Reviews

Join Des's great London beer trek

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
Curtis: beer is blooming in Britain

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
A paean of praise for London's pubs

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
Brilliant romp through beer's history

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
Little book with nuggets of beery joy

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
Beer styles: Watson is in her element

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
Dutch beer no longer in thrall to Belgium

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
On the right track for beer and trains

Bob Barton has produced a loving guide that lists station bars and refreshment rooms offering good beer, along with preserved steam lines with real ale on board. The book also has a fascinating history of how trains and stations started to offer food and drink when the "iron way" replaced coaches
Added: Friday, September 20th 2019
Ian Clayton: memoirs of a pub-going man

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
Book captures glory of Sheffield pubs

Steel City may have lost its industry but Sheffield still has a large number of magnificent pubs, many of them dating from the late 18th and 19th centuries when they were built to refresh an army of thirsty steel workers. In spite of the best efforts of big brewers and pub companies to wreck Sheffield's pub heritage, many outlets have been restored to their former glory and their stories are told in Sheffield's Real Heritage Pubs
Added: Sunday, October 28th 2018