0:00:02 > 0:00:06The Welsh pub, a traditional haven from domestic conflict,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09that oasis of light in the gloom, is under a three-pronged attack
0:00:09 > 0:00:15from the smoking ban, the recession, and cheap supermarket booze.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20This series is about the diehard battle to keep these pubs alive.
0:00:20 > 0:00:21CHEERING
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Over the past year we've followed some of those on the front line,
0:00:25 > 0:00:30from city centre taverns to country village inns.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33The triumphs
0:00:33 > 0:00:35and the mishaps...
0:00:35 > 0:00:36Aargh!
0:00:36 > 0:00:38SHE LAUGHS
0:00:38 > 0:00:39..the jubilation...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41CHEERING
0:00:41 > 0:00:43..and the tears.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48Everywhere you look there's pubs boarded up and you hope yours won't be the next one.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51All of them with the same goal -
0:00:51 > 0:00:55to keep their locals from calling time.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02In this episode we follow a gang of pub regulars as they stop propping up the bar
0:01:02 > 0:01:04and have a go at running it.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09- Nigel, you're doing the washing up. - Don't throw ice at me! Who do you think you are? The Titanic?
0:01:09 > 0:01:12But have they been sampling too much of their own stock
0:01:12 > 0:01:16when they sink their time and money into setting up their own brewery?
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Don't make it any stronger.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21It's going to get stronger when we boil it.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24We don't want to blow our customers' heads off on carnival day!
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Fingers crossed.
0:01:29 > 0:01:35December 2010, and just down the road from Carmarthen,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39the village of Johnstown is coming together as a community
0:01:39 > 0:01:40for a big, festive charity event.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44Today we've got the Christmas fun run in Johnstown.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47It's going to be taking place over approximately a mile course
0:01:47 > 0:01:51and we encourage adults and children from the local community to come and attend.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56Reindeer dust apparently is a bargain at £50.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- 50 pence!- Sorry, 50 pence.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02This annual race signs up an eager crowd every winter.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05But this year's turnout is a bit thin on the ground
0:02:05 > 0:02:09and organiser Jenny Fox has a good idea why.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12I'm pretty sure they've gone to The Friends Arms actually.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Excuse me a minute. I'm going to get some Santas out of the pub.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Back you come, please, drink up quickly.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Drink your beer.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30Come on, it's nearly time. Angel Gabriel, out you come please.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35Angel Gabriel, this is ridiculous pulling you out of the pub.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- Its community, we're making friends. - Making friends?
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Making friends with the pope.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Although it's guilty of kidnapping Santas and putting Christmas on hold,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Jenny can forgive The Friends Arms
0:02:47 > 0:02:50because she knows how important it is to the community.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54The Friends Arms is a community-based hub. Johnstown doesn't have its own community hall,
0:02:54 > 0:02:58so therefore The Friends Arms provides that useful venue where we can meet.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02As with any local community a public house is always the link.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07To lose a pub like that would have a huge impact on the community
0:03:07 > 0:03:10and also events in the area.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15But in 2009, the village almost did lose The Friends Arms pub.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20This centuries old tavern had drifted slowly from the black into the red.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24And to cut their losses, the brewery who owned it put it up for sale.
0:03:24 > 0:03:30And like many pubs meeting a similar fate, the only plans on the table
0:03:30 > 0:03:33were for its pumps to be ripped out to make room for a restaurant.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38But all of this was until three of its regulars said enough was enough.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Drinking buddies John Trott,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Nigel Stevens
0:03:43 > 0:03:45and Roger Love
0:03:45 > 0:03:49took it upon themselves to rescue the beer pumps from the scrap heap.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53We were told it would close down and wouldn't reopen as a pub.
0:03:53 > 0:04:00Three of us got together, myself, John Trott and Nigel Stevens, and we took it on and here we are today.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02I've known John and Roger for many years.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06We're all like-minded thinking people and thought, let's give it a go.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10It's a valuable part of the community so it's important pubs like ours do stay open.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14It's a business venture, but for us it's a hobby as well.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18It's been my local for over 20 years.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24We approached the brewery on the premise that if it was going to close, give us first dibs.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29We've taken on a lease for the next five years to keep the pub open.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33And now with the Christmas run about to start, it's clear that
0:04:33 > 0:04:37with friends running The Friends, the pub is a big part of community life.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Follow us, we're going to the best place now.
0:04:40 > 0:04:46And this year, the pub has a trained athlete entering the Santa fun run.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51Nigel Stevens is running for The Friends Arms. I'm hoping we'll win the cup.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53It's a nice day for it.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59- My chances? Seeing I was pressganged last night... - Nigel's very fit.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- And what do you think his chances are of winning?- Nil!
0:05:02 > 0:05:03HE LAUGHS
0:05:05 > 0:05:07So off sets retired psychiatrist, Nigel.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10With the winning line being the threshold of his own pub,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14what more motivation does he need to finish the race?
0:05:14 > 0:05:18Oh! So far, so good. Give me a mince pie!
0:05:20 > 0:05:21Well done!
0:05:21 > 0:05:23APPLAUSE
0:05:23 > 0:05:24Come on!
0:05:27 > 0:05:28Final spurt. Come on.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32I can sprint from here all the way back to the pub.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37There we are. Well done. Thank you very much for supporting us.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Let's give him a big cheer and a big clap.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Nigel might not have won the fun run, but he survived.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48As has The Friends Arms, and his friendship with John and Roger.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51But 12 months after taking over the pub,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Nigel's in no doubt about the difficult days ahead.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55It is a lot of work.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59I totally sympathise with someone who's trying to run a pub.
0:05:59 > 0:06:05Going into 2011, we are certainly aware of the challenges ahead.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08The strain on our customers' purses. We're certainly aware of that.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15And not long after Christmas, the first challenge of the new year comes along
0:06:15 > 0:06:18with another very important season.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21The Six Nations should be a sure-fire pub-filler,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24particularly when Wales are playing England.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27On the trade front, Nigel knows the score.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Tonight he's banking on a full house at The Friends Arms.
0:06:31 > 0:06:32It should be a busy night.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34The internationals are very popular here.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38It's good for business as well. These games are important to us.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Not just internationals, but rugby generally.
0:06:40 > 0:06:41We'll have a good night,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44and everybody here will probably have a good night.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49The pub's kitchen's too small to offer food on a big scale, but the plan is to encourage beer sales
0:06:49 > 0:06:55by tempting in punters with a free half-time bowl of cawl and cheese.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Look at that, eh? Well worth coming out for.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Just like mother used to make.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- Oh! - LAUGHTER
0:07:05 > 0:07:09It's the first time we've seen Nigel in the kitchen since we took over the place.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11I'm coming in to help out with the preparation,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14but I'm going to be the other side of the bar tonight
0:07:14 > 0:07:17and doing a lot of shouting, screaming and praying.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Whilst culinary enthusiast, Nigel, prepares for kick-off,
0:07:21 > 0:07:25the punters are pouring in on the promise of free grub and rugby.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Nigel stakes his place between the bar and the box.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Five minutes in, he's already getting emotional.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34SHOUTING
0:07:34 > 0:07:37You're having no support from your touch judges, mate!
0:07:37 > 0:07:39No support at all!
0:07:39 > 0:07:42SHOUTING
0:07:42 > 0:07:46Behind the bar, John and Roger are keeping well out of the frame. And Nigel.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- He loves his sport, especially rugby. - Like Jekyll and Hyde.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Anything to do with Wales, or the Quins, the Carmarthen Quins.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55Jekyll and Hyde.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Come half-time, John and Roger get busy dishing up the cawl.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Nigel stays out front, getting worked up over the cheese.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07There was a far better service before Christmas here. Come on. Where are we?
0:08:07 > 0:08:10He's good at giving orders today, isn't he?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12I am a culinary scientist. I'm an artist.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Nigel, if you want some more cheese, there's a mousetrap in the corner.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23The cheese farrago aside, the punters are wolfing down the cawl.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26And 67 bowls later, the last helpings are served up.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Last bowls of soup going out to the bar.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- Cheers.- I would say cheers to you, but...
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Cheers.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44With the second half well underway, Wales are seven points down.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Maybe Nigel's team talk will turn the game around.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Bring James Hook to centre-half. Lee Byrne to full-back.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53No disrespect to Steve - good lad. Let's give him extra options.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55What do you know?
0:08:55 > 0:09:00Don't throw that ice at me. Who do you think you are, the Titanic?
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Despite Nigel's enthusiasm and articulate advice, Wales lose.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08But what's been a bad night for the Welsh team
0:09:08 > 0:09:09has been a good night for the pub.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12We're normally quite busy on Friday night,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15but nowhere near as busy as this. It's been excellent.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Nigel was surprisingly quiet tonight, believe it or not.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22I've seen him a lot more animated than that at certain games.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Oh, the atmosphere was absolutely tremendous.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27It was better here than in the Millennium Stadium.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30In fact, we were thinking of taking the roof off here.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Sporting events are great one-off sales boosts.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37But keeping trade constant is a different challenge.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40With a kitchen too small to provide extra income,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44events, ideas and variety are key to keeping the beer sales strong.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48And, with this in mind, the friends have turned to outside help
0:09:48 > 0:09:52and enlisted a seasoned publican into their fold.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57Their new pub manager, Mark Han, brings a wealth of marketing ideas.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01The biggest problem is maintaining the momentum.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03And keeping people wanting to come back to your premises.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06But if you've actually got things going on,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10it persuades all to come here rather than sit at home or go elsewhere.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13As a free house not tied to any brewery,
0:10:13 > 0:10:15the friends can sell any booze they choose.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19And Mark's hit upon the idea of selling a range of real ales
0:10:19 > 0:10:21that drinkers can't find anywhere else.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26To publicise this new direction, the pub's holding a beer festival.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30We hope there is a lot of interest in the real ales
0:10:30 > 0:10:35and my ambition is to see these barrels in the tilted position,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37which means they're empty.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Mark's embracing of the real ale market
0:10:40 > 0:10:43attracts an unexpected benefit - recognition.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Groups like the Campaign for Real Ale celebrate pubs that
0:10:46 > 0:10:51respect a good quality pint, and the Friends Arms has caught their eye.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56Every year, CAMRA survey all the pubs in the county
0:10:56 > 0:10:58for entry into the Good Beer Guide.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01And this year we decided that today we were going to present
0:11:01 > 0:11:05the pub of the year to The Friends Arms.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06APPLAUSE
0:11:09 > 0:11:14And it really is a real boost to us to be nominated
0:11:14 > 0:11:16and given this award today.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Look at that. First time!
0:11:18 > 0:11:21It's only their second year. Just to get in the guide is an achievement,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24but to get pub of the year,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27and say, "You're the best out of those 22 pubs,"
0:11:27 > 0:11:29that is an achievement.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Pleasing the real ale crowd has really paid off,
0:11:32 > 0:11:36and drunk on the success of their award, the lads have decided
0:11:36 > 0:11:39to take their taste for ale one very big step further.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Right. Yeah, come this way, guys.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45This is the room that is going to be the microbrewery.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49Knowledge of the process needs to be refined at the moment
0:11:49 > 0:11:52but, if other people can do it, why can't we?
0:11:52 > 0:11:53Everything's up and ready to run.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57We're just waiting to have a new power-line put in.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Once that is done, our first brew will start.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03It'll be like a trial and error basis.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06We just hope that the first brew will be spot on.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08With a pub of the year certificate hanging up,
0:12:08 > 0:12:10there's a lot riding on their own brew
0:12:10 > 0:12:14and the ale anoraks know that when it comes to making beer,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17there's no room for error.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20It either goes right or it goes wrong.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23There's no grey area.
0:12:23 > 0:12:24It's either good or it's bad.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27And there's the rub.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32All this kit has cost thousands, and none of the friends have any brewing experience.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35I think the question of it not paying off is probably
0:12:35 > 0:12:38not open for discussion.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42It's got to be spot-on because it's our reputation that's on the line.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44That's going to be the biggest challenge.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Yes, it's getting a bit daunting now,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49but it's starting to take shape.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51At the end of the day, the vessel's in there.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53If it all goes pear-shaped,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56we've got our fancy dress costumes sorted out for the New Year.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Four Daleks and the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz!
0:13:01 > 0:13:06With their lack of experience giving them butterflies, the lads have raided the phone book
0:13:06 > 0:13:09in search of an independent brewery and some free advice.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12They've found one in Barnstaple in Devon
0:13:12 > 0:13:14and arranged a fact-finding trip.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Stretch my ankles!
0:13:18 > 0:13:22We've come to see a pub with a microbrewery.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Very similar to what we're looking to achieve.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Focused on fact-finding, the lads check into their hotel,
0:13:28 > 0:13:32but John seems to be after more than just a business trip.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37Hello! Just what you're looking for. There's a gnome reserve here.
0:13:37 > 0:13:38Can we go there later?
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Having shed their bags, they head off to the brewery.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46It's a good time to gather their thoughts and expectations.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Just nice to see the whole process going through,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50sort of start to finish.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54And hopefully we'll have some idea of what our own brew is going to be like.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- It's nothing too strong. - Something nice and light, isn't it?
0:13:58 > 0:14:01But in order organise a booze-up in a brewery,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04you first have to find the brewery.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Is it down there?
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- Are we any nearer? - Hopefully we're no further away. - Just round this bend.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15We're off to Ilfracombe, then, Rog?
0:14:15 > 0:14:17The town centre's off to the right.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Abbey Road.- A bit further round. - Oh, it's just round the corner.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27There we are. Well done, Rog. Master map reader. Well done. Get them in then, Rog.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Our brewing virgins have come to The Reform Inn
0:14:31 > 0:14:33to meet master brewer, Tim -
0:14:33 > 0:14:37a man with over 17 years more beer-making experience
0:14:37 > 0:14:40than our four friends combined.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42And their walk has made them
0:14:42 > 0:14:44more than ready for a taste of what's to come.
0:14:44 > 0:14:45Excellent.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49Making beer's relatively easy. Making good beer's a bit harder.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52There's brief periods of frantic activity,
0:14:52 > 0:14:56followed by lots of sitting around, waiting for something to happen.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Yeah...
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Real ale is classed as a beer produced using traditional
0:15:03 > 0:15:05techniques and natural ingredients.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08And the friends will make their brew using these same methods.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Homebrew was the norm for most Welsh pubs
0:15:12 > 0:15:15until the rise of the big breweries 150 years ago.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Nowadays, running a microbrewery from your own pub
0:15:19 > 0:15:21is a way to boost profits
0:15:21 > 0:15:24by not having to buy beer from these big breweries.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30Ours might be modern times, but when you're doing it yourself using old skills,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34brewing is still a complicated and technical process
0:15:34 > 0:15:36and very easy to get wrong.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Stir away. Bung it all in and stir. Off you go.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40And as brew school starts,
0:15:40 > 0:15:45it soon becomes clear who's going to be star pupil.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49Come on, Nig. People are waiting.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Always the same, always the same.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55Because it's not technical, he can't break it. Look at that technique, though.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58He's in full flow now, isn't he?
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Come on. Don't stop. Slacking, boy.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05It's going to be a long, hard day of mashing, rinsing, scooping
0:16:05 > 0:16:09and adding hops until the friends come even close to a pint.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15So far, so good though, eh? Excellent.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17It's a lot to take in.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Well, the brewing process looks straightforward.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23But it's timing and temperatures. We have to get those
0:16:23 > 0:16:27absolutely spot on. It's certainly challenging.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28Hours of hard labour later,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31the unfermented beer is far from finished.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34But a thirsty Nigel can't resist a taste.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- It won't do any harm to try it? - No, no.
0:16:39 > 0:16:40Oh, that's very bitter, isn't it?
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Very, very bitter.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Just put some lemonade with this and sell it as it is.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50But before their work is through, it's time for some crucial maths,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53knowing what alcohol level you want your ale to have.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56If you don't get it right, you end up with beer the wrong strength.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- What does that read to you? - 4.5. Spot on.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07When this brew hits the pubs, it'll be a hoppy session ale of 4.5%.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12And, for the lads, being involved in its creation has been invaluable.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16From what we've seen today and all that's been explained to us, I'm not saying it's going to be easy,
0:17:16 > 0:17:18but we'll have a good go at it anyway.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23There's so much of the technical aspect there that just goes straight over our heads.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Actually seeing it here in practice now, it's been great.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Time to leave Tim.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31The brew they've helped make won't be ready for another few weeks.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34But Tim's offered to send a barrel once it's ready.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37In the meantime, their trip to Barnstaple has left the lads
0:17:37 > 0:17:39with a thirst for brewing.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45It's August in Johnstown
0:17:45 > 0:17:48and the event of the summer is just around the corner.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52The Johnstown Carnival involves the whole village, and the friends
0:17:52 > 0:17:56have promised that they're inaugural brew will be ready for the event.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Time to put all they've learned into hard practice.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- A nice light ale is what we're aiming for.- I'd just be pleased
0:18:02 > 0:18:05if we can get a good, clean, clear ale out.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- Is it three weeks this coming Saturday?- No, two.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Two weeks, Saturday.- Two weeks?
0:18:11 > 0:18:16So we are going to be pushing it. How long is the whole process? Two weeks?
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- You're really looking at the minimum of two weeks.- So, this is it.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24As you say, John, we're not going to have time to do another one before the carnival.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28With no room for manoeuvre, their brew has to be right first time.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30But before they can get cracking,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32there's a potential crisis unfolding.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35We're starting to panic a little bit now as the ingredients
0:18:35 > 0:18:40that were supposed to be delivered on Friday haven't arrived yet.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43We really are starting to get a bit close to the edge now.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47As they clean the equipment in hope of the ingredients' arrival,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Nigel's laid-back attitude starts to bug John.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55We'll start again next week if it goes wrong today.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- We're quietly confident, aren't we, John, Rog?- Yes.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Talked ourselves up on this for maybe eight months or so.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05No, we've got to get it right first time. We've got to.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08No ifs or buts. It's got to be done right.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12And not a moment too soon, the delivery finally arrives.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15The lads can only hope everything they've ordered is here.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18Jesus Christ!
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Well, this is the malt. The yeast, the hops.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Let's get it started.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30A lot of people are waiting for this.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Eager to make up for lost time, the lads get stuck in
0:19:34 > 0:19:38with Nigel taking the lion's share of the donkey-work.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Pleasure to watch him work all day. Such a rarity.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48It's begun. We'll just leave that now for an hour and half
0:19:48 > 0:19:50and then start the sparge process.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Mid-brew, Tim's barrel of beer arrives from Barnstaple.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58The lads take a quick break to sample the wares they helped create.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02This is what all that mashing and hopping was all about down in Barnstaple.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04This is 4.6.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- Yeah.- Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- Cheers, boys.- Lovely colour. - Let's hope we get near to that.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16The way we went through the process this morning, I think ours will be slightly more...
0:20:16 > 0:20:17Just a bit more stronger, isn't it?
0:20:17 > 0:20:21But Nigel's estimate might be a bit conservative.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23When they rushed to get this brew started,
0:20:23 > 0:20:25the misjudged a few calculations.
0:20:27 > 0:20:2948...
0:20:31 > 0:20:34The beer at the moment, it may be too strong. It may be about 5.4%.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38We don't want to blow our friends' and customers' heads off
0:20:38 > 0:20:40on carnival day.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42It's a bit like rocket fuel at the moment.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44I don't want over 5.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47It's not going to get any stronger, though. It's going to get weaker.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49It is going to get stronger when we boil it.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51It's going to go up 2 when we boil.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54At least we know the sparging process has gone well.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56THEY LAUGH
0:20:57 > 0:21:02Alcohol content somewhat sorted, the next step is to add the hops.
0:21:02 > 0:21:03Hops will decide the flavour,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07if, that is, your customers still have some sense of taste left.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Third degree burns!
0:21:13 > 0:21:17After transferring the ale to the stills and adding the yeast,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20they now have to leave it to ferment for two weeks.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Lid on. Let fermentation begin.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26But time is tight.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30They probably won't get to taste it until the day they launch it.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32There we are. Fingers crossed!
0:21:40 > 0:21:42It's the day before the carnival,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46and almost everyone in Johnstown is pitching in to help set it up.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51Well, there's loads going on today. We're preparing for the carnival.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54It's our big, annual event in the village. Takes a bit of work,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57but they've all volunteered their hours today to help us
0:21:57 > 0:22:01and we're really looking forward to hopefully a dry carnival tomorrow.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05John, Nigel and Roger are looking forward to playing an active role
0:22:05 > 0:22:06in the proceedings.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10We've got a float on, and obviously it'll be all hands on deck
0:22:10 > 0:22:14for the hordes when they roll in tomorrow after the carnival.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17It's going to be a very, very busy day tomorrow. Very busy day.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20I just hope we've got enough beer and enough glasses!
0:22:20 > 0:22:24The carnival's enjoyed glorious sunshine for the past eight years.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28But will this August's miserable weather break that trend?
0:22:30 > 0:22:33It is the ninth year and I am expecting it to go a bit wrong by now.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37We're all praying. We'll be on our knees later.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Whatever the weather, work is pushing on
0:22:39 > 0:22:43and friends are getting on with their Top Beer float.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Where you going? Here, man.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50Top Beer. Carmarthenshire CAMRA pub of the year.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53It just seemed like a good idea.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56A lot of imagination's gone into it.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00I haven't been so excited since we went down to Barnstaple.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03That's the last time I was excited as this.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06But behind the excitement lies hard business fact.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11The friends need to keep the tills ringing to keep their pub afloat.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Having invested a year's worth of effort and money on the microbrewery,
0:23:14 > 0:23:20they cannot afford for the ale to flop. Manager, Mark, is well aware of what's at stake.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22We're certainly a little bit nervous,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25and we have been talking about it for so long that expectations are high.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29It came out slightly stronger than we had originally intended.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32The way I'd like to market it is value for money.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35With so much riding on tomorrow being a success,
0:23:35 > 0:23:37it's make or break time for the friends.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48It's the morning of the big day. First on the scene, Nigel, cleaning.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51We take it in turns. It's usually my turn, though.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54So I have to travel up from Llanelli just to clean sometimes.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57That's the sacrifice I have to make for the business.
0:23:57 > 0:23:58Not far behind is John,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01preparing to finish off his fun float
0:24:01 > 0:24:03with appropriately themed balloons.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06I never thought I'd need instructions to find out
0:24:06 > 0:24:08how to blow up a balloon.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22You'll need more than that!
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Guard them with your life!
0:24:28 > 0:24:33I'm a perfectionist when it comes to float construction, all right?
0:24:33 > 0:24:36We're going to be battered to hell by those balloons, aren't we?
0:24:36 > 0:24:38They'll have to do now.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41But, for the boys, this day is really all about the ale.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44With an army of expectant and thirsty revellers
0:24:44 > 0:24:46about to descend on the carnival,
0:24:46 > 0:24:50they nervously line up for their own first taste.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Will it be fantastic or foul?
0:24:53 > 0:24:55This is the big moment.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- How many are we having, four? - Shall we just have four tasters?
0:24:58 > 0:25:03Oh, this has got to be spot on. This has got to be spot on.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Can we have a role on the drums, please, Mark?
0:25:11 > 0:25:16- Right then, boys.- It looks very good. Cheers.- Cheers, boys.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Absolutely gorgeous.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25This is better than what we expected.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27I think that's going to fly out today.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29People are quite eager to have a taste.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32If we stay here any longer, there might not be any left!
0:25:36 > 0:25:38SAMBA MUSIC
0:25:40 > 0:25:44The carnival kicks off and the relieved friends reveal their costumes.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50Mark's at risk of overheating as he's transformed into...the Swig.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I am having so much fun!
0:25:55 > 0:25:58You could have made an effort, Andrew!
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Andrew wears that to work as well!
0:26:04 > 0:26:07With the weather holding out, the colourful carnival hits town,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10bringing Carmarthen to a halt.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16I am enjoying it. It is a bit mad, but it's all good. Good for the community.
0:26:16 > 0:26:17And up on the Top Beer float,
0:26:17 > 0:26:22John's really getting into his Jeremy Caskson character.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Excellent vehicle. Does it all. Wonderful.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Shit car. Absolutely shit car.
0:26:40 > 0:26:45The parade's over, but the party's only just begun at The Friends Arms.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48It's high time they finally reveal their Carnival ale to the waiting world.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52But what will Carmarthen's real ale connoisseurs make
0:26:52 > 0:26:54of their virgin brew?
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- What do you think?- Nice, summer drinking beer, not too strong.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Lovely aftertaste. It's great.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03I've had a pint of that. That is absolutely superb.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07The smell is there.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10It makes me feel extremely proud.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Quite humble actually for you guys to say that.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Without the local beers, without the local brewers,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19we ain't going to have any more pubs left.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23So, hold your head up high. It's a local locals' pub.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Should be done more in the country.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30I could sit here and drink this... And I will do! ..all afternoon. Cheers!
0:27:33 > 0:27:34Good health.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38The pub's packed. Their first ever brew has sold out
0:27:38 > 0:27:40and life for The Friends couldn't get much better.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43Time to look back on what they've achieved.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45It's just been excellent.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49We initially took it on as a hobby, regularly drinking in the pub,
0:27:49 > 0:27:51to actually taking the place over.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55It's just been a massive learning curve. We've thoroughly enjoyed it.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58It's been a fantastic year. It really has.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00It's been successful and enjoyable.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04We made a mistake when we bought tandoori prawns in a car boot sale,
0:28:04 > 0:28:05which we put on for an international.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09It seems hard to believe that less than two years ago
0:28:09 > 0:28:12this thriving pub was on its knees.
0:28:12 > 0:28:17It took the passion, blind faith and vision of three best mates
0:28:17 > 0:28:20to restore The Friends Arms back to where it should be -
0:28:20 > 0:28:23the hub of its community.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29In next week's episode, we follow a small community in Snowdonia as they group together
0:28:29 > 0:28:32to buy their village's last remaining pub.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35It's kind of a dead village since the pub closed.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37You lose contact with some people.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Will this well-meaning community project find its feet?
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Or is the Pengwern Arms destined to fail?
0:28:43 > 0:28:47The amount of work needed does make you catch your breath sometimes.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- Oh!- Careful, Vincent!
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:29:01 > 0:29:03E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk