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Issue 79 – Winter 2019 FREE – Please take one

Magazine of North Branch of CAMRA

Mixed Fortunes For Real Ale In

ale is currently underpriced, and Cask Report 2019 evidence of that is because craft keg is on average £1.50 per pint Each year Cask Marque – the more than a cask real ale. national beer quality accredita- Another recommendation is tion company – publishes a well- that should offer the drink- researched and eagerly awaited er more info on beers they sell, report on the state of the UK perhaps with tasting notes to cask ale market, and the 2019 help punters choose their pre- report was recently released. ferred product. Called The Cask Report, it The report also criticises pubs surveys people working in the nearly half of all pubs are still which serve a greater number of trade as well as a cross-section serving cask beer too warm (at cask ales than they can realisti- of British beer drinkers to exam- around 14°) rather than the most cally sell, leading to beers going ine the latest trends and the per- popular 11–13° that drinkers off before selling. They believe formance of the overall mar- apparently state they prefer. this is giving the entire cask mar- ket, which is 48,000 pubs, 2,300 The report recommends that ket as a whole a bad reputation breweries and 420 million pints real ale should be ‘premiumised’, rather than just that particular sold in the last 12 months. which means that it should be outlet. closure figures (around 14 treated as a premium prod- You can find the report online per week) have slowed compared uct which attracts a high price at https://cask-marque.co.uk/ to the alarming statistics in the – because they believe that real cask-reports/. previous 10 years, and although the average number of cask RUGBY WORLD CUP BOOST TO UK PUB TRADE brands on bars has reduced from 4.4 to 2.8 in the last two years, Every now and again, an event beer. The British Beer and Pub there is some growth in the pre- takes place which makes people Association predicted that one mium real ale market (especially break with their routines and do million extra pints would be for beers in the 4.2–7.4% range). something different – and such supped if won – and Recent years saw real ale an event was the recent Rugby while we all know now that increase as a share of the on- World Cup, which saw lots South Africa went on to win, sales market, but that appears to of Rugby Union fans supping have slowed as craft keg is mak- drinks at unearthly hours on a ing its mark in the pub trade, Saturday or Sunday. event though there is confusion With admirable winning runs about what ‘craft ale’ really is. by England and Wales this time, Quality of cask beer is report- many pubs chose to open at ed to be of concern, as is the 8.30am for the 9am kick-offs it was still a windfall opportu- temperature that cask ales are of the semis, then again for the nity for landlords enterprising sold at. 70% of surveyed drink- final for England the following enough to recognise a good deal. ers say they have been served off weekend. This is another great example or stale beer, and 40% said they Food pubs which opened to show that UK drinkers like to would avoid going in that pub for the rugby stood to gain the share their happy experiences again because of the lack of qual- extra sales of brunch, bacon with others in that great British ity. Just as in last year’s report, sandwiches, etc., as well as tradition ... the community pub. Visit the CAMRA North Oxfordshire Branch website – http://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ Welcome To The Winter Edition I hope you enjoy the read. The next edition of Beer on Welcome to the Winter edition on pub changes and articles on Tap will be published in late of Beer on Tap. all things ale and cider related. If March. Please send any copy or As always, we welcome any you fancy putting pen to paper ideas by 25 January 2020. comments or suggestions on the over Christmas why not get in Editorial Team, Beer on Tap content and presentation of the touch. October 2019 magazine. CAMRA members, please get in touch if you want to join our merry band of Beer Fuller’s Acquires Cotswold Inns on Tap distributors (who we call acquired Cotswold Inns & Hotels Clustermasters). And Hotels Ltd for £40 million. Bob Warner, who has helped Fuller, Smith & Turner plc, The company owned seven out for many years covering the the pubs and hotels business, freehold country inns and hotels cluster, is sadly say- announced recently that it has ing goodbye to his Beer on Tap and eight freehold staff cot- delivery duties. A big thank you Local Trading tages in the , togeth- from all involved in the North er with two leasehold bars in Oxon Branch for your sup- Standards Birmingham’s city centre, but in port delivering to pubs around Occasionally, drinkers receiv- our Branch this only affects the Burford. ing poor standards of service or Lamb Inn and the Bay Tree (both If anyone is reading this in poor quality products may wish in Sheep Street, Burford) and it is Burford, Fulbrook, or to raise the matter with Trading envisaged that all employees will and wants a simple way Standards. You now need to do transfer with the acquisition. to get involved without huge this through Citizens Advice, an An eighth hotel, the Broadway commitment then perhaps con- organisation which provides free, Hotel in Broadway village, does sider helping out delivering a confidential and impartial advice not form part of the acquisition few magazines quarterly – it’s on consumer issues. To con- and is being retained by the cur- a great way to get involved and tact Citizens Advice Consumer rent owners. spread the word! Clustermasters Service call 03454 04 05 06 or The acquisition was expected are our way to liaise between visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk to be completed by the end of local pubs and our Branch. and click on Consumer. October. We still need members to sub- mit beer festival reports, updates CAMRA North Oxon Branch Contact List Branch Diary BRANCH WEBSITE https://northoxon.camra.org.uk/ All meetings start 8pm, other events CHAIRMAN Lynne Baldwin start as shown. Socials contact: Lynn [email protected] Baldwin (07790) 118341. VICE-CHAIRMAN DECEMBER Position vacant Saturday 7th: North Oxon BEER ON TAP EDITORIAL/ Oliver Sladen Christmas Social – starting at the ADVERTISING [email protected]/ Bailiff’s Tap at noon BRANCH CONTACT JANUARY 2020 Martin Batts Tel: 07854 116408 [email protected]/ Tuesday 7th: North Oxon Branch Meeting. The White Horse, SOCIAL SECRETARY Stu Robbins Tel: 07871 277235 (POTY shortlisting [email protected]/ meeting) TREASURER Simon Whitehead FEBRUARY [email protected]/ Saturday 15th: Pub of the Year minibus tour (to visit all six MEMBERSHIP Paul Forrest shortlisted pubs for POTY 2020) SECRETARY [email protected]/ PUBS PROTECTION Brian Wray For latest list of events in the OFFICER Branch Diary, please check the [email protected]/ Branch website WEBMASTER Matt Everard Join our Facebook page for further [email protected]/ updates on socials and branch meetings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/northoxcamra/ Twitter: @northoxoncamra

2 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 3 Branch News Cock Horse, Banbury Chris at the bar of the Fox Hotel, Chipping After 11 months of closure, Norton this pub is due to re-open on 8 November as ‘The Chatsworth’. turkey plus all This follows an extensive refur- the trimmings bishment and new extension, for your table – reportedly costing around three- contact the pub quarters of a million pounds. for prices and The project was taken on by availability. the team who ran the Wine On the fur- Vaults and the manager here nishings front will be the former manager of the stable bar All types of beer the Three Conies in Thorpe and restaurant on sale, not just Mandeville who previously event at 8.30pm. Still an excel- area at the back of the pub has winter ales worked at The Old Reindeer in lent pint of Old Hooky was con- turned into something of a floral central Banbury. sumed instead! For a selection of event (see picture). Take a look Easington Arms, Banbury quality Hooky ales head for The next time you are in Chippy. Fox or the nearby Red Lion in This large, comfortable Ember Chippy. Whistlers, Inns establishment on the A361 heading out of Banbury towards The Chequers, Chipping Norton This restaurant and café bar on has a new bar manag- Middle Row in central Chippy er in the form of Dan who has Darren, landlord at this Fuller’s- recently had new owners taking festival recently taken over the helm. owned pub in the centre of over following the sale of the CAMRA members should Chippy, reports that the new business by previous long term Fri 24th–Sun 26th January 2020 head down on Mondays and comedy nights on the first owners Jane & Richard Main. Thursdays for pints of ale at Thursday every other month Although not noted for its FRI from Noon, SAT noon-midnight, SUN noon-10.30pm £2.89 a pint. Show your mem- are proving extremely popular. real ales (but maybe changes are bership card on other days to Contact the pub for details of afoot), Nathan Phelps & Kerry get 20p off a pint of one of the the next event as they book up Foley – helped out by Matt man- OVER 20 REAL ALES on sale five regular real ales they have quickly. aging on a day to day basis – have on offer. Food sales are picking up pedigree having run the CAMRA over the weekend Fox Hotel, apace with stew nights and fish award-winning Maypole pub in Chipping Norton Fridays proving a hit. With Xmas Cambridge previously. It was the approaching Darren is offer- Cambridge CAMRA pub of the Good choice of traditional Cider & Perry This feature town centre hotel ing a menu at £20–25 a head. year in 2018 with a huge selection held a well-attended brewery However, the Chequers is also of ales (up to 28 cask and keg). sponsored launch event for Hook offering a ‘family roast’, which At present diners or drink- Hot food available most sessions Norton’s Flagship Ale in October. entails the pub cooking a whole Up to 50 people came and sam- www.roseandcrown..com pled the four Hooky ales behind Email: [email protected] the bar. Free samples of the cater- Celebrating 32 consecutive years ing menu were also in evidence in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide and punters drank a barrel of CAMRA North Oxon Branch Flagship in an hour or so. Chris, Pub of the Year 2002, 2003, one of the managers at The Fox 2006 2009 & 2018 is pictured with the handpump for the sadly empty barrel of Tel: 01608 810103 Flagship when your correspond- The indoor garden at The Chequers, Whistlers in Chipping Norton. Let’s hope new ent arrived slightly late for the Chipping Norton owners may offer real ale 4 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 5 ers at Whistlers have five local Matt Beamish – who bottled or keg ales to choose recently took over at the from (including Cotswold IPA) Plough The Duck on the Pond to wash down their truly excel- lent food. The Fox, Lamb & Flag, Hailey Westcott Tel: 01295 721166 Barton [email protected] www.duckonthepond.co.uk New landlord Matt, who took over in the Spring at this Grade Dennis & Cheryl II listed village pub in the centre left at the end of A year into our tenure at the Duck on the Pond of Hailey near , has been September after 17th century country pub with oak beams, cooking up a storm recently with failing to sign a stone walls and a warm welcome weekend breakfasts proving very new longer-term popular during the recent Rugby deal. The pub Cask ales – regularly changing World Cup. It usually has two was closed for Welcoming fires local ales on tap. about a month Royal Oak, Ramsden before new people Bar & restaurant menus moved in at the As reported in Autumn Beer Home-made breads end of October. It on Tap (read online and see the The Kingham Plough is rumoured to open 31 October, Country setting with local walks local walk suggestion at www. but more in the next edition. northoxoncamra.org.uk) Luke Matt & Katie Beamish have Dog friendly Howell closed the doors for a taken over the helm at this love- Barley Mow, large kitchen/bar refurbishment ly pub in Kingham village. Matt Upper Heyford Three real ales on tap – usually including one from the on the 14 October. has had a wealth of experience Congratulations are due to Sonia Brewery. Focus on the local small breweries such The new kitchen team is focussing on in the trade most recently at the producing high quality food with local We hope to obtain photos of & Mike at this Fuller’s outlet in as Flying Monk and North Cotswold Brewery but we often have Potting Shed in Wiltshire. The the ever-popular Cornish ales game coming in for the autumn/winter the re-opening in time for the the village of Upper Heyford. menus Spring edition. pub is renowned for its food They have raised over £600 for We also stock the Cotswold lagers Salford Inn, Salford offering but it’s also a very wel- the Katharine House Hospice coming place to stop to have a recently with their quizzes (once It’s all change behind the bar pint or two. a month, second Sunday. and in the kitchen at the Salford. At this time of year, sitting by In addition, they have restart- Nat and Dan have taken over the the bar with a pint and a news- ed their Sunday roasts offering daily duties respectively. Chef paper or two (provided) in front for the winter. They will be open Dan has great pedigree com- of the fireplace is a relaxing way Christmas Day from 12–2pm for ing from the Bay Tree Hotel in to spend an hour or two, perhaps drinks only. Burford and previously work- after a bracing country walk (or The Bell, ing at the award-winning Wild to recover after visiting from a Thyme restaurant in Chippy. shopping trip to Daylesford?). This lovely stone-flagged inn has Three local been mixing up the ale range ales are on recently with Rat Brewery from offer includ- Huddersfield and Adnams both ing many from having time on the bar as part of over the border the ever-changing beer offering. in Gloucestshire The bar also offers two regu- (Uley and Prescott larly changing ciders or perries, ales have been on recently ones from Broadoak offer over recent have been seen. weeks). Hooky The Christmas menu will be is often served from 1 December, with available, being the pub open on Christmas and a favourite with Boxing Day for drinks only. locals. Joiners Arms, Bloxham Highly recom- Under Kerry’s management the mended. Joiners will be putting on a full schedule of events after Xmas Nat and Dan (with – see website for details (www. landlord Alex, centre) joinersarms.com). They will be at the Salford Inn, opening Boxing Day when many Salford other local pubs are closed! 6 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 7 but confirmation of the ale range the festive menu, there will be a is still to be confirmed – seek it special Christmas quiz night on out and see for yourselves! Friday 13 December hosted by The Bell, Jonathan. This community orientat- Pickled Ploughman, ed pub will host the final ses- Adderbury sion of carol singers perambu- Trevor Brown, the owner, lating the village on the even- proudly reports that they have ing Monday, 23rd December. achieved an award for ‘Zero This has become an Adderbury to Landfill’ by better con- Christmas tradition and attracts trolling their waste, so he is revellers from far and wide. now embarking on a ‘Beer for Maintaining their local links Brassicas’ initiative by offering with the folk world, they will local gardeners and allotment also welcome the Skeptics on holders the opportunity to bar- The award-winning garden at the Monday 9 December at 8pm as ter any surplus vegetables for Elephant & Castle, Bloxham they do every 2nd Monday of drinks or food. So, if you have each month. a glut of potatoes, squashes or Elephant & Castle, Chris and Sandra also report cabbages just pop into the pub Bloxham that their plant-based menu con- with them on any Thursday tinues to be popular on Tues between 11am–noon and the This Hooky outlet was recently lunchtimes and evenings as do kitchen team will redeem them awarded the Best Dressed Pub the newly introduced home- for vouchers, thereby saving you in the made pizzas on Fri & Sat eve- money as well as by reducing Awards. A double celebration nings. food miles. as in January landlord Simon During the winter months will be celebrating the 46th Duck on The Pond, South Newington they will be serving at least two Anniversary of the pub tenancy cask ales on handpump which being in the hands of the family. The garden refurbishments on the last visit were Adnams Nip in for a great pint of and new pond have been well Ghost Ship (4.5%) and Ringwood Hooky to see what’s planned! received at this lovely pub which Razor Back (3.8%). The Angel, has one of prettiest outside Hare & Hounds, drinking areas in our Branch. This town centre pub is hosting Mild, chestnut-coloured ales Lower a Christmas Market on Sun, 1 and porters will all be appearing December (12–4pm) with local Another Branch pub that has over autumn and winter on the undergone a significant refur- stall holders selling handmade pumps to replace the pales and gifts, decorations and more. bishment this year, for which goldens. HNB should be congratulated. Burgers made with meat from The new Autumn menu local butchers and homemade Having established himself Our new brewplant is now from the new kitchen team has by opening all day, 9am–11pm, mince pies will be available with launched successfully, with game mulled wine and of course real new tenant Tom Wentink is up and running to offer discerning at the heart of the offering and now offering food, starting with ales to wash it down. bookings are being taken for ale drinkers greater access to There will also be face paint- breakfasts and a substantial Turpin Brewery’s beers, including ing and Rock Choir will the multi-awardwinning be performing live 1.00–2.30pm. Golden Citrus. The Saxon, Bicester (soon to be The Lamb) We are now looking for new At the time of writing, the Saxon outlets. Please call or email us in central Bicester was undergo- for details. ing refurbishment prior to reo- pening as The Lamb (no doubt named because of its location on 01608 737033 Sheep Street). [email protected] It’s due to reopen on 7 November­ so possibly photos of the revamped pub will appear in the Spring edition. They promise The attractive garden and pond next to the outside drinking area of the Duck On The Pond, four handpumps on offer again, South Newington (and, yes, they do have ducks on the pond) 8 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 9 menu that goes well beyond the A trio of usual burgers and pizzas. pubs in the The new comprehensive web- centre of Lower site, www.hareandhounds.co.uk, village: gives details of all the events at Left: The Heyford this vibrant community orientat- Deddington ed outlet. Arms Hotel. Crown & Tuns, Below left: Deddington The Unicorn. 21 Market Square, Below: The Never short of customers for Red Lion Lower Heyford, their excellent pies, they expect increased footfall as autumn Oxon leads to cooler temperatures when game may feature on their OX25 5NY locally sourced menu. Booking to eat is always recommended. 01869 347176 This is a Hooky house, so there are usually at least two handpumps serving cask ale as • Beer Festival August Bank Holiday Weekend well as a keg beer and cider from • Five minutes walk from canal the Hooky range. • Large beer garden Deddington Arms Hotel, Deddington Open: • Families and dogs welcome • Lunch and full menu available Here, along with Hooky and Mon–Thurs 12–3pm & 5pm–11pm; Butcombe Bitter, you’ll find Friday & Sat 12–11pm; • Food served lunchtimes 12–2.15pm Blue (4.2%) Sun 12–10.30pm Evenings 6–8.30pm Mon–Sat, 6–8pm Sun on draught which is a rarity in this area, despite the fact that it you’re enjoying his dish of the guest beers. I tried Rocky Red is a local brewery. I found it in day, you can supplement it with (4.5%) from Fuller’s, which, as an excellent condition and superb- either St Austell Tribute or Black American style ale, would give ly refreshing with a clean citrus Sheep Bitter. Hooky’s award-winning Red Rye finish. Red Lion, a run for its money if entered in The Unicorn, Deddington the next World Beer Awards! Congratulations to Di & Jem The Duke at Clifton Well worth a visit if you’ve not who have just completed their yet experienced the refurbish- first year’s anniversary running Such is the quality of cellarman- ment here. the pub. Two hand pumps dis- ship and beer range here that Four handpumps dispense St pense regular Butcombe Bitter four or five ales are served on Austell Tribute, Eagle IPA (as and, on my last two visits, Purity handpump throughout the year one might expect at a Charles UBU or Otter Amber – all of & all are guaranteed to be of Wells house) plus an ever chang- which have been served to Good Good Beer Guide standard. ing guest (Courage Directors and Beer Guide and Cask Marque With Tim free of tie and an Timothy Taylor Landlord on my quality as one would expect from advocate of local brewers, you’ll last two visits), as well as a beer any cellar in which Ken Clarke, invariably find Turpins Golden in the Charles Wells Wandering renowned local cellarman is Citrus as well as Tring, Vale, Brewer range. Extra Golden Ale involved. North Cotswold and XT beers (4.3% abv) and Wayfarer Green Building on this all bar staff well represented. Hop (3.7% abv) have been the have been BII trained. The Bell, latest offerings, both served to Brasenose Arms, Good Beer Guide standard. Cropredy After only 16 months Rod & Apparently, the wandering Jodie have called time on their brewer expects to be back in the Footfall and opening hours here Hooky tenancy here but may new brewery in Bedford within are sufficient to keep five ales on have to work their notice until the next nine months. handpumps during the leaner March. winter months. One thing is for sure – that Red Lion, Deddington The ubiquitous Doom Bar they will leave the décor of this Gary is pleased with how his and Hooky are two of them building in a better state than (primarily fish & chip) menu has but also to be found usually are they found it and promise to been received in the area. While Timothy Taylor Landlord plus diligently serve their loyal regu- 10 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 11 lars who have supported them For those so well, until they leave. A lively who like New Year’s Party is guaranteed. their distilled delights, a We wish them well in the great range of future. More details as they tran- rare whiskies spire. awaits. Maybe Woodstock Arms, something Woodstock to help drink through the Look out for the addition of night for the Purity’s Ubu on offer at this cen- Super Bowl? tral Woodstock venue – a rarish outlet for the Landlord Chris, and good find this very different from his brewer Purity’s offerings in our friend Gary, will again prepare previous experience in the trade, area. The Ubu sits alongside reg- American/Super Bowl-themed most recently at the Chequers in ulars Timothy Taylor Landlord food, (donations welcome to a Milton Keynes. and Greene King IPA. local charity soon to be chosen). There are no major plans King’s Head, Woodstock Anyone who has been previously for the pub as yet but you will will know just how good the hot always find a full range of the The King’s Head, tucked away and cold food is. excellently presented Hooky behind the High Street, is clos- The game normally finish- beers here. Often the core range ing for a major refurbishment es around 3–4am on Monday is supplemented by limited edi- funded by Star Pubs & Taverns morning, so you’re welcome to tion, unusual brews from the (Heineken owned). The works come for the first quarter, first pilot plant at the brewery just up will concentrate on the servery, half, or why not take the next the adjacent Brewery Lane. bar area and rear courtyard. day off work and stay for the Rock of Gibraltar, whole game. During this year, Chris has The freehold of the property been building up an impres- finally sold during the summer sive collection of whiskys and the pub closed on 6 October. (around 18 at the time of writ- The new owners are apparent- ing – see picture). It includes ly a Japanese entertainment com- several Scotches and Irish whis- pany who intend using the upper keys (including a Highland floors as offices, but plans for the Park 18-year-old Viking Pride), pub area are not known, apart American ryes and bourbons, from being closed for refurbish- and also some Japanese, includ- ment for around 18 months. ing an extremely hard to source A huge loss to the passing Nikka Gold. canal trade – where will the stag Well worth a visit if you want parties go now? to try some- thing that you The pub is due to shut in may not have November and the plan is that at home. it will reopen in March. News of Pear Tree, reopening hopefully in time for Hook the next edition of Beer on Tap. Norton White Lion, Fewcott We welcome A note for your diary, the White another man- Lion at Fewcott will once again ager to this be hosting its annual Super Bowl Hooky house party early next year. Super Bowl where Tim LIV (54 in Roman numerals) Gilkes may takes place in Miami on Sunday 2 February. In addition to nor- mal Sunday opening that day, the Tim Gilkes – new pub will reopen at 10pm for the behind the bar at whole game, shown live on two the Pear Tree, Hook large screen TVs. Norton 12 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 13 Stacey Walsham local breweries with the likes of serving up the Prescott and North Cotswold excellent beers at the Gate Hangs breweries being regulars. High, Hook Norton The cellar has had a refurb Give us a call to book a table on 01295 730750 and come and enjoy our Traditional Comfort Pub Grub, over the summer which manager with a good selection of Hooky Ales, Ciders and other beverages to choose from. transform- Jenny is rightly very proud of – https://www.facebook.com/Butchers2015 ing the interi- see the picture of the now neatly Family friendly – or for a com- organised barrels and lines. Pub Opening hours swings adjacent to pub pletely new Thirst Edition, car park Monday–Thursday look, with Shipston on Stour Dog friendly 4–11pm function- al plank-top This micropub in the centre of Cyclist and Walker Friday 3–11pm tables, new the village just over our border is friendly! Saturday & Sunday bar, etc. Shakespeare Branch’s Pub of the Hook Norton ales noon–11pm The new Season and has also deserved- Large grassed garden Ben Jonson ly made it into CAMRA’s Good with excellent views Food hours will be mod- Beer Guide. ern food-led The pub is now hosting regu- Hidden gem Monday–Friday but will be lar Sunday night musicians with Recently refurbished 5–9pm Gate Hangs High, serving old-fashioned London local artists being asked to per- interior Saturday noon–8pm Hook Norton Pride and Doom Bar. Reopening form and some hosting ‘Sunday singalongs!’. Ales from the cask Sunday noon–3pm is due for early November. including three Hook Welcome back to Stacey The Thursday quiz night is Walsham as manager. Stacey has Cinnamon Stick, Norton ales and one Check us out on Twitter proving very popular (so get spent her career in hospitality Middle Barton guest ale @BBalscote there before 7.30 to grab a table) and her most recent job was as Congratulations to the for some excellent not-often- Tel: Road Licensing Enforcement Officer Cinnamon Stick (formerly the seen-in-our-Branch ales they for Council Carpenters Arms) who have have on offer always in excellent 01295 730 750 Oxon OX15 6JQ – a case of gamekeeper turned won ‘Restaurant of the Year 2019 condition. poacher! – South East’ award for their Oxbrew Witney She aims to bring more excite- Middle Eastern inspired cuisine. ment to the Gate and has already Just south of our Branch border introduced more event nights. Norman Knight, in Witney, tucked away behind Bar Nineteen These include regular Curry Whichford Waitrose is the Oxbrew Witney at Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa • Open Every Day Nights and regular themed quiz Just over the border a few miles micropub (as reported in our nights. She has also introduced a north of Hook Norton in the Over the Border article in Beer • Open to All • 2 TVs for sport, new menu lovely village of Whichford sits on Tap 78). • Stunning terrace • Pool table, Blacks Head, the Norman Knight. Now a free Titanic Plum Porter is now overlooking the golf • Games machines house, an interesting selection on as a regular on draught. Not course and putting Bletchington often seen in Oxfordshire, the • Wifi of ales are always on offer from green. New manager Jen tells me that porter is selling well and will • Large external seating • Bar Nineteen is a great they now have a permanent chef warm the cockles if you’re out on area and plenty of space place to enjoy at any and this is borne out by the new a Witney Xmas shopping spree. time of year. to sit indoors, menu offering a wide selection of Siege of Orleans, pub grub, including gluten-free, Carterton Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa vegetarian and vegan options. Chesterton • Bicester • Oxfordshire OX26 1TH Beers on offer are Brakspear, Although the Siege micropub Tel: 01869 241204 St Austell Tribute and the cur- itself is still doing well, its restau- www.bicesterhotelgolfandspa rent guest Hobgoblin. Opening rant, Graffiti, will have closed by hours are now Mon–Tues 4–9, the time you read this. Sadly, it Weds 12–10, Thurs–Sat 12–11, couldn’t cover its costs.

Follow us on Sun 12–9. The Siege will be working with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Trip Advisor Ben Jonson, local takeaways to ensure drink- ers have sustenance while sell- Weston-on-the-Green ing a wide range of ales from all This pub at the north end of the over, with a strong local showing village has been closed since including XT and Little Ox. September, under new manage- They will be open on ment. My visit found new ten- The nice, tidy beer cellar at the Norman Knight Christmas Day from 12–4 and ant Lee and team hard at work following its recent refurbishment on Boxing Day from 12–6.

14 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 15 craft keg beer, this is a festival The Grade II listed Round-Up Of Recent Beer Festivals you really need to try. It’s not Oxford Town Hall is the biggest, but the beer selec- a great venue for 12th Beer & the beer festival The adjacent Butcher’s Arms There is also a ‘gin palace’ with tion is wonderful and Cider Festival pub, which supports the festival, a huge range of quality G&T at village hall offers a friendly vibe Heavy rain and high winds was packed throughout the day, just £3 for a single and £5 a dou- with inside and outside drinking Street Shield caused havoc and two tents were while food was on offer from ble (including tonic). areas that’s easy to get to by bus Maiden, a ripped down and blown into the cricket club’s barbecue and A full programme of music (though you may need to share a lemongrass the road a few days before the tuck shop, and a variety of street filled the day with individual cab back if you can’t get a lift). and ginger event. Not the expected mid- food vendors. Entertainment performers and bands entertain- Definitely one to try next year, infused IPA, June weather! On the day, how- throughout the day included ing with a varied repertoire of and one I’ll certainly be at. sounded iffy dance groups and musicians, quality sounds. ever, loyal festival-goers from the Keith Rigley but was actu- including a ukulele band, Morris Along with local ales from XT, local area and afar shook off the 22nd Oxford Beer Festival ally delicious). rain that interspersed the sun- Men, the Paul Martin duo, Turpin, Church Hanbrewery, Saturday shine to enjoy the wide selec- Blondes with Beards, The Low etc., there was a wonderful selec- This year’s festival took place in saw a top-up tion of beers, ciders and perry Lights, Alice Victoria, finishing tion from the south-west (Rod’s October once again in the glori- condition. There appeared to of the range with a further 40 sourced from around the UK. off with The Krazy Kat Ladies. favourite area). Rare in our local- ous surroundings of the Grade II be a slight south-west theme, ales tapped up, meaning there All beers were successful- The date for the 13th festival is ity were the Bristol beers from listed Oxford Town Hall – which with a number of ales coming were almost 200 beers to taste ly prepared and available. The set for Saturday 29 June 2020. Dawkins, Moor, Arbor Ales, has seen the likes of the Rolling from Devon, Somerset, Dorset overall with plenty of choice of Festival’s 2019 Champion Beer Andrew Davison New Bristol Brewery, Good Stones (1964) and David Bowie or Wiltshire. No bad thing as styles and strengths for anyone selected by the judges was 7th Finstock Ale Festival Chemistry, Lost & Grounded and (1972) plying their trade – but at many were from breweries that new to the real ale game to seek Tonkoko, a smooth tasty 4.3% Left Handed Giant plus one each the Oxford beer fest it’s the array rarely appear in Oxfordshire and out their preference (a number I was looking forward to visiting coconut, cacao, vanilla and from Gloucester Brewery and of 130 beers and 50+ ciders and more’s the pity for that. With of students were in evidence, the best value little local beer Tonka bean infused milk stout Gloucester Brewhouse – every perries that takes centre stage. third of pints as an option it was probably at their first ale festi- festival again this year, and it from Brew York whose brewery one of which was a treat to try. I went on Thursday and Friday easy to try many types or just val, with hopefully a few new certainly didn’t disappoint, with It was also good to see craft and taproom are located within nights and it was busy, but it was have a quick, taster of something CAMRA members signed up). a superb range of 21 craft ales, keg from our newest local brew- the city walls of York. Derbyshire easy enough to make your way either very strong (the 7% Black Price-wise it was £3 entry for five top notch, adventurous craft ery, Elements Brewery of Upton, beers hit the spot with Silver around the venue and plenty of Death hitting the late evening members (£5 for those poor kegs along with a selection of near Burford, which is now back awarded to Lucaria, a 6% ice knowledgeable volunteers were spot although I shied away from souls that have decided CAMRA cider – all of them available at in production again. cream porter from Thornbridge on hand to serve the beers and the 9.8% Imperial Toad offering membership is not for them – just £3 a pint along with a bar- My choice of the day was the in Bakewell, and Bronze went to make suggestions of what to try from Oxbrew (or maybe I had it see membership offers on other gain entry fee! New Best Friend from Bristol’s Jimmy’s Mom, a 4.8% pale ale, depending on palate, style, etc. and can’t remember!). pages of the magazine!). Organiser Rod Ireland’s main Left Handed Giant – a 6.7% IPA from Furnace Brewpub in Derby. Not all the beers were ready Some beers had adventur- Roll on the 23rd festival in ethic is to promote the joys of with a multi-layered, complex The festival featured some by Thursday night but this was ous flavourings that some- 2020, and well done to all con- drinking quality beer in the character, with Citra, Columbus, fine real ales and ciders from hardly a limiting factor. All the times work and sometimes can cerned in organisation ... you locality, although it also raises Mosaic and Nelson Sauvin the South West from the well- beers we had were in excellent be throat curdling (the Copper deserve a drink. lots of money for local organisa- hops and spiced with corian- known breweries of Butcombe, Oliver Sladen tions. While I’m happy for festi- der. However, beer of the festi- Otter, Skinner’s and Wild Beer, Finstock Ale 2019 Beer Of The Festival Presentation vals to raise funds for charity, I val (as voted by the punters) was Festival/event DIARY along with Arbor Ales whose have to say that the entry fee and Wonderland from New Bristol NOVEMBER 4.2% hoppy, flavoursome IPA drink prices at some events can Brewery, a 4.1% Vermont-style Shangri-La went down very well. 30: Hook Norton Christmas Market now be surprisingly high, espe- New England pale ale which had at Hook Norton Brewery (noon– The ciders and perries proved cially if you only have time to a noseful of hops, piney notes in 8pm) very popular. The judges select- attend for a drink or two (as not the mouth and a lovely, balanced DECEMBER ed Devon Mist, a 4.5% medi- everyone wants an entire after- light bitter finish. 1: Angel Bicester Christmas Market um sweet cider from Sandford hosted at the Angel pub (noon– noon’s/evening’s drinking). If you like quality real ale and 4pm) with 13 local stall holders. Orchards in Devon as Champion Some Cider/Perry. Winner in the fla- Gifts, food, face painting, etc (see of the Branch News for details) voured and fruit cider category festival 14: Haddenham Winterfest. was Glebe Farm’s Elderflower, an volunteers Village Hall/Banks Park Complex ever popular 4% medium cider. busily Haddenham (noon–6pm). www. For the traditional ciders, other working haddenham-beer-festival.co.uk/ favourites were Haymaker, a behind the JANUARY 2020 6.2% medium dry from Harry’s bar at the 24–26: Rose & Crown, Charlbury Cider in Somerset, and She Finstock Winter Beer Festival. 20+ real ales Ale plus ciders/perries Devil, a 4.3% sweet cider from FEBRUARY Festival Noel & Maria James (centre), owners of New Bristol Brewery, are presented with the certificate Oxfordshire producers Cotswold 4–8: CAMRA Great British Beer Cider Co. Other popular selec- for Beer of the Festival (as voted by drinkers at Finstock Ale Festival 2019) for their excellent Festival Winter, New Bingley Hall, tions included the Strawberry Wonderland, a 4.1% Vermont-style pale ale. The presentation took place in October when Birmingham. Over 400 beers, and the Lemon and Lime 4% a group of festival volunteers (including organiser Rod Ireland, right) and CAMRA members ciders and perries.www.winter. ciders from Lilley’s in Somerset. visited Bristol on a taproom tour – see article on pages 24 & 25 in this issue. gbbf.org.uk 16 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 17 The Muddy Duck offers you great quality food and drink without any pretentions of grandeur. The pub and restaurant live very happily under one roof with different offers Round-Up Of Local Brewery News for different moods – laid back or more refined. Chiltern Brewery put them into the is that in exchange for host- Waddle our way! Many breweries made a special hopback to pro- ing one of these visiting brew- ale for the Rugby World Cup, duce the well ers Hooky gets to showcase one and the Chiltern Brewery from received Fresh of its own beers in the same Terrick, nr Aylesbury, made Hops (5.5%), ’Spoons festival, this time HNB- theirs to raise money for local with a pale brewed Steaming charity WheelPower, which pro- amber hue, a On, a new golden vides opportunities for young distinctive fresh beer at 3.8% with and newly disabled people to citrusy, herbal a biscuit base enjoy sport or being active. taste and delicate complement- For each pint sold, the brew- orange aroma. ing the blackcur- ery donates 5p Hooky was once again select- rant and lemon to the charity. ed by Wetherspoon’s to host notes of the It was a dark another foreign brewer for their Bramling Cross amber 4.2% October beer festival. This time and UK-grown beer made with it was Brad Nolen from the Cascade hops. It was listed first Maris Otter, crys- Mash Brewing Co in Western in the brochure for the festival! tal and roast barleys Australia who arrived to brew Octoberfest was also cele- and hopped with his Challenger English IPA brated at the brewery with two Goldings, Fuggles (4.8%). Along with the obvi- beers from the pilot plant, a SNUG, WELCOMING PUB • THE MALTHOUSE RESTAURANT and Cascade. ous Challenger hops it also Belgian style Baby Dubbel (5.5%) used Aussie hops imported into and Metzgen Brauen (4.3%, a TERRACE DINING UNDER PARASOLS • QUIRKY BEER GARDEN Hook Norton Brewery the brewery for the first time Bavarian style) which comple- in the form of a variety called mented the Bavarian band and MAIN ST, , NR BICESTER, OX27 8ES T. 01869 278099 The brewery has been busy cel- ebrating 170 years of brewing on ‘Summer’ grown in Tasmania. hotdogs at another well support- W. THEMUDDYDUCKPUB.CO.UK F. FACEBOOK.COM/THEMUDDYDUCKPUB site with events which included Brewers like these occasions ed evening. a party and fun day at the brew- as new aromas abound through- The brewery announced their ery in September which were out the brewery and the deal 2019 awards at an event held well supported locally Two celebration bottled beers Hooky On Their Anniversary Tour 2019 Quality Ales at 7% abv were also produced: a dark beer based upon the Old One evening in Hooky recipe and a Gold ver- September, the Rose Handcrafted sion. They are both still in stock & Crown, Charlbury in the brewery shop which is had a visitation by well worth a visit to stock up on the ‘Hooky On Tour’ in Oxfordshire Christmas presents for all the classic Land Rover, family, open daily 9–5pm. which saw a group Later in the month there was from Hook Norton another collaboration brew with Brewery on a whirl- their friends, the Kiwi cuckoo wind tour of various brewing Yeastie Boys – a fresh pubs to celebrate the hop beer (made with hop cones, brewery’s 170 years Unit 6 Wroslyn Road freshly picked and undried, of brewing on site. Industrial Estate used to make the beer within 24 Customers in the Freeland hours of harvesting). Fresh hop pub had the opportunity to and who probably won at least Witney, Oxfordshire beers can only be made during chat with the Hooky crew, who one prize! This was an impres- OX29 8HZ DARK the annual late summer/early later ran a fun quiz which was sive example of great PR by the & SEEDY enjoyed by all who took part, brewery, with everyone at the VANILLA STOUT autumn hop harvest. Tel: 01993 881 941 SMOOTH – RICH – MOREISH JK from Yeastie Boys came in pub commenting on what a to help brew, by mashing in the great night it was. Website: http:// Above: Hook Norton Brewery Managing littleoxbrewery.co.uk/ morning then driving to Stocks Hop Farm in Director James Clarke (left) with local Hooky who had that morning picked Brewery rep Giles do a two-man bar takeover Facebook: https:// at the Rose & Crown on the Anniversary Tour. www.facebook.com/ 30 bags of fresh Goldings hops. littleoxbrewery/ Find them at a pub near you, visit our shop or buy online These were then driven back Left: The very distinctive ‘Hooky On Tour’ Land to the brewery just in time to Rover which they used as transport. 18 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 19 in its new hospitality area, The Greg Thompson Steep, attended by tenants and recently joined as Brewer, managers of pubs in their tied giving Luke Roberts time estate. Winners this year were: to concentrate on the • Marketing pub of the year operational and develop- (POTY) – The Angel, Burford. ment side of the business. Terence King & Gemma Finch The brewery hosts • Newcomer of the year – popular open taproom Butchers Arms, Kings Sutton. nights on Friday evenings Wayne Sellwood & Karen Hales from 4pm with a different street malt mouthfeel, intense citrus • Best Dressed POTY – Elephant food vendor attending. They also hops giving an aroma of orange 3 REAL ALES Two large & Castle, Bloxham. Simon organise motorsport and real and lemon; Electric Mayhem superior Finch ale linked events (such as the (4.3% light copper, with citra 10 REAL CIDERS en-suite • Team Member of the year – Le Mans 24 hour) and have an hops creating a medley of mango rooms Red Lion, . Jodie Oktoberfest event planned for 28 and lime flavours); Apollo (4.1%, Homemade Hartree September, in addition to pro- a sumptuous golden ale packed Large flower- • Community POTY – Coach viding an open tap room for on- with floral hop and biscuity malt lunches & Horses, Shipston on Stour. site motorsport events such as flavours). Mon–Sat 12-2 filled garden Sharon Sampson scrambles and car-owner club Aylesbury Brewhouse • Beer quality POTY – Castle meetings. OPENING HOURS Roaring log Tavern, Oxford. Jeremy Morey Corporate real ale and classic Two limited edi- Mon-Thurs fires & Anthony Murray car events have proved popular tion brews were 11-3 & 6-12 Congratulations to all of these, such as one held in June with the released recent- Fri 11-3 & 5-12 Family and particularly those in our Branch Clarendon Club from Oxford. ly: Midas (4.1% dog friendly area, so well done Terence, The brewery continues to pro- golden, First Gold Sat/Sun 11-12 Gemma, Simon and Jodie. duce its three core beers, Full Tilt hops give this the Forthcoming events at the (4.2% bitter which won Silver at Midas touch, by SAME FAMILY RUN PUB FOR 40 YEARS brewery include a Christmas the 5th Ardley & Fewcott Beer imparting refresh- Market on Sat 30 November, & Cider Festival 2019), Super ing hints of cit- OX15 4LZ www.bloxhampub.co.uk 01295 720383 noon–8pm, with visiting stall Sports (3.2% golden) and Chara rus fruits) and holders, brass band, mulled wine, Banc (5.3% ruby premium bit- Odyssey (4.3% food, etc which will be another ter). They also produced a lim- ruby, using an cheery opportunity to stock up ited edition special brew called epic blend of dark on Christmas presents. Luftgekuhlt, a 4.2% Munich malts and a sub- There are the ever popular malted session ale and they are tle orange aroma. Open Tap nights from 6–9pm currently working their next beer A single-hopped on the second Wednesday each which will be an IPA. variety beer. month with brewers on hand to Vale Brewery Brakspear answer questions on a great vari- ety of beers, the first three sam- Pickled Swans: To become a Henley brewer and pub opera- ples of which are free! Pickled Swan (Free membership) tor Brakspear has been named They will be launching their email [email protected] Pub Champion 2019 in an award Christmas beer, Twelve Days, on with your email address or you scheme run by the British Beer draught in Banbury on Thurs, 28 can visit their website. All Cobs & Pub Association (BBPA), November at 6.30pm in Ye Old and Pens will be given further announced in October. Reindeer and at 7.30pm at 4 Ale details and weekly updates! Brakspear took top prize ahead and Gin (aka Coach & Horses) Summer festival: This was a of other pub operators across the when the first pint is free. huge success, and a good time country, with judges praising its was apparently had by all, with programme of support designed Wriggly Monkey ales, music and quality food! The to give its pubs standout in a Our Brewery Liaison Officer, brewery thanks all who support- competitive market. Advice and Andrew Davison, reports that ed them on the day. help on business development brewing is now fully established Brewery Tap: Open 6 days a and marketing, interior design at the Bicester Heritage Centre. week, the brewery tap also offers and a range of initiatives includ- The original brewing equipment a wide range of wines, gins and ing the unique beers from the set-up proved inadequate for ciders. Visit www.valebrewery. Bell Street Brewery and the pop- meeting demand so increased co.uk for opening hours ular Henley Ale Trail, were all equipment was acquired and New beers: A number of new cited – with special mention for installed, branded casks bought brews have been released: Try the Brakspear socks offered with and a bottling machine added. Line (4.2% tawny with a soft beer purchases this year! 20 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 21 Get Your Votes In For Our Pub of the Coffee Shop by emailing your scores to the Year (POTY) 2020 Branch’s Pubs Officer (remem- & Bistro Going out for a Christmas ale or the last few years. The POTY ber to include your membership The Old Mill cider in December? If you are, competition is also a great way number). 7 West Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5LH our local pubs need your What for us members to get involved An article on how to score 01608 646 005 http://theoldmillcoffeehouse.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Pub scores! and for us to promote the many your beers was included in the CAMRA members – now is excellent hostelries we have in Autumn edition of Beer on Tap Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Coffee and Drinks the time to get beer scores in glorious North Oxfordshire. (see www.northoxonacamra.org. for the prestigious North Oxon To be nominated, a pub needs uk to read the article). Daily Specials Branch Pub of the Year Award. a minimum number of scores Sadly, the winner of the pre- Bookings taken Equally, if you are a friend of a and from a number of differ- vious year (which in this case is CAMRA member and going out ent CAMRA members. So, the excellent Horse & Groom Walk-ins welcome for a jar or two, nag them to get your votes really do count. Pub in Caulcott) has to stand aside Groups or parties accepted online and submit What Pub scores can be logged using the for one year which means a new Children-friendly scores (or even better join up at What Pub app (www.whatpub. establishment can take the Takeaway available www.camra.org.uk!). com) – simply login in using mantle. Outdoor seating The Branch awards the Pub of your CAMRA ID, find the pub So CAMRA members … who the Year (POTY) to the hostel- you are at and get scoring the will you decide will make the top Credit & Debit Cards accepted ry voted by CAMRA members ale. Votes can also be entered six in 2020? (minimum spend £10) in an ale trail of six of the best pubs which takes place during Blackboard WiFi available February and March. The final six are discussed and agreed Humour Opening Hours: at the Branch meeting on 7th Monday to Saturday 8am to 5:30pm January along with the sugges- More examples of pub blackboards Sunday 9am to 5pm tions of other Good Beer Guide we find amusing nominated pubs based on votes – with the Blue submitted during 2019. Boar in Chipping A form is then produced late Norton (left) keeping January indicating details of the standards high, along top six (a link will be emailed with a blackboard to local CAMRA members who spotted recently in will be available to download it Richmond. If you from the Branch website). The like a board outside actual voting on which of the top a pub, please snap six will be awarded POTY can it, and send it to the then take place during February Editor. and March 2020. Participating CAMRA members need to visit Beer Cans Get Hammered each of the six pubs on the list and get the form signed by a It is a little known fact that the perhaps because the brewery also member of staff in each pub. first beer to be canned in the owned a nearby tinplate works. The winner will be revealed at UK was done at Welsh brewers Two ultra-rare cans were bought the count of all forms received at Felinfoel near Llanelli around recently at auction in London for a Branch meeting (see our web- 1935–36. The beer can was £2,270.50 by Felinfoel’s MD Philip site for confirmation of the date developed by Krueger’s Brewery Lewis, and they are now on dis- and venue nearer the time). in Newark, New Jersey, USA in play at the brewery. However, before the excite- 1933 and it first appeared on ment of visiting one of our top shop shelves in 1935, made of TELL THE six contenders can commence, tin. Tin gave beer a metallic taste all our pubs need your votes. which wasn’t cured until alumin- ADVERTISER YOU Pubs which serve consistent ium was used first in 1959. SAW THEIR ADVERT quality ales stand a great chance Felinfoel had something of an IN BEER ON TAP of making the top six. It is a great ‘arms race’ with Buckley’s (also advertisement for our Branch from Llanelli) to be the first to Advertising revenue helps to keep Beer that we have had over 25 differ- can beers in the UK – and it on Tap free for everyone – so please tell advertisers where you spotted their advert ent pubs in the final top six in was Felinfoel which succeeded, 22 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 23 well respected around the UK. Bristol Bristles With Brewery Taps Lager-style beers dominate their range, but they also offer a saison, detail they give to their brews, IPA and a red ale. Again, this was such as blowtorching their sug- out of the walking area but only a ars, using rare hops or experi- short hop by car. menting with new styles and Back then to East Bristol again, hints of flavouring to offer some- our final visit was to the Moor thing for all tastes. Brewery tap. American Justin Next up was Wiper & True, a Hawke bought a brewery in little further away (maybe beyond Somerset in 2007, but it moved walking), shoehorned into an to the current taproom in 2014 industrial unit in St Werburgh’s. and has since become something This was in full swing, with of an institution. It has a huge drinkers out front and inside, vis- The stunning new Left range (with its popular 4.3% Raw itors on a tour and street food on Handed Giant brewery tap staple), all with adventurous hop New Bristol Brewery taproom with Noel behind the bar serving our tour group the front yard. Time was limited (outside and in) tendencies. I chose a 9% JJJ to here (as Arbor’s taproom clos- end my tour, which proved to be The terrace out front of es at 3pm on Saturday) but my real ales amongst Wiper & True a lovely big, bold West Coast IPA. Quintet (6.2% five-hopped brew) its beer range at the taproom. Thanks to chauffeur Rod for a was very tasty and satisfyingly great day out. payment may often bitter and samples of their Milk One of the older Sadly, we didn’t visit the excel- be by card or con- Shake stout (5%) and Citra & Rye breweries on the lent Good Chemistry taproom tactless only. (4.8%) were also well worth a try. scene, Dawkins First up was From there we called in at the started up in (great beers) as it only opens on Saturdays in the summer. the New Bristol Arbor Ales tap which is in a unit 2005 as Matthews Brewery in St. Paul’s decorated with street-art in its which highlights the success of Brewing Co., just outside Bath You may be able to add others which was start- brewery yard (Bristol is famous the Bristol craft brewing scene. and opened this taproom in 2018. if you’re prepared to walk a little. ed up in 2013 by for its street-art, and graffiti on The old ‘Compressor Building’ It also owns five pubs. See #EastBrisBrewTrail for details Noel & Maria James walls is everywhere round here). it’s housed in is a feature of the The Dawkins range is perhaps on future event weekends. where we turned up Its 7% Yakima Valley was jolly city’s industrial warehouse area more traditional than others with Keith Rigley A group of local drinkers jumped just after noon. Noel served us nice with lots of grassy hops on that’s being redeveloped, and it the core range being at the chance to visit a few of the some of his six beers on tap while the nose and palate. just oozes class and style. Facing Bristol Blonde, Best Bristol brewery taps which have we waited for Maria to turn up From here logic suggests that the water is a huge outer ter- and Gold along with mushroomed over recent years. for the presentation. The beers the nearby Dawkins taproom race, and inside is a two-level bar the lovely Resolution Our driver, Rod Ireland, organiser here are deeply complex and would be the next visit, but we alongside a brand new brewing IPA, all of which have of Finstock Beer Festival, planned cover all styles, from hoppy IPAs, opted to try the recently opened plant. This is hugely popular with won many awards. to visit New Bristol Brewery to sours, saisons and stouts/porters. brewpub owned by Left Handed younger local drinkers – to the Along with the IPA I present them with a ‘beer of the Their Joy or Sesh (4.2%, a core Giant (LHG) next to the bendy point that queues are common also tried the hoppy festival’ certificate, and then to brew) was a great start to the Castle Bridge across the city’s at the bar – and it has a massive Elderflower Blonde fill the rest of the day by visiting day, as was Wonderland (4.1%, a ‘floating harbour’ very close to range of ales on sale. – both of which have other local taprooms. North-East IPA, which won the the Bristol Bridge, as our next LHG only started in 2015, but a strong hop signa- It was perhaps the Bermondsey beer of the festival award) – but port of call. LHG has its original it quickly established a great rep- ture. Rod thoroughly Beer Mile in London which pio- for me the Irish Cream Stout taproom closer to the other East utation for quality, original beers enjoyed his Dawkins neered walking tours of brewery was the best. At 7% this was sub- Bristol taprooms, but although it in all different styles. On a previ- Ultra (6.2%) served as taps, and such is the proximity of lime, with a richly thick body, is still open, we wanted to see its ous visit we were blown away by a cask-conditioned ale. the breweries near Temple Meads lactic notes and a lingering dark, new facility which was opened its Woodland Creatures beer (a Little prepares you in Bristol that it’s possible to visit almost smokey coffee bitterness. after a successful crowd-funding 6.9% pistachio and honeycomb for the next taproom, quite a few on a walking tour (in Noel & Maria also run Bristol scheme that raised over £1m in milk stout) and we were chuffed which was more like fact regular East Bristol Brewery Brewery School from the prem- a very short time for the project to see that it was available on our visiting the bowels Trails are organised each year). ises where they run specialist which cost around £2.4m in all. visit. An almost countless num- of an alien spaceship For us, however, we had the lux- beer tastings and beer courses to This really is a tour-de-force ber of beers is made here, and with acres of stainless ury of not even having to walk spread the word. there will be something that will steel. However, I found – the main excuse being that we After a photo hit the spot for most people. the beers of Lost & needed a car for beer shopping. of the presenta- Moving on, we next called in at Grounded a little clin- Bear in mind, however, that the tion we left them the Dawkins Brewery taproom, ical, though they are model of brewtap tours is such with a big respect back in the area close to all the Top right: Dawkins taproom. that most beer is served as craft for the care and others. It was a little chaotic here, Middle right: The impressively keg (though some have one or as the brewery recently closed shiny Lost & Grounded Brewery, more real ale options) along with The Arbor Ales one of its plants to consolidate full to the brim with brewplant. tins/bottles, and ABVs vary from taproom is certainly them into one, but it was very Bottom right: The cosy, friendly table beer to close to 10%. Also, very colourful friendly and even boasted three Moor taproom 24 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 25 CHIPPING NORTON TO WALK (BUS Back) a house ahead along the tarmac track that runs parallel with the a tree. Walk down a slope to the By Keith Rigley drive. Keep straight on past the (taking advantage of right of a telegraph pole then keep Walkinshaw Performance build- the duckboards in odd places). on into the field corner where it ing along a track to soon find a Keep on the track as it winds narrows to a green lane beyond small gate to the right of a larger its way through the woodland and a five-bar gate. Walk through an gate marked ‘Private Land’. soon you will turn 90° left after a area of woodland, down steps, fol- Go through the gate to cut tree to walk away from the river low a close-board fence and then Beer on Tap Pub Walks off the corner of a field, and exit and to gain a little height. After a keep straight on where the fence by another gate to reach a dirt while, go through a broken kissing ends to cross a road and find a A ‘walk out, bus back’ ramble along the beautiful Upper Glyme valley track. Turn right to walk up a gate then walk up a slope to enter path into trees next to the stone Distance: Just over 5½ miles. Walk through the kissing gate, where the Glyme is sometimes slight slope, then on reaching an open field, where you go sharp- gate to Park. Allow around 2¼–2¾ hours. cross the bridge and head diago- above ground, sometimes not. a crossroads of tracks, turn left ly diagonally right while walking Follow the path downhill on a Map: Explorer 191. nally right up a slope towards At the far end of this field (after and walk down a slope into a dip up the slope – aiming to the left slippery, muddy slope to a wooden and up the other side. In the next of a line of trees over the brow of fence, then turn left and follow Parking: Chipping Norton’s woodland and go through a kiss- a weed-covered pond) turn left main car parks are off New Street ing gate to follow a track through before the next field to walk over field, walk on in the same general the hill. At the trees, go through a the fence down to a stone mill. On (A44), and off Albion Street. You the woods. At the end of the a low bridge then go right to walk direction, keeping the hedgerow gap in the hedge then walk along reaching a tarmac road, turn left can also park at the leisure centre woods, go through another gate, up to a metal gate (marked Wych- on your right for quite some time. keeping a wood on your right. to walk past the front of the mill off Burford Road. Avoid on-street bear right to walk round the field wood Way). Go through the gate After going through a gap in trees Where the wood goes round a then keep on along the drive all parking as they are time-limited. corner then go through a gate on then walk along a little way up a into another field, keep ahead in corner to the right, head across the way up the hill to soon find your right that leads into another grassy slope with the River Glyme the same direction. At the far side the field diagonally left as shown The Crown pub on your left. Bus: Chipping Norton is well area of woodland. Walk along the on your right to pass above trees of the next field, go through a on a waymark (to a stone wall To continue the walk, turn served with buses. The return bus path to the end of that wood to and shrubs. double metal gate, follow a track on the far side where it’s broken right at a little roundabout by the from Enstone (S3 Gold) is hourly. take another kissing gate to enter At the far end of this field through shrubs, and go through in a few places). As you crest the pub to walk up to the B4030 then For a change, this pub walk is lin- an open paddock where you turn (where the Glyme is a lake) go another gate to enter a long green hill you can make out a waymark turnright to walk down into the ear which needs a bus ride back. left to follow a clear path. through a gate to reach a tarmac lane with hedges on both sides. ahead on the wall. Go through valley, over a bridge then uphill to It is well worth it, however, as the The path soon goes downhill to road and turn right to walk up the Keep along the lane all the way to a gap in the wall, cross the road, a crossroads where you turn left Upper Glyme valley is lovely and a kissing gate on the far side after slope. Keep on up the hill into a a farm, walk between two barns, turn right then cross a waymarked into The Drive to find the Artyard can only be appreciated on foot. which is a wide, very muddy farm farmyard and turn left after the go past a house then straight on stone stile into trees on your left. Cafe at the end. To catch the bus Start with your back to the town track. Ignore the stile opposite first barns following a waymarked past some old staddlestones to Follow a path through the trees, to Chipping Norton, cross the A44 hall (facing The Fox), then turn and turn right to follow the farm route. Ignore the next waymark walk along a well-kept farm drive. cross a farm drive then cross a by the Artyard Cafe, turn left and left to walk uphill (to the right of track as it bends round to the left. (telling you to go left) and keep Keep on to the end of this drive wooden stile on the far side. Now walk uphill to the bus stop. Beales department store). Turn After the track bends to the left straight on to walk to the right of where it joins a single-track road keep to a well-marked green lane Pubs on Walk Route right at the Red Lion at the top, you will soon see on a bend (ignore a footpath on across the next field where, near START: the right just before the road) and the far side, you need to cross a The Crown, Mill Lane, Church cross the road then turn left at a metal gate on Town which there’s a sign turn left to walk down the hill stile and then walk on in the same Enstone OX7 4NN. https:// the mini roundabout into Burford Hall crowninnenstone.co.uk/. Road to walk up the slope ahead. saying ‘Please put through the hamlet of . general direction but on the other chain over post’. Go Chipping At the valley bottom, cross the side of a fence/hedge. Tel: 01608 677262. Open: Walk past the Fire Station then, Norton Mon–Fri 12–3pm & 6–11pm; through that gate School bridge then go through a gate on Walk up to a stone wall, turn at Chipping Norton School, veer Sat 12–11pm; Sun 12–6pm. and walk ahead, Glyme the right marked ‘private reserve’ right and then turn left over stone left to walk in front of the school Farm Hooky Bitter, Frothblowers keeping the line of to enter woodland, then follow a and wooden stiles (waymarked) buildings so the car park is on Hornswoggle & RCH Hewish trees along the val- aiming to pass a telegraph pole in your right. At the end of the car Harvest on research trip. ley bottom on your A44 the middle of the field ahead. On park go straight on (don’t go into Artyard Cafe, The Drive, Leisure Centre) into a waymarked left. the far side of the field, turn right to follow the field edge to soon Enstone OX7 4NF. Tel: 01608 lane, then keep along this lane for Keep straight on A361 To R GL ME 678852. https://artyardcafe. some time as it passes allotments along this valley for Shipton-under- RIVE Y find a gap in the hedge next to Wychwood uk/. Open: 8am–11pm (Sat/ and changes into a dirt track. quite some time Sun 8am–1am). Hooky Bitter Ignore a memorial wood on the Old Chalford Pubs in Chipping Farm & Fuller’s London Pride on right and keep straight on to soon research visit. go through a kissing gate. Eventu- Norton ally you reach a farm where the A: The Chequers, Goddards Lane Manor track bends to the right to meet a Stone Form The Crown road. Cross the road, go through B: Blue Boar, Goddards Lane Farm A44 a wooden kissing gate opposite, C: Crown & Cushion Hotel, HAMLET OF and go diagonally left, aiming High Street LIDSTONE for a gate on the far side of the D: Bitter & Twisted, High To Street The field. Go through the kissing gate Bartons E: The Fox Hotel, Market R G LY Artyard and keep on in the same general I V E R M E Cafe direction, through a gate on the Place F: , Cattle Market far side of the next field then walk Red Lion G: King’s Arms, West Street END: To down a slope to yet another gate B4026 to Bus Stop Oxford/ and the infant River Glyme. All Chippy pubs serve real ale. Charlbury Charlbury 26 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 27 All I Want For Xmas Is … Beer Stuff Looking a festive or New Year involved in their local branch, • Buy them a book from the gift? Why not: volunteer at local beer festi- CAMRA shop • Visit a brewery and pick up vals, obtain entry discounts some excellent value ales or at local (or national) beer fes- some brewery related mer- tivals and money off a pint at chandise for your loved ones participating local pubs as well (or yourself!) as a host of other benefits (see The following local brewer- camra.org.uk for further infor- ies have both online and onsite mation) shops where you can browse merchandise for stocking fill- Set by ers and pick up draught take Beer On Tap 79 Puzzle ‘Hookyman’ outs or bottles as either gifts or for your Xmas party: – Hook Norton visitor centre and Malthouse, well worth a visit in its own right) Mon– Sun) – Wychwood Brewery, Wit- ney (see advert opposite) – Vale Brewery (Brill, Bucks shop - Mon-Sat) – XT Brewery, Long Crendon, Bucks (shop open Mon–Sat) – North Cotswold, nr Ships- ton-on-Stour (Mon–Sat) – Local microbrewery Church Hanbrewery runs an excel- lent bar/shop called Tear- drop in Oxford’s covered market (Mon–Sat) and the Use the grid below to fill Oxbrew Witney micropub in your answers and then sells their own and compare it with the official Little Ox solution on page 30 ales. These are in addition to their online shops where you can pick up quality beers (see adverts in the magazine) Please check with the brewer- ies as opening hours may vary in the lead-up to Xmas. • Buy the tee-shirt! CAMRA has launched its £10 festive t-shirt. Better than a snowman jump- er for your loved one? • Give pub vouchers – ask in your local (many pubs/pub chains offer vouchers) • Join someone up! CAMRA gift membership from £20 (www. camra.org.uk). Lucky recipient will be emailed a link to the latest Beer on Tap and to be

28 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 29 XT Brewery Expand North Of The Border Nothing stands still for long at before long launched the range which saw the brewery introduce XT Brewery where owners Russ of Animal branded beers which tank beer to its portfolio to offer Taylor & Gareth Xifaras have seen let them go wild with adventur- three beers from 1,000-litre tanks a number of extensions and new ous brews (some being one-offs). (called Tom, Dick & Harry) at enterprises in its relatively short They also began experimenting this historic pub, although tra- life (founded 2011) – but their lat- with aging beers in wooden casks ditional hand-pumped beer is est plan to start up a completely and making collaboration beers also sold. new brewery in Edinburgh is per- with other brewers. Details of the latest plans to set haps its biggest project yet. By 2015 they needed to expand up a bespoke brewery with an Our Branch first met Russ & capacity at the plant, and this onsite tap room in Scotland are Gareth when they were planning was followed by a further exten- sketchy at the moment – so keep to set up their new brewery in sion in 2017 (the latter mainly up on the news on this exciting Lower Heyford, which almost to keep up with demand of its new enterprise in Beer on Tap. went through until the late plan- Eisbar lager). All we do know at this early stage ning stages – after which they In 2018 they started to supply is that they’ve hired a new Head chose to build the brewery on the beer to ‘The Plough at 38’ bar Brewer and another team mem- Notley Farm Estate near Long in Oxford’s Cornmarket Street, ber to work in the brewery. Crendon, Bucks. Soon after they launched the core range of XT Beer on Tap On Mount Fuji beers, ranging from XT1 (the lightest) to XT9 (the darkest). David Dean, proprietor of the he’s looking forward to some of The brewery began to add White Lion, Fewcott, took a the real stuff once he’s back in specials to its range (such as copy of Beer on Tap to have Fewcott. XT25 for Christmas beer) and a quick peruse while on top Remember to take a copy of Mount Fuji in Japan at with you on your next trip. Get Ready For 2,316m. Take a photo, send it in, and This really does take ‘living we’ll publish it in this regular The Celebrations the high life’ to a whole new feature. level! For VEDay75 David could only find Although it’s still a little way off, a local Kirin beer for the plans are afoot for an extension to occasion – so we expect standard licensing hours for the early May Bank Holiday in 2020 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This comes after a Government decision to move the early May Bank Holiday next year from Mon May 4 to Fri May 8, to mark the anniversary with a public holiday. The decision means that pubs licensed to close at 11pm can open until 1am on both Friday May 8 and Saturday May 9 2020. Extended licensing hours were offered to events such as the royal Beer on Tap weddings in 2011 and 2018, the 79 Puzzle Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the Solution 2014 World Cup and the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016.)

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. Copyright © North Oxon CAMRA 2019 Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors, and are not necessarily the views of the North Oxfordshire Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. North Oxon CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by North Oxon CAMRA. Edited by Oliver Sladen • Designed & Produced by Keith Rigley, Charlbury, Oxon • Printed by Henry Ling, Dorchester, Dorset 30 Beer on Tap – Winter 2019 Magazine of CAMRA North Oxfordshire 31