The festivities mean we’ll all be enjoying a tipple or two and if you’re a beer drinker (or have one in the family) Peterborough’s very own bottle shop, Bottle and Board, is definitely the place to head.
These beer aficionados stock some great brews all year round but with their expert knowledge, some great tasting events and of course a stock of interesting brews to buy, Wentworth Street in the city centre is your destination.
Eddie and Gina Baines are experts who really know their stuff and they’ll be sharing their beer know-how with you on Thursday November 18 at their Magnificent 7 tasting event with Duvel Moorgat. You'll get to try seven beers from their product range which aren't usually available in Britain, and there will be several winter and Christmas beers on tap. Tickets are now on sale from the shop priced £15.
If you miss out on this though, pop in any time to Bottle and Board (beer heaven) and check out what’s on the shelves for a change of taste. They’re always happy to advise on what different beers are like and which will go well with your food – it’s not all about the wine with a meal you know!
“At Bottle and Board, we encourage our customers to drink seasonally, by changing our offer according to the time of year, this also leads to our customers trying new beers and widening their horizons,” says Gina.
“By far our favourite time of the year is Christmas; with Stir-up Sunday on November 21st we have some great barley wines and Imperial Stouts for your Christmas Pudding. Christmas beers are generally a lot heavier and stronger and are intended to be drunk slowly to savour the wonderful spicy flavours.
“We are currently stocking stouts, which are dark, bitter, and roasty flavoured beers that will leave you with a warm fullness that is perfect for hibernation and porters that have roasted chocolate flavours and are slightly bitter. These are perfect to drink in the colder months when you need something to warm your insides.
“One of our favourite beers to drink at this time of year is Glu Kriek, a wonderful, amber-coloured winter beer to enjoy together on long, cosy winter evenings. This glühbeer is brewed with pure cherries and a distinctive blend of herbs and spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Warmed and served at a temperature of 70°C. it is heart-warming and delicious.”
Of course if you’re looking for some gift ideas they have a wide range for the discerning drinker in your life. They have some great winter ales and imperial stout in stock and some fantastic Christmas beers and gift packs from Germany, Belgium and some traditional British Christmas Ales as well.
Let’s face it – a gift pack of quality beers has got to be more warmly received than socks or a chocolate orange!
Head to Bottle & Bard, 11 Wentworth Street, Peterborough, PE1 1DH.