We are pleased to announce that this time we have joint winners of the branch Pub of the Year. In Warwickshire the award has gone for the first time to the Boar’s Head at Hampton Lucy.
The Boar’s head is described as a cosy and attractive free house owned by the local church and dating back to the 17th century when it was built as a cider house - the present kitchen originally being a mortuary. It is situated on a Sustrans route and close to the river Avon, it is well-frequented by cyclists, walkers and visitors to nearby Charlecote Park (NT). A sheltered rear garden proves popular for Sunday afternoon barbecues in summer. The guest beers change frequently, mostly from small independent brewers, and currently on their web site they have the following list of breweries available in the next month - WARWICKSHIRE BREWERY, RUGBY BREWING, CHURCH END, PURITY, GREENE KING, ABC (ASTON), WYE VALLEY, EXMOOR.
The presentation of the award has been arranged for 8.30 on July 2nd. All are welcome to attend.
Whilst in Worcestershire the award for this year has been given to The Fleece at Bretforton. A previous Worcestershire CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2006 and now brewing their own beer under the Buckle Street name. The Fleece featured in the very first Good Beer Guide in 1974 and all but a handful since, this famous old National Trust owned village pub was left to the NT by former licensee, Lola Tamplin. It re-opened in 2005 following a fire which all but gutted much of the interior. Fortunately the public area escaped almost unscathed, including the world-famous collection of 17th century pewter-ware. The restoration has been excellent and the pub remains one of the stars of CAMRA's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. Visitors may drink inside or in the orchard, which is especially good for families in fine weather and the site of the famous asparagus auction in the (very short) season.
The presentation of the award has been arranged for 8.30 on July 22nd. All are welcome to attend.
North Cotswolds brewery have again tasted success in the west Midlands Beer of the Year competition Their regular porter ale, Hung, drawn ‘n’ ported was awarded third place at the recent judging. This is the second time that this beer has now won this award in recent years.
Shakespeare branch were also award winners themselves at the recent CAMRA members weekend and AGM in Eastbourne. Our newsletter “Shakesbeer”, which we hope that many of you are now managing to read, was awarded the “most improved newsletter” out of all the CAMRA branches across the country. Our thanks go to all our members for supplying the information but especially to Bob and Liz Kirby for the “drive” and enthusiasm that they have shown in producing the newsletter.
Evesham River Festival ( July 10th July 12th) - Information is just reaching us that there will be a beer tent at this year's festival with about 25 cask ales being available being organised through the Fleece Inn at Bretforton. We will update these details if we get any further information.
7th Bromsgrove beer festival
Is due to run from Thursday 9th July to Saturday 11th July with the Thursday evening being a CAMRA members only night. With 104 beers and 36 different ciders or perry being available there should be enough choice for everyone.
Running from Thursday 13th August to Saturday 15th August 2009 at Worcester Racecourse. With over 200 ales and 100 ciders or perry this is the biggest beer festival in the area and they are hoping for an attendance figure of 10,000 visitors at the event this year.
Paul Halsey, Managing Director at Purity Brewing Co proudly showing the trophy awarded for West Midlands Beer of the Year – Pure Gold
For the first time ever a Shakespeare branch brewery has been awarded the coveted CAMRA Champion Beer of the West Midlands. Our congratulations go to Purity brewery whose Pure Gold ale is the proud winner of this award for 2008. At 3.8% ABV, Pure Gold is described as a refreshing golden ale, made with premium quality English Maris Otter Malt and East Kent Golding and Styrian Golding Hops which creates a smooth, easy drinking beer with a subtle citrus flavour.
Well, the good news is that there's a new brewery in our area! Only just in our area mind, as it's in one of the buildings on the old Honeybourne Airfield - on the other side of the road and it would have been in Gloucestershire! Its been opened by Nigel Smith, the landlord of the 2006 Worcestershire Pub of the Year, The Fleece Inn at Bretforton, along with fellow Pebworth Morris Man and friend, Andy Davies, who'll be the brewer.
North Cotswolds brewery have again tasted success in the west Midlands Beer of the Year competition Their regular porter ale, Hung, drawn ‘n’ ported was awarded third place at the recent judging. This is the second time that this beer has now won this award in recent years.
Shakespeare branch were also award winners themselves at the recent CAMRA members weekend and AGM in Eastbourne. Our newsletter “Shakesbeer”, which we hope that many of you are now managing to read, was awarded the “most improved newsletter” out of all the CAMRA branches across the country. Our thanks go to all our members for supplying the information but especially to Bob and Liz Kirby for the “drive” and enthusiasm that they have shown in producing the newsletter.
