Top beer judge hosts event at Somersham

Beer Writer of the Year Adrian Tierney-Jones. Picture: FRANCES BRACE (Image: Archant)

The beer for the event has been donated by the World Beer Awards, a massive competition selecting the very best from across the globe. The evening will include fund-raising for Suffolk’s Volunteering Matters which supports young people coming out of the care system.

The food, prepared by the Duke of Marlborough’s talented young chef, Richard Podd uses locally sourced ingredients. He has been working with Adrian to match each dish with the styles and flavours of the beers.

“For years people believed that the only drink to accompany food was wine,” says Frances Brace, British Guild of Beer Writers director, “With the explosion of brilliant beers on to the market, that belief has thankfully been challenged.

“The range of beers and variety of beer styles is at an all-time high. Just as people are more open to new and different foods, they are also increasingly interested in the complex array of flavours and aromas to be found in Britain’s national drink.

The menu will include braised beef - and a vegetarian alternative. Tickets for the event are £17.50 per head and include 4 courses and 6 glasses of specialist beers.

The Duke of Marlborough is cooperatively-owned and professionally-run – and has different events every Wednesday.

“It’s totally fitting that some of those events are all about beer,” says Frances, who was involved in the campaign to re-open the pub. “After all, we’re here in the heart of barley-growing country, with a hop propagation farm just a mile away. We’re keen to raise awareness of the natural, wholesome ingredients of beer grown right on our doorstep – as well as to explore world flavours.

“Adrian has a wonderful poetic way of talking and invoking curiosity – it’s worth coming to the event just to listen to him!”

To book, email: enquiries@thedukeofmarlborough.com or call 01473 831 283