Around Bruges in 80 Beers (second edition)

This delightful full colour 96 page book is an essential companion for anyone planning a visit to one of Europe’s top weekend destinations. For many people Bruges is where they may first encounter the finest of Belgium culture – undoubtedly millions of visitors annually enjoy exploring the splendid medieval buildings and architecture, taking a boat ride on the city canals, shopping for some fine locally made lace and finally buying sumptuous chocolates for friends back home – but much more important than all of that is a chance to sit back and enjoy some Belgian produced beer and food in some splendid town bars and restaurants.

The authors, Chris Pollard (Podge) and Siobhan McGinn have already enjoyed eating and drinking here for many years. In 2006 they decided to write a book on why they loved the city so much. It sold out very quickly and this is the result – a second edition also which also reflects the fast changing nature of this timeless city – 25 bars are changed since the first edition and nearly half of the beers. You can be certain that their relentless dedication to sampling the Belgian way of life will have ensured that all of the bars and beers have been thoroughly tested first. They do however warn that if all 80 bars prove a little bit too much (even for a long weekend) then you might just be persuaded to return again (and again) to complete the task! They also provide a brief but very useful introduction to Belgian beer styles and local cafe culture and cuisine to be found in this Flemish part of Belgium. It’s certainly a lot more interesting than drinking Stella or just eating mussels and chips. Why not try a trappist Dubbel or a Saison beer together with some Stoofviees or Stoemp instead? The local dishes are certainly as varied and as interesting as their beers and this book provides a good guide to finding both.

Bruges has many very good hotels and can be easily reached either by car (1 hour drive from Calais) or by train (take EuroStar to Brussels and then change to a local train – travel time from Brussels is about an hour – local trains are usually included in cost from UK). Alternatively Podge is also very well known for organising excellent weekend trips to Belgium (see www.podgebeer.co.uk for latest details). These trips may also include opportunities to visit local breweries, beer festivals and museums.

The book costs just £7.99 and can either be purchased on-line direct from Podge (email him at podgehome@blueyonder.co.uk), from Books about Beer (www.booksaboutbeer.com) or from some local beer festivals.

Pictured is Warren Wordsworth launching his book 'Real Ale Walks in Norfolk' at the Forum in Norwich by Roger Blackwell

Real Ale Walks in Norfolk

Recently published by the Norwich and Norfolk Camra branch, this new book lists various trails, and explores the history of local inns and lists the beer they sell. Seven of the walks are in Norwich and 11 are in market towns around the county, including Wells, Sheringham, Cromer, Blakeney and Cley, Fakenham and Dereham, Yarmouth, Wymondham, Attleborough and Diss.

Walks range from about a mile to eight miles through Bure Valley towns and villages, although this has been devised along the rail line with stops at Aylsham, Coltishall and Wroxham for those who enjoy a less strenuous day out.

The 128-page full-colour book was launched recently after local campaigner, Warren Wordsworth, the branches pubs officer, spent almost five years compiling it.

Mr Wordsworth said: “we've never done anything like this before, other Camra branches have, like in London, but this is a first for Norfolk. It's important to highlight and support local pubs and real ale.”

Mr Wordsworth also said he had thoroughly enjoyed the project but it had taken much longer than he expected. “If I'd known it was going to be this big I might not have done it, but I'm glad I did, it has been worth it.”

Branch chairman Graham Freeman added: “Warren has done a superb job with the book, and I hope that this will encourage people to get out and about to visit not only their local, but travel slightly further afield to visit some of Norfolk's fascinating pubs and enjoy a good pint.”

The book costs £5.99 and will be on sale from the Camra branch via 01603 665557 and at local book shops including Jarrolds where it was recently listed as their best selling local book.

Good Beer Guide Belgium
(6th edition) by Tim Webb

CAMRA's Good Beer Guide to Belgium is the essential guide book for any beer lover travelling to Belgium. Its outline of breweries, beers and bars is so impressive that it is acknowledged as the standard work for Belgian beer lovers, even in Belgium itself.

The book includes comprehensive advice on getting there, what to eat, where to stay and how to bring beers back home. The new edition is suitable for both leisure and business travellers as well as for armchair drinkers looking to enjoy a selection of Belgian brews from their local beer shop.

As well as describing over 1,000 beers from every Belgian brewery and a guide to over 600 quirky cafes in Belgium, the book also gives a comprehensive listing of the best UK outlets for Belgian beers.

Published 3 June 2009 - £12.99 (CAMRA members) £14.99 (non-members) -
Order online from www.camra.org.uk/ buynow or available from good local bookshops