Community funding under question

In an end of year announcement that has concerned many, the government has closed its Community Ownership Fund which had been made available to allow local people and groups to take on and save community facilities. The closure is despite there still being unallocated funds.
The funding was also available to town and parish councils.

The reason given – or excuse – is pressure on government finances caused by the previous government.

Support for community amenities removed

The scheme, which was to run until the end of 2025, was created to help local groups take on assets such as community halls, leisure facilities, shops, sports grounds, swimming pools, museums, arts centres and local pubs. 

Since its 2021 commencement, 409 projects have received over £140million.

This could have a devastating effect on those working hard to save our country's public houses as well as on groups wishing to take on other community facilities. 

Current efforts

Efforts are now underway by organisations including the Campaign for Real Ale to ensure that assistance remains in other tangible ways. 

This includes discussions with officials in the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government over the current review of other support schemes. These include Assets of Community Value and the hoped for introduction of the Right to Buy to replace the current Right to Bid.

Shocking losses

The scale of long-term pub closures is shocking and the support for the struggling hospitality industry is abysmal. Communities are losing their centres of social interaction, economic benefits and local heritage on a daily basis. 
Here, Happy Pint urges all to lobby their Councils and MPs to support one of the most important cornerstones of our society – the British Pub.

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The Government statement (23rd December 2024)

The Community Ownership Fund is now closed. There will be no further application windows on the COF programme. We have taken this difficult decision due to the challenging inheritance left by the previous government.

Whilst we are closing the Community Ownership Fund, this government remains committed to the communities’ sector and community empowerment.

The government will deliver on its manifesto commitment to replace the community ‘Right to Bid’ with a strengthened ‘Right to Buy’ Assets of Community Value, creating a more robust pathway to community asset ownership. And we will seek to support high streets by strengthening Business Improvement Districts which have helped to improve town and city centres across the United Kingdom for 20 years, while ensuring they operate to high standards and are accountable to their communities. 

Details:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-ownership-fund-prospectus/community-ownership-fund-round-4-prospectus

 

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The Red House – A Conspiracy Theory – or is it?

What is the longer game? 

The latest planning application raises some concerning suspicions over the building's future. A 'new' application has been submitted for the Red House in Whitchurch, a Grade II Listed Building whose closure has been the subject of much controversy. 

Red House garden in its heyday.
Now built upon with three houses.

The once successful and lively pub had been allowed to deteriorate by the owners and has been closed since 2018. After promising to reinvest proceeds into the pub from building houses on the car park the owners gained further permission to convert the pub to residential. Many believe they had been hoodwinked. 

That was mistake number one, accepting the owner's word!

Broken promises
The houses were built and a further application to change the pub to residential was submitted which was granted, but only after a lengthy Appeal.

 
But, despite a time-limit on the application set by the Appeal Inspector still no work has taken place. The building has been deteriorating further with broken windows, rotten window frames, damp, falling rendering and rodent invasion.

A TWIST – WHY ANOTHER APPLICATION?
Now in a 'twist' the owner has submitted another application which is a virtual replica of the first.
The main difference is that they are now claiming to have leased part of the pub out since March 2024 to a tenant for residential use.

This claimed residential letting could mean they would not be liable for any Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a sum a developer pays which goes towards support for the local area. Yet the only tenants of the near derelict building anyone has seen have been rats, lots of them; so many that complaints were made to the Environmental Health Department.

But is this a red herring as the CIL would be a relatively small amount?

This raises those further suspicions.

WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT?

Come back to the Conspiracy Theory.

IS DEMOLITION NEXT?

Consider this:

• The Appeal Inspector, in allowing the Change of Use, imposed a Planning Condition that works shall begin not later than 3 years from the decision date. 
• That was over 15 months ago on 4th September 2023 and time is moving on. Meanwhile the historic building deteriorates even more.
• Anything that causes delays such as investigation into the claimed tenancy means further dilapidation and a case for demolition becomes stronger.
• THE QUESTION: Is the plan to manipulate delays that lead to further deterioration leaving the only option to demolish and thus reduce building costs rather than having to invest in keeping and renovating the historic structure and features of the Listed Building?
  
• So do the owners want objectors to challenge the CIL/habitation claim in order to deliberately create those delays?

And coming back to how the community was mislead over investment in the pub can there be any trust? Any at all?

A FRUSTRATING FARCE

What is certain is that the whole sorry caboodle is becoming a frustrating farce and it seems the councillors and planners don't have enough teeth to ensure the applicant/owner doesn't run rings around them. 

Meanwhile the pub users and local residents have lost a valuable amenity. 

It is not their fault, but that of a very weak planning system that places developers wishes above those of local people, a failure is being worsened by the actions of a developer who has lost any local trust.

The 'latest' Planning application documents (ref: 24/02820/FUL) can be viewed here:

https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SNVNDVCRG8N00&activeTab=summary

Pubs and Charities

The public house provides a local community many benefits but there is one that is often overlooked when they are threatened by closure – their support for local charities.

£100 million raised annually
It is reported by Pub Aid that pubs raise more than £100million each year for charity which goes back into supporting a plethora of good causes.

Whether its a quiz evening, a swear box, or a red nose fancy dress, local pubs are a major fundraising source. From meat draws to auctions and haircuts the list of opportunities for a pub is almost endless. 
There are few pubs without the charity pot on the bar where even the odd pennies of change dropped in the slot will soon add up and help a good cause. 

Attracting customers
Fundraising goes further too, as it can attract customers. In an independent survey commissioned for CAMRA and PubAid, research showed that more people would use their local pub if more charity events were held. This was especially the case for younger adults.

Many pubs raise funds for specific causes.
One favourite local pub in Andover has chooses a charity for the year and runs a number of events. The last year has seen the Andover Tap at the Lamb raise over £2300 for the Alzheimers Society, through a raft of events ranging from a hairdressing event to a cycle ride. It has now just started to raise funds for its next chosen charity, Naomi House which provides hospice care for children and young adults.

£2370 raised by The Andover Tap at the Lamb

From Coffee mornings to Quizzes
Another popular fundraising event is running coffee mornings and several local pubs excel, including the popular Anton Arms and others in Andover that raise funds for cancer support.

Pub Quizzes are also of the most popular events that raise funds for charities.

A local town and its Quizzes
The north Hampshire town of Whitchurch also excels with regular quizzes in many pub venues. 

A popular theme is to raise funds in order to run a to run a community swimming pool, while another is to provide support to Whitchurch in Bloom whose volunteers add colourful planting to the town's streets.

Bish's lockdown quizzes
are now held in the Kings Arms

Onwards from Covid
One of the town's most regular quizzes is held started online during lockdown and has now continued in the Kings Arms where 'Bish' runs numerous fundraising evenings.
Also watch out for the landlord Steve Howard's infamous Tin Foil Challenge. That really is fun!

Value to Communities – JOIN IN
The value of the Pub to charities and is all too often ignored when a pub is under threat of development.

All we can say is JOIN IN – visit your local pub and not only enjoy the hospitality of good refreshments and entertainment but also know that you can be supporting your local community.

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"Time to save our Pub" – Half Moon & Spread Eagle

In June 2023 we reported that an entry on 'Micheldever Village' social media stated:

"I am thrilled to be able to announce that the Half Moon and Spread Eagle is back in business! It will re-open in early July".

UPDATE: So what has now happened?
It is now 16 months on and there are changes underway.
 
A call has been put out "Time to save our pub?"

In 2019 Nick Warr and Phil Penton purchased the Half Moon & Spread Eagle on behalf of the community but have endured several tough challenges to keep it operating. A survey and leaflet is now being circulated that states "Now five years later, they can no longer support the pub".

Two main options are being considered, either new investors buy the pub or the community takes ownership and runs it.

A questionnaire has been launched to assess if there is enough interest for a community purchase and if a 'Community Enterprise' should be formed. If so this would lead to the creation of a community owned company with shareholders who would have the pub managed by an elected board.
As well as ascertaining support for their being shareholders, the questionnaire also aims to seek out people who could provide services such as accountancy, PR, gardening or other volunteering activities.

The questionnaire is to be returned by the 31st October, after which there is to be a community meeting at 6.00pm on Friday 15th November in Northbrook Hall.

Let us all wish the Micheldever community well and that there is enough tangible and active support to keep this pub as an important asset to the village and wider area.

The online questionnaire is here:

https://form.jotform.com/242773127754361

The leaflet being circulated:

Microbrewery and bar approved for Overton

The plans for a new bar and microbrewery in Overton have taken a step forward as Basingstoke & Deane Development Control Committee approved the planning application this week (Wed.9th October).

Permission has now been granted for the creation a new bar, micro-brewery and kitchen at No.7 High Street, a former hair and beauty salon (Hobbs).

7 High Street, Overton

The premises consists of a two-storey building that is believed to date from the 15th/16th centuries but has undergone significant changes although much of the timber framing remains. It is registered as a Listed Grade II building.

Support was high
Councillors heard from the applicant's architect who focussed on the responses from the main consultees, including HCC Highways, Archaeology, Environmental Health, Historic Environment, Southern Water and Biodiversity. All were registering a No Objection. 

In addition he noted the high number of letters of support from local residents. 77 were in support while only 12 were opposed, with most seeing such an establishment as a welcome addition to the village high Street. Support also came from the local Campaign for Real Ale citing the wider community benefits that such an establishment can provide. 

The Parish Council 
However, Overton Parish Council had objected citing issues such as a possible increase in anti-social behaviour. In a statement that has raised some eyebrows they also stated they "wish to discourage any further opportunities to organise social drinking or beer festivals". 

The present inside

Noting that the village already has a number of pubs the Parish Council also expressed concern that:
"Creating yet another venue must run the risk of encouraging more alcohol consumption – which is not warranted in such a small village."

Concerns dealt with by owners
A few other residents expressed worries over parking and transport, potential noise and odours, all of which had been dealt with by the planners and the business owners.
During the meeting it was stressed how helpful the owners had been on considering local concerns in making adjustments to the plans, one main change being the removal of the rear outside seating area.
Planners have imposed a number of 'Conditions' which the owners must now comply with before work can commence.

Plans for the main building
The ground floor of the main building will contain comfortable seating including sofas and stools, along with the bar with 2 – 5 steel serving tanks, 5 – 7 taps, an area for preparing cocktails and space for fridge, dishwasher and sink. Upstairs is an area that can be "booked for private dining/ more intimate setting with mixture of sofas, bar stools..."

Two unisex WCs will also be upstairs and the brief included a request to the architect "To include area for makeup/hair etc." To the rear there is a long narrow stretch of land where, at the end, the micro-brewery and kitchen will be situated.

This will be a great addition to the village and we all look forward to the opening and a visit.

Pubtober – supporting pubs and charities in October

Pubtober is an antidote to some of the misguided anti-alcohol promotions that can harm our country's pub and beer culture and those who rely on it for their livelihoods.

At a time when the hospitality industry is still suffering the after-effects of the covid pandemic these charity 'challenges' are akin to sticking the boot in.

Should we harm those who support our communities?
Our pubs, are not just places for an enjoyable drink or meal but also provide far wider benefits ranging from combatting loneliness and isolation to supporting thousands of livelihoods ranging from taxi drivers to window cleaners and from food suppliers to sports teams, as well as those working in and relying on the breweries that supply them.

A current headlining promotion calls on people to abstain from alcohol for October and raise funds by doing so. This is already in addition to Alcohol Change UK's similar promotion of Dry January that calls for the same.

Oh, the irony
Ironically these promotions that call for participants to forego an alcoholic drink for a month or more are often run by the very same charities that pubs and breweries support by fundraising events such as coffee mornings or charity quizzes.

So PUBTOBER was born:

So what could you do?

Support a charity, while still supporting pubs and breweries
Pubtober supports charities wholeheartedly.
This 'antidote' asks people to visit their local, enjoy a drink whether its alcoholic or not, and put some monies into the charity boxes. Maybe set a personal challenge to visit a number of different pubs?
Pubtober suggests donating to a cancer-related charity such as Macmillan Cancer Support.

That is a win-win all around, supporting both the livelihoods of the trade and raising funds for the good causes. 

Pubtober, created by Happy Pint

New Good Beer Guide sees local pubs included

The latest edition of the Good Beer Guide has been published this week and a number of local venues have been included.

The book, now in its 52nd edition, it is wholly independent and compiled by local members of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

The Guide, which contains 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nation’s hostelries. 

Book pays tribute to communities
This 2025 edition has a choice of two covers, the Rovers Return Inn from Coronation Street, and the Woolpack from Emmerdale Farm.
CAMRA Says "This edition of the Guide pays tribute to the communities that are beamed into homes, providing entertainment and companionship to those that may not have a local pub of their own."

They add that research commissioned by CAMRA found that people who have a local, rate themselves as significantly happier because of it, and have more close friends.
The pubs on television reflect this feeling. 

Local entries
The local entries are selected by the North Hampshire group of CAMRA, using an ongoing quality Beer Scoring system, where members can register beer quality throughout the year. 

This is through the 'WhatPub' website of all pubs in the area (and UK) which can be accessed here:
https://whatpub.com/

To purchase the Good Beer Guide
The 2025 Good Beer Guide can be purchased online here:
https://camra.org.uk/publications/the-good-beer-guide-2025/

 

A new Whitchurch Pub is questioned

Whitchurch will be a step nearer having have a new public house if a controversial housing scheme is approved. 

Genko, a property company based in Guernsey, has submitted a full planning application on green fields at Berehill on the northern edge of the small Hampshire town. Their proposals are for 115 houses, open space, workshops, pumping station and a public house, which they provisionally name The Bere Hill.

The rural town of Whitchurch is currently a target for speculative developers as the government sets ever higher housing numbers and there are already large housing schemes underway. Many believe this is over-development in a town known for its country setting and local heritage with campaigners' signs having appeared saying 'No to Genko'.

Unusual suggestion
A new public house within a housing area is an unusual suggestion in these particularly harsh times for the hospitality trade in which Whitchurch has experienced mixed fortunes.
Currently the town’s historic Red House is falling derelict, while several other pubs have closed in recent years. Proposals for new pubs in similar situations have also floundered at Augusta Park and Picket Twenty in Andover.

Pubs are flourishing
However some have flourished such as the Plough Inn at nearby Longparish which was bought by the local community and is going from strength to strength and the other pub in the same village, the Cricketers Inn, has recently re-opened to critical acclaim.

There is also a current application for a new bar and micro-brewery in nearby Overton but on the downside the Dove Inn at Micheldever is closing, although it is not expected to be permanent.

Suspicion
There is much suspicion that Genko have misread local needs and have included a pub to divert discussion away from the greater concerns surrounding the scale of their housing proposals. 

The Campaign for Real Ale's local Pub Protection Officer said:

"A great many might prefer that Genko went away and didn’t build anything at all, and that customer support went to the existing excellent pubs – the Kings Arms, White Hart, Bell, Prince Regent and the Sports & Social Club – and along the road the Watership Down and in nearby local villages." 

 

"A new pub is always welcome but whether this is a suitable location is extremely questionable".

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THE PLANNING APPLICATION
The planning application can be seen on Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council's planning portal, reference: 24/01949/FUL
https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SINSZICRKKT00&activeTab=summary

The Dove to close

Another local pub is closing this month as the Dove Inn shuts its doors at the end of September.

The Grade II Listed Building at Micheldever Station which recently gained planning permission for additional letting rooms is both on the market for sale and/or for a new tenant. 

Earlier this year the planners approved a new building at the rear to replace the old coach house which would provide five new letting rooms. The applicant, Lochstill Ltd, submitted the plans to complement the accommodation within the existing main building of the Inn, and to improve its commercial viability. 

Although the pub is for sale these plans are still very much 'live'. There is a lot of potential, and with a possible 3,000 house development nearby at Popham the future could change.

The Dove is currently listed for sale freehold at a guide price of £790,000 or as a premises under a lease with the agents saying:

"The business provides a tremendous opportunity for an experienced operator either looking to run a successful business themselves or alternatively, looking for a business to lease or run under management."

Let us hope a buyer comes forward or someone takes on the tenancy.

The Dove Inn closes at the end of September. 

Beer Festival in Basingstoke

A fine selection of beers along with good food and music will be available at the Basingstoke Beer Festival over the first weekend in September (Fri 6th – Sun 8th)

To be held at the Basingstoke Sports & Social Club (aka the Cricket Club) at Mays Bounty, over 30 beers will be available along with a selection of ciders.
Included are a range of styles from bitters and porters through to speciality beers.

The Festival, which is FREE to attend, opens on Friday September 6th at noon and runs through to late Sunday afternoon.

As well as the beers and ciders there is a programme live music on Saturday evening, commencing at 7.00pm, featuring RPM, Johnny Marvel's Blues Groove, Andalou and the Stoke Barehills Town Band.  

Food is being supplied by Greek Street.

It is an event not to miss.

80 pubs a month close

The number of public houses being lost through closure, change of use or demolition is sadly increasing.
A recent report based on the first quarter of 2024 has shown that 80 pubs a month are now closing, a 56% increase on the same period last year.

Gone forever 😢

PUBS AT RISK
In the north of Hampshire perhaps the town with most losses in recent years has been Whitchurch where the Town Council has been asked to take note of its own Neighbourhood Plan and to give maximum protection to its amenities as all pubs are under risk of loss. 

Other locations are also at risk with two of Kingsclere's pubs currently up for sale, one being boarded up, while in Andover several are on the market, shut behind hoardings or are on the cusp of closing.

At the minimum our Councils should be designating all their valuable assets as Assets of Community Value  – and that includes the public house.
Councils please note!

Enjoying the pub

Pubs are a Social Hub
A local pub provides more than just a place for refreshments and entertainment. It can act as the social hub of a community, providing a centre for social interaction, a haven for combatting loneliness, a provider of employment for a whole range of local tradesmen and suppliers, and a generator of economic benefits for a town or village. 

It has been estimated an average public house provides around £80,000 of benefits to a community.

Pub Culture at risk
In the north Hampshire area many have already closed or are on the verge of shutting the doors. In many cases this is due to the greed of the remote pub company which owns the building, leasing it to a hardworking tenant who tries to make a go of it, but then imposes excessive and unrealistic financial conditions. In other cases it may be that a publican wishes to retire or move to another area.

 
What is certain is that our pub culture is at serious risk from a range of different pressures – and our councils can help by recognising that the value of a pub to a community is very much more than just bricks and mortar. 

Please let us save that culture that helps bind our communities together and call upon our councils to use all the powers that they hold to do so.

Whitchurch Club wins CAMRA Award.

The Whitchurch Sports and Social Club (WSSC) has been announced as the North Hampshire CAMRA Club of the Year for 2024 and was awarded their certificate last Saturday (1st June) when the organisation held its AGM at the club. 

The Social Club now joins other clubs selected in the Wessex area and will be independently judged over the next six weeks. These are in Corfe Castle, Portsmouth, Salisbury, and Cowes Isle of Wight with the Wessex winner reaching the final sixteen in the UK.

Below:
Local CAMRA Chairman Keith Sturton presents the Whitchurch Sports & Social Club with its Award.

Whitchurch Sports and Social Club is well known for one of the most comprehensive offering of amenities, and events programmes, bringing some of the 'Big Names' to the town holding regular concerts, dinner evenings and discos as well as private bookings. It takes great pride in the quality of its beers and regularly supports local independent breweries.
The premises are also the home of Whitchurch Utd Football Club and also house squash courts and both indoor and outdoor bowling facilities.

North Hampshire CAMRA has nearly 600 local members and selects its award winners by nominations and a detailed judging process that covers such topics as community focus, inclusivity and commitment to customer service. It also runs an online Beer Scoring scheme where members can record pub visits and beer quality which then feeds into its Awards as well as into the Good Beer Guide selection for the area.

It is is part of the national campaign of nearly 150,000 members and is currently planning a local Beer Festival in September in Basingstoke as well as organising a number of social events. It is also updating the online pub guide for the North Hampshire area and is campaigning where pubs are at serious risk of closure.

Below:
Whitchurch Sports & Social Club at Longmeadow, Whitchurch.
North Hampshire Club of the Year 2024

•

Historic Red House is falling derelict

Further deterioration is taking place at the Red House in Whitchurch as the Grade II Listed Building within the Conservation Area becomes an increasing eyesore on the street scene following the granting of an Appeal against a Change of Use.

An eyesore was predicted
This was predicted when the owner had previously promised to invest monies in the pub business from the building of housing on the car park evaporated into thin air.
Many feel they were hoodwinked as the owner subsequently applied for conversion of the pub to residential use.

While planners and Councillors objected from both Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and Whitchurch Town Council along with many local residents to the loss of the public house, the applicant lodged an Appeal against their decision to refuse change of use.

Following a Government Inspector's site visit in July 2023 the Appeal was regrettably allowed.

The building is now becoming derelict
To date no work has yet been undertaken and the historic building continues to rot away to the town's dismay. However there is much in the Inspector's Report that refers to the importance of the historical value of the building and to its position within the Conservation Area and the Whitchurch street scene.

The Report states:

"The overall form and main façade of the appeal building is a key building within the CA (Conservation Area), and contributes to the character and appearance of the CA."

There are also strong references that the proposed works would "secure the building's repair and renovation" and that the new use would "constitute a significant public benefit".

Effect on nearby properties – and rats
And while the owner was wishing to make more monies the effect has probably had a negative effect of the values of nearby properties. There have even been reports of rats seen in the vicinity which cannot be good for health or value.

So when will those works commence?

Duty of Councils
Whilst the pub's use may be lost through the granting of the Appeal our Councils still have a duty towards the historic building. Local planning authorities have powers they can use, including compulsory purchase to remedy deliberate neglect or damage. Will they use them?

As the applicant has not commenced any work and the site is now virtually derelict, the question to our Councillors must now be how will retention of the historic building be accomplished?
What actions will be taken on the lack of progress and to prevent more of the structure falling into the street below and the town's character and heritage further lost?

Details of what can be actioned are here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-upkeep-and-repair-of-historic-building

 

 

What action will now be taken?

Andover Tap at the Lamb receives two Awards

The Andover Tap at the Lamb has received the North Hampshire overall Pub of the Year Award along with the associated Cider Pub of the Year accolade.

At a presentation in the packed Andover pub at the weekend, owner Tim Abram received the certificates from the Chairman of the local Campaign for Real Ale Branch, Keith Sturton.

left to right:
Willow and Matt (bar staff extraordinaire);
Tim Abram, Owner of The Andover Tap at the Lamb;
Keith Sturton, local CAMRA Chairman.

Presently a team of judges is visiting the other local winners in the Region which includes entries from Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Wiltshire, and the Channel Islands as well as from the rest of Hampshire. All have been selected by an independent process not linked to any commercial concerns.

A successful pub
Along with a fine selection of cask ales, craft keg beers and real ciders from mainly local producers, regular events are held at The Tap including food nights, games sessions, quizzes, BBQs, brewery visits, and an annual cycle ride. It is also a venue for the long established Lamb Folk Sessions as well as holding occasional music events.

Gin and Beer Festival
Coming soon there is also a Gin and Beer Festival in conjunction with the next door Gin Palace over the weekend of Friday 24th May to Sunday 26th May.
This Festival will feature both beer and gin that is produced on the premises.

Can it go further?
It is hoped the Andover Tap at the Lamb may follow in the footsteps of the excellent Wonston Arms near Sutton Scotney which went on to win the prestigious National Pub of the Year in 2018.
Both pubs show that to focus on the local community, putting the customer first, and showing that providing an excellent selection of independent beers and ciders can lead to success.

The Andover Tap at the Lamb and the Gin Palace.

Tim Abram, owner of The Andover Tap at the Lamb.

A pub where friendly conversation and good company rules.

Cheers!

Support required to help Ecchinswell pub

A country village pub has applied to extend its premises to help it survive.
It makes a pleasant change to the more usual applications that call for changes of use and even demolition. 

The Royal Oak in Ecchinswell, a traditional village pub to the west of Kingsclere, has submitted plans to Basingstoke Borough Council.

Work required
The applicant says the pub was deteriorating and that the previous tenant went into liquidation in early 2023, resulting in closure of the pub.
Work is now required to bring the pub up to standard to ensure its survival, and to provide further dining capacity, kitchen space and staff accommodation. There are also plans to provide some guest accommodation and improved WC facilities which are all required to provide a viable long-term business.

Royal Oak is the village's only pub
Ecchinswell is a small village with few other facilities. The Royal Oak dates from the 17th century and is recognised as a 'notable building' within the village Conservation Area.
It is the only public house in the village, with the next nearest being in Kingsclere.

Communities lose out
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) figures show that last year 1,293 businesses closed and were lost to their communities while the Institute for Policy Research reports that pubs inject an average of £80,000 into their local communities.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Support for this application is sought
The Parish Council currently supports the application and at the time of writing this there are 9 Objections and 27 in Support.

However more comments to support a local business that could disappear would help.
Public houses maintain vitality in villages, provide social interaction, supply employment and economic benefits, combat loneliness and enhance well-being in a community, support rural tourism and provide a focal point for both local people and visitors.
Our pubs need all the help they can get.


The application can be seen here:
(To comment you will need to register)
https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=S6C3GECRJY900&activeTab=summary

Handpump Hijack campaign launched

A warning that consumers may be confused by the use of handpumps for keg beer has been issued by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Handpumps mean Cask Conditioned Beer

The Carlsberg Marstons Brewing Company (CMBC) plans to serve keg beer through handpumps which beer drinkers widely understand as usually being exclusively used for cask conditioned beer.

Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has asked for investigations into whether the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations have been breached.

Trading Standards contacted
The Campaign has written to National Trading Standards and Trading Standards Scotland asking for an investigation into the products, which use a cask handpump to serve the beer, which is kegged rather than cask conditioned.

The Handpump Hijack Campaign
This is the start of the ‘Handpump Hijack’ campaign to raise awareness of misleading beer dispense, and make sure that the handpump remains a signifier of cask-conditioned beer.

Gillian Hough, National Director and Chair of CAMRA’s Real Ale, Cider and Perry Campaigns Committee, said:

“CAMRA believes that these practices come under the scope of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, as the average consumer may choose to buy the product on the basis that they believe it to be cask conditioned beer, which in this case it is not.  

 

She also says:

Handpumps are uniquely British and are synonymous with cask beer and we believe that CMBC’s attempts to hijack the handpump to serve kegged beer will only lead to consumer confusion. The impact of this pernicious misleading dispense will affect the reputation and availability of cask conditioned beer in all pubs and social clubs. 

 

We would like National Trading Standards to urgently investigate whether CMBC’s Fresh Ale concept, sold via misleading use of cask handpumps thereby presenting as a version of cask beer, is confusing to customers. "

and

CAMRA firmly believes that the traditional British handpump should continue to be used exclusively to dispense cask-conditioned beer or their traditional cider and perry equivalents. 

Local Pub of Year Winner

A local Andover pub that had been saved and re-opened only two years ago has been selected for two awards by the local Campaign for Real Ale group for north Hampshire.

 
The Andover Tap at the Lamb was voted by local members to receive the North Hampshire Pub of the Year accolade along with the associated  Cider Pub of the Year Award.
This is the first step in the National Pub of the Year competitions. 

UPDATE:

A presentation of the awards will be made at 2.00pm on Saturday 4th May.
Everyone welcome.

The Andover Tap at the Lamb

Around 250 pubs were eligible in an area that stretches across the northern reaches of Hampshire including the main centres of Andover and Basingstoke.
Hartley Wintney and Odiham are included to the east; Whitchurch, Sutton Scotney and Stockbridge are to the west, and Tadley and Kingsclere are to the north. The pubs are visited and judged by local members on a wide range of criteria.

Popular owner,
Tim Abram

The next step
The pub has now been forwarded for the Wessex Regional Award which includes entries from Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Wiltshire, and the Channel Islands as well as from the rest of Hampshire. Independent teams of judges will be visiting these over the next few months.

The Lamb Inn
The Andover Tap, owned by Tim Abram, moved into the historic Lamb Inn in Winchester Street just over two years ago along with Wessex Spirits, who run the lovely Gin Palace in the rest of the Listed Building. Previously the pub had been closed having been a canteen for an insurance company who had bought it from Wadworths.

As well as a fine selection of cask ales, craft keg beers and real ciders from mainly local producers, regular events are held including food nights, games sessions, quizzes, BBQs, brewery visits, and an annual cycle ride. It is also a venue for the long established Lamb Folk Sessions as well as holding occasional music events. Meanwhile each year an Ale and Gin Festival is held in conjunction with the Gin Palace (this years event is 24th–26th May 2024).

The pub also houses a small micro-brewery and has started to produce some special house beers under the apt name of Ewe Brew.

Conversation rules in the Andover Tap at the Lamb

A unique and welcoming pub
Tim Abram and his wonderful staff have created a unique independent and inclusive pub in the town that caters for, and welcomes everyone. It is definitely not a pub to miss and with the Gin Place next door shows the value of independent businesses in providing top quality service. 

Massive congratulations are due, along with the best of wishes as the pub moves forward towards the ultimate accolade of National Pub of the Year. Fingers are crossed.

The wonderful staff are will always give a friendly welcome
(here are Willow and Matt)

Cheers!

A Call-out for Brewdog

Amongst traditional ale drinkers Brewdog can be a bit of a 'marmite' company. There is no doubt it has had a strong influence in the growth of craft beers and the introduction of a range of exciting taste innovations but it can also be controversial.

However it is good to report a very local and positive move by the company.

Raising Funds for a local school
A recent fund raising Spring Auction by the Friends of Whitchurch Primary School (FOWPS) saw Brewdog offer two Lots - each of value £40 to be used "on anything you please - Beer, Food, Merch & Beer Schools Galore in a Brewdog Bar".

One Voucher was paired with an Overton Rugby Season Membership for one child (aged Year 6 or below) and raised £50, while the other was stand-alone and raised £33 for the Primary School.

Over £1500
In all, the Spring Auction raised over £1500 for the School. All the money raised goes directly to enriching the lives of our local school children.

So a well-done to Brewdog for helping a local worthy cause.

Brewdog, Festival Place, Basingstoke

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About FOWPS

The Friends of Whitchurch Primary School or FOWPS are a registered charity whose mission is to enrich the educational experience and enhance the well-being of all the children at school.

We bring together parents, teachers and children and raise funds and strengthen our school community. The committee is made up of volunteer parents, of which three are compulsory members and trustees. We raise money for the school through donations, sponsored events and activities.

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