News
News about local pubs, local breweries, cider and anything beer related
- Branch PotY 2026
Saturday 28 March 2026
Congratulations to Engine Room on winning our branch Pub of the year for the third successive time, and also winning our branch Cider Pub of the Year for the second successive time.
The certificates and shield were presented to members of the team on Saturday March 28th at their annual Dark and Strong Beer festival by Branch chair, James Thornton.
- Equinox - The results
Monday 23 March 2026
This years festival was another outstanding success. Visitors voted for their favourite beers and here are the results:
• Dark Beer Winner: New Bristol Brewery – Cinder Toffee Stout
• Light Beer Winner: Steamtown – Ralph Dutton ESB
• Cider Winner: Middle Farm – Mainomenos
We also raised almost £1500 for the Samaritans.
Thanks to everyone for attending - see you next year...
- Another award for Kissingate
Wednesday 11 March 2026
Serial prize winner Kissingate Black Cherry mild has picked up yet another gong by winning joint beer of the festival at this years Liverpool event. Gary has ordered a new sideboard!
- Blue Ship to re-open
Wednesday 11 March 2026
Popular country pub Blue Ship, The Haven which was forced to close temporarily due to what the landlady describes as being "financially waterboarded" by government policy on pubs has now confirmed that it will be open for business again from March 27th.
- Malty to Re-open - UPDATE
Thursday 12 February 2026
The Malt Shovel in Horsham has been purchased by North and South Leisure, who also own the Kings Arms, and plan to reopen in February as a freehouse.
The deal means that the Bedford which has been run by Jodie Munday since last summer will close it's doors on or around February 7th.
Opening day has been confirmed as THIS FRIDAY (13th Feb) at 4pm.
- Bedford to re-open on Thursday Feb 12th Saturday 7 February 2026
- Jodie At the Bedford
Wednesday 16 July 2025
Hot on the heels of the closure of the Malt Shovel comes the re-opening of The Bedford (back of Horsham railway station) under the ownership of the towns other great beer and Music Champion Jodie Munday.
As ever, Jodies focus is on building a 'proper' pub and will shortly see the re-installation of beer engines to supply (initially) three beer lines under the management of real ale enthusiast David. In the meantime Firebird Beers are being served from the barrel.
To the surprise of no-one Music is central to the pub theme and there will be live bands on Saturdays. However, the new layout offers a dedicated space for the popular pool table, the dart board remains, plus there is the quiet sanctuary offered by the side bar.
We wish every success to Jodie, David and their team - especially welcome in such a dark week for the Town
- Malty closes
Tuesday 15 July 2025
Unacceptable lease renewal terms have forced local legends Sam and Marie-Clare to announce that they will be leaving popular town centre pub The Malt Shovel at the end of July, their family home for twelve years.
The impact that the family has had on the local community, particularly the real ale and the music scenes, has been substantial so their departure would be a major blow to many.
A week of musical celebrations preceded the last day of opening on Monday July 14th. - Flying Trunk taproom opens
Saturday 28 June 2025
The new taproom and bottle shop (next door to the old one) is now open from Thursday to Saturday. Full details HERE