NEWS - 2010
Click on the brown link below to go to the full article
New Landlord at the Horse & Jockey, Bodicote
31st March 2010
New landlord John Morgan arrived here toward the end of February,
moving from the Grimsbury area. The pub is very familiar to
John as he used to live in Bodicote and drank here in his younger
days. He sells two real ales; Hooky Bitter as a regular and a second
changing ale. During a recent visit this was Shepherd Neame
Spitfire. There is a third hand pump in the lounge bar used
for the Hooky Bitter but if demand for real ale increases, John
would be happy to offer a third beer. The pub is open 5-11
Monday-Thursday, 12-3 & 5-close Friday and noon-close Saturday
& Sunday.
John is now serving food. The traditional pub menu is available
three days a week 12-2 & 6-9.30 Friday & Saturday and 12-3
Sunday.
Live music and Sky Sports are also featured.
Source: North Oxfordshire CAMRA
Hook Norton hosts an evening of Beer and
Asian food on 19th June
9th June 2010
The Hook Norton Brewery in North Oxfordshire is hosting a tasting
of its ales with Asian food on Saturday 19 June at 6.45pm for 7pm
start.
The food is prepared by the acclaimed chefs from the Thai Shire
restaurant in Chipping Norton.
An extensive range of Thai, Chinese and Malaysian dishes will be
available to sample, including Thai spring rolls, Chinese king prawns
and sesame prawn toasts and Malay sambal chicken and satay chicken.
Entrance is by ticket only, which can be purchased in advance for
£10.00 from the Visitor Centre.
Visitor Centre Manager Richard Hughes said: The authentic
Asian food is prepared by the friendly staff of the Thai Shire restaurant.
The dishes will be marvellous partners to Hook Nortons range
of craft produced beers.
The Asian food and beer evening will be fun way to help people
understand that beer is the perfect partner to many food styles.
Indeed, when it comes to the delicate flavours found in some Asian
dishes beer is not just the equal to wine it is better.
Entrance is by ticket only, which can be purchased in advance for
£10.00 from the Visitor Centre. To make a booking for the
call 01608 730384 or pop in to the Hook Norton Brewery Visitor Centre.
Tours of the brewery have to booked in advance and take place at
9.30am, 11.00am and 2.30pm on Monday- Friday. Saturday 10.30am and
1.30pm. Each tour takes about two hours and includes a tasting of
Hook Norton beers. Tours cost £9.50 per person.
The Brewery Visitors Centre, Brewery Lane, Hook Norton OX15 5NY
is open Monday to Saturdays from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
North Oxfordshire Branch needs YOU!
27th June 2010
The North Oxfordshire Branch of CAMRA is in real danger of folding
because of a lack of members willing to get involved with the running
of the Branch.
At the moment we are missing a Vice Chairman, Press and Publicity
Contact and Branch Secretary, all of which are vital roles.
For the last year we have been running with many posts vacant which
has resulted in some members having to carry out other posts as
well as their own. It has now reached the stage where this cannot
continue.
However it's not only at Committee level that the lack of active
members is having an impact on the Branch - we rely on volunteers
(known as Clustermasters) to deliver Beer on Tap and to act
as a contact between the Branch and pubs within their 'cluster'.
North Oxfordshire Branch covers a wide geographic area and we always
need help with this important job.
North Oxfordshire CAMRA Branch desperately needs your help!
Please consider getting involved in some way - if you would like
more information about the various posts, please contact the Chairman
or check the VACANCIES section
of this website.
Posts can be shared if that would help, and if you are interested
in clustering you don't have to commit yourself to delivering to
lots of pubs, every little helps.
If the Branch doesn't get more help with the organisation and running
of the branch there will be NO MORE BRANCH and that means:
- No more Banbury Beer Festival.
- No more Beer on Tap.
- No more campaigning for pubs and real ale in this region.
- No central information point or promotion of local beer festivals.
- No news of events, new owners, etc from pubs around North Oxfordshire
The future of the North Oxfordshire CAMRA Branch is in YOUR hands.
Source: Beer on Tap - Issue 41
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Hook Norton Brewery hog roast & ale tasting
8th July 2010
The Hook Norton Brewery in North Oxfordshire is hosting a tasting
of its ales with a hog roast on Saturday 24 July at 6.45pm for 7pm
start.
The pig is being prepared and spit-roasted by Kench Butchers from
Chipping Norton.
Visitor Centre Manager Richard Hughes said: The evening is
the perfect opportunity to sample beers from Hook Nortons
range of award wining beers and learn a little about why they are
so special.
The evening also gives us an opportunity to show that Hook
Norton beers are drinks of some sophistication, with a greater range
of colours and flavours than wine.
We believe our beers are perfect for partnering with many
foods.
The tasting includes Haymaker, at 5 per cent ABV, a clear,
golden, summer ale, with a refreshing aroma and taste.
Brewed from a blend of Maris Otter Pale Ale and Cara pils
malts and a mix of Fuggles, Goldings and Challenger hops, its aroma
is beautifully fragrant and fruity, featuring grapefruit, tangerine
and peach.
The quality and depth of its taste should make it an ideal
accompaniment to the sweet flavour of the roasted meat he
said.
Entrance is by ticket only, which can be purchased in advance for
£10.00 from the Visitor Centre. To make a booking call 01608
730384 or pop in to the Hook Norton Brewery Visitor Centre.
The price of admission includes a tutored tasting of Hook Nortons
award winning ales, then a portion of roasted hog and two halves
of Hooky beer of your choice.
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
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CAMRA hails big society support for community
owned pubs
21st July 2010
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has today welcomed the Prime
Ministers endorsement of pubs as local assets and the promise
of Government support for communities wishing to save threatened
pubs through community ownership. CAMRAs new polling research
shows that 43% of people would be willing to join efforts to save
their local favourite pub if it was under threat. Among regular
pub goers this figure rises to 63%.
CAMRA has written to the Government seeking assurances that adequate
resources will be allocated to provide business, legal and financial
advice to communities wishing to save their local pub by running
it as a mutual, co-operative or social enterprise.
Jonathan Mail, CAMRA Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said:
Pubs provide the vibrant heart of our communities and provide
an invaluable meeting place and the centre for countless local activities.
The loss of such pubs can be devastating to community spirit and
identity and Government has a key role to play in enabling communities
to come together to save their local pubs. CAMRA is committed to
ensuring the Government back up their vision of a Big Society with
practical legal, business and financial advice to ensure the success
of community attempts to save local pubs through community ownership.
Source: CAMRA HQ
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Hook Norton's wheat beer, Summer Haze returns.
22nd July 2010
Come rain or shine enjoy Hook Nortons Brewers Selection for
August Summer Haze.
Hook Nortons Summer Haze returns to pubs and beer festivals
for August.
First brewed in 2009, Summer Haze, at 4.5% ABV, it is the first
wheat beer from Hook Norton, but dont be fazed if it has a
slight haze, wheat beers are meant to.
Light, fruity, highly effervescent and refreshing, it is an ideal
drink for a summers day. A common style in Belgium and Germany,
where they are often known as white beers, the protein in wheat
can cause a slight haze in the beer.
Wheat helps give the Summer Haze a smooth mouth feel making it
easy to drink. It is the perfect partner to food and ideal for someone
who wants to try a real beer for the first time.
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
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Switching to beer can help you lose weight
11th August 2010
Swapping from wine to beer for just one week would save as many
calories as a jog
Good news for beer drinkers as new research shows people can enjoy
their favourite Hooky Norton ale without putting on weight. In fact,
swapping from wine to beer for just one week would save as many
calories as a half-hour jog.*
The research, published by CAMRA during last weeks annual
Great British Beer Festival in London shows that around one-third
of men and women wrongly believe that beer has more calories than
other alcoholic drinks. In fact, the opposite is true and, when
drunk in moderation, beer can help you to lose weight, cut your
alcohol consumption and, more generally, supplement a healthy lifestyle.
CAMRAs research is based on a groundbreaking report entitled
Beer, the natural choice?, by leading health journalist
Isla Whitcroft. The report examined the health properties of beer
and its calorie content, compared to other alcoholic drinks:
Half pint of 3.8% Bitter (284ml)
|
Medium glass of 12% Red Wine (175ml)
|
Medium glass of 12% White Wine (175ml)
|
Bottle of 5% 'Alcopop' (275ml)
|
85 Calories
|
119 Calories
|
131 Calories
|
179 Calories
|
1.1 Alcoholic Units
|
2.1 Alcoholic Units
|
2.1 Alcoholic Units
|
1.4 Alcoholic Units
|
Hook Norton Managing Director James Clarke said: It is great
to see the myth of the beer belly finally laid to rest. Too many
consumers, particularly women, have been discouraged from drinking
beer because of worries that it is fattening or unhealthy, and now
we have proof positive that the opposite is true. We hope this research
makes more people realise that beer is low in alcohol and calories
- but still packed with a fantastic amount of flavour.
Professor Charlie Bamforth, renowned technical brewing expert,
also welcomed the reports findings. He said: The major
source of calories in any alcoholic drink is the alcohol itself,
and because beer is the drinks category with the lowest average
alcohol content it is also lowest in calories. Beer also contains
no fat or cholesterol and very few free sugars. So for someone looking
to lose weight, swapping their glass of wine for a beer every day
would not only reduce their weekly alcohol intake by seven units
but also cut out more calories than are burned off during
a typical 30 minute jog.
*Based on Food Standards Agency Calorie Calculator-www.eatwell.gov.uk
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
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Free music festival at the Vaults, Banbury
26th August 2010
The new owners of the Vaults in Banbury, Jem Morey and Ant Murray
are introducing themselves to the area by holding a charity music
festival.
Jem and Ant have recently taken over the Vaults in Parsons Street
and have organised the mini festival in aid of Katherine House Hospice.
The event will feature live music throughout the day including
Hot City Symphony, the King Arthurs and Banbury band Outraze who
will play their last ever gig.
"We feel it's very important yourself as a busines with a
local charity," said Mr Murray. "We hope this will be
the first of many events in which we can work together with Katherine
House Hospice".
The free event will be on Sunday 29th August from 3pm. Barbecue
food will be available all day.
Source: Banbury Guardian
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Cider pub nominations wanted in North Oxfordshire
3rd September 2010
Real cider is a long-established traditional drink which is produced
naturally from apples and is neither carbonated or pasteurised.
However real cider is in a similar situation to that which faced
real ale some 30 years ago with the number of outlets for real cider
is diminishing, even in the West Country. The situation with perry
(which is made from pears) is even worse, as it is rarely available
away from the farm gate. It is unfortunate that many of the most
well known ciders in the UK are cold, fizzy keg products which have
been produced artificially rather than naturally. It is well worth
you tracking down some real ciders and perries and more and more
people are discovering for themselves how deliciously mellow, aromatic
and intoxicating the flavours of naturally produced real cider can
be.
Is there a good cider pub near you?
CAMRA has launched a new scheme to promote pubs serving real cider,
but if you take a look at the main CAMRA website you'll note that
there is currently only one listed in our area - can that be right???
If a pub near you has at least one real cider available throughout
the year then please submit the pubs details to our Chairman, Lynne
Baldwin by 30th September.
Source: North Oxfordshire CAMRA Committee
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North Oxfordshire CAMRA tour of the Black
Country
10th September 2010
On Saturday, 18th Sepember, the volunteers who helped staff the
Banbury Beer Festival back in May are touring the Black Country
The trip is by coach, with two pick-ups in Oxfordshire - one at
Pear Tree Services (Oxford) at 10:00am and the second outside the
Woolpack in Banbury at 10:30am.
The tour takes in 7-8 different pubs in the Black Country, including
a Sarah Hughes tour before returning to Banbury at around 10:00pm,
followed by Pear Tree Services shortly after.
There are two meal stops, the first at midday at the Weighbridge
and the evening one at the Waggon and Horses at 7:00pm.
Those volunteers who helped at the Beer Festival can go for free
and anyone else who wishes to attend can go for a small fee:
CAMRA members - £15 / Non CAMRA members - £17
For further details or to book your place contact our Social
Secretary
Itinerary (provisional)
Various OXN pick ups - Pear Tree Services 10am
Banbury dep. 10.30
Alvechurch arrv. 1125
1.Weighbridge, Scarfield Hill,B48 7SQ inc. lunch option
Avlechurch dep. 12.45
Sedgeley arrv. 13.30
2. Beacon Hotel, 129 Bilston St., Dy 3 1JE (incl Sarah Hughes
Brewery tour)
Sedgeley dep 14.45
Brierley Hill arr 15.15
3. Vine(Bull and Bladder),10 Delph Rd.,DY5 2TN
Brierley Hill dep. 16.15
Cradley Heath arr16.35
4. Hollybush 53 Newton Lane, B64 5EA (for sampling Millstone
Tiger - Beer of the
Festival)
Cradley Heath dep 17.10
Halesowen arr 17.15
5. Waggon and Horses 21 Stourbridge Rd., B63 3TU
possible to walk to:
6. Hawne Tavern,78 Attwood St.,B63 3UG
Halesowen dep.(Waggon & H) 18.15
Oldbury arrv. 18.30
7. Waggon and Horses, 17A Church St., B69 3AD inc. food option
Oldbury dep. 19.45
Warings Green arrv 20.30
8. Blue Bell Cider House, Warings Grn Rd., B94 6BP(s of
Cheswick Grn off Ilshaw
Hth Rd)
Warings Green dep 21.20
Banbury 22.00
Various Oxon drop offs - Pear Tree Services 22.30
Source: North Oxfordshire CAMRA Committee
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Chequers, Chipping Norton changes hands
12th September 2010
Tuesdays are traditionally the days for pub hand-overs, and the
last day of August saw the Chequers in Chipping Norton change hands
with the tenancy transferring from the hands of John Cooper, landlord
since taking over from Josh and Kaye Reid in October 2006, to Jim
and Indra Hopcraft.
The Hopcrafts have been in Chippy since the late nineties, when
they moved to the area while working for Wychwood Brewery. They
had managed some Hobgoblinns around the country before becoming
part of the management team in Witney. Jim is a CAMRA member and
you may have met him at Chipping Norton's Rugby Club Beer Festival
which he has co-ordinated for the last five years.
The Chequers is well known for its quality selection of Fuller's
ales. Jim says "It's a delight to be involved with such a great
well known pub. We will be extending the beer range to make use
of Fuller's reciprocal deals but I hope you can be sure of a well
kept ale at any time. We have a fantastic new chef who is excited
about preparing fresh local food both for the traditionalist and
for those who want to try something a bit different".
With landlords called Hopcraft and a chef called Tuckwell the Chequers
is already on the right road. We welcome Jim and Indra, wish them
every success and look forward to many more meetings in this pleasant
venue.
Jim and Indra with their daughter Freya, Assistant Manager Alastair
Milne and Chef Nathan Tuckwell.
Source: North Oxfordshire CAMRA Pubs Officer
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Locals run their locals
Good Beer Guide celebrates growing trend of community-owned pubs
17th September 2010
CAMRAs Good Beer Guide 2011, launched on Thursday 16th September
2010, has applauded the growing trend of community owned pubs.
With 39 pubs closing every week, more tight-knit communities are
banding together to save their local pub from closure.
Roger Protz, editor of the Good Beer Guide said, It is great
to see more and more communities coming together to save their local
pubs from closure. A community pub offers locals the best place
to socialise and I was delighted to see that seven community-owned
pubs made it into to this years guide. It just goes to show
how successful these schemes can be.
The seven community pubs that appear in the 2011 Good Beer Guide
are as follows: (For a full list of community-owned pubs please
visit www.camra.org.uk/gbgmedia)
Red Lion, The Green, Preston, Hertfordshire, SG4 7UD (Page
203, Good Beer Guide 2011)
This is the countrys oldest community-run pub. Its an
attractive Georgian building in a small village where many houses
were designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.
In 1982, Whitbread, which owned the pub, announced it planned to
turn it into a steak house. Locals felt this would destroy the intimate
character of the pub and force out the local cricket teams who used
it before and after matches. A steak house would also attract unwanted
traffic from such large neighbouring towns as Hitchin, Welwyn Garden
City and Stevenage.
So a group of locals raised the cash to buy the pub and formed a
board of directors: they received a message of support from the
Queen Mother, whose family has historic roots in Hertfordshire.
Today the successful and award-winning pub is run for the community
by Jo and Ray Lambe.
The Red Lion was named CAMRA Hertfordshire Pub of the Year in 2000,
2001, 2005 and 2006.
New Inn, Shipton Road, Shipton Gorge, Dorset, DT6 4LT (Page
136, Good Beer Guide 2011)
The New Inn is a remote rural pub that was saved from closure in
2006 by a group of local people who lease it from Palmers,
the family-owned brewery in Bridport.
Under local control, the New Inn has become the focus for many village
activities and plays a vital role in an isolated community that
has lost its post office and village shop.
The pub stages regular quiz nights and coffee mornings and offers
special meals for pensioners. It attracts visitors walking the Jurassic
Coast, a World Heritage site.
Star Inn, 2 Back Hope Street, Higher Broughton, Salford,
Greater Manchester, M7 2FR (Page 326, Good Beer Guide 2011)
The Star proves that pubs can be saved in big cities as well as
small villages.
The pub, in The Cliff area of Salford, was closed by Stockport brewer
Frederic Robinson in 2009 and was bought by a group of regulars
who formed a co-operative that now has 62 shareholders.
The pub is run by an 11-strong management committee. It has a house
beer brewed by local craft brewer Bazens.
Angel Inn, Main Street, Grosmont, Gwent, NP7 8EP (Page 572,
Good Beer Guide 2011)
The Angel Inn is a pub of historic importance, close to Grosmont
Castle on the Three Castles Walk.
When the pub was threatened with closure, it meant the heart would
be ripped out of the community as the Angel is the last pub in the
village.
Locals raised £250,000 to buy the pub. The Angel sells beer
from Tomos Watkin and Wye Valley and stages beer and cider festivals
in the summer. Theres often live music at weekends.
Jolly Farmer, Church Road, Cookham Dean, Berkshire, SL6
9PD (Page 43, Good Beer Guide 2011)
This is a fine example of how a pub can be saved and become a vital
hub of the community.
In 1987 Courage announced it would sell the pub, with plans for
it to become a curry restaurant.
As a result of local protests, Courage abandoned the sale and said
it would sell the pub to the community for £300,000. Sixty
shareholders clubbed together and raised £250,000 while Courage
gave the remaining money through a loan with a clause saying that
the more beer the pub sells the less interest is charged.
The pub has taken on the services of the local post office and there
are plans to run a community shop on land next to the pub.
There are regular beer festivals and as well as Brakspear Bitter
and Youngs Bitter the pub still sells Courage Best.
Three Horseshoes, Dye House Road, Thursley, Surrey, GU8
6QD (Page 438, Good Beer Guide)
This pub was threatened with closure when a developer wanted to
turn it into private housing.
The pub was closed for five years but was re-opened in 2004 when
it was bought by a group of locals.
Its now one of the most successful pubs in the area, attracting
visitors to the Devils Punchbowl and Thursley Nature Reserve.
The pub offers cask beers from Hogs Back and Surrey Hills craft
breweries and families are welcomed to a two-acre garden.
Old Crown, Main Street, Hesket Newmarket, Cumbria, CA7 8JG
(Page 92, Good Beer Guide 2011)
The Old Crown is Britains best-known community-run pub. Its
the last pub in the village and when it was threatened with closure
locals formed a co-op to buy it and run it.
A second co-op was set up to run the small Hesket Newmarket Brewery
behind the pub. The pub has twice been visited by Prince Charles
as its a prime example of how a pub can be the hub of its
community.
For a full list of community-owned pubs please visit www.camra.org.uk/gbgmedia
Source: CAMRA HQ
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Hook Norton unfurls its Flagship brew
22nd September 2010
Flagship sails to the bar for October only
Hook Norton Flagship, at 5.3 per cent ABV, returns to the bar for
one month only in October after an absence of 12 months.
The beer was originally brewed in 2005 to celebrate the 200th anniversary
of the Battle of Trafalgar and is the perfect drink to toast the
architect of the victory at Trafalgar, Lord Horatio Nelson who died
on 21 October, in 1805.
Hook Norton managing director James Clarke said: Flagship
is a true India Pale Ale style of beer. Pale in colour it is a fulsome
and robust beer, full of hops it is infused one of the new dwarf
hop varieties which is called Admiral of course.
The Admiral hops contribute to a full fruity mouth feel,
and a sweet fruity aroma. The beer is a perfect accompaniment to
a ploughmans good beer and cheddar cheese, what could
be better?
Ingredients: Flagship Maris Otter Pale Ale, Enzymic malts, Fuggles,
Goldings and Admiral hops.
Food pairing: Goes well with a strong cheddar cheese.
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
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White Swan, Wigginton to re-open.
1st October 2010
The villagers of Wigginton are getting their pub back. The White
Swan at Wigginton will reopen under the new management of Kirsty
Riddell and Philip Kingston on Friday 1st October 2010 at 6pm. Kirsty
and Philip, with the help of some of the villagers and staff from
the Hook Norton Brewery, have worked hard to get the pub, which
was shut for several weeks, ready for business again.
Now they are ready to go and put the pub back where it should be
- at the heart of community life. The couple plan to make the pub
popular with locals and the many walkers who pass by.
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
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White Swan flies again
7th October 2010
The villagers of Wigginton are celebrating the reopening of their
pub which had been shut for six months.
The White Swan at Wigginton has reopened under the new management
of Kirsty Riddell and Philip Kingston.
Kirsty and Philip say they have worked hard to get the pub ready
for business and now want to put it back, where it should be, at
the heart of community life.
The couple who live in the nearby village of Hook Norton, say they
really like the White Swan, as it is full of character and has a
great atmosphere.
Kirsty said: I have always wanted to run my own pub, and
now the Hook Norton Brewery has helped me to do so.
We want to make a difference and make this pub thrive again.
The village has no school or shop and the only place locals can
meet together is in the pub.
And the couples hard work and enthusiasm certainly seemed
to pay off on the pubs opening night as the bar was crowded
with villagers celebrating the return of their much missed local.
Im so happy the pub is open, said one local,
we have all missed it. Another said: Once people
see the place is open again they will want to use it.
Kirsty and Philip plan to introduce a simple food menu within a
couple of weeks. A ladies darts team will play at the pub
and plans are in hand to get a mens team going too. During
the summer Aunt Sally will be played outside in the pubs relaxing
garden.
The couple also plan to make the pub popular with the many walkers
who pass by. The pub is an ideal base for ramblers who want to explore
the local countryside. Walkers can leave their cars in the pubs
car park before returning for lunch and a pint of Hooky, however
booking is advised.
Hook Norton Brewerys horse drawn dray is a regular and much
loved feature of life in the village of Wigginton. Most Fridays
the village sounds to the clip of clop of horses shoes as the dray
delivers beer to the White Swan.
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
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The demise of one pub and the creation of
a new bar in Banbury
14th October 2010
Time has finally been called on the Cricketers Arms in Grimsbury,
which has been closed since December 2009.
Last week Councillors approved plans to convert the pub on Middleton
Road into flats.
The exterior of the building will remain largely unchanged apart
from a lick of paint and new windows, but the interior will be completely
remodelled into six two-bedroomed apartments over 3 floors.
The Cricketers Arms has had quite a notable recent history, with
the death of Kevin Lavelle in 2004. Police are treating this as
murder but nobody has been brought to justice yet.
In December 2009, because a deal couldn't be struck with the then
owners, Enterprise Inns, the pub lost its licence and shortly afterwards
a fire tore through the pub causing extensive damage.
With the demise of one drinking hole, comes the imminent opening
of another in Banbury Town Centre.
Building work is well under way to refurbish the site which used
to house 'Yates' in Parsons Street. 'Yates' closed in Easter 2008
and the building has been empty ever since. Marc Sylvester, who
used to own the 'Wine Vaults' which is opposite, had been eyeing
up the site and bought it in July. The new bar will be called 'Also
Known As' and is due to open mid November.
Mr Sylvester says "It will be a new 'high-end' bar with vintage
furniture and live music and entertainment for people to come and
have a drink. This will be totally different from what you would
normally get in a smal town like Banbury".
He addes that he hopes to bring a bit more character to Parsons
Street, which has been rejuvinated over the past few months.
Source: Banbury Guardian
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CAMRA vows to keep up pressure to secure
reform of the beer tie
14th October 2010
Blinkered OFT fails to tackle Pub Company abuses
CAMRA is continuing its campaign to secure reform of the beer tie
despite todays announcement by the OFT, Office of Fair Trading,
that it will take no action. This is despite considerable evidence
providing reasonable grounds to suspect anti-competitive behaviour
by the large pub companies.
The inaction of the OFT, whose responsibility is to ensure markets
work well for consumers, is all the more remarkable given that the
Commons Business Select Committee and the Government recognise that
a competition problem exists and are working to find a fair solution.
Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive, said:
CAMRAs initial reaction to the OFTs decision
is that it is based on a blinkered and selective consideration of
the evidence. The OFT has squandered an opportunity to support a
process of industry self regulation to improve competition and benefit
consumers. Todays OFT decision does nothing to change the
fact that the Business Secretary ,Vince Cable MP, has publicly stated
that the pub companies are on probation and that they will face
legislative action if they fail to reform by June 2011.
The OFT recognises the concerns of tied pub landlords but
has failed to recognise the impact of these on consumers. It is
extraordinary that the OFT appears to have dismissed as irrelevant
the treatment of tied pub landlords by the large pub companies.
A balanced and fair relationship between tied pub landlords and
the large pub companies is crucial to ensuring the pub market works
well for consumers.
The OFTs own analysis recognises that tied pub landlords
on average pay around £20,000 more for their beer every year
as a result of being tied and unable to purchase beer on the open
market. CAMRA, unlike the OFT, recognises that higher costs imposed
upon tied pub landlords will inevitably be passed onto consumers
through higher prices, under investment and pub closures.
Dr. Rick Muir, author of the Institute for Public Policy Research
(ippr) groundbreaking 'Pubs and Places' Report said:
ippr research shows community pubs are not just places to
drink, but are also places where people meet friends and neighbours
and where local clubs hold meetings and events. Community pubs are
the embodiment of the big society principle yet many
risk being squeezed to death as a result of restricted competition.
The OFT has failed to stand up for individual pub landlords and
ultimately it will be consumers who suffer as yet more pubs close.
For further information:
CAMRA's Press Office - 01727 798444 or 01727 798448
Source: CAMRA HQ
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North Oxfordshire CAMRA helps save the Whitmore
Arms
25th October 2010
Theres no doubt that running a rural pub is a tough gig but
when the landlord at the Whitmore Arms in Hethe recently attempted
to cut his losses by applying to turn the pub into a house, the
opposition was overwhelming.
Facing the prospect of losing their much loved pub, locals
John and Nick immediately turned to Brian Wray
and Paul Monty Montague at their local branch for help.
Although wed managed to gather 104 objections (there
are only 110 households in Hethe), CAMRA were able to provide us
with an incredibly detailed business viability report that was sent
along to the local council, said Nick. The speed with
which Brian and Monty responded was incredible and we are so grateful
to them.
Speaking at the planning hearing, Nick argued that the pub had
plenty of life left in it with the right investment. He said This
pub sits in the heart of Larkrise country. Its been serving
beer for hundreds of years and we see no reason why it shouldnt
continue to do so although we recognise the current landlord may
not be able to invest the money to make this happen. While
the council rejected the planning application they sent out a strong
message to the local community of use it or lose it
and said that if the application appeared again, it might get a
more sympathetic hearing.
Were grateful for the councils wisdom on this
matter said Nick. This pub sits at the heart of this
beautiful village. The pubs loss would have had a devastating
impact on the village and we accept the warning that has been sent
to us.
Nick said I particularly want to thank Brian, Monty and others,
who came so quickly to support our campaign. CAMRAs submission
to the council provided a powerful argument against closure and
I hope that together we have sent a strong message out to others
who would try and tamper with our countrys heritage.
The campaign group have now found an independent buyer for the
pub who they hope will be able to bring the required investment
to The Whitmore in the coming year.
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Hook Norton hits the 'Jackpot' with its latest
brew
26th October 2010
Hook Norton Jackpot, at 3.8 per cent ABV, is the Brewers
Selection beer for November.
A golden bitter, it is easy drinking and well-balanced. The beers
fruitiness comes from the Fuggles and Goldings hops. Its gentle
bitterness comes from Challenger hops and the rounded maltiness
is from the Maris Otter malt.
Hook Norton Jackpot was first brewed in the 1960s as a bottled
beer but production of it was finished in 1987 when the brewery
stopped bottling on site. Jackpot was reintroduced in 2009 as a
limited edition ale.
Our reputation is largely hinged on producing flavoursome
ales with a more modest percentage of alcohol by volume, using the
finest raw materials, said Hook Norton Managing Director James
Clarke.
Jackpot is dry-hopped with Challenger hops which is an unusual
hop to use but it gives the beer a wonderful balanced fruitiness,
he said.
Jackpot is a fine partner to food, it is an ideal match to a traditional
cheese ploughmans or something with a slight spice, like a pepperoni
pizza
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
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Hook Nortons Flagship brew gets real
in a bottle
1st November 2010
Hook Nortons Flagship beer has gone real in a bottle.
Hook Nortons limited edition draught beer is now available
throughout the year as a bottle conditioned beer.
It joins the companys Double Stout, which has been bottle-conditioned
for some years. The beer is packaged in Hook Nortons stylish
500ml bottle and is available in cases of 12.
Hook Nortons Managing Director James Clarke said people are
showing a growing interest in living, bottle-conditioned beers and
Flagship will appeal to the discerning drinker.
He said: Real ale in a bottle is unpasteurised. It is a natural
live product which contains yeast for a slow secondary fermentation
in the bottle. This process provides wonderful fresh flavours and
a pleasant, natural effervescence.
Flagship is a true India Pale Ale style of beer. Pale in
colour it is a fulsome and robust beer, full of hops it is infused
one of the new dwarf hop varieties which is called Admiral
of course.
The Admiral hops contribute to a full fruity mouth feel,
and a sweet fruity aroma. The beer is a perfect accompaniment to
a ploughmans good beer and cheddar cheese, what could
be better?
People who have enjoyed drinking Flagship in the pub can
now enjoy its taste at home.
Hook Norton Flagship, at 5.3 per cent ABV, was originally brewed
in 2005 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
Ingredients: Flagship Maris Otter Pale Ale, Enzymic malts, Fuggles,
Goldings and Admiral hops.
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
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Ten lords leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight
maids milking and seven swans swimming - what is going on in Hook
Norton pubs?
22nd November 2010
Hook Norton has launched its latest brew Twelve Days. The award
winning beer will be on sale on draught in pubs until the end of
the year.
So lighten the dark nights with a glass of Twelve Days, a beer,
which was recently one of four Hook Norton Beers to win a prestigious
gold medal in the International Beer Challenge.
Twelve Days, at 5.5 per cent ABV, has the warmth and colour of
the perfect Christmas pudding.
Hookys Managing Director James Clarke says that Twelve Days
is beautifully balanced, with a strong malt and nutty flavour which
comes from the Maris Otter Pale ale, Chocolate, enzymic and crystal
malts.
The hop character is present in the aftertaste, which is
dominated by a refreshing sweetness. It goes well with a log fire,
or blue cheese, or maybe rich Christmas cake or pudding.
Source: Hook Norton Brewery
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Vale Brewery in Brill to hold
open day
25th November 2010
On the 4th Dec 2010, Vale Brewery in Brill will host an open day.
Between 11.30 and 4pm they will offer free brewery tours and free
tasters of about 7 of their beers. For the thirsty, pints are available
at £2 a pint.
They will have their Christmas beer - Good King Senseless available,
along with Winter Solstice, Long Dark Nights and several of their
regular brews. Plus they will be making a special beer available
just on the day.
This is open to anyone who is interested in the brewery and their
beers, and as they have a new 20 barrel kit, should be of interest
even if you have visited previously.
Vale Brewery has linked in with The House of Spice in Haddenham,
who will be selling hot food.
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The Butchers Arms, Balscote
features in The Guardian
7th December 2010
On Saturday 4th December 2010, The Guardian ran a feature of 'Pubs
with added Christmas cheer'. One pub in the North Oxfordshire CAMRA
Branch was featured - The Butchers Arms in Balscote - Well done!!!
LINK
TO ARTICLE
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