Out & About June 2017

... enjoys a brisk walk out for a quiet pint – or two Jonathan Hopson

W ith the weather warming up and the longer daylight hours, this is a good time to take a brief look at two quintessential British pastimes – walking and going to the pub. After all, the only thing better than a walk in the English countryside is finding a great pub at the end of it. It’s a sobering thought that according to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), pubs in the UK are closing at the rate of around 20 a week, although it’s of some comfort to note the rate of closure has slowed from around 29 a week back in 2015. CAMRA has recently launched an initiative to help protect pubs from demolition, or conversion to other use, by mobilising its members to nominate their local pub as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Currently, pubs can be demolished or converted to other use without planning permission, whereas pubs with ACV status are given planning protection under laws introduced in April 2015. There are to date more than 1,200 pubs with ACV status in the UK, including nine in Berkshire. Nominating a pub as an ACV is a simple process. You can either nominate as an unincorporated group of 21 local people, as a parish council, or in connection with another local group, including a CAMRA branch. Village pubs are frequently local community hubs providing a valuable meeting point and so it is important to remember the adage ‘use it or lose it’. This theme is explored in more detail by Pub is The Hub – www.pubisthehub.org.uk – which

operates as a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation dedicated to improving community services and activities. They offer advice and support to communities who are looking to relocate, re-open or introduce vital services and activities in their local pub, as well as to communities considering the options for acquiring their local pub and the range of responsibilities involved. Interestingly, a 2016 research project commissioned by CAMRA showed that people with a good pub close to them are ‘significantly’ happier, have more friends, better life satisfaction and are more likely to drink in moderation. There is a large number of interesting country pubs in the Newbury area with many of these offering the opportunity of scenic local walks.

In no particular order, here are a few of my personal favourites. All offer a good range of real ales and great food:

Crown & Garter, Inkpen RG17 9QR The Crown & Garter has been an integral part of Inkpen and the surrounding area since 1640. Set in picturesque countryside there are a wide range of walks available including routes taking in West Woodhay and Combe Gibbet. www.crownandgarter.co.uk

Furze Bush, Ball Hill RG20 0NQ A great location from which to explore North End, Heath End and the

surrounding countryside. www.furzebushinn.co.uk

Red House, Highclere RG20 9PU Located off the A343 Andover Road, the Red House is close to Highclere Castle. www.thehighclereredhouse.co.uk Carpenters Arms, Burghclere RG20 9JY Located half a mile from the Newbury bypass, The Carpenters makes an ideal location for exploring Watership Down and the Sandham Memorial chapel. www.carpentersarms-burghclere.co.uk Rampant Cat, Woolton Hill Located next to the village stores/post office, the Rampant Cat features on the Walking for Health website (www.walkingforhealth.org. uk) as the starting point for an hour-long bi- monthly walk through National Trust grounds. www.rampantcatnewbury.co.uk

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