An Edible Voyage

June 2021 Tap Social is my current favourite brewery, with the Time Better Spent IPA my tipple of choice, and Cell Count pale ale a close second.  Their ethos is to provide employment opportunities for those who have been through the criminal justice system, so you can sip on your beer in the knowledge that you're doing some good for society.  Having been to their brewery in Botley a couple of times - a great space to meet friends and sample a variety of different beers, with rotating food trucks providing the eats, I was excited to hear that they had taken over the The White House pub on Abingdon Road.  Serving innovative sharing plates in a convivial atmosphere, think moorish soda bread made with their own stout, and playful grilled peach with frozen feta and black olive, there's an enormous garden for when the sun is out, and no shortage of bike racks. Their own beer is on draft, as well as rotating guest beers.  I would more than happily spend a lazy afternoon si...

November 2020 My father and his partner are big fans of Scotland, making regular trips there (when Covid permits).  As soon as they arrive, weary from a long journey, my father's priority is too find a fireside arm chair in a cosy pub and enjoy a pint of Trade Winds from the Cairngorm Brewery.  Then when he returns home, he turns up with a car boot full of it to last him until the next trip.  Consequently, when I found myself in Aviemore (to get a bicycle puncture fixed), I had to pay a visit to the brewery, both to replenish his supplies as well as to see what all the fuss is about!  Enjoying a bottle of Trade Winds back at my hotel later on, I had to admit it was pretty tasty.  A light golden ale made with wheat, it bursts with citrus and elderflower flavours making it incredibly refreshing.   I also sampled the Black Gold, a multi-award winning stout with a smooth sweetness and dry finish, which my father swears is the secret ingredient to the best ...

September 2019 Beerbliotek brew some tasty and unusual beers at their craft brewey.  This passion fruit and ginger sour ale was fruity, spicy and tart all at the same time. Find it at the Beerbliotek Tap Room in Gothenburg.