Latest news with #NationalBeerDay
Leader Live
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Leader Live
Favourite Flintshire and Wrexham pubs for summer pint
With the warmer weather drawing in, many of us will be wondering where in Flintshire and Wrexham we can stop to quench our thirst. With that in mind, and in honour of National Beer Day on June 15, we asked our readers; "Where's your favourite pub for a pint in the summer?" Joeanne Francis said: "Ship Hotel in Flint, great pub and best bar staff ever." Mark Probert agreed saying; "100% big Ship. Run like a proper pub. Fantastic company, bar staff welcoming and friendly, nothing too much for them, a good laugh every time you go in, highly recommended." Sue Pritchard told us; "The Top Monkey in Northop Hall. Very friendly and licensees are great." Lee Griffiths added: "Fat Boar, Wrexham, lovely outdoor area, great staff and good beer." Emma Nethercroft said: "The Black Lion in Buckley, been my local since I turned 18 , always welcoming and clean friendly atmosphere." Matt Hellen agreed, adding: "The Black Lion in Buckley - great place for a summer drink. Awesome friendly staff." Related reading Darren Beacher added: "The Melrose in Shotton is a great pint in a great atmosphere, proper pub!" Val Johns said: "The Fox and Grapes (Hawarden). Plenty of places to sit in sun or shade and a great pub." Mike Scott said: "Bridge End in Ruabon absolutely." Some of the other pubs mentioned by readers were;
The Guardian
14-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Raise a glass to National Beer Day: tips on the perfect pint
I didn't write a Valentine's Day column, I also didn't do one for Mother's Day, and I won't be doing one for Father's Day, either. Who am I to tell you how to enjoy your time with your most beloved – and who am I to tell you what they ought to be drinking, seeing as these days that's invariably informed by gendered marketing and targeted campaigns? The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. I am, however, writing a column for National Beer Day on 15 June (the same as Father's Day – yawn). Why am I doing this? Well, today is the night before, AKA New Beers' Eve, and isn't a pun as glorious as that worth celebrating? If you're taking the time to observe the occasion, it's worth enjoying your beer properly, so the ideal is to enjoy a pint in a pub, where the nectar is poured fresh, the lines are clean, the glassware is bespoke (ideally), and the server doesn't care whether you live or die (unideally). But if you'd rather pay £3 instead of the new national average of £5 for a single beer, you're probably better off staying home, so I asked some industry folk, each of them no stranger to replicating the best drinking experiences in a domestic setting, how to achieve the perfect serve without leaving the house. For Matthew Curtis, drinks writer and founder of drinks magazine Pellicle, it all starts with the cleanliness of the glass, which is, naturally, a little more tricky to achieve at home than at a bar, where specialist kit is involved. 'Clean it thoroughly with hot, soapy water and using a dedicated brush. If you use a dishwasher, you're going to get oil and residue on the glass, which will cause nucleation of bubbles on the insides and your beer won't keep a head. Also, before use, always rinse the glass with cold water to make sure there's no dirt on it.' Elizabeth Townsend, meanwhile, may own Kerroo Brewing Co, but at home she uses an Edel stemmed glass to get the most from her beer: 'It keeps your drink nice and cold, because you're not holding on to it like a pint glass, plus the rim allows more aromas to get to your nose.' Karen Edith Millar, who runs All Good Beer's bottle shop in east London, has another, more unexpected, tip: 'You can make any rubbish lager from the back of the fridge instantly drinkable by chucking a dash of Campari into it, because the bitterness of the Campari takes away that sweet flavour you can get in more cheaply made beers. If you're a fan of a west coast IPA's hoppy bitterness, for instance, it will really scratch that itch.' That said, if you're anything like me and a beer has a maximum life expectancy of about two hours once it gets through your front door, there may not be any rubbish lagers in your fridge to begin with, so this week's pick features a selection of brilliant beers that require no additions. Kirin Ichiban Premium Beer First Press £3.80 (500ml) Starry Mart, 5%. A delicate malt beer from Japan. I'd really recommend their Black Raw, too. Vault City Raspberry Sour £3.50 (440ml) Vault City, 5%. A fruity and tart sour beer from Edinburgh. The Kernel Imperial Brown Stout, London 1856 £5.60 (330ml) The Kernel, 9.6%. Deep coffee notes, and a stout that isn't Guinness! Erdinger Alkoholfrei £1.75 (500ml) Sainsbury's, 0.5%. A tasty, malty wheat beer for the tee(ish)-totallers.
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Cheapest pint in Scotland as Ayrshire is comes out on top
Kilmarnock and Ayr are among the cheapest places in the UK to buy a pint of beer. Two Ayrshire towns are among the top 10 in Scotland and the UK for having the cheapest pints in the county. Research from hospitality organisation Alliance Online, has revealed that both Ayr and Kilmarnock make the top 10 list with Kilmarnock at the top of the Scottish table. Ahead of National Beer Day (Sunday, June 15), the research found that the average cost of a pint in Kilmarnock is just £3.25 while Ayr is only slightly more expensive at £3.50. The average pint in the UK now costs £5.17 so your location can make a significant difference. Depending on where you raise your glass, you could end up paying far more - or pleasantly less - than the national average. Across Scotland, only Dunfermline, Glenrothes (both £3.40) and Kilmarnock have cheaper pints than Ayr. Kilmarnock has the lowest average cost for a pint in Scotland and the fourth-lowest in the UK. Only Wrexham (£2), Bury (£2.75) and Bolton (£3.10) have a cheaper pint than Ayrshire. Accumulating 23 years of industry experience, Alliance Online is one of the leading suppliers of catering products to the hospitality and public sectors in the UK and Ireland. Commenting on the findings, Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online said: 'Our study shows that customers can still very much get a bargain beer if they look for one, with the cost of a pint varying depending on where you live in the UK. 'We were surprised to see such low prices in unexpected places that have well-reviewed local pubs. This is good news for locals and tourists alike. 'It is worth noting that no matter how cheap establishments price their beer, cleanliness of beer lines should remain a top priority. 'This is because not cleaning beer lines properly could risk a poor food hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency. See our selection of beerline cleaners online.'
Time Out
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
National beer day: which food pairs best to enjoy a aeer
French fries, pizza, burgers are easy answers to the question: What's the best food to accompany a beer? But what if I told you that a Neapolitan milanesa can be an excellent match for an Imperial IPA, or a Caesar salad for an Imperial APA? Every May 31st in Argentina, National Beer Day is celebrated—a date that emerged through social media to honor a drink that has deep cultural roots in our country. To celebrate, we suggest you grab a beer (of course!), but pay attention to the flavors of that experience. 'When the customer is willing to accept pairing recommendations, we're talking about the search for an experience that changes a moment. That's when we talk about audiences ready to enjoy 100% and to live new flavors and combinations,' explains Pedro Demuru, chef at Imperial Beerhouse, a restaurant/bar where pairings are part of the menu. "When the customer is willing to accept pairing recommendations, we're talking about the search for an experience that changes a moment" How is beer made? An interesting fact not everyone knows is that this drink is made up of 80% to 90% water. To that primary ingredient, several others are added, like malt, which gives color depending on its roast level: golden, amber, or dark. Depending on the type of malt, the beer's aroma will be: biscuit, bread, caramel, nut, chocolate, or dried fruits. Yeasts are added next, which start the fermentation process. Finally, hops are added, which give bitterness to each beer. If a beer has more hops than malt, it will be more bitter (like an Imperial IPA, for example). What food pairs best to enjoy a beer? 'Basic advice: strong-flavored foods go with stronger beers. Conversely, with milder beers, I recommend playing a bit with the sweet notes that may appear in the food,' adds Demuru. If we talk about popular flavors in our country, the choripán is undoubtedly one of the most requested sandwiches. No one disputes that it goes very well with beer, but with which style? One that is light-bodied but with a dry finish. For example, the Imperial Extra Lager is perfect because it has a distinctive flavor from its special malts and hops. It's also an excellent option for lighter foods like grilled chicken, fresh salmon, salads, and cold cuts. You might also like: The best beers to drink in winter A national dish you probably ate recently is locro (in this article, we share the best places to try it in the city). What do you think is the perfect pairing? Probably, the answer would be a light beer that can balance all the intense flavors of this hearty, rich stew. The Imperial IPA stands out with its medium-light body and dry, bitter finish. If you're a fan of this beer, which we know has many followers, you should also try it with Mexican dishes or highly seasoned food. If you're not into locro but like shepherd's pie or slow-cooked meats, the Imperial Cream Stout must be on the menu. Medium-bodied, creamy, with notes of coffee and chocolate, it pairs very well with aged cheeses and any dessert. Contrary to popular belief, it is a low-bitterness beer. A beer for every moment Let's say this weekend you're gathering with your family for homemade pasta with filetto sauce and you're in charge of bringing drinks. What drink to bring? The Imperial Red has a light, balanced body with a dry finish and pairs very well with these flavors thanks to its caramel and coffee notes. Sauces like chimichurri or goulash also match perfectly. These weekly moments are often 'cheat days' with takeout. Pizzas, fries, empanadas, and snacks pair very well with a particular beer: the Imperial Golden. It's extremely light, highly carbonated, smooth, and fresh. Ideal for hot days, it also goes great with spicy foods because its immediate effect is to refresh the throat. Now, if the plan is during the week for an office lunch, a good salad or a fresh dish like a chicken sandwich can be good options. Add an Imperial APA, and it turns into an unforgettable moment. Golden with a balanced bitterness (less than IPA) and floral notes, it's a subtle beer that goes very well with these dishes and others like nuggets and quesadillas. 'The most important thing when enjoying is to be happy. It sounds like a joke but it's the truth. We could talk about technical sheets and flavors, but for me, the most important thing is everyone's palate and following personal taste instinct. Luckily, at Imperial, one thing we don't lack is variety,' Demuru concludes. "The most important thing is everyone's palate and following personal taste instinct" The key to a good pairing is always in balancing flavors. So you know, every time you cook for your friends, choose a bar for a beer, or need to bring a drink to a gathering, think about the flavors and the experience will be unforgettable.
Local Germany
29-04-2025
- General
- Local Germany
Everything you need know about Germany's sacred 'Biergarten' culture
Germany celebrated its National Beer Day on April 23rd. The day itself commemorates the introduction of a law in 1516 which set out strict regulations for brewing and selling beer in Bavaria. The world's oldest consumer protection law still in use, Bavaria's Reinheitsgebot decreed that beer stopped being beer as soon as it contained any ingredients other than water, barley and hops. Yeast, which had always been present, was added to the list when its role was finally understood, as were certain other grains including wheat – but the wording and application of the law has remained remarkably consistent over time. This commitment to gimmick-free craft over so many centuries has created a legend. Today, German beer is revered around the world; its most important place of worship is undoubtedly the B iergarten – and National Beer Day marked a sort of unofficial opening of Germany's B iergarten season . In recent days, wintery stacks of tarpaulin-covered trestle tables have been unchained, repainted, and set out end-to-end in bright sunshine. Shutters have been rolled up and teams of seasonal workers reminded of what it takes to keep hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of people supplied with drinks and pretzels as swiftly and as efficiently as possible. People across the country can now look forward to sitting outside again, warm in the sunshine with a cold beer in one hand. Locals and long-term residents will doubtless slip into the familiar rhythms without a second thought. More recent arrivals in Germany may benefit from a refresher course. Advertisement The Muntermacher : An afternoon spent drinking in the sun poses a variety of unique challenges. The ability to navigate these challenges with poise and elegance rests on making the right choice for your first drink – the Muntermacher , a German expression which loosely translates as 'the energiser'. Before switching to a standard Hausbier vom Faß , try starting with a Spritz (Aperol, Limoncello, or Japanese, according to taste). Or – if that feels too much like heresy – you could begin the day with a Kristallweißen , a summery version of Wießenbier (wheat beer). Here, the energy will come mostly from the sense of anticipation you feel while the barperson prepares your drink, first rolling the tall bottle back and forth along the counter to shift the sediment, then the gradual pour, and finally a slice of lemon. Of course, it may be wiser to keep your excitement in check initially, in which case a shandy might be a better choice – known as a Radler in the south of Germany or an Alster in the north. A glass of wheat beer stands in the sunshine in a beer garden on Lake Ammersee, Bavaria. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Karl-Josef Hildenbrand Pils or Helles? Pils is named after Pilsen in the Czech Republic, where the first pale lager was brewed in 1842. Helles , originally from Bavaria, literally means light (or pale). The ingredients in both beers are identical. The former is generally regarded as crisper and the latter as sweeter. If you're in Bavaria and want to stand out from the crowd, order a Pils – reverse your approach to achieve the same result in the north of Germany. READ ALSO: Germany's lesser-known beers that are worth a try Sich eine (gute) Grundlage schaffen: Don't forget to eat! Typical German biergarten food is designed to help your stomach absorb excessive quantities of beer. In German, this is known as achieving a good foundation ( eine gute Grundlage schaffen ). Advertisement Pretzels are the go-to option for a snack between meals. Schnitzel, Bratwurst and Sauerkraut are staples. Pizza is a relatively recent import but serves the same purpose (as does Flammkuchen in the south of Germany). READ ALSO: 10 regional dishes you have to try while visiting Bavaria Pfandmünzen and Bierdeckel : Wasps love biergartens almost as much as we love biergartens. Guard against the risk of having to perform an emergency tracheotomy by covering the tops of beer bottles with your deposit tokens ( Pfandmünzen ) and the tops of glasses with beer mats ( Bierdeckel ). The deposit on a glass or a bottle seems to get more expensive every year, so try not to lose the tokens – and remember you can only redeem them if you're actually able to produce a glass! People sitting in a beer garden at the Seehaus am Kleinhesseloher See in the English Garden in Munich. Photo: picture alliance / Andreas Gebert/dpa | Andreas Gebert Wegbier or Absacker? There are plenty of places in the world where drinking in public is frowned upon or even illegal. In Germany, drinking a beer while walking is regarded as one of life's great pleasures and an inalienable right – as demonstrated by the sheer number of ways in which it can be described. Recently, the expressions Wegbier, Gehbier, Handbier , and Faustmolle have been joined by Fußpils (a play on the word Fußpilz , or foot fungus). Advertisement If your Wegbier is also your last drink of the day, and not merely a companion on your stroll to the next Biergarten , then it's also your Absacker (or nightcap). If so, then sleep well. Tomorrow is another day – and there are plenty of remedies to get you back up on your feet. READ ALSO: 365 German beers - What I learned from drinking a different variety each day While you British friends might suggest the hair of the dog that bit you, your German-speaking friends are more likely to suggest a Konterbier - in other words, another beer to counter the effects of the last ones.
