North Herts CAMRA - News
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The Nightingale, Hitchin is holding a Jazz, Blues and Beer Festival on the weekend of the 4th July. See our Festivals page for more information. 16/5/08.
Our Mutual Friend, Stevenage has been voted Branch Pub of the Year 2008. This is the third time in a row! 30/3/08.
The Fox and Hounds, Barley suffered a fire recently and is currently closed for repairs. We understand ash from the chimney got under the floorboards. No news on how long the pub will be closed for. 7/3/08.
Sadly the Cock, Stocking Pelham was recently virtually destroyed by a fire. As it was ages old, thatched, small and crooked (just like a village pub should be) it is almost certain that any replacement pub will be completely different to comply with 21st century legislation; much as what happened at the Catherine Wheel. 7/3/08.
The Catherine Wheel, Albury has reopened at last. It is now food orientated with a lot of fish on the menu, but drinkers are catered for with Deuchars IPA, Brakspears Bitter and a guest, initially Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, which is proving very popular. Cider fans have Weston's Old Rosie as well. 27/8/07.
The Fox, Aspenden is having a large patio and gazebo built round the back to get ready for the smoking ban in July.
The Countryman, Chipping is currently selling two real ales after an increase in demand.
The refit at the Beehive, Hare Street is almost complete and leaves the bar area much bigger and lighter, with leather sofas and a large TV. Non-smoking already, and a third beer will be joining GK IPA and McMullen AK on the bar.
Following a trip to Gloucestershire by the Branch Secretary the Tally Ho, Barkway and the Crown and Falcon, Puckeridge are selling real cider and perry from Weston's of Much Marcle. Why not go and try them if you live nearby?
Baldock, Boot has a new licensee.
Chapelfoot, Royal Oak reopens after major refit in March. Now owned by Mitchells and Butler, so there might be real ale available.
Dane End, Boot has a new licensee.
Halls Green, Rising Sun has a new licensee who is doing a lot of community related events.
Hare Street, Beehive building work ongoing to open the pub out into one bar area.
Hitchin, Bricklayers Arms new landlord, reports say beer has improved.
Hitchin, Orchard & Anvil has a new tenant, with food to be available, but sadly still no real ale.
Royston, Old Post Office is being refurbished and turned into a Barracuda pub. Three real ales will be available.
Therfield, Fox & Duck has a new licensee.
Therfield, Buntingford Brewery has launched two new beers Highwayman IPA 3.6% and Western Invader 4.2% a light brown beer hopped with Bullion and Progress to give ‘a refreshing bitterness with a slight citrus edge’. The brewery did well at the SIBA Eastern Region Beer Competition winning bronzes for Britannia (Best Bitters) and Oatmeal Stout (Stouts and Porters) and gold for Royston Red (Premium Bitters).
Cabinet (Reed) posted 13/11/06
The Cabinet won the North Anglia Caterer of the Year award, to go with it's AA Rosette for culinary excellence. On the beer front a new python has been installed just for the real ales so they can be served at the correct temperature rather than being frozen to death like the lagers. It's obviously working as the beer was very good on a recent visit.
Brown Bear (Braughing) posted 13/11/06
New tenants in the Brown Bear.
Fox (Aspenden) posted 13/11/06
New tenants here too.
Axe and Compasses (Braughing) posted 13/11/06
A new patio and permanent outside bar will make the summer more pleasant in the garden. Unless we suspect if you want real ale, as you will probably still have to go into the pub for that.
Tilbury/Inn off the Green (Datchworth) posted 13/11/06
The Tilbury is open again after it's extensive refit.
George and Dragon (Baldock) posted 13/11/06
The G&D is currently shut and for sale. If you fancy buying it have a look at Fleurets website, the specialist pub estate agents.
Boot (Kimpton) posted 15/8/06
Just after the last issue of Beer Goggles went to press we received some tragic news from Kimpton. On the afternoon Monday 5th June police were called to the Boot after Landlord Alan Biggs was found dead in his flat above the pub. A post mortem found that Alan died after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Our condolences go to family and friends.
Squirrel (Stevenage) posted 15/8/06
When you drop in to the Squirrel (Chells Way) next you could find any beer on the guest hand pump. Landlord Dave Bannister has decided to allow his customers to select the guest beers and run a league table of the most popular. Those on the league table will rotate through the pumps alongside new suggestions. A popular new one will in all likeliness then earn a place on the table.
Plough (Great Munden) posted 15/8/06
Almost five years after it was sold to Mr & Mrs M McCarthy the Plough, Great Munden has been demolished to make way for a single house.
The Plough was built in 1880 by C.P.Christie and Co, brewers from Baldock and eventually it came in to the hands of Benskins who tried to sell the premises as a "non going concern" in the early 1960s. In 1965 Gerald Carrington, a professional organ builder, took over The Plough and, in 1967, to diversify and enhance the business, installed a Compton Organ which was available from the Gaumont Cinema in Finchley. Regular concerts on the Compton kept people coming to the Plough for many years, you would often see a coach party visiting. The organ was sold in 2003 and without an attraction to draw people it was only a matter of time before the pub was no more. R.I.P.
Waggon & Horses (Watton-at-Stone) posted 15/8/06
The Waggon & Horses, Watton-at-Stone, a Punch Taverns owned pub, has got a new and energetic tenant in the shape of Paula. You may recognise Paula as she was running the pub on behalf of the previous tenants. Paula has already brought new life in to the pub with a particular focus on Blues music. You'll find the famous Billy Chong Blues Revue playing there. Watch out for a Blues Fest on the 4th November. A Beer and Blues festival is on the cards for next year.
Letchworth Beer Festival (Letchworth) Posted 11/8/06
Plans are well underway for our next Beer and Cider Festival at Plinston Hall, September 21st-23rd. We still need more volunteers to help staff it. You get cheap beer, a free T shirt, a lift home, and an invite to the festival workers' Christmas party, as well as a sense of satisfaction at being part of one of the best small festivals around. Contact us if you're interested.
Strathmore Arms (St Pauls Walden) posted 10/8/06
Congratulations to Danny and Karen for winning our Community Pub of the Year award. Danny is considering opening his own brewery across the road from the pub, subject to planning, environmental health and the usual reams of legislation involved.
Farmer's Boy (Langley) posted 10/8/06
We believe this is still owned by Greene King, and still a licensed premise, but has now been shut for several years, and is looking very decrepit and unloved. Sadly missed. Don't let this happen to your local.
Greyhound (St Ippolytts) posted 10/8/06
The extension should be finished by now.
Cricketers (Ickleford) posted 10/8/06
This pub has been due to change hands for months. We now understand the current landlord will be staying until March 2007.
Litten Tree (Letchworth) posted 10/8/06
Is now a Chinese Restaurant. No news on real ale availability.
Buntingford Brewery posted 10/8/06
Redcoats Manor Hotel, Titmore Green and North Star, Royston are now selling beers from Buntingford Brewery.
Two Chimneys (Letchworth) posted 10/8/06
Has been given Cask Marque accreditation for beer quality.
Wagon and Horses (Watton-at-Stone) posted 10/8/06
The management merry-go-round here seems to have slowed down a bit, with no changes reported lately.
Old White Horse (Baldock) posted 10/8/06
Is now non-smoking throughout, and B&T Shefford Bitter is now a regular beer.
Jolly Waggoner (Ardeley) posted 10/8/06
New people here, running their first pub. We wish them good luck with it.
Tally Ho (Barkway) posted 10/8/06
The kitchen extension is probably about done by now, and we understand next is a conservatory over the patio to increase dining space. Still 3 beers on, but not so much variety as in the past.
Fox and Hounds (Barley) posted 10/8/06
Keeping up with the comings and goings here is hard work. Last time we looked Punch has temporary managers in. The place is starting to look a bit tired on the inside, and in our opinion could do with a sensitive refit.
Blind Fiddler (Anstey) posted 10/8/06
The new name for the Chequers. The local legend of Blind George the fiddler is behind the new name. Details are above the fireplace if you're interested.
Catherine Wheel (Albury) posted 10/8/06
A recent drive past revealed no work started yet on the rebuild after the fire, but Punch Taverns have applied for extended opening hours on the patch of rubble. We understand the current problem is with getting the building delisted before planning permission for the replacement can be given. Meanwhile the locals are continuing with their regular 'tinny vigils' in the car park.
Cock (Stocking Pelham) posted 10/8/06
The Cock is now open again, and looks substantially the same apart from the snug bar which is now part of the public areas again. Beers are from GK at present, but as it is a free house, something more adventurous might appear, especially if you go in and ask.
Hitchin Beer Festival (Hitchin) posted 10/4/06
Hitchin people are clearly a thirsty bunch. Despite us having 38% more beer this year than last, we had 47% more visitors than last year, and sold out again! This time we managed to last until nearly 10pm. Thanks very much for your continuing support. Next year we may open on Thursday evening as well, and increase our beer order once again, but only if we can get enough volunteer staff to work at the festival. If you enjoy visiting the festival, why not come and help for a few hours? It's good fun, and it will help to ensure the event keeps going.
Our Mutual Friend (Stevenage) posted 10/4/06
At the recent branch AGM, the Mutual was voted our branch Pub of the Year. Congratulations to Keith and Yvonne and their staff for turning round a bad estate pub into an oasis for real ale lovers. The presentation evening will be on Friday April 28th from 8pm. There will be a band on, and a buffet, and CAMRA Regional Director Mike Harvey will present the award. All members are requested to attend if possible.
Brambles (Buntingford) posted 10/4/06
There are now 8 handpumps in use at Brambles, and now available are three real ciders from Crones in Norfolk.
Crown and Falcon (Puckeridge) posted 10/4/06
Ian and Rachel recently celebrated 15 years as owners of the Crown and Falcon, and have just taken their first beer from Buntingford Brewery. It went down well, and will be added to the guest beer rota.
Catherine Wheel (Albury) posted 13/3/06
Punch Taverns have presented their plans to the local council and the planning authorities for the rebuilding of the Catherine Wheel, which was destroyed by fire in October 2004. All being well, the new building will be open for business by November this year.
Well (Hitchin) posted 10/4/06
The Well is open again, but no reports from our Hitchin correspondents are available yet. If you've been in, let us know what you think of it.
Moon and Stars (Rushden) posted 12/3/06
Has been decorated inside, and has a new pub sign.
Sailor Boy (Hitchin) posted 12/3/06
Will be reopened on the 15th of March, but now called the Sailor.
Cock (Stocking Pelham) posted 12/3/06
The former landlord of many years has retired to Spain, and the Cock is currently shut for several months while the new owners do what looks like significant work to it. Trade has picked up in the other local pubs.
Well (Hitchin) posted 26/2/06
The Well shut recently due to the former tenants not wanting to pay Punch the large rent increase they wanted. If things run true to form it will be shut for some months before Punch find somebody else to run it.
Buntingford Brewery (Therfield) posted 9/2/06
A second fermenting vessel and a lot of new casks mean that beer production at the brewery can pretty much go on continuously now. Previously they had to wait for the casks to come back from the pubs before being able to make more beer. Expect to see Challenger as a regular, and maybe the very popular Oatmeal Stout will become a staple winter brew.
Fox and Hounds (Barley) posted 29/1/06
The Fox and Hounds is open again. New tenant James already runs the March Hare near Biggleswade, and has been in the trade for 15 years. He's currently in negotiations with Punch to take on the tenancy full-time. Current beer range is from Adnams and Greene King, and soon the kitchen will be back in operation.
Red Lion (Great Offley) posted 29/1/06
The Red Lion is planning it's first ever beer festival for the Whitsun weekend at the end of May. The festival beers should take them over 200 different ales sold. Music nights now seen to be mostly Fridays, and there's a "Psychic Supper" on March 1st. Let's hope it doesn't get cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances....
Crown and Falcon (Puckeridge) posted 29/1/06
The bar billiards table is enjoying a short holiday in the attic, as usage had declined.
No Smoking posted 11/1/06
The Granby, Stevenage and the Cock, Baldock are both non-smoking throughout since early in January.
Black Horse (Brent Pelham) posted 11/1/06
The new tenants are settling in at the Black Horse. On our last visit it was much brighter inside, we suspect somebody has cleaned the light bulbs.
Coopers Inn (Stevenage) posted 11/1/06
Has been redecorated.
Chequers (Woolmer Green) posted 11/1/06
The Chequers now sells real cider, Weston's Old Rosie.
Brambles (Buntingford) posted 5/1/06
The new name for the Chequers at the north end of Buntingford High St. A genuine free house, landlady Joy is keen to develop a range of well kept cask ales at Brambles. The current range comes from Fuller's, Young's, St Peters, and at last there's an outlet for Buntingford Brewery beers in their home town. Members who have been in to try the beer have been suitably impressed. Why don't you try it?
Waggon and Horses (Watton-at-Stone) posted 5/1/06
The Waggon and Horses seems to be going through managers very swiftly. Last we heard Gary and Yvonne from the Bull in Watton are running it as caretakers on behalf of Punch.
Cask Marque posted 5/1/06
The Sun Hotel, Hitchin and the Chequers, Woolmer Green have recently been awarded Cask Marque accreditation. This is an independent brewing industry initiative promoting good practice in handling and serving real ales. Note that Cask Marque stipulates serving beer at a lower temperature than CAMRA suggests, so you might have to wait for your pint to warm up a bit before you can appreciate the full flavour.
Wilbury (Letchworth) posted 5/1/06
The Wilbury is no longer selling real ale.
Sailor Boy (Hitchin) posted 5/1/06
The Sailor Boy was reportedly closed before Christmas. The immediate future is uncertain.
Globe (Codicote) posted 5/1/06
The Globe has new tenants. New landlady is Sarah Eagles from Shropshire. She learnt the trade running golf club bars.
Management Changes (all over) posted 5/1/06
The George, Ickleford, the Hogshead, Letchworth, the Sun Hotel, Hitchin, the Motte and Bailey, Pirton, and the Victoria, Hitchin all have new management. It is sad to report that at the Victoria this is due to the sudden death of the landlady.
Boot (Dane End) posted 5/1/06
The pool table is back.