The Shrewsbury Beer Festival is on now until Saturday 11th September. It is held in St Mary’s Church, which makes a beautiful backdrop for exploring the real ales on offer. You are really spoiled for choice in having 111 live ales to choose from. The line-up has been carefully curated and really is excellent. There is plenty of local beer on offer, as well as a few specials from breweries further afield.
If beer’s not your thing, head to the cider & perry bar, or grab yourself a gin or glass of Prosecco. There are also some snacks available, including cobs and delicious sausage rolls. It is a family-friendly event, with a nice little play area for smaller children. And there is plenty of seating, so pull up a pew and make yourself comfortable!
My Beer Festival Selection
I really enjoyed the honey mild Every Saint from Chapter Brewing. The mild was smooth to drink and had just a light touch of honey, so it wasn’t cloying. A refreshing drop and a nice sessionable start to the day. Great work from the north-western brewery.
My favourite tipple of the day was Totally Brewed‘s Small Batch #9. This was a moderately weighted stout from a great Nottingham brewery. At 6% I kept it for the end of the my visit, but I loved the roasty-toasty coffee notes in there. Smooth drinking indeed.
What’s the deal with the beer festival?
CAMRA beer festivals are organised and run by volunteers. You pay your admission which includes a festival glass and enough tokens from 3 half pints of beers 6% and under. Then you simply head to the bars and pick your poison. If you’re not sure what to order, ask for help from the bar team. They will be happy to give you a little taster before you order to make sure you like it.
More tokens can be purchased in the venue. If you don’t want to keep your glass, you can return it for £2.80 when you leave. Tokens are also refundable if you have a couple left over.
If you want to know more about the Campaign For Real Ale, why not read my book, 50 Years of CAMRA? It has been named the best beer book in the world for 2022!
🐐 Tickets are £12, £9 for CAMRA members. Join CAMRA on the day and you’ll get some free beer tokens.
🐐 St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury