COLUMN: Sheffield more than deserves its own week of all things beer

From a cold can when I get in from work, to a carefully selected bottle to go with my dinner, I really enjoy drinking beer at home. But it’s when I’m out and about that I really, really enjoy my beer. 
Because, for me, there’s nothing much finer than a leisurely pub crawl.

We’ll wander from pub to pub, maybe throw in a bus ride if our legs get tired, in an attempt to take in as many different pubs as possible. 
And this isn’t just about spreading the love, it’s about the promise of something new and exciting each pub offers.

Which is why I’m more than a little bit excited that Sheffield Beer Week has arrived.
Organised by Jules Gray from Hop Hideout on Abbeydale Road, this week is dedicated to all things beer and there’s an impressive number of events taking place. Just have a gander at http://sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk/ for full listings.

The main event for me is my Hump Day Social which takes place tomorrow night. 
It’ll be a mini pub crawl through town, catching meet the brewer and tap takeover events where we can.

If you are interested check out my blog - http://feastandglory.blogspot.co.uk/. 
I should also mention that Mr Pickles’ Yorkshire Food Emporium, also on Abbeydale Road, will have brewers from Sheffield based North Union and Lost Industry, along with Leeds based Northern Monk in store on Saturday. For more details visit www.mrpicklesfoodstore.co.uk/yorkshire-meet-the-brewer-event/.

As well as offering a chance to learn or try something new, Sheffield Beer Week is an opportunity to celebrate those on the frontline - the pubs and the staff who serve us, day in, day out.

Without them putting in the time and effort to source excellent beers and provide us with a warm and friendly drinking environment, I’m pretty sure our beer scene would be non-existent. And I think we’re well served in Sheffield.

Sure, some places are better than others - sadly I still hear of the odd sexist comment being thrown around and I occasionally see bar staff handling my pint at the very top of the glass (why do I want anyone’s dirty fingers around the bit I’ll be putting my mouth?) - but my gripes are few and far between. Sheffield is, and always will be, one of my favourite cities for drinking beer and it more than deserves its own special beery week.

Sheffield Beer Week runs between March 14 and March 20.