|
|
A Cask of Gold at the end of
The Rainbow
I found myself in Allesley today. This is a village I've somehow
managed to miss. A terrible oversight on my part as it's got plenty of interest
to keep you stimulated for a good wander over an hour or so. The main street
[formerly part of the Birmingham to Coventry turnpike] looks like it was a
ribbon development and many of the old stone houses, timber-framed cottages and
Georgian mansions have survived, particularly as road traffic has been diverted
for decades now. Entering the village from Coventry, just around the corner at
the top of the hill is The Rainbow. This timber-framed pub looks pretty good
doesn't it? There's a steep driveway to the left. This was almost certainly
covered in the old days as you can see timbers sticking out of the building that
would have extended and connected with the neighbouring Wigan House built in
1772. The pub used to be operated by Terry Rotherham who, in 1994, set up his
own brewery in the stable block behind. He retired and headed off to Portugal
and in 1999 the pub was leased to Unique. Unfortunately, they'll only allow one
guest ale from the brewery which, thankfully, is still running. As ever, I like
to collar someone at the pub whether it be the licensee or brewer. And I managed
to find Joseph Melia who, apart from doing almost every other job around the
pub, is the brewer of the beer. Hailing from Liverpool he's been here roughly
the same time as licensee Jonathan Grote [around four years] and joked that he's
improved on the ales produced in the 1990's. He hadn't brewed before and I
wondered whether this was the nearest we could get to the 'have-a-go' brewers of
the Victorian age? Except that is for the plant - looking dated now but all in
very good nick. Joseph brews once a week to ten days and produces 144 gallons
[16 firkins], most of which, if not all, is sold in the pub. Aha, this must
result in some strange creatures with trolleys and carrier bags and, oh no,
sample bottles. Yes, it must be a ticker's pub. Only one beer seems to be
produced and this was on sale today - the 3.8% Piddlebrook. If that 144 gallons
figure is correct then the pub must sell a lot of beer because they also stock
Bass, Greene King IPA and Courage Director's Bitter. And the fact that there's
three beers on suggests a lot of people drink in the pub but don't drink the
house beer. I'm confused? The pub has been opened out a bit which is a shame but
there are still separate drinking areas. I particularly liked the leaded stained
glass windows on the front door and the door leading to the pleasant patio
garden and toilets. Oh yes, I've found one to balance the men's icicle moments
in the winter. Have a look at this Ladies Toilet [I had to explain to a woman
sitting in the garden what I was doing taking photos of the Ladies Loo] - here's
one to freeze your bottom in....... I bet they've cheated and put a little
heater in there like they have at the All Nations at Madeley.
Kieron
McMahon
8th June 2005
► You would be lucky to try
a drop of Piddlebrook. Last time I was in there the brewer was supping lager at
the bar telling everyone that the beer had turned to porridge. Basically he had
left the mash too long and it had become stuck so they had to start again. Shame
you did not go into Coventry city centre and visit the Whitefriars which has a
good range of ale and interesting architecture.
Dave Guest
9th June 2005 |
