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BOOK REVIEWS BY MARTIN ELLIS THE PUB MANIFESTO: A Comedian Stands Up For Pubs James Dowdeswell Paperback £12.99 I must admit that I had never heard of comedian James Dowdeswell, before his book was brought to my attention. However, I have heard of his comedy pals Russell Howard and Jon Richardson who endorse Dowdeswell’s book. Dowdeswell grew-up in a Bristol pub and has spent his life observing both sides of the bar. His dad’s observations from a lifetime in the pub trade are also shared with the reader. The book covers real ale and craft beer, pub toilets, pub dogs, music and televisions in pubs and many other issues. The book is derived from material that Dowdeswell has developed as a standup comedian, at comedy clubs around the world. One of the key aspects of his routine relates to asking audiences what makes the perfect pub. It is encouraging to read that 21 out of 21 audiences placed beer at the top of the list. It is written in a light, amusing style and is a quick read. More informative than I expected, well researched and enjoyable. THE CIDER INSIDER: The Essential Guide 100 Craft Ciders to Drink Now Susanna Forbes Hardback £12.99 Cider is enjoying a resurgence! It is a bold claim made by the publisher of The Cider Insider in their press release sent with the book. I think it is a fair claim, new cider makers are blending heritage with modern methods, new orchards are being planted. A few years ago orchards were being scrubbed-up. The image of cider has also changed, at one-time discussion relating to cider centred around its alcoholic strength, now discussion is centred around flavour, aroma and other qualities. The book is a world guide to cider, highlighting 100 ciders from 35 regions. The approach is similar to a traditional wine guide, each region has a short introduction. The first region, in pride of place, is England, Wales and Ireland – Scotland doesn’t get a mention. The book is a wealth of information written by someone who is not only knowledgeable but also passionate. It’s a great book for the cider fanatic, however, as many of ciders would be difficult to source, it’s not a ‘musthave’ for people who enjoy draught cider in a local pub. 20 Issue 246 • Winter 2018
THE BEER KITCHEN: The Art & Science of Cooking, & Pairing, with Beer Melissa Cole Hardback £20.00 Over the years there have been a number of beer cookery books, many are recipe books using specific beers. Cole’s approach is different, she starts by exploring how beer is made and assessing the taste aspects of beer. One of the best parts of the book is Cole’s list of do’s and don’ts and a couple of pages which is categorised as ‘random advice’. The book has over 70 recipes, some are quick and easy, others are more challenging. There are many vegetarian and vegan options. Beautifully illustrated throughout, with full-page photographs of each recipe, or enthusiastic cooks, the book has the ‘wow’ factor to whet the appetite. With each recipe, there is a list of possible beers to use and beers to drink with the dish. This is possibly the best beer cookery book that I have seen. Cooks experienced in using beer in recipes will love it, cooks new to cooking with beer will also love it. Practical and inspiring. THE BEER BUCKET LIST: Over 150 Beer Experiences from Around the World Mark Dredge Hardback £16.99 Mark Dredge has previously won the Beer and Travel Writer of the Year by the British Guild of Beer Writers. As the title clearly states, the book covers 150 beer experiences around the world, most of those experiences are in the English speaking world, but also includes places not normally on the beer tourists bucket list, for example, North Korea. I don’t think I am going to be checking flight costs to North Korea, but I enjoyed reading Dredge’s entertainment insight into North Korea’s beer scene. The middle east is briefly covered, with more respect, misses out the United Arab Emirates – a destination probably best avoided. The ‘United Kingdom and Ireland’ section could be considered to be disproportionally large by some, my view is that as a British reader it makes the book more relevant. However, I do think London and the south-east has been given too much dominance. I was surprised to see in the list of ‘Notable British Pub Bucket List Ticks’ of the 10 pubs highlighted, The Marsden Grotto at South Shields is included. I wonder when Dredge visited, perhaps on a beautiful summers day, or perhaps not at all. Whilst clearly Dredge has spent many hours in drinking establishments, festivals and other events, he has also spent a lot of time researching this book sat at a desk. However, this doesn’t mean that I didn’t find the book interesting, I did. Would I be happy if I was given the book as Christmas present, I would. Issue 246 • Winter 2018 21
Page 1 and 2: FREE FREE Tyneside & Northumberland
Page 3 and 4: BRANCH CONTACTS Chairman: Hubert Gi
Page 5 and 6: BREWERY VISIT NORTHERN ALCHEMY BREW
Page 7: NATIONAL CIDER PUB OF THE YEAR 2018
Page 10 and 11: Hadrian Border Brewery Deliveries e
Page 12 and 13: PROPER NORTH EASTERN PUB, GREAT WEL
Page 14 and 15: C A S K . K E G . B O T T L E S Tel
Page 16 and 17: 16 Issue 246 • Winter 2018
Page 18 and 19: Campaigning for real ale, pubs & dr
Page 22 and 23: First & Last Brewery Finely crafted
Page 24 and 25: CAMRA DISCOUNT SCHEME All new addit
Page 26 and 27: All new additions shown in red Ackl
Page 28 and 29: CAMRA AWARD WINNING PUB 2017 NE Reg
Page 30 and 31: )))) ) LAST ORDERS MEMBERSHIP FIGUR
Page 32: Join up, join in, join the campaign

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