Summer has finally arrived, and with it comes beer festival season!
I’ve already had the pleasure of catching up with industry peers at CAMRA’s Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family at Gateshead Beer & Music Festival, Rigg & Furrow’s From the Land event, and Hadrian Border’s 30th Birthday Beer Festival.
Looking ahead – Durham Brewery is gearing up for its 30th anniversary celebrations, and there are new events from Twice Brewed, Sunderland Craft Beer Festival, and Full Circle.
There’s been a lot of chatter about the growing number of people choosing not to drink alcohol. However, my recent visits to Stu Brew events at Newcastle University tell a different story. These Brewery Bash events are open to everyone, not just students, and are a fantastic way to engage with the next generation of beer enthusiasts.
In keeping with my promise to explore new places this year, I visited House in Heaton – which has been on my list since it opened in September. Owned by the same folks behind The Town Mouse, this is a great place for people-watching and working through the draught beer list. They also have an extensive wine menu and host regular tasting events.
I’ve also been attending more gigs. From The Boss in the rain at the Stadium of Light (with a pit stop at Vaux Brewery’s Taproom) to enjoying smaller, more intimate performances at venues like The Central Bar, The Cumberland Arms, Pop Recs and The Cluny – our live music scene is thriving.
As for my upcoming beer adventures, I’ll be diving back into the world of beer judging and heading to Norwich for the first round of the World Beer Awards. Then I have a trip to London for the International Beer Challenge.
Here’s to a summer filled with great beer, good music and unforgettable experiences. Cheers!
Daisy Turnell is a beer judge, freelance marketing consultant, and owner of Craft Beer Newcastle.
www.craftbeernewcastle.co.uk
