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Minibus Pub Tour - 22nd February 2007

Once again it was pleasing to have a full bus. After a circuit of Stoke, Hinckley, Burbage & Earl Shilton we headed off to our first stop at the Windmill, Brascote. Although just outside our area, we thought it worth a visit as Chris James, the landlord, is a member of CAMRA.
Chris was offering Deuchars IPA, Speckled Hen & Greene King IPA, all in excellent condition; he also, generously, provided some tasty nibbles.

Next call was the Nut & Squirrel, Nailstone. Martin & Lynn took over about 4 months ago and were offering Pedigree & Cumberland Ale from the Marston's stable. They were busy with a pool match in progress and football on the TV.

Time was pressing, so it was off to our next call, the Belper Arms at Newton Burgoland. There have been many changes behind the scenes here since it was sold to Punch Taverns. It is now run by Nick Plews who, along with his business partner Steve Booth, has many interesting plans.  There were six beers on offer: Bass, Pedigree, Greene King IPA, Black Sheep, Enville Ale & St Austell Tribute. The last two were served straight from the barrel and the Enville proved very popular.

The last call of the evening was the White Swan, Stoke Golding. As part of 'Community Pub Week' they were having a Mexican food evening to raise money for the Bonfire Committee Fund which is used for various good works within the village.  We ran a raffle, bottled beer and wine prizes, between ourselves and the locals raising £34. The landlord also donated the money collected for our sandwiches to the fund. The Everards & Adnams beers were up to the White Swan's usual high standard.

a personal account of the evening by Alan Cooke

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