The Joy of a Craft Beer Festival - Birmingham Suds Fest
Suds Fest Craft Beer Festival in Moseley, Birmingham, is a vibrant celebration of the city's thriving craft beer scene. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Uffculme Centre, this annual beer extravaganza is hosted by Brum residents, Attic Brew Co., and brings together a melting pot of eclectic breweries, beer enthusiasts, street food, and great music. I had the pleasure of travelling down with Nottingham favourites, Castle Rock Brewery, to work alongside breweries from near and far—and needless to say, much fun was had!
Let’s be honest, it’s pretty difficult to have a bad time at a beer festival… but what is it that makes certain events stand out above the rest? In a culture that often seems to be striving for "bigger and better," the opposite can be said for a craft beer festival. Rather than being overwhelmed by a wall of hundreds of choices, served by enthusiastic volunteers, you’re greeted by brewery-specific market-type stalls manned by the brewers, sales folk, or taproom pourers themselves. Gone are the crowds and queues, allowing conversation to flow between drinkers and purveyors, which greatly deepens the experience.
Over the course of the day (in between slinging booze), I found time to visit all the breweries—and what a wonderful group of people I encountered. Everyone was happy to chat, eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm, and clearly proud of what they were doing. Whether it was the ultra-friendly New Bristol Brewery (serving absolutely delicious stouts), the pioneering Pastore (sour specialists), or the slightly weary but committed Bluntrock (delivering hop bombs all the way from Cornwall), the beer was top-notch. A special mention goes to Phantom Brewing Co., whose 'Echoes'—a blackberry, pomegranate, blackcurrant, and plum sour at 6.8%—was my personal beer of the festival. Truly, truly delicious!
Throughout the day, DJs filled the air with tunes that added to the party atmosphere, and a special shout-out is due for their quality selections. From The Avalanches to James Brown, Daft Punk to Hot Chip, and DJ Shadow to William Onyeabor, the music fit the vibe of the day perfectly.
They clearly drank the bar, well stand, dry.
After a day of civilised drinking and cultured conversation, the after-party took us all down to The Dark Horse, where ‘the merry people of Moseley fill their stomachs and lose their heads’. A wide range of British craft, continental beers, and cocktails were served by excellent bar staff while early 2000s hip-hop filled the air. Pints were sunk, and plans were made between breweries to collaborate in the future (watch out for an Attic tap takeover and quiz at my pub, The Lincolnshire Poacher, soon)! Eventually, hugs, fist bumps, and 'cool guy' handshakes filled the room as folks drifted off into the night, with kebabs and hotel rooms firmly in their sights. Not before the obligatory round of Baby Guinnesses, mind!
It was a wonderful event filled with fantastic people, great music, and a personal touch… I’ll see you at a beer fest soon!
Upcoming Beer Fests:
Nottingham Robin Hood Beer Festival, 9-12 October
Derby Beer Con, 8-9 November
