October 2008 Archives

Former Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey and his celebrity chef mate Richard Fox launch their new careers as tv brewers tonight.

Neil Morrissey's Risky Business follows the pair as they purchase a rural pub and set up a microbrewery to produce their own range of real ales.

The first episode airs on Channel 4 at 10pm.

Figures released today by the British Beer and Pub Association make for grim reading, with beer sales in pubs, restaurants and clubs down a staggering 8.1% against the third quarter of 2007 - a fall of more than 160 million pints.

Nor were UK supermarkets immune: their sales fell by 6%.

BBPA chief executive Rob Hayward said: "The downturn has now broadened to affect sales through both pubs and supermarkets.

"This sales trend is symptomatic of the problems infecting the broader economy. But any prudent diagnosis would also identify the specific impact of the Budget's 9% beer tax increase."

Meanwhile, an average of five British pubs are closing every week.

A pioneering Somerset cider-maker has scooped the Campaign for Real Ale's 2008 Pomona Award.

Named for the Roman goddess of apples, the Pomona honours outstanding achievement in the promotion of real cider or perry.

Roger Wilkins, who runs Wilkins Cider from his farm near Wedmore, Somerset, was praised by CAMRA for his lifelong devotion to producing some of the most renowned cider in the county. Some customers have been regulars for more than thirty years.

Roger took over the family business after the death of his grandfather in 1969, and currently produces up to 20,000 gallons of cider per year. The brand was named 'Cider of the Year' at both the 1988 and 1989 Great British Beer Festival.

Afterwards, Roger said: "I am delighted to receive this recognition for doing something that I love and for carrying on the tradition of farmhouse cider-making that my grandfather taught me.

"I must also thank all the people who have supported my work over the years, and I hope they have enjoyed my cider."

Sarah Newson, vice-chair of CAMRA's Cider & Perry Committee, added: "This phenomenal contributor to the industry thoroughly deserves this award for his sheer enthusiasm and commitment to producing the best real cider.

"With his farm overlooking Westhay Moor Valley, Roger could not produce cider in a more stunning location. Maybe these surroundings have been the inspiration for his continued success!"

Tonight sees the launch of three separate real ale events up north: