January 2024

The latest news from across our branch.

Latest News from across the Branch

The best laid plans, and all that

What appeared to be a done deal, with Admiral Inns choosing to turn the Hare & Hounds into one of their wet led branded Proper Pubs and current licensees Tom and Karen seeing their hard work in returning the pub to community asset cast aside and opting to leave. An opportunity arose for them to take on the Lime Kilns, on the A5. However, this was supposed to have happened mid-January, but has been delayed by Admiral, and a decision on who, what, when and where is expected sometime in February.

There was also some unexpected news from the Lamb & Flag in Stockingford, when, apparently, following many request from their customers, real ales were introduced. We are led to believe that they’re starting with two beers, currently draught Bass and Timothy Taylor Landlord, and depending on demand future beers may be sourced locally.

Sadly, due to the current situation with the Stonegate group, several of their pubs in our area are seeking new landlords or closed. At the moment this affects the Weavers Arms (Fillongley), Royal Oak (Stockingford), Anker Inn (Weddington), Stag & Pheasant (Hartshill), The Whitestone, and possibly the Kingswood Tavern.

Local Pub Awards and Successes

Hare & Hounds – Community Pub of the Year 2023
White Hart – Rural Summer Pub of the Year
Bear & Ragged Staff – Town Pub of the Year (Bedworth)
Felix Holt – Town Pub of the Year (Nuneaton)
Lord Hop – Rising Stars (Paul & Ellen)

2024 Pub of the Year & 2025 Good Beer Guide

Branch members have been voting on which, of the shortlisted, pubs will feature in the 2025 Good Beer Guide. Voting has been typically slow, but we appreciate those members that took the time to submit their selections. Unfortunately, we cannot reveal the lucky six – you’ll have to wait until the Good Beer Guide launch to find out.

Beer Scoring

Guidance on Beer Scoring can be found in the section: Beer Scoring.

Selection of our Pub of the Year will be made from those GBG nominations

2023 Year End Surprise

Christmas is usually a quiet time for breweries, with all the equipment cleaned and switched off for the holiday period. Not so for Purity who announced they would probably enter administration in the New Year. No sooner had the news hit the headlines, London based equity group, Breal Capital, stepped in to save the day. This acquisition boosts Breal’s portfolio which includes Black Sheep, Brew by Numbers and Brick breweries.

Vacancies:

still exist for the following:

Treasurer - to look after the financial aspects of the branch.
Magazine distributor(s) – to deliver the branch magazine to Stockingford / Bedworth / Bulkington / Attleborough areas.
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.
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