From midday tomorrow until midnight on Sunday, the Snooty Fox in Highbury will be hosting their first real ale festival, with a pronounced rock & roll theme.
First things first - the beer. Alongside some great tried-and-tested ales, such as Thornbridge Jaipur IPA and north-London-brewed Redemption Urban Dusk, there are a number of musically-themed choices that are unfamiliar to us, with beers such as Psychedelic, Soul Rider, Riders on the Storm and Two Tone Stout on the agenda. To our approval, they are also promising Dark Star Hylder Blonde, Castle Rock Harvest Pale Ale (CAMRA's 2010 Champion Beer of Britain) and a few other interesting ales, ciders and perries. Assuming the beer stocks last, this looks like a compelling line-up for lovers of real ale, not least because discounts are promised for card-carrying CAMRA members.
Of course, aside from the beverages, a rock & roll themed festival demands music. This will be supplied by Dirty Water Records and a number of 'retro DJs', who we're led to believe will be spinning 50s and 60s rock and soul vinyl singles - a much more ale-friendly prospect than having to to tolerate the musical output of a teenage bedroom DJ peering at his laptop.
Food will be available throughout the proceedings, taking the form of burgers, sausages and unspecified veggie-friendly fare on Friday and Saturday, and roasts on Sunday. We know from experience that they also stock bags of Mr Porky, if you're into that sort of thing.
The Snooty Fox, 75 Grosvenor Avenue, N5 2NN. Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd October, 12 noon to 1am; Sunday 3rd October 12 noon to midnight. For more info, call 020 7354 9532.
