On Thursday 1 December I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the annual awards dinner for the British Guild of Beer Writers down in that London. I hasten to add I was there as a guest at the table hosted by John Humphreys and Shepherd Neame Brewery and not as a member of the guild, or by virtue (directly at least) of anything I have written here on Beersay.
I’ve meant to write a quick post ever since but haven’t as things have been a bit crazy with work, Christmas and hosting The Session etc. Then I saw this video put together brilliantly by Nathan Nolan AKA @MrDrinknEat and my spark was re-kindled, it’s a great piece of film which captures the event perfectly in just a couple of minutes.
The Menu and beer pairings (apologies for the quality)
I did take a few photographs myself on the night but the lighting was very low and to be honest they are all pretty awful. I’ve dropped a few below though anyway, to give you a flavour of the great food I lucky enough to sample on the night. In all honesty it was probably the best food I’ve ever eaten anywhere, even the canapés beforehand were fantastic. The beers chosen to pair with them were awesome too. My particular favourite was the passion fruit cheesecake paired with Brewdog’s Alice Porter. The roasty notes of the porter really enhancing the biscuit base brilliantly.
Trying for once to keep this post short and sweet I’ll leave you with a few more photos.
But before that I just wanted to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to John and Shepherd Neame for inviting me and my table fellows. Also to everyone I met and shared a beer with on the night, I absolutely loved every minute of it. If there’s a space next year, count me in.
Seared albacore, white asparagus, shallot, mustard with soy dressing - Served with Kelham Island Brewery "Pale Rider"
Scallop and crab, mushroom soup dumplings - Served with Wadworth Brewery "Orange Peel"
baby chicken, foie gras mousse, cabbage, black pepper sauce and vegetable parcels - Served with Kernel Brewery "Pale Ale"
Passion fruit cheesecake with passion fruit marshmallow - Served with Brewdog "Alice Porter"
Something a little special as a gift from Shepherd Neame - Review to follow very soon…
Roll on the European Beer Bloggers Conference in Leeds May 2012.
Beersay 