Read on... After some frantic activity quite recently, the initial phase of the Branch rolling pub survey programme, which commenced in June 2003, is now complete! Bearing in mind that the data collected reflect the "latest" survey for each pub/bar and hence could be nearly 3 years old in some cases, the basic statistics are summarised below:

The above figures include two pubs which have been closed for some time but may re-open: the Thomas Sykes (Burton) and the Crown Inn (Castle Gresley). The total has also increased by two since 2005 as the result of adding the Green Bank Leisure Centre and The Ski Centre both at Swadlincote, since their bars are open to the public. Virtually all pubs/bars NOT offering real ale are in urban or suburban locations.

Many thanks to all members who have contributed to the survey, with a special mention for the May Arthur / Ray & Nina James "team" who conducted 32 surveys, plus Barry Weaver (23) and Brian Bell (15).

On the local pub scene, there have been a number of actual and prospective pub ownership changes, but the main concern has to be the future of the Thomas Sykes as re-development of the Heritage Brewery site proceeds. With early suggestions of a re-opening in September 2005 having come and gone, the Thomas Sykes remains closed. Suspicion remains however that while the pub may well re-open at some time this year (2006), its fundamental character will have been lost. On the plus side, this year has seen the purchase of the run-down Crown & Anchor (Burton) by Tynemill and former Coopers Tavern landlady Shaz Nicol, and its subsequent transformation into the Wetmore Whistle, a smart and lively pub offering a good range of excellent real ales and live entertainment.

Adapted from the original report by Mike Gibson

11th April 2006