Guy Aitchison (London, OK): I've just returned from Portobello Road in the heart of Kensington where I attended the launch of Paul Kingsnorth's new book, Real England. The launch was held in the backroom of a green and friendly traditional pub, a suitable setting for Kingsnorth's personal lament to the destruction of England's countryside and heritage. If Real England achieves anything, Paul said, he hopes it will make us aware of the importance of "beer diversity". While bio-diversity tells us the ecological health of the planet, beer diversity tells us the cultural health of the country. Do we want a bland concrete England selling the same tasteless lager in corporate pubs? Or do we want an England of diversity where each pub serves its own local real ale? This is the battle ahead.
I won't say much more because I hope to get a review up soon. Suffice to say it's not all about beer and looks like a great read (hiccup!).
Comments
(Not a member of CAMRA, but one of their fellow travellers)
England's beer, when it is made properly, is one of the best things about that country. Unfortunately this has been done for, by so called 'market forces' - basically dodgy deals.
However, there is another dodgy deal, which I believe should be exposed, which is how Pepsi and Coke are crucifying the UK's home grown soft drinks industry. Although it's far from natural (as real ales should be!) - I am a great fan of "Scotland's national drink", but because of deals that these corporations do with pubs, I can't even buy the stuff in many pubs in Edinburgh. So much for 'choice'!
By the way, I was wondering if you are aware of the Manx laws on beer? Because Tynwald has passed various regulations, it's meant that Manx pubs are forced to serve semi-decent beer. I believe that on the continent, places like Germany have some rules about brewing too.
What!
You mean it's no longer possible to buy a whisky and bru?
Speaking as part of the paramilitary wing of the Campaign for Real Ale I couldn't agree more.
The big current campaign is to promote local diversity and to try and get the big PubCos to have policies alowing all landlords to have a guest local beer alongside those from the corporate list.
I have indeed - the paradox of Italy, home of slow food and fast politics!
Anthony
Have any of you heard of the Slow Food movement?
It might interest you: http://www.slowfood.com/
In quite a few places, it's not possible to buy Irn Bru, because the landlord gets a discount for ordering Schweppes products only. I realise that Irn Bru is pretty artificial, and it isn't much in line with the Real Ale movement, but it does demonstrate the power of big companies to eliminate choice, and play dirty with the competition - which is of course one of the things that has removed many of England's great beers from various pubs.
"Have any of you heard of the Slow Food movement?"
Yes, and I think it is a great idea. However, it seems to be only adopted by smaller towns.
[...] Beer diversity and why it’s under threat [...]
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