Merse yAle CAMRA Liverpool & Districts Magazine S p ring 2013 FREE

Inside: MerseyAle Trumps Cezanne's Card Players at Peter Kavanagh's Shock News- Caledonia Sunk by Developer Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the Year Winner

www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk email [email protected] Circulation 11,000 The MerseyAle CAMRA Liverpool and Districts Branch MerseyAle Editor John Armstrong 67 Moorfields Liverpool L2 2BP Telephone 0151 236 1734 MerseyAle Contacts Comments/news/letters/photos The Lion Tavern (Grade II Listed) is Liverpool’s [email protected] finest Edwardian Pub. It is an extravaganza of FOOD etched glass, carved wood and beautiful tiling. See the board for MerseyAle Advertising selection of good Welcome to MerseyAle It has a wonderful ornate wood carved bar plus Cost - Full page £200 value food two cosy side rooms one with a fantastic Half page £100 and ManxAle Contact stained glass dome. The Lion Tavern is an QUIZ NIGHT award winning pub serving excellent cask [email protected] every Tuesday at 9.30pm CAMRA is a Campaign of Two We feature great Liverpool pubs conditioned ales, cider and a large selection of MerseyAle - Read online at the finest malt whiskies. You can also enjoy a www.merseyale.com Halves, the Campaigning and the including the iconic, eccentric, fine selection of tasty food from our new menu. ACOUSTIC Social, and this edition of Peter Kavanagh’s (pages 28 to 29). NIGHT Liverpool and Districts CAMRA MerseyAle has stories on both. We There is major brewery news from have examples of successful Cains Second Thursday of the Main Branch Contact with plans for a £50 million campaigning at national and local Brewery Village and another new Month 8pm Jean Pownceby [email protected] level. The national victory of the brewery for Liverpool with an HANDPUMPS Stop the Beer Duty Escalator Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter supply a varied selection of prize BOB DYLAN Contact for Socials and campaign (page 7), Liverpool twist (pages 12 and 13). winning Real Ales (including at least one Coach Trips only CAMRA Battling for the British SOCIETY Ian MacAdam 07521 741 586 Pub (pages 31 and 33), plus the The SHOCK NEWS is the sale and Meets first Thursday of the locally brewed ale) plus hand pulled Cider national award winning Snowball closure of the award winning Month 8.30pm 8 Liverpool Branch Chair campaign (pages 47 to 49). We Caledonia pub by Admiral Geoff Edwards bring you stories of people Taverns and developer Marcus MEET THE BREWER [email protected] enjoying real ale in our great Worthington to make way for a Over 80 Malt Liverpool pubs and discovering student accommodation scheme Third Thursday of the Web Sites for Liverpool University (pages 15 Month 8pm Liverpool and Districts that real ale is fun. Whiskies and 17). What Can be Done? Join CAMRA Branch the fight to Save our Pubs The Lion Tavern has one of the largest www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk We reveal the 2013 Liverpool POETRY GET CAMRA Pub of the Year (pages 4 (page 19). selections of malt whisky on Merseyside wwwfacebook.com TOGETHER and 5) and review the Pubs of the Fourth Thursday of the /CAMRAliverpool Year on Merseyside, those from Meanwhile there remains the Month 8pm @LiverpoolCAMRA across the regions, the four Elephant in the Room – the QR Codes page 55 National finalists and the overall national PubCos who control 50% National CAMRA Pub of the Year of Britain’s pubs and stand accused Isle of Man CAMRA Branch Winner (pages 21 and 23). by Greg Mulholland MP of actions V6 Adventure www.isleofmancamra.org.uk Club which are “nothing more than a Meet every Wednesday CAMRA national site MerseyAle can claim to be scam..... It’s heartbreaking”( pages at 8.00pm www.camra.org.uk CAMRA’s only International 9 and 11). magazine, with over 1,000 copies Cover of every edition distributed across Read the back cover and you will “The Discussion” by Dennis Jones the Isle of Man, which is fiercely realise You Can’t Afford NOT to A revision of Paul Cézanne’s famous independent and not part of the Join CAMRA Today! painting “The Card Players” The UK. Read ManxAle news and world’s most expensive painting sold features (pages 39 to 41). WEEKLY in 2011 for more than $250,000,000 LOCALE CAMRA DISCOUNT MerseyAle is also big in the United See Board Card carrying States, as shown by the article by for future CAMRA members 10 pence San Francisco film maker Jeffrey off pint of real ale Real Ales French (pages 26 and 27). Learn about the connection between Liverpool Pubs, Serendipity, the John Armstrong “One of the Hundred Best Pubs in the country” Pool of Life and why Bootle leads Editor Daily Telegraph The opinions expressed in MerseyAle the world – yes really! are not necessarily those of the Editor, the CAMRA Liverpool Branch or PUB OF EXCELLENCE 2012 CASK MARQUE CAMRA NATIONAL INVENTORY PUB CAMRA Ltd. 3 that is sourced from a brewery Presentation of the years. The National judging These four pubs will now be situated no more than 30 miles process looks at a variety of judged for the Award of CAMRA Liverpool CAMRA Pub from the pub). Award to Stamps Too criteria, including Beer Quality, Merseyside Pub of the Year 2013 . In 2012 at the Liverpool and On April 30th the Award was Clientele Mix, Pub Atmosphere, The winner will then go into of the Year 2013 District CAMRA Oscars Awards presented to Frank and the staff Value for Money, and Sympathy competition with the Cheshire night, Stamps Too was awarded at a special event held at Stamps with CAMRA Aims. Pub of the Year for the ‘LocAle Pub of the Year’ , and a Too, so it could be enjoyed by Merseyside and Cheshire As always, all the pubs were of a banner proudly announcing this regulars and visitors alike. Frank Regional award . high standard, and I would like was displayed outside the pub. was presented with the official to thank all the judges for their This banner has now been Liverpool Branch ‘Pub of the And then on to the CAMRA careful assessment of the pubs replaced to make way for the new Year’ certificate, and a banner National Pub of the Year and for their hard work. ‘Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the Year announcing the award is now Competition 2013’ banner. displayed outside the pub. Now for CAMRA The Regional winner then goes Stamps Too Waterloo Frank is very proud of his Stamps Too will be invited to the forward to the CAMRA National “We have never been a sports bar Pub of the Year competition, Report by Sonia James-Henry commitment to LocAle. A very Liverpool CAMRA Oscars Awards Merseyside Pub of - our specialty is high quality which features the sixteen This year’s Liverpool and District successful Liverpool CAMRA Night in Liverpool to be held in the Year Regional winners from around CAMRA Pub of the Year is Locale celebration event was held the summer. There they will be Each of the Merseyside CAMRA the country. From these pubs situated, not in the city centre, at the pub in 2012 to celebrate 3 Branches has selected their national judges assess four but in the suburbs and can be years of the scheme in Liverpool. branch Pub of the year. The finalists to compete for the found in Waterloo. Conveniently The walls of the pub are adorned winners for 2013 are; overall winner of the CAMRA located diagonally opposite with pump clips depicting those National Pub of the Year Award Waterloo railway station and the ales which have been and gone, (see pages 19 and 21 for the bus station, it is a short 20 minute ales that are waiting in the cellar current finalists and the winner). train ride away from Liverpool are displayed on the pillar next to Central. There are several other the hand pumps. real ale pubs within walking Frank commented; bands playing good music. At first distance to make a very attractive “The emphasis has always been And Next year there was a crossover with bands Liverpool Branch - pub trail which is an excellent on local beers - our main that played at Stamps, but then Stamps Too, Waterloo alternative to the usual city centre suppliers are Liverpool Organic, on to 2014 we developed our own style. I'm pub crawl. Brimstage and Southport. Then, a guitarist and occasional Licensee Frank Parrat opened when Mel James- Henry from the Liverpool Pub keyboard player myself, so I had Stamps Too on 22nd October local CAMRA branch told me 2004. Frank says; contacts - plus, when I'm not about the LocAle scheme, it gave of the Year “My vision was to build on the working, I like to visit other pubs us an added impetus. We were officially presented with the success of Stamps in Crosby that have live music and, if I like a proud to be the first Liverpool Liverpool CAMRA Branch Pub of Competition which was started by friends of band and think they'll go down pub to be accredited the Year Shield, which is held by St Helen Branch - mine, and to develop a sort of well here, I book them!” and to win the Liverpool CAMRA the winner for twelve months. Clock Face, Prescot For 2014 we will once again Stamps 'brand' in the local LocAle award." The Oscars is a prestigious event with media coverage of the be encouraging as many area. Pride in the Award I wanted to provide a high various award winners receiving CAMRA members as possible standard of real ale in Frank is justifiably proud that awards in recognition for their to vote in the Pub of the Year Stamps Too has been voted Pub Waterloo that would attract a contribution to real ale and pubs. competition, as the more of the Year, particularly as it is the good crowd. There is a people who vote the more different atmosphere and first time a suburban pub has How the Liverpool ethos to real ale pubs which been given the prestigious title. Branch Pub of the Year democratic the process. I like, but I also wanted to Frank commented; So please take the time to is Judged Southport Branch - give its drinkers a different "I couldn't believe it, I was over For 2013 Liverpool and Districts Freshfield Hotel, vote. Voting for 2014 experience. “ the moon. It's great to have a pub outside the city centre winning - CAMRA changed the voting Liverpool Pub of the Year will Stamps Too - Frank on the Left and even greater for me and all system so that Branch members open at the beginning of a Commitment to Live Music the staff that it's us! had the opportunity to vote for January 2014 and you will be their favourite City Centre Pub If you enjoy live music with your Thanks to all who voted for any Stamps Too - pub in the area, but special and their favourite suburban pub. able to vote in several ways. pint then Stamps Too is the place a Commitment to LocAle to be from Thursday night thanks for the Stamps Too votes. Once all the votes had been There are five hand pumps taking through to Sunday with a number It really is appreciated by counted the top five pubs were Further information will be pride of place at the front of the of bands and soloists to suit all everyone here, and it makes it all judged according to the criteria published in the Winter 2013 bar, serving ninety per cent music tastes. The list of bands worthwhile!!” used for the CAMRA National Locale beers. In 2009 Stamps Too edition of MerseyAle and on: due to play over the coming So, why not take a trip out to Pub of the Year competition. This became the first pub to be Wirral Branch - www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk week are displayed on chalk the suburbs – there are some has been the practice used by accredited Locale by Liverpool Gallaghers, Birkenhead boards both inside and outside excellent ales and a warm Liverpool Branch over the last five Branch, (a LocAle beer being one the pub. welcome waiting for you. 4 5 cancelling it altogether. That’s the freeze people have been campaigning for. But I’m going to go one step further and I am going to cut beer duty by 1p. We’re taking a penny off a pint. Escalator The cut will take effect this Sunday STOPPED! night and I expect it to be passed on in full to customers." The Government Beer Escalator Save Your Pint Mass Lobby on 12th which increased beer duty December, a fantastic day where Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief annually by 2 per cent above the 1,200 CAMRA members met with Executive, commented; rate of inflation, was stopped in the over 180 members of parliament. “Today’s decision is a huge March Budget. Additionally there CAMRA members have continued triumph for CAMRA’s pub was a 1 penny cut in beer duty this campaigning by meeting and campaigners who have been about which the writing with building overwhelming public Chancellor said their MPs right support for a fair deal for beer and “I expect it to be up to the day of pubs, pub by pub and beer festival passed on in full the budget. by beer festival. to customers.” He revealed that had What the the escalator Chancellor continued there Had to Say would have been a The Chancellor’s 3% rise in beer speech reflected duty. Press reports many of the indicated that the campaign points made by March inflation figures had risen to CAMRA. 3.5% due to rising energy prices, which with the escalator would "Mr Deputy Speaker, there’s another have led to an increase in beer duty duty escalator – the annual two of 5.5%. percent above inflation increases Since the escalator was introduced in alcohol. Greg Mulholland MP, Chair of the in 2008, beer tax has increased by We’re looking at plans to stop the Save the Pub campaign speaking at 42%, driving up the cost of a pint biggest discounts of cheap alcohol the CAMRA Parliamentary rally and driving consumers away from at retailers. in December. their local pubs. In that time, 5,800 But responsible drinkers – and our pubs have closed for good. pubs - should not pay the price for The CAMRA Stop the Escalator the problems caused by others. International Beer Campaign The sad fact is that we’ve lost Duty - A Comparison On the back of last year's Budget, 10,000 pubs in the UK over the last And Yes Britain Pays the Most! CAMRA launched its support for decade. British Drinkers pay ...... the e-petition calling an end to the Many Honourable Members have tax and dedicated volunteers threw raised their concerns with me like EIGHT times the rate their wholehearted support behind my Honourable Friend for Bristol of Duty paid by French it. Eight months' later, we reached North West. the golden number of 100,000 My Honourable Friend for Burton Drinkers signatures. and Uttoxeter in particular has been CAMRA's beer festivals were TEN times that of Spanish a committed champion of the famous invaluable to this effort. At the Drinkers annual Great British Beer brewing industry that employs many Festival, CAMRA gathered 10,000 of his constituents. ELEVEN times that of signatures alone. I intend to maintain the planned rise German Drinkers Once we reached the 100,000 mark, for all alcohol duties – with the we lobbied hard to get a debate in exception of beer. British Beer Duty has risen the main chamber of Parliament, We will now scrap the beer duty 42 percent in the last five where MPs unanimously agreed escalator altogether. years. the escalator should be scrapped. And instead of the 3p rise in beer The campaign continued with the duty tax planned for this year I am

7 These PubCos are in debt and the quickest way to get rid of it is to sell Elephant In the off the premises. That means a load of pubs will end up as housing or supermarkets, ripping the heart out Room: The PubCos of many communities. It's heartbreaking. People are just The Coalition Government is then the property market and the trying to make a decent living and heralding its stopping of the values had collapsed along with do their bit to keep pubs alive." Beer Escalator and the one the Punch share price. Punch then penny cut in beer duty, but the found themselves unable to repay The Proposed real story that is threatening the the large debt and were struggling future of fifty percent of even to pay just the interest. Their Statutory Code of Britain’s pubs is the Elephant in only avenue was to bleed their Practice is Central as the Room – the policies of the lessees/licensees dry with high PubCos. rents and the controversial to whether these Key The PubCo model is based on the Beer Tie. Issues will be tackled income derived from licensees “A Lot of What is Going On is The Coalition Government through the beer tie which charges Nothing More Than a Scam.” indicated in January that it licensees up to 50% more than Greg Mulholland MP, Chair of the intended to introduce a Statutory they would pay for beer on the Parliamentary Save the Pub Code of Conduct for PubCos – see open market, and on high rents Group, has commented that MerseyAle February 2013 edition with upward only rent reviews. PubCos were no more than pages 13 to 15. This article In addition at the height of the property speculators and that indicated that the devil would be property market the PubCos their economic model is now in in the detail of the code, and that placed high values on their pub ruins due to the collapse of the the danger was that the Coalition estate, using these values to property market values. It was Government would put forward a borrow large amounts of money the pub licensees who were Code that lacked any real teeth to from the banks. The collapse of paying the cost of the PubCo protect licensees and enforce good the property market left the failures through high charges for practice on the PubCos. It also PubCos unable to repay these beer and high rents, which were reported that the trade group, large debts. the British Pub and Brewers Association (BPBA), was pressing PubCos are the government to tone down the Code. Its Chairman Jonathan Zombie Neame commented; Companies “In the consultation MerseyAle February 2013 reported that the BBC File we will be urging the on Four radio programme Government to had described Punch Taverns as a “Zombie ensure that any Company”, unable to statutory process is repay its debts and struggling even to repay the light touch and cost interest on its loans. A feature of a driving them into insolvency and effective, to protect Zombie Company is that it is closure of their pub. the consumer from unable to find the financial He commented; resources to invest in the business "A lot of what is going on is bearing the brunt of and is therefore facing a lengthy nothing more than a scam. unreasonable cycle of decline. The anti-monopolies Beer Orders File on Four reported that Punch’s move of the Thatcher government additional costs.” pub estate had been valued at a went wrong. The PubCos are now So you have been high level some years ago and as big as the major breweries ever warned about what large loans in the order of £2 were. billion had been taken out on the Politicians on all sides recognise is coming! strength of this valuation Since that something needs to be done. F 8 9 Worrying Comments other factors, that is causing and introduces a Code which has problems in certain real teeth. CAMRA is pressing for by Vince Cable circumstances.” three elements to be included in In making the announcement the Code; about introducing a Code, Vince CAMRA Chief Executive, Mike Cable, the Secretary of State for Benner, commented: Business, stated that; “Over 3,500 tied public houses have been lost since the start of CODE OF “Pubcos (are) exploiting 2009. Many of these will have and squeezing their been lost as a result of excessive CONDUCT publicans by unfair rents and by being forced to buy practices and a focus on beer through the PubCo Beer Tie short-term profits.” He at up to 50% above market rates. 1. That all PubCo also recognised that, The proposal for a “fair licensees should “there is some real dealing” provision will allow Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the Year hardship in the pubs have the right to publicans tied to large pub stock a guest ale that sector, with many pubs companies to challenge these 2010 and 2011 going to the wall as high prices, which means fewer is free of the beer tie, publicans struggle to valued pubs will be forced to thereby allowing survive on tiny margins. close their doors. them to buy this beer Some of this is due to CAMRA fully endorses the on the open market. PubCos exploiting and Government’s wish to ensure squeezing their publicans by unfair practices and a “Over 3,500 2. Open market focus on short term rent reviews for pubs profits” tied public with a right for the However in a letter from Vince licensee to appeal Cable dated 9th January which houses have was forwarded to MerseyAle by been lost since to an independent Louise Ellman MP for Liverpool assessor. Riverside, he indicated that he was NOT going to act to change the start of the highly controversial Beer Tie 2009” 3.The right for A Warm Welcome to the Dispensary (CAMRA Liverpool & Districts Pub used by all the PubCos. This is licensees to of the Year 2010 and 2011) from Pauline, Dave and all their staff very disappointing as most commentators have called for negotiate free of that tied publicans are no worse action on the Beer Tie, especially tie arrangements Good Beer Guide singles out “the landlord’s impeccable off than free of tie publicans. the introduction of a right for all with their PubCo. attention to beer quality”. PubCo licensees to be able to Research shows that 46% of tied order at least one beer free of Tie. publicans earn less than £15,000 In the letter he wrote; per year in contrast to 22% of Meanwhile it is vital “I would also like to be clear that I free of tie publicans.” Up am not proposing to abolish the that pressure is beer tie. The evidence strongly maintained on the to suggests that the tie, per se, is not The Crunch Comes in BEERS Coalition Govern- the issue: when operated as the Summer Availab8le at any one time kept in superb condition envisaged and fairly, it is a valid ment and all MPs to business model being used It is likely to be the summer before The Dispensary provides a varied and interesting selection the Coalition Government ensure the result is of real ales from the best Micro Brewers in the country. responsibly by companies both finalises the detail of the Code and You will be surprised at the choice large and small and, were it to be a Code with teeth. removed, the British brewing seeks Statutory powers. industry could be significantly It is vital that pressure is RENSHAW STREET, LIVERPOOL disadvantaged. What is clear is maintained on the Coalition (Formerly The Grapes) 0151 709 2160 that it is the abuse of the tie, like Government to stick to its guns the abuse of rent calculations and against the PubCos and the BPBA

10 11 “We understand the Brewer ynews special challenges businesses such as Cains face and believe this scheme is the right way forward for both the Cains brand and the city as a whole.” •A second phase of The Key Question of £50 Cains Plan development would build on the scheme with consultants Colliers site of the current car park and International and Liverpool million in Finance £50 million storage shed to develop a large architects Falconer Chester Hall So far there is no number of new build apartments (FCH). Detailed architectural information about the Brewery Village with a supermarket on the drawings are yet to be drafted. financing of the scheme The Brewery Village concept has Company to Focus on ground floor . other than it is intended to been hugely successful in North take it forward in a joint Leisure and Tourism America, with examples being the The micro brewery would replace venture with a property In April Cains announced plans to Distillery District in Toronto and the existing brewing plant which developer. The fact that develop the brewery site in the Granville Island development would be removed and sold, Cains went into Stanhope Street into a £50 million in Vancouver. resulting in a loss of 15 of the administration in 2008 Brewery Village as the key element FCH managing director Adam Hall present 56 brewery jobs. The loss owing £35 million before in a major change of direction for said: “We are taking inspiration being bought back by the owners in the Brewery Village plan. It is difficult to raise. The New the company into a focus on making brewing of supermarket beers and the canning plant would from right across the world and Dusanj brothers for £103,750 a often the case that multi use Brighton promenade development tourism and leisure. The plan have examined similar schemes process known as flat pack schemes such as this shed the less is a case in point. includes conversion of the existing close. Cains Chief Executive Sudaghara Dusanj said; in the US and Canada where administration – see MerseyAle money making social elements Cains intend to submit a planning “Terracotta Palace” brewery into a late winter 2008 edition online at such as the cinema, the spa, gym application in July with a view if they have brought the new and range of new multi purpose uses, in “We want to create a major www.liverpoolcamra.org, may act and food market as the scheme approval is given of starting work addition to constructing a number new tourism and leisure asset old together to create truly as a deterrent to potential investors moves on and finance proves on site in 2014. of large new buildings. A market for the city which would atmospheric and vibrant appraisal of the site predicts it destinations.” would attract about 500,000 visitors secure the future of the Cains single infusion mashing to a year once complete. beer brand for decades to come. Backing From the Mayor and German and Belgian Main Elements of the Plan Cities like Manchester and the MP techniques. Gareth says include; Newcastle have been unable Louise Ellman MP for Liverpool that he is free to do what Riverside said: •The existing brewery building brewing style he wants, to save their traditional “The plan would see the would be converted to house a breweries but we know this “unlike 99% of existing new £1.5 million micro brewery restoration of one of the city’s Another New Brewery for Liverpool breweries that are tied to scheme will ensure Liverpool the old (and slightly dull) and visitors centre, a food court has a thriving and traditional key heritage assets and the – and it’s Not Just a Tea Party!’ and market, digital studios, creation of a new visitor British techniques”. He also brewery for future Liverpool has another new brewery, The Mad Hatter boutique hotel accommodation, plans to use wooden barrels generations. attraction for an important part Brewing Company in Toxteth conference facilities and a new for fermentation to give We anticipate increasing of Liverpool. The proposals off Upper Parliament Street, roof top bar with panoramic views distinctive flavours. enable a proud brewing tradition close to the junction with across the city. The existing production of traditional ales The result is a massive Smithdown Road. range of fifteen proposed brewery plant would be removed by as much as 300% as a in the city to become the focus of This is the brand new and beers of many different and sold. The Brewery Tap pub result of the scheme." regeneration. I back these rather exciting brewery of styles. Mad Hatter beers would be expanded. proposals.” Gareth Matthews, a veteran have appeared at the Ship •There would be a 100 bed hotel, However he warned that the company was struggling to keep home brewer of twenty years and Mitre, the Dispensary a spa and gym. Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson up the maintenance on the huge and formerly a philosophy and Stamps Too, with ESB a •The site behind the brewery said: “Proposals such as these site and that failure to secure are complex but are an lecturer at Liverpool 6% strong bitter, and a 5% would be developed as a multi University. Gareth finally saw Mild being amongst the planning permission could have indication of confidence in the storey car park. implications for the long term the light and fled academia to first offerings •Adjacent to the car park would future of Cains. city and its prospects. There is start a microbrewery in MerseyAle will run a be an art house multiplex art much work to be done to bring Liverpool. His purpose built feature on Mad Hatter in A North American Concept house cinema with four screens. the scheme to fruition but we are 100 litre “nano” brewery, (one a future edition – provided it does not disappear down THE new vision for the Cains •Stanhope Street would be stage smaller than a micro!), a rabbit hole. Brewery Village plan takes its fully behind the plans and opened to traffic and become the produces approximately 7 inspiration from similar schemes in extremely excited about the The contact details are; centre of the Brewery Village casks a week. It enables him North America. Cains has spent positive impact it will have on a to experiment with an array of Mad Hatter Brewing Company, Parliament Business development. nine months putting together the key city site. brewing techniques – from Park, Commerce Way, L8 7BA, Tel: 0151 739 1702

12 13 MerseyAle news

3 Rotating Cask Beers plus one Moorhouses on permanently Large selection of World Beers Caledonia to be Closed Warm and Friendly Down on Sunday 26th May Atmosphere of pub the Loose Moose String Band who Coalition said: Free Juke Box Government “We’re absolutely shocked and claims to devastated about the news. The 1-3 Sir Thomas Street L1 be keen to Cali has been our home from home Opening Times 11.00am - 11.00pm Mon - Fri promote. the past three years and Laura has Laura and the seven staff had been done an amazing job in turning it 11.00am - 12.00pm Sat kept in the dark regards the deal. She will lose both her job and home into a proper community pub. with just 28 days notice and the staff People have come from all over will be made redundant. Some the world to play here and we’ve reward for success! got absolutely no idea what we’ll do without it.” Statue Speaking to the ‘Liverpool Laura ( and one of her best freinds} commissioned Confidential ’ website Laura said; The Developer Marcus by Tom Murphy Shock news at the end of April was Worthington that Preston based property “We will be closing the pub Local Residents Oppose the developer Marcus Worthington for good on the exact third Redevelopment Plans had bought the award winning anniversary of the day I took The Caledonia sits next to the Caledonia pub on Catharine Street it over. We should have been controversial Philharmonic Court from Admiral Taverns and to was celebrating but instead I can't scheme being built by Preston close it for redevelopment as stop crying. developer Marcus Worthington. student accommodation for When I took over, the place Five existing student blocks are to Liverpool University. It was be replaced by two linked buildings reported that Admiral Taverns had was full of drug takers and of up to six floors and 21 Georgian “been made an offer they could scallies. Nobody was buying Southport Golden terraces are to be made available for not refuse” , by the developer. any drinks. I immediately There are 3 private ownership. Sands, George Admiral gave licensee Laura King threw them all out. All that hand pumps Many local residents have opposed Wright and the just 28 days notice of not only the was here was the bar. I went the scheme on the basis that it serving a closure of the pub but also that she Famous Draught out and bought all the fixtures would house undergraduates, would be made homeless as she Bass plus variety of and fittings myself. I've rather than the post-graduates and lives at the pub. Admiral will close 3 rotating Local and worked day and night, with student nurses who had lived in the the pub on Sunday 26th May, three Guest Ales loyal staff, to turn it into a existing block. There have been fears Regional Ales years to the day since licensee Laura safe, warm environment with among families who have made King took over and transformed it We are one of the least traditional pub values. We their homes on Catharine Street that The Richmond is a from a rundown dump into a expensive pubs in this transient community would traditional family-run pub successful award winning welcome everyone from young create a nuisance. in the heart of the city Liverpool. So come community and live music pub, people and families to 80- Marcus Worthington has not centre and has been inside and enjoy a good which is now the heart of year-olds and orchestra commented on its plans for the site trading as a pub for over Liverpool’s Bluegrass and Jazz players.” pint in a friendly local of the Caledonia, but having paid a scene. In 2011 the Caledonia won a hundred years. atmosphere substantial sum to Admiral it is the Liverpool CAMRA Live Music likely that they intend to demolish THE RICHMOND 32 WILLIAMSON STREET L1 1EB THE LORD WARDEN LONDON ROAD Pub of the Year Award . Laura has The importance of the Caledonia the building and redevelop it as part transformed it into a valued to Liverpool’s live music scene is of the major Philharmonic Court community local, precisely the type exemplified by John Daglish of development. The loss of the

14 15 F Caledonia will no doubt add to the Cerberus Capital Management in a pub and the Branch Cider Pub of opposition from local residents to deal worth £200 million, including the Year. Early plans showed that the Marcus Worthington scheme. debt, bringing to an end a troubled the pub would be closed and period for Admiral that saw it fall demolished, but subsequent – into the hands of its bank, Lloyds. revision saw the retention of the AJ, Admiral Taverns Cerberus Capital Management as it is known colloquially. One of the Elephant in bought Admiral from Lloyds These development plans do raise Banking Group. The part- questions about the University’s the Room PubCos nationalised Lloyds took control of stance on the presence and Admiral Taverns is one of the big Admiral after a painful debt-for- community value of existing Wonderful early 19th Century national PubCos that between them equity swap in 2009, but the sale to premises and business affected by Public House with run 50% of Britain’s pubs. Admiral Cerberus erases £150 million of their planned developments. runs 1,200 pubs nationwide. The loans and ends Lloyds interest in the PubCos, having spent two years pub group. What Can Be Done 6Handpumps supping in the Last Chance Saloon, Founded in 2004, Admiral had are now in the sights of the Coalition struggled with almost £1 billion of for the Caledonia? Serving a varying range debt and announced plans to Government because of unfair On page 19 MerseyAle discusses of Real Ales Plus a Real Cider business practices and are to be offload up to 100 unprofitable wet- led pubs. It delivered underlying what can be done for the subject to a new government Caledonia. REGULAR ALE THWAITES Statutory Code of Practice (see profits of £27 million in the year to June 2012. Now Please SIGN the online “HUNDRED BEST pages 9 and 11). Greg Mulholland PETITION to SAVE the MP and Chair of the Save the Pub Cerberus said that Admiral’s management team - Chairman CALEDONIA PUBS in the COUNTRY” Group , has described the actions of https://www.change.org/en-GB/ 0151 709 4171 PubCos as “nothing more than a Jonathan Paveley, Managing 12-11.30 midnight Fri & Sat petitions/pledge- your-support- 2010 2011 Daily Telegraph scam”. Director Kevin Georgel, Property Director Andy Clifford and Finance to-savethecaledonia-campaign Ironically in a press release issued in Director Glenn Pearson - will This has over 550 signatures in just November 2012, Admiral described Have a drink in John Lennon’s Old Watering Hole continue to lead the business. one day – so sign NOW the Caledonia as Andy Clifford, Property & Strategy Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson “an integral part of the Director of Admiral Taverns, said: issued this message on twitter on 26th April; Liverpool music scene...... “From time-to-time we review the pubs in our estate and occasionally Tweet from Mayor Anderson:- since Laura King took over in @joeforliverpool we do have to take the decision to 2010, it has rapidly become People asking me about the one of Liverpool’s best live sell a pub that no longer fits our Caledonia pub,only found out music pubs.” criteria for ownership. The about it today. However now that Caledonia is such a pub. it has been brought to my With further irony the Admiral It is always our preference that any attention will sort. Taverns website proclaims; pub that we sell remains as a pub, “Great community pubs, run by although we have to accept that the A Party Not a Wake brilliant licensees, are at the heart of issue of future use will ultimately The Caledonia is to close on Sunday, everything we do. Whether it's a pass into the hands of any new May 26, with a Loose Moose String traditional local, a "roses around owner and of course the local Band gig . Clearly a case of going the door" country inn or a vibrant planning authorities.” out with a bang, not a whimper. city centre bar, we recognise that MerseyAle spoke to Laura the day after every one of our 1200 pubs is a focal Liverpool University the closure news about her plans; point of the community. “The closure news came as a shock. Liverpool University has a policy of Admiral Taverns have become the I was deeply saddened and developing new build high quality UK's number one community pub heartbroken. The Caledonia is a student accommodation which will community pub which is here for its group thanks to an unwavering also be attractive to the conference people and they love it and it has focus on the working partnership we delegate market. This has led to become a home for them. It is a have developed with our licensees – plans for demolition and shame that a business which is doing all of whom run individual redevelopment of existing well is to be closed down. businesses in their own right.” University sites such as the However we want to celebrate MerseyAle can think one of Philharmonic Court development. everything the pub has been and what Admiral’s licensees who might Another example is the Brownlow we have achieved here. We want wish to differ! Hill site which is to be redeveloped to party and celebrate that, US Equity Firm Cerberus as high quality student and not cry. conference accommodation. The I would like to take what we have got Take Over Admiral site includes the University run here and make something bigger and In January 2013 Admiral Taverns Augustus John pub , another better and offer a new home to all the was sold to a US private-equity firm Liverpool CAMRA Award winning great bands that play here.” 16 17 The What can be done for the CALEDONIA? SIGN THE SAVE THE CALEDONIA PETITION And What Can be likely to come under threat of sale Belvedere and redevelopment. Increasingly see page 17 Traditional 2 room community pub Enjoy our Beer Garden area Done for Other Pubs Grade II Listed situated in the heart of the PubCos will be looking to sell Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. Winner Under Threat? off their pubs to reduce their debts. of CAMRA pub of culture 2011 The main problem in the case of the Punch Taverns have indicated their Caledonia is that Admiral Taverns intention to sell off around 4,000 of Cask Ales from Local and have already sold the pub swiftly their less profitable pubs which Regional Brewers behind the backs of the licensee and they have designated as their “non One minut e from Philharmonic Hall the local community, which makes Core” estate. See Greg Mulholland MP comments below regards sales Ideal for pre-show drinks it more difficult to fight against closure. The sale, and the short 28 by PubCos. “stops the clock” should it be The Only Liverpool Pub with day notice given to licensee Laura put up for sale. With 18 pubs Lined Glasses for Cask and King, makes it unlikely that the pub The List Your Local European Lagers closing every week and pubs can continue to trade as at present Campaign increasingly a target for even with strong campaigning. 18 different Gins available at the The “List your Local” campaign, developers, this new power is a The main options for the Caledonia Football Free Zone launched during CAMRA’s massive step forward in the No Fruit Machines are therefore; Community Pubs Month, aims to Real Fires battle to protect valued pubs.” • To oppose any planning get 300 UK pubs listed as Assets of Real Conversation Community Value in 2013. Listing a permission application by Britain’s pubs are very much at risk Food Available pub as an Asset of Community developers Marcus Worthington and need protection, not least from Value with the local council means and Liverpool University to the PubCos like Admiral – see a pub can’t be sold on without the demolish the pub or to change pages 9 and 11. As Greg 8 Sugnall Street (off Falkner St), Liverpool local community being told, can the use. Mulholland MP Chair of the Save help the local council to refuse the Pub Group says; • To seek to list the Caledonia as planning applications from an Asset of Community Value developers and even gives the local under the Localism Act. “These PubCos are in OPEN SUNDAYS community up to six months to put • To work with customers, the in a bid to buy the pub should it be debt and the quickest way musicians and other performers put up for sale. to get rid of it is to sell off to mount a political campaign to High property prices mean pubs retain the pub as a vital the premises. That means are being targeted for conversion community asset and a major a load of pubs will end up into supermarkets, fast food contributor to Liverpool’s music outlets, and housing as housing or Liverpool World Beer Shop in the Centre of the City scene. Mayor Joe Anderson has developments. CAMRA’s Chief Ship and Mitre’s Beer Shop Whitechapel already responded that he will supermarkets, ripping Executive Mike Benner had this investigate (see page17). the heart out of many to say, 250 world beers and growing “Three quarters of pub-goers communities. Threats to Other Pubs - plus 28 ciders believe that a well-run It's heartbreaking. Home delivery within 5 What Can De Done? community pub is as important People are just trying to mile radius 12-8pm Changing range of British, Belgian, German, A major weakness of the planning to community life as a post make a decent living and system is its failure to give pubs office, local shop or community USA and other World Beers protection against closure. do their bit to keep pubs centre, and as such CAMRA is Always new arrivals. We welcome suggestions Nationally CAMRA and MPs are alive." lobbying the Coalition Government delighted that the Government for beers to stock for planning protection to be given has recognised this and Opening hours are; 10 to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Sundays 11 to 5pm to pubs against closure. empowered communities to Keep in Touch In addition CAMRA is protect their pubs. If you would like to comment The Ship in a Bottle is at 45A Whitechapel L1 6DT endeavouring to maximise the use By listing their local, or to hear more about the of the Localism Act to List Your OTHER SHOPS GRANGE RD WEST KIRBY 10-8pm Monday - Saturday, 12-6pm Sun communities are ensuring that if campaign to Save our Pubs New Heswall Shop 184 Telegraph Road Heswall Next to Heswall Bus Local as an Asset of Community Value. the pub is under threat in the including the Caledonia then Station 10-6pm Monday to Saturday, 12-6 Sunday As development pressures grow in future, there is a much-needed please email Liverpool, more of our pubs are extra layer of protection which [email protected]

18 19 Welcome to the www.vernonarms.co.uk Dark Ruby, Moorhouse's Black Cat, Timothy Taylor Golden Best and Theakston Traditional Mild and May is George Wright’s Mark’s Mild at the Dispensary.

Verno nAr ms If you have never tried Mild or Cheers from Jimmy and Barbara Monaghan Mild Month are put off by the name, please The Vernon Arms, Dale Street, Liverpool Make Mine Mild use this month as a opportunity to ‘Give Mild a CAMRA promotes Mild throughout May. In try’ . And if you enjoyed it and Handpumps (4 Ever-changing) Liverpool we held a launch event at the Richmond would like to see it more often 6 Pub and Hotel on the 2nd May. We have also please ask your pub to stock it. Regulars: Rev James & Johnnie Handsome encouraged pubs throughout the branch area to Mild isn’t just for May, a few get involved by stocking one mild. The Richmond pubs do stock it all year round, I Guest Ciders I Big screen football Pub and Hotel in Liverpool will be selling including Thomas Rigby and I I 5 different milds including a speciality pale and the Dispensary. Belgian bottled beers Private functions a golden mild made especially for them. I Food Mon-Thurs 12- catered (Lathom Lounge) What is mild? 7pm, Fri- Sun 12-4pm I 10% student discount Liverpool CAMRA Mild Crawl 22nd May Milds are black to dark brown to pale amber in There will be a mild crawl on the 22nd May, official Check out Great Meal Deals off food menu colour and come in a variety of styles from start time is 7.30pm at Thomas Rigby’s although warming roasty ales to light refreshing lunchtime some of us will be meeting in the Lion from 6.30pm thirst quenchers. Malty and possibly sweet tones The Vernon Arms offers all of the above in a friendly and safe atmosphere plus: – all welcome. dominate the flavour profile but there may be a light hop flavour or aroma. Slight diacetyl Live entertainment Friday and Saturday For further details on these events including which (toffee/butterscotch) flavours are not inappropriate. pubs are stocking mild please see website Alcohol levels are typically low. www.liverpoolCAMRA.org.uk Opening Times Mon-Thurs 11-11.30pm; Fri & Sat 11.30-2am depending on Pale milds tend to have a lighter, more fruity aroma customer demand; Sun 12-11pm Tel: 0151 236 6132 Merseyside Milds with gentle hoppiness. At the time of going to print four Merseyside Breweries were planning to brew mild for May. Dark milds may have a light roast malt or caramel George Wright Brewery, Southport Brewery, character in aroma and taste. Stamps Brewery and Wapping Brewery. Wapping will be brewing a new beer, Stevedore Scottish cask beers may have mild characteristics Mild , at a stronger 4.6% using 20% rye malt for with a dominance of sweetness, smooth body and sweetness, dark crystal malt and hopped with light bitterness. English Goldings to give a lower bitterness of 15 European Units of Bitterness (EBU). We would love your feedback regarding mild, especially if you try it during mild month. If you Other Milds you may see around Liverpool include, find a favourite please let us know on Jennings Dark Mild, Okells Olaf, Sarah Hughes [email protected]

beers, plus a Liverpool City Christmas Festival at the recently renovated Black-E in of Beer Festivals December. Liverpool has long been renowned for the Additionally the area CAMRA Liverpool Beer Festival – the only Beer boasts a number of Festival in the World to be held in a cathedral. smaller real ale Beer Well now Liverpool is to enjoy even more Festivals such as atmospheric beer festivals both large and small. those held by the For 2013 Liverpool Organic Brewery is holding no Crosby and Rainhill Rotary Clubs and the less than FOUR Beer Festivals, with two in Liverpool Cricket Club at Aigburth. Waterloo and two in Liverpool. The two new On pages 36 to 37 we give you a photographic Festivals will be at the prestigious classical taste of the 2013 CAMRA Liverpool Beer Festival St George’s Hall with places for 8,000 visitors over in the Catholic Cathedral Crypt, to whet the the four days in September featuring over 300 appetite.

20 21 CAMRA National Pub of the Year The Four Finalists Greater Manchester - Baum South West - Tom Cobley Tavern 60 Roscoe St (corner of Knight St ) L1 9DW 0151 708 6870 Rochdale (33-37 Toad Lane, Greater Manchester, Spreyton (Devon, EX17 5AL) OL12 0NU) thebaum.co.uk tomcobleytavern.co.uk 9Handpumps Serving constantly changing cask ales always at least one LocAle from Liverpool Organic Brewery Opening Times; 1p m -12.30pm Sun, Mon , Tues, Weds 1pm -1.30am Thurs, Fri, Saturday

LIVE JAZZ EVERY A split-level hostelry with old world charm next Family-run 16th-century village local, which still SUNDAY NIGHT 10pm -12 door to the world's first co-operative store. The maintains the standards that won it CAMRA’s Baum has eight handpumps, one dedicated to cider, National Pub of the Year a few years ago. There is an For further details of music and events visit: thegrapesliverpool.co.uk and a large variety of continental bottled beers. open fire in the bar and in Jimmy’s Snug children Excellent food includes vegetarian dishes, with a and dogs are welcome. On a warm day you can tapas menu available at weekends. There is an enjoy the surroundings of the large picturesque upstairs dining/function room. The large rear garden. Home-cooked food and daily specials are garden, overlooked by a conservatory, contains two on the menu, plus traditional roasts on Sunday full-size pétanque pistes. Local CAMRA Pub of the (booking advisable). Six comfortable guest rooms Year 2009 and 2012. are available for night stops at this genuine gem.

Kent - Conqueror Alehouse Wales - Bridge End Inn Ramsgate (4C Grange Road, Kent, CT11 9LR) Ruabon (5 Bridge Street, Wrexham, LL14 6DA) conqueror-alehouse.co.uk mcgivernales.co.uk

Superb micropub, probably the smallest free house This former coaching inn near the station, owned by in Thanet, offering a fine selection of mainly local the McGivern Brewery with brewing on the ales straight from the cask, as well as local premises, was voted CAMRA National Pub of the Broomfield cider. Opened in November 2010 by an Year 2012. The welcoming three-roomed local has a ex-local CAMRA chairman, it has room for about 20 whitewashed exterior and cosy public bar, reputed customers. Named after a two-funnelled paddle to be 300 years old, with a beamed ceiling and walls steamer that operated excursions from Ramsgate in adorned with old breweriana. Children are welcome the early 1900s, old photos of the ship and its crew in the lounge until 7pm and there is a quiet room. adorn the walls. This cosy, friendly pub offers a Six changing guest ales include a stout and pleasant music- and TV-free atmosphere. McGivern ale, plus a real cider. Groups can be F 22 23 catered for by arrangement. Live the criteria that make a great our pub with this prestigious music features on Wednesday. pub, including atmosphere, award.” A note for visitors is that the decor, welcome, service,value for Heidi continued, “We are a Bridge End is just a three minute money, customer mix, but most family run pub with our values walk at the end of the station importantly, the quality of the influencing every aspect of the approach road from Ruabon beer. business in relationships with station, which has an hourly train The building, which sits next our staff and suppliers. We are service from Chester. Check pub door to the Pioneers Museum, dedicated to the ‘buy local, shop opening times as on some days it which is the original Co-op store, local’ initiative, always willing to opens evenings only. has only been a pub for around support independent businesses. 30 years and was converted from The support from the regular Plus the Shortlisted Pub for Morris’s Hardware Store in the customers and local CAMRA Merseyside & Cheshire 1980’s. members is valued and we would Region Simon Crompton, one of the like to thank everyone for their owners, started work in The continued support.” Lower Chequer Baum in 1993 and became CAMRA’s Pubs Director, Julian Sandbach (Crown Bank, manager in 1994. In 2005, Simon Hough was delighted with this Cheshire, CW11 1FW) and his wife Heidi, who co-owns year’s winner and said, “I would the business, bought like to congratulate Simon, Heidi the pub just two days and all of the staff at The Baum after having their first on winning CAMRA’s national child. award. This close to town pub has There are now eight a winning formula which is well hand pumps serving a supported by customers. The range changing range of real of quality products and their fresh ales, including at least modern approach means I’m one LocAle, plus a hand delighted to crown The Baum our pump for real cider. National Pub of the Year. Go and The upstairs dining see it for yourself and experience room serves home what a brilliant pub it is”. A warm welcome is assured from cooked food making use of Peter Alexander, Chairman of the award winning licensees who local ingredients. The Baum’s Rochdale, Oldham and Bury have rejuvenated this black and philosophy is “buy local, CAMRA said, "Clearly we are white timbered pub set back on shop local.” absolutely the cobbled square. Dating from thrilled that the 1570, the interior has two rooms Baum has been and outside there is seating to chosen as the front and a marquee and CAMRA's patio to the rear. Six real ales on National Pub of offer, all from small breweries, the Year. While with Beartown Kodiak Gold a we locally know regular plus other local and how good a regional ales. A porter, mild or pub the Baum stout is always available as well as is, it is fantastic a cider and a perry. to have this CAMRA National Pub confirmed by Baum Bar senior judges of the Year who have never And the Overall National On hearing the news, Heidi visited it before. Given that the Crompton said; Winner is ...... Baum was up against some “We were ecstatic to hear that we tremendously fierce competition, Baum Rochdale had been voted CAMRA’s Simon and Heidi have done a The Baum, Rochdale, Lancashire National Pub of the Year. We are tremendous job. There is no has been crowned the best pub very proud of the team that have higher accolade in pub awards in Britain by CAMRA, the played an important role in The and we in the local CAMRA Campaign for Real Ale. Baum’s success and it is a branch are very proud to have CAMRA’s National Pub of the testament to their hard work that Britain's best pub in our area." Year competition recognises all the consumers have recognised

24 25 something truly wonderful. The CAMRA Committee member Neil world's first organized quiz league Lloyd, we also filmed a quiz at my was formed in Bootle, in 1959. Fifty- favorite Liverpool pub, the Roscoe Serendipity in the Pool of Life four years later, the organization Head, which included an interview known as "Merseyside Quiz with Licensee, Carol Ross. Leagues" is still going strong, On our days off we attended the making it the longest-running quiz Liverpool Beer Festival and visited league in the world. some of my other favorite pubs - Serendipity intervened again. I was The White Star, The Ship & Mitre, headed to Liverpool to make a film, The Dispensary, The Philharmonic, Mayflower London after all. and The Belvedere Arms, where we The Two Mayflowers My film crew arrived in Liverpool on made new Liverpool friends and I knew all along the project would February 18th. Merseyside Quiz memories. lead my crew to England, where the Leagues' General Secretary, Cliff All told, it was a very productive trip pub quiz is ubiquitous, and so I Houghton, arranged for us to film a for us, made all the more arranged to film at a London pub I'd league match in progress and special by taking place in my "home visited many times before - The interview league players, including away from home". Jeffrey French Mayflower, in Rotherhithe. And, yes. current "Egghead", Pat Gibson, Thank you, Liverpool. And thank It shares the same name as my own you, serendipity. "Serendipity" is a wonderful, pubs. There really isn't anything on this side of the Atlantic. California local. (American spelling retained – uniquely English word, coined in quite like it in America. Try as we "Win Each Way" went on to win The London Mayflower made a Editor) the mid eighteenth century by might (and we do try) it just isn't awards at film festivals, and was great location, providing the opportunity to cut back and forth Horace Walpole, who derived it the same. intended to be a springboard for a JEFFREY FRENCH from the ancient Persian tale, "The In my opinion Liverpool pubs are feature film I wanted to produce between quiz teams answering the same questions in different pubs - Jeffrey French is an award-winning Three Princes of Serendip", in very special places. Within those entirely in Liverpool, also set in the one in California, the other in filmmaker who holds a B.A. in which the central characters pubs I discovered another world of pub darts, titled "Mugs wonderful thing. Real ale. Once I Away". Unfortunately, that project is London, both called "The Cinema, from San Francisco State stumble upon wonderful things, sampled my first cask-conditioned still stuck in development. Mayflower". Perfect bookends. University, and is a member of the accidentally. bitter, it was as if I was tasting beer National Academy of Television Arts Bootle Leads the World ! We sometimes call these discoveries for the first time. Quizzing and Sciences. He owns and Once the London shoot was "happy accidents", but that sounds Liverpool was more than just By 2005, I was a regular fixture at The whose accolades include wins on operates Ton Eighty Media, a small approved, I set about researching too much like chance. Serendipity inviting. I felt as if I'd belonged Mayflower pub. Although I was no "Mastermind" and "Who Wants To production company located in the origin and history of pub comes to those already searching for there all along. And every visit in the more than a casual player of the pub Be a Millionaire". Marin County, California, where he quizzing, and discovered something, through a combination thirteen years since has felt like quiz held there weekly, the landlord With help from friend Liverpool lives with his wife and two children. of intuition and experience. a homecoming. asked me to fill in for the I've experienced a few moments of quizmaster when he left, until a roles of serendipity and synchronicity. serendipity over the years, which Darting to Win Each Way permanent replacement could be The Pool of Life – Liverpool Jung developed the concept of have changed my life. Meeting the In 2003, inspired by the stories and found. Serendipity, Synchronicity. synchronicity which can be woman I would marry and raise a people I'd met in Liverpool, I Armed with little knowledge of Carl Jung and Liverpool described as ”meaningful family with, for instance. produced a short film, "Win Each trivial things, and a serious fear of coincidences” which convey “I FOUND myself Discovering my father's camera as a Way", which was set in Merseyside. public speaking, I gave it a shot. important messages regards our young boy. Or visiting Liverpool for The exteriors for the film, which That was over eight years ago. I've in a dirty, sooty city. lives. The book records his the first time. centers on a high stakes game of since written and ‘emceed’ over 700 It was night, and Liverpool dream of 1927, which is Living in San Rafael, California, I met darts, were mostly shot in quizzes, without ever finding that winter, and dark, believed to refer to the junction of the many streets a Liverpudlian named Ian McCoy, "permanent replacement". and raining. I was centred on Mathew Street. fifteen years ago. Every year he'd go Mayflower California Filmmakers with limited budgets in Liverpool.” Jung’s words were to inspire Peter O’Halligan to home to Liverpool for the holidays, are often encouraged to choose establish the Liverpool School of Language Music, and one year he invited me along. subjects close at hand, if not close “With a number of Swiss, I walked Dream and Pun in a warehouse at 18 Mathew Street, It was the first week of January 2000, at heart. And so, with no immediate now the location of Flannigan’s Apple. If the School through the dark and it was very cold. The shops and prospects for producing my feature- had had a register it would have read like a Who’s Who pubs were quiet, as Liverpool length Liverpool darts film, streets. I had the feeling that we were coming up from of British Culture and Alternative Liverpool. On the recuperated from millennial I decided in 2011 to begin the harbour, and that the real city was actually up wall is a plaque “Liverpool the Pool of Life” celebrations. production on a documentary with above, on the cliffs. commemorating Jung, his famous words, and the Despite the less-than-welcoming a subject very close at hand - “We climbed up there. When we reached the plateau, School. See www.liverpoolconfidential.co.uk ‘Jung’s weather and mostly empty streets, competitive quiz culture. Pool of Life a plaque unveiled’, which explains the what I discovered in Liverpool was a Last summer, my film crew began we found a broad square, dimly illuminated by street lights, into which many streets converged.” symbolism. city steeped in history and production on a documentary that So Jeffrey French has another “meaningful populated by the most genuine, explores the world of quizzing - coincidence” and “happy accident” to connect him to The words were written by Swiss psychologist Carl genial people I've ever met. from neighbourhood pubs, where Liverpool the Pool of Life. Jung in his his book “Memories, Dreams, Reflections”, During that first visit, I discovered Merseyside. The interiors were all high scores earn bottles of wine There could be another movie in this, Jeffrey! many things that would stay with shot here in California, at a pub or a few dollars, to television game a seminal work on the importance of dreams to understanding the unconscious, and the important me, and bring me back. But few called The Mayflower - about as shows, where contestants win John Armstrong things inspired my return like the close to a British pub as you'll find fortunes.

26 27 Ultimately, Arthur escorted us to the cellar where, after suitably expert tuition from the master, we In the court of were invited to tap and vent a cask. “Don’t worry”, he said reassuringly, “it’s only water!” As if he’d let any of us make a mess! King Arthur Geoff Edwards

Come Along to Future Liverpool Peter Kavanagh’s Hosts CAMRA Get Togethers Over the last two years Liverpool Liverpool CAMRA Get Together CAMRA meeting have taken a new form – the Get Together – which visit again so taking issue with the emphasises the social aspect of erudite Arthur wasn’t something CAMRA activities. Future Get I was about to do in a hurry! Togethers are listed on page 55 and include a Meet the Brewer guided Originally called the Grapes, but beer tasting, a summer pubs walk, a Peter Kavanagh’s or PK’s, as it’s been special quiz night and coach trip to known for as long as anyone a new real ale outlet. So give it a try! present could remember, was for some time just the end building on

Egerton Street, before expanding into the adjoining houses. Irishman Peter Kavanagh, 24, acquired the pub in 1897 and ran it for an astonishing 53 years. The cover of That’s only half the story. Once this edition of “King” inside the jaw-droppingly ornate MerseyAle may Arthur be strangely features become obvious. While familiar to Arthur convincingly explained that readers. Some the wall paintings in the two side will recognise the Cezanne rooms were payment in kind for an painting, “The Card Players”, on outstanding bar bill, the truth is which it is based, whilst others may rather more mundane. They were designed to avoid glasses sliding One might imagine all that could be recognise the setting as one of the probably a commission from from the table in heavy seas. said about Peter Kavanagh’s has side rooms at Peter Kavanagh’s on Kavanagh to the artist Eric The fire grate fender in the been said or written, but hearing it Egerton Street, off Catharine Street. Robinson. Just as remarkable are back room is reputedly cut from all again from PK’s Arthur Mitchell By special arrangement the the oak wood panels depicting one of the early wheel tyres of while admiring the interior décor of Liverpool CAMRA Branch Get eighteenth century drinking scenes, the Liverpool and Manchester this wonderful building is certainly Together in March was held at PK’s, carved heads on the bench arms Railway’s famous Rocket something one won’t forget in a probably Liverpool’s most eccentric which are alleged to be locomotive. pub interior, thereby enabling hurry. Distinguishing anecdote caricatures of Kavanagh and the members to discover its history and from fact was occasionally twist-lock tables designed and later We all listened, intrigued, as stories unique arts and crafts interior, all challenging, but by the end of modified by Kavanagh. These were unfolded about the man whose enlivened through a fascinating proceedings I didn’t think it based on the tables used on the tenancy encompassed half a account by PK’s Arthur Mitchell. mattered. Mind you, I might want to Cunard liner Lusitania which were century and two world wars. 28 29 Beer The Pub Games Night at Liverpool CAMRA the Lady of Mann Festivals Report by Jan Sorsby May – German It was with some trepidation that 20th - 26th Battling for Jean Pownceby embarked on the June – Cider 17th - planning of this ‘new territory’ 23rd June event! It had first been suggested July – American 1st - 87th when she asked women who the British Pub supported the Snowball campaign LIVERPOOL’S PREMIER FREEHOUSE theshipandmitre.com CAMRA was set up in 1971 to calendar. It showcases Liverpool events what other activities they Battle for the Survival of Real Ale. real ale pubs and features a would like to see. EVER CHANGING REAL ALES + DRAUGHT CIDERS Now in the second decade of the programme of events to encourage ‘A pub games night’ said Menna Twenty First Century the focus is people to visit the pub and try real Jones, an enthusiastic attendee of 15 The Ship and Mitre has the largest selection of Belgian and German Draught and Bottled Beers in Liverpool the Battle for the Survival of the ale. The Festival has been the women’s events that have been British Pub. running for seven years in held as part of the Snowball Quality Pub Food CAMRA won the Battle for Real September/October and has campaign over the past 20 months. Ale. Now can CAMRA win the attracted much interest and Well, you can’t ask and not deliver! cooked to order including Gourmet Burgers, Wraps, Scouse, Battle for the British Pub? publicity. But what you can do is to persuade Tapas style dishes food served from 12-9 daily Without the pub you would not be log onto www.thegalleyliverpool.co.uk follow us on facebook able to enjoy a pint of cask (the galley) & twitter @the_galley conditioned beer. Without the pub there would be no real ale and no real ale brewers. Without the pub Monday Darts - Wednesday Scouse on the House (from 6pm) Thursday - Quiz Night many villages and towns would be without a vital centre for a social meeting place and community Art Deco ‘Higher Room’ for hire Holds up to 55 people Catering available activities. Without the pub the that person to come ‘on board’ to Ship & Mitre133 DALE STREET Tel: 0151 236 0859 heart would be cut from an iconic British way of life. The CAMRA Liverpool Pubs Map plan how to do it. Luckily, Menna The pub is an iconic part of Known previously as the Liverpool was more than willing to help with Britain’s cultural heritage. But it is Pubs Passport, this full colour fold making her idea come to fruition. also the home of that other iconic out map provides maps and The first thing that was decided British feature – real ale. The pub is guidance to 125 real ale pubs in the was not to make it specifically for vital to the future of real ale. City Centre and suburbs. The Map women only, and the second that it Without the pub there would be is a vital aid for visitors to should be part of the Autumn Pubs nowhere to drink cask conditioned Liverpool and highlights the Festival. Where should it be, and Nick and the staff welcome you to the beer. wealth of Liverpool pubs to enjoy. what games do we want, and how can we get them, were the next Yet nationally EIGHTEEN pubs are famous Swan with its unique atmosphere questions. closing EVERY WEEK . Pubs have Liverpool and great range of fine cask ales. The Lady of Mann never been under greater pressure Real Ale Best Rockers jukebox in town! – see PubCos – the Elephant in the This pub was chosen as the venue Room pages 9-11. Pubs in view of its perfectly sized back Always available: Liverpool CAMRA has Festival room and the observation that it WOBBLY BOB - HYDES BITTER campaigned constantly for our local pubs. Liverpool pubs are 2012 Plus ROSIES TRIPLE D CIDER special and are the heartbeat of the Part Two city. They are special both Liverpool CAMRA Campaigning PLUS A GREAT SELECTION OF GUEST BEERS architecturally and socially. It is to Save and Promote the FROM A WIDE RANGE OF BREWERIES not without reason that we call British Pub Liverpool the Real Ale Pubs Capital Below read about the 2012 Pubs Large stock of Belgian Bottled Beers of Britain, with an unbeatable Festival – part one of this combination of great pubs and article appeared in MerseyAle Student VIDEO JUKEBOX ON TOP FLOOR real ale. February 2013 edition pages 33 to Open until 2am on Friday and Saturday already has a darts board. Friendly The CAMRA Liverpool Real Ale 37 and can be read online on It also has three real ales, including Pubs Festival www.liverpool camra.org.uk In the house Okells bitter and two 3 FLOORS - FAMOUS HEAVY ROCK JUKEBOX - FREE WI FI The CAMRA Liverpool Real Ale Part Two we focus on the well changing beers and a very co- Pubs Festival has been an annual attended Pub Games night and the operative manager and staff. 86 Wood Street Liverpool Tel 0151 709 5281 feature of the Liverpool events Visit to Liverpool’s L1 Brewery Moreover, it transpired they also F 30 31 stock dominoes, chess and other whole Snowball Campaign So What Next? Brewery was an event targeted for people new to CAMRA who had table games that they were happy Team turned up promptly to set women, but on this occasion the opportunity to see firsthand It looks as though this Pubs Games for us to use. up, assisted by the helpful staff women were invited to bring male how beer is brewed. Night certainly won’t be a one-off! of the Lady of Mann. partners or friends if they wished. Many thanks to Paul for his The Games One other person suggested that The evening got under way Nice to get the boys out on a hospitality, and for a thoroughly We needed some more ‘active’ more games, quizzes and heritage with six teams of four people Friday night! enjoyable evening. If you games , which were kindly loaned walks are needed for Branch Get rotating round the games. Each Forty five people attended at the would like to arrange a brewery to us by the Southport CAMRA Togethers and we will take this on game had a ‘helper’ to ensure kind invitation of Paul, the visit, contact him on Branch who have pub games at board as a good way of spreading people knew what they were manager of the brewery. Contrary [email protected] their annual Sandgrounder Beer the Pubs Festival bonhomie to its name, the brewery is actually throughout the year. To find out more about the in Liverpool 3, on Vauxhall Road to Jan Sorsby Liverpool CAMRA Snowball be specific. campaign read the past two years’ The Visit To Liverpool A Warm Welcome MerseyAles on line on One Brewery Awaited Us www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk ‘Really enjoyed it. It worked very Some people were completely new and/or email Report by Jean Pownceby well’ to L1 beers but soon converted as [email protected] This was a ‘Snowball’ campaign ‘Wonderful – you’ve done very they joined others of us, pleased to event with a difference! Jean Pownceby well - a good turnout’ try our favourites - in particular the ‘Really nice – would like to play Reflections on the them more often’ ‘Last saw these games when I was a Festival child - good to see them again and The Festival provided a to play’ showcase of all that is best ‘I’ve loved it – basically they need about pubs. If you missed out, to do this in pubs more often - our don’t forget that good things go on all the time in pubs. It’s a generation has lost it!’ Maharaja and the Liverpool Light - question of getting out there to ‘I’ve practised now and want to at their source. explore what’s on offer, doing come back and play again and Paul gave a talk about the brewery Festival. We were able to doing (did we?!) and to assist with something different in win!’ and the brewing process, evidence incorporate skittles, shut the box the score sheets. Within minutes convivial surroundings and ‘Good way to get to know people’ of which was all around us – no and shove ha’penny into our the room was a buzz of noise and company whilst enjoying real ‘It was an extraordinary evening. It portfolio for the night. We felt that laughter and continued that way. ale and supporting our much really took me back to when pubs At the end comments were sought cherished pubs. were pubs and there were no from the players. The latest CAMRA surveys distractions and people just show that pubs are closing at enjoyed themselves. While we What the Players Said the rate of eighteen a week, were in teams, it didn't matter that ‘Another brilliant idea, I’ve learnt a with great damage to some of us weren't very good. It lot of new games that I didn’t community life in Britain. was the taking part that mattered’. know how to play’ When it comes to pubs the old adage applies, “use ‘em or lose ‘em.” Looking Forward For 2013 we are planning to move away from a fixed period pubs Festival in September/October to an approach of having an advertised programme of CAMRA pub events spread throughout the year. This conveys that message that the pub is for everytime and five games would probably be The Liverpool CAMRA Snowball separate rooms here – you really everyone and not just for the enough but the icing on the cake Campaign is designed to “Bring are where the brewing happens! Festival. These events will be came when CAMRA member Dave New People to Real Ale”, especially Many questions were asked and advertised in MerseyAle and Stevenson, who had booked to women and young people, and in responded to, and a very convivial on www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk attend the evening, offered to bring 2012 it won the CAMRA National evening ensued, with bowls of So look out for them and along his Victorian bagatelle board. Award for Innovation in tasty Scouse, courtesy of the meanwhile visit the pub! The Big Night Membership. Bridewell pub, to soak up the beer. Jean Pownceby And so, the night itself! CAMRA The evening at Liverpool One It was pleasing to see so many Committee members plus the 32 33 Great Beer, Great Pub, Shame about the Toilets

CAMRA is committed to to be well designed, serviced campaigning for real ale and regularly and kept clean and up to supporting pubs that sell real ale. standard. Promoting the pub is a specific campaign aim of the Liverpool Nationally the leader is JD CAMRA Branch – see pages 31-33. Wetherspoon pubs. Yes, they usually We reward good pubs and good beer have the head start of a major with entries in the Good Beer Guide refurbishment, but nevertheless the and through nominating our Pub of company then demonstrates its the Year and Pubs of Excellence. commitment through high quality toilet design including well designed with success, going round the But does CAMRA campaign and located toilet facilities for those bend etc). sufficiently about issues that with a disability. Their toilets are usually serviced regularly and extend beyond the beer pump But for a person suffering from a kept clean. - issues such as level access, continence problem, a desperate This commitment has been urge to visit a toilet is no laughing the availability of a glass water recognised with several national matter, that’s for sure. The poor toilet or the comfort of the seating? awards, especially the Loo of the facilities can be a major deterrent for Year Awards, in which visiting the pub. Being very specific, how JD Wetherspoon has been a regular much consideration do we winner in the pubs and wine bars category. However even with Liverpool CAMRA give to pub toilet facilities? Wetherspoon there is the regular design feature of the main toilets Better Toilet For many people, including often being located either up or Campaign down long flights of stairs and people who are infirm, have a Liverpool CAMRA is launching disability, or a hidden corridors so as to maximise the sales The space on the ground floor. a campaign to improve the disability such as a continence toilet facilities in our pubs. problem, a pub with a usable, In Liverpool another good example We are urging drinkers and clean, accessible toilet is the of good toilets in a refurbished licensees alike to raise the difference between visiting a building is the Hub on Hanover profile of pub facilities as an Street. pub or staying at home. integral component of a good Globe pub. Th Globe is a small, very cosy traditional two roomed local opposite We have tended to accept pubs with The Inexcusable We want to hear from you Central Station and close to main shopping area. filthy, smelly toilets, no soap, or no Clearly our older traditional pubs do about our pub toilets, both It is a very lively pub and is popular with both locals and vistors alike. hot water as "having character". not have the head start of a major good and bad. Watch out for the sloping floor! Toilets located along dark corridors refurbishment. Yet it is inexcusable MerseyAle readers are invited or up steep stairs are no better either. for any toilet to stink to high heaven, to email to have no toilet paper, soap, water, Opening times 11 (10 Sat) -11 I'll spare the blushes of any [email protected] towels or working hand dryers and 12-10.30 Sun 0151 707 0067 offending licensees but some pubs in with their comments on pub Liverpool have truly appalling toilet locks on cubicles. These are the facilities in the Liverpool facilities. Great pubs, yes, but awful basics that any customer in what is a Branch area. This is with a facilities nonetheless. food establishment has a right to view to recognising and expect and which any pub should rewarding pubs offering the deliver. Good Toilets best facilities, or who are There are examples of good toilets. striving to improve their The majority are in refurbished pubs Cue Toilet Jokes facilities, for everyone's where there has been substantial Toilets tend to be one of those issues benefit. work undertaken, which obviously that can be easy to dismiss in a light makes it easier to install good quality hearted jokey way, (cue the puns 5 such as chains of honour, flushed Huw Jenkins toilets. However these do still need Handpumps 17 CASES STREET L11HW 34 35 CAMRA Liverpool Over 250 Beers and Ciders Beer Festival 2013 Enjoyed by over 4,000 People

36 37 On Island Breweries Major Support for RAM 2 Main RAM 2 Sponsors were Success Heron and Brearley Again there was for RAM2 tremendous Real Ale of Man 2 Beer Festival support from all the on Island Launches New Beers for RNLI strongest Island breweries for the Festival and brew on offer CAMRA. at the festival; Heron & Brearley had recently slightly ahead of launched the rebranded Okell’s the excellent brewery beers, and were RAM2’s Okell’s seasonal main sponsor. Additionally they strong bitter, Steam, at 5.0%. provided technical support by way As ever Old Laxey of installing hand-pumps on the Bosun Bitter was temporary bar. These were used to available, making showcase and emphasise the a rare appearance wealth of local ale being produced outside the Shore on Island, with an impressive Hotel, Laxey, the site seventeen local brews available on of this smallest of the bar. microbreweries. Isle of Man CAMRA’s second beer Bushy’s produced a new amber ale festival was again held at the called Slipway at 4.0% . This was to Island Brewer’s Meet the Masonic Hall in Douglas, proving recognise and to be a huge success, with over 1800 celebrate both Brewer and Question and visitors, 230 of whom were from the ninetieth Answer Session the U.K. With increased hall year since Once again, all the Island breweries Douglas, took part in a Meet the Brewer Castletown question and answer session,. and Ramsey Some thorny topics were discussed, RNLI such as pricing differentials branches were registered as Manx Charities, and also the 190th anniversary of Sir William Hillary’s appeal to the nation for the establishment of the RNLI. Sir William had close links capacity and an increased beer with the Isle of Man and provided range, the Festival was even bigger the lifesaving landmark, the Tower and better, whilst thankfully this of Refuge, in the often stormy year’s increased beer supply did Douglas bay. The Mayor of not run out! Douglas, David Ashford, poured between pubs and supermarkets, the first pint, and ten pence for beer tax duty, and the newly every pint of Slipway sold will be termed ’craft beers’, which are donated to the RNLI. controversial in CAMRA circles. Many feel that the term Craft Beer The new Jurby Doghouse is so woolly and loosely used as to Brewery produced a Manx Coffee lack any real meaning, and that Porter (MCP) specially for the they are in fact keg beers under event, again with proceeds going to another name (see MerseyAle the RNLI. At 5.2 % and with subtle Spring 2012 pages 29 to 31). This team appearance by all coffee flavours, this was the F 39 the Island brewers is testament brewery location will be in Douglas (Sulby), as well as featuring from However, under the stewardship of Cancer Charity by the local to the brewer’s collective and that it may be in production time to time across the Island in up Bobby Gaines and Jayne Sayle, community. For Merseyside Angie Andrews - commitment to the IOM real ale sometime this summer. to twenty one pubs. along with chef John, and bar readers, much of the specialist an Appreciation cause and is a credit to them all. manager Steph, the pub has been hospital treatment is provided to Bushy’s TT Tent Saved Pressure at the Hand turned around these last three Isle of Man residents by the Liverpool and Wirral hospitals, Beer of the Festival – Following on from the February Pumps hence the fundraising in the local 2013 MerseyAle report, thankfully George Wright Pure The Isle of Man is a limited market Island communities. common sense did after all prevail, with a population around the All in all the Grovesnor is a true Blond and the Bushy’s TT beer tent will be George Wright Pure Blonde Best 80,000 mark. As such with two rural success story and is now a pub back this year for the races in June, recent entrants into the market, bitter at 4.7% brewed in Rainford, in its usual location near the Sea with a growing reputation. The (Doghouse and soon Hooded commitment of the team and the Terminal. The TT would not be the Ram), there is likely to be TT without the Bushy’s Tent! consistency achieved, has once considerable local competition for again made this a Pub is the Hub at hand pump space on the bar. years. As well as a function room, the heart of the village. New Okells Micro Whilst this is healthy for the the pub has two regular rooms, one brewery could save market, and for local licensees and mainly used for dining in an IOM Pub News Okell’s Mild customers, it may be that the export informal setting. High quality food market will need to be revisited by at very competitive prices is The Waterfall, in Glen Maye Okell’s are to install a some on Island brewers. remained closed at the end of available Tuesday to Sunday It is with great sadness that Mersey microbrewery to allow them more Traditionally the 75-80 mile stretch March, but there are hopeful signs lunchtimes and evenings (not Ale has to report the passing of flexibility to experiment with of water, along with logistical Sunday evening). The menu is it may reopen soon. smaller batches of new brews. Isle of Man Railways are again Angie Andrews, former Chairman Merseyside was the most popular problems of exporting cask extensive, with specials and MerseyAle February 2013 reported running the very popular Rail Ale of the Isle of Man CAMRA Branch beer of the festival by voting, and conditioned beer and getting smaller portions for children, with Steam trains for 2013. for many years. During the 2000- the ciders and perries proved expensive empty casks returned, a full roast on Sundays, and a steak Okell’s is going for 100% cask 2006 periods, when the branch was particularly popular. There is has proved problematic for exports. night offer on Thursdays. availability in all traditional outlets, low on volunteers, Angie held the certainly a significant demand out After a prolonged period of relative The other room is the cosy with only a couple of pubs left to fort, providing valuable advice to there for real cider and perry at brewery stability on Island since traditional bar, which is relaxed reintroduce cask as Mersey Ale new and incoming members with large on Island events, something 1997, the market is now changing and informal. There is a friendly goes to print. her extensive knowledge of the that the trade may wish to note, rapidly. welcome from both sides of the bar Sir Norman’s Bar, part Island pub estate. and which has taken some in to the outsider arriving at the pub of the Sefton Hotel It was during her tenure that the CAMRA Isle of Man circles by Focus on the Grosvenor in this closely knit community. next to the Gaiety Isle of Man was awarded the surprise. Okell’s Bitter features, alongside an Andreas - Theatre in Douglas, CAMRA National Members Thanks go to all involved in the ever changing guest beer. Over a the recent demise of Okell’s Mild. A Successful Pub is the Hub. now stocks three real Weekend conference held in 2010 at festival, and particularly once hundred past pump clips decorate This was not because nobody was With many rural U.K. pubs closing ales including two The Villa Marina. This along with again to Heron & Brearley for this the bar areas, as a record of the past drinking it, but because the current and under threat, there are still ever changing guests. the distribution on Island of year’s sponsorship and technical guest ales. brewery plant cannot produce plenty of success stories for pubs A popular bar with MerseyAle, was the springboard support. Darts is available, with the pub for much of the IOM Branch’s sufficiently small batches to make and licensees setting their stall out having two ladies darts teams, and theatre goers, you can the style economic to produce well in difficult times. sit on the front terrace looking over recent success and increase in there is TV for the sport, though membership. Soon it may be FIVE ! given current consumption rates. unobtrusive and in the Douglas Bay alongside Sir Norman New Island Brewery planned – the The new microbrewery will be able Wisdom on his bench and enjoy a Always bubbly and gregarious, Hooded Ram to brew the required smaller pint. Well maintained and with nevertheless Angie was a quantity economically, so we look uniformed immaculately dressed refreshingly no nonsense straight forward to the reappearance of bar managers and staff providing talking Chairman who point blank Okell’s Mild. attentive service, the pricing is refused to be called Chair, competitive for the service and Chairperson, or Chairlady. At the Doghouse surroundings at £3.00 a pint. time as the incoming Branch The Bay at Port Erin (a Bushy’s Secretary, I soon learnt not to Brewery The Grosvenor in Andreas village, flagship pub) has recently present to her a half-baked plan, Grows the Island’s most northerly pub is appointed Marce Drozdic as which she would instantly see background. There is a tribute through and swot away with Doghouse one such success story. It is manager. Bushy’s owner Martin section to the beleaguered but now aplomb! Some on Island have been aware Brewery situated away from passing trade, Brunnschweiler who lives upstairs, saved Portsmouth ‘Pompey’ Angie passed away suddenly the that a fifth Island brewer may be continues to several miles north of Ramsey, It is is planning to spend more time on football club, with a photograph of Saturday before Easter having been about to open. Details are now grow following on the 17/18/20 bus route . Over the brewery side of the operation. the FA cup 2008 victory taking still working in The Railway, Union becoming available. Named its start up in the last five years the Grosvenor The Island had been considering pride of place, remembering Mills, the fortnight before. She will Hooded Ram Brewery , the plant is September 2012. Doghouse beers had a history of repeated closures minimum alcohol unit pricing , but happier times. Charity fund raising be sorely missed. being purchased from the Three are now stocked regularly in the and reopenings under different efforts are represented by way of a this is on hold, due to the Kings Brewery across. Discussions Bay View (Port St Mary), Railway licensees, and it was feared the pub postponement of similar moves at cheque for several thousand Dave Halliwell are ongoing, but it is hoped the (Union Mills), the Sulby Glen Hotel would be lost forever. pounds, raised for Clatterbridge Westminster.

40 41 St Helens CAMRA News

St Helens CAMRA Branch produces an email newsletter which is sent to members. The Branch welcomes views on [email protected] The news on this page of MerseyAle is taken from the April/May email newsletter..

The Time is Right for the Clock Face St Helens CAMRA Pub of the Year 2013 Second place goes to The Phoenix The Clock Face in Prescot has been in Canal Street a former winner of awarded the title of Pub of the Year the top prize. by the St. Helens Branch of James and Lorraine are still doing a CAMRA. cracking job in a warm and friendly pub.

Third place goes to another up and coming pub. The Counting House has made massive strides in the last 12 months. Mark Gaskell has increased the number of hand pulls to eight and introduced a

The competition was tight and is the culmination of 12 months hard work as only the top 6 rated pubs in the branch area, (as scored on the National Beer Scoring System – see www.beerscoring.org.uk), go forward to be shortlisted. Over the course of the qualifying period we had 959 scores submitted for the much wider ranges of ales, all St Helens area, and all the served in good condition. shortlisted pubs were scored by at least 5 members, and often many Overall these results reflect the more. The pubs were then scored improving nature of our area for real by interested members according ale outlets and the future promises to to CAMRA best practice. be bright for quality drinking around our town Alison Moody, the licensee of The Clock Face, has built a good reputation for both ales and home Pub of the Year Presentation cooked food, and the pub is Night Friday 24th May. renowned for its friendly Join us for our annual presentation atmosphere and community focus. night recognising all the hard work Congratulations go to everyone at that goes into making our branch The Clock for a job well done. area a great place for a pint. F 42 43 www.wappingbeers.co.uk St Helens CAMRA News contd from Beechams it became “Courtmans Gentlemans Outfitters” where the smart dapper gentleman purchased his clothing. It is now a real ale and world beer bar also selling coffees. Bier Palace Baltic Fleet looks very slick with its leather chairs, wooden floors Baltic Fleet Beers Liverpool’s only Brew Pub - The Home of Wapping Brewery Award Winning Beers Winners of Champion Beer of Britain Awards Pubs as Spiritual Homes The Brown Edge All your favourites plus our own Stan Shaw, My late father said that he could never sum up all the Wapping Brewery Beers Wapping’s Award Winning Brewer happiness he had from pubs and I am the same. Some pubs become spiritual homes. One which has for me Food available every day MUSIC SEA SHANTIES is the Brown Edge Rainhill. WE SERVE SCOUSE The Brown Edge is walking distance from my home and chalk boards. It has First Saturday of the and I was fortunate to start trying the pub soon almost a continental feel and & LOCAL PIES month QUIZ NIGHT 10 years after Shaun and Gary took over, although the is airy and light and you can (Johnsons Toxteth) Every Tues 8pm and a Million Pints! previous landlady certainly made an effort. sit by the full length windows I remember being stunned by my first pint of that wrap around the building The Baltic Fleet Pub and Brewery, Wapping Liverpool Reverend Young’s whilst she was running the pub. I as you watch the world go by. opposite the ECHO ARENA have had some of my most enjoyable drinking days Don’t confuse this with being there, including watching England winning in Ashes expensive though, as there is cricket, Christmas night drinking with great Jennings a huge 60p discount to winter brews are amongst them. The new licensee, CAMRA members on the 6 Adam, is doing a really good job with the beer, and I'm real ales netting them down hoping he will have success in this current terribly difficult market. Des Platt Society of Independent St Helens Pub News Brewers Awards The Huntsman, Haydock is to become a Winners Tesco. The Huntsman pub is being replaced by a (see below) Tesco. Another pub lost to the march of supermarkets taking advantage of planning laws that do not require planning consent to convert a pub into a supermarket.

Bier Palace Westfield Street’s new Real Ale Bar Think of St Helens and for a lot of people three things to an amazing £2 per pint whatever the ABV! come to mind. Greenalls Julia Carmichael is passionate about real ale. Julia brewery, Beechams pills brews in her other more traditional pub Olde and the rugby team. The England , St Helens, which has 7 real ales plus real Bier Palace St Helens has ciders too. The bar opens at noon daily and for the late two of those ingredients. birds you can stay till 3am on a Friday and Saturday, It is housed in the old 11pm other days. www.bierpalace.com or twitter for Beechams building and the odd and crazy tweet it sells beer (though The Market, Bridge Street. After many years of lying not Greeenalls!) The empty the Market has been sold by Star Pubs and Bars (the former Scottish and Newcastle Pub Company). Peerless All American IPA won Silver in the Strong Bitters class, Storr Lager pictures show it in won Silver in the Bottled Beer class, and the Jinja Ninja won Silver in the Bottled Speciality Beers the 1800’s and now in Hopefully now it will return as a pub, but it class and Bronze in the Speciality Beers Cask Ale class. 2013. When it was is not currently known who the buyer is or what their originally converted plans are. 44 45 Bringing New People to Real Ale The SNOWBALL Campaign Rolls On A major Liverpool CAMRA and we drew on those who had exchanged comments about 4 HAND PUMPS campaign of the last two years has started to get involved in CAMRA different beers and wanted to been the Snowball Campaign following last year’s event or over sample what their friends were Featuring which has the aim of Bringing the last 12 months. Most of them recommending, and tell others CHANGING GUEST New people to Real Ale, especially had been introduced to real ale what they had enjoyed. BEERS FROM LOCAL women and young people. If real through friends or family and now Purple Moose Bottled Beers ale is to survive it is vital to we asked them to ‘return the Guided Tasting BREWERS introduce new drinkers so favour’, so to But then there was a new LIVE SPORT as to ensure its longer term speak, and invite attraction ! Purple Moose KARAOKE TUES NIGHT future. their friends or brewery from Porthmadog in THURS, FRI, SAT & SUN - LIVE MUSIC The Liverpool Branch family members North Wales brought a selection Snowball Campaign won who might be of their bottled beers for a special OUTSIDE SMOKERS COURTYARD the National CAMRA Award similarly guided tasting experience. REFURBISHED FUNCTION ROOM for Membership Innovation ‘converted’! The Everyone sampled the beers and TRADITIONAL LOCAL FRIENDLY Initiatives - see MerseyAle Snowball Effect! was encouraged to think about PUB WITH GREAT ATMOSPHERE, Spring 2012 edition page 4. The setting of the appearance and aroma as well as GREAT MUSIC AND GREAT ALES 2013 has to date seen two Liverpool Beer taste. Scoring sheets were LIVE MUSIC major Snowball events Festival, in the provided so that people could 5 NIGHTS PER WEEK which are reported here; beautiful ’rate’ each beer and add WEDNESDAY NIGHT - OPEN MIC NIGHT •The Snowball Preview cathedral crypt comments if they wished. Event at the Liverpool Beer with its seemingly endless wall of Snowdonia , a golden beer, and 43 SOUTH ROAD WATERLOO L22 5PE 0151 928 7020 Festival in February. beer casks, has become very Dark Side of the Moose , the clue •The Snowball Meet the brewer familiar to those who have worked is in the name, were very popular, evening in April held in at the festival over many years and but the overall favourite was conjunction with the Lion Tavern also to regular attendees. But for Glaslyn about which one person Moorfields and Mallinson’s most of us, it never ceases to raise said: Brewery of Huddersfield. a gasp of delight and appreciation “It tastes like a summer day” - a •In addition we present a when we return each year. lovely thought indeed to turn our selection of quotes from women Imagine, then, what it must be like thoughts from the cold new to real ale and why they for people who descend the steps winter! switched from other drinks. into that beer heaven for the first Purple Moose time ! It is, undoubtedly, a whole beers are now One – The Snowballs Preview new experience and one which available on Event at Liverpool Beer Festival most people subsequently want to draught in several repeat, as witnessed by the fact Liverpool pubs – so Following on the success of the that many of last year’s ‘novices’ look out for them, well Beer Festival Preview event we were regular paying ticket goers at worth trying as our Beer Festival held last year which brought many Their attendance tasters would say. new people to real ale and other sessions. By 10pm the place was deserted, generated a considerable increase at the Preview event was intended with just a few of us helpers left to in CAMRA membership, it was to introduce the next round of tidy things up and get ready for decided to hold a similar event ‘novices’ to the Festival and the the Big Day – the official start of this year. Our target audiences wide range of different beer styles. the Festival on the Thursday. But were women and young people The event was scheduled to last 100 people had gone home very just two hours, with a 7.30 start. happy! Several sent ‘thank you’ By 7.35 there were nearly 100 emails, all indicating that they had people present ! With the Festival had a great night. Comments not officially starting till the included; following day, there was only a “We had an amazing time” small selection of cask beers “Till tonight my friend had always available but this was no problem drunk lager – but she won’t be for those who were clearly excited now!” just to be there. Those of us “I never knew there could be so Last year’s event behind the bar were, however, run off our feet, as everyone busily many different beer flavours” F 46 47 We hope we’ll see them all again including Mallinsons,, whilst the additional plus point is that the Three – What Attracted You to she commented, “it made you many beers were awful. I didn’t try and somehow I think we will! Snowballs tasting event took place beers are Vegan and Vegetarian Try Real Ale? want to have a bash at brewing beer again for a long time. Campaigning to introduce people in the lounge. friendly. Any Bringing New People to Real yourself.” She said “real ale is like CAMRA has been very important to real ale, to CAMRA and to our Lion licensee, Sean, introduced The Brewery started in 2008 with Ale event is going to generate having a meal as well – it’s lovely.” and influential in saving real ale great pubs is what it’s all about. the evening and provided a short Tara brewing and Elaine still a full plenty of conversation and debate, “Real ale would be my first choice and emphasising beer quality and Jean Pownceby summary of the varied history of time teacher waiting impatiently especially when comparing now. I’m proud to say I’m a real the range of beer styles.” the pub, which is named after the for the business to grow flavours of different styles of ale drinker.” “You tend to develop your own Two – Snowballs Women’s famous Lion locomotive which ran sufficiently for her to join Tara full beers. The Mallinsons event was For Claire and her friend Rachel palate as you do with good wine or on the Liverpool to Manchester Event no exception. The group spanned Fisher, discussing and comparing food. You educate your taste, and Railway and appeared in the Beer Tasting with Mallinsons the spectrum from those different beers and their tastes is CAMRA helps with this.” Brewery at the Lion Tavern Titfield Thunderbolt Ealing comparatively new to real ale who all part of the enjoyable Comedy film. Lion is now a main A common theme was the What better way to celebrate experience. Rachel was enjoyment of getting to know Spring, (or what passed for Spring exhibit at the new Museum of introduced to real ale by Liverpool at the Pier Head. Sean what you like and discussing beer her parents, so she has with others. More recent beer also provided and cooked some had plenty of time to excellent food for the event, so drinkers mentioned that CAMRA decide what beers she and the Snowball events had given don’t forget to try out the Lion’s likes, which is “Anything home cooked lunchtime menu. them much more confidence to hoppy and not too strong.” visit pubs and to ask for real ales. Elaine and Tara kept the audience She fully intends to assist riveted with their enthusiasm for “You get to know what you like and Claire with her beer have the confidence to ask for it in brewing and real ale. They time at the brewery. Mallinsons’ investigations into the described the distinctively success has been built on word of a pub. Before I felt a bit world of real ale beers intimidated, and felt I didn’t know different beers they produce and mouth rather than hype and and our Liverpool pubs. the tastes they were aiming for. advertising. Judging by the what to ask for. These events have during April), than by organising Joyce, Clare and Rachel Yes, it’s tough work but, Whist listening we tasted reaction from the audience and played a large part in building my another Bringing New people to someone has to do confidence to ask for real ale in Mallinsons Anna Perenna 4%, Lion customers, their fame will were the majority, to a few whose Real Ale Snowballs Event at the it, Rachel. a pub.” named appropriately after the certainly spread around Liverpool. appreciation of it stretches back to Lion Tavern with a free beer Others at the event spoke about Those present enthused about the Roman Goddess of Spring, Citra Mallinsons beers appear fairly the early days of CAMRA. tasting and talk by women the days before CAMRA when the Mallinsons beers and about 3.8% , a single hop beer, and Emley regularly at the Lion, the In any campaign to Bring New brewers Tara Mallinson and Elaine keg beer revolution was in full CAMRA’s part through the Moor Mild 3.45% , which was Dispensary and the Ship and People it is important to discover Youdell of Mallinsons Brewery swing. Snowballs campaign in making bursting with flavour for a low Mitre, so look out for them. In what attracted people to give real Huddersfield. The assembled “When I was young I drank a lot of more people aware of real ale and gravity beer, which is always addition the brewery is now ale a try, why they came to enjoy it beer, but then I stopped because so confident to ask for it in a pub. a sign of a good brewer! producing six hundred bottled and why some had switched away One person expressed it thus; Elaine and Tara are beers a week, so Mallinsons can from drinks such as lager and particularly fond of New now also be enjoyed at home. wine. “We are very fortunate in World hops, which they When asked if they preferred to Claire Waldron has been working Liverpool for the range of feel provide a cleaner in pubs since she was eighteen in real ales, the many excellent sharper taste to the beers. addition to her “day job”. Despite pubs, the numerous micro “Beers should be refreshing plenty experience of pulling pints breweries and an ever and clear your palate – for of real ale, she had never tried it us it is about hops.” In their until she came to the Snowballs increasing circle of new real view brewing is a simple Liverpool Beer Festival event in ale drinking friends.” process but which you can February – see above. make as complicated as you Definitely this was a thirty plus women were the result want. The brewery water comes Road to Damascus of the Snowball Method – Come from local reservoirs located in an moment, there is no to a Snowball event, tell your area of peat moorland. An stopping her now. friends, encourage them to come “It was a revelation. with you next time, then get them I didn’t realise there is to tell their friends and encourage such a broad spectrum them to come along be called brewsters or of real ale beers and to the event after that and so on..... brewers the reply was “We flavours. So many don’t care.” The tasting That’s the Snowball Method different exciting tastes” certainly showed that they for you. She arrived at the care very much about the This was a women’s event but Festival just expecting flavour and quality of their there are many mixed Snowball as to mooch about for a beers. well, such as the Beer Festival while, view the Crypt A final significant Preview event described above. and possibly try a few At the Lion a men’s ‘crèche’ was comment was “Without beers. Such was the established in the bar, which had a CAMRA we wouldn’t Tara, Sean and Elaine impact the different plentiful supply of real ales be here.” tastes made on her that

48 49 Lancashire Cricket, Summer Days and Real Ale festivals supporting local breweries. Sabrina footbridge, a huge hundred On this occasion it featured a great yard long marquee was spotted on Welcome to Worcester Under the Water range of Woods Shropshire beers, the racecourse, venue of the 13th along with full tasting notes, and of Worcester Beer, Cider, and Perry course the usual cask ale range. The Festival. beer quality could not be faulted. Tickets can be booked online in The Plough advance to avoid queuing, and this Finally on the east side of the was done with ease by several Lancashire fans. Once inside, along Severn, close to the cathedral, on cask ale offerings on the whole with the several hundred ales, there Fish Street lies The Plough. A grade county circuit is to be found within. was a truly enormous range of II listed building, providing a The County is sponsored by ciders and perrys. As a seasoned Marstons, and no less than five real beer festival follower in the north of Real Ale and cricket have long had London Midland Liverpool to outlet is a ales were available, including, an association, and although Birmingham service, with a single perennial Pedigree, EPA, Banks, and Lancashire’s travelling army of change at Birmingham New Street. haunt of the Brakespear. away supporters is these days travelling The Lunch and Tea Intervals - This article features a report of the real ale much depleted, there remains a The Bell 2012 Worcester Festival plus a cricket fan, significant number who ‘target’ The beauty of county cricket for the whistle stop tour through some of and also the away grounds where real ale is cask ale fan is that this civilised the city’s premier cask ale outlets. stocks a in plentiful supply in the nearby game in a hurried world still stops large towns. for a forty minute lunch and a The 2013 Worcestershire – collection of twenty minute tea. As such there is Good fortune in the fixture list in Lancashire game will be Belgian perfect complement to the Dragon, just time to nip out of the ground to 2012 ensured that Lancashire bottled beers, one with a strength as this pub specialises in stocking a England, where the odd perry is Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th sample beers from a local hostelry, high as 11%. large range of local brews and often a token add on to complement August at Worcester. ciders, which on this occasion with many fans over the years a small cider bar, I rapidly decided having built up a knowledge of the The Lamb and Flag included Hobsons Best (3.8%), that it would be a travesty not to A Whistle Stop Tour of best pubs to head for in the limited Only a few doors up, lies the Lamb Weatheroaks St.Udley Mild (3.4%) take advantage of the range on time available. Worcester Pubs and Flag. Although stocking only a and Malvern Hills Blackpear Bitter offer. This being the heart of cider The Dragon couple of ales and more famous for (4.4%), a hoppy and citrusy golden In Worcester’s case it is The Bell. and perry country, knowledgeable advice was on hand to the Arriving by train at Worcester its Guinness, the pub is a must for ale and a particular favourite of Found a quarter of a mile away in uninitiated such as myself, not used Foregate Street, my first port of call anyone in the vicinity. With its two the writer. St Johns, this award winning to such choice. Somewhat was The Dragon, in the Tything area rooms, almost unchanged over several roomed pub dating from the unfortunately for the session of the city. Inauspicious looking many years, the unspoilt interior The Picturesque New Road drinker such as me, third pint from the outside, a warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere attracts an Cricket Ground County Cricket Club was away at eclectic mix of clientele. The pub is New Road, the home of measures were not available at Worcester, coinciding neatly with popular with artists, poets and Worcestershire cricket, is found a Worcester, thus limiting my the nearby Worcester CAMRA Beer musicians, and supports the short distance over the bridge on consumption (with the perries and Cider Festival. The city itself is Worcester Music Festival event. the West side of the Severn. It is being of such high percentage home to an excellent mix of cask ale This pub is unique, and is best alcohol strength), inevitably forcing outlets, all set amongst the beautiful summed up by an advertising a return visit in future years, at this surroundings of this ancient city, slogan in a local music magazine, well organised venue! with the mighty River Severn “you either get it or you don’t!”. All in all Worcester is a superb cask meandering through the city- ale city set in beautiful surroundings literally on occasions in the case of Wetherspoon Postal Order 17th century has a cosy cottage featuring a fantastic Beer Festival, the cricket ground, (which is prone Moving back into town, the local charm, featuring a small back room particularly for cider and perry fans, to flooding!), and the nearby awaited from the hugely Wetherpoons Postal Order close to and outdoor area. Several real ales irrespective of any interest in cricket. racecourse where the beer festival is knowledgeable bar staff. The pub the station, is one with an excellent were found, including Thwaites A great city for a long weekend, and held. Liverpool CAMRA can specialises in stocking half a dozen reputation for hosting mini-beer Wainwright , the main sponsor of confirm the tendency for the race guest ales from independent Lancashire cricket and purely by easily accessible from Merseyside course to flood, having visited the breweries, and on my visit included recognised as one of the most chance a regular beer at The Bell! and Lancashire, particularly Festival some years ago and found Millstone Vale Mill (3%), Mighty beautiful grounds in the country, set relaxing via the train. Drawing Stumps - The paddling was the most effective Oak Gopher Gold (4.1%) and The amongst the trees and overlooking way of getting around the extensive Beach is Back (5.0%) from Worcester cathedral on the other Worcester Beer Cider and Perry Finally to the Cricket ! riverside site. Huddersfield’s Mallinson brewery. side of the river. With the cricket on Festival A desperate season for the Red Rose The pub has links with Sheffield’s the day being indifferent, and rain Finally, to close of play. After a short County with Lancashire contriving Worcester is easily accessible from Little Cart brewing company and imminent, there was nothing for it picturesque walk along the banks of to be relegated, having been County Lancashire and Merseyside via the Little Cart Hurworth (4%) was also but to head to the Graeme Hick the Severn featuring boats, swans Champions the year before! much improved West Coast railway on at the time. With its comfortable Pavilion, named after the prolific and weeping willows overhanging Ironically better news for those over line, including the half hourly Worcester batsman. One of the best the river, and then traversing the the Pennines, where our White Rose tables and button back seating, this F 50 51 friends, having been relegated The switch to Aigburth has been fan has to suffer expensive smooth themselves when Lancashire won warmly welcomed by cricket goers, flow John Smith’s keg beer and the Championship, won promotion but regrettably there will be just the lager in the Beer Tent. What a back to the top flight - probably one County game there in 2013, contrast to the time when the much to their amusement as they Lancashire versus Gloucestershire Higson’s family was a power at witnessed the Lancastrians heading Wednesday 29th May to Saturday Liverpool Cricket Club and the Beer in the other direction! 1st June. There will also be a Tents for County games would offer David Halliwell County game at Southport in 2013, cask Higsons, thereby bringing cask Lancashire versus Hampshire ale to all spectators, not just the County Cricket, Real Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st members. August. Ale and Liverpool A number of County Cricket Real Ale Pavilion but Pity the Aigburth grounds find ways of offering real Day Visitor An Opportunity for 2013 ale to their day visitors rather than Real Ale wise the Aigburth pavilion The last two years have seen a just the members. So how about it offers two changing hand pumped bonanza for the Liverpool cricket Aigburth for 2013? real ales which are much fan, with up to six Lancashire County Championship games a Currently non members are found season being played at Aigburth. heading quickly over the road to the This was due to the ongoing Toby Carvery, which usually has a rebuilding work going on down the real ale on hand pump, often either M62 at the Red Corporate Wainwright or Fuller’s London Hospitality Box known as Old Pride. The carvery is also very Trafford cricket ground. popular with fans. Another feature of cricket at Aigburth is the Applauded by all as a “real” cricket convenient transport links into appreciated, (and consumed in venue, Aigburth, with its classic Liverpool City Centre via the 82 bus volume,) by members. The beers Edwardian pavilion close to the and Merseyrail from Aigburth are often from interesting smaller river, provides a friendly welcome station, so at stumps the cricket breweries, although Wainwright to all, not just the corporate suits. follower can head rapidly to the tends to find a place on the bar The ground is renowned for pitches many excellent pubs in the Real Ale during Lancashire matches as that give something to both Pubs Capital of Britain. Thwaites is a main Lancashire batsmen and bowlers, often leading Another attraction of County sponsor. to a result rather than a draw. Cricket at Liverpool !! Unfortunately in 2012 most of the Unfortunately (and unforgivably?), results were a defeat for Lancashire! the non member day visitor cricket John Armstrong

The nation’s beers are dropping into London

The cover was done using a Wacom Bamboo drawing tablet andArtRage Studio Pro on Imac The Front Cover – MerseyAle Trumps Cezanne’s Cards The cover is a retake of the famous Cezanne painting ‘The Card Players’ and has been produced by MerseyAle designer Dennis Jones. The setting is the back room of Peter Kavanagh’s, the venue of the March Liverpool London Olympia CAMRA Get Together – see pages 28 and 29. The focus of attention is MerseyAle rather than the original subject 13t h-17th August of playing cards depicted by Cezanne. Thanks to Dennis www.gbbf.org.uk for a great piece of artwork.

52 53 MerseyAle Diary Gateacre and Woolton. Meet Credits 6pm at the Childwall Fiveways Editor Liverpool Branch Get Wetherspoon John Armstrong Togethers [email protected] Wed 15th May 8pm – Crown in Coach Trips Layout Design Lime Street (upstairs room) – with Dennis W Jones Chair’s special quiz and prizes! Wed 22nd May Mild Month Trail Photographs Evening – visiting pubs serving Neil Lloyd Mild. Meet either 6.30pm at Lion www.neillloydphotography.co.uk Tavern Moorfields, or at Rigby’s [email protected] Dale Street main bar at 7.30pm. Michael Jackson Dennis Jones Wed 19th June 8pm – Old Bank in Waterloo (upstairs room) Meet Coach Trips depart 10am from outside Ship and Mitre Dale Contributors the Brewer Tasting – with a Street. Cost £12 members, £15 Dave Halliwell chance to ‘meet’ one of the non members. To book email Jan Sorsby brewers who regularly supplies [email protected] Jean Pownceby beers to the pub, and sample the beers. Old Bank is diagonally left or phone Ian Macadam Mel James-Henry 07521 741 586 Sonia James-Henry out of Waterloo railway Station on the opposite side of Shore Saturday 18th May to North Wales A Traditional Geoff Edwards Welsh Highland Railway Beer Des Platt Road – three minutes from station. Festival and Porthmadog pubs, Friendly Pub with Helen McCall plus optional steam train travel. a Great Printed by Pub Walk "Over the Water" Saturday 15th June to West Printfine, Liverpool on Sunday 23rd June Midlands Black Country pubs and Atmosphere, 0151 242 0000 Walk along promenade brew pubs. Real Fire www.printfine.co.uk Seacombe to New Brighton Saturday 13th July to Bishops visiting Real Ale Pubs Castle town Beer Festival six pubs and an Ever Useful Contacts Meet at Mersey Ferry Pier Head and live music – two coaches running. CAMRA National Office for the 12 noon ferry to Beer Festivals Changing range of Seacombe. Future Coach Trips – for details 230 Hatfield Road Details email see www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk St Albans AL1 4LW 01727 867201 throughout the year Real Ale [email protected] Dates are 10th Aug; 7th Sep; 12th [email protected] Oct and 16th Nov. A Runner-up for the www.camra.org.uk Wed 17th July – coach to the A C AMRA REGIONAL Masonic new real ale outlet in CAMRA Southport CAMRA Pub Surveys Pub of The NATIONAL Pub Of The Garston departing from outside 31st May. Midi bus trip to survey Ian Garner 01704 876819 Ship and Mitre Dale Street – YeAR YeAR [email protected] pubs in South Liverpool. Depart check www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk Ship & Mitre 7pm. Fare £5. www.southportcamra.org.uk for times Next Edition of MerseyAle Wirral CAMRA Wed 21st August – scenic 12 handpumps Dave Hutchinson 01516 440625 Copy deadline is Monday July 1st. footpath and pubs walk about Distribution first week August. [email protected] three miles including visits en Serving Traditional Ales www.camrawirral.org.uk email news and articles to route to pubs in Childwall, [email protected] Ciders and Perry Isle of Man Branch Contact Angela Aspin 01624 491613 - I Draught continental beers I Wide selection mobile 07624 491613 wwwfacebook.com of bottled continental beers [email protected] Merseytravel Line /CAMRAliverpool I Tuesday - Quiz night 9-30 pm for public transport times 0151 638 5002 @LiverpoolCAMRA I Thursday - Curry and Jazz Night 0871 200 22 33 Liverpool CAMRA MerseyAle I I www.merseytravel.gov.uk Cask Marque Good Beer Guide 2011 Advertising in MerseyAle Trading Standards If you wish to place an advertisment you should contact us by email at; Open Mon - Fri 2-11 Sat, Sun 12-11 0151 233 3002 [email protected] you can send in your advert design and copy by attachment, or ask us about design. Cooper St. St Helens Tel 01744 751289 Opinions expressed in MerseyAle are not necessarily those of the Cost is £100 per half page, £200 full page payment in advance. Editor Liverpool Branch or CAMRA 54 55 You Can’t Afford NOT to Join CAMRA!

There has never been a • Brewery discounts on beer better time to join CAMRA, offers especially if you choose to be • Free monthly ”What’s in the Liverpool Branch. Brewing” newspaper and the The benefits of membership quarterly full colour “Beer” will more than recoup your magazine. membership fee including; £20 worth of PLUS if you opt to join the Liverpool CAMRA Branch you Wetherspoon beer receive further benefits. vouchers • A free Branch coach trip • Free or discounted entry to for new members joining CAMRA beer festivals the Branch • Discounts on CAMRA books • Priority booking for the sell and publications out Liverpool Beer Festival • Special offers on a range of • Reduced ticket price on other products such as holiday Branch coach trips, saving £3 cottages for members compared with • Members’ discounts in a non members. large number of pubs nationwide Application form page 53 or visit www.camra.org.uk