New brewery’s ale sold out fastest

Pennine Brewery’s Real Blonde ale won the Festival Choice gong at the Dales Festival of Food and Drink in North Yorkshire, after judges eavesdropped on what punters were saying about it.

The Batley brewery wowed 6,000 real ale lovers at the beer festival, selling out faster than 40 rival beers.

And bar staff, trained to keep an ear on what the drinkers were talking about, also reported that Real Blonde was the ale on everyone’s lips.

Pennine managing director Stewart Rowley said: “Winning this award in our fourth month of trading is fantastic news.

“The fact that it was drinkers’ choice makes it even more special, because it tells us that our beer is loved by our most vital critics – our customers.

“The Dales Festival of Food and Drink is the biggest event of its kind in the north so we will really cherish this honour.”

The real ale festival is organised by Daleside Brewery of Harrogate.

Daleside’s managing director Eric Lucas said Real Blonde had proved very popular with guests.

He said: “Lots of people were heard talking about it, and instead of trying other pints, many opted to have a second or third pint of Real Blonde, once they had tasted it.

“It was really well enjoyed. I’m sure it’s going to be the first of many prizes for the Pennine Brewery.”

Stewart set up Pennine Brewery in Batley in September but the company only made its first beer delivery in January. It now has more than 300 regular customers and sells more than 11,500 pints per week.

Stewart will receive the Dame Brittan Shield in a presentation ceremony on July 15.