So hopefully you’re aware of the music we have lined up and the whole host of other entertaining offerings. Now it’s time to talk beer. At last year’s festival we produced our own Caught by the River beer. We sold it in bottles and it’s popularity meant that not one made it back home. Our beer was produced by Sambrook’s brewery of Battersea. Our friendship with Duncan and David of Sambrook’s goes back to a fortuitous meeting in the Cow on Westbourne Park Rd. Anyway, this year we’ve invited them down and we’ll be serving two of their ales. Come and have a taste and if the brewers happen to be around I’m sure they would be happy to answer any questions.

Sambrook’s Wandle – named after the brewery’s local Thames tributary and Sambrook’s inaugural ale. A light (3.8% abv), refreshing ale, golden sunshine in colour with an initial sweetness cut through with a delicate lingering bitterness, hints of vanilla and grassy notes as an aroma. Since its launch Wandle was voted in Roger Protz’s top 50 beers of 2010 and Pete Brown’s top 50 beers of 2011.

Sambrook’s Pale Ale – after the successful launch of their first seasonal ale (Powerhouse Porter in November 2010), this is the second in a seasonal range of beers. Light and zesty and ideal for a hot summer’s day. This 4.2% abv ale has a straw colour and a dry, full, hoppy flavour which derives from plenty of late hopping with English First Gold hops. It has a citrus aroma and, like Wandle is fantastically drinkable!

For those of you who aren’t beer fans, there’ll be lager, Cornish cider, good quality wine and an array of cocktails. Even some soft drinks. See you there. (Andrew)