Author: Guest

Abbeydale Brewery

Posted on by Guest

Our classic, satisfyingly simple, most stoutiest stout is back this month in the form of Salvation – Steadfast Stout (4.8%). Tasty and dependable – enough said!

We’ve also got Dr Morton’s Bag O’Nuts (4.1%) in the pipeline, a refreshing and thirst quenching pale ale and 100% nut free!

Our collaboration with Castle Rock is due to be released and will be available in cask, keg and can. Menelaus is a 5.5% IPA, which blends our combined years of heritage with our collective love of creativity and innovation. Here we’re celebrating the emerging array of flavours from UK grown Harlequin and Cascade, layered up with tropical overtones from Galaxy and a flourish of Loral Cryo hops for an international twist. The name comes from one of the lions which flanks the steps of Nottingham’s Council House – so no prizes for working out what our return collab later in the year is going to be called!

Through the Hopback Delta (3.9%) is on the way too – Delta is a lesser known hop, and one which makes up part of the backing blend for Willamette in Moonshine, so it’s really interesting to be able to use it in a single hopped beer and give it some room to shine! Lightly spicy in character with delicate notes of melon and citrus.

And finally, look out for Dr Mortons Rogue Apostrophe (4.1%), sure to infuriate English teacher’s across the city!

Little Mesters

Posted on by Guest

Little Mesters Brewing Co continues to grow and evolve and in the last few weeks the business has decided to make a progressive move and become a limited company and take on a new director to help move the company forward in its brewing portfolio. To support this, they have purchased some new brewing equipment, which has just been installed in their Little Norton Brewery next to Mitchell’s Wine Merchants, together with a new canning line, which will compliment the beer products soon to be introduced.

Built on traditional values, Little Mesters Brewing believes their core lines will continue to do well and the introduction of new lines will broaden their appeal to new and existing markets.

“Stan IPA”, an outstanding Pale Ale, continues to be the company’s best seller, but the new equipment will enable them to put together a really impressive brewing portfolio.

Neil Adgie

Eddy Munnelly

Posted on by Guest

All at Sheffield and District CAMRA mourn the loss of Eddy Munnelly and send our condolences to his family and friends, especially Pat Wilson, the other half of ‘Pat and Eddy’.

Eddy started running pubs at the East House (subsequently Morrisseys East House) with his friend Brian Morrissey. Later he moved on to the Wortley Arms along with Pat and then to Morrisseys Riverside.

In 1998 he and Pat bought The Gardeners Rest at Neepsend, a Mansfield pub that had been closed for a short while. Building up trade from scratch purely on their reputation for serving well kept Real Ales and hosting regular live music evenings, the pub was soon established on the real ale circuit, with the local CAMRA pub of the year award being won in 2000. If you were lucky enough to be there when the blackout curtains were drawn and the front door locked, you knew you were in for a ‘lock in’ and that’s when lock ins were a thing!

In 2006, Eddy and I started the Sheffield Brewery along with local business owner Peter Rawlinson. Apart from a slight hiccup when both the Gardeners and the Brewery were badly flooded in 2007, the brewery flourished, winning over 20 awards. In 2011 the brewery brewed the cask ale for the Tramlines festival. Eddy hosted many brewery tours with pie and peas suppers and it was also the venue for parties and four weddings. At one time 6 to 8 18s from the FIVE RIVERS, SEVEN HILLS, BLANCO BLONDE and CRUCIBLE BEST core range were delivered to the Gardeners weekly, along with a couple of 9s each of SHEFFIELD PORTER and the monthly special.

Famous for his range of flamboyant waistcoats, Eddy was a keen historian and the pub hosted several local history groups as well as showcasing the work of local artists. Eddy was also instrumental in establishing the Upper Don Walk and took groups along the river delving into Neepsend’s industrial and brewing traditions. Sheffield City Morris made the Gardeners their home after practice and he was keen to promote them; there was also a popular Sunday night quiz. Eddy was always a supporter of the wider community, believing there was a place for everyone. He supported those who would otherwise find it difficult to find work, Gary who cleaned the pub for 20 years and Andy who washed barrels at the brewery were just two.

In 2017, Eddy decided to retire for a life on the ocean waves, well the historic waterways of England. Our shares in the brewery were sold to Peter, who was keen to take it forward in a different direction. The pub was bought by the regulars, keen to continue what Pat and Eddy had built up, and they set sail on their narrowboat. He could be a grumpy sod at times but we loved him all the same.

Tim Stillman

Energy bills and tax reform

Posted on by Guest

Cut in help for energy bills could spell end for nation’s locals

Commenting on the impending reduction in the Government’s help for businesses with their energy bills from 1st April, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: 

“Sadly for publicans, this isn’t a bad April Fool’s joke from the Government. With our pubs and breweries continuing to face rocketing costs and customers tightening their belts, the last thing licensees need is vital support with sky-high energy bills to be pulled out from under them. 

“This change puts the future of many of the nation’s beloved pubs, social clubs and breweries under threat of having to close their doors for good – with communities losing vital parts of their social fabric as a result. 

“CAMRA is urging the Government to think again, reinstate more help for the licensed trade with their energy bills – as well as making business rates fairer and cutting VAT so that pubs can survive and thrive in the months and years ahead.” 

Tax reforms brilliant news for small brewers and cider makers, but changes needed to avoid a stealth ban on takeaway pints

Nik Antona, CAMRA National Chairman, has responded to the publication of details on reforms to the Alcohol Duty System, coming into force on 1 August 2023.

On the new draught duty rate for beer and cider:

“CAMRA has campaigned for many years to secure a draught duty rate, and we are pleased that this has come to fruition. We particularly welcome the confirmation that traditional gravity dispense will be captured within the new, lower, duty rate.

“With the Chancellor extending the differential between the general and draught duty rates to 9.2% in the Budget, we look forward to campaigning to further increase that differential to the benefit of pubs, social clubs, and consumers.”

On the new Small Producer Relief Scheme:

“Small brewers and cider makers will be pleased to see the details of the new Small Producer Relief Scheme, so that they can start planning for the future.

“With stubbornly high inflation and the impending cliff-edge drop-off in energy bill support, small producers need more help than ever to compete with the purchasing power and economies of scale enjoyed by the global producers that dominate the UK beer and cider market.

“Small cider makers will also benefit from a progressive duty system for the first time ever, supporting them to grow and increase choice of artisanal ciders for consumers.”

On the announcement that decanting from draught-duty paid containers for consumption off the premises will be prohibited:

“Despite our formal representations and extensive engagement with the Treasury, a workable solution to allow pubs and social clubs to make incidental takeaway draught sales has not been found. It’s good that specialist bottle shops will be able to buy casks and kegs with the general duty rate paid on them to make takeaway sales, but most publicans – who the draught duty rate is designed to benefit – won’t be able to afford or accommodate extra draught containers just to make takeaway sales.

“This, if implemented, will equate to a stealth ban on takeaway pints and is extremely disappointing for licensees and consumers, and especially designated drivers that like to take away a pint or two to enjoy responsibly at home. We will continue to campaign for a workable solution.”

Commercial

Posted on by Guest

On Friday 24 March Paul and Kate celebrated 30 years of running the Commercial in Chapeltown in quite some style with a surprise party including special beers from Abbeydale, Durham and White Rose breweries.

In addition to the cask ales, the Commercial is also renowned for it’s extensive range of Sprits and hosts whisky tasting nights. And now there is also a special Single Cask Whisky from Milk & Honey Distillery in Tel Aviv, to celebrate 30 years of Paul and Kate running The Commercial. The pub is also home to Sheffield Distillery, who produce Sheffield Assay Gin and Vodka.

With chip butty nights on Wednesdays and naan bread pizza nights on Thursdays the Commercial is an outstanding community pub and a real jewel of the North Sheffield pub scene. Here’s to the next 30 years of quenching Chapeltown’s thirst!

Thomas Sturgess

Abbeydale Brewery

Posted on by Guest

Loads of new stuff on the go this month! First up and guaranteeing fast acting serious relief from the most terrifying phenomenon known to mankind, Dr Morton’s Clown Poison (4.1%) is a light and refreshing fruity pale ale with Amarillo and Mosaic hops. Phew!

Also in cask only and coming soon to a pub near you we have Summer (3.9%) hopped with Vic Secret, Enigma and Ekuanot for a tropical, approachable and aromatic pale ale. And Nelson Sauvin is the star of the show in the next of our Through the Hopback series (3.9%), a deliciously sessionable pale ale with delicate Sauvignon Blanc-esque flavours of white grape and gooseberry coupled with a floral finish.

And finally, in cask, keg and can – look out for the return of our dry hopped orange infused pale ale, Splendour (4.4%) which always pairs perfectly with a sunny day and is most definitely a returning favourite. Plus the next in our single hopped series features an awesome Aussie hop – Obsession Galaxy (5.9%). Expect a tantalising tropical aroma followed by fruity flavours of melon, mango and passionfruit, with a clear-cut bitterness in the finish.

May also sees us brewing a grand total of three collaborations! We’re hosting Leeds-based Anthology and Nottingham’s Castle Rock here at Abbeydale, and in the “away” corner we’re off down to Norfolk to rustle up something special with Ampersand. Look out for more details coming soon!

Cheers!

Blue Ball, Worrall

Posted on by Guest

After raising quite a substantial amount of money for a local charity, the Blue Ball Inn at Worrall was nominated as Community Pub of the Year and progressed through to the final 50. They were invited to attend the ceremony in London where the finalists would be assessed and a shortlisted to five. The Blue Ball made it through to the final but were pipped at the post by the Dog & Parrot, Eastwood, Notts. Carl and Emma who run the Blue Ball said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and whilst disappointed not to win thought the Dog & Parrot were worthy winners.

Whilst in London Carl and Emma took the opportunity to meet with their local MP, Olivia Blake, at the Houses of Parliament. They petitioned Olivia about the level of support publicans currently receive in the light of the hike in energy prices and how this had affected the pub trade. Whilst accepting the points Olivia made about support to the brewery trade made a strong argument for this to be cascaded down to pubs or a more targeted support to pubs rather than just breweries.

Since taking over the tenancy of Blue Ball, just prior to Covid and lockdown, they have very much concentrated on improving their cellar, their beers and developing a community focussed pub. The pub we see today is very different to on the one Emma and Carl took over, with regular local community group activities, such as local business club meetings, held in the pub, supporting and sponsoring local activities and soon hoping to host a local produce market in their car park on Saturday mornings.

All of this coupled with award winning Timothy Taylor’s ales on cask makes for a great offering for anyone wanting to enjoy a warm friendly atmosphere, some great food on Friday evenings and a great pint of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord or Knowle Spring.

Neil Adgie

Black Mass SIBA win

Posted on by Guest

Abbeydale Brewery are celebrating this week, with their popular beer “Black Mass”, a 6.66% Black IPA, taking home a top prize at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Independent Beer Awards 2023. 

Brewers Christie McIntosh and Jamie Memmott collect Black Mass Bottle & Can Overall Champion Award

Sheffield based Abbeydale Brewery, most famous for their Moonshine pale ale, received the accolade of Overall Champion of the bottle and can competition for their Black IPA at the beer trade association’s national finals, held at BeerX, the country’s largest brewing industry event, in Liverpool last week. Brewer Christie Mcintosh, from Abbeydale Brewery, said: “Black Mass is a joyous, strong, bitter, fruity dark ale. Winning the National as a Black IPA is pretty wild – we won the Speciality IPA which we were really pleased about, but to then go up again and win the Overall Gold is just amazing.”

Award winning cans of Black Mass (and hops!)

The award, judged by a panel of industry peers and experts, recognises the very finest in UK brewing. SIBA Chairman Richard Naisby congratulated the winners on their huge achievement and said: “Judges had a tough job separating the pack as the standard was extremely high once again. The winners from the SIBA competition are officially the best independent craft beers in the UK, something brewers should be extremely proud of.”

Abbeydale brewer Christie McIntosh. Photo credit Mark Newton

Abbeydale Brewery are well known for producing a huge range of beers, blending innovation with heritage and reflecting these values across their beers.  Black Mass, a 6.66% Black IPA, has been part of Abbeydale Brewery’s permanently available beers since the business was founded in 1996, and the team believe it to be one of the world’s first and longest standing beers of this style in existence. Sales Director Dan Baxter says of the award: “Black Mass has been with us since our very beginnings as a brewery, and we’re absolutely thrilled that it’s being recognised as being at the very top of its game. It’s classic and familiar, yet simultaneously unique and boundary defying, and a true favourite of many of the team here!”

Abbeydale Brewery cask beers. Photo credit Mark Newton

2023 Budget

Posted on by Guest

Responding to the Budget, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: 

“The Chancellor has made a welcome move to increase the draught duty rate discount to 11p, which will help pubs compete with the likes of supermarket alcohol. However, the lower tax rate is not coming until August, and we must hope that as many pubs as possible will be able to keep their doors open until then.  

 “With many parts of the licensed trade struggling to make ends meet, and consumers tightening their belts, hikes in general duty rates are the last thing breweries need, so it’s right that general duty rates have been frozen until the new system is introduced.  

 “With support for energy bills being extended for households, licensees will be devastated to hear that help for them will end on 1 April. This was a make-or-break Budget for pubs and social clubs, and the future of many businesses is now at risk, with an imminent cliff edge in support and rocketing energy costs on top of the other pressures facing the licensed trade. Communities will lose their local pubs because energy support is ending. 

 “It is also bitterly disappointing not to see the extension of help for pubs and breweries with the burden of business rates. With current support schemes due to end in 2024, these rates bills can be the difference between continuing to trade or having to close for good. The Government urgently needs to reform the whole business rates system to fix the issues with this unfair system and help to protect our pubs.” 

Notes/references: 

Spending point 40 of the supporting Budget Documentation reads: 

Alcohol Duty: freeze rates until August 2023 then uprate by RPI and increase Draught Relief to 9.2% for beer and cider and 23% for wine, other fermented beverages and spirits 

Spring Budget 2023 (HTML) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Steel City Brewing

Posted on by Guest

Steel City have been on their travels, unfortunately twice travelling abroad to not brew! Firstly Dave gatecrashed the Maltgarden/Emperor’s collab in Poland, unfortunately the brew had to be postponed a couple of days due to a problem at the host brewery, then 3 weeks later the same thing happened for the Alchemik return collab in Sofia, the imperial version of Yellowcake. The joys of contract/cuckoo brewing! The latter did still include a visit to the Sofia Electric brewery and an excellent couple of days on the local craft beer in Sofia and Plovdiv, the beer has been brewed and will hopefully be landing in the UK mid-April along with some other Alchemik goodies.

Back at home, two beers have been produced for the CAMRA national AGM in Sheffield, a coffee vanilla stout named Contains Only Good CO₂, Free From Bad CO₂ and a hoppy pale named Let’s Save Pubs… Can I Have A Discount?. Both will also be available at the Shakespeare at some point.

Dave Szwejkowski