Problem: Husband wants a beer at the pub. Wife wants to go somewhere nice she can dress up.
Solution: Ascot Beer Festival.
Taking place on the 4th & 5th October, the
seventh Ascot Beer Festival is run by
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale organisation.
They will be supplying over two hundred and fifty real ales this year, making it the biggest selection yet. Among them will be the 'Lamplight Porter' by Basingstoke's Longdog brewery, which last year won the 'Beer of the Festival' crown. There will be a showcase of local brewers from Berkshire, as well as a Black Country regional bar. Thirty ciders will also be making an appearance, such as the 'toast-biscuit malt' called 'Ryesing Tides', and a dry-hopped 'Hopalong'.
Drinks are bought through tokens (£2 for half a pint), which can be bought on the day or in advance with your ticket. Tickets are between £13-£23 on Friday and £20-£30 on Saturday, but all children under 18 go free.
For those more interested in mares than malts, Friday will open with three flat races, starting from 2pm. On Saturday you'll be able to place your bets for the Betfred Challenge Cup.