beer around 'ere issue 184

ALSO INSIDE PUB & BREWERY NEWS DIARY DATES JOIN CAMRA

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Peterborough

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Pub of the

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Peterborough

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Pub of the

Year 2014

Peterborough

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South Devon

CAMRA

Pub of the

Year 2014

Editor: Jane [email protected]

Published by: Peterborough & DistrictBranch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Produced on behalf of CAMRA by:Orchard House Media LtdEventus Business Centre, Sunderland Rd,Market Deeping. Tel: 01778 382758

Magazine Design & Production: Daniel Speed [email protected]

Advertising Sales Manager:Jane [email protected]: 01778 382718

Distribution:David [email protected] Reading:Bob Melville - 07941 246693Printed By:Precision Colour Print LtdHaldane, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQCirculation: 7,000 copies distributed topubs, clubs and members throughout thePeterborough and District CAMRABranch area. A digital version of thismagazine is available to view and download at issuu.com

Cover Image:Illustration by Daniel Speed

Editor’s ramblings |3

Beer Around ‘Ere is publishedby the Peterborough & DistrictBranch of CAMRA Copyright© 2015, The Campaign forReal Ale Ltd.

Views or comments expressedin this publication may not necessarily bethose of the Editor or of CAMRA.

The next issue of Beer Around ‘Ere will beavailable on the 24th September. We must have your stories, news and advertisements by 2nd September. Pleasesend your stories and other copy to theeditor, Jane Brown.

I am sure that it hasn’t escapedyour notice that PeterboroughBeer Festival is imminent! I promise not to mention itagain, there’s plenty of infor-mation in this edition.

I am pleased to report thatthe branch now has a Cider Representative,Bernidette Gilbert. Bernidette can be contactedvia email [email protected]

On to a different subject. What do I look for in apub? Obviously good real ale but I do admit that Ialso like to see happy friendly faces behind the bar,to be greeted civilly and to be served as promptly aspermits. I do not like to see staff chatting and notbeing aware of customers waiting to be served. I do realise that everyone has off days and also thatsome customers can ‘try the patience of Job’.Having worked behind bars, be it decades ago, I can appreciate the problems, but the demeanourof the bar staff make the difference to me betweencalling in for a drink or staying longer andimbibing one or two more, plus making a returnvisit. Yes, I realise this is a personal reflection froman ‘occasional grumpy old woman’ and must admitit is not something I encounter very often , which isprobably why it irks me so when it does happen. I would welcome comments from both sides of thebar. Glutton for punishment me! Also on my tick

list is toilets, but that could be another rant, so Iwon’t go there, figuratively speaking of course!

Having said all that what we all need to do is‘value’ bar staff. Treat them as we would like to betreated if we were behind the bar, because wherewould we be without them – drinking at home!

Food for thought.

Cheers!JB

IN THIS ISSUEWelcome from the editor 3

Chairman’s corner 5

Pub news 7–11

Rutland beer fest and ale trail 12–13

Peterborough beer festival 2015 15–19

Brewery news 21–25

Diary dates 27

The rise of micropubs 27

Long summer nights 28

Contacts 30

Join CAMRA 31

Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2015 |BEER AROUND ERE

Chairman’s corner |5

Now in its 38th year the popular event attractsaround 30,000 visitors through the gates to samplethe huge range of ales, ciders and wines that are onoffer. Full details about the festival opening timesand admission prices are in this issue, plus the enter-tainment we have lined up for your enjoyment.

The festival is set up and run by CAMRAmembers from our local branch and members fromaround the country. All are unpaid volunteers whogive up their time to help us make the festival sucha success. Any member who would like to help us inthis gigantic task is welcome to sign on. This yearwe have declined to send out the usual ‘beggingletter’ asking for help as most of our volunteers signup on-line. You can still sign up before the deadlinedate in early August, however, only signed upvolunteers will be accepted at the festival. Youcannot just turn up on the day to work.

A recent report from the Institute of EconomicAffairs (IEA) has hailed the 2005 Licensing Actwhich allowed pubs to open all day as a success andhas not led to the doom-mongers’ predictions of thetime. The report states there have been fewer drinkrelated driving accidents, no increase in A&Eadmissions or alcohol related deaths. Erroneouslylabelled as 24-hour drinking by the sceptics whopredicted rising demands for alcohol and excessivedrinking, the new laws removed some of theconstraints on where and when people can have adrink, thus, providing the public with a greaterchoice. I can think of only a couple of premiseswithin our area that have a 24 hour licence and onlyone of them actually uses it regularly. Mostextended licenses are in places that sell alcohol but,have no bar! I refer to the supermarkets and off-licenses. The IEA director of lifestyle economics,Christopher Snowden, said “the biggest conse-quence of relaxed licensing laws has been that thepublic are now able to enjoy a drink at the time andlocation of their choice.” I’ll drink to that!

Many of you will have seen our new Peterbor-ough City Pub Guide which has every pub (almost)within the city boundary listed. It provides a shortdescription of the pub and the location, with usefulbus route information. It is available in most pubsand is free. The guide will also be available at thisyear’s PBF.

Come and give us your support at this year’s beerfestival in August. Even better, come and help us. I can guarantee you will enjoy it.

Cheers for now folks.

David MurrayBranch Chairman

Chairman’s Corner


It’s Beer Festival time again! The annual Peterborough Beer Festival is taking place on The Embankment starting onTuesday 25th until Saturday 29th August.

Pub news |7

Ascot, Henley, Wimbledon, the Lord’s Test have allcome and gone but the highlight of the Englishsocial calendar still awaits us on the Embankmentat the end of August. The city hotels will again befull to bursting point and many branch memberstaking time off to visit or volunteer. Now is thetime to focus on some of the unspoilt villages thatsurround the city and have managed to preservetheir pubs. I have tried to indicate where they areaccessible by public transport, but for the moreathletic we are also blessed with some wellpreserved local footpaths. So don’t forget to packyour walking shoes.

Oundle RoadA trip along the Oundle Road would be arewarding experience for our less intrepid visitorsas there are several pubs on the route leading fromthe city. Of particular interest is the Ramble-wood Inn which is off the main road and set inan attractive wood shadowed by giant Sequoiaswhich were planted in 1860. It has been a centrefor real ale for some time now and the four handpumps are currently serving Adnams Broadsideand Ghost Ship plus two guests. I can recommendits Sunday carvery and readers will find details ofspecial offers on page 30 of this magazine. Thepub itself was formerly the stables of the adjoiningOrton Hall, an eclectic nineteenth century mockTudor building which was used as a prisoner ofwar camp during World War 2. The stable feedingtroughs are still visible in the room adjoining themain bar, although no longer available to currentdiners.

The number 1 bus will take you all the waythere, but I personally would drop off at theBotolph Arms. This is another spectacular SamSmiths conversion of what was originally a farm-house. It is set back from the Oundle Road by along green with an avenue of protected trees bothof the soft and hard wood varieties. I wouldparticularly recommend this pub for parents withyoung children as the green provides a large playarea well away from the traffic. Two thirds of theoutside area is now floodlit allowing parents to seeinto the council playground alongside the pub.Those drinkers who are erroneously in the habit of

referring to a barrel as anything from a pin to ahogshead might be interested to discover that theOld Brewery Bitter is actually served from anauthentic 36 gallon oak cask. Sam Smiths is one ofthe few brewers that I am aware of who stillemploy a cooper, and I, for one, would love to seethis ancient art restored.

AlwaltonIf you arrive prior to the start of the festival youcan jump on the number 24 bus* for a short tripalong this road to Alwalton. Amongst the attrac-tions in this delightful village are the Normanchurch of St Andrew and the Elizabethan manorhouse (Alwalton Hall). Our target is the Cuckoo,a pleasant roadside pub just off the main road.Formerly the Wheatsheaf, the bar is the originalpub, stone built and 500 years old, as is the mainrestaurant, originally a dairy.

These two areas are linked by an extension whichis sensitively blended into the two historic buildingsand a glass conservatory which draws welcomelight into the doleful shades of the stone. Two baywindows lead off from the bar area and peer outonto the elaborately landscaped garden, which isan attraction in its own right. It is ring fenced,which provides security for wandering children,and inside here are three ancient horse chestnuttrees marking off its perimeter. Clearly some latterday Capability Brown has been at work for thesefunnel into two conifers which appear to have beenplanted as columns to draw the customer throughan arch into the main entrance of the pub.

I was for some time concerned that this wasbecoming just a restaurant but it seems to be gravi-tating back to being a pub serving excellent foodrather than a bar as a mere appendage to theeating area. Sharpe’s Doombar and AdnamsBroadside were the resident beers with St. AustellProper Job as the guest on my visit.

EltonThe number 24 bus will also take you to the BlackHorse in Elton. Proprietor Salvatore Savinoserves three real ales rotating and the pub boastsan excellent menu and an extensive, sensibly


Pub News

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8 | Pub news - continued

priced wine list. Salvatore tells me he is in thebusiness of selling wine to be drunk, not to belooked at – clearly a man after my own heart. Theoriginal oak beams are decorated with hop flowers,which I suppose are a belated floral tribute to itsinmates, as this was originally the jail which heldprisoners on their way to be hung in Peterborough.

The original jailhouse door is preserved in themain restaurant just through the arch leading fromthe bar. This pub is rumoured to be haunted andthe barmaid told me of a customer who witnesseda line of wine glasses spontaneously falling off theshelf and cascading on to the floor. It was at sometime run by Harry Kirk who was second only tothe celebrated Albert Pierrepoint as chief execu-tioner until he got his ties wrong and strangled oneof his customers instead of breaking his neck. Ofcourse it would be absurd of me to suggest thatthese two facts are in any way connected, but Isuspect it was what T.S.Eliot meant when he saidthat the communication of the dead is tonguedwith fire beyond the language of the living.

WarmingtonThe public footpath from Elton to Warmingtonruns through the churchyard, across pleasantundulating meadows and through shaded woods. Ifyou feel that you are getting lost, just locate thechurch spire and put your trust in your instinct anddivine guidance. Once you reach the end of thefootpath and arrive at the main road, turn right tothe Red Lion. This is basically a food orientatedpub, but has a central small bar with two restau-rant rooms leading off. One is decorated withlocal portraits which I assumed were former inhab-itants of the premises. Proprietors Richard Brightand Tim Stubbs however informed me that it isthe decorating style they chose for the pub andthat they have picked them up from local sales.Fullers London Pride and Nene Valley BlondSession Ale are regular beers.

AshtonThis attractive model village, built by the Roth-schild family in 1901 to house its farm workers,can be reached from Warmington by the footpathwhich hugs the main road. Or you can catch thebus and disembark at the roundabout just outsideOundle. From here you take the public footpath

through pleasant rolling countryside and throughthe chapel yard where you will catch sight of thepicturesque green which is the focal point of thevillage. Just along to the left is the ChequeredSkipper. The pub, like the whole of the village isbuilt from local stone quarried about a half mileaway. It was almost destroyed by fire 17 years agoand was rebuilt by John Roberts. As you enternow it is all air and light with clean white walls andstone and wood flooring. Since that time it hasbeen run by Ian Campbell who is dedicated to servinghigh quality real ale. Ian buys from Brewsters,Oakham, Red Squirrel, Blue Monkey, and Rock-ingham, amongst others. Dog owners will bepleased to note that there is a dog friendly eatingarea and Ian advised me that partners are alsowelcome. You can of course reach all of thesevenues by car, but if you perm any two fromdrinking, driving and breathing, I personally wouldrecommend drinking and breathing.

LeveringtonOn a pleasant spring day in April, a group of uswere invited by Elgoods to the launch of theirCambridge IPA, a hoppy 4.7 pale beer in the tradi-tional style which concentrates the flavour of theirstandard bitter, Cambridge. The event took placein the Rising Sun in Leverington where landlady,Maggie Sharman’s hospitality seemed to have nobounds. This is an attractive traditional villagepub with two bars, one of them a dedicated restau-rant area. It also has a spacious beer garden thatlooks out on to a pleasant rural landscape on theedge of the village. The focal point of this gardenis a stone artwork that looks like a miniature stonecircle. This is formed by a central columnsurrounded by four carefully placed stone pillars,each carved to reflect the shape of the one opposite.As I noticed a distinct absence of druids in thearea, it came as no surprise that I failed to calcu-late the spring equinox from it. On closer perusal itoccurred to me that it was actually functioning as asun dial, thus embellishing the name of the pub.The IPA was clearly taking effect.

West DeepingAlong the old Roman Road, outside MarketDeeping, now called King Street, is the tiny village ofWest Deeping. With a population of little over 300,this village has managed to keep its only remaining

BEER AROUND ERE | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2015 Visit our web site for up-to-date news: www.real-ale.org.uk

Pub news - continued |9

pub open. The Red Lion is a Grade 2 listed buildingdating back to the sixteenth century which you enterthrough a deep passage leading into a long main barwith two rooms annexed off like the chambers of amediaeval castle. A perfect symmetry is created bytwo inglenooks facing each other either end of thebar with a partition wall probing halfway towardsthem. Whether or not this is an accident of latermodification I cannot say but I doubt that the recon-struction could have been performed by hewingthrough the solid stone which provides the mainstructure of the pub.

It is currently run by Marie, Dave and their son-in-law and excellent chef, Gino. London Pride is thehouse beer and Marie was keen to point out that theyhave a policy of supporting local breweries with Star,Hopshackle and Potbelly available on my visit.There are excellent facilities here for children withone room off the main bar with games and a hugegarden with a children’s play area. You will notregret a visit to this pub for Sunday lunch but makesure you book in advance.

FotheringhayThis is one of the most delightful villages in thebranch, dominated by the high cloistered church ofSt.Mary and All Saints; it was the birthplace ofRichard 3rd. The church itself used to be amonastery and is noted for its unique double towers,an octagon mounted upon a square, with a falconadorning its highest point. The Falcon wasRichard’s emblem and is fittingly the name of thevillage pub. Run by Sally Facer, it has two bars and arestaurant to the rear. Sally told me that she origi-nally wanted to knock the wall down to the Tap bar,but she succumbed to village opinion and decide tokeep it as a separate drinking area.

The pub has a large attractive garden and aboutthree hundred yards away is the mound of Fother-inghay Castle where historians will know MaryQueen of Scots lost her head. It is well worth takingthe walk as it gives a glorious view of the surroundingcountryside. If you visit the pub on August 1-3 youwill have the added attraction of a beer festival.

HelpstonGreat expectations are soon to be fulfilled with thereopening of the Exeter Arms in Helpston.

George Sakalli has informed me that the delay isdue to his decision to go through the correct ListedBuilding channels and obtain the official blessingof the local council planning people for theimprovements. He is keen to follow the businessmodel that has been so successful at the GoldenPheasant and, as reported in Issue 180, will beexporting the same excellent cuisine to the newvenue. In order to enhance this facility, the entirestaircase and walls in the centre of the buildinghave been removed to create a spacious open barand restaurant area. Apart from re-positioning thestairs, a lot of work has been conducted to changethe kitchen and cellar areas, and new manager JonWalker (formerly of the Green Man in Stamford)was delighted to unearth some authentic York slabswhen the floor concrete was removed.

Previous patrons of the pub will instantly noticethe change to the exterior which is now aestheti-cally designed to be true to the original building. It is known that local poet John Clare played fiddlein the barn and was laid to rest in the area which isnow the main bar. Although the Exeter as we nowknow it did not have a licence in those days, Istrongly suspect that the music was not unaccom-panied by liberal amounts of alcohol.

The Bell Inn in Deeping St. James has reopenedunder the stewardship of Ian Crosbie. Ian is keento promote real ale and is currently serving Sharpe’sDoombar, Atlantic and Bass. He also intends tocreate a children’s play area in the extensive, wellappointed patio area to the rear. By the time thisarticle goes to print, all the improvements that Ianhas planned should have reached fruition.

In the last edition I reported that the George inOundle has reopened under the management ofErin Barret. She has written to say:

“In the 5 months we (myself and business partnerTed) have been here we have refurbished the puband given it a whole new look. The kitchen hasbeen fully refurbished with new equipment andextraction. We have achieved the OakhamAcademy of Excellence and doubled our real alesales and are waiting for Cask Marque accredita-tion. We have also gone from 2 real ale pumps to 3and if sales continue we may get a fourth.”


F


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Pub news - continued |11

Bourne againIn these days of conversions of pubs to othercommercial premises it is refreshing to walk alongNorth Street in Bourne and see evidence of thereverse process over the last few years. Althoughthe Royal Oak opposite the bus station has disappeared, we now have Archies Bar, formerlya café, the Jubilee Garage – yes, you’ve guessedit, formerly a jubilee - and Smiths, which is aconverted grocers shop. All of these serve real aleand the Garage was a revelation on my first visit asI felt I had been driven back to the fifties with itsmotor trade memorabilia. Dark and cavernousand on two floors, I am still wondering how a fivehundredweight van managed to get parked on tothe top floor. JHB is the house beer and Oldershaw’sGreat Charter and Grainstore Gold were also ontap. Deputy Manager Mark Jones informed methat the pub intends to attract more micros in thefuture including Nobbys and Horncastle.

Across the road is Smiths, and if you haven’tvisited it yet I really don’t know where you havebeen. Its imaginative redesign draws you into awarren of rooms full of rustic charm. Outsidethere is a huge patio and garden area and I believethat the pub overall has seating facilities for over200 customers. Pat and Jane retired in April andwill be greatly missed by their regulars, but newproprietors Chris and Ashley will continue theirpolicy of providing six real ales, three real cidersand two craft beers.

I have heard that Mark Richardson has big plans forthe Golden Lion including some inventive overhaul ofthe garden. As this refurb has only just got underway,I hope to have more news in future editions.

*This bus does not run on SundaysJT


Send us your news!Calling all landlords and landladies! Had a refurb? Got agreat event on? Started selling a new range of ales or cider?Let us know and we will add your news to these pages.Just email John Temple at [email protected]

Popular city centre bar Charters is to host theirfirst cider festival this September. The festival willstart at 5pm on Thursday 3rd September and rununtil Sunday 6th September, with 20 + ciders andperries there is sure to be something to tickle yourtastebuds. General Manager, Martin Race, said“Over the last six months we have seen a real risein the popularity of traditional ciders and decided

that we would give our customers a treat with acider festival. Of course, we will still have plenty ofguest ales for the discerning ale drinkers”. Keepan eye on Charters website www.charters-bar.comfor more information.

ChartersCiderfest

PALMERSTONARMS82 Oundle Rd

www.palmerston-arms.co.uk

14 Ever-changing, gravity fed real ales Wood burner for winter

Opening Times

Mon - Thurs3-12pm

Fri and Sat12 - midnight

Sun12-11.30pm

VINYL NIGHTBring down your favourite records

Check Facebook for next event

UKELELE NIGHTEvery Thursday from 7.30pm

PHILOSOPHY NIGHTCheck Facebook for next event

LIVE MUSIC WEEKLY

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For information on live entertainment go to:

Palmerston Arms

Check Facebook & local gig guides

Having been unable, forvarious reasons, toattend Rutland

CAMRA's main event in recent years, we hadmade it a priority this time and plans had beenfinalised with military precision. Originally we hadplanned to throw ourselves on the mercy of BritishRail, but following a stomach-lining breakfast atthe Stamford Post we enjoyed the rare luxury ofnot one but two volunteer car drivers including therecently-qualified Dr. Holyoake whose presencewas thus doubly comforting...

The prospect was mouth-watering - sevenOakham pubs offering mini beer festivals plus thealestravaganza at the museum. We arrived at theGrainstore just as the rest of our party, Lord andLady Goodacre of Waltham-on-the-Woldsalighted from the Melton Mowbray train, although

there was a less-than-auspicious start with only theGrainstore's own products available. Having saidthat there are worse ways of starting a session thaningesting a pint of Ten Fifty!

Across the road, the Railway had entered moreinto the festival spirit. A section of the lounge wascordoned off for half a dozen guest ales and Ienjoyed halves of Arundel Brewery’s Castle andRuby Mild from Isle of Man brewers Bushy. Wewere advised by the landlady not to have the ExeValley bitter, so naturally we requested tasters of it- and gratefully accepted her advice. Not sure whatwas up with it - either a bad barrel or there aresome strange tastes in the West Country.

The Three Crowns in Northgate, a Steaming Billyhouse, was next up. Whoever coined the expres-sion “back street gem” must have had a boozer like

Rutland Beer Festivaland Ale Trail


Rutland beer festival and ale trail |13

this in mind. Nostalgic decor, friendly dog, deli-cious cobs, second-hand book section, vinylrecords playing on an old-fashioned record player -and twelve guests in addition to Steaming Billy'sown range. The guests comprised four ales eachfrom Wharfe Bank, Brass Castle and Ilkley. Myhalves were Brass Castle Tail Gunner and IlkleyJoshua Jane.

We thought we'd aim for the museum next but ourroute took us through the welcoming doors of theWheatsheaf, also in Northgate, and here webumped into an old friend, Rutland CAMRAtreasurer Neil Broad. Ales here were hearteninglyvaried and included Everards Tiger, whichdelighted professional Leicesterian Mr. Holyoakesenior who from time to time delights in informingus that he was weaned on Everards. Thinkingabout it, that would explain a lot. Hambletonbrewery Nightmare and VIP Village Bike were myhalves of choice here.

On to the museum and what a treat greeted us!Delightful setting in the afternoon sunshine with thecentral courtyard given over to the bar area with its40-odd ales, straw bales to sit on and scrumptiouspork pies to complement the beers, which includeda debut for Baker's Dozen Electric Landlady. Anukelele band played to rapturous applause as myhalves of Pheasantry brewery’s Lincoln Tank andGood Shepherd (Imperial) went down.

Heading back into the town centre, our next port ofcall was the Lord Nelson. Twelve ales on here in trueThurlby/Knead tradition, including Jigger Stoutfrom the Backyard brewery and Tiny Rebel's DirtyStop Out, which pleased our resident mild/stout/porter aficionado Lord Goodacre. For me, a liquidLord - a pint of Thornbridge Lord Marples.

Further down Oakham High Street we turned intothe Admiral Hornblower with its large outdoordrinking area. On being asked if there was aporter available, the barmaid looked to see whereour luggage was.......but no matter, the ales in herewere splendid and varied. I had a pint of Belvoir'sOld Dalby and amongst the several other ales onoffer were Digfield Chiff Chaff, draught Bass and

an Oakham (unfortunately my notes at this stagestart to resemble ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics).Our wives were waiting for us at the day's final pub,the Captain Noel Newton. You know what to expectat Wetherspoon's and in a busy atmosphere Ifinished off with a pint of KCB No. 10 ale. Here wefell into an entertaining conversation with a young(late 20s) couple from Daventry who were making aweekend of the festival. Their commitment to, andpassion for, real ale set the seal on a smashing day.I'm already looking forward to next year!

Alun Thomas


Congratulations to Bruce Roan at the Letter Bin Whittlesey for achieving the CambridgeshireCider Pub of The Year (CPOTY). This is, webelieve, the first time one of our branch pubshas been awarded this accolade. The ‘B’ has upto 8 ciders available and they are very popularwith the locals as well as visitors. This awardfollows on from Bruce gaining the branchPOTY in 2012. Congratulations to Bruce andhis team for their achievement. The Letter Bnow goes forward to the next stage which isregional selection.

Letter B Cider Pub of the Year

Our five day event aims to showcase the bestreal ales from the UK, all kept in tip-top condi-tion by our expert cellar team. Add to that ourlocation on the embankment of the River Nenein the heart of the city with live music playingevery day and you have the perfect festivalatmosphere. We believe in getting the bestselection of beers that people will enjoy andwill continue to talk about long after they havefinished drinking. Our attitude to promotingreal ale means we get many festival specialsproduced and this loyalty extends to our visi-tors who return year after year. So for a trulymemorable and unique beer festival experiencewelcome to Peterborough – the biggest, thebrightest and the best!

BeersWe will be serving more than 350 draught realales including favourites, beers from very smallmicros, many from new breweries, someproduced specially for the festival and beersfrom our LocAle breweries. Almost all of thebeers will be served by gravity – straight fromthe cask. Our aim is always to have every beerready and available from the opening session –we do not hold any beers back. As always wewill be serving beers of many styles includingmilds, bitters, porters, stouts, specialityflavoured beers and a few real lagers. We regu-larly get asked for a beer list ahead of the festival– this will be available to view on the websitefrom around July onwards.

GlassesCommemorative pint sleeve glasses and half pinttankards bearing the festival logo will be availableand all will be oversized so that we can guaranteethat you get a full measure when the glasses arefilled to the line. Festival wine glasses will also beavailable at the same price.

Cider & PerryThe cider bar is with us, as always, serving one ofthe best selections of traditional cider and perry tobe found anywhere. This year we will have around60 varieties.

Wine BarThe wine bar will be selling traditional countrywines and still and sparkling grape wines fromEnglish vineyards.

Bottled BeersThe popular bottled beer bar will be selling anextended range of traditionally made bottled beersfrom around the world.

Soft DrinksOur soft drinks bar, the Escape Bar, will be sellinga range of soft drinks, crisps, ice cream, sweetsand cigarettes. We will also be selling children’s drinks at a mere 50p.

FoodThere will be a wide selection of foods availableincluding German sausages, French crepes, hogroast, doughnuts, oriental, olives, burgers, baconrolls, pasta, hot dogs, Cornish pasties, pittas, porkpies, waffles, tea & coffee.

The WorkersThe Festival is organised and run by members ofCAMRA who are all unpaid volunteers. We alwaysneed more help so why not give us a few hours ofyour time if you are a member.

Children at the FestivalLunchtime or early evening is the ideal time to bringthe family, as there is always an easy going, friendlyatmosphere. You can bring the dog (on a lead), the

The ‘King of Beer Festivals’is on its way!


PBF15 Information |17

picnic table, food and soft drinks but you must notbring your own alcohol. There will be a fairgroundat the back of the festival.

VenueThe 38th Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival willbe held in massive marquees on the River Embank-ment, Embankment Road, Peterborough PE1 1EF.The site is only a few minutes walk from the citycentre, bus rail and coach stations. A taxi rank willbe provided to enable you to get home withoutdriving. REMEMBER beer festivals and cars don’tmix.

Disabled AccessThe site is on one level on grass and disabled toiletsare provided at the side and back of the site. Wheel-chairs can be sourced but we do need advancewarning. Taxis and cars carrying disabled passengersare permitted to cross the Embankment and dropoff at the festival entrance.

Other StallsOn site you will find tombola, pub games, ourlunchtime pub quiz, the CAMRA shop, a T-shirtstand and the RNLI will be at the front gate askingfor your small change. This year we welcome backTipplefair. If you’re interested in beermats, pumpclips, glasses, pewter, brewery playing cards orother memorabilia related to the ‘Trade’ then comealong on Saturday.

CAMRA MembersCAMRA members get reduced entry to the festivalfor all sessions. There are many other benefitstoo including free or reduced entry to over160 beer festivals throughout the UK. Tofind out more or to join online visitwww.camra.org.uk/benefits.Ifyou’re not a member you canalso join or find out more at ourmembership and informationarea or simply have a chatabout what we do, ask aboutbeer, pubs, brewing and more.

Opening Times and PricesTuesday 25th August 2015

5.30pm to 11pm - £5, £3 to CAMRA & EBCU members

Wednesday 26th August 2015 Noon to 3pm -£2, 3pm to 11pm - £5

Thursday 27th August 2015 Noon to 3pm - £2, 3pm to 11pm - £6

Friday 28th August 2015 Noon to 3pm - £2, 3pm to 11pm - £6

Saturday 29th August 2015Noon to 3pm -£2, 3pm to 11pm - £6

(CAMRA / EBCU members Weds-Sat before 3pm-£1, After 3pm-£3). Pass outs available after 5pm


More informationTel: 01733 896555 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.beer-fest.org.uk@BoroBeerFest

PeterboroughBeerFestival

Tuesday 25th August

Open Mic NightAfter the success of the Open Mic Night for thelast two years, we are giving another opportunityto you to show off your unique talents on thePeterborough Beer Festival Stage. This event willagain be hosted by Stacy, so if you would like theopportunity to appear, do please contact her INADVANCE to register your interest. Stacy can bereached at [email protected] on stage 7.30pm to 10.45pm

Wednesday 26th AugustGrumpy Old MenNot everybody, when they reach a certain age, isresigned to pottering around on an allotment.United in the belief that the world deserves some-thing better than Justin Bieber, Grumpy Old Menburst on the scene, (well they started anyway), tenyears ago. They play a range of pop and rock fromthe sixties to the present day; from The Who toSnow Patrol. www.grumpyoldmen-band.comExpected on stage 8.00pm to 9.00pm and 9.30pm to10.45pm

Thursday 27th AugustThe ExpletivesA brand new Alternative Covers band from Peter-borough formed in June 2014. The four membershave wasted no time in putting together an energeticand impressive set of classic late 70’s New Wave &Punk songs, all delivered with energy, fire & skill.www.facebook.com/TheExpletivesBandExpected on stage 9.15pm to 10.45pm

The StringlersThis local all female string quartet has beendescribed as “brilliant”, “spectacular”, “edgy” and“amazingly versatile”! Playing refreshing versionsof music from the 1970’s to current chart toppers,expect to hear classics by Queen, Guns and Roses,Coldplay, Beatles and The Stranglers.

The group are all established musicians in thePeterborough area, from classical, folk and jazzbackgrounds but all with a passion for rock music.www.facebook.com/thestringlersExpected on stage 7.30pm to 9.00pm

Friday 28th AugustThe ActivatorsA unique, hard-working, dynamic 10-piece whoseeclectic style includes Rock, Ska, Reggae, Punk,Celtic and World genres - not ones to be pigeon-holed! Renowned for chaotic and highly energeticshows (complete with the thumbs-up from HappyMonday’s Bez!), they perform throughout the UKand Europe.This alluring band is definitely NOT tobe missed.www.theactivators.co.ukExpected on stage 9.15pm to 10.45pm

Dizzie Miss LizzysLed by guitar virtuoso Gizz Butt who between1996 and 1999 toured the world with The Prodigy(when Firestarter made No.1). Inaugurated for funand initially to support ex Beatle PETE BEST at the“Best Fest” in Liverpool 2010, The Dizzy MissLizzys blossomed. Gizz rooted out the ace voicesof wiz kid James and bassist Simon plus geniusdrummer maestro Fozzy and their popularitysoared as they became a hot act on the Peterbor-ough circuit with their mix of dazzling guitartracks, classic hard and heavy rock and timelessBeatles classics.www.facebook.com/TheDizzyMissLizzysExpected on stage 7.30pm to 9.00pm

Palmerston Ukulele BandThis is a bunch of guys and gals from the Palmer-ston Arms who just formed up for a bit of fun andhave gone from strength to strength. No beerfestival, large or small, is complete without aperformance from this multi-talented outfit withtheir entertaining style of sing along favourites.palmerstonukeband.co.ukExpected on stage 4.00pm to 5.30pm

Peterborough Beer FestivalEntertainment


PBF15 Information |19

Saturday 29th AugustThe ReplicasIntroducing The Replicas, bringing you somethingdifferent at every turn, from foot stomping Ska, Soul,Punk, Indy, Northern Soul... and much, much more.On stage is where this band lives and thrives, deliv-ering a high octane blend of music that will have youon your feet from the first song to the last. With anexpectant crowd always in attendance, the band’smotto of ‘something for everyone’ really does comethrough.

For some foot stomping classics and a chance to throwsome shapes....do not miss The Replicas.www.thereplicasband.comExpected on stage 9.00pm to 10.30pm

Saturday Afternoon BandsDoug HeathPeterborough based singer songwriter with a distinc-tive soulful voice and intricate style of guitar playing.Expected on stage 2.00pm to 3.00pm

Lartey SistersA unique acoustic duo made up of sisters Ashleigh andFaye Lartey. The girls write their songs using Faye’sexquisite acoustic guitar style. Ashleigh, whose voice isoften described as "stunning" and "mesmerising,"delivers profound and poetic lyrics. Expected on stage3.00pm to 4.00pm

Nick Corney and the BuzzratsNick Corney And The Buzz Rats have come to makeyou dance, sing, love, and sin so ‘Raise your glass inboth your hands’ and do not miss this band. Expectedon stage 4.00pm to 5.00pm

Lone GrooverNamed after the anti-hero of a comic strip that gracedthe weekly music inkies of the 1970s…….. THELONE GROOVER is a one man and guitar outfit whochannels his love of folk, punk and Americana intoclassic songs of beauty, protest and passion. Expectedon stage 5.00pm to 6.00pm


Brewery news |21

Bexar CountyBexar County is going intokegging in a big way and the kindof beers it produces really suitkegs, not all beers do. The firstkegs to be sold in Peterborough

were at the Coalheavers and each disappeared injust two days. In addition to beers soon there willbe alcohol- free sodas being produced, which willactually be fermented and will be similar to Fenti-mans ginger beer in the way it is produced, butwith far more interesting flavours. Brewer, Steve isonce again at a large beer festival in Barcelona withsome of his beers and where he is also on thejudging panel. The next new beer from the brewerywill be a chocolate cherry and milk mild at 3.2%.

Collaborations: there is to be a new breweryopening later in the year, with the former brewerfrom Blue Monkey, which will be called AbstractJungle and one the first beers to be brewed will bewith Bexar County. Bexar County and 3 BlindMice in Ely, produced a beetroot and ginger beer.Probably doesn’t sound great but the flavours areunbelievable. Green Tick which was brewedwith Xtreme Ales is to make a comeback shortly.

Castor AlesIn the last few weeks CastorAles have launched a new5.1% pale ale called Nepaleand donated 10p a pint

towards helping the victims of the Nepal earth-quake. Beer sales along with other events haveenabled more than £2,000 to be sent to the smallvillage of Tanglichock, in the Gorkha region ofNepal to assist with the rebuilding of a local school.Thanks to everyone that helped with this project.

Technology is leaping forward at Castor Ales andthe Investment Programme has seen the recentpurchase of a new malt shovel with early indica-tions suggesting that the beer quality has beenmaintained. Further proof of this, if it were

needed, was seen at the recent PeterboroughHeritage Festival, organised by Vivacity and heldin the cathedral precincts. A full selection ofCastor Ales (5 beers, plus 2 guests) was available inthe beer tent, and featured a new beer called ‘FullTilt’ 4.1% brewed especially to mark the occasionof the first mediaeval joust in a British city centrefor 500 years. The fact that it sold out, suggests,just like the jousters, it hit the right spot. Thefestival celebrates the heritage of Peterboroughand it was great to see Old Scarlett, thegravedigger, put in an appearance at the beer tentto have a pint of 4.6% Old Scarlet , the beer.

HOT OFF THE PRESS! Hopping Toad 4.1%has been invited to the Great British Beer Festivalat Olympia 11th to 15th August.

Elgood’sCambridge Bitter is beingserved on the new P&Ocruise liner Britannia.Apple and Vanilla Wheat

has recently appeared at the Barcelona BeerFestival and they have also had beers at the SourBeer Festival in Amsterdam. The current seasonalbeer is Buzz Lightbeer which is a 4% golden alewith honey. Elgood’s will be hosting the SIBA EastAnglian Beer Competition and Beer Festival fromThursday 24th September to Saturday 26thSeptember at North Brink Brewery, Wisbech.

Hopshackle BreweryThe new 10 barrel brewing kitinstalled in March 2015 isworking well, increasing theannual capacity to 480 barrelsor 17,280 pints!

Over 40 outlets are supplied direct with a corerange of beers and seasonals. The range of beersproduced are traditional and innovative sometimesradical. Bottle conditioned beers are also available.

Brewery News


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Kings Cliffe Brewery(KCB)The special amber brew for theCross Keys at Kings Cliffe was a

great success and will be repeated. They are busybrewing a special for the Peterborough Beer FestivalSingles Bar. It will be called SMaSH ABV 6.5%(Single Malt & Single Hop) and is using New WorldHops to produce a potent IPA. The brewery isrunning at full capacity with its regular ales No10,5C, 66 and P51 in preparation for the upcomingBeer Festival Season. A joint brew is planned withRichard of Mile Tree, but there are no details as yet.

Another special on the cards is an IPA calledGoldNZ ABV 4.2% and will be a lower strengthversion of SMaSH. Both SMaSH and GoldNZ arethe creation of David Smith who created thesuccessful and well-received KCB Porter P51. Bottles and mini-casks of all the current Kings Cliffebrews are available online and from the breweryThe brewery is trialling an open evening everyThursday 5:30pm – 7:30pm throughout thesummer. Finally Jez O’Neil, the owner and headbrewer, is looking forward to meeting everyone atthe Peterborough Beer Festival in August.

Mile Tree BreweryMeadowgold 3.8%golden/blonde, Larksong4.5% amber and Crescent

Ale 3.9% are all selling well. Due to populardemand and interest, Dark Secret 4% dark mildwill be brewed on a regular basis.

Mile Tree have made appearances at many localbeer festivals, the most recent being Haddenham,Ely Folk Festival, Gorefield, Townhouse, Ely andDeeping. They will be having a stand at the Peter-borough Beer Festival where visitors will be able tofind out more about the brewery.

Nene Valley BreweryNene Valley are looking forward tohosting the Beer Festival CellarTeam on their brewing day for the2015 edition of the Beer Festival. Isincerely hope that another

For further information or room reservationsplease call 01572 822302

14 High St East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY

We offer a range of two permanent and twochanging guest real ales alongside two real

ciders. Why not enjoy a pint or two in the sunoutside on our patio?

A Breakfast menu is served from 10 - 12.We are a great place for Sunday lunch after a

country walk or drive. Served from noon onwards.

We also offer 3 Star AA rated accommodation.

Brewery news - continued |23

“hoppy” brew results. This will be in addition tothe “Festival Special” and 2015 edition of DoubleJIP, at 9.9%, which the brewery have in thepipeline for our Beer Festival.

Nene Valley beers have been seen at a number oflocal festivals recently and two awards were won atNorthampton. Simple Pleasures Ale sharedtop spot in the Golden ales category with Eleanor’sIse from Whistling Kite, and Fenland Farm-house Saison took Gold in Speciality category.DXB is to be exhibited at GBBF.

The Orange American HefeWeisen brewedfor the Cambridge Blue, containing 450 orangesand several kilos of orange peel, has been availablein small quantities at the Tap and Kitchen andbeen very well received.

Australian Pale is now available in a number ofoutlets in the “Walkabout” pub chain. The kegversions of Pulp Fiction, Big Bang Theory andRelease the Chimps have recently been avail-able at the Coalheavers Arms in Park Street.Meanwhile, demand for cask ales continues togrow in areas both near and far.

A planning application has been submitted toNorthamptonshire County Council for permissionto expand the brewery and retail outlets in theunit. It is hoped to break ground on the expansionas soon as permission is granted with a view tobeing complete by Christmas. Dick hopes to beable to increase the number of fermenters to eight,with one used as a conditioning tank and anotherfor “lagering” for a full 6 weeks.

Oakham AlesBuilding work is underway at thebrewery in Maxwell Road, which whencomplete will see brewing capacity

potentially double with the addition of newbrewing vessels from Daniel Thwaites’ now redun-dant Victorian brewery in Blackburn. These willbe plumbed in alongside new bottling and kegginglines to keep everything in house. Over thirtypeople are now employed at the brewery as beersales continue to grow throughout the U.K. and

further afield. The beers are being exported toeighteen different countries around the world withItaly being a very productive market for them.

The vast majority of export beer is bottles andkegged beer, with the Italians drinking nearly half ofthe keg Green Devil produced. A second shipmentof beers went out to South Africa recently after thefirst was supped with glee. Other new markets areGermany, Hong Kong, Singapore and Russia.

In this country bottle sales are on the increasewith availability in many major supermarkets.Another top award for cask Green Devil I.P.A.as it was voted Beer of the Year by CAMRA’sGlasgow and West of Scotland Branch. It is onlythe third time an English beer has won this awardin the history of the organisation, the last beingduring the 1980’s.

Some new beers and old favourites are on thehorizon. In July Oakadamy members can try TheRobber a 4.8% golden beer with Tranquility at6.5% making a welcome re-appearance in theAged & Vintage range. The August seasonal is tobe Endless Summer for an extended run. Thisbeer may only be 3.4% but is full of hop flavours& continues to be a very popular summer addition.Also re-appearing is Dreamcatcher at 6.9%,(first brewed a few years ago for Peterborough BeerFestival) a lovely red-hued beer bursting with fruitflavours. Enjoy!

Shoulder of Mutton BreweryBrewing capacity has been increased by the addi-tion of 2 x 300 litre fermenters. Graham iscontinuing his policy of brewing monthly specials.The June special was a special Kolsch style beercalled Stahlstadt which means steel town inGerman. The July special is a black IPA featuringChinook and Citra hops and debittered midnightwheat. Following the steelworks theme, it is calledBessemer and tastes like a stout with increasedhop character. Shoulder of Mutton beers wererepresented at Grantham beer festival and DaveAllett intends to order a pin for the specials barand a firkin for the locale bar at Peterborough.


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Brewery news - continued |25

Star Brewing CompanyTitan 4.2%, a golden/blonde,light bitter, has recentlybeen brewed and distributed.At present the brewery are busy

concentrating on brewing their “core” beers,Comet 3.8%, golden/blonde, Meteor 4.0%traditional amber ale, Astral 4.6% andLightyear 5.0% pale. They are due to release anew beer at the beginning of August, which will becalled Starblast 4.2%.

Tydd SteamThere is a new beer soon tobrewed called Ratcatcher,which will be a 4.3%, very

hoppy, golden beer. There are also plans for afestival special for Peterborough Beer Festival,provisionally named Dream Time, which will bea dark, hoppy strong ale. Learning to Fly andDr. Fox’s Chicken Choker have been brewedrecently and Golden Kiwi will make a re-appear-ance in the near future.The brewery is working flatout at the moment with beers going to the KingsLynn Too Music Festival in July and the Holbeach

Music and Beer Festival in August.

Xtreme AlesThe brewery continues to growwith the addition of a new coldstore giving them the option to

brew more to capacity in the hotter summermonths. Beer festivals are still a major part oftheir sales with beers being seen at the PloughmanBeer Festival and the Peterborough Town SportsClub Beer Festival. Special beers were brewed forthese based on Pigeon Ale. These were AngryPigeon and Sporty Pigeon.

Away from Peterborough, beers have been to theTownhouse Beer Festival in Ely and the GrafhamCAMRA Beer Festival. Charters Bar has recentlyhad Evil Pigeon on.

Peterborough Beer Festival is the biggest week inXtreme’s calendar! Look out for their festivalspecial that as yet cannot be named. They willhave Pigeon Ale on the new LocAle Bar, alongwith a couple of beers on the singles bar, andChocolate Stout will be back on the main bar!

Diary dates CAMRA meetings, socials and beer festivals in the coming months

AugustSunday 9thRutland Ramble, visiting KingsCliffe and Grainstore breweries,plus a fine selection of Rutlandcountry pubs. Depart the BreweryTap at 12.00 and return by 7.30pm. Cost £7.00. Book places throughJohn Hunt, Social Secretary.

Monday 10th at 8.30pmBranch Committee Meeting atthe Woolpack, North St, Stan-ground PE2 8HR. All memberswelcome, please bring member-ship card.

Tuesday 11th – Sat 15thGreat British Beer Festival,

Olympia, London. 900 real alesplus ciders, perries, foreign beers,food, music. Further details:http://www.gbbf.org.uk

SeptemberMonday 7th at 8.30pm Branch Committee Meeting at JollyBrewer, Foundry Rd, Stamford PE92PP. All members welcome, pleasebring membership card.

Saturday 26th Joint social hosting Huntingdonbranch on a visit to Stamford.Meet at Peterborough RailwayStation at 11.30am. Return atapprox. 5.30pm. Cost TBC.Please book places through JohnHunt, Social Secretary.

OctoberSaturday 3rdAscot Beer Festival. Coach fromBrewery Tap cost £25 (includesentry ticket £12.50 withCAMRA card & transport). Forfurther information and to bookplaces please contact Roz Foun-tain via Facebook or [email protected]

Thursday 8th - Sunday 10thBooze on the Ouse Beer & Cider FestivalBurgell Hall, St Ives PE27 6WU70 + real ales, real ciders andperries




Now OpeningThe Blue Bear

Grizzly Coffee Lounge

Open from 9am Monday to Friday.

Steak NightsComing Soon!

Micropubs |27

There is a new phenomenon around at themoment in the world of pubs and beer, that of themicropub. The micropub movement started inNovember 2005, with the opening of TheButchers Arms in Herne Bay, Kent, and was forfour years, the one and only micropub. Slowly overthe next few years more and more have openedand recently the number in England reached the100 mark with the opening of The Lanes, inDover. Since then four more have opened andI’m pretty sure that with the way this movement isgathering momentum, the number will probablydouble in the next year or two.

So, what exactly is a micropub? Obviously, as thename suggests, it is small. The official descriptionis “a small freehouse which listens to its customers,mainly serves cask ales, promotes conversation,shuns all forms of electronic entertainment anddabbles in traditional pub snacks.” Sounds perfectto me. A good example is Just Beer, in Newark. Itdoes what it says on the label, sells just beer andnothing else. Because these pubs are so small andthere are no electronic distractions, you have nochoice about joining in conversations as you canhear what everyone is saying, and talking to abunch of strangers in a cosy little pub reallycreates a nice friendly atmosphere.

The main advantages for the owner of amicropub are the low start-up costs, the goodchoice of location, competitive rents and theability to buy your beers from anyone, as there is

no tie. A lot of the legal wrangling that makesopening regular pubs difficult and expensive donot apply to these smaller premises. Also, there arevacant buildings everywhere that can easily beconverted to a bar as no cellar is required. Irecently visited the amazing Barrel Drop, inNottingham, which was a former shop. They hadfifteen beers, all stillaged on shelves behind the bar,with a small cooling kit, which took up hardly anyspace at all. The Priors Oven, in Spalding, has ahorseshoe-shaped bar, with six beers on tiltingracks behind the bar. No cellar; having no cellaralso means no pipes to clean and no daily pullthrough so therefore very little waste.

Last year I visited my first micropub, The LittleChester Ale House, in Derby, which was a formerlaundrette. You could still smell the washingpowder. It was a tiny place that could hold thirtypeople at a push, but eight beers were availableand the place soon filled up due to its popularityand uniqueness. This uniqueness is part of whatmakes the micropub, as they are all different, yetfollow the same concept.

Locally, we have The Priors Oven, in Spalding,The Liberty Belle, in Ely, The Cask in Hand, inHolbeach, The Bank, in Willingham and slightlyfurther afield is The Beerhouse, in Market Harbor-ough. There are now four in or aroundNottingham and several throughout the Midlands.

The vast majority of micropubs are in Kentwhere it all began, but I’m sure they will be every-where within the next three years.

Dave Botton

The Micropub Revolution


It isn’t long until our usual “tented village” springsup on the Embankment meaning, of course, that itis Beer Festival time again. How many of youknow exactly where to put your hands on yourCAMRA Membership card? You will need it toclaim discounted entry to our Beer Festival or anyof the other discounts and offers available to you asa CAMRA member. Did you put it away in a safeplace (so safe that you can’t remember where)? Ifso, then now is the time to act, don’t leave it untilBeer Festival and think that things will be okay.You should, ideally, have your membership numberto hand when contacting HQ in St Albans,although this is not necessary. The direct dialnumber for membership is 01727 798440. Themembership team should be able to sort out anydifficulties in a timely fashion.I look forward toseeing you on the Embankment in August, maybeeven as a volunteer.

Bob MelvilleMembership Secretary

Membership Matters

Let there be one measure of ale throughout our whole realm

Booze on the OuseBeer & Cider Festival

8th - 10th OctoberThu 5-11pm, Fri 12-11pm, Sat 12-10pmBurgess Hall, St Ives, PE27 6WU70+ real ales, real cider & perryBottled foreign beer, food, wine & soft drinks

www.hunts.camra.org.uk/festival Campaign for Real Ale

The Jolly Sailor, 43 Great Whyte,

Ramsey PE26 1HH

Tel 01487 813388

BEER FESTIVALFRIDAY 4th TO SUNDAY

6th SEPTEMBERSunday afternoon BBQ and live music

OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY FROM 11amFive Real Ales on permanently

FOOD SERVED DAILY Monday to Friday: 12 to 2.30, 6 to 9pm

Saturday: 12 to 9pm Sunday: 12 to 4pm

Peterborough Real Ale Pub Guide launch |29

The sun is out; why not visit your local pub? A staggering 40% of people no longer visit the puband only 14% of adults visit once a week or more.23% of pub-goers have stated in independentresearch, published by CAMRA in January 2015that they visit the pub less often than they did just12 months ago.

The Campaign for Real Ale branches areworking harder than ever to support your local byrunning a number of activities throughout the yearto promote the local and also to promote choice inthe beer provided. I can’t emphasise how impor-tant it is for everyone to visit their local and givethem their support. Did you know within 25 milesof Peterborough City Centre there are 13 localbreweries all producing top quality ales andsupplying Peterborough and the surrounding areawith locally produced beer? CAMRA has over170,000 members across the world, and has beendescribed as the most successful consumercampaign in Europe. CAMRA supports well-runpubs as the centres of community life, whether inrural or urban areas and believe their continuedexistence plays a critical social role in UK culture.CAMRA also supports the pub as the one place inwhich to consume real ale (also known as cask-conditioned beer, or cask ale) and to try one ofover 5,500 different beers now produced across theUK. CAMRA is governed by a National Executive- a board of directors - who are elected at AGMfor a three-year term. At local level, CAMRA hasover 200 branches across the UK, enablingmembers to campaign and socialise in their localarea.

In June 2015 Peterborough & District CAMRApublished a FREE Peterborough pub guide. ThePeterborough Real Ale Pub Guide is now availablefrom the 40 Peterborough pubs listed, Peterbor-ough Visitor Information Centre, PeterboroughLibrary and Peterborough Museum. It is also avail-

able in electronic format from the PeterboroughCAMRA Website. The guide was launched onNational Beer Day 15th June at The Ostrich,North Street, Peterborough. Since that day I havebeen busy visiting all of the 40 pubs listed in theguide to ensure they have enough copies for therush! So what you waiting for? Not too much onthe telly during the summer months, so please payyour local a visit and, if you are looking to get moreinvolved, why not join CAMRA and enjoy all thebenefits of membership. A number of pubs in thePeterborough area are offering discounts to CAMRAmembers and there are lots of social activities youcan enjoy. Added to this is reduced entrance fee tothe world famous Peterborough Beer Festival on theEmbankment from 25th – 29th August 2015.

Mike Blakesley Press Officer

Long Summer Evenings, Visit your Local!


Tipplefair 2015I was delighted to hear that the Tipplefair wasreturning to the Peterborough Beer Festival, in thehospitality area, after a year’s absence. This eventcame into being in the late 1990’s and has beenheld at a number of different venues with variousorganisers ever since. For those who don’t know,this event claims to be the largest fair, selling onlydrink related merchandise, in the country.

Even if you’re not a collector, it’s well worthbrowsing the stalls to reminisce on drinks andbreweries of the past and, who knows, you mightending up buying a few items. We look forward tomeeting many of you at the beer festival onSaturday, August 29th. If you would like to book atable contact Steve Williams, mob: 0775 6066 503or email: [email protected]. For thelatest news see www.tipplefair.org.uk.

Mike Johnson & Maxine Chantry(British Brewery Playing Card Society)

Branch CommitteeSecretary: Dickie Bird4 Cissbury Ring,WerringtonPeterborough, PE4 6QH01733 574226 (tel & fax)07731 993896 [email protected]

Chairman: David Murray01733 [email protected]

Treasurer: Paul Beecham01733 31198107710 [email protected]

Vice Chair:Matthew Mace07809 [email protected]

Social Sec: John Hunt07923 [email protected]

Pubs Officer: John Temple07905 051 [email protected]

Press Officer:Mike Blakesley01733 390828 (h) 07747 617527 (m)[email protected]

Cider Officer: Bernidette [email protected]

Young Members: Kara [email protected]: Bob Melville07941 [email protected] Org:Mike Lane07850 [email protected]

LocAle Officer: Dave McLennan01733 346059 (h) 07854 642773 (m)[email protected]

Webmaster: Harry [email protected]

Brewery Liaison OfficersBlue Bell: John Hunt07923 489917Bexar County Brewery: Dave Botton01733 345475Castor Ales:Mike Lane07850 334203Digfield: Dave Waller07821 912605

Elgood’s: John Hunt07923 489917

Hopshackle: Noel Ryland07944 869656Kings Cliffe Brewery:Mike Blakesley07747 617527Melbourn: Don Rudd07806 731765Mile Tree Brewery:Steve Williams07756 066503Nene Valley: Bob Melville07941 246693Oakham Ales: Dave Allett07966 344417Tydd Steam: John Hunt07923 489917Shoulder of Mutton Brewery:John Temple07905 051 312Star Brewing Company: Don Rudd 07806 731765Xtreme Ales:Matt Mace07809 629241

Trading Standards08545 040506www.consumerdirect.gov.ukCheck out our website at:www.real-ale.org.uk

The all day venue – Open for meals and snacks 12pm to 9pm daily

A conservatory restaurant with food served all day, nooks and crannies in the old stables, outdoor seating and extensive parking, plus a selection of

Real Ales.

Real food, Real ales, Real pubBEST WESTERN PLUS Orton Hall Hotel

& Spa, The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, PE2 7DN

Tel: 01733 391111

The Ramblewood Inn‘The pub in the woods’

For special offers, news and travel directions visit www.traditionalinns.co.uk

All foodpurchased whenyou spend £25

50% OFF

Name

Email

Postcode

or more

Terms and Conditions - Coupon valid only when £25 or more is spent on food, cannot be exchanged for cash, does not apply to spend on drinkscannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, not valid for parties in excess of 8 people. Valid until Wednesday 30th September 2015.If you do not wish to receive further promotions please tick here.

A great welcome awaits you at The Farmers, Yaxley. We are famous for our fresh vegetables and great carverymeats, succulent and served with all the trimmings, then finished off with a tantalising hot or cold dessert!

Check out our lunch-time grill menus and our ever-changing specials boards. Put it all together with three fine cask ales and you have the perfect place to enjoy dinner with friends or a family celebration. We have a self-contained function suite which is ideal for parties, weddings and all of life’s celebrations.

So if you’ve not been before give us a try and you’ll bepleasantly surprised.

More than just a Carvery!

At Least Three

Real Ales!

Open Every Day10am - 5.30pm All Day Menu & Coffee

Midday - 2:30pm Carvery & Specials Menu5:30pm - LATE Carvery & Grill MenuSunday Open From 12 Noon - 9pm

All Day Carvery

Big

Breakfast

every Sat 8 to 11am

Help yourself from the carvery,

as much as you can eat for

only £5.95!

200 Broadway, Yaxley Tel: 01733 244885Email: [email protected] www.thefarmersyaxley.co.uk

Planning a wedding or special familyevent?

We have lots of packages available

including our new Green Room facility.

Please call for further details.

Now takingfestive bookings

beer around 'ere issue 184

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