Reviews

In a major study of the history of women brewers, Dr Christina Wade shows how the Black Death of the 14th century diminished their role and men came to dominate commercial beer making. But today many more women are running breweries and they ae supported by women writers and lecturers.

Added: Friday, September 6th 2024

Matthew Curtis has written and photographed a fine new guide to the bars, pubs and breweries of Manchester and has linked them to the city's long history of brewing. Several old family breweries have survived and they have been joined by a host of new small producers in recent years. The enjoyment of beer in the city is heightened by the many superb pubs, both ancient and modern

Added: Saturday, November 18th 2023

David Jesudason has written a remarkable guide to desi pubs that offer not only good beer and exceptional food but are also at the vanguard of combatting racism in society. He has found pubs that once operated all-white colour bars but now welcome people from all ethnic backgrounds and offer food with its roots in Asian culture and history.

Added: Sunday, June 11th 2023

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

The third edition of Des de Moor's guide to London pubs records a remarkable increase in the number of breweries operating in the capital -- up from 14 in the last edition to 140 today. The guide takes beer lovers on a dizzying trek round London, visiting the best pubs and breweries large and small, and noting the vast range of beer styles now available

Added: Sunday, November 21st 2021

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

Matthew Curtis and Orlando Gili have given London pubs a much-needed boost with a gem of a book that lists 52 of the finest pubs in London. They list pubs in all parts of the capital, ranging from old coaching inns to modern watering holes, including one converted from a mock-Tudor public convenience

Added: Thursday, June 3rd 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