Crime writer’s novel idea for a new beer
BARBARA HODGSON CHATS TO AUTHOR ANNE CLEEVES ABOUT HER NEW BOOK THE SEAGULL – AND ITS MATCHING BEER
FANS of Vera will be raising a glass to toast the launch of the latest novel in the hit series.
And that glass will contain a locally-brewed beer specially created in its honour.
A Whitley Bay brewery has teamed up with Vera author Ann Cleeves to produce The Seagull, a beer with as much depth and intrigue as the new murder mystery after which it’s named.
It’s an exciting new collaboration for Whitley Bay Brewing Company in Ann’s home town which will see its beer on sale outside the region for the first time at promotions for the new book which itself is inspired by a local pub.
Already Brenda Blethyn, who stars in the ITV1 series inspired by Anne’s books, has been introduced to the new ale and her co-star Kenny Doughty – who plays DS Aiden Heal – enjoyed a few bottles when the actors joined Ann for a Vera event at Harrogate book festival.
“It went down really well,” recalled Ann. “We arranged for the beer to be there but didn’t expect people to be drinking it!”
Next it will be gracing the bar at Olives at Whitley Bay Metro Station which is hosting a party on September 15 to celebrate the publication of The Seagull.
Award-winner Ann is a regular there and it was through a chat with Julie Summers, who runs the cafe-bar and restaurant with husband Martin, that the “novel” idea for a new beer came about.
Julie, who also chairs Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, already stocks beers made by Whitley Bay Brewing Company and – given the level of interest in all things Vera – she thought this new addition would also help boost the fortunes of the steadily-regenerating seaside town.
Gary Harding’s microbrewery, set up in April last year, already makes beers named after landmarks, such as Spanish City, or on local themes. And the idea of a new beer based on a crime book appealed to him
He was soon on the case and came up with a cracking beer.
The resulting brew - a 4.2% golden bitter – is in a slightly smaller bottle than usual with a label that bears the picture from the cover of Ann’s book – a dramatic image of St Mary’s Lighthouse, with seagulls flying above, alongside the words “There’s something dark brewing in Whitley Bay”.
Now the town’s name will be seen countrywide as the 2,400 bottles Gary has produced are distributed to all Ann’s national book tour events where they no doubt will be made light work of.