Hop, Clip, & Pump

There are moments in the pub when anticipation hangs in the air, that flicker of excitement when a new pump clip appears on the bar. You lean in, squint at the design, maybe exchange a hopeful glance with the regulars. This time, it was a paper-thin laminated effort, slightly rough around the edges. Not unusual. In fact, sometimes those modest, homemade-looking clips signal something special, a hidden gem from a small, passionate brewery. Sadly, this was not one of those times. First Impressions: Hope and Hesitation At first pour, there was curiosity. Maybe even optimism. The kind that makes you think, this could be a sleeper hit . But one sip in, and the mood shifted. The collective verdict, reached somewhere between raised eyebrows and puzzled frowns? Pernod. Not a subtle hint. Not a whisper of complexity. Just a full-on, unmistakable wave of aniseed crashing over the palate. The Taste Test: Aniseed Overload Now, aniseed has its place. In the right context, it can add intrig...

Tucked away in Stapleford, Nottingham , Full Mash Brewery is a small independent operation driven by a simple philosophy, a passion for real ale and a commitment to 'doing things right.' Founded by brewer Karl Waring , the story begins back in 1994 , when he first started brewing using an all-grain method known as the full mash process. When introduced as a brewer, Karl was often met with the question: ' What, full mash?'  and from that repeated exchange, the name was born. What started as The Full Mash Brewery eventually became simply Full Mash , but the ethos has remained unchanged. From Homebrew to Commercial Success The brewery’s journey from hobby to business is a classic example of grassroots British brewing. Commercial production began in 2003 , using the original homebrew kit and producing just one 9-gallon cask per brew . Demand quickly outgrew capacity, leading to a steady expansion: A 1-barrel kit to keep up with orders Growth into a 2-barrel b...

When it comes to choosing a pint, most of us think in terms of taste, tradition, or occasion—but what about health? This striking infographic puts Guinness head-to-head with standard beer, breaking down calories, alcohol content, and even how long it takes to burn off a pint. By the Numbers: Calories and Alcohol At first glance, the assumption might be that Guinness, dark, rich, and creamy, would be the heavier option. Surprisingly, that’s not entirely the case. A typical pint of Guinness contains fewer calories than many standard beers , often sitting closer to lighter lagers than expected. While 'lite' beers still come out lowest in calorie counts, Guinness holds its own as a relatively moderate option. Alcohol content also plays a role. Guinness is usually lower in ABV than many stronger ales, which contributes to its more balanced nutritional profile. Health Facts: More Than Just a Pint The infographic highlights how both Guinness and beer contribute small amounts ...

If you ever needed an excuse to stock up on quality bottled ale, this fantastic offer from Everards Brewery might just be it. To celebrate a string of recent awards across their bottled range, Everards launched a limited-time promotion: purchase two cases of the same Everards ale online , and receive a free t-shirt or polo shirt . A perfect blend of beer and branded reward for loyal fans. Offer valid: 20th July – 19th August 2012 Not Just for Drinking: Cooking with Tiger Best Bitter So, you’ve got a case (or two) of Tiger Best Bitter, what next? Beyond the pint glass, Everards encouraged drinkers to get creative in the kitchen. As part of their Tiger Hero Recipe competition , they invited beer lovers to turn their ale into culinary inspiration. The result? A standout winning dish crowned the  Tiger Hero Recipe Masterchef of 2012 . Everards Tiger Beer Everards Brewery ’s Tiger Beer is a classic British bitter, celebrated for its balance, smoothness, and easy drinkability. ...

Belgium is one of the true heartlands of beer culture. Despite its relatively small size, the country boasts around 125 breweries producing an astonishing 500 different varieties of beer . Few places in the world can rival such diversity. Brewing in Belgium dates back to the Middle Ages , when beer was primarily produced in monasteries. What began as a monastic craft has since evolved into a national identity, one where tradition, experimentation, and regional character all play a part in every glass. A Legacy of Monastic Brewing In medieval Belgium, brewing was largely the domain of monks, who produced beer within monastery walls. These early brews were not only safer to drink than water at the time, but also provided sustenance. Over centuries, this monastic influence shaped Belgian brewing into something deeply rooted in ritual, craftsmanship, and quality. Even today, that legacy continues, most famously through Trappist beers, which still follow strict traditional methods. S...

Moorhouse’s Brewery is one of Lancashire’s most enduring independent breweries, with a heritage dating back to 1865 , when it was founded by William Moorhouse in Burnley, Lancashire, UK . Originally established as a producer of mineral waters and low-alcohol 'hop bitters,' the business evolved over time into a respected name in British cask ale production. Today, Moorhouse’s stands as a brewery that blends deep regional history, strong local identity, and a distinctive connection to one of England’s most famous historical legends, the Pendle Witches . Origins: From Mineral Waters to Cask Ale When Moorhouse’s was founded in the mid-19th century, its production focused on mineral waters and lightly alcoholic hop bitters, reflecting the drinking preferences and industrial realities of Victorian England. It was not until 1978 that the brewery began producing cask ales , marking a significant turning point in its development. This shift aligned Moorhouse’s more closely with ...

The Hartlebury brewery is a proudly independent British brewery founded in 2011 by entrepreneur and businessman Gary Attwood . Combining commercial experience with a long-standing passion for brewing, Attwood established the brewery as a purpose-built facility designed to produce high-quality, characterful ales with both tradition and innovation in mind. Located in the village of Hartlebury, Worcestershire , the brewery sits in a region with a rich brewing and agricultural heritage. Worcestershire’s access to fine water sources, barley-growing land, and historic pub culture makes it an ideal setting for a modern craft brewery rooted in classic British styles. From its rural base, Attwoods Brewery has developed a strong local identity while also appealing to a wider audience of cask ale drinkers across the UK. The Brewery and Its Philosophy Attwoods Brewery was established with a clear vision, to create consistently well-crafted beers that balance drinkability with flavour complex...