Over 1,000 real ale drinkers attended the first ever Caterham Round Table Beer Festival that took place on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th November.  The event took place in the Soper Hall in Caterham Valley, where over the course of just 15 hours almost 4,000 pints were served up.

Event organisers Glen O'Dwyer and Barry Louvel explained that the original plan was to have around 30 beers and ciders on offer but, with 44 different beers from 23 different breweries (most from within 50 miles of Caterham) as well as an additional eight varieties of cider of and perry, there was plenty of choice and no-one went home thirsty.  

Glen and Barry came up with the idea for the Festival over a drink together one evening.  Speaking during the event Glen said:  “We think it is fantastic that the local community have supported us both in sponsorship and attendance.  We are quite certain that this will become an annual event but we could not have done it without the 80 volunteers who have helped. A big thank you to you all.

“We hope to raise about £5,000 or maybe more for local charities but we are also donating the cash from all the unclaimed beer vouchers to the Philippines typhoon appeal.”

Some of the fastest selling beers of the festival were:  'T.E.A.' from the Hogs Back Brewery, 'Blue Top' from Old Dairy Brewery and Dark Star's 'American pale Ale'.  While among the most requested beers were 'Ginger Tosser' from Skinners in Cornwall as well as Kissingates' 'Black Cherry Mild' and Weltons' 'Old Cocky', both of which were from local breweries and very popular with the ladies present.  The venue, Soper Hall, was also a big hit with visitors, many of whom had never been in the building before. 

Rupert Greatwood, the current Caterham Round Table Vice-Chairman said:  “It's fabulous seeing so many people coming in with a smile on their face, full of expectation and anticipation, and later leaving with a big grin having had a really good time.  What a way to spend the weekend!”