CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

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The former Bass Brewery Museum in Burton on Trent could be saved as a result of a campaign against the closure plans of owners Coors. The campaign is being led by local MP Janet Dean and has the support of CAMRA and beer writer Roger Protz who said ‘The museum is the only national centre to celebrate British beer’ Coors have now offered the museum at a peppercorn rent and will offer matched funding of up to £200000 to any organisation taking on the site.

Punch Taverns has said that its Spirit estate of managed pubs is not for sale, following a bid by pub group Mitchells and Butlers. This follows Punch’s withdrawal of its earlier merger proposal for M&B.

Greene King has announced its seasonal cask ale range for 2008.

Morlands Tanners Jack (4.4% alcohol by volume) will be available in May. Look out for the pale, zesty Ale Fresco (4.3%) in May and June and Sundance (4.1% abv) from July to August. Bonkers Conkers (4.1% abv) and Ridley’s Witchfinder (4.3%) will be available during September. Abbot Reserve (6.5% abv) and Hardys and Hansons Rocking Rudolph (4.5% abv) will be the winter offerings, with Abstinence Ale (3.6% abv) after the New Year celebrations.

Meantime Brewing Company is to revive brewing at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, which has a history of brewing dating back to 1717, and the brewing project is part of the redevelopment of the Old Royal Naval College visitor centre. The brewery will form the centrepiece of a new Meantime outlet and include an exhibition of brewing history in the area. The products of the new brewery will include a London Porter as originally brewed at the site.