Discover the Great British Beer Festival 2025 at the NEC Birmingham – Bigger, Bolder, Better!

The Great British Beer Festival is back and in 2025, we’re taking things to the next level! For the first time ever, the Great British Beer Festival will be held at the iconic NEC in Birmingham, the UK’s premier events venue. This exciting new location means more space, more brews, and even more opportunities to celebrate the best in British and international beer. For more information, see GBBF the Great British Beer Festival.

The recent developments around Whitbread, Premier Inns and adjacent branded pubs, have highlighted the importance of the Government incorporating a pub definition into planning law. As matters stand, there are zones of confusion both between pubs and restaurants and pubs and hotels. After much research and consultation, CAMRA have revised it's definition of pubs and clubs.

In summary, the CAMRA definition of a Pub is that the licensed premises must: (1) be open to and welcome the general public without requiring membership or residency and without charging for admission* (2) allow drinking on the premises without requiring food to be consumed. *Except when entertainment is provided on limited occasions when an entry charge may apply. You will note that definition no longer requires at least one draught beer, due to changes in way many pubs and pubs now function.

If you have a spare 10 minutes, full definition is see CAMRA Definition of Pubs & Clubs 2024 which is within Members area of our national website.

Thames Side Brewery have received some very special one off CASK ALES all the way from the US of A. These would normally have gone to GBBF but following it's cancellation, have been distributed around UK organisers of NERAX, the New England Real Ale Exhibition in Boston, of which Thames Side Brewery is one. The six casks include three different ones from Backbeat Brewing in Beverley, Massachusetts, with whom Andy has done several collaborations, and three from other New England breweries.

The transport costs and taxes are substantial, so beer price will reflect this, even though Andy basically knocking it out at cost price to him. This will be a unique opportunity as US brewers generally only produce cask beers twice a year, for NERAX & GBBF, and will be worth paying for. They will be on as special guest beers at Thames Side Brewery so keep an eye out.

CAMRA promotes responsible drinking and recognises the harmful effects of excessive levels of alcohol consumption. Fundraising and awareness campaigning from charities which seeks to reduce harmful alcohol consumption should be welcomed. However, we do not believe that these present a complete solution to harmful drinking, as they remove trade from pubs and clubs, where the sale and consumption of alcohol is controlled and in a community setting.

We campaign to ensure that consumers are presented with a balanced view on the debate around alcohol harm and responsible drinking and, and believe pubs and social clubs are the safest place to drink. Given the financial pressures currently faced by the trade, it is particularly important that consumers visit and support their local pubs and clubs, where there also lots of non-alcohol alternatives.

Harvey's Brewery has launched Pells Pale Ale, named after the Sussex word for a body of water, in this case drawn up from their own artesian wells. Produced with Motueka and UK hops, Pells Pale is described as hop forward, with citrus aromas, a fruity palate, and a subtly bitter finish. Who'll be the first to find and try it? Let us know if you do.

On Saturday 29th June, several members enjoyed our latest Windsor Walkabout. We met up at the King & Castle , right opposite Windsor Castle. Fortunately beer choice in downstairs bar was better than the main one, which is probably aimed at huge tourist numbers nearby. Things picked up when we strolled out to the Windsor Trooper which had a wide selection of ales, friendly charming staff, and a patio to enjoy the unusual sunshine. We followed up with the Hoppy Place with some great beers, and where a credit card is particularly useful. We then did the Windsor Beer Mile which involved the well established Windsor & Eton Brewery,. Also the new kids on the block (well under the arches) Two Flints Brewery and adjacent Indie Rabble Taproom.

A great day, but where shall we go next? Got an idea, please Contact Branch.