Beer, beer, everywhere. And too many drops to drink! Head down to Favourite Beers at the top end of Cheltenham and that’s the tricky predicament that you’ll inevitably find yourself in.
Having planned our visit last week, we arrived rather sooner than we thought. So much so that we hid around the corner rather than be those people queuing up desperately for a drink at opening time. Once the shutters had risen and we could maintain at least some of our dignity, we ventured into what I can only describe as the holy grail of beer shops. Every wall is creaking with row upon row of brilliantly coloured bottles and cans, helpfully laid out by region.
The Favourite Beers Selection…
Now, I love a good beer and am usually disappointed by the selection on offer at supermarkets and non-specialist shops. Granted, the situation has improved in the past 10 or so years as people have sought out craft beer rather than the ubiquitous pint of warm Danish lager, but the choice is still limited and often safe.
Favourite Beers is the perfect antidote then to the banal shelves found elsewhere. Fancy something Belgian? Here’s one hundred and twenty to choose from. An experimental double IPA? That shelf over there.
If you want to try something new but aren’t sure where to start, there’s no need to feel intimidated. Leigh, the owner, is clearly a passionate connoisseur and will be more than happy to help you find your ideal drink. If it turns out you aren’t keen, fear not as there are another 400 UK bottled beers alone to work your way through. Should you somehow finish them, Leigh tries to introduce at least 3 new beers a month to keep you going.
Handily, they also have an on-license so you can have a drink whilst browsing with a regularly changing selection on tap. If apples are more your bag, there are over 120 ciders and perrys too so you won’t feel too left out. They also host a free monthly beer club to meet like-minded hopheads, and share nibbles.
My Favourite Beers …
It took quite a while, but I eventually settled on the little collection of beauties below. I’m a sucker for Cloudwater Brew Co’s. Bergamot Sour, made with fresh Moroccan lemons so that had to come home. The rest were all new to me. Surprising given that two are Bristolian and we both lived there previously, and go to work there every day. It just goes to show how many micro breweries have sprung up and how important shops like Favourite Beers are in discovering them.
One last mention has to go to Ruby, the soppiest Golden Retriever you’ll ever meet. She patiently followed Sarah and I round the shelves, stealthily planting herself in just the right spots to get a cheeky pat every few minutes. You can find Favourite Beers at 105 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham. Discount is also handily available for CAMRA and NUS cardholders. Comment below and let me know what treasures you find on their shelves.
