How the micro-pub has brought a huge change to the real ale scene
NEWS that membership of CAMRA has risen to 170,000 makes it one of the very largest campaigning associations. Since its birth in 1971 there have been many changes in the beer, brewing and licensing trade, but we believe that CAMRA has had a great influence in the real ale sector, otherwise there may not have been such a welcomed product any longer.
We hope to have some influence in retaining our British pubs and the growth of new outlets, such as micro-pubs, is also much welcomed.
On this topic, an idea by Martin Hillier to open a micropub – the Butcher’s Arms in Herne, Kent, was announced in 2005 – a simple formula was adopted: cask beers, good conversation, lots of character and all within a relatively small floor space. This pub had no kitchen, just snacks, locally brewed ales, and a ban on piped music.
At a CAMRA annual meeting in 2009 Martin expanded on the idea and inspired members to go ahead with opening their own pubs.
By January 2013 there were then 15 micro-pubs, doubling within 12 months, and now there are around 100 establishments.
Locally, some good examples are the Inn Beer Shop and Tap and Bottles in Southport centre, and the Hop Inn Bier Shoppe in Ormskirk. Readers may know of others close by and I think the growth of these pubs and bars is encouraging – so do give our local ones a try.
Recently we have campaigned and covered the business of protecting our pubs – changing planning laws and removing licensee exploitation – and you are all asked to please contact your local MP and lobby for this as we have a General Election coming in a few months time.
Also there will be The Budget next month (March 18) and we implore you to get in touch with your MP and get him/her on board for lobbying for a further cut in beer duty, which will protect small brewers and free licensees. Call 0207 219 4272 to obtain your MPs name and contact details. Or contact CAMRA Campaigns Dept on 01727 798 449 or campaigns@camra.org.uk
One bit of bad news is that the award winning Burton Ale has been discontinued by Carlsberg, claiming that demand had fallen – hardly surprising when it wasn’t more readily available!
Note that an important event takes place in Burton Upon Trent from February 13-15, which is the International Festival of Beer at the National Brewery Centre. This is a mind-boggling event with over 800 beers on offer from 40 countries around the world, at a great venue. Further details on 01283 532 880 or email info@ nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk.
CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival takes place on February 11-14 at the Roundhouse at Pride Park in Derby DE24 8JE - lots of real ales, ciders, world beers and perries on offer. Contact www. nwaf.org.uk for details.
On a more local note, beer festivals this weekend (February 5-7) are at Colne Municipal Hall for the Pendle Beer Festival see info@pendlebeerfestival.co.uk. It is the same dates for Fleetwood Beer Festival at the Marine Hall. Info from www.blackpool.camra. org.uk.
In Liverpool the popularwell known Beer Festival at the Metropolitan Cathedral crypt is set for February 19-21. See the website www.liverpoolbeerfestival.org.uk for details. And the Wigan Beer Festival will take place from March 5-7 at the Robin Park Sports Centre. Details on www. wigancamra.org.uk.
In Southport on Wednesday, February 11, we will be holding an open branch meeting at the Bold Arms in Churchtown from 8pm. All are welcome, not just CAMRA members. Contact CAMRA on 01704 573768 or email mikepcamara@gmail.com for information.