The Great British Beer Festival is returning to Olympia London this week boasting more than a thousand beers from 250 breweries all under one roof.
Taking place from 6-10 August, this is a festival not to be missed for anyone with an interest in the drinks industry. Don’t forget to check this year’s brand new features.
Live craft beer
Craft breweries including Tiny Rebel, Magic Rock, Wild Beer Co and Siren will bring you their favourite beers, all served from recyclable KeyKeg containers to ensure not only that they taste amazing but are as eco-friendly as possible at the Pioneer Pavilion.
Discovery Zone
Bringing together some of the most influential, highly regarded and emerging brewing talent in the country, the Discovery Zone gives festival-goers the unique opportunity to learn more about their favourite drinks and take part in comparative cask and keg tastings at Stand 45 in the Goldings Glasshouse.
Brewery Independents
These breweries are bringing their own unique style and identity to the festival showcasing their coolest bar design and incredible range of beer in the Goldings Glasshouse:
Adnams ( B12), Harveys (B17a), Five Points (B2a), St Austell (B17b), Anspach & Hobday (B15), Arkell’s (B11), Ascot (B15), Beartown (B2b), Bedlam (B11), Beer Monkey (B14), Big Hand (B11), Bishop Nick (B15), Bradfield (B15), Angels & Demons (B14), Dawkins (B15), Gorgeous (B14), Greyhound (B14), Loch Lomond (B14), Moon Gazer (B11), Padstow (B11), Quantock (B14), Reunion (B11), Roosters (B2b), Salcombe (B2b), Tatton (B15), Titanic (B11), Twickenham (B14) and Wimbledon (B2b).
In addition, Fullers will be hosting a VIP tasting of their Vintage Ale at 12:30 pm on the Trade Day (Tuesday 6 August).
Tutored Tastings
Tutored tastings are the perfect way to learn more about your favourite drink. New to this year include tastings on USA beer styles, hosted by the Brewers’ Association, Cider Styles 101, Adnam’s tasting and a Home Brewing course to help you learn how to start making your own brews. For more info and tickets visit the Membership Stand R1.
Wine & Gin Bar
After the popularity of last year’s gin and wine offering, we have tripled our selection this year to keep up with demand. We will be featuring some of the best original and flavoured gins to be found across the UK as well as brewery produced guest-gins. We will also have a range of prosecco, red, rose and white wine so that there is something for everyone at bar B16 in the Goldings Glasshouse.
Non-alcoholic, gluten-free, veggie and vegan brews
Once again, Braxzz brewery will be returning to the festival to showcase their range of non-alcoholic beers including a new 0% ABV cider this year. Don’t compromise on flavour – visit them at stall S14.
In addition, there is a dedicated vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free beer list available.
Champion Beer of Britain announcement
As usual, we will be announcing the best beer in Britain on the festival trade day (6 August) at 3 pm on the main stage. The winning brew and finalists in the competition will be on tap throughout the week of the festival to sample but don’t delay – these sought-out brews are often the first to disappear.
Most importantly… free beer!
As part of CAMRA’s Summer of Pub campaign, festival-attendees will be encouraged to take a selfie and use the hashtag #SummerofPub with our travelling instagram frame at the festival for the chance to win free beer tokens. The winner will be chosen and announced on social media each day at 4 pm.
To find your way around, check out our floor plan here.
The festival opening times are:
- Tuesday 6th August – 12 noon-5pm (Trade Session)
- Tuesday 6th August – 5pm-10:30 pm (Public Session)
- Wednesday 7th August – 12 noon-10:30 pm
- Thursday 8th August – 12 noon-10:30 pm
- Friday 9th August – 12 noon-10:30 pm
- Saturday 10th August – 11am-7:00 pm