JDW to showcase vegan beers at festival to meet ‘public demand’

The festival – which will take place in all JDW pubs across the UK and Ireland for just under two weeks – aims to showcase beers from around the globe, including from the UK, Australia, China and South Africa.

And, in a bid to meet an ever-growing demand, pubgoers will also see an array of beers that are suitable for those following a vegan-based diet.

Available at the event will be a Blue Nose, a dark pale ale, boasting a "sweet flavour of blueberries, cloves and spice".

Cambridgeshire brewery Elgood's vegan stout Hen in Black will also be served, with aromas of chocolate, espresso and liquorice. 

This year, however, there will be no European beers on offer as JDW's founder Tim Martin – and a staunch Brexiteer – removed almost all European wines, beers and ales​ from behind the bar in January.

According to JDW, the 12-day festival, which takes place from 27 March until 7 April, gives customers the opportunity to try something different.

“Now in its 12th year, the international brewers’ project first began for our spring 2008 festival,” a JDW spokesperson said.

“The overseas collaboration supports both the international brewers and the British brewing industry, giving you the opportunity to enjoy world beers at your local.”

Festival organiser Rob Davies spoke of his excitement ahead of the event this week.

"We have, once again, scoured the globe and sourced another unrivalled selection of 25 beers from the UK, as well as five from overseas, together with three great ciders, which we believe will prove to be another big hit with customers," added Davies.

As well as vegan-friendly alcohol, the pub chain offers a range of plant-based menu options in its pubs, including a full English breakfast,​ pizza, a vegetable wrap and a chickpea curry.

Most recently, it added a 'gourmet' vegan burger​ in select locations.