Tag: British Lion

Black Rat Monday at The British Lion; Not Just For Lions and Rats!

There was a geographical population imbalance this bank holiday Monday in Devizes which risked the entire town conically sloping into the back of Morrisons; no one seemed the slightest concerned! It’s Black Rat Monday at The British Lion, the stuff of Dorothy House fundraising burgers, potent beverages and contemporary folklore….

Recorded here for prosperity, as it’s dubious that other accounts of the event would be recited with much precision when passed through the generations, that once upon a time in ye olde Devizes, natives satirically dubbed their annual street festival ‘Black Rat Monday.’

The name derived from a scrumpy brand popular at a bar run by CAMRA award-winning and stalwart Devizes freehouse, The British Lion. Contractual matters one year caused a breakup between the carnival committee and the pub. Being ‘Black Rat Monday’ was a folk eponym, ergo in the public domain, and the committee likely never appreciated it anyway, The British Lion adopted the name for an occasion of their own making, and the rest is history.

It’s a fable of self-reliance, apolitical empowerment, and mass consumption of scrumpy, though other drink options are available! Leading to a meek event of anti-consumerism, save the Black Rat Monday t-shirt and drink, community-driven subversion, and a crowded beer garden full of merriment, whilst it would seem the elaborate original festival has fallen by the wayside due to arts funding cuts.

This particular year saw the event blossom to bursting point, attracting townsfolk en masse, under the simple premise, it’s now as much of a “Devizes thing” as raking barrels of contraband brandy out of the Crammer or annually lobbing confetti at each other in a peculiar frenzy.

Reasoning why roots to the pub itself, because while other taverns change according to trends, else end up as antique shops or housing estates, the simplest of systematics of The British Lion stand firm, equable and imperishable. And Devizions love ‘gurt’ tradition. If it’s not broken…..

But what helps, and always does, is acquiring the most suitable entertainment; usually locally sourced, not this time, but equally as welcomed. Long-standing and living legend landlord Mike Dearing revealed his heuristic thinking was to provide an act we’ve likely not seen before on our circuit.

For the universal audience the conventional is best, therefore, primarily a function party band, Bristol’s The 789s made a perfect choice. They were lively, proficient, exceptionally accomplished and seemingly pleased to be there. With a vast repertoire spanning every corner of classic singalong pop, they joyfully delivered them all, for sweaty hours, and until Sweet Caroline finalised the cumulation, by which time the crowds were chanting it back to them and dancing on whatever small patch of sun-bleached grass they could suitably fit into.

A punk cover band planned to follow, which duty-bound as Dad’s taxi, I had to miss unfortunately. But The 789’s had roused the audience to a conclusion that there was little doubt anyone could now falter this year’s Black Rat Monday; I’d go out on a limb to suggest it was the best one to date.

There was Parklife, there was Red, Red, Wine, The Proclaimers’ marching song, I’m Gonna Be, and every crowd-pleaser sublimely covered by both male and female vocalists, but only one of them sporting butterfly sunglasses. I don’t want to get all decimal on you after such a strenuous scrumpy surfeit, but The 789’s truly turned it up to ten, at least. For which they were rewarded a gallant cheer of Devizes-fashioned appreciation as they sauntered through the crowds back to the pub, akin to newlywed couple they had undoubtedly performed for many times before!

This respectful display of gratitude, and the whole shebang in general genuinely makes me honoured to document what happens in our lovely, lovely town. For you can bicker on Facebook pages all you want, you can thrash out the rights or wrongdoings of graffiting flags on mini-roundabouts, or pin the blame on someone for a road closure, but Steve Dewar’s brilliant popup youth cafe had kids enjoying a climbing wall on the Green, the sun was shining, and humble folk in the British Lion were laughing and singing, for we all live under that same sun, and that captures the true Devizes spirit, right here in The British, surely?!

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Lions, KITT, Moonrakers and a Whiskey River; Sunday Stroll Around Devizes

If it’s good enough for Knight Rider it’s good enough for me. I see the Hoff ditched his Knight Industries Three Thousand on the Green for a stroll around Devizes on Sunday. He probably found a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent in a world of criminals who operate above the law, whereas I ended up at the British for a scrumpy or three….

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

Unlike some guys who act like Spongebob Squarepants on his tenth bag of Haribo at Chessington World of Adventures, I can only get yay excited about a car show. But Devizes Lions do it with cherries on… and debatably false advertising. There were no lions on the Green, but it was Lions on the Green this Sunday past, an annual free fete/car show crossover which never fails to appeal universally; kids nag mums for Rowdey Cow ice cream while dads furiously argue for three hours with a total stranger in sandals that the Mk2 2.8 Injection Granada handles better than the Mk1 with a 3.0 V6 engine.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

I browse unacquainted with such matters, unfazed by contemporary cock extensions, but in admiration of vintage, retro cars and those with a movie reference attached. Every local from MP Brian Matthews to Pete of Vinyl Realm, and outsiders like Marty McFly have brought their big boy toys along to display, as Fantasy Radio blast Gary Numan. It’s a sunny morning, it’s a lovely occasion, it’s raising funds, and there’s nothing to dislike about it. 

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

Cars ticked off, hot dog and an extended conversation with a detectorist who’d discovered a variety of civil war shots and cannonballs on Roundway, if the Lions on the Green is a great and unbroken walkthrough event it coincided with Crammer Watch Day further along on, at the Little Green.

With long term solutions outstanding for unsafe conditions for wildfowl on the Crammer, there appears to be a far more communal tenet between concerned residents and the council compared to the outcry a few years ago, and this day was intended rather to celebrate the Crammer than address expensive possible solutions. As it stands, the simple fix is to raise public awareness that the only escape route for swans is across the roadside and they should apply caution when driving through….please.

With live painting from the Lawrence Arts Society, stands from the RSPCA, Sustainable Devizes and hosts Friends of The Crammer, conservation was a topic, if overshadowed somewhat by historical tomfoolery, which was something new to the day and personally my highlight.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

A random team of amateur thespians, some from the Wharf Writers Group and others along for the giggle and wearing of knitted beards, staged a short promenade satirical play “reenacting” the fable of the moonrakers, aptly at The Crammer. The premise didn’t sound so inspiring to me, and I thought I might have to hold my tongue. The actuality surprised me, it was absolutely brilliant!

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

Pythonesque humour delivered with skill on a local legend, deliberately naff props such as a paddling pool for the pond, and astutely scripted silliness, it was indigenous and hilariously original.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

Authenticity deliberately skewed for amusement; they couldn’t have done this anywhere else but here, the setting of the beloved fable, which is amusing enough without the added gags. Francis Grose was a witty Victorian chubster and nothing more needs to upset the applecart about the origin of the moonrakers, as this wasn’t intending to proclaim historic fact checking rather to amuse, which a country gent in Harris Tweed with a carrot in his mouth pretending to be a donkey will inevitably achieve.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

I don’t know where the Hoff got to, but he missed a rarer treat than reuniting with Pamela Anderson for a titillating slow-motion beach jog. Oh, and a whistle stop to Morrisons was a let down culturally compared to what was outside. Along the road I shrug at a classic bus, for its appearance would’ve been more expected trekking the Sahara than parked outside the faithfully traditional British Lion, and there was no explanation for it being there.

Nevertheless I’m one step away from the bar, pondering if there’s one thing expected in Devizes: it’s that The British Lion doesn’t change, because it doesn’t need to. With Devizes Arts Festival is full swing, they’ve arranged a Cwmbran roots trio called Whiskey River to play us some of their sublime classic rock covers, Celtically, with a deep southern Americana twist, as a free fringe event; I cannot argue with this.

Devizes live music aficionados amassed and were thankful, as if they needed an excuse for a pint and fundraising burger from the barbecue. The British Lion is a fond institution, Whiskey River was a great break from our usual circuit, The Lions put on a brilliant and well organised family event, Crammer Watch added to an already great day and those awesome actors with rakes did make us laugh as promised.

It was all too much for me, the White Bear and Southgate continued the music, but I needed a little lie down, while our roving reporter Andy outdone me, partying like Prince in 1999, so I’m also putting up his account of weekend adventures for it’s fuller, far more informative and factually accurate than mine, even if it doesn’t mention Pamela Anderson, because really, she didn’t show. Devizes though, doesn’t need Pam, the fun never stops here, Sunday proved it.

Image: Simon Folkard Photography

A Junco Shakin’ Finale for Devizes Arts Festival at The British Lion

A leopard doesn’t change its spots, and neither does a British Lion. Watch other Devizes pubs change landlord, decor, attractions, and styles. Watch them close, reopen under new management, and try something else, while the British is steadfast and loyally imperishable. Ask anyone in Devizes their favourite pubs, and they’ll have different answers, then add The British Lion to the list for good measure….

What better setting for the last day of a most memorable Devizes Arts Festival than their extensive suntrap beer garden? 

Old timey rhythm and blues blessed the full house, delivered with unique flavour and proficiency from a family Southampton come Birmingham (apparently) quartet, called The Junco Shakers.

These free fringe events provided by the Arts Festival are them at their rawest, letting their hair down and attracting the Devizes bohemians, alongside regular punters and everyone in-between. For this notion and the uniformed venue, the timeless Junco Shakers were a perfect match. I’d consider it skiffle. At least they used a washboard and percussion brushes, though over time, this has become a vague description. It felt bone-shaking blues of yore. At times, an upright double-bass gave it a rockabilly edge. It was jumpy and infectious, immutable enough to not warrant pigeonholing, so I’ll shut up!

With a barbecue sizzling bangers, the sun with his hat on, and just about everyone who’s ever sunk a pint in the British in attendance, it was the epitome of the Devizes spirit. While many here desire a political change and excuse me for getting political, in divertissement, the formula of this free house is unchanging; reliability, and a cracking selection of cask ales and ciders.

For those now with a taste of poison, The Three Crowns had Pat and Ben’s Matchbox Mutiny at 3pm, the Southgate hosting Jon Amor’s favourite guest LeBurn Maddox at 5pm, and the Devizes Arts Festival itself polish off with a free poetry slam at the Wharf Theatre. You can see now why I had bitten off more than I can chew when highlighting what’s happening in Devizes, as for a market town its size, this is just a typical sunny summer Sunday here, and we’re spoiled for choice. Me? I went home for tea and bed; those pintas won’t deliver themselves!

As for the British Lion, it rarely puts music events on, but when it does, the population rise to the occasion, remembering with fondness nights of yore in this award-winning pub, who gave them ‘Black Rat Monday,’ the Saturday quiz, and the eminent stalwart landlord Mike Dearing. 

We thank the team at Devizes Arts Festival. It’s been another fantastic year, and we look forward to many more.

The Sisters and The Brothers at the British Lion

by Ben Niamor with images by Andy Fawthrop

Continuing the tradition of great quality Devizes Arts Festival fringe events in the wonderful town centre beer garden of the British lion, Devizes this year we were treated to a cracking bluegrass band.…

Hats off to the arts festival for finding outstanding artists in any given field. It takes more than a check shirt to carry off the traditional sound of bluegrass, especially if you are from our side of the pond!

A six piece bluegrass outfit comprised of Steel guitar, double bass, banjo, fiddle, mandolin , and acoustic guitar and everyone lending vocals.. laid out here and played in delightful harmony. Bluegrass often celebrates the darker side of life, in such a way the brain can wonder how these stories can give us such fun? But fun it was, great fun.

Songs of life, loss and whiskey.. Gotta get drunk… sung by the wonderful gent on steel guitar, those ensembled agree the fact he’s sat down and enjoying the great beer means he’s best suited to sing this.. A bunch of self penned tunes were interspersed within some classic genre covers such as Jolene, some more unusual Bob Dylan, and some classic roots songs across three sets.

All in a fantastic gig, and way to enjoy several hours, even the weather played ball and held off with a sunny flourish for the last set! Thankyou to the excellent band, our wonderful host for the garden, beers and charity barbecue, and of course the arts festival.

Devizes Arts Festival continues until Saturday 17th June. Tickets HERE.

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Congratulations to the Award-Winning British Lion

Generally, the hospitality industry is cutthroat and fast paced, a constant competition to keep up with trends and modern consumer behaviour. While Devizes is like any other town, with pubs and restaurants striving to be the next big thing, that culture is subtle at the best of times, most folk of our bustling but quaint Wiltshire market town crave precisely  the opposite. Let’s be honest with ourselves here, we think its ‘nice’ when something new crops up, but secretly we don’t fully embrace change and modernisation, rather we favour tradition and dependability; that’s what gives Devizes its simplicity and charm.

One such mainstay is the freehouse, the British Lion, shortened to “the British,” to locals. It’s never changed as long as I’ve known it and been here. It focuses on an ‘if it isn’t broken it doesn’t need fixing” ethos, breathing tradtion through its rafters. The British Lion is a fixed institution, a pub of reliability; what you see is what you get, and you know full well what to expect. The landlord, Mike has run it since the dawn of civilisation, the efficiency, ambince and philosophy remains as it always was. And that’s why we congratulate it today, for having been awarded a Golden award as part of CAMRA (Campaign  for Real Ale) Official 50th anniversary celebrations. Well done to Mike and the team at the British, and throughly well deserved.

CAMRA awards director explained, “winners were chosen for their successes in standing the test of time; for being characterful and community-focused, and for consistently pouring great pints. I applaud these pubs for their dedication, for being community stalwarts and campaigning heroes.”

One of only three pubs in the entire South West region to win the award, the British Lion’s key feature, other than it’s steeping tradition and splendid and spacious beer garden, is it’s dedication to bringing its punters a wide selection of beverages, often unavailable elsewhere in town, and supportive of smaller brewers.

To walk into the British and suddenly find its changed into a neon, glitzy wine bar would be utterly unbelievable to locals, who’ve relied on this mainstay in our pub culture for so long, and everyone has an amusing story to tell about a particular night, or other, in this fine establishment where nothing is over-complicated, or striving to keep up with the Jones’s. And, might I say, through “black rat monday,” to many fond memories in there myself, long may it live on!