Pub news:

• The Miller of Mansfield has re-opened under new management after previous licensees Mary & Nick Galer were unable to continue running the pub following a rent hike from the owners Stonegate. The Galers are now running the restaurant at the Goring & Streatley Golf Club.
• The Red Lion, Peppard, currently under refurbishment, now has four handpumps on the bar, the garden has been revamped and most of the outside of the building has been re-painted. There is even a new post and pub sign frame hopefully ready for a nice shiny new sign in the near future!
• The Chequers, Aston Tirrold, is clearly in for a total makeover – the roof had been removed a few days ago.
• The Red Lion, Brightwell, now has is a fourth pump that, by request from a clearly influential villager, will deliver St Austell Tribute (4.2% ABV).
• A new Vary to Designated Premises Supervisor licence has been granted to the Lamb, Chalgrove, implying it may reopen soon.
• The Coach & Horses, Chiselhampton, is currently closed. It is expected to reopen on 5th June following a change of ownership from an individual to the Barkby Pub Group.
• The Goring Social Club is about to get new stewards: Debs and Cal Newell-Akers.
• The Bull on Bell St is closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen on the 9th May.
• The tenancy for the Little Angel, Remenham Hill is being advertised by Brakspear.
• The Five Little Pigs in Wallingford received a good review from the Observer restaurant critic, Jay Rayner.

Brewery news:

• The branch is aware of a new brewery in our area, SOX Brewery. We understand that currently, brewing is taking place somewhere in West Berkshire, but owner Chris Savage is hoping to set up permanently in Checkendon in the near future. Mr Toad’s bitter (3.9% ABV) has been spotted in several pubs in the Checkendon area including the Black Horse and the Highwayman, and has had a good reception from branch members so far.