[Archived] Real Ale

[PAFELL]

If I knew I was to die the day after.

imo beer festivals are just a route to profit these days. Pro replaced Happy Hour as the 'in' thing amongst landlords.

I disagree.

All beer festivals need to make a profit - just the same as pubs / clubs. Afterall it is not just the beer the folk putting it on are paying for. Stilage, wages, venue etc before beer is considered.

Beer festivals gives folk who don't travel around the country to try different beers from different regions. It is also a great big party with no / rarely any trouble.

Working on a beer festival can be hard work, but also a good laugh..

[PAFELL]

Went to Corporation Arms at Longridge's October festival last night.

List of beers here

http://www.corporationarms.com/beerFest.php

Going to this place on the way to the match today, always a cracking selection of ales

http://www.thecrownatworthington.co.uk/pump-4th-october/

We had maximus at our festival. Interesting the brewery said it was 6.2 ABV. Where on your link it is 5.8 - not a bad little beer to be honest.

Der Kaiser by Rooster is in our club on the bar next week.

[PAFELL]

The award is on the neck of the bottle haha.

Pafell: Bridgewater just gets a variety in and are always changing. Found a nice place in Mancnear Oxford Rd station today called The Font. Very good choice of ale and a variety of lagers rather than the kean on offer in your average Wetherspoons. Believe it's in the CAMRA beer guide.

Thanks. Does not look like Bridgewater in camra's guide this year. List I have for your area is,

Rising sun - Wilpshire

Station - cherry tree

black bull - blackburn

Victoria - greart harwood

Number 39 - Darwen

Forts Arms - Clayton le moors

Royal Arms - Tockholes

Commercial - Accrington

Black bull - Old Lango

Grants - Accrington

Peel park - Accrington

Dog inn - Whalley

Then a few more as you go further out of town.

Just because it is not in the guide, does not make it a bad place or there beer is bad. Sometimes it can be just that folk have not been voting for thier beers.

[colin]

Just because it is not in the guide, does not make it a bad place or there beer is bad. Sometimes it can be just that folk have not been voting for thier beers.

Agree. "The Quiet Woman" pub in Earl Sterndale near Buxton was in every "CAMRA good beer guide" bar one. Just don't ask the owner about it. You'll get more bitterness & recrimination than you can shake a stick at.

http://www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk/pub/view/Quiet-Woman-SK17-0BU

[PAFELL]

Agree. "The Quiet Woman" pub in Earl Sterndale near Buxton was in every "CAMRA good beer guide" bar one. Just don't ask the owner about it. You'll get more bitterness & recrimination than you can shake a stick at.

http://www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk/pub/view/Quiet-Woman-SK17-0BU

Although I am a camra member and like the good beer guide. I can also see the detrimentle side of the book for some businesses. For example, on 2013 front cover of the good beer guide the picture was of a pub called THE SUSSEX OX. This year the pub, quite rightly imo, is not even in the 2014 book. That must damage reputation of the business. I must admit when I did visit that pub, the beer was terrible. Choice of the beers were fine, just the way they were kept. The beer was warm, cloudy and a slight taste of pipe cleaner. Yet I went on another day and the ber was fine - not good, just drinkable. For this particular pub it has been obvious for awhile that they have concentrated more on the food side of the business. Beer votes won't be many because they are off the beaten track - again this would not of helped.

But for the drinker it is good. As it does keep publicans on their toes. tells you information about the place etc.

[MCMC1875]

Tried one in the Railway at Pleasington last week. Four cask ales on sale at £2.50 including Moorhouses excellent Pride of Pendle.

The Vic and Station in Preston has around six changing cask ales. They were £2.90 a pint but about a month ago, the price was dropped to £2.60 a pint!

[PAFELL]

Tried one in the Railway at Pleasington last week. Four cask ales on sale at £2.50 including Moorhouses excellent Pride of Pendle.

The Vic and Station in Preston has around six changing cask ales. They were £2.90 a pint but about a month ago, the price was dropped to £2.60 a pint!

My boss went to the IMBC - INDEPENDENT MANCHESTER BEER CONVENTION - a few weeks ago. Told me about a beer by MIKELLER BA called big Worster chardonnay 18.3%

After seeing a copy of the beer list, I am hoping to go to this event next year.

[PAFELL]

Ale drinkers going to the Brighton v Rovers match next month, should try out the Evening Star pub on surrey street, which is very near the station. The place allows both sets of supporters. To my knowledge only 3 clubs fans not allowed in, Millwall, Palace and Arsenal. All pubs will be costly compared to pubs in the North. About £3.60 plus. But easily the best pub in Brighton for Ale imo. Other decent place are The North Laines - which has the brewery at the back of the bar behind a glass screen. Also the basketmakers, which is a Fullers pub.

Other pubs do ale, mainly Harveys.

Typical ignorant folk who run councils. Just had a call ' Due to the approaching storm, if needed, can we use your club for emergency shelter' I said No. Before I was able to explain, I received a rant about community spirit etc etc.. Eventually I was able to get a word in to say, the club is about 50 yards from the sea front. Typical. They issue us with all sorts of licences, instructions - yet are ignorant of our location.

I must admit, they must be concerned about this storm. Lived on the south coast for years. Yet never known the concern being expressed by Police etc etc.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Ale drinkers going to the Brighton v Rovers match next month, should try out the Evening Star pub on surrey street, which is very near the station. The place allows both sets of supporters. To my knowledge only 3 clubs fans not allowed in, Millwall, Palace and Arsenal. All pubs will be costly compared to pubs in the North. About £3.60 plus. But easily the best pub in Brighton for Ale imo. Other decent place are The North Laines - which has the brewery at the back of the bar behind a glass screen. Also the basketmakers, which is a Fullers pub.

Other pubs do ale, mainly Harveys.

Typical ignorant folk who run councils. Just had a call ' Due to the approaching storm, if needed, can we use your club for emergency shelter' I said No. Before I was able to explain, I received a rant about community spirit etc etc.. Eventually I was able to get a word in to say, the club is about 50 yards from the sea front. Typical. They issue us with all sorts of licences, instructions - yet are ignorant of our location.

I must admit, they must be concerned about this storm. Lived on the south coast for years. Yet never known the concern being expressed by Police etc etc.

Just some jobsworth justifying their existence. I'd have said yes on condition they all buy a beer.

[Simon Says]

Tried one in the Railway at Pleasington last week. Four cask ales on sale at £2.50 including Moorhouses excellent Pride of Pendle.The Vic and Station in Preston has around six changing cask ales. They were £2.90 a pint but about a month ago, the price was dropped to £2.60 a pint!

Is The Railway at Pleasington open again then? I heard it had closed, and they were looking for new tenants.

[Willie Eckerslike]

Went in the Hamilton Arms before the match yesterday. Bought three pints of Doom Bar.

Total was £6.60. Apart from Wetherspoons I can't remember when I last paid £2.20 for a pint of real ale.

[Mike E]

Had 5 pints of Wainwright on tap for £9 last night at the Wetherspoons at Wilmslow Park in Manc. Heavenly!

[thenodrog]

Is The Railway at Pleasington open again then? I heard it had closed, and they were looking for new tenants.

Closed for a few days but it's open again.

[Simon Says]

Closed for a few days but it's open again.

I believe it's owned by Enterprise Inns. Apparently the last people that ran it, the rent was around £450 per week for the first year. The pub did OK, but then Enterprise doubled the rent. Unsustainable, so they gave it up.

Could we be on for a repeat?

[PAFELL]

I believe it's owned by Enterprise Inns. Apparently the last people that ran it, the rent was around £450 per week for the first year. The pub did OK, but then Enterprise doubled the rent. Unsustainable, so they gave it up.

Could we be on for a repeat?

I wouldn't touch Enterprise inns with a barge pole.

Ale drinkers going to Brighton tomorrow. If any of you get to drink any beer from Harvey's please give me you honest opinion about the beer. I loathe the company, which can biase my opinion a bit.

If you get a chance, try beers from Dark Star, Brodies, Franklins ( who I sometimes work for, only washing barrels out) brewers

[Doug]

I wouldn't touch Enterprise inns with a barge pole.

Ale drinkers going to Brighton tomorrow. If any of you get to drink any beer from Harvey's please give me you honest opinion about the beer. I loathe the company, which can biase my opinion a bit.

If you get a chance, try beers from Dark Star, Brodies, Franklins ( who I sometimes work for, only washing barrels out) brewers

Why not ask (if you haven't already) if you can assist in a few brews? Barrel washing is a very tedious process. Most independant small brewers would welcome a bit of help on a brew day) particularly digging the mash tun out!! Maybe try and spend some time with the brewer watching the science of how they calculate the proportions of different grains and hops. Far more interesting than cask washing (albeit cask washing correctly is as vital as brewing correctly) and, with your passion for Cask Ale, you never know where it might lead. Many brewers start this way and it is the 'passion' for brewing knowledge and a critical eye for cleanliness and procedure that should help create a good brewer.

[Willie Eckerslike]

Had a few pints of Thwaites Crafty Devil last night.

It's a cracking, ruby-coloured ale.

Really enjoyed it last year when they first brewed it and good to see they have repeated it as a seasonal this year.

[PAFELL]

Why not ask (if you haven't already) if you can assist in a few brews? Barrel washing is a very tedious process. Most independant small brewers would welcome a bit of help on a brew day) particularly digging the mash tun out!! Maybe try and spend some time with the brewer watching the science of how they calculate the proportions of different grains and hops. Far more interesting than cask washing (albeit cask washing correctly is as vital as brewing correctly) and, with your passion for Cask Ale, you never know where it might lead. Many brewers start this way and it is the 'passion' for brewing knowledge and a critical eye for cleanliness and procedure that should help create a good brewer.

I already do help out there. Not always for pay either, when I am not on duty behind the bar. but at 52 years old I am not looking into another career. He already does listen to my comments on what I like about a beer etc. Your right about barrel washing being tedious - but important too. It also allows the brewer more time to concentrate on what he is doing.

Often hear folk saying the need a first job to get work experience or a work reference. Offering to wash barrels out is one way of getting a first work experience / reference. good work out as well.

I must admit am impressed with Franklins brewery. There is only two blokes working there. One brews and the other does the paperwork, dray work, promoting the brewery and clean barrels. yet they have about 8 different regular beers. Which is why I am happy to help out when I am able to do so. I do get a number of 'perks'. Visits other breweries, trade days,free beer at festivals.

It is nice being a little involved as I am, in ale, from seeing it brewed, serving it, buying and selling it, drinking it, to meeting various brewers - yet it s only the past 3 years or so. just been lucky to be in the right place at the right time and met the various folk, terrific folk I should add, I have.

[PAFELL]

Noticed a pub at the weekend, at Ewood (near the canel bridge) , that was boarded up. I presume this was an ex- Thwaites pub. ( I was on the bus) So further presume, they are selling it, with a clause that it cannot be used as a pub. This is a way the pubco's are fighting back. Stupid really as they are only damaging their own reputations. As they forget, beer drinkers speak to each other. History of pubs is often known.

I have helped three parties, who were wanting to buy pubs (this year) owned by certain brewer co's, ( I should add, they were not Thwaites pubs) that were closed, put up for sale, with the same clauses, buy them. The one at Ewood I think is easier than the ones I helped this year. There is money in that place (if done correctly)

If anybody is seriously interested, then PM me. That is one pub that should be open.

[thenodrog]

Noticed a pub at the weekend, at Ewood (near the canel bridge) , that was boarded up. I presume this was an ex- Thwaites pub. ( I was on the bus) So further presume, they are selling it, with a clause that it cannot be used as a pub. This is a way the pubco's are fighting back. Stupid really as they are only damaging their own reputations. As they forget, beer drinkers speak to each other. History of pubs is often known.

I have helped three parties, who were wanting to buy pubs (this year) owned by certain brewer co's, ( I should add, they were not Thwaites pubs) that were closed, put up for sale, with the same clauses, buy them. The one at Ewood I think is easier than the ones I helped this year. There is money in that place (if done correctly)

If anybody is seriously interested, then PM me. That is one pub that should be open.

I take it thats Th' Aqueduct?

paf as far as I am concerned it's all flogging a dead horse. Lets look at a few home truths about Blackburn....

1. Half the town will not touch a drop of drink so by rights half the pubs are surplus to requirements. (btw did you know that between the town centre and Brownhill there are no pubs? Between the town centre and The Windmill at Branch Road there are no pubs and obviously none on either of the Ranges and the rest of the Asian 3/4rs either.)

2. The town has lost most of it's industrial heritage over the past 40 years so no one has much spending money. The trend now is for kids to get tanked up on supermarket booze at someone's house before going out at midnight.

3. Mortgages command double the %age of annual salary that they did in the 70's. Now approx half a persons salary is already spoken for by the Building Society.

4. Drink of all sorts is approx 30% of the price in the numerous supermarkets dotted around the town. btw... Not only the pubs have suffered from this trend but there are hardly any dedicated off-licences around the place either.

5. Smoking ban has apparently had an adverse effect too.... although personally I love it.

6. It's not even Dec and the police have begun their Christmas crackdown on drink driving.... and guess what? With half the town devoid of pubs and drinkers the police can concentrate all their efforts on the other half of town.

7. There is a mass of satellite dishes and presumably SKY / netflix / love film companies to mop up disposable income.

8. Drugs are a cheaper option.

9. Anybody of any quality and spending power has left the town and those that have stayed take the train to Clitheroe / Preston / Manchester for a weekend night out.

Have I missed owt?

[Sparky Marky]

I take it thats Th' Aqueduct?

paf as far as I am concerned it's all flogging a dead horse. Lets look at a few home truths about Blackburn....

1. Half the town will not touch a drop of drink so by rights half the pubs are surplus to requirements. (btw did you know that between the town centre and Brownhill there are no pubs? Between the town centre and The Windmill at Branch Road there are no pubs and obviously none on either of the Ranges and the rest of the Asian 3/4rs either.)

2. The town has lost most of it's industrial heritage over the past 40 years so no one has much spending money. The trend now is for kids to get tanked up on supermarket booze at someone's house before going out at midnight.

3. Mortgages command double the %age of annual salary that they did in the 70's. Now approx half a persons salary is already spoken for by the Building Society.

4. Drink of all sorts is approx 30% of the price in the numerous supermarkets dotted around the town. btw... Not only the pubs have suffered from this trend but there are hardly any dedicated off-licences around the place either.

5. Smoking ban has apparently had an adverse effect too.... although personally I love it.

6. It's not even Dec and the police have begun their Christmas crackdown on drink driving.... and guess what? With half the town devoid of pubs and drinkers the police can concentrate all their efforts on the other half of town.

7. Their is a mass of satellite dishes and presumably SKY / netflix / love film companies to mop up disposable income.

8. Drugs are a cheaper option.

9. Anybody of any quality and spending power has left the town and those that have stayed take the train to Clitheroe / Preston / Manchester for a weekend night out.

Have I missed owt?

Spot on Gordon...Pafell, you are very naive.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I take it thats Th' Aqueduct?

paf as far as I am concerned it's all flogging a dead horse. Lets look at a few home truths about Blackburn....

1. Half the town will not touch a drop of drink so by rights half the pubs are surplus to requirements. (btw did you know that between the town centre and Brownhill there are no pubs? Between the town centre and The Windmill at Branch Road there are no pubs and obviously none on either of the Ranges and the rest of the Asian 3/4rs either.)

2. The town has lost most of it's industrial heritage over the past 40 years so no one has much spending money. The trend now is for kids to get tanked up on supermarket booze at someone's house before going out at midnight.

3. Mortgages command double the %age of annual salary that they did in the 70's. Now approx half a persons salary is already spoken for by the Building Society.

4. Drink of all sorts is approx 30% of the price in the numerous supermarkets dotted around the town. btw... Not only the pubs have suffered from this trend but there are hardly any dedicated off-licences around the place either.

5. Smoking ban has apparently had an adverse effect too.... although personally I love it.

6. It's not even Dec and the police have begun their Christmas crackdown on drink driving.... and guess what? With half the town devoid of pubs and drinkers the police can concentrate all their efforts on the other half of town.

7. There is a mass of satellite dishes and presumably SKY / netflix / love film companies to mop up disposable income.

8. Drugs are a cheaper option.

9. Anybody of any quality and spending power has left the town and those that have stayed take the train to Clitheroe / Preston / Manchester for a weekend night out.

Have I missed owt?

That could have been written about the town I live in. You could have mentioned the avaricious brewers charging the landlords a fortune to rent their pubs. That then leads to the landlords charging us punters the best part of £4.00 a pint.

[ABBEY]

Can't believe how many pubs have shut in great harwood .

[PAFELL]

Can't believe how many pubs have shut in great harwood .

Only two pubs I remember in Great Harwood, Wellington at the town gate and Victoria - the latter being a very good pub for ale. Good changing, choice of beers and kept very well.

[PAFELL]

I take it thats Th' Aqueduct?

paf as far as I am concerned it's all flogging a dead horse. Lets look at a few home truths about Blackburn....

1. Half the town will not touch a drop of drink so by rights half the pubs are surplus to requirements. (btw did you know that between the town centre and Brownhill there are no pubs? Between the town centre and The Windmill at Branch Road there are no pubs and obviously none on either of the Ranges and the rest of the Asian 3/4rs either.)

2. The town has lost most of it's industrial heritage over the past 40 years so no one has much spending money. The trend now is for kids to get tanked up on supermarket booze at someone's house before going out at midnight.

3. Mortgages command double the %age of annual salary that they did in the 70's. Now approx half a persons salary is already spoken for by the Building Society.

4. Drink of all sorts is approx 30% of the price in the numerous supermarkets dotted around the town. btw... Not only the pubs have suffered from this trend but there are hardly any dedicated off-licences around the place either.

5. Smoking ban has apparently had an adverse effect too.... although personally I love it.

6. It's not even Dec and the police have begun their Christmas crackdown on drink driving.... and guess what? With half the town devoid of pubs and drinkers the police can concentrate all their efforts on the other half of town.

7. There is a mass of satellite dishes and presumably SKY / netflix / love film companies to mop up disposable income.

8. Drugs are a cheaper option.

9. Anybody of any quality and spending power has left the town and those that have stayed take the train to Clitheroe / Preston / Manchester for a weekend night out.

Have I missed owt?

I don't know much about the drinking scene in Blackburn. But you describe a sad state of things in Blackburn. But the economic scene is across the country. Though I think some areas of the north has suffered more than some southern areas. For some reason governments seem to concentrate on cities - where other areas get left out. London in my area - though that is 65 miles away and Manchester in yours. Which we all know is wrong.