This month would usually see one of ESP’s favourite events – Peterborough Beer Festival – but the pints are still set to be pulled and the ale supped by following a new Ale Trail designed to get us back to the pub!
Thousands of people would normally be descending on the Embankment and heading for the biggest bar in Peterborough to celebrate at the annual August event but of course coronavirus has called time on it… for now! It will be back next year though, and we can’t wait.
In the meantime the team from CAMRA have been planning and prepping the idea of a Back to the Pub Ale Trail 2020 to help save the summer for real ale fans.
Mike Lane from CAMRA told ESP – “Here at Peterborough CAMRA we are bitterly disappointed that we are unable to bring you our 43rd Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival on The River Embankment this year. However, rest assured that the 43rd PCBF will be back, merely postponed for 12 months, and will take place from August 24 to 28, 2021.
“All of the branch committee thought it would be a great idea if, as a branch, we were able to somehow recognise the missing Beer Festival by organising a real ale trail around a few of the Peterborough pubs that we all love so much.
“We hope our proposed Ale Trail will encourage you all to join in with us and celebrate what would have been PCBF week by getting out to the pub and drinking real ale or cider.”
There are fourteen venues all of which are open to the public to freely visit during the ten days of the Ale Trail which will run from Saturday August 22 to Monday August 31, but within the specific opening hours detailed.
There will be a few Ale Trail booklets available in each of the venues, but PLEASE download the .pdf file and print your personal copy.
The idea is to follow the Ale Trail sampling some brews at the various venues and to get your unique stamp on your booklet when purchasing a pint of ale/cider at each one for the chance to ultimately win some great prizes. All completed entries will be included in a draw to be held on Monday September 7 in an ‘FA cup’ style draw matching a drawn participant to a drawn prize.
Prizes already lined up (with many more to come ) include…
A brewery experience for two, producing your own recipe real ale (assistance will be given) on the brewery small plant
A weekend ‘Behind the Scenes’ Brewery Trip including transport and hotel for two persons
A ‘Money Can’t Buy’ VIP Brewing Experience for two
A pin (36 pints) of real ale, for your next family BBQ, maybe
Mike added – “Whilst our event is approved by the Campaign for Real Ale, it should be noted that government and local authority advice will be adhered to in the event that the current pandemic situation requires any change of circumstances.
“Please do remember to respect the venues’ temporary opening times and house rules, Drink Responsibly and enjoy our challenge to get back to the pub 2020.”
PUBS TAKING PART IN THE ALE TRAIL ARE…
The Ploughman
1 Staniland Way, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6NA
The Blue Bell
6 The Green, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6RU
The Frothblowers
78 Storrington Way, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6QP
The Hand and Heart
12 Highbury Street, Peterborough PE1 3BE
The Burghley
7 Burghley Rd, Peterborough PE1 2QA
The Ostrich Inn
17 North St, Peterborough PE1 2RA12
The Yard of Ale
72 Oundle Rd, Woodston, Peterborough PE2 9PA
The Drapers
29-31 Cowgate, Peterborough PE1 1LZ
Charters
Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP
The Bumble Inn
46 Westgate, Peterborough PE1 1RE
The Palmerston Arms
82 Oundle Rd, Woodston, Peterborough PE2 9PA
Coalheavers Arms
5 Park St, Peterborough PE2 9BH
Fletton Club
243A High St, Peterborough PE2 9EH
The Wonky Donkey
102c High St, Peterborough PE2 8DR