No MOD cons... The George & Dragon on Foulness Island has closed after the Ministry of Defence tripled the rent on the remote island pub. Long-term licensee since 1981, Fred Farenden moved out in January with the pub believed to be still empty.
There is still a glimmer of hope for the pub as an MOD spokesman said that there were people "interested" in the pub. But they warned: "Work is needed on the premises to get it up to standard. Under Treasury guidelines, we are not permitted to let the property for less than the market value."  Unfortunately we would suggest that it is reducing week on week as the economy stalls.

Crouch Vale has two seasonal beers available through May and June. The Golden Duck at 3.8% is described as a grand and tasty golden session beer.
First Gold ABV 4.7% is back because this year's supply of First Gold hops represent a return to form for the variety. A pale beer with a classic English hop aroma, light biscuit 'mouthfeel' and lip-smacking finish.

Mighty Oak has another mild ale for May, Mersey Mild is 4.5% ABV and brewed with generous amounts of crystal rye and pale chocolate malts, to give a full bodied, smooth, caramel and chocolate maltiness, with a hint of hop in the finish.
It's a complete change for June - with Severn Bore at 3.8%. A thirst quenching golden ale, brewed with fragrant American hops, giving a citrus and blackcurrant character balanced by a sweet maltiness, finishing with a bittersweet, hoppy aftertaste.

Adnam's has launched Britain's first carbon neutral beer called East Green. They worked with the University of East Anglia to ensure the carbon footprint was as small as possible. This has been achieved by using the new energy recovery system at the Southwold brewery and high-yield barley grown in East Anglia which helps cut emissions from transportation. Using Boadicea hops that are naturally aphid resistant cuts down on pesticides. The bad news is that initially it is only available in bottled form from a large supermarket chain, but it gives us something to look forward to when it finally makes it to cask.