Raise Your Glasses For The Great British Beer Festival

I was at the Great British Beer Festival yesterday.  The event has become a real national institution, showcasing quality British beers and the brewers, large and small, who help quench the nation's thirst.

The event brings together a massive range of beers and ciders, including some extremely unique flavours (I tried, amongst other fine ales, some of the award winning Chocolate Orange flavoured stout from Amber breweries, which I highly recommend.)



I was delighted to find out that my region, the North East, is top of the pops when it comes to real ale, with 74% of people having tried real ale, compared to only 45% in Yorkshire. You should toast this fact by trying some of the great North Eastern ales.

As well as being a massive event in it's own right, the Beer Festival is also a reminder of the importance beer to our culture and the importance of pubs to our communities.  The beer industry is a massive employer and the pub acts as the beating heart of the community.  It is vital that we preserve the pub at the core of community life - as there are still far too many pubs and working man's clubs closing.

If you are in the London area, I would highly recommend that you popped along to the Beer Festival, for a top quality evening out.