MORE PUBS FOR BIG SMOKE BREW CO
As part of their partnership with Punch Pubs, Esher based Big Smoke have added two more pubs to their portfolio. These are the Rising Sun in Epsom (KT18 5DX) and the Abercorn Arms in Teddington (TW11 8EY). The latter is believed to be one of the tenanted pubs that Young’s sold to Punch.
DROP PROJECT BREWING CO
With the opening of their new taproom, Drop Project have introduced their ‘One Brew = One Tree’ initiative. To offset the carbon emissions from travel, electricity and everything else that goes into running a taproom, for every 100 pints that they sell, they have pledged to plant a tree under a scheme organised by the charity, the Tree Council (see treecouncil.org.uk). This means that customers can make their contribution by drinking their beer in the taproom. The equivalent of 4.3 trees will be planted from the first weekend’s takings alone. The taproom can be found at Unit 8, Willow Business Centre, 17 Willow Lane, Mitcham CR4 4NX.
EAST LONDON BREWING
Further to Christine Cryne’s article in the last edition, as part of their tenth birthday celebrations, the 2021 version of ELB’s limited edition Imperial Stout will be produced at 10% ABV. They will also be brewing a tenth anniversary batch of the first beer that they sold commercially, Foundation Best Bitter. Joint founder Claire Ashbridge-Thomlinson commented, ‘’Even after ten years, we’re still passionate about beer and brewing as one of the many wonderfully diverse, creative and innovative traditions of East London.”
MCMULLEN’S
The Hertford based brewers have, over the last few years, built up a substantial estate in London. They now have 26 pubs, eight in the centre and the rest in the suburbs (chiefly in Barnet and Enfield). I’ve mentioned before how they acquired the Old Bank of England and the (then) Lord Moon of the Mall over the heads of their existing operators. The former Lord Moon has now reopened as the Horse and Guardsman, described as a ‘premium bar serving traditional British classic food’.
Mac’s have also opened a new outlet at Trinity Square, Tower Hill. Called the Traitor’s Gate, it is a former Brasserie Blanc outlet, spread over two floors and described as a ‘traditional London pub with a McMullen’s twist’. The freehold of this and the adjoining property was acquired in 2016. Interestingly, the adjoining property happens to be the JD Wetherspoon’s outlet, the Liberty Bounds. Presumably, in due course, the same will happen here as happened with the Lord Moon. The same applies to the Eagle in the City Road, famous for its exploding small furry animals and currently operated by Mitchells & Butlers.
PORTOBELLO CONSOLIDATE
A new company, Portobello Starboard, has been set up, with private equity funding from Zetland Capital, to act as an ‘acquisition platform’ for the brewery’s expansion. The first move however has been to purchase from various sources the freeholds of the 12 pubs that passed into Portobello’s management from Antic a year ago. One new site has recently been added to the portfolio, the Hart House in Fleet Hampshire (GU51 3NT). The company is aiming eventually for an estate of around 80 pubs. Chairman Mark Crowther said, “We are delighted to have completed this acquisition and to partner with Zetland Capital. Zetland’s backing will enable us to invest in these great pubs and our fantastic teams, supporting the recovery and to acquire further pubs in the south of England.” The brewing company remains a separate entity.
SHEPHERD NEAME RESULTS
Introducing their year’s results to 26 June, chief executive Jonathan Neame told the Evening Standard, “We are greatly encouraged by the customer response since re-opening and are confident that beer and pubs remain every bit as core to British life as pre-pandemic.” The company reported a pre-tax loss of £10 million, with sales at 75% of the previous year’s total.
Shep’s produced a special limited edition beer for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show, in partnership with the pub and restaurant group, Drake & Morgan. It was called Procession Lager (4.8% ABV) and was described as ‘a contemporary lager, pale gold in colour with a zesty citrus aroma and crisp, refreshing taste’. It comes in 330ml bottles and is suitable for vegans. Joanna Richardson, Shep’s Director of Marketing and Communications commented, “We are delighted that after the challenges of the past 18 months, the Lord Mayor’s Show will be returning once again to continue the work to revitalise the City of London and attract people back to the capital. We hope that this innovative collaboration with Drake & Morgan will encourage people to join us in celebrating this special occasion with a very special beer.” There may still be some available to buy online.
TFA WIN AGAIN!
In September 2021, when CAMRA activities were finally resumed, Stephen Holland, Head Brewer at Twickenham Fine Ales, proudly accepted yet another award for the brewery. The certificate celebrates Fig Porter being voted Joint Beer of the Festival at the last Twickenham Beer Festival in 2019. The presentation was made by Bob Gordon (in the yellow t-shirt), chairman of CAMRA’s Richmond and Hounslow branch, supported by a number of branch members. The event was held at the Rifleman, the brewery tap, in Twickenham (TW2 5EL). With thanks to George Gimber for the photo.
John Austin
WEREWOLF WELCOME
Further to Christine Cryne’s article in the April/May edition, the ‘soft launch’ of Werewolf’s taproom took place on 29 and 30 October. Joanne Scott went along and reports that four new beers were available on keg, including a pumpkin beer called Hell-o-ween. Joanne also took some photographs. The taproom, complete with ghost train, opened to the public on 19 November. It is located under a railway arch, Arch 87, Randolph Street, Camden Town NW1 0SR. To begin with, it will be open on Fridays from 4pm to 9pm and on Saturdays from 12 noon to 9pm.
