Wandsworth Beer Festival returns for the sixth year running with more breweries than ever before, writes Michael Greenfield.

The festival will run between March 27 and 29 at Le Gothique, but organisers say there will be a closing party on Sunday, Mother’s Day. 

Sponsored by Wandsworth brewery By the Horns, which will be supplying seven of its own beers, the festival will have at least 40 breweries taking part giving attendees an enormous selection of styles and brewers.

By the Horns is bringing a unique version of its Lambeth Walk Porter brewed specially for the festival with whisky and vanilla tasting notes.

Downton Brewing return with its Chocolate Orange Delight dark ale, as well as bringing along its 10 per cent Endeavour IPA, made with four hop varieties.

Tring Brewing are supplying the creatively named duo of beers; Moongazing, an American-hopped amber ale, and Great Bustard, a hazelnut coloured beer with fruity notes thanks to Czech hops.

Cider drinkers will have many ciders from Mr Whiteheads ranging from Toffee Apple to the aptly named 8.4 per cent the Devil’s Device.

All the breweries hail from London, Kent and the North West and will include famous names such as Arundel, Sambrook’s & Titanic alongside micro-breweries such a Peerless and Black Paw.

For those who are not beer enthusiasts there is still something for you as the festival will also be supplying 30 ciders and 25 wines all by the glass.

Festival organiser Mark Justin says: “The festival will also supply a novel boot-shaped glass – it is World Cup year after all – which will be available for a £2 deposit or taken home as a souvenir.

“The festival is open to families as we are the only festival that allows children. “We want beer lovers to be able to enjoy the festival with their children and partners. There is something for everyone.”

The festival will also supply homemade food with burgers, pulled pork as well as Madras curry with cheeseboards and filled baguettes for those who choose to nibble.

It is one of the earliest festivals on the calendar, but do not let weather worries put you off as the festival runs in the courtyard and inside the decadent gothic halls of the Grade II listed building.

 

l Le Gothique, John Archer Way, off Wandsworth Common; March 27 to 29, 1pm to 11pm; £4; legothique.co.uk/beer_festival.html.