Brew York is celebrating nine glorious years with its ‘Birthday Bash’ at its Handley Park headquarters and brewery in Osbaldwick.
The fun started at 5pm yesterday and lasted until 10pm, with two further sessions today (Sat), each attracting hundreds of happy beer connoisseurs.
The two-day event delivers an unforgettable experience packed with exceptional craft beer, delicious street food, and live entertainment.
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There’s more than 100 beers, Brew York’s best-sellers to rare specials, exclusive birthday beers, and exciting new collaborations.
In addition are six guest breweries, including, Northern Monk, Sureshot Brewing, Emperor’s Brewery, Vault City Brewing, Left Handed Giant Brewing Co and Verdant Brewing Co.
Not to mention a dedicated USA Bar with beers from Grimm Artisanal Ales, Finback Brewery, Left Hand Brewing Co. and Equilibrium Brewery.
Steve Cobb of Tadcaster (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Great food is also delivered from YUZU Street Food, Divine Coffee, Blank Canvas, Jimmy Macks and The Wagyu Roast Co.
The event also includes talks and tastings hosted by Brew York and guest breweries, guided brewery tours for a behind-the-scenes look at its brewing process, plus family-friendly games and activities to keep younger visitors entertained.
Though York CAMRA aims to promote ‘real’ ales, its members were also celebrating the success of a top brewery more noted for its ‘craft’ beers.
Among them, Steve Cobb of Tadcaster who was enjoying the ‘nice beers’ and ‘friendly atmosphere.’
“You get beers here you don’t normally get. I have been in the US beers and Vault ales. I like the fruity beers. They say they are sour but they are not sour.”
And while CAMRA debates real ale versus craft, Steve says you can enjoy both.
Melissa Reed agreed, saying she was loving the selection of beers at the friendly event.
“I like great beer whatever container it comes in. Some keg beers are not suited to been made in a cask.
Melissa added she was looking forward to a tasting event, where the brewers tell you more about their ales.
And Karl Smith, who will once more be organising York CAMRA’s Beer and Cider Festival this September, said the event was fantastic.
“It’s going to be hard to top it for the tenth birthday next year.”
Karl agreed the birthday bash delivers ales you don’t see in York and the Brew York team had chosen well.
He added: “Brew York is a great business that the city should be proud of, and we are.”
And among the hospitality sector, Andrew Lowson of York BID, who owns the House of Trembling Madness in Lendal with Richard and Amanda Monaghan of Thor’s Tipi fame, also lauded Brew York.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see how the company has grown and extended. I have just had a tour of the brewery and seen the investment, all the equipment. It’s a testament to where the company is going. It’s a great success story for York.”
Amanda Monaghan said the beers were delicious.
She added: “It’s really wonderful to see what a fantastic York company is doing. We should be proud of them.”
Brew York Co-founder Wayne Smith said the brewery has just opened its ninth venue, in Leeds, and would open a tenth, though nowhere specific is lined up yet.
He added: “I am happy and proud of the effort and hard work our team have put in to create this event and all the time making and selling the beer.”
Brew York marketing manager Pete England added that the event also allows people to experience ‘one of York’s best kept secrets’- the Handley Tap.
“It’s where all the magic happens!”
