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Pub Guide

Opening Times

Issue 129 Winter 2006

Download a copy of Opening Times 129 as a PDF file - 1.7 MB

A visit to Ufford Brewery

Simon Raines

Saturday 24th June was the day chosen by the Huntingdonshire branch of CAMRA to pay a visit to the Ufford Ales Brewery. We all met at Peterborough station and then took black cabs through the pleasant countryside North-West of Peterborough until we were in the picturesque village of Ufford. We were warmly greeted by the owner of Ufford Ales, Simon Raines, in The White Hart Inn which is richly decorated with railway memorabilia, with a fine array of chamber pots hanging from the ceiling.

Simon then took us on the tour of the brewery plant which is located in the grounds of the Inn. The brewery plant is installed in a converted cattle shelter and has an open fronted window to allow visitors to the Inn to see the brewing process day and night. Simon explained the history of the brewery equipment used on the site and how it has been adapted to improve production and quality. He then discussed the process of beer selection his team employ, the naming of the beers after a local poet and distribution to the local area.

Then it was on to the eagerly awaited tasting session in the White Hart. The Ufford Ales available on tap were: White Hart, Red Clover and Idle Hour with each being served to perfection. We were then served several hearty trays of deliciously prepared sandwiches and freshly prepared chunky chips.

Several members of the party set to recounting stories of ales past and present whilst others set about playing various bar games. Many hours flowed past - as gentle as the warm breeze wafting in from the fields outside - almost as fast as the beers flowed! Talk of the approaching beer festival at the end of July was discussed and Simon’s keenness to promote beer sales within the local area.

Soon the early evening was upon us and time to leave the White Hart and head back to Peterborough - not to finish but to pay a visit to the outstanding pubs within the city. First stop was the Palmerston Arms where we were given an outstanding choice of 12 beers – too many for one stop surely! Then onto Charters located on the river and serving some very fine ales – whilst the local Morris dancers were paying the floating pub a visit for a well earned rest after local competitions. Finally time for the city centre – the Wortley Almshouses for a “quick” half and the Brewery Tap for just one more. After an hour or two, it was decided enough was enough as we glided smoothly to the station for the rail journey home.

The hospitality show by Simon and the assortment of fine ales tasted during the day led to a very relaxing and enjoyable day for all concerned.

Hunts CAMRA members