Starting Up with George Harwood-Dallyn @ The Chester Beer Festival

If you’re reading this on a day that’s anything like the day that I’m writing (wet and windy), it’s probably best to stay inside – I won’t blame you for your aversion to the outdoors.

But, with that very British and ever hopeful attitude to the weather, here’s hoping that Spring Bank Holiday weekend has a scorcher in store for us all.

Imagine the perfect scene: relaxing in the pub garden, quaffing your new favourite craft ale and enjoying some fine locally sourced food in the dappled sunlight while live music drifts on the cool breeze.

Well, that’s what we’re planning here at The Chester for our inaugural beer festival.

With just over eight months under our belts since reopening this much-loved OX4 pub on a sunny corner just off Iffley Road, we’re now focussing our attention on making the garden one of the most enjoyable places in Oxford to while away the hours with family and friends, children and dogs.

To kick off the summer season in style, our four-day celebration of the liquid nectar will feature a whole host of brews from across the county and further afield.

Experts from the likes of Abingdon’s Loose Cannon brewery will also be on hand throughout to talk you through the magical process of blending water, hops, malt and yeast – giving a first-hand insight into this ancient tradition.

The craft beer revolution is well under way. In the past few years alone, beer has been transformed from something many of us swilled back with a packet of pork scratchings to a near sacred liquid quaffed with all the reverence of a fine wine.

Many have jumped on the dray cart and are following the trend for pouring floral American-style pale ales.

We love a good IPA like the next hip-hopster, but (staying true to our original philosophy) for this event in particular the team have really put in the legwork, and will be delivering something a little more complex and flavoursome on the palette.

Entry is free. But, to fully appreciate the dozen or so tipples on offer, there’ll also be some limited-edition “Hop Up @ The Chester” pint glasses available to those first at the bar. £12 will secure your drinking vessel along with three pints to fill it. We look forward to welcoming you to a weekend of drinking you’ll never forget…or might not even remember!

Please drink responsibly.

TRY IT
The Chester Beer Festival runs from tomorrow to Monday at The Chester, Chester Street, East Oxford. Entry is free