Pub News: August 2007

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Barley, 32 Bathwick Street, Bath

The new management at the Barley are not only keen to stock more real ale but are hoping to stage a beer festival later in the year. A recent visit found Black Sheep, Bass and Butcombe and Old Rosie cider on offer—all in good condition. For years this friendly local (with the most obtrusive sofa in Bath) has seemed on the brink of becoming a really top class real-ale boozer. Let’s hope the new management can take it the whole nine yards.

Belvoir Castle, 32-33 Victoria Buildings, Lower Bristol Road, Bath

The Belvoir Castle is under new management. The skittle alley’s been cleared out, the garden reclaimed and re-opened and the whole place cleaned and smartened up. Only Courage Best is available at the moment, although there are hopes that other beers may soon follow.

Curfew, 11 Cleveland Place West, Bath

The new management of Heidi Hunt and Anne Livesay have continued their efforts to turn the place around. It now looks cleaner and brighter than ever, with well kept beer and a lovely garden at the back. Wadworth’s new beer Horizon is available at this pub, alongside Henry’s IPA and 6X, and was found to be very good during a recent visit by the branch.

Fairfield Arms, 1 Fairfield Park Road, Bath

Regulars can now enjoy a curry with their pint at this traditional pub, which has recently been taken over by brothers Aziz and Alec Chowdhury. The pair have fully refurbished the pub and are offering a wide range of authentic eastern food. Aziz Chowdhury said “This is our first pub. We were looking for a pub in the Bath area and the Fairfield Arms came up very quickly. It needed quite a lot of work but we thought it was a lovely old building and this is a great area to be in. It's very densely populated and has a village feel to it. Everyone is welcome. It is still a family pub and we have fitted it out to a very high standard. We have had a lot of interest since the opening night when we invited customers to sample the menu.” More than a hundred people attended the celebrations on the opening night and enjoyed Indian music and food cooked on a barbecue outside. The brothers employ a chef who specialises in dishes from northern India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Indian bottled beer is also available although the pub will continue to offer local real ales and wine. The new restaurant can seat around fifty people and is available for hire. Food is served from 12 to 2.30 at lunchtimes and from 6 to 11:30 in the evenings seven days a week.

Golden Fleece, 1-3 Avon Buildings, Lower Bristol Road, Twerton, Bath

The Golden Fleece, excellently located midway between the Royal Oak and the White Horse is winning approving comments for the quality of its cask beer. The blackboard outside gives an indication of the range.

Hare & Hounds, Lansdown, Bath

This pub was the unusual setting for a special exhibition showcasing the talents of local artists. During the weekend of 18 and 19 August visitors to the Hare & Hounds were able to enjoy a barbecue and see members of the Bathampton Art Group at work.

Marlborough Tavern, 35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath

This pub, situated on the corner of Marlborough Lane and Julian Road, was effected by the heavy rain that the struck the area on Wednesday 15 August. Owner Joe Cousins said the pub had had several narrow escapes in the past but this was the first time water had entered the building. Mr Cousins said: "We will have to have words with the council over the quality and size of the drains on this street." Carpets were lifted and staff helped sweep water from the pub's hallway as well as filling around five sacks with leaves and debris.

Olde Farmhouse, 1 Lansdown Road, Bath

This is taken from the Bath Chronicle website. It suggests that the Farmhouse has closed despite the assertion by the landlord that the pub is still open in the evenings:

The owners of a Bath pub seem set to call time on their lease just months after re-opening. Ye Olde Farmhouse underwent a change last August when jazz lover John Bradshaw retired after thirty years at the pub. The new tenants were the Warburtons, who already run popular pubs the Northey in Box, Crown at Dyrham and Old House at Home at Burton near Chippenham. Brothers Matthew and Mark Warburton refurbished the pub before re-opening it in January with a pledge to continue its jazz legacy. But just months on rumours are circulating among neighbours that the pub, now also known for its food, has closed. Some said they had not seen it open since the weekend but Matthew Warburton said yesterday that the pub would not be closing entirely although it would reduce its hours. His father David said that it would no longer be open for lunch, when trade had been "very little", but would continue to run seven evenings a week. He also added that the family was looking to leave the premises in the near future. "It is open but it will be changing hands within four to five months" he said. He did not want to comment on reasons why the family had decided to abandon the lease.

The Bath Chronicle received an anonymous email last week saying the pub was closing because of "problems with the local community". Last month the pub was refused planning permission to let customers smoke in its outdoor beer terrace late at night. The application to use the terrace, which could only be used until 11pm, caused tension with residents labelling it an opportunist move. The application to partially lift the ban was made by brewer Wadworth. But residents argued that the pub had operated a successful smoking ban since last December and there was no need for a dedicated outdoor smoking area.

Alan Morgan, from Abbey Ales, which backs on to Ye Olde Farmhouse, said he did not believe any closure would be permanent. "There's no way Wadworth would permanently close the pub," he said. "Perhaps it will have to go back to how it was before or something similar to the type of pub Abbey Ales runs."

Andy Fitzmaurice, from Belvedere, which faces the pub, said he believed the premises to have closed already. "As far as we are aware it closed on Sunday," he said. "It hasn't opened since Sunday. They haven't said anything to us but I did hear from one of their staff that they were closing on Sunday and that was it."

Lloyd Stephens from Wadworth confirmed that David Warburton had asked them to find new tenants. He added that it would be nice to increase the jazz programme again but that would depend on the replacement found. "Ye Olde Farmhouse had a good reputation for jazz, certainly under Mr Bradshaw, so it was quite a good formula" he added.

Pulteney Arms, 37 Daniel Street, Bath

The beer range at the Pulteney Arms now extends to six handpumps. A recent visit found Otter Bright, Bath Ales Gem, Wadworth’s 6X, Young’s Bitter, Butcombe and London Pride on offer.

Ring O’Bells, 10 Widcombe Parade, Bath

This pub, which has become much more a restaurant, serves a single cask beer. Invariably it is from Milk Street and was Funky Monkey when visited by the branch on during the 18 August.

Royal Oak & White Horse, Twerton, Bath

The quality and range of beers at the Royal Oak beer and folk festival, held between 28 June and 1 July, came as no surprise; what did come as a revelation was the outstanding quality of the music. The acts were equal to anything at Glastonbury or Trowbridge—and with over fifty real ales on offer—plus a refreshing absence of mud and chemical toilets—and no admission charge—the Royal Oak was definitely the best option. The place was understandably chocker much of the time so it was just as well that an overflow venue had been laid on up the road at the White Horse. Among the acts featured at the Oak were Jhassi Elliott, James Hollingsworth, Jane Taylor, Steve Robinson and Alie Byrne, the Master Chaynijs, Inu, the Mandrake Project, Babel, and James Fagan & Nancy Kerr, while the Gaulois Brothers, Malarchy, Sam Brookes and Jenny Crook were among those appearing at the White Horse. Over fifty beers were on offer including many rarities. Beers from new breweries included Old Knobbley and Trendlewood Bitter from Arbor Ales, Bishop Percy from Bridgnorth, Best and Potholer from Cheddar, Festival Bitter from Festival in Cheltenham, Dicky Doodle from Cumbrian, Gold Spice and Wiltshire Pale Ale from Keystone in Salisbury, Top Hop from Hornbeam in Manchester and Tanked Up and Barbary Castle from Three Castles in Pewsey. Blindman’s brewed a Folk Fest Special for the event, and Old Smokey from the Bristol Beer Factory, brewed to mark the introduction of the smoking ban (which came into effect on the last day of the festival), was also available. The Royal Oak website (at www.theroyaloak-bath.co.uk) now includes not only details of forthcoming events but also a list of new and up-coming beers.

Star, 23 Vineyards, Bath

An eagerly awaited event in the Bath beer calendar is the annual Cornish Beer Festival at the Star. This year’s festival, held over the first weekend in July, was the fourth and it more than lived up to expectations. As well as old favourites, such as Spingo Special from Blue Anchor and Skinner’s Heligan Honey, there were plenty of new Cornish beers to try, including Blackawton West Country Gold, Doghouse Seadog, Organic Brewhouse Lizard Point Bitter and Wooden Hand Pirate’s Gold. Pasties shipped in from Cornwall and the traditional singing of Cornish songs also added to the success of the occasion. The Bass continues to be served straight from the barrel whilst two Abbey Ales beers are normally available alongside increasingly adventurous selection of guest beers available.

White Horse, 42 Shophouse Road, Twerton, Bath

The new team at the White Horse were so taken with being involved in the Royal Oak festival that they organised their own a couple of weeks later. A superb selection of beers, plus music from the Mighty Peas, Cross Town Traffic and the Boys in the Bush, saw the place packed to the rafters. Twenty-one beers were featured, including such delights as Hop Stock & Barrel from Blindman’s, Molings Red from Carlow in Ireland, Freebooter from Jollyboat of Bideford, Black Adder from Mauldon’s in Suffolk, Shimmer from Milk Street, Simply the Best from the Mighty Oak Brewery in Essex, Bishop’s Farewell from Oakham and Double Header from RCH. Votes for Beer of the Festival produced two clear front-runners: Otley 01 and Pink Panther from Cwmbran (a fruit beer with a surprisingly large number of votes from men). A winter beer festival is also planned, although no date has yet been set. Details of other forthcoming events, including Tim Bassett’s tribute to Elvis on 23 September, can be found at www.thewhitehorsebath.com.

Bear, Silver Street, Bradford-on-Avon

This pub appears to have recently closed. No information on its future has yet been received by the branch but, judging by appearances, it looks to be closed indefinitely.

Masons Arms, 52 Newtown, Bradford-on-Avon (closed)

Bradford-on-Avon Town Council has objected to the plan to convert this Grade II listed building into two self-contained homes. District council officers have, however, recommended the plans be approved. The building is within the town's conservation area and the application has been altered to be a car-free scheme after the town council and Highway Authority raised concerns over parking arrangements. The town council also said the building should be kept as a pub for the community to enjoy, otherwise it could deaden the conservation area, but district planning officer Matthew Perks concluded "The proposed change of use would enhance the conservation area and result in the refurbishment and maintenance of the listed building. The loss of the public house would be unlikely to impact negatively on the community and would represent an appropriate conversion in this residential locality." A final decision on the planning application had yet to be made at the time of writing.

Plough, Bradford Leigh

It is believed that this pub is about to be acquired by Wickwar Brewery. We have at this stage no further information.

Fizz Bar, 1 Bath Road, Chippenham

I know that this bar is outside the branch’s area but what has been piloted here is likely to be repeated in bars and pubs across the entire country. The Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership's Polycarbonate Glasses pilot scheme got underway at the Fizz Bar on Friday 3 August. The Partnership has bought a stock of plastic polycarbonate glasses for use over trial periods in licensed premises across Wiltshire. The project aims to reduce pub incidents that result in disfiguring injuries when broken glasses and bottles are used as weapons. Glynn Hookings of the Wiltshire constabulary said "The new polycarbonate glassware we are using is safe, attractive and cost effective. Studies show that as polycarbonates last four times longer than traditional glassware. They are also cheaper, as well as safer, to use." The Fizz Bar has volunteered to become the first premises in Wiltshire to take part in the Partnership's pilot scheme where all glassware is replaced by polycarbonate. The trial is expected to run until September 29 when the bar closes for a refurbishment.

Lamb Inn, Chapel Road, Clandown

We have had very good reports from a local member on this pub. It is always trying out beers from small brewers including Badger, Palmers, Blindman’s and Moles. The landlord used to run a Mole’s pub. The Lamb has a naturally cold cellar.

Farrington Inn, Bristol Road, Farrington Gurney

We believe that this pub is in the Bath & Borders branch area. It might, however, be one of Bristol’s. It depends on which side of the road it is. This pub is currently closed and the lease is up for sale.

Frome

Concerns about drink-related disorder in Frome have been underlined by undercover checks in which two sixteen-year-olds were served alcohol at every one of the four pubs that were visited .The test purchase operation in the town at the end of July was carried out by Trading Standards and police in response to feedback from residents about alcohol-related disorder. Police have pledged to take firm action to resolve the problem as part of their ongoing Frome Safer Stronger Neighbourhoods Scheme. Sergeant Mark Cousins said, “We sent letters out some weeks ago explaining to twelve licensees in the town that we would be conducting the test. Four licensed premises were visited and, at all four, under-age sales were made. It is a disappointing result but we are confident that with help from licensees and good communication we can combat this problem.” Two further operations are planned for the Frome area for the near future.

Blue Boar Inn, 15 Market Place, Frome

This pub has a new regular. Jemima, as she has been named, is a duck and she has been nesting in the smoking area of the pub, which backs on to the river Frome, for around a month or so. The doting mother has decided that the Blue Boar is the perfect place to bring up her family of ducklings.

Lamb Inn, Christchurch Street East, Frome

Blindman’s Brewery’s refurbishment of the Lamb Inn is nearing completion. It is expected to open sometime in September. Further details will be made available on the brewery’s website: www.blindmansbrewery.co.uk. Once the tap for the Lamb Brewery, one of the biggest in Somerset, the Lamb will not only serve the full range of Blindman’s beers, along with food, but also offer overnight accommodation. With Mils Street Brewery’s tap, the Griffin, and the newly-refurbished Olive Tree on Christchurch Street West, Frome is definitely on the up in pub and real ale terms.

White Hart, The Island, Midsomer Norton

There has been a recent change of management at this pub following on from the recent departure of longstanding landlord Malcolm Curtis. This National Inventory pub was visited by the branch on 22 August. The beers, both on gravity, were Bass and an excellent Cheddar Ales Best.

Viaduct Hotel, Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe (closed)

Recent article in the Bath Chronicle states that the buildings are to be re-developed for housing.

Prince of Wales, Dunkerton Hill, Peasedown St John

Changing hands in around mid-September. The new landlord is called Graham or Graeme but we do not know his surname.

Black Swan, 1 Adcroft Street, Trowbridge (closed)

Planning officers have recommended councillors on the planning committee to refuse permission to transform The Black Swan into three terrace houses, one detached home and two apartments. The plans have been submitted by a London company called Mountside Estates. In his report to the council planning officer Russell Brown described the designs as "bland" and lacking in architectural detail. "The proposed terrace and detached house are poorly designed and would not be in keeping with the historic characteristics of the surrounding area," he wrote. "The proposals would not preserve or enhance the special character and appearance of the Conservation Area [and] would harm the setting of the surrounding listed building."

Courthouse, 2 Castle Street, Trowbridge

This pub was evacuated on the night of Wednesday 8 August when a fire broke out in an empty flat above. There was severe fire damage to the flat and the roof, which needed to be sheeted over, though I believe the pub itself may have escaped unscathed.

Crown Hotel, 12 Timbrell Street, Trowbridge

Landlords Jude and Liam Fogarty held a first Rock and Beer Festival over the bank holiday weekend. A host of ales and ciders were on offer, including Reverend James, Summer Lightning, Grumpy Granny and Thatcher's Traditional. Local bands appearing at the festival included Carnaby Street, Sun Machine and EMI. Weather permitting there would also have been a barbecue. The couple, who took over the Crown in December, had held a beer festival at their previous pub in Marlborough. Mrs Fogarty said that she hoped that this would be the first of many at the Crown.

Rose & Crown, 7 St John’s Street, Wells

We have had very good reports on this pub from a local member. The range comprises Charles Wells Bombardier, Greene King Abbot, Courage Best and a guest beer. A recent guest was St Austell Tribute. All beers are well kept. The pub is popular with locals. It is not a food pub but it does boast a good beer garden.

Charlie’s Bar, Market Place, Westbury

After eight weeks of delays a major refurbishment of this Grade Two listed pub looks set to go ahead. The Punch Tavern owned pub was closed for two months while district council officers inspected the premises to ensure that proper surveys had been conducted in order to protect the listed building. The refurbishment, estimated at around £120,000, should be finished by the autumn. The installation of a cone canopy for smokers at the rear of the pub is included in the project.

Westbury Hotel, Market Place, Westbury

The bar area has been revamped as part of landlord’s ongoing project to restore this early nineteenth century coaching inn to its former glory. Landlord Paul Morris, a former director at Usher’s brewery, took over the pub in March and has been busy refurbishing the premises since then. The pub will revert to its former name of the Lopes Arms. The current beer range comprises Marston’s Pedigree and Sharp’s Doom Bar. Large article on the restoration, including a photograph of the bar area with bar manager Pascale Sequenot-Cottis, featured in the Wine & Dine section of a recent Wiltshire Times.

© 2007/8 CAMRA: Bath and Borders Branch. Web site designed in Bath at the buro.net.