Special Wanstead Heron beer to launch at beer festival

The 4th Wanstead Beer Festival is all set to take place at Christchurch on 10 October. There will be more than 50 beers and ciders this time, with gin, rum, wine and soft drinks all available. So hopefully all tastes will be catered for. There is also some great food on offer. This year there will be a special festival beer, brewed by Sambrook brewery. The beer, Wanstead Heron is a braggot, with a 6.3% strength. Sambrook head brewer, John Hatch explains: "Unlike mead, braggot is beer made with both malted barley and honey. Records of fermenting honey go back thousands of years and, before the days of processed and cultivated sugar, honey would have been the easiest way to boost the gravity of the beer to create a stronger beverage, without the complication of doing double mashes. Honey also adds distinct flavour and aroma." Wanstead Heron will be in plentiful supply at the beer festival. Other beers to look out for include the ever popular Pride of Prague - a chance for West Ham fans to reminisce about when the club won the European Conference League. Other returning popular beers include Cromwell bitter, Walrus of Love and Cowcatcher. There will be a lot more cider this year, with Walthamstow based Real Al providing some exciting new brands. These will be in addition to the likes of Farmer Jim's Rhubarb Bob and Perry. Funds raised go to the chosen local charities. This year these are the River Roding Trust, Grow Hope and the Wanstead War Memorial Restoration. The WBF has been well supported by many local breweries including Brentwood, Mighty Oak, East London, Pretty Decent and Signature breweries. Local businesses have once again heavily supported the event, which is testimony to its success thus far. All are welcome, including escorted children up to 6pm. Some children's entertainments will be taking place in one of the halls. Not to forget the commemorative glass, which comes as part of the £10 entry fee (£5 for children). These beautifully designed glasses are proving popular, with WBF loyalists able to boast a cupboard of three glasses. A full set will require you come and get the 4th edition on 10 October. But success only comes if people turn up. Last year more than 900 attended. It is hoped this year to go beyond that number. So, if you haven't got your ticket yet, please do so. There is the link on the website - www.wansteadbeerfestival.co.uk. See you on the 10th.