News / Beer
‘There’s no reason why Bristol can’t become the UK craft beer capital’
For Greg Wells, co-founder of Bristol Craft Beer Festival which returns to the city from September 14 to 16, bringing the festival back to Bristol “is an annual thrill”.
But he advises Bristol beer lovers attending the popular event to show as much love to the brewers coming from across the UK and further afield than to our own local favourites.
Brewers from near and far will assemble at the Lloyds Amphitheatre this weekend, with the festival moving into a new home to create a larger event.
is needed now More than ever
“This was the first city outside of London that we held a festival, so much about Bristol drew us in and it hasn’t disappointed us over the last three years,” Wells told Bristol24/7.
“We love the Bristol vibe, it’s so laid back. It’s a city where people are eager to have a good time.”
Wells added: “I wonder if Bristolians realise the effect this city’s brew scene is having in other parts of the world and are aware that the brands and beers they see in local pubs and shops around the city are globally revered and loved?
“When we speak to people in the USA or across Europe and talk about Wiper & True or Left Handed Giant, they know exactly who you mean and they’re always excited when a new brew is released. I mean really, for the size of the city, Bristol really punches above its weight.”
This international recognition gives Bristol Craft Beer Festival a boost because people from some of the most exciting breweries across the world all want to come to Bristol and be part of the event.
Breweries coming to Bristol this year include Sierra Nevada and Stone from the USA, Dry & Bitter and Mikkeller from Denmark, Lervig from Norway, Mont Saleve from France, and Alvinne from Belgium.
It is of course important to support Bristol breweries, but Wells says that he cannot fail but raise an eyebrow at the sight of Bristol beer lovers queuing for beers they can buy across the city at any time rather than trying something new.
He said: “The loyalty of Bristol to its own independent businesses is one of the great selling points of the city. It’s what makes this city’s economy so vibrant.
“However, this loyalty can have quite a limiting effect when you’re running a genuinely international event.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for supporting the Bristol breweries, but I’m not the only person involved in this event who finds it a little strange when folk are so focused on what’s local, that they almost miss out on something they’ll never get the chance to try again.
“The event may be called Bristol Craft Beer Festival, but it is an international event and these folk are only here for one weekend. They are guests of the festival, guests of the city and its brew scene, so why not give them some famous Bristol love too?
Wells added: “Everyone should be out celebrating and supporting this fantastic part of the city’s future – craft beer. There’s absolutely no reason why Bristol can’t become the UK’s craft beer capital.
“The quality is there for sure, but from an outsider’s perspective it sometimes seems that Bristol is a little too reticent to shout about its own success. Let’s change that at this year’s festival.”
Bristol Craft Beer Festival 2018 takes place at the Lloyds Amphitheatre from September 14-16. Tickets cost £40 which gets you five hours on the festival site trying as many beers as you like.
For tickets and more information, visit bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk
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