{"id":6528,"date":"2026-07-28T16:22:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T16:22:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/londondrinker.camra.org.uk\/wordpress\/?p=6528"},"modified":"2026-07-28T16:22:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T16:22:41","slug":"its-a-wind-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/londondrinker.camra.org.uk\/wordpress\/index.php\/2026\/07\/28\/its-a-wind-up\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s a wind-up"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This is a tale of how a simple conversation in a pub can lead to a nice surprise. \u00a0CAMRA\u2019s Richmond & Hounslow branch has for the last year been trying different and new events to get more members involved. \u00a0One of these was a German themed Christmas meal at the Northumberland Arms<\/a><\/strong> in Brentford. \u00a0During this event I found out that on New Year\u2019s Day some members were visiting the Admiral Nelson<\/a><\/strong> in Whitton, which is my local.\u00a0 I turned up and found about 30 people there, most of whom I had never met before. \u00a0This was the surprise: I had met the Weekly Wind-Up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Weekly Wind-Up group was formed in 1981 and is largely made up of those who work or have worked in the transport industry or have an enthusiasm for it.  Combined with their transport interest, they also share a love of real ale and meet every Thursday to sample it at \u2018real\u2019 pubs and clubs in and around London which are, naturally, close to public transport links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since that chance meeting I have been inspired to attend as many Wind-Ups as possible.  I present for you a selection of the places we have been this year.  I should add all the venues serve the highest quality ales and always include a dark ale, often specially added.  For example, the Admiral Nelson had all four small batch Twickenham Fine Ales stouts on the bar.   Sometimes, many venues open early to accommodate the Wind-Up, which usually kicks off at 4pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n