The latest stories from Arkell's Pubs
Edmont kicks off 2009 by completing new football arena
The first ever indoor football arena in the UK dedicated to the international sport of ‘Futsal’ has been built and fitted out by Swindon-based joinery and construction company, Edmont.
Edmont, which also built and fitted out one of the largest duty free shops in the world at Heathrow’s Terminal 5, was appointed to build the project by @Futsal Ltd, the first company in the UK to provide a national network of indoor 5-aside football arenas. The first arena, built on Bramble Road in Swindon, was opened on 24 January and plans are well advanced to develop the next two sites elsewhere across the UK.
Whilst not currently familiar in the UK, Futsal is five-aside football played in countries across the world since the 1930s and now recognised by FIFA and UEFA and the UK’s Football Association (FA). Internationally-renowned footballers such as Denilson, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos from Brazil all grew up playing Futsal and in 1989 the first Futsal World Championship was held in the Netherlands.
Edmonts deputy manager Craig Morton with Futsal directors
Craig Morton, deputy managing director at Edmont, said: “This was a fantastic project for our team. The entire scheme took us just 12 weeks to complete, from taking over the empty warehouse on Bramble Road at Techno Trading Estate in Swindon to designing, building and fitting out the arena, cafe area, changing rooms and public areas. The game of Futsal may not be currently be well-known, but I can see the sport taking off quickly once the UK has a series of dedicated Futsal arenas.”
@futsal was founded by Managing Director Frank Rodriguez, who was voted 2005 national emerging entrepreneur of the year. Frank is a national UK Futsal coach and determined to build the sport up from the grass roots.
Frank said: “We had a very tight schedule to work to, but Edmont have built not only an arena that I’m very proud of, but they’ve done it to the highest quality and with great attention to detail. This is essential because wherever people go they demand excellent facilities and attractive surroundings. Edmont have delivered, and now we’re looking forward to bringing a brand new sport to Swindon.”
Craig Morton and his team can be contacted at Edmont, Hyde Road, Swindon SN2 7RB.
Tel: 01793 825765.
Arkell’s contributes to sustainable farming
The cows at Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve could possibly be some of the happiest cattle in Wiltshire, thanks to Arkell’s Brewery in Swindon.
Every week, The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s livestock and grasslands manager, Paul Hill, collects the spent grain used in the Arkell’s brewing process and mixes it in with cattle feed, to produce a natural, high protein food for his Aberdeen Angus and Wiltshire Short Horns.
Blakehill is a nationally-recognised nature reserve run by The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust which uses traditional management methods, and grazing by carefully selected breeds of cattle, to restore the hay meadows to a blaze of summer colour.
The spent grain provided by Arkells, or ‘Brewer’s Mash’ as it’s more commonly known, has been used for centuries to enhance the natural diet of beef and dairy cows, according to Don Bracher, who supplies the brewer’s mash to Blakes Hill and to another local farmer.
Don Bracher, Brian Curtis and Paul Hill at Arkell's Brewery
“The use of natural byproducts in food production is part of the natural circle of life, which many people have forgotten,” he says.
‘Mashing’ has been part of the traditional brewing process for centuries. Ground malted barley is soaked in hot water, in a ‘mash tun’, a similar process to brewing a cup of tea, but using ground barley instead of tea leaves. The natural sugars in the malt dissolve in the water and the resulting liquid is strained and boiled with hops before being fermented into real ale.
This brewing process leaves behind the rich, high protein, spent grain – perfect for animals as the sugar has been taken away for use in the brewing process.
Paul Hill said: “It’s highly nutritious, and an important contribution to our herd’s balanced diet. It also makes good economic sense as we collect it from the brewery which is only a few miles away.”
Arkell’s would like to follow this cycle through to its natural conclusion.
“When the steers are fully grown, we’re planning to buy some of this delicious, naturally-reared meat to put on some of our pub’s menus,” said Don.
“Brewing and farming have always been interconnected. Beef washed down with Ale is as ‘old as the hills’ – well, certainly 1843 for customers at Arkell’s Brewery,” he added.
The Plough throws open its front door - literally
It seems an obvious thing to do when running a pub – opening up the front door to customers.
But at The Plough in Fairford, the front door had been locked up for years under the previous landlords as they aimed to encourage a flow of customers through the enlarged side entrance when the pub was extensively refurbished by pub owners, Arkell’s Brewery.
But when new landlord Paul Harris took over the pub in December, he threw open the front door to encourage passing trade.
“It seemed obvious to me that people were more likely to drop in if they could step right off the pavement and into the bar, so we threw open the front door to welcome them in,” he said.
Jane and Paul Harris outside The Plough Inn
This is Paul’s first pub, having lived in Fairford and successfully run his own cable and harness business for many years.
“I’d always thought that running a pub would be fun, and my wife Jane comes from a family which ran pubs so she knows a lot about the trade already,” said Paul.
Paul is also very competitive and is determined to make the Plough as successful as his wife’s beauty salon business in Cricklade.
“I’m going to make this pub the most welcoming in Fairford,” he said. “I’ve redecorated and refurnished it and it looks great. Now I’m hoping that the locals will appreciate the work we’ve put in and help me make it the best business in the town.”
George Arkell at pub owners, Arkell’s Brewery, said: “Paul’s enthusiasm is infectious. The pub looks fantastic – and now he’s made it much easier for passers-by to step in, he’s already boosted trade.”
More about The Plough, Fairford
Running Horse safely back in the Arkell’s Stable
After more than 20 years leased out to the Beefeater steak house chain, The Running Horse pub is now back under control of owners Arkell’s Brewery which has restored it to a traditional local pub.
The pub, on the A3102 Wootton Bassett Road out of Swindon, has been redecorated and reopened just before Christmas to welcome in the residents of nearby Rushy Platt, many of whom have been piling in through the doors of the pub to celebrate the return of their local, according to new landlord Lenny Wallace.
“Rushy Platt doesn’t have another pub and now The Running Horse is being run again by their local brewery, many residents have come back in for the first time in years,” he said.
Arkell’s bought The Running Horse more than 100 years ago in 1891 and rebuilt it soon afterwards. In 1985, responding to the surge in popularity of family steak houses, the brewery agreed to lease the pub to the growing Beefeater chain and for more than a decade, the pub was home to one of the most popular steakhouses in Swindon.
By the year 2000, however, steakhouses were losing their mass appeal as customers tired of the narrow menu range. In 2005 Beefeater sold on the lease to another pub company which subsequently went into administration.
Landlord Lenny Wallace and Craig Titchener outside The Running Horse
James Arkell, chairman at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “We were delighted to resume control of The Running Horse having seen the lease passed from one business to another without being able to retake possession of the pub ourselves.
“Now the pub is back in the Arkell’s stable we’ve invested in a redecoration and put an experienced landlord behind the bar. The pub is again doing food, but this time it’s a traditional pub menu.”
New landlord Lenny Wallace, who has moved from Arkell’s pub The Tawny Owl to take over his first managerial role with Arkell’s, is delighted with the welcome he has received since taking over in December.
“This is a fantastic location for a pub – close to more than 3000 homes at Rushy Platt and on one of the main routes from Swindon’s Old Town out to West Swindon. We’re offering food at the right price for today’s market aiming to provide good value– and no steaks or Black Forest Gateau on the menu.”
More about The Running Horse, Swindon
How to open a pub in two hours
New landlords at The Bantam at Burghfield Common had just two hours to get the business up and running when they took over behind the bar at the pub a couple of months ago.
Now they are celebrating a big boost in business thanks to fantastic support from their locals – and not just as customers.
Andrew and Carol Waters moved into The Bantam from running a pub in Swindon with just a bag of clothes each – and no car.
“We were so keen to get going that we turned up almost with just the clothes we were wearing and a toothbrush each,” said Andrew. “As soon as we arrived we cleaned the beer lines so we could open that evening.”
To begin with the couple didn’t have a car, so the locals drove them around until they got themselves sorted out.
Open on time: Andrew and Carol Waters outside The Bantam
Carol said: “Everyone has been fantastic and in return we are determined to make them proud of their community pub.”
The Bantam was extensively refurbished by owners Arkell’s Brewery earlier this year, and Andrew and Carol haven’t wasted any time in making the most of its new facilities. The pub is in the centre of Omer’s Rise, a community estate of around 2,500 people.
Andrew has run pubs for 17 years. He said: “We’ve started to open up at lunchtimes which hadn’t happened for a while, and it’s paying off. I love running a pub owned directly by a brewery because the beer is always fresh because it’s delivered directly from Arkell’s and doesn’t sit in a pubco’s warehouse for a week before it’s shipped out to the pub. And I can chat to the draymen who tell me what’s going on at the brewery so we can keep in touch.”
George Arkell, at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “Andrew and Carol have done a great job and the locals love having them there. Getting the right landlord in a pub such as The Bantam is essential as it is at the heart of the local community. Since they have arrived, Andrew and Carol have organised a host of charitable events, including pony rides in the car park to raise money for Children in Need.
More about The Bantam, Burghfield Common
Landlords treble trade at The Woodpecker
New landlords at the Woodpecker at Washwater near Newbury, Clive and Margaret Whittam, have trebled their trade since taking over the tenancy at the Arkell’s Brewery-owned pub a couple of months ago, by increasing the number of events they run for the locals.
“When we took over, the pub hadn’t done many social events in the last few years,” explained Clive. “So as soon as we moved in we threw a big Halloween party to show that we wanted the pub to welcome everyone in the family, not just the adults. And it seems to have paid off because many have been back again and again.”
Thriving pub: Margaret and Clive Whittam outside The Woodpecker
He added: “Community pubs across the UK may be under threat, but there are still thousands that are doing the business, keeping their communities fed and watered and providing a warm and comfortable place to socialise.”
Clive has run pubs and clubs practically all his working life except for the first 17 years when he was a Yorkshire miner. “My dad always ran pubs, and for a long time ran a pub in the middle of a thousand council houses in Dewsbury, Yorkshire. I left school to go down the pits but after 17 years I’d had enough of it. Now I’m working at a different sort of coal-face – only this time, whilst it undoubtedly has its own challenges, it’s a lot more enjoyable.”
Whilst sales of Arkell’s real ale have soared since the couple took over, Clive says that it will never be the same as when he was a lad in Yorkshire. “Then the local brewery delivered massive Hogsheads which held 54 gallons of beer – and most weeks our locals easily got through three of them.”
George Arkell at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “Clive and Margaret have successfully run a number of our pubs for us over the years, and we aredelighted they have taken over The Woodpecker when it became vacant, because their children and grandchildren live close by. Whilst it would be wonderful to sell the same quantity of beer that Clive’s father used to sell in Yorkshire, I’m not sure that the huge hogshead barrels would fit down the cellar.”
Clive and Margaret are already planning the pub’s New Year’s Eve Party.
Landlord’s family ‘Volunteer’ to eat up
One of the best things about running a pub is that there’s always plenty of food and drink on the premises. And one of the best things about being related to the landlords is that there is always somewhere to go and eat if you don’t feel like cooking yourself.
However, at Arkell’s pub The Volunteer at Great Somerford, near Malmesbury, new landlords John and Hayley Pearce have trained their family well. “When they come to visit they don’t ask: ‘What’s on the menu”’, said Hayley. “Instead they say: ‘What needs eating up?’”. Hayley ran Stepping Stones nursery in Cirencester before joining her husband in the pub trade two years ago.
The couple, from Cirencester, have just taken over behind the bar at The Volunteer, having moved back to the area from running their first pub together in Cornwall.
“Cornwall was lovely, but we missed our grown-up family and friends so much that we decided to come home,” said Hayley.
“Great Somerford’s got everything a village should have – a community, a village shop and of course the best pub for miles.”
Landlord and Lady John and Hayley Pearce at The Volunteer
Arkell’s Brewery director, George Arkell, said: “John and Hayley are the perfect couple to run a pub. John’s very sociable and loves his beer and Hayley does all the cooking and keeps the accounts in order.”
For John, it’s all about the beer. “I love running a good cellar, producing the best real ale,” he said. “In my pub, each pint of Arkell’s real ale tastes as good in the glass on the bar as it does when it leaves the brewery.”
Having settled in behind the bar, John and Hayley are now serving food – and expecting visits from their families. Hayley said: “I’m a cook, not a chef, so I serve good pub food using local ingredients and suppliers where I can. We get our meat from Jesse Smith in Cirencester because the best menu comes from simply prepared food using the best ingredients – that could be why we see so much of our families.”
More about the Volunteer Inn, Great Somerford
White Hart Hotel reveals hidden secrets
A 12th century hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold’s famous Square, has reopened after a massive renovation project which took just six weeks to complete and cost around £250,000.
The renovation revealed some surprises at The White Hart too: Decorators not only uncovered two priest holes but also a 17th century fireplace and two Victorian fireplaces, all hidden away for decades.
Hotel owners, Arkell’s Brewery, hope that the investment will pay off not only for the hotel, but also for the pretty Cotswold town and have welcomed new landlords Paul and Mandy Griffiths behind the bar.
James Arkell alongside The White Harts Landlord and Lady Paul and Mary Griffiths
Paul and Mandy moved from The Carpenter’s Arms at Fulbrook near Burford to take over the hotel last month, along with most of their loyal staff. Mandy said: “This has been a joint project between Arkell’s, who have been fantastically supportive, and ourselves, and we’re thrilled with the result. I think the locals are happy too as they almost drank the pub dry the first weekend we opened.”
Paul, who has cooked for The King of Saudi Arabia, Nelson Mandela and a host of UK celebrities, is hoping to create a haven for local drinkers and visitors from further afield who will stay in the refurbished hotel rooms. His menu contains unfussy, uncomplicated dishes focussing on local ingredients.”
Although the front of the building is Georgian, parts of The White Hart date back to the 12th century and it was a coaching inn from the 14th Century.
James added: “This is an investment in The White Hart, which we bought eleven years ago this month, and in Stow-on-the-Wold. Mandy and Paul are great new landlords who have had significant input into its restoration. Since we have uncovered much of the building’s hidden beauty, the hotel could almost become a tourist attraction itself. ”
More about the White Hart, Stow-on-the-Wold
Arkell’s backs a new campaign to Save the Pub
Arkell’s Brewery is pledging its wholehearted support for a new national campaign to save the British Pub.
The ‘Axe the Beer Tax, Save the Pub’ campaign is being launched in London on 27th November supported by Coronation Street barmaid Michelle Connor, played by actress Kym Marsh. Action in this long-running soap opera has always revolved around the Weatherfield pub.
Corrie star: Kym Marsh, who fronts the 'Save the Pub' campaign
The new national campaign, which has its own website at www.axethebeertax.com (see link below) is calling a halt to government plans to raise beer taxes even further and to take steps to safeguard Britain’s increasingly beleaguered pubs.
With beer sales in pubs at their lowest since the Great Depression, Britain’s beer and pub trade is under threat. More pubs are closing every week, profits are down and jobs are being lost.
According to ‘Axe the Beer Tax’, new research predicts 43,000 job losses if the Chancellor goes ahead with his planned tax increases, and beer sales will fall by 13 million barrels over five years.
James Arkell, chairman at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “This is not the time to raise beer taxes. The Government should be helping to save this great traditional industry, not throwing yet another spanner in the works. 90% of all beer drunk in this country’s pubs is brewed in the UK, so by increasing the taxes the Government is also driving another nail into the coffin of the country’s manufacturing industry –how responsible is that?
“The best way to promote personal responsibility is to encourage everyone who wants to enjoy a drink to do so within a suitable environment such as a pub or bar where there are other people around. Landlords want their customers to have a good time, but they also want them to return, so they encourage them to drink responsibly and enjoy their visit.”
As beer tax goes up, beer sales go down so if the Government is seeking to increase its tax revenues, James Arkell points out that it will have the opposite effect.
“The Treasury already takes one third of the price of every pint. Beer tax was increased by 9.1 per cent in the last budget and the Chancellor plans to increase it by 2 per cent above inflation for the next four years.
“The Government’s policy flies in the face of everything it is currently trying to achieve: If beer tax rises, jobs are lost both in the pubs and in the manufacturing industry, people stop spending and more beer is likely to be purchased at below cost price from supermarkets, leading to further increases in violence and disorder caused by excessive drinking of cheap alcohol bought from supermarkets, which is what the Government’s Home Affairs Select Committee says is the biggest problem currently faced by police forces.
“For the good of the industry and for the country, enough is enough. We urge the Government to have the good sense to see that more tax on beer cannot possibly be the solution they are looking for.”
Saturday night ‘On the Other Side’ at The Clifton
Sky TV’s Psychic Channel medium ‘Litz’ will be at The Clifton pub, Clifton Street, Swindon this Saturday to help people contact deceased friends and relatives who they believe to be ‘on the other side’.
According to locals the pub, which is believed to have been built on the site of an old priory, has its own nun, who is thought to walk through the building from time to time.
Litz, who will not give readings to anyone she considers vulnerable, or to anyone under 18, will start her session at 7pm.
Tickets cost £10 and are available from landlords Simon and Wendy Harrison on 01793 523162.
Wendy says: “This is the second time this year that Litz has visited The Clifton, and we are looking forward to welcoming her back.”
At 9.30pm, following the psychic reading, The Clifton will be hosting a disco, by drag DJ Jody Farce.
More about the Clifton, Swindon
From flying to fudge at The Exmouth Arm's charity auction
The Exmouth Arms on Bath Road, Leckhampton will be doing its bit for charity on 4th December when the pub hosts a charity auction night in aid of Winston's Wish, the charity that provides help and support to bereaved children and their families.
Auction items on offer range from a flying lesson to a bag of fudge, with lots such as Gloucester Rugby Tickets, a ½ day computer training course and a pearl necklace also up for grabs.
Landlord Mike Huysinga said: "We've got over 60 lots to auction and there really is something for everyone - although I think that perhaps we'll put the bag of fudge in the raffle. Most of all we want people to come out and enjoy the evening. Events such as these are as much about getting together as a community as raising money for a very good cause."
The Exmouth Arms is planning on making a night of it by providing live music and a winter barbeque as well.
To contribute to the auction, contact Mike Huysinga at The Exmouth Arms on 01242 528149. The Exmouth Arms Auction Night is on 4th December. Parking is available at the back of the pub.
More about the Exmouth Arms, Cheltenham
‘Try before you buy’ at The White Hart, Cricklade
With the help of an award-winning new landlord behind the bar at The White Hart at Cricklade, Arkell’s Brewery is launching a scheme at the pub which it hopes will encourage customers to try out new local real ales.
Simply the Prest: new White Hart landlord Richard Prest with a pint of Arkell's Kingsdown ale - now available to 'try before you buy'
“Try before you Buy” will allow customers to taste, free of charge, a ¼ pint of any of the real ales on tap at the Arkell’s-owned pub.
Richard Prest, whose previous pub in Bournemouth won the Morning Advertiser’s South West Real Ale Pub of the year last year, took over at The White Hart two weeks’ ago. He said: “My mission is to get more people to taste and enjoy our fantastic British real ale. We’ve already expanded our real ales to include Arkell’s Kingsdown, Moonlight and JRA, as well as the classic 3Bs which is on tap permanently. We’ll be alternating the three new beers so that our customers have something new to taste.”
Brewery chairman, James Arkell, said: “Our Real Ale is brewed from hops, yeast, water and barley: All wonderful natural ingredients that when drunk in moderation taste delicious and are good for us all. All you need for perfection is a landlord that really knows how to look after his beer, as Richard does.”
Customers at The White Hart will also be able to try Arkell’s seasonal beer, N?el Ale, when it is being delivered into Arkell’s pubs at the beginning of December.
Richard added: “Some people have preconceived ideas about what they think real ale tastes like, without having ever tried it for themselves, but in my experience when they do try a perfectly brewed pint, pulled from the barrel by a landlord who knows how to keep a cellar, they will agree there is little else that can match it.”
More about the White Hart Hotel at Cricklade
Arkell’s beer ‘live’ on-line help celebrations go with a swing
Whatever the gloomy headlines, Arkell’s Brewery is determined to help this Christmas celebrations go with a swing.
The brewery, which has pubs across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire has made its famous Christmas beer, Noel Ale, available to buy through its website (see link below).
Noel Ale 20L Partypin: now available to buy online
“This is the first time we have made any of our beers available to buy on-line, and if Noel Ale is a success, we’ll look at making more of our real ales available in the same way,” said brewery director, George Arkell.
What makes Noel Ale taste like the beer pulled from a barrel of beer down at the local pub is that it is still ‘live’ and like the cask ale served in pubs, will need settling for 24 hours before serving. Once opened it should be consumed within 7 days.
Delivery is free within 2 miles of an Arkell’s pub, or the delivery can be collected from any Arkell’s pub, so you can enjoy a pint from the landlord’s barrel before taking your party pin home to enjoy.
N?el Ale, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year, was first brewed in 1987. It is named in honour of former brewery chairman, Sir Noel Arkell, who was born on Christmas Day.
The 5% ABV full-bodied beer is cleverly disguised by its distinctive light colour and slides down very easily, leaving drinkers with a warm, tingling feeling – ideal for celebrations and cold winters.
It is available through the Arkell’s website (see link below) in 20 litre and 10 litre partypins and in 8 bottle cases.
Delivery is free within 2 miles of any Arkell’s pub or can be collected from any Arkell’s pub.
Costs:
Noel Ale 20L (36 pints) Partypin: £60.00
Noel Ale 10L (18 pints) Partypin: £30.00
Noel Ale 8-pack: £14.00
Noel Ale 3-bottle Christmas Giftpack: £5.50
Delivery to anywhere across England and Wales mainland. All costs above exclude delivery.
Pub landlords save chickens from life of misery
20 chickens have been saved from a life of misery on a battery farm by the new landlords at The Rising Sun, Woolhampton on the main A4 between Thatcham and Reading.
Now the lucky chickens not only have a long and happy free-range life to look forward to, but they are living in new chicken houses painted to match the yellow colour of their owner’s new pub.
Peter and Julie Cunningham in the paddock at The Rising Sun
Just weeks after taking over the pub, owned by Swindon-based real ale brewery Arkell’s, previously self-confessed townie landlords Peter and Julie Cunningham have now discovered the delights of countryside living.
Julie said: “We’ve always lived in towns and knew little of the country life, but when we visited the pub I fell in love with it and the surrounding countryside.”
Not content with her new chickens, Julie has also persuaded Peter to adopt four goats too.
“They keep the grass down,” said Peter, who whilst quietly grumbling about having to get up early to feed his new menagerie is also evidently happy with the new arrangements.
The Rising Sun at Woolhampton has a large garden and paddock behind the pub - ideal for the goats and chickens to roam around.
Brewery director, George Arkell, said: “Peter and Julie moved into the pub two months ago, and are learning to live ‘The Good Life’ for the first time. We think it’s a great idea. The goats will keep the grass down and the chickens should soon start producing free range eggs for one of the pub’s most popular meals: Wiltshire ham, egg and chips.”
‘Mad Wellie’ back in town!
Malcolm Holloway, aka ‘The Mad Wellie’ might have hung up his helmet in 2005 but Swindon’s former speedway star is back in town, this time with his feet firmly on the ground, behind a bar.
Malcolm has returned from promoting Reading Speedway to run Arkell’s pub The Jovial Monk at St Andrew’s Ridge, the closest pub to Swindon’s Speedway.
No stranger to pub life, Malcolm ran The Dolphin and The Wheatsheaf, both Arkell’s pubs in Swindon, for ten years.
He said: “It’s great to be back in Swindon, and fantastic to be running The Jovial Monk, which is so close to Swindon Speedway that I can hear the smell of the oil and hear the shouts from the crowd.”
New Landlord Malcolm Holloway(r) with son Richard outside The Jovial Monk.
Malcolm first started riding for Swindon Robins in 1977 and spent some years riding for Reading before returning to Swindon as team manager in 1995 and then back on the bike again to ride for The Somerset Rebels. He retired in 2004 after suffering a range of injuries.
“I’ve broken a fair number of bones from my time at the Speedway,” said Malcolm. But his most painful injury wasn’t caused whilst on two wheels, but when he fell off the back of a lorry whilst trying to pull a tarpaulin over it. “I was in plaster for eight months after that accident,” he adds.
Malcolm got his nickname ‘The Mad Wellie’ whilst he was working as a farmhand in Swindon in 1978. He would rush off for meetings at Milton Keynes in his work clothes, including his Wellington boots.
George Arkell, Director at Arkell’s Brewey, which owns The Jovial Monk, said: “We love having Malcolm back as one of our landlords, and it’s wonderful that he’s now running the pub closest to where he experienced some of his greatest sporting achievements.”
White Hart at Stow gets a clean face
A team of painters and decorators moved into The White Hart at Stow this week to begin a redecoration of one of the town’s oldest buildings by owners, Arkell’s Brewery.
The hotel, which in parts dates back to the 12th Century, will close throughout the redecoration and re-open at the end of November with new landlords behind the bar.
Paul and Mandy Griffiths, who ran The Carpenter’s Arms at Fulbrook near Burford for a number of years and quadrupled trade during their time there, now have ambitious plans for The White Hart.
It’s rare for Arkell’s to close a pub during such redecoration, but brewery director George Arkell says that he wants to give The White Hart a thorough spruce up to meet the ambitions of its new landlords.
“We are delighted to have attracted such experienced landlords as Paul and Mandy,” said George this week. “Paul has cooked for The King of Saudi Arabia, Nelson Mandela and a host of celebrities, so we want The White Hart to live up to his expectations!”
Mandy said: “This is a big step forward for us, and we wouldn’t be doing it without the huge and generous support that Arkell’s are giving us. This is our first hotel and we want to make it a special place that locals and visitors alike will feel happy in and comfortable visiting.”
Although the front of the building is Georgian, The White Hart was a coaching inn from the 14th Century, and there are even two Tudor priest holes upstairs.
George said: “The White Hart is in the most beautiful part of Stow on the Wold, overlooking its’ pretty square. With Paul and Mandy behind the bar and running the kitchens, The White Hart has the chance to become the best reason to visit Stow.”
More about The White Hart, Stow-on-the-Wold
Fish & Chips are Crowning glory at Broad Hinton pub
A Wiltshire landlord is celebrating a £1/4 million investment in his Arkell's pub by creating a 'signature' dish using beer that would normally go to waste.
Terry Beamish, who took over The Crown at Broad Hinton with his partner, Tricia Moloney, six months ago, is using the first pint pulled out of a new barrel of real ale, which is traditionally not served to customers, and making a fresh fish batter to liven up his menu.
And customers are flocking to the pub, including one lady customer of 102 who returned to sample the dish for a second time after discovering it on Terry's new menu.
Terry, a Wiltshire man and trained chef, moved back to his native county after 20 years running a city pub in Smithfield Market, London.
"A few weeks after we moved in, Arkell's began a big refurbishment, including putting new loos in, so since we have been here we've had the company of builders, plumbers and electricians. During that time, I was getting to know the pub and felt it was a big shame that the first pint of a new barrel was going to waste."
Landlord and Lady Terry Beamish and Tricia Moloney outside The Crown Inn, Broad Hinton
Being from the 'waste not want not' school of thought, Terry decided to experiment and came up with his unique real ale batter, which he makes fresh every day in The Crown's kitchen, to accompany the fresh cod which is delivered to his door directly from Grimsby.
"We order four stone of Grimsby fish every week and most of it is used in our Crown fish and chips, which are becoming increasingly popular with our customers," he added.
James Arkell, chairman at Arkell's Brewery, said: "No-one likes waste, and Terry has found the perfect answer to using the whole barrel of beer. Whilst I like my pint of 3Bs best in a tall glass, the fresh beer- battered fish and chips make a delicious accompaniment."
Arkell's bought The Crown at Broad Hinton in 1986. Close to one of Wiltshire's historic white horses at Hackpen, it's just off the main Swindon-Devizes road. Large inside and with extensive gardens and parking outside, it remains very popular particularly during the Summer months.
The Crown also offers bed and breakfast accommodation.
More about The Crown Inn at Broad Hinton
Exmouth Arms Landlord digs in
A Cheltenham landlord is hoping to guarantee the freshest vegetables for his pub next year by putting an unused area of land behind the pub for use as allotments.
He is currently seeking planning permission from Cheltenham Borough Council for change of use and hopes to be able to offer the allotments to those living in the residential areas closest to the pub.
“The area isn’t huge, around 18 metres square, but it is big enough to give those people with small gardens the chance to grow their own vegetables without having to dig up their lawns,” said Mike Huysinga, who took over behind the bar at The Exmouth Arms last year, after the pub owners, Arkell’s Brewery, had invested heavily in its renovation.
Arkell's Director George Arkell and Landlord Mike Huysinger at the allotment site.
Mike plans to keep one allotment for the pub’s kitchens, but is hoping that fellow allotment gardeners will help him out in keeping it productive and trim.
“I think I’m going to need some help and advice, as I haven’t had an allotment before,” he said. “But it’s a fantastic opportunity to bring a little bit of the countryside right into the centre of Cheltenham for the benefit of residents and their local pub.”
The scrub area of land behind the pub garden fell into disuse some years ago, but Arkell’s Brewery has rotavated the land in readiness for the new use, provided the council gives the go-ahead.
George Arkell, Director at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “We hear a lot about ‘food miles’ - the distance that food is transported from production to consumer, but you could say that Mike’s vegetables will only incur ‘food feet or metres’. In these days of rising food costs, this is a fantastic idea, both for The Exmouth Arms and the local residents who want to roll up their sleeves and dig in.”
More about The Exmouth Arms, Cheltenham
Gloucester pubs buck national trend
Four pubs which closed their doors some months ago are now reopening in Gloucester, bucking the national trend.
The Inn on the Docks on Llanthony Road owned by family brewery Arkell’s and formerly known as The Sir Colin Campbell, has received a £60,000 refurbishment thanks to a joint investment between Arkell’s and new landlords Gavin McAlvey, Mark Wylie and Chris Hayes, who run the well-established Coots Cafe at the Waterways Museum in the Docks and at The Gateway Centre at South Cerney Water Park, near Cirencester. The pub will be run by manager Leanne Martin.
Standing on the banks of the River Severn and close to Gloucester Docks, The Inn on the Docks is just one of three pubs that have already reopened their doors and it is likely that a fourth City pub will be announcing its reopening soon.
George Arkell, director at Swindon-based Arkell’s Brewery which owns over 100 more pubs across the South and West of England, said: “The Inn on the Docks is right in the centre of the City’s regeneration: Opposite the new Gloucestershire College and a few steps from the new designer outlet centre. Between them, Gavin, Mark and Chris have a huge amount of experience and there is no-one better qualified to make a big success of The Inn on the Docks. There is a new feeling of confidence right across Gloucester, which is evident in the reopening of all these pubs and the significant development work going on around the city.”
Landlord Chris Hayes outside The Inn on the Docks, Gloucester.
Another pub which has recently re-opened after 18 months is The Victoria on Oxford Street, close to Kingsholm Rugby Stadium. Landlords Paul Braddock and Tracy Carter have refurbished the pub and opened it up again last week, to a great response from locals. “Now we need to spread the word that we are open, and that we are selling great real ale,” said Paul.
The Victoria will be offering a food menu by Christmas and plans to reopen the five lettings rooms in early 2009.
The fourth pub due to reopen within the next two months is The York, also close to Kingsholm Stadium.
Tony Jerome, CAMRA Spokesman, said: “It’s fantastic to hear of an area where four pubs are re-opening, especially in a well-documented age of pub closures where 36 are shutting per week. This is definitive proof that by considering the needs of the local community, and by finding the right recipe, community pubs still play a major part in the lives of British people.”
At The Inn on the Docks, Chris Hayes, who set up the Gloucester Climbing Centre and taught at Hartpury College before running the Waterways Museum for four years throughout its period of refurbishment before joining Gavin and Mark in September this year, said: “Gloucester has now been given a big opportunity to become a major tourist destination. Despite the national economic gloom, we are taking a medium to long term view of the business because we see Gloucester as having the most potential of any town or city in the South West. We are looking forward to contributing to this success by making The Inn on the Docks an exciting and enjoyable venue for both the local community and city visitors.”
Chris Oldershaw, at Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company, which is spearheading the City’s regeneration said: “The significant funding by the South West Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships has helped to create investor confidence. This was shown last month when Ecclesiastical Insurance announced its intention to build a new headquarters in the City and it is very good news that this investor confidence is now spreading into the wider business community.”
More about The Inn on the Docks, Gloucester
Vintage passengers driven to drink at Arkell’s Brewery
Twenty vintage cars drove into Arkell’s Brewery this week when members of Fairford Classic Car Club visited for a private tour of the Swindon-based brewery, but of course it was only the passengers who could sample the famous Arkell’s ales, as the cars had to be driven home again afterwards.
“It’s not often that our visitors can say that they like being driven to drink,” said brewery chairman, James Arkell. “But I think it’s almost worth denying myself a pint of 3Bs to have the opportunity drive one of these wonderful cars”
James Arkell in an Austin 7 with owner Norman Whitworth of Wroughton
A huge range of cars, from a 1934 Austin 7 to a 1960s mini, caused local traffic to grind to a halt as they turned into the brewery and parked in front of the brewery’s famous chimney.
Fairford Classic Car Club has been running for 22 years and now has 99 members from across Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, who collectively own 300-400 classic cars.
Fairford CCC Chairman Malcolm Cutler and James Arkell with cars and members
Club secretary, Barry Cooper, said: “Our ‘headquarters’ is The Bull Hotel, Fairford – another Arkell’s pub, and around 30 times a year we’ll meet there before climbing into our cars and going for a drive. It’s almost become a way of life for us now, as many of us have been with the club since the beginning.”
James Arkell and many of the staff stopped work to welcome the vintage visitors, including Triumph Spitfires, MGs, Minis and the oldest of the day – a 1934 Austin 7. “Classic cars share a priceless heritage, just like our brewery,” he said. “The owners have gone to great lengths to keep their cars on the road, and it was wonderful to welcome so many of them here.”
The Old Bear’s Blooming Marvellous
Landlords at The Old Bear in Cricklade, Steve and Teresa Cleverley, are celebrating a treble success.
Not only have they won Cricklade Town Council’s ‘Cricklade in Bloom’ competition for two years in a row with their wonderful flower displays at the front and back of the pub, but this year they’ve also won the Council’s award for ‘Best Business’ too.
For a pub that doesn’t do food and doesn’t open at lunchtimes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays this might be a bit of a surprise.
Landlord and Lady Steve and Teresa Cleverley outside The Old Bear, Cricklade.
But Steve and Teresa have remembered what many businesses across the UK seem to have forgotten: Do what you do well, get a good reputation and the business will come. Too much diversification and you might forget what you’re really there for and your customers might forget what you’re good at too and go elsewhere.
With a lot of competition in this small Wiltshire town, it’s a brave decision for Steve and Teresa to have made, but they say their Arkell’s owned pub is a small, traditional oasis in the busy town of Cricklade.
Steve said: “We’ve got a great set of regulars and we make sure our beer is good. Some of our customers say that they actually don’t want to sit in amongst people who are eating and prefer to visit us to chat and catch up on latest events. We are a traditional town pub and that seems to work for us.
“We are delighted to have won the accolades from those who know our business best, and we raise our glasses to our local Council.”
George Arkell, at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “This is a wonderful achievement by Steve and Teresa and a ringing endorsement of the traditional British pub.”
More about The Old Bear, Cricklade
It’s not just Gold for Olympians
Arkell’s Brewery is celebrating winning its own Gold Medal – but sadly brewing real ale isn’t a recognised Olympian Sport – yet.
The Wiltshire-based brewery has won Gold for its Kingsdown Real Ale at the annual Taste of the West awards, announced yesterday.
Head brewer at Arkell’s Brewery, Don Bracher, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. At 5% ABV, Kingsdown is the strongest of our regular beers and was first brewed in 1969 as a special. However it was so popular that it went into regular production in 1976 and has been a firm favourite ever since.”
The award comes from the highly respected Taste of the West, the regional food and drink trade organisation for the South West of England.
George Arkell, director at Arkell’s Brewery, pulling a pint of Kingsdown Ale.
Kingsdown Ale has a distinctive character of with a rich colour, ripe fruit 'nose' and the traditional Arkell's hoppiness. Kingsdown was named after the area of Upper Stratton where the brewery has been since 1843. Originally brewed as a special beer to commemorate Swindon Town Football Club's League Cup triumph in 1969, it is now available as cask ale and in bottles.
Brewery director, George Arkell, said: “Winning a Gold award for our Kingsdown is a big honour, we’re just as delighted with our brewery as we are of all our proud British Olympians. We think we’ll use a pint of Kingsdown to celebrate their win – and ours too.”
A spokeswoman for Taste of the West said: “Our judges enjoy tasting all the beers, as unlike the wine which they spit out on tasting, they have to swallow the beer to appreciate the full flavour. After the 2008 beer tasting, they all had to go home on the bus.”
New landlords welcome a bit of competition
With new landlords Chris Benton and Jane Acott moving into The Golden Cross on Black Jack Street in Cirencester, this previously quiet back street in the town’s oldest and prettiest quarter is likely to become one of the busiest.
Because this street won’t just be home to an Arkell’s real ale pub, but also a wine bar, a national pub operation and coffee shops.
Experienced landlord Chris is delighted with this turn of events. “The more the merrier! More people walking down the street will mean more customers dropping into The Golden Cross and discovering what a great little town pub we’ve got,” he said.
Landlord and Lady Chris Benton and Jane Ascott with Arkell's Director George Arkell at the Golden Cross.
George Arkell, director at pub owners Arkell’s Brewery, agrees. “Black Jack Street is tucked away,” he said. “But it’s Cirencester’s most diverse street, with lots of little boutiques, a wonderful butchers, a bookies and even an award-winning museum at the end. An increased flow of people mean sa better atmosphere which will really boost business – and provide more members for the pubs’ skittles teams.
Chris Benton is a veteran Arkell’s landlord, having managed The Red Lion in Lechlade and The Moonrakers in Swindon before moving to Hampshire for three years to run a pub. Returning earlier this year, he and Jane needed just one look at The Golden Cross before agreeing to take on the tenancy.
“It’s a great pub in a fantastic location,” said Jane. “I love being in the middle of a bustling town.”
And the town seems to like them too. Since taking over and re-introducing a food menu, Chris and Jane have seen trade almost double.
“The boost in trade has been the best ‘welcome home’ we could have hoped for,” added Chris.
More about The Golden Cross, Cirencester
No beef about food miles at Riverside
Most of the meat on the menu at The Riverside Inn at Lechlade in Gloucestershire will have travelled fewer miles than the customers who to come to eat it.
Landlord Roger Waite has got together with local butcher Tony Cutler, of Cutler and Bayliss Butchers in Lechlade, to serve up some of the Cotswold’s most delicious meat.
Most of Tony’s beef comes from Hannington Farm, four miles upriver, and his lamb and pork come from local farmers too.
Lechlade Butcher Tony Cutler and Riverside landlord Roger Waite.
“I don’t like the thought of animals riding in lorries for miles, so we aim to keep food miles to an absolute minimum,” he said, adding that he would love it if the cows could be sailed down the river from farm to butchers, but he unfortunately doesn’t know of a boat with a reinforced frame.
Roger Waite says it’s all about giving the customers what they appreciate, and supporting other local businesses at the same time.
“Lechlade is a thriving small town, but it wouldn’t be if all the businesses didn’t support each other. Buying from Cutler and Bayliss is not only a sensible thing to do because their meat, and eggs which we also buy from them, are so delicious, that it’s a pleasure too.”
As travel gets more expensive, and people prefer to make their entertainment closer to home, Roger thinks that village and community pubs could again come into their own.
“If we are offering a warm environment and good, local real ale, food and company without a long drive to get there, then the local pub is a much more inviting prospect that it’s been for many years,” he said.
The Duke of Edinburgh keeps local spirit up
New landlords at The Duke of Edinburgh pub at Gorse Hill have vowed to keep community spirits up after near neighbour, The Gorse Hill Working Men’s club closed its doors last month.
Mick and Georgina Smith have just taken over at The Duke of Edinburgh and have spent the last few weeks painting and decorating the Arkell’s pub.
Landlady Georgina said: “This is our first joint pub tenancy, but I’ve been in the licensed trade since I was 14 years old and Mick has been doing pub relief work after a career in the building industry. The Duke is a really down-to-earth local pub and we don’t intend to change it very much as our regulars like it the way it is. We offer a good service, provide good food and we’re here if people want to use us.”
Landlord and Lady Mick and Georgina Smith outside The Duke of Edinburgh, Gorse Hill
When the closure of the working men’s club was announced, its pool team asked to complete its league matches at The Duke of Edinburgh. Now there are also two darts teams and Mick and Georgina hope that the pub’s regulars will be setting up a football team too.
As Georgina sees it, the pub is as essential to the local community as a post office or a supermarket.
“Our busiest time during the week is from around 3pm – 7.30pm when our regulars will come in for a pint after work before going home to the family. At weekends there is a steady flow of trade all day and now we are also offering sensibly-priced food - last Sunday we did our first Sunday lunches.”
George Arkell, at pub owners Arkell’s Brewery, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh pub is at the heart of the thriving Gorse Hill community and Mick and Georgina have the personality and enthusiasm to give the locals the landlords they really deserve.”
More about The Duke of Edinburgh
Swindon Town FC signs Arkell’s to 3-year deal
Arkell’s Brewery has signed a new three year sponsorship agreement with Swindon Town FC Ltd. In addition to retaining the naming rights to the North Stand at The County Ground, which the Swindon-based brewery has held since 1997, Arkell’s and Swindon Town FC will be developing a number of new commercial activities over the course of the three-year term.
“We have wanted to develop a closer commercial relationship with Swindon Town FC for a while,” said Nick Arkell, Sales Director at Arkell’s Brewery.
“With the club under new ownership, this is the ideal time to bring two of Swindon’s best-loved brands together for the benefit of club supporters and those living in and around Swindon.
"The new deal will include sponsorship of the match-day programme, fixture card, match day lucky season ticket number draw and the Arkell’s player of the month."
Nick Arkell and Nick Watkins celebrating the 3 year deal at the Arkell's stand
The brewery is also planning to launch a new Swindon Town FC Wine Club, the details of which will be announced separately.
Swindon Town FC’s Chief Executive, Nick Watkins, said: “Since becoming involved with the club I felt we should be doing much more with Arkell’s as a sponsorship partner so I am delighted with this new deal.
"Both Arkell’s and Swindon Town FC are an integral part of the community’s history and in this, our 40th League Cup anniversary year, it’s very appropriate that we will see a cementing of this relationship.”
Duke of Kent gets Territorial at Arkell’s
Arkell’s hosted its first ever royal visit on Thursday 5th June when the Duke of Kent arrived to help launch a new beer at the brewery in celebration of the Territorial Army’s 100th anniversary.
Wessex Volunteer Ale has been brewed especially for the celebration, thanks to two members of The Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry- who also happen to Chairman and Director of Arkell’s Brewery.
Chairman James Arkell, also a retired Lieutenant Colonel of The Royal Yeomanry served with the Territorial Army from 1972 to 1995. His son, brewery director George, joined two years ago and has recently been commissioned from Sandhurst.
The Duke, whose full title is Field Marshal HRH The Duke of Kent KG, GCMG, GCVO, ADC, is patron of the Territorial Army and is helping to celebrate 100 years of its service to the nation, during which TA soldiers have served alongside their Regular Army comrades in almost every major operation around the world.
The Duke of Kent pouring the first pint of Wessex Volunteer Ale alongside George Arkell.
The Duke arrived at Arkell’s Brewery at 2pm to go on a conducted tour of the historic brewery. He was presented with the anniversary Wessex Volunteer Ale, which has a 4% ABV and brewed especially for the occasion by Head Brewer, Don Bracher and unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit.
The bottle’s label, also been specially designed for the anniversary, carries the Arkell’s motto: Fortes Creantur Fortibus, which means: 'The strong are produced by the powerful and the able’, which could also be said of a country by its army.
James Arkell said: “We were very honoured to receive a visit from The Duke of Kent, especially in this anniversary year with our special family connection to The Territorial Army through George and myself.
“The Brewery is a fine example of a Victorian Steam Brewery and one of the few of its kind left in the country. As such were very proud to be able to show it off to His Royal Highness. He spent more than an hour visiting the brewery, talking to all our staff who stopped work to meet him. It was a great occasion.”
The Duke of Kent was accompanied by The High Sheriff of Wiltshire and the Mayor of Swindon.
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Duke of Kent - SwindonWeb gallery and video
First ever royal visit to Arkell’s Brewery
Arkell’s will be hosting its first ever royal visit on Thursday 5th June when the Duke of Kent arrives to help launch a new beer at the brewery in celebration of the Territorial Army’s 100th anniversary.
Wessex Volunteer Ale has been brewed especially for the celebration, by two members of The Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry- who also happen to be Chairman and Director of Arkell’s Brewery.
Arkell’s Chairman James Arkell, also a retired Lieutenant Colonel of The Royal Yeomanry served with the Territorial Army from 1972 to 1995- . His son George joined two years ago and has recently been commissioned from Sandhurst.
The Duke, whose full title is Field Marshal HRH The Duke of Kent KG, GCMG, GCVO, ADC, is patron of the Territorial Army and is helping to celebrate 100 years of its service to the nation, during which TA soldiers have served alongside their Regular Army comrades in almost every major operation around the world.
The Duke of Kent on his 2007 visit to the Swindon Museum of Computing
The Duke will arrive at Arkell’s Brewery at 2pm. He will be taken on a conducted tour of the historic brewery and presented with the anniversary Wessex Volunteer Ale, which has a 4% ABV and brewed especially for the occasion by Head Brewer, Don Bracher.
The bottle’s label, which has also been specially designed for the anniversary, carries the Arkell’s motto: Fortes Creantur Fortibus, which means: 'The strong are produced by the powerful and the able’, which could also be said of a country by its army.
James Arkell said: “We are very honoured indeed to be receiving a visit from The Duke of Kent, especially in this anniversary year and with our special family connection to The Territorial Army through George and myself.
“The Brewery is a fine example of a Victorian Steam Brewery and one of the few of its kind left in the country. As such we are proud to be able to show it off to His Royal Highness. Generations of local Swindon families have worked here alongside the Arkell’s and all our staff are looking forward to this opportunity of meeting The Duke. The Territorial’s continue to provide important backup to our regular forces and we are proud to show our support for them. A toast in our beer will make us proud of The Duke and our T.A.”
Time stands still for Arkell’s
Arkell’s Brewery clock might have stopped, but luckily the brewing of its real ales doesn’t.
The Arkell’s clock, mounted onto the front of the Brewery at Stratton, was taken away to be serviced last Friday by clockmaker David Pawley from Newbury.
Don Bracher, head brewer at the brewery, said: “David built the Arkell’s clock ten years ago after the previous one rusted away. His replacement is beautiful and kept perfect time until recently, but like everyone it needs a wash, clean and brush-up occasionally, so time will stand still at the brewery until it comes back in a few weeks.”
David Pawley lifts the Arkell's clock down for repair
David Pawley, a clock-maker for over 30 years, is a member of the British Horological Institute. “I love building clocks and it was great to build a special one for Arkell’s Brewery. It is radio controlled so every time the clocks change in the summer and winter, it adjusts itself automatically thanks to a signal from Cumbria which covers the whole of the UK.”
When it arrives back at Arkell’s Brewery, in a few weeks, the time will begin again at the 164-year old brewery.
More about the Brewery history
Stone me! The Highwayman cooks up a piece of theatre
The Highwayman Inn on the A417 near Birdlip has introduced a new concept onto its menu – ‘Steak on a Stone’, where diners can cook their own meat exactly the way they like it.
Whilst a well-known concept abroad, Highwayman landlords John and Sam Flynn are the first people to introduce the idea to this area. Stones are heated to a constant temperature of 440° centigrade and taken to the table along with the meat or fish of choice. Diners can then cook their steak or fish exactly the way they like it.
Chef John has also added a new twist: as well as fish or steak, he’s also added kangaroo, bison and ostrich meat to his menu.
As well as being a healthy option, as the meat cooks quickly, without oil, so the juices are sealed in and the meat retains its flavour, John says it’s also a piece of theatre in the dining room.
“The stone plates come out of the kitchen making a wonderful sizzling sound which can almost stop conversation for a few moments,” he says. “Eating out should be fun, and this proves it can be.”
Landlord and Lady John and Sam Flynn serving their new stone plates
John and Sam trialled their new ‘steak on a stone’ food on a group of family and friends this week at this Arkell’s-owned pub, and will run the new concept alongside their regular menu.
Jean Scarr from Ashton Keynes, said: “I chose pork kebabs and they were delicious. You don’t need any sauce because the meat is really good quality and all the juices seem to be locked inside.”
According to John, fruit and vegetables can also be cooked on the stone, although he hasn’t had time to experiment with these yet.
“We only took delivery of the cooker last week so the concept is almost as new to us as to our customers,” he said.
Ray Fisher Retires
One of Swindon’s most well-respected businessmen, Ray Fisher, is retiring as Finance Director at Arkell’s Brewery after 34 years.
The brewery, his second family according to wife Christine, threw a party for him today to celebrate his long and successful career.
James Arkell said: “Ray came to work at Arkells in 1974, first as accountant, then as company secretary, although it’s such a long time ago none of us can really remember. What is important, however, is that he was the first non Arkell family member to become a full member of the Board because we thought so much of him – and still do. The brewery really won’t be the same without him.
Ray was also Mayor of Swindon in 2005 and was recently re-elected as councillor for Stratton ward.
Ray, 62, is also very sad to be leaving. He said: “It’s been an absolutely great career and wonderful fun – it is simply one of the best jobs to have as an accountant – because of course I’ve had to regularly sample the product!
“Whilst 34 years seems a very long time, it’s certainly not unusual at Arkell’s where if you’re lucky enough to work here, you do tend to stay. I’m not the longest serving member of staff.”
Finance Director Ray Fisher celebrates his retirement with James Arkell
Retiring a few years early, Ray has cited the huge increase in Government red tape in contributing to his decision. “It’s got absolutely ridiculous recently. Many of these rules and regulations take so long to comply with and in the big scheme of things mean absolutely nothing at all. It’s very difficult for every business, large and small; it’s so time-consuming and does nothing to contribute to the success of the company.”
Ray moved to Swindon from London in 1968 to work at Roussell Laboratories in the Town, moving to Arkell’s in 1974.
Ray and Christine live near the brewery and have four children. Daughter Helen is following in the family tradition and well on her way to her first ten years at the brewery. The couple also have three grandchildren.
Ray and Christine don’t have any ambitious travel plans for their retirement, in fact Ray says that his future lies with his family, his garden and, of course, a pint of 3Bs in celebration of a wonderful life so far.
Mayday at Arkell's as brewery launches new beer
A traditional beer in danger of dying out in certain areas of Britain, has been 'saved' by Swindon-based Arkell's Brewery.
Arkell's new Maypole Mild, 3.6 abv, is traditional mild ale. Dark in colour, the beer is an 'easy drinking ale', delicately hopped with English Fuggles from Kingston Bagpuize in Oxfordshire.
According to CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) this traditional style of beer, dating back over 400 hundred years, has unfortunately disappeared from many pubs and is in danger of becoming extinct in certain areas of Britain.
But over the years, Arkell's has won a number of awards for its Mild Ales, and head brewer Don Bracher, is keen to maintain the tradition.
The Sun Inn Landlady, Cerian Lye-Owens and Arkell's Head Brewer, Don Bracher sample the new Maypole Mild beer
"Mild ale is usually slightly sweeter and distinctly less bitter on the palate and in aroma than more highly hopped bitters. Mild is usually, but not always, darker in colour than bitter, through the use of a higher roast malt or caramel, and is a lovely beer for this time of year," he said.
Maypole Mild will be available throughout the month of May at participating Arkell's pubs and many other free trade houses across the South West.
Historically, Mild ales were the staples in the cellars of beerhouses and taverns across the land. Perfect to drink after a hard day's physical work, but perhaps as a result of lifestyles becoming more sedentary, so the call for mild ales became less.
Recently, however, mild ales are once again becoming more popular and drinkers recognise that their distinct taste and quality, thanks to real ale brewers such as Arkell's.
Arkell’s fattens up The Bantam
Contrary to much popular belief, the life of the community pub isn’t yet over, says Swindon-based Arkell’s Brewery.
After a 5-month £150,000 refurbishment by pub owners Arkell’s, the Bantam at Burghfield Common near Reading is once again providing much-needed social facilities to the local community.
The pub now has a bigger bar, space for a snooker table, new kitchen and new loos, including disabled facilities.
Popular local pub The Bantam was built in 1962, and local boy and landlord Gary Clutterbuck took over behind the bar 18 months ago. He said: “The Bantam is a focal point in the village, busiest in the winter months when customers don’t really want to travel miles for a good evening out, so I’m really pleased that Arkell’s has invested so much here, my customers really appreciate it.”
Barry Hunt, Gary Clutterbuck and George Arkell at The Bantam
George Arkell, director at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “We bought The Bantam in 2000 and it’s proved a great success with the locals who’ve supported it well. We are known for our on-going investment in our rural pubs, but community pubs are equally as important as they can be the life-blood of a built-up residential area, so investment here is equally important.”
The Bantam also has a special place in the heart of one Arkell’s employee – free trade representative, Barry Hunt, who met his future wife there on Christmas Day 1968.
Barry said: “I lived down the road and regularly visited The Bantam with my mates. On Christmas Day 1968 I saw Jan across the bar, and the rest is history! It’s lovely to be back 40 years later as part of the company which has given the pub a new lease of life.”
More about The Bantam, Burghfield Common
Brewery invests £100,000 in The Crown at Broad Hinton
The Crown at Broad Hinton is getting a £100,000 investment from its owners Arkell’s Brewery.
The work, begining today, will take nine weeks after which the pub will emerge with brand new loos, including disabled, new wooden floors and redecoration throughout.
New landlords, Terry Beamish and Trisha Moloney, who only took over as tenants last week, will keep the pub open throughout the refurbishment.
Terry, a Wiltshire man and trained chef, who moved up after 20 years in London running The Hope and Sirloin pub near Smithfield Market is planning to build the land-locked Crown’s reputation as a restaurant with a great fish menu.
“We will be getting our fish fresh every day from Grimsby,” he said, “As well as sourcing our meat locally. We’re planning to build up the restaurant’s reputation and will also be looking to employ more staff from around the area to help us.”
The Crown as it appears now
George Arkell at Arkell’s Brewery said: “The Crown at Broad Hinton is a very pretty pub in a lovely Wiltshire village and deserves the refurbishment it’s receiving. Terry and Patricia are first class tenants, having been used to running a busy and well-known London restaurant, where they were used to serving Champagne and Sirloin for breakfast from 6am.
“ At The Crown we think that a pint of 3Bs and a plate of fresh fish will have the same appeal – there’s not a lot of call for Champagne in the mornings in Wiltshire, although perhaps we’ll break open a few bottles when the work on the pub finishes at the beginning of June.”
Arkell’s bought The Crown at Broad Hinton in 1986. Close to one of Wiltshire’s historic white horses at Hackpen, it’s just off the main Swindon-Devizes road. Large inside and with extensive gardens and parking outside, it remains very popular particularly during the Summer months.
The Crown also offers bed and breakfast accommodation.
More about The Crown Inn, Broad Hinton
New landlords keep it in the family
Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful experiences.
Moving pubs is no different, except that if you’re moving to a pub close by, you do tend to take many of your customers with you.
Having taken over The Brewer’s Arms in Cricklade Street, Cirencester, brother and sister landlords, Charles and Angela Hart found themselves being followed by many customers from their previous pub in the town.
When the dynamic family duo reopened The Brewer’ Arms, they couldn’t believe the number of customers that followed them.
“It was great,” said Charles. “Lots of familiar faces, but behind a different bar.”
Charles and Angela moved into the Arkell’s-owned pub last week after more than a decade elsewhere. “We wanted a pub owned by a company that cares about its landlords,” explained Charles. “Far from being a national pub company, Arkell’s is a local brewery which not only cares about its beer, but about its landlords too – that’s going to make a real difference to us.”
Landlord Charles Hart with barman Paul Wright
George Arkell, director at Arkell’s Brewery who lives just outside Cirencester, said: “We’re a family brewery with three generations still in the business. When Charles and Angela approached up about taking over The Brewer’s we loved the fact that they were also a successful family team and we knew we’d work well together.”
Charles ran a pub in California before returning to his home town of Cirencester in 1996. Angela returned from running a pub in Oxford at the same time and together they decided to run their own pub.
“Family means a lot to us and we wanted to be close to our dad who still lives in Cirencester,” explained Charles. “I’d done enough travelling and it felt great to run a business back in the town.
“Cirencester’s a great town made even better by its’ people and down-to-earth pubs like The Brewer’s Arms.”
More about The Brewers Arms, Cirencester
New landlord boxes clever at Cat and Fiddle
One of Cheltenham's biggest and best-known community pubs now has a new face in place, and he's determined to put the Arkell's pub back into the ring.
Commonwealth boxing bronze medal-winner and former solider Pat Lewis has taken over The Cat and Fiddle on Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, with his partner Caroline Kapesi.
The former boxer and father-of-three, who also owns Cheltenham Boxing Academy, is working with local brewery Arkell's to transform the pub into a hub of the local community.
"Whaddon is the biggest community in Cheltenham and we're determined to make this pub somewhere everyone wants to visit," said Pat, 44.
And just a few weeks after taking over, the pub's been repainted, recarpeted and local people who haven't set foot in the pub for years are coming in and playing pool, darts and getting to know each other again.
For Pat's partner, Caroline, who is an accountant, it's a dream come true.
Boxing Clever:
Pat Lewis and Caroline Kapesi outside the Cat and Fiddle, Cheltenham
"I've always wanted my own pub and The Cat and Fiddle has got so much potential, we can't wait to get it established," she said. "It's big, and since we've redecorated, it's bright and a lot more inviting than before."
Pat and Caroline are well-known in Cheltenham for the work Pat does at his boxing academy, where he offers young people in need of a little discipline the opportunity to try out boxing.
"At my gym, I offer a place to go and a safe environment. This pub's the same, although of course we don't allow boxing gloves here and our customers are over 18."
Pat and Caroline met during Cheltenham Race Week twelve years ago and fell in love immediately, and with the races just a few days away, they're ready for the race-goers who will be flooding into the pub, including boxing heros Rob McCracken and Errol 'bomber' Graham.
George Arkell, director at pub-owners Arkell's Brewery, said: "Pat and Caroline are just the sort of people who will make a success of The Cat and Fiddle and we're delighted they've become Arkell's landlords. A successful boxer and an accountant who are both great personalities: A perfect combination for a busy town pub."
More about The Cat and Fiddle, Cheltenham
Old Town bar celebrates 'Long' Service this year
Old Town's original and best-loved bar celebrates its 20th birthday this year.
Landlord Mike Sheridan, who worked at the pub for more than ten years before taking over as landlord three years' ago, is planning a year of celebration, including a party during the summer. “Perhaps we should have it in June, on the 'Long-est' Day," he says.
Long's Bar, on Victoria Road, has been owned by Arkell's Brewery since 1877. Originally called The Belle Vue, the brewery refurbished and renamed it Long's in 1988 when it became, and remains, Old Town's most popular bar.
Renamed Long's because it stretches back along the length of Union Row into Belle Vue Road behind, inside there is a bar, seating areas, conservatory and a separate cocktail bar.
James Arkell, managing director at Arkell's Brewery, says: “Long's continues to prosper because it's well supported by the local business and residential community and to maintain that attraction, it's successfully adapted to changing customer demands."
The smoking ban last year could have proved difficult for Long's, but instead landlord Mike brought in a first class chef to boost the bar's food offer.
In it for the Long's run:
Landlord Mike Sheridan and new Chef Shaun Presley
Mike explains: “The smoking ban was a challenge for all bars and pubs, but I thought I'd put it to our advantage. For customers who want to smoke, there's a pretty terrace where they can do it, but the rest of Long's is clean and smoke free – the perfect environment for fabulous food."
New Chef Shaun Presley, who has more than 20 years' experience, took over Long's kitchens a month ago, since when the demand for food has rocketed – including for the bar's unique 'goose fat fried chips', which he thinks are a first for Swindon.
Mike added: “We've suddenly become very popular with families for Sunday lunches," he said. “This is a new and welcome business, and very different from our week-day trade.
“2008's going to be Long's year, and we're already looking forward to the next 20."
History of Long's Bar:
Before it was renamed as Long's bar in 1988, The Belle Vue pub had a long history.
The building facing onto Victoria Road was once a brewery, built by Philip Cockbill in 1863 with The Belle Vue pub at the back of the building, facing onto Belle Vue Road.
Philip died in 1873 and his son, William, put the business up for sale. Arkell's stepped in to buy the building, eventually turning it round so that the beerhouse was on Victoria Road. The former pub at the back was put to various uses, at one time being utilised as the Royal Navy Club. Now the part facing onto Belle Vue Road is Long's cocktail bar and the old brewery at the front houses the main Long's Bar.
More about Long's Bar, Old Town
Local sporting heros make great landlords
Aston Villa and Swindon Town football legend Phil King carved a great new career for himself as an Arkell's landlord. So has speedway star Alun Rossiter and another former Swindon Town footballer Andy Rowland. Then there is former Gloucester Rugby player Nigel Scrivens at The Bee's Knees in Cirencester and boxer Pat Lewis who has just taken over at Arkell's pub The Cat and Fiddle in Cheltenham.
What is about sporting heros that make great landlords?
Phil King hung up his professional football boots in 2000, but has now built up The Dolphin in Swindon into one of the most popular pubs in town.
He said: “I'd been a football player from the age of 14 years old, playing for Swindon, Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa. It was all I knew and when my professional career was coming to an end I wanted to find something that would give me a buzz. I'd done pub relief work at one of Arkell's biggest pubs, The Moonrakers and really enjoyed it, so I approached the brewery and put my name down as a prospective landlord."
It wasn't long before the Swindon family brewery offered him the tenancy at another town pub where he almost doubled trade within the first few weeks.
A year later, a vacancy came up in a bigger Arkell's pub, The Dolphin, and Phil hasn't looked back.
King of the pumps:
ex-footballer Phil King is just one of Arkell's many sporting Landlords
Brewery director George Arkell thinks that sporting stars make good landlords because they relate to their customers in a similar way to their fans.
“Responsible sportsmen and women realize how important their fans are and treat them with respect. As landlords, this is translated into respect for their customers," he said.
Over the years a host of professional darts players, rugby players and other sports stars have stepped behind an Arkell's bar and the brewery always treats applications from former sports stars with particular interest.
“It's not just that they relate well to their customers," said George. “They also tend to be very sociable, organizing a host of pub activities. It makes the pub a community hub where everyone can get involved."
Phil King confirms this view. “We've got four pool teams, two darts team and five football teams – they're what keep the pub going during the quieter winter months," he said. Phil has also led trips abroad as well as to the local dog racetrack.
Most recently he dedicated six weeks of his life to organizing a 'footballing legends game' at Swindon Town football club where former national and international footballing stars volunteered to play, raising money for a local hospice.
“The event took over my life," he said. “I'd do it again, but not every year!"
Over at another Arkell's pub in Swindon,The New Inn, former speedway star Alun Rossiter is now co-promoter and manager of Swindon Robins speedway team and follows the same approach as Phil, allowing his enthusiasm of sport to infect his customers. In Cirencester, former Gloucester Rugby Club star, Nigel Scrivens, continues to be one of the town's most popular landlords at Arkell's pub The Bee's Knees.
George Arkell added: “The best landlords are those who keep run a tight but sociable pub, and that takes self-discipline - something that most sports stars have in abundance."
More about the Dolphin, Swindon
Peter Kay is our fantasy pub landlord
According to the Great British public, Peter Kay would make the best celebrity pub landlord.
Research undertaken by YouGov on behalf of the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB), a group of family-owned or run breweries across the UK, put comedian Peter Kay as the nation's favourite fantasy pub landlord, followed by actor and writer Stephen Fry. Radio 1 Breakfast Show DJ Chris Moyles came in third place.
And Chris Moyles wasn't the only DJ in the running for the title of best celebrity pub landlord, fellow BBC Radio 1 presenter Fearne Cotton was also chosen, as were BBC Radio 2 DJs Chris Evans and Russell Brand. Model Katie Price was also short-listed but only scored 4% of the votes.
Scott Waddington from the Independent Family Brewers of Britain said: “It seems that the nation likes a landlord who can make them laugh! And they've chosen wisely. A good landlord should have a great sense of humour, be sociable and fun and know how to make their pub the hub of the community. If Peter, Stephen or Chris ever wanted to try their hand at a new career, they'd be more than welcome behind the bar of any of our pubs."
George Arkell, director at Swindon-based Arkell's Brewery, said: “Over the years, we've had a number of our own local celebrity landlords at Arkell's, including international darts players, footballers, speedway racers and rugby players and there's no doubt that the customers enjoy having people they know behind the bar. And celebrities usually do very well too, because they're generally high achievers who have a strong work ethic and understand the importance of public support."
Peter Kay scored 34% of the nation's total votes as the perfect celebrity pub landlord. Stephen Fry was second with 17% and Chris Moyles took third place with 8% of all the votes. Chris Evans scored 6% and Fearne Cotton, Russell Brand and Katie Price were joint fifth with 4% of the nation's votes each.
Peter Kay was particularly popular with women and people aged 35-44 years old and was the top choice in all UK regions. Unsurprisingly, Bolton-born Peter scored a massive 48% of all votes in the Lancashire region. Stephen Fry was a popular choice for men and for Londoners. Chris Moyles proved more popular with women in the 18-24 year old category than men in the same category with 9% of all the votes. He was more popular in the North East of England than in any other region in the UK. He took second place in the voting behind Peter Kay in that region. In the London region, Chris Evans overtook Chris Moyles to secure third place in the London top three with 10% of the region's votes.
The YouGov Omnibus of 1,943 adults across the UK was commissioned as part of a campaign by the Independent Family Brewers of Britain to raise awareness of careers as a pub licensee. The Independent Family Brewers of Britain run 28 family-owned breweries and 4,500 pubs. All members' beers are brewed in time-honoured tradition to create the highest quality cask ale.
More about becoming an Arkell's Landlord
Arkell's brews up new conference venue
Swindon now has a unique business venue with the opening of a brand new conference room at Arkell's Brewery, Kingsdown, Swindon.
The Brewery House Conference room, which has been extended and refurbished by Arkell's to the highest standards, can cater for 60 people theatre style, or 32 conference style.
Facilities include air conditioning, wireless internet, computer and presentation equipment. French doors open out onto a pretty terrace overlooking the brewery's private garden. One facility completely unique to this conference venue is the offer of a tour of the brewery for conference delegates, and lunch at the brewery tap The Kingsdown Inn, next to the brewery. The conference room also has its own entrance off Beechcroft Road and an exclusive car park for conference room visitors only.
Nick Arkell, sales director at the brewery, said: “Last year we decided to refurbish and extend our company board room. When it was completed, the results were so stunning we decided not to keep it to ourselves and offered it to hire for local businesses."
Without any promotion, the new venue is already in demand with local businesses, and Nick says that word of mouth has guaranteed a steady stream of bookings since late last year.
Bring your business to the Brewery:
conference facilities now available at Arkell's
“Our conference booking manager, Marie Duckett, is complaining that we haven't built it big enough as she's had to turn down larger bookings," added Nick. “But this is a smart new conference location which has already been welcomed by many in the business community. We hope that it will become the venue of choice for those who want a private environment where they can work, but with the added attraction of being located in a building of historic interest which is home not only to one of the few family breweries left in the UK, but which also houses one of the finest examples of a Victorian steam brewery in the world."
Contact conference coordinator Marie Duckett at Arkell's Brewery on:
(01793) 823026 or email marie@arkells.com
40 years on, Arkell's painter has brush with retirement
He might not have painted the town red, but Graham Compton has painted every Arkell's pub in blue, green, cream and practically every colour under the sun since he started work at the brewery in 1968.
Now, after 40 years with a brush and paint pot in his hands, Graham is hanging up his overalls in the brewery paintshop before retiring, and he says that the first job he'll be doing is redecorating his own house - but not in brewery colours, he promises.
At a special party, thrown in his honour at Arkell's Brewery this week, with his family invited as special guests, managing director James Arkell paid tribute to one of the brewery's longest serving and most respected employees.
“Graham has been a huge asset to the brewery over the last four decades," he said. “He's seen interior design fashion come and go and tirelessly set about redecorating the same pubs again and again to suit the decade. He has been completely unflappable, however many times he revisits the same pub and became almost a brewery institution. All the brewery staff including our growing team of painters will miss him a great deal."
Painters Salute:
Arkells Decorator Graham Compton celebrates retirement with Brewery staff.
Over the last 40 years as the Arkell's estate of pubs has more than doubled to the present 106, so has Graham's team of painters, decorators and signwriters to its current total of eight. He explained: “I joined the brewery after working as a coach painter at Swindon's Great Western Railway works. Then, there were only 50 pubs and two of us to paint them, but since James came into the business as managing director, the brewery's estate has grown. When I started, the fashion was for wallpaper and carpets. That's now changed to paint and wooden floors, so over the last years as the carpets have been coming up, we've been stripping off the wallpaper and covering the walls with paint."
Graham now lives in Upper Stratton with his wife of 40 years, Angela. A Swindon man born and bred, he went to Pinehurst School and has two sons, Robert, a pensions adviser and Andrew, a plumber, and grandchildren.
Over the years Graham reckons he must have painted some of Arkell's pubs more than five or six times. “I've not painted the town red, but I've certainly done that to many of its pubs," he said.
Standing room only at The Bell
It's been standing room only at The Bell, Purton Stoke near Swindon since new landlords Jason and Jackie Pritchett took over last week.
The couple, who are new to the licensed trade, have been amazed at the response from locals.
“With all the talk of endangered rural country pubs, we'd thought that running a rural country pub would be a quiet affair which would give us the time to learn the business before having to cope with a full bar and a fully-booked Sunday lunchtime restaurant," said Jackie.
But they're not complaining. “It's great," added Jackie. “The community has come out in force to welcome us and we're trying to respond by giving them a warm, friendly pub where they can eat and drink in comfort.
“Our days are longer, but it's such a lovely pub that we don't mind at all," added Jackie.
George Arkell , director at Arkell's Brewery said: “Contrary to popular myth, not all rural pubs are closing down and many are thriving as landlords successfully adapt their business to the demands of their customers. The Bell at Purton Stoke is a really lovely little pub and it's supported well by those living in and around the village. We're delighted to welcome Jason and Jackie into the licensed trade and we're really pleased that they've made such a great start."
The Bell's a ringing success!
New landlords Jason and Jackie Pritchett.
Jackie and Jason have wanted to run their own pub for years but waited until now, until the right pub came along and their children were more independent. Jackie had worked in Cirencester for a company sourcing electrical components and Jason is a self employed roof contractor.
George added: “With Jason and Jackie's previous professional backgrounds we're sure they'll raise the roof and add a new spark to the pub."
More about the Bell, Purton Stoke
Santa 'Claw's' his way down Arkell's chimney
Climbing up a 100ft chimney in below zero temperatures the week before Christmas isn't everyone's idea of a satisfying job, but to do it dressed as Father Christmas is certainly beyond the call of duty.
However, that's just what Gary Williams, a Bristol-based steeplejack did today to help Arkell's Brewery kick off the festive season.
Gary, who works for LA Steeplejacks in Staplehill, Bristol is carrying out routine maintenance work on the 80-year old brewery chimney, the tallest in Swindon and was happy to celebrate Christmas with the brewery.
All in a day's work:
Father Christmas climbs the Arkell's chimney.
“It's not often you get the opportunity to play Father Christmas on such a tall chimney, and the extra bulk of the outfit was certainly welcome in this cold," he said.
Don Bracher, head brewer at the Swindon-based brewery, said: “Gary was a great sport, especially as we're brewing our seasonal beer, Noël Ale this week, so we were delighted to reward his sense of humour with a couple of crates of ale to take home."
Noël Ale was Launched in 1987 and named in honour of the present Chairman's father, Sir Noel Arkell, who was born on Christmas Day. The strongest of Arkell's Ales, this full-bodied beer is cleverly disguised by its distinctive light colour and slides down very easily, rather like the agile steeplejack, Gary.
Five star success for The Carpenter's Arms
Despite being flooded out during the infamous 2007 Summer rains, when The Carpenter's Arms at South Marston had more than two inches of water coursing through its ground floor, this Swindon pub has still won a five-star rating for its kitchens from Swindon Borough Council, one of very few pubs to receive five stars.
“It's been a tough few months," said landlord Bob Feal-Martinez. “Amongst other things, the pub's carpets were completely ruined and The Swindon Borough Council inspector came the same day as the new carpets were being fitted, so to receive five stars despite all our difficulties gave us a real boost."
Award Winning:
George Arkell presenting landlady Barbara and the Carpenters Arms staff their 5-star certificate.
For Arkell's Brewery, which owns The Carpenter's Arms, the flooding proved a challenge for a number of its pubs. Managing Director James Arkell said: “All our affected landlords rose valiantly to the challenge to stay trading as long as possible despite the flood waters, but Bob and Barbara Feal Martinez had to rise even higher with the inspector about to call. They worked especially hard and we recognise their strong commitment to keeping the doors open for their customers and pay tribute to their resilience."
George Arkell visited the pub this week to congratulate Bob and Barbara and their team, and present them with a certificate celebrating their achievement of a five star rating for food and hygiene despite the British weather.
More about the Carpenters Arms, South Marston
Returning home to a pub of their own
It's back home for a beer for new landlords John and Jacqui Bridges – ten years after they left Swindon to work in Pembrokeshire.
The couple have taken on their first pub tenancy at Arkell's pub The Fox and Hounds at Wroughton, near Swindon.
According to John, who has just retired from the MOD where he was responsible for security guards across five MOD sites in South Wales, his responsibilities haven't changed much: He's still listening to every else's points of view – but now his 'office' is behind a bar in a warm pub.
Back in Swindon:
John and Jacqui Bridges, the new landlords at The Fox and Hounds at Wroughton.
The couple decided to move the 164 miles back home after a decade in South Wales and spent months waiting for the right pub to come up.
Jacqui worked in hotels in Scotland, England and Holland as she followed her husband's job. She said: “We were prepared to travel anywhere in England for a pub we felt was right, when all along it was waiting for us back where we belong. The Fox and Hounds is perfect: A traditional pub with a big garden for the summer and best of all, serving local beer."
The couple moved in last week and have already set up some live music evenings, after Jacqui located and booked popular local bands over the internet.
James Arkell, at pub owners Arkell's Brewery, said: “It's always good to welcome back old friends to Swindon. John and Jacqui have swapped the South Wales weather for the warm breezes of the Wiltshire Downs and an equally warm welcome from the locals at the Fox and Hounds."
More about the Fox and Hounds, Wroughton
Arkells Volunteers for Service
Arkell's Brewery expressed its full confidence in the future of rural village pubs this week by buying The Volunteer Inn, in the Wiltshire village of Great Somerford.
The Swindon-based brewery, which paid £800,000 for the pub, is now investing further sums to bring it up to the high standards expected by its customers.
“It's a traditional village pub, in fact so traditional that parts of the inside hadn't been touched for fifty years," said brewery managing director, James Arkell.
The latest Arkell's addition:
Landlord Peter Prunty with Arkell's managing director James Arkell and director George Arkell outside The Volunteer, Great Somerford
The pub wasn't for sale on the open market, but Arkell's made a successful approach to the landlord. “We loved the pub, which has strong support from villagers as well as a number of great skittles teams and we especially loved the name," said James.
As a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, James has been a member of Britain's volunteer force, The Territorial Army, for many years, and earlier this year his son George, 26, followed family tradition by being commissioned into the local squadron of the same regiment. James' great grandfather was also a Wiltshire volunteer.
James said: “Over the last two years when we have made new purchases they have tended to be pubs or small hotels. Half our estate is made up of small village and country pubs and we intend to keep it that way – its pubs like these which are the lifeblood of the local community and they deserve support, especially if they are in a thriving village."
The Volunteer is based in the heart of Great Somerford, opposite the village stores. The village doesn't have its own hall, but Arkell's is already renovating the pub's skittle alley.
The pub also has new licensees who previously worked for Whitbreads and Morlands Brewery.
“This is a great opportunity for me and my family," said Peter, who moved into the pub with his family in early November.
“It's wonderful to be my own boss with the on-going support of a family brewery like Arkell's which understands better than most the way village pubs work and is prepared to make the investment."
This is Arkell's 107 th pub, and James is delighted with the reception that the village has already given to the pub and Arkell's Wiltshire-brewed beers.
“Great Somerford is a great village, and we think they deserve a Great Village Pub," added James
More about the Volunteer Inn, Great Somerford
Well-oiled sunflower wins competition
Swindon brewery boss George Arkell has clocked up more miles than he expected this year to judge Arkells Brewery's annual sunflower competition.
Every Spring, Arkell's invites all its 106 pubs to grow the tallest sunflower, and this year more landlords than ever took up the challenge.
Despite a disappointing sunflower-growing season, The Rat Trap at Stratton in Swindon scooped the prize, producing a sunflower measuring 12.' 2".
Head and shoulders above the rest:
Rat Trap Landlords Mark and Claire Richardson with their prize winning sunflower
Landlords Mark and Claire Richardson again applied their 'magic' ingredient - watering their plants using the excess beer (ullage) collected in beer drip trays.
"It works a treat," said Mark. "With all the wonderful, natural ingredients that go into a pint of Arkell's - malt, barley and yeast, I can't think of anything better to give the sunflowers, and it obviously works because we've come top this year."
Their sunflower wasn't as tall as the 15' sunflower they achieved last year, but they believe the unusual English summer which saw the sunflower-growing season start and finish later, was to blame.
Supersized Sunflower:
Royal Oak Landlord Craig Morse with his giant flower head
The St James Hotel in Cheltenham, which last year won the competition with their sunflower which measured an amazing 16' 1" this year had to make do with second place with a sunflower measuring 11' 9".
The landlord with the largest sunflower head was Craig Morse, who runs The Royal Oak at Lechlade.
His head measured over 15" wide. "It was great fun growing the sunflower," he said. "We've got a pretty, secluded courtyard behind the pub which is a real sun trap in the summer. If the sunflower had grown any bigger, we could have used it as a natural sunshade and not bothered with the umbrellas."
Mark and Claire Richardson received a barrel of Summer Ale and two garden umbrellas as their prize.
More about The Rat Trap, Stratton
More about The Royal Oak, Lechlade
Ron is over the moon with his driving
Drayman Ron Fisher celebrated twenty years of life on the open road this week, when Arkell's Brewery threw a special party for him and his family.
Over the last 20 years, Ron, 59, has driven well over half a million miles making sure that pubs and hotels across the South West of England receive their delivery of Arkell's beer from the brewery in Swindon.
James Arkell, managing director at Arkell's Brewery said: "At the rate of miles he's clocking up, Ron could have driven the Arkell's dray around the world every year for 20 years - or he could have driven to the moon and back once with a few miles to spare! That's a lot of miles - and a lot of beer."
John Williams, transport manager at Arkell's Brewery, said: "Ron's a great man to have on our team of eight driver drayman and one drayman's mate. Driving an Arkell's dray is one of the most important jobs at the brewery as they help us keep in daily touch with all our landlords, however far away they are."
Ron lives in Pinehurst, Swindon with his wife Mary and between them they have seven children and nine grandchildren - with another grandchild on the way.
20 years and counting!:
John Williams, transport manager at Arkell's Brewery with Drayman Ron Fisher
He said: "It's been a great career so far, and I've got a few thousand miles still to go I hope. Things haven't changed that much in 20 years - although we don't have a pint of beer at every pub along the route like they used to do in previous generations. These days it's more likely to be a bacon sandwich or a full English breakfast, depending on what the landlords have waiting for us when we arrive."
Whilst he loves a good breakfast, Ron points out that sometimes he and his fellow drayman can clock up more than a few breakfasts each day if they're not careful.
"Sometimes a run of three or four pubs in a row have gone to the trouble of cooking for us, and it would be very rude to refuse."
To keep fit, Ron and Mary have taken up line-dancing. "It's certainly different to the day-job," adds Ron.
At his celebratory party in Arkell's cellar bar, Ron received a cheque from the brewery in recognition of his hard work and long service, and a present of a freeview box.
And what a festival it was!
The sun may have taken a while to come through, but with the beer flowing, the jazz in full swing and a whole host of other attractions, the Arkell's Beer Festival was declared a 'huge success' once again by all those who enjoyed the day.
Over a thousand people descending on the Brewery to sample Arkell's family of tasty brews and more than 30 premium ales supplied by members of the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB).
That, and the chance for visitors to take the unique opportunity to tour around the Kingsdown brewery itself, one of the finest examples of a Victorian steam brewery anywhere in the world; discover how the brewery works and how real ale is made.
A display of classic vehicles including a vintage Rolls Royce, a Bentley, MGs, motorcycles, as well as a beautiful 1943 Austin K4 60-foot Fire Appliance, was also on offer.
Here are some pictures from the day.
Independent Family Brewers of the UK - website
Arkell's 2007 beer festival gets brewing
More than 30 Breweries from across the UK have promised some of their best brews to Arkell's on 8th September as the brewery gears up for its 2007 Beer Festival.
All the fun of the festival:
Arkell's chairman Peter Arkell getting into the swing of things at the Arkell's Beer Festival 2005
And beers aren't the only things on show this year. A vintage Rolls Royce, Bentley, motorcycles and live music are some of the other attractions promised, as well as a beautiful 1943 Austin K4 60-foot Fire Appliance.
The festival, on Saturday 8th September, will feature all Arkell's regular beers as well as guest beers from many members of the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB), and a number of other breweries.
Visitors to the beer festival will also have the unique opportunity to tour around the Kingsdown brewery itself, one of the finest examples of a Victorian steam brewery anywhere in the world; discover how the brewery works and how real ale is made.
Bookings for Brewery tours are now being taken, but must be pre-booked to reserve your space. Contact Arkell's Brewery directly on 01793 823026. The brewery grounds will also be open so visitors can tour around at their leisure and follow a specially laid out brewery walk.
James Arkell, managing director of Arkell's Brewery, said: "The Arkell's Beer Festival is a celebration of one of the oldest industries in Britain and certainly the oldest in Swindon. This is part of our country's heritage, of which we and our fellow brewers are very proud."
Festival details:
The Arkells' Beer Festival runs from 11:00am - 6.30pm on Saturday, 08 September 2007.
Entry costs £5, which includes a special commemorative glass.
Brewery tours must be pre-booked and cost £3 per person. To book, please call: 01793 823026.
Pre-payment is required.
Landlords water walk for charity
One landlord and three of his regular customers have set out on a mammoth 184-mile walk down the Thames, hoping to raise £5,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy campaign.
Steve Heath, who runs Donnington Brewery pub The Golden Ball in Lower Swell, and his three customers Roy Mercer, Gareth Adams and Brian Welfare set off from the source of the Thames at The Thameshead Inn, near Kemble, Cirencester on Thursday August 30, expecting to arrive at the Thames Barrier in London around lunchtime on 9th September.
The team was moved to do the charity walk when they heard about a customer's young son who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy.
Steve said: "He's a great kid but it's sad to know that he could be in a wheelchair by the time he's ten. Anything we can do to raise money to fight the disease seemed worthwhile to us."
Two pubs from fellow family brewery, Arkell's, are hosting the intrepid team for the first few nights of the walk. The Bear at Cricklade, and The Talbot and Eynsham are both on the route of the Thames walk.
Best Foot Forward:
The walking team preparing for the challenge with supporters outside The Thameshead Inn
James Arkell, who now owns Donnington Brewery and is managing director of Arkell's Brewery, said: "This is the first time we can remember that Arkell's Brewery landlords have welcomed a Donnington Brewery landlord and we're all happy to be supporting such a worthwhile cause. A nightly pint of real ale is certain to help them put their best feet forward every morning!"
Penny Weir, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales and the West Midlands at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said: "With recent breakthroughs in research bringing real hope to families affected by these life-shattering conditions, we are beginning to make ground in the fight against muscle disease. This sponsored event will not only be great fun for Steve, Roy, Gareth and Brian but will also make a valuable contribution to our fundraising campaign."
More than 30 supporters who had driven over 40 miles from Lower Swell joined James Arkell and his son George Arkell at The Thameshead Inn at Kemble to see the walkers off this week.
Follow the team's progress online
Duke puts landlord in the old brewery
Landlords Neil and Julie Hannis at The Duke Hotel at Hilmarton will no longer have to share their bathroom with guests after pub owners Arkell's Brewery spent £150,000 in upgrading this country inn by refurbishing the letting rooms and converting the old brewery buildings to new landlord accommodation.
The Grade-II listed building, built in 1843 - the same year as Arkell's Brewery, was bought by Arkell's in 1923 and because of its listed status; the brewery faced difficulties in bringing it up to modern accommodation standards, so much so that for many years the landlords and guests all had to share the same facilities.
Whilst that was acceptable in the early 1900s, it's now considered so 'last century' by today's travellers and over the last ten years the letting rooms had fallen into disuse.
Back to its best:
Landlord Neil Hannis stands outside the newly refurbished Duke Hotel at Hilmarton
James Arkell, managing director at Arkell's Brewery, said: "The Duke is a glorious building, and used to have its own brewery, called The Hilmarton Brewery, behind. The last beer was brewed there many, many years ago and since then the buildings have been used mainly as extra storage. We love the fact that The Duke is a special building but that gave us problems when we wanted to sympathetically renovate it up to today's high standards of accommodation, and to give everyone their own bathroom! It's always difficult upgrading listed buildings but we worked with our local conservation officer and English Heritage, and as a result we've achieved a result that we're all proud of."
Landlord Neil Hannis is delighted with the result. "We love our new home, and since the guest rooms have opened, they've been in increasing demand," he said. "For a pub like ours on a main road through a small village, it's important for us to be able to offer not only food and drink, but also good accommodation. Whilst we enjoy having guests in The Duke, we prefer not to see them before we're dressed. Now we don't have to!"
Editor's Note: It's thought that The Duke was built as a pub with its own brewery and was named after The Duke of Beaufort. Unfortunately the rather grand Duke of Beaufort objected to a pub being named after him and insisted that it was called a hotel!
More about the Duke Hotel at Hilmarton
Wet welcome for new landlords
When Paul and Michelle Gilbert took over the land-locked Jolly Tar at Hannington near Swindon, the last thing they expected was a high tide.
Unfortunately for them, last Friday, just two weeks after taking over behind the bar they had to deal with three foot high floods in the bar as rainwater poured into the pub from the fields behind.
Damp but undaunted:
Jolly Tar landlords Paul & Michelle Gilbert, with Arkell's chairman Peter Arkell
"We couldn't believe it," said Paul. "We'd only just put in new carpets, now we've lost around £15,000 in stock and equipment, but we hope to be open before this coming weekend."
Luckily, pub owners Arkell's were quick on the scene and their staff and suppliers have been busy helping Paul and Michelle get the pub back into a fit state to open.
"Edmont joinery and Austin Electrical all came out quickly to offer help to Paul and Michelle," said managing director James Arkell.
"They took over the pub at its busiest time of the year - the week before the International Air Tattoo at nearby RAF Fairford, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors then just a week later, along with thousands of others across the region; they were hit by the deluge last Friday," he added.
The Jolly Tar opened in 1855 and was named after a distant nautical relative of former local landowners. However, it was originally called The Cat and took over the license from the other village pub, called The Dog.
"'Cats and Dogs' and 'The Jolly Tar' - perhaps we should have read the signs," said James.
First time landlords Paul and Michelle are undaunted by their damp start to life behind the bar.
Underwater:
the scene at the Jolly Tar as the rains fell on 20 July 2007
"We haven't lost anything we can't replace - even the carpet, and both the Brewery and the local villagers have been really generous with their help," said Paul, who spent 22 years working as a chef for Swindon companies such as Motorola and Nationwide, including six years as executive chef at Intel and the last few years as Chef manager at Halcrow.
"We had a wonderful first two weeks before the rain and despite this setback, we can't wait to throw open our doors again. I've waited years to be my own boss, and it'll take more than a bit of rain to stop me now."
Floods in Swindon - more stories
Arkell's Landlord cup overflows thanks to pop star
Natasha Bedingfield presenting Arkell's Landlord at The White Hart at Stratton, Derek Rowlands, with a golfing trophy yesterday evening, when she visited the pub and played to 180 lucky fans.
Well done Derek!:
Natasha Bedingfield presents the landlord of the White Hart with his Arkell's golf trophy
Derek won the trophy yesterday at the annual Arkell's Golf competition and we persuaded Natasha to present him with the cup before her performance at The White Hart last night.
Live at The White Hart:
Natasha Bedingfield
Derek thought all his Christmas's had come at once. He said: "First of all I won the trophy by just one point against another Arkell's landlord, Phil King at The Dolphin at Rodbourne, then I was presented with the trophy by an international singing sensation - I don't think you can go any better than that in just a week!"
Natasha Bedingfield at the White Hart - video story
More about The White Hart, Swindon
We'll never run a restaurant again, say new landlords
New landlords at The Plough at Stratton in Cirencester, Joe and Jane Bouaouni have vowed they'll never run a restaurant again.
Experienced restaurateurs but first-time landlords, Joe and Jane who took over at this Arkell's pub at the beginning of June, don't deny the long hours (they are up until their 1.30 closing times at the weekends), but say that pub customers are much friendlier than those in many large town centre restaurants.
Jane said: “When customers come into a busy restaurant, they can be cross, hungry and impatient – they just want their meal as quickly as possible before going elsewhere. Here, no one seems in a rush. A pub is great for getting to know your customers properly.
Enjoying life in a slower lane:
Jane Bouaouni, with son Zak, Assistant Manager Sam Holdford and Joe Bouaouni.
Joe and Jane have moved to the pub with their children, Yamina aged 6 and Zakaria, 2 ½ earlier this month, and it hasn't taken them long to settle down. Yamina has been enrolled at Stratton Primary School just up the road and they also promoted the pub's longest-serving member of staff, Sam Holdford, to assistant manager. “Sam's been here for nine years, probably longer than most bar staff in the town, she's been a great help to us since we took over, helped us settle in and introduced us to the locals," said Joe.
Jane and Joe decided to become landlords after many years spent working in the restaurant and night club business. Joe ran Swindon's The Apartment nightclub when it first opened in the mid 1990s, before taking over the management of a large town centre restaurant. He is now combining his new landlord duties with those of head chef at The Plough.
“The Plough is a rare find for us," he said. “It's a pub which belongs to the locals, and lots of them have been in to meet us since we took over a couple of weeks ago. Now we've got young children, we wanted a more settled way of life and The Plough felt right the minute we walked through the door."
George Arkell, director at Arkell's Brewery which owns The Plough, said: “The Plough is a perfect pub for a family, with its large garden and strong local community. Joe and Jane say they've been lucky to take over as landlords at The Plough, but we also think we've been lucky to find them."
Arkell's goes the extra mile to Calne
Draymen at Swindon-based family brewery Arkell's had to drive a few extra few miles this week as they delivered their first barrels of Arkell's Ale to Calne in Wiltshire.
The brewery has extended its pub estate further south into Wiltshire by purchasing the town's largest hotel, the historic 16th Century town-centre Lansdowne Strand Hotel, for in excess of £1.5 million.
This is the first property Arkell's has bought in the town, where a purchase by the brewery was long overdue, according to managing director, James Arkell.
First Delivery:
Arkell's Managing Director James Arkell with Draymen outside The Lansdowne in Calne
“We've been looking for a property in Calne for a long time," he said. “This is a pretty market town, one of the oldest towns in Wiltshire, which is currently experiencing a renaissance as the town centre becomes much more attractive for locals and tourists. We were delighted to be offered opportunity to purchase The Lansdowne, which has its own unique history."
The 26-bedroom hotel is thought to go back to 1536, and at the other end of the cobbled courtyard behind the hotel are the remains of a local brewery, which closed over 100 years ago.
“Whilst beautiful on the outside, the old brewery will require some care and attention from us as it has been largely neglected over the last few decades," said James.
Having taken over this Grade 2 listed building this month, Arkell's is repainting and restoring the hotel to its former glory and is welcoming locals and visitors back in.
“As a 160-year old family brewery, we hope we'll fit into the market town of Calne," added James. “We're delighted to be bringing our real ale here, although they have to travel just a few more miles from Stratton in Swindon rather than just across the courtyard from the old hotel brew house. Once again Calne has a family brewery in the Strand."
Summer Ale surge as sun shines!
The rain stopped falling and sunshine broke through last weekend as, for the thirteenth year in a row, Arkell's launched its Summer Ale.
This year Head Brewer Don Bracher took to the water in a dragon boat with the brewery's mascot, 'Pete the Pint', and Kevin McDonald, who works in Arkell's bottling plant, during the Challenge Swindon event at Coate Water Country Park near Swindon.
Arkell's Summer Ale was first brewed in 1994 as one of the brewery's earliest seasonal ales, launched in response to demands for a lighter ale suitable for the season. The 4% alcohol by volume light-coloured beer is brewed from specially selected malted barley and continental Styrian Golding hops. The Styrian hops give the beer a pleasant hop flavour without the characteristic bitterness of a typical pint of Arkell's beer.
All set for Summer:
Kevin McDonald, 'Pete the Pint' (aka Brian Curtis) and head brewer Don Bracher
James Arkell, managing director at Arkell's Brewery, said: “Summer Ale has become such an established part of our family of beers over the years that if our customers had their way, it would be Summer all year round because the beer's so popular."
Brian Curtis, who works in Arkell's Brewhouse, was volunteered to dress up as Pete the Pint for the third time. The day was so hot that he didn't have any difficulty in finishing off a Pint of Summer Ale after the launch photograph was taken.
Arkell's Summer Ale is now available in all Arkell's pubs across the South West and at other outlets. Call Arkell's Brewery on 01793 823026 for more information.