Matthew concocts a special brew

HILLINGDON brewer Matthew Johns has created a special tipple for one of the capital’s oldest beer festivals.

Matthew, from Sutton Hill Road, has been a keen home brewer for the past 15 years and recently won a competition to create a beer with Michaela White, head brewer at AlphaBeta Brewery, near Liverpool Street.

He won the competition by coming up with a name for the dog which is the logo for the 2018 London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival, held in the capital next week,

His winning name was Beerwulf, which is also the name of the beer he created at AlphaBeta. It is described as an unusual beer, using Fuggles, sage, and honey and, once fully fermented, the ABV will be in the range 4.5% to 5%.

Matthew said: “Coming to AlphaBeta Brewery was a great way for a home-brew enthusiast too see how the pros do it and learn lots from Michaela. Getting to taste all her beers and be part of this brew was a great experience. I’m grateful to London Drinker Festival.”

Beerwulf will be available exclusively at the London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival, held from March 14 to 16 at Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London.

This may be the last London Drinker Festival as the hall is closing this summer for refurbishment.

Aiming to showcase the best breweries in the capital, the London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival will feature more than 180 locally brewed real ales, 50 ciders and perries, imported beers and a small selection of English wine and mead.

The 2018 opening times and ticket prices for the London Drinker Festival are: Wednesday 14th March: 11.30 - 3pm free, 5pm 10.30pm £4 (£3 CAMRA members) Thursday 15th March: 11.30-2.30pm free, 5pm -10.30pm £4 (£3 CAMRA members)

Friday 16th March : 12 - 10.30pm £4 (£3 CAMRA members)

For more details and tickets, go to tinyurl.com/LDbeerfest.