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.
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.
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.
Concerns about the
Shakespeare CAMRA Stratford Beer Festival 2010 have been finally laid to rest
when the branch successfully booked the racecourse venue for the weekend 18th and 19th June 2010. The
Festival viability had been questioned when the branch were informed that there
would be a race day on the dates used for the past three years. The search for
an alternative date or venue was settled at a festival planning meeting at The
Fleece, Bretforton in October, (see
page 7). Festival organisers promise the same high quality and variety of
over forty ales and ciders as well as food and entertainment throughout plus
camping available, hopefully in summer sunshine.
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.
CAMRA, has welcomed the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee Report on Pub Companies which demands major reform in the way the Large Pub Companies operate.
CAMRA has today expressed its discontent at the move by Carlsberg UK to ship its iconic Tetley's cask brand from its Yorkshire heartland to Marston's of Wolverhampton.
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.
.jpg "Shakespeare CAMRA Galleries")
