Pub News
The County Arms, Castle Hill, has undergone a classy refurbishment. The
main bar retains the best features of its previous guise (open fireplaces, wall
panelling) but supplemented by an attractive colour scheme and some new
features like the smart gantry over the bar. The somewhat neglected back bar
area has been upgraded and extended and includes a separate alcove for darts as
well as additional seating space. Those of us who recall the pub when it had
three separate rooms still regret the original opening-out though. Real ales are
Everards Beacon, Tiger and Old Original and Adnams Bitter, all served on tight sparkler.
Bass are seeking planning consent to convert The Belfast Linen shop in St.
Andrews Street into an All Bar One. This chain already has a number of outlets in
London, Birmingham and other cities. All the pubs are pretty much identical
featuring pine furniture, cream and green decor, exposed ventilation shafts,
blackboard menus etc. They are targetted at folk we used to call Yuppies and
whilst very smart, are also soulless and very pricey. With the Hogshead trading
down the road and Wetherspoons under construction at the old cinema, this area
of town is turning into a mega-pub ghetto. Just round the corner in Downing
Street, not far from Quinns Bar at the Holiday Inn [subsequently Crowne Plaza], S&N have applied to change
the use of an office into, yes, another cafe/bar.
While just across Parkers Piece at the Back Street Local...
The Elm Tree, Orchard Street, the home of modern jazz (every Monday and
Thursday), is opening up its garden in time for the better weather. Landlord
John Simons is creating a haven of relaxation amid the plants and fishes.
We welcome new licensees
Roger and Brenda Badgery took over and opened the Black Horse, Swaffham
Bulbeck, on Christmas Eve. GK IPA and Adnams on handpump at the moment.
Terry Rayner, ex Herts/Essex Borders, took the helm at the Rose and Crown,
Teversham, at the end of March. Look out for London Pride and Fuggles
Imperial among the normal Whitbread offerings.
Barry Ashworth and Partners from the George and Dragon, Elsworth, have
bought the Travellers Rest on the A10 at Chittering. This pub has been
languishing among the also-rans for ages; it is now set to become a
food-orientated Free House.
[ALE 294 follow-up]
Jean and Jim Margetts from Thetford moved into the Bull, Burrough Green, last
Autumn, but somehow escaped a mention in the last ALE. This pub has seen a
quick turnover in publicans, all apparently successful, all serving excellent beer.
More pub news...
ALE Spring 1998 No. 290
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