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Branch Social 31^st July 2008

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

A good turnout of North Cotswold Branch members and one new member from Mickleton, gathered at the Harvest Home at Greet, near Winchcombe on Thursday evening 31st July. This was the first stop on our mini crawl before heading for the Royal Oak at Gretton. Peter White our Chairman who lives close by, suggested the Harvest Home which has been revitalised by new Landlords John and Helen following a recent period of closure. We were given a warm welcome and a choice of three real ales in excellent condition, namely, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Goffs Jouster and Old Speckled Hen. This pub is definitely worth a visit, restored to its former glory and having a superb sheltered garden at the rear overlooking the famous Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway whose trains run between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse.

Moving on reluctantly up the hill to Gretton, the Royal Oak beckoned, heaving with garden worshippers moving inside as the weather cooled and turned to rain. How many people can you get under a garden umbrella ?? Landlord brothers Andy and Miles welcomed us and found a table in the large conservatory, where we sampled Brakespeare Bitter, Goffs Jouster, Stanway Cotteswold Gold and Marstons Pedigree. This is a very popular pub, particularly on Summer Evenings and you need to book ahead to be sure of a table. A GBG entry, there is normally a good range of beer and a large garden with stunning views and again overlooking the GWR railway line. Once again a very enjoyable evening, and thanks to Peter for organising it and unfortunately missing it due to a late holiday clash. I for one will not be hurrying past the Harvest Home in future. Report by Roger Price