Vicar to perform “beer blessing” at pub

The Rev Lee Taylor will be performing the blessing at the Dog & Bull pub in Croydon as a way of giving thanks to God for the “good things in life”.

The ceremony will begin with a mass offering at Croydon Minster followed by a procession through the streets to the pub which is in the vicar’s parish.

At the pub, the barrels will be blessed with holy water and incense by the Rev Taylor before he does the same at the pumps. All attendees will then sing together before having a drink.

Ancient tradition

The vicar told the Croydon Advertiser​: “It’s fun, quirky and a bit mad. As far as I am aware it has not been done in this country for centuries and we are reviving an ancient tradition.

“It is a way of us giving thanks for the good things we enjoy in life and remembering where they come from. “It is going to be fun. The pub and the regulars there are really looking forward to it.”

According to Christian website ChurchPOP, the blessing is a Catholic ritual and is included in the 1964 edition of the church's book of rituals the Rituale Romanum. ​It is included in a section that deals with “blessings of things designated for ordinary use”.

Other examples of special blessings that can be performed include medicine, cheese, pastries, fire and seeds.

Beer blessing

The beer blessing ceremony will be adapted from an ancient church manual from 1614 which provides a specific blessing for beer.

The Rev Taylor said he thought it was a great opportunity for the church to get into the community and connect with people.

He explained: “It is an ancient tradition that goes back centuries to monasteries in Europe which were places of hospitality and welcome.

“They used to brew their own beer and bless it to provide refreshment to pilgrims.”