It may still be springtime, but at Summerhall, the innovative arts and culture venue near the Meadows, its name sums up sunshine and al fresco drinking.
Last August, during the Edinburgh Fringe, the courtyard garden was packed with theatre goers and performers relaxing with a drink or two between shows. With food and cookery festivals popular each year in the city, it’s time for a Beer Festival!
The saying goes that give a mouse a cookie, he will eat it: give two men a beer, the seeds of new friendship and good times are sown.
Over the weekend of 24 – 25 May 2013, the first independent beer festival features beers from Barney's, Edinburgh’s micro-brewery, as well as the chance to sample 25 different keg and cask beers from across the UK, Europe and the USA.
Traditional “food with beer” such as Bratwurst sausages, pretzels and snacks will be served.
To create a laid back ambience and Festival spirit, a lively cabaret of music performances – bands to be announced - is being produced by musician Will Pickvance.
What makes the location of the Festival very special is that there was a Brewery on the Summerhall site from 1704 to 1910.
Barney’s now continues the tradition, having opened in July 2012, and now produces 1,000 litres, once or twice a week: in other words, 3,000 bottles or 25 kegs.
So follow the Ale Trail and head over to Summerhall on the weekend to Edinburgh’s largest beer garden: meet the brewers and taste a few pints of finely crafted beer and ales from around the world.
The Summer(beer)hall event marks the start of the Edinburgh summer festival season. Cheers!
24th May: 6.30pm-11pm (£8). 25th May: 12 noon-4pm (£5) & 7pm - 12am (£8).
Tickets and info at www.summerhall.co.uk