After the riot of Halloween-themed beer festivals, November promises a more diverse line up. Highlights include a historical overview of British brewing at the White Horse, beer and cheese matching in Brewer's Hall and a lot of interesting activity out East. As ever, if we've missed any then please let us know.
1-6th November:
The Rifleman, Twickenham. The first of this month's food-and-beer festivals pairs 10 ales and a selection of ciders with a range of sausages, in celebration of national sausage week.
3-4th November:
Leyton Orient Supporters Club, Leyton. The ‘Piglet’ beer festival runs from 5-11pm on both days and features over 30 ales, ciders and perries. Get an idea of what to expect.
5-6th November:
CASK, Pimlico. A weekend showcase of the best Norwegian craft beer, including beers from Haandbryggeriet (try saying that when you've had a few) and the award-winning Ægir. The pub, renowned for its extensive beer selection, is open from 12.30pm-11pm Saturday and 12.30pm-10.30pm on Sunday.
9th November:
Tap East, Westfield Stratford City. Not strictly a festival, but this new brew pub, nestled in the heart of the new Westfield behemoth, will be tapping its first ever beer from 4pm. Full details can be found on Facebook.
10-13th November:
The North Star, Leytonstone. Over 20 local and national ales will be available between 12pm-11pm every day at this popular local pub.
Waltham Forest Sports & Social Club, Walthamstow. The 'Severnth Heaven' festival features over 30 ales, ciders and perries. Food is available and there will be live music on Saturday night.
11-13th November:
Craft Beer Co, Farringdon. The De Molen festival will feature 10 of the renowned craft brewery's beers on tap.
17-19th November
West Herts Sports Club, Watford. The CAMRA Watford beer festival boasts over 80 beers, ciders and perries and is entry is £2.50 or free for CAMRA members. Food will be available for much of the festival and a pub quiz will take place on Saturday night.
23-27th November
Pembury Tavern, Hackney. Around 45 beers will be available over the five days, with 25 on sale at any one time. The pub prefers to focus on a few breweries at every festival, although specific details of the beer list are not yet available. For full details (including the pub's Mediterranean menu, regular beer list and very liberal pet policy) visit the website.
25th November
Brewers’ Hall, Aldermanbury Square, London EC2. The Beer Academy (an organisation promoting the understanding and appreciation of beer) will hold a festival of British beer and cheese in the Brewers' Hall, featuring cheeses from suppliers such as Paxton & Whitfield alongside beers from Meantime, Fullers, Shepherd Neame and many more. Visitor sessions last for 90 minutes (either 12.00-13.30, 14.30-16.00 or 16.30-18.00) and tickets cost £15.
25-26th November
The Concorde Centre, Syon Lane/Greenford stations. The 5th annual Heathrow beer festival will feature over 35 seasonal ales and ciders, as well as live music on Saturday night. Opening times are 4pm Friday or 12pm on Saturday and ticket prices range from £2-£10, depending on when you go.
25-27th November
White Horse, Parson's Green. From 11am on Friday until closing on Sunday, the pub's 29th annual Old Ale festival will showcase historic British beer styles such as barley wine, stout, porter and old ale. Over 60 beers will be available, as well as live music from 'The Stealers' on Friday evening.
Additional beer goodness:
London-based Beer expert Melissa Cole has now published a book: 'Let Me Tell You About Beer'. It is available to buy online and full details can be found on her blog.
