Beer Central Festival, an event filled with more types of beer than I thought possible. Along with cheerful crowds of enthusiasts and those who just want to enjoy an evening out with their circle of people.
When I received the invite, I wasn’t sure if this boozy festival would be for me. I myself don’t drink, so you would naturally assume that it would be a no go for any one who isn’t an over 0% alcohol consumer! But they are usually the events I am more curious to attend, I do enjoy being around people whether they drink or not. It’s more about the people around me and how the night flows that counts for me. So I thought why not and brought my friend along to test the drinks for me.
We arrived at the outdoor space, (Tea Works, Canal St) which was holding the event and everything was very straightforward and efficient with no issues. On entry we were given a glass each, to keep and use throughout the night, to try different drinks.
Already happy that I had a memento to take home, we wandered around to see what Beer Central had to offer and found heated marquees housing many different vendors. All with their own flavoured beers and ales, some with very high percent drinks and interesting flavours that smelt delicious and I am told by my drinking buddy, tasted as good as the aroma.
Some had merchandise for sale and yes if there is a t-shirt there, you bet I will buy it. So thank you Black Iris Brewery and your stunning designs, I love my new purchase. Their imperial stout called ’Limp Bizcoff’ also seemed to be very popular, as we heard a fair few people recommending it.
Other favourites sampled from the night by my companion were ‘Intuition’ and ‘Currents’ by Attic Brew co, Hackney Brewery’s ‘Swell of The Sea’ and there was a lovely one from Brixton Brewery, that unfortunately we didn’t get the name of because the bar tender chose for us.
With my friend slightly drunk and myself fed with good food and dressed in a top that I didn’t arrive in, we exited the event. Both of us collected our tote bags, filled with vouchers and snacks, leaving feeling extremely happy with the atmosphere, company and overall function of Beer Central Festival.
Being able to drink as many of these alcoholic beverages as you like, for the price of just £50 when purchasing your ticket, obviously leaves the punters swaying a little. Thankfully there were food stalls and they sold soft drinks, water and some amazing dishes too.
Chakana’s food drew us in immediately and most definitely didn’t disappoint, we both had the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato each and shared a portion of plantain. It was heavenly!
Obviously you have to follow savoury with sweet, so biscoff churros with cinnamon sugar were a must. Even sharing one with a very funny man, who had been enthusiastically talking about our dessert from the table next to us, in hopes we relinquish one to him. Also there was Big Kid Ice Cream and if it wasn’t for how cold that evening was, I’d of without a doubt bought myself some of the McDonalds fries flavour because that intrigues me!
But most fitting for me was Claudias Kitchen, who are the loveliest people that make incredibly tasty flavoured nuts and pork crackling. These snacks always remind me of the days of sitting in the social clubs with my family, everyone with pints in hand and a bag of scratchings or peanuts in the middle of the table to share.
We were able to taste lots of them before buying, which was very kind and I made sure to purchase some to take home for everyone to try and highly recommend their Jamaican Jerk flavour!
There was also a Stage with DJ’s playing from start to finish and games like shuffleboard and cornhole, which is very funny to watch when people have had a drink.
With my friend slightly drunk and myself fed with good food and dressed in a top that I didn’t arrive in, we exited the event. Both of us collected our tote bags, filled with vouchers and snacks, leaving feeling extremely happy with the atmosphere, company and overall function of Beer Central Festival.
I will go again and yes I know most people will be thinking, what’s the point in paying for something when you can’t sample the main things they offer?
Well all I can say is, If I am able have a good time at a place that isn’t exactly catered to me, then it most definitely is worth the ticket price.
Words by Wallis Brown for Grapevine Birmingham. *photos © by https://www.instagram.com/wallis.jr/