A fascinating and entertaining account of the re-emergence of the British beer industry, which introduces to the wider public a cast-list of eccentrics, businessmen and the stereotypical bearded barrel-bellied heavy drinkers.
A chronological exploration which begins with the growing disenchantment of a group of real ale lovers in the early 1970s and the eventual formation of CAMRA, we follow some of the local players, developing their brewing hobby – often with equipment banished by the takeover of locals by the ‘big six’ giants in the industry, deemed to be putting profit before palette.
The authors, both acclaimed beer bloggers, travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles to meet many of the key figures who have played their part. Among the characters there are also accounts of celebs such as Python Terry Jones, an early advocate in the fightback against ‘fizzy’.
As much an exploration of the changing times and attitudes as ale-specific rhetoric, there is much to enjoy for consumers of all tastes.
Book review: Brew Britannia: The Strange Rebirth Of British Beer by Jessica Boak and Ray Bailey
A fascinating and entertaining account of the re-emergence of the British beer industry, which introduces to the wider public a cast-list of eccentrics, businessmen and the stereotypical bearded barrel-bellied heavy drinkers.