Photo finish for Pub of the Season!

This time, we bucked the current trend of voter apathy and low turnouts, generating an encouraging number of votes overall, at the branch meeting itself and via post, ‘phone and email. But the most telling statistic was that two of the nominations emerged neck-and-neck, well clear of the rest.  We think it’s the first time we’ve had a tie, so are pleased therefore to make awards to both the Peacock and the Wellington... sharing is caring, read on:
 

The Wellington Hotel - New Whittington
Joint Spring Pub of the Season

One of the main purposes behind our Pubs of the Season nominations is to highlight the efforts of licensees, perhaps relatively new names above the front door, who are making a real difference to the local pub scene. Often the competition is such that the more established candidates garner the most votes, so a ‘win first time’ for the Wellington on New Whittington High Street is a feat worthy of a little fuss.

Barbara, Paul and Michael Yorke have been here for 18 months or so, ‘nearly new’ to the trade (having served their apprenticeships, as it were, during Pete Floyd’s tenure) and have built up a loyal following.

An ex-Mansfield outlet, the Welly is one of the Union Pub Co.’s complement, with a traditional public bar and lounge layout, offering up to three cask ales, served in oversized lined glasses.  Cameron’s Strongarm is often available, with the guests being the likes of the ever-popular Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Wychwood Hobgoblin. And Michael, who looks after the beers, isn’t shy of showcasing the stronger stuff like Holden’s Old Ale and Marston’s Old Empire … no problem as buses run regularly past the pub ‘twixt Town and Eckythump.

Lunchtime and early evening meals are always good value and the dining area is non-smoking during food times. Check out the themed Thursday nights: alternating between Steak and Curry (you get your meal with a pint or a glass of wine for £4.50 – like ‘Spoons only the ale’s a bit more exciting than Boddies). Outside the garden is gradually being developed into a family-friendly area, with plans for a ‘Pets’ Corner’. Entertainment-wise, there are quizzes every Wednesday and Sunday evenings, supplemented with the occasional live act.

Recently, the pub took advantage of the opportunity to host its own excellent mini-festival, with the range of beers providing a welcome choice in a village which is not short of places to drink, though with only two cask pubs.

On presentation night, our award was warmly received and well-deserved, generating much local interest. With three changing guest ales available each month - Marston’s Oyster Stout, Adnams Broadside and Hyde’s Jekyll’s Gold are next up - if you haven’t yet made it out here, give the Welly a go!

John Hassall

The Peacock Inn - Brampton
Joint Spring Pub of the Season

The Peacock can be found on Chatsworth Road, Brampton on the A619 West of Chesterfield. It’s a former Beer House which was owned by The Scarsdale Brewery and gained a full Licence in 1954. 

The Peacock is now run by John Bradbury and his partner, Pippa Wallhead. John is no stranger to the licensing trade as he has worked in it since he was 18 years old, he would not divulge how many years have passed since then so lets just say he has several years experience!  John previously ran The Grouse from 1983 to 1992, at which time CAMRA awarded certificates for Pub of the Month (January 1985) and also for 10 consecutive years in the Good Beer Guide. John is a keen campaigner for cask beer and introduced it to the bar at the Pomegranate Theatre and the Queen’s
Park Leisure Centre.

On the day that John and Pippa found out that they had won the Pub of the Season award it was John’s birthday and also the 2nd Anniversary of them taking over The Peacock. So, three celebrations in one day - what could be better?

As well as enjoying the Peacock’s excellent regular cask beers, (Black Sheep Bitter, Adnam’s Broadside and Caledonian Deuchars IPA), Chesterfield CAMRA members enjoyed a sausage hot pot and bacon and black pudding when Mary Keast, (branch chairman), presented John and Phillipa with their certificate for Spring pub of the season.

John and Pippa have worked incredibly hard over the last 2 years and The Peacock is now a thriving, friendly pub. In recognition of this hard work the lounge has been refurbished and the area to the front of the pub has been walled in and has been turned into a seating area where you can sit and watch the world go by with a backdrop of lovely hanging baskets made by Pippa.

You can always expect a friendly welcome here, so go on, pay a visit the next time you are out and about.  John and Pippa will be holding a their 1st Beer Festival this year on the second weekend in September, so watch this space for further details. Ask Pippa nicely and we might get Black pudding too!

Anne Watson & Mick Portman