BeerVisits - UK - Europe - USA/Canada - World

Beer Festival Visit - UK

Organised by CAMRA South East Essex branch

Wednesday 24th November 2010

rochford bf 1 two barsBob Thompson

For the first time, a lunchtime visit to this festival was feasible thanks to the opening of the high speed rail link from East Kent towards London. It took a few minutes over two hours to get from Faversham to Rochford, changing at Stratford, it's even faster from Ashford.

As it is in the former Goods Shed opposite the station, that makes the journey even quicker.

Inside the brick building there was a rather odd layout. I went in the main hall at ground level where the were two bars (see photo). Then up to the first floor to discover the Cider and Foreign/Bottled Beer bars, then back down stairs to ground level where there was a further bar in the small rear hall.

rochford bf 2 foreign and bottle barThe choice was excellent with a good selection from all over and local, with several specials.

One brewed especially for the festival by Shepherd Neame was Rochford Strong Mild (4.5% abv) It was strong and nutty, and was a stronger version of Old Faversham Dark. The Festival took half of the production with the rest going to Shepherd Neame pubs in Essex.

A good festival that will probably be revisited next year.

Important Information:

For further details on future festivals please consult website: chelmsfordcamra.org.uk