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(Message started by: Secret Drinker on Today at 20:34)
Title: Ale for PoD
Post by Secret Drinker on Today at 20:34
[Slightly OT, but important!]

Btw, Richard, what ale does the PoD sell?

Depending on your answer, I might have to consider whether the "D" in "PoD" needs changing ;-)

Cheers

Paul

I think my secret's in danger of getting out
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Richard Bleksley on 06.08.04 at 00:41
Oh dear. Paul, I was hoping nobody would ask that question.  The sad fact for devotees of traditional British ale (and, believe me, I am one of you!) is that the Woodstock sells not one proper cask-conditioned bitter.  In fact it's one of the last pubs in Sutton I would choose to drink in, BUT it's the one with the large and available function room, so I'm afraid we're stuck with it.  Still, I suppose it's better that you're warned in advamce.

I do hope this doesn't put too many people off; but, hey, let's face it: theatres, cinemas, schools and fields are not normally known for the quality of their beer either.  If a good time was had at the previous XoDs, I hope we can still have a good time at PoD, even if it is the Pub of P*ss.
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Secret Drinker on 06.08.04 at 08:48

on 08/06/04 at 00:41:28, Richard Bleksley wrote :
Oh dear. Paul, I was hoping nobody would ask that question.  The sad fact for devotees of traditional British ale (and, believe me, I am one of you!) is that the Woodstock sells not one proper cask-conditioned bitter.  In fact it's one of the last pubs in Sutton I would choose to drink in, BUT it's the one with the large and available function room, so I'm afraid we're stuck with it.  Still, I suppose it's better that you're warned in advamce.

I do hope this doesn't put too many people off; but, hey, let's face it: theatres, cinemas, schools and fields are not normally known for the quality of their beer either.  If a good time was had at the previous XoDs, I hope we can still have a good time at PoD, even if it is the Pub of P*ss.


Ah well - sometimes even dreams aren't perfect! No worries - I know we'll have a great time anyway.

Cheers

Paul

Blimey! Elevated to MV Junior Member - how did that happen?!
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Theo Clarke on 09.08.04 at 11:27
The publican will probably be amenable to putting in a firkin or a kilderkin of cask-conditioned ale just for PoD ... my party will drink a quarter of a firkin through the course of the day.  If the publican demurs tell him that I will buy a firkin from him up front (and I will then sell shares in that beer).

Theo
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Secret Drinker on 09.08.04 at 16:07

on 08/09/04 at 11:27:40, Theo Clarke wrote :
The publican will probably be amenable to putting in a firkin or a kilderkin of cask-conditioned ale just for PoD ... my party will drink a quarter of a firkin through the course of the day.  If the publican demurs tell him that I will buy a firkin from him up front (and I will then sell shares in that beer).


I'll volunteer to assist with the other 75% - probably not all of it though  8)

Any others willing to help with this good cause? It would be good to gauge interest before ordering  :D

Cheers

Paul

p.s. when I tried to post earlier the server seemed to be playing up. Apologies if this should appear twice! :o
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Keith Busby on 09.08.04 at 19:55
I'm in on the firkin.

Keith
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Alan_Manton on 09.08.04 at 22:49
It must say something about me that it takes the offer of decent beer to encourage me to make my first post on the new forum...

Save one for me please.

Alan.  ::)
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Richard Bleksley on 10.08.04 at 00:55
I do assure all you ale lovers that my heart really sank when I first walked into the Woodstock and looked along the bar to find not a single hand pump (really quite unusual these days).  But I was by then desperate to find a smaller venue, and the function room was so suitable that I signed up for it straightaway.

I will put the "custom cask" plea to the guvnor, but I don't hold out a lot of hope.  I suspect his reaction will be similar to Pete's at the suggestion that the MVs should club together to buy the rights of his old records - i.e. "You are unaware of the reaities of the situation and of the difficulties involved."  I myself can think of one major objection.  In a pub not geared up to sell cask beer, how would the delivery from cask to glass be arranged?  The only possible answer is gravity feed straight from the cask, and the function room's bar is so small that it would be very difficult to find room for the cask either on the counter or behind it.

Oh, by the way - if by some magic chance out of left field the request should succeed, count me in!!  
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Theo Clarke on 12.08.04 at 12:22
The publican will need one small table upon which to set the cask a day or so before the event.  At other venues we have persuaded them to put this in the function room. If we buy the whole cask up front we can serve ourselves.

Currently we have seven drinkers sharing 72 pints.  Roll up roll up!

Theo
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by El Greko on 12.08.04 at 13:48
I'm up for some of the firkin too ;D
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Theo Clarke on 12.08.04 at 22:28
Perhaps we should mention here that  PoD is happening on Saturday 6 November 2004  at The Woodstock public house, Stonecot Hill, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 9HB.

Theo
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Richard Bleksley on 13.08.04 at 01:08
Is there anyone out there among you ale fans with the knowledge / practice / skill of actually broaching the cask?  That might be one more argument to put to a publican who normally only deals with keg beer.  All he'd have to do would be set it up on the table.
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Secret Drinker on 13.08.04 at 08:55

on 08/12/04 at 12:22:37, Theo Clarke wrote :
Currently we have seven drinkers sharing 72 pints.  Roll up roll up!


Should we set a limit? :P

(Gad, it's thirsty work, this drinking...)  ;D

Cheers

Paul
Title: Re: ToD/PoD Sutton (was *oD or XoD?)
Post by Secret Drinker on 13.08.04 at 09:23

on 08/13/04 at 01:08:05, Richard Bleksley wrote :
Is there anyone out there among you ale fans with the knowledge / practice / skill of actually broaching the cask?  That might be one more argument to put to a publican who normally only deals with keg beer.  All he'd have to do would be set it up on the table.


(This thread's rapidly becoming a sort of MV branch of CAMRA, isn't it?)

Perhaps we should consider getting a couple of polypins instead of a firkin. I think most breweries do them these days. It would be a lot less hassle than a proper cask.

Cheers

Paul
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Theo Clarke on 13.08.04 at 11:54
The publican is likely to know how to broach a cask. If he does not, then a couple of polypins may well be the solution. Or perhaps someone local could go along to the Croydon and Sutton Beer and Cider Festival at Wallington Hall on 6-9 October and enlist a helper!

I don't think we need to preset a limit to the number of cask sharers.  If it gets up to the thirty mark we might need to reexamine the mechanism but I am guessing that this will not be an issue.

Theo
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Gerry Smith on 13.08.04 at 14:00
Well I'll certainly quaff a few.  How many depends on getting somewhere cheap to stay the night.  Got to keep the boys in blue happy!
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by JtJ on 13.08.04 at 21:43
Off topic replies have been moved to [link=http://www.peteatkin.com/cgi-bin/mv/YaBB.cgi?board=ods;action=display;num=1092562304]This Thread[/link] by S J Birkill.

New thread started -- [link=http://www.peteatkin.com/cgi-bin/mv/YaBB.cgi?board=ods;action=display;num=1092562304]PoD Accommodation[/link] (so those seeking digs but indifferent to ale [What!] may find these posts) -- Steve
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Richard Bleksley on 25.08.04 at 23:04
I'm delighted to be able to announce that the management of the Woodstock have agreed to supply a cask of "proper" ale for our festivities.  From the price quoted, though, ("about 288 pounds, depending on which real ale you require") I deduce that they are talking about an 18 gallon cask (is that a kilderkin?) rather than the firkin originally mooted.

That's at least one pint for every man, woman and child attending.  On the other hand, some of us are going to be there for about eleven hours.  What do you ale-lovers think?  Is it too much, or can we manage it?  I'd hate to see good ale go to waste.

In any case, it's now time for all who wish to chip in to the cost of the cask to step forward.  Theo Clarke, who originally proposed the idea, has kindly agreed to administer the ale fund.

I am getting back to the Woodstock on whether a smaller cask is available, and on what ales are on the menu; then it's over to you, Theo.
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Keith Busby on 26.08.04 at 00:47
Somehow I have a feeling the ale will not go to waste, but whatever y'all decide, count me in.

Keith
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Colin Crooks on 26.08.04 at 09:44
You can count both Colin and Kate Crooks in on the ale.  Perhaps folks might like to bring along a demi-john or similar to help spread out the leftovers, if any.
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Richard Bleksley on 26.08.04 at 11:53
Yes, it will have to be 18 gallons.  I suppose we'll just have to make great personal sacrifices and drink it all, then.  What a bummer.

Seriously though, judging by the numbers who respond to every posting on this subject, I don't think there'll be too much of a problem.

I suppose I'd better be democratic and tell you all what's on offer, though I'm sorely tempted to make a unilateral decision.  The "menu" is Theakston's, Courage Directors', John Smith's, and Morland's Old Speckled Hen.  Now, Old Speckled Hen happens to be my favourite bitter (pure nectar!!!), so unless anyone has serious objections I shall order that.  Dammit, I AM in charge of all this, after all.

Don't forget, folks: if you want your real ale, subscribe to Theo's fund once he gets it going.  No subsciption - no ale.
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Secret Drinker on 26.08.04 at 12:49
Well done Richard and Theo. Count me in. OSH seems as good a choice as any on the list so I'll be happy with that. As we'll be there all afternoon and evening I hope there won't be a problem getting through it. I assume that there are many ale drinkers coming who haven't yet indicated their interest in sharing the ale, who will be willing to help out in this worthy cause :P .

However, as Colin Crooks suggested,  I'll bring a couple of empty gallon containers just in case there's any left, and suggest others do the same, so we can buy any leftovers should it be necessary, rather than waste it :o .

(Come to think of it, it could come in handy during the long night at the Travelodge ;-) )

Cheers!

Paul  :cool:
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Theo Clarke on 26.08.04 at 15:28
I have a very strong preference for Courage Directors followed by Theakstons then Old Speckled Hen (which I would like to like more because it is named after an old MG car) and finally John Smiths.  Does anyone else wish to weigh in with a preference?

Theo
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Secret Drinker on 26.08.04 at 16:03

on 08/26/04 at 15:28:26, Theo Clarke wrote :
I have a very strong preference for Courage Directors followed by Theakstons then Old Speckled Hen (which I would like to like more because it is named after an old MG car) and finally John Smiths.  Does anyone else wish to weigh in with a preference?


I should have asked earlier, but I assume the Theakston's on offer is the ubiquitous Theakston's Best, and not the brewery's (IMO) vastly superior products XB and Old Peculier (now there's a thought!  :P )

But maybe at around 3.6% abv, Theakston's Best might be a more sensible option if we're going to face a challenging session and still remain compos mentis during the later stages of the evening. Directors is around 4.8% and OSH 5.2% - either of these might prove to be the undoing of those intent on ensuring the cask is empty by the end of the night. And I'm not sure Pete would be that chuffed to face a roomful of snoring drunks sprawled across the aisles ;-)

I wouldn't call Director's or OSH session beers by any means - thus speaks the voice of reason (me?! surely some mistake!) ;-)

(I'm assuming John Smith's is not worth serious consideration, unless anyone can persuade me otherwise.)

What do the other ale drinkers think?

Cheers

Paul
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Keith Busby on 26.08.04 at 17:44
I would go for the Hen on taste grounds (insofar as I recall). I don't think a few pints over the course of the day, especially with food-ballast, would send me into the land of nod. But I'll go with the majority verdict.

Keith
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Colin Crooks on 26.08.04 at 20:06
A kil of Old Peculier - a new slant to Sessionman's Blues?

Seriously though, I think Paul is right and Theakston's Best would be the most prudent choice.

Rest assured, Kate and I are up for it whatever is chosen!

"I'll have a Sessionman's ale..."

Colin
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Andy Love on 27.08.04 at 00:22
I'm in with the Barrel Boyz, too, please!
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Leslie Moss on 27.08.04 at 21:13
Not being a beer-drinker, can I enquire about the provision of cider? I'm very partial to a drop of Dry Blackthorne.

Leslie
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by S J Birkill on 27.08.04 at 21:41

on 08/27/04 at 21:13:32, Leslie Moss wrote :
I'm very partial to a drop of Dry Blackthorne.
Wot, no real scrumpy? Can't let the ale camp have all the best booze!
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Theo Clarke on 03.09.04 at 22:10
The formation of the Cask Conditioned Company (neither constrained nor limited) awaits Richard's advice to me of the cost of a kilderkin of Theakstons Best.  In principal, however, our prospectus is for the issue of 144 shares at about two quid each.  Each share can be converted into one pint of ale on the day.  The shares will be sold first come first served and if not all the shares sell at 'flotation' I will be asking investors to help us out by buying more shares and bringing a 'takeaway' container (with no pressure selling, however).

More when I know it ....

Theo
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Secret Drinker on 03.09.04 at 23:03

on 09/03/04 at 22:10:34, Theo Clarke wrote :
...if not all the shares sell at 'flotation' I will be asking investors to help us out by buying more shares and bringing a 'takeaway' container (with no pressure selling, however).


Pressure? Only from natural conditioning, I hope ;-)

Cheers

Paul
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Secret Drinker on 03.09.04 at 23:05

on 08/27/04 at 21:13:32, Leslie Moss wrote :
Not being a beer-drinker, can I enquire about the provision of cider? I'm very partial to a drop of Dry Blackthorne.


Leslie - I despair! Didn't you learn anything from your time in the Changers?  ;)

Cheers

Paul
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Secret Drinker on 03.09.04 at 23:11

on 08/27/04 at 21:41:43, S J Birkill wrote :
Wot, no real scrumpy? Can't let the ale camp have all the best booze!


I'll be going down to Scrumpyland between now and PoD (for personal stocking up, you understand), so if there's a demand for (say) a 5-gallon polycask of the genuine article, I could easily pick it up and bring it along to PoD. I'm not sure how the management would react though - there may be licensing restrictions or whatever... but if anyone wants to folow this up, let me know.

If anyone else apart from Steve (and maybe a converted Leslie) is interested, please signal your interest here.

Churz!

Paul
Title: Cask Conditioned Company update
Post by Theo Clarke on 08.09.04 at 11:16
For all you thirsty people, this is just to reassure you that we still await the cask price from the pub.  There will be more details when I have them.

Theo
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Rob_Rudderham on 11.09.04 at 08:31
Count Pale Scarlet in for a share or six in the ale fund. All 3 of us imbibe to varying degrees (although the girls in the band apparently have lower capacities than yours truly).

As much I as love OSH, I fear a lengthy session with it might be too telling, and would opt for the Theakstons as first choice. Not particularly fond of Directors, but would take it in a pinch. I wasn't aware that John Smiths was available cask conditioned, but my CAMRA days are far behind me, so what do I know?

Order of preference from the Pale Scarlet quarter would therefore be:
1) Theakstons
2) OSH
3) Directors

Gosh, this thread is making me thirsty!
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by JohnDrummond on 12.09.04 at 19:07
I have to agree with Rob that a whole evening of OSH might challenge the constitution somewhat, much though the tastebuds would be delighted. I would vote for the Theakston's. Count me in for a couple or even three.
Title: TRAGEDY!!
Post by Richard Bleksley on 07.10.04 at 12:58
It is with a heavy heart I must announce to you all (and especially Theo Clarke) that the Woodstock's management has now discovered that it is not allowed to supply us the cask we were hoping for.  Apparently they are contractually bound to sell only John Smith's Smooth (i.e. tasteless).  Maybe this is the only way the brewery can unload the stuff?

I"m sorry.  I can only repeat what I said earlier: I hope we can still have a good time, even if it is the Pub of P*ss.

Oh well.  At least I tried....
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Carole on 07.10.04 at 13:06
Good grief Richard, you had me worried for a minute. I thought it was something important - like PoD coming unstuck!  ;)
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Richard Bleksley on 07.10.04 at 13:09
Carole, it IS important!  Have you no sense of proportion?
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Colin Crooks on 07.10.04 at 16:46
:'(
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by El Greko on 07.10.04 at 18:45
Only one thing for it - to bring one's own and sip it furtively between songs.  A sort of Secret Drinker, in fac ::)t...
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Ian Chippett on 07.10.04 at 19:34
The only consolation for me of not being able to come is the thought of you all grimly chasing shorts with... more shorts?

Ian C

Far from it, away from it all in Pantin (France)
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Keith Busby on 08.10.04 at 04:24
Too bad. We'll just have to make do with the Latour '82, of which I'm sure there's a huge stash in the cellar.:-/  And probably too many import restrictions for me to supply the event free of charge with my prizewinning handcrafted ales (I kid you not).

Looking forward to it no end.

Best,

Keith
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Rob_Rudderham on 16.10.04 at 00:45
Oh well. A mixed blessing. Can't see me drinking John Smith's, and I'm sure the girls in the band wouldn't touch it. But at least I might be able to persuade one of them to drive us and our guitars to PoD now.
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Theo Clarke on 16.10.04 at 02:58
I am, of course, still sulking but I must break my silence to put things in perspective: I spent this evening in a taproom contain eight casks of delicious gravity fed ales and drank lime and soda all night because I was the driver.  Fortunately, the band was great and I can heartily recommend Rag Ma Ma Rag (the band, that is, rather than the song) to all you blues lovers out there.  And now I shall take my very sober head off to bed.

Theo
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Keith Busby on 16.10.04 at 16:00
As an alternative to the forbidden cask, might it be possible to have mine host(ess) stock the bar with some decent bottled beer? And keep it cool for the duration? My own recent (and admittedly limited) experience with English cask beer has been disappointing, and I have better brew from bottles.

Best to all and see you soon.

Keith
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Secret Drinker on 18.10.04 at 13:48

on 10/16/04 at 16:00:21, Keith Busby wrote :
As an alternative to the forbidden cask, might it be possible to have mine host(ess) stock the bar with some decent bottled beer? And keep it cool for the duration? My own recent (and admittedly limited) experience with English cask beer has been disappointing, and I have better brew from bottles.


Well, I agree that English cask beer can be disappointing - but then OTOH it is often superb!  :)

But I agree that there are plenty of bottled beers around that would be preferable to the nitrokeg on offer. I'd prefer to drink Guinness if there's nowt else palatable (they do have Guinness, don't they? Tell me they do!  :huh: )

Cheers

Paul
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Sylfest on 20.10.04 at 23:47
Yikes - this thread is too long to read.
Theo, I hope the cask idea is still a goer. Ali and I will be happy to put in shares if it is (and unless it's oversubscribed).
Just thinking about it is beginning to worry me.
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Secret Drinker on 21.10.04 at 08:15

on 10/20/04 at 23:47:20, Sylfest wrote :
Yikes - this thread is too long to read.
Theo, I hope the cask idea is still a goer. Ali and I will be happy to put in shares if it is (and unless it's oversubscribed).
Just thinking about it is beginning to worry me.


Sad news Sylfest - see here (http://www.peteatkin.com/cgi-bin/mv/YaBB.cgi?board=ods;action=display;num=1092383790;start=36#36)   :(
Title: Re: Ale for PoD
Post by Sylfest on 22.10.04 at 09:14
Oo-er.
Top bombing then I guess.


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