(Produced for Ales & Tales)
Meet the... Publican
Meet the... Publican
Name: Bob Dummons
Age: 60
Occupation: Owner of the Waggon and Horses in Halesowen
- What was your first drink?
When I was seven years of age my parents took my brother and myself to France, Belgium and Holland. It was then that I sampled beer and wine on this trip. I can't remember what they were now though.
- What are your hobbies and interests?
Listening to music and going to concerts. Walking when I get the chance, and believe it or not, drinking beer. I also enjoy a drop of wine and going out to dine.
- What is your favourite beer?
The one I have bought for me! No Seriously, trying to narrow down to one beer is impossible. Having said that; Nottingham EPA, Marstons Burton Bitter, Linfit Enochs Hammer, Fullers ESB and P2 Stout come quickly to mind to name but a few.
- What is your favourite:
-Food? Indian cuisine
-Drink that's not Real Ale? Proper Tea, crushed leaves, etc.
-Music? As Yehudi Menuhin said when asked what music he liked and how he could play so many different genres, he said “There are only three kinds of music, good, bad and indifferent.” I like good music.
- How did you get started in the trade?
By joining CAMRA as a branch member, chairman and later area organiser. Also being in overall charge for a time of the beer at the Great British Beer Festival, and working in various pubs in Southampton.
- What's the history of your pub under your ownership.
We bought the pub as a lot of folks will know in 1987. At the time there were 6 handpumps and we increased these to 8. There were no real ale wholesalers at the time so the beers had to be sourced ourselves. We gradually ended up supplying the Seven Valley Railway, The Somers Sports and Social Club and the Beacon Hotel. The 14 pumps you see now came after a beer festival we did, we could not stillage casks upstairs so the extras were put on the bar and never came off.
- What are your aspirations for your business?
We are starting to do hot food and eventually we will put accommodation upstairs when the banks (spit) come to their senses. But overall I want a friendly pub that sells good food not a restaurant that sells good beer!
- What's the best and worst thing to happen in the industry in the last 10 years?
-Best? Not all-day opening, but flexible hours. Progressive duty for small brewers has also been a big boon to the industry.
-Worst? The lamentable rise of sub-standard alcopops. The lumping of all drinking cultures under one roof, so you have morons out of their face (and normally clothes) categorised with good steady (well sometimes steady) real ale drinkers in their local.
- How do you feel CAMRA could help you in your business?
Vote me National Pub of the Year! No really, I have been a member since 1974 and it's a campaign! So it's always what can I do for CAMRA.
- Which is your favourite pub? (Can be anywhere in the country as long as you don't own it)
How would I know, I don't go anywhere else! Once again I cannot narrow it down to one. My list would include The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley, Coopers Tavern in Burton upon Trent and The Barton Arms, Newtown, Birmingham.
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