July 2021

The majority of the pubs in our area have now reopened and are operating in accordance with government guidelines – face coverings, table service, groups of six or two households – we can now look forward to the 19th July when the final stage of reopening when the remaining restrictions are removed, four weeks later than first announced.

Note: CAMRA takes the health and well being of its members, and that of the public at large, seriously and continues to recommend that all branch activities are conducted on-line.

Pub News

Cross Keys, Bedworth – an amendment to the original proposal put forward by the developers on behalf of the Co-Op were discussed by the Council Planning Committee and it was agreed that no further objections were to be made to the application. (The original application was rejected by the planning department but overruled on appeal). The property is currently vacant awaiting demolition

Railway Tavern, Nuneaton – The ‘Tav’ which has been on the market since the start of the latest lock-down appears to have found someone interested in taking it on, as there has been some activity to strip the internal features of the ground floor. It is unsure who the new owners are, or what they have planned, but as there has been no application for ‘change of use’ it should be continuing as a pub/restaurant.

Town Talk, Nuneaton – Remained closed when outdoor service was allowed in April and it has now been revealed by property agents Sidney Phillips that the property has been sold and is due to reopen under new ownership. Speculation on social media sites had suggested that it was to be converted to flats. However, a post on the firm's website states: "Sidney Phillips are pleased to announce the sale of The Town Talk in Nuneaton, Warwickshire …” The firm also hinted that it would soon be offering pints again.

Vacancies:

Pubs Officer(s) – to liaise with ALL publicans in the branch area and update CAMRA’s Pub database.
GBG (Good Beer Guide) Co-Ordinator – to ensure CAMRA’s pub database is up to date.
Brewery Liaison Officer – to liaise with the brewery and ensure CAMRA’s brewery data is up to date.
Social Secretary – to organize and publicize branch social events and monthly meetings.

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please contact: ku.gro.armac.notaenun@ofni

Cider Redefined

In May 2021, CAMRA sought to revise their definition of what constitutes Real Cider. The new definition states: -

“CAMRA defines real Cider or Perry as being fermented from the whole juice of fresh pressed apples or pears, without the use of concentrated or chaptalised juices.”

The word ‘chaptalised’ as used in the definition refers to a process, similar in principle to high gravity brewing, where the alcohol level in a cider or perry is increased by the addition of sugar to an unnatural level for storage, before it is diluted with water to the desired alcohol content for sale.

The definition was accompanied by a comprehensive list of over 300 Real Cider producers. The list does not include Lilley’s or Weston’s, two of the most commonly found ciders in the pubs in our area.