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11
Sept 2021
There's something in the water as Harrogate brews up for Beer Week
As the craft beer explosion continues in the UK, Harrogate is set to launch its first ever Beer Week. The town is firmly at the forefront of the industry, boasting five breweries in the HG postcode alone.
So what makes Harrogate beer so special? There's definitely something in the water..
Harrogate is undeniably famous for its water. Its development as a prosperous and flourishing spa town dates back to the 16th century.
William Slingsby discovered the first spring in 1571 in the area now known as High Harrogate. It was named the Tewit Well Spring and the water was found to be medicinal. People, rich and poor, began to flock to the town to test the curative powers of the waters.
Perhaps it is therefore unsurprising to learn that the district's water - and Yorkshire water as a whole - is perfect for brewing some of the best craft beers in the country.
More breweries have been opening in Yorkshire than anywhere else in the UK, including London.
And Harrogate now boasts five breweries within the HG postcode - internationally-renowned Roosters; rising star Harrogate Brewing; Turning Point, which chose Knaresborough for its expansion two years ago; Daleside, the town's longest-standing local brewery; and Cold Bath Brewing, which is making waves across the town with its beers, bar and clubhouse space.
To celebrate the town's growing brewing culture, as well as the bars, pubs and restaurants which support the breweries, this month Harrogate is launching its first ever Beer Week from September 20 to 26.
Harrogate beer communications specialist Rachel Auty, who founded Women on Tap and has secured backing from Harrogate BID to help bring the idea to fruition, said:
With special beer weeks being held in places like Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield, Rachel, who is delivering the event under her specialist food and drink brand TASTE, said Harrogate's beer scene was strong enough to rival the cities. It's thought Harrogate is the only town in the country set to host such an event.
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A programme of special events and initiatives will be hosted at bars, brewery taps, and eateries across Harrogate. The event will culminate in a big beer weekend in the town centre. Other features on the programme will include an ‘Indie Beer Trail’, live local music, and a home brewing competition, with some big names in UK beer heading to Harrogate to host a range of talks and tastings.
Guest headliners include award-winning beer writer Pete Brown presenting 'Craft: An Argument' at Cold Bath Clubhouse, a beer tasting and reading with author Matthew Curtis at Roosters taproom, a Conversation on Harrogate Beer with award-winning writer Melissa Cole and Discovering Harrogate Beer with beer sommelier Annabel Smith also at the Cold Bath Clubhouse.
And for those who have ever imagined beer and donuts as the perfect combination, there will even be a chance to try sour and stout-filled doughnuts at The Tap on Tower Street, which has commissioned Harrogate business Doe to create the unique flavour especially for the event.
A collaboration between all the local breweries will also see a special beer produced for Beer Week - a West Coast IPA brewed at Turning Point.
Co-owner of the Cold Bath Brewing Co Jim Mossman, who also sits on the board of Harrogate BID, said:
Jim said the Harrogate brewing scene was mainly about craft beer, which has seen an explosion in the UK, including lager, pilsner, pale ale and West Coast IPA, but said it was impossible to choose a favourite due to the vast amount of different brewing processes and flavours.
However, he said Cold Bath Brewery was in the process of launching new barrel-aged beers. These are beers that have been aged in oak barrels, allowing the wood to impart extra flavour.
He said:
Pubs, bars and eateries taking part in Harrogate Beer Week include:
The Harrogate Tap
Starling Independent
The Tap on Tower Street
The Little Ale House
Major Tom's Social
Cold Bath Clubhouse
The Disappearing Chin
Roosters Brewery and Taproom
Blind Jack's, Knaresborough
Cold Bath Deli and Wine Bar
HUSK Beer Emporium
Turning Point Brewery and Taproom
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