Our Through the Hopback series sees us experimenting with Nectaron, a hop that we have never used before! We’ll be showcasing it in a 3.9% pale ale, and we’re really looking forward to the promised tropical fruit notes sure to tantalise the tastebuds.
New to our Restoration series, we’ll be releasing a classic English Porter (5.0%). Considered to be one of the oldest beer styles in the world, malt is the true star of the show here, with six different grains carefully selected to give a rich, rounded, deep and chocolatey character. Expect light roasty toasty notes layered with unctuous caramel, followed by a balanced bitter finish.
We’re teaming up with Knaresborough’s Turning Point Brew Co for the next version of our Wanderer, which this time takes the form of a Cascade IPA (6.0%). It’s a homage to one of the USA’s very first IPAs, and as the name suggests is single hopped with Cascade. Expect a crisp, vibrant and beautifully balanced beer with rounded citrus notes and a light floral character, leading the way to a zesty grapefruit bitterness in the finish.
And, you guessed it, the Christmas beers are on their way! Starting with Doctor Morton’s Rude Elf, a classic pale ale at 4.1% with Centennial and Chinook hops. We’ll also have a festive addition to our gorgeous stained glass inspired series of pale ales. Look out for them on a bar near you!
CAMRA has announced the upcoming release of its groundbreaking new perry book from writer Adam Wells, which will be the first consumer guide to one of the UK’s most traditional drinks.
Despite being largely unknown outside of the UK, perry – a drink like cider but produced from pears rather than apples – has for centuries been compared to fine wine and champagne in countries all around the world. Although it fell out of fashion in recent years, it’s making a comeback with producers creating both new and traditional perries to great acclaim.
CAMRA’s championing of cider and perry at its festivals over the last 50 years has been credited with playing a significant role in keeping perry alive and now the Campaign is going further to promote and support this traditional drink.
A new consumer focused guide to perry is slated for publication by CAMRA Books in 2024, penned by drinks writer, presenter and founder-editor of the popular ‘Cider Review’ site, Adam Wells.
Following the success of recent title Modern British Cider, which raised over £5,800 in KickStarter funding, CAMRA Books will again be offering readers the chance to be part of the whole publication journey. A new KickStarter is due to launch as part of CAMRA’s October Cider and Perry Month celebration, and will bring exclusive offers, events, tastings and perry news for those who sign up.
“This book will for the first time shed light on a drink shrouded in so much mystery and history.
“When made well (and it is not easy to make well!) perry is the finest beverage of any kind made on these shores. I can’t wait to read what Adam discovers about perry from the UK and beyond!” said Ciderologist Gabe Cook, author of Modern British Cider and previous winner of CAMRA’s Campaigner of the Year Award.
Gillan Hough, Real Ale, Cider and Perry Campaigns Director for the Campaign said, “Perry is a long-underappreciated drink, so we’re thrilled to have Adam on board to do this book justice.
“There are very few books about perry, and these are mainly technical manuals for producers. It’s nearly 50 years since CAMRA beer festivals first served cider and perry, so a consumer-focused perry book is long overdue!
“As well as producing a delicious drink, perry pears are also of huge ecological value, with trees taking decades to mature before producing fruit for centuries. Now is a critical time as countless perry pear varieties have already been lost, and others are down to a single mature tree. The best way to keep these orchards viable is to enjoy everything perry has to offer, and I hope Adam’s book will be a catalyst for many more consumers to rediscover perry.”
Author Adam Wells said, “The last five years or so have seen an incredible upsurge in the interest in and quality of aspirational, high juice content perry. Not only in the UK, but in its other ancient heartlands of France and Austria and in newer perrymaking countries around the world.
“Though there are excellent pomological works written on perry pears, as curious drinkers discover this shy, secretive and often magnificent drink, the absence of a dedicated guide to perry is increasingly striking. Covering growing, making, pear varieties, styles, appreciation, history, countries and producers, I hope this book provides a contribution to a much longer conversation and a useful resource both for long-standing perry lovers and those discovering the joys of great perry for the first time.”
No-one, in their right mind, would open a brand-new pub on Friday the spooky old 13th of the month… would they? Anyway, on Friday 13th May last year, the Boston Arms opened its doors for the very first time. They needn’t have worried, though. Opening night went very well, and the pub has gone from strength to strength ever since.
The pub is situated in a former insurance brokers’ office in the Woodseats area to the south of the city. The conversion to a pub included the installation of a distinctive suspended ceiling, and proper wood flooring. Three hand-pumps grace the bar, with the beers usually from independent breweries, and always one from a Sheffield brewery. Eight keg fonts add to the range, and the eclectic ‘fridge of fun’ is a must for fans of small-pack, or take-out for later!
The Boston Arms has been described as ‘the biggest micro-pub in the city’ and understandably so. The front bar area, rear lounge, and a room up some (reasonably steep) stairs have now been complemented by the recently opened ‘secret garden’ and converted out-building – the Boston Bothy – adding yet more capacity. The Boston retains the micro-pub ethic throughout, with no slot machines, no pool table, no sport on big screens – just good beer and good banter, and a well-chosen selection of background music.
But pubs these days need to rely on more than booze and banter to survive. The Boston Arms has excelled in this area. A full coffee menu is available from local roasters Smith Street Coffee, and artisan cakes and pastries will tempt anyone to start the diet tomorrow. A weekly charity quiz is well supported, and live music has proved popular. More left-field events have included night choirs, a ceramics workshop and live dog-portait painting (really). All in all, a true community local.
With its dedication to decent beer, in comfortable surroundings, and a genuine emphasis on the local community, it is little wonder that the Boston Arms has taken just over a year to go from Friday 13th start-up to Sheffield CAMRA Pub of the Month.
Richard Hough
Award being received by manager Robbie Macdonald from Beer Matters magazine editor Andy Cullen
An attempt at an Ale Trail on the Penistone Rail Line which runs between Barnsley and Huddersfield. The first part of the line opened in 1850 between Huddersfield and Penistone, with the other part following later. It is designated as a “Community Rail Line” and covers a 27 Mile Route (from Sheffield to Huddersfield).
Dodworth – Dodworth Tap
After changing trains at Barnsley and hopping om board the train to Huddersfield, the first stop on the Penistone Line was Dodworth. The village is known as being a former coal mining village and the memorial stands in the centre of the village with some great history about nearby pits.
The pub I called into here is called “Dodworth Tap”, formerly known as the Station Inn, but opened in July 2020 after the amazing renovation work which makes the pub look so good. A large inside area with a huge stone fireplace along the back wall, alongside a great sized outdoor area.
A great choice of 5 real ales on the bar here to choose from, “White Rat” from Ossett Brewery was my choice, one of my favourite beers which never disappoints. Was great to meet up with the couple being The Great British Pub Crawl aswell here. Check out their adventures HERE.
Can also try Thorneley Arms further down the road if you want more time in Dodworth.
Silkstone Common – The Station Inn
The next station on the line was Silkstone Common. This one is a literal walk off the platform and into the pub, “The Station Inn”. A really warm and welcoming village pub full of locals when I entered. Sunday Lunches are served aswell as other food events during the week.
A choice of 2 real ales on the bar here, Timothy Taylor “Landlord” and Bradfield “Farmers Blonde”. I went with “Farmers Blonde” from Bradfield Brewery. A great easy drinking blonde beer.
A huge outdoor beer garden to the left of the pub (next to the train station entrance), which includes some small wooden cabins so lots of seating for the summer months,
Penistone – Penistone Tap and Brewhouse
Back on the train again, getting off this time at Penistone. Penistone station used to be the junction for the Woodhead Line which was a line linking Sheffield, Penistone and Manchester. The old part of the station can still be seen.
Around an 8 minute uphill walk brings me to the town centre where the pub “Penistone Tap and Brewhouse” is located. This micropub opened in 2021 and also acts as the brewery tap for “Woodland Brewing” which was formerly known as Whitefaced, the brewery being located on the rear of the ground floor.
A choice of 2 cask ales and 8 keg beers here. I started off with “Eternal Summer” from the in house brewery Woodland Brewing. A delicious easy drinking golden ale. Followed by “Catharina Strawberry and Guava Sour”, a tasty and tart sour beer from Triple Point Brewing in Sheffield.
Penistone – Penistone Beer Shop
A few doors up is “Penistone Beer Shop”, a great place to drop into to get a few drinks for the train journey home. Packed full of bottles and cans from local Yorkshire breweries plus ones from further afield.
If you want to jump off at Shepley there are two local pubs The Black Bull and The Farmers Boy that are worth calling into both selling real ale.
Denby Dale – The White Hart
Next stop on the line is Denby Dale, on coming into Denby Dale Station you go over a large viaduct which is Grade II Listed. It was originally built of wood but replaced by the current structure in 1880.
A short 7/8 minute walk downhill from the station and through the small village brings me to “The White Hart”, a pub which looks fantastic on the main road through the village, with lots of outdoor seating to enjoy the sunshine (although it was quite clouded over today).
A choice of 3 real ales on the bar here, 2 from Timothy Taylors Brewery and the other from Theakston Brewery. I went with “Landlord” from Timothy Taylors Brewery in Keighley. An award winning beer.
Stocksmoor – Clothiers Arms
The next stop along the line is Stocksmoor. Its claim to fame being it was the birthplace of Ben Swift Chambers, the church minister who, in Liverpool, founded St Domingo’s parish football team, which became Everton Football Club. A picturesque small country village.
“The Clothiers Arms” is located next to the station, a large country inn style pub, with outdoor seating on decking at the entrance to the pub. It offers food a number of days a week. A very traditional style pub inside.
A choice of 2 cask ales on here, Bradfield Brewery “Farmers Blonde” and Tetleys Cask. I went with the “Farmers Blonde”, a favourite of mine and always tastes great.
Brockholes – Rock Inn
Next call is to Brockholes, another small village along the line. A 7/8 minute walk downhill brings me to “Rock Inn”, a Thwaites pub situated on the banks of the River Holme. It was refurbished in 2014 and is full of character and charm of a village inn.
Really busy local pub, a number of cask beers available here including Wainwrights and Bombardier. I went with a pint of “Wainwrights” a lovely golden beer from Marston’s Brewery. Enjoyed overlooking the river in the rear beer garden.
Berry Brow – The Railway
Last call on the Penistone Line before getting back into Huddersfield. This time its Berry Brow. A short 4 minute walk downhill from the station brings me to “The Railway”, a very popular pub, and a very warm welcome on entering the pub. Lots of outdoor seating here being a front and a side beer garden. Also has food offerings at certain times.
Five cask beers available on the bar today. Bradfield Brewery, Moorhouses Brewery, Abbeydale Brewery, Recoil Brewing and Ossett Brewery. I went with “Upbeat” a special beer from Moorhouses Brewery based in Lancashire.
A walk back up to the station to head to Huddersfield on the train to finish off the Penistone Line Ale Trail.
The Golden Fleece is the opposite way from the railway station if you have longer to spend here.
Huddersfield – Kings Head
Two pubs located on Huddersfield Station. Started with the “Kings Head”. Always a busy place with lots of beer choices (both cask and keg). Huddersfield is covered in more detail as part of the “Transpennine Ale Trail“
Went with “Piccadilly Gold” from Cloudwater Brew Co in Manchester. A great classic beer, easy drinking.
Huddersfield – The Head of Steam
Located on the opposite side of the station is “The Head of Steam”, a 2 roomed pub which also offers food. Huddersfield is covered in more detail as part of the “Transpennine Ale Trail“
A great range of cask and keg beers in here. 14 cask and 8 Keg. Went with “Pork Scratchings – Best Bitter” from Northern Monk. A really interesting beer, a smoky tasting English Bitter. Really enjoyed this.
You may recall the winner of the 2023 Champion Beer of Britain, Elland 1872 Porter, was announced back in August.
The process has now begun for the 2024 competition and involves CAMRA members voting for beers to be entered into the competition. All regularly brewed real ales are eligible and all members are entitled to vote, choosing their top 5 beers in each category. Voting closes on 1 November after which beers go through regional judging via blind tastings at various beer festivals, culminating in judging at the grand final in London with the winner announced at the trade & media day at the Great British Beer Festival.
We’ve teamed up with our good friends at Ossett Brewery to create a hybrid between two of our much loved core beers! After making Silver Moon at their place earlier this year (no prizes for working out this was a mash-up of Moonshine and Silver King!), our recipe is a fusion of Deception and White Rat. Name currently TBC but expect a delicious and classic pale ale with a robust bitterness and fruity character.
Doctor Morton’s Four Yorkshiremen make a return, with Simcoe and Amarillo hops giving notes of spicy pine coupled with juicy stone fruits, and a pleasant citrus bitterness.
And a special double release is coming up too. Archangel and Dark Angel will both be 4.5% and feature the same hops, but one a pale and one a stout! This has been a really fun project so we’re looking forward to trying them side by side.
From our Brewers Emporium, the freshest variation of our Heathen APA is a showcase of new innovations which are making waves in the beer world! Incognito Heathen (4.1%) is single hopped with Mosaic, which this time is added in Incognito and Spectrum form – these are cutting edge hop products which bring maximum flavour impact in a super efficient, more environmentally friendly way. Expect big citrus notes, a punchy tropical character, and a clean, zesty finish.
And finally, we’re joining the battle for the Soul of Sheffield, with a 5.6% amplified IPA brewed in collaboration with Sheffield institution and legend of late nights, The Leadmill. Single hopped with Vic Secret for a clean and vibrant character with oodles of tropical fruit notes riffing alongside a delicately herbal finish. At the time of typing, we’re awaiting the outcome of the public hearing which takes place on 18th September, but whatever happens, #wecantloseleadmill.
CAMRA has just unveiled the winners of its prestigious Pub Design Awards, which recognise the most innovative new projects of architecture, design and conservation in British pubs across the country.
There are five winners and four highly commended pubs across different categories ranging from refurbishment to new build in this year’s awards. These include:
New Build (assessing newly built pubs in 2022):
Strawberry Thief, Swindon(winner) – An ambitious new-build pub for Arkell’s brewery in a new development on the edge of Swindon known as Tadpole Village.
Conversion to Pub Use Award:
Turk’s Head, Exeter(winner) – Originally an inn for over 700 years, this property was entirely reconfigured from a pizza restaurant into a functional pub whilst keeping its historical character.
bod Matlock, Matlock (highly commended) – A building that originally housed a Boots chemist, which retains its art deco heritage.
Fourth Fiend, Meltham(highly commended) – a conversion by the local Three Fiends Brewery of a 19th Century school building later used as a Conservative Club. Use of traditional features such as matchboarding and different wall finishes gives the impression that a single large space is divided into ‘bar’ and ‘lounge’ areas.
Refurbishment:
Cadogan Arms, London(winner, pictured above) – The restoration of the pub sought to recreate the lost early Georgian architectural details and ornate timber panelling of the original building.
The George, London (highly commended) – The intensive renovation of this pub pays homage to its history as a hub for the political, cultural and social movements of the late 18th century.
Historic England Conservation Award (sponsored by Historic England, this award is given for work which conserves the pub’s architectural features, whilst updating its facilities):
Black Lion, London(winner) – A Grade II* listed property dating back to 1898, with features of special historical interest in the main bar and dining room.
Spread Eagle, London(highly commended) – A pub and hotel that has been sensitively restored to a very high standard, harking back to its glorious hey-day, whilst being exceeding respectful to the fabric of the building.
Community Local (reserved for outstanding refurbished street-corner locals):
Gordon Arms, Bedford(winner) – A neighbourhood hangout which offers great beer, tasty food and friendly service.
CAMRA will be celebrating the achievement with a presentation event at the Cadogan Arms on Tuesday September 5th, which is open to the press. Please contact press@camra.org.uk for more details.
CAMRA’s Awards Director Laura Emson adds: “We hope beer-lovers across the country will seek out these examples of excellence and plan visits to them whether they are local or just visiting. It has been an incredibly difficult few years for the pub industry, so let’s all support our locals this year and raise a glass to these shining examples in pub excellence.”
The celebration takes place during CAMRA’s Summer of Pub campaign, which aims to promote pub-going post-pandemic while raising a glass to our locals.
Yorkshire’s multi award-winning Acorn Brewery is set for growth with a change of ownership at the 20-year-old Barnsley brewery.
Launched in 2003 on an ex-Firkin 10-brewers-barrel plant, Acorn’s cask-ales quickly gained renown to see expansion to a 25-barrel brewery in Wombwell. Today there is the capacity to produce 170 brewers-barrels (278 hectolitres) a week with annual turnover of some £1m.
Now, directors Dave and Christy Hughes have decided that new ownership is needed to take the business forward. The brewery has been sold to Sonas Capital; a Greater Manchester based company specialising in developing successful small businesses (SMEs).
Over the years, Acorn has been much celebrated for its traditional Barnsley Bitter (3.8%abv) and Old Moor Porter (4.4%abv) in its core range.* Most recently Barnsley Bitter took overall champion at the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) North Beer Competition.
With the sale, the employment of the seven strong brewery team has been secured and a general manager will be recruited. Founder Dave Hughes will continue in a consultancy role for the forseeable future while Christy will take retirement, due to recent ill-health.
Dave Hughes said: “We have enjoyed 20 successful years since launching in Barnsley with just my late first wife Judy and our current brewer Steve Bunting. In recent years, with Christy heading marketing and sales, we have continued to drive the brewery forward, despite being badly hit by the Covid pandemic. Throughout lockdowns we continually brewed, pouring the beer away, to regularly refresh our unique original Barnsley Brewery yeast strain from the 1800s, so we recovered quickly. Now we feel we have taken the business as far as we can and we are handing it on in very good shape to Sonas.
“We wish to thank the team for their loyal support across the years. I look forward to continuing to work with them in my consultancy role. We must also thank our valued suppliers, loyal trade customers and, of course, our ever-faithful fans for their ongoing support for our beers.”
“This is a very exciting time for Acorn and we would like to reassure those suppliers, licensees and beer fans that the brewery is going into good hands. We are confident that Sonas will continue to reflect our passion with the energy and impetus to take the business forward, maintaining our highest standards of products and service under our banner of Tradition and Innovation.”
Acorn directly supplies outlets across the North of England and further afield through wholesalers and pub companies. The core of the business remains cask-conditioned ale but bottled and keg beers are also produced. Barnsley Bitter and Old Moor Porter are exported to Italy in keg and bottle in summer with some supplied in cask for the winter months.
Brendan Fitzpatrick of Sonas said: “Acorn has an outstanding reputation for their product quality and great service and we see the business as a perfect fit for our portfolio. We are dedicated to empowering companies through investment and strong marketing to realise their full potential.
“Dave and Christy Hughes are delighted to be working closely with the founder of Sonas Capital, a boutique investment business who just also happen to love beer, as they begin their transition away from the business. Dave will move to a more technical and creative role alongside the brewing team whilst the Sonas team will focus on the development and growth of the business in what are challenging times for the industry.”
Acorn was advised on the deal by Brian McCann and Angela Downey from Shareholder Strategies as well as Ryan Marr from Jolliffes Solicitors. Sonas Capital was advised by Guy Bartlett from Fidelis Advisory and Tom Sutcliffe from Excello Law.
Acorn is acclaimed for brewing more than 150 single hop variety IPAs (India Pale Ales) since 2006 – only the hops change for each carefully crafted cask brew and each release has been warmly welcomed. To mark the brewery’s 20th anniversary a celebratory pale ale ‘Two Decades’ (4%abv) will be brewed for the Wetherspoons annual beer festival in October.
The month-long charity event will run throughout September in 13 of Sheffield’s favourite bars and pubs, with each brewery offering a special edition beer. ‘Tempo’ from True North Brew Co. and ‘Set The Pace’ from Abbeydale Brewery will be available in all participating venues. For each Half Pint Marathon beer purchased throughout September, a donation will be made to local charity Sheffield Mind.
Sheffield Mind is a Sheffield-based charity which provides support to people with mental health issues. Sheffield Mind Business Development Manager Lindsay Doyle-Price said “Sheffield Mind is delighted to be a part of the Sheffield Half Pint Marathon again this year. The ongoing support of True North Brew Co. and the support of Abbeydale Brewery this year means a lot to us.
Not only does this annual partnership generate much-needed funds to support the work we do in the city, but by engaging local people in the campaign the teams are helping raise awareness of mental health and the work Sheffield Mind does to support people with mental health needs.”
The premise of the Sheffield Half Pint Marathon is simple – at the starting venue of your choice, you will receive your Half Pint Marathon card. Then, for each venue you visit and purchase one of the speciality beers in, you receive a sticker. Register online, and when your card is completed, you will receive an email to let you know when and where you can collect your limited-edition print.
The Sheffield Half Pint Marathon print features hand-drawn illustrations of the participating venues by the incredibly talented Will Rea.
Participants can complete the marathon at their own pace, in a day, week or even over the whole month.
Dean Hollingworth, Brewer at True North Brew Co. said “The Sheffield Half Pint Marathon is something we’re proud to hold every year.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to get together and visit some of Sheffield’s best independent pubs and bars. We’re looking forward to seeing people enjoy our special edition beers ‘Tempo’ from us and ‘Set the Pace’ from Abbeydale Brewery and, more importantly, raising money for Sheffield Mind”
Sam Webber from Abbeydale Brewery said: “We were delighted when True North approached us to be part of the Half Pint Marathon this year. It’s a great concept that brings together a fantastic list of pubs for drinkers to enjoy the beers at, as well as supporting an important charity.”
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, beer lover or beer novice, the Sheffield Half Pint Marathon is not to be missed!
The Sheffield Half Pint Marathon runs throughout September 2023. More information is available at www.truenorthbrewco.uk/halfpintmarathon or on socials @sheffhalfpint.
Survey figures suggest lack of faith in political leaders to protect pubs. Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) issues warning to politicians ahead of approaching general election.
Just two days after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival, new research commissioned by the consumer campaigning group shows 2 in 5 Brits (43%) don’t trust any of the Conservative, Labour or Liberal Democrat political party leaders to look out for the interests of British pubs.
Labour’s Keir Starmer fared best, with 17% of Britons saying they would trust him to look out for the interests of pubs, whilst current Conservative PM, Rishi Sunak, only had the trust of 9%. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey came in at the bottom of the pack with just 3% of Brits saying they would trust him to look out for the interests of pubs.
Consumer organisation CAMRA has always maintained party-political neutrality in its campaigning, having worked closely with all major political parties in its 50-year history. The network of grassroots campaigners that make up the 150,000 strong organisation work with elected representatives at every level, as well as fighting for pubs, social clubs, brewers and cider makers with more direct campaigning.
Despite recent lobbying successes for the Campaign, including the introduction of a lower rate of tax for beer and cider sold on draught, the organisation voiced its concerns for the future of British pubs.
CAMRA’s National Chairman, Nik Antona commented, “Sadly, this data suggests that the public’s perception is that our beloved locals have often been an afterthought in politics. We often hear politicians playing lip service to the community and social value of our locals – which is brilliant – but we need that to be backed up with meaningful action.
“With a general election approaching, these results should be a wake up call for politicians, who need to have substantive policies in place to address the catalogue of issues facing the pub trade.
“CAMRA believes our pubs and social clubs deserve a fighting chance with urgent action needed on energy prices, Business Rates, a fix for the takeaway pints issue caused by the new Alcohol Duty system, and the right for licensees to choose what products they keep on the bar without stock lists being dictated by pub companies.”
