Not just the preserve of beardy men in 'humorous' t-shirts (we promise), beer festivals are a great way to explore new tastes and support British breweries, as well as another excellent reason to visit your local pub. Some festivals focus on showcasing a particular style or provenance, some offer a variety of seasonal ales and many supply entertainment alongside the liquid goodness.
A selection of September's London-based festivals is below, but if we've missed any then please let us know in the comments.
9-11 September:
The Beehive, Battersea. A selection of 12 cask ales, plus ciders, will be on offer from 12pm-midnight. Go on Sunday to catch the St John's Hill Festival taking place outside.
The Pelton Arms, Greenwich. The pub's first beer festival will serve 20 ales alongside traditional food, music and morris dancing.
16-17th September:
The Sultan, South Wimbledon. This Hopback Brewery pub will offer 22 guest ales and several ciders as well as a BBQ in its beer garden. Hopback brews are also available to take away.
16-18 September:
Ye Old Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, Walthamstow. Another first festival, offering local ales as well as food and games.
21-25 September:
The Bricklayer's arms, Putney. A Derbyshire beer festival from a pub known for its varied selection of ales (as well as an all-English wine list). Expect over 100 ales and live entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
23-24 September:
The Dog and Bell, Deptford. A cider and perry festival on Friday night and all day Saturday, featuring 7 ciders and 3 perries alongside their regular range of real ales.
Book now: Sambrook's 3rd Birthday, 1st October
The popular Battersea brewery is hosting birthday celebrations on 1st October between 12pm-5pm. Sign up for the event, which includes entertainment, food and a range of their brews, by emailing admin@sambrooksbrewery.co.uk
