GEORGE INN BEER FESTIVAL

The Beer Festival at the George Inn at Vernham Dean in the upper reaches of the lovely Bourne Valley is back for this summer Bank Holiday weekend.

This wonderful event is offering an exciting range of 17 real ales and 5 ciders, all served in tip-top condition as befits the enthusiasm for high quality service at the Good Beer Guide pub.

But its not only beers at this popular event, to be held over three days from 26th to 28th August. Reece and his team will also be providing a wide range of other drinks as well as a full programme of Live Music and a range of delicious food including of course their renowned wood-fired pizza.

The historic 17th-century traditional pub just seven miles north of Andover  is always worth a visit being located located perfectly for country walks or cycle rides in the tranquil North Wessex Downs. Relaxing in the lovely garden with a pint in hand just adds to the enjoyment.

Its definitely a pub not to miss.

https://www.facebook.com/thegeorgeatvernhamdean

CIDER WINNER

It was a close call in this year's Wessex area CAMRA Regional Cider Pub of the Year with five finalists vying for the coveted award with entries from Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.

As reported earlier, locally the Andover Tap at The Lamb had made the finals of the regional round with its fine selection of real ciders and perries.
See:
Andover Pub wins cider award


The competition recognises the best pubs or clubs that promote and encourage the sale of quality real cider and perry across the country. 

This week the regional winner was announced as:

The Woodman Inn, Bridport, Dorset

It now goes forward into the national competition.

The Woodman Inn is an independent traditional pub serving a changing selection of beers and ciders, as well as providing a home for events ranging from folk nights, plays and story-telling. It really is a home from home and well worth visiting.  

The five finalists were:

Saxon Bar, Christchurch, Dorset
Woodman Inn, Bridport, Dorset
Lawrence Arms, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Andover Tap at The Lamb Inn, Andover, Hampshire
Cuckoo Inn, Hamptworth, Salisbury, Wiltshire

 

MUCH LOVED PUB FOR SALE

A much loved and very popular pub may soon be sold. 

In 2020 the Fox Inn at North Waltham was listed as an Asset of Community Value which means it has to be made available to community groups to make bids.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council who maintain the Register have now stated:

"The council has received notification of the owner's intention to sell The Fox Inn, Popham Lane, North Waltham, RG25 2BE. Any community interest group wishing to be treated as a potential bidder has until 20 July 2023 to confirm this in writing, to the council postal address or via: communityassets@basingstoke.gov.uk

The Fox Inn, a traditional style 'destination pub' set in the beautiful countryside near North Waltham, has won a number of awards and serves an excellent selection of beers (including LocAle), runs a fine restaurant and has a extensive outdoor areas. 

It has become famous for its displays of hanging baskets and flowering borders, perfect for a summer's day gentle relaxation over a pint in the sunshine.

Let us hope that it remains as a pub for all to enjoy.

UPDATE: It is believed that there are new owners which is excellent news

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.

HALF MOON & SPREAD EAGLE TO RE-OPEN

Micheldever's The Half Moon and Spread Eagle has a new publican after its sudden closure, with Matt Etherington taking on the popular pub as from June 19th with the actual opening date to planned to be in early July.

Can you help?
The local community has rallied around to ensured the pub will soon be serving good pints and fine food again but there is still much to be done a call has gone out for volunteers to help with painting. 

If anyone can offer for a three-hour session of painting on a morning or afternoon on Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th, or Sunday 25th, they should contact charlesholden1@hotmail.co.uk

Opening Date
Regarding the planned opening an announcement by Charles Holden on 'Micheldever Village' stated:

"On Wednesday 5th July the bar will be open from 5.30pm for Matt to get his team into the swing of things - and meet you!
"The pub will be open for normal service on Thursday with a formal opening at 6pm on Friday 7th July at which it is hoped that our MP, Steve Brine, will say a few words."

Bookings:
Details have also been provided should anyone wish to book:

"If you wish to book for lunch or dinner from Thursday, the contact before Wednesday 28 June is mjames85@hotmail.co.uk. By then BT should have connected the phone and bookings can be made on 01962 774150."

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

GOOD NEWS from THE HALF MOON & SPREAD EAGLE

As reported earlier The Half Moon and Spread Eagle at Micheldever had suddenly closed, but today there was an announcement of Good News.

An announcement by Charles Holden on 'Micheldever Village' 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".

Plans include opening 7-days a week and having a pizza oven in the garden. 

Staff are currently being sought and anyone interested should register with Matt via halfmoonmicheldever@gmail.com

From secateurs to willing hands
There are plans to carry out a tidy-up at the pub and volunteers are being sought to help – and to come along on the morning of Sunday 4th June from 9.30pm "armed with secateurs, strimmers, mowers or just willing hands!"


This is all very good news and hopefully The Half Moon and Spread Eagle will again be providing great service over the Summer months.

IS THE KINGS ARMS AT RISK?

Is another Whitchurch pub at risk? Hopefully not.

The rural country town has lost several to developers in recent times, including The Railway, The Harvest Home, and The Red House, although the latter is currently subject of a Planning Appeal.

This week Red Oak Taverns, owners of the 17th-century King's Arms in Church Street have put the popular pub on the market to Let.

Tough times
Pubs have had one of the toughest times of late and many are suffering with increasing brewery costs, massive energy bill increases and and lease restrictions. It is not known why the King's Arms has been made available 'To Let', but if we are to retain these important amenities in our communities we must support them.
This is not just by visiting but also by lobbying government and councils to provide assistance and to recognise the importance of their local economic and social value. 

Popular publicans
The King's Arms is a great pub with hard-working committed publicans who provide a real community welcome and serve Whitchurch well. Numerous events have been held including Live Music, Beer Festivals, Quizzes and food promotions. Terrific people.

They posted on their social media:

'We have decided after 5 years here that it is time to hand over the pub to someone new.
We are here until the end of August and will be smashing out the summer as always.
Thank you all for your support over the past 5 years and we wish whoever follows us here the best of success.'

We also wish them all the very best and hope that whoever takes on the pub continues to maintain the excellence service and fine reputation that has been built up for this fine community pub.

Red Oak Taverns
Red Oak Taverns are an independent pub company founded in 2011. They have around 180 pubs in the UK. 
They say:

"As a pub company we will do all that we can to safeguard the future of each property as a pub. However, due to changes in local demand this is not always possible, and in such circumstances we will always explore the most suitable alternative for the community in question.

We hope Red Oak's plans of the King's Arms are that it remains a pub serving both the local people Whitchurch and those who visit the town.

But for now:
Let's all visit the pub, and raise our glasses with a vote of thanks to the publicans and staff of the King's Arms. Cheers.

SUMMER OF PUB

The annual Summer of Pub campaign, promoted by CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale), has been launched.

Events will be organised over the summer months by pubs, breweries and CAMRA groups – including open mic nights, ale trails, pub quizzes and tap takeovers.

Happy Pint is supporting this by listing a large number of local events over the Summer.
See: 
FREE LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Events can be added by using the Contact Form on this Page.

The past few years have presented an enormous challenge for the pub and brewing industry as venues have faced skyrocketing energy and business costs.
The Summer of Pub campaign aims to support and promote pub and club-going throughout the summer and there’s plenty to celebrate.

CAMRA is encouraging its network of members to get their locals involved in the campaign and host events of their own. 

CAMRA’s national campaigns director Nick Boley said:

“I think we’re all looking forward to summer after a tough winter that has seen the pub trade, brewers, and consumers hit hard by parallel cost-of-living and cost-of-business crises.

“The Coronation bank holiday was the perfect time to start Summer of Pub celebrations with a visit to the pub, to enjoy the community spirit that only a pint of real ale or cider down the local can bring.

“I encourage everyone to head to their local and start their Summer of Pub.”

SAVING LOCAL PUBS AND AMENITIES

Communities are being encouraged to bid for new cash to save their local public houses, and other amenities.

The third round of the Government's Community Ownership Fund announced on 12th May, makes it easier for local communities to "seize back control of prized local assets" including their pubs at risk with £1 million available. In addition match funding is being reduced to as low as 10%.
It can also be used for a wide range of other community facilities.

One pub might benefit

For the first time Parish Councils can also apply to the Fund that was previously only available to charities and community groups.

 
The Fund may be of use in one local Hampshire town.
In Whitchurch, the Red House, a valued Listed Building, is closed and awaiting the outcome of an Appeal to change its use to residential property. Meanwhile it is deteriorating and has become an eyesore. 
The Fund is already supporting nearly 100 projects throughout the UK – maybe something for the Whitchurch Town Council to consider give that so many pubs have already closed which has been detrimental to the economic and social needs of the town.

Welcomed by CAMRA
The launch of the third round has been welcomed by the Campaign for Real Ale.
Chairman Nik Antona said:

“Our locals are a vital part of both our social fabric and our local economies. They deserve to be protected as community assets which is why more and more local people up and down the country are taking over their local as a community-owned pub when it is faced with closure, demolition or conversion.

“It is really encouraging to see Levelling Up Ministers announcing today that another round of funding is being made available through the Government’s Community Ownership Fund. This funding is a lifeline for local people who have come together to save their local pub and keep it at the heart of community life.

“I hope that as many communities as possible that are looking to save their local pub submit bids for funding."  

Full details are available on the government’s website:
COMMUNITY FUNDING

SURPRISE AS COMMUNITY PUB CLOSES

The sudden closure of a popular community pub in Micheldever has caused both concern over its future and sadness for its publicans.
In an announcement yesterday (10th May) Paula and Andy published a statement commencing with "With enormous sadness we have ceased to trade with immediate effect".

They cited the effect of Covid, personal illness and the cost of living crisis, saying "any one of those things would be hard to manage".

The pub has a long history, being a drovers inn dating back to 1703. It had been saved by the local community after Greene King put it up for sale in 2018. It reopened just three years ago after a Community Benefit Society was formed and many hours of hard work were spent by local people renovating the premises with the aims of creating a vibrant community hub. It was subsequently bought by two local businessmen and the tenant built up a very popular business catering for all needs. 

With its excellent food, cosy country ambience, the friendly hospitality and a lovely garden, the Half Moon and Spread Eagle had become a popular destination, making the closure even more surprising.

The Future
It is currently not known what the plans are for the pub. Hopefully it will reopen although there are are other threats lurking. Let us hope plans are made that keep it available as a pub for both Micheldever and the those who visit the area.

The publicans are wished all the best and are thanked for all the good times many have enjoyed in the pub.

Below is their full statement.

NEW GREENE KING BEERS

Cask beers have been declining in popularity and sales falling as the 'craft' keg style of beer becomes more established. 
So it is encouraging that Greene King has announced its next three limited edition cask beers and hopefully they will be available in local pubs. They make up part of the 'Fresh Cask Release' series of 18 beers available at various times throughout the year.

PAVE THE WAY is a beer brewed in collaboration with Big Hug Brewery. At 4.6% it is described as being a beer with malty caramel flavours with stone fruits, watermelon and peach. 

The beer supports the 'Only a Pavement Away' charity. 50% of Big Hug's profit will be given to the good cause. The charity was founded by members of the hospitality industry to help deal with homelessness, prison leavers and veterans who are struggling to get into work.

HOPPING SPECIAL is a new 4.2% brew created from five malts with addition of Citra and Galaxy hops to add a fruitiness to the amber beer. The name comes from the train services that were run for families mainly from London who went hop-picking in the 19th and 20th centuries before modern technology was employed. Many of these families will have travelled to hop fields in Hampshire.

St EDMUNDS is a hoppy golden ale at 4.2% brewed with cascade hops and makes a welcome return to the portfolio of cask beers.

The beers also support the Cask Project initiative as a means to try and reverse the fall in cask beer sales. Cask beer is perceived to be a drink for the older generations of drinker and needs an image makeover. It is a product we should all be proud of and enjoy.

Greene King has said:
"Our vision is to reignite the passion for cask within the industry" 

There are several Greene King pubs in the Happy Pint area so why not ask the publican to get one of these beers in.