We Drank GOLD…

The great and the good all gathered for a night to celebrate British Beer. And who are we to turn down an invitation like that? The evening was hosted by Mark Hix and beer guru Rupert Ponsonby and its aim was simple: get Britons to back beer. Rupert gave a rousing speech about the need for everyone from politicians to the press to make more of an effort to champion our national drink.

Mark Hix added “I would like there to be similar events for brewers, farmers, politicians, publicans and celebrity brewers across Britain. I would also like to see an event in the House of Parliament linking farmers, brewers and politicians. We need feedback, energy and ideas as to how we put our national drink, beer, central to our culture and placed on the gastronomic pedestal it deserves. It’s about time that we Brits are prouder of our National Drink.”

Tony Hadley, Brian Turner and Valentine Warner charmed their way round the room and we even spotted Alex James at the bar. The tasting included HIX Oyster Ale by Mark Hix, Chalky’s Bite by Rick Stein, Hadley’s Gold by Tony Hadley and Stinger Nettle Beer by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. And the award for best canapé definitely went to the quail’s scotch eggs.