Full Pints Volume 16 Issue 2

Summer 2014

Ayrshire and WigtownshireCAMRA Branch

FREE

Branch Pub of the Year:The Steam Packet Inn

Isle of Whithorn

Wigtownshire Winner*** 2014 MOST IMPROVED CAMRA BRANCH MAGAZINE IN THE UK ***

Summer 2014

2

www.awcamra.org.uk

3

Full Pints wins “Most Improved Magazine”

Chairman: Lindsay GrantEmail: [email protected]

Secretary: Clare ScottEmail: [email protected]

Minutes of Branch Meetings are available to members from the Secretary.

Editor: Stuart McMahon, 93 Montfode Drive, Ardrossan KA22 7PH Tel: 01294 603848 Email: [email protected]

Advertising: Bob Wallace, Tel: 07929 990972 Email: [email protected]

Advertising Rates (from Jan 2014):Full Page: £60 1/2 Page: £35

Websites: www.awcamra.org.uk www.ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

@awcamra; @troonbeerfest

Ayrshire & Wigtownshire CAMRA Ayrshire Real Ale Festival

Full Pints is designed by Montfode Design, www.md93.co.uk and printed by Brown Brothers Printers, Irvine, www.brown-bros.com. 2,000 copies are published every 3 months and distributed to all Real Ale outlets in our region. The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the editor or of the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. © Campaign for Real Ale Ltd

Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA Branch

Volume 16, Issue 2

The next edition of will be published in Sept 2014. Articles, photos and contributions should be sent to the editor no later than Friday 15th August, 2014.

At CAMRA’s National AGM held in Scarborough in April 2014, magazine was voted as the “Most Improved Branch Magazine” in the UK.This is the second time the magazine has won the Award, previously winning the title in 2011/12 under the editorship of Graeme Watt. Jackie Parker, National director said “The quality of branch magazines remains extremely high, and I thank the editors for their passion and commitment.”

Having only produced 4 editions under my own editorship (excluding this one!) this was a fantastic result, and my thanks go to everyone who has contributed articles, provided advertising and helped with distribution. Without this help I could not have produced the magazine to the current standard.

The winner of the “Best CAMRA Branch Magazine” award went to the Nottingham Drinker, a large 56pp A4 production that was worthy of the award.

As always, please continue to provide me with articles for inclusion in Full Pints - short summaries of trips you’ve had visiting pubs, breweries, foreign countries etc, funny stories or reminiscences and photos are always welcomed Anything goes, pretty much, as long as it relates to beer. I will always get round to using them.

The photos below shows Branch Chairman, Lindsay Grant (right) receiving the Award from National Director, Jackie Parker, along with Alan Ward (left) from the Nottingham Branch, and at the bottom, Lindsay presenting me with the certificate at the branch meeting held in the Goldberry Arms, Kilmarnock on 14 May.Stuart McMahon, Editor

Summer 2014

4

BAR OPEN: Every day from 11am–11pm

Timothy Taylor Landlord plus �ve guest ales1/3 pint beer taster platters now available for same price as a pint

Outside seating area on the harboursideChildren and Dogs Welcome

Lunches 12-2pm. Evening Meals 6.30-9pm.Sunday Carvery, 12-3pm: 3 Courses £12

�ursday Steak Night: Galloway Sirloin £12Fish Friday: Selection of seafood dishes available

All food freshly prepared on the premises. Daily chef ’s specials using the �nest fresh produce and local seafood.

ACCOMMODATIONComfortable en suite accommodation overlooking the harbour

From £30 pppn B&B. Special accommodation o�ers to CAMRA members.For bookings, call Alastair on 01988 500334 or e-mail [email protected]

www.steampacketinn.biz

Family run village inn located on the harbour in the picturesque fishing village of Isle of Whithorn

Winner

Wigtownshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2013

www.awcamra.org.uk

5

Rabbie’s Porter wins Silver Award

Strathaven Ales rebrand

Fyne Ales’ expansion gathers pace

Ayr Brewing recently won another well deserved award, this time at the CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival in Derby. Rabbie’s Porter won the Silver Award for the Porter category in the Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition. Anthony Valenti (left) is pictured opposite receiving the award from CAMRA National Chairman Colin Valentine (right).

Out with the old, and in with the new – Strathaven Ales are in the process of rebranding all their ales with a bold new style featuring tartan and colour coding.

The creation of the new expanded brewery at Achadunan is gathering pace with plenty of visible changes on the site at the head of Loch Fyne.Work was just starting when I visited in February - but has moved on rapidly with a couple of grain silos and boiler installed and conversion of the old cattle shed almost complete. The brewers hope to be brewing in the new facility by Autumn 2014. FyneFest, rapidly becoming one of the best festivals in Scotland, will also be taking place at the brewery just as is published.

February 2014 May 2014

BAR OPEN: Every day from 11am–11pm

Timothy Taylor Landlord plus �ve guest ales1/3 pint beer taster platters now available for same price as a pint

Outside seating area on the harboursideChildren and Dogs Welcome

Lunches 12-2pm. Evening Meals 6.30-9pm.Sunday Carvery, 12-3pm: 3 Courses £12

�ursday Steak Night: Galloway Sirloin £12Fish Friday: Selection of seafood dishes available

All food freshly prepared on the premises. Daily chef ’s specials using the �nest fresh produce and local seafood.

ACCOMMODATIONComfortable en suite accommodation overlooking the harbour

From £30 pppn B&B. Special accommodation o�ers to CAMRA members.For bookings, call Alastair on 01988 500334 or e-mail [email protected]

www.steampacketinn.biz

Family run village inn located on the harbour in the picturesque fishing village of Isle of Whithorn

Winner

NEWS

Summer 2014

6

UPPER DECK HOLIDAY FLAT For availability see our website: www.holiday�atfairlie.co.uk

LIVE Music every month with 3-course meal, just £20 per head

Evening Dinner Menu also served from 5pm

Special Menu12noon - 2pm: Mon-Fri, 3pm Sat/Sun5.00-6.30pm: all weekMain course: £8.95; Two courses: £10.95; Three courses: £12.95

Quiz Night every Tuesday

Outside al-fresco dining area / beer garden

Friday Night Steak Night8oz Sirloin with choice of sauce for £10Add bottle of Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc for £10

Open every dayChildren welcome until 10pm

Traditional Family Fayre with something for everyone......where a great meal doesn’t cost the earth.

46 Bay Street, Fairlie. Tel: 01475 568432www.villageinnfairlie.co.uk

FREEWiFi

Welcoming Family Atmosphere

RUNNER UP

Best Pub Grub2013 Scottish

Entertainment Awards

WINNER

Ayrshire &Wigtownshire CAMRA Pub of

the Year 2012

2 REAL ALES USUALLY AVAILABLEAMPLE FREE PARKINGNEW MENUS for SUMMER 2014

Special Occasion coming up?Ensure everything goes smoothly by letting us entertain your guests in either our inviting, yet intimate, Fife Room, or in our bright and welcoming conservatory

Check our website for menus and entertainment programme

www.awcamra.org.uk

7

UPPER DECK HOLIDAY FLAT For availability see our website: www.holiday�atfairlie.co.uk

LIVE Music every month with 3-course meal, just £20 per head

Evening Dinner Menu also served from 5pm

Special Menu12noon - 2pm: Mon-Fri, 3pm Sat/Sun5.00-6.30pm: all weekMain course: £8.95; Two courses: £10.95; Three courses: £12.95

Quiz Night every Tuesday

Outside al-fresco dining area / beer garden

Friday Night Steak Night8oz Sirloin with choice of sauce for £10Add bottle of Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc for £10

Open every dayChildren welcome until 10pm

Traditional Family Fayre with something for everyone......where a great meal doesn’t cost the earth.

46 Bay Street, Fairlie. Tel: 01475 568432www.villageinnfairlie.co.uk

FREEWiFi

Welcoming Family Atmosphere

RUNNER UP

Best Pub Grub2013 Scottish

Entertainment Awards

WINNER

Ayrshire &Wigtownshire CAMRA Pub of

the Year 2012

2 REAL ALES USUALLY AVAILABLEAMPLE FREE PARKINGNEW MENUS for SUMMER 2014

Special Occasion coming up?Ensure everything goes smoothly by letting us entertain your guests in either our inviting, yet intimate, Fife Room, or in our bright and welcoming conservatory

Check our website for menus and entertainment programme

New BreweriesEdinburgh and the Central Belt seem to have had plenty of new breweries opening but it’s been a while since one opened in the west of Scotland, but that’s all about to change - with not one, but two due to start brewing.DRYGATE First off is the eagerly awaited collaboration between Alloa’s Williams Brothers and C&C Group (which makes Tennents, Magners etc) which is called Drygate Brewing Company, and is based at C&C’s Wellpark Brewery site near to Glasgow Cathedral. The logo reflects the corrugated roof of the building that has been converted into the brewery. The development includes a restaurant, run by the same folks who operate the acclaimed Vintage bistro in Leith. Two separate brewhouses will produce core and ‘experimental’ beers, and a beer hall with up to 24 taps (mix of keg and cask) and a rooftop garden is now open.

JAW BREW (by Ian ‘you heard it here first’ Martin) During one of my rest times whilst volunteering at Paisley Beer Festival, I had the opportuninty to chat with Mark Hazell who commented on the quality of this publication (“Well Done Again” Stuart for the most improved CAMRA Magazine).... MARK HAZELL I can hear you saying....who is this person.

Mark is the brains, owner and head brewer of JAW BREW. JAW BREW I can hear you say again, never heard of them. JAW BREW is a new Brewery set to open very soon in Hillington, Glasgow and is set to have two ales available at G-RAF in late June. The first is a Pale Ale at around 3.8% and a Golden Ale at 4.3%. Later this year Mark is intending to produce some Amber & Dark Ales and he will also be producing some bottled versions of his Cask ales to be sold at Farmers’ Markets and is also hoping to have some available at some of the Commonwealth Games corporate events. More information on Twitter at twitter.com/JawBrew. A website will be up and running soon at www.jawbrew.co.uk

BLACK WOLF Finally, not a new brewery, but a major rebranding of a long-established one. Stirling-based Traditional Scottish Ales is no more, having renamed and rebranded themselves as the Black Wolf Brewery. Some of the original TSA ales remain - such as Lomond Gold, Glencoe Wild Oat Stout and William Wallace 80/-, but there are some new contemporary beers, brewed the traditional way but with some surprising and exciting flavours - Tundra Wheat Beer and Florida Black Stout. Most of the beers are available as cask as well as in keg and bottles. Look out for them in outlets and supermarkets soon. www.blackwolfbrewery.com

NEWS

Summer 2014

8

The Grapes, 4-6 Bridge Street, StranraerTel: 01776 703386

www.thegrapesbar.co.uk

If you are ever in Stranraer, a visit to The Grapes is one you won’t regret. The Grapes was originally a coaching inn which was erected in 1862. The gantry in the bar is over 100 years old and the bar still has an original working bell-box for the pub.

The present owners, Billy and Sally, are only the 5th in line since the pub was built. The bar has a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere and has had visits from people from various parts of the world. Upstairs the pub divides into two rooms - the quiet room which was said to be the first cocktail lounge in Stranraer is now the ladies powder room, and on the other side is a lounge and snug room which has been refurbished with the 1940’s style of the pub.• Accordion band most Fridays from 5 – 8pm• Real ale on draught• Over 40 malt whiskies - one for each region in Scotland• Occasional Live Music

Wigtownshire CAMRA

Pub of the Year 2012

Now offering 20p discount on a pint of real ale for card-carrying CAMRA members.

www.awcamra.org.uk

9

Kelburn Brewery wins Branch Brewery of the Year Award

Fyne Ales’ Jarl chosen as Branch Beer of the Year

Branch Outing to Broughton Brewery

At the Branch AGM held back in March, the Kelburn Brewery was voted as the Branch’s Brewery of the Year for 2013.A presentation has been arranged to take place on Saturday 30th August. This will be followed by visits to some other pubs in the region - the Waterside Inn and Cross Stobbs Inn, both in Barrhead, the Uplawmoor Hotel, Uplawmoor and the Canny Man, Lugton. Further details will appear on the branch website, our Facebook page and the CAMRA Calling email newsletter nearer the time.

Meanwhile, the Kelburn Brewery recently launched a new beer, Regnitz (4.4%). It is described as having a subtle blend of German malts infused with a mighty whack of US whole hops, which combine to produce a red tinted beer which flows freely - just like the Regnitz River in Bamberg. So far it has been getting rave reviews from punters and publicans.

Their Tartan Army (4.3%) is also now available in bottles and 10p from every bottle sold will be donated to the TA Sunshine Appeal.

Also at the Branch AGM, Fyne Ales’ mighty Jarl was chosen as our Beer of the Year for 2013. Jarl is a 3.8% hoppy blonde ale and is currently the overall 2013 Champion Beer of Scotland.

It also came 3rd in the 2013 Champion Beer of Britain competition. A presentation will be made during FyneFest. Well done to both Kelburn and Fyne for these awards.

We will be running a coach outing to the Broughton Brewery in Biggar on Sat 5th July. The cost of the bus will be around £15 depending on numbers. The brewery visit will cost an additional £15 but will include a 30 minute tour of the brewery, an inclusive bar featuring 4 different ales, a Broughton pint glass, 1 local pie and other nibbles. Additionally it is hoped to offer a mixed pack of 12 bottles for only £10 (normally £20!). It may also be possible to visit some other outlets in the area depending on time/weather etc. To book your place on the bus, please contact Donald Clark, Social Secretary at [email protected] or by phoning 01292 476697 or 07886 312454.

NEWS

Summer 2014

10

The Village Inn, Dunlop

2-6 Stewarton Road, KA3 4AA. Tel: 01560 483130

E-mail : [email protected]/ facebook

“Two minute walk from railway station”

Dogs Welcome

The Village Inn, Dunlop2-6 Stewarton Road, KA3 4AA. Tel: 01560 483130

Just a two-minute walk from railway station

Lounge available for Parties, Meetings etc.Dogs Welcome

www.awcamra.org.uk

11

Arran Brewery submits bid to purchase Bladnoch DistilleryThe Arran Brewery and partners have submitted a bid to purchase the assets of the Bladnoch Distillery near Wigtown. It is thought that there was considerable interest in the Distillery which is being sold by the Administrator Ernst & Young LLP.The Arran Brewery plc previously had to abandon a bid to purchase the former site of Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk when Falkirk Council decided to classify the site as “Abandoned” and Arran Breweries investor partners consequently withdrew their support for the project.

However, their investor partners are willing to support the brewery in the purchase of Bladnoch distillery which went into administration earlier this year. They will know in the next few weeks whether the bid is going to be taken any further.

Earlier this year the Arran Brewery sold 0.2% of the company for £160,000 valuing the company on paper at least at £80m, in the first round of a fund raising exercise aimed at raising £4m. This combined with other investments saw the company raise £260,000.

The brewery has recently purchased two sites: St Fillans (Loch Earn) where the former hotel is being refurbished as the Loch Earn Brewery, Hotel and Visitor Centre; while the other site in Dreghorn (North Ayrshire) is a former school and is awaiting planning consent to be refurbished as Scotland’s first Sake brewery, a Research and Development Centre and will house a bottling facility.

Gerald Michaluk said, “ We are upgrading the brewery on Arran as well as being fully funded for phase one of the Loch Earn Development and to enter international markets”.

Arran recently launched its brands in London and is seeking distributors in the rest of the UK and overseas. Meanwhile two new Brands are being launched for 2014 including “The King’s Cave” named after

the Cave on Arran where Bruce is thought to have encountered the Spider that encouraged him to try once more try to free Scotland and ”Ben Vorlich”, a strong barley wine inspired by the mountain near the new Loch Earn brewery in Perthshire.

NEWS

Summer 2014

12

FRASERS BARMillport

Find us just up the road from the pier

7 Cardiff Street, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae KA28 0ASTel: 01475 530518

Quality Cask Ales Served All Year

Meals Served Every Day12 noon - 2.30pm / 5.30pm -7.30pm

North Ayrshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2013

www.awcamra.org.uk

13

The 2014 feast of festivals continues with plenty of choices to tickle your tastebuds over the coming months!

The reincarnated Glasgow CAMRA Beer Festival (GRAF) is being held for the first time in almost twenty years, from 26th – 28th June under the glass roof and stunning surroundings of the historic site of the old Glasgow Fish Market at the Briggait. Over 100 ales are planned, along with ciders and foreign beers. The festival is likely to be very busy and you would be advised to arrive early if you intend going to it. Opening times are 5pm-10.30pm on Thursday 26th; 3pm-10.30pm on Friday 27th; and noon-10.30pm on Sat 28th. Entrance is £6 (£4 CAMRA). If you are a CAMRA member and would like to volunteer at it, forms are available on the festival website: www.glasgowrealalefestival.co.uk More information also on the facebook site: www.facebook.com/glasgowrealalefestival

Moving into July, the Scottish

Real Ale Festival will take place once again at the Corn Exchange, Slateford,

Edinburgh from Thurs

10th - Sun 13th July, from

12noon to 11pm (4.30pm Sun). This popular festival, as the name suggests, showcases beers from almost every brewery around Scotland. Some AWCAMRA members will be going through on the Friday afternoon if anyone wishes to join in for a social meetup.

The following week, the Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, Arran is once again having

a beer and food festival on Sat 19th July from midday till 7pm. Last year’s

festival featured 14 cask ales with some scorching weather. Fingers

crossed for more of the same this year. See advert on p34.

Into August, and Prestwick Cricket Club will be holding their 2nd Beer Festival in

the Clubhouse, Main Street, Prestwick from 5pm till midnight

on Fri 1st and 11am - 11pm on Sat 2nd. Easily accessible by train or bus,

there will be 10 ales available from around the UK plus 4 ciders.

Also on 1st - 3rd August, the Kings Arms, Barr are holding a beer festival weekend with 6 ales available – see advert on the inside front cover.

Sat 27th September sees the Cove and Kilcreggan Real Ale Festival take place with around 18 ales on tap. Just a short hop and walk from the Gourock - Kilcreggan ferry.

Finally, from October 2nd - 4th, the best fest in the west – the 15th Ayrshire Real Ale Festival, featuring over 125 real ales, and this year for the first time, there will be a second bar open on Friday and Saturday in the Walker Hall featuring some special beers! Entrance is £5 (£3 CAMRA). Again, volunteers will be required to help with setting up, taking down, and manning the festival itself. Forms will appear on the website soon: www.ayrshirebeerfestival.org.uk.

FORTHCOMING FESTIVALS

North Ayrshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2013

Summer 2014

14

www.awcamra.org.uk

15

Our Branch has Social Groups covering North, South and East Ayrshire, and Wigtownshire. All CAMRA members are encouraged to attend these informal events, but non-CAMRA members are equally welcome. For more information, please contact the area coordinators listed below:North Ayrshire - usually meets 3rd Thursday of every month. Contact Ian Middleditch. Email: [email protected] Ayrshire - contact Caroline Munro for details. Email: [email protected]

East Ayrshire - meets last Wednesday of every month.Contact Bob Wallace. Email: [email protected]

Wigtownshire - contact Malcolm McNeil for details. Email: [email protected]

BRANCH SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Additionally, the Branch also holds social outings and trips on a regular basis – the next trips are to Broughton Brewery, Biggar on 5th July and Kelburn Brewery on 30th August - contact social secretary Donald Clark at [email protected] for details.

SUMMER DIARY DATESThurs 19th June, North Ayrshire Social, Saltcot, Saltcoats, including a ‘Meet the Brewer’ night with Isle of Skye brewery, 8pm.Thurs 26th - Sat 28th June, Glasgow Real Ale Festival, The Briggait. Branch/East Ayrshire Social from 5pm on Thurs.Mon 30th June, Committee Meeting, Village Inn, Dunlop 8pm.Sat 5th July, Branch outing to Broughton Brewery.Thurs 10th - Sun 13th July, Scottish Real Ale Festival, Corn Exchange, Edinburgh. Branch Social from 3pm on Fri 11th.Sat 19th July, Wigtownshire Social trip to Portpatrick.Sat 19th July, Kinloch Hotel Beer Festival, Blackwaterfoot, Arran, 11am-7pm.Thurs 17th July, North Ayrshire Social, Village Inn, Fairlie, 8pm.Sat 26th July, Branch Social to Millport. Meet McCabes, Largs at 1pm.Wed 30th July, East Ayrshire Social, Fanny by Gaslight Beer Festival, Kilmarnock, 7.30pm. Festival: 29th July - 10th Aug. See advert on p36. Fri 1st - Sun 3rd Aug, Beer Festival weekend, Kings Arms, Barr.Sat 16th Aug, Branch Social and Lunch at Blue Peter, Hotel, Kirkcolm. Thurs 21st Aug, North Ayrshire Social, McCabes, Largs, 8pm.Wed 27th Aug, East Ayrshire Social, Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs, 7.30pm.Please check www.awcamra.org.uk for up-to-date details of all Branch events, including South Ayrshire social events.

Enjoying a pint on the recent Machars trip

OUTLETS NEWSThe following changes in outlets have occurred since the last edition of .New Outlets: McCabes, Largs: three handpumps from Belhaven lists including house beer. Goldberry Arms, Kilmarnock: one handpump, usually Isle of Skye beer. Kings Arms, Barr: One ale currently from Ayr throughout summer, but hoping to source guest ales. Small beer festival with 6 ales on 1st-3rd August. Downshire Arms, Portpatrick: One pump noted on a recent visit with Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted.

Losses: Courtyard Bar, Ayr: closed. Old Racecourse Hotel, Ayr: closed, and being converted to flats. Market Inn, Ayr: no longer selling real ale. Girvans, Troon: no longer selling real ale.

Other news: Pier Head Tavern, Lamlash: Currently run by Arran Brewery but under threat of closure and conversion to flats by owners Punch Taverns.

Summer 2014

16

In January and February this year I walked the length of Britain from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, planning my route using the 2014 Good Beer Guide as a drinking aid. This is a brief description, highlighting the best pubs and beer I encountered.

I was spoilt on the first walking day by having six really good pubs to visit. In Penzance, the ADMIRAL

BENBOW, decorated in nautical theme, was the most interesting, and I kicked off with a pint of very good SHARPS DOOM BAR. In the CROWN, outlet for CORNISH CROWN Brewery ales, the PORTER was exceptional. On to Crowlas and the STAR INN, brewery tap for Penzance beers. I had very acceptable BRISON’S BITTER and POTION NO. 9.

The following day, the CLOCK AND KEY in Trispen gave me shelter from a fierce rainstorm, and allowed me to get stuck into excellent SKINNERS BETTY STOGS.

The highlight of a day off in Bodmin was a visit to the MASONS ARMS, where I was shown round the premises, including the cellar, by enthusiastic owners Paul and Wendy Hudson. A real local, the beer was excellent,

and I had a few pints of SHARPS CORNISH COASTER.

Through Devon, the standout pub was the TOM COBLEY in the small village of Spreyton. A former National Pub of the Year, this place is not to be missed. I had some of the best beer of my entire trip in here, but notes I took on my iPhone have disappeared into the ether along with my memory, and I can’t remember what they were!

The LAMB in Silverton was a great midday stop, and I got there just as another cloudburst started. A great excuse to relax with good food and superb EXE VALLEY DOBS BEST BITTER on gravity.

By now my feet were feeling the pace, but thoughts of giving up were delayed by another wonderful midday stopover. The LAMB AND FLAG in the small Somerset village of Blagdon Hill provided much-needed rest and delightful OTTER BITTER.

A painkilling visit to the pharmacy in Bridgwater, followed by breakfast in the Wetherspoons CARNIVAL INN, accompanied by a pint of STONE DOUBLE IPA at 8.5%, gave me resolve to keep going, and I was rewarded by falling upon another gem of a pub, the BLACK

BRITAIN’S LONGEST PUBCRAWL by George Bryden

www.awcamra.org.uk

17

HORSE in Clapton in Gordano, where the BUTCOMBE BITTER and EXMOOR GOLD were both in excellent nick.

Crossing the Severn Bridge took me onto the Offas Dyke Trail, which I followed as far as Oswestrey. Lunchtime stopovers were now less available, but the BOAT INN near Redbrook on the River Wye was an exception, and provided well kept WYE VALLEY BUTTY BACH and WICKWAR BANKERS DRAFT. In KILVERTS in Hay on Wye, the Brecon Brewery SNOWY BEACONS was excellent, but the highlight of the Offas Dyke section was a visit to the OLDE TAVERN in Kington in Herefordshire, a National Inventory pub selling great HOBSONS MILD, LUDLOW GOLD and THREE TUNS OLD SCROOGE. The conversation was also top class! The other pub worth visiting in Kington is the Royal Oak, where the WYE VALLEY HEREFORDSHIRE PALE ALE was on good form.

In the DRAGON HOTEL in Montgomery, I had good food washed down with lovely MONTYS HILLTOP and WOODS

SPECIAL BITTER, and in Oswestry, the OAK INN was top class, selling the STONEHOUSE range of beers. Along the street, YE OLDE VAULTS, brewery tap for OFFAS DYKE ALES, sold all real ales at £1.85 a pint.

Through Cheshire and parts of Lancashire, it was disappointing to see many village pubs closed down, but in Frodsham the HELTER SKELTER was a real mecca. There was a great

choice of ales on offer, but time and daylight were against me, so I settled for a quick pint of PHOENIX WOBBLY BOB.

Visits to several pubs in the Newton-le-Willows area yielded nothing but keg, but the following day in Eccleston I found another great midday stop in the ORIGINAL FARMERS ARMS. Good inexpensive food and beautiful GEORGE WRIGHT PIPE DREAM and PHOENIX ARIZONA were just the pick-up needed.

Of the many pubs in Preston, the outstanding Robinsons house the BLACK HORSE is another National Inventory pub. After a long day on the road, the OLD TOM was the perfect nightcap

In Lancaster, I visited the WATER WITCH and the WHITE CROSS, both excellent, but the highlight was a visit to the BOROUGH, where they brew their own beer. I had their BITTER, PALE, and DARK, good beers but served too cold for my liking. (It was only when I was leaving that I noticed a sign giving £1 a pint discount to CAMRA members!)

An early morning start the following day took me the twenty miles to my next rest day in one of my favourite pubs in the country, the WATERMILL INN at Ings. Mrs Walker joined me, and we visited several pubs in the area including the nearby HAWKSHEAD BREWERY BEER

Summer 2014

18

HALL and the EAGLE AND CHILD in Staveley. The WATERMILL itself has good rooms and 16 handpumps,many selling the on-site brewed Watermill range, my favourite being COLLIEWOBBLES.

In the ROYAL in Penrith I had really excellent BARNGATES TAG LAG and HAWKSHEAD BRODIES PRIME, and in the KINGS HEAD in Carlisle, one of my all time favourite beers, the YATES BITTER, was superb, the last good pint for several miles.

Into Scotland after more than a month on the road, and I was surprised to find top-class INVERALMOND OSSIAN in the BLACK BULL in Lockerbie. Publican Ian McLatchie told me he had been doing brisk trade with his ale since he first tried it last September. Well worth a visit.

The long drag up the old A74 eventually brought me to Strathaven and the WEAVERS, a pub well known to local

CAMRA members. The enthusiastic owners had STRATHAVEN LINEOUT, ROBINSONS TROOPER, CAMERONS STRONGARM and IND COOPE BURTON ALE on tap, all of which were excellent, my favourite being the BURTON.

My next day off was in Glasgow, where my son Stuart joined me to accompany me on the West Highland Way. We visited many of the ‘usual suspects’ including the BON ACCORD, THREE JUDGES, POT STILL and STATE BAR, before heading up the way to Balmaha and the OAK TREE INN where we sampled some of the new BALMAHA BREWERY range, RED ALERT and

80/-. The DROVERS at Inverarnan was our next stop, and what a night it was! Although the most expensive ale pub on the entire trip, we had a great party – till the DEUCHARS ran out!

The only real ale available between here and Fort William was had in the Bridge of Orchy Hotel and in Kingshouse, where the TRADE WINDS was in fine form. Fort William itself had four pubs selling ale, the best being the GROG and GRUEL with its delectable ORKNEY DARK ISLAND.

Real ale was available in the BOTHY in Fort Augustus, but the next highlight was the BENLEVA HOTEL in Drumnadrochit, where I stayed overnight. Home to the Loch Ness Brewery, the Ben Leva had an excellent range of ale on, including two guests, BUTCOMBE BITTER from Somerset and WICKER MAN from the WREN brewery. I particularly enjoyed the in-house brewed DARKNESS. Unfortunately, I found the Ben Leva to be quite an unsociable place, and was pleased to leave in the morning for Dingwall.

The only ale found the next day was in CONON BRIDGE HOTEL. The TRADEWINDS was just on and in excellent condition. In Dornoch in the EAGLE HOTEL I was treated to a pint of ST. AUSTELL RUCK AND ROLL, like myself all the

www.awcamra.org.uk

19

way from Cornwall, and then in the DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL, a beautiful pint of CROMARTY ATLANTIC DRIFT.

This is a malt whisky mecca, as is the SUTHERLAND INN in Brora, both well worth a visit if you like malts at £100 and upwards a shot! I had a very good pint of SKYE

HEBRIDEAN GOLD in the Sutherland.

In the BELGRAVE ARMS in Helmsdale I was surprised to find excellent WHITSTABLE BAY

IPA, then it was onto Wick and the ALEXANDER BAIN, a Wetherspoons selling two old friends, QUANTOCK WILLS NECK from Somerset and the STONE DOUBLE IPA, the beer which probably gave me the will to keep walking 700 miles back!

The final treat was a lunchtime pint in the SINCLAIR BAY HOTEL in the small village of Keiss, about 10 miles from John o’ Groat’s. The genial publican had put on ORKNEY CORNCRAKE ale a few hours earlier than he would have liked to celebrate my final day, and although slightly hazy, it was one of the tastiest and memorable pints I’ve ever had in my life!

SUMMARYIn all, I visited 146 drinking establishments, 61 of which were listed in the 2014 Good Beer Guide. Real Ale was available in 38 of the 45 non-GBG pubs in England and Wales, but only in 21 of the 40 in Scotland, although in both cases some were seasonal or had ale in bottle. The most inexpensive ale was found in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and Lancashire. The most expensive was in the Drovers. The best night? The Drovers!

Top Ten PubsMasons Arms, BodminTom Cobley, SpreytonLamb and Flag, Blagdon HillBlack Horse, Clapton in GordanoOlde Tavern, KingtonOriginal Farmers Arms, EcclestonWatermill Inn, IngsWeavers, StrathavenBon Accord, GlasgowDornoch Castle, Dornoch

Top Ten BeersSharps Cornish CoasterSkinners Betty StogsButcombe BitterMontys HilltopGeorge Wright Pipe DreamRobinsons Old TomYates BitterInveralmond OssianCromarty Atlantic DriftOrkney Corncrake

Thanks to those of you who contributed to bring the amount raised for the Ayrshire Hospice to over £5000. Can’t wait till next January!

You can still support George by giving a donation at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GeorgeBryden , or pledge by phone on 01655 750333.

George

Summer 2014

20

Largs

Fairlie Beith

GatesideLugton

Dunlop

KilmaursStewarton

Kilmarnock

Craigie

Sorn

Stair

KirkmichaelKirkoswald

Girvan

Bargrennan

Newton Stewart

Wigtown

BladnochIsle of Whithorn

New Luce

Glenluce

Drummore

SandheadPortpatrick

Kirkcolm

Stranraer

Failford

Ardrossan

SaltcoatsIrvineTroon

Prestwick

Ayr

Millport

Lochranza

Catacol

Blackwaterfoot

BrodickLamlash

Arran

Ayr

Houston

Kelburn

Strathaven

Sulwath

Barr

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map data by permission of the Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2014

www.awcamra.org.uk

21

AYRSHIRE & WIGTOWNSHIRE REAL ALE OUTLETSISLE OF ARRAN

BLACKWATERFOOTBlackwaterfoot Lodge*Kinloch Hotel

BRODICKBrodick BarOrmidale HotelWine Port

CATACOLCatacol Bay Hotel

LAMLASHDrift Inn

LOCHRANZALochranza Hotel

NORTH AYRSHIRE

ARDROSSANArdrossan Rugby Club (weekends)Lauriston Hotel

BEITHSaracen’s Head

FAIRLIEVillage Inn

GATESIDEGateside Inn

IRVINEShip Inn

LARGSJ G SharpsLargs Sailing Club (weekends)LoungeMacAulaysMcCabesWaterside

LUGTONCanny Man §MILLPORTFraser’s Bar

SALTCOATSSalt Cot

SOUTH AYRSHIRE

AYRAbbotsford HotelAyrshire & GallowayChestnuts HotelGeordie’s ByreGlen Park HotelHarry’s BarNewton ArmsTam O’ ShanterTwa DugsWellingtons BarWest Kirk

BARRKings Arms Hotel

CRAIGIECraigie Inn

FAILFORDFailford Inn

GIRVANRoxy Cafe Bar*

KIRKMICHAELKirkmichael Arms

KIRKOSWALDSouter’s Inn

PRESTWICKEagle Tavern Prestwick Pioneer

TROONBruce’s WellFullartonsHarbour BarLonsdale BarMcKay’sMarr Rugby Club (weekends)South Beach Hotel

EAST AYRSHIRE

DUNLOPAuld HooseVillage Inn

KILMARNOCKBrass & Granite Fanny by Gaslight First EditionGoldberry ArmsWheatsheaf Inn

KILMAURSWeston Tavern

SORNSorn Inn

STAIRStair Inn

STEWARTONMillhouse HotelStewarton Arms

WIGTOWNSHIRE

BARGRENNANHouse O’ Hill Hotel

BLADNOCHBladnoch Inn

DRUMMOREClashwhannon

GLENLUCEKelvin House Hotel

ISLE OF WHITHORNSteam Packet Inn §KIRKCOLMBlue Peter Hotel

NEW LUCEKenmuir Arms Hotel

NEWTON STEWARTCreebridge House HotelGalloway Arms Hotel

PORTPATRICKCrown HotelDownshire ArmsHarbour House Hotel

SANDHEADTigh-na-Mara Hotel

STRANRAERGrapes § Ruddicot Hotel

WIGTOWNWigtown Ploughman

* CAMRA members have noted that real ale is not always available at these pubs.

§ Special offers for card-carrying CAMRA members

CAMRA members can now score beers for any pubs visited at www.whatpub.com. These scores help the branch choose its entries for the Good Beer Guide. Scoring guidelines are:0 No cask ale available

1 Poor: Beer that is anything from barely drinkable to drinkable with considerable resentment.

2 Average: Competently kept, drinkable pint but doesn’t inspire in any way, not worth moving to another pub but you drink the beer without really noticing.

3 Good: Good beer in good form. You may cancel plans to move to the next pub. You want to stay for another pint and may seek out the beer again.

4 Very Good: Excellent beer in excellent condition.

5 Perfect: Probably the best you are ever likely to find. A seasoned drinker will award this score very rarely.

Do you know of a pub that sells real ale and isn’t listed? Please let us know.

Summer 2014

22

The WatersideBath Street, Largs

Tel: 01475 672224

One Real Ale available throughout the winter

Wednesdays - PokerFridays - Karaoke

Tuesdays - Quiz Night

Food available every day except Monday

Saturdays - Live MusicSundays - Open Mic Night

• Great rooms• Fantastic food• Ever changing real ales• Function suites

4 DEAN STREET, STEWARTON, KA3 5EQTel: 01560 482255

www.millhousehotelayrshire.co.uk

www.awcamra.org.uk

23

Logistics of getting to and from Millport mean that a visit to the island isn’t practical for a normal evening social meeting. So the plan is to meet in McCabes, Largs (opposite train station) for pint at 1pm (coincides with train from Kilwinning). Then we’ll get the 2.30pm ferry over to Cumbrae and the bus into Millport where we’ll gather for a social meetup in Frasers Bar, North Ayrshire’s Pub of the Year, circa 3.00pm. Frasers Bar is just across the road from the bus terminus. Alternatively, the more adventurous may wish to meet on 1.00pm ferry and walk from Cumbrae slip over hill to Millport. The walk takes approx 1½ hours, Or you could take your bike and cycle round island – Frasers has secure parking for bikes round the back. The pub has been completely re-decorated over the winter presenting a comfortable and welcoming feel. It has two ales on tap, usually one from either Houston or Kelburn, plus another guest. Everyone is welcome to come along - why not bring your partners for an enjoyable afternoon overseas on the Costa del Clyde - the more the merrier.

BRANCH SOCIAL TRIP TO FRASERS BAR, MILLPORTSaturday 26th July - everyone welcome

Wetherspoon’s Vouchers

The Auld Brig, Irvine – opening soon

40 Years of CAMRA in Scotland

In recent weeks there’s been a slight change in using your CAMRA 50p discount vouchers in Wetherspoon’s pubs. In Scotland they have introduced an offer on Mon-Wed discounting guest ales by 30p (Mon only in England & Wales). T&C’s of the CAMRA vouchers are that they cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, and so should not be accepted on those days against guest ales. The full 50p discount will still be available on the premium ales and from Thurs-Sun.

The new Wetherspoon’s pub, The Auld Brig, located at the bottom of the Rivergate Shopping Centre, Irvine is scheduled to open on 15th July, and will feature up to 12 handpumps bringing much needed ale to a relative desert in the town. The only other outlet in Irvine that currently sells real ale (and good food) is The Ship Inn located down the Harbourside.

September 2014 sees the 40th Anniversary of CAMRA in Scotland, following the initial meeting in the Golf Inn, Bishopton back in 1974.To mark the event a special meeting is being held in Callums, Johnstone on Saturday 13th September as it is one of the closest outlets to the now closed Golf Inn. Watch the website and facebook for more details nearer the time.

Additionally, a special 40th Anniversary booklet is being produced with contributions from every CAMRA branch in Scotland, along with memories by some CAMRA members. Copies should be available at CAMRA meetings and beer festivals by late June.

1

Cheers!Celebrating 40 years of CAMRA in Scotland1974 - 2014

The view from Frasers Bar

24

RAY’S ROUND UP by Ray Turpie

The Grand National trip to Wigtownshire in April went very well with a full bus visiting several outlets on the way down to the Steam Packet in the Isle of Whithorn. The opportunity was taken to present the branch Pub of the Year (POTY) certificate to Alistair Scoular, the landlord who provided a very welcome lunch. We stayed for a couple of hours before moving to the Bladnoch Inn to watch the race.

Another couple of outings I enjoyed recently were my visits to the 27th Paisley Beer Festival and the 16th Kingdom of Fife Real Ale & Cider Festival in Glenrothes. As you will note, both of these have been going for a number of years and it is a credit to all volunteers who contribute to this and other festivals to make them a success. It may seem like a flawless operation when you attend but a lot of work goes into keeping things running smoothly.

My favourite beer at Paisley was Young Pretender from Isle of Skye Brewery closely followed by Highland Orkney Best. At Glenrothes, I was asked to judge the Fife Beer of the Year from 11 entries. The unanimous winner by some margin was CV from Abbot Brewhouse in Dumfermline. This is a strong IPA of 6.5% using 105 different hop varieties. I spoke to John Reade the brewer afterwards and he said “I believe this is a world record”.

John uses a small brew house attached to Dunfermline Abbey and specialises in old recipes. His product is mainly bottled and sold in the Abbey shop.

On my way south I visited another beer shop at Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth as I was heading for the AGM & National Conference in Scarborough. I spoke to the staff about the flooding a few years ago. They advised that the water was gushing through the yard and reached half way up the shop door. It is a credit to Marstons that they got the brewery back on its feet so quickly. There is a plaque on a building in the main street which indicates the level of the water. I had to reach up to touch the mark.

We stopped for the night at the Agricultural Hotel, Penrith where I enjoyed a few pints of Jennings Cumberland Ale. Regular readers may remember I mentioned this CAMRA pub of the year (POTY) a while ago and suggested it as a good stopping off point. Penrith is an interesting place with many Inns. The cattle market was a popular drovers rest due to its ideal position as a meeting point for all routes.

RAY’S ROUND UP

Agricultural Hotel, Penrith

Paisley Beer Festival 2014

RAY’S ROUND UP

www.awcamra.org.uk

25

The next day we took the route to Scotch Corner and made our way over to the coast to visit Staithes, birthplace of Captain Cook, a quaint little village with narrow cobbled streets down to the harbour. The weather was not great so we did not linger in Whitby or Robin Hood’s Bay but headed for our hotel overlooking the Spa Complex. A funicular railway takes you down to the venue where we registered and made for the members’ bar.

Once ensconced, I stayed there all evening although trips to various breweries were available if you booked early. Most of the eighty odd beers were from Yorkshire including the Champion Beer of Britain (CBOB), Elland 1872 Porter. My favourites were York’s Yorkshire Terrier and Kelham Island Riders on the Storm.

It is around thirty years since I was last in Scarborough and so after all the debate on motions during the day the only debate on the Saturday night was which of the recommended pubs to visit. We chose the Highlander where we enjoyed a meal and

some Wold Top Bitter, the Cask Inn and Cellars Bar. I never got any further because there was a mini festival and a great band called Heel Sneekers on at the latter as well as Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale.

We enjoyed a memorable night out. Nevertheless, I managed to drag myself in to the Sunday morning session where we were in for a big surprise. Full Pints won the award for the most improved branch magazine. Well done to Stuart, our editor, for this well deserved recognition. That sent us all home happy. I cannot wait for Nottingham next year from 17-19th April.

There are many things to enjoy before then, however, including the first Glasgow Beer Festival for some years at the Briggait from 26-29th June, the Scottish Real Ale Festival in Edinburgh from 10-13th July, and of course our own Ayrshire Real Ale Festival from 2nd-4th October. Also, please pencil in the Super Regional CAMRA Conference in the South Beach Hotel, Troon on Saturday 25th October. Meanwhile, enjoy your summer ales. Cheers.

Jennings Brewery

Summer 2014

26

Great food and local Real Ales from Arran, Houston and Kelburn breweries Sundays – Ceilidh band sessions

Tel: 01505 850510www.thecannyman.co.uk

Find us on the A736 Irvine to Barrhead Road, at Lugton

Telephone: 01671 402121 Fax: 01671 403258www.creebridge.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Creebridge House Hotel, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire DG8 6NP

Meals Served Daily12-2pm and 6-9pm

Traditional Roast Served every SundayExtensive Bar Menu

Award-winning Table D’Hôteand À La Carte Dining Available

REAL ALES SERVED HERE

www.awcamra.org.uk

27

At the end of March 2014 the doors closed for the last time on the Old Racecourse Hotel in Ayr, an outlet that had been selling real ale for at least the last 38 years. Bought by a housebuilder four and a half years ago but kept open and trading until now, it was the subject of a planning application for change of use to residential flats at the end of 2013. Despite an objection from the Ayrshire & Wigtownshire branch of CAMRA, planning permission was granted earlier this year.

Current Branch Pubs Officer Mick Lee first drank Belhaven 80/- there in June 1976, and attended an early committee meeting of the first incarnation of the Ayrshire Branch there later that month. It made its first appearance in the Good Beer Guide in 1981 and went on to appear in 21 more editions, including appearing five years in a row on three occasions. Its last appearance was in 2012, and it would have appeared more often if it were not for strong competition from other Ayr outlets.

Despite having major internal alterations on two occasions since the seventies, including the creation, and later removal, of a circular pot still shaped central fireplace, it sold consistently good real ale throughout. As well as providing good food and accommodation its bar acted as a local for the surrounding residential area.

It hosted many CAMRA meetings and events over the years, and its very appropriate swansong was the Branch AGM on 22 March this year, attended by one of the best turnouts in memory. Three handpulls were still dispensing a good variety of ales right to the last. The Branch’s best wishes go the staff as they move on to pastures new, and that corner of Ayr will never feel quite the same, especially to those of us who remember it as one of only two real ale outlets in Ayr in the mid-seventies.

By the time is published a new beer festival should have taken place in The Grain Store, Hanover Street, Stranraer, after several false starts due to H& S and planning issues, given the age and condition of the venue. Ian Murray, former owner of the Blue Peter Hotel, Kirkcolm is behind the event and also has clear plans to begin a new brewery before the end of the year in Stranraer. www.grainstore.org

Some upcoming Wigtownshire Social Events/Outings: Saturday 19th July – Afternoon trip to Portpatrick and Saturday 16th August – Branch Social and Lunch at Blue Peter, Kirkcolm (TBC). For further information, please contact Malcolm McNeill at [email protected]

Old Racecourse Hotel, Ayr closes by Mick Lee

Wigtownshire News by Malcolm McNeill Portpatrick

Summer 2014

28

Roll up, Roll up to

12-16th Aug - Olympia, London

the

350Fun, Food,

Live Music & Frolics

in a

carnival atmosphere

www.gbbf.org.uk

900Tantalising beers, ciders and

perries to try

proudly presentsThe Campaign for Real Ale

50,000Thrill seekers

expected through the door

GreatBritishBeerFestival GBBF

British Breweries represented at this beer extravaganza

1234567890-=

1234567890-=

More

than

join over

www.gbbf.org.uk/tickets0844 412 4640

ticketsavailable from May

Details correct at time of print. For up to date information visit www.gbbf.org.uk

Home of the famous Old Jock Ale

WHERE REAL SCOTS CRAFT REAL ALE

WWW.BROUGHTONALES.CO.UKTel: +44 (0)1899 830 345

Email: [email protected]

YOU'RE DUE A CHANGE

EDINBURGH’S ORIGINAL PALE ALEwww.edinburghbrewing.co.uk

NEW BEERS IN BOTTLE! UPCOMING SEASONAL BREWS

www.awcamra.org.uk

29

Roll up, Roll up to

12-16th Aug - Olympia, London

the

350Fun, Food,

Live Music & Frolics

in a

carnival atmosphere

www.gbbf.org.uk

900Tantalising beers, ciders and

perries to try

proudly presentsThe Campaign for Real Ale

50,000Thrill seekers

expected through the door

GreatBritishBeerFestival GBBF

British Breweries represented at this beer extravaganza

1234567890-=

1234567890-=

More

than

join over

www.gbbf.org.uk/tickets0844 412 4640

ticketsavailable from May

Details correct at time of print. For up to date information visit www.gbbf.org.uk

Summer 2014

30

MACHARS TRIP, 4th April by Stuart McMahon

Starting in Kilwinning, followed by pickups in Kilmarnock and Prestwick, some 40 folk travelled by coach under starter’s orders on a trip down to the Machars area of Wigtownshire on 5th April 2014, the main purpose of which was to present the Branch Pub of the Year award to the Steam Packet Inn at the Isle of Whithorn. It was lunchtime by the time we arrived at the small pub on the harbourside, and a superb buffet lunch was ready for our arrival. Fed and watered, the presentations took place – firstly by Malcolm McNeill for the Steam Packet winning the Wigtownshire POTY, and then by Lindsay Grant for them winning the overall Branch POTY, having faced stiff competition from

Frasers Bar in Millport, the Wheatsheaf in Kilmarnock and Wellingtons Bar in Ayr. Congratulations to Alastair Scoular and his staff on winning the award. The Steam Packet currently has 5 guest handpumps plus Timothy Taylor’s Landlord on permanently and special deals are available for CAMRA members should you wish to stay at the pub.

Mr Glen, owner of Pam and Reg

Lindsay Grant (l) and Malcolm McNeill (r) present the Pub of the Year certificates to Alastair Scoular, owner of the Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn.

www.awcamra.org.uk

31

The trip, however, started earlier in the morning at Fence number 1 by visiting the House O’ Hill hotel at Bargrennan, Glen Trool in true drizzly, dreich Scottish weather but Wychwood PileDriver, Jennings Lakeland Stunner and a log fire were on offer to brighten our spirits.

With all runners and riders safely back on board the bus, the next stop was the Creebridge House Hotel in Newton Stewart where we met up with the Wigtownshire contingent of members attending the trip. Beers from Houston were available here including Killellan, Blonde Bombshell and their house beer Creebridge Gold.

The full bus then headed down to Isle of Whithorn for lunch at the Steam Packet Inn, as described opposite. Beers available at the Steam Packet included Fyne Ales’ Maverick and Avalanche, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Atlas Three Sisters, and Acton Alnmouth.

After the Steam Packet the next stop was to the Bladnoch Inn, Bladnoch where we arrived just in time to watch the Grand National. Sulwath Criffel and Morland Old Speckled Hen were on tap.

With two fences to go, our penultimate stop was at the Wigtown Ploughman, which has recently undergone an amazing transformation. Some more nibbles were provided and beers on offer were Speckled Hen, Belhaven St Andrew’s, Harvieston Bitter & twisted, Inveralmond Ossian and a welcome surprise of a gravity poured cask sitting on the bar of Belhaven / Herok & Howells Festival Ale.

Finally, on the home straight, with no fallers, we called in at the Galloway Arms in Newton Stewart where more sandwiches were provided and Sulwath Knockendoch and Belhaven IPA were on offer. Everyone made it past the finishing post and had enjoyed a thoroughly good day and, on the whole, the beers were all in very good condition. Thanks go to all the outlets for their hospitality and to Donald Clark for organising the day.

House o’ Hill

Creebridge House Hotel

Bladnoch Inn

Wigtown Ploughman

Galloway Arms

Ronnie hogging the sandwiches – again!

Summer 2014

32

www.awcamra.org.uk

33

Trading Standards Offices for issues such as consistent short measures or no visible price lists

Every CAMRA member can score ales they drink in their local pub using the WhatPub app and website, www.whatpub.com. But what are the benefits? Well, all scores go towards whether an outlet is considered for inclusion in the Good Beer Guide, and, if there is a trend of low scores for any outlet, it can alert the committee to possible problems.

Scores are continually required for the whole Branch area but, in particular, Arran outlets receive very few scores - if you’re visiting the island this summer, then why not take a few moments to score your beers on whatpub.com? Scoring criteria are listed on the outlets page on p21.

Email addresses can be found on your local authority website.

GETTING AROUND Other Useful Numbers

Why should I score beers?

Listed below are some useful contact details for transport providers in our Branch area.

Stagecoach West Scotland - www.stagecoachbus.comTel: 01292 613500 / 01294 607007 / Disability Helpdesk 07736 892253

James King Bus Services (Stranraer Area) - www.kingscoachhire.com Tel: 01671 830284

ScotRail - www.scotrail.co.ukTel: 0845 601 5929

Caledonian MacBrayne - www.calmac.co.ukTel: 0800 066 5000

Traveline Scotland - www.travelinescotland.com

Ayr: 01292 616060Irvine: 01294 324900

Kilmarnock: 01563 521502Stranraer: 01776 703260

Summer 2014

34

BEST WESTERN

Isle of Arran

Blackwaterfoot Beer FestivalIsle of Arran

Real Ales!Saturday 19th July mid-day until 7pm

BEST WESTERN Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, The Isle of Arran www.bw-kinlochhotel.co.uk Tel: 01770 860444




• real ales• craft ciders• wine tastings• seafood tent• jazz band• blue grass band• home made bakery pizzas• blue skies & sunshine!


www.awcamra.org.uk

35

BEST WESTERN

Isle of Arran

Blackwaterfoot Beer FestivalIsle of Arran








Ardrossan Accies Beer Festival

Village Inn, Fairlie Beer Festival

Ardrossan Academicals Rugby Club held their 3rd beer festival back in March, and it was their best one yet.With 12 ales available, the North Ayrshire CAMRA Social Group held a ‘preview’ night on Thursday 13th March which was well attended. Despite a large number of Accies players being absent, having travelled down to Cardiff to watch Scotland lose to Wales, attendance on the Saturday was good and it was decided to open a lucky 13th cask. By close on Sunday there was very little beer left.

Ales available were Alechemy 10 Storey Malt Bomb and Starlaw, Windswept Blonde, Loch Ness 80/- and DarkNESS, Houston Warlock Stout, Strathaven Line Out and Craigmill Mild, Atom Blonde, Fallen 1703, Skye Young Pretender and Orkney Northern Light. The first beer to sell out was Alechemy Starlaw. Comments on the catering (or lack of!) have been noted and will be fed back.

The Village Inn, Fairlie held their 2nd Beer Festival on 23-25 May. The beer was great even if the weather was changeable!With up to 24 ales available, plus cider (including the CAMRA recognised ‘Jaggy Thistle’ from Thistly Cross) there was something for everyone.

The weather held up well on Friday and Saturday, though Sunday had some sharp showers, but that didn’t stop over 350 folk turning up and sampling a very good selection of unusual beers including Atom brewery’s Camomile Tea Beer and Bunsen American Brown ale, Alechemy Amarillo Burst and Rye O’ Rye, and

Valhalla’s Simmer Dim and White Wife. First beer to run out was Beeches Blonde Bi’ere from Lochgelly in Fife.

A big thank you to Mark Maclean for hosting the festival and for providing some excellent food including Wild Boar and Kangaroo burgers (for added hoppiness!)

Hot dog, anyone? Not one, but two Charlie Fisher’s

Summer 2014

36

• Real Food

• Real Beer

• Real Atmosphere

27 Main Street, Kilmaurs, KA3 2RQ Tel: 01563 538805www.westontavern.co.uk

2nd - 4th October

Admission (over 18s only) Public: £5, CAMRA: £3

Over 125 Real Ales PLUS Cider & Perry

www.ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

(includes glass and programme)

Thurs 2nd: 12 noon-2pm (CAMRA preview)2pm – 11pm (Public)

Fri 3rd: 11am – 11pmMusic evening only

Sat 4th: 11am – 11pmMusic afternoon and evening

201415th Ayrshire

FestivalREAL ALE

30th AnniversaryCAMRA Branch40th Anniversary

CAMRA Scotland

ALE

Troon Concert Hall

2014

www.awcamra.org.uk

37

2nd - 4th October

Admission (over 18s only) Public: £5, CAMRA: £3

Over 125 Real Ales PLUS Cider & Perry

www.ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

(includes glass and programme)

Thurs 2nd: 12 noon-2pm (CAMRA preview)2pm – 11pm (Public)

Fri 3rd: 11am – 11pmMusic evening only

Sat 4th: 11am – 11pmMusic afternoon and evening

201415th Ayrshire

FestivalREAL ALE

30th AnniversaryCAMRA Branch40th Anniversary

CAMRA Scotland

ALE

Troon Concert Hall

2014

Summer 2014

38

Hand Crafted, Award Winning, Traditional Cask Conditioned AleBrewed in the Heart of Burns Country

All ales are available in Firkins (72 Pints), Pins (36 Pints) and Mini Casks (8.8 Pints)Ayr Brewing Company, 5 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2DG

Telephone: 01292 263891 Fax: 01292 830450 Mobile: 07834 922142www.ayrbrewingcompany.com

Our range of Real Ales includes:

www.awcamra.org.uk

39

Mr Beer Surfer is connected, some would say wired, to the internet and enjoys nothing better than drinking his bottled conditioned ales in front of his computer.

Last edition, Mr Beer Surfer was frustrated at some out-of-date CAMRA-related websites. Two such websites have thankfully now been revamped - well done Kingdom of Fife and Aberdeen branches. Fife’s site (www.kingdomoffife.camra.org.uk) is a bit on the red side, but at least the content (for now) is up-to-date. Aberdeen’s site (www.aberdeencamra.org.uk) is nice and clean with good use of graphics.

Maybe by the time is printed the Scottish Real Ale festival website (www.scottishbeerfestival.org.uk) will have been updated properly with this year’s dates and information for its own festival in July!

But, back to good websites, Edinburgh’s Stewart Brewing site (www.stewartbrewing.co.uk) is pretty extensive, listing all their beers, forthcoming events and their new Craft Beer Kitchen where you can brew your own recipes. Closer to home you can try a similar venture in Ayr where Anthony (of Ayr Brewing fame) will help you concoct some unique brews - On the Brew (www.facebook.com/ayrbrew).

Loch Lomond Brewery has recently updated their website (www.lochlomondbrewery.com) - Mr Beer Surfer really loves the branding on their beers. And Isle of Skye’s new website (www.skyeale.com) featuring their newly rebranded look is equally smart. Well done, guys.

And finally, on the blogging front, have a look at Glasgow-based “I might have a glass of beer” (www.refreshingbeer.blogspot.co.uk) written by Robsterowski. Plenty of up-to-date news from the west (the quiet launch of McEwan’s IPA on cask caught my eye today). Rob is also very active on Twitter). In my opinion, though, the blog’s not quite as good as Richard from TheBeerCast featured last issue - sorry Rob!

SUMMERALE

Telephone: 01556 504525

The Brewery, King StreetCastle Douglas, DG7 1DTwww.sulwathbrewers.co.uk

Open Mon-Sat, 10am-6pmOff-sales also available

At Sulwath Brewers we give you the chance to see the craft of brewing in action, and to taste our speciality ales at our fully licensed brewery tap visitor centre.

Full Pints Volume 16 Issue 2

Documents

Transcript of Full Pints Volume 16 Issue 2