Cask Ale Week set for September kick-off

This year’s event, which is being steered by Cask Marque, will also have a ‘try before you buy’ theme with the aim of attracting people back into pubs and getting them to sample Britain’s national drink. ‘Try before you buy’ will be operating in Cask Marque-accredited outlets.

Cask Marque executive director Paul Nunny said: “There is still a huge gap in knowledge in the industry, let alone among the general public, about what makes beer from a hand-pull special. Cask Ale Week, dedicated to raising the profile of cask-conditioned beer, can help plug that gap, and entice drinkers back into their locals.”

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has pledged its backing for the week, so pubs can appeal to local branches for support with events. The Independent Family Brewers of Britain is also putting its weight behind the campaign.

Brewers and pub companies are also pledging to make the most of the week. Punch Taverns has promised CAMRA members a free pint of beer from its participating pubs.

“If you’re interested in the future of communities, you should be interested in the future of pubs, and if you’re interested in the future pubs, you should be interested in the future of cask ale,” Nunny added.

A Cask Ale Week website aimed at consumers will be up and running in August. In the meantime, the whole trade is being asked to put the date in the diary and commit to supporting the event.