Overview and Experience:
Imagine walking into a grand, historic venue in the heart of London, the Olympia Exhibition Centre, filled to the brim with over 900 real ales, ciders, perries, and foreign beers. The Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), organized by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), is one of the most iconic beer events in the UK. The atmosphere is relaxed, and while it’s a massive event, it feels intimate, with beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike savoring each sip and enjoying good conversation.
The festival lasts for five days in early August, and it’s more than just a beer lover’s paradise—it’s a celebration of Britain’s long brewing traditions. When I attended, I found the setup to be charmingly British. It feels as though the whole country has gathered to appreciate one of their greatest national treasures: real ale. It’s a place where you can sample beers you’ve never heard of, but quickly come to love, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being surrounded by fellow beer fans.
Live music, pub games, and food stalls selling traditional British fare add to the event’s lively but laid-back vibe. You can feel the pride that the brewers and organizers take in showing off the best of British brewing.
The Beer Experience:
GBBF focuses heavily on real ale—beer that is brewed from traditional ingredients, conditioned in the cask from which it’s served, and dispensed without additional nitrogen or carbon dioxide pressure. This method produces a smoother, less fizzy beer, with a complexity and depth of flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Some of the iconic beer styles you’ll encounter include:
Bitter: This classic British beer is moderately hopped with a malty backbone and mild alcohol content (around 3-4% ABV). It’s smooth and refreshing, with just enough hop bitterness to keep you coming back for more.
Porter: A dark beer with rich flavors of chocolate and coffee, porter is one of the oldest styles in British brewing. GBBF features both traditional porters and more modern interpretations of the style.
Stout: Another dark beer, but often heavier than porter, stout offers roasted flavors, with some variations including sweetness, such as milk stout, which contains lactose for a smoother taste.
Mild Ale: A lower-alcohol (usually under 4%) beer, mild ale is malt-forward with caramel and toffee notes, making it a great session beer for long conversations with friends.
Golden Ale: A lighter, more refreshing beer, golden ales have a clean malt profile and subtle hop character, perfect for a warm summer day.GBBF doesn’t just cater to traditionalists—there are plenty of options for those who prefer modern craft beer styles, including:
Session IPAs: Lower in alcohol than their American counterparts, session IPAs are designed for easy drinking while still packing a punch of hoppy flavor.
Barrel-aged beers: Some brewers experiment with aging their beers in barrels previously used for whisky or wine, imparting complex flavors like vanilla, oak, and smoke.You’ll also find an impressive selection of ciders and perries, often overlooked but beloved by many. With options ranging from dry and crisp to sweet and fruity, there’s something to please every palate.
The Food Experience:
One of the best things about the Great British Beer Festival is its commitment to offering food that pairs perfectly with beer. As you stroll through the venue, you’ll find food stalls offering a variety of traditional British fare, as well as some international options. Must-try dishes include:
Meat pies: These savory pastries are filled with tender meat, vegetables, and gravy, and they’re the perfect comfort food to enjoy with a pint of bitter or stout.
Fish and chips: This British classic pairs wonderfully with a crisp golden ale or a refreshing cider.
Sausages and mash: Hearty and flavorful, sausages served with mashed potatoes and gravy are a staple at the festival.
Cheese boards: Artisanal cheeses paired with crusty bread and chutneys are a great match for both real ales and stouts.
Scotch eggs: A boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection. These snacks are both filling and delicious, perfect for soaking up the beer!For dessert, treat yourself to a Victoria sponge cake or sticky toffee pudding—classic British sweets that offer a sugary counterpoint to the more robust, roasted beers like porter and stout.
Why GBBF is Unique:
The Great British Beer Festival stands apart because it’s more than just a place to drink beer—it’s a celebration of real ale, and a nod to centuries of brewing history in the UK. There’s a palpable sense of pride in showcasing British beers, but what makes GBBF particularly special is its atmosphere. While it’s a huge festival, it retains the charm and warmth of a local pub. You’ll find yourself striking up conversations with fellow beer lovers, discussing the nuances of different brews, and perhaps learning a thing or two from the CAMRA volunteers who are always eager to share their knowledge.
The festival’s focus on real ale sets it apart from other events, especially in a world where craft beer is often dominated by cutting-edge innovations and extreme flavors. At GBBF, the focus is on the fundamentals—perfecting the balance between malt, hops, and yeast to create beers that are flavorful yet easy to drink.
Pro Tips for First-Time Attendees:
If you’re planning your first trip to GBBF, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Plan your tasting journey: With so many beers to try, it’s a good idea to review the beer list in advance and prioritize the styles or breweries you’re most interested in. But be sure to leave room for exploration—you never know when you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem!
Start with a session: If you’re new to real ale, begin with a lower-alcohol session beer or golden ale. These styles are light, refreshing, and easy to drink, making them a great introduction to the world of British beer.
Try the cider and perry: Don’t overlook the cider and perry offerings—they’re a refreshing change of pace and showcase a different side of British brewing traditions.
Eat regularly: The food at GBBF is fantastic, and it’s essential to line your stomach if you’re planning on sampling multiple beers throughout the day. Plus, the food is delicious, so it’s a win-win!The Great British Beer Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves beer, whether you’re a seasoned real ale aficionado or a newcomer eager to explore traditional British styles. The festival offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into the world of real ale, discover new favorite brews, and experience the convivial atmosphere of a British pub—on a grand scale. With its wide selection of beers, ciders, and perries, paired with delicious food and live entertainment, GBBF is a beer lover’s dream come true.
The next one is set occur 5-9 August 2025. The Great British Beer Festival will be hosted at NEC Birmingham Pendigo Way Birmingham B40 1NT
