VINE, WEDNESFIELD, W. MIDS. Good news after an uncertain period. Julian 
Tubbs advises that it has been bought by the guy who owns the Wellington 
in central Birmingham, and the Black Country Brewery. The new manager is 
ex-Fullers Joint Stock in Brum. The Vine is due to reopen at the end of 
January. The only changes are expected to be the replacement of gas 
fireplaces with coal, and the addition of new hand pumps.

PAUL PRY,WORCESTER. Unfortunately this pub appears to have closed 
according to John and Angela Tune with the interior .

WARRINGTON, MAIDA VALE, LONDON W9. The Gordon Ramseyfication is 
proceeding. Bob Pennyfather reports notices round the pub declaring 
'These premises are under new ownership. During February 2007 there will 
be an exciting restoration and refurbishment programme and will include 
the opening of a new restaurant on the first floor. It is planned that 
the first floor restaurant area will be closed for a period of six weeks 
while the bar areas will remain open throughout.'
Meanwhile, Bob adds, upstairs, the Thai restaurant has a notice stating 
that it will close on 27 January after 15 years at the Warrington. The 
restaurant is fully booked on the 27th so, if you intend to pay your 
last respects, you may be struggling.

HARE & HOUNDS, SHUDEHILL, MANCHESTER. John Clarke reports new people 
running this pub which is good news following a period of uncertainty.

CUMBERLAND ARMS, BYKER, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE. An error in my piece in 
What's Brewing re public transport. There is no National Rail station at 
Byker – it closed in 1954! The NR station is Manors.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF ALCOHOL
The National Archives in Kew currently have an excellent free exhibition 
called the History of Alcohol 1690-1920 which continues until 31 March. 
On Thursday 22 February they are running a 'masterclass' (also free) 
linked to the exhibition. This will include an exclusive tour of the 
exhibition and talks and discussions about its main themes by historians 
Peter Claus and John Shaw. For more details or to book a place contact 
the education service at the National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, TW9 
4DU: 020 8392 5330 ext 2098: education@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Also available is a podcast of a fascinating talk about the history 
alcohol in the 1690 to 1920 period by Philippa Glanville of the V&A 
Museum in support of the exhibition. She covers features from the 
exhibition such as taxation, beer versus gin, the rise of whisky, the 
importance of alcohol to the economy, the 1830 Beer Act and much much 
more. You can download this on 
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/events/calendar/drink

END

GEOFF