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CAMRA - North Hampshire Branch This Page:           North Hampshire CAMRA Branch: Mini Beer Bus, Friday 3 April 2009 Published: April 2009   Mini Beer Bus Friday 3 April 2009 ... written by Phil M - North Hampshire CAMRA   Well it nearly didn’t happen, with no takers for my free ride to some of our more difficult to reach pubs I thought bugger it, why bother, but after a couple of phone calls I managed to get a couple of stalwarts to join me for a bit of research. After a slight detour via Whitchurch & Micheldever we made our way to our first stop at the Wonston Arms just outside Sutton Scotney. This is a real community pub with a core of regular locals whose photos adorn the walls of what feels like someones lounge, including the sofas. The beer selection was Triple fff Moondance, Otter Bright and Hogs Back Spring Ale.   We were heading towards the North Western extreme of our area to the Newbury border to try a couple of pubs that West Berks members are using and recommending, so we decided to take a trip up the Bourne Valley. Our second stop was the Swan at Barton Stacey, this is a one room, oak beamed country pub with a central bar and a restaurant to the rear. From the selection of pump clips behind the bar I’d say the beer range varies, tonight’s offerings were Bowman’s Swift One & Wallops Wood.   We continued through the Valley and the villages of Longparish, Hurstbourne Priors and St Mary Bourne to our third stop, the White Hart at Stoke. Only one pump in action, supplying Bowman’s Swift One. The barrel required a change half way through the round, but both the end and start of the barrels proved to be of superior quality to the previous hostelry’s serving.   Onwards through Hurstbourne Tarrant and onto the A343 passing the turning for the now closed Plough at Ashmansworth, Marco Pierre White’s Yew Tree Inn and the Red House before turning left through a maze of local roads and the Furze Bush at Ball End. We decided to check this pub out based on West Berks receiving lots of votes for it in their Community Pub of the Year and its history of having beer festivals with camping available. Signs were that the pub has gone upmarket with conference facilities, hotel rooms and restaurant. The beer choice was Greene King IPA and Hydes1863, both served a bit on the cold side to disguise any taste, but the food looked good and the gardens would be nice on a sunny day.   To our final destination, crossing back across the A34, passing the Carpenter’s Arms, Burghclere and the Sydmonton Estate before arriving at the Royal Oak Ecchinswell. This pub fits the Community Pub title much better, as a group of locals have saved the pub from closing by buying the lease from Enterprise and employing a manager to oversee the bar. It seems to be working, as the front bar was full and everyone appeared to be friendly with each other and also intrigued to find out who the group of fresh faces were and made us feel very welcome. Local events were being promoted around the pub including Macmillan sponsored walks across the Watership Down and Market Fayre on May 3rd. The beer served rated joint highest of the evening, with Skinner’s Cornish Knocker joining Fuller’s London Pride to end the evening and maintain the merry mood for the journey home.   Next Month: I may be without the MPV, so nothing definite yet, but there is a Weekend Walkabout in Andover. The plan is to get out to the Eagle, Abbotts Ann for lunchtime. This is a community pub that is getting a lot of positive comments at the moment, and well worth a visit before returning to Andover centre and a bit more research, see you there.   If you are interested in future events with North Hampshire CAMRA, subscribe to our mailing list to be kept informed.   << BACK TO ARTICLES ^ BACK TO TOP ^

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