John Porter

• journalist
• sommelier
• writer
• comms pr exec agency
• comms pr exec inhouse

• London

• nctj-cert-journalism

• academy-sommelier
• beer-judging-exp
• how-to-judge-beer
• intl-beer-challenge-judge
• tasting
• world-beer-awards-judge

• almr
• camra
• gbs

• cider
• food-matching
• history-of-beer
• music
• off-trade
• on-trade
• politics
• social-med
• spirits
• city bus

What is the one thing you'd like to tell visitors to the Guild's website?

I’m a journalist and PR professional with 30 years experience, and I enjoy a pint. That’s two things.

What you can offer as a writer/beer lover?

I’m a freelance food and drink journalist, accredited Beer Sommelier, and co-director of hospitality industry PR consultancy ShielPorter Communications, providing PR and marketing services to a range of clients. I contribute feature and comment articles to a range of B2B and consumer titles, and I am the former Food Editor of The Publican and Features Editor of Retail Week. I have experience in food, drink, pub, restaurant and retail journalism across trade, consumer, broadcast and online media. As a Beer Sommelier, I have hosted beer tastings and beer & food matching events for corporate and consumer events, in venues ranging from local pubs to the Playboy Club. My judging experience includes The Publican Awards, The Publican Food & Drink Awards, CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain, CAMRA Champion Cider & Perry of Britain, Society of Independent Brewers Awards, Tesco Drinks Awards and Honey Beer award at The National Honey Show.

What do you like most about being a Guild of Beer Writers member?

I enjoy the opportunity to network with colleagues and fellow professionals from across the industry.