The Yew Tree, Southam

The Yew Tree was my first port of call on a Tuesday afternoon visit to Warwickshire. I wasn't expecting much from this quiet village pub, but I was pleasantly surprised. With storm clouds gathering, I arrived shortly before midday. A promising sign was a couple of ladies (possibly the cleaners) in the garden drinking tea. Although, the pub itself did not open until midday. Peering through the front door, I could see a couple of handpulls. Oakham JHB was on, alongside Abbeydale Absolution. As soon as the landlord came to open up the doors, I ordered a half of the latter. The current proprietors took over the pub in September, 2020. It appears that in addition to a decent trade in food, they have acquired a regular set of real ale drinkers, which helps to keep beers turning over. In addition to the two handpulls I could see from the door, they also had Abbeydale Daily Bread & Wye Valley Butty Bach. Having chatted to the landlord and seeing his commitment to real ale, I'd be surprised if the local CAMRA branch didn't recognise the Yew Tree with an entry into the Good Beer Guide. As it stands, it has not made an appearance since 2010. With the gathering clouds starting to spit a little, I headed off towards my next pubs and was destined not to find a better place until my final stop much later in the day.

Official site of The Yew Tree - theyewtreepub.co.uk

Official site of The Yew Tree - theyewtreepub.co.uk

Under new tenants from Dec 2018 - along with a fancy new website. Popped in for a mid walk drink and was greeted enthusiastically by the staff. Four real ales on - two from Sheffields Bradfield Brewery (strange, as we're a long way from there). I was warned that they would be cloudy as "something had been done in the cellar". Samples offered and the beer was fine. Lovely location and I wish them every success.