The Great British Beer Festival

jp_bl_68

jp_bl_68

jp_bl_68

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Kicks off next week. A mate gave me a ticket. I've never been before so I'm not sure what to expect. I want to try as much as possible without getting too wasted to remember if any of it was any good.

Has anyone here been to the festival/is anyone here attending this year's event?
 
I've been to many CAMRA festivals before and was at GBBF a few years ago. I'd go this year but I'm a bit strapped for cash at the moment.

When you get there, you'll have to pay £2 for a glass (you can either keep it as a souvenir or hand it in to get your £2 back at the end). The glass will have marks on it for 1 pint, 1/2 pint and 1/3 pint. My advice would be to study the beer list in advance (you can find the list in the online programme here) to decide what ales/ciders you want to try and stick to 1/2s or 1/3s. You'll know your own limits so try to be realistic about the number of ales you can try. I usually get a programme and make notes against the ales I try so I can remember what I've had. My usual strategy is to try 4 or 5 1/2s or 1/3s and then have a pint of my favourite from them and repeat until I reach my limit. Another tip is to start with weaker ales first and leave the stronger ones until later.

Also, there will be food there so have some food at some point - when I was at GBBF, they had amazing Aberdeen Angus burgers. There will also be stalls and games so, take a break and wander around them.

If you want a seat, you'll need to get there earlyish. I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience and I'm very jealous. Have fun :)
 
as has been said have 3rd measures and take it slow. it depends on how much you can usually drink too, you might be gone after 3 pints or you might be fine after 7.

I can usually tell when i've had enough as you are walking around and taking a while to drink it.

also (and this works better at the cider stall) ask for samples of the ones you want to try before getting one you want
 
Went to the Cambridge beer festival earlier in the year, really good. Not sure I'd enjoy the London one as much not having a fenced off field to relax in the sun.
 
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I've been as part of a stag do a couple of years back - it was great.

Take lots of money and try lots of different things. Probably best to go for 1/2s or 1/3s so you can try lots of things.

Also, lambic beers are delicious. Get some of those down you.
 
lopkinfop said:
also (and this works better at the cider stall) ask for samples of the ones you want to try before getting one you want
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Forgot about this. They'll happily give you a small taster of anything so you can see if you like it before you purchase. My local pub does this with their ales as well - saves buying stuff you don't like.
 
Good advice from Stan although my strategy is slightly different. I don't really bother studying the lists to start with, I'll just look to see what I like the name of and what I've not had before. The whole point for me is to try new stuff. I'll also start with the weaker beers and work up in strength.

And food is important, look for the Aberdeen Angus burger stall. They're not cheap but boy were they good when we were there last time.

It's a shame I can't make it this year but I've got so much going on that it's just not practical to get there.
 
Yea, don't do what my brother did and randomly pick one based on the strength otherwise you'll end up with a 9% stout that taste like dish water.
 
Feek said:


And food is important, look for the Aberdeen Angus burger stall. They're not cheap but boy were they good when we were there last time.
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Photo of aforementioned burger:

The_8_50Burger.jpg


Ahleckz said:
How many different types of beer do they have?
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According to the programme, over 700 - including ciders, perries and foreign beers :eek:
 
I'll be there Friday - even booked the day off for it! Always a good laugh and as always will be looking out for my local microbrewery, Triple fff.

Personally I seek out the pies in terms of food - it's pretty much the only time of the year I'll have one as it seems most fitting. Inevitably I will end up visiting at least three other food stalls throughout the afternoon though! It's a pretty diverse beer festival in both food and drink, as you'd expect.
 
Gutted I can't go. Been to a feww beer festivals recently but that one look fantastic.

If I was going then I'd most likely stay away from the British beers and head straight for the American and Dutch ones as your unlikely to come across them anytime soon.

The Czech Bernard is very nice, they sell it in a pub in York and it's always one of the highlights of a trip there.
 
Just got back.

Thirds didn't happen. Just felt too unnatural. Ordered halves instead.

The Thwaites stand is a must. Wainwright is lovely.

Tried some lambic beers. They taste like vomit.

Biggest let down: Chocolate and Orange Stout. The aroma promises so much but the taste completely fails to deliver.
 
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