Ark Bar Closes

Sad news at the end of 2023 is that Last Orders have been called for the last time at the ARK Bar in Andover.

The small intimate London Street bar had been opened by Jason Wyatt just one year ago, with ARK standing for 'Acts of Random Kindness'.

The main focus was on live music acts which had proved popular, although Jason had originally stated that the bar was to also cater for poetry reading, exhibitions, cocktail workshops. Raising monies for the charity The Yellow Brick Road Projects was also a prime aim – an Andover-based charity that provides young people with essential life skills with a vision of "seeing an end to youth homelessness"
Around £850 had been raised over the year.

Jason stated that the two biggest contributing factors for closing were "the location of the bar and the licence restrictions".

JASON WYATT'S STATEMENT

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.

Beer Tasting in the Whitchurch Silk Mill

Longdog Brewery is a small family run independent brewer on the edge of Basingstoke and has been a regular attendee to events around the area including farmers markets and food fairs.

On Saturday 24th February they visit the historic Whitchurch Silk Mill on the River Test and hold a convivial evening of beer tastings and food. 

Longdog Brewery produces a range of traditional hand-crafted cask and bottled beers including golden pale ales, bitters, porters and IPAs as well as a number of seasonal specials. 

The award-winning micro-brewery was established in 2011 and came under the ownership of Rod and Jenny in 2019 who have continued the local traditions all with a focus on using local ingredients. Only last month did they take Silver in the Regional round of the Champion Beer of Britain for their Lamplight Porter (*see below for presentation).

The Silk Mill is a fantastic venue for this event being a 19th century water mill that weaves English silk fabrics using original 19th century machinery. It is a Grade II* Listed Building and one of Hampshire's hidden gems of industrial heritage, once employing 108 staff including 39 children under 13 years of age. It is now owned by Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust and open to the public.

All tickets for this event must be booked in advance.
In aid of Living Weaving Heritage at the Mill

Tickets from:
BEER TASTING WITH LONGDOG BREWERY

* A presentation to Longdog Brewery for taking Silver in the Champion Beer of Britain Regional Round is being made at 1.00pm on Saturday 9th December 2023 at their brewery on the Moniton Estate, Worting, Basingstoke, RG22 6NQ. (Buses serve the White Hart, just a short walk away). 

The Brewery Tap Room will be open from 10:00am until 1:00pm for drinks. 

All are welcome.

The Kings Arms – and an ACV application

Whitchurch in Hampshire has a long history of supporting its public houses going back many centuries.

There is a famous quote:

Over one hundred years ago the Star newspaper reported:

“Whitchurch is in Hampshire. People who live in it call it a town. People who live out of it call it a village. It is about as big as a good-sized pocket handkerchief. It has three shops and 19 public houses.”

Although it has since grown considerably and is in line for much greater expansion, it has already lost the vast majority of those pubs and after recent closures only four now remain.

Request for registration
The next step in adding some 'protection' to one of the existing public houses moved forward after a request from local residents that the local Town Council submit a nomination to have The Kings Arms legally registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Local residents did the work and paid costs!
The residents including members of the Campaign for Real Ale and the Campaign for Pubs supplied all the background information and legal documentation as completed the forms so all the Council had to do was to post off the paperwork.

 
No help with costs

Payments for the legally required plans and title details also came directly from local residents although it had been hoped the Town Council would have helped as the fees are relatively modest. They didn't; that was very disappointing, particularly as they had spent £250 on getting a certificate to say what good service they provide.

An ACV:

• is a material planning consideration, which gives the Council additional reasons to reject any proposal involving loss of the pub;
• gives the community the opportunity to bid for the property if it is sold or leased for 25 years or more;
• gives Councils powers of compulsory purchase if the community use of the asset is in danger of being lost.

It can be a long process – but needn't be
Whitchurch Town Council had first been approached about a nomination back in June 2023. However it was not until November that the Councillors agreed to forward the details to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) who are responsible for designating ACVs.

That's a long time but it does raise the question as to whether changes to the national process are required.

Parish/Town Councils should be best placed to make nominations rather than individuals or voluntary groups as they already have wider community status as 'elected' bodies. Many have shown this to be true. However if other Councils took the time Whitchurch did it could mean pubs being unnecessarily lost.

 
Shortfalls taken to government
This latter point is currently being made to government resulting from concerns over planning at local level and has now been discussed in Parliament. 
Perhaps ALL pubs that have a recognised 'heritage value' should automatically have an ACV registration giving a community group the Right to Bid should Changes of Use be submitted or sale details be announced.
See: CHANGES TO PLANNING REGULATIONS NEEDED

But for the Kings Arms, the eventual submission of a nomination is at least a step forward in the right direction and those Councillors who do understand the value of the public house to a community are to be thanked.

We now wait on the Borough Council and it is hoped they will approve the registration. 

Update (late December 2023)

The Campaign for Real Ale Pubs Protection Officer has spoken at length with Basingstoke & Deane and it is hoped the result will be available later in January. 

It was a very positive discussion.

There is an excellent summary of ACVs here:
ACV PROTECTION

*As part of the requests residents also asked that an ACV be registered for Testbourne Swimming Pool. That too is proceeding.

Bob Phillips – RIP – A pioneer of the local cask ale scene

Bob Phillips 1945 – 2023

There was much sadness this week on hearing the news of the passing of Bob Phillips, a true stalwart of the cask ale scene, supporter of pubs and breweries and an early pioneer in the local Campaign for Real Ale – he was one of the best. If it were not for Bob, 40 years ago when he sent me a handwritten note about a local social in the Bell at Whitchurch, I would never have been such a supporter of the pub as such an important social centre for community life. (John B.)

---------------------------

Bob and CAMRA and Beer Festivals
Bob was among the earliest members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and was instrumental in fighting the 'real ale cause' in the days when traditional cask beer was under threat of extinction.

He was involved in the first local beer festivals in north Hampshire, and living in Overton with his family he instigated the long-running Overton Beer Festival as well as events in Andover and Basingstoke.

Events, bus trips, visits
Bob also organised many events with local pubs, sometimes taking a cask of beer to place on the bar to introduce the traditional brew to local drinkers. For many years he arranged 'Beer Buses' to rural hostelries for CAMRA members to compete with local customers at darts, pool and dominoes all with the aim of widening the appeal of his favourite drink through socialising. Countless breweries were also visited, throughout the south, with full coach loads being the norm.

Marches and campaigning
He was also very active in campaigning matters, taking part in marches to condemn brewery closures when the big brewery companies of the 1970s/80s like Whitbread, Allied and Watneys were closing local breweries and monopolising beer supplies, restricting drinkers' choice throughout the UK.

Kind, warm-hearted, community spirit
Bob was down to earth, kind and a friend to many, and worked as did so many other local people at the Portals Mill in Overton. In more recent years he had moved to Whitchurch, where in one role he drove the Community Bus helping elderly residents with shopping, their Post Office visits to collect pensions and in reaching the doctors' surgery for appointments. Of course in his social time he was often found in several of the pubs with his pint in hand and was always willing for a friendly chat.

He tragically lost his first wife Chris at a young age, but then later met Alice with whom he settled with much contentment. Sadly Alice passed away just two months ago, and now Bob has joined her in peace.

They will never be forgotten.

RIP

Appeal lost on saving the Red House

After more than 200 years of providing service to the local people and visitors a Government Planning Inspector has ruled that the historic Red House in Whitchurch can be turned into two residential dwellings.
But time is moving on and the building continues to deteriorate.

The Red House is a Grade II Listed building within the Whitchurch Conservation Area and was a registered Asset of Community Value meeting many of the social and economic needs of the town.

However, in considering the application for a Change of Use the Inspector stated:

Evidence before me demonstrates that there is ample alternative provision within Whitchurch. Whilst other pubs in the town may not have a family garden or play facilities, they provide a very similar offer to that which was provided at the appeal building. 

 

Additionally, other businesses provide additional restaurant and takeaway options, and there are other venues available for meeting and socialising in a manner that would meet community needs and support well-being. I am therefore unable to accept that it is necessary for the existing business to remain open to meet an essential need that is not adequately provided elsewhere within the town.

It is suggested that the use of the building could be adapted to provide a reduced pub offer or some format of community hub, with the potential for the part conversion of the building. There is however nothing to suggest that there is a demand or need to retain the building in this format.

Major blow to local amenity protection
This decision is a major blow to those who wish to see the Whitchurch become a town that can provide adequate services to its residents. With major housing developments planned that would expand the town the need to retain existing amenities is seen to be essential.

The owner is always a custodian of a pub's value
When someone takes on a public house they also become a custodian of a social amenity for the community. The present owners are now converting that community value into finance for their own personal benefit, a process many consider should not be permitted. 

Local action needed to Protect our Pubs

Can our own area follow suit in protecting our public houses?

The loss of many of our public houses such as those previously raised here is often caused by poor planning controls and a lack of understanding by local councils. Neighbourhoods, villages and communities are losing their public houses at an alarming rate. This has also been brought to the forefront of many minds following the national news coverage of the 'Crooked House' fiasco at Himley in the West Midlands.

The famous Crooked House, a historic pub, was sold and within days it was burnt down and demolished to the ground without it seems any planning permissions or input from the local community. An investigation is now underway and there have been arrests, while all that remains is a pile of bricks.

A threat that could devastate communities
The anger and realisation that our pub heritage is under a threat few had realised has pulled local people together to look at what may be at risk under their very noses. 

A West Midlands Combined Authority campaign along with CAMRA's List Your Local campaign to give greater protection to heritage pubs has received over 155 nominations in just three weeks.
The same needs to be instigated in all areas throughout the country.

List Your Local
The List Your Local campaign encourages residents to submit applications for Historic England and Asset of Community Value listing.

As well as reviewing historical sites, the review also explores how local plans can be better used to protect pubs and to ensure those that are illegally shut down or demolished are rebuilt "brick by brick".

Could this be extended?
Yes, and it is hoped so, perhaps in Test Valley and Basingstoke & Deane areas, as well as reaching out nationally.

BUT FIRST – firstly we need to identify the  pubs mostly at risk, those heritage pubs, community estate pubs, roadhouses.
Please contact us if you would like to help. Use the Contact Form.

Also previous article here:
CHANGES TO PLANNING REGULATIONS NEEDED

Changes to Planning Regulations needed

In the first six months of 2023 it is reported that 96 pubs in the UK were lost to conversion or demolition of which it is believed an incredible 31 had been developed or demolished without the relevant planning permissions.

A much loved Whitchurch pub – lost forever

Planning protection 

Those who believe in protecting our local pubs have always faced an uphill struggle in dealing with the actions of those who see the public house as simply an investment in property rather than being part of our country's local and national social culture.
In addition local Councils are not always consistent in how they enforce pub protection and there are calls for government intervention to provide clearer guidance.

CAMRA National Director Gary Timmins said:

"These are national policies in England and yet the variation that our campaigners see between councils with the strongest pub protection policies, and those that view pubs as an inconvenience, is shocking."

A local example
Whitchurch in Hampshire is a clear example of how its local pub culture has been decimated. The importance of the public house to this rural country town goes deep into its heritage, economic vitality and social cohesion, yet closures have taken place with little ability of the local community to have a meaningful say.

The Red House left to deteriorate

Most recent pub closure has been of the popular Red House, a 17th-century Grade II Listed Building whose publicans had served the community for over 200 years. The latest owner obtained planning permission to build three houses on some of the land with the promise to invest the profits into renovating the pub and investing in the Red House business.

Instead, once they had permission, that promise evaporated into thin air and the once thriving pub was allowed to decay, some say deliberately and that it was the plan all along. 

His subsequent application to convert the pub to housing was at first refused but became the subject of an Appeal which the Planning Inspectorate disappointingly allowed. Over 200 years of community value that had been built up by a succession of custodians was being converted into financial gain for the owner.
The bulldozers and builders now hover.

Value not supported by planners
Its value to the town had been recognised by an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which was effective in that it delayed the application and allowed a local group to make a bid. But that wasn't enough.
Neither was its status as a Listed Building, nor its position within the Conservation Area, or the recognition of business need in the Neighbourhood Plan. The death came after the owner lodged an Appeal and a Planning Inspector over-ruled all these policies as well as ignoring the hundreds of local objectors.

Protection needs strengthening
It is clear a community's tools for retaining its amenities require strengthening. Local Councils need to be more supportive and much more active and need to be calling for stronger legislation.

Regrettably to achieve that seems like hitting a head against a brick wall. 

In the same town
Meanwhile in the same town it took nearly three months just to get an item on the local Town Council's Agenda to ask local councillors to nominate another pub as an ACV. 
The Kings Arms is another Grade II Listed Building, and one that belongs to a remote PubCo. It has a superb publican and family, provides excellent service, and is much loved by the local community.

Instead, whilst being generally supportive, the Council wanted volunteers to carry out all the 'office/administrative' work and to pay for the legal documentation even though it is best placed to do so itself.
It is understood the Council recently paid to obtain an Award for itself (from local taxpayers funds) to say what good service it provides. Did that send a message as to where priorities lie? Make your own mind up.

Local volunteers have now done all the leg work and paid the fees out for the ACV documentation from their own pockets. The outcome is still awaited.

Inconsistencies
Recent You Gov surveys have shown that 75% of people feel the impact of pubs to community life is positive with 81% agreeing they were important in bringing people together, and 68% feeling they combat loneliness, all aspects local Councillors and Councils should be recognising, but there is inconsistency in commitment.

A success story in other parishes.
To be fair some other Parish Councils have been very supportive by making successful ACV applications on their community's behalf.

The Plough is now thriving

In nearby Longparish the Parish Council gained an ACV and backed the community buy-out of a closed pub through Public Loan Board finance. The Plough Inn is now a thriving hub of the village owned by local people and bringing in visitors from afar.
Economic vitality and social value has been kept within the community.

It won a national award for these efforts much due to the hard work of the Longparish Parish Council, and the local community.

In Whitchurch's neighbour, Overton, the importance of the ACV was recognised when a change of use planning application was submitted for the Red Lion. The Parish Council had an ACV registered. Again the pub is now thriving – as a pub.

Other Town/Parish/Borough Councils should learn from this and work with their local residents.

The Crooked House effect
Are things looking up?  

The recent case of the historic Crooked House near Dudley has acted as a catalyst for action on at least calling into question the failures that seem to be inherent within the planning system and those who administer it.

The Crooked House, known as the Britains 'wonkiest inn', made national headlines in August when it suffered a suspected arson fire and was then demolished without permission less than two days later. It had been sold by Marstons just weeks earlier – as a pub. Other pubs have also suffered mysterious fires which are often followed by planning applications for housing or other uses. 

Thousands are now calling for the Crooked House pub to be rebuilt with calls for a brick-by-brick rebuild.
The local MP has taken the case to Parliament for a debate on improving legislation to protect pubs.

Shocking figures released
The shocking figures from CAMRA showing that over 30 pubs may have been demolished or converted without planning permission in the first six months of 2023 is evidence that legislation must be strengthened and enforcement taken when the regulations are broken.

It will be a tough ask when the failures to support our pub heritage start at the very bottom and go all the way to the top. If the situation does not change there will be few, if any, community public houses left.

People care about their local social and cultural amenities, or communities die.

Whitchurch Pub Race – Will it return?

The question has been asked: 

Will the famous Whitchurch Pub Race return in 2024?

The 'Beer Race', 'latterly the 'Pub Race', is part of Whitchurch folklore, having first been arranged – um – long before anyone can remember. Historically, teams of around six, attired in fancy dress and linked together with a rope, would race from pub to pub enjoying a beer at each.

Crowds came out to support those running – or staggering – and filled the buckets, raising funds for local good causes. The fun was massive and continued into the evenings with music in the local pubs. 

In more recent years it has been organised more intermittently and as more than half the original pubs have closed different strategies and routes have had to be developed, often using pop-up drinking stops. Covid also put the event on hold but is it now to make a return? 

Posting on a local Facebook page, a local Whitchurch resident, asked

"...who wants the Pub Race next year?"

The strength of support for the event was soon apparent with several offers of help, and early ideas of provisional teams started to appear. 

So ... is it time to start planning those costumes? 

For now its a case of watch this space, but with the question asked there is a growing hope for a 2024 return.

Wouldn't it be amazing to have this event back on the calendar.

Good Beer Guide published

The new edition of the Good Beer Guide has been published today (28th September) but which local pubs have been included in this, the 2024 edition?

Produced by the Campaign for Real Ale, with over 4,500 pubs listed in the guide chosen by independent consumers, this has been a popular beer and pub guide for over 50 years.

 
With an unmistakable cover design the foreword for this year’s Good Beer Guide has been penned by Bruce Dickinson, frontman and lead singer of Iron Maiden.

CAMRA says the foreword is "a personal reflection on his love of beer, pubs, and a job that he describes as ‘the best on the planet’ – which includes brewing and drinking beer!"

LOCAL ENTRIES

This year Whitchurch has two entries that make the pages – the very traditional community-focussed Prince Regent, and the only local Club to make the pages – the Whitchurch Sports and Social Club.
 
In nearby Freefolk the Watership Down remains in the book, while over the hill in Overton both the Red Lion and the Old House at Home are included.
 

Just down the road in Longparish both the Cricketers Inn and the community-owned Plough Inn[*] have been selected, while higher up the Bourne valley in Vernham Dean the George Inn has again been listed.

Further south the award-winning Wonston Arms has been chosen again, having also been the local 2023 Pub of the Year, and four years ago the National Pub of the Year.

Along in Andover the town has two entries, the Town Mills and the Andover Tap at the Lamb, while the Eagle at Abbotts Ann is once again listed.

To see the full listings the book can be obtained from CAMRA here: 
ORDER GOOD BEER GUIDE

[*] note there has been a recent change of management since entries to the book were selected.

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

Good Beer Guide – published this month

The new edition of the Good Beer Guide is to be published on 28th September, but which pubs will gain a much sought after entry?

We won't know until that eagerly awaited date.
Which local pubs do you think should be included?

Published by the Campaign for Real Ale, with over 4,500 pubs listed in the guide chosen by independent consumers, this has been a popular beer and pub guide for over 50 years. With an unmistakable cover design the foreword for this year’s Good Beer Guide has been penned by Bruce Dickinson, frontman and lead singer of Iron Maiden.
CAMRA says the foreword is "a personal reflection on his love of beer, pubs, and a job that he describes as ‘the best on the planet’ – which includes brewing and drinking beer!"

The book can be ordered here: ORDER GOOD BEER GUIDE