Leicester CAMRA launches LocAle

LocAle Launch - Leicester City

Well, has it really been a month since the two Launch events? Sorry for the delay in waxing lyrical about them, a small matter of LBF has been and gone in the meantime.

Anyhow, 24^th Feb (the City event) witnessed a number of budding Archimedean types attempting to square the LocAle Triangle – a three-pronged meander between stalwart hostelries, renowned supporters of the local elixir. The evening gently selected its first gear at the Criterion and LocAle was officially ‘off the mark’. Here, there were 5 beers from the LocAle stable, proudly wearing their LocAle ‘nose bands’ – Potbelly Beijing Black, Rugby Winger, Rugby 1823, Rugby Webb Ellis and Belvoir Dark Horse

L-R Part of Criterion beers, Kelvyn with a winner, Karen Foster

We did, as was the case at each venue, pose 3 fiendish questions (relating to that particular pub), set by Karen Foster, for the unsuspecting clientele to ponder. After some mild persuasion (bribery) some of the ‘Critters’ made a fist of it and we even got a winning entry, whose joint authors gleefully accepted their prize of a ‘Lesta Fest Vest’. Runners-up, a combined effort from the guys of the DMU Real Ale Society, received a copy of the 2009 GBG, which, in future, should help them find even more places to spend their grant money.

L- R Swan & Rushes bar, Grant Cook, Keith Williams and Colin Brown with Kelv(y)n Martin.

Then, gather those keen and willing horses and it’s swiftly on to the second point of the triangulation, the Swan & Rushes, to be greeted by a LocAle line-up comprising - Grainstore Ten Fifty, Grainstore Rutland Panther, Belvoir 8th Wonder and Belvoir Dark Horse, all impeccably turned out for us by ringmaster and MC for the occasion, Grant Cook. Here, Mr. C had devised 3 of his own ‘hurdles’ for the field to negotiate, resulting in, after some application of the powers of observation (opening of eyes), a clear winner (who proudly claimed and sported his LFV trophy) and runner-up (who received a GBG). Now the paddock was filling up with more contenders including the Belvoir Brewer Colin Brown, those who will drink but not be led to water. Soon it was time to embark on the final circuit.

Vin IV bar pictures with the three owners centre.

So, on to the Vaul .. Va .. Vin IV (I’ll get used to it one day, maybe), to completely join up the dots. Resplendently parading in the ‘winners enclosure’ we had – Derby Old Winkle, Funfair Matterhorn, Belvoir Old Dalby, Bees Honey, Derby Blonde Escapade, Belvoir Gordon Bennett, Belvoir Star Bitter and Belvoir Dark Horse – all true champions of LocAle. Clerk of the course, Paul Summers, had set a stiff challenge for the competitors (who by now had amassed to a good number), but all (with no exception) refused at the first fence (perhaps a bit too difficult, or minds on other things). Anyhow, Daksha to the rescue came, with a new setting (bit easier) and plates of food (very welcome to those who had expended their stamina over such testing going). Thus, another victor emerged and even more runners-up (those DMU guys, and by now gals too, stood the course extremely well – wonder if this applies equally to their studies) all rewarded their respective spoils – go on, guess!

Many thanks to all those who gave their support to LocAle in Leicester.

LocAle Launch - County

And so, on the 26^th February, it was out into the sticks and to the Chandlers Arms at Shearsby, a gathering of regulars, plus those with map and compass, who dared to stray into the wilds of Leicestershire. As on previous occasions, Steve and Karen were the first licensees in our area to sign-up to the campaign, the LocAle flag was flying on all 4 pumps - Langton Hop On, Dowbridge Acris, Great Oakley Delapre Dark and Warwickshire IPA. Similarly to the city event, those present were subjected to some ‘brain teasing’ with the aforementioned prizes as their goal and, as before, a winner and runners-up subsequently emerged to claim their glory.

Chandlers Bar, Landlord Steve, Pubs Officer Kelvyn asking question 5!

However, there was a need to pose further questions (we had more guides to give away), so question 4 was – which pub was voted County Pub of the Year in 2008, quite a few knew (the Cow & Plough, incidentally) closely followed by question 5 – which pub was voted County Pub of the Year in 2009, of course no one knew, yet ….. until the answer was given – You’re standing in it !…. Slight pregnant pause ….. lots of cheering, hoots and congratulations, meanwhile …. Steve, who had been dutifully tending his bar, muttered “Y’what …what’s that?”, jaw now somewhere near his trainers … everyone assuring him that he’d heard correctly … by now Steve was physically shaking (which only lasted an hour or so) … what he said next, to me, is not printable. Well, what a fine way to cap an already splendid evening.

Following this excitement, Karen treated us to an excellent buffet – gratefully received by all concerned. 

Once again, thanks to all who are making LocAle successful in both the City and County of Leicester.

Kelyn Martin, Pubs Officer

This page last updated: April 15, 2011

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