Great British Beer Festival at Your Local
4th August 2021
4th August 2021
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is encouraging beer and pub lovers across the UK to get back to the pub this summer with its Great British Beer Festival at Your Local initiative.
The initiative that takes place until 8th August suggests beer, cider and pub lovers come together to support the UK venues that have struggled throughout lockdowns and restrictions for over a year.
Following a tumultuous time owing to the pandemic, Great British Beer Festival at Your Local is honouring the creativity, community and resiliency of the UK’s small and independent pubs and bars by reminding beer lovers that ‘local beer is better’.
CAMRA’s National Chairman Nik Antona says: “Pubs matter and are a vital part of our communities up and down the country. I’m urging everyone who can to get back down to their local pub, social club or brewery taproom. People are really enjoying socialising again, and the wellbeing benefits of having a pint at the local. It is also vital that we give as much support as possible to local breweries and cider producers to our pubs so that they can survive and thrive after an exceptionally difficult year.”
Ann Obenchain, Marketing Director of the Brewers Association, adds: “Small and independent craft breweries and pubs have faced many hardships over the past year. When COVID-19 hit, many were forced to change their entire business models overnight. Fast forward to 2021, and we are finally able to envision gathering with friends and family at local bars and pubs again, now and in the near future. It is about more than just delicious beer; it’s about community and showing support for hometown taprooms, brewpubs, and breweries.”
GBBF at Your Local is running various competitions throughout the event, including giveaways of tickets to the Great British Beer Festival 2022. The GBBF at Your Local team will also be sharing images of festivals and events on social media with the hashtags #GBBF #AtYourLocal.
For further information about getting involved, visit local.gbbf.org.uk
On 6th August 2021, it is also International Beer Day (IBD). IBD was founded in 2007 and has been celebrated on the first Friday of August each year. The purpose of the day is to discover and enjoy beer, and to acknowledge the people who make and serve it.
IBD is observed in more than 80 countries and often includes new or rare releases, all-day happy hours and participating establishments, special brewery tours and more.
Industry experts reaffirm the importance of supporting craft products and brewers. They note craft beer’s contribution to flavour innovation, especially in markets where choices beyond top mainstream brands are limited.
Steve Parr, Export Development Programme Manager of the Brewers Association, says: “International Beer Day is a great day to try a new name you’ve never sipped before. We want more people enjoying full-flavoured, authentic quality craft beer.”
For more information about International Beer Day, plus some great beer inspiration, visit: craftbeer.com.
The Pantiles has a variety of independently owned pubs and bars where you can celebrate The Great British Beer Festival and International Beer Day. Venues include:
The Pantiles Tap is a 16-tap real ale and craft beer paradise in the heart of The Pantiles with ever-changing cask ales and craft beers, both UK sourced and imported. If keg beer isn’t your thing, then try one of their bottled beverages, or select from the fantastic range of locally sourced artisan ciders.
“A truly wonderful and welcoming pub. A real craft beer place with wonderful knowledgeable staff and if you ask the hilarious landlord nicely a secret selection of Caribbean rum. It’s a true home from home for anybody local or visitor to the area. I could not recommend enough!”
– Phil W, Speaking about The Pantiles Tap
By day The Ragged Trousers offers excellent brasserie style food in a casual dining environment. By night it is a thriving pub offering the best of Kent and Sussex ale and an extensive list of lagers, craft beers, wines and spirits.
“One of the best Pubs in Tunbridge Wells. The Ragged Trousers is alive with activity. The place is not very large but it produces great food along with a good choice of beverages. The food and drinks are very reasonable and the staff provide exceptional service.”
– Charlotte M
Situated on Sussex Mews behind The Pantiles Corn Exchange sits one of Tunbridge Wells’ most historic pubs. Tucked away through Coach and Horse Passage, The Sussex is the area’s best-kept secret. The pub hosts regular pub quizzes, regular DJ nights, and little gigs that often make for a great first visit. They offer real ale from six hand-pulls, craft beers, and an ever expanding wine and spirits list.
“The Sussex is a rustic pub with a great welcome by all staff. A great place to visit on a Sunday lunchtime. Truly took me back to what a pub is all about.”
– Shelly H
The Duke of York offers an elegant welcome to the Royal Borough with craft beers, real ales and fresh food served in a stylishly refurbished setting. Grade II listed, it is a place that seamlessly blends old with new.
Head to The Pantiles this week and support your local!
#PubsMatter #GBBF #AtYourLocal #BeerDay