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CAMRA - North Hampshire Branch This Page:           North Hampshire CAMRA Branch: Mini Beer Bus, Friday 6 March 2009 Published: March 2009   Mini Beer Bus Friday 6 March 2009 ... written by Phil M - North Hampshire CAMRA   We set off from the Queens Arms at 7pm, heading east out of Basingstoke on the A30. Just after the Hatch we turned off into the countryside and towards our first stop at the Fox & Goose Greywell. This was the first visit any of our group had made to this pub since the change of landlord, this appeared to be the only change as the old character remains. Ansells Mild was the choice for all the group, leaving London Pride and Ringwood Best for another visit.   On leaving we turned right and then left down a lane that confused the passengers as we headed towards our next destination of Upton grey and the Hoddington Arms. This is known to the group as an eating pub, famous for its homemade pies. This shouldn’t rule out a good beer, but unfortunately it did. With a full range of Greene King on offer, there was little choice and the half pints of Ruddles Bitter were sipped and left unfinished. This was not so much a reflection of the cellermanship, but more of a rush of anticipation of what and where next.   More country lanes and we arrived at the oasis that is the Four Horseshoes at Long Sutton. On offer were Weltons Rucked Off, Cottage Real McCoy and Scattor Rock Teign Valley Tipple, oh my what a difference a good beer makes, the sparkle was back in the group. This was our longest stop so far and we had to drag ourselves away from the bar and the banter from the regular SHB Friday night posse.   Down another lane to arrive, out of the darkness and into Odiham and the Bell. This is a sweet little booser that time and progress have thankfully restrained from messing with. Situated opposite the church, stocks and whipping post and sporting the rarity of an outside loo. The beer choice was also pleasing with Andwells King John and Caledonian Over the Bar joining the Courage Best.   The clock was ticking so we made a move to our last stop in North Warnborough and a pub that only Jim had previously visited in his distant past, the Anchor. This was another chance to sample the delights of the Andwell Brewery with the choice of Resolute and King John that finished the night well.   Join us again next month. Phil M.   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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