The London Traveler

It’s nearly Christmas, and what could be nicer than to celebrate with a pint of Brodies’ Hoppy Ho Ho Ho?
That’s just one of over a hundred beers available at the Pig’s Ear Beer Festival, which opens tomorrow at Ocean in Hackney.
It’s the twenty-fifth Pig’s Ear – organised by the East London and City branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and devoted to showcasing the best of real ale.
Winter ales always make a strong showing here with a good selection of porters, stouts, and old ales – a rare but lovely English beer style. There’ll be a few spiced …read more

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It’s not just visitors from other countries who find real ale confusing. Some Brits, too, confess themselves confused by the variety of beer on offer – and wonder what real ale is all about. So I thought I’d ofer ‘Real Ale 101′ – a quick course in ale culture for the confused.
First of all; ale, beer, lager. What’s the difference?
Ale and beer – they’re the same for most purposes. Back in the old days, beer had hops in it, and ale didn’t, but nowadays they’re pretty much the same thing. And they come in pints and half pints – no …read more

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