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Beer, Beer, More Beer and some Cider!
by Christine Cryne
Any one who has a love for good beer (whether UK real ale or beers from the world's great beer producing countries) is making a date at Olympia this August. For on Tuesday 5th August the Grand Hall at Olympia opens its doors to the biggest beer extravaganza in the UK.
The event goes on for 5 days offering a choice of around 700 real ales, imported beers, ciders and perries (like cider but made from pears). The Festival prides itself on being a show piece for the smaller brewers but most of the regional and family brewers are also present. The beers come from all over the UK and the bars are themed by the region so you can drink your way around the country without leaving the hall! So unless you are an avid "beer ticker" you'll probably find lots of beers you have never tried before. And that probably goes for the imported beer too as there are a number of imported beer bars, each themed by country. The beers from the USA usually give some surprises alongside the more usual German Rauch and fruity Belgian beers. If you are a cider fan, then the Festival is just the place for you too. There is a bar totally dedicated to cider and perry far bigger than anything you can find at any local beer festival, with usually 40 or so varieties. Compare the styles from the different parts of the UK.
If you feel you want to know more about the beers, then every day, bar Saturday, there are tutored tastings. Tuesday starts with a Czech beer tasting (sponsored by Budweiser Budvar). Wednesday has two sessions on the Champion Beer of Britain finalists hosted by Roger Protz, the editor of the Good Beer Guide. Thursday and Friday have imported beer tastings; Belgian Saison, US Craft beers (hosted by Michael Jackson), German Pils, and Kriek.
And the Festival is more than just beer; there are craft stalls and lots of different food stands with food styles as diverse as Mexican and Thai to Cornish pasties and German sausages. If you fancy your luck, there are side stands such as Tombolas and different pub games, both traditional and not so traditional, all to enjoy. One hall also offers live entertainment every session. Try the Chaminade String Quartet on Tuesday evening, Lindisfarne on Wednesday night or Jazzy Trousers on Friday lunchtime. There is also a pub quiz on Saturday afternoon and breweriana auctions throughout the week.
Although the Festival is run by CAMRA, you do not have to be a member to attend (although members get a discount on the entry price). You can either purchase a ticket on the door or simply turn up. But ticket holders can beat the queues and can gain more drinking time! The Festival even has a Family Room where parents can enjoy their alcohol whilst youngsters can enjoy their pop, crisps and sweets. To stop the younger visitor getting bored there are video games, toys, table football and children's entertainers. The Family Room is open daily until 9pm (except Saturday). The Festival is really easy to get to. The hall is directly opposite Kensington Olympia station, which is both a tube and mainline rail station. So why not come along and join the other 44,000 visitors and have a great and different time out. For further details contact the Festival website: www.gbbf.org or telephone the Information Line 0900 525 2525 (calls to this number cost 60p per minute). Tickets can be booked online or by telephoning 01727 867201. The Festival opens on the evening of Tuesday 5th August until early evening on Saturday 9th August.
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 21.
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