Beers in the UK – You are being deceived

You're being misled about British Beer

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has released a hard-hitting consumer-led report on the UK beer market and the "stark state of British brewing" and setting out how customers are being deceived.

'Beer in the UK' states that most of those 'foreign' named beers on the bars such as Cruzcampo, Madri, Stella and San Miguel are in fact being brewed in industrial-sized beer factories in the UK, and are masquerading as continental products. They come from places such as Manchester, Burton on Trent, and Magor South Wales, 

It also sets out how publicans are massively constrained in which products they can sell, through restrictive ties and contracts that reduce or remove consumer choice.

One particular highlight in the report states:

"Beer consumers are routinely misled about the origins of their beers. Most big brand ‘foreign’ lagers are made in the UK, often to diluted recipes; most of the largest ‘craft’ beer brands are made by corporate producers; and many ‘local’ beers come from industrial-scale national plants, far from the locality suggested by their names."

CAMRA calls for this deception to end and that it must be made clear who owns and brews the beers on the bars. 
CAMRA also calls for an investigation into the industry by the Competition and Markets Authority and challenges the abnormally high levels of beer taxation.

The full report can be seen here:
https://camra.org.uk/beer-report

Powder Monkey – the Rug has been pulled

Seating outside for balmy evenings

After just six months the new Powder Monkey at the Guildhall in Andover was suddenly closed by their parent company.

It was exciting for Andover
Trade in the pub/bar in the historic Grade II* Listed Building was just getting off the ground with its excellent staff building a following for its friendly service, good beer and a growing number of events. 

The range of beers was good, with six varied modern keg craft beers from their Gosport brewery along with a good range of bottle beers from other breweries in the Powder Monkey Group such as Goddards, and Empire.
It was seen as exciting for the town and a welcome addition to the town's revitalisation.

A buzz was starting to develop

A buzz was developing
After what seemed to be a shaky start with a turnover of local managers it soon settled down and was establishing a supporting and regular clientele.
Quiz Nights, Tasting Evenings and Lifestyle events were held and groups held parties and family gatherings.

It took part in the Andover Rocks charity event, ran Quizzes and introduced a selection of games and drinks offers. Sunday Roasts had been introduced along with a first breakfast menu.

 
Soft furnishing was added with sofas and armchairs while tables and chairs went on the outside cobbled patio area when the weather allowed. It was all starting to take off in readiness for an exciting summer which would have added a wonderfully attractive continental feel to the High Street. 

Powder Monkey 'nibbles'
Good food was often available

A buzz was starting to develop.

But then the rug was pulled. Powder Monkey's owners had other plans. 

Doors suddenly closed
After just six months customers found the doors had been suddenly closed. Staff were told not to go into work and that they were being made redundant. There was little information and even the landlords Test Valley Borough Council could not offer a credible explanation, saying the closure was only temporary. 

Notices on the windows just days before the closure said:  
"Powder Monkey is working on something exciting .... Be back soon!"

But it wasn't. The doors never re-opened.

Some thoughts on the company
As a company Powder Monkey was growing, taking on other small breweries and expanding its small Australian arm. Closure of their new Andover bar leaves disappointment.

New initiatives such as the Andover bar need a time to settle in and to at least have a summer season. Powder Monkey at the Guildhall was not given a chance.

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.

Growling Gibbon closes the doors

The end of the year sees another Hampshire brewery cease production as Growling Gibbon closes its doors.

Located in the Incuhive Space for start-up new businesses within IBM's Hursley Park near Winchester, Growling Gibbon was one of the very smallest commercial brewers in the County and focussed on American style IPAs with their citrusy, fruity and piney character that comes from using punchy American hops. 

Growling Gibbon, Hursley near Winchester

Beers like Tune In Freak Out, Disconnect the Dots and Detective of Perspective were found in specialist craft beer bars as well as in canned form in various delicatessants and independent shops.
However, a recent beer, 3600 Feet, moved away from this style, being a dark coffee stout using Guatemalan beans from their next door neighbours at Hursley, Hocombe Coffee.

The brewery was formed in early 2022 after a visit to Borneo by the owner who decided to change a career in the development of artificial intelligence for something more rewarding. Thus was formed Growling Gibbon with the slogan of Craft Beer for Humans. 

With a strong environmental philosophy 5% of the brewery's profits went to the World Land Trust, an international conservation charity that protects the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats.

Sadly after such a short life, Growling Gibbon is now closing its doors.

A new Brewery for Andover

After many months of growing excitement, the first beer from Andover's newest brewery has reached the customers' glasses.

Tim Abram, owner of the Andover Tap at The Lamb has installed a small brewery at the rear  on which he has produced the first beer – a traditional amber ale named Ewe Brew Muttons Gold. Before starting the Andover Tap, Tim was previously brewer at The Test Brewery in Broughton producing award-winning beers.

The first pints are poured

Last Sunday (10th September) as soon as the news was out, the grapevine went to work and the pub became a magnet for those excited to try the long-awaited beer. With top bar supremo Matt Mutton pulling the pints, the afternoon saw the first cask rapidly emptied, a testament to its quality.

Matt Mutton (L) and Tim Abram (R) launch the new brew

A tasty beer
Muttons Gold is brewed to a very sessionable strength of 3.8%. It has a a good rounded balance of malt, with underlying fruitiness of dark berries and a touch of spiciness due to the mix of hops used.
The beer joins the range of traditional cask beers on the bar mainly from small local breweries, as well as a fine selection of craft beers, lagers, ciders and other drinks.

An amazing success
The development of The Lamb since its re-opening just two years ago (November 2021) is an amazing success story, especially as it now houses both a brewery and the Wessex Spirit's Gin Palace distillery. Earlier this year it was awarded local Cider Pub of the Year and has also gained a place in the Good Beer Guide. 

The Gin Palace, produces a range of artisanal gins as well as holding tastings and special events, with rooms available for private parties and business meetings. Bespoke gins are also produced by owner Kate. Recently it has also produced its own vodka, soon to be made available.

The Andover Tap at the Lamb and the Gin Palace

So much takes place
The small traditional style pub is a true community venture providing a wide range of attractions ranging from fortnightly themed food evenings to coach trips to breweries, charity events, cycle rides and the holding of the Lamb Folk Sessions. 
Events on the near horizon include a cheese and beer tasting session, a Trafalgar Dinner and a Victorian Kitchen evening.

Above all it is known for its friendliness and welcome; its helpful bar staff; the wide range of beer and ciders; and the convivial atmosphere. Without the distraction of TVs or fruit machines it is conversation that rules.

The Andover Tap at The Lamb

The Andover Tap at the Lamb and the Gin Palace are in Winchester Street opposite the police station.

See:
ANDOVER TAP AT THE LAMB

THE GIN PALACE

Andover's new brewery

Muttons Gold

Wychwood Brewery to close

After announcing the proposed sale of Ringwood Brewery, CMBC (Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company) has said it is planning to close Wychwood Brewery, best known for producing the beer Hobgoblin. 

The closure is expected to be in November with Hobgoblin likely to then be brewed in Burton on Trent.

It is reported that the closure is timed with a break clause in the lease of the premises, along with the continuing difficult economic climate.

Wychwood Brewery in Witney, Oxfordshire, was formed in 1989 at the Two Rivers Brewery, formerly Glenny Brewery. It took over brewing some of the Brakspear beers when they closed in 2002.
In 2008 Wychwood was bought by Marstons.

Hobgoblin is its best known beer and brewed at a variety of strengths dependant on whether for cask, bottle or can and is said to be the second best-selling bottled beer in the UK. 

Hobgoblin, Wychwoods most famous beer

UNITY RELAUNCH PARTY

Unity, the Southampton brewery that sadly went into administration earlier this year and which is now under a new ownership, has announced their re-opening with a 'Relaunch Party' on Saturday 24th June from noon 'til late.

It is exciting times.

Unity Brewing Company say:
 

"We are pleased to announce we are relaunching on Saturday 24th with a lil' party at the Taproom. Expect the return of old favourites (yes, yes, of course we have Conflux), brand new beer and returning faves, plus plenty of guest beer and other drinks on tap and in the fridges."

This is excellent news and should be great day at the Princes Street Brewery in Southampton with specials on tap, guest beers, street food, and now even sofas!

There will be plenty of space for walk-ins but if you'd like to secure a table, drop Connie a line at connie@unitybrewingco.com with numbers and preferred time.

PLANS TO SELL RINGWOOD BREWERY

On the day we hear of a new small Hampshire nano-brewery joining the commercial world we also hear of plans to sell of Hampshire's largest brewery – Ringwood, on the edge of the New Forest. 

Early successes

Ringwood Brewery was founded in the earliest days of the real ale resurgence in1978 by real ale pioneer Peter Austin who also built around 140 new breweries in the UK and overseas.
Ringwood's success led to its move in 1986 from Minty's Yard to the present site on the edge of Ringwood, previously that of Tunks Brewery.
Two years later further success came when Old Thumper took the much coveted Champion Beer of Britain award. Old Thumper has become a worldwide name with the beer being brewed in the US by Shipyard.

Further expansion took place and it was eventually sold to Marstons in 2007. It is currently owned by the Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company (CMBC) and, while brewing has continued in Ringwood, much beer was also brewed in Burton upon Trent.

For sale
Today (7th June) CMBC has announced proposals that it intends to close its logistics operations in Ringwood and to sell the brewery and its brands, which include such famous beers as Old Thumper, Fortyniner and Razorback. This could have a serious effect on the staff employed as logistics is planned to move to other locations such as Cardiff, Tiverton and Farnborough.

There is also considerable concern over the site which has been the centre of speculation for residential development on several occasions.

Last autumn CMBC sold off the historic Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth with production also moving to Burton. One reason given was the fall in demand for cask ales during and following the pandemic.

The big questions?
Will the site at Ringwood be purchased to remain as a brewery?
Happy Pint has fond memories of supping Ringwood's 4X Porter while enjoying Mince pies with the brewer one wintry Christmas.
Let us hope that will still be possible.

A NEW HAMPSHIRE BREWERY

Even in these difficult times little can deter genuine innovation and that is endemic throughout the craft beer world.

This week's exciting news is that a new Hampshire brewery has announced the launch of its first public releases, an imperial baltic porter named 'Living in Darkness'  and a double chocolate stout named 'Melody Madness'. 

Whilst the owners Mike and Holly have been brewing and developing their recipes over a number of years, these are their first commercially available beers for the public to enjoy.

Breakbeat Brewery is a nano-brewery based in Southampton, which is becoming a hotbed of interesting brewing. Being small they are specialising in "all things imperial" and that they say "We brew what we love, with no sensible options involved and we go against the crowd".

Here at Happy Pint, this is a philosophy that excites us! Definitely 😄

Breakbeat also say
"We love big strong beers and try to brew some of the strongest beers in the UK ranging from 10% imperial stouts to 25% freeze distilled madness."

Their strongest brew to date is an incredible 25.2% freeze distilled strawberry ice cream imperial pastry stout.
Just from the description beer lovers will understand what this brewery is all about – craft beer at its best.

We cannot wait to try their beers.

BREAKBEAT BREWING

FALLEN ACORN - How many more?

There was more devastating news today as one of the most respected breweries in Hampshire announced it was going into voluntary liquidation.

Fallen Acorn stated:

Despite doing our best to weather the storm that the industry has been facing since COVID-19 and now from the inflationary impact on consumers and hospitality, trade has yet to return to normalised levels. Further, a combination of an increase in material costs, utilities and increasing cashflow pressure puts the business in a position where it cannot continue to trade any further.

Born as Oakleaf
The brewery started in Gosport as Oakleaf in 2000 and very quickly established itself as one of the leading producers of quality beers winning multiple awards, including taking the Hampshire Beer of the Year Award five times with its flagship cask ale Hole Hearted, one of the first beers to use Cascade hops.

A new name
In 2016 it was taken over which led to a rebranding and a new brewery name. As well as traditional cask beers Fallen Acorn increased its production of high quality craft keg beers and gained a deserved reputation of being one of the most innovative breweries in the UK.
They were known for pushing the boundaries in brewing and for "breaking the divide between traditional and craft and instead seeing all as simply, beer."

We had the World in Our Hands
Amongst its most recent releases was the 11% Imperial Stout We had the World in Our Hands. That name proved itself sadly a reflection of the breweries position; one not helped by the continuing lack of support for the brewing industry by the current Government!

Our Government should be ashamed
How many more breweries will be lost; how many more people put out of work; how many more livelihoods lost; how many more communities devastated, before the Government wakes up and provides meaningful support?

This Government has a lot to answer for.

 

LONGDOG in AWARD FINALS

Local brewery Longdog of Worting, on the edge of Basingstoke, has reached the shortlist of Finalists in the local Inspire Business Awards, which cover the Test Valley, Basingstoke & Deane, and Rushmoor areas.

The announcements of winners will be made at the Anvil in Basingstoke on July 13th. INSPIRE showcases regional businesses and the prestigious gala ceremony promotes their successes.

Environmental Responsibility Finalist
Longdog Brewery, which produces an excellent range of local cask and bottled beers is shortlisted within the 'Environmental Responsibility' category, for its commitment to a sustainable and environmentally aware business model. The category is sponsored by Vitacress.

Truly a LOCAL Business
Established in 2011, and owned by Rod and Jenny since 2019, the micro-brewery supplies many local pubs as well as regularly attending local markets. It has also opened a taproom at the brewery where beers can be sampled and tasting tours are organised.

We wish them all the best at the Awards as they really deserve to WIN.

Longdog's Facebook page is at:
https://www.facebook.com/Longdogbrewery

BREACH FARM KEG FRIENDS

New brewery Breach Farm Brewing has launched its ‘Keg Friend’ scheme to help the completion of their tasting room at their new premises, 4 miles west of Andover near Amport. This week’s funds will help fit the tasting room’s tap system.

The brewery, run and owned by Tim Hartigan was ‘founded out of a love for craft beer’ with the beers having a distinct American influence as befits Tim’s roots. A small barn on Hay Down Farm in Wiremead Lane is to open this Spring with its new nano-brewery and tasting room.

For £100 a ‘Keg Friend’ bundle includes a £115 tasting room credit, a first tasting room beer on the brewery, and a Friends of Breach Farm Brewing sticker. Your name will also go on the keg.

The ‘Friend-Funding’ concept includes a number of ‘Bundles’ that allow funds to be raised to help the brewery open. These range from the Pay-it-Forward-Pint to the Angel Friend which includes a whole range of benefits.

Full details are here:
www.breachfarmbrewing.co.uk

These are exciting times.