London is Drinking..

   Billed as a discussion on ale, gin, pubs, of London, its drinking culture & its history, the Londonists 'London is Drinking' talk certainly did not disappoint. At the wonderful Conway Hall, the evening was comprised of drinks from some great London producers, including our very own Wild Card Brewery.  On the panel; beer writer Pete Brown, gin historian Richard Barnett & beer sommelier & author Melissa Cole.

   The discussion started with talk on why London in particular is famous for its Gin. Richard explained 'King William III, otherwise known as William of Orange, deregulated distillation in order to keep his throne.' A troublesome time in Royal politics, William imposed a heavy duty on imported spirits, including French Brandy. William, who would soon go to war with the French, needed support from the English gentry. Encouraging distillation, with English grain, on home turf, ensured the support he needed.

   Melissa stressed 'the importance of legislation; 'when taxation is favourable to an industry it flourishes.' The small brewers tax relief is a vital part of why microbreweries across the country are thriving.

  

   London is very much seen at the forefront of 'craft' brewing. Pete explained 'London does not like being behind the curve.' Melissa continued, 'the success of London breweries shows their creativity. There are challenges to brewing in London you don't have elsewhere. Its expensive, a fickle public & the difficulties in finding a freehouse pub.'

   The host of the evening, the Londonist's Editor, Rachel Holdsworth, asked the panel, 'Pubs are traditionally seen as a working class environment, what do you think of the encroachment of the middle classes?' Pete tackled the question with an example, The Jolly Butchers in Stoke Newington. 'It used to be a fighting pub, where the Kronenbourg was sour and the Guinness was flat. It was also losing about 2 grand a week. Hipsters are now succeeding there.' Richard surmised, 'there is nothing more middle class that sitting here talking about the middle class. It's not pubs changing, it's London changing'.

   Melissa added 'its not necessarily gentrification, its also education, and I mean that in the least patronising way!'

  'The problem with gentrification are those beers being sold for £6.50' – Pete. The panel made an interesting point, most people know roughly the cost or at least the off sale price of a bottle of beer, can the same be said for a glass of wine in a restaurant?  Pete continued, 'you can have a pub packed out every night in London, but it will never be worth as much as a block of flats.'

   The panel we're then asked 'what do you think about food in pubs?' Melissa replied simply, 'don't call it a pub if it's a fucking restaurant.'

   On the subject of Gin, Richard was asked how the demographic has changed? 'It has become younger & urban. Gin has developed this mystique. A lot of bars are trying to be like the old speakeasies. Gin is more diverse than ever.'

  A fascinating evening, a knowledgeable panel, well posed questions and a wonderful host. The conclusion; London is definitely still drinking.