Hop Press

Issue 6 – April 1982

A rough scan & OCR of the original leaving out adverts & some sections such as the Crossword
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Contents

• Letters
• Summer Licencing Hours
• Open All Hours?
• Pub News
• Winchester Beer Festival
• Beer Mat Collecting
• Hampshire Breweries
• Real Ale Travels - Dockland Area/Southampton
• Branch Diary

LETTERS Hop Press index

Dear Ed,

Following the recent demise of Whitbread's Wessex Mild, I feel your readers should be aware that there are alternatives to having to resort to Keg Best Mild.

Gales of Horndean produce both a Light and Dark Mild and one or other of these is generally available in most of their pubs in our area. I particularly favour their Dark Mild which tends to be very under-rated.

Most Marston’s pubs throughout Southern Hampshire can offer the excellent dark Mercian Mild, brewed at Burton-upon-Trent - brewing capital of the UK. One or two of their outlets also serve a light mild/bitter known as Capital Ale, which is an ideal driver's beverage. Finally the dark strong Merrie Monk, the strongest mild in the land, is worth searching out. Make Mine Mild!

Yours in ale,

Ian P Drinkwater

Summer Licencing Hours Hop Press index

For once, HOP PRESS is pleased to report some good news for the drinker, but unfortunately, not all drinkers - As from 1st May, drinkers in the Winchester licencing area will be able to drink until 11 o'clock every evening until 31st September [1982 was a strange year maybe - 2023 Ed.], as the area operates summer licencing hours.

The bad news is for Southampton area drinkers, who are now in an island of summer hours, as the New Forest, Winchester and Droxford areas all operate 11 o'clock closing. Surely it is about time the local landlords, customers etc started to press for parity with the surrounding districts?

OPEN ALL HOURS? Hop Press index

Don't you sometimes wish the publican could choose his own hours?

A theme which is featured prominently in the 1982 edition of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide is the restrictive public house opening hours in England and Wales.

The opening hours which prevail through most of these two countries, with some small local variations, have remained largely unchanged since 1915. In that year, the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) was passed, to reduce the level of drunkenness among munition workers by limiting severely the permitted hours for drinking in pubs. The principle had been established eleven years before, by the introduction in the Balfour Act of compulsory afternoon closing for a minimum of two hours.

Drunkenness certainly reduced dramatically in the years following 1915, if the statistics for convictions due to drunkenness in England's major cities are anything to go by; in England and Wales as a whole they fell by two-thirds in two years, and in Birmingham by a remarkable five-sixths in the three years following. However, by 1920 the level of convictions in the country as a whole was very much increased, although it has never since reached a level remotely approaching that of 1915.

In view of the greatly changed circumstances of today, do the restrictions of yesteryear still have any social value? And even if drunkenness and absenteeism do persist, albeit at much lower levels than hitherto, is the length of pub opening hours relevant to them now that supermarkets, licenced and registered clubs, and off-licences have extended the availability of a wide range of alcoholic drinks throughout the day and most of the night?

To the first question, the answer would seem to be 'not much'. With three million of the working population idle, there can scarcely be any fear that industrial output will fall noticeably through drunkenness or absenteeism, without management being able quickly to substitute other workers or machines for the culprits. Indeed, the price of beer is now such that if pubs were open all day, sales might not rise much at all.

As to the second question, the ease of access to alcohol through other types of retail source is now such that someone with a drink problem may find it harder to become incapable in a pub, as well as dearer, than in some private or public place near to a shop with an off-sales counter.

The main advantage that would accrue to licensees from freedom to choose their own opening hours is the ability to adjust the supply of their service to the demand for it at all hours of the day and night. Some might take fewer working hours as a consequence, staying closed when little trade normally occurs; others could adjust their hours to take advantage of their busiest times or the day. There need not be any increase in the overall number of hours of opening, although this might seem a reasonable target in some circumstances, such as during the holiday season or in places popular with tourists (or for a couple of extra hours on Sunday).

An advantage that flexible hours would give to the customer, besides more freedom to drink when it suited him, would be the increased availability of 'real ale' or traditional beer. Since real ale is sold mostly through pubs, an increase in their flexibility would increase the drinker's chances of finding his favourite tipple at times of the day when it is now not to be had.

A major national campaign is soon to be started by CAMRA, in conjunction with other well-known organisations. The object will be increased flexibility for licensees, with the strict hours imposed by the Home Office and its magistrates replaced by landlord's discretion within wider limits than at present. Hop Press hopes it can count on the vocal support of its readers when the time comes.

PUB NEWS Hop Press index

Once again we have to apologise to a landlord, owing to incorrect information printed in the last issue. We rely on our members to advise us of any changes to Real Ale pubs in the area, and this information is not always accurate. We should be pleased to hear from any landlord or anyone else with information, and also if any information is incorrect.

Apologies to the landlord at the Barleycorn, Hedge End, he is not changing, but there is a change of landlord at the Barleycorn, Bishops Waltham.

WELLINGTON, Shirley - Ringwood Old Thumper

RED LION, Bitterne - Ushers Bitter

VILLAGE BELLS, Eling - Ushers Bitter

FLAMES WINE BAR, Romsey - Watneys Stag Bitter

LONGS WINE BAR, Lymington - Wadworth 6X, Courage Directors New Forest Ale, Longs Bitter not available at present.

CROWN & ANCHOR, Lymington - Strong Country Bitter (Whitbread) on handpump

MAYFLOWER, Lymington - Whitbread Strong Country & Pompey Royal.

WHITE HART, Pennington: Whitbread Strong Country & Pompey Royal.

LOBSTER POT, Lymington: Re-opening shortly as the FIGHTING COCKS.

BEDE'S LEA, Rownhams: Ushers Bitter.

HIGHFIELD, Southampton: Ushers Bitter.

VICTORY, Southampton: Hall & Woodhouse Tanglefoot.

FOX & HOUNDS, Bursledon: Ushers Bitter.

SHEARERS, Owslebury: Badgers Best Bitter.

CROWN & THISTLE, West End: Pompey Royal on handpump.

WINCHESTER BEEREX Hop Press index

MAY 28th and 29th is the date for all Beer Drinkers diaries, as this is when the local branch holds the 3rd WINCHESTER BEER FESTIVAL at the Guildhall, Winchester.

As in past years, an area of the country has been chosen, and the fine local ales will be represented at the festival. This year the area is Bristol and South Wales, and customers can sample the delights of Brains, Smiles, Gwent and Oakhill among others, as well as the local favourites of Tisbury, Marstons, Gales etc.

Once again we have the popular Westons Cider and Perry, as well as (we hope) some locally produced cider.

The excellent Fulham Brass Band and Real Ale & Thunder Band headline the entertainment as well as the Morris Men and other local groups/bands,

Tickets will cost: Friday Lunchtime 50p (+ deposit on glass), Friday Evening £1.65, Saturday Lunch £1.20, Saturday Evening £1.65 (including glass, programme etc.) Tickets will be available from 1st May from most Winchester pubs and a few selected pubs in the area, or with S.A.E. From: Andy Dummer, 10 Longfield Rd, Winchester.

A BEER MAT COLLECTION Hop Press index

PETER SMITH

When you go into a pub, do you look round to see what you can pick up? If so, you are either feeling the effects of spring, or you may be a tegestologist - no it is not illegal, it means a Beer Mat Collector.

Beer mats or drip mats, also known as coasters in the USA and Australasia, originated as pottery or porcelain tankard stands, useful for preventing hot tankards of mulled ale from scorching the table tops. Mats of board or wood pulp appeared at the beginning of this century and are now used throughout the world to advertise just about anything you care to mention.

Many people confine their collecting of mats to only one country, or just those advertising beer, and indeed unless you have unlimited space and time, this would seem to be very wise.

I began my collection of mats some years ago, by just casually picking up a few mats here and there. From this I began asking friends and relatives to see what they could find on holidays and trips. I now have packets and envelopes arriving from people I have never met from parts of Australia because of relatives who have friends, who have relatives etc...

My collection is not large - about 400/500 - but it is growing slowly and surely.

If anyone would like a few Australian Mats and perhaps has a few UK to exchange, I am to be found at the VICTORY, Southampton every day except Tuesday and Thursday, behind the bar. (Opposite Southampton Train Station).

HAMPSHIRE BREWERIES Hop Press index

Ian P. Drinkwater

In 1939 there were at least 15 working. breweries in the county, this had declined to four by the end of 1970, one of which was opened in the late 1960' s to brew lager only on a system greatly different from the traditional British brewery.

In mid-1981 Whitbread Wessex ceased brewing at the former Strong's Romsey Brewery. This could have left the county with only two traditional breweries at Horndean and Portsmouth, and a fizz factory, producing no real ale, at Alton. Happily, this was not the case as in 1978 new small breweries had been established at Ringwood and Andover. This was followed in 1979 by New Forest Brewery at Cadnam and in 1981, Southampton saw the birth of the Dock Brewery Company. The latter being based in the cellars of the 'Frog and Frigate', a free house operating as a home-brew pub in the old docks part of the city.

It is interesting to note from a survey undertaken by Southampton University Industrial Archaeology Group in 1970, that at this date there was still evidence (buildings or significant remains) of nine Southampton breweries. The last of these to brew in Southampton was William Cooper & Company's Brewery at York Buildings which ceased brewing in circa 1953. The brewery which is situated off East Street is still intact. Although somewhat derelict, it is a magnificent red brick Victorian complex with a tall brewhouse and towering chimney. It is also worth mentioning that the nearby Good Beer Guide listed Anchor P.H. is established adjacent to a brewhouse formerly the 'Anchor' brewery.

In Winchester evidence of six breweries can still be traced. The best preserved being the former Winchester Brewery in Hyde street which is now Marston's (of Burton-upon-Trent) distribution depot.

In the same street the Hyde Abbey Brewery has recently been converted into office accommodation. However, on the eastern outskirts of the city opposite the site of the old Winchester Chesil railway station, stands the derelict Cheesehill Brewery. This was last used in the early 1970's as the Snow White Laundry.

Another well preserved, but much altered former brewery overlooks the main railway line at Eastleigh. It is now occupied by Peter Green as a walk-round furniture and carpet showroom but was purpose-built as a brewery in 1874 for Messrs. J. B. Little and J. Ross.

Last, but not least Romsey, where the pure water led to the growth of the brewing industry. There were known to be at least six breweries in the town in the 1870's. The principal brewery Strongs being recorded as the site of brewing since 1775.

Thomas Strong first leased the buildings in 1858 and later bought them in 1883, when he also acquired Cressey's Brewery in The Hundred and George's Brewery in Bell Street. In the early 1900's Strongs acquired breweries in Southampton, Petersfield, Andover, Weyhill, Winchester and the Isle of Wight. Then in 1969 Whitbread took Strongs under its wing. The Romsey brewery continued to brew cask Trophy bitter until 1980, when it was replaced by 'Strong Country' Bitter. Cask Mild was also brewed until 1980, when it was replaced by supplies from the Whitbread Wessex Portsmouth brewery. After more than 200 years of brewing history, June 1981 saw the final chapter of brewing in Romsey. With it disappeared "You're now entering the Strong Country" and "so drunk he must have been in Romsey" - phrases once on the lips of both locals and travellers to the South.

Acknowledgement: A Gazetteer of Hampshire Breweries by M. F. Tighe (1971) - Southampton University Industrial Archaeology Group

REAL ALE TRAVELS..... Hop Press index

Southampton Docks walkabout

RAB NOOLAS

This walk-about takes us round the Docks Area of Southampton, a part of town which has improved dramatically as far as Real Ale is concerned over the past few years. Despite the sometimes depressing aspect of some buildings, many of the pubs are comfortable and welcoming. We start this tour in East Street not far from the city centre.

At the very end of East Street, opposite Debenham's and just outside the East Street Shopping Centre, you will find the Anchor, a Whitbread Pub. It's small frontage is deceiving, for the lounge extends some distance to a dining area at the back of the room. The landlord and lady, Peter and Shelley, have been at the pub for just over a year, and have turned one of the city centre's more run-down pubs into a comfortable and popular gathering place. Strong Country and Pompey Royal are available here on handpump.

From here, make your way towards the ltchen Bridge, and under its shadow you will find, in the Royal Albert Road, three pubs within yards of each other. The Queen is a Bass pub, with Draught Bass available on handpump - it's a small and basic pub.

Just round the corner is the large Royal Albert Hotel, and if you come into the city via the Itchen Bridge you'll have got a good view of it. Formerly a Whitbread house, it lay derelict for some years and was bought and renovated by Gales at great expense about two years ago. Gales light Mild, BB and HSB are served on draught. It's a pub with young people in mind, with a regular disco.

Moving along again, we come to the Marsh, a Marstons house. The most unusual characteristic about this pub is its shape, it's a corner house, and the effect of the oddly shaped interior walls and mirrors, is rather like an old-fashioned version of Doctor Who's tardis. The pub serves a good pint of Marstons Mild, BB and Pedigree.

Carry on round the corner and away from the bridge, and in Canute Road opposite Dock Gate 1, you will find the Frog & Frigate, Southampton's new and only home-brew pub. So much has been said and written about his pub, complimentary and otherwise, that I won't add my opinion to all the others. I'll just mention that if you're an Art lover, go upstairs and see the original paintings on display - if you want to get a seat and a look at the unusual pub decor, come early, and if you like crowds and a good singsong round the piano, stay till closing time. The pub serves its own beers, Frogs Original Bitter and Croaker, besides various others - but keep an eye on your wallet if you are spending the evening here.

We turn right from here and carry on along Canute Road, maybe stopping at the Canute Hotel, a Whitbread house with Strong Country on draught. On the Town Quay, not far from the Royal Pier, you'll find the Platform Tavern, a basic pub with no frills at all. It's lively and friendly, with a pool table and is popular with the workers from the docks. Marstons Mild and BB are sold here.

The next turning right will take you into the High Street, and back up towards the bus station. Unless you've got time to sample the pubs in and around the High Street - but I'll have to save that for another time.

Happy Drinking!

BRANCH DIARY Hop Press index

For further details of the above events, and for details of other forthcoming events, contact the Branch Secretary: Nick Martin on Milford-on-Sea 3585 or in What's Brewing (if you are a member - if not see below).

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

I wish to become:

* A full member of CAMRA Ltd (£7.00 per year)
* A joint member with my wife/husband (£7.00 per year)

Please make cheques payable to "Campaign for Real Ale Ltd", and send completed applications to: CAMRA Membership, 34 Alma Road, St. Albans, Herts, All 3BW

Name .......................................................

Address .......................................................

After joining you will receive your members monthly magazine 'What's Brewing' but more importantly you will find out about local CAMRA branch activities they will be delighted to welcome you at any time - find out more.

Hop Press issue number 6 – April 1982

Editor: Jon Tugwell
15 Belleview Road
Eastleigh
Tel: Eastleigh 615209
hop-press@shantscamra.org.uk

©CAMRA Ltd. 1982