The Black Horse in Sheepy Magna has new leaseholders, Paul Harris & Dean Painter, who were formerly at the Crows Nest in Nuneaton. The current beers are Pedigree, Hobgoblin and one guest. Food is served daily. New pumps and cooling were installed in October and they plan to have a more varied range of guest beers including from Burton Bridge. They also have plans to extend the patio area and convert an outbuilding next spring.

The Red Lion, Barwell has had several temporary managers over the last year, but finally a permanent replacement arrived in 11 September. Paul Casey is originally from this area and has previously run pubs in Hinckley and most recently in Dorset. Food is served Tuesday to Saturday, and a roast on Sunday lunchtimes. The regular beers are Pedigree and Marston’s Saddle Tank plus a guest beer, and a real cider (currently Rosie Pig).

The Railway closed for a week in October for refurbishment of both bars and the kitchen area. The entrance lobby has been opened up and a new fireplace installed in the bar.<

The Lime Kilns has renovated and restored the downstairs room with a wood burner stove and country style armchairs and 3 piece suite. The new room will be dog friendly and will have food service.

Wood Farm Brewery in Willey reopened on 4 November as The Barn Pub and Restaurant. Owned by brothers Mark and Thomas O'Neill. Thomas also owns the Blue Bear in Nuneaton. They will also have a 5 barrel brewing plant set up by Kevin from the Pig in Muck.

The Cross Keys, Burbage closed suddenly Sunday 6 August and the lease was put up for sale by Marston’s. It was reopened on 13 September by Daniel Keicher and David Leith, who also run several pubs in the south west, and the pub manager Darren Ryn. The pub had been freshened up with a change of decor and the sports TV in the back room. Food is being served every day. The 6 hand pumps are all in use with 1 real cider, 1 guest beer and 4 regular beers (Pedigree, Saddle Tank, Hobgoblin and Wainwright). They plan to hold beer festivals in February and August.

The Harvester restaurant at the Three Pots is going to be refurbished by M&B and re-branded as a Miller & Carter Steakhouse.

Many thanks to pubs officer Jackie for the update. Note: If anyone has pub or club news that may be of interest to the Branch, please contact Jackie on:- ku.gro.armac.htrowsobdnayelkcnih@reciffosbup or 01455 610932