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Rich, Dark and Chocolaty - but definitely not Cadburys!
Arkell’s Brewery has launched a new cask conditioned ale, Chocolate Stout, to help its drinkers keep the February weather at bay.
Arkell’s has won awards for its winter ales in the past, and George Arkell at the Brewery certainly feels the new beer is something to get excited about.
“Served with a good, tight head, and at 4.8 per cent alcohol by volume, this is a really splendid drinking experience,” he said.
Traditional English Stout can be sweet or dry, but it is exceptionally dark in colour and has a rich, smooth feel in the mouth. The name came about as it was originally a ‘stouter’ or stronger version of the ale known as ‘porter’.
Arkell’s chocolate is available on draught at Arkell’s pubs across the region from today, or call Arkell’s Brewery direct on 01793 823026.
According to Arkell’s head brewer, Don Bracher: “This is a dark and delicious beer brewed in the traditional way using chocolate malt, with the addition of malted oats to give it a silky smooth flavour, but with a hint of chocolate – just right for wet and windy Winter nights.
Bear rush at Arkell's pubs as drinker's raise money for hospital
The new Great Western Hospital in Swindon won't have long to wait for new equipment in its Family Unit as only four days after launching its own fundraising initiative, Arkell's Brewery has already run out of bears in its "Name That Bear" competition.
As part of its fund-raising efforts, the brewery provided 200 bears to its Swindon and district pubs and invited customers, for a £1 stake, to "Name That Bear" from a suggested forty names - all names of employees at the Brewery.
According to Oliver Cleary, landlord at The Jovial Monk, St Andrew's Ridge: "The bears have almost walked off the bar as customers happily pay up over and over again to guess the right name for their bear."
Teresa Hill, who is spearheading the Brewery charity appeal, is delighted that the idea has proved such a success: "They're really gorgeous little bears, and I'm not surprised that they're easy to find homes for, especially as it's in such a good cause. The Family Unit at the new Great Western Hospital is essential to help provide space and comfort to all families who find themselves there, for whatever reason."
The Bear appeal is just one of a number of initiatives devised by Teresa and her team at Arkell's Brewery to raise money throughout 2002.
"We will also be putting gallon bottles on the bars as well as selling pin badges with bees on, and are currently looking at various ways to raise money during the summer months," she said.
The Evolution Appeal is aiming to raise an extra £5 million towards equipment. This will allow the hospital to be equipped with the best, as well as allowing enough equipment to go around and make patient's progress through the hospital quicker and easier. Without the extra money, some of the older equipment, which is nearing the end of its serviceable life, will have to be transferred from Princess Margaret.
"The new Great Western Hospital is essential to all of us in the Swindon and surrounding communities," said James Arkell at Arkell's Brewery. "As a family brewery, we are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to such an essential and worthwhile cause. We are all committed to raising as much money as we can through a number of fund-raising activities which we also hope will prove enjoyable for our drinkers."
Arkell's Brewery committed to raising £25,000 at the beginning of the year towards equipping a Family Unit as part of the Evolution Appeal being organised by the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust.
Landlords find sanctuary in Swindon
Three days was all it took for Terry and Sue Fellows to decide that their new pub in Dorset was not for them and they wanted to return to their adopted home of Swindon.
After thirteen happy years as landlords of The Wheatsheaf in Old Town, Swindon Terry and Sue Fellows decided it was time to move on to a new challenge late last year and chose a community pub in Dorset.
"As soon as we got there things didn't feel right and we discovered that there was lots of problems associated with the pub," said Sue, who suffers from Osteoarthritis.
They decided to cut their losses straight away and began looking back to Swindon for a suitable pub.
"As soon as we heard they were looking to move back to Swindon, we were determined to find them a pub where they could settle and be happy," said managing director at Arkell's Brewery, James Arkell.
The couple, and their son Robert, have now taken over Arkell's pub, The Fox and Hounds at Wroughton and are already welcoming some of their regulars from The Wheatsheaf, who are delighted they have returned to Swindon.
"We love it here," said Sue. "There's a real community feel to The Fox and Hounds, and as far as we are concerned we're here to stay and want to become part of local life. There's no better town than Swindon."
"There's definitely nowhere else like it, and even though we originally come from Wolverhampton, we didn't even consider returning there after moving away," said Landlady Sue Fellows. "Swindon is definitely our home."
Arkell's spots its 101st pub near Windsor
Arkell's Brewery is celebrating buying its 101st pub after taking over The Winkfield near Windsor in Berkshire.
But the locals will not have to get used to a new landlord or regime, as licensee Mike Hawksworth is staying put in the pub he's run for over eight years.
Mike and his wife Judith and their daughter will continue to live at The Winkfield and the locals won't notice any difference, according to managing director at Arkell's Brewery, James Arkell. "Why change a winning formula? Mike is a fantastic landlord and we're delighted he's staying on."
The purchase of The Winkfield establishes Arkell's more firmly as a local brewery supplying beer to real ale drinkers who want the unique taste of Arkell's real ale further away from home.
"Arkell's has traditionally been sold in North Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire," said James. "But over the last few years we've acquired some pubs further away. However, all of them are within a 50 mile radius of the brewery so we can maintain a regular, fresh supply of beer."
"Mike has put his heart and soul into The Winkfield over the last few years and has made it into a superb pub offering excellent food and wines," he added.
With The Royal Berkshire Polo Club and Smith's Lawn close by as well as horseracing at Windsor and Ascot racecourses, The Winkfield on Lovell Road in Winkfield near Windsor is at right at the centre of the riding community, but it doesn't stop at horses as members of The Canine Film Academy regularly meet there for lunch.
"As this is our 101st pub, perhaps we ought to get one of their dalmations to promote our newest acquisition," said James Arkell "But we hope it won't stop at 101 as we are always keen to look at good pubs to add to our Estate."
"After suffering a heart attack last year, I decided that I wanted to take things a bit easier", said Mike. "Selling to a family brewery like Arkell's allows me to have my cake and eat it - I can carry on running the pub as usual, but let Arkell's take care of everything else."
It's Memory lane for Ernie after 47 years at Arkell's Brewery
After 47 years and 25 days working at Arkell's, brewery worker Ernie Lane plans to spend his retirement looking into his family history after a distant relative wrote to him saying that a member of her family worked at Arkell's Brewery during the last century.
"Josephine Lane-Burford wrote to me at the brewery from Moreton in Marsh saying that she thought we might be related. She visited Arkell's and we chatted about her relations who used to live in Stratton and worked at the brewery."
"There is also a link with Donnington Brewery, based at Stow on the Wold, and which is owned by Claude Arkell, a relative of the Arkell's in Swindon. Apparently, one of my relatives used to work there too."
Sadly, Ernie appears to be the last of his family to work for Arkell's in Swindon as his four children have chosen different careers, but he has high hopes that one of his five grandchildren might be persuaded to join the 'family firm'.
"I've done pretty well every job in the brewery, starting in the Fermenting Room right through to working on the Drays and in the office organising the transport. There's a lot of variety and I just hope that Arkell's carries on for another 100 years, because I've had a great time working there."
"My father, grandfather and uncle all worked for Arkell's Brewery - my grandfather for fifty years," said Ernie who has done most jobs in the brewery since starting at the age of 15 years old.
Christmas comes early for Fairford League of Friends
Fairford League of Friends has netted almost £1800 in one go after landlord at The Bull in Fairford, Mark Dudley, raised £1756 competing in an Iron Man triathlon earlier this year.
Former Zambian rugby player Mark, swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles and then ran a full marathon (26.2 miles), all in under 12 hours (actual time 11 hours, 53 minutes and 24 seconds).
"I ran the London Marathon in aid of Fairford's playing fields association and raised just over £700," said Mark. "I suppose it was that that got me hooked on contributing to the local community. Raising money for Fairford Hospital was a pleasure and both my customers and the people of Fairford have been incredibly generous in their sponsorship."
Chairman of The League of Friends and Fairford resident, Air Vice-Marshal Gerry Willis said: "This is a fabulous achievement and we are incredibly grateful to Mark for raising such a big sum in one go."
Air Vice-Marshal Willis explained that Fairford League of Friends aims to raise around £70,000 each year to maintain and upgrade service provided by Fairford Cottage Hospital.
"This year £10,000 was spent on a new bath for the men's ward, with a hydraulic lift. This will enable the hospital to use its NHS funds to refurbish other essential facilities within the hospital. £6,000 was give as a grant to Gloucester Basics, a group of medics who provide emergency intervention. They bought a defribulator which was used two or three times within the first fortnight."
More money was spend on home nursing for the terminally ill who wish to remain in their own homes and on providing free physiotherapy to the over 60's and chronically sick who are under the care of Fairford and Lechlade surgeries.
"I think that Fairford League of Friends does more for the local community than perhaps other leagues of friends around the country," Air Vice-Marshal Willis added. "But this is as a result of the generosity of local people."
Fairford League of Friends is currently awaiting to see what the changes within the NHS Primary Trust will mean for Fairford Cottage Hospital, but Air Vice-Marshal Willis feels that because of the strong support of the community, the local hospital is in a strong position."
"As soon as we know what is happening, we can begin to plan ways that The League of Friends can help," he said.
But Fairford Cottage Hospital can count on Arkell's Landlord Mark Dudley, who plans to raising more money next year: "I really enjoy competing in these triathlons and it's amazing what a difference such a fundraising event can make to the local community."
Champion Jockey gets ball rolling at the Plough
After a £200,000 refit, The Plough at Stratton in Cirencester opened for business today with the help of former champion jockey Willie Carson.
The Plough's crowning glory is its new skittle alley, which according to Landlady Cherie Tancock, has been much anticipated by locals who can't wait to take advantage of the new facility.
But the new facilities don't stop at the skittle alley, as the pub also has four letting rooms, which have been converted out of the two cottages next door to the pub.
During renovation work builders found some unusual features in this 250-year old pub, including carvings of the builders' names from the last time the pub was renovated - over fifty years ago. The carvings, and the main upright beam on which they are etched, now take pride of place in The Plough's new 40-seat restaurant, and the current builders have entered into the spirit of the discovery by etching their names on another beam in the building - perhaps to be discovered by future renovators in another fifty year's time.
The builders also stumbled over a 30' well which was the main water supply to the pub before it was connected to mains water, and they have made this a feature outside the pub.
Managing director at the brewery, James Arkell, said: "Since taking over The Plough last December, Cherie and Ellwyn have worked incredibly hard and not only is the pub thriving, but its regular trade is increasing. The Plough now has fantastic facilities, but retains its traditional pub atmosphere."
With the help of their head chef, Tony Martin, Cherie and Ellwyn are also offering traditional home-cooked food, with what they think is probably the biggest Sunday Roast in Cirencester, for £5.90.
"We will be celebrating our first anniversary of running The Plough next week", said Cherie at the official opening today. "And I can't think of a better way than being able to offer our customers so much more than before. We're really looking forward to a busy Christmas."
"Since we advertised that Arkell's were building a new skittle alley, we have been approached by a lot of teams who want to play at The Plough," she said. "I don't think it's going to take long for the word to get around that we're up and running."
Parrot Ruffles Feathers at Red Lion
Regulars at Arkell's pub The Red Lion in Lechlade have not only got a new faces behind the bar, but a new beak on top of it, thanks to new landlord and landlady Dave and Sue Miles, who took over earlier this month.
Dave and Sue brought their 4-year old Parrot, Holsten, with them and he is now a regular visitor to the bar, making conversation with the regulars - although his vocabulary is rather limited and not quite as polite as it might be, much to Sue's dismay.
"I really don't know where he picks it up from, but we do make sure that he's not around if people are likely to be offended," she said.
This is Dave and Sue 's fifth Arkell's pub, and most definitely the last, according to Sue. "We've definitely found the pub we want to stay in, the town is friendly and the locals are great."
And because there has been a change-over of landlord so close to Christmas, there is still room at the inn for Christmas parties, in the 50-seater restaurant.
"We're delighted that Dave, Sue and their parrot have settled in so quickly," said managing director at Arkell's Brewery, James Arkell. "It will certainly make a visit to The Red Lion more entertaining."
Plenty of Room at the Inn for Carpenter and his Wife
 Stephanie and Alec Bonner |
A carpenter by trade, Alec decided to take a break from wood and move into the pub trade after he and Stephanie visited The Royal Oak and heard that Arkell's were looking for a new licensee.
"We fell in love with the pub when we visited it," he said. "We plan to turn it into a great family pub with good food and plenty of atmosphere. Of course, the skittle alley at the back helps, and we are turning part of the car park into a garden."
But not only did they take over the pub on the Wednesday, but Stephanie, a hairdresser by trade, decided to buy a salon in Bampton on the Friday.
The couple moved to the area from Oxford, and are keen to get involved in the local community - and there didn't seem a better way than running a pub and a hairdressing salon.
"Lechlade's a great place to live, and we're getting to know the regulars quickly," said Alec. "After Christmas we are planning to launch our new menu, but having moved in so recently, we are currently just settling in and getting to know our way around the pub and the area."
"It's a good thing there's plenty of room at the Inn for carpenter Alec and his wife, because there aren't any stables at The Royal Oak." said Arkell's managing director James Arkell. "We wish them lots of success, both behind the bar and in the salon."
Arkell's launches its first organic ale
 Head brewer Don Bracher |
The new brew, called Bee's Organic Ale, uses organically grown malted barley, hops and, unusually, organically produced honey.
"We wanted to give our latest beer a unique taste and flavour, and all those who have helped in providing the brewing materials have been very pleased with the way they have been used," said head brewer Don Bracher.
This golden premium bottled ale is light and fresh, with the organic honey giving it a delightful and surprising flavour.
"Of course, as far as we are concerned, Arkell's Brewery has been brewing natural real ale ever since the brewery opened over 150 years ago, but having the Soil Association symbol on this beer proves it is certified to the highest organic standards and provides reassurance of organic authenticity."
Arkell's took the decision to develop its new 'Bee's' ale, as the availability of organic materials increased. "We feel that this is a growing demand for organic ale and as we are in the business of offering our customers what they want, before they ask for it, we decided to develop our first organic ale," said managing director, James Arkell.
The idea for a beer based on honey quite simply came from the names of current Arkell's Ales - 2Bs's and 3B's, and the fact that the company is currently using three 'bees' on some of its promotional literature.
"As sugar is often used in brewing, we thought that honey would make an interesting alternative," said Don Bracher.
Finding a supplier for the honey proved easier than expected when the local bee man came to deal with a problem bee's nest in the brewery's tall chimney, and suggested Cotswold Speciality Food Ltd of Witney.
The organic hops come from Worcestershire hop merchant, John Farbon, and the malt comes John Boxall of Simpsons - the largest family maltster left in Great Britain who, until recently, has a local maltings in Abingdon.
At 4 ½% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), Bee's Organic Ale is brewed in the traditional way, using organic materials, and as the brewer of one of only 19 organic ales in the country, according to The Soil Association.
Each barrel of Bee's Organic Ale (which provides 288 pints), contains 1 lb hops, 50 lb of Malt and 2 lbs of honey making its distinct flavour.
According to Keith Bull, certification manager (processors) at The Soil Association: "We are delighted to see the number of breweries producing organic ale increase. It is an indication that there is an increasing availability of materials and that the breweries are following a clear increase in demand.
"The brewing industry, which was lagging behind other sectors in terms of variety and quantity of organic produce, is moving forward fast"
Bee's Organic Ale is being sold for a recommended retail price in our managed houses of £2.10 and will be available in all Arkell's pubs, and other selected outlets from October. For more information contact Barry Hunt at Arkell's Brewery on 01793 823026 or e-mail: barry@arkells.com
Lord Apsley pulls the chain at the Tavern
The Tavern Inn at Kemble can now boast Conveniences fit for a king - or even a Lord, after Lord Apsley opened the refurbished ladies', gents and disabled loos today.
The Arkell's pub, which also boasts a new extension to its bar as part of the completed refurbishment, is listed as an 'Elite' site with the Caravan Club as it has five pitches outside for up to five vans.
"Since we moved in The Tavern has become the local for villagers who live in and around Kemble as well as commuters coming off the train at the British Rail station right next door," said landlady Nyra Stepp who took over the pub two years ago with her husband Terry Cordell.
"We are delighted with our new facilities, especially the disabled loos, as this now makes us a completely disabled-friendly pub with no awkward steps at all."
This not the first big event of the year for Nyra and Terry, as they also got married in May. "It was second time around for both of us," said Nyra "and we wanted to make it a memorable occasion, so we held open house that day for all our regulars and it was a day which I will remember for a long time."
Arkell's managing director, James Arkell, is delighted with this latest pub refurbishment for the Brewery. "This has to be one of the most convenient pubs for London commuters in this part of Gloucestershire and we wanted to be able to offer them a fresh environment to drink in. We're also very proud of our new loos - you could say we're flushed with success at the completion of the building works."
He added: "We are also very grateful to Lord Apsley for agreeing to open the new building, and look forward to seeing him in here in the future."
Plenty of room at Arkell's Inn
One of the oldest Arkells pubs in the region threw open the doors to its impressive new lodge in Swindon last week.
The 120 year-old Arkells-owned Carpenters Arms officially opened on August 21. President of Swindon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, David Saunders cut the ceremonial ribbon before tucking into a sumptuous buffet at the pub to mark the event.
After a £180,000 facelift in 1994, regulars would be forgiven for thinking that the Carpenters couldn't get any better. However landlord Robert Feal-Martinez had other plans.
"Demand for good accommodation in and around Swindon is phenomenal. It was only a matter of time before we were going to make better use of our land," explained Robert. "These days it can be difficult for rural pubs to do well unless they have something special to offer."
Robert is following the Arkells tradition of providing family orientated pubs with good accommodation and this is already proving to be very popular, with enquiries flowing in and bookings already taken.
With five en-suite rooms suitable for couples and families, it will only be a matter of time before the Carpenters becomes as well known for its quality accommodation as it is for its delicious home cooked food and famous Arkells beer.
Goldwings swoop on Arkell's brewery
Over forty Honda Goldwing motorbikes converged on Arkell's Brewery last week when the White Horse Wings region of the Goldwing Owners Club of Great Britain visited Swindon.
The bikers, who stayed at the Supermarine at South Marston, were visiting the Honda factory, but stopped off at Arkell's where they were treated to a tour of the brewery and a buffet lunch.
"Most of the bikes carried a pillion passenger and we ended up with over eighty visitors during the day," said Head Brewer and classic motorbiker himself, Don Bracher, who greeted the motorcyclists and gave them the brewery tour.
Simon Whittle, area representative for the Honda Goldwing's White Horse Wings club, said: "We have a local membership of only about 25 bikes, mainly due to the very spread out nature of our area. But as a result of the brewery's generosity, we managed to raise some £900 towards our charity, Douglas House Hospice, in Oxford."
The Gold Wings Owners Club of Great Britain consists of 36 regions based all over the United Kingdom which not only run local social activities, but also regional weekend events. This was the first time the Goldwing riders had visited Swindon's Arkell's Brewery.
"We were delighted to welcome the motorcyclists, although I have to say I don't ride a Honda motorbike but a Triumph," said managing director James Arkell. "However, it was truly great to see so many motorcyclists at the brewery, and we hope they will visit us again next year."
Iron man Mark leads Bull charge
Arkell's landlord rugby player Mark Dudley will be competing in one of the world's toughest physical challenges, The Longest Day on 19 August in aid of Fairford Cottage Hospital.
The stage is set in Wolverhampton for the ninth annual Longest Day; the only Iron Man distance race of it's kind in the country. During the event, Mark, a former Zambian rugby player, will have to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and then undertake a full marathon, 26.2 miles.
Mark, 38 landlord of the Arkells-owned Bull Hotel in Fairford is no stranger to competitive sport, having competed previously in both London Marathon and various Olympic triathlons, including the Swindon Two-Twenty.
"I ran the London Marathon in aid of Fairford's playing fields and raised just over £700," said Mark. "I suppose it was that that got me hooked on contributing to the local community, it's amazing what a difference you can make."
So far Mark has raised more than £1,400 in aid of the local Fairford Cottage Hospital and sponsorship is still coming in. All his regulars at The Bull Hotel have been contributing generously both financially and with moral support.
"I've been building up to this event for the past six months, it's a very worthy charity and I'm looking forward to giving it everything I've got on Sunday," said Mark. "We're even running a competition in the hotel giving £100 to the person who guesses the nearest time it takes me to finish."
Mark is very confident about the competition and has set his goal to complete the race in an amazing 15 hours.
The Fairford Cottage Hospital is well used and highly thought of by the local residents and it's also proved to have been invaluable to The Bull Hotel and it's visitors for the past 11 years, since Mark took over as landlord.
"On the rare occasion that one of our guests has needed any medical attention, the staff at the cottage hospital have always been very helpful," added Mark. "I feel now that it's time to repay the favour and contribute towards all their hard work."
The event is open to any willing competitors but only the truly fit will survive the day.
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