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.

Anglers Rest, Millers Dale

Posted on by Andy Cullen
Fundraisers for Manchester’s Christie NHS Foundation Trust taking part in a Manchester to London cycle ride stopped off recently at the Anglers, with the pub opening early for them to partake in coffee, cakes and other refreshment – and collect a charitable donation. So far in total the charity appeal the cyclists are supporting has raised £18,321.00. The Christie is one of the largest Cancer treatment centres in Europe.

Asset of Community Value (ACV) update

Posted on by Andy Cullen
On 16th May, Sheffield and District CAMRA submitted an ACV application for the University Arms to Sheffield City Council (SCC). Over eight weeks later, on 27th July we received an email from SCC which included a six-page document from a legal company, Pinsent Masons, employed by the owners of the pub, the University of Sheffield. This letter was an objection to the ACV nomination submitted by ourselves. We were given seven days to respond. In our opinion, and that of our colleagues at CAMRA HQ in St Albans, this ACV application clearly reaches the statutory test outlined by the Government. Advice from CAMRA, nationally, was followed throughout the nomination process. The application was compared to successful ACV applications from other parts of the country. It is felt that the detail included was more than adequate to guarantee an ACV listing. We were surprised to receive an objection as we believe that ACV status is something of which any pub would be proud, especially as the University and ourselves do seem to have many common aims and ideas. See for example, two recently published research documents Sheffield Beer Report and Pubs and Places: The Social Value of Community Pubs in which the IPPR commissioned colleagues at Sheffield University. We responded to the letter, sending a five page document which refuted the observations made. However, this action by the university raises a number of issues:
  • CAMRA sees ACV status as a clear badge of honour for both owners and licensees. It is a clear indication that their pub matters to the community. We do not understand why the university should be against the award of such status.
  • A number of items which could be used to support the application are suggested by Pinsent Masons. However, these are unnecessary. In our opinion, these comments are deliberately added in order to confuse the situation.
Pinsent Masons LLP is an international company who rank among the top 100 law firms in the world by turnover. They have over 400 partners, a legal team of around 1,500 and more than 2,500 staff. We await developments with interest. Dave Pickersgill – Pub Heritage Officer, Sheffield and District CAMRA

Harlequin, Nursery Street

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The Harlequin has been selected as a finalist in the Morning Advertiser Cider pub of the Year Awards and is now awaiting the final decision. By permanently serving around 20 traditional ciders at cellar temperature and running tasting nights it’s no wonder! A revised menu is now being served at The Harlequin including home made Pizza, New York Deli Sandwiches and all the usual sandwich fillings and double cooked chips.  There’s also good vegetarian and vegan options at all times and the usual home cooked roasts on Sundays. Live music nights with free entry throughout September are as follows: 2nd Blues Review 3rd Blues Train 8th Modern Jazz Project 10th Outside The Box 17th Bad Penny 23rd Eyeball 24th Blaze

Pub of the Month August 2016

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The Beer Engine was opened in its current guise about a year and a half ago, having been through a number of incarnations such as Delaney’s Music Bar since the premises last since carried the current name. Behind it is Tom Harrington (known as Baz to some of his friends), who has previously worked for others such as Thornbridge and Hillsborough Hotel, this is his first own pub venture, where the focus is almost entirely on serving good beer and simple but quality food that compliments the beer nicely. The pub is furnished and decorated simply but is laid out to appeal to all – a main open area around the bar and a couple of small, cosy rooms along with an outdoor area. The atmosphere is laid back. The bar is home to 6 handpumps, one of which often hosts a real cider and one which dispenses the (currently) always available Neepsend Blonde, the remaining four featuring an ever changing range of ales. There are also 4 guest craft keg lines and an extensive selection of spirits. The staff are friendly and knowledgable and if you want to try several beers you can buy tasting flights of 1/3 pints. Food on Monday to Saturday is pub tapas, with a selection of around 8 dishes on a menu which changes weekly, on a Tuesday. At present every Monday – the last day of the menu rotation – dishes are offered on a two for the price of one basis. On a Sunday the Beer Engine offers home cooked roast dinners with a choice of meat of the week, veggie and vegan options. Food is served 5-8pm Monday to Thursday, 12-8pm Friday and Saturday, 12-5pm on Sundays. Sheffield & District CAMRA held our branch meeting in the Beer Engine when it first opened and the numbers turned up exceeded the size of the room, such was the interest, the beer and food was enjoyed and now members have voted it as the winner of our August 2016 Pub of the Month. We’ll be presenting the award certificate at the Beer Engine on Tuesday 16th August with the pub holding a bit of a celebration, all are welcome to join us from 8pm onwards.
  • The Beer Engine is at 17 Cemetery Road, next to Waitrose petrol station off London Road and the Chinese Firework Company.
  • Closest buses are routes 3,4 and 4a, however the stop on London Road is also very close.
  • The pub is open from 4pm to 11pm Monday to Thursday, midday to midnight Friday and Saturday, midday to 11pm Sundays.
 

Crookes & Walkley

Posted on by Andy Cullen
Last month we looked at the great beer scene that has developed in the ‘Heeley Triangle’ creating a beer destination away from the usual City Centre and Kelham Island circuits. This month we look at another part of Sheffield with a cluster of good pubs a short bus ride from town. The two key bus corridors here are the 52/52a along the main road in Crookes and the 95 along the main road in Commonside and Walkley, supplemented by the less frequent route 31 which wends its way to Walkley via a more off-piste route! It is walkable between all the pubs featured, however note there are hills involved. All pubs that serve real ale are listed, however due to space constraints we are just featuring those with the more interesting beer range.

Commonside (route 95)

Closed Shop

Traditional friendly local in a residential setting. With a focus on customer service and traditional pub values. Taken over in 2013 by the team from the Rutland Arms and went through a major refurb. A wide range of ales and ciders is always available and the food is very good proper pub food. Weekly quiz each Wednesday and Sunday. 8 real ales available featuring Blue Bee Brewery and guests.

Hallamshire House

Known as the “tardis” this small frontage pub has a snug, pool room, bar area leading through to a large lounge and oak panelled snooker room with full size table. Is now run by Thornbridge Brewery offering at least five of their cask ales plus guest beers and a wide range of bottled beers.

Springvale

Walkley (routes 31, 31a, 95)

Blake Hotel

At the top of a steep hill (pedestrian handholds provided), this community pub reopened as a free house in 2010 after seven years of closure. Extensively restored, it has retained many Victorian features, with original etched windows and mirrors. At the rear is a large decked garden. The five guest beers usually include a stout or porter, the majority from small independent breweries. The pub also provides probably the largest selection of whisky in Sheffield with over 200 available. No electronic games, TV or jukebox.

Walkley Beer Company

A small specialist beer shop that opens weekends only with a tasting bar offering the choice to drink inside. A choice of three cask beers are available with beer served on gravity, the range changes each weekend. There is also a craft keg line.

Walkley Cottage

Crookes (routes 52, 52a)

Ball Inn

Large pub served from one bar. Has 15 hand pumps with at least one cider. Wooden panelled snug area still remains with carpeted floor. Two pool tables in raised area at the back. Can show three sports channels on TV screens. Large outdoor patio area. Recently refurbished.

Punchbowl

Large pub with 8 real ales, extensive selection of rums and a pizza oven.

Crookes Social Club

A kind of twin scene venue – the main lounge is members only but the tap room is open to all visitors. There is also a concert room which hosts regular gigs and an annual beer festival. Whether drinking in the members lounge or tap room, there is a selection of reasonably priced real ales available, usually from Stancill Brewery.

Princess Royal

Cobden View

Old Grindstone

Noah’s Ark

Masons Arms

Bus summary

31/31a: City Centre (Angel Street, near Castle Square tram stop) – Upperthorpe – Walkley – Hillsborough – Loxley: serves the Blake Hotel and Walkley Beer Company 52/52a: Woodhouse – City Centre (Church Street and West Street) – University – Broomhill – Crookes – Hillsborough – Wisewood: serves the Grindstone, Ball Inn, Crookes Social Club and the Punchbowl 95: City Centre (Interchange, Flat Street, Church Street and West Street) – Commonside – Walkley: serves the Hallamshire House, Closed Shop, Walkley Beer Company and Walkley Cottage. Bus operators are a mixture of First, Stagecoach and Sheffield Community Transport. Travelmaster offer a range of unlimited travel tickets valid on all operators including the Citybus day ticket at £4 and the Citywide bus & tram day ticket at £4.30. Available from bus drivers and tram conductors (cash only). More information at travelsouthyorkshire.com.

Stancill Brewery

Posted on by Andy Cullen
Stancill Brewery has been working on two new summer specials: First up is a 4% summer ale and a genuine first for new brewery apprentice Jonathan Brown. Jonathan joined Stancill in April and after working closely with head brewer Dean Pleasant over the past few weeks, Dean challenged him to make a beer of his own. Magnum PA [1609647]jaxon1-01 [1609646] Jonathan’s first beer features First Gold and Styrian Golding hops, resulting in a well balanced brew with a slight orange aroma and delicate spicy notes. Jonathan was given the honour of not only brewing the beer to suit his own tastes, but to also naming it. He chose Jaxon, naming his first brew in honour of his newly born child. Stancill’s second summer special pays tribute to one of the best known detectives of the 1980s with a brand new American pale ale, brewed using magnum hops. The result is a delightfully moreish 4.5% brew called Magnum PA. We know what you’re thinking… and you’re right. Hawaiian shirt and big moustache optional!

Hop Hideout

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Thurs 25th Aug to Mon 29th Aug: Pucker Up: A Bank Holiday Weekend Homage to Sour Beer

Mikkeller-Spontan-Tasting-Pack [1511125] Sour beer covers a myriad of styles and we love them all here at Hop Hideout. We’ve decided to dedicate the Bank Holiday weekend in August to host our homage to these styles. We’ll be dedicating our full keg taps to sour styles. Plus we’ll be spending the next few months sourcing some special bottle stock for you to try over the weekend too. Throw into the mix ticketed Mikkeller: Spontan Your Face beer tastings on the Friday and Saturday evening (tickets online £13pp inc 5 samples). It’ll be a special few days all in all. One for the sour heads and those wanting to take their first sip and pucker up! The garden area will be open, so fingers crossed for sunshine. They’ll also be a select menu of scotch eggs and pork pies on offer from Liberty Foods  and extended opening hours. Find out more: www.hophideout.co.uk/events Julia & Will

Steel City Brewing

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Wait ages for a Steel City beer then three come along at once… sort of! TMB18 Forked Tongue v2 [1511157] Three collaborations, two ‘away’ and one ‘home’. Firstly, away at Imperial in Mexborough along with Isaac from Catalan brewery Reptilian. Isaac’s favourite style is Double IPA (His IBUprofano weighs in at 9.5% and 256IBU!), so Dave and Dale were happy to indulge… As it was brewed the weekend after Britain lost its collective mind, the brew is named ‘Turkeys Voting for Xmas’, and is 8.5% and a slightly more restrained 130IBU. A base of pale malt and oats keeps the colour as light as possible, while fermenting out as far as the yeast would go means it avoids the stickiness and booziness found in many DIPAs, allowing the Centennial, Citra, Chinook and El Dorado hops to shine. EE04 Turkeys [1511165] Next day, back at ‘home’, Dave and Isaac (with cameo appearance from Steel City & Hopcraft brewer Gazza and Waen Brewster Sue) brewed Forked Tongues, a Grapefruit Transatlantic Pale Ale. Dave had been planning a grapefruit beer for some time, but as always seems to happen before he got round to it every other brewer in the country did one…! Forked Tongues is 5.5% and 120IBU, with a pale malt and wheat base, Columbus and Magnum hops for bittering, Chinook and Mosaic hops for flavour, and of course an obscene amount of grapefruit. A special one-off keg was produced for Cotteridge Wines’ 21st birthday bash with the addition of orange, and according to Untappd is one of the best-received Steel City beers ever! Forked Tongues will be harder than usual to find, as most of it is being shipped to Catalunya, but the usual suspects (Shakespeare, Devonshire Cat and Dronfield Arms) will be getting some. The beer is unfined, so is likely to be hazy, if this is successful Steel City will probably go unfined permanently – who wants fish in their beer anyway? imperial steel city raw brexit Finally, back to Mexborough for a four-way collab (originally planned as nine-way but trying to get that many brewers in one place is like herding cats…), involving Imperial, Steel City, Raw and James & Kirkman. Named If Tha’ Brexit, Tha Fixes It, the brew is a Transatlantic Pale Ale featuring a multitude of hops including Dana, Centennial, Summit, Topaz and Ahtanum. Unfortunately given the theme for the names, the guys didn’t have any European hops to hand! Dave Szwejkowski

Sons of the Desert on tour

Posted on by Andy Cullen
A group of Laurel and Hardy fans, Sons of the Dessert, took a mini bus to Ulverston in Cumbria, the birth place of Stan Laurel. The Stan Laurel Inn has six hand pulled beers, mainly from local breweries and my choice was Barngates Brathay Gold. ulverston pub bar A few minutes walk away is the house where Stan Laurel was born so after seeing this we went to Ulverston Brewery, a former livestock market hall with brewery, bar and shop under one roof. Their beers are named after Laurel and Hardy films and the two on offer were Perfect Day and Lonesome Pine. It was Festival Weekend and the town was busy with street food, stalls, entertainment, bands and drummers and much more, even the bronze statue of Stan and Ollie was decorated with flowers and coloured scarves. The museum dedicated to the comedy duo showed some of their most popular films and the stage just outside had entertainment throughout the day. Nearby was the Piel Castle Inn with high beamed ceilings, stone wall and fireplace. This Robinsons pub had four beers and I had Bonj Euros, a special blonde ale. All the pubs were busy and there was time to call in the Rose and Crown, a pub with five distinct areas and four Robinsons beers. There were ten hand pulled beers at The Mill, four from Lancaster brewery and six guests. The pub was developed round a restored water wheel and the layout is on various levels. There are many other good pubs in Ulverston but not enough time to visit them all. John Beardshaw

Broomhill Tavern

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The Broomhill Tavern is on a prominent corner at the top of Glossop Road and following it’s exterior refurbishment is quite outstanding. This family run pub has seven hand pumps on the bar serving Abbeydale Moonshine, Bradfield Blonde, Sharp’s Doom Bar and Tetley Bitter. There is a full menu and food is served from noon until 6pm. Regular locals and students are made to feel welcome and all enjoy the quiz nights on Monday and Tuesday. There is both Sky and BT Sports and free Wi Fi is available. Bus 120 runs past the pub. Broomhill Tavern Night exterior. [1609719]