The annual British Guild of Beer Writers Awards are open for entries.
Beer, pub, and cider journalists, bloggers, broadcasters, and all-around communicators will be able to enter their work within 16 separate categories for a chance to win a prestigious award and prize money.
The winners and runners-up, alongside the Guild’s ‘Brewer of the Year’ sponsored by SIBA, will be announced during the esteemed annual event, to be held in London on the 29th of November 2023.
This year the Guild has partnered with Big Penny Social, located on the “Blackhorse Beer Mile” to host the annual dinner and awards. For 2023, the Guild has chosen a more inclusive and informal ceremony that puts networking and creating valuable industry connections at the centre of the event.
Discussing this year’s awards, Emma Inch, Chair of the Guild said,
‘The launch of the annual British Guild of Beer Writers Awards is always a big event as it’s the beginning of a process that publicly celebrates excellence in our field. Our independent panel of judges is preparing to search out the very best in beer, cider, and pub writing and, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we’re once again able to offer fantastic prizes to the winners. This year I’m particularly excited about the changes that – alongside Tipple Marketing – we’ve made to the dinner and awards ceremony. The change in venue and style should hopefully make this year’s event the most inclusive, exciting, and enjoyable yet!’
For this year’s edition, the Guild is very proud to announce that Be Inclusive Hospitality will be the Inclusivity Partner of the ceremony. The social enterprise will be present at the event to share information and spark discussions about their fantastic work to encourage more diversity in the hospitality industry. Funds will be raised during the evening to support Be Inclusive Hospitality in their much-needed work.
Lorraine Copes, Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality said,
‘I am thrilled to join the British Guild of Beer Writers Awards this year as their inclusivity partner. I firmly believe that collaboration is key in accelerating race equity within the drinks industry, and this partnership positively represents this.’
All entries will be judged by the Guild’s independent panel, comprising food & drinks editors, journalists, and writers as well as a publican and academics. The panel is chaired by the current Beer Writer of the Year, Jonny Garrett.
This year’s panel include Lorraine Copes, (Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality), Dayna McAlpine (Lifestyle Editor at the Huffington Post), Andy Parker (Head Brewer at Elusive), Dawn Maskell (Director of the International Centre for Brewing & Distilling), Tristan Stephenson (Journalist and author of the ‘Curious Bartender’ drinks books), Cath Potter (CAMRA Branch Chair and qualified Pommelier), Angela Hui (Award-winning journalist, editor and author), Michael Potts (General Manager of The Free Trade Inn in Newcastle upon Tyne), and Tim Sheahan (Editor at The Brewers Journal).
Full details of all categories, and advice on how to submit entries, can be found on the Guild’s website https://www.beerguild.co.uk/awards-2023/
Entries must be received via the dedicated entry website https://awards.beerguild.co.uk/login by the closing date of 27th of August and work submitted must have been published between 5th September 2022 and 25th August 2023.
This year’s categories
- Best Commissioned Beer Writing, sponsored by Greene King
- Best Book about Beer or Pubs, sponsored by HEINEKEN
- Best Audio Beer Communication, sponsored by Asahi UK
- Best Video Beer Communication, sponsored by St Austell Brewery
- Best Communication about No and Low Alcohol Beer, sponsored by Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I
- Best Communication about Sustainability in Beer and Pubs, sponsored by Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company
- Best Communication about Beer and Travel, sponsored by VISITFLANDERS
- Best Communication about Pubs, sponsored by Shepherd Neame
- Best Newcomer to Beer Communication, sponsored by Fuller, Smith & Turner
- Best Beer Business Communicator sponsored by Krombacher
- Best Self-Published Beer Writing, sponsored by Outland
- Best Citizen Beer Communicator, sponsored by Harvey’s Tom Paine
- Best Communication About Cider, sponsored by Aspall Cyder
- Guild Award for Best Communication About Diversity in Beer
- Best Beer Communicator, Regional Media
- Best Corporate Beer Communication
-ends-
Note to Editor
Contact Press: amelie@tipplemarketing.com / daisy@tipplemarketing.com
Logo and photos can be found in following this link https://drive.google.com/
The British Guild of Beer Writers is grateful to the following sponsors, whose support makes possible our annual awards and dinner.
Asahi UK
At Asahi UK, our purpose is to create meaningful connections and to deliver great experiences through all we do. We’re home to original, authentic beers and ciders with brewing heritage and pioneering spirit. This year, we’re proud to be sponsoring the category of ‘Best Audio Beer Communication’ at the British Guild of Beer Writers Awards again. With the rise in popularity of podcasts and audio communication, we’re excited to be supporting the Guild in awarding some of the fantastic work from Beer Writers
Aspall Cyder
Founded in 1728, Aspall was born from Clement Chevalier’s pioneering spirit, seeing and exploring possibilities that others couldn’t. When all around him were planting cereal crops, he planted orchards and followed his instinct that the first cider made in Suffolk would be a finer, lighter one for capturing the most of the bright easterly sun. A cyder made to be enjoyed in finer moments by everyone, when you can let your hair down and enjoy a good time with good friends. Still expertly blended at the original cyder house in Suffolk, Aspall is uniquely sophisticated from its light flavour that finds a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, to its iconic bottle shape.
Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I
We dream big to create a future with more cheers. We aren’t afraid to dream big because we know that together, we can achieve anything. We dream of a future with more cheers and believe in seizing every opportunity to support our planet, our communities, and our people, to make this dream a reality.
We are Budweiser Brewing Group. To us, a future with more cheers is shared prosperity, for our communities, for the planet and for our company. We believe that a world with more cheers means equality across the business. It means a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is free to speak their mind and share ideas. It means a diverse supplier network with opportunities for businesses from all backgrounds. It means an inclusive product portfolio that brings all types of consumers together.
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) is one of the newest, historic brewers in the UK. Formed out of a joint venture between Carlsberg UK and Marston’s PLC, who are both shareholders, we combine over 300 years of shared values, history, and heritage in UK brewing. CMBC provides its customers and consumers with an unrivalled portfolio of lagers, ales, and craft beer brands from the very best of two master brewing teams, plus those under licence from valued partners.
Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC
Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC is the premium pubs and hotels business that is famous for beautiful and inviting pubs with delicious fresh food, a vibrant and interesting range of drinks, and engaging service from passionate people. Our purpose in life is to create experiences that nourish the soul. Fuller’s has around 200 managed businesses, with over 1,000 boutique bedrooms, and around 180 Tenanted Inns. The estate is predominantly located in the South of England (44% of sites are within the M25) and stretches from our London heartland to the Jurassic Coast via the New Forest. Our Managed Pubs and Hotels include Cotswold Inns & Hotels – seven stunning hotels in the Cotswolds, and Bel & The Dragon – seven exquisite modern English inns located in the Home Counties. In summary, Fuller’s is the home of great pubs, outstanding hospitality, and passionate people, where everyone is welcome and leaves that little bit happier than when they arrived.
Greene King
Greene King has been crafting quality beers from its historic breweries in Bury St Edmunds and Dunbar for over 200 years.
The Westgate brewery, in Bury St Edmunds, has been the home of Greene King since 1799 and its leading cask ales are brewed here, including Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale, as well as a broad range of seasonal and speciality beers.
The Belhaven Brewery is nestled in Dunbar on the beautiful East Lothian coast. As Scotland’s oldest working brewery, established in 1719, Belhaven brews Scotland’s best-selling ale, Belhaven Best along with other favourites, such as the internationally award-winning Belhaven Scottish Oat Stout and Belhaven 80 Shilling.
Last year Greene King launched its premium portfolio which included two new craft beers, Level Head, a session IPA, and Flint Eye, a dry hopped lager, which embody Britain’s eccentric past, but are designed for the modern-day drinker.
Harvey’s
Harvey’s remains an essentially ‘local brewer’, trading within 60 kilometres of Lewes. Its Best Bitter has been hailed as ‘The Beer of Sussex’. An all-encompassing range of cask conditioned beers continues to be produced, alongside keg, bottled and
canned products – including a ‘Prussian Hopped’ Pilsner. They are the last brewers in the UK to use returnable bottles and have long operated a deposit system.
HEINEKEN UK
With over 2,000 passionate people, some of the nation’s most loved beers and ciders, 2,400 pubs, thousands of acres of orchards, four breweries and one cider maker, there’s more to HEINEKEN than the name above the door. Our portfolio of brands includes Heineken®, Brixton, Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti, Beavertown and Red Stripe.
We have supported the British Guild of Beer Writers for many years, and we truly believe in the power of storytelling – whether that be through the written word, a podcast, a film, or a photograph. And we are proud to be sponsoring once again.
Krombacher
Fiercely independent and family-run, Krombacher has been producing its much-revered beers in harmony with nature in the Krombach Valley since 1803.
Brewing exclusively in the small town of Krombach, nestled in the beautiful Siegerland Hills of Westfalia, central Germany, Krombacher proudly adheres to the German Beer Purity Law of 1516 (Reinheitsgebot).
Relying on artistry, experience and above all a passion for purity, Krombacher’s Master Brewers ensure no corners are cut in their pursuit of perfection.
The market leader in Germany and among the most modern beverage suppliers in Europe, Krombacher beers are now available in more than 50 markets worldwide.
In the UK, the brand has over 300 draught taps now in operation in the On-trade and the beers are widely available in the Off-trade from the likes of Tesco, Morrisons, Majestic, Co-op, Ocado, Booths, Bargain Booze, Filshill Keystore, Oddbins, Spar (north of England).
The Krombacher beers available in the UK include the Pils, Hell, Unfiltered, Weizen, Dark, 0.0% Pils and Non-Alcoholic Weizen.
Outland from the Badger Brewery
Outland is the new craft beer brand from The Badger Brewery. They’re proud to be a fully independent business that has been brewing characterful beers for 246 years and they have taken this freedom and experience and poured into every beer in their new range.
Whether you enjoy a pint of Outland “West Coast IPA” in one of their houses or a can of silky” Milk Stout” or “hazy IPA” at home, their range is designed to be accessible to everyone, with
flavours that have broad appeal and ABVs that won’t catch you off guard!
From their unique heritage and the place they call home to the characterful and distinctive profiles of their craft beers, Outland is far from ordinary.
Shepherd Neame
Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal
Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager, Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager, and the Whitstable Bay Collection. It also brews international lagers under licence including Samuel Adams Boston Lager and premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the Southeast, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.
St Austell Brewery
Independent, family-owned St Austell Brewery was established in Cornwall in 1851. Fast forward 172 years, and the company’s range of award-winning beers – including Tribute pale ale, Proper Job IPA and Korev lager – are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide. The business owns over 180 pubs, inns, and hotels across the West Country – including managed houses and tenancies. It also operates two breweries, in St Austell and Bath, having acquired fellow West Country brewer Bath Ales in 2016. With a network of six depots across the West Country – from St Columb to Wimborne – the company is the leading wholesale drinks distributor in the region.
SIBA
SIBA represents around 750 independent craft brewers across the UK and are the voice of British independent brewing. With their ‘Assured Independent British Craft Brewer’ seal, SIBA champion quality, flavoursome beers from independent craft brewers, as well as protecting the businesses of thousands of breweries across the UK through Government lobbying and campaigning in Parliament.
VISITFLANDERS
VISITFLANDERS is the official tourism organisation for Flanders and Brussels. Situated in the Flemish speaking north of Belgium, Flanders charms with cities filled with a multitude of historic attractions, beautiful architecture, high-end gastronomy, and – of course – an unrivalled heritage of beer culture. As well as representing the cities of Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen, VISITFLANDERS also promotes the regions of Flanders Fields and the Belgian coast.Flanders is proud for its ability to provide beer varieties unique to the region that suit the wide appeal of beer enthusiasts across the world. Styles range from Trappist, IPAs and lambic and gueuze beers, Flemish reds, fruit beers, dubbels and tripels, not to mention its countless other varieties. Even the taste of each beer is complemented with its own dedicated glass to enhance its individual taste. Belgium’s ground-breaking reputation for quality craftsmanship was recognised in 2016, when UNESCO inscribed Belgian beer culture on their list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Passionate beer connoisseurs are encouraged to visit its many breweries and museums and indulge in its rich selection of beer tasting and complementary beer gastronomy.
About the British Guild of Beer Writers
The British Guild of Beer Writers was formed in 1988 to help spread the word about beers, brewing and pubs. With close to 300 individual members and 60+ corporate members, its mission is “to improve the standards of beer writing and improve the public knowledge of beer and pubs.” Its members include the cream of the country’s beer communicators – be they journalists, authors, bloggers, producers, photographers, broadcasters, illustrators, or PR consultants. Corporate members of the Guild include brewers, brand owners, distributors, pub companies, and many suppliers associated with the brewing trade. www.beerguild.co.uk
About Be Inclusive Hospitality
Founded by Lorraine Copes in 2020, Be Inclusive Hospitality CIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise building a thriving community to accelerate race equity within hospitality, food, and drink.
The business was incorporated in 2020, due to the lack of representation of Black and ethnic minorities in positions of influence, and the supply chain.
The social enterprise now holds the prime position of igniting much-needed conversations and delivering initiatives to advance change within the hospitality, food, and drink sectors.
The mission is delivered through:
- Professional Development – mentorship, scholarships, and events
- Education & Resources – workshops, education, corporate membership, and consultancy.
- Partnerships – consulting with brands keen to advance change through collaboration.
The mission is underpinned by research & insights, and the social enterprise has collected over 4,000 respondent views and produced 4 industry reports.
About Big Penny Social
Big Penny Social is a new type of community-focused venue designed to be a pub, arts centre and town square all rolled into one. A place to eat, drink and be entertained; for all ages and every walk of life; a place to enjoy a quick pint, entertain the family or gather for a national celebration.
Located just off Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, Big Penny Social is enormous – it has a beer hall, a versatile event space and a great big sunny beer garden. With a capacity for over 1,400 people, you’re pretty much guaranteed the perfect spot to socialise, whether you’re hosting a big celebration or just want to spend quality time with friends. There’s also room for casual meetings and anyone looking for a bit of space for themselves, to work or relax.
The food and drink menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and local producers, headlined by a rotating selection of beers, sourdough pizzas and barbeques. Everyone’s needs are catered for, with alcohol-free beer on tap, a huge selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, plenty of choices for kids, and options for gluten-free (and other) special diets.
A massive programme of live events, from live music, big-screen sports and movie nights to family discos, craft markets and comedy – plus free ping pong, pool, table football and board games – ensures there is fun and entertainment for one and all.
A warm welcome awaits everyone (and their dog!) to enjoy great beer, great food and great times spent together. Because that’s what Big Penny is all about.
Contact Press: amelie@tipplemarketing.com / daisy@tipplemarketing.com