The latest stories from Arkell's Pubs
More than 1000 miles from The Moonrakers to the Rat Trap
Two Honda workers from Swindon have completed a year-long tour of Arkell's-shire visiting every pub in the Wiltshire brewery's estate of 100 pubs.
Steve Romans (l) and Neil Hedges (r) at the Rat Trap with landlord Mark Richardson and chef Rob Hazel
Steve Romans, 44 and Neil Hedges, 41, set themselves the challenge after completing a warm-up tour of the brewery's five pubs in Stratton, Swindon.
"The first five were easy, and we did them on foot because we both live in Stratton," said Neil. "Then we decided to do the whole lot."
The men, who work on the engine line at Honda's Swindon factory, planned out their weekend trips carefully. They started at The Moonrakers at Gorse Hill and finished at The Rat Trap in Stratton, where landlord Mark Richardson who heard about their epic trip, served them the biggest plates of steak and chips he could - washed down with pints of 3Bs and accompanied by a bag of goodies each from an appreciative Arkell's Brewery.
"We cycled to many of the ones in Wiltshire, and took the train to Gloucester and Cheltenham," explained Steve. "As for the pubs further away in Oxfordshire and Berkshire, we had to jump in the car for them, which was a shame because whichever one of us drove, couldn't drink - so we kept the driving to a minimum."
As it was usually Steve who did the driving, Neil was able to taste the beer in every pub. "Every pint we drank was tasty," said Neil.
Back at home, however, all was not well. "To begin with, we were leaving at 10am in the morning and returning home around 8-9pm every weekend, and our wives started to grumble," explained Neil. "So we rationed ourselves to doing our grand pub tour every other weekend."
For Steve and Neil, the most memorable pub was the Adam and Eve in Cheltenham, run by 87-year old Dot Gasson, Arkell's oldest landlady (and probably the oldest landlady in Britain).
"We arrived there from Cheltenham Railway Station and were dismayed to see that the pub had closed for the afternoon, so we knocked on the door and explained what we were doing," said Neil. "As soon as the landlady understood she threw open the doors and welcomed us in," said Neil.
The only problem was that Dot was so welcoming, after six pints each Neil and Steve almost missed the last train home.
"They were the best pints of Arkell's Moonlight we had all year," added Neil. Another highlight for the team was The Saracen's Head in Highworth. "Fantastic place, wonderful beer," said Steve.
The Rising Sun at Woolhampton near Reading, The Woodpecker at Newbury, The Baker's Arms at Badbury, The Bell at Purton Stoke, The Freke near Highworth, The Volunteer at Great Somerford and The Rat Trap at Stratton all come in for particularly high praise from the men.
"But everywhere we went we met some great people and heard some wonderful stories - and they were interested in us too. We've got a good memory from every pub we went to," said Neil.
Brewery chairman James Arkell paid tribute to the men and their year-long mission.
"It takes commitment to do such a tour and we're thrilled to hear they enjoyed themselves so much. Then only thing left for them to do is a personal tour of the brewery and we're looking forward to welcoming them here soon."
So what's next for the real ale tourists? "We're off to visit all the Donnington Brewery Pubs in the North Cotswolds after Christmas," said Neil. "There are only fifteen of them so we shouldn't get in too much trouble at home."
The Circus is back in town
The new landlords might be called 'Chipperfield', but they won't be putting a Big Top up in the car park of The Carpenter's Arms at Burghclere near Newbury just yet and whilst they have some exciting ideas about entertainment in their new pub, Ian and Christine Chipperfield will leave acrobatics and clowning to Ian's distant relatives.
Ian and Christine outside The Carpenters
The couple took over behind the bar at the pub, owned by Wiltshire brewery Arkells, last week. The Carpenter's Arms holds particularly special memories for the couple, as they met there ten years ago.
"It's been our local ever since, and when we heard that the landlord was leaving and the tenancy was going to be vacant, we jumped at the chance to run our own pub and rang Arkell's straight away," said Christine.
Christine used to work for a schools partnership, and Ian was a self-employed carpenter and handyman after previously working in the leisure industry where his family ran hotels and conference centres in Weston Super Mare and Leamington Spa.
"The vacant tenancy came just at the right time for us both, professionally," explained Christine. "This is a fantastic pub with some great regulars - we should know, we used to be two of them! We'll make sure this pub is the centre of the community, just like every village pub should be. It will remain traditional with a traditional food menu - we don't plan to be a gastro pub."
George Arkell, director at pub owners Arkell's Brewery, welcomed the couple into the pub. "This is Ian and Christine first pub and they have the perfect credentials for making a success of The Carpenter's Arms," he said.
"Ian's experience in the hotel industry is perfect, and his latest career as a handyman and carpenter is particularly appropriate, given the pub's name. With his experience and Christine's enthusiasm, the locals have the perfect ringmasters to host evenings they'll never forget."
The Carpenters Arms, Newbury - more info
Vacuum unpacked at The Woodpecker
Learning to work with the wife after 18 years of married life was always likely to be a challenge and Ian Batho has discovered the hard way that there's more to running a spick and span pub than he previously thought.
Ian and Karen Batho outside The Woodpecker
"I'd been self employed running a newsagent in Newbury for years and thought I knew everything about running my own business," said Ian. "But when Karen and I decided to take on the tenancy of The Woodpecker, I hadn't banked on her input as well."
The couple had agreed their different responsibilities: Karen was to be in charge of the kitchen, Ian was to be front of house - and that included cleaning. The trouble was, he wasn't up to his wife's high standards and for the first few weeks he found Karen constantly behind him as he vacuumed, pointing out the corners and anywhere else she thought he'd missed.
"It was pretty stressful," admits Ian. "It takes time to learn to work with your other half, but I think we've just about got used to it now."
The Woodpecker is also undergoing a big redecoration by pub owners Arkell's Brewery, and Ian and Karen are laying lawn outside the front of the pub in time for next Spring.
"This is such a pretty pub, and the people around here are great, so we want them to be proud of the pub," adds Karen.
George Arkell, director of Wiltshire Brewery Arkell's, said: "A clean pub and well-looked-after real ale are the very essence of a good pub. Now Karen's made sure that Ian knows the meaning of cleaning, I know they'll be a great success."
The Fox thrives in Highworth
Some financial consultants might think that investing in a pub is not a good idea, but Dale Clack, who has taken over behind the bar at Arkell's pub The Fox Inn, Highworth, with his business partner Malcolm Masters, says that's rubbish.
Dale Clack outside The Fox, Highworth
"Pick the right pub, in the right location, look after your customers with good beer and food, and it will be as robust a business as any other," he says.
The team, who also have experience in the industry, moved in just last week, at the same time as a team of painters and decorators who are giving the pub a much-needed freshen up inside - but the pub didn't close. Dale's son and Malcolm's wife will also be involved in running the pub, making it a real family affair.
"We opened on the Monday night because we didn't want to let the darts team down," said Dale. "And the smell of fresh paint gave us all a bit of a boost."
The Fox, which has been serving Arkell's Beers since 1862, used to be owned by a banking firm from Faringdon before the Wiltshire brewery took it on, and they've never looked back.
"It's a Highworth locals pubs," explains George Arkell, Brewery Director. "The last two landlords, Mary and Sean ran the pub for many years and were well known for the quality of their Arkell's real ale, so Dale and Malcolm have a lot to live up to."
The new landlords don't intend to change the pub's atmosphere, but do intend to bring it up to 21st century expectations.
"The new decoration makes it feel fresher, and we'll be cooking good quality pub food that everyone can enjoy," added Dale.
The Fox, Highworth - more info
Couple 'Plough' new furrow at Badbury
As if moving house and starting a brand new job in the same week wasn't enough, Simon Durnford & Kerry Hawkins are also getting married next month - at Gretna Green!
Kerry Hawkins & Simon Durnford outside The Plough at Badbury
Kerry and Simon have taken over as landlords at popular Arkell's pub The Plough at Badbury. Whilst Kerry has plenty of experience behind the bar running pubs in Lechlade and Swindon, it will be Simon's first job after 22 years of serving his country when he leaves the army next May.
Kerry had been working as a manager for family firm Greenmeadow Commercial Services in Swindon. The company also owns Titcombe Garage.
"I loved working for the family business, but Simon and I wanted to be able to do something together, and I really missed working in the licensed trade, so here I am again," she said.
For Simon, this is an ideal way to move from army into civilian life. "It's great to move from sociable environment to another," he said. "This is right up my street."
The couple will just have got themselves settled behind the bar before they head off with 14 family and friends, to Gretna Green on 6th December, leaving the pub in the capable hands of its former landlord of six years, Mark Beales, for a few days.
Kerry said: "Mark only left The Plough because he wants to go travelling after Christmas, and he's happy to keep the pub running whilst we're away."
George Arkell at pub owners Arkell's Brewery, said: "As pub landlords Kerry and Simon have the ideal combination of enthusiasm, experience and capability and we're thrilled they've become Arkell's landlords - although moving into a pub and getting married all within a month is quite a task, they're really starting married life with a bang."
The Plough, Badbury - more info
Swindon's Swiss Chalet South West's biggest darts pub
With an incredible 28 darts teams calling it 'home' the Swiss Chalet pub at Gorse Hill in Swindon landlord John Honeyman thinks it's now the biggest darts pub in the South West of England.
John Honeyman at the Swiss Chalet with some of the many darts players who play at the pub
Visit The Swiss Chalet any weeknight and teams from far and wide will be clustered around one of five dart boards all hosting two darts teams battling for a win. "It makes for a fantastic atmosphere," says John, "But the logistics can be a bit of a nightmare if I get it wrong."
It all started a few years ago when the word got around about how well John treated his home darts team. "It's such a sociable game and everyone gets on well," he said. "I wanted to thank them for coming to the pub so instead of offering the teams the usual after-game snacks of curly sandwiches, we decided to cook curries and casseroles after their games, and our secret got out."
As the number of teams grew, John had to go out and buy more dart boards to cater for them, and now spends a good few hours each week working out which teams are playing when, and most importantly where. "I don't want to run out of curry," he laughs. "They might all go elsewhere."
George Arkell at pub owners Arkell's Brewery praised John on spotting an opportunity.
"Darts have taken over from live music to a great extent at The Swiss Chalet," he said. "This pub has succeeded in adapting to what the locals want - and in John's case it's a friendly venue for the great traditional pub game of darts.
"It's good for business too, as darts teams offer regular custom and if they're looked after as well as John looks after them, they'll turn out every week."
The only problem is that the landlord isn't very good at darts himself. John said: "I'm pretty rubbish at the game, even though I play every week - but I am very good at the social side of it."
Six of the best for local Animal Charity
Moonrakers landlady and Swindon fund-raising phenomenon Kathy Bond has raised an impressive £650 for her favourite local charity: The Animal Sanctuary.
John Williams from the Animal Sanctuary, with 'Sophie'
Last month the Arkell's-owned pub hosted six local bands - all agreed to play for nothing in order that all the £3.50 door entry could go directly to the charity.
"I'm thrilled they did it for fun and for a very good cause," said Kathy.
Built for Comfort, The Porn Issue, The Funkinsteins, Deep Thought, Missing Rose (The Hub minus one member) and Tammy Galati each played a set each on the night.
George Arkell, at Arkell's Brewery which owns The Moonrakers, praised Kathy's incredible fund-raising energy.
"I think if you gave Kathy a garden shed she'd find a way to pack in the customers and give them a good evening in aid of charity," he said. "It's a good thing the Moonraker's holds 300 people."
Sizzling new arrival in Cirencester
To celebrate National British sausage week The Golden Cross Inn in Cirencester has joined forces with neighbour Jessie Smiths to launch a new type of banger.
Chef Justin and Perry Meredith of Jessie's Butchers with the new sausage
The new Black Jack Sausage, named after the street the two businesses share is the creation of Golden Cross Head Chef Justin Ashley Jessie's Manager Perry Meredith.
The pair have been working closely during October to produce the sausage that will be served up in The Golden Cross and sold in Jessie's from the 1st of November, the official start to British sausage week.
Organised by The British Sausage Appreciation Society, British Sausage Week celebrates the taste, quality and diversity of the sausage, of which there are some 400 individually named varieties in Britain alone.
The recipe for the new Cirencester sausage had been a closely guarded secret but Arkells can reveal that the recipe is Gloucestershire's finest Old Spot Pork, roasted pureed parsnips, Dijon mustard, black pudding, sun dried tomatoes with a drop of Arkells 3B's for good measure.
"The sausage is such a versatile ingredient," said the Cross Chef Justin. "We use Jessie's for our sausage and mash, casseroles and cassoulets. The new Black Jack sausage will be served up in a variety of ways through out the week making sure we make the most of its special flavours and unique spice and herb blend."
The Golden Cross is open for lunch daily from noon until 3:00pm, while the evening menu is served Monday to Saturday from 6 until 9pm whilst Jessie Smiths Butchers new opening times are Monday 9-4pm, Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8-5pm and Saturday 8-4pm.
The Golden Cross, Cirencester - more info
'Not quite a local' takes over town local
She may have lived in Lechlade for more than 20 years, but Sam Scott, the new landlady at the town's Royal Oak pub says she's still not considered a local by the locals!
Sam Scott, the new landlady at the Royal Oak in Lechlade
Sam, who has taken over behind the bar at the Arkell's Brewery pub with her husband Kurt and their daughter 19-year old Robyn, says she's accepted that making it as a local could take a while longer yet, but reckons she's speeded up the process by taking over behind the bar at the Royal Oak.
"I've had a long apprenticeship as a bar lady in other Lechlade pubs, now I'm a landlady - it's a great feeling and hopefully long-serving residents of Lechlade, many of whom are Royal Oak regulars, will finally adopt our family as one of their own!"
Lechlade has five pubs, each one with a very different character, she said. "There is a summer pub, a foodie pub, an old fashioned boozer and a hotel bar - and then there's The Royal Oak, which is definitely the locals pub. So if I'm going to integrate into the local population, then this is most definitely the best place to do it."
Brewery director, George Arkell, is realistic about Sam's chances of becoming a local. "It takes generations," he said. "Our family has been brewing in the area for over 160 years and we only just qualify - so Sam, Kurt and Robyn have a few more years to wait, though there's no better way to speed up the process than by working in an Arkell's pub."
The Royal Oak, Lechlade - more info
Coots take over old Apartment
A former Swindon nightclub which closed earlier this year, is set to become Swindon's biggest venue for private hire and a new town coffee shop.
The former Apartments bar
Formerly known as The Apartment, the Arkell's-owned premises has been taken on by Gavin McKellvie and Mark Wylie who between them already run two successful venues at the Cotswold Water Park and in Gloucester and have run Arkell's pubs in the past.
The building is currently undergoing a revamp and will be opened under the name of Coots on 1st November.
Gavin said: "This is a dramatic departure from its recent history, but we feel strongly that there is a clear gap in the market for such a venue in Swindon town centre. It can be hired in its entirety for weddings and parties, which will hold up to 250 people, or any of the three floors can be hired individually - from the much smaller VIP area on the top floor to any of the rooms on the lower floors. The building has a great vibe and feeling, especially for weddings and special events which often lack atmosphere when held in a large, corporate hotel. Our aim is to price competitively and provide top quality catering."
The coffee shop on the ground floor, which will be open daily, mirrors the company's two highly successful coffee shops at South Cerney and Gloucester which offer light lunches and snacks throughout the day.
George Arkell at Arkell's Brewery, said: "The Apartment nightclub thrived for a number of years, but things change and the demand for nightclubs in Swindon has dropped. When Gavin and Mark approached us with their idea to change the use of the building, we felt with their strong track record in the business they would be good tenants to take over."
Why so little local support for Children in Need 2010? asks GW
With just over a month to go before the 2010 Children in Need, staff at The GW Bar in Swindon are wondering why so few Swindon businesses and other organisations appear to be getting involved this year.
21 November 2010
Events manager at The GW, Amanda Topham, said: "We are working with Father Mark Paris who says that he's not heard of any Children in Need events taking place in Swindon town centre and was very keen to work with us to see what we could do."
Arkell's pub The GW and Father Mark have been planning their Children in Need fundraising event for more than two months. On Friday 19 November Swindon Mayor Councillor Rex Barnett will open the day and Swindon's Town Crier, Fred Ferris, will spread the news across town.
"We're running a children's barbecue, a DJ, a car boot sale and there will be a raffle on the day and we are being offered some really good prizes," said Amanda. "We're going all-out to raise as much money as we can for Children in Need - but at the moment it looks like we're the only ones who are.
Father Mark Paris, an independent Catholic priest based in Swindon, is also calling for volunteers to help on the day.
"We've set ourselves a target of raising £3,000, but despite our efforts, not one independent person has come forward and we've having to rally everyone we know to help," he said. "I think it's that people don't want to offer their time and skills any more without being paid, and if that's the case, it's a real pity."
Amanda added: "If the lack of support in Swindon for Children in Need this year is true, then it reflects poorly on our town - but that's not the Swindon I know and I am sure that other pubs, clubs, schools and businesses will rally round and show that Swindon really does care."
Mark falls into The Mason's Arms
The Masons Arms at Meysey Hampton, a 17th Century Alehouse, has new landlords. The pub, which closed in 2009 before being bought, refurbished and re-opened by local brewery Arkell's last year, has welcomed experienced landlord Mark Bullows and his wife Juliann behind the bar.
Mark Bullows, Bar manager Emma Ferris, Juliann Bullows and grand-daughter, 2-year old Eadie Jackson outside The Masons Arms, Meysey Hampton
Mark is well-known around the area, having previously run The Corinium Court Hotel in Cirencester and The Burford Lodge Hotel. He trained as a head chef earning two rosettes, but has no intention to add to the glut of 'gastro pubs' which the Cotswolds has in abundance.
"This is a village pub on a village green. We've got letting bedrooms upstairs, roses around the door and a village pump on the green. The restaurant is small but perfectly-formed and the public bar isn't big so if we turned the pub 'gastro' there would be no-where for the locals to prop up the bar - which adds to the atmosphere," he said.
Brewery director, George Arkell, said: "When The Masons Arms reopened last year, there was such a feeling of goodwill that around 200 people came to celebrate that evening - so many that it took us by surprise. Mark and Juliann are absolutely right to focus on running a traditional pub, because that's what the villagers say they want. There are plenty of places selling gastro food full of sun dried tomatoes and truffles but you won't see that at Mason's Arms with Mark in charge. This chef prefers to put good English food on the table."
The Masons Arms, Meysey Hampton - more info
73-year old landlady Kay pulls last pint
73-year old Kay Gould pulled her last pint last week after retiring from The Baker's Arms on Emlyn Square in Swindon after sixteen years as pub landlady there and almost a lifetime as pub landlady for Arkell's.
Kay Gould with George Arkell (l) and Alex Arkell outside the Baker's Arms in Emlyn Square (pic. courtesy of the Swindon Advertiser)
The Baker's Arms, owned by Arkell's since 1880, is known across Swindon for its live music and dance nights, and it's these Kay says she'll miss most.
"Every Thursday evening for years we've hosted 'The Baker's Dozen'," she said. "Local musicians, including Johnny Mac playing his accordion and other musicians playing everything from guitars, violins and even the spoons, come along for a jam session. When customers get up to dance, which they often do, the atmosphere is fantastic. There aren't very many pubs that offer such entertainment these days, but it still what many people enjoy."
Kay, who was born in Swindon, grew up on Broad Street and attended The Lawns Secondary School, has clocked up more than 30 years working behind Arkell's pub bars, including The Jolly Tar at Hannington, The Freke at Swanborough and The Fox at Highworth.
Brewery director George Arkell and brother Alex, now also working at the brewery, presented Kay with flowers and a present of thanks from the brewery. George said: "The Baker's Arms is a special pub. It's only had five landlords since the mid 1970s because when they take over, they love it. We'd love Kay to stay longer, but reckon at 73 she deserves to put her feet up instead. She's been a wonderful landlady, not least because of the large sums of money she and her customers have raised for local charities over the years. We hope she has a long, happy retirement."
Kay's retirement also means the departure of her daughter Mandy Gould, who has helped her mum by working behind the bar for ten years and Swindon's famous Johnny Mac - who has decided that it's time to put down his accordion at The Baker's Arms after playing there for so long. "With Kay going, it seemed a good time for me to bow out too," he said.
But locals don't need to worry about the pub's future, Arkell's has already attracted new landlords who take over tomorrow. Larger-than-life Irishman Tony Laughlin and his business partner Frederick Saunders have vowed to maintain the pub's long tradition of live music.
The Baker's Arms, Emlyn Square - more info
One year anniversary celebrations for Cotswold Landlord
September marks the one year anniversary of Mark Lindesay taking over The Golden Cross public house in Cirencester.
Chef Justin Ashey and Mark Lindesay outside the Golden Cross in Cirencester
Until August last year Mark Lindesay was working as a financial journalist and leisure consultant in Vietnam and Cambodia, before returning to the UK and taking on a new challenge.
Arkell's offered him the tenancy of its pub the Golden Cross, on Black Jack Street, a street which has recently undergone a renaissance with more than 10 new businesses opening in the space of just one year.
A year on and the eighteenth century coaching house is becoming hugely popular for enthusiasts of great British cooking. The pub has been redecorated from top to bottom with new furniture and fittings put in to both the bar and the skittles ally whilst the bed and breakfast rooms have been given a fabulous make over.
Mark has installed a strong team around him including Bar Manager Ashley Raffael Bedmar-Rodriguez and renowned Gloucestershire Chef Justin Ashley (formerly of Harry Hare's & The Twelve Bells), bringing with him his excellent reputation for modern British cooking.
The Golden Cross is now offering a drinking and dining experience that offers both contemporary and traditional high quality British fair that is perfectly suited to this back street delight.
The food philosophy at The Golden Cross is to take a contemporary look at classic British & European recipes, with all dishes prepared to order using high quality, fresh local ingredients.
A changing daily menu for each offers lunchtime and dinner variety. While lunchtimes focus mainly on traditional pub grub with a contemporary twist (for example the bubble & squeak cakes in hollandaise and chicken liver pate on toasted brioche), influences from the Continent are often apparent in the evening.
The pubs Friday night grill night has been well received in the town with dishes like a surf n' turf of rib eye steak, red snapper fillet and king prawns.
Sunday is for roasts and The Golden Cross serves up a choice of two meats, a seafood dish and plenty to satisfy the vegetarian palate.
Throughout September Mark will be celebrating his first year in charge with various offers and events.
The Golden Cross is open for lunch daily from noon until 3:00pm, while the evening menu is served Monday to Saturday from 6 until 9pm.
The Golden Cross, Cirencester - more info
Hundreds flock to Arkell's Beer Festival
More than 800 people visited Arkell's Brewery last Saturday for its 2010 Beer Festival the best yet according to Sales Director Nick Arkell.
Head Brewer Don Bracher with Pete the Pint
Over 2500 pints were consumed from the forty barrels of real ales donated from Arkell's and fellow family brewers across the country by the visitors, who started pouring through the brewery's gates before the official opening time of 11am.
The weather also came out in support of the day - after a very rainy night the night before the sun shone throughout the afternoon.
The festival was being held in aid of Prospect Hospice, which cares for more than 1600 patients each year and receives just 26% of income from statutory organisations. Each year it must raise more than £4.5 million to continue providing care the community relies on.
Following the 2007 Beer Festival, Arkell's was able to donate over £2000 to Prospect. This year it hopes to exceed this figure.
The 2010 festival was particularly poignant for the family and brewery staff after the sad death of its former chairman, Peter Arkell, late last month.
Nick Arkell said: "The beer festival was probably the best way possible to pay tribute to Peter, a Great British Brewer; he always supported our beer festivals and would have loved Saturday's event."
Alongside the real ales, there was entertainment throughout the afternoon, including vintage fire engines, motor cyles and steam engines, musical entertainment and even the Morris Dancers, as well as the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the historic brewery.
Arkell's Beer Festival 2010 Gallery
Arkell's Beer Festival to celebrate Peter Arkell
Following the sad death of Arkell's Brewery's former chairman Peter Arkell last week, the Swindon-based brewery has confirmed that its planned beer festival on Saturday September 11 will being going ahead, in tribute to a great British Brewer.
George, Peter and James Arkell, pictured in 2005
Beers from across England and Wales will start being delivered to the brewery next week for the weekend's festival, which is being held to raise money for local charity Prospect Hospice.
Entry costs £5 to include a commemorative glass and two ½ pint beer vouchers. A tour inside the Victorian steam brewery costs £4 - with all proceeds going to the charity. All tickets are available to purchase online via the link below.
Peter's son and current chairman, James Arkell, said: "I can think of no better way to pay tribute to my father than by encouraging friends and visitors, old and new, to come together and raise a glass to his life and achievements."
Alongside the real ales, there will be entertainment throughout the afternoon, including vintage fire engines and other vehicles, musical entertainment and the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the historic brewery. Local scouts and guides will be on hand to help with the barbecue.
Arkell's Beer Festival opens at 11am on Saturday 11 September.
Beer Festival 2010 - more info
Brewery chairman Peter Arkell passes away at 87
It is with the greatest sadness that Arkell's Brewery in Swindon, one of the UK's few remaining Family Breweries, announces the death of former chairman, Peter Arkell OBE. Before joining Arkell's in 1954, Peter flew Spitfires, Mustangs and Lysanders behind enemy lines during the Second World War, delivering and retrieving secret agents and provisions under cover of darkness.
Peter Arkell OBE
Peter, 87, passed away peacefully at home in Whelford, near Kempsford, Cirencester on Friday morning. He is survived by his wife, Anne (herself from brewing stock in Norfolk), children James (current chairman of Arkell's Brewery) Jane Bayley, Rosalind Arkell and Alison Jenkinson and their families, as well as his one surviving brother and three sisters.
Born in 1923, Peter Arkell, the second eldest son of Sir Noel (his older brother died during the war), joined the family brewing business as a director in 1954. A war veteran who served with the RAF in France and Burma, Peter spent a year in hospital after his Lysander aircraft crashed behind enemy lines in Burma.
After the war he considered resuming his degree at Edinburgh University but was offered a job at Hammonds Brewery in Yorkshire - later taken over by Tadcaster Tower Brewery.
In 1954 he returned to join the family business in Swindon as a director and became Chairman in 1971. Peter's return to Arkell's Brewery heralded a new age for the then 91-year old brewery, bringing fresh perspectives from his time in Yorkshire and a new informality within the traditional old brewery reflecting the signs of the times in Britain after the war had ended.
He also spotted early the growing trend amongst consumers for wine and the increased interest in dining out. Responding to this, in 1962 the brewery set up John Arkell Vintners - now a hugely successful and integral part of Arkell's Brewery's activities and one of the largest wine distributors in the area.
Peter, who was awarded the OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1997, once said: "My initials are 'PA' - Pale Ale. I was born in the brewery and I married a brewer's daughter - I'm in it up to my neck."
Peter was awarded the OBE for his work as chairman of the Anglo-American community relations committee at RAF Fairford.
In 2003, Arkell's celebrated Peter's 80th birthday by secretly brewing a beer in his honour. Moonlight was meant to be a special but it caught the public imagination so much that it now forms one of the brewery's regular stable of beers.
It was called Moonlight as during the war, Peter had to land his plane in dark fields, at night, hopefully by moonlight, with only the aid of a torch shone by someone on the ground. Night after night he would deliver secret agents and collect them. Dropping off much needed supplies and rescuing the occasional downed RAF pilot from the clutches of the Gestapo.
Peter's son James Arkell, who lives between Cirencester and Swindon, took over as chairman when Peter retired, said: "My father was a man of action, who lived life to the full. An unsung war hero, he was shy and modest. He was a great chairman of Arkell's Brewery, a man of the people and a wonderful family man".