One of the reasons why we enjoy such a rich variety of real beers in Britain today is due to the efforts of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) which was founded back in 1971 with the aim of ensuring that cask conditioned ales would be available in local pubs. CAMRA has grown to be a big organisation with over 165,000 members. Every year CAMRA publish “Good Beer Guide†and I have recently received a copy of the 2015 edition (CAMRA £15.99). This mighty book (nearly 1000 pages) lists over 4500 pubs which have been recommended by CAMRA members. It also lists the 1,000+ breweries that now operate across the UK. There are also chapters on how beer is brewed, beer festivals and styles of beer. I anxiously turned to the Hampshire section and was pleased to learn that both the Old House at Home, South Street and the Robin Hood, Homewell were listed for Havant. Under Emsworth, the Coal Exchange, South Street gets a mention. There are of course many other pubs in the Borough who serve real ale. For a full listing try the website www.whatpub.com which seems to confirm that almost every pub in the area serves at least one cask conditioned real ale.
Under the section about Breweries, Havant Brewery is listed as a 5 barrel brewer with four main types of beer which are available at some local pubs and clubs and also in bottle form. Emsworth Brewery is also listed as a 2.5 barrel plant. They produce three main brews which are mainly sold in bulk to local drinkers. They recently exhibited at the Emsworth Food Fortnight. If you are interested in beer and regularly visit pubs across the country then the Good Beer Guide is an essential. If you are looking for a present for the beer drinker in your life then I am sure that this publication would be widely appreciated.
CAMRA now publish a wide range of books. See their website http://shop.camra.org.uk/books.html for a full listing. I can recommend “Beer Select-opedia†by Michael Larson (CAMRA) £12.99 which is a very useful publication for people who enjoy trying different types of beer. This book lists over 90 styles ranging from well know brews such as Pale Ale and Best Bitter to the more esoteric drinks such as Russian Stouts, Belgian Red Ales and American Pumpkin Ales. For each style the author gives a detailed description of the beer and makes some recommendations of particular beers to try. It is divided up into sections on British and Irish Ales; Continental Ales; Continental Lagers and American Beers. He also tries to make suggestions as to which food would best complement each beer. This book really fills a gap in the market for the person who wants to try specialist beers but is unsure of what to expect. Not all of the styles of beers are to be found in your local convenience store but you may be surprised at the variety to be found in major supermarkets. The book is also a must if you are planning a holiday in Belgium which is the spiritual home of the beer drinker. The sheer variety of styles of beer produced in that country is just overwhelming.
Another beer book which I enjoying browsing is “1,001 Beers you must try before you die†by Adrian Tierney-Jones (Quintessence Editions 2013) £20. This is more of a coffee table (or should it be beer table?) book in that it comprises of a full description, tasting notes and pictures of 1001 beers from around the world: Anyone for a pint of Antares Argentinian Imperial stout or perhaps a refreshing glass of Tirana, the well-known Albanian pilsner? Whilst only some of the 1001 beers are available in the UK it does make interesting reading and again would make a good present for a beer drinker.
Do ask for a local real ale if you are visiting a pub or when shopping in the supermarket do not just buy the usual brand of mass marketed lager – try something different for a change. Beers are available in a wide variety of styles and tastes, many of which compliment many different foods and will add to your enjoyment of a meal.