The former Steamin' Billy pub, The Railway, has been taken over by the Birmingham based pub company, Valiant. The pub is currently closed and is undergoing complete refurbishment, inside and outside.

The new General Manager is Sam Lee who has stated that the pub is being modernised with a new look, a new kitchen and new food and drink menus.

Amongst the cask beers being proposed will be Sharpes Doombar or Atlantic, which can be rotated with Hobgoblin Gold, Wainwright, the micro brewery's Sunbeam, or Pedigree. Wye Valley's Butty Bach will also be be available. Amongst the Lagers will be San Miguel and Carling.

The Railway is due to be opened on Friday 10th November with a party from 5pm, and live music from 8pm, with Darren Craven. A Grand reopening is scheduled for the Saturday 11th November.

Once the pub is up and running, there will be a range of deals on offer from Monday to Thursday. A Burger and a Pint for £15 on Mondays, a Pie and a Pint for £15 on Tuesdays, a curry and a pint for £14.50 on Wednesdays and a Kebab and a Pint for £15 on Thursdays.

The Valiant Pub Company was set up by Gerry Carroll and Mark McGinty in Deccember 2021.

The 2nd October Branch Meeting was held at the Bricklayers Arms, Sharnford. This marked the 200th meeting of the Hinckley & Bosworth branch since the formation as a sub branch of Leicester CAMRA in 2005.

The initial 2005 meeting was held on the 7th September at the Black Horse in Hinckley. David Miller was able to read out minutes from this and the second sub branch meeting, along with the names of the attendees, who effectively became founder members. It is interesting to note that the subjects under discussion were very much as they are today. Amongst the founder members were David Finn, Norman Hall, Mitch Irving, Bernard Timpson and Geoff Targett. See a copy of the minutes below.

David Bates was also able to describe and distribute copies of the early branch magazines, including the one advertising the very first Hinckley Beer Festival located at the Green Rooms in town.

A very nice buffet was provided by The Bricklayers Arms at the end of the meeting, which, incidentally, was the first held at this location.

At the July EGM, the Branch Secretary advised that the purpose of this meeting was to elect a Branch Chair in accordance with the CAMRA and Branch Constitution. Formal notice was issued on 21st June for nominations for the role. By the closing date on 28th July only one nomination had been received from Mr Tracy Ellis. Therefore Tracy is duly elected as the Hinckley & Bosworth CAMRA Branch Chair. Congratulations!

The current situation regarding planning activities within the Hinckley and Bosworth branch were presented by Chris Merriman, Pubs Protection Officer, to the August Branch Meeting:-

• Oddfellows Arms, Higham on the Hill Update from Kate Phillips, Secretary to “Save the Oddies” confirmed that they have not yet acquired the Pub. The £156,000 from the Government Community Ownership Fund needs to be matched with local funding. A Public Works Loan application has been pursued with the Parish Council. Shares in the pub will be offered to the local community to match the funding by the end of the summer. Negotiations are ongoing for the sale of the pub by Cartwright’s. The final planning permission for housing on the site still has to be determined.
  
  
• The Cock Inn, Sibson Listed building consent was given in December 2022. In July 2023 Heineken submitted some plan details to comply with the consent to the Local Council. Negotiations are ongoing for the work to start.
  
  
• Royal Arms, Sutton Cheyney In July planning permission was given to convert the premises into 9 residences, retaining a very small area at the front for a pub. Representations made by Chris to the Planning Authority were not included in the assessment report. Chris has raised concerns that the area allocated to the pub will later be declared by the developer as “non-viable” and seek to remove the planned pub, as was the case with the Dog & Gun in Hinckley.
  
  
• The Wharf, Hinckley There was a failure to secure a listing as a pub with historic interior, due to insufficient resources being available at English Heritage.
  
  
• White Swan, Stoke Golding The Parish Council has declined to apply for an Asset of Community Value, citing two other pubs and the club in the village. Individuals may apply for an AVC providing more than 20 residents submit the application.
  
  
• The Clarence, Hinckley Submitted an application for conversion of the roof area into a bar and five units of accommodation; some to be used as “entertainment pods”
  

• Barwell Constitutional Club Submitted an application to build four bungalows on the existing beer garden site. The Branch advises raising an objection for loss of amenity.
  
  

Presentation of the Cider Pub of the Year to Sue Summerill of the Pestle & Mortar

The Cider Pub of the Year 2023 award was presented to Sue Summerill of the Pestle & Mortar on the 15th June. The presentation was made by Tracy Ellis as acting Chair for the HInckley and Bosworth branch of CAMRA. Range of ales and ciders on tap - courtesy of the Pestle & Mortar

This charming one roomed micropub opened in August 2015, in a former chemists shop. Draught Bass is the regular beer with a varying number of guest ales, including both Cask and Key Keg, along with between 15 and 22 ciders. Remarkably, this is the 7th consecutive Cider Pub of the Year award for the Pestle & Mortar.

The New Plough Inn

The 2023 Pub of the Year Award for the New Plough Inn will be presented to Louise and Darren Lavender at the Branch Meeting on 10th May.

The event will commence with arrival at 6pm followed by the presentation at 6.30pm after which there will be a celebration and buffet from 7.30pm. The scheduled Branch meeting will start at 8pm.

Louise and Darren Lavender are welcoming everyone to The New Plough Inn to join this Pub of the Year celebration and to enjoy a new selection of beers from the Marston's “Beer Flex Trial”.

Darren Statham has announced that he will not stand as Chair at the December AGM. Darren has a new job demanding increased responsibilities and travel commitments. The branch is seeking early enquires for position as Chair.

Any member who might consider taking on the role, please talk with Darren or any Committee Member. Candidates will receive the full support of all Committee Members. Early engagement will allow for any coaching, ensuring a smooth transition and handover

Congratulations to the 2023 branch award winners for Pub of the Year, Cider Pub of the Year and Club of the Year. The awards are based on members votes, both postal and at the February branch meeting. Click on the images for details of the respective pubs and club.

The New Plough - Pub of the Year 2023

The Pestle & Mortar - Cider Pub of the Year 2023

The Sapcote Club - Club of the Year 2023

Gathering in the Dungeon! Branch recognising Alex's achievement Darren's in trouble!

The basement of the Dixie Arms Hotel was the rather unusual venue for the latest Branch Meeting. The vaulted ceilings, candlelight and wrought ironwork provided a rather surreal setting for the business of the day. In addition to the published agenda items, there was a special presentation to Alex McDonald on winning Channel 4's "Four in a bed" competition for the Dixie Arms. The Dixie Arms episode is available on Catch Up TV, Channel 4 Series 16, Episode 72.

Red Lion Barwell

Black Horse Hinckley

Jo and Tom are leaving the Black Horse, Hinckley with Tina and family taking over on 30th January.

Stoke Golding Club

The Stoke Golding Club is now serving 2 real ales: one Church End plus a guest. They are hoping to add a third beer soon.

In a statement on its website, Roberts Coaches said: “It is with regret that we must inform you that after Saturday, February 25, the 159 bus service between Hinckley and Coalville will no longer be in service. We have been notified by Leicestershire County Council that they are withdrawing the financial subsidy that supports this service.

The 159 bus route detailed below will no longer exist after 25th February:-

Hinckley
Barwell
Stapleton
Market Bosworth
Newbold Verdon
Barlestone
Nailstone
Ibstock
Ellistown

Red Lion

Sue and Dave Hillyard left the Red Lion, Burbage on the 19th December. The new licencees are Nick and H along with their team.

The Nags Head in Stapleton is due to reopen on 5th November. They have a new facebook page which says that they will be open daily, serving hot and cold food, although no times are listed. The landlords are believed to be Vicky and Katherine

Limekilns – update to opening hours – closing at 6pm on Sundays over the winter

The Ashby Tavern had a new manager, Shelley Spencer, in mid September and is now serving 2 cask ales. Dog friendly but no food or sports TV

The Clarence opening date is now expected to be 11 November

West End Brewery in Leicester will be closing 31 December 2022

Wetherspoons have now received approval for the development of a new pub in the Crescent located within the units occupied previously by Poundland. Having obtained permission for the development, Wetherspoons are in the process of applying for a premises licence in order to be able to serve alcoholic drinks.

It is proposed that the new pub will be able to accommodate up to 840 customers with booth style seating with the intention is to also provide pavement seating outside. Possible trading times are set for 8am – 12am Monday to Saturday and 8am – 1am on Sunday. On the grant of a premises licence, it is expected that the physical development will start in early 2023.

The original Hinckley Wetherspoons pub called ‘The Baron’ located in Regent Street was closed in September 2019, with the premises being taken over by the Elmesthorpe pub group and renamed the ‘New Baron’.

George and Dragon - Stoke Golding

Alex has been running the George and Dragon for 8 years during which time she now has a 2½ year old child. Life is all about balancing managing the pub, her working week (banking, cashing up, cleaning, gardening, kitchen, relief chef etc) and bringing up a child in a working environment. The George and Dragon is owned by Church End Brewery. Alex has a very close relationship with the Church End Brewery Family Team of Stewart, Rosemary and Katie Elliott.

Prior to joining Church End Brewery Alex managed the Cottage in Fillongley operated by Enterprise Taverns – which was a very different experience being in a tied public house. Alex was invited to join Church End by her old school friend Katie Elliott. Alex already had connections with Stoke Golding through her grandparents living in the village, and had been a regular of the George and Dragon prior to Church End acquisition.

Alex related her experiences during the uncertainty of COVID lockdowns. During the first and second lockdowns the George and Dragon was able to provide take away beer and food to support her locals. It was over the Christmas lockdown they were only allowed to supply takeaway meals to pre booked time slots – but no beer!

When reopening in April the outside marquee and garden proved a great success in helping to build up the business with the support of the locals, all helped by food offering and new summer beers.

Question: What changes have been seen post COVID? April opening was very nervous. The outside space proved very popular. Reflecting the new economic conditions customers were staying for 1 or 2 drinks where previously maybe 3 or 4.

Question: Compare working for a PubCo (Enterprise Taverns) vs. Church End? The Cottage was rented from the PubCo and was tied to their drinks supply – at prices above the free distributors. Church End own the George and Dragon and it is a free house with no brewery ties. The Church End Beers are very popular and there is always a good selection available. Alex is free to source guest beers. Alex has a very close relationship with the Church End Brewery Family Team of Stewart, Rosemary and Katie Elliott.

Question: Which are the most popular beers? Presently the summer ales have proved popular. Overall Goats Milk and Fallen Angel are always in demand.

Question:What are your Food Offerings? The George and Dragon provides a lunch menu Tuesday to Saturday with monthly Steak Nights and Sunday Lunch. During evening customers are invited to bring their own buffet – especially on quiz nights. Alex has introduced “Pop-up Restaurant” nights – inviting food vans to the garden area twice a month. These included Greek, BBQ, burgers, and smokehouse menus. There is a charity evening scheduled for 14 August which previously raised over £3,500. Alex thanked all of her local customers for their continuing support.

Dog & Gun, Hinckley – Chris Merriman, Pubs Protection Officer, advised that he has raised an objection with the Council Planners on a proposal by the developers to change the plans from a pub on the ground floor, to a Flat.

The Oddfellows Arms, Higham – The Developer Cartwright Homes have submitted a new planning application for 9 new houses at the rear of the pub site, without affecting the pub building and retaining some carpark. It is believed that the developer has started negotiation with the Higham Local Community to sell the pub. CAMRA members can support the local residents ”Save the Oddies” campaign through their website: https://savetheoddiespub.wixsite.com/stop

Wetherspoons – The planning application for Crescent Hinckley next to Sainsburys has been submitted. The Branch Meeting agreed to stand aside from the planning process. Former Yorkshire Bank / 5 Market Place Hinckley – A planning application has been submitted for a Bar/ café on the ground and a entertainment space / bar on the second floor.

The Bulls Head at Nailstone – the proposed purchaser / developer has withdrawn

The Leicester Mercury, amongst other publications has reported that Wetherspoons are looking to develop a currently vacant retail unit in Hinckley's Crescent shopping complex.

Planning documents appear to have been lodged with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, indicating that Wetherspoons wish to turn the retail unit into a new pub.

It is anticipated that the 8,773 sq ft space would be able to hold a capacity of 840 customers, with the hope that 80 people will be employed, both full and part time.

Hinckley’s former Wetherspoons pub, The Baron of Hinckley, closed on September 22, 2019, which was then taken on by Nirad and Payal Solanki and renamed the "New Baron".

On Wednesday 13th April, the Pub of the Year 2022 award was presented to Louise Lavender by local MP Dr Luke Evans and our Chairperson Darren.

The New Plough is a double fronted building dating back to 1901 with wooden settles, and has a traditional town pub ambience.

Louise and husband Darren run a charity pub quiz on the last Thursday of the month and both were congratulated by Dr Evans on raising over £100,000 for a large number of deserving causes.

Previously, the New Plough Inn has been Hinckley and Bosworth CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011, 2012 and Marston's Cask Ale Pub of the Year 2014 (South Region).

Jackie Wallis reported that Dawn and Phil Jackson have now retired but retain ownership of the Queens Head in Hinckley and handed over the management to new landlords – Sue and Dave.

Becky left the Flintlock in Hinckley on 27th February to manage a pub in Northamptonshire.

The developers planning application for the White Swan in Stoke Golding has been rejected by the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

The Nags Head in Stapleton has the windows boarded up. Chris Merriman advised that developers might sometimes have “security” move into empty pub premises as a ploy to say the building has been occupied as a residence. If occupied as a residence or 4 years a pub may lose its planning status. Any evidence of occupation of a closed pub should be reported to the Local Planning Authority.

Chris James has provided confirmation that the Burbage and District Constitutional Club welcomes CAMRA members. For access, the advice is to ring the outside door bell and the door will be unlocked from behind the bar. If staff are busy there may be a short delay. Be prepared to show your CAMRA membership card at the bar. If you are intending to visit twice a week, every week, it would be appreciated if you would join as a member of the club! The new Steward, Thomas is concentrating on LocAles.

Steve Barker has advised that Darren Lavender of New Buildings Brewery has bought some equipment from the closed Bosworth Brewery and is looking to brew some of the old Bosworth recipes. Marmalade IPA will be produced but marketed under a different name.

New Buildings Windmill best bitter is being served at the New Plough Inn

Alban Fellows has advised that Sue and John Summerill of the Pestle & Mortar have made a trip to the south of England and returned with a van full on new real Ciders, to be on available over the next few weeks.

The Half Pint branch magazine has not been published since 2019 due to lockdown pub closures and financial restraints. However, it has now been agreed that Hinckley & Bosworth CAMRA will join with the Leicester, Loughborough and Melton Branches to contribute to a new county wide magazine called the Leicestershire Drinker, due to be published in early May

"It is hoped that around 10,000 copies will be distributed around Leicestershire and Rutland every quarter as well as being available on line. "The Leicestershire Drinker will be an attractive, lively, and informative magazine, filled with news, views, and information about beer styles and types, festivals, campaigning, awards, breweries, pubs and bars, cider, and perry" states Clive Gamble of the Leicester Branch.

Contributors are being sought to provide news, articles and items of interest by accessing www.leicsdrinker.camra.org.uk or by contacting ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@rotidetnipflah

We are also looking for new advertisers, so if you work in a business that would be interested in supporting the new magazine and benefit from its wide distribution, please go to https://leicsdrinker.camra.org.uk/advertise/ for more information.

Jackie Wallis reported that The Black Horse at Market Bosworth is now serving real ales with Doom Bar and a Church End brewery offering.

The Flintlock is still offering a CAMRA discount while the Queens Head and Elbow Room no longer offer discount.

The White Swan in Stoke Golding is offering £2.50 a pint on Tiger, Wainwright and Sunchaser on Sundays.

Chris James reported that the Hinckley Rugby Club offers a wide range of beers including Green King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Milestone New World Bitter.

Steve Barker reported that Darren Lavender from the New Buildings Brewery has purchased brewing equipment from the Bosworth Brewery. New Buildings Windmill cask is being served at the Greyhound pub.

Join us on Tuesday 18th January, for a post Christmas Social and Meal event, starting at the Elbow Room for 19:00 . . . . . .



Then moving on to the Pestle & Mortar at 20:00 . . . . . .

Followed by dining at the Bangla Pride, New Buildings for 21:00

Following Darren Statham's very successful meeting with Dr Luke Evans MP on Tuesday 21st December, please find below the message sent to the Hinckley and Bosworth CAMRA Branch:

From: Dr Luke Evans MP
Date: 21 Dec 2021 17:39
Subject: £1 billion support for Hospitality Businesses
To: darren.j.statham@xxxxx


Dear Darren

I apologies for the short message, but given the changing nature of COVID and the Omicron variant, I wanted to update you with new information I received today. As you are a strong supporter of our local hospitality sector, I thought it was pertinent to share with you the recent announcement by the Chancellor for an additional £1 billion in support for businesses most impacted by the new Omicron variant. My office have just been made aware of the announcement, and are awaiting further details, though you can find out more here: £1 billion in support for businesses most impacted by Omicron across the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) I thought it was important to let you know that funding will be made available imminently as I recognise at what is often their most profitable time of year, many local pubs and restaurants have seen cancellations and reduced footfall as people have responded to the rise in cases ahead of Christmas. Around 200,000 businesses will be eligible for business grants which will be administered by local authorities and will be available in the coming weeks:

As the funding will be allocated and distributed by local authorities, please contact the council when applications open and if you have any queries: Contact us | Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk) You can find further help and support here: Help and advice for businesses | Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk) Please pass on to anyone who you believe this may be helpful to. As I have done throughout the pandemic, I will continue to make representations to the Government for support for businesses significantly affected by the pandemic, such as the night-time economy, hospitality sector, retail, travel and transport industry. As before, I hope to monitor the progress of the rollout and raise as appropriate. I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas.

All the best,

Luke

Dr Luke Evans MP | Member of Parliament for Bosworth House of Commons | London | SW1A 0AA w: drlukeevans.org.uk t: constituency: 01455 635741 parliament: 0207 219 4250 office mobile: 07920 619812 twitter: @drlukeevans Instagram: drlukeevans

The Nuneaton and Bedworth branch are holding a social event on 26th March 2022 at the Rose Inn, celebrating the 50th anniversary of CAMRA's first AGM. All Hinckley and Bosworth branch members are invited.

From Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st November, the Elbow Room Ale & Cider House celebrates their 6th Anniversary of opening with a Brew York Tap Takeover, live music on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and Friday's Christmas lights switch on.

Please help the Hinckley & Bosworth CAMRA Branch to continue successfully.

The following committee positions are vacant:

• Treasurer
• Minutes Secretary
• Social Media Coordinator
• Pubs Campaigning Co-ordinator
• Young Member Contact

The Treasurer’s role is constitutionally vital for us to continue as a CAMRA branch. Without a Treasurer the Hinckley & Bosworth Branch might be at risk of dissolution.

Previous Treasurers and committee members will offer advice and support. A description of the roles can be provided.

If you wish to meet and discuss any of these positions please contact:

- Interim Branch Chairman Darren Statham at ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@namriahc

or

- Interim Branch Secretary John Moyes at ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@yraterces

A pub walk is planned for Saturday 25th September, starting at The Railway at 11:15. See map below:-

Tim Martin, the boss of Wetherspoons has indicated that he is on the "look out" for new premises in Hinckley, following the closure of The Baron in 2019. This was subsequently replaced by the New Baron, run by Nirad Solanki of Elmesthorpe Brewery.

The Princes Feathers have re-opened after a 10k refurbishment.

The Golden Duck Tap at Appleby Magna is holding a mini beer festival tonight (27th August), with a range of ales and accompanying live music.