The Star's pre-emptive smoking ban didn't seem to harm the turnout at the first of three beer festivals planned for the pub this year - in fact the "Real Ale - Real Air" ad-campaign was as well received as the incredible sixty-six ales on show. Judging by the comments in the guest-book, the usual splendid range was very much appreciated in this fresher environment.
click the pics to read the menu
I have to admit to spending a lot less time at the festival than usual due to other commitments but nevertheless found one or two tremendous brews to recommend. Once again I managed to miss out on the much vaunted Summer Wine Brewery's offering which apparently ran off first, but at least a bottled version was available to take away.For lovers of pale citrus flavoured beer it had to be the Geese A Look! from the Goose Eye brewery at 4.2%. This very moreish brew was another early casualty as were the exceptional Marynka from Pictish (4.5%) and Churchend's 4.5% Bats in the Basement.
Best of the bunch I sampled though was the superb Wolf from new brewers Allendale at 5.5%, described in the tasting notes as 'blood-red with biscuit & caramel notes' - which is the very least you could say about this rich, complex and thoroughly satisfying beer!
Entertainment was taken care of by the White Rose Morris Men whose enthusiastic consumption of beer was matched only by their energetic display in the club's car park! 