National Cask Ale Week 2011
Posted on: September 30th, 2011 by steveh
It’s National Cask Ale week starting tomorrow (1st October 2011). Cask Ale Week is a campaign organised between CAMRA and Cask Marque with the intention of spreading wider interest in ‘Real Ale’, if you know someone who has not tried real ale yet, this following week is your chance to introduce them to the myriad of different real ales that are on offer. All 7,500 of Cask Marques accredited licensees have been asked to support the cause – promoting real ale, most locally sourced, and with the weather in the South set to be a scorcher, pubs will definitely receive an influx of customers who are out to enjoy the sunshine.
According to the CAMRA website many of the Cask Marque pubs will operate a ‘Try Before You Buy’ promotion allowing revellers the opportunity to sample-taste a real ale before choosing. Some Cask Marque pubs may operate the “3 x 1/3 pint” meaning you get to try 3 real ales for the price of a pint which is a great promotion for any new real ale drinker,… and regular ale drinkers alike. It gives you some time to hone in one a particular brew you might take a fancy to. So, be sure to look out for pubs with a Cask Marque accreditation this weekend, and be sure to ask about the real ale promotions they may be serving.
If you’ve any tips for a new real ale drinker, or would like to tell us about a promotion in your area, or a distinct real ale you might like people to try, please leave a comment in our comments section below or join in the conversation on our Facebook page. Cheers!
White House Honey Ale
Posted on: September 27th, 2011 by steveh
President Obama has made history once again by becoming the first President to brew beer at the White House. This is the first time in history that there has been a microbrewery at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the aptly named “White House Honey Ale” was brewed using the White House garden beehive, which is another first for the Presidency, bees being kept at the White House. President Obama recently sat with Sgt. Dakota Meyer and the two enjoyed a couple of pints of White House Honey Ale before Sgt. Meyer was presented with the Medal of Honor.
Unfortunately the Obama’s have no intention to market the ale, the only way to obtain one would be to become and American war hero or get invited to the White House on Superbowl night. The recipe for the ale is being kept secret with the Washington Post reporting just one teaser “over a pound of honey goes into that brew”. That’s a lot of honey. Imagine if the Obama’s changed their mind about selling their ale? There would be worldwide interest.
If you have any comments feel free to leave them in our comments section below oor join in the conversation on our Facebook page.
Arthur Guinness Day 2011
Posted on: September 22nd, 2011 by steveh
Today is the third annual Arthur’s Day. In memory of Arthur Guinness, the man who brought Guinness to the world. The international celebration will see patron drinkers of Guinness raising glasses to Arthur, or “Gloine a ardú chuig Arthur Guinness!” today at 17:59, to commemorate the year (1759) when the Guinness brewery first opened. Arthur’s day is celebrated with music concerts around the world, but you don’t have to go to one of these just to spread the word, 17:59 is on the way home from work time for most of us, so stop in your local pub, order a pint, but make it a Guinness.
If you know any Guinness related facts feel free to share them in our comments section below, or by joining the conversation on our Facebook Page.
Saving the Butchers Arms
Posted on: August 30th, 2011 by steveh
There were reports earlier this year that pub closures have slowed to 25 per week in the UK, although this figure is less than in previous years, it’s still grave news for the industry with local pubs still effectively being the hub of local social life. So, it’s nice to hear a hearty tale once in a while… Locals in Crosby near Penrith have clubbed together to save their local, The Butchers Arms. The pub, which has been closed for 6 months has now been resurrected by local shareholders, some 300 people investing in shares of £250 (minimum) and raising around £300,000. With new Landlords Kev Taylor and Bev Percy at the helm, they have been quoted as saying “We have been amazed by the dedication and efforts of the community and volunteers” (source BBC News).
The Butchers Arms will – through the dedication of it’s local community no doubt continue to flourish. The co-operative purchase model could well be that the future of local pubs-in-need, turning to their local communities for financial support. Prime Minister David Cameron even visited The Butchers Arms keen to promote the local community spirit as part of his plans to rebuild British society in the wake of the abysmal rioting. You can read the full story on the Lyvennet Community Pub website.
The Butchers Arms is the not the only co-operative owned pub in the county, The Old Crown at Hesket was purchased by more than 100 locals in a similar deal.
If you’ve any comments you’d like to add about The Butchers Arms you can do so in our comments section below or join in the conversation on our Facebook page.
Happy August Bank Holiday
Posted on: August 26th, 2011 by steveh
The August Bank Holiday is upon us BITE readers, the last Bank Holiday of the year. This Bank Holiday is a small reminder that once again people will begin to ask you “what are you doing for Christmas?” It didn’t seem like that long ago we were being pestered with the same questions in 2010. Be prepared this Bank Holiday, the weather for most of the country is looking dry/ cloudy or sunny, you’ll likely be questioned about all of those D.I.Y. jobs that you put your name to at the start of the year, yes… they still need to be done. Forget the looming Autumn/ Winter, get your friends together and get the beers in – maybe fire up the BBQ one last time. Or, get down your local and raise a pint to the last drops of Summer 2011. Cheers!
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