Real Ale
Group Leader - Mike Stringer
Who we are
We are a very sociable and friendly group. We all like our real ale but we also like the company. All the places we go – except the brewery tour – will offer cider and wine as well, and probably gin. So don’t let the fact you don’t like real ale put you off coming along on our trips.
What we do
We visit local pubs, breweries and beer festivals. We all having a liking for real ale – or beer brewed the traditional way. Add in good conversation, good food, fresh air, opportunity to travel, and a convivial atmosphere!
How often do we meet
About once a month, the exact day depends on bus times, opening times etc. Our trips depend where we are going and, for beer festivals, when they are being held. We like to “go with the flow” so will pick events that tickle our taste buds!
2023
Our first trip saw us on familiar territory, in the Cricketers for lunch and then the Hop Shop, both on Moulsham Street in Chelmsford, while our second trip took in the New Inn and the Purple Dog in Colchester. We then made a trip out to Witham and then we spent the afternoon at the Maldon beer festival, then out to the Swan at Little Totham. We then went to two beer festivals, at the Hurdlemakers Arms and at the Redoubt fort in Harwich. Our year ended with the traditional Maldon pub tour.
2024
Our first trip in 2024 was to have been the Mighty Oak brewery tour, unfortunately we have had to postpone this, at least for the time being. We will be heading out on Thursday February 22 and then Thursdays March 21.
More details of these will follow in the near future, but will also be included here and in the monthly newsletters.
_If you want to contact Mike please phone on 07739863673 or click on the bird to send an email.
Click on a picture below to see it full-size with more details.