ITS name conjures up images of bearded old men, tankards, and beer-stained carpets.

But Oxford bitter lovers are aiming to break the stereotypes surrounding their favourite tipple with an event to get more women drinking it.

The Oxford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) hopes Thursday’s FemAle event will open up a “delicious” new world to women in the city.

A wide range of beers from across the county will be on offer – all served in “more feminine” third-of-a-pint stemmed glasses.

Organiser Caroline Wingate says it is time to change the image of beer.

She said: “There are so many delicious beers out there, from winter warmers to summer ales, so there is something for everyone.

“More and more women are trying and enjoying bitter, but it still has the fusty old image of it being an old man’s drink.

“That’s simply not true anymore and we are trying to break that unfair stereotype.”

FemAle takes place at the Far From the Madding Crowd pub, in Friars Entry, from 7pm.

Camra members will discuss all things bitter at the event, from how it is made to where it gets its distinct flavour.

Ms Wingate said: “We are using the stemmed glasses because there are women who still don’t think holding a pint is very feminine.

“The glasses hold a third of a pint and almost look like wine glasses. They are perfect for holding beer.

“Calorie-wise, beer is no more fattening than a vodka and coke, so there are still misconceptions about beer. ”

Ms Wingate said bitter drinkers will be able to choose from various ales brewed in Oxfordshire in Pubs across the county.

She said: “We are lucky to have some excellent beers being made so close to the city.

“One of the reason I like bitter is that you know it was made close by and doesn’t have a big carbon footprint like wine from Australia does.

“Plus it means you are helping support a local industry and nearby producers.”

Ms Wingate said now was an interesting time for the brewing industry.

She added: “Pubs are taking a real hit a the moment, but there are new micro-breweries popping up everywhere.

“It is an interesting time for beer and there is lots of opportunity for people to discover what real ale has to offer.”

  • Anyone interested in heading along can email bymc@oxfordcamra.org.uk