GBBF: Moving on up
As a publication we can be somewhat critical and questioning of trade associations and industry bodies if they are perceived to be failing in their duties in any way.
And so we were of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and its organisation of the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) a few years back.
We had successive years of reports of Olympia not working as a venue, and poorly kept beer being unable to withstand the high summer temperatures without a cooling system.
And so it is only right that we also give praise to CAMRA when these problems have been successfully addressed.
It has sorted the basic flaws that really undermined what was always supposed to be the ultimate celebration of beer, and especially British beer. Last year's festival was proof of this. The move to Earls Court (which took place in 2006) has been an unqualified success and the quality of beer has so far stood up to any tests thrown at it.
And that is why The Publican is happy to support the festival so enthusiastically, especially through our sponsorship of the flagship trade session, which takes place on the first day of the five-day event.
These are heady times for cask beer. After years of having the sand kicked in its face by competitors from other categories and retailers keen to cut what they saw as a dying category out of their offers, cask is enjoying an unprecedented
renaissance. While we may not be seeing a cider-esque spike in the Nielsen numbers, there is an undeniable shift upwards.
Brand owners are starting to see a levelling out in the previously endless decline and the premium ale category is enjoying growth for the first time in years.
It is an exciting time to be around cask beer and this focus will give you a flavour of what will be showcased at the festival - not forgetting the array of quality products outside of cask, from real ciders and perries to the involvement of highly respected lager brands such as Budvar.
More than 500 tipples from the smallest microbreweries to the largest regional brewers have been handpicked for visitors to try at this year's Great British Beer Festival. That is why, despite any criticisms the festival might have had in the past, it really is the biggest event of the year for any fan of beer.
Visitors will be able to try wheat beers, golden ales, stouts, porters, bitters, milds, bottle-conditioned beers and traditional beers from around the world, as well as real ciders and perries.
Surely the key to increasing beer's popularity among consumers is teaching them about and introducing them to the product's wide and dazzling variety of styles and tastes.
This festival is the place to do it. It is certainly the event you should try and take some time out of your pub to come and visit - and bring some of your loyal customers with you.
