Brewery boss wants GBBF rescheduled
The Great British Beer Festival should be moved to winter - that's the view of Caledonian boss Stephen Crawley.
Crawley, whose Deuchars IPA ale scooped the title champion beer of Britain in 2002, is a big fan of the event, but believes the timing should be rethought because the summer months affect sales of cask ales.
"It occurs to me that, sometimes in this business we seem to do things because we've always done it that way rather then challenging the norm," he said.
Hottest month"I ask myself, why do we hold such an event in the hottest month of the year? Maybe the industry should consider a winter event with less compromise."
Crawley also believes that the brewers need to be involved more directly in organising the event.Maybe the industry should consider a winter event with less compromise.Caledonian boss Stephen Crawley
"Would Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes et al feel comfortable allowing passionate and hard-working restaurant enthusiasts to organise a showcase for their food without them?"
Camra chief executive Mike Benner hit back at Crawley's suggestion.
66,000 people"The question is irrelevant because we had 66,000 people attend this year - 20,000 more than last year," he said. "By holding the festival in August we attract alot of tourists and we have no problems keeping the beer cool."
ImprovingBenner also stressed that Camra was always looking to improve the festival in partnership with the breweries. "We do our best to listen to the brewers, as we want everything to run smoothly. But at the end of the day you can't have everyone organising it - you need someone in charge."
