Strange though it may seem, Carpon, I don't bother with beer festivals as a rule. Standing around in some civic pile, listening to bearded blokes in polo neck sweaters discuss specific gravities and hop content is not my idea of fun. Good ale is meant to be drunk in the convivial surroundings of a decent pub, enjoying the
craic with your mates or whoever happens to be propping up the bar. Sadly, though, as you say, there are less and less of these fine establishments around.
