:00 pm - Social meeting - Start at Dick Whittington 8th April 8:00 pm - Social meeting - Start at the Linden Tree 14th/15th May 11:30 am - 11:00 pm - 8th Gloucester Beer & Cider Festival, Blackfriars the 52 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale 53 CAMRA BRANCH CONTACTS GLOUCESTERSHIRE TEWKESBURY CAMRA Branch CAMRA Branch

www.gloucestershire.camra.org.uk www.tewkesbury.camra.org.uk

CAMPAIGN

FOR

REAL ALE E

R I

G H L RS OUCESTE Chair Chair and Branch Contact: Margaret Wilkins 07583 740986 01452 551400 [email protected] [email protected] Secretary: Branch Secretary & Branch Contact Ian Mence Richard Holt [email protected] 07847 998946 [email protected] and [email protected] NORTH COTSWOLD CAMRA Branch CHELTENHAM www.northcotswoldcamra.org.uk CAMRA Branch www.cheltenhamcamra.org.uk

Chair: Chair: 01451 810305 and 07850 429630 John Crossley [email protected] [email protected] Secretary and Branch Contact: Secretary and Branch Contact: Chris Knight (Mickleton) Rob Coldwell - 07752 740488 07890 666707 [email protected] [email protected]

TRADING STANDARD DEPARTMENT Gloucestershire Trading Standards, Hillfield House, Denmark Rd., Gloucester. GL1 3LD Telephone: 01452 426201 email: [email protected] the 54 The magazine of the Gloucestershire Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale