Opinion > Roger Protz

Email this page News by email Send a press-release

Roger Protz

World famous beer writer Roger Protz gives his forceful thoughts and opinions on the brewing world. You can also visit Roger's very own site at www.protzonbeer.co.uk .

10-Feb-2012 - The people who run Britain’s pubs often have good cause to boil with rage — but now they’re being encouraged to boil with malt and hops instead There’s a growing move to install brewing equipment in pubs — a fact underscored by the PMA report (26 January) that the Convivial London Pubs group plans to open 15 brewpubs in the capital.

The taxing issue facing pubs

31-Jan-2012 - I blinked in disbelief when I heard a BBC business reporter announce that one reason for a fall in the rate of inflation was a drop in the price of alcohol. “Take me to your pub!” I yelled at the television set.

Aylesbury ends its beer duck

16-Jan-2012 - Brewing has been restored to Aylesbury after a gap of 74 years. It seems scarcely credible that the town in Buckinghamshire, with a population of 60,000, has been without a beer maker since the Aylesbury Brewing Company (ABC) was taken over almost three-quarters of a century ago.

Revolution brews in Cumbria

06-Dec-2011 - If you want to see at first hand the British brewing revolution going full bore, you should spend a few days in Cumbria. I was the guest speaker in November at the Cumbrian branches of the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA’s) annual dinner, held in a large hotel in Kendal.

Embracing change: IFBB admits Cain’s

04-Nov-2011 - Nine years and three months after Cain’s first applied to join the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB), the Liverpool brewer has at last been admitted to membership. Why has it taken so long?

Giving the Americans an IPA history lesson

24-Oct-2011 - India Pale Ale was a beer designed to travel, and it keeps on going. First brewed in England in the 19th century for export to India and other British colonies, it has become a cult style in the United States.

The return of the Ridleys

06-Oct-2011 - Good news, sad news. First, the good news: the Ridley family is back in brewing. It’s a family with history behind it, descended from Bishop Nicholas Ridley who was burned at the stake in 1555 for championing the Protestant cause against Mary Tudor.

Let’s hail the beer for all ages

22-Sep-2011 - It’s a brave man who mentions supermarkets in the the PMA — we’re all too well aware of their crimes against beer-drinking humanity — but for once they fit my thesis about the revival of ale.

Let’s hear it for ‘the whirlwind’

12-Sep-2011 - Dave Wickett is a whirlwind in a wheelchair. A day in his company leaves you breathless. He runs his business — pubs and breweries — at a pace that would leave younger people drooping with exhaustion.

Pints, camera, action!

17-Aug-2011 - CAMRA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to emphasise the point a film has been launched that traces the history of the movement and its success in saving cask beer, reports Roger Protz.

Bringing beer back to Burton

01-Aug-2011 - Roger Protz believes that Burton Ale deserves greater recognition after delving into the archives of the historic brewing town.

Singing the virtues of beer

04-Jul-2011 - The Mikron Theatre Company's historical play, Beer Street, covers every aspect of beer and pubs, writes Roger Protz.

CAMRA marks end of an era

17-Jun-2011 - It is with great sadness that Tetley's production will today (June 17) switch from Leeds to Wolverhampton, writes beer expert Roger Protz.

Moorhouse's: bright future in the pipeline

02-Jun-2011 - Moorhouse's almost closed in the mid-80s but a new brewery is helping it to thrive, writes Roger Protz.

Raise a glass to Norfolk's fine beers

23-May-2011 - Roger Protz looks at how a 10-day celebration will help highlight the astonishing revival of brewing in the county.

Brewing a tribute to Burton's traditions

09-May-2011 - The much-trumpeted home of IPA was equally famous for its Burton Ale, says beer expert Roger Protz.

Heritage means little to the marketing men

23-Mar-2011 - The story of Newcastle Brown Ale shows a lack of respect for Britain's great brewing history by the big brewers, says Roger Protz. Newcastle...

Gastropubs hog the limelight

01-Mar-2011 - The constant focus on gastropub food overshadows the vast improvements in pub grub in general, says Roger Protz.

Let's hope Sharp's is not doomed

23-Feb-2011 - Molson Coors' takeover of Sharp's could signal the decline of the brewer's ales, says Roger Protz. The £20m takeover of the Cornish brewer Sharp's...

Conjuring up classic London ales

15-Feb-2011 - Fuller's and Meantime are recreating historic ale recipes to give a glimpse of London's glorious brewing past, says Roger Protz.

Palmers eyes positive future for pubs

08-Feb-2011 - Dorset firm Palmers upbeat over cask ale's prospects, but urges Government to help traditional brewers, says Roger Protz. It was once a question on...

Reviving Burton's past glories with brewery centre

01-Feb-2011 - The new plant in the National Brewery Centre is tapping into the growth in cask, says Roger Protz. A famous name has been restored...

PBD is 'good for all brewers'

25-Jan-2011 - SIBA chief shrugs off critics and says duty has transformed the beer market , says Roger Protz.

Campaign to save our pubs

18-Jan-2011 - The trade needs a helping hand from Government as it contends with the recent VAT increase, says Roger Protz. The airwaves are packed with...