|
Scunthorpe and District
We are a small and friendly local branch of CAMRA,
a national consumer organisation which campaigns on behalf of UK drinkers on subjects such as choice,
value for money, good beer and good pubs.
We have regular meetings in local pubs, plus a programme of social activities including
visits to beer festivals and breweries. CAMRA members and prospective members are welcome
to attend our meetings and socials.
Details can be found here on the website,
or the branch newsletter, 'Iron Brew'; which is free and distributed to many
real ale pubs in our area on a quarterly basis and can be downloaded from this page.
WhatPub
For information on pubs local and national, visit WhatPub,
Camra's online pub guide.
2022 Events
Summer Pub of the Season to the Nelthorpe Arms, South Ferriby
In early July branch members made their way over to the Nelthorpe Arms at South Ferriby to present our first
Pub of the Season award for over two years.
This summer award was made because the Nelthorpe is a first-class pub
with good beer and it also recognised licensee Gavin Richard’s major role in setting up the new Shadow Bridge microbrewery
based in Barton.
The photo shows Branch Chairman Mark Elsome (left, centre) making the presentation to Nelthorpe arms licensee
Gavin Richards flanked by local CAMRA members. See Pub of the Season page for further details.
VISIT TO HEIST BREWERY TAP, SHEFFIELD
On a sunny, spring Friday in March, seven branch members and friends made their way to Sheffield by train to visit
the new Heist Brewery Tap (opened in August 2021) and selected pubs in the Kelham Island area.
We started the day at the Station Tap, selecting outdoor tables in the sunshine to enjoy beers from Wild and Tiny
Rebel. We then boarded a Supertram to Shalesmoor, alighting at the Wellington for a couple of halves of local
Neepsend beers, including a delicious liquorice porter.
Suitably refreshed we made the short walk to the Fat Cat for a lunch stop and the selected pies and hotpots proved
to be very tasty and good value. I tried the Kelham Island Night Shift Coffee Porter which was nice and another
dark beer from North Riding before we attempted a group tasting of a draught rauch (smoked) bier, which drew some
mixed responses!
From the Fat Cat we instigated a CAMRA fitness regime with a brisk ten minute walk to the Heist Brewery tap on
Neepsend Lane. Once inside we perused our surroundings, which were spacious with an industrial vibe
(to quote the Heist website), with lots of bench and high seating, an in-house food facility (Slap & Pickle)
and brewery and a well-stocked bar featuring 30 taps for Heist beers and guests, but only one handpump,
this being Thornbridge Ammal East India Porter. Wanting to sample the Heist beers preferentially we plumped for
thirds as only one of the Heist beers on offer was under 5% ABV. I chose the weakest one first – the Hallam
Tropics IPA (4.5%), which was fruity and appealing, before switching to the higher strength Opening the Doors
white stout (6.8%), followed later by No Socks in the Sauna (8%), a lingonberry old ale, both excellent.
Others tried the IPA’s and darker, imperial strength guest beers, although there was some consternation over the
high strengths of most of the beers. I made a a personal note to return in the future, but we tried to maintain a
semblance of sobriety by moving on to the Gardener’s Rest next door, a community-owned pub with a good range of
quirky beers. Here I tried the Yorkshire Porter from North Yorkshire Brewery, again full of flavour.
Making our way back to the tram stop we called in at the Kelham Island Tavern which had an excellent range on the
day, including Red Willow Mild and Siren Robust Porter. I opted for the mild which was delicious.
At Sheffield station our connection was delayed, allowing one last half to be enjoyed at the Station Tap before
the journey home. An enjoyable day with good company and good beers throughout. Thanks to all who came along.
Looking forward to the next one!
Mark Elsome
BRANCH TRIP TO WAKEFIELD
On a chilly February day four members of Scunthorpe & District CAMRA set off by train for the
fair city of Wakefield to undertake the well known Westgate Run pub crawl of city centre pubs.
Alighting at Westgate Station, our first pub was Henry Boons, a short walk away.
Apart from a couple of session strength Taylor's beers, the remaining three handpulled draught beers were
all over 8% ABV! Not the best way to start perhaps, but we ploughed on regardless and some plumped for
a half of the Tiger Tops Golden (8.3%) and others the Five Towns Crashing in the Same Car (8.6%), both very nice,
but with an afternoon of pubs ahead we decided to move on.
We fell foul of Wakefield's variable opening hours when we found both of the next planned stops – the Hop and
Fernandes – didn't open until later in the afternoon. Undaunted we visited the Six Chimneys instead,
a Wetherspoons with a decent range of real ales. Here we had a bite to eat and sampled the Isaac Poad Session IPA
and the Ringwood Forty Niner, both tasty, using our long dormant CAMRA vouchers!
Next stop was the Black Rock, an ex-Tetley's house with a good range of guest beers. The Little Critters
'C'-Monster and the Pennine Dark were both good and I also managed a half of St Austell Proper Job, always
a good bet.
We spent about an hour in this excellent, friendly pub before retracing our steps to Fernandes,
which by now had opened its doors. Worth the wait as the real ale selection was impressive with nine beers
and a cider! The Atom Venturi Effect maple stout and the Fernandes Malt Shovel Mild were both very enjoyable.
By now time was ebbing away and we made our way to Harry's Bar on Westgate for a last half before our train
was due. This was Sunbeam Porter, which maintained the high standard of beers we'd sampled. Back on the train
we reflected on an enjoyable day out, the branch's first in over two years. But it wasn't quite over as our
connection at Doncaster was delayed, allowing us time for a half of the powerful North Imperial Stout in the
Draughtsman's Ale House on the station.
Good beers, good company – we're already looking forward to the next one.
Previous Events
|
