Grasshopper’s fourth cider festival should really go with a banger!
I’VE only just heard about this local festival during the August Bank Holiday weekend, writes Neville Grundy.
From Friday to Sunday August 23-25, we will be treated to the Grasshopper’s 4th Sausage and Cider Festival.
More than 30 of the UK’s best ciders will be on offer, plus sausages of course, at this popular bar at 70 Sandon Road, Hillside, Southport.
The Grasshopper normally sells eight real ales, which were on good form when I called in last week, and six ciders.
In 2018 it was both Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year (Camra North Merseyside area).
Hillside Station and bus routes are nearby.
There is outdoor seating in front of the pub, a secluded beer garden to the rear and dogs are welcome.
For more info about the festival, see their Facebook page or phone 01704 569794.
A recent YouGov survey conducted
for Camra has shown that real ale drinkers reap the personal and social wellbeing benefits of pub-going.
The survey found that, excluding “don’t knows”, 56% of regular real ale drinkers who go to pubs have made one friend or more there, compared with 35% of the general pub-going population.
Furthermore, 30% of real ale drinkers report making five or more friends from their pub visits, compared to just 16% of all pub-goers.
Research conducted in 2016 with Oxford University showed that people who have a local pub are happier, more trusting and better-connected to their local community.
Camra is therefore calling for substantial reforms to help pubs thrive, such as introducing a preferential rate of duty for beer sold in pubs and bars and a significant reduction in the business rates that they currently pay.
Nik Antona, Camra’s national chair said: “Pubs play a significant role in communities across the country, providing a space for local people to meet, helping to tackle loneliness, and having a positive impact on the personal wellbeing of pub-goers.
“It’s vital that the government continues to act to reduce pub closures so that pubs remain at the heart of communities. In addition, it is imperative that beer-drinkers continue to support the pub trade by visiting them.
“We aim to show what the great British pub has to offer and how important communities.” it is to
Southport & West Lancs Camra website: www.southport.Camra.org.uk