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!).
