Author: Andy Cullen

Andy has been actively involved in CAMRA since the early 2000s after being recruited to sit on a National Younger Members Task Group. Since then he has held roles on the branch committee including Secretary, Membership Secretary, Magazine Editor, Chair and now Social Secretary. Andy has also been involved with the Steel City Beer & Cider Festival almost every year since becoming active in the branch.

Harlequin, Nursery Street

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The downstairs exterior of the pub has had a much needed spruce-up, with a new paint job and a complete change of colour. Landlady Liz attended the Morning Advertiser National Pub Awards in London after reaching the finals of National Cider Pub of the year. ‘Unfortunately, we were pipped at the post by Mr Foleys of Leeds. Just being nominated by this respected pub industry journal was fantastic’ The Harlequin has been Sheffield & District CAMRA’s Cider pub of the year, 2011, 2013 & 2016. The popular themed quiz nights take place every Wednesday evening and live bands continue to feature on most Friday & Saturday nights. Live music for November looks like this: 5th Slingshots (rockabilly) 10th Modern Jazz Project (jazz/swing) 11th Searching for Sylvia (original rock) 12th Glam Box (70’s glam rock) 19th Gav Coulson (awesome rock blues guitar) 25th Band with no name (rock/blues) 26th Blaze (high octane rock)

Exit 33

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The new special from Exit 33 is called Lightweight. At just 3.8% this pale ale may be small on strength but it’s big on flavour. It has a moderate to high hop flavour, showing a citrusy hop character, the balance being towards the late hops of Chinook & Simcoe. Also brought back for this Month is Citrella at 4.8%.  ‘We are asked for it all the time so we brewed it one last time for this year as both Citra & Ella hops are in short supply’ Last year’s harvest in the States was poor due to bad weather and Ella is hard to come by as one merchant now has a monopoly on all Australian varieties. The return of dark nights’ ushers in dark beers and it will be soon time to release our two limited edition oak barrel aged specials. Nut Brown whisky cask is a robust 6% old style ale heavy on malt flavour and has been maturing in oak whisky hog’s heads since February.  Next up will be 7% Nicaraguan Rum Cask Stout, which is about as good as it gets for stout lovers.  Our regular 5% oat stout smiles at you, this beer is winking! wood-aging-at-exit-33-brewing

Inn Brief

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The Jolly Farmer in Dronfield Woodhouse is holding a Halloween party on 29th October, from 8pm. The Botanist at Leopold Square, Sheffield City Centre, has now opened and has cask ale served on gravity. Look out for the blackboards above the bar for details. The Miners Arms at Hundall have extended their CAMRA members discount to include real cider as well as real ale.

Stancill Brewery

Posted on by Andy Cullen
Heroic beer, with German origins!  Oktoberfest may have been and gone in its hometown of Munich, but for beer lovers across the Atlantic and here in Sheffield, it has only just begun! This October, Stancill Brewery is celebrating all things German with the launch of its heroic monthly special, Hercules. The easy-drinking pale ale features Herkules hops, a new variety which was created through crossbreeding German Hallertau Taurus and Hull Male hops, resulting in a bitter peppery taste with a spicy aroma. Bred at the Hop Research centre in Hull, Germany, Herkules hops are relatively new to the beer industry and are native to the Elbe-Saale region of South East Germany; an area hugely populated with hop farms as during World War Two the communist regime cultivated hop growing, resulting in mass hop farms. Hercules is the first beer produced by Stancill using the new hop variety, resulting in a 4.0% beer which has all the character you might expect from a German beer variety: clean tasting, refreshing with a bitter aftertaste. Prost!

Assets of Community Value update – University Arms rejection called in

Posted on by Andy Cullen
University Arms ACV rejection is ‘called-in’  On 27th.September, Sheffield City Council (SCC) refused our application to register the University Arms (UA) as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).   However, a week later, the decision was ‘called-in’ by the opposition. As soon as the decision was made public, the Sheffield CAMRA Chair and myself agreed to meet with Ccl.Jack Scott, the SCC Cabinet Member for Community Services and Libraries, who made the ACV rejection decision. However, before this meeting could take place, we learnt that the decision had been ‘called-in.’ A ‘call-in’ is intended to be used in exceptional circumstances when councillors believe that a decision has been taken in a way that is contrary to the council’s principles of decision making. It is not intended to be used to appeal a decision that is simply disagreed with. The Scrutiny Panel for the call-in’ will take place at Sheffield Town Hall on Thursday 20th.October (16:00-19:00). Members of the public can attend and ask questions. The ACV rejection ‘reason for decision,’ includes:  ‘ The owner describes it as a ‘student pub’ suggesting that its patronage is only a section of the community. …. No evidence has been provided to the contrary.’ This statement is simply incorrect, a ‘student pub’ states that access is restricted to students: this is not the case. The pub is a long-standing entry in the  Good Beer Guide: hence, many visitors visit from far-afield. The number of successful ACV pub applications which has been approved by SCC is pitifully small:  seven from a total of (only) 19 applications (5/15 from CAMRA). This compares unfavourably with the record of many other councils. For example, all pubs in Otley have ACV status and Aylesbury and Wycombe have listed over 150 pubs as ACV. CAMRA sees ACV status as a clear badge of honour for both owners and licensees. It is a clear indication that the pub matters to the community. Our UA ACV application was submitted on 16th.May. Advice from CAMRA HQ was followed throughout the nomination process. In our opinion, and that of our colleagues in St.Albans, the application clearly reached the statutory test outlined by the Government. A decision should then arrive within 8 weeks of the application – it took SCC over 4 months …. unfortunately such a delay seems to be the local norm. As part of this process, in late July, we received a six-page objection from a legal company, Pinsent Masons, employed by the owners of the UA, the University of Sheffield.  A number of items which ‘could be used to support the application’ are suggested by Pinsent Masons. However, legally, these are unnecessary. In our opinion, these comments were deliberately added in order to confuse the situation. We were given seven days to respond (which we did). We were surprised to receive an objection from the University as we believe that ACV status is something of which any pub would be proud, especially as, judging from 2016 publications, the University and ourselves do seem to have many common aims and ideas. However, it seems that their long-term ambitions for the site outweigh other considerations. As previously reported, the University development masterplan, includes an option in which the pub is demolished. Dave Pickersgill – Pub Heritage Officer, Sheffield and District CAMRA

Heritage pubs with Dave Pickersgill – Carbrook Hall

Posted on by Andy Cullen
Carbrook Hall (537 Attercliffe Common, S9 2FJ) has an historic pub interior of some regional importance. The original building was owned by the Blunt family from 1176. It was rebuilt in 1462, and was bought by Thomas Bright (Lord of the Manor of Ecclesall) in the late 16th century. His descendant, John Bright, was an active Parliamentarian during the English Civil War, and the building was used as a Roundhead meeting place during the siege of Sheffield Castle (1644). Most of the building was demolished in the 19th century, what survives is a Grade II listed stone wing that was added ~1620. By 1860 Carbrook Hall was listed as a common beer house. A 1917 plan indicates that the pub was multi-roomed (for brewers Messr’s. J.Richdale & Co.Ltd. By Hall & Fenton, 10 Paradise Square, 28/01/17). Alterations were approved by Sheffield Licensing Justices in January 1917. Further plans (24/11/1925) indicate that, at this point, the central Tap Room was opened out with the bar becoming repositioned. A further set of plans (F.Ratcliff, Orchard Chambers, Church Street 2/12/1937, approved 15/03/1938) indicate extensions for ‘Urinals, Coats and Garage.’ The panelled room is now designated as ‘Old Oak Room,’ previously it was described as ‘Smoke Room.’ A further set of plans (approved 26/10/1943) indicate a relocation of the bar area and the removal of a staircase from the bar area. The central Smoke Room is now designated as ‘Lounge.’ 1965 brought the addition of interior toilets. The next change is in 1970. Plans from Bass Charrington North Ltd (Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson and Partners) show a further reconfiguration of the bar area into its current position. A final set of plans for Wm.Stones (Melling & Ridgeway, Charter House, Moore Street, S3 7UR, August 1982) also have the current lay-out. The ‘Old Oak Room’ includes a 17th.century panelled ground floor room with vine trail plaster frieze and enriched cross beam ceiling, also with vine trail. There is also an elaborate early 17th.century oak chimneypiece with Corinthian columns and allegorical figures and Latin inscription on the over mantel. The motif represents Wisdom trampling upon Ignorance. It also has framed panelling with painted decoration and larger stone chimneypiece with corniced mantelshelf and over mantel flanked by unusual caryatids. Carbrook Hall was a CAMRA GBG entry in the 1990’s: we hope the recent re-introduction of cask conditioned beer heralds a renaissance of the pub. Thanks to Sheffield Archives for assistance in located various plans.carbrook-hall-1

Pub of the Month October 2016

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The White Lion has not only been a constant fixture on London Road since 1781, it has been a constant favourite on the Sheffield beer scene, appearing in 28 editions of the Good Beer Guide. Its 28th appearance is in 2017. The architectural history of this one pub alone could fill an entire issue of Beer Matters. It has earned Grade II listing (1999), one of a select group of Tetley’s ‘Heritage Inns’ (1989) and, more recently, recognised by CAMRA as having an interior of outstanding historic interest, appearing in CAMRA’s Yorkshire Pub Heritage publication. For visitors to the White Lion it is the beautiful tiles, seemingly eccentric collection of rooms, and the famous reversed ‘N’ in the stained-glass that make it an endearing and comfortably atmospheric place to enjoy a few ales. Over the years it must have had dozens of licensees but the current incumbents, Jon and Mandy, have not only been running the White Lion for as little as 18 months, but had never managed a pub before. Their story is a fairy-tale. Long-time customers of the White Lion, Jon and Mandy gave-up their public-sector careers to take on the pub they loved, worried that it was in danger of going into a terminal decline. And what a job they’ve done! As well as four regular ales – Abbeydale Moonshine, Kelham Island Lion’s Main, Tetley Bitter, and Wychwood Hobgoblin – there is always a fascinating (and often unusual) selection of up to seven excellently kept guest ales. The pub also has real cider (Weston’s Old Rosie and one guest), and an impressive selection of malt whisky. The White Lion is a champion music venue, winning the title of best music pub in Yorkshire and the north-east in 2015. Free live music is a feature nearly every night, apart from Wednesdays when it hosts a popular pub quiz. And given Jon and Mandy’s story, it is hardly surprising that they have made the White Lion a true community pub. It gives rooms over to clubs, groups and the local community, hosts regular charity events, supports local community events and neighbouring businesses. For all these reasons an unincorporated body, consisting of members of the local community and with the support of CAMRA, has just submitted an application to list the White Lion as an asset of community value (ACV) – fingers-crossed! We’ll be presenting this much-deserved ‘Pub of the Month’ award on Tuesday 11 October from 8pm onwards, so come along (615 London Road, Heeley (next to Ponsford, at the heart of the Heeley Triangle) – on bus routes 10, 10A, 20, 24, 25, 43, 43A, 44, X17), and enjoy a celebration with some fine ales in one of Sheffield’s most fascinating pubs. Normal opening hours are 4pm to midnight Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 1am on Fridays, noon to 1am on Saturdays, and 2pm to midnight on Sundays. Richard Short white-lion-heritage1 white-lion-heritage2 white-lion-heritage3 white-lion-heritage4

Good Beer Guide 2017

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The new edition of the Good Beer Guide is now out and features the very best real ale pubs in each area, as selected by local CAMRA branch members that drink in the pubs. It also contains listings of all the breweries in the UK producing real ale at the time of going to press including details of the beers they brew on a regular basis. The printed book costs £12.99 and is available from the usual book shops along with the CAMRA online shop, however members can pick up a copy at CAMRA branch meetings for just £10. Also coming soon is a new Good Beer Guide app for Android and Apple smart phones, keep an eye on your app store for launch.

District Pub of the Season Summer 2016

Posted on by Andy Cullen
Three Stags Head, Wardlow Mires Our District Pub of the Season award is a programme that recognises the good ale pubs in the Derbyshire part of our branch area, some of which is rural parts of the Peak District National Park. Pubs are nominated and voted for by our members who drink in those pubs. The winner of our inaugural award, which has been voted for over the summer, is the Three Stags Head at Wardlow Mires. Words like legendary and personality are often used and either word could apply to both the pub and landlord here. Jeff and Pat bought the pub originally when they were looking for premises to conduct their pottery business – which is in stables behind the pub – and ran the pub as something of a sideline, open just at the weekend catering for locals including farm workers, walkers and others in the area. The draught beer choice consists of 4 handpulled ales from Abbeydale including the special, quite strong, house beer called Black Lurcher, named in memory of the pub dogs that used to be resident in the bar area. These days there are still plenty of dogs and sometimes even a hawk to keep you company. The beer range and Jeff’s attitude to it once made it into the Sheffield Star newspaper thanks to the sign above the bar that read ‘please do not ask for lager as a smack in the gob often offends’. A range of quality European bottled beers is however available! The pub is listed in CAMRA’s national inventory of unspoilt historic pubs – it has changed little since the 16th century – featuring two rooms with stone flagged floors, low ceilings and proper open fires. Home cooked, locally sourced food is available at meal times with game often a speciality – especially if the landlord or one of the regulars has been shooting recently! There are also some excellent jumbo pork pies available as bar snacks. This is a pub run the old fashioned way – embrace the character of the pub and behave accordingly (starting by not leaving the front door wide open!) and you will be made welcome and enjoy yourself. Landlord and staff are all equally straight talking people who have no qualms about encouraging people they don’t like to sling their hook! We’ll be running a minibus trip from Sheffield out to the Three Stags Head to present their Pub of the Season winners certificate on Saturday 12th November, departing from the Old Queens Head by Sheffield Bus Interchange at 1pm and stopping off at some other pubs along the way (potential future winners?). If you live in the area and fancy meeting us for a pint the rough schedule is: Anglers Rest, Bamford 13:30hrs; Queen Anne, Great Hucklow 14:25hrs; Barrel Inn, Bretton 15:15hrs and Bulls Head, Foolow at 15:55hrs with 30-40 minutes at each. We intend to be at the Three Stags Head from 16:40 to 18:10, returning direct to Sheffield, arriving back by 7pm.

Welcome Students!

Posted on by Andy Cullen
So, freshers, by the time this issue of Beer Matters hits the pubs you’ll have been in Sheffield a couple of weeks perhaps and moved into your accommodation, visited the student union, gone through a whirlwind of freshers fairs, society recruitment events, welcome parties and much more. Maybe you’ve even started venturing out and exploring the city you will call home for the next few years at University. This is the annual article aimed at pointing you in the direction of good beer (we already know you are that way inclined – you’ve picked up this magazine, most likely in a good pub!). There is no shortage of good beer in Sheffield of course, but a variety of places to drink it is no bad thing. If you are at the University of Sheffield we would encourage you to join their real ale society who meet in the student union at Interval Cafe Bar every Thursday for a social, heading out to different places each week. They also organise visits to breweries, beer festivals and more – a bit like CAMRA really (don’t forget if you are under 26 you get cheaper CAMRA membership!) If you are a Hallam University student there is no real ale in the HUBS  but not to worry – there are loads of good pubs around the campus area and there is a  newly formed real ale society organising beery socials. Also worth noting that Sheffield Brewery open to the public for beer club the first weekend of each month (Fri/Sat evening) and True North Brewery at Devonshire Green opens to the public very ocasionally for special events. CAMRA’s Steel City Beer & Cider Festival takes place in October each year and SIBA’s BeerX takes place in March, with the Sheffield Beer Week running alongside it. In June (first Saturday of), at the end of the academic year, there is the 3 Valleys festival nearby in Dronfield which is spread across around 15 venues linked by a free bus. So lots going on in our area all year round! CAMRA volunteers maintain a national database of every real ale pub and you can search for pub information via our pub guide website, WhatPub. (if you find any wrong, out of date or missing information we would appreciate it if you help out by finding out the correct details and submitting them to us). Below is a guide to real ale outlets in the city centre plus London Road and Bramall Lane. All these are walkable from both Universities, however if you can’t be bothered to walk there are plenty of buses and trams around.

Sheffield Hallam side of town

University of Sheffield side of town

Somewhere in between