The latest stories from Arkell's Pubs
Arkell’s Brewery fuels Literary Festival
Arkell’s Brewery is delighted to be a principal sponsor of the first Literary Festival being held in Kempsford, near Cirencester from 12 – 14 March, which will be opened by Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex.
Arkell's chairman James Arkell
Brewery chairman, James Arkell, who lives close to the village, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet successful authors and raconteurs such as Joanna Trollope, Gyles Brandreth, Lord Douglas Hurd, Susan Hill, Michael Dobbs and others to the beautiful village of Kempsford and we are enormously proud to have been invited to support the festival.”
Kempsford Literary Festival was the brainchild of former head teacher and now vicar of Kempsford, Reverend Tim Hastie-Smith and helping to organise the event is former actress Fiona Fullerton who lives in the village.
“This is such a wonderful way to raise funds for the church and the school and everyone is terribly excited that we have such literary luminaries descending on our village that we can hardly believe it,” she said.
Reverend Tim Hastie-Smith, added: “I am delighted that the festival seems to have caught people’s imagination. Reading a good book can really raise the spirit so I am hoping the festival will have the same effect.”
The festival will be held in the village school hall, which can hold a maximum of 140 people and tickets are being sold on a first come, first serve basis.
Tickets will be priced at £5 a head. Booking number for tickets 01865 522580
Kempsford Literary Festival - website
Arkell’s helps landlords serve up best bitter
Bar staff from Arkell’s pubs across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire learned to put the ‘best’ into ‘bitter’ last week when they attended a cellar management course at the Swindon brewery.
Those attending the Arkell's cellar management course at the Brewery
Bar staff from the Moonrakers and Tawny Owl in Swindon, the Landsdowne in Calne and The Exmouth Arms in Cheltenham all returned to their pubs with an Award in Beer and Cellar Quality.
Brewery director, George Arkell, said: “Perfect pints don’t just come out of the beer pump - keeping and serving real ale is a skill that can be learned.”
The course included learning to keep beer properly in the cellar, the importance of cleaning the beer pipes regularly and properly, cellar hygiene, health and safety and correct manual handling of the barrels.
Richard Crickmar, landlord at The Tawny Owl which sent four of its bar staff on the course, said: “The beer should be as good when it comes out of the beer pump as it is when it’s delivered to us, so I am delighted that Arkell’s runs regular cellar management courses so that all our key staff have the opportunity to learn.”
Assistant manager at The Exmouth Arms, Cheltenham Calvin Langden-Bates who attended the course himself last year, said: “It’s really useful to understand how to keep a good cellar, and what makes a really good pint.”
The group had also spent the previous day studying for the National Certificate for Personal License Holders, now a legal requirement for people seeking to run their own pub.
Both courses were run by British Institute of Innkeeping qualified trainer, Marcus Harbourne. He said: “Despite what is written about the demise of pubs, I am training more people in both cellar management and for their National Certificate and think that the industry is becoming more professional.”
The Ashes come to ..... Kemble?
228 years after England lost a cricket match to Australia on home soil, the two countries are still battling annually for ‘The Ashes’. Now, two skittle teams at The Tavern at Kemble are hoping to do the same with their own ‘Ashes’ tournament, although perhaps without quite the same international media coverage.
Tavern landlady Margaret Wixey with the two teams and the Kemble Ashes
This year the two Tavern pub skittle teams, The Taverners and The Evergreen Oaks will be battling for the Tavern Ashes, the remains of the old alley which was demolished last year after pub owners Arkell’s built a brand new skittle alley for the pub.
Landlady Margaret Wixey, explains: “Our old skittle alley was an old billet hut from Kemble Airfield donated to Arkell’s after the war in 1946 and which the landlord put to good use. It’s stood in the car park for the 64 years since and certainly served its purpose. When Arkell’s offered to build on a new skittle alley on pub, the old hut was redundant and the only thing we could do was to burn it down.
“The night it happened, I was watching coverage of last year’s Ashes cricket tournament on the TV and remembered the embers of the old alley still aglow outside. I thought ‘we can have our own Ashes tournament’, so I rushed outside to collect up some of the remains.”
Margaret has bought an urn for the ashes and it now has pride of place in the new skittle alley.
The battle of the Tavern Ashes will be fought at the end of the skittles season, in June and this week both teams celebrated the launch of ‘The Kemble Ashes’.
"It’s a great idea and we’re looking forward to the first tournament,” said Alan Timbrell, a farmer from Pool Keynes and captain of The Taverners Skittle Team.
More about The Tavern at Kemble
“A Pint of Arkell’s and a manicure please!”
A pint at The Hare and Hounds at Foss Cross near Cirencester has suddenly become as attractive to women as to men, thanks to an accidental new service now available at this Arkell’s pub.
Claire and Angela Howe at the Hare and Hounds, Foss Cross
Qualified beautician Claire Howe, daughter of landlady Angela Howe, is now offering regular beauty treatments to customers from one of the recently built hotel rooms behind the restaurant.
“It all started a few months’ ago when I decided that my mum was working so hard that she needed a little bit of ‘TLC’,” explains Claire.
“I’ve been a trained beautician for years so I decided that I’d visit more regularly to give her treatments such as massages and manicures. However, as soon as some of our customers got to hear about it they asked if I could help them too, so one by one and almost by mistake, I’ve built up a strong demand for my twice-monthly sessions and I’m having to come back more regularly.”
Husbands and wives now part in the Hare and Hounds car park, heading either towards the bar or the beauty salon, often meeting up later to have a meal in the restaurant.
“Everyone’s happy,” says Angela, who is now offering the service to hotel guests..
“We get a lot of wedding parties, many attending receptions at nearby Cripps Barn,” she explains. “It’s a fantastic venue but it doesn’t have accommodation, so often the bridal party stay here. It’s lovely that the bride and bridesmaids can now have a full beauty treatment at the hotel before the big day.”
Most of all, though, Angela and Claire get to see much more of each other than before.
“I live in Newbury,” explains Claire. “So until I started coming up here I wasn’t seeing so much of mum as she works 24/7 at The Hare and Hounds. This has helped to bring us closer together.”
More about The Hare and Hounds at Foss Cross
Snooks climb back aboard The Jolly Tar
A husband-and-wife team who walked away from their tenancy at a Cotswold pub to bring up their young family have returned to the same pub six years later.
Steve and Leigh Snook back at The Jolly Tar
Steve and Leigh Snook, who ran The Jolly Tar at Hannington near Highworth, from 1997 – 2004 returned as landlords at this land-locked Arkell’s pub after deciding that they just couldn’t bear to have anyone else running ‘their’ pub.
The couple, who ran the village pub (which lies between Swindon and Cirencester) for eight years, stepped down to spend more time bringing up their very young family, now 10, 7, and 6, but found that they just couldn’t keep away.
Leigh said: “It’s fantastic being back. When we walked in it felt like Aurora’s palace when the prince comes back after 100 years. Everything seemed the same but the future has endless possibilities.”
For Steve, who spent the intervening years as a warehouse manager, it’s a return to what he loves doing most. “I know the pub business is having a difficult time but landlords who offer good food, a clean, cosy pub, cold beer and a warm welcome will do alright. It’s about re-establishing our reputation and living up to it.”
Their children are also happy to be back. “They have friends in the village and always loved the huge pub gardens,” explained Leigh. “It was impossible to run the pub properly when our children were all so young; that was why we decided to leave in 2004. Now they’re growing up, I’ve got more time to get back behind the bar and run the kitchens.”
The Snook’s triumphant return certainly seemed to go down well on their first weekend back, as the pub was full. “It was great – just like the good old times, and we hope they’ll be a lot more of them,” said Steve.
Moonrakers ‘Open all hours’
New landlords at The Moonrakers have pledged to throw open their doors from 12pm every lunchtime until closing time as they take over behind the bar at this iconic Swindon pub, owned by Wiltshire Brewery, Arkell’s.
Ian Leng and Kathy Bond enjoy a pint outside the Moonrakers
Ian Leng and Kathy Bond, who moved back to Swindon from running another pub in Cheltenham, took over last week from landlords Nick and Debbie Sharpe who ran the successful pub for almost five years. Nick and Debbie have returned to run Arkell’s Liden Arms at Liden.
“We’re delighted to be running The Moonrakers,” said Kathy. “I took it as a huge compliment when the brewery contacted us to see if we wanted to take it on. The Moonrakers is one of Swindon’s best-known pubs and it’s a big responsibility. Nick and Debbie ran a good pub and we plan to carry on in much the same way – why make big changes if it’s already successful?”
Ian and Kathy are adding a few touches of their own, including installing Sky TV and introducing a Sunday carvery later in January.
The Moonrakers was built by Arkell’s in 1931, but didn’t receive a full license until 1953 – the first entirely new license granted in Swindon in nearly 50 years. Some years later a large function suite was added onto the pub which can accommodate up to 300 people. For years it was the largest venue in the town, and it’s still one of the biggest. In 2004 Arkell’s instigated a major refurbishment of the pub.
According to Kathy: “The function room is very popular and I’ve already booked in a wedding reception for the summer. We also think there may be an untapped market, in the current economic climate, for organisations which need a big room, but don’t want pay for other, more expensive, venues.”
The pub is called after the legend of the Moonrakers, well-known to many Swindon and Wiltshire folk.
The story goes that a pair of Wiltshiremen engaged in smuggling brandy were almost caught in the act of raking the barrel, hidden in a pond, back to land. The quick-thinking couple fooled the excisemen into thinking that they were simple-minded folk trying to rake the moon’s reflection from a pond. The original pub sign, restored by Arkell’s in 2007, depicts the Moonrakers, a nickname still occasionally used for Wiltshiremen.
Brewery director, George Arkell, said: “This is a legendary pub, both for its name and for the affection in which it is held by true Swindonians. Ian and Kathy won’t be smuggling best brandy, but they will be serving Wiltshire’s best real ale.”
New landlords on the grid at The White Hart
From a life in the pits to another behind the bar, landlord Ken Sibley has put his previous life as a Formula 1 mechanic behind him to take over as landlord at The White Hart, Stow on the Wold with his wife Marion.
But Ken, who was senior mechanic with the Williams team for more than 20 years, helping Nigel Mansell amongst others to the Formula 1 drivers’ title, does not in the least regret leaving the heady world of speed, celebrity and the smell of fuel oil behind him.
“They were truly great days,” said Ken, who has worked with all the current top twenty racing drivers, “But after such a long time, we wanted a change and a complete break from that world.”
Ken and Marion have been looking for the right pub to run for almost three years, and whilst hunting, have been completing management courses and gaining their landlord licenses.
“We looked at almost 30 pubs before deciding on The White Hart,” said Marion, who used to work at Stow Lodge. “We had to be sure we were going into the right pub.”
As soon as heard the couple heard that The White Hart was available they knew it was right.
“It has a great location in a lovely town and is owned by a local, family brewery. We wanted it straight away,” said Ken.
“Arkell’s have been fantastic and despite taking over during the snowiest week in Stow decades, we’re up and running and ready to accelerate off the grid.”
OK, so Ken can’t yet quite leave his previous career behind him completely, and he still watches Formula 1 with great interest.
“Like most things in life, and definitely like running a good pub, it’s all about teamwork,” he says. “Drivers need their skills, but it’s those with the best team behind them who will ultimately claim the prize. I’m watching Lewis Hamilton for the big prize next season – in between pulling pints for the locals, of course.”
More about The White Hart at Stow-on-the-Wold
Snow won’t stopping Arkell’s delivering beer
The heaviest snowfall the country has seen for 30 years isn’t stopping Arkell’s Brewery’s draymen from delivering their beer.
Arkell’s Draymen Jim Burdock and Joe Brown delivering beer to Liz Jackson at The Plough at Stratton in Cirencester
Transport manager, John Williams, sent six drays out on some of the most inhospitable roads across Wiltshire, the Cotswolds and into Oxfordshire at the crack of dawn this morning, delivering beer and good cheer to landlords.
“There are some pubs that even our draymen can’t get to – but in these few cases the landlord will get into his car, borrow a tractor or a van and meet them at the closest point,” said John.
“All our draymen and landlords do whatever it takes to get the beer through,” said Brewery Chairman James Arkell.
“Delivering beer is our main objective, but our draymen will also report back if our landlords are having any problems at our pubs.”
This morning (Wednesday 6 Jan), the draymen have so far delivered beer across Swindon, into Wiltshire up to Stow on the Wold, across to Cheltenham and into Oxfordshire – dodging abandoned cars and trucks along most of the routes, according to drayman Jim Burdock.
“Most of the drive has been very difficult, but we’ve made it to all the pubs we had on our round.” he said.
More about The Plough at Stratton
A pint of ale and loaf of bread at Rose and Crown
Customers won’t just be dropping down to their local for a pint at The Rose & Crown at Lea near Malmesbury, they’ll also be able to pick up essential groceries, thanks to new landlord, Simon Owens.
Simon Owens and family outside the Rose and Crown at Lea
Simon moved into The Rose & Crown, owned by Arkell’s Brewery, with wife Jo and 8-month old Nathan just before Christmas, and in the absence of a village shop, they decided to offer customers the opportunity to pick up vital provisions such as bread, eggs and milk without having to drive to Malmesbury.
“We wouldn’t want to run a village shop, but it’s very easy to order extra items and have them available to the villagers, and we hope to order in newspapers too,” said Simon. “We’re not looking to make a profit, just to provide a useful service to the villagers.”
Simon, who comes originally from New Zealand, ran a successful pub in Newbury for more than 11 years before moving to the country so that his family could enjoy the good life.
“We’ve even got goats in the garden,” he laughs.
The Rose and Crown used to be known for its good food and Simon will be revamping the menus to build up the pub’s food reputation. “We planning on serving good food using locally-sourced ingredients,” he added.
George Arkell, director at pub owners, Arkell’s said: “It’s lovely that Simon and Jo are determined to make themselves central to the community, supporting other local businesses and community groups. We love their idea to offer provisions to villagers.”
Simon added: “We’ll buy local if we can and make our function room available to village groups such as mums and toddlers if they need it.”
The best thing about moving to the countryside, says Simon, is the friendliness of the local people which reminds him of New Zealand.
“Everyone in New Zealand is very amiable, and Lea seems to be the same. When I first arrived in London in the 1990s I felt like Crocodile Dundee; talking to everyone, ignored by all and I soon learned to keep quiet. At the Rose and Crown, everyone wants to talk.”
More about Rose and Crown at Lea
Wroughton’s Three Tuns welcomes first new landlords for 20 years
Arkell’s pub The Three Tuns pub at Wroughton near Swindon has new landlords for the first time in nearly 20 years.
Russell & Tracey Hackett outside the Three Tuns in Wroughton
Russell and Tracey Hackett took over behind the bar from previous landlord Mike Westmoreland who retired just before Christmas. The new couple have wasted no time with the brewery installing a new cellar, new pumps and carrying out a total redecoration of the pub.
Brewery director, George Arkell, said: “It’s great to see new life being breathed into The Three Tuns, and Russell and Tracey are so enthusiastic that they will soon have the pub buzzing.”
This isn’t the couple’s first pub: They have run others in Shrivenham and West Swindon before moving to The Three Tuns.
“We wanted a bigger pub with more potential,” explains Tracey. “The Three Tuns is great – right in the middle of Wroughton, with a big car park, garden and a function room. I’ve already booked in our first wedding reception.”
The Three Tuns is the only pub in Wroughton to be open all day, and it has a license until 2am, so Russell and Tracey are getting used to longer hours.
“We’ve got a good team of staff here, so the hours are not as long as they sound,” adds Tracey.
The best bit about being a landlord is the characters who come through the door, says Russell, a former carpet fitter. “From the old chap nursing his half pint of 3Bs, to the man who is the life and sole of the party – you just never know who’s going to walk through the door. I love being a landlord, and it’s a lot easier on the knee joints than being a carpet fitter.”
More about The Three Tuns, Wroughton
CAMRA goes behind bar at The Duke of Wellington
One of the leading lights in Swindon CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), has taken over behind the bar at Arkell’s pub The Duke of Wellington on Eastcott Hill in Swindon and she’s determined to put the pub back into the Good Beer Guide, where it last appeared in 2005.
Gill White pulls a pint of 3B at the Duke of Wellington
This is Gill White’s first time as a landlady, but she comes with all the right credentials, according to brewery director, George Arkell.
“Gill is secretary of Swindon CAMRA, as well as organising the group’s annual Beer Festival,” he explained. “This is the only pub in Swindon where the beer is sold by gravity – from barrels on racks behind the bar. I have no doubt that when local real ale enthusiasts hear that Gill’s running the pub, they will beat a path to her door.”
Earlier this year Arkell’s refurbished the inside of the pub. Gill and her husband Graham, also a member of CAMRA, plan make the pub a destination for beer enthusiasts and increase the number of real ales available at the pub.
George explains: “We recently installed a new bottling line at the brewery and as a result we now bottle beers for a number of other real ale breweries. We will be inviting them to supply some of these bottled ales to Gill in order that her customers have a wider range of beers and flavours to try.
Gill is looking forward to her new life. “I have been working in B&Q for the last few years, but now I plan to dedicate my working life to making The Duke of Wellington the best beer pub in the town. We’re planning to open up the fire to give our customers a warm welcome too.”
The whole family will be moving in to support Gill. “This will be a family-run pub,” she said. “I’ve done my first few sessions behind the bar and I love it. The best bit was when I overheard customers talking about the quality of the beer. They were saying how good it tasted and I thought: ‘I did that’, it was a great feeling.”
More about The Duke of Wellington, Swindon
Sign of the times at The White Horse?
New landlords at Arkell’s pub, The White Horse at Woolstone, Tim and Lynn McAuliffe, have lost three of their publicity boards since they moved in just six weeks’ ago – and they want them back.
Tim and Lynn outside The White Horse at Woolstone
New landlords at Arkell’s pub, The White Horse at Woolstone, Tim and Lynn McAuliffe, have lost three of their publicity boards since they moved in just six weeks’ ago – and they want them back.
“We put them just up from the pub, on the B4507 very close to White Horse Hill. One afternoon they were there, and then they weren’t, it’s very frustrating,” said Lynn, who spent a long time painting the new boards.
Tim and Lynn, who have run Arkell’s pubs before, returned from Spain to take over at The White Horse, close to Shrivenham and one of the most well-known pubs in the area.
“When we knew the tenancy was vacant, we thought it would be perfect for us,” added Tim. “It’s one of the prettiest pubs we know, very traditional and photogenic with bed and breakfast accommodation and a reputation for quality food. The trouble is that we are wondering whether we pipped someone else at the post for the tenancy and they have decided to pay us back by pinching our boards!”
James Arkell, chairman at pub owners Arkell’s Brewery, said: “We knew that Tim and Lynn wanted the pub and they were the best landlords for the job. The White Horse is a destination pub for food all year around and for Spring and Summer visitors who walk along the famous Ridgway path, so it needs professional landlords to run it.”
More about The White Horse at Woolstone
Whitbread takes over at Arkell’s ‘The GW’
After ten months working for Arkell’s and at only 23 years’ old, Ashley Whitbread has now taken over as landlord at one of Swindon’s most well-known pubs: The GW, opposite Swindon’s main railway station.
Ashley Whitbread, new landlord of The GW
Despite Ashley sharing the name of another well-known brewer, Arkell’s director George Arkell welcomed Ashley into his new role. “Whilst it rather goes against the family name to have a ‘Whitbread’ running one of our pubs, when they are as professional and friendly as Ashley, it’s easy to make an exception!”
Ashley, a former Commonweal School pupil, has been working for Arkell’s for less than a year, but worked at The GW on and off over the years for the previous landlord.
Managed House Director at Arkell’s Brewery, Craig Titchener, said: “We soon spotted Ashley’s potential, so when the position became vacant, we were quick to offer it to him. The GW is a high profile pub and we needed someone with the experience and instinct to run it properly. Ashley has these, as well as a great way with the customers and a natural landlord’s instinct.”
Ashley , who left school at 16, studied sports science at Swindon College on a scholarship. He began working part time at The GW and moved to a full-time role when he had finished studying.
But he hasn’t left his sport behind him and plays for The GW Arkell’s Football team in Swindon’s Division 1 on a Sunday – with his dad as manager.
“I love my football and it’s great to play with friends who are also customers at The GW,” he says.
So how does Ashley feel at being the boss of such a large pub so young? “For the first time the decisions are down to me alone,” he said. “Luckily, we have a great team here of 12 staff, including my girlfriend Amanda, which makes my job much easier, and I’ve got the backup of Arkell’s Brewery at any time.”
Mr ‘Fix-it’ does 20 years
All breweries should have a Harry.
40-year old Brian Curtis, called ‘Harry’ for reasons no-one can remember, washes casks, delivers beer and will have a go at mending anything that’s broken. And he’s now celebrating twenty years’ employment at Swindon-based Arkell’s brewery.
Arkell's Mr Fix It, Brian Curtis
Harry came to work for Arkell’s in 1989 as a cask washer, but it soon became obvious that he was happier being a ‘Mr Fix-it’ for the brewery.
“He’s great,” says brewery director, George Arkell. “If you want anything done, then Harry’s the man, he’ll get stuck in and sort things out without having to be asked.”
Arkell’s is an unusual employer. Whilst everyone has job titles, few stick to their responsibilities, and do whatever needs doing, just like a large family.
And with Harry living right next to the brewery, with his wife and three children, it’s easy for him to sort things out quickly.
“I love my job, and there aren’t many people who can say that these days,” he says. “I’m looking forward to the next 20.”
Former International journalist gets Golden Cross
A former international financial journalist has put down his pen and begun pulling pints after returning to the UK from Cambodia and taking over as landlord at The Golden Cross pub in Black Jack Street, Cirencester.
The new landlord of The Golden Cross, Mark Lindesay
Mark Lindesay spent fifteen years in Asia, first as financial correspondent at the Vietnam Economic Times, then publishing an executive travel guide and most recently running a hotel and number of bars in the region. He returned to the UK earlier this year after the credit crunch bit even harder into Vietnam and Cambodia than in Western Europe.
“I had a great time out there but it was time to come home,” he said.
But Mark isn’t planning to bring South East Asian cuisine to the Arkell’s pub in Black Jack Street.
“Why would I?” he says. “There are plenty of good Indian and Chinese restaurants already in Cirencester,” he says. “The Golden Cross is a great town pub, and since the old Post Office building has been redeveloped into a completely new street of independent retailers, business is growing. We’re planning on building up the trade here and offering good quality, interesting pub food for shoppers in the best new area of Cirencester.”
George Arkell, director at Arkell’s Brewery, has welcomed Mark into the pub.
“Every successful landlord has his own tales to tell, and Mark will have more than many after spending so many years abroad,” he said.
Floyd on the Menu at The Rat Trap
Fond memories of renowned chef Keith Floyd have moved the landlord at The Rat Trap in Swindon to put up a special menu in his honour.
Robert Hazel and Mark Richardson paying tribute to Keith Floyd at The Rat Trap
The recipes, drawn from Keith Floyd’s cookery books, include Trout wrapped in newspaper, and the pub is using copies of the Swindon Advertiser, which would have been Keith’s local newspaper when he lived in Faringdon.
Landlord at the Arkell’s pub Mark Richardson, said: “I met Keith a few times and my chef Robert Hazel, who also lived in Faringdon, knew him and enjoyed his company in the pubs and hotels in the town, especially at The Bell where Keith was the inspiration at the restaurant for a few years.”
The top seller on the Rat Trap’s Floyd menu is grilled Ribeye topped with rustic paté and potato, red onion and parsley stock rosti, with a rich red wine sauce.
“Keith liked to use different combinations of ingredients and this goes down very well,” added Mark.
The menu has been running at the Rat Trap for a week and is proving so popular that Mark and Robert are planning to keep it on for most of the month.
“We also offer a free glass of Merlot which we understand was one of Keith’s favourites, to make a toast to his memory. He was a great man and a true inspiration,” said Mark.
Paddy powers pints at St James Hotel
He’s enjoyed a drink with Tommy Cooper, Dave Allen and many other famous names from stage and screen over the last four decades, now Irishman Gerry Wynne has taken over behind the bar at Arkell’s pub The St James’ Hotel on Clarence Street in Cheltenham.
Gerry Wynne outside the St James Hotel in Cheltenham
Gerry’s spent his professional career running pubs, restaurants and hotels across England over the last 44 years - in fact he first met one of the Arkell’s family when they came into his pub The Salisbury on St Martin’s Lane in London more than 20 years’ ago.
“I wasn’t ready to move out to the country then,” he jokes.
Gerry began his career running a pub opposite the famous Stringfellows night club in Soho. After nine years he moved to The Salisbury on St Martin’s Lane before leaving London behind, 23 years’ later, to run three pubs on the South Coast, then most recently a highly regarded real ale pub in Bury St Edmunds, before moving to Cheltenham earlier this year – to take it a bit easier, he says.
Gerry’s brush with the stars came from his time running the Salisbury in London, close to theatreland, and from his pub in Eastbourne, a favourite with the stars down from London performing in the town.
“They came into the bars of my pubs and sometimes went straight from there to the stage door,” he laughs.
Brewery director, George Arkell, said: “Gerry is an enormous personality and just what the locals want. He’ll make The St James Hotel his own and we’re delighted to have such a professional landlord running this popular town centre pub.”
Highwayman ‘scare’ on the A419
With the A419 carriageway closed overnight last week and no traffic thundering past, you may have thought that a highwayman had come riding past Elkstone. The road was empty and the sign above the Arkell’s Brewery-owned Highwayman pub swung the wind.
Mark Turner (front right), alongside his his parents Chris and Viv Turner, and girlfriend Annie, taking advantage of the deserted A419 dual carriageway
Luckily for new landlord, Mark Turner, the dual carriage-way, used by hundreds of thousands of vehicles ever year, was only closed for a few hours during the evening so essential resurfacing work on the carriageway could be carried out.
“It’s quite high up here and it can feel pretty deserted,” said Mark, who took over behind the bar just two weeks’ ago. “When the traffic stopped last week, we looked out of the window and saw nothing, then workmen with hard hats and reflective jackets came into sight and everything reverted to the 21st Century.”
Luckily, such maintenance work happens rarely and The Highwayman, a traditional real ale pub, is busy welcoming back the locals from Winstone, Elkstone and the surrounding villages.
This is Mark’s first pub, although he’s had plenty of experience as his parents have run pubs all their lives in Cheltenham and across the Cotswolds, including The Plough at Ford. After almost a decade working in London and Bath in finance, Mark finally decided to return to the job he loves best, running a pub.
“It beats the 9-5 routine and it’s more sociable,” he explains.
Brewery director, George Arkell, agrees. “Running is pub is hard work, but for those who enjoy the life, there is absolutely nothing better in the world. Mark has grown up in pubs and knows better than most what it takes to make it successful.”
The Highwayman is also the destination of choice for many classic and sports car enthusiasts because of its large car park and accessibility. This year alone it has twice played host to Cirencester Car Club’s ‘Introduction to Motor Sport Weekend’.
Highworth Foxy lady retires
After nineteen years in charge of The Fox at Highworth, landlady Mary Wilshire has pulled her very last pint before retiring.
And when directors from the pub owner, Arkell’s Brewery, visited Mary to wish her well and present her with a specially-inscribed carriage clock, shared memories of the pub came flooding back to them all.
Mary Wilshire with (from left to right) Brewery chairman James Arkell, Barry Russell, Craig Titchener, Teresa Hill and George Arkell
Brewery chairman James Arkell remembered drinking there more than 30 years’ ago, before Mary’s time – but she remembers his son George Arkell, also a brewery director, when he used to visit Highworth for the evening, from the family home nearby.
Another brewery director, Craig Titchener, who lived in Highworth for around twenty years, has many fond memories of the pub as it was one of his regular haunts.
“It’s always been a great place with a wonderful pub atmosphere,” he said.
Mary, who trained as a hairdresser before meeting and marrying husband Brian, also used to work behind the bar at the Conservative Club. The couple took over The Fox in 1990.
A few years later, Brian who had proved a hugely popular landlord, died, and Mary determined to carry on until now.
“It’s time for a new face behind the bar, and for time off for me,” said Mary, who will continue to live in the town and to visit The Fox, where many of her friends are.
James Arkell said: “They don’t make them like Mary much anymore. She’s been a great landlady and we will all miss her hugely. Whilst other landlords in the town have come and gone, Mary has been one of the few constants in Highworth.”
Luckily for the residents of Highworth, Shaun and Helen Vockins a well-liked local couple, are taking over the tenancy.
More about The Fox Inn, Highworth
Arkell's launches Czech-Style Pilsner
With so many connections to the Czech Republic, Arkell’s Brewery has pushed out the barrel and launched its own Czech-style Pilsner.
Over the last few years, the Wiltshire brewery has installed bottling equipment, fermenters, conditioning equipment and most recently a kegging unit, all from specialist brewing equipment manufacturers Cheops in The Czech Republic. With strong working relationships developing between brewers and engineers as the equipment was researched in The Czech Republic and installed by Czech engineers into Arkell’s, the Wiltshire brewery has gone the whole hog and brewed a Pilsner Lager in honour of the World’s best Pilsner.
Czech mate: Arkell's director George Arkell is joined by Miss Swindon 2009 Sherie Smith and head brewer Don Bracher
Arkell’s Czech-style Pilsner, 3.8% ABV, is available from the cask in all Arkell’s managed houses* from 1st August, and in many Arkell’s tenanted pubs. Later in the summer, it will also be available in bottles.
It was launched at Arkell’s Brewery with the help of Sherie Smith, Miss Swindon, who is currently studying for a Masters in Science before moving onto complete her PhD.
Using traditional Saaz hops from the Czech Republic and Styrian Goldings hops from neighbouring Slovenia, the Pilsner is an exciting new departure for the 166-year old family brewery, but one which chairman James Arkell is delighted to embrace.
“Pilsner has its own rich history,” he says. “It was first brewed in 1842 in the city of Pilsen, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), a year before Arkell’s was established in 1843”
There are two basic categories of beer: Top fermenting , such as the traditionally brewed Arkell’s Ales and bottom fermented ones, referred to as lagers. Bottom fermented beers are fermented at colder temperatures with as little air contact as possible. Pilsner is a variety of lager using Czech hops, such as the Saaz.
James explains that brewing a Pilsner takes longer than brewing real ale: “It takes three weeks of fermentation to achieve the right ABV, a further two weeks of cooling, then cold conditioning to achieve a flavoursome and recognisable Pilsner,” he explained.
Now on tap: the new Arkell's Pilsner lager
The new Arkell’s Pilsner was created by Arkell’s Head Brewer, Don Bracher, who drew inspiration during his many visits to The Czech Republic.
“I was taken out regularly by our equipment suppliers keen to educate me on their Pilsner beer,” he said. “I came to really appreciate and enjoy the Pilsner taste and on my return to Arkell’s I shared my ideas.
“We agreed that it would be an ideal addition to the Arkell’s stable of real ales, offering customers a wider range of beer tastes and textures. I hope that our customers will enjoy this new Pilsner as much as I have enjoyed creating it.”
Arkell’s pubs where Pilsner is served:
The Bull, Fairford
Bear Hotel, Market Place, Wantage
Boundary House, The Street, Moredon
The Brewers Arms, Cirencester
Crown Inn, 73 Ermin Street, Swindon
G W Bar, Station Road, Swindon
The Jovial Monk, Highdown Way, St Andrew’s Ridge, Abbey Meads, Swindon
The Kings Arms Hotel, 18 West Street, Chipping Norton
Kingsdown Inn, Upper Stratton, Swindon
The Lansdowne Strand, The Strand, Calne
Longs Bar, Old Town, Swindon
The Manor Public House, Cheney Manor Road, Swindon
The Mason's Arms, Meysey Hampton
The New Inn, Lower Stratton, Swindon
The Riverside, Park End Wharf, Lechlade
The Running Horse, Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon
The Rusty Bicycle, Oxford
The Saracens Head Hotel, High Street, Highworth
The Tawny Owl, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Taw Hill, Swindon
White Hart, Oxford Road, Swindon
Pub regular Arthur Ayres calls ‘last orders’ at The Tavern
When 96-year old Arthur Ayres died last month, it was more than his gentle wit and congenial company that landlords at the Tavern at Kemble were going to miss.
For Arthur was by far and away the pub’s best customer. So much so that even his funeral service was held there – rather than in the local church. Current Tavern landlords, David and Margaret Wixey, calculated that, over 62 years, Arthur drank his way through an incredible 48,360 pints of Arkell’s 3Bs – that’s 671 9-gallon barrels of real ale.
Raising a toast to Arthur: son Brian Ayres and daughter-in-law Pat, with the current Tavern landlords, David and Margaret Wixey
Since 1947, when The Tavern was converted into a pub from a coffee house, Arthur was one of the first customers through the door, the pub being right next to Kemble railway station.
Such was local fondness for Arthur, and in fact many of the Ayres family who have been loyal pub customers over the last half century (He was the fifth in the line of a family of eleven surviving siblings), that four sets of former Tavern landlords attended his funeral, with a fifth set of landlords sending flowers.
“He was an amazing man, a proper ‘local’ and committed skittle player for decades.” said current landlady Margaret. “The only concession he made to getting older appeared to be moving from Arkell’s 3Bs to Light Ale in the last couple of years. Our lives are richer for having known him and we all miss him a great deal.”
Arkell’s Brewery, which has owned The Tavern since 1947, also paid tribute. Brewery director, George Arkell, spoke of an entertaining man who always had a story to tell: “Arthur was an institution. Customers invariably made straight for him when they came in as he was so entertaining, chatting about his days as a gamekeeper on the local estate.”
Daughter-in-law, Pat Ayres, who cared for him daily for the last five years, paid tribute to Arthur at his funeral service, which was held, unconventionally, at the Tavern.
Arthur Ayres and his three brothers and son Brian
“Sunday lunchtime pints were, in Arthur’s words, his visit to his church and the family broke with convention to honour a wonderful village character by having his service there.”
Arthur made international headlines in the last ten years. He was the first pub local ‘adopted’ in a light-hearted national campaign to ‘Adopt a Local’ – a marketing campaign dreamed up by a real ale fan keen to support rural pubs.
Film crews descended on The Tavern from across the world to interview the mild-mannered, charming retired gamekeeper.
Now his glass beer tankard, specially inscribed and presented to him on his 85th birthday eleven years ago by Arkell’s Brewery in tribute to his phenomenal custom, has been passed onto his deserving son, Brian, who works as a caretaker at Cirencester College.
Arkell’s invests in Swindon despite stalled Town Centre development
The demise of the planned £multi-million Regent Place development in Swindon has meant a new lease of life for one of Swindon’s most well-known town centre bars, after three years of uncertainty when it was threatened with a compulsory purchase order.
After new investment by pub owners Arkell’s Brewery and tenants Paul Studholme and Mike Sheridan (who also run Long’s Bar in Old Town), The Apartment in Havelock Square has been renamed The World Cafe and is now open throughout the day serving a wide-ranging menu of food from across the world.
Paul Studholme outside the World Cafe in Swindon town centre
Brewery chairman, James Arkell, said: “It’s been a very uncertain time for Swindon and whilst the planned regeneration of the town centre appears to have come to a halt for now, which is a great disappointment, we must do what we can to reinvigorate Swindon centre to continue attracting shoppers and visitors.
“If the regeneration had gone ahead, the building housing The Apartment, now the World Cafe, would have been demolished so for three years’ we’ve not been able to develop the business as we would have wished. Now that there seems to have been a hiatus in the project, we’ve given the business a boost and look forward to welcoming new customers in.”
Landlord Paul Studholme, is planning a full schedule of activities and entertainment over the next few months, reflecting The World Cafe’s new name.
“We’re hosting the Swindon Mela after party this weekend, and on 8th August we’re throwing a barbecue with an Afro-Caribbean band to entertain our customers,” he said.
More than 300 turn out as rural pub reopens
Within hours of reopening, The Masons Arms at Meysey Hampton near Cirencester was packed with hundreds of people last Friday night.
Happy villagers and their friends spilled out onto the village green to welcome the pub’s new owners, local family brewery Arkell’s, and celebrate the reopening of their much-loved pub.
Roger Case, chairman of Meysey Hampton Parish Council, said: “After losing the village post office and shop last year, the loss of the pub in January was particularly painful. For months now it has felt a lonely place; a village with no soul.
“All that changed with the news that Arkells might be buying The Masons. Suddenly there was a buzz about the place. People wanted to know the latest news on developments.
“It was very exciting to witness the activity last week and see the results on Friday. Arkells have really cleaned the place up but the old character has somehow still remained. Meysey Hampton now looks forward to a long and successful relationship with its local brewery; it has certainly got off to a cracking start.”
Arkell’s Brewery, which owns more than 100 pubs across the South West, bought the pub and wasted no time in welcoming villagers back in. In fact, it took just three days and 20 decorators working around the clock to get the pub ready for opening. The brewery has also prepared the pub for the prestigious Cask Marque recognition, which guarantees the quality of the beer.
Happy punters enjoying a pint at the opening of The Masons Arms
Brewery chairman, James Arkell, said: “The Masons Arms was a thriving pub in the past, but we felt that it wasn’t the recession which had closed the pub down, but simply poor management structures in recent years. More importantly, we also knew that the villagers had been staunch supporters were keen for the pub to reopen. In fact they were the first to inform police of a break-in recently and prevent items being stolen.”
But the strength of support last week took even James by surprise. “I couldn’t believe the number of people who turned out to celebrate the pub’s reopening. We hadn’t advertised or announced the reopening at all – we’d simply moved in three days earlier to give the pub and its kitchens a deep clean, prepare the cellars and letting rooms for opening.”
The Mason’s Arms is a small but popular village pub with letting rooms, overlooking over the village green with a cricket pitch within walking distance of a pint of beer.
The brewery is particularly pleased that it is able to offer up to ten part time jobs to local villagers, which they have been quick to take up.
Mark Hastings, Director of Communications at the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “With many pubs having a really tough time, it’s great to see a pub fighting back, and with such strong support from local people. Pubs are right at the heart of local life. Along with shops, schools and post offices, they are what make for a really thriving community.”
Despite the headlines of 39 pubs closing every week, this is not the first time that Arkell’s has bought and successfully reinvigorated a village pub.
“Whilst the current trading environment is undeniably difficult, people should not write off rural pubs just yet,” says James.
“If a pub has the support of its locals and strong, popular and experienced management, it has every chance of becoming successful – and The Masons Arms has all these ingredients.
“For Arkell’s, it’s exciting to re-open another pub, and I thank the hundreds of people who turned out last weekend to celebrate. Now we want to endsure that The Masons Arms is once again at the heart of this vibrant community and has a sustainable future.”
More about The Mason Arms, Meysey Hampton
Last pub in town is Swindon’s first lunchtime tapas bar
When Swindon’s ‘only’ remaining town centre pub, owned by Arkell’s Brewery, welcomed two new faces behind the bar, it also welcomed the Spanish concept of tapas to the town centre.
New landlords Michael Dagger and Vikki Cunningham have taken over at The Flag, on Fleet Street, which they says is Swindon’s only remaining traditional town centre pub. “There are lots of large warehouse-like drinking venues around us but no proper pubs,” explains Michael.
Whilst it may seem unusual to offer Spanish tapas in a traditional English pub, Michael – a trained chef, says the two cultures fit perfectly.
“Tapas are a wide variety of appetisers, which can be hot or cold, he explains. “The Spanish philosophy behind the tradition is: ‘Eat when you drink, drink when you eat,” so customers can carry on chatting without having to sit down to a large plate of food, it’s also quite acceptable to wander around whilst eating.”
Landlord and Lady Michael Dagger and Vikki Cunningham outside The Flag
And Michael and Vikki should know as they have just returned to the UK from working in Spain, following Vikki’s parents who also returned from Spain last year to take over another Arkell’s pub, The Rising Sun at Woolhampton, near Newbury.
The world ‘Tapa’ means a cover – and the earliest tapas were simply bread with a topping of local ham or cheese which the Spanish used to balance over their glass to keep out the flies!
But whilst Michael and Vikki are enjoying bring the best of Spanish drinking culture to Swindon town centre, they are also encouraging traditional English pub culture, and are setting up a new pool team and a darts team at the pub.
Brewery director, George Arkell, is delighted with the new pub’s landlords: “Tradition is important, but life would be very dull if everything always stayed the same,” he says. “A tapas bar in the town is a great idea and I’m looking forward to sampling some of them.”
The Flag is open all day and tapas are served from 12pm until 3pm.
Green shoots appear at Exmouth Arms
As one gardener in Cheltenham hits the national news for being booted off his allotment after 20 years after by Cheltenham Borough Council after it discovered he wasn’t growing enough fruit and vegetables, on the other side of town, pub regulars at The Exmouth Arms in Leckhampton, are getting their hands dirty and growing their own garden produce on ten new allotments prepared by pub owner, local brewery Arkell’s.
The site, a former scrubland area was rotavated last year by the brewery in readiness for the new use whilst landlord Mike Huysinga sought planning permission to develop the allotments in the centre of the town.
Now, vegetables are starting to appear and one of the allotment gardeners, Lesley Sheppard, who lives in Charlton Kings, is delighted with the results so far.
“I haven’t grown vegetables for 26 years – our garden at home is just lawn and flowers. Here I’m growing runner beans, strawberries, spinach, lettuce, sweetcorn, potatoes, leeks, broad beans, beetroot and courgettes, it’s wonderful.”
Landlord Mike Huysinga and allotment gardener, Lesley Sheppard
A draw was held in the pub to win nine of the allotments, and Mike has kept one where he can grow produce for the pub.
Mike said: "Allotments are in such demand in this area that it seemed a good thing to do with the land. It also gives us the chance to grow our own herbs and vegetables for pub customers."
Whilst The Exmouth Arms hopes that the project will continue, the allotments are let for one year at a time and the only ‘rent’ allotment holders pay is to help look after the pub's patch as well as their own.
Mike took over the Exmouth Arms two years ago and says he has put a lot of thought into what to do with the redundant land.
"Previously it has been used for a number of things, including car parking and a bathing pool as a stream runs underneath it," he said.
With over 150 people on the waiting list for allotments in Cheltenham, demand for such space is very high.
George Arkell, Director at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “This has been a successful 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
Arkell's Summer Ale helps Prospect Hospice
Scores of residents from nearby Rushy Platt poured into The Running Horse on the Wootton Bassett Road in Swindon last Friday to help pub owners Arkell's Brewery launch their 2009 Summer Ale.
But it was all in a good cause as the brewery laid on a special family barbecue to raise money for Swindon's Prospect Hospice.
Summer Ale launched at The Running Horse
The brewery donated freshly-brewed barrels of Summer Ale which helped landlord Lenny Wallace raise more than £200 for Prospect on the night.
“The Running Horse is Rushy Platt's only pub,” said Lenny. “Since Arkell's refurbished and relaunched the pub last December, the locals have taken it to their hearts and there's a growing sense of community around the pub. It's wonderful to see them coming along and being so generous, especially in these difficult times. The weather was fantastic and we laid on a big sandpit for the kids and barrels of Summer Ale for the adults.”
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.
Arkell's Summer Ale is now available at all Arkell's pubs across the South West and at other outlets. Call the brewery on 01793 823026 for more information.
Second time lucky for Arkell’s at The Volunteer
Just a year after buying The Volunteer Inn at Great Somerford and investing in a much-needed pub redecoration, Arkell’s Brewery took the unusual step of getting out its paintbrushes yet again just a few months’ later, when the interior decoration failed to meet its customers’ approval.
Brewery director, George Arkell, said; “Having bought the pub it was important to decorate quickly so that customers would return. And they did, but they also told us that what we’d done inside wasn’t cosy enough and they should know because it’s their pub - so we decided to have another go.
“Arkell’s is a local family brewery and when we buy a pub it’s personal,” he added. “As a brewery, we don’t have a ‘pub brand’ and because each village pub has its own unique character, sometimes we don’t get it right first time.”
Landlord and Lady, Hayley and John Pearce at The Volunteer
Now Landlords John and Hayley Pearce, who took over behind the bar last Christmas and worked with the brewery to revamp the pub, have made the pub their own by hanging personal artefacts and antiques on the pub walls.
Hayley is delighted with the result. “It’s a success and our customers like what’s been done – it’s lost the ‘wine bar’ atmosphere now Arkell’s has returned it to the traditional pub decoration, and we’ve drawn up a pub menu to match, full of food prepared by me in the kitchen. Just as importantly we’ve got fantastic new loos and an open fireplace.
The decoration of pubs was turned into an art form by the Victorians, but there is no such thing as a ‘typical British pub’ and a pub in Swindon will look very different to a pub in one of its surrounding rural villages.
John added: “The right pub decoration will encourage people through the door, but ultimately it’s how well the landlord keeps his beer and the quality of the food that will bring them back again and again. One thing that shouldn’t be judged on its appearance is the beer: I want customers to judge Arkell’s ale by their taste buds, not their eyes, because it’s one of the best real ales in the South of England.”
More about The Volunteer Inn, Great Somerford
Arkell's Launch 2009 Wine List
There was more than just a drop of premier cru on offer at Arkell's Vintners on 19 May 2009.
Over a hundred customers and invited guests gathered at the brewery to sample wines from across the world, as part of a launch evening for the latest Arkell's wine list (available via the website link below).
More about Arkell's Vintners incl. wine list download
Mason’s Arms pub could reopen
The Mason’s Arms at Meysey Hampton, near Cirencester which was put up for sale after closing earlier this year may have found a buyer.
Local brewery Arkell’s is currently in negotiations to buy this highly-regarded village pub and, if successful, is hoping to open it again as soon as possible.
Brewery chairman, James Arkell, said: “We are hoping that everything will go to plan and are already looking for a suitable tenant to take over behind the bar. We think that the most important thing is that the villagers, who have previously been very supportive, should have their pub open again as soon as possible.
The Mason’s Arms is a small but popular village pub with letting rooms, overlooking over the village green, and the village pump.
Despite the headlines of 39 pubs closing every week, this is not the first time in the last two years that Arkell’s has sought to buy and successfully reinvigorate a village pub.
“If we do buy the pub, its ultimate success will ride on putting the right landlord behind the bar,” said James. “So we’re now on the hunt for that landlord. Experience in the trade isn’t always essential, we can help there. More important is good, old fashioned common sense, a sociable nature and enthusiasm.”
Arkell’s owns 106 pubs across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire.
Glued to his favourite pub
A customer of The Baker’s Arms at Emlyn Square has presented the pub landlady with a replica model of the Arkell’s Pub, made entirely out of matchsticks and glue.
It took Colin Woodward almost a year to build the pub, and he presented it to delighted landlady Kay Gould last week.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “And absolutely accurate in every detail. In fact, I had to go around the back of the pub to make sure he got that right because in all my 15 years behind the bar, I’ve not had the need to go out of the back very often!”
Matchstick model creator Colin Woodhead with Landlady Kay Gould at The Baker's Arms
Since he retired from working at Thames Water in 1972 after a serious accident which left him unable to walk for months, Colin has looked for ways to keep himself busy and four years ago he decided to take up model building.
“I really enjoy it and when I’m on a big project, it almost takes over my daylight hours,” he said.
Colin has also built churches out of matches, which he buys from InkSpot in Swindon, and a windmill which he has made out of cocktail sticks.
Because it took him so long, Colin didn’t keep a record of how many matchsticks he used whilst building the pub. “I expect it was in the tens of thousands, but I’m too interested in getting the design right to start counting how many I use,” he said.
A close-up of Colin's matchstick masterpiece
George Arkell, director at Arkell’s Brewery, is stunned at Colin’s achievement. “It looks fantastic, and a tribute to Colin’s commitment and creativity,” he said.
Having accepted the precious gift, Kay is worried that it might get knocked or broken so another customer has offered to build her a cabinet where it can be displayed properly.
And Colin is now looking for further inspiration. “I’ll give myself a couple of weeks’ off then decide what else to build,” he said.
Well, there are another 33 Arkell’s pubs in Swindon and 105 pubs across the South West, as well as the brewery itself if you’re interested Colin!
More about The Baker's Arms, Swindon
Bee's Organic scoops yet another award
Arkell's Brewery has scooped yet another award for its Bee's Organic Bottled Ale at the SIBA South West Regional Beer competition.
SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) awarded Arkell's the top Gold award in the sector of Bottled Speciality Beers.
George Arkell, director at Swindon-based Arkell's, said: "It's especially great to win an award from fellow independent breweries and we were absolutely delighted that Bee's Organic continues to delight drinkers across the South West."
Arkell's director George Arkell and Barry Hunt at Arkell's Brewery celebrating the award
Launched in 2001, Bee's was Arkell's first organic ale - and has been voted 'Organic Ale of the Year' in a number of awards over the years.
Organically grown malted barley, hops and, unusually, organically produced honey are used in the brew. These give this golden premium ale a light, fresh taste - with the organic honey providing a delightful and surprising flavour. The beer has an ABV of 4.5%.
In April 2007, in response to customer demand, Arkell's began brewing Bee's Organic as a Cask Ale. Before going ahead, however, the brewery had to apply for further Soil Association approval before it could be supplied in casks with full organic certification.
Don Bracher, Arkell's Head Brewer, who created the beer in October 2001. said: "There's no difference in how organic beer is brewed - we still use the same natural ingredients, but they are all grown organically and are therefore more traditional. The ingredients for our Bee's Organic Ale are much the same as they would have been hundreds of years ago."
Swindon's Famous Duck Race 2009!
This years annual Famous Duck Race will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May 2009
The family fun day out, hosted by the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town will be at Westcott Recreation Ground - opposite Arkell's pub, The Running Horse.
Click here for more information on the 2009 Duck Race
More about The Running Horse, Swindon
Arkell’s holds beer prices despite Darling’s budget increase
Alistair Darling might have put another 2% duty on all alcoholic drinks last week, but Wiltshire-based Arkell’s Brewery will not be passing on this duty increase to its landlords on any Arkell’s Beer.
Arkell’s owns pubs in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire.
Nick Arkell, Sales Director at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “We recognise that our landlords are facing difficult trading conditions, as many of their customers have less disposable income, so we have decided to absorb the duty increase on all our own-brewed ales for as long as we possibly can.”
Whilst Arkell’s will have to pass on the 2% increase on all alcoholic drinks that it buys in, it is determined to provide its landlords with as much support as possible in the current economic climate.
Former Welsh Guard not Mad as Hatter at Riverside Pub
A 64-year old former Welsh Guard, estate agent and wine merchant, who had a triple heart by-pass just two years’ ago is planning to row down The Thames from Arkell’s pub The Riverside Inn, Lechlade to Tower Bridge in London in a home-made boat to raise money for a number of charities close to his heart.
His journey starts at 10.30am on Friday 1st May from the marina at The Riverside Pub, Lechlade.
Major Coombs is now Clerk of the City Livery Company, The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers – a hatters company founded in 1604, which is giving him their full support.
But this isn’t the exploits of a ‘Mad Hatter’, Major Jollyon Coombs has built a clinker-designed, mahogany-ply skiff to row the 145 miles and raise over £20,000.
Major Jollyon Coombs training in his homemade boat
Since 1st February he has been training daily on the Thames, and will be raising money for The Army Benevolent Fund, Promise Nepal (which helps leprosy suffers in Nepal), Alton Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre and The Feltmaker Hatting Pensions (the Feltmakers’ Company helps support seventy pensioners on the national pension only with an average age of 82).
James Arkell, chairman of Arkell’s Brewery, said “Major Coombs is a wonderful example of a man who rises to a challenge, however physically demanding, to raise money for a range of very good causes which don’t often get the publicity that other, more high profile charities regularly receive.”
Major Coombs is no novice to fundraising, having previously raised £38,000 through three other ventures.
For more information contact the Start Organiser John Bowler of Clanfield:
Tel: 01367 810 622
E-mail: jandgbowler@talktalk.net
Details regarding other days please contact Jane Way:
Tel: 0208 670 3268 (home) 07931 584 121 (mobile)
E-mail: janewayuk@yahoo.co.uk
More about The Riverside Inn, Lechlade
Kangaroos found in Cricklade
Well, OK, they’re not bounding around the High Street, but they are being served up at Arkell’s owned hotel The White Hart at Cricklade now that new landlord John Flynn’s taken over.
And he’s also serving up Ostrich, Bison and Wild Boar – ‘on a Stone’, where diners can cook their own meat exactly the way they like it.
Whilst a well-known concept abroad, John and his wife Sam were the first people to introduce the idea of Hot Rocks Grill to this area last year whilst they were running The Highwayman Pub on the way to Gloucester. Stones are heated to a constant temperature of 440° centigrade and taken to the table along with the meat, fish or vegetables of choice. Diners can then cook their food exactly the way they like it.
Landlord John Flynn outside The White Hart in Cricklade
But John has obviously no intention of serving up White Hart as they are not only incredibly rare but are also considered to be lucky charms with anyone spotting them said to be in for some good luck - which could be why so many pubs across the country are named The White Hart.
In Scotland, The White Hart became a symbol of purity, redemption and good fortune, while King Richard II, who ruled over England for 22 years from 1377 – 1399, adopted it as his personal emblem.
John and his wife Sam took over at The White Hart at Cricklade at the beginning of this month and already some White Hart luck seems to be coming their way.
“We moved from The Highwayman because we were ready to run a hotel, not just a busy pub,” explains John. “The White Hart is a beautiful building with thirteen letting rooms and we’re already seeing an increase in business since we moved in as local people read our signs and can’t believe that they can taste such unusual meats as Kangaroo and Ostrich in Cricklade.”
George Arkell, director at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “John and Sam are fantastic landlords and shouldn’t really need any extra luck brought by The White Hart, although a little bit of luck is always welcome. Their reputation for fantastic and unusual food has followed them and the Hot Rocks Grill looks like being a great success.
More about The White Hart, Cricklade
Mayday comes early to Arkell’s
After selling out in record time last year, Swindon-based Arkell’s Brewery has started early brewing of its Maypole Mild, a traditional mild ale which was in danger of dying out in certain areas of Britain.
Arkell’s Maypole Mild, 3.6 abv, which Arkell’s brewed for the first time last year, is dark in colour and delicately hopped with English Fuggles from nearby Kingston Bagpuize in Oxfordshire.
According to CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) this traditional style of beer, dating back over 400 hundred years, has disappeared from many pubs and is in danger of becoming extinct in certain areas of Britain. On Tuesday 7th April more than 40 CAMRA members from nine groups across the South West visited Arkell’s Brewery to celebrate the beer’s welcome return.
WATCH VIDEO
Click the play button on the pane below to watch a video of the launch of Maypole Mild:
Alan Stephens, Chair of Gloucester CAMRA, said: “The beer’s great. Some Mild beers tend to be too sweet, but this one isn’t.”
Andy Frape from Cirencester CAMRA, said: “Lots of Milds can be thin but this one is slightly caramel, with hints of bubblegum and sarsaparilla in the background.”
Alan Graham from Cheltenham CAMRA said: “It’s lovely, with a lot of flavour, it’s not heavy or cloying.”
Gill White from Swindon CAMRA said: “My first ever taste of beer was Arkell’s Mash Tun Mild in 1988, at the Sally Puseys Inn when they were having a special tasting session, and whilst I have to say that that was my absolute favourite, probably because you’ll never be able to have a first taste of beer twice, Maypole Mild is also a great beer.”
Arkell's brewer Don Bracher with Maypole Mild.
Roy Bailey of West Berks CAMRA said: “It’s chocolaty and sweet, which is what a Mild should be.“
Adrian Bean, Chair of West Berks CAMRA said: “It’s very smooth, you can almost call it a session beer. Perhaps it’s missing a bit of roast.”
Mark Richardson, landlord of The Rat Trap. “We got our first barrels of it last week and it’s selling very well. We haven’t got much to be proud about at the moment, but this is a Great British Beer, brewed in a Great British Brewery using British ingredients in a very British tradition.”
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.
“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.
Members of CAMRA enjoying Maypole Mild at Arkell's Brewery.
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.
Maypole Mild is being sold in all Arkell’s managed houses and many of its tenanted pubs from 6th April at from £2.50 per pint.
Mayday at Arkell’s as brewery launches seasonal beer
After selling out of it last year, Swindon-based Arkell’s Brewery is again brewing Maypole Mild, a traditional mild ale which was in danger of dying out in certain areas of Britain.
Arkell’s Maypole Mild, 3.6 abv, is dark in colour and delicately hopped with English Fuggles from nearby Kingston Bagpuize in Oxfordshire.
According to CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) this traditional style of beer, dating back over 400 hundred years, has disappeared from many pubs and is in danger of becoming extinct in certain areas of Britain. On Tuesday 7th April more than 40 CAMRA members from nine groups across the South West visited Arkell’s will be converging on Arkell’s Brewery to celebrate the beer’s welcome return.
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.
“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.
Rusty Bicycle on the path to success.
The sign above the pub has definitely changed. And there’s a fresh face behind the bar.
But if you look closely enough, you’ll see there’s still a very familiar name above the door.
Oxford’s newest pub is now being run by Alex Arkell, the son of Arkell’s chairman James Arkell, and his friend Chris Manners. A team who have transformed what was once the Eagle Tavern into the now hugely popular student pub renamed the Rusty Bicycle.
Arkell's TV paid them a visit to ask them about their new venture, who had the idea of running a pub when they were both university students last year.
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£40,000 investment by Arkell’s ensures brewing continues
Arkell’s has invested £40,000 in new equipment at its Kingsdown Brewery in response to continuing strong demand for its brewery-conditioned beer.
Last week the Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Steve Wakefield, turned on the new internal washer and keg filler at the brewery to ensure continued supply of Arkell’s brewery-conditioned beers, highlighting the company’s commitment to brewing in Swindon.
Arkell’s Head Brewer, Don Bracher, said: “Our existing equipment was old and increasingly challenging for our engineers to maintain. This new equipment, which comes from The Czech Republic, means we can continue production of our brewery-conditioned smooth ale for years to come.”
Councillor Steve Wakefield with brewer Don Bracher
Arkell’s produces both brewery conditioned ales, where the secondary fermentation takes place in the brewery’s tanks, the beer is chilled, filtered bright and delivered to its pubs ready to drink, and cask-conditioned ales where the secondary fermentation process happens in the cask at the brewery and pubs landlords allow the beer to settle when it’s delivered to the pub, before serving.
James Arkell, chairman of Arkell’s Brewery, said: “Whilst our beautiful brewery is over 160 years’ old and the way we brew hasn’t changed much for generations, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t replace equipment which is not longer up to the job: Investing in the right equipment is essential for a brewery such as Arkell’s to maintain the quality of our beers.”
Cask Conditioned’ and ‘Brewery Conditioned’? – A matter of taste.
Cask-conditioned real ale is brewed from traditional ingredients and allowed to mature naturally. The unfiltered, unpasteurised beer still contains live yeast, which continues conditioning the beer in the cask (known as 'secondary fermentation'); this process creates allows the malt and hop flavours to develop resulting, accordingly to dedicated real ale buffs, in a richer tasting drink. Real ales must be manually vented and tapped by the landlord and left to settle before serving.
The only place in the world where cask-conditioned beer is still commonly available is Britain.
Brewery conditioned beer (also called Keg beers), are generally filtered and pasteurised as part of the brewing process and the beer is then racked into sealed, gas-pressurised kegs. These beers are often served much colder, which some customers prefer.
Professional dancer finds a new ‘barr’ at The Black Horse
Professional dancer Hayley Williams, 28, and fiancé Graham Worrallo, have taken over behind the bar (or should that be the barr), at Arkell’s pub, The Black Horse at Wanborough.
Hayley (who’s dad is the transport manager for Arkell’s Brewery, John Williams), and Graham, both previously worked for Warners Holidays on the Isle of Wight, are thrilled to have taken on the tenancy of a pub with the best panoramic views across Swindon.
“if we could have chosen our perfect pub – this would probably have been it,” said Hayley.
This is their first pub, but both Hayley and Graham have years of experience of the industry.
![Alex Worrallo, Graham Worrallo, Aaron Robinson, John Silcock, George Arkell and [in front] Hayley Williams](images/news/black_horse_story.jpg)
Alex Worrallo, Graham Worrallo, Aaron Robinson, John Silcock, George Arkell and [in front] Hayley Williams
Hayley started waitressing at The Crown at Stratton when she was fifteen years’ old, before completing a degree in dance at the London College of Dance. She met Graham, who was working as a manager at Warners on the Isle of Wight, and they now have a 16-month old son Alex.
Whilst The Black Horse will take up most of their time, Hayley isn’t ready to leave her profession behind and still teaches dance three times a week for local ballet and dance schools.
The couple are determined to put The Black Horse on the map, and Graham jokes that they will be drawing up a full list of events and activities for customers to take part in – just like at Warners Holidays.
“Seriously, though, we’ve already got three weddings booked for the summer in our marquee and will be organising barbeques outside as it gets warmer. Most of all, we feel privileged to have this pub and we want to give the locals the pub they really want.”
George Arkell, director at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “Hayley and Graham have thrown themselves into getting the pub up and running. Hayley particularly knew what she was in for, having heard it all from her dad! They are enthusiastic, very professional, and love entertaining – the perfect couple to have as landlords.”
More about The Black Horse, Wanborough
Winkfield pub reopens with Golf Pro behind the bar
A Berkshire pub which has been boarded up for the last two months has been reopened by owners Arkell’s Brewery this month.
And the pub, which closed after the previous landlords left suddenly, has a new landlord and former golf professional behind the bar.
Simon Cousins, who was on the Europro PGA Circuit for 2 years, has decided to take a breather from his sport and develop a new career as a landlord.
“I love golf, but I also felt that it would be a good idea to develop a second career,” he said.
“I’ve always liked the idea of running a pub and The Winkfield is ideal. It’s small, very pretty inside and now it’s been refurbished, it’s a great place for a traditional pint and a good meal.”
Landlord Simon Cousins outside The Winkfield nr Ascot
The Winkfield reopened last Saturday, with no fanfare, leafleting or pre-publicity, but within a couple of hours the news had got around the village and the bar was full.
“It hasn’t taken people long to come back,” added Simon. “And they are all saying that it’s great to have a good local open again. Now we’ve got to build on that and make sure they come back again and again.”
Simon has recruited London chef Ray Brenner to help him and together they have planned a menu which is modern British Cuisine using local, fresh produce.
George Arkell, at Swindon-based pub owners, Arkell’s Brewery, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to open The Winkfield again, and with Simon behind the bar as a landlord, I think we’ve scored a ‘hole in one’. The licensed trade seems to attract professional sportspeople and over the years we’ve had professional football players, speedway stars, international darts players and rugby players as landlords, many of whom are still with us, and now we can welcome a professional golfer. They all make excellent landlords because having achieved in their chosen sport, they understand the dedication and commitment needed to make a success of whatever they do.”
More about The Winkfield, nr Ascot
Swindon pubs back to their best
The pub trade may be suffering in many areas, but at two locations in Swindon the Great British pub is most definitely alive and well!
The Duke of Wellington on Eastcott Hill – Swindon’s smallest public house has undergone a complete refurbishment and new landlady Amber Read is delighted with the customer response.
"Trade is up, and everyone has remarked how The Duke seems to be back to its best," she told us.
"We're a real traditional pub here who rely on our regular customers and we don't do food.
"So to be busy so soon is a great way to start."
The pub, which Arkell's have owned since 1869, is currently being extended to increase capacity including a new garden decking area ready for the summer.
The pub even has a dog called The Duke, who has already become a firm favourite with regulars and new vistors.
"Everyone seems to love him," Amber added, "he's proving a real added attraction which all helps!"
The Duke of Wellington in Swindon
And The Duke of Wellington is not alone in bucking the trend.
The Running Horse, another of Swindon's oldest pubs, across town on Wootton Bassett road, is also experiencing a renaissance after a similar re-fit by owners Arkell's just before Christmas.
"It's been truly amazing," said new landlord Lenny Wallace, when we asked him about the pub's re-opening.
"The people of nearby Rushy Platt seemed to have really adopted us as their local, and I think that's a big part of the atmosphere of the pub.
"It already feels like we've been like this for years rather then just a few weeks, and at weekends it is literally packed in here with people enjoying themselves - which is what a good pub is meant to be all about."
The Running Horse on Wootton Bassett Road
Bought by Arkell's in 1883, The Running Horse has only been recently taken back under their control after a 20 year lease agreement with Beefeater.
The pub is named after the caroussel horses that featured at the circus which reguarly visited the site opposite the pub on Wootton Bassett road.
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More about The Running Horse, Swindon
Swindon’s smallest pub gets new lease of life
Swindon’s smallest pub, The Duke of Wellington on Eastcott Hill in Swindon, has welcomed its first new landlords behind the bar for eighteen years.
Amber Lane & Russell Read have taken over from long-standing landlords Mark & Shani Humphries who have moved to another Arkell’s Brewery pub, The Angel at Purton, to be closer to their family.
And with the change-over of landlords, Arkell’s is giving The Duke of Wellington a well-deserved refurbishment.
Landlady Amber Russell with Arkell's Director George Arkell
This tiny pub exists thanks to its namesake, The Duke of Wellington (the same one who saw off Napoleon in 1815), but it wasn’t named after him because of that (minor) victory. Arkell’s bought the buildings in 1869 just before The Temperance Movement threatened to force a repeal of the Beerhouse Act* which Wellington had made law in 1830. John Arkell, great, great grandfather of current Arkell’s Chairman, James, bought the houses on Eastcott Hill and knocked them into one to open a beerhouse – and couldn’t resist naming his new pub in Wellington’s honour. In fact he needed have worried as it actually another 124 years until the Beerhouse laws were finally repealed in 1993!
This is Amber and Russell’s first pub together, although Amber has long experience of running a pub as her parents used to own The Five Alls at Filkins, near Lechlade. Russell is a Swindon taxi driver and anticipates being able to run some of his customers home after the pub has shut. The pub has a tiny bar where the casks of real ale are on show behind the bar, and a comfortable snug.
George Arkell, director at Arkell’s, said: “The Duke is a wonderful back street pub, the sort that is becoming all too rare these days. Amber and Russell are ideal landlords, and with Amber’s experience and Russell’s profession, customers’ won’t have an excuse not to drink the health of the famous Duke of Wellington.”
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Newbury landlords get new roof over their heads
Coopers Arms landlords, David and Tiff Read, are celebrating a new roof over their heads – without moving an inch.
Swindon-based Arkell’s Brewery, which owns the Grade-II listed pub, has undertaken a complete re-roof of the Bartholomew Street pub, costing in excess of £70,000.
Brewery director, George Arkell, said: “It’s always a major undertaking when you try to refurbish a listed building, and it took months to do this pub, but the roof now looks fantastic.”
Landlord David Read outside The Coopers Arms, Newbury
David and Tiff, who have run The Coopers Arms for nine years, are delighted with the result. David said: “It’s difficult running a pub when there is scaffolding outside and not everyone realises what is going on, but now the pub looks much better. We’re getting back to normal and welcoming everyone back in.”
Parts of the front of the building dates from the early 19th Century, but other parts of the pub are even older, and there is some beautiful original panelling in the lounge bar.
George added: “This is a traditional town centre pub, with a great atmosphere, and now a watertight roof. I think we can all drink to that.”
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