Thanks for the read. I do wonder, if in part, the successes are an 'either or' of historic distribution agreements to access a large pub estate (e.g. Theakstons) or brands that have achieved a cult status via various means.As you suggest, the middle ground is falling by the wayside.
Well I'm incurring the wrath of my GP by trying to keep the volume of cask sales up in East London. My Google maps list of Favourite Cask Pubs in London (2 or more well kept, non-generic cask ales) currently has 60 entries so my experience is I don't have to put in a lot of effort to find a decent pint of proper beer. Yes, there are closures but I think a lot of it is a "wheat/chaff' exercise. Nowhere on my list has closed.
Thank you for an insightful article. I recently visited England from the US to walk the Coast to Coast Path and a highlight of every day was a cask beer after finishing my walk. I love them. Long live Cask!
I would like to ask if there’s a north/south divide in the sales of cask beer. I live in Southampton where it’s impossible to get a decent pint with a head on it.
To me a sparkler on the pump makes a huge difference to the taste. I don’t know why publicans in the south will not use sparklers, I even offered to buy my own for when I’m in but this was refused at my local. Last time I went there I asked the young barman to put a head on my beer. It was served with a couple of bubbles on top. The landlady who was watching told me that’s the way they like it here and to take it or leave it.
Long live Landlord and all cask beers. They will always be my go to drink in age when indistinguishable lagers are pumped electrically into people’s glasses. No thanks.
Thanks for the read. I do wonder, if in part, the successes are an 'either or' of historic distribution agreements to access a large pub estate (e.g. Theakstons) or brands that have achieved a cult status via various means.As you suggest, the middle ground is falling by the wayside.
Well I'm incurring the wrath of my GP by trying to keep the volume of cask sales up in East London. My Google maps list of Favourite Cask Pubs in London (2 or more well kept, non-generic cask ales) currently has 60 entries so my experience is I don't have to put in a lot of effort to find a decent pint of proper beer. Yes, there are closures but I think a lot of it is a "wheat/chaff' exercise. Nowhere on my list has closed.
The good ones survive, I like to think at least. Keep up the good work (in moderation, of course).
Thank you for an insightful article. I recently visited England from the US to walk the Coast to Coast Path and a highlight of every day was a cask beer after finishing my walk. I love them. Long live Cask!
I would like to ask if there’s a north/south divide in the sales of cask beer. I live in Southampton where it’s impossible to get a decent pint with a head on it.
To me a sparkler on the pump makes a huge difference to the taste. I don’t know why publicans in the south will not use sparklers, I even offered to buy my own for when I’m in but this was refused at my local. Last time I went there I asked the young barman to put a head on my beer. It was served with a couple of bubbles on top. The landlady who was watching told me that’s the way they like it here and to take it or leave it.
I left never to return.
Is it just me?
Long live Landlord and all cask beers. They will always be my go to drink in age when indistinguishable lagers are pumped electrically into people’s glasses. No thanks.