Blog Tracker
20-11-2023, 19:40
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/11/harveys-old-ale-at-last.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YkGyypVA_RJv9Ep-GbhPTRu78RB7w9vP5ir4cIaaXKQSFrVThzMoS87wOu-qw65q_X-TjcRjnRuvEzpNRhLz5xPhcBuzdbNKRcltrxYNM7VeRiAfZvXes eniEyJ8szxiqmD-kQcu4cyavrNXsADI4ZRiWIRT2-3Y1HikJexbmg-7kDkQ6-enFxFq6PA/w225-h400/IMG_20231119_140547.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YkGyypVA_RJv9Ep-GbhPTRu78RB7w9vP5ir4cIaaXKQSFrVThzMoS87wOu-qw65q_X-TjcRjnRuvEzpNRhLz5xPhcBuzdbNKRcltrxYNM7VeRiAfZvXes eniEyJ8szxiqmD-kQcu4cyavrNXsADI4ZRiWIRT2-3Y1HikJexbmg-7kDkQ6-enFxFq6PA/s4000/IMG_20231119_140547.jpg)
Seasoned readers of this blog will be well aware of myappreciation of dark ales, especially seasonal ones which make an appearanceonce a year, usually mid-autumn. These rich dark ales herald the approach ofwinter, as the days begin to shorten, and the nights start drawing in. Theyrepresent the continuation of a centuries old tradition of brewing strong,dark, nutritious, and fortifying ales, designed to see the populace at largethrough the long, dark, and cold winters.The beers I am talking about are known as Old or Stock Ales,although the latter name is rarely used today. I don’t want to enter into toomuch detail, as this post is much more about tracking down and enjoying one of thefirst old ales of the 2023-24 season.
I am talking about here is XXXX Old Ale produced annually bySussex brewers, Harvey’s of Lewes. Brewed to a strength of 4.3% abv. It is arich, dark ale, containing a high percentage of crystal malt and black sugars. Thebeer is said to be reminiscent of the strong, mild ales, brewed at the beginningof the last century, and its arrival each year, is eagerly awaited by itsdevotees.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcD8iJ-MxIn4IrhJEQxwMmJ3tto8JL8OXYW8QEKivbT86IwmhI7bBw7PS TlBpruQ79beO9ukmHN67IvRrZpWwrdLU7_nXkrFWBbJbNB2Tbm bmsPgvSg0K47vyP1IgmUOcUGkRpBDFE_O-F5vURmwRHWTNFqP33BtR5t0v0z5W2jRGocTTHbE-MS0J0uo/w400-h286/Harvey's%20Brewery.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcD8iJ-MxIn4IrhJEQxwMmJ3tto8JL8OXYW8QEKivbT86IwmhI7bBw7PS TlBpruQ79beO9ukmHN67IvRrZpWwrdLU7_nXkrFWBbJbNB2Tbm bmsPgvSg0K47vyP1IgmUOcUGkRpBDFE_O-F5vURmwRHWTNFqP33BtR5t0v0z5W2jRGocTTHbE-MS0J0uo/s1023/Harvey's%20Brewery.jpg)
XXXX Old Ale is released to an eager public at the beginning ofOctober, although a handful of pubs are known to start serving it, up to a weekbefore that date. Harvey’s hold an annual “Dancing in the Old” celebration,which begins with a Harvest Thanksgiving, at the Church of St Thomas a Becket,which is close to the brewery, before adjourning to the brewery yard. There, atthe stoke of midday, a number of local Morris Dancing sides, literally “Dancein the Old.” Members of the public are then invite to sample the first brew ofthe new season’s “Old Ale.”
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjQSv5ZcjvV0uM5B5H-y8TBWCfoAnKmpzSSkj-yxLMxil9PdepC1wtFuMq7naL3BQyAIDZkqRGYFRpSZ5sU4LlF1 j0ljPMzsGEUCpew6yJNyIsGfF8xY8YPTnOpFXqdGc0SNZan_k7 QNIxR5VWXKKiSeomxBrJ3dQIO5tcPqoD-xAJLRPlHXX4ENSC_A/w400-h225/Harveys%20pumpclips.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjQSv5ZcjvV0uM5B5H-y8TBWCfoAnKmpzSSkj-yxLMxil9PdepC1wtFuMq7naL3BQyAIDZkqRGYFRpSZ5sU4LlF1 j0ljPMzsGEUCpew6yJNyIsGfF8xY8YPTnOpFXqdGc0SNZan_k7 QNIxR5VWXKKiSeomxBrJ3dQIO5tcPqoD-xAJLRPlHXX4ENSC_A/s4000/Harveys%20pumpclips.jpg)
The celebrations end promptly at 1.00 pm, when Harvey’s willannounce that this year’s Old Ale is in prime condition and drinkingexceptionally well. Despite all the years that I’ve known Harvey’s, I’ve nevermanaged to attend this ceremony, and 2023's was no exception. I did, at least,have a valid excuse this year, as at the beginning of October, Mrs PBT’s and I werein Southampton, and about to board the Queen Victoria, at the start of ourMediterranean cruise.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifenUXz4nfb4fY-6YQiPSILGHVYqOEkNoo3nY_3WNMOZdbepcctjWQBcSZLUfAB6m z6dq1Pjo1OTDUaKUzWpGjRj70UpAHAydSKh-kLbqzbnP9JoXHOpuZJn6VnBTLCzxPvoAOEqPdi6Xp5i2tNuttX 6nZ68P4RHzMzyErinfJp8Kss5yyXrrScMa2zfk/w400-h213/Frant%20Station.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifenUXz4nfb4fY-6YQiPSILGHVYqOEkNoo3nY_3WNMOZdbepcctjWQBcSZLUfAB6m z6dq1Pjo1OTDUaKUzWpGjRj70UpAHAydSKh-kLbqzbnP9JoXHOpuZJn6VnBTLCzxPvoAOEqPdi6Xp5i2tNuttX 6nZ68P4RHzMzyErinfJp8Kss5yyXrrScMa2zfk/s3882/Frant%20Station.jpg)
What normally follows is I attempt to track down some OldAle, a task that is not as easy as you might think. Although Harvey’s make thebeer available to the free trade, very few publicans seem to stock the beer, soif you really want to sample it, you have to head for a Harvey’s tied house. Andthat is where the problem lies, because Harvey’s don’t have any pubs in thethree main towns of West Kent (Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells). The nearest Harvey’s pubs to Bailey Towers, are the BricklayersArms at Chipstead, and the currently closed, Two Brewers at Hadlow. A couple ofweeks ago, I noticed on the Real Ale Finder App, that Old Ale was available atthe Nelson Arms, in Tonbridge, but it must have sold out pretty quick, as justtwo days later it was showing as no longer available.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhianFXdxjsogZrrtGFRUKVpHVqiqZS6GL7_V1umeR2kA BaRPYN-NYNX_pqh2AFu8cSBMrhXwnY2eI87ZWGE4DqUlRavy8j3CUT37O e3tJ_k8fLbESF6-l7ZFE4O6IjrEeJ0geMwSLtHU0cbMYz_x-pEiB5UGIVScqtjChoiXUXBwd4tBVkOj662xM3Hbs/w400-h225/Brecknock%20Ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhianFXdxjsogZrrtGFRUKVpHVqiqZS6GL7_V1umeR2kA BaRPYN-NYNX_pqh2AFu8cSBMrhXwnY2eI87ZWGE4DqUlRavy8j3CUT37O e3tJ_k8fLbESF6-l7ZFE4O6IjrEeJ0geMwSLtHU0cbMYz_x-pEiB5UGIVScqtjChoiXUXBwd4tBVkOj662xM3Hbs/s3930/Brecknock%20Ext.jpg)
Plan B was to track it down during over the course of theweekend just gone, and I’m pleased to report that my quest succeeded. My originalintention had been to take the bus to Chipstead, a small village to the north-westof Sevenoaks, and grab a pint or two at the Bricklayers. That plan was scuppered by road works, in Sevenoaks High Street, asMrs PBT’s and I discovered following a shopping trip to the town, theprevious day. So, on Sunday morning I opted for a solution that had been staring mein the face, without me realising it.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU7zeLE7Rt1607anDU10wG0a_OEbkjNas9EHf2ss9ij aUoVWpV1M_ZWa5bbjldc-6-AM4_DhZDzrTF9XJb9AEdilc5f-ZiW4-alGSTMgqmkjK3bc0el-lSAObPHtdvkNfgGzf9IPH1sFZfYCjpbvAlZcat2e52dvjnS3aW S_-HhotlRXO6NZrXE1B5RY/w400-h225/IMG_20231119_135945.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU7zeLE7Rt1607anDU10wG0a_OEbkjNas9EHf2ss9ij aUoVWpV1M_ZWa5bbjldc-6-AM4_DhZDzrTF9XJb9AEdilc5f-ZiW4-alGSTMgqmkjK3bc0el-lSAObPHtdvkNfgGzf9IPH1sFZfYCjpbvAlZcat2e52dvjnS3aW S_-HhotlRXO6NZrXE1B5RY/s4000/IMG_20231119_135945.jpg)
A 15-minute train journey, from Tonbridge, saw me alighting atFrant station, just three stops down the line. Frant station lies in thevillage of Bells Yew Green, a small settlement a couple of miles from Frant itself.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tPaQgpRZFCdm20dJB-PA3efrXRqvGW7ZWhbOdpu-PTcG4e-HBcOWAjcGaq2CsxbVvlL22Dn48mnPN5JikhXznMusAMv2cEMaE 4Sp_sFInLYgdtSNDx6FhO_WgTuwWAs-HuXmxLwAl8S2nISmxKbr-4VlJrlIkK8mi8471red4XbbZc4I5YswIvREx6o/w400-h225/Brecknock%20Dining.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tPaQgpRZFCdm20dJB-PA3efrXRqvGW7ZWhbOdpu-PTcG4e-HBcOWAjcGaq2CsxbVvlL22Dn48mnPN5JikhXznMusAMv2cEMaE 4Sp_sFInLYgdtSNDx6FhO_WgTuwWAs-HuXmxLwAl8S2nISmxKbr-4VlJrlIkK8mi8471red4XbbZc4I5YswIvREx6o/s4000/Brecknock%20Dining.jpg)
Slap bang in the middle of BYG is the Brecknock Arms (https://www.thebrecknockarmspub.com/), a small and attractive, lateVictorian pub belonging to Harvey’s Brewery. It’s a pub that I’ve known for along time, and through several changes of landlord, but it’s always been a reliablesource of decent pint of Harvey’s, as well as a regular stockist of their seasonalbeers.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f2akKqrpNOoyMCLs-Ekthjwk25KJeGOXlvL08jUfV8KLnJTkAjxHhi1aL5EnrJ82b3V NZmBgxt8y6fUJrwO8X6kmQQ88plL7wFSUStodix8vXCVU-05QB49dOLF_ILhBTpQMVgoKEl3xpRL5LDPZfBswqaYUaw510zp 1osbWzSA5zSD1LmcKLIlObic/w225-h400/IMG_20231119_144931.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f2akKqrpNOoyMCLs-Ekthjwk25KJeGOXlvL08jUfV8KLnJTkAjxHhi1aL5EnrJ82b3V NZmBgxt8y6fUJrwO8X6kmQQ88plL7wFSUStodix8vXCVU-05QB49dOLF_ILhBTpQMVgoKEl3xpRL5LDPZfBswqaYUaw510zp 1osbWzSA5zSD1LmcKLIlObic/s4000/IMG_20231119_144931.jpg)
I walked into the pub, and there on the bar, alongside handpulls for Harvey’s Best Biter and Mild, was the unmistakable bright red pumpclip for Harvey’s Old. So, a month and a half after this seasonal ale made its2023 appearance, there I was ready to take my first and much anticipated mouthfulof this sumptuous old ale, and I’m pleased to report that it didn’t disappoint.Smooth, dark, full-bodied, and very moreish, I enjoyed that pint so much, thatI just had to have another (as you do!).The Brecknock itself was doing a healthy lunchtime trade, servingup Sunday roast dinners to the hungry residents of Bells Yew Green and beyond.I was almost certainly the only customer not eating, but from what I could gather,the pub is popular with drinkers, at other times. It’s a couple of years sincemy last visit, but the Brecknock seems to have settled down nicely, under thecare of its current owners, and long may it continue. Given these credentials, there's every chance I will be returning for another fix of Harvey’sexcellent Old Ale.
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More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/11/harveys-old-ale-at-last.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YkGyypVA_RJv9Ep-GbhPTRu78RB7w9vP5ir4cIaaXKQSFrVThzMoS87wOu-qw65q_X-TjcRjnRuvEzpNRhLz5xPhcBuzdbNKRcltrxYNM7VeRiAfZvXes eniEyJ8szxiqmD-kQcu4cyavrNXsADI4ZRiWIRT2-3Y1HikJexbmg-7kDkQ6-enFxFq6PA/w225-h400/IMG_20231119_140547.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YkGyypVA_RJv9Ep-GbhPTRu78RB7w9vP5ir4cIaaXKQSFrVThzMoS87wOu-qw65q_X-TjcRjnRuvEzpNRhLz5xPhcBuzdbNKRcltrxYNM7VeRiAfZvXes eniEyJ8szxiqmD-kQcu4cyavrNXsADI4ZRiWIRT2-3Y1HikJexbmg-7kDkQ6-enFxFq6PA/s4000/IMG_20231119_140547.jpg)
Seasoned readers of this blog will be well aware of myappreciation of dark ales, especially seasonal ones which make an appearanceonce a year, usually mid-autumn. These rich dark ales herald the approach ofwinter, as the days begin to shorten, and the nights start drawing in. Theyrepresent the continuation of a centuries old tradition of brewing strong,dark, nutritious, and fortifying ales, designed to see the populace at largethrough the long, dark, and cold winters.The beers I am talking about are known as Old or Stock Ales,although the latter name is rarely used today. I don’t want to enter into toomuch detail, as this post is much more about tracking down and enjoying one of thefirst old ales of the 2023-24 season.
I am talking about here is XXXX Old Ale produced annually bySussex brewers, Harvey’s of Lewes. Brewed to a strength of 4.3% abv. It is arich, dark ale, containing a high percentage of crystal malt and black sugars. Thebeer is said to be reminiscent of the strong, mild ales, brewed at the beginningof the last century, and its arrival each year, is eagerly awaited by itsdevotees.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcD8iJ-MxIn4IrhJEQxwMmJ3tto8JL8OXYW8QEKivbT86IwmhI7bBw7PS TlBpruQ79beO9ukmHN67IvRrZpWwrdLU7_nXkrFWBbJbNB2Tbm bmsPgvSg0K47vyP1IgmUOcUGkRpBDFE_O-F5vURmwRHWTNFqP33BtR5t0v0z5W2jRGocTTHbE-MS0J0uo/w400-h286/Harvey's%20Brewery.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcD8iJ-MxIn4IrhJEQxwMmJ3tto8JL8OXYW8QEKivbT86IwmhI7bBw7PS TlBpruQ79beO9ukmHN67IvRrZpWwrdLU7_nXkrFWBbJbNB2Tbm bmsPgvSg0K47vyP1IgmUOcUGkRpBDFE_O-F5vURmwRHWTNFqP33BtR5t0v0z5W2jRGocTTHbE-MS0J0uo/s1023/Harvey's%20Brewery.jpg)
XXXX Old Ale is released to an eager public at the beginning ofOctober, although a handful of pubs are known to start serving it, up to a weekbefore that date. Harvey’s hold an annual “Dancing in the Old” celebration,which begins with a Harvest Thanksgiving, at the Church of St Thomas a Becket,which is close to the brewery, before adjourning to the brewery yard. There, atthe stoke of midday, a number of local Morris Dancing sides, literally “Dancein the Old.” Members of the public are then invite to sample the first brew ofthe new season’s “Old Ale.”
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjQSv5ZcjvV0uM5B5H-y8TBWCfoAnKmpzSSkj-yxLMxil9PdepC1wtFuMq7naL3BQyAIDZkqRGYFRpSZ5sU4LlF1 j0ljPMzsGEUCpew6yJNyIsGfF8xY8YPTnOpFXqdGc0SNZan_k7 QNIxR5VWXKKiSeomxBrJ3dQIO5tcPqoD-xAJLRPlHXX4ENSC_A/w400-h225/Harveys%20pumpclips.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjQSv5ZcjvV0uM5B5H-y8TBWCfoAnKmpzSSkj-yxLMxil9PdepC1wtFuMq7naL3BQyAIDZkqRGYFRpSZ5sU4LlF1 j0ljPMzsGEUCpew6yJNyIsGfF8xY8YPTnOpFXqdGc0SNZan_k7 QNIxR5VWXKKiSeomxBrJ3dQIO5tcPqoD-xAJLRPlHXX4ENSC_A/s4000/Harveys%20pumpclips.jpg)
The celebrations end promptly at 1.00 pm, when Harvey’s willannounce that this year’s Old Ale is in prime condition and drinkingexceptionally well. Despite all the years that I’ve known Harvey’s, I’ve nevermanaged to attend this ceremony, and 2023's was no exception. I did, at least,have a valid excuse this year, as at the beginning of October, Mrs PBT’s and I werein Southampton, and about to board the Queen Victoria, at the start of ourMediterranean cruise.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifenUXz4nfb4fY-6YQiPSILGHVYqOEkNoo3nY_3WNMOZdbepcctjWQBcSZLUfAB6m z6dq1Pjo1OTDUaKUzWpGjRj70UpAHAydSKh-kLbqzbnP9JoXHOpuZJn6VnBTLCzxPvoAOEqPdi6Xp5i2tNuttX 6nZ68P4RHzMzyErinfJp8Kss5yyXrrScMa2zfk/w400-h213/Frant%20Station.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifenUXz4nfb4fY-6YQiPSILGHVYqOEkNoo3nY_3WNMOZdbepcctjWQBcSZLUfAB6m z6dq1Pjo1OTDUaKUzWpGjRj70UpAHAydSKh-kLbqzbnP9JoXHOpuZJn6VnBTLCzxPvoAOEqPdi6Xp5i2tNuttX 6nZ68P4RHzMzyErinfJp8Kss5yyXrrScMa2zfk/s3882/Frant%20Station.jpg)
What normally follows is I attempt to track down some OldAle, a task that is not as easy as you might think. Although Harvey’s make thebeer available to the free trade, very few publicans seem to stock the beer, soif you really want to sample it, you have to head for a Harvey’s tied house. Andthat is where the problem lies, because Harvey’s don’t have any pubs in thethree main towns of West Kent (Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells). The nearest Harvey’s pubs to Bailey Towers, are the BricklayersArms at Chipstead, and the currently closed, Two Brewers at Hadlow. A couple ofweeks ago, I noticed on the Real Ale Finder App, that Old Ale was available atthe Nelson Arms, in Tonbridge, but it must have sold out pretty quick, as justtwo days later it was showing as no longer available.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhianFXdxjsogZrrtGFRUKVpHVqiqZS6GL7_V1umeR2kA BaRPYN-NYNX_pqh2AFu8cSBMrhXwnY2eI87ZWGE4DqUlRavy8j3CUT37O e3tJ_k8fLbESF6-l7ZFE4O6IjrEeJ0geMwSLtHU0cbMYz_x-pEiB5UGIVScqtjChoiXUXBwd4tBVkOj662xM3Hbs/w400-h225/Brecknock%20Ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhianFXdxjsogZrrtGFRUKVpHVqiqZS6GL7_V1umeR2kA BaRPYN-NYNX_pqh2AFu8cSBMrhXwnY2eI87ZWGE4DqUlRavy8j3CUT37O e3tJ_k8fLbESF6-l7ZFE4O6IjrEeJ0geMwSLtHU0cbMYz_x-pEiB5UGIVScqtjChoiXUXBwd4tBVkOj662xM3Hbs/s3930/Brecknock%20Ext.jpg)
Plan B was to track it down during over the course of theweekend just gone, and I’m pleased to report that my quest succeeded. My originalintention had been to take the bus to Chipstead, a small village to the north-westof Sevenoaks, and grab a pint or two at the Bricklayers. That plan was scuppered by road works, in Sevenoaks High Street, asMrs PBT’s and I discovered following a shopping trip to the town, theprevious day. So, on Sunday morning I opted for a solution that had been staring mein the face, without me realising it.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU7zeLE7Rt1607anDU10wG0a_OEbkjNas9EHf2ss9ij aUoVWpV1M_ZWa5bbjldc-6-AM4_DhZDzrTF9XJb9AEdilc5f-ZiW4-alGSTMgqmkjK3bc0el-lSAObPHtdvkNfgGzf9IPH1sFZfYCjpbvAlZcat2e52dvjnS3aW S_-HhotlRXO6NZrXE1B5RY/w400-h225/IMG_20231119_135945.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU7zeLE7Rt1607anDU10wG0a_OEbkjNas9EHf2ss9ij aUoVWpV1M_ZWa5bbjldc-6-AM4_DhZDzrTF9XJb9AEdilc5f-ZiW4-alGSTMgqmkjK3bc0el-lSAObPHtdvkNfgGzf9IPH1sFZfYCjpbvAlZcat2e52dvjnS3aW S_-HhotlRXO6NZrXE1B5RY/s4000/IMG_20231119_135945.jpg)
A 15-minute train journey, from Tonbridge, saw me alighting atFrant station, just three stops down the line. Frant station lies in thevillage of Bells Yew Green, a small settlement a couple of miles from Frant itself.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tPaQgpRZFCdm20dJB-PA3efrXRqvGW7ZWhbOdpu-PTcG4e-HBcOWAjcGaq2CsxbVvlL22Dn48mnPN5JikhXznMusAMv2cEMaE 4Sp_sFInLYgdtSNDx6FhO_WgTuwWAs-HuXmxLwAl8S2nISmxKbr-4VlJrlIkK8mi8471red4XbbZc4I5YswIvREx6o/w400-h225/Brecknock%20Dining.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tPaQgpRZFCdm20dJB-PA3efrXRqvGW7ZWhbOdpu-PTcG4e-HBcOWAjcGaq2CsxbVvlL22Dn48mnPN5JikhXznMusAMv2cEMaE 4Sp_sFInLYgdtSNDx6FhO_WgTuwWAs-HuXmxLwAl8S2nISmxKbr-4VlJrlIkK8mi8471red4XbbZc4I5YswIvREx6o/s4000/Brecknock%20Dining.jpg)
Slap bang in the middle of BYG is the Brecknock Arms (https://www.thebrecknockarmspub.com/), a small and attractive, lateVictorian pub belonging to Harvey’s Brewery. It’s a pub that I’ve known for along time, and through several changes of landlord, but it’s always been a reliablesource of decent pint of Harvey’s, as well as a regular stockist of their seasonalbeers.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f2akKqrpNOoyMCLs-Ekthjwk25KJeGOXlvL08jUfV8KLnJTkAjxHhi1aL5EnrJ82b3V NZmBgxt8y6fUJrwO8X6kmQQ88plL7wFSUStodix8vXCVU-05QB49dOLF_ILhBTpQMVgoKEl3xpRL5LDPZfBswqaYUaw510zp 1osbWzSA5zSD1LmcKLIlObic/w225-h400/IMG_20231119_144931.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f2akKqrpNOoyMCLs-Ekthjwk25KJeGOXlvL08jUfV8KLnJTkAjxHhi1aL5EnrJ82b3V NZmBgxt8y6fUJrwO8X6kmQQ88plL7wFSUStodix8vXCVU-05QB49dOLF_ILhBTpQMVgoKEl3xpRL5LDPZfBswqaYUaw510zp 1osbWzSA5zSD1LmcKLIlObic/s4000/IMG_20231119_144931.jpg)
I walked into the pub, and there on the bar, alongside handpulls for Harvey’s Best Biter and Mild, was the unmistakable bright red pumpclip for Harvey’s Old. So, a month and a half after this seasonal ale made its2023 appearance, there I was ready to take my first and much anticipated mouthfulof this sumptuous old ale, and I’m pleased to report that it didn’t disappoint.Smooth, dark, full-bodied, and very moreish, I enjoyed that pint so much, thatI just had to have another (as you do!).The Brecknock itself was doing a healthy lunchtime trade, servingup Sunday roast dinners to the hungry residents of Bells Yew Green and beyond.I was almost certainly the only customer not eating, but from what I could gather,the pub is popular with drinkers, at other times. It’s a couple of years sincemy last visit, but the Brecknock seems to have settled down nicely, under thecare of its current owners, and long may it continue. Given these credentials, there's every chance I will be returning for another fix of Harvey’sexcellent Old Ale.
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