West Cumbria CAMRA Welcome to the CAMRA website for the glorious, but almost forgotten, far side of the Lake District! Please contact chrisdecordova - at - gmail - dot - com if you find errors or omissions, or to pass on news. WARNING: Information on this site is copyright of CAMRA and intended for private use only. No other use is permitted. Photos are copyright and donated by their owners. Please do not re-use elsewhere. Please contact us if you want to request permission to use the data in other sites or in other formats. This site uses cookies only for 1) counting visitors and recording their locations - nice to see people looking in from other parts of the world and 2) allowing a limited number of branch members to log in and edit text or upload photos. There is no other use of cookies. Please help to keep CAMRA's www.whatpub.com up to date. If somewhere serves real ale and is not on whatpub, we probably don't know about it. Please download and fill in this survey form and return it to the branch. Free local pub guides for you to print out (http://www.camrawestcumbriaguides.org.uk/index.html) These are all freshly researched by CAMRA members and will be kept up to date. 1 / 52
************************************************************************************************************* ******************** West Cumbria CAMRA news - newest and most urgent at top! For CAMRA meetings see Events - link at top of page. 28th Dec 2018 Fed up with getting funny looks when you ask for a top up? Read this excellent article! 20th Dec 2018 Sad news of another pub closure: The Lowther, Mawbray, closed on Saturday December 15th 2018. 15th Dec 2018 2 / 52
Wheatsheap Embleton Reported to be closed 13th Dec 2018 The Sun at Bassenthwaite Village is open just three days a week, Fri to Sun. Rift Bar, Workington Currently closed. Previously intermittent availability of real ale. Please keep us informed so we can put updates here! 28th November 2018 Cockermouth News The Bush re-opened the weekend before last. The new licensee is the landlady at the Whitting ton Cat in Whitehaven. 3 / 52
The Royal Oak in Beckermet is closed 2nd October 2018 Reported that the Bush, Cockermouth has been open infrequently over last month and last week didn t appear to be open at all, notable during Taste Cumbria weekend, when doors were closed during peak times. Update on Whitehaven! 'Gin and Beer It' : Whilst there is no real ale planned at the moment (not ruled out), Bottle Conditioned beers will be stocked, initially from Coniston, but there is an amazing selection of bottled beers! and some good tap beers. Something completely different! Nice place. 7th September 2018 The Royal Oak at Seaton seems to be doing well with real ales - up to three on now!! 4 / 52
30th August 2018 Something new for Whitehaven! 'Gin and Beer It' - A Cosy micropub serving Local and World Craft Beers, Ciders, 22 Market Place) Come and try some Beer from amazing Breweries including Eden River Co, Hawkshead, Oakham Ales, Weird Beard Brew Co, Verdant, Wylam Brewery, Magic Rock & loads more! And a delicious range of Spirits from The Lakes Distillery. There will also be complimentary nibbles ( available until they run out! ), including Scotch eggs, Cumbrian cheeses, Cumbrian Charcuterie, Hummus, Olives, Crackers & Artisan Bread. 18th August 2018 Sat Sept 8th. Trip to the Brown Cow at Waberthwaite for meeting (1.30) and Pub Of The Season presentation (3.30). Bus available for members. Sat Sept 15th. Brewery trip to Cumbrian Legendary Ales, from noon. Transport to be arranged. Friends and spouses welcome. Please express interest to Chris or Brian asap. 17th August 2018 Beer Festivals coming up this month: 5 / 52
The Albert, St Bees - this weekend. Sunday trains now. Lorton-Wheatsheaf beer and gin festival this Saturday Gosforth Hall Inn - annual August Bank Holiday beer festival. Real ale still at 3 a pint for CAMRA members. 29th June 2018 Congratulations to the Vagabond, Whitehaven on having been chosen for the branch's Summer Pub of the Season award. This has been a long time coming, and is well-deserved! The Commercial in Workington is now the Soul Suite The John Paul Jones in Whitehaven is closed and the tenants have moved to and will re-open the Waterfront. It will no longer be primarily a restaurant with a bar, but will go back to being a pub, with plenty of music etc. The future for the former is unknown as it is now surrounded by demolition and development. Several pubs. eg The Globe and the Lowther at Hensingham, are reducing the price of ales to 2.50 a pint for World Cup matches. The Globe also has a free supper for England matches! 6 / 52
24th May, 2018 Cockermouth Pub Updates: The Tithe Barn is still closed and is planned to be turned into accommodation. The Kingfisher (Robinsons) and Hunters (Marston's) are closed, possibly awaiting new tenants. The Wordsworth Hotel is closed and advertised for sale. The Spotted Pig (Marston's) has re-opened as the BELLE VUE (its previous name), with a new tenant. Being re-surveyed to establish if there are any changes to opening hours, facilities and real availability. The Conservative Club has been re-branded as CLUB DERWENT. All the previous Conservative Club signage has been removed. It is understood that the downstairs front bar remains open to the public, the hours are unchanged, and has two hand pumps serving Real Ale. Workington Pub Updates The CONSERVATIVE CLUB has a Keswick beer. The Commercial has re-opened as the SO UL SUITE. The WELL is no longer serving Real Ale. The Bounty 7 / 52
has changed its name to the RIFT, but currently Real Ale is intermittent. 16th May 2018 Don't forget this: the only beer festival in Whitehaven! The Lowther Club, Lowther St Whitehaven May 25 th 26 th 27 th And this: Egremont Beer Festival List June 15th /16th - worth planning to go! Decent buses back to civilisation! Dancing duck Dark drake Goose eye. Chinook Great newsom. Frothing ham best Hambelton. Stud Castle rock. Ossetia. ilkley. ilkley Mordue. Elland. Harvest pale Yorkshire blond Crossroads Mary Jane Five bridges Blonde 8 / 52
Rothhammer. Thorn ridge. Aberdale. Brad field. Oakham. Nasca ipa Brother rabbit Moonshine Farmers blond Jhb CIDER Gwynt black dragon Gwynt Celtic warrior Gwynt happy daze Lilly's gladiator Lilly's sunset cider Thirsty cross whisky cask 2nd May 2018 Sad news - Stringers and Hardknott breweries have both closed. Each new micro-brewery that opens means the loss of sale for one of the others The former Coachman Inn at Seaton is now being demolished, to make way for housing. 27th April 2018 9 / 52
Penrith Beer Festival, Friday 18th - Sunday 20th May, Dockray Hall. Over 30 beers from around the country, with a brand new, one-off, from CLA, celebrating Dockray Hall! 15th April 2018 No real ale at Red Lion, Aspatria 21st Mar 2018 West Cumbria Pub awards 2018 THE PUNCH BOWL Great Broughton PUB OF THE YEAR 2018 THE CASTLE BAR Cockermouth FINALIST FOR PUB OF THE YEAR 2018 THE SWAN INN Cockermouth FINALIST FOR PUB OF THE YEAR 2018 THE CASTLE BAR Cockermouth CIDER PUB OF THE YEAR 2018 10 / 52
THE LOWTHER CLUB Lowther Street, Whitehaven CLUB OF THE YEAR 2018 20th Mar 2018 Another new brewery for Cumbria - Grasmere, at the Lake View Country House, Grasmere, Loweswater Beer Festival 26th 29th April at the Kirkstile Inn. Over 20 Beers from Magic Rock, Thorbridge, Wylam, Red Willow, S alopian Marble, Fyne Ales and Swannay. There will also be 7 beers from Cumbrian Legendary Ales including the new IPA. Kirkstile Tatie Pot and Hopbread; entry free. 2nd Feb 2018 Congratulations to the Commercial at Dearham, on being awarded the branch Pub of the 11 / 52
Season for Winter 2018. For details and photos follow pub award (see menu left) Change afoot in Ennerdale Bridge! The Fox & Hounds will no longer be a community operated pub; it is reverting to private ownership, under new licensee and management. The new Landlord, has decided the best way to do alterations to the pub will be to close from March 1 st until Friday March 23 rd. The last day of trading for the current team will be Sunday February 25 th. There will be a farewell celebration? On Saturday February 24 th. LocAle The 2018 list of pubs serving a locally brewed ale has now been checked and amended - see link in the menu, left. 16th Dec 2017 Although not having served real ale recently, it is sad to hear that the Waterfront in Whitehaven is to close in January. 12 / 52
13th Deb 2017 Good news from Eskdale! The Brook House Inn, Boot, which has been an entry in almost all Good Beer Guides since 2000 and been awarded many CAMRA awards, including Branch pub of the year several times, has been withdrawn from sale and is to stay in the hands of the same family, the Thornleys, who have been running it since it first began selling real ale before the turn of the century! Trevor and Christine have fully handed over to the next generation, (who have been working there since they grew up anyway) taking over running it fully some years back and now starting the next generation of young'uns helping out! Long live the Brook! 27th Nov 2017 Reported: no handpump at Middle Tap, Maryport. Keswick Park Hotel & Seafood Restaurant: BAR sign outside and bar looks like it s been refurbished to attract public trade. Website says they sell Keswick Brewery beers. 22nd Nov 2017 Bar 26 on Lake Road, Keswick has put a real ale on again, Initially Loweswater Gold. Do support! 13 / 52
2nd Nov 2017 The Commercial Inn, Dearham voted as Winter POTS at Branch Meeting. The Lowther Arms at Hensingham has reopened after a closure due to bereavement. 27th Oct 2017 Due to tragic circumstances, the Lowther at Hensingham is closed until further notice. Dozens of pub landlords in part of Cumbria can raise a glass to council chiefs. Copeland Council has formally rolled out a discount scheme for hostelries, revealing that pubs are eligible for rates relief that could save them up to 1,000-a-year, effective from April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018, backdated. 14 / 52
20th Oct 2017 Cockermouth - no real ale for the time being at Hunters, due to sale and temporary management 17th Oct 2017 Middle Ruddings - exciting events! "Starting on Sunday 29 th October and running for one week, culminating in the annual Beer Lovers Dinner on Saturday 4 th November, is our first Beer week with thirty different beers and beer related activity and music and food etc throughout the week. See details in this month's What Ales. " Congratulations to Jennings Brewery: Sneck Lifter won the North West regional heats for Strong Milds and Old Ales, held at Crewe last month. Now goes forward to the finals at Great British Beer Festival (Winter) (formerly NWAF) at Norwich next year. Congratulations, also, to Ulverston Brewery: Fra Diavolo was the runner up! Pubs which previously had a Yates Beer as their main beer are having to find a beer to replace it. Do let us know what you find...? eg Workington Conservative Club is going with Keswick Beers. These may change until they find the one that best suits! 15 / 52
Congrats, also, to Ulverston, for their Fra Diavolo, which was runner up. 10th Oct 2017 It has been confirmed that the Spotted Pig, Cockermouth, has no real ale and the handpump has been removed. 9th Oct 2017 Seems that the Well at Workington no longer sells real ale. (Was Loweswater Gold) Those who wouldn't drink it have no idea what they have lost!!!! The Howgate Hotel Whitehaven has also taken off the real ale. Shame they didn't keep something that people would drink!! 16 / 52
5th Oct 2017 A couple of new breweries to watch for Langdale Brewery Also hear a rumour that another one is in the planning in Flookburgh 4th Oct 2017 The Good Beer Guide 2018 The brand new, carefully researched edition, has just been published. Is your favourite pub in it? Competition is fierce and the choices tough to make! Check it out here and buy your copy direct from CAMRA here! 3rd Oct 2017 17 / 52
COCKERMOUTH Spotted Pig reported as having no Real Ale. Hunters has re-opened having been acquired by a new owner. Workington COMMERCIAL has been sold by Marstons. Currently closed for refurbishment by new owner. May have a name change. Whitehaven People running another successful real ale bar in another location are looking at a presence in Whitehaven, running the former Irish Bar. If so, should be good! 15th Sept 2017 Jennings and Tractor Shed are cooperating in creating a beer for the 8th Taste Cumbria eve nt, in Cockermouth Sat 23 - Sun 24 Sep 2017, free entry Hunters, Cockermouth appears to be closed at the moment Fell Brewery have opened a pub in the old Moo Bar premises in Penrith. Proving to have interesting beers on and worth a visit! 18 / 52
The Drovers Rest, Monkhill is again the NW Region POTY for 2017 - Congratulations to the team there! New and updated editions of some of the local guides have been put online here. Get the latest before you set out, and please let us know if you find any changes! COCKERMOUTH - Spotted Pig reported as having no Real Ale - being checked. Old Posting House Deanscales recently refurbished. Now has three handpumps. Phoenix Tap, Maryport and Last Man Inn, Plumbland no longer serving Real Ale Blackbeck Hotel, Beckermet understood to now close on Saturdays and Sundays 4th Sept 2017 Changes in Egremont Cat Inn no longer has real ale 19 / 52
Rangers RLFC has a changing guest beer 1st Sept 2017 CBOB voting This year s voting window for the Champion Beer of Britain Competition (CBOB) is now open, and will close at midnight on 1st November. The voting site can be accessed at: www.cbobvoting.org.uk (link on menu left) 17th August 2017 Very sad news Yates Brewery will be closing at the end of September! :( Efforts have been made to find a buyer over the last few years but none on the horizon, and Graeme and Caroline have decided it really is time to retire. Many thanks to them both for all the truly gorgeous beers they have made for us over the last 19-20 years. They have gone from strength to strength and consistently been one of the most popular in Cumbria, no cask lasting for long! All good wishes go with them. Now anyone want to buy a brewery? What about a cooperative? 20 / 52
Talking of breweries... After completing the branch's set of ten pub guides, each covering a small local area, we have now done a guide to the branch's breweries. It's very interesting and readable, with info about each brewery's history, beers, location, visitor tours and brewery sales, etc. Free printable pdf which folds into a neat little guide. You can find this and all the local guides here http://www.camrawestcumbriaguides.org.uk/guides.html And yet another new one... There seems to be another new brewery in Cumbria - Handsome, near Kendal, with a range of bottled beers which they have managed to get on sale through the Cumbrian Co-op... (How did they manage that???) Some cask beer has been seen too. Branch Awards - the latest! THE BOWER HOUSE INN at Eskdale Green has been chosen as Pub of the Season for Autumn, and members will present them with their award on Saturday 7th October followed by a Branch Meeting at the same venue. All welcome. No real ale 21 / 52
The Old Mill, Dearham no longer serves real ale July 29th 2017 GBBF The Biggest and best CAMRA beer festival is less than two weeks away now. The 40th Great British Beer Festival at Olympia 8th - 12th August is a 'don't miss' event with over 900 beers of all types, strengths, colours etc! Plenty of entertainment, tastings, games, superb range of street food and souvnenir/products stands. Then there are the CBOB beers to taste... You s=can still get seats overnight on Megabus for under 20 return... and spend a day there! 29th July 2017 Following the sudden and sad death of the licensee, the Richmond, Hensingham is closed until further notice. There seems to be another new brewery in Cumbria - Handsome, near Kendal, with a range of bottled beers. 22 / 52
24th July 2017 Smart new, pocket-sized, Whitehaven Real ale Pub Guide, printed specially for tourists looking for real ale in the town. Pick up free at the Beacon and other places. When they are gone, they are gone! Generously paid for by Foresight Solutions. foresightsolutions.net Whitehaven pub updates: Glass House. Whitehaven now selling Blackbeck real ales again; New one available. John Paul Jones, Whitehaven never stopped selling real ales (they might have run out when someone visited!) Usually selling Hobgoblin The Waterfront Whitehaven has not sold real ale for six months and the handpumps have been taken out. This was down to lack of sales. 14th July 2017 Changed date for branch meeting at Swinside: details and transport on Events page. 23 / 52
Tractor Shed organising mini-beer festival at Taste Cumbria Whitehaven Festival - Saturday, 22 July, 2017 to S unday, 23 July, 2017 28th June 2017 Newly updated guides for Keswick, Outer Keswick and Gosforth to Hensingham now available. 25th June 2017 24 / 52
Error Correction The Lowther Arms, Hensingham has been given totally incorrect opening hours and days in the SPILE pages in the latest edition of What Ales. Here are the correct times: Closed Mon; 12-2, 6-11 Tue-Thu; 12-Midnight Fri & Sat; 12-10.30 Sun Food is till 9pm. Apologies to team Lowther! (to all - please feel free to alter this any What Ales that you see in pubs!) 24th June 2017 25 / 52
A Bar Spy report! The Kingfisher, Cockermouth - Although a Robbies house, was selling a very nice pint of Cross Bay, Halo. Three cask beers - Dizzy Blonde, Trooper and the Cross Bay beer. A pleasant surprise. 20th June 2017 Pub updates: The Tithe Barn, Cockermouth is shut, probably permanently as planning permission for change of use has been given. The Wordsworth Hotel, Cockermouth still shut. Level of security and inactivity indicate it may not re-open for some time. The Glaramara House Hotel, Seatoller now has Real Ale on, currently Coniston Bluebird and CLA Loweswater Gold. Bar open to non residents. Real ale is going down well at the Red Lion in Aspatria. Recent visits saw beer from Keswick brewery and two handpumps. 26 / 52
15th June 2017 Top Cumbria CAMRA Awards - next round results Cumbria Pub of the Year: Drovers Rest Monkhill. Presentation Sunday lunchtime 25th June. West Pennines Cider Pub of the Year: Prince of Wales Foxfield. Presentation Saturday 8th July 3.30pm All welcome 13th June 2017 27 / 52
Rugby Union Club at Bleach Green, Egremont are holding their Beer Festival this weekend. Free entry for CAMRA members with current membership card. It kicks off on at noon on both Friday 16th and Saturday 17th and features 20+ award winning real ales and ciders from all over the UK. (full list) Last No 30 bus to Maryport leaves 2300hrs 9th June 2017 Boot Beer Festival begins today. Over 140 beers available in the three pubs deep into this scenic valley. Use the Ravenglass & Eskdale railway for transport (Through tickets from mainline stations workout cheaper) Four seats available on a bus from Whitehaven on Saturday at 3pm. Contact chris dec - email address above. 28 / 52
Free local pub guides for you to print out There are now 9 local area pub guides covering West Cumbria available on the website - (http://www.camrawestcumbriaguides.org.uk/index.html). These are all freshly researched by CAMRA members and will be kept up to date. 17th May 2017 Beer festival this coming Saturday - 20th May - at the Manor, St Bees. Train service available - no branch transport. LOWTHER CLUB, Whitehaven, our West Cumbria Branch Club of the Year 2017, has been voted the best club in the whole of Cumbria for 2017. Next step is being judged against the best club in Lancashire and the best club on the Isle of Man, to choose the best in the West Pennines region of CAMRA (See report and photo on Pub Awards page - link on left) 29 / 52
The Lowther Club's Beer & Cider festival, with live music is to be held on 26th, 27th & 28th May, when 12 ciders and 30 beers will be available for sampling! It is not a CAMRA festival but, if any members willing to serve or help set up, please let Bob Groat know. Branch meeting at Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, Wed 7th June at 8pm. Branch transport available - let Eileen know. Boot Beer Festival 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th June - No branch transport but well worth a visit. Day time trains using the mainline and the Ratty; Sat afternoon bus from Whitehaven and Hensingham. Our branch has selected the Stag, Crosby, for our summer Pub of the Season 2017 award, to be presented on Sat 8th July at 1pm, followed by branch meeting, visits to other pubs/inns. Branch transport available - let Eileen know. 30 / 52
14th May 2017 The Lowther Club, Whitehaven is West Cumbria's Club of the YEar for 2017, and has also won the next round - Cumbria Club of the Year 2017. (See report and photo on Pub Awards page - link on left) The club is having its first beer and cider festival at the forthcoming bank holiday weekend. Beer list here: 10th May 2017 The Chase Hotel, Whitehaven, is now selling real ale - Marstons Wainwrights. A nice halfway stop for that long walk up the hill! 31 / 52
9th May 2017 The Lowther, Hensingham Update: opening hours have been increased due to increased use of the pub; food is getting a very good reputation, as is the warm welcome. Now open most expected times, with full closure Mondays George IV, Workington (Minnie's) Is now in the process of being converted into two houses. The Last Man Inn, Plumbland, has decided not to install real ale The Phoenix Tap in Maryport has taken off real ale 32 / 52
18th April 2017 These pubs in Whitehaven were found to have no real ale on when visited recently Barra Jacks - NB: update: Tetleys on and Black Sheep in Cellar (May) Glass House John Paul Jones Do let us know if you find it back on again anytime? 33 / 52
14th April 2017 More recent changes: The Tithe Barn Cockermouth has submitted plans to create nine letting bedrooms and to convert the cellar into a restaurant and bar. The Dog & Partridge, Sandwith no longer serves real ale. The Waverley Hotel on Tangier Street, Whitehaven, has real ale again, currently Ennerdale Blonde. The Bounty, Workington had no real ale for a while but Doom Bar should now always be available and there are hopes to build up choices. 34 / 52
Also in Whitehaven, Barra Jacks, Glass House and John Paul Jones are all currently not selling real ale. 8th April 2017 The Letters Inn, Aspatria, has been presented with the branch Spring Pub of the Season 2017 award. (See report and photo on Pub Awards page - link on left) Beckermet, the Royal Oak is still closed. Understood likely to re-open with new owners. UPDATE - opening on 15th April at 11:30, with afternoon buffet and evening entertainment 35 / 52
31st March 2017 Cider lovers, the Woolpack, Eskdale is running its amazing cider and sausage festival again, from 20th until 23rd April, when 120 ciders will be available. Chris Evans is going the be featuring it on his breakfast show. Reminder: This is our branch's Cider Pub of the Year. Nether Wasdale, the Screes still closed but Mark Corr of the Strands is buying it and it will reopen with more of his ales plus some of the rest of the best in Cumbria. Beckermet, the Royal Oak is still closed. Understood likely to re-open with new owners. Gosforth, the Boonwood, no longer serves real ale. 25th March 2017 36 / 52
Pubs no longer selling real ale The Bounty, Workington Henry's, Workington Yankees Bar, Workington Brewery House, Harrington The Travellers Rest, Workington But some good news! The Royal Oak, Seaton has Real Ale on. One hand-pump for a changing guest, currently Marstons Pedigree. 24th March 2017 GREAT NEWS for pubs from Colin Valentine, National CAMRA chair. Today marks a historic win for pub goers, consumers and CAMRA members. After years of campaigning led by CAMRA s membership, the Government has today announced a historic change in the law to protect all English pubs in the planning system. This removes a longstanding loophole that has enabled developers to demolish pubs or convert them to another retail use without applying for planning permission. 37 / 52
This is a huge success which could not have been achieved without you. Together, we have sent over 8,000 emails to politicians in the last three months alone. The voice of CAMRA members like you was essential in securing this win for pubs. All pubs in England will now be given the protection they deserve, and owners will always have to apply for planning permission before they can convert or demolish a pub. Although this change comes too late for the thousands of pubs already lost, it will be crucial to supporting all the great pubs which remain for generations to come. This is a huge win for pub goers and consumers and helps secure a thriving pubs industry for all to enjoy. Why not head to the pub this weekend to celebrate? If you re heading to the pub to celebrate this huge win this weekend, Tweet us a photo @CAMRA_Official #winforpubs. Thank you once again for making this campaign win possible. 23rd March 2017 38 / 52
Brown Cow, Cockermouth closed - awaiting new tenant. 7th March 2017 The West Cumbria PUB of the YEAR for 2017 has been announced as the GOSFORTH HALL HOTEL, GOSFORTH Congratulations to Rod, Barbara and team! 6th March 2017 Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth, (Premier Inn) which opened today is very airy, spacious and comfortable with a large seated area for drinkers. They are constructing a large, well positioned outdoor area. Will have three Real Ales. Sharps Doombar is the regular. Current two guests are Jennings Cumberland Ale and Black Sheep Bitter. These guests may change, but possibly always a local (likely to be Jennings) 5th March 2017 Screes Nether Wasdale - Closed 39 / 52
Crown at Bowthorn, Cleator Moor - exploring other beers Derby Arms, Cleator Moor closed Two more fantastic Pub Awards!! Lowther Club Whitehaven is the Branch Club of the Year Woolpack, Eskdale - has been selected as Branch Cider Pub of the Year Well done to both!!! 4th March 2017 Hawkshead Beer Festival There's a mini bus from Middle Ruddings to the Hawkshead beer festival on Sat 25th March. 10 return leaving there 11 returning for 7. Still 8 places left. Contact Middle Ruddings if interested. 40 / 52
26th Feb 2017 Windermere Pale is the Northwest Champion Beer of Britain 2017!!! The final of the competitions was held at Liverpool Beer Festival, this month. Beers eligible were the winners of each of the 10 competitions in the various cask beer categories, which had been judged throughout 2016. Beers in all the competitions were from breweries in Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, IOM and Cheshire. (They get into those competitions by getting the most votes when members in all those areas are asked to do their voting each Autumn.) Tasting is blind - judges do not know what they are drinking! It is fantastic that Hawkshead Windermere Pale was judged to be the Champion Beer of the Northwest, 2017. And the runners up were Stringers Mutiny Stout (silver) and Dunham Massey Porter (Bronze) Thanks to all who brew, who judge, who fill in tasting cards, and especially those members who cast their votes! 41 / 52
The Lowther Arms Hensingham Now open, with two Cumbrian Legendary Ales on the bar. Bright, fresh and crisp, it conforms well to CAMRA's new definition of a pub - one with an area just for drinkers! Two women, both with good history in pubs and food, are running it. All open plan but with distinct areas: Bar with tall tools, glasses shelf and standing/socialising space; large open area for pool, table games and space invaders electronic game table; pleasant elevated lounge area and separate charming restaurant area. Chef was formerly at the Glass House. CLA Vanilla Stout was excellent but Loweswater Gold sold out on first day! 24th Feb 2017 Beer trip, visiting Aspatria, Baggrow, Plumbland, Kirkstile Inn and Cockermouth on Sat 1st April. Click on Events tab (above) for details Good News!!! The Last Man Inn, Plumbland has re-opened. Yates' latest creation, the lovely Solway Gold, 4.4% has been very well received and we will be seeing more of it, thanks goodness!! It followed the equally popular seasonal beer, Winter Gold! Hoping for a nice dark stout soon? Congratulations to the Lowther Club in Whitehaven, which has just been chosen as the branch Club of the Year! Also to the Lett ers Inn, Aspatria, which has been chosen as the Spring Pub of the Season. If you haven't been to either of these pubs, we do recommend you give them a try! 42 / 52
Local Pub Guides CAMRA members have been working hard to create new FREE real ale pub guides for you. (see link above) These are neat little A4 pdfs that you can print out and fold up for your pocket. They have photos and a short description, beer and facilities information for each pub in the area covered, as well as transport info, a map and even a mini tourist guide for the area! They are superb - do have a look! 5th February 2017 From the Punchbowl Gt Broughton: Real Ale Weekend 10th - 12th February 2017 And now for something completely different... At The Punch Bowl we are proud of our commitment to Cumbrian Real Ale. Since becoming a Community Pub almost 4 years ago, every pint we have served has been brewed in Cumbria. Most of our ales are sourced from our most local breweries, and we have arrangements with others, further afield. We have used 9 breweries in all, and in 2016 we offered our customers 75 different real ales - from our 2 hand pumps! That's why we think we are the smallest, longest beer festival in Cumbria. We have held an annual real ale weekend towards the end of the last 3 winters; and this year we have decided to do something completely different. We will be providing excellent, small brewery ales from Newcastle and the surrounding areas of the North East. Newcastle is now home to many independent breweries and micro-breweries, some well known, some less so, and we think there will be something for everyone in the selection of ales. The exact range will be dependent on availability but we hope to include ales from Wylam, Firebrick, Tyne Bank and Mordue breweries amongst others. We expect to have about 20 different ales available, and will also have a small supply of Newcastle Brown Ale in bottles to complete the Geordie experience. As many of you will be aware, Broughton Bridge is closed to traffic for the foreseeable future, so please bear this in mind when making your travel arrangements to visit us. 43 / 52
4th February 2017 The long-awaited Station tap at Carlisle will be opening on March 31st. The Settle to Carlisle railway will be fully re-opened and the Flying Scotsman flying through; what a way to open a new boozer! A sympathetic recreation of a period, Victorian luncheon bar. It will be a colonial style environment but with all the modern facilities like wifi to make people feel comfortable, and will be called 301 Miles From London! Cask Ales will be served. Will it become another destination, like the Sheffield and York Taps? (One takes a day trip to York but never leaves the station!) 3rd February 2017 Congratulations to two great pubs, just chosen for the latest branch awards! BRANCH PUB OF THE SEASON FOR SPRING 2017 is the LETTERS INN, ASPATRIA. We will present the award on Saturday 1st April, during the day. Arrangements later! 44 / 52
BRANCH CLUB OF THE YEAR FOR 2017 is the LOWTHER, Lowther St, Whitehaven Date of presentation yet to be planned Next to be chosen - Branch Pub of the Year 2017 - coming soon! Feb 1st 2017 Those who are CAMRA members will by now have had the information that the way the NE (Directors) are elected has been changed to allow everyone a vote, not just those who attend the AGM and Conference. If you are desirous of change in either those who run the organisation or the way it is run, now is your chance to bring in some new blood. You can use the link on the main menu, left, to cast your vote. You have till 5th April, so consider carefully! 45 / 52
Congratulations to the Bridge Inn at Santon Bridge, on being chosen as the new branch Pub of the Season. Read the full feature on the pub and why it has earned the award Jan 24th 2017 A message from CAMRA's Chairman, Colin Valentine 46 / 52
Why I m looking forward to Bournemouth 2017 This April, I will be joining CAMRA members from across the UK in the seaside resort of Bourne mouth for CAMRA s Members Weekend, which includes our National AGM and Conference. I have been attending the CAMRA Members Weekend for almost 30 years, well before I was active nationally, never mind National Chairman. Those of you who were in Norwich in 2013 may remember that I still have my glass from my first AGM weekend, as they were then called, in Norwich in 1990. Even prior to becoming Chairman, I always made an effort to travel to whichever corner of the country the weekend was held and have only missed one since then - and was even organiser in Edinburgh in 1998. It has always been, and still is, an opportunity to meet with old friends, make new acquaintances and socialise with other CAMRA members from across the country. Most importantly, the Members Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for any member across the organisation whether you have just joined, been a member for 20+ years, active or inactive to shape the future direction and purpose of CAMRA. As Chairman, I now have the great responsibility of making sure that the AGM and Conference part of the Members Weekend is run successfully and open to every single one of our 185,000 members. This year, that responsibility is even greater than ever before. Following 50 consultation meetings across the UK and three national surveys, we have now seen the proposals that were put forward by the Revitalisation Project Steering Committee on CAMRA s future. Whether you agree or disagree with the proposals, took part in the consultation events or stayed at home, the Members Weekend will be the opportunity to discuss them inside and out ahead of a decision next year. 47 / 52
Over the weekend, members will be able to consider the Revitalisation Project and proposals on the future of CAMRA in a series of discussion groups. It will be your chance to have a say on the Revitalisation Project s findings and represent your views in the debate. A final decision on the proposals will then be taken at the Members Weekend in 2018. I am proud to chair an organisation that is a true democracy where every member has the opp ortunity to feed into our policies, direction and future. I never forget that without our huge membership base and dedicated volunteers; there simply would not be a CAMRA. I hope you will consider joining us in Bournemouth this year. The closing date for registration is Friday 17 th March 2017. For more information simply visit camraagm.org.uk. 19th Jan 2017 Wainwright s, Keswick have on Cumbrian cider from Ennerdale brewery. 48 / 52
The George and Dragon at Harrington sold real ale over Christmas, it went well as busy time, but may go for real ale in bottle to be sust ainable. The Coledale Inn at Braithwaite has been refurbished. The Last Man Inn at Plumland, and the Grey Goat at Baggrow have reopened. Nominations for Good Beer Guide 2018: Please use CAMRA's beer scoring system, via Whatpub is easiest, to rate the quality of the real ale at any of these pubs you visit. This helps inform CAMRA of the very best real ale pubs in any branch area. The Pheasant Inn, Crossthwaite Road in Keswick; Lowther Arms, Mawbray; Wheatsheaf, Lorton; Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge; The Lifeboat, Maryport; 49 / 52
Bluebell, Workington; Ratty Arms, Ravenglass; Letters Inn, Aspatria; Brook House, Boot, Woolpack Inn, Boot, Vagabond, Whitehaven; Duke of Cumberland, Bridgefoot; Bush Inn, Talentire, Cock and Bull, Cockermouth; Manor, St Bees; Inn @ Ravenglass, Ravenglass; 50 / 52
Castle Bar, Cockermouth; Swan Inn, Cockermouth; Strands, Nether Wasdale; Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater; Wainrights, Keswick; Fox and Hounds, Ennerdale; George IV, Eskdale Bridge; Barn Bistro, Gilcrux; Gosforth Hall Inn, Gosforth; Punchbowl, Great Broughton; Dog and Gun, Keswick, Middle Ruddings, Braithwaite; 51 / 52
Stanley Arms, Calderbridge All branch members are encouraged to visit some of these pubs and send in feedback on them to kathryn.flagner at hotmail.co.uk or sw2607 at gmail.com by midnight on Tuesday January 31st. This will be included in the discussion at the February branch meeting where entries will be decided upon. 52 / 52