THE first pints have been pulled at the start of an annual real ale celebration which draws beer lovers from across the region.
Over the coming three days, thousands of pints produced by microbreweries and larger brewing companies nationwide will be sampled at the Durham Beer Festival.
The 36th festival, staged in its traditional home, at the Student Union building, Dunelm House, in New Elvet, Durham, features 101 real ales, some drawn from the wood, plus up to 40 ciders, perries and bottled beers.
During Wednesday’s opening trade session, the George Samuel Brewery took the early honours, winning the Battle of the Beers contest, judged by an independent panel, for its 5.2-per cent London-style porter, ‘Harvey’.
It follows third and second places for the Spennymoor brewery over the last two years.
Opening times are 11am on days two, three and four, from Thursday to Saturday, with last orders at 10.20 - 30pm.
Further information is available on www.durhambeerfestival.org.uk, on the Camra branch website.
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