Anyone going? Anyone been before? http://www.norwichadvertiser24.co.u...arted_for_the_city_of_ale_festival_1_4043152?
Is today Wednesday 22nd April??. Too right I'll be going and have been to the previous ones as well as you get some ales from some of the micro breweries around Norfolk. I know someone who tries to get his card stamped in each of the 50 or so pubs, so that he gets a free t-shirt!!
To think that in the early 70's I used to drive from Norwich to the Red Lion at Cromer twice a week to get a decent pint. The only places in Norwich where you could get Cask Ale were the Wild Man ( Tolly Cobbold but not always on ), The Boundary Hotel ( Adnams but not well kept ) and the Maids Head Hotel ( Greene King IPA - again not always in good condition ). God bless CAMRA!!!
I've been to city of ale the last two years, just for a fun filled Saturday two years ago. But last year we did a half in each of the 44 pubs to get our T - shirts. I'd love to have done pints in each but we only had the two days. Blooming good they were too. Got the first 28 stamps on day one, for a more relaxed day two. Some good live music and some nice people about. Missing it this year as some selfish b'stard is getting married on the bank holiday weekend. And her indoors wont let me change it! Bah! I really must research these things better! Will definitely miss a few anniversaries in future for it Bah!
It's the same CAMRA that is getting itself into a mucking fuddle over Craft Beer. Officially they do not support craft beer unless it meets the definition of 'real ale' but individuals within the organisation seem to want to take that further and ' recognise ' anything brewed by a microbrewer. In the meantime big brewers and supermarkets seem to define craft beer as anything remotely British and sell mass produced ale by huge breweries under the guise of craft beers. Camra are causing confusion and need to nip this in the bud now by clearly setting out the definition of real ale and laying down that anything else is not acceptable to CAMRA whether it is brewed by Marstons or by a cardigan wearing eco-warrior in the Cotswolds. I joined CAMRA in the 70's and was a founder member of the local Branch. Any altering of the definition of real ale will see my membership card torn up.
Here I sit on my veranda feeling sorry for myself that I am missing the wonderful Canaries, and now you remind me I am also missing wonderful real ale. Thanks a bunch.
Anything to oblige old chap. Did I mention my visit to the Fat Cat last week. 22 real ales all lined up and the 6 I tried, whilst discussing the fortunes of NCFC with my 3 mates and 2 others in the Pub who joined in, were superb. Homesick yet?
