CAMRA Angle - Issue 29 - Winter 2012/2013

www.swmcamra.org.uk

Inside...> NEW TRICKS @ THE EMPERORDennis Waterman & partner buy country pub

> 1ST SLOUGH TOWN BEER FESTIVALA bit different from the usual Beer Festival

Issue 29 - Winter 2012/2013 | www.swmcamra.org.uk

Supporting Real Ale, Real Cider & Real Pubs in East Berkshire & South Buckinghamshire

The magazine from the Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead branch of The Campaign for Real Ale

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> | Supporting Real Ale, Real Cider & Real Pubs in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire www.swmcamra.org.uk

www.swmcamra.org.uk Supporting Real Ale, Real Cider & Real Pubs in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire | <

The first choice for pub news in East Berks & South Bucks

EDITORAllan Willoughby

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Alan Molloy, Allan Willoughby, Mike Stevens, Greg Davies, Delia Allott, Simon Smith,

Alan Harding, Tony Aslett,David Jackson, Kevin Phillips

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> FROM THE EDITORAs ever in the pages of this magazine, we aim to give you an insight

into what’s happening in your local pubs, breweries and CAMRA branch area that you cannot get anywhere else. Our circulation is gradually growing and has, for the first time, hit 5,000 with this issue.

Community pubs are closing at an alarming rate and we all recognise their importance, also our Town centre pubs, with an impact on jobs & growth. A number of our articles reflect this pattern. The Bricklayers Arms pictured on page 19 is now boarded up, as is the imminent ‘tescoisation’ of The 3 Elms, both within a mile of one another in Windsor.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, there are now more than 1,000 breweries and brewing companies operating in the UK, this, the 40th anniversary of the latest Good Beer Guide...slightly eerie as logic would of expected similar fortunes within the same industry. In our own small way this can be seen from the increasing number of micros advertising in our publication.

I do struggle a little with this, when you consider that beer sales are falling, SABMiller, valued at £42 billion, recently reported healthy profits, in no small way due to sales of Peroni at £5 a pint in bars, a shocking development that some punters seem to have taken in their stride.

As we go to press, CAMRA has given the Government something to think about. On November 1st over 58 MP’s of all parties unanimously backed a call on Government to review the beer duty escalator and present back before the 2013 Budget. This was as a result of a CAMRA online petition of over 100,000 signatures calling on Government to scrap the escalator, under which the beer tax increases by 2% above inflation. The majority of beer drinkers can no longer afford these increases and we now have 18 pubs closing every week. Since the escalator was introduced in 2008, over 5,800 pubs have closed.

The next step is on Wednesday 12th December when over 1,000 CAMRA members and beer drinkers will converge upon Westminster for a mass lobby of Parliament. If you are interested in taking part, then go to www.saveyourpintlobby.co.uk for more details and to register.

So, we are in now in the season of good strong winter ales, fantastic. Cask ale has overtaken keg as the most popular way to drink beer in pubs. Enjoy this seasonal time of year, pop down to your local and help keep them in business. Every best wish for a healthy 2013.

Allan WilloughbyEditor

WELCOME

CrownTHE

INNF A R N H A M R O Y A L

John and Tracy are pleased to announce that they have now fully taken over after 2 ½ years of Managing The Crown Inn.

Come and enjoy the great fresh food, fine ales and wines, huge garden with play area, feeding our chickens, or just relaxing in a good old traditional pub.

Food available all day every day, and great deals to be had.

See our website at www.crowninnpub.co.uk for more details.

Just minutes from Burnham Beeches, Slough Industrial estate, The M4 and M40.

Crown Lane • Farnham Royal • SL2 3SQ01753 647714 • www.crowninnpub.co.uk


> WINDSOR BEER FESTIVALHELPERS TRIP

As a thank-you to the hard working volunteers at our beer festival we organised a trip to the black country - an area of the West Midlands famed for its pubs.

Our coach picked us up from Slough Station at 9:30 and we headed up to our first port of call, the Beacon Hotel in Sedgely. This pub is famous for its beautifully preserved classic interior and for being home to the Sarah Hughes brewery. All 3 of their ales were on tap: Amber, Sedgley Surprise and the famous 6.0% Dark Ruby mild. The brewer was on hand and we were shown around the brewery in 2 groups.

A short hop on the coach took us to our next stop, the Park Inn at Woodsetton. It may lack the classic pub interior of the Brecon Hotel but, being home to Holdens Brewery, the beer at the Park Inn did not disappoint and neither did the very reasonably priced food. The full range of Holdens beers was on tap, Mild, Black Country Bitter, Golden Glow and Killer Queen.

Next on the agenda was the Olde Swan, in Netherton, also known as Ma Pardoe’s after a long-term landlady who owned it until her death in 1984, at the age of 85. The pub is home to the Olde Swan Brewery, one of the four original English home brew pubs which existed when CAMRA was formed in 1971. The striking exterior proudly boasts ‘Pure Home Brewd Ales’ and the beautiful, unspoilt interior includes a tiled ceiling featuring a Swan. Their full range of beers was available. Olde Swan Original (£2.10 a pint!), Dark Swan, Entire and Bumble Hole Bitter.

Our next pub was the Vine in Brierley Hill. Known locally as the Bull & Bladder, this is another pub with a classic unspoilt exterior. It is home to Bathams Brewery which has been in the same family since being established in 1877. The pub has a labyrinthine feel, having a variety of rooms feeding off a central passageway. We settled in a comfy bar at the front of the pub and admired the intricate leaded light windows whilst enjoying the two beers available, Mild and Best Bitter.

Last on our list was the Waggon & Horses in Halesowen. This was a bit of a wild card, having been recommended by a friend of the organiser. No classic pub interior here, just a basic bar with a huge array of handpumps dispensing 10 ales and 3 ciders. The pub was busy with drinkers enjoying the beers and we soon got chatting to some of the friendly locals.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end and at 7:30 we departed for the 2 hour journey back to Slough.

All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable day out taking in some of the finest pubs and beer that the West Midlands has to offer. Many thanks to the organiser, our social secretary, Tony Aslett and to our driver, Dave, who had the unenviable task of visiting all these classic pubs without a drop to drink!

Off to the Black Country for some cracking value Beer >


Formerly a Victorian public convenience, this pub is very small with only a few tables, so it is advisable to arrive early. The vast selection of continental beers, with a few on draft thrown in for good measure, adds to its charm.

Despite having originally been a loo, the toilets leave a lot to be desired, but need to be visited for the amusing graffiti. The jukebox is said to be the best in town. Has been linked to the band Elbow, with some people believing this is the “hole in my neighbourhood down which of late I cannot help but fall”, as this has been the haunt of many Mancunian bands.

Certainly not your bog- standard pub!

> PECULIAR PUBSThe Temple, Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester (formerly the Temple of Convenience) >

Your friendly, traditional local pub.The Guardsman’s Inn is a traditional pub and B&B, conveniently

located just a short walk from the town centre and 5 minutes from the River Thames and its scenic paths. Landlord Doug is a former Irish

Guardsman and the pub is decorated with memorabilia depicting the Brigade of Guards both past and present for all to enjoy

EXTENSIVE MENU OF HOME COOKED FOODExpress lunchtime menu, snacks, sandwiches, old favourites, pies, steaks,

Sunday Roast & daily specials

WEDNESDAY CURRY OFFER - Curry & a Pint for only £9.50

DECEMBER OFFER Turkey sandwich, a mince pie & a glass of mulled wine £7.99

POPULAR NOSTALGIA MUSIC QUIZ - every Tuesday from 8.45pm

OPEN ALL DAY • REAL FIRES • CAMRA Publican of the Year

CASK MARQUE WINNER with 8 real ales on at all times, including Windsor & Eton & Rebellion Ales

BED & BREAKFAST - 8 en-suite rooms with breakfast at reasonable rates

The Guardsman’s Inn22 Oldfield Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1TW01628 620705www.theguardsmansinn.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook at “The Guardsman’s Inn Pub” for the latest news & offers

This is the only pub in the UK to have the word “carrot” in its name. The pub was named after a rock formation in the River Wye that runs beside this free house, which resembled a bunch of carrots. The pub’s interior boasts real fires, old beams and flagstone floors. Outside there’s a garden and children’s play area, making this an ideal place in which to sample a pint of Wye Valley Bitter. There is a seven day carvery with the meat coming from local Herefordshire suppliers.

The Bunch of Carrots, Hampton Bishop, Hereford >


High Street, Cookham SL6 9SJTel: 01628 530667

The King’s ArmsRegular Meet the Brewer Evening

Quiz Night every Thursday

16th Century Pub

Doombar, Rebellion & 2 Guest Ales

Fresh Food Served All Day

Co�ees & Breakfast from 10am

Private Room available for celebrations or meetings

Large beer garden with covered heated area

Private parking in the heart of historic Cookham

WWW.THEKINGSARMSCOOKHAM.CO.UK

The Bounty

Cock Marsh - Bourne End - SL8 5RG - 01628 520056 -

www.thebountypub.com

Located next to the Thames at Cockmarsh. With an outside terrace that stretches down to the river's edge, it’s the perfect place to spend some time whilst enjoying a drink or something to eat from the extensive menu.

Full of character and a real family pub where everyone is made to feel truly at home by friendly and helpful staff.

Winter (1st Oct-31st Mar):Sat & Sun Only: 12.00 noon - Dusk

Summer (1st Apr - 30th Sept):Every Day 12.00 noon - 11.00pm

VOTED “BEST CAMRA PUB OF THE SEASON” TWICE!

THREE

REAL ALES

INCLUDING ONE

GUEST ALE

COCKMARSH

The Bounty

CORES END RD

SAILINGCLUB RD WHARF LN

DONKEY LN

River Thames

STATIO

N R

D

FURL

ONG

RD

THE PARADE

OPENINGTIMES

The Carpenter’s ArmsFounded in 1518

Beautifully refurbished interior to traditional style

Eight Hand-pumps, with London Pride & Doombar permanent plus 6 rotating ales

Our own Nicholsons Pale Ale - Available Now

www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/thecarpentersarmswindsor

4 Market Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PBTel: 01753 863739


Here are the next ramblings of a serial beer festival volunteer. It’s great fun meeting like-minded people who enjoy real ale, and you get paid in free beer! If you would like to volunteer at a festival a full list, with contact details, is available on CAMRA’S national website. Note you have to be a CAMRA member to volunteer.

Since the last edition of Angle I have worked at Ealing, Windsor [where I’m the Site & Beer Mgr.], GBBF [Great British Beer Festival @ Olympia] and now I’m on my way to Swansea. Each year I stay with my skiing friend Chris and we both volunteer at the Swansea Bay Beer Festival, with Chris being the Deputy Beer Mgr. I travelled in style [first class train] to Swansea as the price differential over standard class was only 15%.

The festival is held in the Brangwyn Hall at the Guildhall, a superb 1920’s Art Deco building which is renowned as a major concert hall and conference centre. The main hall is imposing with a ceiling height of approx. 40-50ft, to house a collection of unusual murals. These were originally commissioned for the House of Lords by the well-known Welsh artist Sir Frank Brangwyn, but were considered too risqué, hence their home in Swansea. The fest is run by the local Swansea branch of CAMRA leading up to the August bank holiday and features 120 beers & 40 ciders/perry. I worked on the bars Friday & Saturday as well as the take down on Sunday morning.

The range of beers covered most Welsh micros, 17 in total, and a good selection from further afield. Of particular note was a new micro, Tiny Rebel, in Newport. Their 3 beers were well crafted and distinctive. There was Cwtch, a golden summer ale with loads of citrus flavours, Urban, a red IPA & Dirty Stop Out, a rich complex stout.

We also had two beers from the new Brains craft brewery – Organ Morgan, a 4% golden ale with a floral aroma and

delicate citrus flavours & Barry Island IPA, a 6% typical American style IPA using 3 USA hops. Another small brewery, Heart of Wales, is situated behind the Neuadd Arms Hotel in Llanwrtyd Wells, the home of “Bog Snorkeling”. They won 1st & 2nd overall in the Great Welsh Beer Festival – 2012 with their

two beers, High as a Kite (10.5%) barley wine and Welsh Black (4.4%) a brilliant stout named after the Welsh breed of cattle.

Friday evening had been very busy with both numbers and beer sales up on last year, so a decision had to be made on a beer re-order. It was decided to order 6 firkins (432 pints) which was delivered early Saturday morning as some was sedimented and had to drop bright. So we opened on Saturday with approx. 30 beers. However, by 5pm we had to close the hall to new admissions because we had run out of glasses, even after using all previous year’s glasses.

Still a great time was had by all and a profit for the “Fighting Fund”.

One of the many that Alan Molloy volunteers for every year >

> SWANSEA BAY BEER FESTIVAL

VISIT OUR

BREWERY SHOP

Xmas Orders Now Being Taken

www.valebrewery.co.ukTel: 01844 239237

> SPOTTED...Outside the Herschel Arms, Slough >


Since the last edition of CAMRA Angle the highlight of our social calendar was a brewery and pub tour of the Black Country. This was open to all members but was arranged especially for those who volunteered to work at the Windsor Locale Festival back in July.

We were given a tour of the Sarah Hughes brewery in Sedgley and sampled some of their fine ales in the Beacon Hotel which is the brewery tap. From there we had lunch at the Park Inn, Woodsetton and then visited a CAMRA favourite, the Old Swan at Netherton. A trip to The Vine at Brierley Hill was next on the agenda and we finished the day in Halesowen at the Waggon and Horses. The Black Country is truly blessed with some fantastic pubs and superb beer! For a more detailed account of the trip see Dave Jackson’s article elsewhere in this issue.

Any social calendar is not complete without at least one curry night and in the last 3 months we have had two. Firstly in October there was a curry night organised in Southall stopping initially at the Conservative Club to sample some of their well kept ales before moving on to the restaurant. This is a fairly regular event and is organised by our friends in Reading CAMRA. In November we also had a curry night at the Moon and Spoon in Slough.

In order to walk off all that curry and ale, two rambles have also taken place recently. One started from Cookham and included a stop at the Jolly Farmer, Cookham Dean and the other covered Burnham Beeches and Hedgerley finishing at the White Horse. These are also regular events and remain

very popular despite the inclement and unpredictable English weather.

With the Christmas and New Year holidays on the horizon, social activities will be fairly quiet for a few weeks but we will have a branch meeting on Tuesday 11th December at the Watermans Arms in Eton which anybody is welcome to attend. In February we will be enjoying our traditional branch post Xmas meal in one of the area’s fine pubs. Please visit our website swmcamra.org.uk for further details nearer the time and to keep up to date with all the branches activities. Cheers!

From Tony Aslett, Social Secretary >

> THE SOCIAL SCENE


As part of this year’s special 2012 celebrations, seven pubs in central Slough, (all within easy walking distance) decided to hold their first ‘Slough Town Beer Festival’. The concept of holding a beer festival in a town centre rather than in a tented field is to raise the profile of pubs who sell cask conditioned ales locally. The festival was spread over the August Bank Holiday period and organised by the Central Slough Publicans Forum. The forum is a voluntary support group for publicans and local residents alike. The aim of the forum is to hold regular meetings in order to exchange constructive inter-pub links and ideas, to raise money for charity and give advice and support to local publicans and residents.

The Moon and Spoon hosted the launch of the festival with Mike Stevens, a local artist and historian dressed as the Town Crier and Delia Allott, Chair of Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead branch of CAMRA who kindly opened the event. There were over 50 real ales and ciders available, ready to delight the many CAMRA

members and pub goers visiting Slough. The wide range of real ales, Ciders and Perries presented at the festival were sourced both locally and nationally. Pubs invited to take part in the festival were: The Moon and Spoon, The Rising Sun, Wernham Hoggs, The Red Cow, The Rose and Crown, The Alpha Arms and The Wheatsheaf.

A highlight of the beer festival was the Annual Publicans Barrel Roll Tournament that took place on Sunday afternoon. The tournament really did turn out to be a barrel of fun, as publicans and pub goers alike donned fancy dress costumes for this 2nd inter-pub charity event. Central Slough looked rather bizarre as a glittering and exuberant array of fancy dressed teams rolled their barrels from pub to pub on a quest to raise money for Slough Community Transport & Shop-Mobility. All barrel rolling teams were “team themed” which included: Smurfs from The Rose and Crown, the Dukes of Hazard from The Wheatsheaf, Pop Star Celebrities from Wernham Hoggs, Pirates of the Caribbean from The Red Cow, along with many other great fun outfits. At The Rose and

The first Slough Town Beer Festival>The Rose & Crown Team - The Smurfs

> A BARREL OF LAUGHS IN SLOUGH

The Moon & Spoon Team - Famous Thieves

The Wheatsheaf Team - The Dukes of Hazzard


Crown where the event started, a Town Crier summoned all the teams to announce the tournament rules for “the ancient and honourable art of barrel rolling”. Each team member had to drink a beer and play an amusing game at every pub on the route - in order to gain points. The Moon and Spoon team who gained the most points managed to carry off the winner’s trophy and were given the title of “Master Barrel Rollers”. The team who gained the least points, namely The Wheatsheaf were named “Ye Village Idiots and oafs”(all in good fun of course). However, the team disqualified for bad behaviour and /or cheating were The Rising Sun/Garibaldi team, who were declared “Outlaws of the Parish” and consequently placed in the stocks and pelted with wet sponges.

The “Best Fancy Dress Award” was judged to be a draw between The Rose and Crown and The Wheatsheaf. A big thank you to The Wheatsheaf pub who also managed to raise the most amount of money for the event. The final amount raised by all participating pubs on the day, was a whopping £1,362.50. This much needed money went to buy a special heavy duty mobility scooter for the adopted charity. A cheque was presented to the charity by Mike Stevens who organised the event. Wendy Field, Chief Executive of the charity expressed her sincere gratitude for the wonderful effort made by all concerned.

By the end of the festival, all agreed that the first town beer festival of its kind in Slough was a great success, with everyone concerned having enjoying the events. All pubs reported a good increase in the sale of Real Ale and Cider over the festival period, with only one pub reporting just a moderate increase in sales. However, all the pubs received good

feed-back on customer satisfaction and much enthusiasm for future festivals.

Mike Stevens (Local CAMRA member and event co-ordinator)

The Rising Sun Team - Outlawed Convicts

Red Cow Team - Pirates of the Caribbean

Wernham Hogs Team - famous pop stars


Beer from the Highlands & Islands was the theme for this year’s much celebrated Beer Festival. How nice to visit a bash where you barely recognise a brewery, A ticker’s heaven!

10 beers and their very own Scrumpy celebrated the pub being owned by the Villagers for 25 years. There were beers for all tastes and palates. Yours truly, Ed, is pictured with the gaffer, Laura, my only disappointment was they had run out of the 5.2% Kelham Island Pale Rider (is there really an island in Sheffield?), 2 barrels had been supped by the time I arrived on Sunday evening.

I guess the moral is... don’t leave it so late next year.

The Windlesora in Windsor, part of the Wetherspoon chain, launched the World’s biggest real ale festival with the help of members from our branch. To celebrate Manager, Dan Foster (the smart one!) made an impressive Local Brewery board that features many of the breweries convenient to Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead. Dan is keen to promote the benefits of sourcing ale from local suppliers.

Halloween @ The Jolly Farmer, Cookham Dean >

World’s biggest real ale festival>

> LOCAL NEWS

Doug Fitch has worked his whatsits off over the last 2 years re-launching/branding this slightly out of town Greene King pub and is now looking to concentrate on further projects.

In to the rescue comes Dave Tolmie who recently managed to get The Old Swan Uppers, Cookham into the prestigious CAMRA Good Beer Guide for the first time ever.

The pub offers 9 cask ales, pretty unusual for a tied pub. So to front of house specialist Dave & team... best wishes and lets see the pub in the GBG!

In a recent issue this full-on Community Pub was described as ‘more of a restaurant than a pub’ Well, I spent a good hour with Helen and Gary who have run this Greene King pub for getting on 12 years. Afterwards I did not need convincing that beer drinkers are crucial and very welcomed. Old Trip and IPA are on permanent with a seasonal making up a third hand pump...St Edmunds when I visited.

The pub is the focal point of the village staging a host of charity events including the Fifield Fun Day. Of course food is important, isn’t it to most pubs, but when you enter the pub you get a good homely feel about, certainly not a restaurant

dressed up as a pub.Helen is

particularly proud of her ‘non-swearing’ pub and on behalf of the CAMRA Angle team we wish them every success for the future.

Dave Tolmie joins the team at The Guardsman’s Inn, Maidenhead >

Apologies to The Fifield Inn >

Dave Tolmie (the little ‘un in the photo) joins the team.

The Fifield Inn

Ed & Laura

Local Brewery Board


The Vansittart ArmsWindsor

105 Vansittart Road,Windsor, Berks, SL4 5DDCall: 01753 865988www.vansittartarmswindsor.co.uk

The Vansittart Arms is a traditional English pub with a happy, homely ambience - open fires in the winter and a lovely large garden for the summer with a covered area.

Enjoy great home cooked food served 7 days a week with weekend breakfasts.

Full SKY Sports package covering all major events.

Opening HoursMon - Weds 12pm - 11pm, Thurs 12pm - 11:30pmFri 12pm - 12am, Sat 10:30am - 12amSun 10:30am - 9.30pm

Please contact Peter or Helen for bookings

A Warm Welcome Awaits You

�eWATERMANS

ARMS

6 Real Ales & 3 CidersLarge Refurbished Function Room

Sunday Carvery • Real FireSalsa on �ursdays

Quiz on Wednesdays (with a lucky cash rolling jackpot)Regular Jazz Evenings (see dates on website)Well behaved children & dogs welcome

Brocas Street • Eton • Windsor • SL4 6BWt: 01753 861001

www.watermans-eton.com

Traditional 450 year old Public House in Historic Eton

THE WALNUT TREEB O U R N E E N DB O U R N E E N D

www.w a l n u t t r e e . c oH E D S O R R OA D • B O U R N E E N D • S L 8 5 D N

BOOK A TA BL E TODAY ON 01628 5324177

• GREENE KING IPA & 2 SUPERB CASK CONDITIONED ALES ALWAYS AVAILABLE

• EXTENSIVELY REFURBISHED

• FRESH HOME-COOKED FOODALL DAY FROM 12PM UNTIL 10PM

• LARGE GARDEN WITH PLAY AREA

• FREE CAR PARKING

• LIVE MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY 9PM

Check out our Facebook page for all the latest news & events

Five Real Ales Available: Courage Best, Brakspears, a local pump

and two further ever-changing alesNo background music or TV • Dog friendly

CHRISTMAS MENU NOW AVAILABLEReal Log Fires & Fine Pub Food featuring Game

GOOD BEER GUIDE 2013 - 9TH YEAR RUNNING

25th Year owned by the Village

Church Road, Cookham Dean, Berkshire SL6 9PDwww.jollyfarmercookhamdean.co.uk • Tel: 01628 482905

Five Real Ales Available:

y g25th Year owned by the Villagb the Village

THE JOLLY FARMERCOOKHAM DEAN


The Emperor pub had a big launch last night (Wednesday). Keith, who covers The Emperor, unfortunately couldn’t attend due to other commitments, but Ollie and I attended and met with Dennis Waterman & Martin Flood who spoke about their plans for the pub. They fully appreciate the input from CAMRA, and the pub is setting up a CAMRA mailing list for visiting CAMRA members. Other plans include links with other nearby pubs, such as the Blackwood Arms, Crown etc.(This will include Ale walks between them). The pub will be sending us all the photos and interviews of the launch for input into next CamraAngle mag.

New Tricks star Dennis Waterman and businessman Martin Flood liked their local pub, The Emperor in Farnham Royal so much, they bought it. Believing that a “local” should be just that - run by locals for the local community, sourcing supplies locally where possible (butchers, farmers, greengrocers, local breweries) and supporting local businesses. Waterman and Flood have overseen The Emperor transform into a local pub with the focus on excellence - a warm welcome, a great pint and high quality food at affordable prices.

Alex Pearson, previously of Tummies Bistro, has been appointed new Head Chef and joins managers Andrew and Lynn Foulkes to complete the new look at The Emperor.

Dating back more than 100 years, The Emperor has gone through many names and incarnations from pub to upmarket restaurant and Dennis and Martin are delighted to have been able to take it back to its original roots and relaunch as a proper local.

Dennis Waterman says: “At the heart of buying and transforming The Emperor was listening to what the community and locals wanted from their local pub and indeed what we and our families wanted. The overwhelming response was to bring back the traditional values of a local boozer - warm welcome, great pint and good food that’s affordable.”

Martin Flood adds: “With the rise of gastropubs in the area, we felt the traditional pub and its role within the community was diminishing as did our customers. Hopefully The Emperor now embraces those traditional values and modern expectations where the focus is on excellence and local community.”

The Emperor has already achieved an impressive 100% pass rate from Cask Marque for its fine ales and new Head Chef Alex Pearson is creating bar and a la carte dishes with the focus on seasonality and local sourced produce. Local suppliers include Quintessential Meats.

PUB OPENING HOURS Mon to Thurs - 12 noon to 11pm�

Fri & Sat - 12 noon to midnight

Sun - 12 noon to 10.30pm�RESTAURANT OPENING HOURS

Mon to�Sat� - Lunch - 12 noon to 3pmDinner - 6pm to 10pm

Traditional Sunday Roasts from 12 noon to 6pm

At The Emperor, Farnham Royal sensational food, stylish surroundings and a lively and welcoming atmosphere awaits. The Emperor country pub and restaurant provides the highest standards of freshly cooked food from our superb team of chefs, a wide range of drinks and effortless service. Soft modern furnishings complement the traditional building features, creating a warm, inviting feel. A pub with pub values offered with style, charisma and personality.

www.theemperorpub.co.ukBlackpond Lane | Farnham Royal | Bucks | SL2 3EGt: 01753 643 006 | e: [email protected]

The Local “LocALE” Specialists • Great Beer Garden • Free Wi-fi • Private Room for Hire • Live Music

Wide selection of beers from all local breweries within 30 miles NEWMENU

> THE EMPERORRelaunches under new owners, Dennis Waterman & Martin Flood>


> MEET THEPUBLICANSTHE EMPEROR, FARNHAM ROYAL

The Emperor has had a bit of a chequered time of late with a number of Managers putting their own spin on how it should be run. Thought to be originally The Brickmakers Arms, and more recently The King of Prussia, it looks like the pub has now got its act together in this well-heeled part of South Bucks.

Andy and Lynn Foulkes have a background in the hotel trade but fancied moving from North Wales to run a pub. This is their 3rd pub and they have immediately stamped their mark on it. With illustrious owners Dennis Waterman and Martin Flood, and new Head Chef, Alex Pearson, The Emperor looks to be on the right track.

Local is the name of the game, especially sourcing food and ale. I was surprised to learn that 65% of the pubs revenue is wet and besides their staple London Pride (Dennis’s drink, of course!)

and Greene King IPA there are one or two SIBA listed ‘LocAles’ Andy is a keen CAMRA member and believes in supplying fresh, short travel time beer from the plethora of local microbreweries. Good cellar management is key to avoiding wastage, pretty evident from previous management records. Keeping his eye on the local pulse, pubs are suffering from the downturn with reduced sales, but The Emperor is holding its own.

The pub has a good feel about it and hosts regular entertainment including Jazz and a whole host of tribute bands.

So give it a go, for the first time it’s in the 2013 Good Beer Guide and although finding it can be a challenge, it’s only a

couple of miles from Slough and the effort will be well worth it, as Dennis Waterman would say... ’I could be so good for you’.

Andy & Lynn Foulkes>

The Emperor in the past as The Brickmakers Arms & The King of Prussia


> BREWERY NEWS

It’s been a spectacularly busy couple of months at Vale, with Wetherspoon’s running Vale Special nationally and Hopocalyspe Vale featured in the recent Spoon’s ‘Worlds Biggest Beer Festival’.

Our award winning VPA (Vale Pale Ale) has recently been showered with more praise, winning Bronze at the SIBA Midland Region Competition for Golden Bottled Beers and Gold at the Oxford Beer Festival LocAle Competition.

A very successful brew over the summer was Brill Gold. This was a low strength brew but it was packed with flavour and very well received in the local free trade.

Therefore in November we launched Brill Amber 3.4% an all-new beer, fruity with floral hop notes and a good clean bitterness.

Novembers monthly special is Northern Lights 4.2%, copper coloured ale named after the aurora borealis, a natural light display in the Arctic sky. Intense citrus hop aromas

combined with soft malt to create a refreshing crisp bitter. Old Frost Moon 4.0%, nut brown bitter, will follow in December.

Good King Senseless 5.2% our dark, strong, mahogany coloured seasonal special will be released in cask and bottle conditioned form in late November.

Vale Brewery are on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @ValeBrewery

It’s been at little quiet at Aylesbury Brewhouse due to being ‘all-hands to the pump’ at Vale.

Brews planned for the near future are Hop Harvest 3.8%, Illumination 4.9% Christmas Porter, Tin Roof Rusted 4.4% Red Ale, Beta 4.0% Blonde, Whip Hand 4.2% Bitter and Hornswoggler 4.7% Pale Ale.

Our Roger Protz collaboration Sink or Swim 7.0% 152-day matured India Pale Ale will be available in 330ml bottle conditioned form in early December.

Follow Aylesbury Brewhouse on Twitter @AylesburyBrewCo

Vale Brewery News >

Aylesbury Brewhouse News >

Both the Vale Brewery and the Aylesbury Brewhouse have shops which stock Vale bottle conditioned beer and a large selection of foreign imported beers as well as wines and brewery merchandise.

Old Ale at 4.5% is now available. Last year this ale was very popular, selling two firkins in one evening at the Bird in Hand at Knowl Hill!

Binghams won three awards at the recent SIBA south east competition • Space Hoppy IPA won Gold in Bottled Gold Beers • Coffee Stout won Silver in Speciality Beers in cask • Ginger Doodle Stout

won Bronze in Speciality Bottled Beers. To celebrate Binghams 2nd Birthday, they will be holding

an open day on Saturday 8th December 2012 from 12-6pm. There will be tasters and mini tours available throughout the day. Keep an eye on local CAMRA websites and Binghams Facebook page (www.facebook.com/binghamsbrewery) for more details. Suffice to say there will be an element of free beer involved!

Binghams will be brewing a spiced ale for the Winter season. The directors are currently racking their brains for a good name for this new ale, which will be 5%.

They will also be putting together their Christmas tree for display at Twyford’s Christmas Tree Festival, which is held in St Mary’s Church as part of the annual Twyford fair. This year the theme is the Jubilee and the Olympics.

Bingham Brewery Update >

www.valebrewery.co.uk

www.aylesburybrewhouse.co.uk


> BREWERY NEWS

Say ‘Cheers’ to a Ruby Revival

CAMRA and The Chiltern Brewery announce new Ruby Anniversary Ale Gift Packs to celebrate 40 years of the Good Beer Guide

Truly special occasions warrant very special endeavours. CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, celebrate the 40th year of their landmark publication, the unique and totally independent Good Beer Guide, when they release the 2013 edition on 13th September this year.

To celebrate this momentous occasion and milestone in the history of the organization in true style, CAMRA approached The Chiltern Brewery, the oldest craft brewery in Buckinghamshire and The Chiltern Hills, to brew a special one-off bottle-conditioned beer in a fabulous limited edition gift pack.

“The result is no ordinary run-of-the-mill offering, but something truly special to make your mouth water” says Head Brewer Tom Jenkinson, who was thrilled to be approached and leapt at the opportunity to brew this commemorative

beer. “I have taken my inspiration from the history of brewing, using ingredients both ancient and modern, and the chance to showcase the best of British hops and grains to create a fabulous rich Ruby Anniversary Ale” says Tom. He worked on the concept with the help of award winning beer writer and editor of the Good Beer Guide, Roger Protz, both of whom wanted a strong beer that could be laid down as well as drunk young and one whose recipe reflected the significance of the occasion.

This true gem of a beer blends Maris Otter barley malt, widely used in the 1980’s and still the preferred grain of many craft brewers, with more modern varieties and with a fine selection of English hops from across the years, including Fuggles, Goldings, Whitbread Goldings Variety, Challenger and Pioneer. The result is a creamy smooth rich balanced malt base with hints of roast barley, full flavoured and hoppy, and claret red in colour.

The limited edition gift packs in beautifully distinctive and original packaging contain 5 x 500ml bottles, one to reflect each decade of the Good Beer Guide and one for the decade ahead, with a lovely unique commemorative half pint stemmed and lined glass.

The strength of this wonderful bottle conditioned ale is 7.2% ABV which means that it needs a long conditioning period. A £1 royalty is paid to CAMRA for the sale of each box.

Chiltern Brewery Update >

The brewery has just launched the last of the 3 beers planned for the Jubilee. “Canberra” is an Autumnal Chestnut brown beer brewed with 6 malts where the initial roast malts give way to a toffee after taste. The Australian & New Zealand hops give a bitter and dry finish. It will be brewed for 3 months. WEBrew have decided that Knight of Garter, Guardsman,

Windsor Knot & Conqueror will be available all year round. Treetops will be brewed Jan to Mar, Kohinoor Apr to Jun, Eton Boatman Jul to Aug, Canberra Oct to Dec & Conqueror 1075 Dec to Feb. Both Kohinoor & Eton Boatman, the last two special brews, have been very successful and will continue as

seasonals. The un-pasturised but kegged Republika trial was a great success with 15 top quality outlets supplied. This product is planned to be a regular in the product portfolio and WEBrew are looking at expanding the number of fermenters to cope with the “lagering” of Republika.

WEBrew recently brewed for 7 consecutive days, due to demand.

Awards: Guardsman won beer of festival at Runnymede & Conqueror 1075 won SIBA SE Region best bottled premium dark beer, with the finals taking place next March. Waitrose have awarded WEBrew best local/regional supplier for any product for the whole of the UK. Ascot Racecourse will be having a permanent WEBrew offering on their bar.

The Knights club is increasing its membership from 120 to 250 due to over whelming popularity.

Windsor & Eton Brewery News >

• Barleycorn-Cippenham• BarleyMow-CoxGreen• Bounty-Cookham• BridgeHouse-PaleyStreet• CraufurdArms-Maidenhead• CrookedBillet-Maidenhead• Emperor-FarnhamRoyal• Foresters-CoxGreen• Fox&Castle-OldWindsor• GeorgeontheGreen-Holyport• GreenMan-Denham

• Greyhound(LloydsNo1)-Maidenhead• Guardsman’sInn-Maidenhead• Horse&Groom-Windsor• JollyFarmer-CookhamDean• JollyWoodman-LittleworthCommon• KingsArms-Cookham• Moon&Spoon-Slough• Oak&Saw-Taplow• OstrichInn-Colnbrook• RisingSun-Hurley• RisingSun-Slough

• Rose-Maidenhead• RoyalStag-Datchet• Stag&Hounds-PinkneysGreen• Swan-Clewer• TowerArms-RichingsPark• UnionInn-OldWindsor• VansittartArms-Windsor• WatermansArms-Eton• Wheatsheaf-Slough• WhiteHorse-Hedgerley• WindsorLiberalClub-Windsor

CAMRA LocAle 2012 Pub Listings >


www.thebridgehousepaleystreet.co.ukwww.thebridgehousepaleystreet.co.uk

The Bridge House

Paley StreetMaidenhead, Berkshire

SL6 3JS

A traditional village pub dating from the 16th century with a warm and friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy traditional ales and delicious homemade food.

�e pub's low beamed ceilings and open log �re are especially popular on chilly winter evenings.

Our chefs provide an extensive menu including bar snacks and traditional meals throughout the day, using as much local produce as possible.

Quiz NightEvery Wednesday from 9.00pm

*Fish Friday

Fish & Chips to take away £7.95

*Sunday Roasts

Open all day Sunday for food

Advisable to book a table at weekends*

Marquee AvailableFor private functions

01628 623288

If you were planning on having a quick pint or two tonight, then this will be welcome news.

Beer may contain a vitamin which can fight obesity and improve muscle strength, scientists claim.

The ‘miracle molecule’, which has been found in milk and may also be present in beer and some foods, has no side effects and could even lengthen lifespan, they say.

The snag is that the molecule, called nicotinamide riboside (NR), is extremely small, difficult to find and expensive to synthesise. Johan Auwerx, head of the Ecole Polytechnique Federale in Lausanne, Switzerland, said experiments using mice revealed the molecule’s potential.

Working with Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, his team found mice on a high-fat diet that were fed NR gained significantly less weight – 60%- than mice eating the same diet without NR supplements.

And none of the NR-treated mice had indications that they were developing diabetes, unlike the untreated mice.

Mice which were fed NR supplements over a ten-week period had better endurance performance than those who were not. They were also in better shape.

The molecule works by becoming trapped in cells where it boosts the metabolism, much like resveratrol, which is found in wine.

... Hidden in your beer >> SECRETS OF BEING THIN...

> IN OTHER NEWS... > CAMRA’s Champion Beers of Britain 2012 Overall Winners:GOLD >Coniston,No9BarleyWine (from Coniston, Cumbria)SILVER > GreenJack,TrawlerboysBestBitter(from Lowestoft, Suffolk)BRONZE > DarkStar,AmericanPaleAle(from Horsham, West Sussex)

> Timetowakeupandsmellthehops,therearenow more than 1,000 breweries and brewing companies in the UK

> Socalled‘preloading’,wherepeopledrinkalcoholathomebeforegoingout,andapreferenceforbarsandclubshavecontributedtoa drop of more than 50% in the number of regular pub goers aged under 24 since 2005

> Cask ale has overtaken keg as the most popular way to drink beer in pubs.Casknowmakesup52%ofdraughtale,comparedto48%drunkkegged.Thetotalbeermarketdeclined3.5%


> NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK

The National Planning Policy Framework – not words likely to get anyone’s pulse racing are they? Yet this new document is a powerful weapon in the battle to protect our beleaguered pubs.

Over recent years, we’ve lost huge numbers of pubs through conversion to housing and other uses needing planning permission. When Councils consider planning applications, they must take into account not only their detailed local policies but also the broader national policies. Until March 2012, those national policies occupied a legion of documents totalling over 1000 pages. Some policies were vaguely helpful to pubs, albeit mainly rural ones.

The new Framework sweeps away this complex set of rules, replacing them with just 52 pages of policy guidance. Thanks to intensive lobbying by CAMRA, this new guidance includes national policies which are potentially very helpful to community facilities like pubs. Most importantly, Councils are told to “guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services” which specifically includes community pubs. What’s also crucial is that these rules apply to all pubs, urban and rural.

Councils must have in place, by March 2013, local planning policies consistent with the Framework; in the meantime, Framework policies should generally be applied.

So what does all this mean if your local is threatened by an unwanted planning application? You should object to the Council, of course, but when doing so, make sure to refer to the relevant policies in the Framework. If you can show that loss of the pub would reduce the local community’s ability to meet its day-to-day needs, then the Council should refuse the application. CAMRA has produced an advice note on the best wording to use and this can be found, along with much other information on planning issues, at www.camra.org.uk/nppf or if you would like any of these documents posted to you then please phone CAMRA’s Campaigns Officer, Claire Cain on 01727 798 454.

The Framework is already making an impact. Councils in Cambridge and the Fylde have used it to refuse planning applications to convert pubs to houses. In those cases, the applicants have appealed against

the refusal and, in each case, the Government inspector, considering the appeal, has dismissed it largely because approval would run counter to Framework policies.

Sadly, not every development adversely affecting pubs needs planning consent – conversion to a restaurant or a shop for instance. CAMRA is campaigning hard to get planning law changed in these areas. In the meantime, the new Framework is very much a step in the right direction.

If you have any issues regarding a campaign to save a local pub in your area please contact CAMRA’s Local Planning Policy Advisor Paul Ainsworth on [email protected] or go to www.camra.org.uk/nppf

New policy will help save pubs >

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The Three Elms about to be ‘Tescoised’

The Bricklayers Arms sold by Enterprise - Application

for conversion to residential in the pipeline.


312 High StreetSlough

SL1 1NBTel: 01753 521114

The Oldest,Smallest and

Friendliest Pubon Slough

High Street

Come and visit us,we’d love to see you.

to be featured inthe Good Beer Guide for the past 13-years

The Rose & Crown

FREEHOUSE

Jackie & Paul look forward to welcoming you to the Rose & Crown.

Highly acclaimed for stocking an ever-changing selection of fine ales from breweries all over

England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Winner of multiple CAMRA Awards from Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead Branch,

including Pub of the Year, The David Howard Award and the Vic Powell Award.

Large, covered beer garden • Pool Table • Darts 6 large TV screens • Sky 3D • Sky Sports •

ESPN

Open 11am to Midnight everyday.

THECHESTNUTS

Town centre facilities in a village atmosphere

- Courage Best and Guest Beers -- Real Log Fire, Leather Sofas & Sky Sports TV -

- Darts & Pool Leagues -

L A N G L E Y

St. Mary’s Road • Langley

Berkshire • SL3 7EL01753 541226

The WindlesoraWINDSOR

A thoroughly modern pub situated within easyreach of Windsor town centre

Serving Traditional Ales, Ciders & LagersJOIN US FOR

CHRISTMAS DAY!A 4 Course Christmas Dinner

for £19.99 (including a drink)

CAMRA DISCOUNT

FREE WIFI•OPEN 8am

till late

11 William Street, WindsorTel: 01753 754050

FREE •

OPENtill l

NOW

STOCKING

BEERS

CAMRA members entitled to 20% off food when showing their CAMRA Membership Card


All over the country reports are coming in of supermarket companies, particularly Tesco, buying community pubs and converting them into stores. Much loved local pubs are disappearing at an alarming rate to provide yet more outlets for the major supermarkets often in areas where there is already a good choice of both large and small stores. The argument is frequently used that this will provide local jobs but in fact the reverse is more often the case as it is not only the pub employees who are made redundant but also all those employed in all the nearby independent shops. With the overall grocery market being static in volume terms, it is impossible to open a new facility without jobs being lost elsewhere.

A good example of this alarming trend took place on our own doorstep with the recent sale to Tesco and closure of the Three Elms in Clarence Road, Windsor. The pub had served the local community since the turn of the 20th century and amongst other things was used for local meetings and wedding receptions. At the planning enquiry, no evidence was presented that there was no longer a need for the pub and CAMRA believe it to have been a perfectly viable business. Further, since The Bell on Dedworth Road was demolished, there is no nearby local pub for the community. Many will remember being told at the planning meeting that The Bell could go as the Three Elms would remain as a nearby facility!

Did the residents of the area really want another Tesco when there is an extremely large one a short distance up the Dedworth Road? The answer to this was a very clear no and a lengthy signed petition to this effect was presented at the September Planning Development Meeting in Windsor Guildhall. Your local CAMRA Branch also presented evidence to save the pub and made a verbal submission to the meeting. Unfortunately, and this will come as no surprise to those with a knowledge of our inadequate planning laws, these pleas fell on deaf ears and the Council have granted permission for a new Tesco Express to go ahead.

The guilty party here is the current planning law which allows the conversion of pubs to shops without the need for planning permission. Although supermarkets will generally apply for consent to carry out ancillary work, councils aren’t able to consider objections to the actual change of use as this is ‘permitted development’. Unless this lack of planning control can be changed, many communities up and down the country will lose their valued local pub and find a supermarket in its place as the major supermarkets battle for market share in a static market.

On a more positive note, CAMRA members are working hard both nationally and locally to get this law changed. At local level, with the support of Councillor Peter Lawless we will be working to get more protection for pubs in local plans which will be completed next year and are also aiming for a submission to government to change the law under the Sustainable Communities Act. However, there are powerful vested interests in maintaining the status quo and we need all the help we can get.

CAMRA is the only consumer organisation fighting for these changes, so if you are not a member, please join us to

help in this important battle. We have had great success in helping grow the small independent brewery sector but if a supermarket has its eyes on your local and unless planning laws change, you may be deprived of somewhere to drink your favourite beers.

Kevin Phillips, our Public Affairs Officer warns of the ‘Tescoisation’ of one of our pubs>

> THE FIGHT TO SAVE THE THREE ELMS

> CHECK OUT OUR NEW MOBILE WEBSITE! JustscanthisQRCodewithyourSmartPhoneor visit our main website: www.swmcamra.org.uk


> 2013 GOOD BEER GUIDE (GBG)

I’ve just returned from a week’s walking in North Wales and the guide was worth its weight in gold in finding great beer. While I’m not saying that every pub in the guide is the perfect country pub at least you know that the beer quality will be good as it will have been judged by fellow CAMRA members.

On the first day we walked from where we were staying to the sea having noted that there was a GBG bar called Halcyon Quest in Prestatyn. We dropped in on the way back having earnt a pint of Facer’s Flintshire Bitter, which is a well-balanced tawny session bitter and comes from Flint only 14 miles away. The other beer was from Thwaites in Blackburn.

On the second day I had arranged a walk using the Clwydian Way, which was created to celebrate the Millennium, having first consulted the Bible for a lunch stop. This was to be at the White Horse in Cilcain where we enjoyed an excellent pint of Ilkley Gold from Yorkshire. The other beer was Banks’

Bitter. On the way back to where we were staying there was a GBG pub – Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn – so we dropped in, especially as Andy at the Emperor, Farnham Royal had recommended it. A real community pub,

that organises Welsh conversational classes, walks, Sunday jazz and gives CAMRA members 20p off a pint. It is situated on Halkyn Mountain with spectacular views across the Dee estuary and the ales were just as spectacular. Four hand-pumps offer 2 House regulars brewed by Facers

and two ever changing guests from Welsh micros. There are 2 Ciders and a Perry in addition. One of the House ales was called “Dark Blue” a very flavoursome stout designed to wean the locals off Guinness.

As we’d walked a little further than I had wished, due to having to move to a cheaper car park, we thought we would have an easy day visiting Conwy Castle. Constructed by the English monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of the key fortresses in his ‘iron ring’ of castles to contain the Welsh. Presumably he could build it in 6 years because H&S had not been invented! Conwy is a classic walled town, three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers. Apart from this splendid castle I had spotted that there was a new entry in the GBG the Albion Ale House, which is run by four North Wales micro-breweries. (Conwy, Great Orme, Nant & Purple Moose) There were 8 hand pumps – 1 for each brewery + 2 guest ales, which were from Peerless, Birkenhead + 2 ciders. We tried Great Orme, Merlyn, Conwy, Welsh Pride & Purple Moose, Dark side of the Moose, all in great condition.

The following day I couldn’t find a GBG recommended pub on the section of the Offa’s Dyke path I wanted to walk, however, there was a J D Wetherspoon called Gold Cape in Mold not far from end of that walk. We had a curry and a couple of pints from a choice of 6 proper beers. We had Dark Star - Hophead, Hawkshead – 5 hop & Springhead – Leveller.

On the last day we had hoped to walk up Snowdon, but the weather was against us with the top cloaked in cloud. So we did a walk around Llyn Padarn which is close to Llanberis and at the foot of Snowdon an area that once had the largest slate mine in the world employing 3,000 men. Again we had a beer in a GBG recommended bar called Heights in Llanberis which overlooks the lake. Three hand pumps served Purple Moose – Dark Side of the Moose, Doom Bar & Thwaites – Lancaster Bomber. Can you guess we had Dark side of the Moose which was in great condition.

Now if you are convinced that you need a copy of GBG 2013 the RRP is £15.99, but as a CAMRA member it costs only £10 from our website: www.camra.org.uk

Not a CAMRA member? Why not join get £20 of J D Wetherspoons vouchers, the guide for £10 & much more.

Alan Molloy heads to North Wales with his copy to hand >


• Live Music twice a month• Karaoke once a month• Free WiFi• Petanque Court & Darts• Large Garden

Our superbly conditioned cask ales have seen us earn the much-sought-after 'Master Cellarman' status from Fuller's. We serve Fullers London Pride, ESB & one guest ale

Traditional home cooked pub food served every weekday lunchtime from 12-2pm.

Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6LU 01753 867216

The Shepherds Hut

A �iendly welcome and a great sense community awaits in this charming local pub at the centre Eton Wick village

www.shepherdshutetonwick.co.uk

Tel: 01753 643225Village Lane, Hedgerley, Bucks, SL2 3UY

Hedgerley Village, Bucks

• Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead Pub of the Year 2011 & 2012

• Eight Real Ales - seven constantly changing, mostly from small breweries

• Belgian Beer & Real Ciders available

• Carol Service from 8pmThursday 20th December 2012

Mince Pies, Sausage Rolls & Mulled Wine available

THE WHITEHORSE

Dot, Janet & Kevin welcome you to

A Family-Run Freehouse


> THE WET SUMMER TAKES IT’S TOLL

If ever proof was needed of the importance of bio-diversity and the link between insects and pollination of crops then 2012 surely must be a good example.

For cider makers the most crucial time of year is blossom time which is in May and this year we had disastrous conditions: low temperatures and lots of rain created double trouble for our orchards.

The vulnerable blossom buds were damaged by frosts and because of the incessant rain all through the spring and summer the bees were not able to fly around the orchards and pollinate the apple trees.

The lack of bees, wasps and all flying insects has been very noticeable this year and bee keepers have had a very tough year and have had to feed their hives in order to give the bees enough food to survive the coming winter.

This has led to some of the worst crops in living memory and around the South East apple harvests are down by as much as 70% and because of the lack of sunshine throughout the summer months the apples that have survived are smaller and of lower than average quality.

Surprisingly considering the poor weather we have had this year demand for real cider has been high and most of the pubs and beer festivals have still shifted large quantities. An example was the Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival which for the second year running sold out of all ciders despite being held in October!

Your own local Salt Hill Cider fared well this year and made appearances at most of the beer festivals and a fair few local pubs old and new and built up a loyal following which has more or less exhausted supplies for this year!

The serious shortage of apples around the Berkshire area means that for the first time ever we will have to obtain fruit from outside the local area to ensure that we can make enough cider to supply demand during 2013.

This national fruit shortage will mean that there will be less good quality cider and perry available next year and many

cider makers are going to have to live off the stocks they have made in previous years of plenty.

I also predict that the dearth of real cider next year will be exploited by some of the larger more commercial cider producers of lesser pedigree who will be able to fill the gap in the market with ciders made using apple concentrate that are not affected by apple shortages.

> Other local(ish) cider news;Oxfordshire pub judged best in Britain for cider and perry.

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has announced that the Royal Oak, Wantage, has been judged as its National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year for 2012 after a year of local and regional judging rounds.

Owned and run by landlord Paul Hexter and his wife Frankie since taking over the premises in 1983, the Royal Oak is a multi award winning street corner pub famed for its extensive drinks selection, and also renowned for being an active supporter of local charities, holding regular fundraising events.

Adding to the list of past awards, the pub has today been crowned by CAMRA as the best cider and perry pub in Britain, with the Royal Oak stocking a formidable 15 ciders and perries at any one time, the majority of which are sourced from the local area. Aside from the pub’s excellent range, judges praised the owners for their support of local producers and dedication to promoting the real cider industry to customers.In the quest to become the best cider and perry pub in Britain,

Greg Davies, our Cider maker and expert explains why >

Paul Hexter at the Royal Oak, Wantage


the Royal Oak beat 3 other National finalists to the accolade. These pubs are: • Arkwright Arms, Sutton cum Duckmanton, Derbyshire. • Graduate College Bar, Lancaster University, Lancaster. • Horns Lodge, South Chailey, East Sussex.

On hearing of his success, Paul Hexter, Royal Oak licensee, said: ‘We’re always extending our cider and perry range as we enjoy supporting and learning more about local cider producers and sharing that information with customers. We are thrilled to be in the position of receiving such an award, especially at a time when the real cider industry is growing, with some producers expanding out of all proportion.’

Sarah Newson, Competition Co-ordinator and Vice-Chairman of CAMRA’s Cider and Perry Committee, said: ‘The Royal Oak is a prime example of what can be achieved with a passionate and dedicated licensee at the helm, and it’s unsurprising the pub has also won numerous awards for the quality of its real ale.

‘In terms of product selection and knowledge of UK cider and perry producers shown by the bar staff, the pub is the perfect gateway to learning more about the nation’s historic cider making craft. It’s also somewhat of a haven for locals, with the pub placing a big emphasis on promoting local producers, just another factor as to why it today acquires the crown of best cider pub in Britain!’

It is encouraging to see the continued growth of pubs selling real cider alongside their real ales and these pubs are spread across the whole country rather than being concentrated in traditional cider drinking counties.

For details of where to find pubs selling cider and perry visit the CAMRA website which has a dedicated cider section or visit my salthillcider.wordpress.com and sign up for cider news throughout the year.

In January this year I will once again be visiting Somerset and attending a “wassail” event which is the annual ritual when cider makers and drinkers get together to bless the orchards and to call for a good crop of apples in the coming year as well as a chance to drink lashings of lovely cider outside in the fresh air.

I don’t know what we did wrong last year but we will have to give it everything this year and hope we have a rather better crop in 2013 There are however many new cider makers out there who believe in making 100% fresh juice cider without any adulteration continuing the traditional cider maker’s values.

Salt Hill Cider will be available at many pubs and beer festivals across the region throughout the year and is always available at The Rising Sun in Slough and at The Jolly Farmer in Cookham Dean.

For news and details of all the local pubs serving real cider check the SWM CAMRA website.

TheWhite Hart

The White HartMoneyrow Green, Holyport, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 2ND

01628 621460ww

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• Friendly Welcome

• Great Real Ales

• Weekly Quiz Nights

• Live Music

• Delicious Pub Food

• Real Wood Fires

• Free WiFI

• Beautiful Beer Garden

• Dogs Welcome (beware of the cat!)

• Children’s Play Area

• Private Functions

Your Traditional Village Pub

Wassail Event


THE ROSEMA I DENH E ADMM III DD NNNNDENDEEMM HH EEH E AAA

16 King Street, Maidenhead01628 621 673

Email: [email protected]

A proper family-run pubSERVING REBELLION & LONDON PRIDE

Sky Sports & ESPN AvailableFunction room with bar, rental free of charge

Home cooked food served 7 days a week Sunday Roasts just £6.95

Live Music, Karaoke & DJsDining room and heated courtyardIdeal venue for all your celebrations

ddddd 3amlicence

Restaurant Bar& Boutique Inn

The

You can partake of a well-poured pint or two, nibble on our delicious range of bar snacks or snuggle beside the inviting open fireplace in winter for a cosy chat.

We offer delicious lunch & dinner menus and a tempting range of bar snacks

Enjoy luxurious comfort in our exquisitely refurbished ensuite rooms

Open from 11am to 11pm Seven days a week

Situated with magnificent views over the open countryside and close to the centre of Windsor, Staines and Heathrow Airport

Crimp Hill, Old Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 2QY • 01753 861955www.unioninnwindsor.co.uk

Relax and soak up the atmosphere of an authentic traditional English country inn, with friendly service and a selection of real ales including London Pride and ‘TEA' (Traditional English Ale) from independent Surrey brewers, Hogsback.


In the lighter moments of WWII, the Spitfire was used in an unorthodox role: bringing beer kegs to the men in Normandy .

During the war, the Heneger and Constable brewery donated free beer to the troops. After D-Day, supplying the invasion troops in Normandy with vital supplies was already a challenge. Obviously, there was no room in the logistics chain for such luxuries as beer or other types of refreshments. Some men, often called sourcers, were able to get wine or other niceties from the land or rather from the locals. RAF Spitfire pilots came up with an even better idea.

The Spitfire Mk IX was an evolved version of the Spitfire, with pylons under the wings for bombs or tanks. It was discovered that the bomb pylons could also be modified to carry beer kegs. According to pictures that can be found, various sizes of kegs were used. Whether the kegs could be jettisoned in case of emergency is unknown. If the Spitfire flew high enough, the cold air at altitude would even refresh the beer, making it ready for consumption upon arrival.

A variation was a long range fuel tank modified to carry beer instead of fuel. The modification even received the official designation Mod. XXX. Propaganda services were quick to pick up on this, which probably explains the official designation.

As a result, Spitfires equipped with Mod XXX or keg-carrying pylons were often sent back to Great Britain for maintenance or liaison duties. They would then return to Normandy with full beer kegs fitted under the wings.

Typically, the British Revenue of Ministry and Excise stepped in, notifying the brewery that they were in violation of the law by exporting beer without paying the relevant taxes. It seems that Mod. XXX was terminated then, but various squadrons found different ways to refurbish their stocks, most often done with the unofficial approval of higher echelons.

In his book Dancing in the Skies, Tony Jonsson, the only Icelancer pilot in the RAF, recalled beer runs while he was flying with 65 Squadron. Every week a pilot was sent back to the UK to fill some cleaned-up drop tanks with beer and return to the squadron. Jonsson hated the beer runs as every man on the squadron would be watching you upon arrival. Anyone who made a rough landing and dropped the tanks would be the most hated man on the squadron for an entire week.

Trevor & Lisa wish you the warmest welcome and Season’s Greetings

• Four ever-changing local Rebellion ales• Warm, Relaxing Restaurant by the River• Dog Friendly & In A Quaint Village

• Delicious Sunday Lunches• Large Selection of Fine Wines

HIGH STREET, HURLEYMAIDENHEAD, BERKSHIRE SL6 5LT

01628 825 733R I S I N G S U N H U R L E Y . C O . U K

The origin of the beer run >

> CHOCKS AWAY CHAPS;


> LEEDS BESTEach year I go and see a client on the outskirts of Leeds and this year I decided that David & I were going to stay a bit longer and explore the pubs of this great city. He didn’t need much persuading!

Starting, as always with the Good Beer Guide, I mapped out the pubs the local CAMRA group felt it was worth visiting. Their excellent website, www.leeds-camra.com, has a City Centre pub guide, which I also used to pick up on the LocAle pubs, to ensure we got the best of the local beers.

Starting at the Duck & Drake in Kirkgate, we were pleased to see 15 ales on from predominantly local breweries. This is a street corner pub; two roomed with a superb rock music mural and a beer garden. Beers included Roosters Mule, Ilkley Black, Red Willow Feckless and Kirkstall Three Swords. This turned out to be our favourite pub of the day, but the others that followed did not disappoint.

Next came the North Bar in New Briggate, which was easy to miss. This is a long, thin, trendy bar close to the main shopping centre with a large selection of UK and European keg and bottled beers, alongside the 4 real ale pumps. This suited the diverse customer base. We tried the Marsh Fuggleston Mild and Kirkstall Prototype 4, which was the 4th test brew for this brewery of this ale. At 3.8%, this beer was stonkingly good and we unanimously agreed that this was beer of the day.

The famous Victorian Family & Commercial in Great George Street was a must visit pub due to its beautiful wood interior. Panels, booths and large ornate mirrors are features in this unspoilt 3 roomed pub. This is a Nicholsons and served the Pale Ale brewed especially for them by St Austell’s, alongside Moorhouse Black Cat and Roosters True Grit.

In complete contrast, Veritas also in Great George Street opposite the Leeds Infirmary is a light and airy deli-style bar with 8 hand pumps, a real cider and a variety of interesting keg fonts. The view from the large windows was impressive. Ales tried here were from Ilkley Brewery called Siberia (a Rhubarb Saison!) and Mary Jane (a pleasant dry pale ale), Derby Business as Usual and Timothy Taylor Landlord.

The Whitelocks was our next stop in Turks Head Yard. It is important to note that the pub is difficult to find on a busy shopping day and it took us a few walks up and down the road to find the right alleyway. This is a classic alleyway pub with brass rails, wood panels and large brewery mirrors. The

bar is long and thin with a copper top. We had Brass Monkey Mandrill and Black Dog Whitby Abbey here.

Off the beaten track and found in Back Row, the Grove is a multi-roomed proper boozer with singer sewing machine tables in the back room, where jazz and blues are regularly played. Moorhouse Black Cat and Pride of Pendle were supped with Ridgeside Old Yorkie. This was our wildcard, but was a welcoming pub where clientele varied greatly.

Finally the Cross Keys, Water Lane, is a modern bar being the sister pub of North mentioned earlier on. Bottled beers and interesting kegs complement the 4 real ales, which included Prototype 4, which we both chose as it was so good the first time around! The courtyard garden brought a welcome breeze into the bar and the function room upstairs was busy with a birthday party.

Overall the beer quality was excellent in all of the pubs we visited. The locals were friendly and helpful with suggestions for other pubs to try. We did notice that there didn’t appear to be a local CAMRA magazine, but the website was more than enough to give us an overview of what to expect. The only sad part of the day was walking past Tetley Brewery, which is in the process of being demolished.

Would we go back? Without a doubt

Delia and David annual pilgrimage to the City >


> CAMRA MEMBERS’WEEKEND & AGMFriday 19th April - Sunday 21st April 2013 >Norwich is a beautiful city packed with medieval buildings and quality pubs. 2012 Good Beer Guide pubs include Take 5, Ribs of Beef and The Vine, however these are just a selection of the many pubs that offer a great pint. Norwich is also home to four breweries, plus there are another 20 within the surrounding area, many of whom will be providing their beer for the Members’ Bar. You will have the opportunity to visit some of these pubs and breweries, and also some cider producers, as part of the Weekend’s organised trips.

St Andrews Hall, where the event is held, is a Grade 1 listed building which dates back to the 14th century and has been the host for a number of civil occasions, including Norwich’s CAMRA Beer Festival.

The Weekend is open to all CAMRA members to:• Reviewwhathasbeenhappeningatbranch,regional&nationalleveloverthepastyear• Reviewcampaigningthemes&formpolicy• Hearguestspeakersonissuesrelatedtobeer,brewing&keycampaigns• MeettheformalrequirementsofanAGM,includingpresentationofaccounts• MeetupwithCAMRAmembersfromaroundthecountry,NationalExecutive&HQstaffmembers• DiscussideastoforwardtheCampaignthroughworkshops,policydiscussiongroups&seminars• Enjoyafewdrinksinthemembers’barwithagoodselectionoflocalrealales• VisitpubsinNorwich&thesurroundingarea• Visitlocalbreweries&ciderproducersonorganisedtrips

To find out more about theCAMRA‘s Members’ Weekend and AGM 2013,please visit www.camraagm.org.uk

Kirsten, Mark & Darren welcome you to the

ROYALSTANDARD

at Wooburn CommonOPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY

TEN BEERS,including permanentsSummer Lightning,

Tribute & a Dark Star Ale

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITEwww.theroyalstandard.biz

WHERE YOU CAN ALSO ACCESS US ON

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Wooburn Common Road,Wooburn Common,

High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 0JSt: 01628 521121

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THE

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STEAK NIGHT - MONDAY 6.30 TO 9PMFREE POOL ON TUESDAY FROM 7PM

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Find us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/thewheatsheafsl

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One of the best pubs in Slough for a summer’s day, TheWheatsheaf boasts a pretty garden with covered seating

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COMMUNITY PUB - THE CENTRE OF EVENTS

Very popular with the Locals, The Wheatsheaf in Slough is a Traditional Pub at the Heart of it’s community. Ticking all

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1, Farm Road, Maidenhead SL6 5HXThe New Inn

Trevor, Joyce and Sian give a warm & cheery welcome to,

London Pride, Sharp's Doom Bar, Wadworth 6X

Darts, Pool, Crib & lots more

A big 2 bar pub with Patio & Large Garden,No Parking Problems

We have been here 12 years and still goingstrong, call in and see first hand

Tel: 01628 777721

Live Music from theMaidenhead Folk Club

at the New Inn every Thursday from 8-11pm

THE BULLThe Real Ale Lovers’ Pub

Traditional Food Served, Lunchtimes & Evenings

Bar Times: Noon-12.00am Mon-Thurs, Noon-01.00am Fri & Sat, Noon - 10.30pm Sun

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A choice of two resident Ales 6X & London Pride

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THE

JOLLY WOODMANCOUNTRY PUB & RESTAURANT

Come and enjoy theoldest pub on the Common

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LITTLEWORTH COMMONLITTLEWORTH ROAD

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T H E J O L L Y W O O D M A N . C O . U K

9 2 6 1 2 9

The Direct Debit Guarantee

• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debits.• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.• If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd. asks you to.• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

Your Details

Campaigning for Pub Goers& Beer Drinkers

Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus

Enjoying Real Ale& Pubs

Join CAMRA TodayComplete the Direct Debit form and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription.Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd. with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.

Title _____________ Surname _______________________

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Single Membership £23 £25(UK & EU)

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For Young Member and concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201.

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I enclose a cheque for _________________

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Applications will be processed within 21 days

Direct Debit Non DD

Instructions to your Bank or Building SocietyPlease pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

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FOR CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALES LTD. OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Instruction to your Bank orBuilding Society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to:Campaign for Real Ale Ltd.

230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts AL1 4LW

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society.

This Guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.

1 Lee Lane, Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead, SL6 6NU Tel: 01628 630268

STAG & HOUNDSCOUNTRY STYLE FREE HOUSE

6 Real Ales including 4 Rotating Guest Ales•

Happy Hour between 7pm - 8.30pm, 7 days a week

•Meals 2 for £10 Every Tuesday

•Function Room Available To Hire

with optional skittle alley•

Childrens Play Area

CAMRA Angle - Issue 29 - Winter 2012/2013

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Transcript of CAMRA Angle - Issue 29 - Winter 2012/2013