After the success of the 2006 event, the Great British Beer Festival will be returning to Earls Court from 7 th-11th August to celebrate its 30th birthday. Last year the festival attracted over 66,000 visitors, pulled over 300,000 pints and served up 450 different ales from all over the UK. This year promises to be even bigger and better - with an extensive selection of beers, ciders, ales and lagers guaranteed to quench your thirst.
A programme of tutored tastings will take place each day, giving beer enthusiasts the chance to get some expert guidance on their favourite tipple. Britain’s leading beer expert Roger Protz will host the ‘World Explorer’ tasting, allowing guests to sample a range of distinctive beers from different continents. There is a tasting to teach you about pairing beer with food, one to showcase the winner of the ‘Champion Beer of Britain’ competition, and one to exhibit some of the new ‘Belgian Classics with Tim Webb.
As usual, the festival has put together an impressive live entertainment schedule with some to performers providing the soundtrack to your day out. Kicking the evening off on Tuesday is the London-based Chaminade string quartet with their eclectic mix of classical music, jazz and musical numbers. On Wednesday, folk band Tanna and the British Blues Quintet will take to the stage; and on Thursday there is music from Dr Feelgood, string band Fret & Fiddle, and guitarist Gordon Giltrap. Jean Genie, the UK’s best David Bowie tribute, will perform on Friday and the Fulham Brass Band will bring things to a close on Saturday. With such a diverse mix of performers on offer, there really is something for everyone.
If you can’t get a babysitter, don’t despair – the Family Room is packed full of video games, toys, table football, kid-friendly drinks and snacks, and ever-cheerful entertainers to make sure that those under the legal drinking age have a great time too. The young at heart can join in the fun on Thursday’s ‘Hat Day’ where Britain’s beer lovers will be sporting hats of all shapes and sizes, with the best hat winning a special prize.
Tickets are only £7.00 and are available on the door or on the website. The nearest tube station is Earls Court Station (Piccadilly and District lines).
If you still need more beer or fancy a hearty meal, then friendly gastropub ‘The Cumberland Arms’ on North End Road should do the trick. Amiable staff, a decent drinks menu, and huge portions of top quality pub grub are just three reasons why you should visit this charming local boozer.
To escape the crowds or sleep off the effects of all that beer, take refuge in Holland Park – a small, pretty park with grassy spaces, shaded woodland trails, formal gardens, playgrounds and wild ponds. The ‘Kyoto’ Japanese garden is perfect for romantic strolls, and there are open-air theatre and opera concerts held in the grounds in the summer. Keep an eye out for the beautiful peacocks too!
