News
If you have any news relating to real ale, pubs, clubs etc. please share it with us. contact@awcamra.org.uk
The End of an Era
Nan O’Brien, mine host of Wellingtons Bar in Ayr for the past 32 years, has decided to put her feet and enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
It was in June 1991 when Nan and her late husband Mick took on the helm at Wellies. They rapidly developed a solid customer base which has remained loyal over the past three decades.
Many years ago, real ale was introduced, with Nan in particular, always keen to provide ale in the best possible condition. Consequently, Wellingtons Bar has been listed in the Good Beer Guide on many occasions and is a former branch Pub of the Year.
Nan has always provided a warm and friendly welcome to her customers, and it has always been a pleasure to visit Wellies. Ayrshire & Wigtownshire CAMRA wish Nan a long and happy retirement.
More Success for Full Pints
Our branch magazine, Full Pints, gained further recognition by being rewarded with second place in the annual CAMRA Branch Magazine of the Year Competition.
The announcement was made during the Members’ Weekend in Sheffield in April.
Outlets
J G Sharps – Largs
A welcome return to the real ale scene locally is JG Sharp’s in Largs, which has reintroduced real ale on both handpumps and seems to be selling well.
Twa Dugs – Millport
The Twa Dugs is also selling real ale, although availability is patchy.
Abbotsford Hotel – Ayr
The Abbotsford Hotel has been sold. It is not known if real ale will be reintroduced.
McKays – Troon
The current licence holders, James and Denise, are calling time on their lease of the pub. Pubco Greene King is seeking new tenants.
Brass & Granite – Kilmarnock
Greene King continues to seek new tenants for this once-popular outlet.
Brewery News
Arran
Nothing significant to report.
Arran Botanical Drinks
Two kegged versions of their beer are available at the Cladach beach site, along with their bottles (RAIB) and some from Loch Ness Brewery. Bramble Buzz will be a new 5% beer in the autumn featuring local
brambles and honey
Ayr
As a result of the imminent sale of the Glen Park Hotel, Ayr Brewing Company ceased production in early July, and the brewing kit was disassembled and sold. Anthony Valenti is taking the remaining months of this year off to consider his options.
Five Kingdoms
Nelson Sauvin, their latest single hop ale in cask has been released. This is a New Zealand hop offering juicy flavours of grape, passionfruit and gooseberry.
The brewery has been shortlisted for the Scottish Small Brewery of the Year award.
They continue to attend local markets, including Kirkcudbright, Portpatrick and Dumfries and to supply Ayrshire customers with delivery runs.
Seagate
The majority of output is now in keg (approx 55%), with RAIB bottles next (40%) and cask (5%). Several new outlets include Kildonan Hotel and Brodick Pizza Parlour (both with bottles). Coming soon will be a Lagg peated/spirit infused version of the Monday Morning Mocha at 7.4%.
Wigtown
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