Book Reviews

In his new book, Pete Brown records the creation of working men's clubs by do-gooders in Victorian Britain who wanted to win people away from the "evils" of the pub. When working men took over the clubs, they turned them into successful organisations, with millions of members throughout the country

Added: Wednesday, June 22nd 2022

Jonny Garrett has produced a superb book that covers the world's great beer styles in a refreshingly different fashion, breaking them down into the seasons of the year, discussing the way they are made and the best foods to enjoy with them.

Added: Saturday, June 4th 2022

A book by Harry White on the history of Bass is written by an insider but it's disappointingly thin on the growth of the brewery in the 19th century and its vast export impact with IPA. It also underplays the use of mass advertising post World War Two to fuel the development of keg beer and lager

Added: Monday, May 2nd 2022

In Modern British Beer, Matthew Curtis has trawled the country to find breweries producing beers packed with exciting aromas and flavours. It's not just another book about IPAs, but covers a variety of styles from pale ale to Saison, sour, barley wine, stout and lager

Added: Sunday, August 15th 2021

The Philosophy of Beer by Jane Peyton covers the history of the world's favourite alcohol, from its inception in the Old World, through its arrival in Europe, the introduction of hops, and the scientific understanding of yeast that led to modern lager. The book also covers matching beer and food and the health attributes of moderate consumption.

Added: Monday, April 5th 2021

Melissa Cole's new book while small is not just for drinkers with little knowledge of the subject but contains a lot of information of interest to seasoned drinkers and even fellow beer writers. It covers not only golden Pilsners but Helles, Dunkel, Bock, Schwarz, Zwickel and a myriad of other versions.

Added: Thursday, October 29th 2020

The history of brewing, the raw materials used and the wide range of styles are discussed in a lively new book by writer Natalya Watson, who studied at UCLA in California and then worked for Duvel Moortgat. She currently secretary of the British Guild of Beer Writers and judges in beer competitions as well giving talks and tastings

Added: Tuesday, March 24th 2020

A new edition of Tim Skelton's guide reveals the number of breweries and beer cafes has grown enormously since the first edition in 2014 and there are now many fine styles to enjoy. The guide is a romp through Dutch history and culture and will lead the visitor to a wealth of fine bars and beers

Added: Saturday, February 29th 2020

Ian Clayton, broadcaster and raconteur, has a great love of pubs and good beer. He has travelled widely in his search for beer and pubs, along with sport and music. He has written a book rich in anecdotes of drinking, singing and story-telling along with a pint or three along the way. No pub-and-beer lover should miss it.

Added: Tuesday, March 5th 2019