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British Beer Festival in Cornebarrieu near Toulouse

This weekend saw the sixth annual British Beer Festival in the Carpe Diem pub in Cornebarrieu near Toulouse.

Organised by Jeff Burridge and Bill Pratt, the event brings over a selection of cask ales and ciders for visitors to try.

Chatting to Bill, I discovered the origins of the event.  He and Jeff had seen a local “Beer Festival” advertised and as they enjoy a good pint, they thought they would go along and see what the French could offer in the way of special beers.

On entering the salle de polyvalente, they were a little disheartened to see a table full of the usual French fair – pastits, Armagnac, whisky etc.  Speaking to the barman, they enquired about the beer.  Of course, the beer he says!  When you buy a drink you get a small glass of beer to go with it.

Things were looking up, so they followed the barman round the back of the bar where he very proudly showed them a single cask of Heineken!!

This left the pair a little deflated and inspired the idea to show the French what a real Beer Festival was.

This year, they had fifteen beers as well as a selection of ciders including Slap ma Girdle to tempt the drinkers at the festival.  The beers varied from a great Porter called Old Slug to light ales such as Brewers Gold.  By the time I arrived on Saturday afternoon, the Explorer, from Adnams, had already sold out and others were going well.

Beers on offer this year:

Adnams – Gunhill

Adnams – Explorer

Butcombe Brewery – Butcombe Bitter

Crouch Vale - Brewers Gold

Exmoor – Exmoor Gold

Jaipur – Indian Pale Ale

Milestone – Lionheart

RCH Brewery – Pitchfork

RCH Brewery – Old Slug Porter Dark Ale

RCH Brewery – Steam Spring Bitter

Rudgate – Ruby Mild

Sharps – Doom Bar

Southport Brewery – Golden Sands

St Austell – Proper Job

Triple fff – Moondance

I tried a half of Old Slug and a half of Butcombe Bitter.  Unfortunately that was my lot, since I had to drive later.  A great shame as I would have enjoyed the various beers on offer.

The Old Slug was a very dark, nearly black colour and had the traditional chocolate and sweetness associated with Porters.  The Butcombe was a more traditional bitter, quite light in colour, dry and distinctive.  Both very enjoyable.

As I left, the bar was just starting to liven up in anticipation of the Scotland v England Six Nations rugby match.  For a Saturday afternoon in South West France, that is quite a combination – Rugby and British Beer.  Roll on next year, when I will be making advanced plans to stay just a little longer! 

Cheers!

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